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lawyering-and-running · 3 years

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Chapter 9 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Shelby Export Ltd, London

Fuck its cold. Nicole was back in London and more specifically at the Shelby’s export warehouse in Camden. Nowadays she seemed to constantly find herself hopping back and forth between Birmingham and London, why couldn’t she be sent somewhere interesting and new? Maybe she could persuade Tommy to expand his business outside of England, that sounded like a fun trip. Nicole however wasn’t there on this cold and windy evening to daydream; she was here to bribe some coppers. A task she usually found simultaneously awful and interesting. Awful because it meant having to talk to them, and she did not trust them as far as she could throw them; in other words, not very much at all. Interesting, because they were meant to uphold the law and represent something better; yet they were always some of the most eager men she had ever met to accept the money.

Come on, my hands are about to go numb, she thought, crawling further into her beloved coat. This is why she never stood still for long, England was too bloody cold for lazy activities like that. Finally she heard the footsteps of the policeman she was waiting for. “You’re late” she spoke into the darkness “Well I had other things to do.” Spoke the tubby man that came into view. So do I you moron, thought Nicole, what she said instead was “Right, this is the agreed upon amount. In return you will remove your men from around Sabini’s club and not interfere with anything that…goes on in there.” The man eagerly reached out his grubby hand towards the envelope containing the money, when he paused, looking her up and down “and do you come with the deal as a little extra?” Nicole’s face scrunched up in disgust, this pig was getting worse by the second. “Absolutely not! Fuck off out of here before I teach you some respect for women.” The man became angry, hand reaching for the lapels of her coat “You whore! If I want something I’ll damn well have it. I will not have some dirty urchin speak to me like this.”

Before the man could actually touch her Nicole grabbed his baton from his belt. She shoved him up against the stone wall hard, hidden in the shadows she pressed his baton against his neck, choking him slightly. The copper struggled, arms reaching up to pull the stick away. Nicole only pressed harder. Leaning in “Consider yourself lucky that I don’t remove your balls for trying to lay a hand on me, not that you had any to begin with. You’ve put yourself on my radar pig, and I have eyes everywhere. If I find out you’ve touched another person against their will again, I will personally castrate you.” Nicole could hear liquid splattering onto the cobblestone floor as the man pissed himself, she laughed as her voice dropped lower “Now go do what you’re being paid for and remember our little agreement or else you won’t even see me coming.” With that Nicole let him go, dropping the baton in the little puddle the man had created she stepped back and vanished into the shadows to tell Arthur the coast was clear. Leaving the copper to collect himself, completely white in the face.

Small Heath, Birmingham

The next morning Nicole found herself back in Birmingham collecting a message from Major Campbell of all fucking people. The man who had harassed Small Heath for months, she did not quite understand why Tommy put up with his presence. Maybe she would ask him after informing him that someone named D. H. was dead. Nicole walked along the cobblestone road as one of the women she had helped from a…situation, exited her house. “Oh Nicole! Haven’t seen you in a while dear, how are you?” “Fine Jane, just been busy. Yourself?” The kind woman smiled, reaching into the basket in the crook of her arm. “Good good dear, don’t work yourself too hard you’re looking far too thin nowadays. That’s no good for having a baby.” Pulling out an apple she handed it over to Nicole “Thank you Jane, no need to fear, however, I’d need a man for that first.” Her thoughts flashed to Tommy. God, a couple of days ago she was planning on ignoring his very existence, and now she was imagining whether she could have a future with him. How would that even work? She was not the type of lady to sit around waiting for her husband to get home. She needed freedom, needed to feel the pounding of her feet on the stone, not to be chained to a house. But, she paused, it would be nice to come home to him. To actually have a home. She shook the thoughts from her head and focused back on Jane who was rambling on about how a girl like her should be finding someone to settle down with. “It was lovely seeing you again and I’m glad you’re well Jane, but I really do have to get on my way.” Nicole cut in mid-sentence. “Of course dear, feel free to come by some time for spot of tea.”

Nicole carried on down the road, munching on the crispy apple. The fresh and sweet flavour completely at odds with the ever-present dusty tang of the Small Heath air. The bright red colour, standing out brightly against the grey back drop that the city presented. Her thoughts travelled back to Tommy and their kiss a couple of days ago, it was a bright spot in her memory. If she tried really hard and closed her eyes, she could almost still feel the press of his lips against hers, the weight of his phantom hands cupping her face. They really needed to have that long overdue conversation, business kept getting in the way. And business, she mused, would always continue to get in the way. Nicole had no illusions; she was well aware that her life was not some romantic tale. She laughed to herself, he probably just wanted someone to warm his bed…maybe she wouldn’t even get that and just a desk. It was just a kiss, she wasn’t expecting anything from this conversation, and she really needed to stop daydreaming. At least that is what she told herself.

