#arndale centre

[maggierosem1980]

A day out shopping

[scavengedluxury]

Deli counter, Sainsbury's, Arndale Centre, Wandsworth, 1971. From the Sainsbury Archive.

[myhurlingdaysaredone]

The Smiths at the Arndale Centre in Manchester, 1985, photographed by Stephen Wright

[the-cult-of-riley]

Sleeping With Ghosts (Act One: Chapter Two)

Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Female OC

[[Masterlist]]

A/N: As Act One progresses, you'll notice the time skips between chapters get a little bigger. These guys have an eight year relationship and it would take me forever to write out the entirety of it lmao. The point of Act One is to give you insight into their relationship so you understand for Act Two.

The inspiration for this story was the prologue and Act One was never supposed to be as big as it got. I just wanted to lay a foundation for their relationship and got reeeeal carried away lololol In my opinion, the real meat of this story is Act Two. The whole of Act One is just a build up lmaooo

Placebo - Special K

Coming up beyond belief On this coronary thief More than just the leitmotif More chaotic, no relief

I'll describe the way I feel Weeping wounds that never heal Can the savior be for real Or are you just my seventh seal?

No hesitation, no delay You come on just like Special K Just like I swallowed half my stash And never ever wanna crash No hesitation, no delay You come on just like Special K Now you're back with dope demand I'm on sinking sand

Gravity, no escaping Gravity Gravity, no escaping Not for free I fall down, hit the ground Make a heavy sound Every time you seem to come around

They walked down the street, his apartment building luckily on the road the bus stop was on so they didn't need to go far. He fished his fob out, holding it up to the scanner and hearing it beep to signal the door was open. He watched her as she glanced around, wonder on her face as if she was impressed by the foyer as he led her to the lift. Didn't want her trudging up four flights of stairs. 

“This is so… swanky,” she murmured, an amused smile on her face as she looked at him.

“It's alright,” he shrugged as he pressed the button for the lift. He knew it was nice, much nicer than his childhood home. He didn't think it was too fancy though. Wasn’t some fucking penthouse in the middle of the city centre. 

“It’s more than alright, Simon…” she scoffed, “it’s probably best we came here and not my place,” she added and when he looked at her, she had a guarded look on her face that made his brows furrow. He didn't like it. The doors to the lift opened and he led her inside, pressing four and watching the door close.

“Love… you could live in a council house in the middle of Moss Side and I wouldn't judge you for it. I grew up in fuckin’ Gorton, for fuck sake,” he muttered as he squeezed her hand. He didn't need her thinking he was some stuck up snob when he was far from it. She smiled then, raising a brow at him.

“It's not that bad,” she snorted and he felt himself relax as she seemed to lighten up again. “It's just a small studio thing. It's above a florist’s, makes the rent cheaper. I work at Cafe Metro in town, doesn’t exactly equal great pay,” she explained softly, looking a little self conscious. He knew the cafe she talked about. It was opposite the Arndale centre and he’d passed it a fair few times. He tugged her closer, nuzzling the side of her head and relishing in the light laugh that he caused. 

“Maybe you should show me sometime,” he murmured hesitantly, unsure how she’d react to suggesting seeing her again when they hadn't even fucked yet. Instead of recoiling or making a comment to refute him, she smiled brightly as her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. 

“We’ll see if you get sick of me yet,” she smirked but he saw something flash behind her eyes and he wondered if she’d briefly thought of her piece of shit ex. He had every plan to make her fucking forget his name by the end of the night.

“Don’t think I'd ever get sick of you, sweetheart,” he admitted, unsure why he even told her when he couldn't quite understand his own feelings. He'd known her less than an hour yet he felt like he’d known her a lifetime. The resulting smile from her made everything worth it. It was the kind of smile that stopped the world turning. The kind of smile that caused men to go to fucking war. He was doomed and he wasn't even mad about it. 

The door opened with a ding and he led her once again out of the lift and down the corridor to apartment 4F. He turned the key in the lock, hands shaking with anticipation as he led her in. This wasn’t like him at all, he wasn’t the type to fucking tremble at the thought of touching a woman. It struck him then that he’d never invited anyone to his apartment other than Tommy, Beth and his mum. He’d never brought a girl back here because he could hardly sneak out at first light if he fucking lived here. 

It felt right though, bringing her here and he watched with some hesitance as she looked around and took it in. He felt a little self conscious then. He didn't have much, the bare essentials and since he was off with the Army a lot, it looked slightly unlived in. It didn't help that he was a neat freak, cleanliness being instilled in him from the military. There were a few items though that meant things to him. The quilted blanket his mother had made him that was thrown over the back of the couch, the pictures of Tommy, Beth and his mum around on the walls. The newest addition was a scan of Tommy and Beth’s baby that was tacked to his fridge by a magnet in the shape of an army tank. 

His eyes were glued on her as she took it all in, wandering over to the couch and touching the quilted blanket with a little smile on her face. It was made of black and camo squares. She turned her eyes to him then and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly. He wasn't used to this. 

“You want a drink or anythin’?” he asked, wondering what he even had in his fridge since he wasn't expecting company. She fluttered a smile at him as she shook her head, sauntering over to him looking like a fucking angel that fell from heaven just for him. She stopped in front of him, toying with the hem of his jumper as he looked down at her. 

“I just want you,” she purred, batting her lashes all innocent like and it did him in. He grabbed her face, crashing his lips to hers with such ferocity that she squeaked and grabbed him to find purchase. 

He felt like he couldn't get close enough as his hands wandered, one splaying over her back and pressing her body flush with his. The other hand slipped over her curves, loving how the silky dress aided him in his exploration. Her body was fucking something else, he couldn’t get enough of her delicious curves and her tiny waist. His wandering hand slipped up her hip, running up her ribs before they cupped her breast. He felt her nipple hardening, confirming his stray thought that she wasn't wearing a bra and he moaned as his thumb brushed over the hardened peak through the fabric. 

