Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"six thirty Mr. Barrow!" two sharp knocks broke Thomas from his sleep, a sharp inhale and he let out a groan. This bed was never truly comfortable. It spent too much of the year unused. That’s how the London house always felt though. It didn’t match with the lifestyle Thomas liked… at least not in every way.

"thank you Lucas" Thomas tried to keep it quiet, but really he didn’t have good reason. The rest of the staff left yesterday. Essential staff only were left in Grantham house for a party. And the year round staff were clearly glad for it. Thomas looked down and even with a crick in his back he smiled. Poochy was sleeping still. The pup was no longer really a pup. He was a decent thirty five pounds of fluff and attitude when things aren't going Thomas' way. Thomas let his hand drop down. Petting the coat. "who told you to get this fluffy in summer" a low whine came from the pup, rolling onto his back and putting his nose to Thomas' hand before giving a cursory lick. "oh thank you" Thomas lifted himself up. His body sore from a year of extra work wearing him down. He got his wish. Being a valet was good. Being a temporary valet is never good. Being a valet footman and chaperone to the Crawley girls to balls was even worse. He was thankful about it all adding to his pay. Not that it was anything compared to the Crawley's money. But he could maybe afford to take himself out for a nicer dinner the next season they were in London. The leaf's would already be turning in Downton. In London they were starting to brown, the smog stealing any good color. Thomas' window showed a line between the houses, several trees all indicating to anyone with a country house to flee.

Thomas stood going over to his valise. He packed light, smokes, a pair of sleep clothes, extra socks and underwear, a coat, and his livery. And because the pup couldn’t go out without looking fancy. A white collar and bow tie for poochy. Who wore it with pride every time. Thomas didn’t dare look at himself before plunging into his water. It was cold but it was good, Thomas needed to wake up and he didn’t have time for tea until after lord Grantham was dressed. Next came his hair. Tight and clean. His clothes, and finally a clearing of the throat to get poochy up and following him. "you'd think you own the place" he teased the pup leaving his room. Even for an empty house there was a buzz before the day started. Thomas went down the stairs fast. He knew lord Grantham's routine. He was up early normally. Today even earlier than normal. Thomas entered the kitchen seeing a display of baked goods. The cast aways left on the side Thomas gave a quick "good morning" to Ms. Patmore before grabbing a scone that had broken in half.

"don’t even have time for a plate" she teased and Thomas shook his head.

"lord Grantham told me he'd be up early today. No time for tea even." she rolled her eyes pouring him a cup. "so good to me."

"and you lot don’t deserve it" Thomas took a sip quickly being cut off by the sound of a bell. Lucas ran in a moment later.

"Mr. Barrow its lord Grantham's room!" Lucas all but shouted.

"thank you Lucas." Thomas sighed. The kid was good. But loud. He nodded running back to do something else. "told you. They all will be early today."

"doesn’t change when the party is."

"no but it makes them think it will come faster." Thomas took another bite of the scone before heading for the stairs.

The London house had less stairs than Downton. But it still was plenty of stairs to get up them all. He slipped through a door and walked down the hall checking himself for crumbs, poochy quicky keeping speed. Thomas came to the door. He stood for a moment before knocking. Getting a quiet "come in" and entering.

"g'morning m'lord." Thomas shut the door poochy sitting next to the inside of it. He learned his spot at this house just like Downton.

"morning Thomas. Paper here yet?"

"not yet. We did get a telegram late last night. The staff are all at Downton setting up for your return."

"good, Edith and sybil will be leaving in a few hours."

"are they not attending the party?" Thomas asked opening the wardrobe doors, seeing the day suit he set up last night.

"no, sybil isn't out yet, Edith…. Well she has voiced her opinions enough. Id rather not fight it"

"I will let anna know so she can have them packed and ready."

"thank you"

Dressing lord Grantham was a rhythm, it had a flow to it that Thomas could appreciate. He didn’t speak when he was in his undergarments, or when he was shaving. But when the suit was on he would let little things drop. It was really a valets job to disseminate gossip and update the staff on events before they became official. It helped things flow. Thomas got less than the former valet did. There was a holding back. Thomas didn’t like that there was a holding back. But he was cornered in this unable to prove himself better and unable to be consistently good enough battle.

Thomas slipped out after dressing lord Grantham, seeing anna walking down the hall. Thomas made sure the door was closed before he spoke.

"just lady marry tonight at the ball. The other two leave after lunch." anna let out a sigh of relief.

"that is good news" she patted Thomas' arm then leaning in. "Edith's dress was a disaster." Thomas smiled shaking his head.

"anna you know how to gossip?"

"sometimes" she had a smile as she continued her walk down to the woman's side of the rooms. Thomas wished this was the way things were, anna was sweet. But she was only happy from hearing the good news. She didn’t like the real him anyway. Thomas sighed, rubbing his neck, feeling his necklace, three stones, the lake spirits were the Downton deities. They visited when Thomas first came. He was sold a cheap glass bead in silver plate, it was a cheap version of what the family had. He was different then.

"get a move on" O'Brien nudged into Thomas. Poochy let out a low growl. Thomas held out a hand motioning to the stairs.

"you seem chipper"

"her ladyship is changing her dress. It comes an hour before you lot leave. And If it doesn’t look good I am to blame" she shook her head and Thomas descended the stairs.

"he doesn’t have a new suit. Cant be that new of a dress. They wouldn’t match."

"she says it works with what he has"

"then why are you worried." Thomas stopped.

"because these dressmakers are." she scoffed. "people here don’t know how to make things right"

"oh yes I'm sure" Thomas turned back to the stairs finally hitting the main floor. "us creationists don’t know anything do we" Thomas let the words slip. It was a brave assault. His only ally. But something twisted hearing her today.

"don’t start. I knew what you were before" Thomas shook his head walking past the wash bins. Finally heading to the staff hall to grab another bite of food. Ignoring O'Briens mocking words in the hallway. He sat in the mostly empty room taking quickly taking a swig of tea. And filling his plate. Poochy whined and Thomas quickly swore at himself standing and putting down the food for the pup, petting him as he dove in. Thomas stuffed his face quickly. He knew they would be down soon. Breakfast. Then preparing for leaving. Lunch. The party, undressing and packing his lordship, and finally bed. Even though it was a shit bed he missed it already.

The day played out like Thomas had expected. There was some downtime. He didn’t have to stand at the door. Most of the people who would visit had gone. This party was a late, not popular, and rude couple. But, Thomas knew they spited lady Grantham. She wanted revenge. Proper revenge but he would never cross her.

The sun was setting as Thomas finished the last bit of lord Grantham's suit. It was a nicer one. Reserved for balls and special dinners. Not revenge. But he was told to dress nice.

"finally, this" lord Grantham took out a small ribbon, the Downton crest embossed on the pin holding it together. He made a little whistle and a small fletchling flew from a perch by the window onto his finger. "I couldn’t bring Pharoh, she is too weak for long travel. And good luck getting any other Pokémon off those grounds."

"I don’t know m'lord. I think this ones got wonderful colors."

"oh you should have seen the protector when she was young. Even more bold. Youd think the feathers glowed."

"I'm sure it was quiet something" Thomas saw the bird wiggle as lord Grantham finished tying the bow.

"there, now I'm ready"

"should I call for the chauffer?"

"yes they will be done any moment" Thomas nodded leaving the room.

Thomas was happy too no longer be sitting behind horses. The family embraced having a car at both houses. This one was open in the front. Meaning Thomas felt the cool air. But it was better than staring at a horses ass the entire ride. Thomas got off as they arrived. Walking over to lord Grantham's door he opened it sliding out the step. There were several families standing outside still. Waiting to be greeted. This sort of party was simple. Dress nice. Bring nice Pokémon. Even servants and chaperones had to comply. Thomas had managed to brush poochy into a shape that looked close to a dog again. His typical white collar and bowtie was paired with a black cape that was styled to a jacket. Thomas thought it was a joke. But lady sybil liked it and enjoyed seeing poochy trot around with it as a cape. Thomas thought it was a bit much. His fur was nearly black. It was more than enough to sell him and Thomas looking alike.

Lord Grantham stepped out. His fletchling chirping at him as he pet it. Then he stood to the side as Thomas helped lady marry out of the car. She gave a smile before grabbing the slick black poke ball from her purse. She pressed it and a beam of light came out. Umbreon let out a meow before returning to Mary's side. That was already enough to get people to look back. The host losing the line- quickly was shocked. Lady Grantham was led out by lord Grantham. A cool blue white dress sparkled by the lanterns, she had a smile on her face as the group was quickly brought up front. The hosts smile was toxic. Every tooth on display. A false display to the world. Thomas went to announce them but was cut off.

"we like to see our guests Pokémon first. And MY footman will be announcing all guests." Thomas nodded handing the young man a card from lord Grantham. The woman looked over poochy. He wasn’t a special breed. He wasn’t anything special honestly. But that didn’t stop her from trying to bate him to act like a puppy. Finally when she realized she had lost she pet him enough that the whites of his eyes showed. He glanced at Thomas. A non verbal way of saying 'I will be having more treats later'. Thomas knew he wouldn’t fight that request later.

Lord Grantham was next. The fletchling hopping onto his finger she nodded clearly not impressed. "I'm sure he will be impressive some day." lord Grantham tried to explain, that the birds mother was a war bird, protector of Downton after. But he didn’t get out a word before the woman gawked over the Umbreon. Unfortunately for her. The Umbreon was cold to most people. Marry, the family, and some of the staff were included in the not getting shocked category. Thomas was lucky he found himself on the list.

Finally the woman stood to face lady Grantham. "so, what about you Cora? No Pokémon?"

"oh no, I brought a new one. She took out the poke ball, the top a dazzling sphere of polished sapphire, the bottom dusted with pearl shimmering. She pressed the button and a chill came with the light. An alolan vulpix sat. confident, aware it just won the contest in the hosts mind.

"oh my god!" she gasped. "h-how?"

"oh ill tell you inside later, I'm just so parched I think I need a drink first." Cora turned a wicked smirk on her face as the family was introduced. Thomas bowed his head as she passed. Her confidence oozed as she walked in. Thomas broke away. Following the wall. He was there for one reason. To make sure that lady marry was fine. The proposal only just happened. A private agreement. And it was not a common thing anymore, Patrick saw no other real option though. Marry wanted to stay and he was next in line. Thomas' job was to make sure marry had an out. A quick excuse if she was being cornered about not being engaged for another season.

Most of his time was standing by the wall of the room she was in with other footmen and hired help. It wasn’t totally bad, he usually even got to get a glance at some attractive men. Tonight started that way. One, clean slicked hair, a warm light tan skin, but a cross predominately displayed above his bow tie. Thomas grit his teeth. Another, blonde hair, cut short, with a kind smile, until he saw Thomas, then distain. Again the cross on display. Thomas gave the room a once over and was shocked to not find any of the families that he had seen this season, none of their footmen, this was truly like a totally different group.

He put his eyes back to marry, and it wasn’t a moment too soon, he lived in the same house as her for almost a decade, he knew when she was close to a breaking point. He made his way over and she caught his eye with a sign of relief.

"lady marry your mothers asking for you" Thomas glanced at the man, his cross on display, eyes glancing to marry he could tell she was stressed,

"oh I'm sure miss marry would love for me to meet her mother." the mans smile was perverted, wrong. Thomas side stepped half cutting the man off from putting his hand on her.

"I'm sorry sir, but she was requested alone right away. Enjoy the party." Thomas almost didn’t include any niceties. But he didn’t want any real trouble. Marry too Thomas' arm and Thomas did his best to let her lead without making it look like that was what was happening. Marry brought him over to a door to a balcony and the two slipped outside.

"good timing barrow" marry let out a harsh sigh. "I swear mama better get her revenge and be satisfied."

"last I saw them going into the main room."

"oh I could hear the excitement." she sighed leaning on the stone banister. "I just want this to be done." she looked back. " you’ve seen this with us, sybil too young, Edith and I already too old…. Having to resort to Patrick just to stay in the house."

"I know it is not love, but he is a good man." Thomas offered and she nodded.

"he is a very good man, which is why I am sad to take him and use him as if he were just a way to hold property. He should be at a ball wooing a girl who would love him. Not stuck in this mess"

"if I may ask. What would you want m'lady?"

"that’s the thing. I've never been sure. If I were a man it wouldn’t matter. Did you see how many of them in there were well into their thirties. Hitting on women I their first season."

"to be fair. This party is nothing normal, not one family I've seen all summer is here."

"they all left, the Christians stay late to host these events, even well into the fall." she turned leaning against the banister looking at the house. "probably rented, don’t you agree?"

"I'm certain, two years ago this was used for a ball hosted by an American creationist family,"

"it looked better then." he said.

"the décor was less gaudy." Thomas smiled. Keeping his eyes down. These were the good moments, marry wasn’t one to treat staff poorly, it was a trait the family shared but marry would let herself slip into a gossip and casual conversation.

A rustle in the trees stirred them both, though Umbreon and poochy seemed to not care. Poochy sitting Infront of Umbreon, his tail wagging. Umbreon sniffing his cape. Poochy loved the attention. Thomas and marry both leaned over the railing. Tree shaking they stepped back. Then shooting out of the tree, a round ball. Then, two wings sprouted from it, only… it wasn’t flying well. Then before Thomas could notice it changed course slamming squarely into his chest. Launched back he groaned hitting the pavers of the balcony in full force. Ignoring his pain he looked down. A rowlet laying on his chest. Scratches and marks from a battle covered it. He looked up to marry, she was in shock.

"it looks hurt" Thomas looked over the wounds. "it wont make it without help." marry nodded, Thomas got up and the two slipped away down the stairs heading for the motorcar. That’s when Thomas could really see the owl. No tan across its coat, but a lovely teal. shiny colorings were not only expensive but rare. A shimmer cascaded over the feathers, iridescent almost. Thomas laid the Pokémon down across his seat, marry came from the back with a potion. Holding it out Thomas took it letting some fall onto the harsh cuts, the owl let out a small noise before relaxing as the potion quickly absorbed. Marry held out another, this one dulled pain. Thomas let rowlet drink some, more pouring it than offering it. He could see the bird relax after a moment, he started bandaging it when the main doors opened. Lady Grantham came storming down the steps. A splotch of deep red on her dress, lord Grantham came out a moment later.

"Mary? What are you two doing out here"

"mama!? What happened to you?"

"you first" Cora responded.

"this rowlet hit Thomas square in the chest and we are tending to it. It is not doing well." lord Grantham stepped forward seeing Thomas bandage its wing.

"was it in a battle"

"I'm not sure. It tried to fly and it didn’t get far."

"are you okay, you look a bit shaken"

"wind was knocked out of me m'lord. And I'm sure my back will feel it. But nothing compared to the pain this Lil 'guys going through" lord Grantham nodded turning back to marry and Cora.

"I was talking with the hostess and she spilt her whole drink on me! I think she was aiming for vulpix too."

"we put them in their poke ball just to make sure everyone's safe." Mary nodded shaking her head.

"mama I know you wanted to show them up but this party was a full mistake."

"yes it was." she agreed shaking her head. "we should have left with our crowd last week"

"we know for the future now." she looked over to the rowlet sighing. "will it be fine?"

"if we get it in a poke ball it should be m'lady"

"I have an extra one" lord Grantham took out the poke ball. It was mostly a normal ball, but the black band was gilded in gold.

"go ahead m'lord" Thomas stood to the side but lord Grantham instead handed Thomas the poke ball. "m'lord?"

"it came to you, he knew you would keep him safe. Its not right for me to swoop in and take him" he held out the ball again and Thomas took it. Thomas carefully placed the ball against rowlet side. One of the few spots he was not injured. The beam hit rowlet and he was in the ball a moment later. Thomas finally took a breath when the click indicated it was sealed. "now then. This night has been eventful enough. We all have a train to catch tomorrow. Lets head home." Thomas nodded getting the back door and helping the ladies in.

Once back at home Thomas slipped downstairs quickly placing the poke ball on a healing charger. He wasn’t sure the science. But he knew it would help.

"did something happen to one of the Pokémon?" anna looked up from her book. Then to poochy next to Thomas.

"a rowlet had a crash landing on me and it needed this."

"is it his lordships then" O'Brien asked.

"he gave it to me"

"really? He hasn’t given you a gift in years"

"he hasn’t. when was your last gift" Thomas spat back. The stress from the night was eating at his alliance with her. She rolled her eyes and stood as the bell for lady Grantham's room rang. As she left anna came close to Thomas.

"are you two falling out"

"maybe I'm coming to my senses. Don’t want to deal with her."

"you are a good man Thomas barrow. Weve worked together long enough for me to say that. But you are a man led astray." she smiled and Thomas nodded.

"I fear if I burn the bridge between us she will try and take the whole country down."

"with what ally? She will be alone and none of us are going to defend her." Thomas nodded. Anna was correct.

"ill figure out a way to make it up to you all."

"good" she patted his shoulder leaving as the other two bells rang. Thomas followed and let out a sigh of relief. Back to the normal flow of things.

It didn’t take long for him to dress lord Grantham for bed. Really his job was to prep, packing away everything he wouldn’t need for the morning. Preparing him for the next day.

"I did not thank you sir, for the poke ball. I would offer to pay you back but I fear I wouldn’t be able to afford one so nice."

"there is no need, you have taken on plenty this year. I have started writing someone. Hopefully soon he will be able to take over and you can be just first footman again."

"it would be a relief to only have the one job again" Thomas smiled zipping up a cover for the outfit lord Grantham wore. As a sense of silence fell over the room again, a scream rang out from the room next to lord Grantham's, he darted up. Poochy was on alert as well. Thomas was a moment behind lord Grantham. As he took a step to the side, he saw lady Grantham's vulpix on the floor, bite marks in its side, a purple stain on the white fur, lady Grantham herself was also holding her arm. Thomas looked to poochy and then to the flying zubat, O'Briens zubat.

"get it down" Thomas nodded and poochy leapt into the room, one quick jump and shadow covered fangs bit into the zubat, he landed giving a harsh shake throwing it into the wall. "watch it" poochy looked back nodding. Thomas quickly rang the bell, 5 times fast was usually reserved for something bad. Like a fire. This was just about as bad. Lord Grantham was in shock still. Thomas came over to lady Grantham trying to see her injury. "did it bite you?"

"no, it used its claws." she gritted her teeth. Thomas went to her bedside grabbing a towel.

"lord Grantham, I need you to put firm pressure on it with this." lord Grantham paused white in the face.

"Robert!" Cora yelled and he snapped to.

"right" he nodded taking it and putting the pressure on the wound.

"zubat only have poison from their fangs. So you wont need an antidote but your Pokémon will." the door swung open, anna and Lucas right behind her. "good, Lucas go and get the supplies with the antidote in it, and the medical supplies from the cupboard downstairs. Anna, send someone to go get a doctor and then bring up a fresh towel for lady Grantham's arm." anna was shocked for a moment but quickly composed herself, Thomas was impressed. Before he was done speaking to anna Lucas had slammed the door to the stairwell. Normally he would scold the boy but now there was a reason at least. Thomas took a casing to the room before looking over the vulpix. "the bite isn't that bad, hit far from the neck, she should be alright." the vulpix lifted its head and Thomas pet it. "you'll be alright girl" the hall door opened again and Lucas came rushing in holding as much as he could.

"I got everything Mr. barrow."

"good set it down" Thomas took the antidote, breaking the seal he poured half over the bite mark, it foamed and the purple dissolved into it. Then the second half was fed to the vulpix.

"that’s enough to keep it safe for a full week" Lucas recanted the information. Thomas nodded.

"that’s right, you are a trainer in the off season, you tend to her then." Thomas took the bandages as anna got in with the towels. "good. Okay, get one wet, m'lady I'm Gunna get the arm a bit clean make sure you aren't bleeding too much and then wrap your arm. Then you can wait for the doctor."

"okay" she looked to Robert shocked. "Thomas, how do you know this."

"its mandatory for anyone wanting to become a trainer."

"you were going to train Pokémon."

"I was, but I couldn’t stand seeing poor poochy fight so hard and end up injured." anna nodded her head.

"I was the same way" Thomas lifted the towel nodding.

"its not that deep. That’s good." lady Grantham looked down then looking up at the ceiling. "everyone keep talking to her ladyship, and m'lord stop looking you are leaning." the two kept their eyes to a painting on the wall. Meanwhile anna helped dab the wound before Thomas wrapped it. "anna can you get these rags down. And find O'Brien"

"yes, find her and send her here" Thomas looked up seeing lady Grantham more composed, assertive… that angry vengeful look in her eyes. Anna left and a few moments later Lucas left to put vulpix, now in a poke ball on the charger. Thomas stood steadying himself. Adrenaline starting to leave his body. He took a breath standing and looking around, if anything else needed to be done. "Thomas" Thomas blinked, looking down, his hand were clenched. "you did good" he nodded shaking his head.

"I'm just glad this wasn’t any worse."

"what in bloody hell happened in here?" O'Brien looked over the room, chairs fallen over, stains on the carpet, and lady Grantham's arm in a Wrap. Thomas went to speak, yell, curse her out. But lady Grantham's uninjured arm came over his chest.

"I will handle this Thomas" she gave him a look, that this was a long time coming. "your zubat attacked me and my Pokémon. Now I can only assume it did so because it is kept in that poke ball just about every day of the week for almost every hour of the day, which should have been a sign at your cruelty."

