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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[ 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. ]

[ Hm, all too fleeting a glance to determine his interest. Though they've been quite comfortable with one another, there's the slight chance that William might not harbor sexual interest in her. She's not sensed it before. ]

Well, I meant the dress, but I certainly never would have had the confidence to wear something like it at all, if not for you.

[ Once he's undone the buttons to her bodice and loosened the ties of her corset, she's able to unclasp the undergarment. Such comes with an audible sigh of relief! ]

I want to continue working on that until you feel comfortable as your current self, despite it not being what you truly are.

[ The bodice and corset join the other garments, before he turns his attention back to her, eyes locked on appropriate places. ]

I assume this is obvious, but I would like you to stay in my bed tonight.

[ It's true, she lacks that sort of confidence entirely-- now that she's shed her armor, she's right back to feeling self-conscious. Her hands had been running over the marks left by the corset, but now they've come to rest at her shoulders, absentmindedly covering her chest. She hums, eyes on the discarded mound of clothing, until William speaks again. It commands her attention - and his words make her flush. ]

I would like that.

[ Watching her cover herself up like that only gets him to frown. He takes her arms in hand, pulling them away from her chest. ]

Stop. I should be the last person you feel you need to be embarrassed or ashamed before.

[ With a blink, she flusters! ]

I'm sorry, Will. It isn't you.

[ To show him just that, she steps nearer, meekly looking between his eyes. If he releases her arms, she'll slink them about his middle in a loose embrace. ]

[ He knows it isn't him. And so he openly allows the hug, placing his arms around her like he's done so many times before. ]

I believe the first step may have to be learning how to ignore any hatred from others. Their opinion should have no baring on you.

[ She continues to search his gaze, but not for anything specific. Merely lost with nowhere in mind. ]

I know you're right, but that sounds... dangerous.

How so?

[ Having never been in her situation, he knows he's lacking information on it. But he wants to learn and help her. ]

[ For a moment, she quietly contemplates how to tell him, or if she even should. After all, this should be a night of celebration, for many reasons.

No. Not only does he deserve to know, he should understand what her world was like before she drags him into it.

With a swallow, she looks down. ]

My teeth--uhm. Three young men tailed me home from the theatre one evening. They pushed my face into the wall, kicked at me once I was down, shouting that I-- wouldn't be using my cock-sucking mouth for sin any longer, more or less.

[ Closing her eyes, she's frowning deep as she heaves a shaken sigh. ]

I don't know how long I was on the ground before the policeman arrived, but when he did, my neighbor was there and told him it was all because I was a molly. The only question he asked is if it were true.

[ A faint scoff. ]

Oh, and while I was in the hospital, the theatre was exposed for its nightly festivities, as it were. Those there were dragged out into the streets and stoned. The ones they found in bed together were hanged.

[ Really, he's always known that this was the way people treated those like Grell. But it had never been something he'd encountered first hand. Essentially, he had no reason to dwell on the subject, until now. ]

That won't be happening to you again. I will see to that. I will keep you safe.

[ He pulls Grell back in for a hug, holding her head close, should she need to let out any tears. ]

Are you more fearful of what people think of you, or what may happen as a result?

[ Still, he's so brave for her sake. Leaning into him, she rests her chin against his chest, breath quivering. She's trying very hard not to cry, relief washing over her like spring water. ]

I'd-- always been fearful, but. Yes. It became too overwhelming, lonely, unbearable. With all else, I couldn't find the sense in struggling to live in a world that didn't want me.

[ She hugs him a but tighter. ]

But then, there was you.

I only wish we could have met under better circumstances.

[ As she hugs him tighter, his hand rubs along her bare back in an attempt to calm her. ]

You haven't met anymore hardships during your time alone during the day, have you?