All Roses Must Wilt (a Tom Hiddleston fanfic)

Chapter 23- Live Interview

I sigh lightly as I glance at the grocery bags Tom left on the counter before he went to get dressed. I suppose I should start to put them away. As I start on the first bag, I realize Tom did get everything for the dinner.

I'm starting on the third bag when Tom comes out, wearing black pants, a white button-up shirt, and a black suit jacket over it. He's currently fixing his tie. When he sees what I'm doing, he quickly walks to the counter. "Oh, I need this..." he murmurs to himself, grabbing the fourth and final bag. 

"You need it?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "What could you possibly need with a bag of groceries right now?"

"Well, it's not exactly groceries," he replies, smiling as he goes into the bedroom again. Then he returns. "Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"I am ready," I state, looking down at my clothes. "Do I look bad?"

"Oh, no, you look fine. But a lot of people may be wearing more...formal clothing."

"Well I am just your assistant," I say, putting up the last bit of the food.

"You're more than that and you know it, Rose," he says, glancing up at me.

I just send him a light smile. "Just finish getting ready and then we'll go, alright?"

"I'm all ready," he insists.

"Then let's go." I quickly head into the bedroom to grab my lanyard before we head out the door.

~

When we get to the studio, Tom still isn't ready to go out to the audience. He is immediately sat in a chair, where stylists work on his hair and makeup. He doesn't need too much makeup, of course, just enough to touch up his skin and brighten his tone a bit.

I feel as if I'm invisible. Which... is sort of good, I suppose. But I feel as if I deserve a tad bit of respect. At least four people were hustling about, getting Tom ready. Wherever I went in the room, I felt as if I were in the way.

Tom couldn't even look at me for a whole second before someone needing his attention elsewhere. I think it'd just be better if I waited outside.

"I'll be right back, Tom," I say, hoping he hears me.

"Where are you going?" He asks, looking over at me. And this time, he's able to hold my gaze for more than just one second.

"Around. I'll be fine, I promise." I quickly leave the room before he can say anything else, shutting the door behind me. I already feel better. I'm sure Tom will do just fine without me. "Excuse me?" I ask a man.

He turns towards me, giving me a light glare. "What do you want?"

"I was just wondering where the bathroom was..." I say quietly.

"Down the hall, two lefts."

I nod and tell him thank you before heading down the hall. Turn left... Wait, did he mean first door on the left, or go left at the end of the hallway? I shrug lightly and decide to venture further. But there's nothing here that seems like a bathroom. Wouldn't they have a sign on the door or something? I don't exactly want to go around opening random doors, hoping to come across the room I'm looking for.

Or, you know, I could always just go back to Tom's dressing room, or maybe go outside and wait in the car Jackie brought us in.

I'm almost certain that Tom's interview has started, yet I'm still wandering around this building, looking for the bathroom. All I want to do is check to see if my hair looks decent...

The interview will probably only last fifteen minutes or less, so I guess I should head back to the stage area now. Did I promise him I'd watch? Because I'm not sure if I'll be able to, after all.