This chapter is 1918-1919, just before cannon.
"'Ola!" Finn cried out little legs carrying him towards the group of departees, the group opened up and Viola was allowed to rush forward and pick up the ten-year-old, in comparison to the men and crates she had spent the last four years hauling, Finn was as light as a feather and she had missed him desperately.
"Hello Finnie" Viola whispered into his hair, a few tears falling free.
Ada and Polly walked up to them slower than Finn but with haste, their eyes scanning over them.
"Welcome home" Ada greeted them gently her eyes filled with relief.
"It's good to be home" Viola told Ada with a smile.
/
"You move fast" Pol told Tommy with an arched eyebrow after checking them over for any injuries, relief rushing over her when they stood tall and strong but not all wounds were physical and she worried.
"I've been waiting eight years to marry her; Pol I wouldn't call that fast" Tommy replied as he lit a cigarette feeling antsy, he flicked his hand and Arthur along with John stepped forward to bracket Viola protectively, their heads on swivels.
"That's not what I was talking about" Pol said cryptically before smacking his arm "and we're having a Gypsy ceremony here, in Birmingham"
"Sure" Tommy agreed "need to talk to her family first though, see if they'll attend also need to be told that we got married"
"Good luck with that" Pol snorted, amusement bright in her eyes.
"I'd rather fight the Germans again" Tommy grumbled, his eyes remaining fixed on Viola who was sandwiched between Arthur and John, carrying Finn in her arms.
"Speaking of" Polly said "That townhouse upon the hill? Family's fled due to the war, their sons died- tragedy though it is..."
"It's an opportunity" Tommy said his eyes gleaming with calculation "Been meaning to get us a house, apartment's going to be too small anyways"
"It most definitely will" Polly agreed slyly "and I know you're planning on finding some more people to overlook Viola. A staff would be a good thing"
Tommy smirked and didn't bother to deny it.
/
"Tommy?" Viola asked gently staring at his heaving back.
Tommy whirled at stared at her wide eyed before his eyes flickered over to the window "Why are you near the window?!"
Tommy strode over to her and took her arm in a firm grip before taking her over to the sofa and gesturing for her to sit down, before pacing up and down in front of her, a manic edge to his movements.
"What's wrong Tommy?" Viola asked him "Do you want me to run and get Polly?"
That was the wrong thing to say, Tommy spun around and stared at her with wide blue eyes.
"NO! No! you can't- y-you can't leave me! Okay? Just, they-they tried to take you from me, I can't let that happen again, alrigh?" Tommy told her desperately and Viola wasn't sure if he was here in the present with her.
"Okay, Tommy, Okay. No one's going to take me and you'll keep me safe" Viola crooned to him, making a gesture with her hands and Tommy took the invitation, picking her up and cuddling her close to his chest.
"They can' take yah, I won' let 'em, I won'. Yer mine Viola, my Stailc tintreach" Tommy rambled madly as he brushed his hands over her body, reassuring himself that she was there, the doors were locked and barricaded so no one could come, no one could take her from him.
It took a knock on the door to break him out of his downward spiral into dark possessiveness and paranoid thoughts.
"-No, Arthur, I'm afraid I'm having a rather bad day, you, John and Pol can handle today, can't you?" Viola was asking as she gently ran her fingers up and down his forearm soothingly.
"Stailc tintreach" Tommy rasped out
She hummed tilting her head against his shoulder as Arthur called back through the door.
"Alrigh' I'll handle the jobs today, just, feel better yea? I'll bring some honeycomb or somethin' back okay?"
"Thank you, Arthur!" Viola called out before lowering her voice and focusing on Tommy "Are you back?"
"Yes" Tommy said but when she shifted, his arms tightened "-ah, maybe?"
"It's alright" Viola assured him settling back against his chest "it's nice to just cuddle"
Tommy hummed in agreement before confessing "I woke up and you weren't in bed, when I came looking I-I couldn't find you and I panicked"
"I understand" Viola assured him and he nodded, once or twice he'd woken up to a bruise around his wrist from how tight she'd been holding him through the night, it didn't concern him. they just...needed that reassurance sometimes.
"Can we just stay here today and not go outside?" Tommy pleaded as he leant his head against the crook of her neck, feeling ashamed for being so weak but...surely it was allowed in front of his wife? Viola wouldn't judge him surely.
"Between you and me, Beloved" Viola breathed out "the outside world sems rather terrifying to me right now. Staying inside sounds a wonderful idea"
Tommy breathed out a soft prayer as his shoulders slumped forward, of course she'd understand. She always did.
/
"Tommy" Charlie greeted him as he walked into his yard
"Uncle Charlie" Tommy hummed "you know people, right?"
Charlie blinked and gave him a look as if he was slow "Yes, I know people want to be more specific on what kind of people?"
"Someone who breeds good dogs" Tommy answered pulling out a cigarette "guards' dogs, for Viola"
Charlie chewed on his lip, looking hesitant "Tom-"
Tommy interrupted "I know how I'm actin' Charlie and I'm trying to mitigate it as much as possible"
With a sigh Tommy admitted "I could be doing a lot, lot worse I've got to give something otherwise I'll go completely off the handle"
Even with him trying to not lose it, his...protectiveness and need for control had kicked up to another level and he was pathetically grateful that Viola was working with him and giving him what he needed but Tommy recognised the darkness, how tempting it would be to lock her up with him and throw away the key so that the rest of the world couldn't have her. Not that they deserved her...
But he couldn't. he couldn't because it would break his lightening strike.
"Alright, one big guard dog comin' up" Charlie muttered "I'll speak to the Burne's, they breed good dogs"
He nodded his head in thanks and walked off to check on their horses.
/
"Stailc tintreach?" Tommy called out softly as he stepped into the darkened apartment, feeling slightly panicked at the silence.
