Chapter Sixteen: Pushing It
A/N: *Grabs a megaphone* "AND NOW! THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN-" *hack, sputter, cough, wheeze* Sorry, the megaphone is a bit dusty. Ahem, "- WAITING FOR! MERRY AND PIPPIN, REUNITED!" Sallo is mine for this chapter, so is Renagird. !!!!REVIEW!!!!
~*~
Paladin Took laughed uproariously at another joke that Renagird made and finished his fifth glass of ale, downing it in one gulp. Complacent with his surroundings, he idly leaned back in his chair and smiled dizzily at the hobbits that passed him. Everything was going perfectly, and he finally had the chance to sit back and completely relax, which made him feel on top of the world. That is, until one of his cousins appeared beside him.
"Paladin," the hobbit began, leaning in closer for a whispered conversation so that no others should happen to hear. "Some of the Brandybuck boys are here." He motioned to the dancers with one of his hands, waiting for Paladin's usual angry reaction.
However, there was no immediate reaction. Paladin calmly looked to where his cousin had pointed but could not succeed in finding any of the mentioned hobbits. "They aren't causing trouble, are they?"
"Well, no, Paladin. But all the same-"
"Well, since they're not doing anything right now, don't bother them. You can throw them out if they cause trouble, but let them stay for now."
"But, Paladin," sputtered the older hobbit, confused about Paladin's unusually placid mood, "what about the feud? You know that if anyone finds out about this, your reputation..."
"I'll allow it. Just this once," Paladin stated as he glanced over to Renagird. The old hobbit smiled and nodded back to him, quite happy with the decision.
"But, Paladin," interrupted the other Took once again.
"Don't you 'But, Paladin' me!" he stated harshly, his voice slightly rising with his temper. "My decision on the matter is final. Understand?"
His cousin nodded and stuttered, "Ah-All right, P-P-Paladin. Forgive me for my rudeness."
Glad that he could relax again, Paladin nodded and returned to the excited chatter at the table. A light tap on his shoulder caused him to turn and plan to shoo off the person that dared to interrupt him again. He came face to face with Eglantine.
"Oh, hello dear."
"Hello yourself, Paladin. It has been three hours, and I still have not received an invitation to dance from you." Embellishing her annoyance, she crossed her arms and looked skyward while Paladin stood up from his chair. "But if you want to act that way, then-"
She was quickly cut off when Paladin threw his arms around her, dipped her, and kissed her squarely on the mouth, which created a loud uproar of applause from the other adult hobbits around them. Pulling away, Paladin smiled as he noticed his wife's flushed face and remarked, "My dear, have you ever known me to keep you away for very long?"
Eglantine just smiled in a nervous blush and stood up, giggling as she brushed away Paladin's hands. "You really never have grown up from that young, debonair hobbit I used to know, Paladin Took!" She then grabbed his hand and led him out to the dance floor.
~*~
After about three dances the couple took a short break, Eglantine going off to some of her friends while Paladin sat down again at the table. "Whew," he breathed and grabbed a flagon of wine from the center of the table. He was in mid-gulp when he felt eyes intently staring at him. He slowly lowered the flagon and glanced to his left. He smiled cheerfully and turned fully around to the hobbit next to him.
"Sallo! I haven't seen you in years, old boy! How've you been?" he asked while clapping the other hobbit on the shoulder.
"Good, thanks," he replied, nodding to Paladin. "I see you've been having a splendid evening."
Paladin nodded in return. "Oh yes, indeed. It's been absolutely wonderful."
Sallo turned back to his glass of ale. He looked at Paladin obliquely after a brief pause. "I hear that you have been having problems with the Brandybucks lately."
"Huh? Oh yes, that. Well, it's a long story, but we have been at a stand- off for awhile now."
"I also hear that Peregrin and Meriadoc have been on some rocky terms."
Paladin snorted into his glass. He mumbled something inaudible and then paused for a moment, setting down his drink. "Yes, those Brandybucks have been trouble," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I just wish Esmerelda weren't one of them. My poor sister, having to put up with that insufferable Saradoc."
