#rush Tom Hiddleston

[mobius-m-mobius]

Existence is chaos. Nothing makes any sense, so we try to make some sense of it. And I'm just lucky that the chaos I emerged into gave me all this... My own glorious purpose.

Lokius + Season One (insp)

[technicalthinker]

rewatching the loki final episode to get my thoughts in order and i'm already obsessed with the way they started this episode, the MUSIC is fantastic and the way the play the comedy of all the loops and Loki trying to rush through the other characters really is a+

[thefaefiction]

In Too Deep. [Tom Hiddleston x Reader]

PAIRING: Tom Hiddleston x Reader GENRE: Smut !! WARNINGS: Age gap, teacher x student relationship, smut, daddy kink, praise, piv sex, choking, degradation if you squint, aftercare, fem!reader, written with a chubbier reader in mind but it's not obvious, also the beginning is rushed SUMMARY: After developing an intense relationship with your English professor Mr. Hiddleston, you both are in too deep to let it go to waste.

A/N: im not gonna lie i had no clue how to actually begin this fic because it's literally just an excuse for me to indulge in my delusions so sorry that the first couple paragraphs are weird and rushed </3 also the school email domain is fake idk if it's real don't pay attention to it LMAO

Your obsession with your English professor was no secret to your friends. Elio, your long term best friend and dormmate, has had to interrupt you from your delusions on more than one occasion which was already one too many -- whether that be purposefully failing a paper to see him after class, wearing a skirt far too short and dropping a pencil in a calculated manner in front of him, or staring at him a little too intently during lectures -- it was becoming a problem.

In the professor's multiple classes of forty-some-odd students, there really were only a few that were delusional enough to believe they could sleep with their teacher. The difference between you and them was that you were patient with your actions and the effects it had on him.

Ultimately your patience paid off, as one Friday you received an ominous email with the heading titled 'Make-up Work' from a particular 'thiddleston@ccu.edu.' In the details, he simply requested your presence at a disclosed location only ten minutes from campus on Sunday. It was not an office nor a dorm, but a house.

It wasn't long before his intentions were made clear when you arrived; his eyes dark with lust and a half buttoned shirt upon opening the door.

"(Y/N)," He welcomed, cocking his head and shutting the door behind you. "Lovely to see you."

"Pleasure's mine," You reply, never breaking eye contact. You slide your coat off and he takes it in his hands, hanging it up for you. You knew where the night was going to end -- inviting a student to talk not just outside of office hours, but in the professor's home, is not something usual.

"I thought we could discuss an appropriate way to help get your grade back up in my class," He begins. His eyes look down for a moment, observing your obviously risqué attire. "Do you have an idea as to what way that might be?"

He was going to make you say it. There was no way around it. Still, you decided to entertain his antics until it was made painfully and obviously clear he was trying to get you to say what you know he wants you to say.

"I think," You start, voice beginning to shake. The confidence you had starting this endeavor was suddenly challenged. "I think one-on-one time is certainly needed." You press your lips together in a line.

He hums, taking an agonizing step closer. He looks down into your eyes, furrowing his brows and letting out a soft laugh. "I'm not dumb, (Y/N)," he retorts. "I know you're a smart girl. You're excellent, actually -- some of the best writing from all of my classes combined." The professor stops, taking a step back to his original position. "So why are you really here?"

A moment of silence.

"You know why," You sheepishly croak out.

"Flatter me by saying it, then." He raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms and waiting for you to speak.

"I want you to fuck me."

With the words already said, there was no going back. Your chest sunk, a feeling of embarrassment creeping up and beginning to eat away at your skin. All of those feelings were put to rest the second your professor spoke: "Was that so hard to ask, love?"

Professor Hiddleston turned on his heel, two fingers signaling you to follow him like a lost puppy. He led you down a long hallway in painful silence, finally twisting the knob to a door that revealed his bedroom. It was sleek and clean, covered in shades of black and gray with no mess dared to be left out.

He shut the door behind you and immediately began unbuttoning his shirt, holding your gaze with his light eyes. "Quickly," He commented. "I don't like waiting."

Your face flushed, embarrassed at his demand. You looked away and lifted the hem of your shirt-

"You will look at me," He orders, finishing the last button. "With how bold you are in my classroom I would've thought you'd take more control," He pokes, smirking. "Who would've thought you're just a shy little girl desperate for attention from her professor?"

Your thighs squeezed together, you're sure it doesn't go unnoticed as he grins the moment it occurs. You lift your top off as he watches, simultaneously beginning to unbuckle his belt. The sound makes you shiver.

"Good girl," He praises. You shiver in response.

As he tosses his belt to the side, you begin sliding your skirt off, letting it fall to the ground and pool at your feet. Your professor mimics with his slacks, walking closer and caressing your cheek. "Bed."

You obey, laying down on his duvet as he crawls up your body, sending shivers down your spine. "Professor-"

"Tom," He corrects. "No need for formalities at this point, yes?"

You blush before continuing. "Tom, are you sure?"

"I've been sure since the first time you tried to tease me in class," He replies. "I don't think you understand that I think about you every fucking night in my bed, about the things I would do if I were just able to have you."

You smile, your confidence returning almost instantly. "You have me, sir."

Tom grunts in the back of his throat, his body towering over you as he tears your underwear off, the cracking of the seams startling you. Immediately his hands find your sex, running his hands over it and around your thighs. His hands diligently run under your back, you arch, giving him easier access to remove your bra.

"God, you're stunning," He whispers before connecting his lips to yours. He pulls on your face, his teeth making contact with your lips and bruising their pink color in moments. As he pulls away, a string of saliva connects your mouths and you squirm beneath him.

Tom sits up and begins removing his boxers. The tent in them is noticeable -- and horrifying. You can tell he's big even without seeing it.

Not like you've thought about it before, though.

Now completely undressed, he puts his hands under your waist and drags you forward with a grunt. His hands dig at the fat of your hips and travel along your plush thighs, a moan escaping your lips as his fingers dance on your skin.

"Does my little girl need her professor's cock?" Tom provokes, sliding his shaft between your folds -- up and down, up and down, up and down.

You whine, nodding eagerly in hopes to get him to just put it in already, but your meek noise wasn't good enough for him. "Use your big girl words, darling." He puts his thumb and pointer finger against your chin, urging you to look at him him; eyes burning through your skull.

"Daddy," You spit out too quick, back arching. "Please, need you inside of me so bad!" The sheer volume of your pleas and the new title takes Tom aback, yet his cock ached with every sultry word you spoke.

"Good girl," He praises, grinning at you beneath him. You watch as he inserts himself, pressing just the head into your heat. You let out a guttural moan, eyebrows furrowing in a lovely mix of pain and pleasure. He begins slowly easing himself into you further, inch by agonizing inch, until he completely bottoms out; releasing a groan as his head lolls back. "God, you feel so good princess," He praises, "Taking me so so well, yeah?"

His words struck a chord within you, forcing a smile on your face. You whimper, brain not being able to form a complete thought at how deep he was inside you and how just damn good it felt. He was much bigger than anyone you'd taken before by a longshot. Your walls clenched around him and he laughed, cock twitching inside of you. He slowly slides back, leaving just the head in, and then pushes forward quickly, earning a loud, needy, moan from your lips. "Look at you, so drunk on me, hm?" He says, pulling back and then ramming himself deep into you, bruising your cervix. "Tell me what you want, doll. What is it you need from daddy?" He teases, never averting his eyes from your gaze.

"Please," You whine, "Need you to to move, need daddy to make me come!" And without hesitation, he picks up the pace, rapidly fucking you while his hands grip the headboard. You can hear it hitting the wall, and suddenly you're glad he has a house instead of an apartment. The noises you're making are obscene, something any practiced Catholic would need to cross themselves after hearing. "Feels so good daddy!" You spit, earning a groan from him.

Tom turned almost animalistic during sex; his grunts sounding more and more like growls as he fucks you brainless. "Fuck!" He moans, taking a hand off of the wood above you. He quickly puts his free hand on your throat, squeezing and forcing your eyes to meet his once again. "Like being choked by daddy, yeah? Like daddy to make you feel powerless, hm?" He smirks, observing the visual pleasure and shock on your face.

You're so close, you can feel yourself on the verge of your orgasm, and his dirty talk was pushing you even closer. The hand on your throat squeezed, and you clenched down on him, causing Tom to curse under his breath. "Want your cum daddy," You squeak out, "Pleasepleaseplease!" You mumble in strands of pleasure.

"Feel so good," He praises. "Come for me, be a good girl and come for daddy, yeah?" He was fucking you hard, and fast, and he still managed to pick up the pace. His skin slapped against your skin, filling the room with hard smacks and grunts and moans; endless strings of 'daddy' and 'good girl' running from both of your lips.

"Want you inside me daddy," You choke out. Your head lolls to the side and bounces against the pillow, a lazy smile forming on your face. "P-please!" You whine.

That pushed Tom over the edge. He was too far lost in himself, leaning down and growling into your ear. "Ask and you shall receive," he teases.

As if on cue, you both come together, the wave of pleasure rushing over you both. You could feel his warmth filling you up, leaking down your heat and spilling onto his bed. "Fuck, Y/n!" He grunts, "Took me so so well little girl."

You couldn't think, let alone speak. Tom stayed inside of you, helping you ride out your orgasm, not wanting the feeling of your sweet sex to leave him. He took his hand off of your throat and stroked the site, soothing the redness with a sultry kiss. You hummed in response, letting your body fall limp. After a few moments, he pulled out.

About three things Tom was absolutely certain: One, he should’ve never become romantically entangled with one of his students. Two, engaging in this behavior put his entire career in jeopardy due to it being wildly illegal. Three, he was, without a doubt in his mind, unconditionally in love with everything about you.

As you laid on his chest, foreheads drenched in sweat and bodies stuck together, you felt more at home than you'd like to admit. One hand messaged your back, drawing figure-eights on your skin, and the other pet your hair, occasionally drawing his lips close to kiss the top of your head. You burrowed your head into him, clinging onto his body. He grinned.

"I should've never let it go this far," Tom said, his voice raspy and deep with post-sex clarity, "but I'm afraid I'm in too deep to give it up now." He let out a low laugh, your head bouncing with his chest.

You smiled. "I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to return to normal after this," You commented, "and, well, not to be dramatic but having sex with your professor twice your age does things to you." Tom chuckled, looking down at you and tilting your head up to meet his eyes.

"This is all so wrong," He mumbled, furrowing his eyebrows and pressing his lips together, "And yet I wouldn't have it any other way." He pressed a kiss to your lips, the kind of kiss that left a permanent stain of love and lust on your mouth. It was deep, meaningful, and romantic. Tom stared at you, taking in your features and basking in each and every one. "You are breathtaking, darling."

You hid your face in his neck, attempting to suppress the toothy grin you'd almost shown him, however he pulls your head up with his pointer finger and thumb, admiring your rosy cheeks. "Poor baby, so sensitive to my compliments," He jests, letting out a low hum.

You roll your eyes at him. "It's not my fault that daddy somehow knows all of the words that light a fire in me," You emphasize on the word 'daddy,' which forces what sounded like a groan from the back of his throat. "I don't want to go," You admit, falling back into his embrace.

"I know love," He says calmly, stroking your hair and pulling you into him tight. "We can stay like this as long as you'd like, but eventually I'll have to bring you back."

You hum into just chest. "Just a little bit longer," you say to Tom. "I'm still recovering."

⟡

When you arrived back at your dorm, much later than you anticipated, Elio looked at you with an eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. "Back so soon?"

"Shut up," You laughed, dropping your bag to the ground and kicking off your shoes. You wobbled into the dorm, legs still sore and threatening your balance. Clearly Elio had noticed this, as the first thing he said after greeting you was "Well aren't your movements suspicious," and your cheeks flushed red. "I do not need to explain my late night endeavors and my later night actions," You began, "But,"

"But..?" Elio lead, leaning forward in his seat.

"But." You ended, pressing your lips together with a hidden grin and nodding your head.

"No!" He gasped, smiling widely and clasping his hands, putting his chin on the top of his fingers. "Please tell me everything! Not that I need to know the gory details of your sex life but, like, was he..?" Elio put his hands in front of him, fingers forward, and spread his arms apart.

"Shut up!" You giggled, swatting his hands. "But yes. Yes he was. Very."

"I knew it." He said, shaking his head. "I knew he was packing."

"Not to ruin our gossip but I need to lay down with a heating pad or something because standing is hurting my body," You laughed. "I think that man busted my cervix."

"Okay, TMI," He said, rolling his eyes. "But honestly go get some rest, lord knows you need it for seeing him tomorrow."

You were confused at first, then realized that tomorrow you had Tom for English, and you had absolutely no idea how you were supposed to face him when the night before he had you moaning 'daddy' and railed you into oblivion. But that was an issue you could deal with tomorrow. Probably. Hopefully.

ⓒ THEFAEFICTION, 2023. DO NOT TRANSLATE, REPUBLISH, OR CROSS-POST WITHOUT EXPLICIT CONSENT.

[muddyorbsblr]

feels like mine pt1

See my full list of works here!

Summary: You wake up in a bed that isn't your own, living a life that seems to be pulled straight out of your wildest dreams

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Reader

Word Count: 2.4k

Warnings: 18+ | mentions of death; slight gaslighting (?) [let me know if I missed anything!]

Things to be aware of: everything is not what it seems; twist at the end

Your eyes squinted to adjust to the brightness of your bedroom awash with the morning sun. Looks like Mother Nature chose to be a little too chipper this morning and tried to blind you with its rays shining straight into your room.

You rose from your bed, your hands flopping on to the ultra soft comforter that sunk beneath the pressure.

Weird, you thought to yourself. I don't remember checking in to a hotel, and God knows my bed isn't this soft. You slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes and alarm bells immediately ringing loud in your head when you looked down at the pristine white sheets.

"This isn't my bed," you said aloud, hopping down from the mattress and assessing your body, ensuring that you were free to move and your limbs weren't tied down in some capacity keeping you captive in what would have been a bizarrely cozy looking prison. You assessed your clothes next; mainly to see if you were even wearing any, your brows shooting to your hairline when your hands touched a lush satiny fabric covering your curves. "These aren't my clothes."

You rushed over to a mirror situated on a door that you assumed was a closet, your confusion growing by the second when you saw that the reflection looking back at you was…yourself. Exactly as you were last night before you went to bed, only clad in a navy blue nightie that looked like it cost over a week's pay. And wearing a ring that probably cost your soul.

The items on the nightstand by the side of the bed you'd woken up on raised even more questions. A black leather-bound journal with a gold 'H' pressed on the spine, a fountain pen, a laptop, a tablet, and a Kindle Oasis. An almost exact match to the items on the nightstand that you knew by heart, but each item was a more luxurious variant. For one, you wouldn't in your right mind ever buy yourself a Kindle Oasis. Or an S.T. Duponte fountain pen.

On the opposite nightstand were a stack of papers bound together with brass fasteners and a pair of reading glasses with a grade that moderately blurred your vision when you held it close to your eyes. You decided against looking at the contents of the book-bound papers in case there was anything confidential you weren't meant to glimpse in its contents.

You checked on the door next, seeing if it was locked from the outside. It wasn't.

You stepped out of the bedroom, assessing your surroundings to find any semblance of information that would tell you where you were and why you were here, only to grumble out of sheer frustration, "This isn't my apartment." To start with, apartments didn't have stairs. And your place didn't have nearly this much windows.

"Did I…shift?" Your voice softly echoed off the walls, staring in disbelief at the framed picture before you. Your hair and makeup impeccably done, a flower tiara delicately put in place at the top of your head, clad in a downright whimsical wedding dress and smiling brilliantly at the groom whose back was turned to the camera, your only hint at who he was being broad shoulders and brown slightly curly hair.

The unmistakable sound of vegetables being cut led you down the stairs and into the kitchen, desperately hoping it would lead you to who your mystery husband was and maybe start making some sense of this downright crazy predicament.

But catching a glimpse of the well over 6-foot lean frame dressed a white button-down shirt tucked into black dress pants that put a way too familiar butt on proud display had you itching to wake up because this was most definitely a concerningly vivid dream.

That is definitely not my husband.

No way on God's green Earth were you married to Tom Hiddleston. This just went from bizarre to downright impossible.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he greeted you in that low timbre that had your knees buckling, setting aside his task at hand and removing his apron before walking over to you.

"Hi…" you answered him, voice wavering. Before you could speak another word, he framed your face in his hands, thumbs softly running across your cheekbones, and then pressing a delicate kiss to your lips. "What're you--"

"We finished filming early," he answered, words murmured against your lips. "I caught an earlier flight so I could see you sooner. Oh I've missed you so much." He pressed his lips to yours again. "My darling wife."

Okay, I definitely shifted. This body you may have woken up in had your face, and probably your maiden name…but this wasn't your life. You were occupying space meant for someone else. Another Y/N.

"Tom, I think I have to--"

"Whatever it is can wait." He kissed you again, this time he pressed against you a little harder, your heart beating wildly in your chest when you felt a light, tentative lick to your bottom lip. "Just let me hold you a little while longer." He wrapped his arm around the small of your back, cradling your head with his other hand as he buried his face into the crook of your neck, sighing in contentment.

You knew you were seconds away from abandoning all your plans to try and get him to listen when he started pressing numerous open-mouthed kisses along your neck, your whole body growing weak when he started nipping and licking at the skin. "Please it's important. I don't think I'm supposed to be--"

The feel of him groaning into your skin made your knees give out, making him hold you tighter against him. He walked you backwards until your back pressed against the wall, your breathing labored as he kissed along the expanse of skin exposed to him by your negligee.

