closed psl.

[untodeath]

[ Word travels fast around the office. By the time Grell had returned from her shift to submit the appropriate paperwork, a secretary had already asked her if she'd been by to check on Mister Spears.

Now, she had known that he had been sent on an investigative mission with Ronald earlier that day, so she immediately assumed the worst. Demanding to know where to find them sent her bolting off to the lower levels. The new recruits were smart enough to dash out of the way - and some of them even directed her to the appropriate department; the optometrist's office, where she found William sulking in the lobby.

The poor man was without his glasses, but aside from a scuffed cheek and some healing bruises, appeared to be in one piece. It was his pride that seemed wounded, as the very air about him seemed heavy. ]

Oh, Will.

[ Heaving a sigh of relief, she sinks down into the chair beside him. Though knowing fully well that he won't like it, she won't be kept from fussing over him; reaching out to gingerly dash back some of his hair left mussed by his scuffle, while taking a good look at his wounds. ]

What did I tell you about taking care of your glasses, mm?

Comments

[death_glare]

Perhaps I don't need you to spend the night, after all.

[ Or at least, no sight seems to work better than blurred vision. Before he realizes, the song's come to an end and he's gracefully avoided bumping into any other furniture. It was a longer dance than he'd intended. Pulling away, he reopens his eyes to a red blur that's still quite close to him. ]

Now, go. You're nearly late.

[untodeath]

[ Grell HUFFS, but she's quite sure that William will be expecting her, anyway. Since he hasn't let go just yet, that's enough to give her hope.

From his shoulder, her hand shifts to gently tap his cheek. ]

May I?

[death_glare]

[ His eyes scan the blur before him, locking on the brilliant green that stands out against the deep reds. They settle there for a long moment before he releases his grasp on her hand and hip. ]

Yes. You may.

[untodeath]

[ That long pause give Grell's heart cause to skip a beat, and when his eyes find hers, she's certain that she has lost the ability to breathe!

Cheeks coloring, her freed hand presses to William's chest - and she leans in, with a press of her lips against his cheek. Unlike those chipper little pecks that she's stolen in the past, it too lingers for just a moment. ]

I'll see you after work.

[death_glare]

[ The eye contact is broken when he feels the heavy press of her hand against his chest and looks down to it. The distraction allows for the most genuine look of surprise when her lips then touch his cheek. He quickly catches himself, brow furrowing, though he can't expect she would have missed it. He has only himself to blame, having thought her question was related to her actually staying the night. That tap on the cheek makes a lot more sense now. And she can probably tell that he'd misunderstood.

He clears his throat, opting to give a final command over arguing about the kiss. ]

Bring dessert with dinner.

[untodeath]

[ Seeing William confused only leaves HER confused. With stepping back, Grell regards him with a tilt of her head! It takes some time for her mind to backtrack and put together the pieces - though when she does, her lips part with a silent, OH, of realization! But then, it actually clicks into place; that was what had him pause so meaningfully.

Is... is there romance brewing? Oh, God, her cheeks color! ]

Y--yes, alright! Byeee♥!

[ And then, she's gone.

Several hours would pass until she'd come around again. Following the end of her shift, she stopped by a nice little restaurant to place their order. From there, it was off to her place to gather an extra set of clothing and unmentionables-- along with a considerably nicer set of nighties, just in case, you know. ]

Will♥, I'm back~

[death_glare]

[ Lightly feeling his way down the hall, he stops once he enters the kitchen. The aroma coming from whatever she's chosen for dinner is quite pleasing, and since he hasn't had anything since lunch, he's eager to find out what she's brought. ]

Have things fallen apart without me there, yet?

[ One would think he was joking, if they didn't know him well enough. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell's left her personal bag on the living room seat, specifically so they could get straight to dinner. She's had no more than a third cup of coffee, herself!

Setting out their food, the aroma opens up and become much more prevalent! There's half an herbal roasted chicken for them to share, accompanied by buttery mashed potatoes and dinner roles. Dessert is tiramisu. ]

I spent the rest of my day on the field, but I'm fairly confident that I didn't sense any fires upon clocking out. [ She chuckles. ] Fairly confident that the analysis division has begun a pool on it, though.

[death_glare]

[ He's not sure if that's good to hear or not, but he resigns to sighing as he carefully takes one of the chairs. ]

Chicken? [ He can pick out the scent, now that it's before him. ] It smells wonderful. Though, I can't imagine you have much of a budget left over if you dine out so often.

[untodeath]

[ Shifting around the kitchen for plates and utensils, she's humming to confirm! ]

I don't typically eat this well, I admit. It's typically smoked meats, raw veggies, and preserves!

[ Once she's portioned their meals, she sets William's plate out before him. Dessert, for now, remains covered. ]

If we're to be spending time together, I think it's enough of an excuse to have some fun, though.

