A/N- We move the action on 3 months. The football season in England runs from August to May. Here, we move into November. Please Google Movember for more information. All will become clear when you begin to read.

Thanks for all your reviews, we appreciate every one.

Disclaimer- Downton belongs to Julian Fellowers/ Carnival/ ITV

Movember had begun, an event footballers entered into throughout November to raise awareness about male cancer. Downton Athletic were embracing it wholeheartedly, all the players had been sponsored to grow moustaches for the good cause. John was proud of his efforts. Only a week into growing his facial hair, and he had a moustache to rival that of Tom Selleck.

Stepping out of the bathroom onto the landing, he couldn't help but snigger as Robert came into view. He had chosen to go for the full handlebar moustache, making him look like a cross between an old fashioned farmer and Hulk Hogan.

'Alright there, lad,' John mocked in his best Yorkshire accent. 'Know the way back to Emmerdale?'

'Very funny,' Robert rolled his eyes. 'You do realise you look like a porn star from the seventies?'

'Well, what do you know? Just the look I was going for.'

The banter continued on the way into training, John and Robert sharing the driving each day since he had been in the North. It wouldn't be like this for much longer however, John having nearly completed the purchase of his own three bedroomed flat near the training ground. Having always been shrewd with his earnings from his playing days, and with a little help from his mother, John had the means to buy a property outright.

His return to his spiritual home in July couldn't have gone any better if John had wished it to. As they reached November, Downton were sitting just outside the play off positions in the league. Young Jimmy Kent was the league's top scorer, citing the confidence John had instilled in him as the main reason. The whole team were playing with a more positive attitude, John's methods no doubt having the desired effect. The new signings had settled in with little trouble, Matthew and Kieran's partnership at the back one of the most envied in League Two. Alfred was also much more reliable as the teams last line of defence.

It wasn't just the playing staff, John's arrival had sent a buzz throughout the whole club. The attendances each week were a thousand more than the previous season. Robert felt a lot more confident in his abilities with his best friend by his side, Joseph loved John being back as well. However, the person who had most welcomed his arrival was Anna. John just seemed to change the mentality of the place, there was a much more positive vibe.

It wasn't just professionally that Anna appreciated John's presence. There was something about him Anna couldn't put her finger on. He treated her with a respect that had been lacking in her previous relationships with most men and former coaches. He made her laugh like no other man had, she loved and appreciated the way he included her in the banter he shared with Robert and the players. He also seemed to possess a secret smirk, a look that she only ever saw him offer in her direction. It made her heart race, her stomach flutter. It was a foreign sensation but one she was finding she couldn't get enough of.

As November arrived, with it brought the first round of the FA Cup. Regarded by many as the best cup competition in the world, John and Robert were no different. Some of their happiest memories as footballers were those of winning away cup ties in the middle of winter, as well as home ties where everyone in the vicinity seemed to attend the match. Green and black ticker tape everywhere, balloons peppering the pitch, the buzz of being in the hat for the next round, a chance for an away draw to one of the bigger clubs in the country.

As a result of the 1st round draw, Downton had been drawn against lower league opposition, experiencing the rarity of being the favourite in a cup tie. It wasn't just any lower league opposition however. Downton had been drawn against their local arch rivals, Harrogate Town of the Conference North, two leagues below Downton Athletic's position in League Two. They played their football a mere 11 miles up the road from Downton. It threatened to fill Highclere Stadium's twelve thousand capacity to the limit. The match had also been selected for television, the geography of the tie being the primary reason.

The match was being prepared for with the utmost importance. Robert was worried the team might become complacent, John couldn't bear the thought of losing to 'that lot' up the road. The starting eleven had been revealed a week before the match so they could have as much time preparing together as possible. Thomas had picked up a groin strain and despite his protests he could play, William was preferred. Although his attitude wasn't ideal, the management team didn't want to risk their star man getting more seriously injured, so Thomas was to be left out. William had impressed in a number of appearances over the season, he would give his all to fill the void left by Thomas.

Alfred was to start in goal, behind a back four of Tom, Henry Lang, Kieran and Matthew. Michael would of course captain the team from centre midfield beside a growing in stature William, with Kemal and Terrence Sampson on the wings. An in form Jimmy would partner Jack Ross up front. The two had formed a strong partnership, Jack adding to Jimmy's ten goals so far with five of his own.

As they walked into the training complex, Robert and John were both stopped by a panicking Elsie Hughes. It was the day before the cup tie, the pressure of such an important match was getting to everyone.

'Boys, thank goodness your here,' Elsie said breathlessly. 'Anna is looking for you. It's Kieran. He's injured himself.'

