The London skies were as gloomy as her mood. Walking out of Heathrow, she was beginning to regret her decision. What was she supposed to do in England, away from her friends, her family, the only life she'd known? What would make London any different than New York? Or Los Angeles before that? Or Seattle even before that? What made her think that packing her very few belongings and flying across the Atlantic would better her life in any way, shape, or form?

Before she had another second to doubt, she heard an excited shout coming in the form of a familiar voice. One of two familiar voices she'd find on this continent.

"Sophie!"

Sophia Capshaw turned to find her bright, bubbly and beautiful best friend, Maggie Pierce, bounding toward her. Instantly a smile crept across Sophie's previously somber face. "Hi baby," she cooed as the raven haired beauty's arms were tossed around Sophie's neck.

"Oh my God, I'm so glad you're finally here," Maggie sighed, her arms still hanging around Sophie's neck. "I can't believe you really came."

Sophia sighed softly, an amused giggle escaping from her lips. "Me either honestly. Leaving the house is a big event as of late. Flying across an ocean…"

Maggie pouted, running a hand softly against her best friend's forearm. "I know, honey." She paused as Sophia's head fell. "I honestly don't even know what to say. I wish I could've been there. Benny…I had to stop him from jetting to the states to rescue you…"

Sophia lifted her head, a few stray tears running down her cheek and smirked. "Ah. My Prince Charming…even though he's yours…"

Maggie laughed and grabbed one of her friend's suitcases. "We can share him, its okay. Hell…I get sick of him sometimes…"

Sophia laughed. "Sure you do. You two are like the perfect couple."

Maggie smiled brightly. "We are. But he adores you. He's very protective. Like you're his little sister or something…"

"Lord knows why."

"Because he knows you needed it."

Sophia smirked and once again looked to the ground. "I don't need to be protected. I need…to be myself. I need…to get the last two months of bullshit out of my head and get back to being myself."

"I swear to God if I ever see his face again…"

Sophia laughed. "There's a long list of people saying that."

"Oh I'm sure there is. And Benny and I are at the top." She paused to pull a beeping phone from her pocket. "Speaking of, it appears we are running late for lunch."

"Ben?"

"Of course. Did you think you could be in this city for more than twenty minutes and NOT see him?"

Sophie laughed. "No."

"Well good. Because I'd hate to explain your absence to him. Come on. He's only got so long away from set." Maggie pulled out the handle of the suitcase and headed for the parking garage, Sophie trying her best to keep up.

"My God, you look pale…" Benedict Cumberbatch stated, approaching the duo at a streetside café in the middle of London. "Have you been eating?"

"Nice to see you too, Ben," Sophia laughed.

Benedict smirked and wrapped his arms tightly around her shoulders. "Forgive me. You look lovely as always. You know I worry."

"I know, I know. I've gotten enough phone calls and texts from you two in the last two months I'm surprised my phone hasn't exploded," Sophia teased, sitting down with a sigh. "But I promise you both I'm fine."

Benedict stared at the chocolate haired beauty and sighed deeply, his thin lips pursing together tightly. "I wish I believed you. I'd feel a lot more at ease."

"Ben, seriously," Sophia stated, trying her damnedest to be reassuring. "I'm fine."

"That's why it took you two months to agree to come visit us?" Benedict asked. He smiled up at the waitress who sat down their drinks. "Thank you." Instantly he took a sip, his bluest of blue eyes still locked on the brunette across the table from him.

"I needed some time to myself."

"You should've been here, with us…"

"Ben…" Maggie scolded.

"I'm sorry, but it's true," Benedict stated.

"Well she's here now," Maggie stated. "And that's what matters."

"How long are you staying?" Benedict inquired.

Sophia shrugged. "No idea. Indefinitely I suppose."

"I like that answer," Benedict smirked. "And it's good. Considering we have plans tonight."

"We do?" Sophia asked confused.

"Yes, you included," Benedict stated.

There was a silence and Sophia's eyes darted from Maggie to Benedict and back again. "Is someone going to tell me what those plans are?"

Benedict chuckled, as if he had forgotten. "It's just a party," he stated. "A White party, I guess."

