A/N-Sorry for the delay on getting this one up. Both my brothers were actually graduating from the fire academy this week. Lot of family functions and work has been hectic. So I wrote a slightly longer chapter. I already have the next one outlined and more fluff to come. All reviews are welcome and if you have any suggestions I'm always open to new ideas of where to take Anna and John. Have a good week all.

Disclaimer-Same as before.

Chapter 10

A Favor to Ask

John lay in his cot at the firehouse staring at the jacket hanging on the back of a chair across the room. He was replaying the conversation between him and Anna in his head over and over. A lot of information had been exchanged between them in those few short hours; it was a lot to absorb. He was wondering if there was something different he might have been able to say to soften the blow. Or maybe he should have fought for her more. It didn't seem to matter. It seemed that no matter how he sliced it he would have still been in love with Anna…and now she knew it. He was disgusted with himself for not getting his life together sooner and then he could have gladly given himself to Anna. The last thing she needed was another mess to clean up after or more heart ache. But she hadn't seemed to mind or even question what had happened with his last wife. Maybe it really didn't bother her then. Or maybe she had just been too consumed with her thoughts regarding Ethan to have given it a second thought.

Hearing about her brother had been a sobering thought. Their situations may not have been exactly the same but he could sympathize with a person that felt as though they were losing everything and they were helpless to stop it. There was poor Anna doing everything in her power to make the situation right and continuing to fight in Ethan's corner even after her parents had turned their back on him. And now even after he had told her it couldn't be, she was still fighting for him. He now realized that Anna had been willing to share that very private part of her life in order to save him from destroying himself the same way Ethan had. Clearly someone or something in the universe thought it right that we should meet, right? This self-sacrificing woman that refused to quit was placed in his corner to fight for him for a reason. If he couldn't be in her life as a lover the least he could do was be there as a friend and do the same for her. Obviously not to take Ethan's place but perhaps to help her through the grief that she was still clearly suffering from.

He had to admit he hadn't been surprised to find out Anna had been engaged before. After all she was young, gorgeous, thoughtful, sweet, and caring. The list went on and any man would be lucky to have her. He still couldn't believe that what's his name had walked out on her. If he ever ran across what's his name he'd punch his teeth in for breaking her heart that way. Was he jealous of this man whose name escaped him? Now there was a thought. Jealous that he had been able to be a part of Anna's life in a way John feared he never could.

All this back and forth was getting him nowhere and making his head hurt. He hadn't slept much in the past few days; in fact he had lost even more sleep since his visit with Anna. Although, it wasn't for lack of trying. No amount of chores at the fire house seemed to take his mind off her. The more he tried to forget about her the more appealing going back to the bottle and pills seemed to him. He just didn't want to think of a life without Anna. Thankfully, his resolve was strong and the anxiety attacks and tick in his hands seemed to be dissipating with every passing day. He remembered how she had been running her smooth hands in slow circles across his own palms and it calmed him. He let out a large sigh and stared back at the jacket.

"Bates, there you are," Robert said as he poked his head into the sleeping quarters.

John sat up immediately, "You were looking for me sir?" he asked as he began to get up.

"At ease, there's no need to get up" Robert said and John relaxed a bit but was still sitting up on the edge of his cot. "I just wanted to come by to check on you," he said.

John eyed him curiously, wondering what his real reason for showing up was. The words came out slowly as John said, "I'm…fine…how are you?"

"Well, as good as can be expected. You know after you refused to stay with myself and Cora I was worried you wouldn't be able to handle cleaning up but you are already looking better. And Mr. Carson reports you've been on your best behavior," Robert said with a smile.

John was relieved to hear that he hadn't ended up on anyone's radar as far as showing symptoms or side effects from the detox. He knew he had sort of blown up on Alfred somewhere around day two or three, but he had managed to smooth things over by helping him cut his time down for the physical agility test. He also threw an extra ten bucks Alfred's way when he had taken over his cooking detail. That was the day John couldn't stand the sight or idea of food and had spent the better half of the day curled up by the toilet.

"Say that's a nice jacket," Robert said as he came further into the room to eye it a bit closer.

