A/N: Thanks so much for the kind reviews, 17 chapters in! You're all too brilliant. I especially love the hashtag review by one lovely guest, as I am a hashtag addict on Twitter :D

(also, to the guest who was speaking about the paralleled I love you's - I'm so glad you saw that. I'm trying to keep a current of the original DA story running through this as much as I can, so that was a wonderful compliment, thank you sincerely)

On with the story...

Anna began on another valiant attempt to plough through the surge of bookings that had filtered in recently, having been interrupted several times already by a series of mumbled groans coming from the other side of the wall. Threading a hand into her hair, she opened her diary with pen poised. She managed to write but one word when a loud thud made her nearly jump out of her skin. She was going to rush to see if everything was okay, when a low, prolonged grumble followed.

"Urrrrrrrgggggh."

Glancing up, she tried to keep the smirk that read 'I-told-you-so' from her face. She pursed her lips tight together instead as Mary stumbled into the room, a hand clamped to her cheek.

"Is it normal to have a hangover that lasts for three days?"

Anna laughed watching her pad across the floor with tentative steps, resembling Bambi being pushed onto the ice. Mary clutched on to the window frame for support, scrunching up her eyes groggily against the strong sunlight.

"Not in my experience, but I'm sure there are people out there somewhere who might say different."

Anna couldn't resist adding the sing-song note to her tone, feeling as fresh as a daisy. The grimace on her face told Anna that Mary didn't exactly appreciate it, and she let out a light laugh, shaking her head as she returned her attentions to writing once more. The faint sounds coming from outside made her work at a fluid pace and while she was concentrating on what she was doing, she smiled as she let her thoughts drift, adding to her cheery mood. The after-effects of the party she had experienced were quite different to Mary's, and unlike her friend, she was more than content to let them live on a little while longer.

Her mind happily replayed it all on a loop; the way they had danced on into the night, how they had sat up talking for hours when they got back and how eventually, not long before the sun rose again, they ended up in one another's arms, naturally.

Everything had been so gentle, so tender, him touching her as if scared she would shatter. He kissed her from head to toe, caressed every single inch of her until she was almost breathless and begging. She had tried more than once to turn the tables, repay him all of the attention he was showering upon her, but he refused, kissing her so deeply that she nearly forgot who she was. In the few moments that he lifted his head from its home upon her body, Anna could see the glistening of tears that had formed in his eyes. Her breath was taken away, and she raised her hands to cup his face, his vulnerability making her bones ache. She assured him with her touch for seconds that were too short, but as he looked back, before he softly took her fingers away from his skin, there came a rush of feeling, pure in that perfect moment. The connection between them, that she thought she knew so well, strengthened instantly. Now it was unbreakable. John lowered his lips to her once more as their gazes broke and when he eased inside her, Anna had almost cried herself with wonder at the beauty of it all. He hadn't spoken of it yet, but really, there was no need to. He had showed her how much he loved and adored her, and she would cherish the feeling for the rest of her life. A love so real was finally hers, and he was hers too, and no force on the earth could intrude upon them to turn it untrue.

She stilled her pen upon the paper and was a little surprised but very amused to see that instead of jotting down names, addresses and the beginnings of plans, she had instead doodled a series of hearts down the side of the page. It was in quiet moments like this that it struck her the most, just how deeply she had fallen. It was like she was fifteen years old again, just as if it was the first time.

Then she smiled as she thought; it was the first time.

Holding back giggles, she held her head to the side as she wrote both of their initials in one of the bigger hearts she had scribbled, and then much like a schoolgirl, shut the diary with a soft thud, the affirmation trapped safely between the pages. The room was very quiet indeed, and after a few seconds still dreaming, it occurred to her to glance up and check on the worse-for-wear figure in the corner.

"Oh, don't worry about me," Mary uttered with a croak, just enough strength to wave her hand weakly in front of her face. "I'll just stay here and die quietly. You won't even notice."