When his kisses started traveling south and he pressed his lips to the swell of your breast, you knew you had to get your words out before you gave in and let him have his way with you, however far that may be. "I'm not supposed to be here," you blurted out, pressing your palms to his shoulders and inwardly cursing at yourself for making him stop. "I know that I might sound like I'm not making any sense but…I think I shifted realities…? It's bizarre to me because I never actually succeeded until now but the point is--"

"Sweetheart, slow down." He began to rub his hands up and down your arms, calming you down some within seconds and once again making you question this reality. And how he knew what to do when you began to ramble and spiral in your own thoughts. "You say you're not supposed to be here. Where do you think you should be? Tell me what you know and perhaps I can help from there."

"My name is Y/N Y/L/N, and I'm a software engineer in the middle of a career shift. Last night I went to sleep in a one bedroom apartment in Anaheim. I was no one to you. At most a faceless name that sings your praises online. Definitely not…" You waved your hand in a sweeping gesture across your surroundings. "This," you finished, your breath hitching in the back of your throat when you caught sight of his expression, eyes shining with tears that were seconds away from falling down his cheeks.

"What a bleak life," he breathed out, pressing his lips to your forehead as he pulled you into an embrace. "I can't imagine having to live in a world where I didn't know you. Didn't love you." He kissed your temple. "Thank God it was just a dream."

"A dr--A dream?" you sputtered, confusion overcoming your thoughts. Surely it wasn't that simple. That easily explained. You could remember in vivid detail the code you worked on last night, the bumpy bus ride on the way back to your apartment. The last story you read written by your friends online before you finally laid your head on your pillow and succumbed to an exhausted slumber.

Something about Tom's character on The Hollow Crown and barn sex before he was to face off against the Dauphin of France.

"Yes, my love. Nothing but an awful vivid dream," he reassured you, soothing you with the low velvety tone of his voice, partnered with the kisses he was softly peppering all over your face before stopping at the corner of your mouth. "Your name is Y/N Hiddleston. We've been together for five years, and you gave me the unique honor of becoming your husband less than a year ago. You were a software engineer amidst a career change when I met you all those years ago, and you've come so far since then. You have amazed me at every turn, and it's been a privilege to witness all that you've done. And all that you will continue to do." He captured your lips in a tender kiss, making you melt into his arms as you crossed your hands behind his neck, allowing him to pull you closer. "You just need a few minutes to readjust after waking up. Everything will come back to you soon enough. And any details that don't return to you I'll happily fill those blanks in."

It was almost like the protests that remained in your mind got muffled at his assurances. He spoke about you with such conviction and fondness and love that it made it sound beyond reproach. All that remained was the faintest murmur of doubt that you quickly recognized as those few hours of disbelief you would go through after waking up from a particularly vivid dream, much like those ones you had back in college where you mourned the loss of your best friend and you internally panicked for hours until he walked into the classroom looking every bit as alive as he had the day before.

"Just a dream…" You tested the words on your tongue, the explanation steadily becoming more and more palatable than your initial theory of successfully shifting. Your eyes met Tom's again. "Sorry I…kinda freaked out back there--"

He pressed a delicate kiss to your lips to stop you. "There's no need for apologies, sweetheart. You were disoriented, and I'm grateful you confided in me that you were instead of holding it all in." He brushed the tip of his nose against yours, the gesture bringing a smile to your face and causing a small giggle to escape your lips. "How about you head back upstairs and get ready for the day, and I'll finish whipping up breakfast?"

"That…sounds like a good idea," you agreed, unable to keep the smile off your face even as he kissed you again. "I'll go take a shower and then…I'll be back down here in twenty minutes?"

Tom loosened his hold on you, hands smoothing down your sides before he took a step back so you could make your way up the stairs. Before you passed him, he took your hand in his to call your attention again, bringing it up to his lips to press a kiss to each of your knuckles. "I love you," he whispered against your skin.

"I love you, too," you said back, biting your lip as you gave him a smile before heading back up the stairs, your doubts calmed and your panic from earlier subsiding, allowing you to simply look around the house and appreciate the beauty and joy that your life granted you in stark contrast to last night's dream.

Just as you stepped on to the top landing of the stairs, a flash of green glinted at the corner of Tom's eye, diverting his attention to the visitor in the kitchen.

"She is a perceptive one, your mortal," Loki mused, staring down at the ingredients on the cutting board. "A part of her recognizes that she is no longer within her universe. That part could linger…fester, even. Are you truly certain you wish to continue down this path? To risk her finding out the truth and resenting you from stealing her away from her life--"

"What's the alternative, then?" Tom snapped, gripping the countertop so hard his knuckles were going white, hot tears finally falling from his eyes. "Go on the rest of my days without my wife? Let her go back to a world where she said it herself, she's no one to me?"

Loki let out a sigh, taking a few steps towards the door to the patio, the tension and frustration evident in his stance. "She did not deserve the life she was designed for, on that I do agree. But it will take time for her to fully acclimate to this new universe, if you truly wish to keep her here. And you must accept that no matter what you do, she may never fully fill the space that your late wife left behind."

Tom's eyes burned with more tears, indignation and grief making his heart ache even worse at the memory of you -- that is, the you that he lost not even three days ago. "I know that," he said through gritted teeth. "What of the people who heard news of her passing? The people on set who saw me when I got the call? They're going to ask her questions when they see her alive and well. Questions she won't be able to answer."

The god simply waved a hand dismissively. "Simple memory spell. Their recollection of events will simply be altered wherein they recall you receiving a call and you needed to leave and halt production to ensure her safety, not see to her funeral. Her record at the hospital has been expunged. Any and all evidence that suggests that the Y/N Hiddleston of his universe is no longer with us has ceased to exist."

"Thank you," he choked out, walking up to the god and extending a hand.

"Of course. You deserved not the life you'd planned with your wife taken so violently." Loki took your husband's hand in a firm shake. "Now, I know it may not be my place to tell you what you should be doing at this moment. But from where I stand, you have just been reunited with your wife. If you're open to suggestions, I would recommend putting the apron down, going upstairs, and simply enjoying the life that has been returned to you. Breakfast can wait."

With those words, Loki disappeared in a flash of green right as Tom turned around and headed up the stairs in your direction, heeding the god's advice.

A/N: Something tells me that when I told y'all there's a Centrum Ad Hiddles story coming your way, y'all probably didn't expect this…and to be honest I didn't think I was even gonna make a Centrum Ad Hiddles story, let alone one that took this direction. 😳👀 I hope you like it though, slightly dark twist and all 😅💖

‘everything’ taglist: @simplyholl @loopsisloops @unlucky-number-13 @imalovernotahater @coldnique @loz-3 @huntress-artemiss @salempoe @vickie5446 @athalialaufeyson @lokiprompts @kats72 @kikster606 @evelyn-kingsley @lokixryss @thomase1 @mischief2sarawr @peaches1958 @lovingchoices14 @lunarnights95 @goblingirlsarah @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @creationsbyme @maple-seed @mjsthrillernp @ladyofthestayingpower @mygfloki @sititran @glitterylokislut @ozymdias @fictive-sl0th @lovelysizzlingbluebird @lokidbadguy @mochie85 @silverfire475 @joyful-enchantress @elizabethmidnight2017 @holdmytesseract @smolvenger @lokidokieokie @superficialdomina @anukulee @kmc1989

Hiddles taglist: @spooky1980

[thebibliosphere]

It’s been a while since I fever dreamed the plot to something, but I just woke up from a literal fever dream set in a futuristic version of New York where Tom Hiddleston and his pet cyborg owl are entrenched in a spy thriller buddy-cop narrative, only to get swept up in the conflicting heartfelt rom-com narrative of Dakota Johnson who, after a series of unfortunate breakups, has sworn off love and committed herself heart and soul to her job as a curator at Futuristic Met Museum. This is much to the distress of her weed smoking, shroom taking trans lesbian mothers and their elderly dog, Jeff, who just want her to find happiness and love.

As part of his cover, Tom and his cyborg owl, Frank, move into the same apartment where he’ll be staying for several months while he plans to steal a diamond from the Met. I think if you held it up to the light it would project nuclear launch codes that’d been etched onto it. Don’t ask me, my brain was more focused on making the cyborg owl into the wise-cracking comic relief. It kept saying things like “wow Tom, you really are a jack of owl trades” or “don’t worry, Tom, owl always love you.”

The pair meet in the lobby where Tom manages to piss off Dakota by not holding the elevator for her while she is carrying heavy boxes. The apartment building, however, is old and shitty, and he gets stuck in the elevator, requiring him to be rescued by one of Dakota’s mothers who also happens to be the super. Dakota huffs her way out the stairwell just in time to hear her mother inviting the “nice British man” to dinner, much to her chagrin as she realizes that her mom is trying to set her up with the asshole and the cyborg owl that sits on his shoulder like a parrot.

Tom, who finds out she works for the met over said dinner, decides to go along with it as he realizes she’d be the perfect cover to get into the Met Museum for an upcoming gala event—not to mention the perfect person to take the fall for his theft—and begins wooing her relentlessly, assuring Frank, the cyborg owl, that it’s all just part of the mission.

Eventually, the pair fall for each other for realzies, and Tom is conflicted over using her to steal the diamond but his time is running out because we also find out he went rogue for a while after his partner died and was using his skills to work freelance for an international crime syndicate and now the mob is after him?????

Anyway, he’s about to confess all to her on the night of the gala when she gets a phone call from her moms letting her know that their elderly dog, Jeff, is dying so the pair rush back to the apartment and take him to the nearest cyborg vet in the hopes of saving him. En route, the mob find them and start shooting at the flying car they’re in and it leads to a comedic shouting match between the pair along the lines of “what do you mean you’re an international spy and the mob are after you? Ugh, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this sooner! I told you everything about me!”

“Oh, yes, your embarrassing high school stories are exactly the same thing as divulging international secrets. Tell you what, after this let’s get a coffee and I can tell you some highly sensitive top secret information to even out the playing field.”

Anyway, Frank the cyborg owl manages to take out the mob car chasing them with a grenade (????!), and the pair get Jeff to the cyborg vet in time. The dream shifted after that to Dakota helping Tom to figure out how to break into the Met so he can get the diamond, not because she loves him and he helped save her childhood dog, but because she wants him gone. Tom accepts her help and storms off to his own apartment where Frank the cyborg owl is poignantly silent save to say “take some Tylenol”

“…what?”

“Wake up, you need Tylenol.”

Which is what sent me rocketing upright in bed, dizzy and dehydrated, pounding migraine headache, drenched in sweat and running what the thermometer tells me is a 102 fever.

Which brings us to now where I’m downing Tylenol in the dimly lit kitchen, guzzling water and typing this all up on my phone because there’s no way I’m going to remember all this in the morning but damn if it wasn’t a fun dream.

Anyway, shout out to Frank the cyborg owl for waking me up before my brain fried ✌️🦉. I’m going back to bed.

[hansoeii]

Not a Sylki shipper, but do you genuinely believe they won't be endgame? Like I get it, it seems like Sylvie is not in love with him and they're kinda pushing Lokius (might be just mocking us), but don't you think they could do a 180 in the last episode? It would make no sense, but the writer is a cishet man, who ships Sylki. Marvel is not good at writing romance. I feel sad, because I'm seeing all these people say that Sylki is over, celebrating and I feel like they'll be crushed on Thursday. They could absolutely do a 180, rush the romance with "she was always in love, she was just pushing him away" and make them endgame. Again, it would be bad writing and it'd make zero sense, but the majority of the people don't care about the romance, including my irls, they only want to see the multiverse stuff. So they won't care. And I feel like Disney/Marvel don't care either.

Yes, I totally believe that Sylkie is over and that nothing will happen between them again.

What makes me say that? It's simple. All Sylvie wants is a simple life on the timeline, they've made that clear several times. She only ever follows Loki once that life and her timeline are in danger. And I can't blame her for that. She has no interest in Loki and his friends and what's even more important: she has even less than zero interest in the TVA. She's selfish, she admitted that herself.

The TVA is what's important here. The TVA has become Loki's home, it's the place where he found his family. He (and Mobius) is the heart of the TVA. And he won't part with it, and Sylvie would never willingly stay there for longer than necessary.

She has made it clear by telling Loki to write his own story that their stories are separate ones.

This season so far has been incredibly well written, and I don't believe they're gonna do a big 180 in the finale. I could totally be wrong, but I don't think it's likely.

I believe that Sylvie will be the one to restore everyone's memories in the last episode as her final heroic act and then once the timelines are restored, she will go back to her simple life.

And when it comes to Eric Martin: just ignore him. He's a troll, and I don't believe a single thing he says about any ships. He constantly likes Sylkie tweets and then suddenly switches to liking Lokius tweets. It's best to just watch the show and ignore what any of the creators have to say (besides Tom Hiddleston, I adore his commentary) about it, just draw your own conclusions! And so far, we have gotten 5 episodes that made it clear that there's nothing even close to romantic going on between Sylvie and Loki anymore.

[fanficshiddles]

Stranger Danger, One Shot

Thank you for the prompt: OFC is out late one night in the pouring rain, she accidentally bumps into Tom who offers her a lift home, however instead of Tom taking her back to her house, he kidnaps her and takes her back to his house, Tom is a dominant daddy and been looking for a new little for a while

WARNINGS: RAPE/NON-CON, KIDNAPPING, FORCED DADDY KINK

-

Liz was rushing home after being on a date, that didn’t go as well as she had hoped it would. Now it was bucketing down with rain and she was soaked through, not having an umbrella or even a jacket with her since it was nice when she headed out.

She was so engrossed in trying to get back as quickly as possible, she never noticed the tall man coming out of the pub on front of her heading to his car, that she knocked into him by accident.

‘I’m so sorry!’ She gasped out, looking up at the tall man through the rain.

‘Entirely my fault, darling.’ He said charmingly with a smile.

Liz titled her head for a moment when she locked eyes with him, surely this wasn’t…

‘I… I better go.’ She then went to continue moving, she really wasn’t rating getting drenched with the rain.

As she began moving, the man gripped her elbow to stop her.

‘Please, my car is just here. Can I give you a ride somewhere? You’re soaked through, you might catch a cold.’ He offered as he motioned to said car that was just by them.

‘Oh… Uh…’ She paused a moment, knowing she really shouldn’t go with a stranger. Though she had a feeling she knew who this guy was, she was just struggling to believe it was really him.

‘My name’s Tom. Tom Hiddleston. I know, stranger danger. At least let me find you an umbrella if you don’t want a ride.’ He offered kindly.

‘I… I thought I recognised you!’ Liz laughed a little.

Tom smiled widely and motioned to his car again. ‘I have heated seats, can get you partly dried before you even get home.’

Liz looked at the car then back at Tom and nodded. ‘Ok. Thank you!’

Tom quickly ushered her over to the car and unlocked it, he opened the passenger door and helped her in.

Liz took a moment to let it sink in that she was currently sat in Tom Hiddleston’s car, while he shut the door for her and walked around to the other side. Out of everyone she could have bumped into. Though she couldn’t deny, she was glad she was out of that damn rain, it was pelting hard against the windshield.

‘Crazy weather, huh? I was sunbathing earlier today, wouldn’t figure it the same day.’ Tom chuckled as he started up the car, setting the wipers to full speed.

‘Yeah, it’s a bit nuts. It was lovely when I headed out earlier, stupidly didn’t think to check the weather to see if I’d need a jacket.’ Liz sighed as she put on her seatbelt.

‘Hopefully this will help warm you up a bit.’

Tom flicked a switch to turn on the heated seats and it wasn’t long before she could feel the warmth against her back and bum. She couldn’t deny it was much better than walking home, even if she was technically in a stranger’s car… But with it being Tom Hiddleston, she figured she’d be safe enough. From what she’d seen in interviews with him, he seemed so lovely and sweet. Besides, she figured after a bad date, at least a kind, handsome, gentleman was driving her home.

‘Were you out anywhere nice? I’m surprised your boyfriend just left you alone on a night like this, it can be rough for a pretty woman to be out alone. Never mind in the rain.’ Tom said softly as he pulled out onto the road after getting her address.

‘Oh, I uh, don’t have a boyfriend. But I was on a date... A bad date. I was just desperate to get home, that’s why I wasn’t looking where I was going.’ She said embarrassedly.

‘Ah. Was it bad in a he was a big red flag sort of bad, or just awkwardly bad?’ Tom asked.

‘Bit of both.’ Liz said after pondering a moment.

‘Sorry to hear that, darling. On behalf of other men, I apologize.’

Liz giggled a little and smiled. ‘I know everyone’s not like that. I just got unlucky.’ She shrugged.

‘Well, I’d say I got luckybeing able to be in your presence, even if it’s for a short while.’ Tom said charmingly.

Liz blushed a little and turned to look out the window. That’s when she realised that Tom was going the wrong way, in a different direction to where she lived.

‘Uh, this is the wrong way. It’s on Lakeland Avenue I stay.’ She said apprehensively.

‘Don’t worry, this is a shortcut tonight. There’s football just finishing about now, so we’re avoiding the traffic by going this way.’ Tom reassured her and gave her a warm smile.

‘Ah right, thanks. I don’t drive so I guess I never really think about that sort of thing.’ She said sheepishly. ‘Driver knows best.’

Tom nodded in agreement. ‘What is it you do for work?’ He asked.

‘Currently I just do some ad-hoc admin work online. I’m doing an online course right now, so that takes up a lot of time, but being able to work online helps me juggle both easier. Plus, it’s flexible.’

‘Nice, sounds like you’ve got it all planned out… where are you from? Your accent tells me this isn’t your home town.’ He grinned at her.

‘You got me.’ She laughed. ‘I’m from up North, near Newcastle. My parents love the country life up there, but I wanted the excitement of London, for some reason.’

Liz relaxed more when she recognised the street they were now on, he was heading in the right direction.

‘That must have been a difficult move, very brave to come down to such a big city on your own.’ Tom hummed softly.

‘Tell me about it. I’ve only been here a month, but I left all my friends behind. That’s why I thought I’d try a dating app, to meet someone. Though maybe I should just be looking for a friend app or something, if such a thing exists.’

‘Perhaps.’ Tom chuckled.

When they pulled down Liz’s street, she felt a little relieved. She wasn’t sure why though, it was Tom Hiddleston after all. Though he was still technically a stranger to her.

