"Tie, Richard," Thomas said, handing Richard his tie as they both got ready for the day.

"I hadn't forgotten," Richard said.

"Sure," Thomas smirked.

Richard yawned again. "I forgot what I was getting myself into agreeing to this. I have grown too used to waking at a more normal time it seems," he said.

"Yes working alongside me for a few hours each day has its downsides doesn't it?" Thomas said, adjusting Richard's tie even though Richard was perfectly capable of doing that himself.

"Oh I don't know," Richard said with a grin. "I seem to have a pretty good deal, and if less sleep is the price I have to pay for the privilege then I will pay it gladly.

Thomas looked into the face of the man he was holding onto. "It won't be too much for you will it? You will be working two jobs for a while."

Richard put his hand on Thomas's shoulder. His own tie was perfect now but Thomas still hadn't let go. This was no problem at all and he wasn't about to mention it either. "I agreed to this Thomas. I know what this job involves and the hours it requires. Besides it's not as if I haven't done this before. I'd say I'm gonna be more rested that I would have been when I was in my previous job as I only have to work a few hours not a whole day every day."

"As long as you are sure?"

"I am. It will be like old times, I think I'd rather enjoy the novelty," Richard said.

"I know what you mean," Thomas said, before they kissed softly, Thomas still holding onto Richard's tie.

Richard broke their kiss first. "I suppose we should get downstairs, I need to talk to Chris before we go and I hope he is not late after yesterday."

Thomas nodded, he had seen the look on Chris's face yesterday morning and he had felt guilty about it. He wouldn't blame him if he chose to turn up late, just in case he interrupted or overheard something again. "He doesn't know about this new arrangement."

"No, I wish we could have told him that he'd be on his own for a few hours each morning, but it was a last minute decision so not much we could have done."

...

Richard and Thomas descended the stairs together and arrived in the kitchen about the same time as Chris entered the room from the shop entrance. He was early still, which was handy for them all. Wilde jumped down from the kitchen table he had been sleeping on, greeting them with a meow. Thomas thought they shouldn't really be letting Wilde sleep on the table, but how do you stop a stubborn cat from sleeping anywhere? Maybe Wilde had sensed that something was different or maybe he was just in a good mood but after meowing at them he rubbed himself around his and Richard's legs purring loudly. Thomas beant down to stroke him, "What are you after?" he said, pretending to sound suspicious.

"He's probably wondering where we are off too," Richard said, stroking Wilde along his silky furry back also.

"Where are you off too? You look smart Richard," Chris asked.

"Ah yes, something happened last night and well to cut a long story short, you are looking at Lord Grantham's valet, on a temporary basis." Richard briefly explained.

"So things will be down to me here for a while then?" Chris asked.

"Not entirely. I am only going to be working at Downton for a few hours in the morning and evening. I'll be back here for most of the working day, or at least our working day," Richard said.

"I'm taking care of the duties a valet would be responsible for during the day, we're sharing the workload so Richard can be here too," Thomas added. Wilde jumped back up onto the table again and Thomas picked him up and held him a bit so that Wilde's front paws were on Thomas's shoulder, and Wilde therefore taking up a similar position to a parrot perched on a shoulder. Wilde seemed content with this position and started purring in Thomas's ear whilst kneading his paws into Thomas's shoulder, his claws felt through Thomas's clothes like a tickle rather than a scratch.

"Oh well I suppose that will work out. I take it you will need me to open the shop in the mornings for a while then?" Chris asked, watching Thomas holding Wilde.

"I do yes," Richard said. "I would have given you more notice about this if I could but I only found out myself last night just before Thomas came home."

"It's not a problem, I'll be here anyway," Chris said.

"Thank you," Richard said gratefully.

"I'll manage fine Richard, I did manage this place for a week while you two were away exploring the Cornish coastline. I can handle it," Chris said. "You two better be off."

"Yes," Thomas said. He had the slight problem that Wilde had grown so comfortable resting his head and paws on Thomas's shoulder that he had started to doze off and was reluctant to leave. "Chris could you take him? He's malting fur a bit so you have to brush yourself off a bit after."

