thedispatch | (no subject)

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...

[ A shake of his head accompanies his frown. ]

I believe I was trying to distract myself, but obviously it didn't do a very good job of that.

[ With a quiet sound of understanding, she nods. ]

I'm sorry, William. [ She picks up her bread to indulge in a bite, at last - but before she does, she stops herself. ] Perhaps you can take leave for a few days, if you were to speak with your father?

Perhaps. Her father had, so I imagine he would allow me to.

[ The idea sounds wonderful. And he probably wouldn't have thought of doing so had she not suggested it. ]

[ Delight brightens her eyes, before a smile touches her lips. ]

I'd think it worth asking, then. You can relax properly-- and if you should need the distraction, we can find one.

[ At last, she takes a bite out of her food - and closes her eyes with a content sigh. ]

[ With a nod, he makes the decision to ask when he first gets to the office. ]

If he agrees, then I can assist you in moving your things.

[ Blinking, Grell's fingers linger over her lips as she chews, until she has the opportunity to answer. ]

That isn't any way to unwind, you know.

It will be better than sitting here alone, thinking on it.

[ After a drink he continues. ]

I would rather stay along side you. For both of us.

[ Ah, now, that brings a kiss of colour to her cheeks! ]

W-when you put it that way, how could I refuse...

Good. Remain here, then. If I am not back by noon, you can assume I was declined.

[ The redhead nods - and though she's looking down at her plate, there's a smile on her lips. ]

I'll be rooting for you in spirit, Will.

[ He pauses, then. ]

I believe you are the first person to call me Will instead of William.