thedispatch | (no subject)

[ The mere idea that she could even be rebellious has the redhead's brows ticking upward in surprise - and the latter has her lowering her face just so, in an effort to conceal her flush. ]

Well... fortunately for you, then, I don't think I ever could have it in me to be so forward.

[ Pushing her plate forward enough to fold her arms along the bar, she lets out a breathy sigh. ]

I'm tired, and yet-- [ She mutters quite low. ] I don't know that I'm prepared to sleep without you.

I will be a room away.

[ He would take her hand in this moment, but unfortunately that can't be done in this setting. ]

Things will be fine, I promise you that.

Edited 2020-03-01 06:46 (UTC)

[ There's a longing quality to the way she gazes into his eyes, and yet, she offers a short nod. ]

Yes, it's just-- well, I'm certain you feel it, too.

You're fearful?

[ His brow creases, worried as to whether he really is able to read his lover so well. ]

Or is it something else?

[ Her brow creases as well, although it's accompanied by a lopsided little smile. ]

The dread of sleeping apart. It hasn't been so since Christmas Eve.

It was this way for months leading up to that night. I don't wish to be alone this evening, either, but it will just be one night.

[ He's trying to be reassuring. He just hopes he doesn't sound as though he's mocking her desire to stay beside him. ]

It isn't being alone, but rather, without your company.

[ The redhead mutters. Her eyes have drifted away sadly, for she thinks he might not feel the same, judging by his words. ]

Might as well, then, I suppose.

[ Sliding down from the stool, she makes eye contact with the barkeep while setting coin on the counter for their meal. ]

Fare well until the morning, William.

[ William gives a short sigh as he watches her exit the bar to head for her room. For once, he really wishes he weren't so unattached from deeper emotions. Refocusing on his plate, he finishes up til there's nothing left, apparently quite hungry after those few hours of restless sleep.

The first hour of time spent in his room is just the same - rolling from side to side, trying to find a comfortable position that he may forget all the thoughts of the past two days for a few hours. Another passes with him seated by the drawn curtains of the room, attempting to figure out just what their plan should be next. But there isn't much more to contemplate other than reaching the shore and boarding a ferry across. With a huff of frustration, William finally decides there's only one other thing he can do.

The door creaks rather loudly as he opens it and William curses at is under his breath. Then it seems each worn board of the floor must echo the sound. When he finally reaches the door to what he's fairly certain is the one Grell's taken up, he pauses, glancing down both ends of the hall to make sure no one's peeked out to see what all the creaking is. There's the quietest tap at her door. ]

[ After a moment of rustling, Grell's footsteps cautiously approach the door. She hesitates before unlatching the locks, barely cracking the door open to peek out - but once her one hazel eyes takes in the sight of William, she visibly relaxes and opens the door just enough for him to pass.

Locking the door after him, she sets her sword down against the wall beside it. ]

Is everything alright?

[ Still, she speaks in hushed tones. Their voices carrying at this hour would be just as suspicious. ]

You were right.

[ He speaks just as softly and takes Grell's hand. She's pulled along to the bed where he gently climbs beneath the blankets. ]

[ Worry drains away as soon as he takes her hand. Features softening, she follows, climbing in after him and cozying up to his side. ]

I'm glad you came. It's awful, being exhausted but incapable of sleeping.

[ An exasperated sigh lets her know he agrees with that point, as well. ]

Hopefully this will help.

[ The blankets are tucked tightly around them, keeping the cold air of the old room out and their shared body heat in. His arms wrap about her shoulders before he places a kiss against her forehead. ]

[ A long, relaxed sigh eases through her nostrils, lashes fluttering to a close as she takes in his warmth and affections. ]

I know it will.

[ Slinking her arms about his waist, she seems to be drifting-- until she mutters sleepily. ]

Will... I've been thinking...

Hm?

[ Her words rouse him from drifting off, as well. ]

[ Nuzzling closer, she frowns just so - not that he'll be able to see it, but perhaps her tone will imply. ]

Why haven't we made love?

[ Part of him was dreading this question, as he knew it would come up sometime, unless he remedied the situation before then. ]

Because I am nervous, if I'm to be honest.

Nervous?

[ Idly, her fingers wind into his shirt. ]

What of, specifically?

[ Shifting a bit, he speaks the words against her ear. ]

Pleasing you. I've very little experience and I don't want you to be disappointed, considering how much you've wanted it to happen between us. I'd hate for you to have given me more credit in your fantasies than I am capable of.

[ That has her shudder just so, shoulders rising. ]

Oh, my darling... My disappointment would be if I never had the chance to share that with you. [ Her voice is just as soft. ]

Edited 2020-03-01 08:54 (UTC)

[ He knows she means each word, but he still can't help the nervous feeling. ]

Then, I promise you, our first night in France will be our moment to share.

[ Shifting, she gently takes his chin, facing him with a satisfied - albeit droopy-eyed nod. ]

I'd like nothing more.

[ And she'll seal that promise with a kiss! ]

[ He hums against her lips, enjoying the moment. Though, once they part, he feels his eyes drifting shut. Before long, he's out, not waking once during the night. ]

[ Grell follows just shortly after, breathing bordering on a light snore. Her slumber is deep, not even the strong sunlight filtering through the curtains causes her to stir!

And then, a half hour before noon, there's a loud banging on her door.

' 'ey! It's well past checkout! C'mon now!'

Heart nearly punding out of her chest, Grell scrambles upright - and upon registering those words, looks back at William with dread. ]

I-- I'm sorry, I overslept! I'll be right down to check out!

[ William also startles awake, but he has sense enough not to make his presence known. However, after the Inn keeper pounds on Grell's door, they make their way down the hall to do the same on the room where William was meant to be. Obviously, they won't be getting a reply, and without one, they enter the unlocked room to find it empty. William waits until he can hear their footsteps leave the hall before speaking. ]

I think you will need to check out first. It will give me a chance to gather my own things while their occupied with you.

[ Heaving a steadying sigh, she nods, reaching out to cup his face with a kiss before she moves to scramble off the bed and change into her clothing for the day. Belongings hastily gathered into her bag, she looks back to Will with a nod. ]

Love you. [ She whispers before cracking open the door to peek out. ]