A/N- The rating moves up to M in this chapter *hides in a corner*

Thanks for the wonderful response to this story, each review never fails to make me and my co writer smile.

Disclaimer- Same as chapters 1-6


With the colder weather inevitably came the holiday season. It was a busy period for the team, in particular with rearranged matches being played after a lot of the fixtures through November fell foul to the weather. Downton were still in and around the play off positions in the league, the success of their cup run adding to the fantastic atmosphere around Highclere Stadium. The third round draw of the FA Cup had thrown up another derby, drawing Downton at home to Leeds United. Although the match wasn't due to be played until January, it was hard not to get carried away with the magic of the cup. Still, the team had a job to do in the league until then and Robert and John were determined to ensure the team maintained their fantastic league position over the festive period.

Anna loved Christmas, and had insisted on helping John to decorate his new flat even though he wasn't really bothered. Still, his girlfriend was nothing if not a persistent woman. Their relationship was still a secret, although John was unsure how. After Portsmouth, when he insisted to Mary he should go after Anna, then Robert and Cora saw him leave Anna's room looking rather pleased with himself, he was convinced that it would only be a matter of time before someone would realise. But nothing had been said if anyone did have an idea.

After giving Anna some money to head into town to buy him some decorations, John was in his bedroom awaiting her return. Looking at himself in the mirror, John put on the chunky framed glasses he had purchased the previous day. With Anna out he thought it would the perfect time to try on his costume. The team's Christmas party was a couple of days away and the theme was superheroes. Tights and lycra wasn't really John's style, so he had decided to go as Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent. This also meant he didn't have to waist money on an outfit, brushing some lint from the shoulder of the black pinstripe suit he kept for special occasions. He straightened his lapels and stood back to take the sight of himself in the mirror. Just as he was flicking a strand of errant hair back into place, he noticed Anna in the reflection of the mirror, armed with three or four shopping bags in each hand.

'Hello,' he said coyly, immediately removing the glasses. 'Successful shopping trip?'

'Put them back on,' Anna's voice was hushed as she dropped the bags she was holding before treading the floor towards John.

'What?' John released a small chuckle before narrowing his gaze on an ever nearing Anna.

'The glasses,' Anna reiterated, pointing at them as she stopped in front of him. John noticed her breath was leaving her sharply. 'Put them back on.'

'Why?' He furrowed his brow before observing Anna's somewhat incoherent manner. Suddenly remembering the only other times he saw Anna like this, John grinned at her before putting the glasses on once more. 'Ahh, I get it. The glasses turn you...'

Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, Anna had clamped her arms around his shoulders and covered his mouth with hers. Almost immediately, she deepened the kiss as she used all the strength she could muster to push this six foot, bulky frame of a man towards the bed behind him. Feeling himself melting as a result of Anna's advances, John willingly went with it. Falling down as he felt the bed frame at the back of his knees, he took Anna with him.

'What's all this?' John breathed as the need for air became too much. 'They're only glasses.'

'You're Clark Kent, right?' Anna enquired as she began to untie the tie that hung around his neck.

'Well yes, you know lycra and me won't end well and...'

'Clark Kent is my ultimate crush,' Anna explained, placing warm kisses on the skin she had revealed as she undid the top buttons of John's shirt. He groaned at the contact, his moan vibrating against Anna's mouth as she continued undoing the rest of his shirt buttons. 'I always dreamt of doing a whole manner of things with that man.'

'Ahh, now I get it,' John replied, hardly in a position to deny Anna anything. The way she was sitting astride him she would now surely be aware of his arousal, a result of her ministrations and her forthrightness since she had arrived back. John began to remove Anna's blouse before she stopped him, placing her hands on top of his. 'Anna, what are...'

'There's no time,' she interrupted, her voice overcome with desire. John had no response as she moved to her feet. After removing her tights, then her underwear she was back with him as John watched on, mesmerised and absolutely confused as to what she was going to do next. It was becoming clearer as she began to frantically unfasten his trousers, instinct told him to lift his hips. Anna pulled his trousers down then lifted her skirt before climbing upon him once more.

'Anna, this is mad,' John hissed as he felt himself come in to contact with Anna's heat. As he rested his hands on her bottom, her fingers were clawing through his hair, kissing him as if her life depended on it.

'Shall I stop then?'

'God no, please don't,' John almost begged, resuming the kiss she had broken to ask the most ridiculous of questions.

In the next instant, John shifted his hips, unable to bear not joining them a second longer. They both shared mutual groans of appreciation as John was enveloped within Anna's warmth. Moving almost immediately, John settled into a steady rhythm as Anna ground down on top of him.

'I hope you know this isn't going to take very long,' John revealed after a few moments had passed before he was treated to Anna's moans of pleasure, signalling to him she wasn't far from completion.

In the next thrust of his hips Anna was calling out, the sensation of her shuddering around him bringing John to his own climax. Their heavy breathing mingled in the air, Anna resting her head on John's shoulder as he held her close to him. He loved these moments, in the immediate aftermath of making love. John had grown to learn that Anna enjoyed to be held tightly after they had both reached their end, not ready to lose contact with him until she had come down from her high.

