Angular features. Sharp, but still smooth. His entire face was lax with sleep. I wanted to see his eyes. Oh, that nose! very Roman. His jaw and chin were remarkable, long but elegant. I wanted desperately to touch his hair to see if it was as soft as it looked. It was a beautiful shade of blonde with very light touchings of strawberry. As much as I wanted it to be black like Loki's, I was growing more partial to his natural color. Worrying my bottom lip, I raised a finger from in-between ourselves, oh-so lightly touching his skin. It was cool to the touch. I traced it up to his high cheek, suppressing the shivers that skated down my spine. How in the world, I'll never know, did all of this happen?
Uh-oh.
...
Damn bladder. Ruining a gorgeous moment.
I inwardly groaned, trying to not move but it was persistent. I looked back at Tom once more before untangling myself from his arm. I slid from the bed, making sure he was still asleep. I tiptoed to the bathroom and did my business quickly. When finished, I saw my reflection and nearly died. I looked horrible! I scrambled back out to the room, grabbing my messenger bag and retreating back in the bathroom. I dug around for my make-up and toothbrush. There was NO WAY that he was gonna be near my funky breath. As I tidied my face up and managed to tame my wild hair into a low ponytail, I heard movement in the next room. I stopped breathing all together, praying I didn't wake him. Tom probably didn't sleep much knowing I was coming earlier. Curious, I peeked around the corner and saw him sprawled out, lightly snoring.
Heh. The great Tom Hiddleston- snoring.
I pursed my mouth together to not laugh. Instead, I drew my phone out from my back pocket and took a picture, saving it only just for me. As I stared at it with a fondness, my stomach then decided to let me know it was hungry.
What IS it with my body denying me?!!
I growled some and looked around for food. There was a mini-bar but I knew how hotels were. Charge you for using friggin' coffee maker, some did. I wasn't about to touch it. But as I searched, I found nothing. I thought hard, trying to remember if there was a downstairs restaurant bar in the lobby when we first came in. I think there was...
I dug into my bag and found a scratch piece of paper. Using a ballpoint laying on the t.v. stand, I wrote a note to Tom telling him where I was and hope he slept well. Grabbing the key card, I slipped out the room, looking back over my shoulder to drink in the sight.
Too cute for his own self.
I closed the door as quietly as I could and walked down the hallway, looking for signs for the elevator. Once on, I slid down to the lobby and sure enough, I smelled food. I eagerly made my way to the little dinning room, the lights set low so there was a golden dim about the area, mixed with black accents and leather seating with fine glass tables. I sat down at a small booth by a window as a cute Asian girl approached me, asking me what I wanted to drink. I asked for water and whatever kind of burger they had with fries. Luckily, the fates were in my favor and I got one. I watched everyone around me as I ate, feeling very happy and sated.
Here I was in California with a gorgeous man back in my room, ready to explore and see the sights. Sighing, feeling very full. I tilted my head back, looking up at the night sky and the buildings, glittering. It vaguely reminded me of Atlanta. I sighed, wondering if Tom was awake yet. As I continued to gaze on, I didn't hear someone approach me. A warm breath tickled my ear, making me jump slightly. "Decided to go on an adventure without me?," asked the low voice, lips an inch away it. I gasped and turned my head, nearly colliding into Tom's.
Speak of the God of Lies and he appears...
He grinned slowly, eyes still full of sleep but a dark shade of sapphire. He still smelled of cotton-y dreams. "Sorry. My stomach is a rebel and demanded sustenance," I apologized, pointing to my empty plate. "I can see that. Do you mind if I join you then for a nightcap?"
"Still tired?"
"Yeah. You probably still are too."
I nodded, watching him seat across from me, lanky like a panther. "Are you hungry? Their burgers are wickedly delicious," I offered, trying to make small talk. "I might have dessert instead. Do you still have room for it?," he challenged, eyes twinkling. I matched it, smirking. "For sweets; always." The waitress came back and got his order of whiskey and honey, coffee for me, and the most chocolate dessert they had to offer. It ended up being a four-layer slice with chocolate chips on it served with ice cream. Double on double. I nearly died.
We ate silently, sneaking peeks at each other. He made me feel I was on my first date, all giddy and nervous. No one bothered us at all the entire time. After my fourth bite, I sighed once more, balancing my chin in my hand, my other dangling the fork. "I can't take another bite. I'll fall into a diabetic coma," I groaned. Tom picked a chocolate chip off the slice, slipping it into his mouth, watching me. "If that happens, I can't have fun with you," he winked, obviously pleased with himself at my reaction.
Which was looking shocked and my face going slightly pink.