John instantly leapt off the bed and took hold of it before Robert could touch it and began smoothing out the sleeves. He then hung it in the closet and Robert stood standing frozen in place not sure what had just transpired between the two of them. John knew it was out of character even for himself. He quickly apologized as he shut the door to the closet, "Sorry, it's nothing against you it's just a friend gave that to me. Everyone in the house has been trying to get a look at it and I don't want to ruin it."

"It's alright, I understand. Want to keep something like that in pristine condition," Robert said as he wandered around the room aimlessly.

"Alright Rob, what do you want?" John asked as his eyes followed Robert around the room.

"Who said I wanted anything?" Robert replied.

"I know you're lying about me 'looking better' I've had a little more than a five o'clock shadow for the past few days. I'm even thinner now that I was two weeks ago and not in a good way. And I've turned you and Cora down plenty of times when you've offered me to stay at your house. So why the concern now?" John asked.

"Well, the truth of the matter is I have a favor to ask of you, but I didn't know health wise and mentally if you were up to it," Robert said.

John couldn't imagine what it was he wanted to ask him but he was intrigued now. He leaned back against the frame of the cot and faced Robert. "I have my good and my bad days. Although, I am getting rather bored around here. I imagine if I don't find some new things to do Mr. Carson will have me polishing the silver next," John joked.

"And how's the uh…well you know?" Robert asked as he lifted his hand and lightly shook it.

"Oh, it's um…" he looked down at his hand, "It's getting better."

"I hope you won't hold it against me that I will have to take that into consideration," he said pointing to John's hand, "before I can let you back on the truck."

"No, it's fine. I completely understand," John said sadly. "You've got to think of the safety of the men," he paused before continuing and stared over at the cot that had once been occupied by William. After his passing Mr. Carson had thought it wise not to house anyone with John for a while. But soon it became the norm and after John's change in attitude no one seemed to want to share a room with John. "Can't let one man's mistake take this whole place down," John admitted.

"John, you know that's not what I meant," Robert tried to explain.

"Hey, I said its fine. Ok, let's just drop it." It was quiet for a while as Robert could tell John was getting agitated. He knew that John was going at this without medication and he was very proud of him for doing so. John was trying hard to minimize the mood swings still; especially with Robert. Not just because Robert was his boss, but because he was his friend. John looked up at his friend and saw Robert offer a half smile back. "So what did you want to ask me?" John quickly tried changing the subject and sounded more inviting.

"Well, it's actually more of a favor for Cora," Robert confessed.

"Oh no, the last time you asked me for a favor for Cora I ended up having to do carpool for the girls for a week," John moaned.

"But you were so good at it, Uncle John," Robert said mimicking the girls voices while trying to stifle his laughter.

"Alright out with it," John ordered.

"I wouldn't ask you unless I had too, but…" Robert said.

"But what?" John asked.

"Cora said that the school is trying to organize some fire safety assemblies. I tried asking my son-in-laws but they said they are too busy picking up shifts. And I can't very well have you cover their shifts what with your being temporarily banned. So I thought…" Robert proposed before he was cut off.

"You thought I would perform for the kiddie brigade, eh," John said.

"Look before you shoot me down, its little kids so you don't have to deal with any older kids. And you know they eat that stuff up; you're like a hero to them at that age. Even better you can count it towards your community service hours that the judge wanted you to do," Robert said convincingly.

"Oh alright, a classroom might be a nice change of pace from the fire house," John said.

"Great you'll be in George's class first thing on Monday morning then," Robert said as he patted John on the knee before walking out.

"Great," John said back sarcastically trying to feign excitement.

John walked up the step of Grantham Prepatory Academy with his gear in his bag and went to the front office to sign in as he had been instructed. John read the name on the placard sitting on the desk "Gwen Dawson?" he said sounding unsure.

The young, red head looked up from her desk, "Yes, can I help you?'

"I'm John Bates, I'm here to give the fire safety classes for the week," he said.

"Oh right," she said, "We'll just need you to sign in here." She searched around for an available pen and handed it to him. She pointed to the location on the sign in sheet. "And do you need any help carrying anything in?" she asked kindly. Even though she was fairly certain whatever he had brought in the bag surely weighed more than any load she had ever carried.

"No, I can manage," he said.

"Course he can," a familiar voice chimed in from around the corner. He turned to see Cora standing there. "How are you John?" she asked as she leaned in to hug him.