She mewled into the kiss, such a cock hardening noise that he growled, grabbing her thighs and hoisting her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist and his hands settled on her arse as she giggled into the kiss. He moved into the bedroom, setting her carefully on the bed as he regretfully separated from her. 

She watched with heavy lidded eyes as he knelt on the floor in front of her, unlacing her boots and tugging them off one at a time. She had a look on her face as if she wasn't used to being taken care of like this and he found himself wanting to do it more often. He wanted to take care of her, make her happy, make her content. Once the boots were off, he tugged her socks off, making her smile as he stuffed them in her boots so they wouldn't get lost. He watched her from his spot on the floor, hands smoothing up her silky soft legs and his eyes were glued to hers. When he got near the side of her knee, she jerked her legs with a giggle and he found himself smiling. 

“Ticklish, love?” he asked ruefully and she pouted playfully at him.

“Maybe,” she smiled and he placed a kiss at the spot, making her giggle again.

He stood up, pulling her to her feet before his hands grabbed the hem of her dress. He allowed his hands to slide up her curves, grabbing the dress up with it. His hands bunched into the fabric as it got to her waist and he pulled it up, revealing more and more of creamy alabaster skin to his hungry eyes. He pulled the satin over her head and dropped it on the floor, eyes glued to her. 

She stood there in nothing but a black pair of lacy french knickers and his cock was throbbing at the sight. He could see more of her ink now. She had what looked to be flowers poking out from her underwear on the left hip bone and some words along the inside of her left arm at the top. He couldn’t wait to get a closer look. She blinked up at him, a shy look on her face that the animal inside of him preened at. 

“So fuckin’ beautiful, love,” he murmured with a rough voice, thick from his desperate arousal. She flushed, a smile curling her lips and he kissed her again, slowly this time as he allowed his hands to wander her body, feeling her bare skin against his rough hands. He groped her thighs again, hoisting her up once more before moving over to the bed. He crawled onto it before depositing her on her back, head on the pillows with her hair fanned out like a halo around her head. He leaned down, grabbing her hands and putting them above her head, lacing his fingers with hers and being mindful of her sore arm that still had his bandana around it. His eyes trailed curiously to the words on her skin, seeing some kind of quote. 

‘Since I was born I started to decay. 

Now nothing ever-ever goes my way’. 

He wondered what it was from, maybe from a book or song lyrics, wondered if he’d get the chance to ask her one day when they weren’t too preoccupied. He nuzzled the side of her face, loving how her breathing picked up and she arched at him. He kissed her cheek, trailing kisses down her jaw.

“Safeword love,” he murmured. He wasn’t really planning on going too far with her today, his main focus was just to prove he could get her off. He hoped there would be many more times for him to explore all the wonderfully sinful things she wanted to get up to. 

“Um… uh…” she stuttered, breathing laboured as his kisses trailed to her neck and he smirked into her skin. “Donuts,” she replied, sounding confused and aroused all at the same time and it just made him chuckle against her neck. He nipped at her then, ripping a moan from her that hit him right in the dick.

“You like that, sweetheart?” he asked huskily and she nodded.

“Yes,” she whispered and he groaned before biting the delicate skin and sucking on it. She squirmed with a desperate moan and he loved how wanton she was being. He moved away, admiring his handiwork as a bruise was already forming on her pretty little neck. 

Giving her a wicked smirk, he moved off her and stood up, grabbing his jumper and practically ripping it over his head. She watched him with rapt interest in her eyes and it made him feel good. She didn't take her eyes off him as he undid his jeans and tugged them off, leaving himself in his boxers before he crawled back on the bed. He settled between her legs, allowing her to feel just what she did to him as his hard cock pressed up against her wanting cunt and she gasped, hands gripping his waist. 

Her reactions to him were intoxicating, made him feel like he was the most powerful man on the fucking planet. He’d never been one to drag this out, never knew it could feel so good. Just like how he’d never been interested in kissing before. It always felt far too intimate for his liking and yet now, he couldn't get enough of it.

“Ready to have your mind blown?” he asked with a sinful smirk and she flashed him an impish smile as her hands smoothed up his back, causing him to hum softly. 

“Still overconfident, then?” she smiled, looking all pretty for him as she blinked her long dark lashes at him. 

His smirk widened into something predatory as he moved away to kneel between her legs, hands trailing over her soft body as he went. He was settled between her parted thighs then and he toyed with the lacy fabric of her knickers, watching as she stared at him with wide eyes. He hooked his fingers into the fabric, slowly dragging them down her legs and finally getting a peak at the flowers. They were roses, three black ones and one yellow that stood out from all the rest. 

He manoeuvred her legs until he chucked the knickers on the floor carelessly, his large hands going to her knees to part her legs that were now trying to close in front of him. He pried them apart, knowing she was feeling somewhat bashful by the slight resistance he felt and by the blush that swept up her entire body. He let out a delighted groan at the sight of her glistening pussy once it was bared to him and he felt his mouth water. 

“Fuckin’ hell, love. That all for me?” he rasped, eyes finally leaving her soaked cunt to look at her. She had this awed look on her face and he hadn’t even touched her yet, but it made a fire ignite inside of him. She nodded and while part of him wanted to chide her to use her words again, he was far too desperate to touch her. 

Teasingly, he dragged his fingers through her soaked folds and she let out a startled gasp, body tensing up in anticipation. She was more than soaked, pretty little thing was more touch starved than him it seemed and he couldn't wait to end her torment for her. 

He slowly started circling her clit, eyes darting between where he was touching her and her face, watching her lips part with little moans and feeling how she writhed against his hand. She was a sight to behold like this, he didn't think he’d seen anything more beautiful and he felt honoured to be the one making her feel that way. 

He slid his fingers down, sinking one into her and his pleased moan got drowned out by the sinful noise she made, her back bowing a little. She was so tight, wet and warm around just one of his fingers, he started to worry he might not fucking fit in her. He eased a second finger inside, feeling her tighten at the intrusion and moan softly, her eye fluttering shut as her head angled back on the pillow. She was a picture of ecstasy and he felt like he’d barely touched her yet. 

