Chapter 2: Getting to know you

Dan's date admittedly had gone more than a little awry, and rather quickly at that. He should have known that her name was Sarah. With that unfortunate beginning there was a subsequently speedy end to the evening when she spurned his advances with a slap. Of course he'd made sure to tell everyone that things had gone differently. Very differently. Dan had to admit he might have gone a bit too far, but the collective groans from everyone merely drove him forward into his lude narrative. In the end it was Hatti's, "Will you see her again Mr. Fielding?" that made him stop.

Roughly a week later (a week filled with far more satisfactory dalliances) Dan found the rare night where yet again he was alone. That morning, due to a lack of funds, breakfast ended up being half bowl of bland oatmeal (whether or not he played a drum solo on the quaker container is really none of your business) and his car later came to a smoking halt at the courthouse where a bird promptly dootied on the windshield. He made a mental note to have Phil clean it up, only to remember that the Bum had gone off to get his dry cleaning. Which he couldn't afford. Knowing Phil the dunce wouldn't think to pay for it with his own blood, and would need prompting later on.
By the time he had reached the eighteenth floor Dan's mood had been entirely ruined. Face set in permanent pout, he made his way through the halls -decidedly walked towards the courtroom in search of Bull or perhaps Christine. What was the use of a bad mood if he couldn't take it out on one of his friends? Coming to the cafeteria doors Dan found an older gentleman dressed in dirty clothing and sporting a pair of smudged sunglasses. Hooked on one finger was a metal cup which he held out in hopes of receiving "donations". Finding the beggar to be in the way of his rampage the ADA frowned, "Move over grandpa," he spat, absently putting out a hand to pinch a golden dollar he saw in the metal cup, thinking bitterly to himself that he deserved it.

"Mister Fielding, are you stealing from a blind man?!"

Caught out Dan spun around to find Hatti Digger standing with hands on her wide hips and judgement in her eyes. He was confused to find her thin painted lips pressed into a tolerating sort of smile that didn't quite fit her words. One look at his surroundings told him that he was being watched by more than just the blonde Bailiff and a certain shameful heat crept up his long neck. Of course he was more frustrated that he'd been caught out. "What? No! I was-...uh-" he cut off to drop the coin back into the cup, the sound rattling the rest of the change inside. Hatti raised an eyebrow, still smiling. Feeling oddly awkward beneath her scrutiny he shoved a long fingered hand into his pocket and pulled out yet another coin, plopping that into the cup as well then clapping the gentleman on his disgusting shoulder, "Don't spend it all in one place." The beggar felt around, "Oh gee, a whole nickel," he muttered dryly, "Now I can finally afford that eye surgery."

Dan's posture collapsed as he glared, making a sour face that no one else could see at the wretch before turning towards Hatti who stood as though waiting for him.

"I'm sorry I yelled." She didn't look sorry at all. Dan shrugged. With the disapproval completely disappeared from the Bailiff's face, Hatti had only a smile for him that extended to her oceanic blue eyes. Finding his mood oddly restored, and with the watchers moving on to something more interesting, Dan allowed a smile of his own. Hatti began walking to the courtroom double doors, turning back and giving him a look that said "are you coming?". The Attorney hastened to follow, easily catching up on his long legs. Coming to a halt behind the short woman he caught a whiff of her scent. Green apple shampoo if he were to hazard a guess, no perfume. She stepped aside to stand at the door, the movement shifting the golden curls surrounding her round face. Dan poked his tongue against the inside of his cheek, shuffling past her to his table and plopping his briefcase atop it. He clicked open the object with two (no longer bandaged) hands, savoring the sound it made. It had lasted for a year thus far and with all luck would not be shot, puked in, or otherwise destroyed for many years to come or until he decided to buy something sleeker and wildly more expensive.

