A/N: This chapter is very long, I apologise. I just couldn't stop Anna and John from getting a tad carried away fixing up her place, so perhaps that makes up for it. (as you may have worked out, things get a l'il smutty towards the end - feel free to skip if you wish.)

The music was blaring against the walls and the spectrum of pulsating lights that flashed forth from the dancefloor were bright in the darkness, incessant in their whirl. She was getting a faint headache and rubbed a hand softly against her head, before laughing to herself a little. Her university days – or rather, nights – seemed very far away now. Still, she was having fun, even if she would have rather stayed at the altogether more mellow cocktail bar they'd started the night at.

Picking up her glass and sipping from the straw, Anna turned in the booth to look at Daisy, who she could see even in the dimness was wearing the same impassive expression as herself. She had to crack a smile.

"We must be getting too old for this. Or just really sad."

Daisy slumped her shoulders, letting out a sigh of relief. "I thought it was just me. I didn't want to spoil the fun, but I don't see what was wrong with the other place. At least you could have a conversation without having to yell at the top of your voice." She bellowed that sentence louder just to make sure it got across. "Does it really have to be so loud?"

Anna chuckled. "We weren't at university that long ago," she remarked, glancing around to see groups of what surely had to be students crowded on the dancefloor and at the bar, wincing as they knocked back shot after shot. She felt like a concerned mother looking on at the younger girls, wanting to pass them bottles of water. "But I don't think we were ever like that."

"Well, maybe I went a little bit mad in freshers' year," Daisy said, rather shamefacedly. Anna recalled a memorable night where she had to sit up for hours against the wall next to Daisy's bed, keeping a watchful eye upon her while she whined and wretched the excessive amounts of alcohol she had bounded through too quickly. "That was just getting it out of my system though. I couldn't go back to doing that." She pulled a face as she banged her glass against the table. "I can't say I'd want to. I mean, you get to a certain age and you grow out of all that, don't you? I find anyone who still gets hammered every weekend a little bit sad."

"Don't let Ethel hear you say that," Anna nudged her arm against Daisy's as they looked out across the club.

"Oh, I didn't mean…"

"Of course you didn't."

Anna smiled at Daisy's innocent speech, and then both of them had to break into laughter at the sight that was just a little way away from them.

Drink in hand, Ethel was taking up almost the entire dancefloor with her emphatic stance, feet pounding in time to the beat of the wall-shaking music and hips swaying wildly. She stopped occasionally to replenish herself, but almost threw her glass on the floor when the introduction of Single Ladies started up. She spun around in a frenzy, throwing her arms into the air before jutting them onto her hips, hair flipping back as she endeavoured to do her best Beyonce impression. At her side, a safe distance from the flailing, Gwen was bobbing her head and shuffling her feet, dancing more cautiously just like every other person other than Ethel was, though the floor had emptied somewhat since Ethel had started her pursuits.

When the song was over, Gwen slinked back to the booth, leaving Ethel solitary for a while longer. The three giggled as they watched Ethel sidle up to a couple of unsuspecting male revellers, sipping from her drink and fluttering her eyelashes, bumping her hips against them when that tactic didn't work. Many things would change as they got older, but all of them doubted that Ethel ever would, acting just the same as she had done ten years ago, perhaps now with even more confidence.

After getting one brief dance with a man that appeared a few inches shorter than she was, Ethel bounded her way across the floor, bouncing onto the seat with a frown.

"No luck?" Gwen sniggered, finishing off the dregs that remained in her glass.

"The talent is obviously elsewhere tonight," Ethel sighed. "I swear that same guy always dances with me every time I'm here. It's like he seeks me out or something. I wouldn't mind if he was a bit better looking. Or a lot better looking."

Anna and Daisy shook their heads in unison, while Gwen just laughed.

"Maybe it's meant to be," she smirked.

Ethel glared so hard, she looked as though she was going to aim her straw squarely at Gwen's face. She sagged her elbows against the table top, exhaling a long, exasperated breath.

"Come on, I've had enough of it in here. Let's go somewhere else. There's the best club not too far away…"

All three looked reluctant, scrunching up their faces in disapproval. They shared a few glances back and forth while Ethel eagerly awaited an answer. Anna was the one to speak up for the group.

"I don't know…we're fine here as it is, aren't we? I don't want to be staying out too late anyway."

Ethel rolled her eyes up to the mirrorball that was spinning over their heads and huffed loudly.

"Oh my god, what is wrong with you all?" she exclaimed, banging her hands down onto the surface. "You're all so boring!" She swivelled in her seat, pointing an accusing finger towards Gwen who just looked startled, wondering what she had done wrong. "I expect it from those two, all coupled up and that," she paused for a moment to grimace, "but not you. You're supposed to be my fellow single lady, where's your spirit? Beyonce would not be proud of you."