Tom stopped the car outside her house and smiled at her. ‘We have arrived.’

‘I can’t thank you enough, really. Much better than walking home in this.’ She smiled back at him.

‘You’re very welcome. Hopefully we will bump into one another again.’ He said as he held his hand out.

She took his hand and blushed when he bent down to kiss the back of her hand.

‘Well, thank you again.’ She turned to open the door, well, tried to. It was locked. She turned back to look at Tom. ‘Doors locked.’ She said awkwardly, trying not to let the worry in her voice show.

Tom nodded once, then he got out of the car and shut the door behind him. She was confused, and began to panic internally when she saw in the rear-view mirror that he was going into the boot. He popped it open and it sounded like he was rummaging around for something.

Liz’s heartbeat quickened and her stomach was in knots. What was he doing? What was he looking for? Why didn’t he just unlock the door for her?

A few seconds later, the boot slammed shut, making her jump, and he made his way to the passenger door. He opened it and a wave of relief hit her, he had an umbrella in hand that he popped open and held up.

She internally smacked herself for getting worried, he was just being a perfect gentleman.

Liz got out of the car and Tom escorted her to her door, under the umbrella. She fumbled in her handbag to get her keys out and unlocked the door, then she looked up at Tom with a big smile. ‘Thanks again, you’ve been a true gent.’

Tom bowed his head slightly. ‘Of course, got to treat a princess right.’ He winked at her. ‘Take care of yourself, Liz.’

Liz felt her cheeks heat up again.

‘Hopefully I’ll see you around again.’ She blurted out before she could stop herself.

‘I’m sure you will.’ He grinned, a dark glint flashed across his eyes that she didn’t see as she turned to open the door.

As she took a step forward, that was the last thing she remembered as suddenly a damp cloth was pressed over her mouth and nose. Then everything went black when she passed out.

-

Liz’s head felt funny when she came to. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and it took her a moment to focus on her surroundings. It didn’t take much longer though for her to realise she was in a strange room, that definitely wasn’t her place.

Panic began to set in, she sat up and looked around, it was a bedroom. Though not one she knew, at all. Her chest felt tight and she began to breathe a little heavier.

She heard the door opposite the bed unlocking, then it swung open and in walked… Tom Hiddleston.

‘T… Tom… Where am I? What’s going on?’ She asked, her voice shaky as she still tried to catch her breath.

She hadn’t even realised that she was only wearing a very thin, see through nightgown. No underwear, either. Not until Tom smiled and his tongue shot out to lick at his lips as he looked at her body, then she noticed her attire and her panic only grew worse.

‘Shhh, you’re alright, princess. You’re safe here with Daddy, there’s no need to get into a panic.’ Tom said calmly, softly.

He walked towards her on the bed, though what he said only made her scared and even more confused.

Liz noticed on the dressing table there was some of her make-up and hair products. It was obvious because one of her make-up sets was quite expensive and large. Then she realised the nightgown she was wearing, was actually her own. And on the bedside table was the picture of her parents she had from home.

Tom sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out to stroke her shoulder, she flinched and moved away from him.

‘Nu uh. You don’t ever shy away like that from me.’ Tom said firmly as he reached out with his long arms and he managed to grab her wrist, his hand was so large that she didn’t even want to try pulling away as he tugged her over to him.

Though when she realised he was trying to pull her onto his lap, she put up a fight and tried struggling out of his grasp, but he was too strong and before she knew it, he had her sitting on his lap. She tried not to move as she could suddenly feel a very evident bulge underneath her…

‘Please… let me go.’ She whined as tears rolled down her cheeks.

‘Aww, don’t cry, little one. I know you want this just as much as I do. I think you bumped into me on purpose, a little princess in desperate need of someone to save and look after her. I just got lucky, since I’ve been wanting a little of my own to love and care for.’ He hummed softly and started stroking her hair after wiping her tears off her cheeks.

‘No… No, no, no. Just let me go. Please, I won’t tell anyone. You can’t keep me here.’ She cried.

‘Oh but I can, sweetheart. No one will be looking for you, you told me yourself you’re alone here. Well, you were. You’re not alone anymore, you never will be again. Now you’ve got me.’

Liz couldn’t believe this was happening, she felt like she was trapped in a nightmare, but wasn’t waking up from it. Though things were just beginning for her…

‘Now, first things first. We need to train your lovely little body to accept me. You’re going to make me very happy, and in return I’ll make sure you enjoy everything just as much as I do.’ His left hand slid up her thigh under her nightgown, she tried squirming away but he was bold with his movements and didn’t let her squirming deter him.

Tom grabbed both of her wrists and held them at her back in one hand, his other hand managed to get between her thighs and he started slowly touching her. She tried clamping her thighs closed, but his hand was already where it needed to be. Now and then he pinched her inner thigh, to make her open her legs more.

‘Now, now, come on. I’m making this easier for you, little princess. Need to get you nice and wet before you can take my cock. Don’t want it to hurt, do you?’ He whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her.

‘I don’t want this at all.’ She sobbed, but Tom ignored her.

He slowly rubbed her clit and through her folds, carefully working her up. And it worked, even if her brain didn’t want it to, her body had a mind of its own. Tom grinned widely and kissed her shoulder when he felt the start of her arousal, using it so he could circle her clit more.

‘See, you do want this. Daddy knows best, you just need to accept it and trust me.’ He purred.

Liz just cried quietly, she accepted she wasn’t going to get away or get him to stop. She shouldn’t have trusted him, shouldn’t have accepted his offer of a ride…

It didn’t take too long before Liz couldn’t hold back a small moan, the pleasure was coursing through her veins as he stroked her clit in just the right way, she couldn’t help herself.

‘That’s it, my good girl. You’ll come for me, then you’ll be ready.’ He coaxed softly and carefully inserted a long finger up into her, his thumb took over playing with her clit.

‘No, no…’ She whimpered in defeat, one more attempt at pulling free from him failed. Then he forced her into an orgasm as he curled his finger and found her g spot, rubbing firmly on it worked wonders and she came all over his hand.

‘Ohhh yes, that’s it.’ Tom moaned. ‘Now, you should be ready to take my cock.’

He briefly let her go and placed her down on the bed so he could unzip his trousers. Liz curled herself up, yet was all out of tears. She couldn’t believe the way her body betrayed her like that. When she looked over at him and saw the size of him, she panicked.

‘Nu uh, uh.’ Tom tsked at her as she tried to slide off the bed.

They had a small scuffle as she really tried to fight him off, but soon found herself with his tie around her wrists behind her back and she was positioned over him as he sat on the bed with his back against the headboard.

‘That’s it, ease down onto Daddy’s cock, princess.’ He purred and gripped her hips, positioning her cunt right over his cock.

Liz tried pulling her hands free but his tie was too tight and began digging into her skin the more she struggled. She let out a cry when she was pulled down onto him and the tip of his cock pressed into her.

‘Ohhh, that’s it. Look at your lovely little pussy, opening up for me.’ He growled.

Tom smoothed his hands up and down her sides, then he went back to her hips and pulled her down further on him. As the tip of his cock slipped further into her, she let out a gasp. Her body was tight and started squeezing down on him, needing to adjust to the intrusion.

‘Fuck… You feel so good, princess.’ Tom groaned and buried his fingers into her hips more.

He looked down and could see that she wasn’t even halfway down on his cock yet.

‘No… it’s too much. Please stop. No more.’ Liz begged between panting.

‘Shhh, it’s alright princess. You were made for me, I will fit. You just need to relax a little more, just a bit more to go.’ Tom cooed and began to rub her clit.

He pulled her down a little further, she felt so full and like taking anymore would be completely impossible.

Tom slid a hand round to her back and he started stroking her back, reassuring her. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. ‘Such a good girl for Daddy, taking his cock so deep. I’m so proud of you.’

Liz was completely confused, scared, aroused... Everything at once. She thought it was finally over, that he was in her as deep as he could go. Though when she looked down between them, she realised there was still a few more inches to go and she let out a whimper.

‘Just a little more to go, then you can relax and just keep Daddy’s cock warm. Then, tomorrow, you’ll be ready for me to fuck you so hard you won’t remember anything else.’

He thrust his hips upwards at the same time as he pulled her down, filling her up completely. She panted hard as her cunt clenched around him, adjusting to him. It helped some when Tom paid some more attention to her clit again, though she didn’t want to admit it.

‘There we go. See? Not so bad now, huh? Just settle nicely and keep me warm. I told you that Daddy would take care of you, I wouldn’t be so mean to just fuck you without letting your body adjust. I know it’s a little scary, but you’re my brave good girl and I’m so proud of you.’ He stopped rubbing her clit to reach up and smooth her hair back from her face.

Liz was defeated and all she could focus on was how full she felt, how his cock was pressing against every single bit of her inside. To her dismay, he felt so good now the deep pain of the stretch was easing...

‘You’re mine now, princess. And this is where you belong.’ Tom hummed and gripped her chin as he kissed her on the lips.

[supercalifragipopculturevomit]

THE BEST OF DANIEL BRÜHL

It’s dumb, honestly.

You get this seemingly brilliant idea of turning to foreign films so you’re forced to read subtitles and focus—a problem you’ve been noticing of late—but in doing so, you end up with a more destructive distraction.

“Who’s that guy, again? The one in all those international productions?” That’s how I found myself on my Daniel Brühl marathon-turned-obsession.

It was his role as the cute Nazi in Inglorious Basterds that first put him on my radar. Over the years, I would see him in The Fifth Estate, Burnt, Woman in Gold, The Zookeeper’s Wife, and The King’s Man. Midway through All Quiet on the Western Front, I was like, “All this needs is that German actor…” and I had to chuckle when he later appeared on screen. I also checked out the first season of The Alienist because I was intrigued by what he and Dakota Fanning as leads would do with such a spooky-looking show.

Adorable as he was in his breakout role in Good Bye, Lenin!, it was his performance in the critically-acclaimed Rush that caused me to spiral. Similar to when Benedict Cumberbatch took on the modern version of Sherlock, it was like seeing Brühl with new eyes. His playful take on Helmut Zemo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was the final nail in the coffin. I don’t imagine it’s all too different from what Tom Hiddleston did to fans of Marvel as Loki.

I’m actually at the tail-end of this obsession now that I’ve seen everything I can get a hold of—around 39 films, two TV shows, a documentary, a music video, countless interviews, a bunch of ads, and a handful of fan cuts—but he has a lot of works worth recommending so I thought I would share them on here. This will mostly be a subjective list with priority on projects I found most interesting which showcase his range best. Like, I enjoyed The Bourne Ultimatum but he was on screen for a total of 2 minutes so I wouldn’t include that here.

RUSH (2013) This biographical sports film written by Peter Morgan—the man behind The Crown—centers on the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda in the 70s. Not a fan of F1 or sports in general. I have nothing against either, just zero interest. But this character-driven film, much like Ford vs Ferrari, had me at the edge of my seat the entire ride. And it surprisingly has one of the best meet-cutes—and accidental wingmen—I’ve seen yet.

Brühl delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in this role. For someone who needed a lot of convincing he could do the character justice, he truly went above and beyond. For one, he befriended and studied Lauda, the iconic F1 figure he was portraying. No easy feat considering Lauda being, well… Lauda. In interviews, Brühl recounts the story of the memorable invite he got from Lauda to meet in Vienna. This would be their first meeting and Lauda told Brühl outright that he should only bring hand luggage so he can piss off if they don’t like each other.

He would end up staying a few days and buying additional clothes.

He also spent a month in Vienna to nail the accent, making sure to capture the arrogance and irony innate to it. And although he got driver training for the role, he also considered the tiniest details like which went on first: helmet or gloves? There was also the tricky business of looking graceful entering a tiny F1 car—a bigger challenge for Chris Hemsworth who plays Hunt—but an obstacle all the same.

All the hard work paid off. It was well-received by audiences, critics, and the F1 world. The first time Lauda saw the film he went, “Holy shit, that’s really me”. Lauda’s friends thought he did voiceover work for it. Director Ron Howard was so pleased with Brühl’s performance that he went out of his way to show an unfinished cut of the movie to the producers of The Fifth Estate (2013). This gracious act would land Brühl the co-lead role opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.

GOOD BYE, LENIN! (2003) Can't tell if it's just because the two films have the same composer and were created around the same time, but this tragicomedy set in East Germany reminded me so much of my beloved Amélie. This is definitely more dramatic and political but it has that same mix of whimsy, heart, and charm. With its budget, it was meant to be an indie film, but the story of a son who would recreate a faux-socialist world to keep his mother alive captured the heartstrings of audiences, not just in Germany but also worldwide. Brühl plays the son and his success with this film was a double-edged sword: although it would open doors for him internationally, he would also be typecast as the “nice guy” in his home country.

INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (2009) This has one of the best, most intense opening sequences in all of cinema… and one of the greatest villains. In this wild alternate universe from Quentin Tarantino, he rewrites the ending of World War II. It’s the right balance of dark, hilarious, and entertaining—my favorite from the auteur’s works. Here Brühl plays a cute and charming Nazi, which is very confusing to the senses.

Aside from Brühl, it was also my first introduction to Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, and Melanie Laurent—all fantastic European actors who’ve crossed over to Hollywood after the success of this movie. “Crossing over” seems ubiquitous now but, at that time, giving most of the lead roles to then relatively unknown actors must have been a risk. But for this, it was necessary. Language plays a huge part in this trilingual film and casting native speakers grounded it in authenticity. Tarantino originally had Leonardo di Caprio in mind to play Hans Landa. Whether he meant for him to learn German or to speak English with a German accent, who knows. Either way, it’s safe to say that would have been a different film.

THE EDUKATORS / DIE FETTEN JAHRE SIND VORBEI (2004) This anti-capitalist film, which has become a cult classic, captures the spirit, idealism, recklessness, and angst of young revolutionaries who just want a better world. Where one stands on the measures taken, or even their sentiment, can be considered a litmus test. With or without reference to this quote from the movie—“Under 30 and not liberal, no heart. Over 30 and still liberal, no brain.”—is up to the viewer.

There needs to be a suspension of disbelief for the series of events that takes place but the setting is necessary for the clash of worlds to happen. It’s not a perfect movie but the issues they debate about in length… they’re still discussions we’re having nearly 20 years later.

p.s. this has my favorite behind-the-scenes of all of Brühl’s projects. Though he hasn’t lost his sense of humor, he seems to have become more reserved as he got older. HERE, at this period in his life, he’s a total goofball bordering on loose cannon.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER (2021) Though I’ve enjoyed quite a few MCU movies, I’m not invested in the universe at all, so watching this wasn’t a priority. In fact, I was ready to settle on YouTube compilations made by devoted fans of all the scenes Brühl was in. Upon seeing clips, however, I got intrigued by his character so I still ended up watching the miniseries and also Captain America: Civil War (2016).

Both were better than I expected. Civil War is more serious, while TFATWS is more playful, but both face relevant issues along with formidable foes. Brühl’s villain in Helmut Zemo is fascinating because he tears the mighty Avengers apart with mere patience, fury, and intelligence… and his motivations are understandable. He lets his character loose in TFATWS—at one point, on the dance floor—and it’s magnificent. His mission is still the same, but this time he does it with a lot of charm, humor, and fabulous Sokovian style. A Turkish delight, personified.

ME AND KAMINSKI / ICH UND KAMINSKI (2015) Brühl’s Sebastian Zöllner is a repulsive and sleazy journalist who has greasy hair and wears too much cologne but I can’t get enough of his chaotic energy. His magnum opus is hitched on a legendary artist dying and his fantasy is to turn the orphaned daughter into a sugar mommy. It’s all kinds of messed up but he plays the hell out of the smarmy dirtbag so it’s a lot of fun. This is Brühl’s second collaboration with Wolfgang Becker, who directed Good Bye, Lenin! Daniel Kehlmann, the writer whose eponymous book this film was based on, would later write Brühl’s directorial debut, Nebenan.

NO REGRETS / NICHTS BEUREUEN (2001) This is reminiscent of the slightly problematic but highly enjoyable teen comedies and coming-of-age films of the 90s. It’s like an edgier Can’t Hardly Wait: boy goes through cringe-worthy measures to get the girl he’s long been pining for, his two closest pals have nothing but dumb advice to offer, yet he still ends up on the path to self-discovery. It’s awkward, chaotic, frustrating, and beautiful—but such is adolescence.

Brühl and his co-star Jessica Schwarz fall in love on the set of this film. And although they would break up years later, the tenderness between their scenes together is palpable and there’s something rather bittersweet about seeing that captured in perpetuity.

For a more straightforward rom-com, he has Lila, Lila (2009). It’s about a guy who passes off a manuscript as his own to impress a girl and the hilarity that follows. It’s on YouTube for those who need a fun and light watch.

THE ALIENIST (2018 – 2020) Based on the novel of the same name, this moody psychological thriller set in late 19th century New York follows a psychiatrist—then called an Alienist—who investigates a series of grisly murders with methods still considered new and controversial at that time, such as psychology and fingerprinting. He gets by with a little help from his friends, John Moore, an illustrator for the New York Times, and Sara Howard, a society woman who works in the NYPD.

In the lead role of Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, Brühl plays the dark, complex, and mysterious Alienist whose study of mental pathologies and deviant behaviors reveals much of himself and his past.

LESSONS OF A DREAM / DER GANZ GROßE TRAUM (2011) This film is loosely based on Konrad Koch, an educator and pioneer who brought football to Germany in the late 19th century. In the movie, the sport is used as a means to pique students’ interest in the English language and culture—both considered barbaric by the Germans at that time. A heartwarming tale of a teacher who overcomes insurmountable odds and inspires students along the way, it’s the German equivalent of Dead Poet’s Society.