"cruelty?!"

"yes, you have been a thorn in this household that I have neglected to deal with for too many years, I had sympathy for you at first, but that ran dry at how horrible you have been, how often you are the center of all the problems. How rude you are to everyone in this house." Cora shook her head. "pack your things and leave. Tonight. I don’t want you spending another night in this house or another at Downton. We will send what is in your room." O'Brien shook her head. Anger bubbling.

"I could take you to court"

"for what?" lord Grantham spoke up.

"its religious persecution." Cora scoffed.

"you are the least godly woman I've ever met." Cora stood walking around the bed and facing her. "you are a sick individual who I felt pity for. Now I only feel pity this poor animal, a gift! From me! Had to suffer with you. I certainly hope that others would feel the same for me putting up with your poor attitude. Poor performance, and clear distain for my family. Now. You will go with no recommendation, And I will never have to think about you again!" Cora huffed shaking her head. Turning back to Thomas. "Thomas please make sure she is gone before bed." Thomas nodded and gave his own glare at her. It was a wake up call for him. He couldn’t let her poison him anymore. He knew it already but he thought it would lead to awkward days. Now he was certain, he tossed those shackles free.

O'Brien scoffed, taking the poke ball off her belt she dropped it along with a key before leaving the room. Thomas took a breathe looking at lord Grantham, he had a sense of pride in his eyes.

"would you like anything to drink, I can imagine sleep might be hard now" Thomas looked to lord Grantham. "I can bring up tea or." Thomas paused. "there is liquor still downstairs."

" I think the best thing for us Is to sleep. We will take one of the other rooms for the night. This one can be cleaned while we are away."

"I want it painted blue, she talked me out of it for so many years." Cora snapped.

"I will ask anna to make sure the large guest room is ready" Thomas nodded exiting the hall to see anna and marry walking towards the room.

"I heard screaming and shouting but I was in the bath. Anna told me everything," marry looked in. "is she alright"

"her ladyship is most definitely going to be fine. But I feel she will be still quiet energetic for a while."

"I can imagine. Are things settled?"

"almost all of them" Thomas looked to poochy still standing over the zubat, fainted. Thomas knelt down picking up the keys and the poke ball. He pressed the button and the zubat returned. Thomas looked to lady Grantham sipping some water and walked back in.

"my lady, what should be done with this?"

"I don’t want to see it. But I also don’t want to punish the poor thing." she paused. Thomas looked as Lucas brought in a doctor. Thomas let the doctor look at her, while he looked at Lucas, he was 14, three poke balls on his belt. He was a trainer in the off season. Thomas fidgeted with it before coming over and leaning close to lady Grantham, again distracting her self from seeing the scratches.

"Lucas is going for a few gym badges this winter, shall I give it to him so he can train it." Cora smiled wincing from the pain.

"that is a wonderful idea." she nodded, "bring him over" Thomas nodded motioning for Lucas to come close, he handed the ball off to lady Grantham and she met his eyes, "I gave this to someone I thought I could trust to care for it and treat it right. It might be a bit reluctant to be trained because of that, but I think Thomas believes you could do it."

"I can milady." He nodded. She handed him the ball and he put it on his belt. "I'll make sure its happy and well trained, it wont do this again."

"good" Thomas sent the boy off and looked over at the doctor.

"how is the wound?" lord Grantham asked.

"it will heal fine, take it to a hospital and they will be able to heal it faster with Pokémon."

"dr. Clarkson at Downton can do that tomorrow." lord Grantham looked at Thomas. "telegram them that she will be coming in later in the day."

"I will m'lord."

"good. Now it is far too late. We all have a train to catch." he looked around as anna came back in.

"I have a room ready for you m'lord"

"thank you anna. All of you get a bit of rest. Please" Thomas nodded and the group left the room. It wasn’t until Thomas sat downstairs, fire brought back to life next to him that he took a real deep breathe. He undid his collar placing it on the dinner table. Looking to anna.

"Ms. Patmore is going to hear a hell of a story on the train"

"I'm sure she will. I heard them talking. You did good."

"I did what was right. Let someone make me think that was weak. I'm done with that." Thomas heard a door close upstairs. "I'm done with her. Lady Grantham made it easy for me"

"I'm glad." anna turned as O'Brien stood. Suitcase in hand.

"any remarks, or should her ladyship come and do them for you again." she all but spat at Thomas. Thomas stood sliding off his jacket. Getting close.

"I let you in my head, because I thought I was alone here, but I was just a boy, and you some sour old hag decided to mess with my life enough that I only thought I had you to rely on." Thomas took a breath before turning back to the fire. " I will never see you again and it will still be too soon."

"I thought you lot were all about equality and being fair to each other."

"we give what's deserved. So be glad no ones giving you a punch for all the pain you’ve caused us over the years." anna spoke up. "now, leave before authorities have to be involved. You are trespassing." with a huff she left, Thomas didn’t look back. He couldn’t. "you did good" anna patted Thomas shoulder.

"I have to prove it to the others now. To everyone."

"you will." anna met Thomas' eyes, they were glassy, tears welling up. "none of that. Common. We were told to rest."

"oh I wont be sleeping, too worked up. Ill stay down here. You get some sleep." anna nodded patting Thomas on the shoulder before going up the stairs.

Thomas was half telling the truth, he wasn’t going to be able to sleep. He was sure of that. He sat for a bit. But then a nagging feeling kept telling him something. He was in London. And last year he couldn’t even enjoy the new clubs opening. Clubs that catered to homosexual men openly. Or ones that grouped together any group that was denied. He stood, stripped down his livery and put on a regular coat. A trained eye could tell but where he was going wasn’t for the trained eye. It was for fun.

When the prince next in line announced he was not looking for a wife. But a husband. The newspapers exploded. The thing is, it forced everyone to examine their life a bit closer. Noble men asking their valets. Some finding the truth. Painters and artists answering truthfully. And then of course. It was the monarchy. No one would deny them. No one did when they announced that they would be following the creationist faith instead of the splintering Christ based factions. Nor did anything happen when they announced all those years ago witchcraft was no longer punishable by the law. This was something that just came with time. Downton did not have a club period. This was Thomas' chance. And with three turns from the Grantham house street he was there. He walked in and could smell a fait aroma of fruit, drowned out by layers of musk and sweat. Men dancing with men. Women with women, any race any sexuality. It was golden to see. Thomas was quick to get a drink. A low headache he had from the day being dulled by a chilled glass against his lips, and a soft burn coating his throat. He wasn’t there to drink though. He was there for something more. He looked around. Plenty of handsome men. But none spoke out to him. He waited. He knew in this sort of situation. That waiting and seeing was better than forcing your way into something that didn’t fit.

Thomas found one after his second drink. Slightly shorter than him, stubble, nice dark hair. And a devil of a smile. Thomas stepped off the bar walking over to him. It used to be the case, no names, no titles, no info. Now it was a bit more a dance, no words were spoken until they were moving together, something fast and jazzy was playing. Nothing you'd dance with for love, but something kind of dirty was absolutely fine.

"you know, I'm a duke" his smile was sharp after. Like it was a cutting edge to keep Thomas in his place.

"really, I'm a servant, and I've been leading this whole time." Thomas retorted and the two found themselves drifting to a door. Words weren't too important. Instead it was more fun to slip out the side door. A tight ally was dark enough that no one could see. And there was enough obstructing the street view. A perfect hide away. Thomas didn’t let a word out. Instead the two kissed, hot, passionate and rough. Enough to tell where things were going. Thomas was pinned to the wall. He smiled. The man laughed. Before swearing to himself.

"sorry, I have to go. I have people who would know I've snuck off." he winked. "cant slip away like a servant" Thomas rolled his eyes and the two split. Thomas was annoyed, and his pants felt too tight now. He went back in now with a new goal. Compatibility could be much lower. He just wanted to take charge. He slipped off his coat. Holding it he found someone. At least two years younger than him. Tipsy, dancing. Light blonde hair and a nice cute face. Thomas slipped in, whispered if he wanted to have fun. The boy nodded, then Thomas swept him off the dance floor. He was shorter than Thomas by a good six inches. Thomas pinned the boy to the wall, the boy kissed his neck rubbing his body, he knew what to do to spin Thomas up. He sank down and Thomas braced himself, his head against the brick of the building as the boy unbuttoned his pants and got his cock out.

Words weren't exchanged, moans were, Thomas trusting himself into the young mans mouth. The moans from him, a gag when he went too deep. It was invigorating to Thomas. He could see his hand moving fast, moans when he wasn’t sucking as hard, finally Thomas heard him cum. On his shoe no less. Thomas had no mercy, holding him by the hair Thomas thrust, came deep in his pretty mouth, and then presented his shoe to the boys mouth.

"lick it clean" his eyes lit up, following the order then finally looking up.

"I like how bossy you sounded. It was so hot." Thomas winked.

"I was thinking about how if I had the time id punish you for finishing first."

"hmmm, maybe next time"

"maybe. Don’t work here though. So that is probably all you'll ever get of me" Thomas put his coat on. Looking back at the man. "but maybe" Thomas walked off. Leaving the boy to go back into the club to dance more. Thomas wondered if it was some nobles son, spent the season talking to girls, only to sneak away to the clubs. He didn’t give it much thought.

Thomas did keep his word to anna. He rested by the fire, even dosed off enough to dream. He dreamed of a man. Off in his distance. Something about him was so alluring. He couldn’t see his face though. Thomas was perplexed. He knew he didn’t know him, light brown hair, a hint of his smile. Him undressed in bed, a shine on his muscles and breathing like he just had finished, it was wonderful. He pushed for a detail. More than his laugh ringing out. But, right as he was going to see his eyes.

"Mr. Barrow, its six thirty"

Chapter Text

16th of April, 1912

Thomas was used to his dreams being odd. He had odd dreams since his voice first dropped. Really since he found his way to Downton as a boot boy. At first they were always random. Flashes. Noises. Pokémon cries he didn't know. But in the past year they became specific. Orders. Like he was military. "press on that wound. Harder!" That one sent him awake the first time. His fingers felt warm. Like they were soaked in gushing blood. He didn't eat that day. Now he stays in them. Protects his mind. He didn't know what this was. He didn't have the time to care. But for all the bad there was him. A laugh. A dance partner. A boy sitting in downtowns window. Thomas was never quiet sure who it was. The face was never the same. Hair slicked back or messy. Livery. A suit. Even undergarments. It was… Potentials.

Thomas felt it a blessing. Today his dreams were vivid. He could recognize it. He focused. Trying to force the boy into view. But it would happen. The face wasn't there. Blurry. Like the edges of his vision. The dream scape was only where he focused. Even the spot he picked. A beach. Wasn't the same. Soft sand. Then rocks. He was losing focus. Then as the blur started to settle on the boy.

"Qraahhhhh" Thomas turned. Pulled away. His position shifted. He was standing on a boat. Two Pokémon were fighting in the sky. He could barely see through the smoke. Red and blue. Humanoid. Thomas didn't recognize it. It saw him though. It met his eyes exactly. Then. A hyper beam almost slashed it in half. Hitting the boat Thomas tried seeing what it was. Green. Maybe gold. He was hanging onto the rails. About to fall. Hearing a unfamiliar nose from the smaller one as it fought back. It sounded like nothing he had heard before. A telegram was a rudimentary way of describing it. But cleaner. The boat shook and tilted. Thomas saw a bright white light fill himself. He tried to brace and hold on. To see what it was.

" six thirty am Mr. Barrow" Thomas shot up. Eyes still blinking to the light of the room. He quickly put his head to his knees. These were the nights that were difficult. What was he supposed to make with that.

"thank you" Thomas tried to make his voice steady. Contain whatever that dream was into himself and not let it out.

Thomas was dressed and downstairs in less than ten minutes. The night before the family had extra drinks, it went extra late. The clean up was left for the morning. It was extra work but it was better than being up so late. Stale Champaign and empty glasses were littered around the main floor.

The maids opened the windows. Daisy was cleaning a fireplace. Thomas was searching for William. His brain racing and the boy wasn't down yet? Searching through the main hall he finally found him.

"You are late."

"I am not late."

"You are when I tell you, you are" Thomas grabbed a glass walking out the room. He didn't have time for Williams lax mood. Especially when he let William go to bed early and handled drinks by himself.

Thomas finally made it downstairs. It was a simple breakfast. But Ms. Patmore was sweet since Thomas made the some changes to his personality. And O'Brien left. Letting his guard down was easier now. She gave him an extra bit of toast with his breakfast. Saying it looked burnt but she cut it off. It was a lie, she would have yelled at daisy for burning the toast. But Thomas knew she picked favorites. And before his stint with O'Brien. He was very much on that list. Then again, who would say no to a 12 year old, with no family saying her food was the best he ever had. Thomas had just started on his first piece of toast when the first bell rung, he sighed. He needed this to stop, or his livery was going to start looking baggy on him.

Thomas was met by Carson in the hall, holding a telegram. He held it out and leaned in.

"we don’t have the papers yet, but this was sent in hours ago and was delivered this morning. Please give it to his lordship" Thomas looked down, the paper had one sentence. 'titanic sunk, major loss of lives aboard' Thomas looked up again. Hoping it was some sort of sick joke. Carson just gave a nod. "I'm afraid its true, the papers will have more I hope." Thomas took a breathe.

"ill tell him." Thomas could hear the word being spread quickly through the halls, shock on everyone's face, a question of what comes next, besides work. He knocked at the door barely letting lord Grantham say come in. Lord Grantham had a look of worry on his face when he saw Thomas. Thomas was sure he was still pale as a ghost.

"What is it Thomas?"

"The titanic sir. It's sunk" lord Grantham sat back. Stopping himself from getting up. The rest of the dressing was silent. Lord Grantham was clearly doing a sort of assessment on the situation. Funerals would have to be attended to. A well known family like the Crawley's had friends on the ship for certain. Thomas couldn't muster up a word. He had seen it. It had to be that. A dream doesn’t happen like that and then the news happens the next day without it being linked. Thomas shuddered thinking that it meant all his dreams could be linked.

Thomas left lord Grantham in his room. Contemplating. He had other things to do. The day could not stop because of this. It just had to hold the air. Stiffen it. Thomas went back down the servants staircase. Usually he'd listen in for gossip. Something to lighten the mood. None of that today. Some maids and younger staff had tears in their eyes. A tragedy like this would be harsh on them. But they kept working. Thomas leaned next to the door. Ms. Patmore was preparing breakfast. William next to the table. Ms. Patmore didn't let things like this bother her. She might feel it later, in private. But not when the family and staff haven't had their fill. She would ignore her own pain to make sure they were happy and full. Thomas admired it.

"Well go on William take this up!" Thomas looked at William. Still clueless. He really needed to start paying better attention. Thomas took the next plate up, they weren't eating, instead looking at the newspaper closely. Thomas was certain it was the ship in his dream. The smoke stacks, the boat just had a energy on the page. Thomas knew it was true. He came back down to be handed a note by Mr. Carson. Again up the stairs. Thomas was certain he's gone up and down the stairs a hundred times a day. His first year he could barely walk by the end of each day. Now he was certain it was the easiest way. Thomas walked around the main hall. Lord Grantham was having breakfast if he managed to put down the paper. But lady Sybil was walking by. Espson by her side. Elegant looking but feisty. And with her sylveon. The two were known to play rough in the fields outside. Thomas handed her the note. She smiled thanking Thomas. She seemed to always mean it. Thomas turned back. He had let poochy be a lazy dog. Sleeping all this time.

He quickly got up to his room. Opening it rowlet was in the window. Thomas had gotten a small perch for the window. With permission it was installed. He could look out and see Anna's swablu most mornings. Sitting on it or in a old planter box hanging out another window. It's cotton like fluff made into a nest that covered it from the rain. It was a creation that the little bird was proud of. Rowlet on the other hand. Decided he was an indoor owl. Sleeping unlike any owl. On his back. Thomas was lenient on rowlet. He was nocturnal after all. He woke up by tea and stayed up until late until Thomas wakes up. But poochyena. Was just a lazy dog some days.

"Hey you" Thomas looked at the dog. Fur plastered to the side of his face. "common. You've been sleeping enough" the pup got up. Stretching before coming over huffing. Thomas closed the door quietly rowlet letting out little chirps and squeaks while he sleeps.

Thomas made his way back down the stairs. Poochy huffing at each step. At the junction that connected the servants quarters to the family's rooms. Anna was leaning in to Gwen. Poochy did not wait for the conversation and instead walked off towards the kitchen, either to have his actual food or to beg from Ms. Patmore.

"What's going on?"

"I was in her ladyship's room." Anna paused stopping Thomas from descending further. "The heir and his son were both on board. And both did not make it" Thomas paused. He had met both Mr Crawley and his son. Both were kind. If not a bit daunted by the task of taking over Downton.

"So the family will have much more than just mourning socially" Thomas said. Anna tilted her head. "Patrick was the heir. Him and Mary…"

"That was never announced." Gwen looked between them. "I'm sure it won't be now."

"Lady marry would rather it not be. I'm certain of that" Anna said. "this just makes things… Hard."

"It makes it all complicated." Thomas huffed. "the laws won't catch up in time. Even if they try and force it" the trio started back down the stairs. If Mrs. Hugues caught them they'd all be hearing a talking to for a month.

When the three made it to the bottom of the stairs. They were presented with two people. And Ms. Hugues.

"Ah. Thomas, Anna" she spoke. "This is Mr. bates" she motioned to a man in a suit. About the age of lord Grantham. Holding a cane and his valise. "he will be his lordships valet" Thomas sighed a sigh of relief. "and this is Ms. Jessie." Ms. Hugues motioned to the other person. Her hair was a deep red. Different from Ms. Patmore's wispy oranges. This was dark. Tinted red. She smiled holding out her hands to the girls.

"I will be taking over for her ladyship" Thomas could tell. Her accent was fresh. She held out a hand and he took it. "And you three are?" She smiled at the group. Anna and Gwen introduced themselves. Thomas finally got the chance after Gwen had trouble finding a self proclaimed title she enjoyed.

"I am now-" Thomas motioned to Mr Bates. "just the first footman again"

"There's some relief there" Mr Bates added

"Doing both jobs has been rough. It's a strain on myself and the flow of the house."

"Well. I'm happy to relieve it" Bates said.

Gwen broke off the group. But Bates and Jessie followed Thomas and Anna into the servants dining hall.

"Later we can show you both in the attic where we keep clothes not used so often" Anna looked to Thomas who nodded.

"We will have to also get out mourning clothes" Thomas said it more as a blanket statement to the room. For anyone who wasn't informed. Carson sighed.

"Unfortunately it is an uncomfortable time for new members of staff. I am Carson. The butler" he turned to the two new members. "and to not leave any mystery. The family has lost a cousin and the heir of the family on the titanic." Jessie let out a small gasp. Mr. Bates simply looked down in sympathy.

The topic very quickly shifted. After the two new members took seats at the table for a cup of tea. Neither had eaten so Ms. Patmore insisted on some biscuits and tea before they start.

"Will you be able to handle the work?" Ms. Patmore looked at the cane. Now propped against the wall behind Mr. Bates. "we can't spare anyone to help you if we want to run well."

"I am fine. I need it for support while I stand. And occasionally I need it for walking. But my leg was worked on by healing Pokémon. It made almost a full recovery." Mr. Bates said it with such confidence. Ms. Patmore nodded moving back to the kitchen. Thomas just watched as poochy flopped his face into some kibble. One of the maids was chuckling at him. Looking to Thomas with a smile.

"Poochy looks like he didn't sleep a wink" Anna looked back.

"Oh that's what he wants you to believe. He is just being a lazy pooch today." Thomas heard a gruff come from the pup. Thomas turned back seeing Jessie smile fondly at him.

"Is he your only one?" She asked.

"He was until recently. A rowlet chose me by crash landing into me. He will be up later"

"Oh how wonderful" she smiled.

The conversation went around the room then. Anna with her sprigatito and swablu. Carson with his Klang. Mrs. Hughes sunflora sitting in the window. And Ms. Patmore's Dachsbun. finally the question landed on Mr. Bates. He took out a singular Poke Ball.

"I just have rock ruff here. Never needed anything more." he patted the ball, it was the basic design. Most affordable as well.

"May we see?" Anna asked.

"I guess." Mr. Bates released the pup. Smaller than poochyena by a lot, closer to 15 pounds. She sat on the floor looking up for a command. "go ahead and eat" the pup walked over next to a now full poochyena lying on the floor. "what about you Ms. Jessie"

Jessie blushed but reluctantly took out three. Releasing then the first was a pidove. The second a pumkaboo, and finally a woobat. She blushed. They weren't a traditional trio. Or common at all. But all three were clearly taken extremely good care of and clearly loved their trainer.

"They are lovely and so unique." Anna said. Looking at the three look around. Although the woobat was more just, Listening around. Shaggy fur covered woobat eyes. And they are known for not having strong eyes to begin with. Jessie was flattered by the compliment.

The day spun on. Lunchin was nothing notable. It was there that Thomas learned Mr. Bates and Lord Grantham served together. Which made his hiring even more solid. Not that Thomas had a singular thought of wanting the extra responsibility. The next time he valeted long term it would be because he is a full time valet. Not part timer.

