Time • [T.S x reader]

Chapter 3;

You had got back to your hotel at about 4pm, the jetlag was setting in, but you were going to go out and enjoy yourself. You had no idea what you were going to wear to drinks in the city. Did you have to dress classy? Dress down? Maybe you would go somewhere in between.

The anxiety was getting worse as you started to get ready. You were about to go out drinking in a city on the other side of the ocean with people you didn't know and someone you had met for a few hours. The true crime fan inside you was sensing the red flags.

You put on your party playlist, full of songs that would get you in the mood to want to drink and socialise. You missed AJ, he would always know how to put you into a good mood and gosh, could he party. You grabbed your phone and started texting him.

Me - Hey. I hope you're okay! I miss u x
AJ - Heeeey, I miss u too bestie x
Me - I'm going out tonight x
AJ - Whaaaat? With who? X
Me - Some guy I met at the internship; he seems nice but I thought I would text you just so you know x
AJ- Considerate but I'm kinda in a different country xxxxx
Me - Okay smart arse Jesus x
AJ – Be careful, I'll be up late so I'm a text away x
Me – Ly xx

You put your phone back down and continued getting ready for the night ahead. You decided to wear a silk dark green bodysuit and a pair of flared black jeans, paired with converse high tops and a small bag. Your makeup was natural enough, a pair of eyelashes to set aside work you from 'going out' you. You sprayed your favourite perfume and fixed your hair the way you liked it best.

Zak said he would meet you in the hotel lobby because at this hotel you couldn't get any further than that without a card pass. You took one final look at yourself in the mirror, you were chuffed with the way you looked. To say you came off an eight-hour flight not long ago, you scrubbed up well. You threw your hotel card into your bag and went towards the elevators to meet Zak.

You scanned the lobby and were met with the eyes of the man you were looking for. He looked smart, not too fancy; thank God you got the correct vibe.

"You look very nice." He complimented as you headed out towards the hotel doors.

"As do you."

You both walked to the nearest subway station, which was Penn Station, just across the road. You both caught the train with a few minutes to spare and sat down on the train. It really was as dirty and unsafe as you saw in the movies. The part of New York they don't necessarily show you in the rom coms.

"You okay?"

Zak took you out of your thought bubble with his question. You weren't sure if you were okay. Everything was happening very fast. It's what you wanted, of course. To make friends in the land of opportunity but it was almost a fiction.

But like everyone does, you answered with a, "Yeah."

You and Zak spoke on the way to the bar. He was talking about how he grew up in these parts of the city and he never thought he would be able to show them off to someone that wasn't from the states. The area was beautiful, one of the best parts of the city you had ever been too. Granted, you hadn't been to many, but it seemed like a hidden gem that only locals knew about.

The bars lined the street with outdoor seating. The heated areas were lit up in gold. Greenery was everywhere down the streets, ivory and different plants littered the buildings and draped along the tents where the seating was. It seemed like an expensive neighbourhood, maybe you needed to ask what Zak's parents did for a living for him to be growing up here.

"Welcome to the Upper East Side." Zak said proudly.

That was one question answered. He had money, which meant his friends had money, which meant in turn everyone around here had money.

And guess what?
You didn't.

"I don't think this scene is for me." You shook your head as you spoke. This wasn't you; you weren't 'Upper East Side' material. You didn't even fully know what that meant.

"My treat." Zak said, dragging you into the bar.

"I have literally just met you, don't be daft!" You protested as you entered the bar area, you were now wondering if you should've worn something better than this.

"And? Life is about living." He then pulled you along to a table with a bunch of different people on it, his friends. All around your age.

You soon get acquainted with the group and learn that their names were, Lucy – she's the baby of the group. Daniel – he's the loud one but means well. Lee – the troublemaker. Autumn – the mother of the group and lastly, Zak.

And now I guess, you?

As the night had gone on, you had many drinks and had relaxed an awful lot. You felt like you could be yourself, your true self, around these guys. They were sweet and funny; Lee was a little standoffish but that didn't bother you much.

"Ignore Lee, he's like that with everyone." Autumn said, slurring her words.

"Don't worry, I will." You laughed, talking loudly into her ear so she could hear. The music was super loud, but it made you want to dance. You turned to Zak and grabbed his hand, "Dance?"

"Sure!" He replied.

You both got up from the table and went towards the dancefloor. The music was pumping through your body, drink in one hand and the other laced in Zak's hand. You had a problem with drinking and flirting with anything that walked. Even though you had only met Zak that day, you wanted to some fun. Some flirting and dancing wouldn't hurt.

Zak's hands latched onto your waist as you both felt the music, bodies were crammed on either side of you as the disco lights flashed. When you were drunk everything seemed slowed down, lost in translation. Zak was looking at you, he was smiling, clearly having a great time.

"Thanks for coming tonight, Doctor Who." He shouted into your ear.

"My pleasure, Zak."

A couple of hours had passed, and you were all sitting on the pavement outside of the bar. Everyone was waiting for their rides to come, and you had booked an Uber to get you back to your hotel. Much to everyone's distaste.

"It will be safer if you come with one of us. We can drop you off on the way." Lucy had said to you.

"Yeah, come on, just cancel it." Autumn chimed in.

"I appreciate it I really do; you guys have been amazing tonight but it's okay. I will send you my tracking if that makes you feel better." You reassured them; they both gave you a hug. Daniel said his goodbyes, as did Lee.

Next to leave was Zak, he sighed and said, "Are you sure you don't want a ride?"

"I promise I will be fine." You gave him a hug and he got into the car.

Now you were alone on the streets of New York. You weren't too nervous though; the alcohol had given you a boost in confidence and you were in a light part of the city.

You heard footsteps approaching you, choosing to ignore them you went to your phone to see where your Uber was on the map. It was still ten minutes away.

The footsteps got closer.

"Good party?"