Work Text:
Great Britain, 2018
You were walking through the streets of London, humming a song to yourself as your eyes scanned all the shops around you. Clothing, lingerie, food, anything you could name and it was there.
You weren't originally from England yourself, but it had been your favourite country to visit since childhood. Your brother and you were here on a short vacation from Italy, to buy your parents an anniversary gift.
Your shopping bag was in your hand - you had already picked out the gift that you and your brother wanted to give, but your brother was tired, and had gone back to the hotel room. You, however, wanted to walk around for a while.
Your phone pinged, and you picked it out of your pocket, looking at the screen.
Babybrother: sis, when are you coming back? I want to order room service, but only if you're in
You smiled as you started typing a quick message back, that you would be there soon. You turned around quickly, and with that, bumped into a warm body.
Something hot was spilled on your blouse, and you shouted, "Oh!" and jumped backwards. You almost landed on the street, but a warm hand gripped your wrist and pulled you up.
You were met with two beautiful dark brown eyes, that looked at you worriedly.
"Are you alright?" He asked, and you nodded, because you were out of words. Then, you seemed to remember the hot liquid on your beautiful new blouse. It was sticking to your skin. With a disgusted face, you touched it. It was ruined. You sighed.
"Oh god, I am so, so sorry!" The man exclaimed. You looked up from the blouse, and frowned when you saw he was wearing a hoodie and sunglasses. A hoodie with this weather?
But alright, who were you to judge his clothing choices. You shook your head. "It's alright," you said, waving his concerns away, "I just- erh…"
"You can come with me!" He hurriedly said, and you lifted an eyebrow. His cheeks became red. "Eh- I mean, you can come to my apartment. You can change into something more comfortable and clean." He scratched the back of his neck and chuckled nervously.
You nodded. Why not? You were not in a mood to walk back to the hotel all dirty and sticky. And you were strong enough to protect yourself, so where was the harm in this?
"Alright." He smiled and grabbed your hand, pulling you along with him.
His apartment was spacious, and it looked like it was inhabited by boys only. You chuckled as the man showed you the way to the living room. He quickly pushed the books and magazines of the couch. A grey dog jumped into the living room and started barking. The stranger petted him (or her?) quickly before turning to you.
"You can- eh, do you want something to drink? Something to eat?"
He was already moving to the fridge. "No thank you," you answered politely. "I just want to switch clothes and go back to my hotel."
He nodded. "Alright. I'll lead you to the bathroom then."
You put your bags down on the toilet, and pulled off the blouse. You were lucky you had picked out a nice shirt along the way and it was still in your bag. You quickly pulled it over your head, and fixed your messy hair. There were a few spots on your jeans, but those were old anyways, so that didn't matter much.
You smiled at the image of you in the mirror. "Awesome, Y/N," you whispered to yourself in Italian, "you've been here for not even a week and you end up in the apartment of a stranger."
You quickly picked up your leather bag, and left the bathroom.
The stranger was in the living room, leafing through a magazine, when you entered. He looked up and smiled. He had taken off his hoodie and sunglasses, revealing only a red shirt underneath, that showed off his biceps.
You looked at his face and frowned. He looked very familiar.
You quickly shook the feeling off.
"Thank you," you said softly with a smile. "I appreciate it that I could change here."
He smiled back. "It was my pleasure. Let me show you out."
You stood in front of the door as he unlocked it, and he smiled nervously as he opened the door for you. "You know the way, right?"
You missed the hopeful look in his eyes, and nodded. "I'm good at this. Thanks again." You smiled at him.
The two of you stood a bit too close together, but it didn't feel awkward or wrong at all.
Before you knew what you were doing, you pressed your lips to his cheek.
"Goodbye," was all you said before you quickly left.
When you stood in the elevator, you suddenly remembered where you had recognized him from. Your eyes widened, and you wanted to slam your head against the wall.
I just bumped into Tom Holland of all people! And I kissed him on the cheek!
You weren't that much of a fan of Marvel - but your best friend was, and she had watched every movie, thus introducing you to some of the actors. You didn't know much of them, but the fact that you had just met Tom Holland, one of the actors, was still something you couldn't wait to tell. You should have asked for a selfie. Cristina would have lost it over that.
Oh well. Meeting him was enough. You smiled and touched your lips.
Sighing, you flopped down on the bed. Julio smirked. "Had a good walk?"
"Yeah," you whispered, closing your eyes. "I did."
You told him of the coffee on your new blouse, and of the stranger that invited you to your apartment. You didn't tell him who it was, though. You didn't tell him about the kiss either. Julio could become very overprotective.
You touched one of your tattoos - a butterfly, as a tribute to your little sister, who was terminally ill. "And then I put my bags down- oh no!" You jolted up. "Oh shit!" You groaned. "What? What is it?"
You wanted to hit your head against the wall - again.
"I left the bag with the gift at his apartment."
You sighed. Julio frowned.
"That's not so smart," he said.
"I know," you snapped. "I know, I know."
