It's so rare to find really insightful fics about Bates and Robert. Bates has been the man of mystery since day 1 and still even to this day one still wonders just what exactly has Bates done to impossibly make Robert disloyal to him. I mean there are more instances of Robert doing things for Bates than you would imagine an earl would for a mere valet. Thomas could have been a no brainer if it's just a question of experience and tenure. I wish I could find more fics that explore their unbreakable friendship.

Brendan Coyle says Bates was a sergeant, not a private.

Wrote this review while back and saved it since posting reviews was not possible.

OMG! This is brilliant and I love everything about it! This deeper connecton of Bates and Robert has been missing from the series! I have always wished for flash backs for these two. Thank you for filling some of the missing history! But of course you always leaving wanting MORE! LOL

So perfect. I loved every word. I've always wanted to know how this transition came about and I believe you've gotten it just right!

There are too few Robert/Bates stories out there imho. It was nice to see how much pride John had in his commander's accomplishments. Their conversation about Downton, and especially the library was a nice touch. "Stay and bed and read books" takes on a whole new meaning ;) They really are good friends, bonded by war and death. I am glad Robert is letting Bates get him back to his tent safely. So John was a career soldier until... Trust is a huge thing when choosing a valet and who could ever trust Thomas? Why did that seem to surprise him after the way he treated people? Robert receiving Bates' application was perfectly timed. He was obviously pining for the past and someone whom he could share his day to day burdens with. Thank you for posting this look into the past!

I really like how Robert and Bates mix during the war and build a trust, even more so him writing to be his valet!

love it. i get why bates and robert don't talk about the old days or what it is that binds them to one another. i actually appreciated that it's something we saw unfold in the few scenes that mattered. but there were times they would just state it... especially in the beginning when Cora was a total jerk about Bates' limp. i mean, seriously. for someone who is utterly devoted to her own nasty lady's maid. i digress...

i love how you wrote bates' genuine happiness for robert's promotion and robert's sincere appreciation for bates' loyalty. adored the part where robert suggests he would make a good valet and bates just lets the observation lie there, quite certain that he'd be army for life. the fact that bates remembered the comment years later and applied for the job says a lot about the friendship they had as comrades in arms.

i would love more, how robert learns more about bates, bates learns more about downton. i know it's a one shot but maybe someday. love your writing.

I've always liked this friendship, and was sad to see Fellowes toss it aside for the entirely 100% brilliantly interesting spratt/denker malarkey. Not that I'm bitter or anything.
This was a beautiful way of explaining the bond between comrades, but personally I loved Robert receiving Bates' application the most. Bates may have a sense of loyalty to end all others, but Robert has one too, and I think you've shown it remarkably!

So good, Eady! You really nailed their relationship. Love it. :)