~Where the Wild Roses Grow~
((Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5))
Image Credit: Me. picture not mine, but collage/editing is.
Inspiration: Colors - Halsey
Pairings: Thomas Shelby x Original Female Character.
Rating: Mature/NSFW/18+ (Might as well cover all the bases))
Warnings: PTSD, drug use, mentioned physical/sexual abuse, violence, angst. ((I will add further warnings for chapters that apply.))
Chapter warnings: PTSD, angst, injury, mention of blood.
The sun had barely begun to light the cloud filled sky when Althea woke and began to gather her things. Careful that she didn’t wake Thomas who still resided in the chair where she had left him only a few hours prior. He had drawn the blazer of his suit around himself tightly in an attempt to stave off the chill that had settled in the room. His expression drawn, even in sleep. It made her frown, knowing all to well what he saw every time he closed his eyes.
Sighing softly, she grabbed the thin blanket from his bed and covered him gently, his fingertips brushing across her hand as he subconsciously pulled the blanket closer. A small smile quirked at the corners of her lips as he relaxed a bit. Watching him for a minute longer before gathering up her medical box and coat; slipping out of the room silently as she tiptoed down the hall.
“Leavin’ so soon?” Hand already on the door, Althea startled back at the sound of the voice. Whirling around to find the older woman from the night before standing in the doorway of the Parlor. A small grin on her face as she stared at Althea, one eyebrow quirked in curiosity.
“Sorry, I didn’ mean to wake anyone.” Althea replied. Suddenly feeling guilty for trying to sneak out…but at the same time, not wanting to overstay her welcome either.
“Nonsense.” The woman dismissed the apology with a wave. “I’m an early riser. I’ve been up awhile. Jus’ abou’ to have some coffee actually, if ye’d care for some?”
“Coffee sounds lovely, actually.” Althea gave a small nod, placing her things down by the door before following the other woman into the kitchen. Taking a seat at the table. Accepting the steaming hot mug with a thank you and a small smile. Sipping carefully at the bitter black liquid before setting aside.
“Polly Gray.” The older woman introduced as she took a seat opposite her. Giving a small smile of her own as she added a little cream and sugar to her own cup of coffee.
“So I’ve heard.” Polly said. Propping her elbows up against the edge of the table, her brow quirked as she studied the younger woman with a curious grin. Leaving Althea to raise a curious brow of her own.
“Oh?” She replied with a soft chuckle, before taking another sip of coffee. Her curiosity peaked as she waited for the older woman to continue.
“The boys haven’ stopped goin’ on since ye started at the Garrison.” Polly continued with a smile. “Specially Thomas…never shut’s up.”
“I find tha’ ‘ard to believe.” Althea chuckled at the thought. Given Thomas was usually a man of few words most of the time.
“So do I.” Polly laughed softly. “Ye’re quite the woman, from what I’ve heard.”
“Well, I can assure you, I’m nothin’ special.” She dismissed with a shy laugh. Turning her attention to finishing her coffee in an attempt to avoid Polly’s scrutinizing gaze. Her dark eyes appearing to see straight through the facade Althea tried so hard to keep intact.
Polly sat back, still smiling as she watched Althea closely; but dropped the subject thankfully. Turing it instead to the topic of the new horse she had recently helped Thomas purchase.
“So, I ‘ear that new Stallion of Tommy’s is arrivin’ this afternoon?
“Aye.” Althea nodded. “Was actually part’a the reason I was up so early…he’s a handful. Figured Curly’s gonna need all the help he can get.”
“Probably a wise decision.” Polly laughed. “Sorry if I’ve kept ye.”
“It’s quite alrigh’.” Althea smiled softly as she finished her coffee. “I appreciate the coffee.”
“Anytime.” Polly grinned. “John ‘ill take ye home. I’ll go fetch him.” Althea nodded as they stood. Making her way to the door and gathering her things while she waited for Polly and John to return. Not arguing against the escort, as it was still early, and one hell of a walk.
“Thank you again, Polly.” She thanked once more before her and John stepped out into the brisk morning air. Polly giving a brief smile before closing the door behind them.
“She seems like’a nice girl.”
“Aye.” Thomas replied as he rounded the corner, buttoning one of his sleeves as he entered the kitchen. But otherwise remaining quiet as he avoided the knowing gaze of his Aunt that was boring into him with the intensity of a thousand suns.
It was pouring rain by the time Althea and John arrived at the Stables later that afternoon. Thankful he had picked her up in one of the cars upon his return, instead of walking. The transport truck coming into view as they approached, the unloading ramp toppled over as what appeared to be complete an total chaos unraveled around the yard.
The Stallion reared angrily as several stable hands tried to get a rope on him. Others fleeing from the wrath of his enormous hooves, seeking cover as he fought back; lashing out against his captors as he searched for a way out.
“Stop the car!” Althea ordered before they could get any closer. John starting to argue, but was forced to slam of the brakes when she threw the door open and bailed out of the car. Running towards the out of control Stallion who had just found his opening, taking it as he barreled towards her head on. Bound and determined to take out anything in his path.