Sneaking into the betting shop she found it completely empty, well, it was early. Nevertheless she could already hear a group of men clamouring around outside the front door. Which is why she preferred the back entrance. It was weird seeing a place usually so full of life completely silent. There was a knock on the door. Spoke to soon about the silence “The shops closed.” “I have a meeting with Thomas Shelby, I am a little early.” At the sound of the well-spoken woman’s voice, Nicole pulled open the door, quickly shutting it after the woman entered. Eyeing her up and down, she recognised the lady from the horse auction, the one Tommy had been talking to afterwards “Tommy isn’t here yet, I’m also waiting for him.” “Ah, you were with him at the auction.” The lady stuck out a gloved hand “May Carleton, a pleasure.” Nicole accepted the handshake “Nicole” There was an awkward pause as May waited for a family name to appear that had never even existed. “Right. So this is the gambling den?” “It is. What is your meeting about?” “Oh I am going to be training the horse Thomas purchased for him. What about you?” Nicole smiled, relaxing slightly, the woman did not appear to have nefarious intent for the Shelby’s “Have a secret message for him, but if I told you I’d have to kill you.” May let out a surprised laugh “How…delightful?” The two women shared a smile as May looked around the shop.

“I clearly need to improve my security sweetheart if you keep managing to sneak in.” Tommy appeared through the open archway, coat flapping behind him. “If I hadn’t poor Ms. Carleton would have had to wait outside with that lot.” Nicole answered as another shout came from outside. “Ah Ms. Carleton, one moment before I take you to the horse.” He strode over to Nicole, gently pulling her out of hearing range from May “You got something for me love?” “Two things, number one, and this really is the most important one; I really think you should expand outside of England.” Tommy looked bewildered “Why?” “Think of all the different markets you could corner, and as a little side note, it would make my trips far more memorable and…” Nicole rambled on until Tommy rolled his eyes, smiling as he shook his head “and the second thing?” “Oh! Right. Major Pig said D. H. is dead.” Tommy’s smile widened “That’s good to hear. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off eh? It’s Michael’s birthday tonight and I’d like you to come, maybe we’ll finally be able to actually sit down for our talk.” “Well it’s no exotic trip abroad, but I’ll take it. Cheerio Tommy.” “See you later Sweetheart.” As Nicole left, she heard him turn to May “Let’s go see my horse.”

Garrison, Birmingham

Tommy had just poured May a drink in the Garrison after showing her his new horse “Do you want to fuck me Ms. Carleton? Perhaps because I represent something to you?” May’s eyes widened from the shock, nearly spitting out her drink. There was a long silence as she digested his crude sentence “So is that what you say to women?” “Not to all” May collected herself “No I expect that’s not how you speak to the girl…Nicole?” Tommy downed his drink “No, I have said far worse to her.” He recalled his very poor choice of words at Polly’s birthday, he would have to make up for it tonight at Michaels birthday. Tommy did not know what he was going to say yet, he hadn’t felt like this since before the war, but Nicole was so different from Greta. Nicole was a bit like a wild horse, but where Tommy was comfortable with how to deal with the animals, he was not quite so certain when it came to her.

“It is a wonder that she has put up with you then.” May grimaced as she took another sip of her Gin. “It is indeed.” He muttered “No Mr. Shelby, I do not wish to share your bed. You have a horse and I am here to train her.” May said firmly, pushing her glass of Gin away deciding enduring more sips of the alcohol wasn’t going to be worth it. “Good, because that’s also what I want from you.” “So what will your horse be called?” Tommy considered the question, he hadn’t quite thought about it yet; but really there was only one thing on his mind today, or well, someone. “The horse shall be called Running Wild.” May raised one of her arched eyebrows as she tested out the name “Running Wild…Guess I should expect some trouble from a horse with such a name.” “Only the good kind.” Tommy smirked back, only the good kind indeed.

Warehouse rooftop, Birmingham

After leaving May and Tommy behind at the betting shop, Nicole had made her way to the warehouse rooftop that they all used to live on. She kind of missed the openness, the freedom that came with sleeping under the stars, the entire universe at her fingertips. Although, she did not miss the noise of drunken men stumbling home at the crack of dawn or the biting chill that seemed to permeate no matter how many blankets they found. Silently, like a ghost, Nej slithered up the side of the building to join her staring out at the city below them. “You ready to talk?” asked Nej, still looking away from Nicole. She sighed “Not everything, like I said, I’m still waiting on a response.” Nej shook her head, turning to face her “I don’t need everything, I trust you. But give me something.”

“We have achieved a certain talent over the years in becoming invisible. Standing right next to people without their awareness. That lack of awareness has allowed us to collect secrets, and secrets are what drive the powerful in this world. Secrets coming to light are the one thing men like that truly fear. Secrets also happen to be what we truly trade on.” “You can’t mean to betray our…customers, can you?! They won’t trust us to deliver messages if something like that got out.” Nicole shook her head turning to face Nej as well “Of course not! I just mean that our connections have allowed us access to a world hidden to most, the back-room meetings of gang leaders, coppers, and politicians alike. That’s the kind of information that is valuable and will gain us a contact with the men at the very top of the food chain. -“ “like Churchill” “indeed, like Churchill. We will not betray the confidence of those entrusting us with messages, but anything outside of that could be fair game. Particularly the secrets of men we don’t particularly care for.” “Like Sabini?” Nicole laughed “Like Sabini! I have heard that Churchill is very interested in any information he can get on him. Who knows maybe we’ll soon be delivering messages for royalty.”

