Last chapter! We are finally here. Please enjoy this final installment of Withering Dawn, with my eternal gratitude to you all for reading.

Apologies for any spelling/ grammar mistakes.

Jimmy's stomach was in knots. He could not move from the gravel outside. His fingers played with the small stones beneath him, he rubbed the edge of one against the skin of his thumb and waited to see if it would draw blood. It wouldn't. He didn't notice when stones crunched nearby. He didn't turn his head or divert his eyes. A figure in a green dress crouched before him, a female finger touched his chin. He allowed his head to be raised and his vision suddenly filled with bright blue eyes locking with his, eyes which narrowed with the rising of the cheeks below them as the girl before him smiled. A smile which Jimmy mirrored as he knew in this moment that he was saved, that his tears could turn into those of happiness, for he knew that Thomas was staying. With the help of the girl, he stood up and fell into her joyous embrace and they both laughed into each other's shoulders. He made to run indoors to find Thomas but the girl wouldn't let him, for she had gone to find Jimmy once Lord Grantham had been apprised of the truth, and so as they exchanged words so were Lord Grantham and the Duke.

In the time they had, Victoria told Jimmy of events as they had transpired that morning; just as if it were an ordinary occurrence and that she hadn't helped changed two men's lives forever. When she finished Jimmy took her in his arms and raised her from the ground, he felt guilty that he could not do the same for Mrs Hughes as he would like to, otherwise he would have to tell her the extent of his involvement, which he was not ready to do yet. The gossip mongers soon brought news to the pair that the Duke had left but without Thomas, for reasons unknown to them. Jimmy left Victoria and ran upstairs, hoping to catch Thomas, but much to his dismay he was forbidden to do so. The under butler was sent straight up to his room, so Jimmy had to wait until later to go and see him, and that was only if he was up to it. Doctor Clarkson was sent for as soon as the servants returned inside from seeing off the Duke, and he prescribed for Thomas a period of undisturbed recuperation, but it had not escaped his notice that Thomas was extremely agitated, particularly when he was asked to remove his clothes before undergoing physical examination. He told Lord Grantham to ensure he was kept in a stress free environment for a while, as he suspected the extent of Thomas' hurt had not spared his psychological state. He added quietly to Thomas himself that if he should still feel unsettled after a couple of weeks he should come to the surgery where further support would be arranged for him.

Jimmy was not made to wait in solitude to see Thomas, worrying for his own future, as Lord Grantham summoned him to divulge his side of the story, for attacking the Duke the way he did was not the right conduct, not in his home. However, in light of the difficult situation and the trauma it had clearly brought for all involved, Lord Grantham believed that enough harm had been done, so the matter would be swept under the rug, and maybe a punch in the jaw was the least the Duke deserved. Jimmy was sent back to work, happily as it meant he could keep himself busy, determined to see the day fly by as he was desperate for Thomas' company, to see him, laugh with him, touch him, maybe kiss him if the under butler allowed him to, just to make sure this was real and he was still there.

No one knew about Jimmy's attack on the Duke, which was for the best to avoid any stupid questions from the maids, but it didn't stop them asking about why Mr Barrow had not gone with the Duke, to which Jimmy answered drolly; 'Because he loves us all too much'. The footman meanwhile waited impatiently for those glorious words from Mr Carson when lunchtime came; "Alfred could you take a tray up for Mr Barrow?" so Jimmy could swoop in and take it before Alfred could say "Yes Mr Carson". The footman was up those stairs in a flash, nearly spilling the pot of tea he carried precariously over himself. If he didn't worry so much about the consequences and Thomas' need for sustenance he would have cast the entire tray to the floor so he could reach the under butler just those vital seconds sooner. It brought him no end of happiness when he opened the door with Thomas' name still on it, and saw the man himself lying in his bed, his eyes closed in sleep. Jimmy hated to wake him for he looked so peaceful. So still. Just perfect. Whatever the pious would say; god had sculpted this man for him. Jimmy put the tray down on the table and sat on a chair he brought to Thomas' bedside, brushing that same troublesome hair away from Thomas' forehead, and whispered. "Thomas, wake up."

The eyes of the sleeping man flickered awake unwillingly. "Jimmy?"

