#rachel as Paula Weismann

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

He’s My Girl (Chapter 11)

TITLE OF STORY: He’s My Girl CHAPTER: 11 AUTHOR: miss-m-and-her-blog WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Actor!Tom GENRE: Romance, Action, Drama FIC SUMMARY: He’s a guy, she’s a boy in disguise. He’s an actor, she’s a stuntman or -woman. How can it ever work when the famous Tom Hiddleston stars in an action film, with Charlie or Charlene as his stunt choreographer?  RATING: T WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: Just a little fun fact, I based LilyShimmers character from a certain Youtubber and make-up artist, Bretman Rock, and I just really really like him ^_^ Anyways, happy reading, dearies :D

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The stunt team along with Tom and Julian were preparing for an action sequence that they will shoot along the Thames that afternoon. The whole production team is also there and are preparing for the shoot. They were all scattered along the banks of the Thames near a bridge, while the cinematographer Josh Lang; one of the executive producers, Audrey Lomax, and also George formed a semi-circle not far away from the crew that is in ingress of the equipment. They were all conversing on how the scene for today would be shot and George is relaying them how he would direct it.

The trio of Tom, Julian, and Charlie, who stood on a low embankment, observed as the higher people of the production talked. They saw that the topic of the fight choreography came up, and Al was called upon to explain things.

Julian saw how George’s eyes lit up when Al joined in, he nudged Tom at his sides, “Do you see what I see?”

Tom also noticed it, but he saw Al and George held each other’s gazes for the time they talked.

“Love is in the air,” Tom whispered with a smile.

Charlie heard that, and he halted from stretching, “What is in the air?”

Tom placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder and nodded at Al and George’s direction. Charlie saw it and a smile appeared on his face.

Charlie placed his hands on his hips, then Tom spoke up, “By the way, how’s the Secret Admirer mission coming in?”

Julian and Charlie looked at each other, then Charlie replied, “It’s going well.”

“How long are you going to send letters to Gwen?” Then he turned to Julian who stood farther to the left, “Aren’t you going to make another move or just keep sending love-nothings to her?”

Julian’s chin trembled a little, thinking that the letters won’t just work their magic alone. Then he blew a raspberry, he has not much of ideas on how to make the next move.

“What if you introduce yourself finally?” Charlie thought aloud.

Tom had a sly smile on his face, “Ahh, that’s a good one. Then, you’ll finally confess what you really feel for her! Come on, man, that would be the most romantic thing that you would do for a girl; think of it, you’d charm Gwen’s pants off!”

“Hey! Watch it!” Julian warned with his index finger raised.

Both Charlie and Tom laughed out loud, Julian scowled a little as the two playfully bullied him.

Then, Charlie said, “No, seriously, though; you have to confess to her one way or another. You can’t keep yourself hidden in love letters.”

“Maybe we could arrange something for you and Gwen! I’ll talk to Paula, maybe she can help, besides they are always together and she can come up with something.” Tom presented a wonderful idea for them.

Julian had the warmest smile on his face, making his olive-green eyes light up. “Guys, thank you so much for helping me.”

Charlie tapped Julian’s tall shoulder, “Don’t mention it.”

“And you, I haven’t thanked you yet for writing the letters. Gwen wouldn’t probably read everything I wanted to tell her if I wrote the letters, because I have the most terrible handwriting.” Julian held out his palms as he is making a point.

“Yeah, you do have terrible handwriting, Jules.” Tom joked.

“Look who’s talking.” Julian retorted, and after a while, they were back at bullying each other again.

After a few minutes, they saw Gwen, a fair creature in a white shirt and black jeans, walking over the gray and dull embankment. Julian had to make sure he still breathes as Gwen’s red-gold hair was a sight in the middle of the grayscale palette of the Thames.

When she came up to them, she had a piece of long paper in her hand and a pen tucked at the folded part of the paper.

“Hi, Charlie.” She daintily murmured to Charlie who stood in the middle of Tom and Julian.

Tom and Julian felt out of place for a moment, and Tom waved his hand wildly at her, “Uhm, hi, Gwen? We’re here, too.”

Gwen side-eyed Tom for a moment, then, she handed them the piece of paper, “Here’s the list for the pledges for the potluck.”

George and Audrey had suggested a potluck dinner for the New Year’s Eve celebration for the cast and crew, which is evidently would be celebrated there in London. The list already came through Paula and she pledged for the main course of the potluck, while Ian, as they read it from the list; had pledged five cases of beer. Charlie held the list and saw the part Stunt team pledges at the upper right corner of the paper.

“I better go ask Al what we would pledge for the potluck.” He muttered as he hurriedly went down the embankment to run to Al who is still talking to George.

Julian only fixed his gaze upon Gwen, who’s now brushing a wild strand of red hair away from her face, while Gwen and Tom had their eyes on Charlie and Al who are now talking about the list. They saw Al dictate something to Charlie which he wrote with one leg propped to a rock so it could stand as something he can write on.

After dictating, Al nodded to Charlie. He returned to the embankment to hand out the list to Gwen.

“Here you go.” Charlie placed the list and the pen on Gwen’s hand.

“Thank you, Charlie.” There was no denying that Gwen becomes soft-spoken and more charming whenever she’s talking to Charlie.

Julian could only hold back as he can see that Gwen is just so smitten with Charlie.

Tom cleared his throat and asked Gwen, “Gwen, is Paula there, in her trailer?”

“Yeah. You can come back with me if you’re coming for her.” Gwen offered, looking over Charlie’s shoulder to Tom.

Tom now walked towards Charlie and Gwen. They both left together afterward, but Gwen looked back at Charlie with a sweet smile on her face.

Charlie stood beside Julian, he tapped Julian’s shoulder again now with sympathy.

“Don’t worry, man. Someday, she’ll know how much you love her. Don’t get all teared up.” Charlie cooed.

When they got to Paula’s trailer, Gwen entered first, then she saw Tom, just behind Gwen.

She had her lips parted but her face had a steady expression when she saw Tom. They haven’t talked yet since she came back to London yesterday.

Gwen didn’t pay attention to the subtle tension between the couple; instead, her eyes were glued to the list. She was studying Charlie’s handwriting.

“Hi, hon. Heard you got back.” Tom carefully found his place near Paula who is sitting in front of her mirror stand.

“I did.” Her words were concise yet still emotionless.

Meanwhile, Gwen had a sudden realization that she already saw Charlie’s handwriting before.

Her scurrying distracted Tom and Paula from having a moment; then, they saw her holding a sticky-note that was stuck to a venti-sized cup of Espresso that her secret admirer gave her this morning, while she compared it to the list.

“Charlie is my secret admirer!” Gwen shouted out with joy as if she just discovered something so scientific.

Tom and Paula's attention went to her; Tom had a horrified look on his face, while Paula, bit her lip with annoyance.

“Oh, Paula! It’s Charlie! Charlie is my secret admirer!” Gwen was jumping around the trailer.

Tom, who realized that the secret admirer plan is starting to backfire, immediately spoke up, “How so? Are you really sure, Gwen? How come I don’t know anything about this?” Tom tried to sound innocent.

Gwen happily showed Tom the sticky note and Charlie’s handwriting on the list, “Look! The a’s and e’s are the same! Even the strokes of his writing!” Gwen sighed like she just reached cloud-nine.

Tom gulped down; it was most likely to happen when it’s Charlie’s handwriting that they used for all the letters Julian meant for Gwen. Paula, calmly tucked her hair behind her ear, “Uhm, Gwen? Can you leave us for a moment, I have to talk to Tom.” She still tried to sound kind.

Gwen was a bit embarrassed but she only nodded with a smile and left the trailer, with the list and the sticky note in her hands.

When they were finally alone, Tom took Paula’s hand.

“Why didn’t you called me? Or even texted me? Paula, hon–”

Paula flinched away from his touch, “I don’t want to talk about my mother, I told you that.”

Tom know knelt in front of Paula, like she is a goddess he is ready to worship anytime, “Then we won’t talk about her. I’m just wondering why this? Why is it like we just had a fight when we really didn’t?”

Paula had no answer for that. She finally let Tom hold her hand.

Tom flashed her his most sincere smile and Paula couldn’t help it, she melted right there and then. He slowly stood up and took Paula in his arms, “Come here hon… I missed you, very much.”