He huffed and put the puppy into his coat pocket for now, it was some italian dog that the burnes had started to breed into their other dogs but Tommy had picked out a pure cane Corso pup, as black as night with a white patch on his chest that amusingly reminded him of a lightning strike.
"Viola, love where are you?" Tommy called out as he stepped out of an empty kitchen and headed towards the bedroom...maybe she was napping?
"Here" her voice croaked out from their water closet and he stepped into the dimly lit room with a deep frown on his face that washed away into concern at the shattered glass
"Stailc tintreach! What happened?! Are you okay?!" He demanded urgently as he knelt next to her uncaring of the glass,
"Tommy?" She asked in confusion, raising her head to show red-rimmed eyes.
"Yes, Stailc tintreach, it's me, I'm here" Tommy assured her gently
"I-I was just, getting ready and then, then t-there was this bang-" her voice hiccupped "-and I just, I thought-"
Viola's eyes turned glassy with memories and Tommy panicked before he grabbed the puppy by it's scruff and dropped him into Viola's lap. She blinked and jerked out of her bad memories as the puppy whimpered and licked at her chin.
"Wha-"she looked up at him with pitifully confused eyes
"'E's for you, I- dogs, animals make me feel better, figured might make you feel better but you can't take Biscuit around everywhere..." Tommy trailed off bashfully but freaked out when she burst into tears "I'm sorry! I'm Sorry! Don't cry, I'll return I'll get a different one!"
"NO!" Viola shrieked "No, no, please, I love him!"
Tommy huffed and sat back on his heels "Okay, okay, no getting rid of the dog" he just stared bewildered as Viola swung between sobbing desperately into the puppy's' fur and praising him with love and assurances.
"T-thank you, Tommy" Viola told him with bright brown eyes and Tommy sighed relegating himself to being the second priority as long as the mongrel lived.
"You're welcome Vi" Tommy murmured back, moving forward to pick her up, he didn't want her bare feet touching the floor with the broken glass, he'd tend to her wounds, sit her on the couch with the pup and then go and clean up.
"What will you name him?" Tommy asked curiously
Viola hummed and stared at the pup carefully before noticing the lightning strike mark on his chest, with a soft smile she said "Kismet"
"Kismet?" Tommy replied incredulous and she shot him a vicious, suspicious glare "is a wonderful name for a dog"
Viola preened, pleased with herself as she gently petted the puppy's ear, the dog was passed out on her lap snoring and she began to feel rather sleepy herself.
Tommy huffed as he began to sweep up, he really needed to start implanting good names into Viola's head before the kids came along. Otherwise, they'd end up with ridiculous names like Ivar or Cecelia.
/
"Tommy, that stuff isn't good for you" Viola told him gently, she had woken up to an empty bed, Kismet was in his own little bed in the bedroom, not that he used it much being allowed on their bed or even preferring to sleep out in the living room, by the smouldering hearth.
Tommy nodded as he twirled the pipe through his fingers "I know. I just wanted it to stop for one night"
He couldn't bare to look at Viola right now, he just...he kept being so...weak, how shameful it was but he felt like a house of cards ready to be blown apart by the next wind.
"Oh, Tommy" Viola breathed out coming to sit beside him.
He hung his head in shame "I'm sorry, for being weak"
"You're not weak, you've just been strong for so long" Viola told him fiercely, she would not allow the man she loved to belittle himself!
"I just want my mind to stop for one night" Tommy murmured, managing to look at her with exhausted blue eyes.
"I can help with that" Viola told him gently He had been running around, trying to settle the business, face down challengers, check on their family, make sure his comrades were okay, run after Arthur, calm her down, soothe her nightmares...
"How?" Tommy wondered curiously
"Well, you make my mind go blank" Viola told him coyly "and I hear reciprocity is important in a relationship"
"You want me to fuck you until my mind goes blank?" Tommy asked "We're already fuckin' like rabbits"
"More jackrabbits" Viola corrected before saying "And I want to fuck you until your mind goes blank"
"What's the difference?" Tommy wondered
"Let me show you, Polly showed me some books" Viola told him
"Never, mention my aunt when we're getting naked" Tommy complained as he hauled his wife up and shuffled them into the bedroom, taking an offended looking Kismet and booting him out of the room. He had some standards.
"Sit down, Beloved" Viola instructed him gently, Tommy licked his lips and sat down, curious and wanting to see where this went.
"Do you trust me?" Viola asked him
"With everything" Tommy swore faithfully
"Good, we need a safe word, just in case" Viola said "what do you want it to be?"
"Ah..." Tommy frowned "Lamp?"
"Lamp it is" Viola told him with a smile "Now, repeat it"
"Lamp" Tommy said
"Again" she ordered, with the poise of a lady, used to giving commands.
"Lamp" Tommy breathed out; his pupils blown wide as his heart pounded in his chest.
"Very good" Viola praised him and Tommy swallowed heavily feeling a delicious twist in his gut.
"Stailc tintreach" He groaned out, reaching for her but she swiftly grabbed his hands.
"No touching, not until I let you" Viola instructed him firmly and he nodded eagerly.
"Promise" Tommy breathed out.
"Good, now move up the bed, I want you in the centre" Viola told him and he rushed to obey.
Viola grinned playfully as she bit her lower lip, somewhat enjoying having this control over him.
"Now, you're going to keep your hands by your side while I give you a show" Viola told him as she reached a hand up and began to undo the laces of her deep green dress. With a smirk she let the dress drop, pooling around her feet and leaving her in her underthing's.
"Fuck" Tommy breathed out clenching his hands into their bedspread to stop him from lunging at her. She looked delicious, silky black stockings encasing her lovely legs, a lacy corset cover over her black corset, supported by a long steel busk at the front and the sold boning around the body. Layered over her chemise with sweet little bows...maybe she'd let him try and untie the bows with his mouth? He'd be very dedicated...
