A/N- To coin a Carson phrase, it's get a bit risque in the middle and towards the end. Thanks for all your reviews and favourites.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Lord Fellowes, ITV and Carnival.

'We've sold our allocation,' Robert announced as he walked into the changing room. 'One thousand, four hundred Downton fans will be following us to Morecambe.'

'Not all at once I hope,' Joseph replied in a jovial manner. 'Traffic will be murder.'

The time had arrived. Having made the play off's, whereas the majority of teams in League Two had dispersed for the close season, those lucky four clubs that finished in the play off positions were still together, preparing for a chance to be promoted to League One. Downton had been drawn against Morecambe, the other play off semi final being contested between Oxford United and Hartlepool United. All four clubs were fighting for the right to be promoted to the league above alongside Chesterfield and Gillingham, who had won automatic promotion.

Because it was considered an over achievement to finish in the top half of the table, let alone in the play off positions, not a lot was expected of the Downton Athletic team. Officially, the management were hoping the team gained a lot from the experience of being in this position. In house, John and Robert would be doing all they could to win and earn promotion.

'Now lads,' Robert continued, walking into the middle of the room. 'As you are aware, it is a five o clock kick off. We shall be leaving here for Morecambe tomorrow at ten sharp. That's not ten past, not half past but ten on the dot. If you're not here, we'll go without you.'

'Yes sir,' Tom saluted his manager before regretting it as Robert glared at him.

'You are free to go,' Robert said, pointing to the door as he did so. 'And get a good nights sleep.'

John appeared from behind the partition at the back of the changing room, clutching a clip board in his hand. Walking towards Robert, he waited until the team had left before speaking.

'I've just been speaking to Anna,' John began, sitting down on one of the benches at the side of the room. 'Jack isn't fit, Ethan is but how long that will last is anyone's guess. It's a good thing we have decided to go defensive in this first leg seeing as we only have one fit striker in the squad.'

'Two,' Robert pointed out, patting John on the shoulder. 'We'll have to name you on the bench.'

'If you want,' John sighed, running a hand through his hair. 'But remember I am the wrong side of forty.'

'Rubbish. If Ryan Giggs can keep going so can you.' Joseph remarked, walking around the room and picking up abandoned socks and towels. 'Although he does have that yoga to keep him fit.'

'You can forget that,' John replied with an incredulous laugh. 'I'm not sitting with my legs crossed searching for my inner calm.'

'You have Anna to help you with that, eh?' Robert nudged his friend in the ribs with his elbow, shooting him a sly wink. 'How long have you been together now?'

'Seven months,' John replied without missing a beat.

'Wow, so it's moving into the serious stage, then?' Robert continued with his questioning as Joseph carried on uncomfortably around them. 'You must be thinking about the future then?'

'What do you mean?' John furrowed his brow, rising to his feet and hanging the clipboard where it belonged on the wall.

'Well, with it being her birthday and everything tomorrow. It would be the perfect time to cement things, to make it all official?'

'Just because it is her birthday, doesn't mean I am going to propose to Anna,' John turned around to look at Robert with hands in his pockets. 'We aren't ready for that at all. I have no doubts she is the one, but a walk on Morecambe beach after the match and the necklace I have bought her is enough for now.'

Just then, Anna walked into the room. All three men turned to look at her, the conversation instantly dying down as she closed the door behind her.

'Okay. So my ears burning just a moment ago wasn't a coincidence.'

'Hello Anna, all ready for the match tomorrow?' Robert asked, quickly changing the subject.

'Yes. Although I request for next season you sign some strikers who aren't made of glass. I've seen more of Ethan Slade and Jack Ross than the supporters have.'

'We aren't renewing their contracts,' John answered with a shrug. 'Manuel Mendoza will be joining us for pre season.'

'And I have been in contact with Leeds who want us to take one of their under twenty one lads on a season long loan.' Robert explained. 'Hopefully they are more robust than those two.'

'Anyway, I best be getting home,' Anna walked back to the door. 'Just came to say goodbye. I am looking forward to my girly night out with your wife and daughters for my birthday tonight, Robert.'

'Just don't get too drunk,' Robert warned. 'We leave here...'

'At ten sharp,' John, Joseph and Anna interrupted in unison.

Robert blushed a shade of crimson as John rose to his feet and treaded the floor towards Anna.

'I'll walk you out,' he murmured, grinning slightly as Anna continued out into the corridor.

Once they were alone, John reached for her hand and pulled Anna back to him. She giggled as his arms found her waist. She rested her hands on his chest, meeting his gaze before softly pressing her lips to his.

'I'm going to miss you tonight,' John admitted before brushing his lips against hers once more.

