The Butler
This is a story about a gay man and his adventure to find love. It's only a two day adventure, but an adventure non the less. The prompt was given to me by my awesome cousin who knows I have a thing about writing gay things, and wanted something completely random and pointless. I have altered and added onto the prompt, but mostly she did the idea making. Hope you enjoy it XD (Also, sorry for the abrupt ending.)
Two years later, I sit here wondering what the hell I wrote. Still enjoy it though XD Especially after fixing a bunch of small mistakes.
“Mr. Thorton, I’ve brought your Iced Tea.”
“Thank you, James, and how many times do I have to tell you, call me David,” said David as he graciously took the drink from James.
“My apologies, Mr. Thorton, but that would be too informal for my position.”
“Well, keep it in mind. I do prefer it greatly to Mr. Thorton.” He smiled back to the butler.
James left the room and went onto whatever household chore was to be done. David turned back to the screen in front of himself and continued typing his book. He was shocked too see that he had zoned out and written about James. David had hired James as his butler two months previous and had since developed feelings for him. He read what he had written and erased it all. His feelings for James were deeper than he had realized.
David jumped in his seat when there was a knock on the door. “Who is it?”
“Annabelle,” a soft voice said as the door opened.
“Oh. Hello. What brings you here?” David asked as he kissed her cheeks.
“You’re my brother and I want to see you.” She stopped when she read his expression of ‘oh really,’ and then continued. “I was worried. You’ve been locked in this house for weeks, just writing. I’m taking you for some fresh air and a bite to eat. You need a break from your book.”
“Well, I’m almost done. Besides, James is already preparing my lun-”
“Nope. No excuses. Off we go. Oh, and grab a jacket; it’s awfully nippy out.”
David grabbed his brown sweater and the two siblings headed outside. “Are you going out sir?” James asked as David and Annabelle stepped out the door.
"Oh, yes. This is Annabelle, my sister. We’re going off for lunch. I shall return shortly.”
James nodded his head towards the two adults. “Is there anything you wish to be done upon your return, Sir?”
“Not really, I think you may have the afternoon off until my return.”
James nodded again and turned to go to his quarters.
As David and Annabelle took their seats in La Grenouille Verte, Annabelle began a series of questions. “David, do you have a lady in your life?”
“No.”
“You’re 27 and not yet with a woman? David, you must go out more. Tell me, how is your book coming along?”
“Well, it’s going great. It’s the same old mystery style, as ever. You’ll have to wait until it’s on shelves. You’re not getting any hints,” David replied with a smile.
“You should have many women at your feet, being such an accomplished author. How do you manage to stay single for so long?”
“Oh, believe me, I have women at my feet,” he replied, trying to dodge the real question.
“So…?”
Unable to avoid the question he answered it with a sigh. “Annabelle, honey, I don’t like women.”
Raising her voice, as loud as appropriate in such a high class restaurant, she replied. “You’re…gay!? You disgusting piece of garbage. How can you be attracted to men? You are a gentleman, you like females. You will marry and have children, and I will have it no other way.”
“Annabelle, I cannot control who I desire. I see no wrong in loving another man. You yourself are attracted to men, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am! How could you ask me such a question as that? I have my eyes set on a very lovely man right now. It will be no time before he sees my beauty and sweeps me off my feet. You, on the other hand, will never find love and will rot in hell,” Annabelle said, slamming her fists into the table. At that very moment David stood up with a very hurt expression and went back home, leaving Annabelle to dine on her own.
---
David slammed the door to his mansion, startling James. James descended the stairs to inspect what was happening, but an angry David ran into him.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Thorton, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“My sister. I do not understand her train of thought. Please James, if you will, keep Annabelle out of this house.”
“Of course, Sir,” said the butler with a nod as he stepped sideways to let David past.
“James?”
“Yes Mr. Thorton?”
“Prepare me some tea, for two. I wish for you to dine with me in my study.”
“Yes Mr. Thorton.”
“David, James. It’s David,” said he while escalating the stairs to his study.