'You know, we are going to have a serious discussion about which other fictional TV characters get you going, if that is anything to go by.'

Anna laughed at his words, John following suit as she moved to sit beside him before they both reclined on the bed, hands entwined and heads touching.

'So you aren't going the whole hog and going to the party as Superman, then?'

'I've got a t shirt to wear under my shirt,' John replied, pointing at the wardrobe, 'but not really sure I could pull off the tights.'

'I was afraid you'd say that,' Anna sighed. 'It's going to drive me mad with you dressed like that all evening knowing I can't even touch you.'

'You'll just have to exercise some self control, Miss Smith,' John placed a kiss on Anna's cheek before something occurred to him. 'It's going to be difficult for me too, considering who you are going as.'

'We'll both have to agree to behave then, Mr Bates.'

'That we will,' John said in agreement. 'But you're coming back here after the party, right?'

'Oh yes.'


John walked into the party being held at the clubhouse at the stadium, initially feeling a little uncomfortable in his costume before one look at Robert dressed as Batman put him at ease. Matthew had been roped into being his Robin, and John chuckled as the two of them together reminded him of Del Boy and Rodney. Looking around the room, John smiled as he saw Cora dressed as Wonder Woman, before the sight of Mary, Sybil and Edith as The Powerpuff Girls caused him to begin to laugh once more. Continuing to scan the room, he noticed a number of Spidermen, Supermen and all of the midfielders fulfilling their promise by coming as characters from X Men. Then the person he had been looking for came into his line of vision and suddenly he only had eyes for her.

Anna looked stunning, incredibly sexy in a black cat suit, she choosing to attend the party dressed as Cat Woman. The way the leather clung to her body, John was glad no one could read his mind or their secret would be out in the open in no time. Deciding to approach her first, John was stopped in his tracks as Cameron appeared next to Anna, both of them at the bar. He was dressed as The Incredible Hulk, completely covered in green.

Standing to watch, John felt his irritation rising as Cameron placed a hand on the small of Anna's back. It shouldn't, and everyone who was here would wonder why he cared when as far as they were concerned there was nothing between him and Anna. Added to this, Cameron was the new flavour of the month around the club. Jimmy was suffering with a niggling injury, limiting him to the bench meaning Cameron was getting an extended run in the team. In his five appearances, he had scored four goals. Robert was being praised for finding this gem of a player by Charlie Carson, whilst John felt like he was the only person who could see straight through the new striker. His comments about Anna before the Portsmouth match still made John's blood boil, and his friendly manner towards her now was driving him mad with anger. Walking towards them, John stood far enough away as to not be suspicious, yet near enough so he could hear the conversation.

'You know, wearing a costume like that you'll have to watch out,' Cameron remarked. 'I'm sure there will be a queue of the men here waiting to take you home.'

'I doubt that,' Anna replied with a nervous laugh, attempting desperately to try and get the attention of the barman.

'Stop being so modest,' Cameron carried on, Anna shifting uncomfortably as his hand began to move in circular movements at the bottom of her back.

'Would you mind removing your hand?' Anna asked, trying to remain as polite as possible.

'Oh, what's the harm? We're both young, single. Think of the fun we could have together.'

'If it's all the same to you...'

'Come on. Anna. Why not?' Cameron continued with his movements, even stepping a little closer to her. John was growing increasingly impatient. 'How about you just come back to mine? You might enjoy it.'

'I'm just not interested,' Anna made an effort to move away from him but Cameron's hand was now at her hip, holding her in place.

'Tell me why?'

'I think she told you she's not interested.'

Cameron and Anna turned to see John standing behind them, Anna's sigh of relief was audible as Cameron scowled at his coach.

'Anna, you know the moves to Gangnam Style don't you?' Mary called from the dance floor set to the left of the bar. 'Come and show us.'

Seeing this as her chance to escape, Anna looked up to John who nodded in the direction of the people dancing a few feet away from them. He watched as she walked away before squaring up to a suddenly nervous looking Cameron.

'Hello boss. I didn't realise accountants were superheroes,' Cameron quipped, taking in the sight of John in his suit and glasses. 'Mind you, with what you made at United I suppose yours was.'

'You're a cocky bastard,' John began, his voice calm and collected as he made eye contact with the man before him. 'It's ironic you coming here as The Incredible Hulk because the truth is maybe I should have come as him. You know why?'

'I'm sure you're going to tell me,' Cameron responded, trying to sound like he wasn't intimidated but his shaky voice was betraying his efforts.

'I should have come as The Hulk because you wouldn't like me when I get angry,' John raised his eyebrows as he spoke, not averting his eyes from Cameron's to ensure he understood. 'Really, you wouldn't.'

Silence fell as both men stared at the other, jaws clenched. John didn't care, this man had tried to disrespect Anna and if he tried to fight back, John wouldn't back down. A couple of seconds passed before Cameron pushed past John and marched straight out of the clubhouse. John looked over his shoulder, smirking slightly as he saw the door slam behind Cameron.

