thedispatch | (no subject)

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.

[ Exhaling a vaguely shaky, emotional breath, she nods with a flicker of a smile. ]

That I promise you.

Good. Now, how should we spend the rest of our week?

[ That sentence alone is relaxing to him. It's been so long since he had a good amount of time off. ]

[ Eyes wandering to trail across the ceiling, she leans her shoulder against his instead, humming. ]

What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?

Violin. And I quite like simply walking through Saint James' Park.

[ He lets her lean against him without complaint. ]

[ Brows raising, her eyes light up with wonder. ]

You play violin! That's phenomenal!

I do.

[ He makes an indication towards the far side of the room. The case is leaned up against a desk, with the music stand tucked in the corner. It's obvious he hasn't had too much time to play. Or perhaps the motivation to. ]

[ Hooking an arm in his, she give his sleeve an insistent tug. ]

Now, you know you must play something for me!

[ William attempts to keep his teacup steady, despite it not having much left in it. Her tugging gets a huff from him, but he sets the cup aside to follow her over to the instrument. ]

Fine. What would you like to hear? There are some works set on the shelves there.

[ While he may not have many novels, he has quite a bit of sheet music for her to choose from. ]

[ Her fingers carefully scan the spines of his music books, until they rest on something that catches her interest. It's an older melody, but fairly popularly used for melancholic scenes in plays and the like. ]

I've always been impressed with how emotive this piece is... It never fails to grasp me.

[ He takes the score from her, neatly placing it open upon the stand. Then the violin case is set on his desk so the instrument may be carefully removed. Since it's been a bit since he last played, William takes a few minutes to rosin his bow and perfectly tune each string. Then with expert care, he nestles the violin between his chin and shoulder and begins. The way each note flows beautifully from the instrument, you'd have thought William was a professional. It may be the only time Grell - or anyone - has seen him so passionate about something. All the stress leaves his body and he looks perfectly at peace. ]

[ The diligence and care he gives with the instrument with doesn't surprise Grell. She takes this time to slip into the nearest armchair, arms folded along its back, and chin resting atop them. Contently, she watches it all.

Though she expected greatness of William, he far surpasses that. The music he creates seems to be intimate to his heart; a whisper of secrets unto her ears. Eyes drifting closed, she draws a quiet and dreamy sigh, a serene smile settling into her features. ]

[ It's almost saddening when the piece ends, as the melody had filled the room quite beautifully, despite it's melancholic tone. With a pleased hum, William slowly opens his eyes, for as he'd played, knowledge of the tune had floated back to him and he no longer needed the guide before him. He peers down at his violin, quite pleased with himself for such a performance after he'd gone so long with out playing. Finally he looks up to Grell to gauge her opinion on it and is met with her gentle smile. It somehow resonates with him and he faintest one graces his face, as well. ]

[ It isn't until she hears William shifting that her lashes flutter open. For a long moment, she can only seem to look at him with an intense fondness in her eyes.

Ah, she's in trouble. Even after their exchange minutes before, she can help but feel a little more in love. ]

My favourite rendition yet.

Thank you.

[ William gives short bow of his head before turning to carefully return his violin to its case. ]

It has been quite some time. It's good to know I haven't forgotten all I'd learned.

Really?

[ There's a tilt to her head, at that. ]

What made you stop?

Time.

[ There's a heavy sigh as he reclaims his former seat. ]

There's barely any when you're expected to learn all there is about your family's business.

[ There's a quiet hum, at that; understanding, empathetic. ]

You were right, you're terrible at making time for yourself. [ A cheeky little smile. ] I'll need to serve as your distraction, I see.

[ Even though he'd admitted it himself, he doesn't have a pleased look about it. ]

Well, you've done well with that for the next few days.