Epilogue

Emie heard Tom come into the flat, but he didn’t immediately find her to say ‘hello’.  She was in the bedroom, changing into pj shorts and one of his hoodies, when she heard him go into the hall bathroom.  The last week had been particularly tough on him, and it was showing.  Coriolanus was closing in a week, after being extended a few days.  The weeks and weeks of such a grueling, physically and emotionally demanding play had taken its toll on him.  She worried a bit about him at first, but then he had told her this would happen.  He had warned her, over and over again.  

After the night she’d so spectacularly ambushed him outside the theater, things had been so different.  They’d both immediately decided she would stay with him in London.  It had been a no brainer.  Emie had fallen very easily into life with him.  She had put everything on the line in order to be with him, and now was throwing herself head first into their relationship. 

Things hadn’t been exactly the same as they’d been in Bora Bora, but she knew that would happen.  He told her he wouldn’t quite be himself.  The work he was doing wasn’t easy, and it was sometimes hard to completely shake it off after living in it for so long day in and day out.  The hardest days were when he had a matinee and an evening show.  Sometimes Emie felt like she didn’t see him for a solid two or three days at a time.

But she wasn’t complaining.  She knew what she had signed up for, and he really had been amazing.  Any time he had off, they spent it together.  Most of their time recently was spent being lazy.  There had been a lot of slow, late mornings spent in bed and early, quiet nights spent cuddling on the couch.  He’d been a good host though, and taken her to see a few spots in London- touristy things as well as his own personal favorite places.  They’d gone to Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, as well as the London Eye, which Tom had grumbled about only for a moment before indulging her.  Then he’d taken her running in Regents Park, to the little hole in the wall curry spot that he frequented often, and to a tea shop that he knew she’d fall in love with.

It had been over a month, and it had been wonderful.  Tom was in full on work mode, and though he was still the same sweet, considerate and charming man she had grown to love, he was also much more serious, intense and focused.  She enjoyed both sides of him and tried to give him as much space as he needed.  She kept herself busy writing during the day, and exploring a bit on her own.  

Emie walked into the kitchen, checking on the water she had boiling.  His voice had been taking a beating lately, and so she liked to have tea ready for him when he got home.  She caught her reflection in the darkened window, noting how long her blond hair had gotten.  She was letting it grow out, and it made her look more like Lucia.   Lucia was doing really well, over four months into her pregnancy.  They talked every day on the phone and Emie had plans to visit her once Coriolanus was complete.  She was hoping Tom would be able to travel with her, but she wasn’t sure.  She knew he was filming in Toronto soon.

She tried not to let it bother her, but they hadn’t talked about what would happen after Coriolanus.  Tom had been rather quiet the last week or so.  More so than usual.  Emie chalked it up to him being apprehensive about the show closing, but she wasn’t entirely sure that was all it.  She tried not to read into it, but she desperately wanted to know what would happen once the play was over.  He hadn’t asked her to go to Toronto with him, and she felt it was something she needed to be invited to.  It made her wonder if maybe this stay in London had been some sort of unspoken trial or test.  She had been happy, and content, but what if he hadn’t? What if she hadn’t passed in his eyes?  Emie felt paralyzed when she thought about asking him about the future.

Emie finished getting their tea ready, just as she heard the bathroom door open.  Tom entered the kitchen a few moments later, and the sight of him made her body instantly react.  She couldn’t help it.  She would never get used to seeing him, in the real world.   It was one of the things she loved best about being there.  She loved being around him when he came home, tired and a bit introverted from a long day playing someone else.  She liked helping him unwind.  Helping him uncoil from the emotional bonds of the day and ease back into his own skin.  He’d eventually lighten back up, kiss her and laugh with her and Emie would have him back, all to herself.

“Hi love, you didn’t have to wait up.” He said softly.  His face was drawn, and he looked tired and a bit beat up.  It was after midnight.  She almost always waited up for him.  Emie held her arms out and Tom walked into them, enveloping her in a hug.  He relaxed against her, putting a good bit of his weight on her.  She squeezed, rubbing his back.

“Tough night?” Emie asked, kissing his jaw.  He groaned in reply and then groaned again as she began rubbing a particularly sore spot on his back.  She slipped her hand under his jacket and tshirt, coming into contact with hot skin, and hard, bunched up muscle.  Emie felt her stomach clench a bit, and she leaned into him.  She couldn’t help it.  His body had change quite a bit for Coriolanus, and he’d put on a lot of muscle.  She loved her regular, lanky, runner’s muscle Tom, but she did enjoy this more bulked up version as well. 

