Freya felt her heart swell when she heard the sigh that came from James. As he took her hand and kissed it, she thought about the bath. “Did you want to enjoy the cocoa together?” She asked, and agreed to the bath. “A hot bath does sound nice. As beautiful as it is out here, I’ll need to get warmed back up so I don’t get sick.” She giggled. “I know you don’t want me to get you sick, right? Then I would have to take care of you.” Freya teased.

They were soon back at the ground, and she got out of the carriage with some help from James and gave a few yawns as they made their way back through the fairgrounds, vendors putting away what they had set up, and rides carrying their last passengers. They arrived back to the car, and once she was in and buckled, Freya watched as the open evening sky changed into the familiar scenes of the university. She was surprised they had been out all day, but at the same time it still felt like time could just go on forever. They did eventually arrive, and once she had gotten out, they walked upstairs to their rooms.

Just as the woman had said, there were boxes of everything they had bought today. Putting her key in, she opened the door and began un-braiding her hair in a mirror nearby, gently removing the sunflower that James had given her and put it on the counter nearby, leaving her hair falling back down to her natural waist, though a bit waved now because of the hairstyle she had been wearing. Remembering the boxes outside, she turned to James. “Did you want me to carry a box into your apartment, James? My bath can wait a moment until we unpack everything. Unless you wanted to wait to do it a different day?” Her new candles and bath oils were in one of the boxes, and she was sure James already had more around the apartment.

The ride was comforting and it was nice to have his arm wrapped around Freya’s shoulders and his fingers interlaced with his. Maybe to the outside world they looked like a couple? And something in James’s mind told him that he wouldn’t mind giving off that impression. However there were still… complications. His position in her life versus her position in his; despite the idea of them becoming something more, he questioned the actual option of that happening. Then again… there was always the way of secrets…

As they walked through the carnival, he kept her hand in his; his long fingers laced into hers while his other hand rested into the pockets of his pants. Something about this just felt… right; it felt right and good which caused him to not be able to remove the smile from his face. The sun was down by the time the two reached the car and he opened the door for her to let her in and soon they were off back towards the apartments.

During the walk in he didn’t go for her hand. Shyness getting the best of him because he didn’t have an ‘excuse’ to hold her hand like he did when she climbed out of the Farris Wheel. When she opened the door he slipped in behind her and went straight for her bathroom. Call it ‘butler mode’ or ‘caring mode’ he began to run her a bath almost instantly. Coming out of the bathroom drying his hands off with a towel he gave her a small smile, she was so courteous and always looking out for others; it was adorable. “Don’t worry about it Freya, you just get ready for your bath and I’ll get the boxes into my apartment. There isn’t that many anyway.” While she worked with her hair, James slipped past her and unlocked his apartment and skillfully loaded the boxes inside the door. Leaving enough room to get by and shut the door but nothing was really ‘unpacked’. “Besides,” He called out, because he had left her door open, “I have been invited to have hot chocolate with someone tonight. I don’t want to cut into that time for something as silly as unpacking boxes. I have all the time in the world for that, and not enough time in the world for hot coco and wonderful company.”

Within moments he had the last box in his house and a small box full of her things in his arm as he shut and locked his apartment. His ‘butler bell’ ringing, he went back into her apartment, kicking the door shut behind him and straight into the bathroom. Perfect timing as always, the bath was at perfect temperatures and level that he dumped in some of the oil she picked out and quickly lit the candles around the tub line and in the bathroom, giving the room a claiming feeling. Reaching into the box he pulled out something he had purchase for her. A collection of rose decorative peddles, which he tossed into the water knowing full well the little net over the drainer would catch them so he could clean them and reuse it. Stepping out of the bathroom he shut the door to keep in the heat and called to her; unknowing of where she was in the apartment. “Your warm bath a-waits. Don’t want you getting sick.”

Surprised that when she opened the door, James slipped right by her and headed right for the bathroom. She couldn’t help giggling. She figured he would have none of that – her helping. He always wanted Freya to just relax, but that’s exactly what she wanted of James when he was not working. He did say that he was not going to neglect her duties, so she couldn’t argue very much. She was going to head into her room to gather a change of clothes, but James had begun talking so she gave pause.

