**COMPLETED**Unbound ((a Tom Hiddleston Fanfiction))

Chapter Five: Darling

What the fuck was I thinking when I replied with a cheery ‘yes’? Sure, it was taking a load off cause I didn’t need to cook anything spectacular tonight but why did my stupid mouth have to blurt out, “Why don’t you just come around and make dinner? It’d be easier for me because Al sleeps quite early.” Oh why couldn’t I keep my bloody mouth shut? I’d been running around the house like a headless chicken, picking up all of Al’s toys and putting away stupid little things and dusting. I had sat Al down with a full cup of tea, in his small couch and pressed ‘play’ on his little portable DVD player. He was happily watching Sponge Bob Squarepants which was a relief. Once I felt that everything had been done, I scanned the premises. All seemed alright, the only thing I needed to do now, was set the table and shower. Al was all set, after dinner I could put him to sleep. Checking the time quickly, I noticed I’d only had less than five minutes to get rea-

Knock-Knock-Knock

“Fuck.” I muttered.

“Fuck!” Al shouted.

“Al, what did I tell you about that word?” I gave him a stern look and he went back to watching his show.

Dusting myself off, and checking my appearance in the hallway mirror, everything looked horrible. My hair was a mess and I was make-upless. I looked like I’d had a hard day. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about it now. After making it to the door, I tried to steady my breathing before opening the door.

“Hey, I kind of haven’t had time to shower, is it okay if you watch Al for just a few minutes? I won’t be long. I promise.” I said rather too quickly.

“Uh, yes of course. Where is the little guy?” He smiled.

“Oh, just over here, watching Sponge Bob. Follow me.” I said, a weak smile playing on my lips.

“Where should I put these?” Tom said gesturing to the bags he was holding.

“Oh, the kitchen is just there. Wherever really. Al? Al? Alastair?”

It took a while but he finally looked in the direction of my voice.

“Do you remember how I told you; one of Mummy’s friends is coming over? I’d like you to meet Tom.” I said smiling at him. “Say ‘hi’ honey.”

“Hi.” He said running up to me, hugging my legs and hiding his face.

“He isn’t normally this shy. He’s a bit of an explorer really.” I said looking at Tom.

“Oh really?” Tom chuckled, his white teeth showing. “Hey, what are you watching over there? Is that Gary the snail I see on your screen?”

Al looked up from my legs, only revealing one eye. He wasn’t that sold on the idea of Tom just yet.

“Hey I think that Gary is lost? Where do you think Gary went?” Tom asked, his voice inviting.

Al ran toward his little DVD player and shouted, “There!” and pointed at the snail on the screen.

“I think that Gary makes a funny sound. What sound does Gary make A-

“Meow! Meow!” Al said mimicking Gary.

Surprisingly, Tom starting copying Gary as well, he even started chasing Al around the room, on all fours. Huh, who knew?

“Go on and shower. Hurry back though.” Tom said quietly to me, motioning with his eyes that I should leave.

The night went smoothly, Tom had brought some sort of chicken roast that he had put into the slowcooker that morning. It had a crisp taste of paprika, rosemary and thyme, with a zest of lemon. Both Al and I loved it, which was quite a big deal since Al was so picky. Tom did make an amazing soup at mine though and cooked the rice there as well, he had said that he always made plenty of this chicken roast and then froze it, and there was more than enough for all of us. He was so great with Al and I couldn’t help but gush over him. It also made me think. Al really needed a father figure in his life. But Tom was far too busy to be a father.  I was sure Tom could feel my change in mood while I put away the dishes. He was playing with Al, he’d been forced to sit in his tiny kid’s pull out sofa. Tom look ridiculous in it and I couldn’t help but laugh. Tom smiled at me, that should cover me, at least for now. After I’d put all the dishes into the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen, I out the little guy to sleep. Tom and I didn’t really get to have proper time together, which was fine I guess, it wasn’t really a date anyway. No one said it was.