TITLE: Innocent

AUTHOR: Elendriel (El) elendriel_g@yahoo.com

RATING: PG

PAIRING: Frodo / Legolas (but this is non-slash fic)

DISCLAIMER: All characters are Tolkien's, not mine. I just only borrow them. ^^

SUMMARY: After Frodo's parents death. Bilbo and Gandalf bring the hobbit to Rivendell.

NOTES 1: This fic is kind of a little AU. I know Frodo's parents drown in the river when he was 12 and Bilbo adopted him when he was 19 years old. In this story, I change a bit. Frodo is about 4-5 years old now and Bilbo adopted him immediately after the tragedy.

NOTES 2: My mother language isn't English. So be patience with my grammar though I had checked my grammar in this fic many times before post it.

Finally the last chapter, I'm so glad that I could finish this story. It's such a long. And sometimes it frustrated to no end when I had no idea what was going on or how to continue the story. All comments supported me to go on.

Special thanks: to Izzy, who betaed chapter 1, Shane for chapter 6, and Lily Baggins, the most wonderful person who betaed chapter 8 to 14.

For all the compliment and support thanks to all readers who reviewed me:

Mitsuko: Thanks for your coffee cake. It's so yummy. And because of the good smelling, my doggie tried to steal it from me. Bad dog. He and I fought for awhile, however, I won anyway.

Gia: Thanks for your compliment. It's really good to know that what people think about my fic. It's very important for me.

Elvin Flame: One problem as a writer is you will label as 'dead' when you are not appear often because of busy or whatever. I never heard anyone said that 'well, I'm happy you finally decide to come back from 3 months vacation. How was it going?' LOL

Serafina: I really wonder why it doesn't have much Legolas / Frodo. I really like this couple. They look so cute together. *melt* Parting is always sad but it's part of life. Well, I posted this chapter as quick as I can. Hope you will like it. It's last chapter of this fic anyway.

ViNguyen: Sorry for made you wait for it. ^_^; But you won't have to wait for the next anymore.

Lin3: Despite of what you say. I made them to say goodbye anyway with a condition that you may like it. For what you asked about Frodo and Elrond meeting again, I will consider it but do not hope anything for me because I'm such a forgetful person. I can forget what the exam's questions are after I get out of the room and it just ten minutes ago!

I do not live in fairbank and I have no idea where it is. It's sad that we could not meet each other to 'CREATE THE MOST INSANE AND CRAZY CORT EVER' as you wish.

Well, I hope to see your comment later. Bye.

Erinamation-limited2-nothing: Thanks for the comment.

Jaimi: Well, I'm glad you like the image of Frodo and Legolas sleep together. I think it's such a cute picture. So sad that I don't have talent with drawing else you might see the picture of this couple.

Serpent of Light: Don't cry, okay? They are just apart for a while until the war of the ring or until I feel like to right about Legolas and Frodo again.

Innocent 15

By Elendriel

"You are it!" Frodo cried as he jumped on Estel who was trying to hide behind a big bush. Fortunately, his ranger skills were unmatched the determining hobbit. The sound of laughing was heard around the forest as Frodo tickled Aragorn mercilessly. Elladan, Elrohir, and Zinthel (twins' friend) peeked their heads out to look at the usually Estel who was now lie helplessly under Frodo. Actually, Aragorn could shake the boy out easily. However, everyone agreed, without Frodo's knowledge, before the game that they would not escape once the hobbit caught them. Otherwise, Frodo would have to be 'it' all day because his power could not match to the 'big folk' as them.

"Estel is 'it'" Frodo announced loudly. He still prowled on the ranger, panted a little as he drew air into his lungs. His usually pale face was now red over because of laughing while he attacked the ranger's waist. Frodo lied there a little more before got on his feet and looked for a good hiding place.

Aragorn pushed himself to sit and started counting 1 to 10. He just counted 3 when Elrohir approached with smirking on his face.

"Poor Estel, you always get caught in hide-and-seek. I thought after all these years living as a ranger you would have be bettered. The twin chuckled before left his growling foster brother. Aragorn said nothing but his eyes followed Elrohir's closely, decided that he would make his very sweet brother to be 'it'.