“I can’t believe it’s almost over.” He sighed.  Emie pulled back a bit, to see his face.  His light eyes were tired, with dark circles underneath.  He gave her a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You’ve been brilliant.” Emie kissed him.  “Just a bit longer.” She turned and handed Tom a mug, which he thanked her and took in his big hands.  He took a long sip, closing his eyes and humming with pleasure.

“You make it perfect, Em.” He murmured, leaning against the counter.  Emie noticed he hadn’t taken off his coat or shoes.  That quilted, black coat that he wore everywhere.  She was constantly poking fun at him for his ridiculously limited wardrobe.  The man wasn’t hurting in the money department, but he routinely wore the same three things over and over.  She found it hilarious and endearing. Emie took a sip of her tea and then reached forward, putting her hands on his chest.

“Take off your coat and stay awhile.” She grinned, running her hands up to his shoulders and pushing his coat off.  He grinned and shrugged out of it, while also kicking off his shoes.  Emie took his hand then, leading him out of the kitchen and into the family room.  She walked him to the couch and pushed him down onto it gently.  Tom sat down heavily, sighing.

“I’m sorry, Em. I’m dead on my feet.” He said, leaning his head back and staring at the ceiling.

“It’s okay.” She said simply, sitting down next to him and pulling her legs up under her.  Tom almost immediately moved and was lying on her, his head falling into her lap. He threw his long legs over the end of the sofa, dangling off the side of the plush arm.  Emie gave a little half smile.  He was exhausted.  He was almost never like this.  Tom was usually a never ending bundle of energy.

“Can I just sleep here?” He asked, turning his head to the side and settling in.  Emie laughed, reaching down and running her hand through his hair.  He groaned, closing his eyes.  She rested her other hand on his chest.

“Why stay on the couch when you have a perfectly good bed in the other room?” She asked.  He nodded, but he didn’t say anything.  He would probably be true to his words and be out in a few minutes.  It wouldn’t be the first time it had happened.  She would wake him up just enough to push him into the bedroom, help him out of his clothes and then get him under the covers.  He was pretty good at sleeping anywhere, and lately he was excellent at it.  His favorite place though was anywhere that included a part of Emie—her lap, her legs, her stomach.  She found it endearing and quite sweet.

Emie kept running her fingers through his hair, rubbing his scalp and twirling his wavy hair through her hands.  She studied his face—this face that she had looked at for surely a combination of hundreds of hours.  And yet, she still found it so fascinating.  She still wanted to memorize it.  She was still a little scared that one day she would wake up, and he wouldn’t be there anymore.

Perhaps there was a part of her that was beginning to wonder if that time could be soon.  Why hadn’t they talked about Canada?  Was he done with her? The novelty had worn off? You always want what you can’t have.  He told her he loved her, and she believed him.  But the fact that they hadn’t spoken about it…it seemed to say more than words.  She hated overanalyzing things but it was sort of her go to.  He’d been so generous since she’d been there, sharing everything he had.  He’d quickly made her feel welcome in his home.  Maybe he wasn’t ready to play house.

Emie ran her finger tips over his temples, slowly down the fine chiseled features of his nose and cheekbones and then lightly across his lips.  She smiled when she saw and felt his lips kiss her fingertips and then curl into a grin.  He brought his hand up, catching her fingers in his.  He opened his eyes then, looking at her intently.

“What?” She asked softly, forcing a small smile.  He didn’t smile back.  She swallowed, her pulse picking up.

“I can hear you thinking.” He said after a beat, his voice low and gravelly.  He always knew when her brain was on overdrive.  “How has it been for you? The past month?” He asked, slowly sitting up.  He arranged himself next to her on the sofa, his arm and side leaning against the back. 

“It’s been great.  London is amazing.  I know now why you love it so much.” She said, pulling her hands into the safe cocoon of the hoodie she was wearing.  Tom nodded.

“You don’t miss LA?”

“No, not at all.  LA was never my home.” She said quickly.  She wasn’t quite sure what she’d consider her home.  Maybe Arizona? She wasn’t sure.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so distracted while you’ve been here.  I feel like a bit of a disappointment.” He reached forward, idly pushing back some of her hair from her face.  Emie frowned.

