"Adapting" by Tialys
"Merry, you know you don't have to go with me, even if you have found out what I'm doing."
"Of course, Frodo. You really don't think I'm doing this for the fun of it, do you?"
"No, Merry, and that's not what I meant."
"It never is. Hand me that shirt, cousin. The blue one."
"It's not yours."
"I know, I'm stealing it."
"What?"
"It's Pippin's. I'm packing for him."
"I'm not sure he would like that, Merry. He's been getting particular about doing things for himself lately."
"He won't know, he's already fallen asleep on the couch in there."
"Been a while since he's traveled?"
"Like this? Yes."
"Merry, it's only going to get worse for him, and us."
"He'll toughen up, Frodo. It'll do him good. Besides, I don't think you could change his mind now."
"No, but I can leave before he wakes up."
"You wouldn't do that to him! He'd follow you anyway, so you might as well not try."
"Yes, he would, wouldn't he?"
"You're getting up early enough as it is."
"Oh dear... How early, you crazy Brandybuck?"
"Nothing to get all upset about, cousin. Four at the earliest."
"Four! Merry, I don't even know if I am capable of rising at four!"
"Well, we shall find out, won't we?"
"I knew there was a reason I didn't want you to come."
"You know you love me, Frodo."
"Perhaps... and perhaps I can tie you to your bed tonight and gag you! I shall not be rising at four!"
"Half past."
"Merry --"
"Final offer."
"You are cruel, Meriadoc, very cruel."
"I try. Brush, if you please?"
"Of course..."
"Ouch! Frodo! Stars that hurt!"
"Stop cursing, Merry."
"You will be doing it in the morning."
"With good reason."
"A brush striking my head is perfect reason!"
"Yes, I'm sure your head was quite surprised at the sight of a brush, seeing as how it hasn't seen one since -- ow!"
"And now your head has seen one as well, cousin."
"Eru... just hand me that blanket, Merry."
"With pleasure, cousin."
"Fool Brandybuck."
"Do you think we should wake Pippin?"
"Do you think we haven't already?"
"Frodo --"
"No, let him sleep. If we are to be up at such rude hours of the night he will need all the rest he can get."
"You as well."
"Yes, I suppose..."
"I saw that yawn, cousin. Go on, you're the one who has been walking all day. I'll finish up here and you can check it in the morning."
"Thank you, Merry. I believe I will turn in."
"Goodnight, cousin."
"Merry?"
"Hm?"
"Do you really believe we shall ever adapt to this?"
"Oh, we shall, cousin. We'll toughen you up yet!"
"Goodnight, Merry."
"Sweet dreams!"
"Until you come."
"Of course!"
"Goodnight."
"...Goodnight, Frodo."
May 18, 2004