A/N: Hello! Thank you all for continuing on with me on this fun, fluffy story. I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Xx
Disclaimer: Same 1-10.
John ambled his way down the stairs to the lobby. He hadn't slept very well. He assumed it had been because he kept letting his mind wonder to Anna, so there he was entering the lobby before 4.20am.
He yawned and quickly scanned the room. As usual, there was no one there. He walked across the room and collected the newspaper. Stepping back a bit, he waited by the lobby doors.
John really needed to see Anna that morning. It was more than likely reassurance he was looking for in waiting for her, but he didn't know why. She had invited him to her work and even snogged him in the car park. Maybe it was nerves. He made sure was already dressed for the day. He wouldn't be caught in his pajamas if her family happened to walk into the lobby with her. That would not make for the best first impression.
Lifting the paper, he looked over the front page. He wasn't really interested in reading it at that moment, but it helped him wait for her arrival which would be any moment. He twisted his grip on the curve of his cane in anticipation.
It was then he could see movement out of the corner of his eye. He heard heels clicking against the floor and knew it was Anna before she even got close.
"Isn't this a welcomed sight," he heard her greet pleasantly.
He then lifted his head, lowered the newspaper, and turned to her as she stopped in front of him.
"Good morning," he greeted in reply with a twitch of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
"Good morning. Didn't sleep very well?" She asked with a hint of concern.
He shrugged it off. "It happens."
He watched her reach up and grasp his arm. He could feel her warmth through his long sleeved shirt as their eyes met.
"Don't be working too late, Mr. Bates."
He smiled at her attempt to scold him.
"I shall try."
She lowered her hand, but the warmth didn't leave where her hand had been.
"I'm glad I caught you."
"Oh?" John gave her his full attention, not that she didn't already have it anyway.
"Yes, I wanted to ask if you had plans later. My brother, sister-in-law, and I are going out to walk around, browse some shops they like to visit while here, and have dinner. Would you like to join us?" She asked sweetly.
The doubts John had allowed to consume him the night before began to dissipate. There was nothing he wanted more than to be invited to join them.
"I would love to join you all," he replied sincerely. "What time did you have in mind?"
"Great! We were thinking of leaving at four. It's a short drive into York."
"I will be ready by four then."
"Wonderful," she beamed.
"Yours or mine?"
"Come on over at four."
"With pleasure."
"Well, you have a great day, and I will see you later."
She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. John grinned and opened the door for her.
"Have a good day, Anna," he rasped as she walked outside. His cheek was still tingling from where she had kissed him.
They waved at each other before Anna was out of sight. John released the door handle and continued to grin. He felt much lighter now that he had seen and spoken to her. It was going to be a great day, indeed, he thought as he walked back up to his flat.
John's heart was beating hard in his chest. It wasn't like he was meeting her parents, although meeting a sibling could be even more intense. He didn't even know if she had parents still living or not. There was still so much to learn about Anna. It was exciting to think he may have the chance to know anything and everything about her. He sighed deeply and ran a comb through his hair once more while looking in the mirror. He studied his appearance as he laid his comb down. His hand ran over his jawline and chin. He had done a fine job on the shave. It was important to him to look his best. He didn't want to embarrass Anna by looking anything less.
With one final look and a nod to himself in the mirror, he walked back into his bedroom. He collected his wallet and phone allowing his mind to brood while he made his way towards the front door.
He wanted this outing to go well. It was always harder if the family didn't like you. He would do his best to be friendly and easy going.
With keys in hand, he gripped his cane with a self determination and left his flat. He quickly locked his door, walked the few steps to Anna's door and stood there for a few seconds. He could hear voices inside but couldn't make out what was being said. That was until he heard Anna loudly call out.
"Get a move on, Eddie! John will be here any minute."
He chuckled at that and thought he should wait there another minute. It wouldn't hurt to give them a bit more time to be ready. He was a little early as it was.
When he heard the murmurs calm down, he knocked upon her door.
The door unlocked seconds later and he was greeted by a smiling Anna.
"Hi, John!" she beamed.
"Hello, Anna," he smiled back.
"Please come in since it is taking my brother forever and a day to be ready."
She rolled her eyes and stepped back. John silently chuckled and stepped inside.