"I haven't got an ounce of sympathy. That's what happens when you knock back double vodkas all night." Anna got up, perching herself against the desk as she watched Mary trying to hide herself in her cardigan. "And in front of your parents too? For shame, Mary Crawley."

She lifted her brown eyes, now blazing brazenly in response.

"They were the ones who drove me to it," she complained. "Did they have to be on each other's faces quite so much? You think they'd be well and truly bored of it by now." Mary let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders shuddering despite themselves. "I needed those vodkas to stop myself from being mentally scarred for life."

"Oh, Mary." Anna shook her head lightly. Maybe she was being coloured by the emotions that were driving her right now, or it was just that it wasn't her parents being the ones putting on such a display. It made her a little sad to think she was too young to really remember any of their anniversaries. "I think it's the cutest thing, that they're still so in love after all those years."

She found herself getting a little misty-eyed and dreamy, thinking of what she considered marriage to be like. Before he had died, she knew that even if they never always showed it that her mum and dad were in love, and their marriage had been a happy one, free from any major troubles. Their love was shown by how relaxed and silly they could be with one another. Robert and Cora seemed to be the same, although they were more open with their passions. Anna knew she wanted both for her future, and couldn't believe how not that long ago she had just accepted that she would have that with Jeremy, when she had known deep down it wasn't going to happen, that it just didn't sit right. She didn't want to tempt things too much, not when it was still early days, but something told her she would have all of that and so much more with John. If it were ever to happen, of course.

"It's so lovely to see love like that, it makes you believe that it really does exist, and just gets stronger as time goes on." She went on, getting lost in her train of thought. Snapping out of it a bit, she pointed a finger playfully at Mary. "You should think yourself lucky that they are like that still."

"Hardly," Mary replied with an unthinking acidity in her voice. After a moment, she realised how it might have sounded and offered a silent apology to Anna, which was quickly accepted. "Anyway, yes, it's nice they're in love and all that, but do you think we could talk about something other than my parents?"

Anna smiled, propping herself up and a hint of mischief finding its way into her expression as she thought of how she could change the subject. "Okay, then. Who exactly was the guy you were spending so much time with? Nearly every time I looked over, he was following you around like a puppy."

Mary rolled her eyes slightly and she sighed at the question, though in the next instant her lips had curled themselves into an almost bashful smile. Anna even thought she could detect the faintest hint of blush in her cheeks. This was very unlike Mary Crawley, always so in charge of her emotions. It was true that she was intrigued; she hadn't as yet managed to wheedle the information out of her, Mary clamming up and quickly hurrying the hint of things along before now. This time it seemed like she would relent. Anna had unconsciously leaned forward, waiting on tenterhooks to learn more about this mystery man who had only turned up at the party.

"His name's Matthew," she said, her tone soft and her face colouring more despite her best efforts. "We just met that night, but he's very nice."

"Ooh, very nice, indeed," Anna teased. It was like they had retreated to their adolescent years. She twisted a stray strand of hair around a finger. "So, did anything happen…?"

"Anna!" Mary said, laying on the pretence of shock a bit thick. "A lady doesn't divulge such things."

"Well, I'm not a lady and I don't pretend to be."

Mary sniggered at Anna's remark, wondering when she'd suddenly become so bold. She supposed it served her right, getting paid back for all the times she had teased her over John.

"Nothing happened, honestly. Well, maybe a kiss, but nothing more." Mary's smile couldn't be hidden. "He's taking me out tonight, and I may be looking forward to it. But don't tell him I told you that."

Anna laughed a little. This was definitely a new side to Mary.

"How could I when I've never spoken a word to him? Hopefully that will change soon enough."

She raised her eyebrows as Mary stood, straightening herself up.

"We'll see."

She laughed again, watching Mary scurry dazedly around the room, apparently very busy all of a sudden. Mary had been happy enough to watch her squirm in the past, and she wasn't willing to let her get away that easily.

"But in the meantime you can at least say a little more about Matthew," Anna taunted a little, in a good-natured manner. "What does he do for a living?"