After Lunchin was cleaned Thomas had door duty. He finally would be able to just stand by the door again. He had to give it up as part time valet to work on lord Grantham's clothes, which needed major mending and upgrading. Thomas was oddly excited. But. His foot hit the first step on the stairs. And a crippling pain shot through his head. He lost motor control instantly. Only just able to throw his arm out to block his nose from the hit. It was like a hot poker was on his brain. Vibrating. Shooting out waves of pain so strong he body spasmed. He didn't know who was trying to help him. His vision was white from the pain. He could feel the stairs though. Someone running down them to stop In front of him. Being pulled off to the side so more could go up the stairs. Bring lifted up the stairs by someone.

By the time he was in his room the vibrations had slowed. His brain trying to re-established connections to itself. He could see. But his body was drained. So drained he had wondered if a ghost had taken some of his life. He knew William carried him. He was the only one young enough and strong enough, it had probably helped that he was at his lightest in years still. And he pieced together that Mrs. Hugues was the first one to find him. She was sitting beside him in bed. Poochy was curled up against Thomas' stomach.

"He looks more awake now. Thomas?" Thomas moved his eyes to Mrs. Hughes. The movement of his eyes made him dizzy. He took a Shakey breathe meeting her eyes.

"W-what" Thomas groaned. Holding his head. Every nerve felt like pins and needles were dancing across them. His fingertips were almost numb from it as well.

"We don't know what happened. You, lady Sybil and two maids all collapsed. As well as all the Pokémon on the property. Only you were the only one on stairs so we heard you collapse first" Thomas moved a hand to poochy. The pup wrapping around him instantly. "you rest. We'll bring a tray to you later. Whatever this is it is odd. We will figure it out though."

"Thank you" Thomas groaned. Holding his free hand to the light.

"Here" Mrs. Hughes put out the lantern. Thomas took a deep breath. His body still felt like he wasn't properly able to remember how to move. To think. The automatic functions of his body were Shaky. His muscles all felt like they were stretched and seizing at the same time.

Thomas was still on his side when the tray came. Anna sat with him. She gave him spoons full of broth. It was a kindness Thomas didn't feel he deserved. After Anna left Thomas felt time slip. Dreams and reality drifted together whatever afflicted him had left him feeling worse than drunk, worse than his hardest blackout could. Whatever Anna assured him to take might have helped that feeling. But it was like feeling the nerve endings pulse out from his spine. Every tiny node sending back a signal. Slowly they weren't signals of pain but relief, recalibration.

Thomas was dreaming. Standing in a field. Every time his hand pulsed. It would go from a normal field. To a mud covered mucked battlefield. Pokémon and soldiers fallen. Fire. Dust. A stinging in his lungs. His eyes burning. Then back to normal. Thomas focused. On the good. A tree blossoming. Bearing fruit. But then. The tree split open. A large golurk standing behind it. It's chest burning from the inside but it still fights. Sending waves of energy out at people shooting at it.

Finally Thomas begged. Begged to not see such carnage. He couldn't speak. His lungs going from burning to normal. Then he felt it. Another person was there. No. Two. Three? Thomas couldn't see through the fog that had filled the field. But it hadn't returned to the war torn scene. Thomas thought he saw it through the fog. A figure standing. one he recognized. One was unmistakable. A shorter frame. Wearing a witches hat. Could a witch be helping him? Downton didn't have a witch currently. The other, Standing, A cane at her hand. The dowager? The third felt close. Sybil was afflicted with the same condition. They all couldn't have it, Thomas didn’t even know who this girl wearing the witches hat could be. How would they all feel it. Thomas took a step forward but the dream faded. He basked in the empty feeling. Finally. His body slipped back into place. Sore muscles from holding the same position. His eyes opened to a dark room. The window was pitch black out. He looked down seeing poochy looking up with barely open eyes. He lifted the pup shifting to his other side. As afraid as he was of his dreams. He needed the sleep. His body begged for it. He gave in.

This time. It wasn't a dream. Memories. Though the ones it chose felt closer to nightmares.

Thomas was young. Looking in a mirror at his aunt's house. He wouldn't go back to that house. It was too close to his parents. On that day. He and poochy would take a cart to Downton. He would ask to fill the boot Boys position. And he would get it. He could remember. Them asking if he had to go back. Thomas saying no. Starting that day. The other young boys confused why he was hesitant to take off his shirt. The whip marks from his father were still raw. When they did see he expected them to laugh. Instead. Mrs.hugues was called up. Then Dr. Clarkson and his healing Pokémon. The wounds were sealed. But the emotions never. At that point. Thomas wished he saw the path. Stick to being good. The family would take care of him. He would skirt by. Befriend O'Brien. Become too valuable to sack but too annoying to like.

He likes to think he's come a long way from that. Got back to the hall boy he started as in some ways. Months ago Anna wouldn't have fed him. Given him the medicine. She would have let O'Brien do it or Thomas would be hungry.

Thomas saw a shift. It was his first holiday with the family. It wasn't usual for boot boy's to get gifts. But it was his first. And he was nursing a black eye. So the family took pity. It wasn't elegant or even a real gift. Poochy's first bow tie. Thomas knew exactly where it was. In a tin at the bottom of his wardrobe. Too small. Worn and frayed the strap gnawed at. But it was the first gift he had gotten in four years at that point. He wept after. Ms. Patmore forced out that his father was the reason his eye was black. A shocking visit on Thomas' day off. She wouldn't shut up at the police until the man was told. Come back. And risk arrest. She cared for Thomas so much then. Now Thomas is old enough to handle her abrasive side, and appreciate it as well.

Thomas faded from his memories. The only consistent was poochy. Thomas couldn't bear to train him in battle. Just in how to protect himself. It was all he needed. He didn't need poochy to evolve. He was happy.

Thomas groaned. His body shifting. He felt it in his body. He could stand. Which meant he could work. Thomas got dressed. Got some water on his face. And left poochy in bed. He was still sleeping and after yesterday he needed to see the state of everyone. Rowlet was sleeping in his spot as well. Though that was no indication of what happened.

The stairs were slightly tough. Thomas felt his body still out of balance. Though he finally made his way down the stairs. He looked in expecting them to be eating breakfast. But it was lunch.

"Thomas?! What are you doing up and dressed!?" Mrs. Hughes stood walking over quickly. She placed a hand on his forehead and he smiled.

"I don't have a fever. And I can stand. So I can work." Mr. Carson grumbled. It was definitely something he had said once being thrown back at him.

"Still. Lady Sybil is spending the rest of the day in bed."

"Do we know what this was?" Thomas looked around. "was it just me and lady Sybil that felt it."

"You two and two more maids were the only humans afflicted"

"Just you four" Mr. Carson cut in. "every Pokémon on the grounds as well."

"What would cause such a thing?" Thomas asked the room.

"A Pokémon battle." Mrs. Hughes said. "A trainer was fighting a powerful psychic type. It sent off a beam of psychic energy and it went right through the house. Poor boy is in the hospital with a much more severe case of what you both were hit by"

"And the Pokémon?"

"Well. The protector of Downton hit it with a fire blast. she was the only one not hit."

"The ol' bird still has some good tricks" Thomas smiled. "well. I'd it's alright Mr. Carson I'd like to eat and start working."

"It is not alright Thomas. You still haven't seen the doctor, eat, And then go back to your room while I call for Dr. Clarkson. Now that we know what happened we can get you a clean bill of health. We wouldn't want you collapsing while you served dinner." Thomas nodded. William pulled out his empty chair. And Ms. Patmore was in a second later with a dish full of food.

The doctor came and went. His Chansey patting Thomas' leg the whole time. When it wasn't something physical the Pokémon couldn't do much. But physical injuries were easy. Restorative light danced on Thomas cheek. A small bruise from the fall. A matching one on his arm healed in seconds. A tingle and then it vanished. Like it was never there. Thomas knew that light could do even more. Mend broken bones. Heal terminal wounds in seconds. And the Pokémon did it with a smile every time.

Finally cleared Thomas returned to his routine. It felt nice. What he didn't realize was. His routine…. Was the same thing. For months he would do the same things. Every day. The break as valet had new challenges each time. But this was basic. Boring. He was excited the first time the duchess came by. The first visitors since the death. Something to renew the experience. Maybe he needed something new.

20th of June 1912,

It had been a year, the funerals and mourning were all done by now. Downton's lineage was still in the air. But London was still waiting, that house at least had clear goals set. It was less tied to the estate, more tied to lord Grantham's family separate from Downton. Thomas had hoped it meant that the topic would be brought up less. He was right. Parties and hosting people meant it wasn’t brought up at all. But Lunchin with his lordships sister and mother meant it was the only topic. The family had used the excuse of mourning to avoid even finding the name of the man who would inherit Downton. Saying the process wasn’t done yet. Thomas had heard enough of it. No matter how much the lawyer told them, it still kept happening.

Luckily, they were hosting someone for the night, a stay over in London wasn’t common, especially when most houses are in walking distance. But when a duke asks to stay you stay. Thomas tapped his leg while Carson spoke about having the house perfect. The house was already perfect, but Carson was on his typical minor rampage before a guest came. Thomas was more happy to have an extra set of hands. Usually for larger parties the house would hire temporary footmen, but this year, Lucas had been given the rank of third footman. Thomas was impressed with the boy, when they first arrived he proudly showed two gym badges he got in the past year, the zubat was a golbat now, larger and tamed fully, although Thomas said that it should not be seen by the family to avoid any awkward moments, Lucas quickly agreed, opting to let his Pikachu follow him instead. Thomas made the decision to leave rowlet at Downton, Ms. Hugues would look after him with the maids and hall boys. And really that bird did not need to be flying in London again.

The servants were dismissed and Thomas slipped away outside to have a smoke, or he would have if Lucas had not been following him.

"ya' know these are bad to breathe in" he said looking at the boy, smile still on his face.

"then you should stop."

"eh, I don’t know. Gives me a reason to go outside when I want."

"so its just a way to get away for a bit?"

"yeah. Kinda like that."

"so why don’t you just lie" Thomas looked down.

"okay truthfully it was when me and someone would share things we overheard. Then it became a habit"

"I don’t know Mr. barrow. Sounds like you just want to get away sometimes." Lucas stood Infront of him. "and I mean, if they aren't good for you. Just pretend you smoke them."

"I guess I could try and stop" Thomas slid his lighter away and put the cigarette back into the pack. "what's your excuse for being out here?"

"I'm third footman. Unless I'm doing dinner no one knows where I am or what I should do." Thomas chuckled.

"I miss those days, at Downton its such a maze. Can hide forever and just use the excuse that you were looking for someone." Thomas stopped leaning on the wall of the house looking at the door. "common we have to prepare for a duke."

The house was set up as if it was going to host a ball. Everyone lining the inner hall, waiting for the man to come in and make his appearance. When he finally did. Thomas bit his lip, holding back a look of shock.

That man, from the club, that left him high and dry… Thomas thought it was a case of a drunk man saying he was a duke, not that the man is a real duke.

Thomas watched as he introduced himself. He was certain, that smile. The way he stood. There was a edge to him, Thomas wasn’t sure what the feeling was but he felt sharp. Thomas straightened up extra hard when lord Grantham came over and motioned to Thomas.

"Thomas was serving as my valet for some time last year, he will take care of you tonight." Thomas nodded and the duke smiled. Thomas made the connection, did he?

The group talked for a while, although the duke oddly did not bring up things like marriage or sexuality, even when prompted by the others. Them asking him if he was married, courting. Thomas knew men sometimes closeted themselves for safety. But this seemed excessive. When it came time to change him, Thomas slipped in the room and kept things light, he didn’t want to tick off a duke. Especially if the duke had not recognized him. He wanted to keep a secret and Thomas would let him. Even if it meant denying himself the man again.

It was a late night, but the staff put together something small, Lucas being promoted to footman and it being his birthday, Ms. Patmore would not allow for him not to be celebrated. No real gifts were exchanged, Mr. Carson gave the boy a few pounds 'from the staff' to show their appreciation. It was a nice little reprieve for Thomas. A break from the dukes energy. Ms. Patmore made cake for everyone as well, Thomas was not one to turn down anything sweet she made. She was like an artist when it came to food but her sweets would make anyone happy. Thomas was mostly shocked that he had not had the celebrations cut short by being called up. No one had, they had left them with drinks but the party surely was done by now. Even Lucas seemed tired eating his outlandishly large slice of cake. Although he still ate it all so he couldn’t have been that tired.

It wasn’t until the end of the night, much later than they would normally go, that Thomas was called up. He expected maybe some basic work. Bring a piece down for cleaning, or get it packed for him. Thomas was surprised and glad to see, the duke in a chair next to the bed, in just his undergarments.

"so you-"

"I want some fun, you are the type of valet to deliver. Right?"

"yes sir." Thomas locked the door, sliding off his jacket he rested it on the handle. "anything specific? Your grace." Thomas undid his collar and the duke nodded. Sliding off his shirt he grabbed at his bulge, Thomas got to his knees and the duke stood. Holding Thomas' head with one hand he pressed his undergarments to Thomas' face. Thomas rubbed his nose into them, the smell of his musk slipping through as Thomas sniffed. The duke slid out his cock, nice in length and girth, Thomas opened his mouth wrapping around it, licking the head. Thomas wasn’t going to brag, but he was somewhat practiced, even if it was a long time. He knew what to do. And he was fine with the duke leading him, grabbing his hair was a bit much but Thomas could fix it and blame it on the heat.

Thomas let the duke pull and push for a while, moaning, laughing when Thomas gagged slightly, and then finally pulling all the way out, a bead of saliva connecting his mouth to the dukes cock still,

"I want more" he slid off his boxers motioning to the bed. "get your ass up there" Thomas nodded quickly shedding his pants and boxer shorts, they were too cramped anyway. He laid back on the bed, but was quickly grabbed and flipped to his knees by the duke. A hand came down on his ass, then again and again, Thomas blushed, hard as a rock as his ass was spanked. It continued for at least a few minutes before Thomas head him spit into his hand. No words before he pushed in, Thomas groaned. He wasn’t used to this. And he definitely did not have enough practice, but it didn’t take long, and with more added spit, he took it good. He couldn’t act like he disliked it in any way. It felt amazing, he was more just shocked that the duke was so loud. The walls were good at blocking noise, but he was testing it in a way that made Thomas blush. "so, tight" Thomas took that as a compliment, not a used up slut. His face was pushed down into the bed. His hands forced to brace and not to touch himself. He did not need it, the duke was pressing into him perfectly. Hitting the spot that made Thomas moan out every time. Thomas was a dripping mess by the end, sweat falling from his brow, his ass sore from slapping and the cock, and his cock begging for attention. The dukes hand slowly stroked it, teasing him while he fucked him slow. "I know you want this badly don’t you"

"yes, please"

"so well trained, like a dog begging for scraps." Thomas couldn’t come up with a reply, instead moaning as he pushed deep and stroked down his cock again. " should I let you finish first, or are you a gentleman?"

"please do whatever you please your grace" Thomas was blushing, having to think after all of this. It was truly torture to his brain.

"that’s what I like to hear." the duke picked up speed, thrusting hard and fast, ignoring Thomas' cock to instead grab him by the collar and pull him back. Thomas held back the loudest noises, but he was shocked when he started feeling it build, and orgasm came over him without a single touch, the duke moaned out as well. A twisted laugh as he did.

Thomas was lucky, or smart during the heat of things, he laid a towel below him, it would be less of a mess to clean. Less evidence. He laid next to the duke in bed, smiling, it wasn’t just good, it was great.

"that was Definity worth the wait." Thomas looked to the duke. Who kept looking up.

"huh? Have we met before?" Thomas froze, his heart skipping a beat and his brain resetting in that moment. He thought Thomas was just some slutty footman, he had no recollection of their previous encounter? It was short but Thomas was able to recognize him fine.

"no, no, I just wasn’t sure if it was going to happen"

"well, I figured I should preform good before I ask this" the duke turned to face Thomas. "and I should give you this to show I'm serious." he held out a ten pound note. Thomas was shocked. "I am not paying you for this, but I want you to keep me informed on where the money is ending up, if lady Mary is to keep it. I believe I could make her, and yourself very happy." he put the bill folded into Thomas' hand. "if you don’t I will understand, and I wont expect that back either way. But I will write to you, I hope you will write back." the duke stood sliding on a robe. Thomas scrambled sliding on his clothes again and wiping away his sweat. It wasn’t as clean looking as he hoped but he could make it to his room. Thomas didn’t know how to answer. He was gaining favor with the family and staff, but surely moving a duke in, even if it was never said Thomas helped, would have a positive impact.

Thomas made it down the stairs without anyone seeing him, he finally turned to the hallway of his bedroom and swore internally. William, standing there, holding a candle, rubbing his eye, clearly tired as hell. He looked up questioning Thomas.

"he took a while." he muttered walking towards Thomas.

"he was particular about some things" Thomas tried to shut things down, his door was already behind William, and Thomas was certain he smelt of at least sweat and cologne. But smelling of sex was definitely a possibility as well. He tried to move quick but the hallway was too small for them to pass normally, William turned facing Thomas as they passed.

"you smell like him" Thomas froze, William stopped, his eyes drooping again as he looked "what?"

"nothing, I must have some of his cologne on me."

"huh, yeah. G'night Thomas." William turned back walking down to his room. Thomas entered his own heart racing, brain flying. He was lucky William was either too tired or too dull to understand these things. Poochy lifted his head from his bed when Thomas entered. Only to plop back down and give a dissatisfied sigh, a 'don’t wake me up' kind of sigh. Thomas scrambled undressing himself and doing his best to bring the clothes up to a standard that wouldn’t have Carson destroy him. Finally satisfied, Thomas wiped himself down, he had to have smelt like the duke even after. But he dulled it to a deniable level.

"I sprayed his packed clothing with the cologne as asked, to keep them fresh." Thomas rubbed his face finally looking at the ten pound note. It was a lot. For him at least for the family it was going out money, shopping money. For Thomas it was close to what he made in a year. He had to hide it. It would be weird for him to have it with them in London, maybe stashed away at Downton, enough to get him by if something bad were to happen. But not here. He settled on stuffing it in one of his socks, carefully rolled and visible to someone who knew what to look for.

Thomas laid in bed exhausted that night, too many thoughts for his brain to handle. He had to find sleep eventually, and for once, Thomas was grateful for a night of no dreams.

28th of august 1912

Thomas found his stomach in a knots. The duke was coming to Downton, all on Thomas' saying that there might be a chance, a final chance for him to wed Mary and secure the fortune. Thomas specifically said a duke and Mary might be able to challenge it. But he was not sure as they held these talks in half whispers. It was enough for the duke, and it made Thomas a decent nest egg. Thirty dollars was hidden deep under a false floor in his wardrobe, he left a pack of cigarettes in there as well, annoyingly he was down to one a week, when he truly needed the edge off, he hated to admit it felt better as well. Rowlet was one to notice Thomas mood, he hadn't gone down just yet putting on the facade he tried to remind himself of what he could have. He smelt the letters, ten total, each of them came with that cologne on them, Thomas blushed as he was the one to pick it out, he had essentially trained himself to respond to the scent. It was intoxicating. Thomas put the letter away before looking at himself in the mirror, he was happy to say he gained weight back, looked himself. Although it seemed William had also started springing up, he was a farm boy still even though he worked here, he grew like one.

The preparation for the duke was much more planned this time, the kitchen was full of food and deserts being prepared ahead, the silver was polished at least two times. The house was as prepped as it could be. The staff were all stood outside when the duke arrived, he mentioned in his letter that his valet would be ill for this trip. But Thomas was shocked to find…. A young man walk out with him, his valet. Thomas felt a rage inside him, one he could not justify with any external emotion. He held it in, he had to hold it in the entire day, serving him at Lunchin and dinner, where he had that devious smile, whooing Mary, taking his charm up to a much higher level. But Thomas couldn’t wholly hide his anger and disappointment. He did physically, but he was wound tight. He was luckily able to blame it on other things, William messing something up gave him an out to shed some of the feelings, he made sure not to go too far though. He had to appear like he was stressed, not furious. The man he brought was silent, flipping through a book until he was called up. Although, he did ask Thomas to bring up the dukes shoes, it had to be an excuse to meet. Thomas stood waiting the ten minutes he was told to wait. The shoes mocking him. He grabbed them and headed up, wanting to slam the door instead he chose to knock and be invited in.

Inside the duke was shirtless. His valet in the corner reading again, Thomas wanted to smack him. But he was struck by the heat in the room, the fireplace a roar, Thomas was shaken from his anger. He leaned in to whisper but the duke stopped him.

"he knows everything, there is no need to hide anything."

"you said you'd come alone"

"I had a change of heart when I heard a rumor. The entail has been settled, at least in terms of the law, she wont have it."

"i- how was I supposed to know that"

"you couldn’t, but it also means this little alliance is over." the duke sighed, walking over to the dresser he lifted out the letters, Thomas was shocked, frozen, then he walked over to the fire and it was like Thomas had regained his ability to move his body, he moved trying to catch them, he was angry, sad, the prospects being burned, as the duke held him tight, Thomas couldn’t find the right words to curse him with, he was shoved off and the duke motioned to the door. "thank you for bringing my shoes, I wont be needing anything else from you." Thomas left defeated. Wounded. He went downstairs, ate his dinner at the table with everyone else, rumor had spread that the duke would not be perusing lady Mary, the house had luckily soured on him enough from that, Thomas' feelings were not unusual there. When Thomas got to his room rowlet and poochy were both in their balls, probably returned so he could snoop. Things were a mess, a frantic search, he knew the valet didn’t do it. It was the duke. There was mention lady Mary took him into their rooms.

