#thomas sharp x reader

"How are you even driving this thing!?" You bellowed over the wailing sirens that were screeching behind you both.

You and Tom were the most notorious thieves around. You had a lustrous list of hundreds of stolen landmarks, paintings and artefacts, only to sell them at staggering heights on the black market. You had to laugh because of how desperately they wanted to take you out, by they, you meant the local police, FBI and the CIA. It wasn't your fault that their organisations were so overwhelmed with other cases, that they couldn't catch two poor burglars - and so the advantage was yours. Tom was the Brains behind your numerous heists, but you were the proud title owner of being the brawns. People didn't argue with the two of you when it came down to negotiation, especially on discussing Price. With Tom's underground reputation of swaying the opposition into handing over millions of sweet coins, you regularly handled the stragglers who didn't meet your requirements. Don't misjudge, you did feel awful when things got bloody but no one had yet died from your hands. A few trips to the Hospital sure, but it was only just enough for them to scrape pass death by a heartbeat.

Yet you were dumbfounded as to how the Hell Tom was currently plunged into the driver's seat of a stolen Royals Royce, the many boxes of valuables bouncing in the back seat, rattling and clanking their price further and further down, much to your distaste. Your eyes met with the blurring vision of street lamps and whirring small bungalows and houses, each decorated with bountiful from gardens and top-end cars. Hardly anyone was around at this hour but they were probably stirred awake by your fabulous parading through the alleyways and avenues. The lamplights continued to guide the fleeing Royce, their amber eyes towering menacingly over the criminals that were on the verge of having their identity exposed and reputation slandered.

"I- I don't know! I know what? Let's pull over and swap seats, that way they won't be able to catch us." Tom sarcastically spoke, his hands gripping the steering wheel with a force that put the wheel in danger of snapping.

The smeared front window was being abused by gusts of wind and smacks of rain, making Tom's vision even more impaired against the short-sighted road that appeared in front of him.

You, on the other hand, hadn't the foggiest as to where your companion was taking you, so gripping the side door with a force matching Tom's, you prayed you stayed on the correct - or rather the glorious detour - he was taking you on.

"Alright, Alright! " You had to come up with some miraculous way of getting out of this one. You covered your face with your make-shift mask, which was stuffed on top of your head, and reared your head around the leather passenger seat. Regrettably, you were still blinded by the red and blue lights. The mixture of crying sirens, the lashes of the heavens above and the consistent muttering coming from your friend drove you to -

"Take the next right!" You yelled. Tom's arm forcefully spun around the wheel, hurling the both of you to the left side of the car. The crunch of the wheels echoed as the car spun off the main road making you slump on top of Tom, butting heads with a muffled thud. The side of his body was a firm cushion and his hands were still framed on the helm of the car.

"And that's why you wear your seat belt." Tom chuckled.

"I found that quite nice actually" You retorted back.

You wriggled upright between the uneven texture of the road, and grasped at the thick belt and strapping yourself in, bracing for the second half of Tom's marvellous escape plan.

"What are you chuckling at?" You questioned, your eyes scanning his side features for any answers.

"Reach into the bag, and look in the small pocket inside." He smirked.

Delving into the grubby rucksack, you smile as you realise what he was entailing.

~

"GALILEO!" "GALILEO!" "GALILEO!" "GALILEO!"

The both of you sang your hearts out to the absolute banger. Ever since your first mission, Tom insisted on having a "Heist Playlist" which you would play when racing away from the authorities. "It needs to feel like something from a movie," He said, and you were definitely not doubting his music choices.

The car barrelled its way down repetitive roads and broke through to the edges of town. The petite houses became scarce and the shrubbery grew higher and higher. Your only source of artificial light dimming agonizingly quick as the car was met with a wide field with many jolts and pitfalls.

"dO yOu KnOw WhErE YoUr GoInG!?" You wobbled over the blaring sirens and Queen, as the car started to gain speed downhill.

"I HaVe No IdEa" Tom wobbled back, his face stared ahead in thrill and fright. "bUt LeT's FiNd OuT tOgEtHeR ShAlL wE?"

The hot-wired car pummelled under the darkening canopy of trees. The racketing on the top and sides of the expensive vehicle wore off the car's paint, mixing with rubber that bounced off the steaming tyres. Meanwhile, the overgrown plants meeting their demise under the wheels of the car. The backlight faded further as several Police cars deterred from pursuing the journey, such a pity. But a solid few stayed and barrelled after you, trailing the damp imprints that were left for them mercilessly.