Some of the colour drained from Mary's face and she bit the corner of her lip, looking rather reluctant to say anything. Anna narrowed her eyes in response, thinking that it wasn't that much of an intrusive question.

"He's…umm…" Mary's voice was lowering to a whisper, and Anna was sure she had muttered something that she hadn't caught.

"He's what?"

Mary threw her gaze skyward. "He's a solicitor."

Anna chuckled aloud, seeing Mary with a face like thunder, which gradually dissolved. Even if she wasn't quite sharing in the laughter, she managed a smile at Anna's hysterics.

"Oh well," Anna uttered, calming herself down. "There's a first time for everything." She glanced up to see that Mary looked noticeably less annoyed now. "I'm sure he's the exception to the rule. I dread to think what my dad would have said if he knew I was going out with a Manchester United supporter."

The pen had been in her hand again, and this time she had scribbled a line of footballing stick-men, one taller than the rest with tousled inky-blue hair. She shook her head at her efforts.

"That's not the worst of it, though."

"But what could possibly be worse than being a solicitor? Don't tell me he hates dinner parties as well?"

Mary tutted, and turned to studying the wall. "The reason he was at the party is because he's a Crawley as well. I'd never met him in my life, but apparently he's some distant cousin, five times removed or something…anyway, I've googled it, and it's not close enough to be anything that's weird or illegal."

Anna let out a howl of laughter. "Well then, that's okay, isn't it?"

Mary looked as though she might need some convincing. "But you know what people talk about, especially in my family. They'll think I've run out of options, or worse still that I'm completely desperate."

"Mary Crawley," Anna began talking as if she had known her for years rather than just months. "When have you ever let what anyone says put you off something?"

She raised her eyebrows and smiled, and eventually, Mary did the same, before she pulled on her jacket.

"Well, good. If you don't mind, I think I'll go and see if I can find something that will at least not make me look like the Grim Reaper's sister."

"You look fine," Anna assured. "Just stay away from the wine shop across the road."

Mary grimaced, clutching onto her side. "That will not be a problem. God, just the mention is making my liver hate me even more."

Anna chuckled when she exited the room, though Mary hadn't got that far when she heard her voice again echoing in the stairwell.

"No, Anna's not going out. She's all yours."

"Well, that I'm glad to hear."

Her heart had started to beat at double speed before he had even got inside the room, and tingles surged up from the pit of her stomach. She wondered when it would be that she would stop feeling like this. Secretly, she hoped the sensations would never cease.

John was underneath the doorway, his broad figure seeming too big for the tiny room. The sight was so amusing to Anna that she couldn't stifle a giggle, but they soon faded when she made her way over to him, him coming closer inside so they met just off the middle.

"Well, hello," she smiled, the surprise catching her off guard in the most wonderful way.

"Hello."

Naturally, she lifted herself up, arms scooping around his shoulders while she sought out his lips for a kiss. She didn't stop herself from humming lightly in appreciation when she pulled away, pulled in by his eyes yet again.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you from anything important."

"It's nothing that won't wait," she said, still floating high from the always welcome feeling of him being against her. "I needed a break anyway."

John lifted his brow at her, and she felt guilty for all of two seconds.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" she enquired, her hand trailing back and forth between the blades of his shoulders.

"Can't I just pop by, with no reason but to see your beautiful face?"

She still got a little pink whenever he spoke to her in that way. "Of course you can," she uttered, unable to wipe the smile from her face. Her fingers travelled lower upon his back as her voice lowered to a husky whisper. "In fact, I encourage it. Mary's never that good with timing, but she couldn't have done better today…"

Oh god, she just couldn't help herself, feeling the expanse of him beneath her fingertips and simply breathing him in.

He smiled at her, a hint of concern in his eyes as he rested his hands upon her sides.

"Well, that's not strictly true. Though your face is very beautiful."

The cheeky glint in his eyes sparked up briefly before it faded again. He held a breath for a few seconds and Anna started to get restless. He hadn't quite mastered the act of just coming out and saying whatever he needed to say straight.

