Sam snapped his eyes open and looked around quickly. What could have made such a splash? Surely they were alone, out here. He was ready to jump to his feet though unsure where he might find the strength to protect himself or Frodo.
Frodo! Where was he? Just as panic began to grip him once more, Sam noticed the small pile of clothes thrown carelessly on the bank.
Sam searched the softly rippling surface of the pond for the first signs of Frodo. He gasped softly when, as if in slow motion, Frodo rose from the surface. His hair falling in messy curls with beads of water dripping from the ends. Sam watched as Frodo put his feet beneath him to stand. He watched the water droplets roll casually over his lover's body.
Frodo now stood, the water only coming to his waist, and shook his head, spraying water from his unruly curls. Running a hand through his hair, Frodo smiled to see Sam watching him. His soft lips parted ever so slightly as he tried to regain his breathing.
Sam felt a shiver of pleasure run through his body, causing every hair to stand on end. He wanted Frodo. He wanted him so badly it actually hurt. He longed to feel their bodies so close they felt as one.
"Come on, Sam! The water's wonderful!" Frodo smiled, reminding Sam of the carefree tweenager he remembered.
Smiling, he began to unbutton his weskit. It was such a joy to watch Frodo splashing around out in the pond. Too long had he watched Frodo seem so sad. Removing his weskit and beginning on his shirt, he stood feeling his legs slightly unsteady after so many days of lying in bed.
The water felt cool and refreshing as Sam lowered his feet into the shallows. He walked out confidently to where Frodo stood. Though he couldn't swim, he trusted that Frodo would not let anything happen to him. The deeper they went, the more the pain in Sam's back lessened. It was a wonderful feeling, to be surrounded by the cool water, calm and supportive.
When they were deep enough for the water to be to their chests, Frodo beckoned Sam to come closer to him. He wrapped his arms around Sam's chest and embraced him tightly allowing his soft pale hands to slide over Sam's back. Sam laid his head against Frodo's shoulder and sighed softly. He wanted more, so very much more, but could they risk it? Could they trade a moment's intimacy for the health of their baby?
He felt Frodo's hand grasp his chin lightly, guiding his head up to a loving kiss. Sam could feel his lust beginning to grow, but he knew he couldn't give in. Not now. He pulled away from Frodo, feeling tears of frustration in his eyes.
"Sam," Frodo said almost in a whisper, his large blue eyes with their long lashes rising slowly to meet Sam's. "I know we cannot do that which we both long for." Sam nodded. "But that does not mean we cannot be close to one another." Sam's heart soared. He had wanted this so badly, and now it was about to come true. In the comforting support of the water, they held each other.
Frodo turned Sam around. His once graceful hands trembling slightly as they slid up Sam's back and over his shoulders. Not knowing what to do with his hands, Sam stood there, resting them on his swollen belly. Feeling the new life they'd created, move within him.
"My! You are so tense, my love." Frodo whispered huskily. "I shall have to remedy that."
Sam stood still for a moment in anticipation. Finally he felt Frodo's fingers climb slowly up his spine, sending shivers throughout his body. He felt Frodo's lips upon his shoulder, soft kisses climbing the back of his neck. Closing his eyes, Sam concentrated on every little sensation. Frodo's soft, moist lips on his skin. His gentle kneading of Sam's tense muscles. The small current that washed around them at the slightest movement. The babe within his womb. It was all almost too much to bear.
Soft kisses on his shoulder once more, and cool fingertips tracing lazy circles on his belly. Sam felt himself relax, feeling as though he could melt right there and become part of the little pond. He longed to feel Frodo within him, but he knew that wouldn't happen.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in this way. Soft kisses. Caressing touches. Husky whispers. Teasing. Tasting. Purely enjoying one another's body. They both wished that time might stand still so they could enjoy each other in this way forever. When the sun began to set, however, they knew it was time to go home.
As they packed their things into the little wagon, Sam caught Frodo and kissed him softly. "Thank you, Frodo, me dear." He said, meaning to say more, though unable to find the words. Frodo just smiled and offered his hand to Sam as he climbed into the wagon.
The ride home seemed much shorter than the ride there had been. Sam was almost grateful, as he was beginning to feel rather tired after the afternoon's activities. Closing his eyes and resting his head on Frodo's shoulder, he dreamed of being cuddled up in their warm bed. Something Sam had thought he'd never do again just yesterday.
That night, Sam fell asleep in Frodo's arms. He was so grateful to have been allowed to go out for the day. He would have to make it up to Frodo somehow. Until then, he was content to sleep soundly, surrounding their unborn child with love.