'And I you,' she agreed, fiddling with the collar of his polo shirt. 'I wish the biggest match this club has had in years didn't have to fall on my birthday.'

'Me too,' John sighed. 'But we have tomorrow night to look forward to. A stroll along the beach, we'll have to see if one of us can sneak into the other's room.'

'You naughty boy,' Anna purred, moving her attentions now to the buttons on John's shirt.

'Come on, I don't believe you didn't have the same thought.'

'Norm, are you ready for this tactical meeting yet?' Robert was poking his head out of the changing room door, causing John and Anna to jump apart. 'I'd like to get home tonight before there is no point.'

He disappeared again, the door slamming shut behind him.

'You best go, duty calls.'

'Alright, have a lovely time tonight. Text me to let me know you get in safely.'

'You big softie,' Anna teased, squeezing his hand before leaning up on tiptoes to place a kiss on John's cheek. 'I will. I love you.'

'I love you too.' John responded, reluctantly letting go of Anna's hand. Watching her walk down the corridor and out of sight, John braced himself for another meeting with Robert as it's chairperson. This could be a long night.

Having arrived in Morecambe just after two, the players had time to kill before they would have to get prepared for the warm up. After checking into their hotel, the team headed over to the Morecambe stadium to soak up the atmosphere. Taking in their surroundings and what would hopefully be the setting for some glorious scenes later on in the day, a walk around the pitch was in order once they had arrived. Most were chatting quietly about what was to come, some had their headphones on and were trying to get in the zone for the match. Robert, John and Joseph stood in the centre circle sharing some last minute conversation about tactics whilst Anna was going from player to player ensuring their were no complaints in regards to fitness. After twenty minutes or so, Robert called everyone over to join himself and his assistants.

'How are we all feeling?' He asked, the players responding positively.

'Just want the match to start,' William said, looking around the stadium as he spoke.

'Before that though, we have some business to attend to,' Matthew began, looking from team mate to team mate with a smirk on his face. 'As we all know it's someone's birthday today.'

'Don't remind me,' Anna groaned, rubbing her head as the effects of her night out were still taking their toll.

'Well, we couldn't let this day pass without carrying out a ritual we started this season.' Matthew continued.

'Oh no,' Anna murmured, 'not me. That's not fair. There are twenty of you, and I'm a tiny little woman with a hangover.'

'Shall we give her a head start, lads?' Matthew suggested. 'Count to ten?'

'John,' Anna pleaded, looking to her boyfriend who was grinning from ear to ear. 'Help me.'

'Who am I to stand in the way of a tradition such as this?'

John was laughing heartily now as Anna began to back away. 'I'll get you for this, Bates.'

'You better start running,' John raised his eyebrows as the squad began to count together.

'Six, seven, eight...' Anna was still waking backwards before turning and beginning to run from the centre circle in the direction of the changing rooms. The ladies bathroom was her only salvation now. 'Nine, ten.'

Before she had a chance to get to the touchline, Tom Branson had caught Anna around the waist. In the next moment she felt herself leaving the ground, screeching as she was now completely at the mercy of the men she had spent the past few months tending to and healing. Giving her the birthday bumps, with Anna being so slim and the guys hoisting her into the air being athletes in their prime, she was being elevated a reasonable distance.

'By the way, how old are you, Anna?' William asked.

'Thirty two, but you don't have to do that many.' Anna managed to utter as the group reached her twentieth bump.

'All he had to do was put it in. Bloody hell, it was harder to miss!' John exclaimed, gesturing with his hands to display his frustration. 'He's a professional footballer for heaven's sake!'

'Yes, I agree,' Anna replied half heartedly, walking slightly behind John as they strolled along Morecambe Bay after sharing dinner with the team. Feeling slightly agitated as he continued to rant, Anna turned her attentions from him to look over the sea they were walking beside, brushing away a strand of hair that the slight breeze had blown into her face.

'I'm sorry,' John sighed, an apologetic expression on his face as he stopped to regard Anna. In all the commotion of the first leg and it's result, a nil nil draw, he hadn't even considered how breathtakingly beautiful she was looking for their evening together. Moving closer to Anna, he placed a gentle hand on her cheek. 'No more football talk.'

'Yeah, right. I know you, John Bates.'

'You look gorgeous,' John breathed, stroking her face trying to change the subject. Taking her hand in his, he lead her in the direction of a bench that sat where the end of the beach met the pavement that lead to a series of bed and breakfasts. 'Lets sit for a moment.'

'For the record, I could have scored the chance Thomas missed.' Anna remarked as she followed John to the bench. 'Still, there is always the second leg.'

