#and henry saying he loved how no one gawked at him in the v&a

[repmet]

@rwrbmovie & @rwrbsource’s rwrbweek: Day 4 | Little Detail

[justthehiddleswrites]

Bah Hiddleston | Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Tamra Harmon) | Chapter 2 | Winter Wonderland

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Tamra Harmon)

Summary:  Tamra Harmon has no mind to mess with Christmas. All that talk about Christmas magic and the joy of the holidays is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. But will a chance encounter with perennial Christmas lover Tom Hiddleston change all that?

This chapter:  A chance meeting at Afternoon Tea at the National Gallery sets Tom and Tamra on a Christmas adventure. Plus ice skating and hot chocolate.

Warnings for story: smut, oral sex, implied smut, vaginal sex, light angst

-

Tom’s jaw remained slack as he pulled back to study Tamra. She didn’t seem like the kind of person to spew such blasphemous language.

“I don’t understand you. Everyone likes Christmas.”

“Tamra Harmon.” she held her hand out, “Certified Christmas Hater.”

“Tom. Normal Person.” He shook her hand. “If you don’t like Christmas, why on earth did you come to London?”

Tamra studied Tom for a moment. His face looked familiar. But she couldn’t place where. She shrugged off the nagging feeling for the moment. “For the museums, Tom, no last name. I’m a curator. This is a low season for me.”

Tom’s eyebrows shot up. “Not the answer I expected.”

An attendant brought tea and food, interrupting Tamra’s response. Tom set to prep the tea. Tamra divided the sandwiches and pastries between the two plates.

“May I pour for you?” Tom held up the pot. Tamra held her cup for him to pour. He put the pot down and held up the sugar. Tamra held up one finger. Tom finished fixing the tea before tucking into the sandwiches and chocolate pastries with a voracious appetite.

“Wow!” She gave a low whistle. “How do you stay so fit with the way you eat?”

Tom chuckled as he swallowed the bite of chocolate chip scone. “I work out.” he deadpanned.

Tamra giggled. “Well, you look like you carbing up for a marathon.”

“With busy hammers closing rivets up, give dreadful note of preparation. In this case, I am preparing for Christmas crowds.”

“Shakespeare.”

“Quite right.” Tom shoved another bite of scone. “Henry V.”

“Act Four, Scene 1.”

“I’m impressed. Few can recount act and scene. Fan of the Bard?”

“Yes. I am a bit of a history buff. I take from your comment you are as well.”

Tom’s cheeks blushed at the comment. “Occupational hazard, I’m afraid.”

Tamra tilted her head to the side. “Occupational hazard?”

“I’m an actor. And what with being British, Shakespeare appears to run through my veins.”

Tamra’s mind flashed to six months ago when PBS reran The Hollow Crown. The hair longer, the beard more pronounced but now Tamra knew who sat before her.

“Holy FUCK, you’re Tom Hiddleston!” She exclaimed louder than she planned.

“In the flesh, I’m afraid. And I would advise to keep your voice down unless you want to cause a scene.” Tom held his finger to his lips and Tamra nodded.

“So why are here at the National Gallery for tea?” Tamra took a bite of a tea sandwich before wrinkling her nose and placing it back on the tray.

“I skipped lunch. I’m hungry.” Tom took a large sip of tea before popping another bite of pastry in his mouth. “Shopping is exhausting work.”

“Don’t you have assistants to do that sort of thing?” Tamra found the chocolate chip scone much more appetizing. “I prefer to do my family Christmas shopping myself.” Tamra wrinkled her nose. Tom punched his fist against the table. “That is the second time you have reacted to Christmas since I sat down. What is your problem with Christmas?”

Tamra narrowed her eyes and Tom did the same, in an unspoken game of chicken, seeing who would blink first. Tamra lost her focus in Tom’s clear blue eyes and she blinked. “I don’t have fond memories of the holidays.” she huffed.

“With such a sparkling personality as yours, I find that hard to believe.” His voice dripping with sarcasm.

“My parents got divorced at Christmas.”

Tom’s smile wiped from his face. He reached across the table and placed his hand onto of hers. “I’m sorry. I have been there myself when I was young. It is never easy.”

