Ekaterina was finally on her way home after a long day of appointments and sick patients. It was getting cold, so the flu was raging through Small Heath and she had spent her day walking from patient to patient, giving out medicine and tips on how to prevent the whole household catching it. But now she just wanted to fall into bed and cuddle up to Tommy, who was probably already under the covers, but still awake and waiting for her. Like he always did when she had to work late... if he didn't come to pick her up. They were finally enjoying something of a sex life, though sex in itself was still not involved, as Tommy was still hesitant. But hands and mouths were and that was nice, too.

"Ekaterina!"

Tommy's voice suddenly shouted her name from behind and she turned around, coming to a halt and smiling. "Tommy! What a pleasant-" But he just seized her arm, pulling her after him with hurried steps. Several times the girl demanded to know what was going on for him to behave like that so suddenly, but he just stoically walked on. They arrived at the Garrison and Tommy hammered against the door. A perplexed Grace opened it and Tommy stormed in, still pulling Ekaterina. "Leave that open." He ordered Grace, who was trying to close it again. He finally let go of the girl. "Take your stuff and leave." He then continued to the barmaid. She frowned. "But-" "Take your stuff. And Leave." Tommy repeated, with more force now. The tall woman gave him an insolent look, but then moved behind the bar to get her jacket and bag. Then she angrily stormed out of the pub.

"Tommy, what is going on?" She demanded as he was setting up a table and three chairs. "It's late and you're scaring me with this behavior." He suddenly took out a gun and placed it before her on the bar, which she was standing next to. Her eyes widened. "What the hell is going on?" He looked down at her with urgent eyes. "When the St. Andrews Bell strikes midnight," he pointed at the door "two IRA men are gonna come through that door. When they have what they want, they plan to kill me." He took the gun again and loaded it. "It's your job to stop that happening." Her mouth fell open from shock. "IRA? What the- Tommy, what did you do? Why didn't you tell me?!" He continued his work. "I just got the message myself. They want to meet here alone."

She huffed and put a hand on her head. Her heart started to race. "I- I don't understand. How am I supposed to stop them from killing you?" Her voice wavered. Ekaterina was scared to death... scared she would loose him. She... she would not survive that. Tommy pointed at the storage room. "You're gonna be in that back room." Then he pointed at the table he had just set up. "I'm gonna be sitting there. When I make a toast, you're gonna come out with that thing raised." He held up the gun. She vigorously shook her head, arguing "I've never held a gun in my hands in my life!" He put the weapon in her hands. It was surprisingly heavy. "You don't shoot. You just point. I'll do the rest." He reassured her.

Ekaterina looked down at her hands, feeling sweat gathering on her brow. He took her face in his hands. "It will be over quick." He promised. "The police will come and arrest them." She took a sharp breath. "The police knows about this?" Tommy suddenly turned her around and took her hands from behind, making her hold the gun before her. "Look, just hold it up. Just point. Right?" The bells of the St. Andrew church began to chime, announcing midnight. Tommy pushed her towards the room. "All right, go. Go on. Go!" He urged.

So she ran, hiding herself in the storage room. Her heart was racing like crazy. But not because she was fearing for herself. She was scared for Tommy. No matter what, he couldn't get hurt. He just couldn't. And suddenly, her heart began to calm down. Ekaterina wouldn't allow for him to get hurt. Not without a fight. She would die trying for him, if she had to. The blonde could clearly hear the two men coming in, sitting down and talking to Tommy. He held up his glass. "To the British monarchy!" Guessing that this was her signal she came outside, pointing the gun at the nearest guy. She was calm and slowly put her finger on the trigger while she walked. Just lightly. But- the gun suddenly fired, making her jump.

