Title: Moments Away Author (including email): Crystal J. silentautumnrain@yahoo.com Pairing(s):Frodo/Sam Rating: NC17 Summary: Frodo finds himself longing for Sam but what will become of their friendship once he lets his true feelings for his faithful companion be known? Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to any of these characters nor do I claim them to be my own. This story is simply my own creation from my silly little mind. Authors Note (if needed/desired): This story was also written in a "G" rated format which I titled So Much Is Everlasting. Moments Away The soft warm glow of the fire shone lightly upon Frodo's face as he slept in the study resting his head upon Bilbo's desk. His hand lay over the pages of his writing, smudged with the passing of his fingers as he moved through his sleep. Many months had since passed when he and Sam finally returned from Rivendell after their adventure came to its end. Frodo now drew himself away into the confines of the study where he wrote feverishly for hours on end within the pages of Bilbo's book about the events that had come to pass over the last year. A deep sigh passed by Frodo's lips and his eyes slowly opened as he looked to the fading fire at his side. His neck ached and his back had grown stiff from the long hours he had sat within the chair lost in peaceful sleep. Frodo stretched his arms out before him as he sat up arching his back against the chair. He sat in silence for a moment gathering all his papers that had fallen from the desk and onto the floor while he slept. As he sat them upon the desk a soft whisper came from the doorway and he turned to see Sam standing there with a gentle smile held on his lips. "Good to see you awake Mr. Frodo." Sam replied softly. "You've been napping in that spot long before the sun ever fell." Sam then came into the room and knelt down before Frodo helping to gather the last few papers scattered upon the floor. Frodo sat in silence watching contently as Sam arranged the papers in his hands before reaching up to Frodo and holding them out before him. For a moment their eyes did not part but Sam blushed and turned his face away as Frodo's fingers swept along his own when he took the papers from his hands. "Thank you Sam." Frodo whispered setting the papers within his lap. "You are such a dear friend." "No thanks are needed sir." Sam said as he stood to his feet. "Just doing my job is all. That's what I'm 'ere for." Sam smiled and then glided his hands along his shirt and trousers straightening out the wrinkles worn in from a long day of work. He then looked to Frodo as he sat before him, lost within his thoughts as he had been through the days past. A deep sigh fell past Sam's lips and he leaned towards Frodo placing his hands upon the arms of his chair. "Does you no good holding things inside." Sam replied softly leaning back to sit upon the stool that Frodo would often rest his feet on when he sat before the fire. Sam then drew his hands away from the chair setting them within his lap as he sat in silence before his master. Frodo sighed deeply drawing his hand to his chest as he took his gem that hung from his neck within his grasp. No words passed by his lips as he held Sam in a silent stare. He did not dare speak of what was truly on his mind. Sam seemed to grow concerned as Frodo's silent moment fell into minutes with not so much as a blink from his eyes. Sam reached out placing his hand upon Frodo's knee and he flinched seemingly waking from a dream. "It's not like you Mr. Frodo being so quiet and all." Sam whispered. Frodo said nothing in return as a gentle sigh fell past Sam's lips. "There must be something I can do to help." Frodo looked to Sam with deep concentration. Indeed there was something he could do to help but how could he ask Sam to give him what it was he so desired. Frodo then focused upon Sam's eyes. Their soft chestnut shade of brown stared back at him with a growing intensity yet they were still filled with the innocence of Sam's youth. Frodo then noticed Sam's hands shaking within his lap, as he grew uneasy with Frodo's stare. Frodo seemed to look right through him as though he was not there. Again Frodo looked to Sam's hands as he began to fumble with his golden wedding band as it caught the last light of the fading fire. Oh how Frodo wished to feel those hands upon his skin to caress away all the pain that still lingered within his aching heart. He closed his eyes holding onto the thought as his heart began to quicken within his chest. "Frodo?" Sam whispered with anxiety fearing that Frodo was slipping away. Frodo opened his eyes as his skin trembled hearing Sam's voice fall upon his ears. The face of his dear friend was before him, his eyes full of deepening concern. Frodo then felt a chill come over him and his began to shiver as he drew his hand up to his left shoulder. "See there I got letting you catch a chill as the fire fades beside me." Sam replied looking to the fireplace. "I've been sitting here talking to myself