#tommyshelbyx black reader

[saintsir4n]

17

thank you for 10k views 

WARNINGS: SMUT, MENTIONS OF WAR AND ABORTION

1914

THE Shelby brothers had enlisted and Eden Dawkins wanted to kill them all.

"Why?" She finally asked after being silent for five unnerving minutes.

"We wanted to do it on our terms," Tommy exclaimed, watching her nervously as she played with her fingers.

He and his brothers brought her to the nearby park where they all used to play. It was vacant but her boiling anger was suffocating them all. John sat next to her on a swing, but Arthur stood next to a cautious Tommy.

"Your terms?" Eden repeated, folding her arms.

He stiffly nodded, "Our terms."

"What's Pol said?"

"Very little."

"Ada?" Eden asked, and that's when John took a good look at her, seeing how she glowed, despite her frustration.

"Wouldn't stop cryin'" John grimaced at the memory.

"John," Arthur hissed, Tommy just sighed.

"What? She did."

"Little Finn? I know Isaiah was bawlin' his eyes at last night when he woke up they were swollen," Eden stated.

"We're tellin' 'im later tonight," Arthur informed, averting his eyes.

She turned to John, "And Martha?"

"She smacked me, then cried," the force of the slap caused his head to whip to the side full force whilst his aunt consoled his crying wife.

"She's your wife, popped out a baby for you and now you're off to war, I don't blame her," Eden muttered, and John sighed.

"Alright Eden," he didn't want to feel guiltier than he already did. He was leaving his girls for however long. But it was his decision and there was no way he or his brothers back out of it now.

Eden stared up at Tommy, with a look he couldn't read, "My dad and uncle told me the same this mornin', that they enlisted as well, my dad vows, promises to my mum, well they don't mean shit anyways."

"Thanks, Eden," John grumbled, then stormed off, leaving Arthur to follow him presumably back to the house.

Tommy appeared in front of her, "Edie, love."

She stood up and softly shook her head, "Don't, give me time to think."

She didn't sound angry anymore, just hurt, there was so much on her mind, the baby was a big factor and how was she gonna raise a child when he was shooting the enemy at war? Is there any point in telling him now? Her mother asked her if she wanted to keep the baby, as did Polly the following Monday and she instantly said yes, but it was all before this madness.

Before all the men in her life were gonna up and leave for... a few months? What a load of shite, it wouldn't be that easy, it never was. Her father would be gone, a part of her world. She wouldn't cope if she ever lost him.

"Fuck, don't shut me out," Tommy ran a hand throw his raven locks, which continued to grow.

He would have to cut it again, fuck Eden stop thinking about it all. But she couldn't. It was real, it was gonna happen whether she wanted it or not. It's men's business. Fuck.

She sent him a sad smile, "I'm not, just thinking about more life-changing decisions."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He cupped her face, trying to read her, her comments hadn't been making much sense to him recently.

"Nothin' Tom, just give me some time alright?" She placed her hands over his, then caught the panic in his eyes, "And before you ask, I'm not leavin' you, I'm just thinkin'."

"Alright," that answer he could deal with.

But the fact he wouldn't be here to protect her made him realise how much he needed her to put on the pendant, to put his mind at ease, fuck her stubbornness.

His eyes couldn't look away from her, fuck she's beautiful, he did notice a glow on her face, the summer added to her beauty, he realised.

"Alright," she nodded.

"I'm sorry," he dropped his hands and tugged her closer, bringing her head to his chest, breathing in her scent, her everything.

"Don't be, I know it's been on your mind for a while, I could tell, I'm just... upset," she mumbled against his jumper.

She was surprised tears were not pouring from her eyes, her emotions have been all over the place recently, it's the baby, her mum kept saying and wasn't wrong. She remembered Martha being the same.

"I know, I don't want you to be," Tommy tugged her away, raising her chin so she could look at him, "I love you."

His tender words made her smile reach her eyes, "I love you too, just give me a minute, okay? I have work tomorrow, come by after that, we can talk."

It's good to talk, Tommy nodded and just pulled her back to his chest as they stood alone in the vacant park, listening to nothing but the cool breeze whistling in the air.

—

Sitting across from the Dawkins was Tommy Shelby. He decided he needed to talk and explain himself to them, properly and in person, and alone while Eden was at work. Luckily he got them as they returned from their shifts and after he got John and Arthur into the betting shop to run the business in his haste absence.

