Hi everyone! So I'm sure some of you know from my tumblr (mrsmarybranson) that I planned on posting a one-shot today. I hope to not disappoint. I was planning on writing a one-shot based on the season 5 finale because I felt like there were several moments where so much more brary could be added. However, I know deep down what I want to write. I know there are several other chapter stories going on (I'm obsessed with empathyandreferences/Morgana's cat's newest brary story) and I'm so glad so many more people are contributing stories because we really do need more. And that's why I've decided at some point I will upload my one-shots, but this is the story I've been wanting to write for some time. I've had this plot in mind even before I finished To Love Again. It's edgier for sure, and to be blunt it's going to be more graphic concerning sex (although not completely smut because I'm just not sure I can, or am the right person to write that). This story has a high chance of moving into 'M' rating within several chapters so I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable reading that but I feel that's the way this plot is headed. Also this gets very AU quickly.

If you took the time to read that much too long author's note, thank you. I hope you'll review and let me know what you think. If you have a question and a tumblr account, send me messages there because I'll see them sooner and respond quicker. If you don't have tumblr you can always ask questions in your review or send me a PM. Thanks so much guys, this is honestly becoming my favorite fandom.

Mary Crawley often had to keep thoughts and emotions bottled up inside, never to be heard by anyone. It was just the way things were. Pamuk's death would by far be the biggest secret she ever carried, hopefully to her grave with only Anna and her mother knowing.

However Mary had found another thing to bottle up inside. Ever since Pamuk, she had these new urges. Mary didn't quite know what they were, but she did know that a lady should not be thinking whatever it was she was thinking. Mary had never felt quite so clueless. How does one satisfy these urges? She had quickly come up with an answer: with their spouse. What she had done was an act only married people should do. But she was Mary and she had wanted to be rebellious and she reveled in how much Pamuk wanted her. Perhaps this was the price to pay for doing something that went against what society said. She had succeeded though in making Edith upset and Cousin Matthew sad because of rejection.

Pamuk was far different then Cousin Matthew. When he wanted something, he passed the boundaries and got it. Cousin Matthew stuttered in the corner, blushed around her, and never said more than was appropriate. If he even knew what all was appropriate to say. She hoped this new rejection would cause her parents to stop forcing the blonde solicitor onto her. Cousin Matthew was not what she envisioned her husband as. Patrick was never what she wanted either, but this was a second chance and Mary would not spend it with a man who didn't belong in her world. It was still a loss though, knowing she would never be Countess of Grantham.

"Dear God, I hope he does not go after Edith now," said Mary as she thought of her younger sister. Edith was not countess material.

"M'lady, good morning," said Anna as she entered the room.

Mary smiled as Anna began to help her get dressed for the morning.

"How is the new chauffeur? I have not seen him yet," said Mary as she stared at herself in the mirror. She felt in debt to Anna and the least she could do was inquire about the girl's day. Not that she would ever admit this to anyone.

"He's come from Ireland, Lady Mary. His name is Tom Branson."

"Hmm. And he seems manageable?"

"He seems nice, M'lady."

"Good," said Mary as Anna put her necklace on her. "Thank you Anna that will be all."

Mary headed down to breakfast and could hear the chatter of her sisters. She stepped into the dining room and was greeted by a laughing Edith. That was not a good sign.

"Hello Mary," said Sybil as she smiled widely.

"Hello darling," said Mary as she smiled at her youngest sister before greeting Edith and Robert, "Hello Papa…Edith."

"I was just telling your sisters I have nowhere to travel today and with the new chauffeur here you may journey to Ripon as you so frequently want to."

"One must never wear the same dreary thing," said Mary as she slipped into her chair next to Sybil.

"He hasn't been here long though, I'm sure he is settling in," said Sybil.

"Well he's here to work so he should be prepared to drive any one of us. It's not his first day after all," said Robert. "Don't you agree Carson?"

The proud butler stood against the wall and upon hearing his name, stepped forward slightly, and said, "I do agree, My Lord. Mr. Branson has had time to settle in and he's received his uniform."

"See? You're too kind sometimes, Sybil darling," said Mary.

"No one could accuse you of that," said Edith as she set her fork down.

"Oh, don't fight. It's such a nice day out. Too nice for your bickering," said Sybil.

"Shall we see Cousin Matthew and Cousin Isobel tonight?" asked Edith.

