A/N: Thank you all for your kind reception of this story. I am honestly just going to be having fun writing all the fluff. It's great to see some long term Banna shippers still reading and wonderful to see new shippers as well! I hope you enjoy x.

Disclaimer: Same 1-2.

John Bates had never been the best sleeper. He would tease his own self about it. Maybe he was secretly half vampire and was waiting to make it known. It wouldn't surprise him.

He rolled over and lit up his phone. He squinted as the bright light met his gaze. Blinking a few times, the time read almost 4.20am. With a disgruntled huff, he pushed himself up and into a seated position on the bed with his feet touching the carpeted floor. The length of his back appreciated the deep stretch as he leaned back and then forward.

With a quick turn of a switch, he turned on the bedside lamp and stood to his feet. He collected his robe from the arm chair in the corner, slipped it on, and tied it around his waist. Sometimes he wished he wasn't a morning person, but as soon as he was awake he was awake even if he felt a little groggy.

In his living area, he turned on another lamp and walked into the kitchen. Strong tea was always in order, but he realized his morning newspaper was down in the lobby.

He grumbled a nonsense complaint.

It had been a very long time since he had lived in a flat. A flat offered several conveniences and inconveniences much like a house did the same. He had been spoiled with the newspaper being at the front door. Now, it was two flights of stairs and a lobby walk away.

He picked up his glasses from the kitchen table and put them on. Realizing his slippers were back in his room, he walked back in there and slipped them on before collecting his keys at the front door. He made quick work of opening the door. He propped it open with his hip and grabbed his cane from the umbrella stand next to the door.

He thought it almost ridiculous the routine he had to have just to go collect the morning newspaper but such was his life. Closing the door behind him, he began descending the flights of stairs until he was in the lobby. He looked around for a few seconds to see if anyone was around. It wasn't very likely he would run into anyone at 4.30am, so he didn't see the point of changing out of his current state of dress.

It only took a minute for him to collect the still warm paper. He glanced over the front page momentarily before he reached the steps. Tucking the newspaper under his left arm, he grabbed the handrail with his left hand and began the climb back up to his home.

When he reached the first landing and turned the corner to start the climb to the second floor, he heard quick, clicking footsteps coming closer to where he was located. Looking up, he saw a woman digging around in her handbag while holding a insulated cup and a lunch bag. He was beginning to wonder if the woman was going to stop or plow him over, but then she looked up and John saw it was his neighbor, Anna Smith.

"Oh!" Anna exclaimed as she almost ran into him.

She laughed from embarrassment for a few seconds and apologized.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Bates. I almost didn't see you there," she said in greeting whilst trying to catch her breath.

John felt a small smile pull at the corners of his mouth.

"That's quite alright."

Anna took a moment to observe her neighbor while she stood one step higher than him. His hair was completely disheveled. He was donning a navy robe, gray and black plaid pajama bottoms, and navy slippers. His glasses had returned as well. He looked rather handsome in his dressed down state. She was snapped out of her thoughts as he spoke again.

"I apologize for my appearance. I wasn't expecting to see anyone so early."

Of course of all the people to see him it would be her, he thought to himself. The only person he had met officially in the whole building.

"On the contrary, that robe and those pajama bottoms look rather dashing on you."

She grinned when she noticed a faint coloring rise to his cheeks.

"Oh yes. I'm sure that is the word for it," he replied sarcastically.

"I hate to cut our chat short, Mr. Bates, but I'll be late for work if I don't get a move on."

"This is very early to be headed to work."

"It is. It was a pleasure seeing you again."

He stepped aside enough so she could pass.

"Have a good day," he replied.

She stopped halfway down the stairs and looked back just as he was about to continue up the stairs.

"Mr. Bates."

He stepped back and looked at her.

"I am not trying to be nosy, but will you be home late afternoon ish?"

He tried to think if he had anywhere to be and couldn't think of anything.

"I should be," he responded, looking slightly confused.

"Good. I have something for you."

She turned back and continued walking.

He spoke a little louder to try to get more information.

"Something for me?"

But it was no use. She was already out of sight.

Wondering what in the world she could possibly have for him, he walked back to his flat.

After reading his paper and drinking his tea, he finally got ready for the day. A pair a denims and a polo of some sort was usually what he wore while working. He didn't have to dress up since he worked from home. Unlike Anna who had been dressed very professionally in a white blouse, black skirt and heels.

He sat down in his chair in the office he created out of the second bedroom and booted up his computer. He designed websites for a living and offered web hosting. It gave him the income he needed and also gave him the ability to work from home.

Logging in, he couldn't stop thinking about what Anna had said. She didn't even know him. Why would she have something for him? Why did she leave so early for work? Why was he asking himself these questions?

He rubbed a hand over his face. From now on he would have to look presentable if he went to the lobby at that time of the morning, but he didn't know if she had a set schedule.

Rolling his eyes at his sudden inability to think of anything else, he opened his emails. Opening the unread one in his inbox, it was a company looking to sell essential oil related products. They wanted him to design and host their website.

With work now at the forefront of his mind, he set about designing hopefully what the customer was asking for.