Nej grinned “Big C sure seemed interested when he read your letter. So you aren’t about to stab Tommy and the other Shelby’s in the back?” “NO! course not Nej, they’ve been good to us. Nevertheless, they’ll do anything for their family and business, so we’ll take inspiration from that.” Nej winked at Nicole “I know, just messing with you. Wouldn’t want to betray the in-laws Mrs Shelby.” Nicole blushed bright red “That’s. I mean. Nej! I do not want their surname to be my legacy, I will achieve something in my own right. Besides, I don’t know why all of you are acting like we are bound to get married; we aren’t even together yet. It was only a kiss-“ “Excuse me! You’ve kissed? Why was that not the first thing you told me? Screw your mastermind plan for Churchill, this is far more important!” “-As I was saying, it was only a kiss. I doubt it meant anything to him.” Nej gave Nicole a soft smile “But it meant something to you.” “…It made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be in this world.” Both women turned to gaze out across the landscape below them again, a comfortable silence stretching between them. Comfort derived from years of being each other’s companion. Nej and Nicole were the first two that had made up the Runners, although they definitely did not have a name back then.

Nej had found Nicole had shivering in a crate in the alley to the side of the very warehouse they were now standing on. Skin and bones, pale as snow, unlikely to survive another year. Nej had been a lot smaller back then as well, although that probably had something to do with fact that both girls were only seven. Caked in soot smug Nej had leaned against the wall opposite Nicole “You’re doing this wrong” at first Nicole thought she was going insane, when was the last time someone had actually spoken to her? “Hello? You dead? If you are I’m taking your clothes.” The confident girl spoke up again “H-how c-can I be d-doing this w-wrong?” Nicole’s teeth-chattered audibly through her words. “Aw pity, no new clothes for me. You’re easy pickings down here, you need to find higher ground –“ Nej pointed up to the warehouse rooftop “ – Like up there. Come on, since you aren’t dead you might as well join me so we can make use of each other’s body heat.” Nicole’s gaze followed Nej’s finger, up and up. “U-up there?” “Up there. Come on, you aren’t scared right?” Nej taunted. Suddenly limbs cracking Nicole stood up, defiantly looking across at the other girl “No! I’m never scared.” “Go on then.” It was slow going, Nicole’s limbs weakened from lack of use and malnourishment but eventually both girls made it up to the rooftop, to find a little pile of blankets tucked into a corner. It was absolutely beautiful, the view unlike anything little Nicole had ever seen before. The two girls settled in, little bodies curled around each other, clinging together. “I’m Nej by the way.” “Nicole.”

And that was that, the two girls stuck together and slowly got stronger, always ending the day wrapped in each other’s arms. Eventually they started adding more little members to their crew, until they became the Runners they are today. Nicole shook herself from the memory as Nej spoke, “We won’t begrudge you if all you want is a happy, quiet, little life with a husband and a child.” Nicole smirked “Where’s the fun in that? Quiet is overrated, and on that note, come one we’ve got a party to get ready for.”

Garrison, Birmingham

Tommy was stood outside of the Garrison smoking a cigarette by the time Nicole arrived with her whole gang. The loud noise of drunken shenanigans and music could already be heard from the street. Nicole and Nina had swapped dresses from Polly’s birthday to keep some variety, which meant that Nicole was now wearing an emerald green dress that was perhaps a tad more…provocative than what Nicole would usually be comfortable with but she felt good, like Nina said before they left “Confidence is key.” Tommy greeted them as he pulled Nicole closer, then turned to her “You look lovely sweetheart.” He pulled his gaze away from her to look over her shoulder “Drinks are on the house for you lot tonight, try not to ruin the Shelby name, eh?” The others gave loud cheers and thanks as they made a beeline for the bar.

Tommy turned his attention back to Nicole “Come on then love, thought we could go for a bit of a walk first” he stubbed out his cigarette and gently grabbed her hand to loop through his arm. Together they walked back down the street towards the canals, the cobblestones under their feet illuminated by the streetlights dotted along their path. When they made it to the glittering canal they paused, Tommy tucking her in underneath his arm for warmth. “So…” started Nicole “I like you.” Tommy cut through in his usual blunt nature. It did the trick though and broke the tension that had been building in Nicole from anticipation. Feeling a bit silly Nicole laughed “I like you too.” From the corner of her eye she could see him nod and squeeze her a little tighter. “I’m not an easy man.” “Well I’m not an easy woman.” Tommy laughed “I’ve noticed sweetheart.” “Sounds like we’re pretty well matched then.” It reminded Tommy of his words during Polly’s birthday “I really am sorry about what I said, I didn’t mean a word of them, I saw some people that shouldn’t have been there and reacted out of anger. You understand me, you’ve seen who I am and haven’t run away I think maybe, sweetheart, it because I’ve seen you too.” He stated turning to lift her chin up so he could stare straight into her eyes. “I can see a fire and a hunger burning in your eyes, and its beautiful. You are beautiful. And strong. And –“ He cut himself of as he surged down to press his lips to hers. His hand moved to tangle into her hair as he held her ever closer. Tommy’s eyes might be icy blue, but he kissed with fiery passion. Nicole snuck her hand upwards to pull him forward by his shoulders, never wanting this moment to end. God she wanted more, their lips melding together like two imperfectly perfect halves finding each other.

