Chapter 2

The lights are out and I barely know you
We're going up and the place is slowing down
I knew you'd come around
You captivate me, something about you has got me
I was lonely now you make me feel alive
Will you be mine tonight?

The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor

Today had been Anna's first day off in 2 weeks and somehow she'd found herself back at work sorting through the stack of files which had somehow managed to pile up on her desk. It had been a hectic few weeks, today Anna had wanted to go apartment hunting, hoping to get out of her current place ASAP. Things were going from bad to worse in her apartment, only last night Anna had awoken to find a cockroach on the pillow beside her, not only that but the lights failed to work yet again.

Anna had found everyone here in the lab to be more than welcoming, and it was hard not to instantly feel comfortable and at ease.

Part of her wondered what her parents would say to her new living situation, would they even care what she was doing.

Anna knew no one here in the city, well no one she could outright call a friend, she was ultimately alone and that there was something she was definitely not used to. It's part of the reason she stayed so busy, picking up overtime where she could, and burying her head in case files when she wasn't.

Finally closing her last file Anna fell back into her chair and let her hands run through her hair. "Finally..." she whispered,

"Rough day?" Anna jumped in fright, her hand going to her chest as she turned to see one Don Flack stood in the door way to her office and smirk on his lips. Narrowing her eyes Anna let out a light laugh as she stood,

"G'day Detective and no I just neglected to finish my paperwork." She admitted coming to a stop in front of him her 5 ft 2 frame looking smaller in front of him. Resting her hands on her hips she looked up at Don and smiled, "So what can I do you for?" she asked realising it was past 6 in the evening.

"I'm actually on the lookout for Danny you seen him?" Don asked, Anna frowned and shook her head as she went to retrieve her jacket. Don kept his eyes trained on her small figure, considering she'd been here in the lab for 2 weeks now, none of them really knew her.

Anna pretty much kept herself to herself, choosing to focus on her work more than making friends. This in turn was making him more curious about her in a purely professional way of course; it was his friend who seemed to be taking a more personal interest in their newest criminalist.

Tonight was his night off as it was Danny's and the two friends had planned to meet up with the others and go for a drink. At the moment however Danny was nowhere to be found so Don found the perfect excuse to help them start getting to know the new girl.

"You got plans tonight?" Don asked. Anna looked up in surprise, her stomach instantly turning in knots, hoping he wasn't asking her out, "Most of us are meeting up for a drink down the bar you should come, get to know everyone a bit better,"

Anna let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding, instantly relaxing as a small smile crossed her face, "Sure, why not." She replied, picking up her purse. It was about time she got to know people better she figured, and what better way than a night out.

Don clapped his hands together, smiling as he did so, "Great, well come on Hawkes and Stella are already down there, I'll give Danny a call in a few," he told her opening the glass door as she passed. Thanking him Anna smiled, as they headed for the lift.

O'Malley's was full by time Anna and Don entered. From her height Anna had to rely on Don to find the team and lead her through the crowd, it was times like these she hated being as short as she was. Taking a peek at her outfit Anna, it was a simple yellow shirt dress that fell mid-thigh and was belted with a black and white tie; the look was complete with a pair of black heels.

Holding onto Don's sleeve Anna let him lead her to a booth already occupied by both Stella and Hawkes, both of whom smiled brightly at the new arrivals. "We were beginning to think you'd gotten lost," Stella said as Don just waved at Anna,

"Out looking for Danny found this one still in the office, it would have been cruel to leave her like that," he chuckled when Anna scowled up at him, and dropped into the booth closest to Stella, who put her arm around the newest recruit.

"Life outside the office kid, a big must." She told her sternly though her eyes twinkled with amusement. Anna laughed softly and nodded,

"Your right I know. I didn't get out much in Oz either, but new city, new job, new rules." She declared, making Stella raise her glass and nod, before her gaze flickered to Don.

"I believe since you were late it's your round," it was more an order than any type of suggestion and Anna had to bite her lip to resist laughing at Don's expression, Stella instead smiled sweetly, "What are you having Anna?" she asked, Anna chuckled and looked at Don,

"I'll have a longneck please Don," she told the Detective, surprised when they all just stared at her blankly, mentally kicking herself Anna laughed, "I mean a beer," she explained, laughing again when comprehension dawned on all of their features.

