thedispatch | (no subject)

[ The shifting stirs her, in turn. With a long inhale, she rubs at an eye, both of which refuse to open just yet. When they do, she has to take in her surroundings all over again. The room is still unfamiliar to her, especially now, in the daylight. If not for feeling his hand moving from hers, she might've been alarmed, not recalling the previous day immediately. ]

'Morning... [ She near mumbles, voice airy. ]

Hm. Good morning.

[ Though he doesn't sounds particularly happy to be awake. Perhaps he can lay here a bit longer. ]

[ Perhaps she can blame it on her tired brain, but she will meekly scoot her way closer to sling her arm over his waist, and tuck her face against his side, shielding her from the morning light. A quiet protest! ]

[ William pauses, mid stretch. His wife hadn't been one to snuggle, probably out of her false feelings for him. But, William had never been forward with his affection to her, either. So this new person in his bed cozying up to him throws him off guard. Especially considering how timid she'd been the previous day. ]

I will need to get up, you realise.

[ No sense pushing her off and subsequently scaring her away. ]

You shall... [ The readhead's words are muffled, before she turns her head just so to peek up at him. ] But not this very second, I hope.

[ He frowns down at her. Perhaps it was his own fault for being fairly intimate last night- at least by his standards- holding her hand and tucking her in close. But he doesn't want her getting the idea that they are suddenly in a romantic relationship. He has a feeling saying as much will trigger bed memories or the like. ]

No, but you need to lay beside me, not practically on me.

[ Though he may not say it, her innate weariness has her fearing as much. Cheeks reddening, she pulls back, arms gathering her pillow. ]

Sorry.

You don't need to apologise.

[ He says it in a calm tone, so she knows he isn't mad. ]

[ Briefly glancing up at him, he certainly doesn't appear mad, either, but she still find her gaze darting away with embarrassment. ]

But I should. That was uncalled for.

[ Idly rubbing a sleeve over her face, she realizes that she needs her glasses. Rolling over, she reaches out to the side table to pat around for them. She's forgotten that she left them on the vanity the previous night, when dressing. ]

Do they keep you during the typical business hours?

Sometimes a bit longer. I'm being taught all the workings of the business, most of which I insist I know by this point. But, my father is rather stubborn, as is his partner.

[ Since she's moved, he takes the opportunity to rise from the bed and move to pick through his more professional garments. ]

[ As she cannot find them, she merely sits herself up in bed with a bleary-eyed frown. ]

So, I see, that is where you must get it from. [ She yawns into the crook of her arm. ]

[ He immediately looks back to her with a frown. ]

I am not nearly as stubborn as he is.

[ He's moved far enough away that Grell can't quite make out his expression, but the way he turns so defensively, she can certainly imagine that he is!

The readhead's shoulder curl inward with a meek little grin. Hopefully, William isn't actually angry! ]

I suppose I'd have to take your word for it, but...

But what?

[ She should be able to hear that huff well enough! ]

Well, I simply can't decide whether I should be skeptical-- or impressed by the capacity of your father's stubbornness, could it outdo yours.

[ Her mouth twinges with amusement! ]

Edited 2019-12-03 07:10 (UTC)

[ Another sharp exhale through his nose. ]

Honestly, you've known me for a day. What have I even shown myself to be stubborn over?

[ Her face softens just so. ]

I'm here, aren't I?

That is a different matter, entirely.

[ He plucks Grell's glasses off the dresser and holds them out in front of her. A kind gesture despite his sudden grouchy mood. ]

Is it?

[ Ah, but once her glasses are in view, her face lights up with a delighted breath! She reaches out to carefully pluck them from his hand. ]

You found them! Thank you!

Yes. Stubborn implies that it is over something unimportant.

[ With the glasses fixed upon her face, she's left with the clear vision of his face. Somehow, paired with his words, it flusters her far more! ]

A-ah...

[ Yep, she's blushing again. Why does this man make her do that so much? She glances away, tucking some hair behind her ear. ]

I don't think so. Nor is it always such a bad thing...

It certainly doesn't have a positive connotation.

[ But her reaction plainly backs up her claims. He briefly finds himself charmed by that timidness reemerging and has to clear his throat to refocus himself. ]

[ That has her attention once more, though her brows press plainly with confusion. Perhaps she's hit a sore spot. ]

Anything that dictates a strong will and sense of self is generally frowned upon, it seems... [ Frown. ] Socially acceptable behaviours are unrealistic and boring.

Do I bore you, then?

[ He can only assume he falls in that category for her. ]

[ That only leaves her tilting her head. ]

I'm saying that you do the opposite, actually.