Love Knows No Boundaries

SANCTUARY
by Janet Elizabeth

Merry awoke in the dark with a start and reached out for the warm body that should be between him and Pippin. His hand met cold stone floor and his eyes flew open. He only saw the dim shape of his young cousin curled up tightly into a ball beneath his blanket. Fending off sleepiness, he rolled onto his back and tried to calm his thoughts.

*...he's probably only gone for a piss...that will be it...he'll be back in a moment or two and his leaving was what woke you...but he'll be back shortly and you know it...it isn't time for his watch so ... he's just gone to pee .. don't panic ... he won't have gone far ... relax ... *

Willing his muscles to unclench, he lay on his back and stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't help but wonder at himself and the changes that had come over him in the last weeks since they had left Rivendell.

He and Pippin had volunteered to come on this quest, mostly out of love for Frodo but also because they didn't want to miss out on the adventure. Little did they realize then what they both now knew. This was no walking party or any quest for gold like Bilbo had been on. This was a serious mission with serious consequences. It was also extremely difficult too. Merry hadn't felt this weary in his whole young life and his cheerful spirit was being slowly eroded. It was only the closeness of his youngest cousin that kept him going, that and the strange friendship that had grown between him and Boromir.

He remembered the first day he had ever seen the tall man from Minas Tirith. He had been nothing at all like Strider or any of the men in Bree. He seemed less ordinary than the Breelanders and yet not so majestic like Strider had become since their sojourn in Rivendell. Boromir was like how Merry had always imagined men to be, strong, tall, powerful but not unlike Hobbits in many ways. The dour southerner intimidated and fascinated the young Brandybuck to no end.

In the early days of their journey, he had noticed Boromir scowling in his and Pippin's direction. Yet there had been moments when there had been pity in the tall man's grey eyes. He was never rude nor cruel to either of them but he was not friendly either. His sudden change of heart that one morning during breakfast had been a real eye opener. All of a sudden, he and Pippin were the focus of his attention. He could not seem to get enough of their company and had even offered to teach them a thing or two about weaponry and swordplay. It had made a welcome change to his previous treatment of them.

Somewhere along the way, Merry had begun to grow more attached to the Southern warrior and his strange ways. But it felt like nothing so much as if he were a brother, the way he kept an eye out for them and shared in their jests and conversations. It was comforting and Merry welcomed it gladly. It wasn't until he had seen Boromir's nudity that a shocking revelation had come over the young Hobbit. He had seen nude bodies before, being only a year or two off his majority and he was certainly no stranger to sexuality, but the minute differences in Boromir's body and the normal Hobbit body were enough to fascinate him.

He knew that Pippin had taken note of this too, but Merry had jealously guarded his thoughts when his younger cousin had tried to speak of this. He neither encouraged nor discouraged the young Took's ramblings on the subject of Boromir's member. It made him grin at the thought of Pippin's serious ruminations on the size and shape and colouring of the man's flesh. But it would do no good to try and remind his youngest cousin that the differences were merely superficial. Essentially they were all the same.

At least that's what Merry told himself when he went to sleep each night. He had felt strange things happening in his heart and to his body. Nothing too strange, at least he had felt the stirrings of these things before back in the Shire when one lass or another had taken his fancy, but these feelings were not something he had ever felt towards a male. It disturbed and excited him too. It began that whenever he was with Boromir, he would feel the fluttering of butterflies in the pit of his belly and he grew envious of every glance, touch or jest that the tall man shared with Pippin or anyone else.

Merry noticed the changes that had come over his human friend as well. He had gone from dour and quiet to almost joyful in the company of his fellows. He shared more willingly in every chore and was growing more like a brother every day. If only Merry didn't have these feelings.

Then there had come a day that made the young Hobbit ashamed of himself. Boromir had gone for his morning constitutional, and he and Pippin had followed along like they usually did. But something different had happened. Usually, they stood watch over the back of the Tirithean but Merry had felt oddly drawn to a position where he could see the exposed front of his friend. A jolt had traveled up his spine as the large member had come into view and his own cock responded with a twitch and heated spurt of growth. Not able to tear his eyes away from the glorious sight of Boromir's cock he had unconsciously reached into his breeches and began to rub his stiffened shaft. He had stood there fascinated and aroused until a small sound from Boromir had made him realize how exposed he was and what he was doing. Immediately he stopped his actions and moved away quickly back to camp.

