And I've got my mind.

[untodeath]

Who: Grell and William
When: October 6th
Where: Temple of Ma'at
What: There are apologies to be made.


text;

I'm outside. Come meet me?


[ The points of Grell's teeth press into her bottom lip, as she taps 'Send'.

Yes, she's feeling a tad anxious; she'd made a grievous mistake last night, and hasn't any idea how to make up for it. It isn't often that she regrets her actions - far more rare, is for her to bother addressing it at all.

This is William, however. More specifically, this concerns how she'd just thrown away the opportunity to taste success after a century-long pursuit of his affections. At the time, it made perfect sense to her, but now...

Now, she stands outside the entrance to his temple, waiting. Intruding would not do her any favors, at the moment, and she wouldn't care to bother with his shinki, either. Not while she has so much on her mind, and must command herself to focus. ]

Comments

[death_glare]

[ The faint chime from his phone has William looking up from his book. He casually picks it up from the side table, immediately frowning when he sees who the message is from. He takes only a moment to consider his options in this scenario before putting his phone back down and turning to the next page in his book.

The only indication Grell will get that he's heard her request is the little footnote below her text changing from "delivered" to "read". ]

[untodeath]

[ Her breath catches upon seeing the update. Slipping her phone into a coat pocket, she fluffs her hair and straightens up her outfit, expecting that he will come out at any moment... Except, those moments turn into minutes, and several pass without any sign of him.

After about ten, Grell can no longer handle the anticipation. She invites herself in, shoes noisily clacking down the entry hall. ]

Will, where are you? I need to talk to you!!

[death_glare]

[ William had zero faith that ignoring her text would bring him peace and quiet. That was a near impossibility. But that knowledge doesn't stop the irritated sigh that can probably be heard by Grell as she slowly nears the study where he sits. Setting his book aside, he adjusts his glasses before stepping out into the dimly lit hall. ]

Then you should have waited for my reply.

[untodeath]

[ Hearing him, her pace quicken toward the direction of his voice-- and she stumbles just so, once he actually steps out to greet her. She wasn't expecting it, and part of her still doesn't know how to address him right now.

Fortunately, it's without thinking that she closes the distance between them, reaching up to take his face in her hands. It's very clear that she wants to kiss him, but for obvious reasons, she hesitates.]

You're right to be angry. I was a fool.

[death_glare]

Do not touch me.

[ The contact only lasts but a moment. Gripping firmly at both of Grell's wrists, William removes them from his face, shoving her back in the process. ]

Yet, apparently, you wished to make me look like a fool instead.

[untodeath]

[ Grell catches herself with a wavering breath. She knows that she ought to enjoy this, but she's also found herself minding what William thinks of her, as of late... Her heart is pounding in her ears, chest tightened with this torn excitement. ]

No. I panicked, Will. I had intentions to meet with that man from the network-- it wasn't a real date; I panicked.

[ Hands tightened around the hem of her coat, the redhead can't manage to make eye contact anymore. Admitting shame so openly is hitting her harder than she'd anticipated - visibly, she's saddened. ]

How was I to believe that you harbored genuine interest for me?

[death_glare]

[ William eyes Grell suspiciously. The way she's behaving is far from normal for her. Showing such weakness, emotionally; it's almost a glimpse into what she claimed she'd been like in her previous life. And although Grell has always said she is a wonderful actress, William can't believe she would deceive him like that. ]

Do not make the mistake of thinking I was looking to jump into an intimate relationship with you. That is a long way ahead of us, if we can manage to even make it that far.

[ He can't expect that is what she wanted to hear from him, in this moment, but he feels he must be entirely clear this time. ]

I am simply looking to learn from the mistakes I've made that brought me to this point. And if anyone has suffered the most from my anger and neglect, it is you.

[untodeath]

[ Grell's brows furrow. While William had only asked to spend time together, she still feels mislead. What of the jealousy at seeing another person? Bringing up her feelings for him?

At least the anger makes her feel much more comfortable with herself. ]

So, as you can see, the only one I've made out to be a fool is me.

[ With a shake of the head, she scoffs. ]

You say it isn't pity, but it isn't interest. What, then?