Chris only nodded before saying "Sure." He took Wilde off Thomas's shoulders, gently unhooking Wilde's claws from Thomas's jacket before holding the sleepy cat in his arms in the same way as you would hold a baby. Wilde didn't complain and seemed to be soaking up the fuss and attention he was getting from all of them. "You've got some fur on your arm Thomas."

"Oh yes, thanks," Thomas said brushing the fur off him as best he could, Richard brushed off the remaining fur that was left clinging to Thomas's shoulder. He had been watching their exchange closely.

"Right, that is the worst of it gone Mr Barrow," Richard said.

"We'll see you later Chris," Thomas said as he and Richard headed out the door.

Before shutting the door though, Richard stopped. "You will feed Wilde won't you?" he asked Chris through the door.

"Yeah of course, once he's woken up," Chris said, smiling down at the sleepy cat in his arms.

...

"There was one other thing that I discussed with Lord Grantham last night," Thomas began as he and Richard were walking up to Downton in the early morning sunshine.

"Oh? What have I got myself into?" Richard asked.

"Well nothing if you don't want to, I said that you might not be too keen, but the cricket match between the house and the village is coming up and Downton is a bit short on men for the team. Less staff means a smaller team and the village never has this problem. Lord Grantham is rather competitive when it comes to this event," Thomas said.

"He's wondering if since I am working at the house at the moment, if I will join Downton's team?" Richard guessed.

"Yeah, basically."

"I am technically in the village more than up at Downton though," Richard said.

"I know. I pointed that out to him, but I think he is hoping you would overlook that detail," Thomas said.

Richard smiled at him. "He does know that I can't play cricket that well doesn't he? I won't be much help I reckon."

"I think he assumes that you can, he never actually asked if you could play. You can't be too bad though surely? I mean it's not as if team Downton is made up of professionals," Thomas said.

"Well, at least most of them have played the game before, I've never really had the opportunity," Richard said.

"It's fine. If you don't want to then I'll tell him that," Thomas said.

"I didn't say I didn't want to, I have seen you play before Thomas and I rather enjoyed watching you, but it was from a distance and it would be nice to be right next to you," Richard said.

Thomas rolled his eyes at him, "So you are only considering it because of being with me?"

"Is that so strange Mr Barrow? I like the uniform on you too, I think I mentioned that the last time I saw you play too. You look good in white," Richard smirked.

Thomas sighed, loving Richard even more for the compliments. "Well I suppose I will be telling his Lordship that you will join our side. But you will need to know how to play Richard. I can't tell him what you just told me." Thomas smiled to himself as he suddenly had an idea.

Richard saw the look on Thomas's face. "What are you thinking?"

"How about I teach you? Some of the basics at least. Even if you learn nothing from me it will be fun all the same," Thomas said.

"You are the best Downton has Thomas. I would be up for that," Richard said. He chuckled to himself, giving Thomas the reason to question what was going on in his partners head this time.

"What?" Thomas asked curiously.

"Oh nothing. Just that if Izzie was here she would find it hilarious to watch me attempt cricket. She's quite good at it herself you know," Richard said. Thomas noticed the element of pride in his tone as he spoke of his friend.

"She is?"

"Yeah, shame this cricket match is a male affair. Perhaps if women were able to play also Downton would have a stronger team," Richard thought.

...

Breakfast passed peacefully. It was just like how it was years ago when Richard visited Downton to see him or even further back when, during the royal visit, he and Richard couldn't stop passing each other small looks in the form of grins and smiles across the table in front of everyone else. Thomas thought that Richard was thinking the same thing too because he kept smiling at him too as he reached for the butter or sipped his tea, smiling to the side of him over the top of his cup. Maybe they were being rather obvious but Thomas didn't think it would hurt. It wasn't as if they didn't know anyway. Richard was rather popular here anyway. After years of visits and almost one year of living very nearby, everyone seemed to like him being around. Maybe part of him was jealous of that, how easily Richard could turn people to his side, he didn't have to even try. Thomas himself had only recently, in terms of how long he has actually been at Downton, managed that. Thomas watched him as he was engaged in conversation and realised that he couldn't be jealous of Richard's social skills as seeing him happy gave him happiness too.