His arms circled around her waist, then she hung her arms around his neck. Tom swooped down to place a kiss on her lips. After he had kissed her, Tom made Paula’s head lay on his chest when he started brushing her hair with his hand.

“I love you so much, Paula,” Tom whispered to her as if she is the most precious thing that had been bestowed to him.

Paula looked up to him, “I love you more, Tom.”

Tom’s lips stretched into a bright smile beaming down at Paula. He embraced her again and inhaled her sweet scent that had filled his nostrils.

Two weeks later…

The shoot for the day has ended, and the crew and cast are just lounging near Ord street in Chinatown, Los Angeles, near some a rented building where it was made to look like it was abandoned and dilapidated; while Ian, who’s once again all over Charlie, is challenging him to a mock fight.

"Come on, Charlie! Just one!“ Ian begged.

Ian had been enchanted once again as Charlie had his hair cut, with the same style as Park Bo-Gum. Of course, it drives him crazy to see how hot Charlie can get.

Charlie agreed to it and they started doing the stunt choreography that Al taught Ian.

Meanwhile, Tom was just watching the two of them as he sat in a folding chair with Paula, in her full costume; they were reading their lines together for the shoot tomorrow, and the banter between Charlie and Ian is distracting Tom.

When Charlie had his back on Ian, he wrapped his arms around Charlie’s waist, which is not part of the choreography. There, Tom felt a little bit alarmed as Ian started tickling Charlie by blowing and kissing him behind his ear. Charlie flushed red and he tried to get away from Ian’s hold.

"Stop it, Ian! Dude, come on!” Charlie on the verge of tears as he laughed out loud, and he still tried to deepen his voice.

When Ian finally stopped, he made Charlie face him and they were now both grinning at each other. Charlie then slapped Ian’s bare shoulder that made him grimace for pain for a few moments; then as his revenge, he took Charlie in his arms, locking him close to him, that really looked like he is cuddling Charlie.

"Hon? Tom?“ Paula eagerly called out Tom who had been frowning at Charlie and Ian’s direction.

Paula had to snap her fingers near Tom’s ear to finally catch his attention. “Tom, didn’t you heard me?” Paula now sounded annoyed.

Tom finally turned away from Charlie’s direction and he gave now his full attention to Paula, “Oh, sorry, you were saying hon?”

Paula tried to hide how her face soured; when she got back in London, last two weeks ago, she had heard from her Uncle George that Tom came home to Suffolk with Charlie. Not that she’s jealous or anything, but it should have been with her with Tom.

But, she had to admit, she was slightly envious of Charlie that he got to meet Tom’s family, while her; she had to be with her mother.

My mother… The former prima ballerina of NYCB. She resentfully thought.

Before she could delve in with the thought of her mother, Paula spoke up to Tom, “Do you want to call it a day? We can rehearse the lines tomorrow. And besides, we have to be somewhere tonight.”

What Paula meant was tonight is the night that Julian will finally reveal himself to Gwen, and they (herself, Tom, and Charlie) had already set up the surprise date night. Paula only accepted to help Julian when Tom asked her to, and besides, Charlie’s cousin, the famous Youtubber LilyShimmers is on board with the whole plan as he would prepare Gwen for the date in the guise of a girls' night out.

Tom and Charlie’s task was to take care of Julian and make sure the man doesn’t lose heart in confessing to Gwen.

For the past two weeks when Gwen found out that her secret admirer and Charlie had the same handwriting; she had been rambling delightfully and imagining when will Charlie confess to her. Tom saw that they had to do something before the misunderstanding worsen.

“You’re right, hon. Have you told Gwen what to do?” Tom then leaned on to tuck her hair behind her ear, a sweet gesture that made Paula soften.

“Yeah, I also made her wear a dress of mine. It’s a hell lot shorter on her because you know how tall Gwen is.” Paula explained with a laugh.

That was Tom wanted, to see Paula smile and hear her laugh that is clear as a tinkling bell. They both linked their hands together, Tom’s long fingers engulfed Paula’s whole small hand.

“Anyways, Julian is ready. I’ve also lent him a suit so he would look sharp, at least.” Tom then pulled Paula’s hand to kiss the back of it.

“Which one?”

“That one suit I wore at the Skull Island premiere? Only the jacket and trousers, though, Julian had his own shirt. And perhaps the burgundy suit, also.” He murmured as he now played with Paula’s fingertips on his hand.

While they talked and exchanged smiles and sweet nothings, Charlie, who had got out of Ian’s hold a while before, was stealing glances from their direction.

After that Christmas he had spent with the Hiddlestons, Charlie knew that he and Tom had connected in some way even him couldn’t understand. Maybe for a moment, he expected Tom to feel the same way for him or at least bestow him a friendly admiration and that would be enough for Charlie. But, at last, Tom would never feel the same way as he does because it would mean that Tom has to be gay.

When Charlie gave the alibi that he is gay, as a man; he knows that it will make Tom understand him more. But, he didn’t say that just so Tom would be romantically stirred towards him.

Charlie shook his head to clear his head of those thoughts. Tom will never look your way. You have to accept that. You chose to do this, to cross-dress as a man; and you don’t deserve to have Tom.

His harsh thoughts, even more, mushed his heart up. Somehow, Charlie thought, if ever he and Tom met at a different situation; would Tom notice him? Would he take time to befriend him? Charlie once again dismissed his thoughts that made no sense for him and thought how the date night planned for Gwen and Julian would go.

Paula finally left Tom and it was evident that she is off to do her task. After a few minutes, Tom waved at Charlie to come over. Ian saw this.

“Now what does the fucker want now?” Ian growled lowly.

Charlie turned his head, “Ian. Be nice, man. Maybe Tom just wants to talk.”

“To talk? If he wasn’t with Paula, I would’ve guessed that he also likes you. And to be honest, Charlie, I don’t tolerate competition from the things I want the most.” Ian’s voice was hard. Finally, he had voiced out his thoughts about his rivalry with Tom.

Once again, Charlie was reminded of how Ian intensely likes him. He didn’t need reminding, actually, as Ian always made it known every day when they see each other on set. Charlie still has a crush on Ian, but he could only hope that Ian shouldn’t expect too much of him.

“Ian, don’t say that. You are both my friends and I don’t want to choose between the two of you.” Charlie clarified.

Ian placed his hand on Charlie’s arm, and Ian’s fingers slightly denting his skin, “I don’t want to be your friend, Charlie.”

Charlie didn’t need to ask Ian further, as Ian had always declared how much he wanted Charlie. During the first few weeks, Ian had made it known that he has an interest for Charlie; but those days afterward, Ian seems to be in agony as Charlie is still isn’t fully his.

Ian finally realized that his grip on Charlie’s arm was tightening, and so, he let go; leaving some mark of his fingertips on Charlie’s fair arm.

“I’m sorry. I have to go, Charlie. See you tomorrow.” Ian stood back, then he left Charlie.

He had to shake his arm that is now red with marks. Then, he finally went to Tom’s side.

Charlie hid his marked arm from Tom’s sight, then he spoke, “Is everything ready?”

“Paula left now with Gwen. Is Lily ready?” Tom stood up from the folding chair, towering over Charlie.

“Yeah, I just texted him this afternoon, he’s waiting on Jay-a’s salon. How about Julian?”

Tom had his hands on his waist, “Ready. But scared to death, I’m telling you.”

They both laughed at the thought Julian tensed and fidgeting. Then, Charlie once again saw the glow Tom gives off, a side of him that he only sees whenever it’s just them talking to each other. Before anything could get awkward, Charlie once again brought up the topic of their plan. The two of them would bring Julian to Redbird near Little Tokyo, to which they already rented the place’s rooftop for the date. After Gwen and Paula had finished with Lily; Lily and Paula will invite Gwen to have a night out and there, they will bring Gwen to Redbird.

“Perfect. Now, we just have to wait for it all to set into motion.” Tom grinned goofily.

“But what if Gwen rejects Julian? What would we do?” Charlie worriedly pondered out loud.

“Then we have no choice, it’s either, that would discourage Julian or make him fight for it all the more.” Tom shrugged.

When quitting time had finally come, Tom and Charlie were now on Tom’s trailer with Julian as they are making him try out Tom’s suits. Julian tried the burgundy suit that Tom wore at the BAFTA Tea Party last year in January.

“How about this?” Julian showed it to Tom and Charlie.

If Julian weren’t ginger, someone might mistake him for being Tom’s twin.

“Too fancy.” Charlie tilted his head.

