Candy, Hearts and Interviews

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

The months following Erin's abduction had been stressful at best. She'd been brought in for questioning more times than she could remember and had been hooked up with a therapist. Most people didn't get kidnapped and then try and find services to help their captors with their obvious psychological problems, but the therapist didn't seem to think she was a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, which Erin was relieved about. Not that she thought she might have it, but she feared what services she might be pushed into accepting if she did. She felt fine, really. The worst was that feeling that someone was there in the dark. That was something she had a hard time shaking, and had even come to keeping her bedside lamp on at night. She placed a lower wattage bulb in so it wouldn't disturb her as much when she slept, but she liked that if she woke she could easily see all around her. Molly had been affected by the ordeal as well. Erin found the girl seemed more anxious and she did what she could to retain some semblance of normalcy for her child. They did everything they normally did, keeping their routines the same but maybe both being a little more cautious. Erin had gained back some of the weight she'd lost while under Kurt's care, but she was still looking thin and tired these days, her only real battle scar.

Cal had made a point of coming in daily still. She'd taken some time off right after the kidnapping under Cora's insistence, and since she was being paid anyway, she decided to accept her cousin's kindness. But since she'd been back at the bakery, Cal was making daily calls, usually around the time Molly was getting home. In fact, he'd taken it upon himself to bring the girl home a few times a week, something she knew Molly enjoyed, but deep down made her a little uncomfortable. What happened when Cal wasn't in their lives anymore? It was the very reason she didn't date. She didn't want Molly getting close to anyone that wasn't a permanent fix in her life, but Cal did make her feel safe and for that Erin was truly grateful for his becoming a staple in her life. She figured by high school Molly wouldn't want him hanging around anyway, or so she thought. Chances were he wouldn't lose complete interest before then, not with the way he was coming by still.

It was Valentine's Day, one of the busier days of the year. People had been coming in and out all day buying pastries to share with loved ones that evening. Cora was busy in the back filling orders and Erin was out front taking orders as usual. When Cal came in she didn't even notice him since he hung back and let the customers get their things. He stayed mostly out of sight until the last customer finally left, which was when he approached the counter. She gave him her usual forced smile and turned away. "What's it going to be today? And don't say red velvet! We're running a little low on those." She turned back around and placed the coffee on the counter, his usual, before looking up into his dark eyes. "You're early today." She noted, moving to the case and pulling out the strawberry cupcake for him, another one they were starting to run short on. "Molly has a card for you. She insisted, so maybe you could stop by when she's home? Or she can just give it to you tomorrow. We both know you'll be here anyway." She teased, having warmed up to him considerably since the incident with Kurt.

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Cal didn’t worry about most people. In fact, he considered himself something of a misanthrope, only harboring love for his family. But there were exceptions to every rule and Erin O’Brien was quickly becoming one of them—to every rule. Cal didn’t get involved in the personal lives of his cases more than necessary, he didn’t let cases get under his skin, and he didn’t play watchdog. It was his job to protect people, but more in a general sense than a personal one. If he didn’t follow these codes of conduct, Cal knew he would lose his mind and quite possibly his job, a job he had been working hard at for over twenty years. Twenty years! And then one woman comes along and throws out his entire rule book. Well…one woman and her daughter. At first he had tried to use Molly as his excuse, that he wanted to protect her because she was so young, and he wanted to protect her mother because she needed her; it made sense for a while. But as the days wore on and his visits continued once in the afternoon to walk Molly from the bus stop and once when they closed the shop to make sure they got home safe, Cal realized he was slowly coming to look forward to seeing Erin. He still ate his sweets in the shop rather than take them back to the precinct, but as he ate, he would find himself watching Erin busy herself behind the counter. Well, when she wasn’t chatting with him. And he would steal glimpses of her smile and find when he was in a bad mood, that smile could cheer him up. He had to resist the urge to make himself more presentable—all that would accomplish would be to make Erin more suspicious.

After several weeks of insisting to himself that he was just worried about her because of her ordeal, that they were friends, that she had been through much more than anyone ever should, he had to face the facts. Cal had a crush on Erin. It made him miserable for days after he finally acknowledged the truth. At thirty-eight, he thought he was officially crush-proof. What kind of a loser has crushes at thirty-eight? He took out his frustration on his employees, his usual practice, but it only left him more miserable. It also made his palms sweat whenever he saw Erin over the next several days. Outwardly he remained the same pain in the ass he always had been to her, but he strove to make her smile more. This realization of course had to come near Valentine’s Day and for weeks beforehand he considered if he should do anything for her at all. Would she even want him to do something for her? He could definitely get Molly some candy, but even she would catch on if he produced something for her mother. He could play it off like he was just being nice after all they had been through together; it would be easy enough. But then…did he really want to play it off? Didn’t he want to give the gesture to hint at his feelings for her? Would she return them? Could he be okay putting himself out there and risking her rejection? No…He hated making a fool of himself, especially with women. But…he couldn’t just let it lie. Not when she was having an effect on him that he hadn’t felt in years.

So he decided to get her chocolates and flowers. It made him anxious and ornery to think about how he would give them to her, second guessing his decision about five hundred times over the next couple weeks. The only thing that distracted him was work. The day before Valentine’s Day, even that couldn’t distract him from Erin O’Brien. Why? Because the media was full of assholes. Some reporter had been approved to interview Kurt Steubenfeld. Cal didn’t know the scope of the story, but he didn’t have to know it. Erin deserved to know and after months of pushing away the media, Cal wondered if this would reopen her wounds. He didn’t like it and it put a cloud over all his plans for the following day. She should hear it from him, but God did he wish he didn’t have to do it. Would she want to give her own interview? Any statement? Cal hated the thought that it would set back her recovery. It was hard enough to make her gain back some weight, but to do more psychological damage…he’d do anything to keep it from happening.

Cal walked to the bakery with a heavy mind. He had flowers hidden inside his heavy coat, two boxes of chocolate concealed as well. There was sweat on his palms again and he had to keep his stomach from jumping into his throat. Fear of rejection was as heavy on him as having to break this bad news. With a heavy sigh, he walked into view of the plate glass windows at the front of the store. He slipped into the busy store, watching as Erin sorted through the throng of customers with a constant smile. She was stressed and he could tell. He took a seat, waiting for the crowd to thin out, taking the opportunity to admire Erin from a distance. Fuck, he was almost as creepy as Steubenfeld. He didn’t admire her as much after that thought popped in his mind. Finally the last customer was up to the counter and Cal snuck into line behind him. As soon as she was done with him, Erin looked at Cal with her usual forced smile. “What’s it going to be today? And don’t say red velvet! We’re running low on those.” She poured his coffee as he offered a playfully hurt look. “Why do you crush my dreams?” His eyes darted to the case and saw some delicious pink cupcakes. “I guess I go with strawberry. Since it’s Valentine’s Day.” Erin moved to get it for him, leaving his coffee on the counter. “You’re early today.” Was he? He checked his watch and noticed his nervousness had forced him out of the precinct ahead of schedule. “Molly has a card for you. She insisted, so maybe you could stop by when she’s home? Or she can just give it to you tomorrow. We both know you’ll be here anyway.” She gave him a teasing smile and Cal returned it with his own lopsided one. He’d be there, but for more reasons than she knew. “I don’t mind waiting. I have something for her too. Plus, we should talk about something.” The look she gave him made his heart sink and he nodded towards the back. Erin called for Cora, who appeared from the back and gave a kind greeting to Cal before taking over the front.

Once in the back, Cal took a seat opposite Erin, hoping she wouldn’t hear the soft crinkling under his coat when he sat and made himself comfortable. Clearing his throat, he rested his hands on the table and made eye contact with her big doe eyes. “A reporter from L.A. got an interview with Steubenfeld. I wanted to let you know before this reporter got in touch with you, which they’ll probably try to do. You don’t have to talk to them and I can help with that if you want me to. Or you can talk to the reporter and tell them whatever you’re comfortable with. I just…want you to know I’m here to help either way.” It was hard to fight back the nervous blush that was creeping towards his cheeks. He just didn’t want to hurt her with this news. His eyes stayed fixed on her, watching her reaction.

