Advent Adventure (PM to apply)

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

This is a twist on the HOME ALONE idea!
::ggls::

The story of a poor lil’ rich girl who happens to find herself alone from early December through to New Year
(by a strange and tenuous quirk of fate – but let’s not get too hung up on that!).
“Alone” that is apart from an unlikely “companion”.

Soo … at this moment in time, Martine only needs a partner in crime...

WANTED:

Age: late 20s minimum … no upper limit.
Status: Employee of the chauffeur / garden hand / security type (depending on age)
(Does not have to be menial job wise)

Scenario:

Despite the initial shock and hostility between Martine and this employee, the intention is obviously that their relationship changes … after all Martine will need driving around … companion ship etc … depending on the choices made for the male character.

The hope is that he will help Martine “break out” and discover herself and become a companion and confidante … perhaps … more …
(This would have interesting repercussions when the parents come back … assuming the thread goes that far – no parents needed for casting at present.)

Please PM with ideas to apply.

If, as the story develops anyone sees an opening for a new character, please also PM with ideas/details.

I look forward to any suggestions and comments via PMS>
Thank you for your attention ... hope you enjoy!

DM x

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martine Hamilton

Well … this was so damn typical …!
Martine moved through the kitchen and loaded the ice bucket before taking it and a small dish of lemon slices and carrying them through the house to the den.
She poured herself a large dry martini, heavy on the rocks and let herself down onto the sofa and stretched out her legs drinking deeply of the cocktail she had prepared herself.
Her parents would probably not approve of their 19 year old daughter helping herself to their drinks cabinet, but so what?
If they were so concerned they should be HERE now!

Martine kicked her slippers forcefully of her feet and drank again.
She was mad as hell … and the fact this mess was largely her fault was not helping her mood at all.
She had been intending to stay with friends over Christmas, to join a ski-ing party and spend the festive season with her friends and doing what she wanted to do, rather than the endlessly boring “socials” her parents made her feel obliged to attend all through December.
Even Christmas day had come to feel like a publicity stunt!
Drinking again, Martine grimaced and remembered the “At home with the Hamiltons” spread in last years HELLO magazine.
Thank God she was being educated in France. News of her appearance in that article had not gotten back to her class mates. It was no thanks to her parents that she had managed to avoid being ostracised!
But that was no consolation now.
Plans had changed … the trip cancelled and Martine had had no choice but to come home.
Not wanting any fuss, she had not forewarned her parents and now …
Now she found they had taken advantage of her absence and set off on a month’s cruise … WITHOUT HER!

How fucking typical of them to realise that their presence on the London scene was NOT obligatory during this festive season!

And here she was … minus the usual domestic help … alone … and unsure of how to or even whether she wanted to contact her parents and rearrange the plans for the Christmas holidays.

She drained her drink and sighed.
Perhaps she would just lie here and get drunk …
Perhaps all she would do this December is go to bars and …
She grinned.
She could do what she wanted … do exactly what she liked…
There was no one to look over her shoulder … to tell her how to behave “properly”.
To do just what she wanted … for a whole month … until her parents came back.
She could pretend she came back for New Year … if she was careful no one would ever know …
She grinned, ideas formulating swiftly and being dismissed almost as rapidly.

She didn’t hear him until he was stood right beside her.

”Miss Hamilton ?… What are you … Martine!!”

She jumped in fright, as he grabbed the martini from between her fingers, then gathering her wits about her, she rounded on him in anger.

”What the HELL do you think you’re doing sneaking around the house like that!?!?”

She might have known her father would assign someone to take care of the house security … she should have thought of that … they would be housed in the Lodge adjacent to the house.
Perhaps she would have to amend her plans … but she was unwilling to discard them fully … yet!

”I’m sure you’re NOT supposed to be in here … and what I’m doing is none of your business … “

She bristled. How dare he stop her drinking!
She eyed him with hostility,
No uniform … jeans … shirt casually open at the neck … sneakers …
She barely recognised him.
He had driven her around a few times … she believed.
He had worked in the gardens … but … his name evaded her.
She judged him to be … late 20s maybe … her eyes moved involuntarily along his body. His muscle tone was well defined … perhaps he was older …
Married? Kids? She had no idea.

”Martine …”

He began softly.
She tore her eyes away from his torso and childishly snatched back the drink.