Sallo quietly chuckled to himself, but dropped his smile abruptly. "And it has also reached my ears that the Brandybucks are here tonight."
Paladin merely glanced over to Sallo, keeping quiet.
"And not only my ears have heard," Sallo started, leaning closer. "My eyes have also been witness to sightings, like that one over there. What is his name...Berilac, I believe." He motioned to Berilac and waited until Paladin noticed him. He paused a moment before continuing, "My eyes have also seen other Brandybucks. Your nephew Meriadoc is among them."
Paladin raised his eyebrows and glanced over to Sallo, pausing a moment, then muttering hastily, "Where is Peregrin?"
Pippin, in fact, was only about thirty paces from Merry, his heart beating rapidly and his cheeks feeling very hot, when a large mob of older girls who had just finished dancing appeared in front of him, not noticing the young Took's displeasure at the obscurity of sight. They chatted excitedly amongst themselves as Pippin rolled his eyes. "Twittering airheads," he quietly muttered under his breath as he hurriedly tried to slip around them. Unfortunately for him however, 'try' was just not going to be effective.
"Peregrin!" one squealed as some others noticed him. The girls crowded around him, and Pippin became notably flustered as they jabbered and poked and giggled. He nodded and politely tried to excuse himself, but the girls were so loud that they did not hear him and continue babbling amongst themselves. Losing patience, he rolled his eyes and looked for someone who might help him escape. He grinned as he noticed Pimpernel heading towards him and slipped away as she greeted the mob of girls.
Smiling to himself, Pippin skulked around the still twittering group and stopped. His smile immediately dropped as he stood on his tiptoes to see over a few heads of curly hobbit hair, but no matter how much he searched, he knew that he had lost sight of Merry.
~*~
"Just great! Did you see that?" Berilac exclaimed and glanced back to Hildibrand.
"Sure did. Looks like we'll have to lead both of them away from the party, and Pippin away from all his admirers!" Hildibrand lightly smiled and looked over to Paladin. His expression turned to one of immediate worry and he tugged at Berilac's sleeve. "Berilac, look! That hobbit over there next to Paladin just pointed at you!"
"What?" he exclaimed as he looked over to Paladin and cringed. "Oh sakes, you're right. We had better hurry up with this. Er, let's see..." He looked around and snapped his fingers as an idea came to him. "Tell Pervinca to lure Pippin outside near the back door, and quickly now. I'll get Merry and the rest of the boys."
Having grown impatient with searching for Pippin, Merry had wandered off to find some food earlier and was standing somewhat close to the tables when Berilac raced towards him.
"Berilac, what-"
"Merry," he started, pausing to glance around, "we have sort of been spotted, so I want you to wait outside by the back door while I gather up all of the others. All right?" Merry was about to protest, but Berilac cut him off with a nonchalant reassurance. "Just go. I can get the others. Don't worry. It shouldn't take long." With that, Berilac disappeared into the crowd once more.
"Oh, wonderful," Merry muttered and set down his plate stacked with heaps of salad. "I just hope he remembers the way out." He smiled as he thought this and decided on the quickest route to the back door. He quickly slipped through the dancers on the dance floor, dodging some flailing arms and swirling skirts, and sneaked down the long halls of Tookland to the backyard.
He quietly eased open the door inch by inch and stepped outside, inhaling the moist night air. He leaned near the doorframe as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he found himself smiling and softly humming along with the melody that came from inside the smials after a minute or so.
~*~
Pervinca grinned as she calmly strode up to Pippin and leaned next to him. "Having a nice time?"
Pippin spun around and softly smiled when he saw his sister. "Sort of, I guess. Pervinca, I think that I saw Mer-"
"Say, Pippin," Pervinca interrupted. "Why don't you go wait for me outside near the back door?" At Pippin's look of confusion she explained further. "I thought you might want to see the thing that I was going to show you earlier."
"What thing?"
Pervinca thought a moment, then smiled and shrugged. "It's a surprise. I guess I forgot to tell you about it."
Pippin nodded, but looked back over his shoulder when he reminded himself of something. "Hey, Pervinca, do you know that I thought I saw Merry earlier?"