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

“I don’t mind waiting. I have something for her too." She knew he would wait for Molly. The two had some sort of weird relationship, as if they connected on some weird level that Erin herself just couldn't understand. There was a time she would be annoyed by this, but she expected it these days so it didn't even seem to phase her. "Plus, we should talk about something.” She looked at him suspiciously, her eyes narrowing a little. That didn't sound promising at all. If it were good news he wouldn't have said it like that. Cal gave a nod to the back and Erin sighed, throwing a hand on her hip before turning towards the room that led to the back. "Cora? You got a few?" Her cousin wrapped up whatever she was doing and came out the back, wiping her hands on a cute floral apron that Erin knew she'd made at some point, pink frosting staining the garment and her hands. Cora greeted Cal a lot more pleasantly than Erin ever did and she offered the woman a playful sort of teasing look, wrinkling her nose for being so nice to Cal all the time. It was practically a joke between them how mean she could be to the cop who had invaded her world, but truth was Erin had softened considerably towards him after the Kurt fiasco. She knew he'd done everything to save her, even though on some level he had been the reason Kurt had snapped. It was neither mans fault, just a perfect storm of crazy and she held no grudges.

Once they got to the back Erin fell into a chair and leaned back, crossing her hands on her stomach as Cal took a seat. Was his jacket crinkling? She brushed it off, not giving it much thought. What business was it of hers if his jacket was noisy? The man cleared his throat and she cocked a brow at him, waiting for the bad news to be laid out. “A reporter from L.A. got an interview with Steubenfeld." Erin's lips pursed slightly at this news. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but she expected it to come later for some stupid reason. She hated all the publicity this had accrued, at least on a personal level. It had been surprisingly good for business. "I wanted to let you know before this reporter got in touch with you, which they’ll probably try to do. You don’t have to talk to them and I can help with that if you want me to. Or you can talk to the reporter and tell them whatever you’re comfortable with." Erin sighed and leaned forward, running a hand through her long dark hair as she hunched over the table a little. This wasn't what she wanted to hear, and she now understood why he wanted to do this in private. "I just…want you to know I’m here to help either way.” Her eyes peaked up at him and she could see the warmth rising in his cheeks. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Had he been involved in this in some way? He looked moderately anxious, not something common in the hard ass police captain.

"Thanks for the heads up." Her fingers clasped together and she reached her arms out across the table, resting her head on her outstretched arms and watching Cal from her spot across from him. "I didn't expect this to blow up." She'd said those words at least a dozen times since the media exploded around her case, mostly to Cal, who seemed to understand. It was what she said to help cope with the situation at hand. "You look a little uncomfortable." She accused, giving him one of her dubious looks again. "You wouldn't have had anything to do with this, would you?" She accused, knowing simply by the way he looked at her that he had not, but his words confirmed what she expected him to say. She nodded and sat up again, leaning back once more. Erin sighed and let her head fall back over the head rest of the chair, her eyes up at the ceiling as her hair cascaded along the back of the chair, her chest heaved slightly. She let out a long groan and then sighed. "This is seriously a nightmare." She sat back up and pouted at Cal. "Don't you ever have any good news for me?"

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Erin’s eyes came to his and Cal noted the suspicious look she gave him. It only made his cheeks feel hotter, a sensation that made him want to punch something. He hated having a thing for anyone for this very reason. “Thanks for the heads up.” Cal gave a stiff nod, the corners of his mouth turning up in a slightly strained smile. Erin’s arms stretched across the table like a cat towards him and he sat back a little, not sure what she was doing. Her head rested on her arms, her big doe eyes still on his. “I didn’t expect this to blow up.” He knew she didn’t—she’d said it plenty of times over the last several months. Cal, on the other hand, had been continuously expecting it to get to this point—the point where some journalist got an interview. Now it was finally coming to a head and all he could do was try to keep things under control as best as he could, if only for Erin’s sake. “You look a little uncomfortable.” Cal’s eyebrows rose as his hazel eyes strove for innocence as Erin’s eyes bore dubiously into his. “You wouldn’t have had anything to do with this, would you?” Now his eyebrows knit together and lowered over his big eyes, giving Erin an incredulous look. “No. Why would I be the one responsible for this now when for months I’ve been beating reporters off with a stick?” Erin seemed satisfied with his answer and sat back once more. A heavy sigh left her as her head draped over the back of the chair, looking up at the ceiling. Cal tried not to stare too much. He was captivated by the shape of her chin, her long, white throat…he needed to stop. Swallowing hard, he ran a hand over his short graying hair. Her groan made him look back tentatively, afraid his stupid libido would come back into play.

“This is seriously a nightmare.” She sat back up and the pout she offered him actually made him smile a little. As if she and her daughter didn’t look enough alike already, now it was like she was striving to look more like the young girl. “Don’t you ever have any good news for me?” And here was his chance! This was his chance to be the good guy for once. With a nonchalant shrug, he leaned back and started to open his coat. The crinkling was more obvious this time and he almost laughed at the look Erin gave him. “I don’t think so. Unless you count presents as good news.” He produced the bouquet of big yellow roses and tiny red tea roses sprinkled with baby’s breath from inside his coat along with the two boxes of chocolates he’d been storing in there. Erin’s surprised face made him grin as he placed the goods on the table between them. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” She was always so suspicious, even over presents, clear from the look she gave him. “Jesus, they aren’t poisoned. They’re for you. Well, actually, one of those boxes of chocolate is for Molly when she gets here.” He left off the part that he was going to encourage Molly to eat half the box before bed, just to give Erin a hard time. Not that it would be a serious suggestion, but he’d love to laugh at the scolding he’d get. “I figured you could use some cheering up and these made me think of you. Because they’re pretty and um…” It was a strangely intimate confession that he thought of Erin when they were apart and it threw him off. He cleared his throat to buy some time to think of how to finish what he was saying. Shit, why did he have to say they were pretty? He scratched the scruff on his jaw and fought the blush rising once again to his cheeks. “Anyway, happy Valentine’s Day.” His eyes looked up to Erin’s face, but he couldn’t read her expression. It was just as well. She thanked him and he gave a strained smile as he nodded. He was going to spend the rest of his life alone because of his awkwardness. Why was that just seeming like a problem now?

As Erin took her flowers, Cal watched for any sign of her happiness with the gift. For a brief moment he was certain the smile she gave was genuine pleasure and he held onto it hopefully. She liked the gifts—it was a relief and even a point of pride. Clearing his throat again, he sat forward once more and clasped his hands in front of him on the table. “So here’s the way I see this interview going. If you don’t provide an interview, the story could give a completely sympathetic focus on Steubenfeld and possibly make it seem like you were leading him on. It depends on how Steubenfeld spins it. Or it could completely demonize him as a psychopath. If you do provide an interview, your opinion on the situation is put on the table. They could paint you as a victim, an advocate for Steubenfeld, a mix of both, or someone with Stockholm syndrome. That depends on how you would spin it. Giving an interview gives you more control over the voice of the piece and you only have to tell them as much as you’re comfortable with saying. Staying silent keeps your privacy and allows the writer to do whatever they want with the information Steubenfeld gives them.” His eyes focused on hers, his voice cool and matter-of-fact, but not unfeeling. He had been through this conversation with victims before and the answer varied from person to person and situation to situation. With Erin, he obviously more invested. “I can get the reporter’s contact information and give it to you or reach out on your behalf. However you want to handle this.” He lowered his chin somewhat, giving Erin a questioning and concerned look. “You need time to think about it?”

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

Cal shrugged and leaned back, opening his coat which was crinkling. Why was his coat crinkling? Her brow raised and she watched him with a serious curiosity. “I don’t think so. Unless you count presents as good news.” Her eyes widened in surprise and her lips parted slightly as he pulled out flowers. She couldn't remember the last time a boy got her flowers. Boy.. Cal was certainly not a boy. Had it been that long? It had. He extracted two boxes of chocolate with it and she wondered how he'd managed to hide all that under his coat. It was like Mary Poppins purse up in there! “Happy Valentine’s Day.” She stared at the presents in shock and then up at Cal. He had gotten her flowers and chocolate. It just seemed so foreign to her and she was more surprised than anything else, and didn't know how to react. “Jesus, they aren’t poisoned. They’re for you. Well, actually, one of those boxes of chocolate is for Molly when she gets here.” She smiled a little at the poisoned comment, looking down at the flowers and feeling strangely warm towards the man who had given them to her. It was a nice gesture, especially after everything they'd been through lately.