Cecil Dawkins wasn't forthcoming in the slightest, he never really took to the Shelby man and didn't think he was good for his daughter, and despite trying to convince both Celestine and Eden the same, it was like talking to a brick wall. Celestine claimed it was because she could see Mara in Tommy, the friend they lost not long ago, but Cecil only noticed the same trickster act Arthur Sr wore throughout Small Heath.

He didn't buy it then, he wasn't gonna by it with Tommy sitting in their kitchen.

Or at least that's what he told himself.

"You claim to love my daughter, yet you enlisted," he started, rolling his broad shoulders back and not taking an eye off the younger man.

Tommy immediately couldn't ignore the hypocrisy, "Aren't you doin' the same to Mrs Dawkins?"

Celestine made a face, "He's got you there love."

"Celestine," Cecil cast her an annoyed look.

Tommy leaned closer, "Your daughter sees me. I used to hate it. Now love it. Well, I hate that I love it."

Celestine couldn't help but be touched by his words, "Awww—"

Cecil cut her off, "Celestine, he beat up that poor boy, made our little girl cry more than she smiled and we're supposed to give her off to 'im."

Tommy narrowed his eyes on the carpenter, "She's not property."

Cecil craned his neck to look at him in disgust, "Are you gonna lecture me 'bout property?"

"Boys," Celestine was quick to interrupt, "Cecil, I know what he's done and now I'm seein' what he's tryna do for our girl."

Cecil already recognised the influences Tommy had over his daughter, one day she was adamant that religion wasn't for her and all of a sudden she came back with a black Madonna on her neck, well not so much anymore. He knew Eden had her own mind, but love was clouding it and her dreams, big dreams, he didn't want Tommy dimming them in any way.

"Eden came home cryin' yesterday, those Changretta boys have signed up and all, she found out 'bout through Dorris." Cecil informed, turning back to him with a frustrated look, "You ruined that friendship for her as well."

After suppressing another glare, Tommy averted his gaze as the guilt and the nerves took over him. He was trying, very very hard to make things right with Eden but he knew it was something she would always hate him for, even if she was in love with him. The looks he received from Cecil were only adding to that, piling onto the remorse.

So he nodded, and finally snapped his head up again, "I know, it's somethin' I regret, can't change the past now, need to focus on the future, my future with your daughter."

"Sound so confidant," Cecil muttered bitterly.

"I am."

Celestine blurted, "Thomas, you think you've made the right decision, what if Eden comes to you with some news of her own?"

"Like what?" both men turned to her in curiosity.

"Who knows," Cesltine quickly waved them off, but Tommy didn't glance away from her, "y'know our Edie, she's a mystery half the time."

"I know she is, but she's easier to read than I thought," Tommy said, still trying to decipher her previous question.

Cecil rolled his eyes at his response.

Tommy continued, "I get that I've done wrong by her, but I'll live up to the promises I've made her. I'm not perfect –"

"–got that right –" Cecil murmured, wincing at the pinch he received from his wife.

"– But I'll be my best for her, I'll give you my word, that I will," Tommy stated.

"A man's only as good as his word," Celestine added, half smiling at the younger man.

Now I see where Eden gets her forgiving trait from. Tommy thought.

Cecil bitterly snorted, "Thank you my sweet but I'm not worried about his word, it's his actions that I'm cautious of."

"I understand," Tommy insisted.

"Dont think you do," Cecil argued, waves of conflicting feelings washed over him.

"I understand that in all the years I've spent on this lane, you two are the only ones that had a functioning relationship. No domestics, no lyin' or cheatin' from what I've seen," Tommy remarked, "Just love, understanding and forgiveness. That's what I want with Eden."

Tommy pulled out the ring he wanted to propose to Eden with, making Celestine's face light up, Cecil remained unimpressed. He's been carrying the ring around him for days since he brought it, (more than the horseshoe) looking for the right time and day to ask. It was a simple ring, one he brought before Greta passed away along with one for himself.

Two wedding bands.