"Thank you," he replied as she shut the door.
"Of course."
John and Anna were both startled as another raised voice broke through.
"Oh my God! Is he here?"
John looked in the direction the voice had came from and waited nervously for the person to appear. It had obviously been her sister-in-law, and she sounded excited to meet him.
"Yes, he is. Now stop shouting," Anna laughed.
She squeezed his arm and let go.
"They are quite an energetic pair," she whispered.
John nodded his understanding. They were brought out of their small moment as someone entered the room.
John looked to see a medium height, auburn haired woman. He straightened his back and put a warm smile on his face. As he looked at her facial expression, he could tell she was appraising him as she walked toward them. He couldn't tell though if she approved or disapproved.
He felt somewhat better when the woman smiled and reached out her hand.
"Hi, I'm Kayla Smith, Anna's sister-in-law."
John deftly transferred his cane to his left hand and politely shook hands with the woman.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Smith. I am John Bates."
They dropped hands, and Kayla smiled even bigger.
"Oh, please, call me Kayla. It's not very often I get called Mrs. Smith."
"Very well, Kayla," he replied.
John felt Anna press a hand onto his lower back making her stand even closer to him. He appreciated the extra support not to mention her closer proximity.
"So, Anna tells me you're her neighbor," Kayla began.
Before John could reply, Anna's brother walked in.
"Oi! I haven't even introduced myself yet."
John looked at the man walking their way. He had several of the same features Anna had. It was easy to tell they were related. He noted her brother had looked a few seconds at his cane before looking back up to him.
"Hello, I'm Edward Smith, but everyone calls me Eddie."
John and Eddie shook hands firmly. When they released, John replied, "John Bates. Pleasure to meet you."
"Same to you. I'm Anna's brother."
John would have liked to replied what he was to Anna, but he didn't quite know. He wouldn't be presumptuous and say boyfriend. Would that be the right term? Did adults have girlfriends or boyfriends?
He was thankful Anna spoke instead.
"Now, that we've been introduced. Shall we get going?"
"We shall," Eddie agreed.
Leaving Anna's flat, Eddie and Kayla walked briskly and took the stairs with great ease. John felt bad Anna was taking the stairs one at a time with him.
"You don't have to walk down with me."
Anna looked up and over to him as they took another step down.
"What do you mean?"
"You can go on ahead with them. I know I'm a bit on the slow side," he said with a tight smile.
"Are you? I think you're quite the perfect pace," she replied without hesitation. "I told you they are very lively. We don't have to be right with them."
"Just don't want to slow you down is all," he commented wistfully.
Anna stopped them on the next landing and turned to look at John. He turned as well with confusion on his face.
"If I thought you were slowing me down I would say so. I rather like the idea of having small bits of time alone with you," she stated with a slightly naughty look.
Anna loved the knowing smirk that crept onto his features.
"Do you?" John asked with the smirk still present.
"Mhm," she hummed.
He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek. She felt a shiver run up her spine from the contact. Anna pressed a hand against his broad chest and turned her head just enough to kiss him fully. His little jolt of surprise didn't last but a second before he kissed her back. With a smile, she pulled back. When he straightened back up, she placed her hand into his free hand.
"We're going to have a lovely night," Anna stated confidently.
They continued down the stairs to the lobby.
"Yes," he agreed.
They all got into Anna's car. John sat in the passenger seat next to Anna with Eddie and Kayla sitting in the back.
"Kayla and Anna have a bit of a thing for the shops, John. Be prepared."
Anna looked unamused at her brother through the rear view mirror.
"You are one to talk, Eddie. Who exactly bought the most when we were last here?"
"Anna's right. It was you," Kayla confirmed.
"No need to gang up on me. We only go this way once or twice a year," Eddie defended himself. "I didn't buy a ton. There aren't that many shops."
"I'm not sure why you two even like going," Anna shrugged.
"It's an unique area. I'm not obsessed with Harry Potter," replied Eddie.
Kayla laughed.
"What? I'm not."
"It's been many years since I've been to The Shambles," John said, adding to the conversation and hopefully saving Eddie from further interrogation.
"It's nice for a short outing like we are doing tonight. We'll browse some and then eat at the pub there," said Anna.
