"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.\

/////////

"What's got you so wound tight then Bella?" he asked, clearly not understanding what was wrong with Anna. Resisting the urge to stamp her foot, Anna shook her head,
"Are you that dense?" she growled, and when Danny just stared back at her in confusion Anna let out a sound of frustration. Reaching forward she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt and before Danny could react she leaned up, pressing her body firmly against as she crashed her lips over his.
It took Danny less than a second to react; his hands quickly gripped her hips tightly and he pushed her back against the lockers, both of them moaning out loud when his body pressed tighter against hers.
This was most defiantly not the way Anna had saw this happening but she was happy it had. All she wanted now was to sink into him, but when the sound of a locker shutting echoed through the room Anna pushed against Danny's chest, breaking the kiss.
Trying to catch her breath, and drown out the sound of her own heartbeat Anna looked up at Danny, his eyes lidded with desire as he stared at her, attempting to calm his heavy breathing.
Smiling Anna looked around; seeing they were still alone she took a step forward closing the distance between her and Danny. Her eyes were locked with his as she fingered the button on his trousers, "Your move." she told him huskily, chewing on her bottom lip as she moved around him and headed out the locker room a slight hop in her step.
Danny watched her go over his shoulder, a smirk on his lips as he did. Anna had no idea what she'd just unleashed.

////////////

Anna kissed him back hungrily vaguely aware of the passing cars, and wolf whistles but she didn't carom right now Danny was making it very hard to care about what other people were thinking.
Pulling out the kiss Danny smirked and took her hand, pulling her with him across the street and into an apartment building. Their movements where quick, as Danny led them upstairs and to his apartment door, fumbling with the keys for a moment before he managed to push the door open, pulling Anna in with him as he slammed the door shut behind them.
Pressing her against the wall Danny leaned over her, his arms extended on either side of her head, as he spoke his voice laced with desire, "Your gonna kill me..." he cut off, his lips and tongue attacking her neck.
Anna let her head fall back painfully against the wall, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the sensation. Her knees were growing weak so she gripped his shoulders for support. Danny's hands kneaded her ass firmly and deeply as her own hands tore at the black shirt he wore, pushing the now ruined material of his shoulders revealing his perfectly toned chest.
Danny growled his hands pinching and groping at her breasts through the thin material of her silk cami, pulling back he brought it over her head, exposing her bra as he tossed the offending material to the ground. The length of his body pressed back into Anna's as his tongue travelled down her neck and chest and circled her nipples, as he pushed the dark leather skirt down her thighs.
Anna gasped; already on fire for him reaching behind her she snapped open her bra and dropped it to the floor, smiling when she heard Danny inhale deeply. Taking advantage of his small pause, her hands moved of their own violation towards his waist where she began fumbling with the button and zipper of his jeans her eyes locking his much darker ones.
Tugging his jeans down slightly, she let out a small laugh realizing he wasn't in fact wearing any boxers. As his jeans pooled at his feet Danny stepped out of them and into Anna, her arms snaking around his shoulders as she brought his lips back to hers.
Danny planted his hands on her ass raising Anna up, their lips never parting as she wrapped her legs firmly around his waist. His warm hands kneaded the soft skin of her ass firmly and deeply and Anna brazenly moved her hand down between them to caress her already hard member.
Danny growled again, squeezing her tighter as he devoured her lips with his. "No...I need you now..." he whispered his voice husky as he held her wrist. Anna nodded as he hoisted her up against the wall once again, one hand cradling her backside as the other tore off her thong, his lips moving against hers heatedly, the pair of them hungrily devouring each other.
Danny's hand moved between Anna's back and the wall to act as a buffer. The kiss broke as they locked eyes, nothing needing to be said as Danny thrust into her hard and fast.
Anna threw her head back, the pair of them groaning in pleasure. One arm wrapped over his shoulder for leverage as the other scratched down his back as Danny pounded into her again and again. This wasn't sweet, tender love making this right here was pure, unadulterated primal need. They craved each other and were giving into their needs.
Anna could feel herself being driven over the edge by Danny's wild thrusts. She was moaning loudly, and he was grunting both close to their release. Danny groped her breasts; he pinched and sucked on Anna's already sensitive nipples just as her centre clenched around his manhood bringing them both to a simultaneous release.
Both were panting and sweating as Danny held Anna up against the wall. They kissed passionately in-between their gasping breaths both slowly coming down from their release. "That was...I...wow..."
