Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: “Ballad of Maxwell Demon” by Shudder to Think

***You’d only been living here 2 bloody years, why did you still get lost, you utter numpty?***

The conventional thing is to have an inner angel and an inner demon, one on each shoulder, like, but you flout that tradition by having an inner bitter arsehole you called ***Jaime*** (who sounds in your head like a young Michael Caine) and an inner filterless idiot you called +++Orla+++ (ever since you watched Derrygirls on Netflix). They weren’t at war for your soul, or anything, they were both equally adept at getting you into trouble.

Jaime was out in full force today trying to bring you down into the Eeyore depths of despair.

You were late to work because slept poorly and then you were still working on your book well past your “Leave for the train” alarm. You had gotten off at the stop before you needed to, and decided to walk the rest of the way +++Orla suggested this was a healthier choice and that it was a “Walking City” after all+++ then you had gotten lost for a bit (a long bit) before giving up and using your phones GPS to go back to the train (light-rail really) which was now closer than walking to work ***Jaime was almost impressed at your levels of incompetence***.

At work, you got pointed looks about the lateness but no one said anything directly to your face about it because, as you knew she would, Carina had gotten the promotion. Not you. Carina the competent.

***Jaime said you didn’t deserve it anyway.*** +++Orla said it would be more work for a 2% bump and you might as well focus on writing instead since it gave you joy.+++

You logged in after a few tries with the capslock cockblocking your very secure login credentials and password, to ***Jaime’s schadenfreuden delight***. And then got the message that today was the day for new password selection. That meant today was probably the day to get a password manager instead, or get the thumb chip implant, but you didn’t have the energy for that today.

And you’d forgotten your water bottle at your flat, which made the grand total of 3 days in a row of project “Drink more water because Mom says it will clear up your skin and give you a better attitude” without a lapse. +++Coffee with cream instead then, Orla said, because it tastes better than room temp water and you know it.+++

All in all, it might be nice to have a less rich inner life and a more substantial outer one. But Tristan had left you two months ago because “Things just aren’t progressing, babe” which was a humiliating kick in the crotch. Dumped right before Valentines, for which you had planned a fun getaway, and told coworkers about the plan for the fun getaway, and hinted at the plan for the fun getaway to Tristan as well. It wasn’t going to include a proposal, but it was meant to be very, very sexy.

Carina came to the front desk and offered to take you out to lunch to celebrate her promotion and tell you about her AmAZing new S.O. You didn’t think you could take that - any of that - today.

***Jaime says you should declare yourself terribly ill at 1:15pm, take a half day, fuck off back home and get day drunk until all your feelings are blunted, or you make yourself... ill for real. If you listen to Jaime, go to Chapter 2***

+++Orla says you should push through the rest of this day, It can’t get worse, can it? Take the day off tomorrow instead so you can sleep in. If you listen to Orla, go to Chapter 3+++

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: “Your Own Personal Jesus” - Def Leppard Cover of Depeche Mode

1:22PM

You never walk with your phone out. Even this morning with our lord and savior GPS guiding you. your phone was tucked well away in your bag and you used one wireless off-brand earbud to get the needed guidance.

But, you knew you didn’t have enough whiskey or rye left at home ***enough for Everyone Else, or enough for YOU, asked Jaime*** and you didn’t want to mess around with wine coolers or gifted beers or whatever the fuck would be in the very back of the fridge and technically came from Tristan and who knew the expiry dates?? So you checked your phone briefly at the stop to see which liquor store was most sensible to get bad-decision supplies.

And no one was around, the train would be arriving in minutes.

Only one brief moment of eyes to screen and you missed some very important details around you.

You missed a fellow who +++Orla would describe later as a “Massive (pause for effect) Ride”+++ and *** Jaime as “admittedly a smasher”*** approaching at your left.

You missed another fellow +++Not a ride, Massive or Otherwise, Orla would disambiguate later+++ wearing a navy blue hoodie coming up too close and aggressive on your right. There might have been the glint of sunshine off a knife headed for your neck but you didn’t notice until you felt it, point pressing in on you and the blade dark again in the shadow of the station shelter.

What you didn’t miss was the train, when you threw your phone in surprise. And it hit the Ad for the new hospital that was on every other train car, and (no! my baby!) it fell down below the wheels. ***Probably to find its final resting place on the third rail, Jaime observed. ***

“Your bag” was the demand from the guy with the knife - phone being no longer an option. You went to take the bag off, when you felt movement at your left, heard a whoosh behind you, and a voice said “Fucker” and knife-guy was down on the ground clutching his jaw.
Knife guy turned, scrambled up, and bolted.

You turned to see your champion. And over the internal dialogue of his being a Ride/Smasher from Orla and Jaime, you felt your heart and soul attempt to leave your mortal shell.

He had deep brown eyes and lips made for sin. He was rubbing the knuckles of his right hand with his left and panting slightly from exertion. He wore a wrinkled and too large polo work shirt and khaki trousers and had an overstuffed backpack on his back. His hair looked golden and it was short with unruly waves and at least one full curl at his forehead that he tugged backward to join its mates.

Eye contact with him felt like falling into bed.

“You alright?” He asked.
You couldn’t place the accent. Southern UK? Lots of places have a South.
He checked your neck for a cut and smiled. “You're alright, aren’t ya.” he declared with more confidence
Not Welsh. Hebredian? Could you hear cold beaches and rain soaking into woolen jumpers? Is synesthesia common after being nearly mugged?

“I’m ok. Thanks very much to you.” ***Did you just purr, darling?’ Jaime tutted. Ask him home with you and have done.***

“Sorry about your phone.”

“Oh it was a new model with the...ahhh feature where it commits suicide if you are about to be mugged.”

You died a little. He laughed. You came back to life. “I’m y/n.”

“My name's Tom,” he held out the hand that had laid-out knife-boy for a proper handshake.

You took it, but instead of shaking it like a normal person, you took the long fingers in yours and brought them closer to look at the knuckles. “You’re alright too.” You declared.

“Ha.” He looked down and the curls...

+++Cuuuurrrrlllssss, Just put your hand in ‘em, pull his head back and kiss him right on his neck’’ Orla suggested. ‘All my suggestions are right craic and you never listen to me.+++

The next train was approaching. You boarded together. You decided it would be very unfriendly not to offer him the seat next to you (even though the train was nearly empty), so you patted the seat and bit your lip.

He sat down, looked at you, looked around the deserted train car, looked back at you.

***Ask him if you can borrow his phone, call in sick for work tomorrow, and put your number in his contacts, Jaime suggested. Jamie’s suggestion leads to Chapter 4.***

+++Make him talk some more, Orla pleaded, about anything, his voice is like a storm on the sea. Orla’s suggestion is Chapter 5. +++

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: “Kiss of Life” by Sade

5:13 PM

The station was packed and there were no seats. +++Orla suggested you find the first fit guy you could see and ask to sit on his lap, but you paid her daft suggestion no mind.+++ You clung to the only available strap and tried not to step on anyone's toes or fall when the train lurched.

Your stop, followed by a 10 minute walk home, would get you in bed with leftover take out and your laptop by 6pm at the latest.

The walk took you past the Arkady, a dilapidated old hotel that stayed in business by means of a purposefully misleading website.

Sitting on the Arkady steps, was an Angel.

His legs were splayed, an elbow on one knee, his chin resting on the palm. His eyes were dark and sad. The wings you thought you saw were a trick of the shadows and the shape of his backpack but you did think for a moment wings grew from his shoulders. Cherub curls topped a face that had seen some (and probably caused even more) trouble.

