#insolent

“Thank you, Agent.” Stone replied sweetly, like he always does, and turned his head just enough to smile at the agent. Robotnik still thinks that Stone was trying to get under his skin in the literal sense.

***

“Your coffee, Doctor.” Robotnik said as he gently placed down a cold Americano, placing just far enough from the doctor so if he wanted to spin around the way he sometimes does, the cup wouldn’t be knocked over.

Robotnik nodded once and backed away from where he was standing next to Stone, quickly returning to his desk to get some work done. Immediately, one of the doctor’s Pebbles – Robotnik named her Val – hovered over by his side and nudged him gently. The agent didn’t pay any attention to her at first, but eventually gave in and let her nuzzle him and lay in his lap.

It has been a month or two ever since their first day on the job together. Robotnik remained the way he did, face always set in neutral and scowling at the slightest inconvenience. But despite that, he did in his very best to assist Stone as it still remains an important part of his job. Organizing emails and paperwork, cleaning up after the doctor whenever he’s too absorbed in his experiments and doing routine maintenance on the drones.

Sometimes, during late nights working in the lab and none of them felt like retreating to their respective rooms for some rest, Robotnik would leave unprompted and return with bags full of snacks and food from the convenience store. Stone had scolded the agent for that on several occasions when it first happened, throwing out reasons that Robotnik could care less about. Eventually, Stone did accept a paper ramen bowl with melted cheese on top.

For the entirety of that night, the pair ate and watched a few movies that were largely recommended by the great doctor. Most were horror movies which made Robotnik run back to his room just to grab some pillows and two blankets: one for him and one for the doctor. Many things were spilled that day, and Stone was sure his Pebbles were frustrated with their shenanigans.

Stone could say he was warming up to the always cautious agent. It was already fun messing with him, but even that got boring quickly. He resorted to other tricks, however, such as asking his agent to fetch him something and then promptly abandoning it. Stone was pleased whenever he could draw out a frustrated sigh or a silent curse from him. Sometimes, Stone would give Robotnik the task of taking care of his plants, to which he failed at, and Stone had to take extra time out his day to teach him how to properly put dirt into a pot.

Today was little to no different. With an iced Americano in hand made by his trustworthy agent, Stone scrolled through government secrets and past projects that were left in the dark like it was a stroll in the park. Robotnik never bothered asking about them, seeming more interested in sharing more detail rather than keeping them. A quirk that Stone loved about this agent.

His silent research was interrupted when the sound of Robotnik’s heavy combat boots approached him in a controlled manner. Stone didn’t bother turning around as he continued to scroll through a sea of blacked out information that would be quickly revealed if he clicked on it.

“Doctor?” Robotnik called. From how loud Stone could hear his voice, he assumed that the agent was standing directly behind him.

The doctor didn’t make a move to respond.

Another minute of silence before Robotnik sighed heavily.

“I know you can hear me, Doctor.” The agent said, placing a hand on the back of Stone chair. “This is important, so I will beg and ask for your attention.”

Now that caught the doctor’s attention. Beg, he said? Stone wondered if he would actually do so.

With one easy movement to place his cup down, Stone spun around in his chair to face the annoyed agent. Hands tented, elbows placed on the arms of his chair, Stone spread his legs slightly to accommodate the agent who stood in between.

Robotnik reflectively flinched at the action, a dark blush coming to cover the tip of his ears. The hand that was previously placed on the back of his hand was still suspended in the air but was quickly placed behind his back after Robotnik realized how that looked like. Stone repressed a self-satisfied grin, eyes beckoning his agent to inform him about this important something.

“The commander has called for a meeting regarding where you’re putting all that tax money he gave you and something else the old man didn’t bother to specify.” Robotnik announced quickly, shoving the folder he was holding against Stone’s chest in an attempt to distract the doctor from eyeing the flush on his face.

Stone glanced down to where the folder was pressed. As always, it was yellow with a bright red stamp in the corner to indicate that it had been looked through and deemed suitable to be handed out. The tip of a paper being held inside by a gold-colored paper clip peeked out, making Stone raise an eyebrow.

Usually they wouldn’t bother sticking any additional notes into anything they gave him. Why now?

Taking the folder properly from his agent, Stone opened it like there was a miniature bomb inside waiting to be set off. Robotnik quickly removed himself from between the doctor’s legs, pulling out his shades where it was kept in his breast pocket and slipping it on his nose bridge.

