A/N: So this has been in the works for far too long, but it was prompted to me on tumblr by a-lady-to-me after commenting on the clip of Anna and John from their wedding night. Thanks to my lovely pal downtonluvr for her time and encouragement on this. No plot really, pretty much just smut, because why not?

Disclaimer: I don't own anything from DA, if I did this is probably what the show would consist of like 80% of the time.

HOUSEWARMING: THE GARDEN

Mrs. Anna Bates was quite proud of the spread of food she had laid out in front of her on the table. Granted, most of the work had been done by Mrs. Patmore as a sort of a housewarming gift basket, but she had, nonetheless, baked the jam tart all on her own. And she was quite proud of it. Her pride in this small treat was amplified by the fact that it was the first thing she had really baked, or cooked at all even, in their new home. She had made kettles for tea and a few bits of toast here and there when they needed a break from their labors in making the cottage livable, but that didn't really count she felt. No, this was a first. The first of many for them today. Today was their last day of moving in, thusly making it their first day of actually living in their own home. Their own home. The thought filled Anna with more contentment and warmth than the stove she was standing next to. She wrapped her arms around herself and took in the delicious smell of the tart, even if it was mixed with the scent of fresh paint that still lingered. She took another glance at the table making sure everything was set just so; the plate of sandwiches from Mrs. Patmore, a few assorted cheeses and pieces of fruit, and her jam tart. It all looked delicious but Anna felt as if the sight was lacking something. Then she thought of it. The table needed flowers. It seemed silly, but when she had spent many nights dreaming of the simple domesticities she and Mr Bates, John, she corrected herself, would have once they had their home, once he was free, she always saw fresh flowers in a small vase on the table between them as they ate their meals. Just a simple bouquet, but so fresh and alive reflecting their life that was just beginning.

They didn't have a proper vase, another thing to add to their list of eventuals, so Anna grabbed a glass, filled it with some water and set it on the table on her way to the back door which led to the small garden behind their home. This garden was one of the many things she was looking forward to in this new start. Anna only hoped their work at the Abbey allowed them the time to tend it properly. She wanted to grow flowers, but also a few vegetables if they could manage it. She didn't know much about gardening but she was ready and willing to learn.

As Anna approached the garden door she saw John's cane leaning against the wall and she frowned. She didn't want to fret over such things, she knew he disliked it when she did, but she couldn't help her concern. She knew he was out chopping wood for their fires, and as such wouldn't be able to manage the carrying and his stick at the same time, but the uneven ground out back would give him bother; not that he would let on. She opened the door ready to scold him.

"John, you..." the words escaped her as her mind went blank when she saw him. He was standing so tall and broad in their small yard. She watched as his muscles rippled with the fluid motion of his axe swing. He wasn't wearing a proper shirt, only his undershirt as he didn't want to risk ruining one during his labors. Because of this, his arms were bare to the world and she could see the sheen of sweat lingering over them. The sudden clenching of parts low in her caused a choked groan to escape her. Her eyes fluttered shut as her body enjoyed what it was feeling. She let the sensation ripple through her...

"Anna? Anna, love?" His deep silky voice cut through her moment of reverie, forcing her to look at him with a wide eyed yet blank expression. "Was there something you wanted?"

His smile did nothing to stop the heat that was building. In fact, his voice, his smile, the way his eyes were so intent upon her...she felt herself go completely weak in the knees as a powerful shudder of pure want and even need coursed through her veins. She began to walk towards him, the ground soft under her feet, but she felt like a mere ghost of herself; completely out of control of her own actions. She could almost hear a faint echo in her brain telling her to snap out of this trance but the ache to touch him at that moment was far too strong. She had to yield to it. His gaze was still burning into her and she felt it all over, but his face betrayed a look of concern.

"Anna." He tried again sternly to get her to speak when she had come to a stop directly in front of him. He was surprised when she reached up and put her finger to his lips, effectively shushing him. She just stood there, so small in his great presence staring at him. He could feel her eyes traveling from his face to his torso and lower and he became slightly self-conscious but heated under her scrutiny.

She lifted her arms simultaneously and placed her palms near his wrists, simply resting them there for a moment. The texture of his coarse hairs slick with sweat made her bite down on her lower lip while clenching her thighs.