Gwen shrugged, leaning back against her seat.

"I can do that dance really well," Daisy piped up from the corner. "All the kids in school were teaching me."

"Well, too bad, you gave up your chance to do it when that went on your finger," Ethel spouted, looking away longingly to the dancefloor that was full once more.

"Oh, ignore her," Anna said, dismissing Ethel good-naturedly. "Let's see."

Daisy straightened up, holding her left hand out excitedly.

"Oh Daisy, it's gorgeous," Anna cooed. "I can't believe we missed your engagement. I feel so awful. We should have done something."

"It's fine," Daisy assured, admiring the understated ring resting on her finger. "It was all really quick anyway. We didn't get the ring until a few days ago. You know William, he doesn't like to make a big fuss of things." She smiled contentedly.

"Have you set a date?" Gwen joined in, leaving Ethel falling further down the booth, yawning exaggeratedly.

"No, not yet. I think it'll have to be the summer holidays, but not this year, it's too soon. We need to save the money first, even though I don't want anything extravagant. I'd be happy just in a room with the two of us. It'll probably be next year." She turned a little timid. "Which I meant to say…when the time does come, I'd really love if it if you were all bridesmaids."

Anna beamed happily. "Of course we will! Well, I definitely will anyway. I'd be so thrilled."

"And me too," Gwen accompanied. "As long as you don't put me in a red frilly dress, I'll be more than happy."

Daisy's smile reached up to her ears. There was a silence against the thrum of the music, and the three turned around from where they sat in a huddle to face Ethel.

"Oh, alright then," she cried. "Don't make me feel bad. I'll do it." She folded her arms tight against her, reluctantly eyeing the smiles that were directed her way. "Just book my place at the bar all night. I am going to need copious amounts of alcohol."

"Oh, come on, Ethel," Gwen tutted. "Just because you're jealous…"

"I am not jealous!" Ethel asserted. "Believe me. Charlie is the only man in my life. Being tied down to another is not on my list of things to do."

"And that's the most enthusiasm you'll get out of her," Anna smiled, patting Daisy's hand. "At least until she sees the bar, and William's navy friends."

Ethel's face perked up a little at the prospect of men in uniform, and the girls laughed.

"Well, that's one down," Ethel remarked as she raised her glass, tipping back the contents. "And just when I thought we'd got this one back, she's off with someone else with hardly enough time to catch her breath. Very scandalous." She raised an eyebrow toward Anna, who lowered her head a little under the glare. "Moving into a love-nest."

"We're not moving in there together," Anna corrected before Ethel could make any further insinuations. "It's my own place."

"I bet it won't be for long. Start with a toothbrush and some spare clothes, then it all spirals from there…"

Ethel's words echoed in her head, and she tried to shake them out. It had only been a few months, it was far too soon. Plus, she was excited and a little nervous by the prospect of a place all to herself, having never lived alone before. Still, something in her wouldn't let go of the thought. She smiled as she pictured a little space in the bathroom cabinet, for a toothbrush, shaving foam and a razor, a bottle of aftershave.

Anna was shaken out of her dreaming by Gwen leaning into her shoulder, lolling her head against it.

"I can't believe you'll be going tomorrow," she pouted, looking up at Anna with big eyes. "It's gone so quickly. Who am I going to moan to now, what am I going to do?"

Anna chuckled, tilting her head to rest against Gwen's for a moment.

"Now don't be getting all emotional on our last night. I don't want to start crying in the bathroom before we leave, we passed that point long ago." She laughed as she nudged Gwen playfully back against the seat with her shoulder. "Besides, I'm only a couple of Tube stops away, it's not like I'm on the other side of the world."

"I know, but it still won't be the same," Gwen sulked a little. "I'll miss you."

"Oh, for God's sake." Ethel's voice punctured the rather emotional moment. "I'm getting out of here before you all turn into soppy idiots." She tugged on Daisy's hand, pulling the shaken girl up out of her seat. "Come on, you've had far too few drinks tonight, let's remedy that."

"But…"

Before she could argue, Daisy had been carted off, trailing behind Ethel as she marched to the bar.

Anna and Gwen remained sitting in the booth, the music drifting about them. Taking her straw out of her glass and then putting it back again after a few moments spent fiddling, Gwen turned to Anna and smiled, a little teary-eyed.

"I mean it, it'll be weird not having you around. We did alright for a little bit, didn't we?"

Anna smiled back at her best friend.

"Once I showed you what the kitchen was actually for," she teased, earning a little scowl from Gwen. She laughed before she spoke again. "It has been fun. Just like the old days."

Gwen nodded, bumping her arm against Anna's again and reaching for her hand.

"I am happy for you, you know," she assured. "Going off into the big wide world."

"A little late," Anna frowned, pondering briefly all the lost opportunities she'd missed earlier in life.