David moved his books off the small table and cleared two chairs for the men to sit in. He took off his glasses and cleared them on his sweater. He put the glasses back on his face and took a seat, facing the door to greet James. Just as David sat down the butler walked in.
“I’ve brought your tea, Mr. Thorton.” He said as he placed the small tray on the table.
“David. And thank you.”
“Why do you desire that I call you David?”
“Because that is my name.”
“So is Mr. Thorton, though you don’t accept it as such.”
“Well, yes, but do I call you Mr. Rush?”
“If you wish to, you may.”
“No, you’re James, as I am David,” he said as he rubbed his hands together. “Please, take a seat. I need company in this dreary hour of mine.”
James did as told and took a glass of the freshly brewed chi tea.
“You know what saddens me?” David asked.
“What, Sir?”
“David.” He said quickly before continuing. “People's lack of respect for personal decisions. I am causing no harm to anyone, and yet I receive very little respect. Not from you of course. You’re dear to me.”
“Uh, David, if you don’t mind my asking, what is the nature of your problem?” James asked while sipping his tea.
“Hum, well, my sister does not fancy who I fancy. Does that make sense?”
“You mean she wishes you to leave your partner? I was not aware you had a partner.”
“No, no. I do not. She- How should I put this? She wishes me to marry and have children, for that is the rule of nature. I wish to find a mate for life, in whom it will not be possible to conceive, though perhaps adoption would be nice.” David took a sip of his tea, but it scolded his tongue, so he set it down again.
“I do not completely follow, Mr. Thorton.”
“David. You’ve said it once, you can say it again,” he said while grabbing for a biscuit in replace of the tea. “I, James, like men. And to Annabelle, that is a sin and a breach from the world. I am a disgrace of human kind in her eyes. I do not understand why t’is such a horrible crime.
“Oh. Well, David I have dealt with the same issue, from my parents. I myself do not understand either, but it is nice to know I’m not alone.”
“You’re gay too?” David couldn’t believe his ears. May he have a chance with James?
“Yes. I made my mind at the age of seventeen, ten years ago. Did not fare me well. I wish you better luck.”
“I do hope so. I myself have hidden until, well, today. You could perhaps be of great service to me. I thank you James. You are oh so dear to me.”
“So you said,” replied James while sipping his tea. After the day had wound down, the two men retired to their slumber.
---
David awoke at 6:30am sharp with a sudden jerk. He threw his eyes open and sighed at his realization. He had dreamt of James - in a rather vulgar manner. He slid out of his large bed and went straight for his shower.
Upon hearing the shower, James woke from his own slumber. He prepared himself for the new day’s work. After hearing the shower’s water come to an abrupt halt, he went downstairs to begin preparations on David’s breakfast.
“You’re up early this morning, Mr, oh, uh, David, sorry,” said the butler when David entered the room.
“A strange dream woke me up. It is not one I wish to discuss though. Sorry on that note. However, I appreciate your efforts in my name, thank you,” said David while he buttered his toast. He fought hard not to blush, for the thoughts of his dream were still fresh in his mind.
“I will get it, I’m sure,” replied James with a chuckle. “Do you have any plans for the day?”
“I am feeling up to a stroll in the park, before sitting in my study for countless hours writing."
“Do you wish for me to tidy your room for you whilst you are out?”
“No!” David replied a slight bit too intensely. “I will tidy my room on my own before I go. I’ll keep your work light for the day.”
“If you wish it. Thank you.”
The two men sat together eating eggs and toast. Very little conversation was passed. After the meal David scrambled to his room to clean up the evidence of his ‘accident.’
After David finished tidying his room he grabbed his sweater and went downstairs. “I’ll be back in a short bit, James,” He shouted as he opened the door. He was shocked to see that Annabelle had been sitting solemnly on the front steps. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to set you straight.” She said while peering through the partially open door. “Though I was hoping to have a chat with James, he is oh so wonderful.” Her thin fingers twisted through her light blonde hair.
“You wanted to see James? What ever for?”