John was already focusing on her mouth and when he caught the faintest glimpse of her tongue drawing her bottom lip in between her teeth, his breath hitched. He couldn't help the sensual smile that crawled onto his face, no more than he could help the sudden rush of heated blood to his now awakened member. He felt himself twitch under her touch. And he loved it. It took so little from her to make him feel this way. So full of desire and wanting. So utterly alive. His wife. His Anna.

Anna's hands had been making their way north up his arms in a slow journey. She was applying the slightest of pressure from her fingertips wanting to feel every hair, every drop of sweat, every muscle and tendon she could come across. When she came to the peaks of his shoulders she slid her hands down towards his back for just a second before bringing them back to his chest. She could feel how the cloth of his shirt was damp and sticking to him. She brought a hand back up and hooked a finger in the loose neck of the shirt. The back of her finger grazing his neck and the thick patch of chest hairs that had entranced her since their wedding night so many months ago. She felt his chest vibrate with a moan so low her ears could barely register the sound and it pleased her. Fingers splayed, she pressed her palms into his chest, square on his pectorals, feeling his heart quickening with each passing second. Turning her hands so that her fingers began to curve around his ribs she very slowly moved lower, purposefully digging her nails into his sides, just ever so slightly. The whisper of her name that was moaned from deep in his throat was an exhilarating sound and brought on a strong pulsing from between her thighs. More determined than ever she reached the point where his shirt tucked neatly into his trousers. Much like with the neckline of his shirt she slipped a couple of fingers down into his waistband and began to lift the shirt out and up. When her fair knuckles grazed his abdomen the intake of his breath was audible. She quickly began to lift the shirt up.

"Anna! What are you..." His tone was protesting but he lifted his arms all the same and his voice was muffled and then lost as the shirt came over his head. He glanced around the garden concerned for a moment but felt the shade from the trees in the small yard were also providing them privacy, and the thoughts he had about his wife in this moment were made all the more exhilarating knowing they were outside the private walls of their cottage home.

She stood there for a moment holding the shirt in her hands just taking in all of his wide, muscular breadth, then letting his shirt fall to the ground. He reached his arms out for her then, but she grabbed his thick wrists with her small hands. She closed the small gap between them, pushing his arms back down to his sides and not letting go. She looked up at him then, catching his lust-darkened eyes for a mere second before closing her eyes and leaning forward.

"Anna, I'm all sweaty..." He attempted to raise his arms to hold her again but she was adamant. He could feel her breath washing over him in warm waves and then he felt her lips. Feather light they pressed to his sternum. She parted her lips and eased her tongue out until she tasted him. Salt from his labors mixed with the spice that was purely him greeted her and the flavors were intensely erotic. She couldn't think straight. She had never experienced this level of lust and need in her life. Even the desperation on their wedding night couldn't match what she was feeling at this moment. Then she had been too nervous, too anxious to please him. That night had been all about a gentle sort of love. There was love in this too, but in this moment it was secondary to feelings of lust she never knew herself capable of. It made her feel wanton and naughty but it felt so right, she knew this couldn't be wrong. They were husband and wife and they had been forced apart just days after pledging their lives to each other. This was their time now, finally. And they had a lot of it to make up for.

She let go of his wrists as her arms wrapped around his waist pulling him close to her. His hands went immediately to her waist but didn't stop until he had a firm grasp on her bottom meeting her halfway pressing his growing arousal into her.

"John…" she purred, but he didn't waste breath with an answer before fervently catching her mouth with his. There was no hesitation. No need for one to tease the mouth open of the other. Their tongues met immediately; their groans turning into a mutual greeting. His hands gripped tighter before clutching her thighs effectively lifting her legs up and around his waist.

Her lips kissed every inch of his face until he bowed his head to nip strongly on the slope of her neck where it met her slender shoulder. She exclaimed loudly at the pressure and the slightest bit of exquisite pain she felt. It was sure to leave a mark; the thought of which only intensified her desire. She could feel him hard against her center causing her to writhe against him subconsciously. He leaned his head back as the feeling of her hips moving against him caused him to lose himself. She seized the opportunity taking his cheeks in her hands and holding his neck out for her to do with as she pleased. And what pleased her was to lick up every last drop of sweat he had worked up.

