Thomas lit another cigarette. He was freezing but he had to ignore the stinging cold. He was on watch and Jimmy's life could be at stake if wasn't careful. He hated it though. He had to get far enough away so he couldn't hear the horror that was going on, but close enough to protect Jimmy. He's been doing this for a year now, and he's still not used to it. Never has he murdered anyone, nor been an accomplice to murder. If Jimmy didn't feed at least twice a week, he would go on a violent rampage. He almost lost himself while serving once when he stood behind Lady Mary who had her neck so visible. If it wasn't for Thomas convincing them that Jimmy was ill, no doubt that room would have blood all over the place.
It was a terrible sickly feeling knowing that Jimmy was taking an innocent man's life. Someone who probably had a family who depended upon him. What would happen to them? But what would happen to Jimmy? Jimmy always seemed more important that the others because even though Jimmy was now a monster, the monster was still Jimmy. Thomas still loved Jimmy.
Once he finished his cigarette he prepared to light another one when he heard someone approach. He could hear Jimmy breath heavily as he came up and so Thomas pulled out the stained rag. Once Jimmy was in view, Thomas handed the rag to Jimmy to wipe the blood off his face. Jimmy did just that and they began walking back to the house. It was going to be a long walk. Thomas lets Jimmy feed far away from the house so the murders do not lead to Downton.
"How are you feeling," Thomas asked. He felt he had to break the silence.
"Better," Jimmy answered, "much better."
"Good," Thomas said. There was the silence again then Thomas almost jumped when he felt Jimmy's cold hand wrap around his. It made Thomas smile slightly. Jimmy was a monster, but he was still his Jimmy and he would do anything to protect his Jimmy.
The next morning everyone noticed Jimmy was much better and looked back to normal. Even Mr. Carson said he was pleased to see Jimmy was feeling much better, even though he spoke in a harsh tone, it was nice to know he did actually care for Jimmy's well being. The only one who didn't speak much was Alfred.
"Don't tell me, you're getting sick now, Alfred," Thomas spoke as he read the paper. Jimmy glanced up from his cards and looked over at Alfred. Alfred looked up at them and shook his head. Thomas sighed. Alfred was the only other person who knew about Jimmy. They didn't even have to say anything really. Alfred could smell it, smell the blood. Maybe that was why he was so woozy. When the room was empty but the three of them, Alfred spoke.
"So who was the poor innocent prey this time," Alfred asked. Thomas slammed his paper on the ground and stuck his cigarette in the ashtray. Jimmy kept his head down.
"Must you do this every time, Alfred," Thomas growled. Alfred shrugged.
"I just don't know why it has to be people. He did perfectly fine with lamb and cattle."
"That was until he was almost caught. People care more about their prized cattle than other people. Besides he was feeding twice as much as he is now."
"Stop talking as if I'm not here," Jimmy said and looked over at the both of them. Thomas blinked and sat back. Jimmy hastly got up from his chair and stormed out the room. Thomas sighed and looked over at Alfred who two felt bad.
"There is nothing we can do, Alfred. We've tried everything and until there is a way to end it all...this is just the way its going to have to be."
"Maybe we can help him end his misery."
Thomas shot daggers at Alfred and slammed on the table.
"Don't you dare suggest that," Thomas growled, "Never, ever offer that up again."
Alfred sat back and looked down.
"He's not the only monster in this house if I recall."
Thomas got up then he too stormed out of the servants hall.
Jimmy sat on his bed when Thomas entered. After Jimmy got back from the hospital, Jimmy was able to convince that he couldn't sleep alone so he let Jimmy move into Thomas's room. Even though they had two beds, Jimmy's was barely used. Evernight, Jimmy would crawl into Thomas's bed and Thomas would wrap himself around Jimmy. Thomas felt he was keeping Jimmy's cold body warm. But he had Jimmy and that's all that mattered.
"Hey," Thomas said as he sat down next to Jimmy. Thomas took Jimmy's hand into his and brought it up to his lips. He kissed every knuckle then kissed Jimmy's palm.
"I wish there was something we could do," Jimmy said, "I wish he didn't do this to me. So I could love you properly."
"Jimmy," Thomas said and kissed Jimmy's forehead, "You being here is properly loving me."
"I just wish I could stop," Jimmy said as he began to sob. He wrapped his arms around Thomas's neck. Thomas wrapped his arms around Jimmy and rubbed circles into Jimmy's back. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
"We'll find something, Jimmy. I promise, we'll find a way for you to be...be okay."
