Thanks Loki

Part 1

Getting off the underground at his stop, Tom hitched his backpack up, tucked his laptop under his arm and set a quick pace for home. He couldn't wait to see Lexi his neighbour, who also happened to be one of his best friends, to give her the news. Running up the path he unlocked the door put the keys on the hall table and threw his backpack down. Carrying the laptop through to the kitchen he put it on the table then checked the water level in the electric jug before flicking the switch on.

As he gathered the teabags and cups the front door opened and Lexi came bursting into the kitchen carrying a small plate of muffins, "Hiddles, here try these and tell me what you think. I want to add them to the menu but I'm not sure they're good enough." Lexi put the plate down on the table, gave Tom a kiss on the cheek, pushed him towards a chair then set about making tea for the two of them.

"Hi Lexi, how are you? Hi Tom, how was your day? It was fine thanks Lexi, and yours? It was good? Good to hear. What was that? You'd like me to try something. Of course, I'd be delighted." Tom had a one-sided conversation with himself as Lexi carried the cups over to the table.

"Seriously Tommy, I worry about you sometimes. So, what do you think?" Lexi nodded toward the plate of muffins.

Tom bit into a muffin and nodded, "Lex, sit down, I've got some news. It's still a bit of a secret, the announcement will be made in a week or so, but I'm dying to tell someone. I got the part. I'm going to be playing Loki!"

Lexi bounced out of her chair and launched herself into Tom's arms. "Oh my God Tom, that's fantastic news. I'm so happy for you and so bloody proud of you. You deserve this, you've worked so hard for it."

Laughing at Lexi's reaction, and the fact that they both nearly fell off the chair, Tom hugged her to him.

"Lex, it's a minimum 3 movie deal, this could be it. This could be the break I need to make it big, to really make a name for myself."

Lexi hopped off Tom and went back to her chair, "My God Tom! Do you realise just how much your life is going to change?"

Tom shrugged, "It won't change that much really. I'll still be me, that's never going to change but this could lead to more work in America."

"So, you'll be working with Ken again yeah?"

Tom nodded, "yeah he's directing. Lex, I'm going to be working with Sir Anthony Hopkins, can you believe it?"

"Babe, you're gonna be awesome, just remember me when you're rich and super famous," she laughed.

"Lex, you're unforgettable," he grinned.

"You'll be gone a while huh?" she asked.

"I think it's roughly a 5 month shoot but there's pre production stuff to get through as well as a couple of trips beforehand so yeah, it'll be a while."

"It's going to be weird not having you right here, I'll miss you."

Tom smirked at her, "Ease up Lex, I haven't gone yet plus if there's extended periods I'm not needed on set I can come home for a few days."

Tom bought his house just over 3 years ago, Lexi bought hers just under 3 years ago and they developed a firm friendship right from the start. They'd supported one another through many highs and lows, shared meals, confidences, tears and laughter and celebrated the advancement of their careers. Lexi trained as a chef after leaving school early and made a name for herself in some of London's finest restaurants but gave it all up to start her own catering business. She was in demand to cater for parties held by the rich and famous, receiving more than one offer to become a personal chef for some of the best known celebrities. Tom often joked that he was the envy of many a celebrity because Lexi often cooked for him. He offered to cook for her from time to time so she could have a break. She accepted once and they still had a laugh over what a disaster it was but then Tom cooked his bolognese for her and she was pleasantly surprised. Lexi loved cooking, loved experimenting with flavours and whilst she was flattered, she declined all offers and continued to build her reputation and was currently catering for movie and television studios. Tom had made a few small movies, appeared in tv shows and had done stage work, which was his passion, but was hoping to get a break and make a name for himself.

Taking another of the muffins Lexi had placed on the table, Tom turned to her. "So Lex, I'm going to be having a house guest for a few weeks and was kinda hoping you might be around."

He sipped his tea, "muffins are good, you should definitely add them to the menu."

Lexi nodded, "Glad you liked them. You know I'm always happy to help you out Tommy. Who's the guest?" she finished her tea and took the cup over to the sink, rinsing it out.

Tom smiled, "Well...it's someone connected to the movie actually."

Lexi turned and gave him a 'go on' look.

"I'm having Loki come to stay with me for a couple of weeks. The studio asked me to spend some time with him and get to know him. Plus it'll give me a chance to not only pick his brain, but also study his mannerisms, speech, body language, all the little things that will help me with the character."

Opening the notes app on her phone Lexi looked at Tom, "Hard to believe that the guy who almost flattened New York will be immortalised on film."

Nodding, Tom said, "That was quite a while ago though, he's proven himself since all that happened. I was thinking, if you could spend some time with us it will give you a chance to see what he's like and then you can help me with the character study once he's gone."

Lexi opened a new note page, "Right, so, dates? I've got a couple of things on in the next month or so but I should be able to work around it."

Tom gave her the dates he'd been given. "I'm heading to the States next week for a couple of weeks then I'll bring Loki back with me. I just wanted to check you'd have at least a few days free while he's here...and maybe convince you to cook, you know my cooking is shit," Tom laughed.

"Not completely true Hiddleston, you do a mean bolognese but yeah, I'm happy to cook."

Tom walked over and gave her a hug, "You're the best Lexi." She laughed, "You better believe it." 

A/N: I do not own Loki or Tom. I own only my original character and story.