Underneath (A Tom Hiddleston Fan Fiction)

2. Film Nights.

Not being a film fanatic, Lydia found it hard to understand how she'd spent almost thirty pounds on DVDs. Following her meeting with Christopher and Michael, she had asked them for a list of films that starred the film adaptation's leading actors. Hours later, she was still trying to convince herself that she was simply doing research into their acting styles.

Only a very small part of her felt guilty about the fact that she'd only purchased films featuring this Tom Hiddleston chap.

The first of the three films was in her DVD player, its main menu depicted on her TV screen. Clad in her Frozen pyjamas, Lydia shuffled from her kitchen to her settee, a tub of Ben 'n' Jerry's and a spoon in her hands. Wiggling into a comfortable position, she lifted the remote and made to press the 'play' button, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Oh, go away," she growled, slamming the ice cream, spoon, and remote down onto the coffee table. Stomping to the door, she peered through the peep hole before opening it. When she saw Eliza on the other side, she was forced to ditch the idea of simply ignoring her unexpected visitor.

"Cute PJs," Eliza greeted her with when Lydia opened the door.

Narrowing her eyes, Lydia asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted the low down on what happened today," Eliza replied, sliding past Lydia into the flat. "Any progress?"

"Yes, actually," Lydia declared proudly, shutting the door. "I've selected my lead roles!"

Eliza grinned and frantically clapped her hands. "How exciting!" she squealed. At this point, she noticed the film and the ice cream, and the smile dropped from her face. "Have I interrupted something?"

"Oh, no, not at all!" Lydia insisted. "I'm just having a film night, that's all. You can join me, if you like!"

It was Eliza's turn to narrow her eyes. "You don't like films," she said, suspicious.

"Yeah, well, I thought I'd research the people who are going to be portraying my characters," Lydia reasoned, but her voice was higher than normal.

Eliza turned her gaze from Lydia to the DVD cases on the coffee table. "Three films, all from the same franchise," she surmised. Picking up the currently empty case, she examined the characters on the front of it. Her eyes flicked from the case to Lydia, back to the case, back to Lydia. "Which one's your leading male, Lyd?"

Lydia's face dropped; she pouted like a child who was getting told off. Shuffling over to her agent, she tapped the DVD case, indicating the man with a pale face and long, slicked back, black hair.

Studying the other cases, Eliza quickly reached the correct conclusion. "You're a pervert, you know that?"

Groaning in frustration, Lydia ran her hands through her hair and flopped down on the settee once more. "But look at his face, Eliza!"

"Good God, Lydia! Don't tell me you only chose him because you want to jump his bones?" Eliza exclaimed, her face a picture of disapproval.

Lydia shook her head furiously. "No, I swear to you, I didn't!" She sighed before she explained herself. "Yes, he's gorgeous, but they were all gorgeous. There's just something about him that's absolutely right for the part, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. That's how I know he'll be perfect."

Flopping down on the sofa next to Lydia, Eliza scrutinised her for a moment. Finding no signs of deception on Lydia's face, Eliza's expression softened and she nodded in acceptance. "Fine, I believe you." Kicking off her shoes, she curled up on the settee and said, "I wouldn't mind some visual proof, though. You gonna press play?"

Two hours and a tub of ice cream later, the pair had finished the first film. Taking the DVD back to its main menu, Lydia looked at her agent with raised eyebrows, awaiting her opinion.

Patting Lydia's knee, Eliza nodded. "I completely agree with you. Excellent choice, sweetie."