The moment of relative peace came to an end eventually when the bells on the bell board began to ring and one by one his staff were called off to their duties. "Right that's my cue, I'd better be off then," Richard said, getting up from the table as the bell for Lord Grantham rang.

"Yes," Thomas said, standing up too. "If you need anything Rich-, Mr Ellis-" Thomas corrected himself. Easy mistake to make as he hadn't called Richard 'Mr Ellis' for years.

"-I'll come and find you, but you needn't worry. I am not exactly new to this," Richard said. It was true that this arrangement of Richard helping out had other advantages besides the obvious one. Thomas knew that Richard was experienced and so needed no training or guidance whatsoever. If they had hired anyone else then this may not have been the case. The two of them had moved away from the table which was still occupied by a small number of staff, and more towards the doorway. "I'll see you soon, Mr Barrow," Richard finished, winking in Thomas's direction as he left the room and headed for the stairs. Thomas took a deep breath and composed himself. This was going to be tricky, but not for an entirely unpleasant reason, he thought as he realised that it might be more tricky to determine the exact undertone of Richard calling him 'Mr Barrow'. He smiled to himself as he unlocked the door to his office, it was a game he was very willing to participate in.

...

Stephen sighed hopelessly as he saw the silverware stretched out like an endless gleaming city on the table ahead of him. This would be where he will be staying for hours as that will be how long it will take to get through all of it. Years before, it would have been the responsibility of two or possibly three footmen, but since he was the only one, this was down to him. He shouldn't complain really, he had a job when so many people were struggling to find honest work. He had a job where, by some miracle, he had a better chance of being allowed to be himself. He never expected the butler to be the same as him. It was handy definitely, not just for him and Daniel but also for Mr Barrow himself. They have to stick together, men like them, Stephen thought as he found himself rubbing a smudge off a candlestick for a bit too long as his thoughts took over. It was then that he heard some footsteps outside the servants hall. Footsteps that seemed to be trying to remain as quiet as possible. It was quiet downstairs, apart from some noise from the kitchen, as everyone else was busy going about their own duties. The footsteps stopped just out of view from where he was sitting. A note then appeared on the floor, slid across it from the doorway. This was then followed by the sound of a quick retreat from whoever was out there. Stephen had sat there intently listening and only now decided to see what the note said. It was a bit odd, maybe the note wasn't even meant for him. He picked it up and turned it over. He then smiled. He really isn't very discrete is he? The note simply said Wine cellar five minutes. Stephen looked at all the silver yet to be polished. He knew he shouldn't really leave it unfinished, Mr Barrow was a good person and perhaps even a friend, but he was still his superior and wouldn't be happy to see a job so unfinished and abandoned. But Daniel- he couldn't disappoint him and not show up. "Just five minutes," he said to himself, "I can make an excuse for leaving it for just five minutes."

It did occur to Stephen that the wine cellar was usually locked and only Mr Barrow, or Mrs Hughes, had a key. He had to assume Daniel knew that. He looked around behind him as he tried the door. He was cautious, he really didn't want to be found down here if Daniel indeed was not here, people would assume he was trying to steal a bottle. He also didn't want to be caught with Daniel either, despite Mr Barrow insisting that people at Downton were not likely to tell on them, all it took was for one person to not be so accepting. Daniel knew that of course, but Daniel was more willing to take risks. But maybe I am too, he comes to my room doesn't he? The door was surprisingly unlocked, so Stephen slipped inside. He put the light on. The room was dark and cold, the single light cast shadows everywhere.

"I was beginning to wonder if you would show up," Daniel said. Stephen looked around, he still couldn't see him.

"Where are you?"

"Here," Daniel said, Stephen looked in the direction of his voice, and then saw him, in the shadows at the far end of the room, leaning against the stone wall, hands in pockets, smiling at him.