They pulled apart slightly although he continued to gently hold her face as his thumb caressed her cheekbones “My timing was a bit better this time, ey?” Nicole smiled shaking her head as she gazed into his crystal blue eyes “Shut up Thomas and kiss me.” She pulled him back down for another kiss, as he pulled her in even more firmly by the waist until all she could feel was him against her. When they finally parted again, he rested their foreheads against each other as he smiled down at her breathlessly “Let’s go get that drink.”

Tommy opened the door to the Shelby private room, where the family were celebrating Michael’s birthday and new job. With a large smile on his face he nudged Nicole inside so he could shut the door behind them “You finally Tommy’s girl then?” asked John with a grin “I rather think of him as finally being mine.” She replied sending the men into a roaring bout of laughter as Tommy poured everyone a drink. “That’s a good attitude to have with my boys luv, come sit by me.” Polly smiled approvingly, indicating the chair beside her. When everyone had a glass Tommy raised his “To family” “To family!”

Shelby Export Ltd, London

A couple of days later Tommy found himself down at the docks in London overseeing his new exporting enterprise. “You know I hate to see you not even married yet? I have a fine-looking cousin for ya.” Johnny spoke up as he continued transferring the crates of alcohol between the docks and the boats. Tommy exhaled a cloud of white smoke into the frigid morning air. “There’ll be no need for that, I’ve already got a girl.” “A girl Tommy! For more than just fucking? Never’d thought I’d see the day. Do I know the lass?” Tommy was reminded of the fact that since he had decided he wanted Nicole as his, he hadn’t relieved himself. He didn’t want anyone other than her… although he really needed to get rid of the tension soon, it was messing with his ability to focus.

“I’m sure you’ve met her, her name’s Nicole and she’s one of our messengers.” “Ah little Nicole! You’ll have your hands full with that one, eh Tommy? She’s a wild one.” Tommy smirked as he inhaled another puff of smoke “I think we’ll both have to rein each other in.” “The foundation of all great marriages.” Exhaling the smoke he stubbed out the cigarette into the dirt with his feet “Not quite there yet Johnny. Not yet.”

Whilst Tommy found himself on one side of London, Nicole found herself on the other, a couple of streets away from a house belonging to Field Marshall Henry Russel’s. Or that was what the shoe shiner she’d bribed had told her. When Tommy had informed her that morning that he needed her to time exactly how long it took for someone to notice her in front of the house, she had thought he was starting to go mad. I mean the audacity! It went against her very being, needing to wait out in the open for someone to spot her. Especially as from a glimpse of the house she could see that it would be fairly easy to just sneak into the house by herself. He had refused to tell her why she’d have to do the task, no matter how much she prodded him for an answer. Tommy had made it clear in no uncertain words that despite their newfound relationship status he still expected her to do her job as she had done before, no questions asked. Nicole glowered a bit, mocking him in her head ‘I say jump, you ask how high.’

Part of her appreciated his insistence on keeping her “employment” as it was before, she hadn’t suddenly lost part of herself. Had not been reduced to JUST being Tommy’s girl. She would kick him in the balls if that ever happened. Especially when she was building her own legacy. Nicole had hoped that Churchill would send word to her sooner, but she understood that these things could not be rushed. What she really hoped was that Nej hadn’t been wrong, maybe she’d misread his reaction thanks to the adrenaline of sneaking into Parliament? No. There was no point in thinking like that, Nej was never wrong, and confidence was key. In any case there was nothing she could do about it now, what she could do something about was the task Tommy had paid her to do.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Nicole strolled down the street until she was standing right opposite the Field Marshall’s house. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. This really would be easier if she had a pocket watch. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. She wondered what the others were up to, Kaz and Jaspar were also running around London helping out Arthur and Nina and Nej were with Polly somewhere. Twenty-one. Twenty-two. Twenty-three. Hopefully Will was having some fun for the rest of them, he was at the office with Michael and Isaac, and they all got on exceedingly well. Thirty. Thirty-One. Thirty-Two. “Can I help you miss?” Here we go “Just enjoying the fresh air.” The copper took a step closer “What is your name?” No thank you sir, Nicole turned tail and ran down the street “Oi! Get back here!”

Marquis, Birmingham

“Come on lads let’s go find us a drink and a couple of girls!” Cheered Isaac. Will had just finished up a very relaxed day, and he even got paid for it. Isaac very much enjoyed being able to use Will to annoy and prank Finn, dropping off little notes and scaring the ever-living shit out of him by popping up out of nowhere. Definitely more fun than what the others were up to today. Will assumed that the heads of the Shelby clan would probably not be as amused by how they spent the companies coin and the distinct lack of work that had gone on today; good thing Nicole had Tommy wrapped around her finger.

