A/N: Enjoy x

Disclaimer: Same 1-4.

"Whoop!" Anna exclaimed as she almost toppled her insulated tumbler full of tea while she locked her door.

Steadying herself, she walked down the stairs. An ungraceful yawn escaped her as she reached the lobby. She took a few steps forward and stopped.

John was standing by the front door looking down at the newspaper.

A tight smile formed as she walked towards him.

"Is this your new morning reading area or have you took up a post as a doorman?" She lightly teased.

"I knew I had missed my true calling," he smiled still looking at the paper.

She chuckled.

"Good morning. Looks like you're ready for your day."

She looked him over. He was dressed in medium wash denims with a brown belt, a tucked in maroon polo shirt, and dark brown oxfords. He looked highly attractive.

He looked up from his paper and met her gaze. With a half smile he replied, "Good morning to you. Allow me."

He opened the lobby door for her with the professional flourish.

"Why thank you kind sir."

She walked through and turned around when she was outside.

John kept the door open and responded, "You're very welcome. Have a good day."

"I haven't forgotten about the lemon cake you know."

"I didn't doubt it."

"I may come round later to see what my cup of sugar made."

"Your cup?" He asked as his eyebrows lifted some.

"That's right," she grinned.

He gave a short, throaty chuckle.

"Off with you. Don't want to be late."

"You have a good day as well."

He gave her a polite nod as she walked away. He stood there until he was sure she was out of the car park. The door closed behind him and he got into his vehicle.

The drive to the store didn't take too long, and now he was browsing the aisles. He pulled up a recipe for lemon cake on his phone as he searched for what would be needed.

Lowering some flour into his shopping cart, he wondered how it looked for a man to be shopping in the baking section at 5am. The store wasn't busy at all which he was thankful.

"Lemon zest?" He said to himself as he remained in the baking aisle. Had he ever zested a lemon? Oh God, he thought.

He decided to leave that for a moment as he continued placing items into the cart.

How many items were needed for a simple cake?

He grumbled and placed the cold items needed in the cart with the dry.

As he made it to produce, he had to laugh at himself. There he was in the store getting ingredients for cake at the crack of dawn. He had never in his life done such a thing. The only reason was because Anna was expecting a lemon cake when she got off work. That was another thing. When had he ever baked a cake for someone? Maybe he had, but it had been a very long time ago.

Why was he making one now? The only answer he had was he didn't want to disappoint Anna, and he had asked to borrow the sugar.

Lemon secured, he knew without a doubt he didn't have this thing that the web search was telling him he needed. He wasn't sure where in the store to find it either.

He walked around until he saw an elderly woman who appeared to be an employee. Feeling uncomfortable, he approached the woman.

"Pardon me."

The gray haired woman turned and looked at him.

"Yes, may I help you?"

"I am hoping so. I am in need of a lemon zester. Would you be able to tell me where I could find one?"

She looked from him to his cart. She gave a look and looked back up to him.

"Making a lemon cake before 6am."

"I- Well, I am." He felt a little embarrassed yet irritated.

"Should be able to find it in aisle 9."

"Thank you," he said and didn't wait for a response before moving on.

Back at home, he lined up what he had bought on his worktop. His eyes crinkled as he looked at the bag of sugar he had to buy. All the recipes he looked at called for more than one cup.

He propped up his phone to the instructions and began reading them.

"Cake pan... cake pan," he murmured as he looked around his cabinets.

Did he not have a cake pan?

"Wonderful," he frowned and pulled out a loaf pan instead.

Anna was setting up her tablet for her live stream. She placed it in a small tripod that kept it eye level for her. It was convenient, and it allowed her to interact more freely with her viewers. She always got excited about this half hour of her day. The viewers seemed to enjoy it as well.

She took a sip of water and got settled into her chair. A quick hair and make up check was completed by herself and then she turned on her video.

"Hello, Everyone! I hope everyone is well. Thank you for joining me again during your lunch break or whatever you may be doing for weather questions with Anna."

She read some of the comments being sent and began to respond.

"Good morning to you too, Angela! I hope your day is blessed as well. Hi, LeedsFC88."

She read some more, and asked, "What types of questions do we have today?"

She saw a few hearts float up the screen. It made her smile more.

"Lynn wants to know what causes fog."

She looked off from the video for a couple of seconds and looked back to answer.

"Fog is caused by tiny water droplets suspended in the air, and it is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibility to less than 1000 m. A thick fog could cause even less visibility. This is why fog warnings and watches are issued. Great question."

