Forgiven

[death_glare]

[ No one questioned anything when William suddenly left his office that morning. "I've been called to a meeting" was all the information he gave the rest of Dispatch. To them, it wasn't surprising, seeing as he was the head of the department. For William, however, the summoning came with zero notice. As he made his way to the upper managements' offices, all he could wonder was what issue his subordinates caused that he'd have to clean up after, this time.

It wasn't until lunch break that William returned to Dispatch. The others expected they'd get reprimanded for something, but William remained quiet, his face expressionless as he closed the door to his office. ]

Comments

[death_glare]

How so?

[ Because he can't even begin to imagine Grell being anything other than loud, dramatic and intimidating (to others, that is!). ]

[untodeath]

[ Her fingers idly trace up and down his stomach, along the button fly of his dress shirt. ]

I--... was repressed, I suppose. Unsociable, quiet, afraid. Weak. Pathetic.

[death_glare]

[ His eyes may be focused on the pan - slowly stirring flour into the gravy he's preparing, but they occasionally slip down to where her hands play along his middle. ]

You're anything but, now.

[ It's odd to think she was so different, but it makes sense when you consider just how closed minded things were in the time period they came from. He supposes that's one positive thing about the reaper realm.

Okay, his turn to ask an original question. Since they're already flitting down that road, he may as well bring up the topic. ]

What method did you use to arrive here?

[untodeath]

[ With something of a chuckle, she nuzzles into his neck lightly, with quiet thanks. ]

Ah, I threw myself off of Beachy Head after slitting my wrists. You♥?

[death_glare]

Disemboweling myself with a kitchen knife.

[ Her hands are teasing along the precise area, but she won't find any scars. Becoming an angel did away with them, something William's quite thankful for. ]

[untodeath]

[ At that, the reaper's hands pause as she picks up her head. ]

My goodness... [ She cups a hand over his stomach with a frown. ] What suffering...

[death_glare]

In comparison to what I was feeling that evening, it was far behind.

[ Letting her one hand stay where it is, he grasps the other, turning it over to rub a thumb over the faint scar across her wrist. Always wearing gloves with her uniform, he'd never taken notice of them before. ]

[untodeath]

[ The tenderness warms her cheeks, fingers softly curling into the fabric on his shirt. ]

I can't begin to imagine what it's like, Will... [ She's often despaired over the inability to bear children... but to have, and then lose one... ] I'm sorry.

[death_glare]

[ Switching off the burner, he sets the wooden spoon off to the side, atop a carefully folded kitchen towel. He turns in her embrace, his eyes downcast. ]

I think she would have liked you. Found you entertaining.

[untodeath]

[ Grell's eyes search his face, a corner of her mouth plucking into an uneven smile. ]

Really. Me? [ An amused breath. ] She must have been a brave girl!

[death_glare]

[ That gets him to look back up, brow furrowed. ]

I was referring to your dramatic way of moving and speaking. I would expect you not to do anything psychotic around her.

Also, she would have enjoyed braiding your hair, if you'd have allowed her. Christine never wore hers long enough for Abigail to play with. But she had a porcelain doll she would always do so to.

[untodeath]

[ Grell challenges with a playfully stern look of her own. ]

I would never harm a child. [ But her features soften as she thinks on his words, eyes briefly closing with a blissful little hum. ] I would've loved that. Dressed her up, in turn. Oh, I imagine she was a beautiful little thing, if she took after you.

[death_glare]

I think it's near impossible for a parent not to think their child is the most beautiful they've ever seen.

[ There's a heavy sigh. ]

A shame photography didn't come about until after then. I would have loved to have a photo of her to show you.

[untodeath]

[ Grell raises a hum to trace the pad of its thumb down the contour of his cheek. ]

Tell me, then; what did she look like?

[death_glare]

Her hair was closer to her mother's, a warm brown that we'd allowed her to grow to nearly her mid back. Astoundingly bright blue eyes. And, I swear, she could lighten up the dreariest of days with her laugh.

[ As if to prove his claim, something quite unbelievable happens. Eyelids lowering, just slightly, a gentle smile comes across his face. Had he still been a reaper, sitting alone in his flat after a stressful day, tears may have come instead. But he's ascended beyond that now and only fondness remains. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell's brow twitches with surprise, witnessing such a thing. As much as she loves to see him happy, she's also devastated that she hadn't been a part of it. It's a strange thing to feel all at once.

Leaning inward, her forehead comes to rest against his, lashes falling over her eyes, faintly misty. ]

Oh yes... I would have spoilt her mercilessly.

[death_glare]

[ William picks up on that slight waver to her voice, but before he can comment on it, the oven's timer sounds. He pulls back, smile quickly replaced by the usual irritated frown. With a huff, the oven is clicked off. ]

Ask me a new question. This topic seems to be upsetting for you.

[untodeath]

[ Straightening herself up with a deep inhale, the redhead is nearly bristling! ]

I'm not upset, I'm emotional. There's a difference.

[death_glare]

Is there?

[ He'll leave her to explain further if she feels the need. He's going to pull that beef from the oven before it's over done. ]

[untodeath]

Yes! [ With a sniff, she places her wine glass onto the counter whilst hoisting herself up to perch beside it. ]

I'm just-- moved to see your face do that. And wishing I could've been part of such happiness. [ An idle swing of her feet. ] Given her everything I'd wished for, perhaps.

[ Sigh! ]

Alright, so-- questions, then. [ She picks up her glass, swirling its contents with a hum! ]

[death_glare]

You're here now, are you not? And I've told you that I finally feel happy, again.

[ The meat is pulled from the oven and set one the stove beside the side dishes. Then he's off to fetch them some plates. ]

How many slices would you like?

[untodeath]

Of course I'm grateful for that.

[ Geez, Will! Totally missing the sentiment! She huffs. ]

Ah--... I don't know, two?? [ Now taking notice of how wonderful it smells and looks, that thought process has been entirely derailed. ]

[death_glare]

[ Serving them both up a decent sized portion, William carries their plates to the table. ]

I wish I could give her more, just as much as you. Unfortunately, neither of us can.

[ There's a sigh, and William would love a sip of wine, right now. ]

[untodeath]

[ Thankfully for him, Grell picks up his glass and the bottle of wine, before following him to the table! ]

Mn. Somehow, though... I think she might be content to know you were living fully, at last. In her honour, I'll see to it that you continue to do so.

[death_glare]

[ Seated, he takes a large sip of his wine. ]

Thank you. We both will, together.