Chapter 1: Preperation (by panfs)

Phil's butler, Martin, pulled his velvet waistcoat over the ironed sleeves of his shirt and buttoned it firmly around his waist before turning to retrieve a tie- black of course, as the dress code dictated. Staring back at his equally gloomy reflection, Phil caught Martin's eye in the mirror and immediately tried to paint enthusiasm back across his cheeks, as his father had taught him.

"Now sir, none of that nonsense will work with me and you know it!" Martin's voice was professionally chiding but his concern and care was evident as always and Phil let his face fall, turning to face the older man.

"It's just…" The words failed to form themselves, but his companion was as patient as always, waiting for Phil as he scrunched up his face, trying to verbalize his disquiet. "It's just that I don't see why we need to have such a great big party, it's not like anything's changed really? I'm a year older, certainly, but I'm also a day older than yesterday, and two days older than the day before that! It just seems a little pointless." Sitting back against his ornate, carved armchair, Phil let out a heavy sigh, and looked up at Martin. "It's not like I'm even allowed to invite my friends – if I had any friends who didn't just stick by me so they can use the gaming room – it's all Father's work colleagues and Mother's charity representatives, do I even need to go?"

Martin walked over to Phil and knelt before him, looping the tie behind his collar.

"You know sir, today it's officially twenty six years since the day I met you." He looped the strands over one another and deftly secured the tie around Phil's neck; who chuckled softly at his comment.

"That's because you were there the day I was born!"

Martin nodded, "Right you are sir, and I know that from that day, you have never failed to so what Master and Mrs Lester have asked of you. You've excelled in your classes, attended every event with grace and pristine etiquette and I know you're going to continue on the family line admirably. And I-" He paused, unsure if he dared to say what he actually thought, that Phil was too restricted, too protected by his overbearing parents and their liege of servants, too controlled by the regime which they'd called a childhood- but of all the things he was, Martin was first and foremost a good butler to Phil, and that meant respect for how his life would play out, even if Martin didn't agree with it being the best thing for him.

Phil stared at the man in front of him, the closest thing he had to a friend – and he was an employee! Some days, he wondered what it would be like for them both if Phil hadn't been born into the Lester family. Martin was as bound to this reputable household as Phil was; every hour of every day spent in order to best please their betters. After reading through the taxonomy journals in the family library, the idea of being a vet had always appealed to Phil- if only his parents considered science a worthwhile, profitable career. But Phil knew that what Martin did for him came above and beyond any pay-cheque, he actually cared about Phil, what happened to him and how he was feeling, and Phil knew more than anything, he didn't want to let Martin down.

"And I will continue to perform admirably tonight." Phil's voice pulled Martin out of his thoughts. The young heir stood, a weary smile plastered to his lips and his arm stretched out, "Better pass me the dinner jacket then, Mother always says how she likes that one on me."

The moment of contemplation has passed, Phil knows that he does not have the luxury of innovation or personal interests and there was no point in imagining a life where they could exist for him. Martin rose to his feet and retrieved the jacket, brushed it briefly, before passing it to Phil, who pulled it on himself, as they'd done for the past sixteen years.

It was going to be a long evening.


New story! Being co-written with the gorgeous PhanFictionz, who will write the next chapter, so look out for this story either on her page or mine! It's going to be exciting because alternating chapters means this story could go anywhere! Please review and let us know what you think and we hope you enjoy! :D

xxx panfs