Pleasant Company (1/3) - Tom Hiddleston x Reader

Some Fall In Love, Some Trip

The BAFTA Ceremony was such a wonderful and prestigious event.  Suits, gowns, fans – everything you loved about being an actress. You would have missed out on the glorious sight if Benedict hadn’t convinced you to attend.

Now, it’s not that these events were lengthy or crowded but rather the fact that you only knew a handful of people to mingle with. To be honest, avoiding events like this was most likely the reason your social circle was a bit thin.

You were wearing a beige gown with gold sequins that clustered around the top and dispersed more spatially as it travelled midway down the dress skirt. These little beads sparkled against the flashes of the camera which gave off a magical feel. Your dress had a little train that followed behind you, adding an elegant flair to your walk. With your hair in loose curls that fell down your back, you looked absolutely stunning.

You had been told that the events on the carpet consisted of greeting fans, going to a few interviews, and posing for the camera. The latter of this list had already begun the moment you stepped foot onto the carpet, and so, you paused briefly here and there for photos to be taken.

As you continued down the carpet, you were complimented by a few famous faces for your work onscreen and the amazing charity work you had accomplished. You spent quite a lot of spare time travelling to impoverished countries and assisted whole communities in any way you could. During your time away, you didn’t realise that you had begun something of a trend. Donations poured in, celebrities and fans-alike supported the cause, and you had a hashtag trending for almost two weeks straight.

You could never find the right words to describe the euphoria you felt when you found out.

Back to the carpet, you noticed where the long line of camera men and women ended and the excited faces of fans began. Scanning your eyes along the carpet, you spotted Benedict and Sophie not to far from you. If you caught up with them, you’d be able to stick with them for the duration of the night. But you quickly crossed that idea off your imaginary list when you saw how happy they were in the company of one another. You’d be a fool to interrupt something as beautiful as that.

With your options limited, you decided that it would be best to go through with this event alone. The After Party seemed like a lot of fun but, how much fun would it be if you just stood in the corner and watched? You could just attend the awarding ceremony and then head home. It’s not like you’d be missed. Taking a small sigh, you shook those dreary thoughts from your mind and continued down the carpet.

Tom Hiddleston had just finished posing for a few magazine photographers and took a step back. Unfortunately, he didn’t realise that he had just stepped onto the small gold train of your dress. You were pretty oblivious to your surroundings until the polished black shoe brought you from your thoughts. Tom frowned when he felt the tug of fabric beneath his foot and turned around in time to see you spin and take a tumble backwards. It had taken you by such surprise that you only managed to gasp.

A million thoughts flashed through your mind – you were going to fall, it was going to hurt, this was being recorded on camera but … you were going to fall!

For an actress, you mind was pretty melodramatic in this situation.

As quickly as you thought of inevitable doom, a set of hands wrapped around your waist and stopped you from eternal embarrassment. With one hand on your lower back and the other between your shoulder blades, you saw Tom Hiddleston to be your saviour. Those blue eyes filled with great kindness felt like they had the ability to pierce your soul.

“I am so sorry.” He apologised sincerely. Ah, so this man was also the reason you tripped.

“I – it’s okay.” You managed to say as you let out a breath of relief. Tom did the same but his face never cleared of concern.

He stayed there with you – in the middle of the carpet – as he examined your face for any trace of pain. The two of you would have stayed there for the rest of the night had you not been distracted by the camera flashes and shouting by the crowd. Apparently, it was quite the fairy-tale moment.

Clearing his throat, Tom brought you back to your feet and looked you over once more just to put himself at ease.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked and you smiled kindly at him in return.

“I’m sure. You don’t need to worry, Mr Hiddleston.” You replied. You referred to Tom in this manner as it was only your first official encounter with the man. You were a woman of manners, after all.

“Please, call me Tom.” He requested with an outstretched hand. You took his hand and greeted Tom with a handshake and your own name.

“(Y/n).” You said.