Not too long, 10 were counted. Aragorn got up and headed towards where he saw Elrohir disappeared. The black haired elf tried to crawl deeper into the bush he was hiding. However, it was too late. Aragorn saw his dark red tunic already. Elrohir realized that he mush risk changing the hiding place unless he would certainly become 'it'. Therefore, he bolt off the bush, wished that he could escape Estel, and his brother would look for another target. However, the second he appeared was the second Estel jumped on him. The man did not let the elf had time to defend himself. He started tickled his brother mercilessly.

"Hahaha…haha…Es…Estel…s…stop…sto...Es…" Elrohir tried to push the ranger off but no availed. Estel attacked his brother a little more before let the twin go in order to find a hiding place, however, not before he mocked Elrohir.

"You are not better than the last time we played together, Elrohir."

"hmmm…you are so mean, Estel," Elrohir growled though he did not refuse that it was not truth. Estel and he were usually 'it' while Elladan, who insisted to call himself 'smart', always found a very good place to hide. Even though 'it' could find him, the elf would find a way to escape.

Elrohir looked around for while he counted 1 to 10. Ah, there. Little Frodo was running to somewhere near the pavilion the adults were talking as well as watching children. Better to day they were referees to judge any argument or clear problem that may happen.

Though Elrohir was very fond of Frodo, it did not mean he would let the boy easily. Game was game right? The elf brushed dried leaves off his clothes and went after the boy.

* * *

Everyone who sat under pavillion's roof chatting with each other merrily, avoided the bright ray of the sun in summer. It was good to see 'children' play again in Imladris. Actually, the really and only child was Frodo. The others were not kids anymore. Elladan, Elrohir and Zinthel were nearly 3000 years old while Aragorn was 45. However, when comparing with Glorfindel, Elrond and Gandalf, they were just a group of young boys.

Frodo's flushed face while he was running under the sun really made everyone happy. Since they returned to Rivendell, Frodo had glued himself with Legolas inside the room all the time. Thus, the pale skin of him was getting paler. Today was the first time that the hobbit went outside by Elrohir's inviting, however, not without the condition that Legolas must go with them though he could not play because his wounds were not recover completely yet. Beside Elrond had the very strict requirement for the prince of Mirkwood not to exert himself unnecessary, less he might relapse. Therefore, Legolas sat with the aged group and watched the others played.

Now, everyone under the pavilion watched Elrohir disappeared behind the bush with a doubt that Frodo might not escape the elf's hand. Soon the outcome presented itself before their ears and eyes. Frodo rolled out of the bush before he stood quickly and tried to flee from Elrohir who was following closely behind. However, the elf was so quick. He caught Frodo easily and the two tumbled together on the ground. One tried to wriggle out of the tickling fingers while another tried to attack his playmate at the waist.

"hahahah….s..stop..'ro…'rohir…" Frodo cried out. His face was so red and small amount of tears dropped on his cheek because of laughing so hard. Elrond could not stand anymore. He stood up and went to stop his son.

"That's enough, Elrohir," The Lord of Imladris said as he bent down to pick Frodo. He cradled the very exhausting boy close to his heart and used another free hand to pull his handkerchief out to wipe Frodo's sweat and tear. He could feel the heart beat so fast inside the small chest. He walked back to the pavilion and fed the child with grape juice from his glass. He hold the glass, of course, since it was too big for Frodo's tiny hands.

"That's enough of playing for today. It's high time for you to take a nap, little one." Elrond told softly as he put the glass on the marble table.

Frodo frowned at his caretaker's words. /What? Why would adult always tell me to take a nap while I'm playing? That's not fair that I must sleep while they do not have to./

"I'm not tired and not sleepy either," Frodo protested softly.

"Sleepy or not, you must go to bed," Elrond tried to be stern to the boy though it was hard for him to be strict to such a lovely boy like Frodo.

"But ada, who will be 'it'?" Elrohir joined the protest with Frodo.

Frodo looked at Elrohir, wondering that between went to bed and had more fun but being it again, which choice would be the best for him? The idea of running around made Frodo felt more tired, however, he didn't want to go to bed yet. Well, maybe, after another two or three round, he would like to go to bed.