Jimmy was reassured when the under butler was at least smiling and making an effort to sit up slightly so he could properly engage with him. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, but better for seeing you." Thomas genuinely meant this, now knowing that Jimmy was safe he could resume his former manner towards the footman, but in what way he could not be sure. He was fragile and vulnerable, and hoped Jimmy could see that and not construe anything he said as flirtation. "I can't believe I'm here. What happened? How did his Lordship find out the truth?"

"You have Victoria to thank for that."

"Victoria?" Thomas squinted confusedly at the name of the young audacious housemaid. "I thought it were you."

"No. I might have punched the Duke in the face and nearly lost me job, but it were Victoria who figured out everything and told Mrs Hughes; they both discovered what was going on in time and told his Lordship. So we were both saved." Jimmy recounted what the maid had told him outside.

"He believed them? But not you?"

"They had your bloodied underwear." Jimmy said cautiously, knowing this would sting Thomas' pride, pride which had already been torn by the Duke's actions, but that was not the first thing that drew Thomas' attention.

"That's impossible, I burned it."

Jimmy thought of the rusty can outside and Thomas saying that he was tying up loose ends, when all along the evidence was lying right there in front of him at the bottom of the can; the footman was so grateful that he had come along at just the right time and stopped him. "You only burned some of it. Victoria and Mrs Hughes managed to take your underwear from the can when they saw you were talking to me."

"You mean, everyone has seen?"

"Only Victoria, Mrs Hughes, Mr Carson and his Lordship." Jimmy said with some attempt at belittling the damage done.

"Is that all?" Thomas was unable to accompany his sarcasm with widening eyes, as they were too heavy for him to lift.

"Would you rather that or be with the Duke?"

"When you put it like that-"Thomas thought on where he would be right now had his Lordship not seen the objects of his shame, and seeing Jimmy's dear face he knew that it was worth it to be here, but he was scared for what was to come next; the commitment he hoped the footman wasn't expecting from him right at that moment.

Jimmy read Thomas' thoughts, as the under butler gave him such a troubled look. "I understand if you need time. I know the Duke hurt you in more ways than one and it'll be hard for you to trust anyone right now, but I want you to know I'll wait."

Thomas wanted to say that he didn't need to wait, that it was all fine, but it wasn't, and even though he could love this boy for saying these things with such understanding, the matter was no longer absolute. Thomas interlocked his fingers to keep them from betraying his restless state as he was torn between coaxing the footman to lie beside him or to ask him to leave. "I'll need to see Victoria. I need to thank her."

"You will, just rest a while first." Jimmy told him, his eyes soft and kind in a way Thomas was not used to seeing.

'Is this the real Jimmy?' He asked himself. If so, he would be glad for it. "I feel so lucky." He managed to say through all his wondering.

"So do I." Jimmy whispered.

The two men took a moment to contemplate this good fortune, that by chance this girl had come along at just the right time, had seen the right things, and told the right person. For Thomas it was the first time in his life that he truly felt luck was on his side. Jimmy looked at the clock on the bed side table and groaned in reluctance at having to make his excuses to leave before Mr Carson sent Alfred to come and find him. Thomas made the footman promise to return to him as soon as the day was over, but Jimmy did not need to be forced into such an oath, for the rest of the day would only be lived to see Thomas again that night.

As Jimmy returned downstairs it was a pleasant surprise for him to be inundated by questions regarding Thomas' health. The only one who didn't was O'Brien; even Alfred made an effort as he came into the kitchen, ready to help Jimmy take up the upstairs' luncheon.

"How's Mr Barrow?" He asked.

"He's Mr Barrow; so he'll be fine. Didn't think you'd care."

"I weren't the last time he got beat up, but a second time in three months-"

"He's been unlucky." Jimmy said ironically after Thomas' declaration of new found fortune.

"I was wondering, maybe you and I could be mates like?" Alfred asked him.

For once, Jimmy was scared by the scowling second footman who dwarfed him; it was a terribly suspicious thing to ask considering their history, "Why?"

"You've kept away from Ivy, like you said, and I'm grateful." Jimmy could see that Alfred chose his moment while Ivy was in the larder, as after what Jimmy did to her it wouldn't help Alfred with her to be his friend. Since the incident Ivy had only given Jimmy the time of day to pass him an ill look, he was beginning to think she was being unreasonable, not that he cared, he had Thomas, and having Thomas in any way was better than having Ivy.

"Good, because she seems to hate me."