She took a sip from her mug which only contained water and read another comment.

"Posey606 would like to know what my favorite part about my job is. Well, Posey, it is hard to pick just one, but honestly it is all of you. I am thankful to be able to help support our communities with the most accurate and up-to-date forecasts. Awww, everyone here at Channel 6 loves and appreciates you too, Sam."

She adjusted in her seat a little.

"Let's see here. CupofSugar wants to know if they will need an umbrella tomorrow to collect the newspaper."

She felt a little flush go up her neck. She smiled at the camera and stalled a little. CupofSugar... Was that John, she said internally. She couldn't be absolutely sure do to the username, but it would be quite the coincidence if it wasn't. Oh my God, he might be watching her.

"Well, CupofSugar, it seems as though the rain will hold off tomorrow, so no umbrella will be needed. That could change day after next. We will keep you informed."

The rest of the stream she looked to see if CupofSugar would make another comment. To her disappointment, they hadn't. Something told her it had been him. She hadn't thought of him watching the live stream, but if he had watched the noon broadcast he could have very well watched this too.

When her day ended, it was still driving her mad. She needed to know if it was him or not. She was sitting in the car park outside the building wondering if she should just straight out ask him. What harm would it do? He would either look at her like she was crazy, or he would say yes. She really wouldn't mind if it was a yes. Maybe she wouldn't mention it at all. No, she had to know.

The car door slammed shut after she closed it. Her steps carried her briskly across the car park, into the lobby, and up the stairs.

She now stood in front of his door. She hadn't even stopped at her own home before she reached her hand up to knock.

The door unlocked and opened. John was stoic at first then gave her a secret smile.

"Anna," he greeted cheerfully.

"Hi, John."

"I wasn't expecting you this early."

"I just got off work." Feeling a little like she was imposing she continued, "I can come back another time if you're busy."

"Nonsense. Please come in."

He moved back, and she stepped inside.

"Thank you."

He closed the door and turned to her.

"I'm guessing you were just excited to try the lemon cake."

She felt a little relieved that she would have the opportunity to ask with a distraction.

"Yes, quite excited."

"Would you care for a cuppa and a slice then?"

"I would if it's not a bother."

"Not a bother at all. I had strict orders to share," he quipped.

She giggled lightly. "Yes, you did."

He waved his hand toward the kitchen. "After you."

They walked into the kitchen. John went to the kettle and said, "Have a seat. You've been working all day."

"I don't mind to help," she protested slightly.

"I know, but please, I won't be but a moment."

Relenting, she sat down at the table and watched John buzz around his kitchen. She thought about how nice he was. He had a gentle strength about him that was unlike any other man she had known. It was refreshing.

"I sort of made more of a lemon loaf rather than a cake," he said, looking at the task still in front of him.

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

He looked over his shoulder.

"I'll tell you if you keep it under your hat."

She gave him a look with a small smile.

"I didn't have a cake pan."

"What?"

She couldn't help but laugh.

He turned and brought over two plates each with a slice of lemon loaf on them.

"You don't have a cake pan, yet wanted to make a cake."

He walked back over to get her mug and brought it to her. She looked down and it was already made the way she took it. It warmed her heart that he remembered.

"Courses never do run smooth."

He collected his own mug and joined her at the table.

"I'm only teasing you, John. This looks lovely."

They both picked up their piece and took a bite. The strong taste of lemon peel was present as they chewed.

"It's very moist," Anna complimented. She didn't want to keep teasing him.

John took a long sip of his tea and then coughed. "I think I put too much zest into this. Don't torture yourself with eating more of it."

"Torture myself? It's hardly that bad."

"It's no where near as good as the one you made. I am out of practice," he admitted.

"I'm going to eat this piece because you took the time to make it."

"Really, it won't hurt my feelings."

"And eating this won't hurt me either. Maybe I can help you make another one in the future if you'd like."

John gazed at her. "That is very kind."

They shared a small smile. Anna sipped her tea.

"How was work?" He asked, changing the subject from the horrible lemon loaf.

She swallowed another bite then answered, "It was a good day. Each day at 11:30 I do a live stream segment with viewers which is fun."

She looked to see what sort of reaction he had. He shifted a little and his jaw flexed. It had to been him.

"Yes, I've seen it."

He looked up at her with a guilty, floppy smile.

"I knew it!"

She was a little louder than she expected with her respond. It made her happy to know it had been him.

"And what is it you know?"

The way he bantered with her made her enjoy his company even more.

"That a certain someone commented on the stream today."

