Strange AU

[notallworthy]

Tom is sitting somewhere outside being terribly bored. He'd probably really like to talk to Richard. He's been trying to read some books about the future in an effort to understand him better but it's only making him more confused. With a sigh, he turns the page and stares in confusion at a picture of a dinosaur skeleton.

Comments

[jarndyceheir]

Richard eventually comes out, though it's anyone's guess whether or not he was actively looking for Tom. He smiles, however, when he sees him, and comes over. "Hello, Tom. What are you reading?"

[jarndyceheir]

He nods. "We... seem to be in London." His voice is caught between disbelief and the edge of laughter.

[notallworthy]

"London? The London?" Tom leaps to his feet. "This is incredible!"

[jarndyceheir]

Richard nods, looking around, taking in the other people in the park until his eyes light on the Crystal Palace and he smiles. "Tom... it must be my time, or perhaps the future. Look there."

[notallworthy]

Tom looks very much like a small child at Christmas, his eyes are wide and he doesn't seem to know where to look first. "My god..."

[jarndyceheir]

"It's the Exhibition. I wonder... Wait there. I'm going to go try and find out when we are."

[notallworthy]

"Do I just... All right. I'll stand here." It's clear that he doesn't want to. There is so much to see.

[jarndyceheir]

"I'll be right back." He moves off to approach another Londoner.

Meanwhile, however, a young lady and her older chaperone have spotted Tom, and are having a very quiet disagreement about whether or not to approach him.

[notallworthy]

Tom is still standing there, holding his book and waiting for Richard. He wants to go about and see everything but does as Richard said and instead just smiles at people if they happen to look at him.

[jarndyceheir]

Finally, the young lady wins the argument, and approaches. "Sir... you will forgive my boldness, but you look a bit lost. May we help you in any way?" She is smiling and pretty, her black hair neatly pulled away from her face.

[notallworthy]

Tom bows a bit, smiling broadly. "I'm quite all right, miss, just waiting for my friend."

[jarndyceheir]

She glances at his clothes, then blushes at her own rudeness. The chaperone stands and glowers. "Very well, sir. I don't wish to be a nuisance."

[notallworthy]

"It's quite all right. You weren't being a nuisance at all, miss." He smiles. My name's Tom."

[jarndyceheir]

"I..." Her chaperone makes a small noise and the young lady almost, but doesn't quite, roll her eyes. The chaperone says, "This young lady, sir, is Miss Emma Fortenberry, daughter of Sir William Fortenberry." Emma hides a laugh behind her hand.

[notallworthy]

Tom bows again. "And your name, madam?"

[jarndyceheir]

The older lady isn't sure whether to be offended or charmed. Emma says "This is my devoted friend, Mrs. Patterson. We're both quite charmed, Mr.Tom."