"I'm managing," he said and the two shared a small laugh.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it. It's very good of you to volunteer your time for us," she said to him with a smile and wide blue eyes. "Have they told you what class you are in yet? I would love to walk you there and show you around the building," she said excitedly.

John paused from his writing for a moment when he said, "I'm supposed to be with George's class today."

"Oh, little George, isn't he just the spitting image of Matthew. He's a handful, but he's a good boy," she said as she continued to gush about her grandson. John found it humorous she was talking to him as if he had never met George, but John had seen him around the fire house as he had all of Robert's grandchildren. He wasn't particularly close with them but over the years he had been invited by Robert and the boys at the station to attend the birthday parties and holiday get-togethers.

When he finally found a moment to interrupt Cora he said, "Robert didn't mention what the teacher's name was though, so I'm afraid I don't know where I'm going."

"I keep forgetting you've never been here before. That's more of a daddy duty for Tom and Matthew. George's class is just around the corner, so you won't have to lug that bag too far," she said sweetly.

"Actually," Gwen chimed in, "We had to do some reorganizing this morning you were supposed to be in Jane Moorsum's class but she called in sick and we had to get a substitute. Anyway, you are with Miss Smith's class now," she said.

"That's a shame, give Jane my best if you talk to her again before she returns," Cora said to Gwen. Turning her attentions back to John she said, "Well I suppose it doesn't really matter where you start, you'll finish your rounds with all the classes by the end of the week. Ms. Smith's class is a good place to start though, that's Sybbie's teacher."

John stopped writing at the sound of the name, he resumed writing and told himself, "It's a common name; there are plenty of Smiths in the world." He felt the familiar twitch in his hand and shook his hand once. Cora having already been informed by Robert of John's progress looked concerned as she stared at his hand, "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Writer's cramp," he said and she smiled back at him, "I don't get to do much writing on the job." John tugged at his collar a bit to loosen it. "Breathe John, there's no sense getting worked up over nothing."

Cora led him down the hall and John saw the walls lined with cut outs of hand prints and drawings of flowers and butterflies. All of them had been done by the children of course and it actually made him feel at ease, it was certainly less stressful than battling a fire. Cora had been doing most of the talking, she told him about their impressive record with having the smartest kids in the county attending here and one of the longest waiting lists for getting in. If he was honest, a prepatory school wasn't really his idea of where he would send his kids, if he had any. Not only because it would break his wallet just to send a single child here, but he had gone to a public school and had always found it to be just as effective as some overpriced academy. "You'll like working here the next couple days," Cora said as they continued down the hall, "the children are well behaved and the staff is exceptionally nice. Miss Smith is one of our most beloved teachers." John smiled as he was reminded of Anna. "She's a favorite with the students and the parents so don't be surprised if her class takes her word over yours," she said and he laughed slightly.

"Well here we are. Are you ready for this?" she asked and he nodded.

"How bad could it be?" he replied.

"Well good luck. You can wait out here while I introduce you and you can follow in after," Cora said as she began to open the door.

"Oh class, look we have a visitor today," a familiar voice said, "say 'hello' to Mrs. Crawley." John felt his heart nearly pounding through his chest, "It couldn't be."He could pick that voice out of a crowded room anywhere. It had visited his thoughts and his dreams. Usually when he heard it in his sleeps she said his voice soft and low; even thinking about it now was giving him goose bumps and making his hair stand on end. John steadied himself as he waited to hear that silky voice speak again. He heard the class greet Cora in unison and then he heard her voice again, "Today we are going to practice fire drills and learn what to do in case of a fire, so Mrs. Crawley has arranged to have a very special visitor come and visit us." He could hear the kids whispering amongst themselves and clamoring to meet their special visitor. John imagined that they must be as excited as he was to walk into the room. He hadn't seen her since that night at the hotel and now here she was within mere feet of him. He poked his head around the corner enough to see through the glass window of the door and caught a glimpse of the unmistakable golden locks and piercing blue eyes. "Easy John, play it cool," he told himself. "Remember, you're here as a favor to Cora, so don't spend all day trying to pursue Anna."

John took a deep breath and prepared to walk in as he heard Cora introduce him, "Here is Senior Fire Fighter Bates of the Downton Fire Department." The children in the class leaned forward on the edge of their seats. They were all smiling from ear to ear as they clapped to welcome him in and John gave a small wave to them but all he could do was stare at Anna. He could tell that she was just as surprised as he was to be there when he noticed her breath hitch in her chest. She certainly hadn't expected to see him there, but he could tell she wasn't upset or displeased about it either. She offered him a smile and a slight nod of the head indicating that she was glad to see him there and began clapping along with the class.