"That, you must go and discuss with the others."

Frodo turned to look at Legolas imploringly.

"Er…Lord Elrond, how about let Frodo play a little more? Then I will see him to bed."

"Though my heart would like to do as you told, I can't do that. If Frodo don't take a nap now, he would oversleep dinner time," Elrond said and got a very cute pout from Frodo who crawled out of his lap to Legolas'. His small arms wrapped around the prince's neck who embraced him back automatically. Never once Frodo turned back to see Elrond.

Legolas excused himself and carried Frodo away with Gandalf who just remembered that he needed to see a scroll in Elrond's library. Elrond could not suppress smile when he saw that Frodo slept immediately after he laid his head on Legolas' shoulder even though he said he was not tired.

Time moved faster than Elrond would like. He felt sadden when he thought that it was just only a week and Bilbo will bring Frodo back to the Shire. Will he meet the little one again? The lord of Imladris wondered.

"Do not sad of his departing. I feel we would see him again soon," Glorfindel said before he too went inside the building, left Elrond with the 'children' who still argued whom will be 'it'.

* * *

Frodo embraced Erestor back with such a confusing. This was not the first time that the elves came to hug and bless him. Everyone looked weird, even Legolas who seemed to be quieter than usual.

"May the grace of the Valar be with you," Erestor said and gave Frodo a big bag. He caressed the boy's cheek lightly with his fingertips before departed Legolas and Frodo.

The hobbit watched until Erestor disappeared behind one corner. The azure eyes looked at the bag in his hands curiously. Tiny brows knitted a little as he tried to guess what was in the bag before he took a look.

"Wow!" Frodo cried happily. The bag was full with several kinds of candy. He dug inside the bag immediately. However, Legolas snatched the bag from Frodo before the boy could get a hold on the candy.

"No, Frodo. You must eat breakfast first."

"oh! I just want to try a small piece, Legolas. Please, please, please, please," Frodo begged the prince. His hands squeezed Legolas' tightly. Legolas could not resist seeing Frodo's eyes stared at him imploringly. He picked a small piece of candy and dropped in Frodo's waiting mouth. The hobbit beamed at the elf, chewed the candy happily while Legolas bent down to pick him up. The prince of Mirkwood kissed the small head lightly and then laid his cheek on it.

Today must be the last day that he could carry Frodo. When would he meet the little one again? 10 years? 20 years? Or never to meet again? Though hobbits' lifespan were longer than human, it was considered as so short for the immortal being like the elves. Legolas almost unbearable when he thought that he would never see this child again. He became used to carry Frodo around, having his arms around tiny body when they slept. Every activity always had Frodo involved. Now all were ended, Frodo would go the Shire while he returned to Mirkwood.

Although he already knew well that the time to say goodbye will come, Legolas could not help himself to pray that Bilbo would change his mind to travel tomorrow instead of today. So he would have more time with Frodo. Just one more day.

* * *

Everyone in dining room was so quiet that if a pin fell to the ground, they would hear them. Frodo seemed to notice nothing weird as he chatted merrily and received the absentminded answers from the others who were occupied in their own thoughts. The Elves and one young man were sad when thought that Frodo was going away. Gandalf pondered where he would go after he sent the hobbits back to Shire. For Bilbo, he was worrying how to tell his dear nephew of their departing. He tried to tell Frodo many times that they would go back to the Shire soon but every time he saw Frodo's bright eyes after playing with the elves, he could not say it out loud for fear of Frodo's reaction. Legolas and the boy were really attached to each other until Bilbo did not think that Frodo would admit their must-departing easily. Thus he had been delayed telling him for a while until today that he must tell him, no avoiding anymore. Even though Bilbo still waited until Frodo got out of the table with Elrond's help. Tiny hands grasped the bigger hand of Legolas while he started telling the plan what they will do today.

"Frodo, I have something to tell you," Bilbo burst out.

