roadrunnermuses | open } { mistletoe meme

[ For once, Anna doesn't know what to say. It's shocking to hear, but the more she'll think about it, the easier it will become to fit a few more puzzle pieces.

There's an empathetic expression as she places a hand on his forearm gently. Here she thought her daddy issues were bad. ] I, uh... I'm so sorry. Can't say I blame you for the choices you made after that.

[Neal shrugs.]

It all worked out for the best. Except for the time Sam framed Peter for murder but Mozzie and I got him out.

[ Her brows shoot up at that. She just has so many questions. ]

He did- you did- Mozzie did what now?

[ She glances back over her shoulder when she hears a swell of music coming from the other room. ]

[Neal raises a hand because yeah, that comment needs more context.]

Sam, my father, came back into my life a couple of years ago. It did not end well. He killed someone and Peter took the fall for it, and Sam took off never to be seen again.

[Because he's a dick.]

But Mozzie and I ... found evidence that exonerated Peter. So we got him out.

[ Found evidence... yeah, she's not gonna pull on that thread right now. Her brows knit, nose scrunching a little in disdain. ]

Piece of shit. He ever comes back to New York and I may consider shootin' out his kneecaps.

[ All talk, really. Anna's too much of a straight arrow to actually follow through on such threats. ]

[Neal would honestly just be happy if Sam got caught doing something to get himself arrested. Neal isn't normally an advocate for jail, but Sam's certainly done enough to earn it. Neal doesn't really play well with murderers either.]

Can't really say I'd blame you. You'd be better off just arresting him though.

I think we both know I'd actually just end up arresting him. Contrary to what most of the NYPD thinks, my bark is generally worse than my bite. [ She chuckles a little, attempting a smile. ]

You uh, should probably get back to your guests. At least until the Burkes get here. I'm sure gettin' stuck with me this long is punishment enough. [ Not her best effort at teasing, but maybe she's warming up a little. ]

Would it be such a shock if I said I actually enjoyed your company, Detective?

[It's not like his reputation for hanging out with cops could get any worse. But he is genuine when he says it - Anna is not terrible company to have. He would even venture so far as to say he considers her a friend.]

What? No. Why would that be shocking? [ Smooth, Anna. Real convincing.

Anna grabs a nearby glass of water and busies herself with getting hydrated, feeling oddly flustered at the notion that Neal likes spending time with her. She's had two glasses of wine already, maybe she should just slow down. ]

[He grins, because he does enjoy flustering her just as much. But that's Neal's default setting with most of his law enforcement friends.]

I wouldn't think it would, but you seemed to think I wanted to get rid of you.

[ That grin. That stupid grin of his always tickles something deep within her and makes her stomach twist. Anna gets a little more flustered, a faint dust of pink across her cheeks. ]

Well, you wouldn't be the first. To, uh, wanna get rid of me. I'm what you'd consider painfully aware of the fact that I'm not the most social person.

That doesn't mean you're bad company.

[Neal gives a small shrug because while he does like people, some of his favorite people have been introverts. Mozzie puts on a good show, but he's very selective about who he considers his people.]

It just means you're more selective about who you spend your time with. And I'm honored that you choose to put up with me.

[ Anna ducks her head slightly, bangs falling into her face as she slides the empty glass onto the bar. It's the alcohol. And Christmas. All the overtime and sleep deprivation.
That's what's giving her butterflies, absolutely not the fact that Neal Caffrey genuinely likes her company.]

I think Jo and Adam have a soft spot for you, they're the ones that convinced me to show up tonight. I'm still on the fence. [ Yeah, real convincing when you're sort of blushing, Anna. She half expects "Mr. Havisham" to gag and whisk Neal away before they actually start flirting.

Where's Burke when she needs him?]

[He grins wider as Peter finally does arrive, making his way through the door with El by his side. Neal glances up to ensure that it is who he thinks it is, before glancing back to her.]

I think by the end of the night you'll be able to pick a side.

[ Anna follows Neal's gaze, smiling awkwardly at Peter as she gives a tiny wave of her hand. ]

I think I definitely will. [ A simple enough statement, but the words seem a little more... weighted. ]

Good.

[Peter makes their way over and the open up to more casual chatter. Neal will keep fixing drinks but eventually the party will end and the guests will begin to start filtering out to head back to their own places.

Neal quietly gathers glasses as he goes, working on cleaning up before heading up to bed.]

[ Anna was immediately more comfortable when the Burkes joined the conversation, and there was even a small echo of laughter when Anna and Peter got caught talking shop.

As enveloped in things as she was as the night progressed, the moment Neal left to resume hosting duties, her gaze followed him. Every so often, she'd take a sip of her wine and scan the room over her glass for Neal.

Saying goodbye to the Burkes, she walks them to the door and turns around to find Neal. Who is cleaning up, so she toes out of her heels (finally, her poor feet) and wordlessly begins gathering glasses. ]

[He glances up when he hears another set of footsteps, and blinks in surprise when he sees her cleaning up.]

You don't have to do that. You're a guest.

[He's not saying he isn't grateful for the help, but he doesn't want her to feel like she has to.]

[ Anna looks up from her position, bent over to grab a few napkins from a table, hair spilling over her shoulder. Pausing, she blinks and looks at Neal like he's just said something ridiculous. ]

What are you talkin' about? I don't mind makin' myself useful, and it's faster this way. Just us left now, I think.

Well, I appreciate the help.

[He's not going to talk her out of helping, but he has enough manners to at least try and remind her that she doesn't have to.

He continues gathering the glasses, herding them towards the sink.]

Any glasses you can leave in the sink. I'll wash them tomorrow.

[ She smiles as she deposits a few glasses in the sink. ]

I like to think that you can sleep a little more soundly knowin' that things are mostly cleaned up. [ She jokes half-heartedly. ]

[He laughs.]

I am very particular about my space.

[He's all about appearances, even if it's what's expected given they just had a party.]

open } { mistletoe meme

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