Michael was a lot more serious when it came to work, still eager to prove himself in the hierarchy of Shelby’s, but he definitely loosened up and became more fun when he’d had some alcohol in him. The men entered the Marquis whilst teasing Isaac about the last time he had tried to pull a girl “How did you not realise it was a different girl?” laughed Will “It was dark.” Protested Isaac “and maybe I’d had too much to drink.” “You definitely sobered up fast when they poured their drinks over you.” Michael teased. “And what a waste of perfectly good alcohol it was!” The men roared with laughter as they ordered their drinks from the bar.

“I don’t drink with people like you.” Sneered a man from behind them. Here we go thought Will, some people were absolutely ridiculous and needed to get off of their high horse. “Come off it and go bother someone else.” The man took a threatening step forward, face disfigured by his ugly hatred. “I SAID I don’t drink with the likes of you.” Michael downed his drink, turned around, and smashed the glass against the man’s face. Not like a man with a personality like that could have gotten any uglier thought Will. Then all hell broke loose in the bar as both Isaac and Michael launched into the fight with a certain ease that Will did not possess. He was a runner not a fighter and in the case of fight or flight, flight always won. He couldn’t let the lads down though, they’d become his friends. Will too smashed his fist into the nearest person that took a swing at them, the sound of glass breaking and wood splintering filling the air alongside the grunts and shouts of the patrons in the bar.

His inexperience in situations like this came back to bite him though, maybe he should ask for pointers from Kaz, Nicole and Nej the next time he saw them. A fist slamming into his eye socket sent Will reeling to the floor, dazed by the blow. Before he could pick himself up again he felt the sharp fiery hot pain of glass ripping open the side of his head as a bottle was smashed to pieces against his skull. The blinding white that had exploded across his vision faded to a spotty black as he tried to regain his senses. Through ringing ears he could make out the barman finally putting a stop to the escalating violence. Isaac pulled him up from his slumped position and wrapped Will’s arm around his own shoulders to keep him upright “Come on then, you look like you could use a drink.” Will could feel the sticky blood dripping down the side of his head, as they stumbled outside. Slowly, he started to feel more like himself again, the shock and adrenaline fading away.

After a couple of moments the men had collected themselves enough to make their way towards the Garrison for some better service and company. When the men entered the little private room reserved for the Shelby’s John and Arthur were already there. “What happened to you lot?” asked John as soon as he got a look at the various scrapes and bruises dotting the men’s faces and knuckles, and of course the stream of blood pouring down the side of Will’s head turning his usual bright blonde hair a dark reddish-brown colour. “Some blokes down at the Marquis didn’t like the idea of me having a drink with them.” Said Isaac, Michael added on “So of course we showed them the error of their ways.” The two brothers stood up, downing their glasses “come on then Arthur, let’s go deal with them.” Will’s eyes widened at the implication “Deal with them?” The brothers flashed him a smile as Arthur gave him a firm pat on the back.

“Clean him up boys and get him a drink. You’re one of us now kid.” Said Arthur as the two brothers left to go “deal” with it. Nicole and the others were going to kill him, or the bar owner for getting into such a big fight. Probably a slight mercy mused Will, if the Shelby’s got to him before the wrath of the protective Runners could rain down upon him. “Cheers!” Their glasses clinked together.

♡ Here we go my loves! Thank you for the wonderful feedback on the last chapter, it absolutely makes my day!

I had a lot of internal debates with this chapter including two deleted scenes, both of which I kept going back and forth on. Either of them would have completely altered the way the story was going, but I ended up feeling that it would push the story to a place where my characterization of Tommy and Nicole would be wrong. That’s the reason though why this chapter took quite a while to write since I had so many repercussions to consider (Might also have something to do with the fact that this is over 5000 words 🤪). I’m thinking of starting to collect all of the scenes that I end up removing and then posting them when I’ve completely finished the story (not for a long time yet don't worry) so you can read what nearly happened along the way if that’s something you might be interested in beauties. ♡

Tag list: @lovemissyhoneybee @captivatedbycillianmurphy @ysmmsy

#peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders #peaky blinders x oc #peaky blinder fanfic #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x oc

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lawyering-and-running · 3 years

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Soooooooo not something I'd usually post but 👉🏻👈🏻 I'm very proud 😅 haven't painted anything in well over a decade and definitely never used acrylics before. Took about 4 hours, and yes I am indeed procrastinating.

#art #this is how i procrastinate

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lawyering-and-running · 3 years

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⭐️ put this star into the inbox of your favorite blogs. it’s time to spread positivity! ⭐️

Right back at you my love! This is too sweet 🥰

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lawyering-and-running · 3 years

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Chapter 8 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Garrison, Birmingham

Tommy slammed the door of the private room shut. Arthur and John immediately stopped talking, an angry Tommy always put them on edge. “Why is everything going wrong?” He gulped down a random glass of whiskey before pouring a fresh glass and throwing that back as well. “Tommy-“ “Polly is angry with me about Michael when I only did it to help her. You, Arthur, are losing control. And now I have to worry about spies in my own fucking pub.” He raged on “I need everyone to get themselves together.” The room was silent as Arthur and John shared a look. Picking up the bottle of alcohol, John poured everyone another glass “Guessing you did something to screw it up with your girl then?” “Fuck off John” clinking their glasses together they downed the whiskey, “Come on Tom boy, why not give the lass a chance? You could at least have some fun out of it.” Arthur added, giving a sly smirk. Tommy sighed lighting a cigarette, “Need you both to get some of the Blinders to make sure the Italians and anyone associated with them stay far away from our Birmingham.” “Alright Tommy, so long as you fix whatever stupid thing you said to her.” Tommy rolled his eyes before leaving the Garrison so he could get some rest.

