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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[ 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.]

[ William's eyes have drifted shut as he plays. In a mix of concentration and serenity. It'd been so long since he'd taken up his violin, he'd nearly forgotten how calming and enjoyable playing it could be. Perhaps, he should bring it into his routine again.

As the song comes to a close, William finally reopens his eyes. ]

It is more powerful with a pianist joining.

[ There's the slightest hum of disappointment at that. ]

[ Should William take notice, it's very obvious that she enjoyed it just as it was! The admiration is still very clear in her features. ]

I think it was quite moving, just as it was.

[ With a content sigh, she smiles. ]

[ Seeing how pleased she is has a content look coming to his features. He settles his violin gently into its case, then reclaims his seat. ]

Thank you for allowing me to play.

[ Jaw dropping, she reaches out to tap his shoulder, once he's seated next to her. ]

Excuse me? If I don't get to do that, neither! do! you! [ Tap, tap, tap! ]

[ Okay he may have said that to her earlier but gosh that was a sincere thank you. He makes up for it with a hefty huff. ]

Fine. I suppose that will be the last time, then.

[ Briefly, she pauses, with the faintest knit to her brow. ]

Or, I could let it slide-- if you allow me to thank you for giving me the chance to listen.

[ He gives her a stern look. ]

Then we will be even.

Good.

[ Pleased, she sits back. ]

Thank you.

[ He nods. ]

You're welcome. It was nice to play again.

[ A content hum, eyes warm. ]

How long has it been?

Perhaps a year.

[ Even then, it wasn't like it had been often. Most days he just came home and slept. ]

[ A small sigh! ]

Shame... I suppose that might seem like the blink of an eye, to someone like us, mm? Or does time drag on the same as it always had before?

I find it even more monotonous than my life as a mortal. And depressing on an entirely new level.

[ His voice is very solemn as he speaks. ]

[ Ah, that sober her right up. Curling her arms under her chin, she watches him for a moment. ]

You remember why you did it, don't you?

Of course. It's not something that is easily forgotten.

[ He sighs, not really wanting to divulge that to her, at this moment. However... ]

Watching you be taken out by that demon was a grave reminder. It is why I was so fearful of you not overcoming the injuries.

You'd mentioned that before, I think...

[ A disheartened hum. ]

I was thinking, fresh as that reminder may be, it might help to share your memories. Listening would be the least I could do, given the situation.

No.

[ He states is firmly. ]

We need to focus on you, right now.

[ Blinking with some surprise st how curt the answer comes, her gaze lowers with saddened disappointment, rejection-- but then, embarrassment kicks in. Indignance! She rolls her eyes with a huff, sitting back. ]

Fine.

That time is in the past. While it may do me some good to speak about it, what is important to me now, is you.

[ He clears his throat, knowing how odd a thing it is for him to come out and say. ]

Perhaps once you are well, again.

[ Shoulders easing, she glances back to William-- until she feels her cheeks growing hot. ]

Well, that's-- kind of you to say...

[ He watches her, humming to himself. ]

Honestly, I can't recall you flushing so easily before. Perhaps it was your makeup.

[ Or that you're being nice, William. ]

[ Jaw falling, her cheeks flush even more! ]

And that is rude!

[ Grabbing her extra pillow, she tosses it at him! ]