“It’s great. It looked great on me when I wore it on the red carpet.” Tom pointed out with his open hand at Julian.

“But… It might startle Gwen, you know. Something subtle but sharp, maybe.”

Julian sighed and he started to take off the suit. There was another one, the suit that Tom wore on the Kong: Skull Island premiere in London.

“Now that’s more like it.” Charlie declared and he could also see the agreement in Tom’s eyes.

When Julian is fully dressed, but still without the tie, Tom stood up, “We better get suited up too.” He then pointed at Charlie.

Charlie only nodded in reply as he intended to change at the locker room, and not there in Tom’s trailer. Tom was starting to strip off his clothes; first, he took off his shirt that made Charlie ogle Tom for a very long minute.

"I’ll change clothes at the locker room, I left my suit there.“ Charlie only hoped his alibi would fall into place.

Tom now pulled down his jeans; his black boxers couldn’t well conceal what it contained. "Your suit is there, I borrowed one for you. Had to look for teen sizes because you were too small for the common European suit.” Tom nodded at the suit carefully lain over the provided bed of the trailer.

Julian saw that Charlie was beginning to panic. He knows well that Charlie wouldn’t dare change his clothes in front of him and Tom if he wanted to reveal to them his true identity.

Tom didn’t speak, but Charlie could feel that Tom is waiting for him to take the suit and start undressing.

Then, after Tom had worn his trousers, he turned to Charlie, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you undressing? We’re all men here.” Julian saw Charlie’s face pale out.

He was about to pull up his shirt, and once, it almost revealed the binder Charlie had put on his breasts; Julian saw it but not Tom.

"Oh, Charlie, dude–I left my tie at the locker room. You think you can get it for me?“ Julian spoke up. Charlie internally sighed with relief, but Tom only stared at them.

"Sure, I’ll get it.” Charlie almost sounded thankful, he then took the suit Tom had prepared for him when he was off to the locker room.

Tom didn’t say anything else, but he felt something was going on that only he does not know. To break off the tension, Julian spoke, “So, I heard that you took Charlie to Suffolk."

Tom now buttoned the crisp white shirt, "Yeah. He had nowhere to go, so we took him in for Christmas."

Julian now placed the cuff links on his shirt; he knows better, as Charlie had told him that he couldn’t attend the Christmas party with them as he feared that Dodong and his friends might recognize him.

Tom went over Julian’s side to fix the collar of his shirt, "I also found out that Charlie is an orphan, and that he only has his extended family."

Julian knows that also, but he waited for something else that Tom might tell him; he waited if Tom would tell if Charlie had revealed his secret identity to him.

"And what else?” Julian couldn’t help let it slip.

"What what else?“ Tom’s brows furrowed.

There, Julian read it on his face, He doesn’t know… Charlie told him nothing about his secret identity.

What Tom was thinking was Charlie’s vague coming-out-of-the-closet. "Well… He kinda… Came out.” Tom cringed.

Julian suppressed a smile, “What? He came out like…?"

Tom only nodded in reply. Julian was laughing internally; he can see that Tom thinks that Charlie is gay, but the truth is he’s a woman; body and soul. Little did Tom knew, Charlie likes him very much, even though he denies it. They only continued dressing in silence when Charlie came in, wearing the all-black suit that Tom gave him.

Julian saw it, Tom almost held his breath when he saw how handsome Charlie looked in that suit.

"Now look what we have here… Looking good, Charlie.” Julian winked, also referencing that Kingsman line.

"Feeling good, Julian,“ Charlie replied with a sly smile, understanding that reference.

Tom fumbled a little bit with his cuff links when Charlie turned his gaze towards him. Charlie, who just wanted to be helpful, came to Tom’s side, "Here, let me."

Julian witnessed it all; Tom had his lips in a tight line when Charlie’s small fingers brushed his wrist, his eyes looked bewildered yet curious by the way he felt when Charlie was so near.  When Charlie was done fastening the cuff links, he looked up to Tom; his baby-blue eyes gleaming wonderfully at him. He had to look away before Tom could notice that he blushed.

“Oh look, my tie is here!” Julian declared in a deadpan tone. It made Tom and Charlie stand two paces away from each other, breaking the moment that they were having.

All of them were finally fully dressed, Tom texted Paula on how the make-up session for Gwen went. Paula responded that they are on their way to the Redbird.

"Let’s go, guys. The girls are on their way.” Tom nodded towards Julian and Charlie.

“What do you mean they haven’t set it up yet?!” Tom shouted, not because he is angry, but it was out of disbelief.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Hiddleston, the organizers just left the roses upstairs; but we’re about to set up the table for two.“ The shy-looking restaurant staff looked a bit terrified as the god of mischief himself had just scolded him.

“Thank you. We’ll take care of the set-up for the rooftop.” Tom now calmly replied, even tapping the man’s shoulder as if apologizing for raising his voice.

The trio had arrived at the back corner of the restaurant, and they were hoping to only just lead Julian up the rooftop then his confession will take place, and it seems that they had to take care of the rooftop’s decoration also.

Tom now called Paula, “Hon? Are you inside the restaurant now?”

Meanwhile, Paula, Gwen, and Lily sat at a reserved table inside the restaurant; Paula and Lily are stalling Gwen so they won’t have to take any orders yet.

Paula had to stand at a far corner to answer Tom’s call, “We’ve been here for 30 minutes. Is the rooftop ready?”

She heard him sigh over the line, “Hon, the problem is… The people that we hired for that didn’t do their job.”

“What!?” Paula hissed, that it made Gwen turn to her direction.

She faked a smile and waved it off, then she spoke through gritted teeth, “Then what the fuck are we supposed to do?”

“We’ll take care of it, the three of us; the staff is taking care of the table,” Tom assured Paula.

“Hurry, Gwen’s starting to suspect. We can’t keep her down here for long.”

Tom let out a quick sigh, then, “Okay, I got to go, hon. I’ll call you later.”

Tom lead the way upstairs, Julian and Charlie followed him after. When they got to the rooftop, a little bit breathless because of the climb; they saw that the table was set inside the large gazebo meant for a dinner for two.

The decorations, the roses, the red carpet, and the candles were just left out at the empty corner of the rooftop.

"Let’s get to work, guys.” Charlie encouraged.

Charlie and Julian helped each other unrolling the red carpet that will start from the last step of the stairs up to the steps of the gazebo. Tom handled the candles, lighting it and sporadically placing all of it at each side of the red carpet.  They worked quickly and also trying not to bump with each other. Tom, who felt the vibration of his phone, saw that he had a text from Paula,

We’re comin’ up.

He called out to Julian and Charlie, “Guys! They’re coming up!"

Charlie’s scattering of the petals we’re only halfway through, but Julian and Tom already made a run for it to hide.  He was left out at the middle of the red carpet, still looking where he could hide. Tom and Julian already hid at the growing bush at the other side of the rooftop. He wanted to join them in their hiding place, but somehow he was reminded that once when he hid behind a bush and a centipede crawled up his ankle. He then chose to hide behind the gazebo, where he hoped that Gwen would not discover him. After a few minutes, they heard the clicking of stiletto shoes over the stone path; they knew it to be Gwen.

Then, she started walking towards the red carpet; Charlie even heard her gasp loudly. Somehow, Charlie was tempted to take a peek, to see how Gwen reacted. He lifted his head just a little, but when his eyes scanned the area, he saw Gwen looking directly at him.  

"Charlie! Charlie, why are you hiding there?” Charlie immediately swooped down his head, Tom and Julian also heard that.

“What?” Julian lowly hissed at Tom.

The next thing Charlie knew, Gwen was already beside him, and she took his hand to bring him out. They stood in front of the gazebo, and Gwen looked so ecstatic to see him there.

“I knew it! The letters, the poems, the morning coffees! It was you! You’re my secret admirer! Charlie, I never knew that you also felt the same!” She rambled lovingly, holding Charlie into her arms but towering over him because of her high heels.

Before Gwen could say anything else, she heard the bush rustle loudly, then Julian popped out of the bush, his face red with both embarrassment and anger.  

“Gwen! It’s not Charlie! I’m your secret admirer!” He shouted out, almost closing his eyes because he was too nervous.

Gwen froze, then Charlie finally got away from her grasp. Tom and Charlie stood together a few paces behind Julian; Paula and Lily came up the stairs to see what was happening.

