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Parker waves Mel over to where she is standing at the entrance. She was so thrilled that Mel had agreed to come with her to the farmer's market. She knew from the occasional conversations they had during handoff that Mel likes cooking with really fresh ingredients, so she thought this would be a fun outing. She's told her traitorous heart to stop wishing for more, because Mel needs a friend most of all, and she is very happy to be that for her. But could you really blame her? Mel is sweet and competent. When she's around, Parker feels softer and more relaxed, even though it's an Emergency Department and emergencies are always happening.
"Hi!" Mel says brightly when she reaches Parker's side. "I have a list of things I am hoping to get, but I couldn't find much information online about what was here. Maybe you can help me find everything?" Parker glances at the list and immediately knows where to shop. It's not a complicated list, mostly a lot of in-season fruits and vegetables and honey and bread. All basics, really.
"Sure, but let's wander around a little first, really get to experience the market?" Mel smiles at Parker and she decides she'd do anything to get that back. She extends her hand. "Shall we embark on our stroll?"
Mel grasps the proffered hand with a grin. "Surely, my lady."
Parker keeps up a steady stream of chatter about the different stalls and products and with the vendors as they walk around. She hits up this particular farmer's market frequently, so she's very familiar with all the regulars. She spies the fancy bakery stall, one that she often lingers at but can never convince herself to actually buy anything at it because it feels like a special occasion stall. This definitely counts, so she guides Mel over.
"Hi Lucy, my, uh, friend and I would love some delicious baked goods. Mel, pick whatever you want, my treat." She hopes she didn't overstep, but she's seen Mel house cake when it's brought in for the staff so she's confident Mel has a bit of a sweet tooth.
"Oh! Um, are you sure?" Despite her words, Mel's eyes are still glued to the enticing sweets on the table. Parker would buy her the whole stall if it made her happy.
"I'm sure. Pick whatever you want." Parker watches as Mel inspects the offerings on the table, before finally selecting a decadent looking cupcake. Parker herself decides to go with a chocolatey brownie with interesting looking nuts inside. They take their treats over to a nearby picnic table at Mel's urging.
Parker savors the brownie, which is delicious, while Mel takes her time with the cupcake too. It's a companionable silence, which Parker knows all too well is rare. It's so nice to be sitting here with Mel. She doesn't demand conversation, which is a relief Parker didn't know she was looking for.
"That was so good, thank you for the cupcake. I don't have that many sweets usually, so it's always so nice when I do." Mel says, carefully wiping her mouth. She stills misses a crumb though, and Parker can't resist reaching over and gently brushing it away. Mel lets her.
"Of course. We should treat ourselves every now and then, after all."
Mel gives her a ghost of a smile. "Becca, my sister, doesn't like sugary things, so I just never kept them around."
Parker raises an eyebrow. "What, would she have gotten upset to see a cookie or something?"
Mel blinks. "Umm, no. I just never had them around because she doesn't like them."
Parker cocks her head. "Do you only buy things you both like? What about things she likes that you don't?"
"Oh uh, I guess there's stuff that we do or eat that I don't really care for."
"I think you can probably have some things that are just for you then, don't you think?" Parker replies. Mel just nods silently and Parker swallows the fear that she's fucked this whole thing up. Instead, she extends her hand to Mel again. "Shall we keep shopping?"
Mel bounces up and takes Parker's hand. "Let's go!" Mel chatters about the vegetables she's selecting, still holding Parker's hand. Clinging to it, almost. It makes Parker feel special, because she knows Mel doesn't do touch with most people. Maybe, just maybe, this hangout can lead to an actual date, with flowers and a nice dinner. Or something. Probably Mel would prefer something else as a date.
It's actually very fun to listen to Mel as she explains exactly why she's picking each item. And the vendors clearly find her charming too. Lizzie, who's corn is the best in Pittsburgh, absolutely gives Mel the same friends and family discount she gives Parker. She has to hide her smile when she realizes. Of course everyone here loves Mel. She's just glad Mel seems to love them too.
They are finally finishing their winding circle of the market, arriving back at the parking lot entrance where they met up originally. Instead of heading straight to her car though, Mel stops and looks up at Parker.
"Thank you, this was so much fun. Really, I had a great time. It was kind of the perfect date."
Parker blinks before a smile spreads across her face. "A date, huh?"
Mel suddenly looks unsure. "I thought so."
"Honestly Mel, I wanted it to be, but we had never hung out. I just wasn't sure if you would like me outside of work."
"Well," says Mel, carefully setting her bags down on the ground, "I like you very much." She steps right up to Parker and slings her hand around the other woman's neck. "May I?" Parker nods wordlessly. Mel gently tugs her down while reaching up herself, kissing her softly. It's pretty perfect, if Parker does say so herself.
"Next time, maybe we can be doing this the whole time?"
"Yeah," says Mel, "that sounds good to me."