Thanks soo much for the reviews!!! I can see that you guys are really enjoying this fic! I'm enjoying writing it! LOL I've never gotten so many reviews so quickly! Now I don't think this chapter will be the same length as the last…that was a fluke, a wonderful fluke but a fluke nonetheless. But it turned out a decent size so I hope you enjoy! Sorry for the delay!
Oh and don't worry I intend this story to be many chapters long.
LOL Alright Next Chapter!
Sam felt himself coming out of sleep, a dull throbbing beginning to grow louder in his ears. Groaning he pulled the warm covers tighter around himself and squeezed his eyes shut against the invading light. He must have forgotten to close the curtains before going to bed. Going to bed? Sam's mind thought, a crease of confusion appearing on his forehead. When had he gone to bed? Infact the last thing he remembered was…dancing? No…he'd only had a couple ales' at that point; a drinking contest? Ah yes that was it…he'd joined Merry, Pippin and Gimli's drinking contest. He drank them under the table if he remembered correctly…but then he didn't remember…not much after that anyway.
Giving an audible groan Sam turned on his back and hesitantly began to open his eyes. Sunlight seeped in from his right making the ceiling glow. Sam blinked looking at the ceiling, his bed wasn't in the position for the sun to be coming in from the way it was, and the ceiling didn't really look like the one he was accustomed to awaking too.
A noise, which sounded suspiciously like a moan, caused Sam to turn his head to his right. To Sams' complete mortification he was met with the sight of a sleeping Frodo Baggins. Jolting upwards in the bed Sam darted his eyes around the room, this was Frodo's bedroom. Sam swallowed hard and looked back at Frodos' sleeping form. The blankets revealed enough for Sam to know that Frodo wasn't wearing a nightshirt. Sams' hands shot to his own chest and his was relieved to feel cloth under his fingertips. All right Sams' mind tried to reason, I have clothes on…and Frodo doesn't…I'm sleeping in his bed, and I don't remember the latter half of the night. This is bad…very bad…
Sam silently struggled with his memory, or lack there of. Watching Frodo sleep, Sam was once again struck by the beauty of the hobbit. Frodos' dark curls fell in a messy tumble over his eyes, and Sam could see that at least that night he had slept peacefully. Unconsciously Sams' fingertips brushed a stray curl from the older hobbits eyes. Realizing what he was doing Sam curled his fingers into a fist and backed it away.
Sam watched as a smile formed on Frodos' face and the sleepy hobbit gave a small stretch.
"Mmm, morning Sam." Frodos' lazy voice spoke.
Sam stared wide-eyed as Frodo let his eyes flutter open and look up at him. Sam gave a small smile at the look on Frodos' face, stuttering as he responded.
"M-Morning Mr. Frodo,"
Looking confused for a moment Frodo sat up, the covers falling onto his lap unnoticed. He looked sleepily around the room for a few moments before letting his eyes rest on Sam.
Feeling a little uncomfortable at his gaze Sam looked away, he found a small piece of dirt on his hand to contain his gaze.
"Sam?" he heard Frodo question, "Are you alright?"
Sam felt a blush rising in his cheeks and he dared not look up. "Aye Mr. Frodo, just…a little confused" he said honestly.
"Confused?" Frodo repeated, "about what?" he asked.
Sam looked up, meeting Frodos' stare for a moment before returning to his hands. "Just…well for one thing, how is it I ended up sleeping in your bed?" he glanced up not entirely sure what to expect to see, but found it was not something he was at all expecting. Frodo now seemed relaxed and gave a great sigh. A smile grew on his lips and a light chuckle could be heard emanating from his lips.
"Is that all?" he breathed out and gave a small laugh. "You really did have too much to drink last night didn't you Sam,"
Sam blushed and nodded in agreement. "Aye seems so,"
Frodo shook his head and eyed Sam admirably.
"Well lets see…it was late by the time you were ready to sleep, and I had to practically carry you to your room,"
Sams' eyes widened. "You couldn't carry me! No offence Mr. Frodo but its just common sense," he said.
Frodos' smile grew. "Well of course I couldn't carry you Sam, but for some reason I was determined to get you to your bed, and I didn't want anyone's help either. It was offered mind you. Of course I'd had a bit to drink myself if you remember,"
Sam nodded remembering Frodos' stagger as they tried to dance.
"Well, when I finally got you to your room, I found it already occupied,"
A confused look passed over Sams' face, "Occupied? By whom?" he asked.
"Well it seems Aragorn and Arwen had decided to turn in early for the night, they were both soundly passed out on your bed." He paused for a moment lost in a memory. "So of course, I figured since most of us would have to double up anyway, that you could sleep in my bed." Frodo finished.