Erin reached for the flowers and picked them up, bringing them closer to her face to smell them. They were really pretty, and smelled wonderful. Odd that a guy like Cal could pick such pretty flowers. Probably got some help from whoever he got them from. “I figured you could use some cheering up and these made me think of you. Because they’re pretty and um…” Her brow raised again and a mischievous sort of smirk curled her lips up at his unintentional compliment. Cal cleared his throat and looked embarrassed at best and she had to try not to laugh at him for his reaction to his little faux pas. “Anyway, happy Valentine’s Day.” She was still grinning a little, the flowers playfully at her nose as she smelled them. "Thank you, this is sweet." She said gently, not reading anymore into it than necessary. He gave a strained sort of smile and nodded. "Molly will love the candy." She continued, trying to sound grateful, something she wasn't great at.

Cal cleared his throat again and Erin knew their moment was over. Part of her was a little sad, finding it strange how much she liked that soft side of Cal. She didn't get to see it often and it was nice. He sat forward and clasped his hands together on the table and Erin sighed gently, placing the flowers down as she braced herself for Cal to get all business once more. “So here’s the way I see this interview going." He explained and Erin listened, her eyes occasionally moving to the flowers. She had a hard time focusing entirely on what he was saying, still trying to sort out why he would get her flowers. Was it a friendly gesture or something more? They were friends, weren't they? Maybe he felt obligated because she was a girl. She didn't like that and never had. Erin wasn't the type of girl to demand flowers and candy from a guy and she didn't think she came off that way. Had cal mistaken her for that and thought he should? She knew she was reading into it like she had told herself not to, but it was hard not to. “I can get the reporter’s contact information and give it to you or reach out on your behalf. However you want to handle this.” Her eyes were trained on him and her lips pursed. She didn't want to take the interview, but she didn't want the actual story skewed, either. In the end she knew she really had no choice. Like it or not, the public wanted to know and she was obligated to tell the truth if she wanted it told at all. Who knew what Kurt would say? “You need time to think about it?” Erin shook her head. "No, this won't go away. It's better to do it now and counter whatever Kurt says than to put it off any longer. I'll just get it over with, but the next time I might have to say no. We'll see." She leaned back again, reaching out and stroking one of the flowers, her eyes on them as her lips remained tight, considering what she'd just agreed to. "So will I get presents every time you have bad news or is today special?" She asked, teasing though it was obvious she was still peeved about the whole interview thing. "Because if this is going to become habit I can tell you my favorite candy." She smiled a little, trying to lighten the mood, more for her sake really than his.

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Cal sighed as Erin shook her head, ready for her answer. "No, this won't go away. It's better to do it now and counter whatever Kurt says than to put it off any longer. I'll just get it over with, but the next time I might have to say no. We'll see." He nodded, looking down at the flowers and pondering how best to handle this interview. Would he be allowed to go? Would he even be wanted? Probably not. It wasn’t like he was her boyfriend or anything. Just thinking that made him suspicious that Erin could hear his thoughts and his hazel eyes darted to her face again. She was gazing thoughtfully at the flowers and when he looked down again, he saw her stroking the petals of a rose absentmindedly. It was brave of her to agree to speak about her experiences. She was the kind of person who liked to keep herself to herself and lead a normal life—like him. But by going public with her story, she was putting her private struggle out for the world to see. That was hard to do and he admired her for it.

Suddenly her eyes were on him and his eyebrows rose curiously. "So will I get presents every time you have bad news or is today special?" Cal smiled, amused at her question. "Because if this is going to become habit I can tell you my favorite candy." He chuckled, sipping his coffee finally. As he swallowed, he lowered his cup from his lips, but left it hovering near, his eyebrow rising as he gave her a curious look from above the cup. “What is it?” he asked. She answered and he nodded with a thoughtful frown. “That could be valuable information. In case I ever need to bribe you. Or beg your forgiveness.” Her response drew a genuine smile from him, one that spread across his face and relaxed his gently wrinkled brow. It was a rare sight, but Erin drew out a lot of rare qualities in him, he found. That was one of the many reasons why he liked her as much as he did. “But will the flowers suffice this time in place of your favorite candy?” She assured him they did and he nodded with an almost warm smile. “Good.” He was glad she liked the flowers. It made him want to do more things she liked. Like take her out to have dinner at a restaurant she liked…His eyes looked into hers as he leaned in a little, his brow furrowing softly with interest. “What other kind of food do you like?” He’d never asked, but he was really curious now. Could food be something he could use as an excuse to invite her out? His palms dampened at just the thought of asking her out. This time, however, the butterflies in his stomach weren’t so bad. They were actually kinda nice…He nodded as Erin answered, starting to think this was a great idea. Even if he didn’t ask her out on a date now, at least he knew what kind of food she liked!

She turned the question on him, but before he could answer, the sound of Molly’s voice rang out from the store. “Hi Auntie Cora! Is Mom in the back?”[/b] Cora answered yes and Molly’s quick footsteps drew Cal’s eyes to the gangly girl that appeared in the doorway. Her green eyes widened, a big smile spreading on her face. “Hey Cal! Did you come early?”[/b] He sat back and smiled wide. “Yes I did. And I came bearing gifts.” Molly’s eyes widened a little more, her smile growing bigger in excitement. Cal grabbed one of the boxes of chocolate and held it out to the girl with a warm smile. “Happy Valentine’s, kiddo.” Molly almost bounced forward, taking the box of chocolate with a huge smile and a brief, uncertain glance at her mom. There was a time when Erin might have denied him the chance to give her daughter a gift, but it appeared she was past that. Instead she gave her okay to the present and Molly grinned at Cal. “Thanks, Cal!”[/b] she chirped before throwing her arms around his shoulders. He chuckled a little, giving her a squeeze before releasing her and smiling up at her from his seat. “I have something for you too!”[/b] She slid her backpack off one shoulder and unzipped it, digging through the bag to find what she was looking for. Cal sat patiently, watching Molly with a laidback, patient smile before glancing over at Erin and catching her gaze. He wondered if she was okay with this gift giving. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand why she was so protective of Molly, it was just that he was eager to prove he could be trusted with the girl. And for once, he didn’t want to upset someone by overstepping his boundaries.

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

He chuckled and she grinned just a bit more, looking down at the flowers. “What is it?” he asked. Her brow quirked up giving him an amused, curious look as the corner of her lips did the the same. "Ferrero rocher." She answered in an almost teasing voice. Cal nodded and gave a thoughtful sort of look which actually made her smile. He was going to use that against her. With the amount of bad news he liked to deliver, she might be swimming in the candy which meant joining a gym! “That could be valuable information. In case I ever need to bribe you. Or beg your forgiveness.” She rolled her eyes. "I'm not sure if you knowing that is good or bad news yet." She teased and got a genuine smile in return. “But will the flowers suffice this time in place of your favorite candy?” She wasn't sure how she felt about him knowing her favorite candy, but nodded anyway. "Flowers suffice." She told him with a nod. “Good.” "Really, presents aren't necessary, though." He shrugged it off and she was about to go one when he continued his questions. “What other kind of food do you like?” Now she was growing suspicious. Was he trying to get to know her? Lord knew he spent enough time around her. Made sense he would be interested in her likes and dislikes with the weird sort of friendship they'd developed. She did give him free cupcakes now and then, and coffee. "Just about anything Italian." She answered, and it was true. She could eat Italian probably every night of the week. "What about you?" She shot back, but before he could answer Molly came into the shop and they both grew distracted as her voice rang through the bakery.

“Hey Cal! Did you come early?” Erin was trying like crazy to understand the friendship they'd managed to whip up. What was it about Cal that drew Molly in so much? He was bitter and didn't smile much, except to Molly of course which was one of the biggest reasons she was uncomfortable with their relationship. She'd stepped back a bit lately, though. He wasn't getting creepy and their relationship seemed innocent. Molly trusted him wholeheartedly and Erin needed to try and do the same. It wasn't easy, though. She didn't want her child befriending grown men, even if she did remind him of his nieces on the other side of the country. Maybe it was because the kid didn't have a male figure to look up to and now that one was giving her the time of day she grasped onto him. Maybe, Erin though, she should consider dating..

