(F/n) = father's name

(M/n) = mother's name

(S/c) = skin colour (although you probably already knew that)

"And just where have you been young lady?"

"I was just walking back from the festival, father." The front door of you home creaks shut as you pad into the brightly-lit living room. You father greets you with a rather stern looking grimace and your mother with a pleasant smile. They knew you'd be back a little later than usual, so what's with all the fuss?

"We have plans tomorrow, or today as it were. Can you not learn to keep track of time - it's already the early hours of morning!" Upset would not be the word for it - your father seems troubled and slightly angered. Crease lines etch his forehead, cutting deep with worry. Are a few drinks really that important?

"It doesn't matter now, though." Your mother coos to him softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Did you have fun dear?"

"I did!" You beam, placing yourself into the nearby armchair, careful not to strain your shoulder. "The music and food was amazing! I was with my friends Merry and Frodo and -"

"Frodo? The Baggins?" Your father questions, his temper not seeming to calm.

"Er, yes. H-he asked me to go with Pippin and Merry, as well as himself. He is a f-friend of mine y-you know, father." You sputter out, cold sweat breaking out on your neck. You know how much your father dislikes you associating with the Bagginses.

Fumbling hands and quaking knees is the signal for you mother to step in once again.

"(F/n), you heard her, just her friends. I don't see any harm in being friends with him."

"But what if they-!"

"Shhh, they won't." Your mother place's a small kiss on your father's (s/c) forehead. "Big plans tomorrow, you should be off to bed."

Your father sighs, settling him self. He runs a hand across his face, wiping the small sheen away. "I guess you're right, (m/n). I'll see you bright and early, (y/n). Dress nice and act proper."

"Goodnight, father." You simper as he trudges down the hall to his and your mother's room. It's just you and your mother left now. She's about the room putting out the candles and you sit watching her from your chair.

"What's so important about tomorrow?" You ask you mother. She turns to you, her cheeks crinkling into a smile.

"Your father has some important news to tell you. To tell everyone, infact. Although you're the last to know." She pauses for a moment, thinking about something. "A surprise, if you will."

"A-a surprise?!" Your face suddenly lights up, your eyes widening as your cheeks glow. Surprises are normally wonderful things. "What kind of surprise?"

"He insists you'll like it."

"Do you think I'll like it, mother?"

"I... I'm not sure, (y/n). But I think it'll all turn out just right in the end." Worry lines tamper with her one cooly composed face as her eyes lower to the candles more."

"You don't seem too sure..."

"Personally I think the matter should have been discussed with you first." She stops as the last flame is puffed out. "But there's not much that can be done now. Night sweetheart."

Following the same exit as your father, your mother strolls to her room and leaves you in the comforting darkness. Darkness is a useful tool - it gives you all the space and time in the universe to think. But to think about what, though? How within the past hour you might have just had the best moments of your life? You run a finger over your soft bottom lip, remembering the kiss from earlier. There's nothing wrong in being in love it's a Baggins boy. In fact, it's pretty fun and magical.

But your father doesn't seem to think that. Whatever his plans are for tomorrow, there's a small sickening feeling in your stomach that tells you sometching won't be right, unaccording to your morals or believes or something. Father never likes to involve in public business. Too risky, he says; onlookers may get the wrong idea. But this is down the local of all places, hardly business like at all. Mugabe not business then, but perhaps, just maybe.

A good surprise.

Either way it won't matter: you can sneak off with Frodo, Merry and Pippin when the chance arises.