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All you need to know about Ghostly Experiences in London
A city with as much history as London must have a fair few ghosts haunting its streets, right?
Well, it turns out that it’s not just the streets that are supposedly haunted, but also some of London’s stations, buildings, and other locations throughout the city. In this blog, we’re taking a step away from the comfort and warm welcome of the Bayswater Inn Hotel Hyde Park, sharing a few of the most haunted sites in London and how you can get involved in visiting.
Highgate Cemetery
What better place to start a ghost tour of London than at a cemetery, with this particular site located to the north of London, having opened back in 1839. The cemetery, which has been used in a number of television shows and movies, fell into disrepair in the 1960s and so has become an abandoned cemetery with a fair few stories surrounding its graves. One story involves a vampire that rests in Highgate, another concerns the ghost of an old lady who roams around looking for her murdered children.
Just watch out she doesn’t follow you back to your accommodation in Bayswater London…
Tower of London
An attraction with a gory history, the Tower of London is largely recognised as the most haunted site in the whole of London owing to the murders, battles, beheadings, and tortures which took place within its multitude of walls and grounds.
Despite now being a popular tourist attraction, which is surrounded by discount hotels and London’s most memorable visitor experiences, it is said that Anne Boleyn’s ghost remains present around the White Tower, and that the two murdered princes remain trapped in the walls where their skeletons were eventually found after their untimely death.
Ten Bells Pub
This may not have the class and grandeur of the top restaurants near Bayswater, but it certainly has a story to tell – with the Ten Bells Pub not just one of the oldest but also one of the most haunted pubs in London.
The pub is particularly famous for its links with Jack the Ripper, who picked up more than a few of his victims after they stumbled away from an evening of drinking in the pub. Their bodies were never found too far from the pub, leading people to believe that perhaps the killer himself with a regular.
Westminster Abbey
It seems off to throw such an iconic site of celebration into an article about haunting and ghosts; however, we cannot ignore the history that connects the abbey with the dead. Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for a number of royals and other noteworthy people, some of whom visitors claim to have seen moving about the grounds at a glance.
Perhaps not as sinister as some of the aforementioned ghostly experiences and attractions, Westminster Abbey deserves its place on our list if only for the number of well known individuals who call it their forever home.
Have you visited any of these haunted and ghostly sites? If so, did you experience any ‘out of this world’ encounters or visions?
#restaurants near Bayswater#discount hotels and London#accommodation in Bayswater London#Bayswater Inn Hotel Hyde Park
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel The opulent Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, with its two Michelin-starred restaurants and magnificent spa, overlooks Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. This large luxury hotel overlooks Hyde Park and is just a minute’s walk from Knightsbridge tube station and 0.7 miles from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Elegant, contemporary dining room in an opulent hotel, for…
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ABC Hyde Park Hotel in London: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street just steps from the hustle and bustle of Marble Arch, you’ll find the ABC Hyde Park Hotel. This charming 4-star boutique hotel is a hidden gem providing luxury accommodations and an intimate atmosphere in the heart of London.
Despite its small size with only 49 rooms, ABC Hyde Park punches above its weight when it comes to amenities, service, and location. This makes it one of the best hotel deals in Marble Arch for travelers looking for a relaxing home away from home during their London holiday.
A Boutique Feel
The ABC Hyde Park Hotel in London is housed in a traditional 19th century townhouse giving it a lovely boutique aesthetic. No two rooms are the same, with each featuring its own unique layout and décor. Expect a cozy living room atmosphere with tasteful furniture, calming color palettes, and high-end finishes throughout.
Many rooms provide scenic views over Hyde Park and others face the quaint neighborhood street. The hotel has a variety of room types suitable for all travelers including classic doubles, family connecting rooms, and spacious suites.
5-Star Amenities
What makes the ABC Hyde Park stand out from other Marble Arch hotels is its wide array of luxurious amenities more commonly found in 5-star hotels. Guests can enjoy 24-hour in-room dining, Molton Brown toiletries, free high-speed Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and smart TVs in every room. The hotel also provides conveniences like luggage storage and complimentary newspapers to make you feel at home.
The jewel in the ABC Hyde Park’s crown is its newly built wellness area featuring a 15-meter pool, steam room, sauna, and modern fitness center. This exceptional facility rivals many exclusive health clubs and allows guests to maintain their exercise routine while traveling. The hotel even offers poolside service so you can sip cocktails without leaving the water!
Excellent Service
From the minute you walk through the polished front doors of the ABC Hyde Park hotel the friendly staff give you their undivided attention. The knowledgeable concierge team can offer expert tips for experiencing London like a local. They can secure reservations at popular restaurants, recommend hidden gems and exciting day trips, and arrange any activity you desire, including theater tickets or a personal shopping guide.
The hotel’s exceptional service also shines through in their dining options. The upscale restaurant, The Hyde, provides European cuisine focusing on seasonal British ingredients. Guests love starting their day with the complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. In-room dining is also available 24 hours per day.
At the bar you’ll find a frequently changing selection of boutique wines and unique cocktails. The hotel also hosts regular wine-tasting events and a daily manager’s reception where guests can mingle over drinks and canapés.
Location
The best part about the ABC Hyde Park Hotel is its phenomenal location. The hotel enjoys a prestigious Marble Arch address on a quiet cul-de-sac adjacent to Hyde Park. It’s a short stroll to Marble Arch Station providing easy access to the London Underground. From here, you can quickly reach top attractions like Oxford Street Shopping, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and more.
Guests staying at the ABC Hyde Park Hotel are also just steps from the green open spaces and famous landmarks of Hyde Park. Walk to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington Palace or snap photos in front of the Arch. The hotel provides bicycles, allowing active travelers to ride through the park and explore this iconic part of London.
When you’re not sightseeing, the ABC Hyde Park Hotel’s neighborhood has fantastic high-end shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment on your doorstep. Indulge in retail therapy on Oxford Street, catch a show in the West End Theater District or find trendy cafes and eateries in nearby Marylebone.
With its prime location near Paddington Station the ABC Hyde Park hotel is also conveniently situated for accessing London Heathrow Airport or making exciting day trips outside the city. Guests can easily visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath and more.
Best Hotel Deals in Marrakech
Marrakech is an exotic imperial city and a major tourist destination in Morocco. The city oozes atmosphere with its ancient architecture, vibrant souks, fragrant gardens and lively Djemaa El Fna Square. Visitors flock here for cultural sights, desert adventures, luxury pampering, and unique accommodations.
You’ll find riads are the most popular lodging choice in Marrakech. These traditional Moroccan mansions with interior courtyards offer an oasis of calm from the city’s hustle. Many riads have been transformed into gorgeous boutique hotels filled with ornate design details, lush greenery and refreshing pools.
Some of the best hotel deals in Marrakech are available at smaller riad-style hotels that provide personalized service at reasonable prices. For example, Riad Dar One offers beautiful, individually decorated rooms starting at around $100 per night.
Larger luxury hotels like La Mamounia and Royal Mansour Marrakech define extravagance with palatial grounds and world-class spas. While rates over $500 per night are common, you can sometimes snag last-minute deals on unused rooms.
Hotel bargains are also available at popular chains like Hilton and Sofitel which cater to business travelers with reliable amenities. Though lacking in Moroccan charm, you’ll often find rooms for under $150 per night.
No matter your budget, visiting Marrakech is the perfect chance to experience unique riad living. Just wander the ancient Medina quarter to the soundtrack of melodic call to prayer and lose yourself in the magic of Morocco’s alluring Red City.
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A Guide to the Tate Modern
With so many galleries and museums spread throughout the city, visitors will find no shortage of cultural experiences and things to see come rain or shine. One of these galleries is the Tate Modern, located across the river from the hotels in London near Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from the London Eye and other popular attractions along the Southbank.
But while most of the galleries and museums across London deal with traditional, historical, and educational exhibitions which focus on Britain’s past and how London formed part of the industrial growth of the nation, the Tate Modern focuses on something a little different.
With a distinct focus on modern art and what it means to be a contemporary creative, the Tate Modern contains iconic and brand new and unseen work from across the UK and further afield.
Here’s all you need to know about visiting the Tate Modern.
Getting to the Tate Modern
Accessing the Tate Modern is easy on foot and via the underground, with the closest underground station being Southwark on the Jubilee Line. For those travelling from accommodation near Hyde Park, Green Park is the most accessible tube station – or you could wander down to the gallery on foot, by boat, or on one of the local Boris bikes available for hire.
What can you see at the Tate Modern?
The Tate Modern is a celebration of modern art which spans both the UK and international destinations, representing different creative styles and a plethora of installations which span entire hallways and take up small corners depending on the artist and what they hope to achieve.
In comparison with the refined grandeur of the art found in Park Avenue Hyde Park and other central hotels and venues, the Tate Modern features art which is more subjective, and which invites visitors to consider what each piece means to them.
Some of the leading exhibitions and installations to look out for include:
· The Turbine Hall, home to sculptures and unique installations which change throughout the year.
· Henri Matisse’s modern works, which feature plenty of colour and swirling shapes.
·David Hockney’s works which encompass pieces inspired by photographs and by reimagined settings and scenarios which he comes across as part of his everyday life.
What do you need to know about the Tate Modern?
For those who decide to forego breakfast near Hyde Park and head straight to the gallery for opening time, there is an onsite café, kitchen and bar, as well as a shop for all your souvenir hunting and gifts. One of the best things about the onsite kitchen in particular is the way it combines great food and an assortment of beverages with leading views of London’s skyline – featuring the window and the view as just another example of modern and ever-changing art.
Visiting the Tate Modern is a great way to enjoy a different kind of art in London – with this gallery garnering just as much interest among locals and tourists alike, as those which deal with historical works.
#breakfast near Hyde Park#Park Avenue Hyde Park#accommodation near Hyde Park#hotels in London near Hyde Park
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Visiting the Sky Garden in London
An oasis in the sky, which combines unrivalled views across the city with a vibrant green interior and free entry which appeals to visitors from across the city and further afield, the Sky Garden is a leading attraction in the centre of London. Here’s why you should add it to your itinerary for your next trip to London.
Why we love the Sky Garden
Any attraction which lets us enjoy the vast expanse of views, from the green spaces of Hyde Park and Regents Park to the little dots of people flooding in and out of the major London stations, is up there as a coveted and highly recommended attraction in London.
However, the Sky Garden takes all this one step further by combining its incredible views with the free entry which makes it an accessible experience for all. Of course, guests can choose to buy a drink from the bar or book a table at the Sky Garden restaurant and enhance their experience further, but the main access to the garden is free and that makes it one of the best spots for views in the whole of the city.
It is worth noting that while access is free, it needs to be booked in advance either by yourself or with the help of the reception team at your Signature Townhouse London Hyde Park hotel.
What can you see from the Sky Garden?
As you arrive in the Sky Garden you will notice that the walls are constructed with floor to ceiling glass panels, surrounded on all sides by a vast balcony which allows guests to step outside and enjoy the views direct from above in good weather. Regardless of the conditions, the immense glass walls mean that every angle of the view can be enjoyed, with prints on the windows letting visitors know exactly what they can see in front of them from each side of the building.
As you look towards the West, you will see structures like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben standing tall against the city backdrop, with the small green squares of private gardens and parks separating the high streets and townhouse buildings. Interestingly, you will also notice from the Sky Garden the plethora of rooftop bars and green roofs which are becoming an increasingly prominent part of the cityscape – and keep your eyes peeled for the iconic red buses as they pass along the streets below.
Getting to the Sky Garden
Getting to the Sky Garden couldn’t be easier, with the closest tube and train station being London Liverpool Street which is easy to travel to from any hotel in London close to Hyde Park. Simply hop on the central line at Marble Arch or Bond Street and travel East to London Liverpool Street.
Alternatively, for those with a little more time on their hands why not hire a Boris Bike or even opt to walk instead, following the path of the river Thames towards Tower Bridge.
#hotel in London close to Hyde Park#Westminster Abbey#Signature Townhouse London Hyde Park#Hyde Park
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Airports in London – How to find the best connection to your Hotel
London is the central hub around which all of England’s traditions and major activities are built. Home to the Royal Family, to the countries greatest museums and attractions, and to an endless array of hospitality venues which span family rooms in London, couples retreats, and business-centric conference rooms aplenty.
With such a versatile user base comes a need for London to be accessible and easy to get to – and that’s where this article comes in, sharing the top airports in and around London and how to get from the arrivals gate to your hotel near the Natural History Museum in central London.
From London City Airport
The closest hotel to the city in terms of geographical location, London City airport is situated out towards the East of London in the very heart of the financial district. It is a small airport which offers some of the most luxurious amenities of any UK transport hub – with taxis and trains as well as the Canning Town tube station servicing the airport.
From Gatwick Airport
Despite being further out, directly south of London, Gatwick airport boasts excellent connections to the city thanks to the Gatwick express trainline and a plethora of coaches and buses which connect the airport to the city centre on a regular basis.
Whether you’re heading straight to your favourite attraction or have a reservation you don’t want to miss at one of the coveted restaurants near Oxford Street London, the Gatwick express stops at London Victoria – so that travellers can hop on a tube line or walk into central with ease – before continuing on to Brighton on the south coast of England.
From Heathrow Airport
Heathrow airport is another of the major UK airports which is located to the West of London. Like Gatwick, Heathrow is connected to most of the country via the M25 motorway and can also be reached directly from London via the Heathrow express – a journey which takes just over 15 minutes.
Safe to safe, when it comes to accessible airports, both Heathrow and Gatwick are up there as two of the best, creating a convenient and stress-free start to your city break at the J Hyde Park Hotel.
But they’re not the only options.
From Southend Airport
Located in Essex, Southend Airport is one of the furthest out in terms of travel and location – however, it offers smaller flights to some of the most local international destinations and also offers flights to other parts of the UK for those seeking quick travel to Cornwall, Scotland, or Bristol to name just three main destinations.
Regardless of where you are going, London is a city which is built to support tourism and international travel – and so getting from the airport arrivals gate into the centre of the city couldn’t be easier. Best of all, with so many luggage drops available around the city, you don’t even need to see your luggage until it’s time to fly home – leaving you hands free to enjoy the sights.