“Yes I did. And I came bearing gifts. Happy Valentine’s, kiddo.” Erin smiled at the genuine excitement in Molly's eyes as he handed her the candy. Erin didn't often give her candy, not with working in the bakery. As it was the kid got too many sweets! “Thanks, Cal!” she chirped before throwing her arms around his shoulders. “I have something for you too!” Cal was enjoying all of this, she could see it in his eyes. He liked the attention from Molly as much as Molly like the attention from him. For years she kept her guard up, it was difficult to let it down now. Molly produced the Valentine she'd made for her police friend and Erin sat quietly overseeing them interact. Cal looked over once and she knew by the way he looked that he was wondering if she was okay with all of this. Hell, she was wondering if she was okay with all of this. Molly produced one of the handmade Valentine's she'd been working on all week and handed it off to Cal. It was glittery and red with pink paper lace around the edge and a handwritten message in the center. She kept it simple, using glitter paint to write Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Molly. Attached was a bag with four hearts shaped cookies inside, cookies she and Molly had baked last night. They had pink icing and white icing letters on them. One with an L, an O, a V and an E. Having been in her bag the cookies looked well smashed, all of them broken and crumbs everywhere. "Sorry, one of my books smashed it, but they're still good, I promise!" Cal seemed grateful and Molly beamed with delight, her hazel eyes turning to her. "Can I have some of the candy now?" Her lips pushed out as she gave a puppy dog look and Erin pursed her lips in return, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Three pieces, that's it. Then it's homework, deal?" Her eyes lit up and she moved to the back of the bakery to do as she was told, yelling "Deal!" on her way. Erin wondered how much longer she would have this sweet innocent girl before adolescence changed her.

"No one's ever given her a real box of chocolate like that before." She explained to Cal, feeling mixed about all of this. "She really looks up to you, yah know.." Erin sighed. She didn't talk about this sort of thing often, her eyes moving to watch Molly pop a piece of candy in her mouth before unzipping her book bag. "She never complains, but I know she wishes she had a dad. I wish she had a dad.. I wish things didn't happen the way they did, but they did, and I'm glad I have her." She turned back to Cal giving him a hard look. It wasn't easy for her to open up, especially to someone who wasn't Cora or Julie. "I think she pretends you're her dad sometimes. Just.. be careful with that. I know you don't want to hurt her, but I don't know if you realize how much she's built you up in her mind. For whatever reason that kid loves you." Love was a strong word, but she knew that's what it was. Molly had mentioned having Cal over for dinner or to watch a movie before, but Erin had told her no, that he wasn't that sort of friend. Inviting him into their home just seemed alien to her. She rarely had company, especially in the form of men. "I've spent a lifetime protecting her, but I can't protect her from getting her feelings hurt by you or anyone else she attaches herself to." Her message was loud and clear. She didn't need to make threats, because she knew Cal was a smart enough man to know what he would lose if he were to hurt her child, even accidentally.

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Erin didn’t stop Cal and Molly’s exchange, so he assumed she was okay with it. His hazel eyes looked back to the little girl in front of him just as she produced a handmade Valentine. It was red with pink paper lace and a healthy serving of glitter. In glitter paint, she’d written Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Molly. Below it was attached a plastic bag with four big heart-shaped cookies inside that spelled the word LOVE. They were smashed along the edges, but the message was clear. Cal grinned from ear to ear in probably the biggest genuine smile he’d shown to either of the girls beside him. “Sorry, one of my books smashed it, but they’re still good, I promise!”[/i] Cal gave a soft chuckle, looking up from the heartwarming Valentine to the sweet girl who made it. “This is great. Thank you, Molls.” He reached out his arms and Molly stepped right into their grasp. The last time he’d received a homemade Valentine, he’d still been in Boston and his nieces and nephews had showered him with them. Getting one from Molly reminded him of the warmth and comfort of home, something that he’d been missing for some time. When their brief hug ended, Molly turned to Erin and asked for some of her candy. Cal smiled at the look Molly gave her mother and look Erin gave in return. “Three pieces, that’s it. Then it’s homework, deal?” Molly looked triumphant as she rushed off to the next room to start unloading her backpack and enjoying her treats, calling out, “Deal!”[/i] Just witnessing the exchange made Cal feel like part of the family, but he knew he didn’t need to get his hopes up with thoughts like that.

He turned back to Erin, who also turned her doe eyes back to him. "No one's ever given her a real box of chocolate like that before. She really looks up to you, yah know…” Cal nodded with a mildly nervous look. He knew the kid looked up to him, but it was still hard to imagine why. He’d never really understood why kids tended to like him so much. "She never complains, but I know she wishes she had a dad. I wish she had a dad…I wish things didn't happen the way they did, but they did, and I'm glad I have her." Cal swallowed hard, holding Erin’s hard gaze as she continued. Did…did Erin want him to be more of a dad to Molly? "I think she pretends you're her dad sometimes. Just…be careful with that. I know you don't want to hurt her, but I don't know if you realize how much she's built you up in her mind. For whatever reason that kid loves you." Cal hesitated before he glanced over at the girl popping chocolate in her mouth. She loved him…she wished he was her dad…while it terrified him on some level…on another level it made him incredibly happy. He never wanted to let her down, but he couldn’t help but be scared of doing so. Erin was only reminding him of that fear. But he was willing to try and be everything Molly thought he was—he wanted to live up to her expectations. She was a good kid and he knew he was lucky to have her affection. "I've spent a lifetime protecting her, but I can't protect her from getting her feelings hurt by you or anyone else she attaches herself to." Erin’s message was loud and clear and Cal’s eyes lighted on her once more. She was a mama bear protecting her cub and Cal could only respect her for that. He held her gaze with all of the seriousness he could muster. “You have every right to worry, Erin. That’s what keeps your daughter safe. But you should know I have no intention of ever hurting her…because I love her too.” His eyes fell shyly from Erin’s as he glanced over at Molly again. “I know that’s weird for a full grown man to love a kid that’s not his or even part of his family. And I understand your suspicion that I’m some kind of child molester or have some other ulterior motive. I think parents should worry about that stuff in this day and age. I see it all the time in my line of work.” His eyes came back to Erin’s, calm and honest. “But maybe someday you’ll believe me when I tell you I have no motive. Molly’s just a good kid who has made me see the bright side for the first time since I came here from Boston. I’m flattered she sees me as a father figure. I hope I never let her down in that regard and you can be sure I’ll be careful with that. Truth is, I’d be incredibly lucky to have a kid like her.” He gave a lopsided smile, genuine and kind. “You’re lucky to have her. And you’ve done a great job raising her.” Cal wasn’t the complimenting type, but Erin had softened him with her words. For once he was happy to tell someone what a good job they were doing.

All this talk about Molly having a father figure suddenly brought out a curiosity in Cal that he normally wouldn’t indulge. Erin’s past was her business, but how Molly came into the world seemed almost like a painful memory to her. He knew surprisingly little about Erin for seeing her so often and he wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with how much he wanted to know more. Then again, it was only natural for him to want to get to know the woman he liked. It was an embarrassing thought. Clearing his throat a little, he sat forward a little in his seat and rested his elbows on the table. “What happened with Molly’s dad?” She looked hesitant and he raised a hand. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I’m just curious.” The last thing he needed was to get back on Erin’s bad side. Still, he wondered what sort of a man the guy was. Did he know about Molly? How could a guy know that he had a kid out there and voluntarily decide to have nothing to do with it? He kept those thoughts to himself as he waited to see if Erin would answer his question.