Tamra nodded and shoved a big bite of scone into her mouth to end the conversation. Their conversation died out as the din from the dining room filled the air. Tamra snuck glances across the table at Tom, who seemed oblivious to her spying.

Tom stared out the window as he ate. The Christmas tree glittered in the afternoon light. He chewed on the conversation as he chewed on a savory pastry. Tamra’s whole attitude towards Christmas unsettled Tom, not just the attitude but reasoning behind the negativity. A plan brewed and percolated in a corner of his mind. He turned to face Tamra, who threw her gaze askance as he faced her. Tom smiled at the whole scene. He was used to having people gawk and stare but there was something different here. Tom saw the wheels turning in Tamra’s mind.

She is a complete stranger. He mulled, trying to convince himself to not to follow through of his ridiculous plan. Luke will be furious. She might be a psychopath or worse a crazed fan. He listed all the reasons not to do this and each time he rationalized the reason away. After wrestling with himself, he gave a small nod as if to set down the path he chose.

“So…” he placed his cup back on the saucer. “My holiday plans have changed because of unforeseen circumstances and I will be in town longer than I expected. I would love some company.”

Tamra raised one eyebrow. “You want to hang out with me?” Her nose wrinkled. “What’s the catch?”

Tom’s eyes sparkled at how quickly she caught on. “You are clever. While we would keep each other company, I would like to show you all the joy and wonder that Christmas has to offer. How long are you in the country?”

“Twelve days.”

“Perfect. What do you say? What to spend Christmas with a man who eats afternoon tea alone?”

Tamra leaned back and studied Tom, mulling his proposal. She didn’t want to anything Christmas related, but she also didn’t want to spend the next twelve days alone. And she could imagine worse company than a handsome British guy.

“On one condition.”

“Name it.”

“I am here for the museums. So I will partake of holiday activities if we go to one museum a day.”

“Deal.” Tom extended his hand. Tamra shook his hand.

“Deal.” Tom began to busy himself clearing the table. “What on earth are you doing?”

“I only twelve days. I’m not wasting a moment.” he smiled as he stood and straightened his sweater.

Tamra placed the last bite of scone in her mouth before rising as well. “Well, aren’t you a man of action?”

“You have no idea.”

The two of them tugged on their winter coats as they headed out into the chilled air. Tom led the way through the busy London streets and he left Tamra with little choice but to hold his hand as he weaved into and out among the pedestrians. She didn’t know their destination headed and Tom refused to divulge his plans.

After about 30 minutes, they arrived at Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland to be precise. Tamra glared at Tom as he attempted to pull her into the cavalcade of lights and sound.

“We made a deal.” Tom responded.

“Aren’t you afraid of being recognized?”

Tom pulled his ball cap lower on his brow. “I’m invisible.”

Tamra laughed at the notion that a black baseball cap somehow rendered Tom invisible to the crowd. Tamra relented as Tom tugged on her arm again. The light arches lined the main walk area. She observed midway games, food and drink, and carnival rides. Everything Christmas themed. Tamra’s eyes darted from side to side taking in the sights. She wondered how the organizers construct something so extensive just for the holidays. Tom led them to the skating rink.

“Are you serious?” Tamra questioned as they stood in line to purchase tickets and rent skates.

“As a heart attack.” Tom gave a dazzling smile. “You don’t like ice skating? It is a time-honored winter activity, not a Christmas activity.”

“We don’t do a lot of ice skating in Florida.”

“Fair enough.” Tom nodded. “Florida, that would explain the lightweight winter coat.” Tom pulled at Tamra’s sleeve.

She moved out of his reach. “Hey, I did the best I could. They don’t sell a lot of wool at the mall. Now bathing suits, I can handle.”

She blushed realizing what she said and saw Tom blush as well.

“I am sure you dazzle in a bikini as you do in a parka and scarf with your winning personality.” Tom teased.

“Are you flirting, Hiddleston?”

“Not in the slightest. Just making an observation.”

Tamra blushed deeper as Tom wiggled his eyebrows for effect. Tom paid for the tickets and grabbed both sets of skates. In no time, he had his shoes off and skates on.

“You can put your shoes in the locker with mine.”

“Do they smell?”

“I’m not sure, but you are welcome to check.”