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London’s Top 5 Christmas Shopping Destinations
London is an incredible place all year, but during the Christmas period it’s pretty much magical.
Dazzling lights criss-cross above every street, stunning Christmas trees pop up on every square and the Christmas spirit well and truly comes alive.
If you’re planning a trip to the city so you can finish off your Christmas shopping in style, then check out the luxury hotels in Hyde Park by the Hotel Montcalm London. You’ll be living in luxury in the heart of the city, mere minutes away from some of the best shopping districts in the world.
Whatsmore, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the best spa deals London has to offer, and pamper yourself silly whilst you stay.
Let’s take a look at the absolute best places to shop in Christmas style.
Oxford Street & Regent Street
Shoppers head here all year round for a bit of retail therapy- but at Christmas these two iconic streets take on a whole new nature.
With some of the city’s best Christmas lights dazzling shoppers from above and well over a hundred of the world’s most iconic stores and brands available, you’ll be in a pretty good spot.
Shop ‘til you drop in this amazing area, and once you’ve dropped you’ll only be a short walk from some of the best bars and restaurants in the world. Sounds like a pretty perfect day out to me.
Covent Gardens & 7 Dials
7 Dials is a stunning area of the city. The gorgeous cobbled streets, the kaleidoscope of boutique shops and the fantastic Christmas lights really make this a unique and awesome area during the holiday period.
From here you can cross the road and head to Covent Garden, where you’ll find a stunning Christmas market and one of the city’s biggest and most beautiful Christmas trees.
Covent Garden also offers everything a shopper could possibly want. Little boutique stalls offering locally handmade goods are sandwiched between the biggest and best brands in the world.
You’ll also discover the amazing Piazza, where the world’s finest street performers fight for your attention!
Carnaby
Carnaby is made up of 14 pedestrianised streets containing some of the world’s finest brands, and some of the city’s best boutique shops.
The Christmas lights are with the visit on their own, with millions of dazzling bulbs lighting the street with a cacophony of colour.
Chelsea & Belgravia
Knock boots with London’s elite in one of the swankiest shopping areas in the city.
International fashion brands have found their home here, as well as some amazing cafes and incredible restaurants.
Explore the busy streets and maybe even see a famous face or two.
Knightsbridge
Once the sun has set, head straight for Knitesbridge- or more specifically, Harrods.
During the Christmas period the exterior of the building is lit with over 12,000 lightbulbs. It rivals the likes of Westminster Palace, and the inside is even better.
The entire store undergoes a festive makeover, and you’ll be able to find pretty much anything you desire in this one building.
London’s Calling
So there you have it, the absolute best places to Christmas shop in the city.
You’ll have no trouble getting into the Christmas Spirit in these amazing spots, and at the end of it all you can return to luxury to one of the best hotels in Park Lane, the Montcalm.
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Snow in London
Pairing: idol!Jaehyun x escort!reader
Genre: fluff, romance, smut
Word Count: 4.2k
Summary: Jaehyun has to spend Christmas alone in London and figures that with money, you can buy anything - even company to make him feel less alone.
A/N: Merry Christmas guys - this is my gift for you! Have happy holidays and enjoy! (You might get confused as the story unfolds, but keep reading, it will all make sense, trust me)
A bottle of wine and an escort.
If two weeks ago someone had told Jaehyun that this was how he was going to spend this year’s Christmas, he would have called that person a fool. Usually, he spent it among his family, friends and members, and everyone knew. Very cozy and comfortable, only with the people closest to him.
Now, Jaehyun himself was the person who looked like a fool.
It was Christmas Eve and he was sitting in a hotel room on the other side of the world - London, to be exact - far away from all the people dear to him. If only he hadn’t accepted this campaign shoot for this certain luxury brand, he would be home by now, fast asleep after having enjoyed good food with his family.
But fate had other things in store for him when it was announced this morning that all domestic and international flights were canceled due to the heavy snowstorm that would last a couple of days. Jaehyun knew it was his responsibility as a global ambassador, but he had really begged to not accept this job in case something like this would happen. It didn’t usually snow in the UK, so his team had just shrugged his concerns off.
But somehow, he had sensed it, and now he was locked up here with nowhere else to go.
When Jaehyun looked out of the window, he saw white everywhere with not a single vehicle passing by in the streets, and the snow wouldn’t stop falling. He doubted he could take a flight tomorrow or the day after that. Or the day after that even. It was frustrating.
With a ‘thud’, he let himself fall back onto the bed. At least he was in a high class hotel close to Hyde Park and the staff had invited him to go to the bar with them, but Jaehyun wasn’t in the mood for company now. Well, at least not the company of so many people he didn’t know well enough.
Why an escort then?
Jaehyun didn’t want to spend Christmas Eve entirely alone, but he also didn’t want the commitment of having the person around until the next morning with the obligation of getting something physical out of it. He would rather leave it open. Or even worse, he didn’t want to take the flight back with that person and work together again depending on how this night would end. So that was why the staff was ruled out and the hotel employees as well just because they were short handed during the holidays.
Jaehyun just didn’t want to be alone on Christmas Eve and he had the money for it.
The fact that he had indeed never done something like this before was mirrored in how his heart jumped the moment he heard a knock on the door. Luckily, it was just room service bringing the wine he had ordered shortly before, leaving him all alone again with a simple “Merry Christmas”.
If this Christmas Eve was going to turn merry for Jaehyun, he also didn’t know yet.
The second time he heard a knock, he opened the door even more nervous to find you standing in front of him whose picture he had only briefly seen on the website this morning.
The first thing he noticed about you was how much prettier you were in real life. If he were being honest, you didn’t look like your photos at all as in fact, he found you more beautiful in person and with your bright aura, his nervousness directly dropped a bit.
Perhaps, he had also not looked at the photos properly, because he wanted to leave it open whether there would be intimate contact at all, and there were not many working today. In the end, he preferred any company over none at all and this was a time where he couldn’t be picky much since he also didn’t want to reduce a person to their outward appearance only and wanted to talk to them too.
So Jaehyun was pleasantly surprised to see you, a pretty, young woman with a nice energy, standing in front of him.
The second thing he noticed was that you must be cold, because despite your body being covered in a thick black puffer jacket and a pair of black pants that ended in boots, there were remnants of snow everywhere on your body, and since the flakes were melting by room temperature, it looked like you had just run through the rain with your face uncovered also.
For a special day with special services, if Jaehyun were to be blunt, you were dressed and styled quite ordinary - which he didn’t mind at all though since you were only going to stay in the room anyway, he had dropped the fact beforehand! He just couldn’t help but to notice the great difference in the sexy clothings and heavy makeup you had worn on your online pis and the way you were styled now.
But he’d rather have you warm and cozy than sexy during such a weather, he wasn’t one to pay much attention to outer clothing anyway when most of the time he was wearing lounge pants himself. Actually Jaehyun felt really relieved since he also hadn’t dressed up much for this occasion, wearing his slacks and black shirt at most.
“Good evening. It’s cold outside, come in.”
Jaehyun opened the door widely, and the third thing he noticed about you was how good you smelled when you walked past him with a light,
“Good evening. Thank you.”
You opened your jacket and Jaehyun, like the gentleman he was, helped you get out of it and hung it up on the wardrobe. When he turned back around, he observed you standing in the room, wrapping your arms around yourself and trembling with your light clothes since your upper body was only covered in a blouse.
“Didn’t you use the shuttle I ordered?” he asked.
“You ordered a shuttle for me? Oh…” You shook your head. “I used the subway and walked all the way from Oxford Circus to here.”
That was why you looked like you had walked through the snowstorm - because you literally did. “I paid for a shuttle service straight to the hotel too, no?” Jaehyun was sure this had been listed on the bill as an extra service for which he had already paid.
“I didn’t get the notice, she didn’t tell me. Only the hotel, floor and room number. There are no cars or services running, so….”
Suddenly, Jaehyun felt bad. He assumed ‘she’ was the operator in the company, something like a manager. “Take off your clothes.”
“What?”
He was confused that you had turned confused, so you were looking at each other, equally puzzled. “I want to hang them up, so you don’t have to walk around with wet clothes and risk getting a cold. And I want you to take a shower please, to warm yourself up.”
You blinked a few times, but then replied, “Oh! No, I was only taken aback a bit…”
“Don’t worry.” Jaehyun finally realized what had run through your head. “I’m not like that.”
Even though you only nodded as a reply, he clearly saw how relieved you were, and he started questioning whether you knew what you were actually here for as you appeared a bit insecure about this entire situation. Even though it might not happen right away or at all, the job description was very clear and you weren’t a newbie if he had to believe the website. But Jaehyun shrugged it off as this was a special circumstance and day you might not get into often as well.
Jaehyun then sent you to the bathroom with information on where to find the towels and a bathrobe. He just couldn’t live with the thought of having a woman come over despite the weather and dealing with the consequences.
Rummaging through his luggage, he found a simple white long sleeve and checkered lounge pants that must be way too big for you, but he figured it was better than leaving you in a bathrobe or making you wear your own clothes again before they had fully dried.
When you walked out of the bathroom approximately half an hour later, with semi-dried hair, a bathrobe way too big for you and wearing no makeup at all anymore, the fourth thing Jaehyun noticed about you was that you were an ordinary young woman who he could have also met on the streets or in a club, not someone he paid to spend a few hours with.
And if he were to say it out loud, he wouldn’t want you to misunderstand this. There was no negative connotation with this thought, especially not in regard to your job which services he was making use of himself. It just dawned on him that you were two ordinary people in private, alone on Christmas Eve.
In the end, when it came down to loneliness, you were both the same.
“You’re so kind to me,” you stated when Jaehyun handed you his clothes.
“I figured someone who has to work on Christmas Eve deserves more kindness than usual.”
“It was okay,” you simply stated and returned to the bathroom while it echoed, “There weren’t too many rude customers today, thank god.”
Jaehyun tilted his head in question over this cryptic statement. Had you just used plural? Oh my, how many customers did you take in a day? Was Christmas Eve really that busy? But then he decided to brush it off. It was none of his business anyway, although it remained in the back of his head, itching him a bit.
While he walked over to the table where he had also already prepared two glasses and opened the wine, you left the bathroom again, now fully dressed in his clothes.
Jaehyun attempted really hard not to look up and to stare, so he tried to catch a glimpse or two from the corner of his eyes while filling the wine glasses. Under any other circumstances, this would have been an awkward first date, and even though it wasn’t since he paid for your company, pretending to have it be one made it a little bit easier for him, he had to admit.
“Wine?” he offered, and he perceived in the way the look in your eyes changed that you very much welcomed this ice breaker.
“Thank you.”
Alcohol was not only very popular for making your tongue loose, which was why, two glasses of wine for each of you later, your outer clothes had become very loose as well and eventually landed on the floor next to the bed.
“You know,” you murmured in between kisses before Jaehyun slid his tongue along your jaw and only came to a stop with it by the side of your neck, which made you giggle. “I usually don’t do this the first time I meet someone… At least not directly.”
Jaehyun pricked up his ears, but didn’t stop nibbling on the soft skin. “Oh? But then, what do you usually do upon first meeting someone?”
“Usually we go out, to a restaurant or something. And if the vibe is right, one thing leads to another…”
Of course he knew about the fact that high quality escort services didn’t come with short lived physical intimacy only. But there was only so much he was able to do in such a situation, and now he was truly wondering if he should have ordered a room service meal first since he hadn’t even been fixated on physical contact only. It was his first time too, so he still felt a bit lost - and guilty he wasn’t able to offer more.
But he was just so attracted to you which was even more fueled by the bit of alcohol in his system now, and upon the first time he had leaned in to kiss you only moments before this, he knew you felt the same about him. Which was good! After all, he couldn’t imagine getting intimate with someone who had to pretend to like him for his sake and for the money.
“I would have taken you out first too, but during this snowstorm…”
He didn’t come to end his sentence, because you cupped his face and pulled him up, so that you were facing each other again, and you reassured him with your thumb stroking tenderly over his warm cheek, “I don’t mind this time.”
“Good.”
And with that, the last word was spoken just as the last pieces of clothing, your underwear, found their way onto the floor too.
When Jaehyun was running his fingers through your hair, caressing the sensitive skin on your shoulder with his warm lips, he noticed that, even after showering, you still smelled as good as in the moment when you first had walked through the door. You weren’t wearing any heavy perfume or another scent. This was just you, the natural you. He liked it.
You were sitting on his lap and held onto his strong upper arms for support as he went lower with his lips to the area around your cleavage. Your teeth sank into the flesh of your bottom lip when he bit into your nipple, making you gasp eventually. You felt him smile against your breast, and, almost as if he wanted to apologize, he licked over the spot and then gently placed a kiss on it.
When he dedicated his mouth to your other mound though, he didn’t use his teeth anymore, but only his tongue. And a few moments later, you let your head roll back as he sucked on nibbled on that spot, causing sensations to run all through your body and your thighs to clasp around him even stronger as though you wanted more of him too. And you actually did, oh how much you did!
But a familiar tone made you both turn your head to the desk simultaneously where your phone was lightening up and vibrating. Who would interrupt you at such a time?
“Just ignore it,” you told him, and he nodded deliberately.
“Very well.”
He grabbed you by your bum and with a gasp, you then were flipped around and fell backwards onto the mattress with a giggle. When your phone had exactly stopped ringing, you couldn't tell in the end, because you long had Jaehyun’s fingers inside of you.
What he thought when he was pleasuring you with his hand, wasn’t only how hot you looked as a writhing and whiny mess under him from whom he couldn’t avert his eyes, but also how fun it was, because there was a smile showing on your face every now and then.
Jaehyun usually never did one night stands, though there had been a handful of ones throughout the years. But these girls, he had talked to before, even in a drunken state only. That he just requested the company of someone and they would actually match so well from the first moment on like with you, he hadn’t expected at all.
His fingers were drenched when he pulled them out of you after noticing how tight you had gotten around him due to your arousal, but he was determined to prolong the act. After all, you had the whole night and he could still sleep on the plane the next day - if they would run again - which he doubted. And a part of him already thought further and made plans to book you instead again.
“Look at me.”
