Shall you have my heart?

Chapter Five

A Hiddlesworth Fanfiction

He felt his breathing become heavy, his father's cold eyes studying him. He didn't dare move. He was too frozen by fear. He glanced over at Chris who seemed unafraid, standing tall as if nothing could make him fall " " He said respectfully, looking back at Tom who shivered. His eyes never leaving his father " " His father's voice was cold, uninviting but Chris did not stir. He did not even show fear, his blue eyes burning holes into his father "Inquire me this" His father said stepping into the kitchen making Tom tilt his head in question when he saw a young lady standing behind him "Who is it that welcomed you into my home ?" He took a hard swallow, glancing between Chris, his father and the unnamed woman standing by his side "Your son Thomas and your wife invited me into your home without hesitation, does my presence sicken you sir?" Tom jumped his heart racing with fear, did Chris truly say that? His nails dug into the wood of his chair, he prayed it was not true. He would never utter such words to his father though he knew not of his father's reactions to such a thing. He could already see the anger that flashed in his eyes upon hearing Chris. He slowly glanced down, shutting his eyes. He was too frozen with fear to say anything but he did admire Chris so.

Is affection more powerful than that of fear? He heard his father give a soft chuckle " I am quite surprised" He lifted his head back up, seeing Chris's hateful glare directed at his father who remained where he was standing "Perhaps they do educate your kind" He let his jaw drop, a chill running down his spine hearing Chris growl. He knew the man was bound to say something offensive to his father and though he did not defend his father's executions of Chris, he also did not want to hear any further insults directed at the man he admired "F-Father!" Tom stated his voice shakey as he slowly rose from his chair. He glanced over at Chris who wore a rather confused expression before he looked back at his father "Do you wish to discuss something with me?" His eyes widened, he had had never spoken quite out if line like that before. He heard Chris give a soft chuckle most likely happy Tom had his moment though even he knew his father would put an end to it "Thomas" He shivered at the sound of his father dark voice and became frozen with fear once more before he felt a hard smack across his face. His head flying the other way and pain radiated from his now red cheek.

He felt arms wrap around him, allowing his hand to rest against their shoulder. He slowly brought his hand up and touched his burning cheek, hissing at the stinging sensation. He felt a comforting hand rubbing his shoulder "Meet me outside later, I'll ease this pain" Chris's gentle voice whispered in his ear before he released him and walked past his father " " He said respectfully though he'd rather have his tongue cut off. Tom eyed him slowly walking out the door, his feet longing to run after him. He felt fear consume him as the door shut and glanced back at his father who had a smile written across his face, his hands placed over the young woman's shoulders as he guided her over to him "Thomas" He eyed his father than the young woman. She was wearing a beautiful white dress, her black hair gently resting in curls against her shoulders and her brown eyes studying him making him feel rather uncomfortable "This is Alexis Bennett, eldest daughter of Mary and Andrew Bennett" He swallowed hard as he watched Alexis bow "It is an honor to meet you Hiddleston" She raised her hand up and Tom knew full well to be respectful of their customs. He slowly wrapped his fingers around her hand, feeling an extreme sense of guilt as he placed a gentle kiss on it.

His stomach twisting in knots recalling the many times Chris made such a gesture with him. He licked his lips which suddenly felt dry as he glanced past her, not wanting to look in her eyes "As it is you Miss Alexis Bennet" His throat burned from speaking such words. He could hear his father give a soft chuckle "I wish for you to ask Alexis for her hand" Tom jumped, dropping her hand as he looked at his father with a horrified expression "B-But fath-" He became silent upon seeing his fathers raised hand "Thomas I would not have to push such a thing if you carried out my request but I have been since your birth waiting for you to marry another and your mother has well informed me of your unhealthy habit of being rather shy" Tom felt his eyes tear up, his lips turning into a frown "M-Mother told you?" He whispered a hair above a whisper eyeing his father who still smiled "So I suggested to that his daughter meet you since he too has been searching for a young man to wed his daughter to" Tom shivered glancing over at the girl who too smiled "It would be quite an honor to wed you Hiddleston, my father has informed me that he shant find a better man to wed me to than yourself. Would you not agree?" His mouth felt dry, his throat scratchy and all he could think of was Chris.

