Your kindness is never something to be sorry about.
[Haise thinks it best to be entirely frank about that, if only because he can see the state of his desk and the attention Olivia is getting are likely affecting her nerves. He shoots some of his co-workers some pointed glances, which at least gets them to be a little more discreet, though he doubts it'll stop them entirely.
Though she never seems aware of it herself, Olivia's an attractive woman. It's not so much a surprise that a few of his associates would take note, but they could certainly afford to be less rude about it.
If he'd done anything to discourage the attention, the tupperware on his desk has brought it back in force. For his part, Haise can't help looking at it, able to pick up the notes of coffee and something saccharine and deducing from there]
Ah...you didn't need to go to so much trouble for me.
It was a welcome distraction, [ she is quick to assure him, though the quiet note of her voice implies it is not entirely something she is proud of. perhaps it is true, and her attention and energy and resources might have been better spent elsewhere, doing more to help the mission along...
but for a while it had been nice to lose herself in the process of baking again. and the idea that it might be able to help one of their more capable members along certainly helped encourage her further. ]
Get to it when you can, of course. [ she fidgets in her spot, fingers idly working a yarn of her wool sweater loose from its stitching. the stares may not be entirely for her looks, but also for the look of her — all candy colors and loud patterns, and frayed edges. a sharp contrast to the man seated right before her. ]
I am not too sure of its recipe... It was my first time making it.
[ within the tupperware, of course, is a small, simple coffee loaf, peppered heavily with the very beans of the flavor he can tolerate. ]
[Haise spares another (relatively) sharp look toward one of his co-workers whose subtlety is quite lacking. Really, he's not sure if it's the difference of culture or era but the lack of discretion is something else. Whichever the case might be, he returns his attention to Olivia just in time to realize he, too, has been lacking in manners]
Oh- one moment.
[Excuse him while he springs to his feet and hurries off to collect a vacant chair. Soon enough he returns, stationing the chair right behind her]
There we go. Sorry about that; I should be more mindful.
[It's not just manners that Haise is taking into consideration though. He thinks if Olivia sits down and joins him, she'll be a bit less of a pillar among so many people in uniform, and perhaps she can feel a little more comfortable. Even in a police station, his guest ought to feel welcomed]
[ she looks flustered at the offer, which probably doesn't help either of them with the attention they've still retained... but as soon as she sits down, the lowered position does seem to help her blend in a little more... or, as much as she possibly can, at this rate. ]
You didn't have to... I really shouldn't be disturbing you when you're so busy, anyway.
Don't be silly. It's not as though I get visitors every day.
[Far from it, and usually he's being dispatched to the scene of some fresh hell breaking loose, or just camped out at his desk with his nose buried in files. The change of pace is refreshing, to say the least]
Could I trouble you to share some of this cake with me?
[He gestures at it, not that either of them have any other cakes to mistake it for]
Oh, is — [ her cheeks color, worry etching its way across her features as she drops her voice ] — is it too much? It's too much, isn't it? Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, I thought for sure if it was coffee-flavored, and with Sieglinde's pills and all, oh no...
Haise can only shake his head at this. Really, he'd swear it would take conscious effort to decline an offer so thoroughly if it were anything else]
I meant, if it's not too strong for you...would you have some with me?
[Enjoy the fruits of her labors and all that. Provided it's not so intense it'd be terrible for her. Practically all he can smell from it is coffee, after all]
[ she gives him a little wave as he goes, and though she knows he will only be gone for a minute at most, that small stretch of time alone finally allows her enough self-awareness to realize the attention her sudden visit has drawn. she glances around, feeling more and more self-conscious with each pair of eyes she meets.
by the time haise returns, she only looks relieved. ]
I didn't realize it would be so busy in here today...
[Although Haise wouldn't claim to be a particular fan of cubicles, he sort of wishes he has one simply so Olivia wouldn't have any curious glances directed her way. He can see the way they seem to affect her, but that only increases his determination to distract her from it.
When he returns, he makes a little show of brandishing one plastic fork]
We've been pretty occupied with the goings-on lately, so that's why we're all buzzing around like this.
I suppose that makes sense, [ she concedes. since he's already holding that fork, she takes up the one she'd brought along, tines poised over a section of the cake. though she is clearly waiting for him to take the first bite. ]
[Once Haise has reclaimed his seat, he wields his plastic fork to collect a modest bite of the cake for himself. He believes that Olivia will understand it hasn't anything to do with how he views her culinary ability — he always takes such cautious, dainty bites of food.
