A/N: Hello, everyone. I apologize for my sudden halt in writing again. I had a family member pass between the last time I posted until now. I felt the want to log in this morning and saw I had this chapter almost complete. I promise I am working on the continued layout of Handwritten Love. Life just put me on hold for a while. I hope you all are well. Xx

Disclaimer: Same 1-7. All words directly from Downton Abbey also belong to Mr. Fellowes. I own nothing.

The week had flown by for Anna as work kept her busy. She had filled in twice in the afternoon for a sick colleague and attended a few meetings. She had been exhausted each evening when she made it home and usually went straight to bed.

It was now Friday morning, and she was ready for her day. She checked the time and decided it wouldn't hurt to be at work early. She was excited for the day to begin because it was her birthday after all.

She bypassed her usual morning treat and tea. They would more than likely have treats at the news station for her birthday, which was part of her excitement. Placing her phone in her purse, she slipped the purse strap over her shoulder and collected her keys. With a little hum, she opened her door, stepped into the hall, and locked the door. Her attention was quickly turned to the right at the end of the hall.

Joseph Molesley, who lived three doors down, closed his door and waved over to her.

"Good morning, Anna," he greeted cheerfully with something in his hand as he approached.

Anna gave him a polite smile and replied, "Good morning, Joe."

When he was near her, he said, "I'm glad I caught you before you were off."

Anna looked at him still politely but expectantly.

In a song song voice, he announced, "It's someone's birthday!"

Oh, yes. Now she remembered. She had told him last year when he had ran into her on her birthday. He must have remembered.

"You remembered. How nice."

Joe looked down shyly before lifting up a small gift bag.

"It's not much. Just a little something I thought you might enjoy."

"Joe," she admonished, "you shouldn't have."

"Nonsense, not every day is your birthday," he responded, looking at her again.

"No, it is not."

He nudged the gift bag toward her again, and she took it from him.

Looking inside, she pulled out a book and read the cover.

"Elizabeth and Her German Garden."

"I thought you might enjoy."

"Thank you, Joe," she commented, trying to sound at least somewhat elated by the book choice.

They both heard a door close behind them. They turned and John was standing outside his door looking at the two of them. Anna's eyes checked him out swiftly. He was looking good in a pair of athlete lounge pants.

John politely nodded while looking at her. It was then she came to her senses. She cleared her throat and looked back at Joe.

"Joe, this is our new neighbor, John Bates. Well, not brand new now but I don't believe you've met."

John walked over to the end of the hall and offered his hand to Joe.

"Joseph Molesley, pleasure to meet you," Joe introduced and shook John's hand a little awkwardly.

They released each other's hand, and John replied with a tight smile, "Likewise."

John turned to gaze at Anna. He gave her a slightly protective look. He wasn't sure what was going on but curiosity was winning out.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," she replied.

"What's this?" He asked casually, looking down at the book in her hand.

Anna looked down as well, appearing to have already forgotten the book in her hand, and looked back up.

"Oh! Joe here was kind enough to get this for me."

"That is nice," John said evenly. "What is the occasion?"

Joe laughed and said, "It's Anna's birthday!"

John's eyes widen as his stomach sank. It was Anna's birthday? Why hadn't she told him? Was there something between-

Anna reached up the grasped John's upper arm as though she had read his thoughts.

"I had told Joe last year it was my birthday when I had ran into him. It seems he remembered when it was."

"Of course I did. There aren't too many as nice as you are in the building. You deserve to have a good birthday," Joe said happily and genuinely.

John felt a rift of irritation run through him at Joe. It wasn't the man's fault he didn't know it was Anna's birthday, but his overly happy tone at the fact he did know grated on him.

"That is thoughtful, Mr. Molesley," John stated as he gave him a polite nod.

"Thank you, Joe," Anna said again as she dropped her hand from John's arm.

"I have read that myself. Maybe sometime we could... possibly... discuss it," Joe somewhat nervously got out although it was a little awkward to ask in front of Mr. Bates.

Anna placed the book back into the gift bag and faced Joe again. She could feel John's subtle intense nature colored eyes observing her.

"Well, life has a way of keeping us all busy and on our toes. Speaking of, I shouldn't want to be late for work. Thank you again, Joe."

John stepped to the side to allow her a path to the stairs.

Their eyes met in a secretive glance. John regarded her with the kindest eyes and said, "Happy Birthday."

Anna gave him a little smile and responded, "Thank you, John."

She took a few steps toward the stairs and said, "You two have a good day."

Before they could reply she had already disappeared down the stairs.

"Nice girl that Anna. Do you know if she has anyone special in her life?" Joe asked still looking to the stairs.

John puffed out his chest and reflected on the question. Did he have any right to claim her? No, he did not, but the want was there all the same. He didn't need this Mr. Molesley to think he had a chance.

"I would like to say she hasn't, but I'm afraid she has, yes."

Joe's brow furrowed at the statement.