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (2022) This story, the third adaptation of the 1929 novel, “Im Westen nichts Neues”, conveys the futility of war like no other. There aren't as many films on World War I as there are on World War II, fewer ones that tell it from a German perspective, so this is doubly unique in that regard. Powerful watch but 10/10 not like to relive it again. Apart from producing it with his company, Amusement Park, Brühl plays Matthias Erzberger, the German State Secretary who pushes for armistice talks with the Allied forces.

An ideal companion watch to this would be Joyeux Noël / Merry Christmas (2005), another WWI movie Brühl stars in, which depicts the unbelievable Christmas truce between French, German, and Scottish soldiers in 1914. His linguistic ability shines here as he shifts between German, French, and English effortlessly. (Half German, half Spanish, Brühl speaks a total of five languages: those three plus Spanish and Catalan.)

The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017) and Alone in Berlin (2016) also recognize the bravery of defiance at the height of tyrannical regimes. Although between the two, I would skip the latter.

JOHN RABE (2009) This biographical film set in China tells the incredible true story of a German businessman who uses his Nazi Party membership to create an International Safety Zone in Nanking. This was in the late 1930s, during the Rape of Nanjing. In this six-week carnage by the Imperial Japanese Army—which includes sexual assault, mutilations, and killing contests—upwards of 200,000 Chinese are brutally murdered. The protective zone manages to save around the same number of civilians.

Brühl doesn’t play the titular Rabe, but his character, Dr. Georg Rosen, is one of few Westerners who decides to remain and protect Nanking even as conflict escalates. Dr. Rosen was a German Diplomat instrumental in the creation of the safety zone.

p.s. with all these heroic roles in his catalog, I’m convinced Brühl would be a frontrunner to play President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, should a movie be made about him and Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. You heard it here first.

NEXT DOOR / NEBENAN (2021) This is Brühl’s directorial debut. Here he plays a darker, fictionalized version of himself. Definitely not for everyone but quite enjoyable if you’re familiar with his major works and public persona, appreciate the ingenuity of one-location movies, and delight in British-style meta humor.

Pre-requisite viewing for maximum enjoyment: Good Bye, Lenin!, Captain America: Civil War, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

[valiantphantomangel]

A/n: this is my delayed Christmas gift to you all, I hope you enjoy and a happy new year 🎊 🫶.

New years shenanigans

"Y/N get out of bed, the fireworks are about to start!" Robert yelled from downstairs and you groan before pulling a pillow over your head to silence the shouting.

You and the marvel cast were invited by RDJ to spend the night at his mansion to celebrate the New Year and watch the fireworks since his mansion looked over the city.

But you being you, got tired and decided to take a nap (over sleeping and not wanting to leave the warmth of the bed) and now it was almost midnight when the fireworks would start.

"I swear to god come down now or me, Hiddleston and Evans will come and drag you down!"

"But this bed is so warm" you whined softly as you snuggled further under the blankets.

"Alright that's it" Robert yelled and you heard 3 pairs of footsteps coming upstairs, you squealed and quickly pulled the blankets over your head to hide before the door was opened.

You heard them coming closer before Tom Hiddleston ripped your blanket off and tackled you onto the bed as you tried to run away.

"Now that's not very polite Little Dove" Tom mused as Chris Evans pulled your arms over your head and Robert took your feet in a chokehold to keep them still.

"SorRYHAHHAHAHA" i burst out laughing as Tom suddenly digged into my ribs.

"What did you say? I couldn't quite hear you there, did you hear her Evans"? Robert said with a grin as he traced your soles.

"Nope I didn't understand a thing" Chris grinned and tickled your neck softly.

"GHAHAHHHA YOU JERK'SHAHHAHAHAH"!

They all faux gasped and you knew you were done for, all of them went full in on your death spots.

It. Was. Torture.

Your scream of laughter went through the mansion as you trashed around, your face red from all the laughing.

"Are you going to come out of bed now?" Tom asked with a smirk as he looked down at you.

"YESHAHHAHAHA"!

"You promise?"

"I PROMISEHIHIHIHIHIHI"!

They let you go and you immediately curled up into a ball "i hate you guys" you mutter with some soft giggles as the ghost tickles slowly went away.

"You love us, now come on or we are gonna be late for the fireworks" Chris smiled and pulled you to your feet.

You all rushed downstairs to the rest of the cast who stood outside, counting down the last seconds of 2023.

"They got you too huh"? Scarlet asked as she wrapped her arm around your shoulders.

"Yeah" you said with a soft chuckle.

"Those three are a serious pain sometimes" Sebastian said as he stood next to you.

"Oh you love us" Chris grinned as he punched Sebastian shoulder and quickly stood next to Hemsworth for protection as Seb looked at him daringly.

"5"

"4"

"3"

"2"

"1"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR"!!

You all hugged each other as the sky littered with fireworks, illuminating the night's sky.

And as you stood there, in the arms of people who truly loved you, you couldn't believe how lucky you are.

The marvel cast is a family and you were honored to be part of it.

[daydreamingmia]

Walker Scobell X Reader | Series | You Belong With Me🔱 Part 15

Thor Premiere

A/n: I know that movies aren't made this fast but they are here😁

You were looking in your closet deciding what to wear. Yes it was just to the hair and makeup trailer...but still!  Today was the Premire for Thor: Ragnarock!

You hear the front door of the house open and footsteps.

"Hey!!" You hear two people say in unison

You turn and see Chris (Hemsworth) and Tom (Hiddleston) smiling

"Omg!! Hi guys!!" You rush to hug them

"What are you doing here?" You ask smiling

"Oh uhhh...just wanted to see how you're doing. Is a...is Walker here?" Chris asks

"Uhhh...no. why?" You say suspicious of them

Just them Walker comes in the room

"What are you doing guys?" Walker says to Chris and Tom

"What's going on?" You ask

"Ummmm...welll..." Chris and Tom stutter

"See! I told you! She doesn't even know what she's gonna wear!" Walker points to your closet that was torn apart

"Uhhh...what are you guys talking about?" You ask

"You're coming with us" Walker states as he grabs you from behind

"Grab her legs!" He yells

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" You scream

"You're going in your pajamas! You will never get to the premiere on time if you don't!" Walker says as they carry you down the stairs

"YOU GUYS ARE IN ON THIS?!!!!!" You yell at Chris and Tom

"Ummm...well...Walker kinda called us and asked for us to come because he said you would fight and he needed backup" Tom explained as you were punching Walker

"See" Walker says looking down at you

Chris opens the door and you almost get out of Walker grip

"Would you stop fighting me!! I'm gonna drop you and accidentally ruin your pretty face" Walker says and you can help but blush

"Awww! She blushed! She must really love you" Tom taunts

"Shut up!" You yell at him and blush even more

They put you in the car and Walker sat next to you in the backseat

You punch him in the stomach and he flinched

"Why aren't you hitting them?" Walker asks holding his stomach

"Because this was your idiotic idea!" You smack the back of his head

-

You get there and Chris and Tom leave to their trailers.

When you enter the trailer and there was food already sitting there.

"Oooo!!! Who loves me enough to get me this" you ask excitedly and take a sip from the milkshake

"Well I am pretty amazing" Walker jokes

"You did this?" You ask with a huge smile on your face

"Yep" He says

You just leap foward and kiss him

"I love you so much!" You smile at him and look into his eyes

"I love you too my precious" Walker replies sweetly

-

It was several hours later and you were ready for the premire.

"You look so handsome" you smile to Walker as you hug his back while he ties the tie

"I know" He jokes

He turns and looks at you

"WOW" He says looking at you still fiddling with his tie

"What? Do I have food in my teeth?" You ask worried

"No! You look...you look...wow! YOU. ARE. STUNNING." He says

"Awww!! Thank you!" You blush as he kisses you

"Now I belive we have a premiere to go to" He says holding your hand

-

You get to the red carpet and the cameras start flashing faster. People screaming your name at the top of their lungs. You go up to a reporter.

"Hi y/n! Let me just say you look gorgeous tonight." She says

"Aww thank you!" You reply

"SHE LOOKS HOT!" One of the paparazzi guys yells disgustingly

You just ignore him but when you look at Walker but he's not. He's giving him a "if you say that one more time I'll come over there are make you sorry you were born!" glare

You continued down the red carpet cameras flashing. Walker holding your waist. Smiling for the pictures when you heard someone scream something

"DAMN HER ASS LOOKS SOO HOT IN THAT DRESS!" the same guy screams

Walker takes a step foward but you stop him

"Walker it's okay. Just ignore him" You say rubbing his back soothingly

"He has no right to talk to you like that!" Walker says seething with anger

"It's okay. Just ignore him. He's drunk and an idiot." You say softly and kiss him

And he smiles

-

You were taking pictures with fans now. Walker was talking to a reporter somewhere. The drunk guy walks up to you.

"Hey baby can I get a picture?" He says looking at you up and down

"Uhhh...sure...I guess" you say caught off guard

You look around for Walker but see no trace of him

The guy gives you the phone and you hold it up to take the picture. But then you feel the guys hand around your waist. Very low. He pulls you closer to him and you wince. Then out of nowhere Walker jumps in and pushes the guy away.

"Hey man whats your problem?!" The guy yells

"If you so much as look at her again I will kill you and bury your body in my backyard." Walker threatens

"Do you understand me?" Walker says through his teeth

"Oh no. Percy Jackson is trying to threaten me. That's not very hero like now is it?" The guy mocks

Walker gets in his face

"I warned you" Walke rsays one last time

Walker turns and puts his arm around your waist and leads you away

You burry your face in his neck and he kisses the top of your head

"You okay?" He asks softly

"Yeah. Now that you're here" You reply

-

It was about 20 minutes later and so far you haven't seen the guy again. Walker must've scared him off. You were walking though a big crowd. There was 5 security guards around you (including Walker 🤭)

All of a sudden the guy jumped from the crowd and spanked you

Walker turned around as fast as lightning and punched the guy in the face and the guy went flying backwards

"Get him out of here! I don't wanna see his face ever again." Walker says obviously furious

The security guards grabbed the guy by the arms and dragged him away. The guy was screaming something to you but you couldn't hear it.

"I love you so much" You say appreciative

"I love you more" He replies and kisses you and hugs you

-

It was now time to take pictures with the rest of the cast. You stand between Chris and Tom and look over to see Walker standing on the side waiting for you. On high alert looking for the guy or anybody else who would mess with you.

"Is everything okay? Walker looks mad?" Tom asks (none of the cast knew what happened)

"Ummm...yeah...there was just this annoying guy earlier...but Walker scared him away" You stuttered

"Wait. What happened?" Chris asks

"This guy touched me and was saying gross things about me so Walker punched the guy and he was kicked out." You explain like it was nothing

"WHERE IS THIS GUY?!?!" Chris and Tom say in unison furiously

"I don't know he was kicked out." You shrug

They look at eachother and nod

"Well...we'll be right back" Chris says and they both walk away

Walker then comes over to you

"Where are they going?" He asks

"They are going to find that guy...btw we might need to testify for them in the murder trial" You joke

"Good! That guy deserves whatever comes to him" Walker sys still mad

"He's gonna get beaten up by Thor and Loki. I feel sorry for the guy" You joke again

-

After the premire you got in the limo with Walker

"Hey you want ice cream?" He asks smiling

"Uhhh...duh!" You reply

-

You got to the ice cream shop and everyone was looking at the two of you...duh

"You're...you're...omg...what can I get you?" The girl says really excited and soo stunned

"I'll have the chocolate and she'll have...what do you want?" He asks

"I'll have the cookies and cream" You reply

"Okay!!" The girl replies

You feel so many eyes on you so you turn a little and peek to see everyone's phones pointed at you

Some trying to be sneaky like they're calling someone (but their flash was on) and other were on live stream you assume because they were whispering (VERY loudly)

"Guys! Y/n and Walker Scobell are getting ice cream!!"

Walker looks down at you and sees you shiver

"Here my princess" He says as he takes off his suit coat and puts it around your shoulders

He wraps you in a bear hug and kisses you

"I love you sooo much! You are the girl I've dreamed of" He whispers in your ear and you blush

"You're the guy I dreamed of my whole life. Everything about you is exactly what I wanted." You smile and kiss him

"...well...you are really annoying and that wasn't in my dreams but whatever" you joke

"Yeah yeah" He kisses the top of your head

"H-here" the girl stutters as the hands you the ice cream

"Thank you" You and Walker say in unison

When you turn around you see at least 29 paparazzi people outside

"Noooo" You whine

Walker puts his hand on your waist and brings you toward him

You start to walk outside and the lights were soo bright

Walker covers your face with his hand and you bury your face in his neck

He opens the car door for you and you step inside

Once you started driving the paparazzi tried to follow you but your driver was really good at hiding from the aparazzi

After about 10 minutes you finished your I've cream

"That was soooo good!: you say and look at Walker as he quickly shovels the I've cream in his mouth

"What are you doing?!" You ask with a little giggle

"Nothing" Walker replies bit you can barely understand him because his mouth is full

"Why are you eating so fast?" You ask confused

"Ummm...ao you won't take it" He admits

"Are you serious?!" You say and he nods

"I'm not gonna take your ice cream you idiot" You say and smack the back of his head

"Thank you" He smiles still not trusting you

He turns to you and his face was covered with ice cream

"Haha do you know what you look like?" You laugh

"Am I covered in ice cream?" He giggles

"Yeah. But you still look handsome" you reply

"Well thank you. You do too." He smiles

"Oh no! Am I covered in ice cream too? You ask worried

"No but you will be in two minutes" he replies

"What's happening I'm two minutes?" You ask confused

In two minutes you will finally say that looks soo good! And then I'll say do you want some. Then you'll say yes but only one bite and then you'll leave me nothing."

You just watch him eat his ice cream

"That looks so good!" You say with basically heart emoji eyes

"Do you want some?" He sighs

"Only a bite" You smile

And bout 5 minutes later you handed him the empty bowl

"Hm...I guess you were right" He say smugly

"Well I am always right soo..." He jokes

"Yeah sure" You roll your eyes

"I was right when I picked you to be my girlfriend" He smiles at you

"Awww!" You blush

-

You didn't know when but you fell asleep in Walker's lap. He laid his coat over you and was stroking your hair with his hand.

"Y/n we are here" He whispers in your ear

"What?" You mumble

"We are at your house" He replies

"Oh okay" You mumble as he helps you sit up

You step out of the car and he walks you to the door

"Hey thank you for protecting me tonight" You say

"Of course!!!! If that creep ever gets near you again you call me and I'll be there before you hand up the phone." He smiles down at you

"Aww! Thank you!! I will. But I think you freaked him out too much for him to come back" You giggle

"Well I am pretty threatening" He says in a funny voice as you giggle

He kisses you

"Goodnight my princess" you looks in your eyes

"Goodnight my prince" you look in his

----

Walker's POV

"I'm furious that idiot was disgusting to y/n! What can I do? I know!

I scroll through my phone and find Taylor's phone number and call

Mother

Hey Walker! (She sounded like she just woke up)

Hi

Is everything okay?

umm...yeah kind of...

Oh no!! Is it y/n? Is she okay?! Did something happen????

No no she's not hurt

Sooo...what happened?

Well there was this paparazzi guy who was hitting on y/n. He kept cat calling <INSERT> hey and saying really gross thing. But he spanked her...

WHAT?!

Yeah. I punched the guy but I never wanna see his face again sooo...

Awww!! I love that you defend her!!

I will defend her until the day i die. Anyway soo...could you get that guy like banned from seeing y/n or something?

As her guardian too ill get a restraining order...

Yes!! Of course!! Im doing it right now!! I'll also talk to y/n tomorrow about pressing charges

Thank you I was so worried that he would do something to her when I want around to help her

-

The call ended and I decided to scroll through instagram...bad move...there were pictures everywhere of what happened

"Ugh" I thought to myself

I put my phone down and tried to go to sleep

-----

A/n: Hiii everyone!! Sorry this took so long!! I wrote a different chapter to post but I decided not to. Please forgive me for being slow!! I'm so sorry!!

If you like this story please like, comment, share!! AND THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR READING!! I really appreciate all the love and support!! I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!

Love you all soo much!!!

P.S. thought you guys might like it to be posted on Tuesday this time bc PJO isn't airing new episode anymore💖

Xoxo

Tags: @noajakah236482 @the-tortured-poets-depxrtment @walker-scobell-obsessed @yeeteddemigod

[lindsey-laufeyson]

Distractions- Chapter 6

Distractions Masterlist

Pairing: Reader x FWB!Tom Hiddleston

Series Warnings: SMUT, fluff, angst, friends with benefits

When you got up the next morning practically your whole body was sore. Tom was sleeping soundly, so you did your best to muffle your groans as you got ready for work. Every little movement you made hurt. You could tell it was going to be a long day.

At work, you attempted to hide how sore you were, but it didn’t take long for Kaitlyn to notice, at which point you told her you’d gone to the gym for the first time in ages. 

Once Tom arrived, he also clearly noticed you were in pain, but didn’t say anything about it until he texted you shortly after leaving your trailer. 

...

“Hello, darling,” Tom greeted you that evening at his house, pulling you in for a hug. You wrapped your arms around his waist and groaned against his chest, causing him to chuckle.

“It’s not funny,” you grumbled into his sweater.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized, despite the hint of amusement still in his voice. He gently rubbed your back. “Though, I do hope you aren’t regretting our fun last night.”

You pulled back to look up at him. “How about I let you know after that bath you promised.”

“Fair enough,” he replied, chuckling again. He took your hand in his. “Come on then,” and he led you to his ensuite. 

It felt a bit odd, being at Tom’s without the intention of sex, but he insisted, and given how exhausted and sore you were, you weren’t going to say no to a hot man offering a hot bath. 

You entered the bathroom to find a steaming hot bubble bath prepared in the large clawfoot tub with several candles creating a soft glow in the room. This man is definitely hoping to get laid tonight, you thought, smiling and shaking your head. Tom didn’t notice, as he was adding more epsom salts to the water. Then he turned back to you.

