William had heard the commotion from the back room of the shop and smiled to himself. He didn't like having to babysit Grelle all the time. The Japanese would call him an 'okama'. (he picked up on the language considering he'd just recently visited for a GRDS meeting.) William thought before permitting the English language to translate it to "Cross Dresser". He rolled his eyes-he had a feeling this was all to impress that disgustingly charming demon butler that Phantomhive brat kept around. William decided he would consider this overtime. Thank god Ronald wasn't around to cause problems as well, or William felt he'd never get away from work. William broke his focus when Grelle's voice pierced through the air shrilly:
"Oh! How marvelous I look! Eh, William? Don't I look gorgeous?" Grelle asked with mock sincerity, while fishing for a compliment. William sighed deeply and looked at the spectacle in front of him. Grelle had managed to squeeze into an imported French silk and lace dress. The likes of which had a modest neckline and voluminous skirts that enveloped Grelle's body and fit almost to perfection.
"I'm not at liberties to discuss what you look like." He finished cooly.
Grelle pouted and stared in admiration of himself in the full length mirror. His slender fingers touched the lace trimming and brassy accents along the torso and he smiled at his reflection. The woman they had met upon arrival bustled out with the final piece-A crystalline hair pin. Grelle sucked in his breath and held it, eyes widening in delight at the small treasure. The woman clearly saw the amazement on his face.
"It's a rosebud!" Grelle mumbled in awe.
"Aye. It is, and made from the finest crystal available in London too." Announced the woman pinning his hair up in an intricate twisted style that looked beguiling on him. He gazed once more into the mirror before turning to William.
"Does this look ok?"
Caught off guard by Grelle's sudden insecurity William felt dumbstruck. He managed a nod before he found his voice again.
"Sure you do. You are after all, Grelle Sutcliff the fabulous, are you not?"
Grelle smiled and turned to the woman.
"Is Madame awake yet? I'd like to go ahead and order-I love this style, but in my line of work, I need something a bit more practical…"
The woman assured him that she would go find out and left him and William in an awkward silence.
"William, I know you don't particularly like me, but thank you for being here today." Grelle said suddenly filled with a sobriety no one could match.
"It's nothing Grelle. Please, go change-we have many other appointments today-Not to mention work when we're done."
Grelle huffed in annoyance:
"Of course, it's always about work! Work, work, work! You know what they say? All work and no play makes William an even duller boss than normal."
William grinned as Grelle scrambled off the pedestal in front of the mirror and disappeared behind a curtain separating the building.
"Almost done…" William sighed in relief.
