Shall you have my heart?
A Hiddlesworth Fanfiction
Chapter Four
Tom stirred in his sleep, the sunlight from outside creeping into the room causing it to illuminate with a faint glow. He gave a groan and turned to lay on his side, stretching his arm out. He snuggled into the pillow, giving a small yawn before fluttering his eyes open. His vision was blurry but he noticed he was not in his bed. He shot up with wide eyes as he looked around. This wasn't even his room. He sat there for a moment before images of last night flashed before his eyes. He took a deep breath through his nose and glanced down, rubbing his eyes. Why would Chris not wake him? He did not want to overstay his welcome and his mother must be worried sick. He crawled to the edge of the bed, swinging his legs over it before he heard footsteps coming from down the hallway. No doubt Chris was already awake, perhaps he was coming to check if Tom was awake as well. He stood by the bed watching as the door opened and Chris's figure walked through. Tom looked at him puzzled, seeing he was carrying a food tray. Pancakes, eggs, toast, and orange juice were placed in the center of the tray, a small flower vase to the right "Oh good you're awake" He blushed seeing Chris flash his brilliant smile as he walked over to him, placing the tray on the bed "How did you sleep than?" He gave a nervous chuckle seeing Chris turn to face him "I slept wonderfully but..." He looked down, fidgeting with his fingers "Why did you not come and wake me? I do not want to overstay my welcome, or rather I did umm..." Chris slapped his shoulder playfully "Do not talk such nonsense Thomas, I absolutely adore your company" Tom gave a small chuckle, his stomach filling with butterflies at the slightest touch of the other man "Y-You truly enjoy my company?" He saw the other man give him a strange look "But of course Tom, would I have done all that I have if I did not enjoy your company so?" Images of Chris saving him from the Pub flashed through his mind causing him to smile "I suppose you do have an impressive point" He nervously giggled and glanced at the food tray "Did you make that?" He gestured to it, hearing Chris laugh "Yes I made it" His heart increased, his eyes wide with amazement "Really? I did not know you could cook" He sat down on the bed watching Chris shrug "I learned how to cook when I was little. Mom only had boys so she best teach cooking to someone and I learned from her" He smiled at the memory. He did miss being back home but here with Thomas...Something just felt right.
He eyed Tom with a smile before placing his hand on his shoulder "Well go ahead eat" Tom looked at him with wide eyes "Y-You made this for me?" He heard more laughter before another playful slap hit his shoulder "Of course I did Tom" He felt the butterflies grow, his fingertips tingling "B-But what umm...W-What about you?" He didn't want to eat if Chris had not, that would be extremely rude. He saw the other man perch his lips, something that caused his stomach to tie in knots "I already ate" He turned to face Tom with raised eyebrows "Are you not hungry Thomas?" He frantically waved his hands around, his face bright red "No, no, no" A wave of nervousness hit him at Chris's surprised look "I-I mean..." He shifted his eyes back and forth, desperately trying to think of what to say "I...I just didn't want to umm...e-eat if you didn't already" The smile that came over Chris's face made his heart melt "You do not have to worry about that Tom" He smiled widely at Chris "But if I was hungry" He reached over and picked up the fork, Tom eyeing him the whole time "I would just do this" He stabbed an unfortunate piece of scrambled egg and brought it up to his lips, biting half of it with a smile "And then" His mouth was still full as he gently gripped Tom's jaw and brought the fork up to his lips. He couldn't help but snicker as he gently squeezed the other's jaw to make their mouth open. He placed the piece of egg in their mouth and pulled the fork away "I'd do that" He chuckled seeing how very red Tom's face was. He reached over and cupped one of his cheeks, feeling the heat of it against his fingertips "Thomas why are you so flushed?" His voice was coated in a teasing tone making Tom swallowed hard "I-I ahhh..." He chuckled as he leaned closer, their noses brushing ever so lightly against each other "Best be careful or I might eat you" He placed his hand on the other side of Tom's face, feeling the heat grow hotter under his hands. He leaned his forehead against Tom's, those familiar slender fingers wrapping around his wrist "C-Chris?" He snickered at the nervous tone in Tom's voice "Your face is so very red, I must admit you look rather delicious" He felt lightheaded as Chris spoke, his vision fading in and out "Tom?" He felt dizzy, leaning over to the right "Thomas?" He felt Chris's grip on his shoulder as he blacked out. Chris, the food tray and at least half the bed came with him as he hit the floor. He gasped for air, cold water dripping down his face and soaking his shirt "Tom?" He felt a warm hand on his cheek "Are you okay?" He blinked a few times, his vision coming back to normal seeing Chris leaning over him with a concerned look on his face.