Much more muddy swerves later, the black car gained enough speed to bid adieu to the company behind it before sneaking to its ending position in an enclosed ditch in the back end of the old field. The tall grass camouflaged the muddly escape with a satisfyingly whilst you became accustomed to hearing yours and Tom's hearts beating out of your chests, reeling from the adrenaline rush that you just experienced.

Blissful silence was finally met by you as you stared into the inky darkness in front of you, while Tom switched off the headlights and Radio. He had that stupid grin plastered on his face. "Now that is what I call a close call."

You wiped strands of hair from your face. You had to agree with him, that was probably one of the most exhilarating chases you had ever done, and with the carefully selected playlist - made it even better.

Excited hearts soon slowed down and now it was the next usual phase of tonight - the waiting game. Whenever the two of you managed to slip through an escape, there was a period of uncertainty that neither of you were fond of doing, despite it being in the criminal contract. It could be hours or small minutes until the two of you decided that the coast was clear. Since the circumstances and having a good blind spot, you could tell that the anticipation to get out of this stuffy vehicle wasn't going to last long tonight.

Tom looked at you, reclining down into his chair, his face hidden from the window view. You followed suit, letting out a breath that you didn't realise you were holding in.

~~~

"So what are we going to do now Brain?" You whispered, folding your arms across your chest. Being in a Rolls Royce was fancy but it sure was cold, and those types of things didn't help when you were stranded in the middle of nowhere in utter darkness, even your clothes were dark.

"Well, tonight Pinky, I think we're going to lay low for now and hopefully find somewhere to shelter for tonight." Tom smiled, his eyes forming amusing creases under the dusty moonlight.

And so you sat, the glowing radio sign keeping you aware of the time as the two of you waited a couple of hours, just to cement the feeling of safety. But boredom soon sunk its teeth into you as you searched around to see if there was any sign of the law enforcement.

"Can we get out now? My legs are getting cramped." You whined, trying to push your chair back.

"Well, I am, because who is going to find their way out of here?"

"Excuse me, Mr Hiddleston, are you forgetting who used quick thinking to help you out of that mess you got us into?" You protested.

"Just hang tight you sausage, I'll be back in a few minutes. Besides, wouldn't want you to get caught. Rather it be me than you." He cheekily winked.

The car door was pushed open with a grunt as Tom shuffled his dirty boots out of the car, the earth greeting them with a delightful squelch. The cold night air blew its way in through the large gap which caused a wave of goosebumps over your already chilled arms. The moment thankfully shut down as the door was quickly slammed shut. As for Tom, his black and, now, brown attire soon was submerged by the night's shadows, his hair blasted by the wind like a hairdryer. The Royce seemed to be larger now that your buddy was gone, which made your brain kick up a notch.

Deciding you should be useful instead of worry, you reached over to the back seats and started to empty your prize possessions of this evening. Pulling out many chipped statues and small paintings, you tried on a few pieces of jewellery on your fingers and around your neck, admiring how it fit graciously across your anatomy and shimmered in the starlight.

You slipped your glasses on as you analysed the chipped treasures and set to work, attempting to salvage back the price you had put on them. Some of your handiwork did the trick, yet some didn't make it by the weight of your hands, regardless of how light you brushed against it.

Concentration twisted into exhaustion as your eyes pulled closer and closer to collapsing so you popped the top mirror down and admired your dishevelled self as well as the white figure that flickered in the distance. You chuckled to yourself as you thought you resembled the appearance of a zombie: Paler than usual, designer bags underneath your bloodshot eyes, and your trashed hair - oh and the need for something to eat.

Yet there was no sign of Tom. He said he would be back in a few minutes but panic seeped in as you realised that had been over the hour.

He couldn't have walked that far, right? But he was a fast walker though, he could have gone practically anywhere with those long legs of his. What if something happened to him? What if he got caught!? The thought of Tom's yells through the abyss ran stronger chills up your spine as your leg started to bounce.

Now the car suffocated you, squeezing the breath and ramping up your heartbeat ferociously. The only source of survival was Tom's direction heading East. Darting your eyes from window to window, your brain casted grotesque picture shows of shadows.

You gnawed on your lower lip as you had a choice to make, hoping that the one you choose was the right one. Your mind shuffled through all of the possible outcomes of either situation whilst your heart was being squeezed tighter by the passing second.

"He would do the same for you."

