New Year's Eve: Chicago Style!

*ANNIE'S POV*

I took the shot almost as soon as it was placed in front of me. The familiar taste of vodka was so much better than the Fireball. I motioned to the bartender to keep them coming.
"Do I even want to know what just went down between you and Kaner? Or you and Duncan for that matter?" Jon said as he took the bar stool next to me.
I tried to feign innocence. "What do you mean?" I ask him with what I hoped was a confused look on my face.
"I saw you both doing shots of Fireball, he looks pissed and you look scared. Plus you said something to Duncan and now the chick who was talking to him is giving you the death stare. What the hell just happened Annie?" he said.
I took another shot and looked him directly in the eye. "I'm not scared. Nothing scares me, especially not Patty cake!" I state as firmly as I can, projecting as much strength as I can despite how small I feel at this precise moment.
"Does Duncan scare you?" he said.
I whipped my head towards him so fast, I probably could have given myself whiplash. "What are you talking about Jon?"
"I saw that exchange that just went down a minute ago. Annie, you're one of the smartest people I know. Hell, you're probably the smartest person in this room! But right now, you're acting very stupid." He stated taking a sip of the mixed drink he had in his hand.
"Funny, Pat said the same thing." I said dryly as I threw back yet another shot.
"For once, I think I agree with him. There's something between you and Duncs and for some reason you're choosing to ignore it. I thought something was finally gonna happen when you went over to him a minute ago, but instead you walked away and left that puck bunny wrapped around him and came straight over here and ordered more shots. What the hell Annie?!?"
I closed my eyes tightly and took another shot. I slowly exhaled and said, "It is happening Jon. I went over there to tell him I changed my mind. I'm kissing him at midnight. The puck is in his ice now, so to speak."
"Are you telling her how stupid she's being right now?" Brent asked Jon taking the empty seat on my other side.
"What the hell is up with everyone calling me stupid tonight? What would you like me to do? Do you want me to rip the skank off of him and throw her down to the ground, maybe pull some of her hair out and scratch her face, cause a huge scene that would damage not only my reputation, but also all of yours' as well just so I can launch myself into his arms and tell him I can't live without him?!?" I exclaim completely frustrated with the whole situation.
"That actually sounds kinda hot." Brent said nonchalantly as Jon just stared at me dumbfounded.
"Unbelievable, I hate to disappoint you guys, but it's just going to be a kiss. A Happy New Year's kiss and then it's back to being friends again for both of us." I say determined.
"Who are you trying to convince Annie? Us or yourself?" Jon asks.
"It's just a kiss." I say as I take a shot.
"Yea, ok. Well... we're about to find out. What's up man?" Brent asks looking behind me just as I feel an arm slide around my middle.
"Why are you guys trying to get my girl drunk before I get a chance to kiss her at midnight?" Duncan asks laughing.
"Blame Kane!" I exclaim. "He's a dick!" Everyone starts laughing at my words.
"As always." Duncan says stealing the next shot that was laid down in front of me.
"Ah man, looks like they're getting ready for go time. I see the champagne bottles coming out. C'mon guys." Jon says starting to usher us towards the action. I can feel my eyes widen and my stomach drops as I realize this is it. This is happening.

Notes