thedispatch | (no subject)

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. ]

Still, I want to apologise.

[ As it seems she's finished with the cloth, he takes it up to wash down his own body. Though this time he takes not of just how much he's showing towards her and tries to make it as subtle as he can, given the close proximity they're in. ]

[ See how he hesitates, she removes her glasses to set aside, and busies herself with rising her face clean, hoping such will make him more comfortable. ]

It's alright, William. I understand.

[ Even if he did desire to be close, how could he really love her? Perhaps he thought she had a pretty face, but it's been ruined by battered teeth. She's truthfully not the most desirable woman, and a sad excuse of a man. Broken since birth. She wouldn't want to love her. ]

[ Even though she says so, he can tell she's taking the conversation harshly. All that confidence he'd felt building up in her - he feels he's inadvertently flushed it all away. He sighs, standing to let as much water fall from him as he can before stepping out of the tub. ]

This conversation aside, I still would like you to accompany me to tomorrow's gala.

[ Grell looks away, unpinning her hair to allow it to fall over her face. Now, she's made herself want to cry. How pathetic. ]

If that would please you.

[ It feels like a terrible idea, but he went through the trouble of buying her that dress for it... it would be ungrateful of her to say no. ]

I hope that it will please you, as well.

[ One of the towels is taken up and he pats himself dry, then wrapping it about his waist, he leaves for the bedroom to give her some privacy to finish up. ]

[ Grell falls into silence, dunking herself beneath the water to wet her hair.

Once she's finished, she realizes that she's much too weak to drain the tub on her own, despite her efforts - and so, she settles with leaving it for the morning, and smothers the fire, instead.

She retreats to her room, after that. Readies herself for bed early, and crawls under the covers for warmth. It just seems the right thing to do; she hasn't much energy for anything else. ]

[ When William returns from his room, it's obvious Grell has decided to retire for the night. He toys with the idea of entering her room to continue their talk, and perhaps patch up a few things, but he feels he may just make it worse. He never was very good at this sort of thing.

So, it's not much longer before he slips under his covers, as well. There's quite a bit running though his mind, and it does little to help him sleep. From their awkward bath to the stress of the next day's gala, to other thoughts that had been dancing around his head for the past week. It's something he's set to pack away and think little more on. But he knows that won't do either of them any good.

Tomorrow. I will say something to her tomorrow. He speaks the decision to himself in a whisper, as if she would hear through the wall. ]

[ The following morning, when William should decide to rise, he will hear her in the kitchen, making breakfast.

Clearly, she's been up for some time, as her hair is already done for the day - and it's been immaculately curled and pinned into place. In truth, she never properly slept, heart seeming chaos into her veins and clouding her mind. Keeping her hands busy was something of a distraction, at least.

And so, she stands there before the stove, hair beautiful but face bare, and a throw pulled close about her shoulders.

Upon hearing the other's footsteps, she sends him a startled glance, but quickly turns her head away in embarrassment, continuing to stir. ]

Good morning. [ Her voice is small. ]