Guys I'm so so so sorry this took so long. My computer crashed and I thought I lost everything but thankfully after fighting with my now deceased laptop I finally got everything. Then I had to get another laptop which thankfully I was able to. My lovely mother bought me one for my recently passed birthday. 3 But now here it is. My next Tom/Kate chapter. The thought for this one came after listening to a song called Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs. And I couldn't be happier with the way it came out. Things get a little intimate but nothing too much. The plot continues to thicken of course. So many ideas keep coming to me. Next with be another of Echo's. Hopefully i can get the chapters up on a regular basis again. So thank you for being patient. You all are wonderful. :) Enjoy.

Chapter 8

Dance With Me Tonight

Four months have passed since filming of Thor had started. It's a much more demanding atmosphere than Kate has been used to but she seems to have been handling it fairly well. With Rachel not around though she's lost that familiar support she's used to, but Jessica has been around making sure she was handling everything okay. She's also spent time with the rest of the cast from time to time and that has eased most of the remaining tension.

As Kate munches on some pretzels her friend Ashley speaks through the phone, "So what kind of kiss was it? Was it magical? Irresistible? Spectacular? Did it make you want to run away into the sunset together?" Kate scowls as she says, "You know, your sarcasm is unnecessary."

"Oh no, my sarcasm is always necessary," she says. Kate hears the defiant smile in her voice.

"Well?" Ashley persists when Kate goes silent. Kate sighs and then says, "I don't know. I mean it was a work kiss."

"What the hell's a work kiss?" Ash asks confusion in her voice.

"You know what I mean," Kate says shifting her position on the couch, feeling uncomfortable, "It was for the scene. It didn't mean anything."

"Just because it was for show doesn't mean there was nothing there," Ash says, "Is he at least a good kisser? Cause if he was bad I can understand why you 'don't know.'"Kate's cheeks get red as she thinks about the scene with her and Tom in Echo's room. She was able to keep her composure and go through the scene smoothly but afterwards she couldn't stop her heart from pounding. She'd avoided Tom after filming that day not wanting him to see her so flustered. In all honesty she'd been avoiding him the past week aside from when filming. He'd been texting her and she'd been giving him excuses all week. She wonders if he was bothered. She hopes she didn't hurt him.

"Hello, still there?" Ash asks loudly, "Feel free to come back and join us on the earth plane now." Kate quickly moves the phone away from her ear, "Still unnecessary. And to answer your question, yes he is."

"Geez I have to pry information out of you," Ash says mildly irritated, "Have you both talked? Does he know how you feel?"

"No, I'm not willing to broach that subject," Kate says softly.

"Come on, what are you afraid of?" Ash asks.

"You know what," Kate says suddenly serious. Ashley is quiet for a moment as she contemplates what to say.

"What, you've been fine for how long now? 10 months?" Ash asks as she continues, "Kate if he's how you describe him then he'll understand."

"Not this," she says bitterly. Ash sighs through the phone, "You need to give people more credit. Take a chance. You never know."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore," Kate says suddenly exhausted.

"Fine," Ash says back, "Changing the subject. You doing anything for your birthday?"

"No," she says, "I stopped celebrating my birthday after I turned 21. They stop meaning much, even though Rachel has dragged me out every birthday since we met."

"And she should," Ash says the irritation returned, "Kate it's your birthday. Come on you're 25 today. Do something. Don't sit around by yourself."

"I'm actually quite comfortable where I am now, thank you very much," Kate says sarcastically. Kate's phone beeps suddenly and she takes a look to see what it was. Her eyes widen as she sees Tom's name written as an incoming call.

"Uh oh," Kate accidentally says out loud.

"What?" Ash asks.

"Tom's calling," she says.

"Are you gonna answer it?"

"No."

"Answer it."

"No!"

"Answer! It!"

Kate grinds her teeth but finally relents, "Fine. Talk to you later then?"

"Sure," Ash says, "And you better be telling me how awesome your birthday was." Kate shakes her head as she hangs up and answers Tom hesitantly, "Hello?"

"Kate," his warm English accent is heard through the phone, "Hello. How are you doing?" She frowns as she remembers avoiding him. She feels guilty.