"Yes, I love that place. They have a local brew that is stunning. John, I highly recommend," Eddie commented animatedly.
"Not much of a drinker myself," John commented confidently. "I'll take your word for it."
"No worries. Their food is brilliant too."
"Yes," Kayla spoke. "Remember we got that... oh what was it... we three split it before our meal."
"The chili skin-on fries?" Anna asked as she made a left turn.
"Yes! That sauce they add to it. You are in for a treat John if they still have those," Kayla raved.
John smirked back at the couple for a moment then looked back in front of him. "I'm sure of it. You're already making a hungry."
When they arrived, it took Anna several minutes to find a place to park, but once she had they all exited the car.
Kayla and Eddie walked towards the street as Eddie offered his arm. Kayla took it before they crossed the road.
John rounded the car to stand beside Anna.
"See? They will be mainly doing their own thing. They'll come and go until it's time for dinner."
John didn't really mind. He was quite looking forward to casually exploring with Anna.
"Shall we?" John replied.
"Yes," Anna stated affectionately.
She reached for John's left hand and laced their fingers together. The feel of her palm pressed to his felt very natural. It was then they crossed the road and set off toward the small street of shops.
"I haven't even asked how you are," Anna spoke casually as they rounded the corner and saw the shop lined street come into view.
"I'm very well and you?"
"I'm very well as well. Thank you."
He tilted his head down just a bit to be able to talk better to her as people walked by and around them.
"Is there a certain place you'd like to stop first?"
It was then they saw Eddie popping his head out of the shop to their right.
"Anna, John! In here," he called out before he disappeared back inside.
Anna shook her head. "I apologize for him. He gets overly excited about most things."
John squeezed her hand gently.
"Eddie seems to be a great guy. It's good to be full of life."
Anna grinned up at him. John smiled down at her.
When they reached the door. John released her hand and turned the knob. He allowed it to swing open. He softly pressed his hand to her lower back, allowing her to enter the shop first. John felt her press back against his hand making his eyes crinkle at the corners.
Without moving his hand, he closed the door. They walked further inside and saw Eddie and Kayla looking over a large glass display case.
John looked around and noted they were in a chocolate shop. He suddenly could smell the decadence in the air.
"Anna, look at these."
Kayla pointed to a wide selection of chocolate truffles. Each one had a place card in front to describe what was inside.
Anna stood beside Kayla as the two of them looked the chocolates over. John wondered over to where Eddie was looking over a selection of fudge.
Eddie looked over as John looked down at the variety.
"I hardly ever buy this type of stuff, but they make it so well here."
"Same for me. I rarely buy sweets. I'll have cake or pastry over this any day," John commented back.
Eddie said more quietly, "I mainly make it look like I buy it for myself, but Kayla has a sweet tooth. She ends up enjoying it more than I do. Anna loves anything chocolate."
John gave a quick nod at the hint. "I may make a purchase of my own then."
Eddie gave a look of approval before turning his head to see the girls had walked further away. He turned back and stood closer to John.
Lowly, he asked, "So, how long have you been seeing my sister?"
John felt a little unsteady at the sudden change in topic. He subconsciously was glad of his cane helping him keep to his feet.
John's eyes flicked over to the girls before he looked back to Eddie.
"I moved here several weeks ago. Anna is my neighbor so I see her regularly."
"I meant in the more official sense."
"We've not made anything official, yet."
Eddie motioned for them to walk to a different part of the shop further way from the girls.
"Look, John. I've only just met you. From the very little I know, you seem like a good bloke. It's just... I'm protective of my little sis. If you continue to see her outside of just neighbors, I'll expect you to be good to her."
Eddie stared at him expectantly.
"I can assure you I only have honorable intentions where she is concerned. It is good to see she has family willing to stick up for her."
"I'm not saying she's fragile by any means."
John's eyes shone. "No. I haven't known her for nearly as long as you have and can tell that. She's a truly marvelous person."
Eddie clapped John on the shoulder. "I'm glad we see eye to eye."
"That we do."
"John!"
Both men looked to the other side of the room. Anna was waving them over.
They both walked. Anna curled her hand around John's bicep as she pointed to a few truffles she was admiring.
"Yes," John murmured. "I was going to get a few of those."
John pointed to one of the selections Anna had been talking about.