At the mention of their hot chocolate time, she smiled. “Right – I’m not sure one does like being stood up for a promised cup of warm chocolate.” At the mention of wonderful company, she felt a warmth in her chest. They did enjoy each other’s company – able to relax considerably and talk about almost anything. She appreciated that, watching as he walked back into the apartment and closing the door gently with his foot since his hands were full and back into the bathroom. Giggling at him as he came out, still sitting in the living room, she tilted her head curiously. “How do you do that, James? I think I might have flooded the bathroom.” She laughed, sliding off the chair and headed towards her room. “I’ll go grab a change of clothes since I couldn’t before – save I be rude leaving in the middle of someone talking to me.” She teased with a grin as she closed the door behind her to her room to pick out some comfier clothes.

Gladly removing her shoes, she put them by her closet doors where the rest of her shoes lie and grabbed one of her comfier pajamas. The night out had been great, and so had being on the ferris wheel, but the night air really had her shivering. She needed to get warm asap. The bath would help her get warm, but she needed to stay warm after she got out and grabbed a plush gray onesie with snowflake decorations on it that her aunt had sent her last Christmas. She grabbed her brush and then headed back out and in passing James, waved. “Thank you again! You should probably shower and get changed into your pjs too, James. You know I take forever in baths.” With that, she entered the bathroom and set her change of clothes down before sighing. Unzipping her dress from the side, it slid to the floor and she removed her undergarments, putting them into the basket that was inside the bathroom. The air inside the bathroom smelled divine and she gently began brushing her hair out, before sinking into the warm steamy water.

A sigh of content left her as she sank into the water, noticing the petals that were scattered in. Freya smiled and her cheeks gained a small amount of color. Leave it to James to think of the little things. She leaned into the water more, enjoying it for about twenty minutes. She wanted to take full advantage of the warmth of the water, saving to wash her hair until she was just about to get out. She did have to get out, though. If she didn’t then she was sure to get sick. Besides, she had hot chocolate to look forward to once she got out.

She was so cute. Encouraging him to go take a shower too and change so they can relax before they called it a night. Her concern for him was something new and refreshing considering the only other person who ever expressed concern for him was his sister. And while her expression seemed more enjoyable it was also slightly embarrassing for him. Upon the door shutting he let out a soft sigh as a smile moved across his face. Today, today was a good day.

Moving to the door he left, shutting it gently behind him and entering his own apartment. One more school day and it would be the weekend. Getting into his bathroom he stripped peacefully out of the clothes she picked out for him and placed them on the counter. To the shower he went, and turned it on. The running of the water echoed into the bathroom and he let out a long sigh of a relaxation. Today was truly a good day.

After a quick shower he changed into his pajamas, simple but comfortable and headed back to her place. Once inside he put together the hot chocolate and dropped the marshmallows in on top before venturing into the living room. His gaze landed on the couch and a smile curled his fine lips. It was hard to believe that they slept there, together last night… he had his arms wrapped around her and his face nuzzled into her back. He had never slept so well in his whole life than last night. He finally felt, at peace and the smile on his face reflected that.

She pulled herself from the cooling waters, and gently pulled the stopper that was keeping the water held in, noting the catcher for the petals at the bottom. She placed the stopper onto the edge of the tub before stretching and properly drying herself off. She dried her hair with a towel, causing it to fluff up a bit but settle back down to her waist. Placing the towel into the hamper, she pulled on her pajamas and headed out of the bathroom, the steam from the warm bath still foggy on the mirrors, and following her out as she exited.

As she made her way back to the living room, she saw James standing in front of the couch, holding the cups of hot chocolate in his hands. She gently hugged him from behind and moved around him, and took her cup from him, setting it down on the table in front of her, before grabbing one of the folded blankets from yesterday evening and pulled it over them as she sat onto the couch once James had taken a seat beside her. “Hey, hope I didn’t have you waiting too long out here. I know I take forever, but your baths are my weakness. I think I would stay in there forever if the water didn’t ever get cold on me.” She grinned, taking a sip of the warm drink. “I’m so glad Aunt Mia sent me these pjs. It’s so warm inside James, oh my gosh!” She giggled, getting a marshmallow and leaning against James. Picking up the remote nearby, she put on an action/drama movie while they sipped on their hot chocolate.

She finished her warm beverage during the movie, thanking James for the treat, and relaxed against him as the movie went on. By the end of it, she was already fast asleep. With the warmth of the hot chocolate warming her from the inside, and the plush blanket and James’ body heat warming her from the outside, she found it relatively easy to drift off, shifting a bit to where she was more comfortable, her head on James’ chest, exhaling in content.

It was late into the evening, about ten minutes after the movie had ended, and there was a rather odd knocking at the apartment door, and a crumpled piece of paper was slid under the door. Freya happened to be a pretty deep sleeper, and at the knock, simply shifted again and turned on her side.

