thedispatch | (no subject)

[ With a hum of acknowledgement, she makes use of a chair to drape her removed pieces over. First, her bodice, then her skirt and petticoat, leaving her to undergarments, stocking, and shoes. For those, she'll take a seat, so as not to stumble over her accident-prone self. ]

So, what should I expect tomorrow, at this Christmas Eve party of yours?

Mingling, for the most part. Idle conversation. There will be food, of course. And mother always insists on the traditional Christmas pudding. She finds it more amusing with a greater number of people to participate.

[ As Grell finally readies herself for the bath, William will set his glass aside and position himself so she can settle her legs between his. ]

Dancing, as well. I believe there will be a quartet playing.

[ Grell does her best to keep a straight face whilst exposing herself to Will, climbing in the bath. And she certainly sees a good portion of him, too, while she takes care to settle herself around him. ]

That sounds quite lovely, actually... Ah, I've always loved to watch dancing, in particular. The flair of it.

[ Closing her eyes, she can still enjoy the comfort of the water. It almost soothes her nerves! ]

Are you one to dance, yourself?

[ Is this his subtle way of asking her to dance, or is he just curious? After all, William is hardly subtle in the things he does.

But once she seems settled in the tub, he retrieves his wine glass. ]

Edited 2019-12-31 21:02 (UTC)

[ That question brings about a wistful sigh! ]

I admire, mostly, but-- when I can find the opportunity to partake, I do, yes.

[ Following suit in picking up her glass, she then sinks down into the water as far as she can without getting too friendly against William's legs! ]

Assuming I'm not being dragged into conversation with people the entire night, I'd be willing to give you dance.

[ There's no pulling back, so she must be in the clear, as far as bodily contact goes. ]

[ Grell nearly presses a hand to her mouth, but stops short, so as not to ruin her makeup! She'll just have to let it hover,instead. ]

Oh, please?! By promising me a night of dance, you may effectively cut those conversations short, you know?

I wouldn't object to being pulled away, if that's what you're implying.

[ A deep sigh. ]

You're my relief from stressful times, after all.

[ There's nothing but fondness in her eyes, cheeks warming once more. ]

Of course it is. I take that job very seriously.

And I appreciate it each day.

[ His eyes drift shut, taking in the calming moment. ]

[ With an amused breath, she dips into her wine, watching him over the rim of her glass. Now that William has closed his eyes, she can take in the sights more freely. ]

Mn. Not as much as I appreciate all of you.

You continually say that as if you haven't had just as large an impact on my life.

[ He opens his eyes only to briefly catch her looking. He keeps from commenting, though. ]

Ah, well--

[ Okay, so maybe she was getting a bit flirty, but now that he has caught her, she can't help but avert her eyes quickly and hide her flushed face by taking another swig. ]

[ Apparently oblivious to the flirtatious aspects of her comments, as usual, he continues on, taking her words exceptionally literally. ]

I want you to understand that. I was on that same ledge, with the same goal in mind. Had you not approached me, I'd have jumped, just the same as you.

[ Ah, now she's made him upset, it seems, and judging by how especially upturned her brows are, she feels pretty terrible about it, herself. ]

I'm sorry, Will. I only meant to tease you a bit... You make me feel endlessly valued, I promise you.

I am not angry with you.

[ He knows that much about the expressions she gives him. ]

[ With the smallest pou, she leans in, knees drawn to her chest. ]

I haven't made you feel poorly, then?

No. I simply want you to understand.

[ A shake of his head and a sip of wine before he sets it aside. ]

Perhaps I haven't been showing you that enough.

[ That brings about a tilt of the head. ]

What? How else would you?

[ A crease in his brow, he makes eye contact. ]

You're pleased with the attention I give you, then?

[ Eyes widening a bit, she looks away bashfully whilst shifting to set her glass aside, as well. ]

There isn't much that you keep from me, so you must me speaking of more intimate affairs-- yes?

[ She pressed her lips with a frown. ]

I can't help my attraction to you, just as I know I can't expect you to feel the same.

So your answer is no.

[ Things having gotten a bit awkward, William leans over the side of the tub to fetch the soap and wash cloths he'd placed there. ]

Perhaps we should get to washing.

No! I mean--

[ Clearly frazzled, she wraps her arms about her knees with a saddened sigh. ]

Alright.

[ He lathers up the cloth, handing it to her to use first. ]

I would offer to wash your back, but I feel we've made things awkward enough in this moment.

[ Grell accepts the cloth, eyes softening. Even now, he shows her kindness. ]

Perhaps I could wash yours, then.