Althea lost her footing as one of her boots caught in the mud, sending her to the ground as the horse continued to advance on her. John scrambling out of the car as Thomas’ own slid to a stop beside him. Not even bothering with the door as they raced toward Althea who had made it up on to her knees, raising her hands out above her head as she yelled.
The Stallion slid, his rear legs tucking beneath him as he tried to shut down his strides. Struggling to regain his own footing as he slid through the mud, Althea squeezing her eyes shut as he came to a stop just inches from her; rearing angrily as an eruption of noise sounded from one of the nearby factories. His hooves colliding with the ground, sending mud every where. His nostrils flaring and he whinnied out in distress. Althea pushing to her feet unsteadily as she reached out for him, grabbing onto the beasts halter with her left hand as she held her right out behind her to stop John’s advance, not realizing Thomas had arrived and already reluctantly done so.
“Easy boy..easy!” She spoke over the heavy rain fall as the horse tossed his head wildly. His senses overwhelmed by the plethora of new noises he wasn’t yet accustomed to.
“It’s alrigh’.” She soothed, stepping closer to the Stallion. One hand still on his halter as she struggled an arm out of her blouse; switching to the other side as she pulled it off and wrapped it around the horses head. Left only in her camisole, she ignored the freezing rain that pelted against her skin; her Jodhpurs and boots soaked heavily with mud and water as she stood, shivering. Stroking the Stallions neck as she tried to calm him.
“It’s jus’ noise.” She reassured calmly. Resting her forehead against his as she shushed him gently. “It’s jus’ noise, boy…jus’ noise. I got’ya.”
The horse nickered softly, his labored breathing slowing as he pushed his head against Althea’s; submitting as she tied the blouse in place around his eyes, allowing her to turn him carefully back towards the stables. Taking cautious steps beside her as she guided them carefully through the mud. The small crowed that had gathered stepping back to give them room as they entered the stable.
Althea nodding to Curly as he opened the stall door for her quietly, stepping back and allowing Thomas to take over as he entered. The Stallion spooking lightly at the sound of the latch clicking into place.
“Easy…” Althea encouraged as she reached up, settling her hands between the horses ears; gently applying pressuring to his poll as he lowered his head. Tucking his legs under as she guided him down, heaving a sign as he finally laid over. Althea moving with him to untie the blouse from around his eyes…stroking his forehead gently as he relaxed.
“Ye’re safe ‘ere…I promise.” She assured with a final pat before pushing herself to her feet. The Stallion sitting up, but remaining somewhat calm as she exited the stall. Venturing a little ways down the walk before a hand reached out to gently gasp her by the elbow, pulling her to a stop as Thomas stepped into view.
“Ye’re hurt.” He stated as he looked down at her, watching as she dismissed the comment with a shake of her head. The pain of her injury still blocked by the adrenaline that surged through her body. Thomas sighed.
“Allow me to reiterate.” He reached out to grasp her left wrist gently, pulling it up to expose the deep gash on her forearm. Blood mixing with the droplets of water that dripped steadily from her hair and clothes; hitting the floor in tiny pools of Crimson.
“Oh…” Her brows furrowed together as she stared at the injury blanky. Remaining still as Thomas pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. Tying it around the wound before slipping his duster off and pulling it around her shoulders.
“C’mon…let’s go get ye warmed up, eh?”
Althea nodded, allowing him to wrap his arm around her shoulders and guide her out to his car that was now sat idling by the entrance. Helping her inside before they sped off towards the Garrison. The ride silent as Thomas watched her out of the corner of his eye. Her expression having gone completely blank, as if she’d suddenly been pulled off into some far distant memory.
“Jesus bloody Christ, wha’ the hell happened?!” Arthur dropped what he’d been doing as watched his brother guide Althea into the pub.
“Bit of a situation w’ith the new Stallion.” Thomas replied as he snatched the key to his room and a bottle of whiskey from behind the bar. “She went down pretty hard, but she’ll be al’righ. Ye still got tha’ medical kit?”
“Aye.” Arthur disappeared for a moment before returning, handing the small medical box over. Eyeing Althea with a concerned expression before turning to his brother. “Holler if ye need an’thin’.”
Thomas nodded, thanking Arthur before he guided them through the back and up to one of the empty rooms. Sitting Althea carefully at the table before moving to get a fire going. Gathering up a basin, some clean linens and a bowl of water before returning to the table and lighting up a cigarette.
“Al’righ, love.” He sighed, taking a seat in front of her as he pushed the duster away from her left shoulder; tucking it across her waist as she still shivered. “Let’s ‘ave a look at that arm.”
Carefully he untied the handkerchief from her arm, exposing the wound for him to inspect as he exhaled a puff of air from his cheeks; brows raised as he studied it. The bleeding had slowed enough, but it would still likely require stitches. Something he wasn’t fond of, but could manage if necessary. Uncorking the bottle of whiskey, he guided her arm over the empty basin and poured the alcohol over the wound.