'Injured himself how?' Robert raised a quizzical eyebrow.

'He dropped a bottle of bloody salad cream on his foot,' Anna exclaimed, walking through the double doors, Kieran following with a sheepish look on his face, his foot in a plaster cast. 'And that's not all. Charles Bryant and Anthony Strallan have reported to me with sickness bugs, they won't be able to play tomorrow.'

'Great,' Robert panicked, pacing the floor. 'We won't have enough subs and our best centre back has injured himself with a condiment.'

'It was an accident, boss,' Kieran tried to explain.

Robert shot an incredulous look in Kieran's direction before looking up at a smirking John. 'What could be funny at this juncture, Norm?'

'Nothing Mr Hogan, I'm just enjoying seeing you panic.' John replied with a chuckle. 'It's a simple solution. Evelyn is more than capable of filling in for Kieran, then put me on the bench. I am registered as a player. We'll have to do without a sub goalie, but I am told Blakey is useful in the gloves.'

'Boxing gloves if the fracas in the club whilst we were celebrating the win at Hartlepool is anything to go by,' Robert sighed before nodding. 'But you're right. We should beat a team like Harrogate.'

'Less of the should,' John replied, nudging his friend before moving in the direction of the changing rooms. 'We shall beat Harrogate. I won't accept anything less.'

John left Robert to panic with Anna as he made his way to the changing rooms. He waved as Joseph returned inside, having just set up the pitch for today's training session. Reaching the doors to the changing room, John walked in. He laughed to himself as he saw Evelyn Napier by the mirror, stroking the side of his face.

'Evelyn, why don't you give up now and accept you and the rest of the team are never going to beat me in the moustache growing stakes,' John moved to stand beside him. Evelyn met his eyes in the reflection of the mirror. John raised his eyebrows. 'Yeah, I can see a few whiskers there. How is Gills doing? He was my main rival.'

'I had to shave it, boss,' Tony moaned, John turning to look at him. 'Mabel, my girlfriend didn't like it. But she's donated two hundred quid for the cause.'

'Hmm, I'll let you off,' John said with a chuckle.

'Right lads, here's the deal,' Everyone turned to the doors as Robert came bursting into the changing room, followed by Anna who was clutching onto a clipboard. 'We've been struck by a sickness bug and salad cream bottles with a life of their own. Tell them, Anna.'

'Well, Kieran has joined Thomas on the injury list with a broken metatarsal, he'll be out for twelve weeks at the least. And Tony Strallan and Charlie Bryant have upset stomachs and I have told them not to return until Monday.'

'My brother is in eejit,' Tom shook his head.

'So, it's time for some of you younger lads to step up,' Robert announced, looking to Evelyn. 'Evelyn, you'll be at centre back with Matthew. William, you already know you are in for Thomas.'

'Hopefully you tackle better than you grow facial hair, eh Evelyn?' John teased. 'And William, you know we have confidence in you. So just play your normal game.'

'Also, as well as giving the younger ones a try, John is going to be a substitute tomorrow.' Robert revealed, patting John on the shoulder. 'Isn't that right, Norm?'

'It is, Creeps. But I am a last resort. You lads are much better than I ever was in my prime.' He looked to Jimmy. 'Young Jimmy, you'll smash my goal scoring record in no time, eh?'

'Too right I will,' Jimmy smiled.

'Joseph has finished setting up so lets get out their and have a good session.'

The players rose to their feet and made haste out of the changing room. Robert followed them, leaving John with Anna, who was checking some supplies in the cupboard in the corner of the room.

'Who'd have thought a salad cream bottle would cause so much distress?' John said with a laugh, Anna looking over her shoulder at him.

'I saw the X- ray, it wasn't pretty,' Anna replied as she marked something down on her clipboard.

John walked to the door, stopping as he reached beside Anna. His voice was almost a growl as he replied to Anna's remark, 'Unlike some things I could mention.'

Her eyes were on him immediately, he raising his eyebrows in response, affording her that smirk. She knew she was blushing, averting her gaze from him to look at her clipboard once more. John smiled as he realised the effect his words had had on her, before carrying on out of the changing room.

Walking into the house, John and Robert were immediately hit with giggles coming from the living room. Closing the door behind him, John watched as Robert poked his head around the door to see what all the commotion was about. John then heard Matthew's voice, followed by Tom's. Following his friend down to the living room, he sucked in a breath as he saw Anna sitting down next to Mary, laughing as Robert joined in with Mary teasing Matthew about his new facial hair.

