A/N: I wanted to do a modern!AU riff on this idea too (thought it'd be kinda cool for the two worlds to meet in a fashion) and I honestly thought I wouldn't finish it in time (well, it's a bit belated now...). This is a little more openly *ahem* racier than the DA-era set bit, but I didn't really think it warranted bringing the rating all the way up for a couple of mentions. If you think otherwise, I'd be willing to alter.
This is based on this prompt: "Imagine Person A of your OTP planning to surprise Person B by welcoming them home, wearing nothing but an apron (and maybe underwear) but as soon as Person A heard Person B opening the door, Person A quickly hid out of embarrassment until Person B found them."
Anna felt especially pleased with herself, pausing to survey the fruits of her efforts. She had got the candles and the flowers; the music system was all set up to play the selection of John's favourites alongside the songs that were meaningful to them as a couple. The dinner was coming along nicely; she closed her eyes and inhaled the delicious aromas that were floating around the kitchen. She made sure that she didn't indulge herself for too long, snapping back into action and checking the various pots and pans to see that they didn't simmer over, but she smiled with reassurance to find that everything was perfect.
Perhaps she was going a little over the top with her plans; it's not as though they didn't cherish and celebrate their love in some way every day of the year, which made her heart so fulfilled and gave her the certain feeling that she was the luckiest woman in the world. But this year was extra special as it was the first Valentine's Day since they had married. Monotony had most definitely not set into their life and Anna wanted to show John exactly how much her passion for him had burned even stronger since their union.
He had no idea of the extent to which she was going, probably expecting nothing more than a card sealed with a kiss and a quiet night-in cuddling on the sofa. Typical man, Anna thought with loving derision. They may be staying in tonight but she had no intention of things staying quiet. She bit her bottom lip to stifle a mischievous giggle, her mind already running wild and her body sparking up tingles that charged her every nerve with electricity. She placed her palms upon the counter-top, taking a few deep breaths and telling herself to calm down, even though the thought of her husband with his strong arms about her pulling her closer to him was one she never wanted to temper completely.
She glimpsed her phone not too far away, recalling the message she had sent him but half an hour ago.
Don't stay too late at the office tonight. I'm dying to see you and kiss you senseless as soon as you get in the door xxx
He'd replied within the minute, much to her delight.
That's one hell of an incentive, my love. Nothing could stop me from coming home to you. My beautiful wife and eternal Valentine. Love you xxxx
Her stomach tightened delightfully and her heart couldn't stop fluttering. There was no way on this earth that he could be more perfect, and everything he made her feel was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
Looking down at herself and the jumper and jeans she currently had on, she knew she'd have to get changed before John arrived home. He always insisted that she looked gorgeous in whatever she wore but tonight was about making an effort and she couldn't very well leave herself out of the bigger picture.
There were two options, she considered. The claret dress that hung in their wardrobe and the one that she knew her husband had a particular penchant for, probably as it clung to her curves just a touch too tightly. Whenever she emerged in it the fire that rose in his eyes was unmistakable, and before very long in every instance it engulfed them both. It'd do the trick, no doubt about it. But maybe that was too predictable.
Anna grinned wickedly when she moved on to the lingerie set she had purchased just the other week. With energy possessing her she bounded up to their bedroom, grabbing the bag that lay beneath their bed. She admired the fine black lace, holding the bra up by its thin straps before she wriggled out of her clothes and fastened the underwear in place. The skimpy knickers were just enough to cover her modesty, although turning in the mirror she noticed that they didn't leave a lot to the imagination at the back, the edges of the silky black bow brushing against her bare skin.
She felt rather daring descending the stairs clad in so little, even if she was in the privacy of her own home. Thank god their neighbours kept themselves to themselves. Scooting back into the kitchen, the heat from the cooking kept her warm enough. In fact, she was a touch too warm. It probably had everything to do with the fact she couldn't stop thinking about what John would do when he entered to see her in such a state of undress. She was certain that his actions would be more forthcoming than words right at that moment, and the thought caused her to suppress a moan in her throat. The apron that she had been using hung over the back of one of the chairs and Anna stared at it, held in something of a trance.
