something, anyway

[kaydeefalls]

In the name of procrastination, we now present a fic fragment. Just because Merry/Pippin is a bit hard for me to write, and I need to test it out. This fic is gonna be a tad longer, and if it sucks already, I should be told *now.*


The first time was basically an accident.

We were hightailing it across a field, without so much as a mushroom to show for our efforts. I was stumbling over every rock in my path as I ran, gasping at Merry to slow down. He was less than good-natured about the whole business.

"I knew you would muck it all up," he grumbled, finally pausing in his flight. He waited on the other side of the stream, tapping his foot impatiently as I scrambled across.

"It was your idea," I replied, slipping on a wet rock.

He splashed over and grabbed my arm. "Steady on, Pip. Those dratted dogs are sure to've given up by now, no need to fall and bash your foolish head open."

I stuck my tongue out at him. "I'm not foolish. And it was your idea."

"You said that already, and it would've gone perfectly if you hadn't yelped like that."

"Cornstalk leaves are sharp, and I was chasing after you when one of them clipped my eye," I said with dignity. "Besides, how was I to know that Farmer Maggot was working one row over?"

"You didn't have to drop the carrots!"

"Well, YOU didn't have to drop the mushrooms!"

Merry glared at me. "I was just trying to save your thick hide! Tossing that bag aside distracted the dogs, didn't it?"

"I'm a tweenager myself now, and you're no grown-up to boss me around," I said haughtily. "I don't need you to look out for me." To prove my point, I yanked my arm away from his steadying hand. The sudden movement was too much for my balance on the slippery rock, and when I tried to shift my weight accordingly, it threw me off further. I toppled over into Merry, sending the both of us crashing into the shallow stream.

I immediately jumped up off my cousin, sincerely expecting something like instant death. But to my surprise, he was laughing. "Oh, Pippin," he gasped, eyes twinkling at me, "today just isn't our day, is it?" He propped himself up on one elbow, extending his other hand to me. "You could help me up, at least."

Foolishly enough, I took the proffered hand. Merry promptly yanked me back down into the water. I splashed at him, gasping in indignation. He laughed and responded in kind, and within seconds we were both thoroughly soaked.

Finally, he grabbed my wrists to put an end to the splashing. I flailed my arms, trying to break free, laughing helplessly, which somehow resulted in me falling on top of him again.

Familiar, clear eyes danced merrily at me, mere inches away. I must have forgotten about revenge, or maybe that was my intention -- who can say? I scarcely had time to think, because Merry was suddenly kissing me. Or maybe I was kissing him. Or possibly both.

I definitely stopped laughing.

So, yes, the first time was basically an accident.

Comments

[aelane.livejournal.com]

It doesn't suck. It does the opposite of suck. Okay, you know what I mean, right? It neither sucks nor blows but was fun and cute and I would wander back to read more. So, if the first time was an accident, what was the second?

[kaydeefalls.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the reassurance. And, um, the second time? At this point, your guess is as good as mine...