Title: The Boy and Mr Barrow
By alternativebrooke
Under Butler Thomas Barrow and Alec Scudder the new Gamekeeper have just laid eyes on each other for the first time, what will happen in their first conversation.
CHAPTER 2
Thomas went straight to the servants dining room where he made a cup of tea and took a seat at the end of the table, he couldn't help it but he started thinking about the boy again, he thought about what he wore, the way he pushed his hair back and the way he blushed.. although his thoughts were cut short with the always loud noises of everyone standing to their feet upon Carson entering the dining room
"Now everybody! we have a new co worker as of today, his name is 'Alec Scudder' and he is the new Gamekeeper here" boomed Carson
Thomas looked up to find Alec's kind brown eyes already on him but the boy looked away as soon as Carson starting speaking again.
"I expect you all to treat him with kindness and make him feel welcome" and with that Carson told Alec to take a seat while he warned Mrs Patmore that there's another mouth to feed tonight.
Alec looked around the room nervously and eyed the 3 free seats around the table; one of the seats being next to Alfred, one next to Ivy and one next to Thomas. he scratched his head and looked at Ivy who seemed very excited that Alec had caught her eye, a little too excited he thought, he then looked at Alfred who had an emotionless look on his face, he also looked at the boy next to Alfred he was a young blonde boy although he seemed to have a permanent frown on his face 'which was a shame because he had such a lovely face' he thought he then looked to the last free seat and the man who sat next to it.
he gazed at the man whose face was one of the most beautiful faces he'd ever seen but also the saddest the man had piercing blue eyes, perfectly placed cheekbones, porcelain skin, pouty lips and jet black hair that was slicked back so neatly that there was not one hair out of place 'I wonder what his hair would look like if it wasn't so neat' Alec thought but stopped himself immediately as he feared of the thoughts that may follow. But there was something about this man that made Alec start to walk over to the free seat near Thomas, he made his way over slowly trying his hardest not to stare at Thomas the whole time once he got to the seat he pulled it out and sat down. he looked up to see everyone looking at him, Ivy was frowning like an angry toddler who just lost a toy, Alfred had a surprised look on his face but the blonde boys expression was the one that worried him the most he was scowling... Alec's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of the handsome man beside him
"Hello" Thomas said smoothly his icey blue eyes fixed on Alecs face.
"I'm Thomas Barrow, the under butler" . Alec could not believe the smoothness of his voice and the delicious sound of his raw British accent
"Hello Thomas" Alec said in his muddled accent that was a mix of British and European, Thomas returned his greeting with a smile as Mrs Patmore started bringing in the food for the servants to eat Thomas and Alec ate comfortably in silence but continually snuck in quick glances at eachother when the other wasn't looking when Alec was satisfied he pushed his bowl out infront of him and then watched as Thomas did the same thing
"So Alec, do you smoke? because I'm just about to head outside for one" said Thomas.
"Um no I don't" replied Alec noticing the disappointment in Thomas' eyes upon his got up and started walking to the door.
"But if you would like some company outside I'd be glad to join you" Alec said quickly and jumped up from his seat to stand next to Thomas, Thomas just smiled and started walking with Alec to the side door.
"So why did you choose to come here Alec?" Thomas asked
"Well I was employed just outside of London in a house a lot smaller than this one until it went broke, So I had to find another job and when I saw Downton had a place I applied straight away" replied Alec
"Well I'm sure you'll be very happy here, it's a great place to work" replied Thomas looking into the distance with a slight smile on his face
"So how long have you been working here Mr Barrow?" asked Alec, Thomas laughed
"Far too long, it'd have to around 10 years now and you can call me Thomas" answered Thomas playfully while Alec smiled.
"Okay Thomas then, did you work here during the war too?" Alec questioned curiously, "No I was a medic during the war.. well that was until.." Thomas trailed off and looked down at his hand guilty, Alec noticed the glove Thomas wore on his hand and noticed there was not a glove on his other hand.
"Did something happen to your hand Thomas?" asked Alec sympathetically.
"Well It was shot, the bullet went right through too" said Thomas solemnly.
"Can I see it" Alec asked with wide eyes.
"Uhmm I don't know, it may scare you off, it's not a pretty sight" replied Thomas.
"Don't be silly" Alec said as he walked closer and closer to Thomas until he was a barely a few inches from him
"Show me" Alec said looking deep into Thomas' eyes
"I'm sure I've seen worse, trust me" and with that Alec placed a hand lightly on Thomas' wounded one and used his other hand to slowly work the glove off, doing all of this while never breaking eye contact with Thomas, They stared into each other's eyes until Alec had removed the glove completely Alec then proceeded to look down at Thomas' disfigured hand and started touching it with both of his hands tenderly while inspecting the damage, Alec traced his index finger across the bullet wound and felt Thomas shiver, he looked back up to Thomas' face
"It's not that bad really" replied Alec kindly.
"So I haven't frightened you off then?" asked Thomas nervously.
"It's a wound received while fighting for your Country, you should never feel embarrassed about that Thomas, you're braver than I have ever been" Alec said compassionately ... just then the gong rang out and Alec let go of Thomas' hand.
"I suppose that means we have work to do?" asked Alec.
"Um yes we should probably be going inside" said Thomas as they both walked inside together.