Stephen closed the door behind him. He had no way of locking it from the inside, not without a key. Daniel remained where he was until Stephen met him there, by the wall, when they fell into each other's embrace as they kissed fiercely. They both moved backwards, away from the wall and Stephen heard the rattle of several wine bottles as his back hit the shelf. "It's only been a few hours," Stephen said between kisses. "You were here last night."

"I remember," Daniel grinned as they both took a breath. "But I can't get enough of you and I had a few hours so, well I thought I'd stick around."

"You mean you have been down here all morning?" Stephen asked.

"Most of the time yes, apart from when I had to get the note to you," Daniel said, enjoying the feeling of Stephen's body against his own.

"No one saw you?" Stephen asked.

"Nope, and even if they did, I often have business at this place anyway," Daniel answered confidently.

"Suppose it was not me in the room when you slid the note across the floor? It could have been anyone," Stephen said.

"Well who else would have to polish that monumental amount of silver?," Daniel asked, grinning. "Besides, I knew it was you. You were whistling and I recognised it."

Stephen smiled and ducked his head down a little as he felt himself blush. The light was dim, but maybe Daniel noticed anyway as he was now gently stroking the back of Stephen's head. "We can't take too many risks Daniel. You should have left earlier when you were supposed too. We can't push out luck."

"I know, it won't happen again."

"Don't say that," Stephen sighed and raised his hand to Daniel's face. "Despite what I just said, despite my concerns, I always want to see you. We should just find somewhere with a lock on the inside of the door, anyone could walk in."

"Yeah I know. I was at a bit of a loss as to where to meet you. I could only think of Mr Barrow's office and I reckon despite everything he's done for us, I think even then he would have a problem with us together, alone, in his office?"

Stephen laughed. "I think that would be true. Would have been tricky anyway, since he's been in there for most of the morning since upstairs breakfast had finished."

"Oh," Daniel grinned.

"Oh, indeed," Stephen said. They kissed again, and Stephen was very reluctant to leave now. "I can't be here long Daniel, I shouldn't have left all the silver unpolished. I've been here too long already."

"I know, a few more minutes yeah?"

Stephen nodded as he slung both his arms around the back of Daniel's neck and kissed him again. He knew he would be gone for more than just a few minutes.

...

Thomas looked at the large amount of unpolished silverware that was still laid out on the table in the servants hall. Silverware that, judging by the way the polishing cloth was lying on the table, as if it had been hastily cast aside, had become something less important than whatever Stephen was dealing with now. He got it. Polishing was dull especially when you have to do all of it on your own. That aside though, it was the job of a footman whose whereabouts were a mystery at the moment, and unless someone else were to finish it all, the dining table this evening would be rather bare. Thomas thought for a moment and tried to think where he would be if he got bored of a task like this, which he did many times years ago. If it were him, he'd be out in the yard having a smoke, but Stephen didn't smoke.

Richard came downstairs to see Thomas standing in the servants hall in front of a table of silverware with a thoughtful expression on his face. Even though Richard was only a few feet away, just on the other side of the doorway, Thomas hadn't heard him which suggested Thomas was deep in thought. "Anything the matter Mr Barrow?" he asked, trying to keep his tone more normal. It was difficult, it seemed, to call Thomas by the sort of affectionate pet name that he called him. It was odd maybe that Thomas's actual name was a pet name between the two of them, but it was all in the way Richard spoke it, it was all in the tone.

Thomas looked over at him suddenly. "Richard, um, Mr Ellis," Thomas corrected himself. It was hard to get used to calling Richard by his surname. "No, well yes. As you can see, unpolished silver and an absent footman. I was just trying to think where he would be. I tried to think where I would be in his situation."

"I see, well that's a good strategy Mr Barrow, but I take it you are still none the wiser?" Richard asked as he slowly walked over to Thomas. Thomas was having a hard time telling the difference between Richard saying a normal 'Mr Barrow' and the other 'Mr Barrow'.

"Not a clue. He could have gone out I suppose, but he would know he'd be in trouble unless he had a good reason," Thomas said.

"And he doesn't seek trouble out does he?" Richard asked.

"Not on purpose no," Thomas said.

Richard had a sudden thought. "What about Daniel?" he said quietly so they wouldn't be overheard.