‘You missed notes in class. Took some for you. Come by the apartment when you get a chance so you can get caught up. Randolf Hall – Room 21H. *Alex*'

She was so affectionate it felt almost like a dream. Her arms wrapped around from behind him in a hug and he thought he would sink to the floor right then and there. Is she not aware of the things she does and their effect on men? Men can be dangerous and things like this can be incredibly misleading. But then again, maybe he’s thinking too hard on it. Maybe she’s not actually misleading him and maybe… maybe she really does like him more than he thinks.

By the time the movie had finished, James sat there holding her for a few extra moments before a strange knock echoed on the door. James did his best not to jump and disturb the sleeping beauty against his chest. Once footsteps moved away from the door, James adjusted himself and scooped Freya into his arms. Carrying her with ease he tucked her gently into bed and ran his hand gently along the side of her face. Without giving it much thought he leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek before exiting the bedroom and shutting the door silently behind him.

The note by the door made him uncomfortable. He picked it up and placed it on the table with a small note on top of it that says in James elegant handwriting compared to Alex’s horrible scribbles, “I shall pick this up tomorrow during your time in classes.” With that he left the clean crisp piece of paper with his brilliant handwriting on top of the crumpled poorly written note of Alex’s and left.

Before she was awake, James was back in her house the next morning in his butler attire and making breakfast. The alarm of his mistress went off and he knew she would be up and moving soon and his prep-work began on the early Friday morning. “Good morning.” He said giving her a deep polite bow after she had finished up her morning routine and entered the kitchen. After she sat down, he poured her a fresh cup of tea and placed her Friday morning breakfast in front of her but made no mention of the note sitting only inches away. If she didn’t want him to go, she would say so. But Friday he didn’t have any classes so he would spend the day home cleaning and doing her laundry along with a few thing around his place as well; including unpacking the boxes.

Freya didn't stir much as she was moved from the couch to her bed. The next thing she knew, her alarm was going off and she groaned, opening her eyes to find her vision blurred for a moment, before clearing up faster than she realized. Reaching instinctively for her glasses on the night table, she blinked, feeling them on her face from last night. Gah. She had to do better about that. But...wait. Wasn't she with James last night? On the couch? She groaned as she pulled herself from bed.

After her morning routine was finished, she emerged in her chosen outfit for the day. Rubbing her eyes, she looked at James as she sat at the table, thanking him for the breakfast. "Hey, James..? What happened last night? I woke up in my bed, but I swore I was last on the couch." She asked, as she ate a forkful of the scrambled eggs and sausage that she had cut into smaller pieces. Freya rubbed her eyes, still trying to fully wake up. The warmth of the food helped her, as it settled into her stomach. Reaching to grab her tea, her eyes caught sight of a crumpled piece of paper, and a crisp one. She instantly recognized James' handwriting and picked it up, taking a slow sip of the warm beverage, her eyes scanning over its content.

Upon reading it, she glanced up towards him over the rim of her cup. "Ah..," She thought a moment. "I can go and grab it after class. It'll be over near the classroom building, anyway. I don't want you to go out of the way." She smiled, and placed James' note down and folded up the crumpled note that Alex had left. It would be a good chance to try to smooth things over with Alex since when he was last over things did kind of get awkward. She wouldn't go by herself, and thought about a solution to that without having to get James interacting with him. She knew that James would be fine doing it, but she still felt uneasy about having the two of them interact without others.

"I'll text Dianne. She'll accompany me - besides we can just head over after class today." Giving pause, she glanced around the apartment, and put a finger up to her lips, in thought. "I might have Dianne join me when I come home for lunch this afternoon. Can you prepare an extra serving of what you have planned for her, please?" Freya finished her breakfast and stood up, giving a well needed stretch before going to go grab her backpack from her room. Once she re-emerged, she smiled towards James. "Does that sound alright with you?"

When she asked what happened last night, he felt his cheeks turn a soft shade of pink. How did he explain exactly that she fell asleep against him and he waited about twenty minutes before carrying her to her bedroom. “I escorted you to your bedroom…” He tried to answer in the most appropriate way possible since he was currently in ‘butler mode’.

His body tensed when she said she would go to see him and retrieve the notes herself. But he almost visually relaxed when she said that she would text Dianne and she would go with her. Nodding in agreement he give her a small bow with this head, “I will prepare lunch for two.” He said with a nod.

