Tom strode around the town. Most who saw him fell in love straight away. Even those who 'hated' him.

Everyone would try to steal his heart. But none would succeed. He was a prize to everyone. The one person you needed to trust you to become anything over a simple towns person.

Everyday another person would offer him something for his love. Everytime they were refused. Then they were ridiculed until it happened again. And the cycle continued.

Tom would never admit it but there was someone who he had his eyes on. But he didn't want to accept it himself. One boy always stood in the trees behind his house. Outside his window. The boy was scruffy. His hair stuck up all the time but a very distinctive style let it slip by. Two pointed hair-horns. Tom would often watch him when he was there. He never knew the boy didn't even know of him yet. But they were both young...

So he kept walking. Looking at the people who gawked at his almost 'perfect' features. He was making his way back home. But he kind of didn't want to. The boy hadn't been there for days.. And he wished to see him again. And maybe say hello.. So instead of going home he went to the forest. Small twigs decorating his sky blue coat as he brushed past the old and tough trees that filled the land. His hopes were high and his face had a small smile platered on it. His head filled with thoughts. The trees were comforting. Like family. Thats when he understood why the boy would come here. The gentle tune of small birds was soft to hear and calming. The small stream to the right of him letting out an almost silent trickling noise. As quiet as can be. He made his way to a fallen tree and perched ontop of it. The boy used to come around here and climb the maple tree that was tall and sturdy, and right behind him. He was so interested and focused on the floor level he didn't notice the crinkle of leaves as another human made their way to the maple and began to climb up. They were surprised to see another person in the trees. He was normally the only one there. Tom finally realised he wasn't alone when a large maple leaf fluttered down to the ground. He picked it up and checked it over. There was definitely something smeared on it but he couldn't tell if it was sap or another fluid. It was definitely not gross though. Tom slipped down to the forest floor and leaned onto the trunk of the fallen tree. He felt safe here. And soon he saw the rabbits sniffing around the patches of clover that flourished in the darker and cooler space. Tom was surprised with this as he thought surely the plants would need more light. But the forest had its reasons and no one could ask. A few more leaves fell from the Maple. All of them with smaller smears on. Tom collected them all and looked over them. The fluid was more recent. As he wiped some onto his finger his eyes widened. The fluid was red. Blood red. He looked up finally just before another leaf fell onto his face. He blew it off before reaching for it and holding it aswell. He squinted at the top of the tree when he finally saw movement. He fully opened his eyes and got up. Startling some wildlife that had gotten rather close. He made his way to the bottom of the Maple and peered up. He had a serious face on this time.. When he saw nothing else he decided he had no other choice. He grabbed onto the lowest branch and propped a foot on the trunk. He used to climb trees alot as a child so this was natural for him. He soon clambered up. Hissing whenever a small branch whipped his face or arms. Soon he made it near the top and was taking a moment to breathe when a small face peeked out from the top. Tom panicked and felt himself slip of the branch. Clinging on before he fully lost balance. He straightened himself up and let out a deep breath. He looked up again and the face was still there. This time snickering at him. He huffed angrily at it and began to climb up further. Making it to the branch below where he saw the face. He stopped again and reached up an arm. His hand brushed against something that was softer then bark and leaf. He felt himself want to pull it down but if it was what he thought it was it was probably not best to do. So instead he reached up again and this time was met by something else. Something more firm but just as soft. It gripped onto him and he soon identified it. A small childlike hand. He felt curiosity grow and gently tugged on it. Seeing what the reaction would be. He heard a little squeak as he finally loosened his grip.