'Boss, what was that all about?' Jimmy asked, walking towards John dressed as Virgil Tracey from Thunderbirds.

'Nothing young James,' John replied, patting the young player on the shoulder. 'Can I buy you a drink?'


The drinks were flowing as the team and staff got into the swing of the festivities. Christmas Karaoke had proved a hit, John and Robert's duet of A Winter's Tale a particular highlight. Buoyed by his seeing off of Cameron, John was enjoying his fair share of the drinks, deciding this be one of the few occasions he let his hair down. Half of the team had talked him into downing shots of Sambuca with them, he silently thanking whatever power may be above that they didn't have a game until Boxing Day. Anna and Mary had been ruling the dancefloor, at one point a circle had formed around them as they performed the truly inspired choreography to Stop by The Spice Girls.

The evening was drawing to a close and the DJ decided to play more reserved music to end the nights events. Players were dancing with their partners, John sitting aside and finding it highly amusing to see Wolverine wrapped in a passionate embrace with Mrs Incredible. He had long since abandoned his tie and jacket, his braces were on show as the top buttons on his shirt were undone to reveal the beginning of the Superman 'S' logo. His glasses remained, however. Turning his attentions to Anna, who was sitting with Edith as they looked on at the couples filling the dancefloor, John allowed himself to stare at her for a moment. She still looked as breathtaking as she did when he first arrived at the party despite the amount of alcohol she had consumed. John was believing the more time passed he had never felt this way about any other woman before. Anna had bewitched him completely, filling his every waking thought. Even concentrating on his tasks at work was proving difficult, especially when he knew Anna was elsewhere within the same building. Thinking about formations and tactics had nothing on thinking about how Anna's eyes danced when she laughed, or the feeling of her hands running through his hair.

His eyes lit up when he saw Michael Gregson, dressed as Captain America, approach Edith, asking her if she would like to dance. Edith was a willing participant, eagerly taking his outstretched hand and letting him lead her to the dancefloor. John noticed this was his chance to talk with Anna, having not really done much but offer each other smiles across the room all evening. Rising to his feet, he steadied himself as the effects of the alcohol took him by surprise. Moving towards her on unsteady feet to begin with, he steps became more assured. Before she had noticed him, John sat down.

'Finally, Clark gets to talk to Cat Woman,' John began, Anna instantly turning to look at him. She smiled as she met his gaze. 'I couldn't let the night pass without letting you know how absolutely stunning you look this evening.'

'Thank you, Clark. I'd let you know what I think about your appearance but I think I made it obvious a couple of days ago.'

'That you did, I do hope we can have a repeat performance.' John placed his hand on Anna's knee under the table, running his fingers further up her thigh, his touch causing her to close her eyes and let out a shaky breath. 'Tonight at mine?'

'Try and keep me away,' Anna replied, taking John's hand in hers, still out of view under the table. 'But how about a dance before that?'

'I can't dance.'

'Are you Clark Kent or Phil Collins?' Anna asked with a laugh, John reciprocating before looking to the dancefloor once more. 'Come on, I'll help you.'

'But won't people think something is up if we dance together?' John asked, aware of Anna still wanting to keep their relationship a secret.

'We're colleagues sharing a dance at the Christmas Party. It happens all the time.' Anna stood before looking down at John. 'Come on, just one song then you can leave and I'll follow behind you.'

'Is that a promise?' John asked as he walked behind Anna onto the floor. Trying to remain the epitome of decorum, John took Anna's right hand in his, before placing the other tentatively on her hip. Anna began to move them in time with the music, consciously stepping a little closer to John.

'I wish you would hold me properly.' she whispered in his ear, looking over his shoulder at all the other couples lost in each other. 'No one will notice.'

John didn't need to be asked twice, dropping Anna's hand and moving it to her waist, instantly pulling her closer to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, confident in the knowledge their position on the floor and the semi darkness meant they wouldn't draw any attention to themselves.

'This is nice,' John murmured into Anna's hair, clutching at her hips although desperately wanting more contact. The feel of the material of her outfit was driving him crazy. 'This costume is definitely skin tight, isn't it?'

'Tell me about it,' Anna replied before standing on tiptoes to speak directly into John's ear. 'I originally had underwear on underneath it, but I had to discard it as it was too visible.'

'You mean,' John cleared his throat before continuing, his mind currently running wild. 'You have, for want of a better phrase, gone commando this evening, Miss Smith?'

She didn't need to speak, her giggling was answer enough as John stood open mouthed, wondering what sort of girl had seemingly stolen his heart.

'Right, I'm leaving now,' John announced, stepping away from Anna before meeting her gaze. 'Don't be long.'

'Patience Mr Kent, good things come to those who wait.'

Sharing a smile, John walked backwards away from Anna before turning around to look for Robert. Realising he was out of it, Cora doing all she could to keep him upright as they danced, John thought better of it and collected his discarded clothing.