"Now, should I take it all off? Or should I make you, do it?" Viola questioned playfully
Tommy groaned "I'll do whatever you want"
"Yes, you will" Viola crooned as she climbed onto the bed and started climbing up to him, and his eyes lidded as he took in the ethereal sight of his wife glowing in the candle light. Fuck, God, she was perfect.
"Ngh, Viola" he whined with a desperate edge to his voice but he remained as he'd been ordered...he wanted to be good for her, please her.
"Your being so good for me Tommy" Viola praised as she settled herself on his lap, feeling his hard shaft pressing against her inner thigh.
"I am?" Tommy asked with a slight slur to his voice
"Yes" Viola praised pressing a kiss to his lips, leaning back when he chased her lips "I think you should get a reward"
Tommy was about to plead to let him start undressing her when she started pressing kisses down his body, sucking and nipping.
His mind blanked when she finally took him into her mouth and started bobbing her head, he wasn't sure what he was babbling expect for pleas for more and undulated praise. Whether he was speaking English, Gaelic or whatever French he'd picked up in the war he had no clue.
But right now, he wasn't focusing on the war all he was interested in was the feel of her warm mouth around his cock, the way her tongue trailed over the vein, her warm hand on his thigh, her brown hair tickling his lower stomach...
Just when he was about to tip over, feeling his stomach clenching in anticipation, Viola pulled back hand clamping down as he involuntary jerked his hips forward.
"N-No" he pleaded, head falling back onto the headboard as his chest heaved
"Ah, ah, I'm not done, darling" Viola murmured settling herself comfortably on his lap and sharing a loving kiss with him as she rose herself up and sheathed herself on him in one swift move that had him gasping into her mouth.
Viola murmured soft praises before telling him "You can touch now, beloved"
Tommy thanked her breathlessly as he trailed his hands reverently over her body, pulling her clothes off and trailing kisses along her skin, leaving some marks behind, he couldn't hep himself. She just looked so pretty with them...
Viola's fingers trailed into his hair and she tugged demandingly making him gasp as he met her sweet brown eyes.
"Look at me Tommy, doesn't this feel good? Nice? You feel so good inside of me" Viola murmured into his lips, sneaking a few kisses.
"Yes" Tommy breathed out "so good, sweet, warm, perfect"
"You make me feel so good, Tommy, so full" Viola told him caressing his jaw lines as her hips moved fluidly "you bring me such pleasure, such love. my darling, husband, my beloved Tommy"
Tommy grunted and his eyes rolled back into his head as he clutched desperately to Viola, his only anchor right now...mind blanking white as pleasure overtook him.
He blinked back to reality, slowly and lazily feeling Viola's lips trailing across his chest, her fingers tracing soothing patterns along his stomach.
"Stailc tintreach" he slurred out blinking slowly but sleep tugged at him, a peaceful bliss wrapped around him.
"I'm here, Tommy, it's alright, just sleep, everything's okay and you did so well" Viola praised him, Tommy hummed sleepily and trailed his fingers over her lower back, slipping into a peaceful slumber with no nightmares.
/
"It's that Soldier I shot" Arthur admitted quietly to Viola "that's the worst of it, I put him down like a dog"
Viola hummed but kept quiet, unsure how to help.
"I, the war was fighting you know? business, personal that it was...but he was on our side, and he was, he was hurt and dying. It was a mercy to put him down but still, I really didn't want to" Arthur frowned heavily "Or I mean, I did but..."
She slid over a plate of biscuits and he took one, they sat in a companionable silence until Arthur left a few hours later, Viola quickly walked over to her writing desk and began writing.
"Dear Sybil,
I know things have been tense with you lately, will you visit Birmingham? Arthur, he's having such a terrible time and I know your gentle touch could help...
Arthur Shelby was a dutiful brother; he wasn't very intelligent or cunning or strong not like Tommy...but he was loyal and dutiful and put family above all else. He had never minded the fact that his younger brothers were better than him, in fact, it made him proud, knowing he could help and stand by Tommy's side, bringing the Shelby family to greater heights.
To watch over John and his family, watching their family grow and know that he helped protect them, to raise them.
But...but he'd admit he was envious that Tommy had found his lightning Strike. Arthur wanted his own but, different.
Arthur was a chaotic man, he always had been but since the war...since the war it was never ending, he was always a controlled storm, capable of unleashing devastation on his family's enemies and always slowing himself down to create a soothing rainstorm to shelter his family.
But now his storm was out of control, and he had no idea on how to stop it from going out of control and hurting those he held dear.
"Oh! Arthur, you remember Sybil, don't you?" Vi asked him but he wasn't paying attention.
He was far too busy staring at those deep blue eyes, radiating serenity and peace. Peace, he had not known in so very long, he ached for her.
"sùil na stoirm" Arthur murmured reverently
"Hello Mr Shelby" Sybil smiled at him and Arthur Shelby was gone and away.
"Arthur, call...call me Arthur yea?" He requested gruffly suddenly feeling panicked, he wasn't handsome or smart of capable of being gentle like Tom! What was he supposed to do?!
"Well then, you need to call me Sybil, yes?" Sybil smiled and Arthur Shelby wondered if she'd want a April wedding or an October one?
Viola giggled and stood up "I need to go and check on Tommy, I promised not to leave the betting shop and I'm sure he's figured me out by now...Arthur will you show Sybil around Small Heath? She's been dying to see the place"
"Sure" Arthur nodded immediately.
/
"Mama wants us to visit" Viola said as she slotted herself onto Tommy's lap, his arms wrapping around her immediately. Her beloved Kismet was sprawled out at their feet, all gangly limbs now and puppy enthusiasm.
"I suppose that's fair enough" Tommy murmured as he nuzzled his nose into her neck, taking in her scent "We've been back for about two months"
"You're coming right?" Viola asked him
Tommy pulled back and stared at her "when have I allowed you to be alone since we got married?"
"True" Viola said ruefully "Do...do you think perhaps we're being too dependant on each other?"