"I came to let you know I have to go away, in two days time."

The shadows in his irises hadn't lifted, and he looked altogether perturbed. Anna was worried. She touched a hand to the base of his spine and he flinched for a split second.

"For work?"

He shook his head, exhaling.

"I'd rather it were. I've got to go to Ireland."

"Oh."

The reason for his demeanour being so suddenly troubled was clearer now. There wasn't much she could do other than stroke her fingers soothingly over where they lay upon his back, and it seemed to at least make a bit of difference.

"It shouldn't be for too long, a week at most I reckon," he explained. "Family stuff. One of my brothers had an accident at work."

Anna's other hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, god. It's not…"

"No, it's nothing too serious. But it took his family by surprise and they're struggling a bit. They just need a bit of help, and to be honest, I don't really know what I can do. But I feel obliged." He ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it lightly. "Maybe once I'm there I'll feel less like a spare part."

"You won't be that," she smiled assuredly, hoping it would offer some more comfort. He rewarded her with a smile back, taking her hand and squeezing it gently.

"I'm sorry it's such short notice."

"John, you can't control these things. Don't worry."

Her spirits started to lift as the smile softened on his face, getting just that bit brighter all the time. A thought flew into her mind and before she began to voice it, she squeezed his fingers between hers.

"I can come with you, if you like? If it would make things easier."

Her voice was incredibly soft as she suggested it, knowing that it may have been a step just that bit too far too soon. She knew that the place held many bad memories for him now, and he might not have wanted to let her get involved, but all she wanted was to soften the blow of him returning, in any way she was able.

His smile momentarily turned into a frown. "I thought things were picking up here?"

"They are, but like I say, it's nothing that can't wait for a week." She started to laugh lightly as she drew her thumb over his knuckles. "Besides, Mary can handle it for a few days. A bit of work won't kill her…at least I hope it won't."

He smirked at her, somewhat half-heartedly. From that, she could tell what his answer would be.

"It's fine, honestly. I can cope."

She nodded, and then smiled as he placed a kiss upon her hand.

"But you are perfect."

John almost whispered his words, letting his hand stroke down her side languidly. The combination had a very acute effect upon her. As his fingers lowered to her hip, she caught them and watched his eyes flicker.

"I don't know about that, but I try," she shrugged, her gaze transfixed to his.

"You are, no question."

He stroked her hair softly as he fixed his other hand to the back of her head, guiding her already slightly parted lips to his own. Her hands rose up to his chest as she eagerly kissed back, letting her tongue slide over his bottom lip, loving hearing the tiny groan he made.

"That will give you something to remember," she said with a wicked smirk.

He was lost for words for a few seconds, and Anna was very pleased with what she had achieved.

"Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I do believe I'm not due away for a couple of days yet."

Well, that was even better.

As he left her to return to work, she was already busy planning.

Laying out the plates and glasses on the table, Anna smiled as she carefully put down the finishing touches of two candles in the centre, taking a step back to check that everything was just right. It was still fairly early, and she hadn't started on the dinner yet, but she reasoned that there was plenty of time. She still wasn't sure why she got everything else aside from the food prepared and ready well in advance, including herself. It was a well-established routine of hers by now and there was little reason to disrupt it.

Having adjusted the items on the table by mere centimetres a few times, she was satisfied with the way it looked, admiring the display as she ran her hands down her dress. It was nothing too fancy; a classic and simple black cocktail dress, but she felt good in it. It was slinky and understatedly sexy, while being comfortable enough to wear while eating dinner. Adjusting the straps, she grinned to herself thinking of the Agent Provocateur bag that was hidden away upstairs. The basque and suspender set she hadn't been able to resist buying had been visible underneath her dress when she had tried it on, and that would have spoiled the surprise. But it was no trouble; she'd be able to sneak up later after dinner and change into it. When she thought about it, that was probably the better way of giving John his going-away present. A giggle escaped her imagining the look on his face when he saw it. With any luck, she would find herself unwrapped quickly.