Sam thought about it for a moment, it all seemed to make sense to him. It didn't make it any less embarrassing.
"Makes sense…it's not like we haven't slept together before." Sam faltered, realizing what he'd said. A strong blush rose in his cheeks, but either Frodo did not notice, or just decided to save Sam the embarrassment of acknowledging it.
Frodos gave Sam an amused smile and moved to get out of bed. Frodo stopped mid-movement and looked down at the ground.
"Oh…" he said looking down at his naked chest. "I must have gotten hot during the night," his eyes jolted around tying to figure out how to get his nightshirt from the ground without loosing the covering.
Sam saw his mind working and realized what he must be trying to do, "Oh I'll get it," he said and pulled the covers off of himself and jumped off the bed. Picking up the soft nightshirt his passed it to Frodo.
"Here you are," he said.
He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks and he quickly turned away to let Frodo dress.
Sam listened to the rustling of sheets behind him, only letting himself turn around when he felt Frodos' hand on his shoulder. Frodo gave a small smile before dropping it. Sam watched him awkwardly for a moment before deciding he should go start first-breakfast.
"I'll go start first breakfast than,"
Frodo looked as though he was struggling to say something. "I…" he paused, "that's probably a good idea."
Sam had the distinct feeling that wasn't what he meant to say.
"We're going to have a lot of mouths to feed," Frodo stated and gave Sam a weary smile.
"Aye," Sam responded.
With that Sam turned and left the Frodo's room. Closing the door behind him Sam sighed and leaned his weight onto the hard oak behind him. Taking a couple deep breaths Sam straightened himself out and strolled down the hall to the kitchen.
It didn't take long for the kitchen to fill, not two minutes after Sam had finished cooking first breakfast did three Hobbits, a Dwarve, an Elf, a Human King, his Elven Queen, a Steward, a noble Shield-maiden and a wizard enter the room. Sam had to suppress laughter at the comical sight before him; he had to admit they certainly were a sight!
"Pass the meat!" Gimli bellowed over everyone's chattering.
Sam grabbed and tray of bacon and passed it over to Frodo who was in a better position to then give it to him.
"It's bacon Gimli," Frodo informed him.
Gimli made a grumbling sound that sounded like a 'thanks' before dumping half the contents of the plate onto his own.
"You know other people like bacon too Gimli!" Pippins' voice sounded.
Gimli pointedly ignored him and began devouring his food. Pippin made a pouting face and grabbed the plate of bacon before Gimli could get any more of it. He then proceeded to dump what was left of the bacon onto his own plate.
"Pippin!" Merry chided him.
Legolas gave both Gimli and Pippin an amused look before returning to the fruit and bread on his own plate.
Sam laughed and went back to his food. He was glad he'd grabbed some bacon before Gimli and Pippin got to it. Taking a bite of his bread with strawberry jam Sam glanced around the table, he had to admit it was nice having everyone together again. Looking from face to face Sams' eyes rested on Frodo, he sat near the end of the table on the opposite side. He picked at what little food was on his plate, his eyes straying from friend to friend. Sam watched in silence as Frodo's eyes strayed past him, blinked, then looked back.
The look startled Sam, no smile graced Frodos' lips. A light glimmered in Frodo's eyes, as they stared through Sam's, into his soul. Sam knew he should turn away, knew he should feel shame for being caught staring, but through all of these things he couldn't bring himself to tear his eyes from Frodos'. What could he be thinking? Sam wondered. Sams' thoughts were broken when a frantic hand began to wave in-between the two of them.
"Frodo?" Merrys' voice cut through their tension.
Frodo's eyes turned to the hobbit beside him. "Yes?" he asked, unaware that his cousin had been trying to get his attention for a couple minutes. Merry chuckled a little and looked back and forth between Frodo and Sam.
Sam blushed and looked down at his plate. He hadn't even heard Merry calling Frodo's name, he'd gotten completely lost in Frodo's eyes.
"I…um…" Frodo struggled to explain his absentmindedness.
Merry just shook his head, "don't worry about it cousin. I was just going to ask you if I could make use of your tub?"
Frodo gave a sigh of relief and smiled at Merry, "Of course you can, and the same goes for anyone else," he said raising his voice to rest of the table, although there was no need, as they had all stopped talking after the third "Frodo?" that Merry had shouted. They all nodded and said their thanks.
The now silent group was starting to get to Sam and he was ever aware that most eyes were fixed on him and Frodo. Feeling the pressure build up Sam decided he couldn't take it anymore. Standing from his seat Sam regarded the table, but did well to keep his eyes away from Frodo.