Heaving the passenger door open, your eyes adjusted to nothing. The cold night air nipped at your fingers and face, tickling your ears. You dipped your head back into the mouth of the Royce and scanned its interior, checking to see if you haven't left any major evidence. Your police buddies would take a while in finding the artefacts despite them knowing where you went. You grimaced at all the money you were going to lose but you knew what must be done.

Tucking your glasses into the shallow pocket and gripping onto a small torchlight you found in the glove compartment, you shivered and slowly paced in the direction you last saw Tom.

~

The mud squirmed and sank below your frozen feet as they trekked and trudged through the black unknown. Your numbing arms desperately snaked around your collapsing body, conserving your body heat like it was the holy grail. Vivid silhouettes swarmed and tormented the corner of your eyes but soon evaded the thin beam of light emitting from the car's spare torch, like a heightened game of hide and seek.

"He's got to be around here somewhere." You stuttered, the perspiration being dragged from your lips by temperatures cruel fingers.

You huffed loudly. This wasn't the way your night was supposed to go. By now you should have been drinking a nice cup of tea, snuggled in your comfies before emailing your client regarding the glorified goods the two of you had in store for them. But no, you were not and oh boy was Tom going to get it when you found him.

The gusts of wind whipped around your hair and snapped at your iced fingers which dug into the side of your ribs. Nature's natural light had left you in your moment of need and had greedily replaced it with a smothering blanket of clouds. It was as though it was mocking you, daring you to try and escape its wooden clutches.

Warmth and time slipped from you like grains of sand as your subconsciousness was the survivor of this mental and physical battle. Your teeth chattering had stopped their conversation because your mouth had finally become so fed up with this personal Hell, it had lead to your body undoing each buckle on your knees.

But as the last agonizing buckle was becoming undone, your eyes soggily caught sight of something. Your mind was too numb to care if it was real or not, but if it was, then this shard of glimmering hope was the only option of getting out of this nightmare alive.

The golden orb floated on its invisible platform as you mustered the energy to track the source of this mysterious guiding light. Your tired physique dipped and swerved through the thick branches and nettles, cursing under your breath as your heavy boots snagged on underwired roots and fallen twigs.

The Moon broke free from the sky's blanket and spotlighted the origin of your lucky saviour. Finally, your blurred had a pinpoint to fix on after being blacked out for god knows how many hours.

Adjusting the lens, you scanned your partially lighter surroundings. Broken free from the wooden maze, You were once again in the barren wasteland of another field. However this time, the pinnacle of your vision was centred on a neglected building.

Its gaping roof provided some source of shelter and its weak physique mirrored the right amount of strength you currently had standing outside in this wide space. The windows, for what you could see, were stained tar-black but there! Right there, on the second floor, there was your saviour. Its idyllic light lulled you to the rustic gates.

A tired smile turned your lips upward and was pulled wider and wider as you approached the grimy borders of the building. Shining the fizzling torchlight, the silhouette hanging off this tarnished arch gave this grotty building an illustrious name.

Allerdale Hall

Sounded fancy, yet it definitely didn't replicate that adjective. But, yet again, there was no room for being fussy. Besides, you had been in worse situations before. Not many worse ones but that wasn't the point.

Picking up as much enthusiasm as you could, you walked your final, tiring steps. The limited light shone onto the grassy pathway that was sticking to your feet like gum on a shoe. Sticking?

Your eyes shot straight down at your feet and your breath quickened. Your feet were slowly being submerged in what appeared to be a brownish-red liquid. This certainly wasn't mud for sure, and it was too thick for dirt but whatever this was, you were sinking in it, and fast.

Picking up your pace and boots, you swaddled your way for the small doors at the end of this long-ass driveway, daring not to look down to see how much of your body the ground had actually swallowed hungrily.

The wind continued to pester your hair and by now you were certain that clothes had been glued to your fragile body. But as of now, there was a newfound sanctuary that drew you closer and closer to its stature. Your hope still flickered and danced in that window, its brightness enclosing your eyes further and further, like a warm hug. Hold on, could that be Tom? It seemed as though your body gained more and more strength the more steps you took.

Now your walks became urgent strides which then sped up into a full-blown sprint, skimming over the make shift-mud. The urging gusts were now the ones perishing as you ripped through them, your frozen hands gaining consciousness and the blood returning to your face; cheeks in particular.

