Ekaterina entered the Garrison just as Polly came out of the snug, greeting her on her way out. She came to a halt at the door of the snug, unsure if she should go in. Technically, she had no reason to be here, she just had had the urge to see Tommy. Wasn't that strange? Just a couple months before she had gone out of her way to avoid him whenever she could and now she missed him after only a few hours. Right after that incident in the shop he had gone out to "deal with the Lees" and Ekaterina had helped tidying up the shop, right after changing her ruined blouse and putting Tommy's suit jacket into his room. Before hanging it on a chair she had even given it a quick sniff and his smell, this mix of cigarette smoke, some expensive cologne and something that was so distinctly him had invaded her senses, calming her down and filling her with this strange feeling. Now, though, she blushed at that memory. What kind of hussy was she, secretly sniffing on a mans clothes?

Tommy noticed the, for some reason, heavily blushing girl and smiled, putting down the piece of paper he was holding. He turned his chair to the door and then urged her. "Come in, don't be shy." She walked in and he took her hand, pulling her between his legs. He put a hand on her uninjured cheek, taking her in. Ekaterinas other cheek and her bottom lip, which also had a cut from her teeth on it, were swollen. But that was all and he was thankful for that. "How are you?" He asked while gently stroking her cheek. "Did you calm down?" She nodded. "Hm. I- I think I was in shock. But I'm okay now." He let go of her and took a sip from his whiskey. "You want something to drink?" She pulled a face. "No alcohol. My lip is hurting enough already." He chuckled, lightly tapping her chin. Then he stood up, walked to the window and ordered a glass of water for her. Grace immediately brought it over, looking at him with an interest that made something in Ekaterinas stomach churn. But Tommy barely acknowledged her, only taking the glass and then closing the window again.

The girl took a sip from the water and then hissed before sitting down. Even drinking water hurt, damn. "You don't have to worry about the Lees. They will never touch you again" Tommy suddenly announced as he sat down himself and she pulled up an an eyebrow. "That came out of nowhere, but okay. Why, though?" He poured himself some whiskey again. "I'm making them our allies." She frowned, asking "how that?" and took another sip. Tommy nonchalantly stated "because John is going to marry one of their women" and she choked, bringing out a strangled "what?" between coughs. Tommy got up and gently beat her back until she finally stopped coughing. "I thought he was going to marry Lizzie Stark and that the meeting today was about that." He pulled up an eyebrow. "And how do you know about that?" She looked at him. "I know that they've been seeing each other for a while now. Marriage is just the next logical step."

He fished out a cigarette. "And do you like the idea of John marrying a whore?" She pulled a face at that word. "I think some women have to fight harder in this world than others and that it doesn't automatically make her a bad person. If she loves John and he at least likes and respects her, why not? Johns children need a mother and you know it, too, Tommy. As long as she stops working for him I would be happy to see them marry." She continued to look at him with her piercing gaze. "Or is there another problem?" Tommy looked at her, but then suddenly avoided her gaze. She felt her hair stand up. "Oh. My. God." She whispered darkly. "You slept with her!"

Tommy didn't say anything, just lightened his cigarette. "For how long?" She suddenly demanded. He looked at her and her green eyes were blazing. He took a drag from his cigarette. "Since I came back from France... until a couple months ago." She cocked her head. "You stopped seeing her?" He nodded. "Why?" She continued and he sighed. "Just because." She narrowed her eyes. "Since when don't you see her anymore?" He just puffed out some smoke. Tommy didn't want to elaborate that, since the night she had massaged his scalp and sang him to sleep he hadn't felt the urge to relieve himself through cheap, quick and impersonal sex anymore.

Ekaterina sighed. It hurt to hear that he had gone to a prostitute, and for such a long time, but it was not for her to judge him. She didn't own him and she knew that he had a past with women. "John will be destroyed if he ever finds out. He is too proud a man to take a woman as wife he knows his brother had before him, even if she is a prostitute." She leaned forward and put a hand on his knee. "Still, I think you should give her a chance, at least." Tommy looked into her pleading eyes. Well, maybe he should give Lizzie at least one chance to proof herself. He had a feeling how this would go, but then no one could say he hadn't tried.

.

.

At night Tommy suddenly barged into Ekaterinas room. It was late already, but she was still up, writing a letter to her brother. He was soaking wet, seemingly from the heavy rain that was banging against her window. It was strange seeing him in her room. It had always been the other way around before. Also, he looked kind of disturbed and that scared her. "Tommy?" She asked carefully, standing up from her chair. "Everything okay?"