Tommy rubbed the back of his neck, "It's not much, I know, Eden deserves a lot better than me. She's your daughter and you'll do anything for her, what parent wouldn't? But give me a chance, another one, I already lost her once, and I can't do it again. She makes me a better man, a smarter man, and with her brains it easy to do that," Cecil couldn't deny what he was saying. "I'll make her happy, happier than she's been, I fucked — I mean messed up already, I'd be a fool to do that again. If I didn't respect you, I wouldn't be here, I would've just asked her to be my wife and she'd say yes because I know her, but I'm here, askin' for ya blessing Mr. and Mrs. Dawkins."

"Celestine," she corrected.

"Celestine," Tommy smiled at her, and she returned the gesture, it's just like my Edie's. Turning back to Cecil, hespoke clearly, "And if it goes to hell, then I'll put the revolver in your hands, with a bullet that has my name scratched across it, Mr Dawkins."

Cecil hummed, "Sounds good to me."

"Cecil," his wife scolded.

"Don't fuck up," he jabbed a finger at Tommy.

"Oi."

"I won't," Tommy nodded along.

Celestine hissed at her husband, "Watch your language."

Tommy did his best to conceal his amusement as he watched the two bicker, is this what me and Eden look like? Christ.

"Sorry my sweet," he cupped her hands, pressing a kiss to them, then turned to the younger man, about to say something he hoped he wouldn't regret. "You've got my blessin'."

Tommy let out a breath he didn't know that he was holding and shook his hand with Cecil's.

"And you, Mrs — Celestine, do I have ya blessin'?" He corrected, much to her excitement.

Celestine chuckled, "You had it before you walked in, Thomas."

Tommy finally smiled.

—

"Anythin' you wanna tell me?"

"Like what?"

Tommy knew Eden inside and out, he'd been observing her since they came to lay on her bed after she got home. How she wiped off her subtle make-up and got undressed, revealing parts of her that he believed to have grown or thickened, had him aroused but overall he knew something was different.

So after she wrapped her hair in a scarf, he sat down at the edge of her bed, ready to ask her some questions.

"Your mum said somethin' weird today, somethin' 'bout you might havin' some news of your own," he pressed, still confused by her cryptic words.

"I don't," Eden rushed out, internally cursing at her mother, despite knowing she meant well.  "Besides you're off to war," she added, knowing the gears were turning in his mind, but she couldn't have him asking any more questions, "you all are, how are we supposed to cope?"

Tommy took her hands in his, "It won't be for long, papers sayin' it'll be a couple of months and we'll be back for Christmas."

"As if you believe that," she muttered,  softly scoffing at the thought. It's a fucking lie, the papers are lying to them all.

"'Ave to believe somethin'."

She pulled her hands out of his grasp, "It'll be hell. We joke 'bout Small Heath bein' hell but this is hell, all the things we learnt in school and church– "

" – You barely went to church," he remarked, smirking slightly.

She rolled her eyes, "Tommy it'll be hell, I just know."

"Aye, then we'll need to return to our havens soon," Tommy spoke with a glint of glee swimming in his eyes. 

"Please don't go," he could hear the pain in her voice, it almost crippled him.

It was too late now...their papers had been turned in, and they would be shipping out to France soon.

Taking off his blazer, he slipped into bed next to her, turning on his side, so he could take all of her in.

"Love listen, I'll come back to you, sooner than you think," he vowed, "you can write to me, and by the time I come back, you'll finish that book you've writing."

She bit down on her bottom lip, "What book?"

He softly chuckled, "The book that's runnin' through your mind right now, you fuel it with whatever you set your sights on so you can put pen to paper."

"It's hard to do that when war is on my mind and has been on yours for quite some time," she whispered.

"I know," he nodded, "what'll make you feel better eh? Visit a medium and they'll tell you what's what."

Tommy was never a believer in fortunes, well sometimes he was but his dad was a trickster for a living, stealing horses and telling fortunes, Tommy didn't want to be tricked but he needed Eden to settle and she hadn't been for a while.

"Don't need to see a fraud like Mrs. Price or whoever to know what's what Tommy, you'll be gone for a while..." and who knows if you'll come back the same.

Eden sniffled at the visions flashing through her mind, she was pregnant and he would be gone. How big was she gonna get, how much would she change? All the dreams and wishes she had about having a big family, she always thought Enzo and Dorris would be there for her, all three of them together, but the former wasn't an option and the latter, wouldn't be much of a help, instead turn it into a big joke and that wasn't what she needed right now. She needed guidance.