"Oh, no. Really?" she asked, trying to hide her smile. "Well, anyway, just go outside. I promise, it's really neat."
Pippin's face took on a look of worry before he gave one more wistful glance around the room and headed out for the back door.
~*~
Merry's head slowly turned when he heard the door close, quite ready to give Berilac a good-tongue lashing for making him wait so long. Yet when he saw who had stepped outside, his mouth had no words to say. Covered by the darkness' shadows, Merry only had to stay still not to be noticed. A soft smile spread over his lips.
'Pippin,' he thought to himself. 'We're finally alone.' Pippin slightly faced away from him, standing still while hugging himself to keep out the evening chill. Not coming up with anything to say, Merry cautiously stepped out of the shadows and sneaked towards Pippin. Careful not to make a sound and trying to slow his breathing, he stopped a few feet behind the young Took. He swallowed nervously and reached out, tapping Pippin upon the shoulder.
Pippin spun around immediately and became immobilized when he noticed who had tapped him. He inhaled sharply and stood still, not knowing what to do.
Merry searched the young Took's face, trying to find anger but seeing none. He was surprised how gentle and clear his voice was when he spoke something he had been waiting to say for a long time. "Pippin."
"Merry," Pippin breathed in response.
There was silence for what seemed like minutes, until Merry couldn't stand the heavy tension anymore, nor the cruel irony of their silence. "I'm sorry."
Pippin glanced up into Merry's eyes. "For what?"
Merry thought a moment. "I don't know. I just am."
"Well... Then I'm sorry too."
"Why do you have to be sorry?"
"I don't know." Pippin smiled softly. "Are you mad? With me, I mean."
Merry quickly shook his head. "No. Are you?"
"No."
"Oh. Well, that's good, I suppose." He paused and looked down to the ground. "I guess these past few months have been a bit odd, haven't they?"
"Yes, they have." Pippin frowned and glanced towards the door. "You know, we shouldn't be talking right now."
Merry nodded. "But we are." He reached out and tilted Pippin's chin up, making Pippin look at him. "And I'm glad. I missed you."
Pippin's eyes became watery. "I missed you too, Merry."
Meriadoc smiled and wrapped his arms around the young Took, pulling him closer as Pippin returned the embrace. He craned his neck farther downward and planted a small kiss on the top of Pippin's head, covered by unruly curls of brown hair. They stood there for minutes on end, Merry breathing in the familiar, calming scent of Pippin while Pippin intently listened to Merry's steady heartbeat.
Merry held Pippin tighter to him. It seemed as though he would not let him go ever again.
~*~
Berilac quickly hurried as he gathered up the rest of the Brandybucks and tried to find the back door. He had not caught sight of Frodo again, although he made a mental note to thank the older hobbit the next time he would see him.
He motioned to his friends behind him to follow as he started to near the exit. He knew one of the Tooks would soon be coming to kick them out, so he had to rush things. Upon finding the right door, he rushed out and held the door open for the other escaping Brandybucks. A bright smile lit up his once worried face when he noticed Merry and Pippin still holding each other a few yards away.
Guilt tugged at him, but he knew they had to leave soon. "Merry, come on. I'm indeed sorry to end this little reunion, but we have to get going." He turned and started to head off in the direction the others were going. He halted and glanced back to his younger cousin. "Merry, come on!"
"All right, all right," Merry yelled back as he slowly pulled out of the embrace. He turned and glanced at Pippin one last time, savoring what would perhaps be his last view for awhile. Merry gave a slight nod of his head and smiled before running after Berilac and the others into the dark night.
Pippin sighed reluctantly as he watched them go, wishing he could have more time with Merry. He felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, but he did not turn.
When the Brandybucks had completely vanished into the night, the person spoke. "Well, Pippin, let's go back inside."
This made Pippin turn quickly with surprise to see Pimpernel standing beside him. She gave him a gentle smile that he soon returned, and both turned around and went back into the smials.
~*~
"That was really bad. We almost got caught!" one of the Brandybucks shouted as they hurried away through the growing dark, racing down some hills leading to Buckland.
Merry smiled as he ran faster. "What are you talking about? This is the best night of my life!"