Jaehyun didn’t know why exactly, but he just wanted that. It made him feel warm around his chest. And he could need a little warmth right now when it was so cold and lonely outside. He hoped you did too.
Your eyes were indeed warm when you looked at each other, so he couldn’t help but lift his free hand and brush some streaks of your hair out of your face. There were worse ways to spend Christmas, he had to admit. Actually, this Christmas had turned really nice at this point.
Jaehyun got pulled out of his thoughts though when he felt the palms of your hands in his nether regions, first stroking along his inner thighs, then wrapping around his full length. No way this was happening. The unexpected sensation made him fold, and he had a really hard time propping his weight up against his elbows to hold himself in position when it all felt so good.
“You like that?” you whispered into his ear with a low voice that turned him on so much.
“Just keep going and I won’t be able to guarantee anything.”
With a brush over his tip, you wiped away his droplet of precum. You then retracted your hand to lead your stained fingers to your mouth and slid them in without breaking eye contact with him. This way you let him know that he nevertheless would end up very lucky this christmas.
Even your phone vibrating again couldn’t interrupt the mood since you both quietly agreed to ignore it before he reached for a condom on the nightstand to prepare himself. There still were a few hours of Christmas Eve left, a few hours where you could still try out stuff. Right now, you both just needed to get it off.
Jaehyun wondered if there was something you absolutely wouldn’t do or liked to do, but there was no room to think about it much anyway when you were lying under him, completely naked, a light sheen of sweat covering most parts of your body, and your facial expression welcoming him with your lips slightly parted.
Could he imagine a better gift for his situation? Absolutely not.
He parted your thighs with his knees when he sat in front of you and guided himself in. It was easy with almost no strength required, that was how wet he had already gotten you through his fingerwork. Grabbing your thighs to your left and right, Jaehyun slid you along the mattress closer to him so that you were eventually fully sheathed inside and stuck skin on skin.
You spread out your hands when he started to pull out, then pushed in again, and with every time, he added a little more force. Your eyes rolled to the ceiling as your fingers entangled with the sheet to your left and right, and you suddenly weren’t mad at your parents anymore for leaving you alone on Christmas, so that you had decided to still work and practically spend it with a stranger. You could imagine having a worse celebration than this one right here.
It had been quite a while since you last had sex, and you weren’t sure it had ever been this good or if it were only the circumstances and you were just so into each other - which was so rare! But in the end, it didn’t really matter. If the first blind encounter was already this good, there for sure would be a second one!
You felt your climax nearing the moment he picked up his speed, and although you were able to cum like this, you still appreciated that he changed the position from kneeling in front of you to lying on top of you. It felt good to wrap your legs around his middle, and feel him, every stroke, no matter how hard or long, even more intense.
He was breathing into your ear, and at one point even kissed your earlobe, then your cheek. It was intimate and cute at the same time, and he eventually hovered over you with his face, so you spread out your arms to welcome him with a kiss on your mouth, and then hugged him close to your body.
His breathing turned irregular and it wasn’t in sync with his thrusts anymore, that was how you could foretell that at any second, he would cum. With your fingers grabbing into his hair, partly gently, partly determined, you signalized him that it was alright to let go, and that you would follow too.
As though he had been holding in until you gave such kind of approval, he came the moment he slid back inside you with a low groan right beside your ear. You witnessed his breathing turning regular and slower and him gaining back full control of his body, because he did not directly pull out of you after he was done.
Instead, he continued moving for as long as he was still able to and eventually got you off with his hands so that you shook in his arms and he was now the one having to hold you through your climax.
“Best Christmas Eve ever,” you eventually breathed when he let go of you and rolled to one side of the now messy bed. “That was a nice gift.”
“Right back at you,” Jaehyun said.
With a look at you, he observed how you tried to grab the blanket to wrap it around your naked body to keep yourself warm. He knew a better method though.
Jaehyun moved to your side of the bed and laid down, but making sure to have closed his arms around you before to pull you down with him right onto his chest. For a moment, he was worried that it was too much and you would free yourself again. But as he felt your muscles relaxing and you eventually put an arm around him too, he was very much relieved.
“Why are you spending Christmas alone?” you eventually asked him after a few moments of silence. “She didn’t tell me.”
Ah, so details truly weren’t passed on upon request. “My flight back home got canceled due to the snowstorm, but I didn’t want to be all alone.” Jaehyun didn’t know whether he could ask this question back, but he did nonetheless. He figured if you didn’t want to or weren’t allowed to share private info, you would tell him immediately.
“Oh, you wanted to spend it among your family too but they live abroad?” He wanted to explain that he lived abroad too, but your answer caught his attention more, “My parents suddenly decided they would rather spend two weeks on a cruise in the Caribbean sea instead of celebrating with me, so I was alone too.”
“I understand that.” If he would have been left alone on Christmas, since it was a holiday spent among the family in the UK, he would have rather worked too, Jaehyun thought to himself. “That’s why we’re here.”
“Yeah, that’s why.”
It was cold outside, but their bodies and hearts were warm, not only because of them sharing their physical warmth, but mostly because they were not alone anymore.
So it was an unspoken agreement that their encounter wouldn’t end here. Or at night. Probably only the next morning. And even then, you both wondered if it actually would when it felt this good.
“Should I order room service?” Jaehyun asked instead.
You nodded with excitement. “Actually, I’m quite hungry.”
“Yeah, me too.” He laughed and stretched out his arm to reach for the phone, but you both heard a knock on the door before he could call anyone.
“Did you already order something before?” you asked out of curiosity, but Jaehyun shook his head.
“Maybe someone from my team?”
You frowned. “Team…?”
But Jaehyun didn’t see it as he had already jumped out of bed to throw on some light clothes so that it wouldn’t get that embarrassing to open the door to one of the staff.
Standing in front of him was no familiar staff at all though.
“Good evening, here I am.”
Jaehyun was flabbergasted. Had it been a glass of wine too much? Because in front of him stood the woman whose exact pictures he had seen online this morning, he now remembered clearly. Not only was she wearing the exact same clothes, but also the same heavy makeup. No doubt, he wasn’t dreaming or imagining.
“I’m sorry for the delay,” she continued. “The shuttle you ordered couldn’t get through, I was waiting for so long. I ordered a taxi from Oxford Circus instead and that eventually got stuck. I had to walk the rest of the way, but now I’m here… What is it? Don’t you want to invite me in?”
“Pardon me… what?!”
On the other side of the room, you had finally picked up the phone call from your friend who had just called for the third time.
“Hey! You can’t imagi-... What do you mean? How can he still be waiting when I am currently with him? Yes, the guy you set me up on a blind date with, he’s here,” you defended yourself over the line, then paused. “What do you mean? I am in the room on the fifth floor, the exact room you told me.”
You looked over to the man who had just closed the door again and your eyes locked with undefinable gazes.
“This is the fourth floor.”
Then, you both asked the other as realization dawned at the same time,
“Who are you?”
#jaehyun#jeong jaehyun#jaehyun smut#jaehyun imagines#jaehyun scenarios#jaehyun x reader#jaehyun x you#jaehyun x y/n#jaehyun fanfiction#nct#nct 127#nct smut#nct x you#nct x reader#nct imagines#nct scenarios#kpop x reader#kpop imagines#kpop scenarios
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Winter Wonderland
Toto Wolff x Fem!Reader
Warnings: toto would do anything for reader, some friendly teasing, alcohol and the consumption of, a bit of an age gap (reader's late 20s/early 30s), handsy toto, the two of you are kinda drunk, daddy kink, oral (f!receiving), fingering, slight edging, penetrative sex (p in v), creampie.
Word Count: 1,772
Author's Note: this one goes out to all the dilf lovers.
merry smutmas series
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Your husband skips out on Christmas every year due to work but this year, he ends up in London. You make it your mission to introduce him to some holiday fun.
Toto had one last work engagement to do this week before he's officially off for the holidays and it took him to London. So by extension, you made it to London as well.
Your husband had left you in the hotel, promising you that he'll be back in a few hours after doing his final work meeting before he was on holiday break.
When he returns, he finds you in the same spot he left you, on the couch. "Babe, have you not gotten up all day?"He asks, shrugging his coat off.
"I did, I ordered room service so I had to get it from the door," you tell him, eyes glued to the TV.
Toto laughs, making his way over to sit next to you. You lean into the man, his arms wrapped around you and you can still feel the chill on his skin despite him wearing a coat when he was outside. It takes him a second to realize that you weren't in your pyjamas, but you were dressed as if you were going out.
The man looks at you with raised eyebrows, there's a hint of a smile on your face. "I know that look, what are you up to?" He asked.
"Okay I know you're probably tired but we leave for home tomorrow and I really wanna go!"
"Go where?"
"Hyde park," you tell him, showing him the pictures of their winter wonderland on your phone. "I saw the ad already for their winter wonderland today and then I looked it up and I fell into a loophole, so now we have tickets." You smiled sweetly at him - if there was one thing more important to Toto than work, it was you and your happiness.
"Are you serious, y/n?"
"Yes, now come on," you get up, trying to pull him up. Toto huffs, "I have emails to answer." He reluctantly follows you to the door.
"The emails will still be here when you get back," you handed him his coat before putting your own on. "Let's go."
Toto drives, of course - not like he ever lets you drive anyways. The first half hour was just the two of you trying to find your way around, it was a lot more packed than you were expecting but to be fair it was a week until Christmas, so it was to be expected you suppose.
You grab his hand and pull him towards what seems to be a circus tent. Toto looks at you a bit unsure for a moment, "is this.. an actual circus?" He followed you in and his question was answered; it was.
He sits next to you in the back row, the two of you waiting for the show to start. "Are you 5? Why are we at the circus ?"
"I mean, in comparison to you, I basically am." You smiled and he chuckled, his hand in yours as you two watched the show.
He would never admit it to you but he enjoyed doing things like this with you, it was nice to see that you kept a bit of your childishness alive.
After the circus, you made your way around the park once more, taking a million photos and trying out all the games until Toto was lugging around a big bag with stuffed animals.
"Do you think that's enough?" He asks, walking towards the car. You shrugged, "I guess but I'm hungry now."
"Dinner then?" He suggests, nodding to the busy street. You're not, fingers interlocking with your husband as you walk down the street towards no actual destination in mind. You were just hoping to stumble upon a place that wasn't too busy.
And eventually you did, a little restaurant tucked away between all the madness. You and Toto sat at a table by the window, the table covered in junk food and a bottle of cheap wine.
"Did you have fun tonight ?" You asked your husband, popping a fry into your mouth. He shrugs, taking a sip of wine. You can't help but roll your eyes, "you totally did! Don't lie."
Toto laughs, a grin on his face. "Yeah, okay. I did have a little fun, but maybe next time find an indoor activity?"
"Nope," you popped the P, "as your wife, it's my job to make your life unnecessarily complicated, just for fun."
He rolls his eyes, taking some fries off your plate. "You'll be the death of me."
You two ended up topping off the bottle of wine, Toto pays the bill and his fingers interlock with yours as you walk back to the car. The streets have calmed by now, but there's a few people walking around on their way to wherever.
Your husband pulls you into his side, your arm wrapped around his torso as you make it back to the car. The man has you leaning on the hood, his cold hands cupping your cheeks before he kisses you. His hands wander and you blush, stopping him.
"Not here."
"Don't tell me you're getting shy on me." He kisses along your cheek, the tip of his nose cold as it rubs against your skin.
You giggled, giving him a slight shove off of you. "We're in the middle of the street, it's more like stopping you from getting arrested for public indecency."
He laughs, opening the car door for you and letting you get in. Toto's hand rests on your thigh the entire drive back to the hotel and he can barely keep his hands off of you to make it up to the room.
His lips on your neck, arms wrapped around you from behind, the two of you giggling as you attempt to open the door.
"It's not opening," you grumbled, trying to unlock the door.
Toto pulls on the handle a bit, pressing the key to it. "Finally," he says when the lock clicks, "let me unwrap my gift."
You giggled, rolling your eyes at your husband's cheesy use of the words, but you let him drag you into the room and drop you on the bed.
He's careful, even though he's drunk - his movements are exact as he undoes the buttons on your shirt, tossing it into the pile of clothes that's developing on the floor.
"Move your legs, baby." He whispers, moving them up to rest on the edge of the bed as he drops himself down onto his knees. You’ve propped yourself up on your elbows to look at him and Toto drags his fingers up your thigh, moving to your clothed pussy.
“I like this,” he tells you, fingers rubbing over the red lace that covered your cunt.
You smile, “I know. Wore it just for you, daddy." The name makes the man smile.
Toto can feel your eyes on him, he reaches for the red lace you’re wrapped up in and tugs it down your legs, letting it fall to the floor with the rest of your clothes. He shifts to lay on his stomach between your legs, leaving a trail of kisses as he works his way up to your cunt.
Your eyes meet his, he knows you’re looking. He wants you to look at him.
Your hips buck when you feel his tongue against your clit, your hand gripping on his hair. He knew you like the back of his hand, gripping your thighs to keep them in place as his tongue lapped your clit. Your hips buck, your way of saying you want more.
Two fingers pushing into you, he glances up to see your head tossed back onto the pillows, eyes fluttering shut and your free hand groping your tit.
Between his fingers and his tongue, your orgasm was teetering on the edge; he knew that much.
He's sick and twisted and pulls his hands away, the sticky fingers wiped on your inner thighs. A whimper leaves your lips at the loss of fullness.
"I hate you," you grumbled, your husband smiles as he kisses you, letting you taste yourself on his lips. "You love me."
"Sometimes."
He smiles, standing up to undo his pants. Toto pulls you back to the edge of the bed, one of your legs hitch on his hip as his hand wanders.
Your eyes fixed on his hand that was moving down your chest at the moment. Toto's lips follow his fingers, kissing and leaving little marks as he goes along his way. His tongue brushes over your nipple, your back arches involuntarily; your body betrays you.
Your eyes find his and his hand rubbing along your thigh before pulling you toward the edge of the bed a little more before he pushes into you. The other ankle is over his shoulder now.
He fucks you the way he knows you like it; rough.