"Better late than never," Gwen corrected, and Anna smiled again.

They looked out to a corner of the dancefloor where Ethel was wiggling around enthusiastically, pulling around a flummoxed-looking Daisy who tried to keep up but looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Both fell about laughing.

"Poor Daisy," Anna remarked.

"Don't speak too soon, it'll be your turn next."

Gwen smiled, taking a swig from another bottle to mask her emotions.

"And I'm happy that you're so happy. With the flat, with work…with everything."

Anna lifted her face, taking in Gwen's expression. She probably hadn't spent as much time as she could have done with her lately, and she felt a rush of guilt. She should have repaid her dear friend better for all the kindness she had shown her, even if Gwen would have shrugged it off and said otherwise. She hadn't meant to be so distracted, hadn't meant to fall so fast, but it had just gone that way.

Gwen's hand was in hers again and she leaned over to talk in her ear against the volume of the music. "I'm beyond thrilled, because I honestly don't think I've ever seen you this happy. It suits you." She squeezed her hand and smiled. "Neither of you need it, but you and John have my blessing. You know I like him."

Anna couldn't help but knit her eyebrows together, thinking of when they'd first met and how flirty Gwen had been with John.

"Not like that. Though you know, you wouldn't blame me," Gwen laughed, and after a few seconds, Anna did too. "Honestly, I like him because he's good for you. Look at what's happened to you since you've been together. And I'll like him even more if he keeps this up."

Now Anna had tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Gwen," she sniffled. "It means a lot to me."

"Oh, come here."

The friends shared a hug, swaying along to the song that had started playing, a well-timed reminder from their time at university and the start of their friendship. Anna sniffed back a sob as her chin rested on Gwen's shoulder.

"You can come round any time you want."

"You could let me live in the spare room," Gwen ventured. "It's bigger than my sitting room, I'm so jealous."

Anna laughed, bringing a hand to her face to wipe her eyes. Gwen smiled, patting her shoulder.

"Do you think they'd notice if I popped out for a moment?"

Gwen shook her head softly. "I'll cover for you. I'll order a couple more vodka and cokes for Ethel, she'll be none the wiser."

She turned to smile before she headed down the rickety stairs that led out of the club. The air was a little damp, it felt quite cold for an early summer evening, but Anna felt the rush of cool breeze did her the world of good. Digging into her bag, a grin played at the corners of her lips as she dialled the number on her mobile. It took a few rings for him to pick up, and she felt herself full of jitters.

"Hello?" he finally answered gruffly. Anna's stomach did flips at the sound.

"Hey, it's just me."

"Hi." His voice brightened, though it still sounded quite rough. "What time is it?"

Anna held the phone between her shoulder and her ear to glance at her watch. "Quarter to midnight," she trilled, and then chuckled a little. "You weren't asleep already, were you?"

"No, no," John argued unconvincingly. She heard rustling, and could tell he was shuffling about on the sofa. "I must have just nodded off for a few minutes or so."

"What are you like?"

"Well, the TV's rubbish and I don't have anything to read," he reasoned. "What else am I supposed to do if you're not here?"

She smiled wide, letting the line go silent for a moment. A rather big part of her wished she was back there. She was sure she could come up with a few things to amuse him. She openly giggled at the thought and John seemed pleased with the response.

"Are you having a good night with the girls?"

"Yeah, yeah. Ethel's being her crazy self, which is entertaining. And it's nice to see Daisy again."

"That's good. I'm glad you're having fun."

She nodded, and then felt herself getting a little overcome for some reason. She hiccupped back a sob in her throat, and the catch echoed down the phone.

"Anna, are you crying?"

His voice was so full of concern, it sounded as though he would slam down the phone in an instant to rush to her side.

"I'm fine," she replied, attempting to assuage him. "I just…I think things are just a little emotional. Knowing I have to pack up and leave Gwen's tomorrow."

She wondered whether it was just that, or whether it was the simple sound of his voice that was making her feel suddenly like she could easily cry her heart out. He'd had an especially busy time with work and she hadn't seen him for five days. Five days. That was nothing whatsoever. When she thought that Daisy sometimes didn't see William for months at a time, she felt incredibly foolish. They had just spent so much time together recently that it felt natural for her to be so unsettled when she was without him. Hearing his voice down the phone made it hit home, precisely how much she missed him. For not the first time that night, she wished she would have spent the night with John instead. She shut her eyes tight, as if the action would send her to his arms. She had had an obligation, but it didn't stop her heart from hurting a little in regret.

"Hey, it'll be hard, I know, but you can get through it. You can get through anything."

As much as his words had made her so upset, they also cheered her up like nothing and nobody else could. She heard him smile down the phone, and it made her smile again too.

There was more shuffling, it sounded as if he was pulling on his shoes.