A/N: *Grabs a megaphone* "AND NOW! THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN-" *hack, sputter, cough, wheeze* Sorry, the megaphone is a bit dusty. Ahem, "- WAITING FOR! MERRY AND PIPPIN, REUNITED!" Sallo is mine for this chapter, so is Renagird. !!!!REVIEW!!!!
~*~
Paladin Took laughed uproariously at another joke that Renagird made and finished his fifth glass of ale, downing it in one gulp. Complacent with his surroundings, he idly leaned back in his chair and smiled dizzily at the hobbits that passed him. Everything was going perfectly, and he finally had the chance to sit back and completely relax, which made him feel on top of the world. That is, until one of his cousins appeared beside him.
"Paladin," the hobbit began, leaning in closer for a whispered conversation so that no others should happen to hear. "Some of the Brandybuck boys are here." He motioned to the dancers with one of his hands, waiting for Paladin's usual angry reaction.
However, there was no immediate reaction. Paladin calmly looked to where his cousin had pointed but could not succeed in finding any of the mentioned hobbits. "They aren't causing trouble, are they?"
"Well, no, Paladin. But all the same-"
"Well, since they're not doing anything right now, don't bother them. You can throw them out if they cause trouble, but let them stay for now."
"But, Paladin," sputtered the older hobbit, confused about Paladin's unusually placid mood, "what about the feud? You know that if anyone finds out about this, your reputation..."
"I'll allow it. Just this once," Paladin stated as he glanced over to Renagird. The old hobbit smiled and nodded back to him, quite happy with the decision.
"But, Paladin," interrupted the other Took once again.
"Don't you 'But, Paladin' me!" he stated harshly, his voice slightly rising with his temper. "My decision on the matter is final. Understand?"
His cousin nodded and stuttered, "Ah-All right, P-P-Paladin. Forgive me for my rudeness."
Glad that he could relax again, Paladin nodded and returned to the excited chatter at the table. A light tap on his shoulder caused him to turn and plan to shoo off the person that dared to interrupt him again. He came face to face with Eglantine.
"Oh, hello dear."
"Hello yourself, Paladin. It has been three hours, and I still have not received an invitation to dance from you." Embellishing her annoyance, she crossed her arms and looked skyward while Paladin stood up from his chair. "But if you want to act that way, then-"
She was quickly cut off when Paladin threw his arms around her, dipped her, and kissed her squarely on the mouth, which created a loud uproar of applause from the other adult hobbits around them. Pulling away, Paladin smiled as he noticed his wife's flushed face and remarked, "My dear, have you ever known me to keep you away for very long?"
Eglantine just smiled in a nervous blush and stood up, giggling as she brushed away Paladin's hands. "You really never have grown up from that young, debonair hobbit I used to know, Paladin Took!" She then grabbed his hand and led him out to the dance floor.
~*~
After about three dances the couple took a short break, Eglantine going off to some of her friends while Paladin sat down again at the table. "Whew," he breathed and grabbed a flagon of wine from the center of the table. He was in mid-gulp when he felt eyes intently staring at him. He slowly lowered the flagon and glanced to his left. He smiled cheerfully and turned fully around to the hobbit next to him.
"Sallo! I haven't seen you in years, old boy! How've you been?" he asked while clapping the other hobbit on the shoulder.
"Good, thanks," he replied, nodding to Paladin. "I see you've been having a splendid evening."
Paladin nodded in return. "Oh yes, indeed. It's been absolutely wonderful."
Sallo turned back to his glass of ale. He looked at Paladin obliquely after a brief pause. "I hear that you have been having problems with the Brandybucks lately."
"Huh? Oh yes, that. Well, it's a long story, but we have been at a stand- off for awhile now."
"I also hear that Peregrin and Meriadoc have been on some rocky terms."
Paladin snorted into his glass. He mumbled something inaudible and then paused for a moment, setting down his drink. "Yes, those Brandybucks have been trouble," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I just wish Esmerelda weren't one of them. My poor sister, having to put up with that insufferable Saradoc."
