Chapter Text
4pm on Wednesday wasn't usually that busy for Will. Now it added another layer on top of how quickly one can jinx himself at work while opening saying out loud ''today is going to be an easy day''
Now he wished he wouldn't have manifested his wishes out loud as Beverly arrived to his help and got to work on the coffee station while he dealt with the pastries and money.
Despite his mood becoming grumpier at the sudden influx of traffic in his little shop, he was always grateful for it.
In the morning, he took care of his dogs and prepared for work at his bakery coffee shop, ''Pastries in the pantry'‘, unofficially called the dog café of Baltimore. Winston unapologetically guarded the entrance and greeted everyone with his tail high, rapidly swishing from left and right, practically begging for pats on the head. The rest of his pack were resting where they usually did, at their beds near the heating area. Will had it installed once his furry companions showed how well-behaved they were around customers, asking for belly rubs and ‘’good boy’’ praises on the days he had no choice but to bring them to his work. They stayed ever since.
Today was no different albeit a bit crowded but nothing to worry about it. It seemed he would be able to sell all of his fresh pastries and so far, not a singular complaint. Wednesdays were always his favourite and there was good a reason why.
‘’Papa, could I have a blueberry Danish?’’
Will could recognise and single out that squeaky and very polite voice anywhere. Especially when it was followed by a hushed and even more polite sexy foreign accent.
‘’ Of course my darling, but you must remember your manners. What do we say when we enter this coffee shop?’’ the man kneels closer, searching for his daughter’s eyes to emphasize the importance of good manners. He couldn’t help but gently smile in awe at the cute expression Abigail always had when she had to remember them. She briefly scrunched her nose just like her papa would and her eyes widened as she recalls the answer.
‘’Say hi to Winston!’’ she quickly turns around, greeting with a high pitched ‘Hello Winston!’ , the pup following with a soft bark.
Hannibal, defeated, chuckles at the sight, deciding that since she remembered her manners, he would let it slide and allow her to focus on her furry friend. If Will, who watched the whole ordeal, had any say in this Abby could have all the pastries in shop right at this moment.
‘’Hello Will, I hope you’re well. I apologize if Abigail is bothering Winston too much.’’ Hannibal smiles, genuinely happy to see Will and his beautiful blue eyes. Just like Abigail’s, they could look into people’s souls without effort.
‘’Hello Hannibal, always glad to see you two here.’’ He blurts out without thinking, his cheeks heating up as he feels Beverly’s eyes on him. Oh, she would tease him about it later. It was no secret he had a crush on the handsome single dad with the most adorable four-year-old, the two that also happen to be their regular customers.
‘’Winston is happy as long as someone pays attention to him and he loves Abby, who I believe is getting lots of kisses now.’’ Will points out, just as Winston starts giving a big sloppy kiss on the kid’s cheek. They both chuckle at that, and after a panicked ‘oh dear’, the handsome father quickly rescues Abby from being covered in dog saliva.
‘’Hi, Will!’’ she practically screams when she sees the ‘handsome curly haired man’ (her Papa’s words).
‘’Hey Abby,’’ he smiles, feeling lighter, Winston at his side whining and feeling robbed of his head pats that he usually receives from guarding the door. Will’s hand will have to do for now. ‘’What can I get you two today? The usual?’’
‘’Yes, if you be so kind, do you still have the Colombia yellow honey?’’ Hannibal timidly asks. He ran out of his favourite coffee beans, but going to the source where he buys them was currently the best option and Will happily provided every time.
Killing two birds with one stone so to speak, he came here with another issue at hand.
‘’Of course we do. Uh, a double coffee, right?’’ Will smiles back, happily calling to Bev to grind the Colombia blend for Hannibal. She salutes him, smiling at the sight of the beloved single dad Will is absolutely crushing on at the counter.
‘’Wonderful, yes a double coffee and…-’’
‘’Papa, blueberry danish please’’ Abby politely reminds, pleading with her big eyes for the sweet treat. Will would have folded on the spot if he had been the target of that adorable pout.
‘’And one blueberry Danish for you, madame’’ he recites, not leaving space for Hannibal’s protests, but if his smile at his kid was anything to go by, he wouldn’t have said no anyway. Hannibal looks up, his brain shutting down at the light blush colouring the other man’s cheeks. Fuck, he’s down bad.
Clearing his throat, Hannibal manages to repeat softly the order of one blueberry Danish, adding his own ‘Sfogliatelle Ricce with ricotta cream'.
Will pushes the order forward to Beverly as Hannibal dutifully pays, his daughter perched on his hips and nuzzling into him. A young woman audibly fawns over the sight and a few more girls giggle.
‘’Thank you. Will, I have a proposition for you if will you indulge me after your shift ends.’’ Now it was Hannibal’s turn to actively put on his pleading eyes, just like his daughter, making Will feel powerless. His face heats at the soft maroon eyes looking into his and he tries his best not to stutter his response.
‘’Oh, um s-…’’
As if summoned, Beverly shows up around the corner, scaring Will shitless.
‘’Of course he can! Will, technically your shift ended 20 minutes ago. It’s just a bit crowdy today.’’ She pushes the pastries into Will’s hands ‘’I will bring you the rest’’ Will narrows his eyes at her for snitching on him, but who could hate her for being a great wing-man? After all, she had listened to his midnight crying and crushing over the man multiple nights.
‘’ Are you sure? Bev, you don’- …’’
‘’Oh, go on! I had worse shifts than this. I can handle it.’’ she pulls him closer ‘’You can tell me all the dirty details later.’’
‘’Bev! You are horrible!’’ he squawks at her, but he will be damned if he doesn’t tell her all about it later.
‘’ I know, now go. The man is waiting for you’’ she winks and pushes the blushing man out of the counter area.
‘’Well, I guess I am free now. Let’s go somewhere more…. quiet’’ He smiles sheepishly, pastry platters in his hands as he motions to the area with wide windows. Winston follows, most of his other dogs still snoozing on their comfy beds.
‘’Thank you Will.’’ He puts his daughter down, offering her his hand while his other takes one of the plates, helping Will to manoeuvre through the crowd to the seating area.
Buster’s head curiously shoots up, his short tail slowly wagging, waiting for the incentive to bounce out of his bed. Will immediately tsk’s twice for the little ball of energy to stay put. After all, manners matter, and he will put the best behaviour in front of Hannibal if that means getting into his good graces and more time spent with his favourite customers.
‘’Come on Abigail, let’s plan your birthday party’’ he says gleefully, fully enjoying the surprise on Will’s face as sit sat down by the windows, his coffee arriving just at the right time.