Danny lifted his head from where it had rested in the crook of her neck and smiled softly at Anna, placing a tender kiss on her lips. "I unequivocally agree..." Anna chuckled, as Danny smiled slyly, his grip on her tightening as he moved them away from the wall.
Anna locked her fingers behind his shoulders as she placed soft, wet kisses down the crook of his neck, biting down gently as Danny lowered them both onto the soft mattress of his bed. As he moved to her side Anna smirked, "So is this were we move onto round two?"She asked, her arousal already growing due to the slow ministrations of his hands.
Danny chuckled pushing Anna back down as she made a move to remove the last piece of her outfit, her black knee high boots. Before she could say anything Danny moved his body over hers, pinning her hands above her head, effectively stopping any protest when he kissed her deeply, "They stay on."
-----
"Looks like he broke his hand, shooters gonna have some serious bruises."
Anna looked up from her camera as Mac spoke. He was currently crouched beside the body of Joel Ivey, the victim of a shotgun blast to the face. From what little info they'd managed to gather, a poker game between four men had gone south when three of them figured out the fourth man Kelly was cheating. After beating him they threw him out the apartment, and began preparing for their next game. Joel Ivey had gotten up to look through the peephole of the door to see who was knocking when the blast went off.
Looking back down at the pool table, she chewed on her bottom lip and listened as Flack spoke, "Our boys used Kelly as a punching bag." Taking another picture of the Cigar stub lying in the ashtray Anna picked it up to bag, "Our killer was smoking that cigar."
"This was definitely not a friendly home game." She commented, looking up at Flack as he came to a stop beside her,
"Well pokers no longer a hobby it's a profession, as far as these kids are concerned desk jobs are for suckers." He told her with a small shrug; Anna nodded and turned to look at the two men,
"Did you guys carry on playing when you kicked Kelly out?" she asked, pushing her glasses up into her hair. The guy in the green sweater was the one to answer,
"No, that was the last game we played." He replied, before turning back to the cop in front of them. Frowning slightly Anna turned back to the table, letting her hand come to rest on her hip,
"Lines are 500 and 250 and the hole cards just been dealt," she said, looking up in time to see Flack staring down at her, a surprised smile on his face,
"You play poker?" he asked doubtfully. Crossing her arms, Anna narrowed her eyes,
"Occasionally, why you got a problem with that?" she asked playfully, watching as Flacks smile widened,
"In the couple months I've known you; you have not once been able to keep a straight face. It's impossible," he chuckled, Anna smiled,
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, now Mac he's got a poker face who knows what he's thinking." Flack said, making Anna laugh slightly as Mac turned towards them.
"I'm thinking, where the gun came from. Stashed in the hallway maybe, unless he was expecting trouble who comes to a poker game with a shot gun?"

-------
It was quiet in the crime lab, and extremely late when Anna hopped into the break room. The coffee was certainly to blame for her state right now, usually she banned herself from drinking it but this case was making her tired, so Anna had steered away from tea and opted for something with a hell of a lot more kick.
As she bounced through the door her smile widened. There leaning against the counter, making his own coffee was Danny. So as quietly as she could Anna moved her way to behind him, sliding both her arms around to rest on his stomach.
Danny jumped having not expected the interruption but immediately smiled and relaxed when he realised who it was. "Well hello to you too." He said as he looked over his shoulder.
Anna laughed as she stood on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss on the back of his neck and let him go before grabbing her own cup, "Hey, you just get back in?" she asked, her hand reaching out for the coffee jar only to have it snatched away by Danny who shook his head.
"Yeah..." he replied in answer to her question before grabbing the tea, "You know you don't do well drinking coffee..." he reminded her with a smile, remembering how long it took her to come down from the last 4 cups of coffee she had on shift.
Anna scowled, "I'm fine." She told him, her hands coming to rest on her hips. When Danny gave her a pointed look Anna sighed and rolled her eyes, "Okay fine maybe I'm a little skittish." She admitted reluctantly leaning against the counter and letting her head fall back. "I just want my bed."
"Trust me I want your bed too but for now we're stuck here so, drink this, get back to work and I'll be expecting your sexy ass at my place after work." Danny pushed the mug in front of her and smirked at the look on her face. Without waiting for a reply he grabbed his own mug, leaned down to press a lingering kiss on her lips and turned on his heal, heading out the break room and back to work.