He started fucking her with his fingers and he was helpless against the rapt attention she demanded of him in her pleasure. One of her hands bunched in the sheets under her, the other clutching his wrist in a death grip. He found a rhythm she liked, one that had her thighs trembling beside him as sweet little moans left her lips. 

Without moving his hand, he leaned over her, propping himself with a hand beside her head as he stared down at her. His thumb started rubbing against her clit as he pumped his fingers in and out of her and she let out a keening moan, eyes flying open.

“Oh, fuck,” she gasped. Her pupils were blown wide, he could barely see the blue anymore. “I-I…” her words trailed off into incoherent noises that bounced off the walls. He was pretty sure the whole apartment building would be able to fucking hear her and he wouldn’t be shocked if someone called the police on him, thinking he was committing a murder. He’d never had someone so responsive before and his entire body fed off it. It felt like a drug to him, hearing those noises he was causing, seeing her blissed out face. Her moans got higher in pitch and more frequent, her cunt fluttering around his fingers and telling him she was close.

“That’s it, Charlotte. Cum for me,” he purred, feeling like he needed it almost as much as she did. Those words seemed to snap something inside of her and she let out a hoarse cry, her back arching harshly as she shattered around him. He felt her tighten impossibly around his fingers as he eased her through it, her whole body seizing up before it relaxed and the look on her face was fucking delicious. Totally fucked out. He stilled his hand, not wanting to overstimulate her too much given he still had plans for her. 

He watched her lay there blissfully for a moment, eyes shut and a serene look on her face. She looked like an angel.

“You alright there, love?” he asked with a wry smirk and her eyes fluttered open. Her face was flushed but she gave him a radiant smile.

“I think I might be dead,” she replied with a grin and he snorted at her.

“Sorry about that,” he remarked and her grin widened.

“Don't be. At least I died happy,” she sighed dreamily. He slowly eased his fingers out of her, making her gasp a little. His eyes darted to his fingers, coated with her and he brought them to his mouth without a thought. He sucked them clean with a groan. Fuckin’ hell, she tasted good. He didn’t get to go down on someone often since he was the fuck ‘em and leave ‘em type, liked it dirty and quick to get it over with. But he had a desperate need to put his mouth on her cunt and it had been in his head since they'd been back at the bus stop and he promised to get three orgasms out of her. 

When he looked down at her, she was watching him with wide eyes. Her cheeks were dusted with pink but something flared in her eyes that made him smirk wickedly at her as he finished cleaning his fingers off. He leaned down, capturing her lips and forcing her to taste herself. She melted under him, small hands smoothing up his chest as she kissed him back. She was so warm and pliant under him like this and he loved it. He broke the kiss to kiss along her jaw and to her ear, his still clothed bulge rubbing against her pussy that was so soaked, his boxers were getting damp.

“One down, two more to go, yeah?” he asked devilishly, making her squirm as he started kissing down her neck and then her chest. She blinked at him, watching as he grabbed one of her breasts, latching around the nipple with no warning. She let out a loud moan, hand flying to his head, fingers digging into his hair. 

It had grown out a little since his last deployment but he lamented that it wasn't long enough for her to really grab. He thought he’d like it. He sucked on her nipple for a short moment before moving to give the other one the same treatment. Couldn't be playing favourites now, could he? When he had her a squirming mess again, he felt satisfied to continue his journey. He placed kisses down the delicate flesh of her stomach, moving lower and lower.

“Wait!” she called out, making him still instantly. He lifted his head from where he was, devastatingly close to where he wanted to be the most. He wouldn't continue if she wanted to stop though, no matter how gutted he’d be about it.

“What is it?” he asked carefully, running quickly through his head for something he could have done to make her uncomfortable.

“I just… no one’s ever… you know…” she stuttered, gesturing her head to him and what he was clearly on his way to do. He blinked dumbly at her for a moment, his eyes narrowing a little.

“Seriously? I’m startin’ to question your taste in men, love,” he tutted, shaking his head. He shouldn’t be suprised her arsehole ex didn’t go down on her, but he was shocked it hadn't happened even once, even someone else. Something primal surged in his chest at the idea of having this first with her.

“Got you in bed in under an hour, didn't I?” she asked cheekily and it startled a chuckle out of him. She was something else, this one. 

“You're a cheeky bitch, you know that?” he asked, raising a brow at her with a fond smile on his face. Can't say he'd ever had an exchange like this during sex before. She gave him a wide grin that made his heart beat all funny in his chest.

“You like it though,” she countered and he shrugged, because it wasn't a lie. 

“You want me to stop?” he asked her, getting serious for a moment. She nibbled her lower lip and shyly shook her head.

“No, but… do you even want to? You won't hate it?” she asked him, a small frown marring her features. 

“Why would I hate it?” he asked in confusion, not sure what had given her that impression.

“Well… Ethan always said-” she started but he cut her off swiftly.

“Don’t say his fuckin’ name, not here,” he growled and her eyes widened, mouth snapping shut. He hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, so fucking possessive like that, but the idea of her uttering that arsehole’s name in his fucking bed made his blood turn to lava in his veins. Shouldn’t have been fucking shocked that the tosser probably told her he didn’t like going down on a woman, probably didn’t like the taste or some other stupid shit. He wanted to punch him. 

“I’m sorry, that was bad etiquette,” she huffed, covering her face with her hands but not before he saw her red cheeks from the embarrassment. “I just… I’ve never had to do this before, I’ve only ever been with one person. I’m ruining it,” she lamented, her voice slightly muffled from her hands. 

Something tugged in his chest at her words and he moved over her again, one hand propped against her head as the other gently pried her hands away from her face. She wouldn’t look him in the eye and it made him frown. 

“You’re not ruinin’ it, love. I wanna do this, I’ll enjoy it,” he tried to reassure her. She finally looked at him, eyes darting over his face worriedly.