You were a sight to see; back arched off the bed, hair sprawled out in perfect curls, eyes closed and your head tilted back, his name tumbling from your lips for what felt like the millionth time.
He’s never seen a prettiest sight.
He feels you clench around him, the hand on his shoulder digs in, your nails leaving behind their own set of marks. His hand reaches between the two of you, his fingers finding your clit once again.
“Oh my god,” your hips bucked, his fingers matching the pace of his hips, your body rocking back and forth to get the most out of him.
“C’mon pretty girl, want you to cum for me.” he says, knowing it won't be long more, especially not after him leaving you on the edge earlier.
He watches as your eyes flutter shut and he reaches you with his other hand, holding your jaw and pulling you up a little, your elbows holding up the weight of your body.
"Open your eyes, baby, look at me." He whispers, kissing you softly.
A few more sloppy thrusts and between that and his fingers, you’re over the edge. He kisses you, muffling the noise you were making. The wetness wrapping around his cock, and with a few sloppy thrusts, he follows behind you.
It takes you a second to gather yourself and register that your husband has collapsed on top of you. Your hands rubbing over his back.
"You okay?" you asked him quietly and the man nodded, moving so you two could lay comfortably.
Your leg draped over his, his arm wrapped over your shoulder. You catch him staring at you and you smile, nodding. "What?"
"We should come to London every year."
"Yeah," you nod, resting your head on his chest. "I'd like that."
---
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#merry smutmas xoxo#toto wolff#toto wolff smut#toto wolff x reader#f1 x y/n#f1 x you#f1 x reader#f1 smut
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Jekyll & Hyde Chronological Timeline
I don't know if people even need this, but I needed it and it didn't exist. So here it is. In the book the dates are blanked because that was the convention of the time, but I've heard in earlier drafts Robert Louis Stevenson had set the story 1883-1885, so based on that, here is a rough CHRONOLOGICAL timeline of Jekyll & Hyde (rather than the order we discover things in the book)
1833: Jekyll is born.
1840-55(ish): Jekyll's youth. He becomes friends with Lanyon and Utterson at private school. He is a wild youth with unconventional tastes that he keeps secret.
1865(ish): Poole starts working for Jekyll.
1870s: Jekyll begins studying transcendental medicine. He and Lanyon fall out over this and stop talking to one another.
Sometime early-mid 1883: Jekyll discovers the formula to transform himself into Hyde. Jekyll buys a house in Soho for Hyde and writes him into his will. Hyde begins indulging in forbidden desires.
Sometime mid-late 1883: Hyde tramples a young girl. Enfield is a witness. To avoid being attacked, Hyde goes to the laboratory door and draws a cheque in Jekyll's name. The next day Jekyll sets Hyde up his own bank account.
Sometime late 1883 (A Sunday): Enfield tells Utterson about the trampling of the girl as they pass the laboratory door on their regular walk. That night, Utterson dines with Lanyon and learns he is estranged from Jekyll. Lanyon has never heard of Hyde.
Late 1883: Utterson regularly haunts the laboratory door, and eventually meets with Hyde.
Jan 1884: Utterson dines with Jekyll and talks to him about his will, expressing his concerns. Jekyll stops taking notes in his experiment book around this time.
Aug 1884: After a night of adventures as Hyde, Jekyll awakes having involuntarily transformed into Hyde. He sneaks to the lab and takes a dose to transform back into Jekyll. Frightened, he stops taking the potion.
Oct 1884: Jekyll takes the potion again and transforms into Hyde. Hyde meets and murders Sir Danvers Carew. Hyde clears out his Soho home, destroys his papers and cheque book. Jekyll destroys the lab door key.
Oct 1884 (The Next Day, 9am): Utterson identifies Carew's body and goes to Hyde's address with Scotland Yard.
Oct 1884 (Same day, Evening): Utterson visits Jekyll. Jekyll says Hyde will not be returning and show Utterson a note he claims is from Hyde. Utterson asks Poole about the messenger, but Poole claims no letter was delivered.
Oct 1884 (Same day, Night): Utterson dines with his clerk Guest. He shows Guest the note from Hyde. A dinner invitation arrives from Jekyll and Guest compares the two. He notes the handwriting is the same, but slanted in different directions.
Oct 1884-Jan 1885: Jekyll becomes more religious and conscientious. The police hunt for Hyde and uncover some of his wicked deeds in London, but can't find him.
Jan 8, 1885: Jekyll throws a big dinner party for his friends. Utterson and Lanyon are there. It seems as though Lanyon and Jekyll may be mending their friendship.
Jan 8, 1885 (Night): Jekyll indulges his desires, but as Jekyll this time.
Jan 9, 1885 (Daytime): Jekyll daydreams on a bench in Regent's Park and involuntarily transforms into Hyde. He flees to a hotel in Portland Street and writes a letter to Poole and Lanyon to arrange for his chemicals to be brought to Lanyon's house. Poole and Lanyon break into Jekyll's office and Lanyon brings the chemicals to his house.
Jan 9, 1885 (Evening): Hyde travels around in a cab waiting until midnight until the driver gets suspicious. He walks the streets and punches a woman in the face who offers him to buy some matches.
Jan 10, 1885 (Midnight): Hyde arrives at Lanyon's, drinks the potion and transforms into Jekyll in front of him. Jekyll confesses his crimes to Lanyon. Jekyll returns home and falls into a deep sleep.
Jan 10, 1885 (Daytime): Jekyll transforms spontaneously into Hyde walking to his lab. A double dose restores him to Jekyll, but 6 hours later there is another spontaneous transformation into Hyde. From now on, every time Jekyll sleeps or relaxes too much he transforms into Hyde. He needs the potion constantly to stay as Jekyll.
Jan 12, 1885: Utterson calls on Jekyll. He's told the doctor is sick.
Jan 13, 1885: Lanyon writes his testimony of Jekyll's transformation. He seals it up to be opened by Lanyon when Jekyll has died or disappeared.
Jan 14, 1885: Utterson calls on Jekyll. He is denied entry.
Jan 15, 1885: Utterson calls on Jekyll. He is denied entry.
Jan 16, 1885: Utterson dines with Guest.
Jan 17, 1885: Utterson visits Lanyon, and is shocked by his deterioration. Lanyon says he will soon be dead and can't mend his friendship with Jekyll, but won't say why. Utterson writes to Jekyll demanding an explanation.
Jan 18, 1885: Jekyll writes a cryptic and darkly-worded letter to Utterson that does not explain why he and Lanyon have fallen apart. He says he intends to lead a very secluded life going forwards.
Jan 25, 1885: Lanyon is bedridden.
Feb 8, 1885: By this time, Lanyon is dead. The day after the funeral, his sealed testimony is sent to Utterson. He puts it in his safe.
Feb 1885: Utterson keeps calling on Jekyll, but is not admitted. His visits become fewer and fewer.
Feb/Mar 1885 (A Sunday): Enfield and Utterson walk by the laboratory door again, and walk into the courtyard hoping to see Jekyll. They try to talk to Jekyll at the window, but he is seized with terror and slams the window shut.
Feb/Mar 1885: Jekyll's supply of salts is running low. He sends messages to his servants to get more from chemists across London - none can give him salts that work.
Sometime Mar 1885: Trapped in his cabinet, Hyde burns Jekyll's paintings and letters from his father. He defaces Jekyll's religious books with blasphemies. Jekyll keeps trying to make the potion with the new salts that keep arriving, but concludes his original batch must have been impure, and this unknown impurity was what made the transformation possible. The servants hear Jekyll cry out upon the name of God.
Mar 1885 (1-8 days after the cry): Poole hears Hyde weeping like a lost soul in the laboratory. Poole catches sight of a masked Hyde going through packing boxes in the laboratory.
Mar 1885 (8 days after the cry): Jekyll uses the last of the original salts to write his last will, confession, and a note to Utterson. He puts them aside and becomes Hyde, finally and forever.
Mar 1885 (8 days after the cry, 10pm): Poole visits Utterson and asks him to help, saying he thinks there's been foul play. Utterson comes to the house and hears Hyde's voice behind the cabinet door. He listens to Poole's evidence and agrees he thinks Jekyll has been murdered. Utterson confronts Hyde, and he and Poole break down the cabinet door. Hyde poisons himself with cyanide. Poole and Utterson find Jekyll's will, note and confession. They search for Jekyll's body but can't find him.
Mar 1885 (Same day, 10-11pm): Utterson goes home and reads Lanyon's testimony, followed by Jekyll's confession.
Mar 1885 (Midnight next day): This was when Utterson planned to return to Jekyll's and call the police.
#jekyll and hyde#Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde#Robert Louis Stevenson#gothic literature#english literature#english lit student#dr jekyll#edward hyde#jekyll and hyde timeline#utterson
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I want to be your wife
Larissa Weems x fem reader
Summary: you plan on making Larissa your wife
Warnings: None
Requests open
———————————
You've been planning for this day for a whole year! How has this year gone by this quickly? You and Larissa were currently on a plane to London. Larissa has been wanting to head back to London for a little while and you wanted to surprise her with a trip back to her home country.
You had managed to get her into a taxi, to the airport, through the airport and onto the plane without her realising that you both were going to London. You did have to blindfold her and put headphones on her which was an interesting sight around the airport.
But you knew that you both would be laughing about this later on. Larissa also didn’t have to worry about her bags either as you had packed both of your bags making sure that you both had everything you needed for your break to London.
Once the two of you were on the plane you finally took off Larissa's blindfold and headphones. By this point though you were already halfway to London. “So where are we going?” Larissa asked as she held your hand and cuddled up close to you.
“It is a surprise, you will have to wait until we land” you laughed as you gently squeezed her hand. “You're so mean” she laughed as she nudged your shoulder ever so slightly. “Yeah but you love me. Trust me baby. You are going to love it where we are going” you smiled as you leaned your head on her shoulder.
“I’m sure I will as I am with you” she smiled as you cuddled up with each other the best you could. After a while you found Larissa just staring out the window trying her best to get an idea of where you were. That’s when you heard a sudden gasp from Larissa before she turned to look at you.
“We are going to London?” She asked excitedly. “SURPRISE” you smiled back at her. “I love you so much babe. I’ve been wanting to come back to London for a long time” she smiled at you happily. “I know, baby. Trust me this little break is going to be a trip to remember” you smiled with a little secret hidden away.
The rest of the plane journey went smoothly and before the two of you knew it the plane had hit the tarmac at Heathrow airport. The two of you went through airport security and customs before heading out to the taxi rank to grab a taxi to the hotel.
The two of you were going to be spending your holiday at the Mandarin Oriental hotel near Hyde park. You knew that you had to spoil Larissa this trip so you made sure to get the fanciest hotel in central London. When the two of you finally arrived Larissa immediately fell in love with the place.
“This hotel is beautiful y/n! I can’t wait to see our room” she smiled at you as you hugged her tightly. You checked in quite quickly before being shown to your room. When Larissa saw the penthouse suite you were staying in she immediately spun around and gave you the tightest hug.
“This place is fucking amazing” she screamed as she wandered around the suite. The suite featured a large central salon with a bespoke chandelier, silk wall coverings and a full-height library showcasing a handpicked selection of objet d’art and books, leading on to a balcony.
The bedroom enjoys a walk-in wardrobe, a private seating area and access to a large terrace. There is also a shower room, ADA compliant powder room and the option of connecting to the Mandarin Penthouse Suit. The place is beautiful and the two of you couldn’t wait to spend your time in London together.
The two of you were quick to settle in making yourself comfortable. That evening the two of you decided to have a chill evening filled with room service and movies before starting your fun filled week that you had planned out down to the tea.
Over the next couple of days you had done about a quarter of the things that you had planned on your to do list. The first day together the two of you decided to head to a number of different museums around London. You really wanted to visit the natural history museum as well as the science museum and Larissa wanted to see the national gallery museum.
So you got up pretty early having breakfast at the hotel before heading straight over to the national history museum. You found it all really fascinating and the two of you loved looking at all the bones and fossils around the museum. Once the two of you had spent a few hours at that museum you headed around the corner to the science museum.
You loved looking at all the rocket parts, the rock from the moon and you loved learning interesting facts about the body. You spent a couple hours at the science museum before heading to a local cafe for lunch.
The two of you had a sandwich and a cake as you drank your hot chocolates. Once the two of you had full stomachs again you then headed over to the national gallery so Larissa could admire the art work.
You knew deep down that art wasn’t something you were that interested in but the same could be said for Larissa with the science museum. You both became interested in it all due to the fact the other really enjoyed admiring that stuff in the museum and this all happened in just the first day.
You also managed to go to the Tower of London, London Zoo and had a walk around Hyde park in those couple of days but then the day you have been planning for came around. It started off like the last few days have with the two of you waking up together, getting ready and heading down for breakfast.
The two of you happily ate your English breakfasts as you drank your coffees. “So what is the plan today then?” Larissa asked before taking a sip of her drink. “We are going to go on the London Eye. It’s going to be amazing and maybe after we could go to the aquarium next it” you smiled at Larissa.
“That sounds like an amazing day. I can’t wait to get this day started” she smiled at you. The two of you finished off your breakfast before you went back to your room to grab what you needed for the day. Including the ring.
You sneakily snuck the ring into your back pocket as you grabbed your bag which just had the essentials in. Larissa finished getting herself sorted before you took her hand and led her downstairs and out of the hotel.
The two of you headed to the nearest tube station which was Hyde Park Corner to County Hall which shouldn’t take too long on the underground. When you did finally get on the tube it was heaving. Larissa managed to get a seat so you let her sit down while you stood near her making sure she was alright.
Eventually you heard them announce your stop so you grabbed Larissa’s hand as you patted your back pocket to make sure your ring was still there which it was thankfully. You then had the battle of getting out of the underground without losing each other.
After about 5 minutes you finally could see the daylight again and then all you had to do was walk 5 minutes around the corner to get to the London eye. When it finally came into view you and Larissa were stunned by its beauty. It was also a lot bigger than you thought.
The two of you happily walked up to the queue of the London Eye as you waited for your turn. While you waited the two of you just chatted about everything you had done so far and everything that you were looking forward to. The queue slowly moved forward and eventually you found the two of you at the front.
