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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[ 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.

[ Grell pauses, leaning back in their embrace to shoot him an affronted look! ]

Clingy?

Yes. You have intimacy on your mind every moment of the day, it seems. Night, as well. But as I said, I am not complaining. The affection is nice.

[ Blinking, she frowns. ]

I just wish to express my love to you. I never thought of it as such.... [ Still, the word choice isn't flattering, and she finds herself looking away with a huff. ]

Yes, I understand that.

[ He huffs in retort! ]

Are you angry with me, now?

[ Peeking back at him, there's the faintest glimmer of deviancy in her eye. ]

And if I were? What would you do about it?

[ His brow creases, not expecting that question, or the attitude it comes with. ]

What is that supposed to mean?

[ A sigh! ]

Make it up to me, silly.

Ah. I thought you were suggesting I be violent towards you as punishment, or some such.

[ Why he'd assumed as much is a surprise to him. ]

[ Grell parts her lips to speak, but for some reason, she hesitates to speak for a moment! Why is it that the suggestion is warming her cheeks. ]

Silly, indeed!

[ And yet..... ]

--is that something that interests you?

[ He, too, pauses before answering, his brow creasing as he thinks. ]

I never thought on it before. Though I wouldn't be opposed to rough sex, especially if it pleased you.

[ That flush might deepen, as she glances away. ]

I might be interested in exploring it... [ Shaking it off, she takes a breath! ] We've much to explore, in general, I suppose!