“My blueprints are involved.” Stone said matter-of-factly, passing the clipped paper over to Robotnik to read.

Robotnik did as he was wordlessly instructed, brows furrowing at the information he was provided. Stone crossed his legs as he observed how a few different emotions flashed across Robotnik’s face, the light pink dusting his face now completely gone.

Confusion, surprise, another flash of confusion, a tad of frustration before settling on an expression that screamed ‘Why should I even care?’. How sweet of him.

Handing the paper back to Stone, Robotnik excused himself back to his desk to inform the commander about Stone’s attendance. The doctor watched him go and sighed, getting up from his own seat to change into something more appropriate for a presumably important budget meeting.

Throwing open his dresser, Stone skimmed over all the clothing he had available. From simple shirts and oversized hoodies to something that female celebrities often wore at Met Gala. Stone wondered when he’ll be able to wear such a thing.

Two drones entered his room with curiosity, clearly showing an eagerness in helping their father in picking a suitable attire for the day. Stone sighed affectionately, stepping out of the way for his two darlings to scan through the dresser they’ve seen more than a dozen times.

Outside, Stone could faintly hear the sound of something similar to waltz playing. He assumed Robotnik had turned it on to fill in the void of silence that he somehow couldn’t bear.

After another minute or two, his Pebbles – Iris and Siri (he wanted twin names for them) – returned to his side with a sunflower yellow turtleneck, matching French purple waist coat and dress pants and a white trench coat. Stone smiled at their attempt to pick out something bright for him in order to make him the center of attention. Stone gave both drones a kiss on their hull before retreating to his bathroom to change. Luckily, today’s weather had turned crisp last minute, which frustrated Robotnik because he hadn’t had the chance to buy a new coat.

Buttoning up his waist coat, Stone spun this and that way, admiring how his color choice could really trick people in think he wasn’t some prestigious asshole. He knew he would look like a sore thumb next to black and white formalities, but Stone could care less. At least he knew Robotnik wasn’t an exception from this due to his bright red dress shirt.

Hmmm… Maybe he could touch himself up a bit. Just for the fun of it.

With just a few steps, Stone sat down at the small vanity desk he was able to afford at a low enough price so it wouldn’t reach G.U.N.’s spending radar. Picking up an eyeshadow palate that he favored, Stone took exactly a minute to scan through all the colors before settling on a shimmery shade of heliotrope. At the very least, it’ll make his clothing less dull in a way.

Shrugging on the white trench coat after he was done touching up his makeup, the doctor took one last look of himself in the full length mirror he had, turning on his heel and checking if there were any visible wrinkle on his clothes. The ‘white’ trench coat complimented the turtleneck perfectly, making the coat looked more cosmic latte than white.

Stone sometimes wondered why he took psychology and then go out his way to learn about color theory (and memorize colors based on their shades).

Pulling on his chosen pair of footwear for the day – a pair of Oxfords with shiny golden laces – Stone exited his room with an air of confidence laced with the usually egotistic pride one might feel radiating off celebrities.

Robotnik was still sitting at his desk, blazer draped over the back of his chair while he checked on emails and organized the doctor’s schedule for the next upcoming days. Stone was almost concerned for the man’s lack of preparation for this assumingly important meeting.

“Let’s go, Agent. We wouldn’t want Walters waiting for much longer.” Stone sighed and pulled on gloves with a color that matched his coat, waiting for Robotnik to remove his ass from his chair. The sooner they arrive and leave, the better.

“I thought you never cared about these meetings, Doctor.” The agent didn’t even try to hide the grin on his lips, one hand coming up to smooth out his mustache. The damn shades are still on.

Stone wouldn’t try to defend his ego if he knew that Robotnik speaks the truth. Instead, the doctor rolled his eyes and stalked off to a desk pushed up against the wall, not too far off from his workbench.

Sat there, as always, was the display that held the assorted shades and optical lenses he had. The unmistakable sound of Robotnik shuffling out of his seat to stand behind Stone could be heard, but he would rather not dwell on why his agent would rather stand so close to him all the time.

After another moment of consideration, Stone plucked a pair of golden half rimmed glasses with lavender lenses, holding it up to the light before securing it on his nose bridge. Robotnik hummed from behind him, either out of judgement or approval, it didn’t really matter.

