Okay, so I loved this. I like that it follows immediately after where we left them with the penny lick. But I’m also glad to see the reality of their situation in that they’re still recovering, the both of them together, because the truth is that it didn’t just happen to her, did it? I like how you have them battling personally but also together. I also just love them forever and I love to see them healing. Also, you describing her as “thorned and unreachable,” perfect description.
Oh, and LOL at them keeping Mrs Hughes awake lol

I love this story, and this was a perfect conclusion. Going to bypass all the anger and frustration I feel that it didn't play out like this on screen, and just focus on the sweetness.

That's what they both need - Anna wolfing down those sandwiches and John getting much needed hours of sleep. Simple things but really effective. I loved their banter, obviously, and really liked that Anna got to admire John sleeping for a change. John reacted exactly as I'd expect him to when Anna brought up the subject of lovemaking, and I liked the fact that rather than feel relieved he felt more uneasy about having the responsibility of being in charge again. But Anna hasn't stopped fighting and she will fight to get that pure happiness back in their life. I think that speaks volumes about the Anna we know - she might not be exactly the same as before (well, she isn't, that's the fact of it), but her spirit won't be conquered. And it's just beyond lovely that they've been able to get over that last barrier, together (as always).

Yes, they are worth more than brooding, as lovely as that brooding sometimes is (I'd say a certain person should take note). It is going to be a journey for them, still, but they needed this, god knows. I adored the detail of Anna etching their initials over his heart, beautiful touch.

I loved their late morning. Anna still hasn't got to wake up natural! But I loved John's promise that she would get to do so, one day and soon at that. Love all the promise about them returning for another getaway here. I'm glad John can see that Anna is getting better now, and that she is always his Anna underneath it all. You never ignored Anna here, but brought John and his issues to the forefront in a way that was much more recognisable. Mrs Hughes, hee hee. I can just imagine Anna doing the 'oh my god' from 5.2 there. I loved the cheekiness of it, but it's also important that Mrs Hughes knows things are well again considering she's been such a big part of it. And it ended so well - far better than that.

Thank you so much for a brilliant story, and for all of the beautiful stories you've given the A/B fandom over the years. You've been an inspiration to me, and I'm sure many other writers, and I'm hoping that whatever you end up doing you'll be happy with it :) x

Thank you for this wonderful story and thank you so much all the wonderful stories you have written for the A/B fandom over the years. (imagine that there's some hearts here, as this website won't let me make them!)

This was a lovely story. We will miss you here. All the best x

Thanks for all the stories. I will sincerely miss ur posts. This story is now my head cannon!

we will miss you. I always look forward to the stories you have written. I hope that you get all the rest you need. Perhaps you will decide that you miss writing fanfics and we will see you back.

Lovely ending. I enjoy reading all of your story's, thankyou so much for sharing them with us. I selfishly hope you will publish more new banna fics in the future... But if you don't I'll happily re read the old ones ;)

I'm so sorry that you're taking a break from posting, as I love your stories, but this is a perfect ending. It truly embodies everything A&B are as a couple. Thank you so very much for endless hours of enjoyable reading.

Thanks for a wonderful story.

I'm sorry to see you will not be posting anymore, but I completely understand. Your stories have meant so much to me and I thank you for each and everyone, including this one.

aw, JamesLuver... this was a perfect ending for this story and their journey. so sorry to hear you won't be writing anymore but i wish you well in whatever and wherever life takes you.

You should take a hand in writing Downton, you do know that? Or at least A/B's storyline. It's Fellowes' fault that any explanation about why John was in London that day comes off as slightly awkward. He plainly wanted to arouse suspicion and yeah...you know, so I won't go into it here.

Loved the bit in the hotel lobby. I have to admit, their arrangements in London did make me wonder but you make it make sense. My heart sunk at Carson's plans but thank god for Mrs Hughes, as ever. John's embarrassment at her inferring was cute, and it's nice that Mrs Hughes wants to know. I trust she wouldn't be too intrusive and it's good Anna has another outlet of someone to talk to.