“Hard pass.”

Tamra pulled off her boots and placed him next to Tom’s in the locker. Tom locked the door while Tamra pulled on the skates. He helped Tamra stand, and they moved their way to the ice. Tom stepped out first, gliding out on wobbly legs.

“You look like a baby giraffe.” she giggled as she clung to the railing.

“Not the first time I have been called a giraffe.” Tom held his hands out. “Your turn.”

Tamra gripped tight to the railing.

“Trust me, Tamra. I am here.” Tom beckoned her.

With trepidation, Tamra placed one foot onto the ice followed by the other, still gripping the side.

“Trust.” Tom reassured.

She pushed off the side towards Tom’s outstretched arms. She smiled as she glided towards Tom. As she neared him, they both realized she couldn’t stop. Tamra plowed at full speed into Tom and they both dropped like a rock to the ice. They collapsed into a pile of limbs.

“That will leave a bruise.” Tom groaned as he sat up.

Tamra rubbed her backside. “Agreed.”

“Let’s try this again. A little less speed this time.”

Tamra nodded. Tom rose to his feet first, looking as graceful as one could on ice in skates. He pulled Tamra to her feet next, and they set off again, albeit much slower.

-

“And they say Floridians can’t skate.” Tom commented as they made their final round before their session ended. Tamra held Tom’s tight until the last ten minutes when he let her go. Tamra’s eye shot over to him as he pulled behind her. He shooed her away.

“I did it!” she exclaimed as she came to a stop at the side.

Tom smiled as he glided behind her, bumping against her just to tease her.

“You need more confidence.”

They stepped back onto terra firma and exchanged their skates for their shoes. As they stepped back onto the main walkway, Tamra noticed the chill of air. She rubbed her arms to warm up.

“Need to warm up?”

“Yeah, all those falls wet my clothes.”

“I know just the thing.”

Tom led her to a row of food tents. They ducked a food tent.

“Welcome to Thor’s!” the bartender greeted them.

“I guess I should have looked at the name before we entered.” Tom commented.

Tamra snickered. They perused the drinks menu. Tamra ordered a hot cocoa.

“There is nothing on here for Loki. This is an outrage!” he slammed his fists in mock anger.

“There is a Frosty Giant.” Tamra pointed out.

“One measly drink. This is unacceptable.” Tom leaned to the bartender. “Tell your boss the God of Mischief is not pleased.”

The bartender nodded and Tom gave him a wink before ordering a hot cocoa as well.

The bartender turned to prepare their drinks.

“Do you always harass the waitstaff?”

“Only when I am in good company.” He shoved her shoulder.

“On the house for the God of Mischief and his date.” the bartender commented, handing them two large mugs of cocoa.

“Not his date.” Tamra deadpanned before turning to find a seat.

Tom shrugged his shoulders at the bartender before following Tamra.

The hot cocoa warmed them to the core. They drained the mugs in no time and then stepped out into the wonderland.

“How about we check out the Christmas market?”

“What’s a Christmas market?”

“A collection of people selling Christmas related items.”

Tamra wrinkled her nose. “I will go, but I won’t enjoy myself.”

“That is all I ask.” Tom gave a small bow.

“Stop it! You are drawing attention to us!” Tamra pulled at his arm.

“As you wish.”

They moved from stall to stall with Tom looking at everything and asking questions while Tamra stood nearby wanting it all to be over. She lingered at one of the last stalls, admiring the workmanship of a hand-blown glass ornament. Tamra turned it over in her hands a few times before putting it down in haste when she caught Tom spying. She hustled away to the next stall, leaving Tom behind.

Tom picked out a few ornaments for his mother and sisters.

“Which one did the young lady look at?”

The owner gestured to a beautiful blue and white ball. Tom picked it up. The ornament was the color of the ocean. Perfect for a girl from Florida.

“I will take that one too. And can you wrap it please?”

The owner nodded and rang up the purchases. Tom trotted off to catch up with Tamra, who was tapping her foot at the end of the aisle.

“What’s in there?” Tamra gestured at the bag in Tom’s hand.

“Some presents for my sisters and mother.” Not a lie. He fudged.

“It’s starting to get dark, should we head out?”

“I have one more activity in mind.”

