To say John was glad he took on the role of Peter Henderson was an understatement. He hadn't expected to ever enjoy himself as much as he had been doing the past few weeks. The writing was superb, the setting was breathtaking and his fellow cast mates were absolutely incredible. It had all passed by in a blur, John couldn't believe they already had filmed nearly three episodes, not counting the scenes they would be filming in the studio at a later date.

It was as if he and Robert had picked up right where they had left off after finishing the final episode of Camouflage. They had possessed this connection between them right from the start of that show, and it seemed that hadn't faded away with the passing of time. John hadn't realised how much he had missed working with his co star.

There was also the challenge of his scenes with Charles Carson, both their characters being maths teachers meant they would be working closely together. The older man rarely needed more than one take, meaning the pressure was on John to ensure he was perfect every time. It also gave John the opportunity to hear the mountain of stories that Charles had from his decades in the business between scenes. He was an amazing man and John learnt something from him every single day.

Then there was Anna. John had always known she was talented, but to work with her in such close proximity it was clear what an amazing actress she was. It was also fun to watch the way the relationship was developing between Peter and Charlotte. There were subtle ways in the writing that would suggest they were in to one another, without the actors having to spell it out. John had always loved characters like that, trying to convey all you're character felt in body language and facial expressions. It made every day a challenge.

Not only were there characters becoming firm friends, the two actors who played them were as well. John liked to believe Anna loved to hear of his experiences working on television and in the theatre, just as much as John loved to hear Anna's opinions on everything and anything. He was coming to realise he could listen to her talk about any subject and be completely enthralled. John just loved to chat to her.

The chemistry was electric when John and Anna were on set together. He couldn't have been the only one to feel it, although he would never voice such notions to Anna. She was doing her job, being an actress and her character was falling for his character. She was a professional. He had played a man in love before, but John had never felt such a vibe with another actress before.

He felt that chemistry as he stood on set now, waiting to film a scene where Peter comes to Charlotte's rescue in the cafeteria. Anna was regaling him with a story of her own school days and the things she used to get up to. John was hanging on to her every word.

'So I'd stay close to Martin in the line for lunch, because I knew he fancied me and to try and impress me, he'd buy me my lunch.'

John was chuckling beside her. 'That's not very kind, you were using that chap for your own selfish gains.'

'Hey, a girls got to eat,' Anna said in her defence. 'I'd spent all my dinner money on the way to school on crap, cigarettes to fit in probably, how else was I going to get some lunch?'

'How long were you able to carry on that charade?'

'About a month,' Anna revealed, causing John to laugh a little heartier. 'Martin got a date with me out of it.'

'And why did he stop buying you lunch?'

'I stood him up on the date.'

'Ouch, that's harsh,' John winced. 'So who was your next victim?' Just as Anna was about to answer, the director called for quiet on set. 'Hold that thought.'

The director, Trevor, approached them. 'Right, so remember Peter is being chivalrous in this scene, and Charlotte wants to see more in his gesture. Is there more? We don't know yet.' He moved away to sit on his chair before the lighting dimmed. 'And action.'

The first line was John's, and he waited a beat before beginning for the scene around them to come to life. There were students moving around them as they approached the actress who was playing the dinner lady operating the till. Anna began to search her pockets frantically.

'Are you alright there, Miss Atkins?'

Anna looked up at him. 'I seem to have left my purse in the staff room.'

Nodding in understanding, John placed the tray he was holding on the counter before reaching into his pocket for the wallet that was there. 'Let me get this.'

'Oh no, Mr Henderson, I'll just go and get it...'

'I insist.' He handed the dinner lady a ten pound note, all the time keeping his gaze on Anna's. 'You never know, there might be a time when I need you to come to my aid.'

'Then I hope to be of service, Mr Henderson.'

'I hope so too.'

The best part about all of this, was that John was shamelessly flirting with Anna and he could do it all in the guise of Peter Henderson. No one said anything, no one suspected he was up to anything untoward. It was the easiest thing he had ever had to do in his acting career. And going by the reaction of the director, he was actually quite good at it.