Midland Hotel, Birmingham

The next morning saw the group half piled on top of each other from where they had stumbled in only hours earlier. Nicole sat up with a groan, dislodging one of the many limbs flung across her. That might have been a few drinks too many she thought. From the sunlight filtering in through the window she could tell that it was still early morning. Good. She was not in the mood to prove Tommy right. She felt so naïve for her silly infatuation, that would have to end immediately. Her priority was improving her family’s life, Tommy was right, she was no Thomas Shelby businessman extraordinaire. She did not want to be him.

She would be better.

Stand up for the outcasts and underdogs, fight for a better life for all those who had been dealt a bad hand in life. Shaking Nej awake she signalled her to stay quiet “I need you to deliver this to the Prime Minister’s desk.” She whispered. “You need me to do what?!” “shhh” quieter now, “you need me to do what?” Nej stared up at her wide eyed. “I need you to deliver this message to the Prime Minister’s desk in parliament without being seen. Trust me. There’s coin in the bag.” Nej nodded starting to gather some supplies for the trip, pausing she turned back to Nicole and grabbed her hand “You don’t have to figure the whole world out by yourself hun. It’s alright to lean on others.” “It’s just safer for now for no one else to know. I promise I’ll explain everything soon.” Nej turned to face her at the edge of the building’s balcony “Well thanks for the challenge” With that Nej let herself fall over the railing, disappearing from view within seconds.

The next to wake up was Nina, who immediately wanted to know about her dance with Tommy. “I saw you and a certain Shelby brother getting a handsy…details please.” Nicole had been expecting some questions, although part of her had been hoping they hadn’t been paying attention or were already too drunk to remember it. Clearly luck was not on her side. “It was a mistake Nina, let it go.” “Just let him in already, what’s the worst that could happen? You have some fun, maybe it fizzles out eventually but at least you had some time together.” Shaking her head Nicole said, “It won’t work he made it clear last night that we aren’t a suitable match.” Now it was Nina’s turn to shake her head “Men are idiots. They react in strange ways as soon as feelings start to become involved.” “It doesn’t matter Nina, I have a couple of plans I’m starting to put into motion.” Nina pulled her into a warm embrace “We all know you’re going to make a difference someday. Every King needs a queen, but every queen needs a king too hun. Remember that.” This conversation was starting to feel far too sentimental for Nicole, so she turned away from Nina shaking the others awake and splitting some of their food rations. “Alright gang, up and at em, I’m going to head to the shop to see if they have a task for us.”

Nicole made her way to the betting shop to see the door to Tommy’s office open and the man in question lounged back reading the morning’s paper. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to demand an apology for how he acted last night, or if she just wanted to pretend nothing happened. Playing pretend was easier, and ensured she was better able to keep her distance. Knocking on the door to get his attention “Do you have any work for us Mr. Shelby?” His blue eyes met hers, thrown off by the sudden reappearance of formality. “I need you to get the group to put the word out that the Black Country Men and the Brummies are working together now, all able-bodied men are to work under Billy down in Solomons’ Bakery. Then I want you to meet me down in Camden, Alfie wants to see you again.” Tossing the required bag of coin to Nicole. “Alright.” She remained cold as she turned away from him, moving towards the door. “Nicole.” She paused “I said some things last night that were unfair.” “They were true, no harm done. Anything else Mr. Shelby?” she asked in a sugar sweet voice. “They were not true, I value you far more than that, you must know that by now.” Tommy took a step towards where she was still stood facing the door. “Like how one might value a prized horse, right Tommy?” “Back to Tommy, eh sweetheart?” A silent moment passed. She hated that despite deciding that she was going to ignore her feelings for him, he seemed to blow through her defences as if they were nothing. She liked him. “I’ll be seeing you later Nicole, I think you and I need to have a talk.” Turning her head to face him as she opened the door. “I’ll have to check my schedule.” With a wink, she shut the door behind her. Got the last word again!

Houses of Parliament, London

Nej arrived in London with good time. She did not really have a plan. How could she? When she had never had to sneak into a building like this before, she didn’t have a clue what to expect. Were there guards at every corner? Would there be corners to hide? Taking a deep breath she made sure her face was covered by her scarf. The front entrance would not be possible, the staircase and pathways were far too much in the open.

Nej had briefly contemplated stealing some women’s business attire so she could disguise herself as a secretary, but there were so few women walking around Parliament that even in disguise she would probably stand out too much. So it had to be plan B, sneaking in undetected. The next option was to find the servants entrance, surely there would be one to keep such a massive building running. Ducking into alleyways she crept around the sides of the building until she came across a delivery entrance where they were currently unloading a truck full of crates of alcohol. How anyone in government managed to get anything done when all they seemed to do was drink was a mystery to her. She smiled to herself. That is probably exactly the reason why nothing ever changes. She waited until there was only one man left, then followed behind him as he carried the last crate inside. She found herself in a large storeroom, luckily with a lot of dark corners to hide in.

