the woman.

[untodeath]

[ She had always said that she was going to do it, but it took Grelle Sutcliffe just about two-hundred and fifty years to make good upon that oath.

The process was as complicated as they come, but everything simply had to be perfect. Genuine as one could get, with some cosmetic enhancements to round everything out— more literally than one might think.

It was said that scientific advancements in the spiritual realm preceded those in the physical by roughly seventy-five years, and despite how little she claims to know of it, the reaper followed it all quite closely. Genetic engineering had advanced so much that one could have organs - or entire limbs - lab-grown for replacement. It then became possible to alter the cellular makeup or such appendages, for aesthetic purposes, or even, their sex. Finally, sexual organ transplants were possible.

Equipped, as it were, Grelle also wished to soften her facial features and give her body the proper curves to rebalance her naturally masculine frame. Having it all done at once was the most excruciating thing she’s had to endure this far, but it was necessary, with how stingy management is at granting leave!

That said, she’s returned to office, though it won’t be until the end of the week that her medical release approves her return to field work.

But, first thing’s first; she must report to her supervisor. ]

How I’ve missed you❣️

[ Despite being out for nearly a month with very little contact, and an entirely new physique, the redheaded reaper has burst into his office as though nothing were out of the ordinary! ]

Comments

[untodeath]

[ Grelle is visibly pleased to see that she’s jarred him so— until he ruins it by saying something so daunting!

Blinking, the smile falls, and she’s turned back to face him. ]

What’s that, then?

[dead_serious]

[ William sets his coffee mug back atop the counter, mixing up a new cup. Thankfully, he grabs the sugar this time! ]

This dynamic we've had, all these years past. How will things change, now?

[untodeath]

[ The redhead’s shoulders visibly relax. Here she was thinking that management would be making a fuss about her position! ]

I admit, I’ve been thinking about that, too - and I was hoping that you might ask me on a date.

[dead_serious]

[ About to raise the cup to his lips, he pauses, eyebrows immediately furrowing. ]

That is not what I was referring to.

[ William's free hand twitches slightly. Had she still been in her old body, that would have gotten her a hard smack atop her head, but now... William's caught in a dilemma. ]

I meant in regards to keeping you in line.

[untodeath]

[ Seeing that hand shift, she reflexively flinches... and he faulters?

Again, Grelle eases - but this time, her brows furrow sternly, as well. ]

Why would it be any different? Don’t tell me that the William T. Spears suddenly finds himself fearful of judgement.

[dead_serious]

Judgement?

[ He huffs as though that was an absurd thing to suggest. ]

No. I simply don't feel it right to be physically violent towards a lady.

[untodeath]

[ Lips pursing just so, she averts her eyes, her sigh almost defeated. ]

I look the part now, but I’ve always been a lady, Will.

[ Her eyes flicker back to his, however fleeting. ]

Though I admit, it gives me a bit of a stir to hear you refer to me as such. [ She twirls some of her hair between her fingers— until she abruptly stops herself with a bigger sigh!! ]

Even so, would you consider me too weak to endure you?

[ There’s a dangerous sort of edge to those words! ]

[dead_serious]

What you have always shown me was a flamboyant male who never once corrected me on how I addressed him.

[ William's eyes narrow, his mouth drawing into a thin line. It's a look that challenges Grelle's final question. ]

Yet, now that I'm correcting myself and showing you the respect I've lacked to give you since we met, you are going to act this way? Honestly, if I thought you were weak, I would have said as much. You know that better than anyone.

[untodeath]

My, my, you’d gotten me all wrong.

[ A feral little grin slinks across her lips, while she steps closer, fingers tracing down the knot of his tie. ]

But it it’s respect you wish to show, then you should have no trouble with a little rough play.

[ So she says, hand shifting down to grasp the length of said tie - to draw him closer. ]

Man or woman, you know what I can take.

[dead_serious]

[ Sudden reminder of their first day in the field, where she yanked him closer in just the same manner. That was the start of this turbulent relationship, and it's stood the test of time for centuries now. Despite his hesitance at her new form, suddenly stopping just doesn't seem right.

With a firm yank, he slips his tie from her grip, then delicately smooths it down his shirt and re-pins it. ]

I was offering you the courtesy. However, if you would prefer things to continue as they always have, then I will make you an exception to this moral rule of mine.

