thedispatch | (no subject)

[ She takes care to pick up a knife and slice the fruit - just a single slice that she can shove into her mouth and follow with a big gulp of ale. She's absolutely famished, it turns out! But, a hum of agreement echoes into her mug. ]

A corset is a must. A high neckline, as well... [ A bit breathy following her drink! ]

Those are easily enough to take care of. Length of the dress is a bit more troublesome. As is your voice.

[ Seeing how hungry she really is, he stands to see what else he can find. Unfortunately, his wife had done the cooking, so he'd been reduced to simple foods since she was now absent. He's huffs at the lack of variety, but finds a few boiled eggs still fresh in the small iced box in the corner of the room. That was easy enough to make, thankfully. ]

[ That brings about a bit of a frown, as those are both things she cannot change! She knows he's right, however. ]

Yes... I suppose a two-piece ensemble can be shifted around somewhat, but my voice...

[ Her eyes curiously follow William, but once he's gone, she takes the opportunity to take an big, undignified bite out of an oversized slice. ]

Do you sing, at all? Perhaps training in a falsetto could help somewhat.

[ He catches that bite, but doesn't see it as anything to comment on. Placing the peeled eggs and some pepper before her, he takes a seat, once more. ]

[ Covering her mouth with reddened cheeks, there silence feels so much longer than it actually is, as she struggles to chew that bite and swallow it down.

Seeing that he's noted how hungry she is, it's a tad embarrassing, but also, quite sweet... her eyes meet his with gratitude. ]

Thank you... [ She finally manages, voice small. She shyly reaches for an egg to pull back to her plate. ]

I suppose I do. A-a bit.

[ He watches all her movements. Quiet, shy. He can at least say she demeanour of a lady down. Still... ]

Honestly, you don"t need to act so timid around me.

[ The comment earns a curious glance, brows furrowed. ]

I-- don't mean to be. [ she briefly folds her hands around one another. ] You've been nothing but good to me, and I do take that to heart... I just...

[ He looks at her expectantly. ]

Just what?

[ Frustrated at herself, her shoulders rise and fall with a quiet huff. ]

I-I'm nervous around people, in general, I suppose.

[ What she won't mention is her deep-rooted trust issues, and that William also happens to be a very strong man that she barely knows. ]

Edited 2019-11-29 03:12 (UTC)

[ He hums in understanding. ]

I wouldn't say I get nervous around others, but I certainly wouldn't claim to be the best with social interaction. So I suppose I can understand that much.

[ Earlier, William seemed to be unaware of his demeanor while speaking, which leads her to believe that he only knows this to be fact based on the uncomfortable reactions of others. It's a bit endearing. Paired with his understanding, she manages a small smile. ]

Once we become more comfortable, you know... it will be easier, I'm sure.

So you are honestly willing to stay here with me?

[ It may be hard to detect, but there's hope in his voice that she really is looking to. ]

[ That smile turns lopsided. ]

Why else would I allow you to bring me back to this place?

You're mind was so set earlier, I don't want either of us to return to those thoughts.

[ A frown comes to his brow, as he thinks of something. ]

Perhaps I'm nervous, opening up to someone again.

[ Grell's face softens, head tilting just so. ]

You already have. I wouldn't be here, otherwise.

Hm.

[ It's a hum of understanding and agreement. ]

No abandonment and no deception.

[ Clearly more at ease, Grell's gaze absently falls to her hands. There's a long moment in which she must fight the urge to deny herself, but at last, she manages to unfold her hands and extend one to William. Just gently set across the tabletop, palm open for him to take. ]

No abandonment. No deception.

[ And he does take it, shaking lightly as a seal on their promises. ]

I also want you to tell me if anyone mistreats you.

[ Grell's a bit confused for a split moment, as that wasn't what she intended her hand for-- but with a snicker, she curls her hand about his to match the gesture. ]

Really? But, what for? What would you do?

[ Thinking she's snickering at his offer he gets a bit defensive. ]

I told you I would protect you.

[ Brows pressing with a frown, she shakes her head a bit frantically! ]

N-no! I'm not laughing about that! I--... That's not why I offered my hand, is all....

[ William's irritated frown turns more confused. ]

Then for what?

For... well...

[ Averting her eyes with a blushing pout, she slips her hand back into his. ]

[ He watches, still confused as it seems like she's just going to shake it again. But when her hand just stays steadily gripping his, he finally gets it. ]

Ah. Just to hold.

[ Humming in affirmation, her gaze curiously reconnects with his. William states it as though it's nothing at all... which is a good thing, in a way, but in another... ]