Anna watched him go and shook her head, but couldn't fight the smile slowly working its way onto her face. Now she was definitely looking forward to shift ending, and with that in mind she grabbed her drink and headed out.

-------- nna hopped up the stairs to Danny's apartment. It was late and she'd only just got off shift, the case was far from over but with little else they could do for the night she was free. Both her bag and jacket were clasped in her hands as she headed down the corridor.
Surprise shot over her face as she stepped in front of Danny's door, as before she could even raise her hand to knock the door swung open and there stood Danny shirtless, a towel hanging low on his hips as he used another one to dry his hair. Anna allowed herself a moment to admire the view before smiling and walking in, pressing a kiss to his lips as she brushed passed him.
"Well I'm well and truly disappointed in you Messer." She sighed, dropping her bag and jacket onto the sofa. Danny chuckled as he closed the door before turning to her, feeling his body already stirring at seeing her
"And why's that then?" he asked, slowly closing the gap between them. Anna turned to him her hands on her hips as she shook her head, her eyes tracing down his still damp body,
"You couldn't hold off on getting a shower till I got here?" she asked, nodding at the towel. Danny just laughed again, dropping the towel he was using to dry his hair as he cupped her face. His face remained inches from hers for a moment before he kissed her, his tongue licking her bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth eliciting a breathy moan from Anna, "Well hello to you to." She whispered as he pulled back.
Danny only smiled as he made swift work of unbuttoning her blouse, Anna chuckled as he slid the silky material over her shoulders and let it drop to the floor, "Someone's impatient." She commented, allowing him to guide her backwards.
"I've been thinking about this all day, you, screaming my name..."
"Those are pretty big words Messer..." Anna's back hit the wall just outside the bedroom and Danny made sure to close the gap between them his hands against the wall either side of her head, "You sure you're up to the task Danny? Your just looking a bit tired..." she teased
Danny narrowed his eyes, and leaned in closely, "I'm more than capable..." Anna felt her heart beating wildly against her chest as her excitement grew, just his scent, the way he was looking at her was almost enough to make her come undone.
When he didn't move Anna grew impatient, wrapping her arms around him she attacked his lips hungrily, moaning against him when Danny pushed her back against the wall, his arousal pressing into her. They kissed hungrily, their tongues at war with each other. Anna couldn't get enough and by the way Danny was now paying special attention to her neck, neither could he.
Danny firmly grabbed her hips and squeezed the soft skin contained within her jeans. Leaning down he placed soft yet heated kisses on the lacy fabric of her bra. As he licked the valley between her breasts, Danny brought his hands up to knead them, kissing down her stomach, licking and nipping around her navel. Anna sighed in frustration, Danny was so slow and methodical in his movements he was burning her alive.
Unbuttoning her jeans and lowering the zipper Danny quickly tugged them and her panties past Anna's hips, causing her to gasp when she felt his hot breath near her core as he pulled the jeans off. His hands trailed up her body, caressing her calves and thighs, squeezing her ass and pulling her centre close to his face before peppering her thighs and hips with open mouthed, hot kisses as he moved slowly up her body. When he was stood Anna tugged at the towel and smiled triumphantly before letting it drop.
Reaching behind herself Anna unhooked her bra and tossed it aside, her heaving breasts tumbled out as Danny pulled her naked body into his own, arching her backwards so that he could kiss her lips passionately, both were breathing heavily as they clung to each other.
Danny's hands glided back down her body to the backs of her thighs, their mouths never parting as he lifted Anna into his arms, placing her legs on either side of his waist. Anna ran her fingers into his hair as Danny walked them into the bedroom. Lowering her down Danny quickly lay beside her, attempting to roll her over so he could be on top but Anna had other ideas.
Placing her hands on his gorgeous chest she forced him back down onto the bed before straddling his hips and raising herself over his erection. Danny let his eyes roam her body appreciatively before finally locking eyes with Anna. As he did Anna immediately lowered herself down, letting his large member fill her up. Both moaned as the intense feelings of being so connected washed over them.
It was as if their bodies were made perfectly for each other. For Anna, Danny was like the puzzle piece she'd always been missing. For Danny it was the same, Anna knew this was it for her. The feelings Danny inspired in her were like nothing she'd felt before, and she knew he was the only one capable of doing it.
