Sam was finishing up for the day, cleaning his gardening tools and setting them away in the shed, when he felt, rather than heard, somebody come up behind him. He straightened up and turned around to see Mr. Frodo leaning against the doorjamb to the shed, smiling. Sam smiled back.
"Evenin', Mr. Frodo."
"Good evening, Sam. Lovely day today, wasn't it?"
"A fine day it was, Sir, a fine day it was," Sam replied, wiping his hands on his trousers, unaware of the uncomfortable look on Frodo's face as he watched his actions, a look that Frodo quickly changed to nonchalance.
"Sam, how about a nice cool ale at the end of the day, while we watch the sun set?"
"Aye, that sounds right nice, Mr. Frodo, right nice indeed," replied Sam, as he followed Mr. Frodo out and closed the shed door behind him. A few minutes later they were sitting on the front steps of Bag End, each with a foaming mug of ale in hand, sipping gratefully.
Frodo looked over at Sam, who wore a look of contentment as he gazed across the Party Field over the rim of his mug. "Tell me, Sam - do you ever think about what you want out of life?"
Sam ducked his head shyly. "Well now, Sir, I can't rightly say as that would be proper. I mean, my Gaffer always said that we should be thankful for what we get, and not go wishin' on the stars for that as what we can't have."
"Far be it from me to ever contradict the Gaffer!" Frodo said, laughingly, "but surely you have something in mind - perhaps something closer and more attainable than the stars?"
"Closer than the stars, eh?", Sam pondered. "I suppose I do, but..."
"Go ahead, Sam", Frodo encouraged Sam softly, "what is it?"
"Well...", Sam began slowly, head down, face flushed,
Sam:
All I want is a hole somewhere,
Warm and snug from the cold night air.
With one enormous chair,
Oh, wouldn't it be hobbity?
Lots of food there for me to eat,
Lots of caring for someone sweet.
Warm face, warm 'ands, warm feet,
Oh, wouldn't it be hobbity?
Oh, so loverly sittin' abso-bloomin'-lutely still.
I would never budge 'till spring
Crept over me windowsill.
Someone's 'ead restin' on my knee,
Warm an' tender as it can be.
'ho knows the heart of me,
Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?
Loverly, loverly, loverly, loverly....
Sam's voice trailed off, suddenly grown husky with emotion.
Frodo couldn't help staring at Sam. He'd never heard Sam speak like that before, and he was surprised to find that it was shaking him to the core. He'd had no idea how strongly Sam felt about Rosie, but there it was, shining through all of his words. Suddenly Frodo wanted nothing more to grab hold of Sam and tell him it was going to be all right - he would make sure Sam found his dream of happiness with Rosie, no matter what. But he was afraid to go so far, so he settled for dropping his hand on Sam's shoulder, and meeting his shining eyes when Sam looked up.
"Sam, I think it's a fine thing to go after your dreams - and I think I can help you get what you want," Frodo said reassuringly. Sam looked back, face slightly puzzled, as Frodo pushed himself up to his feet, looking away from Sam, and towards the Party Tree. Hands in his pockets, his heart lighter with happiness at the thought of helping his friend, Frodo continued. "Sam, I know you think Rosie has been ignoring you because... well because you're not as fancy and polished as some of the other lads - even though we both know you're the best hobbit any lass could wish for. And, well... I think you could learn to be as polished as the best, if you'd like to. Why," said Frodo, spinning around with a grin, "I think we could even pass you off as the best of the Shire at the Buckland Ball, if we give it a try. I guess what I'm saying, Sam, is - I'd be glad to teach you - why, honored to teach you to be a gentleman - if you'll take my help."
"You... you're wanting to teach me to be... a gentleman, Mr. Frodo?", Sam said slowly, eyes wide.
"Yes, Sam."
"But... but my Gaffer, he'd -"
"Sam, Sam, we don't have to tell your Gaffer! Look, I've thought it all out. It's fall now, and you're almost finished in the garden for the year. We can spend the winter at it! I can - well, I can think of some reason for you to spend the winter with me, so we can work at it. And you don't have to act a gentleman all of the time - just when you're with the ladies, and at Buckland. Face it - it can only help you as you go through life." Frodo paused. "Let me give this to you, Sam. You're always helping me - let me do this one thing to help you." Frodo's eyes were wide with pleading as he strove to get Sam to raise his eyes up to meet him.
"We'd... we'd work together... all winter?" Sam said, whispering.
"Yes, Sam! I - I know what! I'll pretend to sprain my ankle! Then the Gaffer will have to lend you to me, to take care of me - and that's when we can work," Frodo's eyes were sparkling with the excitement of the idea, Sam could see. The excitement was irresistible, as Sam slowly smiled, despite his inner misgivings.
"Aye, Sir - thank you, Sir."
Frodo grinned and raised his mug, "To the making of Master Samwise!"
Sam groaned inwardly, but grinned back outwardly, clinking his mug with Frodo's, "To- what you said, Mr. Frodo, Sir!"
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