Hearing the Changrettas were all aboard with this suicide mission, her old best friend was gonna get himself killed and she couldn't even get within five feet of him for her to tell him to stay at home.

Soldiers at bloody war.

"Does Finn know?" She broke the silence with a quiet question.

Tommy frowned at the memory, "He does. Wants to come along with us."

"Course he does, you're his heroes."

"I'll be yours when we come back," he countered, not wanting to think of his little brother crying and begging to come along.

"How confident," she muttered the same thing his father had done hours before.

He smirked, "Y'know me."

She nodded, "I do know you."

"Can I ask you somethin'?"

"What?"

"To put the pendant back on," he rushed out, narrowing his eyes when she sighed, "We're together now Edie, no point of you carrying on this act. You love me, I love you. What happened ain't in the past, I know that, I messed up, it fucked up your head and all, but listen I'm changin' and I can't leave 'ere with the thought of your beck bare."

Eden deeply sighed.

"I don't wanna rush ya —"

"Give it to me."

His eyes widened.

"What?"

"Give it to me, I'll put it on," it's for the baby, she wanted to be safe and careful with the pregnancy, especially if he wasn't gonna be there.

Tommy quickly pulled it out of his pocket, shocking her that he'd been carrying it around this entire time. He put it around her neck, just like how he did when he first confessed his love for her.

It looked beautiful and he couldn't stop smiling, she thought his face would have to hurt.

In all honesty, she did prefer it on and missed it so dearly, but she was a stubborn woman and wanted to be petty.

"Back where it belongs," he said aloud, trailing a finger over her cheek, "You look so fuckin' beautiful, y'know that?"  he loved her more than life itself, "Can't get enough of you."

She blushed at the look he was giving her, "Tom..."

"You're glowin' I don't get it. But I love it. Come here," he tugged her closer.

"No, I'm mad at ya," she didn't bother fighting.

"Good, the sex is better when you are," he stole a kiss from her.

"My parents are here," she gasped when he tugged at her nightie.

"Like that's stopped us," he started to undress, rushing to get his clothes off.

She gasped when he got into bed again, still in his undergarments, but she could see all of him fuck no wonder I'm pregnant.

"Tom..." she whimpered when he got on top of her.

His lips trailed up and down her neck, "If you're worried 'bout puttin' a baby in you, I won't, I'll wait for some here."

She fought a frown and asked, "So you don't want a baby now?" She asked and he pulled back.

"Not yet, when I come back, maybe when the business improves y'know?" He rushed out, standing up and going to the door.

"Right," she whispered, knowing now wasn't the right time to tell him. Fuck when was it?

"Come here," he grinned after shoving the door stopper under the door, so they wouldn't be interrupted, "I love you alright, now, I need to make it up to you, your parents know I'm stayin' over, so lay back and be quiet."

Her small breathy moans haunted him at night in his room alone. Touching himself, imagining how it would be when he had her all over again. He craved Eden like the very air in his lungs.

"You're not tired?" She asked, putting aside her confession and focusing on his hardened state, palming it, earning a soft groan from him.

"Of you? Never," his head moved all over her body, travelling from the hem of her nightie to the inside of her thighs, "surprised your knife ain't here, can't 'ave you stabbin' me."

He didn't need another incident with the flick knife.

She let out a breathy laugh, "I wouldn't... yet."

Eden dragged his face back to hers, enveloping him in searing kisses as his hands began shifting off her nightie, pulling it over her head, freeing her breasts, whilst her nimble fingers pulled down his undergarments, he groaned against her feverish lips.

"Fuck, you're everythin', ya know that?" He grunted at the feeling of her hands.

Tommy pulled back, trying to suppress his grunts and groans but he couldn't. He moved away her hand, wanting, no, needing to focus on her and only her.

His tongue teased her breasts, "'Ave these got bigger? They fuckin' 'ave."

It was something he couldn't deny.

"Oi, that hurts," she hissed, then panicked at the worried look in his eyes, "Avoid 'em for the night. Just feel a little sensitive, that's all."

"Y'sure?" she never reacted like that before "They look so..." Tommy trailed off, biting down on his lip at how big they were, "alright sorry," he quickly apologised, then was taken back by her roughly pushing him, managing to flip him over, "Fuck."

"Wanted to be to top," she murmured as his hands settled on her waist.

He needed all of her, she squealed when he sat up, still keeping his firm grip on her.