You picked up your shoes. "I'm going to get it now, before he brings it to the police or something. Oh god, oh god, why am I so incredibly stupid?!"
Before you knew it, you were walking on the streets. It was already getting dark, and there weren't that many people on the streets. The streetlights were on, casting yellow lights on the road. You huffed, and took out your phone to see what time it was.
6.58 pm. Great. You were going to miss dinner at this rate.
How stupid could you be, that you left your bag in Tom Hollands apartment?
What would he think of you?
That's not important, Y/N, you told yourself. What's important is getting the gift back.
You knocked on the door, and shifted on your feet. What were you going to say. 'Oh hi, I'm the girl that bumped into you on the street, and I left my bag at your place'. Yeah, no.
Your eyes widened when another person opened the door. The grey dog from before peered at you from under his legs. You had no idea who he was.
"I- eh," you stammered. He frowned. "Sorry, who are you?" At least he was polite. You knew people back in Italy who would just slam the door in your face.
"I met Tom this afternoon," you eventually said, "and long story short, I forgot my shopping bag here. It's kind of important."
He nodded. "Alright. Come in." He let you in, and you slipped into the living room.
"I'm Harrison, by the way. Do you want something to drink?"
"No thanks," you said softly. He nodded, and poured himself a glass of water.
"Tom's in the shower right now," he said, "but once he comes out, I'll get you your bag."
You nodded, thanked him with a smile, and sat down on the couch.
The dog barked, and jumped on your lap. You laughed.
"Who are you?" You petted the dog, who looked at you with big, curious eyes.
"That's Tessa. She's Toms world. She's a pitbull."
"Oh," you cooed, "you're an angel, aren't you?"
She licked your face, and you could only laugh as her tail wiggled happily.
It lasted so long that you eventually asked if he had tea. With a smirk, Harrison eventually gave you a mug with tea, and you thanked him.
"So," he said, "What brings you to London? You don't sound like you're from around here."
You smiled. "My brother and I are on a short vacation. We wanted to pick out a nice gift for my parents."
Harrisons brows shot up. "And well- I really like London. I've been here before." You smiled nervously, pulling a hand through your hair.
"Yeah, London's great," he sighed. "Tell me more about yourself."
You were laughing hard when Tom walked in, with only a towel around his waist. You were pretty sure you were blushing really hard when you saw him, so you quickly redirected your eyes back at Harrison, who was still smiling.
"Tom, mate, you're finally here! I met Y/N, she's an angel, man. Alright, love, I'll get you your bag." You nodded as Harrison got up and disappeared.
Tom scratched his neck. "Hey," he said, and you chuckled. "Hi."
He shot into another room, and left you alone.
You hummed and inspected your nails. You definitely needed a manicure. You could ask Cristina to go with you.
As you pulled out your phone to text her, Harrison sat down on the couch next to you. He handed you your hsopping bag. You smiled gratefully.
"Thank you!" You took it in your hand and got up from the couch. You pressed 'send', and then you put your phone back in your pocket.
"It was great meeting you," you said with a smile. "And thank you for getting my bag. It means a lot to me."
Tom entered the room again, now dressed in a hoodie and sweatpants.
Silence stretched in the room, and his cheeks became pink. He looked at the ground.
"Aye Tom, mate, if you ain't asking for her phone number, I will!" Harrison laughed, and Toms head shot up. A giggle escaped your lips.
"I- erh," he scratched the back of his head.
"Can I- eh, have your phone number?"
You smiled.
"Of course you can."
Harrison handed you a piece of paper and a pen. You quickly scribbled down your phone number - what in the world would Tom Holland of all people do with your phone number? - and handed it to him.
"I'll let you out," Harrison said with a smirk, and he did. You quickly said goodbye to him, and left as soon as possible. Your cheeks were on fire when you stepped into the elevator, and you couldn't help the smile that was growing on your face.
Tom Holland asked for my phone number. Hah. Cristina will die.
"Hey, don't be so nervous," Tom told you. You pursed your lips and rearranged your hair again.
"It's just my parents, love," he smiled. He caressed your cheek.
"And it's just dinner. They're not expecting anything big."
You casted a glance at the flowers you had bought, and the bag of Italian dessert that you had made for them.
"I just- I just want them to like me," you said in one breath. He smiled.
"They will love you."
You frowned as he stepped back into the bathroom.
This would probably lead nowhere - you had to go back to Italy sooner or later, and you did not want a long-distance relationship.
Why did you have to meet his family?
The car ride was short - Tom had already told you he had chosen his apartment with care, because he wanted to be close to his family at all times.
"So, you have my three little brothers," he told you. "Harry and Sam, the twins, are both twenty years old, but still childish." He chuckled. "And then you have Paddy. Fifteen years old and the sweetest member of our family. My mom, Nicola, and my dad, Dominic. Both angels, and my mom will not leave you alone. So, be warned."
He smiled at you. "You're going to be fine."
You fiddled with your hands. You were wearing your nicest dress - a dark blue one with a black bow, made of silk. You had curled your hair, and put on the tiniest hint of make-up, even though Tom had told you that you didn't need it. You wanted to make a good first impression.