Sallo quietly chuckled to himself, but dropped his smile abruptly. "And it has also reached my ears that the Brandybucks are here tonight."
Paladin merely glanced over to Sallo, keeping quiet.
"And not only my ears have heard," Sallo started, leaning closer. "My eyes have also been witness to sightings, like that one over there. What is his name...Berilac, I believe." He motioned to Berilac and waited until Paladin noticed him. He paused a moment before continuing, "My eyes have also seen other Brandybucks. Your nephew Meriadoc is among them."
Paladin raised his eyebrows and glanced over to Sallo, pausing a moment, then muttering hastily, "Where is Peregrin?"
Pippin, in fact, was only about thirty paces from Merry, his heart beating rapidly and his cheeks feeling very hot, when a large mob of older girls who had just finished dancing appeared in front of him, not noticing the young Took's displeasure at the obscurity of sight. They chatted excitedly amongst themselves as Pippin rolled his eyes. "Twittering airheads," he quietly muttered under his breath as he hurriedly tried to slip around them. Unfortunately for him however, 'try' was just not going to be effective.
"Peregrin!" one squealed as some others noticed him. The girls crowded around him, and Pippin became notably flustered as they jabbered and poked and giggled. He nodded and politely tried to excuse himself, but the girls were so loud that they did not hear him and continue babbling amongst themselves. Losing patience, he rolled his eyes and looked for someone who might help him escape. He grinned as he noticed Pimpernel heading towards him and slipped away as she greeted the mob of girls.
Smiling to himself, Pippin skulked around the still twittering group and stopped. His smile immediately dropped as he stood on his tiptoes to see over a few heads of curly hobbit hair, but no matter how much he searched, he knew that he had lost sight of Merry.
~*~
"Just great! Did you see that?" Berilac exclaimed and glanced back to Hildibrand.
"Sure did. Looks like we'll have to lead both of them away from the party, and Pippin away from all his admirers!" Hildibrand lightly smiled and looked over to Paladin. His expression turned to one of immediate worry and he tugged at Berilac's sleeve. "Berilac, look! That hobbit over there next to Paladin just pointed at you!"
"What?" he exclaimed as he looked over to Paladin and cringed. "Oh sakes, you're right. We had better hurry up with this. Er, let's see..." He looked around and snapped his fingers as an idea came to him. "Tell Pervinca to lure Pippin outside near the back door, and quickly now. I'll get Merry and the rest of the boys."
Having grown impatient with searching for Pippin, Merry had wandered off to find some food earlier and was standing somewhat close to the tables when Berilac raced towards him.
"Berilac, what-"
"Merry," he started, pausing to glance around, "we have sort of been spotted, so I want you to wait outside by the back door while I gather up all of the others. All right?" Merry was about to protest, but Berilac cut him off with a nonchalant reassurance. "Just go. I can get the others. Don't worry. It shouldn't take long." With that, Berilac disappeared into the crowd once more.
"Oh, wonderful," Merry muttered and set down his plate stacked with heaps of salad. "I just hope he remembers the way out." He smiled as he thought this and decided on the quickest route to the back door. He quickly slipped through the dancers on the dance floor, dodging some flailing arms and swirling skirts, and sneaked down the long halls of Tookland to the backyard.
He quietly eased open the door inch by inch and stepped outside, inhaling the moist night air. He leaned near the doorframe as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he found himself smiling and softly humming along with the melody that came from inside the smials after a minute or so.
~*~
Pervinca grinned as she calmly strode up to Pippin and leaned next to him. "Having a nice time?"
Pippin spun around and softly smiled when he saw his sister. "Sort of, I guess. Pervinca, I think that I saw Mer-"
"Say, Pippin," Pervinca interrupted. "Why don't you go wait for me outside near the back door?" At Pippin's look of confusion she explained further. "I thought you might want to see the thing that I was going to show you earlier."
"What thing?"
Pervinca thought a moment, then smiled and shrugged. "It's a surprise. I guess I forgot to tell you about it."
Pippin nodded, but looked back over his shoulder when he reminded himself of something. "Hey, Pervinca, do you know that I thought I saw Merry earlier?"
