Jimmy closed the door behind him, as he left Thomas's room. Their conversation had flustered him to his bones. After the beating, Thomas'd taken for him, he had decided visiting Thomas to see if he was ok. And to apologise for running off. Finally, they agreed to be friends which felt absolutely awkward to Jimmy. There was a tension between them, he couldn't deny – though he wanted to so much. He has always been trying to make himself believe that Mr. Barrow was a disgusting creep who just wanted to play out his strange abnormal desires. But now, he got the proof of what he'd probably known deep down inside all along – Thomas Barrow was in love with him.

He got into a fight he'd never had the chance to win, just to save him. Though Jimmy had been treating him so badly, and would never love him back. There was a whirl of emotions in Jimmys stomach. Guilt – definately! Pity – absolutely! This poor man, lying in his bed with all the bruises that were meant for him.

Jimmy closed his eyes, wanting to banish the image of Barrows face contorted with pain. Still, there were feelings left unrevealed. A flutter in his stomach when Barrow looked at him in a special way, a trembling of his heart as soon as he came too close. It wasn't just discomfort, it was something, that scared him. Realising that it were his feelings, that frightened him and not Thomas, was almost unbearable.

Lying in his bed that evening, he couldn't find sleep. Every time he nearly dozed off, pictures of Barrow came to his mind. Thomas sneaking into his room, Thomas leaning over him, the sensation of his lips on his own...the moment when he realised that it actually was Barrow - and then Alfreds voice that eventually made him shout out and reject Thomas, even throw him out of his room.

Barrows face, shattered, heartbroken...

Jimmy moaned, rolling around in his bed. What had he done to Thomas? And what had Thomas done to him? Questions were running through his mind, questions with no answers - or did he just not dare to face the answers?!

The next day, Jimmy went to Thomas' room again. It was more than a duty, it was need. He couldn't help it.

"Hello Mr. Barrow" Jimmy was fidgeting with his fingers, still standing in the middle of the room. "How are you today?" Jimmy watched his face and swallowed hard, this feeling just wouldn't go away.

"James, I'm glad to see you, take a seat. Thank you, I'm getting better. Could you give me a cigarette, I'm dying for a smoke!" He chuckled, his blue eyes shining, too bright … Jimmy thought...too bright!

"Sure. Can I have one as well?"

"Alright, help yourself."

Jimmys hands were slightly shaking when lighting up the cigarette in his mouth - he took a drag, then handed it over to Thomas. What a bold move Jimmy thought. Thomas gave him a quizzical look, but didn't say anything. He glanced at the fag, then breathed a sigh and smoked without saying a word.

The air was fraught with tension when Thomas suddenly broke the silence. "You know" he said, still not looking at Jimmy "you don't have to do that. I mean come here everyday. I know you don't have much spare time. I don't feel comfortable like that James." He finally looked up to see Jimmys face - it still hurt him, seeing those adorable blue eyes.

"But I want to!" he demanded with determined voice. Thomas gave him a snarky smile. "Come on, a few days ago you weren't even talking to me."

"That was different! I was different then. I didn't know ...I mean, things just changed, I suppose.."Jimmy shrugged, trying to look steady and not show his excitement.

"Well, not really James, not for me. I told you I want us to be friends, and I'm trying, I really do. It's not so easy for me, as you can probably imagine." Their eyes met and Jimmy went crimson. "I know Mr. Barrow, but."

"I'm trying, that's all I can do. Maybe we will just get along somehow." Thomas gazed out of the window, seeming to be miles away.

"Then try harder, Mr. Barrow. Please!" Jimmy pleaded, his voice hoarsely. Thomas's head whipped round in astonishment.

"What's it to you anyway..." he nearly whispered it, though instantly feeling a pang of regret.

"What – did - you - say?!" Jimmy nearly screamed at Thomas, clenching his fists in anger.

"Do you think it's easy for me? Do you think you're the only one who's trying to cope with strange feelings? Stop always thinking about yourself, I have feelings too!"

"I'm thinking about you all the time Jimmy..." Thomas breathed in an almost unnoticeable voice, his head hanging down, eyes closed. "Please leave, James!"

"What? You don't mean that! You can't throw me out of your room just because this is becoming uncomfortable. That's childish, Mr. Barrow! I want us to..." Thomas raised his head and Jimmy thought he saw tears running down his cheek.

"I said I want you to leave. NOW!"

…...