thedispatch | (no subject)

[ He lets her go in the centre of the room, moving towards his closet to fetch them some new clothes. She may now have her own, seeing as they brought her stuff over earlier, but he's automatically handing her a loose fitting undershirt and, since it seems a bit more than just her shirt are soaked, a dry pair of pants. ]

[ Taking them without question, she takes care to hold the, away from her body, so as not to dirty them! At first, she thinks that she's holding the garments for William, but upon seeing that he grabs a second set, logic sets in. Her brows press together with endearment. ]

Thank you, Will... I'm sorry for being so clumsy, really, I am...

Unless you're doing so on purpose, which I sincerely hope not, then you don't need to apologise.

[ The towel is set on the bed while he removes is own shirt, but he waits on using it until she has done so, herself. ]

[ Grell can't help it; her gaze flicker over his body, before darting away. Surely flushed, she swallows as she sets down her set, to go about unbuttoning her shirt. ]

No, I'm not. I can assure you of that much.

[ Following suit in removing her shirt, she is quick to grab the towel and dry herself, so he will have the chance to use it.

It isn't that she's afraid that he'll look, it's that he might find her distasteful, perhaps. After all, her body is much smaller than his, and seemingly thin, in comparison. Not the woman she was meant to be, but not a decent man, either.

Surprisingly, though, her body does have a fair amount of muscle definition. She wouldn't have said so, but she's been trained in technical combat since she was young. Pathetically, she can't seem to apply it to real life without panicking, is all. ]

[ He doesn't see Grell's brief glance at his body, but considering her confession earlier, it's to be expected. He, on the other hand, inadvertently gets a look when he reaches for the towel. ]

Do you dislike your body entirely?

[ Her cheeks maintain their flush, at the question. For a moment, she looks away as she slips her arms into the shirt he's given her, but once she responds, her voice is sad and soft. ]

Yes.

[ As such, she works at her buttons quickly, though her nerves keep her from being successful at it. ]

I've always been told that I'm too effeminate for something or other, but I'm not quite the woman I want to be, either...

[ He really doesn't enjoy hearing that saddened tone to her voice. ]

That is why I believe you need to stop acting like an effeminate man and act like the feminine woman you are.

[ With a short pause to ponder a sudden idea, he gives her a sudden instruction. ]

Take the shirt off.

[ Then he's moving to the dresser to find something. ]

[ The feminine woman that she is... That's it, she thinks; she's head over heels for this man.

Without a word, she does as he commands. Her cheeks are hot and she's so overcome that she's sure there's moisture shining in her eyes, but she somehow manages to pull it off without much hindrance! ]

[ After only a slight but of rummaging, William pulls a corset from the drawer. He approaches her from behind and slips in about her middle. ]

Hold it in place while I tighten.

[ The ribbons are pulled at in succession down her back, tightening more with each tug. ]

[ There's a blink before her eyes widen, but she nods. Raising her arms to make his task a bit easier, she then folds them securely about her middle. ]

You're truly the best thing that's happened to me...

[ Closing her eyes, she can't help but wince a little, though! ]

I am glad to be able to bring you such happiness.

[ It's said with a slight grunt as he pulls even tighter. Gotta get that lady-like cinched waist! ]

[ Grell's shoulders arc inward, a groan stifled to the back of her throat. It's far from the most agreeable sensation she's experienced-- but its certainly not the worst, either. ]

Is it-- [ A huff. ] -- strange to say that I feel as though I've been waiting all my life to hear you speak those words?

Seeing as we met all of two days ago, yes. But I understand your meaning behind it.

[ Satisfied with his job, he ventures back towards the closet. The dress he pulls out is quite casual compared to the dress from the first day, but he still thinks it will work well for this impromptu make over. ]

[ An amused breath sounds through her nostrils, as she attempts to ease into the bindings of the corset. Curiously, she turns to watch him over her shoulder. ]

Do you?

[ Casual or not, she seems pleased with the dress. ]

I take it as you've been hoping to find someone who would accept you for who you are. Now that you've found me, and realised I may be the one to give you that, it's felt like what you've wanted is hanging just out of reach.

[ He unfastens the back of the dress, then holds it down for Grell to carefully step into. ]

If I'm incorrect, then please explain.

[ Watching him as his speaks, she only looks down as she gently takes hold of his shoulders, so as not to lose her balance and off-step even slightly! ]

I've always craved that connection, yes, but I'd come to believe that is just wasn't possible for someone like me.

[ Letting go, she assists in pulling the skirt to the corset's waistline. ]

With you, I know what it is to see for the first time, and you've made me look up to see it. Given me a shoulder to stand on, so that I can grasp it. It's you.

Then I will hold you up as long as you need. And catch you any time you may fall.

[ Gosh, even he has to admit to himself that that was almost sickening romantic to say. It gets him to clear his throat, refocusing on fastening the back of the dress. ]

[ Having slid her arms into the bodice sleeves, she holds the garment to her chest while William's fingers work. His words make her breath quiver, for her heart pounds against her chest and it's already a chore to breathe in a corset. ]

Will...

[ She wants to embrace him and not let go-- but not yet. He has a mission, and she won't keep him from seeing it through! ]

[ Satisfied with the fit, he rounds back to see her from the front. ]

Honestly, I'm not certain how to deal with the lack of breasts.

[ He says it so casually, it's almost humorous. ]

Otherwise, I think it fits you quite well.

[ He reaches behind her neck, pulling her hair free of its ribbon, allowing it to cascade around her shoulders. ]

[ It certainly gets a snicker out of her, smile wry and hand pressed over her middle. ]

You aren't just saying so to please me, I'd hope... though, my heart knows you to be honest. As do my ears.

You are correct in thinking so.

[ Then he's looking over the facial features. Scrutinising, but not being judgemental. ]

Have you any paint for your face? Your cheeks are rather pink already, perhaps a bit too much. But your lips need some colour.

[ Oh, ouch. A ruddy complexion and pale lips certainly aren't desirable. With her long features and broken teeth, she doesn't much see the point in fixing any of it, but William is trying too hard to deny him. ]

I do, it's in my trunk...

[ She picks up her skirt, so that she may lead him there without tripping over herself. It must be a strange look, with trousers and no shoes underneath! ]

I, ah... used to fancy the idea of being in theatre...

[ William approaches the trunk, lifting the lid and briefly glancing over the contents to see if what he's looking for is readily noticeable. ]

What made you stop?

[ Crouching down beside the trunk, she rummages along the bottom of its contents. ]

A rather spectacular actor laughed at me for mentioning it. I haven't the nerve or the presence, he said.

[ She sounds very embarrassed to say as much, nearly murmuring her words. At least she's found the cosmetics box she was looking for, though! She retrieves it with a declarative sigh. ]

He was right.

[ William takes the box from her so she may stand with little issue. In fact, he'll even hold an elbow out for her to pull herself up on. ]

Honestly, I can't comment on your acting ability because I've no reference. However, this man sounds as though he shouldn't even warrant attention from you.

With that in mind, I will give you my first bit of advice in dealing with your lack of self confidence. Other people's opinions of you should mean nothing, unless it will help you better yourself.

Edited 2019-12-15 06:33 (UTC)