Dancing with Love (a Tom Hiddleston fanfiction) -Book 1-

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(the next day)

Tom and Nat navigated the crowded airport, hand in hand, the scent of fresh coffee from a nearby shop curling through the air and drawing them in like a magnet. Being die-hard coffee enthusiasts, they didn't need to exchange a word—their legs naturally guided them to the counter.

Moments later, they found themselves seated at a small table, steaming double espressos in front of them.

Tom took Nat's hand, her fingers resting lightly on the table, and began tracing soft circles on her skin with his thumb. "You seem way too calm for someone about to embark on a last-minute cross-country trip," he teased, a smile tugging at his lips. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you've done this before."

Nat shot him a playful look. "Should I be nervous?"

"Well," Tom chuckled, "considering we're about to be stuck in a flying tin can for over five hours, maybe just a little bit."

She giggled, the sound light and infectious. "Thanks for putting me at ease, Mr. Hiddleston. I'm absolutely not nervous now."

They shared a laugh, the weight of the world lifting momentarily as they savored their coffee.

Tom glanced at his watch, a small flicker of urgency crossing his face. "Boarding starts in a bit."

Nat rolled her eyes as they began weaving through the busy airport corridors. "We could've waited a little longer, no? The line's going to be a mile long. We'll be standing there forever."

Tom flashed her a grin, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Darling, I wouldn't dream of making you wait in line. I booked us first class."

Nat stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide as if she hadn't heard him correctly. Tom's playful grin faltered, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "Uh, I hope that's okay? If not, I can change it. I'm sorry, I should've asked you first—"

"Are you serious?" she whispered, her tone tinged with disbelief.

Tom blinked, still not quite following. "Yeah? I didn't think-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Nat threw her arms around his neck, squealing in delight. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she clung to him like a koala, the sheer joy in her face impossible to miss. The suddenness of her reaction drew amused stares from people passing by, but Tom didn't care. He felt her happiness ripple through him, his heart swelling in his chest.

"You shouldn't spoil me like this," she whispered teasingly into his ear, her lips brushing his skin. "I might get used to it."

Tom chuckled, his arms tightening around her as he held her effortlessly, one hand supporting her thigh, the other wrapped around her waist. "Oh, I'm counting on it," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her neck. "Only the best for you, my love."

He reluctantly set her back down, still grinning as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder. His mood, however, shifted slightly when he caught sight of a few paparazzi loitering nearby, cameras already pointed in their direction. This was LAX, after all, and they were never far behind.

"We should probably head to the gate," Tom said, his voice calm but with a subtle edge of urgency. He glanced over Nat's shoulder to the cameras inching closer. The last thing he wanted was for their private moment to be plastered all over tabloids.

Nat followed his gaze, her smile faltering for just a second before she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, good idea."

Without another word, she grabbed his hand, and they broke into a run, weaving through the throng of travelers. The paparazzi quickened their pace behind them, but Tom and Nat were faster, their laughter echoing down the long, busy hallway.