“Are we ready to go or not?” Stone asked sarcastically, watching his agent taking his sweet time putting on his blazer and smoothing out any creases. If he could, he would murder this man.

“Of course, Doctor.” Stone was almost familiar with the fact that Robotnik usually responded with short replies if he was feeling particularly antsy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The halls were deafly silent. No lowly agents wandered the halls with either stacks of papers in their arms or a stale cup of coffee. White walls made the halls look like a maze, black tiles echoing each step back to the ones who caused it.

It felt almost claustrophobic.

Stone approached the dark double doors, hands shoved into his pockets and face set to neutral. Robotnik followed close behind him, one hand holding a journal with a tattered cover and a pen in the other. The elevator ride up to here was almost excruciating, silence enveloped the pair like a thick blanket making Stone almost want to scream. Luckily, he didn’t.

Robotnik quickly rushed ahead of Stone when they were close enough to the entrance, pushing open the doors for the doctor’s convenience. The room was already filled with people upon entering. Directors, generals and Commander Walters sat in chairs Stone assumed was assigned to them. Stone waved Robotnik off to stand behind him while he took his seat, rolling up the sleeves of his coat and leaning back more or less comfortably.

Commander Walters nodded once, stood up and began the introduction and opening, explaining the reason for everyone’s presence.

Stone was unfortunately not interested it what the old commander had to say, eyes eventually drifting off to stare at the far wall. Robotnik dutifully noted down anything and everything the doctor wasn’t listening to, occasionally eyeing Stone in case if he needed anything. Stone wished he had a reason to leave.

“Moving forward, I would like to apologize to Dr. Stone in advance.” Commander Walters announced in a rather pitiful tone, making Stone snap out his trance.

Apologize for what? And when had they ever apologize to him about anything?

Was it about the note they placed in?

Stone felt the need to sit straighter and more professional, not out of obligation but out of anticipation. Robotnik shuffled a little behind him.

“Doctor, we understand that you’ve been working on the commissioned piece for a month now.” Walters said, now turning to face him. "But the tides had changed."

This felt like it was his fault that the project had to be brought up. He had avoided everything to keep that a secret according to the said requirements from the government official that commissioned it.

Stone felt like it was Walters’s fault that he was here.

The doctor could hear his agent’s journal being closed shut and neatly placed back into his inner breast pocket. He could see out the corner of his eye the way Robotnik was fiddling with his pen. Robotnik was nervous but not in the way everyone else was. He was expecting something to happen, he already knew what would happen.

And still…still he brought Stone here.

Stone could feel his own body tensing up, feet planted firmly on the ground and ready to move at any moment.

“The project had been called off and any evidence of the project including the model and the blueprint should be discarded of. The sergeant who had requested the project had deemed it to be too dangerous and may be stolen for purposes that it was never intended for” Walters explained to him in a voice Stone couldn’t quite read. He still held a pitiful expression on his face. “So, in short, it’s no longer necessary for you to continue forward with it.”

Some generals sitting in the table hummed in acknowledgement, directors looked towards each other but not a single word was passed between anyone.

Without another second to lose, Stone slammed both of his hands down on the dark wooden table, stood up and stormed out the room without another word. Eyes trailed after him, their voice whispering judgement and despise. Commander Walters had the nerve to call after him but didn’t dare to follow him.

Stone could care less now. He didn’t have to care anymore. Make him waste a whole moth, working his ass off day and night just to ask him politely to burn it all?

And he thought he was the crazy one.

The doctor quickly adjusted his glasses before he continued stalking down the fairly empty hall of G.U.N.

His steps echoed but never lasted long, his hand were in fists tightly by his side, nails digging half-moons into the meat of his hands. Even if Stone wanted to stop for just a moment to check if his makeup was smeared or if anyone had accidently stepped on the tail of his coat, he couldn’t find it in him to stop. 

“Those goddamned idiots.” Stone muttered to himself, his strides becoming longer and quicker. “’It’s not necessary’ they say. As if they’re the doctor.” He was sure he could hear his teeth being grind against each other in his skull.

“I’m going to kill someone.” Stone wished that was true, that he was speaking his own intentions out loud. But considering the many false report of ‘workplace harassment’ he had received, Stone was forced to play nice and by the rules.