Tamra groaned as Tom dragged her off in the direction of the Observation Wheel.

“A Ferris Wheel? Are we at the county fair?”

“We are at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. And it’s Observation Wheel. Now stop complaining. You will be free of me for the night in no time.”

Tamra shuffled her feet. She didn’t want to admit but Tom was pleasant company. After waiting in line, the attendant loaded them into their seats. The wheel started to rise and lifted them into the London sky.

“This is how London should be viewed.” Tom gestured to the windows.

At first, Tamra saw the rainbow of lights from the Wonderland. She could see the rides and the skating rink. As they rose, the lights of the city twinkled in the evening. Tamra couldn’t pick out anything other than the London Eye in the distance but it looked beautiful just the same. At first Tom sat back to watch her, but before long he too became enamored with the view.

The lights fell from view as they made their descent and before long they were back in the cold London evening air. They walked in silence to the entrance.

“So I guess I will see you tomorrow. How will this whole thing work?” she asked.

Tom gave a nervous giggle. “I haven’t thought it out.” He rocked back on his heels. “The least I can do is give you a ride to your hotel—”

“Airbnb.”

“—Even better. We can exchange mobile numbers. And I will call you in the morning to pick you up.”

“I can’t impose on you like that. I can take the Tube.”

“Nonsense. Where are you staying?”

“Over by the Bakersfield station.”

Tom clapped his hands.

“On my way home. It’s settled. I’m taking you.” He fished his phone out his pocket and dialed a number.

“Over by Winter Wonderland by Hyde Park. Thank you.” Tom hung the phone. “Driver will be here in about ten minutes.”

“Wow. Driver on command. Fancy.”

“I assure you it is more of a pain than I care to admit.”

Tamra rolled her eyes but said nothing. A black car pulled up, and the driver got out to open the door for Tom. He gave a glare as Tamra approached the car, but Tom waved him it off.

“It’s okay, she’s with me.” Tamra slid into the back seat. The driver closed the door and returned to behind the wheel.

“Where to, Mr Hiddleston?”

“Give him the address.” Tom whispered to Tamra.

She pulled out her phone to give the address of her Airbnb. Traffic was light at night so they got to her place in about fifteen minutes. Tom lept from the car, much to the dismay of the driver, to run around the car and open Tamra’s door.

“Allow me.”

“Thank you.”

Tamra gestured to the door. “This is me.”

“Thank you for the company and being a good sport. Feeling the Christmas spirit?” Tom asked with hopeful eyes.

Tamra’s face dropped. “I am feeling the bruises forming on my ass from ice skating. Is that what the Christmas spirt feels like?”

“Hardly. I will have to try again tomorrow. Before I leave, I need your mobile.” Tamra handed Tom her phone. He typed for a bit before looking up at her with a grin and returning to type. Tom then typed into his own phone. He returned her phone after several minutes.

“Don’t look at it until tomorrow.” he ordered.

“Fine. Goodnight Tom.”

“Goodnight Tamra.” Tom extended his hand; she shook it.

“It’s been weird.” she retorted before opening her door. “See you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow.”

Tom stood in the cold until the door shut behind Tamra. He rubbed his arms and hurried back into the car.

“Home, please.” He asked of the driver.

Tom sat for a moment in the silence, wondering how he got here and what he would do tomorrow. He wondered about all the things to do in London and that spark a thought.

“Fuck!” he muttered as he fished his phone out. He punched in a familiar number. Despite the late hour, the person on the other end, answer on the first ring.

“Luke… I have something to tell you.”

[klynn-stormz]

Legally Swan

Hey all! Sorry for missing posting last week, I actually got into a car crash and wasn't able to do much for a while. Now that the pain is better and I'm not on heavy duty medicine I can actually write! So here is chapter 6 of Legally Swan. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think :)

AO3: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6

Chapter 6

Saturday morning, she spoke with her mom about how she was doing. She had to reassure Ingrid multiple times that she was okay and did not need her to fly there to make sure in person. Feeling fresh annoyance over the situation of the party, she confided in her mom about everything. She knew she could trust Ingrid’s opinion, and while it may not be the way she chooses to go, she needed some advice. She needed her mom.

