My fellow Downtonians, behold my next story. I don't pretend to be some master writer, I do it purely for my own enjoyment and sanity. I'd like to thank JamesLuver for being the best friend a fangirl could ever have during times like these, and my mate Kimbo for her delicate proofreading. Much love to all, stay strong Banna fans.

Not sure how long this fic will be. Let's just see where it takes us, shall we?

Enjoy.

xXx

His mother was always astounded at how much he could read. Throughout his childhood, she would see him, sitting down, head buried in yet another novel. They were his escape, he told her. His way of escaping the real world for a while and imagine that anything was possible. Aliens from outer space, ruthless pirates, knights in shining armour saving the ever troublesome damsels in distress. Yes, John Bates loved his books and bookstores.

Which was why he now found himself working in one.

Grantham Bookstore was not a large establishment. A very modest little store in the middle of London, tucked away between a fancy this store or a popular that. Not that many customers were vastly needed. Robert Crawley owned and kept this store open for his own pleasure. Being the heir of a wealthy and old family name, he only had the bookstore because he could. The current Earl of Grantham opened this humble bookstore with his family's money for two reasons: one, he was also a great avid reader and beheld a love of books. The second being, proudly, selfless. His partner-in-crime and longtime friend needed it.

Robert knew of John's anguish, and gave him an opportunity to start again. He was damaged, and what better way to recover than in your favourite place? Amoungst books. John would be forever grateful. A simple getaway from Vera and her troubles was exactly what he needed, managing this store. No fighting, no yelling, no her running out in the middle of the night just to find random men to fu-

SLAM!

John's inner monologue was interrupted by the shop's door banging. The open and close was so severe, he feared the little bell at the top of the door would be ruined.

He placed his book down on the counter and maneuvered around the shelves to find who had disturbed his peace. Customer, he reminded himself. No matter what he was already doing, he had to always remember this was a job.

John looked past the last stack of shelves and saw a petite blonde woman, back up against the door, puffing. Her eyes were closed so she didn't see him. She turned and held a hand up to shift the blinds across the door for a better look outside.

"Can I help?" he said.

Startled, the woman faced him once more, clutching at her chest from the fright.

"Oh my god!" breathed the woman. "I'm so sorry. I just... well.. I'm..." As she spoke, she looked through the blinds again. Whatever she saw caused great discomfort. "Jesus, he's coming in."

Abruptly, this yellow haired woman, came at John and placed her hands on his chest.

"Quick, kiss me please!"

"Wha-" Before John could protest further, she had grabbed his lapels and placed her lips on his.

He had had women. John Bates knew how to please a woman, and took his own pleasure from them. But this woman. This woman could KISS. He shamefully kept his lips pressed to hers. Not that she was complaining, if her whimper was anything to go by.

How much time passed, he didn't know, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard the door's bell toll once more.

"Anna, hey I saw-"

The man halted his words immediately.

"Oh.."

Suddenly, those heavenly lips were gone from his. John was speechless.

"Mr Green! Sorry, I didn't see you there" she replied.

Slightly blushing, the man stumbled through his response.

"Yeah, well, I saw you duck in here and thought I might um... who's this then?" he gestured desperately towards John.

"Right! Oh, yes, my apologies. Mr Green, Carl, this is my friend, boyfriend. Um, haven't I... mentioned him before?" She seemed nervous, thought John. Well of course she does, you prat, she's just walked in and then snogged your face off and you're a perfect stranger!

"No.. no you've never talked about a boyfriend before." Yeah, it was obvious to John, this was an awkward confrontation. "Sorry, didn't quite catch your name."

They were both looking at him. Name? Dear god his name?

"John." The woman sighed in relief, he found his voice. Politely, he held his hand out to the gentleman. "I'm John Bates. The boyfriend" he nervously chuckled.

Taking his hand, the man still looked perplexed.

"Nice to meet you, Carl's the name. I work with Anna at the school."

"At the school as well are you?" he fumbled through his lies. So her name was Anna. "Well then, I hope you're taking good care of her around all those treacherous youths."

John released Green's hand and wrapped an arm securely 'round Anna's shoulders. They all forced a laugh and was quickly becoming an tense atmosphere.

Clapping his hand together, Mr Green backed away towards the door.

"Well, I must off" he chuffed. "See you at work tomorrow, Anna, and good to meet your... bloke." He gave a sleazy grin that John wanted to wipe off immediately.

Anna leaned into John. "Yes, he's all mine" she said whilst rubbing a hand across his chest. "Bye, then."

With one last look, Mr Green shut the door behind him and continued down the street.

Before John could process much, she practically leapt out of his arms.

"Oh god" she choked out. "Oh god oh god oh god!" Her hands were covering her face, as she paced away from John.

He didn't know where to begin.

"So um.." he started anxiously.

"I am so so sorry. That was... I don't usually do that" she replied exasperatedly. Breathing deeply, Anna slowly tried to calm herself down. She looked up at him. "Thank you. Truly."

"My pleasure" What else could he say?

"I mean normally he's easier to handle than this but as of late his.. pursuits, have rather intensified" she explained.

"Yes, he seemed... persistent. At least annoying enough for you to charge into another man's arms."

Breathing a laugh gave an embarrassed reply. "Again, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't think of a way to make him stop. I saw him while trying to do a bit of humble retail therapy and I just ran into the first store available. Please, you have to forgive me. I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't desperate." She gave a hopeless grin, attempting to redeem herself.

John smiled along with her.

"No matter. It's not often a slow day in this shop that I get women to kiss me. But I'm glad you're the first."

God, what was he doing? When was the last time he tried to flirt with a woman? Let alone a woman this gorgeous.

Smiling, she looked to the floor. Good or bad sign? he thought.

"The 'first' ay? Planning on many more women coming in?" she teased.

"Depends on how well the first lot of kissing goes."

"Well maybe I'll just have to come in again" she smirked.

Without another word this, Anna, came forward, kissed him on the cheek, backed away and walked out the door.

John was certain he was dreaming.

What just happened?

xXx

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