"I can come and pick you up if you like?"

She could feel his arms around her, pulling her closer to him for a calming embrace, everything was so warm and she felt like home. She could wait a little longer until morning.

"No, it's okay. You sound like you need that sleep."

"Thanks."

She giggled, holding the phone tight to her ear. The morning couldn't come quickly enough.

"I'll see you tomorrow. We're counting on you to lug many boxes."

"Sure, use me and abuse me." He let out a throaty chuckle. "I'll be round bright and early, you can count on it."

"Night. Sweet dreams."

"Only if you're in them." She turned warm in the cool air at his whisper. "Take care. And don't get too hungover."

"I won't."

"Good," he smiled. "Night."

Anna stayed with the phone to her ear for a few moments after he had hung up, his valediction still ringing in her ears. She'd been feeling a little strange all evening, and she'd felt sorry for the others, but now she had what she needed to be able to enjoy herself.

"Are you sure you've written everything down?" Anna enquired, a little puzzled.

"Positive!" Mary replied in a flash. "And I've checked my voicemail a million times too. There's just nothing."

Both looked down at the crisp white pages, nearly empty of notices, Anna craning over Mary's shoulder where she sat at the desk. There was no denying it, she was right. Anna felt a little disheartened, given the rush of events she'd been used to planning months in advance at her old company, but she quickly reminded herself that now it was different. This was their own company, and it was up to them to graft to get it off the ground. Things wouldn't just fall into their laps. Mary seemed to take the opposing point of view, sighing loudly as her head fell into her hands.

"It will pick up," Anna reassured over Mary's muffled wailing. "We've only just started sending stuff out properly. These things take time to drip in, but when they do we'll be hoping for a bit of a lull."

As she lifted her head up, Anna could see that Mary wasn't convinced. She pulled her face into a more comforting smile, and it seemed to work a little.

"If you say so," she relented, curling over the edges of the page beneath her fingertips. "I wish I had your patience and conviction. I just hate to be sitting around, twiddling my thumbs, doing nothing. The devil makes work…and all that."

"Well, it hasn't got to that stage yet," Anna smiled, leaning and trailing a finger down the page. "There are some things."

"Three things," Mary stated, sounding distinctly unimpressed. "Your friend's charity baking thing, some other charity event that Mama and Sybil are involved with that I really have no idea about, and…" she paused to take a deep sigh, her voice lowering, "Mama and Papa's twenty eighth wedding anniversary."

"Twenty eighth?"

Mary's shoulders shuddered visibly. "Don't even get me started," she warned, horror washing over her face. "They want an 80's theme, of all things. Talk about completely tasteless."

Anna couldn't stop herself from laughing at Mary's slightly theatrical reaction, reining herself in when she saw that her amusement was not shared. "It could be fun," she reasoned.

"Of all the words I could use, 'fun' would not be at the top of my list," Mary sighed. "Either way, you're invited."

"Thanks for making it sound so thrilling."

"You're welcome."

Anna laughed, then frowned slightly when she noticed the date.

"That's in under two weeks," she pointed out.

Mary shrugged in her chair. "Oh, it won't matter too much. Give Papa balloons, a sound-system and enough champagne and he'll be happy."

"Start as we mean to go on, hey?"

"That's your area, not mine."

Anna shook her head at Mary's flippancy, setting out her address book to check where their details had already been sent.

"How's the move going?" Mary asked as she crossed the room to refill her glass of water.

Anna looked up with bright eyes. "It's going well," she replied, musing on how smoothly everything had been. That would make her think that something had to go wrong soon enough, but the thought left her head as soon as it entered. She was still shaking herself out of her old way of thinking. "The last of everything is getting transferred tomorrow, and then it's a weekend of decorating." It couldn't have sounded a very appealing way to spend a weekend, but Anna had to smile, thinking otherwise.

"Sounds dandy," Mary said, sitting back down, neglecting to put the glass onto the antique table without a coaster. Anna tutted, and the glass was quickly shifted onto a magazine. "If you should need any help, then I'd be happy to do so. I'm a dab hand with a paintbrush, if I do say so myself."

Anna chortled at the thought of Mary in scruffy clothes, actually doing a bit of hard work.

"What?" Mary exclaimed.

"Nothing." Anna's eyes returned to her address book, controlling her laughter. "I do appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine. John will be coming round."

Mary smirked, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, of course. There'll be a lot of painting going on then."

"Mary, stop it. Of course there will."

She plainly wasn't going to give up now she had started. "In his overalls…"

The image filled Anna's head, and she couldn't deny that decorating had never seemed more appealing. The thought of John, hair all ruffled up, completely casual, muscles straining through an old t-shirt…she didn't know how she would get anything done, or indeed, last the weekend.

"Is it me, or is it warm in here? I'm just going to open a window."