----

Saturday morning arrived and Freya’s house gently swayed, the smell of classic pancakes filled the apartment before a knock echoed on the door. Without waiting too long the figure entered inside and proceeded to jump onto the bed. “Freya good morning sleepy head!” Annie had arrived in her made outfit and had taken over for James on the weekend. “Get up sleepy-head! Today’s a girl’s day!” She said with a giggle before giving the bed a few more bounces and climbed off.

Walking to the closet she threw it open and began to shift through her clothes. “Freya dear… we need to talk you clothes shopping… this? Really?” She pulled out a ratty old sweater. “How do you expect to impress a certain guy if you wear this…?” She pulled out another thing and shook her head. “No no no, this won’t do.” Turning her attention back to the closet and pulled out an outfit for the day and laughed softly laying it on the nearby chair. She placed her hands on her hips, her deep brown eyes twinkling down at her sleepy looking friend.

“I’ll step outside so you can change than we’ll get you some breakfast. I want to hear all about how it’s been.” With that Annie stepped out into the hallway.

From the other side of the wall near Freya’s bed, a cough could be heard.

Hearing that he simply escorted her, Freya nodded. Upon exiting the apartment, she had sent the text off to Dianne who responded quickly in confirmation before she had even gotten all the way down the stairs. Her first class went by quickly, as her and Dianne stopped by Alex's afterwards to gather the notes. He looked a bit surprised that Dianne was tagging along, but passed the missed information to her anyway. It went over smoother than she had intended - but Freya was glad.Her biggest worry was that Alex would be cold towards her after what had happened. Her stomach growled, as did Dianne's, sending the girls into a giggling fit.

"Haha, let's head to my apartment. I asked James this morning to get lunch all ready for you this afternoon since it's been a while." Freya smiled. Dianne grinned obviously excited. "Oh, yay! James really knows his way in the kitchen!" The girls headed into the apartment, and once they had eaten their fill, relaxed until their next classes came up.

Just like that though, the weekend came upon them.

----

Freya gasped as her world was literally rocked, sending her shooting upwards in a frenzy. "Huh? Wh-What?" Freya had to blink a few times to realize what just happened, or who jumped onto her bed. "Uhm...Alice?" She guessed, stretching her arms up in a yawn. "What are you doing here?" However, hearing that it was a girls day, Freya blinked in surprise. "Oh?" She knew she couldn't lay back down with Alice here, and pulled the blankets off her and moving to the edge of the bed, watching as Annie moved towards her closet.

At the mention of her clothes, Freya's face flushed in embarrassment. "I haven't had much girl time." She tried to defend, opening her mouth to protest at Annie's teasing about her dressing to impress. However, Annie and her loved shopping and simply unwinding together, so Freya simply smiled as Annie had picked something she deemed suitable for Freya and headed out. "Of course, of course." She nodded with a wave to Annie's request for details. She stood up and got changed into the outfit that had been picked out for her after showering, jumping slightly at the coughing sound that she heard near the bed. "What?" She moved over to try to investigate, but figured maybe she was just hearing things. With a quick look again, she headed out towards where Annie was and sat down at the table, her eyes gleaming at the look of the pancakes that Annie made. "Oh it's been forever since I've had your cooking, Annie." She grinned. "James is taking this weekend off, huh?" She asked, pouring syrup onto her stack before beginning to eat. "So, what all did you wan to know?" She asked with a grin.

(Sorry on the delay!)

“Oh please, Annie your cooking is still great.” She smiled. Freya couldn’t help agreeing with Annie in fact, that if he wasn’t made into taking it easy, James would never do it. However, at the mention that he wasn’t’ feeling well, some concern flashed over her face. Had he been ill for a while now and just not told her? Maybe it was the cold night out at the fair? The beeping caught her attention, couldn’t helping herself but to giggle as Annie read her message aloud. “He does take extra precaution to be diligent.” She grinned.

At the mention of boys, her cheeks burned. “W-Wow you wasted no time, did you?” She laughed. “Well, there’s this guuuuuy,” She began with a giggle. “He’s a pretty amazing cook you know? We’ve been hanging out a lot, turns out he lives in the same building as me, too! Though we’re here for different areas of study. We’ve had a pretty nice time outside of school obligations, and went to a fair and got new outfits, so that was pretty neat!” She thought a moment, and continued. “Oh, right! He also made sure I got home alright, and proceeded to give me a sunflower! It was super sweet.” She smiled.