“You’ve been awesome, Tom.  I have no complaints.  I knew you would be busy.  You’re working.” She reached forward, putting a hand on his knee.  He nodded, looking thoughtful as he glanced way.  Emie stiffened.  If this was it, if he was going to tell her it was time to move on, then he should just do it quickly.

“Tom? What is it?” She asked, biting her lip.  He cleared his throat and looked at her with those devastatingly blue eyes.

“Come with me to Toronto? I know you hate moving around. But…I need you there.” He said this quickly, his sentences pushed together.  Emie’s eyes widened in surprise.  He was nervous.  And that was not at all what she thought he was going to say.

“I…” She stammered.  “Yes, yes, of course I’ll come with you.  I’ll go wherever you’re going.” She said without thinking. Tom hesitated for a split second and then his eyes got huge.

“Really? You’re kidding?” He exclaimed.  “I was sure I was going to have to put up a fight to convince you.  I thought we’d have the biggest row.” He laughed and pulled her into a hug.  Emie grinned, kissing the side of his neck and then his lips.

“Is that why you’ve been so quiet?” She asked.  He laughed loudly.

“Yes, I guess.  I’ve just been busy coming up for scenarios in my head and what to say to you when you rejected me.” He kissed her hair, taking her face in his hands and holding her to him. 

“You’re crazy.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.  He wasn’t really the crazy one though.  Perhaps they were both a little crazy.  They’d been through a lot together.  It was hard not to sometimes resort to that insecurity.  Tom shrugged and then was moving quickly off the couch, pulling her with him.

“I’m starving.  Let’s pop over for some curry.” He tilted his head toward the door, and the very general direction of their favorite curry place.  Emie laughed.

“It’s late.”

“They’re open til 2.  Put on some pants.” He raised an eyebrow at her and then was disappearing toward the bedroom to grab his things.

****

They were seated quickly, and though it was rather later, there were still a good amount of people there.  It was Tom’s favorite place within walking distance, and Emie was pretty sure he requested they eat there at least once a week, if not more.  She didn’t mind.  The food was delicious, and it was a cozy spot.  And nine times out of ten, no one bothered them.  Sure, she could tell every once in awhile someone would recognize Tom.  Occasionally they’d recognize her.  But by and by they were sweet about it, or respectful of their privacy. 

“Did you eat today?” Emie asked, sitting down in the chair that Tom had pulled out for her.  The restaurant was dark inside, the tables lit with candles.  There were sconces on the wall that gave off a soft, amber orange glow.  Tom took off his coat, and settled in across from her.  Neither of them opened their menus.  They didn’t have to.

“I had salad at around one that made me feel a bit sick.  I was in the beginning of the second act when I was sure I was going to lose it.  You know, that’s probably the last time I get a salad on sale at Tesco—“

“Why was it on sale, Tom?” Emie fought back a laugh.  He made a face, putting his hands up.

“Because it was full of salmonella.  I’m sure of it.” He grinned.  Emie sat back, giggling and just overall happy to be there.  He made her laugh. She could listen to him talk all day long.  There was something about him that was just so infectious. 

Emie sat back and relaxed as Tom ordered for the both of them.  They always got the same thing and shared.  And then she listened to him chatter away for the good part of half an hour.  He hadn’t been like this in quite some time and she loved it.  Part of her just wanted him to eat his curry quickly so she could get him back to the apartment and have her way with him.  Tomorrow was Sunday, which meant it was his day off.  She was almost certain she’d be able to convince him to stay in bed until at least noon. 

“Luke sent me a script the other day.  He said I’d love it.” Tom said, taking a sip of beer in between bites.  Emie looked up, interested.  The man didn’t stop working, but she had begun to admire that quality.  He was always busy, but she didn’t blame him.  He was being offered so many amazing things.

“Oh? What for?” She asked, setting down her fork and pushing her plate away.   Tom reached over, taking the leftover naan off her plate and flashing her a smile.

“Are you finished with this, love?” He asked, taking a bite before waiting for her answer.  Emie grinned and rolled her eyes.

“You’re so fat.  What was the script for?” She asked.  Tom chewed, swallowed and then drank more beer.

“A little trio of books in a series called Marvelous Things.  Written by one, Eme Leo.” He grinned, his teeth bright white in the dim restaurant.  Emie laughed, throwing her head back. 

“God, they must be insane sending that to you.  Can you imagine? The media!” She shook her head.  They were hounded much less now that they had been out in the open about their relationship, but there were still days when things could get hectic in public.  They just had to pick and choose where and when they went certain places. 