“Hello, I’ve got a booking for y/n s/n” you said as you smiled at the person who was operating the wheel today. “Ah yes I can see your request as well on your booking so just bare with while I find you a spare pod on the wheel” they smiled at you and then at Larissa.
“What are you up to y/n” Larissa asked you as she squeezed your hand. “Nothing. I just wanted things to be a little bit more romantic” you smiled at her trying your best not to give things away. “Alright then” Larissa smirked at you.
Eventually the worker came back and let you get into your pod. “Enjoy the ride” he smiled as the doors closed behind the two of you. Larissa looked around the pod before looking at you. “No one else is getting in?” Larissa asked as if she knew you had something to do with this.
“I don’t think so. Lucky us, we have a whole pod to ourselves” you smiled as you grabbed Larissa’s hand as you pulled her to one end of the pod so you could enjoy the view. The wheel slowly spun around as you got higher and higher as the view of London got bigger and bigger.
Your nerves grew ever so slightly as you got closer and closer to the top. “Rissa?” You said to Larissa. “Yeah y/n” she said as she turned to smile at you. “So I’ve had this little secret I’ve had for about a year now and I’ve kind of known about this trip for a little while now” you smiled at Larissa. “Really? What is this little secret then?” Larissa asked as she raised her eyebrow wondering what this secret is.
“Larissa, 2 years ago you captured my heart by being exactly who you are. The sweetest, most loving, compassionate, and sensitive person I have ever known. You have been my very best friend through the good and the bad. You have been the reason that I smile and you have given comfort beyond measure when I have cried. You have believed in me when no one else would, and you have shown me how to love with passion, purity, and unconditional acceptance. I'm not sure a lifetime is long enough to return all you have given to me, but I promise the rest of my days I'll spend by your side. To laugh with you and cry with you, to believe in you and support you. In poverty I promise to do everything to make our love rich, and in wealth to never let our love grow poor.
Together we are better than we could ever hope to be alone, and today I give you my love, my trust, and my fidelity forever. You will ALWAYS be the best part of my day. So my question to you is, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” You asked as you got down on one knee.
By this point Larissa was crying and you had no idea what she was going to say. “Yes, yes, a million times yes” she said as she put her hands to her mouth. You stood up as you grabbed the ring and placed it on her ring finger. It was a perfect fit. You then pulled her in for a long loving kiss.
The two of you enjoyed the rest of your ride on the London Eye before it came to a stop letting you get off. “She said yes!” You screamed as you held up her hand with the ring on. Everyone around cheered for you and the two of you couldn’t be happy.
Now the two of you were going to enjoy the rest of your time in London together as fiancés!
#gwendoline christie#gwendolineuniverse#fanfics#larissa weems#larissa weems x y/n#larissa weems x reader#larissa weems x you#larissa x you#larissa x reader#larissa x y/n#london#proposal#london eye#plane#brienneoftarth1989
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A Guide to Experiencing All of London in One Week
When planning a city break, a week can feel like a long time – that is, until you start listing all the attractions that you want to visit and the things you want to see and do. Combining history with experience, and boasting immersive family attractions within walking distance of some of the best accommodation in Bayswater, London is a city where a week can pass in a flash.
That’s why creating an itinerary and coming up with a plan to schedule your time is crucial – with this blog introducing not only the best things to do but also where to eat, sleep, and enjoy morning and evening walks.
Days 1 & 2
Having just arrived at your hotel in London, the first couple of days are about acclimatising yourself to your surroundings – identifying the best cafes and coffee shops, exploring the city on foot, and indulging in some local delicacies from Borough Market and the many street food vans and boutique eateries.
Your first evening in London is one we recommend spending high in the sky, with a booking at the Sky Garden or tickets to the London Eye.
Days 3 & 4
Following a couple of days in the city of London, experiencing all the attractions within walking distance of your discount hotel in London, Days 3 & 4 are largely focussed on the attractions outside of the city. Windsor Castle is one such attraction which is highly worth a visit, not least because it was the favoured residence of the Queen but because as an attraction and town to visit, Windsor offers a lovely blend of culture and outside and natural spaces.
The other thing to add to your list for experiences outside of the city centre is the Harry Potter Studios tour in Watford – perfect for families, and worthy of a full day out which can be accessed via car, train, or coach.
Days 5 & 6
Back to central London for days 5 & 6, and this is when we recommend booking tables at some of the best restaurants near Bayswater and ensuring that you get tickets to at least one West End show.
The Tower of London is located close enough to the West End that you can head straight to your chosen show from an afternoon tour at the tower, or why not keep it light-hearted with a self-guided tour of your choice of museum or gallery.
Day 7
The final day of your London experience is all about soaking up those last few traditional and classic British experiences and viewpoints – with our advice being to find a high end afternoon tea to really send you home with a full belly and great memories of your time in the city.
The Bayswater Inn Hotel Hyde Park is located close to a number of hotels and restaurants which serve aesthetically pleasing and delicious afternoon teas to diners, making this a great way to soften the blow of checkout and leave you with one final treat to enjoy.
#accommodation in Bayswater London#discount hotel in London#restaurants near Bayswater#Bayswater Inn Hotel Hyde Park
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The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in October 2024
01/10 As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, visited a Food Technology Class at Bingley Grammar School. 🐟🏫
As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited SIL Group’s Fibre Processing Mill at Ladywell Mills in Bradford. 🧵🧣
Visited Viking Arms Limited in Harrogate. ⚔️🏹🗡️
02/10 Visited Blackburn Meadows Bio-Mass Power Plant in Tinsley, Sheffield. 🍃🔋
Visited Sheffield Forgemasters. 🔥⚒️
Visited Loadhog at the Hog Works. 🚛🚚
Opened the University of Sheffield’s Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre. 🧬
03/10 As President of Carers Trust, attended the Short Breaks Wales Conference at Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground in Cardiff. 🦽🏴
As Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), attended the Annual Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. 💂🍽️
04/10 As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society attended the Changing Lives Through Horses Forum at Saddlers' Hall in London. 🐎
08/10 As President of the Royal Yachting Association, opened Warsash Sailing Club’s renovated Clubhouse. ⛵️🍾
As Patron of Catch22, visited the Orion Centre in Havant, Hampshire. 🫂
Sir Tim represented Princess Anne at the Memorial Service for Mrs Julia Rausing (Philanthropist) which was held in St James’s Church in London. ⛪️
09/10 Attended the Annual National Service for Seafarers in St. Paul's Cathedral. ⛪️⚓️
10/10 As Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, attended the Annual Scientific Conference at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. 💊
As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited North Tyneside Youth Justice System in North Shields. 🔗
Opened a renovated manufacturing facility in North Shields. 🏢
11/10 As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Marine Society and Sea Cadets, opened Midlands Boat Station in Birmingham. 🫡⛵️
As Chancellor of Harper Adams University, opened the Digital Learning Hub at the Quad in Telford. 🖥️💻🎮
As Patron of YSS Limited, visited the Criminal Justice Service at the Shropshire Golf Centre in Telford. 👩⚖️
14/10 As Guardian of Give Them A Sporting Chance and the Chaffinch Trust, held Management Board and Team Meetings at Gatcombe Park. 💼
15/10 With Sir Tim as Royal Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, attended the “Countdown to Cure” Reception at the Royal College of Nursing in London. 💊
With Sir Tim As Patron of the Remembrance Trust, attended a Dinner at the Beefsteak Club in London. 🌹
16/10 As Royal Patron of the Security Institute, attended the Annual Conference at the Royal Society of Medicine. 🚨🔒
As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, attended a Civic Luncheon at Trinity House. 🍽️
As Royal Patron of WISE, attended the Annual Conference at IET London: Savoy Place. 🧩
17/10 As Patron of the Cathedral Church of Saint German Peel Development Appeal attended a Thanksgiving Service in St German’s Cathedral, Peel, Isle of Man. 🇮🇲⛪️
Visited the Manx National Heritage “All at Sea” Exhibition at the House of Manannan in Peel, Isle of Man. 🇮🇲 🌊
As Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order, attended Evensong and a Reception at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy in London. ⛪️🍾
As President of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, attended a Reception to mark the 250th Anniversary of RSA House. 🎂
Unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group, attended the launch of the Manchester Science Festival at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. 🧪🧬🔭
18/10 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️
Attended a performance by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna at OVO Arena in Wembley. 🇦🇹🇪🇸🐎
19/10 With Sir Tim Attended British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse. 🏆🐎
22/10 As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, chaired the Quarterly Meeting of the Court and attended a Luncheon at Trinity House. 💼
As Patron of UK Coaching, held a Reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate Olympic and Paralympic Coaching. 🇬🇧🏅
23/10 Attended a Bicentenary Commemorative Service to recognise the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. 🚒🧯👨🚒
As Royal Patron of Leuchie Forever Fund, held a Benefactors’ Dinner at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 🍽️
24/10 Re-opened the Rowan Glen Factory at Palnure, near Newton Stewart. 🍶
As Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, opened the new wing at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. 🏥
With Sir Tim As Patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, attended the Trafalgar Night Dinner at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. ⚓️🫡🍽️
25/10 Opened the British Standards Institution International Electrotechnical Commission Annual Meeting at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. 🏴🔋
28/10 Attended the Prison Advice and Care Trust’s 125th Anniversary National Volunteer Awards at St John’s Church in London. 🏆
29/10 On behalf of The King, held morning and afternoon investitures at Windsor Castle.🎖️
31/10 Visited the Robotic Surgery Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. 🤖🏥
Attended a Reception for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards winners at Bridgwater and Taunton College. 🏆
Was installed as Chancellor of Health Sciences University before launching the University in Bournemouth. 🎓
As Patron of Save the Children UK, attended the Autumn in the City Dinner at the Savoy in London. 🍽️
Total official engagements for Anne in September: 58
2024 total so far: 371
Total official engagements accompanied/represented by Tim in September: 5
2024 total so far: 91
FYl - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.
#it’s that time of the month again kids#princess anne#princess royal#tim laurence#timothy laurence#court circular#october 2024#aimees unofficial engagement count 2024
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Delicate: Vessel (Sleep Token); Part 2- "You're in my head..."
The beginning two weeks on tour were spent in the city of London, which I easily grewattached to. For the first handful of days, I fell into a comfortable routine of simplicity- I’d wake with Sam, have breakfast in the hotel with the rest of the band (avoid Oliver); set my sights on a few attractions; spend time in Hyde Park, catching up on my reading list; then return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner with Sam and the band. Most often, Oliver wasn’t there for those evening meals, said to be off somewhere, writing music, or having a smoke (thank God). I didn’t see him much outside of those breakfasts considering I was always off doing something and he had rehearsals. And I honestly liked it that way.
During the first two weeks in London, I tried to be nice to Oliver. I’d greet him every day at breakfast with a kind smile, a gentle, “Good morning, Oliver.” And he’d just ignore me. None of the others really considered it, or else I think they’d have said something to him. It was subtle enough that I could only ruminate over it in silence.
But, boy, did I notice the shitty behavior he exhibited towards me, that when I’d laugh too loudly at Max’s jokes or start up a conversation- breathe, basically- Oliver’s shoulders would tense. He’d sigh, just soft enough that I could hear it across the table. And, he’d become distant from the group, eyes glazed over, silent. If someone- other than me- said something to him, he’d respond. But, God forbid he say anything on his own accord.
From what I gathered, he had gotten to know me and, I guess, he just didn’t like me. Why he had covered up the time we had spent together on the roof, I did not know. Why he felt the need to completely ignore me- I really just didn’t understand it. And I didn’t think I wanted to. I was having the time of my life, catching matinees on the West End, spending time in the Natural History Museum, riding the London Eye. I wasn’t going to play cat and mouse or sparring enemies during this time in my life.
Usually, at least, back home, I was always too nervous to go out by myself, afraid I’d see family friends or exes I was trying to avoid. Here, I didn’t have to worry about that. I was a whole new person- a whole new woman. I could go anywhere, do anything, be whoever I wanted. Sure, it was lonely sometimes, shopping or discovering new coffee shops all by myself. But, it was healing, too. I was learning to enjoy my own company.
At the beginning of the second week, however, I had run out of things to do. Due to my newfound luck, rehearsals had ended for the band Saturday, and they had the week off- save for Friday, when they’d perform, and the weekend, when we’d be heading up to Newcastle for the next show. But for now, Sam had an open schedule.
We toured the city together for a few days, spending more time together in those short hours than we had in nearly five years. We had a pretty close relationship, but due to our conflicting schedules and busy lives, it was rare that we found space to be with each other like this. It was cathartic- catching late lunches together, touring museums, art galleries, tourist attractions. Mom would’ve really loved to be there with us, in such a dream city, and I know we both held that thought close to our hearts for the entire week.
I didn’t attend their concert that weekend, involved with my own plans. I wanted to come see them perform at some point, but I almost wanted to spite Oliver by not going, too. It was, after all, his band, his music. So, instead, I planned on going to a local dive bar that was holding an open mic night. In such a vast, diverse city, I was sure to find fun there.
That morning, though, at breakfast, I almost changed my plans.
I sat down beside Sam, a plate of toast and eggs in my hands. Max looked up from his phone, where he had been texting someone, and grinned at me, “Morning, lovely. Sleep okay?’’
I nodded appreciatively, “I’ve gotten used to the time change already.”
“Just wait,” Sam stabbed at his stack of pancakes. “Italy is in a week. It’ll fuck you up again.”
“Oh, it’s worth it. I’ve gotten to do so much these past two weeks. It’s insane.”
Cy took a sip of his coffee before adding in, “Oh, to see London through the eyes of a tourist. I’m sure it’s nothing short of magical.”
“Gonna have a hard time leaving, that’s for sure,” I bit off a piece of toast as I replied.
Oliver and Adam joined us now, Adam rattling off some guitar notes to the singer. Their conversation was just background noise to ours, as Sam then spoke to me, brushing his hands free of crumbs from his toast, “Listen, I have your stage pass in my bag. You have to wear it to get into the venue or go backstage, okay? Don’t lose it. I won’t be able to check my phone much today, so I can’t help you out if you do.”
I looked up from my plate, a guilty frown settling into my face, “Oh. Um…I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m gonna go tonight.”
