Hi! I haven't written any fanfiction since middle school, but have been an avid reader and have been inspired to pick up the pen again. I've been a Downton fan for over a year now and just couldn't get this sweet (literally, haha) idea out of my head. I've not written the entire thing yet, but I hope to update it at least once a week, if not more (no promises though, i do have a big girl job). Please feel free to interact and leave comments, concerns, ideas, etc. I hope you enjoy this little world as much as I do!

Anna x John

A Great British Baking Show AU

"Anna, you should apply!" Mary insisted, "You are really so talented, and besides, it can't hurt. It's a long process anyway, so you might not even make it past the initial screening. I know you will though, because there truly is nothing better than your biscuits," Mary encouraged her, "And I know you have a crush on Paul Hollywood, don't deny it!" she laughed, her wine glass balanced precariously in her hand as they sat on Anna's bed.

Anna sighed, "I know, I know, I just- I don't think I'm /that/ good," she said before Mary interjected.

"Yes you are! Everyone at my baby shower would agree- they thought you were a professional!" she pointed out.

"It's just such a long shot, I probably wouldn't get on anyway. And I don't know, it looks awfully stressful when they're actually baking," she pointed out before taking a sip of her own wine.

"Anna, you are the perfect contestant! You're talented and creative and beautiful and charming! Everyone would love to watch you on the telly!" she insisted, "C'mon, you're doing this right now. Where's your laptop?" she asked, sliding off the side of the bed and beginning to search around Anna's bedroom.

"Mary!" Anna sighed exasperatedly, "It's nearly midnight! We don't need to do this now, and especially not when we're both a little tipsy, or a lot tipsy in your case," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You can't blame me for being a lot tipsy. I really haven't had much to drink since George was born," she said, still searching for Anna's laptop.

"If I promise you that I will fill out an application tomorrow, will you please stop rooting through my belongings?" she pleaded with Mary.

"Yes!" Mary cheered, jumping back onto the bed, jostling her glass of white wine and spilling a drop on her satin pajama set, "I just know that they're going to choose you!"

John and Robert sat in a pub in London, Robert nursing a pint and John sipping a soda instead.

"Great British Baking Show? Yeah, I've heard of it. The girls watch it, Cora included," he answered John's inquiry.

"Well, I'm going to apply. I'm sure it's a shot in the dark, but I ought to try, I think," he shrugged.

"Oh, you're the perfect candidate, I think. An Army veteran who likes to bake? Surely they would want you on the show. And once they've tried your pies, they'll definitely want you," Robert assured him.

John chuckled, looking down into his drink before taking a sip, "I hope so, anyway."

This is just a little sneak peek and I hope to get up subsequent chapters soon!