So many reviews, so little space!
Thanks to Heather (Twice), Alice(once again), aaronhasprettyeyes, and ImmortalFlick (My dear, dear beta)
Marilyn, My Bitterness- Hicks (like me) say it all the time!
Theifofblueness- hope froggie was OK!
I tried to make that shorter, and it worked. So, I have sent out my army of Uruk-hai, and now everyone who reviewed is coming to my GREAT BIG HOBBIT FUN FAIR! wOOt, eh?
Chapter 4 – Itches
A few days passed, Pippin stayed locked up in his room, refusing to talk to anyone. The servants left food outside the door, and the next day they would find the tray, barely touched. But he was eating, though very little (for a hobbit), and that gave everyone hope. Maybe eventually he would come out, though everyday the note left by Sam, or Frodo, or Merry would remain in the envelope, unopened and untouched.
Merry speculated this was because the letter opener was still in the door.
Merry had plenty of time for such speculations, as he spent almost as much time as Pippin in his own room. Mainly he was fighting loosing battles with his mind.
(What did I do? I can't think of anything. He must have given me a clue somewhere... but where?)
[In the slap perhaps? Or the knife he threw at your head?]
(It was a letter opener and no. Those were results... I think.)
[Maybe he just hates you.]
(No. It can't be that. He said so himself! He said he loved me in that room!)
[Then he has a funny way of showing it. Does he love every bastard he meets or just you?]
(He was upset! He couldn't have meant it...)
[Are you sure of that?]
####
Sam and Frodo had been spending some time in their room also. Sure they were worried about Merry and Pippin but those two would get over it. Ah, to be young and in love. And besides, when you've just been given the go ahead by your family, it's kind of hard to forget your own needs.
####
When at last Merry, Sam and Frodo had managed to converge in one place, it had been just under two weeks since anyone had seen Pippin, and Pippin was still locked up, and not eating properly.
The three hobbits sat around the dining table, though no food was set. Sam and Frodo had come in and found Merry sitting just as he had been the day Pippin had slapped him, as was his habit of late. He could sit for hours, just staring at the door and thinking about what he could have done to upset Pippin so terribly. And he did just that. Which was good, for Merry was far too tired to be moving about.
"Merry, what's wrong?" Frodo asked, sitting beside his troubled cousin.
"Hmmm, I don't know. Perhaps the fact my cousin has locked himself in his room, refusing to eat or see anyone. Oh, and he tried to kill me. That just might be it. Just a thought." Merry said.
"Really, no need to be so bitter Merry. I was only trying to be a concerned friend." Frodo stated, feeling rather put-off by Merry's sourness.
"Of course. I am sorry Frodo. I just don't feel myself lately. This whole business with Pippin, I'm constantly tired and I have this rash that just doesn't help at all." Merry said dourly.
"Quite alright, Mr. Merry, s'not your fault. We all have that kind of day, beggin' your pardon." Sam said, sitting beside his Frodo.
"Sam, you don't have to call me Mister all the time. Merry will do just fine. You don't work for me and besides, you're just about part of the family now."
"Yes Mis- I mean, Merry. Is there anything we can do to help you?" Sam asked, blushing at the thought of being 'part of the family'. "No. I was just sitting here, you know, thinking." Merry said pointedly. Sam got the message.
"Of course, Merry. Well Frodo dear, we'd best be going. Stuff to do." Sam said, standing and taking Frodo's hand to help him up. "But Sam, I-" Frodo's protest was cut off as Sam whispered something in his ear. "Oh. Yes. THAT stuff to do... We'll see you at dinner Merry." Frodo and Sam scurried off to do their stuff and Merry continued to stare at the wall.
####
You can't see through walls. It's just not possible. That is why they invented doors. Walls that move out of the way. But Pippin didn't want to open the door. That was weakness. He just wanted to know what was happening out there.
Were they worried? Were they mourning the loss of him? Or were they happy? Were they glad to be rid of the youngest hobbit, the one who tagged along? The hobbit that got in the way. The foolish hobbit. Foolish. Fool.
"NO! I am not a fool. Not a fool. Merry said so. Yup. Hear that brain? He may not want me but he says I'm not a fool." Pippin said aloud. He had taken to that while he sat in the room. It was comforting to hear a voice, any voice.
It got very lonely all alone in that room. A few times Pippin had contemplated suicide, but not for long. It was not the nature of hobbits to kill themselves, not under usual circumstances. They loved life too much to want to be dead. Usually.
"I bet he's sitting outside the door right now, worrying himself into a frenzy, waiting for me to come out so he can apologize. But I won't listen. Nope. Well, maybe." Pippin said, sitting up a little straighter, as though expecting Merry to come bursting through the door.
When he didn't come Pippin settled back down and continued to try and stare through the wall.
####
Merry just didn't understand. Why had Pippin gotten so upset?
[Lets run through everything he said. First there was, 'You're sick. Absolutely, completely sick.' Then, 'I'm disgusted. Just leave me alone.' And then-]
(Okay, okay I get it. Just leave it alone.)
[No it was 'just leave ME alone.']
(Gah! You leave me alone!) Merry thought furiously, scratching his leg.
[NO! 'Just leave me-]
"Shut-up! Just SHUT-UP!!!" Merry yelled, still scratching.
[You should stop scratching that. It's not good.]
(Why should I?) scratch scratch
[It's just not good.]
(Why?) scratch
[Because I said so. Listen to me.]
(You know what? Just leave me alone.) scratch
[FINALLY!!!]
"GAH!!!!" Merry growled out loud. He shook his head and continued to think, ignoring that really annoying part of his brain. Then he scratched his leg.
I'm too sleepy to write anything entertaining down here. O.o
Just review please. Thanks!