"I'm," she pauses, "uh, fine. You?"

"I'm doing well," he says and she can hear the smile in his voice. It makes her feel even worse for dodging him.

"May I ask if you are busy tonight?" he asks curiously. She contemplates what to say and he rushes in to continue, "If you weren't, I was hoping to ask something of you." She bites her lip hearing how earnest he sounds.

"No," she says before she realizes and then shuts her eyes as she continues, "I, um, actually am not busy. What did you need?"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd be willing to accompany me somewhere?" he asks.

"Sure, where did you have in mind?" she asks.

"It's a secret," he says his voice low and deep. Her heart constricts and she can't help but smile as he said that.

"Oh, great," she says smiling now, "You're making me second guess my decision."

"Don't," he says, "You'll enjoy it. Trust me."

"Alright, well I'm leaving my fate in yours hands then," she says chuckling.

"You are in good hands," he says, "I will pick you up at 7. Feel free to dress up." A few ideas pop into her head as he said that: Dinner, art gallery, a play. She wasn't sure what he was planning but she had agreed.

"I will see you then," she says. They say goodbye and Kate hangs up. She takes a deep breath and leans back on the couch.

"Guess I really am going out on my birthday," she says. She sits up suddenly thinking about something and then groans,"Where the hell am I gonna get a dress?" She looks at the time on her phone and it reads 5:00. She groans inwardly knowing that she doesn't have enough time to leave and get a dress or even something remotely dressy to wear. She texts Jess to ask her if she happens to have a dress or something nice to wear. She waits impatiently for a response.

No sorry. Have an idea though. Meet outside in 5.

Kate reads the text and then puts her sweater on and heads outside. She sees Jessica in the distance walking towards her and then goes to meet her.

"What do you need a dress for?" she asks curiously.

"Well, uh, Tom is supposed to be taking me somewhere tonight and he said I could dress up," she says avoiding Jess' eyes. A big grin forms on Jess' face and she practically squeals as she says, "Oh my god! That's so cute! I have the perfect outfit for you." She grabs Kate's hand and starts pulling her.

"Woah, slow down," Kate says trying not to trip over her feet, "I thought you said you didn't have anything dressy to wear."

"I don't," she says smiling as she looks at her mischievously, "But the costume department does." Kate shakes her head as they make their way to the trailer that holds the costumes. Jess unlocks the door with her key and says, before Kate can question her about having a key, "I've made friends all over the set. Thanks again for the advice."

Kate smiles as Jess opens the door and they step inside. This is a larger trailer than most and holds tons of different color clothing hung up on the racks.

"I think this will look great on you," Jess says taking a small dress off the hanger. It is a dark blue short dress. It has a floral gem shoulder strap that would go over the left shoulder and circles behind to an open back. Its chiffon fabric is a layered handkerchief skirt at the bottom. Kate touches the dress feeling the soft fabric.

"It's really pretty," Kate says smiling.

"Try it on," Jess urges. Kate is hesitant, "Are you sure? What if something happens? I could ruin it."

"It'll be fine, don't worry," Jess says smiling back at her, "Come on, try it on, please." Kate surrenders and takes the dress walking over behind one of the racks. She changes quickly, very used to wearing dresses. She's rather fond of them. She walks out and Jess' face lights up.

"It looks beautiful on you," she beams, "You have to wear this." Kate blushes lightly at what she says and does a small twirl. She likes the feel of the dress and finds a mirror in the corner. She looks herself up and down and is happy with the way it looks on her.

"Thank you, Jess, this dress is gorgeous," Kate says as she turns to look at her.

"Anytime," she says still smiling, "Now let's get you ready for tonight." They head back to Kate's trailer after finding a pair of shoes to match the dress. The heels are a deep blue like the dress that are opened toed and have straps that wrap around the shoe multiple times. Colorful rime stones layer the straps.

Kate refuses to wear make-up for tonight even with Jess' insistent pestering. Kate had taken a quick shower and felt refreshed and ready to go. They add some hair lotion to her hair to give it a flowing, wavy look. She takes a look at herself in the mirror and likes what she sees.