“Yeah.” Tom nodded.

“And they promised me they’d find someone with talent. So why the hell send it to you?” She groaned as Tom’s mouth fell open slightly.

“You’re terrible.  My fragile ego.” He pressed his hands to his chest, against his worn tshirt.

“Tom, please.” She laughed.  “You’re not considering it, right?” She said, getting serious.  Tom tilted his head, his mouth turning down.

“As wonderful as it sounds, I think I’ll stay away.  I don’t want to mix business and pleasure.” He raised an eyebrow at her and Emie made a face at him, scrunching up her mouth.

“That’s all I am to you, huh? After all this time, and I’m just pleasure?” She said jokingly.  Tom grinned and then grabbed her thigh under the small table.

“Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.” He said with a grin that made Emie feel a bit weak kneed.

“What was that?” She asked softly, knowing it was Shakespeare.

“Othello.” He said quickly, and then gave a quick nod to their waiter who brought over their check.  Tom paid quickly, doing almost everything without taking his hand off Emie’s thigh. 

“Let’s go home.” She said softly, licking her lips.  Tom nodded, his eyes locked on hers.  Emie stood up, grabbing her coat off the back of her chair, and her bag.  Tom did the same as well, but then was suddenly grabbing for her hand.  He stopped her from turning and leaving, and then was somehow kneeling slowly down in front of her.

“Emie, wait a minute—“ He said softly.  Emie froze, staring at him.  What was he doing? No…not what she thought he was doing?  Here? In a curry place? With all these people around?  Her heart started racing, and Tom looked up at her.

“Tom…” She said, her voice warning. 

“Darling, I was wondering…” He was speaking slowly, and it felt as if time had stopped.  Emie shifted, feeling all the eyes in the restaurant on them. 

Emie blinked.

“I was wondering if you wanted this slip of paper that fell out of your bag? Looks like a receipt from Nando’s…” He was grinning, a huge shit eating grin, and Emie was grabbing him by the front of his jacket and shaking him.  He laughed as she slugged him in the stomach and shoved him out the front door of the restaurant into the cold night air.  You could most likely hear him laughing for miles.

“You shit.” Emie gasped, laughing as well.  She couldn’t help it.

“I should be the one that’s mad. You went to Nando’s without me?” He looked wounded, but then broke into more giggles.  Emie smacked him in the arm, and then grabbed him around his waist.  She put all her weight on him, making him nearly drag her down the street.  It was late now, and there were barely any cars out and no other people walking around.  The night was calm, and startlingly clear.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack.” She said, pressing her face into his chest.  Partially to block herself from the cold air, partially to hide her embarrassment.  She’d really thought he was going to propose.  And in a fucking curry joint.

“I’m sorry. I had to do it.  You really would have killed me, wouldn’t you? If I proposed to you in front of all those people?  On our way home from curry?” He laughed to himself, as if he were the funniest man alive.  Emie shook her head and groaned.   She reached over and shoved him hard, nearly forcing him off the sidewalk and into the empty street.

“I hate you.” She smiled.  He yelped and then was back at her side, trying to pull her in for a kiss.  She resisted for a moment before leaning up and kissing him.

“What would you have said?” He asked then, getting a bit more serious.  He had his arms wrapped around her waist.  The air outside was still, and quiet, and smelled of snow.  Like cold, crisp, clean and a hint of wood smoke. Emie looked at him, feeling her heart swell. 

“I would have said ‘No’.  Because who proposes in a curry shop?” She squinted at him, and he laughed.  Tom gave a little growl then and backed her quickly up against one of the brick buildings lining the street.  He put one hand on either side of her head, closing her in, pressing his hips against hers.  Emie gasped, enjoying this sudden aggressiveness.  Tom dipped his head low, nuzzling her neck and making slow, tiny little nips up the column of her throat.  Emie sighed, grabbing him by the hips and pulling him into her.

“Don’t be mad, love.” He mumbled, though Emie was hardly listening.  She was distracted now by the way he was moving his hips against hers, and the fact that he’d just placed his large, strong thigh inbetween her own.  She slipped her hands under his coat and under his shirt, finding hot skin.  Tom groaned and kissed her again.

“Would you still say No?” He asked, his hands slipping under her coat as he pressed his thigh up, against her.  Emie trembled, and tried to force the realization that they were doing this in a rather public place.  There were no people around, but she desperately knew they should probably stop and go home.

