jlynnhiddles-blog

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

Chapter Three: Her Whole Heart

Set in the present, this is a fairytale about a girl making her own way in the world whose work leads her to the man she’d cast as her Prince Charming. Will she try on those glass slippers or will she find out she’s met The Beast? Can two people from different realms risk everything to make it across The Bifrost? Can endings ever be happy? Join me on this adventure, send me a message or a poisoned apple and enjoy!

Jamie excused herself to wash her face. Her cats peered at her, then went to greet the stranger in their home. When she came out, he stood from the lone barstool, petting one cat. His jacket was hung neatly over the back of the stool.

“I told them who I am, so we're friends now. They were just surprised.”

“That makes three of us.”

“Four, actually. I certainly didn't plan to impose in your home. And I just realized that I don't know if your boyfriend or husband lives here and what trouble my being here will cause you.”

She smiled at him. “Just me and the cats. I'm officially a crazy cat lady at 33.”

“You’re lovely. I'm sure there's someone.”

“No. I'm not great at relationships. I have my own space and I do what I want. Like a certain Frost Giant.”

“You should know better than anyone that Loki didn't want to be alone and that was one of his biggest lies,” he said pointedly.

“Well, Loki didn't have two needy cats.” The smaller one was now circling between his long legs. “Bobby is going to know you were stepping out on him.” She paused. “I'm sorry that I recognized your dog. I know that's part of your personal life that you try to keep private.”

“Bobby has cat friends at my sister’s house where he stays sometimes. He'll be jealous he didn't get to come over as well. And thank you for the apology. The information is out there. It's part of life, good and bad. Assuming that you didn't overhear me yell it at the dog park because you were hiding in the bushes, you're forgiven. So. Pizza?”

Jamie pulled out her phone, scrolled a bit and handed it to him.

“Russell's. They're in the shops right behind us. They'll make something fast for me. Just pick out what you want.”

“Whatever you normally get is good,” he said, handing her phone back to her.

“Ham and pineapple, then!”

He wrinkled his nose.

“Please tell me that you know that I don't like pineapple on pizza.”

“Yes, I know. How about pepperoni and mushrooms?”

“Yes, perfect.”

Jamie dialed from her contacts.

“Russell! It's Jamie. Yes, I know I usually have ordered by now on Friday. No, not Hawaiian tonight. Can I get a large pepperoni and mushrooms? And a large Greek salad.” She paused, listening. “Did your wife make them? Okay, we'll take brownies. Can I walk by in like…twenty minutes?”

She looked at Tom, who shook his head and mouthed ‘Bruce’ and pointed downstairs.

“Actually, my friend Bruce will come get it. Now, listen Rus, don't give him any grief. You know my heart belongs to you. He'll bring my card to sign.”

She started getting it out of her wallet but Tom stopped her, raising his eyebrows.

“Heck, I'll make Bruce pay. Yeah, about twenty minutes. You're a dream.” She hung up.

“It's nice that you have somewhere close by,” he said, giving the larger cat a belly rub.

“Yeah, makes it feel like a neighborhood. Do you want me to walk down and tell Bruce where to go?”

“I'll text him in a few minutes.” He looked at her, appreciating how she was relaxing around him. “So. Do you want to geek out?”

“Ah, I'm not sure you're ready for that,” she said playfully, shoving his wide shoulder.

“You saw the pictures from last weekend. The artwork and the costumes people make and the things they say and write. It is amazing how talented people are and how they express that through Loki.”

“Alexa, please resume the previous playlist.”

Tom heard his own voice singing through the speaker, as Hank Williams.

“Not just Loki,” she said, shaking her head. She sat on the stool. “I mean don't get me wrong. I love Loki. He’s my king, the true king of Asgard and Jotunheim. We're not even going to talk about Infinity War. Ever. But I love your Hank Williams and your King Henry and your voice lent to Bond. You've learned combat and horseback riding and sorcery and giant gorilla fighting. And you've done it all happily. With passion. With a smile and a feminist attitude. I geek out to your geeking out at your whole beautiful life. It's something I struggle with naturally. Just being excited about my life, even the best parts of it.”

He wasn't sure why he did it. She'd looked happy talking about him but now sadness clouded into the corners of her eyes, talking about herself. Slowly, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. She softly touched his chest and closed her eyes.

“You are so real and so clever and you have a tremendous brightness to you. Maybe you can't see it and maybe others can't either, but I can. I see you.” He said it low, still leaning over her.

She took a deep breath. “Thank you. Now, text Bruce. I have some beer in the fridge. I'm not sure what you drink. I have plenty of soda and juice. There's a drugstore on the corner if we need anything else.”

Tom stepped back, feeling her need for space. He pretended not to see her wipe her eyes with the back of her hand. He'd been here less than an hour and made her cry twice. He dutifully walked to the fridge and opened it.

“You're well stocked for someone who lives alone,” he said, pulling out a beer. “What can I get you?”

“Diet Coke and can you grab the rum from above the fridge, please. It's almost too high for me.”

He did as she asked and then pulled his phone out of his front pocket to text Bruce.

“Any other instructions for Bruce or anything we need while he's out?”

Jamie did a quick inventory in her head of the apartment.

“Nope, just the food.” She rattled off the directions and Tom sent the message. He then walked to her and handed her a drink.

“Rum and Diet, with ice and a straw, darling.”

“How the heck did you do that so fast? And how did you make it how I like it?”

“Sorcery.” He winked. Swigging his own beer, he motioned to the couch.

“Shall we sit while we wait for the food?”

Calling it a couch was generous. It was barely a love seat. She only had that, a papasan chair and the barstool.

“Yeah, sure. Actually, do you mind if I change clothes? Scrubs just feel like work clothes.”

“Of course. Take your time.”

“Make yourself comfortable. Take off your shoes if you want.” He’d already taken off his hat and it sat with his sunglasses and wallet on the small table next to her door.

She closed her bedroom door and took a deep breath. This was going okay! Yes, she’d cried twice. But he was being so sweet. Could he actually maybe like her? She shook her head. She didn’t know why he was here, but it wasn’t for that. He was just stir crazy in the hotel. This was just killing time for him. She stripped off her scrubs and surveyed her closet. Nodding to herself, she dressed quickly and went back to him.

He stood from the couch as she came around the corner. Did he alway stand when she entered the room? He smiled, and she recognized it as the smile he usually gave when he was caught off guard.

“You look beautiful.” She’d chosen a loose cotton t-shirt dress in pale gold and paired it with black leggings and bare feet. She nodded.