Tom gave a small smile, bringing his hand up to wrap his fingers around Chris's hand "Yeah...I-I'm fine" Though his cheeks flushed a light pink, how embarrassing to faint. He heard Chris sigh in relief "You fainted mate, I was..." He watched Chris lean closer, his body heat making Tom realize just how cold he was. He shivering as Chris wrapped his arms around his small figure. Tom involuntarily wrapped his arms tightly around Chris, longing for his source of warmth. He could feel the other man run his fingers through his wet curls "I was so worried there for a moment" Tom felt guilty, water still dripping off him "Y-You ran to get water?" He felt Chris nod "I didn't want to leave you because I wasn't sure what just happened but I ran out of the house as fast as I could and fetched water like that of a mad man" Tom let out a small sigh, letting his fingers brush lightly across the other's hair "You're wet" He noted, though Tom was soaked. He could feel the dampness of Chris's hair "Yeah" He chuckled before he pulled away from Tom, cupping his cheek once more "You sure you are alright?" He eyed Tom, his curious concerned eyes burning through him "Y-Yeah" He shivered, wrapping his arms around him "I-It's freezing" He shivered once more, rubbing his shoulders trying to get warm "I can get you a towel and a new set of clothes" Tom glanced at him "N-No it's fine...Y-You already offered me your shirt" He blew into his hands, rubbing them together "I d-do not wish to be rude o-or a bother by r-requesting you give m-me more clothes" He heard Chris sigh as he stood up, offering his hand to the shivering man who gladly took it "Thomas you are wet and freezing cold, it is of no trouble at all" He guided the man over to the bed and wrapped the blankets around him "Stay here a moment, I just washed my clothes let me see if they are dry enough for you to wear" Tom nodded watching him leave out the door, water dripping down his neck as he wrapped the blankets tighter around his shivering body. He glanced at the floor, noticing the mass amount of water that coated it. The sun reflecting off the water, causing Tom to take a breath. His shivering becoming less violent. He reached his hand up to wipe his forehead, gasping at how cold his fingers were. A chill ran down his spine, making his head jolt back. He could hear his teeth chattering before he slowly got up, careful not to slip on the wet floor. He gripped the blankets tightly with one hand, using the other to pull back the window curtain. He squinted his eyes, the sun was beaming brightly outside as he saw Chris with a basket. He smiled seeing those gentle blond locks blow in the wind as he watched the man begin to neatly fold the clothes that were previously hanging on the clothes line and place them into the basket, making tidy little piles.
