#o: daniel

[hazel-winters-blog]

It's like unfolding herself, letting Daniel touch her for the first time, really touch her. 

Sure, she flinches underneath his palms a few times. But it's been a while since she's had this and oh, nobody has ever been so careful with her.

He moves to cradle her neck, kissing her. She hears the sound of things clattering to the floor before Daniel's right hand finds its way to her ass and before she can get used to that sensation, he's pushing her up on the surface of the counter. Daniel breaks apart from her long enough to pull his rumpled henley over his head and then leans down to push her blouse over her stomach. Hazel shudders and closes her eyes at the still-visible stretch marks but Daniel traces one with a finger and kisses the skin underneath the waistband of her faded jeans.

It occurs to her, suddenly, that if anyone could make up for all the shitty orgasms she's had, it will be Daniel O'Shaughnessy. Gleefully, she grins up at the ceiling of the bookstore and runs her fingers through his blond hair as he nips at her navel. It's a reminder of what's to come, and she has to resist the urge to whine. He strips her of her pants slowly, eyes meeting hers as if asking for permission as he spreads her legs. She's barely aware of her head nodding, wondering if he'll be just as slow with her when he's inside of her or if he'll be animalistic.

Soon she's not wondering anything at all because his mouth is on her through the fabric of her undergarments, and then those are gone too and all that's left is Daniel's tongue on her, making broad licks. A gasp escapes her and she thinks he's pleased with himself because his next few licks are slower.

It's strange, having her boss bury his face between her legs. But she's so wet, more than she's ever been before and that warm feeling is washing over her now. She tugs at his hair harder, trying to bring him closer in an attempt to grind against him. He glances up at her and grins before resuming his work. She throws her legs over his shoulders, moving closer and squirming against him to create more and more friction. Daniel holds her down, alternating between licking cunt and sucking at her clit. She makes a few throaty moans that result in broader strokes of Daniel's clever tongue. And then, too soon for her liking, she's curling her toes and calling out his name as she comes. She's breathless for a moment, and Daniel climbs over her, clearly not finished with showing her what he's got. He kisses her shoulders, hands moving underneath her blouse to tease her as he mumbles her name; Hazel, Hazel, Hazel.

"Hazel." She jolts and opens her eyes to see Daniel standing over her, Jane sleeping against his chest. Disappointment runs through her like a wildfire. It's closing time, she can tell he didn't want to wake her up from her nap on the thin mattress Daniel keeps in the backroom. She flushes, unable to meet his eyes. As she sits up on the mattress, she reaches for her daughter and Daniel obliges, leaning in close to put baby Jane in her arms. He's close enough to kiss and his hands brush against her shoulder.

She doesn't flinch this time, but she's sure she's as pink as Jane's blanket for until she's safe in her car, driving away from the store and him.... until tomorrow, at least.

[graywarenwritings-blog]

dinner for three (and a half)

They’re seated by a server and Harrison maneuvers himself to make sure he’s seated between Jane’s carrier and Daniel. Not to keep Daniel away from the baby, but to ensure the bookstore owner is seated next to who Harrison is sure is his favorite employee. 

He grins pleasantly at the server and glances at his menu. It’s not a terribly fancy restaurant by any means, but this place is a bit nicer than anywhere Hazel would have allowed him to take her to a few months ago, when she was still bitterly insisting that she wouldn’t take any of the family’s money, despite Harrison’s arguing that she had every right to it. Now he supposes it might be fortunate she took employment at The Bookstore, it gives his cousin something to take her mind off her own troubles. And he suspects having Hazel there isn’t half bad for Daniel.

Hazel is studying her menu now and Harrison is grateful she isn’t throwing looks his way as she’s wont to do when she wants to protest the prices. He’s found she’s more likely to let him pay for their meals now that she is stretching out her paycheck.

Jane stirs in her carrier and Harrison offers her his hand, which she promptly takes between her two smaller once.

“So Daniel, how is Hazel here adapting to the store?” He asks conversationally, curious as to how Daniel will describe his cousin.

[hazel-winters-blog]

It's December, and all the best things are supposed to happen in December: Christmas, and her anniversary with Landon, her parents' Christmas Eve party, and snow.

Except she doesn't feel one ounce of magic when she opens the door on him and his mistress, confirming what has been her worst fear since she noticed some suspicious activity in his credit card bill two weeks ago.

She runs out of there and yells after her but doesn't follow. Hazel thinks about that a lot later, but for now she only thinks of getting away.

And she goes to the safest place she knows.

The bookstore doesn't have a name as far as she knows. It is only The Bookstore and perhaps Daniel, the owner, was trying to be funny. Hazel has always thought it's sad, like Holly Golightly refusing to name her cat out of fear of growing attached to something that will never be hers.

She's starting to think Holly and Daniel might be on to something.

He's helping a customer when she ducks in and for that she is grateful, she's sure she looks like a mess. Hazel sits in a corner, trying not to cry anymore until the shop is empty and then it's closing time and Daniel approaches her. She thinks maybe she hasn't hidden her red rimmed eyes as much as she'd like because the large store owner looks concerned for her, a crease forming between his eyebrows. She has the urge to smooth the crease with her thumb, but instead she rises out of the chair and buries her face in his plaid shirt, the story coming out in choked sobs.

She's not sure how long it takes her to realize Daniel's got his arms around her, softly patting her back as one would a hysterical child. The ridiculousness of it all hits Hazel.... She's not the sort of woman who lets people know her problems, much less a man she barely knows. She pulls away from him, pushing her dyed platinum blonde hair away from her face. Hazel thanks Daniel and excuses herself ("yes, I'm okay, I'm really okay").

There are seven missed calls from Landon in her phone, and twelve from her mother.

She checks into a hotel instead. She doesn't sleep all night.

The next afternoon she wakes up and checks out before Landon thinks to check her last transactions. She has lunch and drives around for half an hour before she goes to her parents'.

Landon didn't tell them what she saw, only that she ran away from home. What a coward.

A coward she loved. But a coward. A lying, fucking coward.

She explains the events to her mother and father, suddenly ashamed as if she's to blame.

She looks up to find the sentiment mirrored in her mother's face.

Her father looks angry. She's thankful for that, at least.

Neither make the move to hold her, only stare.

Later they pounce on her, remind her of Landon's family's wealth and status. ("Think of his career! He'll never be elected to congress if you do this to him" her mother croons, laying a hand on Hazel's hair. "He's like a son to your father.... You should forgive him. He's the love of your life, after all. Would you crucify him for a mistake?" Her father looks sheepish now, he chimes in quietly with a "Many men have their indiscretions, Hazy.")