“I hope the water is a good temp for you,” he said, placing his hands on your arms and softly rubbing his thumbs back and forth. “There is a towel next to the tub and a robe hanging on the back of the door. Take as long as you like, and let me know if you need anything else, okay?” You couldn’t help the puzzled look that crossed your face. “What?” he asked.

“You aren’t going to stay?” you asked, surprised.

“I thought maybe you’d like some peace and quiet to just relax, but I can stay if you like.”

You shrugged and smiled. “I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“Then I’d be happy to stay,” he responded sweetly, before grabbing a small stool from the corner of the room and pulling it up next to the tub to sit. As he did this, you began to undress. After taking off your shirt, you began to feel his eyes on you, despite the fact that you were facing the other way. You turned around as you removed your bra, and sure enough, you caught Tom’s gaze before he quickly looked down at the floor, unable to hide a slight smirk. 

“You’re allowed to look, you know,” you told him, giggling a little. “It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before.”

He looked back up at you and smirked, his eyes wandering to your bare breasts. You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t turning you on: him sitting there, watching you strip. The moment was quickly ruined however, when you couldn’t help but groan in pain as you bent over to remove your leggings, putting a strain on your aching legs, hips, and back. 

Tom’s smile faded. “Let me help you with that, sweetheart.” He rushed over to you and knelt in front of you, pulling your leggings and panties down so you could easily step out of them. Then he stood up, took you by the hand, and helped you into the tub. 

You thanked him before slowly sinking down into the tub. You couldn’t help but moan as your body was engulfed in the hot, soothing water. “Ooooh god, yes.” Once you sat down, you stretched your legs out in front of you and leaned back, resting your head on the bath pillow behind you and closing your eyes. 

Tom snickered as he sat back down on the stool, leaning an elbow on the edge of the tub. “I take it the bath is satisfactory then.” 

With your eyes still closed, you responded with a hum of contentment. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to leave you alone?” he asked with a chuckle.

You lazily shook your head. “Mm-mm.” You heard Tom chuckle again, as well as the stool dragging across the tile until the sound stopped just behind you. Then you felt his large hands slip behind your neck, beginning to massage the sore muscles there. “Fuuuuck, that feels good.” 

“If you keep moaning like that, we’re going to have a problem,” Tom teased you.

You giggled as you briefly peaked up at him with one eye opened. “Sorry!”

“Are you though?” he asked skeptically.

“Mostly,” you replied honestly, making him laugh.

After Tom skillfully massaged your neck and shoulders, ushering a few more accidental moans from you in the process, you slowly opened your eyes to look hazily up at him. “Has anyone told you that your fingers are magic?”

“I believe you have once before, but it was for a different reason,” he joked.

“Ha. Ha,” you responded sarcastically, lifting your head as you watched him return to his previous spot next to the tub. “But seriously, would you be willing to do my legs too? Pretty please?” You exaggeratedly batted your eyelashes for the last bit.

“I would be more than willing to, but it would require either you to get out of the bath or me to get in with you.”

“The more the merrier,” you said, gesturing to the water in front of you and flashing him a smile.

He feigned a sigh, as if you’d just assigned him a chore, then stood up and began taking off his clothes. You watched him just as he had watched you, and when he removed his boxer briefs, his dick bounced straight up. You tried and failed to bite back a smirk. 

“Well, what do you expect when I have a naked woman moaning in my bathtub?” he said as he climbed into the tub. He settled in so that the two of you were facing one another and sitting between each other’s feet, your legs over his. If you had moved closer, you’d be straddling him, but you knew your body wouldn’t allow it today. 

Once he was comfortable, he took your foot in his hands and started kneading his thumbs into the sole. You sighed heavily as you sank further into the water. “So, have you had many naked women moaning in your bathtub?” you teased.

He looked up from what he was doing, while his hands continued their work on the ball of your foot. “You would be the first,” he told you.

You raised your eyebrows out of genuine surprise. “Really?”

“I’m not sure why you’re so shocked,” he said with an amused smile.

You looked at him skeptically. “How am I, out of all people, the first woman to be in your bath?”

“Because you needed it,” he answered as if it was a silly question. “You were in pain, darling.” 

“You mean it’s not a ploy for sex?” you asked, quirking an eyebrow and narrowing your gaze.

“Why on earth would it be? You’re in no shape for sex tonight; you said it yourself. I’m only trying to take care of you.”

You thought about what he said for a moment, as you watched him finish massaging one foot and moving on to the other. Then your expression turned quizzical, tilting your head and furrowing your brow. “Was it difficult?”

“Was what difficult?” he asked, confused.

“Escaping from whatever romance novel you came from?”

He laughed as he looked up at you. “Is that a pick up line, or an insult?” 

“It’s a genuine question!”

Pausing for a moment, his smile faded in realization. “You’re not accustomed to someone taking care of you just for the sake of it, are you?”

This caught you off guard. “I guess I just prefer to take care of myself most of the time.”

“Why is that?” he asked thoughtfully.

You shrugged. “Because I know what I need more than anyone else and that way I don’t owe anyone anything.”

He stopped massaging your foot and looked at you with pity in his eyes. “Oh, sweet girl,” he began in a soft, kind tone. “Please don’t tell me you believe that just because someone does something for you that you owe them something in return.”

You returned his sympathetic gaze with one of skepticism. “Tommy, I know you’re a romanticist, but that’s just how the real world works. Everything is a transaction, whether it’s intended or not.”

“No, darling, you’ve just been taken care of by the wrong sort of people,” he retorted. 

“Okay, you’re not wrong there,” you admitted, thinking back to your parents, as well as your past relationships. “Are you implying that you’re the right sort of person?”

He gave you a warm smile as he picked up your leg again and placed your heel on his shoulder so that he could begin massaging your calf muscles. “I’d like to think so, but you actually have to trust me and let go of this idea that I have some ulterior motive.”

“I’ll try my best.” You smiled back at him before leaning your head back on the bath pillow and enjoying the rest of your massage.

As Tom’s hands made their way up your legs, he inched closer to you in order to reach every inch of your thigh muscles. With one leg draped over his shoulder, the other resting by his hip, and his dexterous digits slowly making their way up your thigh, it was becoming increasingly difficult to try to ignore the erotic charge between your bodies. Doing your best to keep your eyes closed and your body relaxed, you silently wished your pussy wasn’t still aching from the night before. You couldn’t help but picture him slipping a finger inside of you, stroking you, teasing you, until you begged for more…

“Everything alright, darling?” Tom’s voice pulled you from your thoughts.

You lifted your head and looked at him, a dazed look on your face. “Hmm?” was all you managed in response.

“You’re suddenly breathing fairly hard for someone who is supposed to be relaxing.”

“Oh? I, um, didn’t realize,” you replied, flustered. “I think I’m just hot… from the bath, that is.”

He inhaled deeply, as if catching his own breath as well. “It is rather hot, isn’t it,” he agreed, gently taking your leg off his shoulder and backing up to the other end of the tub again. “Why don’t we get out and I’ll go get us some ice water and meet you down in the lounge.” He stood up and stepped out of the tub. Your eyes immediately snapped to his still very erect penis, but you pulled them away, not wanting to get any more aroused than you already were. Then he held out his hand to help you climb out as well. You smiled warmly at each other as you took his hand and stepped out. His smile quickly turned to a look of concern, however, when his gaze dropped to your hips. 

“What’s wrong?” You asked, looking down and turning around in an attempt to see what he was looking at.

“The bruises on your hips!” 

You leaned to one side and craned your neck to examine yourself. Sure enough, you could see a few very small bruises on either side of your hips. “Oh, I bruise so easily that half the time I don’t even know where they come from,” you told him nonchalantly.

“Unfortunately, I believe these one’s came from me,” he said, looking sincerely apologetic. 

You furrowed your brow in confusion. “What do you mean?”

He moved to stand behind you, gently placing his palms on your hips and then eversolightly placed each of his fingertips, one by one, on each little bruise, matching them up perfectly.

“Oh shit,” you breathed.

Tom removed his hand from your hips and moved to stand in front of you once more. “Y/n, I’m so sorry. I never meant to–” he began, but he was quickly cut off by your laughter.

“That is so fucking sexy,” you said through your giggles.

He looked at you, bewildered. “Are you joking?” 

“Of course not!” You looked down, admiring your bruises like little badges of honor. “It’s a nice little visual reminder of just how hard you fucked me last night.” Your eyes returned to him as your lips curled into a smirk. “It’s also as if you’ve marked your territory, which is incredibly hot.”

He laughed. “You make me sound like a dog! Would you like me to pee on you as well?”

“Ew! Don’t be gross,Thomas!” you scolded him through your giggles, giving him a light shove.

He put his hands up in defense. “I’m not one to kink shame.”

You rolled your eyes at him. “My point is, there’s no need to fuss over a few love bruises, alright?”

“If you say so,” he replied with a smile and a nod, placing his hands on your upper arms. “Now, I’m going to get us those waters while you get dressed.” 

“I’ll be right down,” you assured him. 

He blew out the candles and left, leaving you to dry yourself off and grab your clothes before making your way into his bedroom. After putting your clothes in your bag, you considered wearing the bathrobe he had hung on the bathroom door, but, feeling a bit cheeky, you decided you’d be much more comfortable in his clothes. After briefly perusing his wardrobe, you decided to slip on his black pullover hoodie and a pair of his boxers, before heading to the lounge. 

Once there, you found Tom on the sofa in a white t-shirt and gray sweatpants, searching for something to watch. His long legs were bent at the knee and spread wide, a position that drove you wild, and unfortunately, one he seemed to absentmindedly favor. As you stepped down to the sunken lounge and sauntered toward the sofa, you noticed his gaze climb up your bare legs and pause at the large hoodie, before meeting your eyes with a look of playful disapproval. 

“You know, for a woman who finds it so cliché, you are quite the clothing thief,” he teased you. 

“I am not a thief!” you defended as you flopped down next to him, tucking your legs underneath you.

He raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Tell that to my favorite jumper that I haven’t seen in two weeks.”

“It’s washed and folded on top of my dresser as we speak… I just keep forgetting to give it back to you,” you added timidly.

“Mmhmm.” He smiled and shook his head.

“And I promise I’ll give these back before I leave.”

His brows raised in confusion. “Are you wearing something else of mine underneath there?”

“Just a pair of boxers,” you replied coyly, looking down and then back up through your lashes. “Is that okay?” 

There was a flash of excitement in his eyes. He swallowed hard. “More than okay, darling,” he told you sweetly, clearing his throat and quickly turning his attention to the television. A smirk played at the corner of your mouth. Even though you chose to wear his boxers purely for the sake of comfort, you couldn’t help but enjoy the resulting reaction from him, and the fact that he was trying to be good and hide it was surprisingly sexy. You made a note to use this new found turn-on of his to your advantage at a later date. For now however, you were content to simply sink further into the fine leather cushions beneath you and relax your exhausted body.

After some debate, the two of you settled on watching The Jungle Book, a comfort film for you as well as one of Tom’s all-time childhood favorites. As soon as the title credits appeared, you were flooded with a warm wave of nostalgia, causing the rest of your tension to melt away, your body subconsciously leaning closer to Tom’s. 

Scene after scene, each of you would occasionally speak the lines just as the characters said them, Tom perfectly imitating their respective voices with ease, and when the first notes of “The Bare Necessities” played on the screen, you both sang along with unmatched enthusiasm, bursting into a shared fit of laughter at the end of the song. Three quarters of the way into the movie however, your eyelids began to feel heavy, the exhaustion from your long day catching up to you. Despite your best efforts to fight it, eventually your temple took its perch on Tom’s shoulder, your eyes falling shut and the sound of the film fading as sleep overtook you.

…

By the time you opened your eyes again, the television screen was dark and you realized you were no longer sitting up. With a throw blanket now covering your legs, you and Tom were lying on the couch together, your head on his chest with your arm around his waist, his hand resting gently on your shoulder. You realized how exhausted you must have been having not recalled this change in position whatsoever. Tilting your chin, you looked up at Tom, looking peaceful as ever, the hand that wasn’t on you was resting above his head on the arm of the sofa, accentuating his bicep which stretched the short sleeve of his t-shirt. His long eyelashes fluttered slightly above his sharp cheekbones while he snored softly, making you wonder if he was dreaming. You smiled to yourself. He was pretty fucking adorable for a fuck-buddy, though you would never admit that to him.

Yawning, you realized you had no idea what time it was. Carefully you dug your phone out of the front pocket of the hoodie you were wearing to look at the time. It was just past midnight. Reluctantly, you sat up and carefully climbed over Tom to get up from the sofa. You thought you might have woken him when you heard him inhale deeply, but he merely shifted to lay on his side, letting out a long exhale once he was comfortable. Thankful that you didn’t wake him, you quietly padded to his bedroom where you changed back into your own clothes and laid his sweatshirt and boxers on his bed. With your bag in hand, you returned to the lounge and knelt next to the sectional on which he was still sleeping. 

“Hey,” you whispered, gently placing your hand on his cheek and rubbing your thumb back and forth. Without opening his eyes, he gave an almost inaudible hum. “I’m gonna head home.” 

His eyes fluttered open, looking dazed before he rubbed one of them with the heel of his hand. “What time is it?” he asked in a gruff voice. 

“It’s after midnight,” you answered, still whispering. “You should go to bed, Tommy boy.”

He yawned before looking at you with his brows knitted together in concern. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” 

You slid your hand from his cheek down to his chest and shook your head. “I think we could both use some sleep in our own respective beds, but thank you for taking care of me tonight. It was very sweet.”

“Of course, darling,” he slurred as his large hand encased your own and his eyes fell shut once again, immediately falling back to sleep. You stifled a giggle and carefully slid your hand out from under his, pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, and quietly left.

Taglist: @the-princess-of-loki @chronicallybubbly @kikster606 @princess-ofthe-pages

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Sunflower, Book 1, Chapter 28

Tom Hiddleston x OFC Series rated: M Chapter warnings: Nudity and talk of Thor movie AN: Look, another angst free chapter!

Masterlist AO3 KoFi

~~~~~<3

Mia didn’t have time to mess with her makeup. It was mostly decent from work. Dusting powder over it to refresh and reset it, she called it good after cleaning up under her eyes. After half-assing brushing her hair, she twisted it up and clipped it. 

Good enough. 

Opening the door, she stepped into the living room. Her simple black heels dangled from her fingers as she rushed through the space, skirt of the dress grazing the back of her ankles with each step. She leaned against the couch and slipped her feet into it. 

Sally looked between her mom and Tom. He was frozen in time, glass of water halfway to his lips and mouth hung open. The water was dangerously close to spilling from the glass but he didn’t care about that. The little girl wondered if he would notice if it did spill or even if it fell out of his hands like in a movie. 

Tom looked at her mom the way that the princes looked at the princesses in movies. Sally didn’t really understand the complexities of relationships, she was old enough to know there were many things she did not know. 

Sally did know that she hoped Tom would stay with her mom forever. If she was good, maybe Tom would stay. Maybe Tom and mom would get married. If she was lucky, maybe Tom and her mom would get married. Tom could be her new dad. 

The glass slipped out of Tom’s fingers as Mia bent over her raised leg, securing the strap around her ankle. Tendrils of damp hair hung around her face and neck. 

“Fuck.” The moment Tom was frozen in was shattered at the sound of the cup clattering to the counter. 

Water spilled everywhere, splashing up onto his jacket and white shirt. It ran over the counter and a stream of water ran over the edge of the countertop. Splashing dribbles hit to floor. 

“You good there, boy?” Gretchen called from where she sat on the couch, feeling very much forgotten about. 

She could have been a piece of furniture, for all the people in the room had been aware of. Not that Gretchen faulted the fancy man. Mia did pretty up nice and oh boy, it was clear as day that he was smitten with her. 

“Yeah. Uh, yeah- Cup just slipped out of my hand.” Tom grabbed a hand towel and quickly began mopping up the water. 

“Mmhmm.” Gretchen drew her attention back to the braid she had in her hands currently, fingers moving with unworldly speed. “Thought maybe you fell in love but what do I know.” 

Mia shot Gretchen a glare from where she sat, setting her foot on the ground. She wanted to challenge Gretchen with something but didn’t know what. Tom had just dropped his cup, that was all. There was nothing more to it. 

There wasn’t anything she could say that wouldn’t give them away to Sally though. Plus the more people that believed their marriage was sound and based on more than just a whim, the better. Balancing the two polar opposite stories was enough to drive a woman mad.

“Did it break?” Mia asked Tom instead. 

“Uh, Nope.” Tom answered too fast. “Ready to go?” 

~~~~~<3

They couldn’t make their reservation. There wasn’t time for a proper sit down meal even from somewhere that would sit them quickly so fast food was on the docket. Vegas was about the only place Mia could think of where no one would bat much of a eye at someone wearing a dress like hers sitting outside of a In-n-Out burger across from a man in dark jeans and a leather jacket. 

It was a bit too warm outside for a jacket, in her opinion. Tom was committed to the look though and who could fault him? It looked damned good on him. 

It was a relaxed dinner while Tom kept close watch on the time, ensuring they didn’t spend any more time than could be spared before their movie was set to start.

 While they ate, they talked. It had taken time but Mia relaxed with him, sharing her thoughts and feelings with him easier. His eyes crinkled ever so slightly as he smiled. Red stubble framed his laugh.

