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’s hand hovers over her lips while she giggles! After swallowing that delicious morsel, she’ll make sure to lick any crumbs from her lips before answering. ]

It’s amazing, obviously.

[dead_serious]

[ William takes in their surroundings a second time.
While he wouldn't have found himself drawn to such a romantic scene on any other day, tonight it just seems...right. ]

It is quite beautiful.

[ Though now he's looking at her while he speaks.]

[untodeath]

[ Oh, is he... Oh. Wow, she actually might be blushing!

With fingers touching her lips, she exhales a breathy little laugh. ]

I’m quite glad you think so.

[ Setting aside the bread for now, she idly brushes crumbs from her fingertips. Goodness, she’s flustered. ]

The setting is so— relaxing, indulgent. Very much appeals to the romantic in me, you know. And, of course, I’ve wanted to share it with you.

[ Grelle pauses, taking a breath, but her words are delayed. Perhaps she’s been overthinking, because this is something that she’s rehearsed in her mind for weeks now. Yet, that was a fantasy, and now, he’s actually here with her.

She swallows. Ah, well, here goes... ]

I had meant it when I said that I missed you. There’s been so much more that I’ve wanted to share with you, this past month especially...

[dead_serious]

Well, then?

[ He gives her an expectant look, his features far more relaxed than she's probably ever seen. ]

We are together now.

[untodeath]

[ To say it like that, she holds back the temptation to run with it. We are together now— really! Ah, but she’s merely shaking her head with a lopsided grin. That would’ve been too easy, and she’s got far better ideas to run her mouth about.

Leaning forward across the table, instead, she takes his hand. ]

It’s difficult to explain, in hindsight. To finally feel as though happiness is within grasp, while terror of the unknown threatened to sabotage everything I’d worked for... The elation of feeling the marriage of spirit and body— but the pain of it, my God !

[ If he allows her his hand for this long, she’ll squeeze it. ]

You know, up until now, I’d just been following habits, impressions of memories so long past that I couldn’t know if they ever were... But this- it’s reminded me what it is to be alive.

[dead_serious]

[ At the contact, he glances down to where her hand clutches his. His eyes linger there until she's finished. ]

I will admit, I was a bit fearful you would regret such a bold decision.

[untodeath]

[ That gets a sigh. ]

Yes, well. I’ve realized that I never tried to make you understand that aspect of my life. Instead, I kept you out of it.

[ Now, she’s staring at their hands, as well. ]

We’ve been a bit terrible to one another, haven’t we?

[dead_serious]

[ After a moment, he hums in agreement. ]

If we're both willing, perhaps now is the time to remedy that.

[untodeath]

I’d love nothing more.

[ A smile pluck at the corners of her mouth once more. ]

I must stress, I cannot expect that we will become different people overnight— but I can promise you, I will always do my best.

[dead_serious]

[ He keeps himself from making a dry comment about him wishing she'd do the same at work. Instead, he observes the smile he's brought to her face. It's far more genuine than the usual lopsided grin she gives him. ]

I will, as well. I know very little about who you are and what you've gone through to get to this moment - and I understand even less - however, I will be open to it.

[untodeath]

[ If that smile had impressed him, perhaps he will be dazzled by how her face illuminates, now! Or, maybe not. All the same, she will pick his hand up to wrap hers around, and settle her chin atop. ]

Oh, thank you, Will. We’ve wasted so much time that— well—

[ She’s been pushing her luck thus far, but they still have a ways to go. Looking off, into the fire, she sighs before looking back into his eyes. ]

Would you dance with me?

[ There's plenty distance around the seating and the fire pit, but it’s a slow night. No one else is out of their seats. ]

[dead_serious]

[ It's odd, but the idea of a dance had popped into his mind, as well. Though, now that she's asked, he can keep that little bit of info to himself. Still, he will nod. ]

Though, we've yet to order. Perhaps while we wait for our meals?

[untodeath]

[ Initially, Grelle pouts, but concedes with a sigh, as a smile plucks at the corners of those puckered lips. It’s the perfect solution, actually; such places the control back in William’s hands, which is preferable for the both of them. ]

Yes, alright.

[ Finally, she releases his hand, in favor of taking up her menu. She mindfully eases his palm to the table, where it initially rested, as she sits back properly. ]

It’s probably no surprise that I’ve been eying the pasta dish.

[dead_serious]

I'd have thought they'd altered your mind entirely if you opted for anything else.

[ Well that's one thing he knows about Grelle. But the more he thinks on it, it may be the only piece of trivia he has on her. Choosing something for himself, he motions to the waitress. ]

Are we to open up now? Or are wanting to wait until we arent among others?