Before she could determine whether she truly had lost a grip on all of her senses, she discarded her bra to the floor and slipped the apron over her head, the soft waves of her hair mussing a little in the process.
What on earth are you thinking? she asked herself, the thin fabric held to her by the way of not much other than a loose knot at her waist. It seemed like all of her rational thought was lost long ago, ever since the first time that John kissed her with a quiet but deep-running passion that had her completely addicted.
She stopped herself from collapsing into a fit of giggles, focusing instead on keeping everything running smoothly. Turning down the dials on the oven she smoothed the apron down against herself, getting flustered when she imagined John's hand in place of her own, lingering a little too low.
The click of the front door took her by surprise suddenly – he certainly was early. In a frenzied state she hopped from foot to foot, deciding for some reason to make a dash for the store cupboard at the side of the room. A rush of heated embarrassment flooded up to burn her face as she shut the door behind her, hiding herself away. She didn't even know why she should be so ashamed all of a sudden. Though she was never shy with her desires for her husband, she'd never been so openly wanton before, putting herself on show quite literally. Something had overtaken her and she'd given in to the lure without really stopping to think things through.
Through the door she could hear John's voice, which was certainly strange. Why would he be talking to himself, so loudly at least?
Her blood halted in her veins as another voice followed afterwards.
"I am sorry about this, mate, I feel terrible for barging in."
"No worries, I'm sure it's knocking around somewhere. Can't have your big plans going to waste."
Anna's stomach churned uncomfortably and she felt absolutely mortified. The thought that Robert was standing oblivious in the hallway while she looked like this made her want to crawl on the floor and curl into a ball, hoping beyond hope that if she clenched her eyes shut tight enough that she'd wake up and find it was just a dream that went very wrong at just the last minute. There was nothing she could do but stay standing there waiting in the dark, feeling very silly indeed.
John's footsteps were heavy against the floor, clattering sounds rattling around the kitchen as it sounded though he was taking the place apart. After an agonising time when she felt like she was holding her breath until she would burst, he finally made his way towards the cupboard. Anna watched the handle as it moved, revolving inside as he turned it from the outside.
His expression certainly was a picture as he discovered her unexpectedly in front of him, a blush making the apples of her cheeks glow. The question as to why was on the tip of his tongue, but the words were swiftly snatched away when his gaze drifted to take in the outline of her almost completely naked figure. His throat bobbed once, twice, and then his tongue darted from his mouth to moisten his lips. If only the situation had been different, she would have had no hesitation.
"Anna..." he stammered her name, his eyes turning a new shade spurred on by the discovery he had stumbled upon.
"What on earth is he doing here?!" she responded in a stern whisper, her cheeks flaring with additional colour. "I've never felt so embarrassed in all my life."
"I said he could borrow the drill for something he wants to set up for Cora. It's their anniversary at the weekend, and..." John stopped himself from explaining, seeing that Anna didn't particularly care to know the intimate details. "I'll get rid of him as soon as I can."
"See that you do!" she exclaimed, draping her arms over her chest and shoulders, feeling as though she was shrinking smaller by the second.
Her husband gave her a deeply apologetic look, and she couldn't help her heart from melting just a little, her gaze pinned to the lock of hair that had flopped loose over his forehead in his panic.
Yet more unbearable minutes ticked by, with Anna swearing that the next Valentine's Day would be here before she would be set free. Robert seemed to be in a particularly talkative mood tonight and she only felt slightly sorry for John having to interject and swerve the conversation as best he could. Eventually she made out a prolonged farewell between the two men and the front door shutting firm, followed by the snip of the latch ensuring that the world outside was well and truly banished.
