This is Home 23

Scarlet Rebelle, Collin's actually 27. :)

Collin's story is up! This is Home: Collin. Read it and tell me whatcha think. :)

Thank you so much for the reviews! :) And I completely agree with you guys. Kristy's really boring, and there's actually a reason for that! She was meant to be a filler in the, someone who's there in case I need them, because in my dream, she came a bit later. And then I decided to just throw her in earlier, and so her character development is slower than a snail. But she'll come around. :)

And I'm so glad you guys like Collin! He's almost exactly like my real best friend, and my brother. They're both so much like Collin it's not even funny, and whenever they hang out my gut feels like it's on fire from laughing so much. So, Collin's got a super special place in my heart.

So... Should I separate this story into three parts, like the movies?

And I'm sorry about how long it takes for me to update. I've been suffering the worst migraines. :P

I don't own Lord of the Rings.

(Sophie)

"I'm taking you with me!" Collin smiled.

I stared at him. "Seriously? Gandalf's gonna let me come with you guys?"

Collin shrugged, his smile never fading. "Dunno. But I've got a plan for that, too!"

I rolled my eyes and turned away. "It's hopeless."

"No, no!" Collin ran in front of me. "It's a good plan! You see, Mordor's far to the east, right by Gondor. I was thinking that since you don't like living with elves, you could come with us until we get to Rohan or Gondor or something, since we're heading that way, anyways. Then, if all goes well, I'll come back a hero, and we can buy a house! It'll be great! I'll get Aragorn on my side and you'll be accepted in no time."

"I'm not getting my hopes up." There's no way that these men were going to let me go on a trip across Middle-earth.

"I think it'll work." He kept on smiling. "Hey, there's a party tonight, you know. We're celebrating! Although, I'm not sure what we're celebrating, exactly... I think we're celebrating the Fellowship? Heck, I don't know."

Party?

If there's one thing that elves can do right, it's throwing a party. Oohhhh buddy, their wine is the equivalent of moonshine.

Which = not good for me.

"You are alright, aren't you?" Collin studied my face.

"Peachy!" I gave him a smile. "So, do you like the rest of the fellowship?" Really, I just wanted to know his opinion of Boromir.

He shrugged. "Dunno! I've been sitting out here the whole time, waiting for you to come out of the bushes. I told them I had to go poop, so they left me here without any further questions. It's been about an hour since then; they probably think I'm dead."

Or constipated.

"Ahem..." A throat was cleared near the courtyard entrance. We turned to see Kristy, tapping her foot impatiently.

"What's this I hear about you and James leaving, Collin?"

Should have known Kristy would get upset. She only just found James again.

But Collin was hardly concerned. "Yepp! We're going out with the guys. Nothing unusual. Just throwing some jewelry into a volcano. Sophie's coming, too, if we can bother Gandalf enough."

Kristy frowned. "What about me?"

Sigh...

"Why don't you come, too?" I asked. If she was gonna be sad about it, she might as well come.

But I should have known that Kristy would be stubborn about this. "Heck no! Did you see what happened to Frodo? A freaking headless horseman stabbed him!" She shook her head and sighed. "I know that this whole thing has to be about the ring. I'm not stupid. To be quite honest, I don't want any of you to go. Unfortunately, you're just gonna go anyways."

"Yepp!" Collin and I smiled.

She sighed. "Erestor told me that you guys are leaving in two months. I hope you know that I'm going to give you guys hell about staying until then."

Ohh whatever, Kristy. You're too nice to give anyone hell. Hell for you is like a splinter for Collin and I.

We invented hell.

So, Collin and I set off to find the fellowship, leaving Kristy behind to plot her childish schemes to get us to stay.

What's she gonna do, tickle us to death?

"Do you think they'll have karaoke tonight?"

I raised an eyebrow at my friend as we walked down the corridors of Rivendell. "Do they ever have karaoke, Collin?"

The answer is, HELL YEAH!

(James)

I hate Legolas Greenleaf.

I'm not even kidding, I want to kill him.

And I've considered it! Oh boy, have I considered it. There's only one thing holding me back...

He's my ride home.

Yeah, I'll never find my way back to Mirkwood alone.

"Alright, gentlemen. I hope you all know what you're getting into." The old wizard, Gandalf, sighed as he set a giant map out on a big round table. We did nothing but simply stare at it as the wizard suggested possible routes to Mordor. The dwarf and Legolas kept sending daggers to each other over the table, and it didn't pass by the wizard unnoticed. "Perhaps you all would like to introduce yourselves? This is going to be a relatively long journey, I would hate to have to... dispose of one of you."