He lowered the two of them to the ground, laying on his back so she was now sitting on him astride. She continued to roll her hips back and forth feeling him growing hotter and harder with every motion. His hands rushed to find the hems of her skirt pulling them up until he could feel her bare thigh under his hand. While his left hand grasped her breast through her dress his right was seeking the warmth he was feeling radiating from under her skirts. He smiled at her pout when his hand left her breast until she registered what he was seeking.

"Oh yes…please…please John…" She clutched at his shoulders lowering her chest to his before turning to pull him on top of her, the tickle of the grass against her neck only added another level of delight.

He leaned back on his knees so he was now straddling her. He made sure he wasn't on her skirts so he could pull them up. A heavy desire-laden laugh escaped him as he watched her hands scramble to hike up her skirts even before his own could. Their lips crashed together as his hand slid closer to her core. When his hand met the wet heat he was searching for he didn't breach her immediately. Instead, he placed the whole of his palm over her, the gesture almost calming, causing the both of them to slow the heated race they found themselves in. The heat he found there was incredible; it seemed to cause a bolt of raw energy to soar through his palm and into his very soul. He placed his left hand over her breast to feel her heart as he slowly and softly began to massage her. She writhed immediately under his touch, but he only smiled and continued with his slow ministrations. After a moment, she calmed under his touch and he felt her thighs relax beneath him.

When she seemed to be becoming a little too lulled, he saw his opportunity. He let his middle finger slip into her and chuckled when her eyes shot open and he felt those lovely muscles tense up inside her. That tension was what his dreams were made of. Knowing that he was the one she chose to bring her such feelings; that she gave all of her love and trust to him and bared herself to only him in this way was the greatest gift. And it was his responsibility to return the favor to the best of his ability.

With that thought he dipped his finger just slightly into her to gather some of her sweet nectar and brought it up to the flushed button at her core and continued his massaging. She cried out immediately, then promptly bit her lip to stifle herself. He leaned down over her, never stopping his motions to capture her groans in an open mouth kiss.

Her return of his kiss was demanding and greedy. She sucked on his tongue like he was water and she was dying of thirst. Her need for him was making it hard for him to make this a slow-burning pleasure for her, but she certainly didn't seem to be protesting, so he moved faster and pressed harder into her. He slipped two fingers past her tensing muscles curling them against her insides. She was writhing, thrusting her hips up one moment then grinding them into the ground the next. He timed the moving of his hand in and out to match the rhythm of her hips, her movements sometimes causing him to slide out of her and back up to her bundle of nerves. He would focus on that spot then bringing her close to the brink and then sliding back into her to draw out her pleasure. Her breath was coming in heaving gasps and she was begging for him to release her from the heavenly torture of climbing and descending. John smiled as he closed his eyes, wanting to fill his brain with her guttural moans and the slick tight feeling of her around his seeking fingers. He could feel his own desire straining against the fabric of his pants becoming ever tighter, uncomfortable even, but like with everything in this moment the increase in pressure simply felt amazing, heavenly, perfect.

Her hips were beginning to flail erratically bringing him back down to earth and the task at hand so-to-speak. He brought his left arm down to her hip to steady her leaning down to press his chest into hers. He kissed her, before trailing his lips to her ear. Between nips and licks he whispered to her. He spoke of love and how amazing she felt. How seeing her glow in these moments made him the happiest man alive.

If she had been asked, she wouldn't have been able to repeat the things he said to her in that moment, all she knew was his hand inside of her, his lips and breath against her neck was all too much and his words sent her soaring. She was seeing stars and was sure her body had taken flight. She was trying to form words but all that escaped her lips were purrs and incoherent whimpers. She was so close and he could feel her thighs beginning to tremble and her muscles contracting; he withdrew from her and worked her bud with renewed fervor. When her climax came it was so strong that she bucked so entirely, he nearly fell off of her trying to avoid her head knocking square into his. He laughed as he moved off of her and lay on his side next to her. She immediately felt his absence and without even opening her eyes she flung herself against him clutching his shoulders. Her mouth sought his out, but her kisses were sloppy and misplaced by her gasps.

He held her close to him as he rolled to his back depositing her against his chest, running his hands up and down her ribs helping her to fall slowly and carefully back to earth. "Well, Mrs. Bates…I take it you enjoy our little garden?" He nuzzled against her hair, his accomplished smile still spread wide across his face.

