All was calm at Downton, and for once everyone was at peace. It was a great sadness when the family heard of Downton's heir, Matthew's, death, but nothing to be unexpected. It was as if, for every blessing, there was a black cloud to drown it.

For the servants at least, nothing had changed. Of course those who knew him were sad, but nothing could compare to Lady Sybil's tragic demise. The fair all of them went to was a great reminder of how things could be happy, but they also learned of a few traits some of the other servants possessed. Specifically, Thomas Barrow.

Mr. Barrow is an odd man. On the outside, he's pompous, arrogant, and just rude. However, inside, Thomas was quite a sad soul. It seemed destiny for him to be alone. For the type of relationship he sought was forbidden.

Soon, the calmness of the estate would be disrupted by the crunching of the stones against the wheels of a black automobile.

The charcoal Model 4 Ford truck told up to the back entrance of Downton. Out of which, hopped a bright, Irish lad. The sunlight shimmered off of his emerald tinted eyes and his amber curls bounce on his head. None of that could be seen behind the stack of crates that he carried, however.

"Blimey! These crates are heavy, Mr. Neely!" I exclaimed.

"Oi quit your whining and put them inside!" Mr. Neely said.

I shook my head and trudged into the kitchen of a large estate.

"Who's there? An older female voice asked."

"Delivery for a Mrs. Patmore?" I said.

"Where do you want these?" I asked.

"Oh dear, in the pantry. Let me get someone to help you." she said, "Thomas!"

An annoyed English voice replied, "I'm the under Butler now, I can't do those meaningless tasks."
"Oh hush up and help the poor boy!" Mrs. Patmore yelled.

"Of course, Mrs. Patmore, since you asked so kindly." Thomas replied sarcastically.

"Thank you sir." I said to the mysterious man as a weight was lifted off of my hands. I still could not see the face of the man assisting me. But at last, we walked to the pantry and the boxes were down.

Thomas POV

The chap, whom I helped, move some crates, looked up at me as we set down the final box. As he looked up I noticed a handsome Irish face with Auburn, blonde hair and green eyes. Oh my god. Is he, interested in me? No, silly fool. He's obviously just looking up from the boxes. Still.

To break the silence I decided to ask him a question. "I assume you are filling in for our usual delivery man."

"Oh no, I just try to do a few odd jobs to get money, every so often." He said with an Irish brogue... that voice...It's so, no. Thomas. Remember what happened with Jimmy.

"So you're from Ireland?" I asked, and then realize it was pointless, obviously he was Irish.

"What gave it away?" He chuckled.

"What's your name then?" I said while laughing.

"Daniel O'Connor, sir." He replied. I extend my hand to Daniel.

"I'm Thomas, Thomas Barrow."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Barrow."

He stated as we shook hands. "Please, it's Thomas" I told him.

"Well, thank you for the help, Thomas." Daniel said smoothly.

"He seems nice." Daisy said to Mrs. Patmore after he left.

"I wouldn't mind seeing him more often." Mrs. Pat Moore muttered.

"Me too." I agreed silently.

Daniel POV

Ever since I delivered that order to Downton, I couldn't stop thinking about Thomas. How could this be possible? No, this wasn't the first time I have been attracted to a man. This is the first time I have been interested in someone this quickly. I need to see him again.

As I thought this, I passed a store window. Inside, there was a slip of paper. It read as follows:

Position available: position of chauffeur available at Downton Abbey.

Wages: 13 pounds a month

Experience: knowledge of automobiles

Housing: servant quarters

Applications: accepted as soon as possible

"That is a stroke of luck." I thought as I make my way back to my aunt's house. It was probably about time that I make a life for myself.

Thomas POV

"I overheard Lady Grantham saying that she still needs a chauffeur." Some nosy maid remarked.

"Mind what you say girl!" Mrs. Hughes lectured.

"Yeah but there's one more coming in today." another maid whispered.

"These girls are hopeless." Mrs. Hughes muttered under her breath.

You can always count on loose-lipped maids to get news. I smirk silently. I rely in this news quite heavily most times, mainly because of my shortage of friends. Lady Sybil was the closest thing I had. I must stay strong, I can't show weakness.

The shuffling of stones under car wheels brought me back to the real world. Could it possibly be the new chauffeur applicant?

Daniel POV

I better get this job; I spent my last pound to pay that farmer to drive me here. I walked into the estate through the servant entrance, nearly colliding with Mr. Barrow.

"Watch where you're going you...Daniel?" The underbutler said, surprised.

""Thomas..." my face lit up, "I'm interviewing for the chauffeur's position."

"Well I do hope you get it." he said laying a hand on my shoulder. This sudden contact startled me.

"Thank you." I replied.

I trod up the stairs for the interview and was escorted to the drawing room.

Thomas POV

What were you thinking? He's obviously not like you, then again... Anyone can be shocked by a touch on the shoulder. Maybe I can just go listen for gossip inside. I had my smoke and I need to get him off of my mind.

"Did you see that dashing young man that went up the stairs a few minutes ago?" Daisy remarked.

"Sure was dashing, even more than Jimmy." a maid added.

