These are not my characters and this is not my story; it's an imaginary conclusion to the day Anna brings John Bates home from prison in Series 3. Jamesluver wrote a beautiful story called, "Beds and Books", which I highly recommend and it's a better evening for these characters, but we each have an imagination to tame, so here's my scenario as well.

This is a fantasy meeting of Anna and John at home on St.Patrick's Day night. This was requested by a generous reader. I searched my volume of Irish poetry and came upon this little gem by dumb luck, "No Sickness Like A Secret Love" and is indeed 15th or 16th century by an anonymous author and translated from the Irish Gaelic.

John and Anna, along with their children, take a trip to Ireland to visit John's cousin. After his eldest daughter drops a bombshell on their faery hunt, John is determined to spoil his wife, but Anna has a secret of her own.

These are not my characters and this is not my story. The final line in italics is not mine and is included purely for continuity.

What if John's reaction was the opposite when Anna admitted, 'I'd live in sin with you.'

In the space of a few hours, Anna Smith's life is turned upside down. Can a chance encounter on a Underground train change everything for the better, and guide her to where she is meant to be? Modern Anna and Bates AU, based on the film Sliding Doors. M Rated from Chapter 10. [Winner of 2014 Highclere Award for Anna/Bates Modern AU story]

Just various scenes that have popped into my head while watching the show. Mostly revolving around Anna and Bates. Some canon, some not. Most are going to be short. ALL spoilers apply.

How will Anna's parents react when they find out that she is married to a man due to be tried for murder?

These are not my characters. It's natural for a young lady to develop a crush, even on a servant. But how then does that servant conduct himself?

Anna shows John she'll defend him against anyone.

Set during 3x09 (i.e. the Christmas Special) following Anna's dance at the Ghillies' Ball.

John and Anna are setting up their new cottage. Found this on my computer and at SOMEONES insistence.. well, here it is. Thanks to Terrie for the beta!

The night John Bates was released from prison

These are not my characters and it's not my story. It's my vision of the first evening in the Bates' cottage in Season 3.

This was requested by a kind reader. The first line in italics is my approximation at a stage direction, or possibly an ad-lib by the actors in the scene. These characters are not mine.

Sometimes the best things come from unexpected circumstances, even if it takes a while to realise it.

Anna and John prepare to run some errands on their half-day.

I had the idea for this story after making a fan video to the song "Love Will Always Win." Basically no matter what obstacles Anna and Bates go through, in the end they will always be together. This is my first attempt at fan fiction in years, so I hope you enjoy it. I plan to update several times a week. Please leave a review.

Modern A/U. John Bates is a Captain in the British army, about to retire after he has embarked on his final deployment to Afghanistan. Will he and his wife, Anna, get their happy ending?

This was inspired by historical readings about the Boer war, in which the first concentration camps appeared, built by the British. Public support for that war waned when the British people found out about the atrocities committed for wealth. In my imagination, this would be the hardest to bear for someone like Mr. Bates. These are not my characters.

A new event brings some changes into the lives of Mr and Mrs Bates. Spoilers for S3.

Takes place shortly after 3.08. When John can't sleep, he asks Anna to tell him a story. After a few false starts, she thinks of the perfect story to tell. (More chapters to come, as long as I don't get lazy.)

Five Christmases. Five different wishes that are hoped for. It's a time for magic to happen and dreams to come true - will they do so for Anna and John? Set from S1-S3.

Filling in the blanks between 2x03 and 2x04

Anna and Bates' wedding night. Mature content ahead.