As the man left to go back outside Nej cracked open the door on the other side of the room, looking into an empty hallway. She followed the hallway coming past a big kitchen, with lots of shouting a noise coming from inside. Continuing until she found servants stairs leading up further into the building, through the next door she saw a richly decorated hallway with office doors with names of MPs on them. Maybe she could leave her own message for the Birmingham MP and tell him how much of a shithole their city was. Feet light she quickly walked to wards the back of the building, names flying past but none that were correct. When she’d scoured this entire floor, she went up the stairs to the top floor where she ducked behind a large statue. She was pretty sure she was in the right place, considering there was a big door with a secretary sitting at her desk in front of it.

Nej had two problems, 1) she needed to be sure Churchill was not in his office and 2) she needed to get the secretary away from her desk. The first problem resolved itself naturally with a bit of waiting as a young man came up the steps and did the work for her “Is the Prime Minister in?” “No, I can take down a message for you or you can find him in the Gentleman’s club.” Perfect, on to the second problem. The next time the secretary turned away from her with her coffee in hand Nej threw a stone at one of the light bulbs, smashing it. The loud noise startled the secretary who spilled the drink over her clothes. “Oh Shit! Those rotten lights.” The secretary continued to grumble to herself as she grabbed her purse and headed off to presumably the bathroom. Seizing the opportunity Nej slipped inside the Prime Ministers office. Quite the feat if she did say so herself. Walking over to the grand wooden desk she placed the envelope front and centre, before letting herself sit in the equally grand chair. What would it be like to have that much power? Nej was not sure she liked the view; she wouldn’t want to be responsible for so many lives.

Was that the sound of shoes?

She had let herself dally for too long, seeing no other option she opened the window and climbed out onto the roof. Shutting the window just as the door opened and Churchill himself came into view. The man walked over to the desk and picked up the letter, plopping down in his chair with an undignified grunt. This was pure gold to Nej. He opened up the letter and began reading, Nej did not know what Nicole had written but his eyes darted around the room before flying back to the words written on the pages. She had seen enough, she quietly lowered herself down the side of the building. Disappearing back down the streets of London to go and fetch herself a treat before making her way back to Birmingham. Hopefully, she would be able to pry some of those secrets out of Nicole, must be something good if it caught a man like the Prime Minister’s attention like that.

Camden Town, London

The main room of the bakery was flooded with men, many of whom she recognised from the morning’s recruiting task. Nicole made her way past the line and headed into Alfie’s office upon hearing a shout of “Next lad!” hearing grumbles from the men behind her. Alfie was sat behind his desk writing things down in a ledger, without looking up he spoke “Name and profession?“ “Have you forgotten my name already Alfie? Age must be catching up to you.” He stood up, rounding the desk so that he could clasp her shoulders in his firm grip “Little bird! Told you I’d be seeing you soon.” She could not help but smile at the bearded man. “I was told you wanted to see me.” “Ah yes! Right birdy, so what I hear, yeah, is that I can pay for your discrete and confidential services. Would that be true?” The phrasing made her pause, but business was business and the Shelby’s and Solomon’s were allies. “For the right price, yes.” Alfie nodded “That’s what I thought.” flicking a coin in her direction. She caught it, seeing it was a whole pound. Far more money than she had ever received for a single message. Nicole pocketed the coin, holding out her hand for the letter. “Pop this under the door at this address.” Looking down at the address it did not stand out for any particular reason. Nothing that would warrant a whole pound, she had sent Nej into Parliament for less! “That it?” “That’s it.” Easy money and hopefully more business with Alfie in the future, that was something she could get behind. “There isn’t a name on the envelope.” Alfie’s eyes became sharp, the room not feeling quite so comfortable anymore. “Discrete and confidential means its none of your business innit?” everything about this was suspicious, but she really did not want to get on the wrong side of Alfie. Nicole nodded “There’s no need for that Alfie. I was just checking that this wasn’t another thing you were forgetting in your old age.” She tried to joke. Thankfully Alfie started smiling again, and the room lightened along with it. “Funny little bird, off you go then. I have bakers to hire.” Pocketing the letter she left to go and do her task so she could go back to Birmingham. Hopefully Nej would be back as well by then.

She could not wait to hear if Nej had been successful.

Birmingham

Nicole had only been back in Birmingham for an hour after delivering Alfie’s message before suddenly a Peaky lad that she’d had a couple of conversation with ran up to her. Poor lad was clearly in distress and as he relayed the news to her she understood why. Turning on her heel she ran back to the betting shop, slipping in through the back door. “Is he in Lizzie?” “They’re all in there, maybe you should leave the message with me for later-” Without another word Nicole knocked on the door before opening it, not waiting for a response. The man from the village a few days ago was there, along with the three Shelby brothers and Polly. She wondered who he was to have gotten so close to the Shelby’s when besides the village she had never seen him before. The group seemed to have been discussing something but paused when she appeared. Nicole’s eyes shot to Tommy’s, and something in her gaze must have told him her news was not pleasant. She was not sure yet if this stranger was privy to the Shelby business. Tommy signalled with his head for her to come closer, she rounded the desk leaning towards him before quietly whispering “One of your Blinders named Digbeth Kid was murdered in his cell. It was Sabini’s men, sent as a message.” She could see his jaw clench as he inhaled sharply, so close to him she could smell the scent of whiskey and smoke. Dear lord, she needed to get her feelings under control this was definitely not the time. Tommy pulled out a coin from his pocket for her, but she pushed his hand away “I’m not profiting from a man’s death” With that she quickly left the room so that Tommy could decide how he wanted to exact his revenge on Sabini. Pausing outside of the shop she leaned against the door. What a waste of a young life “Fuck Sabini.”

