thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

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[ Placing her drink beside William's, she holds the front of the dress still so that he may have an easier time of it. It's a good thing that they aren't facing one another, with the lewd thoughts that begin to float through her mind - surely, she wouldn't be able to keep a straight face. ]

Is that your drink of choice, then? [ She must clear her voice a bit! ] Gin.

It is.

[ The dress unfastened, he slides the loosened garment down so she may step out of it, even holding a hand out so she may steady herself. Dress set aside atop the bed, William begins to loosen the silken ribbons that bind the corset. Considering how tight he'd pulled it at the start, it surly must be a relief to have it come off. ]

I cannot imagine this is comfortable to wear, let along be expected to function in.

[ Indeed, it is! Grell even takes a large breath, clearly happy to have the freedom the expand her chest! ]

Mm, it certainly will take getting used to... but I suppose I should consider it a small sacrifice.

Don't force yourself if it is uncomfortable. I don't need you fainting out in public on me.

[ The corset joins the dress on the bed, effectively leaving Grell there in nothing but her pants. It has William fetching the pyjamas from earlier, but he pauses, moving instead to one of the dressers. From one of the draws he pulls a different night gown, this one more feminine with accents of lace along the neck and sleeves. He holds it out to her. ]

Should I wish to be taken seriously, I must.

[ Crossing her arms across her chest, hands resting at her shoulders, she's already begun to look for the gown he'd loaned her the night before-- but then there's another held out to her, and she accepts it with a little smile. It isn't until she hasn't in hand that she is really able to take note of the details - and she gathers it to hold against her mouth, hiding her grin. ]

I am truly grateful for your concern, in any case.

Unfortunately, that is the case.

[ As she's thanking him, he redresses himself in his own gown. It's certainly not as appealing looking as the bare chest he showcases moments before, but he's been misleading her enough already. Deciding to forgo any flowing night wear wouldn't be an option at this time. ]

[ Really, she does find herself wishing that he could go without the sleepwear, after seeing a glimpse of what he has to offer-- ah, but she's really got to stop thinking that way. He'll never be interested.

With her nightgown on, she's finally able to lose the trousers. Thats a freedom that shes a bit more comfortable with, as her legs are longer and more feminine than most. ]

I may prefer it to the discomfort of feigning masculinity, anyway.

Hm.

[ William looks as though he's thinking hard on the subject. ]

Honestly, I can't claim to understand what you feel regarding your gender. But, I hope to be able to.

[ Such earns a softened smile from her. Moving to approach him, she takes his hands. ]

Even if you should never fully understand, it's alright. It's remarkable that you should support me.

[ If he'd allowed her his hands in the first place, she'll squeeze them. ]

Still, if you have questions, I wouldn't mind hearing them.

[ He looks down to where her hands clasp his. ]

What do you consider your sexuality to be, then?

[ Grell's brows tick, impressed that he should even think to ask such a thing. ]

That's a bit complicated, isn't it? I know I'm a woman, in my soul, and so, loving a man should be natural - and yet, physically, I'm a defect for wishing to be intimate with them.

Complicated is certainly the word I would use.

[ He doesn't seem bothered by it, though. ]

Though, I suppose the stereotypes of who is supposed to be attracted to whom never really mattered to me. I've never considered myself someone who actively seeks intimate relationships. It was such a foreign feeling when I found myself desiring intimacy with Penelope, despite her being my wife.

[ His brow creases as his eyes drift back down to their hands. ]

What I mean to say is, I don't believe you can actively decide who you begin to care for.

[ Ah, it seems that he may be trying to say that he doesn't wish for intimacy. Perhaps she's been too touchy.

Timidly withdrawing her hands, they gather to her chest. ]

I'm sorry, I must be making you uncomfortable. Please don't misunderstand me, I don't expect anything of you in that regard...

[ He briefly shakes his head. ]

You aren't. I was merely saying that you shouldn't let anyone say who you can and can't feel for. It happens on its own.

[ Shyly, her eyes raise to meet his, over the frames of her glasses. Inevitably, she smiles. ]

Yes... That's precisely it, really.

Come, let's get comfortable in the other room like you suggested.

[ William takes her hand once more, tugging her along. He urges her to sit while he fetches some larger blankets from the linen closet. ]

[ Grell is sure to take up her glass on the way, and once seated, gathers William's to keep safe as well.

It's a bit chilly, so she dares being improper by tucking her legs beneath her while she waits. Hopefully he won't mind too much. ]

You're too kind, Will. [ She near coos, sitting up straighter in excitement once he returns. ]

Honestly, I don't believe I've ever been described as such.

[ A large had quilted blanket is opened and he drapes it over Grell before nestling underneath it, himself. Then his drink is reclaimed and he takes a small sip. ]

Then I consider myself to be especially fortunate.

[ She follows by taking a drink of her own. ]

How would you describe your relationship with others?

Professional. Though I assume that's mainly because most of my interactions are at work. I'm not one to do much on my own personal time. I kept to myself mostly, even while I was married.

[ His gloom around the topic seems to have lightened a bit. ]

[ Humming with a quiet curiosity, her finger taps the side of her glass. ]

No one dared to pry?

Perhaps there's nothing interesting enough about me to warrant it.

[ It's obvious by the tone of his voice that he believes this, and doesn't merely speculate. ]

Edited 2019-12-23 07:41 (UTC)

[ Immediately, her brow furrows. ]

Positively untrue. I won't be content until I know everything about you.

[ Leaning her shoulder against his, she tilts her head to peer up at him. ]

After all, I've never met another man even remotely similar.

I could say the same of you. But, I believe the reason behind our meeting plays into that. I highly doubt either of us would have approached one another in a pub or simply on a usual outing.

[ He meets her gaze. ]

It is odd to say, but it almost makes me feel grateful for my past leading to this point.

[ The readhead's features soften into a blissful sort of smile, hearing such a thing. That might be the most romantic thing anyone has said to her. Platonically or otherwise. ]

Will...

[ Hand rising to cup his cheek, she rests her forehead to his, lashes glistening. ]