'You two are amazing together,' he was exclaiming after cutting the scene. 'Whoever put you two together is a genius. Brilliant.'

Once on their own, John looked down to see Anna shaking her head and laughing at the director's remarks. She had the most beautiful laugh. They walked off set together, comfortable in one another's company as they made their way to the catering truck. It was a hive of activity, a lot of the cast and crew having broken for lunch. After choosing what they wanted to eat, John and Anna joined a table where Thomas was holding court, Andy and Jimmy sitting with him.

'So I'm in the studio, we've just finished recording our first album and who should walk in but Elton John.'

'What, the actual Elton John?' Jimmy was amazed, 'that's incredible.'

'He gave me the best advice anyone has ever given me,' Thomas continued, placing a hand on his chest. 'Thomas, just be yourself.'

Anna and John shared an amused expression as Jimmy and Andy looked on at Thomas agog. Anna spoke next. 'Wow Thomas, what an inspirational guy Elton is.'

'Anyway, I've got to go kids.' Thomas rose to his feet, glaring at Anna as he did so, 'my agent is calling me in five. Big news apparently.'

'Hope that goes well for you, Thomas,' Jimmy called after him before turning his head to look at Anna and John who were chuckling between themselves. 'What?'

'You know half the stuff he comes out with is complete rubbish, don't you?'

Jimmy offered Anna an incredulous glance. 'What, Thomas?'

She noticed Gwen approach behind Jimmy. 'Gwen, do you remember the advice Elton John gave Thomas?'

'Oh, to be himself?' Gwen answered, sitting beside Andy. 'Unfortunately Elton didn't back up his story when we met him at that party, did he?'

A snort of laughter left Anna at the memory before she mimicked Thomas. 'But Elton, you're my hero.'

Just then, Anna's phone began to ring as Jimmy and Andy left the table. She looked at the screen, John noticing himself that it was Jack calling. He quickly shifted his gaze from her phone as Anna stood up.

'Won't be a sec.'

He watched her leave before turning his attentions to Gwen who was looking at him. 'You okay?'

'Have you remembered about Anna's party? I spoke to you about it just after the read through.'

John furrowed his brow. 'I think so.' He did.

'Well it's tomorrow night,' Gwen began to explain. 'I've rented out a restaurant near by. There will be cars to take people and bring them

back after filming tomorrow.'

'Sounds good,' John replied, beginning to cut the chicken on his plate.

'Great, see you there.'

Gwen moved away then, John putting the chicken he had cut in his mouth and slowly chewing as he watched her walk away. Looking to his left, he saw Anna chatting on her phone. She was laughing. John felt a pang of something or other, deep down within himself. Jealousy perhaps? He suddenly didn't feel very hungry anymore. Pushing his plate away he sat back in his chair before folding his arms. Why did this have to happen? Why did he have to be falling for Anna?

The venue Gwen had picked for Anna's birthday party was stunning. John suspected most places around this part of the world could be described as such, however. All of the cast were there, this time John finding himself in the company of Phyllis Baxter. She was one of those types of actresses who had turned her hand to anything in the acting world, she was that talented. And she was a lovely woman to boot. John could definitely seem himself counting her as a friend when filming was over.

Once dinner was finished, the restaurant had almost turned into a nightclub. Gwen had gone to so much trouble, hiring a DJ so Anna and her friends could dance the night away. This was most certainly where John kept himself out of the limelight, choosing a table in the corner to sit. He had always been happy in his own company, although he knew it was often unhealthy to be left alone with his thoughts.

Anna was the life and soul of the party. John was quickly coming to realise she was the life and soul of any situation in which she was involved. He couldn't keep his eyes from her. This was getting dangerous. He was glad when Robert decided to join him with the night wearing on. His co star had tried his best to keep up with their younger colleagues but John could tell he was flagging.

'That Thomas Barrow knows how to move.'

'Well, he was in a boyband,' John pointed out. 'And is a trained dancer.'