Thomas went from sad and disappointed, to drifting off, to dead asleep. Tears still in his eyes even as he slept, he saw the field again the death and destruction, this time he focused on what the real point of it all was, there had to be a reason to see it all, to understand this pure hatred and anger. Then he saw it, looking up, something in the clouds, impossibly big, red glowing eyes, and in the air, it felt like laughter at the carnage.

Chapter Text

Two things came out of the dukes visit, there was a firm line that had been crossed in the family, and Thomas had a firm line he had set. The family, mostly lord Grantham, had decided that the entail must be followed and the new heir had to be contacted. Thomas had decided that what is best for him, is sticking by the family and staff, no more sending out secrets, or finding ways to benefit himself Soley.

The dinner had revolved around the entail, how Downton would be run, would the family live there, there were too many variables that had been poorly managed to figure out exactly what had to happen next. Finally the dowager brought up possibly the most important point.

"We have found him" lord Grantham spoke about it solemnly. It wasn't something that Mary liked. Or Cora. Or his mother. He was decidedly alone on this front after the dukes visit. Thomas could see a certain wicked grin in Edith's face. She could not stop herself from enjoying anything that was to her sisters detriment. It was a nasty side she liked to hide. Thomas knew she was probably the most dangerous of the three sisters for it.

"well do we even know who the man is?" the dowager looked to her son, discontentment across her face.

"we do not know him personally"

"Well. How far did they have to dig to find him then?"

"the is my third cousin once removed" lord Grantham explained.

"oh so he is very close" the dowager let herself sigh before drinking a rather large sip of wine. "does he work?"

"in London, his father passed, he lives with his mother. And from what I heard he is unmarried. His name is Matthew Crawley"

"well. At least he doesn’t have a family to move in" she chuckled to herself. "this still brings up my initial question. Who is this man?"

Thomas looked down. Matthew Crawley had his future in the palm of his hands and he had no idea yet. It was a unique feeling. But worry crept in to Thomas chest. The dowager was right. Who even was Matthew Crawley?

London

"Come on Arthur. Time to head home" Matthew stood from his chair. Grabbing his coat and hat. The Growlithe looking up from his bed. Tail starting to wag as Matthew picked up a leash. "common!" The pup sprang to live running over. Collar jingling. "who's a good boy" a yip response came as the pup sat. Tail wagging hitting Matthews leg. With the leash clicked in place and Matthews briefcase in hand he left his office. Giving his regards to the rest of the staff.

It was Friday. It meant he wouldn't head to the house. Choosing his apartment the both for privacy and convenience. His mother hosted her friends, And they didn't need a young man there trying not to get attention as he sneaked away with a plate full of the tea cakes. But before he could return home, Arthur needed a trip to the park. Matthew sat on his coat tossing a ball watching Growlithe run and grab it. Then looking back. His fluffy fur bouncing as he ran back. While he wasn't a Hisuian in breed. He had a dark rich coat. And his fur was fluffy. A true show breed in everything but personality. Running back over. Ball in his mouth. Arthur readied himself. Wanting to wrestle the ball away. Matthew finally got the ball away and tossed it again. He would go until Arthur walked back so slow Matthew could pretend he fell asleep. The pup would whine and the two would walk back. It was a routine. Burn the energy out in a good way.

Matthews apartment was quant. A small kitchenette was off the main hall. No real dining or living space. A true bachelor's pad. A place where history shouldn't be recorded and known by the larger public. Matthew didn't use it that way regularly though. It was cozy. Dark walls that came with the place. And recently added electric for the whole place. It was convenient but Matthew still preferred a candle at night. Or his fire. It was by far the most grand. The fire place had a couch. And a dog bed by the side. Matthew built the fire and Growlithe came over practically yawning out a ember to light it.

Matthew sat. He could eat. Sit with a book. Not his work. He would get lost. And he had the weekend to enjoy. But something started to itch at his brain. It was the weekend. He was a bachelor. He had nothing better to do and let's face it. He is a 21 year old man. His brain still had a focus on one thing. He huffed. Standing. Grabbing his coat. Putting his PokeBall in a catch all tray by the door. Arthur was asleep already. And he wasn't needed where Matthew was going.

The club was new. Only recently built up in the past few years. Matthew still felt a blush on his face when he entered. Men in various states of dress. Dancing. Kissing. Grabbing each other. It was erotic. The atmosphere was thick. Palpable. Matthew made his way to the bar. Got a drink and looked around. There wasn't clear ways to ask about any of these things. Matthew didn't even know himself fully enough to know if he only liked men or not. What he did know was he was intrigued by them. By how things could be now. It suddenly became an option. One Matthew enjoyed. His eyes scanning a room he finally found someone. Wearing day workers clothes. But the buttons were half undone. Far more drunk than Matthew. But dancing with no partner. To his own tune. Matthew finished his drink walking over the burn still lingering in his throat when he got close.

"How do you do" Matthew matched the man's side step. Younger than Matthew. But not by much. The man smiled. Leaning in.

"Ya don't have to do all that bruv. We all know why you fancy boys come on by" the man winked.

"Well. Then. Would you want to dance. Or…" Matthew trailed off. The boy put his hands around Matthew's waist. Holding his hips.

"I don't have time for anything fancy. Out back will have to do." He smirked and Matthew nodded the boy led him out back. Quickly pinning Matthew to the wall. Kissing his neck. Matthew didn't know how to react at first. He was much more forward than the others. Matthew held him. But his hand was quickly moved to the man's crotch. Matthew was shocked.

"I don't even get to know your name?" Matthew chuckled. The man groaned.

"Fucking fancy boys like you don't know how this works." He pushed off the wall grumbling to himself. He looked to Matthew and shook his head. "can fuck right off if you think I'm Gunna be some fancy man in a house being your wife."

"What are you on about" Matthew shook his head. "look let's just-"

"No, fucking- fucker fancy boy. I'm done with you artists" Matthew sighed as the man left. Denial was a part of it. He knew that much. But this was just annoying. Left annoyed. Still unsatisfied. But without the want to continue. He sighed walking back to his apartment.

As he fished his keys out opening the door he saw a piece of mail was dropped off. Night mail wasn’t common. Only priority deliveries would come so late.

He sat on the couch. Arthur snuggled at his side. The letter detailed a death in his extended family. How the lineage now dictates that Matthew is the next suitable heir to the Grantham title and Downton Abbey. Shocked Matthew kept reading it. Being an heir, getting a title. Property and land beyond what he could understand in that moment. He sat back in the seat. A strange sense of wonder on him. His possibilities blown open. He thought in that moment. How would it change him… He was so content. But now. Would it all change? Sleep quickly took over his questioning mind. He was exhausted after a week of work and he never admitted it but Matthew slept on the couch most nights, heat of the fire hitting him as it danced around in the fireplace.

Matthew did not dream, at least odd dreams where he was aware, but that night. The letter still in his lap as he slept. He dreamed of The house. The grand house off in the distance. All his. Except…. He was so cold. The house was decrepit. Lost to time. And there he was. A weathered stone on a sharp turn. Was this his future? No. Matthew looked around. His clothes stained in blood. He forced it to change, he didn’t know what it was but there was a feeling, a yell out, denial of this possibility. The road was different. The house pristine. Matthews clothes changed no longer soaked in blood. His wedding band went from something cheap and basic to more expensive. He didn't know what choices he shifted in his mind. But the dream was set right.

What Matthew had not noticed was someone watching him from the bushes. Brought into the dream. From a call out to make things right.

Thomas didn't know who this man was. But he knew that he had seen him many times before. But never really him. This time. It was him. No question. This was the heir to Downton.

September, 1912

It had taken almost an entire month to properly move into the house provided for Matthew and his mother, uprooting ones life was already a hectic endeavor, but doing it because one is told they now own a noble house and a sizable amount of money added a weight to it all.

The staff at the house were something else to add to the stress. Ms. Bird… Was something. Matthew had made sure that they had exchanged minimum amount of words with her. The staffing picks in the village weren't the best. Matthew could handle a hard cook for the good cooking. But Moseley was something else. Matthew knew how to dress himself. Groom himself. He could even manage a trim on his hair if he had to. Moseley would prefer to see Matthew induced with a paralytic while he was dressing him. Of course that's just how it felt. The overt attention to detail. The hyper focus. Matthew couldn't stand it. And worst of all. He wasn't even a young attractive man. Middle aged. And Matthew could tell the type who was not accepting. It may have been a stereotype to assume anyone not following the creations theology would not be accepting. But it was a safety system. The minor Christian religions all grouped together as the royal family swapped. The union of so many ideas and they still decided homophobia was easier than acceptance. Even if it went outright against a prince set to lead the country. Their hate was justified by their priests and Matthew couldn't be sure he would even be safe with these two. Mosely didn't even carry Pokémon. It was almost considered dangerous to not have anything.

Unfortunately the problems didn't stop at the new house. For 3 dinners he had avoided the topic of marriage. He knew it couldn't last forever. But he would certainly try. News came out daily about a new process the prince is planning on using. A woman volunteers is implanted And gives birth to a child that is biologically the couples. The prince said he did not want a traditional surrogate that he wanted his soon to be husband's child too. It send the royal scientists into a flutter. But the technology would be shared with all.

Matthew knew producing an heir would be most important to the family. Matthew was happy to deliver. But he would have to do it this way.

Matthew couldn't help but sigh. Looking at the time. He had to leave for dinner. And what a shame it was he won't have time to change with Mosley. Matthew left his office and started making his way back to Downton. Hoping for an easy dinner.

When he arrived the sun was setting. Lanterns were lit along the final bit of the drive. A warm glow coming from the house. For how big it was it did have an inviting quality to it. Warmth came from it too. He only wished the people shared the warmth. They weren't against him. But it was clear they would rather have never met him. And stayed distant cousins. He stepped out of the car and walked toward the door. The door opened as the younger footman bowed his head. Matthew took off his hat and let the young man get his coat. Matthew looked around the hall then turned back.

"I'm early. Is anyone down yet?"

"Yes. Lord Grantham is in his library" William was Shaky. His future employer. He could decide at any moment to sack him.

"thank you…"Matthew paused.

"William, m'lord"

"yes William, thank you." Matthew entered into the library seeing Robert sitting with a drink in his hand.

"ah Matthew did you come with your mother?" Robert motioned to the couch opposite his chair, Matthew sat down feeling hugely under dressed for what was just a family dinner. Roberts dinner clothes did strike a importance, but he did not know why he needed a special suit for a dinner featuring no real guests.

"no I had to come right from the office"

"ah, that’s why you haven't changed."

"partly yes. Although there is something to be discussed there. I just have to figure out how to discuss it the right way." Matthew sighed. Arthur at his side rubbing his leg. Robert just gave a nod, clearly this wasn’t a conversation for right now.

"well, if you don’t mind, we can call Mosely up and he can change you here, how were the whites we sent down?"

"unfortunately they were too small and a tailor said they would not work."

"not a problem we have… we have a set of Patrick's as well, he and you were about the same size. I had them pulled just in case. Mosely can come up and-"

"really there's no need to make Mosely do that walk, I'm sure a footman here can do it for the night" Matthew was strained, he did not need Mosely dressing him from his underwear.

"of course, Thomas can do it." Robert stood and pulled the rope for the bell. A moment later William entered. "William tell Thomas he is dressing Matthew in the second set of whites we had brought down from the attic."

"yes m'lord, ill go tell him now." Robert gave a nod and Matthew couldn’t help but chuckle.

"the staff are afraid of me I think"

"you are new, and you will be in charge one day" Robert sat back down "it’s a lot of house to be in charge of, they will soften over time, they will see that you will not rule with fear but with compassion"

"you sound so sure."

"I can tell you are a good type of man Matthew, one who will continue to bring a good name to this house."

"thank you Robert, I will go and dress now." Matthew stood and Robert gave a slight nod.

"I will see you at dinner" Matthew gave a quick yes and slipped out the room, he had already come close to letting the words spill out his mouth. There would be no lady of the house, there would only be children, their mothers of course paid well enough to live comfortable, even allowed to see their children. But not ladies of the house. Not his wife.

Matthew made it to the room already clawing at his tie. It was too tight, everything felt too tight. He quickly was down to his undershirt finally able to breathe, he had to calm himself. He went over to the dresser, grabbing the bottle and pouring out a drink. He downed it fast looking around the room, dark red. Window black with the country sky not yet showing the stars. He turned back, a bottle of cologne sat next to the drink, Matthew lifted it, smelling the atomizer before giving himself a spritz before sitting down in the chair, trying to compose himself.

Thomas could feel a lump in his throat, carrying up the suit to that room. His room. Thomas had not stepped foot into the room since that night of humiliation. He knew he would have to eventually, but this seemed soon, and for someone else now he was overwhelmed. Poochy dragged behind on the stairs, bow tie bouncing, this wasn’t his normal schedule but he would happily take the chance to run up and down the servants stairs a thousand times a day if he could, at least when he had the energy for it.

Thomas made his way to the door, he took a breathe and attempted to swallow the lump in his throat, he had to admit, part of this was Matthew, next lord of the house. New to all this, might not see a reason to keep staff. He didn’t come off like that, but it was a fear at any changing of the guard. There was still years before that would happen, but a wrong move and Thomas could be sacked early. Thomas knocked on the door and heard a quick "come in" he opened the door slipping in, he was hit by the scent right away, the cologne. Matthew put it on, and now he was already half dressed holding a drink at the chair. Thomas quickly hid any shock on his face. Now wasn’t the time to freak out. But his body loved getting to be familiar with the scent again, he all but trained himself to respond to it.

"thank you for doing this" Matthew stood. "I must say I was hoping to avoid dressing up tonight but it seems I wont be able to win that fight" Thomas was slightly shocked at how informal he was. Already tugging off his belt, putting it on the bed. Thomas acted fast. Putting down the fresh clothes gathering the discard clothing.

"it really is no problem, I dressed lord Grantham for a better part of a year while we were looking for Mr. Bates."

"it must have been hard to give up that position after so long" Matthew shrugged off his undershirt shirt, bare chest lit by the candles Thomas couldn’t help but steal a glace. The man was annoyingly attractive after all.

"it was and it wasn’t, I spent most of the time revising his lordships wardrobe, but it made me fall behind as a footman" Matthew nodded, letting him slide on the over shirt and start buttoning it.

"and you prefer the work of a footman, you are skilled at this." once again Thomas felt weirdly like this was flirtatious.

"I hope to be a valet one day, but lord Grantham doesn’t need someone like me full time, he needs someone…."Thomas paused "Mr. bates is good for him, they share old war stories from their time together. Match better"

"I could understand that very well… especially recently" Matthew met Thomas' eye "what do you know of Mr. Mosely." Thomas stood meeting Matthews gaze.

"would you like my professional answer or my personal sir?" Matthew nodded.

"I fear at what the professional one leaves out, tell me everything."

"the man is pathetic." Thomas moved around the room finding the next piece of the suit, working it in his hands before applying it to Matthew. "he has no spine, wont ever argue, fight, or say his mind. But he has his opinions and they are strong. I'm sure you’ve seen him go towards the catholic church."

"I have, he splits off with our cook."

"they make a turn and go to the church near the outside of town. They never enter the one in a partnership with our local church. It actually isn't a real church, just a disgraced priest's home."

"why would they fake the effort?"

"because, that church has been a thorn in Downton's side for…. Well longer than the nine years I've worked here" Thomas stood squarely Infront of Matthew. "he is somewhat sexist, he insists women should not strive to do anything more than what they are currently allowed to do, he wouldn’t want to see a woman go to university, work a counter, that sort of thing, his opinion on men in non heterosexual relationships-" Thomas took a breathe rubbing his brow. "sorry sir. Letting my personal anger out about the man." Matthew reached out putting an arm to Thomas shoulder.

"don’t stop. I-I haven't told the family yet, but I never intend to marry a woman in my life. If you understand me" Thomas suddenly felt like pieces fit together, things started adding up.

"I do, very well. Well, I feel its only right to say then, before the political shift of the royal family and the unbanning of it all. Mr. Mosely almost called for the police twice against me" Matthew stared bewildered. "when I was a boot boy, before becoming a footman, I had a boy, he went to school, worked in his fathers shop, we were young. And there was shifting news, his family was in our church, I felt confident, and well" Thomas paused "we were fifteen" he chuckled. "he threatened us twice for holding hands." Thomas grabbed Matthews coat. Sliding it on him. "after the swap he was quiet. That is the personal, the professional. He's crap at knowing what's in style, you'll always wear two seasons past clothes. He will let the clothes rot until they aren't fit for donation before he buys you something new." Thomas brushed along Matthews coat. "and if I say so, he couldn’t make this look as good as I can" Matthew chuckled looking at himself in the mirror.

"that last part is definitely true." Matthew turned. "so what happened to the boy, he still here?"

"no, he went off to university. Never came back" Thomas tilted his head, "I don’t think about him often. But he got in my head right after I got here"

"well I have to thank you, Mr. Mosely isn't the sort of man I want to encourage, I think I will have to figure out something else." Matthew smiled, "oh, look" Matthew nodded, poochy and Arthor had both cuddled up on the oversized dog bed. "has he been with you through it all"

"oh yes. Yours?"

"I had my fathers after his passing, he is about five, the child of her, she now stays with my mother, she treats him like has that size and not the size of a horse." the two chuckled and Matthew looked down. "Thomas, it might be some time, but…" Matthew paused. "I wont have a man who hates me change my clothes, and if Robert insists I learn these ways. I will do it in my own way. Would you explore becoming a valet again, hopefully full time this time."

"it would be an honor m'lord" Thomas bowed his head. Matthew smiled.

"good, and in here, if we commit to this arrangement. None of that. I won't treat a confidant as if he wasn’t my equal. I understand outside though, you would have to"

"oh if I didn’t I'm pretty sure Mr. Carson would combust." the two chuckled and Matthew looked down. "now a dinner."

"with the dowager, it may be a battle. She still believes that Mary should hold the fortune" Thomas said, testing his new level of equalness to Matthew quickly.

"I don’t disagree, but it is impossible in the terms of the law." Matthew sighed.

"yes well she will disagree until she accepts defeat. Which wont be for a while." Thomas bit his lip. "I thought you'd hate me honestly, maybe even sack me." Thomas gave a half glance not meeting Matthews eyes.

"why?"

"because that first dinner I was a bit of a twat. Asking you if you’ve been served before. I was out of my mind"

"honestly I found it somewhat amusing, annoying, but amusing."

"I'm glad you saw it that way" Thomas rubbed his face "Carson practically had me scrubbing horse muck for that"

"it was a pretty loud display."

"I let an old demon in my head, I'm working on undoing bad habits from someone who was my partner in crime here" Thomas shook his head. "I had to get that out before you left, after offering me this."

"well I'm glad you did. But we should go and not keep anyone waiting."

"absolutely, m'lord" Thomas exaggerated. Matthew laughed as he left the room, that’s when Thomas caught it, Matthew, at some point put on more of the cologne, it made Thomas' stomach turn and flutter at the same time. He looked up, the man lingering in the hallway talking to someone else. His smile greeting them. Thomas…. Didn’t understand this.

The first two courses of dinner went fine, there was some arguing over a patient at the hospital, Pokémon made traditional medicine less needed, but in cases like this apparently no Pokémon could heal it. It had to be done to save the mans life, but it could kill him. Thomas found it all boring, his feelings being shoved down as he served everyone. He focused on keeping his head on straight. He did not need Carson to throw a fit. Slipping out and heading to the preparation area Thomas took a breathe. William followed shaking his head.

"they all feel like they are Gunna jump across the table and stab each other." he huffed standing next to Thomas.

"I have a feeling this wont stop for a while, we have to get used to it"

"it would if they just gave lady marry the money" William shrugged. Thomas chuckled.

"oh William your view of the world is so…. Simple" Thomas held out a tray, "now do your job and stop gossiping before Carson hears you" Thomas sent William forward following with the tray. One last course, desert. Then one more dinner with the entire family done. Thomas could breathe air not filled with the cologne that drives him wild. Thomas thought he was doing a good job hiding his emotions, but there was always the dowager. As Thomas served her she took his arm.

"Thomas, you look pale" she had her brows together, concern on her face. "are you okay." she kept it quiet enough. Thomas nodded and she gave a suspicious nod. "take me to my car after this."

"of course your ladyship" she let go of Thomas' arm letting him serve the next in line, skepticism on her face.

"I just think rushing this is a mistake." marry said to the larger group. "there may be a loophole Matthew didn’t find"

"there isn't one. It was made to be oppressive as it is, the document is done. Or would you rather have a third lawyer tell you it is impossible" Matthew let the last word snap. His face showed the regret but it was too late. The room shifted. Eyes drawn to him, Thomas was a bit glad. Sybil and Matthews mother were both close enough to hear the dowagers questions, to wonder what was happening, and lady sybil was brazen enough to interrupt a entire dinner for Thomas looking pale.

"I didn’t know you were so quick to adapt. When will we be expected to leave?" marry said. Spite lingering as she stabbed into her food. Her eyes were sharp. Facing down Matthew. But Thomas could recognize this. This was close to Mary's twisted view of flirting. One thing that if Thomas was honest, she was horrible at.

"marry" Robert cut her off. "there is no need to be so bitter." Matthew seemed surprised at the sudden assistance.