"If you'll all excuses me, I believe the garden is needing my attention." Turning from the table Sam gave a fleeting look to Frodo and then walked out of the room and out to the gardens.
Sam spent all of the morning and most of the afternoon gardening, only being interrupted when someone brought him out some water or a bite to eat. Sighing Sam looked up at the sky; it was almost time for tea if his calculations were right. He shook his head sadly at the fading daylight; it almost being October the light was starting to fade quicker, and the breeze he had to admit had a slight chill on it.
Deciding he'd best make an appearance in the Smial, Sam stood and brushed off his hands on his dirty clothes. He'd need to change first.
Upon entering the Smial Sam was met with the sound of Merry and Pippin arguing about some sort.
"I still say it was the finest ever!" Pippin exclaimed.
Sam peaked his head in the sitting room,
"Well I say we've had better!" Merry shouted back
The two hobbits were standing in the middle of the chairs and couches, which were all occupied by various people.
"Ah Sam! Do come sit down!" Aragorns' voice startled Sam out of his concentration on Merry and Pippin. Aragorn sat on the far couch, his lady next to him, beside her sat Eowyn. Across from them Gandalf sat alone in a chair.
"Yes Samwise, do come have some tea." Gandalf said holding out a cup.
Merry and Pippin had stopped arguing and re-took their seats though still glaring at one another.
" I will rightly in a moment Gandalf sir, I just wanted to change out of these grubby clothes is all," Gandalf nodded.
Sam was about to turn away but paused, and looked back. "Jus' wondering, where's everyone else?" he asked. Of course what he was really asking was 'where is Frodo?' And Gandalf seemed to notice this.
" Legolas, Gimli and Faramir have gone for a walk in the back hills of the Shire,"
Sam nodded; unfortunately it was not the information he was wanting.
Gandalf gave him a smile, "Frodo is in his study I believe Sam," He smiled thankfully at Gandalf and walked out of the room towards Frodos' study.
Coming to a halt outside the closed doorway Sam hesitated. What if Frodo wanted to be alone? Raising his hand Sam knocked lightly on the hard oak. There was a moment before a small reply came from within, "Come in,"
Sam took a deep breath, opened the door and went inside. Closing the door behind him Sam automatically looked to the old desk that sat in the middle of the small room, but to his surprise Frodo was not sitting in the fine chair that was it's companion.
"Hullo Sam," Frodos' voice came from his left.
Sam turned to see Frodo sitting on the comfy couch that sat just under the windowsill. The red book was open in his lap, Frodo gave Sam a small smile and book marked it and set it down on his lap.
"Sorry Mr.Frodo I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said seeing Frodo must have been reading.
"Not at all," he paused. "Was there something you wanted Sam?"
Sam blinked and felt a small blush creeping into his cheeks. "No…I just, tea's ready…I was wondering if you wanted…"
Frodos' smile grew but he shook his head.
"No thank you Sam, I'm not much in the mood for tea right now,"
Sam nodded, "Well I see you were reading so I'll just be on my way then," he said turning to leave.
" You don't have to…"
It came almost as a whisper but Sam heard it. Pausing, he turned back. Frodos' smile was gone and as soon as he realized Sam had heard him he looked down at his hands. Sam sighed and walked over to where Frodo was sitting, getting down onto his knees he reached out and placed his hand on top of Frodos', sitting in his lap. Frodo stared down at their interlocked hands before raising his eyes to meet Sams'.
Sam smiled at him, "Would you like me to stay Frodo?"
Frodo swallowed, and then nodded his head. Sam smiled and moved so he was seated next to him.
"You only have to ask,"
Frodo smiled sadly and reached out and hugged him. "I know…Thank you," he said into Sam's shoulder. Sam smiled and leaned into the hug, taking in the feel of Frodo.
They stayed that way for a few more moments and then pulled apart. Frodo smiled and leaned back into the couch, Sam did the same, although watching Frodo with curiosity. They stayed silent for a minute or so, neither really wanting to break the comfortable silence they were in. Frodo looked down at the book in his lap and opened it to the page he had marked.
"Would you like to read with me?" he asked.
Sam blinked looking down at the book, "you… I thought you didn't want me to read it?" he asked, clearly confused.
Frodo just shrugged, "I didn't, but…well I was just being silly, you were there after all." He looked almost nervous but Sam couldn't imagine why. "Besides I want to share these things with you,"
Sam smiled at Frodo, "Alright," Sam shuffled so he was sitting right next to Frodo, his leg touching Frodos', and leaned over so he could read what was written.