“Say no to what?” She asked, her mind cloudy.

“To me.” He growled into her ear, and Emie felt it straight down into the lowest part of her stomach.

“Take me home, Hiddleston.  We can’t do this here.” She pushed a hand across the front of his jeans, and Tom tensed, his jaw clenched.

“I could most definitely do this here.  But you’re a lady, so let’s go.” He said, and then was grabbing her around the waist and walking her quickly back toward his flat.  She had to practically jog to keep up with his long stride, but she laughed the entire way there.

**** 

Tom was lying completely still, his eyes closed.  Emie wasn’t sure if she’d killed him, but then she could feel the shallow way he was breathing so she guessed he was okay.  She sat on top of him, straddling him, resting forward against his chest.  He had his arms around her waist, holding her against him.

“Are you dead?” She whispered, feeling her body quiver slightly, the after effects of her orgasm still trailing through her heavy limbs.

“Most likely.” He said, only his lips moving.

“I’m surprised you had two times in you.” She said, pressing her forehead against his shoulder.  Tom laughed.  They hadn’t even made it into the bedroom when they’d first gotten home.  Emie had managed to yank off her coat, and push his off his shoulders.  Her jeans had been flung across the room, but Tom had merely unzipped his, and then they were fumbling and Emie was being lifted, and they were having sex right in the entry way of the flat.  At least they had managed to close the door.  The second time was much slower, and Tom made sure to take his time. 

They made it to the bedroom, and Emie had made sure all clothes were off. 

“Fuck, is this heaven? Because if I’m dead, it’s definitely heaven.” He breathed.  Emie smiled into his shoulder, and then gently moved so she could lie next to him.  Tom groaned and resisted for a moment, not wanting her to move.  He released her after a minute and Emie cuddled up to his side, resting her head against his chest.

“It’s pretty close to it.” She whispered.  Tom kissed the top of her head. 

“You know I’m crazy about you.” He said softly.  Emie felt her throat tighten and she kissed where his shoulder and chest met.

“I know.”

“Thank you for coming to Toronto with me.”

“A lot has changed since I met you.” She put her chin on his chest, looking up at him.  He nodded.

“I don’t want you to feel like you’re putting your life on hold though.  Following me around where I go… I don’t want you to resent that fact that we aren’t in one place.” He was serious, and Emie pressed her lips together.  She had spent a lot of time thinking about this.  Of course she had.  It had been her rule.  No actors. No moving around.  Normal, boring life. 

“I was really wrong before.” She said carefully.  She’d never really said this to him, but she knew it was important she did.  “I was so angry at my parents for moving around, and not giving me a home when I was young.  And then, they were suddenly gone.” She swallowed hard, and Tom put a hand on her arm, which was across his waist.  “But I just didn’t understand.  They were giving me a home, and experiences.  If there had been the choice to either follow your dreams, or sit at home and wait…why wait?” Emie intertwined her fingers with his. 

“I can write anywhere.  I want to go with you wherever you go.”

“Em, when it’s time…I can slow things down.” Tom’s voice was barely above a whisper.  She listened, absorbing all he was saying.  And what he wasn’t saying.  “When you want me to slow down and work less, then I will.” His words were sobering.  “You’re what’s most important to me.  And I love my job, and I want to keep running with it while I can.  But, when it’s time for you and I to sort this out…I want you to know that you’re it for me.  You’re not my top priority. You’re my only priority.” He looked at her with those serious eyes, and Emie wondered if it were possible to freeze that moment and save it.  She squeezed his hand, feeling her eyes blur slightly with tears.

“That means everything to me, Tom.  I really love this adventure we’re on right now.  You’ve taught me that adventure is a good thing.  Change can be fun and healthy and exciting.  You can’t stop the world from changing.  I was standing in quicksand, and it was about to swallow me whole.” She kissed him, slowly, softly, as if they had all the time in the world.  “I don’t want to say you saved me…but…you helped me to stop struggling.  You showed me how to just relax, and to stop thrashing, and that eventually, I would be able to get myself out.”

Tom smiled and then pushed his hand through her messy hair, kissing her deeply.

“You’re a trip, Emie Harris.” He grinned.  Emie laughed and reached up, messing up his already disheveled hair.

“A good one I hope.”

“Yes.  I love you.” He sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard.  Emie didn’t move, her head falling to his bare thigh.  She stayed there, gazing up at him. 