After that, Merry had been cautious never to do anything out in the open where he could be seen, but there had been no way to stop the feelings that were building in his heart. He daydreamed about Boromir every day on the trail, and even as they began their approach up the mountain he and Pippin had kept close to their warrior friend. Merry couldn't stop the fantasies that played out in his head. It was almost shameful the way he and his young cousin were growing so attached to the man. The two began to do for him in the way that Sam did for Frodo, fetching things for him and making sure he got a large portion of whatever was put forth as their meal. And Boromir began to do for them as well. He would keep them close to him during the day, saying he was guarding them from harm. He would let his hands linger on their limbs a moment or two longer if he was helping them over the stony ground or his fingers would quickly twine and then untwine in the curls on their heads. But it was the nights that had given Merry the most difficulty.

It was onerous for the two youngest members of the fellowship to have to sleep on the hard ground. The whole company's mood was always grim and the sleeping conditions made things worse than anything they had encountered at any time in their young Hobbit lives. It was only when Pippin had come up with the idea of sharing Boromir's blankets at night that both of them had finally found some peace to sleep. But that was also when things were most dangerous for them both. Merry had found himself becoming aroused the first night they had snuggled up to the Southerner's large, warm body. It had become so uncomfortable for him that he had to relieve the pressure or he would get no sleep. He thought he would rise and go find somewhere private but they were in the middle of a mountain trail and it just wasn't a possibility.

So, he had reached inside his breeches and keeping his movements small, he had rubbed himself to a delicious little climax, catching his seed in his hands and wiping it in the snow. After that, he had curled up against the solid warmth next to him and found himself filled with a quiet joy at the nearness of his human friend.

The next morning, Pippin had confessed his own nighttime sporting with much blushing and a shining light in his eyes. Merry had become foolishly green with jealousy and snapped at Pippin, calling him hurtful names. He had immediately felt bad when tears had sprung to his young cousin's eyes and then had to comfort him at length. Frodo and Sam had come over then, asking what the problem was and offering any condolences they could. Neither of the younger Hobbits were prepared to tell of the feelings that were growing within them for the Tirithean, and passed Pippin's tears off as just the difficulty of the road. Merry had felt guilty at that as he saw the pain in Frodo's face and Sam's resolute protectiveness rise in his eyes. The young Brandybuck had then diverted their thoughts away from Pippin's distress by claiming he was just hungry. This seemed to satisfy both older Hobbits and even brought a small smile to Frodo's lips.

Merry had been extra careful of Pippin after that and had told him that what they were doing was dangerous and they had to keep it hidden. Pippin seemed to understand that their actions and feelings towards Boromir were to be kept private. This resolve only seemed to bring them closer to the big man and when the storm began as they progressed up the mountain, things had become very intimate.

All the hobbits had to be carried at one point and the two youngest were given to his care. Merry could not mistake the joy he saw in the Southerner's eyes as he approached them. Feeling glad of an excuse to be physically near to his friend, he had scrambled up into his arms and snuggled under his cloak. Feeling emboldened by the cover of the storm and the warm cloak, he had wormed his hand beneath the big man's shirt and found a sweet spot to caress. And while he stroked his friend's nipple with his thumb, his knee rubbed against Boromir's large bulge inside his leather breeches. The best pleasure for Merry was the feel of his own smaller, but still substantial for a Hobbit, bulge pressed firmly against the warrior's hip.

Boromir had carried them for hours and in that time Merry had climaxed three times, making a terrible mess inside his own breeches. But his fear was far outweighed by his joy at the closeness to his hearts' and body's desire. During the journey, he caught glimpses of Pippin's face and saw that the younger Hobbit was as smitten as he himself was. This time though, Merry did not begrudge his young cousin some pleasure. This journey had been very hard on both of them, but Pippin was most distressed by the whole thing, though none of the others were aware of it. Boromir's attentions had seen to keeping the two young Hobbits from losing face and appearing cowardly.

But then, the storm had beaten them back and they had taken a darker road. The Mines of Moria were a dangerous place and the journey weighed heavily with each passing hour. And then, lying in the dark on their first rest underground, Merry had grown very bold with his nighttime self pleasures. He had slid his hand down the flat belly of his human friend and lain it on the firm pouch where his cock rested. Then, placing his other hand inside his own breeches, he had rhythmically began stroking himself and squeezing Boromir's cock through his leathers.

As his own pleasure progressed to climax, he took great joy in the fact that he could feel his friend becoming aroused himself. The increase in size and heat was amazing and only spurred Merry on to eagerly meet his orgasm. As his seed spurted out between his fingers, he wished that he was handling Boromir's cock as well, and bringing him the same enjoyment. But as soon as Merry was finished, the tall man gently removed his hand and squeezed it as he lay it upon his belly. Chagrined at his presumption, but gratified that there was no apparent rejection, Merry had settled down to fall slowly asleep.

