thedispatch | (no subject)

[ Placing their bowls onto the table, her fingertips cover her smiling lips. ]

You're quite welcome, Will.

[ Removing her apron to hang aside, she seats herself next to him proudly! ]

[ First, he pours them both a full mug of ale. Then taking a bun to dip into his stew, he nods approvingly at the taste. ]

What else have you spent your time with today?

[ Without even realizing, she's waiting on him to try the first bite! Upon his approval, she breathes a satisfied sigh, tearing a piece of her bun apart to follow suit. ]

Nothing terribly unusual, I suppose. I gave the horses a good brush before going into town today. I still haven't received word on those texts I've been going on about. I confess I began supper as early as I did out of boredom, I think...

[ A breath if amusement. ]

Tell me of your day.

[ Lowering the spoon back into his bowl he gives her a concerned frown. For the moment, he's pushed her own question aside. ]

Simply boredom or something more?

[ He can't imagine she's begun to be depressed again, with the way she lights up upon his return from work. But then, maybe that's the only thing she's hanging on to. It may be a worry out of nowhere, but seems he's more paranoid about the idea than he realises. ]

[ Misunderstanding the intent behind his question, she finds herself flushing a bit! ]

Not simply boredom, of course...

[ Looking down into her bowl, she pushes the spoon around absentmindedly. ]

Taking care of you in this way gives me a sense of wholeness, another way to express my love and gratitude.

[ His expression softens, relieved by her response. ]

So long as you're not reverting back to old thoughts and habits being alone most of the day.

[ Blinking, she glances upward, and it finally clicks as to why he had become concerned. ]

While you're gone, I do miss you terribly. Still, I have you here with me every evening, and you're always there to greet me when I wake. I've that to look forward to.

[ His hand still grips his spoon but he has yet to raise it to his lips. ]

Promise me you will tell me if any of those feelings return. As I will with you.

[ The gratitude for his concern is clear in her features, a soft smile shaping her lips. ]

I promise.

Good.

[ And he finally lifts his spoon, taking a few healthy bites. ]

To answer your earlier question, my day was pretty much the same as usual. Busier, due to us being closed the next two days, but I've grown used to that.

Really, that's all?

[ She's begun to nibble at her vegetables, experimenting with dipping them into the broth. ]

I can't imagine no one has pried into your plans for the holidays.

Customers inquire on my plans and there's brief conversation on the topic. But no one has invited me to join them elsewhere, if that's what you mean.

[ His mug is raised and he enjoys a sip of ale. ]

I truly can't imagine why.

[ She says so earnestly-- though perhaps a part of her is glad, for she imagines she'd be a bit jealous. ]

What of your family?

I'm not that social, as I'm sure you've noticed. I don't think any look upon me as someone who would accept an offer. And honestly, I would most likely decline. But I also wouldn't leave you to celebrate alone.

[ A thought occurs to him. ]

I just realized I never asked if you would be spending the holiday with your own family. I know mine will assume I'm joining them. What of your father?

[ The readhead's features ease into a soft smile, clearly appreciative of the sentiment. ]

Ah, I suppose I never specified... my father had a heart attack, taking his life. Though we had become estranged long before.

I wasn't aware he had passed as well.

[ Unsure of whether he should give his condolences, he lets his somber tone do it for him. ]

You are welcome to our Christmas day get together, as well.

[ Grell flushes! ]

Oh, I-- I shouldn't, they would find it upsetting to have me show in such short notice, wouldn't they?

If it makes you uncomfortable then I won't push it on you. Perhaps we can see how you feel after the gala.

[ Meeting his eyes, she confidently shakes her head at that! ]

I'm sorry, Will, I didn't mean to give that impression. I--...

[ She has to push away her self confidence issues, they ruin everything!! She HUFFS at herself. ]

Spending that time with you - among your family... I couldn't be more honoured or endeared by the thought.

[ She reaches out to place a hand over his, holding it briefly to instil her sincerity. ]

I was worried about making your parents uncomfortable, truly... though, I would be there for you, so...

[ He can tell she's trying to overcome that insecurity and it makes him quite proud of her. ]

I can't promise things will go smoothly but I will stand up for you if I must. They won't over shadow you in my mind.

[ With a flicker of a smile, she takes a steadied breath, nodding. ]

So... gifts, then! I hope they enjoy books.

Edited 2019-12-31 01:01 (UTC)

[ He hums approval with his mouth occupied with some of the vegetables. ]

I believe my mother is fond of more fantastical stories. My father would likely be more interested in something biographical.

Your mother is a woman after my own heart, from the sounds of it.

[ She chuckles. ]

I'll have to search my collection for something suited to your father's tastes, but I recall one or two more practical texts, at least...

They will enjoy them, whatever you choose, I am certain.

[ Most of his meal gone, William leans back more comfortably in his chair and focuses on his ale. ]

[ Noting that he's nearly finished and enjoying himself more wholly, she can't help but smile. Not to mention he's so kind as to reassure her. ]

Of course you'd say as much, so not to see me fret. [ The fondness in her eyes might hint at her teasing. ]