“Are you sure? I don't wanna be a bother,” she frowned and the tugging in his chest got worse. That absolute fucker, Simon was gonna cave his face in if he ever saw him. Making her feel like some kind of burden to take care of. Taking what he wanted from her and leaving her high and dry. Making her feel like her needs weren’t important. 

“Just let me take care of you, sweetheart,” he implored, leaning down and rubbing the tip of his nose against hers affectionately. Her breathing hitched a little, hands splaying on his chest again as she closed her eyes. She seemed to like the little affectionate touch from him and he stored that away for later. She finally nodded and he smiled, happy he’d eased her worries. She had no use for them here, not with him. 

He moved back down her body, settling on his stomach between her parted thighs and he licked his lower lip at the sight. Despite the hitch they’d had in his plans, she was still sopping wet and he smoothed his hands up her soft thighs. He could see her breathing ragged, her hands by her sides, clutching the sheets she lay on. 

He placed a kiss on her thigh, enjoying the soft noise she made when he did. He was overwhelmed by so much being with her like this. She smelt divine. Not just the slick he’d caused but the smell of her skin. He felt like he was getting drunk off her as he kissed and nipped his way up her thigh, sucking on one area to leave a mark behind. She gasped and her hand went back to his head, her body wriggling on the bed a little. He hummed at the sight of the blooming mark, feeling satisfied with it as he continued his trail upwards. 

When he finally got to her cunt, he wasted no time, his patience well and truly thin. He gave her a long lick from her entrance to her clit and she let out a keening moan. He lapped at her clit for a moment, loving how she squirmed against his face before he latched onto it. 

“Simon!” she cried out desperately and he moaned against her, suckling harder at the little bundle of nerves as her body bucked and bowed. How neglected had this poor little pussy been? He hooked his arms around her thighs to keep her in place, sucking on her like a man starved as she gasped and moaned loudly, without care. She started chanting his name like some fervent prayer and he felt himself get lightheaded from the sensation, never thinking his name had sounded so fucking good. 

It didn’t take long to bring her to her second orgasm and he almost came himself at the noise she made, could hardly stop himself from rutting against the fucking bed to find some friction. He moved away from her, licking his lips greedily before kneeling back up to look at her. She had that blissed out look on her face again and a smug smirk tugged at his lips at the sight. 

“Ready for three?” he asked mischievously and she cracked her eyes open, blinking at him slowly. 

“I think you might have fucked the bones out of me. I’m not sure I can move,” she whined playfully and he chuckled. 

“You're doin’ wonders for my ego, sweetheart,” he grinned and she laughed lightly, looking at him with warm eyes. He moved to pull his boxers off then, shuffling himself out of them and tossing them somewhere. Her eyes drifted down to his painfully hard cock and they widened, darting back to his face.

“Will that even fit?” she asked incredulously and another chuckle rumbled in his chest. She really was doing wonders for his fucking ego. He moved to grab a condom out of the bedside drawer, tearing the wrapper open.

“Guess we’re about to find out,” he drawled, an impish smile on his face as he rolled the condom on and moved back to hover over her, propped up with one arm. 

His other hand grasped his throbbing cock and the excitement that ran through him was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He rubbed the tip around her soaked entrance, gathering her slick, and he moaned softly. She already felt so fucking good and he wasn’t even inside of her yet. He idly wondered how she’d feel without the barrier of a condom. 

Her breathing was heavy, lips parted with desire shining through her blue hues at him. He locked eyes with her as he slowly started to push in and she gasped, hands digging into his shoulders as he let out a noise suspiciously like a whine. Fuck him sideways, she was so fucking tight. If he didn’t know any better, he’d have thought she was a fucking virgin. It was taking all of his self restraint not to just shove his cock into her until he was in all the way and he resorted to pulling out before dipping back in, pushing himself ever so slightly further to ease her open to him. She didn't look like she was in pain so he kept at it, pushing in a little further after pulling out each time. On the last one, they both let out moans as he finally sheathed himself in all the way.

“Fuckin’ hell,” he hissed, jaw lax and eyes shut as he tried to calm himself before he blew his load like a fucking teenager. He kissed her, needing to stay still for a moment and gather himself. The hand not propping him up grasped her jaw as his tongue tangled with hers slowly, tasting every inch of her. She moaned into the kiss, arms winding around his neck and he didn't think he’d ever felt so weightless before. 

He hadn't dared move for fear of not being able to control himself but he was caught off guard when she arched up at him, making him gasp against her lips. He broke the kiss, opening his eyes to look at her. She was flushed but her eyes had that cheeky glint to them he’d seen at the bus stop and he knew she’d done it on purpose. He started moving then, slowly at first as he allowed them both to adjust to the sensation.

“Feel so good, love,” he purred, resting his forehead on hers as she moaned, pushing back against him. He remembered her saying she liked guys being vocal in bed so he was sure not to hide any of the noises she was ripping from him as he started fucking into her a little faster, watching how her face lit up at each and every one. 

“Such a good girl for me, sweetheart. Takin’ my cock so well,” he moaned and she whined, hooking a leg up and over his hip and he almost shot his load at the angle change.

“Simon… Simon, please,” she begged helplessly, sounding like she wasn’t even sure what she was begging him for, but fuck if it didn’t turn him on more.

“Don’t worry, love, I got you,” he replied, moving a hand to slide under her lower back, just above her arse. He used it to tilt her pelvis just a little but the guttural moan he got from her told him it was enough. He was hitting that spot inside of her and the angle change had his pubic bone rubbing on her clit. She looked like she saw stars for a moment and he couldn't tear his eyes away from her, watching as she snapped like a rubber band by his hand. She was moaning and gasping, body writhing as she tightened like a vice around his cock and he couldn't hold himself back even if he wanted to at this point.

