TARGET [Tom Hiddleston Fanfiction]

Chapter 10 : There's no place like home

The journey back was silent. Neither one of them spoke, mostly due to the shock of what had happened finally settling in. Tom was oblivious to noise of the police sirens as they drove ahead of them, escorting them through the traffic quickly. Luke didn't say a word, but worriedly kept glancing over to Tom as they drove, his eyes as wide as those of a rabbit caught in headlights. The Jaguar sped along with the police through the streets of London, some passing pedestrians looking on unaware of the drama that had happened several streets away. Dripping wet and shaking slightly, Tom sat completely still, frozen in shock, staring straight ahead, his heart still pounding in his chest, unable to completely process all that had just happened. Someone had just tried to kill him, but why?

In a similar mindset travelling in the other direction, Tina sat trembling in the back of the car as it sped back home, Gareth's arms wrapped around her. Her hair clung to the side of her face, covered in water and sweat, mixed with her tears that had failed to stop since getting into the safety of the car. She had nearly been killed, but why? Why would someone do that? Her blue dress clung to her shaking thin frame, dripping water onto the seats and down Gareth's white shirt. He didn't seem to mind, or let on that he did anyway as he just sat there, holding her as she cried. Of course he was massive concerned for Tina's safety, but now he had more reason to worry. The gunman had been killed, a clean head shot. But who had shot him, as he didn't and the police weren't there? Only time would tell, and perhaps give him the answers that he had a horrible feeling about.

When the car pulled up outside the house, Tina didn't even notice as she was still too busy crying her eyes out in shock. The driver came around and opened the back door, and Gareth scooped her up into his arms, lifting her up out of the car. Even though he had done this many times before through the years, he admitted he wasn't as strong as he used to be, and was certain his back would hate him in the morning. The cold night air was unnaturally quiet as Gareth walked with the police towards the house. Tina's father was already waiting for them as he'd set off first, holding out the door for them as they entered. It was then that Gareth managed to catch a look at Tina. Scared, soaking wet, and shaking like a leaf, he'd never seen her looking so pale and terrified as now. He just hoped that the police would have answers as they went inside.

On the other side of London ...

The car screeched to a halt outside the house, and Luke immediately jumped out, rushing around the the other side of the car. Even when Luke opened the passenger door, Tom still sat there, staring straight ahead, not moving. "Tom mate, come on", Luke urged him, putting a hand on his shoulder, giving him a gentle shake. Luke was incredibly worried; he'd never seen Tom like this before and it scared him. "Tom", Luke said gently, squeezing his arm. Something must have clicked, as Tom quickly shook his head, bringing himself back to his senses. His skin was awfully pale with a hint of green growing on his hollowed cheeks, and his once sparkling blue eyes were darting around everywhere, terrified. "Come on. Let's get you inside", Luke said, taking his friends arm, helping him up out of the car, which was easier said than done. Tom's tall frame lent down heavily on Luke's shoulders as they staggered inside the house.

Tom collapsed down onto the sofa as soon as they got inside, Luke's strength failing to help hold him up any longer. His breath came in large gulps, his hanging low looking at the ground as his shoulder shook. "Tom, you're freezing", Luke suddenly realized, seeing the water dripping off his suit as his white shirt clung to his chest. Luke rushed through to the bedroom and quickly grabbed a towel and blanket as Tom tried to catch his breath and steady himself. He was still trying to process what had happened, the memory of seeing those people getting killed before his very eyes bringing a heavy sickly feeling to his stomach. He couldn't stop his body from shaking, both in shock and fear, but now from coldness as his teeth started the chatter. Thankfully Luke threw the things at him as he continued on his path through to the kitchen area, putting on the kettle. Thank god he had someone like Luke; he would never know what to do without his good friend.