thedispatch | (no subject)

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. ]

Well, I'm not going to purposefully have you panicking. That would serve no good cause.

[ He huffs briefly at her teasing and continues with his drink. ]

[ The redhead hums - warm, understanding. ]

You truly are my rock.

I'm glad I can be.

[ He looks down to her plate, judging how much longer till she'll be finished, as well. ]

Seeing as the bank is closed tomorrow, I am free to stay up later tonight, if there was anything you wanted to do together.

[ Cut her some slack, Will! One can't eat quickly while wearing a corset!

Anyway, the news leaves her sitting up straight, face alight with excitement. ]

When would I ever pass up the opportunity to have your attention?

I suppose I should have expected that answer.

[ He thinks on his question, wondering what options they have for entertainment. ]

Regardless, I do think we should both take the opportunity to bathe tonight, so that is taken care of for tomorrow.

Edited 2019-12-31 07:03 (UTC)

[ Grell chuckles, shifting to leave her seat and picking up their plates on the way. She's just finished her meal, and will simply save the ale for while she's tidying up. ]

Mn, I do like the sound of that. Perhaps you could feed the fire while I put away the food, then we'll bring in the tub together?

[ With a nod, he stands, briefly moving towards the sink to place his mug there. Then he's off to the wood stove, scraping out the previous night's ash before adding a dried bundle of kindling in its place. Once he has the fire going, a medium sized log is added and he watches it to make certain it catches properly. ]

[ Wiping her hands on her apron, Grell pauses beside him to rest her chin on his shoulder. ]

Ready~?

[ And should he say yes, they'll drag in the tub together. Fetching the water buckets, she assists in filling the tub while it heats. Once it's finally set to warm properly, she heaves a happy sigh. ]

Would you like for me to put on music?

That would be relaxing.

[ Despite still claiming to love her in a platonic way, William has grown more and more comfortable with Grell touching him. Whether a simple chin on his shoulder or snuggled up next to him on a particularly cold night, it's something he's finding great comfort in. Even now, he has little issue with removing his clothing to bathe beside her. ]

[ William won't hear any complaints from Grell, but she certainly must turn away before he can see her cheeks light up! ]

Any requests? Or would you prefer a surprise~?

[ She calls from the other room. At least she can play it off better than she used to! ]

Whatever you would like.

[ Once she returns, he'll have settled himself into the water. ]

The temperature is near perfect.

[ Despite him saying so, she picks a record that she knows to be one of his favourites. She has the opportunity to listen to whatever she wants most of the day, so it's only fair, she figures.

Returning, she's all smiles upon hearing he's pleased with the setup. ]

How wonderful. Is there anything else you'd like? Some drink, perhaps?

[ Now she can look at him without seeming too forward, she very much appreciates the view. ]

I will take some wine, if you are having some.

[ There's a bit of time to relax, as the water is quite hot and the bathing portion really doesn't take all that long. ]

Are you joining me?

Sounds like a fantastic idea.

[ On her way to get their glasses ready, her gait falters just so, as she glances over her shoulder at him with surprise. ]

O-oh, I hadn't realised you'd meant... together... [ A breath to continue, for she shouldn't leave any room for refusal, or she'll be kicking herself later! ] I'll be right there, don't worry.

It will be less of a hassle than refilling and heating the water. And it gives us a bit of time to relax and enjoy it.

[ It's not a huge tub, but so long as they are find with their legs being against one another then it should be just fine. ]