"I think I have every right. I was promised this. Sure it was attached to a man, but I would secure it, continue the family values. Now what?"

"do you really think id kick you out. Treat you so badly?" Matthew cut in. "have I presented myself that poorly."

"well no, and why would you treat me badly. You made it clear there was no possibility of that as well." marry. Turned facing Matthew, Cora trapped in between. Looking to her husband for an out, interference, something.

"I didn’t think our third conversation needed to be 'I'm sorry I wont marry you, I am a homosexual!" Matthews face went red, then white in a moment. He had slammed the table hard enough to shake it. The room was dead silent. It felt as if the whole house was frozen. "I-I, I should-" before Matthew could figure out how his legs worked, how to make an escape, how to think, a single voice came over the room.

"enough" the dowager stood, her words weren't as loud as Matthews outburst, but they were a thousand times more demanding. A sternness she must have practiced on both her children for years. A mastery of it. "we have been acting like children. I include myself because it is clear this was always a dream. any ideas we had of the future will always be unknown and we must accept it." she turned her gaze to Mary. "my dear, you must learn that a knife is not always the tool for a job, you will need to know when to be softer." she changed her gaze to Robert. "Robert, I have been pushing you far too much on this and it has slipped out beyond what it should have been." finally she turned to Matthew. Tears welled in his eyes, face red again, she sighed. "Matthew, I am sorry we gave the impression that you wouldn’t be safe telling us that. I have not felt a fear an sadness like that in some time. I may have been against you at first, fighting for my granddaughter and Coras money to stay here. But I will relent, as will we all. These are the cards we have been delt. Let us find a new path." she looked around the room before finding Matthew again. "wipe your tears boy. Besides, you wont be the first in the family" she sat with a wicked smile on her face. The table when from shock to a feeling of together, now to wondering what information violet knew. Robert simply kept his face down wondering at what point his mother was in a secret relationship with a woman. He was certain it was the only answer.

"I'm sorry but who?" Isobel chimed in. curious.

"oh myself. I had a stint before I met Roberts father." a laugh emerged from her "I did not have the hardship of only one choice in the sex of my partner, and of course courting women wasn’t possible, so my choice was much less open." she sighed.

"but with the prince and his husband letting anyone wed" sybil cut in

"yes, men like Matthew will be much more open with their options." the dowager sat again and looked at the desert. "well I think I will take something harder to drink with this Carson" she turned back to Carson, who seemed to have been frozen in shock. Finally he processed the request and sprang into action. Thomas joined William as conversations broke back into their pairs. Thomas looked at the boy shocked.

"go organize the silverware to be washed." Thomas whispered the command. "and get that look off your face" he made sure his eyes conveyed the same wrath that Carson could make so easily. William nodded leaving the room. Carson looked to Thomas who nodded. There wasn’t much time before Robert and Matthew let the ladies go into the next room. Thomas left to escort the dowager to the car.

"that was a night" she shook her head as she let Thomas slip on her overcoat.

"it was m'lady." Thomas wasn’t sure what to say besides that.

"don’t think Matthews outburst will distract me. What had you vexed Thomas" she stopped looking at him ignoring any action he could take, and the cold air coming in.

"my direction in life seems to be taking another turn I hadn't anticipated"

"are you leaving?" she prodded.

"no. but there will be a new footman, eventually." she squinted at him.

"it was one conversation. Matthew offered me a valet position."

"oh, but he has a valet"

"he does"

"and?" she pushed.

"Mr. Mosely isn't very compatible"

"ah" she smiled. "Things all add up now" she nodded to herself.

"they do?" Thomas' eyebrows came together.

"a man and his valet need a very close relationship. You will provide that" Thomas nodded. She turned to the winter air. "I will be off." she walked out into the cold fall air, letting Thomas open the door.

"goodnight m'lady" Thomas bowed his head. Closed the door. And then rushed inside. The cold pouring in he closed the door. Sighing, a chill ran to his bones. He felt bad lying, but he very well couldn’t say. 'Matthew put on the scent I picked for a duke that I've trained myself to feel emotions for. And those emotions are feeling awful because the man destroyed what could have been a great relationship when I couldn’t get your granddaughter to provide money and children to him'. Well. He could, but she would ask if he was insane. And in this moment. Thomas felt it. Thomas wandered for a moment in front of the fire, holding out his hand. The heat dancing across his skin. There was a moment, his ears ringing. The fire became something else. A shape. He tried to see it but looking almost sent him forward into the flame, he caught himself. Stood, looked away, and walked back to the dining room to undress it. He didn’t have time to unpack this new weird development.

Matthew still felt wrong, sitting in a chair. His mother at his side, holding the line with conversation. Marry had calmed her barrage on him. But her and Edith seemed to have it out for each other still. One jabs the other swipes. Matthew didn’t need it. He had one too many outbursts for one night.

"Matthew, there is something I would like to do tonight if that’s alright with you." Robert turned from his seat facing him.

"I don’t see how I could mess up the night more, so whatever it is that is fine" Matthew looked down, still embarrassed.

"you didn’t mess it up. Anyone would have an awkward time revealing that about themselves." Robert offered a firm offer. Accept the way out, or stay rotten and be shunned for it. Matthew was impressed his face could express so much with such little. Robert stood and went over to a small chest on the fireplace. "everyone." he turned back. His arms slipping behind his back. "in this family, I made the decision to have a tradition. My father made me go out and catch my first Pokémon, nothing to defend me. I decided I would give my girls a protector from their first years that would be with them." Robert turned to Matthew. "at five years old they were each given a meowth, I'm sure you have seen the Persian's in the halls and outside." Robert looked around the room. "or sneaking around" he chuckled. "but, there is something I think will fit better as your first gift from our family to you." Robert handed Matthew a poke ball, adorned with the family crest. And the bottom of the ball had a decorative pattern painted on. "go ahead and see" Matthew clicked the ball. It grew in to fill the size of his hand, pressing again he gave it a toss. It let out a ring of stars before letting out an eevee. The eevee was small. It sat right away pawing at its eyes. Still sleepy. Matthew smiled looking up at Robert.

"this is so lovely" he leaned down lifting the eevee into his hands. It twilled its way off his back looking at him, giving a small 'brrrah' greeting. "hello there" Matthew smiled.

"during their first year out I got each of the girls a eevee. Usually one a bit older, the breeder we got them from said this one was old enough to be on its own. But he was for this upcoming season, so he is small. He will grow."

"I'm sure you will." Matthew had a grin on his face. "Arthur look. You have a friend" Arthur came over looking over the eevee, a silent judge. Before laying down half on it and giving him a large lick across the Eevee's head while his tail whipped around. That really got the room in a better mood. Matthew relaxed slightly after that, he was sure his outburst was going to lead him to being ousted more. Seen as less than even more. But things seemed to have gone over as well as he could have hoped. At least for a single dinner with some explosive reveals.

Matthew emerged from the room. New poke ball on his belt. Arthur following behind him. Thomas happened to be outside in the hall. Matthew smiled.

"Thomas, I want to go home in my regular suit, I wont be wearing this unless I'm here. Come to the room." a lump was in Matthews throat, it all seemed too awkward to just plainly ask. But Thomas nodded his head with a quick 'yes m'lord' and the rest who left the room saw it as normal enough.

Back in the room Matthew ran his hand in his hair. Now shirtless, his underwear his only modesty, he turned to face Thomas. "I still cant believe I did that. I mean I was sure I was going to be smacked, or thrown out." Matthew paced while Thomas quickly made a drink and placed it in his hand.

"maybe in a different house, a different faith. But here the family truly believes the teachings. Acceptance for all with good in their heart." Thomas held out a shirt. "now, can I dress you or do you need to do a lap like this."

"one moment, I feel so… constricted, I just need a moment." Thomas nodded waiting. "I mean what kind of idiot does this on the-" he paused. Counting on his fingers "fourth dinner! God we haven't even been here a full month yet and I almost threw it all away" he paused sipping the drink, "damn this is good"

"I think you are misunderstanding how loyal lord Grantham is to the crown. He would be first in line to burn down parliament if it meant the king would come to dinner." Thomas shook his head, he was certain it wasn’t an exaggeration.

"oh believe me I found that out quick. Made a joke about the king and some stupid little thing. Robert huffed and crossed his arms." Matthew rubbed his eye brows. "a grown man huffed like that" Matthew chuckled. Thomas poured another drink, noticing Matthews shoulders weren't bunched up.

"gods, that is strong."

"it hasn’t been changed since…" Thomas trailed off. Matthew knew the face all too well unfortunately.

"who was he?" Matthew had a semi devious grin on his face. He would love gossip if it didn’t involve him like it usually did.

"how do you know-"

"I have a sense for this, trust me I've been there before." Matthew chuckled. "so. Who was he. Its the only way to help it."

"he's was a duke. He stayed In this room, drank this, wore that cologne. Put it on his letters too."

"a duke, wow" Matthew rubbed his face, "if it were a competition id have to get someone like the prince." Matthew joked. Thomas rubbed his chin.

"don’t tell lord Grantham. He would see it as a possibility for you to become royalty and take it."

"don’t divert away from him, what is he like?"

"he's greedy, and impulsive, he isn't kind." Thomas paused. "he feels more like he uses you than anything else. The focus, the spotlight, hell the bloody sun should only be focusing on him."

"so very typical then for a duke" Matthew said. Thomas nodded. "it sounds like you’ve made up your mind on your duke. That he doesn’t make you feel good is already reason, but being selfish" Matthew stepped forward. "means he doesn’t know that you deserve more than just more service in the bedroom." Matthew leaned down sliding on his undershirt. "we cant take forever, I don’t want them getting suspicious." Thomas nodded.

"I can just say you are a difficult client" Thomas wiped away a tear helping Matthew into his button up.

"oh feel free" Matthew grinned. "it will make it easier when I let Mosely go."

"is that all really happening?"

"yes. I will figure it out. Decide when it is right" Matthew met Thomas' eyes. "you will be my valet." Thomas felt a blush go over his cheeks, there was an intimacy there about the knowing of it all, including Matthews confidence in it. To him, the matter was decided. To Thomas he knew it would really depend on getting a replacement footman in time for the transition, otherwise Thomas would only be back to being stretched thin, this time with no reprieve. "question, if I were to stay here. Lets say semi regularly would I have my own room."

"well, there are plenty of them" Thomas smirked. " yes, you'd get a real room and not a guess one."

"this is quiet the guest room."

"it is, but it is not the room for the future lord of the house."

"that would be Robert's room"

"no, he and her ladyship took a different room. Lord Grantham did not like how tiny the dressing room was."

"oh?" Matthew looked in curiosity. "what's the room id get then"

"crossing over to the family wing, you'd have the corner, due to how many women are in the family you'd only share the wing with his lord and ladyship, and there's a room between you two reserved for any family coming." Thomas thought of the room. "it’s the nicest room in the house, corner, but large enough to have a desk, and then also a side dressing room, since you wouldn’t…" Thomas stopped himself. "I'm trailing off, on a hypothetical."

"no it was all good" Matthew shrugged on his coat,

"oh let me do that next time."

"oh we will have fun. How to untrain a valet" Matthew had a devious look on his face.

"I mean. You are more than free to call me a valet and then do all the work yourself" the two burst into laughter.

"okay, I must be on my way. I've already kept mother waiting."

"have a good night my lord" Matthew left and Thomas pulled the pieces of clothing together for washing. He went down the stairs remembering to drop his expression, but he was still met with William, daisy, anna all looking eager eyed at him. "what are you lot looking at?" Thomas gave a suspicious stare.

"well, you got asked back up." William said.

"you had a chance to talk to him. All private like real valets do" daisy added, William looked up smiling, lovestruck.

"I put him in and out of a pair of whites. There isn't a ton of conversation to be had." Thomas was bold to lie like this, but how could he share it all.

"oh there was something" anna smiled. "you are acting too cool"

"I am simply ready for bed." Thomas looked to William. "and I am off. William drop this in for me"

William was annoyed but accepted the garment. Thomas sat in bed ruminating, his room technically shouldn’t be a single, so he wouldn’t have a real upgrade like a valet should, but, he could get a bit more money. And to spend time with Matthew wasn’t a negative either. It also meant a higher status, a valet was treated with much more respect. He drifted to sleep thinking about who would need to be the next first footman. Not William, he's too young and hasn’t learned enough. His dream seeped in, there was the boy again, his smile so pure. It made Thomas' heart skip a beat, he turned away before Thomas could look up, blonde hair shining in the light, it was a palace, somewhere they had been for parties. He was dressed as a footman, but… it felt so far off. Like someone out of reach. A thick fog separating the two. Thomas worried, the fog was black like smoke. On the other side there was the boy, his smile and uniform, happiness, maybe. But first, there was terror In the way.

Matthew returned home, dismissing Mosely downstairs was simple he was going right to bed. It would be an awkward conversation in the morning, Matthew sighed. Stripped down to his boxers he sat in his bed. The home was new but it wasn’t really for him. His mother would be happy to host, maybe even find someone new to share the room with her. Maybe.

The next day Thomas made his early morning rounds, collecting the glasses and fixing the rooms, it was a nice routine, consistent, but also a headache first thing in the morning, running around the house making it presentable. Meanwhile valets get a extra half hour of sleep and only have to make sure any repairs are made, shoes are polished. It was easier for sure. And Thomas was ready for something easy. He deserved it. When he finally sat for breakfast the topic of Matthew came up, again people pressing about what he was like. Was he nice? did he yell? All odd questions if you spent any amount of time near the man, he was gentile, soft, Thomas was sure he had a harder side, but Matthew was a golden boy, in so many ways perfect. They were not coming to dinner tonight, it meant a simple day. Just plenty of regular work and no extra work. Thomas did get the go ahead from Carson to clean the whites Matthew wore. William gave a look, it meant he would be polishing silver alone.

The day went by quietly, the cool chill in the outside air made everyone want to go slower, but the rush was non stop. The only surprise came with dinner. A new man sitting there, across from him.

"Thomas, you will show tom his quarters after, get him acquainted with the house." Mr. Carson looked between the two, was this some sort of test? Probably, it was Mr. Carson.

"of course" Thomas looked back to his desert, then back to tom. So far, tom had done nothing to annoy Thomas, but there was time for that to happen always. When William first joined as a hall boy Thomas was quiet fond of him. He reminded him of his little brother, shy, quick to panic, needed someone to guard him. Thomas at the time was third footman, essentially a hall boy. No service, just cleaning and helping carry things. Eventually the first was given a role of butler at another house, the second became the first and Thomas the second, William the third on Thomas' encouragement. Then the first went off to become a valet, and now Thomas would mimic that. Only William as he grew lost his that urge that little footman had, he wasn’t ready. Especially to Carsons standards. Thomas missed that boy he first met. five years between them. But even more when you took maturity into it. William had no reason to mature. No hardship. He had love and family to go back to. Thomas had none of that.

Dinner finished and Thomas grabbed a coat from the wall motioning for tom to join him. The chauffeur lived next to the garage, which was built into downtown's main building, but detached from the servants quarters, you could get through but it meant going though the main house, and at this time that wouldn’t work for Carson. Really any time having the chauffeur in the house wouldn’t work for Carson… most things do not fit Carsons perfect world.

The air was sharp with a chill. Thomas hoped they sent a hall boy to light the fires in the room, otherwise this tom would be frozen by morning. Tom followed Thomas in through the garage, inside a side door to a small set of rooms.

"you get this room, and the bathroom in though there, if that bell rings you bring the car around front, that one and you report in." Thomas looked around the room. "our previous chauffeur was… older so I would suggest giving this room a bit of a clean when you have the time."

"I will get to it while I unpack. Thank you tommy."

"Thomas" Thomas squinted. "I'm guessing you prefer tom."

"names tom, not short for anything." he leaned against a desk. "so, how long have you been here tommy?" Thomas sighed, but let it go. He would fix it with time.

"nine years."

"wow, that’s some time."

"I came here very young, I've had no reason to leave a good house and a good job."

"absolutely." tom looked down. "how do you do it?"

"do what?"

"work near the wealth for so long."

"I don’t know what you are implying there-"

"I'm a socialist, I am only working here because I have to."

"I see, why not go somewhere else."

"cars aren't widespread enough yet. I wont find a living wage." tom stood. "not a room like this, with a decent set of meals. Is the cook good?"

"Mrs. Patmore is wonderful, if she hears you question it though you will regret that." tom chuckled. "a maid will bring you a tray each meal."

"I cant eat at the table."

"well… the old chauffeur didn’t." Thomas looked around. "he was here or in that car."

"I think I will eat there, I don’t want to lose my mind from not speaking to anyone."

"well, we wouldn’t want you getting any bad ideas. Like trying any ideas to put the family in harms way."

"id never, I intend to serve the family well." tom stood close to Thomas. "I will do good on the family name, I do not intend to shame the family." tom looked down, " now that that is established, how are the ladies in town?" Thomas scoffed, turning back to the fire lit in the room.

"I wouldn’t know."

"ah, how about the bachelors then?" Thomas spun around shocked, "oh common tommy. I'm a socialist. You think I don’t support the rights of all."

"I-I just…. You are Irish, I figured."

"ha, I am not catholic. I guess the royal family has one or two good choices. Religion is one of them"

"I didn’t know."

"well we are meeting now. So, bachelors?"

"not too many that would be interested in us yet. At least those who make it known."

"oh tommy, I'm sure if you got out of the house you would see them"

"maybe, but I don’t have time to go out and find someone, I have to do extra work like give tours to someone who cant learn a name." tom smirked, getting close

"oh I know your name, but, sometimes, I just like to hand out a nickname, get in someone's head" toms eyes met Thomas'. The two kept eye contact as tom got closer, "since I brought it up. You should know tommy, I only like boys after I've had a beer."

"oh?"

"yeah, so. If you ever want a fun time. Bring me one, or a few, and we can see what can happen." tom winked and patted Thomas on the side of his hip. "no go ahead and get some rest, I can figure things out in here." Thomas had a moment of disconnect, normally in this situation he'd be shocked. But tom seemed to be such an enigma that this was… normal.

"right, goodnight."

"night, tommy" Thomas rolled his eyes leaving the garage. It would be odd to have tom there, another person who shared Thomas' opinion on men. Even if it was a requirement to have a drink first.

It was during the next morning Matthew decided to make his move, Mosely was dressing him for the day. It was a regular suit, nothing wild. And yet Mosely insisted on doing every step like it was a fragile piece of whites. Matthew had done work in this jacket, he didn’t care about it.

"Mosely, there is something we must discuss." Matthew turned back seeing the man brush Matthews coat.

"yes m'lord." he paused, meeting Matthews eyes, only he wouldn’t look Matthew in the eyes like Thomas would. Or anyone else for a matter of fact. He would look at Matthews neck. Too far down, noticeable. He didn’t do it before Matthew exposed his sexuality. It was probably the most Mosely could protest in this situation.

"I will no longer be needing your services, but I would like you to stay on and serve this house and my mother"

"i- but what will you do?" Mosely had a hint of anger in his face. A flush look backed by a hint that he was more than displeased being told off like this.

"I will be moving into Downton full time. And taking a member of the house staff as my valet. Again, I do not require your service." Matthew let out a bit of venom, something he normal wouldn’t do. But when in the presence of someone who cant look him in the eye. It felt right. Matthew took his coat. And left the room. Smug smile on his face loose for the world to see.

Matthew knew it would be a bomb to drop at dinner yet again, so instead he found the time to come in early. The other footman brought him into the drawing room where he saw Thomas in the corner serving Robert.

"a drink before dinner?"

"oh just a little one." Robert smiled. "join me?"

"I will take one. I do have a topic we need to discuss"

"oh? What is that?" Robert sat opposite Matthew drink in hand. Matthew got his drink wet his lips and let the burn in his throat settle before saying anything.

"I have let Mosely go as my valet."

"I am ashamed to say I am not surprised."

"originally I was fine not having a valet. But, last night Thomas proved to me that a proper valet is a good one. So. With that I would like to take Thomas as my valet full time." Thomas was in shock. Mostly as Carson had just come in to hear those words, William at the door. Carson kept his grip tight on his crystal bottle of liquor. Willaim bit his tongue closing the door.

"I hope you are fine with him pulling double duty until we have the footman situation filled out. How will that work though. Will he be driven down?"

"no" Matthew shook his head. "I think it would be best for me to learn about Downton at Downton, I will take a bedroom. Start getting my knowledge of the place and how it should be run, my mother would like to stay at the house. Where Mosely will stay as a footman."

"it sounds like you have this idea worked out well" Robbert leaned back in his chair. "I will have the advertisement put out tomorrow. Hopefully we will have a choice on how to fill Thomas' position. I will leave what position footman to you Carson." Carson gave a nod and looked to Thomas. Thomas was unsure if there was anger or pride on Carson's face. Either way, with Thomas becoming a valet, he was much closer to an equal in the hierarchy of the house.

The rest of the day became a buzz, Carson agreed that the house would need a skilled first footman so William could still learn the more complex tasks. The ad was sent out and Thomas was flooded by questions at dinner.

"so I guess there was a sort of spark between you two." William had a bit of spite in his voice, but mostly he was angry about not getting the first footman position.

"that would be my guess, he must have liked the way I did it."

"and moving in, we are going to have some work to do getting a room ready." anna looked at Thomas with pride. " I knew you'd end up a valet." she gave a smile and Thomas nodded.

