"What...what did you...dooo?" Aurora gasped leaning forwards as George told her another one of his stories.
George was an old man who upon seeing Aurora in distress came to her side in the hopes of cheering up. He was a kind man, Aurora found him extremely funny and her amusement only grew the more she drank. George felt sorry for the young drunk girl sat besides him at the bar, she was deeply upset and in a delicate state. Something bad must have happened in order to make such a sweet girl so incredibly sad and not wanting other men to take advantage, George swept in and made it his purpose to make sure she remained safe through her time of need.
"I ran, hid in the stables just past me uncles house for two days" George reminisced taking a drink of his beer.
"Did your Mmam...find you?" Aurora hiccuped, her eyes wide as she held on to his every word.
"Oh she whipped me hard when I was found!"
"Serves you right! You ole fool! You put the kitchen window through then ran for two days, must have went out her mind!"
"I'm sure you did naughty things as a child Miss Aurora" George joked watching Aurora take another long drink from her whiskey bottle. He had tried to remove it from her grasp but gave up through the fear that he was about to get bit.
"Sssshhh George! Don't tell anyone but.....I opened the car door while me Dad was driving. Took me thighs off he did!" Aurora nodded putting her finger to her lips and making a shushing sound, unaware that she was the loudest person in the pub.
"Why'd you do that?!" George exclaimed slamming his hand on the bar with a loud laugh.
"I..I don't know George!.....Woah!"
As Aurora threw her head back to laugh with him, her stool flipped sending her crashing to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Managing to stop her whiskey from spilling, Aurora burst into a fit of uncontrollable giggles.
"Right come on you" George grunted jumping down from his stool and with all the strength he could muster he gripped Aurora underneath her arms and pulled her to her feet.
"Are you ok love?" The barman who's name Aurora had found out was Keith called out to her, stopping his service to other customers to come over and check on her.
"I'm ok....whiskey...is ok" Aurora muttered to herself struggling to balance on her feet as she hugged the bottle to her chest.
"The whiskey isn't important me dear" George grinned gently gripping her arms so she didn't fall back over.
"Course it is, stops the hurt George" Aurora sighed, her bottom lip threatening to tremble.
No! She wasn't going to cry, Thomas Shelby wasn't worth the tears!
"Why don't we sit at a table? It's safer" George encouraged Aurora, already steering her away from the bar towards the back of the room. The further away she was, the more likely she wouldn't be able to make it to the bar for more drink.
"Ta!" Aurora thanked George with a drunken smile as he placed her on a chair, finally the room had stopped spinning leaving her to focus on the bottle.
"I can see that you are still not ready to share you story so how 'bout another one of mine?"
"Oh! Please George! You have the best...best stor...ies!" Discarding her whiskey Aurora clapped her hands in excitement.
Her eyes shined in wonder and admiration, even though drunk and hurting she refused to stop smiling at George, she was grateful for her new friend even if this was the first and last time she would see him. Perhaps they could become drinking friends! Aurora could have dinner with Mrs a Finley and then go to the pub with George, it was a perfect plan.
Listening to George begin his new story Aurora was vaguely aware of the pub doors opening until someone let out a gasp near her.
"Fuck me! A Peaky Blinder in the Golden Lion!"
Hearing this Aurora shook her head until her curls fell in front of her face and bringing her hands up she placed them either side of her cheeks before leaning forwards.
"Shit! It can't be!....I need to get out of 'ere!.....George I need.. to... leave!" Aurora hissed, trying to sink further down in her seat much to the amusement of George who was currently watching the Peaky Blinder head towards the bar.
"What can I help you with sir?" Keith chirped hiding his nerves as the strangers piercing eyes burned into him.
"I'm lookin' for Aurora Hayes, heard she was here"
Fuck! Aurora could recognise that gruff deep voice anywhere.
It was Tommy! The very person she didn't want to see! The very person she was angry at!
What were the chances that he would be in the Golden Lion fucking looking for her like a man who had lost a stray?
"Yes sir, she's right over there" Keith nodded pointing over the where Aurora was hiding.
It almost made Tommy laugh watching her trying to hide from him and doing a terrible job of it.
What was his mouse up to?
"Keith, you fucking traitor! Taking me shillings back I swear!" Aurora spat slamming one hand against the table, there was no point in hiding Tommy knew exactly where she was plus it didn't help she was the only woman in the pub.
"Who's that Aurora?" George questioned nodding towards Tommy who was briskly making his way over to them.
"The fucking Calvary George, came to take me 'ome"
"Well thank the lord for that" George chuckled as Aurora lifted her head and glared at him, it wasn't the time to joke around.