Looking back over his shoulder, he saw Anna saying her goodbyes to Mary and her sisters, exhaling a breath as he struggled to contemplate how such a perfect being had chosen to spend her time with him. All John knew, was he was loving every minute of it.


It was the day before Christmas Eve and John's mother, Jean, had come up to Yorkshire to spend Christmas with her son. The plans hadn't been finalised until his mother had given John a call that morning to say she was catching the midday train and would be in Yorkshire by four in the afternoon. Driving back from the station, John's mother was full of the gossip that had been happening whilst John had been in the North. Upon reaching his flat, his mother glanced the building up and down before stepping out of the car.

'Very nice, Johnny,' his mother said approvingly as John moved to get her bag out of the boot. 'You've certainly fallen on your feet.'

'Well, it's down to you I'm here at all.' John replied, smiling at his mother as she looked back up at him. 'So thank you.'

'Enough of that,' Jean replied, patting John on the cheek. 'It's what your Dad would have wanted so we'll leave it at that. Now show me your new home.'

They had not been in the flat an hour before Jean was busy in the kitchen, making John his favourite chicken and mushroom pie. As she cooked, John explained the plans for Christmas. John had been invited to spend it at the Crawleys, Jean was also welcome if she was in Yorkshire and Cora would be delighted if she would assist in the preparations for Christmas dinner.

'I'd love that,' Jean said in her Irish brogue as she opened the fridge door. 'Ah Johnny, you have no eggs.'

'Why do you need eggs?' John enquired, looking over her shoulder into the fridge.

'Well, how else am I going to make you a fry up in the morning? Go to the shop and fetch some.'

'Very well, anything else?'

'Yes, some loose leaf tea. Those tea bags never do taste quite the same,' Jean answered, closing the fridge and returning to her task of rolling out pastry for John's pie.

John had been gone ten minutes or so before the doorbell rang. Jean looked to the door before wiping her hands on a tea towel. Making her way down the hallway, she opened the door to reveal a petite blonde woman, dressed in a tracksuit that displayed the same crest as John's work clothes.

'Can I help?' Jean asked with a smile.

'Oh, you must be John's Mum, I'm Anna.' She shifted from foot to foot before adding, 'I work with John and I just came over to, err, tell him something.'

'Ahh, well come on in lass.' Jean said in a friendly tone, stepping aside to allow Anna to cross the threshold. 'Are you the physiotherapist my son has mentioned? He's told me a lot about you.'

'I guess I am and I hope what he has said has been favourable,' Anna answered as she reached the kitchen. 'Wow, it smells wonderful in here.'

'Well, you are welcome to stay if you want,' Jean offered, moving to the counter to put the finishing touches to her pie. 'There is plenty to go around. And John's always been very complimentary about you.'

Anna was unsure as to how much Jean knew, but she decided to change the subject to be on the safe side. 'Anything I can help with?'

'Well, the carrots need chopping,' Jean pointed at the chopping board beside her. 'Only if you want to, mind.'

'I'd love to.'

'So tell me a bit about yourself, Anna...'


As soon as he opened the front door, John's senses were filled with the smells of his mother's cooking and he was immediately transported back to his childhood. Closing the door, he then heard a familiar laugh that didn't belong to his mother. Realising Anna was here, John strode down the hallway, stopping in the doorway to see the two most important women in his life standing side by side, chatting as if they had known each other for years.

'I'm back,' John announced, both women turning to look at him. 'Eggs, and I got us a bottle of wine to share over dinner. Hello Anna.'

'Hi John,' she replied, smiling sweetly.

'Young Anna popped over to see you,' Jean explained, moving to the table and studying the wine John had chosen before grimacing at his choice. 'She's staying for dinner.'

'Oh right, anything important Anna?' John asked, confused as to what his mother did and didn't know.

'It can wait,' Anna shrugged.

'I'm going to use the ladies,' Jean announced as she walked to the doorway. 'Keep an eye on the pie for me, Anna.'

'I will,' Anna called after her before looking at John. 'So that's why you weren't at work today.'

'I did call Robert,' John said, walking towards Anna. 'Why, did you miss me?'

'I always miss you when I'm not with you, you should know that by now.'

John smiled at her words, reaching down to take her hand in his. 'What does Mum know?'

'I was going to ask you the same question,' Anna replied, squeezing John's hand. 'I've told her nothing.'

'Nor have I, all I have said on the phone and in letters is that I we have formed a solid friendship. Nothing more.'

'Johnny, you need to invest in softer towels,' Jean advised her son as she walked back into the kitchen, John quickly releasing his grip on Anna's hand. 'Now, make yourself useful and lay the table.'

The conversation never waned as John, Anna and Jean enjoyed their dinner. Jean enjoyed listening to Anna as she explained about how her life had brought her to this point, being the physio at a football club. She was impressed as John commented on how Anna could hold her own with the players, Anna not finding it too difficult to gain their respect. Anna also loved how John and Jean were together, although her pleasure was tinged with a touch of sadness at how her relationship with her own mother had seemingly disintegrated. Still, John was giving her a reason to feel positive about her life once more, and despite their relationship being a secret she knew it wouldn't always be that way.

