(Hey! Sorry I've been shit with rps recently… a lot of irl stuff to take care of)
Anna glanced over at Larson and shared his look of mild irritation. Timing really was not their friend today. Hopefully, when they got to Larson's house, that would change. They wouldn't have anyone to interrupt them there.
She humored Jonathan as long as she could before becoming uncomfortable. But it wasn't the flirting that made her feel odd. It was the fact that he had chosen to do it… in front of Larson. Anna didn't like being flirted with in front of Larson. So she steeled herself and looked up at Jonathan. "Yes, I'd be more than happy to talk to you tomorrow at the office, Johnny."
Disappointment glinted in the other man's eyes, and along with a short glance of annoyance thrown Larson's way, it was obvious that he hadn't been pleased with the reaction he'd gotten.
"Alright, Anna," he replied. "I'll see you tomorrow then. We can talk in your office after you get there." The indication of before Larson came hung in the air, unsaid.
Anna offered a thin smile as Johnny retreated. Then, she immediately looked back at Larson and shook her head. “What the bloody hell was that?” she demanded quietly. “Why is he here?”
(I understand. But I am glad to hear from you again. I was starting to worry about you. Hope everything is alright.)
Larson met Johnathan’s stare with cool indifference. He could clearly tell how annoyed Anna was by the interruption and personally, he didn't care if the other man was disappointed. He just wanted Johnathan to leave them alone… Though the mental image of him getting hit by a cab flitted across his mind for a moment.
“I don't know. I certainly didn't invite him.” he sighed, letting his shoulders drop when they were alone again. “All I can think is this was a strange coincidence or he followed us here.”
“But I don't like the way he wants to talk to you.” he admitted. “If you want, I can pick you up tomorrow.” he offered.
(💛 yeah, everything is fine! I’ve just been so busy and stressed while also unmotivated… bad combination. But I’m trying to get my life together, yet again 😅)
Anna was rigid in her chair, and she stayed that way until Johnathan left the vicinity. Her shoulders relaxed at the same time Larson’s did. It took her a few seconds before she looked up from her food to his face.
“I know you didn’t,” she replied quietly. “I didn’t either. I’m praying it’s just a coincidence.” She shivered a bit at the idea of being followed only to be hit on by a coworker. And more specifically, one who was like Johnny. Bluntly speaking, he was only trying to slid his way between her legs. Anna wouldn’t let him, no matter how hard he tried.
“I don’t either,” she agreed. “But I can handle him, Lars. You said it yourself, I’ve handled far more difficult people than Johnny Kerrigan.”
Lars nodded, understanding how unnerving it could be to have someone follow you anywhere. “I hope it was just a coincidence too. Otherwise, I might try to hit him when I see him tomorrow.” he said somewhere between being serious and joking.
“True. You certainly have.” he chuckled softly. “And I do trust you to handle him… I just don't want you to… I don't like the idea of you two being alone.” he finally admitted.
(After almost two months… 😅)
“You did just say I deserve to be flattered,” Anna mused with a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Larson.”
She had been trying to lighten the mood, but his admission made her pause. “Oh?” she asked, reaching for her water glass and bringing it to her lips. “And why exactly is it that you don’t like the idea of us alone?” To some extent, Anna was playing coy. And she knew it. But she was also curious to hear what Lars would say in reply.
(Yay! I hope we can continue the others too)
“I did mean it.” Lars sighed with a slight nod. “But you can't tell me that what he was saying was something you consider flattering.” he smirked back, raising a brow.
He shrugged at the question and picked up his glass as well. “Perhaps because what just happened makes me question his motives and perhaps I don't trust him as much anymore.” he answered. “I trust you, of course. Just not him right now.”
(Yes, of course! I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things. I have so many responses to write. I'm so so sorry it's taken so long. My life has been crazy)
"Oh, of course I did," Anna inclined her head. "Are you meaning to tell me you don't think I look sexy in courtroom proceedings?" Barely a heartbeat passed before she burst into giggles and shook her head. Who was she kidding? Anna hadn't been "sexy" in many years. There was no way she believed any man would find her attractive, much less sexy. "Sorry, I was only kidding."
Though Anna hummed softly at her friend's answer. She also didn't trust Johnny, but that didn't mean she wouldn't give him a chance. Everyone deserved the benefit of the doubt. Anna firmly believed that. "I understand that," she replied. "But even if he does try anything, I can handle myself, Lars. I'm not a child who needs to be protected."
(No worries! I understand)
Lars nearly choked on his drink in surprise at her question. Though hearing her laugh was reassuring. “I’m sorry. I just wasn't expecting that.” he apologized a little breathlessly. “Uhh, do you actually want me to answer that question or…” he trailed off, hoping that she would think his face was just red from choking on the water.
“I know that, Anna.” he nodded. “I do. I just don't want to see you in trouble… or needing a barrister of your own because Johnathan did something stupid.” he admitted.
(<3)
Anna was startled by his reaction. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry," she apologized immediately. "I didn't think you'd take it seriously. I was completely joking." She blinked as he trailed off his question. "Oh, no," she replied quickly, a faint pink coloring appearing on her own face. "You don't have to. Not at all. I think… I think I might prefer if you didn't." Anna offered a reassuring smile. "I only meant to mess around."
She inhaled slowly as Lars continued to describe his worries. The idea of Johnathan advancing on her while they were alone in her office made Anna incredibly uncomfortable. But she knew that Lars would have her back whatever Johnny wanted to talk about. "I know," she replied gently. "I promise, I'll be fine. And even if I can't handle it, you wouldn't be far off. We're office mates." She winked playfully at him, hoping to lighten the mood again since Johnny's arrival.
“No, no. It just caught me off guard.” Lars assured though he nodded gratefully when she agreed that an answer to that question was not necessary.
He couldn't help but chuckle at Anna’s wink and reassuring reminder. “I suppose that’s true.” he conceded, knowing that there was no arguing with a professional and he did trust her. “Just be careful.”
