thedispatch | (no subject)

[ A lopsided little smile plucks at her lips. ]

You try to hide it, but you've got a lot of heart. You're also so serious that it makes you fairly oblivious, I think... [ An amused breath. ] But you also are quite thoughtful in ways that one would never expect. You're interesting, William, trust me.

[ The part about being oblivious seems to pull a look from him, but the rest is actually quite nice to hear. ]

You may be the only one who's told me as much.

I'm sorry your loved ones have failed you in that way.

[ She shakes her head. ]

I'll remind you as often as you need.

It would be nice to hear on occasion.

[ With a softened look, he drapes his clothes over an arm. ]

I'm going to wash up. Feel free to sleep more, if you need to.

[ Nodding, there's warmth to her eyes as she smiles - and though she clearly considers his offer, she seems to regret the decision she has to make! In fact, she sighs. ]

No, I ought to get going, myself, if I'm to clear out my flat today...

[ He gives a hum of understanding. ]

Bring whatever you need.

[ William heads back into the main room of the house, and stringing up the privacy curtain Grell'd used the night before, begins his routine. ]

[ Considering that she had bathed the night before, she merely needs to get herself dressed - though once she takes a look in the mirror, she changes her opinion of that entirely. Horrifyingly, she needs a shave, and her hair, a brush! Creeping into the main room, her body hugs the doorway. ]

W-will...? I'm sorry to ask, but - ah - might I borrow a few things?

[ William looks up from behind the curtain, his chest a bit soapy. ]

As far as what?

A hairbrush, if I may...

[ She cups a hand along her chin. ]

And a-- a razor, perhaps...

I have a comb in the bedroom, and the razor is in the cupboard by the sink.

[ He gives a nod in the right direction. ]

Thank you..!

[ Though, she'll stay just a second longer to admire his broad chest and strong shoulders. But willing herself with an audible inhale, she's off to fix herself up!

Perhaps fifteen minutes pass before she returns clean-shaven and hair tied low with her ribbon. ]

Thank you, again. I feel much better. [ Folding her hands awkwardly before her, she looks along the floor to keep herself from seeing too much. ] Would you like me to arrange your breakfast...

If you wouldn't mind. I'm not picky.

[ As she turns to look though what he has, he makes note of the red ribbon fastening her hair. It's not entirely not-masculine, but the colour choice is certainly loud and eye catching. ]

Perhaps choosing a more muted colour of ribbon would avoid you drawing negative attention.

[ Grell seems to be quite pleased that she has an opportunity to do something for William, in turn. There's a ghost of a smile on her lips as she explores his kitchen, and she may even be humming quietly to herself!

That is, until he speaks up about her ribbon. Idly reaching up to touch it, she turns to look at him over her shoulder with the most confused frown. ]

What's wrong with red?

Nothing. It's a perfectly nice colour. But the vibrancy is not something you often see others wearing.

[ He's back down in the basin of the tub, rinsing the suds from himself. ]

It will cause people to look in your direction.

[ Her shoulders ease down some once he explains his reasoning, accompanied by a sigh. ]

I suppose you're right... My hair already does that for me. Shouldn't give them any more reason to pay me any mind...

[ Setting out plates for the both of them, she goes about slicing the bread, placing one on each. ]

Once you are dressing properly as a woman, it won't matter. But for now, I think it's for the better.

[ All clean, he steps out of the basin, grabbing the large cloth used for drying. ]

[ She hums in understanding. ]

I hope so... although, I'm worried that it may be obvious, still. What I really am, that is.

[ Spreading preserves over the bread, she arranges sliced fruit atop it. It actually looks quite nice, as the one thing she's good at is cutting things. ]

We will have to see.

[ He certainly has no experience dressing up as a woman, so all he can do is give advice on what he sees. With the towel laid out to dry, William begins dressing himself. ]

[ A slightly sadder hum, at that. But she's pleased with what she's made so far, at least! Halving the boiled eggs, she gives them a good salt. It's on to drinks, then, and setting the table. ]

What do you plan to tell your father today? About missing work and all.

[ He's mostly dressed when he take a seat at the table. The food she's set out looks quite good but he'll wait until she joins him at the table. ]

That I was feeling ill. [ A sigh. ] I'm not one to usually lie, so at least that is vaguely accurate.

[ Grell peeks up at him, noting that he isn't entirely proper just yet. Something about that slightly dishevelled look works for him. ]

I hope that means you won't be questioned, either. [ Settling herself in the chair beside him - the same spot she'd taken the night before. ]

Hopefully.

[ He doesn't look super excited about having to deal with any of that. But, taking up the slice of fruit bread seems to bring a more eased look about him. ]

At least I will be able to focus on my work. It has been hard to, lately.

[ That earns an empathetic sort of look from the redhead. ]

I could only imagine... [ She takes up her ale to sip from, instead. ] How long has it been?

Nearly two weeks.

[ That's all he says on it, as he'd rather stay in a more positive mood. Instead he takes a bite from his bread, which is wonderful considering how simple a dish it is. ]

[ Her brows knit. ]

I... don't know how you've been working at all...