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

“You have every right to worry, Erin. That’s what keeps your daughter safe. But you should know I have no intention of ever hurting her…because I love her too.” His words startled her. He loved her? “I know that’s weird for a full grown man to love a kid that’s not his or even part of his family. And I understand your suspicion that I’m some kind of child molester or have some other ulterior motive. I think parents should worry about that stuff in this day and age. I see it all the time in my line of work. But maybe someday you’ll believe me when I tell you I have no motive. Molly’s just a good kid who has made me see the bright side for the first time since I came here from Boston." She watched him closely, hearing the serious sincerity in his voice. She knew he had nieces and nephews, and maybe she had been judging him too harshly. How couldn't she, though? He'd been a royal pain in the ass and he was a grown man befriending her twelve year old. "I’m flattered she sees me as a father figure. I hope I never let her down in that regard and you can be sure I’ll be careful with that. Truth is, I’d be incredibly lucky to have a kid like her.” If he was trying to butter her up, it was certainly working. “You’re lucky to have her. And you’ve done a great job raising her.” Her heart swelled with pride and she found herself sitting up just a little straighter. She got compliments about Molly from time to time, but coming from Cal, who seldom showed actual affection or appreciation towards anyone or anything other than Cora's cupcakes, it seemed to mean more. "Thanks, Cal." She said softly, giving a genuine little smile of appreciation for his kindness. It was a rare moment between them, indeed.

There was a silent moment where they were both watching the little girl when Cal suddenly cleared his throat, shifting uneasily in his seat. Erin braced herself for whatever he was going to say, his body language telling her she probably ought to. “What happened with Molly’s dad?” Erin knew it would come up sooner or later, and she had always vowed to snap at him that it wasn't his business, but things were different now. She hadn't thought about him asking in quite some time. She'd always figured he'd ask during one of his obnoxious visits prior to the whole Kurt fiasco. He raised a hand, and she watched semi anxiously. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I’m just curious.” Erin blushed a little, her brow furrowing a bit as she shook her head from side to side, bashfully looking away from him and over to the little girl who was doing her homework not terrible far from them. "No, it's okay.." She said softly, sighing and leaning forward a little, folding her hands in front of her on the table.

"I was a freshman at Yale, straight edge, honor roll, completely ignorant and honestly a little stuck up." She shot him a look playfully daring look, almost challenging him to say something, but he kept his thoughts to himself, which was certainly smart of him. "I'd been invited to a party and my roommate insisted we went. I'd never really drank before. I mean, I'd had wine at social gatherings, but nothing like what they were serving. I had no idea what drunk was and I was a complete lightweight. I got stupid drunk too fast, and when a guy told me there was a better party upstairs and asked me to go with him I didn't say no. I had no idea what I was doing and I honestly don't remember much of what happened. I couldn't tell you what this kids name was or even what color hair he had." Erin sighed again, her fingers running over her lips as her elbow planted on the table. She looked Cal in the eye, silent for a moment. "I couldn't not have her." The story always made Erin feel sad. She'd been a sheltered kid and she would never let Molly go into the world as unprepared as she was. Her parents had tried to do right by her, but in many ways had stunted her. Molly didn't get the same luxuries that Erin had been offered, but it was a fair trade for the relationship she got with her parent.

Erin shook her head and looked back at Cal. "She knows a basic version of that story. She understands what happened and she's okay with it, but still, I'd appreciate if you wouldn't really talk about it with her." It was her turn to hold her hand up to stop him from talking. "I'm not saying you were going to be tactless enough to do that, but.. it's better I say it and be safe. It's not a topic I really like her thinking about or discussing." It wasn't up for debate, but she had a feeling he wasn't going to debate it. "Now it's your turn to be on the chopping block. What are you doing on the west coast? Obviously you miss your family, otherwise you wouldn't be leeching off mine." She smirked to show she was only teasing, but she was curious, and if he was going to get personal, she was too.

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Cal eyed Erin curiously as she blushed and shook her head before averting her eyes to her daughter. “No, it’s okay…” Really? Cal’s eyebrows lifted slightly as he watched Erin lean in closer to him. “I was a freshman at Yale, straight edge, honor roll, completely ignorant and honestly a little stuck up.” He bit the inside of his bottom lip hard to keep from telling her she hadn’t changed much. The playfully daring look she gave him made a grin spread across his mouth—she knew him well. She then went on to talk about the party she was inviting to, how she went with a roommate and lost herself in the stupidity all young people have when they go to their first college party. She got wasted and had sex with a guy who took advantage of her lowered inhibitions. It made a lump rise in Cal’s throat as he silently raged against men who took advantage of vulnerable women. What thrill was there in getting into a woman’s pants if she wasn’t in her right mind? Cal liked the chase and couldn’t see the satisfaction of a romp without it. It saddened him further for Erin when she confessed she couldn’t even remember what the guy looked like or what his name was. That must have been rough…He watched in silence as she toyed with her lip, lost in thought for a moment before her big eyes found his once more. “I couldn’t not have her.” He nodded, silently admiring Erin’s courage to have a baby so young under such shaky circumstances. She’d been a Yale student, top of her game, and she gave it all up to bring a child into the world. And what a great kid she was…When he first met Erin, he could never see himself looking up to her. Now he found it impossible not to.

“She knows a basic version of that story. She understands what happened and she’s okay with it, but still, I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t really talk about it with her.” Well that went without saying! He opened his mouth to speak, but now Erin was silencing him with the palm of her hand. “I’m not saying you were going to be tactless enough to do that, but…it’s better I say it and be safe. It’s not a topic I really like her thinking about or discussing.” Cal nodded, studying the anxious look on her face. It was obvious to him that Molly was everything to Erin and she didn’t want anything to spoil that. He completely understood. “Now it’s your turn to be on the chopping block. What are you doing on the west coast? Obviously you miss your family, otherwise you wouldn’t be leeching off mine.” His green eyes lifted and upon seeing the smirk on her pretty face, Cal let his own smile crinkle the corners of his lips. He looked down at the flowers still rested on the table between them, thinking of the huge family he’d left behind him in Boston. “I came here for the chance to climb the ladder. I worked vice in Boston and New York, put in a good fifteen years of service taking down some of the biggest criminals on the east coast. Then I got shot in the shoulder and the leg. It limited my movement and I couldn’t bounce back from it like I did when I was younger. So I stumbled on the captain’s position here in Scriptor Bay and jumped at the chance.” It had been a logical, calculated move for a man who harbored a surprising amount of passion in his heart. But Erin had trusted him with her emotions and Cal felt compelled to do the same.

“I do miss Southie, though.” Not everyone understood the nickname for his hometown, so he smiled across the table at Erin. “South Boston. It’s where I grew up. It’s home but…truth be told, I always felt suffocated there growing up. My parents died when I was young and my older sister Tessie raised me and my two brothers pretty much on her own. She married young, but not just because she was in love—she needed help supporting all of us. When she started popping out kids, it just got harder for her to feed all of us. By the time I was in high school, there were eight people stuffed into a house made for three and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.” He shook his head, his eyes now lost in memory as he gazed blankly at the roses. Without realizing it, his soft Boston accent was getting just slightly more pronounced as he talked about home. “I didn’t do it right, though. To try and help Tessie out, I started selling drugs in high school. I got sent to juvenile detention.” Now he grinned at Erin. “I know—a police captain with a record. It set me straight, though. I became a police officer to try and help other kids like me. And to support my family. Half of all my money went to taking care of my sister, my little brother Brian, and my nephews and nieces. My older brother Pat wouldn’t take my help to get himself straight, but I tried. When I was in my mid-twenties, I just needed to get out of there. I went to New York to get away, but even then I went back all the time, still sent money home. It gave me the distance I needed, though. I guess I could go back…it just feels like it would defeat the purpose of leaving in the first place. I’m afraid if I go back everyone will start relying too heavily on me again. It was hard enough to break that habit the first time. It’s selfish and I do miss them terribly, but I know I can’t have it both ways.” His smile wrinkled the corners of his green eyes as he looked at Erin’s porcelain face. “So I mooch off you and Molly for that touch of home. It’s like having family around to care about and give a hard time without all of the hassle. Well…without as much hassle.” He grinned playfully now, showing his white teeth as he teased Erin. All this talk of home made his heart ache dully in his chest, but there was something about telling it to Erin that made it less painful. He didn’t talk about his past often yet it had poured out of him at a simple question from his crush. And for once he felt like she was really listening to him. Maybe that’s what made it less painful than usual. He sat back in his chair and furrowed his brow curiously at her. “It’s strange. When I first met you I thought you were a stuck up pain in the ass. Now I’m telling you my life story.” His smile was warm and playful as it spread lopsided on his mouth. “I guess you’re not so bad.”