“Good girl, such a good girl,” he rambled through his lust filled haze, rutting into her harder and faster as he chased his own release. Didn't take him long to find it. He came with a deep moan, a wave of pure euphoria starting at his dick and spreading throughout his entire body, even the tips of this fucking toes. 

He’d never felt such a release before and he could barely catch his breath. He cupped her cheek, kissing her lazily as they both came down from their highs. He enjoyed the closeness, enjoyed the softness of the moment as he felt himself come back to earth. He didn't want to crush her, so reluctantly, he pulled out with a hiss, tying off the condom before tossing it in the bin near his bed and collapsing next to her. 

“Told you I’d get three outta you,” he smirked breathlessly and she snorted.

“I’m impressed and very, very satisfied,” she murmured, sounding half asleep. He glanced over at her, watching how she struggled to keep her eyes open.

“Glad to hear it,” he replied softly, rolling on his side, some subconscious need to be closer to her. She opened her eyes then, looking at him warily.

“Should I… Do you want me to leave?” she asked, sounding self conscious. He was reminded she wasn't used to this and to be honest, neither was he. He didn't bring girls back here for this very reason, because he’d want them to leave but didn't want to look like a right bastard. It was easier just to slip out of their place instead without them knowing. But looking at Charlotte, he didn't want her to leave and he found himself dumbstruck with the idea.

“No, you can stay…” he said quietly, “if you want,” he added quickly, suddenly concerned that maybe she’d asked if he wanted her to leave because she wanted to leave. She shook her head quickly though, putting his worries to rest.

“I’d like to stay,” she admitted shyly and he felt relief flood his system, a bright warmth kindling in his chest. 

He reached out, rolling her over to face him and she smiled, moving to snuggle up against his broad frame. She fit against him perfectly, face tucked under his head with her arms pressed against his chest. He slid one arm under the pillow under them so it wasn't in the way, his other slung over her waist, hand splayed on her back to keep her as close as possible. He’d never slept with someone before. When his usual partners fell asleep, he’d be wide awake, biding his time before he could rush out the door. He thought it would be more uncomfortable for him but it wasn't. It felt right. He allowed his body to relax with the feel of her soft and warm body in his arms, getting the best night sleep he’d ever fucking had.

[drugstoreglitter]

location :   arndale shopping centre, manchester.

featuring :   jude & jenny / @vongosh

“nah, this is bullshit… i swear it was here like, last week…” jude says, for the umpteenth time, pacing back and forth, jenny’s hand still locked in his, as he wracks his brain in search of the lingerie store. he’s not dragged her all the way to the arndale centre to go home empty handed — well, not entirely empty handed ; he’ll get her a sausage roll from greggs — but still, he wants to get her something special, show how much he cares. when he was fifteen, he’d saved the money from his paper round for two months to get katie elliott in the year above a nice bra for her birthday ( completely the wrong size, mind, but it’s the thought that counts). it’d feel full circle to take jenny there, passing the lacey baton from his first girlfriend to the one he hopes is his last. not that he plans on getting murdered or owt, just that he wants to have a proper go at this, them, facebook official, doing christmas at his mums, boxing day at hers, names always mentioned together like torvill and fuckin’ dean. maybe one day even kids and shit, or is he getting ahead of himself again ? “ fuck this, i’m calling aoife. ” his hand sinks into the pocket of his trackies, pulling out his phone, screen pressed against his ear as he thrums with nervous energy. “ yooo, whatsup, you know that buff ting underwear place in arndale where kayleigh lost her v-card on that year nine teacher training day ? yeah, that's it ! la senza ! where’s it gone ? s’like the sisterhood of the travelling fucking pants shop over here. ”  seconds later, jude’s hanging up the phone, a dejected expression pulling down the corners of his face, features like ice cream beneath a hot september sun. “ apparently they went into liquidation in 2014. ” such a shame. katie'd always looked the absolute tits in their push-up gel bras, not that jenny needs any assistance. “ fuck sake, where are we gonna go now ? you try and do something nice for someone…” releasing her hand, her draws up a google maps search on his phone, spinning in a circle as he attempts to orientate himself. “ right. thirty yards on the left there’s sommat called boux avenue. ” naturally, he says it all wrong, pronounces the ‘x’ like a period at the end of a sentence. “ we’re not goin’ home until we’ve got you something proper stunning that makes you feel reyt good about yourself. ”  linking his fingers through jenny’s, he draws her in against his side, a kiss pressed against her hairline as jude tugs her along through the precinct. his body's so close to hers that his feet are rendered clumsy, almost tripping over hers in the process, walking in a straight line rendered impossible.  “ and a greggs. can’t have you goin’ back to uncle sam without having sampled the local cuisine. ” 

[thisbluespirit]

Oh, to be "Mr Manchester" who just used to casually run into James Maxwell "most evenings" in 1986. (Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive & the Manchester Evening News).

"Whom do I see strolling through Manchester late on most evenings but James Maxwell, actor and artistic director, whose craggy features are well-known through countless film, television and stage roles.

"I walk home from work at the Royal Exchange Theatre to my urban paradise," he explains, "paradise" being a flat above the Arndale Centre.

"I love it," he says, "but no one living there can be accused of having a morbid interest in old architecture."

One of his many showbiz tales is of when he was in a show at Manchester Opera House in 1953. The scenery didn't work - in fact, some of it fell down - and the distinguished knight playing the lead not only didn't know his lines; at times he didn't know when he had to speak.

The audience was cool, to say the least, and at the end the knight decided he should speak to them.

"I apologise for the mistakes duing the evening," he announced grandly, "but I assure you that everything will be put right by the time we open in London."

& Mr Manchester, at the G-Mex, "jokingly suggested this wasn't [James Maxwell's] kind of theatre.

His instant retaliation would have gladdened G-Mex boss Tony Harrison, sitting along my row. "No, It's everyone's theatre," he retorted.