Tommy still had to think about what Campbell had said, the horrible images that had planted into his head. What he would do to his family and to her. What he had said after the stuff with Finn. And then I will take Ekaterina, who should be mine to begin with and who you seem to be so fond of. But not as my wife. As my whore. And I will fuck her right before the rotting corpses of you and your family, every day, until there is nothing more left of you than mud and dust. Only then will I throw her away. He trembled from the words alone. He really should have shot Campbell then and there. Rid the earth of a devil.

Ekaterina cocked her head. What was with him? He looked furious. But it didn't seem like it was because of her. She took a step forward. "Tommy?" His eyes suddenly zeroed in on her. Then he stalked up, took her arm and pulled her into his chest. The next moment, his lips were on hers. Ekaterina suddenly was overwhelmed with the taste of him - cigarette smoke and whiskey. And it was at this moment that she realized that she had waited for this for some time now. At least a couple weeks. And it was more than she had ever dared to imagine. She didn't know what to do, had only done this a couple times before, though never like this. But Tommy put his hands on her cheeks and gently guided her with his mouth as his tongue invaded her own.

When they finally separated they were both breathing heavily. Tommy put his forehead on hers, looking deeply into her eyes. "He will never have you." He suddenly declared. "He will never have you because you are mine." The blonde didn't understand what he meant, but she nodded anyway. "Yes, Tommy. I'm yours." Then her expression turned questioningly. "Are you also mine?" He chuckled, his tension broken. "Yes. I'm also yours."

.

.

This night they slept together in her bed and Ekaterina woke up in Tommy's arms. It felt good to wake up like this. And as she watched him sleep she suddenly understood what she was feeling. This... this was love, wasn't it? And it had creeped up on her for quite some time now. So stealthy and silent that she hadn't even noticed. But this made this moment all the more beautiful. How funny. She had ran away from her luxurious, but miserable life as a nobel Lady to end up finding happiness in a place like Small Heath. And again she thanked god or whoever was watching out for her up there for leading her to the Shelbys.

She gently petted his head and he sighed, but remained sleeping. Slowly she slipped out of his grip, what was surprisingly difficult without waking him up, but she made it somehow; dressing herself and then went down the stairs, humming to herself. Polly awaited her in the kitchen, sitting at the table and drinking tea. "Oh, look who is happy as a clam." The girl smiled. "Good morning, Polly." She went to the counter to poor herself some tea as well and took a sip - only to almost choke on it when Polly asked "Tommy still sleeping?" She swallowed heavily. "What?" The older woman looked at her smugly. "Don't play dumb girl, it doesn't suit you. I heard Tommy go into your room last night, but not coming out." Ekaterina blushed. "N-nothing happened. We just slept."

Polly just continued to grin like a cat that got the cream. She had noticed for quite some time already that something between her nephew and the nurse had changed. It had been slow, but gradual. Or more like: at some point Tommy had suddenly fallen fast and heavy, while for Ekaterina it had taken some time. But, finally, they seemed to be on the same page. For what she was thankful, because she was slowly getting sick of them making puppy eyes at each other without acting on their feelings. And she was happy. Because, it seemed, Ekaterina was the way to slowly, but surely, change back Tommy into the happy, carefree boy she remembered from so long ago.

.

.

At afternoon Ekaterina went back to the shop, as Polly had given her a message through Finn that she needed something from her. She went into the bustling shop and spotted the older woman sitting at a table and writing something in a book. "Oh thank god, girl." The woman muttered when she saw her. "My head is killing me." The blonde put her bag on the table and opened it. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm giving you a pill." While she rummaged in her bag for the right medicine, Billie Kimber suddenly exited Tommy's office, giving her a long, lusty look before he finally walked past both women. She shuddered, mumbling "I really can't stand that man" under her breath. Tommy followed a moment later, giving her a warm smile as she handed Polly a pill for her headache.

He went to the front of the shop. "Gentlemen" He started, to what Polly cleared her throat. So Tommy stretched his hand out in their direction, adding "...and Lady's." Everyone quieted down and Tommy held up some kind of document. "I have in my hand a legal betting license. Issued by the board of control." Ekaterina put a hand to her mouth. What this the moment the Shelbys had worked for all this time? Were they finally legal? "The Shelby family has its first legal racetrack pitch." Everyone cheered and Ekaterina applauded happily. All of the Shelbys work was finally bearing fruits.