Gwen had the look of horror in her face, “Is this some kind of a joke, Julian!? Because if it is, this has to stop!” She pointed at the ground to emphasize. Even when she is fiercely enraged, Gwen looked ethereal for him as he took in her all of her.

Julian breathed in, trying to compose himself, finding the words to say. Tom could see how agitated Julian is, he wanted to help his friend so he could express himself, but he only felt Charlie’s small hand pressed against his arm,

“I know you want to help him, but he can handle himself.” His voice sounded so calm and soothing that Tom remained where he stood.

Julian cleared his throat and started to speak, “I’m not joking. I am your secret admirer."

Gwen crossed her arms on her chest, at least she looked like she was going to listen to him. Then Julian began, "I’ve loved you since the first day I saw you. Remember the script reading? That’s where I saw you."

Gwen also remembered that day, and she did notice Julian too, but she paid him no mind.

"Your hair was tied in a ponytail; it was summer so you were sweating, but the way you looked that day–I knew… I would never find another woman like you."

Julian started to walk closer to Gwen, "Gwen, I just don’t like you–I care for you, I’m crazy for you, and I would do anything for you…” His green eyes were pleading to her, that he noticed, her bottom lip quivered.

For a long moment, Gwen didn’t speak. They all waited for her to say something. This time, Paula and Lily went to Tom and Charlie. Paula found her place beside Tom. Julian wanted to hold Gwen, but he tried not to unless she said something.

Gwen cleared her throat, “Julian, that’s all you need to do. You didn’t have to set this up, you should’ve done the secret admirer thing… All I needed from you was your sincerity.” She shrugged and an uncertain smile appeared on her face.

“When you were flirting with me, I thought that you were just some horn-dog who’s trying to get me into bed. That’s why I never paid attention to you."

This time, Julian was smiling from ear to ear, he took Gwen’s soft hands and held it.

"I would never disrespect you. I could never do that to the woman I love."

Tom couldn’t help it but whimper with delight while Charlie felt like he could jump around now that their plan worked out.

"You love me?” Gwen teased Julian.

His lips curled up into a tight-lipped smile, suddenly abashed. Gwen now gently shook his hand, but not letting it go, “I said, do you love me?"

Lily was squealing and fanning himself with his hand; the scene was too blissful to be true. While Paula, she was also smiling so brightly as Tom placed her arms around his waist.

"I do. I’ve always loved you.” Julian mumbled, but with one swift tug, he pulled Gwen into his arms and held her for long.

Tom slowly clapped, and it looked like he was about to have tears rolling from his eyes. Charlie tilted his head up and whispered to Tom, “Another one of our brothers to finally get out of the friend-zone."

Tom guffawed and only nudged Charlie at his side. They all clapped now as Julian placed a kiss on Gwen’s forehead, but not letting her go.

"Wait the fuck up, how about dinner?” Lily announced.

“Then we have to let the staff know that it will be a dinner for six.” Tom pointed out.

They all laughed together and called a restaurant staff. The night is still young, and their group is just starting to enjoy it.

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

He’s My Girl (Chapter 9)

TITLE OF STORY: He’s My Girl CHAPTER: 9 AUTHOR: miss-m-and-her-blog WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Actor!Tom GENRE: Romance, Action, Drama FIC SUMMARY: He’s a guy, she’s a boy in disguise. He’s an actor, she’s a stuntman or -woman. How can it ever work when the famous Tom Hiddleston stars in an action film, with Charlie or Charlene as his stunt choreographer? RATING: T WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: Just a few swear words from Tom and Ian as they try to out-man each other haha :P Anyways, I’m placing the links to the previous chapters and you can find them below ^_^ FEEDBACK/COMMENTS:

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 |

It has been a week since the principal photography for The Last Deal started, and Tom has been laboring with the action sequences that he has to be in. But, luckily, Charlie and Julian are there to help him with that.

Charlie, on the other hand, is secretly enjoying seeing Tom in action and executing the techniques he had taught Tom. The shoot for the day had taken so long that they are still at it until 10 o'clock in the evening.

They could see the gentle snow fall from the skies as it blanketed most of the establishments that are all lined up at the edge of River Thames; the Temple Pier was chosen for this particular scene, courtesy of George.

"Cut! Tom, can you do that again? When you turn and hit Dom?" George pointed out to them.

At that time, Tom was in a fight scene with Dodong that will appear at the middle of the film. Behind the scene, Paula sat in a folding chair next to the director's seat as she watched Tom.

She is already in costume as Leigh, her character (yet covered in a thick jacket because of the cold weather.) With that, she needed to wear a long periwinkle-colored wig because Leigh is supposed to have purple dyed hair. But she carefully observed Tom as he grappled with Dodong; quietly worried that Tom would just get another fresh bruise because of insisting that he wanted to do most of his stunts.

Then what the fuck is Julian for?  She internally grumbled.

Paula suddenly remembered to have her make-up redone, but Gwen was nowhere in sight to call on the make-up artist.

Ah, I almost forgot, Gwen had to go to the ladies' room. Maybe I'll follow her.

Before leaving the set, she motioned to Tom that she will just go to the ladies' room situated at the nearby pub, and he understood it.

Paula stood up and went at the back. She followed the street that leads to the pub. When she got inside, no one recognized her because she was wearing a full costume for the film, and there were a lot of people inside the pub, even though it was just Wednesday.

But when she got near the restrooms, Paula saw Julian and Charlie, and they were waiting outside the ladies’ room. Now, what the hell...?

She hid herself over a corner for a while to see what they were up to. Julian had his back on the wall, then he tapped Charlie's shoulder; there, Charlie went inside the Ladies' room. Paula was about to shout at them; maybe they're just a couple of peeping toms that are trying to get off from spying on the ladies' room.

And even in a place as public as this? Perverts. Her eyes squinted with anger with those thoughts.

But after a few minutes, Charlie made a run for it as he got out of the ladies' room and so did Julian. Now, Paula wanted to really scold them but they immediately bolted out of the pub, unnoticed.

The next thing she knew, Gwen came out of the ladies' room, holding out a single rose while reading a note stuck to the stem. Paula called out Gwen, "Gwen! What is that?" She asked like she didn't witnessed the scene earlier.

Gwen had the sweetest smile on her face as she read the note; Paula came over to see.          This rose is as red as your hair.          You are like a fire wisp shining           In the middle of winter

Paula grimaced at the note, "Whoever wrote that, sure is a poet."

Gwen only chuckled at Paula's sarcasm. Then they both noticed the words, Your secret admirer signed at the bottom.

"Ooh, a secret admirer! I wonder who could it be!" Paula teased.

Gwen was quiet yet the joy was beaming out of her. She could only wish that her secret admirer is none other than Charlie.

Finally, Tom's fight scene with Dodong is done.

"We'll call it a night. Good job, people!" George announced to the cast and crew.

Tom immediately found Paula in the midst of the people packing up the equipment and  lights. He was on his way to her spot, when a group of girls waved and said hi to him. He waved back and smiled after they passed by. Paula saw it and immediately threw fatal glares at the female production assistants looking Tom's way.

She then rolled her eyes at them and they retaliated by dirtily eyeing her. Tom saw the exchange between Paula and the girls; he only shook his head and held up his arms.

"Hon? What's with the killer gaze?" Tom lulled and placed his arms around her waist.

"Nothing," She spat at the girls' way.

Tom chuckled and pulled Paula closer, "You know, no matter how many girls or even guys try and get my attention... My eyes are set only on one thing--you."

Tom slowly tilted up Paula's head to look at her, eye to eye, "My dear, dear, darling honey." He mumbled sweetly as he rubbed his nose on hers.

Paula was defenseless with him being so cute and wrapping his arms around her; it was enough to make her smile. When he finally saw how her tight lips slowly curled into a bright smile, he placed a kiss on her cheek and rocked her back and forth in his arms.

"Just don't wink at them, for fuck's sake, or I'll lose it." Paula squinted playfully as she booped Tom's cheek.

Tom let out an ehehe and held Paula. However, she caught sight of Charlie parting ways with Julian, and they seemed to have had shared a good talk with each other.

"Wait... Call Charlie here, I have something to ask him."

Tom nodded and said, "Charlie! Hey man."

Charlie stopped from walking away and instead, went their direction.

"Yeah, Tom?" Charlie had his eyes on Tom but Paula spoke up,

"Charlie, what were you doing with Julian at the ladies' room at the pub? I saw you two, then Gwen came out with a rose and a note."