'It looks like a little caterpillar,' Mary said in jest, stroking her husbands top lip.

'Hey, it's not so bad. I could look like a soft porn star like John,' Matthew replied, without realising John was there.

'Hi Matt,' John announced his arrival, walking into the living room and sitting on the edge of the armchair that Tom was currently occupying.

'Oh, boss. Didn't realise you were here.'

John's eyes searched for Anna, she already had her gaze trained in on him. They smiled at each other as the ribbing carried on around them. In the three months they had known each other, John had begun to appreciate what a wonderful woman Anna was. She could hold her own with the players, and as he had found out, the management staff too. She knew her job inside out, and what was best for the players and in turn, the smooth running of the club as a whole. That was what endeared him to her most, her strong personality, the way she fought for what she thought was right. If she believed in the cause, she wouldn't back down.

After their heart to heart before the first game of the season, John had confided in Anna more often. She was a wonderful listener, and was always on hand to offer advice, a kind word to make him feel better. The more and more they spoke, the more John could feel a growing attraction towards Anna. He couldn't help it, it was almost instinctual to smile at her, or to keep her attention as they looked at each other. He craved her gaze on his, he made him more alive than he had felt in years.

'What do you think Anna?' Mary said, interrupting her and John's silent link. Anna looked at her friend, totally unaware of the question as she had become lost under John's intense glare. Mary was looking amusedly between the pair of them, furrowing her brow slightly. 'John and Dad with their moustaches could double for the one one eight running guys. From the advert.'

'Oh, right,' Anna replied, slightly flustered as she brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. 'Yeah.'

'Anyway, lets go and talk tactics shall we, Norm?' Robert suggested, walking towards the door. John rose to his feet as Sybil let out a groan.

'Is there anything you two dislike about football?' Sybil asked as she watched John and Robert walk out into the hallway. 'Like, at all?'

'The end of the season,' came their reply, almost in unison as they disappeared into the kitchen.

'Come on, then.' Mary said, nudging Anna in the ribs with her elbow as they reached the bar. 'Out with it.'

Anna, Mary and Sybil had escaped the football madhouse along with Cora and decided to go out for a meal. They had left John, Robert, Matthew and Tom sitting around the kitchen table, discussing tactics for the big game.

'Out with what?' Anna asked, a confused expression across her face as she looked at the menu, trying to remember what everyone had ordered. She pointed at the menu. 'Your mum wanted the salmon, right?'

'Don't change the subject,' Mary replied, looking at the menu item Anna was pointing at. 'Yeah, the salmon. So tell me.'

'Mary Crawley, you are a puzzle,' Anna said with a chuckle. 'I have no idea what you are talking about.

'Do I have to spell it out?' Anna remaining silent and shrugging her shoulders was all the answer Mary needed. 'You and John.'

Feeling her cheeks getting hotter, Anna turned her head to see if the barman was any closer in taking her order. She didn't need this, to be interrogated by Mary, especially with her track record when it came to men. Seeing the people in front were ordering what seemed like one of everything on the menu, Anna sighed, realising she would have to answer her friend's question.

'He's nice,' Anna finally answered.

'And...'

'And what? He's nice and we get on well. There's nothing else to it.'

'I saw you both staring at each other earlier.' Mary continued. 'There was definitely a spark there. We all saw it.'

'All?' Anna raised her eyebrows in surprise.

'Okay, I saw it,' Mary conceded as the man in front finally began to pay for his food after finishing reciting his order. 'You even admitted to me he had nice legs. It's obvious you fancy him.'

'So what if I fancy him? It's not illegal is it?' Anna snapped, her annoyance finally getting the better of her. She softened as she saw the hurt in Mary's face. 'Sorry, but you know about my past. I'm not sure I could handle going through that all again.'

The barman was finally ready to take Anna and Mary's order. 'Good evening. Can I take your table number, please?'

Walking down the corridor, having arrived early Saturday morning at the stadium, John stopped outside the physio's room. He was at Highclere already as he and Robert had a number of interviews to undertake. The media room was already brimming with local journalists, as well as a handful from the national tabloids. Just as John and Robert were to begin, there was a phone call for Robert from an agent. Leaving his colleague to it, John decided to take a wander and see what everyone else was up to. Joseph was in the changing room, seemingly too busy to talk as he laid out the green and black stripes that was the teams home kit. Deciding to leave him to his task, John moved from the changing room to where Anna honed her craft on a matchday. Gently knocking on the door, John stepped inside to see Anna sitting at her desk, tapping away at her computer's keyboard.

'Morning boss, how are you today?'