Quickly turning the corner, the tension burning in his shoulders wore off disquietingly fast as he slumped against the wall, leaning back heavily against the surface behind him. Stone just knew there would be stains on his clothes that he would have to scrub off himself.

“Now I can take a quick break.” He muttered to himself, gloved hand rustling around in his pocket for his stress relief.

Stone almost forgot he would often shove full pack of cigarettes into all his coats just in case. However, the box he pulled out was already half empty, all the sticks leaning to one side of the box. Stone pulled out one and placed it between his lips before shoving the box back in his pocket, absentmindedly sucking on the shred of nicotine while looking for his lighter.

The lighter he pulled out was a fancy little thing, with a spider lily in the front while a series of butterflies covered the back. He couldn’t properly remember where and when he got it, but the feeling of pride upon seeing it never really lost its spark.

Unfortunately, looks doesn’t always account for ability. Stone thought the lighter could still be used, but after trying to ignite his cigarette it was clear that this one hasn’t been refilled yet.

“Fucking…Stupid lighter.” He tried a few more time, already understanding his efforts were futile but desperation said otherwise.

Just as he went to try again, a black gloved hand appeared in front of his and pulled his cigarette away. “Apologies, sir, but smoking is not permitted inside.” The person who pulled his cigarette away said, voice smooth and controlled.

Great. Just what he wanted to hear.

Suddenly his anger was hitting at full force again, making his skin feel clammy and hot inside his trench coat. He was heating up too fast, the turtleneck and the coat barely seemed necessary anymore.

“Hey! Do you know who I- Oh.” Stone immediately stopped mid-sentence, anger dissipating into a bubbling mess in his brain. “It’s you.” The recognition was deadpanned at best.

There stood beside him was Robotnik, his agent-slash-assistant-slash-personal bodyguard, someone he never asked for. Although both of their attire looked relatively professional, Stone could tell that the older man was more put together than him, showing an air of calmness that he absolutely despised whenever he was mad. The agent held the stick of nicotine between his fingers – his index and thumb – gently, clearly not having any intentions of crushing it or tossing it away. Stone adjusted his glasses to sit on top if his head, one hand subconsciously running through his hair in an attempt to tame it.

“Stand down, Agent. Give me back my cigarette and leave.” Stone sighed and looked away, holding out his hand with the expectation of his cigarette being immediately placed there.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir.” Robotnik stated, spinning the cigarette so it sat neatly in his fist instead of being held loosely by his fingers. Stone gritted his teeth at the empty apology, shoulders tensing up again. He really needs a big, fat break after all of this was over.

“I said…” Stone started, glaring daggers at the man beside him. “Give me it!” Stone wouldn’t say he failed at his only attempt at getting his cigarette back, he had just been a bit rusty.

The cigarette was moved away from him in one quick motion, almost making the doctor tripped over himself. A self-satisfied smirk laid comfortably on Robotnik’s lips as he stared down at his boss. The nerve of this agent.

Dignity be damned, he needed his cigarette. As soon as Robotnik decided to use his height advantage and raise the cigarette above his head, Stone quickly latched on and reached out on his tiptoes in hopes being able to take the cigarette back.

“Just give it to me! I am your superior!” Stone commanded though he knew it wouldn’t work. Shame might as well swallow him up and leave no trance behind after this.

“Nope, can’t.” Robotnik chuckled low in his throat, grinning down at his superior’s fruitless attempt at taking back what was his. “I am here to keep you safe and healthy, even from yourself.” Robotnik knew he wasn’t permitted to actually make sure the doctor didn’t burn himself out, but it felt nice to fool around a little.

Stone grunt with effort as he reached as high as he could, almost regretting not wearing platform shoes if he knew something like this would happen. He grabbed onto Robotnik’s lapel in attempt to pull him down. The agent didn’t budge. A weight Stone didn’t realize was there settled on the small of his back, holding him up against the agent with little to no force. No doubt Robotnik was trying to feel him up or mock him silently.

Stone diverted his attention back to the smug face of his agent, knowing the taller man probably felt full of himself at the moment. Robotnik smiled down at him, a false sense of calmness and a tinge of mischief lacing his stare.

After engaging in that short and momentary staring contest, Stone cheered to himself as he could finally reach up high enough and grab hold of his cigarette. Robotnik kept his expression neutral, as if too in denial about his defeat. At least that little game was over.