He let out a giggle as Chris bent down and carried the basket by leaning it against his hip. He tapped the glass hoping Chris would hear him. He watched the man pause and look around before he tapped the glass again, smiling as Chris looked up. He waved, trying to hold back giggles, seeing Chris laugh. He watched the other's mouth move 'I'll be there in a moment' He nodded watching Chris continue until he was out of sight. He slowly walked back to the bed feeling the urge of how good it would be to have dry clothes. He heard footsteps coming up the stairs and looked at the door waiting for Chris to step through it "Tom?" He heard Chris question before seeing the door open "I got some dry clothes or rather the ones that were the most dry" Tom smiled "Did you see me at the window?" Chris gave a soft chuckle as he laid the basket next to the shivering man still wrapped in his bed sheets "Yes I did" He gave a smile watching Chris rummage through the basket "I think these will fit you just fine" He watched Chris place a pair of black pants with a white shirt and brown vest next to him "Do you wish me to leave while you change Thomas?" He took a swallow and looked at Chris, he knew asking the man to leave his own bedroom would once again be rude...But how would he change? He slowly got up, letting the blankets fall to the floor "I...I believe I shall be fine Chris but..." He glanced down, the images of his dream flashing before his eyes making his body grow hot "Perhaps you could close your eyes while I change?" Tom's lips tingled, he had never spoken a sentence like that and it was indeed strange to speak such a sentence out loud. Chris couldn't help but chuckle at his request "Thomas you are indeed an adorable gentlemen" He smiled seeing Tom become flushed once more as he grabbed the clothes he laid out and held them tightly to his chest "I...I" He felt his cheeks get hotter, what about him was so adorable? Chris chuckled again and humored him, closing his eyes with a smile "Alright closed. Cannot see one single thing" Tom eyed him curiously before waving his hand in front of the man's face. He didn't seem to stir, he just sat there and began humming. Tom glanced down, his lips perched as he began feeling nervous. He let out a small sigh, taking one last look at Chris before he walked to the center of the room. His nervousness growing as he glanced back at Chris, making sure his eyes were still closed. He looked around and eventually settled on placing the clothes gently on Chris's desk. He shifted back and forth before his trembling hands gripped the end of his shirt. The cool air hit his exposed skin, making him shiver before the shirt was finally off "Tom?" He let out a surprised yelp, holding the shirt tightly against his chest, spinning around to look at Chris. He felt relief wash over him seeing the other man's eyes were still closed "Tom?" Chris questioned again when he didn't hear an answer "Are you there Tom?" He could feel his heart beating rapidly inside his chest before he wiped the cold sweat off his forehead "Y-Yes?" He heard Chris chuckle, flashing that perfect smile of his "You are going to tell me when you are finished changing correct?" A chill ran down his spine "Y-Yes o-of course" Chris chuckled once more, brushing a piece of hair behind his ear "Alright just checking mate" He nodded his head, though Chris couldn't see that.
Tom blushed letting the shirt fall to the floor before he slowly gripped the waist of his pants. He glanced back, making sure Chris still had his eyes closed before he pushed his pants down. The cold air surrounded his now bare body. He shivered stepping out of his pants before kicking them to the side. He walked over to the fresh clothes he had placed on Chris's desk, hearing him continue to hum. He swallowed hard before grabbing the shirt with shakey hands. He ran his thumb over it, feeling the softness of the fabric. He brought it up to his nose and inhaled the scent of lavender, the known scent Chris always carried with him. He smiled, his mind flashing the image of wrapping his arms around Chris and holding him tight. He felt a tingle in his stomach, his excitement creeping up on him again before he took a deep breath 'Please don't get excited' He begged himself once again feeling his excitement slowly fade. He took another breath, his heart thumping against his chest as he slipped the shirt on. He could feel the warmth of it again his skin, though goosebumps still appeared. He reached for the pants and shakey put one leg through them, trying his best to keep his balance. He glanced at Chris once more, glad his eyes were still closed before he slid his other leg through the pants. He pulled them up so they were resting on his hips before he glanced down to look at himself. The clothes were a little loose of course but Tom was happy to be in dry clothes at least. He quickly placed the vest over the shirt and slowly walked back over to Chris, placing his hand over his shoulder "Hmm?" Chris turned his head, his eyes still shut "Tom?" He nervously smiled "Y-Yeah it's me" He felt his heart increase once more seeing Chris smile "You finished changing than?" Tom gave a small giggle "Yes I'm finished" Chris rubbed his eyes before fluttering them open "Oh good" He blinked a couple times, his eyes getting readjusted to the lighting of the room "Thank you again" Tom glanced down shyly playing with his fingers "You know for everything saving me, helping me, being so kind..." His cheeks flushed again, Chris was indeed a wonderful man. At least through his eyes. He smiled and placed his hands over Tom's fidgeting ones "You do not have to thank me for that Thomas" He let out a nervous groan, feeling Chris's warm hands over his. The tingling in his stomach increased, raising his head up to look at the man before him "B-But why not Chris? You have been nothing but kind to me since we met. I wish to repay you" He nervously looked at Chris, a hint of hope in his eyes as he stared into those beautiful blue ones that studied him just as equally "Tom..." He kept searching those forest green eyes for an answer as to why he would Tom would want to repay him.