The guy she had accidentally fired at slumped in his seat and Tommy sprang up, throwing himself against the other guy. In shock Ekaterina tried to point her gun at that man, but with Tommy in between it was impossible to get a clear shot - although she didn't know if she would hit that man either way. The one just now had been pure coincidence. So she threw her gun away and tried to take hold of the arm of the unknown man Tommy wrestled with, trying to take his weapon. But he noticed and backhanded her, making her fall to the floor. She lost orientation for a moment and when she looked for Tommy again her heart almost stopped. The man had put his jacket over his head and was holding him in a chokehold on the floor, Tommy desperately trying to fight him off. She got up and took hold of a bottle standing on the bar, running up to them. The man had seen her coming, though, and kicked against her legs with his own, making her trip and kiss the floor again. The bottle shattered she could feel blood running down her forehead.

Tommy finally managed to free himself and gave the man several head butts. Then he took hold of one of the spit buckets standing around, hitting the mans face with it. Again and again, as if he was in trance. Until the mans face was nothing more but an unrecognizable, bloody mess. Ekaterina threw herself at him, encircling him with her arms. "Stop!" She pleaded. "Stop, Tommy! It's over... he is dead!" Tommy let go of the bucket with a clang, took her into his arms and embraced her with all his might. She could barely breath thanks to that, but she didn't care. Tommy breathed heavily into the crook of her neck. Then he got up, forcing her with him. He took a few steps and then took hold of her head, looking into her eyes with a pained expression. "Why did you shoot!?" He demanded to know and she shook her head, feeling tears shoot into her eyes. She had killed someone.

He amplified his already bruising grip. "Why did you shoot, Ekaterina?" A few tears escaped her eyes and she rambled "I- I didn't want... I didn't know the trigger was so sensitive." Tommy put his forehead down on hers, looking deeply into her huge, glittering eyes. "Now you've seen me." He growled and Ekaterina realized suddenly that Tommy, too, was scared to death. But not because of what had just happened. He was scared that she would be afraid of him after what he had done just now. That she didn't want him anymore. So she threw her arms around his neck, having to go up on her tip toes when Tommy suddenly straightened himself. "I see you." She said with a, hopefully, strong voice. "I see you, Tommy. I'm sorry. It's my fault, not yours." Tommy held her against him, releasing the breath he had been holding. Never before in his life had he been so scared to loose someone, he suddenly realized. This could have all gone so wrong. He had been a fucking idiot and almost paid an unbearable prize for it.

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Tommy watched the girl tend to her wound on her forehead before the mirror. He grimaced, hoping it wouldn't scar. Not because he was afraid it would make her look somehow ugly. There was no chance to, in his opinion. He just didn't want her to have something on her that constantly reminded her of this disastrous night. When they had embraced the police had finally come - much too late and obviously with the hope of a different outcome. They had hoped they would have all been dead. Him and the men. Killing three birds with one stone. But he - they had survived.

Ekaterina hissed suddenly and he asked "Is it bad?" with a concerned voice. She shook her head. "It's a shallow wound. It doesn't even need stitching. Cleaning it just hurts pretty bad." He stood up, stubbing his cigarette in the ashtray and walked to her. He took her chin, looking at her forehead. It at least looked clean now. She looked up at him with her huge green eyes, the tears and fear gone. He carefully put his forehead on hers. "Ekaterina..." he whispered. "Would you still give your virginity to me? Because I want to have you... if you let me." The blonde blinked. And smiled. "Tommy, I told you weeks ago that I want to have sex with you. I don't care about my virginity. I just want it to be you." He smiled and she held up a finger. "I just want to ask for one thing." He nodded. "Anything you want." The girl went over to her medicine bag and pulled out a small package, holding it out to him. "Please use a condom. I want to have sex with you but I don't want to get pregnant." He grinned. As always, she was prepared for everything.