[death_glare]

[ He hums a short agreement, as he's already taken a bite of that chicken. It's tender and seasoned just right. ]

Remind me and I will give you my portion for both meals come pay day.

[ The potatoes come next. The gravy is a tad salty, for his tastes, but not enough so that they're off putting. In fact, they actually pair nicely with the main dish. ]

[untodeath]

I won't be too fussed about it, really.

[ Now that she's settled their drinks, Grell sits down to enjoy her meal, as well! They've got some decent red wine, now - and water, for when that's polished off. ]

You'll likely make it up to me at some point in the future, I'm sure.

[death_glare]

Perhaps I can cook a double portion next time and bring the second dish by your flat.

[ Random musing as he locates the stem of the wine glass. The longer the day's gone on, the less anxious William's become about his glasses. He's certain that will change come morning, as he's positive he'll be waiting around for them till, at least, mid day. But for now, the restful time at home has been something his mind needed. And he's thankful Grell is not ruining that for him. Somehow she's even improved upon it! Speaking of... ]

That kiss earlier. You realize that wasn't what I was saying 'yes' to?

[untodeath]

[ Grell nearly chokes on her wine! Just the thought of William cooking for her is the sweetest thing...! This day really might send her little heart into overdrive, it's quite fortunate she's already died.

Pressing a napkin to her mouth, she's blinking at the other, across the counter - because, now, she can hardly believe that he's bringing that up.

Clearing her throat gently as she may, the redhead sits herself more upright. ]

I didn't at the time-- but, yes?

[ Does he intend to scold her, or...? ]

[death_glare]

[ He pauses, deciding if he should continue with his original thought, or just revert to scolding her, instead. ]

It was pleasant, for once.

[ He states simply before lifting the wine glass back to his lips. ]

[untodeath]

[ With a lull of the head, Grell finds herself blinking with confusion once more. It's not exactly clear which part of it he means, and before she succumbs to fits of glee, she should probably clarify-- ]

Ah? What was pleasant, exactly?

[ There's just the slightest jitter to her voice, quite obviously pleased to hear so. ]

[death_glare]

[ William immediately sets his glass down and gives Grell a huff along with his usual cold frown. Apparently he doesn't like having to spell it out for her. ]

The kiss. Honestly, what else would I be referring to?

[untodeath]

Perhaps that I'd asked, or the surprise, instead-- or, well, that.

[ Leaning in closer over the countertop, she's positively giddy, fingers touched to her smiling lips. ]

I had thought that it felt different, too. That, maybe, we were-- having a moment♥?

[death_glare]

I believe they both played a part in it.

[ His frown softens again. ]

These past two days have certainly been something different between us.

[untodeath]

[ That makes her features soften, as well. ]

Mn. It's been enjoyable, hasn't it? I've been quite happy, spending time with you.

[ A faint chuckle carries on her breath. ]

And, well-- it isn't as though I've ever been discreet about my feelings for you. I'd be content to give you all the kisses you'd like.

[ ...Ah, the defense mechanisms have kicked in already. Teeth pressed into her lip, she'll shift to tak another sip of wine! ]

[death_glare]

You better not go throwing them at me, now. That would completely negate everything I just said about enjoying it.

[ Better to keep her in line, lest this progress they've made totally unravel. ]

But yes, I've been enjoying myself, despite the whole glasses issue.

[untodeath]

[ A relatively mild threat, all considered. Shoulders easing, Grell sets aside her glass to instead rest a hand atop his relaxed wrist. ]

Hmn. If you can promise that you'll not forget about me once you're self-sufficient again, I'll consent to leaving all future kissing arrangements to you.

[death_glare]

So long as you understand that need some time to myself, and every moment of my spare time will not be devoted to you. I don't want to hear any whining, whatsoever.

[ He allows Grell's hand to remain there, using the other to take another bite of food. ]

That being said, I believe our schedule has us both off next Thursday. There weren't many deaths that day to require more than one reaper on duty. We can spend some time together then, if you'd like.

[untodeath]

[ With a gasp, she gives that wrist an excited squeeze!! ]

Really♥? Will, I would love that! [ It's fairly obvious that she's just wiggling her shoulders to and fro, now. ] It's a deal.

[ Giving that wrist a pat, she finally lets him off with a giggle. ]

Anyway, I think you'd be surprised how much time ladies take for themselves, too.

[death_glare]

Then, yes, I believe we have a deal.

[ This is honestly the last thing he expected to come out of this whole ordeal. And, part of him expects that the future, of whatever this step in their relationship is, will have plenty of turbulence. But, that's something he's needed to work on. At least he's taking that first big step out of the hole he'd buried himself in. ]

Decide what you'd like to do before then. I doubt we can get seats at the opera this late, so that will have to wait.