[untodeath]

[ Watching him fondly, she rests her cheek into prettily splayed fingers. ]

Perhaps we can find something of a happy middle.

[dead_serious]

[ Not the creative type, William simply lessens his frown in slight curiosity. ]

And what would that entail?

[untodeath]

[ In contrast, her grin widens! ]

Let’s discuss it over dinner.

[dead_serious]

[ There's a long huff through his nose. ]

Fine. On the condition that you assist me in getting these files in order before our shifts end. And get them done correctly. If you cannot return to the field yet, you are going to have to do your job in the office properly.

[untodeath]

[ With a little bounce and a happy squeak, Grelle clasps her hands! And then, the reality of an entire week of paperwork sets in, and her gleeful smile slacks into something of a despaired grimace.

Her shoulders slump with a sigh. ]

Does that mean I’ll be working out of your office? [ There’s hope in her voice still!! ]

[dead_serious]

[ William hums, actually thinking that over. ]

That depends on which will distract you less. Not being in the room to keep you in line, or being there to attract your attention.

[ There's no winning with her. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grelle must resist the urge to smile, crossing her arms under her bosom, as though to seriously consider that. ]

Oh, being present to keep me in line. Certainly.

[dead_serious]

[ Perhaps to make up for his hesitation earlier, William grips her by the shoulder, spinning her around and shoving her towards the office with a heavy push to her back. ]

Go collect your laptop and other necessities and bring them to my office.

[untodeath]

Oh!

[ A surprised sound escapes her as she stumbles forward! Thankfully, she’s able to grasp the door frame to recover with some grace left in tact! Heaving a sigh of accomplishment, she tosses back her hair and glances back over her shoulder, giving William a good look-over. It’s been an entire month that she’s been without him, after all! ]

Mmn, yes, alright. I’ll be but a moment. [ A with a wink, she teleports out! ]

[dead_serious]

[ She will most likely beat William to his office, as he's still intending to take his full company issued break. But eventually he walks in, mug in hand. And in front of Grelle he places her own bright red mug, coffee filled to the brim. ]

[untodeath]

[ Ah, Grelle is fine with that. As she sees it, it gave her just enough time to set up - directly in front of him, of course - along with tidying her hair and reapplying her lipstick!

Her laptop has just powered up when she hears him come in. Before her focus can shift to coo his way, there’s a cup of coffee set in front of her!

Gasping with delight, she’s already reaching for it. ]

Oh, William, you are the love of my life...!

[ Siiiip! ]

[dead_serious]

Yes, I'd gathered that, over the years.

[ Taking a seat, he sips at his own coffee, before leaning forward in his chair to grab a stapled packet of forms from his desk. ]

Management gave me some forms to fill out regarding your return. Mainly it is a simple questionnaire. Equal opportunity rubbish and all that. Absurd really, when you consider none of us knowingly applied for this job.

[ Reading over the first few questions, he pulls a fancy pen from the pocket of his shirt to begin filling in her answers. ]

"Has your name been changed?"

[untodeath]

Oh~? Well, that saves me some time.

[ Regarding a profession, that is. She’s less entertained by the idea of a questionnaire, however; her eyes roll as she sets her coffee aside. ]

You’ve said it. Ah, sure, let’s put Grelle— now, remember, that G-r-e-l-l-E— Sutcliffe, dash, Spears!

[dead_serious]

[ His pen had begun writing out the new spelling when it pauses, William looking up to her with a very unamused expression on his face. ]

Stop it. We are not married.

[ And he is NOT putting that bit down! With a huff he looks to the next question. ]

I'm assuming pronouns will be female. [ It's merely a comment to himself as he's automatically checking off that box. The answer to the next is obvious too, but he'll ask just out of curiosity. ]

"Do you wish to be transferred to a new department?"

[untodeath]

[ Grelle’s only response to that is a chuckle into her mug while she takes another sip! It certainly isn’t the first time that she’s teased him over this, or even the tenth, yet he must adamantly remind her each time!

With an affirming hum to his assumption, there’s just a touch of warmth to her smile. He seems to be supportive enough with this transition of hers. It’s nice. ]

As though you could afford to lose me. No.