“Just something comfortable.”

He’d taken off his shoes and his sweater was over his jacket on the barstool, leaving him in just his dark jeans and thin t shirt.

She sat with one leg under her to put slightly more space between them. He casually rested his long arm behind her on the top of the couch.

“So, what would you normally be doing tonight if I wasn't here?” he asked, consciously having to stop himself from running his fingers along the edge of her ear.

She pressed her lips together as she thought.

“Hmm well it’s Friday. So I usually get a ham and pineapple calzone from Russel’s and pick it up on the way home. It’s the first Friday of the month, so usually Chris Evans comes over and brings his Captain America costume. I texted him during the drive back and cancelled. He sent like a hundred sad face emojis. Then a bunch of dick pics. Pretty embarrassing, really.”

His eyes sharpened in unmistakable jealousy but he quickly covered it with a smirk.

She sipped her drink.

“You made this strong. Are you sure it isn’t that thousand year old Asgardian liquor Thor brings sometimes?”

He began to lean towards her like a sleek predator.

“I’m kidding. There were no dick pics.”

“Don’t make me text Chris and tell him to treat you like a lady,” Tom growled, his hand now firmly gripping her shoulder.

“Please. That’s the last thing I want to be treated like.”

The short knock at the door broke their loaded stare. A nervous giggle burst out of Jamie and Tom hopped up and peeped through the peephole.

“Is it okay if Bruce comes in?” he asked her.

She nodded and Tom opened the door. Bruce walked in with a big, square box and a couple of bags.

Jamie asked him to set them on the stove and started pulling down plates and napkins.

“Bruce, what are you drinking?” she asked him.

“I’m fine, Miss Birch.”

She looked at Tom.

“You’d better do what she says, Bruce.” Tom said. “She’s pretty bossy.”

“Do you have regular Coke?”

She pulled a bottle from the door and handed it to him, with a plate.

“I’m not hungry.”

She glared at him.

“I’ll take a couple of slices. And did I hear about brownies?”

“I only have two dining chairs, so I’ll use the barstool since I’ll still be shorter than the two of you,” she said, gesturing at her tiny dining table.

Bruce glanced at Tom and an unspoken cue passed between them.

“You know what? It’s a beautiful night. I think I’ll eat this on the porch.”

“Fine. But don’t give the cats any pepperoni. They get heartburn.”

She gave him a napkin and the cats followed him onto the screened porch.

Tom had fixed his own plate, as well as hers, while she was ordering Bruce around.

“I’m not really bossy. I just like things a certain way,” she said as they sat down. He’d gotten their drinks from the coffee table as well. “And just because he’s just a driver doesn’t mean he can’t eat with us.”

Tom rolled his eyes. “Bruce isn’t just my driver. He’s my copper. Transplanted from Atlanta to England. He usually travels with me if I leave London. He has a bedroom in my house. His kids call me Uncle. I thought you’d bloody recognize him too. He’s making himself scarce because, well, he likes you and, well, you know.” Slight embarrassment played over his face.

She raised her eyebrows in question. “Do you guys have this routine in every town?” she asked, only half joking.

“Certainly. I pretend to chip my tooth and request the most lovely dental laboratory technician in all the land to come tend to me. Then, I seduce them, murder them and Bruce gets rid of the body. It’s quite efficient.”

“Do all the victims--I mean dates--offer Bruce pizza?”

He laughed loudly.

“No, actually you’re the first. He liked you at once. He’d texted ahead to tell Luke that you were friendly and he was confident you’d be fine.”

“To murder?”

“Well, first to do the dental work without fangirl hysterics. Then murder.”

“Ah well at least I’m a professional. How’s the pizza?” “Really, really good.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Tom got up and got another beer and made her another drink.

“Hiddleston, you’re not trying to get me drunk, are you?” she asked, looking up at him. “Your buddy Cumberbatch brought me a very nice tequila when he visited last and all he got was a handy.”

“A ‘handy’?” Tom asked, eyebrows raised.

Jamie mimed giving a hand job.

“Ohhh. Well, the way he tells it, you went all the way,” he replied with a laugh.

“Course he does. Boys always brag.”

Tom cleared the plates from the table, rinsing them in the sink despite her protest. He put two brownies on a plate and carried their drinks back to the couch.

“Will you show me the rest of the apartment?” he asked.

“Well, you saw the porch and the kitchen and the dining room and the living room.”

He’d spied snapshots and ticket stubs displayed on open wire frames. She turned on the hall light. There were a couple of him, making silly faces, some with what must be her family that he recognized from her office, including a small baby and a few pets. Stubs from concerts and museums showed her classical and pop tastes.

“There’s a bathroom here. Litter box in the tub so please don’t shower in it. My guest bedroom is mostly storage and crafts.”

She flicked on the lamp on the desk. Lots of totes and assorted crafting materials were spread around. Clearly, this was a work space. There was also a twin bed pushed up against the window.

“I make my lovers sleep in here after I’m done with them.”

“Ah yes, Ben and Chris did mention that.”

At the end of the hall was her bedroom. It was large and open, her queen bed centered under the window. She had white wood furniture and lots of books. One wall next to her bed had two posters. The small one had his face in black and white, grinning widely and looking off camera. The other said “Love your life because your life is what you have to give.” -Tom Hiddleston. The opposite wall had a small green and white framed print that said “Keep calm and kneel” with a silhouette of Loki’s helmet.

“See? No nude portraits! And I just renovated your shrine back into a closet. I needed the space. Sorry.”

A walk in closet and another small bathroom completed the room.

“It’s a great apartment,” he said, smiling at her. “I like that picture of me. I don’t remember what was so funny, but I was definitely amused.” “I can usually tell a fake smile from a real one. Sometimes your eyes are sad.”

He brushed back a piece of hair that had come loose from her braid.

“Are they sad now?” he murmured, putting his large hands on her hips and pulling her closer.

She shook her head slightly, knowing her voice would be useless.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he put his thumb under her chin, gazing into her eyes.

He kept his eyes on hers until their lips met. She stood up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth and inviting his tongue to explore. He slid his other hand to her butt, keeping her tight up against him. After what felt like a lifetime of slow kisses, she gently pulled away.

“I’m gonna need to get working on that shrine again,” she murmured into his chest.

She felt the deepness of his chuckle.

“How about those brownies?” he asked, taking her hand and walking her to the living room.

They sat back down on the couch and shared the plate. They stole glances at each other and tried not to giggle.