"No" Tommy said flatly "and if we were then I don't care"
"Then we'll head up tomorrow" Viola decided
Tommy pressed a kiss to her open neckline "and we're taking Arthur, John and Pol and twenty men, no I won't budge. I'd bring Ada too but someone needs to take over the business for the day"
"Alright" Viola conceded easily "is Danny going as well?"
"Hmm, and Jeremiah" Tommy confirmed "I'll leave Freddie behind"
/
The day before the visit Tommy woke slowly, a smile crossing his face when he saw Viola, his sleepy gaze soon turned to alarm when her eyes widened and she scrambled for the pot, throwing up violently. And he lurched up, scrambling after her.
"Uh? Viola? Love? stailc tintreach?" He called tentatively, standing shirtless behind her as he scooped her hair into one hand and rubbed her back with his other, should he go running for Pol? Or the Doctor?
"I hate your aunt" Viola groaned
"Why? Did you eat her experimental cooking? I did warn you" Tommy joked everyone knew when Polly Grey got creative in the kitchen it was time to scram.
"No, the infernal woman just has to be right all the time" Viola grumbled before her face turned a greenish hue and her head was back in the pot.
Behind her Tommy stilled before a bright grin crossed his face, a baby! They were going to have a baby! Oh, this apartment will be far too small soon.
/
"So, what do you think?" Tommy asked Viola slightly nervously. He had led her to the house that he had bought, the one Polly had pointed out to him, it had taken a little while to sort out but he was pleased with the progress and decided to bring Viola, for her approval.
Viola looked around the parlour she was in, the house held a parlour, kitchen, dining room, office and four bedrooms. There was a separate area for a small staff that Tommy told he was currently looking through applicants.
"I- I'm looking at a manor as well, in Warwickshire. Its called Arrow house" Tommy murmured to her "I know, this isn't what your used to-"
Viola pushed up against him and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips "I've lived in a one bed apartment for the past eight years, this place is wonderful wherever will be wonderful because, you'll be there"
"I love you Stailc tintreach" Tommy told her "I want to give you the best"
"You are the best" Viola assured him and he smiled, pulling her into his arms as they slowly waltzed around the room.
/
"Mr Shelby" Thomas Barrow greeted him
"Mr Barrow" Tommy replied eyes sweeping over the grounds of the manor, he could spot a few of his men wandering around, ignoring the curiosity of the staff, they were here to ensure Mr and Lady Shelby's safety. Especially Lady Shelby's.
Everything was still being settled so Tommy had taken the time to have a cigarette while Viola and her Ma cried. Polly, John and Arthur were currently ordering their minions about. It amused him to see the Crawley family, baffled by the number of men that were currently under the Shelby family and working for them.
"You offered me a job once" Barrow got right to the point, eyes flicking to the hub of activity before focusing back on Tommy.
"Aye, I did" Tommy said simply lighting his cigarette, watching Barrow out the corner of his eye.
"That offer still open?" Thomas forged on
"Aye" Tommy confirmed
Thomas glanced over his shoulder "And do you have somewhere for me to work? I'm sick of being a footman and sick of being underappreciated"
"You work for me, you'll be my head butler of the staff I'm putting together, I just bought a townhouse in small heath and I'm planning to buy another in Warwickshire. Of course, you realise what will be asked of you?" Tommy checked, it was all well and good having Barrow work for him but if he refused to get to the dirty work...well then, he'd have no use would he?
"Of course," Thomas nodded his head "but it will all be under Lady Viola's name correct so it's legal?"
"Should the worst come to pass, it's been ensured nothing will fall on my wife, and that includes the houses, wealth and your job security" Tommy told him, not offended that he'd ask "But the protection of my family while at the manor will fall to you, my wife and children when I'm not there"
"Agreed" Thomas Barrow nodded "when you have the manor, I'll put in my notice"
They shook on it and then Tommy walked over to his wife, wrapping an arm around her as she pulled back from her mother and sent him a watery smile.
/
"So Darling Girl, you wrote to your Mama about having news?" Robert Grantham asked after settling the two family's down and providing tea and treats.
Viola nodded and took Tommy's hand in her own before declaring to her family.
"We're married" Viola told her family, her face lightening up
"I wouldn't" Polly drawled out suddenly, her tone sharp as she focused on Papa.
"Wouldn't what?" Robert demanded looking at her
"Say what you're about to say" Polly told him with an arched eyebrow
"Oh? is that your gypsy witchcraft talking?" Robert questioned incredulously
"No, woman's intuition" Polly informed him.
"I'm Sorry...married? How? When?" Violet Crawley asked baffled
"On the fields of France, when the war was declared over and the armistice was signed" Polly answered her before tilting her head to Jeremiah who was stood in the corner of the room, murmuring reassurances to a muttering Danny Whiz-Bang.
"Jeremiah over there married them" Polly said "And it was our Arthur who took her down the aisle"
"A black man?!" Edith questioned in shock
"Yes" John Shelby said simply "problem?"
"He's entirely unsuitable, a foreigner preceding over the marriage of a Lady!" Edith said in shock, nigh on clutching her pearls
"Oh, Jeremiah isn't foreign, he was raised in small heath, just as we were" Tommy told Edith calmly but kept a vice grip on his saucer.
"That's another point" Edith said with a huff "I understand giving the baby of the family...some, leeway in life but allowing this? Honestly Papa, what where you thinking approving, this, this dalliance with a Gypsy?!"
Edith didn't notice the way Polly Shelby was eyeing her up, with disdain and a predatory hunger.
"I didn't and I never will" Robert told her firmly before addressing Viola "Now, darling girl, you know this isn't a suitable match, the boy has no prospects, no pedigree, no life to give you!"
Viola took in a breath and nodded "I have survived the greatest war this world has ever known with that man by my side, I have seen hell Papa, and I have learnt that there are more important things in this world than your approval. Tommy has just bought us a house, he is looking into buying Arrow House, yes that one in Warwickshire. Tommy can provide a good life for me, a life that I want because it's him"
"Oh darling, I'm so happy for you!" Sybil grinned at her sister.