Mary smiled wickedly as Anna moved towards the window, wondering what she could possibly say next. Thankfully for Anna, she was saved by the bell of Mary's phone.

"Hello? Oh hello, Mama. Hmm…Papa said what? No, I'm not hiring a Michael Jackson impersonator…"

The bumping, banging and occasional cursing that travelled through the ceiling had ceased a while back, so Anna decided to stop arranging the furniture in the freshly painted lounge to pad upstairs and take a look to see what was going on. Her steps were quiet over the staircase and across the little bit of landing it took to get to the bedroom. The door was swung wide open and she stopped at the threshold, leaning against the doorframe and folding her arms as she stood, watching John.

He was down on the floor, leaning back slightly on his haunches, screwdriver held poised and ready to make any final adjustments. He tinkered very lightly and then pulled up, planting his hands on his hips and standing just before the wardrobe, admiring his handiwork with pride. Anna smiled, admiring him just as much, the way he showed so much studied concentration, the way his hands ran down the plains of the wood carefully. She was more than a little mesmerised by his actions and hadn't even been aware that she'd made a whimper on watching him until his head turned around to face her. She felt a jolt start up in her body when he offered her a smile, rolling one of the sleeves on his shirt back up his forearm.

"What do you think?" he asked, holding his hands towards the finished article. "Not too bad, I reckon. Solid as a rock, too." He pressed a firm hand against its side, and to be fair, she couldn't discern any wobbling.

"Quite impressive, Mr Bates," she arched her eyebrows as she walked slowly into the room, eyes flitting from the tall wardrobe to him, and then back again. She rounded it on the floor before standing to its side. "Though, with the time you were taking, anyone would think you were carving it yourself."

John frowned a little as Anna stifled a burst of laughter. "Have you ever tried tackling Ikea's finest? I think I did quite well, considering." He planted his hands in the back pockets of his jeans, puffing out his chest in a way that made her unable to hide a grin. "You know, I think it might even be a personal best for me when it comes to furniture assembly."

"Well, I wouldn't enter the Olympics for it if I were you," she teased, causing another indignant expression that just about masked the smile curving at his lips.

"You are quite impatient, Miss Smith," he purred, shaking his head softly at her. "Something can be rushed, or it can be done properly."

Anna shivered as he approached her, running a finger across the edge of her t-shirt, not even touching her skin but sending it pulsing.

"And I thought I'd come to know that you didn't like things to be rushed?"

His breath was searing against her cheek, and the light touch of the tip of his finger had travelled up slightly, drawing little circles over the fabric that covered her stomach. Anna inhaled sharply, lingering for a second, lost, until she caught herself and pulled back. The heavy sigh that came from John reverberated in the silent room.

"Of course, I shouldn't complain," she answered with a smile over her shoulder, moving past him to draw the blinds even though it was still quite light outside. She knew he was regarding her intently, and gave a little undulation of her hips as she reached upwards. The job done, she turned back to face him once more, a sliver of fading sunlight just falling over his features.

"Thank you," she said sincerely, her thumbs looped in the front of her jeans.

John smiled at her. "No need to thank me, I was just doing my job."

She glanced down at the floor beneath her, smiling at the situation that seemed so effortless. When she looked back up again, he was in front of her, his smile even more vibrant to her eyes now he was at close proximity.

Gently, he unfurled one of her hands from where it lay upon her, brushing against the top of her jeans as he did so, eliciting another hushed little gasp from her mouth. He looped her fingers with his own and Anna ached for more of him.

"I think it's only fair that I'm rewarded for my efforts."

His other hand stroked her cheek softly before it travelled down to cup her waist. Her eyes flashed with pure want, her lips curled up in a luscious, bright smile.

"A cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit then?"

She sunk her fingers into the soft hair at the back of his neck, lifting herself up onto her tiptoes, curving her body close. He held her with a firmer grasp as his head lowered.

"I'd rather go for this…"

The kiss wasn't as urgent as both of them expected it might be, slow and languid instead. Anna savoured the press of John's lips against hers, the time the kiss took to blossom, the growing sensuality of it all. It took a concerted effort for her to stroke her dainty hand against his and push softly away, escaping his mouth.

"Mr Bates," she whispered coquettishly, "we've got to get on. This room is in a mess."

He groaned louder as she wriggled free for a second time, her attentions turned not completely fully to the various boxes that lined the room, straining from the weight of their contents.

"We're not seriously starting to go through all this now, are we?"

Anna looked up to see a weary expression on John's face, exhausted from his lengthy assembly.

"It's not too late," she said, her fingers lifting items up and out with a swiftness. "The other rooms have to be painted tomorrow, so I'd like to at least get some things sorted."

John sighed as he sat down on the bed, dragging another box to his side. "So long as we do stop at some point. You've got so much stuff we may well be doing this until sunrise."