Merry's thoughts came up from their deep ruminations as he noticed that Boromir had still not come back. The young Brandybuck began to worry that perhaps some sneaking orc had grabbed him. He sat up quickly and looked around at his sleeping companions. He noticed Gimli on watch by the door and decided to go in search of the Southerner himself, despite the danger.

Rising from the hard floor, he tiptoed Hobbit quiet towards their guard. Gimli's bright Dwarf eyes fell upon him and he stopped to make sure his friend knew who he was. Hi beckoned Merry forward and the two had a whispered conversation where Merry convinced Gimli that he had to relieve himself. Merry caught the gleam of the Dwarf's teeth in the dim light as he smiled and jerked his head in the direction of a small anteroom outside. A quick pat of thanks on his companion's shoulder and Merry was off, hoping to find Boromir in the same place. Gimli had not seemed worried, but still the young Hobbit needed to reassure himself that his heart's desire was in good health.

Moving quietly, he found himself outside the anteroom and straining to hear the slightest sound. He could hear deep and hurried breathing and another sound, like the slap of wet feet on flagstones. Puzzled, he peered around the corner just as a slightly louder exhalation came. In shock, Merry watched as moonlight clearly outlined the form of Boromir, his cock exposed and grasped between one of his large hands, head thrown back, breathing heavily and a puddle of silvery fluid spreading between his upraised knees. Merry gasped and whimpered, too loud not to be heard.

Boromir's head snapped up and he peered towards the darkened doorway. Merry felt pierced by arrows as his friend's gaze settled on him. He was frozen in place, too afraid to move. Finally, the Tirithean spoke.

"Who's there?" came his hoarse whisper. "Whomever you are, come forth. I am caught by you already and will not suffer you to be hid. Come here."

Frightened of the emotions he heard in the man's voice, and of the echo of emotions he felt within himself, he nonetheless pattered forward to stand in the dim shaft of moonlight at his friend's feet. His eyes were drawn to the exposed and still slightly erect member dangling between the man's knees. He couldn't tear his eyes away and was almost ashamed to notice that his own shaft was elongating and hardening again. Tears began to form beneath his lowered lids as he waited for his stern human friend to berate him for disturbing his private moment.

"I'm glad it's you Meriadoc, Merry. I had thought it might be one of the others. Not that they would not understand but they are not the inspiration of this."

Merry looked up in surprise and found a shy smile playing about Boromir's lips. His tears of fear turned to tears of joy and spilled down his cheeks. His friend reached for his hand and he willingly gave it. His sight became blurred by his tears and before he knew what was happening, he was lifted by two strong arms and then settled into the cup of Boromir's lap. In sheer joy, he lay his head on the broad chest and allowed his tears to subside, while his friend stroked his back and thighs.

"Hush now little one. Don't be afraid. I'm guessing we both have the same thing wrong with us and being apart is killing that sweet part that we both so cherish in each other. I think it's safe to admit our feelings for each other now, don't you?" Came Boromir's soft and gruff voice.

"I...I love you Boromir. I don't know how or why, but I do and I desire you too. I have for weeks, but I didn't know you felt the same for me." Came Merry's tearful reply as he lay quietly in the strong, encircling arms.

"I do my sweet Halfling, and have no fear or shame. Men of arms sometimes get these feelings and there is naught wrong with them. I was afraid of causing you hurt with your kinsmen or the other companions. I was loathe to harm you in any way. So I kept my needs and desires quiet, but tonight I could bear it no longer."

Merry sat up slightly and looked into the face he held so dear.

"Is that why you left? I was afraid. I missed you." said Merry, his voice so low it was barely above a whisper.

Boromir stroked his soft cheek and smiled at him.

"I had to find some release my dear friend. You and your young cousin have almost been the death of me. But fear not, if you are here with me then all is right. Gimli will say nothing and if you wish, we may take sanctuary in each other's arms."

Merry smiled at his friend and snaked his arms around his neck for an embrace. The Southerner returned the embrace lovingly, then raised the young Hobbit's face to his and put their mouths together. Their kisses quickly went from soft lips alone to the twining and sucking of tongues. Merry was amazed at the skill of his human lover and began to thrust his tongue deeper and harder. Boromir pulled them apart, breathless and whispered in his ear for him to straddle his lap.

Careful to avoid the gooey pe one on the floor, Merry scrambled into the requested position. Boromir's once again fully erect cock was sandwiched between both their bellies as they resumed their passionate kissing. The tall man's hands began to undo the fastenings of Merry's breeches and a quiver of excitement rippled through the young Hobbit's body.

The young Brandybuck's cock sprang forth from it's hiding place and was engulfed in the warrior's hand. His other hand cupped the round firmness of Merry's buttocks and pressed firmly into the still covered opening of his little button hole. The Hobbit squirmed a little but then pressed harder into the warm body beneath his. Then, without warning, the Tirithean's hand left his young friend's cock and he embraced Merry's buttocks with both hands.