The sound of heavy footsteps brought the ADA's attention up from the file in his hand to Bull making his way across the room to Miss Digger.
"Hi," Bull waved a giant hand at her. Hatti's mouth quirked into her usual crooked smirk that suggested both a fondness and a desire to get away from you at the same time, "Mr. Shannon," she greeted pleasantly. Dan shifted his position so that he was half looking at the two and half looking at his file, hoping to appear disinterested in the conversation underway.

"You can call me Bull if you like," the tall Bailiff said, bringing his hands together in front of him.
"Is that... really your name?"
"Oh yeah!" Bull replied. The silence that followed was distinctly uncomfortable for those not involved. Dan sniffed carelessly, flipping up a page then letting it fall with one flick of his finger. "So Hatti," Bull began again. He said her name like "Haddy" which made Dan internally bristle for reasons he couldn't- or wouldn't- tall Bailiff remained utterly clueless and continued, "I was wondering if you'd like to go out to dinner with me or...something. After session," he stumbled. Hatti looked blankly up at him, "Oh."

Say no. You can do better. WAY better! Dan's thoughts shouted. Despite that, Hatti kept smiling, tucking a lock of golden hair behind her ear. "I'm flattered Mr.- Uh, Bull. Unfortunately I am not in the least interested in a romantic relationship right now. If this is on a friendly capacity-"

"No, that's ok," Bull hastened to tell her looking bashful, "I was just asking 'cause -you know- you're new and all," he stretched out his long neck so that he appeared to be a turtle coming freshly out of its shell.
"I would like to go out if you're still interested," Hatti said with a nod, "I'm unsure about dinner...how do you feel about the museum? Tomorrow they're having a special Van Gogh exhibit and I intended to go anyway," she offered. Dan's insides stirred against his will at the sudden passion that filled her voice at the mention of the painter. Usually her voice matched her words- prim, proper, and otherwise dull. She liked art hm? Mentally he catalogued that beside the green apple shampoo.
Bull stared at her, "Ooo-kay," he saluted with two fingers, then turned to lumber after Roz who had just entered and taken her place before the jury box.

Hatti blew out a breath she'd clearly been holding, stepping towards the barrier and stopping at the gate. "So you're going out with Bull the wonder dunce?" Dan asked, not looking up. He raised a questioning eyebrow at the pages. Hatti frowned, "It's not really your business Mr. Fielding."

"It is my business if you break his heart and he ends up moping all session," Dan replied hotly.
"I will admit that I'm flattered," she ignored his temper, "One does like to be noticed once in awhile."
"One does like to be noticed," Dan mocked in a falsetto voice, waving a limp wristed hand, "What are you nuts?" he stood from his chair, twisted around, and slumped atop the table so that he was level with her, "He's a walking freakshow! If you want to be noticed by someone, why not me?" he traced pale fingers down his silken red tie. Hatti scoffed, "I was noticed by you last night if I recall when you called out, and I quote: "Hey Miss Digger. Nice Bazooms!"" the tone of her voice went down an octave in direct contrast with the voice Dan had used, one thick eyebrow rising upwards.

Alright so perhaps that one hadn't come out as he'd planned. In his defense, she did have some pretty great bazooms.

Dan chuckled defensively and kicked out one long leg, narrowly missing the Bailiff's left knee, "That was a joke! Hey, if you can't take a joke I don't even know why we talk to each other." He crossed his arms awkwardly, stretching out his considerable spine. (And people said he had no backbone. Hah!) Hatti shrugged, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she turned her gaze to the short wooden gate. Dan tilted his head in an attempt to gather her attention but failed. So instead he ogled her. Though perhaps, just this time, it could be considered admiring. Hatti was short, her head only coming up to his chest. Her round pale face showed little emotion but she was pretty enough. He decided a certain amount of blankness meant less frown lines or wrinkles in the forehead. Blueish-greenish eyes and long mascara'd lashes, blond hair parted just a little bit off scenter. She had a decent figure too, perhaps a bit heavier than he usually liked, but with curve (completely hidden by her uniform) and an ample enough bosom to pull it off. Dan had just come to the conclusion that she was worth his attention when his thoughts were cut off by Bull.

