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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[ Seeing that confidence, William can't feel anything but proud of her. There's still a lot to work on but is a good start. ]

Honestly mother, we will be fine.

[ She gives him a skeptical look but nods, nonetheless. ]

We will be over tomorrow, then.

[ He wishes her a happy Christmas before the couple leaves for home. There isn't much to talk of on their trip home, what with William steering the carriage and the cold being more than a bit distracting. ]

[ Grell feels a bit skeptical, herself, but she resists the inclination to pull a face. Instead, she takes Williams's arm and bids his mother farewell.

There's much to say, but she doesn't know where to begin. Her mind bubbles over with questions-- but she'll simply keep close, head nestled upon his shoulder, to share their warmth.

Dressed so delicately, she is shooed away from assisting in the stable. Though huffy about it, she brushes a hand over William's cheek and agrees to meet him inside. There, she starts the fire in the sitting room and prepares warm drinks. ]

Edited 2020-01-18 02:24 (UTC)

[ Sufficiently chilled by their trip, William is reluctant to remove his coat. But the fire slowly warming the room has him wanting to get into more comfortable clothing. He's certain Grell must be feeling the same way with how heavy her dress is. Not to mention that corset. ]

I am going to disrobe, if you would like assistance to, as well.

[ Grell takes his hands to wrap around a warm mug of tea. ]

Yes, please. But see to it that you get some of this in your stomach, first.

[ Though she would love nothing more than to disrobe him herself, judging by the hunger in her eyes when gazing upon his features! ]

Edited 2020-01-18 02:32 (UTC)

[ The mug feels quite nice in his hands and he willingly raises it to his lips to sip at. She really had gotten quite well at fixing his ideal cup, and the calm look on his face says as much. The look on grells face is much different, though! ]

I've opened a entirely new stage for us with that kiss, haven't I?

Is that not what you wanted?

[ Pleased that he's done as much, she briefly parts to grab her own tea. Once she returns, she passes him on the way to his room, glancing over her shoulder to beckon him along. ]

It was. Though perhaps it didn't dawn on me just how much things will change.

[ once in the bedroom, he sets his mug down and finally removes that jacket. Then his jabot is loosened and his shoes carefully removed ans set aside. ]

Not that I am complaining, mind you.

[ A hum of agreement. ]

Less fear, no holding back.

[ Now that she's hung his coat, she'll approach to assist him with the buttons of his vest. ]

At least, I should hope.

[ He watches as her fingers slowly undo each button, but eventually they drift up to watch her face, instead. She really does look beautiful with her face all done up and hair pinned so delicately. ]

Had you been fearful of me?

No.

[ That answer is easy, immediate. ]

I was afraid that I would ruin everything good between us.

[ When she glances up, she doesn't expect to meet his gaze. This time she doesn't shy away, though she does flush characteristically! ]

Seems you had nothing to be fearful of from the start.

[ While he did find her shiness quite endearing, it's good to see her feeling more comfortable. At least the blushing has stayed! ]

[ This time, her hum is doubtful. ]

It would have been too uncomfortable for you, I think. You weren't ready, mn?

[ Yes, that's a bit of teasing for his reaction the night prior. She can't help it.

She must lean in just a bit closer to shift that beat off his shoulders, and she's certainly going to take advantage of letting her lips linger in dangerously near to his. It seems that her desire is overriding that bashfulness! ]

[ He huffs at her teasing. ]

I was trying to understand just what I was feeling for you.

[ She parts to hang the vest, as well. ]

What's your conclusion?

Honestly, I thought I conveyed that rather well.

[ The shirt is next, buttons being undone as she puts aside his vest. ]

Perhaps I'd like to hear it.

[ Since he seems to have the rest under control - and so as not to seem too forward, frankly - she returns to her mug. Sipping, appreciating the sights. ]

Edited 2020-01-18 04:35 (UTC)

[ Once he reaches the final button, he leaves the shirt to its new home atop the dresser. He reclaims his cup and moves to stand along side grell. ]

I've only ever felt love towards one other. You are aware of how that ended, so a part of me was still fearful of doing so again. But when mother asked me if I loved you in a romantic sense, I couldnt see myself ever saying no.

[ With an empathetic little smile, she cups his cheek, thumb tracing beneath the frame of his glasses. ]

I swear to you, I'm going to love you with all I have. No one will hurt you again.

I trust you.

[ He steals another kiss. This one short but just as meaningful. P

[ Yet again, her eyes stay closed just a moment too long as she breathes a happy sigh. ]

Mn, good. [ She lovingly sets a palm over his heart, leaning in to nestle her nose alongside his, foreheads touching. ]

[ Despite how simple the nuzzling gesture is, it's far more intimate than William's ever been, even with his ex. Though thinking on it, he's been holding Grell along side him in bed numerous times since they met. Perhaps it's not as new as he thought. Either way, he's enjoying it. ]

Let's get you out of that dress.

[ The idea earns a delighted hum. ]

As beautiful as it makes me feel, that sounds heavenly.

We will have to find more excuses for you to wear it.

[ Pulling back, he rounds her to begin unclasping the back of the skirt. He offers his shoulder to lean on as she steps out of it. Next is the petticoat, exposing those undergarments he'd hand picked earlier. ]

[ Alright, now the shyness is starting to seep back in. Hands fiddling with the hemline of her bodice, she peeks over her shoulder, trying as subtly as she may to get a peek at his face. Though, really, there still isn't much to see with her pants and all. ]

I'm fortunate that you'll assist me. I certainly couldn't do this on my own.

Are you speaking of the dress or confidence going out on your own?

[ If she's turned enough, she might catch him briefly glancing down her legs. But, he doesn't want to be disrespectful or crude, so it's a fleeting moment. ]