“I know. I’ve seen your work on Sherlock with Ben. He’s a dear friend.” Tom told you.

“Well, I’ve known Ben for quite some time – it’s a wonder that we’ve never met before.” You replied, earning a soft laugh from Tom.

“Yes, that is remarkable.” He chuckled. You heard a few female fans chanting Tom’s name and looked over in their direction.

“I believe you have people waiting for you.” You noted. Tom glanced briefly at what you were looking at and nodded.

“I believe so.” He sighed and you both looked at each other.

“I should probably leave you to it.” You smiled as you turned to leave when Tom stopped you gently.

"If you wouldn’t mind and if you’re not with anyone, would it be alright if I joined you for the rest of the red carpet?” Tom asked.

Okay, now you heart was about to explode. Could this man be any more charming?

“No, I wouldn’t mind. No, I’m not with anybody tonight. And yes, I would love your company for the rest of this evening.” You answered, creating a sparkling smile on Tom’s face.

And that’s what happened. You and Tom cruised through the red carpet together. You signed autographs, took interviews and posed for photos much like a star-studded couple. Eventually, the carpet came to an end and it was time to enter the magnificent Royal Opera House. You felt your heart sink to the pit of your stomach when you remembered that you wouldn’t be in Tom’s company during the actual award ceremony. But he was kind and promised to find you again once it was all over.

The show started and it was wonderful. Everyone who had been receiving the awards seemed so deserving and you hoped that one day you could be up on that stage. Before you knew it, Tom was standing where you wanted to be and began presenting for the next category. You couldn’t help but giggle at Tom’s little,

“Thank Thor for that.” He sounded absolutely adorable for making the comment and you spotted a smile coming from two of his Avenger co-stars; Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo on the side.

During the acceptance speech for Pride, you were too invested in listening to notice Tom’s wandering eyes searching the crowd for the woman in gold. You felt a small buzz coming from the purse in your lap and, although answering calls and texts were not allowed, you managed to take a peek at the writing on the small screen.

It was from Benedict, who was sitting with Sophie, two rows in front.

He’s looking for you. – Ben

Frowning at the message, you looked up to the stage and straight at Tom. Those blue eyes locked onto your own again and it made your heart stop. A second buzz startled you and you broke eyes contact to glance down briefly.

I take it he found you? – Ben

You smiled at the text and took no notice of the blush that was spreading across your cheek. If you met with Benedict before the night was done, you would surely have a word or two with him. The speech had ended, Tom left the stage and the show continued. It was quite a spectacular ceremony and you were grateful that you didn’t stay home.

Now that the awards had been handed out, there was a lot of hustle about the after party. You had already decided not to go, so you stood up and left your seat. Standing in the little walkway, you glanced around for Tom – hoping that he’d show up and you’d be able to say goodbye. You waited for a good ten minutes on your own but there was still no sight of him.

He was probably busy backstage or caught up in a riveting conversation, you thought.

Taking in a breath, you decided to finally move towards the door and slip out quietly. Hopefully, you wouldn’t bump into anyone you knew. You were so close to it until a gentle hand pulled you back. Turning around, you were faced with Tom once more.

“Sorry, I was congratulating Eddie.” He apologised. “Listen, I feel terrible about what happened earlier and I –” he started and you mentally chuckled at the fact that he was still haunted for tripping you over.

“Tom, it’s okay. These things happen. They may not be so common but they do occur.” You told him gently.

“At least allow me to get you something. A drink, perhaps?” he suggested.

“A drink?” You wondered and Tom nodded.

“Yes, at the After Party. You are coming, right?” You shrugged your shoulders and looked away.

“I don’t know.” you sighed, your voice lingering on the last word in consideration. “I’ve never actually attended one.”

What happened next caught you by surprise – Tom took your hand and intertwined his slender fingers with your own as he steered the both of you to where the party was taking place.

“It’ll be amazing and, if it makes it easier, I won’t leave your side.” He said.