He felt his heart sink, his stomach twisting harder "I-I..." He glanced at his father, those angry eyes burning into his soul making him shiver "I suppose Miss Bennett" He said though he felt a jolt of guilt run through him " is hosting a dance tomorrow evening, a rather small social gathering and I insist you and Miss Bennett go together" Tom's eyes widen, his arms involuntarily jolting up "No!" He quickly said, shivering upon seeing his father's angry face "What?" His father questioned making his heart race in fear. He closed his eyes for a moment picturing Chris. That soft blond hair, those beautiful shining blue eyes and that stunning welcoming smile. He took a deep breath, opening his eyes as he dared glancing at his father. Feeling his heart beat with bravery, Chris still on his mind "I have a previous engagement with Chris" He heard his father growl making him shiver again but he did not flinch "Cancel those engagements" His father warned, his voice dark and anger filled it "I cannot for I promised an engagement to Chris first" His voice was a bit shakey, something between fear and bravery continued to run through his veins. He felt the painful grip of his father pushing him across the room making him stumble before he was thrown forward "Thomas" His father growled as he regained his balance "You will go with Miss Bennett and that is final. I shall hear no more nonsense from you" Tom took a deep breath, picturing Chris once more "No" Tom fell to the ground seeing stars before he cupped his stinging cheek, his father looming over him "Thomas" He heard his father sigh before he was pulled up by his arm "I do not know what has gotten into you and I know this is not how I raised you to behave" Tom pulled against fathers grip, his heart racing "And how did you father!?" He questioned before feeling his father grip his hair, causing him to hiss "Thomas you will stop this, you know full well how I have raised my son to be" He continued to hiss in pain his father dragging him up the stairs causing him to stumble. He had never once spoken out of line, disobeyed his parents or even questioned his father. His shoes scrapped against the hardwood floor before his father stopped in front of his door, opening it before throwing his son forward. He stumbled, regaining his balance before turning to his father "You will go with Miss Bennett and I shall hear no more of this" He glanced down, his breathing becoming heavy as he slowly rubbed his head "And I shall not hear nor see no more of . You shall stop requesting and being in his presence" He watched his father turn to leave, his fists clenched together "Why?" He heard his father's footsteps come to a halt as he turned to face him, his eyes tearing up "Do you not care that causes me happiness? Gives me a reason onto which you have never?" He sniffled and wiped his eyes violently "Do you not care about your own son's happiness?" He stuttered the last part, sadness filling his voice, his eyes still focused on his father "I expect you to do what is best for this family Thomas not what you think is best for yourself" He felt his heart break as his father walked away.

His knees gave out from under him causing him to fall to the floor, covering his face as tears streamed down. He didn't know what to feel, he didn't know what to do. He brought his hands down hugging himself as he leaned over, watching his tears fall creating a small puddle. His thoughts went back to Chris and remembered the cloth he gave him. He slowly raised his head, wiping his wet face as he looked around his room. Where did he leave that again? He slowly raised himself up, his body shaking as he slowly walked towards his bed. He slept with it the day before he went to Chris's house so more than likely it was resting somewhere around his unmade bed. He nibbled his bottom lip slightly embarrassed, tears still falling down his cheeks. He really should have made the bed before he left for Chris's house but he was so very excited, it must have slipped his mind. He pulled back the covers, looking under the pillows before he peeked under the blanket. He felt around and eventually found it hiding between the blanket folds, he slowly wrapped his fingers around it smiling. A small part of him hoped this was Chris's token of affection for him but a bigger part of him was afraid to even believe that. He sniffled and let himself fall onto the bed, holding the cloth close to his chest. Tears still falling down his face, wetting his ears and created a small puddle beneath his head "What have I done?" He whispered to himself before he heard footsteps. His eyes widened as he shot up and glanced towards his doorway to see his mother.