"I'll have you know I had a clear-out," she replied, fixing him with a hard stare that he simply smirked at. She threw her head back and put a little sass into the remark that followed. "Anyway, it takes half the time with two."

A surrendering smile drifted onto his features, and together they began to rake through her possessions, Anna pointing out to him where she thought things looked best, hesitating for moments between there and another place before deciding finally that the first option was the right choice. John held back his complaints, giving her a sweet, slightly pursed smile, and did just as she asked.

She was diligently working through things still when she heard, after a little while, a rumble of a laugh bubble up from him.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing," The twinkle in John's eyes belied his dismissal. "I just can't believe I'm in your bedroom." The smile rose in his voice as he reminded her of the first time they had been together intimately. "You've seen mine, but I've never seen yours. It just got to me just then."

Anna wore just a hint of a smile, allowing nothing more. "Don't think I'm going to fall for that line," she stated, straining to keep her face straight while confronted with his expression, the barely disguised desire and longing. "Come on, we're nearly done."

He sighed his assent, and they carried on sorting the last of the things in comfortable silence. Digging into the bottom of one box, something caught John's attention as it slipped between his fingers. A hearty chuckle rose as he held the photograph away from him slightly, letting the remaining light in the room hit it squarely.

"Well, what do we have here…?"

He elongated his words in fascination, which roused Anna. She was able to make out a flash of the image as he turned it over in his hand and her face fell swiftly, her arms reaching out before the rest of her body could move into action.

"Oh, no. John, give that here…"

He snatched his arm away before she could tear the photo from his grasp, a distinctive smirk dancing on his lips, his eyes alight as he stared at the image before him.

Anna coloured a little as she was finally able to wrest it from him.

"It was just for a night out at uni…"

She looked at herself in the glossy snapshot from so long ago, blonde hair in pigtails, a pale-pink lacy dress just about grazing her thighs. To the left-hand side of her was Gwen, emblazoned in a Union Jack, pouting and pointing a v-sign to the camera.

John was still grinning while she held the picture between her fingertips, blazing with embarrassment and disbelief, but a touch amused somewhere too.

"Every girl wanted to be a Spice Girl. I was no different."

She let out a small laugh, her blush deepening when her gaze lifted to take in the way he was looking at her, irises smouldering. She didn't expect the forgotten memento to have such an effect on him.

"You know, I always liked Baby Spice," he rasped, catching her hand as she lowered it, not taking his eyes from her for a second.

"I wouldn't have had you as a Spice Girls fan." Her voice was light as she allowed John to guide her to him, their hands still joined.

He laughed. "Not a fan, exactly." He clasped his other hand to her waist, thumb running just above her hipbone. Anna planted hers upon his shoulder as she stood between his legs, her knees brushing the bed. "But I appreciated certain aspects."

His fingers were snaking their way up her body, and if she wasn't clutching on to him she swore she would have fallen through the floor. She let out a tiny moan as his hand dipped again, working deftly underneath the fabric of her top, this time tracing her bare skin in its trajectory. On impulse, her hips shifted towards him, and she saw his eyes darting down.

"Do you reckon you've still got the dress somewhere?"

He licked his lips as he looked up at her again. Anna's head was beginning to spin.

Her fingers crept up to stroke softly underneath his jaw. "It might be buried away," she trilled, turning her hips a little against his touch. She wouldn't really do it, but it was fun to tease; it seemed to only intensify her desire, which was already overwhelming whenever they were so close. "I can go and have a look now, if you'd like?"

His actions spoke louder than his words, and Anna yelped delightedly as he swept her from her feet, pulling her down against him onto the bed she'd placed there temporarily while she waited for the new one she'd ordered to arrive. In the next second, he had flipped them so he was now over her, surrounding her wonderfully. Anna tried to temper her breathing as she stared up at him, his hand like a hot brand against her stomach where her top had risen up.

"God knows you don't need it. You are stunning any way."

She smiled as he stroked back her hair, ran his fingers down the curve of her cheek and then lightly over her lips. They felt almost as good as his own lips did when they were pressed there.

"The things you do to me, Anna…I can't resist you."

Before she could think anything more they were kissing, the passion that had been escalating throughout the evening pouring out as their lips worked over each other, tongues meeting and deliciously adding to the thrilling sensations. It was entirely consuming, his hands were rifling up and down her body, but Anna was hungry for more. Sliding her tongue over his bottom lip, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down closer to her with fervour.

She was still enjoying the kiss, her head fuzzy except for the feeling of him upon her. Then a howling noise entered, and she could feel his cries muffled against her mouth. Her head jerked back in shock, the reaction a little delayed.

"My knee," he grimaced to explain, the upper half of him still pressed against her. "It's gone into cramp…ahhhh!"