"Mouse!" Tommy grunted, his face less than impressed at her refusal to look at him.
"Thomas!" Aurora mocked, making a grab for her bottle only for Tommy to snatch it from her grasp and slam it down on another table.
"It's home time Aurora, you've had enough"
The tone Tommy took with her was gentle and if you didn't know him you would think he wasn't on the verge of snapping but Aurora knew better. She knew her blatant ignorance would irritate him like it had done that day at the office.
"M'not going anywhere!" Aurora protested finally looking up at him, feeling those familiar flutters.
Her body was betraying her, particularly her heart which was now pounding in delight at the sight of him. She didn't want to feel like this, she didn't want to be excited by his presence, not anymore.
Placing one hand down on the table and the other on her chair, Tommy proceeded to place his face directly in front of hers and watching his jaw twitch in annoyance Aurora found herself transfixed.
"If I have to carry you I will Aurora but we are leaving now!"
Suddenly feeling her anger take over like an incoming storm Aurora stood up and dipping her head under Tommy's arm she began to stumble away from him.
"Don't you put your hands on me! I know where they've been!" Aurora yelled out, struggling to make herself reach the exit, everything was spinning but she couldn't stop! She needed to get away from him!
"Bye Aurora!" George chirped trying to hold back his laughter, this girl was very special indeed.
"B..byeee Georgeee! If..you don't hear from me...Tommy Shelby...did...it"
Storming out after her Tommy slammed the pub doors and watched her sway, hot fury running through his veins.
This wasn't his mouse.
"Aurora!" His bark was loud causing passing strangers to look at him in shock, some in terror.
"When did..it get so dark Thomas?" Aurora gasped looking around her in surprise, she'd only been in the pub a few minutes or so she thought. Her calculations had seriously been messed up somewhere in her head.
"Mind telling me what the fuck that was?!" Tommy demanded finally reaching her side and taking her wrist.
"What was?" Aurora groaned in pain as Tommy spun her around to face him, she needed to lie down, she needed sleep.
"Where have me fuckin' hands been mouse?!"
"You're a smart man Thomas! Work it out!"
Wrenching herself free from his grip, Aurora stumbled back and once again landed harshly on the ground only this time she looked up at Tommy and began to silently cry. Everything hurt and now she was feeling completely humiliated, it was her fault for getting so drunk.
"Christ sake! Come on!" Tommy huffed out staring at the sky before bending down and wrapping an arm around Aurora's waist, gently bringing her up off the ground "hold on"
"I don't want..to..to touch you"
"It's either this or I leave you in the street to behave like a child, are you a child Aurora?!" His patronising tone caused Aurora to cry more.
"No m'not a child"
Instead of fighting against him, Aurora let Tommy guide her home in complete silence. She could feel the anger rolling off him, she just hoped he could feel the sadness coming from her. Tommy's car was parked right outside, this would be the first time he would be in her house and most likely the last. Keeping up with the silence, Aurora reached into her purse, pulled out her house keys and passed them to Tommy. Once inside she broke free from his hold again and unsteadily on her feet made her way over to the stairs. Gripping the banister, Aurora began making her way up the stairs. It took some time to make it to her bedroom and crawling on the bed, she sat on her feet and waited for Tommy. Even in her drunk state of mind, she knew she couldn't continue on without asking the big question on her mind, the air needed clearing. Aurora could tell by his boots hitting off each stair that he was uncontrollably furious and if she continued to argue with him they would get no where.
"Tom..my" Aurora hiccuped as she closed her eyes, feeling a wave of dizziness hit here.
"Tommy again is it mouse?" Tommy growled harshly coming to sit beside Aurora before reaching into his suit for a cigarette.
"Jane....came today" Aurora began, opening her eyes as the smell of smoke invaded her nose and looking over at Tommy he gave her a long frown.
"Your sister?"
"She said you two fucked.......under the stars" Aurora cursed the whimper that left her throat as she recalled the earlier events of the day.
It was one of those extremely rare occasions where Tommy leaned back and gave out a loud whole hearted laugh.
"Is it true? Did you fuck her?" Aurora practically begged turning to face him as he continued to laugh, shaking his head in amusement, she on the other hand wasn't amused in the slightest.
"Tommy!"
"No Aurora I haven't fucked your sister! I've had my fair share of women mouse but your sister isn't one of 'em nor will she ever be! If you want to know who fucked her you're best asking Arthur, he seems to recall a time he took her against a stable door. Under the stars.......fuckin' Christ!" Tommy explained, shaking his head as his laughter finally died down.
"You didn't sleep with her?"
"No!"
