A/N: This is a response to Terriejane's Weekend challenge: Suppose Anna and Bates didn't meet at Downton. Suppose they weren't headed there at all. They meet on a train headed to London on April 15th 1912, days after the sinking of the Titanic.

Enjoy! And Review if you liked it, or even if you didn't, just be gentle :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

She had barely made the train before it left the station and as a result she was afraid she would never find an empty seat. The train had already began to pull away as she was making her way down the narrow corridor looking for a car with just a bit of room for her petite frame. Finally she came upon a cabin with just one man sitting in it. As she reached for the door to ask if she might take a seat, the train lurched forward causing her to pull the door open with too much force sending her feet out from under her. She closed her eyes and tensed up in preparation for impact with the floor. The impact, however, never came. Instead she found herself in two very strong arms which practically lifted her off the ground as if she was no more than a feather to place her upright again. His hands were still on her ribs when she finally looked into the face of her savior. He had the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. She couldn't even place the shade of green they were; they were like nothing else and her breath caught in her throat, which only proceeded to send her off kilter again and she stumbled over her own feet as she attempted to take a step. His grip only became tighter around her ensuring she didn't fall, again.

"Oh, I…I'm ever so sorry to disturb you so entirely!" the words rushed out of her in a jumble as the heat from his hands radiated through her.

"It's quite alright," his voice was like silk and the smile he offered her set endearing crinkles against his eyes. His hands had left her by now seeing that she could stand on her own. "Are you alright Miss?"

'What is this I'm feeling?' She wondered as she felt a shiver run through her, she could still feel his hands on her sides. She was so lost in her exhilarating confusion she only realized that he had spoken by the look on his face which told her he was waiting for an answer. She blushed furiously, what a spectacle she was making of herself! He was smiling at her adorably and it did nothing to help her gather herself.

"Oh, I'm sorry; I seem to not quite have my wits about me. What did you say, Mr.?" He chuckled at her mirrored question and motioned for her to take a seat as he answered.

"Hello, I'm John Bates." He reached his hand out for her to shake and she eagerly took the opportunity to touch him again though she felt utterly foolish at the notion.

"Anna Smith. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Bates. And thank you ever so much for saving me from quite a fall. Really, you must think I'm such a fool." She had lowered her head in bashful resignation but was drawn back to those eyes and was relieved (thankful even?) to see the smile hadn't left his face.

"There's nothing to thank me for, I couldn't let such a lovely lady take a tumble."

"Oh, I'm no lady…" her voice was a whisper against his flattery.

"I would beg the differ." The lilt in his voice sent butterflies flying in the pit of her stomach. Their gazes locked for a moment, before another lurch in the tracks broke the spell. They each settled back into their seats across from each other. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. She shook her head slightly admonishing herself for her foolish behavior and for the butterflies that had yet to settle. She didn't know this man; there was something about him yes, something that made her insides beg to get to know better, but they were merely strangers on a train. That's all they would ever be she reminded herself with a slight feeling of deflation.

"Did you hear the news today?" He held up the folded newspaper on the seat next to him. She shook her head. "The Titanic, it sank." There was an emotion in his voice she couldn't place. It wasn't one of shock as such she was feeling at the news of such a tragedy, it seemed more sad with a touch of bewilderment. He was looking out the window, but even from across the cabin she could tell he wasn't actually seeing the passing countryside. "I can't believe it." He continued, still sounding far away. "So many hopes and dreams were aboard that ship…" his voice trailed off and she suddenly felt the need to cross the cabin and comfort him.

"I can't believe it either. It was supposed to be unsinkable! And yes, all those people. What a tragedy." When she saw a cringe take over his features she made a disheartening connection. "Oh no. My god. Did you…know someone on the ship?" Her voice was full of fear and heartbreak. He looked at her suddenly and was quick to smile at the concern he saw there.

"No, thankfully. I nearly did, though. I…um…I was supposed to have been on that ship." It was the first time he had said this out loud and the close call of his fate came out in huff of disbelief. Her jaw nearly fell to the floor. "I know. I don't think it's quite sunk in yet…oh terrible choice of wording…" they both chuckled in a bout of nerves and relief.

"Well, thank goodness you changed your plans! Or else I might have taken quite a fall on this train if you hadn't been here to catch me!" Her brilliant smile took her face and he inhaled sharply at the sight of it before joining in the beautiful melody of her laugh. He studied her for a moment during their shared laughter and immediately took notice of how blue her eyes were and how they seemed to sparkle more than the North Star. She was simply the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He found himself feeling more grateful for the twist of fate that had not only probably saved his life but had brought this woman into it, if only for this train ride.