so it seems letting my mind wander away from what it is I'm supposed to be doin." Sam then came up from the stool and knelt before the fire. He took some logs up off the floor and gently placed them on the flickering embers of the small fire within the hearth. Sam took some crumpled papers from the dusty corner of the room and threw them into the fireplace watching as they took light warming the fresh logs upon the fire. Sam waved his hand lightly fanning the fire until it began to burn brightly once again. He then drew his arm along his forehead wiping away the beads of sweat that had formed upon his brow. Sam's soft golden curls fell along his face as he turned back to Frodo with a sweet and gentle smile. "There you be Mr. Frodo." Sam said as he stood to his feet. "Quite a nice fire you've got going here now. It should keep you warm on this cold autumn night." "Warm." Frodo replied to himself with the faintest whisper. It wasn't the warmth of a fire he needed but the warmth that filled his heart when he was within Sam's embrace. "That's right." Sam said as he placed his hand on Frodo's shoulder. "At least you're talking again though I wouldn't call one word a full conversation." Sam laughed as he patted Frodo's shoulder before sitting on the stool once again. Frodo smiled watching as Sam unbuttoned the collar of his shirt to rub the back of his neck. In all the years he had known Sam he never imagined himself longing for his dear friend and loyal companion as he did now. Yet the past year had worn them both thin leaving their faces a shadow of the joy and carefree happiness they once held. Though Sam tried in vain to hide all that was lost to him after leaving the Shire, Frodo knew that he too had a pain within his heart. Frodo sighed deeply trying to pass the thought of Sam from his mind but it could not seem to draw itself away. "Well it's getting late." Sam said as he took his hand away from his neck. "I can't see myself keeping you awake any longer than I have trying to get you to open up. Maybe with the coming 'morrow you'll say something more." Sam then came up from the stool but Frodo grasped his hand before he could walk away. "Don't leave me Sam." Frodo said softly his eyes growing wide. Sam could say nothing as he stood before Frodo while his master held tightly onto his hand. "I am sorry if I have not been acting myself." Frodo whispered as Sam finally came to sit back down upon the stool. "It has been two years Sam." Frodo said touching his fingers to his left shoulder. "To this day to be exact since that night on the hill at Weathertop." Sam fell into silence. For it was true. Two years from this day all was dark in the dell on the road from Bree. "The wound still pains me, even to this day." Frodo sighed looking to Sam's face as he turned to the door seemingly looking for a means of escape. Sam never did like to talk about that fateful evening for it only reminded him of the moments that passed him by as he watched his master fade before his eyes. Sam then closed his eyes and turned to Frodo taking in a deep breath before opening them once again. "Is that what has been troubling you?" Sam asked quietly as he placed his hand over Frodo's while it still held firmly onto his own. Frodo was silent for in truth the thought had fallen from his mind with the undying urge that came to him, longing for the soft touch of Sam's hands upon his skin. Frodo sighed as he looked deep into Sam's eyes for he could sense that Sam knew there was more on his mind. "Nay." Frodo replied drawing his hand away from Sam's. "That is not what has troubled me this night." Frodo then took his glance towards the open window in the study as a cool gentle breeze fell upon his face. The stars were shining brightly within the darkened night and the moon was but a crescent of shimmering silver on a patch of midnight sky. How could he speak of the thoughts that had really come through his mind that evening for he knew within the pit of his heart that they were not right. Sam then whispered Frodo's name and he turned away from the window looking to the face of his dear friend that had filled with growing concern. Frodo had brought his hand to his gem seeking the comfort while it was within his grasp once again. Slowly he let his hand fall away from the piece of glistening crystal and Sam's eyes seemed to turn away from his face as the gem fell against Frodo's chest. It rested against his bare skin showing from under his open collar touching his flesh with a soothing coolness like that of the autumn wind. Frodo closed his eyes for a moment imagining that it was Sam's fingers resting lightly upon his skin and not the cold stone that hung there upon its silver chain. Again Sam whispered Frodo's name and he opened his eyes looking back to Sam once more as he turned his ring upon his finger. "I don't mean to bother you again." Sam mumbled in a soft whisper. "But if you don't mean to tell me what it is your thinking then I should be getting to my room. I haven't had a proper sleep these