“Well, it’s getting late. I had my promised pizza. I should get going.”

“Oh. Yeah. Of course,” she replied, not able to hide her disappointment.

Neither of them moved. “See, here’s the thing.” He rubbed his hands on his jeans. “I don’t fuck around. I don’t fuck girls that I don’t plan on seeing further.  I mean, I have given in to the occasional temptation. I’m not perfect. There are an abundance of letters and tweets suggesting doing things to me that I would have to Google how to do. I didn’t come here to fuck you. I didn’t come here because you know my publicist and my dog and you smell like vanilla cookies and Valhalla.”

“Then why did you?” The tightness in her throat betrayed the longing in the question.

“Because this whole day you’ve treated me like a regular guy. Once you got over your initial surprise, you’ve sort of been giving me crap. You climbed in my lap, opened my car door and told me about getting stung by jellyfish in the bay. You tried to pay for dinner and you fed Bruce. You've been bossy and teasing and stubborn. You haven’t asked how I became injured or why I’m clean shaven. You haven’t taken a photograph, except of the inside of my mouth. You handed me your unlocked mobile without a second thought. You said that you’re no good at relationships but you’ve trusted me and not because of the guy you see at the cinema. I came here because I wanted--I needed to find out if I was right.”

“Right about what?” she whispered.

“Right about my gut. About needing to get to know you better. There’s no way for me to meet someone in a conventional way. I’m here to find out if I’m right about trying to take a risk.”

“You think this isn’t risky for me?” she fired back. “This is my whole fucking heart. For all of my bossy bitch attitude, you’re literally the guy of my dreams. I don’t win here. Either I say goodnight and hate myself for not taking the risk or I fuck you and it’s amazing and I spend the rest of my life missing that. There’s no throne. There’s no version of this where I come out on top.”

With tremendous ease, he pulled her into his lap.

“I think,” he said, gently kissing her neck, “That you’d made up your mind before we’d left the hotel. You’re smart and strong and decisive as hell. Your whole heart is exactly what you’re willing to risk because it’s what you have to give. There’s an option that has you winning. Both of us winning. And taking turns on top.”

#my ocs #tom hiddleston #fanfic #loki fanfic #tom hiddleston fanfiction #indulgent #new

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

Chapter Two: The Living Daylights

Set in the present, this is a fairytale about a girl making her own way in the world whose work leads her to the man she’d cast as her Prince Charming. Will she try on those glass slippers or will she find out she’s met The Beast? Can two people from different realms risk everything to make it across The Bifrost? Can endings ever be happy? Join me on this adventure, send me a message or a poisoned apple and enjoy!

She thought it was impossible to be more embarrassed. Quickly, she prayed for a hole to open under her or an asteroid to crash down from space. Heck, she'd take a Chitauri invasion. Instead, with what she hoped was a convincing voice, she said, "I just like the suit.”

Tom nodded at her, his lips smiling almost shyly. Was he embarrassed? He must be used to things like that. But Jamie saw the faintest hint of red creeping up his neck.

"Shall we get to work?" he asked her, rubbing his large hands over his thighs, seemingly happy to change the subject.

"Yes, of course, Mr. Hiddleston."

"Tom. Please. You're going to have your fingers in me in a moment so we don't need to be formal."

There it was again! As he realized what he'd said, the red crept further up to behind his ears. Jamie turned her face away as to not reveal what she saw and opened her kit.

"First of all, if you don't mind brushing your teeth and rinsing well. That'll make sure I get the best shade match."

She handed him a zip top bag with a boxed toothbrush, travel sized toothpaste and a small cup.

"I actually have my own toothbrush here, but thank you,” he replied.

"Of course you do. Sorry. I always see patients at my office and they obviously don’t. I'll just get a few things ready. Wait, isn't someone from Dr. Kline's office supposed to be here as well?" She quickly glanced around the room despite knowing they were alone.

"I believe there was some sort of emergency. I'm sorry, I thought you had been made aware. Are you able to do your portion without them?"

"Yeah, I think I’ve got everything. Strictly speaking, I'm not allowed to do any medical work on you. I'm not licensed. But, I don't think that I will actually have to. I will have to touch you quite a bit more that I'd planned. It’s completely fine if you’re not comfortable with that. No hard feelings.”

"I'm sure I'm safe in your hands. I'll be right back." He nodded at her and walked out.

Jamie moved one of the chairs to face a window and pulled a small table in front of it. She filled a bowl with warm water from the kitchen and grabbed a roll of paper towels. She’d been hoping not to have to do this part.

Tom returned as she was getting out a bag of powder.

"The ashes of fallen Avengers?" he asked blandly. Half of the superheros had been turned to dust and blown away at the end of the last film.

"How many people made you take pictures with dead Avengers in plastic bags last weekend?" she asked, her eyes on what she was doing as she pulled on neoprene gloves.

"Seb and the other Tom had the worst of it by far. Bags with their own ashes in them. At least Loki didn’t..." His voice trailed off.

"That is just morbid and unkind," she replied. “But what I have here is impression material I'm hydrating. Have you ever had a mold taken of your mouth?"

Tom's blue eyes crinkled as he thought.

"Yes, for 'Lovers' when they made my vampire fangs."

Jamie already knew that. Only Lovers Left Alive was one of her favorite movies.

"This'll be the same. Have a seat. Normally, the dentist would do this, but I'm naturally overprepared so I brought impression materials just in case. She gloped the thick paste into the mold and gestured towards him. “Any allergies or other ways I could easily accidentally kill you right now?”

He laughed. “I’m fairly hearty, but thank you for your concern.”

"Is it okay if I put this in your mouth?"

Tom nodded and opened widely to accommodate her. She tried to keep her hands from shaking as she fit the mold against his teeth.

"Now, bite down completely. Okay, great. It'll take about an hour to set up, so just relax."

His eyes widened in panic and she couldn’t help but laugh loudly at his expression.

"Kidding! It'll be like three minutes and I already spent thirty seconds of them scaring the living daylights out of you."

She checked the time on her Fitbit and sat down across from him, gloved hands clasped. He looked absolutely ridiculous with the plastic form in his beautiful mouth. He glared at her but she knew it was without malice.

"Silver tongue betraying you?" she asked, lightly. Loki was known for his use of words.

He rolled his eyes. Jamie leaned forward and checked the edges of the material.

"I think it's ready. I'm going to pull it out. It won't hurt but it'll feel weird."

Gently, she pried down on the handle and it pulled free. She held it up to the sunlight and, with an expert eye, saw that it was an excellent impression.

