thedispatch | (no subject)

[ Over the next few months, life for the two of them improves greatly, considering what it had been just before they met. William finds the thought of having a warm greeting upon his return from a long day's work comforting, and looks forward to the moment each day. Though Grell had gotten her own bed and claimed the spare room not long after she moved in, they often found themselves tucked close on the couch reading or simply enjoying a drink together. Occasionally, William even woke Grell from her slumber, asking her to spend the night in his bed after being startled awake by nightmares of his past.

It was something William was slowly thinking through each day, trying to sort his feelings on each part of this bond they'd formed from seemingly nothing. It isn't until the day before Christmas Eve that he finds himself wanting to share his thoughts. ]

Grell, I have an important matter to discuss with you.

[ He states bluntly, with zero context only moments after he returns from work. ]

[ Over that time, Grell had begun to gain confidence, not only in herself, but their relationship. Every morning became a new adventure, of which she would better herself; a more steadier hand at styling herself, a more practised mind at tending to the home, and proper diligence at managing her small side-business with the library. There was a sense of purpose in her heart, and her driving force was seeing the warmth it brought to William's eyes.

Upon hearing him arrive home, she's already made her way to greet him. She has an early supper simmering on the stove, and she's pinned her hair up especially cute. Holding her hands out to him, she finds herself hoping that he is especially pleased to meet her like so, and the excitement shows in her eyes--

Until he says those words. Her footsteps falter, hands notable flinching to rest against her chest, eyes wide and blinking. ]

O-oh?

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, you realise?

[ No greeting or clasp of her hands, instead he's focused on setting his briefcase down at his desk and tucking his coat and scarf into the hall closet. ]

Of course, how could I forget?

[ Arms lowering to grasp at her skirt, disappointment sinks into her eyes like a dejected puppy. Even so, she finds herself following behind him. ]

[ He finally turns to her as he removes his watch and loosens the fastenings to his cuffs. ]

My father has always hosted a gala, along with his partner as a celebration for the employees and their families. I will be attending, as I'm expected to.

Oh.

[ Shoulders easing with a sigh, she folds her hands with a lopsided little smile. ]

You don't need to worry about that, Will. I'll be fine enough, especially if you can manage to smuggle home some sweets for me.

That won't be necessary.

[ He finally approaches her, eyes connecting with hers. ]

I want you to accompany me.

[ Eyes widening, her head tilts forward to gawk at him over her spectacles! ]

You-- [ Hand pressed to her chest, she straightens herself! ] What will you say??

I will introduce you as you are and explain that we've been living together.

[ It's stated as if it should be obvious. Also, he's conveniently left out the specification of whether he aims to present her as a lady or man. ]

[ Okay, now she'll need to take the nearest seat, numbly stumbling her way over to plop down. Her fingertips are pressed over her mouth, trying to find words in her shock. ]

Is that-- are you--!! Truly--?! [ She blurts out, as soon as she gives herself the chance to speak! But it seems she's lost the ability to form words, hands cupping against her cheeks with frustration! ]

The event begins at six but I will be expected to arrive before then to assist. So you'll need to ready yourself by four, I should think.

[ Apparently oblivious to how taken aback she is, he continues to ramble out details. ]

[ That brings about a choked sort of sound! ]

I--I'll need to ready myself! [ That simple realisation brings about a most startling truth. ] I haven't anything to wear!

[ Finally hearing her panicked tone he looks to her with a slight frown to his features. ]

Of course you have.

[ Then without another word beyond that he turns to make his way down the hall and towards his bedroom. ]

[ Brows knitting together, she is entirely bewildered by this apparent lapse of sanity he's having... but he sounds so certain of himself that she simply has to follow!

Grasping onto the door frame, she peeks inside. ]

Will...?

[ The sight she'll be met with is of William pulling a dress from his closet. The gown is elegantly stitched with piping and lace and seems to flow from his hands to where he holds it up for her to inspect. Oh, and of course, it's a vibrant red that near matches the shade of her hair! ]

You'll have this to wear.

[ Clutching at her collar, Grell audibly gasps. It's the most beautiful gown she's seen, she thinks - and the wonder is so clearly reflected in her features as she comes forward to see it, in detail. The way that she moves, it seems that she's fearful it might disappear before her eyes, as though it were some fleeting dream. ]

William, you... you had this made for me...?

[ Carefully reaching out to touch its fabric, her fingertips trace the beaded detail in the lace. It dawns upon her that she had been admiring something similar not long ago. ]

Like that one on the way home from market, but in my favourite colour...

I searched but had no luck finding any for sale in this colour. So, yes, it is custom made. The seamstress found the request quite odd and tried to convince me it was the wrong choice for whatever woman I was looking to impress.

[ It's obvious by his tone that he made no effort to feign accepting that advice. ]

[ Breath hitching with a laugh, Grell looks up to William with tears in her eyes. She take his face in her hands, bottom lip tucked beneath her teeth to hide her grin as she sniffles. ]

It's the most beautiful gift I've ever received.

[ He gives her a solid nod, features now relaxed and near warm! ]

You will accompany me, then?

[ Closing her eyes to push back her tears, she nod once, surely. ]

Though this might very well be leaping into the fire, you've clearly thought it through. I trust you-- and I could never deny you, in any case. I think you must know that.

Will you feel comfortable presenting yourself as female? You'll be under far more scrutiny than if we were at market or the like.

[ He has no doubt in her, as she's certainly grown in her self confidence. But he wants to make certain she feels the same. ]

[ Drawing a shaky breath, she swallows. ]

I don't know that comfortable is the right word, but I certainly will find it in me to manage.

It will be nice to have you there. I hated the idea of leaving you to yourself on such a night.

[ Content with her acceptance he moves to bring the dress to her room. ]

[ Grell's hand trails down his shoulder as he passes, and she accompanies him to assist. Pushing her door aside, she then opens her closet, pushing aside other garments to make room. Plenty of it. ]

Is that what it is... Truly, you don't have to worry about me, in that regard. You already do so much.

[ The gown is gently set to hang, after all it cost a good amount! ]

It's going to be Christmas Eve. You are meant to spend the time with those important to you. That includes you just as much as any of them.