He did all those things because he wanted to, not because he needed to and certainly not because Tom owed him a favor if he did "You don't have to repay me I-" He saw the pleading look in those green orbs and gave in "Do you truly wish to repay me for the deeds I have done?" Tom nodded his head, his body slightly shivering. He had never had much of a chance speaking his opinion. Speaking what he wanted to and though Chris denied he did not have to repay him, he still wished to do something to thank the man. Chris let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair. He truly didn't think Tom needed to repay him but...He shifted his eyes, thinking of a reasonable thing Tom could do to repay him "Thomas?" His eyes focused back on the man sitting next him "Hmm?" He chuckled seeing Tom's curious face "The other soldiers are having a bit of a celebration party tomorrow...Would you do me the honor of attending it with me?" Tom's eyes widened, his breath caught. Chris wanted to go to a celebration with him? Well he did owe the man and not only that, he simply adored his company. He cleared his throat as Chris awaited his answer "Y-Yes" He admits for a minute there he had forgotten Chris was even a soldier "It would be an honor to go with a soldier such as yourself" He gave a giggle, seeing the joyful look that came over Chris's face "Thank you Thomas" He blushed feeling himself being pulled into a tight hug. He took a deep breath and allowed his head to leaned against Chris's, enjoying his warm embrace "Come let us go" He felt Chris pull away and frowned missing his warmth before he noticed the hand stretched out to him. He glanced at it before looking at Chris who smiled brightly "Let us go shall we?" He repeated as Tom looked at him curiously before taking his hand, slowly wrapping his fingers around his hand "Where are we going?" He tried to regain his balance after Chris pulled him up but was only dragged out the door "Well we best get you home correct?" He felt a sadness go through his heart, he didn't want to leave Chris just yet though his mother was probably worried sick by now. He gave a small sigh as Chris carefully led him down the stairs "I suppose you are right..." His voice carried a hint of sadness before he glanced down, walking right into Chris. He shook his head and looked up at the man "I-I'm sorry I didn-" He watched Chris turn around, placing two fingers to Tom's lips "Thomas is something wrong? You sound upset" Though he probably knew why, he didn't want to leave Tom either but his parents must be concerned over his whereabouts. He frowned looking at Chris "I just...I love being in your company Chris" He didn't want to push, considering he spent most of last night with him but he did enjoy being with Chris very much. He smiled and gently cupped Tom's jaw, tilting his head up "I love being in your company as well Thomas" He smiled, his heart beating with joy. Chris felt the same way? Tom never thought he was good company but was more than grateful that Chris enjoyed being with him.