Danny's hands squeezed her hips as he began to thrust up into her, guiding himself deeper into her core. Anna swayed her hips in response, riding him hard and slow. His hands moved up to cup her breasts, and Anna let her own hands move on top of Danny's, as he kneaded her breasts occasionally tugging and pinching her sensitive nipples. They both groaned with every thrust, every sway of the hips. Danny looked up at the woman moving above him, watching her in awe,
"You're beautiful..."
"Danny, oh..."
Anna cried out his name as she felt herself approaching her climax quickly, the sensations of this position were amazing. Danny was groaning uncontrollably and Anna knew he was close to. Danny lowered one hand to circle her sensitive bundle of nerves and she exploded into a mind blowing orgasm. Danny immediately followed, pounding into her harder during his release.
Both were spent and sweat filled. Anna's face was flush as they both slowly rode out the final waves of their release.
As Danny pulled out of her Anna moved to lie beside him, immediately finding herself pulled into Danny's embrace, his lips pressed against her forehead. "Told you I'd get you screaming my name." He joked a few moments after.
Anna laughed, her arm wrapping around his waist as he held her, "Yes you did." She admitted, not even bothering to argue. "Perfect way to end a rotten day."
"No luck on the case?" he asked, Anna sighed resting her chin against his chest as she looked up at him,
"It's not that, the case well we've got a few leads it's just long and so far not making much sense." She laughed softly, her fingers tracing small patterns along his chest. Danny smiled and let his fingers trace over the curve of her spine,
"I hear that." He sighed, thinking about his and Hawkes own case. Looking back down at Anna he smiled and pulled her up his body so they were face to face, "Enough talking." He whispered huskily, making Anna smile softly, her hand brushing against his hard member once again,
"You're the boss."
-----------
"Do you mean that?" Jason asked huskily, his hands either side of her against the counter, his face pressed into her hair as he spoke. Anna swallowed, and her eyes widened in horror as he pressed the lower part of himself against her. Anna fought down the wave of nausea that washed over her,
"Jason please move." She said calmly, her hands pushing against his chest. Jason didn't move though, which wasn't a surprise considering his size,
"I've wanted to do this for so long, I know you have to. I know you want me Anna so don't fight against it okay. You've been flirting with me since the first night we met, you want this. I know you do so just give into it" He whispered.
Anna opened her mouth to argue, and to order him to move but before any words came out of her mouth Jason pressed his lips over hers in a harsh almost brutal kiss. Anna cringed back, her hands pressing hard against his chest, doing her best to move him yet Jason's hands gripped her waist as he rubbed himself against her. Closing her eyes Anna prayed this was not happening.
Using all her strength she pushed against Jason's chest and brought her knee up. "Jason stop..." she exclaimed when he stumbled back, apparently him being drunk helped matters.
"Anna why you fighting this...?" he asked breathlessly as he moved towards her again. Anna though was quicker and grabbed her purse, the purse in which her gun lay. Holding it up she moved away from the counter,
"Don't! Jason just please leave or so help I will not hesitate to shoot you!" she shouted, thankful her hands weren't shaking. Jason had the nerve to look hurt for a moment before he let out a long sigh and left the kitchen. Anna lowered her gun and followed him, standing in the kitchen doorway as she watched him pick up his back pack and head towards the front door.
"You shouldn't fight it you know. You'll be back, you'll realise I'm the best choice for you soon enough; I'll wait as long as it takes. I'm always going to be there for you Anna. We're meant to be" He told her, smiling softly as he shut the door behind him.
Not missing a beat Anna hurried forward and locked the door, stepping back away from it once it was done. With a hand over her mouth she lay down her gun on the table and sat down, forcing herself to take a deep, calming breath.
Jason wouldn't have hurt her, Anna was somewhat sure of that, but she was still shook up. Letting her head fall into her hands she closed her eyes, suddenly not feeling so comfortable about being on her own. Reaching out for her phone she dialled in a number and held the phone to her ear,
"Hello."
"Hi Grace, it's Anna, look I'm sorry to bother you but is there any chance you can come over?" she asked, hating the fact her voice shook, and Grace obviously picked up on it,
"Yeah of course I can is everything okay?"
"Not really, I think I'm just blowing it out of proportion but you know Jason?"
"The creepy neighbour yeah I remember him." Despite feeling shook up Anna laughed lightly. Grace had nicknamed Jason the creepy neighbour after meeting him once.
