death_glare | private PSL

private PSL

[ If Grell had expected William to be oblivious to her activities, she was sorely mistaken. He'd come from his office multiple times that day, looking to have a word with her about proper office behaviour, timely submission of forms, and the coffee carafe from the break room, that she'd happily emptied but failed to refill. Each time, he'd been met with an empty desk, even though he'd seen her minutes before. And when questioned, Knox just brushed him off like it was no big deal - he'd finished his own work for the day and wasn't staying overtime, big plans for the evening and all that.

So, the next time William caught a glance of bright red slinking past the frosted windows of his office, he made an executive decision - quickly teleporting himself in the doorway of the office, appearing just before she attempted to leave... ]

And where are you sneaking off to this time?

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[ St that, her grin immediately slacks to a pout! ]

The things I'm willing to do for motherhood...

[ Leaning into the armrest, Grell plops her chin into her hand. Hardly as expressive as it could have been, though - her corset is keeping her rather stiff! ]

[ A good reason to keep her in that corset! Alongside other reasons which he hasn't quite expressed yet. ]

I suppose I should thank you, Rosalind.

[ He shakes her little hand, which is still gripping his finger firmly. ]

[ She rolls her eyes - but Grell is soon reaching out to tap the little girl's arm. ]

I'll thank you to remember these sacrifices your mother has made when you're prepared to enter your rebellious teen phase.

[ --And in the end, she's still smiling. William made something of a joke! ]

Unfortunately for both of us, I have no experience with that age.

[ But he's ready to stare down any suitors that come by! ]

[ Her smile softens. ]

Quite alright. It's merely an adventure for us to undertake, together.

[ He nods, knowing full well they will definitely need one another. ]

If you would take her, I can get us both a drink.

[ As he's noticed the little booth they have set up to provide such. ]

Oh, that would be lovely.

[ Without hesitation, Grell reaches out to accept Rosalind - and as soon as William hands her over, the redhead stands the girl on her lap for an eskimo kiss. Until he returns, she'll entertain them both by making her sway, as though dancing. ]

[ A short amount of time later, William arrives with a drink for each of them. Thinking it was much too early for anything alcoholic, he's gotten them what appears to be blended fruit drinks of some kind. Grell's is a bright yellow, where as William's is blue in color. ]

Thank you, my love.

[ Settling Rosalind on her lap, she readjusts the pacifier in her mouth to make certain that she's comfortable, then reaching out to accept the drink she's brought her. She regards it with a tilt of the head, their colors leaving her very curious! ]

What are they?

[ She gently inhales its scent before taking a sip! ]

It's called a virgin pina colada. Pineapple and coconut, I believe.

[ He holds his own up to eye level. ]

Mine is a blend of various berries.

[ Closing her eyes, Grell hums with delight. ]

It's delicious.

[ Rosalind blinks up at the glass, before reaching up to wrap her hands around it. It's vaguely the shape of a bottle, and her mother seems to be enjoying it, so she clearly should as well! With gentle laughter, she lowers the glass and tilts it so that the child may get the slightest taste-- but the acid in the pineapple has pulling away with a scrunched face! Food should not bite back! ]

[ Okay, even a cold, cruel man like William can't say that wasn't absolutely adorable. He gives her a gentle pat on the head. ]

You'll enjoy these new foods, in time.

[ Then, sipping his own drink, he regards Grell. ]

What is next for us, then?

[ Carefully replacing the spit-out pacifier in the baby's mouth, Grell then hums in thought - while enjoying another sip of that drink, herself. ]

We could easily make a day of exploring the ship, to allow Rosalind new experiences. Might allow us to dip our toes into socializing with parent circles, as well, mn?

I suppose that would be good to do, especially for her. Assuming you can keep your mouth closed well enough.

[ He's half curious to see if she can keep up that quiet, demure act. ]

[ Brow raised, she shoots William a sidelong glance with her head held high. ]

Of course I can. Might I remind you that I've done so before?

Yes. Those few years were almost enjoyable. A shame I had to go retrieve you.

[ It's so hard to sound like you're teasing when you're voice won't exit out of cold mode. ]

[ It appears that has her attention, head tilted and blinking as though she might believe him... But then. She recalls the feeling of his hand over hers, and she smiles. Reaches out to lightly swat at his arm with a chuckle. ]

My goodness, so much teasing this morning. This might be the first I've seen you in a good mood.

That wouldn't be surprising. I haven't been in one in over a century.

[ He sips his drink, the flavor of the berries seeming to please him further. ]

[ That has her eyes softening. Looking down to the child in her lap, Grell fondly cups her cheek. ]

To think, it's only going to get better from here.

[ He shifts his drink to the opposite hand so he can take Rosalind's tiny one in his. ]

As long as we all stay together.

[ Rosalind looks between the two of them with some confusion, the pacifier bobbing slowing to a halt. It tumbles from her lips suddenly then, as she gives a very confident coo.

Grell chuckles. ]

She's right. Of course we will. [ Looking specifically to meet William's eyes, she nods with matched confidence. ]

[ William keeps eye contact with Grell for a long moment. Then, without a word, he leans in to give Rosalind a kiss atop her forehead. She coos again, batting at his bow tie. A short breath is exhaled through his nose, almost sounding like the start of a laugh.

It's then that he looks back up to Grell, and only giving himself a second to contemplate his actions, takes her lips in a kiss. ]

[ Such draws a sharp breath from the redhead. This single moment is something she's waited a century for, and happiness swells in her heart so greatly that she suspects it might burst! All the same, she'll willingly succumb to such a fate, for she can't be bothered to care for anything but this.

With fluttering lashes, Grell is melting into his kiss, hand raised to cup his cheek. ]

[ As it isn't quite appropriate to get overly intimate in public, William only allows the kiss to last a moment longer. He straightens up after, taking the hand that had settled upon his cheek into his own hand, instead. ]

Thank you.

[ And though is expression doesn't change much, there's a content air about him. ]

[ As their lips part, Grell's eyes remain closed for just a moment longer, chest rising and falling with a dreamy sigh. Those words certainly catch her attention with yet more surprise, though - and when she raises her gaze to meet his, she only laces her fingers with his. Goodness, her eyes may even be a bit misty. ]

You don't ever need to doubt that we need you, Will. But I shan't be opposed to saying so, whenever you need to hear it.

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