Charlotte is a first year at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Little does she know that inside these old walls not only her love for acting will grow.
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The rooftop became my sanctuary. The noise of the city a distant whisper and its bright lights a glimmer on the horizon. Whenever I need a time out I would come up here.
I would brew up a hot tea, fill it in my San Francisco flask and make my way up to the rooftop. Careful not to raise suspicion. I don't want to share this hideout with anyone. Just enjoy the moment all by myself, admiring my beautiful hometown from high up.
The number of times I felt the need to escape increased rapidly since we started working on this project. The upcoming show in a week only adding pressure. Not to mention the weird situation between Tom and I since that little chat of ours. I think there was some sort of silent agreement to treat it like it never happened, but not talking about it, didn't mean I got it out of my mind.
I put down my bag and take out the blanket I keep in my locker for these occasions. Spring is upon us, but the nights are still chilly.
Just when I made myself comfortable, I hear the fire door open. Followed by footsteps.
Trying to stay incognito i shift over into the shadow of the chimney. But my purple bag leaning against the wall sticks out like a sore thumb, giving me away. I hear the steps on the gravel getting closer.
"Hello? Charlotte?".
Rolling my eyes I face my fate and shift back into the light. I don't need to hear more to know exactly who I am dealing with. His voice haunting me, ever since I became aware of my attraction to him.
I clear my throat. "I am sorry, I ...". The moment I am halfway through the sentence his appearance strikes me. Messy hair, jeans paired with a dark green hoodie. My eyes widen. This is far from the conservative way he usually dresses. Certainly makes him look more his age and sexy, actually.
I shake off the thoughts in my head and try to continue. "I was just getting some fresh air. I know no one is supposed to go up here, but I just needed some air and space and air. Sorry I said that". I mentally slap myself.
This was stilisticly wrong on so many levels. "Keep it together for gods sake" my subconscious warns me. "I am sure he is not into the nervously stuttering type"
I feel my whole body stiffen as I wait for his reply. But then I see it. He is carrying a bottle of wine in his hand, unsuccessfully trying to hide it behind his back.
He blushes and presses his lips together. "Guess I have been caught red-handed. But worry not, it is a good red" he smiles.
I sit frozen on my spot. Speechless.
"Actually I also was looking for some air and space and air too" he giggles.
Two can play this game I say to myself.
"Who are you and what have you done to Professor Hiddleston?" I reply, trying to keep a straight face, but fail miserably.
"I am sorry but the Professor called it a day. He will be back tomorrow. So for now just Tom, please" he says with a big smile on his face.
Its infectious but I decide to keep playing.
"Well then Tom. It is a pleasure to meet you" my composure is crumbling.
"The pleasure is all mine. Charlotte, is it?" he puts the wine in the left hand and extends his right.
I shake his hand and we both crack up laughing.
"May I?" he waits for my nod and sits down beside me.
"Feel free to sit on the blanket. It is big enough to share"
"Well as we are sharing your blanket, it would be just fair enough to share my wine too. The bottle is big enough to share" he says with a smirk on his face.
I cant believe he just smirked at me. And I am not sure wine is going to be the appropriate drink in this situation. The butterflies in my stomach already causing havoc.
He must have noticed my reservation. "This is a very good french Merlot, I was given from a producer as a thank you. The name actually is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the french name for the blackbird. Reckoned to be a reference to the color of the grape. It is a very popular grape and this one in particular very soft, fruity and smooth with very little tannin"
"Sold on it" I say returning the smile. I am stunned about the universal knowledge this man is carrying inside his head. There seems to be no topic he is not knowledgeable about.
He takes two plastic cups out of his bag, places them on the rooftop and begins to pour the emerald liquid.
"Is this appropriate? Drinking a special Merlot out of a plastic cup." I say with a smirk.
"Well you could compare it with a special girl you get to know. It's not about appearance, it's about someone's beautiful and wonderful personality. It is shining through their eyes, fusing with their appearance, turning them in the most beautiful girl in the world. The same could be said about the Merlot. It stays a great wine whatever vessel you choose to transport it in. It's wonderful bouquet will always shine through."
His words leave me speechless, yet again. How can so much charm and wisdom cumulate within a single man, who happens to be that easy on the eye as well?
I find myself staring at him, when he suddenly looks up.
"You think differently?"
"Well, it's a very interesting metaphor. I just didn't happen to come across any man so far that sees the world like that".
"Then you met the wrong ones, Charlotte" he hands me the cup and winks at me.
"Definitely" I try my hardest not to blush.
He raises his cup in my direction. "A toast to unusual encounters and the inner beauty"
"Cheers to that" I say and raise my glass.
It is 2.30 am when I close my bedroom door and let gravity drag me onto my bed. Too tired to undress, but too pumped up to sleep.
Ok so lets get this straight.
Tonight I was drinking Merlot on the roof of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. With my hot mentor slash world wide star slash Loki the God of Mischief, who has a broader knowledge than the National Library and happens to be prince charming. Proving it once more by walking me home, to assure I was safe.
Taking a moment to rethink. Yep that seems to be an appropriate summary of events.
"Oh ... my ... god" I mouth before hiding my facew under a pillow.
For the first time since we met I have an idea of where all of this is leading to. And I must admit I like it.
