Disclaimer-None of the characters are mine (except Gregorio Chubb and Celeste Hornblower unfortunately) not even Pip…sob.

Thank you again to my reviewers…I love you guys!

Chapter Four-Love Does Not Boast

Diamond sighed as she wandered down the rode to the Green Dragon. She hadn't seen Pippin for several weeks and she missed him dearly. Diamond was constantly explaining these feelings away with 'we are good friends', but somehow she didn't entirely believe it. She was going to the Green Dragon in hopes of seeing him or at least Rosie, Estella, or some other hobbit lasses that might lift her spirits. About a mile and a half away from the Inn, she was enjoying the fresh air, sunlight, and the laughing of hobbit children. They were so happy and carefree, without having to worry about taking care of a house, family, or confusing feelings such as brotherly love versus romantic love. Diamond quickly shook these thoughts out of her head as she had finally reached the Green Dragon.

She entered and scanned the room for familiar faces, until at last she spotted Estella, Pervinca, Celeste, and Rosie at the corner table. Her pace quickened and smile widened as she approached the young lasses.

"Hello there Diamond, we haven't seen you around here for nearly a month!" Cried Rosie who had spotted her first.

"Oh I have been…..doing a bit of thinking." Diamond said reluctantly.

"Come sit with us and have some tea. We were having quite an interesting discussion." Celeste said patting the seat between her and Estella.

"Rosie! Where is our ale?" Hollered a rather loud Proudfoot on the other side of room.

"Coming!" She said sweetly, "Guess I had better be getting back to work. I will talk to you four later, don't get yourselves into any trouble while I am away." She teased.

Pervinca rolled her eyes and smiled, "Us…trouble…never."

Rosie hurried away to get the Proudfoot his ale. Estella poured Diamond a cup of tea and refilled her own cup.

"So what were you all talking about before I interrupted?"

"We were talking about males." Celeste said while Diamond's apparent discomfort. "Which hobbit lad have you taken a liking to Stella?"

Estella blushed a deep shade of red and then whispered something unintelligible.

"What was that???"

"Merry Brandybuck." Her reply was followed with a series of squeals and giggles from the other girls at the table.

"Oh…you have great expensive taste." Celeste cooed.

"What does that mean?" Estella asked in horror.

"A lot of money comes along with that wonderful title he will be inheriting. Think of all the things you can have! Jewels, dresses, everything your heart desires!"

"That is not it at all," cried Estella in protest, there were tears in her eyes. "I don't like him for his money or title at all. I love him for his intelligence, wit, his sense of humor, and his sensitivity."

"Whatever you say Stella dear…I personally have taken a liking to a young Mr. Peregrin Took. Now there is some serious money, a title, and he is fairly good looking too!" Said Celeste grinning.

"My brother!" Pervinca gasped. "Well I am afraid you are quite out of luck. My dear brother Peregrin is quite smitten with another hobbit lass. Even if he wasn't he would most certainly would not be interested in you!"

"Why I never!" Celeste huffed and then stomped out of the Green Dragon.

"Good riddance! Honestly, no girl who is after money or titles is going to get my brother while I have anything to say about it. Pardon me I must go and speak to my mother about this!" Pervinca dropped some money onto the table and rushed out.

"You love Pippin don't you?" Estella questioned as she turned to face Diamond.

"What makes you think that?" Diamond said softly as she squirmed in her chair.

"Oh several things….you blush whenever his name is mentioned, the way you tensed up and looked at Celeste with pure hatred when she talked that way about him. Even when we were a lot younger you always would follow him around, smile at him brightly even when he would pour molasses over your or push you into the river." Giggled Estella hugging her best friend.

"Thank you so much Estella."

"Whatever for?"

"I have been worrying about that very thing for a couple weeks now. You helped me to figure out my feelings for Pippin." She hugged her friend tightly.

"Pardon me young ladies, but I do believe that I heard my name mentioned." Diamond whirled around to see Peregrin Took with a giant grin on his face.