thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

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Are you just trying to appease me?

[ He side eyes her, but lets her settle there. ]

[ Carefully, she sets her chin atop them, eyes softening. ]

Truly, it goes together well. Do you see room for improvement?

I've already held each item up for comparison, so I don't see what else I could do.

[ Removing her hands from his shoulder. ]

If you would like some privacy, I can return when you're ready to fasten the corset.

Then you should be confident in your choice.

[ So, that has her pouting just a bit! But she recovers, shrugging the blanket off of her shoulders to drape over the footboard of her bed. ]

We've already bathed together; I think we're past that. [ A chuckle, as she glances back at him. ] But, if you'd like, you can return once you've partly dressed, yourself.

I was simply being respectful. But that would save us a slight bit of time.

[ With that, he gives her a nod and heads towards his own room. ]

Of course. You're a good man, Will.

[ She says to him as he goes, voice filled with more fondness than teasing! And upon his return, he'll find her dressed in all her undergarments sans the corset, using the full length mirror to ass the final touches in her lipstick.

When she steps back to inspect her handiwork, she gives herself a good look over and seems a bit perplexed concerning how she feels about it-- for she deeply dislikes the fact that the illusion is interrupted by the flat chest and masculine torso, but there's also something risque and not entirely ugly about it.

And then, spotting Will, she's a bit embarrassed to have been looking at herself at all! ]

Ah, you're quick!

Hm.

[ He's stood behind her, looking her over just as she'd done to herself. And when she notices him, he approaches. ]

I did do quite well, it seems.

[ He looks over each piece of the ensemble, nodding his head in approval. ]

You don't seem entirely convinced, however.

[ That only leaves the redhead's hand hovering over her face in some effort to conceal her blush. ]

No, that's not it. In fact, I was thinking that I especially like it, even despite lacking the proper form for the garments... That's saying something, I think.

[ She'll leave out the other bit, so as not to make him uncomfortable over the subject! ]

I had them take your chest into account when I commissioned the dress. Many woman have smaller breasts, so I don't think it will be an issue.

[ Giving her another look over, he fetches the corset from the bed. ]

What is important is that you feel confident in it.

[ Grell acknowledges the observation with a hum, smoothing her hands over her shoulders, along her chest.

But then, he's reminding her of her own words, to which she shoots him a lopsided little smile. ]

You're absolutely right. Perhaps more confident than I ever have.

Good.

[ While not really smiling, there's a softness to his eyes that rarely shows itself. ]

That's what I've wanted for you this entire time.

[ The corset is wrapped around her middle and he waits for her to position it properly before adjusting the ribbons. ]

[ The redhead does just that, holding it in place as her gaze lowers, and her eyes eventually close. She's very content. ]

Thank you, William.

[ Let's see how long that sincere gratitude lasts. Because he's meticulously pulling at each layer of ribbons, and doing so quite quickly and effectively! Hope she took a big breath! ]

[ Brows furrowing, her lips work themselves into a frown of discomfort - but she is still grateful for his diligence, really! In fact, she finds something about the process therapeutic... Thanks again, Will!

Reaching out to place a hand against the wall beside the mirror, she steadies herself for him to really tug at those waist strings! ]

[ And oh does he give them a good tug! Once he's satisfied, he ties it off with a simple bow. Then he's rounding her to see how it looks along side the other garments. There's an approving nod. ]

[ Shoulders rising, she takes a breath, and settles herself down into the corset with her hands about her waist. It does give her a much more feminine figure, shoulders aside. She can't help but admire it a bit, herself. ]

Very good, thank you...

[ Looking to him, then, the excitement builds in her features. ]

On to the dress, then.

[ Approaching the bed, her fingers trail over the detail of the skirt once more, before she carefully unfastens the waist. ]

Could you help me step into it, please? I wouldn't want to make a mistake...

Of course.

[ Holding one side of the skirt's waist, he holds the other hand out for her to take and steady herself. ]

Honestly, I can't imagine having to put all this one by one's self.

[ Uttering a word of thanks, she fold her hand over his whilst holding the other side, and carefully steps into it. ]

Nor can I! I'm quite fortunate for having your assistance.

[ Fastening it in place, she breathes a pleased hum as it sits just right over her waist. Of course, it still sits a bit long and limp without the petticoat, of which she asks him to assist her with next. The skirt looks positively perfect after that, leaving her to twirl her waist to see it flounce with a delighted smile! ]

[ Pleased with the way the skirt fits her, he takes up the top. the buttons at the back are carefully unfastened before he rounds her front and holds it up for her to slip in her arms. ]

You seem pleased with it already.

Oh, I am, Will! It's gorgeous.

[ By the way she can't stop said smiling, it's very obvious that she's telling the truth. With a hum of appreciation, she carefully slides her arms through and adjusts the seams, and then holds them in place while turning for him to fasten them for her. ]

[ Having only had his judgement to go on when commissioning the garment, he finds himself quite impressed by the seamstress' work. After all, he couldn't bring Grell in to get measured. That would ruin more than one surprise.

Once the top is done up, William gives her a final look over, eyes pausing to rest on hers. ]

I don't see how any other lady there could compare. It looks stunning on you.

[ Hands folding together tightly with anticipation, her eyes widen just so at the appraisal he gives her. To even suggest that she could outshine the women there makes her eyes a bit misty! Throwing her arms about his shoulders, she tightly embraces him. ]

This means so much to me. I'm endlessly grateful for you, William.

I wanted to see you happy for Christmas.

[ His own arms gently rest upon her waist, as he's careful not to upset any of the delicate stitching on the gown. ]

[ Likewise, she has to be careful not to smear her makeup, so no nuzzles - and certainly no crying! She has to take a steadying breath. ]

I'm always happy when I'm with you, I want you to know that; but, truly, you've outdone yourself.

I hope you don't mind, this was your gift for the holiday.

[ There may be a bit of something for her that morning, but unfortunately he had to give her the main present a say early. He's certain she won't mind, though. ]