Something about that old man told me that he wasn't kidding, and I quickly spoke up.

"I'm James Galloway!"

Everyone turned to give me the strangest look.

"Galloway?" Gandalf eyed me.

I gulped. That man has one mean stare. "Yes, sir." Oh gosh, 'yes, sir?' I'm probably the wimpiest one in the entire fellowship.

The wizard smiled at me and nodded. "Your sister is an extraordinary young girl."

Phew! He's not gonna kill me. "Thanks. She is pretty hardcore."

And that's where I lost the attention.

"Collin, slow down!" Sophie's voice cried out from somewhere down the hallway.

Just then, my faux-hawked friend ran into view and stopped when he saw us gathered around the table. Seconds later, Sophie's small form smashed into his back, and she fell to the ground, panting.

"Look, Sophie! I found them!" Collin smiled in triumph.

Sophie pushed herself to her knees and glared up at her best friend. "Oh, goody."

The man from Gondor, Boromir, immediately moved forward and helped the little lady up from the ground.

"Sophie, what're you doing down there?" Collin watched her as she dusted herself off.

Ha! Funny. Dust in an elf city.

"So good of you to finally join us," Gandalf's deep voice cut into whatever the heck was going on. "Gentlemen, I'd like for you to meet my two charges. Collin, you've already met, and Sophie, his peculiar small friend. They come from another world, so please excuse their manners."

Sophie shrugged, and Collin bowed deeply. "Forgive us, good sirs. We got here as fast as we could."

The only two people who were shocked at their foreign status were Gimli and Boromir. Gimli was smiling brightly at Collin, like a father would look proudly at his son, and Boromir was staring wide-eyed at Sophie.

Am I catching a hint of a crush going on between Soph and this beefy man?

"Now, if you don't mind..." Gandalf straightened out the map in front of him and began to study it once more. "We have a lot to do before we disembark."

"Oh, don't mind me!" Sophie waved awkwardly and moved to stand in the corner. "I'm not even here!"

Collin moved up to the map and immediately pointed at some random door in a mountain. "That looks like a good shortcut."

Gimli practically beamed my good old friend. "Good choice, laddie! That there's the mines of Moria. My cousin's the lord in those parts, you know!"

Collin's eyes opened wide. "You're royalty? Well good for you!"

Gandalf rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Let us examine other possible routes before we make any decisions."

We hadn't been gathered for ten minutes, and Sophie was already snoozing on a nearby lounge chair. This was gonna be a long day...

(Sophie)

"Rise and shine, pumpkin!" A pillow was smashed into my head, and I looked through tired eyes to see Collin standing above me. The sun was considerably lower in the sky, and it looked like things were wrapping up with the fellowship.

With a yawn, I sat up and rubbed my eyes. "What time is it?"

"Time for you to go get ready for the party, silly woman!" Collin helped me up from the couch.

"Excuse me..." Boromir's deep voice cut in. Collin and I looked over to see the Gondorian standing next to us, a small smile on his face. "I believe that we have not been properly introduced." He gave a slight bow to Collin. "I am Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor."

Collin grabbed the man's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Sup, man? I'm Collin, and this here's Sophie."

"I've already met Sophie, actually." He gave me a smile.

"Well that's great!" Collin smiled. "Your brother told me a lot about you."

Say what?

"You know my brother?" Boromir asked.

Good question!

"Yeah, I know your brother!" My friend shrugged. "He and I did a bit of partying back in my days in Minas Tirith. He also kicked my butt a few times while sparring..."

Boromir's eyebrows furrowed together, like he was searching for a long lost memory. Finally, they shot up, and a small smile formed on his lips. "Collin! I remember hearing about you. All of the men on my father's court were quite impressed by you. If I recall correctly, they referred to you as one of the funniest men alive."

Goodness, Collin sure does know how to climb a social ladder, doesn't he?

"Were you two in Minas Tirith together, then?" Boromir looked back and forth between Collin and I.

"Hardly. He was always sleeping, or out with his friends."

"You two met all those years ago?" Collin raised an eyebrow at us.

My Gondorian and I made breif eye contact before he shrugged. "We saw each other once or twice."

And we kissed once or twice.

"Well, I'm glad you took care of her while I was out partying." Collin smiled. "I did feel bad for neglecting her, but then one day I woke up, and someone had given her a truck load of fancy gifts! She seems to have made a good deal of friends, as well."