“I told you I had someone in mind. He looks of nice age, and his appearance is swell. I love the way his hair mops over his eyes,” she said with a soft sigh before continuing. “He has so many great qualities, such as house work, and --”
“Well why don’t you go and talk to him then?” David said while pointing inside, knowing James was gay, and Annabelle therefore had no chance with the man that he himself wanted.
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“He won’t let me in.”
“Oh yes. He certainly is good with his job.” David laughed, remembering his most recent request. “Well, I’m off. Bye then!” He said with a short wave next to his head.
David enjoyed walking in the park. The birds chirping in the trees while squirrels screamed to shoo them off. He liked to see children playing, such joy in their eyes. He looked up at the darkening sky when a large drop of water landed on his shoulder. He sighed and continued walking, determined not to let the rain stop him from enjoying his day. After his hour long walk he returned home to get back to work on his novel.
“Welcome back, David.” James greeted him at the door.
“Hello James. Would you be so kind as to bring me up some hot tea?”
“Of course. Oh, and another thing. Annabelle has been trying to come in a lot today. I haven’t been allowing it, on your wishes, but is there anything else you would like me to do?”
“Have a short conversation with her, maybe she’ll be satisfied and leave.”
James wasn’t sure why having a conversation would encourage her to leave, but he agreed to the request.
---
“David?” A voice asked.
David lifted his head and realized he had fallen asleep while writing. James was gently waking him and handing him a cup of steaming tea. “Yeah? Oh, sorry.”
“I need your help.”
“Oh,” said David, a little surprised. “What with?”
“I think your sister likes me,” he replied, rubbing his hands through his moppy hair. “I was talking to her, like you suggested, and she kissed my cheek. She left her number in my back pocket as well.”
“Well…hum. I’m not exactly sure what to do. I could talk to her I guess.”
"I’m sorry. It just doesn’t feel right having her do this. Normally I could fix this on my own, but she’s your sister, and I don’t want to hurt her.”
“No, no. You’re being great about this. I’ll let her know to leave you alone.”
“Thank you.”
---
After supper David decided to give Annabelle a ring.
“Hello?”
“Annabelle? It’s David.”
“Yes. I have caller I.D.”
“I’m calling on behalf of James.”
“Oh, what does he have to say? Is he doing well?”
“He’s fine, though there is one issue.”
“Yes, what is it? Did I give him the wrong number?”
“No. He doesn’t have feelings for you Annabelle.”
“Well that was blunt. Though he does, he let me kiss him.”
“On the cheek. Then he complained, and he never complains.”
“Maybe I should come speak to him.”
“No, he wishes for you to leave him alone, as do I.”
“Well this sucks. Aren’t I pretty? Why doesn’t he like me?”
“I’m not sure I should answer that. I’m sorry Annabelle. Yes you are pretty, but it doesn’t make a difference to him.”
She let out a huff of air. “Well you can tell him I’m angry, and make sure he knows just how angry.”
David was about to reply when the line went dead. Annabelle had hung up on him. He went downstairs to tell James that he had dealt with the situation. He looked around and found him putting the dishes back into the cupboards.
“James!” He said in a happy tone. “Annabelle should be leaving you alone now.”
“Fabulous.”
“Fabulous? Really?”
“Yes, fabulous. I’m in a good mood today, so I will use good words.”
“I’m in a great mood today.”
“‘Great mood,’ your code for ‘I need some scotch.’”
“You know me so well. I’d love some.” He said as James opened a large cabinet full of beverages. “Pour a glass for yourself as well.”
“Myself?”
“Yes, just because you work for me doesn’t mean you can’t have a drink with me.”
James poured the two glasses and slid one to David.
“Thank you.”
The two men stood in silence, drinking.
“Another.”
James poured them each another glass.
“I’m going to put some music on. Tonight can be the night you let loose and stop being so professional. We are going to drink…and dance.”
James was surprised at the offer, but did not decline. David turned on a CD he had made, consisting of Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, and some other British music that was nice to dance to. David started dancing, trying to get James to join him. After much persuasion James began to dance as well. They both had a scotch in one hand, and each other’s free hand in the other.
