Limerence (Tom Hiddleston fanfiction)

Chapter 1

The scent of coffee beans getting freshly ground came in through the window as I finally managed to open my heavy eyes. The scent was accompanied by the cold air of the morning. The snow had finally stopped and I could see the tip of the Eiffel tower from my window. I decided to stick with my morning ritual and snooze my alarm for two more times before finally getting out of bed and gazing at my view for just a few more moments, taking it all in. 

I had finally done it. I was in Paris, living here for a very short but very rewarding two weeks and a day. The sun was shining today and the sight warmed my heart.

I jumped out of the steaming shower, getting dressed as quickly as possible since the air was freezing. I decided on some black trousers and my black boots. A cream blouse and a few cream layers over that. I blow-dried my hair and quickly threw on some makeup. I usually opted for the "less is more". It was just before 9 am, I would be at my favorite café before the second-morning rush - this I had discovered to my utter dismay one morning when someone bumped me and I spilled an entire cappuccino - which to me is the nectar of my soul and to spill even one drop is inhumane. 

I loved the wooden floors of my studio apartment, the creamy beige color scheme, and pastels made me feel like a true Parisienne. I was thankful for the radiator, it only took a few minutes before I could feel my limbs relaxing. I grabbed my phone from its charger, my laptop, and bag and threw on my woolen trenchcoat. 

On my way to the café, I received a call from my modeling agent. She told me of a shoot she would like me to do tomorrow for a very streamline clothing company in Paris. I had become a part of the Boss Models agency, just over a year ago and the thought of shooting in Paris had always been a dream of mine. I thanked her and we said goodbye just as I entered the café. Inside it was warm, so hot that I had to remove both layers I had on over my cream blouse. Inside, soft French music was playing and it felt like I had strolled right into one of my french novels. The café was especially quiet this morning and I attributed it to the cold weather.

I had French as one of my postgraduate subjects and had practiced the language intensely right throughout my master's degree year. I ordered a cappuccino and some pastry thing that I knew I would regret eating later, but not right now. I sat at my usual table and opened my laptop, checking to see the email from my agent about the details of my shoot tomorrow. I was halfway through my second sip when someone walking past me accidentally bumped into my chair causing me to spill my coffee over my trousers. 

"Shit!" I yelped as the warm coffee burned me.

"Oh fuck! Je suis désolé! Pardon Mademoiselle! I'm so terribly sorry!" A man's voice called. 

I looked up ready to scowl this English idiot who had made me spill my cappuccino, but as soon as I met his sincerely apologetic piercing blue eyes my hard face melted.

"It's okay, uhm," I had completely forgotten how to speak, this man even though he was completely disheveled by the incident, he was undeniably handsome.

"You speak English? Please, allow me to replace your cappuccino, and here's a napkin. Miss, I'm so terribly sorry. The soles of my shoes must have ice on them, or something,"

"It's really okay, uhm, a cappuccino would be great, thanks." I looked down at my trousers. "I'll quickly go get this sorted, I'll be back right back,"

I took my bag with me as I hurried to the ladies room, feeling his eyes on me as I leave. 

When I returned he was sitting there, with two cups in front of him, sipping his drink looking into the distance with an intensity, when he turned his gaze to meet my eyes he softened his face, but his eyes were still intense. It was unnerving, but also incredibly attractive.

He stood as I got to the table, something no one does anymore and the gesture caused me to smile like a complete moron, I could feel the heat on my cheeks. 

"I'm so sorry, really." he laughed. "I guess you just caused my knees to weaken involuntarily."

I laughed, his laugh was infectious. It was boyish and it unmasked him as someone who didn't take himself too seriously.

"Thank you for the cappuccino, and really, don't apologize. It's fine. I'm Scarlett." I gave him my hand to shake, he took it in his large hands, holding it in his warm grasp. 

"Tom, it is a pleasure to meet you, Scarlett." his hands linger over mine a moment longer than necessary. 

Then my mind got struck with the realization... the man sitting right next to me, was no other than Tom Hiddleston. Thee Tom Hiddleston. The successful English actor.