"I guess I should have told you that I've never actually done that to anyone besides myself.”

"Well, I survived. Excuse me while I rinse that taste out."

Jamie sprayed the tray in the kitchen sink and wrapped it in damp paper towels and then in plastic. She put it back in her bag and pulled out her shade kit, loops and flashlight.

Tom returned and sat back in the chair.

"I'm afraid we're going to be even more intimate for this part," Jamie said, as she scooted her chair closer. "Actually, you're still much taller than me. I'll need to stand over you. My office has a proper dental chair that leans back so I don't usually need to be in the patient's...lap. Sorry."

"It's fine," he replied. "You're the one being put out by having to come here. Remember, I'm used to people doing hair and makeup and costumes for me. I don't have much of a sense of personal space. Even for a Brit."

She pulled her magnifying glasses over her eyes and clicked her flashlight.

"Please open your mouth and turn so you're looking at my left ear. Relax your jaw. Excellent. Just like that."

With a practiced eye, she examined the chipping on his tooth. Her initial treatment plan would work.

"I'm just going to take few very close pictures. I'm almost done."

Tom made an agreeable noise in his throat as she still had one hand on his mouth. She took just a moment to appreciate the situation. She was currently straddling one of Tom Hiddleston's very long legs and she was touching his face. This was the weirdest day of her life.

"You'll just need a small veneer to replace the chipped portion. Actually. Your dentist should have been able just to bond the chip back in place. It wouldn't last forever but you wouldn't need a replacement yet." She frowned a bit down into his handsome face, appreciating the angle.

"Actually, I don't have the broken part. I, uh, swallowed it."

"Oh, well that happens all the time. I can't tell you how many crowns we need to replace because the patient swallows them while they're being put on."

Tom chuckled and she felt it in her body because of how close they were.

"Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. When should it be completed?"

"I can fabricate it over the weekend and have it on Monday for you."

"That fast?" he asked. "Do you normally work on the weekends?"

"Well, no, but I don't mind taking care of it for you. Some of it is just time in the oven. I'll do the design and shading by hand. It's really not a challenging fit."

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Monday would be wonderful. Will you be coming back to put it in?"

Jamie blinked at him. Do this again? Assuming she survived this time?

"That's something the dentist should really do. They'll be able to pick it up from me."

"If it's all the same to you--and you said it's easy. I'd be more comfortable if you did it. I mean, what if they send someone here and she's this Hiddlestoner who climbs in my lap and takes pictures of the inside of my mouth?"

"Hey buddy, those were for me to get the shade right."

“Then why are you still in my lap?”

“Oh. Right. Sorry. Yes, of course I'll do what I can to get you fixed up,” she said, stepping back from him. She began to pack up her tools.

"Excellent. What's next?" he asked her.

"I'm actually done with my part. Everything else I'll do at the lab. Or at home. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate your being so kind when I'm obviously completely a bag of cats."

"You were completely professional and only scared me slightly. Luckily for you, I don't scare easily. I'll grab Luke and we'll get you a ride back. Excuse me."

As he walked out of the room, Jamie sank into an armchair. She was almost out of here. She'd just barely managed to escape with some dignity.

Jamie stood as both men walked back into the room.

"Would you mind terribly if I rode back with you?” Tom asked, putting his hands together in prayer. “I'm getting stir crazy in the hotel and it's not like I can just pop out to the pub. But a drive would be just the thing."

"Sure. Yes. Of course," she said, hoping her voice sounded convincing. "I'd like that a lot. Do you mind if I freshen up before we go?"

"Right through there," Tom pointed behind her to another room. “Take your time.”

She nodded and walked through the door into the next bedroom and into the bathroom. She sat on the edge of the tub and put her head between her knees. Pull yourself together, Birch. He was just another guy. Yes, so, he was the guy of her dreams. But it's not like he would ever see her like that. I’m just here to do a job and he's being nice to the help. After smoothing down her hair and rinsing out her own dry mouth, she returned to Tom, who was standing by the elevator. Her two bags were slung over his broad shoulder. He'd put on a leather jacket and black ball cap, a loose curl peeking out behind his ear. It took all of her willpower not to tuck it back in.

"You're sure you don't mind?" he asked again, noticing the glossy gaze that had come over her eyes, before pushing the button on the elevator.

Jamie stepped in as the doors opened.

"C'mon," she said. "Maybe we'll see some dolphins."

This trip in the elevator wasn't back to the lobby, but to the basement garage. The doors opened and Bruce was waiting with the Navigator. This portion of the garage was sectioned off with its own set of doors. One additional black Navigator was parked behind the one waiting for them.

"Hiya, Bruce!" Jamie greeted him like an old friend.

"Miss Birch." He nodded.

Tom opened the rear door and offered her a hand to help her up and passed her her bags. She put them at her feet then leaned over to push open his door. Her eyes caught the surprise in his to find her arm out over towards his side.

Bruce slid in to the driver's seat and checked the mirrors.

"We're good to go, sir, if you're ready."

"Yes, thank you. Back to your office, right Jamie?"

She looked at her watch. This whole thing had taken up the afternoon and it would be early evening by the time they got back.

"Yes, please. I'm sure everyone is gone by now but I need to get some stone material so I can make molds from the impression. I'll just do it at home tonight."

"Do you work from home a lot?" Tom asked, leaning back as they pulled into downtown traffic.

"No, not really. Most of my work needs to bake in specialty ovens so I can't do that part. I don't usually do the designs but I'll be doing yours. That's easy enough do at home. I'm happy to, really. I'll pour the stone models and they can dry overnight and boy this is incredibly boring and yet I keep going on about the process. Sorry." Her voice trailed off.

"No, please don't apologize. I asked. I'm genuinely interested. I'm going to sound like a tosser, but I always have to talk about myself. It's really nice just to...honestly just listen to your voice." There was the redness creeping up his neck again.

She turned to face him. "I listen to your narration of Octopussy and The Living Daylights a few times a week. I love how you voice James Bond. So, I guess it's fair for you to listen to me for a change."

His face slightly downward, he looked up at her through his long eyelashes. "And High-Rise?"

She sighed. "And High-Rise."

"Good," he said firmly.

As Tom watched Jamie point out things over the water, including a lucky sighting of a pod of dolphins, he couldn’t help but hear his own voice, as Bond, in his head. Somewhere, within easy reach, that girl lived. Was she married? Did she have a lover? Anyway, to hell with it. She was not for him.