"Hmm? I…oh god yes…I…oh…Oh my god! John, I nearly forgot where we are!" She sat up like a shot pulling her skirts over her knees and her knees up to her chest. Frantically, she looked around and calmed at the realization that the few trees and vine covered fence that divided their small yard from their neighbors probably provided them privacy during this impulsive bout of passion. She smacked him as he just laughed at her sudden modesty.

"Nearly forgot love? You seemed rather lost there for a few moments at least, if I do say so myself." The crinkles at the corners of his eyes were pronounced as the mischievous glint made his irises darken from hazel to green. Even in her flushed state she still managed to blush from head to toe. And when he reached up to tuck an errant lock behind her ear she leaned into his palm and fell helplessly against his chest. "You are so beautiful." Her only response was to nudge her head closer under his chin and draw lazy circles in the hairs of his bare chest. "I want to hold you here, just like this, for every moment of every day." He pressed a kiss to her hair as he held her tight.

She sighed into his chest and fought off a bout of tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She looked at him then, taking his stubbly cheek in her hand drawing his lips to hers. "Just try to let me go…" the words slipped from her lips directly onto his as she kissed him, slowly, languidly, lovingly.

In their blissful state they didn't see the clouds gathering and suddenly the heavens opened and a light rain began to fall. She started to get up but he pulled her back to him. "John! It's starting to rain! We need to get inside!"

"And I said I wanted to hold you just so, forever." He said very matter of factly with a smile. She laughed against his cheek and ran her hand through his dampening hair.

"Come along, Mister Bates," she said with a kiss, deepening it so he would be distracted for a moment as she slid her hand between them, cupping him firmly through his trousers. "I have no intention of leaving your arms any time soon."

THE BEDROOM:

They lingered out in the rain a few moments longer as John enjoyed his wife's ministrations against his straining arousal. The rain was soaking them through, though neither could find it in themselves to care or even take notice while in the throes of such heated passion. Eventually, Anna managed to pull herself away from her husband's embrace just long enough to take him by the hand and lead him back into the cottage. He gently pushed her against the door as soon as it closed and plundered her mouth while his hands greedily grasped her breasts, the rain causing her thin cotton dress to cling to the small peaks and he could feel her taut nipples through the cloth. He swiftly took the right one into his mouth biting her softly through her dress.

The sound the action elicited from her mouth nearly made him come undone then and there; he had never heard such a low animalistic groan from her and his knees became weak with need. They continued up the stairs towards their bedroom leaving a trail of rain drenched clothes along the way. Buttons were flung from her dress and in his eager state, seeing how she had forgone her corset for the day, he managed to snap the thin strap of her chemise. The spell was broken as he stepped back from her, with a look of surprise and apprehension that she might scold him or be mad. And she wanted to be for the shortest of moments before beholding his bashful eyes at which she laughed. She took his face in her small palms and kissed his panic away. As the kiss deepened and his hands continued their hungry exploration of her breasts, the need to feel his skin upon hers, her insistent craving for his rough palms to scratch heavenly across her body became too much.

"Oh sod it!" She exclaimed against his panting mouth as she grabbed the one strap keeping her chemise up and gave it a strong tug causing it to break and collapsing the final barrier between her aching bare body and her husband's very adept hands. She felt his moan vibrate in his chest as she tangled her fingers through the hairs she found there, leaving nail marks as she went all the while pressing him into the wall outside their room. It was all too much for John Bates, he needed his wife now. He grabbed her wrists in his strong but gentle hands, bending to nip at her neck as he slid one arm down under her backside where he was able to hoist her up nearly over his shoulder. Her laughter echoed in the hall.

He loved to make her laugh in these heated moments as her laughter was unlike any other sound she ever made. And it was certainly one that only he was privy to. For the world her laugh was light and high pitched, a bird's song if ever there was one. But here and now it was a heavy sound, deep, throaty, and completely awash in desire. The echo of it in his ears as well as the breath of it on his neck caused him to shudder from head to toe. He made haste for the bed, lightly dropping her onto it. He stood back to admire her form. Never was there a sight more beautiful than his wife before him, bared fully to him, her rain soaked hair causing dark gold tendrils to stick in waves to her neck and shoulders. He noticed a shudder take over her body.

