Hey minna! If you've returned for the second chapter to this new story, then THANK YOU! That means my story doesn't suck! I hope it continues not to suck! :D

As always, no flames please. I would love some constructive criticism, please.

Naruto Masashi Kishimoto & Lord of the Rings © J.R.R Tolken. I do not own any of their characters, just this story.

Enjoy and review responsibly! :D

CONCERNING: NARUTO
"Sorry I'm late. I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life."
~ Kakashi Hatake

It was the end of yet another busy day that turned into another night full of fun, drinking and relaxation. The Green Dragon had been, as usual, filled to bursting point with loud, bustling, bragging, smoking and drinking hobbits winding down from a hard day's work. Eventually, it was last call and time to close down for the night. Frodo Baggins hummed sympathetically as his uncle's gardener, the shy and awkward Samwise Gamgee, avoided eye contact with Rosie Cotton on his way out.

"Good night, lads."

Rosie's well wishes sounded flat to Frodo who felt frustrated just witnessing the crestfallen expression on Rosie's face as Sam walked past, avoiding her gaze. Obviously, Sam's affections for Rosie would be returned if he had the courage to even look at her, never mind open his mouth and speak. Frodo had been observing Rosie the moment he and Sam had entered the pub with Sam's old Gaffer, Frodo's second cousin once removed, Peregrin Took – 'Pippin' to his close friends – and Pippin's best friend and fellow mischief-maker, Meriadoc Brandybuck – who preferred to be called 'Merry' - who were enjoying some mugs of ale. Rosie's eyes never strayed from Sam, except when she served some customers or gathered up dirty ale mugs for cleaning. He was dead set sure that Rosie and Sam only needed a little nudge in the right direction; it was just a matter of choosing the right time and place in order to orchestrate it.

Frodo reckoned that their situation would've been adorable, if it wasn't for the fact that it just felt tragic watching it unfold. Walking home together, as usual, Frodo gave Sam yet another pep talk to try and bring him out of his cloistered shell.

"Come on, Sam. You need to believe in yourself a little more." Frodo persuaded. "It won't hurt to at least talk to her." Sam looked embarrassed and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Begging your pardon, Mr. Frodo. But why would somebody as lovely as Rosie Cotton, take a liking towards me when there are other worthier hobbits out there?" Frodo rolled his eyes, but he wasn't deterred.

"Stop doubting yourself." He would get this stubborn hobbit to admit his worthiness sooner or later. Turning down the path which lead to Bag End, there was suddenly a crack of thunder even though there was not a cloud in the night sky, and a bright light almost blinded the poor hobbits as they cowered in fright, shielding their eyes.

"What in the world was that?" exclaimed Frodo. Something fell from the light and Frodo and Sam exchanged a look between them before charging off towards the meadow to investigate. In the clearing, both hobbits saw a blonde-haired boy dressed in strange clothing lying spread-eagled on the soft grass.

"Oh no!" yelled Frodo before rushing forward for a closer look.

"Mr. Frodo, wait!"

Sam made to stop him, but Frodo could be fast when he wanted to be and was easily out of Sam's reach. The inquisitive brunette hobbit got to the fallen young man in record time. He wasn't a bad looking lad: tall - about 5'5 approx. with a strong slightly muscular build, straight yellowish platinum blonde hair and full peach coloured lips on a rounded, thin face of which he had an odd headdress wrapped around his forehead. A strange symbol was emblazoned on it - a spiral with a small triangle which looked vaguely like a leaf. The boy was dressed from the neck down in garish orange and black: ragged Capri pants with white bandages and a small black pouch wrapped around his right thigh, and equally tattered and holey black and orange jacket that partially concealed a black fish net mesh top. On his feet he wore toeless black, ankle-length boots. But the strangest feature of this boy, was the six needle fine black lines that adorned both of his cheeks as though some heartless person had taken a dagger and cut wounds there on purpose.

"Where did he come from, I wonder?" muttered Sam searching the skies and then frowning down at this strange boy with a level of mistrust. Frodo shrugged as he knelt down beside the fallen boy.