He looked good like this, casual and at ease eating fast food. 

~~~~~<3

Nerves hit her as Tom parked her car in the casino parking lot. It had surprised him that most of the Movie theaters were in casino resorts. Las Vegas was a strange place to anyone who hadn’t spent a lot of time there. It was no wonder why people struggled to remember that there was families living and raising their children there when community things like theaters only existed in resorts. The city felt more like an adult playground than a home to most who didn’t have to call it home.

She had hesitated to get out of the car. They didn’t have a lot of time until the movie was set to start and she knew she needed to get herself moving. It was just hard though. 

Maybe everyone would be too drunk to recognize him? Not likely but it was worth trying to hope for it.

Tom opened her car door, startling her. She hadn’t noticed him get out of the driver’s seat or make his way around at all, too busy stuck in her own head. 

Holding his hand out to her, he said “Come on.” 

Standing and straightening her dress, she felt overdressed. She wished she could go back in time and pick out a more casual dress. 

“Talk to me.” He kept his voice low, tucking her arm around his as he lead her toward the building. 

“I’m over dressed. This dress is too much.” 

“You’re beautiful,” Tom stopped, holding her out in front of him so he could take her in again before tucking her on his arm again. “You’re perfect.”

She snorted and Tom smiled to himself as she protested, “I am far from perfect.” 

“All of us are,” He countered and she rolled her eyes at his words as he held the door open for her.

The lights in the theater lobby were bright. Mia hesitated to step forward into the light. It had felt safe, well safer, in the dim lights of the casino that felt like home. Tom looked down at her, eyes soft. 

This was the part of his life that had ruined things last time. He had to believe that she could do this. He needed her to be able to do this.

“Hold your head up high,” je told her, squeezing her hand and holding her eyes with his. “Let’s get some popcorn and drinks.” 

“Two for Thor.” Tom requested and waited. It didn’t take long before what Mia had been dreading happened. 

“You’re-” Tom smiled sheepishly at flustered look the kid behind the counter gave them. “You’re Tom Hiddleston, aren’t you?”

He chuckled that rather unique laugh of his as he handed his card over to the young man working the counter. “I am.”

“Can I get a picture with you?” The kid was already grabbing his cell phone.

“Of course.” It was surreal to see Tom like this, to see him very much working in person. 

She stepped back when his hand left hers. He took the young man’s phone in his hand and leaned back over the counter while the employee leaned forward. Tom snapped a few pictures while she kept herself off to the side before handing the phone back.

Tom wrapped his arm around her waist as he stepped back to her side. When the ticket clerk thanked him again, he waved. 

“That was nice of you.” Mia spoke softly as he pulled her tighter to his side.

“It’s a part of the job.” Tom held her close. He could just see in the corner of his eye the young man taking a few pictures of them while they walked. That was a part of the job he didn’t like. His privacy was valuable and he was more than happy to take pictures with people. “I love it when I get to interact with fans.”

Mia couldn’t help but laugh. “That sounds so, so-”

“So what?” Tom couldn’t help laughing with her as they approached the counter. 

“Like some cocky actor.”

“I’ll have you know, Mrs. Hiddleston, that I am a cocky actor.” 

~~~~~<3

Tom was engrossed with watching her watch the movie. She wasn’t one for superhero movies, she had told him and yet she sat next to him almost totally absorbed by the film. Absently, she would grab some popcorn or sip at her soda. 

She was beautiful, bathed in the light from the screen and he struggled to take his eyes from her. He didn’t particularly care about watching the movie. He had seen it before and watching it more than the first screening felt narcissistic so he watched her watch him. 

The theater had been chilly, just as he had expected and it didn’t take long for him to see her rubbing her lace covered arms. There was hardly an attempt of denying the jacket when he offered. 

Now it was draped over her arms, clearly too big for her and swallowing her. He watched as her as the camera focused on his character on the screen. Her eyes quickly welled with tears as Loki yelled his heartbreak at his father.

Never in his life had Tom been so invested in watching someone watch one of his films. Seeing how his character, the villain by all accounts, moved the woman he… he cared for deeply was fascinating. 

This was the power of Loki, a budding character that had the potential to be so much more. 

She was so absorbed in the film, both the story of Loki and the depth of his acting that she didn’t even feel his eyes on her. Her heart broke for Loki as he spiraled into what clearly was a mental breakdown. 

The goals of the character at the start of the film was warped, changed and corrupted in his heartbreak and she could only watch. This was not the shallow plot and characterization she had gone into a superhero movie expecting. 

Tom couldn’t take his eyes off her as the final battle came crashing to an end. He was beyond invested in how she would react to his final scene. 

Her hand hovered, popcorn hanging from her fingers as Loki cried out for his father’s approval. The bravado and anger was stripped from the character on the screen and again, tears sparkled in her eyes. 

She cared so deeply about the bad guy that she was near tears for his pain. Tom was extremely proud of his performance as Loki but this was a validation he didn’t know he wanted. 

“Did he just?” She whispered, shocked as Loki let go of everything and fell away. 

“Hmm?” Tom leaned toward her and planted a soft kiss on the side of her head, action on impulse and not even the slightest bit thought out. 

“Did he just commit suicide?”

“An impulsive action fueled by grief and pain.” Tom was tickled by her reactions. This was what he lived for as an actor, the way his performances manipulated the emotions of the audience. It was an even more powerful boost to his ego to have the woman he… he cared for so moved by his work.

“Right in front of his family? How traumatic.”

~~~~~<3~~~~~<3~~~~~<3~~~~~<3

“Here,” He held the water out to her but she didn’t move. “Asleep already?” 

Setting the glass on the tabletop, he stood there and admired her. Long legs were tucked up slightly toward her chest, highlighting the curve of her ass. Soft was the best way he could think of to describe her. She was nothing but soft sweeping curves. 

Tom wanted to sleep. The alcohol weighed on his brain, lulling him. He needed to sleep. His limbs felt heavy and sluggish as he pulled the banket down on one side of the bed. It was a struggle, between the heavy limbs, fuzzy fingers and the hotel staff having tucked the bedding under the mattress but eventually he got it. 

Lifting her from the bed, he smiled at the feeling of having her naked body in his arms. This was his first night as a husband. He had a wife to hold and damned if he didn’t enjoy it.

It took a few tries before he could tuck her feet under the bedding he hadn’t been able to free. Then he nestled her down on the mattress. She tucked her arms against her chest in her sleep and he admired the swell of her breasts and the dip of her waist.

He wanted her again. He wanted to burry himself deep in her. He longed to be surrounded by her again, seeking the pleasure only a woman could give him. 

He also longed for sleep. 

Even if she hadn’t fallen right to sleep, Tom suspected even if she was awake, his ability to perform a second round was significantly compromised at best. It was better to sleep. He could take her again in the morning. 

She was his wife now. They could indulge in eachother as often as they wanted. 

He didn’t want to give up the view of her naked body but he did, reluctantly. While he made his way around the bed, he stumbled over his heavy feet. Sleep was defiantly needed. 

Tom grabbed the champagne bottle off the tabletop and took a long pull from it as he stood naked in the dim room. He did it, he thought. This was the beginning of his life as a married man. 

He stumbled into the bed and wiggled his way under the blankets. The swimming in his head became much worse as soon as he laid down. It took everything in him to slap off the lamp. Tom turned into her and snaked his arm around her waist. 

Holding her against his body, he was asleep nearly instantly, holding his most prized achievement in his arms. 

~~~~~<3

Tag List: @winterisakiller, @alexakeyloveloki, @jennyggggrrr, @dangertoozmanykids101, @tilltheendwilliwrite, @tinchentitri, @wizardcherryblossom, @kats72, @buttercupcookies-blog, @violethaze, @soulpiercing, @evedia, @princess-ofthe-pages

[smolvenger]

A Court of Mischief and Purpose, Chapter Four (Loki x fem! Reader, A Court of Thorns and Roses Hiddlesverse AU)

Summary: Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series reimagined with Tom Hiddleston's various characters. England. 1885. You are dying of tuberculosis right before your upcoming wedding to the Lusty Vicar of Aldwinter, Will Ransome. As you lay on what could be your deathbed, the god of mischief Loki appears before you with a deal. He will heal you in time for the wedding...if you spend a week of every month with him. When the time comes to fulfill your end of the bargain, you are introduced to a world full of more magic and danger than you could possibly imagine...

Content Warnings: LOTS OF ANGST AT THE BEGINNING! Cheating (not Loki, but...* takes a long sip of a fun little drink with a straw*...dealing with Will Ransome's canon actions and portraying them as bad so Will fans and Lusty Vicarettes you have been warned). Y/N going absolutely feral because I support women's wrongs. Hurt/Comfort Elements Period Typical Attitudes. Mentions of sex and religion and drinking. Typical and fixable grammar mistakes.

Chapter Summary: You confront Will about his infidelity.

Chapter Word Count: 6K

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @muddyorbsblr (special shout out for a suggestion for this chapter that worked well!)

Chapter One//Chapter Two//Chapter Three

There was silence. Pure silence. Will’s jaw unhinged and his mouth opened, but he did not say a word. The last word rang in the air with the heaviness of a bullet being fired.

 Whore-Whore-Whore.

You glared at him in his beautiful blue eyes. Feeling everything at once looking at him- hatred and adoration, fury and grief and love.

His eyes glared back. You had done it. You had called Cora a whore. You knew he wouldn’t stand it. You could see him tense up, ready to chastise you for what you did. To stand up for her. You could see it in him, see the words forming. Then his jaw closed.  Then he stopped. There was hesitation. You knew he would rush to her defense. And you were ready for a fight. To scold you for what you said- the ugly names you just called his mistress, his real beloved.

 But instead, no, what he asked was this in a quiet, calm tone.

“Y/N, why did you call her that?”

A wave of emotion washed over you. You couldn’t take him anymore- playing ignorant. He should know bloody well why you called her that.

Leaning over, in a split second, you raised your hand and slapped him as hard as you could across his face. So hard, you let out a small grunt as you did. It stung from the swift impact of your hand across his cheek. You could feel the tears welling up already in your eyes as you retreated your hand. He nursed the pink spot on the cheek you once kissed with a hand you once loved to hole.

“Do not lie to me- you know exactly what I mean. I should have done that at the wedding. You- are…you’re having an affair with her Will. Don’t deny it- I saw the love letters! I saw you kiss her!”

You were shaking hard. This was too horrible to be real. This had to be a nightmare. You should have seen the inside of his house, his desk, his tall bookshelves on your wedding day when you were to be brought there as Mrs. Ransome. Not as a fiancée betrayed for another like you were just a toy abandoned by a bored child.  The tears began to make their trails down your face.

“The bishop would counsel us, I remember. He’d tell us we were already considered married…and You dare to break a sacred vow you made before your own God?” you accused.

He began to blink rapidly. His voice remained low.

“I was so…tormented about it…”

“You think you’re the tormented one?!!” you cried.

He held his hands up and continued.

“Cora has endured more than any woman ever should…the things her husband did to her…he’d strangle her, beat her.  I opened up a bit of her collar and saw…saw a bruise, there on her skin. I wanted to…to…comfort her.”

“You could comfort her in ways that don’t involve fucking her in the forest!” you argued, your voice raising.

He kept going on, his voice still quiet.

“She…she…she and I…we are…we are like two bits of one soul…”

“So, which is more important, Will- your cock or my dignity?!” you asked furiously.

He looked up at you. You saw a small flinch from the obscene word, but he remained still. There was another heavy pause.

“Of course, you are more important…” he answered.  “Please have pity on Cora. She has…been through much. She focuses on science, not emotions. She told me…She thinks love is a weakness and it’s not!”

“Her love for you?! Her love for you?!” you cried.

You stood up, gripping the table.

“You promised to love me. You said you could be a devoted fiancée, a devoted husband…So the time we spent together was nothing?! The times you danced with me-they  were for nothing? My every visit to church and every minute I held my tongue and made myself perfect to become your wife was for nothing!? Your gifts-your kisses and promises and declarations-nothing? What of me! Did you forget- you told me every day you loved me! And I love you, Will!  So- is that a weakness? Am I boring?! Am I nothing? Am I nothing to you?! Why is she important and not I? Why is it about her and not I? I’ve known you for years and you now declare to love for a woman you’ve known for four months?! Do you even hear yourself, Will!?”

He frowned and lowered his eyes to the table.

“It wasn’t for nothing, Y/N. I love you…”

You interrupted him.

“Will- you say you love me; you say I am important; you say all of this- but your actions are telling a different story!”

Your voice lowered. You hugged yourself.

“Did you never…. try and resist her? Fight for me? At least try? And did you not think…think to consider…that I’d be hurt?”

This time, he began to tear up a little. But his face remained stoic. He looked off to the side.

“You were dying…. I thought I would lose you forever…and that night, you told me to dance with her.”

Then, suddenly, was a voice in your head. A familiar lilting voice. Too familiar, too like Will’s. But it wasn’t him.

“It’s about time you confronted him, darling.”

You turned around. Was Loki there? Appearing out of the shadows to witness this spectacle? Yet he didn’t appear. Dear God, were you mad?

“No- you’re not mad darling. It’s only your favorite god of mischief here” Loki responded in your head.

“What are you doing?” you thought back.

“Just watching….your thoughts are too loud. Granted, I could be sleeping. But this…this is too interesting.” Loki replied.

You snapped you back to reality, hearing the voice before you.  

“You were…you were dying…you were at death’s door…” Will argued.

“But I was still alive, Will! You thought I was implying for you to fuck her?! No! Dancing is not the same as…as…as an affair! How hard is that to understand?  I said to dance with her! Nothing more!” you responded.”

Your hands curled into fists. He looked back at you with sad eyes and a clenched jaw.

“Do you…realize what this means? This is more than how you have hurt me-When I marry you, you are my foundation for society. My only means of having the money to survive. You’d be the roof over my head- and for our children if we had them! I cannot scrub floors on my own after I marry you- because every penny and every check they give me will go to you! If you leave me and flee with her, I have nothing to protect me. If you took our children with you- I would never get them back because they’d be your children by law, not mine.  I will be dependent on the charity of others all my life, clinging to whatever money you send back. But if you refused to give me one pound to spend it all on Cora-you could legally get away with it! Don’t you realize - this is a threat to my future?!” you cried.

His face softened and he shook his curly head.

“You know I would never do that to you, Y/N…” he replied.

“But you still betrayed me for another woman…is Cora…better than me? Prettier? Superior? What does she have that I lack?” you asked.

He was quiet. He began to blink rapidly.

“You love me…and you told her love isn’t a weakness- so is SHE your weakness?! Or rather-is your love for her your strength and am I the weak one?!” you pressed.

“I…I do love you…but with her I…I…I don’t even have any words to say…” William replied.

You felt your face scrunch up and you felt hot.  Then Loki’s Voice rang in your head again.

 “You should tell where he could shove his Bible, it would be funny!”

But instead, you took his Bible. You held it, feeling the soft brown cover. It was large and worn from so much use over the years. You then looked at him and the book and back at him.

“One thing disturbs me the most- Do you understand what God himself says about this, Will?! What Jesus said about it? How it’s better to pluck your eye out! It’s a commandment, Will- and you dare break it to sleep with her when you promised yourself to me!? How can you go to the pulpit- how can you represent morality in this town?! How can you look at yourself?!”

You wiped off a tear with your hand and continued.

“I loved you because you were open-minded. You weren’t some fire and brimstone Puritan, but you were kind and spoke of love…now I see you were TOO open-minded if you think this is remotely acceptable!” you cried, the Bible shaking in your grip.

This glass of wine I’m having right now is perfect for this. Maybe I should spare one for you too, hm? Loki quipped.

He eyed the book carefully, then he went up to you.

“I must tell you…I went to church right after this morning and I…I prayed. I prayed in the field too, after… I fell on my knees in the church and prayed to God…”

You felt your mouth curl into a snarl. You then lowered your eyes to the Bible. If this was hysteria, you gave into it.

“You know how I like history. And if I recall correctly-The church of England was started by Henry the Eighth-to throw out his own wife who loved him. His wife of many years. To toss her away like she was dirt for another woman. In that case, you’re a perfect vicar.”

You threw the Bible onto the floor-papers flew out. It broke. William ran over, getting onto his knees on the floor in a hurry. He began to hurriedly pick it back up, putting papers back to where they were.

“Love’s not a weakness, is it Will?!Well- it might not be, but I’m about to make you even weaker!” you snarled.

You gave him a sharp kick to the ribs, and he jumped and groaned in pain from your foot. You wished it was possible to kick his crotch. Yet he still fumbled to get the papers and the Bible.

You then knelt to be on his level, flinging your fists to him.  Punching, slapping his beautiful face in a blind fury of the screams and sobs that escaped your throat. He grunted and took some of it, trying to duck what he could while gathering the book. Then he left it and turned to you. Will kept repeating your name, trying to block what hits he could, down on his knees with the floor with you, trying to calm you. It didn’t work.

You glanced at him. The reddish-blonde hair and goatee you once thought- and did think- incredibly handsome. The goatee that tickled the first time he kissed you. The hair that swept in the wind when you walked together. You yanked at his curls to pull it off. He shouted “ah!” and got your arm to stop you. Impulsively, your fingers pinched at the hair of his goatee and plucked at it- trying to rip it out. He let out a cry of pain. Then he grabbed hold of your forearms to keep from attacking him.

“Y/N-Y/N, my love- please!”

“You’re a bastard, Will Ransome! You’re a bastard! A BASTARD!” you shouted.

He finally grabbed your fists. He was so strong, he tried to pull you into an embrace but you pulled away. You felt his large hands become a grip.

“Y/N! I…I love you…I love you so much! Please, Please for-”

He never finished that sentence. You curled up your saliva and spat in his face. He flinched, then released his hand to wipe if off.  You jumped up to your feet. You curled your hands into fists as you backed to the door.

“I loved you, William. I-LOVED you. I gave you everything. I was ready to be this perfect, pristine wife for you-your ministry. I was ready to give you my time, the rest of my youth, my energy, my prayers, my devotion, my virginity, my body- everything! Do you know why I made the bargain? So I could live to be with you-to make you happy. I gave you everything. But now I see the truth.  …”

“Y/N…darling…I do love you…” he pleaded, still on the floor.

You got closer to the door.

“You don’t want a wife, Will. You want a woman to be a martyr for you. To suck her until she’s dry and has nothing left. All while you won’t give her a drop. No one was forcing you to be with Cora, there was no reason- and you slept with her anyway just because you were bored of me. You were bored. She made your cock hard. And you pitied her little sob story and could think of no alternative of consolation than fucking her. And you never considered, even as I was lying in bed, that I needed you there. That my last moments on Earth could be by you, being loved by you-knowing I Was loved and wanted and valued. It would have been better if I died of consumption, believing you still cared about me enough to put my needs before yours…as I did for you…”

You were crying and you could feel snot running from your nose. Your face was hot. Then you turned and looked into those beautiful blue eyes with an overwhelming fury rising in your voice.  