“Well, forgot those orders for now.” Now it was Stone’s turn to smile mockingly at his agent, relief spreading over him in small waves. “I don’t need a baby- “Stone smiled to himself, opening his palm to hold his cigarette in a way he would much prefer. “sitter…”

Laid in his hand was not, in fact, the cigarette he was hoping to see. Thick paper stick, round and wrapped in plastic at the top, a cartoonish grape image plastered to its sides: a lollipop. He grabbed a lollipop.

Stone frowned at the sight of the sweet in his hand, the previous wave of relief already doing its job at eliminating any remaining frustration in his body. He did not want to put up with anymore of this.

“Something wrong, Doctor?”

The doctor cautiously glanced over his employee, witnessing him placing his cigarette between his own lips but making no move to ignite it. His eyes were casted to the floor, pointedly avoiding the doctor’s own bewildered expression. Stone couldn’t bring himself to punch his agent across the face, purely because he could feel his social battery draining.

“I heard lollipops were healthier.” The mocking tone didn’t escape Stone. Rather, it gave him a little energy boost knowing he would have to take his cigarette back one way or another. The fact that Robotnik even had the nerve to state that lollipops were healthier than cigarettes almost made him scoff. They’re equally unhealthy, in Stone’s opinion.

Though, that comment did give him an idea.

With a barely suppressed grin spreading across his face, Stone quickly strided over to Robotnik with newfound motivation. Robotnik must’ve noticed his change in mood as a neutral expression settled over his smug one from before.

Without a second to react, Stone grabbed ahold of Robotnik’s lapels firmly, tugging the taller man down to eye level. A nearly pathetic noise of surprise escaped Robotnik, but Stone decided to dwell on that later. The manic doctor surged forward and was immediately met with soft lips.

Robotnik was reasonably shocked, several questions racing in his head from his boss’s sudden course of action.

Stone harshly bit the agent’s bottom lip in order for him to open his mouth. And open he did. He wasted no time plunging his tongue into the more or less welcoming invitation, forcing himself to explore Robotnik’s mouth if he really did want his plans to go the way it needed to be execute. Stone mentally tucked away a complain about his agent not being a good kisser.

Robotnik’s mustache tickled his upper lip. Stone nearly wanted to abandon his mission when the sudden realization that he was practically exchanging saliva with his agent, but determination could get you far. Stone hate to admit it, but Robotnik’s lips were softer than he expected. This old man must have a real complicated skin care routine.

Even without Robotnik vocally addressing the situation, Stone knew they were both running out of breath. He didn’t need to prolong this anymore; he got his cigarette secured in his mouth already. But, with how his agent was treating him a few minutes ago, Stone supposed he could indulge in a little teasing.

The unexpected kiss felt like it lasted for an eternity, though in reality, it only had been a minute or two at best. Stone forced them apart, pushing Robotnik back while he still had his iron grip on the agent’s lapels. A thin string of saliva was the only remaining evidence of their intimate exchange.

The look that beheld him was almost laughable if shame wasn’t gripping by his neck. Robotnik’s glasses were crooked, nearly falling off his face. Not a hair out of place, but Stone could see how his cheeks were tinted red and the wrinkled that he had left on his lapels. His lips looked kiss bruised, an evident swollenness on his bottom lip from when Stone bit him. Robotnik looked, to put it simply, disheveled.

“Never think you can outsmart me, Agent.” Stone said confidently, adjusting the cigarette in his mouth. “Got it? Dismissed.” He would’ve stayed for the reaction, but the taste of nicotine in his mouth reminded Stone of his much-needed stress relief.

****

Robotnik could admit he wasn’t thinking straight. Ever since he started working for the doctor, he had to come to terms with things he hated to admit to himself.

But this was different.

Did the doctor just kiss him? Was that an elaborate plan or was the doctor doing it for fun?

Even with his high IQ, Robotnik couldn’t fully wrap his head around the matter.

Dr. Stone kissed him. On the lips. With tongue.

Oh god, is he going insane now?

For a moment, Robotnik just stood there, replaying and analyzing the kiss in his head. He tried to not let his mind wander into dangerous waters, but it seemed like, even if it was his own brain, it still would.

All he intended to do was fool around. He doesn’t really care if his doctor did drugs much less smoke. Robotnik never intended for a little teasing to end up like that.