She refuses and refuses and refuses.

That night, Landon comes to see her and she refuses and refuses and refuses to let him in.

It goes on for days, her refusals.

She leaves the house after two weeks and looks for divorce lawyers in the city.

She's waiting for the papers to be served to Landon when she walks by The Bookstore. Hazel has no intention of walking in there after the spectacle she made of herself in front of Daniel, but he catches her staring through the window and motions for her to come in. Once inside, he puts a book in her hands. It's a murder mystery, obviously the first book he grabbed upon seeing her, but it takes her mind off Landon and the other woman for a few hours.

She reads it all in one sitting and wishes Daniel a good night, politely waving off his awkward attempt at offering to talk about her husband's affair.

She's talked about it enough, especially after her mother sent in two of her friends in an attempt to coerce Hazel into accepting Landon again. A pair of gossips, she sent, bent on squeezing a story out of Hazel.

She doesn't need more potential traitors in her life.

But books...

Books are what she needs.

She shows up the next day and the next, even more frequently now that she doesn't have to play house for Landon.

Daniel always offers her smiles she supposes are meant to be supportive.He lets her hide out in The Bookstore one night when Landon comes searching for her at the hotel.He leaves her there and returns with Chinese food and beer, sheepishly admitting he doesn't know if she drinks.She doesn't, but she's sure that if ever she could use alcohol as a crutch, this is it.Turns out alcohol only succeeds in making her feel even more pathetic and making Daniel look even more attractive to her. She steals a kiss from him mid-sentence, a response to "Do you want the rest of the sesame chicken?" To her surprise, he kisses back. She doesn't return to her hotel room that night. Instead she stays, sleeps on the thin mattress he keeps in the backroom of the store. She pulls him down to the bed with her and quiets his concerns with more kisses, smoothing out his worrying like a thumb against the furrow of his brows. And then he's through with worrying because his mouth is planting kisses over her breasts and his hands are unbuckling her jeans and his moans when she's riding him all sound like her name. She and Daniel fuck a lot in the weeks that follow. It's routine, like visiting The Bookstore for the books. Now she finds that her primary reason for coming back is the satisfaction of fucking Daniel breathless. In turn, he fucks her calm and quiet. (He attempts to hold her a few times afterwards. She rarely lets him).

It's a Tuesday when Landon finally finds her, right before she's to meet Daniel. He pleads with her, burying his face against her stomach. It was a mistake. She allows herself to cry for the first time since the week it happened and he sees this as forgiveness, kissing her face. ("We can't let this get between us, right, Hazy?") Landon convinces her to return home but not without her making her own demands.He'll fire the girl. He'll start working at home rather than spending "late nights at the office".He won't ever, ever do this to her again.She texts Daniel that night, a brief "I'm sorry" and explanation that she can't let her marriage fall apart without fighting for it. (Landon's words and she suspects, her mother's). He doesn't reply.It's a week and a half later when she finds herself throwing up into the toilet bowl and realizes for the first time that the edges of the paint where the wall meets the floor are uneven. She sits like that for a while, until Landon finds her and asks if she is unwell.He doesn't suspect she could be capable doing the same as him, but she knows the reason for her upset stomach at once.Three pregnancy tests later, she knows for sure.Landon is furious, betrayed. The hypocrisy of it all escapes him, and she doesn't hesitate to point that out. They sit in ice cold silence for a while, Hazel already instinctively holding her arm against her belly protectively. Just a week ago, Landon kissed her there. Now he stares jealously. "You'll take care of it." He demands before catching himself, his harsh tone of voice turns to a coax. "Won't you? For us?"He can't see himself raising another man's child, can't look at proof of her betrayal every day. And like that, all hopes of making this work vanish like sand between her fingers.Perhaps they already have and she's only realizing it now.She doesn't check into a hotel right away when she leaves that night. Instead she goes to The Bookstore, peeks in through the window. The store is closed early. She's surprised by the pang of disappointment she feels at not seeing Daniel through the window, smiling at her. Hazel tells herself it's only disappointment at not being able to tell him the news. She wonders if his response will be the same as Landon's.It might break her heart once and for all of it is.That night she stays up, wondering if she should 'take care of it'. It's useless worrying, really, she knows she can't bring herself to.Maybe Daniel will want his child... She allows herself to think of it as a baby finally, imagines a tiny hand curling around her finger. Before her head finally hits the pillow, she knows her choice is made. The baby will be the one person who is all hers, no matter what Landon or Daniel want.She forces herself to go to Daniel's store the next day. He's there now, but the easy grin she's realizing he usually reserves for her isn't. Something quiet inside her stirs, she ignores it as she goes to the counter. "Have lunch with me." She invites and he hesitates. "And your husband?" "Lunch. Thirty minutes." She looks around the store, empty save for one old woman. "The one place you like so much. I'll be there."She thinks he's not going to show but he does, obviously still confused.He sits down and she struggles to find the words to tell him she's making him a father, if he wants the job. She hopes so. She's cut enough ties for now. She needs him- and the store- to be her remaining kite string and keep her from floating away.

 "I'm pregnant." She blurts out finally, just as the waitress comes to take their order. The poor girl apologizes quickly and backs away. Hazel can't look up from the menu, mortified. "Not Landon's." She finally utters out, reminding herself that Daniel Shaughnessy has seen her cry more than enough times for someone she would barely consider a friend. "He doesn't want it and maybe you don't either, but here's the thing: I do. This is mine." 

She meets his eyes now, unflinching. "And I can share it if you want that, I know I owe that to you. But if you don't, then you need to know I'm not going to get rid of it.""This is mine." She repeats, challenging him to cut the thread, let her loose.

[hazel-winters-blog]

Daniel was taking down decorations up front, somehow Hazel talked him into setting up the shop for Halloween.  He tried to put up a fight but it was a known fact that Hazel usually got what she wanted from him.  He heard the door behind him open and close.  Without looking behind him he gave a general greeting and went back to work.  He didn't expect the customer to need help already but he felt someone standing behind him.  Daniel never really reacted well to not knowing who was on his back, so he immediately turned around and spat out "Can I help you?"

 Harrison walked into the shop Hazel worked in for the very first time. There was no sight of Hazel anywhere, instead a large blond man was taking down decorations- Hazel's idea, no doubt. And just like at home, she managed to vanish when time to take them down came around. He chuckled to himself and approached the man- Daniel, he knew the name from Hazel's stories- standing behind him.

The man looked irritated when he turned around but Harrison smiled pleasantly.

"Hello! I was just waiting on someone.... I was wondering if you could help me find any natural history books in the meantime-"

Looking around, he realized baby Jane was sitting in her carseat up on the counter, playing with one of the felt books he'd given her.