Tommy walked her slowly backwards to the bed, catching her lips in a kiss and letting his hands rub up and down her arms. When they reached the bed he started to unbutton her blouse and she did the same for his shirt. He pulled the blouse carefully down her shoulders, revealing the dainty brassiere she was wearing underneath. They both shed their tops, skirt and pants followed. Ekaterina removed her brassiere and her breasts were revealed. Tommy immediately cupped one, squeezing a nipple and making her gasp. Her breasts were small; in fact, out of all of the women Tommy had ever slept with, hers were the smallest. But they were perky and firm, fitting perfectly on her petite stature. And her nipples were very sensitive.

He leaned down before her to slide down her stockings, something he had always found deeply erotic for some reason. Then came her panties. When she was naked he pulled down his own briefs, his already erect penis springing to attention. Ekaterina grabbed it with one hand; knowing, by now, what he liked and making him gasp into her mouth. Tommy took her wrist. "Let's slow down." He requested airily. "You'll make me spill before we actually did anything." She grinned up at him coquettishly. "No problem. I can make you hard again, then." The blonde playfully licked her lips and he blinked. He was always a bit surprised how this calm, regal girl changed when they were in the bedroom and about to do sexual things. Not that he minded. He quite liked that she was so open with him and always willing to try new things.

Tommy grinned and leaned down, playfully smacking her butt and making her squeal. "That may be, you little minx. But I want you now, not later." She pouted a bit but sat down on the bed when he signaled her to. Tommy kneeled down and put her legs above his shoulders, opening her vagina up like a flower. Framed by a tuft of dark blonde pubic hair he saw that it was already glistening with wetness. The man kissed each of her inner thighs and then buried his head in her crotch. Ekaterina gasped when he flicked her clit with his tongue and put a hand on her mouth. "Tha- that's not fair." She mumbled while trying to muffle her sounds. Tommy grinned at her like a cat that got the cream from between her legs, her essence smeared around his mouth. "Well, I'm sorry, my Lady. But I'm not a gentleman."

He took the condom he had deposited on the bedside table, opening the packaging and pulling it out. Then he rolled it over his penis. He positioned himself at her entrance and looked down at her. "Are you really sure?" He asked again. She looked up at him, not a trace of hesitance in her eyes, and smiled. "Yes. I want it, Tommy." So he started to push in. She was very tight and he grunted. When he encountered her resistance he braced himself, leaning over her and lacing their fingers together. Then he pushed and Ekaterina took a sharp breath. When he had sheathed himself in her completely he stopped, letting her get used to the feeling. He looked down at her face that was slightly marred by a pained grimace, so he leaned down and peppered it with kisses, carefully avoiding the wound on her forehead.

It took a while, but she eventually relaxed. "Okay." She breathed. "I- I think you can move now." Tommy started to move his hips; slowly at first but faster when she didn't protest. She put her arms around his neck and pulled his upper body down, putting a deep kiss on his mouth. They made love like this for some time, Ekaterina moaning louder and louder, until she finally convulsed in an orgasm. Tommy followed a minute later. Then they laid together, his weight reassuringly on her, until they both got their breath back.

Tommy felt almost high. He had never slept with a virgin before and he had never thought it important. As a man he didn't owe his virginity to anyone, so why should women owe it to him? He would definitely have slept with Ekaterina even if she hadn't been a virgin, although probably a lot sooner. But he had to admit that knowing he had been her first was an euphoric feeling. He had conquered the Ice Queen of Small Heath, as John would probably put it. It was more than that, though. Tommy felt connected to Ekaterina in a way he had never felt with any girl before. Because, no matter what happened after this, he would always be her first.

He got up on his arms, looking down at her. She looked thoroughly disheveled. He grinned and put a hand on a hot cheek, asking gently "how are you feeling?" She looked up at him with hooded eyes and red cheeks. "Somehow different... but still the same?" The blonde mumbled after a moment. "It's hard to put into words." She cocked her head. "Can we do it again?" He huffed and smiled, before kissing her tenderly. "Give me a moment and another condom and I'm good to go again.