You get Mrs Patmore spot on, and what a lovely room they have. Glad they have a bit of a treat, even if it wasn't expected. Again, John's thoughts and how they are conjured up are completely believable. This is the kind of 'darkness' that is bubbling under the surface, not stupid actions Fellowes wants us to believe. It's so sad that he feels he needs to restrict himself, but it's understandable, and Anna appearing carefree makes it amplified.

The comment about John feeling like he needs to make a special effort with everything he says or does was spot on, and I loved the descriptions of them laying down and their eventual lovemaking. I really do think John would play passive for quite a while, understandably, but it was still lovely. Seeing Anna as relaxed as she can be is so wonderful, although you get it perfectly right when she becomes anxious knowing what Lady Mary may or may not do (and rewatching 4.8 and the CS it's clear how much she changes her tune, again for strange narrative purposes). I'm glad they talked about it here, as opposed to in London or Downton. Then they really can have a clean slate (sob). The issue of doubt is so, so huge for them, when they've never doubted the other before, and you explained that so well and succinctly. I also like that you put in part of John's explanation as him wanting to keep an eye on Anna. That makes total sense to me, he couldn't have known Mary wouldn't be around Gillingham, even if she did know by then. Also can I say I'm so glad you put in the line from S3 about going down the road of vengeance and bitterness. Rewatching, that struck me so much with regards to the events of S4 (and S5, undoubtedly) and even if he did have thoughts John would heed his own advice.

Anyway, I'd spend too much time gushing about this, but it was all perfectly done. And there's something equally lovely and significant that they're in a state of undress when this is unfolding. Looking forward to the conclusion!

Oh, I was so looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint. What we got with the S4 CS was so ridiculous and such a let down, so I will always appreciate a better contextualisation. And to be honest, nothing is more unrealistic than what Fellowes provided us with.

I really like the setting here; Anna is the vibrant, playful one where John seems to be worn down, that detail about her turning her head away as he settled down was very poignant. I loved the banter about Mr Carson and the reference to Molesley, but then John's thoughts about their life as before and after and feeling uncomfortable about Anna's quip really hit hard. I can imagine it's just like that. And as difficult as it is for both of them, I'm glad Anna said she wanted a nice day. It's important for them to be honest with each other. Loved the scenes with the melting penny lick and Anna's methods of persuasion with the paddle. Regardless of what S5 is going to bring, I think these kisses are perfect to read and I wish we had more.

To be honest, I would have loved an A/B paddle. They are absolutely adorable. John being apprehensive of the water and scared of fish! Too cute. I love Anna coaxing him in in her gentle way and just enjoying the time they had together. It's as beautiful as ever, but you weave in the underlying insecurities so well. That part about the hotel dream - my heart. But then the water fight! Just brilliant. I can imagine John being horrified splashing Anna and her simply retaliating. And I did not expect so many of the servants to get involved. Baxter was especially brilliant, rewatching S4 you can see she is quite cheeky. The most beautiful thing is John noticing how carefree and happy Anna looked, but then you crack my heart open again when he realised - when Anna hadn't - what he was doing. My god, a little thing but so powerful (and heartbreaking when you consider how playful they were beforehand. Sobs forever).

Carson discovering them all was priceless. I felt bad for John but it was just perfectly done. I especially loved Mrs Patmore's comment, and Anna being sheepish about her scolding. I think you have Mrs Hughes's voice perfectly here (and I miss that relationship between them, I feel it's another thing that's been screwed up slightly. I'm so glad John came clean! And it was a lovely twist on the theory we all have, to have Gwen and her husband looking for somewhere. Again I don't think anything is implausible in light of canon. And you make John's reasons for not telling Anna totally believable, whereas on screen he just seemed to change overnight. Grrrr.

I loved them being at the train station, and I didn't anticipate the ending! A great way to leave things.

The explanation works for me (and better than some of Fellowes' explanations in the past, lol). Another fantastic chapter, looking forward to more! :)

It is very good. It would have taken time to get an evaluation of the house and talk to the current renters as well. You did a good job with it.