"Why hello there!" Harrison exclaimed, a coo in his voice. He went to his niece and started unbuckling her from her seat.

Daniel didn't expect such a tall man standing in front of him, but he didn't waiver.  He tried to be more pleasant, knowing that Hazel would be disappointed if he wasn't.

He started to walk, hoping the man would follow him but all of a sudden he saw the man start walking towards Jane.  A new anger in Daniel bubbled up inside of him.

Daniel pushed him away from the baby.  "What the hell do you think you're doing?!  You need to back away right now."

 Harrison felt himself being pushed away from the baby all of the sudden.

"Easy!" He exclaimed, more for Jane's sake than his own. The man- Daniel- was clearly trying to protect Harrison's niece, but it was his ferocity that sparked Harrison's curiosity most. He tilted his head and stared at the man.

"You're very protective."  Harrison observed. "You think I was trying to steal her?"

Daniel squared himself up in front of the man.  Not afraid to show he would fight if it were to come of that.

Daniel was still seething in anger.  Now this man had the nerve to question 

Daniel's actions?

"I don't fucking know what you were doing.  But I do know you're going to leave right now."  He was trying his best to keep his cool, to not punch him right there bobby kennedy: Daniel is adopting a stance that Harrison recognizes from late nights watching The Discovery Channel. Harrison can't help but chuckle, amused at this Daniel's behavior. Of course, he assumes any decent man would protect a child from a perfect stranger. But Daniel has his respect all the same, and Harrison makes a point of remembering the look in his face at the moment and asking Hazel if she's sure this Daniel man doesn't like her romantically.

"I appreciate your protecting her, really. But there's no need for that. See, I actually have a greater claim to her than you do."

Harrison moves closer to Jane again. "I'm Jane's family. Or part of it, at least. The person I'm waiting for is Hazel. We agreed I'd pick her up from work today before dinner... but I suppose she probably didn't tell you I was coming." He unstraps his niece from her seat and she shrieks happily, her little hands patting his cheeks. "See?"

He greets Jane with kisses and turns back to Daniel. "So where is Hazel?"

Daniel immediately backed down as soon as he said they were family.  He choose to ignore the pang in his chest because it's TOTALLY guilt and not sadness.  He tried to backpedal and explain himself.  "I'm really sorry I-- I didn't know."

He didn't know Hazel was married, although he didn't know she had a kid until quite recently so that wasn't really saying much.  

Daniel saw him kiss Jane and it was a little bit harder to ignore that pang.  He tried to give a polite smile to him,  "she's in the back.  I'll go get her for you."

And so he quickly turned, cursing himself on his walk.  When he got to the backroom he found Hazel.  "Uhh there's someone here to see you?"  He didn't look Hazel in the eyes as he said it.  He didn't know how to tell her what just went down because he was worried she'd be mad at him and that was far from what he wanted

"That's alright." Harrison says kindly. "I wouldn't let just anyone pick her up either."

He thanks Daniel for going to find Hazel and begins to look for the diaper bag.

Busy adding price stickers to a stack of books, Hazel doesn't even look up when Daniel came in through the door. She only glanced up once he'd mentioned her visitor, leaving her confused as to who it could be. Then the thought dawned on her. "Oh shit, Harrison! I completely forgot." She stood up, taking her coat with her. "Listen, I have to go but I'll finish this tomorrow morning, I promise."

Following Daniel out the door, she grinned at her cousin. "Did you grab her diaper bag?"

"Got it." Harrison walked over to them, diaper bag on one shoulder, baby carseat in his hand, and Jane on his other arm. He pecked Hazel's forehead. "I met your Daniel friend." He smiles at the man. "I can confirm Jane is very safe in his care."

Daniel just nodded and blushed a little. He still felt embarrassed but knew it was best to just walk away instead.

Daniel just waved it off.  "You're fine Hazel, it'll get done.  I know it will."  He went back to his spot of taking down decorations.  Actually happy for the excuse to keep him a bit busy and away from the two lovebirds.  

He hated himself for looking over his shoulder just as the man kissed Hazel.  However he was caught looking so he quickly gave a weak smile before returning back to his work. He turned to glance at them as they mentioned him and gave them a smile.

Harrison grins cheekily at Hazel and she hits him lightly. "I think he likes you." Harrison grins.

"I think he barely tolerates me most days." Hazel retorts.

Harrison looks up and calls out to Daniel. "Hey Dan, are you hungry? Why not join us?"

Hazel looks surprised but she follows her cousin's lead, knowing Daniel doesn't get out much (if at all).  "Yeah, do you want to come?"

Daniel turned around when he shouted out after him.  He looked between the two of them.  He was just as surprised as Hazel was at the offer.

He sighed slightly and tried to put on a smile.  "That's very nice of you but I don't want to put you both out"

Harrison grinned and walked up to the front of the store where he was. Hazel followed closely.

"Hazel talks about you all the time. I want to get to know the guy who spends every day with Hazel and baby Janey here."

"We'll wait for you to grab your coat and close up shop." Hazel offered kindly.

Daniel still looked a bit uneasy, especially after he said Hazel talks about him.  He laughed slightly, "well the stories probably aren't all true.  But okay then, I'll be right back."

He quickly went behind the counter to grab his jacket, wondering if this would be a good idea or not.  Once he was all set he came back to the group.  "Well I'm ready when you guys are.  Lead the way."

"Excuse me, I'm nothing but honest!" Hazel pretended to be insulted, still smiling.

She and Harrison waited for him and when he got back, Harrison beamed. "Great! So we'll all go in one car?"

Daniel couldn't help but smile right back at him, there was something genuinely charming about the man.  And Daniel wasn't even blaming Hazel for falling for him.  "Sure that sounds perfect!"

Harrison grinned and ushered them out the door, raising his eyebrows at Hazel when Daniel wasn't looking. This would be a fun dinner indeed.

Once at the car, Hazel offered to take the backseat with baby Jane.

Daniel got in the front seat when Hazel took the back.  He tried to make small talk so it wouldn't be as uncomfortable for everyone.  "So what do you do, Harrison?"

[hazel-winters-blog]

 The door of the shop slammed behind her and Hazel winced, mouthing a "Sorry" to Daniel. It wasn't as if she could close the door herself though, now that she was bringing baby Jane to work in her car seat..... until she could find a new babysitter, of course.

She hadn't searched very hard so far but she would. Most likely.

Setting Jane down near the counter, she took off her sweater. "Good morning, Dan."

