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]

[ Ah that sounds more like her. But the dedication to her dream has him nodding in understanding. ]

We will have to find another way to spend the rest of our evening then.

[untodeath]

[ That has Grelle perking right up! ]

Did you have something in mind?

[dead_serious]

Not particularly. But, I cannot imagine there's nothing else you've longed for us to do together all these years.

[ Satisfied with the steak, he moves to the lobster tail, drizzling some melted butter over it. ]

[untodeath]

[ Partly rolling her eyes, Grelle snerks. ]

So, marriage, is it?

[ She takes another bite whilst looking at him expectantly! ]

[dead_serious]

[ That glare shows itself finally! ]

If you'd like to save yourself for marriage, I will respect that.

[ Oh but is he teasing now? ]

[untodeath]

[ Her chewing slows, as she contemplates that over. ]

Are you— giving me a week to plan a wedding?

[dead_serious]

[ Of course she takes it in the opposite way he'd meant. ]

No. We are not getting married.

[ Time to make up for all the nice gestures he's paid her today with a swift kick under the table. ]

[untodeath]

[ Well! Now, her brows furrow with the huffiest pout! ]

Well— good! After making me wait so long, I’d hope for a more thoughtful proposal!

[dead_serious]

You may be waiting quite a bit longer. I'm not what you would call creative.

[ Though he can't imagine she'd say no, even if all he did was toss the ring box to her with a neatly written post-it atop it. ]

[untodeath]

Now, that— [ She points her fork in his general direction. ] —is not a possibility that I’m willing to consider.

[ And, pointedly, she stabs a cluster of pasta with it! ]

[dead_serious]

You should be grateful I am even addressing this topic with any form of agreement.

[ He lets that sink in as he pops a piece of sweet lobster into his mouth. Ah, perfect, as well! ]

[untodeath]

Wait, so— [ Propping an elbow on the table, paired with a drop of the wrist, she leans in closer. ] You’re going to give me whiplash, you know.

[ Still, it leaves a dopey little grin pulling at her lips. ]

Hmm. You’re are so much more than a boyfriend, after everything, I think .Fiancé would have a better ring to it.[ See what she did there. ]

[dead_serious]

That is something you shouldn't be referring to me as unless a ring is on your finger.

[ He shakes his head. ]

Boyfriend and girlfriend will suffice for now, even if the terms sound a bit juvenile.

[untodeath]

[ With a chuckle, she pauses to pick up her wine glass, raising it briefly! ]

We are in agreement, then. I’m certain that it will be to die for.

[ Purring into her glass, she takes a healthy sip, before setting it aside once more. ]

Perhaps I shall just call you my love, hmm?

[dead_serious]

You having been calling me such names since we met.

[ Is that a complaint that he wants a new pet name? ]

I suppose I should begin using your given name, then.

[untodeath]

[ It gets a chuckle out of her, though! It’s adorable, really. ]

Oh, that would fill my heart, my dearest~❤️ Could you do it now?

[dead_serious]

[ He simply frowns at her, despite the suggestion being his to begin with. ]

Grelle.

[ At first it seems like that's it. Just appease her with the brief statement of her name, then move on to his meal. But after a breath, he continues. ]

Thank you, Grelle, for putting up with my stubbornness all these years. You always have been important to me, despite my unwillingness to say it.

[untodeath]

[ Despite how it seems to irk him, Grelle’s face lights up when he utters her name! She takes a breath to say something about how sexy it sounds, rolling off his tongue, but she quickly finds herself rendered speechless.

Setting aside her fork, she reaches out to take his hand. ]

Yes, you have been relentless, in the past... but, that said, you are the more level-headed one between us, and that’s saying quite a bit, isn’t it? [ A chuckle. ] I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you, either.

[dead_serious]

[ Looking down to where she touches his hand, he turns his wrist so their fingers can intertwine. ]

Honestly, how level headed can I be if I've kept you around this whole time.

[untodeath]

[ Goodness, she can feel her cheeks warm with her flush. She’s close to pinching herself, to see if she’s dreaming. ]

I love you, William. Truly.

[dead_serious]

[ The moment of truth. Even if he'd already known of her love for him, he knew the words would be spoken some time this evening. After all he's confessed and shown her tonight, how could he not reply with the words she's wanted to hear from him for centuries?

With a steadying breath, he gives her hand a firm squeeze. It's been so long since he's said this to anyone. But he's finally ready to, again. ]

I love you, as well, Grelle.

[untodeath]

[ For a moment, she’s terrified that he’s bracing her for rejection - and, thank God, she’s wrong! Drawing a shaky breath, she springs out of her seat, leaning over the table to kiss him for a second time! ]

[dead_serious]

[ Thankfully William had the foresight to shift his drink out of her path before he'd confessed! He expected the kiss, even the joy behind it. What he wasn't expecting, though, is how light he suddenly feels. The weight of regret, guilt, loneliness and fear all vanishing with those few select words. Had happiness really been within his reach this whole time? Or did everything finally align perfectly? He kisses back and once they part, urges her to shift her plate around and sit beside him at the table. ]

That felt good. Right.

[untodeath]

[ With a breathy laugh, she does as he suggests and shifts around to sit beside him. Looping an arm in his, she kisses his cheek, before nuzzling her head down to rest atop his shoulder with a dreamy sigh. ]

It does. You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world❤️.

[dead_serious]

[ In a move that's more like his usual self, William pulls his arm free from her grasp. But this time, it slides around her middle, settling at her waist. ]

Good. Now finish up your meal. I'd be quite keen on a snog once were through here.