“Just as you are, Sam.”
They smiled, cleaned themselves the best they could with a handkerchief and dressed. Then they laid down again in the grass.
“What about us, what about tomorrow?” Sam’s concern had surfaced once more.
“I don’t know Sam, but I promise we will find a way.”
“I don’t want this to end, Mr. Frodo.”
“It won’t end Sam. Maybe I’ve read too many tales, but I always thought that real love occurs only once in a lifetime, and it is forever.”
Sam held him with all his strength. “I love you so much …”
“I love you too, dearest Sam. And I need you, to feel complete myself.”
* * *
It was a sensation Sam would never forget. Never in his life had he felt such a complete pleasure and joy, such a pure love pulsing in his veins. He had made love for the first time in his life. And it was with Frodo. Now he was holding him against his chest, delicately caressing his dark curls. Frodo Baggins, his master, his friend, his lover. Sam could not believe it yet.
He knew Frodo was different and special. Tonight Sam had discovered that that gentle and reserved hobbit was, in truth, a very passionate and lustful creature. He looked fragile, his skin was smooth and delicate, but there was force in those finely muscled arms and legs, in those skilled hands that had caressed him without pause during their love making.
Sam kissed him on the top of the head. Now he knew. He was made for loving Frodo, totally and unconditionally, to help him and protect him.
“Don’t you lose him, Samwise Gamgee” he thought. And it was a promise never to be broken. He would be by his side, even if it meant that he had to wait until he was of age to get back to Bag End.
* * *
Frodo lay with his head on Sam’s chest. He could hear Sam’s heartbeat, and it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. Sam, his gardener, best friend and lover. Frodo felt protected and loved in Sam’s arms, those strong arms that encircled him.
Frodo had already experienced some sex, with lasses and lads, but it was just for fun and curiosity, and he had never been able to give himself completely. This was a totally different sensation. He was truly in love for the first time in his life, and he knew he couldn’t choose a better lover.
How stupid it had been for him to avoid Sam for so long. He had wasted days and days of happiness; now he knew that. But there was no time for regret.
“I won’t let you go, Samwise Gamgee” he thought.
He closed his eyes and smiled, then planted a tender kiss on Sam’s chest, just near his heart. He felt at home. Home was wherever his Sam was.
* * *
The first rays of dawn found them peacefully asleep, curled in each other’s arms.
When they awoke, later that morning, they unwillingly got up and prepared for the uneasy task of facing both Bilbo and the Gaffer, and their inevitable reproach.
After an unforgettable night of love and pleasure, the harsh reality was awaiting for them in the familiar garden of Bag End.
“Where on earth have you been, lads? We’ve been so worried!” Bilbo called to them as they approached the smial.