With one last heave, your race was finally over. Boots stepped off the pathway and onto the cold, concrete porch. Well, it was a slab that was chipped and kind of left out the front. You turned around to see the long track that laid behind you, and turned the torch on with a smack. You aimed its beam into the distance, seeing how far it took before you gazed down at the ground near your grubby boots. It wasn't mud or grass at all, it wasn't even brown - it was blood-red clay. Why on earth would anyone have clay as their driveway? Mind you, new trends were coming out every day so why are you to judge.

Curiously, you crouched down to inspect further, the soft, slick texture dripped through your fingers as you got closer at it, the musky smell made your nose crinkle, indicating that this for sure hadn't aged well. You wiped it onto the numb fabric on your thigh, and your stained fingertips returned across your waist once more.

Forst-bitten ears tingled whilst near the ground, picking up any rustle beneath or around you, much to your disliking. The shaking of the trees in the distance was thankfully the only thing that you had to be aware of, well besides the delightful voice or stomping of Tom's voice and matching combat boots.

Unfortunately, you couldn't say you heard them. Yet.

Satisfied with your verdict, you stood up. The buckles tightened on your knees, crunching as they straightened. Turning back around, yet not being completely unaware of your perimeter, you now stood in front of two ginormous rotten doors that had the power to potentially flatten you whenever they wanted. Its thick bolts securing the dated locks pathetically and the little brittle brass doorknob completed this outside decor. Your eyes travelled upwards, carvings of roses, angel wings and vines daintily swirling up the sides became shaded in the torches' light. You wondered how it may have looked back in its prime? All painted and pristine, the warm texture of the brass doorknob being used by every guest entering this house. That must have been something special. So you decided to try it, just to see if it had the same effect on you as the past lives.

You wrapped your whitened knuckles around the cold handle and hit the door frame gently and you pressed your ear against the door frame, trying to hear if something happened from your actions, yet not to your luck.

You tried again, this time to give the handle a bigger and firmer thud. You danced on your feet, your free hand being warmed by your shallow breath.

"Hello? Is anyone there? It's really cold out here and I'm freezing out here so if somebody could kindly open this door, it would be greatly appreciated." You shouted at the thick door, hoping for a response. The deadpan of silence returned back.

Frustration loomed inside you like hot water, yet you maintained your composure.

"I know someone is in there, I could see a light in one of your windows." You stepped away from the door to take a look at the bright light, only its presence was no longer there.

It was right there! You followed it all this way out here and now it decided to pack up and leave? Great, just great.

"I'm looking for a friend of mine, he may have passed this way. Quite tall, black shoes and light brown hair? His name is Tom. He and I were-"

New audio cut off your ramble like a knife.

The doorway that once stood proudly, shied away, coaxing you to step through to see what mysteries lay hidden behind them.

All determination was dropped like a ton that sat in front of your shoes which lay at this new threshold. It now felt wrong to be invited in without anyone here. Was it considered trespassing if anyone caught you? Although, you would be put away for things that were much larger than walking on private property. Why was there private property out in the middle of nowhere anyway?

One grotty boot met the weak floorboards of Allerdale Hall as the other took its time following suit. The sound of your minuscule presence ricocheting off the hollow walls before settling and the battering winds ceased to tease you any longer. Only the emptiness of the manor lingered in the night air. The door closed shut with a solid click.

Yet you were too occupied by the gash in the Manors roof, which bled in the moon's glow, exposing the patterned floorboards beneath you. The red clay you had seen before outside, oozed from under them as you trodded on them lightly, being careful not to break them even further.

Meanwhile, Your eyes lit up in wonder as they drank in your surroundings. The lavish stairwell cascaded down to meet you on the bottom floor as it encased a grand corridor headed straight out in front of you. Piles upon piles of rich oak wood infrastructure greeted you with dust as you trailed your hand along its engraved swirls and ridges, its candle wicks eerily still in place. Arrays of thin, thick, tattered and torn books lined the dusty shelves with light nobility, proudly knowing they were once used in their time and the blanketed cushions and plush furniture enriched a wonderous grin on your face. Imagine having a ball in this place? All of the dust cleared clean off? glittering champagne? A full orchestra playing symphonies each night? A memory captured in time.

