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]

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. ]

[untodeath]

You couldn’t, not after I’ve made up my mind about it~

[ With a playful whine, she trails close behind! And, upon seeing the setup, she croons in approval. ]

[dead_serious]

[ He sets the plate and drink down before taking up his place on the couch. The blanket is draped over his legs but there's an obvious spot for her right next to him. ]

Well, then I suggest you join me.

[ He snatches up two cookies, holding one out to her. ]

[untodeath]

[ He needn’t tell her twice! Grell grins, a bit of a hop to her step whilst she closes the distance between them. Truly, she leaves no space to spare, leaning against William as she plucks the cookie from his fingers. She snaps off a piece between those razor-like teeth of hers, humming with approval. ]

I’m curious , Will... what is it that made up your mind?

[dead_serious]

You can thank Miss Jezibelle for that, as well.

[ He leaves it at that for the moment because that cookie is calling to him! ]

[untodeath]

[ With a hard blink, her head cants to the side, brows furrowed with some wonder! ]

What could that woman have possibly said to you that I hadn’t over the past century?!

[dead_serious]

[ Another sip and he turns towards her. ]

Honestly, we've been spending quite a bit of time together. Talking about our pasts and our lives here. It was mere coincidence that she pulled your name in the draw.

[untodeath]

[ There’s a tick to her brow, and she frowns. Hopefully he’s going somewhere with this, because she’s already getting jealous. He’s never been open with her in such a way! ]

Is that right?

[ She CHOMPS another bite away!! ]

[dead_serious]

[ William's not so dense as to think Grell wouldn't get upset. But he keeps from reprimanding her, for now. ]

She's become somewhat of a counselor for me.

[untodeath]

How lovely.

[ A huff! ]

And, remind me, you’ve decided to spend the holiday with me, instead of Ms. Jezebel, because she told you to?

[dead_serious]

No. That was my decision.

[ He gives her a warning look. ]

I have been able to understand and accept some parts of myself and the dynamic between us since we began speaking. I chose this time for us to spend together so I could finally open up to you.

[untodeath]

[ Grell looks away with a relenting, albeit still huffy sigh. ]

I just wish you could have spoken to me in such a way, is all.

[dead_serious]

That is what I am trying to do now.

[ He huffs right back, getting frustrated, himself. ]

[untodeath]

[ That comes with a look! ]

You know what I mean, darling. Without assistance, perhaps a century sooner?

[ But she shakes her head, leaning in to rest at William’s shoulder. ]

Can you blame me for being a little jealous?

[dead_serious]

It isn't so simple as you're insinuating.

[ But he doesn't shove her away, instead settling his arm around her shoulder and holding her close. ]

If so, I would have done so long ago.

[untodeath]

[ Being held near by William... it’s an unusual sensation. Why, it may even be making her a bit emotional! ]

So, tell me... Why?

[dead_serious]

I didn't quite realise what had been keeping me emotionally distant from you until I began speaking with her. I knew I wanted you near, and, as you've made exceptionally clear over the years, I knew you harboured intimate affections towards me.

[ He clears his throat, for once, actually feeling outwardly nervous. It's an odd sensation for him. ]

She helped me understand what was holding that barrier up.

[untodeath]

[ Grell listens, eyes following William’s as he speaks, her own wide with anticipation. The arm she’s slinked around his grips at his sleeve imploringly! ]

And that is ...?

[ Come on, don’t leave her hanging like that...! ]

[dead_serious]

I have been nervous.

[ Well it's more than that, but he takes a moment to think his words through. ]

You are so quick to flip your opinions on someone when they suddenly don't fit your ideals. A lot of what I wear to work, what I show you, is a shield.

I am still morbidly depressed. My self image is one filled with disgust and loathing. I am a lot weaker than I put on.

[ He swallows. ]

I did't want to lose you by telling you, Grell. Ironically, you are one of the only things keeping my sanity intact.

[untodeath]

[ While she visibly doesn’t approve of his thoughts on her character, Grell’s expression eases as he explains himself. In fact, she might appear the slightest bit empathetic, by the end.

Looking down at her hands about his arm, she really must take a moment to absorb it all. ]

Yes, well, I suppose I am, too. Weaker than I let on, that is... [ She mutters, as it’s a horrifically difficult thing to admit. ] I might’ve known, to an extent. The thing is, you’re different, and I’m not certain that you could do anything that would disappoint me... you know?

[dead_serious]

I suppose we all must be.

[ Considering how they got here, he can only assume most reapers put on a smile just to make it through the day.

The last bit, though... Jezibelle had suggested that might be the case with Grell's feelings towards William. But he'd just shook his head, denying any chance that could be the case. After all, she'd fallen for him after he'd displayed his strength and fearlessness to her all those years ago. That was what she loved about him. He frowns at being proven wrong. ]

Why is that?

[untodeath]

I’m in love with you.

[ And the look she gives him confirms that this should be obvious information. ]

[dead_serious]

[ That has William's brow furrowing further, mouth pulled a bit to the side, appearing more perplexed than frustrated. ]

You don't know this other side of me. How can you be certain you'll stand for it?