“I love you too.”

“How do I look from down there?” He asked, putting a hand under his chin.  Emie chuckled.

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” She said easily, quoting Oscar Wilde.  Tom let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head.  “You’re quite the star, Mr. Hiddleston.” She grinned at the double meaning.

“No, not a star.  Perhaps, more a moon—orbiting around you.”  He brushed his fingers across her forehead, down the slope of her nose, over her lips and chin and down the length of her neck.  Emie closed her eyes, feeling him continue his trail down over her breastbone and to her navel.  He backtracked then, going back up the valley between her breasts, and across her collarbones.  She felt him shift slightly to the side, moving around a bit, but she didn’t open her eyes.  She wondered if she could just stay there like that forever.  Completely content.  Feeling totally at peace, and loved and cherished. 

Tom kept his fingers on her, making their featherlike movements over her shoulders, the swell of her breasts to the peaks, and then to her ribs and stomach.  It wasn’t necessarily sexual, but more sensual.  Emie caught his hand in hers to kiss his fingers, when she felt something small, light and a bit cold placed gently on the sensitive skin on her breastbone.  She opened her eyes, looking down slightly. 

It was a ring.  The most gorgeous diamond ring she had ever seen. 

She blinked, swallowed and stared at it for a second before looking up at Tom, who was watching her intently from above. 

Tom took the ring off her chest, and Emie sat up quickly, to face him.  She was speechless.

“I’m madly in love with you, Emie.  There’s no point in mashing words.” He crossed his legs in front of him, sitting with his knees touching hers.  Emie felt her chin quiver.

“I lost you once.  It doesn’t matter to me whether we’ve known each other 4 days or four million days.  You’re all I have ever dreamed about.  You’ve answered so many questions for me, about who I am and what I want.  And I have only one question for you, now.”

“Marry me? Marry me and make me the happiest man alive because you’ll be mine, and I’ll be yours.  And I will protect that fiercely for the rest of my life.”  He leaned down, kissing her hand. 

The next few moments were a complete and utter blur.  Emie may have lunged at him, there may have been some clumsy banging of heads together as she launched herself onto him, kissing him wherever she could find.  Tom nearly fell off the bed, and then Emie managed to grab him, toppling them both back onto the edge of the bed, in a pile of blankets and pillows. 

Emie kept kissing his face, holding him to her, not letting him speak another goddamn word, just so that he didn’t change his mind and take it back.  She was thankful.  So thankful.  He had never given up on her.  He had been patient to a fault.  And even when things were at their worst, he’d still believed in her.  She wasn’t sure what she’d done to get so lucky.  She always wondered what it would take to break her rule, to change her ways.  If there would be anything at all.  She had been completely overlooking the most obvious truth.  She’d break it for the love.  Always for the love.  What more could there be?

“You haven’t answered.” Tom mumbled between kisses.

“Do I need to say anything when there’s only one possible answer?” She pressed her forehead against his.  Tom made a tiny noise that sent her heart into frenzy. 

“Yes, yes, yes.” She said softly. 

He grinned, his smile huge, his eyes full of love.  He still had the ring in his hand, and he looked down as he slipped it onto her finger.  She let out a little shriek of happiness, and grabbed him.  They rolled, and were suddenly falling in a tangle of arms and legs off the bed.  They landed with a thump on the floor, Emie nearly crying from laughter.  Tom howled in mock pain, as he had mostly broken her fall.  Emie kissed him, shutting him up.

“So that’s a yes?” He broke the kiss and reached up, touching the side of her face. 

“Yes!” She shouted, wrapping her arms around him, and pulling him to her. She kissed him, holding his face in her hands as she did.  She was home.  No matter where they were, with him, she was home.  Tom sat up, taking her onto his lap as he did, his mouth by her ear.  He held her in an embrace, their bodies close together, almost as one. 

“She is standing on my eyelids.” He whispered, and Emie felt tears start to fall down her cheeks.  She held him tight, afraid of letting go.  “And her hair is wound in mine.  She is the form of my hands.  She has the color of my eyes.  She is swallowed by my shadow. Like a stone against the sky.”  She breathed him in, the entire journey they’d taken together flashing before her eyes.

“Her eyes are always open, and will not let me sleep.  Her dreams in broad daylight make the sun evaporate. Make me laugh, cry and laugh. Speak with nothing to say.” He whispered the last words in her ear, and then they did not need to speak for the rest of the night.