Bruce brought them back to the lab. Dusk had fallen and the security lights  illuminated the building. No cars were in the parking lot. The place always cleared out early on Fridays. Tom got out and walked around to her door. She said her thank yous to Bruce and took Tom's hand as he helped her out.

"Are you sure you'll be okay here, alone?" he asked, looking around.

"Oh yeah, absolutely. I work late plenty of nights. I like to be alone."

Still looking around, he frowned.

"Where's your car?"

"Oh. Yeah well I only live across the street so I walk."

"Nope."

"Nope?" she asked, incredulous. "Yep. I walk. It's a safe neighborhood. I like the time to think."

"There's no way I'm leaving you here alone and then letting you walk home in the dark just because you were late helping me. Bruce and I will drive you. When you're ready." He closed the door behind her with finality.

There was no point fighting about it. She wasn't worried about walking home at night but it would be nice to spend a few more minutes with him.

"Okay, I only need about five minutes to grab some things."

"There’s no rush. May I come in with you?" Tom asked her.

"I'll be perfectly safe!" she replied, not hiding her exasperation.

"I'm sure you are. I just wanted to see it. I've never been in a dental laboratory."

Internally, she swooned at his pronunciation of laboratory. Externally, she nodded and dug through her bag, feeling for her badge. Pulling it out by the lanyard, she touched it to the keypad on the door. She heard it unlock and Tom reached past her to pull it open. In her hand, he saw himself in miniature. She followed his eyes and grinned sheepishly. There was a small, plastic keychain cartoon version of Loki, daggers drawn, on her lanyard.

"You like that suit, too?"

She shrugged. "Gold, for his mother," she replied, factually.

He nodded approvingly. They walked through the dimly lit lab and she pointed out this and that. She grabbed a container of stone model mix, a few plastic bowls and an electric handpiece.

"Where's your desk?" he asked.

"Oh, I don't need anything from there. Just this stuff."

"Maybe I want to see it," he replied. So they walked over to her little corner. It had some succulents and a few pictures taped the window. He ran his fingertips over the counter where she sat, as if to memorize the space.

"The ovens are back here. Be careful not to touch anything because some of them may be hot."

The warm room hummed loudly. Usually there was an overnight staff, but not always on Fridays. Jamie was happy for this because he seemed to be enjoying the tour. He watched her mouth as she explained the dull details of the lab and he'd gently brushed her back with his hand a couple of times as they'd walked. She thought it was her imagination when she felt his gaze on her while she slid her timecard through the timeclock.

"Okay, we're ready," she said brightly. She'd caught him looking at her. Probably making sure that I don't knock him out and keep him prisoner here, she thought. But secretly, she was flattered and flustered.

Tom opened the lab door and then her car door, helping her up again. She told Bruce how to get across the road to her apartment and they were there in a few minutes.

"See, I told you it was close," she said reproachfully as Tom opened her door yet again.

"But thank you for the ride, Bruce. Maybe I'll see you on Monday?"

"If not sooner," he said quietly, turning back to wink at her.

"I'll let my boss know to let your...people know to set things up for Monday,” she said to Tom as she grasped his hand.

He helped her down, took her bags from her and started to walk the path to her apartment.

"You don't need to walk me up!" she said, trailing after him. He didn't slow down. Climbing the concrete stairs two at a time with his impossibly long legs, he held open the screen door for her. She pulled her keys from her bag on his shoulder and reached out to take the bags he carried. He didn't move.

"Have dinner with me." He'd meant to say it more elegantly. He'd meant to ask.

"I--what? You can't go out.” She didn't really know what to say, but it wasn’t that. She knew, though, for absolutely certain, he could not come inside her apartment. Nope. Not happening.

"No, I can't and I'm sorry for that. I just don't want to go back to my hotel and eat with my team again, as much as I enjoy them. I wouldn’t be fair to drag you back across town. So, do you think maybe we can get a takeaway and eat it here? I really can't believe I'm saying this out loud because you don't know me and it's terribly inappropriate but I just--I don't want to leave you." He sighed. "It was a long weekend in Seattle and working again now when I thought I was done. I love my job. I just want to continue this normal conversation with you. And I'm hungry."

She stared into his blue eyes. He really did look like a sad golden retriever.

"Listen, Tom. I want you to understand completely. If you come in. We will not have sex."

He laughed loudly and brushed her hair back from her ear. He couldn't help himself.

"Can we have pizza instead?"

She could hear her cats meowing on the other side of the door. He took her keys from her and turned the lock. They bounded out and then right back in when they saw the stranger.

"I thought for sure they'd recognize me!" he said, laughing at his own joke.

"Not without the horned helmet!" she threw back.

He hung her keys on the hook next to the door as if he did it every day.

"Where can I put these?" he asked, gesturing with her bags.

"Kitchen counter, please," she replied.

"Alexa, we're home" she said to the speaker.

"Welcome home. I hope you're having a good day." Alexa replied.

From the moment Tom took her keys, Jamie knew she was completely screwed. He'd see her apartment and he would nope out of there, probably not even making a polite excuse. This had been fun, but it was over. His dentist would put in the crown and she'd never see him again. He might pursue legal action preventing it.

Tom set the bags on the counter next to the black refrigerator. It had the usual magnets and take out menus. And his face. He mouthed the words, quoting himself.

"Well, do you?" he asked her.

"Do I what?" Her voice was shaking.

"Do you like potatoes?"

She turned to him, her face now fiery red. Tears swam in her eyes.

"I am so, so sorry."

She covered her face with her hands. It was one thing to have a sexy picture of a celebrity on your phone. But to have a silly screenshot printed out and on her fridge from a video he’d made about potatoes for UNICEF? Like he was a friend.

She didn't hear him close the distance between them. She felt his strong arms around her.

"Shhhhhhhh," he whispered, rubbing her back as he held her tight. "Please, don't cry. Please. It's a happy day.”

"You're here and on my fridge and on my walls and you just can't be and I'm sorry,” she said, her shaking voice muffled through her hands and his chest. “I've been trying so hard to be cool and calm since I saw Luke in the lobby but I'm not. I'm sorry."

"Hey. Look at me."

He leaned back and forced her chin up to meet his gaze. Her face was red hot with embarrassment and tears.

"Is there a shrine with candles and locks of my hair purchased from eBay?"

She shook her head.

"Is there a life sized nude painting of me hanging in your bedroom?"

"Not...nude." she sniffled, half a smile coming up.

He beamed at her.