Daniel immediately shot up when he heard the door slam.  He didn't have a good night the night before so naturally he was already on edge, so when there was a sudden noise it made him even more tense.  But he immediately relaxed when he saw it was his two favorite people.

When they approached the counter he gave a tired smile.  "Good morning Hazel and Chip.  How are you two today?"

Hazel smiled at him back. He looked even more tired than usual. She'd make him a cup of coffee before anything else.

"We're good. What about you- not much sleep?" She started unbuckling Jane from her car seat. "About that.... why do you call her Chip?" It wasn't as if she was bothered by it, she just didn't see why he'd found it an appropriate nickname.

 He shrugged slightly, still always at odds with how much to reveal to her.  "Not really, it was another rough night."  He quickly smiled as he watched Hazel and her daughter.  But he looked up at Hazel, not knowing if she was offended by it or not.  "Well she's just small, like a teacup human.  And she's already like you.  So Chip.  Plus didn't you say that you liked Beauty and the Beast?  If you don't like it I can stop calling her that.  I'm sorry."

 "Sorry to hear that. I'll make you coffee." She scooped Jane up from the carseat and held her close, kissing her face before turning to meet eyes with Daniel.

She smiled as he explained the significance of the name. "No, I don't hate it. I love it. It's cute."

"I didn't know you remembered me telling you I loved that movie." Jane waved her little arm around, taking in her surroundings as always before staring at Daniel. She'd just read online the night before that this was the month where her sense of sight sharpened. Hazel wondered how much baby Jane was taking in.

Jane outstretched her hand to Daniel, letting her squeaky toy fall to the ground. "I think she's saying hello."

"Oh! You don't have to, but thank you though."  He knew she wouldn't take no for an answer, but he still felt guilty for her making him coffee when he could have done it himself.

He blushed slightly and laid his head down on his arms.  "I just thought it was overall suiting for her.  And you too.

He shrugged, trying to act like Cool Guy.  "I remember a lot of things."  However he failed to mention that he remembered things about Hazel.  He remembered disheveled Hazel and how he gave her a hard time before he knew that her daughter was probably the reason she didn't have sleep that night.  He remembered Hazel coming in a worried mess when she brought Chip in for the first time, clearly worried what he was going to say.  Hell, he even remembered warpath Hazel.  Determined to get what she wanted.  Whether it's the coffee or the job itself.  He always remembered her.

He smiled when Chip locked eyes on him and dropped her toy.  He immediately jumped at the chance to pick it up for her.  Making sure to give it a few squeaks before handing it back to her.  "Well hello to you, Chip.  She seems happy this morning."

 "It's okay. I have to set the pot early for the people who stop by on their way to work." She grinned. "I told you the coffee corner was a good idea."

Daniel rested his head on his arms and she had the strongest urge to brush some of his hair back- she resisted. "It is a cute nickname. Baby Chip." She patted Baby Chip's hair down instead.

Hazel raised her brows in a "huh" gesture. Daniel kept proving her wrong lately... especially when it came to how considerate he could be. He'd been nothing but attentive to Jane so far... And to herself. It was a change from the man she'd had to fight for coffee and a job.

He picked Jane's toy up and handed it to her, Jane immediately grabbed the toy she'd just discarded, delightedly making it squeak again. "It seems like it, doesn't it? Let's just hope it continues."

She didn't want to set Jane down in the carseat or carrier, knowing she'd get tired of being confined quickly. But she also knew she had to get the coffee corner ready and start cleaning the shop windows before customers began pouring in.

"Hey... Do you think you'd be okay with holding her for a little?" snaggie (snail maggie): "Well... okay.  Thank you."  He smiled and shook his head, knowing she was absolutely right.  "Alright, I'll admit it was a good idea.  You did good."

Daniel grinned when Chip took the toy back and was squeaking it herself.  "I hope so, for your sake."  He was still grinning at her when Hazel asked if she wanted to hold him.  He stood up a little bit straighter.  "You sure?  I mean I'd be okay with it.  But you sure you want me to?" yuri and the daffodils: "Good. I've been waiting to hear that." She grinned, pleased with herself.

"Sure." Hazel tried to sound confident. After all, he'd proven how much he liked Jane and she knew he wouldn't do anything stupid like drop her or leave her with a stranger. "It will only be for a little bit.... here, take her." snaggie (snail maggie): He smirked at this little nerd in front of him.  "I know you have, I was trying to avoid the whole 'I told you so' thing."

He was still a little startled when he was handed Chip but she had faith in him so he was going to try.  "Okay then!"  When Hazel walked off Daniel had no idea what to do. Especially when Chip started to get a little fussy.  "No no! Don't cry!  Your mom will be back soon, it's me Daniel!"  He tried bouncing her up and down a little bit to sooth her, watching Hazel do that numerous times.  He tried soothing her in her ear before he remembered her squeaky toy.  

He quickly took it from her hands and started to squeak and fly it around them.  She immediately calmed down and was watching the toy.  He started to boop her tummy with it which caused Chip to burst into squeals and laughter.  This made Daniel very proud of himself

She started by scanning the shelves for any books out of place, then moved on to her coffee making. While it brewed, she cleaned the windows- she thought she could hear Chip getting fussy as she was finishing up. Quickly pouring some coffee for Daniel, she returned to the front of the store.

He'd calmed her down, it seemed. She was even giggling. Hazel stopped in her tracks to observe the moment between the two.

He obviously cared about her.

"I'll take Jane so you can drink your coffee now." She said, stepping closer to set the cup down on the counter.

 Daniel was bouncing Chip around.  Both grinning and clearly enjoying each other's company.  They didn't even realize Hazel was watching them.  But when she stepped closer they both turned to her, Chip.. well Jane.. waved at her mother.  Daniel couldn't help but smile.  "I think she's waving and saying hi to you now." 

He didn't really want to stop holding her just yet but he handed Chip back to Hazel.  "Thank you, Hazel."  He wanted to say more but he didn't know how.  How could he say thank you for trusting him? For not fleeing at the first sign of trouble for him.  The thank you wasn't a lot but it went a long way.

 Jane began waving at her and Hazel's smile broke into a full grin. "Hey baby," She cooed and took her little one in her arms, smooching her loudly. "Did you miss me, Chip?"

She looked up at Daniel. "It's just coffee, Dan." She knew that wasn't true. "You should let it sit for a little, it's pretty hot."

"And thank you." For taking care of Jane. For not throwing a fit and insisting she leave the baby at home... for giving Hazel a chance in the first place.

Daniel tried to hide his smile when she used his own nickname.  He was glad she liked it instead of being offended by it.  When Hazel took away Jane he already missed holding her.