The doorbell took her by surprise as she lingered around the lounge, and when she opened the door to find him there she wore a happy, if also slightly started, smile.

"You're early," she exclaimed as she took the beautiful flowers he offered her. "I haven't even started dinner yet. And my make-up's only half done," she blushed.

"You don't need to make yourself up. You look stunning."

"Flattery will get you everywhere."

John smiled warmly and genuinely at her, stepping in from the doorstep.

"I know it's earlier than we said, and I would have let you know but I've only just found out myself." He did look rather dishevelled, the collar of his jacket sticking up to indicate that he'd been in a rush. "It turns out I need to get an earlier flight. I managed to get it changed, but the only other one available was for ten o'clock tonight."

His face crumpled, and Anna took a glance at the clock. It was six already.

"Oh, right."

She couldn't stop the sheer disappointment sounding in her voice at the prospect of their night together being cut short much earlier than expected. Her gaze had dropped subconsciously to the floor and when it rose again, John was looking at her full of regret. His look broke her heart a little and she brightened herself purposely.

"I'm so sorry, Anna. I came as soon as I could."

By the state of him, she didn't doubt it, and smiled softly.

"I hope I haven't ruined everything."

"Don't be silly," Anna answered, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek, his stubble grazing her skin lightly. "It's not ruined at all." She unfurled his collar, folding it back into place, not being able to resist sliding her fingers up to tickle against the nape of his neck. "If anything, this might actually be better."

He seemed confused, showing it through the delight he was experiencing at her touch gliding to and fro upon him.

"How so?"

"Well, the earlier you go, it just means you'll be back even sooner than I thought."

She found herself colouring when he stared at her, hazel eyes piercing.

"You always find the good in everything," he marvelled, catching her hand and bending to give her a quick, sweet kiss.

Anna's eyes were shining when she looked up again.

"Well, the alternative isn't of much use."

She had to admit that she hadn't fully heeded the words when she had said them but seeing the look on his face had made all the difference. Though it wasn't going to go quite how she had planned, she could feel that this evening was swiftly turning around and turning out just fine. She looked down for a moment to where both of her hands were now held in his and felt a wave of warmth wash her head to toe.

John sighed once in frustration at himself, and then turned a smile back towards her. He could do pretty much anything, of good or bad consequence, and she felt she couldn't possibly be upset with him for long, not with that smile.

"You said you haven't started dinner yet?"

She shook her head wordlessly.

"Well, I think it's only fair that I cook instead, to make this mess up to you."

Anna tugged upon his hands as he made to turn into the kitchen, and he turned his gaze back towards her.

"Oh no, John, I can't let you do that," she insisted. "This is supposed to be your treat."

Again, he simply charmed her by smiling wide, and she couldn't turn him down. The only thing she could complain about was the way he unfurled her fingers from his to make his way along.

"Anna, it's the least I can do, honestly." He quirked his eyebrows at the little pout that was sitting on her face. "And if you say no, I'll head out that door right now."

Her expression swiftly changed into a cheeky, bright smile.

"It's just as well I like your cooking, then."

Dinner was delicious, and Anna was rather glad that John had insisted on taking over as she doubted she could have done quite as good a job. Both sat facing each other at the table, and underneath two pairs of feet were brushing together lightly. Anna felt so incredibly comfortable and happy, and if she could, she would stay exactly this way all night. Placing her chin on her palm, she admired John in the glow of the candlelight, tracing every feature of his face, loving each part as well as the whole combined. He would have been absolutely faultless if it wasn't for the cloud that had descended, rendering his expression noticeably gloomy underneath his cover of stoicism. Yet she even loved this about him, his determination to bear everything silently, not to bother her, although of course it did.

She reached her hand across the table, briefly feeling the heat coming from the candle radiating against her arm. He looked up on the second that her fingers stroked over his, emerging from the prison of his thoughts. He offered her the smallest smile in response and she felt her heart swell.