However, she was sure Annie would be asking if anyone was giving her any trouble as well, and she sighed. “I don’t know about trouble, but there’s a guy who didn’t really mesh well with the guy that I’m pretty interested in. They got in the same room, and this other guy was totally kidding around but he had me by the waist since I was trying to get dishes out of the cabinets. You know I’m short so I had to climb on the counter, like this.” She stood up and demonstrated. “So, I was up here minding my business because the guy I like was nice enough to grab blankets for everyone ‘cause we were having a movie night with another girl I met from class.” She summed up. “So, he grabs me around my waist. It freaks me out. I’m not used to other people touching me like that. So…I screamed." Freya sighed, getting down from the counter and running a hand through her hair, her face red in embarrassment now.

"But! The guy I like heard it and next thing I knew, I was bridal style! It was insane! And then he had the nerve to scold me!” She pouted with an exhale. “But…Yeah. One boy that’s not-so-interesting, and the other that is incredibly so!” Freya giggled. “Knowing you though Annie, you probably want names, right? I mean, I’m sure you know since you’re awesome. But…still.” She laughed.

Annie sat back and listened to her friend’s story. A small smile was across her full lips as she listened to her friend pretty much tell her she was interested in her brother. This was slightly awkward to hear about her brother. Not to mention that Freya was technically his mistress until otherwise stated by her father or she fired him. A small sigh left her as she stood up and patted the spot where Freya had been sitting prior. “Sit down honey we need to talk.” With that she stepped out of the room for a moment before returning with a brush and a hair tie.

Once Freya sat down, Annie began to delicately brush her hair. “I think you need to know something. It’s kind of important and I don’t want to hinder your feelings towards… your certain someone.” She said as if trying to hide the fact that she had picked up on it now. Annie’s strokes of brushing Freya’s hair were one of a trained and well-practiced manner. Taking in a small breathe she began her story.

“One day, a long time ago; a brother and a sister were working for a master. A master who was kind and wonderful when the siblings arrived, granting the brother a job as a butler and the sister as a maid despite her lack of experience. The two worked there for a few years before something odd started to happen. The master started to show more interest in the sister, interest that wasn’t supposed to happen between a master and a maid. While the sister did her best to ignore it, the master kept up the actions. One day, when the sister was cleaning the library, a loose small bookshelf fell on her and pinned her to the ground. The master found her like that and began to…” Annie’s voice stumbled as she placed the brush down on the table and began to work her hands through her long hair. “Touch her in unwanted fashions. Before things got too far, the sister’s cries for help was met by her brother breaking down the locked library door. When the brother arrived into the room the sight he saw was one a loving brother would never want to see and he… he snapped.”

A long sigh left Annie as she continued, her fingers braiding Freya’s hair in a trained manner. “He doesn’t remember much of what happened but the sister saw it all. The master was beaten badly and knocked out. The brother lifted the bookcase off of his sister before grabbing the master’s chair in one hand and in his other dragging the already naked man by his arm out of the manor and into the town square nearby. It was late at night and the brother tied the naked master to the chair and wrote “rapist”’ on his chest and forehead; the master was found the next morning. For obvious reasons, the siblings left their employers but the brother was arrested and put into prison for a few years.”

“Upon the brother’s release, the sister had gone to school for training as a maid and it wasn’t until they were sitting on a park bench, out of options for employment because their former master had ruined the siblings’ reputation saying the sister attempted to seduce him for his fortune and the brother always had violent tendencies, they were approached by a head butler to offer them both a job.” A sigh left her as she wrapped the braid up behind Freya’s head. “The brother and sister are incredibly happy and very in-debt to the people who took them in. But what their former master said were lies about them. Especially the brother, the brother never had violent tendencies but, when he loves someone, and cares about someone; he feels the need to protect them and will do whatever he can to insure their happiness and their safety. His love is unconditionally and completely devoted so please, know that the brother is a great person and will keep anyone safe.”

Leaning down she gave her friend a hug from behind before pulling back and patting her on the head. “Story time is over. Now; obviously you can take care of yourself but I have a strange feeling that being here, and with me, isn’t exactly where you want to be.” Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a single key and placed it on the table. “Something tells me the person you want to visit won’t let you in unless you have a key… so I might accidentally leave my key here…”

James rolled over in bed, a large cough leaving him as he slowly sat up, his horizontal stripped PJs hanging loosely off of his pale body. Annie said that he wasn’t contagious but that he was just exhausted and now he was thirsty. His body moved slowly through his apartment and he stumbled to stay standing. Finally making it to the kitchen, James leaned feeling exhausted against the fridge door. All he wanted was hot chocolate and he was tired just getting into the kitchen. Boy he was sick…

Her brows came together with a bit of worry. Annie wasn’t one to be serious most of the time, which is why the two usually ended up goofing around for hours on end when they were left alone unsupervised. Moving to sit in the chair, she watched Annie leave before coming back with a brush and hair tie. Freya noticed the language that Annie was using and nodded. “Of course.”

