thedispatch | (no subject)

[ That brings a look to his face that conveys compassion and anger all in one. It seems he knows the true answer and wouldn't have issue giving the culprit the same treatment. ]

If we come across who did this to you, I want you to inform me.

[ Pressing her lips together, she spares him a glance. Though she's hesitant, she nods once. ]

So long as you can promise me that you'll not get yourself killed. You can't leave me like that.

If that is a likelihood, than I would take keeping you safe over revenge of any kind.

[ He's simply a banker, and though in shape, certainly not trained in any sort of physical combat. ]

[ Grell's eases into hints of a smile. ]

I'm fortunate to have you.

[ Ah, what she'd been trying to say earlier. If only William knew he'd managed to made her comfortable enough to get it out. ]

Likewise.

[ It feels so incredibly good to say, too! Colour kissing her cheeks, her lashes bat a touch, eyes warm. Really, she wishes she could kiss him right now.

Instead, she shifts nearer, glancing up at him to gauge his reaction before settling her head down on his shoulder. ]

[ Though he gives a quiet sigh, he doesn't shove her away or scold her. Instead he takes another calm sip of tea. ]

I take it you are developing romantic feelings for me?

[ The forwardness of his question takes her by such surprise that her shoulders jolt! ]

A-ah, um--

[ Hugging her cup to her chest with one hand, she covers her paled face with the other! Sitting up, she scoots up against the arm rest. ]

I'm s-so sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...

[ Still, he remains calm, despite now making direct eye contact with her. ]

A lot has gone on these past two days, but I think it's far too soon for you to be making a serious decision such as that.

[ Looking down, she frowns at her image reflected in her mug. ]

I haven't decided anything... Though I-- I will admit, I feel differently about you than I have anyone else.

Can you elaborate?

[ He's honestly curious and maintains looking at her despite her breaking eye contact. ]

[ Teeth pressing into her lower lip just so, her brow furrows as she attempts to find the words to describe. ]

... With you, I feel-- whole. Warm. It's the greatest comfort I've felt, but at the same time, quite terrifying.

[ The last remark gets a confused look about him. ]

What is terrifying about it?

I barely know you.

[ Timidly, she glimpses at him. ]

How am I to know precisely what I'm getting myself into? How hard I will fall? How terribly I might ruin this good thing we have... That would break my heart the most...

No one can predict any of that. But we can certainly try our hardest to prevent it.

[ Gosh, when did he get so optimistic sounding? It's like this person has given him a whole new lease on life. ]

Prevent... what part of it...

[ Grell looks a bit worried about that. Does he mean ruining their relationship? Her heart breaking? Or is he telling her not to fall for him in general? ]

Prevent anything that may go wrong.

[ He gives the space next to him a pat, a non-verbal way of telling her she's free to come closer again if she wishes. ]

[ She clearly wants to, but can't seem to decide if it would be wise. ]

That could depend upon perspective, I mean...

[ Still, she edges closer. ]

Would you be heartbroken if I stayed by your side and took care of you til the end, but never developed romantic feelings for you? A platonic love, so to speak.

[ He'll let her move on her own and returns to his drink. ]

I don't doubt that you would want to, but you'll undoubtedly find those intentions would get in the way of forming other relationships, I'm sure...

[ Settled back to where she once was, she sill hesitates to place her head on his shoulder once more. He didn't seem to like it. ]

Getting remarried. Starting a family. I expect you'd want these things, and so I'd have o one to blame but myself.

It is going to take a lot of time for me to feel comfortable remarrying, if at all.

[ How his parents will feel about that, is another matter. ]

[ A quiet, soft hum of understanding. ]

Well, what of falling in love with another woman, then?

There's a bit of fear surrounding that, for me.

[ While she would like to offer closeness for his comfort, she doesn't wish for him to think that she's taking advantage of his sadness for her own pleasure, now. ]

That much is understandable. Give it time... but don't give it up. You deserve happiness, William. [ But when she meets his eyes, her gaze is earnest. ] You deserve everything good in this world.

As do you.

[ He meets her eyes. ]

Whatever is to come, we'll stay beside one another.