"What is it, uncle Bilbo?" Frodo asked curiously. He started wondering what he done wrong to make his uncle looked so serious. Was it the button of his favorite jacket that Frodo had grasped to play without Bilbo's permission and lost some button without knowledge when and where. Maybe, it was his pipe that Frodo had broken at the end while he acted as an adult who was smoking his pipe. Or was it the…oh, it had many things he did that would make uncle Bilbo angry and he had no idea which one Bilbo was going to talk to him.

"We had left the Shire for a few months and I think it's the time we should go home,"

"Wh…what did you say?" Frodo asked as his mind tried to register what Bilbo had told him.

"We will go back home today."

"NO! I Won't go home!" Frodo cried and ran away. Bilbo tried to get out of his chair and follow the boy but the hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Don't worry. I will bring Frodo back. Wait for us at the courtyard," Legolas said solemnly and hurriedly ran after his small friend.

* * *

Legolas questioned many passerby elves but no one saw the little hobbit. He tried to recall the place that Frodo would go. He aimed to Rivendell's library first because it was Frodo's favorite place. The boy could sit between scroll all day, looked at the beautiful painting on the scroll while trying to read though not much because he was just started his study in Rivendell. Legolas explored every nook in the library but Frodo was nowhere to be seen. Thus, the elf walked to the garden, Frodo's second favorite place.

In the middle of colorful flowers, a small body sat still. Tiny arms wrapped around his bent knees that he hid his face, sobbing softly.

Legolas walked toward quietly. He sat down beside the boy and pulled the tiny body onto his lap, humming soft tune to solace the hobbit while he rubbed Frodo's beck gently. Tiny hands fisted Legolas' shirt tightly until his knuckles white.

"I do…don't want…to… go back… home," Frodo stammered. His tears still flew down his cheeks. "I don't want to go" Frodo cried and buried his face in the elf's chest.

Legolas tightened his grip on Frodo for a moment before he pushed the hobbit out a little. One finger tilted Frodo's chin up and he kissed softly on the boy's forehead.

"It's been a few months now that you stay here. I think your relatives at Shire must miss and worry about you," Legolas gave the reasons as he wiped the tears out of the hobbit's face.

"But I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you."

Those words caught Legolas' heart very much for it told how highly Frodo thought of him. However, this nice dream must be ended. Frodo had his own life as he had his and each path was different from the others.

"I'm going home in a few days as well, Frodo."

Frodo was crestfallen immediately when he heard those words. Being gentle elf, Legolas could not stand to see his dearly friend sad.

"I will go visiting you at Shire as much as possible," Then some plan formed in the elf's brain immediately. "I never go to the Shire before. No doubt I would get lose."

"I will be your guidance. So you would never get lose," Frodo offered enthusiasm.

Legolas hid his smile when the hobbit fell into his trap.

"How could you be my guide when you want to stay here? I'm afraid I must look for another hobbit child."

"No. Don't do that." Frodo cried. He would never let the other hobbit kids near Legolas for fear that the elf would like the other children more than him.

"I will go back to the Shire," Frodo said reluctantly after he pondered for a while.

"If you decide to go back home, then let's go to the courtyard. Bilbo and Gandalf must be waiting for us there," Legolas said as he picked the hobbit up. The sadden surge overwhelmed him when he thought that he must really say farewell to Frodo soon. When would he see this child again? He sighed silently.

* * *

A few elves were standing at the courtyard in front of the building. Gandalf, Glorfindel, Elrond, and his three sons were talking quietly. Minatha, Frodo's temporary nanny who should come seeing Frodo for the last time, refused to come because she did not want to cry in front of everyone when Frodo set out of Rivendell. Bilbo was pacing with frustration when he did not see Frodo and Legolas yet. He would have continued his walking back and forth if Gandalf did not turn him around to look at the building's gate. Legolas was carrying the very red eyed Frodo outside. Three brothers, two elves and one man went to hug the little one and bid him traveling well. The next cues were Elrond and Glorfindel. Both elves lord kissed Frodo's forehead. Elrond whispered his blessing to the boy that no matter how dark he would encounter in the future, the light in him will never extinguish. All the time, Frodo did not let Legolas go even a second. He hugged them back, of course, but one of his hand clutched Legolas' hair tightly.