"She only cares about Matthew," said Mary.

Edith glared at her older sister and waited for Robert to respond.

"Yes they will both be here for dinner as well as my mother."

"Granny and Cousin Isobel have many opinions and they aren't afraid to speak out against each other."

"It's nice to have interesting talks though," said Sybil.

"Interesting is one word for it."

"I think I will go in to Ripon today," said Mary with a smile, "I could use a new hat."

"Having a new hat with a nice ribbon won't entice Cousin Matthew," said Edith snidely.

"That was not the point," said Mary. She bit her lip to keep from adding something that her Papa should not hear.

"Do you want to join me, Sybil?"

"I think I'll visit Isobel with Mama today for tea."

"Perhaps you should join them, Edith."

"Matthew won't be there," said Sybil, "he has work."

"Oh yes, how could I forget? My, you pick the winners, Edith dear," said Mary. With that she excused herself and headed out to find the chauffeur.

She found him soon enough next to the car with his back to her. He appeared to be messing with tools. She cleared her throat and he quickly turned around.

"Hello," he said slowly.

"Are you Branson?" she asked, just to make sure. This man looked like he could be more than a chauffeur.

"Yes…"

"I'm Lady Mary," she said. She watched a somewhat startled look enter his eyes as he quickly stood up straighter.

"I'm sorry Lady Mary, I didn't realize, I mean I did not know—"

"It's alright, I don't believe I've needed to be driven anywhere since you have arrived. However, I need you to take me to Ripon. Now, if the car is in the condition to do so."

"The car is fine…Lady Mary. I can take you now."

"Thank you Branson, I'll let you pull out first then?"

"You can get in now M'lady."

"Get in by myself?" Mary asked, partially insulted at the thought.

Branson stopped what he was doing and said, "Sorry, I thought you would be able to."

Mary raised her eyebrow. Was this chauffeur challenging her?

"I can. I don't need your help," she said defiantly as she opened the door and gripped the side of the car and practically flung herself into the back. It lacked grace but all the same she was in the car.

Branson quickly got in and drove out and down the driveway.

"Some chauffeur you are," said Mary as she looked out.

"I am getting you to Ripon."

"You're not supposed to let a lady get in or out by herself."

"And why is that?"

"I don't want to ruin my dress."

Branson snorted and kept staring ahead.

"You're awful high and mighty for being a chauffeur. Or is that just how the Irish are in general?" asked Mary. She smiled as his hands gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"I don't believe we should be talking right now, Lady Mary."

"Well you have proven you're quite the rule breaker."

"You don't know me. I suppose you're a rule breaker too than, Lady Mary."

Mary frowned and replied, "You don't know me. No matter what they say downstairs, they don't know me either."

"I haven't heard them say anything thing about you."

"Then you probably will," said Mary as she continued to stare out at the sky.

"And do you talk to all of the staff like this?"

Mary stiffened and said, "You're right, we should not be talking right now."

"How was your trip to Ripon?" asked Cora. It was after dinner and Mary was sitting next to her grandmother and across from Cora.

"I found a beautiful hat. It was quite successful."

"How was the chauffeur?"

"Branson? He's fine. Chauffeurs, I suppose, are all alike," said Mary. She pictured his blue eyes and the smirk he gave her when she stepped out of the car and into the house.

"My dear they are not all alike, but to us they should be," said Violet.

"They are people as well," said Sybil.

"Granny is right. Branson is a mere figure in our lives," said Mary.

She glanced at Matthew who was deep in conversation with Edith and her father. That unknown urge resurfaced and she clenched her hands. She had to do something about it.

"What kinds of hats were there? I recently ran into Lady Hansworth and…"

The conversation faded out as Mary focused on the way Edith brushed her hand against Matthew's shoulder. Of course she would try and get him to focus on only her. Mary in no way had feelings for Matthew other than annoyance but she liked him chasing her and her knowing she would not give him what he wants.

The problem was though, Mary didn't know quite what she wanted either.

Hope you enjoyed that. Please review. Also this title, appropriately named "Addicted" was inspired by what empathyandreferences/Morgana's cat mentioned that this story will sort of be like the song Addicted to Love.

I will try and update next week, my brain is full of ideas and if I'm completely honest I can't wait till Mary initiates her plan (which will soon be revealed).