"It was Arthur?"
"Yep!"
"Why...why would she say it was you Tommy?" Aurora questioned feeling her heart in her throat, she was still hurting.
They may have not fucked but Aurora was still extremely upset by her sisters actions and words, what a cruel thing to do to a person who loved them unconditionally.
"I turned her down, she came to me after Arthur and I fuckin' turned her down, that's why she said it! She wanted you upset Aurora, I know she's your sister but you must be aware of what she is, why would you fookin' believe her ey?!"
"Like you said Tommy.....she's my sister...I...I..wanted to believe she was looking out for me, that she cared... for me" Aurora choked on her tears and quickly turning her head she let out a quiet sob.
"Mou..."
"I like you Tommy.....more than I should. You plague my body and mind but I...I....love it Tommy, I crave your company, I crave your touch. I need you more than I've needed any man! But Jane was right about something, I'm too inexperienced. You don't want a girl like me.....you need a woman Tommy" Aurora confessed gathering the courage to tell him how she felt.
"You are a woman Aurora"
She could feel the heat in his stare and slowly turning her head Aurora realised he was looking at her the way he did during their exchange in Small Heath, like she was a meal ready to devour until there was nothing left. With the whiskey taking over her body, Aurora shook her head and leaned into Tommy, placing her lips near his cheek.
"I'm not Tommy, not yet but you could show me"
Pressing a soft kiss against his cheekbone Aurora moved to stand up and to their complete surprise she began to lift her dress up over her head, revealing the lace slip underneath.
"Aurora" Tommy whispered running his eyes over her body stopping at the edge of her slip which rested high on her milky thighs, his cigarette now hung on his bottom lip, threatening to fall.
Tommy knew he was in trouble, everything in him was resisting the urge to reach out and take her wide hips in his hands, to run his fingers up her thighs and over her arse.
"Fuck!" Tommy cursed gulping deeply and closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry Tommy, do you not want me?" Aurora questioned sadly, reading his reaction wrongly, assuming he didn't want to look at her.
"I do Aurora, fuck! I do but we can't"
Making her way back over to the bed Aurora found herself moving to straddle Tommys lap, her legs either side of his thighs causing her slip to rise further up. Bringing one hand up to hold the cigarette in place so it didn't fall on her Tommy sighed deeply. Taking the chance Aurora took his free hand and placed it in her thigh, whimpering at the contact. She had never felt anything like it, her whole body was on fire. Bending down Aurora placed her lips along his jaw, decorating it with light kisses as his hand gripped her thigh tighter.
"Make me a woman Tommy" Aurora pleaded pressing her chest against his, craving as much comfort as possible, pulling back to give him a look of want, her golden eyes now pools of dark chocolate.
She was soft and warm he noted just as he expected her to be. Her fruity scent was taking over his senses, Tommy itched to taste her but before he could take it further, he removed his hand from her thigh and brought it to rest on her cheek.
"You're drunk mouse, your not thinking clearly. I'm not going to take a woman who can barely stand"
Running his finger across her bottom lip Aurora sighed and closed her eyes, she needed him yet he continued to hold back, he wasn't going to give her anything. Tommy was a bad man, however he wasn't completely depraved. He wasn't going to take a vulnerable woman to bed, not even if she begged and begged. To demand pleasure from a woman not in her right mind didn't make you a man, it made you a fiendish coward.
"But I want you Tommy" Aurora moaned lightly, fisting his shirt in her hands and leaning her head against his.
"Not when you're like this mouse, come on let's settle ey?"
Releasing him from her grip Tommy took his chance and reaching for her thigh again he gently lifted her leg before bringing her to sit next to him on the bed. Feeling herself grow more dizzy Aurora rested her head on his shoulder and took his hand in hers.
"M'sorry Tommy"
"It's orright mouse, you will forget this 'append by tomorrow" Tommy speculated turning to place his lips against the crown of her head.
"No one could ever forget being with you Tommy" Aurora smiled up at him as she released an exhausted yawn.
"Right Miss Hayes, time for bed" Tommy gestured towards her pillows and nodding in agreement, Aurora slowly crawled over to her side and lifting the blankets climbed inside.
She felt happy, the dizziness had gone as soon as her head hit the pillow and looking over at Tommy she felt her courage come back once more.
"Will you stay with me please?"
Without a word Tommy moved himself to rest against her headboard, not before discarding his cigarette on the side table and lifting herself slightly, Aurora moved her head to rest on his chest. She wouldn't regret how much she drank or the pain of tomorrow's headache because it had brought Tommy to her side. Aurora was still hurt by her sisters actions but she also felt a sense of pride, she had won for once and Jane had lost terribly.
