Thomas had been given a guest room by the Duke, one which was quite nice.

"I hope that you will enjoy your stay," Philip had said, smiling.

"Thank you, Your Grace. I'm sure I will," he had replied.

Thomas had been given more leniency as the days passed while the Crawley's were at the Duke's house than he would have been given if they were still in Downton. It did not please him; he felt more useless than he had ever before. He felt as if he were a second footman as he served next to the Duke's first footman, and was irritated by it. He had helped to open doors, had helped to serve breakfast, tea, lunch and supper upstairs for the Duke and the Crawley's as well as downstairs with the Duke's butler and maids. He felt most at use, and was even pleased, only when he had helped to dress and undress His Lordship, acting as a valet while the Crawley's hadn't one.

One night, after he'd left His Lordship's guest room, Thomas stood in his own, thinking as he undressed.

'The Duke's valet... He's a lucky bastard, isn't he? I sure would like it if I were in his place. Surely I would be a better valet to the Duke than he is. I would be far more respectful. Far less clumsy. That valet, he seems to be quite the idiot. Hm... But he is a lucky idiot. To see the Duke's skin... To see him unclothed... What a pleasure that would be...' thought Thomas.

After being dressed into his robe, Philip said goodnight to his valet and was left alone in his large room. He sat on the mattess, not quite tired, and thought of Thomas. He wouldn't deny that he desired Thomas and he had a good feeling that his feelings were returned, what with the way Thomas had looked at him each day; again and again the Duke had caught him staring when he wasn't supposed to be. Confident that he was right, and knowing he wouldn't get in trouble for it if he was wrong, as Thomas was a mere footman and he was a Duke, far more superior, Philip decided that he would soon travel to Thomas' guest room.

Thomas put on pyjamas and then went into bed, covering himself with the unfamiliar sheets. And though he was tired, his mind wandered; he thought of kissing the Duke, thought of the Duke undressing before him. He imagined kissing and licking his way down the brown-eyed man's smooth body, showing utter devotion, showing such tenderness. 'You would have to love me...' he thought. He pictured taking the Duke into his mouth, wrapping his lips around his phallus, sucking him slowly and sensually. Thought of the Duke moaning, running his hands through Thomas' hair, whispering words of gratification. 'Oh, that feels wonderful, Thomas...' 'How have you learned to do this so well, Thomas?'

He imagined too that the Duke kissed his hand once spent, bowing his head. 'Thomas, I hope you'll forgive me, but I must admit that I find you to be quite good-looking...' 'Thomas, I would like you to replace my valet... You're far more worthy...'

Thomas was aroused and didn't hesitate to reach underneath his undergarments, taking ahold of his stiff member and running his fist up and down his length. He first imagined that the Duke was using his own hand to stimulate him. Then he thought of the Duke using his mouth; sucking then licking, running his tongue up and down his phallus, twirling it around the tip. And finally he thought of sliding into the Duke, feeling the inside of him; feeling the warmth and tightness of him. He let out breaths of air in his pleasure...

Then suddenly, his door was opened, and in came the Duke, wearing only his robe. Thomas jumped, looked up, removing his hand immediately as he sat up in bed.

"Evening, Thomas... Have I interrupted you?" the brown-haired man asked, as he stepped into Thomas' room, shutting the door, a smile on his face. He seemed coy, as if he had been aware of exactly what it was Thomas had been doing.

"P-please forgive me, Your Grace... I had thought-" Thomas began, his eyes darting across his lap in his discomfort.

"No, no. By all means. There is no need to apologize..." the Duke said, coming further into the room. He stepped over to Thomas' bed, looking down at him; able to see his hardness beneath the thin sheets. Thomas shifted, uncomfortably, and covered the buldge with his hands, trying to hide his arousal in respect.

"You're quite the handsome man," said Philip. Thomas looked up at the Duke, into his eyes, and watched as the man looked him up and down, a mischeivous expression on his face. Thomas knew then that Philip was more interested in him than he let on and a thrilling feeling came over him.

"Thanks for that, Your Grace. I can say that I find you to be quite handsome, meself," Thomas responded. Philip laughed; a quick 'hm'. Philip sat down at the edge of Thomas' bed, not taking his eyes off the black-haired man for a moment. Thomas looked away and swallowed, unsure of what to do.

"I assume that is why you are in this state; because you are attracted to me. Is that right?"

Thomas smiled a nervous smile, his cheeks turning pink.

"That... May be right," he said.

"May be? I'm quite positive that it is... Do you think I don't see the way you look at me?" asked Philip. "I am not so foolish."

"And I don't consider you to be, Your Grace... Quite the opposite, really..." said Thomas. Philip smiled.

"Good. And please... Call me Philip. When we're alone, at least,"

"That I'll do, Philip," Thomas replied, giving the Duke a quick and uneasy smile. "If you don't mind me askin', what are you doing in here?" Thomas asked, his forehead wrinkling as he raised his brows.

At that, Philip smiled, tilting his head down and looking at Thomas under his long lashes. Thomas looked into his eyes, then let his own roam; taking in the sight of the hair on Philip's chest that showed between his robe. He clenched his teeth, swallowed, bowed his head.

"As I've said... You're quite the handsome man," Philip repeated. Thomas looked into his eyes again before looking away.

"Hm... I suppose I should let you finish," Philip said, standing up from the bed and walking over to the door. Thomas' heart pounded beneath his chest. He watched as Philip turned to look at him before opening the door.

"I will see you tomorrow, Thomas. Good night," he said. Thomas smiled, bowing his head.

"Ah... Yes... Good night," he said. Philip smiled once more, looking Thomas up and down, then left the room.