thedispatch | All Work & No Play

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All Work & No Play

[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.]

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]He really should stay at the door and keep an eye on Ronald as he got the coffee going but he just returned to them. He settled himself back next to Eric. He lighty patted his shoulder.]

Coffee'll be going soon. Watching Spears get all dolled up is going to be the strangest thing I've ever seen.

Eric chuckles. "Talk about your feelings about Sutcliffe, WHILE she is doing your makeup. Irritation, frustration, raging lust, a desire to beat senseless, or molest. All of it."

Be careful with my gla--

[ The warning comes out almost immediately, but is interrupted by the touch of Grell's finger to his nose. He blinks a few times, obviously surprised by the affectionate tap, but quickly regains his composure.

That is, until he puts together all his coworker's comments about the dare he's just about to fulfill. Oh no...make over means makeup! ]

I thought you were going to style my hair.

[ Then, to top things off further, Eric's truth is finally processed by his drunken mind. ]

No. Where is my drink?

[ Ah, but there's no drink close enough that he can forfeit. At least, not that his impaired vision can tell. With an overly irritated and defeated huff, he relents. ]

Alright, fine. Honestly, I would reap the lot of you if it wouldn't leave me with extensive overtime.

[ This is a rather involved truth, so it will take him a bit to formulate an honest answer that he hopefully won't regret later. ]

Edited 2021-06-21 00:09 (UTC)

Oh~❤️!

[ Why, yes, Eric! You might just be stirring the pot, but she’ll gladly take a helping!

When William refuses, that’s precisely what she expects - and she quietly scoots her bottle of rum further out of his peripheral, holding a finger to her lips and winking at her peers.

Except— wait, what was that? Did he just agree? It’s her turn to blink, drawing a breath. ]

Well! I suppose I’d better get started, then!

[ This ought to be interesting. Perhaps the Liquid Courage/Truth will help strip him of a few hundred years worth of denial.

In the meanwhile, she shuffles around for her priming oil. Despenses some into her palm, and proceeds to tap over his face to distribute it, before massaging in with surprising care. It really gives her an opportunity to read his features during his mental process, too! ]

Tell me how you really feel~.

[Alan's eyes widened at the words that came out of Eric's mouth. Oh dear. There was a moment of panic. This could end very badly which was why he'd pointedly avoided asking such things. If things went badly, if the wrong thing was said it would but a rift somewhere there.

But it's William. Even if it's a drunk William surely it won't be that bad? He was still rather tractful and not sloppy drunk so maybe he handles his gin? - it had been gin right? - better than most people. So he gave a little shrug and lean into Eric where it's nice and warm.]

'S not a bad question really. Seems like a pretty decent truth if you ask me.

[Eric throws his head back and laughs heartily.] Now we're having fun. Go ahead, spill. [This is going to get interesting.]

[ Turns out it's a bit hard to make a mental list when you're getting primer dabbed across your cheeks. ]

First off, I don't understand what's appealing about this process.

[ He's got a rather sour expression on and a severely creased brow that's certainly doing wonders at hindering Grell getting even coverage. ]

Aside from that, I find you irritating, obnoxious, loud. You are entirely disrespectful when it comes to my personal space. Nor do you show any respect of my seniority over you on the job.

You are lewd, inappropriate, and seem to have zero understanding of what sexual harassment entails.

Your office work is horrendous. You have caused me countless hours of overtime. Every time you use the last of the sugar in the break room, you fail to refill it.

[ He sounds as if he could go on naming bad qualities until sunrise, but he pauses with a huff. ]

Yet, as easy as it would be to have management transfer you, I can't seem to get myself to submit the paperwork.

[ He had been looking directly at her as he complained (or at least was attempting to. She's a blur of red, even at thier close proximity.) But his gaze drifts at the last statement. Hopefully he won't have to elaborate beyond that. Doubtful. ]

Edited 2021-06-21 06:25 (UTC)

[ Oh, William. These are the bits they already knew! Grell is left unfazed, as she sorts through and opens up he pallets and such. Still, she continues to glance back with interest, holding his blind gaze.