"Let's get some food and we can talk about my work, if you want. Or any other topic. Or I can go. This is your home."

"Stay."

#my ocs #tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston x reader #marvel #new #fanfic

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

“Fiction is a particularly effective way for strangers to connect across time and distance.”

— Jonathan Franzen (via quotemadness)

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

ENDGAME SPOILERS AHEAD

I saw Endgame tonight and it got me thinking about the future of the MCU and particularly how they were going to do a Loki series and a Wanda & Vision series on Disney+ if both Loki and Vision are irrevocably dead. Then a theory came to me: The Ancient One and Bruce’s explaination of Timelines gave us the answer to how they’re actually alive.

The Infinity Stones and Timelines:

There is a single, unchanable Timeline that is directly linked to the Infinity Stones—here on out referred to as Canon Timeline.

The Ancient One explained that a timeline would diverge from the Canon Timeline with the departure of an Infinity Stone.

Bruce reasoned that the Diverged Timeline would reconnect with the Canon Timeline once the Stone was returned—yet, “the future cannot change the past.”

This implies that the timeline does not, in fact, reconverge five minutes later when the Stone is returned to the Divergent Timeline but instead when it is removed from the Canon Timeline.

Meaning, there can be up to seven Timelines existing simultaneously:

Canon Timeline

Space Timeline, starting in 1970

Time/Mind Timeline(s), starting in 2012

Reality Timeline, starting in 2013 (I think?)

Soul/Power Timeline(s), starting in 2014

These five to seven timelines would not reconverge when Steve returned the Stones to their rightful Timelines but instead when Steve removes them from the Canon Timeline in 2023.

The film ends when Steve departs so we cannot see the repercussions of the Stones’ departure from the Canon Timeline.

(Please forgive my hastily GoogleDocs drawing to illustrate)

So what does this mean?

Thanos had none of the Infinity Stones in his possession when they were pulled from their timelines, causing the divergences (rather the whole point).

Power (and Soul?) Timeline Thanos is the one who comes through the portal and gets dusted in Endgame.

As he is dusted by all non-Canon Timeline Infinity Stones, one can only assume he was dusted in all timelines (except Canon, as he was killed in 2018).

What this means to me is that, while Canon Thanos destroyed the Infinity Stones, they still continue to exist in the Divergent Timelines in their original locations since Thanos was dusted in 2014 before stealing any.

When Steve left 2023, all of the Divergent Timelines reconverged with the Canon Timeline.

If Thanos was dusted in 2014, this means that, in these Divergent Timelines’s 2018…

Thanos didn’t destroy Xandar and steal the Power Stone from the NOVA Corps

Dr. Strange didn’t give Thanos the Time Stone (explaining why The Ancient One couldn’t see Strange give Thanos the Stone—it didn’t happen in her timeline)

Thanos didn’t destroy Knowhere and steal the Reality Stone from The Collector

Thanos didn’t sacrifice Gamora for the Soul Stone on Vormir—not to mention 2014 Gamora stayed in 2023

Thanos didn’t rip the Mind Stone from Vision’s skull, killing him, so he’s still alive

The Space Stone is two-fold: One, in the Space Timeline, Thanos wasn’t there to kill Loki for the Stone and, two, in the Mind Timeline, Loki stole the Space Stone and fled—meaning we don’t know what this Loki has been up to since 2012 (potential plot for Loki’s Disney+ series anyone?)

After Steve left to return the Infinity Stones in 2023, the four plus timelines would have to reconverge into the Canon Timeline and sort themselves out in some way (above my paygrade).

And, thus, Loki and Vision live on to have their own Disney+ shows.

[jlynnhiddles-blog]

Chapter One: The Custom Client

Set in the present, this is a fairytale about a girl making her own way in the world whose work leads her to the man she’d cast as her Prince Charming. Will she try on those glass slippers or will she find out she’s met The Beast? Can two people from different realms risk everything and make it across The Bifrost? Can endings ever be happy? Join me on this adventure, send me a message or a poisoned apple and enjoy!

Jamie glanced up at her workscreen when she heard the incoming message alert from her lab manager, Charlie, requesting her in his office before the end of the day. It was a busy Thursday afternoon in the dental lab where she added color to synthetic crowns to match natural teeth. Most were from pictures, but she was also in charge of seeing patients who came to her for personalized work. Much of the company’s business was from local dentists and they specialized in high end fabrication. Jamie liked the people she worked with and felt lucky to be able to help people get their smiles back. She took a break from the case she was working on and strolled to Charlie’s office, tapping on the edge of the open door.

“Hey Jamie, have a seat,” Charlie smiled. “I need to send you out to do a custom job tomorrow afternoon.”

“Send me out?” she asked, with some surprise. She sat on the leather office chair across from him. “The patient can’t come here?”

“It’s one of Dr. Kline’s patients and apparently it’s a VIP situation. You’ll be meeting the client at their hotel instead of the doctor’s office. But someone from Dr. Kline’s staff will be there, too. They need help selecting the shade and material. It’s just one tooth but they really want to keep the patient happy.” Charlie leaned forward. “This case is really important. The office was happy to pay for your specialized services.”

"Any idea who the patient is?” she asked, intrigued.

“Important enough that they sent over a non-disclosure agreement. They only want you to deal with him. The file name is under Bobby. We have a few pictures but just of the patient’s mouth. I don’t think it’ll be a challenging case. Which makes me even more interested.“

Charlie handed her a copy of the prescription. "Here’s the file information I have so far. They’re sending a driver for you at three tomorrow.”

“A driver? Like an Uber?”

“Pretty sure it’s a private car service. You’re going to a hotel in downtown Tampa. They didn’t want to tell me which one.”

“Sounds like the setup to a slasher flick,” she laughed. “So, count me in.”

Jamie signed and dated the non disclosure. She’d done some work in the entertainment and hospitality industries and the form was standard. Who would she tell, anyway? She walked back to her desk resumed her work. After setting several cases to finish in the specialized ovens, she glanced at the clock and started cleaning up her desk. She took her tablet home to review the pictures of the mysterious Bobby.

Jamie lived alone, save for her two cats, in a second story walk-up apartment. It was a typical evening. She fed her eager cats a can of wet food, played word games with Alexa and made a quick dinner. After the dishes were done and put away, she sat heavily on her loveseat. Her little apartment displayed what she loved. It was quiet, with lots of books and movies, especially her favorite Marvel films from the past ten years. She enjoyed the bright colors, the sweeping overtones, the battle for good, evil, and redemption. She’d always been partial to bad guys. Her childhood heros were Shere-Kahn, Ursula, and Captain Hook. As an adult, Marvel villains kept her interest. Her wall art favored them, as well as other inspirational prints and pictures.

