thedispatch | (no subject)

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[ What began as a heated conversation seemed to earn the curiosity of the lobby's dawdlers and passer-bys-- until it became downright explosive. The boisterous tone of voice was all too recognisable, for everyone there had found themselves subjected to Grell's charades at least once, and for most, that was one time too many. The smartest of them would turn on heel and leave the direction they came.

Unfortunately, those that were in the immediate vicinity wouldn't have such privilege. A foolish, albeit good-hearted young woman had just stepped between Grell and the target of her aggression, in hopes of diffusing the situation. Instead, the enraged redhead snatched the new receptionist by the hair. ]

Oh, is this what it's all about, then! This wagtail bitch?!

[ Immediately, several reapers jump in to take Grell's arms and detach her. While they are successful, it only earns a face-splitting grin from her - for, now, she has a better distraction. Flipping one man over her shoulder, she gives him a splitting kick before turning on the rest of them. It's nothing short of a brawl. ]

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[ William gives her a look. ]

What are you expecting I would do? Honestly.

[ Well, either William isn't so tight-laced as she would have imagined, or she just managed to fool him out of any resistance he may have had to the idea! With a bat of the eyes, she shakes her head. ]

Perhaps it's about what I would do. In theory, of course.

[ He cocks his head, slightly. That's a bit more flirtatious than she usually is with him. Or it seems to have more serious intent behind it. But perhaps he's reading it wrong. ]

If it would make things uncomfortable, then perhaps the couch is the best option.

Uncomfortable? Please!

[ That reaction causes her to still for just the slightest moment, tongue hooked over a pointy tooth. Really, she's just teasing-- though, she is just a hair short of inebriated or lonely, so she might have been laying it on too thick. ]

It's a joke, darling. I won't be adding any physical pain to your blights this night.

[ Geez, what was she even doing! It isn't as though he's even her type, and it isn't as though she has many friendships to base the theory on, but she's fairly certain that's a good way to ruin one. ]

Edited 2020-06-21 08:04 (UTC)

Ah, of course.

[ Maybe it's the wine or maybe his head just isn't in the right place tonight. Probably, both. But, spending the night beside her would do him far better than him wallowing in his own thoughts all night. She always makes for a wonderful distraction. ]

I will join you, then.

[ Breaking into a beaming, pointy grin, Grell tosses what's left of her cigar over the balcony so that she may clasp her hands together with satisfaction. ]

Excellent. Who doesn't love a good slumber party.

You are making it sounds as though we're children again.

[ William finds it a bit of a waste to toss the cigar out, and a bit rude to the tenants on the floors below. Instead he rests the cigar on the table, allowing it to slowly put itself out. His wine is still snatched up, though, as well as what remains of the bottle. ]

I don't think we could be, even if we tried.

[ Grell follows suit in grabbing her glass while tucking the unopened bottle beneath her arm, affording the redhead a free hand to close the door behind them. ]

We've gone through far too much to be that innocent.

[ Setting the handful on the kitchen counter, he relocates his socks, pulling them back on. ]

I sense you are not quite ready for sleep, though. Perhaps we can finish off that wine, first.

[ With something between a hum of agreement and a snerk, Grell indulges in another generous sip of her wine. There's a playful, albeit less graceful sway to her gait as she follows William back into the sitting area, plopping down next to him on the couch, and tucking her legs up beside her. ]

That is a fantastic idea.

So.

[ William begins, refilling his glass before gently swirling the wine around. ]

Where do we pick up from here? Honestly, I don't want to slip back into my old state of mind.

[ With an exaggerated shake of the head, she grips at William's shoulder, leaning into him. ]

I'm not going to let that happen. You must realise by now, you're the only man I have respect for here. You can't go anywhere.

[ The fact that William allows Grell to get so close shows just how comfortable he is around her, as well as how much he trusts showing her this vulnerability. ]

I know you won't. That is why I came to you.

[ Grell's cheeks might just warm, a sparkle to her eye! Surely, she should have deduced that on her own, but he's gone so far as to voice it.

With a purring hum, she lifts a finger to tap his cheek. ]

Smart man. I'm going to take this job very seriously.

[ He reflexively pulls his face away from her hand, giving her a side eye. ]

If I didn't trust you already, I would find that statement rather unbelievable. You aren't known for doing your job properly, after all.

[ It's fairly lighthearted. Somewhere between teasing and serious. ]

[ With a tick of the tongue, she shakes that finger, instead! ]

Excuse you, Mr. B-Average. I do fantastic work-- where it pertains to my interest.

A perk of being your close friend then, I suppose.

[ He bats her shaky finger away, frowning slightly. ]

And since then I've improved above a B level, in my opinion.

[ Grabbing that hand, she holds it to her chest fondly! ]

That would be an understatement. On both counts!

And I think it goes without saying that I expect you to come see me if your own thoughts get too much for you, as well.

[ He doesn't bother pulling his hand away, content enough that the other has his wine. Time for a sip! }

[ Now, she doesn't expect him to not resist! In fact, he's surprised her enough that her hold loosens with a hard, surprised blink. ]

Seems I don't need to. You came to me.

[ With a flutter of a more genuine smile, she'll mirror him in drinking some of her wine-- and it seems that she's finished her glass, so she's already reaching for the bottle!! ]

I meant in the future.

[ He holds his own glass out, silently asking her for a refill, as well. ]

[ Flashing him a look, she actually complies and fills his glass first! ]

I thought as much, darling. I-- do appreciate it. Really.

[ There is a slightly uncomfortable air about her while admitting as much. It seems that she only has issue with expression when it becomes contradictory to her facade. ]

[ The way she speaks causes William's brow to crease. ]

Are you alright? Or have you had too much wine, already?

[ She was already drinking when he came over, after all. ]

[ Lips parting, she shoots him an affronted look, next! ]

Darling, there is no such thing.

[ As though to prove her point, she empties the remainder of the bottle into her glass, even though it leaves it slightly too full. ]

[ He gives her a skeptical look. ]

Perhaps I should write you out sick now and spare myself the trouble in the morning.