'Indeed, but that's enough of that. It's done and now it's my job to make the evening of your birthday worthy of someone as perfect as you.'

'Just being here with you is enough,' Anna admitted as John indicated for her to sit down.

'Can I tell you something?' John questioned as he took his place next to Anna on the bench.

'Of course.'

'Robert thought I should propose to you today.'

'What?' Anna chuckled slightly, partly wondering whether John's next move would be to sink to his good knee before revealing a small box.

'My initial reaction was we aren't ready for that. Not yet.'

'I agree,' Anna answered with a nod.

'But that's not to say that I wouldn't want it to happen in the future.' John continued, looking out into the distance, a couple of brave men surfing catching his eye. It wasn't the warmest of evenings. 'See, we've been together seven months now and I can safely say I have never felt this way before, not even for my ex wife.'

'Me either.' Anna's voice was breathy as she spoke, looking up into John's face as he continued to look over the horizon. It almost took her breath away as he turned his gaze downwards to meet Anna's.

'I just wanted you to know where I was at.' John said, cocking his head to the side before adding, 'so to speak.'

'Well, I thank you for your honesty,' Anna smiled. 'Although I agree with what you just said, if you had asked me I would have said yes.'

'Oh, don't say that,' John winced, Anna finding his awkwardness slightly amusing. 'Now what I've actually got you for your birthday is going to be a crashing disappointment.'

'Never,' Anna replied, squeezing John's hand. 'It's just I know it's you I am going to spend my life so I would never refuse you, whenever you decide to ask me.'

'Alright, so we're agreed it will happen one day, just not today. Deal?' John held out his hand for Anna to shake. She averted her eyes from his to look at his outstretched hand.

'Deal,' Anna shook his hand before John lifted hers to his mouth, pressing his lips to the back of it.

'Now, for your actual gift,' John reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, revealing a dark blue box with a silver bow, too big to be a ring. 'It's still jewellery, I believe I promised this to you at Christmas. Never let it be said John Bates isn't a man of his word.'

Taking the box in her grasp, Anna carefully removed the bow, John's undivided attention upon her. With a shaky hand she opened the box to reveal a white gold necklace, the pendant a heart with two emeralds and a black diamond set in the metal at the bottom.

'Oh John, it's stunning,' Anna cooed, taking the pendant from the box and rubbing it softly with her thumb. 'No one has ever bought me anything this beautiful.'

'I picked the emerald because that's your birthstone, and the black,' he faltered for a brief moment before closing his eyes and admitting, ' well it's Athletic colours, isn't it?' I had it specially made.'

'I'm overwhelmed,' Her voice breaking now, Anna leant up to meet John's lips with hers, placing her hand on his cheek. 'Thank you so much.'

'It's my pleasure,' John grinned, taking the necklace from her. 'Let me put it on for you.'

Anna turned to allow John to fix the necklace in place, immediately taking hold of the pendant once more. With the necklace secured, John and Anna leant back on the bench, John's arm protectively around Anna's shoulder. The early summer sun setting in the distance held their attentions as silence reigned. Anna's thoughts had turned to the future, with John having just confirmed he would propose one day. How would he do it? When would he do it? She chanced a glance to her would be fiancé who looked just as lost in his thoughts as Anna once was.

'He tried to be clever,' John suddenly said out loud, shaking his head. 'Just tap it, Barrow. That was all you had to do.'

'John,' Anna gasped exasperatedly, leaning forward on the bench. 'You still have the second leg. Let it go.'

Now back at the Bed and Breakfast as darkness fell, John had insisted on walking Anna back to her room. She was on the same floor as Tom and his brother, Kieran, notorious for being the team jokers. John's alibi for walking Anna to her door was to ensure the prankster brothers hadn't tainted her room. Anna supposed she was safe, especially after Robert's dressing down of the Irish pair after their placing very believable fake cockroaches on the dressing room floor earlier on in the season. It resulted in Thomas having to drop down to the bench after suffering a panic attack before kick off, and Robert stubbing a toe as he leapt onto a bench to avoid the critters.

'I just want to make sure you're safe,' John shrugged as they reached the upper floor of the accommodation. Despite the status of their relationship, it was a request of Robert that they remained professional on overnight trips with the team. 'I wouldn't put anything past those Bransons. Plus I don't even know why we are staying the night after the match. You'd think Robert would have let us go home, especially with it being your birthday.'

'Team morale, John. Remember Robert's lecture about it when you had this very argument with him the other day.' Opening her door, Anna peered around before deciding the coast was clear. 'They wouldn't have the balls to do anything to my room, not knowing I am the keeper of the Deep Heat.' Turning back to John, she noticed his eyes had turned dark as he regarded her in front of him. 'What?'

