A/N I was holding out on you. I have actually had the last two chapters ready for over a fortnight. Because of the wonderful response to the last chapter and what series 5 has left us with, I am giving you this next one as well. Thanks so much :)

I love the modern fictions posted here, especially the ones with a touch of the comedic about them. There is a more jovial tone to this chapter than the last, I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer- Nope, Downton is still not mine.

Standing in the cold winter's night, the club not particularly busy this evening, John allowed his mind to wander. Weeks had passed and soon everyone was caught up in the excitement only Christmas could bring. John liked Christmas, memories of his childhood in Ireland still warming his heart on the cold London nights.

However recently his heart had been warmed for a completely different reason.

Anna. Ever since that November day at the Poppies, their friendship had only seemed to grow and grow. Meeting for dinner on occasions, going to the cinema, seeing each other at the Crawley's, exchanging what seemed like a hundred texts a day. To know Anna wanted to spend time with John still had him confused, but he'd be a fool to question it.

They would always hold hands on their meetings now, whether it be to and from the car or whilst watching a movie. During one particularly frightening film, Anna even found solace in resting her head on John's shoulder. That film had since become one of his most favourites, and it was nothing to do with what was going on on the screen. But there was one thing which was still to come, one bridge they were still yet to cross.

That elusive first kiss.

John ended every date with a kiss on the cheek, praying Anna would turn her head or meet him halfway. She never did. Although, the chemistry that seemed to crackle between them non stop suggested to John that Anna was very interested in him. He had stayed true to his word however, anything that happened between them was on her terms. They had been getting to know each other better, but John couldn't help but think something had happened to her before they had met. And for that reason, he wouldn't push his luck.

But something had to give. He'd heard of respectful courtships, this was a little bit over the top.

********************************
'What do you mean he hasn't kissed you yet?' Daisy exclaimed as Gwen reached their table with a tray of drinks.

Ethel, in the middle of a phone call, covered the speaker of her phone before whispering, 'he hasn't even kissed you?'

It was the Tuesday night ritual between Anna and her friends, their 'date night' as Ethel liked to call it. Anna had revealed she was seeing someone, but hadn't told them his identity or especially how they had met. They had been supportive and thankfully, none of their paths ever crossed with Anna's other close friend, Mary.

'I just don't get it,' Anna continued, smiling at Gwen when she passed her her drink. Anna looked up to see Ethel seemingly listening to what Anna was saying and still holding a conversation on the phone at the same time. 'Ethel, will you get off the phone? I had to listen to you describe the trauma of running out of anti bacterial gel whilst using the Underground, the least you can do is listen to me.'

'Carry on, honey,' she whispered, 'I can hear you.'

Rolling her eyes, Anna continued. 'There is a spark between us, I know. The way he looks at me,' Anna stopped talking, sighing out loud causing Daisy and Gwen to share knowing looks and smiles. 'I just don't know why he won't kiss me.'

'Maybe his doo dah doesn't work,' Ethel supposed.

'Ethel!' Anna exclaimed.
'What?' Ethel shrugged before pointing at her phone. 'I didn't say that to you, I said that to Steve.'

A collective groan of realisation passed between the three other women. Gwen and Daisy announced they were visiting the ladies, Anna nodding in acknowledgement. She took the stirrer in her drink between her thumb and forefinger and rotated it a few times, staring at the liquid in her glass as she did so. Ethel's conversation continued in the background, Anna wasn't really taking much notice.

She rested her head on the hand that wasn't stirring her drink and sighed. She just couldn't stop thinking about John. He had invaded her mind and she had to admit, it was a glorious feeling. To feel this way about somebody, it was all Anna had ever wanted. It was early days, she knew that but Anna would be lying to say she wasn't disappointed she and John hadn't shared a kiss. Maybe he didn't fancy her enough. No, it couldn't have been that. Anna was a woman, she knew when a man was interested. Either that or acting was another string to John's rather impressive bow.

Perhaps her reaction to the kiss they almost had at the station confused John. She was going to kiss him, she had wanted John to kiss her. The tannoy had startled her and she jumped. In that moment it dawned on her how much John meant to her, especially after what they had shared that afternoon. She needed to get away, to have time to process everything, to breathe.

'Oh dear, Anna. Over analysing in that little head of ours again are we?' Ethel had finished her phone call and was now casting a quizzical eye over the woman sitting opposite her.

'What do you know, Ethel? You've been chatting on your phone since we got in the taxi.'

'I can listen to more than one conversation at a time,' Ethel shrugged, 'it's a skill, especially handy when you are as nosey as I am.'

'Your mother must be so proud.'

Ethel chose to ignore her friends comment. 'Are you coming clubbing on Saturday? The last big Saturday night before Christmas, baby.'