[death_glare]

[ In all honestly, the jealousy aspect hadn't occurred to him. It's not an emotion he's used to feeling and thus he interpreted it as Grell purposefully mocking him. ]

Can I not be interested in forming a closer friendship with you? I would think, if something more is to come of it, that would be the first step. You should be well aware that I am not as open, emotionally, as you are. This is not a simple thing for me to do, but I am willing, and interested in putting in the effort.

[untodeath]

[ At hearing that, the redhead's features ease just so, her hands uncurl, and her gaze lowers. Sharply, she nods - even if her lips are drawn thin with embarrassment. ]

I see.

[ Swallowing down her pride, she pushes her shoulder back and flips her hair, standing taller, with a sniff. ]

I often forget that, despite knowing one another for so long, we weren't particularly close. I'm easily disillusioned, as you well know.

[ She can do this. It's the reason she came, after all. ]

I'm-- sorry.

[death_glare]

[ Glancing to the side, his own brows furrow slightly. ]

You are right, it is odd hearing one of us apologize.

[ Grell had said it when he'd done so, and now he understands fully why she'd thought that.

With a tired sigh, he looks back to her. ]

Then, I will ask you again. Would you like to spend some time together?

[untodeath]

[ The observation has a smile plucking at the corners of her mouth - and when William asks her once more, it simply overtakes her. ]

I want nothing more.

[ Grell is altogether compelled to launch herself at the man and latch onto him. It is with every ounce of restraint that she, instead, extends her arms out to him demandingly, with rosy cheeks. ]

[death_glare]

[ If William was one to roll his eyes, he would. Instead, she will be getting that look. The one William specifically reserves for her. But, this time, instead of walking away from her, he gives her a short nod. Permission for her to cling if she wishes to. ]

the date!

[untodeath]

[ It is just before noon, and Grell finds herself fussing over the final touches.

Well, in truth, she's been ready for nearly an hour now, but relaxing whilst browsing on her phone hadn't turned out to be an ineffective distraction. Perhaps wearing her hair up for a change would be interesting, she thought-- and immediately after, changed her mind. The jewelry she opted for was nice, but perhaps understated. No, it definitely tied together best with the simpler necklace.... Oh, but should she put gloss on top of this lip color?

No, no. It's time to cute herself off, she decides! It's with an exasperated sigh that she drapes across her bed, reaching to pick up her phone and check for any missed notifications. Of course, there are none; she would have heard the obnoxious chime, if any popped up.

Ah well. This gives her time for a few cute selfies, at least. ]

[death_glare]

[ Meanwhile, William is just about ready to leave his own temple and head towards Grell's, when his own phone begins to chime. He pulls it out of his inner jacket pocket only to see a bunch of notifs stating that "Grell Sutcliffe has posted a new picture!" Why he ever downloaded this application is beyond him. But, at least he can assume now that she's ready and won't keep him waiting, as he'd instructed her.

It's when he arrives outside the Temple of Kali that he finally opens up the application. And he'll leave a little message for her in response to the latest image uploaded. ]

Stop fooling around and get out here 😠

[untodeath]

[ Oh, boo. Now, William has seen her all done up in a silly picture, before having a chance to be impressed in person! Though, that silly picture was actually pretty cute... Maybe he thought so, too!

Besides, didn't he just publicly admit that he'd be seeing her?

Nibbling at her bottom lip, she swings her legs off the bed, to hop up and run out to the balcony! Far below, she can see him over the bridge, and her heart begins to thump with glee. Grell will just take this one second to savor this feeling, heaving a happy sigh, before she teleports out to see him.

Despite how tempting it is to pop up, slung around his shoulders, she maintains a couple feet between them. Fingers laced before her chest, she offers him a modestly happy little smile. ]

Hello, Will.

[death_glare]

[ Unfortunately for him, William doesn't quite understand how the whole social networking system functions. How any simple comment he makes to something can be seen by nearly everyone. Hopefully someone will explain this to him before it's too late.

Completely expecting Grell to burst out of the front gate and throw herself into his arms, William's highly surprised at her subtle arrival. So subtle, in fact, that he doesn't notice she's arrived until she greets him. It gets him to look up from where he was still thumbing through the posts on his phone. ]

Ah. [ He slips it back into his pocket before giving Grell a look, up and down. One he doesn't bother hiding, in the least. His expression remains unreadable, however.]

