thedispatch | (no subject)

[ 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. ]

[ He pauses in the doorway. The beauty of her hair is easily noticed, but he's torn on if he should compliment her on it. So instead he gives her a brief 'good morning' in return. The ice box has a pitcher of orange juice in it and he retrieves it to fill both their glasses. Then he takes a seat, unsure what would be the best thing to say in the moment. ]

... You've been up some time, it seems.

[ Muttering a quiet word of thanks, she pauses to take a sip from the glass left for her. She, too, is unsure what to say, and the opportunity that she's given herself to think on it does little to help. ]

I have, yes. [ Best not to lie, as any excuse she can think of might be too obvious, in any case. ]

[ Well, he shouldn't have expected that to last more than a brief response. ]

Do you need any help with finishing the meal? It smells quite good.

I suppose you could ready the plates, if you'd like. The beans are nearly done.

[ William seems to be trying quite hard, in his own way, so she'll bite. Even if it is a small task. ]

[ With a nod, he pulls some dishware from the cabinet, as well as some utensils for them both. They're set neatly before each seat before he reclaims his. The rest of the time, he watches her, noting the delicate way she pinned up her hair, but also the way her body moves. Tired, saddened. With a shake of his head he returns to his juice. ]

[ Grell takes the remaining time to cover the beans, so that she may serve up their coffee. Something for William to enjoy while he waits. Heading back to the stove with his plate, she loads it with the various components of a traditional English breakfast. Placing it gently down before him, she leaves with her own plate, to do the same. Wordlessly, until-- ]

Happy Christmas Eve.

[ The food looks wonderful and he thinks just how much she's learned and improved over the months since they met. But her greeting grabs back his attention. ]

Ah, yes. Happy Christmas Eve, as well. Oddly, it hadn't even come to mind, yet.

[ So many other thoughts have been distracting him, after all. ]

[ Setting her apron up on its hook, she returns to join him; setting down the plate she holds, she carefully readjusts her throw to act as a shawl while she eats. She hasn't changed into proper clothes yet, after all. ]

Ah... yes. [ Though she picks up her utensils, she stalls in using them, lips working in place as she eyes the food before her. ] I'm-- sorry about that. I didn't mean to ruin holiday.

[ His brow immediately creases. ]

How have you ruined it?

[ For a moment, she touches her fingertips to her lips. With a steadying breath, she swallows down those emotions. ]

I shouldn't have made that inappropriate comment.

Wishing me a happy Christmas Eve?

[ Whoosh, over his head. ]

[ Her eyes flicker up to his, a rather incredulous look on her face. ]

N..o..? The one that-- you know, led to this entire thing.

[ The frown fades from his features and he heaves a sigh. ]

I would rather we put that behind us. I don't believe either of us meant to offend one another.

[ Her shoulders slump just so. Now, she's failed by bringing it up again.

And so, silently, she just nods. ]

[ He'd thought, perhaps, that would have given her some relief, but it seems to have done the opposite. Should he give in and tell her now? He had hoped it could be a special moment. But perhaps now she wouldn't want to hear it.

William refocuses on his plate, humming in approval of each taste but not saying anything aloud. ]

[ The approval he gives does lift her spirits just so-- and the effort he puts into doing so.

Really, she's just being a child, she thinks. Perhaps she just wanted to hear that it's all okay, and it is only because she didn't that she is making assumptions.

Sitting herself a little taller, she begins to pick away at her meal, as well. ]

As far as getting ready goes, I was thinking that we could put on Christmas music and make cocoa, then I could take my time putting on my face this morning-- and then, after I make lunch, we could help one another dress...

[ Looking up, he lifts his cup of coffee - no cream and perfectly sweetened just how he likes, and listens to her suggestions. ]

That sounds like it should have us ready on time. Though, I would also like to stop by the local florist and pick up a poinsettia plant for my mother. She is rather fond of them and it has become somewhat of a tradition.

[ Glancing up, a smile flickers across her lips. ]

An early lunch, then. I wouldn't dream of taking that tradition away from your mother.

[ She pauses to follow suit in enjoying some coffee. ]

Mn, I hope to see a garden full of them when we visit her on Christmas?

[ Seeing that bit of smile and hearing her picking up conversation again has him mentally heaving a sigh of relief. ]

Unfortunately, that won't be the case. It is her favourite flower yet she can't keep one alive, for the life of her. Hence why I buy her a new one each year. Even if it won't last very long.

Oh dear...

[ Grell's brows press together with endearment, but she manages to keep her glimmer of amusement at bay by hiding it with another sip of her drink! ]

I think I'm going to like her.

I hope that is the case.

[ But he sounds rather optimistic about it, as if he is already positive that will be the case. ]

Is there anything you need before we leave?

[ Looking up at William curiously, her gaze then wanders in thought, as she considers his question seriously. ]

Hm... Perhaps an embrace.

Edited 2020-01-03 02:21 (UTC)

[ Meeting her eyes, he nods. ]

Of course.