The dinner was boring as usual. As much as Thomas enjoyed upstairs gossip, the upstairs spoke gossip that was less than entertaining. Thomas chose not to listen in. Instead his gaze would roll over Jimmy here and there who, like Thomas, ignored the voices around him and focused on his plate nodding every now and then when his name was said. Thomas felt bad. Not guilty really, but terrified. With one word, Jimmy could report Thomas for anything whether it be or not. He should never have talked back in any way but left the room and asked to switch with Alfred. Perhaps he'll do that, once he settled everything with Jimmy. Whether he knew it or not, Jimmy had Thomas's life in his hands, and Thomas hated that. He knew he needed to apologize before Jimmy decided to do anything. Maybe guilt Jimmy into forgetting about trying to bed a servant. Make him want to leave sooner. He still had to dress Jimmy tonight, and he prayed it would go better than this evening.

Thomas knocked on the door then entered. Jimmy was sitting in the chair gazing at the fire with a drink in hand. He didn't even look up at Thomas. Thomas closed the door and walked over to prepare Jimmy's nightclothes. He looked back over at Jimmy and he stayed in place. Thomas swallowed and took a deep breath. What was he going to say?

"I'm sorry," Jimmy said. Thomas's mouth opened a bit in surprise.

"For what," Thomas asked.

"I never should've...acted the way I did. It's not right and not fair. It was wrong of me to try and force you to do something that could endanger your job and your own life. I'm sorry for that. For being horrible."

Thomas stood there flabbergasted. No one has ever apologized for anything to him. He was truly touched.

"Th...thank you...for that," Thomas said, "I...I think I understand though."

Jimmy looked up at him as Thomas crossed over to him.

"Y..your life. It must get lonely and frustrating. Surrounded by all these people but none of them understand who you are or what you want to do."

Jimmy blinked and smiled a bit then nodded.

"It does. The servants are the only ones who have ever listened to me. I see how they can talk with one another about the events of the day. I've seen many fall in love with one another. They don't have to worry about keeping a reputation or gaining an estate and then having to marry someone you can't stand. Sometimes I wish I could trade places with them. I'd take being a footman than an heir any day."

Thomas smiled.

"Rather listen to a butler scream your ears off than your father?"

Jimmy smiled wider and nodded.

"I'd rather."

There was silence between them but the awkwardness had faded leaving a warm feeling.

"Can we start over, Thomas," Jimmy said, "I...I do like you. You understand more than anyone and I was thinking we could be friends. Sit up here and talk while I'm here. You don't have to rush back downstairs do you?"

Thomas thought for a moment then shook his head.

"I play cards with Alfred but he's rubbish."

Jimmy seemed to glow with joy.

"You play," he asked excited, "How well do you play?"

"I think I'm pretty good."

Jimmy smiled then gulped the rest of the scotch down and got up quickly.
"I'll be the judge of that," He said and made his way over to a small bag and pulled out a pack of cards."

"Lets make it interesting," Jimmy said. Thomas raised an eyebrow.

"How about every time you lose a hand, You have to take something off. Everytime I lose a hand, I have to take something off, and it can be anything. You lose, you can...take off your pocketwatch. I lose I can take off my cufflinks. Make changing more fun."

"How do I know you won't cheat and make me take off more?"

Jimmy smiled.

"You don't, so its up to you to trust me."

Thomas sighed and bit his lip. He nodded and Jimmy smiled.

"Great, and if you want you can pour you something," Jimmy said.

Thomas looked behind him at the full bottle of scotch and the other glass.

"Why the hell not," Thomas mumbled to himself while Jimmy sat on his bed and began shuffling the deck. Thomas took a quick sip of the scotch and let it warm his throat as he walked over to the bed and sat down on it.

"Alright," Jimmy said as he dealt, "Lets begin."

Thomas was not as good as Jimmy in cards. The first game, Thomas lost and so he removed his watch. The second hand he lost again and removed his shoes. Jimmy however lost the third one and removed one cufflink but the next hand, Thomas lost and removed his socks. Thomas had to refill his and Jimmy's glass a couple times during their game. He could already start to feel himself relax and his body was warm. Despite his victories, Jimmy proved he was a master. Now, Thomas sat in his undershirt and trousers while Jimmy sat in his white dress shirt, trousers, and shoes still intact. His sleeves were rolled up to show Thomas that he was not cheating, although it helped none to see Jimmy's bare tanned arms. Thomas and Jimmy were sharing a cigarette as well. Thomas didn't mind watching Jimmy's beautiful lips wrap around it and inhale. It nearly made Thomas shiver. Jimmy threw his cards down with a victorious smile and Thomas groaned.

"I thought you said you were a master," Jimmy said as he took a drink. Thomas placed his cards down and rolled his eyes.

