For CelinaStumm

The church bells rang out in celebration of the day. Children ran thought the snow filled streets, with new sleds, prams, dolls and toy soldiers. Neighbours wishing one another 'Merry Christmas' as they stood on the steps of their front doors. And it was the same for the Shelbys. Charles, John's children and even Karl were out in the snow enjoying the cool, crisp morning, showing off their new toys with pride. And now that they were all out from under the adult's feet, it was their time to exchange gifts. (Y/n) finding herself more excited about the others opening the gifts that she had bought them, rather than any she might receive herself; especially given the thought that she had put in.......with a little help from Charles of course, who had been with her on the day long shopping trip. She had found Ada the prettiest pair of amethyst earrings, Polly a silver filigree brooch, and Esme this lovely silk scarf; while she had got Finn his own hip flask so he could feel more like his brothers. But it was the gifts for the three older Shelby's that she loved the most; for not only had she put the most thought into them, but she had also had each engraved with their initials. John smiling as he opened the rather fancy box to find a cigarette case that in his opinion was better than any that even Tommy had. John kissing her on the cheek and informing her that she had very good taste, to which Arthur had retorted that of course she fucking did, before wrapping his arms around her a little tighter, as she sat on his lap.

And then there had been Tommy. His gift, a rather handsome fob watch, whose case showed a scene of running horses. His initials, just as with John's gift, engraved in a beautiful hand, on the inside of the case.

She had said nothing when she walked back into the Garrisson after what had happened between her and Tommy, the night before; and he had certainly said nothing about it, when he joined her and the other's a good ten minutes later. The school teacher having to admit that she was relieved; for even though she had enjoyed kissing Tommy, she could not be without Arthur, not now. Tommy simply smiling at the gift and nodding along with saying a small thank you. (Y/n) still feeling that he had wanted to do more, to say more; but she knew he didn't want to disrespect her wishes. And then there was Arthur.......her Arthur. The man that had held her on his lap since everyone had come together that morning. His eyes widening as he opened the small box to find within it a signet ring that not only had the heraldic crest of the Shelby's on it; but was also adorned with two sapphires with a steely grey blue hint to them, that she told him reminded her of his eyes. And the inscription reading: For A.S all my love, and then her initials, around the inside of the band. Arthur quickly brushing a tear from his eye as she pushed it onto his finger. The oldest Shelby telling her he had never had a more wonderful gift. Arthur whispering that he would give her, her gift later; for it was something for his eyes only. And if it really was Christmas, he would finally get some fucking time alone with her so she could wear it, and then he could take it off....... preferably with his teeth. (Y/n) doing her best not to blush, as he gave her a look that told her that come hell or high water, tonight was the night. And she couldn't wait. (Y/n) just like him, having had enough of always being stopped, just as things were about to get interesting.

                                                      >>-----------------------------------<<

"(Y/n).......could I have a word..........." Tommy called out as he poked his head around the kitchen door, where the (Y/n), Polly and Ada were sorting some things out for the day's big meal. Polly nodding to her, before (Y/n) followed after him out of the kitchen and into his office.

"Tommy what............?"

"This is for you. I wanted ta give you it, last night, but............" Tommy said, as he placed a velvet covered box in her hand. (Y/n) slowly opening it to reveal a beautiful gold necklace with a large teardrop diamond pendant.

"Tommy.......I......I can't accept this.......it must have cost a fortune.......I really couldn't........."

"Ya can, and ya will. It's my way of saying thank you for everythin that you've done for Arthur. And ta remind ya if anything goes wrong, ya can always look ta me.........." Tommy interrupted, before taking the necklace from its box and moving around her. The school teacher feeling a lump form in her throat, as he stopped behind her. Her heart hammering inside her chest as his fingers brushed against her skin, when he placed his gift at her throat and carefully secured the clasp.

"Beautiful.........but nothing when compared ta you........" His comment causing her to turn. (Y/n) about to say something; to tell him that he shouldn't say such things; especially given that Arthur was just in the other room. Yet before she could say a word, Tommy was once more kissing her. The school teacher wanting to push him away, but instead she held onto him, just as she did the night before. For there was no denying that he was intoxicating; he was that drug you could never get enough of. Yet despite that, despite the need she had for him, she swore that this would never happen again. That Arthur would be the only man that would kiss her from now on. But for that moment........her hands moving to the back of Tommy's neck and pulling him closer. Her fingers brushing over the short hairs at the bottom of his hairline as his tongue moved into her mouth. The world seeming once more to fade away in that brief moment of what ifs and what might have been thoughts. The pair eventually, slowly moving apart.

"Tommy...........?" The head of the family firm just pointing to something that hung over their heads.

"Mistletoe........don't want any bad luck........" Tommy replied, placing his forehead to hers for a moment, before he moved away from her.

"Now, let's get you back ta Arthur..................."