Her advancing years meant she was a woman of the world and Jean had noticed the way in which John and Anna looked at each other, the secret glances they thought they were sharing without her realising. In the correspondence and phone calls she had shared with her son, Jean had never heard John talking so enthusiastically about a woman. Despite mentioning they were nothing more than friends, Jean knew him well enough to know there was more to it than that. Watching Anna and the way she looked at John only confirmed her suspicions.

'If you'll excuse me for a moment,' Anna said as she rose to her feet, her intention to use the bathroom. 'Back in a minute.'

Jean smiled as she watched Anna leave, making sure she was out of ear shot before looking at her son, casting him a sceptical glance.

'What?' John asked, furrowing his brow.

'How long have you been seeing her, then?' Jean asked, getting straight to the point.

'I'm not seeing her,' John insisted, his voice a whisper. 'We're just friends.'

'John, I'm your mother and probably know you better than anyone,' Jean said with a sigh.

He relented then, knowing after years of trying John would never be able to fool his mother. 'We've been seeing each other just over a couple of months. No one knows. Anna has suffered a bad experience and wants to keep things between us for the time being.'

Anna walked down the hallway, having returned from the bathroom and stopped as she heard hushed voices in the kitchen. She didn't want to interrupt mother and son having a private conversation, but upon hearing her name being whispered she was intrigued. Moving closer to the door, she stood back against the wall out of sight and listened, holding her breath.

'Is it serious between you and Anna?' Jean asked, Anna realising John must have told her. John didn't answer for a moment, Anna's heart was thumping in her chest as she waited for him to respond.

'I think I'm,' John began before correcting himself. 'No, I know I love her. She's got me completely and utterly head over heels in love with her. And it feels wonderful.'

Anna looked to the ceiling, desperately trying to gather herself before making her presence known. No man had ever said anything as beautiful about her as what John had just revealed to his mother. Her eyes were stinging with tears, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her as she heard Jean warn John not to ruin his chance. He had to make sure he held on to Anna because even having only been in a company a couple of hours, she could see what a wonderful woman she was.

'I know,' John whispered before looking over this shoulder to see Anna enter the room. 'Everything alright?'

'Perfectly,' Anna smiled, wiping underneath her eye with her index finger. 'You know, your mother is right about those towels, John.'


Standing on the edge of the training pitch with his arms folded, John looked on as the players were simply going through the motions, probably wishing they could be at home rather than training on Christmas morning. It was part and parcel of the life of being a footballer that the job never stopped over Christmas. The team had a home match against Burton Albion on Boxing Day, a match which needing preparing for like every other fixture during the season. Robert had left John to take training, the manager staying in his office to talk to Jimmy about his injury. Blowing his whistle, the players stopped to look at John.

'Lads, over here.' John called, moving his hands to place them on his hips as the players ran over to him. 'Let's call it a day for now. I know we are all caught up in the Christmas spirit, but that was crap.'

'Come off it, Boss,' Charles Bryant argued, wiping his forehead. 'I left my four year old son in tears this morning because he wanted Daddy to play football in his new boots in the garden with him. It's my daughter's first Christmas as well.'

'I feel for you, Charles but we train every Christmas Day. We have a match tomorrow.'

'And we'll be ready,' Michael Gregson nodded, slightly out of breath. 'Won't we lads?'

A chorus of unenthusiastic yeses went up around John as he rolled his eyes. Gesturing towards the changing rooms, John didn't need to ask the team twice as they showed more stamina than they had all morning by sprinting across the training pitch to get changed. Turning on his heels, John walked leisurely behind the players. Once back in the building, John saw Anna in the corridor, talking on the phone. Smiling, he remained as quiet as he could, tip toeing up behind her.

'Yes Mary, I will make sure I have changed out of my tracksuit before I arrive,' Anna re assured her friend. 'What's wrong with it? Yes, I'd rather wear something different to work but there's not a lot I can do about it is there?'

Anna still had her back to John as he stood behind, leaning against the wall. Looking left and right before making sure the changing room door was securely closed, mischief overcame him. As Anna continued to talk, he gently reached out his hand to move her tied up hair away from her neck. She started at the contact, looking at him before he placed his index finger over his lips, indicating for Anna to be quiet.

'Yes Mary, I've got the crackers,' Anna answered her friend as she furrowed her brow at John over her shoulder, a slight smile upon her lips. Before she could continue, John had pressed his lips to the bare skin on her neck. 'Ohhh. What? Sorry Mary, I'm fine, just err... oh God.'

John smiled at the effect he was having on Anna as he wrapped his arms around her waist, ceasing contact with her neck.

'I'll be around just after one. Bye Mary.'

Anna hung up the phone, leaning back into John's touch before he placed a kiss on her cheek. 'Merry Christmas.'

'And to you,' Anna replied, wriggling free before turning to face him. 'You shouldn't do that, you know. Someone might have seen.'