+++Orla had the floor, ‘Ai, desperate, we should take the Fallen One away from the Arkady, and put him in your much more comfy bed.'+++

It was your own damn fault for certain, that you were staring at him... instead of watching where you were going. And so boldly staring(!), since you passed him close enough that your red Vans were less than a meter from his Navy blue trainers.

You heard the honk, a squeal of tires, and felt a pull on your arm that brought you back out of the street where you would have been proper-flattened. The only thing that got flattened was your cell phone (Oh NO, My phone!), which had fallen out of your hoodie pocket where you’d tucked it.

“Mind how you go.” the Angel said. Not Welsh, not Scottish. Londoner? He didn’t sound annoyed with you either...a miracle.

“Thank you, Angel.” you said, dazed.

“Ha” a nervous laugh. “I’m Tom. Sorry about your phone.”

“My names y/n. It was time to get the next model anyway...are you staying at the Arkady?”

***Why would anyone stay at the Arkady? Jaime said***

“I thought I would, but they’ve given away my room.” Anger flashed in his eyes.

+++‘O, what a deal of scorn looks beautiful In the contempt and anger of his lip!’ Orla cooed her Shakespeare.+++

“Mmmhmm... you booked from their website? It looks charming in the pictures, but you have to share a bathroom on each floor and the pricing doesn’t reflect that...inconvenience.”

“It’s bloody maddening! I just need a room for one night.” He said.

+++Invite him to stay at your house!!! Orla suggests, if you think that is a great idea go to Chapter 6+++

***Ask him if he’s meeting someone for this one Night, you daft git, the Arkady is a hook-up hotel and popular with “hourly guests”, Jaime admonished. Do you want to know? go to Chapter 7***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Court and Spark - Joni Mitchell

“Tom - I don’t suppose you’d let me borrow your phone as mine has just bought the farm?”

“Sure.” Tom handed you his phone, unlocked it with his thumb for you. Tom had really nice hands. He wore a leather bracelet on his left wrist. He had long fingers and wore only one ring, a silver spinner on his middle finger on the right hand. ***Either unmarried, or hiding it, Jaime decided. ***

“I’m just going to need to call off work tomorrow so I can get a replacement and I don’t have a landline at my flat.” You over explained, and proceeded to call your work number. No one picked up the phone per-usual, that was your job because everyone else was above it, apparently. You left yourself a VM. Then you texted your dead mobile phone “RIP, y/n’s phone. I’ll be keeping the same number if Tom ever needs anything. Love y/n.”
Then you passed it back. ***You think you are a real cleverclogs.’ Jaime groused.***

Tom was watching for his stop, which was unfortunately Portstreet Station. You wanted to talk more and find out everything about him, even though Jaime figured he was out of your league and too bloody gorgeous to be single. +++If he isn’t Mr. Right, why can’t he be Mr. RightNOW, Orla cried.+++

“Goodbye, y/n, stay out of traffic” Tom said smiling as he left you. Your heart shattering into a hundred pieces for no logical reason.

Read Chapter 8.

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: A summer Song by Chad and Jeremy (Rushmore soundtrack as well)

“What do you do when you aren’t gallantly protecting people at train stops?” You asked Tom.

“I’m between jobs right now. But, I’m here in town for a second interview ”

+++Orla was right, you were hungry for more of his lilt, there was a sexy burr in his voice.+++

“I hope it is everything you want and then... you get it.” You said.
*** Jaime asked if you could sound about 30% less thirsty (or whatever the kids call it these days).***

“Well, I have the experience they asked for, but I...” He looked at the window and the train’s next stop announcement board. “Bullocks - I missed my stop.”

Channing station was next - your stop.

You got off the train together and he was so visibly annoyed. He scowled and kicked up dirt and gravel with his trainers.

“I’m sorry I distracted you and caused you to miss your stop, truly. Is there anything I can do?”

“No, no, it’s ok. I’m just stressed about the interview and all.” Tom tried to smile, it seemed, but his lips were still thin and the smile didn’t make it all the way to the eyes. “ Do you happen to know where the Arkady hotel is?”

“Oh... yes. The Arkady is about four blocks away.”

“What? The directions said to get off at Portstreet station and take a cab or a rental bike to the Arkady.” Tom pulled out his phone and looked for something - presumably the directions

“Oh that would have taken much longer! I pass the Arkady on my way home, if you want to walk with me...”

“Yeah - that would be grand, actually.” Tom rolled his shoulders back and eased the weight of his backpack. “Sorry for being an ass, I really need this job but I’ve no right to take it out on you.”

“It isn’t a job at the Arkady, is it?” They hadn’t had a Now Hiring sign up, that you remembered. You didn’t think they had a big staff either, just a Manager, Day clerk 1 and 2, Night clerk, and cleaning staff (one hopes).

“No, I’m interviewing for a position at Grand Parks just outside the city, I need a room for tonight so I can get to the interview at 7AM at their corporate offices and then I’m headed back home to Cornwall tomorrow.”

“Oh - Tom, you Do NOT want to stay at the Arkady...”

“I don’t?” he raised an eyebrow.

“Did you pick it because of the website? They have misleading pictures and they don’t mention that you have to share bathroom facilities with the whole floor. It’s what you find in the dictionary if you look up “Fallen Under Disrepair.” I mean, that’s not one word, but...”

“Damn” This was said under Tom’ breath but you heard it. “How can I find another hotel this late. Is there another one close by?” This actually directed at you as a local but you don’t know his budget and you only know about the Arkady because it's such a local joke... there are probably AirB&Bs…

+++Invite him to stay at your flat!!! Orla suggests, if you think that is a great idea go to Chapter 6+++

***Ask him to stop with you at the Pub, Jaime encouraged. If he gets proper pissed, maybe you can offer _your_ bedroom... you know you want to, you slag. Go to Chapter 9***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Boy with the coin by Iron & Wine

“Tom, I’m totally in your debt, and I have a spare room. I have a cat who will want to be your best friend especially if you are allergic. You’d still be sharing a bathroom, but better with just one person than with Who Knows how many...”

“You’d let me stay...?” Tom surprise was humorous to you. Yes, handsome, someone offered you their place for the night, try not to die of shock. “That’s so good of you, I mean you’d really be helping me out! I don’t know anyone in town and...”

“I mean... yes you do, you know _me_.” You nudged him in the arm with your elbow.

He had these expressive deep brown eyes - lord! He probably was as bad at poker and general prevarication as you. Moreover, you could stare into them forever and be lost and happy.
***How foolish do you look right now, on a scale of 1 to 10, Jaime guessed 13.***

“Sorry, y/n, Yes, I’m lucky to have found a friend in a strange city.”

Sometimes the word “friend” is nice. But you would be SO Very Friendly if he wanted.

Two blocks from the Arkady is the apartment block where you and Tristan had once shared a 2 bedroom flat. Now it is just you and Percy B. Shelley - a usually mellow tomcat - unless there were visitors when he becomes a needy mess. ***‘Not unlike yourself.’ Jaime snarks.***

While you walked to your place, you asked Tom about Cornwall. He says he’s eager to find a new job and a new town.
He asks you about living in Savenholm. “I love it now, it's become home.”

And it has, but you’ve regressed into a more childish mode of living with no one around to judge you. You’ve taken to sock-skating around on the hardwood floors and eating all meals in bed or on the couch, and general slovenliness. The only really clean room is the bathroom - because it is your sanctuary.

You lead Tom into the modern and spartan (even by Scandinavian standards) foyer, up the stairs to your flat on the second floor.

“Eddie, Lights on.” You named your “Alexa” Eddie the shipboard computer.

Your apartment is not Spartan. You decorated it with a “everything actually does spark joy if you try hard enough” attitude.

Percy greets Tom like they’ve been separated by wartime and Tom’s the prodigal come home.