"A White party? Did you two join some supremacist group I need to know about?"

"Very funny," Maggie stated with an eye roll. "We're just all required to wear white clothes…some stupid shit like that."

"Take it easy," Benedict chuckled. "It's for charity."

"Don't you usually have to be invited to that sort of thing?" Sophia asked.

"Well, technically speaking, yes, but I found an open plus one that…was available for your use…" Benedict stated as the waitress now arrived with their lunches.

"Ben…" Sophia began in a very stern tone.

"No, now don't get jumpy," Benedict interrupted. "I know you're not in any place to…even think about dating…and therefore, it is not a date. Just…an evening with friends with drinks and food and dancing…"

"I was on a plane for thirteen hours. What makes you think I don't just want to go pass out and miss your little party?"

"The fact that it's your first night in London. Why wouldn't you want to go to a party?"

Sophia laughed. "Because I'm tired and crabby and I don't like parties all that much to begin with."

Benedict shook his head as he sat down the sandwich in his hand. "When did you become such a spoil sport? Where's my fun, spunky Broadway star? I like her better."

Sophia stuck out her tongue. "Rude."

"Look, it'll be fun and I promise you're not walking in with some tit. You'll definitely approve," Benedict smirked at his own slyness. "And as much as I'd love to join you ladies for a day of dress shopping and pampering and the like, I've got to get back to work." He rose from his seat, kissed his fiancée and planted a kiss atop Sophia's head. "I will see you darlings at eight this evening. Be ready. I'll have a guest." He flexed his eye brows and headed off to his car.

Sophia looked at her best friend. "Please tell me you know what he's up to."

Maggie's head slowly began to shake back and forth. "I honestly don't have a clue. I wish I did…but I am at a loss with this one."

"You don't know who he's bringing?"

Maggie shook her head again. "Nope. But we'd better get you a good dress just in case."

Sophia sighed but laughed at the same time. If neither of them had any idea what Benedict was up to, she was certain she was in for an eventful evening.

"Are you coming?" Maggie called up the stairs of the flat she and Benedict shared. "They're here!"

"I'll be down in a couple minutes!" came a shout from Sophia.

Maggie laughed and shook her head, straightening the glistening silver cuff on her wrist. "Always the perfectionist." She took a deep breath and opened the door. The second she spotted who was trailing behind Benedict she closed her eyes. "Oh no. Oh no no no. Goddammit Ben."

"What?" Benedict asked with a laugh as he stepped into the foyer.

"You know what," she sighed before he planted a soft kiss on her lips. "You are up to no good and you know it."

"I have explained everything to Tom… Not a date, just a night out."

Tom Hiddleston nodded. "It's true. I have been instructed not to fall instantaneously in love." He stepped toward Maggie, embracing her and planting a kiss on her cheek. "It is lovely to see you, darling."

Maggie sighed. "You two will be the death of me."

"But what a way to go, eh?" Benedict laughed. "Sophia! Let's go!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Sophia responded, clicking down the stairs in her high heels. Her dress was long and full, practically a ball gown, white as a fresh fallen snow. The sleeveless top had intricately cut diamonds in the side, revealing the slightest bit of her porcelain skin. Her chocolate locks were swept atop her head in a high, tight bun. Winged eyeliner and the reddest of lips adorned her perfectly smooth face.

Tom couldn't help but stare as his date for the evening made her way down the stairs. Benedict had quipped about how beautiful the girl was, but beautiful didn't even begin to describe the woman before him. She was stunning and he suddenly realized why Benedict had warned against love at first sight.

"Sorry." Sophia stated, reaching the bottom stair. Finally her dark eyes looked up, falling on the handsome stranger in front of her. He was a stranger, but not an unfamiliar one. She'd seen practically all of his movies, owned most of them. To say she was a fan…wasn't out of the question and as she arrived on the rug in front of him, it took every ounce of her being to not gasp or freak out…or likely a combination of the two. "Hi…" she said with an almost shy smile.

"Hello," Tom greeted, a practically identical smirk drawn across his face. "You must be Sophia."

"Guilty," Sophia answered, extending a hand. "And you must be my unfortunate date."

