#dad!tommy

"You need sleep, Tommy". You whispered, putting more weight against the bath tub than his leg. "You've been going from one business matter to another all week. And don't think I don't feel when you climb out of bed to take late night phone calls. Or hear throughout the day Frances calling to give you updates". "I have a lot to do before the baby comes". "And you'll have a lot to do after". "Don't worry about me, love. All I want you to do is focus on you and the baby". At another mention of "baby" the urge returned, sending you to the edge of the toilet. Tommy held your hair, rubbing your back in circular motions. Minutes passed and the freight train of pregnancy symptoms came to a halt. Washing the ill taste from your mouth, Tommy helped you to the floor. In between his legs brought the most comfort. The feel of his bare skin against your thin white night gown soothed you in ways only he could provide. "It was never this bad with Ava and the boys". He gently wrapped his arms around you. "I'd apologize for getting you pregnant again. But you know how much I love knowing my child is inside of you". "Please, do not make me laugh" You softly chuckled, holding your stomach. "Besides, I think this time it was largely my fault". "You wanted another baby. So I gave you another baby". "You could have said no". He smiled, kissing the side of your forehead. "I promised you when we married I'd give you anything you desired". "Well next time I desire another baby, remind me of this". "It still wouldn't stop you from wanting another". He teased, gently placing his hands on top of your stomach. No bump visible yet, but Polly already certain it would be another girl. "I think it'll be another bathroom floor kind of night". "I'll go get the pillows and blankets". Returning instantly with all that was needed. Tommy laid out the sheet across the floor; pillows and a thick blanket. "You are not sleeping on the floor again, Tommy. Go to bed. I'll be fine". "If you aren't in our bed, neither am I". "You are too damn stubborn some times". "And here I thought I was being romantic". You lightly chuckled, sliding beside Tommy in the makeshift bed. "Stubborn and romantic". "I'll take it". He smiled, ensuring you were settled and comfortable.

just a phase "Flo, please go to bed". You pleaded for what felt like the hundredth time. She shook her head, tightening her grip on Mr Giraffe. "How about tonight I tuck you in?". "No! Daddy!" She shouted, kicking the sheets and running away. You sighed, following Flo into Tommy's office. "Flo, you can't stay up again. You need to go to sleep". She paid you no mind, bouncing Mr Graiffe along the desk until her arms could reach no further, changing direction toward her and then repeating. Whilst Flo remained occupied, you waited for the telephone to connect. Tommy's soothing voice floated through causing you to smile. "It's late, love. Everything alright?". "I need you to come home. Florence won't go to bed". The click of the lighter echoed, delaying Tommy's reply as his lips drew out another round of nicotine. "If I could, I would. But I'm about to go deal with the kind of business you don't like". "She wants you to tuck her in. I don't know what else to do. I've tried, Frances' tried, even Ava tried. All she wants is you". "Where is she now?". "In your office, sitting in your chair, happily entertaining Mr Giraffe on your desk". "Alright, I'll be home shortly. Let her stay in my office, she'll be calm in there". You looked to Flo who let out a yawn, but despite sleep calling she continued to play. By midnight Tommy returned, his car headlights shining through alerting Florence to his arrival. "Two hours is not shortly". You lightly scolded, helping him out of his grey coat. "I had to handle business personally, otherwise you know I would have sent John or Arthur. I tried to finish as quickly as I could. Unfortunately, the man had other plans". He kissed you on the cheek as an apology. "So does your daughter". "My daughter, eh?". "Yes, she is displaying her father's infamous quality of stubbornness". "I believe she gets that from both her parents". Sharing a smile, Tommy kissed you, ushering you toward the stairs. "I've got her. You go to bed". "Daddy!".

"Hello, sweetheart". He softly greeted. "Ready for bed, eh?". She nodded, giggling as he turned the chair around. Rubbing her back, Tommy climbed the stairs, tucking her in and placing Mr Giraffe safely beside her. "Flo, you can't keep waiting for me, alright. There will be times I won't be able to tuck you in". "Why?". "Because some nights I need to work very late". "Why?". "Because sometimes that's how business can be". "How late, Daddy?". "Way past your bedtime late, sweetheart". She shook her head, blue eyes falling to her lap. "But I like when you tuck me in". "You have my word I will do so every night I am home. But on the nights I can't, you need to promise me, you will let Mama tuck you in?". She nodded, a bigger yawn escaped her. Leaving a goodnight kiss on her forehead and one for Mr Giraffe per Flo's request, Tommy turned on the night light, leaving Florence to her dreams.