"Yeah, she does," Jimmy gave a look of shock at the second footman's honesty, and knew Alfred had worsened matters for him by taking his advice in telling Ivy what a jerk he is, "but with us I think things can be different now." Alfred continued, hoping perhaps to make reparations for his slander.

"Sure, why not?" It wouldn't hurt to have a friend, Jimmy thought, especially now he knew the truth about himself things would only get harder for him.

"What is it with you and Ivy? It's like you're obsessed!" The shrill voice of the assistant cook intervened. Daisy had never understood what it was that Alfred saw in the kitchen maid, and even though she and Ivy had become friends she still harboured jealous thoughts which sometimes slipped out ungraciously.

"I don't know Daisy, I guess that's what happens when you fall in love."

Daisy's face dropped, like it had done when she was told the Titanic had sunk. "You mean you-"

"Oi, there's no time for standing around chatting, take that tray up!" Mrs Patmore bustled in; ever since Jimmy started working at Downton it seemed her job was to keep the errant footmen out of her kitchen. "And dare I ask what's the matter with you?" The cook stood beside Daisy, who was frozen in sadness. She thought before she answered, but she knew that what she was going to say was right.

"Mrs Patmore, can I have a word?"

The day's end could not have come quick enough. As soon as Jimmy was given the word he bolted upstairs, changed into something more comfortable and went to Thomas' room. The under butler was this time awake, and Jimmy wondered if he had been waiting up for him. He did not ask, as he'd like to keep hold of that fantasy that Thomas wanted to see him as much as he wanted to see Thomas. He took a seat beside his bed and they passed conversation as they normally would, of events throughout the day, and Jimmy left the best until last.

"Blimey, you and Alfred as mates." Thomas considered, "Who'd have thought it? Our list of allies is growing." He smiled out of the corner of his mouth.

"And we have Victoria and Mrs Hughes."

"Can't believe I used to friends with O'Brien." Thomas compared the scheming ladies' maid to the kindness of the housekeeper and house maid.

"Me neither, but that's all in the past." Jimmy took a breath before saying; "Now we have to think about the future."

"I'm not sure I'm up for philosophy tonight." Thomas winced as he straightened up, his rear was still in pain, and Jimmy did not know it yet, but there was a large bruise on Thomas' back from where the Duke had forced him into one of the bed posts.

"Don't worry I won't even mention existentialism." Jimmy reassured him.

"Good; or there'll be trouble." The pair smiled, but as Thomas leaned back his injury was pushed into the metal frame of his bed, and he grimaced painfully.

"Thomas? What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"I don't believe that. Tell me, please, even if it's awful." Thomas gave him an unsure look but told him what happened to his back, but refusing to let him see. He was only pleased it was where neither he nor anyone else could see it or know it existed. But fresh worries came to him as they spoke of it and the man who caused it.

"What if he comes back? What if he comes for you?"

It was here that Jimmy really felt how badly Thomas had been affected by the Duke, a worry that the man would never leave him; that he would never move on, even the possibility that he would always be in danger from him. "He won't. You heard his Lordship; if he comes within ten miles of you he'll get arrested. He doesn't scare me. You don't need to be scared." Jimmy brought the chair closer to the bed so he could look deeply into Thomas' eyes as he said this, "The only thing that scares me is being without you for a single day." Jimmy wiped away a tear which ran down Thomas' cheek, tracing his finger along his jawline to prolong the feeling of his beautifully soft skin. Thomas closed his eyes to devote more of his senses to experiencing that touch, which Jimmy mistook for tiredness. "Do you want me to go, so you can sleep?"

"No. Stay with me, please." Thomas asked, "I shouldn't say it, but I feel safer when you're with me."

"Why shouldn't you say it?"

"I feel like I should be the one protecting you, keeping you safe."

"You do," Jimmy said, both realising that now Thomas had suffered twice to defend the younger man, "but it doesn't mean I can't take care of you too." Jimmy placed his hand on the bed, just centimetres from Thomas' fist. The under butler looked down to their unoccupied hands lying there, how empty and lonesome they seemed. Thomas uncurled his fingers slowly, his open hand daring to invite Jimmy's into his own. The footman's fingers floated across the bed sheet and settled onto Thomas', who stroked them nervously with his thumb. There was no revulsion, no rejection, no harm; this step had taken so long and had come at such a price it was hard to believe that it was happening. But it was happening, and both men laughed at this impossible reality. Jimmy slid his hand further into Thomas', their palms together, and Jimmy gently traced his index finger in a circle on Thomas' wrist. Thomas wanted to trust Jimmy, but the Duke made it so difficult for him to. He had been beaten so many times he wasn't sure how many more he could take. He had been broken, battered, and bloodied, in every way, and next time survival was not an option. Thomas wanted to be saved, and this darling boy was asking to save him, but one thing troubled Thomas; could he let him?