Everyone turned their attention to me fully, even Oliver, though he seemed to look past my head, avoiding my eyes. Their expressions weren’t necessarily confused, but wondorous, curiously surprised by my declaration.
“You’re not coming?” Max asked, his tone a bit hurt.
I shrugged slowly, “I’m so sorry. I had plans to go out. But, I can- I can always change them-?”
“No, don’t do that,” Cyrus waved me off, defending my choice, “you’re allowed to do your own thing. You’re not obligated to come see us.”
“I mean, I will…eventually. I just…there’s so much I wanna do, ya know?” I stuttered a bit, my face flushed from my guilt. I knew they weren’t mad, but I felt like I was letting them down.
Max pouted as he crossed his arms, “So, we’re just not as important, love? I see how it is. Here I thought we had something special.”
“I’m so sorry! I promise I’ll come to a show sometime. I’ll pencil it into my busy schedu-” I chuckled slightly through my words to make the point that I was being sarcastic. But, then, someone interrupted me.
Everyone glanced at Oliver as he stood, chair scraping against the ground. He was pulling a cigarette from an emptying pack, balancing it between his lips. Then, he walked, so quickly, yet so casually, away from our table, towards the exit.
“Even Ollie’s hurt,” Max pretended to wipe a tear from his eye.
Funny thing is, I don’t think Max was too far off with his observation. Why else had Oliver stormed off like a child, leaving a full plate of food where he had been sitting?
-
Our first travel day was hectic. We had to wake up, bright and early Saturday morning, in order to board the tour buses waiting outside of the hotel. I was a little nervous to spend the next two days inside of the vehicle, eating, sleeping, and basically living within its confines.
But then it came easy. I slept in late, finding my bunk to be a lot more comfortable than it looked. Cy had joined our bus for that first morning, he and Sam working on some drum rhythm for a new song, or something of the sort. On our bus, too, was Ronnie, Sam’s close friend- he insisted- the band’s tour manager, whom I was growing to love.
She was all tattoos, colored hair, and bad-ass energy. She swore like a sailor, said whatever came to mind, and treated the boys like stupid little teenagers. I loved it. I found myself giggling at everything she said, especially when the boys would be too loud at a gas station, and she’d scold them. Whenever Oliver would grace us with his presence on these outings, he’d glare at my laughter, as per usual.
Anyways, I think I was a difficult pill for Ronnie to swallow at first, being so feminine in comparison to her more masculine demeanor. But, we began to really bond that first afternoon on the bus.
While Cy and Sam occupied the back room, drum pads rattling beneath their sticks, Ronnie and I took up the couches towards the front of the bus. I had just gone out for a cup of tea, hoping it would wake me up and encourage me to read or something. Instead, I ended up playing countless rounds of Mario Kart with Ronnie. I was never really into video games, but playing with her was so fun, and we just couldn’t stop. She teased me for being such an amateur, for choosing Princess Peach when she played as Bowser.
But, then we got to talking- about my favorite Taylor Swift songs, ex-boyfriends, childhood trauma. She was wise beyond her years and a comforting, womanly presence to have.
“Sam told me a little bit, but I never got the full picture. What are you going to school for?”
I glanced over at her, nearly crashing my kart because of the sharp corner I had to cut. “Oh, yeah, um…counseling. To get my LPC, so I can practice.”
“A woman in STEM,” she nodded slowly, a slight smile on her face. Her eyes were focused on the tv screen, but they held a glint of humor. “Hey, I respect it. That’s a difficult job. You like it so far?”
“I liked undergrad,” I shrugged. “I’m kind of scared about my master’s, though.”
She elbowed me softly, in an attempt to offer up some semblance of encouragement, “Don’t be. You’re not dumb. You’ll figure it out.” She was the type of person to not really compliment others, so it was sweet that she was trying for me, someone she barely even knew.
“Thank you,” I grinned over at her as our match ended.
She met my eye, fought back the wide smile itching at her face, and rolled her eyes, “Cmon, peaches. I wanna kick your ass on rainbow road.”
We continued on bantering, chatting about whatever came to mind. I knew then that she’d be a rock to turn to this summer, this suspicion exemplified by the fact that she even said she’d listen to one of the songs I mentioned, though she was a metal-lover, through and through. I was becoming like an exception to everyone, a bright, soft spot of sunshine in the black-clothed masses of this touring crew. It was heartwarming to be so beloved, even if no one would say those words directly (besides Max, of course).
So, what if Oliver didn’t like me? All of his fucking friends did.
-
So, things were coming up Daisy. I was making friends- most notably, Max, Cyrus, and Ronnie. Sam was right- Cy was incredibly smart. We spent a lot of time on the bus that weekend- and the next, when we traveled further up England- discussing school, psychological theories, cognitive studies. He knew a lot about a lot and it was stimulating to get to have such intelligent conversations.
Max was a handful, of course. Again, Sam being right- Max loved to flirt with me. I think it got on my brother’s nerves, but I found it to be a fun little game. At breakfast, back in London, he’d greet me every morning with a pleasant grin, a compliment on my hairstyle for the day or my lip stick color.
Of course, it would be followed by, “Would look better on me.” To which, I would laugh hysterically and Sam would try to fling eggs at his boss.
When this particular flirtation had been spent, I glanced around the group, giggling, when my eyes landed on Oliver. He was actually looking up, and at one point, he met my eyes. My bright grin did not falter, not until his lingering stare turned into a roll in his eyes. He looked back down at his phone and I decided then and there that I would not spend another minute ruminating on him and his negative energy.
Adam and I got along, but we weren’t super compatible, which I didn’t mind. Not everyone always matched with one another. We shared pleasant greetings and didn’t mind sitting next to each other at breakfast. He seemed to just keep to himself most of the time, anyways. Not that he didn’t spend time with the group. He just- was quiet, reserved.
We’d finished up the tour dates scheduled in England during those first three weeks. It had felt like a year long journey but, in reality, they’d only performed about six concerts in that time. We still had two and a half months to go. I was elated. Time on the bus was relaxing, passing by quicker than I thought it would. Though Cy’s bunk was on the other bus, he spent most of his time with us, with Sam. Max would even bus hop, opting for group movie nights with us or games of poker. We sometimes roped Adam into it, but Oliver never budged. His band mates would call him lame, tease him for being such a n introvert, but gave up once he’d roll his eyes at them.
I wondered how they put up with his shitty attitude all the time. It must be frustrating, this annoyance only made worse by the fact that he was so fucking talented. I refused to listen to their music anymore than what Sam had already shown because I just didn’t want to give Oliver the satisfaction, even if he wouldn’t know about it.
IdontcareIdontcareIdontcare. I had to remind myself that a lot.
The next two stops were in Italy, where we’d be for just a week and a half. The evening before we boarded the plane that would take us there, however, we all decided to get out for a big dinner. It was the first time I’d really be hanging with the entire group, outside of our bus and hotel breakfasts. I wanted to look good, knowing they were used to seeing me in sweats, hoodies, jeans, so I spent a bit of time getting myself ready.
Sam barely dressed up, opting for jeans and a nicer jumper, black Vans a staple to all his outfits. I picked out one of the nicer dresses I’d packed, blush pink, with a square neckline, sheer long sleeves, and a length that cut off above my mid-thigh. I wore my black platform boots, gold jewelry, and did my hair up in this silk bow I had purchased back in London. This was the first time on this trip that I felt really good about how I looked. Oliver’s burning hatred for me only made me more insecure than I already was. Not tonight.
Sam sat on the edge of his bed, awaiting me, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when I opened the bathroom door, my boots noisy on the carpeted floor. A sweet smile came across his face. He slid his phone into his pocket and stood to take me in. His head tilted to the side.
“What?” I rubbed my hands down the front of my dress, feeling overanalyzed by his gaze.
“I don’t tell you enough Daz, but you’re beautiful,” Sam nodded, just once. Usually, I’d make fun of him for being so cheesy, so affectionate. But, this summer was bonding us more.
Instead, I grinned at my brother, but still reached out to playfully punch his arm. “Thanks, Sam-Ham.”
“Hey, you’ve done pretty well at not using that so far. Think the guys forgot about that one time.” We headed for the door now, back on our bantering like usual.
I shrugged at his comment, countering with, “Maybe I should remind them of it, then.”
Sam held the door open for me, but, as I said those words, he tried to shove it close on my moving body. I yelped at the impact and then dug my heels into the carpet as I pushed back against his weight. He laughed, heartily, before giving up on shutting me in. Because I was pushing so hard, I toppled out into the hallway, breathless, nearly falling on my face. Sam caught my shoulders and pushed me back on my feet.
As I looked up, I saw Oliver, standing outside of his own room, a quiet smile on his face. He had been observing our antics, passively, with an amused glint in his eye. I grinned back at him, my stupid heart feeling hopeful for some semblance of a spark to catch between us. As if he realized it was my eyes he was looking into, he turned his head.
But, then, just as quickly as he peeled his gaze away, he put it back on me. On my boots, fiery brown eyes dragging themselves up my body. They lingered over the curve of my hips, the peaks of my breasts, my glossy lips and, then, my eyes. He seemed to smirk at me, flashed his eyes, then turned on his heel and headed for the elevator.
Sam hadn’t noticed the longing gaze Oliver burned into me because Ronnie was approaching us from down the hall. She didn’t really go to breakfast or dinner with us because she was always on the move. But, luckily, she was able to make it out tonight. And, whenever Ronnie was around, Sam was more than distracted.
I was too focused on Oliver, myself, staring at his retreating back with a slack jaw. Goosebumps littered the skin exposed on my chest, my legs, a chemical reaction eliciting itself from his burning eyes. What the fuck was that? I knew, deep in my soul, that I shouldn’t have been surprised. He was literally just a stupid man, and I was dressed in little to no clothing. As long as a vagina had legs, men would fuck the most insufferable of women. That was just it- right?
I didn’t have time to focus on my own racing thoughts, however, because Ronnie was talking to me now, teasing me about my dress, which I knew, for her, was just a hidden compliment.
“Jesus, it’s like Princess Peach in real life,” she chuckled, eyeing me up.
I turned to the two of them, licking my lips as if to snap myself out of my lucid trance. “Huh? Oh…uh- insert funny Princess Peach line,” I shook my hands around, forcing a smile upon my face, as I tried to banter back.
“Something like, ‘save me, Mario!”’ Sam mocked the character in a high-pitched voice.
This finally distracted my brain enough. Ronnie and I shared a humorously surprised expression, eyed Sam, before bursting out into laughter.
“That was fucking terrible!” Ronnie exclaimed, smacking Sam in the bicep. “I loved it.”
We made our way to the elevator, still teasing Sam for his terrible impression. He tried to save himself by acting like Mario, but that was just another train wreck, in and of itself.
“I’m-a sorry! Please-a forgive me-a!” He lifted his arms in a strange manner as he made another horrid impression. Ronnie held a finger up to her lips, “No, no. Shhhhhh…no, just…no.” I giggled into my hand.
We were supposed to meet the others down in the lobby, where we would take a pair of taxis down the street to some five-star restaurant the boys had recommended. I was lucky to have saved up so much at my job back home, to be able to do stuff like this all summer. I don’t think I’d ever been to such a fancy place before. I was more than excited.
When we stepped off the elevator, we spotted our group by the front doors. Max was in a sweater, jeans, hands stuffed in his pockets as he spoke to Adam, who was also dressed nicer than normal. He looked over the guitarist's shoulder as the elevator dinged and spotted me immediately. Max gawked at the sight. He interrupted his band mate’s conversation in order to whistle. I flushed red, eyes rolling, though I secretly appreciated all the attention I was garnering with this little outfit.
“Oh, my god,” Ronnie murmured to herself, pressing a hand to her forehead as though he was stressing her out. She and Sam moved off, out of the way, as Max approached.
He brushed past Adam, looking me up and down. He reached out for my hands, taking my fingers in his large hold. He lifted my arms up, as if to get a better examination of me. “Love, you look fucking gorgeous!”
I shook my head, grinning at the compliments, and it ruffled my hair over my shoulders. It drew Max’s attention to my intricate hairstyle. He moved his hand to touch my neck, softly, and turned my head to admire the hairstyle.
“Wow, love, just; wow!” Max appreciated me some more, settling a blush across my cheeks.
Then, he pulled me to stand beside him, looping my hand through his arm, laying it around his bicep. “Come on, love; you’re my date for this evening. Yeah?”
“Sure,” I patted his bicep. “Whatever you say.”
Max groaned, head tilted back, eyes shut. “Don’t say that! That’s dangerous-“
“Watch your fucking mouth!” Sam called from his spot beside Ronnie, a finger pointed warningly at Max. I hung my head, giggles falling from my mouth. Ronnie looked amused at the confrontation.
Max raised his own hand in defense, “Okay, okay. I’ll even admit that one was a little…out there.” Sam nodded firmly with a disapproving smile. Max tilted his head down towards me, his expression more polite now, words close to my ear. “Sorry, love.”
I leaned into his arm, winking slightly, “Don’t be. I liked it.”
“Oh! That’s my girl,” Max tapped my nose sweetly.
I was on top of the world. I looked good- even Oliver thought so- I felt good. I was in the most beautiful country, surrounded by people I was forming tightly-knit relationships with. Nothing could ruin my elated mood.
I didn’t even care that Ronnie, Sam, and Adam had piled into the one taxi, leaving Max, Oliver, Cy, and I to share the other. I didn’t care that I’d have to share such a small space with the most insufferable man in the world.
Cy chose to sit up front, cutting off Oliver, who had most definitely been headed in that direction. Cy didn’t notice, though. His action was sacrificial for everyone else, not intentionally manipulative towards his band mate. Oliver, however, seemed to take it to heart, frowning deeply at the rejection and fisting his hand into his hoodie pocket.
I watched all this occur as Max opened the door to the taxi, helping me inside the back seat. “You okay in the middle?” He asked, head dipped inside the vehicle.
I nodded, “No worries.” I only realized after I saw Oliver round the car that this meant I’d be sitting flush against him.
I didn’t care. Though my face flushed with anticipatory anxiety, I didn’t care. I didn’t care- was that his cologne in the air- nope. Don’t care.