Cora clasped her hands together, a new look in her eyes "Well, if he can buy Arrow house...surely Robert, his prospects aren't so bad?"
"A man willing to work to provide my granddaughter a good life is a man worthy of her. Helps he's no lackwit either" Violet added on
"...He's not so bad" Mary said slowly before adding on "for a Gypsy Boy"
Tommy smirked and toasted her, being called Gypsy Boy by Mary nowadays was practically a term of endearment.
"You'll have no money" Robert threatened, completely ignoring the women in his family "I'll give you no support, no money, you will just be a gypsy wife, unless you divorce him, you might be ruined but this, this farce can be fixed"
"This is no farce, they're married by law, in the eyes of God!" Polly spat out sharply.
"And Shelby's look after their own" Arthur added on
"We'll look after Viola, for the rest of her life" John said firmly, chewing his toothpick.
"Thomas Shelby is a cunning, intelligent man and already making his way up in the world to prove himself" Violet said "his pedigree can be looked over, don't be a fool, Robert!"
"I'm not being a fool!" Robert retorted "I'm being sensible, Viola is far too good for him!"
"I agree" Edith added on snootily "Viola's status means she should be marrying a Lord at least"
"Oh, and what men will she marry eh?" Tommy asked with a smirk "they're all dead"
"Though I never saw any men showing interest in you" John added on nastily "not that they would"
Polly smacked his arm but John shrugged unapologetically.
"Better a gypsy wife than life without my Tommy, I've suffered that once and I won't do it again" Viola breathed out, resolve firming her.
"She'll have money from me" Tommy interjected with a fierce frown, he could- he would take care of his wife "she will be happy by my side, her hearth will always be warm, her stomach always full, her house always ready to shelter her from any storm and her days merry and our family large. That is what I'll provide"
"Grandmama, Mama, Mary, Sybbie, you will always be welcome and Papa, I hope you see sense before long" Viola bid them adieu before turning to Edith "You're probably past any saving so I'll just pray for your soul"
Edith shot her a vicious glare and Viola rolled her eyes. She didn't need to put up with that anymore.
"You will leave with nothing but the clothes on your back!" Robert bellowed at her, standing to his feet as his face turned purple in rage. Viola was an obedient child by and large but this! This was beyond the pale! This stupid, childish rebellion! He should have stopped it long ago but she had gone and married the gypsy ruined her reputation beyond anything!
"I'll be leaving with the love of my life and the knowledge I was right" Viola parried taking her husband's hand and leaving the drawing room. The Shelby's filing around them with Jeremiah and Danny keeping a close eye on them.
Tommy let her lead him as he stared at the Crawley family over his shoulder "Sybil, you're going to be an aunt and Violet, you're going to be a Great-Grandmama, I do hope you'll visit"
He turned and smirked to himself hearing the gasps of shock that rung through the room.
"Are you okay?" Tommy asked her gently "No regrets?"
"We married in France but we're having another ceremony I hope, that you would approve but it won't change my decision or the legalities. I am Viola Shelby from the day the war ended to the day I die" Viola told her father firmly, ignoring their onlooking family, who had rushed after them at the news of her pregnancy, the staff as well.
"Wait!" Sybil chased after them and grinning wildly "I'm coming with you!"
"Are you sure?" Viola asked her
"Well, you'll need help giving birth, Papa is furious- I don't want to be around that and Branson..."
"Lady Sybil!" Branson called hurrying over to her but Sybil turned and soundly slapped him across the face
"I refuse to be with a coward" Sybil told him firmly "and I refuse to be with a man who would belittle me"
"But- "
"Lady said no" Arthur interrupted firmly, stepping between them "Sybil, love, why don't you get in the red car eh? Me and John'll be in tha' one"
"Of Course," Sybil nodded her head before turning and clambering into the red car.
"Good girl" Arthur praised before focusing on Branson "if you speak to sùil na stoirm again, I'll cut yeh aye?"
"Aye" Branson agreed backing down.
"I'll be needing a word" Tommy said before grabbing Branson by the collar of his neck, and dragging him off, the peaky blinders following after him.
/
Tommy released the man and watched him straighten himself in front of the staff and the Crawley family but before Branson could walk away, he'd been circled in.
"Your Branson, the chauffeur" Thomas spoke up, staring at the man dressed in uniform.
The man paused and looked at Tommy "And your Mr. Shelby, Lady Viola's...Friend"
"Husband" Tommy corrected.
"Right" Branson said blankly "Not like that's going to last long"
"Be lasting the rest of our lives" Tommy retorted "But I've heard about your thoughts on the war, on how our country men died"
"They're not my country men who cares if they die?" Branson questioned
Tommy saw red and punched him in the face
"Your gypsy, a minority oppressed like me! We're comrades" Branson said wiping his nose as he stood up to face Tommy again "you should be on my side not the side of the Lords!"
"I will not be taught camaraderie by a coward unable to fight against oppression and set aside any kind of upset to face a larger problem!" Tommy roared at him, his men circling them, not allowing any interference. All of them were furious when they heard tales of what Tom Branson had been up to, their new butler Barrow, stood by Tommy's side with a serene expression on his face.
"I'm not a coward!" Branson argued hotly
"Yes, you fuckin' are! If you weren't how come you don't even have the BALLS to fuckin' admit out loud to the world that you're in LOVE with an English woman! A lady of the peerage at that!" Tommy shouted loud enough for the staff and family who were watching on to hear, not that they already couldn't
"I-" Branson stuttered wide eyes looking over at an white with rage Lord Grantham
"MY HOUSE?!" he bellowed, along with a furious looking Carson stood beside him "You've been sneaking around with my daughter in my house?! My servants?!"