"Tommy, you're....goin' to break me heart one day aren't you?" Aurora whispered circling her finger around one of his waistcoat buttons.
Tommy didn't know what to say, how could he tell her the answer was yes?
He hurt everyone in the end and they either forgave or left him yet through his own vanity Tommy never apologised for his faults. He didn't want to hurt his mouse but the truth was that he would, he knew he would and it was only a matter of time before she too, hated him.
Looking down he noticed that Aurora had slipped into a deep sleep, unaware of the turmoil going on inside Tommys mind. She was beautiful, William had been right, his daughter was a princess amongst peasants.
"Do you have a smoke?"
Aurora sat on the edge of the platform, her feet swinging as she smiled down at Bill who was looking up expectantly.
"Did it hurt Bill?"
"What Aurora?"
"When the train hit you, did it hurt?"
"Not as much as France" Bill grinned, his eyes full of sadness and pain.
It made Aurora's heart cry, he didn't deserve this. He was lost here forever on the tracks, there was no other place where he got to rest, at least that's how it seemed to Aurora. If he had truly crossed over he wouldn't be here, haunting her dreams. He seemed to be more broken each time she seen him yet he never forgot to give her that smile of his, the one that made her think he would change his mind about killing himself. He couldn't do that, nothing could change his mind not when he was already dead.
"Do you have a smoke?" Bill asked again sliding himself closer to her.
Instead of refusing him this time, Aurora reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her Dads cigarette case only it wasn't her Dads, it was Tommy's.
Gasping in surprise Aurora ran her hand over the case, finding herself lost in thought picturing those blue eyes that captivated her, each and every time.
"Thank you Aurora" Bill muttered reaching over to take the case from her only for Aurora to suddenly snatch her hand back.
"You can't have it Bill I'm sorry" she whispered holding the cigarettes to her chest as his fingers continued to make attempts to grab it.
"Why not Aurora?!"
"They're Tommy's, you can't have what's his" Shaking her head, Aurora stood up and began to back away from the platform "I'm sorry Bill"
"Aurora please, I need one!"
His eyes were now turning black, startling Aurora, she felt scared.
Bill was scaring her.
"No Bill you don't! You will still kill yourself with or without a smoke"
"Aurora!"
"No Bill!"
"Trains coming"
"Stop! Just fucking stop!.......please Bill" Aurora cried covering her eyes as the sound of the trains engine echoed throughout the station.
"Aurora! I'm here!"
"Tommy?!" Aurora called out hearing his voice over Bill's constant screams for her.
"It's orright mouse, I'm here! I'm here!"
Turning away from Bill, Aurora caught sight of a familiar cap and letting out a happy sob, she began to run.
"Tommy!"
"Trains coming Aurora!" Bill hissed from behind her.
"Tommy!"
"I'm here mouse, wake up! Wake up!"
"Tommy!"
Sudden movement pulled Tommy from his sleep. It took him a few moments to realise just where he was, in Auroras bed. He couldn't remember when he had fallen asleep and how long he had been asleep for but it wasn't like him to rest so deeply. Looking down Tommy found the source of his wake up call. Aurora was trembling violently against him, deep into her nightmare. Her hair was stuck to her face as she sweated out, she was frowning deeply but this time she wasn't screaming or crying instead she whimpered silently.
"Aurora!" Tommy called out taking her in his lap and wiping her hair from her face.
Aurora was still trembling even as Tommy caressed her cheek and brought her closer into him. He needed her to wake up, she was going to bite her tongue off if the nightmare continued.
"Ssshhh Aurora calm down, I'm here"
Bringing her head to rest in the crook of his neck, Tommy began to rock Aurora just as he had with Finn when he was a baby.
"It's orright mouse, I'm here! I'm here! Come on, wake up"
"Tommy!" Aurora choked out gripping on to him as her eyes flew open.
"Sssshhhh I've got you mouse, calm down" Tommy grunted, holding her in place just in case she lashed out in surprise.
Letting out some deep breaths, Aurora sighed in relief. Tommy was really here, he had taken her away from Bill. Collapsing further into him, she took in his familiar scent and closed her eyes once more.
"It's yours Tommy, it's all yours" Aurora whispered finding herself falling back into slumber leaving Tommy to process her words.
What was all his?
Letting her continue to rest, Tommy decided he would question her later and bringing his head to rest on Auroras, Tommy felt sleep take over him for the second time that night.
No more nightmares came for Aurora as she rested in Tommy's arms and for the first time since Grace left Tommy found himself at peace.
There were no shovels against the wall.