“William, you are a disgrace to the priesthood, to morals, to ethics, to righteousness. You knew very well what your own faith says about this-and you fucked her anyway.”

You turned to open the door. Then returned to look at him as he got up, clinging his Bible and sermon papers.

“Adultery itself is unacceptable But you are more than an adulterer, Will- you’re a hypocrite!”

You slammed the door shut. Then you began running. You knew he’d run after you. You picked up the pace through the dark streets. You were crying. Your lungs burned, but you ran. You never looked at the ocean or the town. Not even a glance to see if he would chase you. You only ran past the streets, right into the forest. Where he couldn’t find you. Where you could be alone.

 You heard a bit of his name calling after you, in an echo. You ran to the shadows of the trees. You hid behind a large oak, the sharp bark prickling your fingers. You heard William’s voice.

“Y/N! Y/N! Come back! Y/N! Where are you?!”

Perhaps you should have fled to someone’s house. You should wake up Stella in her bed-for she, best of everyone, would listen more than speak. She would let you cry into her blue shawls. She would hug you and tell you how it would be better. But she was asleep.

You should have ran home. Ran to cry to your parents. Or anyone in town. But you knew what they would say.

“You’re being irrational. Think of how your reputation will be tarnished should you call it off. And what are you thinking? There was no better match for a lady than William Ransome. So, what if he did something? Men are weak to temptation-it’s just the way they are. Don’t make yourself into a martyr!? You should care first for his home and self being peaceful. You must go through with the marriage! It will be a life of stability with a good, moral man. A good, moral man!”

A very good, moral man indeed, you thought.

You sank into the ground. Tears kept pouring out of you. You nestled up against the tree. Trying to savor what warmth you could. Though there was the rustling of leaves and you heard birds and owls. How peaceful it was when your heart was breaking in pieces.

“Please…I need help…I need to get out of here…I can’t face him…I can’t face anyone…I can’t marry this man. I’m trapped, I’m trapped…” you thought.

It became calm. There were crickets in the night. The sound lulled you. Your emptiness from your rage made you exhausted. Before you knew it, it all became black as you curled up in the forest. Leaving all consciousness as you curled up onto the ground by the tree.

Consciousness arrived. It was still dark in your vision. You felt strong arms holding you up against something warm- flesh like.  And a voice. A familiar voice.

Had William picked you up and carried you back to town? He would. Damn him, he would. That wonderful, horrible man. You didn’t want to open your eyes to see him. You had no strength. You didn’t feel like fighting back. It was as if the crying had drained you dry. You may as well resolve yourself to your fate. Wife to an unfaithful man. You had nothing in you to fight.

Then you felt movement beneath you- something breathing beneath you. A strong smell. You felt hair bristle you. A brushing of lips- a horse.

But you heard…another voice. Another familiar, light, lilting voice. A woman’s voice.

“Poor Y/N! Thank God! Please…please take care of her! Wherever this Asgard is- take care of her!”

Stella! You realized.

“I shall, fair lady. She will be safe there, you have my honored word she shall,” the male voice holding you replied.

He didn’t talk like Will. Then you realized you did recognize it. Henry the Fifth- or Hal!

“But…why was she here? Poor thing- all alone! Do you know? Did something happen?” Stella asked.

“My lady, I do not know. But you must be glad the god of mischief himself is not here and I am. He is capable of many things. And you understand what his powers could do. Anyone who crosses with him soon regrets it.”

“I...I do…” she agreed.

“Then…then I’m off.”

“Please take care of her!”

“We all shall, dear lady.”

There was a sharp turn, and you heard the whinny of a horse. It began to run beneath you. In only a few seconds, there was a blur of light from your closed eyes. The horse kept running. You weren’t fully there yet, but you could hear things, feel things.  It wasn’t time for the bargain yet, but you didn’t care. Darkness overcame you. Before you knew it, it was dark, you felt yourself brought from one pair of arms to another. There was a murmur of voices. Some of them similar. Familiar. Too familiar. An echo. A pebble dropped into the ocean where it rippled. And you were carried.

Finally, you regained enough consciousness to gather that you were in that familiar guest room. You were in Asgard, you realized. In the palace. And right near your bed was Loki. He sat in a chair. A scene you had seen before. The sun was setting there-it was beginning to fall into the purple shadows of night.

“What is it…what’s going on…” you asked.

Loki appeared.

“You ran to the forest and collapsed. You’re in Asgard, Y/N…you’re safe for now…you can process what happened. You can grieve.”

You shook your head.

“You’ll tell me that my grief is excessive…” you said.

“I will say nothing, then.”

“What a challenge for you! But…Will…he…” you began to stutter.

You began blinking. Then you curled up and let the tears fall again.

“He was….everything to me. And now he… My own fiancée. The man I was ready to marry…it’s like he became the serpent and slithered from my side to the bed of another..”

You wiped off tears with your sleeve. You realized you were put into a light nightgown.

“No wonder…Cora’s beautiful and exciting and smart and I’m ugly and boring and nothing…I’m weak compared to her…you can say it, Loki…”

He leaned forward, touching his chin and examining you.

“I will say this- You only look miserable and exhausted…and I did promise you a drink-here. I put the potion mixed with some wine. You need it far more than I right now.”

He handed you the goblet. You took a deep drink. You felt it lull you.

“Get some rest, Y/N. You haven’t slept well in days….”

“H-How…how did you know?” you asked. Taking another sip of the potion.

“Well…in short, darling, I can hear your thoughts. Ever since the bargain, they keep coming to me…”

“Why can’t I hear yours?”

“You should be able to…it’ll take some practice, but you can. But for now…you need to drink your potion and get some sleep, Y/N.”

You cupped both hands around the glass. It was a little bit of red wine, but it was mainly the potion, making the flavor sweeter than normal with some added honey inside. The star marks on your hands seemed a little sore and you rubbed it with your finger. How was it the bargain made you hear each other’s thoughts? Before you could ask, Loki settled the blankets over you. He then walked outside, closing the door with a squeak. As you nestled into the blankets, you heard voices talking in the hallway. Their echoes impossible to ignore.

“So, she’s not a new soldier for this battle? Why her? Wouldn’t the tracker instead be a little more useful?” asked one.

“Don’t be hard on her, Rob. She could be useful. But she should be careful….” Replied another.

“Oh, Jon-don’t push Y/N darling into a battle yet! She fainted in the woods just hours ago! The woman’s distraught!” you heard Loki reply.

“Distraught? What do you mean?” the voice asked.

“Walk down with me, gentlemen, and I’ll explain it in short….” Loki offered.

You heard the footsteps go down the marble hall. Then you could not distinguish any words. The potion lulled you into a deep, blissful sleep.

When you awoke, it was a nice morning. You heard birds- to think you were in a different world and birds still chirruped. Was this the next day? Very likely it was the next day by now in your world, in Midgard. But here, it was morning.

It was Sunday. It would be hard not to think of Will on Sundays.

There was a knock on the door. It was a servant bringing some breakfast. A wooden tray with poached eggs, buttered toast, fresh fruit, and plump sausage links.

“Could I have coffee?” you asked.

The servant blinked.

“What is that?” she asked.

Loki’s voice rang in your head with a sigh.

“Oh, allow me.”

With a whiff of green magic, a blue, porcelain cup with the rich drink appeared on the tray. It warmed your hands as you held it, like a small hug in a cup.

After scarfing it all down, another brought you some clothes. They would be long, flowy robes the blue of a robin’s egg secured with a bronze belt. They were pretty, you had to admit. But you only sat in your room on the chair. Staring out the window. Thinking. Ruminating. Playing the scene that happened last night. Then playing through every memory you had of Will.

There was the time in spring when you played with his dog by throwing sticks for the pet to fetch under the blossoming trees. There was the time he walked around in the muck of the marshes. Mud and dirty got on his clothes and face. So when he returned to town, you cleaned off his face with your handkerchief. The time he proposed, and you through your arms over her broad shoulders and embraced him with a “yes.” Every polite kiss on the hand that scratched from his goatee. Every lovely dance at a party where he looked in your eye as you both moved to swelling string music. Every sermon that you took note of while admiring the grey morning light of the church and on his white robes with green sashes.

Then the letters. The morning in the field. Cora.

 Every flash of his black with the small white flap of the collar that made you smile and your heart race with excitement. The sign that he represented God. Now it was something different. Black on white made your insides watery-once he represented God and now, he represented all things bad and wrong with the life. No- not with life-with men.

There was a knock on the door. Loki opened it. You stayed at the chair, turning to him. He was in his usual black and green robes. His blue eyes bright and his face had a gentle frown, rather than the proud, smug smile that was typical of him.

“How are you now? Slept alright?” he asked.

“Hadn’t slept this well in ages….” You answered.

“Do you…need anything, darling?”

“Don’t call me darling. And no.” you replied.

He took a step forward. You feel yourself lean a little back. The sunshine of outside melted its golden light into the room. It illuminated his face. It made the little embellishments on his clothes glow and patches of it warmed your skin.

“If you need anything, let a servant know. Or me.”

“If you can read my thoughts now, why bother asking?” you asked.

“Just to make sure, Y/N,” he said.

You stood up and crossed your arms.

“Why are you even here? Offering all these things, making me coffee in a cup?  I know why-only offer nice things to me, so I owe you. To force me to sleep with you. How disappointing-You might be a god, but you’re just like all the other men.”

You turned to look out the window. He let in a deep sigh, his eyebrows briefly shooting up. He didn’t reply at your comment.

“The gardens and libraries and every nook of the library is free for you, should you want them.” He offered. Then he closed the door and left.

You did not feel like talking to Thor. As you passed him, you would only smile in greeting.

“Why-Y/N? What’s the matter?” he asked in his booming voice.

“Nothing, just…leave me alone…” you said, increasing your pace.

You curled up in the library. You grabbed volumes of sad romantic poetry. You read and re-read them to cry and cry your heart out. It was a release. It was something- the sadness that never left you.

I was never enough for Will. I’m not enough for him, for anyone… you kept thinking. When the last rumble of your latest crying session ended, you felt raw. Squeezed out like a wrinkled fruit. You noticed tear stains on the pages of the book. When you looked out the window, you realized how much time had passed. It was either the late afternoon or early evening. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

“I’m not in the mood, Loki!” you dismissed.

“I’m not Loki, my lady…” answered a similar voice.

When you opened the door, you saw Prince Hal.  He had two silver glasses of what smelled like wine.

“He told me what happened. And I thought dealing with my father was bad.”

He walked inside. He handed you the wine. It’s dry, rich taste was welcoming. As you wiped your mouth, you noticed the deep red stain on your sleeve. The fireplace to the library crackled with a fresh ember.  Both of you sat on the chair and sipped your glasses.

“So, it was you who brought me here?” you asked.

“Yes. Loki said he heard your cry for help. Your pain. He didn’t tell me why at the time, but he insisted I go and fetch you. He used his magic to send me there- said you deserved a ‘handsome prince on a horse’ to help you. But that his kind of prince would not be preferable to you. Hence me.”

You nestled into the chair. Hal cupped his goblet with one hand and began to take big drinks of it down.

“You said Loki…he told you what…what Will did…” you prodded.

Hal nodded, you could see an auburn curl fall free from his head.

“Yes. He did, he confirmed.

“And you saw Stella?” you asked.

He blinked rapidly. His eyes went to the corner and then back to yours in realization.

“Ah! The maid? That was her name? To be honest, I think she saw me. She was the first to find you,” he recalled.

“The First? She was in the forest at night?” you asked.

“Not night- the early morning. She was up early- I saw she had a basket for picking berries, as maids do. I heard her cry for help. Twas how I found you. I watched the maid pitifully try to carry you and fail- her delicacy not strong enough to carry you back to safety. You should have seen her amazement upon my steed. I told her who I was and who sent me, and she believed me. Then I could carry you like a babe and set us both on the horse and away. Her gentle heart fretted over you, my lady. I had to assure you many times you would be safe here in Asgard.”

You nodded. For the first time, you smiled at her. At the memory of your friend.

“Stella’s a good friend of mine. I’m glad she found me…” you responded.

Hal finished his wine with a big gulp. You weren’t even halfway done.

“You…you loved your intended. And he hurt you…I cannot imagine what it is to be hurt like that,” he said.

You made no comment, staring at the dark red of your wine in your cup. So dark, that it almost looked black. Hal then leaned forward, half ready to spring up from his chair.

“Perhaps…we should go to a tavern here. We’ll have another drink or two. I’ll tell you how I once scared an old man robbing a lord-get your mind off!” he offered with a smile and a wink.

A tavern. A place with low-lives, drunkards, and street walkers. A place where he would be emboldened with drinking and partying. Hal would flirt with you and smile at you. And then he would offer a room with one bed for the night. And it would not be for sleeping. Will seemed calm. He seemed chaste and appropriate. He seemed respectful of you. He seemed focused on God and his position. But his shaking cock could not lie. If this was how vicars acted, then how would this wild prince be like?  No-no you had no taste. No- that was what Hal was after!

“No thank you, Hal. But…thank you for the wine.”

With that, Hal left.

The next two days followed that pattern. You took long baths full of hot water and scented soaps. You walked in the garden, never wanting to talk to anyone-not even Queen Frigga. You went to the library and curled up on a chair watching the fire, mostly to read the sad love poetry and wallow. You cried in every spot. On the garden bench, on the library rug, by a stone column, and on the long, marble steps. You cried in the morning. You cried in the afternoon. You cried at night. You would wake up late at night and begin crying again. You drank wine and stuffed yourself full of every tray of food. But thankfully, with the potion, your sleeping improved. You would awake to orange morning light and the crisp cool of the air of a new day. Refreshed and feeling new energy in you than the heavy weight of insomnia.  

On the third day, Loki knocked on the door again to you. You were just enjoying a cup of coffee (the staff of Asgard figured out how to make some especially for you) and looking over the pages of a book you borrowed from the library.

“Y/N…do you want to return home?”

You shook your head.

“No. I can’t. I’m not ready,” you answered.

“But…anything from your home you would like?” he asked.

“I would like…my clothes. And my journal and embroidery from home.”

“You mean-the bustle and all those heavy skirts?” he asked with a curl of his lips.

You gave him a frown, furrowing your brow.

“Yes, my bustle and skirts!” you insisted.

Loki let out a sigh then tipped his head to the side.

“That can be done.”

“Loki…why are you so kind to me?” you asked, folding your arms in a hug for yourself.

Loki shrugged.

“It’s not a good look on the palace to have a guest be unhappy.”

“You sure do seem a little too grateful just for giving you milk,” you replied.

“I am not an ungrateful man, despite what my father will tell you…” he said. You got up from your chair and took a step closer to him.

“Loki…do you…do you know what’s going on back home? I know Stella saw Hal. And Hal told her I was taken to Asgard.” You asked.

“She’s telling them that you were hurt and was sent to Asgard for help.”

“So, they believe her?”

“Of course, they don’t believe her. They believed in a serpent. Now that they have been proven there is no serpent, but there is me, their imaginations are still running. They keep whispering to each other how you were abducted by the Norse God to be his whore. Doesn’t matter if it’s true or not to them-That’s what they believe. Makes for a good story, don’t you think?”

You decided not to ask about Will.

With a flick of Loki’s hand, out came a dress, corset, bustle, stockings, and petticoats and bustle laid on your bed. The dress was one of your own and a favorite of yours for the day- white with green stripes and pink embellishments. With another snap of his fingers, you saw your old journal and your embroidery, thread, and needles were there on the desk.

You smiled.

“Thank you.”

“Ah- I finally get one from you.”

He went over to the bed, observing the clothes.

“The more I look, the less bad I think they are…. your time’s fashion,” he commented.

“They are mine. They are a part of me- and it’s how I like to dress. I, for one, think your Asgardian dress is strange!” you shot back.

He crossed his arms and then leaned against the wall. You noticed a small laugh escape him in just a exhale. But then he flashed a handsome, winning smile.

“Oh- wait until you meet the others. There’s three- the new one dresses right in your era. But the other two of them are dressed strange, I can tell you that!”

You turned up.

“New men?”

“Yes- the new form. We’re all making a circle of each other for support!”

“For your war!”

“The one from your time is busy right now-so he will very likely be late. But the two others- the ones from the future- they will be here today at breakfast. But…I know that you have been taking your meals alone…I don’t wish to bother you,” Loki shrugged. “Like I said, it’s mainly for a meeting. About this little war. The danger to our worlds and all that.  But you might as well distract yourself. Unless you’re not ready…”

You got up.

“No…I’d like to meet them, please. Just let me get dressed.” You insisted.

He smiled and then left to give you privacy.

You sighed with relief putting on your own fashions. It felt like missing a part of your skin. You didn’t feel like a creature in a zoo repeating a mindless pattern. No, you were a person. Once you were done, you opened the door. Loki was pacing about. He stopped and smiled at you.

“Here- allow me to escort you…”

Loki offered his arm. You hesitated, then You took it and began to walk with him. He felt warm from being so close. Even the leather of his sleeve was warm. He did smile a small smile but offered no remarks to you. That is, until you finally walked into the dining room. Of course, Hal was there, running a hand through his hair.

“Ah! My lady! You’re right here! You can meet them!” Hal said with a greeting smile.

“Who’s them?” you asked.

As if on cue, in walked another gentleman. He had the same look as them if you saw his face- cheekbones and blue eyes. But his skin was a bit tan, and his hair was short. Blonder than the others. He wore strange clothes- you could see a white shirt with a blue jacket and blue pants that matched. Though he looked at you. He at once went up and shook his hand and smiled.

