Frodo, my dear - Frodo Baggins love story

Chapter 4 - the Night at The Green Dragon

The tavern was alive with energy, the warm light spilling over the gathered hobbits as laughter and clinking mugs filled the air. The moment Frodo stepped inside, heads turned, and a cheer erupted. Hobbits called out his name, drinks raised high, and one particularly rowdy fellow bellowed, "Frodo Baggins drinks for free!"

Frodo forced a polite smile, nodding and thanking everyone, though he felt a wave of discomfort as he tried to weave through the crowd. Sam spotted him struggling and quickly pushed through, grabbing Frodo's arm and pulling him out of the throng.

"Move, ya drunkards!"

"Thank you," Frodo muttered, a hint of relief in his voice as they headed to a quieter corner where Merry and Pippin waited. Meanwhile Sam shot a glare at the drunken hobbits who lingered, waving them off as he and Frodo settled at the table. Merry slid a mug toward Frodo, grinning. "We've missed you, Frodo. Everyone's been worried about you. How... how are you?"

"Oh, yeah," Frodo nodded, lifting the mug and taking a sip. "I'm just fine," he replied, though his voice carried a note of weariness. "The wound only bothers me now and then, but being around this many people... it's hard sometimes."

As Sam settled in next to him, Merry glanced over to find Pippin craning his neck, eyes darting around the room as though searching for someone. Merry rolled his eyes and reached over, giving Pippin a smack on the back of his head. "She's not here yet. And trust me, you'll know when she arrives."

Sam raised a brow. "What's he on about?"

Pippin chuckled, rubbing his head. "Oh, he just means that EVERYONE turns their heads when a lass like Aurora walks in."

Frodo's gaze drifted, his thoughts elsewhere as he sipped his drink. Sam leaned in, offering a warm smile. "Don't listen to that doofus. We're glad you came, Frodo. And Aurora will be too."

Just then, Rose Cotton, the tavern maid, came over, carrying a tray with more drinks, her frizzy blonde curls bouncing above her shoulders. She winked at Sam as she placed the mugs down, rattling the round wooden table. Sam stopped her from leaving too quick, asking for one more extra drink. Rose tilted her head. "Why's that? Are you planning to get drunk tonight?"

"Maybe—"

Pippin leaned over the table, grinning, interjecting. "Well! A gorgeous creature will soon grace us with her presence! We need more drinks!"

"I see," Rose's expression faltered slightly as her smile faded. "You mean Aurora Brandybuck?"

"Yes," Merry sighed, rolling his eyes. "It seems everyone and their father is half in love with my cousin."

Rose glanced at Sam, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Everyone?"

"U-Umm—" Sam cleared his throat, cheeks reddening slightly. "Not everyone. Just a select few."

Rose chuckled, pleased with the answer, and headed back to the bar. As soon as she was out of earshot, Sam gave Pippin another smack on the side of his head. "What's wrong with you, talking in front of a lady that way?"

"OUCH!" Pippin rubbed his head again. "I'm just a fool in love."

Merry laughed heartily. "You're just a fool, full stop."

Frodo chuckled, and the others turned to him, that sound quite rare to hear, their own faces lighting up as they shared a rare moment of laughter together. And trying to keep up with the spirit, Frodo looked at Sam. "So, how are things with Rose actually? She seems to be glancing at you a lot more that before."

Sam's cheeks reddened again as he admitted, "I finally asked her to dinner. She's coming over next week."

"Ah," Frodo smiled, glancing down at his half-empty mug. "You're a lucky man, Sam. Rose is a good match for you."