"Do you think he's keen on her, or is it worth a go?"

John shifted his weight and said, "Well, he keeps himself to himself. He can be hard to read at times, but I'd say he's keen, very keen indeed."

Joe pursed his lips and sighed. It was always his luck. "Of course, a girl like her would have someone special."

John was keeping his cool about how Joe was speaking about Anna. He didn't have any right to be offended, yet.

John hummed his agreement.

They stood in silence for a moment until Joe broke the silence.

"Well, it's still quite early. I believe I'll head back inside, Mr. Bates."

"Yes, I believe I will as well. See you another time."

Joe nodded. They parted ways. Joe closed his door behind him, and John walked as quickly as he could to his flat.

Once inside, he looked for his phone. It was lying on the kitchen table. He was about to text her when he realized she would still be driving. He would have to wait a little bit because he didn't want her to read it while driving.

He held his phone down to his side and walked into his office. He sat down in his desk chair, turned on his computer, and laid his phone down.

How hadn't he known it was her birthday? Had he not been paying attention when she mentioned it? No, he knew that wouldn't be the reason.

They hadn't talked a lot that week. They had sent a few texts, but that had been it since their Monday evening laundry meet up. He knew she had been extremely busy. Maybe she had just forgotten to mention it.

He logged in and pulled up a web browser.

Oh my God, he thought and rubbed a hand over his face. It was Anna's birthday, and he was completely unprepared.

He lowered his hand and continued to think. Maybe she already had plans after work for her birthday. It would be a good reason to have forgotten to mention it to him. He chided himself. He was not going to blame Anna for not mentioning her birthday. She had just had a very long week, and she probably hadn't even thought of it.

His thoughts turned to the gift Joe had given her. He typed in birthday gifts into the browser just needing to have something to look at. He wanted to be the one to present her with a nice gift for her birthday. He scrolled through the images and stopped. This was ridiculous. These images wouldn't tell him what to get her.

His phone lit up and beeped.

He instantly picked it up and opened the message.

I'm so sorry, John. I didn't mean not to tell you.

His anxiousness calmed after he read her text.

No apologizing on your birthday. Everything is alright.

Are you sure?

There was no way he was going to let her feel bad on her birthday especially on account of him.

I am absolutely sure. So, big plans today?

He watched the dots on the screen until her words came through.

They will probably have a small thing here at work. After that no plans.

His brows lifted at that. He smirked.

That won't do. May I take you out for your birthday this evening?

You may, but you don't have to.

I want to. Anywhere special you'd like to go for a birthday dinner?

He saw the dots and then they stopped. He waited a few seconds and sighed in relief when they appeared again.

Well...

He grinned and let out a throaty chuckle.

Yes?

There is this place called Emilio's that I enjoy for special occasion.

Emilio's it is. Will you be home at your regular time today?

I will.

I'll be at your door say 5pm? Is that enough time for you to get ready?

That is perfect. Thank you, John x

He grinned like an idiot at the added x to the text.

The pleasure is all mine.

Seeing she wasn't going to say anything more, he laid his phone back down and set to work on planning Anna's birthday.

Anna hummed happily as she entered her flat. Even though she had worked on her birthday, she was still having a great day.

They celebrated her at the station in between segments and commercials which she was very appreciative. It made her feel like more than just an employee to be recognized for a day.

She looked at the time, and it was already pushing 3pm. It was embarrassing to think, but it probably would take her close to two hours to get ready. John was taking her to Emilio's so she wanted to look her best.

Deciding a shower would be what she needed first, she walked into her bedroom then into the bathroom. Turning on the shower, she prepped her towels and other items, allowing the water to warm up before stepping inside.

She hummed as she lathered herself up with body wash. A smile came to her as she thought of John's comments on her live stream. She thought it adorable he commented incognito, and when he wished her a happy birthday in the comments the whole chat blew up. So many had wished her a happy birthday after that. She could picture him looking smug, maybe too smug. She might just have the opportunity to fix that later. He even commented more than once by saying he hoped it was the best birthday of her life. Giggling only to herself while washing her hair, she thought of the man soon to be at her door.

Anna buzzed around her bedroom walking from her closet and back to the bed. She hadn't expected to go out with John tonight. Honestly, when she realized she had forgotten to tell him it was her birthday, after an awkward encounter with Joe and John, she thought John wouldn't want to do anything. She wouldn't have blamed him. No, they hadn't known each other very long, but she could have at least hinted to him it was her birthday. She promised herself to communicate more with him. If it was too much for him then she'd let him be the one to say.

After pulling out a few dress options, she held up a red dress. She turned and looked at herself holding it up in a mirror. Oh yes, she thought.

She changed into the dress after she finished her hair and makeup. A light spritz of perfume, a pair of black heels, and a pair of earrings later, she was ready for her birthday dinner.

A ring of her bell alerted her he was there, and she eagerly went to open it.