"I said I was pretty good," Thomas said and sighed. He looked down. He had to chose between his trowsers or his shirt.

"Haven't got all night, Thomas," JImmy said as he took another drag.

"I know, my lord."

Jimmy winked in reply. Thomas sighed once more the pulled his undershirt over his head. He felt much better with his shirt off and a whole lot cooler. Jimmy's eyes traced all over Thomas's hairy chest. Thomas blushed and smiled.

"C'mon now, quit gawking and lets play another hand," Thomas said. Jimmy smiled and dealt as Thomas lit another cigarette. He was quite enjoying this, but he'll have to work on his skills, if and when, Jimmy comes back to Downton.

The next two hands got Jimmy out of his dress shirt and his shoes. It was as if he wasn't even trying or he was too intoxicated. Thomas was indeed very tipsy and tried to slow down on the scotch. He had to make it back to his room without making a racket.

As Jimmy laid his cards on the bed, Thomas followed, unable to focus and see clearly if Jimmy had one or not.

"Damn," Jimmy said.

Guess I won that hand.

Jimmy quickly took off his shirt and Thomas was frozen. Once again he was forced to stare at Jimmy's perfect golden torso. Jimmy smiled a bit.

"How is it that you're getting better when you're nearly drunk," Jimmy asked. Thomas shrugged and shook his head.

"I have no idea," he slurred a bit, "I can't even see them straight."

"Really," Jimmy said, "Well if that's the case then we may have to stop. It wouldn't be fair."

Thomas nodded and moved off the bed. He tried the stand but nearly fell right over until Jimmy rushed and helped him stand up. The room was spinning and Thomas was feeling dizzy and nauseous.

"You should sit and lie down for a moment," Jimmy said, "Rest a bit before going downstairs. You wouldn't be any use to anyone with a broken neck after taking a nasty tumble."

Thomas nodded and sat heavily on the bed. Jimmy helped Thomas moved to lie down. Thomas felt like he was lying on a cloud. These beds were so comfortable. Too comfortable for what Thomas was used to, but he could get very used to this. Jimmy straddled Thomas and chuckled.

"You poor thing," He said, "I'll give it to you, you're not a lightweight."

Thomas smiled.

"I could outdrink you," he said. Jimmy smiled and leaned in.

"I'm sure you could."

Jimmy's lips hovered over Thomas's ear. Thomas took in Jimmy's scent and moaned.

"What else could you outdo me in, Thomas," Jimmy whispered then brought his lips to Thomas. Thomas lifted his head and his lips met with Jimmy's. His gloved hand grabbed Jimmy's neck as they kissed. Jimmy was an excellent kisser. The taste, the feel of his lips upon Thomas's was more than heaven was worth. He lifted his right hand and placed it on Jimmy's hip. Jimmy began grinding on Thomas causing Thomas to moan into Jimmy.

So nice...yes...wait, no. No stop Thomas. You can't have him and he can't have you. He's playing you stop it now.

Thomas broke the kiss and moved his head away.

"No," Thomas said. Jimmy looked at him confused.

"I...I can't do this. I need to get to my room, its really late."

Jimmy shook his head.

"We don't have to do anything. Just… I just...don't want you to leave me yet. Please...why don't you just sleep in here for tonight?"

Thomas shook his head.

"Please," Jimmy asked with a sad desperate look in his fell for it and smiled.

"Alright," Thomas said, "Just for tonight. I don't think I could make it anyway."

Jimmy smiled then climbed off of Thomas. Thomas closed his eyes and felt the soft fabric cover him and felt Jimmy lay his head on Thomas's shoulder. Thomas wrapped his arm around Jimmy while Jimmy wrapped his arm around Thomas's chest. Thomas quickly fell asleep and kept his smile.

Jimmy stared at the fireplace, deep in thought. He should've forced more scotch down Thomas's throat. Patience wasn't Jimmy's expertise but he wanted Thomas and if he had to wait then he would. He looked up at Thomas. He was beautiful when he slept. Peaceful and happy. Jimmy felt a pang of guilt form in his stomach. Could he hurt this man now like he was hurt? It wasn't fair. How could he let Thomas get to him like he did. Jimmy's never had any problems luring servants into bed and more than half of them were never bothered to be used, but Thomas was different. He too had his heart broken, Jimmy could see it. They were a lot a like, just in different worlds. Thats why Jimmy had to win this. He refused to feel anything for Thomas and he would curse his heart to hell if he fell in love. No he wouldn't dare fall in love with Thomas. He was incapable of falling in love. People fell in love with him, not the other way around, and even if he did fall for Thomas, what then? What could they do about it? Unless Thomas was a secret heir or they just run away from the country with no money whatsoever, they could never be together, so what was the point. It was not fair. What was Jimmy to do now?