"All rise! Criminal Court part two is now in session. Judge Harold T. Stone presiding!"

Hatti looked up, hands moving to pull at an accidental fold in her skirt. Dan swallowed, his mouth dry. "Mr. Fielding," the young woman bobbed her head in a brief goodbye. "Uh, Hatti…" the ADA said rising to his feet and catching her arm just as she began to walk away. This did not go unnoticed by Christine who looked confused in Dan's peripherals and most certainly not by Harry who would likely interrogate him later. Still he felt that he had to say something, frightfully aware of Hatti's discomfort at being restricted in such a manner but unable to remove his hand. Several thoughts came to mind, questions he wanted to ask, statements he wanted to make. They all flew out the window. Unused to being so flustered Dan's mouth opened and closed a few times like a goldfish's, until he finally found footing on something not totally inappropriate.

"Call me Dan."

"And may I say girls, that while I enjoy a good Chorus Line as much as the next guy... Perhaps it might behoove you to wear some clothes if you intend on doing that sort of thing in public?" Harry banged his gavel, "Alright folks that's lunch!"

Dan watched the women leave, humming pleasurably, "I should really catch their show," he purred. It was truly a shame they had to be dressed when they were brought in. As an unnamed Bailiff lead the last indecent stragglers from the courtroom Harry waved a hand at Dan who, having nothing to stare at, had begun to pack files back into his briefcase. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Hatti, looking as though she wanted to follow him should he start towards the cafeteria. Something about that struck him though he, of course disregarded that feeling as soon as it arrived. Instead he made an over the top gesture towards Harry and indicated that she should go ahead without them, aware that he looked like a loon but not in the least bothered by that fact because… well, because of Hatti mostly. She actually opened her mouth when she smiled that time, as though she intended to laugh but couldn't force it out of her.

Dan walked up to the bench to stand beside Christine, invading her personal space so that their shoulders nearly touched, earning him nothing more than an annoyed glare. Harry pulled his robe open and pulled it off his thin frame, "I saw you talking to Miss Digger before session." he draped the robe over the arm of his chair.
"And?" Dan questioned, "Am I not allowed to talk to people now?...Sir." he hiccoughed into his fist. Harry scowled, "What I meant to say, or ask really, was whether you intended to uh... " he shot a look at Christine that suggested he didn't want to say anything improper. "Bop her?" Dan couldn't help but snap. He hated beating around the bush, especially when he was hungry and had managed to snag a piece of chocolate cream pie from a "generous" (read: exploitable) Bull. "Not to seem disrespectful Harry but what's it to you?"
"I just don't want you to hurt her. I've only known her for a few days but she seems sweet and maybe a bit naive. Not to mention I would rather she not stop working here just because you neglected to call her afterwards or whatever else," The Judge leaned forwards in his chair, crossing his arms on the surface of his bench. Dan pursed his lips, feeling slightly hurt by the implication that he would ever mistreat his new acquaintance. Still, he had to admit he'd been thinking about... it. The only women he'd never thought about "doing the dance" with tended to be uggos and Roz who frightened him too much for him to even consider. "I agree with Harry," Christine said tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, a blush having crept across her perfect features, "Not that I don't think she can't handle herself-"

"Hey!" Dan yelped, affronted, "You act like I'm going to force myself on her like some sort of sicko!" a red heat climbed up his neck and he dearly hoped it didn't show. "Look, I'm not going to touch Hatti Digger unless she says it's ok, got it? Then it's strictly our business. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some important," he paused, "eating to do." With as much dignity as Dan could muster (a surprising amount), he stormed off.

Not the happiest with the start of this chapter, but I like the end so... I hope I got Dan's personality right, I explore his POV quite a few times. ;)
I've decided I'll update every Saturday, for those wondering.

Has anyone else noticed that Bull has a thing for curly blonde haired women?