"So what marvelous event saved you? Why are you on a train to London and thankfully not…" He was quick to answer to save her from finishing an awkward question.

"Actually, my uncle passed away…"

"Oh I'm so sorry! Marvelous event… Lord, Anna Smith could you embarrass yourself any more today?!" She huffed out loud. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to be so insensitive." She had leaned towards him as she spoke and when her hand flailed forward as she attempted to apologize he caught it in his large one completely enveloping it. It was so warm and when he squeezed it gently, comfortingly, she sighed. It was a quick touch, but she felt it long after.

"It's quite alright, you weren't to know. He was my mother's brother but I barely remember him. He never left London and I never went there. He owned a pub and having no other family he left the business to me in his will. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't really set on going to America, I just needed a change so I thought why not. But then about a month ago the solicitor showed up with the news and I sold my ticket for the Titanic the next day. Between that and the money from selling my mother's house I should have enough to really turn the place into something. It's mainly a pub but it has a few rooms that he would rent out. I'd love to turn it into small inn. It's been a dream of mine for a while, owning such a business. Running it with my family…" His eyes had a gained a certain gleam to them and it made him look young, almost boyish being so full of hope.

"It sounds like a wonderful dream. I'm so happy it's coming true for you and your family." She hoped he wouldn't hear how the latter part of the statement was really a question in search of an answer. She was enamored with the man already, she knew it. And she wouldn't lie to herself by pretending she was hoping he wasn't married.

"Oh I don't have any family…just another part of the dream I guess…" He smiled warmly at her and she returned it with a small nod of her head. The look of understanding in her face told him that family was still something she seemed to be dreaming of; simply put she wasn't married. He tried to keep his smile from growing wider.

They rode for a while in silence before a tentative start to an altogether engrossing conversation coasted them through the rest of the journey. By the time they had arrived in London, both knew that they didn't want to say goodbye, maybe ever again. They were drawn to each other and the prospect of parting made them walk slower through the station drawing out these last precious few moments as long as possible. As they approached the sidewalk coming out of the tunnel of the station they turned to each other, not knowing what to say; and not wanting to say the word that was hanging over them like a large storm cloud on an otherwise beautiful day.

"Well Mr. Bates, I wish you the best of luck on your new endeavor. And I'm ever so thankful about the twist of fate that brought you to London today instead of…" She made sure to catch his eyes and stare straight into them. She meant every word she said and she wanted him to know it, not caring at all at this moment what might be considered appropriate. He reached for her hand again and she met his quickly and with fervor. His left hand came up to cover hers and he matched her intent gaze, not blinking, not wanting to miss a single moment of this time with her. He wanted to take every second he could to memorize this face, this perfect woman.

"So am I, Miss Smith…I never knew how much until the most beautiful thing I had ever seen stumbled into my train cabin." He brought her hand up to his lips for a gentle press. He couldn't help himself and he didn't want to stop. Tears sprang to her eyes and the noise and the people surrounding them simply vanished. This moment was for them and them only. Her eyes traveled from his eyes down his strong cheek bones and settled on his lips which looked so enticing. She could almost feel them on hers through the sheer level of wanting she felt. She had no way of knowing, although she could feel it, that he found himself wracked with the same feelings. His heart was pounding and he had to tear his eyes away from her soft pink lips before he succumbed to the desire to press his lips to hers. His gaze finally settled on their entwined hands and he realized how perfectly they fit; almost as if they were melded to each other and her tiny hand was created to hold his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in preparation for stopping this heavenly touch. He was touched to see the flash of disappointment on her face as their hands parted.

"Let me get you a taxi." He offered as he turned from her. He nearly had to if only to catch his breath, which did not seem to want to come easy in her presence. He cleared his throat. "Where are you headed?" He was dumbfounded when she said the same neighborhood that his new life was set to begin in.

"So am I, Anna…so am I…" Her Christian name fell from his lips like a soft prayer and their sighs of relief came in unison. They were going to be neighbors at least, though there was no doubt this was written in the stars and they were already so much more. It was written. It was destiny.

He held the door of the taxi open for her and as she moved to climb in she purposefully stepped closer to him than need be, leaning her face up towards his stopping but a breath away;

"Thank God." She said in a hushed tone as intense emotion filled her warmly.

"Yes…and you." His tone gave him away. He spoke with love.