"By all means, darlin'," he groaned, watching her rise on her knees, "be on top."

Sinking down on him, they both groaned and gripped each other.

Eden knew she would have to find a better time to tell him about the baby on the way.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

a/n:

it upsets me that those who went to war only thought they would be away for a few months. i was gonna watch 'all quiet on the western front' but i don't wanna upset myself. never been a fan of war films but been hearing a lot praise from that one.

and yes i finally made eden put the pendant back on, just for the sake of the baby. she's a superstitious person, so it would just bring her comfort to know that she's safe and so is the baby.

also i didn't realise how quickly this book would take for me to write, honestly thought it would be longer but I'm glad it wasn't too heavy, or violent, but I've been enjoying it so much, i love eden and tommy.

[saintsir4n]

20

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF WAR

1914

IT was time.

Today was the day everything changed for Small Heath, Birmingham really, lads being sent off, promising their families they would return. Trimmed and shaven hair made them all look the same, no individuals just soldiers going off to war.

The journey to the station was gruelling, barely anyone said anything, just small talk as a way to calm their nerves.

Crowds of people were saying goodbye to their loved ones.

First Eden stood by her mother, both ready to say goodbye to her father, who put on a brave face. Neither of them had slept, Celestine sobbed through the night, clinging to her husband, fearful that if she didn't take in every detail of him, she would forget.

"Edie come 'ere," he tugged his daughter to his chest, feeling the shakes emitting from her body. She breathed him in, smelling the cigars and smoke as he spoke, "You are everything to your mother and me. We did the best with what we had to make sure you're set for life. You may be a nurse now, but I doubt that's gonna last with the way you jot down anythin' that comes to mind. You're gonna be somethin', don't let this city hold you back, don't let anyone of these fuckers, hold you back, alright?" he tugged on her chin and saw the tears pooling in her eyes, "Check you're room when you go home, got you a present – well it's for my grandchild more than you," he nodded down to her stomach and softly patted it, before embracing her once more, "keep savin' lives until I get back."

"I love you, Dad."

"I love you too."

Soon she reluctantly left her mother and father alone, trying to push past the swarm of crying mothers and wives, before stumbling into her godfather and godbrother.

Jeremiah had a sad Isaiah in his arms, the preacher's locs were still intact, and his son gripped them ever so tightly.

"Edie," Isaiah quietly waved at the pregnant woman, who pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"You're a blessing child," Jeremiah mumbled after pulling her in for a hug and kissing her forehead, "Stay safe, the devil is lurkin'."

"He's never stopped," she replied with a sad smile, "Look after my dad please,"

"I will," he nodded, then tightened his hold on his son, "You do the same with my boy."

"I will."

Eden soon spotted a familiar face, one that had healed from the scars that had been slashed and thumped, her breath hitched when he smiled at her and walked over.

"Well doesn't pregancy suit you," Enzo grinned down at the woman, after pulling her away from his family, knowing they weren't going to be welcoming.

"He told you," she beamed up at him, the sides of his hair were shaved, it made him look older, more mature.

"He told me," the ring on her finger caught his eye, "suppose I should congratulate you on the wedding," he teased with a knowing look that she giggled at, "oh how I pray your daughter gets your face and not his beady eyes."

They pair laughed.

"Oh and look," he pulled out something from his uniform pocket, showing off the picture she gave to him more than two months ago, making her tear up all over again.

"Enzo..."

"Should've brought the flower crowns ey?" they heard a voice behind them, smiling when they saw Dorris standing not too far away, "how did we get 'ere? One pregnant and the other a soldier."

"And what are you Dot, The brat?" Enzo joked, folding up the picture and putting it away.

"No that's Edie," she nodded to the pregnant woman, who feigned offence.

"Oi! So what are you then?" Eden teased, "The princess?"

"Got that right," Dorris nodded making them chuckle, as her eyes drifted down to Eden's slightly swelling stomach, "so what are you gonna name the little one then, can I suggest Dorathy?"

"Or Chiara?" Enzo suggested.

Eden raised a brow, "Italian yeah? That's gonna go down well."

"Well, I better find out soon and so what if it's Italian, you're the one carrying the kid," he muttered, then reaching out his hand, "Can I?" he waited for her to nod, then pressed his hand to the bump, blinking back his shock when he realised how real it was, "fuckin' ell, shit's real."