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

To her surprise he looked down at the flowers with a soft, almost reminiscent look on his face. “I came here for the chance to climb the ladder. I worked vice in Boston and New York, put in a good fifteen years of service taking down some of the biggest criminals on the east coast. Then I got shot in the shoulder and the leg. It limited my movement and I couldn’t bounce back from it like I did when I was younger. So I stumbled on the captain’s position here in Scriptor Bay and jumped at the chance.” It had made sense, but Erin wondered if he planned on going back east. He missed his family, she knew he must. She was about to ask, strangely curious about Cal's personal life, something that was new for her. “I do miss Southie, though.” She'd heard the nickname in a movie and knew he meant Boston. What movie was that, she wondered.. “South Boston. It’s where I grew up." Good Will Hunting! It hit her like a ton of bricks and she found herself grinning stupidly to herself, the smile quickly fading bashfully as she nodded, letting him know she understood what he'd meant.

Cal continued, explaining how he'd been orphaned and how his older sister had ended up raising him and their four other siblings. Her eyes widened slightly as she considered how different their childhoods had been. She'd never wanted for anything as a kid, life having been handed to her, almost literally, on a silver platter. It had been a wake up call when she'd got pregnant and had to start doing everything for herself, but Cal had come from the school of hard knocks. Hell, he probably could have been a teacher before he was legally able to buy cigarettes. She noticed the more passionately he spoke, the more his accent began to shine through, something she found odd. Normally it wasn't easy to pick out his origins, but now there was simply no doubt. "To try and help Tessie out, I started selling drugs in high school. I got sent to juvenile detention.” Now it was her turn to be surprised. Her jaw dropped a little, thinking about Cal, hard ass Cal, selling drugs. Sure, she could see it to a degree, but him admitting it amazed her. “I know—a police captain with a record. It set me straight, though. I became a police officer to try and help other kids like me. And to support my family. Half of all my money went to taking care of my sister, my little brother Brian, and my nephews and nieces. My older brother Pat wouldn’t take my help to get himself straight, but I tried." She was enraptured, watching him carefully as he spoke about escaping to New York and sending money home to his family, to not being sure he wanted to reopen that can of worms by returning to the east coast to be closer to the family he had.

“So I mooch off you and Molly for that touch of home." She never noticed how gentle his eyes were, his mouth crinkling with a sad sort of smile. It all made sense now. "It’s like having family around to care about and give a hard time without all of the hassle. Well…without as much hassle.” He grinned playfully now and she returned it with narrowed eyes, wrinkling her nose playfully in return. Cal leaned back into his chair and his brows suddenly furrowed, offering her a curious look. “It’s strange. When I first met you I thought you were a stuck up pain in the ass. Now I’m telling you my life story.” That playful lopsided smile was back and her brow was quirking up. There was the old Cal. “I guess you’re not so bad.” She snorted, "Oh, don't try and flatter me, I am a stuck-up pain in the ass." Her look was more mischievous now. "But I've earned that right. Don't think I've changed my mind about you being a pain in the ass, though." She smiled a little, finding it odd how warm she suddenly felt towards Cal. Knowing more about him made him seem less rough around the edges and maybe a little more desirable. She wasn't sure how to feel about that, though. She nibbled on the inside of her bottom lip wondering what had suddenly changed between them? Her dark eyes moved to his and she reached out for the flowers a little shyly, finding the moment surprising intimate and subconsciously needing to sabotage it. "I should get these in water." She offered a small, shy smile before getting to her feet and moving to the basin sink, turning the water on and reaching for the first thing she saw that could accommodate the bouquet; a mason jar. It was strange liking Cal. or rather not finding him to be as much of an annoying pain in the ass as she may have before he'd given her flowers. "Don't think flowers, candy and personal stories changes anything, buddy." She called over her shoulder, only half looking in his direction, not even sure what she meant by it. "I'm still going to charge you for coffee." Of course she didn't always charge for coffee as it was, but she liked to pretend that she always did. His comment made her chuckle and she turned around at the sink, slipping her hands onto the rim of it and sort of leaned against it, biting her lower lip as she watched him. It was strange to have that he's not so bad feeling bouncing around in her head. "Anyway, I uhh.. should probably get back to work. Don't want Cora to think I'm a slacker or anything, being I'm such a pain in the ass."

[CALVIN HAGAN]

Erin snorted and Cal grinned wider at the sound. “Oh, don’t try and flatter me, I am a stuck-up pain in the ass.” He laughed at her amused tone. “But I’ve earned that right. Don’t think I’ve changed my mind about you being a pain in the ass, though.” His smile was stretched across his mouth, certain he hadn’t smiled like that around Erin before. Molly maybe, but not Erin. It felt good to smile like that again. Usually it was only his family who saw this softer, kinder part of him. He liked showing Erin this side, though. Since day one he’d been a pain in the ass, and she was right to continue thinking of him as one, but she was giving him the opportunity to show a better face. From the way she looked at him now, he could see the uncertainty in her eyes, but she didn’t seem displeased. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance with the only woman to make him feel like a teenager again. He swallowed, feeling the words bubbling at the back of his tongue. Would there ever be a better time to ask her to dinner? “I should get these in water.” And just like that, the words evaporated. She stood and took the flowers with her, leaving him to run a hand over his short, graying hair and let out a soft breath. So much for the moment…He couldn’t help but turn to watch her, though. It was silly and juvenile stealing glances at her like this. He should have been able to just pursue her without the constant hesitation. That’s what grown men did. But instead he found himself admiring the way her dark hair shone in the sunlight coming through the windows, the streaks of flour that stained the nape of her neck unbeknownst to her, the way her wrinkled shirt hung off her back…

"Don't think flowers, candy and personal stories changes anything, buddy." Had she felt him staring at her? Did she know the question he’d wanted to ask her before she went to the sink? How could she possibly know those things? He gulped, his green eyes nervous as they gazed at the back of her head. "I'm still going to charge you for coffee." He almost sighed in relief. Of course she wasn’t talking about his feelings for her. She didn’t even know he had feelings for her. There was no way she could know! “You can charge me for the coffee as long as I get cupcakes for free.” He grinned as she chuckled, turning to face him once more now that her flowers were in a mason jar. Funny—Tessie always did that with her flowers too. "Anyway, I uhh…should probably get back to work. Don't want Cora to think I'm a slacker or anything, being I'm such a pain in the ass." Was it just him or did she sound reluctant? He was certainly reluctant to leave, but knew he had a job to get back to as well. With a sigh, he pushed himself out of his chair. “Well you are a slacker. You’re back here playing with flowers, chatting me up. Honestly, I don’t know how Cora puts up with you.” He grinned from ear to ear, obviously teasing, but the flick of water from the sink that Erin shot at him made him laugh and jump away. “Hey! That’s assaulting a police officer!” Her response made him laugh again and he zipped his coat up once again. “Okay! I’m leaving, I’m leaving!” Suddenly Molly was bouncing into the room, a bright smile on her fresh face. “Wait, Cal! Are you going to walk us home tonight?” He turned and gave her a curious look, a half smile on his face. “Of course, kiddo. I have to make sure your mom doesn’t get abducted by aliens or something.” He grinned wider at the way Molly giggled. “Okay! Then I’ll see you tonight!” Nodding, he turned away with a smile. “Later alligator.” Erin followed him to the front and he looked at Cora when they found her at the counter, leaned over on her elbows and looking bored. “Cora, make sure this one stops slacking. I’m telling you, I never see her working.” Cora grinned between them. “It’s because I work her like a slave before you get here in the afternoons.” Cal shook his head. “I don’t believe that for a second.” Erin’s retort made him grin before he turned at the door and lifted his coffee at the two women. “Thanks for the coffee. See you at closing.” And with that, he slipped out the door and back into captain mode. It wouldn’t do any good to show his employees that he was actually pretty upbeat. They thrived better on fear.

