thedispatch | (no subject)

[ 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.

[ William simply shakes his head no and procedes to cup some of the bath water over his head. Then he takes the soap and gives his hair a good lather. ]

I believe it would be better if we didn't.

[ Looking down, she bites at her lower lip, and slowly leans back so that she may raise her arms to begin washing there.

It seems that she more she talks, the worse it becomes-- but if she leaves things as they are, will the misconception fester into something they can't control?

She swallows. ]

I've never been displeased with you, William. I find myself fortunate to warrant your attentions as it is. Please know that much.

[ A breath, as she looks away, halfheartedly washing her neck. ]

And I'm sorry for my selfish heart. I wish I were better.

[ He takes the time to rince the soap from his hair before responding. ]

It does not help when I constantly mislead you in ways such as this.

[ He motions between them and the tub. ]

[ While he's distracted with that, she washes her body. His words cause her lips to shift, and her brows knit. It's difficult to say so, but he might be right in that. ]

...You're not the only one at fault for that.

[ She's always trying her luck with her touching and embrace, after all. ]