"'Course she is," Eden playfully smacked his hand away, whilst Dorris shook her head.

His eyes shot out of his head when he caught a familiar spot from where he stood, he motioned for them to turn around, pointing to their special place. They spent hours looking down the hill, watching trains go past and now here they were, how times have changed.

"Promise me one thing Mrs. Shelby, Miss Martin," they both waited for him to continue, "When she's born, take her to our old spot," neither of them had been they since the breakup, it was still too sore, "it'll be good for the troublemaker."

"I promise," Eden didn't hesitate and threw her arms around them.

"So do I," Dorris muttered.

"I love you," Enzo mumbled against their heads, it sounded like a proper goodbye and neither of them liked it.

He'd been coming back right? Right.

Pulling away from each other, they each caught the eyes of various people, Eden smiled when she saw Luca staring at her from the distance, and he smiled back. Dorris flirtingly blew Angel a kiss, which he caught without his mother and father seeing. But when Enzo met a pair of pale blue eyes, all he could do was nod.

To his surprise, he revived a nod back.'

"Someone's waitin' for you," his words caused Eden to spin around, seeing the Shelby clan all huddled up many yards away, "Go Dawkins, trains gonna be taking off soon."

With one last hug, she sprinted off, cautious of the time.

"Thought we wouldn't see ya before you left," Arthur steadied her with a grin.

"Couldn't 'ave that could we? A Shelby not sayin' goodbye to a Shelby, fuck that," John teased, keeping his arm wrapped around a teary-eyed Martha who passed a wide-eye Katie to her father.

"John," Polly playfully scolded her nephew, trying to prevent more tears, she said goodbye to Arthur first, leaving Tommy to hug his youngest siblings, Ada wouldn't let go of him and Finn was starting to cry again.

Freddie pressed a kiss to her cheek, even shooting a small smile at the Shelby girl, then went off to his mother.

"Johnny, don't die," Eden joked despite herself.

"Us Shelby's are hard to kill, especially me."

She sighed, "I'm serious."

"I know you are, come here."

After hugging him, she turned to Arthur, who brought her into a warm embrace, "By Arthur."

"Goodbye sister," he pressed a kiss to her head then turned to his youngest siblings, "Come 'ere you lot."

Taking a deep breath she took a few steps and came up to Tommy.

Eden gripped Tommy's hand, determined to not let go, wanting, no, needing him to stay with her, now and always, but it wasn't possible, they both knew it and yet neither relented. Fearing that if she let go, he would disappear, from her vision and possibly her life, she kept holding on, and they both did.

"I'll be back before you know it," he whispered.

She sniffled, "Don't keep me waitin'."

"I know how you get when I'm late, the whole of Small Heath does."

"I love you, y'know that right?" she felt bad for not saying it enough.

"And I love you," he said, feeling his arms hooked around his neck, he responded by holding onto her waist, "Both of you," he could feel her small bump against his stomach. "Make sure to not take that off, need you to stay safe," he gestured to the necklace she wore.

"I promise Tommy," and she meant it, he could see it in her eyes.

It seemed that they were searching each other's faces, to commit every detail to memory.

"You called me Tommy," his heart swelled and threatened to burst from his chest.

She cheekily smirked, "'Bout time right?"

"'Bout time," he paused, "Until we meet again," he vowed, blocking out the world around them, it was just her, only her.

"Don't say that. You'll be different."

"But I'll still be yours alright?" he dared to ask, feeling his throat dry up and his eyes sting with tears.

Eden nodded with hesitation, "And I'll still be yours."

"My wife," he muttered against her lips.

"My husband," and with that a kiss was shared, passionate and devoted. The love she felt was so powerful it would knock her off her feet, and the hope she gave him was enough. Everything she did for him was enough.

His Eden and Her Tommy.

"Last call for the five o'clock train! Boarding will end shortly!" the ticket-taker announced, as the couple pulled away from each other, drawing their foreheads to meet as they collected their breaths.

"It's time," Tommy whispered, closing his eyes, trying to live in this moment. He had everything he wanted in his grasp, but he needed to do this, for his country and his people.

"I love you, Tommy" she breathed out, whilst sadly running a hand over her bump. "Make sure that horseshoe stays on you," she mustered up a teasing smile after patting his behind.