The rest of the day breezed by in a blur. Cal met with a few of his people for updates on the cases they were working and had his weekly call with the sergeant. It always ended on a push to get a better closure rate for his cases, but there wasn’t much he could do on that score. Too many bizarre things happened in Scriptor Bay that defied a logical explanation and ending—at least that most citizens were aware of. Yet he always promised to work on it and assured the sergeant his people were doing the best they could. It wasn’t like their closure rate was bad anyway. Compared to the surrounding cities, it was actually high. There was always paperwork to do, and he managed to get through a good pile, but his mind kept wandering to Erin. Would he ever have the courage to ask her out? This afternoon had been such a perfect opportunity and he chastised himself for clamming up. Most of the time Erin was with Molly when he was around and it looked suspicious if he showed up early like he had today. At least today he had a good excuse for being there when he was. Maybe he would just have to make something up…He was pondering this even as he walked back to the bakery, this time with no intention of returning to work. Yeah, he probably should have been thinking about the interview and how he was going to help Erin get through it, but he couldn’t keep his brain focused on that at the moment. When he saw Erin locking up the store, Molly by her side, he gulped and tried to clear his head. He was always scared she’d be able to read his thoughts about her. Molly turned as his footsteps drew closer and her big smile spread across that sweet little face of hers. “Hi Cal! It’s been forever since I last saw you!” The last part of her greeting was spoken with playful exaggeration and he let out an over the top sigh, rolling his eyes and putting his hands out like he was frustrated. “God, I know! I almost forgot what your face looked like!” he exclaimed in a fake, exasperated voice that made Molly laugh. He grinned at her before mussing her hair playfully. “So what trouble did you cause in school today, kid?”

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

With a sigh, Cal got up out of his seat and Erin was a little relieved to see him getting ready to go. She wasn't used to them being chummy with each other, and though it was nice it was also a little weird. “Well you are a slacker. You’re back here playing with flowers, chatting me up. Honestly, I don’t know how Cora puts up with you.” Her eyes narrowed and she flicked some water in his direction. “Hey! That’s assaulting a police officer!” He laughed, wiping the water away and her eyes narrowed more, not really angry, but pretending to be. "Oh, that's nothing. You keep that up and you might really be assaulted." She taunted, not afraid of his status in the community. “Okay! I’m leaving, I’m leaving!” With that Molly came bounding from her spot in the corner, her eyes bright with excitement and sugar. “Wait, Cal! Are you going to walk us home tonight?” She sounded so genuinely excited. Who was she to tell Cal they really didn't need him? It was staying lighter for longer and when they left it wasn't quite dark yet. Still, she knew Cal wouldn't hear of it and Molly was looking forward to seeing him again today for whatever reason. “Of course, kiddo. I have to make sure your mom doesn’t get abducted by aliens or something.” She rolled her eyes and then stuck her hands on her hips. "Aliens?" she asked sardonically, which got her a wider, mischievous grin from her police friend. “Okay! Then I’ll see you tonight!” “Later alligator.” Erin sighed and followed Cal out to the front of the store while Molly obediently retreated to her homework. “Cora, make sure this one stops slacking. I’m telling you, I never see her working.” "Excuse me?" She huffed, cocking a brow. He was certainly in a playful mood today! Cora grinned, obviously enjoying their banter. “It’s because I work her like a slave before you get here in the afternoons.” She offered Cal a perfect told you so look. “I don’t believe that for a second.” "Oh you're one to talk about slacking, mister. You spend more time here than at the precinct. I'll report you, don't think I won't." Her arms folded and her lips were curled just slightly at the edges, not really being serious. Cal lifted his coffee in farewell and told them he'd see them at closing. Once gone Cora turned to Erin and raised an amused brow, obviously hinting that she thought something was going on between them. "Oh, shut up." She snapped playfully causing her cousin to laugh. "I didn't say a word!" "You didn't have to, I know what you were thinking, it's written all over that face of yours." "Hah! you know nothing." She teased back, poking Erin. "That boy likes you, though." Erin rolled her eyes. "And I think it's mutual." "See? I knew what you were thinking, and it's not true, so bite your tongue! Don't you have baking to do or something?" Cora's grin made Erin bite her lip as she scowled back. "I'm going to feed your kid cookies." "Don't you dare!"

The day continued with Cora finishing up a couple of orders for the morning while Erin worked the front of the bakery, serving and cleaning. Molly finished her homework and later the group ordered in sandwiches from down the street. Molly kept herself busy with a book and then playing games on her moms phone. By the time the shop was closed, everyone was ready to call it a day. Erin wondered for a moment if Cal would show or not. She knew he said he would, but she didn't see him as they were walking out. She turned to lock the door, fidgeting with it as it got stuck, and then finally twisting it into place. They would need to call a locksmith to take a peak at the darn thing. By the time she was finished she heard Molly's excited voice, making her turn to look up at the familiar face. “Hi Cal! It’s been forever since I last saw you!” “God, I know! I almost forgot what your face looked like!” It was hard not to smile at their banter and she was reminded of her words earlier. Molly did look up to him more than she should and she got a little worried. She didn't like her daughter growing so attached to someone who wasn't family. What if something happened between she and Cal and he wasn't welcome near them anymore? Molly would be crushed. She didn't like thinking about that, though. “So what trouble did you cause in school today, kid?” Molly snorted. "I don't get into trouble." He retorted making Molly laugh and she practically bounced as she continued talking about her day. "We got put into groups in social studies today to do a report about the rainforest. Blake Forsythe is in my group, and he, like, never does any of the work, so I was talking to Kelsey after class about maybe like, not letting him take any of the credit if he doesn't help, but then she was saying that.."

The story of Molly's seventh grade drama unfolded as they walked home, questions occasionally thrown in by either Erin or Cal to keep Molly going, who had no problem occupying the time with her voice. Molly had always enjoyed talking and Erin sometimes wondered when she stopped to breathe. When they got to their building Molly turned to Cal with hopeful eyes. "Do you want to come in for a little while?" "Molly!" The girl blushed and looked at her mom, her lips pursing sadly to the side. "I want to show him my cra-z-loom. Please?" Erin felt left in the spotlight, licking her lips before looking at Cal. She'd never invited him in, and for good reason. She liked their routine. Things had gotten messed up recently with the whole Kurt thing and then with Cal walking them home. She had never been big on change, but Molly clearly wanted him to come in and she could tell that Cal had no problem coming in for a few. She bit her lip a little shyly before giving in against her better judgement. "Only for a little. You have school in the morning." She looked up at Cal and raised a brow. "If you want to, that is." Cal looked almost triumphant as he agreed to come in, knowing that she wasn't entirely comfortable with all of this. She opened the door and they made their way to their home.

Once inside Molly darted to her room. "Take off your shoes and coat!" "In a second!" Erin sighed. "We don't get a lot of company." She explained, taking Cal's coat and folding it over a chair. "Would you like any coffee? It's free here." He agreed and she moved into the kitchen to start a pot as Molly came running back, kicking her shoes off as she came. "Have you ever seen one of these?" Her eyes were shining with excitement. "You can make bracelets and stuff with them. I know you probably don't want to wear a bracelet because you're a grown-up man, but can I make you a keychain? What're your favorite colors? I don't have a lot of really boyish colors, but there's green and blue and I have black and white." She showed Cal the color options and Erin simply watched Molly fawn over Cal. The idea of dating popped in her mind again. Molly needed a father figure. Maybe she was wrong to think that she was enough for the little girl. It warmed her heart to see her so excited and comfortable with someone else, and though there was a part of her that felt uneasy about Cal being in her life, there was an equally large part of her that was grateful that he didn't brush her aside. If anything he welcomed the attention, and she genuinely appreciated the man for that. Erin joined them at the table, folding her left arm in front of her while the right cradled her cheek. "Don't expect to leave without being decked out in all sorts of cra-z-loom goodness." Molly grinned, practically bouncing in her seat while Cal looked over the colors.

