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

[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.

[dead_serious]

[ Slowly, his eyes open once more. They search Grelle's, fairly certain she's referring to him. His brow creases, and for once, it's not out of anger. ]

Do you find me shallow?

[ He's never been one to care what others' opinions of him are. But, if their relationship is to take the next step, perhaps he should consider hers. ]

[untodeath]

[ With a blink, her own brow furrows with some confusion. ]

Why do you ask?

[dead_serious]

The thought occurred to me when you first returned this morning. Nothing has changed between us, save for your new body. And only now am I honestly considering an intimate relationship between us.

[ Whether or not she thinks he is, it's obvious that the realisation bothered him when it first came to mind. ]

[untodeath]

[ There’s a slump to her shoulders, as her lips pull into a wry grin. ]

You love me, don’t you? And you have for some time. You might have been the only one who couldn’t see it.

[ Grelle’s fingers play along the strands at the nape of his neck - then petting over the back of his hair. ]

I can’t blame you for wanting me, anyway; I might’ve been hot before, but now— [ Wink!! ]

[dead_serious]

[ He remains quiet, looking over the new, gentler curves of her face. This moment...perhaps it really had been a long time coming. The nervousness he felt this morning before she arrived, the fear he'd held for her, the tinge of guilt that just arose. Slowly, his fingers unlace from hers as he moves to cup the side of her face. There's the briefest swipe of tongue to moisten his lips before he's leaning in and giving her what she's pined after all these years. ]

[untodeath]

[ The redhead, by reflex, tenses. William’s hand shifts, and she expects a swift knock against the head... but, instead, his touch is soft. Cupping her hand over his, she softly gasps as he leans inward.

Joy washes through her. It tingles along her scalp and courses through her veins. And her heart, it might burst!

Needless to say, she meets his kiss with enthusiasm; her feet still to lean her weight against him, arms encircling his neck. ]

[dead_serious]

[ Had they still been merely dancing, William would have noticed the food arriving at their table. But no, he's finding himself lost in the moment nearly as much as his partner. There's a weight lifted as their lips meet, a tenseness in his shoulders that suddenly releases and he's able to take her fully in his arms. Reaping, paperwork, overtime; it's all forgotten in this moment. For the first time in this life he may be able to say he feels happy.

When they part, William's face lingers close, his forehead pressed against Grelle's in an uncharacteristically sweet way. ]