Disclaimer: See chapter 1

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Gandalf comforted Frodo until he had screwed up the courage to call for Sam.

Soon enough, Sam had been summoned. He entered Bag End without knocking.

"Mr. Frodo? Mr. Gandalf told me that I must come see you right away. Mr. Frodo?"

Sam found Frodo head down at the kitchen table. When Frodo looked up to meet Sam's gaze, his eyes were filled with tears.

"What's wrong, Mr. Frodo?"

"Did Gandalf tell you why you were to meet me?"

"I'm afraid he did not."

"I... there's something important I need to tell you, My Sam," Sam waited for Frodo to continue, "Do you remember that night, during the storm?"

"I think of it often, Sir."

Frodo played with his hands, "Yes, I do too," he said softly. He cleared his throat, "Sam, Gandalf told me that sometimes the ring causes its bearer to undergo physical changes. Changes that make an occurrence that would have been impossible entirely possible."

"How do you mean, Mr. Frodo."

Frodo broke down in tears again, "Sam... My dear, wonderful Sam... I.. we... I'm pregnant."

"Mr. Frodo? I..." Sam couldn't continue speaking. He was just too flabbergasted. He crumpled onto one of the kitchen chairs. He looked at Frodo, who was trying to stifle his sobs. "Will YOU be alright, Mr. Frodo?" Sam was suddenly aware of the dangers of the current situation.

"I don't know, My Sam. Gandalf says I must travel to Rivendell by October, just to be safe."

Sam jumped up from the table, "I'm coming with you! I'll make preparations, now. We shall leave by the end of the week."

Frodo too stood up, "Dear Sam. Don't be hasty. 'Tis but the start of August. We need not leave so soon," Frodo's eyes clouded over, "I do not wish to leave at all."

Sam walked to Frodo and gathered him in his arms, "If Mr. Gandalf says we should go, we must. We shan't do anything to risk your safety, Mr. Frodo."

Frodo turned around and wrapped Sam in a hug, "Thank you."

"For what, Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked inquisitively.

"For being so wonderful about this. For accepting the situation. I do not deserve such kindness."

"I told you I loved you. I still do. This is our future, not just yours. This time I shall be able to completely and totally take care of you."

Frodo lowered his head onto Sam's shoulder and so they stayed for a long while.

The peace was soon shattered by a knock at the door. Merry and Pippin came barging in without waiting more than two seconds for someone to let them in. Frodo and Sam separated hurriedly.

"Gandalf told us to come see you. Something about important news?" Pippin was not one to make petty small talk.

Merry chimed in, "Yes, what's the big news?"

Frodo looked at his friends and decided to come right out with it, "I'm pregnant."

Pippin burst out laughing, but Merry stopped him, "I think he's serious, Pip."

Pippin turned toward Merry, "Comon, when I said his strange behavior meant that a baby was on the way, I wasna being serious."

Sam put his arm around Frodo's shoulder, "It's true. We're leaving for Rivendell by the end of the month."

"Both of you?!" Merry raised an eyebrow incredulously

"It's..." Sam coughed, "It's our child."

Pippin's eyes got real wide. He ran a hand through his curls, "Well... Congratulations!" He stepped forward and proceeded to give Sam and Frodo a hug. Merry followed suit.

"So, when are we leaving?" Merry straightened his jacket.

"You don't have to come. It's not your problem," Frodo sat down wearily.

"Don't have to come?! Of course we have to! Don't think you can escape us, Frodo Baggins," Pippin put a comforting hand on Frodo's shoulder.

"Yes! Our minds are set. Let us hope that Lord Elrond is prepared to deal with the likes of us again," Merry smirked.

"And if you feel like thanking us for being such wonderful friends, you can name the baby after us!" Pippin laughed, "Peregrin Meriadoc Baggins Gamgee!"

"No! No! Meriadoc Peregrin Gamgee Baggins!" broke in Merry.

Frodo laughed for the first time since Gandalf broke the news to him, "Fine names. Very fine."

"Aye, we'll go make preparations," Merry took Pippin by the arm and they left, closing the door quietly behind them.

"The end of the month, Sam? Why must me leave so soon?" Frodo asked.

"To be safe, Sir. I will not even think about risking your health."

Frodo sighed, "I suppose it must be so. We shall leave at the end of the month. I will alert Gandalf."