He panicked for a second, hiding the cloth behind his back "M-Mother?" His voice was concerned and confused as he watched her walk into his bedroom, her hands placed in front of her "Thomas" She spoke softly as she approached him and gently cupped his bruised cheek making him hiss in pain "I am sorry" He looked at her with a confused expression "For whatever for mother?" He questioned as she took a seat beside him "Your father is not the best man you wish to disagree with" She ran her thumb over her son's bruised cheek frowning "But you know how you feel is a sin" She whispered causing him to jump back in surprise "W-What!?" Did...Did she know that he felt affection for Chris? He watched her eyes study him before dropping her hand. Tom held his breath, his eyes tearing as his mother leaned closer "Any mother can tell the way you look at is a way only a man shall look at the woman he loves" Tom felt his heart race, fear washing over him as his stomach turned making him feel sick. He shot up turning to look at his mother, Chris's cloth held tightly in his hand "D-Did you tell father!?" He said in a panicked tone "Y-You told him h-how I was so shy how I-" She raised from the bed, wrapping her arms around her shivering son with a gentle "Shh" Tom felt more tears fall from his eyes, his body shivering with fear "I did not tell but Thomas" She gently pulled away and cupped his cheek once more, wiping away his tears as she did when he was a child "But you best do what he says" He looked at her with a shocked expression, feeling anger boil within in his veins "Do neither of you care for what I wish to have?!" His tears fell to the ground, his eyes burning and his vision blurry.

He heard his mother sigh "Thomas you are my son. I have loved you since the very second you were born. But you cannot always have what your heart desires" Tom covered his eyes, turning away from his mother feeling his heart break in two "And yet you can" His parents told him since he was at the young peak of 15 that he was required to marry and though he was now a man over 20 he had yet to do so. Yet his parents pushed him to bind to their desires. Their wants. Their needs. Not caring if he loved someone else. He wiped his eyes looking at his mother "You are suggesting I forcibly wed Miss Alexis Bennett?" He questioned, his eyes red and his voice shakey. His mother sighed and placed her hands on his shoulders "I just want what is best for this family and you know what your father wants is usually what is best sweetheart" He shook his head and looked towards the floor, seeing the puddle from his earlier tears " Thomas please I am only asking this of you becau-" Tom growled "Because it is what you want!" He had never snapped in his entire life and his mother's hurt face perched through his heart. He let out a sigh, rubbing his forehead "It is what you want" He repeated his voice in a whisper "Not what I want" His mother reached over and cupped his cheek "Thomas I know you are upset but perhaps if granted a little time to consume your thoughts an-" Tom hit her hand away "You cannot make me!" He stomped over to his door, pausing to face his mother. Guilt ran through his heart as he saw her broken expression "I'm sorry" He whispered before running over and hugging her tightly "I do not want to marry her" He felt his mother run her fingers through his curls "I know sweetheart and I apologize but you cannot avoid this...The family needs you to be strong and do as the words of our religion speak of" Tom took a breath and looked into his mother's eyes "You may go to him if you wish" He smiled, his teary eyes filled with a hint of hope before he ran back out the door. Taking his time to walk down the stairs before glancing around the corner. He could see his father talking to and quietly made his way to the back door. He slowly looked down at the cloth still head in his hand before kissing it gently. He took a breath pushing it into his pocket before slowly opening it as to prevent any noise. He quietly stepped out. The warm air hit him as he turned around closing the door just as silently before wiping his eyes.