"without this whole mess I might have never had the chance." Thomas looked down at Carson, he was sitting talking to Ms. Hugues, distracted. "I knew somewhat about his choice last night" annas eyes went wide at the gossip.

"really?!"

"I thought it would be months, I guess a working man makes his decisions fast."

"better do a good job so he doesn’t sack you then." William said aggressively cutting his food.

"I'm sure I will be fine, if you keep moping around though you will only prove why you are staying second." William sighed and rolled his eyes.

"yay Thomas gets a promotion and I don’t" the sarcasm was dripping but Thomas took it. "so who do you think its Gunna be someone local?" William looked to Thomas, then to the others at the other side.

"I think they will look for the best fit. Not just someone local." anna said.

Dinner wrapped up, and even though Thomas was tired and William was still grumpy, he was encouraged to celebrate. The group walked towards the fair, anna and tom hang back, letting daisy and William chat in front, the hall boys had sprinted off already in the town probably.

"things are changing around here." anna smiled. Thoams met her smile shaking his head.

"I really didn't think he would bring it up this soon."

"must have done something right then huh tommy." tom winked and Thomas rolled his eyes.

"tommy?" anna chuckled, "oh that’s what they called you when I first got here."

"I had to stop it before it stuck." Thomas added.

"oh I'm bringing tommy back then" tom laughed.

"oh look!" anna pointed up ahead to the sky. Flying just above the tree line a fire flew by on a broom. Pointed hat hiding most of her blonde hair. Dress and cloak only broken up by a cat next to her on the broom. Thomas tilted his head.

"its been seven years, I wonder if Downton will have a witch again." he looked to tom who was still in shock. "first time seeing it?"

"first time I've seen it used so casual. Actually flying, no motor, no effort, just soaring though the sky."

"that’s probably the most tame thing she could do." Thomas added, patting tom on the back to keep him up to speed. "I'm sure there will be some magic at the fair." tom picked up speed hearing that, almost catching up to William and daisy, Thomas and anna chuckled.

After two weeks the advertisement circulated, and it circulated widely. Reaching new York an ad in the paper showing a first footman position in a great house. Most wouldn’t look at it. The pay was slightly less than new York. It meant moving your whole life. But, to one footman, in the van Rhijn household, that sounded perfect.

It took some talking over the dinner table, and one dreadful conversation with the households owners. But, jack decided it. He couldn’t stay in a place that was becoming less safe. He was already pushed back down, now he needed a fresh start. Not a fresh start in a new house, or on another street. But from new York. His letter was sent and shockingly he received one saying he may come as soon as possible to fill the position. Jack would be a footman at a true great house.

Chapter Text

December, 1912

Thomas was descending the staff stairs, having just dressed Matthew in his new room, when he heard whispers. Thomas slowed himself down, landing on the steps more carefully, he couldn’t make out words, but he made out voices. Gwen, anna, miss jessie. Thomas slowed his walk more before stopping.

"I don’t know, I want to do it but it feels wrong doing all this behind everyone's back."

"dear, you have to do what is best for you, if that’s not working the house then you need to figure it out."

"listen to miss jessie, she gives good advice." Thomas took a step and the three hushed.

"no need to stop, but if you want to keep secrets you need to work on your hiding spot." Thomas rounded the corner, poochy behind him lying on the landing, tail wagging when he saw the girls.

"how much did ye hear?" Gwen looked up frustrated.

"enough to know that you don’t want to be here. Don’t know what you want to do though." Thomas stepped down and looked around. "I wouldn’t let Carson or Hugues hear this though. Tell them when you have a new gig lined up" Thomas added.

"Thomas is right, they will take it the wrong way."

"I just don’t get it . You boys move around so free, why is it so wrong for me to want to be a secretary." Gwen looked to Thomas. "hes been able to get his dream job"

"my dream job?" Thomas snickered. "my only dream job is no job, this is a better spot for me though."

"yeah it is, I see how you smile after you leave that room" anna nudged Thomas.

"okay, I'm leaving this terrible hiding spot before MS. Hugues has us all scrubbing the floors." Thomas picked up his pace and turned back before he rounded the stairs. "Gwen, if you do leave. Make sure it's on good terms. A good house giving you a letter might be all you need. But they won't give it easily if they think you are getting this new job because you don’t appreciate what they gave you." Thomas continued down. It was one thing he was certain of. Making the house angry wouldn’t be good.

The Downton hunt was coming, it mostly meant staff would be expected to be on top notch behavior even though they were not in the normal setting of the house, and there were horses around. But Thomas would not have to deal with any of it. He grinned at the prospect. There was too much around getting Matthew ready and going with him to load his weapon for the trip for Thomas to step in as a footman.

He dropped off Matthews clothes and entered the servants hall sitting, his spot moved down a seat, a sort of promotion itself, he sat across from jack, the new first footman from new York. Thomas thought he was a bit tall to be a footman, he was sure it wasn’t his own ego being bruised… but he traveled so far and had good reason to.

1 month earlier

Thomas, Cason, and MS. Hugues were looking over applications. Ms. Hugues was on trying to find any information, or more to make sure nothing came up about them that she could find in a headline. Carson and Thomas were handling the actual finding of footmen. Thomas sat looking over an application across from Carson with an all too familiar face.

"this one's a dud, William has more experience."

"I don’t think this one would be a good fit either." the two sighed,

"do we really have one good application."

"yes, and hes from new York" Carson huffed. "he will have to be trained in our ways."

"no. look there, says hes trained in British dinning." Thomas looked down over it. "he might be the best we got."

"I don’t understand why he would be leaving America, his pay was surely higher." Thomas looked at the picture sent with it,

"I have a theory" Thomas put the picture down. "no longer safe for him."

"you are assuming he's being targeted." Carson paused. "how?"

"I don’t know how to explain it except one who is can tell it in someone else."

"sounds like witchcraft"

"maybe it is" Thomas joked. Mrs. Hugues entered the room holding a paper.

"I actually found something!"

"oh who?" Carson looked up.

"tapper!" Ms. Hugues walked over, placing her hat and gloves down on Carsons table.

"oh no" Carson look of fascination faded.

"it isnt necessarily bad." Ms. Hugues sat. holding the paper to Thomas. "says here he invented a clock, and the paper thinks he made some big money from it."

"how long ago was this?" Thomas leaned in, there was a picture of him standing with another man. Shaking the hand of someone else. Carson as then shown the paper, reading over it quickly.

"only a year ago. We were lucky they had it in the reserves." she looked over the two.

"how would one spend that much money?" Carson looked over and Thomas nodded again.

"I told you, they are holding funds of suspected homosexuals recently. He needs to escape." Thomas tapped the picture, "I bet they are fighting to get the money back."

"well, we cannot pry into it if he comes on." Carson looked down. "he still is the best option…"

Present day

Thomas was more sure now, a month in and one learns more about mannerisms, feelings, how someone acts. The knowledge of the money didn’t leave that room. They weren't sure if it was stollen, held up, or inaccessible, no matter what it was it was clearly not enough left to live in another place without work. He didn’t spend big, he was reserved. Which Thomas didn’t mind.

Thomas didn’t start conversations at breakfast still, he was nicer, more sociable. But he still didn’t feel the need to start it. He would let William blurt something out, or anna bring up something meaningful. He just ate until things progressed enough for him to add something. But today everyone seemed more focused on getting full for the day ahead. So the table stayed quiet.

After breakfast the whole downstairs was in a buzz. Guests arriving, being taken around, horses gathered. Thomas simply decided his best spot would be Matthews room, Matthew thought the same.

"have you hunted before?" Thomas took out the rifle, once again an awkward passing down from Patrick and his father.

"once, I was told I am a decent shot. Though the rifle wasn’t this nice."

"this one has a true sight." Thomas stood next to Matthew holding it up. "it allows you to see where the bullet will end up."

"oh?"

"it's not perfect but you won't be guessing as much."

"I guess you'll enjoy that, less reloading"

"this one isnt bad. Not like the new ones, still manual" Thomas looked over the supplies, this is where frankly he was not sure about much. Being a valet was one thing, being a gun man was another.

"I've seen those, full magazines, some are being made to hold over a dozen in each magazine." Matthew looked back and Thomas shook his head.

"you are shooting birds, not men on a field."

"well hopefully I can hit a bird."

"as long as it isnt one of ours you will be fine." Thomas fixed a bit of Matthews suit. "honestly half of them are drunk for most of it. Get three shots off. Downton isnt real hunting territory."

"I'd imagine the family goes on a real hunt?"

"we went to Scottland, once, it’s not a normal tradition." Thomas shook his head. "they don’t love staying at the castle. Even though Downton seems old fashion, there they still have wood fires in the kitchen."

"and I thought getting lights in this room was a battle."

"oh that wasn’t a real battle, you'll know a real battle when it happens" Thomas patted Matthews shoulder. "or I will tell you"

"oh good"

The men rode off on horses and Thomas was more than sure that this was all a bit much. But he rode, he made it through it all. Matthew even managed to get a bird, returning to the house Thomas was even given the opportunity to have a bath. It was rare for him to get one not on his day, but he figured he looked disheveled enough that Carson dreaded the idea of him being seen like that. After Matthew was dressed they went off to do what nobles do best, gossip. Thomas found it a good time to relax. Sit by a fire, and even get a few minutes of rest on his eyes. The rest of the houses chaos seeming useless to him.

The servants hall just had jessie Thomas and bates in it. A quiet of jessie with her cross stitch, bates with a book, and the crackle of a fire next to Thomas. Jessie seemed the least at ease with the silence, humming a tune to herself before finally looking over to Thomas and bates.

"is there a reason you didn’t go Mr. Bates."

"I'm no good on a horse, and lord Grantham knows how to load his own gun." bates put down the book looking at her. "my legs been acting up, I took the time to slip down to the hospital to get it healed."

"does it happen often?"

"yes, it's an injurie that cannot be fully healed"

"oh that must be horrid."

"it isnt pleasant." bates looked over to Thomas. "was it a good hunt?"

"eh, too many of them weren't truly into it." Thomas turned. "most come for the ritual, not the actual sport, they have their little talks and then race around, fire a few shots, maybe bag a bird and then can justify keeping the dogs and the horse and the men to run it." Thomas shrugged. "it keeps things moving around here though. So why complain about it."

"how did Mr. Matthew do." jessie smiled. "I'm sure he was enjoying himself, he came back with a cute grin on his face."

"he bagged one bird." Thomas paused. " the grin was because lord Grantham called him son." jessie gasped.

"is he?"

"no" Thomas shut down the conspiracy building in her mind. "metaphorically, I think he sees him as a son he didn’t have. They have grown closer. And Matthew says lord Grantham enjoys having someone to stick around with him after dinner."

"well that is cute" she smiled looking at her cross stitch. "I'm making this one for her ladyship. I hope she likes it."

"you were getting them a gift?" Mr. bates looked over the supplies. "I wasn’t sure." he looked to Thomas who tilted his head.

"well. Technically you can, just for who we serve specifically, but I wouldn’t." Thomas looked up at the table. "that’s fine, its cute, she will keep it and won't feel like she's put you out for a formality." Thomas looked to bates. "his lordship doesn’t enjoy receiving gifts that aren't incredibly genuine, steer clear of it. And the family prefers giving gifts to the staff. Baseline is a new shirt, piece of a livery for the footman, or if you are William something extra, its usually something they sneak in. they make it a decent production." Thomas shook his head. "enjoy the time off as a gift also, things will pick up in the spring quiet a lot."

"you know them so well" jessie smiled. "it's like some of you are a part of the family."

"maybe not a part. But we know it well." Thomas stood, feeling the urge to seclude himself even more. Not wanting to spill anything more than what he did. " I have to prepare some things for Matthews dinner suit." Thomas left the room, trying to ignore the knot in his chest, his gift for the past five years, since O'Brien sunk her claws in, was always a replacement piece of livery. William would get something and that, last year it was a pair of cufflinks, nothing fancy but more than he could ever afford. Williams worn them every time he wasn’t in livery since. Thomas hadn't had that feeling of pride in so long. It stung.

Matthew had apparently slipped away as well, Thomas blushed seeing Matthew lying on his lounging chair in the room, holding a book, his robe the only thing on him, and the front barely tied on.

"I thought I locked that" Matthew smirked as Thomas closed the door.

"I hope you are joking" Thomas showed the motion locking the door.

"only half. If any of the men from the hunt came it would be tragic." Thomas rolled his eyes, Matthew had a bit of a flair for pointing out attractive men, it was a bit promiscuous to Thomas. Thomas shed his coat putting it on the rack by the door, then undoing his tie. "so casual"

"I don’t think you can act like you are dressed for anything"

"maybe I'm dressed to get some real recreation in." Matthew ran his hand through his hair. Taking a deep breathe. "I have to say, seeing some young bachelors running through the woods, their shirts bulging with muscles, it gets me worked up."

"you saw anything but drunk buffoons with rifles?" Thomas sat in the chair across from him, he liked this game, harmless flirting, teasing, it was easy. Even If it made the line of professionalism so hard to find. But this was fun, at least he thought it was until he realized Matthew had been holding his chin, pulling him close.

"I was talking about my valet, this shirt is tight, in the perfect way, I've seen it when you sneak off to smoke, going off to the woods, blowing off steam with poochy and coming back looking like a tradesman, rough and rugged. It drives me up the walls not to pin you down every night I see it."

"that’s…. More than what we do though…. Right?"

"oh common Thomas. I'm not looking for a husband, there is nothing against this in religious terms, and the law is broken and being rewritten for the past few years, we are free to do as we please." Matthew pulled Thomas closer. "so, kiss me like you are that rugged man I saw today" Thomas obeyed the order, kissing Matthew his hands feeling a go ahead to go in and grasp at Matthews pec and side, Matthew held his face, grabbing at the shirt, there was a passion, but it was different than that you'd feel with a lover. Kindness was there, admiration, but not a love that either would describe as romantic.

The kissing devolved quickly, grabbing at each other, Thomas suddenly struggling with a belt. As he got it undone, his shirt half unbuttoned by Matthew. A knock came on the door.

Thomas went pale. He stood fixing himself quick as he could. Tossing a shirt and pants to Matthew who whispered something about underwear, to which Thomas rolled his eyes, grabbing the pair off the ground, this time aiming for his head and pointing to the on suite, Matthew rolled his eyes slipping in. and Thomas slid on his coat going to the door, slicking back his hair he unlocked it opening the door to see jack there.

"Mr. barrow, I have a….. Problem" Thomas motioned for him to enter the room. He was rubbing his hands together, Matthew, acting like he had just been washing his face, came out of the bathroom looking at jack.

"is something wrong?" Matthew looked to jack who froze,

"I … uhm" Thomas locked the door again standing next to Matthew.

"what happened?"

"it's Mr. Pamuk…"

"did something come up during his dinner change?" Matthew tightened his robe, Thomas knew it was because he was nude under it…. It was all too much to think about.

"yes. He told me. Ordered me to come up after dinner and escort him to lady mars room." Matthew sighed as jack rubbed his hands together.

"well. That could be a problem, but, for now I want you to leave him without a change after dinner, if this becomes a problem I will bring it to Robert myself."

"I just wasn’t sure what to do." jack looked down. "hes so official it feels like telling you both would be a problem"

"there are rules to a house, and there is good reason that bachelors and ladies are kept separate." Thomas sighed. "it doesn’t stop this but it does make it harder. He isnt the first to ask I'm sure" Thomas sighed taking out Matthews dinner suit, using his shoe to hide the discarded underwear from where jack could see. "if my Matthew says things will be fine than you should just follow him. He is your future boss" Thomas added the bit and jack blushed for a moment, his future boss, standing in just a robe, wet hair, and the top of the robe keeps on sliding around showing off his pecs.

"right, thank you, milord" jack exited the room and Thomas looked over.

"did you have to add the future boss bit" Matthew asked undoing the robes tight knot, the robe slid open to his navel, the slit in the legs coming up past his mid-thigh.

"it makes them a bit nervous, they don’t know you are harmless like I do"

"harmless?" Matthew come over close. "if we had the time id prove you wrong right now" Matthew was holding Thomas' side.

"I'm sure you would" Thomas turned, getting close. "I think we can both admit." he took a half step back. "this is going fast for something casual."

"I like fast" Matthew slipped off Thomas. "If things ran my own way I'd have multiple lovers, not all my husband but all linked to me. I feel I have the capacity for it"

"I can see that capacity now." Thomas lifted the underwear off the ground seeing the split in the robe. "definitely looks like it can handle a lot"

"don’t get me thinking about things. I have to be down early now so I can protect Mary."

"lady Mary doesn’t need protecting in her home. Trust me she can do plenty herself."

"yes I'm sure she is fine against any normal man, but he has a governmental pull." Matthew picked himself up shedding the robe, and sliding on his underwear. Thomas missed seeing the man fully exposed as soon as he was covered. "it won't be hard, I will swap Pamuk's seat to Napier's seat. He will be sent away with Cora and Robert, they might make for more dull conversation but realistically, Evelyn Napier is a safer spot next to Mary even if she flirts."

"sounds like a plan. Though you will need to tell William or jack to swap the cards. If you do it, you'll just look jealous, or racist."

"true. These sort of things are so complicated" Matthews hands were on his hips. Thomas shook his head, the man was certainly dramatic.

Thomas went downstairs with a quick order to jack to swap the cards. He felt it was safer to go to jack. Keeping it a smaller circle. Thomas then sat downstairs while the chaos of dinner happened. He enjoyed being able to relax. Their own dinner was after the valets and ladies maids dressed them, but there was usually tea and something MS. Patmore made for those who weren't a part of dinner. A clear, keep out of the kitchen. Thomas didn’t mind, it meant he could have some tea, and a little snack before getting back to Matthew. Jessie was mending, Mr. Bates was resting by the fire, and anna was brushing swablu. The bird chirping and letting out happy noises that its fluff was being tended to, next to it was a pile of fluff nearly the size of it. Thomas sat with a small plate. It seemed like this was always the time O'Brien would start something, without that influence it was a genuinely good time. Thomas couldn’t deny he also did not miss serving dinner, working on clothes was a less taxing job, even if it meant he did go up and down the stairs just as much.

After the family dinner Thomas went back upstairs, dressed Matthew and went back down without much fuss. Matthew knew not to fuss with this change, even if it was fun, it was also cutting into dinner for the staff. Thomas did revel in the act of stripping the man down though. Matthews room being so private meant besides his robe he slept in just his underwear, his shirt on standby with the robe in case he was needed.

Thomas was happy to see jack was eating seemingly fine, the staff were tired, but this wasn’t as bad as hosting long term. Or a ball. The staff wrapped up their night, Thomas stood outside while poochy did his business only to get a hand patting his shoulder.

"tommy, tell me why these gents came out here to hunt" tom stood unusually close. Thomas smelt a faint scent of a beer, if he was dismissed he could have had one easily.

"they come out here because its good land."

"yeah, but it's not like we are a hunting village, I mean they had to bring in dogs, and horses, and men for the hunt. All so they could host"

"all so they could be the ones to demonstrate they can hunt without leaving their land." Thomas corrected. "they didn’t step foot onto county land today, it’s a show of power to those who may have power, but not the land to back it."

"hmm, too much to think of." tom leaned in. "I don’t get the whole big deal." Thomas rolled his eyes again.

"well, some people need more than cars." Thomas held his fingers to his mouth whistling.

"ah, loud."

"well it wasn’t for you." poochy came running up, tom held out his hand petting the dog getting a flap of the tail.

"he's nice, never could afford my own."

"the family pays for the food, should look into it. Get one of those fancy electric ones."

"hmmm. Or a fire type like Matthew, is his warm?"

"Arthor is."

"good dogs" tom looked up. Thomas shook his head and tom frowned a little. "common tommy."

"it is time for both of us to sleep." tom rolled his eyes before getting close.

"I'm Gunna have fun with you one day tommy, and you'll stop rolling your eyes when I call your name, you'll blush instead." there was something there that shocked Thomas. Tom was very serious for a drunk man. A smirk on his face as he said "night tommy boy." Thomas couldn’t help but wonder what he did in a past life to have options in the same house.

It had become a rare occurrence, Thomas was not dreaming. Slightly unfortunate as he liked seeing the pretty man in his dreams. Matthew wasn’t in them like he was before they had met. This was a younger man. Similar hair color, Thomas usually saw him wearing livery. Something about it drove him mad. But tonight it was the void of darkness. Until, a hand was over his mouth. Thomas' eyes darted open to see anna standing there. Not in her normal dress, hair down. She held up a finger, silencing him, the let go of covering Thomas; mouth. She motioned for him to follow and neither speaked until the main halls door closed,

"just tell me" Thomas paused. Half dressed, he only managed to get a sock on before anna forced him to get out of his room.

"Mr. Pamuk died in lady Mary's room."

"what?" Thomas looked over to her room. "he's…. Just in there"

"they were," anna paused looking down the hall. "what? I told you I'd get help." Mary stood dragging Matthew by the arm as he slid on a shirt.

"what is going on?" Matthew looked at the three and Thomas raised his arms.

"I had nothing to do with this."

"look we can't move Mr. Pamuk."

"how did he find his way to your room?" Matthew looked at Mary and she tilted her head.

"did you know he wanted to come over."

"he told jack" Thomas added. "this is getting complicated" he rubbed his temple.