'Good,' John replied, shutting the door behind him. 'You?'

'Yeah, not bad.' Anna answered, moving to the treatment table 'Kemal's hamstrings were a bit tight after training yesterday so he's coming in in a bit for me to treat him before this afternoon.'

'Lucky Kemal,' John remarked, moving to sit on the treatment table. He lifted himself up in one movement then turned his attentions to Anna who had kept her own focus on the computer screen in front of her. 'What are you doing?'

'Oh, just researching about Kieran's injury.' Anna replied, not averting her gaze from the screen. 'It's the same one as David Beckham had before the World Cup. Remember, they were asking us to rub his foot on the front page of some tabloid to help make sure he would recover in time.'

'Well, as an Irishman I certainly wasn't rubbing his foot.'

'Ahh yes, you're from the emerald isle. I do like a nice Irish accent. You seem to have lost yours, though.'

'No, I havent...'

Anna swung around in her chair, not giving John a chance to continue as she rose to her feet, walking to the treatment table, her tone whining. 'John, you've scrunched up the towel I laid out for Kemal.'

'Oh no, disaster,' John replied, half mockingly as he pulled the towel out from beneath him and began to fold it. He handed Anna the neatly folded towel. 'Sorry.'

'It's alright, I'll forgive you.' Anna said, rolling her eyes before placing the towel back down. 'You've folded that well.'

'My towel folding technique isn't something I thought I'd be complimented on today, but it's welcome all the same.'

'Someone is very sure of themselves.' Anna's voice was jovial as she rubbed her hands over the top of the towel, flattening it out. She looked up at John. 'What did you think you would be complimented on, then?'

Their eyes met then, John raising his eyebrows slightly accompanied by the smirk across his lips that made Anna's insides begin to flutter. John knew what looking at Anna in this way did to her, the effect it had. He saw each time he made her feel like this as a small victory. It flattered him that he could render a beautiful young woman such as Anna speechless with eye contact and a simple smile.

'Well, I have received compliments in the past for the attractiveness of my Irish burr.' John revealed, doing his best to enhance the audibility of his native accent.

'Oh yes,' Anna's voice was weak to begin with, still struggling to deal with the warmth that had engulfed her body as she stood under John's stare. 'I can sort of tell you come from Ireland now.'

'Sort of? Only sort of?'

Anna began to giggle as John consciously made an effort to put on his best Irish accent, in the end finding Anna's amusement infectious as he descended into laughter himself. Just then, the door opened, Robert appearing and furrowing his brow at the scene before him.

'Alright Creeps?' John cleared his throat as Anna moved back to the computer screen.

'I'm ready to begin the press conference now,' Robert replied, watching as Anna crossed them room. 'They're waiting for us in the media room.'

'Okay.' John jumped off the treatment table as Robert left the room. He looked to Anna before pretending to doff his cap. 'Top of the morning.'

Anna responded with a nod and a smile before John followed Robert out of the room and into the corridor. Once he had closed the door, he looked up to see Robert staring at him, his arms folded.

'What?' John shrugged, walking on ahead in the direction of the media room.

'You fancy her, don't you?' Robert questioned, running slightly to catch up with John. 'Don't you?'

John exhaled deeply, laughing awkwardly as he turned to see his friend walking beside him. 'Of course I fancy her, don't you? She's gorgeous.'

'Yes, I know that but I'm married, you aren't.'

'Meaning,' John's voice was impatient as they stopped outside the doors to the media room.

'Meaning, I've seen the two of you together. The way you look at her.' Robert stopped to emphasise his next point by poking John in the chest. 'The way she looks at you. Don't do anything that might jeopardise the good start to the season. The last thing I want is a lovesick physio and a horny assistant manager around the place.'

With that, Robert burst into the room, John letting out a deep sigh before continuing on behind.

Joseph rushed into the changing room, frantically searching for Robert and John, the game an hour away from kick off. The manager and his assistant were at the tactics board, going through some last minute ideas before they were interrupted by the first team coach.

'Alright Pele, I'll be out to lead the warm up in just a minute,' John said, trying to reassure the first team coach.

'No, it's not that,' Joseph huffed, clearly out of breath from rushing to find the two of them. 'It's Ethan, he's just injured himself practicing goal kicks.'

'Why the hell was he practicing goal kicks, he's a striker?' Robert snapped, moving towards Joseph.

'Well, Alfred bet him he couldn't get the ball to reach the half way line, and Ethan had to prove him wrong.' Joseph cocked his head before continuing. 'Or right as the case may be. He's hurt his hip, Anna says he definitely can't play.'

