Some fluff to start us off...
John looked over Anna's shoulder at the beautifully polished automobile waiting at a distance. He did not recognize it. Lord Grantham had probably acquired it during his absence. He was sure there were a lot of things he had missed out on.
"His Lordship sent you in his car?"
"Yes, he did. Mr. Carson arranged it. Everybody felt you deserved to come back as comfortable as possible, and with you being let out at dawn, it would have been difficult for me to arrive on time to fetch you personally, unless I was brought directly." Her voice cracked a little. "I would never have forgiven myself if I'd not been here to receive you myself."
"That was very kind of them. I wouldn't have cared if I had to walk back to Downton as long as you were here to walk with me, but it is nice all together." He kissed her forehead lovingly. "I imagined you would be here, but I wasn't told with any certainty. Mr. Murray sent me a telegram saying he had advised the house of my liberation."
She still held her arms around him and brought him closer, hugging him and nuzzling her head against his chest.
"Of course I would be here. From now on, we will always be together." She removed her head from its comfortable position, enough to be able to look him in the eyes. "You promised me once that we were stuck together, for good and proper. That starts now."
"Yes, today starts the rest of our life together."
He was still holding her tightly, and with his hands occupied with both his cane and hat, he could not bring her head where he needed it to be. He lowered his head as close as possible to hers, the overwhelming desire to kiss her evident in his eyes. She understood the desire, felt it herself, and moved forward to close the gap.
Their first kiss had been hurried and crushing; the overwhelming desire just to feel each other after such a horrible separation was more important. But this kiss, this joining, conveyed the first real sentiment of their desire and feelings for each other. It was gentle and sweet at first, then deepened. It was slow, and yet, every emotion was carried forth.
John knew that they were in a very public place, still near prison grounds and it would not do to have guards ogling her from the window while they rejoiced in their reunion. He reluctantly pulled away from her. He could already see a set of eyes looking at them from the prison warden's office. He needed to be as far away as possible from this place now. He and Anna could continue where they left off when they were in their cottage.
He held her protectively. "Let us go."
"Yes, let us."
Anna held on to his arm and walked him proudly to the car.
John couldn't contain himself in the automobile. He was giddy with excitement that he had Anna sitting next to him. He was free and he could touch her and they could be so close to each other. There was space for a third person on that back seat which meant that they could have been more comfortable, but, their legs brushed up right against each other. The sensation of closeness was electrifying for him. The ride back to Downton would take more or less one hour, but he wished it would last forever. He wanted to kiss her again, right there in the car, but he currently didn't dare. He was very aware that Mr. Pratt was in the car with them; they'd chatted amiably for a few minutes upon entering the back seat and it wouldn't be right to have him as audience. It would also not be right for Anna to feel as if she were prey and being pounced upon. Propriety and his being a gentleman deemed it important for him to contain himself. Even if Anna had been a willing participant, to maintain their respectability in the house, he would have to obey the unwritten rules of decorum. It wouldn't help to have Pratt tell Mr. Carson that they couldn't behave. Had they been on public transport, he might have not cared and he might have kissed her openly, in front of others, because he was physically craving to have his wife next to him and he didn't care what anybody else thought… they had been denied for so long. But here, in his Lordship's car, that would not do. He resigned himself and took hold of her hand. There was still something he could do to demonstrate just how much he desired and loved her.
He took the hand closest to him and brought it to his lips. He caressed it, even with her brown glove on and she adoringly looked at him. He moved to pull each finger loose from its trapping and managed to slide the glove off completely, leaving it to rest on his lap. She was amused at his ministration and smiled. Now freed, he stroked each finger. He realized his own hands were encased in his leather gloves and he longed to feel skin on skin. He longed to feel her smooth fingers caressing his. He brought her hand up to his lips again, kissed it reverently on each side, and then placed it gently in his lap. He turned his hand upwards and spread his fingers, bringing it towards her. He gestured to her with his eyes and she understood completely what he wanted. She did as he had done, pulling each finger individually from its casing until it was loose enough to be pulled off completely. She removed it with one swift pull and let his glove drop on her lap. She took his hand now, brought it to her lips and kissed each finger individually. Even as she kissed each finger, she never removed her gaze from him. She kept looking at him and he could see that she was also burning in desire for him. Her shy demeanor was giving way to her passionate side and he loved to see it. This first and feeble skin on skin contact was generating much longing in each of them. He wanted her to nibble on each of his fingers and he wanted to suck each one of hers, but all Mr. Pratt had to do was look in the rearview mirror and he would discover them. Right now, they had what appeared to be a semi-chaste touch encounter going on, and if he did, in fact, turn back to look at them, he would not be offended. At least, he hoped not….. So, no, he wouldn't make the move to put her fingers in his mouth.
