thenearshore | And I've got my mind.

[ 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.

[ 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?

[ 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. ]

[ 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?

[ 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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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! ]

[ 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.

Oh, trust me, I can see.

[ Grell could admit that she knows of William's cues because she's been forced to admire him at a distance for so long - but what would be his excuse? It's a mystery. ]

I couldn't miss how handsome you are, especially at close proximity.

Which you are lucky to be in, right now.

[ Best to get a warning out before Grell inevitably pushes her luck too much. Still, he's making no effort to distance himself from her, at present. Perhaps he's equally enjoying the moment? Though if asked, he'd be likely to blame the crisp fall air for forcing him to tolerate Grell's clinging, if only for the bit of added warmth. ]

I am, undoubtedly! The luckiest girl in the world.

[ With a wiggle of her shoulders, she's giving William's arm a fond squeeze! And, being so swept up in her excitement, the redhead leans in a bit closer. ]

I don't know what's made you change your mind, but I am thankful for it.

[ And, when leaning in, she presses a kiss to his cheek, light and fleeting! Who would she be, if she didn't push her luck? ]

[ The answer to that is something William's still trying to process, himself. And he'd ponder it more now, if the sudden kiss didn't pull his thoughts back to the present. ]

Alright, that's enough. We have arrived, anyway.

[ And now's when he'll pull his arm free of her tight grip, if only so he can hold the door to the quaint cafe open for them. Of course, the staff seems to pay no mind to them until they find their own seat towards the rear of the room. It's only then that one of the waiters gives them a perplexed look, their sudden presence taking him off guard. Obviously embarrassed at his lack of attention to his guests, he offers an apology before providing them with menus and a list of the day's specials. ]

[ Despite his attempt to shut her down, William then goes and does something gentlemanly. Even if she were inclined to, how could she be upset about that!

Lacing her fingers behind her, she passes through with a chuckle. ]

Why, thank you, sir.

[ And once settled into her seat across from him, Grell can't resist soaking in the ambience. Head propped atop a hand, as she appreciates the quaint decor, the gentle illumination of sunlight, and simply the fact that she's here with William. It seems that she barely even notices the waiter, until there's a menu set in front of her.

Eventually, she decides on a light salad and refreshing drink, to start. ]

Quite pleasant so far, don't you think?

[ Gentlemanly as it may have been, it was more an automated act. One he barely realizes he did until Grell thanks him. His response to not letting the door shut behind him in Grell's face, as he's most likely done in the past, is a simple, distracted adjustment to his frames.

Once seated, William's own focus is on the menu. It's a nice change from the Japanese cuisine to see dishes he's more accustomed to. A coffee and croque monsieur are ordered before the waiter excuses himself and William's gaze refocuses on Grell. ]

Surprisingly tolerable.

[ Referring to Grell more, as the mood in the cafe is certainly an appealing one. Relaxing, yet refreshing. ]

[ That one is easy enough to catch. Exhaling, an amused grin plucks at her lips. ]

You've been saying that more and more, lately. Although, I confess... it still surprises me, too.

[ Gaze lowering to the open menu in her hands, Grell isn't so much focusing on the words, so much as she is deflecting. ]

Only because you've been behaving yourself more and more.

[ He's quiet for a moment, as Grell's gaze drifts downwards to the menu and away from him. She's already ordered, so the action is another surprising one.

Without warning, William snatches the menu from her hands, setting it aside with his own. ]

I have something I need to ask you.

[ That certainly earns Grell's attention. With a furrow of her brows, she can't quite decide if she's surprised, indignant, or curious.

Really, it's a bit of all three. ]

What? Well-- what is it?

[ More like, what did she do now? That's her first thought, anyway. ]

[ If William was one to be amused by things, the worried look Grell gives him would have done so. But since he's not, he gets straight to it. ]

You have explained to me what it was that initiated your attraction towards me. Of which I can somewhat understand, given your character. However, what I do not understand is why I've remained at the forefront of those affections.

You claim it is because I stood up to you without any fear. Yet since then, there have been many men who have done the same. The Phantomhive brat's demon being the most obvious example. But after speaking with those you attacked on the night of the harvest moon, I noted at least two others who gave no care to your aggressiveness or wellbeing and even matched you in strength and skill.

I have zero doubt you would end their lives if given the chance, regardless of any physical attraction. Why am I an exception?

... Wow. Alright.

[ William's getting straight to the point, today, isn't he? They haven't even made it to the portion of their date where they're both a bit inebriated.

Folding her hands, the points of her teeth graze her glossed bottom lip, as she mulls that over a moment. ]

Those men don't mean anything to me, William. Fun distractions - a game to ease a restless soul, certainly - but I wouldn't harbour any interest in them, otherwise.

[ There's a cant to Grell's head, as she regards the man sitting across from her. ]

But, with you, it's different. It's true-- you're handsome, undaunted by intimidation methods, and even downright cruel; however, you're also the only person that seems to give me what I need, when I need it. I tend to be more focused around you. You keep me from wandering too far off course, and when I do manage to slip away, you're the one to pull me back. Even if I may hate it, at the time.

Edited 2018-02-19 09:05 (UTC)

[ With each reason she gives, William's gaze drifts further away from hers. As if he's taking each statement into honest consideration, reflecting on their past encounters. It's making far more sense than he ever expected her answer would. ]

Then I have been showing a sense of caring towards you this entire time. And you have recognized it as such. Even with all the anger and neglect shadowing it.

[ He sounds both surprised and relieved at the idea. ]

I always found it a bit cute, to be honest.

[ That has something of a smile settling into her features. ]

And that's just it. Even if I should have hated it, I never actually did, because it was you! Likewise, you seem to hate having these emotions roused out of you, but you rather need it, too...

[ Inhaling, Grell carelessly shrugs her shoulders. ]

You were there since the beginning, besides. Makes it feel as though it wasn't an accident, you know?

Soulmates, I believed you called it last time.

[ He still doesn't really believe in such a thing. But perhaps they did meet for a reason. Perhaps the gods of the afterlife actually wanted them to learn something. ]

And yes, it is rather irritating to have you see all of this. It is certainly not something I ever intended to share with anyone.

[ Speaking of which, that's a lot of emotion for the short time they've been out together. Better reel himself in with a huff. ]

Edited 2018-02-20 01:52 (UTC)

[ Too late, William! She extends a hand to rest over his, thumb brushing along the back of his palm, and there's nothing but fondness in her eyes. ]

I'm glad that you did.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject