Her white, long sleeved dress was coated in some blood. As was her apron. She gripped her distinctive cap and her medical bag.

“I’m alright.” She murmured seeing the concern on Tommy’s face. “I’m alright.” She repeated, trying to reassure him. “Someone lost a leg, someone else lost an arm and someone else could’ve lost a head when they raised their voice at me.”

“Whiskey?” Thomas grabbed his glass and gave it to her.

“Please.” She tossed it down, then let out a sharp exhale.

“Steady on Edie, the comedown is hard,” John chuckled when she placed the glass down.

Tommy asked, “Who raised their voice?”

“None of your concern,” Eden replied, then quickly pressed a kiss to his lips. “Nursin’ business ain’t none of yours. Stick to fixin’ races.”

“Oi,” Tommy cracked a smile, then guided her to a seat.

“We do more than just that,” Arthur argued, John nodded in agreement.

“Forgive me, I meant fixin’ races and drinkin’ ‘til your legless,” her response wanted a roar of laughter from the two, whilst Tommy stared at her. “What? Did I hurt your feelings?”

He replied, “You sure nursin’ still the right profession for you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come with me.”

Eden’s frown didn’t fade but still, she followed him, she waved at Grace who was cleaning some glasses. The blonde barmaid waved back, eyes narrowing when she saw the married couple disappear into the back room.

Eden dropped his his hand and folded her arms waiting expectingly.

“What?” She asked.

He stated, “You’re workin’ yourself to death Eden.”

“Oh it’s Eden now,” she scoffed.

Tommy carefully admitted, “I’m worried.”

“Worry about the business,” she snapped.

He snapped back, “You are my business. Always have been always will be. The mother of my child —“

“Here you go,” she rolled her eyes.

“Yes here I go.” He stepped closer, “I’m worried —“

“That I won’t be awake up to raise my daughter.”

He stilled, gritting his teeth before replying, “Our daughter. Inara is mine too.” He had grown tired of her claiming their daughter was hers. “And that’s not what I’m worried about. I don’t want you stressin’.”

She huffed, “Oh, is that right?”

“What?”

“You just want me in front of you. In the shop. Where you can see me right?” She ranted, shaking her head. “I’m good at what I do. It might not be horses or cars but I like workin’. I gave it up when you were away at war. I made sure the shop stayed above water with Pol, all whilst raisin' a bunch of kids not just our own. You’re back now and I’m back practicin' medicine.”

He stressed, “Alright.”

“Alright?”

“Not arguin’ with someone as stubborn as you.” That earned raised brow.

“Says you.” Her simmering anger had settled, especially under the heated look he was giving her. “Don’t look at me like that.”

He stepped closer, “Like what?”

“You know what.” Her hands dropped to her sides. “It’s the same look that got me up the duff.”

“And what’s so wrong about that?” A dry chuckle slipped through his lips.

“I ain’t bringin’ another kid into this world. Not yet. Not until you handle the business with those guns — yes, I know about that.” She cast him a pointed look, watching him stiffen. “You see, I love you, but more importantly I know you. You can’t keep riskin’ our lives and expect me to listen to you when you’re not honest me.”

“I’ll handle the guns.” He argued.

She squinted her eyes, “Even with the copper sniffin’ around and the barmaid?”

“Thought you like Grace?” He questioned.

She countered, “Doesn’t mean I trust her.”

“I’ll handle it and I’ll tell you when I think we're in trouble.” He said settling his hand on her tense shoulders.

“So we’re in trouble. And you think me workin’ in the shop where you can see me will keep me away from it, safe?” She stifled her amusement when he sighed, “Ah, I’m right.”

“Maybe,” Tommy mumbled.

“The closest I’m gonna get to an apology right?”

She sucked in a deep breath but her furrowed brows relaxed when his eyes softened.

He leaned in, and when he saw she wasn’t backing away, he pressed his lips to hers, humming when his eyes fluttered shut.

He tugged her closer, settling his wondering hands on her waist.

“I promised to keep you and our daughter safe all those years ago,” Tommy reminded after pulling away and pressing his forehead to hers.

Eden whispered, “I know.”

“I’ll never break that promise.”

“Good.” She drew back slightly, “‘Cause I need to change. Don’t won’t those coppers thinkin’ I cut people.”

“More than you already do,” he drawled.

She patted his chest, “Watch it.”

“Alright.” He raised his hands in surrender, making her kiss her teeth.

After a moment, she asked, “How was your day?”

“Who raised their voice at you?”

“Thomas.”

“Just tell me.”

a/n:

thought of this randomly.