thedispatch | (no subject)

[ 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.

[ Biting at her lip, she goes a bit wide-eyed as she peeks up at him to gauge his reaction. ]

Is-- that a bad thing?

No. I may say I rather like it.

[ He thinks on it for a moment before nodding. ]

[ Easing with relief, warmth touches her features. ]

I'll make it a point to call you so more often, then.

[ He makes a pleased hum before finishing off the rest of his meal. Then he's rising up to move his plate to the sink. ]

I wouldn't think there's any shortened variation on your name.

Mn, it's a challenging one. Can't say anyone has figured out a suitable variation of it yet.

[ Really, she needs to get better about multitasking while she eats. She ends up shoving half an egg into her mouth just to catch up. ]