"What? Concerned what they would think? Or perhaps what your family would think back home in Galway town?" Tommy mocked him "Why not admit to the world that you are in love with Lady Sybil Crawley?! Eh? When I fell in love with a Lady, I proclaimed it to the world! And I pursued with single-mindedness, hell Robert might hate my fuckin' guts even after eight years but no one, no one can look down on me for how I courted her. But you'd rather sneak around in the dark or flee back to Ireland like the fuckin' rat you are than face her family. How can you claim you love her?!"
"I do!" Branson shouted
"Then why shame her for being a lady? Shame her for the circumstances of her birth? Shame her for being a nurse?! She should be fuckin' praised for it but you mock her! Shame her for being a lady and then shame her for trying to better this world! Why can't you stand by her side, proudly and face her family head on?!" Tommy spat "that ain't love! None of this is love!"
"How do you know?" Branson questioned "How did you know I've said those things? You weren't here!"
Tommy stared at him "I'm Tommy fuckin' Shelby, I've got my ways"
More like he bribed the staff, Anna was a wonderful pen pal, Bates was fun to debate with and Viola always let him read her letters or just told him the gossip going on.
"You wouldn't understand the troubles we've gone through" Tom told him
"You don't think I understand? I'm Gypsy my family's been hunted for generations" Tommy snapped back "I understand the troubles but I also understand it's not my wife's fault personally and even if it was, I love her and I'd always be on her side"
Branson bit his lip and looked away.
"But you, you planned to humiliate her and her family in her own home, you belittle her dreams, you mock her and refuse to see how she's bettering herself" Tommy glared at him "You don't deserve her and if you come near Sybil again, I'll kill you"
With that Tommy turned and left Tom Branson to the wolves, clambering into the car with his wife and cuddling her close as they set off back home.
/
He had been in the Garrison settling up some business before heading back to his wife, she'd been feeling rather tired lately so he'd been keeping close to her, hovering around her. Polly had finally kicked him out to settle some debts while she stayed with Viola, having a discussion about labour and such.
"That Viola? Fuck, I'd sit her on my dick and make her spin, ya know? well, I would eight months ago but now! can't say much about her right now, she's rather massive but those tits!" the dead man made a gesture in front of his chest while Tommy swallowed down the rage, walking over to the group, the others he memorised their face but this one, this one was his tonight.
"What was that?" Tommy asked making the men jump and turn a deathly white
"M-Mr Shelby" the dead man stuttered out
"You were talking 'bout my wife? How...massive she is" Tommy breathed out eyes focused intently on him.
"No, no I wasn't Mr Shelby, I swear it by God" the man babbled "It was a different one, I swear it"
"There's only one Viola" Tommy said "and that's Lady Viola Shelby, my wife"
He didn't let the man splutter any more bullshit excuses simply grabbing him by the collar and proceeding to drag him from the Garrison, a few of his men putting down their drinks and following after, just to keep an eye out.
He blissfully ignored the man, who was babbling...apologies? Whatever, Tommy didn't care. He reached his destination, the river and proceeded to shove the man's head underwater.
Tommy held his head under water blissfully ignoring the thrashing as he stared across the way, perhaps he should take viola on a picnic tomorrow? After the resistance and bubbles stopped, Tommy released his head, leaving it bobbing in the water as he headed home. A bar of chocolate tucked safely in his pocket. Viola was having cravings after all.
He hummed as he opened the door to their new house, nodding at Barrow who was becoming acquainted with their home here before going and checking out Arrow House and setting it up. When Barrow offered to fetch him some whisky, he waved him off, wanting to go and check on his wife. Once Thomas had taken his coat and cap, Tommy headed upstairs, searching for his wife.
Viola was slumbering on the sofa in front of the fire as Kismet slept by her side, when Tommy stepped into the room his large head rose and stared at him accusingly before dismissing him and going back to sleep.
He smirked and sat on the edge of the couch, brushing a lock of brown hair away tenderly, causing her nose to scrunch as she woke up and blinked at him sleepily
"Everything Okay?" Viola asked him
Everything's perfect" he replied "want me to carry you to bed?"
Viola huffed and shook her head "No, I'm comfortable"
"Want to cuddle?" he asked and she smiled
"Please" she requested
Tommy smiled at her softly as he shook off shoes and slipped onto the couch, draping Viola over his chest, and securing an arm around her gently.
/
"Well, I'm here now" Tommy Shelby said calmly, surrounded by the men but unconcerned, he was more bothered by-
"Where is Viola, we want Viola" The spokesperson demanded stepping forward, showing the vicious burn across his face heightening his intimidation factor but Tommy was unmoved.
"No" Tommy Shelby denied with ease
"Yes" The man retorted stubbornly in a thick American accent
"I said fuckin' No, I ain't letting a bunch of unknown men around my stailc tintreach " Tommy scoffed "Do you think I'm fuckin' stupid? That I'd risk the most important person to me?"
"We aren't unknown" The man informed him "Viola was the woman who saved our miserable lives and we have a debt to be paid"
"Then send her a card" Tommy said flatly, eyes narrowed
"I know you" One small, slight man stepped forward with effeminate features
"And I know you, Osiris" Tommy replied staring down the warm-skinned man with a frown "just because I know you, don't mean I'm letting you anywhere near my wife"
The men shuffled at that trading looks
"So, what is it you want?" Tommy demanded, not in the mood to play games "because if you think you can harm my wife, I'll take you all on and cut each of you a fuckin' smile"
"No! it's not like that" A blonde man protested waving his hands "we want to work for her! For you!"
"What?" Tommy questioned, still suspicious but relaxing a bit
"Lady Viola saved our lives, before we joined the army, we were a bunch of outcasts, petty thieves, the dregs of society but she protected us and cared for us the same, even put us before others like captains demanding treatment first because they were heirs or higher ranks...Our loyalty is to her, let us serve, keep her safe" Osiris pleaded with the other men nodding their heads firmly.