A small chuckle erupted from the Gondorian. "Oh really?"

Oookay. We're not going there, right now. "Well, would you look at the time! I've gotta go get pretty!"

And so I left my best friend and old boyfriend/confusion in the dust.

Okay, so what's up with the butterfly crap going on in my stomach? If I had it my way, I'd stab every single one of those blasted insects.

Must. Find. Kristy.

"WOMANNN!" I burst into her room, where she and Arwen were getting ready for the party. Well, she was. Arwen was always a ten.

"Mmmyess?" Kristy didn't even look at me as she examined herself in the mirror.

"There's something I have to tell you."

Kristy sighed and motioned to the lounge chair. "Go on, tell me whatever your little heart desires."

I laid down on the cushy lounger like one would at a shrink's office.

"What's wrong, Sophie?" Arwen asked from where she was embroidering a bunch of junk.

"Romeo's here..."

Kristy turned around, eyebrow raised. "Romeo? Rich Minas Tirith man?"

"Oohhh, you've got a Romeo?" Arwen smiled in a very girly way, like when you just find out your best friend had her first kiss. She already knows Shakespeare's masterpiece.

I sighed. "Yes I do! And yes, Kris, Minas Tirith man."

Kristy smiled. "What the heck is he doing here? Is he here to take you back to Minas Tirith to marry you?"

Goodness, you hopeless romantic. That's a little drastic, don't you think?

"Well, not exactly. He's actually in the fellowship, now..."

"Lord Boromir's your Romeo?" Arwen all but dropped her embroidering.

"LORD Boromir?" Kristy frowned. "I knew that I shouldn't have let you have the balcony."

Arwen took my hand in her own. "Lord Boromir is a very honorable man, I fully support you."

"Can you introduce me to Faramir?" Kristy asked while brushing her hair.

Goodness, how old are we, here?

"You guys are jumping to conclusions. I'm not marrying anybody!" Heck, I hardly know the guy, if you really think about it.

"Of course you are." Kristy shrugged. "I saw him after the council, and he's a hunk. I'd be disappointed in you if you didn't go for it."

Arwen nodded in agreement. "He is handsome, but don't go for him unless you are sure."

"Thank you, Arwen!" I glared at Kristy. "Why can't you be more like Arwen?"

"Oh shut up, Soph." My friend rolled her eyes. "You might want to get ready, unless you want to go to the party looking like poop."

.

.

I can't dance.

It's true. Dancing + Me = Someone's Getting Stepped On.

So, you throw me into a world of dancing elves, and I look like a freak. Collin can dance, Kristy can dance, and I'm sure that James has learned how to dance after marrying an elf. The only person brave enough to dance with me is Glorfindel. Hey, the elf slayed a balrog (whatever that is), died, and came back to life. I'd say he's about the most hardcore being in Middle-earth.

It's not so much that I CAN'T dance, it's just like I can't relax enough to dance well.

Same thing.

Parties at Rivendell were like homecoming, or prom for me. I'm all pumped as I get ready, because I get to look oober pretty. Then, once it comes time to party, I chicken out and stand off to the side. Still pretty, but completely bored.

Such a bittersweet moment.

Anyways, Arwen had made sure to make me extra pretty, tonight. That woman's determined to get me hitched, I swear. Sure, Boromir's super cute and all, but I haven't really talked to him one on one since I saw him again. For all I know, the guy could be married or something, and I don't roll that way.

With a deep breath, I walked towards the sounds of merriment radiating through the hallways. I had skipped dinner, because my nerves were too jittery, but I had forgotten how loud my stomach growls were. So I was strolling around, practically growling at everyone I passed by. Classy.

"Sophie!" Collin tackled me when he saw me, but was careful to avoid messing up my dress and hair. "Look at you!" He ran his hands through my hair. "Soooo sooffttt..."

I smiled at my friend. He never ceases to entertain me. "Hey, Coll. Where's Kristy?"

He shrugged. "Dunno! Let's dance." He grabbed my hand and began to pull me towards the dance floor.

"Uh, no?" I stopped and tugged my hand free.

Collin frowned. "Why not?"

"Because you know I can't dance, you prick!" Honestly, how long has he known me? Maybe he's just had too much to drink.

Aragorn chose that moment to stroll up, a big wine goblet in hand, and an even bigger smile plastered on his face. If anyone likes a good party, it's Aragorn. "Enjoying the party?"