oh, boy. "Mum? Mum!?". "She's at Ava's". Tommy replied as he strolled out of his office. "And you suppose to be at Lucy's house". "She had some family thing to attend. I'm heading over again later". "So then why do you need to see your mother?". He asked, carefully studying his daughter who hadn't inherited his ability to lie and deceive. Flo held too much purity for such deception. Her flustered cheeks told Tommy it hadn't been caused solely from the wind. And her smile to try and reassure him all was well hadn't quite reached her sky blue eyes. "I wanted to talk to her about something". "What about?" "No offence, Dad, but I rather talk to Mum". "Flo, I can tell you are upset and I don't like seeing you upset. I know I'm not the easiest person to talk to, but maybe I can help". With a defeated exhale, Flo quietly replied. "It's about a boy". Tommy blinked. Despite hearing each word uttered, he still wanted to ask her to repeat. Perhaps, a trick of his tangled mind, one he would have welcomed. But no such trick had been played. "See that's why I want to talk to Mum. I know you hate the idea of-". "Did he…has this boy hurt you?" "No! Nothing like that. I…I really like him and-". Taking a seat on the third stair, Flo placed her hands in her lap. "And Lucy blurted it out and now I'm embarrassed. All he did was just stare, and now things are ruined and-". "Alright, take a breath". Tommy gently instructed, clearing his throat as he sat beside her. "At your age when something like this happens it can feel like the end of the world, eh". He lightly bumped into her, causing Flo to smile, if only for a few seconds. "But I promise you, it isn't. Boys will come and go. But the right one will step up and ease any worry or embarrassment you may be feeling. And if he doesn't feel the same, then he is a fool". Leaning in, Tommy placed his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. "But still no dating until you're 30".

The sound of Flo's laughter echoed through the foyer, a laugh Tommy adored. She laughed like you. Full of heart and sincerity, and most of all full of love. "We both know no matter the age you will still hate the idea". "That's because no man is good enough for you. For my peace of mind, what's this boys name, eh?". "Billy". "As in Billy Edwards. The same boy who gave you a flower for your 5th Birthday?". "Maybe". She shyly smiled, straightening to better glance at Tommy. "He's most certainly not good enough for you". "Dad!" "Alright, alright". They sat in the comfortable silence, processing the sweet moment that belonged only to them. One of many moments Tommy had shared with his second youngest daughter. Far more than he had shared with his other children. For, Florence still adored him, despite the kind of man he was. With Ava, there was now a mutual respect and an understanding born from the highs and lows within her own marriage. With the boys, expectation in their roles as Shelby men became the centre fold of most interactions. And Ella, held little interest in creating any such bond that didn't extend beyond the basic parental and child relationship. "Thank you for, you know-". "Not being my usual bad self?". "For listening. I know it's hard for you to hear me talk about boys and romance". "Don't thank me just yet, Flo. My bad self will surface, only matter of when not if". "You're trying, Dad. Even when you don't want to, even when it's really hard, you try". She kissed him on the cheek. "You're off to ask your mother for advice, aren't you?". "Love you! Bye!". He chuckled, calling out. "Home before it gets dark, alright. Not a minute later".

By late afternoon you had returned home with only one thing in mind. Tommy in the middle of retrieving a clean shirt hadn't managed to slip one arm in when he felt your lips, followed by your hands running down every inch of his chest. "That's one hell of a hello, love". He smiled, stroking your cheek. You smirked, pushing him onto the bed. No words needed for the intention which had brought you home. Tommy more than willing to satisfy any desire you held. "What got you in such a good mood, eh?". He asked, leaving a trail of light kisses to your neck. You stroked his arm in up-down motions as he leaned against the pillows. "You, being a good father". You smiled, wrapping his arms around you. "I gather Flo told you about our conversation?". "She did. And I'm proud of you. I know the idea of Florence being interested in boys is hard for you". "And there's more to come". He breathed out. "She told you it was Billy?". "Yes. And I told her he isn't good enough for her". You looked up at him, Tommy taking the opportunity to steal a kiss. "And you think so too". "I do not. I think he is a fine young man". "But you prefer our daughter to steer her attention to, what's his name again?". He teased, moving his hand up your thigh. "- Ah, yes. Harry Jones. Who occasionally helps out at Charlie's Yard". "He is also a fine young man. And whoever Flo chooses will be alright with me". "If I have to stay out of it, so do you, love". "I am staying out of it". "Sending Flo to Charlie's yard and making sure she runs into him whenever the two of you are in that part of town, is staying out of it, eh?". "Alright, fine. Starting now, I will stay out of it". You leaned back, holding onto Tommy leg as you felt him graze the tips of his fingers over your sensitive skin, anticipation for his intention creating goosebumps. "That's my girl". He whispered, tilting your chin upward and leaving a very rewarding kiss on your sweet, pink lips.