He yelped louder as pain shot through the length of his leg, and Anna screwed up her face in sympathy, horrified that her overzealousness had caused such agony.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry." She soothed a hand over his shoulder, her gaze soft. A little smile crept up on her face. "Do you want me to kiss it better?"

John managed a strangled smile, raising an eyebrow at her. Her hands were still on his back, but she had reclined back upon the bed, her hair fanned out across the covers. She heard him suck in a breath before he leant forward again.

"Oh, sod it," he stuttered out, grasping his hands upon the bed and bringing his head back down, his breath mingling with hers before he captured her lips once more. Anna sighed into the kiss as it deepened, relishing the feelings that were coursing through her veins, the weight of him upon her. She was careful to keep in control, letting her hands run over his back as she kissed back with all the passion she could muster.

It wasn't down to her this time, though it seemed coincidental that as she brought her fingers down to begin to unbutton his shirt, she felt herself slip. The poor little bed couldn't hold their growing ardour, and with a loud creak and a considerable crash, they found themselves on the floor. John's knee bashed hard against it as they landed and he yelled out a series of curses. Anna stroked her hand over his neck and he smiled at her before they both began howling with laughter.

He thudded down onto his side on the floor, letting out another groan as he fixed his palm on the curve of her body.

"Well, that's not how I expected that to end," he uttered lowly, grazing a light kiss against her cheek.

"Me neither," Anna said between giggles, turning enough to plant a kiss full upon his lips. "I just hope that bed turns up sooner rather than later."

They stayed splayed out on the floor for a little bit, laughing lightly, cuddling close. It wasn't the most comfortable of places to be, granted, but she would have happily stayed right there for the rest of the night, held close in the comfort of his arms.

Needing somewhere a bit more plush, John heaved his back from the floor, holding Anna's hand to get her on her feet when he was upright.

"It's a good job there's a perfectly good couch downstairs, then," he said with another quick kiss.

Anna dabbed the cloth over her face, splodges of paint dotted on her cheeks like freckles. Having got rid of most of the specks, she turned to survey the kitchen. Brushes lay flung on the floor, one tin rolled onto its side and steadily dripping blobs of paint downwards in a creamy pool on the tiles. She was surprised, really; the carnage could have been much worse. Most of the paint had landed flung against the walls, although they would need going over again in a neater fashion, or had otherwise been splashed upon them as they carried out their battle.

She couldn't help but giggle thinking of the chaos that had been caused in the little space. It had all started perfectly innocently, and she was doing it out of the goodness of her heart, only trying to help. John had been painting for hours, careful and conscientious, taking his time to even out the strokes. When she managed to emerge from her daze, arrested by the sight of his figure in overalls, Anna had heard him huff in quiet exasperation, swiping an arm over his forehead. She picked up a brush that was lying unused on the side, wiping the soft bristles against her palm before dipping it into the paint. John turned his head, a lock of hair bouncing at his brow as it quirked up towards her. She smiled in return, gliding a line of paint up onto the wall slowly.

"I thought I'd lend a hand."

John smiled warmly, before his eyes narrowed and he brandished his own brush with assurance.

"So you think you can take on the master, then?"

Anna tossed her head and set her shoulders, stilling the movement of her brush on the wall.

"Don't underestimate my skill, John Bates. I know my way around." She paused, sinking the bristles back into the tin, drawing a smirk up onto her mouth while she painted on another stroke. Admiring what she'd done for a moment, she pursed her lips as she looked back at him. "And I know I'll get it done a damn sight faster than you."

"Is that so? Faster doesn't mean better."

"We'll see."

It was like her brush had a mind of its own as it flicked a blob of paint out, hitting him in the middle of his forehead. Anna breathed a gasp at what she had done. His face shadowed and then brightened with mischief in an instant.

"Oh, you're in for it now…"

The onslaught escalated quickly, shouts and squeals filling the room as both fought to get the upper hand, paint flying into the air. Anna had managed to duck from most of his aims, escaping with minimal marks. Instead, John bore the brunt, his face and arms covered. He didn't seem too perturbed as he stood there getting steadily soaked, and when they called a truce and he slinked off to the bathroom, Anna was still in stitches, though she did feel that perhaps she'd taken things a bit too far.

She found him there still, standing against the sink, wiping the dried paint from his forearms when she wandered in. Her face crumpled when he glanced up at her, continuing to stroke the flannel over the dark hairs on his arms.

"Sorry," she offered in a voice that contained a hint of a giggle. "I got a bit carried away."

"A bit?" He bit back a laugh, warmth in his eyes. Anna was relieved to see it. "It's fine. Though we're going to need another tin, seeing as half of it has gone on me."