“Oh- you are out and ready? Are you a guest here as well? The woman from Aldwinter?” he asked. His voice was formal and his manners proper, despite the oddity of his clothes.

“Yes, I am,” you confirmed. Loki let you go from his arm as you approached the gentleman.

“Pleasure to meet you- my name is Jonathan Pine.”

You curtsied and he looked at you in amusement. His hand reached out to shake yours, then it retreated.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Y/N,” you replied dutifully.

Loki let out a little laugh. He stayed standing, pulling up a chair intended to be yours.

“Oh, Jonathan! You do have a weakness for beautiful women in need of help!”

Jonathan shot him a look.

“I’m only greeting her, sir,” he said.

“You’re not at work, Jonathan-and no one’s here to watch you. You can finally relax here…” came another voice.

In walked another similar looking fellow. Only he had redder hair that was a touch longer. He wore a white shirt and dark pants and something funny and dark around his neck. His sleeves were rolled up and you saw a watch around his wrist. But something in his pale face and there was a slight sadness in his eye.  But he looked up at you and they shone.

“Ah, the new girl!” the stranger said.

He went up and shook your hand. You were a little shocked at the intimacy-touching a man you didn’t know!-but went with it.

“I hear Hal gave you quite a ride the other day. Well, I can give you one too if you like,” he said with a wink.

You felt yourself become hot and flustered and fluttered your eyes down. You even frowned and when your eyes went up you glared at him.

“Sir! Do not speak to me in that way when I don’t even know your name!” you said.

“Oh, please- Robert! You don’t even know her name! Robert, this is Y/N. Y/N- this is Doctor Robert Laing. I promise you, he doesn’t bite!” Loki assured.

“Hard” added Robert with a playful shrug.

With that, the men sat at their seats before the food and you.

Loki swept his arms up. “And now I was told the other would be late- we may begin gentlemen…and lady…”

[titriwrites]

Friday On My Mind - One Shot (Tom Hiddleston/OFC)

Hello everyone! I'm back with a one shot, because the lovely @finchbaggins is celebrating her birthday today, and I wanted to make it maybe a bit more special for her.

So, check out the one-shot here or under the cut. Thank you for reading, and happy birthday!

Monday mornin' feels so bad Ev'rybody seems to nag me Comin' Tuesday I feel better Even my old man looks good Wed'sday just don't go Thursday goes too slow I've got Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city Be with my girl, she's so pretty She looks fine tonight She is out of sight to me Tonight I'll spend my bread, tonight I'll lose my head, tonight I've got to get to night Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

Friday on my mind by The Easybeats

Tom and Carla both had become to love Fridays – again. It wasn’t just because this was how they had mad back in the day. ‘Back in the day’ being seven years ago now, when Carla Cookson attended her first class with the famous actor Tom Hiddleston. The attraction had been there from the beginning, but of course the two of them hadn’t acted on it, then. No, that came later, as soon – literally – as she’d graduated.

Their first year together had been tough. Not because they hadn’t been happy. But Carla hadn’t made it, yet. It had been slow, she had questioned every decision she had made before, the only good thing being that it had let her to Tom. And then… then there had been that call on her birthday, a call she could still remember today, because it had given her the first bigger role in her career. And it had started it all.

Now, Carla was sitting in front of a large mirror, a bowl with some green salad, vegetables and chicken in front of her. Eating, before Susie would come in and do her hair and make-up. Huh. She really had someone to do it for her now. Back when she’d done her first roles, it was her own responsibility. It had been small productions, but now… Now she was the lead role, now she had someone to take care of it for her. It was nice, it was relaxing, she was able to concentrate a little more. Not that it got to her head. It was just… nice.

And it was a Friday. She really loved that part, as a Friday meant that Tom would come home from set for the weekend. He was shooting a movie up in Scotland, and while there were planes available, they had both agreed that they could spend these three months like this. It wasn’t the first time they were doing this. Tom had been busy as well, and while she knew they both missed each other, Carla also knew that both of them wanted the other to live their dreams. And at the moment that was still acting. There were so many roles out there for them which they still hadn’t explored.

Carla was happy that a Friday afternoon like this one meant she would come home to their house – she had moved into his London home a bit over a year ago, now – and find not only Bobby but also Tom inside. She smiled. She couldn’t help it, it just happened as soon as she thought of her boyfriend. She shook her head. Ridiculous. She was a grown woman, no need to act like a teenager. She was 39, this wasn’t her first love. But what a love it was.

A knock on her door brought Carla back into the room, startled. “Come in,” she called, still a little distracted, rolling her eyes at herself.

“Hi,” the stage manager Mary chirped. “I’ve got something for you.”

Carla looked at the door, now curious, but Mary was already gone. Instead, the door opened wider, and a head full of brownish curls appeared.

“Hi there,” Tom greeted her, rushing in and closing the door behind him. He grinned, looking a little smug. “Surprise!”

The squeal that escaped her would be embarrassing later, and Carla would never admit to making such a noise. She would admit to jumping from her chair, almost knocking over her salad bowl before placing it on the table, and running straight into Tom arms, this time almost knocking him over.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, face buried in Tom’s chest, before Carla looked up, not giving him the chance to answer as she was already kissing him.

“Hm,” he mumbled. “Right now? Kissing you.”

“Funny.”

“I thought so.”

For the next moments none of them had the time to tease the other, their lips were occupied with kissing, sucking, teasing. And moaning, there was a bit of that as well. At least until Carla moved back slightly, breathing heavily.

“Ugh.”

Tom raised a brow at that. “Thanks?”

Grinning, she hit his chest with her hand. “Not what I meant. You can’t rile me up like that. I’ve got some monologues to remember, and this is really not helping.”

“So, no more kissing?”

“Eh, maybe a little more later?” They grinned at each other, happy to be in each other’s arms. “What are you doing here, though?”

“We finished early today,” Tom shrugged. “And I thought maybe I get to see what you’re up to these days? See if I can make you forget those lines?”

Carla gasped. “Don’t you dare try that! But please, watch. I’d be happy to perform for you.”

“Just on stage, or…?”

“Tom!”

***

Tom had been looking forward to this all week. Ever since he met Carla all those years ago, Fridays had been the days he was enjoying the most. He got to see her, he got to spend time with her, and ever since Carla had become a household name in the theatre Friday nights were the nights he cherished most during the week.

They were able to sleep in on the Saturdays, so often they would go out after a performance. Or – when he was away filming – these nights were the ones they would reconnect. He would come to the set on Mondays with a smile on his face, no matter how shitty or exhausting the previous week had been. She grounded him. He wanted to spend every day of every week like this. Forever. So, he would ask her. Tonight.

Oh God, he was nervous. Not because he was going to ask, or because he didn’t know what to say – he knew he was good with words – and not because he wasn’t sure of Carla’s love. But Tom knew she was independent, highly so. He also knew that she wasn’t keen on doing anything the traditional way, at least not since she’d found her true passion in acting. But damn him if he didn’t love her even more for it. But he wouldn’t force her to be with him in the possibly most traditional way of all. And Tom didn’t know if his heart could handle a rejection.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Carla’s voice came from the direction of the small bathroom that came with her dressing room. Tom startled, but he sent her a – hopefully – confident smile. He got this.

“Good, let’s go!”

She shot him a look that was at least a bit suspicious, but maybe those were just his nerves. “Are we going to the pub? Have a bit of a relaxing late-night meal? Or,” she asked as she came closer and managed to make him so very ready to leave all of his plans behind, with the sway of her hips and the cocky grin on her face, “would you rather we go straight home?”

Oh, he definitely wanted to go straight home. But that would ruin his surprise. “We should go … somewhere, I think.” Another suspicious look, another smile planted on his face. He was acting the hell out of this here. “I’d like to take you out.”

“Is this another one of those surprises I don’t like?”

That did make him chuckle. “In the end you always do.”

***

She did, she really did. Tom knew it, Carla knew it, but it at least made her feel a bit more independent when she fought him on his big surprises for her. Hiding a smile, Carla had gotten into the back of the cab with him, trying to ignore the fact that the driver seemed to know exactly where to go, and by now a confused frown had found its way on her face. This was not the direction she thought they would go. And then the car stopped in front of the RADA building.

“Come on,” Tom urged after paying and tipping for the ride. He took her hand, dragging her along towards the building.

“Did you forget to tell me something?”

It really wasn’t what she expected when they talked about dinner and taking her out. It wasn’t the most romantic place. Plus, there wasn’t any food except for vending machines and the cafeteria which was closed at this time of the night.

“Nope.”

They made small talk all the way through the building – a way to distract her, maybe? Or was Tom nervous? He talked a lot most of the time, but this was excessive even for him. He was funny though, and Carla loved to spend time with him, no matter the amount of talking that came along with it.

Both of them got quiet, though, when they arrived in front of an all too familiar door. They had spent many hours of many Fridays for three years in this place.

“Why are we here?” she asked, noticing Tom fidgeting right next to her.

“I thought we could spend some time here again?” It was more of another question than an answer, but Carla didn’t have time to react to it. Tom opened the door and led her in.

“Tom, I…,” she gasped. His old office that by now belonged to another mentor, Carla suspected, was bathed in candlelight. In the middle of the room there were a table with two chairs, wine glasses, cutlery and plates for two on top of it.

“Would you like to eat dinner here with me?” he asked before she had a chance to realise what was happening. What was happening exactly? “We never got the chance to really do so back in the day.” But they didn’t even make it to the table. Before they could reach it, Tom turned around. “Actually. I need to do something first.”

And then – and Carla knew she probably shouldn’t be surprised, because she’d felt it all evening if she was honest – he was down on one knee.

“Carla Cookson,” he started, smiling up at her, taking on hand of hers in both of his, “every day I thank my lucky stars that you’re the strong willed and confident woman that you are. It made you choose to follow your dreams even when you were unsure about it. And that led you into this room and to me. I can’t and won’t imagine how my life would look right now, if I hadn’t met you the moment I had. It would be sad and boring and oh so quiet. I want your loudness around me, I want your quirks, I want to watch you on stage for the rest of my life, I want to spend my Fridays with just you. Would you let me? Make you my wife? Make me your husband?”

When Tom took out the small box, Carla couldn’t even see him or the ring, tears blurring her vision. But she could nod, and she could get on her knees with him.

“I really need you to say something,” she heard Tom chuckle. “Make this real, please.”

“Yes,” she answered. And her heart burst with love as she realised that she had finally made it. The acting was great, her new life as well, but this meant more than any of that, because it was Tom. “Yes, please.”

***

@devikafernando @itsliterallythis @justthelosersblog @avenger-nerd-mom @archy3001 @nuggsmum @majk78 @hakimo2015 @noplacelikehome77 @theheartofpenelope @mrshiddleston-uk @nonsensicalobsessions @messy-insomniac-bookgirl @pipolaki @winterisakiller

[cleomcdonald]

My sister shared a picture of Tom Hiddleston and David Tennant together on a red carpet somewhere and it gave me this entire conversation that I'm going to share with you in the order I created it.

If anyone wants to make this a comic with an appropriate bookshop background and the others doing stuff in the background, please feel free, I just ask you to give me credit for the convo xD

Could you imagine the terror of Loki and Crowley in the same place? It would be great at first... like

Crowley : Oh yes, let's do some mischief... We can take down the phone lines, turn out the lights in a few blocks...

Loki: Enslave humanity...

C: Wot?

L: Wot?

Or something like

L: I am Loki Laufyson. Prince of Asgaurd and Lord of Mischief

C: Hiya. Crowley... erm, Serpent of Eden. Hey you have a blonde partner too. Doesn't look like the soft bookish type, what's he do?

L: That's my brother, Thor Odinson, Prince of Asgaurd and Lord of Thunder. Is the little cream puff with you?

C: *rubs back of neck* Well, I mean, he's not with me... I mean, we're not like... he's not mine per se. *drops into mumbling, then says* That's Aziraphale.

(Bit later)

C: I'm just saying don't you think the golden horns are a little too on the nose fo.....

*sudden crash*

Thor: I liked that, another!

C: oh dear, he shouldn't have done that...

*panicked rush across the bookshop to pull a very irate Angel off a VERY confused God*

C: Angel, Angel, I know that was one of your favorite teacups, but we can always miracle it back together... Angel! Put down the FLAMING SWORD ANGEL!

Azi: But I'll always know it was broken!

[lokiondisneyplus]

After the climactic release of the historically successful Avengers: Endgame – the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the penultimate release in their “Infinity Saga”, the culmination of 11 years of brand-building, the second-highest-grossing film of all time – Marvel decided what the world really needed was more Marvel.

Armed with classic Hollywood hubris – the misguided conviction that the public would never tire of what they were selling – Marvel Studios rolled television production into their main business model, with “Phase Four” delivering more television shows than movies. The effect was a flooding of the market and a dilution of the brand, not to mention the release of the worst MCU movie, Eternals.

Forcing narrative crossovers between television shows and movies had the adverse effect of turning the former into homework and the latter into ads for the former. This practice was an act of artistic self-sabotage, ruining what could’ve been Marvel’s most sublime film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, by burdening it with a host of tonally-off, studio-obligated B-stories crowbarred in to promote upcoming television titles.

After a run of disappointing films that weighed down once-fun franchises with po-faced gravity – Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – and a slew of ordinary television shows – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Moon Knight, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Secret Invasion – we’ve officially reached a state of Marvel fatigue, with questions looming around the state of the superhero industrial complex.

It’s in this cultural moment that Loki, the acclaimed solo show for the titular character, arrives for a second season. It doesn’t just have to live up to an inspired first season but also has to push back on all the bad vibes, a difficult task given the heavy presence of Jonathan Majors, the breakout star who was arrested in March on domestic violence charges.The great charm of this season is that it cultivates the feeling that it could head anywhere and be anything. Loki doesn’t just explore free will as a theme, it actually feels as if it artistically possesses it.

The good news is that, whether or not it can be spun as state-of-Marvel narrative correction, season two is a worthy successor. Blessed by the fact its titular character, Tom Hiddleston’s charismatic God of Mischief, remains a slippery figure, Loki is allowed to move forward with no clear lines drawn between good and bad, protagonist and antagonist, hero and villain. Characters hold convictions until they don’t, make choices that will have ramifications, agitate for themselves, then for the greater good, and try to navigate a world whose rules shift beneath their feet.

It’s largely set, once again, in the Time Variance Authority, a comic bureaucratic labyrinth charged with policing multiversal time lines. Offering obvious symbolism at a time when Marvel is struggling to retain coherence in the midst of its “Multiverse Saga”, the TVA prizes the one true “Sacred Timeline”, pruning infinite possibilities back for the sake of cosmic narrative purity.

The TVA is an inspired retrofuturist space steeped in Eastern Bloc mid-century design and early Terry Gilliam films, satirising the pernickety dictums of workplaces and government offices – “limit your lunch break to 17 minutes!” proclaims one poster. From its dated tech – ’70s-style computer monitors, reel-to-reel tape machines, chrome hi-fis – to its curved surfaces, coloured floor tiles and lurid-emerald key lime pie, it’s a rare work of inspired production design by a studio otherwise synonymous with green-screening its way to rush-job eyesores built by an army of non-unionised offshore digital effects artists.

Everything in the TVA looks shabby and neglected, evoking its place as an office lost to time. The plot machinations of season one found an Avengers-adjacent Loki commandeered by the authority – Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson), upper-management Ravonna Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and others – to pursue a variant of himself, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino), through time and space.

It ended with an explosion of multiversal time lines and revelations about the true history of the TVA: its top-down system of authority a matrix of illusion, its mind-wiped employees existing in a state of suspended limbo, its time line-culling operation seeming a lot like a morally questionable act of mass slaughter.

In the fallout from that climax, season two finds characters questioning whether the TVA is an entity worth preserving or destroying, not to mention the meaning of their own existence and the ramifications of choice. It’s a study of free will and moral responsibility, housed in 45-minute episodes of action-oriented television. Its chief writer, Eric Martin, both lionises liberty and weighs up its gravity, while happily dealing in the all-American fear of governmental oversight.

The collapse of the TVA’s artificial reality – “everything you’ve been doing is wrong and all your gods are dead”, Mobius deadpans in classic Wilson fashion – leads characters to their own convictions. Mobius seeks peaceful resolution. Renslayer seeks to preserve her power and the authority’s agency (“all that matters is order versus chaos”). The once-bellicose B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) has a moral reawakening. The dogged Dox (Kate Dickie) is more committed than ever to the cause. The weaselly X-5 (Rafael Casal) wants to explore his new-found independence and maybe become a movie star. The oddball tech guy with the on-the-nose name, Ouroboros (Ke Huy Quan), is there to both provide comic relief and to save the day from a temporal calamity that may destroy all worlds, or something to that effect.

Loki’s playful riffing on time means every benign use of the word pops – “it’ll take some time”, “remember that time”, “take your time”, “time to go” – and its first four episodes dance along the Earth’s time line at various points of history – 1868, 1893, 1977, 1982 – with plentiful hijinks, dabbling in genre tropes, meta use of Loki’s skills of illusion and misdirection, and creepy fast-food-franchise sponsored content.

Looming over all is the presence of the big bad of Marvel’s Phase Five, Kang the Conqueror, played still, to this point, by Majors. He’s seen here in two variants: a squirrelly 19th-century nutty professor named Victor Timely and the all-powerful end-of-time figure met at the end of last season, He Who Remains. These twin characters are connected but separate enough that they symbolise the series’ focus on free will. One may be fated to become the other, but does that mean that he – and the future – can’t change?

The great charm of this season is that it cultivates the feeling that it could head anywhere and be anything. Loki doesn’t just explore free will as a theme, it actually feels as if it artistically possesses it. While it may not be enough to combat the waning influence of comic-book screen output, this season does feel like a disarming counterpoint to recent Marvel Studios product. Rather than feeling conscripted or forced, a puzzle piece that exists solely to build a bridge between branded content, Loki remains its own thing: a nimble exploration of big themes in a colourful, comic, oddball package.

This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on October 21, 2023 as "Changing times".