He shrugged slightly and looked down at it.  "Still, thanks."  But he gave Hazel a small smile, "you're very welcome."

[hazel-winters-blog]

Hazel's clearly frazzled when she rushes into the store one day, a baby's car seat in one hand, a diaper bag slung on her shoulder, and a baby carrier strapped to her chest containing one baby, almost entirely covered in a soft pink blanket.

She approaches the counter, steeling herself for the possibility of being kicked out. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened.

But she needs this job and she's hoping Daniel won't mind too much. He may be a grump, but Jane's a quiet baby, and Hazel is more than capable enough of looking after both her daughter and the store.

"Her baby-sitter got a new job and has to start right away." Hazel informs Daniel, skipping any pleasantries. "My cousin can't look after her, my family won't, I have no friends, and I'm not leaving her with the 90 year old man next door. She won't cry much and I won't slack off my responsibilities here. You won't even know she's here."

 Usually Daniel is in his own little world when Hazel comes in.  It's early, his coffee doesn't kick in to help his usual sleepless nights.  But this day was different.  This day he could immediately tell when Hazel came in, it was like a tornado of chaos.

He straightened up when she came towards him, clearly stressed and worried.... but with baby items with her.  He knew he could be unobservant but could he really be that bad?

He smiled slightly and stepped aside to make room behind the counter.  "Of course that's fine."  He never took eyes off of the lump under the blanket.  "I didn't know you had a daughter though."

He furrowed his eyebrows, but broke eye contact with the bundle to look up at Hazel.  "Will she be alright? I mean don't they have to like sleep and play?"  In truth Daniel knew nothing about babies, he just knew they existed and that some people liked them

 Turns out Hazel doesn't need to brace herself for bad news: Jane can stay.

Of course, now the truth that she has a kid is out of the bag. Daniel looks surprised, but not judgmental.

"She's mine, yes." Hazel nods and sets the carseat and diaper bag down, one hand cradling the baby's head. "And she's too little for playtime. She can sleep in the back. Or here, if the morning is quiet. If that's okay with you, I mean."

Hazel moves the blanket a little bit more now that they're indoors and Jane won't be as cold. She's sleeping still, but the sudden light hitting her face makes the baby stir in her sleep. Hazel makes soft shushing noises to ease her, pacing back and forth- she'll put Jane down in her carseat when she wakes up.

Looking back up at Daniel, she realizes a smile has spread across her face as she's been fussing over her daughter. She lets her expression go placid and adds, "I'll go start the coffee maker."

Daniel was still concerned about the baby.  "She can stay out here, I don't mind.  But I mean like once she wakes up what's going to happen? I don't want her to be bored or not looked after."

He held his breath when the teacup human started moving.  He was worried that he spoke too loudly and woke her up way to go, you can't even be nice to a baby  he thought but quickly pushed that away

He caught a glimpse of Hazel, just her and her daughter smiling, and he realized there was a lot more to her than he realized.  He felt bad when she dropped her smile, like he intruded on a part of her life that he wasn't allowed in.  So he quickly jumped forward, "no I can do that! You can stay here and get settled her settled if you want."

 "She's too little for that, Daniel. She's not going to get bored and start making a mess. And I'm going to look after her, I already said so. Worst case scenario: she gets fussy and I have to walk her around the shop for a little bit. But she's a very quiet baby, you won't notice her at all, I promise."

Hazel wasn't used to Daniel jumping at the chance to be helpful instead of scowling in his usual spot- especially not where the coffee corner was concerned. She furrowed her brows and trailed after him. "I have a baby, not a disability. I can make the coffee."

He got a bit wide eyed and defended himself.  "I wasn't saying she would! I just want to make sure she's okay.  And you too.  I mean I don't want you worrying about her more than you have to."

Daniel stopped in his tracks.  He didn't mean to upset her or cause a spat, he knew he usually argued but he didn't want to this time.  "I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry.  You can do it if you want to"

 "Oh." She felt guilty for being so defensive a moment ago. Of course Daniel wouldn't know about babies. "Well yeah. She'll be okay. So will I. Thank you, Daniel."

Still cradling her daughter's head, she nodded slowly. Here he was being nice to her and she was getting up in arms... How stupid. "It's okay... You can help me bring the cups from the backroom. If you'd like."

 Daniel nodded and looked down at the ground a bit embarrassed.  "Okay, I just wanted to make sure.  I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to ask so many questions."

His head shot up when she told him how he could help.  The little puppy was excited and willing.  "Yeah of course! I'll go get those for you.  Anything else you need?"

"It's okay... Thank you for letting me bring her in. Not many people would be so understanding. I was afraid you wouldn't be."

She smiles at him, pleased that he's happy to help today. "Just the cups and lids. And maybe some napkins?" She says softly, still trying to keep the volume down for baby Jane, who's stirring against her again. "Shhh, shh, baby." She coos. "Momma's here."

 "Of course.  I don't know why I wouldn't let you.  I mean this place is just as much yours as mine, as far as I'm concerned.  And if you need to bring her in, that's more than okay."  He was serious, as much as they bickered or argued he was glad to have her working there and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Daniel nodded and ran off to get them for her.  Plus he was worried that he was making too much noise for the baby.  Clearly when he was talking she was getting fussy so he tried to let Hazel do her thing to calm her down again

She's surprised to hear him call it her place as well as his, her mouth forming a surprised 'O' shape.  Before she can figure out what to says he leaves to fetch the items.

In the meantime, she finishes making the coffee and baby Jane continues to stir awake. Hazel removes the blanket covering her now, and kisses her soft little head.

Daniel hurried back with the supplies, not wanting to keep Hazel in waiting for long.  When he returned he saw that the baby was moving around more now.  He didn't want to intrude much on Hazel's time with her daughter so he quickly dropped off his armload on the coffee table.  "I'm sorry if I woke her.  I can go on the other side of the store if you want me to.  Like if you want to try to get her back to sleep or something."

She looked up at Daniel and shook her head. "No, no. That's not necessary at all. She's just been asleep for a while so she's waking up now. "

She'd always had difficulty getting Jane out of the carrier by herself. Biting her lip, she moved closer to Daniel. "Can you help me pull her out? It's kind of impossible for me to do by myself sometimes... I'm always terrified of hurting her."

He nodded, not fully believing her but he wasn't going to question it.  "Okay if you say so."

Daniel got a little wide eyed when Hazel asked him to help her.  If Hazel was worried about hurting her what damage could Daniel do?  The tol was very scared. "I can try, I don't want to hurt her either though!!"  He stepped a bit closer and held out his hands, waiting for more instructions from Hazel on how to pick up a baby

"She already had her breakfast... She probably just wants out of the carrier and away from her mom." Hazel kept talking, brushing her hands over Jane's soft and short hair.