He raised his mug and took a sip. With mug still in hand, he acted to reflect on the information.

"Yes, I imagine several people comment."

"Not just anyone, silly, you!"

"Me?" He acted surprised.

"Yes!" She laughed. "You! You could have just used your name."

"Where would be the fun in that?" He asked, admitting it was him in the process.

She shook her head. "Did you really like it?"

John took another sip and commented, "I don't see how you do it."

"Do what?"

"Get in front of cameras and talk to people. Not to mention doing all of that all morning while smiling. But yes, I enjoyed the stream."

He watched her play with the handle of her mug.

"I guess I've just always been naturally friendly, so I don't ever really think about it."

"You do a fantastic job," he assured.

"Thank you."

He was rewarded with another smile.

It was now Friday. Both John and Anna had been wrapped up in work and errands the day before.

John had two more companies contact him, so his work load had increased. He hadn't been able to catch her stream yesterday, so he made it a point to do so. He was in his home office, leaned back in his desk chair with his phone in his hand. She was answering something about wind pressure of all things, when his opportunity to comment came up.

"Do we have anyone new with us today?"

He began to type out his comment and sent it.

I'm new to the stream. Your knowledge is amazing.

He waited for his comment to appear to her. He couldn't help the smile that crept up on his face. He felt something inside him when he could tell she saw his username. He kinda liked being able to talk to her publicly yet anonymously. Well, anonymous to everyone but her.

She grinned and looked at the screen. He chuckled as she began to speak.

"Hello, CupofSugar. Thank you for joining me today. I hope you will continue to do so. Thank you for your sweet compliment."

A warmth spread at her response. Anna Smith was definitely one of a kind. He was thankful to her have as a neighbor and very possibly a friend.

He listened as she signed off then exited the app.

His day moved forward quickly after that. Several tasks and troubleshooting issues kept him busy until late in the evening. The work load was a welcome one. He enjoyed keeping himself occupied and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Looking to his computer, he noted the time. It was a little past 8pm. He more than likely sounded like a dolt, but he missed her company. It was silly. It had only been a day and a half or so since he had last seen her. Well, in person that is. He couldn't expect her to see her neighbor everyday. That would be out staying one's welcome, but nevertheless, he missed the interaction all the same.

Absentmindedly, he looked to his phone. He didn't have her number, an even if he did he didn't know if it'd be proper to just ring her up. Did neighbors chat on the phone?

If he wanted to see her he would have to go knock on her door. He couldn't use the sugar excuse again for a while. The thought of him having to bake something else stopped that idea. What could he say?

He leaned forward in his chair as a thought came to him. Yes, he could ask her to critique one of his websites. He would be getting a second opinion. Satisfied with the reasoning, he got up and collected his cane. He ambled into the living area. Instead of getting his keys, he used the top swing lock to prop his door enough to be able to easily walk back in.

Now in front of her door he knocked a couple of times and waited. He shifted his weight more to his left leg and looked down the hall. With no answer yet, he decided to try the doorbell. Maybe she was in a part of the flat where she hadn't heard the knock. He rang the bell and looked off again trying to not feel awkward. She must not be home. Of course she probably wasn't on a Friday night. She was young and lively, but she also worked very hard. A night out was well deserved.

He slowly walked back to his door. The assumption he had that she was home and would just readily be available to talk to made him feel a little guilty. He propped open his door and swung the lock back in its place, it was then he heard someone coming into the hall.

"John, are you headed out?"

He looked to see Anna still in work clothes. Concern was written on his face.

"Are you just getting off from work?"

"No, though I was there late today for a meeting. After that a colleague and I went out for dinner. Were you going out?"

"No, I was just. I was just going back inside," he said as he opened his door more.

He was having difficulty taking his eyes off of her. Her sparkling blue eyes shone at him as she came closer.

"Fancy a visit?"

He stepped inside and held the door open for her. She happily accepted his silent offer to come inside.

He closed the door, and Anna sighed.

"Knackered?" He asked her softly.

"It was a very long day."

"Yes, it was if you're just getting home."

He watched her shift her purse on her shoulder and juggle her lunch bag and tumbler.

"May I take your items?"

She smiled and handed him her lunch bag and tumbler. She then placed her purse on a hook by the door.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure. May I get you anything?"

"I'm rather full from dinner. I thank you though."

Oh, yes. She had been out to dinner with a colleague. He was secretly hoping she wasn't here to tell him about a date. He would be neighborly and listen of course, but he really did not want to be friend zoned that quickly. Once a woman started talking to you about all their bloke problems it probably meant you had zero chance of anything with them. Not that he thought he really had a chance, but he liked to think the option could be there.

