Secret Santa!

[dead_serious]

[ Every year, the reapers of the London branch held the more modern tradition of a secret Santa event. The branch tended to separate into smaller groups, mainly based around what departments were near one another in the office buildings, if only to give more diversity to just who your partner could possibly be. Forms were handed out to everyone interested in participating, consisting of simple questions that could help your partner figure out the perfect gift.

Not being the particularly festive type, William always declined, saying there was far too much work to be done to waste his limited free time shopping for gifts. But inevitably, Alan always persuaded him, usually with the promise of freshly baked cookies. With a huff, William would fill out yet another form and add it to the pile.

This year, when Grell comes into work on Christmas Eve, there is a large box sitting upon her desk, wrapped in shimmering red paper and topped with a glittered gold bow. With no name tag indicating who it is from, it can only be assumed her secret Santa had placed it there before she arrived to work. Inside is an array of, surprisingly well chosen, self pampering products, wonderfully fit for a woman with a fine taste for the indulgent. A book of sonnets tied with a small, but well crafted bow lays beside it. And to top it all off, two tickets to a night of fine theatre at the beautiful Canterbury Music Hall.

Certainly, the simplistic questionnaire couldn't have pinpointed her interests so well, what with inquiries about favourite foods and colours. The last was painfully obvious for her even without the form! So such a lavish - and expensive! - gift could have only come from someone who knew her quite well, and had the funds to pay for it all! Now the question was simply...who? ]

Comments

[dead_serious]

Not entirely.

[ Vague as ever, he allows her to fill in the blank ]

[untodeath]

Mn, no, I suppose you’re right about that.

[ And she idly eyes his lips, contemplating kissing him right here, to be done with it! ]

[dead_serious]

[ He side eyes her, positive he knows what she's contemplating. But he won't allow it. Not yet. ]

Honestly, are you going to be able to sit still through the remainder of the show, or have you been distracted beyond return?

[untodeath]

[ Grell parts her lips, prepared to insist that, of course, she could enjoy THEATRE—- but he sounds as though he has a scheme brewing. Eying him right back with suspicious delight, she’s got a curiously crooked grin! ]

And what if that were the case?

[dead_serious]

If so, then I suppose I will simply have to remove the distraction.

[ Her hand is released and he returns his arm to his own lap, where he thumbs through the play's programme. At this point, it's fairly obvious that he's toying with her. Still just as cold, but that flirtatious edge to his words and actions is something she's certainly never seen from him before. ]

[untodeath]

[ With something between a gasp and a laugh, she’s left clasping the armrest between them as she leans in closer! ]

Quite fortunate that we were merely speaking theoretically, then!!

[ Snatching that hand back, she briefly kisses his knuckles, before moving to let it go. ]

But, perhaps I will take this opportunity to powder my nose. Should you require anything?

[dead_serious]

[ His cold eyes merely watch as she makes that bold move of touching her lips to his fingers. His hand lingers there in the air as she stands, before slowly returning to the booklet. ]

I should be fine, as is. Don't take too long, intermission will be over shortly.

[ Stoic yet so surprisingly calm. ]

[untodeath]

[ Ah, and she adores it, that cold stillness of his— and being able to inspire that single moment of pause, even more so! ]

Don’t you worry. I wouldn’t dream to leave you for any longer than is necessary.

[ A wink!

In any case, she needs to get on her feet and work out these jitters. It’s unbecoming, being so out of sorts. A lady should reserve some mysteries of the mind!

As promised, she zips away to touch up her makeup. After pacing the above rooftop for some fresh air. Once returned, she’s able to settle back into her seat with a graceful sigh. ]

Miss me?

[dead_serious]

As if you've ever given me the chance to.

[ Seems she returned at the perfect moment, as the lights are starting to dim. But, before it darkens to much, William lays his arm, palm up, atop the rest between them. Should she desire to claim it once more. ]

[untodeath]

[ The genuine happiness that brings Grell touches her eyes, as she slips her fingers between William's, palm resting atop his. ]

Nor shall I ever. [ She mutters to him, as the audience quiets. ]

[dead_serious]

Unsurprising.

