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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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. ]

[ Instead of reprimanding her for getting so close, he uses the opportunity to pull her into an embrace. His arms wrap around her middle and he rests his cheek alongside her temple. ]

I don't believe I've thanked you, yet.

[ Drawing a surprised breath, it wavers just so - but that doesn't stop her from slinking her arms over his shoulders nose nuzzling into his shoulder. ]

You haven't needed to, with all you've done.

Regardless, I want to.

[ His grip around her tightens just so. ]

Thank you for saving my life.

Edited 2019-12-24 04:48 (UTC)

[ Stifling something of a whimper, she wraps her arms tight around him. Once she's certain she won't break into tears, she heaves a heavy, steadying sigh. ]

And thank you for saving mine.

[ Finally pulling back, he notices a single tear that's escaped and wipes it away with his thumb before it travels too far down her cheek. ]

I can light the fireplace and put on some soft music if that would please you.

[ Lashes lowering, she leans into his touch just so. Grell has never felt quite like this with anyone before. It is a bit terrifying, but also the most invigorating sensation she's experienced. ]

That sounds lovely, Will.

[ With a nod, he's up to do just so. The fireplace not only warms the room, but gives a nice, comforting glow. Next he's winding the music box, which softly pipes a soothing melody throughout the room. Satisfied with the ambience he's created, he nestles back down beside her. ]

Honestly, I may just fall asleep here.

[ And it doesn't sound like he has any issue with that happening. ]