Ingrid listened carefully to the whole story, not interrupting or making a sound till Emma was finished. That was one of the first things Emma had noticed while in Ingrid’s care. She took the time to listen, she didn’t just let someone talk and give them a generic answer, she listened, she waited, and then she threw in her two cents if she was asked for it. Emma had never had anyone listen to her like that before.

When she was seventeen, she had wanted a tattoo, she had laid out all the reasons for it, written down all her arguments, and gone to Ingrid expecting a fight. What she had gotten instead was a cup of hot chocolate, a girl lunch out, and an agreement that if Emma really wanted it and felt she wouldn’t regret the tattoo later, Ingrid would take her to get it. The only stipulation that had been placed on it was a two-month time frame to make sure that it wasn’t an impulsive decision. During that time Emma, with Ingrid’s help, had searched out the best tattoo parlors to get it done at. And a few months later, Emma had a silhouette of a swan on her hip.

After Emma finished her story she waited for Ingrid’s response. The longer the silence went on the more concerned she became. Henry, who had been laying on her stomach for most of the call, had gotten annoyed and Emma’s constant shifting, and made his way to the foot of the bed, turning and curling into a ball with a huff.

“Well,” Ingrid began, bringing Emma’s attention back to her. “I guess you need to show them that they can’t intimidate you.”

“How thought?” Emma asked. “If I call their bluff and don’t show up, they’ll call me a coward. If I show up without a costume, they’ll tell make something happen to embarrass me.” Emma let her head fall to her pillow in frustration.

“There’s one option you’re forgetting sweetheart.” Ingrid said, a sly smile curving her lips. Emma stared at her in confusion for a moment.

“The only other one would be to show up in a costume and become the joke of the school.”

“Only if you let yourself become the joke.” Emma moved to protest and Ingrid hurried on. “Tamara thinks she’s gotten on over on you. So, let her think she has, and then walk in there with your head held high. You are Emma Swan, you don’t need anyone’s approval, you don’t need anyone’s friendship. And you know it. I won’t go into the whole Neal issue right now. But anyone who makes fun of you doesn’t deserve you, and you are going to show up every single one of them, because you are amazing. And,” Ingrid added. “no matter what you decide you know I will be right behind you one hundred percent. You know what you want to do, Emma, and you’re brave enough to do it.”

Bolstered by her mother’s pep talk, she spent the next few hours plotting and planning. --- This honestly might be a horrible idea, the worst she’d ever thought of. Emma stared in the mirror at her costume and felt the anxiety churning in her stomach. It had been hours since Ingrid’s call and all of the confidence she had felt then had diminished quickly as the party neared. Was she going to pass out? Throw up? Oh hell this was so stupid. She shouldn’t go, she shouldn’t show up at this. She turned from the mirror, inhaling deeply, right on the edge of hyperventilating. Henry barked at her, breaking her concentration. After she had picked him up and cuddled him to her she felt much better.

“I have to do this don’t I?” She asked Henry, who licked her face, causing her to laugh. “I do have to do this, okay, I don’t have to. But, it’s the principle! She’s setting me up and I either walk in there looking like a moron or a confident awesome person who won’t take anyone’s crap. Now if I don’t show up who knows what she’ll start saying. Let’s be honest Henry, this was a challenge! Tamara knows that I know, or she thinks I’m too stupid to realize that it was an obvious set up. So now I have to decide. Do I go to this party in a costume that will make me a laughing stock? Do I not show up and have everyone be like, wow I can’t believe Tamara reached out to be friendly with you and you are such a jerk? What do I do? I feel like I’m in high school again, this is ridiculous.” She groaned and fell back on the bed, staring at the dull yellowish ceiling while Henry settled on her stomach. Then an idea began to form.

“Or—“ She sat up, moving a grumbling Henry off of her and going to her closet. “I could show up dressed for a party.” A few minutes of rifling through her closet produced the perfect dress. She had been planning on wearing it to her engagement party, it seemed like a life time ago. Neal was going to be there, so she might as well blow him away too, let him see what he threw away. The color was fire engine red, with spaghetti straps leading into a v to show off her cleavage in a classy way. The bodice had a beautiful folding effect, giving texture to the smooth knit fabric, and hugged her curves ending just above her knees. Once she had finished dressing, she curled her hair, applied a little makeup (red lipstick was a must with this dress), and put on strappy glittery heels to finish the look. She thought she looked amazing. Pulling out her phone she face timed Ana and Rapunzel.