[ Once more, he gives her hand a gentle squeeze as the players take the stage. His fingers linger there between hers for the remainder of the show, only parting when the final curtain falls. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell takes the opportunity to stand and offer a polite clap for the exiting actors. Typically, she would have been much more encouraging during their encore, but with her hand in William's, and her mind on him altogether, she couldn't much be bothered. Ah well!

Brushing her hair behind her shoulder, she turns to grin at her guest with unquestionable delight, all the same. ]

I'm so very happy that you've accompanied me tonight, Will.

[dead_serious]

It has been a long time coming, hasn't it.

[ Seeing her genuinely happy smile lets him know that he's doing the right thing. It may have taken him decades, but he's finally going to let his guard down. He has to; for both of them. ]

[untodeath]

[ That comes with a look, albeit good humoured. ]

Longer than I ever would've cared for. But, grateful for, nonetheless.

[ With a tilt of the head, she regards him. His seemingly welcome mood, under the guise of indifference, how he's dressed for her. It fills her chest with a strange warmth.

And then, the butterflies take flight, once more. ]

What are your plans for the remainder of the evening, mm?

[dead_serious]

[ He's quiet as they exit the theatre, and doesn't speak up until they've stepped out into the crisp winter air. ]

Well, it is Christmas Eve. We've a work holiday tomorrow. Perhaps some hot cocoa, a warm blanket and some company to relax with.

[untodeath]

[ Stepping nearer to him, she grasps his arm. Gentle, but imploring, as her eyes lock on his. ]

Tell me that you wish for me to be your company.

[dead_serious]

[ He watches her eyes, the desire, need, exceptionally clear. ]

Grell, would you spend the remainder of the holiday with me?

[untodeath]

[ Yes, well, close enough! Her face warms, as she reaches to cup a hand against his. ]

I would like nothing more.

[dead_serious]

Me, as well.

[ Taking her hand, it's only a moment before they're back in their own realm. ]

Would you like to collect some things from your flat before we make ourselves comfortable?

[untodeath]

Hmm?

[ She’d been distracted there, first on giving him dreamy eyes, and then becoming curious enough to glance about his flat. ]

Oh, yes, I suppose I should change into something a little more comfortable while I’m at it.

[ Squeezing his hand, she chuckles! ]

[dead_serious]

Unless you wish to curl up in your heels and cape.

[ He lets go, shooing her off with a glance towards the door. While she's gone, William will dress down, as well. A more modern accepted pairing of cotton bottoms and a soft t-shirt. And should she return quickly enough, he'll still be in the kitchen, boiling water for their hot cocoa - which he was entirely serious about having! He's even got tiny marshmallows! ]

[untodeath]

[ As he’s fussing over the stove, he will feel her arms slinking about his waist, before her body presses to his. ]

Mn, I can’t remember the last I’d indulged in hot chocolate. [ Grell settles her chin on his shoulder. ] It smells divine.

[ Not that he’ll see it just yet, but she has changed into a comfy, plush robe with cropped sleeves and a hem that just barely covers her rear. Beneath, a cute lacy camisole and matching shorts that are deliciously short. ]

[dead_serious]

I can't say the same for myself. Honestly, it is a bit of a guilty pleasure.

[ Allowing her arms to stay as they are, William pulls the mugs he's set out closer and fills them. A couple marshmallows atop each and he's already lifting his own to his lips. ]

I have some cookies, as well. From Humphries, of course.

[untodeath]

Of course.

[ She observes him with a chuckle, before slipping away so that she may grab the cup he’s left for her. ]

It doesn’t sound especially good for my figure—- but I couldn’t think of a finer exception.

[dead_serious]

[ Turning towards her, he takes a small sip, hesitant of the hot water. It's perfect and gets a content hum out of him. ]

If you'd rather forgo it for the night, I have zero issue with finishing them off, myself.

[ A bit of a tease as he grabs the plate to head to the sitting room. Hes lit the fire and some comfortavle blankets are set out on the plush couch. ]