'Cheat,' Robert panted, head in his hands as he tried to catch his breath. John chuckled at this. Robert looked up then, looking around the table where John was sitting. 'You sitting on your own?'

John shrugged. 'I'm happy enough.'

'You're a puzzle, Bates.'

He smiled. 'You have no idea.'

'Anyway,' Robert tapped him on the knee, 'how are you finding your time on Downton Grange? Is all you dreamt of and more?'

Nodding, John looked out over the dance floor before answering. 'I would be lying if I didn't say I was having a good time.'

'The producers love you, John,' Robert revealed, sitting back in his chair to meet John's gaze. 'They're very happy to have you on board and have a great feeling about this years show, even this early on.'

'I'm glad.'

'Come on, Rob.' Both men lifted their heads to see Jimmy, 'and you John. We haven't worn you out already, surely?'

Jimmy turned to move back towards the dance floor, Robert rising to his feet to follow. He turned back to look at John. 'Come on then, Bates. Let's be having you.'

'No way,' John lifted his hands in his defence. 'I don't dance.'

Thankfully, Robert didn't stay too long to plead his case leaving John alone once again. Andy stopped beside him, offering John a beer. He gratefully accepted it, clinking his glass bottle against Andy's before the younger man moved back onto the dance floor. John lifted the bottle to his lips, taking a sip. Channelling his gaze ahead of him, John was surprised to see Anna walking his way. He met her eye and rested his bottle on his thigh as he sat up straighter.

'Hello,' she said as she took the seat next to him. 'You not going to dance?'

'I never dance,' John shook his head. 'Or at least not until I am paralytic and I am no where near that state at the moment.'

'Well, as long as you are having a good time anyway.'

John thought over how he had spent most of the evening, watching Anna moving on the dance floor. 'I have, but the main thing is you are enjoying yourself. It is your birthday, after all.'

'Well, it's actually not my birthday until the weekend, but I'm going back up to Yorkshire for that.'

'That should be nice, I'm spending the time off we've been afforded in meetings with my agent.' Anna nodded in understanding, they weren't the most fun of times. They fell silent for a second then, John wondering whether to ask his next question or not. The devil on his shoulder won out. 'You seeing Jack in your time off?'

Anna began to shake her head. 'No. The band are in America for three months.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.' He wasn't. Not that it mattered what he thought. 'Remind me what band he's in?'

'Green Star. He's the lead singer.'

'Lead singer? I'd have had you down as more of a drummer kind of girl.'

John was thankful to see her turning her head to smile at him before her expression turned a shade more serious. She looked down at his drink where it rested on his leg. 'Maybe I would have been better off with no one.'

'I'm surprised he's not here.'

'I'm not.' She suddenly looked really upset and John wanted the ground to swallow him up. It was none of his business why Anna's boyfriend wasn't here and he shouldn't have asked about it. Mostly however, he was angry that Jack hadn't made the effort to be here for Anna. She deserved more.

'I'm sorry,' John began, 'I didn't mean to...'

'Mean to what? Point out how selfish it is my own boyfriend isn't at my birthday party? It's fine, it's not your fault.'

A few moments passed by before he decided to change the subject. 'So Miss Smith, would you care to tell me where you learnt to dance like that? Giving the trained Mr Barrow a run for his money, so you were.'

Her mood brightened in an instant. 'My mother was a dancer.'

'Was she really?' John sat back, his attention completely and utterly held by the beautiful woman on his right. She was again, telling one of her animated tales about her past. And John was transfixed.

The classroom in the show which belonged to Peter Henderson had become like a second home for John. Many of his scenes in here had been with the talented youngsters of the cast, playing the students whom Peter taught. He'd also filmed a few scenes in here with Charles, who John was delighted to realise was becoming a good friend. There was nothing big headed about him, although no one would blame him if there was considering how much he had achieved in his career.