"You look amazing!" Jess exclaims, "If this doesn't get you something tonight then I don't know what will." Kate's mouth drops open and she lightly smacks Jess on the arm, "Jess that is not a topic of discussion!"

"What?!" she practically yells, "You can't tell me you haven't thought about it." Kate's eyes widen and she feels her cheeks burn. She avoids Jess' gaze and slips past her back into the living room area to check her phone, hoping to distract herself. She hears Jess laughing from the bathroom. It's almost time for him to pick her up. She feels anticipation building.

A knock is heard at the door. Jess bolts over from the bathroom and says with a big smile on her face, "He's here!" Kate smiles shaking her head and then walks over to the door and opens it. She's met with a familiar face, a warm smile and deep blue eyes as they meet her own. Tom's eyes leave hers as they look her up and down and his breath catches in his throat. He's at a loss for words. She takes him in with his dark jeans, blue button down shirt, black leather jacket and a black and white plaid scarf. He looks handsome as always.

"You look absolutely radiant, Kate," he says finally finding the right words. She smiles, blushing as she says, "Thank you. You clean up pretty nice yourself."

"I try," he says, chuckling softly. Jessica appears a big smile on her face as she says, "Hey Tom." She slips past Kate and walks down the steps to stand in front of him.

"Hello Jessica," he says.

"I leave her in your hands now," she winks at him still smiling, hands at her hips, "Show her a good time now and you better take care of her." She stands up on her toes and leans in to whisper something to him. Kate watches them confusion forming on her face. Before she can say anything Jess turns to her and says, "Enjoy yourself now."

She turns to leave as Kate practically stumbles down the steps to stop her, "Wait!" Tom steadies her, making sure she doesn't fall as she watches Jess walk further away.

"Jessica?! What'd you say?!" Kate yells. Jess turns and yells back, "Don't worry, it's nothing that didn't need to be said. You'll thank me." She turns back around and disappears around a far corner.

Suddenly aware that Tom is holding her she straightens up and pulls away.

"What did she say?" she asks him.

"It's a secret remember," he gives her a flirty smile. She can't help but smile as she rolls her eyes, "I thought the secret was what we were doing tonight?"

"It is, but what she said was a part of it. Don't worry though Kate, really it was nothing bad."

Kate sighs and heads back inside for her purse and coat.

"Ready?" he asks giving her his arm to hold.

"As ready as I can be, I suppose," she says with a smile.

They walk a ways until they reach a black SUV. She recognizes the man leaning against it. His name is Jason as he stands up straight when he sees them approach. He's the driver that has taken her off set to different places.

"Hi Jason," Kate says as he opens the door.

"Hello Kate, excited for tonight?" he asks.

"I am," she says, "You wouldn't happen to know where we are going would you?" He looks at Tom who lightly shakes his head. She looks up at him, "That's unfair. You can't even let him give me a hint?"

"Sorry, no hints here," he smiles as he gestures for her to step inside and she does. He slides in next to her as the door is closed. Jason walks around and gets in the driver side and starts the car up. He then sets off down the street. Kate crosses her arms and still runs possible ideas of tonight's events through her head. She looks over at Tom who still has a smile on his face.

He's infuriating she thinks as she glares at him. She smiles to herself though knowing if he's worked this hard to keep it a secret then it has to be something good.

"Your dress is beautiful, where did you get it?" he asks looking to her.

"Well, Jess helped me with that aspect. She brought me to where the costumes were being held and we chose one from there. You know if you're going tell a girl she should dress up you should give her more warning," she says teasingly.

"You are right and I apologize," he says leaning back against the seat, "It all was honestly a spur of the moment idea. I wasn't entirely sure you would come either."

Kate feels the guilt return and avoids eye contact with him, "Yea, I'm sorry about that. Things have just been…complicated."

"Is everything alright?" he asks concerned. She thinks about his question for a brief moment. She could lie and say that everything is fine or she could tell him the truth of why she was avoiding him. She decides against both as she says, "I'm better now that I'm going out. Thank you for giving me the offer." He looks at her trying to figure out if she's telling the truth. He knows she's not telling the whole truth but he decides to avoid pestering her.

"I'm glad you said yes," he says placing his hand on hers and squeezing it, "I hope you enjoy tonight."