”Miss Hamilton, if you please.
Now … do I get an explanation … and a name …?”

She drained the glass, set it down and looked up at him expectantly and with a thinly veiled challenge in her eyes.

Martine Hamilton - home alone:

http://klassylady.com/sh39920.jpg

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

*bumping for the dayshift*

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

*bump*

 

[BadForm]

Sebastian

OOC: DM - we've talked about this a little outside lit, hope you don't mind me monopolizing your time like this... I'll back out if you'd rather.

IC: It was a strange position, my job didn't even have a title. Officially, I was some kind of odd-job man, handyman, gardner, repairman and chauffeur all rolled into one. I took those positions whenever the regular staff were on vacation or sick. Unofficially... well, unofficially, old man Hamilton knew what a stunner his daughter was, and remembered his youth and how he treated women. Generally, Martine didn't know I was around, but it was my job to tail her wherever she went and, on at least two occassions, had ensured that certain boys at her college had... reconsidered whether they wanted to go further than kissing her.

I was 29, and I'd had a lot of women admirers in my time, but no lovers since old man hamilton hired me, 10 years ago. The truth was, I began with no time for other women and, as she grew, I grew to feel more affectionate towards her. I knew we could never be an item, not a rich woman like her and a servant like me. But just being around her was enough to make the job worth it to me these days.

I worked out for my job, weights, running, karate and judo, and my occassional activities around the house added something to that. As to my dress sense... well, that depended. At the house, old man Hamilton expected me formally dressed, at school things had to be a little more relaxed. For himself, he'd much rather just relax in a loose shirt and pants.

Right now, I had a specific job: Keep Martine out of trouble while her parents were in London. I had found out her intentions to return here as I followed her at college, and had informed the Hamilton's as quickly as possible. They did not want to interrupt their london trip however, and expected me to look after her. I had to bite my tongue not to express annoyance that they had abandoned their own daughter like that.

There was nobody else around, and I had decided to relax into my favorite style. After all, with only Martine to see mem, the Hamiltons wouldn't mind if I was less formal.

I came into the lounge and saw her frustrated and angry shape on the sofa. She looked pissed - in both senses of the word, and the drink in her hand told me enough. That was something the Hamiltons would not like.


”Miss Hamilton ?… What are you … Martine!!” I said, standing beside her and looking down at her.

”What the HELL do you think you’re doing sneaking around the house like that!?!?” She snapped, looking for all the world like a junior version of her hot-tempered mother. ”I’m sure you’re NOT supposed to be in here … and what I’m doing is none of your business … “


I didn't flinch, didn't move, instead I just calmly, politely, but above all, firmly said her name. "Martine..."

Her eyes studied me for a while, savoring my body as though it were a piece of meat as she drained the rest of the glass.

”Miss Hamilton, if you please.
Now … do I get an explanation … and a name …?” She said, a challenge in her eyes.

I had nothing to fear, simply had to invent as I went along. Even if she found out my purpose here this vacation, it would not affect my employment. Infact, I decided, I might as well tell her.

"My name is Sebastian, Ma'am. And as to what I am doing here, your mother and father were concerned about leaving a young lady alone in the mansion with most of the staff gone..."

I nodded at the empty glass. "It seems they were correct. And now that you have an explanation as to my activities, might I ask about yours? You know Master Hamilton does not like you to drink, indeed I believe he expressly forbid it. So why have you been raiding his liquor cabinet? Boredom? A little teenage rebellion? Or is it that you are trying to get the courage for something?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martine Hamilton

Her anger left him unmoved.
He showed little reaction which did not help Martine's temper one little bit.
Just as she was preparing for tirade, his calm words totally took the wind out of her sails.

"My name is Sebastian, Ma'am. And as to what I am doing here, your mother and father were concerned about leaving a young lady alone in the mansion with most of the staff gone..."

So ... they had heard somehow that she was coming home and yet ...
She tried to stop herself from completing the thought... and failed.
And yet ... they had chosen to stay away for Christmas.

"It seems they were correct. And now that you have an explanation as to my activities, might I ask about yours?"

She blinked up at him.
He was questionning her, but in her preoccupation she had missed his words.
She held his gaze, her own becoming icy once more as he lectured her.