You took a deep breath and pushed all the negative thoughts into a locked room in your mind, and smiled as the house appeared in front of you.
"You're an amazing girl, love, and my parents are going to love you. You can't disappoint them. I mean, you put up with me."
He grinned at you, and you chuckled.
"Okay. Let's go in."
"Tom! You're back!"
A small boy flung himself into Tom, which lead to him letting go of your hand. For a moment, you were a bit lost as he enjoyed his reunion with his little brother.
"You must be Y/N!" A woman with red hair walked up to you with a wide smile. You smiled back. "I'm glad you invited me for dinner, Mrs. Holland," you said, inclining your head. "I just needed to meet you!" She called out, wrapping you in her arms. You were a little surprised, but hugged her back nonetheless.
She smiled as she pulled back. "You're a beautiful girl. I see why Tom's eye fell on you." You blushed a little, and stepped back. Toms arm circled around your waist, tugging you close.
"Dom! Come on!" The woman called, and a man walked in. He had a nice, broad smile, and wore glasses. He hugged you too, and smiled, telling you how fun it was to finally meet you.
"Yeah, Tom couldn't shut up about you," a voice sounded, and everyone looked into the living room, where two boys stood, grinning. Toms cheeks were red, and you laughed. "We're Harry," "and Sam." They introduced themselves. You smiled. "Y/N. But I suppose you already know."
It was a fun evening. Toms parents were sweethearts, and his little brother was a literal angel. Harry and Sam were two jokers, but they had tried to behave during the evening. Tom stayed with you all the time - which you liked - and when the two of you sat in the car, he put his hand on your leg. You looked at him. He smiled.
"I told you it was going to be fine."
You smiled back.
"It was more than fine. I really liked meeting them."
He took your hand and kissed it. Your cheeks heated as he started the car, and the two of you drove into the night.
It was over too soon.
Way too soon, you decided as you stood on the airport. The world is a cruel place.
They were all wearing disguises, and it made you snort with laughter. Tessa was on a leash, dancing happily around your leg. She didn't know you were leaving.
Julio was behind you, saying goodbye to his old friends.
"I can't believe you need to go already," Tom said, and he sniffed. You smiled bravely.
"It's the way it is," you said, "the world is cruel. Maybe we'll run into each other one day."
He smiled, but it was obviously fake.
Your own smile faltered, and you quickly pulled him in for a hug, and pushed the tears away.
"I'm sorry, Tom," you whispered. "I wish it was different."
You let him go, and moved to hug the others.
Nicola let you go with a soft smile.
"If you ever get back here, give us a call, okay?"
You nodded. "I definitely will. I promise."
She wiped away a tear, and then she let you go.
Harrison smiled.
"You're lucky that one of my next shooting is going to be in Italy," he said, and you couldn't help but laugh. You didn't notice Tom watching miserably from the side.
"I look forward to seeing you," you said, and he hugged you tight.
"I'll bring loverboy with me," he whispered in your ear, and he kissed your cheek. You smiled. "You should. Oh, and if you are there, remind me to bring you with me. You need to taste my mother's cooking. Oh, it's art."
He grinned. "I'd love to."
Tessa was barking happily as you crouched down. You smiled at her.
"You're a sweet girl," you whispered. "Take care of him, alright?"
The dog seemed to understand, and you got up again.
Tom was still standing there, looking miserable. You wanted to wrap your arms around him, but you knew that that would only make it harder for him.
Julio took your hand.
"We need to go," he whispered, and you nodded.
You waved goodbye to everyone as he pulled you with him.
The stewardess was checking your ticket when you looked over your shoulder. They were still standing there. You caught Toms eyes, and you were shocked to see a tear rolling down his cheek.
Why is he crying? Is he crying about me?
Your heart broke from the sight alone. Julio sighed next to you. "I'll wait," he whispered, and you nodded, before turning around and running back.
Tom looked surprised as you hugged him.
"I'm going to miss you tons," you told him. "Don't cry." You wiped away his tears.
"I- I can't help it," he choked on a sob. You caressed his cheek.
"It's going to be okay," you whispered, and you pressed a kiss on his forehead. "Goodbye."
Then you let him go, and you quickly ran back. You didn't look back anymore. Julio wrapped an arm around you and tugged you close.
You let your tears fall.
"It's going to be alright," he whispered as he pulled you with him.
"I'm going to miss her terribly," Tom whispered. Harrison nodded.
"You're going to be alright mate," he said. "You'll see her again. I promise."
Tom nodded, and buried his face in Harrisons shoulder.
Harrison looked at your disappearing form.
His brows furrowed.
He would do anything to make Tom smile like that again.
"Hello."
"Hey Y/N. It's Tom."
"Tom! Why'd you call?"
"Well- erm, I'm sort of... in Italy right now?"
"You make that sound like a question- wait, are you serious?"
"Very serious."
"Oh Tom.... That's amazing!"
"I know. Give me your address and I'll come to pick you up this afternoon."