You offer him a beer from your fridge, and a seat on your couch, “Feel free to put on a movie or music or anything - help yourself to snacks - I’m going to tidy the guest room real quick.”

“Don’t worry about tidying on my account.” Tom says but he doesn't know that something has to be done about Tristans’ old room - if Tom is going to stay in there.

Tristan’s old room and his old bed (because he liked to sleep separately from you most of the time - which never didn’t hurt) has become the laundry dump. You keep waiting for a clothes-based Madame Trash Heap to rise up from the pile and give you advice. The advice would probably be to own less clothes.

+++‘Don’t you think you have enough imaginary friends, y/n’ Orla warned.+++ Et Tu , Orla

You shove things into drawers. You find a picture of Tristan under a pile and crumple it up into the trash. You pull out a clean towel and washcloth and roll them into neat little cinnamon rolls on the bed, which is still made from clean/unused sheets from the day Tristan left. You spray a little lavender mist in the air and open a window. You check the side table drawer and find a handful of wrapped non-latex condoms, and some of Tristan’s favorite hand lotion - real expensive stuff.
***‘Only you would still feel sad when you see condoms, Jaime chortled, get angry - Tristan kept them there so he could cheat on you because he was a real shite.’***

In the living room/dining room/kitchen Tom has used the voice commands to play music. And it appears it is on shuffle with all your musical foibles about to be exposed. You hear They Might be Giants “Theme from Flood” and then Richard Thompson’s acoustic cover of “Oops I did it again”. You are certain it will be something horrifically embarrassing next.

“Haha” you nervously fake laugh, reentering the room “Did you just start all my music on shuffle? Do you want to read my middle school diary while you are at it?”

Tom laughs but not unkindly - stands up, dislodging purring Percy and unexpectedly dances toward you beckoning to you. You can’t tell from his dance moves if he is lacking all self-consciousness, or mocking the music? Drunk on one beer? It's awkward and somehow completely irresistible.

Your only dance move is to get as close as possible and wrap a leg around someone. Generally you only try that when you’ve had too much to drink and convinced yourself you deserve to be an extra in Dirty Dancing the movie.

When there is only one move to make, you are trapped, in check. And the next song is guaranteed by Murphy’s Law to be the Wrong One.

“Eddie, shuffle ‘Sade & Friends’” you avert a crisis.
The Sweetest Taboo starts and you are right next to Tom and he is still dancing and smiling, biting his lip, and doing some sort of modified body roll.
Is he teasing you about your music, does he really want to dance?
You put your arms around his shoulders, tentatively. ready to pretend you were in on the joke the whole time - haha - you looked like you wanted to dance with me, guess what - it happened. Don’t joke about sex next. Hahaha Or do??!

Tom looks at you seriously for a moment, he furrows his brow, then he dips you. He legit dips you like you are in the goddam Original Patrick Swayze Dirty Dancing movie and you are Baby. He holds you tight and sure in his arms. Your leg goes around his waist like clockwork. He looks at your lips, licks his. You feel dizzy when he pulls you back up but you don’t think it is the sudden motion.

“Sorry for that, Y/n, I’m a total lightweight, I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
Ah - you’d handed him Koelschip - one of the Netherlandic brewers that specializes in very strong beers. One of your friends must have left some, because you usually like stout, whisky or rye and Tristan only liked seltzers and wine coolers.

+++‘Ara!! Y/n, ask him to dance some more, you daft thing!’ Orla suggests you turn to Chapter 10+++
***‘Tell him you prefer your dances horizontal’ Jaime urges you turn to chapter 11***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack - Suzanne by Judy Collins.

“Are you meeting anyone at the Arkady?” Ripping the bandaid off, not usually your MO.

“Nah, I just found the cheapest place I could reserve online close to my job interview tomorrow. I would fuck even that up!” He scowled, then softened his eyes “Y/n, are there any other nearby hotels?”

One of the Day clerks for the Arkady, a gal you recognize, Joby, comes jogging down the stairs. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Grant, we do have a room for you, I looked up a Mr. Quinn and got confused. Please don’t be angry with me, it’s my first day.”

It bloody well isn’t her first day - but you aren’t going to make a thing about that.

Tom Grant thanks you, you don’t hardly know for what - and starts to walk back to registration with Joby.

You don’t know why but you feel like instead of the usual slow rosegold sunset, the sun just disappeared and left you alone in the dark forever on the Arkady steps.

***‘Joby will give him a handjob for $15. Why don’t you head home and work on that day drunk plan we had.’’ Jaime suggests. Go to Chapter 12.***

+++‘Are. You. Mental ?? Wait 15-20 minutes, then go leave a message at the front desk for Tom Keene. Give him your phone number and tell him you're around if he needs anything. He’s all alone, and so beautiful.”’ Orla says - go to chapter 8+++

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: If I Had a Mountain - Ok GO

In the bottom of the junk drawer there were 2 old phones you’d not recycled because they still worked, more or less. You reactivated the least banged up model through your cell carrier so you had a phone back again, and your same number.

You can’t even remember if you called in sick for tomorrow or not because frankly the whole business with Tom the +++‘MASSIVE RIDE’ Orla was shouting now+++- not helpful Orla. +++‘You should have done something, made him come over to your place, brought him to the pub, anything!’+++ Still not helpful, Orla.

Internal haranguing, aside, You thought this might be as good a time as ever to clean out Tristan’s room. NO. It wasn’t his room anymore, the whole flat belongs to you. The guest room or, maybe an office, but not Tristan’s anything. We are done.

You do a load of laundry, you put a bunch of clean laundry in sensible places and you make a bag of things to take to the thrift store or donate. Percy comes out from under the bed and purrs - bunting against you. He’s a love of a cat and you are lucky to have someone outside your mind to talk to.

You find a picture of Tristan under a pile and crumple it up into the trash.

The bed is still made from clean/unused sheets from the day Tristan left. You spray a little lavender mist in the air and open a window. You check the side table drawer and find a handful of wrapped non-latex condoms, and some of Tristan’s favorite hand lotion - real expensive stuff.

You lay down on the bed and stretch out. You think about Tom. You take off your clothes and stretch some more and think a lot about Tom’s eyes and lips and hands. You pull out the hand lotion and think even more... deeply...about Tom.

The phone rings. “Sweet Jeebus, who is calling instead of texting?!” You rub the hand lotion off on a hand towel and answer the phone. “Y/N here”

“Hi - it’s Tom. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“Oh No, you umm...no didn’t I’m just...doing laundry. How are you?”
***‘Feck, you’re awkward - Jaime is yelling now. - he can’t tell your nakkid, ya pillock, He doesn’t know what you’ve been doing to yourself!***

“Ah good, so - I am at the Arkady and it's very bad...there is only one bathroom for the whole floor, and they don’t have room service and I’m starving, and my room is...dirty I think? I thought maybe you were just being nice, but you did say you appreciated my help today and I thought....”

“Tom, you should come stay here - I have a clean guest room and sharing a bathroom with me will be less stressful than a whole floor, and I don’t have room service, but I can get you fed and a good night's sleep so you are ready for your big interview, right?”

Tom laughed and the relief in his voice was palpable. “That’s grand - that’s just so kind and thoughtful and...”

“I’m texting you my contact info and you’ll have my address. Text me when you are close and I’ll come down and let you in.”

“Thank you, Y/n, you are... lovely.”

“So are you, actually! See you soon.” You think you rallied. You are pretty sure you ended that exchange without embarrassing yourself or freaking him out.

+++OK...Orla said ‘We answer the door starkers ... +++
Hush, for love of all that is good.

You get the text “Mustard yellow building? Modern?”