Naruto knew something was wrong the moment he regained consciousness. He could hear a babbling brook, and crickets chirping in the distance. The thick smoky smell of a burning fireplace hung heavy in his nose. He was lying on something soft and from the feel of it through his fingers, he realised it was freshly cut grass. A cool breeze brushed over his sweaty skin and it made him shiver. Call him crazy, but where he and Sakura were facing off against Sasuke was a bare and destroyed landscape. Which meant that Naruto wasn't where he was supposed to be.

Come to think of it, where was Sakura and the Teme?

Naruto immediately froze when he heard footsteps heading towards him. He cracked open one of his eyes and saw two blurry pairs of extremely thick and hairy feet directly in front of his face.

What the-? Naruto wrinkled his nose, silently thanking the gods that these strangers didn't have smelly feet, and flinched when gentle hands unexpectedly started shaking him, trying to see if they could wake him up.

"Are you alright?"

Naruto groaned and sat up, wincing when a sharp pain cracked across his head. He rubbed at where the pain was the worst, and when he pulled his hand away he saw blood.

Shit! Kyuubi, why aren't you healing me?

Naruto panicked when he heard no reply from his usually cantankerous tenant. He gingerly turned his head towards where he had seen the feet and the blonde saw two of the weirdest people he had ever seen in his young life, and he'd seen some weird shit during many a mission. To Naruto's dismay, they were both speaking English.

Aw, fuck! He thought.

The English language was not his best subject back at the Academy. It took Iruka forever to help him pass his English Language exam mostly because of his short attention span, and lacking the ability to sit still for more than two seconds. Groaning, he honed in on his basic shinobi instincts and scanned his surroundings for obvious danger. By the looks of it, he was sitting in the middle of a grassy meadow with a small village not too far away in the distance – if the lights in the thatched windows gave anything away. In the middle of the little village there was a river - that's where the sound of rushing water was coming from. It occurred to the blonde that he had yet to answer the concerned looking stranger. He winced, but was thankful that neither Sakura nor Iruka were there to smack him over the head for being impolite.

"I'll live." Naruto mumbled, cracking a weak smile as he answered their question in very thick English.

Both Frodo and Sam were taken aback by the strange boy's tongue. It was extremely uncommon, much like he was. The 'big folk' normally spoke with an Old English tongue, just like they did; and they wore mostly neutral colours unless they were of nobility or royalty. This boy however, spoke with an elegant unknown language that neither hobbit recognised at all. This was indeed, a very strange boy. Naruto studied his rescuers warily. To his left, he saw a 'young' man with shoulder-length curly brown hair, midnight blue eyes and pointed elf-like ears who was staring at him with concern. To his right, there was another even 'younger' man who also had curly shoulder-length hair, only his was a straw blonde colour, and he had brown eyes and pointed elf-like ears like the first man. Only unlike his companion who had a friendly smile, this guy had a distrusting scowl on his face which Naruto found himself matching.

What's his problem? Naruto wondered. Both were wearing similar clothing: cotton button-up shirts with sleeves that folded up near their elbows. Their shirts were tucked into brown Capri pants held up with suspender-belts. The brunette was wearing a wine red vest and looked tidier and a little more affluent than the blonde. He stepped forward and held out a helping hand to Naruto who took it hesitatingly, accepting the help up due to his head injury.

"Come with me and I'll take care of your wounds." He offered. The blonde immediately stopped him.

"Are you sure that's wise, Mr. Frodo?" 'Frodo' scowled disapprovingly at him, trying his best to support Naruto who winced in pain and started breathing heavily. Sasuke, that bastard, had broken a couple of his ribs too.

Great timing, Kyuubi! Taking a vacation while I'm struggling to breathe!

His thoughts dripped with sarcasm before Naruto noticed to his dismay and ill-fortune, that both of these strangers were not much taller than perhaps 3' to 4' at the most. Frodo tightened his grip on Naruto's wrist.

"Sam, given his present state, I highly doubt that he could harm us in the slightest." 'Sam' knew that Frodo had a valid point, but regardless maintained a cautious attitude. At Frodo's insistence, Sam came over and supported Naruto's other side. Together, the two hobbits carried and dragged Naruto to Bag End.