It remains surreal to him that he can indulge in things like this, even all this time later]
[ she watches him, her attention so rapt that it's quite obvious she is just as tentative and hopeful about this experience as he is. after letting him chew and swallow, she can no longer hold back her curiosity, leaning in with wide eyes. ]
[After being poked, prodded, and examined for weeks by Sieglinde, it's no longer something Haise notices quite as pointedly. Not that he isn't aware of the attention, yielding an embarrassed hunch of his shoulders, but it's far from something he minds.
He'd always been eager to see if his subordinates had liked what he prepared for them, too]
It's very good.
[And he's glad to be able to report that]
Pleasant texture...and I don't have to worry about knowing what it tastes like.
[A little humor at his own expense, there, but it's light]
[He can't help grinning in return; it's good to see Olivia look so happy]
Ah, if you wouldn't mind... I'd be happy to give it a go, myself.
[A pause, and his expression sobers just a little]
Though I'm sure it won't be quite the same as the original. [Different hands, after all] I'll have to see if I can come up with a good recipe to give you in return.
[ if she notices the shift in expression, she does not draw attention to it. ]
That would be lovely, Haise. [ here, she finally takes a bite of her own. the taste itself is quite sharp, having only just acquainted herself with coffee just recently, but she finds she does not particularly mind it. ]
We can make a routine of it~ [ like recipe-swapping buddies!
she helps herself to another bite before glancing around once more. ]
I should really leave you to your work now... I fear I've distracted you long enough. [ more like his coworkers, but... ]
[Haise casts a glance around, himself, although it's far from necessary. He collects another small bite of food with his fork, popping that into his mouth with a hum. It's honestly the first time he's been able to eat cake and actually taste what's in it, as someone else would.
Funny, how he'd never thought to try this.
Once he's finished, though, he sets his fork down to grab a post-it note and jot something down]
But a routine sounds nice... Let me start you off with something...
[His handwriting is tidy, though the small piece of paper only allows for so much room. It doesn't take him long to write out a recipe for something sweet and pink like someone he knows]
[ olivia leans over curiously when he begins to write, some of her long hair falling over a shoulder and onto his desk in the process. when he hands the small paper to her, she holds it between both hands like it were some sacred treasure just bestowed upon her person. ]
I don't know if I've ever had any, [ she confesses, still quite in awe. ] But I am excited to try them now!
[ she beams at him as she stands, carefully tucking the piece of paper into her little pouch. ]
Thank you, Haise! I will let you know as soon as I have.
[He says with a sunny smile, collecting his folders. Paperwork awaits his review, far more than he might've expected when he first got here. But the reports have been pouring in, between legitimate cases and fits of paranoia among the citizenry.
How strange to think it wasn't this bad back home]
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no subject
[Haise thinks it best to be entirely frank about that, if only because he can see the state of his desk and the attention Olivia is getting are likely affecting her nerves. He shoots some of his co-workers some pointed glances, which at least gets them to be a little more discreet, though he doubts it'll stop them entirely.
Though she never seems aware of it herself, Olivia's an attractive woman. It's not so much a surprise that a few of his associates would take note, but they could certainly afford to be less rude about it.
If he'd done anything to discourage the attention, the tupperware on his desk has brought it back in force. For his part, Haise can't help looking at it, able to pick up the notes of coffee and something saccharine and deducing from there]
Ah...you didn't need to go to so much trouble for me.
no subject
but for a while it had been nice to lose herself in the process of baking again. and the idea that it might be able to help one of their more capable members along certainly helped encourage her further. ]
Get to it when you can, of course. [ she fidgets in her spot, fingers idly working a yarn of her wool sweater loose from its stitching. the stares may not be entirely for her looks, but also for the look of her — all candy colors and loud patterns, and frayed edges. a sharp contrast to the man seated right before her. ]
I am not too sure of its recipe... It was my first time making it.
[ within the tupperware, of course, is a small, simple coffee loaf, peppered heavily with the very beans of the flavor he can tolerate. ]
no subject
[Haise spares another (relatively) sharp look toward one of his co-workers whose subtlety is quite lacking. Really, he's not sure if it's the difference of culture or era but the lack of discretion is something else. Whichever the case might be, he returns his attention to Olivia just in time to realize he, too, has been lacking in manners]
Oh- one moment.
[Excuse him while he springs to his feet and hurries off to collect a vacant chair. Soon enough he returns, stationing the chair right behind her]
There we go. Sorry about that; I should be more mindful.
[It's not just manners that Haise is taking into consideration though. He thinks if Olivia sits down and joins him, she'll be a bit less of a pillar among so many people in uniform, and perhaps she can feel a little more comfortable. Even in a police station, his guest ought to feel welcomed]
no subject
[ she looks flustered at the offer, which probably doesn't help either of them with the attention they've still retained... but as soon as she sits down, the lowered position does seem to help her blend in a little more... or, as much as she possibly can, at this rate. ]
You didn't have to... I really shouldn't be disturbing you when you're so busy, anyway.