After everyone said farewell, Gandalf walked to Legolas to get Frodo but the boy did not obey. He hid his face on Legolas' shoulder and wrapped his arms around Legolas' neck very tightly that the elf could not breathe.

"We have made the promise that you will go back home and I will go to visit you as much as I can. Do you remember?" Legolas said as he tried to pry the boy's arms out of his neck.

Frodo shook his head. "I change my mind. I want to live with Legolas here."

"I'm going home at Mirkwood in two or three days," Legolas gave a reason.

"Then I'm going to Mirkwood with you. Wherever you go, I go too," Frodo said and looked stubbornly at the elf.

"Only the close relative that could live in Mirkwood with me," Legolas said and it was truth. King Thranduil, his father was very carefully for his children. He would watch closely when someone tried to advance his children. If that person was not his standard, then that person must go. Even people around his children must be checked closely. He could have normal friend though, as long as that friend did not do something to make his father dislike. Therefore, most of people around him were the relatives.

"Papa and mama was not close relative either and they lived together with me."

"Your papa and mama were married. That was the reason why they could stay together."

"Then I will marry Legolas. So we could stay together forever."

Everyone chuckled at the childish resolve while Frodo looked at their reaction confusingly. Of course, Frodo was too young and too innocent to understand the concept of marry. All he knew was the married would get two people lived together.

"Children cannot marry, Frodo. You must come of age first," Legolas said

"Then you must promise that you will marry me when I'm older."

The laughter died immediately. 'Swear' or 'Promise' of the elves was the very serious deed because swear or promise will bound them forever.

"er…." Legolas did not know what to say. His brain went white when he thought how to reply to the boy.

"Promise me, please," Frodo pressed the elf for fear that he might marry the other before he came of age. If Legolas did so, he then could not live with Legolas as he wanted.

"Promise me that you will marry me, only me. Please, please, please," Frodo pleaded. Azure eyes stared at the elf.

The prince of Mirkwood thought the way to get out of this situation but he could not it. If he did not promise, Frodo would not let go of him. But if he promised, then he would bind with the little one forever. Beside his father was choosy with anyone who was going to wed his children. The going to be son-in-law or daughter-in-law must pass the very strict test. Normal female elf or human girl was hard enough. But this was very young and male hobbit. It was such impossible. Legolas calculated as best as he could before he knew what will be the best answer.

"I swear with Anor and Ithil that if you did not want to marry the other when you grown up AND if I did not have any relationship with other AND if you still insisted to live with me, then I will marry you."

"Yeah!" Frodo cried and clasped his hands happily, did not notice that everyone around him was stared at them with shock.

Gandalf was the first person who came back to his sense. He looked at Legolas with disproval before came to take Frodo. The hobbit let Legolas go this time but not before he kissed farewell, not at the cheeks, but at Legolas' mouth liked the one he had saw papa kissed mama.

Legolas felt himself blushed a little when his eyes met Gandalf's scolded eyes though the wizard did not say anything. He sent Frodo to Bilbo who sat on his pony already. The old hobbit wrapped one arm around his nephew before urged the pony to follow Gandalf's horse. Frodo turned to see Legolas all the time until he could see the elf no more. The young hobbit turned to see the road before him, wondering when he could see Legolas again. Meanwhile Bilbo was thinking he would not let Frodo meet the young prince again. Therefore, the vow could not be truth.

"Goodbye, little one until I see you again," Legolas whispered as he watched the small curly black head turned back to see him one last time.

* * *

At Rivendell.

"Well, I request all of you to keep the vow as a secret," Elrond said seriously because it would do no good to Legolas. If Thranduil knew of this deed, he must upset with his son to make a marriage vow easily, especially with the innocent child like Frodo.

Everyone nodded their in agreement before went inside the last homely house.

* * *

Finally, it was the time that Legolas must go back to Mirkwood. A few elves came to bid him farewell. Before Legolas would set out of Rivendell, Elladan walked toward and pulled the prince's head down to ask something.

"What will you do to the vow about the marrying Frodo?" Elladan whispered; so no one would hear.

"I don't have to do anything because I had made an escape or two for me in that vow," Legolas whispered back and nudged his horse to gallop along the road.

END