“Alexa, play some Hank Williams.”

She put her feet up on the battered coffee table and found the file on the tablet. The patient had really great teeth, but one incisor was recently and slightly broken. She typed up a quick treatment plan and preliminary shade selections. It would probably be a straightforward fix and a happy patient. She was honestly excited to get out of the lab and find out what the fuss was about.

The next day, Jamie got to work early to make up for the time she’d be gone. A few cases needed to go out that evening, so she settled in but her mind was never far from the impending afternoon excursion. Around 2:30, she had a granola bar and made sure her custom shading kit was packed. A few minutes to three, she poked her head in Charley’s office to tell him she was leaving.

“If I wake up in a bathtub full of ice, missing vital organs, you know I’m blaming you.”

Charlie chuckled and wished her luck.

Pulling out her sunglasses, Jamie walked out the front door of her office and saw the black Lincoln Navigator waiting for her. An imposing gentleman in a black suit was standing in front of it.

“Miss Birch,” he said. It wasn’t a question.

Jamie extended her hand in greeting. She didn’t intimidate easily and she wasn’t sure there was anything to be intimidated by. Yet.

"I’m Bruce,” he said, returning her handshake. “I’ll be driving you today. Are you ready to go?” He towered over her but returned her smile once he shook her hand.

“Absolutely!”

He opened the rear passenger side door and offered her a hand to hold to get in. She had her purse and kit, which was really a dark green diaper bag. Most of the lab employees wear scrubs as part of their uniform, but Fridays are casual. Jamie had decided to wear her scrubs anyway since she was going to be out on official business. The royal blue complimented her light skin. She usually didn’t wear makeup to work, but she’d taken the time today, carefully enhancing her golden brown eyes with metallic shadow and blushing the roundness of her cheeks. A coworker had softly braided her ombre-dipped blonde and brown hair down her back. Working in the smile business, appearances matter.

Bruce closed her door and walked around to the driver’s seat.

“We’re going to downtown Tampa. You can adjust the air conditioning from the center console. Is there anything you need right now?”  

“I’m good, thank you,” she replied.

She pulled out her phone, beaming as always at the green and gold displayed on her lock screen. She still had no idea who the mysterious Bobby was! As they drove, she made polite conversation with Bruce. He looked to be nearing fifty, with fair skin, broad shoulders and close cropped salt and pepper hair. At first, he was all business until he mentioned his daughters and then she saw the crinkles soften his eyes behind his sunglasses. The drive across Tampa Bay was beautiful. She stared out the window and saw a few dolphin fins crest in the waves. She’d worked and lived in other parts of the country, but she always came back home. Before she knew it, they were pulling up to the portico of the hotel. Bruce hopped out to open her door before she had a chance.

"You’ll be met in the lobby by a staff member. Don’t forget your bags.”

“Thanks for the ride, Bruce. Will you be taking me back to my office later?”

He smiled at her. “Probably.”

“Well, wish me luck!”

Jamie took a slow, deep breath and nodded to the doorman as he opened the hotel door. As her eyes adjusted to the light in the lobby, a man about her age strode towards her. She stopped dead.

“Luke.” Her mouth formed the word but she honestly wasn’t sure if it had come out.

The dark haired man smiled inquisitively through his tortoiseshell glasses at her.

“Miss Birch? I’m sorry, do we know each other?”

“I. Uh. No. Of course not. I’m Jamie Birch. I’m here to assist with some dental work on–”

The man cut her off.

“Yes, of course. If you’ll come with me.”

He firmly led her by the elbow to the banks of elevators. Discreetly, he passed a keycard over the digital display and the door opened immediately. As they closed, he turned to her.

“I’m sorry for interrupting you out there. No one can know that we’re here. You recognized me. Which, honestly is kind of weird because I’m not famous. It’s my job not to be famous. But, I think you know who you’re here to see. I’m going to need you to stop looking like you might die though, okay? This will be fine.” His classically British accent conveyed authority and kindness.

Jamie hadn’t said a word. Her brain was desperately trying to catch up. She stared at Luke. Gently, he pushed upward on her chin, closing her mouth she didn’t know was open.

“Don’t want flies to get in!”

Her mind replayed the known facts. She pictured the smile. The bright perfection of it. The urgency and secrecy of the visit. Bobby. And now, Luke Windsor, press agent to some of the biggest British stars in the world. Of course, she didn’t actually know him. But, here he was. Which could only mean one thing.

“Is it okay if I call you Jamie?” Luke asked. The elevator had stopped and he pushed a button on the display. He stood directly in front of her and smiled again. An easy, reassuring, and practiced smile.

“Jamie. I need you to take a deep breath.” He took her hand. “You’re here to do a job. You look great. We’re going to get off the elevator and get to work. I promise, this will be fine. Just relax. He’s as brilliant as you think he is.”

Jamie continued to stare at Luke. With a slightly resigned sigh, he pressed a button and the elevator doors opened directly into the suite.

“Hey! We’re back,” he called, stepping out. “I’ve got the miss from the dental lab.”

From around the corner came the very familiar voiced reply.

“Excellent. Bring her in here, will you?”

Jamie didn’t move. She was still in the elevator. Luke stepped back in and put his hand on the small of her back, gently pushing her forward. She took one, stilting step and slowly walked towards the direction from which the voice came as Luke guided her.

Together, they turned the corner and she stopped again. Luke kept his hand in firmly in place on her back as if he was propping up a puppet.

Tom Hiddleston glanced up from the book he was reading. He was casually seated on a plush chair, his impossibly long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankle. His eyes flicked up to her and then back down to the book as he analyzed the lovely woman in front of him. He was used to the look on her face, but usually it was in a cafe or an airport, not his hotel room. He slid a bookmark in place and stood, covering the distance to her in two long steps.

“Tom, this is Jamie Birch, from the dental lab. She recognized me in the lobby. Apparently, she’s quite the fan of my work.” Luke pushed gently on her lower back again and reflexively, she took Tom’s proffered hand. As she did, she felt a nudge on her knee. She looked down at the chocolate cocker spaniel, whose ears flopped back as he looked up at her.

“Bobby,” she said. She was pretty sure she said it out loud.

Tom laughed. It was like music.