Heat spread across his cheek, bloomed in his chest and making his body felt like an overheating oven. His shoulders tensed up, legs suddenly feeling weaker than they were a few minutes ago.

Placing both hands on his face, Robotnik backed up against the wall and slumped down, accepting the fact that he had to sit on cold dirty tiles. He could feel his blazer riding up his back. Robotnik let out a sigh, his emotions unclear and scrambling in his mind.

Glancing down at the weight that was slowly making itself noticeable in his hand, the agent noticed the lollipop that the doctor had grabbed laid in his palm still wrapped.

Robotnik huffed and unwrapped the candy, eyes never quite focusing on the action he was carrying out. Who knew that he would receive a first kiss at this age, much less from his employer as well?

The artificial grape flavor did little to ease his shame and worry. The candy was sweet, sure, but the flavor of it almost made Robotnik threw it away if he wasn’t so in need of a distraction.

Tilting his head back against the wall, Robotnik propped on of his knees up and rested his arm on top. Not a single thought floated by his brain until the telltale sound of the conference room’s doors opening up could be heard.

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Waaaaaaah, I'm finally finished with this! Oh god I'm so tired

Anyways, hope y'all liked the fic! Be sure to check out the original creator's work because this AU isn't mine but I decided to write a silly fic about it

“Get In! Hawkes!!” he scolds her, making her stand up straight and get inside the lift. 

Ingrid stands far away from him, and cowered in the corner, whilst he heaved a big sigh and snapped his head to her direction.

“What?” he asked, seeing the way she looked at him.

“What? What?” she asked back.

“What are you looking at?!” he was irritated.

“Oh... you sir...” was her simple reply. It was so simple yet it irked Tom how honest this woman is. He might be familiar with all the lusty looks he gets from women, but he didn’t like the way Hawkes looks at him. It was something he couldn’t pinpoint.

“And why is that?”

“Because I’m not blind sir... or do you expect me to close my eyes?”  a cheerful grin spread across her lips which further annoys him.

“You--!” but before he could even continue, he was cut off by the sound of the bell, indicating that the lift doors have opened.

“Oh! well we have reached the 1st floor!  Have a good day, Mr. Hiddleston!!” she says,saluting him as she quickly ran out of the lift, the sound of her heels clucking echoed throughout the large reception hall.

Tom clenched his fist. He was not used to being answered back by others, especially by a mere secretary, because everyone is afraid of him. But this woman named Hawkes, seems to have no shame at all. He shook the thought of her out of his head, he had other important things he had in mind.

                                                          ********** 

“Oh my... look at him...” Ingrid’s friend, Molly says, as she tilted her head to the direction where a handsome man was standing, waiting to be seated by the maitere’d. “He’s handsome!” she exclaimed.

Ingrid look at where Molly was directing her with her head, and out of shock, spits out the wine she was drinking off her mouth.

“Ingrid!!” Molly chastises her.

“I’m sorry! I can’t help it...” Ingrid tries to suppress her giggle, whilst Molly throws her a napkin to wipe herself. 

“You’re such a boor!” Molly chastises her playfully.

“I said I’m sorry...” she giggles. 

“So what was that all about?!” Molly ask, curious at Ingrid’s reaction. Her friend Ingrid, is respectful and well-mannered most of the time, unless someone offends her.

“That’s the devil himself...” was Ingrid’s simple reply, causing Molly to chuckle.

“Your boss?!” Molly tries to clarify.

“The one and only...” she confirms.

“Damn, Ingrid... your boss it hot!!” Molly adds, looking at Tom Hiddleston from afar. His ginger blonde waves were swept back nicely and impatience were written in his cold blue eyes. 

“Yes, I’m sure you don’t mind going to hell if he was the devil?” Ingrid said dryly. 

Molly glares at her, but brings her attention back to Tom. “And he has a date!” she adds, sounding very disappointed referring to a seductive looking woman who just entered the place.

“Of course he has Molly! What do you expect from an international playboy?” Ingrid adds, as she stabs her canapes with a toothpick and takes one big bite.

“And she’s a supermodel...” Molly sighs as she turned her attention back to her friend. However, her attention suddenly returned to Tom when she realizes that he and his date were headed to their direction.

“Ingrid!! their headed here!!” she exclaims.

“Wait? What!” Ingrid’s eyes widened in fear. There was no way she would let the big boss of her company see her here. So she did the fastest but the most foolish way she could think of, covering her face with a napkin. 

