All Roses Must Wilt (a Tom Hiddleston fanfic)

Chapter 25- It's Not Over Yet

I can't seem to get this stupid smile off of my face as Tom puts his hand over my eyes from behind, leading me into the bedroom. He apparently had an early present for me. Meaning he got me more than one gift. That's not good, exactly, seeing as thought I didn't get him anything. I figured he would feel bad if I got him something and he didn't get me anything in return, but it turns out he tricked me. Got me something behind my back. I should have known, really. 

"Are you ready?" He asks, excitement in his voice.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I respond, earning a light chuckle from him.

"Alright..." He removes his hands. "Surprise!"

There's a shopping bag on my bed. A purple one. I don't remember him coming home with that bag. "What is it?" I ask.

"Well you have to open it to find out," he says in a 'duh' tone. Then he eagerly sits on the other edge of the bed where he can get a better view of my face when I open the gift. I purse my lips lightly, wondering what it could be.

"I wasn't expecting anything from you..." I say softly.

"Well I just thought you'd like it, so I picked it up before we left London." The huge, excited grin never leaves his face.

I reluctantly reach into the bag, and the first thing I feel is a soft fabric. Then I pull out the item, and I let out a light breath. It's a dress. He got me a dress. Of all things, why a dress? He knows I don't wear these things. I know he knows. How much money did he spend on an item I'll never use?

"Tom... You should take this back."

His smile disappears, and he looks sad, worried, and even a little embarrassed as he looks at me. "You mean... You don't like it?"

"No, no, I do!" I quickly say, my thumb running over the soft, dark blue fabric. The dress looked as if it would go to my knees, and it has a sheer layer of fabric over the skirt.

"You don't have to lie to make me feel better."

I start to panic, not wanting to see Tom upset. "No, it's great. I love it. Thank you so much." I lean across the bed and kiss his forehead lightly before hugging him.

"Well I'm glad, because I was hoping you'd wear it today."

"Wh-what?" I gently pull away from him, staring into his face.

"I'm not going to force you, but... Well, I will force you."

"Force me? How?"

"Well if I can't force you, I can always persuade you." 

"How?" I ask again, this time softer.

His face moves closer to mine, but not so close to make me incredibly uncomfortable. Then he reaches his hand up, moving a strand of hair away from my face, causing both my heart to speed up and cheeks to become warm.

"I don't know," he breathes. "What would it take to convince you, my dear?"

My eyes land on his. Then to his lips. Then back up to his eyes. "I, ah... you could-" I stop myself. What was I about to say? I've never actually seen Tom like this before; flirtatious, teasing, and seductive all at once. 

"I could what?" He asks, smiling. But it was a bit of a creepy smile. A Loki smile, as I would call it.

"You could..." I push him lightly away by his shoulder, putting some distance between us. "You could go into the living room while I change into this dress."

Tom raises his eyebrows softly and sighs, standing up. He soon smiles, his regular, warm, comforting, Tom smile. "Very well. Thank you, darling." 

I nod as he leaves the room and shuts the door behind him, leaving me alone on the bed with the blue dress on my lap. I wonder... What would it be like to kiss him? As I change out of my pajamas and into the blue dress, I can't help but imagine what it would be like. No doubt his kiss would be gentle, sweet... And after a while it would grow more passionate and hungry.

I snap out of my thoughts suddenly, and realize I shouldn't keep Tom waiting. I quickly slip on a pair of black flats I brought with me before stepping out into the living room. I'm really glad I recently took a shower and my legs are shaved. I mean, how unattractive would that have been? Majorly unattractive. 

A huge smile spreads across Tom's face when he sees me. "You look fantastic."

I look down, pursing my lips lightly. "I'm pretty sure I look how I always do."

He rolls his eyes softly. "Well, yes, your face looks beautiful, like it always does, but your clothing looks fantastic."

I cock an eyebrow. "Are you trying to make me feel better now, so when you ask me to do something later, I'll do it?"

"What? Rose, I'm just complimenting you. Now come on, let's go." He helps me into my jacket, and before I can say much of anything, we go.

"Soo.."  I say once we're in the street. "Where are we going?" The cold February air feels a little cold on my legs, but I ignore it.

Tom slips on his sunglasses before replying. "Hm. Should I tell you? Or should I keep it a surprise?"

"You should tell me. Because I don't like surprises. In fact, tell me the entire schedule for the day."

"Well, alright. But only because it's your day. Right now we're heading to a nice museum. Then we'll go to the park. And perhaps after that we'll get something to eat. And, of course, any fun activity we see in between. Maybe stop at a few stores. Buy ice cream from an ice cream stand."

"Sounds... Expensive."

"Don't worry about that, darling."

"But I have to worry," I argue. This isn't exactly the best time for thi conversation. "You are totally incapable of taking care of yourself and you spend too much money on others."

"Says the one who burnt herself this morning," he teases, grinning at me.

I scowl. He laughs. Then he takes my hand in his and we continue to walk.