Daniel quietly re-entered the studio, setting the coffee and one of the cookie's next to Sam before returning to his station.
*
Sam nodded, taking his stuff while a song was playing. 'No one bakes like Angel.'
*
"I'll find out in a minute," Daniel said, holding up his own cookie.
*
"I can't believe she left it so long, since she last baked."
*
"Why, how long has it been?" Daniel asked, sipping his tea before taking a bite of the cookie. Oh god, that was good.
*
"Months, she works other jobs, so she hasn't got much time," Sam broke off to return to work
*
Daniel nodded and readjusted his headphones, returning to monitoring the rest of the show.
*
Sam worked through, snacking in the gaps.
*
Daniel smothered a yawn as the show came to an end. A brief gap and then he would go and get Jessie. He popped the last bit of cookie in his mouth, savouring the taste.
*
"I'll see you in a bit with Dyl," Sam called as they left
*
Daniel waved him off. He shut everything down before collecting the empty cups and heading back out. Tiredness had seeped into him again and he absently rolled his shoulders to ease the tension that had built up.
*
"Evening," Angel yawned. "Sorry."
*
"God, I hope not. Otherwise, I'm really late picking Jessie up," Daniel said, waving off her apology. "Do you want me to get you anything?"
*
"Winning lotto ticket, time machine," Angel replied
*
"If only," Daniel said with a shaky smile. He cleared his throat. "What about something to eat or drink?"
*
"I'm all good, thanks," Angel smiled
*
"OK. Well, shouldn't be long. You're still sure about watching Jessie?"
*
She nodded. "I'm not at work 'til later."
*
"As long as you're sure. Won't be long," he said and turned to leave.
*
"Tell her I bought new crayons."
*
Daniel huffed faintly in amusement. "I will," he said before walking out the door.
He actually remembered to grab something to eat before driving to the school to pick Jessie up. "You still want to meet Dylan?" he asked as he opened the car door for his daughter.
*
The little girl nodded, quiet, but seemingly determined.
*
"OK, sweetie. If it helps, Angel told me to tell you she has new crayons," he said as he got back into the driver's seat.
*
She grinned, trying to help him feel as if she was OK.
*
Daniel watched her in the rear view mirror. He closed his eyes briefly before driving back to work, all the while asking his daughter how school was. By the time he pulled back into the car park, he was less hungry but tired again.
He got out and opened the door for Jessie, holding his hand out to her before walking into the building.
*
Sam met them at the door, with a small, mischievous looking boy. "Hey Daniel. this is my son Dylan."
*
"Hello Dylan," Daniel said with a smile. "This is my daughter, Jessie. You remember Sam, right?" he asked her.
*
Jessie nodded, taking the other child in with serious brown eyes.
*
Daniel's smiled faltered briefly. "So, erm.. how old are you, Dylan? I forgot to ask your dad."
*
"I'm nine, I like chess, do you like chess?" Dylan asked Jessie
*
Jessie shrugged, glanced up at her dad and then back at Dylan. "I'm seven," she said quietly after a pause.
*
"I remember seven," Dylan nodded sagely.
*
Daniel blinked at Sam. "Shall we go inside?"
*
Sam shrugged. "He's odd, we got used to it."
*
Daniel quirked a faint smile. "I think they all have their quirks. It's what makes them them." He held the door open for the kids.
*
"His brain is about 47"
*
"Ahh, so he can tell the time better than you then?" Daniel quipped.