Just a few hours later the room had grown incessantly darker with just a candle burning on the bed side table. Thomas opened his eyes and saw a figure in front of him; he had to stop himself crying out in terror before his eyes adjusted to the image of the footman who had fallen asleep in the chair, their hands still holding onto each other, refusing to part. Thomas watched the footman sleep for a few minutes, as he calmed himself down, and caressed the hand he held, grateful for it being there as its presence brought him comfort in that he was not alone. He nearly brought the hand to his lips, but if he was going to kiss Jimmy again he was determined that they both be awake this time. Creeping out of bed, his knees cracking after being immobile for so long, Thomas endeavoured to get dressed quietly, but failed as Jimmy stirred from the chair and saw Thomas changing into his daily garb.

"Uh, excuse me, where do you think you're going?" Jimmy stood, his arms folded crossly.

"I thought we might go for a walk." Thomas smiled weakly as he wrapped his scarf about his neck.

"Are you up to it?"

"I just needed some sleep, I feel like some fresh air and a stretch of me legs." Thomas shrugged his coat on.

'Thomas did have medical experience', Jimmy thought, "All right, if you're sure, I'll just get me coat."

Thomas and Jimmy trudged along the pathway towards the woods, shielded by the friendly darkness of the early autumnal morning; they walked miles, talking about everything and nothing, it was as if time had set itself back to just over a week ago before the Duke arrived. When he was with Jimmy, Thomas felt he could forget everything and just enjoy being with the footman. They realised just how far away they were from the house as they came across that shed which provided them refuge from the rain some days ago.

"Hopefully it won't rain this time." Jimmy commented as he saw it, Thomas turning his head to the direction of Jimmy's words.

"Why not? I wouldn't mind being stuck in a shed with you for a few hours."

"Didn't work out so well last time." Jimmy recalled his foolishness at his decision that night to ask Ivy to be his girl.

"You were confused."

"That's the thing, I wasn't really. I talked about what my perfect someone would be like, and I don't know, I think maybe I was just listing the things I love about you." Jimmy stopped as he felt his footsteps had continued on alone. He turned to find Thomas standing behind him, waiting for the footman to continue speaking, wanting to just hear his words and not the crush of leaves and stones beneath his feet. Jimmy walked back to Thomas, closing the distance enough so he could touch him, but not enough to pressure him, as he spoke the things he wish he had said when they were in the shed that night , "To be honest, I may as well have just said, 'a female version of you', but the funny thing is, from what I can remember, I never mentioned wanting those things in a 'woman', in just 'someone', and it's like I knew all the time that that someone were a man... that it were you. I were just too scared to admit it. Ashamed." Jimmy hung his head, feeling greater shame now than for that same feeling before.

"And now?"

"I'm not afraid." Jimmy raised his head, in revelation, like every word was a fresh discovery about himself, "When I'm with you I'm not afraid of telling myself that I'm like you. My God, can't believe I said that, but it's true, and it feels good because it's true; to finally be honest with myself." Jimmy smiled, and Thomas put his hand on the footman's shoulder, still meaning to keep the distance between them.

"And I couldn't be prouder, or happier."

"Nor I, and when you're ready, I want to be with you. I need you Thomas Barrow, and I want you in every ungodly way imaginable."

Those words, this man speaking them, brought Thomas' hands to his face to control his happiness as he laughed.

"What?" Jimmy suddenly felt he had said something incredibly wrong.

"That's it." Thomas lowered his hands and Jimmy saw raw emotion lying there, ready to move him to its will.

"What?"

"When I told you I was leaving, and I asked you for a reason to make me stay; that was what I was waiting for you to say. You told me you couldn't ignore your feelings, I wanted you to say that you didn't want to ignore your feelings; that you wanted to be with me."

"Of course I want that." Jimmy stepped closer in earnest, "I want that more than anything. I want you more than anything." The footman's hand found Thomas' chest as he looked up to his face, the under butler swallowed his anxiety, their eyes meeting, unsteady breaths warming the other's skin.