'I suppose inviting me in is out of the question?' John whispered huskily with a raise of his eyebrows. 'Everyone else is in bed.'

'And betray your best friend's wishes?' Anna replied in a jovial manner, wrapping her arms around John's shoulders. Stepping closer, John began to leave a trail of kisses along Anna's jaw before stopping, his lips next to her ear.

'Ahh, but he's never known the magic of the look on your face before the end takes you,' John gasped quietly, Anna closing her eyes to deal with the divine sensation of his breath hitting her ear. 'Or the feel of your thighs around his hips.'

'John, we shouldn't,' Anna said reluctantly as she rested her head on his shoulder, kissing the material of his shirt, 'despite how much I want to spend the evening of my birthday in your arms.'

'Alright,' John took a step away from Anna before grasping her hands in his. 'You are right of course.'

'I'm a woman, of course I am.' After kissing him on the cheek, Anna gently pushed John away. 'Goodnight John.'

'Goodnight, my love. Happy Birthday.'

With a nod of the head, Anna turned and open the door before disappearing without any other actions, who knew where a goodnight kiss might lead. John sighed out loud, standing still and staring at the door for a moment. He respected Robert, of course he did but this felt so wrong. It was his girlfriend's birthday, she should be spending the night with him. Looking at his watch, the time coming close to nine o clock, John remembered a twenty four hour supermarket he had seen on their walk back to the bed and breakfast. Suddenly, he had an idea.

Treading the floor as quietly as he could, dressed only in his dressing gown, John made his way towards Anna's room. An hour had passed and he was praying he would be able to convince his girlfriend to come back to his room with him. The whole notion seemed absurd. Having to sneak the woman that he loved and who loved him back to his room. He felt like a teenage boy trying to hide from the wrath of his parents. Although he decided being at the receiving end of Robert's wrath would be much worse, if his punishments on lazy players were anything to go by. Reaching her door, he looked to his left, then right before knocking on the door.

'Hang on a minute,' he heard Anna call, John looking sideways once more as he waited patiently. After a few seconds Anna appeared, she also in her dressing gown. She furrowed her brow as she took in the sight of John in front of her and his state of undress. 'What the hell...'

'Come back to my room with me,' John pleaded, taking hold of her hand.

'Don't be silly John, it's too risky.'

'Please, I'll have you back here in a couple of hours. It's your birthday and I want to spend some time with you.'

As a deep breath escaped her, John knew Anna was relenting. As their eyes met, he grinned at her, an act he knew had been her downfall on so many other occasions. Remaining silent, Anna moved away from the door but left it open, reappearing a few seconds later with her key, slipping it into the pocket on her gown.

'Two hours,' Anna warned him, pointing at John as she shut the door behind her. 'Lead the way, Mr Bates.'

In a minute or so of walking in silence, they reached John's room. After unlocking the door, John moved to stand behind Anna. She was a mere spectator, unsure of what he was actually trying to do. The confusion continued as he placed his hands over her eyes.

'What are you doing?' she asked as she heard him push the door open further before he lead her into the room. She heard the soft click of the door closing behind them next.

'Just trust me. Keep your eyes closed,' he said softly, continuing to direct her further into the room before she heard another door open. John smiled as his handiwork came into view, sure Anna was going to love the efforts he had gone to. Removing his hands, he smiled as Anna took in her surroundings.

'Oh, John,' she gasped, looking around the room they were now in, the bathroom. How he had done it, she didn't know and why his bathroom was twice the size of hers, she couldn't fathom but she pushed those two questions to the back of her mind as she took in the sight of all of the candles John had positioned around the edge of the bubble-filled bath, before noticing the champagne and glasses he had placed in his makeshift ice bucket in the basin. 'How did you? Why did you...'

'You're my girl, and I wasn't going to let this day pass without showing you how much I love you.'

'But this is enough,' Anna replied, taking her heart shaped pendant in between her thumb and forefinger. In the next moment, she felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

'Nothing is enough to be worthy of showing you what you mean to me. I don't know how I ever got along before I met you.'

Anna exhaled deeply before resting her head on John's shoulder. 'I do love you, John Bates.'

'I love you too,' John replied before kissing her on the temple. 'Now get in the bath.'

Releasing his hold on Anna, John watched mesmerised as Anna removed her robe to reveal she was also wearing nothing underneath. The soft light of the candles illuminated every beautiful curve Anna possessed as she carefully climbed into the bath. Once she was settled, she turned to look at John, she treated to his undivided attention.