"Sophia Capshaw, Tom Hiddleston," Benedict introduced, trying not to chuckle at the ambush he'd just pulled.

"It's nice to meet you," Sophia beamed as Tom took her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine," Tom insisted, shaking. He could feel his palms beginning to sweat. "Shall we?"

"Yes," Sophia agreed, "lets." She looped her arm through Maggie's and drug her best friend out the door. "What the hell…"

"I had nothing to do with this," Maggie whispered. "This all Ben."

"I'm going to kill him. Tom Hiddleston!? Really? He couldn't go for someone normal!?"

Maggie laughed. "Tom is very much normal. And very sweet. Honestly, you two would probably be quite perfect together."

"No. Not an option. Staying single…forever…remember?"

"Oh stop it. Just have fun."

Tom was having a much similar conversation with Benedict a few feet behind the girls. "You said she was beautiful…"

"I didn't want to gush," Benedict laughed. "Look, she's had a rough few months. Just be your usual charming self and who knows…maybe you've met the girl of your dreams."

Tom shook his head and laughed. "You've had this planned for a lot longer than you're letting on."

Benedict smirked triumphantly. "You're right there."

"You also forgot to mention that I would recognize her."

Benedict laughed. "I didn't want to brag." He pulled Tom to a stop as the limo driver ushered the girls into the awaiting car. "Look, since the day I met Sophia I have wanted to introduce the two of you. Obviously, it was out of the question for awhile but…she's been through a lot in the last two months and…I think you could restore her faith in men."

Tom chuckled. "No pressure at all there."

"Just have fun and…tonight, we'll show her the time of her life. Deal?"

"Deal," Tom smiled.

As the car pulled up to an exquisite theatre in the heart of London, Sophia could feel butterflies forming in the pit of her stomach. She had been prepared for a party, rubbing elbows with celebrities, but not for the red carpet, fans and camera flashes that were there patiently waiting at that moment.

"Um…wow," she said with a nervous laugh. "Ben, you forgot to mention how big of deal this was."

"I knew if I had, you wouldn't have agreed to come," Benedict stated, fiddling with the cuff of his dress shirt. "Smile your lovely smile and take the carpet by storm. You're star in your own right."

Sophia laughed and shook her head before notice Tom staring at her quizzically. "I'm…"

"She's a Broadway star," Maggie interrupted. "Nominated for a Tony last year."

Sophia continued shaking her head, looking up into Tom's icy blue eyes. "Not that big of deal."

"Sounds like a pretty big deal to me," Tom stated with a smile. "And actually I've seen you onstage."

Sophia cocked an eyebrow. "Really?"

Tom nodded his head. "I was in New York a few months ago. A friend had an extra ticket to Wicked. I accompanied her. I recognized you right away. You were…phenomenal. I went back to the hotel and bought the soundtrack immediately." Sophia looked at him skeptically. " I can sing if it would convince you."

Sophia laughed. "No, that's alright. I believe you."

"Good. I'll probably be singing by the end of the night anyway. I'm in the mood for shenanigans."

Benedict just shook his head. "It's our turn. Behave yourself, children." The door opened and Benedict stepped out, buttoning his suit coat and issuing a wave to the screaming, adoring fans. He then reached for Maggie's hand and the duo headed into the madness.

Tom turned to a still nervous looking Sophia. "Ready?" he asked with a smile.

"I don't know…" Sophia laughed.

"Of course you are. You look stunning. Might as well let me show you off." He winked quickly and followed Benedict's previous motions. The shouts were loud and full of love as one of London's favorite sons took to the carpet. He smiled and waved and just as Sophia neared the door, he extended his hand and leaned back in. "Come on, beautiful. No time like the present."

Sophia blushed, and took his hand. A sort of hush fell over the crowd. The hearts of the fangirls dropping as they saw their Prince Charming with a lady. And just as quickly as they arrived, all the butterflies left Sophia's stomach as Tom's arm drifted around her waist, landing just where the fabric of her skirt began as they made their start down the red carpet. She wasn't sure if he was intentionally the epitome of a gentleman or if that's just how he was. Whatever it was, she couldn't keep her eyes off him as he greeted reporters, paparazzi, and fans alike. Answering questions, offering autographs and hugs, and after each one he turned to her and issued her a bright, glowing smile.