"Hi John," a small voice in the second row called to him while giving a small wave.

He looked down and immediately recognized it to be Tom's daughter Sybil, or Sybbie as everyone affectionately called her. "Well hello there Miss Sybbie," he greeted as he bent down on one knee to offer her a hug.

She practically climbed into his arms and was no longer sitting in her chair when she asked, "Where's my Daddy?"

"Daddy is coming back later to show all the kids the truck. But I bet you could probably teach them a thing or two about handling the rig right?" he joked. He held out his hand for her to give him a high five.

"Right!" she said enthusiastically as he high-fived him back. Anna couldn't help but grin at the image that was unfolding before her.

He placed the little girl back on her chair and said, "Ok I got to get back to teaching the class so try not to let your Uncle John look like a fool, okay?" he asked and she gave him a thumbs up.

Anna walked Cora to the door to lead her out and turned her attention back to the class as John set his things down. "Ok class why don't you all clear your desks while Mr. Bates gets his presentation ready," Anna said. John could hear the rustling of movement behind him and Anna crept up along side of him. "How are you?" she whispered in a soft voice.

John continued to remove some stuff from the duffle bag that he brought with him. He turned his attention back to the class to make sure that they weren't getting too unruly while he spoke with her quickly, "I'm better now. And you?"

"Much better," she said with a smile. Having gotten over the initial shock of seeing him at her place of work she was spellbound by his appearance in uniform. It wasn't as if John didn't look handsome to her before, but there was something about a man in uniform. John wore a black polo shirt with his badge, name plate, and collar brass securely fastened to it. It was tucked into his dark blue uniform pants making him look sleek and professional, and his black shined boots poked out just beneath them. He wore a cap with the fire department logo on it and it actually made him look more youthful somehow, almost boyish especially when he smiled. Now with his recently shaved face; it was a nice change from the man she had seen at the hotel.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be here," he said. He didn't want her to think he was stalking her.

"Well how could you? You didn't know I was a teacher," she said innocently. He was glad to see she had not thought badly of him and she didn't seem to be holding anything against him for the things he said a few days before.

"I just meant, I'm trying to respect your space," he said sounding chivalrous. John looked like he wanted to say something more but instead he stopped himself. And then finally he looked as though he had shaken a thought from his head and said, "Maybe we can talk more…after I'm done here?" He didn't say it in a way that he was trying to shrug her off, but the truth was there were about twenty pairs of curious eyes staring up at them waiting for John and Anna to turn their attentions back to them.

"Sure, I'd like that," she said. "I'll just be sitting at my desk if you need anything." He tried not to stare too intently as she walked back to her desk but he felt more confident having her in the room. He had to admit her wardrobe was different to the somewhat casual wear he had encountered her in the many times before. She was wearing a uniform of sorts that incorporated the school colors and a patch on her shirt that had the school insignia on it. The insignia was partially covered by her hair that hung around her shoulders. It was pinned back in such a way that it was half up and half down and framed her face perfectly. He hadn't even looked down yet to see that she was wearing a grey knee length skirt with some black tights under it and low heels. They gave her just enough added height and caused her to stand up straight, giving the added illusion that she was taller than she actually was. Even with the tights on he caught a glimpse of those supple calves again and was trying harder than ever not to stare for too long. She looked every bit the picturesque teacher, he imagined that had he had a teacher that looked like her as a boy he probably would have done better in school.

Anna looked over her shoulder as she walked away and watched him turn to the class suddenly looking more animated than she had ever seen him before. "Alright kids, what do you know about fire fighters?" he asked and all the hands shot up in the room. John addressed their comments and became very enthusiastic as he described his job and answered their questions about what it takes to be a fire fighter. Being that the children in the class were all under the age of six he didn't want to get too graphic or serious with them so he tried to keep it light and fun for them. Anna continued to file papers and gather supplies for upcoming class activities she had to prepare for. She kept checking in to make sure that the kids weren't taking advantage of the fact that they outnumbered him, but he seemed to be handling himself well.