Tom leaned down to Paula, "What?", then to Charlie, "Did you really?"

Charlie felt cornered, he and Julian weren't so discreet after all. Charlie stood close to them so no one else would hear them, "Okay, you got us. I'll tell you why."

Tom and Paula nodded and focused on listening.

"I'm helping Julian with Gwen. He told me that he's no good with flirting, so I'm helping him win his way into her heart."

Paula threw her hands up, "What? Why are you helping him?! Gwen likes you!"

Charlie only stood back, "What? But Julian likes her."

Tom can see that Charlie is clueless what Gwen feels for him. Or maybe, he's this way because he likes somebody else.

Maybe it's Ian. The prodding thought buggered Tom.

"Why would Julian turn to you for help? He could've gone to me," Tom complained.

At that time, Charlie couldn't say anything. Would he tell them that he helped Julian because of their agreement not to tell anyone his true identity? Then, as he beheld Tom, he found another answer; his alibi.

"I'm helping him because I know how it feels, when that one person you like has no idea that they are the only thing that makes your world turn around."

Tom stood straight; he doesn't want to take it the other way, but he felt like Charlie is talking to him directly.

Paula crossed her arms on her chest, "But it should be you and Gwen!"

Tom patted the top of Paula's head, "Come on, hon, Charlie's not into Gwen. Charlie must like somebody else."

He meant Ian but Charlie's eyes almost betrayed him when his gaze flickered quickly at Tom. Luckily, Paula and Tom didn't saw any of that.

Paula sighed. "Well shit. How kind of you to destroy Gwen's hopes of you becoming her boyfriend."

"Well, I didn't mean to do that. You can see how Julian is madly in love with Gwen." Charlie argued.

Tom raised his hand, "I'm a first-hand witness."

Charlie pointed a finger at Tom, "See?"

Paula rolled her eyes, her ship is not going to set sail like she wanted it to. Charlie then proposed something, "Now that you know, you two could help me with Julian and Gwen."

Tom met glances with Paula, "We'll be glad to lend a hand."

Paula wanted to say no but Tom already agreed to it.

Charlie's lips stretched into a grin, "Thank you so much! At least I won't be alone in advising Julian; he sure is clueless when it comes to women."

Tom chuckled because it's true, "And I believe he will learn from the expert."

Charlie and Tom shared a laugh with that, while Paula; she didn't said anything else afterwards.

"I have to go, I need to go back to the hotel," Charlie wore the strap of his body bag on to his shoulder, ready to go.

"Take care, man," Tom waved at Charlie.

Charlie only waved goodbye at them and he was gone.

"Why do you think Charlie doesn't like Gwen?" Paula thought out loud.

"I don't know. Maybe she's not his type." Tom placed an arm on her shoulder.

"Then, who does he like?"

Tom paused; he couldn't guess who or even speculate what, but--Charlie's eyes looked like they hide pain and pleading in them sometimes.

"I am clueless, hon. Anyways, let's get home." Then he pulled Paula closer to his body.

What Tom meant as home is his house at Belsize Park where he and Paula stays at for the whole duration of the filming. Paula placed a hand on his waist and they went arm to arm on their way to the car.

A long table was set at the dining hall of Sidney Hotel for the cast and crew as they all had lunch. George was at the head of the table; on his right were the cast and adjacent to them are the crew. Ian stood out as he is the only actor who sat at the crew's side, and he found his place in the middle of George and Charlie. Charlie and Ian chatted actively while eating, comparing the scenes that they were in earlier. Ian's character, Fai Fyodorov, a Chinese-Russian assassin that works for the Triad, is hunting down John and Leigh in the streets of Piccadilly Circus. Ian received a huge rash on his side when he slipped from the motorcycle he was riding and hit the ground.

Charlie's eyes widened, until they softened with pity, "Does it hurt?"

Ian acted like it really does hurt that bad, "I wanted to show you, but we're in front of the dining table."

They both laughed out loud, looking so adorable as friends who can only understand the inside joke that they are having with each other. Tom witnessed that as they were just in front of him. Somehow he was beginning to see that Charlie might like Ian.

So, does that mean that Charlie is queer?

He holds no grudge or even judgement for queer people, but if that’s the case for Ian and Charlie, Tom has no further say in it. But, as he watched them, he felt some sense of envy as he started to realize that they look good together. But, he still doesn't trust Ian's character.

Charlie deserves someone better. Ian is just a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Tom had just stared at them too much, Ian threw a slight dirty look at Tom, as if saying to mind his own damn business. He had to look down on his food to break the surfacing quiet tension; their attention was caught when George spoke up,

"So, Paulie, you're not doing the jump scene?"

George was pertaining to the scene where Paula's character, Leigh, have to jump a high scaffolding to escape the Yakuza that are chasing her. The scene was to be done when they get back home to L.A. but Paula already voiced out that she wouldn't do it.

"I'm sorry, Uncle George, can't do," She grimaced.

"Well not to worry about it, we'll just get you a body double to do it." George thought that he could push Paula to do it, but it seems like he was not ever going to win over that argument. To turn the topic around, George spoke up again, now to Tom, "So, Tom, where would you be this Christmas Eve?"

It was already the 19th of December and five days left till Christmas Eve; it was an inevitable question for the rest of the cast and crew.

"I'll be in Surrey, with my family. My sisters will be there," Tom replied happily.

George then asked Paula and she replied, "With Mom."

He knew better than just to nod at that. Other than Paula, only George knows where Celine, Paula's mother, really is. He asked them one by one, and half of them responded that they will be with their families while the other half insisted on spending Christmas in London. When it came to Charlie, it took him a while before answering.

"I'm staying, I guess." He shyly spoke.

Ian, immediately puffed gallantly and spoke up, "You can come with me to Malibu. You don't have to be alone."

Charlie shook his head, "No, it's all right, I don't want you to worry about me."

"No, really, I insist," This time, Ian sounded very annoying; to Tom mostly.

And so, Tom leaned on the table and spoke with a stern tone, "Let the kid decide for himself."

Ian threw a sharp look at Tom and everyone went quiet.

The two of them looked as if they are destined to be enemies even on off-screen. Tom had his jaws clenched and as if his baby-blue eyes deepened while Ian continued eyeing him with hate.

"You are a piece of work, do you know that, Hiddleston? But can you just mind your own fucking business, for once?" Ian playfully retaliated.

Tom was about to lunge at Ian when Paula stopped him by quickly placing her hand on his arm.

"Hon, no," Paula whispered.

Tom glanced at Paula then to his arm. He didn't wanted to make a scene as they are in a very public place. Meanwhile, as all of this happened, from George to Charlie, then to Julian and Gwen (who are sitting adjacently to each other) and the other crew--they all just looked on at Tom and Ian's subtle fight. Charlie felt helpless to see that her second crush is throwing insults at her ultimate crush. If he is in his Charlene identity right now, he might have felt like the most beautiful girl in the world; as two of the most eligible handsome actors are fighting over where he would go this Christmas.

"You know, Velasquez... Sometimes I just can't let some bullshit go on its way," Tom spatted at Ian.

This time, Ian almost stood up but Charlie managed to hold him down.

George, as the director and the de facto head of the production, had to break it off, "Come on, boys. I'm not letting you two hotheads ruin lunch. Charlie, you can stay here with Al and the rest of the stunt team and crew, if you want."

Charlie only nodded in reply, all the while, he felt embarrassed for Ian and Tom almost ruining lunch. Ian finally sat back properly and tried to finish his lunch quickly. George's professional and diplomatic approach broke the tension off. Now it was official to the rest of the cast and crew; Tom and Ian are not in good terms with each other. When Ian finished his lunch, he walked out of the dining table then left the dining hall.

Before leaving the hall, he slammed the door behind him that the other customers were startled.

“Let him cool off,” Al said to everybody and even to George.

He only nodded while steepled his hands together and then he met glances with Al. If the two of them weren’t secretive of their feelings for each other; the rest of the crew and stunt team would happily push Al and George further to each other.

Paula knows it well that her uncle is gay ever since, but it was just an open secret in the family.

George finally said, “Let’s have the rest of the day off. Andy will be coming in from L.A..”

All of them responded with a quiet agreement; some of the actors and stuntmen were quite overdone by the action sequence that they filmed this morning; the production crew also wanted to take a rest. Tom, who haven’t spoken for a few minutes, excused himself as he got up from the table and went out of the dining hall. Charlie couldn’t help but follow Tom with his eyes all the while he left. It pains him to see that Tom and Ian are arguing this way. But as to why Tom doesn’t play well with Ian is still a mystery for Charlie.