“That’d be me I’ll be right down” +++Why no heart emoji? Orla pouts like a voice can.+++ Damn it, Orla. If you agree with Orla, send a “♥️” text Read chapter 13
***Put on your “Sade and Friends set list”, Jaime urges That will tell him everything he needs to know about your intentions. If you use your sound system “Eddie” to set a sexy mood like Jaime suggests, Read Chapter 11***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Feels like Summer - Childish Gambino

“Have you eaten dinner? There is a pub with great fish and chips a block from here. Everything desperate looks better after fish and chips.” You nod wisely at Tom.

He smiles “I am knackered and starving and that’s the best advice I’ve heard in a year.”

The Crown and Stag is one of your top three favorite places in the world. The owners are elder lesbians named Marla and Amy, who love to fish and dispense advice. It's cozy, the light is dim and warm and makes everyone look a bit prettier than they might otherwise. Case in point, Tom now has a bit of 5' oclock shadow you hadn’t noticed and would die to rub your face against, and his hair looks like spun gold. Your favorite table is open so you snag it and admire Tom in the lovely light as he sits down and rubs his shoulders, resting them finally from the weight of his luggage/backpack. It is a round corner booth with red candles in votive holders and a picture of the owners kissing above on the wall.

The one slight drawback is that the Crown and Stag has one of those jukeboxes that cost 500 kroneen a song. Its the fucking worst. Someone has paid for Emotion by the Beegees which you aren’t mad at (particularly on someone else’s dime). But it means you have to exert a little extra effort not to succumb to +++Orla’s demands ‘Sing along, this song is CRAIC!!’+++

Marla - one of the owners - is tending bar. “Two, love?” She asks you. She has a forceful set of pipes on her and can be heard from all over the room, even over the Gibbs’ Falsettos.
“Fish and chips still sound good?” you ask Tom.
“God yes, please. And whatever you’re having to drink.”
You nod back at Marla and give her a cheery salute. “Gimme two.” Making her laugh.

“That’s how ordering works here?” Tom looks amused.

“Only when you’ve been here too often and the owners know you aren’t here for the eel pie with parsley liquor.”

You go and get two glasses of oatmeal stout from the bar. Tom finishes his right away while you are still nursing yours.
The Fish and chips are hot and perfect. There is malt vinegar and lemon slices.
Tom eats fast and messy - you love watching it a bit too much. He is licking the coarse salt and lemon off his fingers and thumb and you are caught staring. He raises his eyebrows and sucks his thumb a bit slower.

+++‘Oh no, says Orla, what if we put lemon and salt all over us?’+++

Marla interrupts that dangerous thought “Y/n, who is your young gentleman friend there?’

“This is Tom uh...” You realize you don’t know his surname.
“Grant” He finishes for you “I’m in town for a job interview and I need a room to stay at - I don’t suppose this is an Inn as well as a really lovely pub?”
“No, it’s not, but Thank you - you should stay with Y/n. Don’t you still have that second bedroom?”
Bless Marla a thousand million times - she’s accomplished what you couldn’t and introduced the idea of staying with you. You will always be devoted to Marla and Amy, but for this you will be eternally in Marla’s debt.

“Yes, actually, Tom, I was going to suggest it since you saved my life already today.”

“That would be bloody brilliant, I mean, I just need a place to crash, so even a couch would be grand.”

“You saved Y/n life? That’s a story I have to hear!”

“I’ll have to tell you later though, Marla, Tom’s interview is really early - at 8am, right?”

Tom nods.

“Ah - you’ll be wanting to get to Y/n’s flat then and rest up.” Marla actually winked at you as she returned to the bar.

You and Tom head for your place. Marla will be almost as disappointed as you when you tell her nothing happens between you and the Angel sitting across the table. But the life saving story will be better than nothing.

“Are you sure it won’t be an...um imposition?” Tom asked

Read Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Soundtrack - “into temptation” by Crowded House

“Tom, have you ever watched the movie Amelie?”

“No - is it a classic film?”

“The main character goes so long without sex that she starts indulging in simplier if stranger pleasures - like dipping her hands into sacks of grain at stores and skipping stones in rivers and such. I only bring it up because that’s where I am right now, just been a long time, and all my senses are turned to 11. What you just did is the hottest thing to happen to me in...forever, so... dance with me more.”

Tom bends you back again and kisses you. There is an urgency to it that you can’t tell is from you or from him or both. You are both feeding off it.

***‘Let’s re-christen that bloody guestroom ‘The Room you Made It With Tom In’ , I don’t want the name Tristan to come up ever again. Jaime crows. Go to Chapter 16***

+++‘Take him to your bed - you’ve got the silk pillowcases that will be better for his hair. His curls belong in your bed.’ Orla cries Go to Chapter 17+++

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Blue Guitar - The Moody Blues

You created this set list from the sexiest songs you know. It’s make-out music from end to end.

“Sorry for being so awkward earlier,” Tom says. Which is silly because he clearly gets a pass on looks alone and doesn’t know it somehow?

“You weren’t in the least!”

You show Tom the guest room and he puts his bag down.

“It’s a “jack and jill bathroom” - so just lock the door if...I mean when you want to keep me out.”

“What's a “jack and jill” bathroom?”

You walk through, past the toilet, double sinks, and the shower - open the second door into your room. “Tada!”

***Ah you blooming idjit, Jaime admonishes you,***
You didn’t clean your room. There is your thong underwear on the floor where you kicked it off before showering this morning, and the big pump dispenser of what is obviously lube and not hand lotion or anything harmless on the side table, because of course there fucking is. You try to shut the door quickly. There is also a porn comic on the bed, but Tom probably can’t tell from his angle what it is.

God, you are red as a beet and your hands are shaking. You are fight or flight ready to get real defensive about your self-love habit, but it has gotten out of control lately and you know it.

You can see you are a mess in the bathroom mirror but Tom isn’t looking at you in pity and disgust so that is a small mercy.

“All this space and no roommate, other than himself, here?” Tom asks. Bending down to scratch Percy under the chin. Percy rolls over begging to be rubbed on the belly and you can totally relate.

“Had one, sort of, live- in significant other for a year but he scampered off a couple months ago. Like they do.” You ease past Tom to walk back into the guest room.

In the reflection from the long mirror, it quite looks like he checks out your ass as you do this but you think you are seeing what you want to see. +++'If the heart wants what it wants, the crotch doubly so', Orla declares.+++

“They do, I guess.” Tom says softly.

Janelle Monae’s “Don’t Judge Me” has come on the stereo pumping her sexy anthem through your flat.
“This is a good slow dance song, too.” Tom says and your heart attempts to do a triple axle.

“Oh - is she singing about “dancing”? I must have misunderstood.” You try to joke.

“That’s not what I meant” Tom takes your hand. Pulls you close. Your leg goes around his waist of it’s own damn accord.

‘Don’t Judge Me’, Janelle pleads, and you agree. Let’s not be judgy.

“If I’m gonna sin, it’s with you” Tom sings along. He kissed you and you pull him down into the guest bed.

It isn’t a dream.
It is perfect.

Go to Chapter 18

Chapter Text

Wow, you don’t even remember what you drank last night. You call in sick to work. Percy curls up on your chest purring in concern.
The Angel haunts your dreams, the nights are broken by lack of sleep and the dreams creep into the daytime.

Maybe if you started again, you could see him one more time...

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Rise by Solange

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am..” Tom gushes. “I really need this job, I’ve got to get up so early, and the Arkady was a nightmare.”

“I’m sorry you ended up there, Tom. I think it’s even haunted. It’s a local joke.” You show Tom the guestroom and he puts his bag on the bed, where you’d been minutes ago and are trying not to blush thinking about it. He sees the hand lotion on the side table. “This for guests?”