“Bloody hell, Inggy! do you think that will work?!” Molly says as she narrowed her eyes at her friend, she looked ridiculous. 

Fortunately, Tom didn’t notice her, or ‘recognize her’ because of the napkin covering her face, but it did get a reaction from him. His eyes twitched and his mouth frowned at the woman who seems to be trying to look like a ghost and unfortunately for Tom, he and his date are seated at the table right behind this odd woman.

“He can’t see you anymore, take that thing off!!” Molly says, grabbing the napkin away from her head. “You look ridiculous!” she adds.

Ingrid tried to look for him, and see if the coasts was clear. Much to her chagrin, Tom was seated right behind her. His back facing her. 

“Do you wanna go somewhere else?” Molly offered, since they were done with their food. They didn’t have to stay long as they have initially intended. 

Ingrid smiled and shook her head, saying ‘No’. She made a slight tilt of the head at the table behind her and indicated that she was listening to Tom and his date’s conversation.

“Since when did you become a gossip monger?! Molly whispered.

“No I’m not, I’m just really curious!!” Ingrid whispered back.

Molly sighs in resignation, and in the end also became curious and kept quite, trying to hear the conversation from the table behind. 

They both heard the soft rasp of his chuckle “Now Miss Gusev...” he starts, and he sounded very seductive with the way he said the woman’s name. Ingrid can almost imagine his facial expression.

“You have the entire night to decide if you wanna partake in this relationship... But you are to abide by my rules and in return, I will introduce you to a world of pure pleasure...” he sounded so sexy that his date and Molly looked like they were going to melt, but not Ingrid. In fact, she wanted to laugh at how cliche it sounds. 

It was as if he got it from some R rated romance novel. Ingrid cringe at the thought and then shuddered.

“Yes...” his date answered with a whisper. In fact, she sounded as if she was shaking. Not in fear though, but in lust!

“Brilliant! Because I’m going to need you to sign a document for me.” he said as he pushed a folder towards the woman.

Molly and Ingrid cocked a brow when they heard ‘sign a document’. It felt odd why someone should even sign a document when entering a relationship. Well, unless if it’s marriage of course. 

Turning her head to behind her, she saw Tom’s date take the brown file and shakily took a pen out from her clutch. The woman’s eyes widened and looked back at Tom.

Written in the documents  were terms in conditions that his date had to abide in like, being his beck and call no matter what time and wherever he is. She would have to respond to all his calls at all times, and in case of formal events, he would be in charge of her clothes. In fact, the woman looked a little shocked as she looked back at Tom. 

“B-but Tom... I don’t need this amount... “ his date said, pointing to the last page of the contract. Though it was common in the modelling industry to receive such proposition, it never meant that she doesn’t feel uncomfortable every time it comes up.

Molly and Ingrid looked at each other, knowing what it probably was. And the former suddenly realize that being in or pursuing a relationship with this man was not something ideal. 

Sensing the woman was about to back out of their relationship, Tom clears his throat. “Don’t overthink things... It’s just my way of taking care of you.”

“I see...” she paused. “Why... why this?” she said, pointing to a clause on the piece of paper. 

“There’s a reason why my relationships don’t last long. I’m not able to give emotional support that you might request from me... So I am giving you the upper hand in the relationship. It is to allow you the right to call it off when they can no longer stand my ways, --”

The woman was about to be convinced, but was distracted when the woman at the table behind Tom broke into a loud laugh, breaking the sexual tension she and Tom were having. 

Ingrid couldn’t help but laugh at the last part about women not withstanding Tom’s ways. Oh, if only this date directly worked for him, she’d be out in the first  day.

“Ridiculous!!” she continued laughing loud, capturing some of the the patron’s attention. Tom, irritated, got up and went to the table behind him to reprimand whoever that was who ruined his moment. 

Ingrid kept laughing and Molly playfully reprimands her to stop, whilst trying stifle a laugh but in the end, failed to do so. Since Molly knows the stories about her friend’s boss through her complaints, she very much understood why Ingrid laughed so hard. 

“ She can try working for him, I bet she’ll be out in an hour when he starts his demands!” Ingrid tells her friend. She remembered Tom’s secretary crying in the bathroom before, crying is understandable especially when someone so young and inexperienced works directly with someone as unkind and demanding as their CEO. The poor thing immediately tendered her resignation when she couldn’t take anymore of his demands and attitude.