"You were?" Anna smiled.
"I am in fact."
"Now I won't feel so bad if I buy these here."
"We'll share."
Anna squeezed his arm and said, "You're the best."
With chocolate purchases made all around, they wandered back onto the busy street. Eddie and Kayla strode off again to wherever their feet took them. Anna and John peeked in to a couple of other shops, browsing around at nothing in particular. They were enjoying strolling hand in hand in the late spring evening talking about whatever came to mind. It was a very nice way to spend their time.
"I'm getting rather hungry," Anna mentioned as they both sat down on a wrought iron bench. John laid his left arm behind Anna along the top of the bench.
"I'm feeling hungry myself."
Anna gave him a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sure they will be done with their looking soon. Eddie can eat enough for five people, so he'll be wanting food soon."
"It's no worry. We aren't in a rush."
"No, we aren't," she agreed with a contented gaze at him.
Anna looked back in front of them to see a small group of teenage girls a short distance away. They all had their phones lifted in front of them. Instantly, Anna knew they were taking pictures of her and John.
The girls lowered their phones and began to walk when they saw Anna looking at them with a not-so-friendly glare.
"That's Anna Smith from Channel 6."
John and Anna both heard one of the girls say as she ran over to what looked like her mother.
"Let's go John," Anna said stiffly as she got to her feet.
Without a word, John followed her as she walked off towards the pub. Anna drew her phone out of her purse, tapped her brother's name in her contacts, and lifted her phone to her ear.
"Hello."
"Eddie, we're headed to the pub. We're starving."
She hung up without saying anything more.
John tried to match Anna's pace as they walked to the pub. Her attitude had changed very quickly when she had been noticed. He would have thought she'd be used to public attention at least a little bit. He saw the outdoor sign for the pub just up ahead, so he decided to try to slow her down.
"Anna," he called out a notch above his regular volume.
He saw her stop and turn around. She looked frustrated. He was in front of her in a few strides.
"I was just trying to catch up with you," John explained.
Her only reply was nod, so he pressed a little.
"Something the matter?" John asked gently.
"It's nothing," Anna replied quickly and then exhaled. "It's- They were taking pictures of us, and I didn't like the invasion."
John kept his facial expression passive. He wasn't sure how to respond.
Tentatively, he said, "I'm guessing you get noticed sometimes while out."
"I do sometimes, yes, but being photographed with you is a different story."
Instead of letting his face show emotion, he gripped his cane handle tighter. Was she ashamed to have her picture taken in public with him? Did he harm her image? The words stung him a little if he were honest with himself.
"I see," he spoke quietly.
He must not have done that good of a job at hiding how he felt from her because she reached for his hand. He didn't pull back when she pressed her palm to his.
"John?"
He met her gaze then. Both of them were in a small fog of misunderstanding.
"I am sorry if I harmed your image publicly."
"What?" Anna all but gasped. "No, you misunderstand me, John. I am in no way upset you are with me in public. I am irritated you might not wish to be dragged publicly because I'm on the telly. I am sorry your privacy was invaded as much as my own. That is why I'm upset."
John breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're afraid we'll end up in some gossip?"
"We probably will. I'm sure tomorrow there will be something about Channel 6 meteorologist with her secret lover at The Shambles," she hissed quietly.
John smirked and leaned in closer so only she would hear. "Secret lover. Nice choice of words."
Anna quirked a smile. "You're saying you don't mind?"
"Mind? Why would I mind? I would feel very lucky to be in a gossip column with you, but if it bothers you at all then we will keep our outings to a minimum."
"I should think not," she retorted. "I'm not going to hide away."
"I never thought you would."
Anna sighed. "I'm sorry, John. I just got caught up is all. For all I know, there have been hundreds of photo taken of us standing right here, though I doubt it. I'm only known to those who watch our particular channel."
Boldly, John leaned further down and brushed his lips against her cheek.
"Let them," he whispered before he lifted back up.
Anna's smile turned into a grin.
"Blimey, what got your knickers in a twist?" Eddie asked, making their presence known as they arrived behind John and Anna.
They turned to look at Eddie and Kayla.
"It's nothing. Everything is fine. Let's go eat," Anna said before taking John's hand and walking into the pub.