"Oh Anna, you're shivering!" He turned quickly to find a flannel to help dry her off but the search was cut short by Anna's laugh. He turned to see her now, kneeling on the bed, arms reaching out for him.

"Come here you silly beggar. I wasn't exactly shivering from the cold and even if I were I think we can come up with a better way to get ourselves warmed than a bit of flannel...don't you think?"

Indeed the heat from her gaze was enough to boil his already simmering blood. He growled behind his smile and lunged for her, taking her down to her back as he settled half on her and half to her side. He propped himself up on one arm while the other let his fingertips skim from her breasts to her thighs. She could feel his need for her against her thigh and found herself growing impatient for him to join them. She bit down on her lip as the feeling of embarrassment welled up inside her. What would he think of her if he knew just how keen her desire for him was?

Since his return she had been the one to initiate most of their intimacies as he still seemed trepidatious about being with her. Indeed their cottage would have been finished sooner had her desire for her husband not gotten in the way of many of the tasks they set themselves to the last two weeks. Many times she would find herself stalled in a chore by just the sight of him. He was so free and relaxed working away and she was drawn to him every time; stopping his work by placing her lips on his and putting his hands on her body. It was so endearing to see the bit of surprise in his eyes when she did such things, though also a bit frustrating as well. How many times must she prove her desire for him? As many times at it would take she resolved. At least the acts of such proof were delectable and exhilarating for them both.

He was always so slow and gentle with her and she appreciated it, though his nervousness made her laugh. He was the experienced one in such matters, not her; yet she was the one who always pressed for him to go farther, faster, harder. Her eagerness would soon put him at ease and he would acquiesce to her demands. And he didn't seem to mind one bit. She smiled then. Perhaps she should be more demure in her desires but when it all felt so right and so insanely good and they were both willing and as in love as they were, nothing between them could be wrong.

She felt her nipples tighten when his hand grazed the inside of her thigh. He was edging near her center where she could feel her own wetness collecting so she knew he could feel it as well. In fact, he let out a moan when his fingers became damp without even entering her. She watched in surprise as he brought his fingers up to his mouth, first sticking his tongue out to taste the trace of her before fully sucking on his own finger to get every last drop. The action a catalyst for both of them, bringing back the urgency they had experienced earlier in the garden.

Her hand sought out his manhood and he bucked against her instinctively as she stroked him. Softly, tentatively at first, before firming her grasp and increasing the speed at which she moved from base to tip. He had rarely let her explore his body in this manner for more than a minute or two at a time, always seeing to her needs and bringing her to the heights of pleasure numerous times before joining her in the heavens. But she adored taking him in her hands. Feeling how he seemed to somehow grow larger and hotter with every stroke was a fascination to her. And the sight of him so unguarded, head thrown back, hair all mussed with that one adorable lock that never seemed to stay in place falling against his sweaty forehead; she relished the view and dreamt of it at night. She knew he didn't believe her, but he was truly the most handsome man she had ever seen. And he was hers, for all time.

With renewed fervor she increased both the speed and pressure she applied to him, every groan spurring her on telling her she was giving him what he wanted, what he liked. She moved her hand down slowly never loosening her grip until she found the weight she was looking for. She was exploring him as much for her own curiosity as well as for his pleasure, therefore she wasn't missing an inch of him. She massaged, stroked and squeezed, giggling when he let out a yelp in surprise, but didn't stop when he didn't protest her actions. With one more squeeze she resumed stroking his arousal. Fast at first then slowly. Tightening her grasp then loosening. When she felt those first beads of moisture collecting at the tip, she slowed and used her thumb to massage small circles around his head.

"Anna!" He exclaimed as his hips thrust into her encircling palm. "Love, you…" His voice was but a low crackling rumble from deep within. "God, Anna, do you know what you're doing to me?" Her motions upon him had made him forget his determination to bring her to the heights at least once more as he lay helpless against her ministrations. He reached for her again sliding his hand up her thigh pulling her leg towards him slightly opening her to him. He breached her again slowly and gently, drawing lazy circles around her bundle of nerves with his thumb. This mutual and simultaneous exploration of each was something they had never experienced and as their hips began to thrust in a tandem dance, John knew it was time for them to dance as one. "Anna, you...oh god…" He withdrew his hand from her warmth to take her wrist stopping her work upon him. "I'm not going to last much longer if you keep that up Mrs Bates." John said with a grin as he placed a kiss upon her palm.