Instead he took his hand and raised it, spreading his fingers outward and moving it towards her. She raised her own hand, spread her fingers and placed her palm against his. Their palms touched and remained that way for a few minutes. His large hand dwarfed her small one, but they remain touching, fingers outstretched. Not one word was said, but, their eyes never lost sight of the other. He could feel a tingling all over his body. She did that to him. She affected him in so many ways. John moved his fingers slightly, seeking to entwine their fingers and as he clasped their hands shut, as tight as he possibly could, he brought it to his heart. He rested it there for a second and not wanting to share this moment with Pratt, lip synched "I LOVE YOU" to her. It dawned on him suddenly that he hadn't said it yet. IT was not audible, but Anna understood completely. She now pulled their entwined clasped hands toward her heart and synched the same words. "I LOVE YOU." She reached to kiss his hand, still in hers and simultaneously, both their eyes welled up with tears of joy. Anna giggled nervously and he smiled at her reaction. She looked like a schoolgirl that had been caught doing something very naughty, but it was not naughty at all.
They never stopped looking at each other and as such, did not realize that the car, already on a rural road, close to Downton, was suddenly surrounded by sheep. Sheepherders from a neighboring estate were moving the herd to a different pasture. A few stragglers had remained behind and were blocking Mr. Pratt's ability to move forward. They were so focused on each other that only when Pratt honked the horn to distract the animals, they were startled in their seats. They disengaged their hands and looked at each other, thinking that the horn had been meant to stop them.
"Blasted sheep – they won't move. I'll have to chase them away." Mr. Pratt got out of the car quickly and ran forward to move the absent minded animals along...
John relaxed as he watched Mr. Pratt step forward from the car. The horn had not been for them. He meant to take Anna's hand again and was astonished when Anna, in a surprising and unexpected move, lunged forward, crushing her lips against his. She was awkwardly positioned and one of her hands held on to the back of her seat to sustain her position almost hovering above him. The other moved forward to cup his face and imprison him. He was thrown back and the force of her body pinned him against the seat. This experience and Anna's boldness was unexpected, but, as he felt Anna's lips on his, John immediately reached for her neck and held her firmly against him. His other hand went to her back and he ran it down her spine all the way to her bottom. They were so close; he could feel her shudder and tremble from his touch. Their desire for each other was slowly escalating and the kiss increased in intensity. He could hardly breathe, but he continued to stroke her as she continued to play with his mouth. Her tongue sought his out. He was getting very noticeably aroused. They best had a few minutes until Pratt came back, but they made good use of the time. She let go of the seat and slid onto his lap as she lost her balance. The hand he had on her neck was lowered to her shoulders to steady her. He was sure, now that she was directly on top of him, that she could feel him through the layers of fabric. He hoped it wouldn't shock her. They'd only been together on their Wedding Night and as it was her first time, he wasn't too sure that she realized how easy it was for her to provoke him…. especially now that they'd been denied contact for so long. He wished that she would be still, yet, their mouths did not separate from each other and their frantic movements were causing her to gyrate as she kept pace with him. These gyrations would make him lose control.
He needed to stop her before he had an accident and gently pushed her away. He realized that it was the right time to stop for the other, more damaging reason. They were still in his Lordship's car and Pratt was only a few meters away. As such, John realized that Pratt had just chased the last lamb away and had turned to head back towards the car. She seemed a little annoyed at having been pushed away, but composed herself quickly with the words that he spoke next.
"Pratt is coming" and Anna moved to take her place again.
John shifted in his seat, trying to hide the obvious result of her actions and ended pulling the ends of his coat over his trousers. Even with the weight he'd lost in prison, they were a little too tight at the moment and quite revealing. If she felt him, or saw him, she said nothing. Discretion was in order, as it wouldn't be right for Pratt to peer in the back and deduce what they were up to. John turned to Anna with a pleased yet questioning look.
"What was that?"
She laughed as she smoothed down the coat to cover her dress completely. "That will teach you to excite a girl in a place like this". She reached closer to him and whispered now, as Pratt was reaching for the door handle. "It's also a small taste of what is yet to come."
John groaned slightly and shivered at her words. He couldn't wait to get her alone.
Anna laughed at her mischief, and Pratt was truly unaware of what had transpired in the back seat. When he turned around to apologize for the delay, they were the image of perfect composure, although they both seemed to be stifling a laugh.
"No problem, Mr. Pratt. None at all," John managed to say.
They continued on their way. They both replaced the missing gloves on their hands and Anna held on to John. For all their previous laughing and mischief, she could tell he was tensing up. He realized they were truly close now and he must be worried. She tried to rub his arms to ease his concern and when he turned to look at her, she tried to put on her most reassuring face. The house came in to view and they were now almost home.