Polly walked up to her nephew, embracing him, and Ekaterina shyly approached him as well. "Congratulations, Tommy." She smiled. "I'm so happy for you!" Tommy grinned down at her. "Is that all?" She cocked her head, not quite understanding, when he suddenly leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips - right before his family, friends and employees. Now the people were cheering for a whole different reason. When he finally let go of her she was beet red. "What's that?" Arthur asked chuckling and John teased "when Tommy wins, then at everything, eh?" Not knowing what to do from embarrassment, she buried her head in Tommy's chest, hiding her face. But she was happy when she felt him put his arms around her.

.

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Ekaterina sat at the kitchen table, writing in her journal, when Tommy came in, placing a piece of paper before her. "Ekaterina Smith; Nurse and Bookkeeper, Shelby Brothers Limited." She read with a frown. He grinned. "Aye. Now that we're legal, you also need a real, legal contract." She looked up at him. "I get that. But where does the bookkeeper come from, Tommy? I've never done any bookkeeping for you." Tommy sat down next to her. "I want you to do the books for the Garrison." She sighed and put down the pen she had still been holding. "Tommy, I don't have the time. I'm already a full-time nurse." He gently took her hand. "I'm not saying you're doing it alone. Arthur will do them, I just want you to go over and correct them. One day a week, an hour or two top." She squeezed his hand. "Exactly, it's Arthur's job. It's his pub, not mine. And the way I know him he will give up and let me do all the work sooner rather than later."

He let go of her hand, leaning back in his chair. "Arthur is drunk most of the time, and you know it." She rolled her eyes and took her pen again. "Then maybe it wasn't the best idea to gift him a pub, where he has almost unlimited access to alcohol." Tommy cocked an eyebrow at her sass. "Look, I'm not asking just because. Arthur needs help and he knows it. He has asked Grace a couple times, but she keeps asking questions and I have a feeling he told her some things he shouldn't have." She stopped her writing and looked at him. "Did something happen?" He pulled out his cigarette case. "Some of our warehouses got searched." Her eyes grew big. "Did they find something?" He lightened his cigarette. "Aside from stolen booze and cigarettes? Nothing. Though they didn't confiscate anything, probably in hopes we wouldn't even notice that they've been there." He took a drag. "But Tommy Shelby has his eyes everywhere."

She looked at him with her huge eyes, just thinking for a moment. Then she sighed. "Okay. I'm doing it. Whenever I have a bit time I'll go over and check the books." He smiled and she continued "what about Grace, though? I doubt she'll stop asking questions just because I am there." He puffed out some smoke. "I already talked to her. Told her to stop sticking her nose where it doesn't belong, lest she might accidentally loose it." She nodded and looked down at her book again.

"I'll not do it for free, though." He cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? So what do you want, Miss Smith?" She looked at him with an expressionless face. "I want a raise. Two pounds a week more." He grinned. "A raise, eh?" She nodded and he leaned towards her, taking her chin. "What about this?" He asked teasingly, placing a soft kiss on her lips. When he let go of her again she had a dreamy look in her eyes. Tommy chuckled, amused by how easily the girl could be swooned by him. She really was innocent to be this affected by only one kiss. Ekaterina smoothed out her face again. "I still want more money, though."

He laughed.

.

.

When she had a free noon she went to the Garrison to do her new job. She sighed before putting on her fake, cheerful face, and entered. It had gotten more difficult for her to constantly put on that mask before Grace. But she had to keep playing this sunny and ever smiling girl, who had no idea what was going on around her. Who didn't know that the barmaid, more than likely, had ulterior motives and had no idea to what extent the Shelbys were doing illegal businesses, probably even now; even if they were, technically, legal. "Hello Grace!" She chirped as she entered and spotted the other woman behind the bar. "Oh, Katy." The barmaid greeted with a frown. "Sorry, we aren't open yet."

The girl just kept smiling. "I know. I'm not here to drink, though if you would be so nice to make me coffee I wouldn't complain. I'm here to check the books." Grace' eyes widened. "Oh, ehm, Mr. Shelby said no one is to look into them but Arthur." Ekaterina waved a dismissal hand. "I'm here in official business." She assured. "Tommy has appointed me the official book checker for the Garrison. Fears Arthur is going to drink his own pub to the ground otherwise." Grace narrowed her eyes. She noticed how the smaller girl suddenly spoke so naturally about "Tommy", when it had always been "Mr. Shelby" before. So she drawled "Sorry, Katy, but I thought you're a nurse? When did you suddenly change occupations?" Avoiding the green eyes she started to wipe down the bar. "Also, I already told him I could help Arthur. I'm working here, anyway."

