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

Chapter Ten: Tainted

The first thing I noticed was the throbbing pain in my overused muscles. The second was an arm that hung lovingly over me. It looked like we had fallen asleep during our movie because the only thing flashing on the television screen was the home menu, asking me if I wanted to ‘Play’ the movie. There was a part of me that still thought none of this was true. The ache of wanting it to be real was mixed with the pain caused by the bug I had caught. Carefully, I slid out of Tom’s grasp. I couldn’t help but pause to watch him stir in his sleep, adapting to the new space around him. A weak smile shone it’s dim light upon my face. The niggling, and bothersome throbbing, reminded me why I had released myself from his clutches. I needed paracetamol. ASAP. But if I found some ibuprofen, that would be a plus.

                “Hey, what are you doing up so late?” Tom’s voice was raspy from sleep.

“Uh…I was just getting some medicine. I think I’m overdue for my next one.” A sheepish smile was all I could muster.

“You should have told me to get it for you.” He said with a deep chuckle. “Go to bed, I’ll bring this to you.”

“Really?” I probably looked like a little orphan asking if this man really wanted to adopt me.

“Of course.” He chuckled again, his eyes closing, his perfect teeth showing. He really was gorgeous, wasn’t he?

“Thank you. I really appreciate this.” My head fell, I felt like such an idiot, so pitiful. Suddenly, I was feeling as though I were a kid, someone who had this crush on a guy so out of my league. It felt so awkward. Tom walked over, closer to me. His pace slow.

“Come here.” He pulled me into a hug, I let him engulf me in his never-ending arms and warm clothes. “You’re so beautiful.” His voice was sincere, and I felt my heart flutter.

“Look who’s talking?” I muffled into his chest. Being me, I wasn’t much for all the romance and fluff. Never being good at situations such as this.

Tom chuckled kissing the top of my head.

                Tom had left an hour or so later to leave for work. He took the Vitamin C like he promised. “I’ll see you later tonight. Promise me you’ll get better or I’ll have to come over here more often and make you amazing meals like the domesticated god that I am.” He winked at me as he crossed the threshold of my door.

“I promise.” My voice was sleepy and I knew that my day would be a long one.

Time passed very slowly today. Kristina kept me up to date with Al, told me that she had dropped him off at school and that he had a great night with her. He was missing me but he understood that Mummy was sick. Apparently he was overjoyed because he loved baking with Kris. I was happy to know that he was coping, and so was Kris. As the hours passed, I found that I couldn’t sleep. Something was missing and I didn’t want to admit that it was Tom who I was pining for. I’d probably emptied two jugs full of perculated coffee, watched reruns on the television and read a few emails. My gaze wandered to the clock on the ceiling for the umpteenth time today. It was only quarter past two. With a defeated sigh, I got up. I was due for my medicine anyway.

Knock-Knock-Knock

Quickly swallowing the tablets and taking a swig of water, I made my way to the door.

“Hello beautiful.” The voice was electric in my ears. Looking up, I caught sight of his startling eyes, they were brilliant in the afternoon light. His hair was slicked and flicked at the ends. His makeup made him look somewhat gaunt and definitely sallower.

“Hello yourself.” I croaked. “Ahem. Sorry”

Tom flashed me a toothy smile that caressed the corners of his eyes. “May I come in?”