But today, he would be filming a scene in here with Anna. And not just any scene. The scene which they had performed at his audition. There, they had been in the staff room, but the scene was actually meant to be taking place in Mr Henderson's classroom. The scene preceding this one had not yet been filmed, a scene in which Thomas's character, Mr Adam Firth told Peter he had discovered about his past and why he had to move to Downton Grange.

They have a heated exchange in the staff room, that particular set not here at the school but back at the studios in London. Mr Firth says something to Charlotte, causing Peter to leave the room abruptly. Miss Atkins comes to the classroom to make sure Mr Henderson is alright and for answers, and so the scene plays out. John was hoping they could find the same tone as they had done at his audition. Now they had become more acquainted with one another, perhaps the tension would be even more palpable.

John was sitting at the desk waiting for Anna to arrive on set. He was thumbing through a maths text book, trying to make sense of some of the equations whilst the crew were working around him. It was a good thing actually being good at maths wasn't required for this role. Anna entered the room to rescue him from the conundrum he was currently trying to get his head around. She looked amazing in her costumes, professional in a trouser suit and her hair up and off her shoulders.

'Anna, excellent,' the director approached the two actors, Evelyn was present this time as well. 'Evelyn says you knocked this scene out of the park back in London. So I want you to do exactly the same thing here. We'll just sort out the lighting then we'll have a quick rehearsal...'

'Would you mind if we didn't rehearse it,' Anna interrupted, looking at John. 'I think you'd agree it would be difficult to recreate that tension again once, let alone twice.'

'I think we'll be alright without,' John smiled. 'If Anna thinks we will be.'

The director looked at Evelyn who was smirking, nodding in agreement with the actors. The director accepted their request and moved back towards his crew leaving John and Anna alone on the set. A chair had been placed beside his desk, Anna was to sit there next to John but she moved to her starting position, just outside the door. No one spoke, letting both actors get in the zone, so to speak. Within a few seconds, the director had called action. And they began.

'So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?' Anna started, entering the classroom and coming to a stop at the bottom of the room, opposite John. She crossed her arms. John looked up from his textbook, not saying anything but meeting Anna's gaze. She continued. 'I know we don't know each other that well yet, but I think I can safely say we are friends. Talk to me.'

'No Charlotte,' he shook his head, his voice shaking slightly. 'I can't.'

Anna closed the gap between them then, moving to sit on the vacant chair beside the desk. The look in her eye made John swallow hard. She was fully in character and he knew he would have to be at his best to keep on par with her.

'You're hiding something, and in my experience nothing good ever comes out of having secrets.'

Both actors let a beat pass them by just by staring at one another. The way she looked at him, John felt like he was drowning in her eyes. It's only acting, he had to keep reminding himself. But it felt like so much more. It felt real. She was so good.

'I can't tell you what Mr Firth meant when he spoke to you earlier, Charlotte. It would change your opinion of me, and I don't think I could stand that.'

'You can trust me, Peter.'

'I do trust you.'

Anna reached for his hand again, just like she had during the audition. John stared where her fingers wrapped between his. His skin burned at her touch, he realised, before he squeezed her hand gently.

'Well then?'

He found himself swallowing hard again before lifting his head to meet Anna's eye. He searched his memory for the next line, closing his eyes as he tried to formulate it in his mind. 'I made a mistake, a stupid mistake. One that nearly cost me my job. One that meant I had to change my whole life and move here. I feel ashamed now but in the moment it felt right.'

'Peter, please. Tell me.'

He opened his eyes once more, staring straight back at Anna as he spoke the next words. Was there a touch of reality in the way he said them? John hoped no one noticed if there was. 'I felt an attraction towards completely the wrong person. An attraction I acted upon when I knew I shouldn't have.'

'Who?' Anna whispered, taking his free hand in her other one and massaging the meat of John's palm with her thumb. This was almost too much.

'A sixth form student.' John revealed, looking down at the table. He waited a moment, knowing that was a point in the story the viewers who would eventually watch this had been waiting to reach. It wasn't hard to find inspiration to say the next line. 'The way she made me feel when I was with her, the man she made me. I was powerless.'