"You look as if you've got the cares of the whole world on your shoulders," she noted with a soft smile, the tips of her fingers trailing over his hand.

He quirked his lips just perceptibly, shifting beneath her touch.

"Not the whole world, but quite enough of it."

Anna frowned a little at his reply. She hadn't expected that the visit would cause him this much trouble and apprehension, but then again she didn't really know all that much about how things had been altered irrevocably for him there. All she knew is that it was a terrible shame that whatever had happened had had such an impact. It was his home after all, and she would have liked to have gone there with him herself one day, if not at this present time. That didn't seem a possibility, and she wished she could have erased the painful memories from his mind for him.

John swallowed and gave a swift shake of his head, trying his best to pin on a bigger smile for her sake.

"Things will be fine, you know. Nothing's ever as bad as it seems from the outside. A certain person told me that."

She beamed a bright smile in the dim amber light of the room, watching his face carefully and seeing the darkness dissolve.

"It's only like this because you don't know what you're walking into. Once you're there, it'll be much better. Your brother will be fine, everyone will rally round and you'll save the day."

Anna smiled at her statement while John looked rather unconvinced. He relented a little when she laced their fingers together on the table.

"I suppose you're right. Partly." He sighed and gave her a much craved-for smile, before swiping his other hand over his face. "Still, I'll be glad when it's over and I can land back here."

She just smiled, deciding not to dwell over his words anymore. It would do no good the both of them worrying. Her hand was circled in his now, and she felt heartened. The corners of her mouth quirked as she bounced the notion about in her head.

"My sister keeps calling me lately. She's very keen that I get back to Yorkshire before my birthday." She smirked as she thought of the last conversation they had had on the matter, just a couple of days ago. "And she's very keen to meet my mystery man."

It was enough to turn his expression completely. He traced a circle around her ring finger.

"Oh, really?" His intrigued smile was absolutely irresistible. "Well, I'm not complaining. I rather like being a man of mystery."

"I'm sure you do," Anna giggled, tilting her head to the side. "But I hope you won't be for very long."

John raised his eyebrows at her statement, and she had the biggest urge to drape herself over the table and kiss away any questions.

She glanced up at him, the faintest trace of uncertainty deep in her eyes.

"I was thinking…well, hoping…that we could go over together in a little while?" She faltered just a little as she spoke, though she was buoyed by the smile that remained on his face. "I promise my family aren't that embarrassing. Well, not once you get past all the fussing from my mother."

She turned a little red thinking already about how her mother would likely bombard John with questions the moment they arrived. If anything would put him off her, the prospect of such an interrogation surely would.

"I'd like that," he smiled, smoothing his large hand over hers. "Fussing is nothing when you've grown up with an Irish mother, believe me."

Anna grinned, lowering her gaze momentarily, her heart pounding in her chest. When she looked up again, she was happy to see that his smile hadn't faded with the passing seconds.

"I really would like it, Anna. If you're alright with it. I'd be incredibly honoured."

She felt overwhelmed all of a sudden, and made to stand with a smile and a shrug of her shoulders.

"Don't be daft. But I'm very glad you'd want to."

As she moved to pick up their plates, John's hand stopped her movements.

"I'll do that."

She shook her head. "No, you made dinner. It's only fair. You should relax while you can."

His hand was on her wrist now, his grasp light, his fingertips just brushing her skin. Anna gasped in a little breath as he stood up, his figure towering over her but his touch making her feel as if she were sitting above all the world.

"We'll do it together."

She smiled and nodded at his suggestion. They collected things from the table, bumping into each other every now and then, sometimes purposely.

Anna stopped in the doorway between the lounge and the kitchen watching John taking the last of the cutlery to the sink. Leaning against the frame, she sighed and a smile burst on her face as he turned around at the sound. Keeping his gaze, she fiddled a little with her hair before she said the words. It was a silly thing to say, and she supposed she only meant it half-seriously.

