(Oh yeah, need to reply to that too.)
Hazel frowned as she noticed a novel out of place. Bending down, she slid it back into place before continuing. She grinned as she heard the slow jazz flow through the speakers. That was always such a nice touch here.
Carrio hummed with the jazz, focusing on it. He should bring his saxophone someday and play it for Hazel. He wondered if she liked saxophone solos. Probably.
After her second round, Hazel came forward again, walking behind the counter, peering over Carrio's shoulder. It was nice to hear the deep humming as well.
(Um, can I join? I don't know if this is one-on-one or not, and I'll probably need to be caught up on major things, but I'd love to see what it's about. Drop me a bio sheet and I'll see if I'm interested! ^^)
(It's a one on one)
(Alright, thanks for telling me. I'll get out of your hair.)
Carrio glanced up as she approached and he grinned a little. “There should be some more in the back. If not, there’s not much else to do.”
Already having those done, Hazel continued to stay up front. She would probably move if another patron came by and needed assistance. Not realizing it, Hazel began to hum softly to the smooth jazz playing.
(why do I want an older lady to come in and be like: Oh you two look so cute! How long have you been together?
Hazel: dies)
(Because that is fluuuuuuuufufufuffffffyyyyyy)
She and Carrio made a very nice duet to the smooth jazz playing over the speakers. Soon the saxophonist launched into a solo that Carrio matched semi-perfectly, his fingers twitching. He could feel the keys beneath his fingers as he imagined playing it on his sax.
Noticing his air saxophone playing, she wondered if the notes were actually correct. Hazel had never been much of a musical person, so whether it was or not, Carrio's action made her smile. It was super nice just to simply be with another person who was so accepting. After the song ended, Hazel frowned lightly. He should know.
"I'll tell you if you promise not to worry about it," she said softly.
Carrio was still humming but stopped when she talked. He turned to her, gazing up at her.
“Alright, I promise.”
Quickly taking a deep breath before the panicked feeling kicked in, Hazel took off the small jacket, now loosely tying it around her waist. Up and down her arms were scars varying in darkness, but all of them looking to be old. Noticing Carrio staring, she began to rub one arm self consciously. It was still awkward at times for her to be looked at for so long. It just made her unsure if it was a good sign or not.
Carrio frowned a little and gazed up at her. “Hazel… do you mind telling me why?” He rose to his feet, smiling a little. He wasn’t going to judge her for her skin or her body.
Hazel did everything to keep herself from crying. They didn't matter. Things were okay now right?
"I…"
She remembered all those horrible nights, having a steak knife stolen from the kitchen kept between the bed frame and the mattress. Taking it out. The bleeding.
"Remember when I told you I was far worse all those weeks ago? This is part of what I meant. The rest is a bit personal. Home was never great," she said, voice beginning to waver slightly. Swallowing her tears, the young woman continued.
"I wasn't told things I probably should have been told and it went down from there. That was years ago though, which is why I didn't want to show you in case you would worry and I realise that I'm talking too long again…"
Carrio grabbed her hands in his cold ones. “What were those things?” He wanted to tell her it was okay to cry. He wanted to tell her she was safe and those days were over. He didn’t want her to relive it, but it would help her down a better road of health.
Hazel nearly shivered at the touch as they hit her warm flesh. Taking another shaky breath, she gave him the response. If he asked, she would tell. What did it matter anymore?
"It was more like things I was told… My… my father was a heavy alcoholic and he would say hurtful things. My mother was in a similar state I was and she would be beaten if she attempted to defend me. It was better me than her…" she trailed off. Her mother still was living, recovering but taking longer than her daughter had.
Carrio gazed into her eyes. Slight sympathy sparkled in them. “Would you like a hug?” He proposed this softly, opening his arms a little.
(Also, our other RP?)
Hazel immediately leaned into it without thinking. The embrace felt more than simply good. It was the thought behind it that mattered. Despite his cold hands, the hug was warm and welcoming. She almost didn't want to let go.
Carrio wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her close. He felt deep affection for his friend and wanted to do everything he could for her. A hug was something very little, but he knew it sent a strong message.
No longer caring, Hazel took a fistful of Carrio's shirt as she attempted to calm herself down again. It felt so awkward to do this during the time she should be working. That aside, what did it matter? Feelings were inevitable and unavoidable. It felt so nice to be cared for, almost like a new door opening.
Carrio rubbed her back gently, resting his chin on her head. It’s okay now. He had her in his arms and held her close.
Taking a deep breath, she let her rapid beating heart slow back to normal again. It was then when she noticed a few people staring.
"Um, Carrio…?" Hazel started, feeling her cheeks begin to burn red again.
Carrio glanced down at her, then around. “Aw, they’re just library people. They won’t tell a soul.” He let her go anyway.
Hazel currently had no comment to this as her mind screamed at her warm face to stop blushing. It obviously didn't listen. With the warmth of the hug gone, a thought whispered at the back of her mind, longing for it again. Forcing it back, Hazel suddenly looked over her shoulder, noticing a few patrons still looking.
"Ah, about those e-extra books in the back!" she exclaimed quickly, only an excuse as to not make things more awkward. In saying this, she forgot she had already told Carrio she had them finished.