sugar high Cornered by his own daughter wasn't the ideal late night Tommy had in mind. Not even his rule of office door closed deterred Florence from barging in, too consumed by sugar to worry about receiving a stern word. Drastic measure for a moment of peace led Tommy within the brick walls of the wine cellar. But by midnight after Flo had exhausted every other room in the house, she managed to find him, as did you. "Are you hiding from Florence?". You asked upon descending down the wooden staircase. "No. Needed a smoke". "And conveniently you chose the wine cellar, the one place Flo hates coming down to". "Alright, fine. I needed a minute". "From Florence? Your favourite child, I'm shocked". You teased. "You finished?". You smiled, taking a seat on the stairs. While not much comfort could be found, they were a better choice than leaning against hard brick, or sitting on cold and dirty stone floor. "I bet you regret saying yes to her having an extra slice of cake at Arthur's". "The boys are asleep, and yet, she's bouncing off the fucking walls". "I wouldn't be so sure. I heard them giggling as I walked past". Tommy leaned against the wall, breathing in deeply. He looked to you, arching his eyebrow at your presence in the cellar so late in the evening. "What are you doing down here?". "I was…checking on you". "All these years married to me and that's the best lie you could come up with, eh?". He teased, bringing the cigarette to his lips. "Fine. I sometimes come in here when the house is quiet and drink a cup or two". "And asking your husband to join never crossed your mind?". "Would you like to join me?". "I don't think you mean it". He smiled, holding onto your waist as you kissed him, determined to not pull away until you felt him smile again. Retrieving the cup from under one of the barrel's, enough wine spilled for an adult sip or two. Bringing the cup to your lips, Tommy wiped the excess wine from your mouth. "You can't stay down here forever, you know". "Not forever, until she tires and goes to bed". He replied, having enough of his cigarette and putting it out under his boot. "You said yes to cake, now you must deal with the consequences". He exhaled, pulling you closer, finding relief in your touch. "How about we stay for another ten minutes, have some more wine and see how sturdy these walls are". "These walls aren't sound proof". He smirked knowingly. "Then we best be quiet, eh". You tried to not lose yourself in his touch, finding it difficult with each kiss left behind. "Tommy. We can't". He sighed, emptying the little wine left. You rubbed his shoulders in a bid to quell his frustration, a rarity when it came to Flo. But anybody who interfered with Tommy's desire to be intimate with you stood in the firing line of his frustrations. "Don't be mad at Flo". "I'm mad at myself for saying yes to another slice of fucking cake". Extending your hand, he sighed, lacing his hand in yours and stopping shy of the first step. "Tell me how one of the most dangerous men in all of London can handle bullets, but can't handle his energetic six year old daughter?". You raised an eyebrow. "You're enjoying this a little too much, love". He replied, unable to help but smile too. No matter what the cause Tommy enjoyed seeing you happy. Upon reaching the cellar door he sighed, tilting his head to give him strength, before allowing you to drag him out into the sugar high chaos that awaited.

cat chaos "Flo, that's far enough, sweetheart". Tommy called out. She shuffled closer within his eye sight only to end up where she had been, prompting Tommy to call her over again. The back and forth occurred three more times until the fourth sent Tommy into a panic. A split distraction altered his other senses when a car honked right as a child on a bike crossed the street. Tommy lessened his hold on his holster, only to find Flo nowhere in sight. His heart quickened to a sickening pace. Arthur placed a strong hand on his shoulder in an attempt to lessen Tommy's swirling mind. But all he could do was imagine the worst case. "Flo!? Florence!?". He shouted, shoving away a middle-aged man who held no concern to Tommy as he rushed through the afternoon bustle. "Flo!? Sweetheart!? Answer me!". Arthur matched his brother's pace, looking in shop windows and behind carts. One cart, two, three, until a soft giggle and the glimpse of chestnut locks altered Arthur to the wooden cart up ahead. "Tom! Tommy! Found her!". Tommy rushed over, his ankles almost buckled. But his heart eased slightly at his youngest daughter innocently petting a stray cat. "Look Daddy, the cat and Mr Giraffe have the same fur". She beamed, showcasing Mr Giraffe side to side with the light orange cat. He swallowed, running a hand over his face to cover his panic. "Leave the cat be and let's go back to the car". "It's cold". "It'll be alright. Come on". With a sad wave, Flo reluctantly said goodbye to the cat who delicately purred. "Daddy, too tight!". She exclaimed. "Sorry, sweetheart". He replied as he lessened his grip on Flo's hand. As the three took the dirt road back to the car, Arthur peered down to Flo whose attention resided on brushing away the dirt within Mr Giraffe's fur, completely obvious to the commotion she had caused. He opened the back seat for her carefully closed the door, angling his body to block Flo's view from the window. "You alright, Tom?". Pressing his lips together, Tommy nodded. "Find the cat and make sure it gets a good home. Give it to Mr Tanner, his daughter has been wanting one for some time. Tell him it's a gift for the good work he put into those accounts. He won't refuse, alright". With a nod and a light tap to the glass, Arthur waved goodbye to Flo. She waved back, ensuring Mr Giraffe did the same. Tommy exhaled, taking the shortest route home. Ensuring every now and again he peered in the rear-view to glance at Flo. As quick as her feet could take her, she darted inside. Unable to contain retelling Frances of the afternoon's adventures as she helped unbutton her coat. Once the story had been told she raced upstairs to find the boys.