"Aussie slang..." Don stood up shaking his head as he ambled towards the bar. Anna looked at the other two who were watching Don go smiling, before Hawkes turned focusing his attention back onto Anna.

"So how you settling in so far?" he asked her, genuine interest on his face. Stella focused on her to as Anna answered, tucking her hair over her shoulder,

"It's different; I practically grew up on the beach so it's a big change." She replied, smiling as she spoke of home, "Also work is a lot faster paced here, I never remember being as busy as I am here back in Australia but it's a good change." She added

"Oh honey you've seen nothing yet, wait until I take you out for a proper night out, help you get a real feel for the big city," Stella said, and Anna found herself feeling excited at the prospect of a real girls night out.

Maybe she'd been wrong in thinking she'd been alone in the city, it was turning out this wasn't just any already team she now worked with, it was a family and they were making her feel like she was one of them.

Half an hour later both Danny and Adam Ross made their way to the table, already holding their beers. Adam who Anna had only managed to chat to briefly before this night fell into the spot beside Don leaving the only other available space at the table for Danny. Smiling softly Anna shifted slightly further into the booth to make room for Danny.

It was a tight fit but Danny sat down, thanking Anna as he raised his bottle to his lips. Anna focused on what Hawkes was saying, doing her best to ignore the fact that Danny's leg was pressed against hers. Crossing her legs, Anna managed to at least create a little distance between them but with there being barely any room in this booth, slight touching was obviously going to happen.

Anna laughed as Hawkes spoke, leaning back in her seat Anna immediately realised Danny's arm lay over the top of the booth behind her. Despite her best efforts Anna found herself turning her head to look at Danny who had just lowered his beer to the table, his eyes catching on hers as he smiled. Returning the gesture Anna turned back to Stella, aware of the red tint in her cheeks she willed her heart beat to slow down.

It was a nice relaxed atmosphere, one Anna was happy to be part of it. It was easy to talk to everyone here there were no masks they were hiding behind, everyone seemed so genuine.

Finishing off her beer Anna grabbed her purse, "My shout next, everyone having the same?" she asked, when they all nodded and thanked her Anna smiled and turned slightly, raising her eyebrows at Danny who sat smiling at her. "You gonna shift so I can go to the bar?" she asked, unable to hold back her own grin.

"Was thinking about it." He replied simply still smiling. Anna playfully shoved his arm, before pouting when he still refused to move,

"Please..." she tried again fluttering her eyelashes, smiling brightly when Danny rolled his eyes and stood out of the booth. Sliding gracefully out of her seat, Anna patted him on the arm and nodded in thanks as she began manoeuvring her way through the crowd to the bar.

Upon reaching it, Anna let out a breath straightening her dress as she did and brushing her hair from her face. Leaning up against the bar she attempted to catch the attention of the bar tender but to no avail, frowning she leaned back gasping when she did. There was a warm hand resting on her lower back. Looking over her shoulder Anna exhaled then scowled at Danny, "Way to frighten a girl,"

"Sorry just thought it may be nice for me to come and help." He replied, making Anna feel instantly bad for her outburst.

"Sorry," she apologized, tucking her hair behind her ear as she looked up at Danny who merely smiled and waved her off.

"Don't worry about it." He told her, leaning his forearms against the bar. Anna smiled down at him, before forcing herself to try and find the bartender again, as he walked past her for the fourth time Anna frowned and turned to Danny

"Am I invisible?" she asked, causing the man beside her to laugh.

"No you're just short." He teased, holding back his laughter when Anna's mouth fell open. Instead he turned his attention to the bartender, "Hey...6 beers!" he barked at the young bar tender. As the man scurried away to get their order, Danny turned to Anna and smiled brightly,

"That's how we do it here in New York."

It wasn't long before Anna began to feel the effects of the alcohol she'd consumed. Stella had long since left, informing them she had somewhere she needed to be before escaping leaving Anna trapped between Adam and Danny. The latter of who had just snuck out for a smoke. It wasn't a habit Anna liked much but she kept her opinions to herself, it had nothing to do with her.