For Naruto, the journey towards Frodo's home was a painful experience – which wasn't helped by the fact that his 'rescuers' were very short, and putting unnecessary pressure on his wounds. The blonde ninja was still questioning why Kyuubi hadn't started healing him, or at least taking the edge off the pain he was feeling. He was somewhat mollified when the realised exactly how peaceful and pretty the place he had mysteriously materialised in really was. He was also extremely confused about why these weird little people were living in underground homes dug out of grassy hills. He was pleasantly surprised to see that they apparently were gifted gardeners, as every 'house' they walked past had a well-tended garden filled with colourful sprays of blossoming flowers and the odd vegetable patch.

"Um, what's with the underground houses?" inquired Naruto. Frodo and Sam looked at him with surprise.

"What do you mean?" asked Frodo, wincing sympathetically whenever Naruto groaned from the pain.

"Why have you built your homes underneath hills?" Naruto translated. Sam rolled his eyes believing Naruto's question to be rather foolish and obvious. But Frodo frowned thoughtfully at the question.

"I honestly don't know. It's been that way since the very first hobbit came to live in the Shire, I suppose." He said, "Ah, we're almost there." He announced to a relieved Naruto, whose keen ears picked up on a vital clue of where we was.

"Hobbit? What's a hobbit?" He asked curiously. Sam choked on air.

"What's a hobbit?! You cannot be seriously asking that question." He chided, earning a scowl from Frodo.

"Well, clearly that's why I'm asking!" Naruto was starting to get really annoyed with the hostility he was sensing from Sam, and Frodo quickly moved to defuse a potential quarrel.

"What Sam meant to say is that we are hobbits. Or what the 'big folk' would call 'halflings' or 'shire-folk'." Sam went to protest about revealing this information to a complete stranger when Frodo shot a warning glance at him that forced Sam to fall silent. Naruto wasn't oblivious to this, but wisely decided to let it go in favour of giving his throbbing head some relief. "Here we are." Frodo announced.

Thank kami… Naruto allowed himself to smile in relief as Frodo pushed open the small gate that fenced in a small winding footpath leading to a large green painted circular door with a brass doorknob.

"Bilbo!" Frodo called out urgently. "Uncle? We're in need of some assistance!" He opened the front door of his home which he and Sam called 'Bag End'. An 'aged' hobbit with dark brown curly hair peered out from a nearby room, and Naruto saw his kind world-weary eyes widen in shock when he saw his nephew half-carrying, half-dragging a weakened and exhausted looking boy dressed in strange clothes, with cuts and bruises into their home, aided by their gardener.

"Oh my dear, boy. What in all of the Shire are you doing with this stranger?" He asked as he took over from Sam and hastened Naruto and Frodo deeper into the hobbit hole.

"We found him, Bilbo. I'm afraid he's hurt rather badly." Frodo explained as Naruto winced once he was seated in a nearby armchair.

"Well I should say that's obvious." Snorted Bilbo who darted into a nearby room, collecting a basin of water and a cloth to help wipe away the worst of Naruto's wounds. "What is your name, if you don't mind me asking?" asked Bilbo cautiously. After all, Naruto was a stranger and Bilbo had learned long ago during his 'adventures' to the Lonely Mountain sixty years ago, to be wary of strangers until he was better acquainted with them. Naruto was likewise hesitant, but for different reasons. A lifetime of abuse and neglect had left Naruto unused to the offer of a comforting, healing hand; as most hands were raised to strike and harm. But because he was in need of help – decided to risk it and answer.

"Naruto Uzumaki."

Bilbo saw the reluctance in both Naruto's eyes and in his words, and considered the boy very wise.

"Tell me lad, where do you come from?" He asked pleasantly. Naruto stared back at Bilbo momentarily before coming to a similar conclusion that this stranger meant no harm to him and decided to trust him.

"Fire country. I'm from Konoha." The three hobbits exchanged looks of varying emotions: Bilbo seemed fascinated and curious; Frodo was bewildered and curious, and Sam still maintained his disapproval, but he too couldn't help but express some curiosity as well.

"How peculiar." Bilbo replied as he helped Naruto take off his jacket and started dabbing at a particularly deep cut that Naruto blinked at in surprise.

How the fuck did I not feel that?

"It sounds unsavoury to me," Sam said stubbornly, "who has ever heard of such a place as 'Fire Country'?" Frodo smiled fondly at Sam, but also felt a little embarrassed for Sam's outburst on his behalf. Naruto yawned, his fatigue from the battle against Sasuke finally catching up with him as he shrugged indifferently at Sam's question.

