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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[ She finds that conclusion to be a bit confusing. Is it that he can put it off on an old promise, rather than think there are other feelings involved? Her brows knits just so. ]

Mn, that's a good question... [ Never having thought too into it, she really has to dig deep to find some answers. As such, she finds herself leering at the ceiling. ]

I suppose I've always found it disappointing that others allowed me to get away with giving them poor treatment - and after having such success with distancing myself through intimidation, it had become so-- dull.

[ Closing her eyes, she shrugs. ]

It was familiar. Deserved.

Would you accept an apology from me? Or would that make me dull, as well?

[ Perhaps that showcases how all this new information has affected him. ]

The dynamic between us has changed, certainly. But, viewing your perspective on our past relationship... I much prefer seeing you smile because I treated you respectfully.

[ He clears his throat. God that sounded romantic. He didn't even know he was capable of that, even after witnessing it first hand hours before. Suffice to say, he's a bit embarrassed he said that thought aloud. ]

[ Determined by the warmth building in her cheeks, she already knows her answer.

The points of her teeth press into her bottom lip just so as she considers her next action, but still, it's only a moment before she's untucking her legs from beneath her, so that she may move to take the seat beside him on the couch.

No matter what he thinks, she can't give this up so easily. ]

I thought it would be dull. I also hadn't thought that anyone could love me like so.

[ A little half-smile shapes her lips. ]

If you could accept an apology from me, as well, then yes. Even I realise that I've caused you quite a bit of trouble.

[ He's surprised it took her that long to sit beside him, but he's not rejecting it. ]

I will accept, as well. [ A short sigh. ] So, where do we take things from here?

[ Warmth touches Grell's eyes, smile widening. ]

Well-- I think we owe one another an embrace, to start.

[ Turning further toward William, she leans in to drape her arms about his shoulders, then pulling him closer, to do just that. It's not nearly as abrupt as her usual displays of affection, giving him time to react, if he should wish-- but should he allow it, no matter how awkward he might feel, she'll be content to hold him in a firm embrace and nestle her face against his shoulder. ]

[ Instinctively, William stiffens. But this time, he's not inclined to shove her to the floor. It seems he'd liked that quiet, gentler side of Grell. Perhaps it appealed to him because if she was so timid, he could be there to protect her. He's realising now, that he's protected her these past hundred years, regardless of her more aggressive personality. Stopped her from being taken out by demons, bailing her out of severe trouble with management.

One arm of his slips between where her side rests against the cushioning of the couch, encircling her waist. The other wraps around, his hand settling on the middle of her upper back. It's a gentle embrace, and it's...nice. ]

[ As he reciprocates, Grell's breath catches, the tension in her shoulders winding just a bit tighter in anticipation. Though nice, indeed, the onslaught of emotions that come with it leave her reeling - but he is there to anchor her.

Without any warning, she's crawling up onto his lap to embrace him wholly, chest to chest. It's innocent enough, but far more intimate. Raw, desperate. And, finally, she can exhale with a shaken breath. ]

[ She's allowed to settle in his lap, but he keeps his arms winded around her midsection. There's the slightest increase in the tightness of his grip. Her hair smells rather nice, but he neglects to admit that aloud. ]

What did you think would happen after that night?

[ Gradually, she can feel her body ease. Resting her head against his, her lashes flutter, lids low. ]

Hmn? In which way do you mean?

Afterlife.

[ He'd never been a particularly religious man, but the thought of what may happen after one dies comes to everyone, at some point. ]

[ That brings about an amused breath. ]

Not this, surely. No, based on what I'd heard, part of me was quite sure I'd be going to hell, if any. Sodomy and murder and whatnot. But I had faith for you. Even at your worst, it was all done to protect me... you were such a good man...

[ Her eyes close, voice a tad dreamy. ]

But I hoped, more than anything, that I could help you brave whatever it was, by being at your side. [ A hum. ] Again, not quite what I had in mind, however.

I thought you would be fearful at the end, that we'd never be with one another again.

[ He rests his head back against the cushion, allowing her to clearly come into view. ]

That seems to have turned out quite the opposite.

[ Grell blinks at the other, searching his face. ]

I couldn't think that way. How would I bring myself to do it, if I did?

[ She raises a hand to touch her fingers along his jaw. Everything feels so strange, suddenly. As though waking from a dream. ]

At that time, I'm confident we would wish to spend an eternity together... but, now that we've been given the chance, is that still what you'd want?

[ A sigh as he takes a moment to think. ]

I don't know. Honestly, I'm confused. I've spent so long pushing emotions aside, making myself numb to it all. To suddenly have it all rush back...

I don't know that I can suddenly let all those emotions out.

[ Grell's expression wilts just so, hand falling to rest against his shoulder. ]

Truly, it won't be easy - but what is love, if it isn't worth fighting for? [ And, again, she glancing at him over the frames of her glasses. ] I've certainly been in love you all this time, and I don't see that changing.

[ Oh there's that glare that she hasn't gotten for a few hours. ]

If I'm going to attempt this, then you best not lose interest. I'd look a right fool.

[ Oh, and she'll lean back to sit upright, so that she can give him a properly indignant frown!! ]

Is that what you think would happen?! After everything--!

No, but I'm clarifying, regardless.

[ Her frown cannot possibly outrank his glare! ]

[ No, it truly can't. Her frown eases into a huffy little pout, body relaxing back against him. ]

Well, it won't.

[ She glances away. ]

I swear it.

Good. You will also need to have patience with me.

[ Maybe he should write up a contract. ]

[ The comment earns a look. Does she even have the patience for this now? ]

I could say the same of you. You aren't going to grow exhausted of me, are you?

As I said earlier, I could have had you transferred at any moment. Yet, here we still are.

[ A home of understanding. ]

Yes, but-- seeing one another beyond work is entirely different.

So long as you allow me to breathe on occasion, I think I will manage.

[ Cheeky bastard. It gets a smirk out of her. ]

I'll see what I can do, but no promises there.

[ Idly, she smooths her hands along the back if his hair a bit, to lace her fingers beneath his head. ]

Is that all, I hope? This reunion is far from romantic.