'Aren't you going to join me?' Anna asked with a smile, shrugging slightly as she voiced the question.

John was lost for words, almost jumping as Anna's voice brought him out of his trance like state.

'Erm, yeah,' John stuttered before gesturing to the sink. 'I'll just pour us some champagne then...'

'John, the drink can wait,' Anna interrupted, 'come and join me.'

He couldn't refuse her request, doing as she commanded and removing his own dressing gown before settling in the bath opposite her. Leaning forward, Anna pressed her lips to John's softly.

'This is lovely, thank you,' Anna said, not able to resist running her bubble clad hand over his hair. There was something about his hair being wet that did things to Anna she couldn't explain. 'Where did you get all these candles from? And the champagne?'

'There is a supermarket about five minutes walk from her,' John replied, putting his hands on Anna's back. 'I noticed it on our walk earlier. I just knew I couldn't let this day go by without spending some proper time with you, Robert and his rules be damned.'

'Well, if he strolls in now, this is all on you,' Anna replied with a laugh.

'Both Bridget Jones films are on one of the higher reaching satellite channels, we're safe.'

Anna's giggles were music to his ears as John leant back a little to take in the sight of the amused expression on her face. He really was sure there were not many better sights than that of Anna smiling.

'I know I've said it before but you really are breathtakingly beautiful,' John murmured, meeting Anna's lips in another kiss. She deepened it in the next instance, leaning up and placing her knees either side of John's in the process. His hands came to rest on her hips as their kiss continued, John's groan was lost as Anna's centre came into contact with his own deepening arousal. Neither needed to say anything as each other's growing desire became apparent without words. Before John knew anything about it, Anna had ground down on top of him, taking him fully within her.

'I knew that was where we were heading but that was unexpected,' John whispered as Anna leant her forehead against his. She smiled at his words, both their breathing haggard as they adjusted to being joined once more. The ache in him growing, John kissed Anna briefly before locking his gaze with hers. 'Can I?'

'Please.'

Lifting his hips in a steady rhythm, the noises emanating from Anna were doing little to help John in keeping his senses. 'This might not take very long, my love.'

'Just don't stop, John,' Anna gasped, raking her teeth softly along his shoulder. John did as she requested, leaving a trail of kisses along her chest before taking one of her nipples into his mouth.

'Oh Christ,' Anna exclaimed, tipping her head back, John's actions resulting in her becoming completely undone. With a couple more thrusts, John was joining her, leaning back in the bath and bringing Anna with him to lay on top of him, both trying to come back down to earth.

'Bloody hell,' she breathed, able to hear his heart thumping clearly with her head resting on John's chest. Chuckling at her words, John placed a kiss in Anna's hair.

'Happy Birthday, Anna,' John whispered, tightening his arms around her waist.

'Thank you. I think I could use that drink now.'

Anna walked into the managers office, John and Robert immediately looking up to acknowledge her as she moved towards them. A week had passed, and the evening of the second leg against Morecambe had arrived.

'Do you want the good news or the bad news?' Anna asked, throwing her clipboard onto the desk.

'Erm, the good?' Robert said tentatively, looking worriedly at John who was sitting opposite him.

'The good news is I finally got that piece of muesli out of my teeth that I had stuck their since breakfast.' Anna replied.

'And the bad?' John asked.

'Ethan isn't even fit enough to be named on the bench.'

'Bloody hell, is he made of paper or something?' Robert rubbed a hand over his forehead. 'So, who do we have?'

'Well, Jimmy.' Anna shrugged. 'Jack might be fit for the final if we make it.'

'Name me on the bench, just in case,' John suggested.

'No, you're starting,' Robert stood up, walking to the tactics board that hung on the wall. 'There is no way I am playing one up front at home. It goes against everything I believe in.'

'I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play, but are you off your head?' John argued, rising to his feet to stand beside Robert. 'This is our biggest match in years and you want to play a guy in his mid forties when you have four other men on the bench who could probably run a lap of the pitch in the time it takes me to walk down the tunnel?'

'I care to look at it as playing a player who has experienced more in the game than the entire squad put together.' Robert counteracted, placing a hand on John's shoulder. 'I am so nervous about this match, John. And I'd feel a whole lot better with you on the pitch. The players raise their games with their coach on the pitch, you inspire confidence. We need that today.'

With a deep sigh, John looked over his shoulder at Anna who raised her eyebrow upon meeting his gaze. Nodding his head, John turned back to look at Robert. His friend offered a convincing argument. 'Alright, I'll do it.'

'You best go and warm up.'

