Tom- 16
Ayla- 15Tom felt the summer sun beating down on his back as he lay on the grass at camp, a world of green stretching out in front of him. The air was filled with laughter, the sound of splashing water from the nearby river, and the faint smell of pine trees mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil. It was the kind of day that begged for adventure, where anything could happen.
As he squinted up at the cloudless sky, a flash of color caught his eye. A girl was running across the field, her vibrant blue hair bouncing with each step, a cascade of colors interrupted only by the funky hair clips holding it back. She wore the camp's yellow T-shirt, bright and cheerful against the backdrop of the summer day, paired with equally bright pink shorts that made her stand out even more. Tom couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration for how effortlessly she seemed to own her look, radiating confidence and joy.
He sat up, captivated, as she played catch with a group of kids, the ball flying between them in an easy rhythm. There was something mesmerizing about the way she moved—light and carefree, her laughter ringing out like a melody that hung in the warm air. Tom watched closely, his heart racing as he tried to decipher the feeling swelling in his chest. He had never been one to approach girls easily, but there was something about this one that made him feel different.
Suddenly, the girl turned, her laughter trailing behind her as she dashed toward the small river nearby. Tom felt an almost magnetic pull toward her. Without thinking, he got to his feet, brushing grass and dirt from his shorts, his curiosity propelling him forward.
When she reached the water's edge, she paused for just a moment, scanning her friends before leaping into the shallow end with a splash. Her friends followed her in with delighted squeals, and they began to splash each other, laughter echoing off the water, droplets scattering in the sunlight like tiny jewels. Tom's heart raced as he watched her, captivated by the joy she exuded.
"Hey, are you just going to stand there?" his friend Mike teased, nudging him with his elbow. "Go talk to her!"
Tom shot him a glare, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "Yeah, right. What would I even say?" he replied, trying to sound casual, but his pulse quickened at the thought.
"Just say hi!" Jake encouraged, still laughing. But Tom barely heard him over the joyful shouts and splashes from the river. All he could focus on was how beautiful she looked, carefree and vibrant in the sunlight. The way her hair shone, the way she threw her head back in laughter—it was intoxicating.
He took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the sun fill him with courage. Tired of standing on the sidelines, he made his way closer to the riverbank, each step feeling heavier yet more purposeful. "Hey!" he called out, trying to sound confident despite the fluttering in his stomach. "What's your name?"
The girl turned to him, her bright eyes wide with surprise. "Ayla!" she shouted back, her smile breaking across her face like dawn after a long night.
"Ayla," he repeated, savoring the sound as it rolled off his tongue. "I'm Tom."
"Nice to meet you, Tom!" she grinned, splashing some water his way playfully. "Come on in! The water's perfect!"
Tom hesitated for just a moment, glancing at his bare feet, then back at her. The sight of her joy made it impossible to resist. He splashed in, feeling the cool water rush around his legs. Laughter erupted from the group as he joined them, a sense of exhilaration washing over him.
"Okay, what're you playing?" he asked, feeling lighter as he joined the circle of kids.
"Splash Tag!" Ayla explained, her eyes sparkling. "It's like normal Tag but in water!"
"Splash Tag?" Tom echoed, his curiosity piqued. "Sounds fun!"
"Alright, get ready!" she shouted, darting off with a mischievous glint in her eye. Tom instinctively chased after her, trying to keep up. The game quickly turned chaotic, the sound of splashing and laughter filling the air as everyone tried to dodge the taggers. Tom felt alive, invigorated by the thrill of the chase and the joy surrounding him.
As he ran, he caught glimpses of Ayla darting in and out of the water, effortlessly evading the other kids. He was surprised by how easily he found himself laughing alongside her, how quickly the initial nerves dissipated. She was an anchor in the chaos, a bright spark that drew him in.
At one point, Tom managed to tag Ayla, and she squealed in mock outrage, splashing him in retaliation. "No fair!" she laughed, her hair glistening as she wiped water from her face. "You're supposed to let me get away!"
"Not a chance!" he teased, trying to keep the competitive spirit alive. They spent the next few minutes chasing each other around the river, both of them panting with laughter, the game fading into something more personal—a connection forged in playful banter and shared excitement.
As the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky, Tom felt a bittersweet pang at the thought of summer ending. He didn't want this moment to slip away. "So, how long have you been coming to this camp?" he asked, genuinely interested as they took a break on the riverbank, catching their breath.
"Since I was ten! I love it here," Ayla replied, her expression brightening. "There's something magical about being surrounded by nature and friends, don't you think?"
Tom nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "Yeah, I get that. Everything feels possible here."
"Exactly!" she said, her enthusiasm infectious. "And the best part is making new friends every year."
The warmth between them was undeniable, a bond forming amidst the laughter and sunlight. Tom realized he didn't want to leave this camp, not without getting to know her better. He wanted to be part of her world, to discover all the colors hidden beneath her vibrant exterior.
As they shared stories and laughs, Tom found himself enchanted by Ayla's spirit, by the way she seemed to light up every corner of the world around her. In those moments, he understood that this wasn't just a fleeting summer crush; it was the beginning of something real—a connection as colorful and beautiful as she was.
And as they exchanged shy glances, Tom knew this summer camp experience would forever be etched in his memory, a vibrant splash of color against the gray backdrop of ordinary life. She was a rainbow, and he was determined to find out what it felt like to be drenched in her colours.
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short stories (Tom Hiddleston fanfics)
FanficI use these stories as a kind of diary for potential books, weaving together themes of fluff and mystery that invite readers into intriguing worlds. Each tale captures a moment in time, filled with vibrant characters and the complexities of human em...