He stared at the door before letting out a squeak of surprise feeling strong arms wrap around him "I'm sorry Thomas" A smile formed on his face, a beat of happiness went through his heart. He slowly turned around looking into those blue eyes "Are you alright?" Chris questioned seeing the other's red eyes. He slowly cupped his cheek, a frown spreading across his face "What happened?" His voice was filled with concern before he wrapped his fingers around Tom's hand, guiding him to the side of the Hiddleston home. Tom glanced at the ground, Chris's fingers wrapped around his almost made everything seem better. He let out a small sigh, his throat feeling dry "M-My father he..." He felt the tears coming to his eyes once more before Chris wrapped his arms around him "He wants you to wed that young woman" He jumped, his eyes staring widely at Chris "H-How did yo-" He paused. A shiver running down his spine feeling Chris run his fingers through his hair. He felt his cheeks flush as the other man pulled him close, resting his chin atop of his head "My family did the same thing. They introduced me to a lovely girl, however my suspicions were that they wanted an engagement between that young woman and myself" Tom listened, his hands roaming up to rest on the other man's chest "What happened?" His voice was a whisper but he heard Chris chuckle "A few days after I met her an invitation was sent to have dinner at her home. I accepted, however I felt an unexplained feeling of dread when I arrived" He could hear Chris's voice become less happy, almost angry as he continued to listen "Her whole family was present and I thought it odd how she stared at me throughout the whole evening, after which I saw our parents exchanging words with one another and later on they pronounced an engagement between Miss Bentley and I" Tom slowly balled his hands into fists, envy spreading through him. He knew the affection he felt for Chris could never be but the thought of him embracing anyone else made Tom envious. He took a deep breath "Is that when you got drafted?" He glanced up seeing Chris smile "Well in a way yes Thomas but after my parents pronounced the engagement, needless to say I was not pleased. I excused myself and took a walk around Miss Bentley's town. I noticed people gathering around, running towards the town center" Images of his first encounter with Chris flashed through his mind when everyone arrived at the town center to welcome the soldiers back "I wondered what such excitement was about so I followed the townspeople and noticed they were all arriving to view the soldiers" He paused and gently rubbed Tom's back, placing a gentle kiss on the top of his head "I watched them march around and declare they were looking for brave new soldiers to join in the fight for freedom. I suppose I was so upset over the news of engagement that I was so very desperate to run away from it" He let out a sigh, glancing away for a moment.

He paused and glanced up at Chris, his tears dried and his heart beating fast "So I signed up without hesitation and got accepted. Miss Bently's family was furious as was mine but I spoke the truth stating that such an engagement without my consent is not that of a truthful one and I left" He gave a sniffle as Chris lowered his head, their noses touching "B-But you said she is now married to another" Chris closed his eyes, nodding slightly "She is" Tom took a breath looking into those blue orbs "How did you find out?" His voice was shakey and he felt guilty not wanting to pry into Chris's personal life. He heard Chris take a breath, pulling away before resting his hands on Tom's hips "My father sent a letter just before I was to come back to Australia" He slowly cupped Tom's cheek, purposely nuzzling his nose against the others "But what happened Thomas? Your eyes are red" He slowly wrapped his fingers around Chris's hand "He wished for me to marry her yes...B-But I refused an-" He felt his head being turned, delicate fingers brushing against the bruise on his cheek "He hit you?" Chris questioned running his thumb over the bruise "Y-Yes" Tom shyly confessed looking down to avoid Chris's eyes. He felt his head being lifted up, Chris using his other hand to caress his cheek "The only way one should touch a loved one is to embrace them, hold them or" Tom blushed as Chris leaned his forehead against his, cupping both of his cheeks.

He felt his heart race as Chris leaned in, the heat between their lips growing. He held his breath, moving his hands up to wrap around Chris's neck, embracing him "Kiss them" He whispered feeling the slightest touch of Tom's lips brush against his before "THOMAS WILLIAM HIDDLESTON!" The sound of a door slamming caused him to jump, Chris holding onto him tightly calming his fast heartbeat. Chris kept his arms tightly around the other man as he took a few steps back, glancing around the corner to see Tom's father. Anger instantly hit him before he released Tom, cupping his cheeks once more "We must go" He whispered watching Tom's eyes widen "B-But-" He placed his fingers to Tom's lips "We shall depart for my home, I cannot and will not allow you to stay with a man who inflicts such unjust actions upon his own son" He wanted to argue but Chris grabbed his hand tightly and began running. He nearly tripped as they ran down the street, his stomach twisting with fear as he glanced back. His house growing smaller and smaller. His eyes started watering "Chris!" He cried as the man slowed his running pace "Yes?" He turned around, his hair windblown and strands hanging in his face causing Tom to catch his breath "W-What is wrong with me?!" He shirked causing Chris to jump back in surprise "T-Thomas" His eyes widened at the sound of his own voice stuttering, he usually wasn't one to be shy "I stood up to my father! I yelled at the mother!" Tom frantically searched for Chris's cloth, remembering it was in his pocket.