"I should ask you the same question."

Bilbo noted Naruto's yawn and adopted the same fatherly personality he had once used when Frodo was in his tweens. He turned towards Sam and offered a pleasant smile.

"I think it's best if we retire for the night. Young Naruto here it seems is in need of rest." Naruto felt like his head weighed a thousand pounds and he slumped forward, silently thanking Bilbo. Maybe after a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, he'd be able to make sense of this situation. He just hoped that Sakura, and even Sasuke were okay wherever they were.

News of Naruto's unusual arrival and temporary accommodation at Bag End spread like wild-fire across Hobbiton. Some of the nosier hobbits took it upon themselves to impose on Bilbo and Frodo's hospitality to gawk at their strange guest, often using the impending birthday party preparations as an excuse. A fact that thoroughly annoyed both Frodo and Bilbo when they realised this, and they eventually had to resort to subtle threats and hints to keep them at bay.

Sam was concerned about the Bagginses reputation because of Naruto's presence.

"I told you this was a bad idea, Mr. Frodo." He, Frodo, Merry and Pippin had just turned away the usual crowd of overly curious neighbours and 'well-wishers' wanting to catch a glimpse of Naruto who was almost completely healed and was about to head out to do some training. The blonde had reluctantly allowed the four curious hobbits to accompany him, as long as they watched at a distance to avoid being hurt by Naruto's weapons. All were enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding woods near the Brandywine River with a slowly healing Naruto who was meditating after his training session.

"Sam, I told you so has a brother. He's called shut up!" quipped Naruto who had turned to scowl playfully at the hobbit. This earned scandalised looks from all four hobbits that eventually turned into smirks and giggle-snorts from both Merry and Pippin, and an amused smile from Frodo. Naruto was introduced to Merry and Pippin one night when both hobbits suddenly appeared at Bag End looking for Frodo and Sam who hadn't been to the Green Dragon for a few days.

Like Frodo, Sam and Bilbo, they were curious about Naruto, and asked the poor blonde endless questions about who he was, where he came from and what he did for fun? The blonde had quoted Shikamaru describing Merry and Pippin as 'troublesome'. But found that they grew on him when they expressed their interest and lifelong hobby of pulling pranks and their general mischief in Hobbiton, and couldn't resist concocting some pranks with the two free-spirited hobbits.

The three became fast friends.

"Can you tell us about your friends?" asked Pippin, ever curious. Naruto sighed before stretching and lying back on the grass, watching fluffy white clouds drifting past in the forget-me-not blue sky.

Can totally see why Shikamaru does this all the time…

"Sakura's one of my best friends." Naruto began, "she was one of the few that actually didn't see me as the Kyuubi." The four hobbits smiled sympathetically. They remembered when Naruto first mentioned the fox … then trailed off looking scared and refused to elaborate further when prompted by Bilbo and Frodo as to why he looked so upset and defensive. It was Sam that finally struck gold and got Naruto to tell him the truth. He realised that Naruto was really just a vulnerable and scared teenage boy underneath the guise of an independent, strong-willed ninja with hyperactive tendencies and an appetite that could rival the average hobbit. Learning such a personal secret as well as the history behind it helped Sam develop an understanding with Naruto, and they finally became friends.

"But it took a while before that happened. Sakura used to believe that I was annoying, stupid and constantly ruining her chances with Sasuke." Frodo frowned.

"Your other friend?" Naruto nodded.

"She doesn't sound very nice." Sam pointed out as he puffed away on his pipe. Naruto grinned.

"She wasn't. She used to beat the crap outta me when I did something wrong." The hobbits looked horrified at this, but Naruto wasn't paying attention to their reactions. He was still traveling down memory lane. "Still can't believe I actually had a crush on her. But I guess it was because I didn't want to admit my real feelings for someone else. Or I didn't feel like that person would like the fact that I liked them in that way." Naruto scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. Sam hummed with empathy and ignored the pointed look Frodo threw at him.

"Why don't you just own up?" asked Merry. Naruto blanched at the thought, but was quickly saved by Sam who punched Merry's shoulder, earning a glare back.