He glanced down "Could we spent just a little more time in each other's company than?" He held his breath. He did not want to appear rude if Chris was busy...In fact he hadn't even considered the other man's schedule. He quickly changed his mind "I mean...I-If you wish to do such a thing...I do not...Umm...Want to push you" Chris chuckled, placing his hand on the nervous man's shoulder "I cannot think of a better way to spend my time than with you Thomas but perhaps we should stop at your home first?" Tom's eyes lit up with happiness before he felt fingers wrap around his hand. He glanced down seeing Chris's fingers wrapped around his. He smiled looking back up "Of course" He could feel the butterflies tingle throughout his body as Chris brought his hand to his lips once more. Letting out a short giggle, feeling the tickle from Chris's facial hair before his warm lips gently laid a kiss on Tom's knuckles "Shall we?" He smiled feeling Chris slowly let go his hand before extending it back out for him to take. He blushed pink before taking the hand, intertwining their fingers together. Chris smiled ever so sweetly at him before they proceeded down the road. It would take at least 2 hours to get to the town from here. But he truly didn't mind, Tom was absolute perfect company and with their fingers intertwined Chris found himself beaming with pure happiness. He watched the leaves blow around, the twigs snapping beneath their feet "Thomas" He watched the man turn to face him, a smile across his face "Yes Chris?" He smiled at Tom in return before glancing down "Have you ever wished to be married?" He looked at him in surprise, why on earth would Chris ask that? "I know that your father wishes it upon you to be married, do you have anyone you wish to do such a gesture with?" Tom took a breath and lowered his gaze to the ground "No..." He nibbled his bottom lip though it was a little sore from his previous nervous habit "My father...wishes for me to get married but I do not wish to get married just because" He slowed to a stop as he glanced up at Chris, their fingers still intertwined "Women get married because the man has money...Has something absent of love that holds more importance to them than love itself. Men get married because it is a required request for them to carry out" Chris felt his eyes widen, his heart increasing. Did Tom truly think this way? He watched the man give a sigh, a sad look carried in his eyes "I feel as though the absent of true love in this world is causing an absent in my heart" Chris frowned, a wave of sadness filling him as he released Tom's hand "Thomas..." His voice was soft and a bittersweet emotion filled it. Tom held his breath, his eyes still focused on the ground "I wish to marry for..." He trailed off feeling his cheeks being cupped, his vision meeting Chris's "True love" He whispered getting himself lost in those blue eyes.
Chris swallowed hard, an unfamiliar feeling of heat flowing into his cheeks as he leaned closer to Tom. Their lips inched apart as Chris continued staring into those green orbs "I feel the same way" He whispered before closing his eyes. His breathing became heavy, feeling Tom place his hands over his. The heat growing between their lips before "Thomas!" Chris shot his eyes open, his head moving in the direction that Tom's name was called. He sighed in relief seeing it was his mother. He took a breath trying to calm his fast heartbeat before he looked over at Tom "M-Mother?" Tom questioned his voice slightly shakey and Chris knew it was from the close moment they just spent embracing each other though he couldn't help but chuckle as Tom's mother ran and pulled him into a tight hug "Sweetheart!" Tom flushed with embarrassment as his mother hugged him, his arms incapable of moving in his mother's tight grip "Oh I was so worried about you!" He let out a groan feeling his mother's grip only get tighter "M-Mother y-you'r-" He breathed sweet air into his lungs as his mother released him and sent Chris a playful glare for laughing at his mother's display of affection "Hello " Chris greeted as he saluted her causing her to flush "Oh " Tom raised his eyebrow, feeling just a bit strange seeing his mother flush over Chris but he was at least happy to put his mother's worries to ease. He jumped feeling Chris grip his shoulder "I was just about to deliver Tom safely at home, though we did wish to spent more time in each other's company before we depart from one another" He saw Tom's mother smile "Of course, come boys I shall make us all lunch" She gently cupped her son's cheek "I wouldn't want you to run around on an empty stomach" Tom once again blushed with embarrassment at his mother's display before Chris gave a laugh "Lunch would be wonderful, perhaps you'll drop something else in your teacup I'll have to fish out for you" Tom gave him an amused half smile before he playfully elbowed Chris "Perhaps I'll drop it in your teacup than" He let out a laugh "If you do than will you be the one to fish it out?" He smirked seeing Tom's unamused face, following his mother as they continued down the road to the Hiddleston home.