One by one, the people that ate at the long table left after finishing lunch. Paula went back with Gwen to their rooms, but before that, Paula was kind enough to point out Julian who was just standing near the end of the table, looking like a lost love-struck boy.

“Say hello at least to lover boy right there,” Paula whispered.

"What? No! If he was Charlie, I might even go to him,” Gwen proudly declared that last part about Charlie.

“By the way, where did he go?” Gwen looked around and Paula also started to search for Charlie.

What they didn’t know, Charlie went at the back of the hotel that leads to an alleyway. As soon as he walked out of the dining hall, Charlie felt like he wanted to be alone for a moment as he can also feel the exhaustion. He had been in a fight scene yesterday and this morning and the rigorous sequences were very demanding as the filming can be a repetition just to catch the right moment on film. When he got outside the exit door, Charlie almost let out a shrill scream (which he successfully held back) when he was startled by Tom who was also at the alleyway.

“Tom! Why are you here?” Charlie tried to adjust his voice into a deeper tone.

Tom held out a cigarette that is in between his fingers.

“Oh, that’s why,” Charlie remarked.

He took a long drag at his cigarette; then he let the smoke come out of his lips slowly. Charlie watched him do that, and he had never been more envious with a cigarette all his life until now. Tom put down his cigarette and discarded it even though he only smoked half of it; then, he started talking to Charlie.

“Trying to be alone too, eh?” Tom pointed out.

“Yep. But too bad, this spot is taken.”

“Then let’s be alone together. That’s possible, right?”

Charlie tried to suppress a smile, because deep down, he is more than willing to be alone with Tom; talking to him or maybe having a laugh or two.

Tom spoke up, “Charlie, I’m sorry about what happened before--I was just so annoyed, I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore.”

Charlie stood straight and had his arms crossed on his chest, “Do you have something against Ian? Well, I’m just curious.”

He got up from the railing that he sat on and approached Charlie, “I don’t like the way he preys on you. Paula already told me that Ian is not an asshole to the person he likes to pursue. But, I can see it in his eyes; that bastard has something else in his mind.”

Charlie’s mouth fell open, he never knew that Tom thought that way about Ian.

Tom further explained, “It’s just that--the way he flirts with you; like he already owns you or whatever. It doesn’t just sit right with me.”

If Charlie was assuming and fanciful, he might have thought that Tom is jealous of Ian. But, he wanted to approach Tom’s opinion of Ian, in a practical way where he can put aside his feelings for Tom.

“I know I can’t change the way you see Ian; but, really, Tom... We’re just friends.” Charlie explained.

“You like him too, don’t you? And you’re letting him flirt with you?” Tom said in a gravelly tone.

Charlie has no idea why their conversation about what happened earlier turned to this point. He wanted to deny it, verbally; but his quivering lip already gave the answer away.

“I knew it. Look, I don’t know if you are gay for Ian, or whatever... Just--take a second look at him. He might be devilishly handsome or charming, but, you should also take in mind his motives for you.”

Tom’s point was right; and Charlie could see where Tom is coming from--but, if Tom could only know, Ian’s not really the one he is pining for. In a fraction of a moment, their eyes met. That time, Charlie didn’t want to look away from Tom and he just wanted to stare at his lovely blue eyes. At that time, Charlie wanted so bad to tell Tom the truth; about his identity, his cross-dressing act and also that he likes Tom very much.

Why did it had to be this way? Why did I have to stumble on you that day after my failed audition and have this goddamn crush on you? Charlie thought with agony.

The only words that had come out of Charlie is, “Why are you so concerned?”

There, Tom got closer to Charlie and he almost leaned in, “Because you’re my friend. That’s what you are to me, and I value my friends very much. I hope that’s what I am also to you.”

Charlie didn’t mind the word friend, what made his heart jump around his chest with joy is that he means something to Tom and that he wasn’t just his trainer and a member of the stunt team; he is Tom’s friend. Tom’s eyes shined as they peered down into Charlie’s; he had to withhold his hand that wanted to touch the fetching beard Tom had grown on his face.

“Yes. You’re my friend; and I’m honored to be your friend, also.” Charlie managed to say.

Tom finally smiled and he even let out a chuckle. Charlie didn’t mind looking up to him while Tom beamed down a bright smile at him. Somehow at the back of Charlie’s mind, he thought how long could he keep his true feelings hidden from Tom while not letting himself spill all of his thoughts about Tom. They continued sharing that silence that they so much sought out initially when they decided to come out of the back alleyway of the hotel. But, little did they knew, a pair of eyes were watching the two of them--it was Julian.

He was looking for Charlie as he wanted to talk to him about their next move in the Secret Admirer scheme when he secretly stumbled upon Tom and Charlie having a meaningful conversation with each other. Julian didn’t have to be a genius to know at that moment, Charlie is holding back everything.

But, he felt worried for the both of them; where does this evidently solidified friendship could bring them?

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

He’s My Girl (Chapter 6)

TITLE OF STORY: He’s My Girl

CHAPTER: 6

AUTHOR: miss-m-and-her-blog

WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Actor!Tom

GENRE: Romance, Action, Drama

FIC SUMMARY: He’s a guy, she’s a boy in disguise. He’s an actor, she’s a stuntman or -woman. How can it ever work when the famous Tom Hiddleston stars in an action film, with Charlie or Charlene as his stunt choreographer

RATING: T

WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: Again, there would be swear words. But the readers will see interactions between Tom, Charlie, Ian, Paula, Gwen, and Julian :D I also had a part where Ian speaks Spanish

FEEDBACK/COMMENTS: Only thanks and love for the readers for their likes and reblogs that they gave the past chapters ^_^ Lovelots, dearies ^_^

A week later...

As early as  9 o’clock in the morning, the training quarters were already filled with people on a warm-up routine for the stunt training. Al headed the warm-up while all of the actors and stunt performers involved in action sequences, lined up row by row doing the exercises.

Tom stood at the back; he and Julian had Charlie in the middle of them.

“And now for the leg stretches…” Al spoke up over the gym and he lunged in so that his calves would be stretched.

All of them followed, but at the second row of the file, Ian was looking back at Charlie. At that time, Charlie has no idea that Ian was looking at him, but Tom caught Ian’s glimpse.

They both looked at each other, but even when Al had moved on to another stretching position Ian was still trying to get a glimpse of Charlie.

Tom somehow cockblocked the way Ian was looking out on Charlie. Ian almost glared back at Tom for cockblocking, but Tom shot a sharp look back at him.

Ian then turned his head forward, but also rolling his eyes at Tom.

“Prick.” Tom said under his breath.

“What?” Charlie asked him.

“Nothing.” Tom only replied as he followed also the new position that Al did.

After the last exercise, they all dispersed and went to each assigned teams. Some were assigned to the fighting choreography, while the others were on the tactical stunts. Al as the head stunt choreographer, he is in charge of each teams.

But he also trains Ian, and the reason why is that Ian and Tom's fighting style needed to be different in the film for the sake of the script and plot.

Meanwhile, Charlie was trying to blend in and also evade Dodong who was assigned in the fighting choreography team.  His Auntie Baby had told him that Dodong kept calling at home asking about her.

Charlie have responded to him in a personal text one time that he works for another studio as a production assistant but that was the last thing that he told Dodong. He can only hope that Dodong won't recognize him when they're finally face to face.

Tom and Julian on that time were having a conversation on how to execute some stunts, as Charlie is also training Julian because he is Tom's body double.

In the middle of their conversation, Ian came prancing around and he was directed for Charlie.

"Gentlemen, and Charlie Go, my man!" Ian went on to give Charlie a high-five to which Charlie responded also with a laugh.

"So, is this two giving you a hard time training them?" Ian then placed an arm around Charlie who was very surprised by that move.

"Uh... Not really." Charlie shyly replied as he can feel Ian's abs while he was being held so close to Ian's body.

Tom then narrowed his eyes, and at that time Julian noticed that Tom is projecting a Loki-ish vibe.

"Charlie is actually a good trainer. If you think we're giving him a hard time, you wouldn't even know, because your trainer is Al, isn't it?" He almost sneered but he kept it cool.