She just stood back and watched him. He was so incredibly kind. Every word he spoke was so sincere. She was in awe of how he carried himself, how he treated everyone around him like they were the most important person on the planet because at that moment, to him, they were. After a few more hugs, a couple more kisses on cheeks, he headed back to the awaiting beauty's side.

"Ready to dance?"

Sophia cocked an eyebrow. "I didn't know I was required to dance."

"Oh yes…yes, there will be much dancing," Tom stated, nodding his head. He extended an arm toward her. "Shall we?"

"Let's," Sophia smiled, looping her arm around his. She took a deep breath as they continued to the carpet, toward the door. "So…are you the sweetest man on this planet or is it just me?"

Tom chuckled. "I don't know if I'd go that far."

"I would. The way you smiled at all of them, the way you spoke. It was the most sincere I think I've ever heard anyone."

Tom tilted his head and shrugged. "I see no reason to be anything but. Those are the people that…support me…support my career. They've shown me nothing but love. I see no reason not to do the same."

"Alright. So you really are the nicest guy in existence." Tom smiled, his eyes closing, the slightest smile lines forming around them."Seriously. I've known you an hour and I'm already certain."

"Well thank you," Tom said with a nod, turning his eyes toward her.

"I wish Ben would've warned me he was setting me up with Prince Charming."

Tom laughed loudly, the tip of his tongue pressing against the back of his teeth. "Let's not take it that far. That's a lot of pressure I'll have to continue to live up to."

"I somehow think you can handle it," Sophia stated.

"I hope so," Tom retorted. "I'd hate to disappoint."

"I somehow don't think that's possible."

Tom just smiled as they headed into the old, beautiful building, arm in arm and Sophia was once again overtaken by nervous butterflies. She may have been a performer but large groups of people, especially strangers, were not her thing. As her eyes darted around the busy interior, she felt Tom grip onto her hand that rested on his arm. She looked up and found his blue eyes staring down at her. "What?" she asked with a giggle.

"You tightened your grip," he smiled. "You can't possibly be nervous."

"Mmm…a little," she said, almost embarrassed. "I get a little nervous in crowds."

"How is that possible?"

Sophia shrugged. "I have no idea," she said with a scoff, shaking her head. "It makes absolutely no sense considering my job…but if I'm not onstage, I turn into…this shy, quiet wallflower. It's stupid."

"It's not," Tom argued, shaking his head just slightly. "We all have our quirks."

"Oh really? What's yours?"

"Oh, my darling, I don't dare give out my secrets. You'll find out soon enough, I'm certain."

Sophia smiled as she heard an excited shout for her companion from across the room.

"Madelyn!" Tom retorted, with a beaming grin. Sophia shifted from his arm as he extended them toward the middle aged, red headed woman approaching them. "You look lovely!"

"Thank you so much for coming," the woman stated as she planted her red lips on Tom's cheek. "It means the world."

"But of course!" Tom exclaimed. "Nowhere else I'd rather be."

The woman's sparkling emerald eyes turned and landed on Sophia. "Well my goodness. Who's this?" she asked with a beaming smile.

"Ah, Madelyn Thorston, the lovely Sophia Capshaw."

"It's nice to meet you," Sophia smiled, extending her hand to the woman.

Madelyn took her hand, an inquisitive expression strewn across her face. "Sophia Caps…I know that name…" she stated, resting her other hand on top of Sophia's. "Oh my goodness! THE Sophia Capshaw?"

Sophia laughed, looking from the woman and then up into Tom's sparkling eyes. "I suppose I could be. It depends what Sophia Capshaw you're referring to…"

"Wicked! You were Elphaba!"

Sophia laughed again, flattered that somehow, across the ocean from any show she'd ever been in, she had been recognized. "Yes, yes I was."

"Oh my…my daughter, Adelaide and I…we were in New York about three months ago. We saw the show…three times, I think. You were…sensational."

Sophia's hand pressed against her heart. "Oh my gosh. Thank you."