They stepped out of the car and Mr. Pratt drove on towards the Abbey's garage. They were at the entrance to the courtyard, standing a few inches from the outside door frame. John seemed to be rooted to the spot and would not move forward.
"What is it Mr. Bates?" Anna asked, realizing that he was hesitant to move. "Are you worried about what they will say to you?"
"A little", he responded "…, "but it mostly that I've longed to be back for such a long time, that I want to remember everything about this moment."
"Nobody will say anything to you. Mr. Carson will make sure of that. You have his, Mrs. Hughes and his Lordship's support and respect. Most everybody is excited to see you back. Those who don't know you wouldn't dare comment."
He turned and kissed her forehead. She reached down to take his hand and they intertwined their fingers.
"Take as long as you need." She leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder, "I am in no hurry to share you with the rest of the world."
"Come" he said and pulled her forward so that he could embrace her properly. She placed her hands on his chest and laid her head above them. She could hear his heart beating. He reached his arms around her middle and held her tight.
"You are right. As soon as I walk through those doors, we'll not have a moment's rest." He placed gentle kisses onto her hair.
They remained in this way, for a few minutes, blissfully unaware of everything around them. They held on to each other, content to savor in the simplicity of feeling enveloped in each other's warmth.
John stirred first and she could tell he was ready to speak.
"Before we go any further, I need to say something."
"What is it?" she asked worried.
"You are the reason I am here today and I will never forget it. You have made this possible." He reached for her chin and lifted her head up so that he could kiss her nose. "I'll spend my life honoring and adoring you, and I will do this until I have no more breath in my body. I want to make you happy- very happy."
He reached down and kissed her sweetly on the lips.
"Oh, Mr. Bates. You, being here with me, that makes me happy." She reached up again and kissed him back, responding with as much love as she could. IT was deep and full; the type they both wished was happening elsewhere in a more private place. He broke apart to both calm them down and let them breath, but he continued his playful assault, by peppering her jawline and neck with small kisses. She arched her back and also extended her neck and he nuzzled his chin against it.
Anna started laughing unexpectedly and he was perplexed.
"What is so funny?
"You need a shave. I am not used to you like this. It is making me laugh." She reached up to stroke his chin playfully and rubbed her hands in circles around his whisker filled face. Truth be told, John couldn't help but notice that her beautiful pale skin was already showing signs of stubble burn. It wouldn't be right to continue if there was any danger of her skin's irritation becoming more obvious.
She continued to giggle. She saw the expression on his eyes turn to worry. "I'm sorry my sweet, the razor I had to use to get cleaned up with was hardly sharp enough. A proper bath and shave will be one of the first things I'll want to get as soon as I am settled. I wouldn't want his Lordship to see me like this." He reached for her chin and turned her head slightly so that he could run his hand over the vestiges of pink that were visible on her slender neck. "You're all pink. I'll not kiss you again until I can get a shave. I promise"
She reached up to caress his cheek. "Don't be daft. Kiss me again now. You can kiss me again later after you shave as well". To assuage his concern, she put her lips on his and coaxed him to continue where they had left off. He was a little bit more careful this time, trying not to rub against her face.
"I can't wait to get you in a more private place", was whispered when they came up for air. He raised an eyebrow and she could see the love in his eyes as he smiled with expectation. His naivety made her worry. He had no idea that there would be no proper place for them in a while.
He saw the look of concern that had flashed across her face. "Do you want to go in now?" he asked. Maybe he was being too forward. Perhaps she'd had enough of him already. Was it possible that he had tired her out? Did she not want to have private moments with him? Her full cooperation and automobile assault would have led him to believe otherwise, but, maybe he was being too pushy. He would have to remember to give her as much space as she needed.
"Not just yet", she responded. "I must tell you something about the private place".
His thoughts of composure were flushed from his mind at her mention of those words.
His eyes darkened. She smirked when she realized that he had been transported elsewhere and that he wasn't expecting what she was about to tell him. He had not asked yet about their cottage or what their living arrangements would be.
Subconsciously, he made her take a step back, because she was only a few inches from the wall.
"What is it? Do you have any mischief planned for us?" He smiled that beautiful smile that crinkled his eyes and was reserved only for her.
He kept making her walk backwards until he had her completely against the wall. Her hat dislodged from her head and he could finally see all of her beautiful golden hair.
She laughed when she realized what his intentions were and pulled her hat off completely and held it in one hand, together with her purse. She tried to keep him at bay by holding the bundle high up, close to her bosom. The other hand was held up with her palm up against his chest. He still dropped his cane and his hat.
"Stop. I am trying to be serious," she warned laughingly, as she raised her hand and caressed his cheek. He was now leaning against her, his left arm stretched above her against the wall, supporting his weight off of her. His right arm was caressing her neck.
"Ooooh. I am sorry Mrs. Bates." He reached in and gave her a quick peck on the mouth. "Do tell me about our private place."