Daniel clearly had never held a baby before and Hazel wasn't too keen on letting people hold her baby usually but she did need his help getting Jane out. "You'll be fine. Just scoop her out of the carrier- just don't tug her too hard. Be sure you have a good hold on her and put one of your hands behind the nape of her neck for support." She gave the instructions and bridged the space left between them, the closer she stood to him for this, the better.

She caught a whiff of his cologne and looked up at him, taking her hand off of Jane's head. "Ready?"

"I get it, I don't like to be cooped up for long either."  He said with a small chuckle as he watched Hazel's hand

He was nervous but he did want to try to help as much as he could.  Pausing for a second to think of his game plan on getting the teacup human out.  She was really a teacup human, so small and fragile.  He finally nodded slightly to show he was ready.

He first put his hand behind her head, he knew that was the most important, he remembered reading that somewhere.  And with the other hand he pulled her out of the contraption on Hazel.  The baby was cute, he had to admit, he never saw something so small.  But as soon as she was free she made a noise.  Daniel quick looked up at Hazel like a puppy, trying to find out if he did something wrong

"Imagine being stuck in one of these..." Hazel added. She didn't imagine the carrier was too much fun, even if it provided a warm body next to Jane and a way for her to hold her baby while still being able to use her hands.

Daniel hesitated but got Jane out of her carrier, hand behind her head and everything. She made a small noise once free and Daniel shot Hazel a panicked look.

"She's fine, Danny." The fond nickname escaped her for the first time as she unclasped the contraption from herself. "Babies babble."

Jane yawned and stretched an arm out before rubbing her eyes sleepily. Reaching out for her, Hazel cooed, "Good morning, sleepy head. Say hi to Dan." He laughed, "have to say I'm glad I don't remember being in one.  That has to be just as bad as the kid leashes."  He looked up at Hazel and fake pleaded.  "Please promise me you're not going to put her in one of the leashes when she gets older."

He relaxed as Hazel said she was fine.  He knew he looked like a complete idiot but he hoped Hazel didn't judge him too harshly.  "I just wanted to make sure, sorry."

Daniel willingly gave her over to Hazel.  Smiling as she was talking to the sleepy baby.  "Hello, it's nice to meet you.  How old is she?"  he asked while looking back up at Hazel

 "Trust me, I have no intention to." Hazel shook her head. "And you're fine, Daniel. Everyone worries with babies. You should have seen me when she was first born. I worried over every little thing."

Hazel shook baby Jane's right arm gently, making her wave at Daniel. "She's five months old... Five and a half. She's small for her age, but she'll probably be too big for the carrier in a few weeks anyways."

Hazel gave Jane's face a big smooch, eliciting a little baby shriek from Jane, who was looking around at her new surroundings with wide eyes. Her eyes settled on Daniel and she stared at him, a small frown on her face at being unable to recognize this man.

snaggie (snail maggie): "Oh thank god,"  Daniel said while laughing.    "I guess it just takes getting used to huh?"

Daniel grinned and waved back.  "I mean honestly I have no other kid to compare her to.  So she seems like a good size to me."  He looked up a bit concerned when she said she'll outgrow the carrier soon.  "So then what will you carry her in?"

He chuckled slightly at the baby's pout.  "I don't think she likes me very much.  You been telling her about me?"

 "Some getting used to. And I still freak out every once in a while. I don't think I'll ever stop." 

A laugh and a grin. This was the cheeriest she'd ever seen Daniel. How odd. She would have never pegged him for one who liked kids.

"She's the best size." Hazel adds proudly. "I'll probably have to buy a new one... Or stop using a carrier."

Hazel cranes her neck to see Jane's expression and laughs. "She knows what she likes and what she doesn't." She jokes. "I'm just kidding... It's because she doesn't know you. I don't have many friends so she's not very used to meeting new people. But maybe she'll warm up to you." Not that Hazel thought she'd be bringing Jane to work a lot.

"I'll set her down in her carseat and get to work."

"That just proves you're a good mom.  You have to be kept on your toes during it."

"Well if you need more money, or some time off or something, just ask okay? I'll help anyway I can."

"Bringing her in here would definitely get her meeting new people."  He teased, "now what if she doesn't share the same pleasantries as you do to the customers?  Would she even be your kid?"

"Okay, but you don't have to rush around okay?  I mean like you don't have to prove anything with her here.  I know you're a good worker." 

She's unused to praise and it surprises her but she manages out a "Thanks."

"No, no. I can't ask you for that."

"Maybe..." Hazel wonders if he's saying she can bring Jane in more often. "Although I'll make sure to raise her right and not antagonize our customers. Just wait."

His words surprised her again, they were far more accepting and understanding than she'd expected from anyone, including Dan. "Thank you, Dan. I mean it. You're a good boss."

 He furrowed his brow slightly.  "It's not a problem, really.  Look I know I may not be the nicest guy, but I'm not going to say no to you on something like this." He knew he wouldn't really say no to her ever but that was not important right now

"Ah true, you do get the chance to shape her mind after work"  he laughed.  "I'm just saying if it was socially acceptable for me to scream and cry when the customers walk in I'd take the chance"

He shrugged slightly, not really believing her.  "Only because of you.  I don't have to try as hard."

"You're a nice guy, Daniel." She protests. After all, he's taken her in when no one would hire her without the experience. And now he's even letting her have Jane here.

She laughs at his joke. "I believe you would. You forget they keep a roof over our heads."

"I don't think that's true. You at least took a chance on me."He shrugged, knowing that wasn't really true but he didn't want to ruin her compliment.

"That may be, but that doesn't mean that I have to like them."

"I just knew you'd be good at it.  And if you couldn't have handled it you would have quit long before now." "I guess that's true." She concedes, Jane waves an arm around, clearly wanting to get a move on. "I don't think so. I need this job. And it's a good job."

 "Well it's yours as long as you want it Hazel.  I mean that."  He smiled at Jane being antsy.  "Well give her a tour of the shop.  Maybe that'll entertain her."

"Thanks Dan." She added earnestly.

"I guess so.... Maybe I will have to get her a leash once she's big enough to go on her own. She's a restless one." Hazel jokes. 

"Are you okay with me having her sit in her car seat by the counter later?"

"You're welcome"

"Just tie her to one of the bookshelves, she won't have too far to go" He joked with her.  "Of course! Wherever you think she'll be comfortable"

"Well... Now I know not to let you hold her again." Hazel says, adding a smile after a best to let him know she's joking. Sort of. "I think she'll be fine by the counter.... You can keep an eye on her there, right? If that's not too much to ask, I mean. If not then I can put her back in the carrier."

