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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[ With a nod he raises his watch once more. ]

Be more careful this time.

[ Taking a steadying breath, she picks up the iron once more. It takes a few more tries, but they manage to figure out how to time the perfect curl for her hair - and then, before long, she's done half her hair!

The greatest struggle is the back; she finds herself bending her arms at the strangest angles, ringlet curls pinned in awkward directions that sling across her face at times. Looking at herself in the mirror, she can't help but snerk. ]

I look ridiculous.

[ First taking the iron from her to set safely aside, William then takes a good grip on her chin to turn her towards him. There's a contemplative look on his face before he decides to run his fingers through a few of the ringlets, hoping it won't undo all the work they've put in. What results is looser curls as the tightly wound ones are thinned between the movements of his fingers. After fussing with a few of them on one, he turns Grell back towards the mirror. ]

I think that looks a bit more natural.

[ Ah, her face warms as he grabs her like so, but she patiently waits in silence as he fusses with her hair. Perhaps she spends a good portion of it admiring his face, even.

Once turned back to the mirror, she is a bit stunned. The way the hair frames her face softens her features, she thinks. She feels prettier, and perhaps, she might even look feminine.

Her shoulders rise and fall with a shaken breath. ]

[ Even without a verbal response, he can tell she likes what she sees. Thus, he's rising from his seat to give the rest of the curls the same treatment. And once he feels he's finished, offers his hand for her to stand. There's a larger mirror near the corner of the room and he leads her towards it to allow her a full view. ]

I have my own opinion on the end result, but I want to hear yours, first.

[ Already fairly overwhelmed, she closes her eyes while he works. Only once he stops does she peek, curious to see what he's done - and without another thought about it, takes the hand he's offered her.

Standing before the mirror with him, she actually does feel more feminine. With the added definition to her waist, her frame looks even smaller beside William's - and accompanied by the styling, she may have a chance of being passable, after all!

Cupping a hand before her mouth, she blinks back the moisture in her eyes. ]

I think that's a very unusual looking woman-- but she's never felt more beautiful.

I think you pull it off quite well.

[ The tears threatening to fall are pretty noticeable, despite her attempt to will them away. Her hand still in his, he squeezes it gently. ]

Would you feel comfortable leaving the house like this?

[ Swallowing, she looks to William whilst squeezing his hand back. ]

I think so.

I want it to be definite. That goes for the way you carry yourself, as well. While you are home with me, you should have no fears in showing yourself how you've always wanted to be viewed. Hopefully that will give you the confidence to show it publicly, as well.

[ Blinking, her eyes widen just so. How does she want to be viewed, precisely? Aside from precisely the opposite that she's always been! ]

I--... [ Heaving a sigh, she nods, instead. ] I'll do my best, then.

Good.

[ He gives her hand one final squeeze before letting go. They really seem to have put her in the most non-sleep clothing ever. But he'd hate to make her disrobe and clean her face up if she's enjoying herself. ]

Were you still wanting to nap?

[ Oh, that's a touch one... she had convinced William to rest with her, and while she isn't tired, that could lead to more hand-holding and things. On the other hand, they just got her into this and perhaps it would be cute to sit through supper in it for him, to show how appreciative she is. ]

If you're tired, I wouldn't mind relaxing with you...

I'm not particularly. Perhaps we can retire early this evening, instead.

[ It's then that William remembers the stew that's been simmering on the stove. Probably because the scent of it has reached the bedroom. His brows raise as he realises this and head out to pull it from the stove top. ]

[ Although she's parted her lips to respond, William takes off! Her eyes widen with shock. ]

W-Will?!

[ Picking up her skirt, she shuffles after him quickly as she may. This allows her to see him off toward the kitchen - and catching a whiff of their stew, it clicks as to what has transpired. ]

Oh no...

[ Inching into the kitchen, she folds her hands over her waist with a frown. ]

I'm sorry to have distracted you...

[ William's removing the lid from the pot and smelling it as he stirs. ]

It doesn't seem too off. Honestly, it would have ended up in a worse state if we had lied down for a nap.

[ A bit of a misjudging on his part. ]

[ Shoulders easing slighting, she still can't help but feel a bit guilty, still. That was her suggestion, after all! ]

Well, that might be the best reaction I've received for any dish I've assisted with, still.

[ Joining his side, she peeks over his shoulder curiously! ]

[ It doesn't seem as though it's burnt any. In fact, it may have been stopped at the perfect point! ]

Fetch some bowls from the cabinet. I think we should have some now while it's hot.

[ While she does that, he retrieves the loaf of bread they'd shared some of the night before and breaks off a large piece for each of them. Then he rinses out their mugs before refilling them with some ale. ]

[ With a nod, she attempts to move about without raising her skirt, and though she stumbles about when returning to the counter, she manages to catch herself before she smacks into the counter with their dinnerware! Small victories.

Once seated, she waits patiently for William to pick up his spoon first - but though she hasn't tasted it, she's visibly very pleased to have taken part in the entire ordeal!! ]

[ Noticing her stumbling, William starts to move towards her, should he need to catch her. But, she ends up making it to the table, unscathed. Relieved at that, William finally takes a seat, ladling them each some stew. The taste is a bit strong, but he can't fault her for that, as he'd been observing and approving of the amounts she added. The meat seems to have cooked well and he enjoys another bite of it in his next spoonful. ]

[ Sampling some of the broth first, she pulls a thoughtful expression, uncertain if she enjoys it. Another sip, and she seems to decide that it's delicious enough. Using her spoon, she makes the chunks a bit smaller, to be easier on her damaged teeth. ]

You made this seem so easy. I hope I can learn to be just as efficient at this, one day.

[ Watching her fuss with the meat gets him to frown. ]

I could have cut them smaller, to begin with.

[ He makes a mental note to think more on anything she might need done differently before returning to his bowl. The bread is dipped in the broth and he finds the taste rather pleasing. ]

We should be able to achieve that.

[ Pausing, she tilts her head. ]

It's fine, really! Really, it didn't occur to me until now...

[ In truth, she probably wouldn't have said anything, even if it did... In any case, she seems uncertain. Instead of saying so, she'll chew at her stew. ]

Say, Will... [ She briefly presses her napkin to her lips, before continuing. ] What's something that I could help you do? I feel as though we've focused on me so much...

You have been helping me.

[ He sets his mug down, so he's certain she takes him seriously. ]

You're keeping me focused on something other than my thoughts. It's calming. I feel like I can breathe again.

[ Face softening, her cheeks grow warm. ]

Oh, Will... [ Head bowed just so, she smiles. ] I can't believe how fortunate I've been to have met you.

If we could have met sooner, perhaps things may have worked out different.

[ It's something to ponder, certainly. ]

I wouldn't mind sharing a bit more about myself, if you wouldn't as well.