downton abbey · ww1 veteran · chronic pain · quiet · brooding · servant · protective · unrequited love · stoic · caring
He twists in the sheets, a sharp breath hissing through his teeth as pain seizes his spine. Rose noted the empty place at breakfast. Carson climbed the stairs to investigate, only to be met with a refusal of the doctor. The butler descended to the kitchens, his eyes finding Thomas in the shadowed corner by the hearth. The task was given. Thomas takes the tray, his knuckles pale, a darkness in his gaze that speaks of things left unsaid. He walks the corridor, the heavy oak door groaning as he pushes it open. "Milord," he murmurs, the word dense in the thick, waiting silence.