'I couldn't resist. I don't care what Mary says, you look wonderful in the club tracksuit.'

John walked on ahead of her then, Anna observing even though they were in the middle of one of the bleakest winters in years, John was still wearing shorts. She wasn't complaining however, John's legs were still as toned as when he was a player himself. She let her eyes drift over his form, thanking her lucky stars this fine figure of a man was all hers.

'You're staring,' John said as he carried on down the corridor. 'You are only human I suppose. See you at Robert's later.'

'You will, and John,' He stopped and turned to face her as she called after him. She raised her eyebrows. 'Nice arse.'


Robert walked into the kitchen, smiling as he saw Jean and Cora chatting animatedly about not being English nationals but living in the country. John had dropped his mother off before training so she and Cora could get started on dinner whilst the boys went to work. There was to be a houseful at the Crawley's. Mary and Sybil were present with their partners, as well as Edith. Anna had also accepted her invitation gratefully. John and Jean made up the guests. Cora turned to see her husband enter the room, bursting into laughter upon seeing what he was wearing.

'What?' Robert shrugged, looking down at himself.

'What are you wearing?' Cora asked through a fit of giggles.

'It's a Christmas jumper,' Robert replied, slightly hurt as he brushed the penguin that adorned his festive knitwear. 'Do you not like it?'

'No, it's very nice,' Cora said as the doorbell rang. She moved to the kitchen door to address her daughters in the living room. 'Girls, could one of you get that please?'

After a few seconds of muffled voices, it not going unnoticed that they were arguing over who should answer the door, Edith appeared. Assured someone was getting the door, Cora returned to the stove she had been slaving over all morning.

'It's John and Anna,' Edith called up the hallway, the sound of the door closing following her bellow.

Robert rose to his feet, moving to greet his friend. 'Hello Norm, sorry I wasn't able to help with training this morning. It seems Jimmy wanted to chat to me about his injury.'

'Yeah, it's worse than we thought,' Anna sighed as Robert took her coat, followed by John's. She looked from John to Robert, grimacing. 'Wow, seems we have a battle on our hands for worst jumper.'

'What's wrong with my polar bear?' John said, looking down sadly at his festive offering. 'Just trying to get into the spirit of things.'

'If you think our jumpers are bad, wait until you see Matthew's trousers.' Robert said as he hung up Anna and John's coats. 'Anna, Mary is in the front room.'

With a knowing look at John, Anna walked into the living room. The next noise John and Robert heard was Anna laughing heartily.

'She must have seen the trousers.' Robert supposed before locking his gaze on John. 'Honestly Norm, arriving together. People might talk.'

'About what? There is nothing to talk about. I pulled up outside as Anna was walking down the road.'

'Right,' Robert said, not entirely convinced. 'Come on through, your mum was asking after you.'


With dinner consumed, compliments to the chef's exchanged Matthew suggested a game of football in the garden to get away from the teasing about his tartan patterned trousers. Despite offering to do the washing up, the men were ushered outside, the women taking pity on them seeing as they had to work that morning and all day Boxing Day. Cora and Jean, enjoying each other's company so much, also allowed the younger females to join the men outside, insisting they could manage the tidying up. After some coaxing, Mary, Edith, Sybil and Anna were encouraged to join in with the game, two a side being deemed too boring for Tom, he and Matthew nominating themselves as team captains.

'Okay, well I obviously choose John,' Matthew announced as the others gathered around.

'Matthew, I can't believe you didn't pick me first. I am your wife,' Mary moaned, folding her arms.

'Sorry darling, I do get two more picks.'

'And what about me?' It was Robert's turn to moan now, pointing at his chest in the process. 'I am your father in law and more importantly I pick the team that you play in and you are always the first name on my team sheet.'

'And who said you could choose first?' Tom complained as Matthew threw the ball at him. 'I wanted John.'

'I was holding the ball, I get first pick.' Matthew explained with a shrug. 'Boss, you're on my team.'

'Nice to be wanted, I suppose,' John smiled as he ran towards Matthew, patting him on the shoulder.

'Okay, I pick the gaffer,' Tom said, pointing at Robert.

'Tom!' Sybil exclaimed.

'Sorry sweetheart, needs must,' Tom replied as Robert joined him at his side. Tom threw the ball back at Matthew. 'Your pick.'

'Anna I suppose,' Matthew said resignedly, Anna sighing deeply as she moved towards her team mates.

'Matthew!' Mary exclaimed, stamping her foot in a strop. 'I'm not playing.'

She marched back towards the kitchen door that led on to the garden, Matthew half heartedly calling after her as she went.

'That's me in the dog house,' Matthew said under his breath, chucking the ball back at Tom. 'Okay, your choice Tom.'

'I don't know who to choose,' Tom said, looking from Sybil, then to Edith.

'Why don't you have them both?' Matthew suggested before looking to John, then Anna. 'I reckon the teams would be fairer then.'

