Chapter Text
It had been almost a year since Melody had taken the leap and moved across the pond. After ending a 5 year relationship, that was going nowhere, and a once in a life time job offer in London she was finally feeling settled. Things at the office where she worked were going well. The company had only done better since expanding and the group of coworkers had become fast friends. Melody had even found another American to share a flat with, her new best friend Marlowe. Marlowe, or Marley for short, had started at the same time as Melody. Luckily they were close because their boss referred to them as M&M and the nickname just stuck. At Marley’s insistence Mel had begun dating a client. Mel knew it was against the rules but she thought “what the hell, why not?” Besides she was a sucker for a British accent of any kind.
Greg was quite a bit older than Melody, only 26, but neither person seemed to care. Pushing 40, Greg was a tall blonde Nordic type with a horrible fake tan. Bad tan set aside he was a courteous gentleman and treated Melody very well. They had already gone on four dates; each of which Greg had happily paid for without pressuring Mel to return to his apartment. He had even picked her up and driven her home each time. Tonight the plan was for dinner at 7 pm but nothing else had been decided on. Over a year and a half since Mel had gotten laid, and after waiting four dates to avoid looking sleazy, she had decided to go back to his place tonight. A girl has needs too.
Melody was adjusting her dress for the 100th time and double checking her ruby lips. Every little detail had to be perfect. Her heart fluttered when there was finally a knock on the door. 7:01. Greg was punctual as always. As Melody unlocked and opened the door her way-too-tall-but-sexy pumps slipped on the floor throwing her off balance. Greg’s arm was right there to catch her fall.
“You start drinking without me?” he chuckled.
“No! It’s these damn heels…” Mel bends over rubbing her ankle. What a dunce she must look like.
“If it is any conciliation they are very appealing.”
That was about as suggestive as Greg had ever gotten. Since he had liked them Mel decided against better judgment to keep the heels on.
Dinner was filled with the usual small talk, but things got interesting come dessert. Greg had ordered chocolate covered strawberries and hand fed them to Mel. When they were about to leave Greg leaned in to Melody’s ear.
“What do you say we go back to my place for a few drinks?”
Mel excitedly nodded and with that they got in the car and left. Greg’s flat was fortunately only up one flight of stairs. The loft space was fully open concept except the bathroom; the wall facing the street was floor to ceiling windows. She was surprised at how large and expensively decorated it was.
“Wow Greg, your place is incredible!”
“Thanks, love, I do what I can.” Greg modestly answered while pouring them both drinks.
For a few hours the two got buzzed and things were beginning to heat up. Melody had moved to sit on Greg’s lap, a great feat considering they were both on bar stools. Deep within a make out session neither heard the door downstairs open or the heels clanking up the steps.
“I knew it! I knew you was cheatin’ on me ya fookin’ bastard!” Who Mel assumed was Greg’s wife threw her wedding band at him, and then continued to throw anything she could get her hands on.
“Wait, please stop! I can explain!” Greg pleaded.
Melody wasn’t sure if he was talking to her or his wife; she didn’t care either way and gathered her things to leave. It was hard to dodge the incoming barrage but she managed to make it out unharmed, physically at least.
“I can’t believe it! Just my fucking luck! I finally meet a decent guy and he’s fucking married!” Mel was now screaming in the street just outside Greg’s door. Leaning up against the building a few tears began to fall from her eyes. Melody, always the tough woman, didn’t have time to wallow.
“Shit! He drove me here…” She immediately took out her phone to grab a cab. To her horror the phone was of course dead; no cabs were freely running the streets this late at night, in this neighborhood at least. There was no way she was going to go back upstairs either. Melody got a look of sheer determination on her face. Observing her surroundings she recognized the street name at the corner. My flat is only a 10 minute walk away, I can make that…
Throwing her cumbersome heels off and carrying them in hand, Mel began to walk home. She knew it wasn’t the best idea she’d ever had, drunk or sober, but she didn’t have much of a choice. Most of the walk was well lit and a fairly busy road. Four minutes or so in Melody began to feel someone was watching her. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Regardless she armed herself with the business end of the heels she was carrying. After another few minutes Mel could hear footsteps behind her creeping in closer and closer. Only a few more blocks and I’m home. She contemplated running but didn’t want to set off whoever was following her. The steps picked up pace and barreled down onto Melody. A man dressed in baggy dark clothes threw her against the brick wall to her side. Swinging her shoes wildly she tried to fight the assailant off but he still managed to run off with her purse. As Melody’s sight began to blur she thought she saw another man coming towards her. The tall figure knocked out the robber and came in running. Still in defense mode Melody began swinging her shoes at the mystery figure.
“Miss, miss.” The voice was calm and concerned, “Please stop hitting me. I’m only trying to help!”
Not sure about what was going on she stopped and tried to make out who was kneeling in front of her.
“Here, I have your purse…Oh! Oh God, you’re bleeding!”
Mel was now aware of the hot liquid running down the side of her head. She reached at the head injury, hissing in pain.
"Here take this and put pressure on that," she was handed wadded up cloth of some kind. “Miss, can you stand? Can you see ok?”
“I…uh…I think I’m ok, yeah.”
As her hero was trying to help her up the foggy face came into focus.
“Whoa, ok maybe I was wrong about being ok…” the face in front of her looked worried, “Either I’m seriously injured or, Loki, is rescuing me…”
“Ehehehe you aren’t entirely wrong. Tom Hiddleston,” he held his hand out in polite introduction.
“Melody,” She shook his hand.
“Well, Melody, what do you say we get you to the hospital?”
“No can do, afraid I-” Mel tried to give Tom her address to just take her home but collapsed against the wall again before she could.
“Melody?! Mel?! Mel?!” Tom was desperately trying to keep her from passing out. The last thing Melody could remember was being scooped into Tom’s arms and moving in some direction.