thedispatch | (no subject)

[ 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.

[ Okay, now she's smiling a bit more normally! ]

May I redeem that offer now?

[ William pushes his chair back from the table and stands. ]

Very well, then.

[ His arms part enough for her to wiggle her way in there. ]

[ Lips pressing as her smile pulls wider, she's quick to slip from her seat and wrap herself around him - blanket included!

Nestled against his neck, she breathes a happy sigh! ]

[ He gently wraps his arms around her, keeping her close. There's even a brief squeeze! ]

I was nervous I'd undone all the progress I'd helped you make.

Oh, Will. I don't know that I'll ever stop being a mess.

[ She responds airily, clearly unbothered by it, at present. ]

I am still going to try, regardless.

[ He allows her to hold on to him as long as she desires. Well, unless it impedes on their schedule! ]

[ The redhead hums, a sound of understanding and happiness. With her eyes closed, warm against his skin, she finds herself so comfortable that her body is reminded of the due rest it never received the night prior! And so, with a sleepy sigh of protest, she pulls herself away. There's no time for that! ]

[ With her seemingly satisfied, William makes to tidy up the table. ]

Go and ready yourself, I will clean up here.

[ Rubbing her fingers beneath one side of her glasses, she nods. Before he can get to it, she grabs what remains of her coffee to take with her, though - along with the last piece of her bacon. ]

You're wonderful, thank you. [ She says before sticking the morsel in her mouth on the way out. ]

By the way...

[ He calls after her, all the while collecting dishes from the table. ]

Your hair looks nice.

[ Grell stops to look back at him, cheeks half-stuffed and eyes wide with question.

And then, she immediately covers her lower face with her free hand, though it isn't difficult to tell that she's smiling behind it. Albeit awkwardly, bacon and all.

Since talking is out of the question, she'll give something of a squeaky cheer, then breaking into a snicker at herself as she scurries away. ]

[ Okay, even William has to admit to himself that that was adorable. And since she isn't there to see, he smiles to himself over it.

Once he's tidied everything up, he peeks his head into her room to check up on her. ]

How are things going?

[ Upon entering, he'll find Grell leaned in incredibly close to the mirror, merely inches from it - but, hearing him, she pulls back to glimpse over her shoulder to offer little smile of greeting. ]

I'm putting the final touches on my eye makeup. It isn't too much, is it?

[ It's certainly more effort than most ladies put into their makeup, but she's done a tasteful job of sculpting the crease of her lid and the lower lashline with a natural brown paint, and added a pop of red rouge on their outer corners. Paired with her soft liner and lash paint, it really opens her eyes! ]

[ William approaches, observing her in the mirror before looking straight at her. He's really going over every detail of it, too. ]

No. Red really does suit you, even on your eyes.

[ Hearing so, she looks truly giddy! ]

Ah, thank you♥~

[ And then, her features, and she shifts around in her seat to face him. ]

I don't know if I've ever said so, but I find it so charming that you take genuine interest in what others do, and offer your honest opinion. Most don't bother either way, and just aim to appease... but you care.

Honestly, I don't see any reason to lie or feign interest. It can only lead to complications later. Though...

[ His eyes trail down her front. ]

I will keep your little secret to myself. I feel the complications of others knowing would be far more difficult to deal with.