After David had finished his third drink he put his glass down and danced even harder. The alcohol coursing its way through his body, and making its way to his brain. David grabbed James and pulled him into a kiss.
“What are you doing?” James asked while gently pushing away.
David closed his eyes and sighed. “I though that maybe…I don’t know. I’ve just wanted to do that for a while.”
James pulled David into a soft hug and kissed him back. The two melted into each other. Their hands were all over one another’s bodies. After a few minutes of their not-so-gentle embrace they heard a loud crash that sounded along the lines of breaking glass. They pulled apart to see Annabelle throwing plates and bowls at them, only narrowly missing each time.
“Annabelle! What the fuck are you doing?” David shouted, using language that very rarely slipped his tongue.
“How could you? You know full well of my feelings towards him, and now you go and corrupt him into a filthy, rotten being such as yourself,” she said through the tears streaming down her pale skin.
“Corrupted?”
Annabelle threw another plate and hit David in the leg. He cried out in pain. James reached for the phone to call the police. She threw another plate, aiming for James, but it smashed into the wall.
“Annabelle, stop! This is insane madness! I never ‘corrupted’ anyone. You don’t know James, and you have no idea how I feel towards him. You cannot claim a person.”
“I can get over losing your butler; there are many other men. I just can’t get over the fact that you yourself like men and him now too. How could you do this to our family? You nasty piece of shit!”
“Annabelle, I’ve always been gay. He didn’t convert me or anything. I don’t see how you could be so cruel. He’s not harming anyone with his decision. You don’t need to be throwing dishes at us. We are of no threat to the world.” James stepped in to try and help.
“You two are following the biggest sin. I hope you know you will rot in Hell.”
“Then let us. Maybe we’ll be happier there, where we’re allowed to be ourselves.”
Annabelle had run out of things to say and left, only to find herself in the custody of a large cop. All of them discussed the events of the evening, and the policeman took Annabelle in for a few days of prison time, and a couple months worth of rehab for her violence and homophobia. After the evening had passed, David and James had found new love in each other, and became a couple. David even dedicated his new book to James. Life passed much happier to the now ‘out of the closet’ author, and the newly respected butler.
Two years later James and David married, and shortly after that adopted a baby boy named Kalvin.
Two years later, I sit here wondering what the hell I wrote. Still enjoy it though XD Especially after fixing a bunch of small mistakes.
“Mr. Thorton, I’ve brought your Iced Tea.”
“Thank you, James, and how many times do I have to tell you, call me David,” said David as he graciously took the drink from James.
“My apologies, Mr. Thorton, but that would be too informal for my position.”
“Well, keep it in mind. I do prefer it greatly to Mr. Thorton.” He smiled back to the butler.
James left the room and went onto whatever household chore was to be done. David turned back to the screen in front of himself and continued typing his book. He was shocked too see that he had zoned out and written about James. David had hired James as his butler two months previous and had since developed feelings for him. He read what he had written and erased it all. His feelings for James were deeper than he had realized.
David jumped in his seat when there was a knock on the door. “Who is it?”
“Annabelle,” a soft voice said as the door opened.
“Oh. Hello. What brings you here?” David asked as he kissed her cheeks.
“You’re my brother and I want to see you.” She stopped when she read his expression of ‘oh really,’ and then continued. “I was worried. You’ve been locked in this house for weeks, just writing. I’m taking you for some fresh air and a bite to eat. You need a break from your book.”
“Well, I’m almost done. Besides, James is already preparing my lun-”
“Nope. No excuses. Off we go. Oh, and grab a jacket; it’s awfully nippy out.”
David grabbed his brown sweater and the two siblings headed outside. “Are you going out sir?” James asked as David and Annabelle stepped out the door.
"Oh, yes. This is Annabelle, my sister. We’re going off for lunch. I shall return shortly.”
James nodded his head towards the two adults. “Is there anything you wish to be done upon your return, Sir?”
“Not really, I think you may have the afternoon off until my return.”
James nodded again and turned to go to his quarters.
As David and Annabelle took their seats in La Grenouille Verte, Annabelle began a series of questions. “David, do you have a lady in your life?”
