Last chapter ;) sorry its rushed so it may not be what you expected so it may not be great :/ I am going to add another one but like an Epilouge for New Years though. I'll actually have that one up TOMORROW I SWEAR!
Thomas sat on his bed and let the tears fall. He couldn't stop himself from crying, it was all he could do now.
After he's gone I can pretend we never met, like it was just a dream turned into a nightmare.
But he knew it wouldn't work. His heart would break and turn to stone, never letting the slightest bit of warmth from into it.
I'm foul, I do not deserve love.
Thomas froze as he heard footsteps walk past his door and into one of the rooms.
I have to do it. Its for the best anyway. Save us both.
Thomas wiped his face then stood up and walked to his door. He closed his eyes then opened the door and left his room.
Jimmy ran up the stairs in tears. He was lucky not to run into any of the family since they were all no doubt into their rooms. His throat was hurting from keeping his sobs inside of him. He couldn't dare let them out. He didn't even knock as he barged into Nathan's room and swiftly closing the door. Nathan looked at him both shocked and slightly concerned. Jimmy dashed over to Nathan and grabbed his face, smashing their lips together in a powerful wet sloppy kiss. Nathan moaned in surprise that quickly turned into pleasure as he wrapped his arms around Jimmy. Jimmy pulled away then rested his head on Nathan's shoulder, panting as Nathan began to rub comforting circles into his back.
"Why are you crying, Jimmy," Nathan asked, "What has happened."
Jimmy could sense a bit of amusement in his voice, as if he already knew. He already knew Jimmy's heart was broken.
"Thomas," Jimmy answered, "He...he said he didn't love me. Said I was nothing more than a cheep fuck when he needed. He's patient but he couldn't be anymore."
"Oh, Jimmy," Nathan said. Jimmy began to cry and Nathan gently hushed him.
"Shush, my darling, shush," Nathan said, "No more tears. No more fear. I, unlike this 'Thomas', love you more than anything. I hate to say it but...maybe its why Andrew had to leave. God didn't believe he was right for you and nor did I. I love you, Jimmy Kent, I always have."
It only made Jimmy cry harder and Nathan smiled a victorious smile.
"I need you," Jimmy said, "Tonight...but...I'm frightened."
Nathan gently pulled out of the embrace and looked at Jimmy's wet face. He placed a hand to Jimmy's cheek then nodded.
"I'm here," He said, "I've always been here and I always will. With me, you will never have to be frightened again."
Jimmy looked down then nodded.
"Its just...I...I don't want any lies to be between us, Nathan," Jimmy said, "I want truths, about everything. I swear I won't leave you for it, but prove to me you do love me."
Nathan swallowed then nodded.
"Alright, darling, alright," he said, "I'll answer what ever it is you ask truthfully and pray for your forgiveness if need be."
"You will already have my forgiveness the moment you tell me."
Jimmy took Nathan's hand.
"Follow me," he said, "I know the perfect place we can talk. We won't have to worry about prying ears."
Jimmy lead Nathan out of the room, and Nathan was so eager to follow.
They slowly and quietly descended down the main stairs then made their way down the servant way. Jimmy would cast a reassuring look at Nathan who would give a sly smile back. Jimmy and Nathan snuck past the busy kitchen and servants hall, thankfully everyone was so busy talking about what they were going to do on Christmas Eve, it was easy to slip down the hall and outside. The cold air aggravated Jimmy's tear wet faced and he turned his head slightly as he lead Nathan to the quiet dark shed to the side.
"Here we are," Jimmy said, "No one can see us, but we can still see each other."
Nathan smiled.
"That is all I want."
Jimmy smiled back then looked down at his hands.
"I...I just have a couple quick questions."
Nathan tilted his head in understanding.
"How much do you truly love me," Jimmy asked, "Is it more than Andrew could ever have given?"
"Oh, I could give you so much more, Jimmy. I can give you the world and a fearless love life. I can make love to you day and night without the worry of someone walking in and arresting us."
"Maybe you won't but I will," Jimmy said. Nathan took Jimmy's hands into his and shook his head.
"No, I would never let them take you."
Jimmy smiled slightly.
"Then you will answer the next question truthfully then?"
"I swear, what ever it is."
Jimmy looked up at him and swallowed.
"Are you responsible for Andrew's death?"
Nathan's smiled vanished and his mouth twitched slightly. He let out a deep sigh then looked away. Suddenly, the smile returned, but it was more vile than lovely.
"Thomas told you something about it didn't he?"
Jimmy froze and his eyes widened.
"Wh...what? No...Thomas told me nothing about it...I...I talked to Dr. Clarkson one day about the symptoms and he said what Andrew had was not cancer."
Nathan slowly shook his head but the smile did not leave his face. He made a step towards Jimmy who jumped back slightly.
"You know, Jimmy. You are a very handsome man, but you are not very bright. You are a bad liar."
Jimmy swallowed.
"You...you didn't answer my question."
Nathan took another step and leaned in. Jimmy's back came into contact with the shed and he closed his eyes.
"Well since you probably already know, I'll let you in on the details. I injected poison into his system one night when he was asleep. Such a pitiful sight, seeing you two in eachother's arms. The poison was a slow killer and it was all too easy to bribe the doctors to say it was cancer. Hell, it was even too easy to convince my aunt for her help."
Jimmy shook his head. The people he trusted the most, that took him in, had betrayed him. Well, it was just his luck.
"Oh, I wanted you so bad and I still do. I want you moaning my name and screaming out in the dead of night, and you know me all too well, Jimmy. Call me a spoilt child but I ALWAYS get what I want...and I want you."