By the time he’s finished, she’s cupped his chin to keep him still, as she brushes through his brows and begins to fill them.

When he’s through, she leans forward to place a kiss just above his temple, in his hair. She doesn’t want to disturb the process, after all! ]

I’ll refill the sugar.

[It could be worse. Of anything William said - it could have been worse an that last bit seems to soften it a bit. It was sweet in a way since he knew William had no qualms about any other kind of paperwork so to hear he had difficulties submitting the paperwork to get Grell moved to another department well that was telling enough, wasn't it?]

Ah, I think that's enough to cover the requirements. Don't you, Eric? I suppose then it's time for William to pick.

[Eric knows William. He knows about William's relationship with paperwork. And, he knows he practically declared his undying love for Grell. He smirks.] I suppose you're right, Alan. I'll let him off the hook.

[ William's brows are naturally quite sharp and dramatic, but now with Grell having filled them in, his glare has even more intensity to it as his eyes flick around to each of his coworkers. ]

I am not through, yet.

[ His eyes narrow further as he turns back to Grell. Oh how he could stop right now and save himself from regret later, but that gin is definitely making his usual logic take a back seat. ]

Why in Death's name are you so intriguing? Honestly. You are a contradiction which I cannot comprehend in the slightest. How is it possible that your outlandish behaviours and constant disregard for simple orders has helped to keep me sane all these centuries? There is no logic behind it. Perhaps I have lost some sense of clarity if your instability somehow grounds me.

[ Seems this has gone from William stating his thoughts on Grell to him outwardly voicing all the questions he's had running through his mind for centuries. ]

But then, to baffle me further, you insist on throwing in random bouts of calmness and respect, as if your trying to bait me into fulfilling your whims. And suddenly I find myself rubbing your feet and allowing you to curl up next to me in bed. Honestly, you are like some kind of addictive substance I can't rid myself of.

[ At this point, William's no longer sure if he's angry about it all, or just confused. Realising this, he throws in one last point. ]

You best have that sugar bowl filled the moment we return to work on Monday.

Edited 2021-06-22 07:04 (UTC)

[ Though he won’t see it, Grell’s brows tick upward in unfiltered surprise. She had expected him to leave it at that, safety in vagueness... but this...

Yes, perhaps she also knew all of this, in some sense; however, hearing it in his own words is something she's desired for some time. It draws her in, her task momentarily forgotten, hand absently caressing his neck - and a lopsided little smile plucks at her lips. ]

What would you say to forgetting about this makeup, so that you could fill my sugar bowl?

[ If he doesn’t launch her off of the balcony for that one, she’ll lean in to wrap her arms over his shoulders, and nuzzle her cheek up to his. Quite affectionate, and not nearly as sexually charged as her words would imply. Still, she wouldn’t refuse if he said yes. ]

You're... not done.

[Alan blinked. Well okay then. Who knew that all it would take to turn things upside down was a trip to France, a bit of booze and a game of truth or dare. What was next? He wasn't certain he wanted to know honestly. He's just glad he's managed to keep his wits about him for the most part.

That kiss aside.

Damn it. No thinking about that now thank you.

He turned his head - pressing his fae against Eric's shoulder which is the best and worst thing he could do at this moment but nope he's still doing it and murmuring softly under his breath: ]

If they start making out promise to take my glasses.

[Oh my, this has been fun! He didn't expect this much. Eric laughs and claps Alan on the shoulder.] Certainly not!

[ By the time William's swung his arm up to punch Grell in the head, she's already nuzzling against his cheek. Thus, he ends up missing, patting around the empty space behind her head for a moment, before finally realising the warmth against his cheek is her. Now located, he gives her a firm smack. ]

This is what I'm on about. How can you touch me so tenderly while twisting my words into something so vulgar?