'We won't have a full bench,' Robert began to pace the floor, his hand rubbing his forehead. 'We'll be a national laughing stock because we can't supply a full match day squad.'

'Relax,' John hissed, walking in front of Robert and placing his hands on his chest. 'You can still name him as sub. Just don't play him.'

'Right, right,' Robert nodded, suddenly realising John was right. He watched as John walked towards the kit that had been laid out for him. 'Is that kit alright?'

John could only see 'Bates' printed on his shirt, his club tracksuit jacket that the team wore when they walked out of the players tunnel was hanging over the top covering the number. Carefully removing the jacket, he grimaced as he took in the squad number Robert had chosen for him, printed in white numbers on the back.

'Forty two?' John exclaimed, taking a handful of the shirt material in his hand and shaking. 'Forty two?'

'Yeah, well I had to register you a squad number and hadn't asked you your preference.' Robert explained. 'You were out training the lads and the deadline was growing closer so there wasn't time to ask. So I chose your age.'

'Yeah,' John sighed, crossing the changing room without a glance to Robert. 'Thanks for that.'

'Alright lads, settle down, settle down.'

Robert instructed his players as they came in for half time. The mood was upbeat, Downton hadn't given their lower league opponents a sniff in the first half as they came back in the changing room at the half way stage, three goals to the good. Jimmy had scored a brace, Matthew having scored the third from a corner. Jack Ross had been carrying a slight knock, a result of a crunching challenge from a Harrogate defender ten minutes before half time. Robert had chosen to keep him on, to see if he could run the injury off but the noises emanating from him as Anna bent, then extended his right knee on the treatment table were suggesting that hadn't happened.

'I think he's pulled the cruciate ligament,' Anna diagnosed, gently placing Jack's knee back down. 'He can't carry on.'

'Right,' Robert turned to John, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'You're on, Norm.'

'Okay,' John answered, picking up a ball before walking to the door. Just as he went to open the door, he turned to look at the players. 'Let's not get complacent now, lads. I want us to go out there and play like we need three goals, rather than up by three.' Confused faces were the response to his words, John realising he would need to explain. 'We need to show this lot who the superior team are in this part of the world. I won't have those fans out there let down, I won't allow that shower, who aren't even worthy of crossing the threshold at this stadium, score even one goal against us.'

'No mercy,' William growled.

'Calm down,' Thomas chuckled from the back of the room as he leant on his crutches. Robert had allowed all the squad to be present, to be part of the day. 'This isn't world of war craft, it is a football match.'

'No, I like that attitude,' John pointed at William. 'Shows he cares. Now I best go and warm up.'

A few minutes passed before the rest of the team returned to the pitch, Robert wanting to show everyone how up for the game the team were by returning early. John ran to the touchline, waiting for the substitution to be announced.

'Sure the warm up didn't wear you out?' Anna joked as she walked behind him to put her bag by the dugout.

'I'll have you know, Miss Smith, ' John replied, looking over his shoulder. 'There is nothing wrong with my stamina.'

Anna moved closer to him before whispering. 'I don't doubt it, Mr Bates.'

Although questions were asked from the outside about why Ethan Slade hadn't replaced Jack, it was soon all forgotten as Downton took heed of William's advice and showed no mercy. Against the lower opposition, John wasn't finding it too hard to keep pace as he linked the play between midfield and attack with aplomb. He had kept himself in good shape, and it showed as he was able to set up two more goals for Jimmy and Downton, making the score five nil. Harrogate really were hanging on, damage limitation the name of the game as the match entered into the added time of three minutes. All of their eleven players were camped in their penalty area, defending resolutely against the barrage of Downton attacks. As he ran along the edge of the penalty area, Kemal was tackled unfairly by the sole Harrogate striker, resulting in his second yellow card, a sending off and a free kick on the edge of the area for Downton. There was only one thought in John's mind. As the usual free kick taker, Thomas, was injured it was Terry Sampson who was lining up the kick. John walk towards him, his hands behind his back.

'Let me have it, Terry,' John whispered as he walked behind the wingers back. 'I reckon I could bury it from there.'

'No way, Boss,' Terrence shook his head. 'This is going top right corner, six nil.'

'Alright, put it this way,' John stepped a little closer to Terrence, placing an arm around his shoulders as he watched the ref move the Harrogate wall back the full ten yards they were meant to be. 'You let me take the kick, and I don't tell the squad you are cheating them in the card school.'

'But I'm not...'