"Watch it," he playfully scolded, "and I will Edie. I promise," he assured her, cupping her teary cheeks and staring into the brown pools he would miss ever so much, "I love you, so much."

And with one final kiss, she was the first to pull back, falling beside Polly, Ada and Finn, Martha softly grabbed her daughter's hand and waved it at the Shelby men's retreating figures It wasn't long before Dorris approached reaching for her hand, with Celestine and Isaiah not far behind.

Until we meet again, Eden mouthed to Tommy, who struggled to look away, but with one pat from Arthur, he turned to bend down and pick up the duffel bags they were bringing with them.

They all made their way over to the ticket-taker who, punched their tickets just as the conductor called out all aboard and blew the train's harsh whistle.

Eden caught glimpses of various faces through the windows, her father, her godfather, Enzo, Luca, Angel, then Freddie, Arthur, John and finally her Tommy as the train car vanished from sight. 

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

a/n:

anyone else crying? no just me okay.

originally i was just going to post the epilogue after this, but I'm gonna add a bonus chapter also. 

that manip is so cute Omg, also the fact it room eden so long to call him tommy again was hilarious and I loved that she did it just before he was leaving.

[saintsir4n]

16

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF WAR

1914

JOIN YOUR COUNTRY'S ARMY

God Save The King!

EDEN rolled her eyes at the headline in today's newspaper. It was all she saw for the last two weeks and it felt as soon as they entered the sixth month of the year, the papers were non-stop.

Sure she knew there was a crisis, but she couldn't imagine what the world would be like if every man enlisted and went and fought in this... war. She didn't believe it would be all fun and games like the papers said.

"You seein' this?" Eden put down the paper, looking up at Polly just as Ada went upstairs.

It was Sunday afternoon and the Dawkins woman stopped by to drop some medicine for the Shelby girl, who had a raging headache.

"Everyone's seein' it love, the boys won't stop goin' on 'bout it," Polly chuffed, placing a cup of tea down on the kitchen table for the nurse to consume.

Ever since Eden stepped through the door, the was something off about her, and Polly was determined to find out what.

"Tom hasn't said much to me," Eden murmured, rereading today's column.

"He won't, it's men's business as he puts it, the cheek of 'im'," Polly scoffed at her nephew's previous comment.

Eden hummed in agreement, "I've learnt to tune out his outlandish comments, if I didn't he would be rewarded a smack."

"Got a powerful backhand, Eden?" Polly asked, very amused.

Eden innocently shrugged, "John said I did."

"That boy," Polly tutted, "Martha's at her mum's again with Katie. I dunno what he said to her, but it can't be good."

"It never is," she knew how John could get, especially when he felt ganged up on or wronged, he would say anything and everything that came to mind. He has to learn.

"Now go on, drink your tea," Polly nodded to the cup that hadn't been touched.

Eden leaned back at the scent, "Can't drink much more, I've been pissin' like mad," she said and Polly leaned forward at that, "Woke Tommy up three times last night because of it".

"Sure that's the only reason he woke up," Polly jested, with an eye roll.

Eden gasped, "Polly?!"

"What?" she then insisted again, "Finish your tea."

Sighing, Eden picked it up, "Fine but the smell is potent."

Polly began more intrigued, "Potent ey?"

"Come to think of it, everythin' smells strong," Eden exclaimed, scrunching up her face, "Tom tried kissin' me in the Garrison yesterday, caught a whiff of his whiskey and I got up and left."

"Odd."

"Very. Let me finish the tea."

Eden reluctantly took a sip, then another, before forcing the whole thing down her throat.

"Been havin' dreams recently? No —" she shook her head, mouth full of the beverage, so Polly continued, "I 'ave,  dreamt of a little girl, little brown one. With a man holdin' her up whilst they watched the horses galloped by ain't that funny?"

"I guess," Eden breathed out, not thinking much of it.

All she felt was nausea.

Polly reached over, and dragged Eden's cup to where she could see, much to her confusion. Polly took one look and stared up at the younger woman.

"What is it?" Eden's eyes grew wide at the alert look on her face.

"Stand up," Polly said, doing so herself.

Eden whined, "My feet are killin' me."

"Stand up, side on."

She finally stood up, a bit too quickly, so she leaned against the table, Polly seemed very concerned by her fatigue after getting a good look at her.