past few nights pacing about the floors worrying about you." Sam was right. He did need a proper sleep for he had been through the halls all through the night as Frodo drew himself away from everyone within the Shire. But Frodo needed him now, more so then ever and he just couldn't let him go so easily. "Just a moment longer." Frodo said quietly as he leaned towards Sam from his chair. Frodo sat before Sam in silence holding him within a distant stare, taking in each and every line upon his face. The soft warm golden hue of the fire shown brightly upon his cheeks as the firelight danced within the color of his eyes. Sam took a deep swallow and began to turn on the stool as Frodo leaned in closer to him setting his hand on his shoulder. Sam's heart began to pound within his chest as the silence grew around him while Frodo's fingers strayed from his shoulder and towards the back of his neck. Not once in all the years he had known Frodo did he touch him as he did now. A tender caress like the gentle passing of a feather upon his skin. Sam could feel his skin tremble under Frodo's hand and then it came. Sam closed his eyes and took in a deep breath as Frodo's silken lips met with his own. Indeed he has kissed his master many times before upon his brow and cheek but none could compare to the moment they shared now. Sam wanted to pull himself away and run into the arms of his dear Rosie but a deeper passion filled his heart that he just did not wish to turn away. Just as quickly as it began though it ended and Frodo came away from Sam as a gentle smile shown over his lips. "I can not say how much I have wished for this." Frodo whispered reaching his hand to Sam's face. He drew his hand along Sam's cheek turning away a few loose strands of golden curls as he placed them behind Sam's ear. No words were spoken for not even a breath could seem to pass through Sam's lips as he sat before Frodo lost in a world of confusion. "I have always loved you Samwise." Frodo said drawing his finger over Sam's moistened lips. "More so then you'll ever know." Sam was silent, his heart racing with a blinding fury he could not comprehend. "I…I don't know what to say." Sam stuttered as Frodo's finger fell away from his lips and along side his neck. "Just say you love me too." Frodo said with a smile leaning towards Sam once again. Sam felt his heart quicken as Frodo came up from his chair, taking Sam's hands into his own as he pulled him up from the stool. Sam stood before Frodo looking into his pale blue eyes as they searched his face waiting for the words Frodo so longed to hear pass by his lips. Sam could feel a lump come high into his throat and he swallowed hard as he drew his eyes away, looking to the open door. Frodo then reached his hand to Sam's face gently caressing his cheek and Sam turned back to him as a single tear fell slowly down his face. Frodo sighed deeply and gently took his fingers over Sam's cheek drying away the tear. "Oh what have I done Sam." Frodo whispered through another sigh. "I am sorry. Sorry for everything I have said and done." Frodo then turned away feeling selfish for he never gave a moments thought to the feelings within Sam's own heart. He never imagined that they would not be the same. Sam then began to slowly step back to the door watching as Frodo stood in silence before him staring out through the open window into the darkened night. Sam's hand searched feverishly for the knob of the door as it rested against the wall nearby. His fingers soon fell upon the small silver knob and he turned around pulling the door closed. Frodo's heart fell within his chest as he closed his eyes knowing he had just pushed Sam away. Frodo then turned back to set his eyes upon the emptiness before him but there stood Sam leaning against the closed door with his hand still resting over the knob. "There's nothin to be sorry for." Sam whispered with a gentle smile. Frodo felt as though he could cry forth a river of tears as he came towards Sam taking him within his embrace. His head fell onto Sam's shoulder as he held him in his arms breathing in the fresh scent of the outdoors that still lingered within his hair. Frodo could feel Sam's heart beating hard against his own chest as they stood together in the warmth of each other's arms. Frodo then pulled himself away letting his eyes meet with Sam's that were wet with tears. "I love you too." Sam whispered as he brought his hand to Frodo's face setting the fingers upon his trembling lips. "I always have but never thought to say it fearing you didn't feel the same. Besides you have too much on your mind already for me to bother you with such things." "Oh Sam." Frodo said with a smile. "Please tell me you're not saying this just so you don't hurt me." "I promise you I'm not." Sam whispered bringing both his hands to the sides of Frodo's face. Frodo closed his eyes wishing to forever hold onto the moment as Sam's hands touched his skin in more than the simple touch of a friend. Sam's fingers gently came over his cheeks