He shuffled to a spot where he could see up the tree and looked through. A smile formed on his face when he recognized the boy. The same boy he admired.
He returned to the trunk and decided to take himself up one more branch. So he could finally see the boy he had just finally found. Once the boy was in Tom's vision he realised just how run down he was. Not only way he scruffy but everything he wore was torn. There were a few cuts on his cheek. He still didn't realise Tom was near him until he finally put his weight onto the branch. He flinched and whipped his head around to face Tom. A look of shock on his face as he shuffled onto the branch fully and tried to get a bit closer. He tilted his head in a way Tom saw as cute. His light grey eyes sparkling slightly as he noticed who was beside him. He suddenly found himself nervous. "W...what do y..you want?" he asked quietly. Stuttering with nerve. He knew what he was going to say to all those at his home who also adored this man before him. He necessarily didn't like him to much but this put pressure on him. Tom softly chuckled at his nervous question. "I see you often when you sit up here. Im surprised you don't notice me!" he laughed a bit and turned to the boy who currently seemed to be processing this new information. Then it clicked. He nodded, still a bit nervous but definitely a little bit confident. The breeze picked up and chilled. The boy shivered as the cold air surrounded them. Tom instantly felt sorry for him and slowly but surely took of his perfect coat and draped it over the boys shoulders. He smiled as the boy snuggled into it and muttered a small thanks. Soon even Tom shivered. He turned to the boy. "We should really go down before we freeze to death. My parents will be waiting for me." Tom watched as the boy furiously nodded and shuffled along with Tom to the trunk and began to clamber down. The boy turned to Tom and offered him his coat back. Tom simply declined saying he had 'another one'. The boy smiled at him and turned to head away until Tom reached out for his attention. The boy turned around again and tilted his head like a small canine would. "Your name?" Tom asked in a curt and polite tone. The boy looked at him surprised for a second but shook it off and fully turned around. "Im.. Tord." he answered in a quiet voice and smiled. Tom smiled back and waved to the boy as he trudged through the trees to the small town-like village where Tom's house resides. Tom let his smile falter as he realised his parents would be mad now. Or be talking to another person who wanted to have his heart. He knew it was already stolen and left for home. Shivering to himself and remembering the first time they touched and held onto each other. He felt his face flush up a bit but it was soon replaced with disgust as he neared his house and saw three silhouettes in the window. He opened the door silently and attempted to escape to the safety of the the upstairs area he called his own. But his parents spotted him and called him down..

Toms pov: (would ya look at that!)

I grumbled as I heard my parents call my name. I headed towards the front room where they were staying. There sat a small good looking girl apparently from further up. She was said to be experiencing the same as I was with fans who wanted me. I rolled my 'eyes' when she looked at me and a small sense of shock flashed through her eyes. Yes I know lady my eyes are solid black. No big deal.

Soon the look in her eyes said she knew what people classed as my 'charm' and she instantly softened. I shrugged and sat down on the seat the furthest away from her. My mom scoffed at me before apologising. "Sorry dear! He's just not very happy with company!" I glared at her as she tried to explain that I was WAY to picky when it came to people and that even a simple shrug could set them off the wrong track. She nodded and sat still. Uncomfortably still. I shuffled in my seat until I was comfy. After this I wouldn't talk to my family for a long time.
And they knew that.
The girl began to blab on and I just looked out the window at the sun set. My mom nudged me to pay attention and I grumbled. Turning to the girl. She kept talking and it was annoying as hell.

I moaned as after the girl left in tears from how I responded to her question my parents were furious. I saw one of them burst into tears and I scoffed and swiftly made my way to my room and closed the door. I was very VERY unhappy with them. Then my mind drifted to the boy who called himself Tord. Tord. . I like that name. I felt a small smile appear on my face amnd took the pile of leaves that I had slipped in out of my pocket. There were smears of Tord's blood scattered on. Probably from his cuts on his cheek. I wonder how he is now...

Tords pov:

I climbed in through my window to try and not notify my housemates that I was back. They didn't even know I had left again. After they found out they took all privileges away from me and left me there all alone in the dark for a week. I had missed the forest dearly and HAD to be there again. So i crept out tonight and I was glad I did. I met someone new and nice. I just hope my housemates didn't come in here and see the coat from that person i was still gripping onto. I slipped it off my shoulders and held it tenderly. I slowly made my way to my bed and snuggled down. Still hugging the coat.