'I've already told the other girls, I can't.' Anna replied before taking a sip of her drink. 'I'm going to a party at my boss' parent's house. But we are all getting together next Tuesday like we always do.'

'Are you going back home for Christmas?' Ethel enquired before adding, 'Mum practically begged me to go back this year. Apparently my little sister needs whipping into shape.'

Anna shook her head. 'Dad has taken Mum to Mauritius for Christmas and my brother is busy at work so isn't coming over from America so no one shall be at home. Me and Gwen are spending Christmas together.'

'Aren't we all so lucky, that we have each other?' Ethel smiled, running a finger over the rim of her glass as she spoke. 'Four Yorkshire girls finding each other in a big, bad southern city.'

'Yes, the South Bank University didn't know what had hit it that year.'

As the words left her mouth, Anna heard her message alert tone. Reaching into her bag, she saw that it was a text from John. Immediately, her heartbeat quickened as with fumbling fingers, she swiped the screen to unlock the device.

'Calm down, Anna. He's only a man.'

What Ethel didn't realise was John wasn't only a man. He was so much more that that.

What was it with this woman? Whenever John was with her, he never felt the cold, when they were apart thoughts of her were enough to keep him warm. After sharing dinner, they walked along the South Bank towards Waterloo, which had become almost routine as they ended their time together, Anna was in a delightfully playful mood. There was an age gap, John knew it now to be a decade. But it never showed, not for John anyway. They were so in tune with each other, it was never noticeable.

She was holding his hand, but swinging their arms as they walked. They had got onto the subject of music, but this time it was Anna's tastes under the microscope. Adele was her idol, John had established that pretty early on. However, her revelations had left John wondering if he really knew Anna at all.

'So your tastes consist of pretty boys with more six pack than singing talent?'

'Yeah, so?' She shrugged, stopping before standing in front of John, their hands still entwined and looking up at him. 'Explains why I admire your talent so much.'

John regarded her for a moment, his eyes narrowed. She couldn't be serious, then she began to laugh and it was confirmed for him. 'Ha Ha. The only six packs on this body will be the John Smith's I share with Robert on Saturday night.'

As they continued to walk hand in hand, John looked over to see Big Ben displaying the time as half past ten. Another evening in Anna's company had flown by. But he was also reminded of a bet they had made over dinner. Mary's snooping into their relationship had become a running joke between the pair, but Anna was adamant, after a word with her friend, she wouldn't be texting to ask how their date was going. John wasn't so sure.

'Has she been in touch yet?' John asked, gesturing towards Anna's bag.

'Nope.' She looked entirely too pleased with herself. 'And would you credit it? We are nearly back at Waterloo. Looks like you are going to lose the bet.'

They walked past the Shell Building and John had to concede defeat, the stairs to Waterloo now visible. 'Alright. What is my punishment?'

'When I walk past you in the morning, you shall be singing a song of my choosing.'

'Oh God,' John cringed, looking to the heavens. 'I'll have to be honest and say my knowledge of nineties pop isn't the best.'

But Anna wasn't listening. She had spotted a Christmas novelty store just at the bottom of the stairs and was already leading John towards it. Jumpers, t-shirts and headwear all with a Christmas theme were on display. He wasn't a Scrooge by any means, but he always felt people who wasted their money on such things probably had too much money to spare. And now Anna was buying something. John stood back as she made her purchase before she turned around, the most beautiful grin brightening her features. She was holding reindeer antlers, complete with bells.

'Seeing as you lost the bet, I want you to sing Dancing Queen by ABBA tomorrow morning, wearing these.'

John raised an eyebrow as he took the offending item from Anna, jangling them for effect. She was laughing, and John had to admit it was a wonderful sound, like music to his ears. What he would give to make her laugh for the rest of his days.

'I accept your challenge, Miss Smith,' John's manner was determined as he placed the antlers on his head. 'But only because I am an honourable man and an honourable man keeps to his word.'

'You look ridiculous, talking about honour with those on your head.'

'I'll have you know, if Rudolph hadn't stepped in when he did that foggy Christmas Eve no children would have got their presents that year. That's pretty honourable.'

'You have an answer for everything.'

******************************************
Anna was secretly looking forward to this. She had bought John a coffee along with hers this morning, hoping to soften the humiliation of having to perform wearing the antlers. As she approached the walkway, she could hear a singing voice she would now recognise anywhere. Slowing her pace, Anna peered around the corner to see a crowd gathered around Her Busker, and sure enough the antlers were upon his head. Unable to keep the smile from her face, she continued on her way towards John. He was looking in her direction now and he reciprocated her smile almost instantly.

'You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life...'