"See you tomorrow, Anna. Your idea has really boosted our social media presence," said Phyllis Baxter.

Phyllis was Anna's colleague and morning news anchor for Channel 6 News. She had been there a few years before Anna came on board. Anna enjoyed working with her.

"Really? I think it's quite fun!" Anna gushed as she talked to Phyllis in the break room.

"It has. It's good to have viewer interaction around lunch time, and with someone as friendly as yourself it works out perfectly," Phyllis praised as they walked out together.

"Thank you, Phyllis. Let's hope we can keep it for a while anyway."

"I would say so."

They both smiled before they waved and parted ways.

Making it home, she closed her door behind her.

She set about her routine of changing out of her clothes when the sight of the cupcake in the kitchen stopped her. She had almost forgot she told Mr. Bates she had something for him.

Zipping her skirt back up, she wondered if going straight over would be a little weird. Maybe she should hang out at hers for a bit because maybe he heard her come in. The walls weren't paper thin, but they weren't thick either.

Deciding it would be best to wait a while, she sat on her sofa and turned on the TV. It automatically came on Channel 6, so she left it there while she waited. She looked to the clock and thought a half hour or so would be good enough.

She was more than glad when the time had passed. She was beginning to feel silly sitting on her couch in her work clothes waiting for the proper amount of time to fly by.

She stood to her feet, walked into the kitchen, and collected the cupcake. She had had some batter left over and didn't want to waste it. She wasn't sure if butter cake was his thing, but it was the least she could do for him letting her have his whole bag of sugar.

Cupcake in hand, she grabbed her keys and opened her door. Stepping into the hall, she made sure her door was locked and walked the short distance to his door.

She knocked a couple of times and stepped back. She let out a very short giggle at how fast the door was unlocking this time versus yesterday. Had he been waiting by the door this time?

John fiddled with the lock on his door. He was blaming the lock for not working correctly, but it could also very well be his nerves. He didn't know what there was to be nervous about other than not knowing what was on the other side of the door.

Finally getting it unlocked, he opened the door and saw Anna standing there smiling with a cupcake in her hand. He swallowed as he took notice of her still in her work clothes.

"Hi, Mr. Bates," she greeted politely.

"Hello," he greeted back.

"I just wanted to thank you again for the sugar. I wasn't sure if you like butter cake, but I had enough batter to make a cupcake as well as the cake. I thought it would be the least I could do."

He looked at the cupcake then back at her. He couldn't help but think how beautiful she was.

"It just so happens I do."

"Wonderful."

"That was quite an early meeting this morning."

Anna laughed. "Yes, one of the very few things I can complain about in my career."

"What is it you do?" He asked sincerely.

Anna looked down the hall in both directions.

"I wouldn't mind telling you. I just don't particularly want to do so while standing in the hall."

Feeling like an idiot, John hurried to say, "Yes, of course. How silly of me. Please come in."

He was horrible at these kinds of things. He wasn't a social butterfly, so sometimes common everyday social etiquette alluded him.

He stepped back and allowed Anna to enter. Once she was inside he closed the door.

"I'll take that from you."

He reached out his hand, and she gave him the cupcake.

He gave her a half smile.

"Thank you for the cupcake. I will just place it in the kitchen real quick."

"Alright," she nodded and watched him saunter away. She took note of his swag.

She took a few steps forward into his flat. It looked very similar to hers minus the aesthetic. It was very much a man's living space. Minimal decorative pieces, brown leather furniture, large TV, bookcase filled with books, and wait... was that a mini fridge in the living room?

"So."

She turned at hearing his voice hoping he didn't catch her scoping out his stuff.

"Uh," he fumbled as he lifted a hand toward the living room. "Do you have time to stay for a while, or did you need to get back?"

"I can stay for a while."

He gave a soft nod and continued gesturing toward the living room. "After you."

She turned her head from him and walked into the space she had just looked over. His politeness made her feel more comfortable being in a stranger's flat. Although, she knew they wouldn't be strangers after this meeting. They would be acquaintances.

She took a seat to one side of the oversized leather sofa. He sat down on the leather armchair more to her right that had an ottoman in front of it.

Laying her keys on the cushion beside her, she looked back over to him.

"So, you wanted to know what it is I do."

John began to feel even more nervous. Why was he so nervous about talking to someone in his living room? They were both adults, neighbors, just getting to know the other.

"I did. I mean I do," he stammered.

He watched her cross one leg over the other, revealing much more of her trim, firm calf and part of her thigh. The heels of course where not helping him not to look. He was but a man.

His gaze shifted instantly as she began to speak.

"I am an associate meteorologist actually."

His eyebrows lifted upward as his interest piqued.

"I'm glad you didn't ask me to guess."

"Why is that?"

"I would have never guessed that."

She smirked. "And just what would you have guessed, Mr. Bates?"

He felt his throat tightened just a little. What would he say? He honestly didn't know.

"I'm not sure."

"Well, that is the reason I am up early in the mornings. My shift starts at five. I am guessing you don't watch the local news?"

She had let him off the hook with not making him guess which he was thankful.

"Well, I have only been here three days."