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After that they did it a lot. Basically whenever they were alone and had a bit of free time. In her room, in his room; one time even in his office, when everyone had been out. She felt happy, loved and satisfied like never before in her life. Though, outside of it... not much had changed. Tommy was still at odds with his family. Ada still shut away herself and her baby, refusing to speak or see anyone. Freddie was still in police custody.

Ekaterina currently was sitting before her mirror to apply some makeup. Her brother had sent a telegram this morning; he was in Birmingham and wanted to take her out. That was when Tommy suddenly stormed into the room. "I have to leave Birmingham for a while." He announced while packing some things and Ekaterina sprang to her feet. "What? Why? What happened?" Tommy put his hands on his hips and sight. "They found the guns." Her eyes widened from shock. "They found the guns?" He nodded, repeating "aye, they found the guns." The girl rolled her eyes. "Yes, I get that now, but how?" He wiped a hand over his face. "I'm not sure yet. I can't get out to investigate though, because that copper will strike as soon as it turns dark. I've no leverage anymore."

The girl thought for a moment, looking out the window. It was already twilight. In less than an hour it would be dark. Then she stepped to the closet as well, pulling out a bag. "I'm going with you." He took hold of her shoulders, making her stop. "No, you stay here. I don't even know yet where I'm going to and it could be dangerous." The girl locked determinedly into his eyes. "Tommy, I won't let you go alone. Also, I'm pretty sure it's much safer for me to go with you than risking walking into Campbell while he knows you're not in Small Heath." He shook his head. "You move back into the house. I told Finn to tell Polly and the others to protect you no matter what." Ekaterina put her hand on his cheek. "You know as well as me that won't protect me if he is out for me, too... let me come with you." Tommy looked uncertainly down at her and she continued. "I also know where we can go."

Tommy knew that she was right. The one thing that had kept Campbell out of Small Heath and from harassing his ex-fiancée (aside from the prospect of selling out Freddie, what was useless now, anyway) had been the guns and his threat to sell them. He didn't know if Campbell was still after Ekaterina, but Tommy didn't even want to think about the small girl running into him while he wasn't there to provide protection. It was known in Small Heath, by now, that he and the girl were lovers and he had no doubt that Campbell would go after her no matter what, either because of the copper himself or because of Tommy. So he finally nodded his head.

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And that's how he suddenly found himself standing in a fancy bedroom in Ekaterinas childhood home: The Alton Towers. Well, not really suddenly, as the drive had taken a little over an hour. As soon as they both had packed up a car had stopped before the house and honked. It had been Andrew, Ekaterinas brother, who he knew she was actually planning to spend her evening with. They had gone out and the girl had held a hushed, but rapid discussion with him; though what was said he didn't know, as it was in Russian. Obviously reluctantly he had finally relented and let them both into the car, steering it immediately out of Small Heath and Birmingham. The drive had been tense and silent. Then the 'manor', as the siblings called it (even though it was actually a fucking castle) had come into sight and they had been greeted by a whole horde of maids and butlers. It had been kind of surreal. Tommy had then been taken to a bedroom, while Ekaterina had gone with her brother somewhere.

A knock was sounding and Ekaterina walked in, smiling when she saw him standing in the middle of the room as if lost. "Do you like it?" She asked while coming nearer. Tommy cocked an eyebrow. "Well, it's probably the fanciest room I've ever had the pleasure to stay in." The girl arrived at where he was standing and embraced him, putting her head on his chest. "Hm. I'm sorry, I know you're probably uncomfortable... but we're safe here." She looked up at him. "Even if Campbell knows we're here he will not come. He won't dare going against nobility without the consent of the crown. And my fa- I mean, my brother, now, is a member of the House of Lords." Tommy cocked his head und put his hands on her waist. "Your brother is in the parliament?" She let go of him, avoiding his gaze. "Yes. It's a family thing. The seat gets inherited by the oldest son - or, well, the next male in the line of succession - after the former Earls death as soon as said successor is of age. Through that the Talbot side of my family has been part of the parliament since its founding."

