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 understanding hum, though her brows press together in empathy. ]

What might you want to do, if given the choice? Play violin professionally, perhaps?

That would have been an option, I think. Perhaps the only other, but it's the mere principle of the thing.

[ Another sigh escapes him. ]

I sound a bit childish, don't I? At this age, I should have things in order rather than complaining about them.

[ With a fond little smile, she shakes her head. ]

To me, it sounds as though you father might be a successful boss, but as a parent, he has failed you. Through good intentions, I imagine, but nevertheless.

[ Grell gives his hand a faint squeeze. ]

Your joy, your passions-- those are important, William. If you're miserable, other options should be considered.

[ He thinks on it a moment, nodding softly. ]

I think my mother would be quite fond of you, should I ever introduce you.

[ Her free hand rests at her lips, keeping them from parting while she grins. ]

I couldn't imagine such a thing. Mothers typically fear I'll be a bad influence!

[ And yet, it clearly brings her joy. ]

If she saw the effect you've had on me, she would think quite the opposite.

[ That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a difficult task. William's well aware of the trials they will have to face simply by remaining beside one another. ]

Something about yourself, next?

[ Eyes warm with fondness, she nods. She's silent for a moment after, as she contemplates over what to say. ]

My mother passed away when I was six years of age, and my father never bothered to remarry... Consequently, I am the only child he has.

[ Talking about it doesn't seem to bother her, but she does seem to look up at him nervously, fearing the subject may be too heavy to begin with. ]

My memories of my mother are incredibly dear, however; she had gentle hands and a strong disposition. Whenever I was teased for my hair, she would say that it was her favourite thing about me - a reminder of all the love I have to give... She was the most beautiful woman.

She sounds like a wonderful mother.

[ He knows what he'd like to say but doesn't want to sound as though he could even match what her mother was able to be for her. ]

I want you to feel that sort of comfort and caring again. I hope I can do so for you, eventually.

[ Grell can scarcely believe her ears. Never has she heard of an intense platonic love, such as they've seemingly developed over the course of two days... And yet, she's afraid to question it, for what if she were to discover that it wasn't true, after all! ]

I'd say we're off to a very good start.

Certainly so. Do you think she would have approved of me, as well?

[ Phrasing it that way sounds almost as if they're hoping to be wed and are seeking their parents' blessings. ]

[ Ah, it's a bit confusing to her, how his behaviour contradicts his earlier words. Surely, his intentions are different, and he's simply oblivious to how it sounds.

Still, she can't help but get a bit emotional by the question. Misty-eyed, she nods with the smallest smile. ]

For everything you've been for me, I can imagine that's an understatement, Will. She would adore you.

[ Humming pleasantly, he returns to his stew. ]

May I ask how she passed?

[ Likewise, Grell picks at her bread. ]

Carriage robbers caught us on the way to church.

[ A crease forms near immediately in William's brow. ]

Despicable people, honestly. I am sorry you had to go through such a thing.

[ Grell hums in acknowledgement. ]

Thank you for saying so. It's tragic that the world had to lose her.

Had she known about you wanting to be...

[ He pauses, unsure how to phrase it, really. ]

I suppose you may have been too young to understand that yet.

[ That has her pausing to contemplate, gaze venturing upward. ]

I believe she knew that something was different about me. I preferred to watch her paint her face over playing outside, after all.

[ He nods in understanding. After all, he was quite intrigued by her doing so earlier. ]

Have you anything of hers? Paint or otherwise.

[ Nodding, the smile returns to her lips. ]

Not paint, but I've kept a bottle of her perfume and most of her jewellery. Sadly, her garments have long since been disposed of-- not that I'd fit them, in any case.

I'm not certain how long perfume is intended to last, but I do think you should add some of her pieces to your look.

[ He assumes they're in that trunk of hers, and he's hopeful some will work well with the outfit they've put together. ]

[ At the mere though, Grell is smiling again-- well, somewhat! ]

I would adore that, truly...

[ Eyes meeting his, her brows crease with a sincere little sigh of happiness. ]

On my own, I never would have had the courage to do this... I can't possibly express by word alone how much this means to me.

Your word is certainly enough. How else would you attempt to do so?

[ Surely she can tell that her smiles and calming demeanour are saying all she needs, being such a contrast of how she'd been trembling in his arms that day in the woods. ]

[ Briefly, he lips press as she thinks - but she ends up shaking her head. ]

That's the thing, isn't it? Nothing quite compares... but I'll do my best to find a way.

[ Turning herself in her chair so that she may rise unassisted, she rounds to table to embrace William from behind; arms encircling his shoulders, she leans down to kiss his cheek. ]

Until then, I hope this will do.

[ Ah, he somewhat foresaw that kiss. Perhaps that's why he has no adverse reaction to it. Instead he reaches up to pat one of her hands, briefly resting upon it afterwards. ]

The mere fact that you're still here says a lot. It lets me know I've done the right thing.

[ With a content hum, she rests her cheek atop his head. It isn't until he lets go that she excuses herself back to her seat. ]

I wouldn't wish to be anywhere else, now.