Just Like a Movie.

Takeaway

"In we go darling, I think we should start  again, don't you?" His velvet voice in her ear was warm and reassuring. Alice nodded mutely, still unable to really believe it was happening. Tom Hiddleston had come looking for her. Beautiful, warm, witty Tom Hiddleston. For her.  Little, ordinary, plain Alice with the Thor t-shirt and the embarrassing habit of drenching people in water. "That's the way, look, Kenny was really worried." 

"Just Kenny?" It was a thought that came out of her mouth before she had a chance to bite it back.  Her insides clenched as he looked at her, slight shock registering for a minute. Then, slowly her slipped his hand around her waist and squeezed gently. His eyes crinkled and he shook his head.
"No. Not just Kenny." He whispered, releasing her again. In his head he added "it will never be just Kenny again if I can help it."

She smiled and walked forward, her eyes filling with tears, although if asked, she couldn't have said they were sad ones.  Fortunately, no one did. Instead, her brother stood and wrapped his arms around her, "Hey there sis, you ok?" he looked down at her and she nodded.

"Yeah, am now" was all she could muster. She looked at Scarlett and Chris sitting across the table. "Sorry for being a drama queen - thanks for spotting me."

Scarlett reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Don't worry sweetie, we've encountered far worse.  Not usually over lunch and not usually involving Loki getting a soaking but hey, it's made lunch memorable. Eh Tom?" 

She grinned and they all turned to look at Tom.  He didn't answer, he was too busy smiling at Alice. "ISNT THAT RIGHT TOM" Scarlett repeated slowly, giving him a verbal nudge.

"Oh eh, ehehehe yes, yes, unforgettable." he came out of his reverie and pulled Alice's chair out. "Now, let's eat."  He waited till she was seated and then tucked the chair back in under her.  In a blast of Deja Vu, Alice almost gasped as she felt his hand snake along the back of her chair and come to rest on her back.  She stared at the menu, holding it all inside.  This time though, it wasn't a dream.  This time it was so very real.

Tom sat and looked at the Greek menu.  Or was it Swahili?  Or Latin?  Either way, it wasn't English.  The letters swam in front of his eyes as he felt the soft warmth of her body under his fingertips. 

What was happening to him?  When he'd spotted her in the hall, he'd found her alluring and pretty.  Someone to try to get to know.  Now?  Sitting next to him, her small form nestled close to his side, she was something else.  Something else entirely and he knew he was in serious danger.  Of kissing her.  Right here. Right now.  

When she'd run from the restaurant, he'd been horrified.  He thought his body's crass reaction to her touch had made her run.  He'd never for one minute considered that she blamed herself or that she hadn't perhaps even been aware of his attraction to her.  He knew he wanted her to be.

"So," he leaned close, trying in his own completely self-unaware way, to be subtle, to enagage her in conversation. "See anything you fancy?" As the words left his mouth, he could have bitten his tongue out.  Great Hiddleston, let her think you fancy yourself as much as you fancy her.  

Alice bit her lip, unable to respond for a minute.  Well, not without saying 'yes, you Tom'. She shook her head. "No, not really.  Well, not on this menu.  Can I be honest with you?" she risked a glance at him and his eyes sparked with ocean fire as he nodded.

"Always darling" he said softly, "I would love to know what's in your head." He waited, breath held.

"I really would like a hot dog. With mustard and onions and a coke." She grinned sheepishly and shrugged. "Sorry, not very sophisitcated am I?"