"I have a feeling I will," she says as she looks up at him with a smile.

After about 20 minutes of driving the car comes to a stop at the curb. Kate leans over Tom to look out the window as Jason gets out of the car. She sees a building with two large windows on both sides of two glass doors. Jason opens the door and she and Tom get out. She walks over to the window and looks inside. She sees tables scattered around and people talking and laughing inside. Music is heard and she notices in the center there's a dance floor. People are dancing together to the music. It's not a club, at least not one she's ever seen before. She feels a hand on her shoulder. She knows it's Tom.

"Have you ever been to a place like this?" he asks her.

"I don't think so," she says, "It looks a bit like a mix between a café and, I guess, something like a jazz club."

"It's similar to a jazz club," he says, "It's called Timeless Steps. They have these theme dance nights where they play certain kinds of music from different time. You like to dance right?"

"Absolutely," she says excitement in her voice, "Let's go inside." She takes Tom's hand quickly and they head inside. He laughs as she pulls him inside. She notices the music first and recognizes the song playing by a live band on a stage towards the farther back of the club. Jessie's Girl is what is playing. She looks around and on the right side is a bar with an assortment of drinks on shelves behind. It's quite old-fashioned looking. As she looks around she notices most of the club is a bit old-fashioned: mahogany tables and chairs, red drapes on the wall, with different art and black and white photos. To her it's as if she's stepped some years back in time. She's awestruck.

"This place is wonderful," she says, "I can't believe I've never been here." She looks to him and he's smiling.

"A friend of mine showed me this place," he says, "It's not really well-known, but it's one of my favorite places to come when I'm in California." A woman walks up to them dressed in pink leggings with jeans shorts worn over and a tie-dyed shirt.

"Would you like a table?" she asks them. Tom responds with a yes and the woman takes them to a curved booth on the opposite side of the club from the bar but a good view of the stage. As they sit down Kate asks Tom with a grin, "So are you going to tell me the theme tonight?"

"Why it's the 80s," he says with a smile as he looks at her, "The outfits didn't give it away?" She glares at him, "You know, I've had enough sassiness for one day, thank you very much." He laughs as the woman returns with menus and asks if they want anything to drink. Kate contemplates whether or not she wants to drink as Tom orders a vodka tonic.

"So we're drinking after all then," she says chuckling, "Well then I'll take a watermelon mojito, never had one of those."

"Nice choice," Tom says leaning back against the seat, crossing his legs and folding his arms. He eyes her curiously.

"What?" she asks watching him.

"Well, I've been meaning to ask you something," he says as the drinks are brought to the table.

"Ask away," she says taking a sip from her drink and being pleased with it she leans back and waits for him to continue.

"It's about your tattoo," he says, "It's quite beautiful by the way, and I remember hearing that they had to airbrush parts of it for the scene. What were they?"

"Well the tattoo wasn't a part of the scene but when they found out I had it they thought they'd go with it. It turned out to work cause from what I hear it's gonna relate to Echo somehow, but yea anyway they said the words would have to be airbrushed out. One part is a quote running along one side and the other is a lyric from a song running up along the other. The lyric is I fell apart but got back up again. And the quote is Break the chains that bind us. They both fit with me, you know," she rotates her glass in her hand and watches the liquid swirl.

"How so?" he asks wanting to know more.

She stops twirling the glass and just stares at it. She wants to avoid this conversation turning into anything to personal. She doesn't want to tell him that part of her.

"Let's just say events in my life changed me but I refuse to let them define me," she places the glass on the table still avoiding his gaze. His expression goes serious as he watches her. She's struggling with something and he wants to know what. He knows though if he pressures her that she'll only pull away. He sighs to himself.

Seems I have my work cut out for me he thinks to himself and then smiles, This is going to be interesting.

"Want to dance?" he asks, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looks over at him feeling guilty for acting the way she is, but sees a smile on his lips. She registers the song that had just begun to play in her head. She remembers it. It's Let's Groove by Earth, Wind, and Fire. She laughs and says, "Of all the songs to ask me to dance, it's this one?" Her previous discomfort seems to fade away as she continues to laugh. He's glad to see her laugh. He wants her to enjoy herself tonight.