'Ahh,' John placed his finger on his lip, Terry instantly silent. 'I saw you swap some cards when Blakey went to the toilet in the players lounge last night. Let me take this kick, I'll miraculously un-see it.' With a scowl in his assistant managers direction, Terrence stepped away from the ball. 'You know it makes sense, Terrence.'

As he re position the ball, John was taken aback as the crowd behind the goal began to sing his name, to the tune of Daddy Cool.

'Johnny, Johnny Bates,' they were chanting, John looking up with a smile on his lips as he waited for the referees whistle. Scanning the crowd, his attention was grabbed as he saw a familiar face standing on one of the barriers at the front. It was young Nathan, the boy he had met on the train on the way to Downton. Nathan stopped chanting as he noticed John looking at him, waving before he joined in again with the singing. John nodded to acknowledge him before concentrating on the task in hand.

The referee blew his whistle, signalling that John could take the kick. John had already decided he was aiming for the goalkeepers top right hand corner. Taking a deep breath, he made the short run up and hit the ball perfectly with his instep. It rose into the air, curling as it cleared the top of the Harrogate defensive wall. John knew it was in as soon as he had struck the ball as he watched it dip just under the crossbar, far out of the reach of the keepers outstretched right hand.

Cue pandemonium in Highclere Stadium as the crowd erupted, one the clubs true legends returning to the fore to score once again for Downton, something the fans thought they would never see again. John dodged the attempts of Michael Gregson and Jimmy to grab him and tussle him to the floor as he ran in the direction of the fans behind the goal, straight to Nathan at the front. Not caring about the inevitable booking, he lifted the lad up in an embrace, the two of them disappearing as the rest of the team gathered around them.

'What a great goal, John,' Nathan enthused as the rest of the Downton players let John go.

'It was for you, lad,' John smiled, placing him back over the barrier before giving high fives to a few other fans behind the goal.

'That was a bit silly, Batesy,' the referee said, holding aloft a yellow card as he approached John. The crowd booed as John accepted his punishment. Realising arguing back could result in a different coloured card, John ran back to the Downton half without another word, his arm in the air as he looked over to Robert on the bench.

From the kick off, the ref blew for full time, the result a resounding six nil to Downton Athletic. The team were ecstatic. A professional job had been done against their local neighbours, and they were into the draw for the second round of the FA Cup. As he clapped the fans, the people he considered the best supporters in the world, John had one more gesture he wanted to carry out. Running towards the terrace he had scored in front of, John began to remove his shirt. Searching for Nathan, he smiled as he found him being led away by his father.

'Nathan,' John shouted, the boy turning to face him, his hand firmly in his father's. 'Here lad. Take this.'

John handed Nathan his shirt, the boy clearly over the moon as he held it up in front of him. 'Thank you, John.'

'It's the least I could do. On that train that morning, you, and your Dad gave me the confidence, the self belief that I could do this. You made me see that this is where I belong. I'll never forget that.'

'Well played, Johnny.' Nathan's father tapped John vigorously on the shoulder.

With a smile, John turned and ran towards the tunnel, clapping the fans as he went. Upon reaching the other side of the pitch, his eyes were met with those of Anna's, blue and sparkling like he had never seen before.

'Wonderful goal, Boss.'

'Thank you,' John replied, suddenly feeling rather self conscious he didn't have his shirt on as Anna ran her gaze up and down his naked torso. With an awkward bob of his head, John followed the rest of the team into the changing room.

Half an hour or so after the match, Anna was disturbed from filing a report on injuries as a result of the cup tie when she heard a knock on the door.

'Come in,' she called, not turning around for a moment.

As she heard the door close she looked back over her shoulder. Whoever she was expecting, it wasn't him as she John stood before her, his hair wet from having just been in the shower. He was wearing his club polo shirt and shorts with a pair of flip flops. Anna had to catch her breath, the sight of him looking in a such a dishevelled state was having an effect on her she couldn't fathom.

'Everything, erm... is everything... err, alright?' Anna was flustered as she stood up, trying to take a deep breath. She felt like a girl with a teenage crush as John took a couple of steps towards her.

'Fine, my right hamstring is feeling a little tight.' John felt down the back of his leg as he explained.

'Well, it's to be expected,' Anna replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Just as she thought she had recovered from seeing him, John was smirking at her and she was done for. 'You did play, errr, for the first time in erm... well. You know.'

'Will you take a look at it for me?' John asked, hopping up onto the treatment table.

'Me?'

'Well, I don't see any other qualified physiotherapists in the room,' John replied with a chuckle. 'You don't mind, do you?'

'Erm, well... no but...'

'I think like you say it's just tight from where I haven't played for ages, but I'd still like to know it's nothing too serious.'