About half way through the day he caught Anna looking at him her hands folded together and propped under her chin with her elbows resting on her desk. While the kids were lining up to practice a fire drill John looked over at her and gave her a wink. The crinkle in the corner of his eyes gave her butterflies and she was certain that she must have been blushing. She lowered her head and tried to return to looking at the paperwork on her desk but she was enamored of him. She couldn't help but smile at how he came out of his shell with the kids and how easily he was able to interact with them on their level. At one point she looked up and saw him actually get down on his hands and knees and start rolling on the floor as he demonstrated how to "Stop, Drop, and Roll." She was finding herself falling deeper in love with him and they hadn't shared more than a few brief, innocent touches.

As he went to rise from his knees a Sybbie threw her arms around John's neck and gave it a squeeze as she asked, "Can you come visit us every day?"

"I'm afraid not little one," he said kindly as she slid off his back. Sybbie was every bit the spitting image of her mother and was just as out spoken as her father, Tom. John had seen her around the fire house before and her photos on the wall of Tom's locker, but this was the most he had ever actually interacted with her. "I'm only going to be in the class for the day." The rest of the class gave a collective sigh and even Anna found herself disappointed that she would not be spending more time with him. "Don't you have fun with Miss Smith?" he asked and the girl shyly nodded her head in agreement. "I'll tell you what. I will be in the building for the rest of the week and if you guys are good for Miss Smith, I'll be sure to stop by again later. Maybe we can even make plans for all of you to come to the fire house."

The children became loud again as they cheered at the chance to go to the fire station. The kids were all hovering around Anna's desk now as they asked her, "Can we Miss Smith? Can we please go to the fire house?"

"We'll see. Like Mr. Bates said, you all need to be on your best behavior. Now go line up at the door to get ready for lunch," she instructed and they all gladly obliged. They were all standing at attention after having listened carefully to John's advice about how a fire fighter needed to act. Ivy stopped by to take the children to the cafeteria and left John and Anna to themselves.

"You're so good with them," she commented as he put the desks back in place that had been moved earlier.

"Well, they're good kids. Must be from having such a great teacher," he said and she was smiling at him.

"You flatter me," she said with a smile. He couldn't tear his eyes from her as she rose from her seat to begin helping him. "You know you better be careful," she teased.

"Why?" he shot back.

"You might make me fall for you again," she said. She had meant it playfully but deep down she knew she was speaking from the heart.

"Are you saying you've fallen out of love with me?" he asked.

"No comment," she shot back and she grinned at him when he looked up at her with concern.

They both went to grab the same desk and his hand landed upon hers, "Well, this is an odd case of déjà vu." Anna didn't say anything in response; she didn't want to ruin the moment. "Anna…" he asked to get her attention and she looked up at him. Their eyes locked and they simply stared at one another. "Can I take you to lunch?" he asked.

She paused for a few seconds and bit at her lower lip; little did she know the effect that it was having on him. He was mesmerized by everything about her and wanted to place his lips upon hers. It was like slow torture as he watched her lick her lips and push a strand of hair behind her ear. She finally answered, "No."

"I see," he said as he looked down at his hand that was still resting on top of hers.

"I mean…I don't have long enough of a break to go anywhere," she clarified. "If you want you can join me in the cafeteria Ms. Patmore's Salisbury steak is some of the best you'll find outside of a fine dining restaurant," Anna said.

"That sounds delightful," he said. Inwardly he was cursing himself; he had never used the word delightful to describe anything. Then again there were a lot of things he had been doing since he met Anna that he had never done before.

"Do you need to put any of that stuff in your truck?" she asked.

"No, Sybbie's dad is coming by later to pick me up. Then I'll get to show you my other ride," he said with a wink.

"Are you ready to eat now then?" she asked as she smoothed her skirt down with her hands and pinned back the errant strand of hair up with the rest.

John removed his cap and held it over his chest as he held the door open for her. Anna saw that his hair looked as it had the first night she met him. It was free of product and now with the added hat hair it was even less manageable than it had been before. When John went to do a half bow to her a few loose strands fell in his eye. And the feeling that Anna had fought so hard to resist was now ever more persistent. John recognized her lingering gaze and finally asked, "What?"

"Hmmm…oh…nothing," she said as she shook her head and averted her gaze towards the cafeteria.

"Well then, lead the way m'lady," he replied as he held the door open for her to walk through.