Listening to the story, at first Freya thought she was referencing her own father at first, since the places that they had in the beginning were both positions that they pretty much held now for the most part. Very quickly, Freya frowned as she put together that it was in fact, a former employer that Annie was describing. Her fingers gently curled into fists at this information, her eyes moving to focus on different things, while her mind kept listening. As Annie sighed, Freya glanced towards the brush that she had put down and closed her eyes.

She couldn’t blame what the brother did, she was actually surprised something worse didn’t transpire from that. The boy most likely did time because of words the former employer did. Sighing, she wasn’t sure when would be a good place to interject, or even give some form of understanding commentary. She was glad that they were with her family, now. She wished that her being able to interact with the pair didn't have to come with the horrible things of their past, but she knew there was no changing what had happened before they came into her life. James wasn’t a violent person. Freya knew this, and as Annie’s story winded down, she smiled and gently squeezed Annie’s arms as they embraced her. However, Freya began a protest.

“Annie, I haven’t seen you in a good while! It’s not that I don’t want to be here spending time with you.” It didn’t seem like Annie would be swayed though, as she placed a key on the table. “Honestly, you could try listening a little bit.” She stuck her tongue out and retrieved the key that Annie had set down. “…Even so. Thanks, Annie.” She smiled, and gave her a quick squeeze. “I should probably head over. Knowing James, he’s probably trying to do something productive.” She chuckled, and headed out of the apartment, and into James’ next door. The key clicked after she turned it and she pushed the door open, closing it behind her with a click.

Coming around the entrance hallway, Freya shook her head as she saw a pajama-clad James leaning on the fridge. “Honestly, James.” She began with a giggle. “You look terrible.” Freya smiled in a somewhat knowing fashion, and began looking through the cabinets, getting two mugs and after a bit more searching, emerged victorious with hot chocolate packets. “I need to get into the fridge, James.” Freya gently helped him into a nearby chair. Once he was settled, she grabbed the milk and put some into a small saucepan to help warm it gently, before returning it. The milk didn’t take long to heat, and she quickly mixed up two glasses of hot chocolate, before placing it in front of him, and taking a seat herself. “What were you doing out of bed, mister?” She asked, with a slightly scolding tone as she blew onto her drink before consuming some.

The door behind him opened and he let out a long sigh, ready to lecture his sister about leaving her post. That was until he heard the voice behind him. Despite his face being so pale, he felt his cheeks turn red with embarrassment. His body was too exhausted as he leaned against the fridge and watched her go through his cabinets. She was here… she had a key… oh Annie was going to get it when he saw her again. At her statement of the fact that he looked terrible, his blue gaze hit the floor… here comes the lectures.

Knowing full well that arguing was pointless, he followed her instructions and sat down at his table. Head moving slightly he watched her make his hot coco. The dread in the pit of his stomach pulled, even though it was his day off, she was still his mistress and she was making hot coco for him. A small sigh left him as he turned his guilt-filled gaze to the table in front of him. Adrian would have his hands around James’ throat if he knew this was happening right now. Even the mere thought of that happening made James feel even more ill.

However her gentle placement of the hot coco in front of him and even her scolding caused a small smile to move across his face, “I got thirsty…” He said softly as he wrapped his cold hands around the mug. His body was freezing but his head was on fire; the warmth of the cup filling his body as he took a gentle drink. A small ‘mmmmm’ echoed in his throat as the warmth flowed through him. “Where’s Annie?” He asked softly into the cup, “She was supposed to take my place today. I’m sorry…” His head hung in disappointment as his blue gaze landed at the hot coco in his hands. “I’m a horrible butler…”

Freya didn’t want to dig into James too much. Laughing at his reasoning, she shook her head as she blew over the cup in her hands. “You should have called, then. What if you hurt yourself?” Her gaze flickered towards James’ shoulders, which caught her attention as they shook slightly. Her brows furrowed, a little agitated at herself. Right – He was sick. Why was she sitting and having hot chocolate like it was a normal day? She could only chalk it up to a habit. Putting the cup down onto the table, she stood and motioned for James not to really fight her on it. “C’mon. You can drink that under some blankets, yeah?” Smiling, she waited until he had gotten up to wrap her arm around his waist to hold him more securely to her as they journeyed down the hall. “You’re so cold! I can feel it through your pajamas!” She teased with a grin.