"Will you miss me?"

She flushed as John regarded her, his hands braced against the counter, head angled to look at her lovingly. He gave her a smile, and let out a sigh himself.

"Try not to miss me."

She was the first to admit that she didn't try very hard to do as he said. She missed him dreadfully. The time dragged without him, mere days seeming like years. At work, she was absolutely useless, finding it hard to concentrate on lists and plans for more than a minute at a time. It was impossible to keep her mind on anything other than John, wondering what it was he was doing at that very moment. She hoped that everything was okay and that he wasn't finding it all too hard. A selfish part of her hoped he was struggling with her absence as much as she was his. Even if he was, he would cope with things much better, having other problems to contend with. The longing she felt overwhelmed her, she had never experienced it so strongly, but strangely she seemed to welcome the cavern in her heart. It would have been more disconcerting to her if she had found it easy.

The first thing she would do when she got home each evening was call him. She'd sit herself down on the sofa, or rather perch herself on the edge, still in her shoes and jacket, impatient to hear his voice, to have that little piece of him for a few minutes. It was the happiest part of her day.

She was relieved to hear that he sounded fine for the most part, a little tension and tiredness creeping into his tone every now and then, but that was inevitable. The other night she heard bells and buzzing in the background as he spoke, and when she asked he had told her that he was staying in a hotel. That was slightly strange to her, but she was just so glad to hear him and be able to talk to him that it didn't seem all that important. She kept him on the line for as long as she could, feeling the sadness washing over her only getting keener every time they had to say goodbye.

Each day she doodled around the date in her diary, counting down with feverish anticipation. After what seemed like forever, it had finally come. She knew he was getting back in the afternoon, and had plans to pop into the office briefly before he went home. Watching the clock tick near enough killed her and the restlessness bubbling within threatened to paralyse her completely until it reached the point when she could finally leave. She flew out of the doors so fast that anyone would have thought she was just a passing illusion.

On her way to his office, she stopped to buy a little bunch of flowers, getting increasingly annoyed when the person in front of her had their card declined and then had to search for the right money. Clutching the flowers when they were paid for, she dashed out and down the streets that led the way, looking at her watch every few seconds and feeling increasingly flustered.

She pushed through the revolving doors at such a speed that she nearly crashed into the young woman who was making her way out, along with a couple of others. Giving her apology when they had ceased talking, she recognised her as John's secretary, and catching her breath, smiled a little too eagerly.

"I'm sorry, I know you're on your way out," Anna hurried, noticing the slight look of irritation on her face. "But could you tell me if John Bates is back?"

The woman rolled her eyes briefly, stepping away from her friends. Anna would have felt embarrassed if she wasn't so very eager to see him.

"He isn't, I don't think he's back until tomorrow."

Anna walked further into the reception, and John's secretary waved off the people she was with while she went back to her desk for a moment, feeling Anna's eyes upon her as she scanned the screen.

"No…he won't be in today. He's at the airport with his wife."

Her heart took a few moments to register the words before it dropped to the floor.

"Can I take a message?"

The young woman was staring at Anna with her pen poised, but she didn't even notice. The blood was pounding in her head and she wanted to move but her body didn't seem to be willing to cooperate.

"Miss, excuse me?"

"Wh…what?"

"Would you like to leave a name and number so I can get him to call you first thing?"

Anna shook her head slowly, slowly coming out of the dark. "Um…no. No, thank you."

Somehow, she stumbled out onto the street, still clutching the stems of the flowers in her hands, some of them now broken. She closed her eyes, rested her head against the cool stone pillar to the side of her. The words kept spinning around, she wasn't sure she'd ever stop hearing them.

He's at the airport with his wife.

His wife.

The doors continued to revolve at her back, reminding her that everything was real, that the world was still turning. That was despite the fact that hers had come crashing to the ground.

A/N: Eeeeeeeeeek. *ducks out of the way of things being hurled at her* Forgive me! (I honestly do know where I'm going with this, if that's a consolation...)