Anna nodded to give her consent. No more words were spoken as John laid back on the table, Anna moving so she was standing by his right leg, bent at the knee. With trembling hands, she rolled up the right side of his shorts, struggling to concentrate as she felt the strong muscle at the back of his leg under her fingertips.

As she began to massage the skin there, John realised he would have to talk to her about something else to hide the fact he was finding the whole situation strangely arousing.

'So, did you enjoy the game today?' John asked, looking down at Anna's hands as they worked.

'I did, you've still got it.'

'Well, I wouldn't say that...'

'And what you did at the end, giving the kid your shirt.' Anna continued, moving away for a moment to rub her hands with liniment before returning to her task. 'It was so kind, you are such a great guy. Funny, caring, so wonderful to be around. '

It was like Anna had forgotten herself, realising instantly she said more than she had wanted to. As the words fell from her lips, given the situation they were in, John suddenly found himself sitting up, Anna meeting his gaze as he moved nearer to her. Her hands had stilled their movements, it was if all the air had been sucked out of the room as John leant forward towards Anna. Just as their lips were about to meet, the door burst open.

'Anna, I've bought your change of clothes...'

John lay back down as Anna almost leapt away from the bed. She turned to look in Mary's direction, trying so desperately to compose herself as Mary regarded the scene with a sceptical eyebrow raised.

'Am I interrupting something?'

'No, what is it, Mary?' Anna asked impatiently, moving to the basin to wash her hands.

'I have brought your dress for you to change into, as you requested. For the party tonight. To celebrate the lads winning today.'

'Oh yeah, thanks,' Anna replied, taking the dress from Mary. She looked up at John, who was now standing beside her. 'It's nothing too serious, just do the usual stretches and it should be alright in a few days.'

'Thank you Anna.' John smiled and nodded in Anna's direction, before making eye contact with a still slightly confused looking Mary. 'See you later, Mary.'

She had been sitting alone for most of the night, and she was glad of it. What had happened in the treatment room was monopolising her thoughts. John would have kissed her if Mary hadn't come in. She had wanted him to kiss her. What she couldn't comprehend why someone like John would be interested in her. She knew her doubts stemmed from what she had experienced, but John had lived such a colourful life. Particularly in his playing days. Anna had rarely even left Yorkshire.

'Hello,' John said, announcing his arrival as he sat beside Anna at her table. She looked up with a shy smile, watching as John goy himself comfortable.

'Hello John. How's the hamstring?'

'Feeling better, after your hands worked their magic,' John replied. 'Can I get you a drink?'

'No thanks, I was actually thinking of going home. It's been a long day.'

'Look Anna, about earlier...'

'I'm going to drive Mum and Dad home.' Mary said, rather embarrassedly to John and Anna as she interrupted their conversation. The celebrations had gone on well into the night in the clubhouse, and it seemed Robert and Cora had been enjoying themselves rather too much. 'As the designated driver and having to remain sober all evening, this won't be much fun at all.'

'Alright,' John chuckled as he looked over at Mary's parents, leaning against each other to remain upright.

'I'll be back for you in a bit, Anna,' Mary told her friend, Anna nodding in response.

'I can take Anna home,' John offered, looking to Anna. 'I haven't touched a drop all evening. Have you got the keys to Rob's car?'

'You can walk me home, if you like?' Anna suggested. 'It's not raining and it only takes fifteen minutes. We can leave now.'

Mary looked on at the exchange with her tongue in her cheek and a grin on her face. 'Fine, I'll see you tomorrow for Sunday lunch then, Anna. You too John.'

'Bye Mary.' Anna rolled her eyes as her friend turned on her heels and marched over to her parents.

'You lead the way then, Miss Smith.'

John hadn't been able to keep his eyes off Anna all night, she having changed into a knee length green dress that accentuated all her curves, her hair was down over her shoulders in the way in which he had grown to admire so much. It seemed a shame that she had had to put her coat on, such was the chilly, yet pleasant November evening they had chosen to walk home in. The conversation had flowed as they walked steadily, side by side talking about John's impact on the match that afternoon.

'It really was a great goal,' Anna remarked as they reached the steps to the building in which she lived.

'Any footballer worth his salt should be able to score from there.' John replied, shrugging his shoulders.

'You'd be surprised,' Anna answered, turning to face him as they stopped outside the doors. 'I've seen many a Downton free kick from there go over the stand behind the goal and into the car park.'

'Yeah, well. They won't do anymore if I have any say in the matter.'