***‘Perhaps god will strike you dead right now in the middle of your lustful mess, you right cow. Says Jaime supportively, for Jaime.***

“Do you want some dinner?” You change subjects in desperation to leave the scene of the …crime.

“Yes, please, I didn’t eat on the flight, and I didn’t have breakfast either.”

“Come make yourself at home in the kitchen.” This is more comfortable. Taking care of this beautiful man who is hungry is the Right thing to do and you won’t be so fucking awkward knowing you are doing the Right thing. Also cooking takes more brain space and that will keep you from fantasizing about sucking him off...you know... as much.

You look up to the ceiling for no reason - Hi there, ceiling.

“Eddie - play “Fake summer songs mix” You say to the ceiling.

Led Zeppelins “Going to California” starts to play. Tom laughs “You named your Alexa/Google thing “Eddie”?”

“Yeah - Eddie the Shipboard Computer. He’d be pleased to play whatever music you like. Would you like a drink? I have some beer - but it is 60% so be warned.”

“I’ll have what you’re having.” Tom says.

You fix two Rye Mules, in tall handmade mugs with bad handles (you know they are “bad” because the pottery teacher informed you - they are functional enough). Your pottery phase didn’t last long.

You pull out some sliced carrots and celery and some hummus and cheese cubes.

Everybody Here Wants You by Jeff Buckley comes on - Oh dear, this is more make-out music than make dinner for your new friend music. You lick your lips and put some lentil soup on the stove. Hearty - stick to your ribs and make up for 2 missed meals sort of soup.

“This is a great flat. No roommate other than himself, here?” Tom asks, as Percy strolls over the kitchen island pretending he doesn’t know that Kitties Aren’t to Be There. Tom picks him up and scratches him under the chin. Percy lets Tom hold him and you are jealous...of your cat.

“Not for a long while” you sigh. “Can be a bit lonely, but Percy is a love when he isn’t walking on my food.”

Tom laughs and puts Percy down. Percy weaves between his legs.

“Eddie” says Tom - with a mischievous smile “ Shuffle Y/n’s music”
“I need you” by America comes on.

“Jeesus, Tom, this is a violation. You wanna read my high school poetry while you are at it?” You panicky laugh.

“You can learn a lot about a person by listening to their shuffled music.” Tom says.

You put the soup and veg and some crusty bread on the kitchen table. “Tuck in, monster.”

***‘Tell him he can violate you more if he wants’ Jaime urges. Chapter 14***
+++‘Ask him if he wants to watch a movie and put on something sexy’ Orla demands. Chapter 15+++

Chapter Text

“Usually I prefer to be violated physically rather than emotionally.” You say - eyes wide.

“Sorry.” Tom said, clearly not. Clearly just amused at your expense.

He ate fast and messy and you mostly just watched. He licked all his fingers and his thumb before wiping them on his napkin. He said something you missed because his actions were too distracting.

“Pardon?” What was the Angel saying with his fingers in his mouth?

“I said I’m knackered. I’m going to go to bed - thank you for everything today, if there is ever anything I can do for you...”

“You mean other than saving my life?”

“It is a life worth saving, for sure.” Tom said kindly, humbly. “See you in the morning? Or will that be too early for you?.

“I’ll probably be awake - just yell if you need anything.”

“Goodnight Y/n”
“Goodnight Tom”

Read Chapter 19

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Three Strange Days - School of Fish

“Are you tired, Tom? It’s been a long day for you…but if you want to watch a movie to wind down, ‘Eddie’ can set one up.” You say as you take the plates to the dishwasher and make a couple more Mules. You are trying to look like you don’t care what happens because you are -the coolest- and not ready to silently scream into your pillow until you fall asleep.

“Yeah, shall I shuffle your movie collection?” He makes a very mischievous face for an Angel.

“If you do, you might get a Kaiju film, or a Doris Day movie, or golden age porn. So… maybe you want to be more discerning?”

“What’s golden age porn, when it’s at home?” Tom is now sitting extra splayed out on your mid century modern velvet couch looking both out of place and photo shoot perfect. Laughing at you again. You forgive him.

“You know… the 1970’s to late 1980’s they were trying to thread that needle of making a upper case F Film with plot, or a comedy, but always to have hard core sex in it and it wasn’t just searching for a 12 min clip of your particular favorite flavor of kink on the internet.”

“Which one is your favorite - in that genre?”

“DreamQuest, cute and charming and best use of glitter.”

“Eddie, play DreamQuest”
+++'Oh ho' Orla cackles 'Go sit next to him and take off your shirt, to be more comfortable.' +++

You come to sit next to Tom on the couch. You laugh together about how silly the movie is. Ahahaha, yes it is so soooo very silly with the fairies and glitter and the very quickly getting right down to it even though the main character was supposed to be uptight about sex.

***Wow hahaha - was this ever a bad idea. Did you think this would end well? Jaime asks***

But then Tom has put his hand on your knee. And then Tom is looking at you and not at the screen at all, even though this scene has girls painted gold looking like someone’s fantasy of Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, which is legitimately very funny. Suddenly neither of you are laughing anymore, now your mouths are busy with kissing.

***‘Let’s re-christen that bloody guestroom ‘The Room you Made It With Tom In’ , I don’t want the name Tristan to come up ever again. Jaime crows. Head for Chapter 16***

+++‘Take him to your bed - you’ve got the silk pillowcases that will be better for his hair. His curls belong in your bed on silk pillowcases.’ Orla cries. Go to Chapter 17+++

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: The Beautiful Ones - Prince

You push Tom towards the guestroom. The kisses are desperate now, and you are both trying to get each other naked, but in some ways working at cross purposes in your eagerness. He laughs and you shake your head giggling like an idiot.

“You are unreasonably hot, Tom, please be more considerate of others, who are just trying to live their lives.”

“Excuse you, who put on Sade, and Prince, and Janelle Monae - your kisses are the hottest thing to happen to me in forever, and who.... has on very tight pants that are really hard to remove, damn it!” Tom struggled with your fly. You helped him and he smiled and pushed you down into the Bed That is Now Your Favorite Place in the World Because Tom is There.

Read Chapter 18

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: AM I DREAMING (Feat Miley Cyrus) Lil Nas X

He finds everything embarrassing in your room and instead of mocking you, makes it alright somehow. The underwear you had kicked off next to your tank top on your way to the shower this morning, he picks up and makes an appreciative face “Sexy.” He says seriously.
He gets into the bed and finds a porn comic you’d been reading the night before. He looks at you and cocks an eyebrow - showing you the page you were on and gesturing you should join him with the one finger sign for “c'mere”.

You undress each other and every touch is heightened. Tom shed his clothes and is down to just his necklace, a bracelet, a ring, and he is propped up on an elbow looking at you. Even the feeling of your legs and feet touching under the blanket is intense.

“Are we going too fast?” Tom asked, brow furrowed.

“If you say so? Everything with you seems like the perfect speed.”

“And I’m not taking advantage of you...”

***‘Haha’*** +++‘Good lord, this man’+++
“No, Angel”
Tom sheds shyness, reticence, and inhibition.

Afterwards, Tom wraps one of your blankets around himself to go to the bathroom.
Tom should only wear a blanket all the time. Just walk around in nothing but a blanket. Bring back the kilt for all occasions, That’s a hill worth dying on.

He wants to spoon against you when he returns, you pull his hand up to your lips and hold it there greedily.
—-

You wake with Tom’s cell phone alarm. He is laying in the dappled sunlight with his arms behind his head. He looks at you and smiles. You stick out your tongue at him. He kisses you and sighs and gets out of bed.

While he showers and gets ready for the interview, you make him breakfast. And both coffee and tea in case he is a black tea with breakfast kinda Brittisher.