Your dreaming adventure wasn't over yet as your eyes met with one last magnificent piece. The beautiful chandelier was displayed graciously well above you, the stars hitting it just right, making its faded crystals twinkle up above you.

A solemn tear slid down your grinning cheek and butterflies swarmed in your tummy. Who would have thought that something so rare, so delicate had been hidden from the world and how ironic that a well-known thief should have found it?

Your tired body relaxed deeper and deeper into the experience and you let your childish endeavours take over.

Abandoning your inhibitions, you freed yourself from your current life, fluttering your eyes closed. You heard the glasses clinking and the light chatter of lords and ladies, their laughs haunting the grandly decorated estate. Ribbons and delicately placed ornaments dotted the hall radiantly and flowers bloomed in many a vibrant vase. The smell of expensive perfume mixed with delectable en trays wafted over the large assembly, tantalising your tastebuds. You looked around and examined the pearl marble underneath you. Your gorgeous reflection stared back at you and instead of seeing thick boots, your feet were now slipped inside a pair of royal heels, giving you the posture of a grand duchess. The stunning outfit choice for tonight glittered and swayed with ease to the godly melodies that blessed your ears.

The centre opened up and your fragile hand was taken by a strong one. You began gliding throughout the enchanting hall, your small laughs and sighs warmed you as you drifted around and around the room, your dress being lifted off the ground, your back securely fastened to the dashing gentleman in a delicious embrace. Whilst all eyes stare at you, and only you. Some were envious, some were supportive, but the fact that they were all focusing their attention on you made you smile even more.

The band's last harmonious chords strung out into the twilight as your audience enwrapped you with warm praises, making you feel like you were the most precious gem in the treasure box.

Your eyes fluttered open once more and you let out a shy sigh - now that was wonderful.

"Oh, how I had longed to dance with you again my love."

Reality crashed back through. Your eyes pinged open to come face to face with another. His arm was wrapped around yours and the other clasped your stained hand gently.

You stumbled backwards, tripping over your, now undone, shoelaces. Brain racing. Heart thumping. Head Spinning. Eyes scanning every detail you had previously became aware of, seeing if anything was out of place. Your ragged breath hitched as you looked to the tainted floor. Your boot prints had created a muddy circle around the floor.

Your eyes dared not look at the body that loomed over yours, his strong eyes bored into your vulnerable state like a predator at prey, but you knew sooner or later, you were going to have to look up.

His eyes lit up the moment he saw you in that motor car. Your graceful elegance was radiating, regardless of your exhausted appearance and your angelic face paled in comparison to his stained one underneath the light of the moon. The jewellery across your slender fingers fit like a gorgeous glove, further making his heart yearn to hold them once more as your mesmerizing smile drew him in even further. He knew he had to help you even though he didn't quite understand what made you appear so tiresome.

So when you caught sight of his aid in the woodland, his dead heart erupted with joy and when you followed his guidance, he couldn't anticipate welcoming you home once more, any longer. It had been centuries since he had last seen you, so to take another glance at his one and only blew a breath of fresh air into his cold, dead lungs.

Alas, it crushed him when you recoiled at his touch, launching yourself away from him, pure fear exposed on your gorgeous features - a gesture that put a dead weight on top of his heart.

However, then you did something. Something that made his own face break into a small smile and made his faith return.

You started laughing.

"Oh my God! It's just you! Ha! You really had me going for a minute!"

His face soon turned curious. "My dear, I don't understand what your insinuating?"

"Oh come off it Tom! Man, you really went all out on this one!" You continued to howl, clutching your sides. "And when were you going to tell me that you could dance?"

Face burrowing even further, he stretched a soft, strong arm out.

"Allow me to assist you, darling."

"Oh stop that" You shrugged his hand off. "I'm alright. Anyway," You clambered to your feet before coming closer to him. "Since when have you helped me up" You chuckled, dusting your clothes off.

Your eyes gazed over his outfit closely. The man had combed his black hair back and his porcelain features almost glowed under the midnight rays. His broad shoulders stood firm in front of you, underneath the worn dress shirt and royal blue fabricated waist-coat. You admired how well it fit him and how it made you slightly weak at the knees. His tailored black trousers on his legs complemented his black shoes but when your gaze travelled back up, it was his blue eyes that made time stop.

