An unexpected meeting

Chapter 1

After reading so many other fanfics - and you guys are so talented! -this story is just a way of indulging my imagination with wishful thinking and impossible scenarios….oh how I am intrigued by this wonderful actor. (Now I can only speculate on how he would act/think, but hopefully it’s believable) Let me know if anyone likes it J And I apologise for any mistakes, both in writing and description. I’ve never been to England so I honestly have no idea what it’s like. I’m just going off what I’ve heard.

Once again it’s a dreary day in London, with dark clouds blanketing the sky. I sigh as yet another person bumps into me, not even bothering with an apology. I suppose I shouldn’t judge so harshly; life here is different. Whereas I’ve always been used to sunshine and friendly strangers, the people surrounding me have lived with cold and rain. It would be enough to sour anyone’s mood. I make my way through the crowd towards the quaint little bakery I found while lost a few days earlier, smiling cheerfully at the thought of tea and a muffin. It only has a few people inside; obviously it isn’t very well-known, being tucked away into the side of an old building. Heading past a rather forlorn looking shop I notice a hunched figure staring at my bakery (so maybe I don’t own it, but I’ve already visited it 6 times – they know me by name for god’s sake!).

Now that I’m closer the person in the long coat seems oddly familiar. I hesitantly make my way towards the shop, angling myself so that I will be able to see the strangers face. Oh, wow. Of course I’ve seen him before! Standing no more than three feet away from me was none other than Benedict Cumberbatch. Stay calm! Don’t scare him away. Hmm….why is he here, staring at a coffee shop? I understand almost as soon as the thought enters my mind, and feel a wave of pity wash over me. The poor man can’t even get a coffee in the morning without worrying about overeager fans. I carefully make my way over to him, uncertain if I should even say anything. Maybe it would be kinder to leave him alone. No doubt he was tired of being approached by young women. I shake my head stubbornly – I want to do something kind for the man who is my favourite actor.

 ‘Hello?’ I ask hesitantly, suddenly unsure about my idea. He stiffens as the word leaves my mouth, sighing in resignation as he slowly turns to face me. Wow…I am rendered speechless as I stare up at him. Get it together! He waits for a moment before giving a half-hearted smile, ‘What can I do for you?’ The question snaps me back to attention as a blush spreads across my face. ‘Ah, sorry. I couldn’t help noticing you staring at the café and…uh….well, would you like me to get you anything?’ I stammer awkwardly. He appears momentarily surprised, as if not expecting my response. Probably thought I would ask for an autograph and picture. ‘Why do you ask that?’ he replies, seeming amused that I would presume such a thing. I’m slowly starting to feel more comfortable, and give him a smile, ‘because the only reason I can think of for you to be standing out here in the freezing cold’ his own smile widens slightly ‘is that you’re worried about hysterical fans ambushing you if you’re seen inside that shop’ I finish, before adding ‘I just thought you might prefer it if someone could go in for you – and I promise I won’t poison or drug anything if you do take me up on the offer’ I say with a slight laugh, wanting to tease and put him at ease. Oh god, why did I just put that idea in his head?! Way to make it awkward, Elena!

He laughs and I’m momentarily stunned. Did I do that? Did I just make Benedict Cumberbatch laugh? He is smiling in earnest now, and it makes him appear even more handsome and approachable. ‘Thank you, I can’t say I’ve ever had someone actually consider things from my point of view before’ he says gratefully, ‘If you would be so kind, it would be very much appreciated. But only if you allow me to pay for you as well’. He smiles at me, clearly waiting for a response. Okay, so he doesn’t think I’m a crazy fan girl. That’s good. Now I just need to act normal and treat him like any other person. Shouldn’t be too difficult….but god, he is amazing. I’m quite proud of myself for keeping calm. It was pretty impressive considering the most amazing actor (and a celebrity crush of mine) was standing in front of me, casually conversing and then offering to pay for my coffee. ‘No problem, it’s just how I imagine I would feel if I were in your situation. So, what would you like?’ I gaze into his eyes and then realise it was a bad idea as I find myself getting lost in their depths.

‘Ahem’ he clears his throat, bringing me back to see him staring expectantly with a slight smirk on his face.  I blush once again, but am able to act more like myself now as I grow comfortable in his presence. ‘Sorry, but you are my favourite actor, so I reserve the right to get just a little distracted’ I say to him with raised eyebrows, daring him to make fun of me.  He grins at that, slightly surprised at my bluntness. ‘Oh, I like you’, he teased ‘And before you have to ask, I said my usual order is a large flat white, double strength and a blueberry muffin’.

Author’s note: I hope this is okay so far. Please let me know if it’s worth continuing with :)