Chris politely reached for the door handle allowing Tom's mother to walk in first before he gestured for Tom to do the same "Thank you. You are such a gentlemen" Tom teased as he walked into his house making Chris laugh "I know thank you for noticing Thomas" He looked back at Chris shaking his head "I'm starting to see your teasing side just a bit" Chris smiled and wrapped his arm around the other man's shoulder, guiding him down the hallway and into the kitchen "Yeah, I'm use to teasing my brother all the time back at home. I rather have fun with such antics" Tom tilted his head in curiosity before his mother ushered them to take a seat "So you find me to be that of the image of your brother?" He felt a sting of sadness go through him but he knew that Chris didn't view him as such, still it never hurt to ask. Chris looked at him with surprise "Why would I ever view you as such Tom? I do not see you as the image of my brother, rather as a charming and kind gentlemen who has won my affections over" Tom blushed deeply, glancing away with a nervous smile before his mother placed a cup of tea in front of him "Do you boys want some sweets? The ginger snaps are almost done" Chris laughed and gently took the cup of tea from Tom's mother "I love ginger snaps" He eyed Tom who sat there blushing "I..I would l-like some" He heard the sweet sound of his mother's laugh before she gently cupped his chin "Thomas don't look down. It's rude not to look at others when they are speaking" Tom's face grew redder "S-Sorry mother" He didn't exactly favor being embarrassed by his mother, though as always Chris got some entertainment out of it "Reminds me of my mother back home. 2 boys and she would always favor scolding us" He watched as his mother looked at Chris "Oh you have siblings?" He felt butterflies grow in his stomach seeing Chris smile "Yes I have a brother. Crazy we are together but we all love each other so" Tom took a small sip of tea, a smile spreading across his face. It was nice to hear Chris talking about his sibling and wondered what it would be like if he had a brother. He was blessed with two dear sisters, whom were both happily married which left Tom being the only child of the Hiddleston family still yet to be even engaged. Perhaps that is what made his father push for him to get married so badly and Tom had to admit he was disobeying his father by continuing to hold such things on pause.
He gave a small sigh, licking the tea off his lips "He's engaged to a good woman, I find her a little less appropriate but he loves her truly so I shant complain as for myself...Well I would rather hold off on any previous or future engagements until I find one who has captured both my heart and soul" He gave a small half smile, he must of been daydreaming once more. He felt a bit guilty, having missed what Chris was speaking about but perhaps his mother could fill him in. He could smell the sweet cinnamon scent of his mother's cookies nearing done as she excused herself from the table. Tom watched her run over to the oven and carefully take the cookies out. His mouth watering from the sweet scent and his stomach rumbling waiting for the cookies to fill it. He felt Chris's hand over his, causing him to turn his head with a smile "Were you daydreaming again Tom?" He gave a nervous giggle before blushing "I ahh..." Chris laughed and placed his hand on Tom's cheek "You have been daydreaming since we met, are you always like that?" Tom nibbled at his lip, his hands fidgeting under the table before he heard his mother's footsteps. She placed a large plate piled with cookies in the center of the table "Would you boy's like some sandwiches?" Tom sighed in relief, thanking The Lord he didn't have to respond to Chris's question though his cheeks still burned and he could still feel the tingle where Chris's hand previously was. He quickly sipped down the rest of his tea which had grown rather cool but it did help his cheeks burn less. He glanced at Chris who was staring at him. Those blue eyes making his stomach turn "I'd love a couple sandwiches" He let out a short laugh causing Tom to shiver from the beautiful sound "Back home in Australia mother always made sandwiches. Though I hate to admit so but I ate most of them" He heard his mother give a small chuckle "Than I will have to make sure to make extra for you " Tom glanced up to see his mother turn to him "What about you sweetheart?" He glanced away, nervously nibbling his lip. He felt Chris's eyes on him "Y-Yes I'd love a sandwich mother" He smiled sweetly feeling his mother gently run her hand through his curls that were now dry before cupping his cheek "Alright sweetheart" He gave a small smile, he was rather hungry.