Eddie gave Kayla a look like Anna was a little crazy before they followed.
After a nice dinner out and a pleasant drive back. The four of them were now standing in the corridor between John and Anna's flats.
"Sis, I know it's past your bedtime. Should we all call it a night?" Eddie grinned at Anna.
"No, of course not," Anna replied with a swat at Eddie's arm. "I don't work weekends as you should know, so I don't have to be up early tomorrow."
"You don't have to get violent," Eddie mock frowned.
"I'll show you violent, Edward Smith."
Kayla and John raised their eyebrows at each other. They both were staying out of the sibling's conversation.
"Now, now... I'm only teasing. I was just thinking if everyone wasn't knackered we could play a board game. We brought Scrabble. We could do couple versus couple? What say you, John?"
John rather liked the idea of spending more time in their company. The suggestion of couple versus couple made it even more appealing. He looked to Anna.
"As long as Anna is game I am."
Anna looked back to her brother and said, "John and I will own you two."
Eddie huffed a laugh. "Please, Kayla and I will win easily."
Instead of a response, Anna moved to unlock her door. Kayla silently laughed as her and Eddie entered the flat. John smiled at Anna, and they too entered the space. Anna closed the door behind them.
"I have a competitive streak, John," Anna admitted as she removed her hand bag and placed her keys down on a table near the door.
John saw Kayla and Eddie enter the guest room. He looked back to Anna. "As do I. I haven't played Scrabble in ages, but I am usually good at it."
"Wonderful. Here let me sit those bags over here, and then we'll get a pot of tea going."
Anna took their purchases and placed them safely out of the way before they both went into the kitchen.
Kayla and Eddie had set up the game on the coffee table by the time Anna and John came through. They had taken the sofa, and Anna placed the tea tray to one side of the table as John sat down in the chair opposite the sofa. Anna looked from the sofa to the chair and figured she would have to sit on the floor.
"I'm sure John wouldn't mind sharing," Kayla voiced as though she read her mind.
She looked to the carpet, finding it suddenly very interesting, as she replied, "I wouldn't presume John would want-"
Anna was lightly cut off by John who had lowered his walking stick to the floor.
"I don't mind. I wouldn't want you sitting on the floor."
Kayla gave Eddie a wink as he leaned up to make them both a cuppa.
Anna looked to John. She could feel the subtle blush heating her cheeks. What was with her? She could touch him and flirt with him some times, and some times she would feel nervous. She had to admit the thought of sitting on John's lap was quite appealing, and they would be on a team after all.
"Only if you're sure. I might be too heavy."
Eddie laughed at his sister's comment.
"What?" Anna asked after she turned her head to look at her brother.
"Too heavy, my arse. Go sit down so we can hurry up and win."
Now more determined, she turned and sat upon John's left leg. She was always aware of his injured leg but never made any show about it. She felt him wrap his arm around her waist and drew her back against him.
"No mercy," John whispered into her ear.
Anna giggled and nodded her head in agreement.
"All right, highest tile number goes first. Love, if you'd like to draw for team Smith. Anna, you can draw for team Bates," Eddie announced.
John removed his arm and laid it upon the arm of the chair. Kayla and Anna each took a turn drawing a tile from the pouch. Anna ended up having the higher numbered tile.
"Looks like I'm very lucky to have you on team Bates," John said after they replaced their tiles.
He watched her look back at him and grin. He smiled back at her happy gaze.
"You won't be saying that soon, mate," Eddie warned.
Anna kept looking at John. "Don't mind him. He's still sore from the last time I beat him."
John and Kayla both laughed.
"Oi! You're supposed to be on my side," Eddie said to Kayla.
"I am, sweetie. I am, but it is true. Anna beat both of us the last time we played this," Kayla replied as she rubbed Eddie's back with her hand.
Anna turned back to look across at them. "This time will be even sweeter."
John chuckled silently. He was thoroughly enjoying playing, and they hadn't even really began yet. Anna leaned back against his chest and all seemed right in the world.
"You're vicious. Who are you?" Eddie laughed.
"Your worst nightmare," Anna deadpanned.
"Ooo..." John voiced.
"Is everyone going to keep trash talking or are we going to play?" Kayla piped in. "Draw your tile."