'Since you came, everything has just got better,' Anna admitted, John looking back at her in surprise to her candour. 'The team are playing well, Robert seems a better manager, the atmosphere is amazing. I am so glad you decided to take the role on.'

'Me too,' John answered softly as he locked his gaze on Anna's. He swallowed hard as she looked up, her beautiful blue eyes shining back at him. 'You know, when I came up here my main focus was the football. I was thinking about nothing else other than supporting Robert in turning the teams fortunes around.'

'Well you certainly have,' Anna said enthusiastically, rubbing his forearm. The alcohol she had consumed seemed to have aided her confidence somewhat. John looked down at her hand as she continued speaking. 'Into the second round of the cup, just outside the play offs in the league...'

'But I have gained so much more,' John interrupted, taking Anna's hand into his, closely observing her reaction as he caressed the back of her fingers with this thumb. 'I've got my best friend back, I'm finally back where I belong and I've met you.'

'John,' Anna laughed awkwardly, averting her gaze from his. In the next moment, she felt his other hand on her cheek, gently turning her face so she was looking at him again.

'I love being back at Downton, and I love being with Robert again but I know I wouldn't love it half as much if you weren't part of it as well.'

'Me?' Anna replied, her heart beating fast in her chest as she looked up into his hazel eyes, so full of sincerity. It made her shudder as she recognised they were so full of admiration, of awe for her. 'Why me? What have I done?'

It was like a bolt of lightning. All of a sudden, as he considered Anna's question, John was overcome with eagerness to tell her everything that was going on inside him. In his heart. It felt right to tell her how he was feeling, how she made him feel. Their near miss earlier had convinced him, if he didn't know already that Anna reciprocated his sentiments.

'Why you?' John looked to the heavens, trying desperately to find the words, his deep tone disturbing the brief silence making Anna start a little. 'Why you? Well, you have been there for me, from the moment I arrived. I love the way you are with the team, how you take no prisoners. I love how you stand up for what you believe in and won't back down under any circumstance. I love the way you stand at the back of the room during team meetings and watch me as I address the squad.'

'I don't do that...'

'You do,' John laughed, nodding his head. 'I've seen you. And you know, the first time I saw you smile I decided in that instant I would make it my mission to make you smile every day, because when you do it completely takes my breath away.'

'John, I...'

Anna was interrupted by the feel of his lips on hers, the most intense sensations she had ever felt coursing through her body as John wrapped his arms around her waist. Instinct told Anna to reach for John's shoulders, pulling him closer to her as John deepened the kiss. She felt as though she was flying, weeks of pent up emotion being released as she lost herself in John's arms. Almost as soon as it begun, John was pulling away from Anna, brushing her lips lightly with his before resting his forehead against hers. Their breath mingled in the early winter air before John broke the quiet that had fallen between them.

'I have wanted to do that for ages,' he whispered before they both laughed. 'It was worth the wait.'

'It certainly was,' Anna agreed with a murmur. 'One thing though, John. That moustache has got to go. I'll even do what Tony Gillingham's girlfriend did and donate to the charity.'

'Deal.' John replied without missing a beat. He kissed her lips gently once more before moving away, taking her hand in his. 'Let me take you out for lunch tomorrow.'

'Hmm, I'd love to but we've got lunch at Robert and Cora's.'

'Blast,' John cursed, causing Anna to laugh once again. 'Well, I'll see you there then.'

'John, it occurs to me maybe we should keep this between us. The fact that we kissed, I mean. Mary has been on at me about it for weeks.'

'And Robert mentioned something to me. Have we made it that obvious?'

'Some things just can't be denied, I guess,' Anna whispered softly, John grinning at her words.

'I guess not.' John stepped closer once again before adding quietly, 'it can be our secret.'

'I'd like that.'

'Then that is what it shall be,' John said. 'Until tomorrow lunchtime.'

'Until then. Goodnight John.'

'Goodnight Anna.'

John watched as Anna entered her building, she looking over her shoulder and waving shyly, her face illuminated by a bright smile. As she disappeared into the lift, John turned and began to walk back down the street. He ran a shaking hand through his hair, still feeling the effects of the kiss he and Anna had just shared. He had never experienced anything like it, the thrill that ran through him as Anna weakened under his touch, as she melted into his embrace. He had never felt such strong emotions as he held a woman in his arms before. Not even Vera.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by a vibration in his pocket. Reaching for his phone, John saw he had a text message from Anna.

Hi John, thanks for walking me home. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Anna x

Smiling to himself, John made to put his phone back in his pocket before it vibrated once again.

And if you want another kiss, don't forget to shave x