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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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. ]

I suppose I can understand that... You've mentioned how much they work you, as it is.

[ A disapproving little hum. ]

What sort of things do you like?

Relaxing after all the stress this job throws at you.

[ This week being even more so. ]

Reading, enjoying the park on quiet days, violin. Nothing too incredibly exciting.

[ The reading bit gets a bigger smile out of her - but when William mentions the violin, her eyes light up with wonder. ]

You're a musician? How wonderful. [ And she gasps! ] Could you play me something?

At this moment?

[ Hey, he didn't outright say no. ]

[ Look how excited she is, William! How could you even think so say it! ]

Yes! Oh, please? All I've heard around this place is gossip!

[ With a sigh and an adjustment to his glasses, he relents. ]

Fine. I will have to return home for my violin. If you are willing to wait.

[ With a gleeful little gasp, Grell's free hand balls against her chest.

Of course I am! I'd thought you'd be able to procure it, really - so take as long as you need!

I don't keep it on me.

[ Stated as if that should be obvious. Still, he can teleport to his flat to make the trip shorter. So don't mind him as he zips out of existence, only to pop back in 10 or so minutes later.

William quietly closes the door to her room so as to keep the music down for the rest of the ward (and keep the ladies from seeing and gossiping around even more.) He places the case at the foot of Grell's bed before carefully removing the instrument. ]

I haven't played in some time. The case had gotten a bit dusty.

[ He sounds a bit disappointed in himself for that. ]

[ Hearing the door, she brightens once more, turning onto her back so that she may prop herself up a bit to watch properly. ]

I'm glad you've decided to play a bit for me, then. Truly!

[ Retrieving the bow from the case, he applies some rosin to ready it for playing. Then taking up the violin, he makes certain that each string is properly tuned. ]

Honestly, my playing may not be up to standard.

Edited 2020-08-26 02:58 (UTC)

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

I doubt I'll know the difference, not like you

No complaints, then.

[ Satisfied with the preparation of his instrument, William holds the violin up to nestle under his chin. There's a thoughtful look on his face for a moment as he decides what song to play. But soon, the bow is lifted and gently guided along the strings in a soft but captivating melody. ]

[ Giving him a look - though amused - she readjusts the blankets over her lap, as she waits for him to begin.

Once he does, Grell goes still, affording him her full attention. Immediately, her features soften; dreamy and serene. As emotion builds within the song, it does so within her expression, as well. Her hands clutch at her sheets absently, eyes watching his hands move as he plays - along with his face. It's captivating.]