“No.”
“You’re 27 and not yet with a woman? David, you must go out more. Tell me, how is your book coming along?”
“Well, it’s going great. It’s the same old mystery style, as ever. You’ll have to wait until it’s on shelves. You’re not getting any hints,” David replied with a smile.
“You should have many women at your feet, being such an accomplished author. How do you manage to stay single for so long?”
“Oh, believe me, I have women at my feet,” he replied, trying to dodge the real question.
“So…?”
Unable to avoid the question he answered it with a sigh. “Annabelle, honey, I don’t like women.”
Raising her voice, as loud as appropriate in such a high class restaurant, she replied. “You’re…gay!? You disgusting piece of garbage. How can you be attracted to men? You are a gentleman, you like females. You will marry and have children, and I will have it no other way.”
“Annabelle, I cannot control who I desire. I see no wrong in loving another man. You yourself are attracted to men, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am! How could you ask me such a question as that? I have my eyes set on a very lovely man right now. It will be no time before he sees my beauty and sweeps me off my feet. You, on the other hand, will never find love and will rot in hell,” Annabelle said, slamming her fists into the table. At that very moment David stood up with a very hurt expression and went back home, leaving Annabelle to dine on her own.
---
David slammed the door to his mansion, startling James. James descended the stairs to inspect what was happening, but an angry David ran into him.
“What’s the matter, Mr. Thorton, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“My sister. I do not understand her train of thought. Please James, if you will, keep Annabelle out of this house.”
“Of course, Sir,” said the butler with a nod as he stepped sideways to let David past.
“James?”
“Yes Mr. Thorton?”
“Prepare me some tea, for two. I wish for you to dine with me in my study.”
“Yes Mr. Thorton.”
“David, James. It’s David,” said he while escalating the stairs to his study.
David moved his books off the small table and cleared two chairs for the men to sit in. He took off his glasses and cleared them on his sweater. He put the glasses back on his face and took a seat, facing the door to greet James. Just as David sat down the butler walked in.
“I’ve brought your tea, Mr. Thorton.” He said as he placed the small tray on the table.
“David. And thank you.”
“Why do you desire that I call you David?”
“Because that is my name.”
“So is Mr. Thorton, though you don’t accept it as such.”
“Well, yes, but do I call you Mr. Rush?”
“If you wish to, you may.”
“No, you’re James, as I am David,” he said as he rubbed his hands together. “Please, take a seat. I need company in this dreary hour of mine.”
James did as told and took a glass of the freshly brewed chi tea.
“You know what saddens me?” David asked.
“What, Sir?”
“David.” He said quickly before continuing. “People's lack of respect for personal decisions. I am causing no harm to anyone, and yet I receive very little respect. Not from you of course. You’re dear to me.”
“Uh, David, if you don’t mind my asking, what is the nature of your problem?” James asked while sipping his tea.
“Hum, well, my sister does not fancy who I fancy. Does that make sense?”
“You mean she wishes you to leave your partner? I was not aware you had a partner.”
“No, no. I do not. She- How should I put this? She wishes me to marry and have children, for that is the rule of nature. I wish to find a mate for life, in whom it will not be possible to conceive, though perhaps adoption would be nice.” David took a sip of his tea, but it scolded his tongue, so he set it down again.
“I do not completely follow, Mr. Thorton.”
“David. You’ve said it once, you can say it again,” he said while grabbing for a biscuit in replace of the tea. “I, James, like men. And to Annabelle, that is a sin and a breach from the world. I am a disgrace of human kind in her eyes. I do not understand why t’is such a horrible crime.
“Oh. Well, David I have dealt with the same issue, from my parents. I myself do not understand either, but it is nice to know I’m not alone.”
“You’re gay too?” David couldn’t believe his ears. May he have a chance with James?
“Yes. I made my mind at the age of seventeen, ten years ago. Did not fare me well. I wish you better luck.”
“I do hope so. I myself have hidden until, well, today. You could perhaps be of great service to me. I thank you James. You are oh so dear to me.”