He comes out in just his work pants, his curly hair dripping a bit on his neck. ***'Holy hell, Jaime notes "File that image away for later.'***

“That smells good!” He says at your breakfast efforts.
“It’s not a full English or anything, but at least you won’t be skipping breakfast two days in a row. Tea or Coffee?”
“Tea, please and thank you.” Tom kisses you on the cheek. And then on the lips.

After breakfast Tom gets the rest of the way dressed, he looks business casual versus formal. His hair a bit more tamed from some gel or other product. The curls sculpted - +++'like he should be', Orla declares, 'in marble. Or sketched. But Naked, regardless.'+++

“Y/n, can I come back here after my interview?”

+++Orla says “Give him Tristans’ old key!” Proceed directly to Chapter 20+++
***Jaime says “Tell him to text you when he’s close.” Head on over to Chapter 2***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Heart is a Drum - Beck

Tom’s phone alarm isn’t what wakes you up, because you slept fitfully, to be honest. You aren’t complaining because:
+++wow.+++
***damn.***

But you kept waking up and watching the Angel sleep for a few minutes and then drifting off again yourself. You put your hand on his chest to make sure it was really rising and falling. When you wake up maybe the 5th time, ***Jaime informs you that you are mental.***
+++Orla commends your vigilance, however, because he’s so pretty. Have to be sure that he’s ok, and still there. +++

People who say “take a picture it lasts longer” are dumb as hell. You are burning him into your retinas and securing him a place in your long term memory even if/when it hurts later.

So when Tom’s phone alarm goes off at 6AM, and he scrunches his face up in the sunlight that is pouring in from the sheer curtains, and says “noooo” grumpily. You say “same” but it's not the same at all as you have been wakeful for hours.

You kiss his shoulder, one of the best places in the world, A plus, no notes. And he smiles and re-opens those pretty eyes.

You smile back and get up to go make breakfast as a surprise +++maybe - Orla thinks boys like this get breakfast offered on the regular+++

You hear him say loudly in the shower “Eddie, shuffle y/n’s music”

“Monster” you mutter to yourself - but you are thinking he is playful in the morning. Not too much of a grump.

“Eddie” randomly plays “Last Night I didn’t get to sleep at All” by the 5th Dimension. Which makes you laugh.
***HAHAHA you didn’t sleep, but not for sad reasons for fucking once, Jaime snorts***

Before something too odd comes on you say “Eddie - play Joni Mitchell on shuffle”

Tom comes out of the Room That Tom Made Wonderful. He is wearing his dress pants but no shirt. He’s toweling off his hair, curlier from the shower. “I smell bacon, are you the sweetest, or torturing me?”

“There’s no time to torture you this morning, you have your interview.” You put a plate down for him at the table and get him a mug for coffee or tea. “Do you need a reference by any chance, I can verify your stellar work ethic and that you are a joy to work with.”

“Thank you, I don’t plan to do THIS kind of work at my new job, but I ‘preciates it.” He puts his arms around you from behind and kisses your neck.

You put cream and sugar out. “I made bacon and toast - do you want an egg and if so how do you like ‘em?”

“Over easy, and you’re grand, I don’t deserve to be spoiled.”

“I like them like I like my men, fried and hard, and you forget that you saved my life.”

“Is that why you slept with me?”

“No” You scoff. “C'mon, Doesn't a dreamboat like you usually just ask and literally anyone says yes?”

Tom shakes his head, there is a sadness behind the smile, and no teeth visible.

After breakfast Tom gets the rest of the way dressed, he looks business casual versus formal. His hair a bit more tamed from some gel or something. The curls sculpted. +++like he should be Orla thinks, in marble. Or sketched. But Naked, regardless.+++

“Y/n, can I come back here after my interview?”

+++Orla says “Give him Tristans’ old key!” Then go to Chapter 20+++
***Jaime says “Tell him to text you when he’s close.” Go to Chapter 21***

Chapter Text

Yeah - you don’t sleep well.
Tom is in the guestroom and he is going back to Cornwall tomorrow and he’s well out of your league anyway. Seeing a guy that hot in your flat...well at least you knew you were ready to date again. Notso broken-hearted over Tristan as to not to dream for something with Tom.

When you awoke he was already gone. Physically. You crawl into the guest bed and lay your head on the pillow where he slept. Pretend it is still warm from his body. Think you might smell a bit of his scent lingering... but it might be your imagination. Thank goodness you called in sick - work is not something that will happen today.

You think back to the first time you met and wonder if you could have done anything differently?

Chapter Text

“Of course. Tell you what, I’ll lend you the key, and then you can get in whenever and have some lunch and tell me all about your interview when I get back.” You get the key from the junk drawer.

“Gimme a kiss for luck?” Tom asks.

+++'Jump into his arms' Orla urges. "Ask him if a kiss brings luck, what does a fuck bring.'+++
***'Go down on him right here', Jaime demands. 'So you can think about it every time you go to the kitchen forever.***
You decide to dial those ideas back and just be over-enthusiastic with the kissing.

“I _will_ come back.” Tom says. “And I will shuffle your music again, so be warned.”

“Monster” you say
“I thought I was your Angel?”
“I think you might be both.” One more kiss for luck and Tom is on his way.

*** 'This is all too good to be true, go through his luggage.' Jaime says - If you do this go to Chapter 22***

+++'Go tell Marla about your best night ever!' Orla says. - If you do this go to Chapter 23+++

Chapter Text

“Of course. Text me when you are getting close and I’ll figure out some lunch.”

“You are really worried that I didn’t eat yesterday, huh? I’m not wasting away or nothin’.” Tom touches his stomach.

“Hmmm...” You touch his stomach, too. “Can’t be too careful.” Your hands drift down…but he stops you.

“I _will_ come back.” He kisses your cheek, then your lips more seriously.

He smiles so your heart lifts, even as he leaves your flat.

What did you even have planned today? Moping about? It’s impossible to work up a good mope feeling this blissed out.

You go down to the shops to get something to fix the Angel for lunch.

Go to Chapter 27

Chapter Text

Jaime is the part of you that never wants to trust anyone ever again. Not after Tristan. You let this beautiful guy into your house with zero qualms and now ***Jaime says, "It’s time to find all the qualms. Find out the worst. Find the wedding ring on a chain, find the picture of the significant other, find the hatchet Tom plans to kill you with.'***
+++'The Angel Would Never' says Orla.+++
***'Maybe the ruddy Angel will sleep with you out under the stars in Rollins park like your perfect fantasy, before he murders you?' Jaime suggests.***

You unzip his bag, there are his travel clothes crumpled up on top.
There is a Jack Reacher novel, dogeared instead of a bookmark. No judgment from you on that. needs must.

There is a letter.
There is a love letter and it doesn’t have a date “Tom, I’m coming to visit, I’ll be there before you know it. I’ll be there before you get this letter!! I love you forever! Ruth”
You wish you hadn’t looked.

+++‘Look’ says Orla ‘you don’t know anything about anything. Do you regret meeting The Angel, no, You Do Not. So don’t go moping about the flat. Put a pair of your underwear in his bag, crumpled up in his crumpleded shirt so he can find it later and remember you.' If you do this, go to chapter 24+++

***‘Actually, I’m with Orla on this one. Serve him right, for daring to love anyone before meeting you for a one night stand (so sarcastic, Jaime jeebus) just make sure it’s a sheer black thong, none of your boring underwear, so his Perfect Ruth can find it.” Go to Chapter 24***

Chapter Text

Marla and her partner Amy open The Crown and Stag early and serve breakfasts. You are still very sated +++'In 2 ways, Orla states, 'for the record, heeeyyoooo!'+++
***'There is no record, Orla.'***

But you can’t wait to tell them about last night because it becomes more real if someone else knows. It’s not like kissing and telling, so much as “please confirm that I am not hallucinating if you can, friends”. ***And a bit bragging. A big bit.' .says Jaime.***

“Well, well, well, how’d it go?” Marla asks

You give a itty bitty scream and jump up and down and then coolly say, “Very well, thank you, I had a charming evening with Tom.”

