The Three-Month Rule

Chapter 17 - Square One

The John F. Kennedy International airport was packed with people, many of them wondering why there were barriers either side of the entrance to the terminal that had been shut off to the public. Theories and excited whispers started circling the building when a limousine pulled up outside the entrance, it's driver waiting patiently as he read the day's newspaper.

People started lining the barriers, with many paparazzi pushing themselves to the front to get a good shot of the mystery celebrity they were waiting for.

As time ticked by, security staff positioned themselves along the inside of the barriers in a scattered fashion to try and maintain order whilst the celebrity got themselves safely off of the private jet, collected their bags and walked through the airport.

Tom and Allegra entered the building hand-in-hand. Tom carrying a large sports bag and Allegra carrying a large handbag, both full of instant-necessities.

People started screaming uncontrollably, many beginning to chant 'Loki' as Tom walked through the barrier with Allegra, a happy grin on his face as he waved to everyone. Paparazzi cameras flashed as thousands of photos per second were taken, ready to be printed on the newspaper for the next day.

Tom's manager followed a few feet behind them, observing and making sure that the security staff were doing their jobs properly.

Tom placed his bag down and let go of Allegra's hand, walking himself to the barriers on his right-side to sign autographs and take pictures, making many fans dreams come true.

Allegra stood in the centre awkwardly, throwing Tom's manager an uncomfortable glance. He directed Allegra towards the exit and stood next to her, watching as Tom darted from fan to fan, hoping to make as many people as happy as possible.

***

An hour after photo-after-photo, autograph-after-autograph, Tom's manager politely pulled him away, reminding him that he had to meet his agent before any plans could begin.

Tom marched proudly to Allegra, who was rather taken aback by the past hour, and kissed her, making part of the public cheer happily whilst the remainder gritted their teeth and scoffed in envy.

"Got everything you need?" Tom smiled to his girlfriend, tangling his fingers between hers.

"Yes," Allegra smiled back.

"There's a limo waiting outside for you," one of the security guards said as he approached, his sunglasses and black suit making him look like one of the Men in Black.

"Thank you," Tom smiled. "Let's go."

They both climbed into the back of the limo, the fans and paparazzi rushing to the glass windows and doors to try and get one last look at their favourite British Marvel character before he disappeared.

"Welcome back, Mr Hiddleston!" the driver said happily from the front, his thick American accent creating a welcoming sensation within Allegra's body.

"Thank you, Frank. Always good to see you," Tom replied.

"Are you going to the hotel first?" Frank asked.

"Yes, thank you."

"Very well, sir. Are you ready?"

Tom looked at Allegra, a sure look in his eyes as they caught the light from the American sun.

"I think so," Tom said.

***

"Hello, Tom" the man grinned, shaking Tom's hand and patting him on the back before he turned to Allegra. "Nice to finally meet you, Allegra!" he said, shaking her hand. "I'm Christian, Tom's agent."

"Hi, lovely to meet you," Allegra blushed. Although she still blushed whenever she met someone new, she could feel herself getting comfortably used to it.

"How are you finding America so far?" Christian asked.

"It's really sunny!" Allegra grinned.

"It is," he smiled.

Christian walked Tom and Allegra over to the large 'L' shaped sofa in the hotel suite, pouring them a coffee and making sure they were both comfortable before he began to explain Tom's busy schedule.

"So, Tom. I've got a busy week ahead for you. You don't start filming for another three weeks, so until then there's some interviews, photoshoots, panels, makeup and costume fittings and some script read-throughs..." Christian told him, looking through a diary on his iPad. "I've also got you booked onto a gameshow tomorrow evening. It's called 'Up the Wall', don't know if you've heard of it. But..." he paused, gritting his teeth and looking up at Tom. "There's a catch."

"What's that?" Tom asked.

"Your opponent," Christian trailed off, shuffling uncomfortably. "Is Taylor Swift."