thedispatch | (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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[ 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.

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

I'll be waiting, then.

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

I was forced out into the field today. Some deaths somehow managed not to make it to my inbox until this morning.

[ Obviously irritated by this, he heaves a sigh as he moves to stand beside her. ]

You're feeling well enough to wander about, it seems.

[ That earns a tilt of the head - and she reaches out to pat his chest sympathetically. ]

I am. They've said that they may just release me in the morning, if my assessment goes well.

[ That has her smiling all the more! ]

Really, I can't wait.

[ The pat on his chest gets a bit of a frown out of him. ]

Good. I have tomorrow off so I can assist you with getting reacquainted with things. Honestly, I've never seen you stay willingly confined to a space before. Unless I have just been fortunate enough to miss your tantrums.

Edited 2020-08-31 04:18 (UTC)

[ There's a devious little quirk to her lips. ]

I suppose you could ask the staff. They'd be sure to comply, I'm sure. I don't know what you did, but they've been scared straight around here.

They should be. I reprimanded them for their professional conduct. I see it got through to them.

[ It's not like he wants to have to write the ladies up, that's extra paperwork! ]

[ A snerk. ]

You're a pretty big deal, are you? How fortuitous that I'm on your good side.

At the moment.

[ He gives her a warning glare. ]

[ Seemingly unfazed, she sets aside her book to scoot to the edge of the sill and carefully swing her legs over, looking at him straight on! ]

I'll implore you to recall our recent conversations, then! I can't go having myself impaled every time you forget.

Something that won't be happening to you again. So, let's stay on the track we've been on and there shouldn't be any issue.

[ His expression softens and his eyes look down to her chest, where the attack had pierced her. ]

Any more pain?

[ With a tilt of the head, her smile eases into something more genuine, as well. ]

So long as I behave and don't so anything too strenuous.

[ He looks a bit skeptical. ]

Pain never got you to behave in the past.

Edited 2020-08-31 07:21 (UTC)

[ A blink. ]

Really. I can't say that I've thought to explore that yet. [ A breath. ] Though, I didn't say I was behaving consequently, only that I avoid it if I do.

Edited 2020-08-31 17:16 (UTC)

Still unusual for you.

[ William moves to reclaim the seat he'd taken up the day before. ]

But, if it's improved enough for you function on your own then that is welcome news.