"No!" Collin sighed. "Sophie here refuses to dance."

"Refuses to dance?" Aragorn raised an eyebrow at me. "And why is this?"

Sigh. "Because, you guys! I CAN'T!"

"Nonsense!" Aragorn handed Collin his goblet, took my hand, and began to lead me out to the dance floor.

My heart sank. "Uh, what are you doing?"

"Breaking you out of that shell of yours, milady!"

No no no no no!

He dragged me right out to the middle of the dance floor and immediately twirled me. Of course, I was clumsy and stepped on the poor man's foot, but he didn't seem to mind. The music was quick-paced, and dozens of elves were dancing around us. My heart was thumping as I struggled to keep up with Aragorn, who is surprisingly a great dancer.

"Loosen up, Soph!" Collin shouted to me from the sidelines.

Easy for him to say! He's only watching, while helping himself to Aragorn's wine. I'd like to see him try to dance with a man well over a foot taller than him!

Kristy was laughing and dancing next to me with Glorfindel- the two are like brother and sister. James was chilling with his elf friends next to the dance floor, gazing upon the merriment like a true elf. Living with elves has made him just as boring as one.

Well, like most elves. Some elves were fun.

"Might I cut in?" Boromir's deep voice interrupted my rhythm, and I tripped right into Aragorn's chest.

"Please, take her!" Aragorn tossed me into Boromir's arms. "I think that my feet shall be broken if she continues to step on them." He winked at me and went to stand by Arwen.

She told him! That bloody elf!

"Can we maybe not dance?" I asked, trying to ignore my aching feet. "I think that I might die."

"Of course." Boromir smiled. "But might I speak to you privately? I have not yet had the pleasue."

"Sure! Lead the way!"

He took my hand and led me out of the hall and into the gardens. Everything was lit up with lanterns, and the stars sparkled up in the sky. It was a warm for late October, and everything was a pretty autumn orange.

My heart was wigging out. What exactly are we talking about?

"So... How's life?" I asked, awkwardly.

Hey, what else am I supposed to say?

Boromir chuckled. "It's... Well, I suppose."

"Huh... Decent."

Awkward silence.

"I can't begin to express how surprised I am, seeing you here..." He began.

"Chyeah, no kidding." He thinks he's surprised!

"That man... Collin... Is he your husband?"

These are the moments where people drink a cup of coffee, just to spit it out dramatically.

Collin? My husband? I mean, yeah, I had a big crush on him in high school, but he never really did anything to promote it, so it kind of fizzled out.

"No, he's just my best friend. Got a wife waiting for you back home?"

"There is no one."

Huh... Well, good.

"Then I guess that not much has changed." I shrugged.

"No, I guess not." He agreed.

More silence.

My brain needs to work faster. I can sit here, narrating my entire life in my mind, yet I can't talkt to a guy?

"I did not forget you, you know." Boromir spoke, after quite some time. "Not a day went by when I did not think about you."

Butterflies flooded my stomach, and my little conscience ran down to my gut and immediately began to attack the little bugs. Speak, Sophie, speak!

"I thought about you lots, too. Why didn't you tell me that you were the steward's son?" Fo'rizzle. That's a ridiculously important detail to life.

Boromir sighed and leaned against a tree. "I didn't want your opinion of me to be based off of titles."

"Dude. Titles don't bother me one bit. You could be the Queen of England, but if you're a jerk, I'm gonna hate you. Besides, you didn't really hide your nobility well after you sent me all of those gifts."

Boromir chuckled and rubbed his head nervously. "Yes, I know..."

Silence. Wouldn't you guess?

"Can we not have a normal conversation?" I sighed. "Why do things have to be awkward? I mean... In all reality, we barely knew each other back in Minas Tirith, and it's been years since then..."

"I know..." Boromir chuckled again, a nervous habbit, I suppose. "But there's something about you... I can't explain it."

That knocked out my conscience and the butterflies went crazy. Blood rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly looked down to hide my blush.

"I believe that you feel the same way, don't you?"

Ohh he was so right. I didn't want to admit it, though. Unfortunately, my blush and giant smile gave me away, and Boromir smiled.

"Look up there." I pointed up to the stars. "Orion's belt."

The same constellations... Then this world is not so different.

Boromir sat down next to me and looked up to the stars with me.

"So, my dear Boromir. Tell me about yourself."

"What would you like to know?"

I smiled. "Everything."