Tommy pulled up both of his eyebrows. He knew that his little lover was, technically, of higher standing than him. Yet he had never quite grasped just how influential her family was. Nobility for hundreds of years and politically involved since the founding of the parliament. And again he asked himself what he had done to deserve her affection. Surely she could have someone better than a gangster from a gypsy family. But whatever, as long as she wanted him Thomas Shelby would not let her go. "Your father died?" She sat down on the settee standing at a wall. "Yes. A couple months ago. My brother told me, back then in the Garrison." He sat down next to her and took her hand. "Why didn't you say anything?" She looked at the floor. "We- we separated on such bad terms and... well, I guess I was also a bit ashamed that I wasn't really sad when I learned of his death. I only felt relief that I was finally free from his grasp and that my brother had taken over. I don't have to fear him forcing me to do something I don't want anymore. I guess I'm a terrible daughter."

Tommy took her chin, making her look at him. "You are not a terrible daughter. He was just a terrible father. He should have protected you from a man like Campbell, not forcing you to marry him against your wishes and just plain common sense." He looked into her green eyes with honest sincerity. "And personally, I'm thankful for it. Not because you had to suffer. But because it brought you to me... to us in Small Heath." He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss. But before they could deepen it there was another knock and a maid entered the room, curtsying lightly. "Lady Ekaterina, Mister Shelby, the Earl is calling down for dinner." They both stood up. "Thank you, Lena." The blonde said, before hesitantly asking "Will my mother be present as well?" The young maid shook her head. "The dowager countess has already retired for the night." Ekaterina released a breath and nodded. "You can go then, Lena. I will bring Mister Shelby down on my own." The maid curtsied again an left.

"Well, that's at least one concern down." She muttered and Tommy looked at her questioningly, but didn't say anything.

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On their way down to the dining hall Ekaterina reassured him that, without her mother present, they could ignore protocol and that he should just eat without worrying about etiquette too much. Not that he would have in the first place, but if that calmed her down so be it. The food was delicious, but the atmosphere was tense. They all talked with each other, especially the siblings, and yet there were obvious things no one even dared to touch on with their words. Like why they were here in the first place, for example. Andrew was friendly enough to Thomas, but he noticed the edge in the nobels words. So he was not surprised when the young Earl invited him to stay back for a drink when they had finished the dessert.

"Andrush?" Ekaterina looked questioningly and slightly worried at her brother. "Everything is okay, Katya. I just want to talk a bit more with Mr. Shelby. You can go to bed." She was still unsure, so Tommy weighed in. "It's okay. Just a talk between men." She looked into his blue eyes and finally nodded. She left and the men went to Andrews study. There, he offered Tommy an armchair by the fireplace while he went to the little bar. "I hope you are okay with Irish whiskey, Mr. Shelby?" He nodded. "Yes, that's fine, Sir." Andrew came back to the armchairs, limping slightly, and gave him a glass. "Please just call me Andrew, Mr. Shelby. I'm not too fond of using titles outside of official business." Tommy took a sip from his drink. It went down incredibly smooth, telling him of the exquisiteness. "Then please call me Thomas as well."

They both were quiet for some moments, just enjoying the drink. Then Andrew started. "Thomas, my sister tells me that you fought honorably for our beautiful country." He nodded. "So, as a fellow soldier, I'm going to be direct to you." Andrew leaned forward, looking at him with the same piercing gaze Ekaterina possessed. "What are your intentions with my sister and what dangerous situation have you involved her in?"


AN: guys... I'm seriously SO heartbroken right now. Helen McCrory aka Polly Gray aka Narzissa Malfoy is gone from us. She died after an heroic battle with cancer. Damn. Peaky Blinders will never be the same. Rest In Peace Helen, you've been a hell of a woman. Lots of love from all of your fans.

Xoxo Lulu