Max piled in, softly shutting the door behind him, leg and shoulder pressed up against my own. I buckled myself in just as Oliver opened the door. I tried to offer a sweet smile, still choosing kindness over returning his awful behavior. He didn’t mirror any gesture in return. My smile faltered.
No. I wouldn’t let him ruin this for me. Tonight was going to be fun, whether he wanted it to be or not. If he chose to sulk in my presence, then that was his problem. I shook my shoulders about, basically shaking him off of me. Though, it would be my problem during the car ride. He slid into the seat next to me and I swear I could feel his negative energy fill up the car. Besides, he was tall, legs and arms long, shoulders wide. I know he was trying to shove himself up against the door, but he couldn’t just not touch me. His thigh was warm against mine, his shoulder tense. I leaned into Max to try to give him more space, but that was unfair to him.
The bassist shifted in return, looking down at me, apologetic for thinking he had taken up too much space, “Sorry, love.”
“S’okay,” I looked away from Oliver, focusing my attention on the road before us as the driver pulled out of the parking lot. I tried to sink into myself. But, I was still flush against either man.
I could smell Oliver’s cologne, too. It was sweet, musky. It overwhelmed my senses. Though I tried to process Max and Cy’s blossoming conversation, appeal myself to them and only them, all I could think about was Oliver. How he smelled. The curve of his thigh.
Oliver’s large hand on his knee, slender fingers curved over top of the limb. Oliver’s chest, in the corner of my eye, moving up and down slowly, in a controlled rhythm of breathing. Oliver’s scent, so strong to my senses, so…distracting. He smelled so damn good.
I shifted in my seat again. My thigh pressed up against his more. I squeezed my legs together to avoid his, but there wasn’t enough room. I glanced at him, an apologetic smile on my lips.
He looked down at me, lips pursed slightly. I held his eyes for a moment, trying to read his expression. Just as I went to turn my head away, his eyes dipped down, over the peaks of my breast again.
Okay, he was not helping the situation. The way he looked more over was just making him seem more attractive to my stupid brain.
I flushed, skin spotting with color from the red blush. I took a deep breath, chest rising and falling as I tried to control the heat in my body. I saw from the corner of my eye that Oliver was still staring at me. He shifted this time, tugging his hoodie down his belt. I furrowed my brows at the movement, flicking my eyes over his lap, where the hem of his jacket had now settled. Oliver coughed, large hand holding the edge of his hoodie down over where he had moved it to. I did a double-take, realizing after a moment what that meant.
He had a boner.
He had a boner because of me.
Oliver had a boner because of me.
Oh, God.
I couldn’t think straight. I clutched the edge of my dress, knuckles white from the pressure in them. My chest only fell faster, breathing short, goosebumps littering my flushed skin again. I could feel Oliver look over at me, over and over. He just couldn’t look away. He shifted countless more times, thigh pushing against mine. It sprouted a wildfire across my skin.
I didn’t want to play games, but he was making it impossible to be the neutral position in this narrative. One day, he hated me, rolling his eyes at my laughter. Then, the next, he’s checking me out, battling a boner in the seat beside me? So, maybe I should just choose a side. Maybe I should play back.
I spread my legs, only a centimeter due to the lack of space I had, pressing my thigh into his more. It was noticeable to him, and him only.
He felt the pressure, eyes dragging down my body to my leg. The hand he still had curved over his leg squeezed his knee cap, knuckles flushing white, like my own. I smirked to myself, though I knew he could see the expression on my face. He let out a breathless huff, as if he was struggling to get air into his lungs.
Eventually, we made it to the restaurant. I continued pushing my leg into his, though he slowly began to cower into the corner of the car, knee turning towards the door. I felt victorious, confident in the way I had made his body react.
Though my hands still shook from the heat of the moment. The game paused during dinner. Oliver went back to ignoring me, eyes trained on the menu or his lap. I knew it was partially because he didn’t want to have a boner in front of our friends. Though, he conversed a bit more tonight, to Ronnie about tour dates, to his band mates about the setlist, to Sam about some stupid bit they were all involved in. I knew it was just because of the camaraderie between everyone.
Everyone had a really good time, myself included, though I was sweating. We were all laughing, sharing stories over numerous glasses of wine. Of course, my hand was a little heavier than the other’s when I’d poured myself some of the maroon colored liquid. I needed to drink in order to get through this painful plane of existence. This was not how I thought the night would go, but there was no going back now. I needed to make him uncomfortable, needed him to see me. He couldn’t ignore me any longer. Not now, not when I knew that I had him in such a taunting way. When dessert was brought out- slices of chocolate cake- I stepped back into the game. I was a little more brave now, encouraged by the wine. I was tipsy, sure, but I also knew exactly what I was doing.
Oliver was seated right across from me, accidental on either of our ends. But, lucky, nonetheless. I pushed my feet out underneath the table, taking up more space than I needed to. Eventually, the toes of my boots hit the tips of his black converse.
He had been eating his cake, eyes trained on the white cloth of the table. But, when I knocked our shoes together, his eyes flinched up, towards me. His brows furrowed. He dipped his head down and lifted the cloth up slightly to look at our shoes under the table. Oliver met my eyes again. He rolled his eyes and went back to his cake. I smirked to myself. He thought I was just being stupid, stretching my legs out. No- I was a smart girl. I knew what I was doing. This was all intentional. I hated him, but he thought I was hot. So, I could finally get back at him for all of his shitty behavior. Could use my good looks to my advantage.
I put my boot atop one of his converse. His foot wriggled beneath mine, in an attempt to knock it off. But, I pressed down, keeping it there. Oliver looked back up, annoyance evident in his face.
I took the opportunity to have a bit of my cake, slipping the fork between my lips slowly, tongue flicking out to swipe the bottom of it seductively. Oliver’s eyes widened as I drug the utensil from my lips. I twisted it around in my mouth, cleaning off every inch, lips pursed. He sat up in his seat.
I had his full attention now.
I scooped more cake onto my fork, though I didn’t bite into it this time. Instead, I licked the fork, dragging it down my tongue. Oliver’s eyes watched my mouth, his own tongue flicking out over his lips.
I swallowed, noticeably so. He shifted in his seat, hands in his laps now. I set my fork down, leaned back in my seat, and crossed my arms. I let myself grin at him, having successfully made his dick hard again. He was a stupid, easy boy. It didn’t matter who I was- so long as I was wearing skimpy clothes and being sexy- he was weak. Sure, he probably still couldn’t stand me- but his dick was hard.
Oliver’s jaw clenched. He tilted his chin up towards me, as if to say, “Okay. I see how it is.”
I flicked my brows at him, reaching out for my wine glass, and maintaining eye contact as I took a long swig. “Should we go out for drinks?” Max asked from his end of the table.
I glanced down at him, my wine glass empty now. Sam wiped his mouth clean with a napkin, searching everyone’s expressions. “Could be fun,” I shrugged. “Yeah, I could go for some beer,” Adam shrugged from his seat.
Ronnie nodded, too, “Fuck it. Let’s do it.”
Cyrus raised a hand to motion to the waitress that we needed our checks. I reached around to the back of my chair as she approached, ready to grab my wallet. Though we had already laid out how the checks would be split, she never gave me mine.
I furrowed my brows as she passed over me, handing out bills to everyone else. But, then I saw Sam laying his card down on his bill and nodded to myself. When we left the restaurant, and began walking down the street to the closest bar, I caught up to him and Ronnie. I looped my arm through his, gaining his attention, “Thanks, Sam Ham.”
He looked confused by my gratitude, but didn’t have time to focus on that because he was too busy being offended by my choice of nickname. He moved to fuck with me, to tickle my waist or something, but I quickly ran from him. Max and Adam were walking a few feet ahead of us. Laughing loudly, I headed to them, running in front of Max. The wine I had drank was making me loud, silly. I appreciated the ability to relax, unwind. Be myself without any filters holding me back.
Max nearly tripped over me, but when he heard Sam calling out, trying to get to me, he quickly grabbed me by the waist. “Leave my girl alone, you monster!” Max shouted, tossing me over his shoulder and racing further down the street.
I clutched onto his arms, yelping at the hectic movement. We reached the bar before everyone else, Sam having given up on chasing us after he nearly tripped on the curb. I watched them all approach where we stood from over Max’s shoulder, breathless.
I patted his back and said, “Okay, thanks, but you can let me down now.”
“Mhm,” Max turned towards the group. “Appreciating the view, love.”
“Max,” Ronnie was even getting protective over me. She moved in front of us, an annoyed look on her face, “You’re disgusting.”
Max huffed, and replied, “Okay, okay, here,” before settling me back on my feet. He grinned down at me, booped my nose again before heading into the bar with Adam, Ronnie, and Sam.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw Cy and Oliver, having been trailing behind our group. Cy smiled kindly, hands shoved in his jacket pockets. I noticed Oliver was looking up at the sky. I trailed my eyes down over his body, towards his crotch curiously. His black skinny jeans looked just a liiiiittle bit tight, again.
I smirked to myself. “Cmon, Cy,” I pushed Oliver gently out of the way in order to grab onto his friend’s arm. We walked into the bar, leaving Oliver in the dust. I made sure to swing my hips just so for his gaze, which I was positive was glued to my ass.
The game was back on. And he would lose.
-
Max handed me yet another drink, a sweet, drunken smile on his face. “Here you are, lovey.”
“Thank you, friend!” I wriggled around on the bar stool happily. I lazily wrapped my lips around the thin black straw in the glass I now held tightly in my hand. The bitter taste of alcohol, diluted by the cherry grenadine and orange slice clipped onto the rim of the glass, flooded my tongue. I shut my eyes as I enjoyed the taste, drunk enough that it didn’t actually matter how gross vodka was.
I set the glass back down upon the bar, then twisted my stool around to observe the small dance floor. It was some local dive bar we’d settled on, a place Max had been to loads of times before. It was getting crowded, especially as the night wound down. Every seat at the counter was full, the tables were occupied, and everyone on said dance floor was pushing up against each other. The couples dancing there were sights for sore eyes, all sloppy hips and wandering hands.
I moved my head side to side, with the rhythm of the song playing, lips pursed. I knew some of the words, mostly just the chorus, so I sang along when I could. I glanced over to the pool tables when I heard Sam and Ronnie cheer loudly. They were playing against Adam and Cy, who seemed to be losing quite badly. I giggled to myself as Sam chest-bumped with Ronnie.
Max, who had been talking to Oliver, who was sitting- sulking- beside us, turned his attention back to me. I was still his ‘date’ for the evening, so he had refused to let me buy my own drinks. This was incredibly dangerous. Not including the two glasses of wine I’d had back at the restaurant, I was already on my fourth drink. The liquor was making my stomach warm, my limbs loose. As for Oliver…I had been too busy enjoying myself in the bar to play with him. I was feeling like just giving up, satisfied with what I’d accomplished, growing bored of him as the alcohol filled up my attention. Besides, the man seemed uninterested in anything anymore.
“I still owe you a dance, don’t I, lovely?” Max’s voice was low in my ear, his cheek brushing against my hair.
I grinned up at him, “I think you owe me at least two.”
Max dipped his head back to swallow the rest of his drink before offering me his hand. As he did, Whitney Houston began playing. My mouth opened wide in excitement. I hopped off the bar and drugged him behind me, jumping to the rhythm with each step I took towards the floor. I sang to Max, holding onto his hand, pointing with every lyric, popping my hips. He swayed, but mostly let me have my moment. He pulled me every so often and my hair would whip past my shoulders.
“Spinning through the town- ah!” I squealed as Max spun me towards his chest. I clutched onto his shoulders as he dipped me, hands low on my back. As I hung there in the air, I burst out laughing, my head falling further backwards.
When I opened my eyes, I caught sight of Oliver, now turned in his stool to face the dance floor. He wasn’t smiling, no, he was basically incapable of doing so. But, there was a small curl in his lips, a glint in his dark eyes each time the flashing lights burned his pupils. Nevermind. I was back in. I was so back in the game that it was probably unhealthy, and I’d probably regret it. The song ended, and, to my luck, S&M by Rihanna began playing. I grinned at Max as my back straightened up, my chest pressed against his.
He tilted his head at me with a playful smile, “I have a feeling Sam won’t like this.”
I wrapped my arms around Max’s neck, pushing myself flush against him. I stood on my tiptoes, glossy lips barely ghosting his earlobe as I whispered, “I don’t care.”
As I pulled away, I watched Max throw his head back and roll his eyes. “You’re killing me, love!”
“Good!”
The chorus began thumping through the speakers. I pushed Max’s leg through my own, feeling his boney hips against mine. I rolled my waist to his, tossing my hair back, leaning into his hands. He pushed his touch lower, over the curve of my tailbone, dangerously close to my ass. We danced through the song, pushing into each other, hips rolling. As it reached the bridge, Max pushed me away, still holding my hand, encouraging me to dance on my own for a moment. I did, jumping around, screaming the lyrics, hair whipping over my face. Max then spun me back into his chest.
When I thumped against his body, I knew I was going to puke. Vile pushed up my throat and I slapped a hand over my mouth. I stumbled, ripping my hand from Max. He was speaking to me, asking if I was okay, or something of the sort, but I couldn’t hear him.
I needed to get away- get to the bathroom, get fresh air, something. I didn’t know where the ladies room was, so I b-lined for the front door, tripping through the crowd, until my fingers touched the push bar handle. My knees scraped against the pavement as I fell into the curb, retching the contents of the dinner I’d had into the bushes outside the bar. I tried to brush my hair from my face, but it was sticking to my face in bunches, sweat acting as a bondant.
Out of nowhere, I felt someone else’s warm hands on my neck, fingering my hair back into their fist, peeling strands from my cheeks and lips. I braced my hands against the dirt of the curb and some of it lodged up under my fingernails. My knees were burning, probably all cut up from my crash landing.
After a few minutes of relentless gagging, my stomach was finally empty. I pushed myself back onto my ass, tears dripping down my cheeks, black mascara smudging all the way down to my neck. My back pressed up against the stranger’s chest. I felt my shoulders shaking from the exertion my body had just gone through.
