(no subject)

[death_glare]

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.

Comments

[death_glare]

[ 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.

[untodeath]

[ 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...

[death_glare]

[ He looks at her expectantly. ]

Just what?

[untodeath]

[ 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. ]

[death_glare]

[ 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.

[untodeath]

[ 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.

[death_glare]

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. ]

[untodeath]

[ That smile turns lopsided. ]

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

[death_glare]

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.

[untodeath]

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

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

[death_glare]

Hm.

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

No abandonment and no deception.

[untodeath]

[ 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.

[death_glare]

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

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

[untodeath]

[ 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?

[death_glare]

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

I told you I would protect you.

[untodeath]

[ 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....

[death_glare]

[ William's irritated frown turns more confused. ]

Then for what?

[untodeath]

For... well...

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

[death_glare]

[ 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.

[untodeath]

[ 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... ]

[death_glare]

[ Unfortunately, the romantic bit goes over his head. Or at least he's only looking at it as a comforting gesture. Thankfully, he's content in doing so. ]

[untodeath]

[ It's a bit unusual to her, surely, but he would be right in that it's comforting. She find herself relaxing, and even smiling a bit, as she takes up a piece of jerked meat to nibble at with her free hand, while still holding his in her other. ]

[death_glare]

[ He'll join her in enjoying some more food. He can't say he's ever eaten hand in hand with someone, but he's not complaining. ]

Is there anything else you need? Food or otherwise?

[untodeath]

[ Humming thoughtfully, Grell takes a moment to down some more ale! ]

Well... I suppose we'll need to choose a place for me to rest. And I don't think it would be appropriate for me to sleep in this gown of yours...

[death_glare]

No, you'll have to borrow some sleeping attire.

[ He'll have to think on the place for her to rest for a moment. ]

Do you have any belongings we will need to get from somewhere?