"Oh, no. Really?" she asked, trying to hide her smile. "Well, anyway, just go outside. I promise, it's really neat."
Pippin's face took on a look of worry before he gave one more wistful glance around the room and headed out for the back door.
~*~
Merry's head slowly turned when he heard the door close, quite ready to give Berilac a good-tongue lashing for making him wait so long. Yet when he saw who had stepped outside, his mouth had no words to say. Covered by the darkness' shadows, Merry only had to stay still not to be noticed. A soft smile spread over his lips.
'Pippin,' he thought to himself. 'We're finally alone.' Pippin slightly faced away from him, standing still while hugging himself to keep out the evening chill. Not coming up with anything to say, Merry cautiously stepped out of the shadows and sneaked towards Pippin. Careful not to make a sound and trying to slow his breathing, he stopped a few feet behind the young Took. He swallowed nervously and reached out, tapping Pippin upon the shoulder.
Pippin spun around immediately and became immobilized when he noticed who had tapped him. He inhaled sharply and stood still, not knowing what to do.
Merry searched the young Took's face, trying to find anger but seeing none. He was surprised how gentle and clear his voice was when he spoke something he had been waiting to say for a long time. "Pippin."
"Merry," Pippin breathed in response.
There was silence for what seemed like minutes, until Merry couldn't stand the heavy tension anymore, nor the cruel irony of their silence. "I'm sorry."
Pippin glanced up into Merry's eyes. "For what?"
Merry thought a moment. "I don't know. I just am."
"Well... Then I'm sorry too."
"Why do you have to be sorry?"
"I don't know." Pippin smiled softly. "Are you mad? With me, I mean."
Merry quickly shook his head. "No. Are you?"
"No."
"Oh. Well, that's good, I suppose." He paused and looked down to the ground. "I guess these past few months have been a bit odd, haven't they?"
"Yes, they have." Pippin frowned and glanced towards the door. "You know, we shouldn't be talking right now."
Merry nodded. "But we are." He reached out and tilted Pippin's chin up, making Pippin look at him. "And I'm glad. I missed you."
Pippin's eyes became watery. "I missed you too, Merry."
Meriadoc smiled and wrapped his arms around the young Took, pulling him closer as Pippin returned the embrace. He craned his neck farther downward and planted a small kiss on the top of Pippin's head, covered by unruly curls of brown hair. They stood there for minutes on end, Merry breathing in the familiar, calming scent of Pippin while Pippin intently listened to Merry's steady heartbeat.
Merry held Pippin tighter to him. It seemed as though he would not let him go ever again.
~*~
Berilac quickly hurried as he gathered up the rest of the Brandybucks and tried to find the back door. He had not caught sight of Frodo again, although he made a mental note to thank the older hobbit the next time he would see him.
He motioned to his friends behind him to follow as he started to near the exit. He knew one of the Tooks would soon be coming to kick them out, so he had to rush things. Upon finding the right door, he rushed out and held the door open for the other escaping Brandybucks. A bright smile lit up his once worried face when he noticed Merry and Pippin still holding each other a few yards away.
Guilt tugged at him, but he knew they had to leave soon. "Merry, come on. I'm indeed sorry to end this little reunion, but we have to get going." He turned and started to head off in the direction the others were going. He halted and glanced back to his younger cousin. "Merry, come on!"
"All right, all right," Merry yelled back as he slowly pulled out of the embrace. He turned and glanced at Pippin one last time, savoring what would perhaps be his last view for awhile. Merry gave a slight nod of his head and smiled before running after Berilac and the others into the dark night.
Pippin sighed reluctantly as he watched them go, wishing he could have more time with Merry. He felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, but he did not turn.
When the Brandybucks had completely vanished into the night, the person spoke. "Well, Pippin, let's go back inside."
This made Pippin turn quickly with surprise to see Pimpernel standing beside him. She gave him a gentle smile that he soon returned, and both turned around and went back into the smials.
~*~
"That was really bad. We almost got caught!" one of the Brandybucks shouted as they hurried away through the growing dark, racing down some hills leading to Buckland.
Merry smiled as he ran faster. "What are you talking about? This is the best night of my life!"