He sniffled and took it out gently rubbing his eyes with it. He was rather grateful he had put it in his pocket. He did not even want to think about what would happen if his father went through his room and found the cloth. He remembered the anger in his father's voice when he screamed his name. Would it be possibly that his father would throw the cloth away if he found it? His thoughts were now frantic causing him to hold his head, tears running down his face "Thomas" Chris whispered cupping his cheeks once more, his heart breaking upon seeing the other man so broken "It is okay" He assured him, pulling him close to embrace him "Everything's okay Thomas" He could feel Tom's arms wrap tightly around him, leaving not even an inch between them "Do you promise me this?" He could hear the shakey fearful tone in his voice and placed another gentle kiss atop his head "I shall promise you anything to rid you of the tears the stain your face and replace it with the beautiful smile I have grown to adore so" Tom sniffled and glanced up, the other man's smiling face causing him to smile as well.

He slowly cupped Chris's cheek, running his thumb across the smooth skin "I a-adore your smile as well" Chris smiled and gently wiped away a tear from the others eye "Than smile with me and put to ease this foul mood for you are far too sweet to feel such an emotion" He sniffled as Chris gently brushed his hand through his curls "That is the expression I adore the most on you Thomas" He gave a small giggle grabbing Chris's hand before placing a kiss on it "Thank you" He whispered, closing his eyes as he leaned into Chris's hand "There is nothing you should thank me about Thomas, I shall do whatever it takes to make you smile once more" Tom gave another sniffle before wrapping his arms around the other man tightly "I do not know what I did to deserve such a friend as you but I am entirely grateful that I had the pleasure of meeting you" He smiled and cupped Tom's jaw raising his head up "As I am Thomas" He blushed furiously as Chris gave him a gently kiss on the cheek before frowning "What am I to do about my parents? My family? Surely I cannot go back and expect everything to be as I left it" He perched his lips, Tom's worried tone making him slightly nervous. He did have a valid argument, what would he do upon returning home? He could feel Tom tightly grip onto his shirt, as if Chris was his last lifeline.

He gently wrapped his fingers around Tom's hand, leaning down to look into those green eyes "Perhaps you could grant me the forever honored privilege of staying at my home for one night more?" Tom looked at him, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. Chris wished to have his company once more? He nibbled his bottom lip "Y-You truly wish to have my company once more?" Chris smiled, his heart seeming to beat fast within his chest "Of course you are a delight to be around, have I not told you that before Thomas?" He blushed, glancing down as he tried fighting the smile that was now spreading across his face "P-Perhaps I'm just starting to believe your words are true" He let out a small giggle causing Chris to smile at the wonderful melody "As you should Thomas for you are one who deserves any word of compliance" He blushed furiously and let out a nervous giggle, his father's actions being pushed to the back of his mind. He fidgeted with his fingers before looking into Chris's eyes "Thank you" He smiled a bit, his heart no longer feeling heavy "For everything" Chris smiled and rubbed the other man's back "You do not have to thank me Thomas for I am just speaking the truth" He perched his lips in thought "So Thomas are you going to grant me honor of your company this evening?" He wrapped his fingers around the others hand, bringing it close to his chest. Tom flushed more, wiggling his fingers "I-I suppose but I do not wish to get you in trouble" Chris smiled, wrapping his arm around the blushing man "I have been in worse situations mate" He gave a small laugh though he held a great deal of disliking towards Tom's father, he couldn't help but feel that man just may be worse than the things he faced. Of course he'd never tell Tom that, he wanted nothing more than to protect him.

