When Did We First Meet? [Tom Hiddleston]

01. Boutique.

She was folding shirts, skirts, pants, and dresses she couldn't even afford, again. How come costumers tried everything and to never buy? She was starting to get really tired of all this. Maybe she could change of job. Everything was so... superficial. Her job was to smile and give compliments all day long. All those women buying what they already had twice in their wardrobe were driving here crazy. Sighing, Emma sat on the chair in the back shop. Finally, she had a break.

''Car. Car. You want a car. That's your motivation. Don't you dare forget it, girl.'' she spoke out loud to herself.

One of the old woman she was working with made her apparition slowly.

Who come she wears those high heels all day long? Is that even human? She thought noticing her coworker, Nicole, was wearing stilettos. That was completely out of her mind. The bell rang, meaning another customer just entered the clothing boutique for ladies.

''You get it or should I? '' asked Nicole.

''It's okay, take a break and sit down, I'll take it.'' answered Emma softly. She was worried Nicole would eventually wrench her ankle with those shoes. It was bound to happen at some point.

She stepped out of the back shop with a sublime smile sticked to her lips. She was used to acting like she actually did care about someone's needs and the wants of the other spoiled child. Emma was mentally prepared to see a woman. But no, there's was a manly young adult standing in front of her. He had blond curled hair, green eyes and a huge smile. He was closely observing the place when finally he laid his eyes on her and smiled.

Come on girl, pull yourself together. Don't blush, don't flirt... and don't forget you have a boyfriend you've been dating for 2 years now. Even though things aren't as great as you wish. But that's not the point. Is it?

'' Hi, can I help you?'' she smoothly asked.

Is this the same voice I use for each new customer? It probably is.

'' Oh yes actually. See I've been dating this girl for a year now and I'm looking for a present." He started to explain." You seem to be her age, maybe you could help me?'' He finished.

'' You mean your girlfriend is 16 ? And you're what, 19 maybe?''

He laughed.

''To my defense, I have to say she's much more mature than some girl I'm studying with.''

'' Anyway, it's none of my business. Usually the boyfriend brings up the girlfriend so she can pick up an outfit and he pays. I guess you want it to be a complete surprise?''

He simply nodded while touching a jewel that laying on a white and shiny table.

'' You want a piece of clothe or... a jewel maybe? You need to know that a piece of clothe is much more personal than a jewel. It shows that you really know her if she likes it. On the other hand...''

'' If she doesn't I'm screwed.''

He finally looked up at her. She had no emotion on her face. She was being a professionnal, and somehow she liked that she was in control. 

''What's your name already?''

She looked at him with big opened eyes. There was something wrong in this situation. She just couldn't put the finger on it.

'' Emma. My name is Emma.''

''Well Emma. I guess I will base myself on your feminine knowledge. And I'm Tom, by the way.''

''Nice to know who I'm speaking to, Tom.'' She smiled while making sure there was a respectable distance between them two.

They spent an hour going through everything he could possibly offer his girlfriend. He was incredibly picky, there was always something wrong with the item. Too shiny, too big, not enough, the chain necklace was in silver, she preferred gold..

'' I don't want to be rude but... she seems to be a little bit, how could I say that...?''

''Picky?" he finished her sentence while nodding his head from right to left. "She deserves the best and only the best.''

There were no stars in his eyes. That's what was wrong. No shinning spark, no genuine smile when he pronounced her name. He didn't even answer her question. It was as if he was doing this out ot expectations towards him, not because his feelings were genuine.

Such a shame to spend feelings on people who didn't deserve it. 

Suddenly, Nicole walked by and took Emma by the arm.

''If you would please excuse us sir." She said looking at Tom.

''Oh I wouldn't dare to monopolize one of your seller." He smiled.

Nicole stepped to the back store.

''Emma, I know you really dislike it but... I have an appointment tonight... and ..." She hesitated.

''You want to leave. Oh it's fine, I lock the door behind you and finish with this customer. You owe me one though.''

Nicole smiled so much her lips almost touched her eyes.

''He's pretty handsome, heh?''

''Indeed. But I have a boyfriend and does he.''

''You mean he's gay?!" She gasped. "Such a waste. "She whispered.

''Not what I meant was that -''

''Anyway, see you later, or I'll be late." She cut Emma short with a sickening sweet smile.

And just like that, she ran away, still wearing her high heels. Man, she's a tough one.

Emma slowly walked back to Tom.

''Your friend ran away, is that normal?''

''Coworker, she's just a coworker." She specified. "And yes, it pretty much is. Wait for me, I will just lock the door and I'll be back.''

He smiled and nodded than his eyes laid back to the final choices which were laying on the table. She walked to the front door and slowly turned to key, making sure it was locked. When she turned around...

He was there, standing two steps away from her. There were two minutes of complete silence, looking in each others eyes.

That's it, he's going to kill me. I knew it!

''So I made a final choice,'' he finaly spoke up shower her the piece of jewelery. 

What?

'' Good, that's good. I hope she's going to like it. It's really discreet but how beautiful. Let me just (she grabbed the delicate necklace off the palm of his hand) wrap it up for you.''

''Thanks, how much does it cost?''

Nope, don't -

''It's on the house. Don't bother.''

Sigh.

He eyes opened and his mouth slitghly open.

''Well... can I take you out for dinner to at least thank you?''

''Sorry. I would love to. "She smiled. "But I have a date with my boyfriend. I'm sure we'll meet again though. Enjoy your first year anniversary!'' She said while packing the jewel.

And just like that, she unlocked to door and let him out of the boutique.

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 Comments and votes are always appreciated. What do you think about Emma ? Or the story yet? I know it's just the first chapterbut HEY, we've got the start somewhere. And I'm new to the Hiddlestoner fandom... Anyway, have a great on!