"You alright, Mr Shelby?". She politely asked, assisting Tommy out of his long grey coat. "Long day, Frances". "Shall I run a bath?". "Yes". She nodded, fluffing his coat and placing it on the rack. "Mrs Shelby told me to inform you she will be home soon". "Where is she?". "Tea with Ada". Relaxation did not grace Tommy as he slid into the water. Echoes of shouts and the crunch of the gravel battered his memory. With each shout recalled, Tommy's mind imagined a different scenario; from getting hit by a car to being taken, it all came down like an avalanche. He gripped the edge of the tub, forcing himself to breathe. When steady breaths did not last, he sunk into the water, letting out a muffled scream.

Dog Days - Dad!Tommy x Wren | moodboard by me

“Daddy” her voice broke his concentration “Yes, Wren?” Tommy asked, eyes flicking from his laptop, she stood in the middle of the room, still in her school uniform.

They’d been home forty minutes and she’d headed straight to the kitchen in search of a snack, Tommy calling behind her to change out of her uniform and put it in the hamper. Which had obviously fallen on deaf ears.

Wren shuffled from foot to foot, “Can we get a dog?” She asked with a hopeful smile on her face “you've got two horses, why do you need a dog, eh?” He questioned, She pouted at him “I can't bring my horse into the house can I?” She rolled her eyes.

He couldn't believe their little baby was now thirteen and old enough to answer him back “I can't see Frances agreeing to that, no” he smirked. “So a dog?” She asked again, Tommy sat back in his chair “I'll speak to your mum, what did I say about your uniform?” he questioned.

Wren rolled her eyes “dad” she huffed, Tommy shook his head “Polly Wren, uniform in the hamper, have you any homework this weekend?” Wren nodded her head, her bottom lip jutting out, he knew she was about to turn on the waterworks.

Tommy sighed, homework was a bone of contention in this house ever since secondary school started two years ago “Go get it and do it in here” he moved some paperwork from the side of his desk “but you'll think about the dog, yes?” She asked “I said I'd talk to mum, get changed and then homework please” he watched as she fixed him with a look.

He knew it was impossible for her to look anything like either of them but in rare moments she resembled Nell so much it was hard to believe she wasn't biologically theirs.

“What's tonight's homework then?” He asked as Wren slumped in the chair next to him “Science” she sighed opening her book. Finally changed from her uniform, he knew he’d find it on her bedroom floor as a sign of defiance against him.

Tommy loved being a dad but schoolwork was beyond him. “Uncle Finn tried to help yesterday” she was flicking through the textbook “oh yeah? And what does uncle Finn know about Science, eh?” Tommy asked, amused by his younger brother trying to help when he had only scraped through his exams.

Wren caught his eye, a smile on her face “Nothing” she smirked, Tommy laughed “thought so, we'll have a go and if you're stuck there's google to help us” he nudged her with his elbow “don't tell mum though” he added.

Wren took the opportunity to make a deal with him “if I can have a dog” she grinned.

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He had been home from France for less than a month when he met you feeding stray cats on your grandmother’s doorstep.

Somehow the two of you had hit it off and the week after Cheltenham, Tommy and you had gotten married because you were pregnant.

With twins, or so Polly had seen in his tea the morning he told her you had cried over him not taking you to the races even knowing why he was taking Grace instead of you.

With something far greater to think about ---making enough of a profit to provide a good home for you and your unborn children--- he had no time to waste on the barmaid who led Arthur on to the point his poor brother nearly offed himself when they discovered she was a rat.

He's still sore in the chest from Kimber’s bullet when the babies are born.

One boy, one girl.

“Be gentle, please.” You say as he holds little Diane in his arms.

“I’ve held babies before, love.” He says remembering how excited he had been to hold Finn when he was born.

They were small, but the lungs on his little princess told him all he needed to know.

Charles Henry and Diane Elizabeth.

Names that feel significant and will have something to do with the fall of the House of Windsor, or so you said as the anesthesia wore off at the clinic.

Names fit for two children who will have everything he lacked growing up.

If Charlie wants a top hat for every day of the week, Tommy will make sure he got closets full of them.

If Diane wants to only eat coconuts, then he’d make sure there’s always one for her.

“To think this time last year we was feeding stray cats in the dead of night, Mrs. Shelby.” He said pressing a kiss to your forehead as you nursed little Charlie.

I love you, he means to say and yet the words convey it just the same.