thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ It's happening once again - her life, flashing before her eyes.

The shock that gripped her chest, as the demon grasped her face, muttering against her lips that it would erase the pain of her pathetic existence. Meeting William's gaze with excitement as they threw themselves into the throes of battle. Launching herself at him when he'd announced that they would be investigating a case together. Waking up that morning in a cold bed, before pulling herself out of it to piece herself together.

Hundreds of other beginnings like it, contrasting the liveliness she threw into her days, the unusual occurrences that came with her occupation, and the way her heart twists around that one special man. A time of fiery passion, bloodshed, lust - so brief, less than a thousand days of bliss, before reality tore the blanket from her eyes. Thirty-six-thousand like the ones that proceeded them. Love. Meeting William. Rage. Being "reborn," they said. Throwing herself into the ocean from cliffs high above.....

Her body relaxes as it all fades away. It's nearly bliss-- until the beast tears her scythe from her hands to plunge through her chest. Its laugh is wretched, gravely, as it steps on her shoulder to remove the blade and brandish against William.

It slowly walks back, giving the man the unspoken option to pursue it for battle, or approach his colleague. ]

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And what? We're they all mocking me for expressing emotion when I don't condone it in the work place?

[ Is it too late to wish Grell was still unconscious? ]

[ With a knit to her brow, she huffs! ]

No, William. No one was mocking you.

[ She plants her cheek into an open palm, already fed up, clearly! ]

Apparently, we must have some sort of dubious relations going on, and with the way you've been approaching the subject--

[ She gives him the most scolding frown. ]

This is a terrible way to dump someone, if that's what this is!

Dubious relations?

[ Oh he is going to glare at every person he comes across from now on. No one is safe. ]

We are not an item. Nor have we even been.

[ Lips pursed to the side just so, she's going to stare him down for the truth!! ]

I want to believe you, but you'd also said that we were merely colleagues, when you introduced yourself this morning.

[ He can stare right back! ]

And I admitted to being friends, but there is nothing more to our relationship than that.

[ A hum. ]

How is it that we're giving off such an impression, then?

[ Huff. ]

Because you constantly hang off of me and threaten any woman who dares look in my direction. But that does not mean we are an item.

Edited 2020-08-24 06:50 (UTC)

[ Grell's expression relaxes with a blink of realisation. ]

Oh. It's-- me, then.

[ From the little he's given away, that does add up.

An unrequited love... and after the accusations she's just made, that's-- rather embarrassing. Her cheeks flush hot! ]

[ And suddenly she's slipped back into the more innocent nature she'd been in earlier. Sigh. ]

Yes. You've been smitten with me since that first assignment together. And being the emotionally closed off person that I admit I can be, they probably saw some humor in my anxiety over your being wounded.

[ There's a faint wince, at that - and her voice is smaller when she speaks. ]

Sorry. I think I can understand why you'd avoid the subject.

[ Grell apologizing and so quickly giving up is so strange, William falls silent. It's an odd thing between them, certainly awkward. ]

[ Avoiding his gaze, she absently licks her lips. ]

... Listen... Clearly, that is something that you didn't want to exist between us - and, regrettably, I must have refused to see that - but we've a clean slate, now, don't we...

We do.

[ He watches her fidget awkwardly. It's such a strange sight. ]

I was enjoying how things were rebuilding between us. I have nothing against connecting with one another, as I've said, we're friends.

Right.

[ Biting at the corner of her lip, she SIGHS away the anxiety that had washed over her. She has to let it go. ]

I do enjoy your company, even when you're a stubborn dolt.

[ Normally he'd smack her up the head for that comment, but he holds back. Maybe because he's having some sympathy for her, in this moment?? Or maybe just because she's just come out of a near death coma and that wouldn't be advisable. ]

Honestly, that isn't going to aid in us building a strong relationship.

[ With a wry sort of smile, she leans back into her pillows. ]

Oh, fine. Noted. It was just a bit of teasing, to diffuse the situation and all.

Yes, you've been quite the fan of teasing me over the years.

[ That sounds like it's more of an annoyance than actually making him angry. Shifting in his seat he motions towards Grell's scythe. ]

You should be trying to tuck your scythe away.

[ That's substantially less dangerous than summoning the thing. ]

Right, I've got it. No more teasing, either.

[ Grell's beginning to wonder how they were ever friends, if he already disliked so many of her tendencies. It has her mind wandering for a moment - until his suggestion snaps her back to. ]

I suppose you're right... so, I just think about it, then...

[ Somewhat instinctual, she picks up the scythe to behave as though she's placing it elsewhere - and when it works, she's got that old grin pulling across her face! ]

Very good.

[ That may be the first time he's ever praised her, wow. ]

You will need to learn how to summon it in an instant. And in the correct orientation. The form you chose for yours requires you to be in close range.

[ Perhaps that is why she continues to beam, cheeks taking on a bit of color! She'd never know it, though, alas. ]

I wish I were in the right state for some practice... Would you help me train?

We can do so after you've fully healed.

[ He nods as he settles into the seat more, propping one leg up over the other. ]

[ Folding her hands, visibly quite pleased, she nods! ]

Shame we have to wait.

If you get as excitable over the fight as you usually do, it won't help you heal.

[ He's certain she'll take to it quickly, anyway. ]

I suppose I'll have your word for it, for now.

[ With a hum, she gathers her pillow into the crook of her arm, so that she may turn her head to look at him more comfortably! ]

Do you enjoy it? Fighting.

Not particularly. It's more of a hassle than anything else. Having to fight means you aren't getting your job done in a timely manner. Which can undoubtedly lead to overtime.

[ A grimace comes across his face at the mere mention of the word. ]