He offered her a tight nod, and together they walked into his sitting room. John took his usual seat in the armchair, and Anna sat in the same place on the sofa as she had the last time.

"You're sure I'm not intruding?" Anna asked looking a bit concerned she was putting him out.

"Not at all. I worked a long time today, so I am free," he replied with a flail of his hand.

"I was hoping you were. To tell the truth, I was thinking of a reason to come knock on your door, so I was glad to see you in the hall."

John gazed at her intently to see if she might be teasing him. He found no sign of it. She had been wanting to see him just as he had wanted to see her.

"You might find me ridiculous, but that was what I was doing in the hall."

She looked a little confused. "What was?"

"I had come to see if you were home."

She giggled, "Great minds think alike."

"Indeed they do," he smiled.

"This is just silly. Us going back and forth not knowing if the other might or might not be home."

He watched her stand and walk towards the door. A bit of panic set in. He hoped he had not offended her by admitting he too had been searching her out.

She stopped at her purse and pulled out her phone. He settled back down as she walked back over and sat down. The need to clear his throat arose.

"We should just exchange numbers. That way we can just text instead of lingering out in the hall," Anna offered.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and unlocked it.

"You make a great point."

"So, you don't find me odd in asking to exchange numbers?" She smiled teasingly.

"Not at all. This way if you need anything you can reach me."

"Same for you," she commented lightly.

They exchanged numbers and sat their phones down on the table between the chair and sofa.

John prompted their conversation.

"So, you had a meeting."

Anna crossed her legs and got into the conversation. He listened closely as she told him about the meeting and what it entailed. He enjoyed paying attention to her and watching her talk animatedly about her work. The passion she exhibited was infectious.

God, he enjoyed this so much. It was so simple their casual back and forth, but he was relishing it. It was nice to just unwind and talk especially with someone as wonderful as Anna.

"And then I went to dinner with Phyllis."

"Phyllis?" He asked, internally relieved it was a woman's name.

"Phyllis is one of the morning news anchors at the station. We go out after work sometimes. It's nice to hang out outside of work."

"As hard as you work, you deserve fun nights out."

"Is that so?" She asked playfully.

"Yes, of course. You're young and lively. It's us older people who should be staying home."

"Oh, please," she admonished. "You aren't anywhere close to being old."

"Maybe not old but not young either."

"And just how old are you then?"

"You might run for the door."

He chuckled a little as she tossed him a look.

"I am forty-two," he said as he looked to his lap.

"You silly beggar. Forty-two is not old, though I have always liked older men."

He lifted his head and looked to her. She was giving him a look that made him have to swallow. Was he dreaming she said that? Maybe he would have to pinch himself to be sure. He felt heat against his neck as she kept her eyes locked on his.

"So, I would say fun nights out would apply to you too."

"Would you?" He asked because he was having a hard time trying to formulate something more substantial to say.

"I would. Have you been out anywhere since you've been here?"

"Just places for errands and the like."

"Then what would you say to a fun night out with a twenty-eight year old neighbor? It might help you get to know the county better," she offered.

John reflected for a few seconds on her age. There was an age gap there for certain, but him revealing his age to her hadn't fazed her at all. He wouldn't let the information she shared with him faze him either.

"I would say I would be a fool to turn down such an offer."

He was rewarded with a brilliant smile.

"Do you have plans tomorrow evening?"

"I do not."

Even if he had he would have cancelled them.

"Hmmmm... let's say we meet in the lobby at five and we will venture out. Something casual."

"Sounds wonderful."

"Great. Thank you for letting me come talk your ear off. Feel free to ramble on to me anytime."

He smiled and stood to his feet when she did.

"It was a pleasure. You can talk to me anytime."

She reached up and squeezed his upper arm.

"Thank you, John."

He took a deeper breath and replied, "No need to thank me."

She dropped her hand, and they walked to the door. She collected her things and looked to him.

"You may want to bring a jacket. It may be a little brisk tomorrow night," she smirked.

"Yes ma'am," he responded.

He opened the door for her. She stepped into the hall and gave him a wave. After she walked away, he closed his door. He locked it and walked to his bedroom. He was beginning to change for the night when his phone beeped at him.

He grabbed his phone to see Anna had sent him a text message.

Goodnight John. See you tomorrow.

He grinned widely at the message and sent one back.

Goodnight Anna. I am looking forward to it.