Arriving at the bed, Freya couldn’t help but laugh as she saw that he had made his bed upon exiting. No rest for him, it seemed. Pulling the sheets back, she eased James down and after he got settled in, pulled the blankets back over him. “One sec.” She raised a finger, and left the room, returning momentarily before returning the warm cup to his hands. Looking about, she drummed her fingers onto the side of her own up in thought. Remembering that he has asked her something and she had yet to answer it, Freya coughed. “Oh, right! Annie came by already and cleaned and we had a good chat.” She smiled.

The look on his face made her frown and she gently thumped his forehead. “Hey. She did. But we both thought it would be great if someone was here to make sure you were alright. It’s no secret you’re stubborn. Look how I found you.” She sighed. “A horrible butler? Maybe in the sense you didn’t let me know you were feeling unwell. I wouldn’t have asked for your help as often, or even had you working to be honest.” Freya gave a heavier sigh, putting her cup down a little harder than intended, leaning over James.

“But! If we are talking as friends, then yes - you’re a horrible friend.” She didn’t stay leaned over him long, and simply moved back, sitting on the edge of the bed, gazing at her lap. “…Maybe I’m the horrible friend. I didn’t even know you were feeling unwell!” She groaned, running a hand through her fringe. “I’m going to make up for it, though!” She determined with a clenched fist. “I’m going to be a better friend than I have been. And..” Freya paused, her eyes looking over James for a moment. “And..a better mistress or boss to you. I should know if something is wrong. I’m around you like…all the time.” It seemed that she was pouting at this point, more than she was angry. “I’ll stay until you feel better. We’re friends right now, so don’t be weird.” She stuck her tongue out towards him, feeling that he would try to weasel his way out of her helping.

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.”

Feeling James’ hand on her shoulder, Freya’s gaze looked to it, surprised at the gentle squeeze. Surely other people who had butlers and maids and other hired help cared about their well-being? From what Annie had told her of their last employer, not everyone was concerned for them as she was. She was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in a household that bled kindness towards others, no matter if they were the head of International Affairs, or simply the janitor at a hotel. Everyone had a story, and hopes and dreams. She couldn’t help the slight color on her cheeks at James’ admission of his feelings towards her. He didn’t...mean that in that way...did he? She had opened her mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. Now wasn’t the time for questions. At least...not of those kind.

At his stubborn realization, she couldn’t help but nod eagerly in agreement. “Definitely.” She smiled. Her brown eyes widened slightly as James came closer to her, his forehead so cold. Her brows furrowed with some concern. Such mixed emotions, he was saying such wonderful things to her, but he was so sick. She was so happy she thought she could cry, and sniffled, doing her best not to at the moment. James needed her attention, and if he even thought she was even slightly upset there would be no turning back. Freya couldn’t help rubbing at her cheeks as they deepened in color. “J-James...” She wanted him to be comfortable, but she couldn’t stay sitting like this for hours while he napped. Gently kissing his hair, she stood, removing her shoes. “Let’s get comfortable so you can get some rest, alright? See if you feel better now that you’ve got some warm drink in you.”

Freya climbed onto the bed, shifting so that she was comfortable against some pillows, and gently pulled James back so he was resting against her, her hands tugging the blanket up to keep him warm. “This way you won’t even think about getting cold.” She smiled. “Are you comfortable? If not I could always give you some pillows. Or we could move until you’re better situated.” Her fingers gently weaved through his dark locks in a repetitive fashion, and she began humming a soft tune while she waited.

James was a rather pathetic sick person. His mannerisms changed to one of that of a child, wanting attention and to be held despite his lack of social-ness when he was well. Yet here he was laying his head against his mist… his friend’s shoulder and non-verbally begging her to stay with him. It was almost humorous to think that she considered herself a bad friend when he wasn’t even communicating with her properly as a friend. Then again he had to do his job and do it to the best of his abilities. Could he really mold their friendship and his work together so that she could have the relationship she wanted with him? His stomach clenched at the thought, fearing he’d overstep on bounds or another and cause some problems… somewhere.

When she got up to move, his face dropped to one of sadness. She was leaving? No! NO! He opened his mouth about the argue her into staying before she said that they would get comfortable. Letting out a small sigh of relief he gave her a gentle nod, a little kind smile moved across his sick face.