Grace had come over to Anna's to take her out for a few drinks and took an almost instant dislike to Jason, Anna herself hadn't understood the woman's reasoning, but as it turned out she seemed to be a better judge of character than Anna,
"He came over, he erm tried to force himself onto me." Anna said in a rush, closing her eyes when she heard Grace inhale sharply, then the rustling of material,
"I'll be over in 10, keep the door locked." Grace told her before they hung up. Taking a breath Anna dropped her phone onto the coffee table and looked towards the door, wondering if she should tell Danny, he wasn't exactly in control of his emotions and she feared what he would do if he knew.

Some hours later, Jason opened his apartment door, a beer in his hand and smirked at the man in front of him, "Let me guess she sent you over to smack my wrist."
On the other side of the door Danny stood tensely, his face hard as he struggled not to lash out at the man who'd practically forced himself on Anna. "Actually she didn't want me coming over. I'm here to warn you to stay the hell away from her, if I see you within a mile of her ever again then you'll have bigger things than a night in a cell to worry about. Understand?"
Jason chuckled, and wiped a hand over his mouth, "She invited me in, she wanted that kiss, she's been begging for it for weeks. So I'm sorry I'm not making any promises, she will be mine you know, and it won't be long till I have her between the sheets screaming out my name..."
Danny's fist cut Jason off, hitting him squarely in the nose. A sickening crunch echoed in the apartment and down the hallway as Jason stumbled back his hands covering his nose as he looked at Danny in shock. "Like I said stay the hell away from her..." he warned, before turning away and heading back to Anna's apartment.
Jason watched the other man go, hatred in his eyes. Jason wasn't one to be pushed around, not by anyone, and when he wanted something or someone, he always got them. One way or another Anna would be his, of that much he was sur
----------
Anna awoke with a start; ignoring the pounding in her head she strained her ears to listen again for the noise that had awoken her so abruptly. As she heard the clattering again she pushed herself up from her pillows, and grabbed her sidearm which lay in the drawer of her bedside cabinet.
Standing up she immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, fighting back a huge wave of nausea that washed over her. There was a persistent pounding behind her eyes, but she forced out a deep breath and clasped her Glock tightly between her hands.
Barefoot and clad in one of Danny's old navy blue NYPD t-shirts she slowly moved out of her bedroom, quietly moving through her apartment. Anna grimaced as she attempted to swallow; her mouth was dry and her throat raw. As her eyes scanned the apartment she froze, the noise came again from the kitchen.
Pressing her back against the wall, Anna forced in a deep breath, mentally counted to three and quickly moved into the doorway, her gun levelled up and trained on to the figure currently standing over her stove.
As she opened her mouth to yell at him to freeze, a scowl stretched over her features and she rolled her eyes. "Danny you idiot I could of shot you!" she exclaimed, lowering the weapon as Danny turned.
"Have to admit I'm relieved you didn't." He replied, his infamous cheeky grin appearing as his eyes fixated onto her. Anna sighed and shook her head stepping into the kitchen, placing the gun on the side she moved past Danny and reached up into the cupboard for a glass,
"What are you even doing here?" she asked, wincing as her head pounded angrily. Danny watched as she poured a glass of water before he held out two painkillers, his eyes twinkling in amusement as she took them,
"You invited me over remember?" he asked, his grin widening when Anna looked at him, a confused look spreading over her tired features, "You don't remember?"
Anna looked at him for a moment, taking another sip of the water in her hand to wash down the painkillers as she came to a horrible conclusion. Lowering the glass she ran a hand through her hair and attempted to remember anything that had happened after her and Grace stepped into O'Malley's bar, "Oh my god how much did I drink..." she gasped her hands covering her face.
Danny laughed silently, his eyes lingering on her legs for a moment before he reached out for her, pulling Anna into his arms. "Well when Don called me, both you and Grace were dancing on the bar in Murphy's, giving the guys there one hell of a show..." he bit his tongue when Anna looked up at him horrified, "Don managed after climbing up himself, to get Grace down, you all but jumped off the bar into my arms..."
Anna shook her head, burying her face into his shirt as Danny spoke, unable to believe she of all people had acted like that. Again she began to wonder just what she had been drinking, "After that I managed to get you home, you kicked your shoes off and tried to drag me into bed." When Anna looked up at him, Danny held his hands up in surrender, "Don't worry I was a gentleman, I helped you get undressed and put you to bed, but after seeing your little present I almost ignored the fact you were drunk and..."