[CALVIN HAGAN]

The way Molly snorted in response to his question made Cal grin wider. “I don’t get into trouble.” Immediately Cal began to shake his head. “I don’t believe that for a second. You have to be the class clown.” Molly laughed and then went on to gush about her day. Being grouped together with a slacker certainly got the little goodie two-shoes fired up and he had to be impressed by her gumption. She wasn’t going to stand for this slacker not doing his share! Erin and Cal shared in asking questions of Molly, keeping the girl jabbering enthusiastically about her middle school drama. How she prattled on without breathing for so long was beyond Cal. Her knack for speaking must not have been a trait she picked up from her mother since Erin seemed much happier to listen than to talk. When they reached the door to the apartment building, Cal moved to hold the door open for the ladies. They walked inside and climbed the stairs to the right apartment. He met Molly’s hopeful green-eyed gaze as she stopped with a wide smile. “Do you want to come in for a little while?” “Molly!” The girl looked embarrassed at the scolding in her mom’s voice and Cal was looking between them with surprise. He’d never been asked up by Molly before—the only reason he knew what their apartment looked like is because he showed up there when Erin was kidnapped. “I want to show him my cra-z-loom. Please?” Cal let his eyes wander to Erin’s pretty face, watching as she debated with the idea. He could understand if Erin didn’t want him in her home on invitation. Yeah, it hurt his pride a little, wishing she was more willing to spend time with him outside of their usual routine, but he couldn’t blame her. Their eyes met and Cal gave a small shrug to indicate he didn’t feel strongly either way.

“Only for a little. You have school in the morning.” It was a Friday…what school did Molly have in the morning? Not that it really mattered. Cal would probably have work anyway. Erin raised her eyebrow at him with inquiry. “If you want to, that is.” Cal grinned and nodded. “Sure. I’ll check out this crazy loom.” Erin let them in and Molly immediately darted into the home towards the general area where he knew the girl’s room was. “Take off your shoes and coat!” “In a second!” He smiled at their banter, missing the way his sister yelled similar things to her kids. Cal showed his courtesy in slipping off his shoes and his coat at the door. “We don’t get a lot of company.” He grinned at the comment. “I can tell.” She folded his coat over a chair and his eyes began to wander over the place. It was nice to see it when it wasn’t a crime scene. “Would you like any coffee? It’s free here.” Sometimes it was free at the shop too, but he decided to hold back on the smart remark. “Sure. Even if it tastes like dirt.” It was a playful comment to kind of lift the awkwardness apparent in the way Erin seemed tense as he stepped further into the apartment. She was in the kitchen starting a pot when Molly came bounding back into the room with a brightly colored box. “Have you ever seen one of these?” Her small hands held up the box and Cal’s eyebrows furrowed as he studied it. “Nope. What does it do?” She seemed positively thrilled to explain it. “You can make bracelets and stuff with them. I know you probably don't want to wear a bracelet because you're a grown-up man, but can I make you a keychain? What're your favorite colors? I don't have a lot of really boyish colors, but there's green and blue and I have black and white." Cal couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten something handmade, though he still had some drawings and paintings from his nieces and nephews dating back to when they were much younger. It had been years since he’d received anything like that. He liked the idea of getting something from Molly.

The little girl set her kit on the table and pulled it out to show him the colors she had available. He scratched his scruffy chin as she explained how the loom worked, studying it with mild interest. At least the traditional enjoyment of arts and crafts was still alive these days. He didn’t even notice Erin watching him, more caught up with Molly’s explanation and looking at the examples of what she could create on the back. When Erin did sit down, he looked over at her and watched as she settled in, resting her cheek on her hand. She always looked so soft… "Don't expect to leave without being decked out in all sorts of cra-z-loom goodness." He grinned and sat back in his chair a little, getting comfortable. “Then I might as well go in for the full experience. You can make me a keychain too if you want, but I really want a bracelet.” Molly laughed and Erin grinned. “Nuh-uh! Boys don’t wear bracelets!” He nodded insistently. “Uh-huh! And I want a bracelet. Make it black and blue. Those are police colors.” Molly now looked a little hesitant as she eyed him from her seat at his side. “You really want a bracelet?” Again he nodded, glancing at Erin’s face and finding it hard to read her expression. “What? I can wear it every day. I have to represent police officers everywhere.” The girl grinned wide looking positively thrilled. “Okay! But only if you wear it every day.” He placed a hand over his heart with a playfully serious look. “I swear.” She giggled and then began gathering her materials to start her new project. Her big eyes fell on Erin. “May I watch TV while I work on Cal’s bracelet?” Erin agreed and Molly was quick to gather up her things once more and tote them to the coffee table in front of the TV. He smiled at her settling in before looking at Erin and suddenly feeling at a loss for words. There he was at Erin’s table, waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, with Erin’s daughter making him a gift—it was a situation he never expected to find himself in. His hand ran through his hair as he looked around the apartment, letting his hand slide slowly down to his rough cheek and rubbing his short beard thoughtfully. “You said you don’t get company often but you wouldn’t know it from how clean this place is. It’s a lot nicer than where I live.” He smiled at Erin, knowing she was probably just a neat freak, but it was nice to compliment her on a strength anyway.

[ERIN O'BRIEN]

Cal leaned back in his seat and Erin could see he was getting more comfortable. Molly had that affect on people, especially Cal. “Then I might as well go in for the full experience. You can make me a keychain too if you want, but I really want a bracelet.” She smirked ever so slightly, looking over at Molly who wasn't nearly convinced by his words. “Nuh-uh! Boys don’t wear bracelets!” "Uh-huh! And I want a bracelet. Make it black and blue. Those are police colors.” He insisted with a nod, making Molly watch him with skepticism. She wasn't buying it, and truthfully, neither was Erin. He had a face to uphold, certainly he couldn't do that with one of those bracelets. Then again, who of his subordinates would say anything? “You really want a bracelet?” Again he nodded, his eyes finding Erin who wasn't entirely sure if he was being as sincere as he said. “What? I can wear it every day. I have to represent police officers everywhere.” Molly seemed satisfied and Erin worried she might get crushed if he didn't follow through, knowing for certain she would ask to see it probably for as long as he came around. “Okay! But only if you wear it every day.” “I swear.” He promised, mocking sincerity in a playful way with his hand over his heart. Molly giggled and asked if she could watch some television while she worked on the bracelet, to which Erin agreed, even though it meant she was stuck entertaining her guest without her little distraction.

It was quiet for a moment as they both watched Molly move to the couch, turning it on as she set up her loom, pulling out some blue and black bands. Erin's eyes moved to her guest again as his fingers ran through his hair, able to tell by the gesture he was a bit uneasy. Cal was looking around, probably remembering how different the circumstances were this visit. Erin wondered what it had been like to come to her home, knowing she was missing. He'd been good to Molly while she was in Kurt's care, which she appreciated but worried about. It was so hard to let go of those eleven and a half years of holding on to Molly as tightly as she did, trying to protect her from the world around them. “You said you don’t get company often but you wouldn’t know it from how clean this place is. It’s a lot nicer than where I live.” He smiled and she grinned a little shyly in return, rolling her shoulders. "My mother didn't tolerate dirt very well. Good habits were shoved down my throat from the second I was born." She smiled just a little wider. "I pick up every night before bed. It's just easier to spend fifteen minutes every night doing it than slaving on the weekends. I'm sure your place isn't that bad." She was certain it probably was worse than he let on, but it was rude to say that. He confirmed her thoughts, though. Again a quiet came over them and she heard the coffee machine sputter out the last few drops of liquid with a soft steaming scream. "Coffee's ready."

Erin got up and got a couple of mugs from the cabinet, filling them with coffee and grabbing the cream before coming back to the table. She had a little bowl of sugar set there already, her mind spinning with what she could talk to him about. It was weird having him there and he would stay at least long enough for Molly to finish his bracelet, which by the way she was staring at the TV would probably be a little while. "You know she's going to check your wrists every time you come by, so.. I hope you were telling her the truth." He confirmed he was and she tried not to look at him with the skepticism she felt. She poured a couple of spoonfuls of sugar into her mug and then tipped the creamer in before wrapping her hands around the hot, ceramic mug. She'd always loved the feel of a hot mug between her hands. "So.. working on any new cases? Or is that strict confidential police business?" There was a gentle layer of teasing in her tone as she brought the mug to her lips, blowing on the mocha colored liquid before sipping it, her eyes watching the man in uniform next to her.