Tom's English accent was so menacing yet seducing that Charlie couldn't help but stare longer at Tom than he has permitted himself.

In the middle of it, Julian threw a look of confusion from his left to right. He didn't knew that there is a subtle rivalry going on between Tom and Ian.

Ian only gave out a Pfft and he finally let go of Charlie.

"And so it is. See you later at lunch, Charlie." Ian whispered the last part into Charlie's ear to which he only froze from where he is standing.

Ian went to Al to start his training for the day, and to not make it awkward, Charlie excused himself,

"I'll get the target pads then we'll start right after." He pointed out and then he carefully walked away.

Julian faced Tom, "What was that with Ian? Are you hating on him on purpose?"

Tom still has the malevolent look on his face when he replied, "I don't like the way he flirts with Charlie. Paula already warned me about Ian and that he's pretty much a horny bastard."

Julian's brow raised, "So what?"

Tom finally loose the Loki look and said, "So what? Look at Charlie--he looks so innocent. And Ian will just corrupt him or whatever when he finally gets him."

Julian snickered, "Tom, please. We don't even know if Charlie's also into girls or guys, for that matter; maybe you're just overreacting with Paula's warning? Maybe the two of them can be just friends?"

Still not giving up from the argument, Tom crossed his arms on his chest and chewed his thin lips with contempt.

"Why are you even being so protective of Charlie all of a sudden?" Julian asked.

Tom didn't get to speak for a few seconds. Maybe he's just protective of Charlie because he can see that he's a gentle soul, and he's also kind though very quiet sometimes.

"I'm just concerned, that's all. And he's only 19, for fuck's sake." Tom explained.

"I see. If you want to play the big brother role, that's fine. But you don't get to judge who Charlie dates or who he doesn't." Julian declared the last statement of their argument.

"Now here comes your boy." Julian tapped his chest when Charlie came around.

Charlie arranged a mat beside them as he is going to teach them some kicking techniques and slamming the opponent.

For the time they started the routine, Tom had still an internal argument going on in his mind--he also wonders why he is protective of Charlie.

You're just concerned that's all. Tom calmly pondered.

In his view, there was nothing wrong with being concerned for someone he is acquainted with. And that's the idea that Tom would like to believe in.

It was already 11:30 am and Al had called out a lunch break for all of the actors and stuntmen.

As expected, Ian had already nabbed Charlie away into the cafeteria where a buffet will be served. Ian was not letting Tom be a cockblock again.  He even thought to himself what was Tom's deal. Then he remembered that he's dating Paula Weissman; whom he was linked to, while filming the period drama film that he had done last year.

Ian didn't really dated Paula or anything--as his memory serves him right, they were just really friends at first, but Paula assumed that he had feelings for her. She wasn't really just his type and maybe she had just underlined his name with a red marker on her list of names for people she hates.

The thought of Paula looking like Regina George made him quietly chuckle.

Charlie noticed this, "What's so funny?"

Then Ian spoke, with another answer in mind, "Nothing. I just kidnapped you from your English nanny."

"What?" Charlie cocked her head to the side, confused.

"He was being a dick, and I know you saw that." Ian pointed out.

Ian kept an arm around Charlie's shoulder as they walked side by side on their way to the cafeteria. Ian started, "You know, I thought before that Tom's quite fine. He's hot and he's British. He was my type, but then again, he's just another asshole in the show business."

Now Charlie's brows furrowed, "What? He's your type?"

Ian giggled at Charlie, but then he saw that Charlie is actually clueless of his gender. "Yeah. Well, I thought you knew that I'm..." Ian trailed off as he slowly removed his arm from Charlie's shoulder.

"You're what?" Charlie pushed to get to the final answer.

"I'm Bi--Bisexual. I like girls and I like boys."

Charlie as Charlene knew a variety of people and their personality from the past years of her life. She had gay friends and also lesbian friends; even her closest cousin is gay. But there was still a soft shock to her now that she finally can put it down that her conclusion about Ian is true--he is hitting on her but Ian likes Charlie-- not Charlene.

Charlie only nodded first, understanding him, but he had to ask Ian so it wouldn't look like he just assumed that Ian is into him.

"That's good. So, I'm just wondering, and I may sound rude or assuming--" then Ian cut him off, "If I like you?" Ian narrowed his eyes on Charlie, and he felt like a helpless prey from Ian's enticingly predatory look.

"Y-Yeah... Something like that." Charlie stammered.

Ian's chocolate-brown eyes now beheld him instead of stabbing him with a mean look, and there was a sincere tight-lipped smile that appeared on his face.

He placed his hands on Charlie's elbows and slowly pulled him close, "I know that I'm too obvious, and I'm not the one to hide my desires. But I do have a crush on you, Charlie."

As if Charlie got poured on a bucket of cold water from his head; he felt something like a cold shiver run up his spine, but then was replaced with a burn that blazed off his cheeks.

Deep inside, Charlie was trying to process the confession he just heard from Ian. Would he decide about this as Charlie Go or as Charlene Lee?

Ian booped his cheek, as Charlie had gone so quiet afterwards.

"Hey. Tell me something--anything. Just don't be silent, like that." He flashed Charlie his puppy-dog eyes and fiddled with Charlie's fingers

Finally, Charlie finally got to speak, "I-I just... I never had someone tell me that they have a crush on me."

"Or maybe this is the first time that a man had told you this kind of confession?"

Charlie looked away for a while, thinking that it is really his first time having a situation like this. But he felt worried--Ian doesn't have a crush on Charlene, but with Charlie, an identity created to get even with the asshole Andy Lockley is.

"Well, yes. I guess so." He mumbled as a reply.

"How about girls? I bet you've had a lot of confessions from girls, didn't you?" Ian teased Charlie.

Charlie tilted his head from side to side, feeling anxious, "Well... More or less."

"I hope that this doesn't change anything. Are we still friends?" Ian's voice seemed to chime and his smile was wide and bright.

Charlie nodded, "Friends."

Ian gave out a sigh as he beamed down on Charlie. But deep inside, Charlie felt trapped.

His male identity is already having more from what he bargained for. But somehow, he also thought of Tom.  He would be leading Ian on if he kept Tom the muse of his heart.

As they approached the cafeteria, Charlie finally thought; maybe he can give Ian the romantic attention, and so he could take his mind away from Tom. At least, he doesn't have to worry about a moment when he'll be caught staring longingly at Tom.

Maybe that's what's best for now.

He almost forgot that they have entered the cafeteria and that Ian opened the door for him. But he was lost in his thoughts that he almost didn't noticed this.

Maybe there's nothing wrong if I returned the crush he is having for me. I like Ian, too. He may be too coquettish sometimes, but he's fun to be with. Charlie pondered.

Ian then lead him to the queue for the buffet only intended for the actors and other execs. Charlie almost didn’t noticed this and he was going to pull himself out of the line.

However, Ian already placed his long arms at Charlie and kept him locked in it to make him fall on line.

"Ian, no! I don't get to fall in line here!" Charlie tried to get away but Ian only kept him close.

"No, I got you, Charlie. Hey, Tino!" Ian then called out the chef behind the buffet table who came out and shook hands with Ian.

"Ah, mi muchacho! Que tu quiero por la almuerzo?" Tino asked Ian.

"Es depende. Aqui es mi amigo, Charlie Go. Darle todo lo que le guste." Ian tapped Charlie's shoulder.

"Muy bien." Tino obliged happily.

Charlie only stood there, and he was amazed with the way Ian spoke Spanish.

"You're in." He winked at Charlie.

Charlie didn't get to speak back, but Ian followed up saying, "I grew up in a Bilingual home. Maybe that's why I ended up being Bisexual, too." Ian joked and that made Charlie snort then cover half of his face.

Ian and Charlie kept their banter all the while they were waiting in line. Charlie faced Ian at that time and that when they finally approached the table, filled with breakfast foods of different sorts, he didn't realized that he bumped to another person. Charlie immediately apologized but he was met with the glare of his baby-blue eyes.

There Charlie realized, it was none other than Tom himself.

Tom loosened his glare when he finally saw that it was Charlie who bumped into him that he almost spilled the soup at the next person in front of him.

"Charlie! What are you doing here?" Tom asked this because it would be unusual to see him falling in line for the buffet, but not because he wanted Charlie to get off the line.

But Ian mistook the latter meaning and protectively stood beside Charlie, "He's with me."

In that moment, Tom paused and he had a stare-down with Ian. Tom wanted to say something but he realized not to bother with it.