That was true, he is good-looking, not to mention kind. Jimmy seemed nice at first too, along with being handsome. And handsome he was, but not like Daniel. Daniel, I barely knew him, yet he already stole my heart.

I was so pre-occupied; I didn't even see Daniel leave. What happened? I found my answer much sooner than I expected since he came back inside with a large suitcase.

"I got the job!" Daniel said happily.

This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.

Daniel POV

"Where are you staying?" A kitchen maid named Daisy asked.

"Oh, the chauffeur's room over there." I pointed to my new room.

"That's across from mine." Thomas smiled a sly grin.

"Great I'll have a familiar face at least, to guide me around." I said joyfully.

"Mr. O'Connor, Lady Mary wishes to be driven to London tomorrow afternoon." A lady's maid says.

"Thank you...?" I said forgetting her name.

"Anna, Mr. O'Connor." She smiled finishing my sentence.

"Well thank you Anna and please, call me Daniel." I said shaking her hand, noticing Thomas's scowl. What has gotten into him? I wonder.

Daisy came rushing in; dinner is being served early because the family is eating out tonight.

I follow everyone to table, completely out of my element. I did not know any of them. Until I saw the open seat next to Thomas. I sit down only to stand again when Mr. Carson the room. After he was seated we all return to our seats.

"Before we eat, I have the pleasure of announcing new show for Daniel O'Connor." Mr. Carson said.

I nodded and turned to the food. At least I knew a few people now. I woke quite early the next morning, wishing to get a head start on the day. Luckily, I made it to clean the car before many were awake. This gave me time to bathe and make myself proper.

Thomas POV

Dear Lord who is awake at this hour? I wondered. I dress in my liveries, believing that there was no use walking around in only my undergarments. As I'm walking down the hall I ran into something causing me to fall. While grabbing around to get up I find that someone or something heavy had landed on me.

"Bloody..."I stopped when I heard a painful groaning sound."Mr. O'Connor?"

"Mr. Barrow?!" The Irish voice said. "I apologize greatly."

His toned muscles were obvious even in the dark, distracting me from his crushing weight. "I-it's fine." More than fine. His body was fantastic. "Oh shut it already!"

"Excuse me?" He said.

"Oh sorry. I was talking to myself. What are you doing up at this early hour?" I asked as he helped me to stand.

"Well you see, I was bathing and was about to put on my shirt, when I realized I did not receive any liveries."

"But why are you up this early in the morning?" I ask.

"Lady Mary wished to be driven to Rippen, instead of London today." He explained.

"I guess we'll have to remedy that, here follow me." I tell Daniel, walking to my room. "I have an extra set of liveries."

"That's very generous of you Mr. Barrow." Daniel said behind me as I opened my closet to pull out the black and green liveries. "Thank you, Thomas."

I smiled when he left, happy to assist him.

Daniel POV

The life of a chauffeur is not a hard one. The job is simply driving the car, repairing the car, and returning home.

After driving Lady Mary to Rippen and a few other short trips, I came back to the servants' quarters.

We all sat together for dinner and rose, as we always do, for Mr. Carson. When we sat down, the daily chatter began. Meaningless gossip and current events was usually discussed at this point, but tonight I heard my name amongst the rumors.

"Dah-niel, do you have a special someone in mind for Saint Valentine's day next month?" Daisy asked hopefully.

"No not really, I'm not much of a Romeo." I laughed.

"I find that hard to believe." Thomas said with a smirk on his face.

"I have to agree, you are quite the catch lad." Mrs. Patmore said.

I blushed. "Thank you."

Everyone stood as Mr. Carson left the table. He returned only moments later.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news everyone please stay seated." We all sat. "There seems to be a blizzard and we are all housebound for the next few days. This means that you Mr. O'Connor must take on the duties of a footman for the time being."

"I'm understand, sir." I calmly agreed.

"As under butler, you are in charge Daniel for these days." He continued.

"Of course, Mr. Carson." Thomas said seriously.

The next day I rose at the same time as Thomas. A whole day with Thomas. I'm not sure if I am more excited or nervous. Our task is to wind the clocks. I heard Jimmy talking about that sometime. Oh well, we reach the hall before the family rises as the others go about their routines.

"I don't even know where to begin." I say, reaching to open the clock.

"Many people don't know this but my father was a clockmaker. Let me help." He said as I opened the door of the clock.

He put his hands my arms and guided my forearms to the clock hands. Our fingers interlock and he slowly turns the click to the correct time. As this point I had no clue what the time was, nor did I care. I turned to face him and find my eyes draft to his lips. He cupped my cheek and our lips touch.

Thomas POV

I couldn't believe this was happening. What I imagined ever since he walked in with those crates. The more shocking part of this is that the feeling was mutual. We stayed, lips locked for quite a time.

"That was...unexpected." He says smiling a comforting smile. "Thank you for the help Mr. Barrow." He reached over and...hugged me? No one has ever shown me even the slightest affection; then again, Daniel was different than most people.

The rest of the day went by like a daydream. Every time (lol time pun) I looked away from a clock, Daniel was looking at me. I felt like I was floating on air.

At dinner, the topic of Saint Valentine's Day arose again and Daniel just smiled. The blizzard ended after just a day, but the effects would be long lasting, or so I hope.