(no subject)

[untodeath]

[ 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. ]

Comments

[untodeath]

[ Grabbing onto the pillow, she lets out a long breath, nodding! And then, a thoughtful pause, before she shakes her head. ]

Apparently, I'm doing a poor job at being myself.

[dead_serious]

I find it interesting. Perhaps you acted more like this in your mortal life.

[untodeath]

[ That has her tilting her head. ]

Perhaps... Though, how different could it be?

[dead_serious]

[ Ah, does he dare remind her? ]

You were much louder, disrespectful, rebellious, vain. An over-all headache.

[untodeath]

[ Her expression slacks into disbelief. ]

I see. You know, I've been meaning to say, it sounds as though you didn't find me enjoyable at all. Are you sure we were friends? [ Sigh! ]

[dead_serious]

I wouldn't have said so otherwise.

[ Doesn't she remember that he doesn't lie? Geez ]

I believe we balanced one another out, so to speak.

[untodeath]

[ Clearly unsure, her lips purse off to the side. ]

H...ow though...

[dead_serious]

I was the only one capable of reeling you back in when you got out of control. And, [ He sighs at admitting this. ] you kept me from going utterly mad in this monotonous job.

[untodeath]

[ Okay, that might have her lips plucking into a HINT of a smile. ]

I'm sure I would've appreciated to hear that.

[dead_serious]

Honestly, I'm certain it would have had you jumping into my arms and completely ignoring my permanent request for personal space.

[ He huffs, pushing up the bridge of his glasses. ]

[untodeath]

[ With a well-natured roll of the eyes, she shakes her head. ]

I don't understand at all. Lucky for you, I suppose.

[ Wait, or is it? Balance etc? ]

Perhaps?

[dead_serious]

It has been different, certainly. Though only two days have passed.

[ He might be secretly hoping her old self resurfaces. ]

[untodeath]

[ A quirk of the brow. ]

Quiet?

[dead_serious]

Very.

[untodeath]

[ A short hum of a chuckle. ]

Well... Don't get too comfortable. Some-- [ A tired wave of the hand. ] --specialist has said that there's a copy of my record somewhere, and I'm due to watch it once I complete training. Again.

[dead_serious]

Ah.

[ Rewatching one's record is not something he would recommend to any reaper. Unfortunately he doesn't take his own advice on that very often. ]

That won't be easy to sit through.

[untodeath]

[ Gaze venturing off, her brow knits. ]

I figured as much. It's only the mortal portion, as well... but it will be brief, at the very least.

[dead_serious]

It will stay with you.

[ He pauses, his own brow furrowing as well. ]

Assuming my schedule allows it, would you like me to sit in with you?

[untodeath]

[ Grell glances to him, surprised - and actually appears to give it some serious consideration, but inevitably, shakes her head. Albeit very unsurely. ]

I've worried you enough.

[dead_serious]

[ He gives a nod as he rises from his seat. ]

Get some rest.

[ He sounds a bit reluctant to leave, but he needs to get rest, himself. ]

[untodeath]

[ Watching him as he stands, she gives a sigh, but reaches out to touch his arm. ]

Thank you for coming back tonight.

[dead_serious]

[ He looks down to where her hand rests against his arm. Her skin is warm again and it settles the bit of anxiety he still had in his chest. ]

I will come to check in on you again tomorrow.

[untodeath]

[ With a confident nod, an edge of her lips pulls up into a smile. ]

I'll be waiting, then.

[dead_serious]

[ A calm nod back and he's heading out the door. On the way out of the ward, he stops at the lobby counter. Both the receptionists, and a few nurses are gathered there, and when William approaches, one of the girls greets him. Leaving already, Mister Spears? A few of the other ladies giggle. How is Mister Sutcliffe feeling? The rest of them join in with the snickering.

William's calm demeanor immediately shifts to the one he's most known for. The main girl gets an icy glare that then shifts to each of the others before refocusing on her. ]

If I hear of anymore gossip between the lot of you I will see to it that you each get written up and docked pay for misuse of company time. Do I make myself clear?

[ His gaze shifts around again. The girls are practically frozen at being the target of this infamously cold side of him and can only manage meager nods of understanding.

Satisfied, William departs. It's rather late the next afternoon when he finally returns to Grell's room. He knocks briefly at the door before letting himself in. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell is seated on the windowsill, looking out over the painstakingly manicured lawns below - until she peeks over her shoulder, hearing the door open.

It isn't until she sees William that she smiles, closing the book in her lap. ]

I was beginning to think you wouldn't be coming.