"You don't ask personal questions like that. It's not right." Naruto sniggered, but was grateful when he didn't have to answer Merry's question.

"So how did you and Sakura become friends?" Pippin was very persistent.

"It was after Sasuke left Konoha. We were both looking for somebody to confide in for our loss. So we decided to set aside our differences and work together to bring Sasuke back. That was when Sakura really got to know who I was as a person, and she even defended me when things were really bad in the Village." Naruto noticed that Frodo had been silent for most of their conversation. "Frodo? You okay, man?"

"Why did Sasuke leave?"

"To kill his brother." The hobbits looked shocked, "He never trusted anyone with the truth, or told us about his past. Sakura and I were eventually told by our Hokage why he had defected."

"What's a Hokage?" asked Pippin. Naruto thought for a believable answer, as he didn't want to label the position he would probably have someday.

"Um … it's kinda like a King or Queen? I dunno, but it's a huge deal where I come from." The blonde finally answered.

"What did Sasuke's brother do?" Merry asked cautiously, not sure if wanted to know the answer. But Naruto wouldn't tell.

"It's not my story to tell. I'd be so dead if I blabbed and he found out." Naruto admitted. "It's better to let him tell you. But don't hold your breath, he'd sooner kill you than admit anything." Merry looked a little put out but a warning glance from Frodo stopped him from pressing the issue. Naruto's stomach growled, which sent off a wave of laughter among the group.

"Damn. I'm starving!"

"Me too!" agreed Pippin. Merry rolled his eyes and got to his feet, pulling his best friend up at the same time.

"You're always hungry, Pip." Frodo still looked troubled by the information he had just learned from Naruto, but he decided to keep his opinion to himself, even if he disapproved of the situation completely.

The four hobbits and the blonde ninja travelled back to Bag End where Luncheon was being served by an unusually enthusiastic Bilbo.

"Ah! Perfect timing, lads. Go on tuck in, there's plenty more where this came from!" Bilbo hurried away, busying himself at the stove as he put on a kettle to boil for tea and quickly darted from the room, seemingly distracted by something. Pippin and Naruto immediately fell upon the food and started eating, Merry joining in at a more sedate pace. Sam noticed how quiet Frodo was.

"Are you alright, Mr. Frodo?" Frodo seemed to snap back to reality and gave Sam a quick reassuring smile.

"Perfectly fine, Sam. Just thinking." Frodo moved for the now whistling kettle and removed it from the fire.

Naruto wasn't fooled.

His years of fieldwork as a ninja and Kakashi's teachings had trained him to observe everything and he realised that Frodo was concerned about Bilbo. To be honest, he agreed with his friend. Naruto had spent three days in the Shire since his impromptu arrival. He gradually got to know Frodo, Bilbo and their way of life. Naruto learnt that Frodo and Bilbo had a joint birthday together and this year was particularly special, because of Bilbo's unusual age. He was going to be turning the ripe and very unusual age of one-hundred and eleven, and to celebrate this Bilbo's family and friends decided to throw this massive party in his honour.

Naruto reckoned the old hobbit looked pretty good for such an age – and had heard from some gossiping hobbit women that Bilbo was often dubbed 'well-preserved' because his age did not match his appearance. Naruto agreed with Frodo's concerns about his uncle, mostly because his ninja instincts were telling him that there was something not quite right with Bilbo. His suspicions had been confirmed one day, when he secretly caught a stressed and freaked out Bilbo fingering something in the pocket of his vest. The 'elderly' hobbit had instantly calmed down as a result.

"I hope Gandalf is coming to Bilbo's party. His fireworks are always the best!" Naruto tuned into the conversation.

"Who's Gandalf?"

"Oh you don't know. He's a wizard. He sometimes comes to visit, but he never stays around for very long." Pippin was practically bouncing around, but Naruto noticed him exchanging sneaky looks with Merry, and he knew that both of them were plotting something. Something that Naruto knew would probably get them into trouble.

Can't wait to see what they're planning… Naruto thought with a grin. This was the first time Naruto had been permitted to go to a party without the risk of incurring hateful comments, physical blows and even projectiles hurled in his direction. He was going to make the most of the opportunity and have some fun.

A/N: Review thoughtfully and respectfully :) xx