"You know Master Hamilton does not like you to drink, indeed I believe he expressly forbid it.
So why have you been raiding his liquor cabinet? Boredom?
A little teenage rebellion? Or is it that you are trying to get the courage for something?"

Again Martine considered her options.
Although anger sparked deep inside her, she knew it was anger at her parents, not at this young man who was no doubt saddled with baby-sitting her ... against his will.

"If "Master Hamilton" was so concerned about my welfare, he'd be here right now ... instead of leaving my welfare in the hands of ... just anybody..."

She glared and looked haughty, but she had bit back more insulting terms for the man, Sebeastian who still seemed unmoved.

"...cold ... "

Was the word that ran through her head as she finally pulled her eyes away from the ones that still looked down at her.
He was doing his job ... doing as daddy told him ... what was it to him what she did?

Martine sighed heavily and responded more quietly this time.

"What do you care anyway? ... after all ... what trouble can I get to landed here on my own? "

She was annoyed to hear her voice had turned more wistful than angry.
She took a deep breath and tried to summon her defences once more.

"Look ... Sebastian ... Why don't you just go on home ... be with your folks... you can check this place out daily if your conscience disturbs you ... but there's nothing else here for you to do ... I'll be a good girl ... "

Her tone turned ironic ... bitter ...

"Just keep the hell outta my way ..."

Anger had thankfully returned, throwing up the necessary defences.
She'd been dumped ... she was alone ... she felt rejected ... lonely.
This was going to be such a wonderful celebration!

She picked up the glass and poured another glass.
Right at that moment getting drunk seemed like a really good idea!
She turned her head away from Sebastian.
He would leave her to it, she was sure.
Least hassle for him ... she bet he would fly at the chance of being "home" throughout December.
She sighed heavily and eyed the glass, her expression sad.
Blinking to avoid unnecessary tears, she took a sip at the glass.
She was drinking with a purpose now.
Not to summon courage ... but to forget ...

 

[BadForm]

Sebastian

OOC: DM - hope my updates above bring things more into line - if not lemme know here or through PMs and I'll change to meet what you want. Sorry I had to run off earlier, timing...


IC: I listened to her rage without showing how I felt. She probably assumed I was being cold, professional even. Hell there was no probably about it, I could hear it in her tone. But that wasn't the truth. The truth was that I hated to see her so hurt.

And then I made a decision. It was one that would get me fired if old man Hamilton ever found out about it, but I hoped it was what she needed.

I moved with trained speed and snatched the glass from her hand, ignoring her angered protest as I did so. Then I took it to the glass to the liquor cabinet and grabbed a few bottles.

"This is no good for you, you know," I said, turning to look at her as she stalked towards me.

Blending the vodka with bols, orange and sweet-and-sour I fixed her an Evita. Then added a sprig of mint for garnish.

"If you're going to drink, you might as well enjoy yourself," I said with a smile, handing her the glass.

"Mind if I fix myself something?"

I turned back to the cabinet and looked at what was available. Master Hamilton liked his drink, as I knew, and he had a very thorough stock of alcohol. I'd learned a lot in order to be able to blend in at times when I was following Martine, and I knew how to mix numerous cocktails. Me, I liked things a little darker. Rum was my drink of choice, so I mixed a rum runner and turned to see Martine standing with her drink in her hand looking stunned.

"Cheers," I said, tipping my glass to her and taking a sip.

I couldn't resist a chuckle as she stared at me open mouthed. I couldn't tell whether she was working out what to scream at me or whether she was shocked that I would do something so obviously against her parent's wishes.

"Look, Martine... Miss Hamilton if you prefer..." I said. "I have been asked to watch over you, and I'm going to do it. As to what harm you could get into alone... you'd be amazed the things I've heard of happening to other women who were alone even if we ignore your father's suspicions about wild parties and other needless fears. So I'm not leaving."

I took another sip and savored the taste of the rum.

"But apart from that, you look like you could use someone around who doesn't mind so much if you let your hair down a bit."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martine Hamilton

Martine gasped a ready protest on her lips as he snatched the glass away from her hand. He had moved with such speed, such dexterity she had not been ready for it. Indeed his refusal to do as she had told him merely fanned her anger.