Pushing him upwards and bending his head, Boromir's warm mouth met the small but thick Hobbit member. Merry's small size enabled his human friend to completely take his cock into his sucking mouth. The Hobbits body began to shudder and shake as he gave in to the delicious sensations that surrounded his member. A heat like a forge fire was spreading from the point of his rigid little cock and expanding in the territory of his thighs, belly and chest. His thought became a mere blur as the pleasure grew to a mountainous peak. As his orgasm hit, he felt as if he had stepped off a high cliff and he could fly all the way home to the Shire.

Boromir continued to suck at his young friend's cock until he had milked all the salty seed from it's purple tip and let it's creamy, smoothness slip down his throat. With a soft sigh, he released Merry's cock from his mouth and lowered the youngster back to his lap. The young Hobbit rested his head against his human lover's chest and panted, his heart racing and a small smile passing across his lips. He was aware only of the rise and fall of Boromir's chest and the perfect feeling of contentment and safety he felt.

After a few moments had passed, Merry pushed himself up to face his friend. The Southerner returned his young friend's gaze evenly, his eyes shining with emotion. The youngster noticed that the man's cock was still fully erect and awaiting his own ministrations. With soft kiss to Boromir's lips, he slid off his friend's lap and knelt on the floor beside his hip. He snuggled up to the warrior's side and grasped the large member in his small hand. Trembling slightly, he took the tip into his mouth and began to suck, twirling his tongue over the silky smooth flesh and probing into the tiny slit.

Boromir moaned deep in his chest and pressed his hand onto the back of Merry's neck, massaging. As he continued to suckle at his friend's cock, the young Hobbit tried to take more of the engorged shaft into his mouth. But try as he might, there was no way that such a large thing could fit more than an inch or two inside the small gullet. In frustration, with tears threatening to fall, Merry released Boromir's cock from his mouth and whispered to his friend.

"I'm sorry. I can't take very much into my mouth. Is that alright?" came the Hobbit's tortured whisper.

"Fret not my little one. What you can do is more than enough pleasure than I ever imagined this act could hold." Boromir whispered back and gently rubbed the Hobbit's back.

Merry sighed and returned to his licking and sucking, stroking the long, thick shaft with his hand and rubbing his friend's lower belly. Finally, after many sweet moments, Boromir tensed and gently pulled his young lover's mouth from around his cock. Merry looked up at him, straining to see his shadow darkened eyes.

"Stroke me now my sweet one." Came the warrior's trembling voice. "You are not ready to drink my seed as yet. That will come later. For now, just use your sweet hand to take me home."

Merry smiled to himself, feeling the closeness of his friend's climax and taking joy that he was the one giving such pleasure. He lay his curly head upon his human lover's belly and began to make long smooth strokes up and down the fiery shaft. Boromir caressed his young lover as he awaited his second strong climax of the night and as his balls tensed and readied to spill their seed a second time he gripped Merry's upper thigh in his big hand.

Merry stroked, once, twice and then the last stroke brought the eruption he was seeking. Hot gouts of sticky, slippery cum flew out from the tip of Boromir's cock. Merry tried to catch the flow with his hand but most escaped and joined the drying puddle on the floor. As the climax ended and the lees of his seed dripping down his cock and onto the Hobbit's hand, Boromir exhaled long and slow. A grin on his face, Merry brought his slickened hand to his mouth and tasted his lover. Then, his mouth full of his friend's juices, he raised himself and their mouths met again, exchanging sweet and salty fluid.

Finally, spent and knowing their time alone must end due to circumstance, the straightened their clothing and departed the room to return hand in hand to the sleeping circle of their companions. Nodding to Gimli and smiling in the dark at each other, the human and Hobbit settled themselves back into place next to Pippin. Beneath the blankets they spread over the three of them, Merry and Boromir clasped hands and fell asleep that way, cherishing the sanctuary of their love and passion for each other.

A short while later, Pippin came back to the bedding area, slipping past Gimli without a sound. He pulled the pack and extra blanket he had used to make it appear that he was still in his place away from the body of his two friends. He sniffled as he glared across the darkened room and curled up at the feet of Frodo and Sam.

*...everyone has someone and nobody wants me ... i guess I'm too young and foolish to love ... i hate being the youngest .. i hate being inexperienced .. i hate this quest ... frodo doesn't need me .. merry doesn't need me ... i hate I'm scared all the time .. i hate myself ... * He thought as he drifted off to sleep. He didn't notice that Boromir was searching for him with outstretched hands in his sleep.

Continued in INNOCENCE FOUND