"Probably for the best, don't want to scare the poor thing."  He laughed.  "Of course that's alright! Plus I'm sure the carrier gets heavy for you.  Trust me, her behind the counter is perfectly fine.  It'll be nice to have some company back there for a change," he joked.  Though it was true

 "She'll ease up to you." Hazel repeated, carrying Jane to the car seat at the front of the shop. "I'm afraid she won't be too entertaining with the whole 'not talking' part, but she'll keep you company. "

 "Maybe, we'll see." Following Hazel to the front of the shop, he just wanted to make sure that he wasn't in their way.  "Well then she can be a captive audience to my inner monologues!  Plus people already think I'm crazy so what's talking to a baby?"

 "As long as you're not instilling an early hatred for our customers...." Hazel added, still only half joking. "if she starts crying, I'll take her to the break room. She might need a diaper change soon."

"I guess I won't, that'll be for when she starts learning how to talk."  He chuckled.  "Okay! That's fine.  But are you going to be okay today?"

"Daniel, no." Hazel shakes her head, "I'm fine... and thank you again."

<<< It's been about an hour since Hazel dropped off her daughter behind the counter.  She made some noise for a diaper change, just as Hazel said she would, but she was quickly returned to her car seat.  They were in a little bit of a slump for the day and Hazel was off doing inventory while Daniel stayed behind the counter.  He was doing some work when he noticed the baby looking up at him.

She wasn't crying, but she didn't look like she was happy either.  Daniel remembered what Hazel said, that she was just trying to figure out who he was.  Daniel smiled down at her and introduced himself again.  "Hello, I'm Daniel.  But you probably can't say that yet, that's okay.  Do not fret.  Your mom brought you into work today, she works in a bookstore which is REALLY cool if you ask me.  Plus she's a super good worker and person, a lot better than me.  But I'm pretty sure she knows that already."

He got a little mouth twitch but not quite a full on smile so Daniel was determined.  "You know you look like your mom, I can see the family resemblance.  And it's hard for me to get on her good side too."  He smiled more to himself than to the teacup human.  "I can be a jerk face sometimes, wait shoot.  Should I say jerk in front of you? Probably not.  Meanie.  I can be a big meanie.  A not nice, if you will."

He scrunched down near the floor so that she could see him better, he didn't want to get in her face but he wanted to get more on her level.  "Your mom is very nice though.  I want you to know this.  I can already tell she's a good mom, which I'm sure you know.  But she's good outside of being a mom so try not to give her too much trouble.  I know it's a scary place out there but she'll make it better for you, I promise."

At this point she was chewing on her hand.  Daniel was on a mission now, he was going to get a smile out of her yet.  So he started making faces.  Started out with some eye squints, some tongue pointing, some peak-a-boos, honestly he was giving it his best.  He even brought out some noises to make.  FINALLY she broke down her cool reserve and gave a giggle.  It might have been a pity giggle, Daniel wasn't too sure but he accepted it none the less.

He excitedly jumped up in victory.  Even exclaiming "Yes!!"  That, however, startled Hazel and made her turn around from the other end of the store.  Daniel quickly defended himself.  "She's okay! I just got her to smile.  Sorry."  He quick looked like he was doing his work but he smiled down at the smol child who was still smiling up at him.  "You're lucky you're cute."  He joked, and right then and there he knew he would do anything for her.  Her and her mom.

[hazel-winters-blog]

The day had been slow thanks to the rain and after having mopped the floors and dusted the shelves, Hazel was left with nothing to do. There was only one customer now, lingering by the mystery novels and Hazel hated to hover over customers.

Instead she'd hover over someone who always acted like he hated her. Daniel. Bringing him a cup of coffee from the machine she'd fought tooth and nail for, Hazel leaned against the counter and looked at his book.

"What are you reading today?"

Daniel noticed the lack of customers today, he wanted to blame the newly installed coffee but knew it was helping them make more money.  Just like Hazel said it would. So he made himself comfortable in his little reading corner behind the counter.  No one was going to need him today so he knew he had a nice long reading time ahead of him.

He paused when he heard Hazel walk up to him.  Smiling as she set the cup down and asked him about his book, he held it up so she can read it.  "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  Have you read it?"

Hazel shook her head. "Nope. I saw the trailer for the movie... Didn't seem like it was my thing. What's it about?"

 He shrugged.  "To each their own.  I heard the book goes more in depth than the movie but isn't that always the case?"

"This journalist gets hired by this fancy business guy to find the killer of his niece.  Except it's a 40 year old cold case.  And then the journalist gets some help from this punk hacker girl who hates men.  I'm surprised it's not your thing, or is it just me you hate?"  he said with a smirk

"I suppose." Hazel agreed, taking a long sip of her coffee. "So which do you usually prefer? Books or movies?" She'd already made her guess as to which he'd like best, but she figured asking Daniel questions about himself was a way of keeping entertained during the rain.

"I don't like murder stories." She shuddered. "And who said I hated you? No. I just like happy movies. Or sad movies. I go for the emotional, I guess."

He laughed slightly at her question.  "Books definitely, in case that wasn't too obvious.  I don't know, there's something about physically holding it and interacting with them.  It makes you feel a part of the story you know?"  He looked up and gave her an honest smile.  "What about you?"

"Well if it makes you feel better it's supposed to have a good ending.  And the hacker girl comes from a pretty messed up family but she does good for herself.  But I get you, this and others can get pretty dark at times."  He shrugged and moved some of his shaggy hair out of his eyes.  "Come on, not even a little bit?  Well there can be happy murder movies.  Like most Disney movies have murder in it!  Bambi, mom gets murdered.  Sleeping Beauty, the witch lady gets murdered.  Tarzan, there was so much murder in that one!" snuri (snail yuri): "Promise not to fire me?" Hazel joked. "Movies. I do usually like book adaptations better, but I like watching movies. There's something to be said for the work that goes into making a story that will unfurl before you."

"Oh. Well that's good that it has a happy ending." Hazel laughed softly and scrunched up her nose. "Happy murder movies? Well, when you put it that way.... I should go home and hide them from- hide them."

He laughed and shook his head.  "I'm not gonna fire you for that.  Everyone has their own opinion.  But couldn't you say that it's even more to create it in your mind with your imagination?"

He looked a little confused but yet still playful.  "Hide them? Why would you hide them?"

"Maybe so." Hazel said, "But like you said, everyone is entitled to their opinion."