“Emma!” Ana screeched when she came on.

“Girls, I need your opinion.” Emma showed them the outfit. And much to her joy, they loved it!

“OMG, you look hot!” Rapunzel cried, pushing Ana out of the way to try to get a better look. “You are going to knock them all dead, and Neal is going to be begging to have you back.”

Emma laughed, she decided she would tell them later that she wasn’t going after Neal anymore. Not after finding out how horrible he was, she would tell them later. They talked a little longer, when they said their goodbyes, Ana and Rapunzel sent her off with praises and confidence.

“Alright Henry, I’ll be back in a bit.” She scratched his head, turned on his playlist (she had included all of the best dog movies and shows she could think of) starting with Lady and the Tramp, Henry’s favorite. Once he was settled, she grabbed her handbag and strode out of her room. --- The common room was mostly empty, everyone was out for the weekend, either studying, at the party, or hidden in their rooms. A few girls saw her and whispered to each other. She didn’t know if they were good or mocking whispers, but she powered on, moving out of the dorm and into the cool September air. Walking across the campus towards the party gave her the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Boston, something about the east coast seemed to sooth her.

The trees stood tall and proud, their branches softly swaying in the night air. The leaves still had a brilliant green hue to them. Emma couldn’t wait for autumn to come, knowing she would see vibrant reds and oranges. The last time she has seen them was when she was in foster care in Maine for a few months, she had seen more trees than she thought existed, with more colors than she could begin to describe. Who could have guessed she would end up back here, in a place that seemed to call to her, and fill a part of her she didn’t know was missing?

A few houses away from the party she could see the lights on in the house, people were in the yard drinking and laughing. As she has suspected, no one was in a costume, and no one was near as dressed up as her. Here we go, she thought, one more deep breath to calm herself and she was off. The people stopped talking as she walked past, gawking at her like they’d seen a horrific crime happening. The murmurs began as she passed, she let them slide off of her, she wasn’t going to let any opinion hurt her. Walking into the house she saw a few people from some classes, one was a tall bulky young man, Anton, she remembered; another was Ashely, the woman who had invited her for Tamara, and yet another was the one with a quirky tall hat. They were spread across the front room, Anton standing alone in the corner, looking extremely uncomfortable. Ashley sitting next to Tamara near the kitchen, and Jefferson holding court through the doors in what looked like a Study or office.

A few people had turned as she entered the house, Tamara being one of them. Emma decided to enjoy herself before confronting Tamara. She moved to Anton to talk to him, smiling kindly she engaged him in conversation and found that, though he was gruff and not the best conversationalist, she enjoyed talking to him. They talked about their classes’ together, discussed homework and the teachers. She learned he was terrified of Gold, which she could definitely understand. It made her think of Killian’s comment about Gold being a crocodile, which led to her smiling at the thought, then shaking it off because she wasn’t about to deal with that line of thought again. After Anton ended the conversation by saying he had promised to come for ten minutes and now he could go home, she moved towards the kitchen. It was time to deal with Tamara she supposed, though Emma made her work to grab her attention.

“Emily.” Tamara called out, annoyed that Emma didn’t look all that put out about being so out of place.

“It’s Emma.” Emma replied flatly, dismissing Tamara and grabbing a drink. When she turned around she happily found Tamara standing now, anger and embarrassment at the dismissal turning her face a dull red. “Oh hi again, Tammy right?”

“You know it’s Tamara.” She practically spat, “Nice dress by the way, dressed up like a hooker today?”

Emma decided to go with it, she reminded herself she was here to show she couldn’t be phased. “I love your outfit too, except well— When I dress up like a frigid bitch, I try not to look so constipated.” Emma walked away, committing the stunned expression to her memory.

After about an hour of mingling with other classmates she decided she had done what she came there to do and was ready to go home. So of course, as she was heading to the front of the house, she ran into Neal.

“Ems.” He smiled, not so subtlety checking her out. “Didn’t expect to see you here, do you want to find somewhere to talk, a little more… private?” He gave her a charming grin and she silently fumed, good to know that he was a douche to everyone he dated then.