He watched his mother reach for the plate of cookies, holding it between them "Please take a cookie darlings. I made them fresh" He heard Chris give a chuckle, reaching for a cookie at the same time as Tom. Their hands brushed against each other making them pull away with a gasp of "Oh's" Chris cleared his throat "Go ahead mate" He said his tongue slipping a bit as the other man blushed "N-No you go ahead, y-you are the guest" Chris smiled and took a cookie after Tom's mother placed the plate down "I know how to solve this" He said in a joking manner, taking the cookie and proceeded to break it in half "One half for me and the other half for you" Tom smiled shyly and took the cookie half muttering a quiet thank you making Chris laugh "Best way to have a cookie is to share it" He chuckled once more before taking a bite of it, savoring the gingerbread like flavor as he eyed Tom "Y-Yes I suppose that is the best way to share a umm..." He glanced at the half cookie he held "A cookie" He gave a smile before he took a bite, the cinnamon flavor bringing his taste buds to surface "This is absolutely delicious my compliments to the wonderful maker of these" He heard his mother giggle at Chris's compliment " you are wonderful" He watched his mother pick up a plate of small sandwiches and bring it to the table "It is a shame you are not married. You would make a lucky woman very happy" He saw Chris's smile turn to that of a frown "I suppose..." Tom frowned, nibbling at his cookie. He knew Chris's family forced him into engagement but did Chris have a special someone back home he wanted? He felt a small jolt of heartache go through him before his mother noticed his sad expression "Thomas is something wrong?" He shot his head up, looking at her "Oh I ahh...N-No" He glanced at Chris seeing him raise his eyebrow in a suspicious manner. He swallowed hard. Turning his attention back to his mother "N-Nothing is wrong mother..." His eyes shifted back and forth trying to think of an excuse, though it pained him to lie "I was just wondering..." His eyes resting on the plate before him "W-What type of sandwich this is" His mother gave him a strange look before she laid her hand on his forehead "Thomas are you feeling well?" He felt his cheeks flush as his mother continued to check him for a fever "Y-Yes mother I am fine" He felt his stomach turn in an unpleasant manner though he wasn't lying to his mother this time, he was fine but still.
He watched her look him over before removing her hand from his forehead "Well alright Thomas but you are having me so worried" He gave a nervous smile as she walked away, his green eyes filled with hints of guilt "...I umm...I apologize mother" He glanced down at his sandwich, seeing the pieces of cucumber sticking out of it. He nibbled his lip. He wasn't all that sure if his appetite was there anymore but he knew his mother would worry if she did not see him eating. He slowly wrapped his fingers around the sandwich and slowly brought it up to his lips, taking small nibbles. He placed the sandwich down and grabbed his teacup before noticing it was empty, causing him to frown. He glanced around before deciding to swallow the food without a drink, though it went down like iron and his throat became scratchy. He placed his hands on the table, feeling rather anxious before a warm hand covered his own. He held his breath, looking up to see Chris looking at him with slited eyes "Tom why did you lie?" His eyes widened and fear ran through his heart. Chris knew he lied? He focused his attention down though Chris once again cupped his jaw, lifting his head up "I..." He looked to the side, could he really tell Chris the truth? Well he knew the man wouldn't judge him but still it felt so inappropriate to talk about one's feelings for a such a personal matter "I...just well when my mother mentioned you would make a lucky girl happy" He licked his bottom lip, feeling nervous but he forced himself to continue "I remembered your story from before and well I became overwhelmed with such an emotion as sadness" Chris looked at him strangely, searching his eyes for where the man would get such a feeling from. It was true his family did not inform him that they arranged him to marry someone, but why would it make Tom feel such a way? Based upon Tom's father and his story as to why his father keeps pressing him for an engagement perhaps Tom was reminded of his own feeling about the subject of engagement and marriage? But that still doesn't fully explain why he felt such sadness, unless he felt affections for him? He found Tom to be the very type of gentlemen that could win anyone's affections over, whether it was man or women "Thomas" He slowly wrapped his fingers around Tom's trembling hand, noticing the rather nervous look that came over the other man "Do you feel affection and envy?" Tom felt his eyes widen, affection and envy? He glanced down, his eyebrows lowered as he thought. He felt affection for Chris of course. He felt it since the first day he laid his eyes upon him but envy? Tom could not recall a single moment in his life where he felt such but could it be that he envied the woman that Chris was surely to be married to one day?
