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]

[ 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. ]

[untodeath]

[ Surprising though it may be, Grelle is more than content to go along with it. The silence that hangs between them is comfortable— no, intimate. It’s with some hesitation that she breaks it, her sigh bittersweet. ]

Nearly two-hundred and fifty years late, William.

[ She pulls back just enough to look at him properly, tracing a knuckle along the concave of his cheek. ]

But I’m glad you’re here.

[dead_serious]

[ There's a content hum, and the corners of his mouth lift, if only slightly. ]

And I will thank you for your patience with me.

[untodeath]

[ With a startled blink, her own lips slack. ]

Is that— a smile?

[ Leaning back - relying entirely on his arm strength - she cups his face with both hands, now! ]

My heart flutters at the sight... why, I’m in love all over again~❤️

[dead_serious]

[ At her teasing, William's quick to return that stoic look to his features. He loosens his grip around her just enough to startle, then urges her back towards their table with a quick spin to point her in the right direction. ]

Alright, that is enough. Our food is going to become cold.

[untodeath]

[ With a gasp, she reflexively shifts a leg back— which she then finds herself pivoted upon! ]

No, no, please don’t stop, I— [ Okay, now she’s laughing through her words as she’s nudged along. ] I really do hope to keep seeing it. It’s handsome on you.

[dead_serious]

[ So much of William's personality, that he'd kept hidden away, is starting to show itself again. Where as before, he would have huffed and shaken his head at Grelle taking up space at a table with him, now he's pulling out thr chair for her in the most gentlemanly way. It really is like things are finally settling out the way they were meant to.

Once she's settled, he takes his own seat across from her. Their wine has been refilled and he lifts his glass to hers. ]

Shall I expect all your belongings to be crowding my flat by the time I return home from work tomorrow?

[untodeath]

[ Though surprised, her smile quirks with curiosity while she watches him. Her hand brushes his arm while she moves to sit. ]

Were I not on order to refrain from anything strenuous, you certainly could.

[ She ever so gently clinks her glass to his, cheeks rosy! He’s given her permission to move in!! ]

Instead, you’ll only find me crowding your bed. I hope that’s not too much of a disappointment.

[dead_serious]

[ William takes a sip of wine with a contemplative hum. ]

Quite a few other activities involving my bed would also qualify as strenuous to the body.

[untodeath]

[ Leaning back in her seat, she’s swiveling her wine around in its glass as she sighs! ]

Yes, unfortunately, that’s something that will have to wait... [ There’s a huffy little pout, at that. ] A week until I can return to the field, and no intercourse until I pass my next evaluation.

[dead_serious]

[ He's almost proud that she's following orders! ]

And when might that be?

[untodeath]

Also next week.

[ Alright, she’s setting aside the wine, in favor of delving into her pasta dish. However distracted she is, she’s also hungry! ]

Following my first day back. [ Her fork is overloaded with pasta, and she has to rethink her approach by the second bite. This can’t be attractive! ]

[dead_serious]

Honestly, I am surprised by how nonchalant you are about the restraint.

[ William cuts into the steak of his surf and turf dish, finding it perfectly cooked. ]