Thomas nodded, "He was here last night. But that was last night not halfway through the morning."

"Well you know, if it were me, I would not be happy with just seeing you for one night. If I were able, I'd stick around so I could see you again," Richard said.

Thomas smiled, "Yeah I know. I reckon you are right. In which case I cannot make a fuss about his absence without drawing attention to the reason for it."

"He's a good lad Thomas, he'll come back soon and if you want to mention it then you could, in private," Richard said. He stepped closer to Thomas once more and met his gaze. "In the meantime, I was hoping to have a private word with you before I go?"

"Well no one is around, what is it?" Thomas asked.

He hasn't got the hint has he? "No Thomas," Richard said, dropping the formalities. "In private."

"Oh?" Thomas said as his eyes widened as he realised the meaning of Richard's words.

"Do you have the time to spare Mr Barrow?" Richard asked slowly.

Thomas recognised the tone, the meaning of this 'Mr Barrow'. "I could fit you in somewhere. My office?"

"No, I thought since I don't spend much time in this house, perhaps you could suggest somewhere where we haven't been together before?" Richard asked. He knew that, after the brief conversation they had just had about Stephen's relationship with Daniel, that sneaking off together for some time alone with Thomas would be seen as hypocritical but he had come downstairs with the intention of asking Thomas this, before they even had a talk about Stephen.

Thomas grinned, he shouldn't be doing this now, he was working and in charge but Richard-, well Richard was Richard and therefore he could say no. We'll be quick, they won't even know I'm gone. "Follow me," Thomas said.

...

"Wine cellar?" Richard asked as they were outside the door.

"Yeah, I have the key," Thomas said, pulling out the key from his pocket and putting it in the lock.

"Oh, it's already unlocked," Thomas said, surprised.

"Must have never been locked after it was last used," Richard said.

Thomas nodded, not bothering to question Richard's explanation as now he had other things on his mind. He pulled Richard close and kissed him, feeling delight in how it took no time at all for Richard to respond. They kissed a few times, slowly at first until their kisses intensified. Thomas was aware though, that they were still on the wrong side of the door. He felt for the door handle with his spare hand, the other was around Richard's waist, and opened the door and whilst not breaking their kiss, he pulled Richard by the labels of his valet's suit into the darkness of the wine cellar. Richard pushed the door closed behind him, as he and Thomas kissed and touched in the dark, soaking up every part of each other. They didn't notice at first. They didn't hear the rattle of the wine bottles at the far end of the room. Not until he did. He stopped, still holding Thomas. "What is it?" Thomas asked, wondering why Richard had stopped.

"I heard something. Someone else is here," Richard whispered. The noise he heard had stopped and now there was only silence, but he felt like they were being watched.

The door was unlocked. Shit! Thomas quickly felt for the light and switched it on as quickly as he could. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light in the room. He scanned the room looking for whoever was down here with them. Nothing. But then he noticed an out of place cap that would not be expected to be seen in a place made to store wine. He let go of Richard. "I know you are there," he said.

It was then that two figures emerged from behind a shelf at the far end of the room. "Mr Barrow, didn't expect to see you down here," Daniel said as he stepped into the light, followed by a sheepish, and ruffled, looking Stephen.

"Clearly not," Thomas said. "Mr Jones, would you mind letting Downton's only footman go so he can finish the rest of the silver before midnight?" Thomas heard Richard who was standing just behind him try to stifle a laugh.

"Sorry Mr Barrow. I was only going to be down here for five minutes I swear," Stephen said.

"Five minutes that turned into twenty because of your company?" Thomas questioned.

"Yes, I suppose so Mr Barrow," Stephen said.

"If I was a harsher man, then I would have to consider the future of your place here at Downton," Thomas said.

Richard put a hand on Thomas's shoulder. "There is no harm done really though is there Mr Barrow?" he then pulled Thomas by the elbow back a few steps and whispered to him, "It is not as if we were intending to do much different." Richard knew that Thomas would not threaten Stephen's employment at Downton for this, he was not Mr Carson, he was so much better, so much fairer. Nevertheless, he knew Thomas had to be the figure of authority here.

