Tom Holland : My big break

Chapter 16

Your flight was surprisingly peaceful.

You blocked everything out and listened to music the whole entire time. You are aware that Tom was sat two rows behind you but it didn't bother you.

When you landed you switched on your phone to find a text from the Director Max.

Text message Max: Looks like word got out that Tom was on a flight to Egypt. So, expect there to be some paparazzi and fans there. Hope you get settled alright. I'll see you both first thing Friday morning.

You were a little bit confused about why Max was telling you this information. Maybe he was just warning you to watch out for the fans and stuff, but you were a nobody... so why would it even matter.

You were queuing to get your luggage from the belt and Tom was stood maybe five meters away from you to the right. He was on the phone and looked stressed. His hands rubbing his forehead as he spoke.

Slightly intrigued, you took out your headphones to overhear the conversation.

"Yep... sure.... Yep.... I know okay, I took an earlier flight because I just wanted to get here earlier than we originally planned... (long pause) ... I know I don't have security; I can handle myself just fine... (long pause) ... yes, she's here... Erm, I don't know about that... (long pause) ... okay... leave it with me... I will keep her safe... yep... Bye."

You place your headphone back in your ear before Tom could notice. It sounded like whoever he was talking to was pissed he made plans without consulting them and with no security. I can only assume the 'she' was me he mentioned on the phone... I wonder why they are so bothered.

Tom strides towards me with his hands firmly gripping three large suitcases.

"Let me know when you are ready, and I'll help you get to our car."

"Excuse me? OUR car?"

"Err, yeah? Max said he text you about the Paps and fans?"

"Yeah, he did, and I was confused why it concerned me... but it must be because we are going to the same hotel... but still... I,  I thought you would get your own car?"

Tom's head jerked back in confusion and his eyebrows frowned.

"No Y/N, we are sharing a house while we shoot in Egypt... did you not see the email he sent last night?"

Your eyes widened and mouth simultaneously dropped open as you finally glared up to Toms eyes... speechless. Tom noticed your confused and bewildered face and continued on talking.

"Err, yeah all four main actors Jess, Will, Bentley and I, are all sharing a house with all the F.A.A's... it was something to do with cheaper accommodation, more bonding time and working better together. That's why I got on your flight to try and talk things out before we started living together because I didn't want things to get awkward. But I told no one that I was doing this because I knew they wouldn't let me... so we are stuck with the car that was just meant for you anyway."

As the sentences Tom was speaking were trying to make sense in your head... you kicked yourself for not looking at your emails last night instead of having a massive catch up with Katie. You felt really stupid... stupid for not knowing your living situations and stupid for acting the way you did because now you have probably just set the tone for how things are going to go living with Tom

Things were starting to make sense. Tom getting on the same plane as you, the text from Max... because you and Tom will have to get in the same car. It was all such a mess.

You came out of your trance and noticed your other suitcase come round the belt... you grab it off with a bit of a struggle. Tom steps in to help but you had managed it by yourself before he had time to react.

You puffed out a breath of air, tired and stressed about all the events that had just unfolded.

"There are some staff coming to take the suitcases..." Tom admits filling the awkward silence. "Once they have them, we will make a run for it straight to the car. I've been told where abouts it is. The Paps and fans will get really up close and personal with you, so make sure you stay close!"

I nodded my head, looking wide eyed at Tom. I was overcome with emotions. Pretty much straight away the people came and took our luggage and whisked it away. After, another member of staff was speaking to Tom concerned about the situation out there. We were getting prepared to go.

"Ready?" He gave me a heartfelt look as I nodded.

We walked at a very quick pace round the corner. We walked past some people wheeling their luggage through the echoing hallway. We emerged out of two large double doors, and I instantly got blinded by the multiple flashing lights. The heat significantly rose in the room as soon as we entered. I couldn't tell if it was from the Humid Egyptian heat finally hitting me or the haze from the number of bodies in that room.

They were all shouting in a different language which sounded quite scary as it wasn't the welcome I envisaged arriving in Egypt. A swarm of people started coming towards us. A mixture of crazed fans and paparazzi all invading our personal space.

I tried to keep my eyes on Tom as we walked but people were swarming around us making it extremely hard to see. He looked over his shoulder and must have noticed I was too far back or the pure look of fear overriding my face.

He stopped in his tracks and allowed people to swarm him even more. Airport securities were doing their best to push them away... but miserably failing.

He outstretched his had in my direction... crazed fans trying to touch him as he does it. My mind drew back to the first time I met him when I placed my hand out to shake it and was simply so rude to me. I thought about declining his hand for a minute... letting him know I could handle myself. But I felt myself getting flustered and nervous being surrounded by this big group of strangers... it wasn't time to be picking and choosing battles.

I grabbed his hand, which seemed to draw more attention on me... now with the paparazzi focusing some shots on me and our hands holding... but he was only guiding me through the crazed lot of them.

His had was soft and gentle. It was almost a distraction from the bizarre scenes going on around us. I subtly stroked his hand feeling the soft padding of his palms. It felt kind of good and made me feel secure.

Suddenly, with quite a bit of force Tom whipped me forward to be slightly in front of him. One of the airport securities held a door open with their arms out wide making sure no one else was getting in that car but me. Toms warm hand left mine as they moved firmly on my lower waist, clasped around both sides. As I take a step into the car Toms hands squeeze slightly tighter around my waist, as he made sure I scrambled my way into the car. I shuffled over to the other side as he then followed me in.

He let out a huge sigh and looked at me concerned aware I was shaken up.

"You, okay?"

"I guess so." I answer hesitantly after not being physically hurt but somewhat emotionally damaged. The driver stated the address to check it was correct and Tom confirmed it, still looking at me. He placed a hand on my knee as the Taxi drove away from the manic scene.

The sensation of his hand on my knee comforted me. It was something that I'd never experienced before... and I knew I shouldn't like it... but secretly I do. I admired this protective side of Tom. I thought in that instant we had come a long way... but man, we still have a hell of a way to go to get through these next six months.

"Y/N" he says softly. "I promise, I'm not going to fuck up again."

You still decide to remain deadly silent for the rest of the taxi ride.