Anna brought a hand to her mouth as she began laughing again, though she was soon brought to a stop. Her fingertips stilled on her lips, her eyes widening as he pulled the paint streaked top over his head swiftly, and threw it in a ball into the sink. Rinsing the flannel, he began to dab at his neck and collarbone, covering the hairs towards the top of his chest that were matted with paint. Once again, Anna was entranced by the movement of his hands, the flex of the muscles in his arms, just by the breathtaking sight of him. He went on with his strokes and she was half compelled to stay staring. However, a stronger urge rose up like a fire inside her.

Her steps were quiet across the floor, but they were loud enough for him to gaze up towards her. His breathing picked up as he watched her stand in front of him, raising her arms and lithely removing her t-shirt, even though she was completely clean of paint below her neck. His eyes fixed to the elegant slope of her shoulders, her porcelain skin, the line of her exposed cleavage. Her fingers were warm as they fell upon him, taking up the flannel from his grasp and rubbing it over his chest lightly. John hissed out a breath when Anna's fingertips just brushed against his nipple, and his hands clasped themselves to her waist, making her gasp as he pulled her closer to him, her covered breasts pressing firm against his torso.

Anna could feel the passion building, transferring from his body to her own. It hadn't taken that much for it to emerge, it had been burning since the previous night. They'd done nothing more than snuggle and share sweet kisses when they had curled up on the sofa, sleep claiming them soon after. Now the kisses he was planting hungrily on her neck were anything but sweet, and she sighed loudly, arching herself against his lips, needing and wanting so much more.

A series of fervent kisses carried them unclothed into the shower, and the heat that was becoming her was momentarily tempered when she felt the cool tiles press against her back. John's hands soothed her as an icy blast of water hit their skin, each gentle caress making her shivers subside until she was soft enough to melt against him. The water was wonderfully warm now, cascading down onto their bodies, so close together. Anna saw the desire and love deep in John's eyes before her own fluttered shut, allowing herself to revel in the many magnificent sensations, threatening to overcome her completely. John's hands slid upon her face, fingers untangling her hair, while his lips returned to peppering kisses on the curve of her neck, reverent and unrelenting. She reached out to grasp a hand rather weakly against the wall, until it found a stronger hold upon his hip. In all her life, she had never experienced a moment so erotic and it was made even more so given the man she was sharing it with. She needed to see his face while his hands worked against her and gulped when she took in his features in the surrounding steam. He was just as wanting as her.

Rivulets of water were trickling over her skin, they touched every curve of her body as they did to his too. Anna was desperate to press herself to John but he held her against the wall lightly, determined to explore and worship each inch of her as yet more water poured down to make her already flawless form glisten. The drops fell across her and his fingertips soon followed, tracing the path of each in turn. Anna couldn't hold in her sighs as she was covered completely by him, his thumb delicately swiping the spill of water between her breasts. She looped her hands urgently into his silky hair, her grasp getting a little tighter when he lowered his head to let his tongue taste her skin. It ran almost too tantalisingly over her collarbone and then, as the drops continued to fall on her bare skin, he lapped them away, rolling over her slowly. Anna thought she would explode from it all. He settled to nipping and kissing below her ear while his hands cupped her breasts, the water making them soft in his palms. His thumbs were slowly circling, gliding over the rosy peaks of her nipples as he kissed against her neck, and Anna was being driven wild. She couldn't restrain herself any longer, and he allowed her to fall against him, her hands clutching at his strong back, whispering his name.

His skin slipping easily against hers gave her sensations like she had never known. She revelled in the wonderful feeling for moments before she began to kiss his chest, lightly at first but then with more urgency, her hands moving with the flow of water down the length of his spine and then grasping his buttocks. She felt his hardness unmistakable against her stomach and muffled moans at the contact as she kept on lavishing his chest. His hand was questing lower and lower upon her as he reached to kiss the top of her head. John let out a groan when he discovered how ready she was, and as he sought just a little more, Anna gasped out too.

They barely dried themselves off as they clambered out and to the comfort of the spare room, John picking Anna up into his arms, holding her close to him all the while. Neither of them could deny the need so heavy in the air, for them to be one. A thousand sighs escaped Anna when they were joined once again, the rhythm of their bodies so perfect against each other, knowing each other implicitly.

Laying together with limbs curled, there was just enough breath left in both of their bodies for them to kiss one another softly, a gorgeous accompaniment to the passion that had burned so fiercely. Anna smiled as his hand remained in her hair while she laid up on her side, his other splayed against her back. She giggled as she dipped to kiss him once more, unable to resist, her hair brushing down against his cheek.

"We'll have to go out later," she sighed as she settled back against the sheets, her body just about cooling. "Get some more paint. That wall really needs finishing."

A cheeky smile enveloped John's face after he nuzzled another kiss against her ear.

"Or we could just do that all over again."

She laughed melodiously. Even though she was shaking her head, she was thinking that would be a perfectly acceptable way to spend the rest of the weekend.