His soft eyes were hypnotized by the vision he was witnessing. Your strong personality had always seemed to impress him. For it was your wit and subtle charm that intoxicated him then, and now- right in this very moment. Yet there was a challenge that he had to endure in this short amount of time. You were very good at hiding it from the rest of the world but the anomaly that gave you away was your eyes. Behind that strong composure, there was an underlying vulnerability, suggesting that you were suppressing something that no one had noticed. To his pleasure, he had studied your face many a time and so knew that there was a subtle conflict inside of you.

Your eyes softly trailed up and down his clothes, curiosity and confusion riddled on the small creases on your forehead. It was always the small details that lured him in, opening him up to a slither of your true emotion like you did many times previously and those minutiae enticed him in when your eyes locked with his.

The swirling colours danced inches away from him, swimming deeper and deeper into his soul. He could stare at those eyes for eternity and it still wouldn't give him enough time to fully comprehend their definition.

"Tom I-I" You breathed, your lips lightly parted. His soft eyes still gazed longing into yours. "We have to get going. They're going to find us any moment now."

Your hand took his and started to drag him across to the doors. Your mind still racing with the strong pictures of his charming features. You knew Tom was attractive but you had never seen him in this light before and that made you...flustered to say the least.

"My dear, stop this foolishness." He responded calmly.

"What are you talking about? We have to, or would you rather be caught? Where's your bag? You need to change, We'll get back to the car and you can change there. I think there are some spare clothes in the trunk. Why did you do this anyway?"

You pushed open the grand doors, never looking back at your friend. The cold wind hit your face again as the cold rallied up for round two. It was still dark outside, to your dismay but you had your torch to guide the both of you back to the safety of the stolen car.

You switched it on and started your way journey back home. The partially hardened clay gripped your feet once more.

"Tom, you had me worried sick! Didn't you realise how long you had-"

You turned your head to meet his face but no one was there. Instead, the man you had searched for stood at the tall doors. His larger frame was now tiny against the towering pillars of the Manor.

You spun on your heels and met him at the entry, annoyance crept up on you the closer you got to him. You gripped his soft hand and started to walk again, but the hold fell through.

You approached him again and took his hand in yours again. The warmth escaped him and ice shot up your hand and ran through your veins.

Again, you slowly pulled his hand through the barrier slowly and his palm slipped straight through yours, like water through a sieve. Your eyebrows knotted together but abruptly rose upward.

Your breath was snatched by the figure as you just stared. Stared at the horrific sight that greeted you. What was once a vibrant young gentleman, as a mortifying substitute, was a whitened face, floating red whisps trickled down his cheek and painted his bleak body like an enticingly deadly picture.

No words were spoken as only his arm was weakly stretched out in front of him, an unrequited confession, against your coloured one.

"Don't you remember me, my love?"

You couldn't bring yourself to return the conversation as you stepped back into the Manor, the many questions choking your sanity.

He walked backwards from you and under the Mansion's gaping ceiling, his body became saturated once more as you watched on in shock and fascination.

Time drifted over the prolonged silence between the both of you as you let yourself recover from what you just witnessed. Your body ridged, daring not move either out or further into this mysterious gentleman's presence.

Instead, he moved to you gradually. Your breath hitching as he came inches away from you. He stood there a while, his eyes searching for some kind of indication that you knew at least an inkling of who he was.

It was hard for him to rapture around this situation. The most beautiful woman, whom he had spent many a night with, had lost all recollection of him.

"Say something, my dear. Let me hear my name upon those sweet lips once more."

His heart was yearning for you to talk to him and let his voice ring through the Hall like it did all those centuries ago. Yet he knew you were going to deny that pleasure from him.

"What is your name?"

His heartstrings broke. What was his name? If all the women in the entire world grovelled for his attention, he was forever devoted to fall at your feet, to spend every day for the rest of his life with, to have and to hold until death did he part - yet his reputation and simple label didn't hold any alikeness to anything you knew right now.

He edged closer, his eyes pleading into yours to remember. He cusped your tender jaw, causing you to look up at him like you did previously. His large hand lifted your small jawline and stroked your warm cheek, the familiar texture causing a sigh from his pale lips.

His touch tore your heart in two and made your knees feel weak. You knew this was wrong but his irresistible charm and persistence coaxed you infinitely closer.

