All Work & No Play

[amongthethorns]

[Honestly, they're all exhausted - not tired but just worn out physically - after getting called all the way over here to help deal with a sudden rapid spike of missing souls which had been caused, unsurprisingly by an influx of demons. It was an odd thing and they still needed to pinpoint the origin of this matter, after all. Neither they nor the Paris Reapers could figure out what can caused an entire legion of Hells most foul to ascend on the city of lights.

Thankfully, with the five of them working pulled through just fine even if Alan was just a junior and Ronald was a rookie still. 

At least the hotel was nice even if they had to bunk up; two beds to each room. At least they had adjoining rooms so if they wanted they could throw the door between the two rooms open and interact.

Alan closed the field kit he'd been using to tend even their most minor of injuries; huffing out a tired but relieved breath. His chest ached just slightly and his shoulders slumped a little bit.] 

Well, that was certainly interesting if I don't say so myself. I know we've still got a few more days here in the city just to make sure things are well in hand an find answers, but what do we do for now? I mean - what do you even do in Paris?   

[He turned toward his bed where a rather large suitcase was tucking the field kit away. He'd brought a few things with him. They'd put all their belongings into this singular suitcase - fresh suits, documentations they needed when they went to Paris's dispatch branch for briefings and reports, a few other odds and ends.]

Comments

[untodeath]

Well, aren’t you the lucky one? Especially in London’s eternally cold weather.

[ Glancing up at him, she seems pleased that he’s sharing this moment with her. ]

It’s comforting, too, I think.

[dead_serious]

[ Okay, that he definitely doesn't understand and his brow creases accordingly. ]

How so?

[untodeath]

Taking the time for yourself. Establishing a routine. The smell. The feel of it.

[ Sitting back to take a look at her handiwork, she wiggles her painted toenails. ]

I suppose simply moisturizing your hands doesn’t do it.

[dead_serious]

Hm.

[ He hums, kind of understanding the idea, but having no real experience with it. ]

I suppose I don't take much time for myself. I tend to sleep for most of my time away from work.

[untodeath]

[ Glancing up at him, Grell hums with some understanding. ]

You must have some sort of routine you enjoy, though?

[dead_serious]

Enjoy? No. Any routine is mechanical by this point.

[ There's a slight sadness that echoes through his monotone voice. It's not something he really wants to think or talk on, so in an oddly uncharacteristic decision, he attempts to understand Grell's claim.

He grips at those wiggling toes, not to remove her foot from his knee but to hold still while he pops the bottle back open. Soon enough he's rubbing the lotion along her foot, thumbs massaging surprisingly well. ]

[untodeath]

[ Reflexively, Grell flinches— but soon enough, he’s massaging her feet, and she’s doing her damndest NOT to gawk about it!

Well, and it doesn’t help that it feels so delightful. SO delightful. It absolutely helps that it’s William’s finger working, so she would’ve been less critical as it were, but he’s shockingly adept at it. She heaves a happy croon. ]

It’s a wonder that we’ve lasted in this life as long as we have, isn’t it?

[dead_serious]

[ Her foot is lifted and William rubs the pads of his thumbs along its arch in long strokes. It's oddly relaxing, despite how giving her this intimate attention is undoubtedly going to lead to future headaches. ]

Not really, considering it is our fate for the remainder of time.

[untodeath]

There are other options.

[ Lids hanging lower than usual, her lashes even flutter a bit! It’s just so relaxing! ]

Off-the-record, you know.

[dead_serious]

I won't allow you to go rouge, if that is what you're implying.

[ He gives her an icy glare despite the warmth of his hands as they take up her other foot. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell chuckles - a fond sort of lull to her voice. ]

I’ll only go if you do. [ A wag of her brows follows. ] You needn’t worry about me, not in those regards, anyhow.

[dead_serious]

Why were you surprised to begin with? You must know I have no intention of running off.

