Life Is What You Make It (A Tom Hiddleston Fanfic)

Part 5: Lovers Leap

A/N:  Sorry I have been so slow in updating. The characters have quit talking to me. Is it something I've done?

Anyway, this is just a short chapter to see if I can get this story kickstarted again.

Thank you all for reading, and for your votes and comments!

A Bit of a Surprise

As Bob leaves our table, the conversation quickly changes to varied topics about making films to current world views then to oohing over Chris and Elsa's latest family photos.

I sense Tom by my side the entire time, occasionally joining in or making comments on side conversations from Evans or Pratt. However, I feel his eyes wander to me often, and I start to suspect I have a booger hanging from my nose or something.

I excuse myself to check on my appearance, and to my surprise Elsa goes with me. I'm not normally a 'let's all go to the restroom' kind of girl, but I shrug it off.

We're pretty quiet as we wash our hands and touch up our makeup. Finally, Elsa turns to me to ask, "So, what do you think of Tom?"

"He seems like a really nice guy," I say noncommittally as I don't know where this conversation is going. After all, she could have seen my portrayal of an insane woman earlier, and she's just trying to protect her friend from a psycho like me.

What she does next surprises me. Elsa turns toward me and takes my hand. "I know he's a really nice guy. Now, what do you really think of Tom?" she asks gently.

I take a deep breath. "I think I really like him," I say a little shyly.

"Good, because I think he really likes you," Elsa says. "Really?" I almost squeal like a 12 year old girl.

"Really. But you should know, Tom's been hurt before. Badly. So I just ask that, unless you're interested in where this possible relationship may lead, leave him alone. Just walk away if you're only looking for a good time," Elsa says very directly.

I'm a bit taken aback, but I'm also sure that Elsa's words are coming from the heart.

In fact, I am thinking about her words as we leave the restroom and walk back toward the table. I'm so distracted that I don't see someone standing in front of me.

"Is everything alright? I was a bit worried you'd been gone so long," says Tom, taking my hand softly in his.

Then, he smiles a little smile. I don't know all of Tom's facial expressions yet, though I've seen quite a few just tonight. However, I think this little smile - mouth closed, just a slight upturn of his lips, and shy in a way - is my favorite. It seems to say, "This is for you and you alone, and if you accept it, I'll share everything I am with you."

At that, I know the answer I'd give Elsa if we did our conversation over again:  My heart has already taken the leap.