"I want so badly to trust you." Thomas said shakily.

"And you can. I am not him. You were with him less than a week. I have been with you since the day I walked into the servant's hall for the first time. You have seen every side to me; that likes girls, likes men, the certain, the uncertain, the angry, the terrified. If you looked for one hundred years you will never see another side. Not that I could expect you to see beyond the one that just wants to be with you, because that feeling is all I am. I am not, nor will I ever be him... Do you think I'm like him?"

Thomas raised his hands and pulled off his gloves, pocketing them nervously; not caring about the cold, nor exposing his mutilated hand to Jimmy, who was so focussed on the Thomas' beauty and the want for his touch he didn't even see it. Raising his palm to Jimmy's face Thomas rested it upon his cheek, and stroked the footman's soft hair with his fingers. Jimmy removed his cap into his pocket, so his view of the magnificent countenance of the under butler was not obscured in this most significant of moments. Thomas reflected back on his memories, Jimmy on one side, the Duke on the other, and as he looked into Jimmy's eyes and saw only the same beauty Jimmy could see in Thomas at that moment, he smiled, "No. Thank God... No."

Grateful he was not wearing gloves, Jimmy slid one hand upon Thomas' waist, the other up the older man's chest to the side of his neck, and they each felt the other's pull into a kiss. A soft yet deepening pressure of warm, moist lips pressed against each other in divine posture. It was small, it was simple, but what could be more so than this? A gentle tenderness of a feeling meaning to be savoured for a lifetime. Their fingers clutched at each other in restrained desire as their lips parted hesitantly.

"I feel like I've slipped into one of me dreams." Thomas chuckled as he stroked Jimmy's face with his delicate fingertips.

"I hope not." Jimmy said, "I hope this is better."

"I would give up all me dreams if I could stay in this here moment."

"Then stay." Jimmy breathed longingly as his lips fell into Thomas', his body sinking into his strong chest, the under butler wrapping his arms about him and holding him in an embrace. Their lips crashing together like waves upon rock. No matter what the law said, these men were joined by forces beyond any that nature could muster. It was like she had thrown up a curtain about them which barred them from the world in just this instance of perfection. Thomas opened his mouth to enclose Jimmy's lips in his, as the footman followed Thomas' movements, tilting his head to melt more of his lips against the older man's. His fingers passed through Thomas' flowing hair, free from pomade, as Thomas crushed the young blonde to him, supporting his head with his hand while the other trailed up Jimmy's back and came to his neck to cherish more of his skin as the pressure between their lips gave way into something intrinsically delicate. Wandering fingertips, purposed with sensuality, padded strongly into the nape of Jimmy's neck, commanding the emission of a hum as the blonde's hands clutched Thomas' hair in desperation. The older man pulled on Jimmy's upper lip ever so slightly in a prolonging of their kiss as they came to separate.

"I could get very used to this Mr Barrow." Jimmy smiled, as their foreheads rested on each other, the under butler continuing to massage the skin of Jimmy's neck, before planting a small signature kiss upon his lips.

"Not too much I hope or we'll never get any work done, I'll run out of excuses to be alone with you; even if I am your superior." Jimmy trembled as Thomas' breath baited his skin and his lips touched against his forehead. "By the way, now we're alone, can I ask you something?"

"What might that be?"

"Did Alfred really say he could have me if he wanted me?"

The End

There you have it! I hope you have enjoyed my story and I want to thank you all so very very much for reading, following, favouriting, and reviewing. It has meant so much to me, I can't even say; that you have given me your time, your intrigue, your patience, and your attention.

Did you think I was going to leave it hanging in the air like that? Of course not. Look out for Veiled Moonlight, my sequel to Withering Dawn. However it maybe a few weeks until the first chapter goes up as I am currently writing a humour piece to balance my mind in preparation after all the intensity of this story and my even darker plans for Veiled Moonlight. The plot for the sequel will be much broader, and longer; believe me it will be quite a journey (very exciting and challenging for me) exploring a wide range of issues yet still focussing on life downstairs in the Abbey, but the main ingredient will very much be Thomas and Jimmy's new found relationship and the endless struggles they will have to endure.

Thank you all again, you have been a most terrific audience, and I hope I have been, and will continue to be, a satisfactory entertainer.