and Frodo was surprised to feel his touch was soft and gentle even though his hands were rough from many hours of long work within the gardens at Bag End. Sam drew his fingers back over Frodo's lips as a tender sigh pass through his mouth letting his gentle breath fall onto Sam's hand. Sam then took his hand away bringing Frodo's heart to ache with the absence of his touch. Frodo then felt Sam's breath upon his face and soon their lips met with a kiss so tender Frodo would have thought it to be the touch of rain. Frodo could feel Sam's hand come to his chest and he took in a deep breath as Sam's fingers reached for the buttons on his shirt slowly pulling them apart. Their lips were still touching held together with a passion that could not be broken as Sam gently let Frodo's shirt fall down from his shoulders and to the floor below. Sam smiled within his kiss and pulled his lips away from Frodo's as his eyes opened once again. Every inch of his body throbbed with anticipation longing for Sam's touch upon his skin yet once more. Sam brought his hand across Frodo's bare chest gently letting his fingers run over his skin. He took his fingers up around Frodo's left shoulder and drew them down the deep red scar that lay below his collarbone. Frodo quickly pulled his hand up to Sam's taking his fingers within his sweaty palm. "I'm sorry." Sam whispered softly. "Does it still pain you Frodo?" "It did." Frodo said with a faint hush. "But not now." Frodo then leaned towards Sam letting his lips fall upon Sam's. Sam closed his eyes and breathed in deeply almost stealing Frodo's own breath away. Frodo could feel Sam's pulse within his hand as he still held it tightly in his own. He then drew his lips from Sam's looking into his soft brown eyes. Frodo smiled and pulled Sam away from the door as he made his way back towards his desk. Once there he sat on his stool before the glowing warmth of the fire as it cast long shadows upon the walls in the dark of the night. Frodo let Sam's hand fall away from his grasp as he reached up to him while he stood at his side. Frodo slowly drew his hands along the buttons of his shirt stopping for a brief moment to undo each one. Frodo parted the sides of his shirt away letting the soft warm brown tone of Sam's tanned skin show against the pale color of his own hands as they came over Sam's chest. Sam then grabbed onto Frodo's wrists bringing him up from the stool until his eyes met with his own. Frodo's heart quickened within his chest as Sam brought his hands behind his head pulling his fingers through the long dark curls of his hair. Their lips come together once more and Frodo felt himself fall back onto the desk under the weight of Sam's passion. He threw his hands out behind him scattering papers onto the floor as he tried to break his fall. Sam leaned upon him harder as his hands fell away from his hair to come down along the sides of his neck. Sam's touch lingered there for one brief second and then it finally trailed away once more down to the small of his back. Frodo arched himself towards Sam for his skin trembled under Sam's hands as they searched along his skin. Frodo then felt Sam pulling him down towards the floor as their lips parted once more. Frodo's eyes were wide and filled with an emotion he could not describe as Sam brought him down to the floor resting his body over the papers that had fallen from the desk. Sam knelt beside Frodo pulling his shirt away and letting it fall behind him. The papers crumpled beneath his knees as he leaned over Frodo's trembling body. Sam brought his hands along Frodo's arms as they lay on the floor up over his head. He caressed Frodo's skin until he finally brought his fingers to Frodo's hands. He softly trailed his fingertips over the length of each of Frodo's fingers before bringing them to Frodo's wrists. Sam cupped his hands over Frodo's wrists to keep him firm in his grasp as he leaned in to kiss him yet again. Frodo's heart raced for he could not believe the moment had finally come. For all the time he had longed for Sam he was finally here alone with him under his body as his kiss fell lightly over his lips. Frodo tried in vain to pull his arms out from under Sam's grasp so he could bring his fingers through Sam's hair but the more he moved the tighter the hold became on his arms. Sam's lips soon fell away from Frodo's and they gently caressed the corners of his mouth as they slowly came down onto his bare chest. Frodo took in a deep breath closing his eyes as Sam finally took his hands away from his arms. Frodo then caught Sam's hands within his own as he drew his eyes open looking into the stare of his dear friend. Frodo brought Sam's left hand before his face lightly pulling his fingers along the cold touch of the golden band that rested upon Sam's finger. Sam watched as Frodo's eyes seemed to grow saddened as he pressed his right hand against Sam's only wishing the shadow of Sam's third finger was that of his own. Sam could sense the sadness within Frodo's heart as he pulled