After they got onto the bed and she asked if he was comfortable, his face crunched in thought. “No…” He responded softly. Throwing the covers off of him he scooped her into his arms and pulled her down flat onto the bed. Once she was laying down, he cuddled up to her, his head resting on her shoulder, his arms wrapped around her and his leg wrapped around hers. His toned body pressed against hers in his pajamas as he breathed softly against her neck. “I want to be closer…” He whispered to her as he reached down and pulled the covers over them. “Is this okay?” It didn’t occur to him that he had actually just done it without asking. Oops…

“No?” She asked, and went to move, but James quickly tossed off the blankets and before she knew it, she was laying on her back with his body against hers. Her face went red, and she had to take a moment to process what just happened. She couldn’t help shivering lightly feeling his breath on her neck. However, he asked her after the fact if it was alright. Glancing towards him, she couldn’t really say no. He looked really comfortable, and sleep was vital if he was going to make any steps towards recovery. She nodded silently, and after getting over her nerves, she managed to fall asleep as well.

Groaning softly, she woke a few hours later, checking the time. She turned her attention to James who still had her in his grasp and gently pried herself from his grip, putting her hand on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to be going down a little…Looking at the clock again, she pulled the blankets back up onto James before heading into the kitchen. Opening the cabinets, she looked for something she could make. He didn’t really have much in his cabinets. Was it mostly because he did his cooking in her apartment? Deciding she could take a quick trip over, she went next door and gathered some items to make a soup for his lunch. Returning with a few bags, she set them on the counter, and got to work prepping the items. She didn’t cook as often as James, but she still was able to feed herself if needed. He wouldn’t need something incredibly heavy. She wasn’t even sure if he had been experiencing an upset stomach, but she wasn’t getting any indication of that being true. Still, she wanted something light…A tried and true method – she was going to go ahead and make chicken noodle soup for him.

She began preparing the chicken, vegetables, and herbs, before beginning to cook. She cooked the chicken, taking the extra time to shred it into more manageable pieces before going to combine everything. Taking care to sauté the vegetables in the pan she found until they were tender, before adding seasoning and the chicken with some stock. Waiting for it to all come together, she added the noodles she had last so they wouldn’t fall apart too much in the broth. Opening the cabinets, she found two bowls and readied them up, glad to also find crackers in the pantry. They would also be easy on his stomach. Putting the two bowls on a tray she brought two glasses of water with her before returning to the bedroom. Putting the tray on the table beside the bed, she gently shook James awake. “Hey, sleepyhead. I made lunch. Let’s get something warm inside you, yeah?” Freya smiled and once he was sitting up, she made sure to set the tray in front of him, not wanting to put the hot bowl directly on his lap. Picking up her bowl with a potholder underneath it, she gently blew on the soup before beginning to eat. “I figured something not heavy would help your stomach. Besides, everyone loves chicken noodle soup when they’re feeling unwell.” She smiled, and looked about for his remote. “Maybe we can put on a movie while we eat?” She asked, reaching over to grab it and set up Netflix. “What to watch…” She browed for a moment, and put on “Mulan 2” since James was feeling under the weather. He usually was always up for watching Disney movies, and the humor might be good for him, especially with Ling and his chopstick nose trick. She had left during the movie to get another bowl for herself, and went to get James another as well when he finished. Settling back down, she crumbled some of her crackers into her second bowl. Halfway through, she looked over towards him. “Are you feeling a little better than earlier?”

Things were peaceful in his mind as he held the young woman against him. Her scent was peaceful and relaxing and soon he drifted off to sleep holding her in his arms. The young man’s mind faded into nothing as he disappeared into a deep slumber holding the once person he wanted to hold in his arms.

His body turned as he felt something shake him. A small whine left him as his eyes cracked open and he found Freya sitting next to the bed. It wasn’t until he sat upright and found her placing a bowl on a tray in front of him that he rubbed his eyes in both sleepiness and surprise. Man… he really was pathetic as he had to have his own mistress take care of him while he was ill. His body shifted into the seated position and slowly he followed her steps in eating. “Thank you.” He said softly as his eyes fell on the television to see that she had put on Mulan 2. A small chuckle left him as the scenes unfold and the soup warmed him up.

He was slowly finishing up his soup before he moved to his crackers. Unlike a lot of other people, he ate with the delicate manners of someone who was of a high class. Mainly because he had served high class people so long that he took on their eating habits. Her question pulled his deep blue gaze from the television to her. A small closed lip smile curled his fine lips, “Yes, I’d say about 50% better. Thank you. And I… I apologize for earlier…” He said, his cheeks turning red in embarrassment.