Note: This story follows on from my other two Downton Abbey ThomasxRichard fanfics, 'Unfinished Kisses' and 'Take Me To London'.
*Disclaimer: Downton Abbey tv series and movie and/or the characters are not owned by me*
It was dark. Apart from the soft glow of the moon casting beautiful shadows across the room, giving the two of them a glow that made them resemble ornate marble statues. His hands gliding down Richard's naked back, his legs circling his waste, pulling Richard closer, not wanting to let go for a second. The feel of past kisses, from seconds before, on his skin, and the feel of new kisses making their mark. Breathing fast and getting faster. Neither able to give in. Both together, caught up as one in this moment. Begging time to slow down, or stop altogether. A feeling of euphoria, and...
Thomas woke with a start to the ringing of his alarm. It took him a moment to realise that he had been dreaming again, and he had to look to the side of him to remind himself that he was alone. Sighing and cursing his alarm for the moment it interrupted his dream, he laid his head down again on the pillow for a moment, before sighing again and getting up. It was still dark, being mid October, the chill of winter starting to set in, giving Thomas another reason to question the importance of getting out of bed. As he got dressed and ready for the day, he hoped that today would be busy with lots for him to do to distract him. He had a lot on his mind at late, his dream confirming that, and he needed a distraction.
...
Thomas was staring into his cup of tea, whilst sitting at the head of the table in the servants hall, at breakfast. His fingers absent-mindedly fiddling with the butter knife that was on the table beside him. Most of the staff ate breakfast at Downton, even those who didn't live in anymore, so Thomas had plenty of company, but none interested him at the moment. All he could think of was him. His lips on his. His hands wondering. His smile and his laugh. Richard had a beautiful laugh...
Thomas shook his head quickly, as if to dismiss these thoughts. It was hard to though. His dream last night wasn't the first and he was certain it won't be the last. Ever since there trip away together to London, they had grown even closer. Thomas re-read the letter Richard had handed him at the station, just before boarding the train, all the time. The memories of their time together over those days, warmed his heart thinking about it. But they also hurt. Having to be parted after such a short time and for so long, was painful. He wanted him back, right now. The other thing was that it had been almost two weeks since Richard's last letter to him. Circumstances had led to letters being delayed before for both of them, so Thomas wasn't too concerned, but it created a small feeling of doubt at the back of his mind that he couldn't quite shake off.
"Not sure your tea is going to answer all your problems, Mr Barrow, we'd all be carefree if it had such power," Mrs Bates said, from a couple of seats down the table from him, snapping Thomas out of his daydream. Thomas blinked, coming back to reality. "What's the matter?" she asked.
Thomas smiled politely, covering up his real feelings as he had done so many times before, "Just memories, nothing to worry about," he answered carefully, not wanting to give anything away in front of everyone. He trusted most people sitting at the table, but still wouldn't want to blurt out everything he was thinking about. With that, he got up, nodded in acknowledgement to everyone at the table standing with him, and walked out the room to his office, hoping he could find something to take his mind off his thoughts there.