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]

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.

[dead_serious]

With all the updates to company policies, I am grateful I won't have to argue to keep a woman in Collections.

[ It's obvious now, that William's more accepting of others and their differences than one might think, upon meeting him. His sternness is focused on efficiency. ]

"What changes, if any, will need to be made to accommodate you." A rather vague question.

[untodeath]

Quite so. [ Leaning back into her chair, she swings one leg to cross over the other. ] That’s one argument they would not want to make with me.

[ The next question is one she considers with a hum, fingers drumming against her mug. ]

When the opportunity comes about, I shall require time off for family leave. Child bonding time for both my partner and myself.

[dead_serious]

[ For a second time now, he's looking up to her with a frown. ]

Child bonding?

[untodeath]

[ That gets her to chuckle. Silly William. ]

Yes, child bonding. As in, time to bond with my newborn child. Again, when that time comes.

[dead_serious]

A time which will never come, you realise.

[ He's not going to bother writing it and continues his pen down the sheet, checking off answers to other questions without bothering to ask. ]

[untodeath]

[ The smile fades from her features, as her eyes search his. ]

And why is that, pray tell?

[ Frowning with frustration as he continues on without her, she reaches out to plant her hand atop the stack. ]

[dead_serious]

Because you are not alive. You won't be able to bear a mortal child. Reapers are not born, they are assigned. Our entire realm is based around that fact.

[ He knows she doesn't want to hear that but she needs to understand it, regardless. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grelle’s brow furrows with frustration, as she huffs through her nostrils. ]

So, my child won’t be mortal, then.

[dead_serious]

[ He shakes his head, not wanting to get into an argument over this. ]

If that time ever comes, it can be discussed with upper management then. That is hardly an issue at this point in time.

[untodeath]

[ In contrast, she’s already becoming emotional! ]

William, I’m serious. This is something I want. Something I want desperately.

[dead_serious]

And it is not possible, now. These forms are looking for requests needing immediate implementation.

[ Though he's over it, he can hear Grelle's voice wavering slightly and it's...more than odd for her. He sets aside the pamphlet, thinking perhaps it's best to finish it up later. ]

Perhaps, for now, you should focus on what you've just achieved.

[untodeath]

[ Attempting to swallow down whatever in the hell is going on with her voice, she just about spills over — until William immediately follows up with reason.

Embarrassed, she presses her fingers to her forehead with a roll of her eyes. ]

You’re right. It’s— I suppose I just... feel a piece of me is still missing.

[dead_serious]

[ Interesting, this may be the first tune he's seen her legitimately embarrassed. ]

I believe we all feel that way about something.

[untodeath]

[ Her gaze flickers up to his, before she straightens herself up and clears her throat. ]

Right. Of course. That’s the name of the game here, isn’t it?

[dead_serious]

Unfortunately.

[ He reclaims his mug, sipping lightly. ]

Setting aside the aspect of it being possible, having a child is a difficult and time consuming experience. It isn't something you should jump into the moment the chance is presented to you.

[untodeath]

[ That much earns dry smile, brow quirked. ]

Will, I’ve waited almost three-hundred years for this to be possible.

[dead_serious]

Yes, but this is for yourself.

[ He indicates her new body with his hand. ]

Having a child involves bringing another being into this world. One who will need your undivided attention, all hours of the day, for years. A simple leave request for bonding time, as you put it, will not nearly be long enough. There is far more to having a child than simply fulfilling a desire.

[ It is something he really doesn't wish to argue Grelle over, especially when the possiblity of it isn't in sight. He collects a few forms from his desk, sliding them over to her to get started. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grelle visibly sobers at his words. Distracted by them, even, she doesn’t object to the forms slid before her. ]

... I’d do whatever it takes, you understand. My child would be everything to me.

[ Grabbing the papers with a sigh, she flips through them dismissively. ]

There’s still some hope in this half-life of ours. It must be fought for, is all. [ Her eyes flicker up to his again. ] And as you see, it can be done. [ A flicker of an smile, at that! ]

[dead_serious]

And they should be everything to you.

[ Even though he agrees, there's a odd tone to his voice. Discomfort, maybe? He shakes it off with a clearing of his throat. ]

I don't wish to speak of this any further. Get started on those and we may have a chance to get out of here on time, for once.

[ He'll be quiet, for the most part, for the remainder of their shift. Helping her out with a few obvious answers to her questions, followed by his usual irritated huffs. He'd been so wound up about how his interaction with Grelle was going to be once she returned, yet things have already begun to fall back into their usual place. ]

[untodeath]

[ Of course, Grelle notices - but aside from an inquisitive glance, she lets it go. And everything that follows comes as a great comfort to her. Not merely his assistance, and the opportunity to spend the day with her favorite man, but to have that familiarity while readjusting to the workplace.

Come the end of the day, she croons with a mighty sigh of relief, whilst taking a seat on the armrest of his office chair, draping her arms about his shoulders. ]

We did it~❤️ And I am starving.

[dead_serious]

[ Unfortunately, William had taken that moment to remove his glasses, setting about rubbing them clean with a cloth. It's the only way Grelle is able to sneak in and snatch that spot on his chair, even more so to get her arms around him! Frowning, he reaches over the arms to replace the frames back on his nose. ]

Honestly?

[ He sounds irritated as he removes Grelle's arms from his shoulders in a surprisingly calm and gentle manner. ]

[untodeath]

[ Now, that is quite different than she’s used to - but, for now, leaves it at a quirk of a brow! This is an adjustment period for both of them, after all. ]

What, can a lady not have an appetite?

[ Now that he’s shifted her arms off of him, his hands are easily accessible for her to take, whilst she stands to give them an insistent tug! ]