Love Letter

Surprise!!

September 209th.... ha ha

Darling,

I miss you so much. I know I've only been away the best part of three weeks, but I really REALLY miss you. I hope you got the flowers, ok? I asked Luke to make sure they were marked as an urgent request. I feel sooooo bad. I had to get him to organise it, but it's actually been so full on.  I'm absolutely exhausted. This is definitely work. It's not fun.  No. Really, stop laughing, it's not!!!!

If only things had been different. You would LOVE it here, darling. I just know it. We arrived in San Diego yesterday, and the hotel is beautiful. It overlooks the Bay, and I have a fabulous view of the waterfront.

One day, sweetheart, we will share this view. Maybe next year, when we come over for Comicon. And no, I am NOT taking no for an answer. I promise I won't make you wear cosplay. Well, not unless you want to, that is hee hee.

So how are you feeling, love? Recovered any? Was it as brutal as I'm afraid to think it was? My poor, poor love.  To endure that and then pneumonia? It's so unfair.

Luke sends his love. He's been nagging me terribly to facetime you and give up this letter-writing malarky. I did actually think about it, especially after speaking to Mum and Em while you were in the hospital. To hear your voice? Would be the most wonderful treat, love.  But I know we agreed letters. And you know something? I absolutely adore writing to you. 

I can't think of anything more romantic. Well, ok, I can, but you know what I mean. To be able to put on paper exactly how I feel? To make it real, to give it life. So that you can read and re-read it any time. To paraphrase one of our favourite poets,

When the whole of love comes upon you, and feel I am far away......

So, enough being Lord Byron, time to be Tom. We're going to be in San Diego now until it's time to come home, so if you like, you can write c/o the hotel. If you address it to Bobby Windsor (see what I did there lol) no nosey little git will be tempted to steam it open and see how much of an arse I am to you!!!!

Seriously though Ali, can't wait to see you. I promise to make it up to you when I get home.

Write back soon, love,

Always yours, always my love,
Tom xxxxx

Ali put down the letter and smiled.  She looked out of the window at the clouds. Still a while to go, yet she settled back and pulled the blanket a little higher. Folding the well-read letter, she slipped it back into the envelope and put it in her handbag.

"Can I get you a nightcap, miss?" The cabin attendant, a friendly chap named Jeremy, leaned over and cancelled the call button she'd pressed a few moments before.

"No, thank you. I just wondered if you had a spare blanket. Im feeling a little chilly. I like to have my head and shoulders cosied up when I snooze. Saves wearing a hat and looking like an idiot indoors." She smiled, and Jeremy nodded understandingly.

"Of course, Miss, I'll get one for you right away. We're about four hours from landing, so plenty of time to rest.  Will you want the full breakfast?" He smiled down at her as she reclined on the business class bed.

"No, no, thank you.  Just tea and maybe a slice of toast?"

"No problem at all. I'll wake you when it's time.  Back in a mo."

Alison settled back. Business class was a whole new world to her. Diana had insisted she took her offer of an upgrade - Ali had naturally booked economy - claiming she needed the extra attention.  Now, six hours into the flight, Ali had to agree.  This was luxury.

Jeremy reappeared; he helped her arrange the blanket, then left, closing the little cubicle door.  Ali was soon asleep, a gentle smile on her face.  So Tom wanted to hear her voice, eh?

He had no idea........

"Come on Tom, you're going to be late. They won't wait forever! You know what journalists are like. Always bleating on how stars act like Divas but forget to mention that your time is money.  This is the last one for the day, I promise. After that? You can do whatever you'd like... see whoever you choose." Luke smiled and beckoned him on. Tom sighed.

"Ok, but she better be pleasant, at least. That last one was a horror.."

Ten minutes later, they walked into the private meeting room.downstairs.  The hotel had a number of rooms like this.  Usually reserved for corporate meetings, today the room was set up in an interview style.  A couple of chairs faced each other. A little table slightly to the side, laden with tea and snacks. 

Luke and Tom walked in, Tom settling himself on the chair facing the door as he normally would. This allowed him to greet the journalist or reporter as they came in. He liked to think it made it more like he was hosting tea and a chat, not allocating them ten minutes of his precious time.

Luke hovered around, looking at his phone, face frowning.  "They're late.  This isn't good." He looked over at Tom, who was scrolling through some emails and texts.

"Hmm?" He looked up, distracted for the moment. "Pardon?"

"They're late. They were supposed to be here at 4, and it's gone 4.15. Maybe I should go and see if there have been any messages. Or if they're wandering the corridors, lost. This is a big hotel, " he shrugged, and Tom nodded.

"Whatever you think, mate.  I'm in no rush. It's really not a bother, not like I have anywhere else to be after this now, is it?"

Tom smiled, Luke had apparently organised this at the last minute ad a favour.  They'd decided to take a couple of days downtime now they were in a more relaxed - and relaxing - city. New York, wonderful as it was, certainly wasn't that.

"Ok, give me a few minutes...." and without further comment, Luke left.

He walked along the corridor and stopped short as the figure appeared in front of him. "Ah, THERE you are.  I was beginning to think you weren't coming."

He turned on his heel and shepherded them back towards the room. "Now remember, this was all last minute, so don't expect too much. I doubt he's prepared."

Luke paused and looked across. "Ready?"

"Yes, thanks for this."

"No trouble at all. Now, on you go, he's all yours." He opened the door, and Tom looked up as he heard them.

Luke walked in first, the visitor behind, partially blocked. "Your appointment is here, at last." He smiled. "I'm sure it will be an interesting encounter."

As Luke stepped to the side, Tom stared, incredulous at the newcomer.

"Hi? Mr Hiddleston? Do you have a few minutes? I'd like to chat with you about some recent events in your personal life."   The visitor smiled and walked forwards, taking his hands and slipping them around her waist as he looked down dumbfounded.

He looked over towards Luke who simply smiled, shrugged and left the room.

"What? No hello? No kiss? After I've come all this way? " she smiled up, her eye shining, her face flushed.

"Oh darling. Darling Ali, it's really you!" Finally, he found his voice. "Oh my God!" He bent and kissed her deeply.

Luke smiled as he closed the door.  Sometimes, just sometimes, he really, really, REALLY loved his job. His salary was just a little bonus on days like this.

He was about to earn every penny of it!