Pathétique: Symphony For The Different

Warnings: none

Rated: K+ as a chapter, T as a story.

Reader's Expectative: Blue

Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey, nor any of its parts but the fandom. Julian Fellowes wrote the story I decided to cry and derive upon.

Note: First Downton fic and first time writing something in a style that is reminiscent of a historical period. I hope you enjoy it because it should be the start of a small story for both Thomas and Tom, where even Jimmy and Elsie will play key parts. I must tell you that I am not a reliable writer, but something will come out of this because I have plenty of compositions that assure me

Chapter 1: Prelude in E minor

Beams of sunlight were allowed once again in the house, yet, no motives for celebration beheld the inhabitants. Two babies born under the same star held the same curse: everlasting grief.

He was surprised when the curtains were drawn and the rays illuminated the face of a living corpse. Lady Mary had it the worst today but after that, it was the two of them, the forever striving widows.

His initial confusion incremented the second he sat up and faced to his side. Mr. Barrow was brushing the shoulders of the blackest and grimmest suit the under-butler had been able to find. As if on cue, Mr. Barrow proceeded to explain himself:

"Mr. Branson, I am sorry to startle you but given the circumstances, I have decided to offer my help wherever it might be needed. It appears Mrs. Hughes had a special interest in you being serviced by a valet, this morning. As a starting point." Thomas had not finished speaking but chose to provide a minute of silence in order to allow Mr. Branson to grasp the matter thereby presented. Before beginning to speak again he left the suit hanging on the appropriate peg.
"To her, I was the logical option in spite of not being entitled to regularly attend you as a valet but Mr. Carson was out of the question, and Mr. Molesley-"

Tom cut in abruptly, for he noticed that the conversation was about to drift into undesired areas for both of them. "Mr. Barrow, it is very kind of you and I understand but I'm not really comfortable with this, and today wouldn't be the best day to star, I think."

"I see, Mr. Branson." Thomas sternly answered. "Still, my job needs to be done and quickly because I may be needed downstairs."

The offence had been taken and nothing could be done except to obey his own duty so as to leave the skin unbruised. The man he used to dislike, Thomas, was now Mr. Barrow, who had to dress him immediately so that Matthew Crawley's funeral could run with no further reasons for unpleasantness.

Then Tom remembered, and while the other man got him properly dressed, the memories permitted Tom to picture that same man holding back tears behind a sombre complexion, only an year ago. He was compelled to steal a glance at Thomas just to see a weaker kind of pain showing but sorrow and anguish fighting to be freed from the thick walls of an obligation conveyed in one face. The same face that had escaped battles that his late brother-in-law had to fight in nonetheless, and survive; all of it so that another baby could be left without one of its parents.

Yet, the silence that had been maintained by both men was about to be broken by bitter but adequate words. Hitherto they could break the peace, two pairs of eyes met and for a second focused on each other, leaving a trail of compassion.

"You re ready to leave, Mr. Branson. I am sorry for the disturbance."

And with that, the under-butler left, taming with him the strangled aura of unwelcome misery.

There it is! A first instalment of this thingy that will revolve around Tom and Thomas. It is gloomy but only because I watched the CS again. I cried again. Will post it in FF soon enough, hope it was enjoyable! As the title suggests it would be a Prelude, which in musical terms means that is a composition free of any kind of predetermined format of structure. Its a Preface for a bigger musical composition. I have just learned to play this particular prelude on the piano, and its beautiful and sad, just like Downton Abbey these days.

Also, I am sorry for any mistakes and the brevity of the chapter, but the length may vary in accordance with what I want to show in each episode, so, next time you may see Elsie and Carson as well, or Jimmy and Alfred. I am a bit scared of the incommensurability of this story but if you guys encourage me, I'll keep it up. I can write it in Tumblr first from my iPod but I'll find a way to post it here as well.

Oh just to tell you, I'd name the pairing TomTom because I am in a current lack of better ideas.

There's more to come!