thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

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[ 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)

[ Looking up at him, a corner of her mouth flickers into a smile, very briefly, before she reaches up to take his arm. ]

That will take much practice.

[ She hasn't let go yet, instead running her fingertips along the folds in his shirt. ]

I so greatly admired him.

Attention he certainly didn't deserve.

[ He watches her fingers as they move, when a thought occurs to him. ]

Was that it, then? The bit that drove you to the cliff that night?

[ The redhead takes a breath to speak, though she stalls in doing so, if just for a moment. ]

That was part of it, I suppose.

[ Her brows press with a frown, and then she's gently tugging at his arm, leading him back to the room, where she might have access to a mirror. ]

[ He follows along, carrying the box. It's placed on the vanity's counter, along side some of his wife's own care items. An ivory handled brush and a delicate hand mirror donning beautifully carved roses on its back. Also some decorative hair pins and powder brushes sit in their own boxes to the side. It's apparent that they've not been touched since her death. ]

Hm. [ A nod and he pulls a second ottoman closer to the counter for him to sit. ] I won't press any further.

[ Grell carefully looks over all that's set there, tracing over the detail of the hand mirror with great interest. Once she sits, she pulls the box nearer to open, revealing some compact powders and creme jars. ]

I'm sorry, Will, I don't mean to be so evasive... I don't wish to push you away, it's just-- well, it's-- it's quite a lot for someone to hear, I'm sure. Distasteful.

You gave me the respect of speaking when I am ready. I can only do the same for you.

[ He really has little knowledge of the makeup process, and normally wouldn't find much interest in it. But somehow with Grell he's finding himself curious on more things. Perhaps it's the desire to learn more about her, or just that she's able to draw something from him that no one's succeeded at before. ]

[ Grell turns to look at him, really taking in his features, and cups a hand along his cheek. She would tell him everything, but she's sure he'll find it disgusting. Disturbed.

Silently, she returns to the mirror, taking in a good look at herself - and she can see what he means. That's only the half of it, isn't it? With a sigh, she opens the containers, sets aside her glasses, and picks up the hand mirror.

And then, she begins to apply her makeup. ]

[ The process is more involved than he would have thought. But seeing as he hasn't lost interest yet, it makes him question some things. Why had he never watched as his wife dolled herself up for him? Or, why had he never taken such interest in her hobbies and passions? But this insecure and broken person has drawn him, seemingly out of nowhere.

There's a crease in his brow as the questions float through his mind. ]

[ Powder to even out the skin, a dust of rouge on the apples of her cheeks, red creme applied to the center of her lips, and a touch of color to reshape the brows.

When she attempts to catch William's opinion of her, she only sees that folded brow! Her shoulders slump. ]

I feared that would be the case. I'm sorry, Will.

[ Her comment and reaction takes him off guard, and a reply lingers as he tries to work out what she's apologising for. ]

That wasn't directed towards you. My mind wandered off for a moment.

[ His brow relaxes and he takes in all she's done while he was distracted. He quite disappointed that he'd missed the process. ]

Honestly, I think you look quite beautiful.

[ Without her glasses, it's difficult to read his expression properly, but still, she finds herself trying to find the sarcasm in it.

Fingers hooking into her collar, she swallows. ]

You mean that...?

I wouldn't say so otherwise.

[ He takes her hands down from her collar and rests them in her lap. ]

The red lip near matches your hair.

[ It's obvious by his calm tone that he quite likes that. ]

[ She's quite content to have her hands in his, instead, even if it makes her flush again. Thank goodness she's wearing makeup so that is less obvious - though she doesn't realise that she reddens along the chest, as well! ]

I wasn't certain if I should draw any more attention to its colour in that way...[ She's got a shy little smile on, though. After all, she does like red! ]