A/N: Tolkien's characters. Written for a Valentine's Day Misadventure Challenge at Tolkien's Realm on LJ.

---

Ignoring the looks his friends gave him, Sam loosed a deep breath and approached the bar. This time, he would manage it. Frodo was right; there was nothing to be scared of. How hard could it be to invite a girl to the Chubbs' Yule party? She would likely be going, anyway.

Wait… what if someone else had already asked her? Then he would still see her there, Sam assured himself. And look like a right fool, his brain reminded him unnecessarily. No matter. It still wouldn't hurt to ask. It wasn't as if he didn't appear a right fool now, lollygagging around the bar…

Sam opened his mouth.

"Can I help you, handsome?" the beautiful creature asked.

"Another beer, please, Mistress Rose." Receiving the drink, Sam turned and fled.