Catching sight of the time, she sighed and made a move to stand up from the booth. "Well boys it's been fun but I have to be going." She told them as she shrugged on her jacket. Adam looked at her and shook his head,

"You're letting your side down." He told her as a matter of factly. Anna rolled her eyes in humour and shook her head,

"Well you lot rage on, I happen to feel quite rotten so I'm goin..." waving slightly she bid them all goodnight and made her way towards the exit. Anna wasn't much of a drinker, so it didn't take much to have her seeing double; with the amount she'd drank tonight she was just happy she could stand. As she stumbled two strong hands held onto her waist stopping Anna from falling flat on her face.

Looking up she smiled brightly at the man who'd saved her, the man probably the same height as Adam. He wore a suit with his jet black hair was gelled back, and tied into a pony at the base of his neck, his dark green eyes bore into Anna's as he smiled brightly. "You need to watch yourself princess." He told her his hands still on her waist.

Now a sober Anna would have pulled back right away, but right now she didn't find herself minding this guy was practically pressed up against her, instead she just smiled, her hands resting on his chest. "I'm very sorry. I seem to be a little bit drunk so I'm making an attempt at going home." She told him with a nod, making a move to step back only to look up in surprise when she was held in place.

"How about I help you home, this is the city after all, a pretty girl such as yourself shouldn't be walking it alone." He suggested, Anna frowned and shook her head before smiling ever so slightly,

"Sorry but I don't know you sir so..."

"Names Bryan and you would be?" he held out a hand to Anna, who smiled and shook it,

"Anna, it's very nice to meet you but I already have a lift home my boy-friends actually waiting outside and he doesn't like to be kept waiting so I should go," she smiled once more at the man before reaching for the exit, groaning when he followed.

"Your boy-friend's waiting out here is he? Where?" he asked as they stepped out onto the street his hands coming to rest on his hips. Anna turned around, opening her mouth to answer when she felt two warm, strong arms wrap themselves around her slim waist pulling her back against a hard, lean body.

"Hey baby what took you so long." Anna immediately relaxed recognizing Danny's voice, leaning back against him she looked up over her shoulder and smiled, doing her best to force herself not to sink into his embrace.

"Sorry handsome this fine gentleman was just helping me out...right?" her voice was slightly breathless as she spoke and she turned to look at Bryan who by now had backed up a few steps. It took all she had not to crack up, at the disappointed look on his face. Instead she allowed herself those few moments of silence before Bryan went back into the bar, to mull over the affect Danny's arms around her seemed to be having. It was suddenly much harder to breath, her heart pounded wildly against her chest, and she wanted nothing more than to turn in his arms and lose herself in him, to press herself against his hard body, to have nothing between them.

When Bryan disappeared back into the bar Anna quickly stepped away from Danny, brushing down her dress, and fixing her hair as she turned to look at him.

Danny remained in the same spot, his eyes fixated on the woman in front of him; there was an intense, dark look in his eyes as they stood there in silence.

"Thanks for that, didn't think I'd be able to shake him." Anna said, realising just how thick the air was around them now. Anna had felt it in the bar, felt it in the first moment she had met Danny, the attraction to him had been immediate.

Right now after feeling him around her however it felt so much more intense and Anna quickly determined space was what she needed right now. Taking another step back she smiled at Danny, "I should go."

Danny watched her back up, taking a step forward he nodded and watched as she flagged down a taxi, "I'll catch you tomorrow." He told her, moving to open the cab door before Anna could. Anna nodded unconsciously biting her bottom lip as she smiled,

"Catch you tomorrow Danny," she replied, sliding carefully into the back seat of the cab. Danny smiled and shut the door, watching as the taxi drove off and for the first time in a long time he found himself looking forward to tomorrow.

I want to say a huge thanks to those who took the time to review! Your supports been great! Thanks as well to those who added it to alert.

Also a huge thanks to Donna, your fab, your support has been amazing and kept me going with this story so thank you :D

Sch – So glad you liked Anna wanted her to be Lindsey's opposite :P I love her, I have so much fun writing her. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

jennifer32485 – Glad you took the time to read and review hun and that your giving this story a chance despite it not being Danny/Lindsey. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Donna – So glad with what you said about Anna after all you helped create her! Lol! Anna is far from innocent but she does have that air about her lol As much as I love Flack him and Anna are going to be just friends, no more, she already has her eyes on someone :P