"Present?" Anna cut him off, "What present?" she asked, her stomach going cold when she watched a sly grin slowly spread on Danny's lips. Stepping back from him, she could only watch as Danny crouched down, his fingers tracing a sensitive spot on her inner thigh.
-------
Hearing the familiar click of heals some time later he inclined his head to the side, to see Anna heading back down the corridor. A large brown evidence bag clasped tightly to her chest as she passed Don, shooting the Detective a warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Before she could leave though Danny moved away from the window and went after her, waving Don off when he stood.
"Anna hold up."
Anna stopped immediately turning in time to see Danny skid to a halt in front of her, "Something wrong?" she asked worriedly as she lowered her case to the floor, placing the bag she held on top of it. Danny merely shook his head and shifted his footing.
"No I just..." he trailed off and looked at her. Anna, not needing to hear him say what he wanted, smiled softly and stepped forward. Wrapping her arms around his strong shoulders, she pulled Danny all too willingly into a comforting embrace, holding him tightly.
Danny sighed as he buried his face into the crook of her neck, his own arms locking securely around her waist, pulling her body flush against his. He'd missed her over the last couple of days, and worried that maybe learning all she had about him, about his family and his history with the TangleWood boys she'd do the sensible thing and leave. Danny was realising now, that wasn't going to happen and he'd never felt more relieved.
As Anna pulled away, he kept his hands resting on her waist, not wanting to break their connection just yet but knowing he had to. "He's gonna be alright." She whispered, conviction, the palm of her hand resting against his cheek,
"We can't know that for sure..." Danny shook his head, closing his eyes as he leaned into her touch. When he looked down at Anna again she smiled softly,
"No, but I have faith. Don't give up on him just yet Danny, he's gonna need you to stay strong" she said, leaning up she pressed her lips against his softly before reluctantly pulling away. Crouching down she picked up both her case and the bag before backing up, smiling softly at Danny again before she turned and left.
This time Danny didn't feel the ache in his chest as he watched her go, she was right, he needed to stay strong for Louie and have faith that his big brother was going to be okay. Nodding his head slightly he ran a hand over his tired face before turning and heading back inside.

---------
Anna had long since fallen asleep across three of the waiting room chairs. After Danny's breakdown outside well over 4 hours ago, the two had made their way back into the hospital to await more news on Louie's condition and wait for the arrival of his parents.
Anna had fought to stay awake and support Danny, but lack of sleep, food, and the horridness of the case all decided to catch up with her as soon as she settled. After a little gentle nudging from Danny to get some rest she'd drifted asleep across the chairs, her coat draped over her sleeping form.
Danny and Louie's parents had arrived not long after Anna, and almost immediately rushed in to see their oldest son. Danny had followed, leaving his sleeping girlfriend outside, but staying close to the window to keep an eye on her.
After explaining everything that had happened to his parents, and exactly who Anna was, Danny felt the adrenaline slowly ebbing away and he felt drained. Lack of sleep, food and the emotional rollercoaster that had been the last few days had zapped all his energy and he now fought to stay away.
As Nicole Messer continued to watch over her oldest son, clutching both his hand and a set of wooden rosary beads between her hands, Antonio Messer had eyes for his youngest son. "Go home Danny." He told the younger man who straightened upon hearing his name.
Rubbing his eyes Danny shook his head and looked at Louie, "No Pop I'm stayin." He stated, looking away from his brother when his Dad stood and approached him, grasping his shoulders tightly giving Danny no choice but to focus on him.
"You're tired son, and you've done enough. Go home and rest up, take that girl of yours home with you. The pair of you need a solid nights rest, I'll let you know if anything changes, just take care of each other." Danny looked past his Dad at Louie, before looking out the window at Anna's sleeping form and nodded.
After sharing a hug with his father and placing a kiss on his Mother's cheek Danny slowly made his way out the room. Crouching down in front of Anna he smiled softly, letting his fingers brush away the lock of her that had fallen over her face.
"Anna...baby..." he said her name softly, and smiled when she blinked her eyes open and looked up at him. Then quicker than he realised she was sat up, her eyes wide and worried as she looked down at him, her eyes darting to the room Louie lay, "He's the same..."