She did her best to conceal her bashfulness when John came back into the kitchen, having emerged fully from her hiding place. His eyes raked unabashedly over her, from head to toe and then back up languidly again. Anna observed her skin prickling with a curious combination of searing heat and tingling chills at her husband's attentions but she was determined to keep a rein on her charging desires, if only for show. Her gaze was slightly yielding steel, a pout fixed upon her lips.
"I could swing for Robert Crawley," John uttered, pacing the tiles to get nearer to his unclothed wife. "Not for the first time, but now..." He drew in a breath before his throat went completely dry; just looking at her was sending him to a sweet oblivion, the urge to touch her inviting dips and curves getting more compelling by the second. "Something smells delicious."
Anna kept her poker face in place, though she could feel the sparks of electricity all round. "I've been slaving for hours."
The corners of his mouth twitched at the choice of her words. His eyes were burning fiercely now, consumed completely by barely unrestrained passion.
"And you look...phenomenal." His voice dragged from his throat, the yearning he felt much too much. "Absolutely ravishing."
It was torture for her to remain so composed, especially when the gravel of her husband's voice when he was so clearly aroused was her biggest weakness. Well, one of them at least. She bit down upon her lip to relieve some of the pressure that was building within her and then pinned on a small scowl, satisfied that it was enough to fool him.
"Well, I'm not sure that you deserve either treat now," she commented, trying her best not to be swayed by his pleading look."Not after that. Can you imagine if I would have been standing out here and you both came strolling in? I'd be labelled a hussy forever more."
John shook his head, entranced as he brought his steps closer still. "Never, love." His tone was rougher than she'd ever heard it, and it shot a bolt straight to her core. "You're only ever my naughty girl..."
Before he could lay a hand upon her she darted from his reach, going towards where the pots and pans lay upon the top of the cooker.
"Dinner first," she said shrilly, shooting him a sultry glance over her shoulder.
Anna smiled to herself as she sashayed her hips while she moved about, deliberately taking her time as she bent over the counter to pour the potatoes and vegetables onto their respective plates. The short hem of the apron rose up further and she distinctly heard John's strangled whisper of "Oh, Christ!" ring in the air, obviously as his gaze reached her pert and exposed bottom. Spurred on by the thought that he simply couldn't contain himself, she couldn't resist giving a little wiggle where she stood.
"Anna, love," he choked, and she had to turn to seek out his gaze. "Come over here, please."
"What was that you said?" She simply had to tease him a little, just for adequate payback.
"Please," he rasped desperately, but still so sincere that it touched her heart. Needing to do something with his hands, he raked one again and again through his hair while he waited for her to return to him. "God, I can't wait much longer."
She stifled a giggle, trailing her steps slowly over the floor. "Mr Bates, you're so easily bothered." Secretly, she was ecstatic at the fact.
His hands were eager upon her as soon as she got close enough to reach, stroking the path up her sides through the fabric of the apron. Dipping his head, his lips crashed upon hers and Anna responded in kind to every movement of his mouth, lust pouring out helplessly into the searing kiss, the temperature in the room rising by the second and threatening to break. John tore his lips away from his wife's and started trailing them down her throat and neck, hearing and feeling her whimper when he suckled on a sensitive patch of skin. Anna found it impossible to hold back, arching herself against John's hands and mouth, both relentless upon her and seeking to give her as much pleasure as she was able to handle. And yet she knew this was only the beginning. Her own hands grasped against his shoulders, running up to grip into his hair. Already her lips were pleading his name in breathless sighs.
She gasped when his nimble fingers easily undid the knot holding the apron to her body, his palm running past the lace of her knickers to caress her stomach.
"Time to get rid of this distraction," he said against her neck, lavishing another long and warm kiss there before he disrobed her completely. The air brushed her, making her nipples tighten and then she surrendered herself to sighs as John fondled and kissed her breasts all over in the way she always desired so much, so often the source of her undoing.
