The Ripper

William Jack Holloway

Sometimes, with Vhalla, William wasn't always sure if a touch would result in a slap to the face or the girl melting into his arms. Honestly, he loved that about her. But as time was going on, Will was quickly finding out that there simply wasn't much about Vhalla that he didn't like. So it was easy to draw her in, and for a second William contemplated tugging on her hips just a little harder to send her into his lap once more. Though, he was sure if he did that he wouldn't allow her out of his arms once more. "A bad influence?" William said with a chuckle. "You know, I always disliked the surname I chose when I became a hunter. My... maker... told me that I couldn't go by Cavendish anymore. Too... obvious." He shrugged slightly as he trailed off. The assassin, it seemed, was more content to tease him. "I would have been fine, you know. You just didn't give me time to prove it." He teased right back. Still, he was entirely thrilled that she had been there to help him out of that. Especially with the poison on the tip of that blade that had made it so hard for him to heal. They were getting smarter about hunting it down, it seemed.

There were so many books within the beautiful library. God, how he wanted to lose himself within this room. He could see himself curled up in this chair with her in his arms and read whatever book she so chose. Perhaps he'd find poetry to read to her. Or a novel. Either way, he found that he wanted to hold her close and devour every last bit of the literature that he loved so deeply. It was only that question of what he wanted to read that got him caught up on precisely what it was that he wanted more than anything. He hadn't meant to be so worried about what the contents of that book were, he really hadn't. In fact, that she so tensed within his hands made him regret ever mentioning that he wanted to know the contents of the book. He watched the smile and teasing demeanor slide from her features. "Vhalla I..." He started, trailing off at the sound of her sigh. He let go of her almost reluctantly, his eyes never once leaving her form.

William bit his lip as he watched her return, his eyes entirely on her features instead of the book clutched to her chest. The comment of if he was sure made him hesitate. "I..." He started once more, though it seemed that Vhalla was leaving him incapable of finishing sentences today. William wanted desperately to hold her closer to him, especially as that book was thrust into his hands and she stepped back and out of his reach. "Vhalla..." He started, sighing heavily. "Vhalla, I'm not upset with you for researching me. I don't mind. If I were in your shoes, I would do the same." Still, he didn't stop her as she walked away and out of the room, instead clutching that book within his palms as though it were his lifeline.

For several minutes, William stared at the book within his hands without opening it. He knew that this book would have the answers that he so craved as to what had happened to his family. And yet... would it? It would give vague... historical documents about the Cavendish family. It would tell him what happened to them, who they married. Their children. The basic details of their lives. And that would simply not be enough for William. No, he wanted to know more than that. Details that a book would never give him. Details that he may never have.

It was that alone that had him getting to his feet, tossing that book onto one of the piles. He walked out of the room, his head looking for Vhalla. To see her sitting right outside the room made him smile, though he didn't like the way she looked so miserable. He knelt down in front of her, reaching forward to hook a finger under her chin. He smiled big as he lifted her gaze up to meet his. "I don't need that book," William said sincerely before he released her chin, shifting so he was leaning against the wall. Without regard to his wounds, the man reached over and pulled the smaller girl into his lap.

"I think my memories are better, you know." He said with a smile as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I had a sister. Her name was Georgiana and she was the most... incredible person I've ever met. Perhaps the only person I really miss. I hated her for a bit before I died. She was engaged to my best friend. I wasn't thrilled about it." He smiled softly as he pulled her in even closer. "I don't want to know bland, boring accounts of my families history. Besides, it's time to move forward." Once more, he looked down at the girl within his arms, urging her gaze back up to his. "I think we both need to focus on futures." He said simply, though he trailed just short of saying that the future he most wanted was quickly becoming one with her. "Do you think the two of us can do that together?" He hesitated, offering her a tiny, nervous smile. "Or rather, do you think you might have any interest in a future with me? I know that you have your master, and that that makes it dangerous and complicated... but..." He trailed off, biting his lower lip as his cheeks flushed. "But you're worth the risk."

But darling -- it's only human nature.