He swallowed hard, his fingers wiggling as Chris continued to hold them close to his chest "Chris?" Tom questioned, snapping Chris out of his daydreaming "Hmm?" He turned to Tom, smiling "Shall we head to your home?" He asked Chris, flushing slightly as the other took his hand and intertwined their fingers together "Of course" He brought the hand up to his lips and kissed the soft skin, smiling as Tom's face turned to a light red "You look simply adorable Thomas" He commented before walking down the road, his fingers still intertwined with Tom's "I-I.." He wasn't sure what to say…Chris often complimented him and though he wanted to believe that the man held the same affections, he was afraid of what consequences such a thing held. He recalled his mother's words, the way he felt a sin? He did not choose to feel these affections but...He glanced over at Chris. His hair gently blowing around and a smile on his face. He did not want to be right, though a sinful action is what he is feeling. He would never give up how he felt around Chris, he liked him a lot. Almost loved him. He was the most beautiful creature his eyes ever beheld. Would he give that all up to be forcible wed to Miss Bennett?

Chris looked around, the trees were changing. Red, yellow and orange leaves lay scattered across the ground. The air nipping at his nose creating a feeling of Christmas, though Thanksgiving came first. He frowned a bit. He was not planning on spending the holidays away from home and with Tom's father around it was highly unlikely he would allow Chris to borrow Tom for that day. He let out a sigh, his hand tightening around Tom's "Is something wrong?" He glanced over at Tom, noticing the concerned look in his eyes. Chris cleared his throat "No I was just thinking about the holiday. I cannot leave to see my family" He frowned, his thumb brushing across Chris's hand in a comforting way "But you can" He said almost in a whisper "There are carriages you can take, perhaps ask your general?" He tried to sound hopeful and though a small amount of pain ran through his heart, he knew Chris's family was important to him. Chris gave a soft chuckle, turning his attention to him "I know I can get transportation there but I cannot leave for someone who holds my affections resides here and I do not wish to leave them" Tom felt his cheeks flush, his stomach filling with butterflies. Was Chris talking about him? He cleared his throat, his eyes focused on the ground as they continued to walk. He heard Chris chuckle, making his face grow hotter "Thomas I must say you often flush around my presence" He nervously nibbled his bottom lip, so Chris had noticed him blushing? He pulled at his shirt collar, unsure of what to say.

His throat felt swollen and his lips dry "I umm..." He took a breath, glancing up at the other "I am sure anyone would flush in the presence of yourself" He felt a lump in his throat, a nervous feeling pooling into his stomach before hearing the soft laughter of Chris "Do you truly believe people flush in my presence Thomas?" He could feel the other man lean closer to him, their shoulders brushing against each other causing a shiver down Tom's spine. He shifted his eyes back and forth unsure of what to say or even do "W-Well I mean ahh..." He wasn't sure how to respond, but he was more than certain anyone would be stunned in the presence of Chris. He was absolutely the perfect man. He glanced up at him, a small smile across his face "Y-You are quite an impressive man" He turned his attention to the ground once more, his hand feeling rather sweaty though he did not want to let go of the Chris's hand "You are quite impressive yourself Tom" He looked up at Chris, his heart speeding up as he saw that perfect smile across his face "I-I am?" He knew he did not have very high self-esteem but he also did not think anything he had done would be considered impressive "But of course Thomas, do you not agree?" He let his jaw drop a little, licking his lips "I umm...I well you know I umm-" Well this is a quite a jam isn't it?

He felt his cheeks light up from embarrassment before he let out a surprised squeak, finding himself being pulled towards the other man. His heart pounding his ears as those strong arms wrapped around him tightly "You truly need to have more self-confidence Thomas. You truly are impressive. Not only because of the things you do but the things you say as well. Nothing is a sweeter melody than what speak when you use your voice" He let out a small groan feeling slightly faint at Chris's words. He truly thought the words he spoke were beautiful? He swallowed hard, wrapping his fingers around the arms embracing him "Y-You truly think my voice and words are that of a beautiful melody?" He heard Chris give a soft chuckle, pulling him closer "Of course not even the finest music composers could match to the sound I hear when you speak Thomas" He let out another groan, feeling the heat radiate from his cheeks "I-I umm" He glanced to the side once again at a loss for words, he slowly leaned against the other man "T-Thank you" He stuttered as he took a breath, trying to cool his cheeks.