[visible-disappointment]

thinking about £40 herzeleid vinyl in manchester arndale centre hmv

[kicksaddictny]

PUMA Reveals Top 10 Fan-Designed Kits from First AI Creator Competition with Manchester City

PUMA and Manchester City are excited to announce a global fan vote to decide the club’s official Third kit for the 2026/27 season, following the groundbreaking PUMA AI Creator kit design competition launched in December.

After receiving over 1.6 million ratings from fans on the platform, PUMA and Manchester City have narrowed it down to ten designs that capture the creativity, passion, and spirit of City culture.

Powered by DEEPOBJECTS, a leading AI co-creation platform, the PUMA AI Creator tool first debuted in December. This innovative fan activation saw over 180,000 City supporters from around the world design their dream kits, using text prompts, customisation tools, and intuitive sliders.

Now, the final decision is in the hands of the fans. PUMA and Manchester City are inviting supporters worldwide to vote for their favourite design, which will be worn on the pitch by City stars during the 2026/27 season.

Fans can cast their vote at aicreator.puma.com until 23:59 GMT on January 29th.

In another exciting first for football, Manchester City goalkeepers will wear a unique PUMA AI Creator goalkeeper kit on the pitch during the men’s match against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium and the women’s match against Aston Villa on January 25th.

This one-of-a-kind kit, inspired by the net of a goal and designed by City players Ederson, Stefan Ortega, and Rico Lewis using the PUMA AI Creator tool, is the first-ever football kit created with AI technology. The limited-edition kit will be available for purchase in City Stores at the Etihad Stadium and Arndale Centre on January 25th, while stocks last.

Ederson, speaking at the launch event in December, shared his excitement about the design process: “It’s the first time I’ve designed a shirt with Stefan and Rico, and I’m so happy to see our shirt on the pitch. The colours are amazing—they remind me of Brazil.”

Serena Gosling, Director of Integrated Fan Experience and Retail & Licensing, added: “We know how passionate our fans are about kits, and it’s been incredibly exciting to let them design their dream City kit using AI. We’ve been blown away by the level of participation and can’t wait to see which design is chosen for our 2026/27 Third Kit. We’re also thrilled to showcase the AI-designed goalkeeper kit on the pitch this weekend and give fans the chance to own this limited-edition piece of history.”

Ivan Dashkov, Head of Emerging Marketing Tech at PUMA, said: “The launch of AI Creator has been all about empowering both the PUMA and Manchester City communities to explore new creative possibilities with advanced technology. The response has been phenomenal, and it's been incredible to see how AI has enabled fans to unlock fresh ideas and express themselves in ways they might not have thought possible. We can’t wait to see how this technology continues to inspire innovation and engage our audiences.”

The winning design will be revealed in summer 2026. Stay updated on all upcoming kit launches through the official Manchester City and PUMA channels.

[news4trafford]

Manchester's donor centres need your blood this Halloween

The NHS is calling for more blood donors in Manchester to come forward this half term and Halloween period – a season usually associated with blood for more light-hearted reasons – to help tackle the ongoing blood shortage. Manchester’s two donor centres – located at Norfolk House near the Arndale shopping centre and at Plymouth Grove on the city centre outskirts – have around 350 appointments…

[scavengedluxury]

Arndale Centre, Luton, 1972. From the Sainsbury Archive.

[flexible-student-accommodation]

A First-Time Student's Guide to Manchester: Where to Live and Why

Manchester plays host to as many as 100,000 students spread through its multiple universities and colleges. As a beginner student, finding a place to live can be either fun or scary. This manual will be your companion in uncovering the different neighborhoods in Manchester, which illustrate the best spaces for student life and the reasons for which they would fit you best.

1. Fallowfield: The Student Hub

Why Live Here:

- Most Last of the students in Manchester

- Colorful Nightlife and social gathering

- Very good links to universities

Fallowfield is always called the student landmark of Manchester. Loaded with students' flats and the university's residential halls, it is the best place to live for those who wish to become its pulse. A wide array of services in the area, including:

- A lot of bars, cafes, and restaurants

- Platt Fields Park for outdoor activities

- Adequate bus departures to the city center (15-20 min)

Interesting point: The growth of Fallowfield's residents in term-time is sometimes as huge as 50%, which is mainly due to the enormous inflow of students into the borough!

2. City Centre: Urban Living

Why Live Here:

- Available near university campuses

- Rich cultural scene of Manchester

- Attractive for city life lovers

Living in Manchester's city center now puts you in the middle of the city. It's just the thing that they need for students who are seeking convenience and like to be submerged in city life. These are the benefits:

- You can easily walk to several university colleges

- Heavy shopping mall and activity center in Arndale

- Museums, galleries, or live music venues are a regular part of the city

Did You Know? Manchester was the world’s first industrial city and is the often-seen title, "Capital of the North."

3. Rusholme: Curry Mile and Cultural Diversity

Why Live Here:

- Plenty of affordable and suitable residential choices

- Very diverse and cosmopolitan people

- A well-known Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Indian street with various styles of food

Rusholme, renowned for its "Curry Mile", where people from all over the world gather to indulge in various cuisines, showcases a multicultural melting pot where people from diverse backgrounds will find themselves comfortable. Some of the top reasons why students have a great time here are:

- Actually, there are more than 70 delectable restaurants along Wilmslow road

- The University of Manchester is not far from here

- Low rental prices compared to other areas

Interesting Stat: The Curry Mile is estimated to serve as many as, at the very least, 500,000 curries annually!

4. Didsbury: Suburban Charm

Why Live Here:

- A more peaceful, slow-paced way of life

- Green areas and parks in abundance

- Much room for practicing and feedback, mainly for postgraduates

People who are searching for a calm environment ground in residential surroundings and at the same time the city not to be avoided here and there is the perfect mix that the suburb of Didsbury will offer them. This environment is very well-liked by those who like postgraduate level studies and other persons who look forward to a serene environment. The highlights are as follows:

- Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

- Independently owned retail stores selling trendy items and cafes

- Train and bus services to the city center are also excellent

Strange But True: Did you realize that Didsbury Street was for some time the residence of Ford Madox Brown, the famous Pre-Raphaelite painter?