Without another recognised striker on the bench, John knew he would probably be playing the majority of the match. It wasn't that he minded playing, he wouldn't have agreed to be included on the playing staff if he did, but he felt like he was taking away the opportunity of someone on the bench. John had had his career as a footballer, he had achieved all he wanted to in a pair of football boots. The guys in the squad were starting out, trying to make their way in the game. It didn't seem fair that John should take one of their places in the starting eleven.

If any of the players on the substitutes bench had an issue with John playing, they didn't voice their concerns. John took a step back in the changing room before kick off, allowing Robert to lead the team talk and the captain, Michael Gregson, to rouse the troops. Just as the referee rang the bell to indicate he was ready for the players, John exchanged a small smile with Anna.

'Go get 'em, Tiger,' Anna whispered, adopting an American accent causing John to chuckle.

On the pitch, the weather was perfect for playing a football match. Morecambe had brought a large number of away support to Yorkshire, making for a great atmosphere. Downton started the match strongly, the Morecambe defence having to protect their goal against attack after attack. By the twentieth minute of the first half, Downton were setting up to take their ninth corner. John had hit the crossbar with the previous corner, one of the Morecambe defenders getting to the rebound first and heading the ball behind the line resulting in this current set piece.

As he waited for Kemal to get ready to play the ball into the box, John saw Thomas out of the corner of his eye, in space on the edge of the eighteen yard box. Meeting the young midfielders gaze, John rose his hand to indicate for Thomas to hold his position. Raising his arms at the back post, John hoped Kemal had seen him and would pick him out. As the winger took the corner, John was pleased to realise the ball was coming towards him. With a quick look sideward to see Thomas still hadn't been picked up by a Morecambe player, John cushioned the ball with his head in the direction of Thomas. The headed pass to Thomas was perfectly weighted as he shaped to shoot. With a quick glance up at the goal, Thomas swing his leg at the ball. Time seemed to stop as all eyes now followed the ball on it's journey into the top right hand corner of the goal. One nil to Downton.

An eruption of noise filled the packed Highclere Stadium as the ball nestled in the Morecambe goal. Thomas began to run away, his arms aloft, all of his team mates following him as he skidded along the grass in front of the fans behind the goal. As he was buried under a pile of Downton players, John decided he wouldn't get involved in the scrum and trotted over to the bench.

'See?' Robert exclaimed as John approached him, 'that's why you are in the team. No one else would have seen that pass.'

Robert took John in his embrace, John with arm around his manager and his other gathering an on rushing Joseph. As he released his hold on his fellow coaching team, John winked at a beaming Anna before turning to take his place for the kick off. If he was surprised to see Thomas running towards him with his arms outstretched, he was positively stupefied when he threw those arms around John's shoulders.

'Thanks boss,' Thomas said as he patted John on the back.

'Great finish, Barrow,' John replied, jogging back to their own half behind the midfielder. John began clapping his hands furiously when he was back in his own half. 'Come on lads, let's keep our heads, eh?'

Getting to half time one goal to the good, Downton were under the cosh from the get go at the restart. Morecambe came out for the second time a team invigorated, having made two substitutions and probably having been on the receiving end of a rollicking at half time from their own manager. John had been forced to stay back to help defend the teams one goal lead. After a chat with Robert, it had been decided that John play just in front of the defence, deciding to freshen the legs in the team by replacing Terrence Sampson with Charles Bryant, and William to come on in the place of Thomas who was suffering the effects of a bad tackle just before half time. Taken off as a precaution, John and Michael worked together to talk William through the game, the young midfielder's endless running and boundless enthusiasm no doubt to be a major factor in Downton seeing this result through.

Michael and John covered every blade of grass, their increasing years having no effect as they blocked shot after shot and timed tackles to perfection. However, the Morecambe number eleven seemed to be having the game of his life, chasing down every loose ball as if his life depended on it. As the match headed toward injury time, a through ball from the Morecambe centre back was played towards the corner flag, seemingly missing it's target as John ran to collect the ball whilst not being under much pressure. What he wasn't expecting was for Morecambe's star man to be bearing down on him. Turning with the ball, the next thing John knew was the young winger colliding with him, missing the ball completely and the contact causing John to hit the floor with some force. The referee's whistle blew, indicating for a Downton free kick. Feeling a pain in his knee, John remained on the floor for a moment.

'Sorry John,' the opposing player offered an apology, as well as his hand to help John up. 'You know how it is when you're looking for a goal.'

'It's alright son, just give me a minute.' John looked up and smiled before seeing the referee approach. Sensing an opportunity to run down the clock and for an impromptu rendezvous, John made a request with a glint in his eyes. 'Can I have the physio, please?'

