thedispatch | (no subject)

You think I am doing alright with that, so far, then?

[ He may forever be unsure of his abilities to be a lover, but it's really what Grell thinks, after all. ]

Yes. You only just need to get out of your head and be present in the moment, is all, I think.

[ Leaning back just so, she props her feet up. ]

I've been very pleased, and will continue to be so, just as long as I have you there with me.

That is just what I want, as well.

[ He gives up one of the reins to take her hand. ]

[ With a happy little hum, she slips her fingers between his, to hold his hand fondly. ]

That said, I'm still very much looking forward to having the rest of you, our first night in France. [ A sniff of a laugh! ]

It should prove to be a good night. As nervous as I am, I want to share that moment with you. And many times after.

[ A bit of a squeeze to her hand. ]

I'm relieved, to be honest; I'd thought that, perhaps, you weren't attracted to-- well, you know. The physical side of me.

[ She looks about them very clearly, before easing down to rest her head on his shoulder. ]

I think physical attraction is unavoidable once you fall in love with someone.

[ As she leans against him, she may fell him physically relax. He wasn't even aware how tense his shoulders were until that contact is made. ]

Truly? [ A skeptical hum. ] I suppose I could see it in the sense of wishing to be close to them, please them.

You go on first visual impression, then? I'd hate to think what would have happened that day if you hadn't found me handsome.

[ An indignant sniff, as she sits up to fown at him! ]

I was more concerned with you being mad, as I recall.

[ She pouts, then. ]

You know that's not why I love you, don't you? Not to say that I don't find you exceptionally attractive in every way.

I know it's more than that.

[ Since they're alone on the trail, he leans over to give her a quick kiss, hoping he can take her pout away with it. ]

[ With a flutter if the lashes, she flushes, easing back immediately! ]

G-good... [ What was she saying again? ]

[ He squeezes her hand again before refocusing on the trail ahead of them. It's another few hours, and they stop only to let the horses rest and feed, taking some of the food they'd brought along for themselves. Finally, though, they reach the coastline. Unfortunately, the last ferry for the day has long left, so they're forced to take up rooms at another inn. ]

[ Though she had been in dampened spirits, being confined to the country for another day, but once they've arrived to said Inn, she seems to have perked up considerably! ]

To think, Fate would bring us back here... [ The very one he'd brought her to, after they'd met at the cliff. ]

[ On the other hand, William still seems visually irritated with the fact. ]

I would have preferred a different place, but it seems to be the only one with vacancy.

Their food was rather awful...

[ A faint snerk, as she climbs off the wagon. ]

Still, it gives me a chance to make better memories for you here.

You won't go running off on me, again?

[ A mild tease as he secures the horses. ]

[ She shoots him a look, albeit amused. ]

No, rather, you won't be able to keep me away.

Good.

[ Unfortunately, there's others around now, so he isn't able to hold his arms out and help her down from the cart. Nor would it be advised to carry her bag in for her.

This time, though, when they ask to book two rooms, the owner says that all he has is a single room available. Knowing the rest of the town's inns are booked up as well, he doesn't hesitate to let them take the room together, so long as they both pay as if they were sleeping separately. It's an absurd negotiation, but William supposes they have no other choice. ]

[ Once they've locked themselves into their room, Grell is quick to dump her belongings onto the complimentary cot she'd requested. As she put it, if they're to be paying for two rooms, they ought to have two beds, at the very least.

It was all for show, of course, but even she was a bit surprised with herself. The Grell she knew would have been afraid to speak up. ]

Fees aside, this worked out rather well, didn't it?

[ William finds himself being rather proud of Grell in that moment. She really is gaining some self confidence and he's glad to see it. ]

Surprisingly so. But, we still need to watch ourselves.

[ With a sigh, she turns to him. ]

Of course. I'm so looking forward to the day we won't have to be. It's just within grasp, and yet, here we are...

[ Shrugging off her coat, she runs her hands through her hair - approaching him with that certain look in her eye. Yes, she's going to press herself against him, stealing a kiss. ]

I am, as well.

[ They're quiet kisses, but William reciprocates. His arms slink around her middle as he holds her close. ]

[ Humming contently against his lips, she rakes her fingers into his hair. ]

Getting it out of my system, you know. [ She mutters, before taking one more, long and lingering. ]

[ He waits until they part to speak again. ]

I doubt you'll ever accomplish that. You've been quite clingy ever since I confessed to you. Not that I have any issue.