5. Northern Quarter: Hipster Haven

What Makes This Place Special?

- The following points are provided by the artistic and creative environment.

- Besides vintage shops and independent firms.

- It's one of the most flourishing music and arts scenes in the town.

Makes this place unique. The Northern Quarter perfectly mirrors the liberal, bohemian, and hipster aspects of the city. It has various:

- Countless music spots and art galleries

- Afflecks Palace, a multi-story emporium of independent retailers

- The immediate vicinity of Manchester Piccadilly station

Is it True? The Northern Quarter contributed as a visual setting for many movies and TV series respectively; sometimes the part of New York City was duplicated!

Choosing Your Perfect Spot

Things that you should look into when choosing where to be in Manchester are distances like:

1. The university campus be as near you as possible

2. Budget restrictions

3. Desired services and hanging out

4. Quality transport network as well as easy accessibility

One thing is for sure, each place has its distinctive character. The choice that you will make will be of great consequence to your stay as a student.

Uninist: Your Student Accommodation Partner

As you embark on your journey to find the perfect student home in Manchester, consider using Uninist, a leading student accommodation service provider. Uninist offers a wide range of options across all the neighborhoods mentioned above, ensuring you find a place that suits your needs and preferences.

With Uninist, you can:

Browse a variety of accommodations in different price ranges

Get expert advice on the best areas for your specific requirements

Enjoy a smooth booking process and dedicated support throughout your stay

Whether you're looking for a bustling student house in Fallowfield or a quiet flat in Didsbury, Uninist can help you find your ideal home away from home in Manchester.

In conclusion, Manchester offers a diverse range of living options for students, each with its own unique character and advantages. By considering your priorities and using services like Uninist, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home during your unforgettable student years in this fantastic city.

[studentabode]

Student Housing in Liverpool: Explore the Best Areas to Live

Student life in on-campus student accommodation in Liverpool is as charming as it sounds. But the real struggles start when you have to move out. Being new to a place and if you haven’t explored the city yet, here’s your chance.

From being culturally rich to being a place where students thrive, Liverpool is that city that makes your life. Not only prestigious universities like the University of Liverpool or Liverpool Hope University, the town has everything you require.

A city where the world-famous The Beatles was born. Besides having one of the greatest bands of all time, this city has given students more than you think. In addition, the city is quite famous for its football clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC. So, all the football lovers out there should be in a place where you can enjoy the culture well. Plus, there are UNESCO heritage sites, thriving art scenes, iconic landmarks and much more.

Moving forward, we have put together an exhaustive list of the best areas for student housing in Liverpool. So, before you finalize your next home in Liverpool, explore which area will be best for you in the most iconic city in the United Kingdom!

Top Student Areas for Student Accommodation in Liverpool

One of the major concerns for students, especially international students, is accommodation in a new country. Isn’t it? International students would agree with us no matter what. This is why, once you find the right place to live, most of the issues get resolved. So, here’s the list of top areas for students to live in Liverpool.

Liverpool City Centre

Without any doubt, we can say the City Centre is one of the best areas in Liverpool. Situated in the city's heart, you will find everything within the right proximity. If you need to go shopping, move to the right and you have it. Regular groceries or essential things, many stores and pharmacies are just around the corner. Besides this, parks and leisure activities are also close by.

This area is home to famous streets like Bold Street, Ropewalks, and the Baltic Triangle. Plus, being close to the most prominent universities, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, this area can be expensive compared to other areas of Liverpool.

You can easily find a wide range of student apartments in Liverpool. Some of the most liked places by students are as follows:

 X1 Arndale House

 Prospect Point

 Cross Hall Street Liverpool and more.

Kensington

The next you would find on everyone’s list is Kensington in Liverpool. Sitting in the east of the City Centre, this area is famous among the students for its affordable living. Home to a variety of amenities and facilities, you can easily find stores, pharmacies, restaurants, leisure activities and much more.

Most of the students from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University are living here. The student community is huge here. You can easily find everything you are looking for. Plus, the public transportation is well-connected from this location.

Rent is quite cheap here for student rooms in Liverpool. Alongside this, with cheaper rent, you get many facilities like bike storage, laundry rooms and more. Some of the most used student rooms in Liverpool are:

 Leopold Road Residences

 Hannan Road Residences

 Alderson Road Residences and more.

Smithdown Road

Here the third best area in Liverpool is Smithdown Road. For decades, this location has been one of the favourite areas in Liverpool. Home to a wide student community, Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine are available within proximity.

This area has everything a student requires with both long-term and short-term student accommodation in Liverpool. As for rent, housing is cheap because there are mostly shared student houses which makes it budget-friendly.

Famous for social scenes and nightlife, you will find many pubs, cafes, restaurants and more. Some of the famous places are Evil Eye Beer Garden, Brookhouse, Sefton Park and others. Plus, the top places to live are:

 Lidderdale Road Residences

 Beverley Road Residences

 Tinlings Student Accommodation Liverpool and more.

Wavertree

Located in the southeast of the city centre, this area offers affordability and flexibility with shared student accommodation in Liverpool. This student-friendly neighbourhood has almost everything you want. Be it shops, local delicacies, amazing pubs and more, you name it, this area has it for you.

Being close to Smithdown Road, the Brookhouse Pub and Evil Eye Beer Cade are the main hangout points for students. For students of Liverpool Hope University, this area is really good as it is just a short distance away. Not only this, Liverpool John Moores University is also close to many places to live. Some of the top choices for students here are:

 Tinlings Student Accommodation Liverpool

 Gainsborough Road Residences and more.

Liverpool is a city where you can find everything you need. From prestigious universities to high-class restaurants, it is a city where you can thrive. Matching student requirements and budget, there are various affordable and flexible student accommodations in Liverpool. So, find what suits your preferences in terms of location, budget and social scenes in the city. Explore and choose what makes you feel at home with the right student housing in Liverpool.