The official indicated to the Downton bench for Anna to enter the field of play. As she did so, a chorus of wolf whistles echoed around, John smiling as they filled his ears.

'Hey Batesy, is it your groin?' Looking to his left, John smiled as he heard one of the Downton support ask him the question.

'Are you alright?' Anna asked, John delighting in seeing her features redden as the fans beside where they were continued with their teasing.

'You're so adorable when you're embarrassed,' John smiled, desperately wanting to kiss Anna in that moment. 'It's my knee, by the way.'

Anna didn't speak, stretching out John's bad leg before bending it again, eliciting a moan in pain from John.

'Can you carry on?' Anna asked, running her fingers along the back of John's knee. 'I think it's just an impact injury.'

'I'll be alright, just needed to feel your magic fingers upon me.'

'You could get in trouble for that,' Anna replied, rolling her eyes before helping John to his feet. Strolling slowly across the pitch, such were the rules that an injured player who had received treatment needed to leave the field of play, Anna kept her hand firmly on John's arm as he made the most of his limp. 'And the Oscar goes to...'

'Sssh,' John said with a laugh as they reached the touchline.

'He's fine to continue,' Anna informed Robert as she retook her place back on the bench.

As John gingerly ran back on the pitch, the fourth official indicated there would be three minutes of added time. A groan went up around the home support before cheers of encouragement. Three minutes. Three minutes more of defending their goal lead and Downton would be in the play off final, playing at Wembley.

'Come on then, lads.' Michael bellowed, trying to encourage his team as Alfred lined up to take the free kick John had won. Playing the ball deep into the Downton half, John inwardly groaned as the ball came straight back towards the Downton goal once more. Noticing Tom wasn't going to get anywhere near the ball one of the Morecambe midfielders had tried to play in behind the Downton defence, John inhaled deeply before racing a Morecambe striker to the ball. To his surprise John won the race, tapping the ball into space and out of reach of the opposing player. Taking a look ahead of him having bought himself some time, John could see William making a forward run, his arm in the air.

'Boss,' he was screaming, desperately trying to remain onside as he did so. John decided to go for the pass, pinging the ball fifty yards and beyond the Morecambe back line. To his delight, William had remained onside and his fresh legs meant he was able to sprint away from the defence so he was one on one with the Morecambe keeper. Showing marvellous composure, William rounded the Morecambe 'keeper before placing the ball into the net. Two nil.

And Downton were off to Wembley.

'Wembley, Wembley...' was the chant in the dressing room as the players jumped around, clearly jubilant in their triumph. John so longed to join in, but his knee was bothering him more than he cared to admit. Sitting on the bench as he carefully undressed himself, John wrapped a towel around his waist and made his way to the showers which were at the back of the changing room.

'You alright, Norm?' Joseph asked as he dumped a pile of kit into one of the laundry baskets.

'My knee is giving me a bit of trouble, sure I'll be alright after a shower,' John answered with a weak smile.

Joseph nodded to say he understood before John stepped into the shower. The warm water travelling down his legs did enough for John to be able to divert his attention from the pain for a few minutes. Downton at Wembley. It really was a dream come true. He was so pleased for William to score such an important goal, and for Robert who had gone from nearly losing his job to guiding the team to the brink of promotion. With his knee easing, John grabbed his towel, wrapped it around his middle once more and opened the cubicle door. He looked up to see Anna standing opposite him, a clipboard in her hand as usual.

'Hey you, how is the knee?' Anna asked, looking down to the injured area.

'A little sore, John shrugged, 'but nothing I can't handle.'

'Let me see?' Anna asked, walking towards John and lifting his towel to just above his knees. 'Ah John, that's swollen.'

'It usually is after I've played,' John shrugged.

'But I've never seen it like this, come to the treatment room and I'll treat it for you.'

'Woah, am I interrupting something?' Robert asked as he wandered into the shower room to see Anna on her knees in front of John.

'Of course not,' John's tone was one of annoyance in response to what Robert was insinuating as Anna rose to her feet once more.

'His knee is swollen,' Anna informed the manager as she took a step away from John. 'He needs it iced.'

'She's right. You two go to the treatment room and we'll see you in the clubhouse later. Better to get it sorted now, the knee will only get worse, Norm.'

'Alright,' John relented. 'We wont be long.'

Once in Anna's room, John reclined back on the treatment table as Anna prepared herself. She worked quietly as John stared up at the ceiling. Having heard the team exit the building and head off to the clubhouse a few minutes previously, it wasn't lost on John that he and Anna were to all intense and purposes, alone in the building. He turned his head to look at her, her hands covered by a pair of rubber gloves as she doused them in pain killing gel.