[ Yes he's implying he would like to spend time together after dinner, as well! ]

[untodeath]

[ That gets an amused roll of the eyes. ]

I don’t see why we can’t start now, with some lighter dinner conversation. Save the more intimate topics for after.

[ A wink! It’s then that the waitress approaches, so she sits back just enough to address her, ordering the pasta dish - and, of course, a complimentary red wine. ]

[dead_serious]

[ For whatever reason, William's finding himself more open to Grell's flirtatious remarks. There's no scolding or kicking under the table. Her transformation is most likely the cause, but William can't help feeling somewhat disappointed in himself if he'd really been that narrow minded all these years.

Refocusing on the waitress, he gives her his order. After she sees herself off, William rises to offer Grell hus hand. ]

Our dance, first?

[untodeath]

[ Willliam has wasted no time, and for that, Grelle is thankful. There had been the slightest bit of doubt in her mind, given the dynamic of their relationship in the past - but now, everything feels different, and it’s reassuring to know that it isn’t all in her head.

Reaching out to take his hand, her other cups to her cheek briefly, accompanied by an airy chuckle. ]

I would love nothing more.

[dead_serious]

[ He leads her out to the center of the outer seating courtyard. The few people there give them a bit of a confused look, but William has never been one to care what other people's opinions on him are. They're ignored as his gaze focuses solely on Grelle. The music is quiet, and not exactly what you would take another's hand to dance to, but still he takes her hand up, settling the other upon her hip. ]

I am afraid the last dance I had was a waltz. Hardly fitting to this music.

[untodeath]

[ Among many others, this is one of the reasons she admires William so. To have his attention, not as a result of her ridiculous hijinks, however— this is new. She could get used to it. ]

Here, then; allow me to show you.

[ Her free hand settles at his chest, and she leads with the first step— and the second. Should he follow, he will notice that it’s merely a lazy sway in a steady circle. ]

No skill to it, really. Whatsoever.

[ All the while, she’s been regarding him with purely smitten eyes! ]

[dead_serious]

[ Grelle's right. There's nothing to this type of dance, and though it seems rather lazy in comparison to the formal ones he'd been taught as a child, it's certainly more personal, intimate.

With that thought, he lets the hand settled at her hip slink around her waist, closing the gap between their bodies. ]

[untodeath]

[ Faintly, Grelle’s breath hitches when their bodies meet. After craving his embrace for so long, the warmth she finds in his arms is nearly overwhelming.

Slender fingers interlace with William’s, as she quietly searches his eyes for his own feelings in the moment. ]

...Earlier, you’d said that you were fearful for me. Is it true, that you thought after me? [ Ah, she’s deflecting again, with her little lopsided smile, and her flirting... But, hey, she really is curious, and perhaps she can get him to open up about his feelings a bit, too! ]

[dead_serious]

You came to mind quite often. Honestly, how could you not, what with the presence you exude in the office suddenly gone. There were a few days I contemplated paying you a visit after clocking out for the day.

This seemed as though it would be the one thing that would truly make you happy in this afterlife we've condemned ourselves to. To come to the realisation that you'd been chasing after an empty dream would be devastating. [ He pauses. ] I didn't want to see you broken.

[ Gosh, that was a lot to let pour out at once. He clears his throat, idly scanning for the waitress, though there's not been nearly enough time for the food to be prepared. ]

[untodeath]

[ Oh. Though they’d only just exchanged the promise to be more open with one another, Grelle had thought it would be more difficult for him— what, with how good he was at maintaining that cold stone wall around his heart, for how long they’ve known one another.

Somehow, though, she understands. He might have reinforced those barricades to put distance between himself and others, but after so long, she can only imagine that it became a dam of yearning and sorrow.

Seeing William’s eyes shift in desperation, she reaches up to cup his cheek, gently commanding his attention. ]

Will, I—

[ There’s a breathless little laugh as she shakes her head, and her hand finds its way back to his chest.

Ah, but that doesn’t feel quite right; caressing the back of his neck, however, does. ]

I do have a habit of chasing dreams, don’t I? And there have been times that I’ve lost myself along the way— but, somehow, you’ve always been there to piece me back together...

[dead_serious]

Were it to happen now, I wasn't certain I would be able to. It is simple enough for me to scold you, or even attempt to talk some sense into you, when you run off to break some rules. This, however, I've no understanding of.

[ He hasn't noticed the fingers at his neck until just now, too distracted by his admittance of long guarded thoughts. But finally feeling the gentle touch, it has a calming effect and he briefly closes his eyes to focus on it. ]

I am happy for you.

[untodeath]

[ Grelle exhales through her smile. ]

Don’t be, not yet. There’s still one thing that I’d need, to make this afterlife truly worth living.