"we need to get him to his room" Mary stated. Thomas nodded looking to Matthew.

"we have to be fast, we don’t have much time."

"we each take a limb then", Mary looked sure of herself and Matthew shook his head.

"you get the doors, I will get his arms, and Thomas and anna will get his legs" the group moved finding MR. Pamuk face down in lady Mary's bed. Thomas sighed reaching for his pendent. To only realize he had left it downstairs. Death wasn’t comfortable. But death was also just a phase of life. Thomas knew his soul wouldn’t be judged for this. It was necessary.

The four maneuvered the halls, it was a trek. Eventually finding themselves in his room marry tried to close his lids, but he was ridged, she had tears in her eyes, Matthew tried to comfort her and Thomas unfortunately had to break things up.

"everyone back to their rooms, as quiet as possible." he looked to anna, "lock the servants hall after I slip through"

"right, that would be a dead give away" anna looked at the other two," now what do we do when they come for the body, wont they," anna motioned to her head." don’t they have Pokémon for that" Mary shook her head.

"we still use granny's recipe for tea right?"

"it hasn’t changed up or downstairs since I've been here" Thomas looked curious, how tea is saving them from charges,

"we use granny's recipe because it blocks any psychic infiltration. They would have to brute force it and we've all had it in us for years."

"but we should all have an extra strong cup then" Matthew shook his head. "I'll drink a pot if I have to, I don’t have the buildup."

"they won't suspect a thing" Mary shook her head. "the man died in a foreign land after a day of hunting and a night of drinks, it is a tragedy but it isnt impossible or having any sort of foul play involved." Mary was… convincing enough, the group split up, everyone back to their rooms, Thomas didn’t sleep though, he just waited.

The house was off for the next day, Mary was right, they didn’t ask anyone any questions beyond simple things, jack seemed nervous, but he was asleep, just worried about the abruptness of it all. Daisy was truly shaken, she had found him, it was dark in the house that day. Candles were lit that night and windows left open at the dowagers demand.

It took a bit of time before the house felt normal, and it felt odd at first to bring in a tree, bring in some holiday cheer. But they did, the house slowly grew in energy again, for the final week of the year and the chaotic but enjoyable energy, it was also the first holiday with Matthew and his mother.

Snow covered the lawns, the cars went slow bringing up the family, letter from the family who did not come were left out for everyone to read, even downstairs the staff got letters, well, some of the staff, there was a clear line in those with a family to write to, and those who gave that up. Thomas didn’t even think to check the pile for letters anymore, he didn’t need that part of his life fulfilled by them. What Thomas could definitely enjoy was the near constant food being made. Ms. Patmore put out tray after tray of cookies and cakes after every meal. The actual holiday was more tradition than religious. The family celebrated that day. It was a typical day but with a gift exchange. Matthew's first. Thomas was buzzed about the new shirt, watch, cufflinks, and jacket he got almost more than Matthew, Thomas saying it is a valets job to be excited about new things.

The next morning was considered a day off. But Thomas found himself still dressing normally, although his jacket was a much more casual indoor one, a bit older and wooly, something you would wear because of the cold and not for any style. He also went without a tie. It was about as casual as hed let himself be without worrying about Carson getting bent. He wasn’t his direct boss but he could make Thomas' life difficult.

The 26th would be a day where the staff and family ate together, buffet style meals for the entire day, gifts would be given from the family, anything like jessies small gifts would be exchanged, dancing and fun would be had. It showed the true community of Downton. Thomas wasn’t sure what he saw when he came up to dress Matthew, standing right outside his room was Matthew, in his night clothes, looking like he'd tackle the day.

"absolutely not" Thomas started physically turning the man.

"but isnt this a day off."

"it will be my last day if I let you walk down like this."

"but" Thomas replied by spanking Matthews butt. "oh" Matthew looked back as the door closed. "so it's because you want me out of my clothes." Thomas chuckled shaking his head. "you might be the horniest man alive." Thomas came closer. "happy Christmas" he gave Matthew a peck on the cheek before Matthew pulled him in, they had been kissing for weeks, something about moving a dead body really takes a platonic friendship and turns it into a platonic relationship with kissing and grabbing at each other.

After Matthew was dressed appropriately the first meal was had together, it was a first for Thomas not being directly around the ladies and dowager. The middle staff, the footman and maids, would sit with the ladies of the house and the dowager. While the upper staff, Carson, MS. Hugues, and the ladies maids and valets, would sit with the lords of the house, this somehow had Thomas in the awkward spot of being across from lord Grantham and bates, but also next to Matthew to one side, and tom on the other, who was placed as a upper staff because, technically, he had no direct boss besides lord Grantham. Both the men in the house who have been… physically interested in Thomas, and across from him the man who Thomas could not think a single thought about in anything but pure boss and employee relations.

The group would do a bit of dancing and general partying, there were some like Carson who still felt the need to stand off to the side. Thomas was as usual and like every year since he was a footman, he would ask for it but it was a tradition since he could remember, she didn’t dance and a younger first footman thought that she seemed a bit sour that year, he asked if she would like to, she chuckled and agreed. That was the spark that had her ask Thomas to walk her out multiple times that next year, getting information from him. It was an odd relationship, and she would only dance a short waltz every year with him, but the two would smile the whole time now. Although this year her smile had another layer, like she knew something about Thomas. Maybe he seemed happier, maybe it was something else. It wouldn't surprise Thomas if the dowager knew something about everyone that they did not know themselves.

Matthew had his first dance with anna, which had gone about as good as he could hope, he hadn't done a real waltz that wasn’t going for the attention of men in a club in some time, keeping it clean had him remembering the moves. But anna was a good dancer and easily took a silent lead.

After some dancing and talking there was the unofficial Pokémon show, where everyone would bring out their Pokémon, any new ones, and say what they had accomplished this year. Thomas toyed with the idea of saying poochy had gotten better at hunting bats, but thought it was best to avoid that part of the night, instead he would just have rowlet show off its colors, which the young owl loved to do.

First lord Grantham went, surprising everyone as his fletchling had evolved into a Fletchinder. It got an applause as it flew through the great hall. Before landing back on lord Grantham's arm, although the bird was almost too big now to really do that, lord Grantham steadied himself for the catch.

Next Matthew went, saying that Arthor had learned a trick, which was impressive for the pup. Thomas could definitely agree with that from the nights of dressing Matthew and hearing a plop out of the dog bed from where author had fallen out in his sleep. Paws still walking as he dreamed. Arthor was able to balance a ball on his nose then the ball was lit on fire which wasn’t a part of Matthews bit, and while everyone was on standby, Arthor was able to bounce the ball on its nose before the flames went out and he dropped it, then looking to Matthew for a treat tail wagging.

Mr. Carson was the first member of staff, simply saying Klink was able to keep a near perfect time this year, which seemed to be its trick every single year.

More staff went including Thomas, who had rowlet fly around and show off its feathers, normally after the chauffeur would go, but everyone thought to skip over tom, until he pulled out a poke ball and everyone was shocked. He stood and smiled holding it.

"I was told when I came here I should get a Pokémon for safety, I then wondered where I'd be driving." he chuckled rubbing his thumb over it. "I knew I had to find the right one for me. So it took some time, but I found one I really think works good for me." he pressed it and a small kitten shinx appeared in his hands, everyone stood seeing the kitten lift its head up. Thomas noticed sybil was truly smiling ear to ear seeing it. She did like the cat types.

After everyone went it was time for dinner, dinner had more conversation than before, people talked about the tricks, goals, everything. Thomas again felt embarrassed slightly, it wasn’t a beer, but tom was a drink in, his invisible barrier for his sexuality crossed he rubbed thighs with Thomas more than once. The night finished out with Isobel's arcanine refreshing the fire, and gifts being handed out. Thomas was used to being skipped, except this year, he was called up fourth, after Carson Ms. Hugues, bates, then him, jessie was right after but he still was called up so early. The gift was a few items too. A new bow tie shaped like rowlet's for poochy, a dress shirt that wasn’t for livery at all. And cufflinks. Thomas was all but teary eyed the whole time. He hadn't gotten something in almost five years. Matthew had slipped away promising he had a gift, for later. Which brought Thomas back to blushing near the stairs, tom did not help either, giving Thomas the eyes more than once, he was certain it was a concentrated effort to bring him to an early grave.

Thomas was certain things would wind down, but when he thought things would end they just got bigger, wine brought out, people dancing again, and Thomas, anna, and jessie were all called over. Thomas was shocked it was another gift. This time shared for the three of them. There was going to be a balcony built near the servants halls where all the staffs bird types could rest. It was to be built out with a built in area for them to rest in. Thomas was shocked. Things like renovations were different for the family, they got lights put in, but extending that to staff was just practical. running water to some of the rooms upstairs, the servants shared a bathroom without running water still, fitted with the old pieces from the bathrooms upstairs. But this was purpose built for them.

The night wound down from there. Tom for all his subtle effort couldn’t convince Thomas to come on by, saying next time hes dragging the man out back and will show him. Tom put it less in an optional way and more in a way that had Thomas blush again.

Thomas found himself upstairs to dress Matthew for bed, he knew Matthew was a bit more than tipsy at this point, but he wasn’t expecting to see Matthew come in red faced, holding a glass.

"I like the way the family spends Christmas" he came closer. "but, I have to give you your gift."

"you really don’t have to get me things, you got me my job, my-" a finger went over Thomas mouth. In the moment Thomas was looking away Matthew had stripped down to his underwear, it was impressive, he still even was holding the glass.

"this, is your gift." Matthew grabbed at his bulge smirking, Thomas bit his lip, his own buzz making him debate it over for too long. Matthew made the decision tossing him onto the bed. "maybe I'll get you a new year's present too"

Chapter Text

May, 1913

With the thick layers of snow finally clearing the house felt a return to normal. When snow falls Downton becomes a bit of an asylum, only a few leaving and coming back. Everyone else stuck inside. Thomas usually was fine with it as being a footman during that time meant near constant work, but as a valet, especially a valet to Matthew, he had almost nothing to do some days. On the good side of that. Matthew had a desk in his room, an excuse to slip away, Thomas had the wardrobe to 'organize' some times. Thomas wasn’t sure how but somehow in five months they had run out of spots that have not been a potential surface for sex. While that was good, Thomas also welcomed the spring, being able to go out during the day, train rowlet and poochy without any real risk. During the winter Pokémon hibernate, what's left is usually far too dangerous.

Today Matthew unfortunately went into town to work at his office, it meant Thomas was without any entertainment, but with a fair in town the staff decided getting out wouldn’t be bad. Thomas and anna went with the younger staff as chaperones, Thomas even brought some money. There was always a pain doing it before, he didn’t have much, but he had duke bribe money still to burn, and his pay was much better as a valet. Thomas was surprised that William had started drifting from daisy, he originally asked her to come with him but maybe it finally got though the farm boys head that she was not interested.

Matthew sat in his office not knowing what to do, he off loaded most of his work. Only keeping enough to really maintain his job, which meant he was left sitting more than anything. He thought that having access to the seemingly endless flow from Downton would change him, but he was still pretty simple in his life. A knock at the door had violet pulling Matthew from his daze. With her was a persain, a loose leash In her free hand.

"cousin violet" Matthew was shocked. "can I help you with something?"

"I hope so." Matthew motioned to the chair.

"please sit" she did and Matthew looked over at the persain sitting next to Arthur. "what can I do?"

"do you think Robert has thrown in the towel prematurely." Matthew let out an internal sigh. Months of living at the house and that answer had not been found out yet. Before Matthew could answer violet turned, and then had a moment of panic in her chair. "good heavens, what am I sitting on?"

"Eh, swivel chair" Matthew replied, slightly bewildered.

"oh, another modern brainwave?"

"well not very modern. They were invented by Thomas Jefferson."

"why does everyday involve a fight with an American." violet sighed.

"ill fetch a different one" Matthew went to stand to only be stopped by her.

"no, no ,no ,no I'm a good sailor." Matthew nodded, internally panic began to raise.

Thomas looked over the stalls, he spent some money, he was making sure William didn’t do anything stupid with daisy, or because of her denial to his 'moves'. Finally he saw a around Williams age. Sitting in the back of a converted wagon bike. The sign said potions with a large potion bottle overhead. Thomas walked over smiling, the girl tipped her hat back looking up from the collection of bottles.

"how can I help you." she motioned to the bottles. "oh before you say anything, I cannot grant wealth, love, or death."

"I wont ask for those, do you have something that will calm wild dreams?"

"wild how." she looked through the bottles.

"I am not sure how to describe it. But I see horrors, and then occasionally people I haven't met yet." Thomas scratched his temple. "I know it sounds blummy wild but its true, I've met one that was in the dream first." the girl sighed looking as bates and jessie started to walk closer.

"I don’t have anything that will be able to help, but from how it sounds. You'll learn how to control this soon enough." she turned to bates. "anything for you?"

"pain relief"

"right here" jessie put a hand on Thomas' arm.

"you okay dear?" she squeezed his arm and Thomas nodded.

"just…. Curious." the witch girl looked back and Thomas felt something, the words hitting his head again. Soon. Control. "I'm Gunna get a drink I think" jessie smiled patting his shoulder again before going to the witch, telling her about her Pokémon and how they could help with potions.

Thomas was able to slip away and return to Downton, he found himself in the garage, tom fiddling with the older car. He looked up and Thomas felt it inside him, an urge, he held up two beers and tom chuckled.

"during the day tommy?"

"eh, just need something to take me off my mind." tom stood getting close.

"oh I could very much get your mind occupied on something else." he leaned in. "but I can't drink that, got to drive soon." Thomas sighed, he'd have to resign himself to waiting for Matthew, if he was in the mood. That’s what tom put an arm around him. "I didn’t say you could leave" Thomas' eyes opened in shock, "now, get your fancy ass inside and ill show you what I can do without those in me" Thomas was shocked but went in, he was put down on his knees against the bed almost instantly, tom sliding off his work coveralls and sliding down his underwear. "now, you show it a good time." he sat back on his bed and brought Thomas close. Thomas normally would look for better judgement, but he was still annoyed, clarity would be telling him what was happening, he didn’t want to think about it, and sitting around wasn’t going to make things be any different, but a heart racing time might be enough of a distraction.

Tom was well endowed, thick and his balls were frankly massive, Thomas had to fondle them as he sucked the tip, he had done it, but he wasn’t practiced, and Matthew was shy with asking for it regularly, in their five months they had a time together at least once a week, it just added up that way, this was different, tom was not being gently, bringing Thomas down further, not caring if he gagged or tried to pull back.

"stop thinking and take it" Thomas felt the demand shudder through his spine, he let toms hand pull him down hard. "good job tommy. Good job, that feels real good." Thomas tried not to choke and gag, the nickname suddenly felt so demeaning though, Thomas would also not deny he was possibly as hard as he had ever been. It was infectious being talked down to, sucking a man who claimed to not enjoy this. Maybe he just wanted to get off.

It wasn’t long before tom let out a low moan, leading to him making Thomas move faster, then a gasp and cum filled Thomas' mouth, his brain felt like it had been through a reset. He swallowed at the demand of tom, and then tom stood, his cock softening, Thomas worked up, his hand made it to his cock and was stroking.

"go ahead tommy, ill let you finish" he presented his shoe. "but you lick it up like a good bitch." tom didn’t need anymore for his brain to be overridden, he spilled on the leather boot and found the foot raised halfway, he licked it up and tom nodded, then lifting Thomas to his feet, he patted Thomas' hip. "that good enough?"

"yes." Thomas was lost for words. "that was… are you always so?"

"rough, dominant, no. but I liken that side to my side that enjoys this, something about putting a man in his place below me."

"be careful." Thomas felt his brain coming back together. "you sound like you want power more than a blowjob."

"oh tommy." tom leaned in eyes meeting Thomas'. "I may be a socialist, but in the bedroom, with a man, you best believe I'm the fucking king." Thomas leaned in and tom stopped him. "that is not happening, maybe if I were drunk, and feeling generous, but not now." he leaned down putting himself together. "you can leave the beers and slip back later if that didn’t help whatever you were muttering about outside before you came in."

"you heard that?"

"yup." tom paused. "I heard witch muttered."

"she wouldn’t sell me a potion, said it wasn’t a problem, my weird dreams"

"eh, maybe she knows what she's talking about. Isn't that whole thing pretty weird."

"guess so." Thomas turned to the room, fire lit. "I just worry if its something that’s real, things wont be good soon."

"then lets hope they are not" tom came close. "now. I have to go pick your boss up from the train."

"don’t act cocky…" Thomas paused. "that would work too well on him" tom let out a chuckle.

"I bloody knew it!" he all but jumped heading over to his cupboard. "what's he like?" he turned back holding his uniform. "is he rough, or soft, he feels soft, does he take it good."

"he gives and takes great." Thomas leaned against the counter watching tom change, Thomas couldn’t deny an attraction. Tom was fit, working on cars built muscle. "he is sweat, but it isn't romantic."

"yeah? Not going to be the Mr. Downton?"

"I will for sure not be that, I hope you know that’s not a title also" Thomas joked, tom now half dressed, his pants around his ankles and his cock making a very clear attempt to get hard talking about Matthew. "oh I just drive the car tommy, and look at Matthews butt when he gets out."

"try not to bend him over on the way home. He has a short time before dinner. You should probably be gone by now."

"that’s right for sure." tom fixed his pants and came over to Thomas. "but you don’t tell me that after what just happened, right tommy boy." Thomas bit his lip and tom came closer, nearly breathing the same air he smirked. "I could order you on your knees again couldn’t I."

"I" Thomas paused, "probably"

"yeah. Good to know." he fixed his cap on and motioned to the door. "now scram, I have to locked up."

Thomas took his extra tea time taking down cup after cup until he felt no longer under tom's spell. It was concerning how easy it was for that to spiral. Thomas needed things to feel normal again. Though what was the new normal, just Matthew and him, that bridge crossed. He had not been a valet a full year, maybe it not being normal was good.

Matthew had a small list of problems by the time he sat for dinner, Thomas was off, he could feel it around the way he was acting, he also had to break the news to cousin violet that things just wont move forward, and finally Matthew had to bring up the idea of being allowed to look at downtowns books. If he was to take over, Downton had to exist when it came time, and he was certain there was lacking books.

He waited for a bit, getting some wine in him helped. He was seated close to violet, who was giving him a glace occasionally. A spill it.

"cousin violet, I looked it over, I do not think there is any wiggle room in the entail."

"are you certain." she looked to Mary who seemed slightly shocked. Robert also looked over with a look.

"mama, I told you that we were dropping this. Matthew is the heir." Matthew took a breathe before looking at Robert, a we need to talk look. Desert had been served, and Mary catching the glances took the ladies to the next room, holding her grandmothers arm assuring her that she will be fine.

"what is it?" Robert looked down. "did something happen?"

"its more that I worry not enough is happening." Matthew sipped his drink. "I've noticed that there are multiple farms on the property that are abandoned."

"yes, there was no one to take over."

"does that cut into profit for Downton."

"it does" Robert looked down. "I suppose this is your way of saying I should let you take over some of this."

"I simply want to look at the books and maybe have some things done so we can revive lost revenue, I don’t plan on changing anything for the families daily life though." Robert nodded.

"I am glad for that" he finished his drink. "we will set it up" Matthew nodded in agreement. Two problems down one left.

When Thomas came in Matthew was sitting in his lounge chair shirtless with his pants on, Thomas hated this feeling, like he was being caught in a net for walking in,

"you have been hiding something." Matthew pointed at Thomas. Thomas closed the door.

"you don’t have any proof."

"oh I don’t need proof, you dress me three times a day, we've slept together, I know when something is wrong." Matthew tilted his head. "something is bothering you and I want to know what." Thomas grumbled tossing the clothes on the bed and sitting next to Matthew

"its two things." he paused, "the first I don’t regret or anything, its just awkward with you…" Thomas looked away. "tom and I…. Had an experience." Matthew chuckled.

"well that definitely shouldn’t be bothering you." Thomas looked up.

"I thought you'd be a little weirded out."

"Thomas I am not your lover. I'm your friend, and to me I think exploring what makes us happy makes us unique. Unique from all of this. So if you want to fuck every man in the house why should I stop you."

"defiantly not every man." Thomas shakes his head and Matthew nodded.

"okay what is actually bothering you."

"I spoke with this potion witch, asked her for something to help with my dreams. She said she couldn’t help because it wasn’t something bad." Matthew nodded.

"these are those violent ones."

"yeah, like the road one. "Matthew nodded, hearing about a violent death led him to look into the road, it had five accidents in the past year. Matthew ordered it to be altered, Thomas said the dream stopped then.

"what are they now" Matthew wondered if he could fix it again. Thomas described to him death and destruction, and then luxury and lavishness, Matthew saw these were big events he was seeing, nothing Matthew could promise he would fix or look into.

"I just." Thomas paused. "I just want things to be good" Matthew bit the inside of his tongue. His idea could do harm, but he pushed forward.

"would wallowing and feeling bad fix it?" Thomas looked up, grumpy faced.

"no"

"then toss them out until its something you can solve or we can solve. Or until you are sure its coming and we can weather it." Thomas nodded standing and then looking around.

"where the hell did your clothes go?"