[ finished with both feet, he shifts then to the floor. ]

[untodeath]

[ Thinking it over, her eyes are fixated on his hands. They’re masculine, but surprisingly soft. And through they often deal her a great amount of pain, they’re gentle now. ]

I don’t know what you want, actually.

[ He even lowers her feet, instead of shoving them, or batting at them dismissively. She crosses her ankles nearer to herself, and there’s no foundation to hide the color kissing her cheeks. ]

Thank you. [ Swallowing, she sits herself up a bit taller! ] Shall I do yours? Or, perhaps, a bit of oil to your back?

[ochitashinigami]

Coming to Paris. But, Cafes are the thing to do here, right? I mean, I'm sure if we go now Sutcliffe and Spears will wonder why we didn't come back but... It is tempting I suppose. And they have wine and can take care of themselves.

[amongthethorns]

They're one of the attractions yes. [There's a soft amused laugh as he glances over at Eric.] Are you asking me to slip away to a café with you tonight?

[He tilts his head, humming.] Call me crazy but that sounds an awful lot like a date, Mister Slingby. [And then he's stopping in the middle of the walkway.] Are you? Asking me on a date I mean?

[ochitashinigami]

Uh... [He sputters. A date? Shit. Is this happening?]

Um... [But how could he say no? He smiles suddenly.]

Why not? [Well shit, if Alan isn't into it he can pretend it's a joke.]

[amongthethorns]

[As Eric struggles to process this Alan is having his own mini crisis. 'What were you thinking? Oh that's right, you weren't. Don't panic. Don't panic. Inhale. Exhale. You're fine.' Maybe Eric just wanted to see if it lived up to the expectation for his future dates? That must be it.

His lips parted as if to speak. To pass this all off as him being playful and teasing. But then Eric is smiling at him and his stomach has that fluttery sickling feeling again. That anxiety falling away he nods, smiling back.]

I would like that.

[dead_serious]

[ He's thinking it over, both her question and her offer. Would it be wise to allow her closer, in either sense?

Leaning over, he slips his fingers under one sock, pulling it off and tossing it towards his suitcase. Then the other. Feet bare, he reconnects his gaze with Grell's. ]

What I would like is some sense of self worth.

[untodeath]

[ Grell takes up the bottle, and lowers herself onto the floor to sit cross-legged. With a bit of cream in hand, she takes the first foot, to first apply the moisturizer, and then begin massaging in at the ankle.

The answer she receives, however, issues pause. ]

My... If only you could see yourself the way I do, then.

[ochitashinigami]

[He makes a short, quick gasp.]

Let's do it! [His smile is bright and warm]

[dead_serious]

[ William watches as she gets situated on the floor, his eyes only closing once her fingers start to work at his foot. Has he ever gotten a foot massage before? He can't recall, but it's rather nice! ]

Honestly, I don't think I would last a minute in that unstable mind of yours.

[untodeath]

[ That earns a chuckle out of her. Surprisingly, such doesn’t distract the redhead from her task, though! Perhaps it is because she is adept at running her mouth in any situation. ]

Yes, perhaps you’re right. You seem to do a proper job of commanding my attention, though, don’t you?

[dead_serious]

I seem to be the only one who is capable.

[ Whether that's a plus or a minus, he's never been able to decide. Perhaps it depends on what kind of attention she's giving him. This massage is a decent example of a good type. ]

[untodeath]

[ Her hands are more delicate, so they perhaps lack the strength and warmth that William’s provide - but they’re agile, attentive. Still, she thinks they must pale in comparison. ]

Mn, quite so. You’re one of a kind, darling. Truly remarkable.

[ Glancing up over the frames of her glasses, she can’t help but smile fondly! ]

[amongthethorns]

[There was a small pause before he's reaching out; fingers gently curling into Eric's suit jacket sleeve.]

Since it was your idea you get to pick the café. But we can't stay too long. We do still nee to get alcohol then go back in time to get some rest before tomorrow.