"I had wondered when you had sneaked in next door," she lightly chuckled.

"Sunday."

She had been out all day Sunday. No wonder she hadn't heard all the moving noise.

"And you are already unpacked and everything," she marveled.

"Yes, having everything in boxes everywhere would drive me mad. I don't have a lot of things anyway."

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you move from?"

"London."

"London? What made you move to Yorkshire of all places?"

"Change of scenery. The city was out growing me."

"Well, that's one way to put it," she smiled. "Well, the country is definitely a change of scenery and pace. I hope you and your family will like it here."

He shifted a little in his chair and replied, "It's only me, and I believe I will. Do you and your family enjoy it here?"

"It is only me as well. I mean living in the flat. I have a brother who lives not terribly far. I've lived here all my life. I can't complain really. I enjoy living here."

John was enjoying the easy back and forth of the pretty much ritual questions of getting to know another person. Anna was easy to talk to, and he was taking pleasure in her company.

"So, what's a bloke like you doing home in the late afternoon?" She asked, changing the subject.

"You might as well know I'm a good-for-nothing."

"What?" she laughed. "I doubt that very much."

He smiled at seeing her laugh. It made him feel good all over.

"Why is that, Miss Smith?" He teased.

"Because there is always a place for a man like you," she stated confidently.

Their gaze held each other's for a few seconds before he broke it.

"Oh yes."

"Now, unless you are a member of MI6, I would like to know what it is you do."

He opened his mouth and lightly gasped as though she had guessed correctly.

John watched Anna's eyes grow wide.

"Oh my God. Are you really?"

"No," he chuckled.

"Why you!" She looked to see if he had any throw pillows. Disappointed, she didn't see any.

"If you had a throw pillow on this sofa, I would throw it at you!" Her eyes narrowed playfully.

"I guess it is my lucky day that I don't."

"Very lucky, indeed."

"No, in all honesty, I design websites and host them. I work from home."

She arched one eyebrow up as if she were waiting for him to be teasing again.

"I am being serious this time," he defended himself.

"Mhm."

"I am," he laughed. "Here, let me show you."

He stood to his feet and walked in the direction of his office. He switched on the light and waited for Anna to join him. She walked in and observed the room.

"Well, isn't this a nice home office," she complimented.

"Thank you. I will spend a lot of time in here, so I like to keep it tidy."

"Do you enjoy working from home?"

"I do actually. I'm not much of a people person and not having to commute is fine by me."

"Yes, I could tell about the people person part yesterday," she quipped as her lips curled up in a little smirk.

John sighed in guilt. "I'm not one for making good first impressions. I'm sorry if I was rude."

Anna walked behind his desk chair and looked up at the certificates he had along the wall. She turned and looked at him.

"It wasn't rude. It was more... well, it was very blunt."

John looked to the floor then back to her.

"I am not comfortable with people thinking I need extra assistance just because of-"

He stopped speaking and slightly lifted his cane.

"It puts most people off as it is," he finished.

She looked to his wooden cane then back up at him. "I rather like it."

He could not hide the surprised look that formed on his face. He had a hard time believing that to be so.

"It really is okay. I am more than used to it."

"Mr. Bates," she said as she crossed her arms in front of her. "I know we only just met, but you should know I don't do much flattery. When I say something I mean it. It suits you, and when I say I like it that is exactly what I mean."

The tone of her definitive statement made him subconsciously grip the curved handle of his cane tighter. He wasn't really sure if it was for balance or the need to hold onto something.

"I will keep that in mind," he managed to reply.

"Please, do," she smiled. "Are you done working for today?"

"I'm not."

She uncrossed her arms. "Am I keeping you from working? I apologize if I am."

He was quick to respond. "No, no I can work at my own pace. One of the perks of being one's boss."

"So, you work when the creativity strikes."

"I do on the design side. The hosting side is mainly done during business hours. I will tweak and fix issues if they arise and the like."

"Sounds very interesting."

He scoffed. "Not as interesting as yours. Are you going to tell me the weather?"

She laughed which made him laugh as well. She pushed his forearm playfully from his comment.

"Just for that no I won't."

"But it is your duty."

"My duty?!" She covered her mouth while she laughed again.

"Alright, I will find out soon enough," he relented.

She lowered her hand. "Yes, you will."

They stood together in companionable silence for a few seconds before she spoke again.

"Well, I thank you for allowing me to take up some of your time. I won't keep you from your work any longer."

In truth, he wasn't ready for her to leave, but he didn't feel he had the right to ask her to stay longer.

She walked out of the office and back into the main living area. She stopped at his front door and waited for him.

"Will I be seeing you most mornings that early? Surely you don't start work at 5am like I do."

"I'm a light sleeper and a morning person. It just depends."

"At least one of us is."

"You're not even though you're up early?"

"I hate mornings. So, maybe I'll see you in the morning another time."

"Hopefully in a better state," he quipped.

"Don't change the robe look on account of me," she grinned. "I'll see you around."

She opened the door and he held it open for her. Stepping out into the hall, she gave him a small wave.

"Have a good evening."

"Thank you. You as well," he replied before he watched her walk away.