"I love to feel you, John. All of you, just like that. I love to see that look on your face. It makes me feel things so deep within. It gives me pleasure just seeing to you." Anna stumbled a bit with her sentiments not knowing quite how to express all that she was feeling, but his smile and sigh told her she needn't say anything at all.

He brought himself up to kneeling and carefully positioned himself between her legs. He ghosted his hands up her legs to her hips before bringing her body down closer to his, letting her thighs rest on his hips. "I know you do, love. And believe me, I enjoy it very much, but these moments should be about you. And your needs…" John slid his hand back over her center massaging her folds as he did before in the garden. "Is this what you need, Anna?"

With pleasure already beginning to ripple through her she incoherently moved her head to indicate both 'yes' and 'no.' He laughed at her pleasure laden confusion while sliding a finger into her making small motions inside of her before sliding back out, then repeating the action. "Is this?" When her answer came in the same contradictory fashion he couldn't help but to pause. When she opened her eyes to the absence of his motions it was her turn to laugh at his confused look.

"Silly beggar." Anna leaned up enough to allow herself to reach for his waist and quickly pulled him towards her so she could feel his arousal right up against her, right where she needed and wanted him to be. Before he could even register his wife's quick actions Anna had grasped him firmly, gave him a few strong strokes then she guided him into her with a thrust of her own hips. An echo of moans was offered up to the heavens at the sensation of them finally joining. She dug her heels into his behind, bringing him deeper within her.

"This is what I want. This is what I need, now John." She caught his gaze with her own offering a small wicked smile. John could only nod his head as he began his rhythm drawing in and out of her, feeling her tense around him with every motion. He leaned down over her trailing his tongue up her body from navel to sternum, before taking a nipple deftly in his mouth. He flicked his tongue around the taut peak before sucking intently.

The feeling of his mouth on her breast as well as his movements inside of her was beyond her comprehension. She grasped at his back before running her hands through his hair. She pulled his attention away from her chest to bring his mouth to hers in a fervent kiss. Their tongues danced rhythmically with the thrusting of their hips. He was bearing down into her as she rose to meet him. Their kisses became shorter as they were both gasping for breath from the exertions of his naked body molding to hers. She kissed his forehead as he focused back on her chest to offer the same attention to her other breast.

He could feel the tremble of her legs beginning to grow as well as the increasing tension of her inner most muscles around him signaling she was climbing close to the edge of bliss. Continuing his strong thrusts he left her breast with a gentle series of kisses that trailed upwards until he met her lips, her tongue seeking out his before his lips were even upon hers. The kiss was deep and urgent; each sucking on the other with determination. He pulled away from her leaning back while his hand returned to her swollen bud. He stroked her then, rolled her between his fingers causing her to scream his name as her climax came to take her. Her hands shot out and grabbed his bottom; her nails digging in. The slight pain mixed with the ecstasy he felt from her clenching tightness around him became too much and with a final few powerful thrusts he joined her in this blissful high, her name falling from his lips in a love-filled whisper over and over again.

He collapsed on top of her dropping kisses on whatever inch of skin his lips could find. They lay together like that for a few moments. The tickle of his chest hair against her breast kept her flushed nipples tight which in turn caused small ripples of pleasure to continue coursing through her. When he made to move off of her she stopped him holding onto him strongly, pulling him even closer. Running her hands through his hair and across his shoulder blades she attempted to speak:

"Don't. Don't leave me yet. This…" Anna cleared her throat as emotions flooded her haze filled mind. "Oh god, John. The way you feel inside me…" She shook her head slightly as a tear slid down her cheek and she moved her hips just slightly feeling him move with her where they were joined. Clarity slowly came back to her and she reached for his cheeks to have him meet her eyes. Lazy and satisfied smiles met with contented sighs. "You were wrong before, Mister Bates. This isn't about me. Or you. It's about us as we are now. One. Joined together forever. I love you John. So…"

He shushed her with a passionate and slow kiss. "I love you, Anna." He whispered against her lips breathlessly. After a few more moments of languid kisses he slid out of her and though she could keenly feel his absence immediately she could also still feel him deep within her. He pulled her against his chest and nuzzled her hair as she ran her hand lightly over his chest. "We are one, Anna. Always."