"Oh she'll be so excited you're here. I need to find her," Madelyn stated as her eyes began to scan the room. "I will be right back. Don't you two go too far."

Sophia's laugh continued as the woman made a beeline into the crowd, searching for her missing daughter.

"See? No reason to be nervous, whatsoever," Tom smiled.

"She's hysterical! Who is she?"

"She's on the board of directors for the National Theatre."

"What?!"

Tom laughed, loudly. "I swear to you."

"Oh my God…"

"Careful, you might get a job while you're in town."

Sophia shrugged. "Thus far I have no plans to leave, so might as well."

Tom pursed his lips. "For some reason, that makes me insanely happy."

Sophia's cheeks flushed and she looked to the ground. "Easy, Charming."

Tom chuckled. "We are going to get on entirely too well."

"Ya think so?"

"Mmhmm," Tom smirked. "I very much do."

"Mmmm, I think Ben will be too proud of himself."

Tom chuckled. "That's likely true. So…we'll have to hide it. We don't want his ego getting any MORE inflated."

"Do we get to have a huge, embarrassing, public fight?"

"Um, PLEASE," Tom responded, eyes wide.

"Ooh, yes. I like this already."

"When? Now? Too soon?"

"Can we have dinner first?" Sophia laughed. "I'm famished."

"Of course, what was I thinking?" Tom stated, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "We need sustenance before we battle."

"Battle? Don't go all Loki on me…"

Tom laughed, tipping his head back. "Oh, you will always kneel."

"Down, boy. That's like…at least the third or fourth date."

He couldn't stop laughing. "Oh my God…"

Sophia giggled. "I don't know what kind of girl Ben said he was setting you up with…"

"I mean, that being said, we can't RIGHTLY have a fight on the first date then…"

"Stop."

"I'm just…"

"No. You're just nothing," Sophia laughed, shaking her head. "No."

"But."

"No."

"I mean…"

"Thomas."

"I'm done," Tom laughed.

"You ARE done," Sophia giggled. She looked up at him, his eyes sparkling down at her and suddenly, at that instant, the last two months of heartbreak and tears seemed to melt away. All she could see was the incredible man beside her and she immediately knew she was in trouble.

It took a few minutes, but Tom and Sophia finally arrived at the table where Benedict and Maggie were waiting.

"There you two are," Benedict said with a smile. "Thought we'd lost you."

"Mags, help me find the bathroom?" Sophia asked, setting her clutch on the table.

"Of course!" Maggie instantly rose .

"Which is code for 'Come with me. I have a lot to gush about'," Benedict laughed. He immediately felt a slap to the back of his head. "Woman!"

"Shut your mouth," Maggie commanded before kissing him softly.

Benedict smirked before turning toward Tom, who was chuckling and taking a seat. "Getting on well I take it?"

Tom beamed, shaking his head. "I really don't see how it could be better."

Benedict smirked. "I told you. She's fantastic."

"She's stunning," Tom agreed. "And funny and sweet…God she's perfect."

"Uh oh…" Benedict said with a smile. "I warned you not to fall in love."

Tom shook his head. "Shouldn't have set me up with the most amazing woman alive, then," he retorted, picking up the glass of wine in front of him. "I'm just…"

"You're smitten."

"Smitten," Tom repeated. Slowly his head began to nod. "Smitten. Smitten is probably the best word for it."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Benedict smiled. "I mean…it was bound to happen…"

"Oh pat yourself on the back a little harder," Tom chuckled.

"Mmm, I think I will."

"You're ridiculous."

"But oh so good…"

Sophia sighed, washing her hands at the marble sink. Even the restrooms were impeccable. "So you should tell me about Tom…"

"What do you wanna know?" Maggie asked, walking out of the stall behind her best friend. "Aside from what you googled, of course."

"Well for starters: how is he POSSIBLY single?"

Maggie laughed. "He's busy. He's been running all over, doing press and shooting movies, rehearsals and stage shows. He doesn't have a whole lot of spare time. It's weird, because he's definitely a relationship guy. He loves being in a relationship. He loves having a constant companion, someone to go home to at night, I suppose. Even though he's rarely home. But I think the fact that he is so busy and he IS so rarely around, makes it hard to meet people or even…make anything last. You have to have a pretty strong base before one of you jets around the world and he doesn't have time to really get a solid base."