Her green eyes shifted to watch his movements, but Althea never once flinched as he cleaned the wound. Not making any real movements at all – save for her shivering – until he began to suture the wound closed. Althea plucking the cigarette from between his lips as she took a long, and much needed, pull. The nicotine helping to ease the tension in her body slightly.
“Welcome back.” Thomas stated, careful not to take his eyes off her arm as he pulled another stitch through. “Ye al’righ?” Althea nodded, taking another pull before she answered.
“Happen of’en?” He asked casually, quirking a brow at her in question as he looked up briefly; pausing for a moment to take a drag off the cigarette she held out for him.
“More of’en than I’d like to admit…” Thomas gave an understanding nod at her response but didn’t press. “I jus’…wha’ happened with the horse? …” She trailed off as Thomas tied off the last stitch, cleaning away residual blood from her arm before bandaging it.
“The horses … from the war?” He finished for her as he grabbed the bottle of whiskey, taking a pull before passing it over. She nodded with a solemn expression before taking a sip from the bottle herself. Watching as Thomas stood to tidy up a bit, crossing the room to a small dresser where he pulled out one of his shirts.
“I never got used to it either.” He held out the shirt for her take. “Ye should change, make yer’self comfortable an’ get warm.” He gestured to bed beside the fireplace.
“I’ll go see about findin’ somthin’ta eat.”
Althea sighed as she watched him leave the room; the sudden absence making her chest grow tight with anxiety for a moment. The feeling soon replaced by the chill that seeped into her bones. Shivering as she stood, shedding out of her wet clothes and slipping into the shirt that Thomas had lent her. Drawing the collar up to her nose as she inhaled deeply, warm hints of amber and tobacco filling her senses as she closed her eyes for a moment before she allowed the shirt to fall away from her nose as she hugged her arms around her.
She made her way to bed, pulling back the blankets and climbing under them. Burrowing into the old tick mattress as she stared into the flames of the fire place. The shivering eased a little after few minutes, but not entirely as her body temperature struggled to return to normal.
Enough time had eventually passed that she began to question if Thomas was actually planning on coming back. Almost drifting off to sleep as the bustle outside began to die down as evening neared. The sound of the door being opened drawing her back to consciousness as she sat up. Wiggling her fingers out the end of the sleeves as she rubbed at her eyes.
“Sorry I took so long…had some business I got pulled into.” Thomas apologized as he set a tray on the table. Althea waved her hand in dismissal as she climbed out of bed, the shirt falling past mid thigh as she stood. Thomas averting his gaze and clearing his throat as she approached and took a seat.
“Thank you, Tommy.” She spoke gently as he handed her a cup of tea.
“Consider it returnin’ a favor.” He replied, his lips quirking into a small smile as he slid a bowl of stew across the table for her as he took his own seat.
Comfortable silence falling between them while until they had finished eating. Althea helping herself to another cup of tea before moving to stare out the window, watching as the rain still poured heavily from the sky. Clutching the warm cup close as she still struggled to get warm.
The clink of dishes being picked up catching her attention as she turned, watching as Thomas placed everything except the tea back onto the tray he had carried it in on. A sudden thought crossing her mind and escaping her mouth before she could stop it as he reached to grab his coat.
Thomas paused at the unexpectedness of her question, retracting his hand from his coat as they stared at each other momentarily. Althea immediately regretting her words, about to apologize when his response silenced her.
Althea chewed her bottom lip lightly, remaining quiet as she thought for a moment before nodding her head in reply as she turned away from the window.
“I’d greatly appreciate the company.” She stated softly. “If it’s not any trouble?”
“’Course not.” He replied, attempting to hide the faint hint of a smirk that threatened to creep onto his lips. “Lemme take this back downstairs…grab some more wood f’er the fire. I’ll be back.”
He took the tray and disappeared from the room again. Althea extinguishing all the lamps but one before climbing back into the bed and settling down. The majority of the light in the room now coming from the soft glowing flicker of the fire place. A soft sigh escaping as she listened to the rain pelt against the windowpane.
The door opened a few minutes later as Thomas returned with an armload of fire wood. Kicking the door closed with his foot before crossing the room to place everything on the hearth. Adding more wood to the fire before settling in one of the arm chairs across the room. Althea rolling to face him, watching as the shadows cast by the fire danced across his face.
“You don’ have’ta sleep in the chair, ye know?” She stated quietly. Thomas quirking an eyebrow at her, almost as if waiting for her to say she was joking. But she remained silent, green eyes fixed on his expectantly; Thomas moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Althea scooting over to make room, watching from the corner of her eye as he removed his shoes and stripped down to his boxer shorts before slipping beneath the covers.
“Christ, ye’re bloody freezing.”
“Mmh…and ye’re warm.” Althea replied, scooting closer the warmth that was radiating off of him.
“Not anymore.” He chuckled sarcastically, wrapping an arm around her and drawing the covers tighter around them as he rested his cheek against the top of her head. A contented sigh escaping her lips as she drifted off. His hand moving to tuck a few stray stands of her dark hair behind her ear as he closed his own eyes.
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