'Can you believe it, a physio without an ice pack?' Anna broke the silence with her words, then a giggle, stepping towards the bed before lifting John's towel to above the knee. 'Ill rub some of this gel on the knee to ease the pain then if we make sure you keep the weight off it for a couple of days, you'll be fine.'

She placed her hands on John's knee, John outwardly groaning as her hand came into contact with his stiffened limb. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but the sensation of her fingertips touching the toned muscle of his thigh was heavenly. It soon became obvious that this may be affecting John in ways that weren't completely innocent as well when Anna chanced a glance at his face. His were eyes half lidded, was he biting his lip?

'Are you alright?' Anna asked him, stilling her movements for a moment.

'That feels wonderful,' John whispered, opening his eyes before exhaling softly. 'Sorry, I can't help myself. It's just you doing that, knowing we are alone...'

'John, don't,' Anna sighed, closing her eyes as John lifted himself up, resting his weight on his elbows.

'You are so beautiful,' John continued, swallowing hard when Anna turned her head to meet his gaze. 'We've avoided situations like this but in this second all I want to do is make love to you right here, right now.'

'We can't,' Anna said under her breath.

'Everyone has left.'

'You can't be sure of that. What if someone walks in? What if someone hears us?'

John sat up and interrupted Anna by covering her mouth with his, a kiss so intense she had to cling on to John for fear of her knees giving way beneath her.

'If you don't want to, we don't have to...'

Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, Anna had kicked off her trainers, removed the gloves and climbed onto the bed, her knees either side of John's as she resumed the kiss he had started. She could feel his desire beneath her, his towel the only barrier. In the next moment John was tugging on Anna's shorts, she still in her work uniform.

'Take them off,' John almost begged as his fingers took hold of the bottom of her polo shirt and lifted it over her head. Anna did as he asked, leaving her in just her underwear as John pressed warm kiss after warm kiss onto the newly exposed skin of her shoulders and collar bone.

'The door,' Anna murmured, reluctantly moving away from John and off the bed. She shuddered as her feet came into contact with the cold floor before reaching for the key from her desk and placed it into the lock, turning it with a click. Looking back to John, the darkening in his eyes made her shiver all over as she made her way back towards the table. She removed her underwear whilst still on her feet, knowing she had his gaze solely on her turned her on like he wouldn't believe. Feeling slightly more confident as his adoring eyes travelled all over her body, Anna moved a hand over one of her breasts, before moving ever slowly downward...

The noise that emanated from John was somewhere between a squeal and a moan as Anna tested herself with her fingers. John was sure his heart had stopped as he watched Anna explore her body, she groaning softly. Not much time had passed before John couldn't take it any longer.

'Come here,' he growled, reaching for her and pulling her to the table. She climbed atop him, undoing his towel to reveal his arousal. Anna pressed her body along the length of John's, their lips meeting in a frenzied kiss.

'Touch me,' Anna pleaded, lifting herself from John so she was straddling him. He obliged, moving his fingers to her centre and delighting in the slickness of her folds. It didn't take long before Anna began to tighten above John, her breath becoming sharper, the movement in her hips becoming more erratic as John found the sensitive bundle of nerves that would prove to be Anna's undoing.

Taking John by surprise, Anna moved away before taking his arousal in her hands. Moving him to where she so desperately wanted him to be, Anna ground down on John, he enveloping within her fully taking his breath away. She felt so tight and hot around him, John not daring to move for a moment knowing if he did it wouldn't take long for him to be spent.

'Christ,' he gasped, placing both of his hands on Anna's bottom as he felt his composure slowly coming back to him. 'You naughty girl.'

'Move John,' Anna breathed, 'I want to finish with you inside me.'

In the next moment, John was moving his hips upward, groaning loudly as the sensations flowing within him threatened to send him over the edge. It was a relief to hear Anna cry out, his name escaping her as he felt her walls shaking around him. With another shift of his hips, John was joining Anna in complete ecstasy, the pinnacle of how two people completely in love can make the other feel. Collapsing on top of him, Anna buried her head in the crook of John's neck, his arms wrapped securely around Anna's waist. A perfect silence fell, John placing intermittent kisses on the top of Anna's head.

His beloved Downton had just got to Wembley but John was sure he had never felt such happiness as that he felt as he basked in the afterglow of making love to the woman of his dreams. And that was who Anna was. No one else came close. In that moment, John realised this was it. The woman in his arms was his other half, she completed him. A thought entered his mind. They had talked about it before. It made sense. It felt right. A quiver in his voice did nothing to hide the conviction in his words as he asked the question that he felt so privileged to be asking this woman.

'Anna, will you marry me?'

A/N- Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn