You've Only Just Arrived (a Tom Hiddleston fan fiction)

Part 11

"Did you hear me? You ah - don't have to stay with me – if you prefer to stay at a hotel..." Tom gives your shoulder a light squeeze when you don't immediately reply. You return the squeeze to him via your grip on his arm.

Well, your hands respond to commands at least.

"Y-es." Ok so your voice does work. And your brain and mouth did communicate a stuttered affirmative reply, but did he hear you? He's squirming.

Tom releases your shoulder and shifts so he is no longer resting his chin on your head. He is talking faster now, apparently as flustered as you are by his muttered invitation. "I mean, I have a guest room."

The pair of you have now taken a step apart. You turn to look up at him. Of course you're going to stay with Tom. You adore this man, and well – he offered. "Shush. I said yes."

Tom's faltering quickly changes to delight. He plants a kiss at your hairline before looping his arm back over your shoulder. "Excellent. Now, let's find that bag of yours."

You nod, once again turning your attention back to the baggage area. You are first to spot your bag but Tom refuses to let you carry the thing. He makes a show of picking up your bag. "Did you pack books?"

It doesn't really weigh all that much. You were able to carry it just fine even with the added burden of your shoulder bag. You're really starting to notice how very tired you are but still manage to smile during your reply, "Nope, bricks." While Tom is finishing out his day you plan on resting.

"Hmm, much needed items when traveling." He snags your hand in his again. "I'll drop you by my place. The rest of the day shouldn't take too long. Everyone was talking about wanting to see you, too, at some point during your visit. I told them I'd consider sharing." He is sizing you up as the pair of you walk with security out towards his car.

You nod slowly, "Sharing is good. I plan on planting myself somewhere comfortable for a few hours first." After sitting for so long on the plane it is amazing that you're craving being seated again.

He may have said he was going to just drop you off, but Tom takes his time showing you around his place. The fourth time he apologizes for 'the mess' you pinch his arm. Recalling the papers that had previously been strewn across your desk and the usual state of your hotel room Tom's place is tidy – it just appears lived in.

"I'm the one that should be apologizing. I'm the one that is crashing." You reach up to pull him gently to you and kiss him, letting your lips linger near his. "Now please, quit stalling. I promise I won't disappear while you're gone."

He makes sure you have a cup of tea in your hands before he leaves. "If you get bored and can't rest you're welcome to look through my books in the study."

You had thought he had been too busy showing you around to notice how you looked at the shelves. You merely nod in response. Tempting as it is, you weren't kidding about planting yourself somewhere while you waited. Once Tom leaves you don't even bother opening either of your bags that were placed in the guest room, opting instead to curl up on the sofa.

You don't remember closing your eyes but you must have. You awaken to the sound of Tom's arrival and soft greeting, "________?"

It takes you a second to remember where you are. You stretch as Tom pauses to flip a switch to illuminate the darkening room. He is watching you with interest while you are stretching. Oh boy – how long are these sleeping arrangements going to last? You distract yourself from your body's reaction by scooping up the now empty mug to carry it into the kitchen. Tom watches you from the main room. "I guess you didn't get the text telling you that I was done for the day."