Daniel POV

      The life of a chauffeur is not a difficult one, certainly. The job is simply driving the car, repairing the car, and returning home.

      After driving Lady Mary to Rippen and a few other short trips, I came back to the servants quarters.

      We all sat together for dinner and rose, as we always do, for Mr. Carson. When we sat down, the daily chatter began. Meaningless gossip and current events was usually discussed at this point, but tonight I heard my name amongst the rumors.

     "Dah-niel, do you have a special someone in mind for Saint Valentines day next month?" Daisy asked hopefully.

     "No not really,  I'm not much of a Romeo." I laughed.

     "I find that hard to believe. " Thomas said with a smirk on his face.

     "I have to agree, you are quite the catch lad." Mrs. Patmore said.

     I blushed."Thank you. "

     Everyone stood as Mr. Carson left the table. He returned only moments later.

     "I'm afraid I have some bad news, everyone please stay seated." We all sat. "There seems to be a blizzard and we are all housebound for the next few days. This means that you Mr. O'Connor must take on the duties of a footman for the time being."

      "I understand, sir." I calmly agreed.

      "As underbutler, you are in charge Daniel for these days, Thomas." He continued.

      "Of course, Mr. Carson. " Thomas said seriously.

      The next day I rose at the same time as Thomas. A whole day with Thomas. I'm not sure if I am more excited or nervous. Our task is to wind the clocks. I heard Jimmy talking about that sometime. Oh well, we reach the hall before the family rises as the others go about their routines.

       "I don't even know where to begin." I say, reaching to open the clock.

       "Many people don't know this but my father was a clockmaker. Here, allow me." He said as I opened the door of the clock.

       He put his hands my arms and guided my forearms to the clock hands. Our fingers interlock and he slowly turns the click to the correct time. As this point I had no clue what the time was, nor did I care. I turned to face him and found my eyes drifting to his mouth. He cupped my cheek and our lips touched.

Thomas POV

       I couldn't believe this was happening, what I imagined ever since he walked in with those crates. The more shocking part of this is that the feeling was mutual. We stayed, lips locked for quite a time.

      "That was...unexpected." He says smiling a comforting smile. "Thank you for the help Mr. Barrow." He reached over and...hugged me? No one has ever shown me even the slightest affection, then again, Daniel was different than most people.

       The rest of the day went by like a daydream. Every time (lol time pun) I looked away from a clock, Daniel was looking at me. I felt like I was floating on air.

       At dinner, the topic of Saint Valentines day arose again and Daniel just smiled. The blizzard ended after just a day, but the effects would be long lasting, or so I hope.