Awakening

Thomas lifted his head from the pillow to look at the clock a few feet away. His throat was sore and his eyes stung from the tears that had soaked his pillow. Berating himself he stared at the clock, knowing he had another few hours before he was expected downstairs. He just had to get through the day, he reminded himself. The next day was his half day. He could escape the Abbey for a few hours - precious peace and quiet that he rarely enjoyed.

Xxxxxx

Elsie rolled onto her left side as she heard her husband snore slightly. She smiled as the normally stoic and abrupt demeanour had faded away as sleep overcame him. She was still surprised to have found herself married to her dearest friend but she knew no one else was. Her romantic life had been a thing of the past until Charlie Carson had come into her life. Now she was determined to help him in whatever way he needed. Gently she rested her hand over his nightshirt, covering his heart.

"We'll find a way." She whispered. "It's what we do." He mumbled in his sleep as a hand covered hers. She smiled slightly, hoping that somehow her words had slipped into his subconscious. "I love you, you old curmudgeon." She whispered before closing her eyes. A deep grumble came from the man next to her.

"Less of the old, please." He whispered before kissing her hand. Elsie rolled her eyes before letting sleep take her.

Xxxx

Anna woke suddenly, terrified she realised baby Arthur hadn't woken her with his cries. She flung the blanket over her, heart pounding as she searched the darkened room.

"John!" She barrelled into the living room, almost falling in her haste to reach it.

"Hush!" John smiled slightly. "We didn't want to wake you." He turned to see Anna almost in tears. "Whatever is wrong?" He was suddenly concerned. The baby sleeping soundly against his bare chest. He knew she still had nightmares, that she would relive Green's attack and the aftermath. She shook her head.

"Arthur. I didn't hear him cry."

"I know." John crossed to her. "Everything is fine. I was awake when he stirred. He's fine, see?" She swallowed hard. "I thought you needed to sleep." Anna smiled slightly, still slightly shaken. It was obvious that she wasn't going to completely calm for a while.

"Did I wake you?"

"No. Arthur usually needs feeding around now." Anna sighed. "I change and feed him."

"Well, he's changed."

"John Bates, you changed a nappy?" She raised an eyebrow. He smirked. "Really?"

"Yes. Is that so hard to believe? I'm a modern man. It's not 1822 anymore!"

"I know." She smiled slightly as he handed her the baby.

"Unfortunately feeding is down to you." He kissed her as the baby stirred slightly. Anna nodded. "I'll get you some water to drink. I always remember my mother drinking lots of water and tea when she had to feed my younger sister." He headed into the kitchen as Anna sat in the rocking chair feeding the baby.

"How did I get so lucky?" Anna asked the baby as his brown eyes stared up at her. "Eh? I don't know."

Xxxxxxxx

Dafydd stepped out into the corridor, knowing what he was doing could be construed as foolish. Sighing, he knew he had been called worse. He had to know. He just had to. His mind wouldn't rest until he had asked the question. If he was about to offend the other man then so be it. He ran a hand across his face sneaking quietly passed the room Ivy and Lucy shared, hoping the maids didn't hear him. Moments later he was at his destination. Gently curling his hand around the door handle he turned it. Holding his breath he slipped into the room.

"Thomas?"

"What!" Thomas sat up in bed, staring at the young Welshman. Dafydd say on the edge of the bed holding his gaze. Thomas was about to say something when Dafydd reached out, running his thumb across his lips.

"I had to know." Dafydd whispered as he leant in, kissing him gently. Thomas pulled back staring at him as he processed what had just happened. "I." Thomas rested a hand on the other man's neck, drawing him in for an explosive kiss as passion and need took over. He pulled back when the need for oxygen overwhelmed him.

"Know what?" Thomas breathed heavily before kissing the man again, his hands burying themselves in Dafydd's dark blonde hair. No more questions were asked as they gave in to how they really felt. Thomas felt another tear escape as Dafydd brought his hand to his lips, kissing along the palm until he reached the scar.

"I."

"Ssh, fy cariad. It'll be ok. Somehow, we'll make this ok." He looked up as Thomas nodded before kissing him once more.

Xxx