'What are you saying?' Tom asked, stepping away from his team mates to square up to Matthew. 'You think you're team is better than mine?'

'Well, look at who I have. John who was scoring in League Two as recently as a month ago and Anna, who lets face it keeps herself pretty fit.'

'Hey,' Edith protested, placing her arms over her stomach. 'I always put on a little weight over Christmas.'

'Look, can we just start the match so I can get back inside and fall asleep in my armchair like most fathers do on Christmas Day.' Robert took the ball from Tom. 'Edith and Sybil, you're on mine and Tom's team. And no rough tackles, the boys have an important game tomorrow.'

'No, after that comment, Matthew is fair game,' Sybil warned, lining up alongside her team mates. Matthew and John moved their goalposts into position, as did Robert and Tom.

'Okay, first to five should do it,' Matthew announced. 'And rush goalies.'

'Whatever that means,' Edith shook her head.

John and Matthew took the kick off, the latter playing the ball back to Anna who controlled the ball masterfully. Looking up, she nutmegged an onrushing Tom before playing the ball down the pitch to Matthew who took one touch before placing the ball beyond a not too bothered Sybil standing in goal.

One nil.

The celebrating team shared high fives in the middle of the pitch, John holding onto Anna's hand longer than would be deemed normal, not thinking anyone would notice.

'Nice pass, Miss Smith,' John remarked, raising his eyebrows.

'I'm not just a pretty face, Mr Bates.'

'Do you think there's something going on between them?' Mary asked from the kitchen, watching the match through the window as John now had his arm around Anna's shoulders as they returned to their own half.

'Between who, darling?' Cora asked, putting the last of the washing up away.

'John and Anna.'

'They get on very well, don't they?' Jean remarked demurely.

'That night in Portsmouth he did come out of Anna's room looking like the cat who got the cream,' Cora revealed, sitting at the table.

'Mother!' Mary exclaimed, turning to face her. 'You're only telling me this now?'

'Well, it's none of our business really, is it?' Cora replied. 'If there is anything going on, they will tell us in their own time.'

'Exactly,' Jean agreed, switching on the kettle as she spoke. 'Who is for a cup of tea?'


As the time ticked up to ten, John suggested he and Jean made tracks. Jean agreed, being on her feet most of the morning had taken it's toll. Matthew and Mary as well as Sybil and Tom had already left due to the early start the boys had in the morning, plus Robert was already asleep in the armchair. As John went to fetch their coats, Anna announced she would also be leaving, following John into the hall.

'John,' Anna whispered, trying to garner his attention. He turned to look at her, smiling as their eyes met. 'Look, I don't know if you had the same thought but I... well I...'

'Anna, what is it? You know you can say anything to me.'

'I know, it's not that. It's just I had bought you something and seeing as I haven't had a chance to give it to you yet, I thought you might be able to sneak out once you'd drop your mother home.'

'There's no need.' Jean said, announcing her arrival. 'Come with us, Anna. That way you and John can have some time alone.'

'Mum, what...'

'Come on, John. Don't play coy with me. You know I know. And between you and me, a few people have an inkling.'

Anna blushed at Jean's words, John looking at her as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Just then, Cora appeared in the hallway.

'Thanks for today, Jean,' Cora said, pulling her into her embrace. 'It's been wonderful.'

'Nah, thanks for having me and my boy.' Jean replied, patting Cora gently on the back. 'I'll see you at the match tomorrow I presume.'

'Oh yes, there will be a seat in Robert's hospitality box for you.'

'Lovely,' Jean said before walking to the door. 'Come along then, Johnny.'


Once back at John's flat, Jean made herself comfortable in the living room, suddenly finding a second wind and suggesting John take Anna upstairs to exchange gifts whilst she watched her recording of her favourite soap opera. With she now knowing about the nature of her son's relationship with the physiotherapist, John and Anna felt comfortable enough to follow through her suggestion. Following him up the stairs, Anna pulled his present from her bag. It wasn't very big, but she had made a lot of effort to find it for him and she was sure he would love it.

As soon as she had shut the door behind them, John was in front of her looking at her with a fire in his eyes Anna hadn't seen before. She was rendered speechless as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. In the next moment he was covering Anna's mouth with his, she placing her arms around his shoulders.

'I've been waiting to do that all day,' John admitted as he pulled away, resting his forehead on Anna's.

'It was worth the wait,' Anna said breathlessly, John taking her hand and leading her to sit on the bed.

'Now sit there, I have got you a present as well.' John walked behind her, opening his wardrobe. 'It's not much but I hope you will like it.'

Anna turned to see John holding a giant teddy bear, clad in the Downton Athletic strip. She began to laugh as John walked towards her with the cuddly toy.

'He's lovely,' Anna cooed, stroking one of the bears ears between her thumb and forefinger.

'It's a bit lame but I saw him and thought of you.' John said, looking down at the bear before meeting Anna's gaze once more. 'Merry Christmas.'

Anna leant forward to meet John's lips in a kiss before reaching beside her for his gift. She presented him with a neatly wrapped present, shiny black paper complete with a big green bow.