Tommy licked his lips but he could always use more men for his ambitions...He'd put them on probation, keep an eye on them but work 'em. He nodded decision made and informed them of what would be happening. The men took their marching orders well and he directed them to the Garrison for John and Arthur to sort out while he headed home to his wife.
/
"Aren't you nervous?" Ada asked Viola as she gently adjusted the royal purple skirt she was wearing, a golden scarf with coins sown in tied across her hips, being used to emphasis her baby bump.
"Why would I be?" Viola wondered as Polly eyed her critically briefly before adding on even more golden jewellery, from what she'd been told it was important to show the Shelby family wealth by giving her colourful attire and dripping golden jewels over her body.
"I'm already married to Tommy, this is just...a reaffirmation, a way to honour his heritage and show our allies that I'm going to embrace him and his as he will me and mine" Viola hummed smiling at Sybil in the mirror who was making her bouquet.
"I suppose" Ada nodded her head "either way it will make for a fun party"
"Isn't the party already starting?" Sybil asked curiously, and Ada and Polly laughed
"No, love, this is the celebration before the party" Polly explained
"I think its all rather exciting, the balls were never like this...this is actual life, people living it" Sybil gushed happily before glancing down at the flowers shyly.
"What is it?" Viola asked staring at her sister in concern.
"A-Arthur invited me to dance with him" Sybil admitted shyly and Viola beamed
"Oh! that's wonderful Sybil!" Viola gushed rushing over to sit by her sister.
"He's rather nice, isn't he?" Sybil asked her "he's gruff but so, gentle..."
"Arthur is a wonderful man" Viola wholeheartedly approved "you should dance with him, see where it goes"
"What if it doesn't?" Sybil fretted "how awkward would it be?"
"You're both adults" Viola told her sister calmly "and Arthur looks at you the same way Tommy looks at me, I wouldn't worry"
Sybil sighed and nodded, a small smile pulling at her lips "Okay, I won't"
Just then there was a knock on the door and Alfie Solomons stuck his head in, looking around until his eyes landed on her
"Hello Angel" he said, inviting himself in
"Hello Alfie-Bear" Viola replied happily getting to her feet to hug her dear friend.
"We'll give you a moment" Sybil said and pushed Ada and Polly out ahead of her, leaving the two alone.
"You look even more beautiful than usual Angel, are you sure you want to marry that ugly mug? I'm happy to run away with you" Alfie joked with her but Viola never saw the hint of yearning in his eyes. He had loved this Angel since she had brought him back from death, a holy glow around her as she smiled at him and fixed his tainted soul with her pureness.
"It's already done, Alfie, bit too late, isn't it?" Viola laughed happily as her hand brushed over her baby bump.
"Yes, it always seems to be" Alfie agreed ruefully and the pair headed out, Viola to remarry and dance the night away with her husband while Alfie searched out for the bar and drank half of it.
/
"Viola why are you up?" Tommy asked groggily as he woke up, he'd finally been getting a good night's sleep but had woken up when Viola's heat disappeared. He could never sleep without her by his side, she kept away the worst of it, grounded him.
"B-Bandages, T-tommy, I-" Viola's panicked voice had him shooting up in alarm, was she hurt? Had someone gotten in? had they hurt her? Who would dare? His hand slipped under the pillow and he pulled out a gun.
"Viola?" Tommy looked around the dimly lit room, confused when there were no signs of a struggle, no blood, no man to kill.
"There isn't enough, I need more but there isn't enough, it's never enough!" Viola's voice shook and Tommy's shoulders slumped in realisation, she was having a flashback.
Viola's hands started racing towards her hair, but Tommy was quicker, catching her hands in his own, he knew what would happen if he let her start tugging at her hair and it broke his heart to see her hurt herself in order to ground herself.
"You don't need bandages anymore stailc tintreach, we're home in Birmingham" he cooed at her voice soft and low like when he spoke to spooked horses.
"NO! No Tommy, I need more, I need to be prepared, please Tommy there isn't enough! There was never enough, no matter how hard I tried! I need more- I need more medicine, I need- "Viola began rambling her eyes glassy as memories assaulted her. Chest heaving as she tried to fight for breath that never seemed to come.
"Ok! Alrigh' Alright!" Tommy's loud voice broke in and pulled back as he stared down at her with non-judgemental eyes, he loathed what the war had done to her, broken her so, she was so strong but Tommy desperately wished to be able to take her demons as his own. If he could, he'd do so in a heartbeat "My stailc tintreach. I will have the boys sent to fetch you bandages by the crate load, medicine and medical supplies too, okay? You can have all your heart's desire"
Tommy would build her a doctor's office or even a hospital if it made her feel better, helped to make her feel secure. He knew he could soothe her and help her feel safe but he desperately desired to do more but unfortunately it was her burden, he just prayed that he helped her like how she helped him.
Viola nodded shakily and slumped into his chest in boneless relief, Tommy secured his arms around her and hummed an old gaelic lullaby his Ma used to sing to him, uncaring of the tears sliding down his bare chest.
"I-I'm sorry beloved" Viola apologised hoarsely, hiccupping as a broken sound wretched itself out of her throat that curdled Tommy's stomach.
"Nothing to be sorry for" Tommy replied fiercely always there to defend her and reassure her.
"It's just, how can we go back? Everything is so clean" she hiccupped again distraught, tears threatening to fall again as she felt shame at missing the war "and it's too quiet"
Viola had survived, her loved ones had survived and yet she dared to complain? What was wrong with her?!
"And the bed is too soft" Tommy murmured softly in understanding, taking in the scent of her hair. For Tommy, on bad night all he could do was sit and watch over Viola, clutching his gun tight as he guarded her from the shadows and silence of the night, as bombs fell and gun fire sounded in his mind accompanied by the screams of men and the terror and heartbreak of thinking his Viola dead.
Viola laughed wildly, borderline hysterical "Yes! The blasted bed is too soft!"