He felt Chris adjust his grip around him before glancing back at him. He knew his father had requested him to join Miss Bennett at tomorrow's dance at the Bennett household but Chris's celebration was the same day. He was afraid thinking of what consequences his actions would result in, though the words from Chris's stories ran through his mind "Such an engagement without my consent is not that of a truthful one" He did not wish to marry Miss Bennett nor go to the dance her family was holding. He was snapped out of his daydreaming when Chris waved his hand in front of him "Tom you alright?" He glanced down, scratching the back of his head noticing it was still a little sore from his father rather brutal handlings "Y-Yes I'm sorry I was..." He nibbled his lip before looking back at Chris "Thinking" He finished before he felt Chris come to a stop. He frowned a bit, leaning closer to Tom "Thinking about what? You can tell me, whatever is troubling you Thomas?" He glanced away from the other "I...umm" He let out a small gasp feeling Chris gently cup his jaw, an action that he had gotten quite use to since they met.

He let out a small whimper looking into those baby blues "You know that I feel affection for you Thomas and I do swear to you that I would not take anything you say for granted and nothing you confess to me would be viewed as ridiculous" He felt his heart increase, his recently cool cheeks heated up once more before he wrapped his fingers around Chris's hand. He took a deep breath "It is just...my father requested that I join Miss Bennett at her home for a bit of a get together her father is hosting and yet I wish to go with you to your celebration...I fear" His eyes showed signs of worry, his lips turning into a frown "Of what my father might do if I do not go with Miss Bennett" Chris perched his lips, listening to the other speak. Well Tom's father had already bruised his son's skin, would it be possible that he would inflict more bruises onto him? The very thought of anyone hurting Tom made him rather angry. He pulled the other man against his chest, resting his chin atop of those curls "I cannot tell you what to do and what not to do Thomas. But I assure you I would do my best to protect you and heal any bruises or wounds you have" He allowed his hands to run through the other's hair "And you can always run to me if you are in need of anything" He pulled away and gently placed a kiss on the other's forehead, making Tom's face flush once more "Y-You truly mean that?" He stared at Chris with disbelief, no one in his life had ever uttered such words to him and he had to admit it felt strange yet exciting.

Chris chuckled and slowly ran his thumb over the other's moist lips "Of course I mean it Thomas, I would never speak such words to you if they weren't true" Tom shivered at the sensation of the other's thumb running across his lips, resisting the urge to lick them "S-Sorry I just umm" He wasn't sure what to say, Chris was always complimenting him and though he knew for a fact the other man held affection for him. He wasn't sure if it was the same affection he held "I..Y-You are very kind and sweet Chris" His lips tingled and his heart raced once more as the other smiled "As are you Tom, even more so" He slowly leaned in and nuzzled his nose against the others, chucking softly as Tom's cheeks grew redder. He thought it rather an adorable spectacle to see the other man so flushed over his slightest touch. Tom let out a small groan, raising his hand up to feel the heat of his cheeks "I-I umm...T-Thank you" He shyly looked down, his body slightly shivering before he felt Chris grab his hand "Shall we head to my home?" Tom couldn't help but smile though the guilt still clawed at the back of his mind. He truly wanted to go with Chris and was more than eager to see him dressed in his uniform once more. He could feel the wind blowing against his cheeks, cooling them before he nodded his head "Y-Yes let us go" He heard Chris chuckle once more as they continued down the road. He glanced back, the building and houses of his town no longer seen. He took a breath through his nose as he looked back at Chris, a smile across his lips "Would it trouble you if I stayed for another night?" A slight joking tone in his voice as he smiled grew bigger "Not at all Thomas"