Tom Hiddleston Oneshots (ACTIVE)

Old Wounds (James Conrad)

Story Type: Angst

Y/N waited eagerly in the kitchen, their head spinning with so many thoughts. Their fiance, James, was finally coming home after going on an expedition for some time, and they had everything set up perfectly. The entire house was cleaned, candles were lit all around, and a nice dinner was laid out on the table. They wanted to make him feel at home again as soon as possible. After pouring wine into two glasses, they heard a knock on the door. Jumping for joy at the anticipation, Y/N rushed across the house to the door, flinging it open. There stood James, with scars and wounds, but Y/N was just filled with happiness and love to see him alive again. They stood completely still and silent, just looking him over. "Welcome home, sweetheart." They finally said, tears brimming in their eyes. Without a word, James pulled them into a tight hug, which Y/N returned, his touch that they craved so much. Still not speaking, he moved past them and headed towards the bedroom with his bags. "Where are you going? Dinner is ready." They called. "Just give me a few minutes, okay?" He called back, sounding impatient. "Yes, of course! I'll be waiting." They told him, going back into the kitchen and settling down at the table. They noticed he wasn't acting like himself, but brushed it off as being anxious after his long journey back home. 10 minutes later, James returned and sat down at the table, staring done blankly as Y/N got up and dished the food on 2 plates. "So, how was your trip back?" They asked, setting down a plate in front of him. "Fine." He replied, not making eye contact as he began eating. "I hope you didn't have any trouble with security or traffic on the road." They said. "Not at all." James answered, still looking down. "Is everything okay? You don't seem very happy to be back." Y/N asked, setting down their fork. "I'm fine." He replied. "You're not fooling me! Something's wrong, and I want to know what it is so I can help you." They told him. After a moment of silence with no answer, they continued, "Please, sweetheart, you're worrying me." "Shut up!" He suddenly yelled, slamming his fist on the table. Y/N jumped back as his eyes flared up. "Just shut up! Did you really think I would come back the same way I left? I've seen things that a human was never meant to see. I've experienced things worse than I ever have in any of my previous trips. No one can help me erase those memories!" He jumped up from the table and paced around. "Can't I least try to help you? Maybe call a therapist?" Y/N asked, also leaving the table to go to him. "No! There's nothing anyone can do! My mind is scarred and there's no way of fixing it!" James said, leaning against a chair with tears in his eyes. "It takes time to heal, but you will eventually. You'd be surprised at what wonders therapists and medication could do." Y/N explained, approaching him slowly. "Is that all you think of me?" He asked, looking at them with fierce eyes. "A medical case who's out of his mind? Something that you can heal by talking to gently and popping pills in it's mouth? Is that all I am to you?" He screamed, taking a fight stance as he stood in front of them. "James, no! Don't say things like that!" Y/N told him, looking at him with pleading eyes. "I see you as a human, a broken human. I may not be able to fix you, but I want to try to at least patch you up. I don't want you to suffer like this for the rest of your life!" They paused and wiped tears away from their eyes. "Even I can't stand to see you in such pain! I want to try and help you!" James' eyes softened as he stared at Y/N. He slowly put his hand out towards them, and they took it cautiously. They stood there like that for several moments, until James quickly took Y/N in his embrace. "I'm sorry I flared at you. I'm just so scared, so unstable. I'm so sorry, Y/N." He said, his hands shaking. "It's okay, I understand. Don't apologize." They said, pulling away and caressing his cheek. "I just want to help you get through this. Will you let me try?" James nodded slowly. "I guess it's worth a shot." Y/N weakly smiled and gently kissed him. "You're going to be okay. You'll get the help you need." "I wouldn't believe that if it didn't come from you." James said. "I know you won't let me down." "Let's just look positively to the future." Y/N said. "You may be wounded, but those heal, and turn to scars. They exist, and mark you, but they don't hurt anymore." James took them in his arms again and held them close. Y/N snuggled into him, knowing the man they loved was still there, and he would never leave, regardless of whatever might happen.