his hand away letting his finger come to touch Sam's ring once more before it fell down across his chest. Sam knew a part of Frodo would forever long for that accursed ring he bore to Mordor and there was nothing he could ever do to drive the thought away. Sam then leaned over Frodo gently leaving a kiss on his brow before bringing his leg over Frodo so he was straddled along his hips. "I want to make you love me more so than you do now." Sam whispered pressing his lips next to Frodo's ear. The feel of Sam's breath upon his skin drove a tingling sensation up his spine causing him to lift himself from the floor and press himself against the weight of Sam's legs. A soft laugh passed by Sam's lips as he took the edge of Frodo's ear into his mouth gently caressing it with the tip of his tongue. Frodo brought his hands around Sam pressing his fingers into the sides of his back as he slowly kissed his ear before bringing his lips down along the side of his neck. Frodo closed his eyes tightly as Sam let his moistened lips fall over his skin. Sam could feel Frodo's hardness pressing against his leg as he slowly brought his kiss away from Frodo's chest to look within his eyes. Frodo opened his eyes quickly as Sam drew his hand along the edge of his waist as he began to undo the small clasp at the front of Frodo's trousers. Frodo could feel himself growing larger as Sam's fingers worked around the clasp finally pulling it apart as he leaned back upon his knees. Frodo watched as Sam began to pull the small button away from his own pants as he slowly pulled them down past his hips. "Is there anything I can do for you Mr. Frodo?" Sam whispered softly as he leaned forward pressing his lips against Frodo's as they quivered under his touch. Frodo closed his eyes once more as he lifted himself from the floor pressing his hips up under the weight of Sam as he sat over his stomach. "Make me love you Sam." Frodo replied grasping the warmth of Sam's skin between his fingers as he dug his hands into his back. "As you wish." Sam said with a soft whisper as he reached down pulling Frodo's trousers away. He threw them onto the desk bringing down a shower of papers that came down upon him and his master as they lay upon the floor. Sam then stood to his feet letting his own pants fall down around his ankles and he kicked them away before kneeling next to Frodo's side. Frodo reached his hand out to Sam and his fingers fell along the edge of his cheek as Sam brought himself over Frodo once again. Sam placed himself between Frodo's legs and then he brought his hands around Frodo's waist drawing him closer to his hips. Frodo could feel Sam's hands gently glide along the inside of his thigh before they came to rest near the soft curls of hair around his hardness. Sam took Frodo into his hand gently stroking his fingers along Frodo's firm shaft before bringing his hand away to wrap around his own member as it pulsed against the soft skin of Frodo's leg. Frodo took in a deep breath as Sam brought himself closer touching the tips of his fingers to Frodo's buttocks. He closed his eyes tightly waiting with anticipation hoping that Sam would finally give him what it was he had longed for all this time. He then felt his teeth come together tightly as Sam began to slowly fill him with the firmness that he knew outmeasured his own. A deep cry fell past Frodo's lips as Sam drew himself further inside his master's body and he hastily pressed his lips to Frodo's to hush his voice. Frodo clenched his fingers harder into Sam's sides as he began to gently thrust himself in and out of the warmth he had found within Frodo's tightening embrace. Sam could hear his own voice now crying into the night as his lips came away from the sweet nectar he knew only as Frodo's kiss. The glowing fire shown now upon the two of them as their bodies grew wet with the passion that warmed them on this cool autumn's night. Then it came, like a river flowing forth from the banks that contained it. Frodo cried out his voice trembling as a rush of warm fluid filled him before Sam collapsed exhausted over his chest. Frodo brought his hand over Sam's face turning his gaze towards him as Sam's hair hung with dampness over his eyes. A smile was on his lips as he breathed in heavily trying to catch his breath that his dear master Frodo had stolen away. Frodo pushed the hair away from Sam's eyes smiling brightly as Sam too reached for Frodo's face to turn away the dark brown curls that fell over his brow. "Do you love me now?" Sam whispered gently caressing his fingers along Frodo's cheek. Frodo took in a deep breath letting it pass slowly by his moistened lips. "That I do Samwise." Frodo said softly taking Sam's wandering hand into his own. "More so now than I ever did before." Sam smiled and came away from Frodo resting his trembling body along his master's side. He sighed deeply and placed his hand over Frodo's chest looking deep into his pale blue eyes. "Good." Sam replied quietly. "Those were just the words I wanted to hear."