Eden was caught off guard when the matriarch reached over and grabbed her breast, "Ow!"

"Eden..."

"I'm sensitive," Eden whined.

"How late are you?" Polly wondered, returning to her seat as the pregnant nurses stood there stunned beyond belief.

"A couple of days," she whispered, gulping at the thought, well she hadn't given it much thought to be honest,  "... a week I think."

Polly choked out a laugh, "Eden Dawkins."

"Two weeks," she added, mind running rampant, thinking back to all the times she'd been with Tommy.

It was mostly hate sex, hate on her part, even though it was very pleasurable.

Polly couldn't stop laughing, "You're a nurse."

"I'm aware of my occupation Pol," Eden muttered out of frustration, then quickly apologised,  "Sorry. It could just be stress, not pregnancy."

"You're pregnant," Polly spoke with indifference, despite hoping it would happen. Another great-neice she thought, but decided to keep that fact to herself.

"Stress, just stress," Eden tried to convince herself.

It's not like she was too young, her mum was twenty when she had her, but it was all too soon, she and Tommy only stopped arguing, their best friends were gone, (in different ways of course) and she just was starting to get the hang of things at work and she prayed he wasn't considering enlisting in that godforsaken war.

"You better tell him soon," Polly instead.

Slumping back into her chair, Eden sighed into her hands, "What if he leaves me?"

Polly softly scoffed, "Tommy looks at you like you're the sun to his moon, he'll marry you on the spot."

"I don't want him to marry me out of obligation," Eden rushed out and Polly gawked at her like she was mad.

"How can you be so stupid and yet so smart?" sorta like our Tommy in that aspect, Polly thought.

"Polly!"

"I should get paid for dealin' with a lot of ya," she muttered, rolling her shoulders back and shaking her head. "Tommy loves ya, he'dmarry you if you decided today was the day. That baby inside of you," Eden's gaze dropped to her stomach, "my nephew is a lot of things, but he's a man of his word, you understand?"

Eden meekly nodded, her eyes hadn't moved, almost as if she wanted to see some sort of bump, but she had to be sure, needed to be, but the thought of a baby was oddly comforting, half her, half Tommy... what a good looking baby, Polly noticed the smile tugging at her lips and grinned herself.

Footsteps approached them after the front door slammed shut.

Tommy entered the room and immediately smiled at the sight of his woman, coming over and pressing a chaste kiss to her cheek since her punishment was going strong, no kissing 'round people, not until you're forgiven.

"Well, I must be a ghost," Polly remarked, feigning hurt when her nephew ignored her presence.

"Pol," Tommy quickly greeted her with a forehead kiss, much to her amusement.

"Hi Tom," Eden mustered up a smile, all while sending a pleading look to Polly.

"You alright? Jeremiah said you were sick this mornin'" he said, rather worried, though slightly happy she stopped calling him Thomas.

Eden made a face, "How does —"

"He told your dad, he ran into Charlie and Charlie told me."

"And let me guess, the lads at the Marquis know too?" Eden murmured, irritably, earning a look of confusion from him, making Tommy return to her side,  "And I'm fine, just somethin' I ate."

Tommy eyed her just like he eyed him, the couple tended to communicate through expressions, which drove both families mad.

"You looked pale yesterday —" Polly quietly laughed at the look on Eden's face. Tommy cleared his throat soon after, "All alright, how's your day?"

"Not bad, you?"

Eden didn't see how his eyes nervously flickered to the headline of the paper on the tables but Polly did.

"Not bad."

__

Quietly shutting the front door, Eden rushed into her home, senselessly palming her stomach.

"Mum," she whispered, watching as Celestine prepared their Sunday dinner. She hoped her father in the next room didn't hear a thing, she couldn't deal with him just yet.

"You should've been here —" Celestine dropped her rant the moment she saw the worry on her daughter's face, "what's the matter?"

Eden nervously looked around, "I fucked up."

"Watch your language," Celestine gently cupped her daughter's face, "and what did you do?"

"I'm two weeks late."

"Fuck," Celestine muttered, despite herself, as her gaze dropped to her daughter's stomach, realising where her hand was placed.

"I think... I'm pregnant."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

a/n:

yes, it seems both tommy and eden are keeping something from each other.

polly knows the gender of the baby, what names are we thinking, of course, I've already come up with one, but I'm curious what you guys think.