With Matthew settled Thomas found that the group wanted to go out again, he obligated as Ms. Hugues wanted to, a unusual action for her. The fair was wrapping up, vendors packed up. The witch girl still had her booth, she nodded at Thomas. Maybe it was a good idea to let it all go. Not worry until Thomas was certain he could change things. He did find himself spying on Ms. Hugues. It was slightly concerning seeing her on a date. Mostly because Thomas knew if she left. It would mean chaos.

As the group wrapped up he looked over seeing her take his hand, then walk towards the group, Thomas and anna hung back, the others walking ahead.

"so, care to tell us about him?" anna nudged her arm and Ms. Hugues chuckled.

"oh you two don’t need to know."

"what I do think we should know is… are you staying?" she nodded and Thomas smiled, taking her arm so she could walk with him. "it might be selfish, but I'm glad. You, are the heart of that place." Thomas pointed at Downton, the front still lit up. "without you we would be lost." she smiled and anna agreed.

Matthew wasn’t sure what feeling he engaged while he slept, but it felt wrong, like this was being forced on him. In one moment he is standing in a field, at a picnic table, wine is at his side, he feels the urge to turn, he's with someone. When he does however, the grass is turned into thick mud, bullets zip past him, and he sees himself on the ground, lying there, light fills his vision.

Matthew jolted up, cursing whatever woke him. Arthur looked up, confused why Matthew was up, a few sniffs and the dog stood and came up onto the bed into Matthew's arms, he felt like a child, holding his pup hoping he would have better dreams.

Chapter Text

July 1913

Breakfast in July usually had less of daisy whining, not much, but today it was getting on Thomas' nerves. She wouldn’t stop talking about Pamuk. Wondering if his spirit is wondering around. If he is haunting the place, blaming the creaks and the stove needing an extra log to get to temperature. It was enough for Thomas who knew, but it seemed like it had finally broken down the walls of Carson as well.

"while it was unfortunate daisy it is not like we have a witch in town who could come and check things out to quell your rapid imagination." Thomas paused, looked up at Mr. Carson, who was reading the paper.

"did no one tell Mr. Carson about the new witch" he looked up shocked and Thomas nodded. "right then, we have a potions witch set up in town, has a lil motorcycle pulling her trailer." Thomas looked at Mrs. Hugues and Carson for the next one. "I'm sure she wouldn’t mind just checking to calm the nerves of everyone"

"I will bring this to his lordship, he should meet her anyway." Carson grumbled standing and leaving the room. Thomas shrugged to the others. Thomas wasn’t Carsons direct boss anymore, he wasn’t his problem to worry about.

The next day the witch came, searched the house and gave her examination that there were no spirits of mal content, daisy, who was supposed to be quiet and off to the side, asked if that meant there were other spirts there.

"well yes but I wouldn’t think of them as people. Its not like there is someone walking around, but spirits tend to linger on people. Like perfume will. They help us." the girl pointed to Matthew, "you have a very paternal energy guarding you. Very protective and nice." she turned to the crowd of servants and then to the family. "all I see is protection, luck, happiness. Anything you are feeling besides that Is probably just a draft" the witch introduced herself again and daisy as well as most of the staff were sent downstairs, Thomas lingered hearing the girls name, Sabrina, he watched her leave on his little wagon and sighed, heading downstairs sure he would hear daisies next wild theory.

In the weeks following the family tried to push past any ideas of the spirits they may carry or energies. The staff mostly went on ignoring daisy being sure that she felt her nan now, the stove 'magically' needing one less log. Or the new refrigerator being a blessing. With it being summer parts of the family were going back and forth. Matthew didn’t see a. need to go to London for every ball. This allowed him to focus better on planning things out for the estate. Thomas found one summers day, Matthew being the only one home, everyone seemingly sitting around who had not gone, Thomas slipped away saying he was going to organize socks. A totally believable lie to tell. Matthew had socks, he just wasn’t going to organize them. Matthew sat in his room, pencil in his ear, pen in hand, looking over something, Thomas had mastered slowly stripping him while he worked and slowly exposing him, he would eventually let Thomas lift him up and finish it. Bringing him to the bed. The two would alternate who did what, most of the time Thomas would lay back and let the heir get his way, but on days like today, where Thomas could tell Matthew was still doing calculations in his head about farm values, it was much safer for Thomas to fuck him into a mess of a man.

Thomas loved teasing Matthew however mean it felt sometimes. A long slow drawn out lick, letting himself push in slowly. He never considered that it was also a wonderful time to see a eye in the doorway. Flabbergasted, Thomas opened the door and did what he thought was right, pulling William into the room and tossing him to the floor. Matthew finally out of his daze was shocked.

"what a little creep." Thomas stood over him, shaking his head. It wasn’t until he felt a hand on his shoulder that he felt Matthew not being bothered. Thomas stopped the barrage and looked to Matthew. "what do you think he deserves." Matthew might have started this little game of glances telling each other the plan. But he was impressed Thomas figured it out so quick. Matthew wasn’t opposed to playing around.

"make him watch, make it so he cant say a thing, or touch himself. Because look how turned on he is." Thomas went to work quickly grabbing a belt and binding Williams hands to a desk chair, his feet bound with neck ties, William whined and before he could speak Thomas stuffed a sock in William's mouth.

"little pervs who sneak a peak don’t get to plead for anything but what they deserve." Thomas was intoxicated by the feeling, going back to Matthew not with a bored feeling of wanting to get off, but with a desire that was leagues stronger to preform and tease hard.

Matthew blushed at the noises he made while Thomas licked and prodded him with fingers. It was the perfect tease, his legs spread, gasping and moaning, he knew how loud he could be in a near abandoned house. Thoams took extra pleasure looking back at William as he pressed in, biting his lip he chuckled, a sadistic feeling of gratification, the golden boy enjoying seeing this so much, Williams pants tented and Thomas was sure his underwear leaked into. Thomas might have put on his best performance fucking Matthew, the moans were definitely a not a show, when Matthew enjoyed things he moaned. Thomas eventually finished, letting Matthew catch his breath he pulled out and scooped up some of Matthews cum that pooled on his stomach. Thomas came over and ungagged William with his free hand, and held it out. "Gunna clean it up, or do I have to force it in." William blushed as Matthew watched with a smile as William lapped at his cum. Thomas rolled his eyes pressing his fingers in. "took too long."

It was after things cooled down that William was allowed to leave, with a sworn secret bound by embarrassment, Thomas turned, sliding on his underwear to Matthew,

"I have a feeling all the men under a certain age here are cut from the same clothe"

"I have a feeling you are right" Matthew chuckled. "which Is more than fine with me"

When Thomas came down for dinner those sitting realized something was up. Salt was off, flavors were mixing odd. Was it a prank from daisy. Or was it the very clear fact that Ms. Patmore had something going on and was not telling anyone. Thomas had to admit, the near empty table and William still was blushing sitting at it. One of the maids asked him what was wrong, he looked like he froze, then just said something was off with the food, Thomas knew it was a good excuse, but he wouldn’t say it if he couldn’t ensure Ms. Patmore wasn’t as far away as possible.

Later in the night, Thomas was roaming the halls from the bathroom to his room, it didn’t take long, a mere ten steps, but of course, William was there, a raging blush that had not gone down, Thomas decided it was time for another lesson, he grabbed the boy pinning him to the wall, leaning in he whispered.

"spy again and you'll be mucking out the horses stalls for months. And that will be the highlight of your day, no one is ruining what I have going. Understood." William nodded and Thomas moved a free hand down, grabbing his bulge. "if I knew talking down to you got you so worked up I would have realized why you became such a lazy servant when degraded. You were losing blood from here-" Thomas touched Williams temple. "to here" he squeezed and William let out a squeak.

"I-I just heard it once and it was so hot" Thomas chuckled petting Williams head.

"spending all that time acting like you and daisy could be together" William reacted seemingly getting out of his daze but Thomas tugged the boys hair and held him in place. "listen." Thomas kissed the boys cheek seeing William process it. A heat washed over his body. "if you behave, maybe I'll let you do that again." Thomas whispered making sure he was properly just avoiding the metaphorical line. He didn’t want William falling in love with him. William nodded heading into his room with about every spot on his face blushing. Thomas went into his own feeling exhilarated.

December 31 1913

Thomas found himself in shock that another year had past. Things at the house had their normal feeling. He would call it normal now, working as a valet, being considered upper staff, Mr. Carson and Ms. Hugues still acted like king and queen respectively. But there was no mention of Thomas throwing on uniform for something big anymore. He was firmly a valet. Matthew had made progress, securing farmers who will start working on the land when it isn't covered in snow and sold as rock, that was much to lord grant hams annoyance. It was now clear the heir wouldn’t just hold Downton in place, but elevate it. The servants ball ended up falling on new years eve this year, it truly extended the party for much longer than normal.it meant that the normal amount of activities wasn’t going to work.

They added charades, in which almost half the staff and family had a dowager walk or impression. There was also the addition of music on demand, a gramophone found its way into the house and Matthew kept it there for a total of six months fighting lord Grantham on the why they need it. Thomas found it nice, as did most of the staff and family under a certain age.

Thomas was once again gifted something, he was shocked Matthew handed them out too, Matthew gave him a fresh shirt. Not the type that Thomas would buy for himself, the type that he would but for Matthew. He was shocked he almost let out a 'you are getting some serious gifts later' in front of the family, he thanked him and then thanked the rest.

The night had not ended until almost two thirty in the morning, hall boys had to walk together down the staff stairs, truly too tired being up for far too long. Matthew claimed he was fine but Thomas followed him getting him dressed. Dressed was generous term, Matthew got his clothes off and fell into bed, buzzed and tired, his underwear all he needed clearly. Thomas tossed some clothes on him to make at least a half effort, draping the robe next to his bed. For when he inevitably realized that daisy would be in to add wood to the fire later.

Thomas wished he could just lie there, but a nagging feeling told him that it would hurt this imaginary plan his dreams laid out, the good ending, that’s what he referred to it as. There were plenty bad also. Thomas made his way to his room, and followed Matthew's own plan of stripping down and getting right in bed. Thomas was sure the new year would be great… but tomorrow would surely be awful with no sleep.

Chapter Text

May 1914

Thomas had assumed the day would be like most days normal, somewhat boring, simple. He hates when he is wrong, walking from Matthews room down the main hall with some clothes that needed spot cleaning to the servants hall, he looked over to see sybil being dragged in by tom and Matthew. lord Grantham asking what had happened, tom was panicking. Thomas ran over helping lift sybil and bringing her to her room tom was clearly panicked and Matthew couldn’t lift her and explain things. Blood was stained on her forehead. She was pale. Thomas was unsure what happened but yelling filled the room until dr. Clarkson let out a firm few words silencing the room. He looked over her asking a majority of the room to leave. Thomas and Matthew stayed, Matthew saying he was the most level headed of the family, and Thomas to get anything the doctor needed. Which luckily he did not.

Sybil was examined healed and left to rest after about thirty minutes, the house was told to not turn on her lights, to use candle light, and to have her do things slowly for at least the day, Thomas was glad she was able to be healed, but a concussion was still a concussion. Outside the room Thomas looked to Matthew who nodded to his room. Thomas slipped in and Matthew whispered.

"I will diffuse whatever goes on up here, but anna says Branson is a wreck, go and check on him."
Thomas nodded and after finding where he tossed Matthew's clothes from earlier, finally went down. The servants hall was a mess, not its usual organized chaos but a true mess. Thomas dropped off the clothes noticing he was almost invisible, he forgot the feeling of being in the chaos, now he was one of the few who could maneuver it without anyone really noticing. the rest of the scramble let him slip out to the garage to find tom crying in front of his fireplace.

"I fucked up bad tommy." Thomas saw the bottle in his hand, Thomas could guess it was being chugged instead of sipped, tom was already swaying.

"you did the right thing getting her home." Thomas leaned next to the fireplace, the low crackle warming him.

"Matthew said to do that. But I let her convince me to bring her back. I'm sacked." tom rubbed his face. Snot and tears covered his face.

"if he didn’t say the words then don’t say them, lord Grantham may still be in charge but Matthew is speaking to him."

"I brought his daughter to a place where a brick hit her head. After he said she wasn’t allowed to go back"

"it doesn’t sound great when you say it like that" Thomas sits next to tom patting his leg, "but she is home and will be fine and her father will spread the blame to anyone he can think of. It won't land Soley on you"

"how can you be so sure, have you messed up this bad before?" he looked up to Thomas. Thomas sighed and gave a half nod.

"not intentionally, but we were both hit by a psychic blast once, my passing out on the stairs and not just a fall from a chair meant I got more attention, leaving her for some time to not have help."

"not even something you did." tom muttered.

"I delayed care, you made sure she would get good care." Thomas sighed looking at the bottle. Sitting next to him he wrapped an arm around tom, tom looked up and leaned into Thomas' embrace. Thomas could feel toms shame, guilt, all of it was pouring off of him. "they won't hold it against you. Just let Matthew work things out. And be a model driver for the next bit… and maybe don’t look at lord Grantham for a bit. Its best if you are just something that appears and disappears."

Time moved slow in the house when a member of the family was hurt. Things just didn’t work the same. Like how Thomas was tasked with bringing up a tray to lady sybil's room. He didn’t dress in a uniform or do anything fancy for it, this was just a matter of being able to hold a tray well up some stairs.

He knocked, got the okay to come in and as usual, sybil met him with a warm smile.

"thank you Thomas." she looked over the frankly packed tray astonished. "wow, this is…"

"it is a lot." Thomas smiled. "MS. Patmore thinks everything is cured with plenty of food." he shook his head at the sheer amount of food before placing it down.

"well. I will try my best."

"is there anything else you need." Thomas looked around, making sure no bloody bandage was left in the chaos.

"no, I'm fine. I just hope there isnt too much heat downstairs, and that Branson is handling himself okay."

"he is. Coping." Thomas sighed. "as for the rest of them" Thomas looked out at the hall. "I'm sure they are having a spirited conversation." sybil chuckled and nodded.

"I'm sure it will go on for at least a week. My sentence to this house will be much longer."

"I will hope cooler heads will prevail then milady" she smiled and nodded and Thomas left. Back downstairs he was tasked again with bringing a tray, this time to tom. Ms. Patmore said it was so Mr. Carson didn’t have to see him. So once again, Thomas left with a full tray. He didn’t knock, tom didn’t have much privacy leaving the curtains down, what Thomas did see was that same bottle empty, tom looking at the fire. Thomas put down his tray and stood next to him. "can you even get a sentence out or should I say you fell ill protecting lady sybil."

"I can make one, I'm just…. Numb." he looked over to Thomas and gave a sly smile. "do you want to?" tom pointed to his feet, rubbing his bulge. "I could really use something to distract me."

"no. you are drunk, and trying to avoid problems."

"common tommy, I might be a Lil too messy for the usual stuff. But I could try" a hiccup interrupted him and Thomas sighed.

"eat, get some sleep, and then tomorrow make sure the car is spotless." Thomas left tom grumpy in his chair. Unsure if he could even get up at this point. The night for the most part fell into place as it always did. Matthew complained a bit longer than normal, saying Robert was being a bully and not recognizing he had to let things go and allow for change around the family. Downstairs, Carson was angry but not as angry as he would have been if Mary was hurt. It accumulated with Thomas needing to dunk his head in water for a bit. His day wasn’t until tomorrow, but he had… ways around that.

He could have just gone upstairs to Matthews room, he had done it before multiple times. Multiple times he also found Matthew rubbing one out on himself, or it devolved into a visit for something else before he cleaned up. But that wasn’t going to be good tonight, Matthew was pissy, frankly from everything going on. luckily, Thomas knew a new way.

He waited until he heard the door across open, he swung his open seeing William, he simply motioned for him, William came in and Thomas closed the door.

"what is it?"

"oh, I just have had a long day. But I think, I want to use the bathroom." Thomas got closer and William blushed. Being stuck between the wall and Thomas, he couldn’t have any sort of bargaining chip. "so, what would you sell your night for, or trade it." Thomas leaned in and he could feel William almost vibrate from it. "such a wound up boy." his hand wrapped around Williams back. "go ahead, tell me"

"I… I want you to fuck me, I want to feel sore for the next week" Thomas chuckled wrapping a hand around his throat.

"that all?" Thomas could do that no problem, William was always able to find something to complain about.

"I-I want…" William paused.

"what?" Thomas got close, "tell me" Thomas couldn’t hold back squeezing his hand around Williams neck, nothing hard. Just enough to get a catharsis from years of yelling at him, training him, being shown up by him. It healed a bit of that twisted part of Thomas, not the new one, the old one who had so much anger.

"I want…. A pair of Matthes socks, his work ones, I know he wears them for a few days at a time and I want them" Thomas chuckled. William was right on. Matthew would wear them for a full week. He said it was an old habit from when he was young, and that it got him his best worth from each pair.

"fine, I will make them slip away." Thomas squeezed again. William leaned his body against Thomas'. A whine escaped him that Thomas could only describe as desperate and pathetic. Not Williams normal desperate. True desperation for something that he has been holding onto. Thomas didn’t waste time, pulling down Williams night pants and grabbing some lotion, he was pressing against William in seconds,

"ah, ah Thomas!" William was whispering but it felt loud as an air horn to Thomas.

"shhh. I don’t need your notes, It will stop hurting when you relax and take it." William trembled as Thomas made it in, pushing deeper, deeper, finally feeling a sort of click when he went deep enough, satisfaction. Thomas had a request though. Make the boy sore for a week. He didn’t waste time, fucking William hard, fast, and relentlessly, less focused on how it felt good, which it did, and more on how much he could make it hurt William. William loved it, he suddenly realized how much he enjoyed the pain, those slaps to the back of his head over the years… William probably liked it. "you are taking it like a cheap rate slut" Thomas whispered into his ear. "truly pathetic and begging for it." Thomas felt drunk on the power, William was truly at his disposal in that moment, open to anything happening to him, Thomas wrapped his hands around Williams throat, pressing, William let out gasps as he got denied fresh blood to his brain, Thomas would let go, he didn’t need to try and get him back, but the hands went back, William gasped and let out pathetic moans, it was entertaining, finally William, now taking it easily and wanting it hard, needed to be finished off. Thoams grabbed his hair, tugged his head back, and used the leverage to pound harder.

"I-I" William gasped before Thomas felt William's hole tighten, it was enough to send Thomas over, his cock had been needing to let go. Thomas groaned pushing deep. His vision was blurry from the pleasure, overwhelmed by it. The rushing feeling was good, what he needed, like he was fixing something deep inside himself by doing this.

It took a few moments, and William promising to be good, but the two men ended up in the bath together, Thomas soaking and William rubbing his neck and nipples, Thomas forgot he even went after them, tugging pulling all of it, Thomas didn’t apologize, William asked to be sore. He delivered. "so…. When does that happen again?" William looked over, his face that of a excited puppy wanting another piece of scrap meat from the table.

"when I feel like it, and think you are desperate enough to give it to me. Or when I just feel like a bath."

"I'd do it every week if it feels like this." William shifted groaning. Thomas chuckled.

"lil sadist." William nodded. Rubbing his neck with warm water.

"my first time I got slapped around, they were some farmhands. Said I was a privilege brat." Thomas chuckled at the word privileged coming from William. "they left me passed out in the barn, I could barely walk to my bed."

"well, if I left you like that I'd have to help you fake a fever or something, you need to walk" Thomas looked over to his shirt. cigarette in his pocket, after a good fuck he wanted one so bad. But for once the hassle of lighting it would be too much, the warm water was better for the stress of the day.

"yeah, but it will feel good, sore." William shifted getting close to Thomas' face. "so I'm serious Thomas, whenever." Thomas nodded holding William by the neck. Teasing him with just grazes of kisses to his lips, William let out another whine and Thomas laughed.

"like a dog begging for scraps, pathetic." Thomas almost felt like laughing. Years of fighting and now this is how they were.

"Gunna get me worked up again, you don’t know how hard it is" William shifted in the tub, sitting on Thomas' leg letting himself slump into Thomas.

"William, the man I dress is very very attractive. I just am lucky that he also likes to have sex and has looser morals than most."

"well I'm not a valet." he looked back, pouting.

"and you probably won't be one for a while" Thomas smirked. "forever footman, service is in your blood." William blushed. "try tom. He can usually be convinced when there isnt a panic going on. He would show no mercy though."

"huh. I didn’t get that from him."

"he is like a werewolf, shifting under the moonlight. You can't tell until it happens, and then he just weirdly gets his way." William blushed thinking about what could happen. "hey, focus you, you have a job too remember. Not letting this house turn into a brothel because all of the young men are…. Well young men." the two laughed trying to keep it down.

Thomas and William both snuck away to their rooms after, Thomas was certain this day would be seen as one of the oddest in his memory… or if he believed his dreams he would hope for the chaos of Downton life again.

Thomas once again was dancing, this time in London, the boy at his side, the clothes much nicer than anything he had worn before, he felt like a royal. The two danced, but when Thomas tried looking around the face changed. It was tom, older, not by much but enough for gray to creep along his hair, the early wrinkles around his eyes, he was dancing, but sad, the face changed to Matthew once again, this time Thomas was wearing servants clothes, in Downton, a hint of peppermint in the air, the harsh heat of the fire, it was the holidays, that smell was replaced with sulfur, blood, so much blood, Matthews face looking drained of it, falling over Thomas was no longer warm, cold as ice he looked around, mud and muck was all he could see, his body colder than he could imagine, and again when he looked up, light so blinding he couldn’t understand what is happening, why him, how does he get out of this?