John was finding he couldn't stop looking at their hands. They just seemed to fit, seemed made for the other. He had to stop this. He closed his eyes once more as Anna uttered her line. 'Attraction is something we can't control, something we can't force. You either feel it or you don't.'

He could feel her eyes upon him, John exhaling deeply as he lifted his head, looking at her. She was incredible. 'The truth is, I had never felt anything like it. Well, up until that point at least.'

'Peter, what are you saying?'

'Isn't it obvious?'

The stage direction says that the two actors lean in for a kiss at this point. John had memorised those particular words earlier on in the day, when reading through his script. Anna moved towards him first, their eyes locked before she slowly blinked her eyes shut. John followed her lead, he could feel her breath fluttering upon his face. It felt heavenly. The tip of his nose gently nudged the skin of Anna's cheek. But then he was reminded all too abruptly about what the stage direction then said next.

A knock at the door caused them to fly apart, Anna rising to her feet almost immediately. It was a student appearing at the door. 'Sir, I wanted to ask you about tonight's homework.'

John kept his eyes on Anna, she smoothing out her skirt before leaving the room. John watched her go. Being that close to her, even in this guise, set his heart beating faster than it had done in years. He looked down to the actor playing the student before the shrill of 'cut' ended the moment.

She walked back in, tapping the young actor by the door on the shoulder before looking to John and smiling. He managed a small smirk in reciprocation before the director appeared on set.

'Marvellous, but I expected nothing less from you two. Amazing.'

'Yes, well done,' John offered Anna with a nod of the head.

'And you,' Anna gently stroked his arm. They held one another's gaze before Anna was being ushered off set, the crew keen to get another couple of scenes filmed before the end of today. She looked back over her shoulder at him, offering him a little wave as well.

This wasn't good. John was well and truly done for.

As was normal, the catering truck was heaving when John reached it for something to eat. Thinking he was done for the day, a member of the crew had told him he would be needed for some re-shoots, one of the camera's in his scenes with Robert had malfunctioned. Grabbing a sandwich from the fridge, he scanned across those gathered and saw Anna, Gwen, Robert and Tom sitting together at a table towards the back.

He walked towards them, opening his sandwich as he did so and taking a bite from one of the slices. Robert noticed him first, lifting a hand in acknowledgement and moving up on the bench he was sitting on. John duly obliged, sitting down beside his old friend.

'How has your day been, Bates?' Robert asked him, 'as delighted to hear about the faulty camera as we were?'

'Yeah, brilliant,' John rolled his eyes before searching for Anna. 'Thankfully our scene wasn't affected.'

'Yes,' Anna agreed, 'it would have been disappointing to have lost that one.'

'Rob, Tom, Gwen, sorry to interrupt.' A runner was standing at the top of their table, clipboard in hand. 'Trevor wants to redo your scene in the car park before we lose the light.'

All three trudged to their feet, Robert pushing his polystyrene tray of chips towards John. 'Finish those, Bates.'

'Cheers mate,' John replied, putting a chip in his mouth as Gwen, Tom and Robert followed the crew member out of the truck. He turned his attentions to Anna, she looking at him with her arms folded on the table. He couldn't resist the next words that left him. 'Alone at last.' Looking away, she stole a chip from him. John wondered if it was to avert attention from the faint crimson blush that had spread across her face. 'Help yourself, why don't you?'

'Have you read the script for when we come back in a couple of weeks?'

Read it? John had it memorised already. 'Yep.'

'And how do you feel about it? Our first kissing scene?'

He began to chew a little slower, looking at her hand as she selected another chip. 'It's part of the job, I suppose. Doesn't too well to overthink these things. But, I suppose I should warn you I haven't actually done a kissing scene in years.'

Her face brightened at his admission. 'Don't worry, I promise I'll be gentle.'

She took another chip before standing up, offering him a smile before beginning to make her way back on to set. He watched her go. John could swear there was extra vigour in the sway of her hips. Was it for him? He shook that notion out of his mind, it wouldn't lead anywhere productive. Perhaps a break away for a week or so was what he needed.