"Come on, it's a classic," he says starting to laugh as well. He gets up and gestures for her hand. She shakes her head unable to stop smiling as she takes his hand and they make their way to the dance floor. Tom keeps a hold of her hand as he starts to dance. He just starts moving to the music. Shuffling his feet, shaking his hips. Kate can't help but laugh as she joins in. He gives her a twirl and pulls her close. Their faces are inches apart and her breathing changes. Her heart is racing. She could kiss him, but they pull apart.

Kate twirls around a big smile on her face. Tom is mimicking the same smile as they continue to dance. The song changes then to Footloose by Kenny Loggins.

"Oh My God!" Kate exclaims, "This is one of my favorites!" She moves her hips to the music.

"Do you know the dance?" he asks moving closer to her.

"A little," she says giggling, "You?" He nods as the chorus starts. She watches him as he dances the same dance she remembers seeing from the movie Footloose. Everyone around them starts following his lead. She's ecstatic. He takes her hand and ushers her to join. She starts mirroring his dance moves. The energy is infectious as people who were just enjoying watching decided to get up and join. As the song comes to the end the singer says, "It's great to see you all getting up and dancing. Let's keep this energy going!" Everyone cheers, as the next song is Mony Mony by Billy Idol.

A circle forms as one by one as different people jump into to do different freestyle dances. Before she realizes she's already jumped in the circle and is shaking her hips and spinning to the song. She starts laughing as she keeps going. Tom's positively elated seeing how happy she is. She gestures a "Come here" motion with her hands to him and he complies. She takes his hands as they dance together once again. He twirls her again and when he pulls her back this time he lifts her up high above his shoulders. Surprise and excitement forms on her face as he let's go and she drops. She yelps but he catches her and holds her up for a brief moment. He's laughing and can't seem to stop. And neither can she.

The circle dissipates as the song changes once again to Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson. A man with a black hat comes on and starts dancing to the song in a similar way to Michael Jackson. Everyone starts cheering. Kate starts clapping and cheering him on. Showing off his style with the moonwalk and the famous lean that Michael does the man keeps going.

After the song the singer says, "Everyone give a round to this classy gentleman right here. And why don't we slow it down a little." He sets down his guitar and walks over to the piano and the applause dies down. He starts to play Faithfully by Journey. As some people pair up and start to slow dance others head to sit down and take a break. Kate looks to Tom and he is holding his hand out to her, "Dance with me?" She smiles softly and takes his hand. She wraps her arms around his neck and his wrap around her waist. They start to sway back and forth to the music.

"So, are you having fun?" Tom asks looking at her.

"Of course," she says still smiling, "This place is spectacular. Thank you so much." He pulls her closer as he whispers in her ear, "As long as your happy." Her heart tightens with his close proximity, but mostly because of his words. She's not used to someone saying things like that, especially when they regard her. She wraps her arms tighter around him as they gently continue to sway to the music their bodies touching. Even after the song ends and they stop moving they don't pull apart right away. For the first time she wants to stay in the exact moment that she's in for as long as she can.

Finally after what seems like an eternity they pull apart. They look at each other for a moment both searching for something they can't quite figure out in each other's eyes. Then as the people around them begin to dance to as Your Love by The Outfield plays. They both decide to go back to the table and get something to eat. They spend the rest of the night enjoying each other's company with more drinks, some food, and dancing. By the time they decide to leave it's around 11:30 at night. They step outside into the cool whether and Tom calls Jason to come and pick them up.

"He'll be here shortly," he says to her. She nods as she looks out into the street. It's pretty quiet.

"Kate," he says. She turns to him and her breath catches in her throat when she sees the way he's looking at her, a sense of longing. He hugs her then and whispers, "Have I told you that I think you are a remarkable young woman, and I can't stop thinking about you?" Her eyes widen and she can barely breathe. She can't find any words to say. He cups her face in his hands and looks at her, once again inches away. She's holding onto his coat now not yet believing what's going on. He searches her eyes looking for something again. He kisses her then and it takes everything she has for her legs not to give out. Her heart is pounding and her head is spinning as she kisses him back. Realizing she's responded he pulls her closer and continues to kiss her. His heart is racing just as fast as hers. He pulls away, slowly, reluctantly, but stays close.