Hazel had slipped, but she wasn't sure she wanted to tell her boss about Jane just yet, even if she already had the job. She didn't want him complaining anytime she had to take a sick day to stay with her daughter, and so she smiled and shrugged nonchalantly. "So I won't watch them."  "Touche"

Daniel couldn't help but laugh.  "So now because you realized it has murder you aren't going to watch Disney ever again?  But more importantly why do you have Disney around your house?"

His laugh drew a smile to her own face immediately. "Maybe.... probably not. I love Bambi." She took another long gulp of coffee. "You're telling me you don't have Disney movies at your house?"  And there was her smile again.  The one that is TOTALLY not the best on the planet.

"Okay but on the scale of Disney, Bambi is pretty low on that.  Why would you watch Bambi when 101 Dalmatians is so much better?"  He shook his head.  "Nope.  Cramps my style.   I honestly don't have a tv in my house so makes it hard to watch Disney movies even if I wanted to."  "Bambi is nice! I mean, Bambi is no Beauty and the Beast but still. I'll take Bambi over the Dalmatians any day."

"You don't have a t.v.? Who's the hipster now?" She grinned, teasing.

"Okay I'll give you Beauty and the Beast, that is a classic.  But you're telling me you'd rather watch mourning over a dead dear than cute fun puppy times?  I thought you said you liked happy!"

He shrugged slightly, not wanting to look her in the eyes.  "Why bother? I wouldn't watch it anyways and it'll just sit there collecting dust."

 "It was always my favorite one. And hey, there's happy in Bambi! What about Thumper? Bambi is cute!"

"Ah, so you're one of those purists who think television is rotting our minds?" Hazel kept teasing the man

 "Mine too.  But there's more happy in 101 Dalmatians.  Like you cannot go wrong with that movie" He started playing with the book jacket in front of him.  He didn't want to get into his past.  Partly because he didn't think Hazel would care but he also didn't want special treatment.  "In part.  I just like reading or the radio more."

 "That's true. I know someone who just loves those puppies." Hazel agreed vaguely.

"Old man Daniel." Hazel smiled again. "I'll accept that answer." He grinned, happy to win this argument.  "Then they know I'm right!"

His smile dimmed down and he nodded.  Glad to be over that part of the conversation.  "So since you like movies, what's your favorite movie or all time?"

"Sure." She laughed, letting him win one for once.

"Probably The Princess Bride. It's romantic and quotable. What more can you ask for?"

[hazel-winters-blog]

Hazel removed her jacket as soon as she entered the shop, revealing an oversized and outdated band t-shirt underneath. She adjusted the glasses perched on her nose as if to dare Daniel to say something about her disheveled state before heading straight for her corner of the shop in search of coffee.

Daniel was sitting behind the corner doing financial books for the shop.  When Hazel walked in he didn't even pick up his head as he said "good morning."  He just knew it was her already.  But when she took off her jacket he knew something was different so he looked up and raised an eyebrow at her state.  He bounced behind her, seeing what he could do to tease her.  "Looks like someone had a fun night!"

Hazel started the coffee maker, sensing Daniel coming up behind her like some sort of grizzly bear about to maul his prey. Hazel shook her hair out, ignoring him until he started teasing her. In no mood to be teased after the baby's crying all night, she turned around and gave him a withering look. "Is that why you're so chipper this morning?"

As soon as Hazel shot him one of her deadly looks he hopped up on the table next to the coffee maker, trying to show he was not affected.  "There's just something in the air, wouldn't you say?"  He was being a little shit and he knew it to his core "You'd think it was Friday, considering this seems to be a swapped body situation. Never took you to be a grunge type of gal." he said with a cheeky grin

His hop on the table made it jiggle a bit, and she ignored that too as she prepared her favorite mug with sugar. "Are you high or something?" She was tempted to tell him it was a guy's. That wasn't exactly false, Harrison had lent her quite a few shirts when she'd first moved in with just the clothes on her back. And the surprise might knock the teasing grin out of Daniel's face, but she couldn't risk looking unprofessional. She really did need this job. Forcing herself to smile through her teeth, Hazel crossed her arms. "Never took you to be the fashion police."

 He shook his head while swinging his legs slightly.  "Not in the least, just in a curious mood.  That's all" With a small shrug he leaned in close and gave a wink.  "There's a lot you don't know about me."  Daniel was excited that he was getting under her skin more than normal and he wanted to play with it a little more.   "So what are you going to do when a customer comes in? Are you going to be as charming to them as you are to me this morning?  Because let me tell you I'm all for you finally snapping at them"

Hazel ignored his legs swinging, listening to the slow trickle of coffee being brewed instead. "Well this isn't a curiosity shop, it's a book shop. Shouldn't you be shelving some books?" Hazel shifted away when he moved in close, frowning slightly. She might have been able to handle his messing with her on another day, but not today. With a huff, she locked eyes with him. "I'm always fucking charming."

Daniel seriously considered her statement like the dweeb he is.  "I see what you're trying to say, but couldn't you argue that books are supposed to elicit some curiosity?  But I mean as far as curiosity shop goes I can simply make this one if you think that would make your day" His eyebrows shot up at her response.  He was not expecting that but he was impressed all the same.  "Oh you're just radiating charm now."   However he did feel a little bit bad, something was clearly off and as much as he'd like to think he's a dick he did have some heart in there.  "But seriously though you okay? You can take the day off if you need to"

She scowled, not patient enough to follow most of that with the splitting headache she was battling. "Since when are you concerned with making my day? Because I thought you were preoccupied with doing just the opposite." She was being rude now, she knew, but she couldn't stop herself. "Just taking a page from your book." She resisted the urge to yawn, rubbing her temples instead. She looked up, surprised to have him offer her the day off. The offer was tempting.... she could pick Jane up from her baby-sitter's house early and make sure they both got a decent nap. But she needed the hours if she wanted to move out of Harrison's place soon. "No, I need the hours.... Do you think I could leave a few hours early though?"

He shrugged slightly.  "Consider it more training for working here.  But seriously, I know what it's like to not have sleep and you are just a walking image of a sleepless night."   Daniel chuckled at her sass.  "Between you and me, the customers can use some of this to buck up a little.  You baby them too much" Daniel stood up off the table, now was not the time to be a little shit anymore.  "Yeah of course.  You can leave whenever you need to.  You think the coffee is going to get you through?"

She was surprised when his teasing tone suddenly turned concerned. She hadn't slept much last night and suddenly, Daniel's grouchiness was beginning to make more sense. "They're customers." She mumbled, less snarky already. "They're supposed to be babied." Hazel nodded, hoping the coffee would get her through. "Hey Daniel.... thanks."