"Alright, here's what we're going to do" Tommy told her, taking charge as she was clearly vulnerable and in no state to think, far too tired from the shell shock "We'll sleep on the living room floor and I'll turn the radio on, won't be the same but a hard floor is a hard floor and noise is noise, will that help?"
Tommy looked down at her, prepared to change the plan if she didn't like it or to do something completely different. Whatever would help, he'd do.
"I- "Viola hesitated before admitting quietly "yes, maybe but, don't, don't leave my sight, please"
"I won't" Tommy promised her, he understood he rarely wanted her to leave his side these days, always fearing it would be the last time he saw her. And forever antsy when she was out of sight, though he settled somewhat when John or Arthur was with her, especially Arthur after what he did for them. That was a debt he would never be able to repay.
Once he set up their nest on the floor, ensuring pillows so her stomach wouldn't hurt her, he whistled for Kismet to come over and he flopped down beside Viola, pleased to be used as a teddy bear. Tommy grabbed his gun and curled around Viola protectively.
The next day, when Thomas Barrow woke them, it was with understanding eyes and a rare compassion as he told them that breakfast had been prepared, handing them tea.
/
"MR SHELBY. MR SHELBY!" Tim came bursting into the betting office and Tommy jerked his gun away from him, having expected an enemy.
"What is it?" Tommy demanded gruffly as he stared down in annoyance at the ink-stained desk. He'd just spent the morning on this bloody paperwork and now it was all ruined.
"It's Lady- Lady Shelby" Tim panted out and Tommy's attention was immediately on the man
"What? What the fucks happened to my wife?!" Tommy demanded dangerously, lurching to his feet.
"She's havin' the baby Mr Shelby, gone into labour at home! Dr Stoyle's been called and Lady Sybil's with 'er-"Tommy ignored him shoving the man into the doorframe as he burst out of the betting office staring around
"John! You're in charge! Viola's gone into labour!" Tommy shouted ignoring the cheers as he tore out of the betting shop and sprinted down the streets, eyes focused on the house in the distance, bursting past the people around him and shoving over men who didn't get out of his fuckin' way quick enough.
He burst through the front door and looked around wildly, only to find Barrow waiting for him.
"Viola, where is she? What's going on?" Tommy demanded briskly
Thomas moved to take his coat and cap as he explained "Lady Viola went into labour some two hours ago but it was considered to be a false labour until her water broke, the Doctor was then fetched along with Miss Flo and Lady Sybil has been attending to her sister as well as Miss Polly. Miss Ada and Mister Finn have been waiting outside the master bedroom. I sent Tim to fetch you half-an-hour ago, when Dr Stoyle said the birth was progressing rapidly"
"Good, well-done Barrow, I imagine we should just have cold cuts and snacks brought up, dinner might need to be something simple as well" Tommy instructed
"Of Course, Mister Shelby" Barrow answered before walking off towards the kitchen while Tommy threw himself up the stairs, two at a time until he reached the landing to the master bedroom, Ada and Finn were waiting, Finn on the floor playing with toys.
But there was no screaming, why wasn't there screaming? Wasn't there usually screaming?
"Viola?" Tommy asked sharply staring at Ada like a hawk.
"She's fine" Ada assured him as there was a grunting noise behind the door and Tommy strode towards the master bedroom door.
"You can't go in!" Ada protested
"My wife, My child, yes I fuckin' can" Tommy retorted before walking into the room.
Viola was sat up in bed, one hand holding Polly's, while sweat stained her brow.
"God, fuck, it hurts Pol!" Viola whined as she screamed through gritted teeth
"I know, love but you're doing brilliantly! Absolutely brilliant" Polly reassured her
"I want him out!" Viola ordered harshly, her flushed face turning bright red from exertion.
Tommy hurried over to her, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles "Stailc tintreach, you're doing so well, it's almost done"
Viola managed a shaky smile as she panted "I just, want our child out now"
And after another hour of muffled screams, grunts and swear words Viola was presented with their red-faced potato looking son. He was the most beautiful being they had ever seen.
Tommy laughed softly, a warm adoration in his eyes as he held his son's tiny fist, looking up at his wife with slightly teary eyes "Thank you, for this gift"
"Hmm, your welcome" Viola replied gently playing with the small tuft of brown hair, the same shade as her own.
"Welcome to the world Rian Thomas Shelby" Tommy murmured softy, watching as his son gave a squeaky yawn and shot him an accusing look with his odd coloured eyes. Rian had been born August 6, 1919. His great Aunt Polly was the first person to hold him after them, then Sybil claimed him for her own, then Ada and Finn. Soon joined by Arthur, along with John and his brood of children, all cheering up at the new life after the loss of their mother.
"Sybil, Arthur we want you to be godparents" Tommy requested as he gently cradled his sleeping son, his wife was also sleeping, exhausted after the events of the day.
"We'd love to" Sybil replied cooing gently at her nephew, so cute, she sent eyes at Arthur who flushed, picking up on what she wanted.
AN/
I want to make Tommy and Viola's staff too be kind of like Phantomhive servants. Ah, not too happy about this chapter but next one will be cannon
Rian- means King and yes I have a theme going with the babies names :D you'll pick it up eventually
Thomas- after his dad, obviously.
Also:
Stailc tintreach- Lightning Strike- Viola Crawley
sùil na stoirm- Eye of the storm- Sybil Crawley
bolt dealanaich- Lightning Bolt- Esme Shelby
I figured Tommy needed a lightning Strike to inspire him, Arthur needed an eye of the storm to help calm him and give him refugee and John needed a lightning Bolt because- well because of the scene where John meets Esme and then glances over at Tommy with a really smug smirk.
Yea not very good at writing a Sub!Tommy, but eh, I tried.
Yea the Townhouse he bought on the hill- couldn't resist the lyrics lol, and Arrow house would be very expensive
£200,000 Manor house now worth ££9,340,348.47
£11,000,- town house worth now- £513,719.17
Tommy's dropping moneyyyyy on her