"I care a lot about you Kate," he starts to say laughing nervously as he continues, "I can't seem to get enough of you. Seeing you smile, everything else just vanishes. I want to know you, all about you, and I seem to want to tell you everything about myself. I apologize if this is too much, but if you feel the same way, well, I was hoping…" He's unsure of how to continue. She runs everything he just said through her mind again. She's scared. She knows what getting close to him would mean, but her whole being wants this, wants him. She kisses him back. He takes that as a reciprocation of his feelings and lifts her up in a hug as he kisses her back. She can't help but laugh. When he let's her back down she finally finds the words to say, "Tom from the moment I met you, you had an affect on me. As I got to know you my feelings only grew and I thought hiding them was my best option. I'm sorry, I kind of, avoided you, this past week." She looks away avoiding his eyes as she continues, "I was afraid. I'm still afraid. I mean, I'm not very good at getting close to people. It never seems to turn out right and I just didn't want to ruin anything between us, because honestly for the first time in a very long time I feel 'good'. I feel, well, alive. But to know this, well, are you sure?"

He takes her chin in his hand and forces her to look at him. His gaze is soft and warm as he says, "Kate, I have never been so sure about anything before. I want to be with you. As long as it's what you want as well." Tears sting at the corners of her eyes and she doesn't want him to see her cry. He doesn't let her look away again this time as he brushes a finger at her eyes, "It's okay, sweetheart." He hugs her again and she buries her face in his chest.

"I want to be with you to, Tom," she whispers, but he hears her and smiles.

They hear the SUV pull up and Jason gets out of the car to open the passenger door. As they begin to walk to the car Tom whispers to her, "Happy Birthday, by the way." She looks at him surprise written all over her face, "How did you-" Before she finishes she remembers Jess whispering something to him.

"Damn that girl," she says shaking her head but smiling.

"She had told me a few days ago," he says laughing, "I had been thinking of something to do since. I guess I made the right choice." Kate smiles and nods as they step inside the car.

"Hey, but wait, what did she whisper to you?" Kate asks eyeing him. Her feigns ignorance as he says, "I do not know what it is you mean." Her mouth drops open as she says, "She whispered something to you. What was it?" Her eyes her teasingly a grin forming as he leans in close to whisper something, "That's still a secret." His voice was deep and husky when he said that and her breathing changes slightly. He lays his hand on her upper leg just below her dress. An electric sensation shoots through from his touch.

"Not….fair," she manages to whisper through gritted teeth. He just chuckles lightly in her ear as he moves lower to lightly kiss her neck. Her body feels on fire now.

She shifts her body over pushing him back with her hands. She moves over and slips her left leg over his and sits on his lap facing him. Her left hand she inches slowly near his inner thigh as she leans forward to whisper something, "Two can play at this game." His breathing catches and shifts. She moves off of him and sits back down on the seat with a teasing grin on her face. He chuckles laying his head back against the headrest.

They get dropped off and start walking towards the trailers after saying goodnight to Jason. He takes her hand and squeezes it.

"Hey Tom," she says. He looks to her as she tries to find the right words. She bites her lip unsure of how to continue. He waits patiently until she finally speaks again, "I, well, don't want to be alone tonight. Would you…mind, maybe…"

"Sure," he says when she pauses, "Your couch is more comfortable than mine anyway." She laughs at that as they begin to head to her trailer. He grabs a pair of sweats and a t-shirt from his place real quick before they make it to her place. They step inside and Kate walks in the back to change. She comes back out in shorts and a t-shirt. He had changed as well and she still thinks he looks just as good. She smiles as she thinks about that. He goes to sit on the couch but she takes his hand and pulls him down the tiny hallway and to her bed. She pulls him down as she sits back on the bed and he sits down next to her. He kisses her and reaches around to lay her down. He's above her now and she just relishes in him being so close. She's perfectly content with just kissing him right now.

"I want to take this slow," he says having pulled away.

"Me too," she says as he rolls over and lays down next to her, "But I'd like you to sleep her next to me, if that's okay?" He rolls to his side and pulls her close then as he says, "I'll stay as long as you want me."