[acrossthearctic]

Manchester

After a night of broken sleep ( my usual pattern the second night after a long flight) , I was despite the rain out walking by 7:30am. I walked uo through Chinatown to St Peter 's Square as i wanted to see the Midland Hotel and the Roills Royce in its entrance. The significance is that it is where Mr Rolls and Mr Royce are supposed to have met in 1904 and decided to go into business together. One thing I have noticed in many streets of Manchester are these defibrillator stations.

On my wa=y back to the hotel for a 10am Zoom meeting, I walked along Canal Street, the Gay Village . It is still "recovering"tfrom Manchester Pride, barricades are being removed but the bunting is still flying.

After my meeting finished I walked up the road to catch my favourite Free Bus 2 to head down towards the medieval quarter of Manchester.

I did however have a short detour for a walk alomg Market Street and Arndale Shopping Centre. Arndale was the first "American Style "Shopping Mall in the UK . In 1996 it suffred extensive damage after an IRA bombing.

After making my way down to the medieval quarter nad passing the pub wher i had lunched yesterdayand a walk past the cathedral garden with its bee , I had lunch in a vietnamese restaurant in the old Corn Exchange.

After lunch I had a wonderful tour of Chetham's Library. These are the oldest buildings in Manchester.

The library itself is the oldest public library in Britain having been in operation for > 350 years.

The shelves and shelves of books are amazing and amongst the books are first edition. copies of Johnson's Dictionary.(The white ones)

In the readiung room we were able to see a parochial library, the alcove where Marx and Engels met and some wonderful old books.

We were fortunate that the library had a special exhibition at present- "A Royal Tudor Bed". this was the matrimonial bed of Henry 7th and Elizabeth of York.

All in all a busy day ending with a quick meal and wine at a local pub before returning to the hotel to watch the opening of the Paralympics at the sensible time of 6:30 pm. It was interesting to watch a British coverage and I did have to laugh when they were talking about which teams would be strong - Australia didn't get a mention!!!

[pastedpast]

A few quick notes lifted from a recent article from the Manchester Evening News website. The flow of the writing seemed a bit disjointed, and adverts never make it easy reading, but it is interesting, which is why I've tried to distil into a shorter, more legible piece.

The 'hidden village' on top of Manchester's Arndale Centre many never knew existed. Manchester's Arndale Centre has been the heart of retail in the city since it was built in the 1970s. (It was designed by Wilson & Womersley - the same architects who were behind the Hulme Crescents.) But many still don't know about the lost housing estate that existed on top of the shopping mecca for over 20 years. [For example, me!!] A pioneer of rooftop and inner-city living, Cromford Court took its name from a Victorian backstreet which was demolished to make way for the shopping centre. It was completed in 1981, at a time when the council was actively encouraging people to move to an area where they might shop or work. Homes consisted of bedsits, one-bed and two-bed flats, and two-bed maisonettes with private balconies. In between were landscaped roof gardens with trees and shrubs. [I may be wrong, but I couldn't find anything in the article regarding how many lived at Cromford Court, although it does say that before the terrorist attack in 1996 only 1,000 people lived in the heart of the city. The other residential developments were Smithfield in the Northern Quarter, St John’s Gardens off Deansgate, and India House on Whitworth Street.] In June 1996, the building was bombed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA).  It was the biggest bomb detonated in Great Britain since the Second World War. Miraculously, nobody was killed by the blast, although hundreds were injured and no building within half a mile was left unscathed. Residents were able to move back into their homes eventually, but although the flats lasted for a few more years, they couldn't hold out against the tide of regeneration in Manchester city centre that followed. Cromford Court was eventually demolished in 2003 as part of a £150m redevelopment of the Arndale. Further reading (I have only skim-read).

[lostxcloud]

2024 Lanzarote Spring Sun

Sunday 14th April

I normally don't do a home day diary, but this one was stupid. Just so so dumb.

We got up early and rushed around eating breakfast, brushing teeth and packing the stuff we needed last night/this morning.

Once packed, loaded and off we were left with a comfort window of about 10 minutes before we were in the 'if the airport is stuffed and shit goes wrong, we're in deep trouble' window.

That's when the trouble started.

We couldn't find our return zone for the car. We went into two wrong car parks, and eventually I commented on the small rental car symbol I could see. As we'd missed it, we dropped off mum and the siblings and Dad and I looped again and made the exit. I then spotted a few more stamp sized symbols for car rental and after following them we made it to the car park. Where the return machine was off as it only operates between 10am and 8 pm or whatever. So we headed into the terminal and slipped the keys under the shutters. We then checked in and decided to go back and double check. Mum and the siblings took the suitcases and dad and I went out to the carpark and saw that behind the machine that was for key return (that was off) was a key return letterbox thing. So I jogged inside, retrieved the key and returned it to the box. We then made it into the airport, where mum had brought a sandwich deal for everyone. Or rather she was buying one. Dad and I headed for the airport VIP lounge (to use his Amex privileges). We couldn't get in until everyone was there to swipe boarding cards. It meant we got a free breakfast and drinks. It was there that the trouble effectively ended. We were able to relax some and take a break. The display in the lounge only showed flights for the boarding cards that swiped in. The sandwich deal turned out to be stupid btw. It was €7.50 if you buy a drink and the pictured sandwich... So that happened.

We touched down and the concern level is rising. Why? The Tesla had extremely low charge. A side effect of a delayed start and the time being saved through a refusal to charge. We managed to limp it to a nearby hotel and charge up enough miles to get to a supercharger at the Arndale Centre Manchester. Once there we managed to charge enough to go home. But the palpable stress of figuring out how to move and interact with the Tesla in a way to preserve charge to get to a bear charge station was unnerving. Anyway. That was the holiday. :)

[tonys-chocolonely]

I’ve also taken my pop up stand around the city centre of Manchester to places I feel it would commonly be placed such as the Arndale shopping centre to get a feel for what it would look like