Chapter Text
And so the journey began. Sam pestered close behind Frodo as he lead them out of the Shire. Remembering Gandalf's stern gaze sent a shiver down Sam's spine, this ring held more power than he could ever imagine. Yet while the importance this mission was strong in the forefront of his mind, but he could help but let the rest drift to Frodo. Concern of the tole that this mission would take washed over him. Since the night Bilbo disappeared, an almost permanent crease began to form between Frodo's eyebrows. Sam wishes dearly to reach out and rub it smooth, and tell him that he doesn't have to carry this burden alone.
~
They traveled farther then Sam has ever been. Brushing through weeds and stumbling over rocks that had grown slick with water from a near by creak. He tried to keep his eyes forward, but they kept drifting to the curly tuffs of hair a head of him. 'Mr. Frodo is truly very brave'. Almost losing his footing on an algae covered rock, Sam forces himself to tear his gaze away from Frodo's back.
As they make it near the end of the Shire, Sam's pace begin to heed. He looks down.
“This is it”
Frodo turns to Sam.
“This is what?”
“The next step I take will put me the farthest away from home I have ever been.”
Frodo frowns. He steps closer to Sam, placing a hand on his bicep, giving it a comforting squeeze. Causing Sam to look up.
“Come on Sam”
Frodo gives him a half smile.
The gesture did more than it should have, causing a flutter in Sam’s chest. As his steps fall in tune with Frodo’s, he can’t help the lingering feeling of the moment that has long passed. His bicep still warm with the caring touch that Frodo graced him with.
~
Bilbo used to say that it's dangerous business going out the door. Though, as long as he's with Frodo, Sam doesn't really mind how dangerous it gets, as long as he gets to stick by Frodo's side. Ensuring Frodo's safety as they do so, Sam is sure he go anywhere as long as he was by Frodo's side.
~
They began to venture through thick fields of corn, sticking to the path in order to ensure they don't lose their footing in the maze. Sam looks down for brief moment, heat creeping up to the tips of his ears as begins to reminisce about Frodo's comforting words. As he looks up his stomach tightens.
"Mr. Frodo?".
Frodo had vanished from his sight, causing Sam to tighten his hand around his walking stick. His pace begins to quicken, panicked. Fearing that Frodo might have disappeared similar to that of Bilbo a couple nights prior.
"Mr. Frodo?"
No response.
"Frodo!"
As he rushes forward, Frodo creeps from behind a maze.
Unknowingly, Sam's tense shoulders began to falter.
"I thought I lost you."
Frodo's head cocks to the side, "what are you talking about".
"It's..." Sam looks to the side, as he makes his way closer to where Frodo is standing, "It's just something that Gandalf said."
"What did he say?"
" 'Don't you lose him Samwise Gamgee' "
Sam creeps closer to Frodo until he is almost a foot away, peering at him closely.
"And I don't mean to."
The statement was quieter than Sam meant for it to be.
"Sam-"
Before their closeness could settle two figure bear into them causing them to stumble to the ground.