A/N: I think we can all agree that we needed more Banna in the CS! Come on Fellowes, a kiss at the end wouldn't have been too hard would it? Credit to Fellowes for the characters and some of the dialogue *angry huff*. I hope you enjoy and please leave a review!
John smiled as he looked down at his wife. She looked genuinely contented, and it was wonderful to see her so happy after all they'd endured in the past eight months. Her hand was intertwined with his as they strolled leisurely down the beach chatting about anything and nothing. It seemed like they were finally through the worst.
"Did I ever tell you how grateful they were for that coat for the Russian refugees? The poor souls,"
"I just wish you'd have let me check the pockets first," he sighed. If Anna had found the receipt for a new hat he had bought her for her birthday, then she gave nothing away. He was very glad she hadn't found it, for she would scold him for spending so much on her. He didn't mind-she was worth it. The sun shone down all around them and there was not a cloud in the sky. Things were certainly getting brighter for them.
"Is there anything I can do to make it better?" Anna was teasing him now and after nearly four years of marriage, he knew exactly how to respond.
"Hmm, let me think," he looked down at her before he continued, and he couldn't help his smile widening at the sight of her so happy and carefree. "I think a kiss would suffice," he said cheekily.
They stopped and turned to each other and she was only too happy to oblige.
"Very well then," she murmured.
His hand wrapped itself securely around her waist as he stooped down to meet her lips with his. Her eyes were just about to flutter close when their hats collided and stopped them from moving any further. Anna began to giggle hysterically and John couldn't help but chuckle. He huffed in mock annoyance, tossed his hat on the ground and took her in his arms, smiling broadly. He bent down, grinning slightly-their height difference caused amused him greatly- and she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him properly. When they met it was soft; barely a brush of their lips, but they both deepened it simultaneously. His hands moved further around her waist and she placed hers on his chest. They didn't care who was watching them and their lips lingered, before breaking apart. John was smiling boyishly and Anna wore a softer smile; their eyes were alight with happiness and contentment.
"And perhaps an ice cream would be nice too," he added, their faces still close together. Anna closed her eyes for a moment, happy to simply feel his warm breath hitting her face before opening them again and reaching in her bag.
"Hmm, go on then." She narrowed her eyes at him and grinned wickedly.
"I love you," he said, just as she was turning round.
"And I love you. So much," she replied. She leant up and kissed him sweetly on the cheek before turning round and making her way towards the stall. He watched her for a while with a soft smile upon his face. This visit was a something of a new beginning for them both; when they returned to the London house and later on, Downton, they both felt lighter and happier. They were finally through the worst.