I woke up to one of my housemates trying to move the coat out of my grip. But i was still holding on tightly. He didn't realise I had woken up and I violently tugged it back. They stumbled in surprise and I jerked up hissing at them and holding the coat closer to my chest. He stood up and glared at me. I hissed again as he tried to grab the coat. "Where did you get that from?!" he burst out. Obviously confused as to why i would have something that belonged to the towns favorite person.
I curled up around it and hissed again. Not wanting to talk to him. He sighed and finally stopped tryint to get it. "Can I atleast look?" he asked. I sat up when he said that and held it up infront of him. Chewing on one of the sleeves. He was so shocked. He ran out to tell the others and they piled in. I held it a bit closer this time as they fussed over me. The oldest one beamed. "Right Tord. From this day on you are the important one! Go get some of my clothes and clean yourself up. Someone who has such a great privilege should atleast look good!" i jumped at that offer and dashed to his room. Still clinging onto the coat as if i thought that if I let go it would dissolve into nothing. So i kept it with me. I ended up picking the best clothes. Shoving them on and keeping hold of the coat. Then one if my housemates peeped up. "Why didn't you give him it back?" i looked at him and he knew I wasn't one to speak. So when I did he was a bit surprised.
"I did. But he wanted me to have it."
The all were so shocked and pushed me to the door. Thats when I saw him walking through the streets. The one person who everyone trusted. Tom. Everyone knew his name and treasured it. So when the gang pushed me towards him I wasn't surprised when he glanced over a bit confused and then he saw me and smiled. I felt myself loosen up and became alot easier to push. So soon I was infront of him. He smiled so brightly at me. "Hiya Tord. Good to see ya out of those trees." he said in a happy tone. I laughed a bit. Trying to cover up how nervous I was talking to him of all people. Because there were crouds of people watching in awe as he greeted me. Some just realizing the coat I still had. "Good to see ya too Tom. Hows it going? " i said trying to sound confident but failing miserably. He knew this and gave me a look to ask if we wanted to go somewhere a bit more alone. I gave him a quick nod and just to not seem suspicious he started to talk as he secretly grabbed my hand and dragged me on. "Last night was crappy. My mom tried to hook me up with this girl from further up but her reaction when I told her I didn't like her at all was great! I honestly felt so glad.she got what she deserved." i laughed at his easy description. "You know Tord.. Its much nicer seeing you out here. I can adore your features more now that I can see them better." I felt my face heat up and knew that I must have been a flustered mess. He chuckled softly at me and i laughed along. We stopped near a small shop and I tilted my head at him. "I like coming here. Its quiet. " he explained and I nodded as he led me inside. It was small and cute. A treasure. The woman working here waved to Tom and he waved back. She soon piped up. Her gristly voice was odly friendly. "Mornin' Tom. Who ya got with ye?" she said. She had some sort of accent but I couldn't tell what. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and said. "This is my newest friend Tord. " he had a proud boast style in his voice and the woman chuckled. She motioned him forwards and he did. She whispered something into his ear and he instantly laughed. When he returned and I asked what she said all I got was a simple 'its nothing.' the woman then motioned me over and I walked to her a bit slower. She smirked at me before finally speaking. "You should keep em. He would be good for ya." i felt my face fluster again as I slowly made my way back to Tom and grasped onto his hand. He instantly held on tightly meant. I mean.. What did his mother want? She wanted something I could become with a little bit more trust. We soon left the shop. Tom laughing at how much I was blushing. But his cheeks were a tiny bit rosy aswell. He soon stopped up before his part of the street and simply hugged me. Or so I thought as before he left he moved his face to my forehead and planted a small kiss. I couldn't tell if he was teasing me or just being nice but I loved it.

I started to head home with my heart still fluttering. What ever he did to me was heavenly. I sighed in delight as the streets were empty. I walked along the paths until I reached my house and walked through the door. Two of my housemates waiting for me to talk to them. I flopped down on the seat next to them and let out a long happy sigh. "How did it go?" one of them asked with a very curious ring to it.
"just perfect. " I simply said.
The other one thought for a second before bringing something up.
"But you used to say you didn't like him.."
I looked at him and shrugged. "I guess I didn't know who he was. I thought he was stuck up but he was so sweet. So kind and calm when I got embarrassed. ." I trailed off and the two beside me were smirking.
They both turned to me and giggled. Both spoke at once. "How close are you now? Relationship wise."
I giggled at them and shrugged.
"I don't know if we are a thing yet but I hope so. "

Toms pov:
I walked back to my house in a much better mood. Not only was I glad about seeing the man who stole my heart but there were no people offering things for me. Instead of heading to my room like normal I strode into the front room with a much lighter step. My mom looked up from her book and smiled. "You seem happy today. What happened?" i let out such a lovestruck sigh she immediately understood.. "Mom... Im pretty sure I'm in love!" i said with such excitement that she froze up with delight before scooting over and tightly hugging me. "Your father will be thrilled!" she said as he gripped on to my shoulders. I let out a little giggle and she repeated it before skipping out of the room to leave me with my thoughts. But all I could see in my mind was his soft face and dark brown hair. His grey eyes that almost seemed silver and the way that he held onto me and how cute his little face looked when he was flustered.

Oh Tom what are you doing!

Authors note:

Holy crap this is the longest part for a story I have ever wrote.. Anyways I hope you enjoyed part one of Tangled Up. I know this seems to be moving fast but I can't wait to get into that.... ACTION.

but for now I just want to thank you for reading this and hope you enjoyed so far!
(Because honestly i spent all afternoon on this RIP)

Anyway..

See ya next time!
💜