She sighed and hoped he wasn't terribly disappointed. "That's just it. There isn't one. No provisions have been made for us. I've been told that you will be placed in your old room, while I stay in mine."
She was right. He looked perplexed and disappointed.
"You mean….. There is no cottage?" His eyes drooped with the sadness she was used to seeing during their jailhouse visitations.
"No, not at the moment," she responded. "Mr. Carson will not go to his Lordship and ask because he says that it was an agreement between you and him. He says that you need to take it up with Lord Grantham upon your return."
He let out a sigh. There was still hope. His hand remained on her neck.
"I will speak to his Lordship." He reached in to kiss her forehead.
"I have been truly blessed to be released from prison and to be welcomed back here."
He shifted his hand up to cup Anna's face now. He kissed her cheek sweetly.
"I, or we, cannot be frustrated by this."
He kissed her other cheek as he continued to talk.
"We need to respect the rules of the house, and if we are supposed to sleep in separate quarters, so be it."
He reached in to kiss her chin, but, Anna shifted and caught his lips with hers. She kissed him quickly, just as his last kisses towards her had been. The amount of affection he was showering over her was quite different to what she was used to from him. She knew that while he was still married to Vera, he showed much restraint so as not to compromise her. They were married now. That changed things. They had also been kept away from each other, their wedding night their only reminder that they were entitled to demonstrate physical affection for each other. She had to admit that she quite liked this side of Mr. Bates. Perhaps this was the only good outcome of his prison time. She was certainly looking forward to what could come of it.
"Will you be able to resist?" asked Anna. "You've been very affectionate since we left the prison." She lowered her gaze, somewhat shy at making such a bold statement.
She meant the question in good jest, but he momentarily worried that she might feel "pursued". He did not want her to feel uncomfortable at all by his affection.
He took both of his hands to cup her face. He tilted her head up until he had her beautiful eyes looking at him.
"Anna darling – Of course I can resist. I'll not have you thinking that I've come back some beast intent on making you mine. I want us to be together in every possible way, but, we'll take it as slowly as you want. Your comfort is most important to me." He leaned in and placed another gentle kiss on her forehead and caressed her cheeks with his thumbs.
She couldn't love him any more after saying that. He obviously thought she was feeling overwhelmed by him and it was not the case at all. She was enjoying the attention and she desired him completely.
She dropped her hat and purse to the ground. With both hands, she cupped his face, emulating his last gesture towards her. She looked at him as boldly as she could.
"I only ask, because I know I won't be able to resist. I want to be with you as soon as we can possibly manage. I've missed you and need you."
She reached up and brought his face to hers, kissing him as deeply as she could. When he started to respond with fervor, she let go of him and pulled back, allowing him time to react to what she had just said.
He was stunned momentarily. Her words had caught him off guard. "Oh Anna, I hoped you would say that." He reached for her again, but this time she kept him at bay putting out her palms. She smiled cheekily.
"We must go in now. They'll start to wonder where we are." She detected certain frustration in his eyes.
John laughed. "You little temptress. You can't say something like that then break the spell as quickly as you cast it. You'll have me thinking about what you just said all day."
"All right", she said. "Kiss me once again, but then we must go in." He reached for her by placing his arm around her back and drawing her in as close as he possible could. He looked at her with the most intense desire in his eyes. He leaned in and tilted his head. He kissed her hard and deep. His tongue begged for entrance and she allowed it. Their tongues played with each other and she felt as if she were melting into him.
When they finally parted, John exclaimed, "That is to hold us together until we can manage." She was left feeling light headed and her whole body was tingling. That was quite the kiss and she lost her bearing for a moment. He reached down for their things while Anna came to her senses.
He handed over her hat and purse.
"Are we ready to go in?" he asked.
She was finally coherent again.
"Yes, Mr. Bates. Let us. I want to escort my husband home."
A/N: Kudos to my fellow Les Mis fans who did identify the Prisoner number as my small homage! - theglamourfades, pinkcupcake81, JamesLuver and AnnaMB
Thank you for all of the lovely reviews, follows and favorites, I will answer all of them this weekend. I was pleasantly surprised by all of the nice comments received and am hoping that the story lives up to your expectations.
If I am allowed a minute to rant, I will tell you that I made a small trip this week. Somewhere between packing in point A - airport - and unpacking at point B, my USB drive with all of the chapters of my two new stories was lost. (Insert hysterical sob) If not for the fact that I am a lazy at email management and still had the attached chapters as sent to my beta, I would be in a really bad place. Thus, instead of answering reviews, I have had to go back and re edit everything that my beta suggested. (I would rather upload my edited next chapter than make you wait) - and I did lose the very advanced last three chapters between both my stories. Bummer -5K words lost! Back to the drawing board...