Interesting, Ekaterina thought. Tommy said he had already "spoken" to her, what probably meant he had outright threatened her. Yet the barmaid seemed determined to not give in. She had guts, Ekaterina had to admit. She shrugged her shoulders. "A lot of things are currently changing with the Shelbys growing their business." What wasn't even a lie. "It's very busy in the shop and I'm the only one not affected by that. And I do have time, sometimes, to do it." She leaned over the counter and put a hand to her mouth, pretending to share a secret. "I'm also paid two pounds more per week. Just for checking what Arthur has written in the books!" She leaned back again. "Isn't that awesome?! Makes it almost worth to have Tommy talk me into this. Originally, I didn't want to. But he was so persistent."

Grace gritted her teeth. Tommy had forbidden her to even look in the books, let alone asking questions about some things around here, like the clearly stolen cigarettes and alcohol. But he appointed this pipsqueak of a girl as official bookkeeper of the pub? He had called Grace a spoiled Irish girl, yet he kept around the daughter of an Earl and a fucking princess. She knew that Tommy had to know about her by now, Campbell had found her together with Tommy's aunt. He didn't seem to care about that, though. Just pranced around with the small, young girl like she was some kind of fucking arm candy. Grace breathed in deeply. She had to stop. This was all over soon. She would find the guns and then everything would be over. She would return home and just forget about that man with his intense blue eyes and beautiful smile, who could be so charming, when he wanted. And whatever happened to him after that would be of no consequences to her. She would have done a good deed for her country and continue what her father had started.

Ekaterina remained smiling, but she watched the other woman like a hawk. She had clearly seen the feelings that had been displayed on her face, Grace not being quick enough to hide what she was feeling. Of course, Grace had probably not been raised the same way like her. Ekaterina had been told to always suppress her real feelings since she was small, because that's what a real Lady does. That's why she had the habit of mostly being expressionless. But she understood other peoples expressions quiet well. And Grace had clearly shown jealousy. It had been quick, but it was there. The other woman was jealous of her... and it was because of Tommy.

So she had been right. The barmaid had feelings for him. Something ugly was spreading in her stomach.

.

.

As it turned out Arthur's bookkeeping was complete and utter garbage. Ekaterina herself was no expert, but even she could see that there was no system behind it and it took her longer than the "an hour or two, top" Tommy had promised. Well, this was her first time. If she did everything correctly now, it would take less time in the future. The only downside to it was that Grace was there, because the mood between them had clearly soured. But whatever. Ekaterina could still work. She immersed herself into it so much that she didn't even hear Tommy come into the pub, despite the open office door. She only noticed him suddenly while he was talking to Grace.

"If we knew someone else who had a phone, we could call them."

Ekaterina looked at the phone next to her, the newest addition to the pub and probably what they were talking about. Purchased at Graces suggestion. She suddenly wanted to pull that damn thing out the wall. "And since I heard you have something to celebrate," she drawled and glass was clinking "I had this delivered from the Rackhams department store." Something was put on the counter and it was at this point that Ekaterina slammed shut the book and stood up. So Grace had purchased something in the department store for her and Tommy to share? Alone? Who did she think she was?

The girl walked out the office, her most bright smile plastered on her face. "Tommy!" She chirped and said man immediately moved his gaze from the barmaid to the nurse, a slight grin on his face. Ekaterina literally skipped up to him and when she came to a halt before him she suddenly got up on her tip toes, took hold of his cheeks and pulled his face down to meet her lips. She savored the kiss for several moments before finally letting go again and Tommy looked at her surprised. This had been the first time she had taken the initiative. It had always been the other way around before. Not that he would complain. "What was that for?" He asked with a small smile and she beamed up at him. Well, this was strange. "Nothing." Ekaterina answered. "Just my thanks for picking me up. We can go, I'm finished."

Tommy frowned. This was not the girls normal behavior... but he would play along. "Right." Then he turned to Grace, who had watched this public display of affection with gritted teeth. Tommy looked at the bottle of champagne. "Save it." He ordered the barmaid. "For a special occasion." Then they walked out, Ekaterina practically hanging on his arm. Grace followed their movements with a nasty glare.

