Goodbyes killed James a little on the inside each time one took place. Goodbyes that weren't even major ones-a trip to the grocery store without him-made James sad. Big goodbyes where The Earl was going on a heist in another country or something similar were guaranteed to be full of tears and snuggles and begging.
"Mr. James..." Dorian said through clenched teeth, trying to push the blubbering small man away from him. "I'll miss you, too, but this is ridiculous...Please, stop it..." Lord Gloria often wondered if his little Jamesie was acting or not. If he was, he was indeed a gifted actor. He said, rubbing James' arms, "I'll be back, dearest, you know I'll be back..."
James shook his head and buried his face further into Dorian's shoulder. "Please, M'lord..." He was quite literally pleading now.
The Lord sighed heavily, knowing he was about to give in. "Okay, okay." He hushed James and took his face in his hands. His cheeks were red and soaked with tears, strands of his hair sticking to various parts of his face. "Shh. It'll be okay. You may come along with me, if you want to."
The young man's entire face lit up. "Really? Thank you, M'lord!" He huggled Dorian once more, reaching for his hand.
The Earl pulled James along with him. Maybe trying to make him stay at home was not worth the effort. James studied Dorian's face then, and-being rather good at reading emotions-was sure he had won. No more would he have to cry and beg for Lord Gloria to take him along on his journeys. That way he could always be sure Dorian was safe and would be returning home.