"So it's not because of anything superbly dramatic?"

Maggie shook her head. "Nah. Tom doesn't do drama. He doesn't really put his personal life out there much, which is why I'm kind of surprised he agreed to this."

Sophia smiled and hung her head, her cheeks flushing. "I'm glad he did."

"You like him, don't you?" Maggie asked with a smile.

Sophia shrugged, a sly smile crawling over her face. "I don't know. I think it's a little soon to say…but I can…I could…definitely see it happening."

Maggie raised her eyebrows. "Sophia and Toooom…"

"Don't," Sophia laughed. "Don't even start that. He probably isn't even remotely interested."

Maggie now cocked one of her well groomed eyebrows. "Are you kidding me? The man was practically glowing. Shut your stupid mouth."

"Oh shut up!"

"I'm serious! I know him, you don't. He likes you."

"Whatever," Sophia said, rolling her dark eyes back into her head.

"Oh shut up and get out there before those two do something stupid."

"We're probably already too late," Sophia laughed.

"Likely."

After a delicious five star meal, every course imaginable, Madelyn and a young woman, probably in her twenties, made their way over to the group's table.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you," Madelyn began, "but Sophia, I wanted to introduce you to my daughter, Adelaide. She's probably your biggest fan."

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Sophia cooed, rising to her feet.

"I can't believe you're here," Adelaide stated with an enormous grin. "I am such a fan."

Sophia smiled and wrapped her arms around the girl's shoulders. "Thank you, sweetheart. And you can thank Benedict here for my presence. I got into town this afternoon and he bombarded me."

"Ah yes. You put up such a fight," Benedict's low, smooth voice said with a smile.

"I have…an enormous favor to ask you…" Adelaide began nervously.

Sophia looked at the girl and then to her mother. "Okay…" she laughed, slightly nervous herself.

"I understand if you say no…" Adelaide started, "but I was wondering…hoping that you could possibly sing "Defying Gravity" for us. I already talked to the band, the pianist said he knows it."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Oh wow…um…I wasn't really planning on performing while I was here…kind of on vacation…"

"I understand. I don't want to trouble you," Adelaide stated, her disappointment evident across her young face.

"No, no, it's no trouble. I'd love to," Sophia interrupted.

"Really?" Adelaide asked.

"Yes, of course," Sophia smiled. "I've never really sang it publicly by myself but I'll give it my best."

"Oh my God! Thank you so much!" Adelaide exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her idol. "I'll go let William know."

Sophia laughed as the young woman scampered away. "When…"

"Um, now I think," Madelyn stated. "I'll introduce you. Follow me."

Sophia looked back to her table and took a quick drink. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck," Maggie smiled.

Sophia made an unbelieving face and brushed her hand against Tom's shoulder as she trailed behind Madelyn.

Tom watched her walk away, her skirt swishing against the ground. "This is going to be amazing. I'm excited."

Benedict smirked, turning his chair more toward the stage. His eyes drifted to his fiancée and he leaned over. "Did I nail it or what?"

Maggie laughed. "Oh stop. I agreed they'd be good together."

"Yes, but you told me not to do it."

"Well I still think it's too soon, but if they're having fun…"

"Ladies and gentleman," came Madelyn's voice over the sound system. "It is with great pleasure I announce a complete surprise performance. Many of you know the theatre well and will know the young lady about to take the stage. She most recently played Elphaba in the latest New York run of Wicked and was even nominated for a Tony. She graced us with her presence tonight and has agreed to sing for you now. I present Sophia Capshaw with "Defying Gravity"."

To Sophia's surprise, the crowd greeted her with applause and cheers. She walked toward the microphone and laughed as she adjusted the height. "Apparently I'm a giant," she said with a chuckle. "Or I'm wearing insanely high heels." She paused. "Um, I want to say thank you to Madelyn and Miss Adelaide for asking me to sing for you. I miss Wicked terribly, it was the greatest show to be a part of and…I guess here we go." She issued the pianist a nod and a familiar tune immediately began to fill her ears.