His hand snaked around the small of your back and softly gripped your waist whilst his other dragged away from your warm cheek and down to your hand, his eyes never leaving yours. Your hand gently placed itself on his broad shoulder as you let out a shaky breath, all of your resistance gone in one swift movement.

No one had ever seen you in this state, let alone being this exposed in front of a beautiful stranger. You were so confident when you stepped out to find him but all the bravado had left without a trace within a matter of seconds. The most bewildering thing about this was that you didn't even know how this empathetic soul came to be or how he knew what to do and say to fan this hidden desire you had firing inside of you.

His eyes indulged in yours, asking permission to begin. You shakily nodded.

He adjusted his position and slowly lead you around his Hall, his face never leaving but rather studying yours, trying to decipher your thoughts and catch glimpse of enjoyment.

Whilst your eyes burrowed into his, selfishly savouring this night and his appetising features. No words could describe your new adoration for this man and none will ever suffice whatever thoughts were spinning inside of you.

The two of you relaxed as the gentleman spun you around more, your eyes and smile subtly gleamed with joyful bliss that he had ached to see again. Your laughs were music to his ears as he picked you up and spun you around, grinning with pride as you followed his lead.

Allerdale Hall, once neglected and barren for centuries was once again home to laughter and merriment. It smiled as more stars twinkled above two inhabitants, its light a hue for these perfect moments that would forever be held a secret by two dissonant souls.

The thoughts of your childhood dreams returned again. The drinks, chatter and light-hearted frivolity formed in your mind- but yet they didn't.

They were happening. People staring in wonder as the young couple dominated the dance hall with grace and perfection, a lit candle wrapped in between their enclosed hands. You wondered why it was there but you didn't care nonetheless. You were here with this magnificent gentleman, nay, God - whose only objective was to please you and only you. Your thoughts were conflicted as to whether or not your mind wanted to believe this was happening, as he was twirling you around this exquisite Ballroom, his magnetic eyes glued to the wonderous lady that fate had bestowed upon him.

The silent music hummed its last melancholic melody as the memory washed from your vision, leaving you feeling emptier than before.

"I've missed you, Edith."

Edith Cushing. The daughter of businessman Carter Cushing, aspiring novelist. The widowed wife of the Engish Baronet.

"Sir Thomas Sharpe."

"You may not resemble her on the outward appearance, yet you have the inner beauty she displayed oh so prominently. From the moment I caught my sights on your physique, my heart ached for your tender touch and to witness your passion for the world's curiosity again, and my dear, how could I deny my heart from having precious beauties within my grasp? Tonight alone has inspired me all over again to tend to all of your needs, whether they be impossible, I shall solemnly vow to you that I will make them a reality."

He pulled your waist impossibly closer to his tall frame as his soft hand caressed your chin, hooking your face upward to meet his.

"Did you truly believe that I would let you escape me forever my love? The lovers always reunite as they were meant to be joined together eternally. Their undying affection for one another, a beacon of hope and fidelity, being the only resolution they so desperately crave. Alas, Ulysses, Tristen, Romeo would never be enough for someone exquisite as you. For you unknowingly have torn apart my soul into a myriad of pieces and stitched it together agonisingly slow, all before repeating this cycle of delicious torment henceforth.

My dear, I have had the privilege to explore the seven wonders of this world but yet I am taken aback at the eighth that is you, which triumphs over them all... I understand that you may have no recall of our previous life together but my love, I shall do whatever it takes to fill your desires tenfold. Have no doubt upon that brilliant mind of yours, that I am forever indebted to you. For I have loved you, in the past, in the present and forever in the future that is stretched out in front of us and I shall wait for the day when you succumb to your inner desire and meet me naturally in this blissful relief that is the beyond."

His hand stroked your tear-stained cheek with a delicacy that held the innocence of a child. Your eyes brimming with pure euphoria as your eyes drank his ocean one's even further.

"Thomas I-" You breathed but you were stopped by Thomas closing the gap between you.

His lips were silk against your chapped ones as you melted into his embrace. His arm tightened around you possessively as your hands delved into his hair, tugging at his thick locks.

Thomas tilted his head and muffled words of gratitude as you continued to submerge yourselves with each other. You could feel him smiling against your lips as he deepened the kiss, begging for you to give in to him. Only you denied him access to his dislikening. He couldn't have all the fun after all.