Amy laughs “Marla says he was GORGEOUS, and you know Marla thinks guys are ‘disgustoids in human form’ so he must have been a snack.”
Amy quotes an old sitcom called Coupling which she lent you a while back and you should probably return. All the jokes don’t hold up over time but it is pretty cute.

“He’s… not of this earth, and…and I don’t know how I got him into bed but today he’s leaving and I don’t know what to do.” You realize then, that is why you are there. You want advice, not to brag.

“What if he gets the job? Is it close by?” Marla asks.

“It’s something like facilities management or operations for Grand Parks. Their workers live onsite, it’s kinda close. I don’t know why I’m fretting about it. What are the odds he wasn’t just having a lark with me. He’s very playful, he’s full of tricks and mischief.”

Your phone buzzes in your pocket.
“What is the worst thing about the Arkady?” -- Tom

“It’s him!” You show them your phone. “Is the interview over so early?”

“Sometimes they’ve already made the decision, hon. But his question is easy, the worst thing about the Arkady is the bathroom situation.” Says Amy
“Not the sex workers?” Marla said
“There is nothing inherently wrong with sex work.” Amy groans.
This starts an old argument so you look at your phone.

You type. “The worst thing is…
+++Orla says you should type “That it could be so cute with a remodel that fixes it up and new management.” go to chapter 26+++
*** Jaime says type “The bathrooms.” Go to Chapter 25***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Rather Be by Brandy

Tom got back from the interview and you can already tell he got the job. It's written all over him, from his smile and the ease of his shoulders and the sparkle in his eyes, you can tell he’s well-pleased.

“Y/n! They offered it and I start next week!!” He picks you up and spins you around. He kisses you on the cheek. You have friends that kiss you on the cheek and it never affects you this way.

“This is because of you - you are my good luck charm.”

You are being quiet and he notices.
“Everything’ alright?”

“Yeah! Tom, I’m so happy for you!! Wanna go out and celebrate?”
Tom hesitates. “Do you want to stay in and celebrate?” He looks towards your bedroom, his face is all joyful desire and playfulness.

+++‘Result! Let's also be all joyful desire and playfulness! Says Orla. Got to Chapter 28+++

***Who is Ruth Who is Ruth Who is Ruth Who is Ruth Who is Ruth? Jaime hisses. Chapter 29***

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Strange by Celeste

“…the bathrooms?” You type
“…” Tom
“TY” Tom
“👍🍀🍀🍀❤️” you
Then nothing. No response. No dots

You stop by the shops to get something for lunch which you hope will be celebratory, and some champagne. You go home with your hopes and purchases.

Tom got back from the interview and you can already tell he got the job. From his smile and the ease of his shoulders and the sparkle in his eyes, you can tell he’s well pleased.
“You got it!” “I knew you would.” You scrunch your nose up at Tom. And pull out a bottle of champagne from your bag, placing it on the counter. He’s loosened his tie and he’s hanging his jacket up over your kitchen table chairs.

“It’s because of you, my good luck charm. They also asked if I was interested in helping restore the Arkady, but that seems like a nightmare.”

“I’m sure it could be done with enough money and time and drive, but...ooff. Well done, you!”

You wrap your arms around his shoulders and he spins you around. You kiss his neck. He pulls your legs up around his waist and carries you to your bedroom.
“Wanna help me celebrate?”

Read Chapter 30

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Always by Erasure

“…it’s the unused potential for me” You type.
“It could be charming, but it needs TLC” you continue
“Same 😅 It me.” Tom
“Pls do not compare your fine self with the Arkady 😇”
“😘” Tom

You are full of helium. Or the gravitational pull of the earth has changed. +++'Which might spell disaster for the planet but sure feels great! Says Orla.+++
***'You let some emojis get you in a tizzy?' Jaime tsks.***

He might already be on his way back to your place. You stop quickly for champagne and strawberries and chocolate.

Tom is at the door as you are walking up and you can already tell he got the job. From his smile and the ease of his shoulders and the sparkle in his eyes, you can tell he’s well pleased.

“You got it?”

“Actually, they offered me a different job. The parent company owns the Arkady and they want to renovate her completely. I’ve got experience with renovations so they’ve made me project manager. It’s a substantial pay raise from what I asked. And it’s all because of you, my good luck charm!”

You realize you haven’t opened the door and the bag is keeping you from where you want to be, in his arms.

You kiss him as you open the door, you drop the bag accidentally and it’s only luck that keeps the champagne bottle from breaking.

He picks it up “For me? You believed in me this much?”

Tom puts the food on the counter. “Yum.” But Tom isn’t looking at the strawberries or the chocolate or the champagne. He’s looking at you.
He is loosening his tie, he is unbuttoning his shirt. And you follow suit, peeling off your clothes and pulling him into your bedroom.

Go read Chapter 31

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Another set of issues by OKGO

“I got it!!” Tom texts.
“🥳🤗🎉🍾” You
“🥂🛏🎶😘” Tom
“😍😘” You
“…” Tom
“…” Tom
“🤤👅👅👅🌊”Tom
“😯” you

***'Pretty sure that’s not how sexy emojis work, mate.' Says Jaime, 'You aren’t fluent.'***

You pour two glasses of champagne ready to go in the kitchen and you meet Tom at the lobby door in your bathrobe.

There is something Divine about a man in a tie, loosening it. The dishabille state can be best achieved in clothes that take effort, then that effort undone to a purpose. The rolled up shirt sleeves and the jacket over the shoulder, alone, have you ready to kneel at Tom's feet. But he’s loosening his tie. And smiling. You are lost.

The last thing you expect is to hear Tristan’s voice.
“Y/n? I need to get into the flat, babe, I left my hand lotion.” And he’s there at the lobby like a bad penny.
“It’s been two months Tristan, that lotion is no longer yours, and it isn’t _the flat_, it’s my flat.”
Tom's smile is gone. To be fair, yours is gone too.
“Babe, why are you out here in your bathrobe?” Tristan naturally assumes that Tom the Angel is not here for or with you. “Hey buddy, you can use the call buttons to reach your person.”

***'Jaime says to say “You don’t get to call me ‘babe’ anymore, that’s for boyfriends who don’t cheat.' That way lies Chapter 33***

+++Orla says to take Tom by the arm, tell him you got the champagne out already. The right way for Chapter 32+++

Chapter Text

Orla is right, Tom is too fine.

He is loosening his tie and you feel compelled to remove your clothes as well. You try to match his speed, one article for everyone he removes.

“Eddie put on Sade” Tom says and He pulls you close to slow dance to “The sweetest taboo” and you try to find ways to stay pressed up against him and also pull off his interview clothes which is a bit tricky.

At least he’s laughing “with you” and he’s delightfully turned on and hard up against you. You didn’t get to do half of the things you want to with Tom’s body yet.

“It’s been a while for me…” Tom says “I went through a difficult break up about a year ago and I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. Not to make you feel sorry for me, I just want you to know this has been so great and I’m probably overthinking it and messing it up already but, it does feel like we have a connection you know…not just like a fling?”

“I feel it too, I really like you,not just that you are super hot, which you are and that’s just a fact,” Tom laughed and blushed, honestly blushed “but also that you have made me laugh and feel legitimately happy. I thought handsome guys were all boring and conceited and humorous jerks so I’m going to have to rethink my whole…doctrine.”