Tom sat watching intently as her voice began to fill the room. He was literally in awe, watching the passion with every word that escaped her lips. He'd heard her sing the song before, only a few months before, but something was different. He saw her feeling the words, feeling the meaning behind them as she belted the lyrics at the very top of her lungs.

"So if you care to find me, look up to the Western sky. As someone told me lately: Everyone deserves a chance to fly. And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who'd ground me take a message back from me…"

He could feel the tears burning in the corners of his eyes. It wasn't unusual for a performance to move him to emotion, but something about her. The way she sang the words, the way she believed him. He felt everything the character felt while singing the song. The desperation for acceptance, yet realizing she'd never receive it. The betrayal of an entire community and finally deciding to take the world on alone. As her voice fell silent, the crowd positively erupted with cheers and applause. Tom, Benedict and Maggie all rose to their feet and soon the entire room of theatre people and supporters alike joined them.

Sophia's cheeks flushed and she quickly bowed, blew a few kisses and took her exit, making a beeline for the familiar faces of her friends. "Eek…" she said with a laugh.

"You were…absolutely extraordinary," Tom stated, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Wow."

"Thank you," Sophia laughed, hugging him back tightly. The sweetest, most gorgeous man in the world and he smelled amazing too. Perfect. "That was kind of nerve wracking."

"Tom said it," Benedict stated, giving her a tight squeeze. "You mesmerize me every time I see you onstage."

"Aw, Benny. Stop," Sophia stated sweetly. "You're going to make me cry."

"It's true," Benedict stated, kissing her cheek softly.

"I'm onboard with the both of them," Maggie stated, embracing her best friend. "I wouldn't be surprised if you get called for a job at this point."

"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't say no," Sophia laughed. Her eyes slowly fluttered back up to Tom's, feeling his eyes staring at her. "What?"

Tom shook his head. "Nothing. I'm still just captivated."

"Y'all need to stop," Sophia commanded, pointing to each of her three friends. "You're supposed to keep me humble, remember?"

Maggie scoffed as the quartet took their seats. "You couldn't get a big head if we put an air pump in your ear. You're as down to earth as they come. Both of you two."

"And me?" Benedict asked, feigning offense.

"You're a bit much," Maggie teased.

"And you're an asshole," Benedict laughed. "Why am I marrying you again?"

"Because you couldn't do better if you tried," Sophia chimed in.

"True story," Benedict laughed as Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" began to play. "Oooh! We must dance!" He stood, grabbed his fiancee's hand. "Come on you two."

Tom stood and extended a hand toward Sophia. "May I?"

"Of course," Sophia beamed, placing her hand in his. She was beginning to think this was the best night of her life.

"I'm exhausted," Benedict stated.

"I'm not!" Tom argued as they all headed toward the limousine. "Let's dance more!"

"No. I have to be on set in six hours. I'd like SOME sleep," Benedict argued.

"Oh come on!" Sophia exclaimed. "I was on a plane for thirteen hours and you drug me out! You can at least go to breakfast with us."

"Breakfast?" Maggie laughed.

"What else do you get at four a.m.?" Sophia asked, looking at Tom, who shrugged.

"I don't know," Tom answered, "but whatever it is, I'm in."

"Really?" Sophia asked excitedly. "Because I'm seriously starving."

"I'm totally in," Tom repeated. "Let's do it."

"Ok. I wanna change first."

"Of course."

"You two are really going out?" Benedict asked.

Sophia and Tom looked at each other and nodded their heads. "Yeah. Why not?" Tom asked. "I have tomorrow off. Might as well take advantage of it."

"A day off?" Maggie asked. "What is that?"

"I don't know!" Tom laughed," But I am excited!"

"What're you gonna do?" Maggie asked.

Tom shook his head. "Dinner with my family at night…other than that, no plans. But um, I was going to ask…" he began, turning to Sophia, "if maybe you wanted to do something? I could…take you around London, to all the fun touristy spots."

"Are you serious?"