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[Far from it, and usually he's being dispatched to the scene of some fresh hell breaking loose, or just camped out at his desk with his nose buried in files. The change of pace is refreshing, to say the least]
Could I trouble you to share some of this cake with me?
[He gestures at it, not that either of them have any other cakes to mistake it for]
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No, that's not it at all. But something like this is more than one person ought to hoard for himself, don't you think?
[Hell, some of his co-workers aren't subtle about watching the container from their desks, which only makes his point]
no subject
[ she deflates a little, cheeks still a bright, rosy hue. ]
But I made it for you...
[ she glances around, and only now does she seem to notice the stares they've accumulated. rather, the stares towards the cake. ]
But — if you'd like to share it with others, I'm sure it will be fine as well...! [ it. might be too coffee-y though...
anyway, point—
—olivia's head. ]
no subject
Haise can only shake his head at this. Really, he'd swear it would take conscious effort to decline an offer so thoroughly if it were anything else]
I meant, if it's not too strong for you...would you have some with me?
[Enjoy the fruits of her labors and all that. Provided it's not so intense it'd be terrible for her. Practically all he can smell from it is coffee, after all]
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—Oh, you mean... you mean to share with me?
[ yes... sharing... as friends do.
well in that case— ]
I would love to...! I'm afraid I only brought one fork, however...
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Please be kinder to yourself Olivia]
Don't worry about that; we've got some in the break room.
[Right back up to his feet, gesturing at the room in question]
I'll be right back.
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by the time haise returns, she only looks relieved. ]
I didn't realize it would be so busy in here today...
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When he returns, he makes a little show of brandishing one plastic fork]
We've been pretty occupied with the goings-on lately, so that's why we're all buzzing around like this.
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I suppose that makes sense, [ she concedes. since he's already holding that fork, she takes up the one she'd brought along, tines poised over a section of the cake. though she is clearly waiting for him to take the first bite. ]
I hope you aren't working yourself too hard...
no subject
[Once Haise has reclaimed his seat, he wields his plastic fork to collect a modest bite of the cake for himself. He believes that Olivia will understand it hasn't anything to do with how he views her culinary ability — he always takes such cautious, dainty bites of food.
It remains surreal to him that he can indulge in things like this, even all this time later]
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...What do you think?
no subject
He'd always been eager to see if his subordinates had liked what he prepared for them, too]
It's very good.
[And he's glad to be able to report that]
Pleasant texture...and I don't have to worry about knowing what it tastes like.
[A little humor at his own expense, there, but it's light]
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Ah! Is it truly? Oh, I had hoped it would be.
[ she bounces a little in her seat, her muted form of a victory dance. ]
I've said the recipe on a piece of paper, should you ever wish to make it for yourself one day. [ hashtag baking buddies... ]
no subject
Ah, if you wouldn't mind... I'd be happy to give it a go, myself.
[A pause, and his expression sobers just a little]
Though I'm sure it won't be quite the same as the original. [Different hands, after all] I'll have to see if I can come up with a good recipe to give you in return.
no subject
That would be lovely, Haise. [ here, she finally takes a bite of her own. the taste itself is quite sharp, having only just acquainted herself with coffee just recently, but she finds she does not particularly mind it. ]
We can make a routine of it~ [ like recipe-swapping buddies!
she helps herself to another bite before glancing around once more. ]
I should really leave you to your work now... I fear I've distracted you long enough. [ more like his coworkers, but... ]
no subject
[Haise casts a glance around, himself, although it's far from necessary. He collects another small bite of food with his fork, popping that into his mouth with a hum. It's honestly the first time he's been able to eat cake and actually taste what's in it, as someone else would.
Funny, how he'd never thought to try this.
Once he's finished, though, he sets his fork down to grab a post-it note and jot something down]
But a routine sounds nice... Let me start you off with something...
[His handwriting is tidy, though the small piece of paper only allows for so much room. It doesn't take him long to write out a recipe for something sweet and pink like someone he knows]
I hope you like tea cakes.
no subject
I don't know if I've ever had any, [ she confesses, still quite in awe. ] But I am excited to try them now!
[ she beams at him as she stands, carefully tucking the piece of paper into her little pouch. ]
Thank you, Haise! I will let you know as soon as I have.
no subject
[He says with a sunny smile, collecting his folders. Paperwork awaits his review, far more than he might've expected when he first got here. But the reports have been pouring in, between legitimate cases and fits of paranoia among the citizenry.
How strange to think it wasn't this bad back home]
Thank you again for the cake.
no subject
[ and she knows he knows she means it. ]