Never Stop . . . Never Stop Fighting (A Tom Hiddleston Fanfiction)

Chapter Eighteen

Ann awoke to the sunlight filtering through her bedroom window. She yawned and stretched her arms high above her head, feeling a satisfying pull in her shoulders before she rolled over and found that she was in bed alone. Was it all a dream? Did we really have that amazing kiss last night? Slowly, she sat up and looked around the room before she spotted Tom's bag, where he'd placed it the night before, beside the bathroom door. Well, I know that he's actually here, and that part isn't a dream. But where is he?

She slowly climbed out of bed, then shivered as the cold wood floor touched her bare feet. Quickly, Ann found her slippers, then went into the bathroom to complete her morning routine, then wandered into the living room then the kitchen. The house was empty. Ann frowned as she looked around the kitchen, when a note on the fridge caught her eye. Ann walked over and reached for the note, only to smile when she noticed that it was written by Tom.

Lovely Ann,

I am sorry that I was not there when you woke up. I got up before the sun this morning and decided to go for a run. I will make it up to you though and return with coffee. There's a shop not too far from your home if I remember correctly. I shall see you soon darling.

XX - Tom

A smile brightened Ann's face as she took the note from the fridge and neatly folded it up before she walked into the living room and put it in the keepsake box she kept in her entertainment center. Just as she put the box back in its place, the front door opened.

"Good morning Darling," Tom greeted as he shut the door behind him with his foot, his hands full with two drink cups and a paper bag. "I was hoping I would get to wake you myself."

Ann grinned at him and took a drink from one of his hands. "It's alright. Your note was a sweet thing to wake up to. I woke up thinking last night was a dream." She heard Tom chuckle as she followed him into the kitchen and watched as he sat the other cup and bag on the kitchen table, followed by her keys.

He turned toward her and gently took the cup from her hand and placed it on the table before he put one hand on the small of her back and brought her flush against his chest. "Believe me darling, it was not a dream." To make his point, he cupped her chin in his hand and brought her lips to his in a sweet kiss. Tom felt as Ann melted against him and clutched the front of his shirt in her hands while he slowly explored her mouth. When he pulled away he met her eyes and caressed her cheek. "See?" he murmured. "Not a dream at all."

A pale blush filled Ann's cheeks as she stayed locked on Tom's bright blue eyes, feeling lost in their depths. "No, definitely not a dream," she quietly agreed, causing Tom to chuckle softly.

"I got us a couple of bagels to share. I hope you don't mind that I took your keys so I didn't get locked out of the house." Tom moved to keep his arms wrapped gently around her waist.

Ann shook her head as she abestly ran her hands along his chest before she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't mind at all. It was sweet of you to get something. You didn't have to."

Tom shrugged and moved to pull out a chair from the table, then sat and pulled Ann into his lap, making her laugh. "I know I didn't have to, but I like to." He reached for his coffee and took a sip before he opened the paper bag and revealed two raisin bagels, complete with cream cheese.

"Those smell good," Ann said as she eagerly took the one that Tom offered her, then took a bite and sighed. "They are good," she added.

"Yes, they are," Tom agreed after he took a large bit of one himself. "What are our plans for today?" he asked. "Will we be travelling to your mother's home today?"