He huffed in desperation but you soon submitted to him when his hand snuck into your hair, pursuing the same torture you had given him. You gasped as his soft tongue waltzed with yours, coaxing it to further break your resistance from him. He wasted no time in exploring your mouth as a symphony of heavy breaths were being emitted from the both of you.

The moment ceased as you both broke away, gasping for air. His charming smile wrapped your thoughts as the tase of him lingered on your swollen lips.

"What we're doing crazy Thomas. I mean, I'm practically making out with a ghost." You sighed, pressing a hand against his, somehow, solid chest.

"What you find crazy is my pleasure, darling." He gravelled, his voice sending shivers up your arms.

You felt your cheeks warming up as he placed his hand on either side of them, cupping your faces within them. He smiled to himself before placing another chaste kiss on your lips and led you further into the middle of the Hall.

"My Lady, may I have another dance?" He flamboyantly extended his arm out to you which drew a small chuckle from you.

"Why you may My Lord as you asked so politely." You replied back just as grandly.

Thomas swooped you into your embrace as the dance boldly commenced. Cold electricity sparked between the two of you as you allowed Thomas to dip you along the sinking floorboards, the world turning downside up and back again. The swarming butterflies came back as you were lifted into the air, again and again, all the while Thomas muttered intoxicating words of encouragement below you.

The Hall became accustomed to the louder sounds that radiated inside of it as squeals added to the mixture of laughter and comfortable conversation. Thomas Sharpe was the epitome of a gentleman and the fact that you had had him all to yourself back then was a dream you wanted to relive over and over again. His gentle gestures and confident dance moves drew your irresistible laugh from your lips as he watched you unravel the carefree girl you once were.

Thomas slowed you down as you gracefully came to a stop underneath the open ceiling.

"Please look at me, my Dear." Thomas lifted your chin closer to him, his frozen breaths brushing your nose and you casted your gaze onto him as his mesmerising eyes pierced into yours again, the tantalising feeling never getting old.

"Spill my name from your lips one more time." He spoke gently.

"Thomas" You whispered.

His eyes fluttered shut, many sensations running through him as he lulled you into a desperate and firm kiss. You relished at his touch as you pulled closer once again. Your hand cupped his jawline as you sighed, running your other down his chest.

"I love you."

"Who on Earth are you talking to, you sausage?"

Your eyes bolted open as you took a step back, daylight breaking through Allerdale Hall's ceiling.

They were right, who were you talking to?

You were rooted to the spot as your wide eyes became laced with unshed tears, possessing the confession that just escaped from you mere seconds ago.

Meanwhile, at the door, which now stood wide open, was the man who stole the magnificent connection you were still relishing from.

"Tom? Is that you?"

"Why of course it's me, Who else would it be?"

Now to answer that question honestly would make you look like an idiot to Tom, so instead, you didn't answer it at all, you just dazily looked at him.

Tom strode over to you, his duffle bag swung over his grubby black shirt. His hair was frazzled as his stubble looked like it could use a wash and still he carried the look with style.

Tom grabbed your arm and tugged towards to door. "Come on, we've got to keep moving. When I saw you left the car I was so worried they found you. Don't do that to me ever again, you hear? Are you even listening to me?"

No, you weren't. You blocked his concerns out of your ears, your mind not wanting to hear his persistent ranting. Your eyes were too busy soaking in Allerdale Hall for what could be the last time, not wanting to lose this sight ever in your life.

His voice ringed throughout the Hall like angels music on top of the gentle draft that licked up your arms.

For I have loved you, in the past, in the present and forever in the future that is stretched out in front of us.

You wrenched your eyes away and back to the moment at hand, helping Tom open the doors that exposed the cold field you blindly walked on before.

Tom stepped out into the Dawns fresh air as his eyes adjusted to the new lighting. His mind was already coming up and planning the way out of this place and back to the Royce, praying that it hadn't been discovered yet.

"Are you coming or not?" He asked, the panic settling in.

"You go on without me, I'll catch up. I forgot my torch." You replied absentmindedly.

"But you have it around your-"

Tom's statement was cut short because you soon peeped your head back through the double doors.

One last time. You thought as you breathed in a sigh.

Words didn't do your departure justice but a simple kiss that was blown into the silent manor did. It fluttered into the estate's embrace as you slipped out of the memory for what would be your last time.

With a subtle click, the doors were permanently sealed, forever standing guard for a moment that time encased inside of Allerdale Hall. Thomas brought his frail hand to his cold cheek as he allowed the last remaining piece of Ms Edith Sharpe to walk out of his eternity for good.

You smiled as you caught up to Tom - How could you price something that wasn't tangible?