John was accepting his punishment with good grace, Anna had to admit. He was really giving his all to the song but then again, Anna didn't expect anything less. As she reached him, she saw he had almost double the money he would normally have at this time of the morning. The antlers must have really been working for him. Either that or he had a new line of admirers.

She stood and watched as he finished the song, receiving a round of applause from a small crowd that had gathered in front of him. He bowed, before they all dropped their loose change in his case.

'Thank you, Merry Christmas.'

Then his attentions were on Anna, and she suddenly remembered she was holding a coffee for him. 'This is for you. Thought you might need it, it's quite cold today.'

'Thank you.' John moved his guitar so it was resting on his back and gratefully took the coffee from Anna. He began to take a sip before grinning. Anna was intrigued.

'What is it?'

'Nothing,' he shook his head, still wearing that grin

'John Bates, it's something. Tell me.'

He did something next that Anna found adorable, cocking his head to the side a little, suddenly becoming a little coy. 'This is the first time you've actually stopped to talk to me in the morning. It's nice.'

Anna couldn't stop the blush that was flooding her cheeks, especially when John was looking at her in the way in which he was right now. He must know the effect he had on her, it was all she could do to hide it these days.

'Well, things are different now, aren't they?'

'They most definitely are.'

The man just oozed charm, simple things said in a certain way and Anna was lost. Clearing her throat, Anna averted her eyes from John and looked at her watch.

'I need to get going, but I'll see you tomorrow night, yeah?'

'Oh yes, can't wait.' And with those words, John finished his coffee in one then gently gripped Anna's arm. 'See you tomorrow.'

In the next moment, Anna was moving away, looking back over her shoulder to see John rearranging his guitar. He noticed her looking at him and offered a little wave. Anna waved back then turned in her heel and continued on her way.

Tomorrow evening couldn't come soon enough.

*********************************
There may have been thirty or so other people at the party, Robert and Cora's friends but John could honestly say he hadn't noticed them. From the moment Anna walked through the door following Mary, everyone and everything else had paled into comparison. She had been forced to help Mary in the kitchen at first, but he watched from his position by the mantelpiece in the living room as she went about tasks, appearing every so often to carry trays of food through to the dining room.

She was wearing a gorgeous red dress, her hair was up, ringlets he supposed they were called, hanging down at the front. He couldn't find words adequate enough to describe how beautiful she looked this evening. She was laughing, smiling and John had never seen a more perfect sight in all his life. Anna hadn't noticed him yet, but Mary was taking drink requests and Anna seemed to be fulfilling them so it was only a matter of time, he supposed.

'Food should be ready in a little bit, Uncle John,' Sybil said, approaching him. 'Are you alright? You seem in your own world.'

'Yeah, I'm fine,' John replied, wrapping his arms around his Goddaughter. 'I have something for you actually.'

'Oh, I love presents,' Sybil cooed, clasping her hands together. John handed her an envelope. 'What's this?'

'Well, a rather large birdy in the form of your father told me you and Tom were planning on moving in together in the new year. So here is some money towards whatever you want to do.'

Sybil tore into the envelope, revealing a cheque. She gasped upon reading it. 'Uncle John, I can't accept this.'

'You can and you will, I am your Godfather and with no children of my own to spoil, I am going to spoil you.'

Pulling John into her embrace, Sybil kissed him on the cheek. They stayed this way for a few moments until John saw Anna walking in his direction, holding what looked like the drink he had asked Mary for. He broke away from Sybil, stroking her cheek and winking at her before she hurried rather excitedly to find Tom.

'Good evening,' Anna greeted John, handing him his drink.

'Evening,' John smiled, taking the glass from her. 'Thank you.'

'Mary has me on waitressing duties, but I'll be over to speak to you soon.'

'You look really pretty tonight,' John said with all the sincerity he could muster. Anna's grin in response made John relieved he had the wall behind him for support.

'Anna!'

Mary was calling for Anna from the kitchen, she rolling her eyes so only John could see. 'I'll be back.'

The evening continued in much the same way. Anna and John barely spent any time together, much to his chagrin. Once she had finished helping her friend, some colleagues from the fashion house were monopolising her time. She appeared to be enjoying herself, and John would have hated to interrupt so he remained in his place by the mantelpiece. Watching her. Falling for her even more, it would seem.

He sensed his opportunity to get Anna on her own when she went into the kitchen. Striding across the room, John reached the door just as Anna was about to walk out again. Their gaze met, and John was suddenly speechless. He just didn't know what to say. Watching Anna tonight had made him realise how utterly out of his league she really was.

'Oh my god, John and Anna are under the mistletoe!'

Sybil was practically jumping up and down and clapping her hands together a few feet from them. John and Anna looked up simultaneously to see a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the top of the doorframe. He looked down to meet Anna's eye again.