He viciously grabbed Jimmy by the shoulders and roughly pushed him against the shed. Jimmy yelped as his back collided with the cold hard wood. He looked up at Nathan with fear in his eyes.
"So, now you are going to be a good boy and leave with us, tomorrow. We can say we've offered you a job and you've taken it. The Granthams do not matter to this world. So stuck in the past they all are, going no where, and I'm warning you now, Jimmy, if you try anything," He gave another rough push, "Anything, then I will have to repeat the little heart breaking action upon your precious Mr. Barrow."
"That is quite enough," Lord Grantham came walking out from around the shed. Nathan turned around and quickly released his hold on Jimmy. He straightened up and smiled, acting as if Lord Grantham had not just witnessed or heard anything.
"Ah, Lord Grantham," Nathan said, "I...I wa-"
"You will not speak another word," Lord Grantham barked making both Nathan and Jimmy jump.
"I have every single right to report you and Lady Anstruther to the authorities for murder and many other illegal acts."
"You wouldn't dare," Nathan said, "You would protect a footman, who had no doubt lied the entire time he has stayed."
"Yes," Lord Grantham said as he began walking over to Nathan. Nathan straightened up.
"I would protect this young man because what ever he has lied about, I can see he has a good reason and seen as a victim instead.
Jimmy looked down and tried to shrink himself away.
"So, you will go back to your room, prepare to leave tomorrow. We will brush this all away because neither sides of the family want such scandal am I correct?"
Nathan didn't speak but swallowed instead.
"Good. James will stay here at Downton a free man of what ever and who ever he chooses to be, even if he chooses to be a man with Mr. Barrow."
"That is scandal waiting to happen," Nathan replied with a sly smile.
"Everyone under this roof is family. From the hall boys to the butlers, every servant is a member of the Downton family, and you sir, have threatened my family and I am giving you a fair warning to leave and never return."
Nathan's smile left then he slowly nodded.
"Alright," Nathan said, "We will leave first thing, Lord Grantham. So I bid you goodnight."
Nathan nodded his head then roughly bumped his shoulder as he walked past. Lord Grantham did not move but turned his gaze to Jimmy. Jimmy remained motionless then nodded.
"Thank you, sir," Jimmy said.
"Don't thank me," Lord Grantham answered with a smile, "Thank Alfred."
"So, the police are not coming," Jimmy asked. Lord Grantham chuckled.
"I would never let a man like that get away with murder."
The family and servants watched as Lady Anstruther and Nathan were put into the police cars. Neither were saying a word or fighting back, and for that everyone was glad. It would be too much of a scene.
Thomas watched with a light smile as the door closed as Nathan was put inside.
We're safe now, what luck.
"Mr. Barrow," Lord Grantham walked over to Thomas, "Could I have a word with you in the library, please."
"Yes, my lord," Thomas answered. As Lord Grantham walked back inside, Thomas looked down confused and frightened.
What have I done now?
Thomas entered the library and saw Lord Grantham pouring two glasses of whiskey. Thomas swallowed then closed the door. Lord Grantham looked up and smiled.
"Ah, Thomas," he said, "Please sit down."
Thomas could only nod as he slowly sat down. Lord Grantham brought the two glasses over and handed one Thomas and held his own as he continued to stand.
"I just want to say that you are not in any trouble, Mr. Barrow," Lord Grantham cleared, "In fact, you are somewhat of a hero."
Thomas's mouth fell open.
'I...I'm sorry, my lord," Thomas began, "but...I don't understand."
"Alfred heard you talking to Nathan," Lord Grantham said, "He hid and listened to him make his threat to you and James and came straight to me. We called in James to try and lead Nathan away to confess to the murders. I couldn't do anything unless I heard Nathan say it himself. We would've involved you but we needed to act quickly."
Thomas nodded in understanding then took a small sip of the whisky.
So that's why?
After Thomas had left his room that day and began to search for Jimmy after he could not find him in his room. He was able to find and he told Thomas that Jimmy was called to see Lord Grantham about a serious issue. Thomas feared the worst for Jimmy and was afraid he wouldn't see Jimmy after dinner. His fear came true after Jimmy never came down into the servants hall.
"I know now how much you care for James, Thomas," Lord Grantham said. Thomas looked up at Lord Grantham with fear.
Oh no, I'm a goner!
"I know he feels the same for you two and I must admit, it is quite strange," Thomas closed his eyes in shame, "I am not one to judge."
Thomas looked up at him. Lord Grantham smiled.
"Since James came around, you've changed. You've been bright as day, I've never seen you with such a smile or in such an attitude I thought you may have found that special someone, and if James is that someone, then I suppose it only shows love cares not for certain attributes."
Thomas smiled then looked down.
"Th...Thank you, my lord," Thomas said.
"You saved James's life as well as your own tonight. I must admit, if you or James left, Downton would never be the same."
Thomas closed his eyes and looked down. It was a comment that Thomas didn't know he needed to hear.
"Now, as far as James and you go, what you two do outside of Downton is none of my concern, but while working here, you two must still be professional. We don't want to give a heart attack."
Thomas laughed.
"No, my lord."
Lord Grantham nodded then took a drink.
"Good night, Thomas," he said.
Thomas stood up and placed his glass on tray by the bottle.
"Good night, my lord," Thomas replied and he swiftly left the room, anxious to get downstairs and be with his angel.
Hope you guys enjoyed it and thank you all for the lovely reviews :) I'm getting back to City of Gold and Sapphire Eyes so you may want to catch up on those :P I know I have to. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