“It’s okay,” they were shushing me throughout it all, their voice now processing in my ears. They wrapped an arm around my waist, hugging me to their chest as they swayed us slightly. Their other hand continued brushing my hair from my face soothingly, coaxing me down from the high of the moment. “It’s okay, Daisy. You’ll be okay.”
“I wanna go home,” I sobbed slightly, words slobbered from my salivating lips.
“I know, I know, s’okay,” they continued soothing me. “Think you can stand?”
I glanced down, looking over the hand that was helping me. Silver rings adorned the person’s long, slender fingers, and their pale wrist led into an arm that disappeared under a black sweatshirt. As my brain processed their voice, their sweet smell of cologne that was encasing me, my eyes widened.
“Ol-” my voice cracked, “Oliver?”
He peered over my shoulder as I looked back at him, managing to meet his eyes. “Yeah? You okay? Think you can stand, darling?”
I wanted to be angry, to jump up and yell at him for being so fucking weird, for acting like my existence was a burden, but falling to his knees whenever I was in danger. But, I couldn’t right now. I just wanted to go home. Back to the hotel, curl up in bed.
“N-no,” I admitted guiltily, brows furrowed. “I…don’t feel good.”
“S’okay. Shhhh, it’s okay. Here,” Oliver braced my back with a hand as he stood, ensuring I wouldn’t fall over onto the sidewalk. When he settled onto his feet, he pulled his phone from his pocket, shot a quick text to someone. Then, he crouched down, scooped me up, easily, into his arms. I lazily wrapped my hands around his neck.
The crevice of his shoulder was warm, so I nuzzled my head there. I could hear his heartbeat, thumping rapidly through his hoodie. I focused on the sound as he began walking. My eyes, unwillingly, fluttered shut. I didn’t know where we were going or, honestly, what the fuck was happening. But, I couldn’t care. I just needed my world to stop spinning. Besides, being so close to him felt…good. I didn’t want to admit it, didn’t want it to be true. But, he was…he felt good.
Eventually, I guess, we made it back to the hotel. I came to from my sleepy trance when I heard the elevator ding. I took in a sharp gasp of breath, lifting my head from Oliver’s chest.
“Doing okay, Daisy?” He looked down at me. I felt us shift as the elevator lifted up on its track. I shook my head, only having enough energy to do so once, frowning deeply, “Not really.”
“S’okay, darling, we’re almost there,” Oliver assured me. My brows furrowed when I heard the pet name pass through his lips. “What?” I questioned. I suppose he’d used it a few times now, but this was the first I’d noticed it. It was…entrancing.
Oliver glanced back at me, having trained his eyes back on the doors before us, “Said we’ll be there soon, yeah?” “Darling,” I whispered, mostly to myself as I lay my head back into his neck.
I heard him chuckle softly, as though he heard my inquiring tone. The noise rattled against my cupped ear, deep, hollow in his chest. I liked the sound. I wanted to hear it more often. I cooed and felt Oliver’s chest constrict beneath my chin, as though he was taking a deep breath. We were moving again, down the hallway, towards mine and Sam’s room. Oliver stopped outside of it and shifted me in his arms. “Okay, darling, need your help here. I’ve got your purse. Could you get in it, get your key? Can you do that for me, beautiful?”
My mind was so rattled by his free use of the sweet names that I struggled to focus on the task at hand. Jaw slack, I stared up at him, hypnotized. He smiled down at me, still humored by my shock.
“Darling? Please? Your purse.”
‘‘Purse,” I nodded slowly. Then, somehow, I managed to reach for the pink strap slung over his shoulder. I fished my purse into my lap, dug around, trying to find my wallet. As I continued to search for it, I began to grow frustrated. I just wanted to close my eyes, go to sleep. “Can’t find it.” I began to cry again, sniffling lamely.
He soothed me with soft hushes, “S’okay. Darling, s’okay. You can just..” he huffed as he tried to come up with a solution. He peered down the hallway, towards his room. “You can just stay in my room. Don’t cry, Daisy. S…okay.”
He seemed to be trying to reassure himself more than me. He backtracked down the hallway, stopping before his door now. “Okay, just one more favor, darling. Can you do that for me? One more?”
“Yes,” I slurred.
Oliver tapped his fingers against the underside of my thigh. It released a net of butterflies in my stomach. “Can you reach into my back pocket, get my wallet? Yeah?”
I shifted in his arms, straining my arm over his shoulder as I reached for the wallet he spoke of. With a few soft groans from me, and the help of Oliver, who lifted me up further so I could reach, I retrieved it. I flipped it open, eyes immediately drawn to his driver’s license in the clear slot.
“You’re cute,” I muttered to myself, rubbing a finger across the picture. “December 22. Your birthday is seven months away.”
“Yes, it is, darling,” he chuckled down at me. “Now, listen-“
“My birthday is next month,” I tilted my head back, pointing my glazed smile up at him.
“Oh, yeah?” I watched as his grin grew upon meeting my eyes.
“The 12th,” I moved my hand from the wallet to his cheek, touching it softly. “You’re cute.”
His face grew hot beneath my touch. “So are you, darling. You wanna get to sleep, yeah?”
The words drew a yawn from my throat. I arched my back into his hold, nodding lazily.
“Would you take the hotel key out and press it against the handle, please? Daisy-“ he demanded my eye contact. I gave it to him, easily. I would do anything he asked, I knew at this moment.
“Yes.”
I unlocked the door, pushed it open for us. Oliver moved through the threshold, pressing a kiss to my temple shortly. When he spoke, his lips were so close to my ear that I felt his words in my legs. It vibrated through my veins, like the music at the bar had. He said, “Good girl.” I managed not to make a guttural noise.
Oliver carried me to his bed, gently laying my body down over the covers. I immediately curled up into myself, shivering at the cold in the air, eyes squeezed shut. I’d forgotten any conversation I’d started with him in the hallway. I was too focused on getting to sleep.
Oliver sat down beside me, laying a hand on my shoulder. He shook me, softly, “May I take off your shoes?”
I groaned in response, hoping it came out as a positive signal for him. He laughed again, before moving his touch down to my calves. He was so warm.
Oliver lifted my one leg, just slightly, unzipping each boot before sliding them down and off my feet. He leaned over the bet to set them on the floor.
When he straightened up, he leaned in to get a closer look at my knees. “Scraped yourself up pretty good.”
I hissed as his fingers dabbed at a cut. He apologized, softly, before adding, “Let me get a cloth, okay?” His hand was on my cheek now, thumb brushing away some of the mascara that was dried on my face.
I gave him a thumbs up, my hand hitting his shoulder. He took my fingers in his and lay it back against my chest. I held his hand there, snuggling my cheek to it. Oliver sighed at the action, but then took his hand back. I heard him get up. I heard the faucet run. Suddenly, he was back, pressing a warm, damp cloth to my face.
‘‘C’mere, darling,” he sat down again. Oliver’s fingers cradled my cheek as he lifted my head up and lay it in his lap. His fingers were rough from playing the guitar, but it was nice to feel them brush the hair away from my face. He was cleaning the makeup off my face now.
Meanwhile, I was far too drunk and tired to notice the way my body reacted to his touch. Butterflies ate away at my stomach, heat sprouted from every ghost of his fingers. Goosebumps covered every inch of my skin, eating away at me like acid.
He moved his focus down to my knees, using some alcohol pads to wipe off dried blood on my legs. He bandaged them with whatever he found in the bathroom.
“Would you like to change out of your dress?” Oliver then asked. He was still stroking my cheek now, but the cloth was abandoned. There was no makeup to take off. He was just…touching me, just for the sake of touching me.
“Please,” I peeked open my eyes. His face was so close to mine, it almost made me flinch. But, I was taken back more by the brightness of the lights glaring down on me.
When my squinting eyes met his gaze, he grinned, “Think you can sit up for me, darling?”
I nodded, a smile forced onto my face from his beautiful expression. Oliver braced my back again, large fingers splayed out over my waist, helping me to lean against the headboard. I wanted his hands all over me. I hoped I didn’t say it out loud. I didn’t think I did, but who knew at this point.
“Would you like a hoodie? T-shirt? Pants?” He glanced around the room as he spoke, hoping to find something for me.
“Hoodie,” I murmured in response, staring at the blank, black screen of the tv.
Oliver went to stand, but I reached out, fingers grasping at the strings of his jacket. He settled back onto the bed, brows furrowed as he looked down at my touch. He pointed to his chest, “This hoodie?”
“Please,” I stared at the string as I played with it. Oliver chuckled, again, before tugging his arms from the sleeves, peeling the hoodie up and over his head. My eyes glued to his chest as his shirt rode up, revealing his toned stomach, the line that I knew led to his dick. His hair was all ruffled from the movement, too, only making him more attractive to me.
“Wanna keep staring at me or go to bed, darling?” Oliver touched his pointer finger to my slack jaw, drawing my eyes to his.
I met his dark stare, flushing red. I smiled, “Both.”
“One thing at a time. We have all summer,” he shook his head, the volume of his words lowering as he spoke, like it was a secret we were sharing with each other. What the fuck did that mean? That meant something. That meant…everything. What the fuck?
I managed to lean forward so Oliver could unzip my dress, though my mind was somewhere else. It was racing, especially as his fingers brushed down my spine. My back arched into his touch. Heat sprouted like a garden on my skin. I needed…
Oliver pulled his hoodie over my bare body. When my head popped through the opening, we shared a sweet grin. Oliver glanced up at my hair, then ran both his hands over the mess, patting it down. He cradled my head in his hands, his large, warm, hold simply gazing into my eyes.
The pace of my breathing sped up, heart thumping rapidly in my chest. I wanted to kiss him. I needed to kiss him. I didn’t care that he was confusing, that he was an asshole 99% of the time. I didn’t care that he probably tasted like cigarette smoke, that I’d puked thirty minutes ago, or that he was my brother’s boss.
I needed his lips on mine. He had been the center of my thoughts these past few weeks. And he was finally right there for the taking.
I pushed forward with so much effort that I tackled Oliver onto the bed. I grabbed the neck of his t-shirt, guiding his lips to mine. He made a noise as his back hit the bed, the air knocked out of him. I straddled his waist, somehow, sloppily kissing him.
For a moment, just a brief moment, Oliver touched my waist and kissed me back. Then, he braced his hands against my shoulders, leaned his head back far enough into the bed that he could get away.
“Daisy-“
“Oliver, please!” I tugged at his shirt, whining like a child who had their candy stolen.
Oliver laughed at my puckered lips, squeezed-shut eyes. He sat us up, me in his lap, his hands moving to my waist. The movement forced my eyes open, my lips coming to a frown on my face. I furrowed my brows, puppy-dog eyes staring up at him with a pleading in my pupils.
“Daisy, you’re drunk,” he touched my cheek, trying to ground my gaze to his, hoping the explanation would make sense to my drunken mind.
But, it didn’t, of course. Besides, this was rejection. Rejection from the guy who rolled his eyes everytime I spoke. Rejection from the guy who got hard because of my thigh pressing against his leg in the car. The confusion of the situation was overwhelming me.
And the only thing I could think to say was, “Why don’t you want me?”
Oliver’s gaze softened. He didn’t even have to think of his response. It came so naturally, “I do. I…I do want you.”
His voice was soft, a whisper passed between just our breaths. My grip on his shirt loosened as I relaxed in his lap. I was still frowning, though, still confused, “Then why…why are you so mean to me?”
“It’s complicated, darling,” he searched my face, worry in his eyes. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. “I’m sorry. I just…let’s just get you to bed, okay? We can have this conversation when you’re sober. Can we do that, darling? Besides, we have a plane to catch in five hours.” I nodded, though it was slow, unsure. Oliver helped me under the covers, tucking them up to my chin sweetly. He brushed my hair back again, eyes lingering on my fluttering-shut eyes. I mumbled, barely coherent, slurred words, “Please lay with me.”
Oliver shook his head, “I can’t do that, darling.” “Why?” I pouted my lip.
And, though I forgot a lot of details about this night, his response was something I would never, ever let slip from my memory.
“If I lay down next to you, I don’t think I could keep my hands to myself.”
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How to get to Stonehenge from London
If you’re staying in London for an extended period of time, whether you got a great deal at your hotel in Hyde Park or are in the city for business, then it can be a good idea to explore day trips and adventures outside of the city.
Stonehenge remains one of the most interesting historical sites in the south of England and can be enjoyed as a solo expedition or as part of a guided tour.
But for those staying in the heart of the city, finding their way from the Park Avenue Hotel Hyde Park to the outskirts of Stonehenge can be difficult – which is where this blog comes in. To help you plan your day trip or southern adventure, we’ve compiled a handful of the easiest ways to get to Stonehenge from London, so you can make the most of your visit and be back in time for dinner.
Travel by Bus
If you want to get to Stonehenge directly while benefitting from an opportunity to enjoy the British countryside on your travels, then getting the bus can be an excellent way of immersing yourself in the landscape. Departing from London Victoria Station, a stone’s throw from the popular hotels and accommodation near Hyde Park, there are two different bus options you can follow, one which is a shuttle taking groups of visitors to Stonehenge directly, while the other is a broader sightseeing bus which will take you as far as Salisbury.
Once you’re at Salisbury, you can either hop on a Stonehenge shuttle which is geared towards tourist arrivals, or alternatively book yourself a taxi to the historic site.
Travel by Train
The other way of getting to Stonehenge via public transport is by train, with the more direct line running from London Waterloo station which is just over the river from the hotels in London near Hyde Park and the city centre. Again, you need to be looking for a direct route to Salisbury and then using a taxi or local shuttle bus to get you directly to the site.
Join a Tour
The final and most immersive option available to those visiting London is to join some form of tour, which starts and ends in the city centre, and which includes everything from travel to some information and insight into the history of Stonehenge through the presence of a dedicated tour guide. If you want to enjoy a day out without worrying about logistics, timings, and travel, then we recommend this as the option for you; not to mention when you become part of a tour you get to enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded tourists.
Stonehenge is a major part of the British landscape and local history, and offers visitors from all over the world a chance to understand a little more about how this site – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – is regarded as one of the most mysterious and magical attractions in the UK.
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