“So you said,” replied James while sipping his tea. After the day had wound down, the two men retired to their slumber.
---
David awoke at 6:30am sharp with a sudden jerk. He threw his eyes open and sighed at his realization. He had dreamt of James - in a rather vulgar manner. He slid out of his large bed and went straight for his shower.
Upon hearing the shower, James woke from his own slumber. He prepared himself for the new day’s work. After hearing the shower’s water come to an abrupt halt, he went downstairs to begin preparations on David’s breakfast.
“You’re up early this morning, Mr, oh, uh, David, sorry,” said the butler when David entered the room.
“A strange dream woke me up. It is not one I wish to discuss though. Sorry on that note. However, I appreciate your efforts in my name, thank you,” said David while he buttered his toast. He fought hard not to blush, for the thoughts of his dream were still fresh in his mind.
“I will get it, I’m sure,” replied James with a chuckle. “Do you have any plans for the day?”
“I am feeling up to a stroll in the park, before sitting in my study for countless hours writing."
“Do you wish for me to tidy your room for you whilst you are out?”
“No!” David replied a slight bit too intensely. “I will tidy my room on my own before I go. I’ll keep your work light for the day.”
“If you wish it. Thank you.”
The two men sat together eating eggs and toast. Very little conversation was passed. After the meal David scrambled to his room to clean up the evidence of his ‘accident.’
After David finished tidying his room he grabbed his sweater and went downstairs. “I’ll be back in a short bit, James,” He shouted as he opened the door. He was shocked to see that Annabelle had been sitting solemnly on the front steps. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to set you straight.” She said while peering through the partially open door. “Though I was hoping to have a chat with James, he is oh so wonderful.” Her thin fingers twisted through her light blonde hair.
“You wanted to see James? What ever for?”
“I told you I had someone in mind. He looks of nice age, and his appearance is swell. I love the way his hair mops over his eyes,” she said with a soft sigh before continuing. “He has so many great qualities, such as house work, and --”
“Well why don’t you go and talk to him then?” David said while pointing inside, knowing James was gay, and Annabelle therefore had no chance with the man that he himself wanted.
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“He won’t let me in.”
“Oh yes. He certainly is good with his job.” David laughed, remembering his most recent request. “Well, I’m off. Bye then!” He said with a short wave next to his head.
David enjoyed walking in the park. The birds chirping in the trees while squirrels screamed to shoo them off. He liked to see children playing, such joy in their eyes. He looked up at the darkening sky when a large drop of water landed on his shoulder. He sighed and continued walking, determined not to let the rain stop him from enjoying his day. After his hour long walk he returned home to get back to work on his novel.
“Welcome back, David.” James greeted him at the door.
“Hello James. Would you be so kind as to bring me up some hot tea?”
“Of course. Oh, and another thing. Annabelle has been trying to come in a lot today. I haven’t been allowing it, on your wishes, but is there anything else you would like me to do?”
“Have a short conversation with her, maybe she’ll be satisfied and leave.”
James wasn’t sure why having a conversation would encourage her to leave, but he agreed to the request.
---
“David?” A voice asked.
David lifted his head and realized he had fallen asleep while writing. James was gently waking him and handing him a cup of steaming tea. “Yeah? Oh, sorry.”
“I need your help.”
“Oh,” said David, a little surprised. “What with?”
“I think your sister likes me,” he replied, rubbing his hands through his moppy hair. “I was talking to her, like you suggested, and she kissed my cheek. She left her number in my back pocket as well.”
“Well…hum. I’m not exactly sure what to do. I could talk to her I guess.”
"I’m sorry. It just doesn’t feel right having her do this. Normally I could fix this on my own, but she’s your sister, and I don’t want to hurt her.”
“No, no. You’re being great about this. I’ll let her know to leave you alone.”
“Thank you.”
---
After supper David decided to give Annabelle a ring.
“Hello?”
“Annabelle? It’s David.”
“Yes. I have caller I.D.”
“I’m calling on behalf of James.”
“Oh, what does he have to say? Is he doing well?”
“He’s fine, though there is one issue.”