“Inggy... stop laughing...” Molly’s face suddenly turned fearful. “Inggy.... please” she pleaded.

Ingrid did stop laughing but realized it was too late when she saw Tom, standing just right beside her with a look of disapproval. She gulped when she saw the expression on his face. 

“Well... well... well... I should’ve known! What are you doing here Hawkes?” he said sharply, saying as if she had no right to be in the restaurant. Well, she really didn’t. How can a mere secretary afford a meal at a three star michelin restaurant?!

Ingrid grimaced. “Eating sir? am I not allowed to eat at a place of my choosing...” though she talked meekly, her expression said something else otherwise. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, as if waiting for the right opportunity.

“Still as insolent as ever...” Tom rolled his eyes and sigh. 

Ingrid laughed in a creepy manner, which made Tom furrow his brows and Molly shake her head, already knowing what was her friend’s reply going to be.

 “You have no power here.... Thomas William Hiddleston...”

Tom was flabbergasted upon realizing which movie that line came from and manner that she used it. In addition, he was surprised with her response that he was left speechless.

                                                             **********

“Oh Inggy... I thought I was about to die there...” Molly complained as they both ran out of the restaurant, whilst getting a murderous look from Tom Hiddleston. But she couldn’t contain her laughter. “You’re a bloody rascal!” 

“What?! you got a free meal off him! what’s there to complain about?!” Ingrid reasoned, pertaining to the fact that they didn’t pay the bill, and told the staff secretly that Thomas Hiddleston is paying for them. For all the trouble that mean bastard had caused her, paying for her meal was not even enough.

“Are you not afraid of getting fired or him dragging you to hell?!” Molly reasoned, already afraid for Ingrid.

“Nope... I don’t work directly for him... besides what can he do? It’s not office hours, nor are we in the office! As I said, he has no power here!”  she reasoned and Molly laughed. Moreover, she had the protection of the her department head. She won’t easily get fired.

“I can’t believe you used that as a retort, you were creepy by the way!” Molly teases.  

“Thank You!” was Ingrid’s response as she bowed.

Molly laughed and didn’t say more, knowing that her friend would all have the wittiest response in the world. 

“Miss... wait!” a female voice calls them from behind. They both turned around in unison to find Tom’s date, the supermodel, trying to catch up to them.

“Wow... she’s really tall!” Molly comments as she admire the woman.

“Yes, may I help you?” Ingrid says, as she fully turned to face her.

“Thank you for back there...” the woman says, taking her hands and squeezing them in gratitude.

“Huh? Thank You?” Ingrid tilts her head and looks at the woman questioningly. “I don’t know what I did?”

“I... I was about to give in to him. If you didn’t laugh, or say that... I would have ended up with him.” the woman says, referring to the complaint Ingrid had uttered whilst she laughed. “ I already have low self-esteem” the woman admits which made Ingrid and Molly shocked. How can a very beautiful woman have low self-esteem?!. Shouldn’t she have men like Tom wrapped around her finger.

“And it made me realize that the last thing I need is a relationship with a man who’s emotionally distant...” she looks down sadly. 

“Well then....” Ingrid reaches for the woman’s shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “I want you to know that your are very beautiful, from the bottom of my heart! And that you deserve a man who treats you and will love you better!” she says sincerely which not only made the woman moved, but also her friend Molly. Tom, again, no matter how handsome, rich, or capable he is, if he didn’t have kindness, then there is no point being with someone who’ll end up letting you down.

The woman smiled and embraced her in response before walking off to another direction, but not before waving at them. 

“That was really kind Inggy... I am proud of you!” Molly says as she looks at her friend. “In fact, I’m surprised you’re capable of saying such things!” she added.

“ I meant what I said to her. Every word. What are you trying to imply woman?! That only nonsense spews out of my mouth?  You wound me, Molly!” Ingrid said, her expression trying to feign hurt and Molly just laughed in response. 

Molly’s expression suddenly changed and it didn’t go unnoticed to Ingrid. “ Don’t tell me he is just right behind us?”

“I think we should run...” Molly suggests. 

“I think that’s a good idea...” was Ingrid’s response and with that, both of them broke into a run.

The Next Part of this story is here;  Troll (Odd Women Series) - TWO