“Yeah?” Tom kissed you and you sighed into it, wrapping your arms around his neck. You thought you ought to be quiet as well now since you also worried about messing all this up. Ruth must have been an old flame and Tom may be the kind of romantic who keeps old letters, or has not used this backpack since being with her.

“Do you know what I’d like to do to celebrate this new job?” Tom asks and then tells you with whispered promises in your ear. You pull him into your bedroom.

—-
“Blimey” says Tom brokenly. He is laying on your bed in a pile of comforters and blankets and pillows that have been shoved this way and that. He’s sweaty and flushed and has put his arms behind his head. You raise yourself up to see the vision that is Tom, but lay back down and sigh because you are resting your head on his hip and your legs are up near his head. You are tired and elated. Your bodies are a tangled puzzle. You feel like you are floating.

“I need to fly back to Cornwall and get the rest of my things, and then I’ll be back next week to move in to the rooms they have for me in Grand Parks.”

“Well, if you need someplace to stay when you get back, or you need to get away from your job on the weekends - you are always welcome here.”

“And you could come visit me there, too?”

“I’d love that.”

Tom texts you every day. Just to ask how you are and tell you about his day. He can’t see you jump up and down in your apartment, or dance at your desk at work. You try to convey your happiness with emojis and gifs.

“Y/N, did you put a pair of your underwear in my bag, or was I very sloppy when I packed?” Tom types
“It was me. I didn’t want you to forget me.” You text back.
“I will never. I can’t wait to see you” Tom texts.
“I am counting the hours, Angel.”

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: A Bad Dream by Keane

“Who is Ruth?” It comes out of you, forceful and curt.
“How’d you know about Ruth?” Tom looks disturbed now.
You’ve fucked up and you know it.

“Did you go through my bag?”
You nod.
Tom sighs.

“You know what, this is my fault. I just invade your flat, and you naturally want to know more about who I am and maybe you're worried about my intentions, but I’m just a guy trying to get a new job in a new city and you know....I don’t need to defend myself to you. It’s been nice, but weird. Mind how you go, Y\n”

The Angel leaves.
Can you call in too full of despair to work?
You think back to when you first saw him. Maybe you could have done things right, had a little more time.

Chapter Text

You don’t normally react so strongly to kisses. You don’t normally make so much noise that your neighbors knock on the wall. You don’t normally try to mark someone up with your mouth.

And you are looking at Tom's thighs and apologizing for the red marks, he has sensitive skin and you feel both horrible and turned on again.

Tom is laughing at you and somehow that makes it all better.

It is the morning after his interview, he stayed overnight again and you could get used to this really fast.

“Eddie, shuffle songs” Tom says, grinning at you and then sticking out his tongue.

Eddie starts playing “Merry Almost Christmas” which is a song from the Frog and Toad musical.

“See - this is what happens when you shuffle music. You brought this on yourself and now we are going to listen to the whole thing and It’s nowhere near Christmas.”
“I dunno, kinda feels like Christmas to me.” Tom says and unwraps you from the sheets.

----
Only your hunger gets you out of bed. Tom joins you in the kitchen.

“Tell me more about your new job?” You ask.

“Well..I’ll be doing odd jobs at the parks, helping with a renovation of the midway. Kinda a caretaker, so they’ll expect me to live onsite.”

“Do they pay for your housing, then?”

Tom nods.

“Nice perk.”

“Y/n, i know things moved kinda fast with us, but I feel like we have a connection, like this isn’t just a fling?”

“Me too Tom, I like you a whole lot. Not just the in bed bits.”

Tom chuckled and held you close. “I’ll be close by and we could date, right?”

“I'd love that!”

And, you do.

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Blue Wings by Wild Nothing

A morning, unlike any other. Because Tom is there, in your bed, naked and gorgeous, again.

You can’t believe how well you slept, but ***Jaime says 'That's the serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins having a party in your system.'***
+++And Orla says ‘shhhh, let’s watch him sleeping.’+++

You do have to go to work though. Ugh.

You kiss his shoulder and prepare to leave the bed even though every part of you is complaining. Tom wraps his arms around you tight in a way that belies him being “asleep”. And says “No”.

“I’m supposed to be at work in an hour” You whisper.

“I think you have a fever” Tom feels your forehead. “I’m concerned, could be something serious that requires bed rest.”

“Is that what this is? Resting?”

“It’s a new treatment called bed exercise?? Doctor's orders.” Tom gets on top of you and kisses you and you don’t need Orla to tell you that there are some things more vital than work.

Afterwards, you ask Tom more about the Arkady job.
“Well, there is a lot that needs updating, more than just the bathrooms. I’m pretty nervous honestly, but the salary is great. I’m being given a room there as part of my compensation, so I’ll be close by, you know...”

You don’t own a car, not anymore, but you’ve always thought the speedometer was the most useful part. How fast should I be going? There are no speed limit signs for this. Best just be honest.

“I really like having you close.”

“Will you tell me if I’m taking things too fast?” Tom asks. “I’ve made that mistake before.”

“What is 'too fast with Tom', and where do I sign up?” You joke but aren’t joking.

Tom chuckles, which is what you’d hoped for. Serious Tom looks saddened and you can’t bear it.

“Truly, though, I was thinking of asking if you wanted to stay here because the Arkady isn’t ready for human trials yet. So, if that is what you meant by too fast... ooops.”

“Call in sick today.”
“I’m way ahead of you.”

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Bring on the Dancing Horses by Echo and the Bunnymen

“Tom, this is my ex, Tristan. Tristan, this is Tom. He saved my life and just got a new amazing job which I want to hear all about right now. Tristan, I’ll mail you your lotion, but I’m setting a boundary and telling you now, you don’t get to come back into my apartment. Ok? Ok.” You take Tom’s forearm where he’s (yum!) rolled up his sleeves and smile at him. “I poured some champagne” you say conversationally and head back to your flat.

“Did I use those emojis right?” Tom asks, “I’m never sure if I got across my meaning.”
“Well, if you didn’t mean to get me all hot and bothered, you used the wrong ones.”

Tom kisses your ear. “Good” he has a little bur in his voice. It’s the hottest sound in the world.

“I was also thinking of using the bubble bath emoji…” you say.
“Oooh, that sounds lovely” he is already taking off his shirt.

“Bubbly”, bubble bath, slippery and slightly dangerous sex, and now you are both in a nest of blankets and comforters in your bed. He is reading the porn comic you left out and making faux shocked faces at you at every page making you laugh. He’s an Angel and it’s heaven.

He puts down the comic for a second and has a serious face, which fills you with an unreasonable amount of anxiety. Serious Tom isn’t how it should be. How could things be sad or serious for an Angel?

“Part of the compensation for the job is a flat onsite. But it’s not far by train.”
“If you are wondering what would keep me from coming to visit you any weekend you asked, the answer is not a thing.”

When Tom smiles your heart stops beating, for just a moment, just enough to be alarming. Every time. No doctors can find the cause of this arrhythmia so you live with it for the rest of your life.
It's very worth it.

Chapter Text

Soundtrack: Jerome by Lizzo

“You don’t get to call me ‘babe’ anymore, cute pet names are reserved for boyfriends who don’t cheat on me.” You say bitterly

“I know I wasn’t ready to commit before but I’ve changed. And I love you, Y/n.” Tristan lies through his damn teeth.

“Go away Tristan, I'm busy.” You turn to Tom.

“Hey, maybe you two should have some time to talk this out, right? I’ve got to get back to Cornwall and wrap up things and we can hang out when I come back. Ok?” Tom awkwardly tries to give you a hug and you try to turn it into a kiss and neither connects properly. “You’ve been amazing, Y/n”

The Angel walks out of your life. The champagne goes flat and champagne never tastes good ever again.

Maybe you could find him in another life.