'Athletic themed wrapping, I like it,' John observed with a chuckle as he began to unwrap his gift to reveal a shirt. But not just any shirt. It was a vintage Downton Athletic jersey, one which John used to wear when he played in the hallowed green and black. Turning it around, he saw Anna had got it printed with his old number, ten. No one had gone to that much effort to get him a gift. John was overwhelmed.

'I had no idea what to get you and after lots of searching on Google I...'

John silenced her with another kiss, one so sweet Anna thought she might be dreaming. This man had completely taken over heart, the emotion of the moment threatening to overwhelm her. As she broke the kiss, it suddenly felt right to finally tell John what she had known for a while.

'I love you,' she breathed, placing a hand on his cheek. 'I heard what you said to your Mum the other day. I feel completely the same.'

'You do?' John whispered, laughing slightly in disbelief. 'Anna, you have no idea what it means to hear you say that.'

'I've known for ages, I just wasn't sure you felt the same way.'

'Of course I do,' John replied, tucking a strand of hair behind Anna's her ear before smiling. 'How could I not? You are the most breathtaking woman I have ever met, you have the most beautiful soul. You showed me nothing but kindness since I came up here. I love you so much it makes me question whether I have ever been in love before.'

'Oh John.'

Anna's voice was barely above a whisper as she continued to stroke his face, pulling him closer to her. They shared another kiss, affirming the love they had just declared for each other to begin with, before John deepened it and events took a wholly different turn. Ending the kiss, John's heart was beating so hard he thought it might burst right out of his chest.

'You know,' he began brushing his lips against Anna's then continuing, 'Mum will probably be downstairs for a while. The soaps are always longer at Christmas, aren't they?'

'What are you suggesting, Mr Bates?' Anna asked in mock nonchalance, placing her bear on the bed beside her.

'Why don't you lie back and let me show you, Miss Smith?'


Reaching the entrance to Anna's building, John having insisted he walked Anna home they stopped as she fumbled in her bag for her keys. Jean had come to bed an hour or so after John and Anna had gone upstairs, they basking in the afterglow as she called goodnight to them. They both descended into giggles as her chorus of Danny Boy echoed through the wall separating hers and John's rooms.

'Thanks for a wonderful end to a lovely day,' John said, kissing her on the forehead. 'I love my present.'

'As I do mine,' Anna agreed, nodding her head in the direction of her bear before finally pulling her keys out of her bag.

'I'm sorry you couldn't stay, it just didn't seem right with Mum at home and everything.'

'Honestly, it's fine John. Stop apologising.' Anna looked at him then, sighing slightly. 'Look, you will tell me if you are getting sick of keeping this secret? Although your mum thinks it might not be a secret for much longer. I just don't want to jinx it.'

'Anna, we can do whatever you want.' He stepped closer to her, placing his hands on her waist. 'However, it might help you to know that as far as I can see, I'm yours. So if anything should happen, it won't be on my account.'

Anna laughed before reaching up to press her lips to his. 'I love you, John.'

'I love you too,' he replied, now taking both of her hands in his. 'Now get to bed. We have an early start in the morning.'

'Text me when you get home.'

'I will.'

With those words, John let go of her hands and began to walk away but not without looking back over his shoulder and smiling her a smile so beautiful Anna felt her knees weaken at the sight of it.

Stepping inside of her building, Anna clutched a little tighter onto the bear John had bought her. She felt something beneath the bears shirt as she embarked upon the stairs. Stopping as she reached the top of the first flight, she lifted the shirt to reveal a piece of paper. Pulling it away from the bear, she unfolded it to recognise John's handwriting.

To my 'Match Of The Day.' I just wanted to let you know this bear is just an IOU. When you are ready for us to come out in the open, I will get you something for you to show off to the world. It's no more than you deserve. All my love, John x

Anna whimpered aloud, bringing a hand to her mouth. If this was what it felt like to be in love, Anna knew in that moment she felt the same as John, she had never been in love before. Continuing on into her flat, she went straight to her bedroom and placed the teddy on her bed before putting her phone on her pillow. Getting into her nightclothes as quickly as possible, she read the note one more time before placing it in the draw in her bedside table. Clutching the teddy in her grasp, she heard the message alert tone on her phone go off. Looking at it, she read a text message from John.

I'm home. Sleep tight, wish you were here with me. Love you x

Pulling back the covers, Anna manoeuvred herself under them, making sure the teddy bear was under her arm. Navigating on her phone to the return message screen, suddenly an idea played over in her mind. Going back to her home screen, she selected her camera and took a picture of her hugging the bear. Adding it to a text message, she began to compose a reply to John.

But you are here with me! My own teddy bear. Love you too xx

After pressing send, Anna set her alarm then placed the phone on the bedside cabinet. With the teddy safely in her grasp, the events of the day got the better of her and Anna soon fell into a dreamed filled sleep, her dreams full of the man who had made her realise after all she had been through, she could finally move on with her life.

She couldn't wait to start.