Ramblings Of A Hiddlestoner

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Chris checked his watch for the third time. it read 8:07 which meant Tom was late.

Tom was never late.

With a concerned sigh Chris stood up from the sofa and made his way out of his apartment. Tom's apartment wasn't that far from his own so he didn't have to walk for long. When he approached the door that led into Tom's apartment, he knocked gently.

"Tom? Mate? Come on it's time to go." Chris exclaimed gently. There was no movement, No noise in reply. Chris frowned. Maybe Tom had left already? Chris tried Tom's mobile, hoping the Brit would pick up . A shrill ringing sounded from inside the room in front of him. Chris shook his head and cut off the call. Tom never went anywhere without his phone. A worrying feeling began to fill the pit of Chris's stomach. His concern was no longer focussed on getting to set on  time but instead it was finding out what had happened to his best friend. Rushing back to his own apartment, Chris quickly grabbed the spare key for Tom's apartment and made his way back to the door of Tom's apartment. Swiftly he unlocked the door and stepped inside. The apartment was much like his own although Tom had added his own personal touch of décor; his leather jacket slung over the back of the sofa and his scripts lying scattered on surfaces. However it was quiet. Almost as if no one lived here at all. Chris called out again in the hope that the Brit would respond.

"Tom? Mate. Come on stop fooling around. You're worrying me now." He said warily, half expecting Tom to jump out of the shadows. There was nothing. Chris began to tread lightly around the apartment, checking the rooms for Tom. After not much success, Chris reached the bedroom. Hesitantly Chris took the door handle and turned it gently. He felt like he was invading Tom's privacy by going in but it had to be done. Chris stepped inside. It was dark. Darker than the other rooms; the curtains still to be drawn. Chris peered into the darkness, trying to make out Tom's shape. It wasn't long until he found him, concealed by the duvet. A flicker of a smile of relief flashed over Chris's expression briefly but it quickly faded as Chris heard Tom's breathing; shallow, rasped and short. Like a lightening bolt, Chris was by Tom's bed side, his hand on Tom's shoulder, shaking him gently. "Tom. Tom wake up. Come on wake up. Wake up for me mate. Come on." Chris pleaded, the worry now clearly shown through his voice. Tom stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open weakly. Chris breathed yet a sigh of relief but knew the relief would be short lived. Tom glanced at Chris, almost as if he didn't recognise the man at all. His eyes were half closed, bloodshot and watering. He was pale and a thin layer of sweat lay along his brow.

"C...Chris? Mate, what are you doing in my apartment? What time is it?" Tom spoke weakly, his voice practically a whisper. He casted his eyes over to his alarm clock and let out an exasperated breath. "Shit. Sorry Chris. I'll be as quick as possible." He said, attempting to get up. Suddenly a whooping cough rattled through Tom's system, causing him to convulse and double up in pain. Chris quickly held Tom gently, supporting him as he recovered from the cough. Tom shivered as the cough ceased.

"Mate you're not going anywhere." Chris said firmly. Tom shook his head, determined not to be beaten.

"Yes, I am." He argued feebly, trying to stand up. Chris let him stand before he walked to the door and stopped Tom from walking out.

"Tom you look like shit. You're ill. Going out will only make you worse. Please, you need to rest." Chris reasoned. Tom chuckled and raised an eyebrow at him, trying to act tough against the muscular man in front of him.

"Turned into a doctor now have we?" He tried to joke. Chris's expression remained firm. Tom shook his head. "I can't afford a day off Chris. We're already behind schedule. I need to finish filming." Tom tried to argue. Chris replied almost instantly.

"I will ring Alan and let him know you're not well enough. Loki can wait until another day mate. Think of how you'll look on camera. I don't think your fans will appreciate Loki falling asleep whilst Malekith is trying to kill him." Chris stated. Tom sighed. He had been beaten. It was true that he didn't want to disappoint his fans. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Chris was right.