Thomas silently agreed with Richard. If he was to threaten Stephen's job then he would have to threaten Richard's and his own to be fair. "No, there is no harm done this time," Thomas agreed. "If you go home Daniel, and if you get back to the servants hall and finish the polishing Stephen, then we will say no more about it."

"Thank you Mr Barrow," Stephen said, his posture relaxing.

"I will continue to uphold our arrangement with the key to the back door, but I cannot turn a blind eye to everything. Obviously I don't judge you, but others might. You left the door unlocked, and anyone could have come in here. If you were discovered by someone 'unsympathetic' shall we say, then it would be a problem for all of us," Thomas warned.

"I'm sorry we took this agreement for granted. Well, actually I'm sorry I did, Stephen did insist at first that he was only going to be five minutes," Daniel said.

"Thank you Daniel," Thomas said. "You should get back to the village though, your parents will be missing you."

"I know. But they knew I wouldn't be back until eleven, I hope I'm not as stupid as you think I am," Daniel said.

"We don't think that, we all make mistakes," Richard said.

"I'll get on with the silver then Mr Barrow," Stephen said. Thomas moved aside to let them pass.

"Yes, that would be ideal," Thomas said as the two of them left. "We'll let them go on ahead a bit," he said to Richard after they left.

"Well you handled that well Thomas. A leader doesn't have to rule with a rod of iron. People will gain the respect of those in charge if they are fair to them, and you are," Richard said.

"Well I hope I am doing the right thing," Thomas said.

"You are," Richard said, kissing him. "I should go back to the shop now. Chris has been there on his own for long enough now, besides we can't really stay considering the conversation we just had can we?"

Thomas smiled, reflecting Richard's. "No, suppose not. I'll see you tonight though?"

"Of course."

...

"There is a letter for you Richard," Chris said as Richard came back into the shop. He had arrived back just before eleven, a bit later than he had said but it was no bother. He had just come back downstairs, having changed out of a valet's uniform into something a bit more comfortable, though still smart.

"Oh good," Richard said, taking the letter and leaning against the counter in the shop. "Oh good!" he repeated as he scanned the letter quickly and was glad to see the news he was hoping for.

"What is it?"

"Jimmy can make it for Thomas's surprise after the cricket match. I am glad, if this is for Thomas then Jimmy simply has to be there," Richard said, as he read the letter properly this time.

The telephone in the office then began to ring. "I'll see to that," Chris said, leaving Richard to his letter. "Richard, it's for you," he said. "A Miss Thornwood?"

"Oh Izzie!" Richard said. "Thank you Chris," he said as he went to the office and picked up the phone.

"How may I be of service Izzie?" Richard asked.

"Oh stop it Richard! You know your charm doesn't work on me," Izzie said. "I can't talk long I'm afraid, I have a meeting with my publisher in an hour and have to get across London, but I wanted to let you know as soon as possible that the date for Thomas's birthday surprise will be fine with both Lucy and I."

"Oh that is great, my plan is shaping up to be a success then," Richard said happily.

"Of course. You are the most organised person I know," Izzie complimented.

"Apart from yourself of course," Richard said.

"Of course," Izzie said. "We are actually taking advantage of your invitation Richard. We haven't been away together in a long while and your trip you took with Thomas inspired us to finally make some plans, so we will be staying in the area for a few days. If it were better that Thomas doesn't know that we are there, then we could spend our days out further afield from Downton? I don't want to ruin a surprise."

"No that's fine, the surprise is the picnic itself, you know he will be glad to see you regardless, as long as neither of you say the reason you are visiting," Richard said.

"My lips are sealed Richard, although I am looking forward to seeing you play cricket. It should be interesting," Izzie teased.

"Thomas is going to teach me a bit. He is very good," Richard said.

"Well I'm sure you will enjoy that, just remember the aim is to hit the ball, not miss it okay?"

"Well thank you for that valuable advice," Richard said sarcastically.

Izzie laughed, "Not to worry. I should be going Richard. We'll see you both soon okay?"

"Looking forward to it, bye Izzie," Richard said.

"Goodbye Richard."