Somehow in the heady haze of it all she managed to wrestle his shirt from him, raking her hands over his chest and questing lower. His grunt rifled through her when she cupped him through his trousers, sensing how he grew more wanting for her with her barest touch.
Before she could do any more to tease him, he swept her up into his arms in a rush, causing her to laugh deeply and heartily. His fingertips tickled at her thighs, making her breathe unsteadily as his strong arms held her securely.
"What about dinner?" she asked, a veil of innocence concealing her true need.
"Not hungry," John muttered, sending a passionate look straight into her eyes, a kaleidoscope of blue. "Not for food at any rate."
Anna giggled as his mouth nipped at her ear gently, squirming happily in his embrace. "Me neither," she answered breathily, cupping her hand at his cheek, caressing his slightly stubbled skin with loving strokes of her fingertips.
There was a deep and lingering kiss shared between them before John bounded them both through the sitting room door, the bedroom seeming worlds away right now for the pursuits that neither was willing to wait a second longer to endeavour upon.
Anna startled awake, her body laid out the length of the sofa, sunk into it quite completely. She was rather groggy, and couldn't determine whether the sound of the doorbell ringing out had been part of her dream or not. She hoped that it wasn't, as what a downright boring fantasy that would have proved to be.
Blinking towards the door she saw the fine figure of her husband coming towards her with a soft smile across his face, easing her gently back into the world of the living. He laid the pizza boxes down on the coffee table, kneeling next to her side and chuckling when the grumbles of her stomach became apparent. Anna got a little embarrassed at the sounds escaping her, shifting herself to sit up and lean against the arm of the sofa.
"I thought it was worth taking the liberty," he explained, stroking his hand rhythmically against her thigh. "Figured you'd be hungry when you woke up."
She smiled lazily, adoring how he was always so thoughtful. As wasn't unusual now, her thoughts were suddenly elsewhere.
"What about Gracie?" she asked, concern apparent in her voice. "Have I missed her feed? Oh god, John, you should have woken me..."
"Shhh." Very gently he pressed a finger to her lips, his smile widening at the mention of their little girl. They couldn't have pinned it down completely, but given that she was now three months old it was fairly surmised that she had been the product of the Valentine's Day previous. "I put her down with a bottle about an hour ago, she'll be happy for a little while yet. You know that you should be sleeping when she is anyway."
Anna nodded, still a little panicked that she hadn't completely synchronised with their daughter's routines but grateful that she'd been able to rest. Now she could enjoy the Valentine's meal with her husband a lot better, given that she was considerably more alert than she had been earlier in the day.
John curled next to her on the sofa, placing a box each onto their laps. They devoured the pizza happily, taking more time than they usually would safe in the knowledge that Gracie was slumbering. The baby monitor was on the side unit, permanently switched on just in case, but there was not a peep to be heard.
Anna watched her husband look at her in confusion, then traced the forming of his smile with her fingertips as she wiped the blob of sauce clean from the corner of his mouth.
"Do you think we'll ever have a conventional Valentine's night again?" she wondered, trailing her hand down towards his chest before she rested her head against the place that radiated such warmth. "A dinner that isn't a takeaway, maybe even a night out somewhere." Her words became soft and nostalgic as she slumped against him. "Something that goes to plan."
John stretched one arm out across the back of the sofa while his other fit snugly around his wife's waist.
"Probably when Gracie turns eighteen," he laughed, feeling his heart warm considering how their life had turned out. His gaze lingered upon the dozen roses that stood upon the mantelpiece, his one conventionally romantic gesture of the day. Smiling widely, he tipped his chin to kiss Anna's hair. "Even if things didn't go quite to plan, I'm glad it's worked out how it has. I couldn't want more than my girls, today or any other day."
He paused, revelling in the warmth of Anna's body snuggled against him, unable to believe that there existed a more perfect moment in the world.
What he uttered next brought the biggest smile to her face.
"My beautiful wife, my perfect daughter. My two eternal Valentines."