Outside they walked like this for a little while before Ekaterina let go of his arm, finally putting down her cheery mask. She sighed and Tommy eyed her. "So are you going to tell me what this was about, eh?" He asked her, though he was clearly amused. It had been refreshing to see her act like that. She was normally so quiet and dignified that she often seemed much older than the 20 years that she was. But with that bright smile she had really looked her age... maybe even younger. Ekaterina shrugged, blushing slightly. "Just marking my territory." He cocked an eyebrow. "Your territory, eh?" She pouted and looked up at him. "Yes! You told me that you are mine! So now you have to deal with it because, as it turns out, I'm a very possessive person." Tommy chuckled and took her arm, making her stop. Who knew she could be this childish? It was cute. "Yes, I am yours." He reassured. "And no barmaid who is sidelining as a spy is going to change that, aye?"

She looked into his earnest eyes and then nodded. "So, why did you come to the Garrison? I have a feeling it was not purely to pick me up." She asked while they started to walk again. "Well," Tommy started, easily able to match her pace with his long legs. "I came to tell you to dig out a nice dress for tomorrow. We're going to a wedding." She cocked an eyebrow. "The wedding of who?" He continued to look ahead. "John." He simply said. She stopped again. "I'm guessing the bride is not going to be Lizzie Stark?" He sighed and pulled out his cigarette case. "Look, I gave her a chance." She cocked an eyebrow, asking "How so?" As he lightened his cigarette Tommy hoped his next words wouldn't blow up into his face. "I went to her. Offered her money for one last time. She accepted."

Ekaterina looked at him for a long moment, her face giving nothing away. Then she sighed "you're an asshole". He puffed out some smoke. "So you are angry." She nodded. "Yes. You set her up. That was really mean of you, Tommy. And not what I meant with giving her a chance." He scoffed. "That's what you're angry about?" She didn't continue.

He took a drag from his cigarette and sighed. "I need John to marry this Lee-girl." He explained. "John needs a mother for his children. That girl needs a husband. And I need the union with the Lees." She turned her face away from his. "So that's what it's about. What Thomas Shelby needs." He threw away his cigarette, taking her chin between his fingers. "You know that's not true." She met his gaze without hesitation. "Tommy, I may be in love with you, but I'm not blind. I've seen the nature of your character more than once." He grinned suddenly and she asked "what?". He let go of her chin. "So you are in love with me." She blushed. "I- I mean, that's obvious, is it not? I wouldn't kiss you if I wasn't!" She pouted and Tommy chuckled, starting to walk again.

"I also wanted to ask you to go get Ada." Ekaterina perked at that. "You know where she is?" He shook his head. "Not exactly. She is hiding from me. But I know from a safe source that she will be at the public bathhouse today. It's women only day." She nodded. "So you want me to go. What should I tell her?" He looked down at her. "Tell her the truth. Her brother is marrying and we want her there. And that there will be a truce, so she can even bring Freddie. They are free to go afterwards." She smiled suddenly and he looked at her questioningly. So she said "you actually just want to check up on her, don't you. You are worried about her." She looked up at him. "You are a good brother." She paused for a moment and then added "at least this one time." He huffed and she giggled.

They arrived at the house and came to a halt. "I better get going then." She said and he nodded. Leaning on her tip toes she gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek this time. Ekaterina then turned to walk into another direction, but then stopped again, looking at him over her shoulder. "Oh, and Tommy." She said and he didn't know what to expect. Though it wasn't what eventually came out of her mouth. "If you ever go to a prostitute again with the intention of paying her for services while you're with me, be it serious or not... I'm going to cut off your penis." She smiled at him sweetly and walked away. Tommy swallowed. He had to admit he kind of liked her aggressive, dominant side.

———

AN: thank you to alreadyafan for commenting! Comments keep me motivated when I know you like my writing :)

So I hope you don't think I'm moving things too fast, but we have established they both have feelings for each other and I am not a fan of needlessly dragging things on. It felt natural for me to have them already get together at this point. Lots of drama is waiting for them in the future, so I wanted to have them a bit of fluff and... smut is coming! I'm excited for that, as I always wanted to try my hand at that. But I will never write smut for my Harry Potter FF. I thought about doing it for my Umbrella Academy FF but it felt awkward as Five and Lizzie are in young teen bodies. So this will be my first time and I hope you will then tell me how you liked it ;)

Xoxo Lulu