He left the queue but Charlie felt like he was in the middle of two boulders, being squeezed in so tight in the middle.

Fine. Charlie likes the bad company. Maybe I ought not warn him about anything, then. Tom's thoughts felt like it was pounding his head.

But there was a faint nagging feeling up inside him whenever he sees Ian together with Charlie. Tom tried to shake it all off and went to their table.

He sat next to Paula who had just her wardrobe fitting this morning; while Julian and Gwen sat side by side, to which the former ate very slowly as possible to savor the moment being close to his crush.

"Oh, look at that, Ian's pampering his target." Paula sarcastically remarked.

But Gwen, she looked like a strawberry because of her freckled cheeks blushing at the sight of Charlie. Julian immediately noticed this as he traced Gwen's line of sight, and he couldn't well believe what he was witnessing.

"I couldn't care less about them, hon." Tom tried not to sound bitter.

Paula shrugged and went on to eat her low-calorie salad. She then noticed Gwen following Charlie with her eyes.

Paula then gently stomped on Gwen’s foot under the table to get her attention. "Not too much, dear, you'll melt him." Then she winked at Gwen.

But Paula was thinking, That fucker is ruining Gwen’s chances with Charlie.

The main reason why Paula dislikes Ian this way is because of his arrogance that got them entangled in some kind of dating rumors last year. She only wanted to be friends with him because at that time she thought Ian was cool. And she wouldn’t dare cheat on her rockstar boyfriend at that time when she was still head over heels for him.

She observed the pair of Charlie and Ian sit together just a few rows away from them.

I need to make a move to get Charlie notice Gwen. and Paula was determined to help out Gwen with her crush on Charlie.

During lunch, Julian wanted to talk to Gwen but she was somehow distracted.

Tom caught Julian’s gaze and urged him to go and speak out with a nod. But, Julian could only furrow his brows and nervously glance Gwen’s way.

If there was someone watching them, it would look like they are telepathically communicating. Because the two men are so close together, they already understood even the movement of their brows to know what the other means.

Julian shrugged and thought, Here goes nothing.

Before speaking, Julian cleared his throat,

“So, Gwen... I heard that you paint.” Julian’s voice honeyed and that’s why he was met with an eye roll before she replied.

“I do still-life. I also like landscapes using watercolor. Doodles.” She disinterestedly replied.

“Wow, you are a work of art.” Julian gave his shot in giving off that pun, but Gwen instinctively dropped her fork down and sighed.

Tom could only cringed but Paula almost giggled. All of them witnessed, and it is now known as a fact; that Julian is not good in flirting.

Gwen didn’t spoke again as she looked back to where Charlie was sitting.

Her mad crush for Charlie only began when she first saw him audition for the stunt team. And ever since, she’d promised to herself to never take her eyes off of Charlie whenever she has the chance to see him.

But she can’t help feel hopeless as Ian is already making a move on Charlie.

And here I am, two or three steps losing. Gwen thought.

When she met Paula’s eyes, she was smiling and felt like there’s some shenanigans that she wanted to share with Gwen. Gwen knows Paula too well when she’s hatching a plan, and it all confirms it when she gave Gwen a wink.

Paula was sure she’d help Gwen get closer to Charlie, and maybe get even with Ian too.

----

Ian and Charlie left their table and went outside the cafeteria to go back to the gym. When they finally got out, Ian noticed that his phone was not on his pocket.

“Shit. I have to go back, I think I left my phone inside. I hope it’s still there.”

“Oh no. I’ll wait for you here.” Charlie replied.

Ian had gone inside and Charlie could only stand outside and wait. After a few moments, he heard someone call him out.

“Charlie? Charlie Go?” A woman called him out and he turned to see who it was.

He had to keep his face straight when he saw Paula standing behind him, along with another woman (Gwen) that he doesn’t know yet. Charlie was taken once again to his memory when he first met Paula as Charlene.

The memory of Paula’s beautiful and angry face had been indelibly printed into his brain that he felt his chin wobble for a moment. But this time, Paula is wearing her best and brightest smile that made her look like a blonde angel sent from heaven.

She and her companion approached Charlie and he also tried to smile and pretend that he has not met Paula ever.

“Hi there. I don’t think we’ve met?” He calmly replied.

Paula lightly chuckled and was now standing in front of Charlie.

“Tom, my boyfriend, had told me that you are his trainer.” She explained.

All the while Paula was talking, Charlie couldn’t help but be mesmerized by Paula’s beauty. She was far from the image that Charlie had remembered in his mind; an insolent and haughty woman. But when she mentioned who is Tom to her, Charlie felt insecure.

She is Tom’s girlfriend. Wow. He has high standards--and as if I would be able to reach that now I’m disguised as a guy. He pitifully thought.

“Oh. That’s how you’ve come to know me.” Charlie replied, masking his thoughts off with a jolly tone.

“Yes, and I’ve been wanting to talk to you ever since your training with Tom started.” Paula then flashed Charlie her a pleading look with her blue eyes.

“You wanted to talk to me?” Charlie couldn’t well believe it but he was curious as to why.

“Well, you know Tom that is really important to me. And I hope that you go easy on him on training, because sometimes it just breaks my heart when he comes back to me with a bruise or some sore muscle.” Paula sounded like a parent who treats her child with utmost care.

Charlie didn’t know how to answer that, and so he crossed his arms on his chest and said, “I can’t guarantee that he won’t have a sore muscle every now and then, and of course, some bruises can’t be avoided because he’s doing Taekwondo and Capoiera.”

For a while, Paula’s superficial smile faded into a tight-lipped smile. But she spoke again and took Charlie’s arm and she slowly lead him back to the girl she was with,

“Aww. Too bad. So they can’t really be avoided, huh? Well, I’m just concerned that’s all. I’m very well protective of people I really adore and love.” She gently remarked.

Protective? Or Clingy?  Charlie thought.

Before he could say anything else, Paula had lead him to the girl and he had a feeling that Paula intended this to happen.

“Anyways, all I can say to Tom is that he should also take care in training,” she paused, “By the way, have you met my assistant? This is Gwen Johnston.” then Paula took off her arm from Charlie and placed him in front of Gwen who had been blushing again.

In all seriousness, Charlie was clueless as to why Paula is introducing him to her assistant, so to look casual, he reached out to shake her hand.

“I’m Charlie Go. How do you do?” Charlie then smiled.

If only Charlie knew, Gwen’s inner self was jumping around with joy when she saw his charming boyish smile.“I’m fine. I guess, we might be seeing each other for the next few months?”

“I think so. I’m just curious, do you dye your hair red?” Charlie pointed out.

Gwen carefully tucked her hair behind her ear, “No. I’m really just a ginger.”

“Oh. That’s cool.” But actually, Charlie just like the shade of her red hair because as Charlene, he have always wanted to dye his hair red but didn’t got the chance.

As the two of them talked, Paula knew that her match-making conquest is finally bearing fruit. But behind that scene, Julian was observing them. He had made Tom go without him back to the gym when he saw that Paula and Gwen are talking to Charlie.

And his assumptions were right, Gwen does have a crush on Charlie and Paula is helping to have them get together.

I won’t accept that short-ass man as a rival to Gwen’s heart. There can only be one man in her life. And that would be me--Julian Felix Tanner. Julian thought as he made his fist into a tight ball.

But then he muttered under his breath, “But I need to flirt better.”

And Julian could only sigh and drop his shoulders. There, he decided to get back to the gym also before he could be drowned with hopelessness and jealousy.

Ian had finally found his phone and he came back only to see Paula and Gwen talking to Charlie. He came in to the scene as soon as possible with a loud entrance,

“Well, look what we have here! Our famous It-Girl, Ms. Paula Weissman.” He flamboyantly declared then he proceeded to place his arm over Charlie’s shoulder.

“Fuck off, Ian.” Paula narrowed her eyes at Ian.

“Wow, it’s just 1 o’clock, no need to be a sourpuss.” He joked but Paula was only glaring at him, but both Gwen and Charlie were just dumbfounded with these exchanges of insults.

“Excuse us, girls, this fit piece of perfect specimen and I needed to be getting back to training.” Ian took Charlie away and they started walking back to the direction of the training quarters.

Paula only crossed her arms on her chest and narrowed her eyes.

“Fucking asshole. Come on, Gwen!” Paula barked at Gwen who was still smiling at the thought of Charlie.