“Yeah, it’s a great party, your fiancé invited me!” He blanched and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“Anyway, how are you liking school so far? Ready to head back to Cali yet?” He asked, now refusing to meet her eyes.

“I’m loving it! My classes are great and the professors are so interesting. I can’t wait to apply for the internship Gold will be offering in January. It’ll be great to get some experience while going to school.” Neal blinked at her response and then laughed loudly, like he’d heard the funniest joke. Emma was not amused.

“Ems, sweetie, you don’t actually think you have a chance at the internship, do you? I mean come on, look at you. I’m surprised you haven’t quit yet, but I doubt it’ll be much longer before you do. I think it’s time for you to realize that this just isn’t for you. You need to find a man to take care of you and keep your pretty little head from floating away.” He patted her shoulder sympathetically.

Emma stood quietly for a moment, she took in everything she heard and realized how stupid she had been to think that he could make her happy, to think that he was this perfect man who would love her forever. Well she was done being stupid, she was done being a dumb blonde that everyone seemed to think only existed to be a trophy wife. Straightening her shoulders, she stood tall and met his eyes. The fire that she felt burning in her must have showed in her eyes as Neal took a step back.

“You don’t think I’m ever going to be good enough for you, do you? Well, two things. First, I’m going to get that internship and I’m going to do it by working hard. Second, you are a complete moron who was honestly only okay in bed. So screw off Neal, get off your high horse and start living in the real world before shoves you off.” A few snickers sounded, from the ones who overheard their conversation. She strode out of the house with her head held high. --- She called a cab once she was out of sight of the house, telling it to take her to the nearest electronics store. In her red party dress and heels she made her way through the store to the laptops section, giving a few men she passed heart attacks. Looking over each laptop she studied the features, the prices, and looked up reviews to see which was best. She made her choice, and the brand even had a pink laptop. She grabbed it and headed to the register. While she was standing in line she heard a throat clearing from behind her.

“I have to say, love, you’re the best dressed person here. Do you often do this to go shopping?” She turned and Killian Jones stood behind her.

“Don’t ask.” She groaned.

“Well, there go all my plans.” He smiled and then changed the subject. “Good computer choice Swan. That one can pretty much do anything you’ll need it to do for school, I was unaware they came in that particular shade.”

“I haven’t gone crazy enough to get a boring one yet.” She shot back.

He shifted the basket in his hand. It had a pair of headphones, a usb port and some batteries. She realized that he wasn’t carrying them in both hands, as he could have easily done, because he was missing his left hand. She tried not to stare when she realized it, her minding wandering to what could have possibly happened, knowing that it would be overstepping the tentative friendship forming between them. Maybe one day they would trade stories, but today was not going to be that day. They bantered back and forth in line for a bit, Emma pushing her mind away from the missing hand and back to the conversation.

“If I’m going to tell you why I’m dressed like this, I’m going to say you owe me a drink.”

“Do I?” One of his eyebrows rose, dammit how was that so attractive.

“Yes, or maybe I owe you a drink considering the favor I’m about to ask.” She admitted.

“Color me intrigued.” He responded.

They paid for their items and walked outside. They headed towards the dorms and she told him the whole story of the party, the confrontation with Tamara, and what Neal had said. He laughed at her dig and added that he thought that was the perfect way for her to handle it.

“Though I wouldn’t have minded seeing you in a sexy bunny costume, Swan.” He tried to wink, failing miserably and cementing her growing attraction to him.

“So what I wanted to ask, if maybe you would tutor me? Help me to study so I can get this internship and shove it in their faces?”

“Oh aye love, I do love a good revenge plot. Mind you, I would have helped you without the party that will go down in history. Now I’m just that much more invested. And Swan, don’t think I’ll forget about that drink.”

She smiled at him, they talked, laughed and all around made it the best night since she had come here. By the time he walked her to her dorm she knew she had just made a new friend, and as she watched him walk towards his own apartment off of campus, she thought that maybe there was a little spark there, something that she had never felt with Neal or any boy really. Emma was nowhere near ready to acknowledge the spark, but she knew it was there. For now, that was good enough.