As I rowed away from the shore I could hear in the distance Sam calling my name. My heart torn in two, I set the paddle in motion. I had no choice; only I could bear this burden. I could not let its evil corrupt anyone else.
"Frodo!"
I heard his voice call to me from the shore. I dipped the paddle into the water again.
"Mr. Frodo!" his voice was desperate and I muttered to myself
"No Sam", I chanced a glance back. To my horror I saw he was following me,
"Go back Sam!" I yelled to him.
But determined as ever he kept treading through the water, "I'm going to Mordor alone!" I told him.
"Of course you are! And I'm going with you!" he yelled, and began to struggle with the deepness of the water.
My mind began to scream at me to turn around, with a shock I remembered something,
"You can't swim!" I yelled at him, though it seemed he did not care. I could feel my breath coming to gasps now, and my mind going blank at what to do. "Sam!" I tried again, hoping to get some sense into him. But loyal as ever he just kept trying to reach the boat.
With a final gasp of air I watched as he became fully submerged in the water.
"Sam!" I bellowed.
Grabbing the ore I turned the boat around and rowed as fast as I could to where he had fallen. Tears streamed down my face as I came closer, it was too much, I couldn't loose him, not like this. My mind briefly flashed back to when I was a lad, the night my parents drowned. I blinked away tears and rowed faster.
I stopped the boat and drove my arm into the water, praying to the valor I wasn't too late. I felt my heart leap as my hand grasped his wrist, for a moment there was no response but then I felt him grip my arm tight. Pulling with all my might he broke the surface of the water. I felt fresh tears fall down my face as Sam pushed himself upright in the boat.
Looking into my eyes he spoke,
"I made a promise Mr.Frodo. A Promise! Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee," I felt my heart swell, and I wondered how I could have ever thought I could do this without him. "And I don't mean to, I don't mean to,"
Sam felt tears swelling up in his eyes at the memory came rushing back. He had been so determined to get to Frodo he'd completely ignored Frodos' posttests that he couldn't swim. He hadn't cared; he just knew he couldn't let Frodo leave without him. He remembered the panicky feeling as he sunk under the water, the choking sensation that overcame him as he struggled to reach the surface in vain. He remembered the sparkling water above him, the way the sun danced on the waters surface. Then finally when he'd given up all hope the feel of Frodo's hand grasping his own.
Sam sighed and looked beside him. A smile rose on Sams' face as he saw that Frodo had fallen asleep. His head was resting on Sams' shoulder, his face seemed content. Sam shifted a little to get them both more comfortable; this movement caused Frodo to shift and his head to curl into Sams' chest. Sam reached down and moved the now awkwardly placed book onto the floor. He then moved his now free arm around Frodo's body, and rested it on his waist.
Sighing Sam breathed in Frodos' smell, marveling at the softness of his hair. Sam leaned back into the softness of the couch, almost absentmindedly his finger brushed across Frodos' cheek. So strong…Sam knew Frodo needed him here, though his pride would never allow Frodo to speak it, Sam knew. Frodo was still so easily broken, still burdened by an evil long diminished. Sam wished only that Frodo would tell him everything, for he knew there was more to it than what he'd read that day.
A small sound escaped Frodos' lips, causing him to shift closer to Sam and his hands to grasp at the fabric of Sams' shirt. A smile grew on Sams' face as he watched the hobbit sleep. Sighing he lifted his other arm and wrapped it securely around Frodo. Closing his eyes, Sam let the drowsiness take over him, finally falling into a peaceful slumber himself.
It was quite a few hours later that an old wizard, curious at the absence of the cozy smials' inhabitants, quietly opened the door to the study. Upon opening the door, Gandalf was met with a sight that brought a curious smile to his face. The kind of smile one has when they know something someone else does not. There lying on the couch were the sleeping forms of two young hobbits. Both slept soundly and were not disturbed by his entrance.
Gandalf gazed upon them for a few more minutes, taking in their arms wrapped tightly around the other, the intimacy of the way Sams' hand lay on top of Frodos' small imperfect one. The way Frodo slept nearly on top of him, and a look that suggested that both might tumble into a more stretched out position at any moment. Gandalf smiled and shook his head. The foolish hobbits were blind to what was right infront of them.
With one last look over his shoulder, the old wizard left the small study closing the door soundlessly behind him. They would realize it soon enough.
Okay there we go! Chapter…4 done! lol I know I'm taking the development of their relationship at a slow pace, but I want to get a lot of detail and drama into this as possible. Let me know what you think, questions, comments, suggestions. But No Flames! I have a Camel! There's enough water in him to douse any flame you shoot at me!