'Aren't you going to kiss her?' Mary asked as she moved to stand beside Sybil.

'Lucky man, Bates. Getting Anna under the mistletoe,' Robert teased, tapping his friend o n the shoulder. 'Kiss her, then.'

John realised this was it, the moment he had been waiting weeks for. He and Anna were about to share their first kiss. He began to move towards her and just as their lips were about to meet, Anna ducked out of the way and ran out of the living room. He was so confused. What was going on? Why didn't Anna want to kiss him?

He chased her out of the room, finding her in the hallway of the house, hastily putting on her coat.

'Anna, what's wrong?' She turned to regard him and John could see she was starting to cry. 'I'm really sorry, but I'm so confused. Don't you want me to kiss you?'

'Not like that.' Her tone was sharp, angry even and John didn't like it. Anna had never addressed him in this way, her voice tore through John like a blade, tearing his soul. 'I want you to kiss me because you want to, not because you are being egged on by Mary and her Dad.'

Without another word, she walked towards the front door. John followed her, panic stricken that he had ruined the one good thing in his life, the only thing he was coming to realise that was real. Anna was already hailing a cab as John reached the doorstep. She was heading for the tube. District line. Fulham Broadway was the nearest station. If he headed to Parsons Green which was the next station along, he might just make it to Wimbledon before Anna and intercept her. Realising he had forgotten his jacket, it didn't matter. He had to get to that station before Anna, he needed to.

**************************
She opened up her compact. What a state. How had she let a man be the cause of her tears once again? Her father had always told Anna the one man who was worth her tears would never make her cry. Well she thought she had finally found that man in John. Maybe she had overreacted, she didn't know. All she knew was when John was leaning in for the kiss, all she could think was that it didn't feel right, he was only doing it because everyone was telling him to. And that wasn't the reason why Anna wanted John to kiss her. She wanted him to kiss her because it felt natural, because a moment they had shared had lead to them wanting to engage in the most sweetest of acts.

Stepping off the train at Wimbledon, wishing she had walked to Fulham Broadway instead of hailing a taxi which meant she was stuck in traffic for twenty minutes, Anna tried to focus on the next few days she would be spending with Gwen. The fashion house had closed for the Christmas break and wouldn't open until the new year. Time with her best friend, that was what Anna needed.

As she walked towards the barriers, Anna reached into her pocket for her Oyster card. She couldn't have been prepared for what was about to happen once she passed through them. She looked up to see John leaning against the wall looking completely distraught. Anna's pulse was thundering in her ears, had he really chased her all the way here? And why? She moved away from the barriers.

'John?' She called. Her voice echoed. They were the only people on the station concourse. He turned his head and stood up straighter. His expression was unreadable, Anna didn't know what to do, what to say.

He began to close the gap between them, his pace slow at first but quickening the closer he got to her. Anna felt like she was watching this moment from outside her body, sensing what was to come. The intensity of the atmosphere between them was overwhelming her, she didn't know what else to do but wait and see what John did. She soon got her answer.

His lips were on hers with such a passionate force it caused her to move backwards a few steps, pushing her into the wall. She could do nothing but succumb to his advances. His lips were moving against hers with a practiced perfection, John kissing her in only a way an experienced man like him could. She willingly allowed him to deepen the kiss, wrapping her arms around his shoulders for fear of floating away with the pure pleasure of finally sharing a kiss with him. His hands were possessive on her waist, gripping tightly to her hips and pulling her as tightly to him as he possibly could. Anna had never felt desire like it, never felt sensations like those flooding her body right now. But soon, the need for air became too much and the moment was ending. John brushed his lips against Anna's one last time, the sound of his harsh breathing harmonising with her gasps for air.

Anna had never heard John's voice sound the way it did as he spoke, so full of raw passion and emotion. 'If I had it my way, I'd be able to kiss you whenever I wanted, hold you whenever I wanted, be with you whenever I wanted. I wanted to kiss you earlier, not because other people were telling me to, but because it is all I have wanted to do from the first moment I ever saw you. This feels right to me Anna.'

Anna couldn't help it, tears were escaping her eyes. To hear John say those words, it was all she had ever wanted. To now know he wanted her as much as she wanted him. And it felt wonderful.

'All I know is I want you to kiss me like that every single time.'

'God knows Anna, I want to be given the chance to try to.'

'We'll take things slowly though, yeah?' Anna stroked his cheek, he leant into her touch. the skin of his face felt heavenly beneath her trembling fingertips. One thought was racing through her mind, she had had to voice her fears, praying john understood. 'I don't want to screw this up.'

'As slowly as you want,' John agreed, much to her relief before resting his forehead against Anna's. 'But please let me walk you home.'

'I'd like that.'

It finally happened- yay!