The Bridge of Khazad-dûm Ficlet

Rating: T

Pairing Frodo/Sam

Author's Notes: Don't own these characters, and never will. Please don't sue me. I'm a poor college student living on Ramen Noodles.

The Company reaches the bottom of the stairs, and blessedly pauses for a moment, waiting for Gandalf, who is standing at the door, mumbling words under his breath and brandishing his staff high, its light brilliantly white against the dark recesses of the cave.

The blood is rushing through my ears, like the crashing of waves. My heart is pounding in my ears, and I wheeze, trying to force air into my lungs, my surely bruised ribs aching with the effort.

Even though I told Aragorn that I could walk, I find that the effort is too much too soon. I lean back, intending to lean against the wall, and instead of landing on cold hard stone, like I expected, I feel you step quickly behind me so I land against your chest, my head on your shoulder. I take another breath, wondering if I should move, so I am not pressing you against the wall of the cave. Before I can make a move however, your arms shift position, and enfold me, lingering around my waist, and clasping me to you. I can feel the thrumming of your heart against my back.

I lean back against your chest, and my nose catches your smell, the scent of sweat from our long journey, with the more comforting smell of good Longbottom Leaf pipeweed underneath it all, clinging to your clothes.

I breathe deeply, remembering the garden outside the library window, and watching you putter around the herbs there, your mouth holding your pipe at an odd angle as you worked in utter concentration on the tasks before you. And how you would come to get me for luncheon, tapping my shoulder from behind, smelling of earth and sunshine and green growing plants. My dear, dear, Sam, do you realize that you are my very own sunshine, in this dark night of a cave?

I close my eyes, content with the memories in my mind.

I am in your arms. For the moment, I am held safe and protected by your embrace. For the first time since the sale of Bag End this autumn, I feel like I am home, if only for a moment.