Chapter Text
The night was going well, the stars were bright, the atmosphere was lively. The breeze was cool, but not cold enough to make one shiver. Strong smells of chicken roast and firecrackers float through the air. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Even with all the music, food, and dancing scrambling around Sam, he felt nothing more than contempt. Even with fantastic beams of lights soaring through the sky, he couldn't bear to part his eyes from Frodo. Watching the lights flicker through his blue eyes was more beautiful than watching them shoot through the sky on his own. Throughout the night, he stayed tucked by his side.
That was before Frodo ushered him into the arms of Rosie. She was beautiful, and Sam cares for her greatly, yet having to part from Frodo for those few minutes created a tear in his heart. It created a feeling that he couldn't shake, one that made his throat go dry as he and Rosie glide along the floor. Slowly, the music started to fade as everyone's attention was turned to the man of importance for the night, Bilbo Baggins. His one hundred and eleventy-th birthday. A great achievement from hobbits.
Through Bilbo's speech, Sam couldn't help but steal glances at Frodo. He seemed happy. The light in his eyes was so dazzling that it became distracting, until they dropped. That made Sam refocus his attention onto Bilbo, but he was gone. Through the shock of Bilbo's disappearing act, everyone scrambled in wonder. When Sam turns his attention back to Frodo, he realizes that he too begins to look in astonishment, attempting to find Bilbo.
Sam rushes to Frodo in his panic, "Mr. Frodo, is everything-".
He was soon cut off with Frodo's worried tone. "I'm sorry Sam, but I have to look for Bilbo".
Without saying more, Frodo fleas to Bilbo's home, leaving Sam by himself.
Sam stands alone, astonished by the abrupt ending to his night. He begins to saunter back to his own house, the quite of the night seeping into his his skin. As he rests his head on his pillow, he begins to replay Frodo's worried face after Bilbo disappeared. He couldn't help but worry in turn.
~
Days go by and he still can't shake the feeling of worry. Frodo doesn't seem to be the same as he was a couple days prior. As day turns to night, Sam attempts to rest, yet tossing and turning with no sleep in sight, he gets up. I know I shouldn't snoop, but I can't help it.
Sam dashes out his house, and makes his way toward Bilbo's. Guilt eats at him as he sneaks around the house. That is until he hears muffled voices, those of Gandalf and Frodo. Sam had believed that Gandalf left the Shire days ago. Low whispers of rings with immense power flood the air. Turning men of wise and noble heritage into men of greed and evil. Intrigued by the story, Sam attempts to lean in closer to the window, causing him to stumble into the bushes below him.
Silence ensues for a brief moment before Gandalf swoops in taking Sam by the collar.
"Sam Gamgee? What may you be doing here?"
"Just trimming the grass here Mr. Gandalf."
Gandalf looks at him with much scrutiny. "How long have you been eavesdropping?"
Sam's eyes flicker nervously, "Eavesdropping? I beg your pardon, but there are no eaves to drop in Bag End."
"Don't you try to fool me, what have you heard?"
Frodo interjects, "He knows you mean no harm, just tell him what you heard, Sam."
Sam shifts his feet, " Well, Mr. Gandalf, I only heard stuff about rings, and enemy's, and elves, and Mr. Bilbo, and a mountain, though most of it doesn't make much sense to me sir. I'm sorry for listening Mr. Gandalf, I mostly just listened because it seemed interesting, I truly meant no harm in it Sir. But elves! How fascinating, I would love to see them,!"
Gandalf lets go of Sam, and ushers him in. "You shouldn't stay out here any longer, come in."
His eye's narrow, "You would like to see some elves?"
Sam nods in a slightly embarrassed way, feeling Frodo's heavy gaze on him.
"Since you already know that Frodo is set to go that way, the only way to shut your mouth is to have you go with Frodo."
Sam looks at Frodo, he truly looks at him. Frodo's gaze seemed to have softened. As if he felt slightly lighter knowing that he wouldn't have to carry this burden by himself. Then Sam knew, he had to stay with him. No too sure of what this journey would entail, but he was sure that he would stick by his side. The familiar flicker of anxious yet giddy waves flicker in Sam's stomach when he peers into Frodo's eyes. One that he assumes to be filled with longing for friendship.