thedispatch | The next afterlife

The next afterlife

[ In hindsight, it was obvious. Reapers worked tirelessly, for centuries, trying to reach that one final goal - to be forgiven. For most, the feat of learning the value of life was impossible. The depression that lingered with them after they took their own lives was only compounded by their roles as death gods. So many joyous lives cut short, the lucky mortal's record almost mocking the unfortunate reapers as they watched the panels flip past their eyes. Most would forget they even had a chance to be forgiven, drowning in the enteral job set before them.

But, on rare occurrences, a reaper would find themselves before a jury, summoned away from their desks overflowing with paperwork on scheduled deaths. That is where William stands now. And perhaps even more surprising, is the other who stands beside him - Grell Sutcliffe. William had hardly believed himself capable of forgiveness, but the redhead...she'd looked at the mortal realm and laughed, hardly caring (and often finding it amusing) if she was the listed cause of death for some of those unfortunate people. How she is here, as well, is beyond him.

The committee has decided the both of you have come to an understanding on how valuable life truly is.

The woman at the centre of the row of judges addresses them both. William's brow creases, but he refrains from asking the obvious question of why, lest he ruin their chances at eternal peace.

Now that that matter is dealt with, we will move on to assessing your sins as a mortal.

William's expression quickly shifts to honest surprise, his eyes widening and blinking in confusion. The term 'forgiven' had been a misnomer since the beginning. How had he been so naive to think all their wrong doings while they'd been alive would be waved off as if they'd meant nothing? Swallowing heavily, he gives a brief side glance to Grell. For the first time, in this afterlife, he is scared. ]

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[ Amusement shows on her features, but the latter comment earns an unapologetic snerk! ]

Is that jealousy I hear?

[ Adjusting the temperature of the water, she isn’t looking at him, but she can hope! ]

You should know by now, he isn’t my type. [ If William will allow it, she’ll reach back to take his hand while stepping into the shower. ]

I have nothing to be jealous of, in the way of intimacy.

[ He follow along, stepping in close enough that they're both beneath the water. ]

I don't doubt your faithfulness towards me.

[ Still, there's something there. ]

[ Turning to face him, her eyes follow the water as it trickles over his shoulders and down his torso. It’s something that she’s never been able to appreciate, visually, until now. It’s a small thing, really, but she appreciates it, all the same.

Humming, partly in question, but mostly tantalized by the superb display before her, Grell runs her palms along his shoulders and neck. ]

Good. But, if not that, what is it that bothers you?

[ William looks off to the side, as through he's trying to place it. ]

Perhaps, how quickly the two of you bonded, so to speak.

[ Her upturned brows knit just so, eyes sparkling. William really IS jealous! ]

Oh, my darling… We share the same brand of humor, but I wouldn’t call it a bond. [ Nuzzling at his cheek, she kisses the corner of his mouth! ] When we met, I didn’t know What I wanted. You certainly fixed that.

Unintentionally.

[ He hums to himself, still unsure. ]

Up until now, the vast majority of our relationship has been sexual. Perhaps now we can bond over some other things, as well. [ Wait, best to add a disclaimer to that. ] Just to be clear, that does not mean I wish to try out makeup products with you.

[ Grell takes a breath to protest that assessment, but it hits her that he’s right. That gets a frown out of her, of which she covers by locating the mini shampoo - though, William manages to lighten the mood again with his quip! Breathing a little chuckle, she slinks up against him, briefly pecking his lips as she begins to work the product into his hair. ]

I would like nothing more.

[ William's eyes lazily drift shut. It's just now occurred to him that he's exhausted and quite content to allow himself to relax against the shower wall while Grell cleans up his hair. ]

What shall we start with, then?

[ Taking a moment to think on that, she gives a playful sort of hum. Meanwhile, her fingers work circles along his scalp, the pads of her thumbs massaging at his temples. For as crass and boisterous as she is, Grell can also be thoughtful and doting. ]

What’s something that you’ve felt yourself yearning for, all these years? Aside from more sleep.

Perhaps something a bit exciting? Refreshing? Being a reaper was terribly mundane. [ He sighs heavily. ] Not that I've ever been one to branch from that path but, I suppose now's the time to finally change that.

[ As she dotes upon him, he slinks his arms around her lower back, holding her just a bit closer. ]

[ With a purr of intrigue, she rakes his tresses free of suds, temporarily resting her arms about his shoulders, and her chest to his. It’s considerably different, with breasts in the way, but she definitely doesn’t hate it. ]

Well, you just so happen to be in the presence of the most reckless and erratic degenerate that ever pranced through the afterlife, etcetera, etcetera... I’m confident that we could find some brand of trouble to suit your tastes.

Of course your mind would interpret my words as wanting to do something illegal or inappropriate.

[ But, are there even laws here? Goodness they have a lot to discover. ]

Yes, well— [ She Gestures to herself with a general roll of the wrist. ] — degenerate.

[ Walking him away from the wall, she’ll help him rinse the side from his hair. ]

What do you have in mind, then?

[ He looks off to the side, pondering potential answers to the question. It's obvious that there's nothing easily coming to mind. ]

I would have suggested seeing some of the sights of the world, but sadly that is no longer an option. Perhaps we can inquire with the others we met on what there is to do.

[ With another hum - this time, in understanding - she wraps her arms around his middle, massaging body wash along his back. ]

A good idea, yes. I’m certain that our fellow sinners have devised various means of entertainment - what, with eternal confinement on their hands.

[ He'll reach over her to snag what's left of the shampoo and mimic her movements. The suds are worked into her scalp before he slicks it straight back, in an attempt to wrangle all that red hair into one ponytail he can work the soap through. He pauses after a moment, head turning in contemplation, their previous conversation forgotten, for the moment. ]

Honestly, your hair looks rather nice this way.

[ The effort gets a giggle out of her - because, truly, it would probably take two more of those little bottles to give her hair a proper cleanse. Even so, she adores the effort. Melts into it, even, arms loosely draping about his waist. ]

—Hm? [ Eyes blinking open, she then realizes what he’s referring to, and she frowns skeptically! ] What, no… really?

[ He nods, for once not opting to remind her that he doesn't lie. ]

It's very professional. Dare I say, sexy.

[ Okay, so, the corner of her frown might twinge upward, at that. ]

Well… I can’t imagine that I’ll need to appear as a businesswoman anytime soon, but perhaps she can make a guest appearance one of these nights~

[ Having done as much as he can with the small amount of soap, he begins to rinse her hair, keeping it slicked back for as long as possible. ]

Perhaps in a skirt that just barely passes code.

[ Leaning into his touch once more, her eyes lull closed with a satisfied hum. ]

Now, here’s the important question… Panties, or no?

[ Seems he's actually thinking that one over!]

Normally, I would say yes. But I may have to ask you to surprise me.

[ Teeth catching at the corner of her grinning lips, her brows tick upward. ]

Oh, then I know just the thing. Well. Assuming I can source the material.

[ That gets a rather perplexed furrow to his brow. ]

I can't possibly fathom what you have in mind.

So, in other words, the perfect surprise.

[ With that, she leans forward to give him a peck on the lips, muffling the smallest snerk! ]

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