"Hmm, that color is better looking in person," he hummed, sipping his drink. "U-uhm... yeah. Well, don't feel flattered. I blush at everything," I said back, trying to be haughty but failing at it. "Then I guess I need to find a way to make you do that just for me," Tom replied back in a silky voice, eyes darkening even more.
... Shit.
"Maybe one day. Right now, that bed is calling to me. And a shower, but not in that order," I changed the subject smoothly, inwardly pleased with myself. Tom looked at his wrist watch and agreed. He snatched up my ticket and paid for it, despite my loud protesting. As we argued to the elevator, I saw out of the corner of my eye a group of men huddled around the front desk. My heart started beating fast once I saw a couple of them holding cameras. "Crap!," I hissed and looked up at Tom, seeing him looking at them too. He met my gaze and he snatched my hand, both of us running to the elevator doors. Unfortunately, someone saw us.
A chorus of "Mr. Hiddleston!" rang out, echoing loudly. I kept pressing the "Up" button, feeling anxious. "Oh, come on, please!!!," I begged it. Tom was cool and collect, eyes trained up. We heard the "ding!" and the footfalls of the paparazzi near. Tom shoved me inside, his hand snapping out and hitting the button to our room. "I'll be up in a moment, darling," he promised, winking at me. I gaped at him, reaching out but the doors closed. As I was being pulled up, I stood there flabbergasted.
Did he... did he pull a Mufasa on me? Shoved me inside to protect me from those shutter-bugs?
I stopped the elevator suddenly and slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. This was a sudden action that I've never had happen to me. It threw me for a loop. I shakily brushed back my bangs, worrying my bottom lip. I drew in a breath and stood up, starting the ride back up. Once at the floor, I numbly walked to the room, keeping an eye out for anyone. There was no one in the hallway. Sliding the key into the slot, I opened the door and was greeted by the smell that was Tom's cologne. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I slowly dropped my bag and stared around the room, letting it all sink in.
"You're dealing with a celebrity now, Erin. It's not time to loose your marbles," I told myself, busying myself with tidying up. It was a habit of mine to clean when stressed. Once I was pleased with what I cleaned, I turned on the t.v. and changed into my sleeping clothes. Hope he didn't mind a large t-shirt and yoga pants. I thought about a shower but all I wanted was to greet him when he came in. I decided on washing my face and brushing my teeth again. When done, I flipped through the channels while sitting in bed, settling on a old movie. It was "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon"- yes, I love John Wayne. As I watched the Duke with his Confederate uniform and mustache, there came a knock on the door. I cautiously got up, eying it.
Once near it, I peered into the peep hole, seeing Tom stand there, his face blank. I twisted the handle and opened it. We stared at each other and I stepped off to the side as he walked in. I silently closed it, heart beating like a wild animal running. I turned, only to be gathered into arms. "Are you okay?," he whispered into my hair. I nodded mutely, caught off guard. "Are you?," I asked, pulling away to look at him. "I am, they just got me when I'm not looking my best," he joked lightly, smoothing back some of my hair. I nodded and untangled myself from him, walking towards the bed.
"You've always looked dapper no matter what," I shot back cheekily, fluffing the pillows. "Now, go take a nice hot shower and come to bed. We've had a rather big day," I prattled on, fixing the bed, back facing him. "Since when do you act motherly? Not that I'm complaining," he said, shuffling around. I looked back at him over my shoulder. "I've always been like a mommy. Now go!," I shooed, flapping my hands. He laughed and did as I said.
Crawling back onto the bed, I tried to pay attention to the movie, but hearing the shower turn on made my stomach flip-flop. I groaned and huddled deeper into the blankets, trying to block out the noise.
Tom was not that far from me and naked.
NAKED.
Dear God, I'm fan-girling and getting bothered at the same time. I rolled over to my left side, eyes trained on the film. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion hit me like a semi-truck. I struggled to keep my eyes opened but it was a loosing battle. I was full of food, warm and safe in a large bed and soon, Tom would join me. I giggled stupidly into the pillows and started to day-dream when I felt those familiar prickles of sleep crawl up from my toes. I don't recall how long I was in and out, but I do remember the lamp light being turned off and a warm, clean smelling body sliding in beside me. "Bunch up, sweets," he murmured, scooping me up some. I muttered some smart-ass comment which sent him into peals of laughter and a large hug. "You are positively wonderful when sleepy," Tom teased, gathering strands of my hair in his hands. I smacked his chest, grumbling. "It's your fault."