Anna relaxed a little and looked back at Danny, rubbing her eyes tiredly, "Are you okay? Your parents?" Danny couldn't help but smile again, amazed at how much she worried for everyone else. As he stood he took her hands in his and gently pulled her up with him,
"We're okay. Right now we're going home, I don't know about you but I need sleep," he said, helping her to slip into her jacket. Instead of answering Anna nodded her head, smiling slightly as she leaned into him.
From Louie's room, Antonio Messer watched the two interact. There was a small smile on his face as he watched his son wrap his arm around the young red heads shoulder, as her own arms wrapping around his torso as they headed out the hospital and he was glad. Glad to see his younger son finally had someone he could truly lean on.
------------
Flack stood over the table seeking a shot that didn't seem impossible, it had been a long day with three dbs back to back over as many days and brass was breathing down all of their necks.
Danny was checking out the badge bunnies lined up at the bar, watching them with their short skirts and caked on make-up.
"Let it go, Messer, we have nothing in common with them".
"When did you become such a stick in the mud?"
"I'm just saying they are after something different than I am".
"You, maybe".
"You talk like such a player, Dan-o, but sometimes I doubt if that is really the case".
"Just because you are still hung up on a certain detective while she had moved on doesn't mean you need to take pot shots at me, Donnie boy".
"Moved on?" Flack asked, choking on his beer, "Whadya mean by that?"
"That pretty boy from the Mayor's office,the public relations dude, they had a date tonight", Danny explained to Flack as if he was talking to someone that wasn't quite all there.
"Shit", Flack swore as he missed his shot, spilled his beer, and contemplated the possibility that he had lost one damn good chance at happiness.
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Flack walked along the streets, feeling lost in the city he had grown up in.
It was late, so late it was considered early and he had just gotten off from an 18 hour tour. He should have been heading home to get sleep before the bodies started stacking up again and his phone started buzzing. He should be finishing up the mountain of paperwork staring him down every time he walked by his desk.
He should be...well he should be a lot of things but wandering around the gritty streets of New York in the middle of the night wasn't the best idea even with a gun and a badge. But there he was, wandering around not sure where he should go, but having a pretty good idea of where he wanted to go even though she had enough common sense to not answer the door this late.
Assuming she was even home and not out with that pretty PR boy...
Music spilled out of a doorway, he stopped and turned toward the door, realizing it was a bar that should have closed hours earlier. "Stop being such a cop", he muttered to himself, and realized he could use a drink.
Easing open the door, he stepped in to the darkened bar, and sat down at the bar as a hush descended over the patrons who made him for what he was the second he walked in.
"We have the permits, officer, they all have membership cards for this club", the bartender announced immediately before Flack could even open his mouth.
"Yeah, I just wanted a drink".
"Sure thing, buddy, what can I get for you, on the house".
"Scotch, make it a double on the rocks", Flack replied wearily and thinking he had never agreed with a song more, maybe tomorrow he would find his way home.
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"Ya keep tryin' ta get rid of me. Ya got a hot date or somthin'? Maybe with Flower Guy?"
"Still hasn't come forward." Tess leaned back and looked up at Don. "Think I should have a hot date with Flower Guy?" Tess tried not to smile as a shadow passed over Don's face.
"No." He practically growled. Tess raised her eyebrows.
"Hmm. A little possessive, aren't you? You've know me a whole four weeks." Don took her arms from around his neck and took a step back.
"Do ya want a date with Flower guy?" His eyes shot lightening at her. A perverse little part of Tess wanted to see how far she could push him. Another part was thrilled that he was ticked she had gotten flowers from someone that wasn't him. A third part was a little mad that he was ticked that she had gotten flowers from someone that wasn't him. A fourth part was whacking the third part in the head with a 2x4. All of the parts were making her head hurt. Tess looked at the floor and rubbed her temples. She looked back at Don. She stepped up close to him.
Tess tapped him in the chest. "You are real, standing right here in front of me. You worried that I wasn't feeling well. You brought me soup. Flower Guy, whoever he is, didn't even have the guts to sign his name. Got it?" Tess tapped Don in the chest twice more.
Don grinned down at Tess. "Yeah, I think I got it."
Tess smiled and nodded. "Good. Now, if you must stay and if you must watch football, I believe there's another game starting."
"Ya don't like football?"
Tess shook her head apologetically. "Sorry, but not really."
"So much for thinking yer perfect."
"I never claimed to be. You're just crazy if you thought it." She gave him a quick kiss and sat down on the couch. "Beer's in the fridge."
Don shook his head. "Won't even get a guy a beer."
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