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

Chapter Nine: Wound

“Here you go.” Tom was handing me my dinner. “Careful, it’s hot.”

I looked at the large bowl in front of me. Tom had also given me a plate with toasted bread, buttered. Spooning some of the soup, I paused to blow on it. Tom walked over, quiet in his steps. He took a seat a little further away than I’d like, but still next to me.

“Thanks again Tom. You really didn’t need to do this.” Silently, I was more than thankful. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything of this grandeur, knowing me, I would have given up and just slept.

“Really, it’s rather alright.” His smile was growing weaker. Throughout the night he seemed rather reserved, shying away from me somewhat.

Letting my spoon drop into the bowl, it clunked rather loudly and caught Tom’s attention. I sat up more, putting my food down on the coffee table. Tom mimicked me, seeing that there was something wrong.

“Can I just say....it’s been... more than I’d like to admit. I’ve been feeling rather guilty.” I tried to stay strong.

“It’s okay.” He slid closer to me, touching my arm softly.

“I...I’m sorry. I don’t know. The other night. Did I say something wrong?” My eyebrows were arched upward, my eyes glassy. I could feel myself biting down on my lip, a force of habit.

Tom looked away for a second. He took a breath in before looking at me. “I might have just taken it in the wrong context. I don’t know. I apologize for my actions.”

“Alright, then can I ask you this?” I looked into his eyes, they were watering. “What is this?” I asked in a whisper, motioning to the two of us.

Tom opened his mouth, closed it and then swallowed. Oh god, here it is, the rejection..... “I can be whatever you want me to be. I can be your friend, your ally, your foe. Tell me what you want?”

“No Tom, I don’t want to tell you what I want. That’s not how it works. We are not cast members and I am not giving you a scene. You know who I am, what my situation is. Do you really want to get into all of that?” He looked away taking in my words. “I would big a huge burden that you would have to carry around. You’re on your way to the top and I don’t want this to come between it.” I was so used to thinking about others, to be the mature one. He wasn’t thinking. Nor was I for that matter. I wanted this, to hear him say that he wanted me, that he would chose me over his career but surely, in a few moments he would realise that he was being brash, and everything would come crumbling down.

Tom was facing me now, his hands holding mine. “You’re probably right.” There it was, my heart breaking. Who knew this would be my moment of dejection? At least it was done with taste, it was friendly, and by a man I admired and respected. “You have your family, your life. Me intruding with my outlandish lifestyle would be foolish and unwise. I don’t want to bring your son into this madness.....” I was crying now, my heart was numb. Tom swallowed before continuing, “But...” He pulled my face up, so that I was looking straight at him. “There’s something about this ‘thing’ that makes me happy. You...and Al....you both make me happy.”

My eyes fluttered, letting the tears fall freely. Tom smiled at me. Suddenly, I could feel his lips on mine. It was heaven. My body felt tingly all over, like it were my first time. I kissed him back, harder. My veins were filled with electricity, jolting me back to life. My body was still in pain, but this was a different high, one I hadn’t felt in years. I relished the feeling and savouring the one of Tom. His lips were warm and kind, lustful yet tender. Tom pulled me closer to him, his hands on my lower back. They trailed up to my sides and he lifted me on top of him. I let my legs snake around his waist as best I could. My hands ran through his hair, this time I let him know I enjoyed it when he moaned. Tom’s deep voice reverberated in out kiss, it felt good on my lips. Letting me get the better of myself, I couldn’t help but rub onto him discreetly. I moaned into the kiss – but wait. I suddenly leapt off of him. I stood, my breath ragged.

“What? What’s wrong?” Tom was so confused.

“I’m sick! You’re going to get sick! The movie! Oh god, everyone is going to be so mad – Everyone is going to know!” My eyes widened. Pain shot through my aching body but I didn’t care. Everything was going so quickly, I was practically having an anxiety attack in front of the man.

“Stop. Stop. Don’t worry.” He said getting up, running his hand up and down my arms, calming me. “Forget about them, forget about everything. It’s just me and you now. We’re in your house, Alastair is with your friend. I am here. Breath in and out.”

I looked up to see Tom smiling down at me. His words seeped in, I followed his instructions. My chest rose and fell.

“Now...isn’t that better?” Tom’s voice was so soothing.

“But, you’re still going to get sick?” I managed to mutter.

“I’ve gotten my flu shots and I’ll triple dose on my Vitamin C if it makes you feel better.” He leaned down to kiss me, his arms still at my side. “And for what it’s worth, frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” He put on that old thick American accent, his smile tickling at his eyes as he recited the line. Oh god. He definitely knew how to woo a girl.