I take it you're ready?

[untodeath]

[ Despite the usual expression, Grell will happily absorb the attention. After all, she didn't put so much effort in simply to go unnoticed! Her outfit is new, of course; a lovely and incredibly flattering, fitted red coat, with a sheer black blouse beneath, paired with a pair of lightweight and muted burgundy slacks. Over those, thigh-length black boots, which she's most proud of. Lastly, pretty gold jewelry, to accent!

Shifting her weight to bend a knee, she'll be batting her lashes whilst tucking some of her silky red hair behind an ear. ]

I couldn't wait another moment.

[ Extending a hand out to William, her eyes are hopeful! Hopeful that he'll allow her to take his arm, before they're on their way. ]

[death_glare]

[ Considering he makes no critical comments on her attire, it is safe to assume William finds them appropriate, if not decently appealing. However, his eyes do narrow as they shift down to her extended hand. Another instance where he finds himself in disbelief that she is respecting his space so often, now.

With an adjustment to his glasses, he stiffly turns away from her. An almost absolute denial of the contact Grell is hoping for. Though a moment passes and he idly allows his left arm to relax at his side, even holding it out slightly so another arm may fit around it. There's a brief glance back over his shoulder before he speaks. ]

Well?

[untodeath]

[ The rejection has her drawing a breath, smile faltering with a twitch - but then, he's offering her his arm... quite near demanding her to take it, even! Thus, she finds herself facing this flustering conflict of emotions, once more! That deep pang of misery, and then, the swell of love.

Could she dare to admit to herself that she's growing to prefer his reciprocation?

Shaking her head to rid herself of such thoughts, a grin overtakes her features. With a hop to her step, she closes the distance between them, so that she may hug that arm to her chest and gratefully nuzzle his shoulder. Only barely, though! Can't go budging her makeup so soon. ]

My mistake! Now I'm ready.

[death_glare]

[ Despite willingly accepting Grell's advances in this moment, if asked why, William would state that the contact between them allows him to transport them both to the Near Shore in an instant, and nothing more. An answer he would have a difficult time supporting when they arrive and he hasn't yet pulled his arm away from her grasp.

Instead, he fishes his phone out once more, pulling open the app that he'd originally found the restaurant on. They seem to have arrived fairly close to where the tiny, blinking indicator icon shows it to be on the map. How this devise is capable of telling him that, he has no idea, but it is certainly handy. Just a quick glance around to orient himself and he's certain he knows where they should head. ]

[untodeath]

[ Well, Grell certainly won't be the one to break their contact first, so she'll be contently on his arm, all the while!

When they first arrive, she will glance around to familiarize herself with the area, before she leans in nearer to take a peek at William's phone, from over his shoulder. More out of curiosity, than anything; she's more than content to let him lead. ]

Mn, this place is cute. I can't wait to see what you've picked!

[ The entire block is well maintained, with a more modern aesthetic and plenty of greenery to contrast the city vibes. It's a lovely day, too. Absolutely perfect for cafe dining, and browsing later in the evening. ]

[death_glare]

[ At Grell's comment, William looks up again, this time actually taking in the scenery instead of just search for a location indicator of some sort. ]

I am not sure I would call it cute. But they do seem to take care of the area well.

[ He returns his phone to his pocket and indicates a direction with a nod of his head. ]

The cafe should be at the end of that next block.

[ And he does lead, allowing Grell to remain on his arm as they take their time approaching the cafe. ]

[untodeath]

[ With a hum of understanding, Grell wraps her arms more comfortably about his arm, holding it to her chest with the most content sigh. ]

Mm, no rush.

[ Briefly, she rests her chin on William's shoulder, so that she may give him a playful bat of the lashes. She would be a fool, not to take advantage of the opportunity to freely tease and flirt! It's a date, after all! ]

[death_glare]

[ Without even having to glance down at her, he already knows the look she's giving him. And it gains her its usual reply of William's brow furrowing and head slightly shaking. It's amazing how little they know about one another, personally, but how easily they recognize each others habits and quirks. ]

It's a wonder you can see anything with those false lashes on.