“Ehehehe yes, that’s Bobby I’m afraid. Luckily for you, he’s not the one in need of a dentist. So sorry about the cloak and dagger stuff. We have established that you know my publicist and my dog. I’m Tom.” He still had her hand lightly in his.

Jamie didn’t say anything. She couldn’t even be sure she was breathing. Here she was, clearly exposing herself as some sort of crazed super fanatic, giving away that she’d poured over publicity photos of him. How else would she know Luke and Bobby? That’s what crazy stalkers do. They probably thought she wasn’t even from the dental lab. Any second, Bruce and another security guard would come in here and pick her up and carry her down in a service elevator. Tom had probably already pressed some hidden panic button when she walked in the room.

“I–” she stammered.

“Where are my manners?” Tom said, releasing her hand. “Let me get you some water. Or, tea?”

“I–” was all that came out.

“Both, then. We’ll sit down and have a chat and you can get to work.”

Work?, she thought. Work! Her case was still in her hand and her bag on her shoulder. Luke felt the tension ease in her body a bit as Tom walked to the open kitchen. He gently took her bags and placed them on an ottoman and offered her a seat, then walked out of the room, Bobby trailing after him.

“I’ll just put the kettle on. Why do American kitchens never have electric kettles?” Tom asked her.

“I–” she stammered. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Well, we won the Revolutionary War.”

Tom’s smile and laugh were instantaneous. “That, you did. Yet, here we are, all friends again. I’m glad to hear your voice and your wit, Jamie. Do you mind if I call you that?”

He sat down opposite her. His face was clean shaven and his reddish hair was slightly unruly. He wore black jeans, a dark t shirt with a thin navy sweater over it, and dark sneakers. The sunlight lit up his bright blue eyes as he looked at her. Jamie opened her mouth to speak, but didn’t seem to know any words so she closed it, her lips forming what she hoped was a smile. He continued to gaze at her, seemingly enjoying her unease. They sat in heavy silence and Jamie tried desperately to think of something, anything to say. He was her favorite person in the world and she was speechless. Absentmindedly, he rubbed his long fingertips across his lips as he watched her.

Soft, he thought. The way strands of her hair peeked out from behind her ears. The faint wrinkles on her forehead where her eyebrows had raised in surprise. The curve of her hips as she sat, properly, one ankle tucked behind the other. The hint of a Southern accent in her voice. Everything about her was comfortable, comforting, warm and soft.

The kettle whistled, breaking the spell.

“Cream and sugar?” he asked, popping up and walking back to the kitchenette across the room.

“Yes, please, if you have them,” she replied. Politeness forced her speech to return.

He brought over a small tea set on a tray and set it on a table between them. It was pink and curved, with scalloped edges. Not the kind of set a five star hotel would furnish its kitchen with. Jamie eyed it with suspicious familiarity as Tom poured her tea.

“Don’t tell me you recognize this, as well?” he asked with some surprise.

“It is the official tea set of the Untitled Avengers Film Character Revival Waiting Area,” she replied, with what she hoped was a casual shrug. The picture of Tom and castmate Sebastian Stan was one of the best from the previous weekend’s comic book convention. A fan had set up the picture with Tom and Seb sipping tea while she held up a sign noting it was a waiting area. Both of their characters had died in the most recent film and fans were eager for their resurrection. The picture had become popular and apparently, Tom had kept the tea set.

“Were you in Seattle?” Tom asked with some excitement at the edge of his voice.

“No, I couldn’t take the time off work. I just saw some pictures and video. You–I mean, it, looked great.”

“They’re fun. Getting to meet people who are passionate about my work is fantastic and humbling and usually overwhelming.”

"Then security isn’t going to shoot me with a blow dart and roll me out of here in an industrial laundry cart?” Jamie asked, the tea returning some of her nerve.

“Eheh. No. Luke has a pretty good sense about people. He keeps the trains running. He wouldn’t have let you up if he thought you were going to boil my bunny or something.” His voice was so soft and smooth. One of her favorite things was listening to him narrate books. She closed her eyes as she sipped her tea, listening to him. “I really appreciate your coming down here. It’s probably a good thing that you know who I am and already what I look like so you can help. So, you are a fan, right?”

Jamie smiled at him, her first honestly relaxed smile since she’d met him. He loved how it lit up her face.

“Uh yeah, of the whole Marvel Universe. It’s fun. I’m excited for Ant Man and The Wasp next month. And Captain Marvel next year. I’m thrilled to get more female superheroes.” She purposefully kept her voice level and didn’t mention the films he starred in.

“Did you like Infinity War?” he asked.

“No.” she replied, more softly than intended. “I saw it twice, but no, I didn’t like it.”

He’d started to ask her why, when her phone began to ring in her scrubs pocket.

“I’m so sorry, I thought it was off,” she said, pulling it out. As she fumbled with it, the locked screen faced him briefly. He reached out and took her wrist firmly, turning the screen to him. He didn’t mean to, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d seen his own green and gold armor. Loki. He released her as soon as he realized what he’d done. She didn’t meet his gaze as she put the phone to her ear.

“Just making sure you got there okay and that you still have all of your body parts!” Charlie said, cheerily.

“Yes, we’re fine here. I was just discussing long term treatment goals with the patient. I’ll shoot you a text if we have any questions.” She hung up. Fuck, she thought. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I am so fucking screwed.

Slowly, she raised her eyes back to his face. He was grinning.

“May I see that, please?” He held out his hand.

Really having no choice, she locked the screen again and gave it to him. It was a close up shot of Loki’s chest, wearing his unmistakable armor. The text read I am Loki and I am alone. She smiled sadly at Tom.

“I can just relate to some of his pain, I guess. Neither of us really fit in. And I like bad guys.” Maybe this wasn’t so terrible. It’s just Loki. He’s a wildly popular character! He has an army! Being a fan of Loki was hardly unusual and sort of explained why she knew Luke and Bobby. Maybe she’d get out of this with some dignity.

Tom nodded understandingly, reaching out to give her phone back.

“He’s a guy with a lot of pain. It’s always good to hear some sympathy for him.” His thumb slid across the screen as he passed it to her. Loki disappeared and the home screen appeared. Dressed in a white button up, dark sunglasses and a very tight blue suit, appeared Tom Hiddleston. The real Tom turned the screen back towards him. With a slow smile, he placed it back in her hands.

“Not just bad guys, then.” He made the statement as fact, his voice unmistakably pleased.

#tom hiddleston #fanfic #new #loki fanfic #tom hidddleston fan fic #my ocs #loki marvel fanfiction