Both ladies drew and Anna won the draw.
"Team Bates winning out of the gate," John announced.
He lifted his right hand and Anna high-fived him.
"Yeah, yeah, let's play," Eddie said as he took some tiles.
The four of them had a fabulous time conversing, heckling, and playing. To John's delight, Anna had kissed him on the cheek more than once after he had whispered an ingenious word into her ear. Time seemed to melt away until Anna laid down their final word securing them the narrow but definite win.
"We win!" Anna cheered at her brother.
"There is such a thing as being a gracious winner, you know," Eddie replied, rolling his eyes.
"As if you would have been," Anna quipped before turning to look at John who was smiling.
"Brilliant job," John praised.
"You as well, teammate."
"I think we're off to bed," Kayla said as her and Eddie put the game away. "That was a good game."
Eddie grumbled and Kayla elbowed him gently in the side.
"Yeah, good game," Eddie conceded.
"We all played well," John added as Anna lifted herself off his lap.
They made their good-nights. Kayla and Eddie left for the guest room and Anna walked John to the door.
"May I walk you home?" Anna asked as her gripped the doorknob.
"Are you sure? It's quite a long way," John smirked.
Anna shook her head. "Silly beggar."
John chuckled. "I'd like that very much."
Anna made sure to have her keys in her pocket. They walked into the hall, and she closed her door behind her.
"Hello Anna, Mr. Bates."
They both looked towards the stairwell to see Joseph Molesley approaching.
"Hi, Joe. How are you?" Anna greeted politely as John stood quietly by her side.
"I am well. I just got back from a late film. I thought I'd treat myself." He looked between the two of them and continued, "You two heading out?"
"We were out this evening with my family. I'm walking John home."
"Not much of a walk is it?" Joe laughed.
"No," Anna smiled. "It isn't thank goodness."
One of John's eyebrows raised as a tiny smirk graced the corner of his mouth.
A beat of awkward silence passed between them before Joe spoke again.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. Have a good night."
"Goodnight, Joe."
"Goodnight, Mr. Molesley," John said, speaking for the first time.
They watched as the man closed the door behind him and then set off down the corridor to John's flat.
"Would you like to come in for a moment?" John offered as he unlocked the bolt.
"I believe I would like that, yes, thank you."
Pushing the door in, he held it open for Anna to walk through first. After they both entered, John closed the door placed his cane in the umbrella holder.
"I think Mr. Molesley likes you," John stated as their eyes met.
"He's a kind man. I like him as well."
"No, I believe he like likes you."
Anna crossed her arms over her chest and arched an eyebrow.
"Well, if he does, he will be sorely disappointed because I am rather hoping someone else like likes me."
"Oh, yes?"
"Yes."
"And who would that be?" He questioned softly.
She took a step closer so she was standing just in front of him. She kept her eyes on his.
"You, Mr. Bates. Do you like like me?"
John looked over her beautiful face. It was so open and honest in her feelings toward him. He had never seen such loving emotion reflected toward him before, other than his mother but that was completely different. Her blue eyes were vast liquid pools he found himself getting lost in more and more. He swallowed thickly. His heart pounded a little heavier in his chest.
"Yes."
What a poet he was. Of all the replies and words he could have said. He could have lavished her with beautiful words, but he found himself basically dumbstruck at that moment. He hoped his single word reply was enough for a few seconds before her arms uncrossed and her hands pressed into the fabric of his shirt on his chest.
She whispered so temptingly as her hands reached his shoulders.
"I like like you too, John."
"Really?" He whispered back in slight disbelief.
"Really."
He wrapped his arms low around her waist pulling her against him. Their anxious breaths felt in sync as they simply shared the same space and thought over the weight of the words they had just shared.
"I would very much like to kiss you now," John murmured.
"Does that mean we are exclusive then?"
"If that's what you want to call it."
"I'll take that as a yes."
It was a delicious, almost overwhelming tension as they closed their eyes and kissed fully on the lips. When they parted, they both grinned and lightly laughed.
"I should let you get some sleep. I've kept you too long," Anna said in between a few more kisses.
"You could never do such a thing," John responded before he wrapped them up into a hug.
Anna hugged him tightly around the shoulders and took in his warmth.
"I'm glad."