thedispatch | (no subject)

[ 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?

[ 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...

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?

[ Borrowing his attire... Grell thinks she must be getting carried away, as it would be perfectly reasonable to loan one's attire to another that's unexpectedly staying in one's home-- but all considered, it feels as though she's become his domestic partner, in a way. It doesn't exactly feel bad, either... ]

I don't believe it's necessary... Well-- maybe my books would be nice.

We can do that tomorrow, then.

[ Although, now it occurs to him that he was supposed to have work today, but obviously, that didn't happen. He frowns. ]

I will need to go into my job tomorrow, though. Will you be able to bring them over on your own?

[ Brows ticking with realisation, she seems to take a moment to mull it over, but she nods. Somewhat surely, at least. ]

I'll find a way. [ It's a lot of books to carry across the city, but if she's carried enough money with her, she may be able to rent a cart. ]

Hopefully, I won't have to work late. But considering I missed today...

[ The thought that his father may ask where he was yesterday is a bit worrying. But, hopefully he can avoid the topic and claim he was ill. He kind of was, in a way. ]

[ Meeting his eyes, Grell nods with reassurance. ]

I understand, you needn't worry. [ Lightly, she squeezes his hand. ] However, for your sake, I should hope so, too.

[ The idea of having to is not something he's pleased thinking about, and it's obvious from the irritated look he gets. Holding Grell's hand seems to help, oddly enough. Such a small gesture, but surprisingly effective, even on a stuffy man like himself. ]

Would you object to sharing my bed tonight? I would rather not make you sleep on the floor, nor would I like to sleep there.

[ Though she blushes, she shakes her head, attempting to hide her face behind her mug of ale. ]

N-not at all! [ Smooth. She'll just take a swig. A long one. ]

[ Completely oblivious to her flustered state, William finishes off his own drink. Then, letting go of her hand, he cleans up the table. ]

Good. Perhaps we can think of something better, getting a cot, perhaps.

[ Continuing to pick at the food he's given her, she's having trouble not stuffing it in her mouth. There have been a good deal of distractions to keep her mind off of it, but she must remember that it's unsightly to talk and eat at the same time! ]

Ah, well, I'm not picky..... [ She pulls her bread away from her mouth, when the thought hits her-- ] Unless it's for your own comfort, that is!

I think it's only appropriate we should have separate beds. Tonight will have to be an exception.

R-right...

[ Grell feels as though she should have been on that page all along. Of course it's improper - and possibly even comfortable, considering her unique preferences. She dreads that she may have come across eager, or poorly conditioned. ]

You're going through a lot of effort on my behalf, is all. My apologies...

[ Bowing her head a bit, she eats to fill the silence while gathering herself. ]

[ With the remainder of the food tucked away, William approaches the table, willing to take her mug when she's finished off her ale. ]

That makes it sound as though you've done nothing for me.

[ Realizing that he must be waiting on her, she stuffs the last bit she has left in her mouth, before washing it down. She holds her mug out for him, nodding in thanks, though her eyes don't meet his. ]

Have I, though? It was your own realizations that freed you today.

I don't believe I would have had any of those if you hadn't spoken to me.

[ He takes the mug, placing it beside his own in the small sink basin. Then approaches her at the table, once more. ]

We can discuss it more while we ready for bed. I'm certain you're just as exhausted as I am.

[ He'll lead her back to the bedroom and proceed to find them both some night shirts to sleep in. ]

[ That earns a glance, as she nods very enthusiastically in agreement.

Once given her shirt, she thanks him and rounds to the other side of the bed. Turning away, she begins to undress herself, taking her time so as not to cause any potential damage to the garment. ]

You're a good man, William. [ She says, softly. ] However it is that we came to be here, I'm glad that I've been given more time with you.

[ Ah, so many layers and bits to the attire of their time. It takes a bit for William to fully change, but eventually he's ready. ]

That is pleasant to hear after all that's happened. [ The covers of the bed are pulled back and loosened from where they were tucked neatly beneath the mattress. ]

If we parted, at some point, would you return back to where we met? I don't wish for that to be the case. Nor am I saying we need to.

[ Grell casts a questioning, fairly weary look over her shoulder. ]

That would be quite the burden on you, wouldn't it? I can't put that on your shoulders...

[ She slips the gown over her head, before dropping her skirt. With no clean undergarments, she's gone without them; she doesn't want to burden him with such a view, either! ]

Are you, ah-- regretting your arrangements?

It isn't as though I'm living with anyone else, now.

[ settling himself beneath the sheets, he makes sure she has enough space. It isn't a very large bed, but they should manage. It wasn't often William and his wife got cozy with one another, so it is possible. ]

I promised I wouldn't abandon you. And I won't.

[ Crawling in after him, she also takes care to put space between them, placing herself as close to the edge as she can manage. ]

I don't doubt you. What I mean to say, is that I wouldn't confirm such a thing, knowing it would carry with you.

[ Now that her body has stilled, she's able to relax somewhat, and the fatigue really starts to grasp at her. The bed feels wonderful. ]

[ William's positioned himself to face her, and with a slight movement of his arm, he's taking her hand, as she'd done to him earlier. He rests them both on the pillow between them. ]

Then take it as this. I don't want either of us to return to that state of mind. So, if you're feeling like you truly might, I want you to tell me so that I can help you back.

[ Quite suddenly, her face becomes warm, and she can feel the tinge of tears threatening to well. Her eyes refocus, from their hands to his face, and she curls her fingers into his. ]

Alright. I will.

Good.

[ He can see the slight glisten to her eyes and squeezes her hand reassuringly. ]

Things will be better from now on. For both of us.