He heard his mother humming in the background and hoped she was not listening as he turned his attention back to Chris "I feel affection for you" He whispered, his cheeks flushing and a sense of relief washing over him. Chris's breath come to stop as the other man whispered him an answer, Tom truly felt affection for him? He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face, the feeling of happiness flowed within his heart "I feel affection for you as well" He whispered back, squeezing Tom's hand gently. He smiled and placed his other hand on top of Chris's, letting his fingers brush over the delicate skin "I think you are very lucky" He watched Chris's smile fade into that a confused expression "Why would you think I am lucky?" He licked his lips once more, feeling a faint sense of bravery inside him "Because even though your family forced marriage upon you, the bravery inside you and your strong will helped them to excuse it. I fear my father will continue to push him until I carry out his request to become engaged" Chris frowned and inched off his chair just a bit, cupping Tom's cheeks "I will not let that happen" He swallowed hard, his heart increasing as he looked at Tom's smiling face "D-Do you really mean that Chris?" Tom's eyes held happiness within them, an emotion he had almost forgotten existed but Chris made it surface once more. Chris smiled, gently rubbing his thumb against Tom's cheek "I do" He slowly dropped his hands and leaned back into his seat, his cheeks feeling hot as he continued to smile "After all I saved you at the Pub and I'd gladly save you again" Tom couldn't help the loving glaze in his eyes, Chris saving him was the best thing that had ever happened to him "You are truly a brave soldier" He heard his mother step out of the room, leaving the two men alone. Chris gave a small laugh "I am not brave Thomas" He leaned a bit closer and playfully poked Tom on the nose, casing him to squeak in surprise "I just wanted to protect you" Tom had involuntarily covered his nose after Chris poked, making him laugh at the sight. He blushed, uncovering his face "And you pledge to protect me as such again?" He felt his heart melt as Chris smiled brightly at him "I would pledge to protect you everyday if such a vow of affection existed" He blushed deeply glancing away for a moment, his hands on his knees "You would truly take such a vow if one existed?" Tom looked at him curiously seeing the man lean closer to him, their faces inches apart "Of course. You are very important to me Thomas, if something were to happen to you I am not sure where I would be" He let his jaw drop, Chris truly felt such a way about him? Well than again he wasn't sure where he would be if Chris wasn't in his life.
He felt Chris's warm hand cup his cheek as he closed his eyes, his cheeks growing hot once more "Why do you find yourself unimportant Thomas?" He could feel Chris's hot breath against his face as he slowly opened his eyes "I did not...find much value in myself before" He looked Chris in the eye, his heart pounding "But you make me feel as though I am worth more than silver" He heard Chris chuckle "Because you are Thomas" He blushed and leaned his forehead against Chris's, wrapping his fingers around the hand that continued to cup his cheek "You value me to such an amount?" Chris run his thumb against the skin of the others cheek "To an amount more than this world itself" He felt shivers go down his spine hearing Chris whisper to him, causing his head swim with beautiful thoughts "You are rather sweet" Chris gave another chuckle "Only when my heart is exposed" He perched his lips "You chose to expose your heart to me?" He wondered why Chris would do such a thing, he would never do anything to hurt the man but did he truly value him that much he dropped the walls surrounding his heart? He heard a soft snickering coming from the other man "I didn't chose to have my heart exposed to you" He felt a small amount of sadness as Chris spoke though he wasn't all that sure what the man meant "My heart chose to expose itself to you Thomas" He felt his cheeks grow even hotter, his eyes wide with shock "W-Well I'll be sure to keep the walls down than" He smiled feeling Chris cup his other cheek and slowly lean in, their lips inches apart making Tom feel the heat between them once more "Thomas" He jumped back in surprise. shooting his head in the direction of the voice. His heart nearly stopped and a shiver of fear ran down his spine upon seeing his father in the doorway.