[ He gives an exasperated huff but hasn't shoved her off, yet. ]

[ The sound that Grell makes might be a yelp, yet it sounds much too sweet! Biting at her bottom lip, she just purrs with amusement, thoroughly entertained by the antics. She really must get William sloshed more often. ]

The deepest truths are best read between the lines - and, for the most part, refuse to be written~

[ If that hand is still trying to find its place, she’ll snatch it up, to hold to her chest! ]

Yet, you cast your gaze away, because you’ve felt it - and it frightens you. [ Pressing his palm to her chest, only the thin satin between them, she bears that Cheshire grin and the faint aroma of syrupy alcohol on her breath. ] Are you frightened, Will~❤️?

[Oh fine then. He sees how it it is Eric. Is was how he knew Eric didn't love him. He was just going to make him suffer. He rolled his eyes.]

Unlike you, apparently, I don't want nor would I like to watch my seniors share a - a moment.

[He sighs and chuckles and relents.]

All right.

[He hadn't expected things to get so melodramatic anyway. He gently reaches up, touches Alan's ear, and gently slides off his glasses.]

[ Unfortunately for Alan, William's unable to see or hear what's going on with his two subordinates. If he was in his proper state, he'd surely take this inside. Instead, Grell is getting his full attention, and even if he can't see her, he just knows that grin is on her face. ]

Certainly not. I have never been frightened of you.

[ Alas, Grell is as melodramatic as they come! ]

I’ve always adored that about you— but, no, not of me... You’re frightened of yourself, when you’re with me.

[Thank goodness for small mercies. He exhaled softly as Eric's fingers brushed his ear and took his glasses for him. He knew that if he took them of himself odds were he would set them aside and end up stepping on them or something. It was just best this way and he trusted Eric with his glasses.

And he's not going to dig too deeply into what that means. Alan just relaxed against him resting his cheek against Eric shoulder.]

Thank you. [Then his voice is quieter as he speaks.] Who knew it took getting William drunk to get him to 'fess up - We should have done this centuries ago.

[Alan resting against him makes Eric hitch his breath. He slips the glasses into his pocket and rests his hand on the back of Alan's head.]

This has all been a good show but who's turn is it now and do we have any coffee yet?

[ After a brief moment of processing what Grell said, William begins to answer, only to have Eric interject. His glare shifts in the general direction of the two and he huffs, unappreciatively. ]

Honestly, Sutcliff and I are having a discussion. Now get back in the hotel room. That is your dare.

[ Who needs to bother asking truth or dare when you're the boss and you're drunk. Expecting them to follow his orders, he turns back to the nuisance seated in his lap. ]

Considering how my last relationship ended, there is no reason I should be mocked for my hesitance on beginning a new one.

[ When Eric interjects, he will also earn a glare from Grell - something that starts as an eye roll, and slowly shifts to a side-long leer. Was he REALLY going to interrupt after getting this ball rolling? She has reaped over far less!

Though, William is the first to protest, which immediately cools her off. (Well, actually, it gets her more worked up. Much hotter, in fact! But, details.) Be thankful for you boss, boys. ]

Bye~❤️✨

[ Resting her cheek atop William’s head, she dismissed them with a wave of the wrist.

Even if they aren’t as hasty as she’d like, she’ll continue their conversation as though they’ve already left. ]

Will, my darling, I wouldn’t have any idea what you’re speaking of, because you’ve told me none of it.

[ Pulling back to look at him, she knows he can’t see her, so she cups his face! ]

And I can only guess it was in a different life, yes? How long ago, now?

On it.

[Thank Death. He pushed himseof to his feet with a little huff before extending his hand out to the blob that is Eric to help him up. He didn't ask for his glasses though. He's just going to use Eric as a guide, it's fine.]

Come along, Eric.

Edited 2021-06-23 20:06 (UTC)

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