"Why do you always think I'm kidding?" Tom asked with a laugh. "No. I'm fucking with you. I was hoping you'd say yes so I could laugh maniacally and run away."

"You are the God of Mischief…" Sophia stated.

Tom laughed. "Yes but…fun mischief."

"Alright I'm in," Sophia stated. "We can have that big embarrassing fight we were talking about."

"No, that's after like the fourth date, remember?" Tom smirked. He received a sharp slap on the arm. "Ouch!"

"What the…" Benedict stated, shaking his confused head. "You two have inside jokes already? Really? That's how this is going to be?"

"Haven't you heard? We're getting married tomorrow," Tom smirked, sliding an arm on the back of the seat and behind Sophia's shoulders.

"No," Sophia argued, shaking her head wildly.

"Ouch!" Tom laughed. "Wow. And here I thought the night was going well." The car pulled to a halt outside Maggie and Benedict's flat. "Well, shall I wait or have you changed your mind on breakfast?"

Sophia sighed. "Ya know…I am actually tired…"

"That's perfectly fine. If we're going to spend the day together," Tom said, smiling at the thought. "Shall I pick you up at say…Eleven?"

"Um…sure…sounds fine," Sophia nodded. She began moving, trying to figure out how to get around Tom and get to the door that had just opened.

"Don't you dare," Tom argued. "I'm walking you to the door."

"You don't have to," Sophia laughed. "Ben and Mags are right there. I'm not getting mugged."

"God, you've been in New York too long," Tom chuckled, heading out the door behind Benedict. He leaned back in for Sophia's hand. "That's not the point. The point is I am a gentleman and I walk a lady to her door after I've spent a wonderful evening with her."

Sophia shook her head and took his hand as she slid out of the car. "Whatever you say, Charming."

Tom laughed. "Call me whatever you want, I'm just speaking the truth." He looked up in time to see Benedict and Maggie ducking into the apartment. "I feel like they just ran away from us."

"That's entirely possible," Sophia laughed. She stopped as they reached the doorstep and turned to face Tom. "So…eleven tomorrow?"

"If that's alright with you."

"Sure," Sophia smiled. She paused. "Ya know…You really don't have to spend your only day off in like…years…with me…"

Tom smirked crookedly. "But the thing is…I want to." He took a step forward, closer to the brunette before him. "In fact…at this moment in time, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the day with." Sophia blushed and turned her face from his piercing blue gaze , but Tom was quick to place a finger under her chin and bring their eyes back together. "You really think I'm just…utterly full of shit, don't you?"

"No," Sophia argued. "I told you. You seem to be the most sincere person I've ever met. I just feel like Ben maybe…encouraged this…a bit…"

Tom pursed his lips and shook his head. "No. Not at all actually. I mean…not NOT at all, but…he had nothing to do with me asking you out."

"Asking me out?" Sophia asked with a shy smile.

Tom eyed her curiously. "Did I just imagine…the last five minutes?" he asked pointing to the limo. "I did just ask you to spend the day with me tomorrow, didn't I?"

"Yeah but…I didn't realize… I'm in a weird place right now," Sophia said with a laugh, "so you'll have to excuse me if I seem slightly oblivious to anything…involving romance at the moment."

"It doesn't have to be a date," Tom stated, shaking his head. "I want it to be…whatever you're comfortable with."

Sophia smiled. "Honestly? I'm comfortable with you. So…let's just be that at the moment. You and I. Just doing whatever it is we're doing."

Tom smiled brightly. "I like that." He placed a hand on her hip and leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"Me too," Sophia smiled.

"Goodnight, darling," Tom said with a wink. He stuffed his hands into his pants pockets and began toward the still waiting car.

"Tom?"

He stopped and turned toward the beauty. "Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?" he asked with a laugh.

"Reminding me that not all men are assholes."

Tom chuckled lightly, knowing her gratitude was very real. "It's my pleasure and…my goal to continue to do so. Get some sleep, beautiful girl." He issued another grin and turned, disappearing into the darkness and the awaiting limo.

She sighed, somewhat dreamily as she watched the car pull way. This wasn't real. It couldn't be. HE couldn't be. She found herself hoping that when she woke, she wouldn't find it all to be a dream.