“Yes, what is it? Did I give him the wrong number?”
“No. He doesn’t have feelings for you Annabelle.”
“Well that was blunt. Though he does, he let me kiss him.”
“On the cheek. Then he complained, and he never complains.”
“Maybe I should come speak to him.”
“No, he wishes for you to leave him alone, as do I.”
“Well this sucks. Aren’t I pretty? Why doesn’t he like me?”
“I’m not sure I should answer that. I’m sorry Annabelle. Yes you are pretty, but it doesn’t make a difference to him.”
She let out a huff of air. “Well you can tell him I’m angry, and make sure he knows just how angry.”
David was about to reply when the line went dead. Annabelle had hung up on him. He went downstairs to tell James that he had dealt with the situation. He looked around and found him putting the dishes back into the cupboards.
“James!” He said in a happy tone. “Annabelle should be leaving you alone now.”
“Fabulous.”
“Fabulous? Really?”
“Yes, fabulous. I’m in a good mood today, so I will use good words.”
“I’m in a great mood today.”
“‘Great mood,’ your code for ‘I need some scotch.’”
“You know me so well. I’d love some.” He said as James opened a large cabinet full of beverages. “Pour a glass for yourself as well.”
“Myself?”
“Yes, just because you work for me doesn’t mean you can’t have a drink with me.”
James poured the two glasses and slid one to David.
“Thank you.”
The two men stood in silence, drinking.
“Another.”
James poured them each another glass.
“I’m going to put some music on. Tonight can be the night you let loose and stop being so professional. We are going to drink…and dance.”
James was surprised at the offer, but did not decline. David turned on a CD he had made, consisting of Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, and some other British music that was nice to dance to. David started dancing, trying to get James to join him. After much persuasion James began to dance as well. They both had a scotch in one hand, and each other’s free hand in the other.
After David had finished his third drink he put his glass down and danced even harder. The alcohol coursing its way through his body, and making its way to his brain. David grabbed James and pulled him into a kiss.
“What are you doing?” James asked while gently pushing away.
David closed his eyes and sighed. “I though that maybe…I don’t know. I’ve just wanted to do that for a while.”
James pulled David into a soft hug and kissed him back. The two melted into each other. Their hands were all over one another’s bodies. After a few minutes of their not-so-gentle embrace they heard a loud crash that sounded along the lines of breaking glass. They pulled apart to see Annabelle throwing plates and bowls at them, only narrowly missing each time.
“Annabelle! What the fuck are you doing?” David shouted, using language that very rarely slipped his tongue.
“How could you? You know full well of my feelings towards him, and now you go and corrupt him into a filthy, rotten being such as yourself,” she said through the tears streaming down her pale skin.
“Corrupted?”
Annabelle threw another plate and hit David in the leg. He cried out in pain. James reached for the phone to call the police. She threw another plate, aiming for James, but it smashed into the wall.
“Annabelle, stop! This is insane madness! I never ‘corrupted’ anyone. You don’t know James, and you have no idea how I feel towards him. You cannot claim a person.”
“I can get over losing your butler; there are many other men. I just can’t get over the fact that you yourself like men and him now too. How could you do this to our family? You nasty piece of shit!”
“Annabelle, I’ve always been gay. He didn’t convert me or anything. I don’t see how you could be so cruel. He’s not harming anyone with his decision. You don’t need to be throwing dishes at us. We are of no threat to the world.” James stepped in to try and help.
“You two are following the biggest sin. I hope you know you will rot in Hell.”
“Then let us. Maybe we’ll be happier there, where we’re allowed to be ourselves.”
Annabelle had run out of things to say and left, only to find herself in the custody of a large cop. All of them discussed the events of the evening, and the policeman took Annabelle in for a few days of prison time, and a couple months worth of rehab for her violence and homophobia. After the evening had passed, David and James had found new love in each other, and became a couple. David even dedicated his new book to James. Life passed much happier to the now ‘out of the closet’ author, and the newly respected butler.
Two years later James and David married, and shortly after that adopted a baby boy named Kalvin.