When she called him a horrible friend, James’ blue eyes shot up from his cup; a friend? That’s right she considers him a friend when he’s not working. Or maybe, even when he is working; either way he didn’t think of it as something that would affect him as a ‘here and now’. Interesting. His brow knitted together in thought as he started to put two and two together on what she meant. So she wanted them to be friend and for him to be comfortable leaning on her in his time of need. It was such a strange feeling to think he would have a friend, a friend that he could rely on in that fashion. This… this was a first for him.

 Then, she proceeded to explain how she felt she was being a bad friend and a bad mistress and while she spoke, he watched her face closely. She really, honestly, felt that way; she felt like she was failing him in a lot of aspects and that… that wasn’t true. A gentle sigh left him as he swallowed down some of the hot coco and reached out. Placing his hand gently on her shoulder, he gave it a small squeeze. “The fact that you care about me, Annie and everyone at the manor makes you a wonderful mistress. No one in your position gives any of us the time of day, nor do they even care about their employees. We are nothing more than objects to our employers more times than not. Do not discredit yourself my friend.” He whispered softly, “You mean more to me than I can explain in words.”

 A nod rose and fell his head as he took a drink of his hot coco, finishing the cup and placing it on the nightstand. “You’re right though,” His voice was filled with a chuckle as he turned his gaze back to her. “I am incredibly stubborn and have trouble asking people for help. I should work on that. Actually I’ve been told I’m just bad with communication in general so maybe I should work on that too.” 

Leaning towards her, he placed his forehead on her shoulder and let out a small sigh before closing his eyes. “You’re a wonderful person Freya, more than a butler or a friend could ask for.” Another gentle sigh left him as he gently buried his face into her shoulder. “You’re so warm…” His voice was soft and sincere as his cheeks started to flush. “I never realized how cold I was until you touched me. You’re as warm as your heart.”