"Do you want the movie on anymore?," he asked, rubbing my shoulder. I shook my head, burying my face into the crook of his neck, drawn to his clean scent. "Nnnoooo," I drawled out. Soon, the Duke's voice was shut off and the room was plunged into darkness, the icy breeze of the air conditioner a pleasant sound to fall asleep to. I felt Tom wrap a arm around me, his minty breath washing over my face.
"Are you okay with this?," he whispered in the dark.
"Huh? With what?," I asked stupidly drunk with sleep. "Sleeping in one bed." I yawned and felt around for his nose. I tweaked it swiftly. "Hush it and it's time for sleepy time, Mr. Hiddleston. This girl needs her rest," I scolded lightly. He captured my hand and brought the knuckle to his lips, kissing it tenderly. "As you wish," he replied. "Ooh, Wesley!," I suddenly squealed, laughing at the mention of "The Princess Bride". "Okay, Princess Buttercup. Beddy-bye time it is," he chuckled and as we came off our little high, I drifted off with a smile etched on my face.
--
Tom POV
--
When morning came, it was a dull gray and still dark. I shifted some to look at the digital clock. Seven o'clock. I yawned some and rubbed my eyes, the lull of sleep still clinging to me. The lump of sheets beside me moved some, a small noise coming from them. I lifted up some of them, seeing Erin snoozing away, hair everywhere and clutching a pillow close to her, a free hand sprawled up, the fingers tipped up. I stared at her for the longest time and that tiny hand. I grasped it carefully, stroking her palm with my thumb. She took it in her sleep, a smile crossing her features briefly as she continued to dream.
This little wild child was filled with surprises.
I closed my eyes and drifted in and out until when I woken next, she was gone. Her smell still lingered, floral and dreamy. I sat up, looking around for her while stretching. I heard the shower running and her soft singing. Oh, she sings? I listened to her sing a song in a language that sounded familiar, feeling oddly comfortable and at home. Is this what it feels like? Running a hand through my impossible curls, I slowly got out of bed and started to get dressed, turning on the telly to the news. Hmm, rain today. Maybe it will cool down some. Soon, the bathroom door opened, the scent of mango and other sweet-smelling fruit came out and a wet-haired nymph, eyes wide and shinning like the sea.
"Oh! Good morning!," she blushed, tying her hair up with a towel. "Don't you smell divine! Are you sure you aren't going to be served with breakfast?," I jokingly teased at her, wrapping her up in a large hug. She returned it, tickling my sides lightly. "You don't want to eat me. I'm too sweet for most people or too tangy. And speaking of breakfast, I am STARVING!," she mocked-whined, placing a hand against her forehead. "Well, we can not let this go on any further!," I demanded, both of us in stage-acting mode. She laughed, clapping her hands. "Let me put on my shoes and do something with this hair." I watched her as she flitted around, gathering her things.
I never noticed how flighty she could be. Nor did I her body. She was fit like a softball player, toned but still soft with curves. Again- classic looks. Healthy looking. Not to mention her other "assets" were amazing. But as I thought about it, I was entirely drawn to her eyes and not her looks. I blinked at the notion made, startling myself. I was every inch of a gentleman but no one captivated me more than this slip of a woman.
Erin then bounded by my side, hair piled up on her trademark bun and a pair of sunglasses on.
"I don't wanna risk the sun coming out and blind-sighting me. Plus, these Raybands are cool, even if they're knock offs. Now, direct me to food!," she pointed to the door, all smiles.
Again-
this wild child...
We walked outside of the hotel five minutes later and hailed a cab, taking us to the nearest cafe for breakfast. It hadn't rained yet, but there was a nice breeze going 'round so Erin begged to sit outside underneath the yellow umbrellas. Not denying her, we took our meal in the openness, drinking down cafe au laits and baked goods with fruit. She kept asking questions about L.A. and what filming we were doing in California before going to England to finish the rest. Erin was well-informed of the movie and had knowledge of films entirely. Then, she moved the subject to the stores around and sight-seeing places. I didn't grow tired of the questions, amused greatly by her.
Finishing her third cup of coffee, she sat back, sighing happily. "Now that hit the spot," she said, a sated smile on her lips. "I'm glad we were able to fix our problem. Now, as you mentioned before... for a idea of a date, you mentioned a zoo. Still interested?," I asked, watching her expression. Erin sat up, eyes wide. "Really? Do you want to go to the zoo with me?!," she breathed, excitement lingering in her tone. "I'm partial to animals! Maybe we'll meet your kind there," I cheekily said. She cocked her head to the side, confused. "My kind?"
"I've thought that lions were like you- all big yawns, fluffy manes, and dangerous when starving."
A bagel flew near my ear at that remark.
--
OMG THE FLUFFINESS OF THESE TWO ARE KILLING ME.
Later Days...!
-SD