"This is no good for you, you know,"

Martine’s eyes blazed. Her DARE he lecture her!?!?
Ready for battle she took a stride towards him prepared to wrestle the bloody glass from him in needs be, but she stopped short as she watched him opening her father’s drinks cabinet and beginning to mix drinks … drinks she had never tasted …

"If you're going to drink, you might as well enjoy yourself,"

Martine blinked in surprise.
It was a rare occasion when she was speechless, but she was now.

"Mind if I fix myself something?"

He was all charm and smiles. She shook her head.
She looked down at the glass in her hand.
She couldn’t remember taking it from him.
She eyed the contents warily.
Drinking … it was mainly bravado … she drank wine … champagne … but didn’t really drink as such … mainly because “daddy” didn’t approve.
And drinking that evening hadn’t been for “enjoyment.

"Cheers,"

She watched him sip at his glass. Martine still had not sampled her own.
She saw him chuckle.
Was he laughing at her?
Why would he encourage her to drink when only moments before … ?

"Look, Martine... Miss Hamilton if you prefer..."

Her eyes met his, her look curious but ready to draw on her defenses if they were needed.

"I have been asked to watch over you, and I'm going to do it.
As to what harm you could get into alone... you'd be amazed the things I've heard of happening to other women who were alone even if we ignore your father's suspicions about wild parties and other needless fears. So I'm not leaving."

Martine’s mind raced.
Her parents had appointed her this … this “baby sitter” rather than interrupt their own holiday.
Her father had … suspicions … wild parties…?
She smirked bitterly.
Most of her “friends” wouldn’t know wild if it bit their prissy arses!

"But apart from that, you look like you could use someone around who doesn't mind so much if you let your hair down a bit."

Her eyes snapped back to his.
She saw … sympathy … compassion … How dare he feel sorry for her?!?
But the truth of his comment stilled the angry retort and made her mute.
She put the still untouched glass down on the coffee table and returned to the couch, picking up a magazine in the semblance of occupying herself.
She kept her eyes focused on it very aware of his eyes watching her carefully as he stood at ease in the room, slowly sipping his drink.

”Well … I guess I can’t stop you watching over me …”

She shrugged.

”But we both know that daddy would approve of my drinking … or letting my hair down … even a bit … “

She spoke with soft scorn, careful to keep the curiosity from her voice.
He was her father’s “man” and yet it seemed he was ready to “break the rules”.
She couldn’t help wondering why.

”But I guess if you’re gonna be the only one around this Christmas …”

She shook her head as if to dispel the hurt.

”Would you pass me my drink please?”

She looked up finally and held out her hand for the glass.
Her voice was polite, but … defeated.
She might as well try it.
After all … if she got roaring drunk … good old Sebastian would take care of her.
That was what he was there for after all.

She sighed and curled her fingers around the proffered glass.

”Thank you … “

She spoke softly then let the magazine drop to the floor.
Curling her legs under her as she sipped tasting his concoction.
Merry Christmas Martine!
She thought to herself.
Like her parents gave a damn about her anymore!

 

[BadForm]

Sebastian

I rolled the cocktail round my tongue, savoring its powerful flavor. For a second, I imagined using my tongue in other ways, but stopped myself at once. That was disgusting. Martine was my charge, and while it was easy to understand anyone falling for such a beautiful and fragile young woman, I would never betray my commitment to protect her: even if it meant from myself.

"Let me guess," I said. "You're not happy that your parents ran off and left you here, especially not with some guardian flunky hanging around spying on you? To tell you the truth, Miss Hamilton, I don't blame you... and you don't know the half of it. No, don't ask, there's things you don't want to know about how protected your parents have made your life."

I took another sip before speaking again.

"They love you, Miss Hamilton, even if they don't know how to show it. But all of that is beside the point."

I headed over to the entertainment area, glancing at the music system, tv, dvd and more. They really did spend a lot of money on luxuries - more it seemed than the average person spent on everything combined. That said, they were wealthy; they could afford it.

"Ever noticed how many channels there are that show nothing but garbage? I know you're bored, and I doubt there's anything showing tonight that would entertain you - somehow, I don't think Home Shopping Network means as much to you as some of your friends. So, let me ask: if you could do anything tonight... if you could choose to do anything at all, what would it be? Music, dancing, the gym, walk, movies, boardgames, gambling?"

I stood and watched her as she thought about what to say.

"Anything: let your ideas run free. Pretend you had an unlimited amount of cash even."