Inside Thomas’ Office, Birmingham

“Digbeth was killed in prison by Sabini’s men.” Tommy spoke up as soon as the door closed behind Nicole. Arthur jumped forward from where he had been leaning against the wall “We need to retaliate inside the prison Tommy!” “Arthur’s right, we need to show the men that we can keep them safe or else they’ll never want to work for us again.” The people in the room nodded “Need a group to go and get themselves arrested. Show them that we will not stand for our people being treated like this.” The family quickly voted their agreeance with the plan. Poor boy was just a kid.

Second item of business, “Polly I need your permission as company treasurer to spend a thousand guineas.” “A thousand? For what?” “A horse” He needed a good one to get into owner’s enclosure down at Sabini’s races. He had it all planned out, how he was going to make sure that the smug wop never set foot in Birmingham again. With him out of the way, he could follow his brothers’ advice and get with Nicole. Keep her safe. He could start right now, a trip out of the city would be a nice way to mend the distance he had created with is poorly chosen words. “I need someone to send word to Nicole that I’d like her to join us at the auction tomorrow.”

Horse Auction, Doncaster

Nicole had been waiting by the side of the auction building for nearly 20 minutes by the time the Shelby’s arrived. She crept towards the back of the truck, and waited until the first of them stepped out “What time do you call this then boys?” In her very best impersonation of Polly Gray. “Shit!” Shouted John, nearly jumping back into the truck out of fright. “You need bells. Maybe on a collar, so we can keep you leashed like a family dog.” He pet the top of her head with a smirk. “John!” came the warning but it was too late. She grabbed his hand twisting it behind his back and pulling up until she was just a twitch away from dislocating his shoulder. Leaning towards his ear “Careful. This dog bites.” “Tommy get her off.” Tommy just rolled his eyes, stepping down from the truck “You’re a grown man John, I can’t be cleaning up your messes eh?” nevertheless, Nicole let him go. Laughing when John playfully shoved her “Come on lads, or else you’re going to miss that horse you came here for.”

Nicole was stood between Tommy and Michael, leaning over the railing and watching the horses be paraded around the box. “Hear you go by Michael now.” “I hear you go by Nicole.” She smiled at him “Sorry for scaring you, at least you didn’t piss yourself.” The other men laughed. “I wasn’t afraid.” Michael protested; Arthur laughed louder “It’s alright lad I think we’d all be afraid if a woman like that suddenly showed up in our bedrooms.” “Except for Tommy course.” Added on John, causing both brothers to fall into another round of laughter. Tommy did not try to deny it. “Alright lads I think that’s our horse.” It was ridiculous, really, thought Nicole. The amount of money people are willing to spend. The bidding prices went up and up, Tommy seemed to have no limit. Nicole realised he truly did have more wealth than she thought he did, worlds apart huh? That amount of money would have her fed for life, ridiculous.

Thankfully, Tommy did end up outbidding his opponent. Congratulations to him for spending more money than someone else? Nicole really did not understand auctions, what was she meant to do? Nevertheless, it had come as a nice surprise that Tommy had asked her to come along. The change in scenery and the company of the rowdy Shelby brothers was a nice change of pace. Distracted her from how her mind was constantly working to figure out her next steps. They made their way down into the building and waited around whilst Tommy paid for his horse and had a conversation with the woman who had been his opponent during the auction. When business was all wrapped up they walked across the horse box to get back to their truck. She was side by side with Tommy, their hands brushing, a comfortable silence between them. When suddenly a man stood up pointing a gun directly at him, Arthur immediately jumped into action. But so did she and Tommy, Nicole’s first instinct was to pull him behind her and stop him from getting shot for the second time since their acquainting. Tommy, however had a similar instinct to shield her with his own body. Their colliding bodies resulted in both of them tumbling to the ground, with Tommy rolling himself on top of Nicole to cover her frame. Their eyes locked as their breaths mingled. Fuck that had been way too close, she could not bear the thought of losing him. Nina was right, better to have loved and lost than not loved at all. The noise of Arthur beating up the attacker faded away as Tommy moved his lips to hers.

Maybe time stopped when their lips met, but her feelings only intensified. Nicole’s heart pounded in her chest as her eyes closed. He was all she could focus on, that distinctive scent of whiskey cigarettes and Tommy invading her senses. For a moment Nicole wondered if she was dreaming this in some panic induced haze, but then one of his hands found its way to hold the side of her head. This kind of raw emotion was not something that she could dream up. Tommy half opened his eyes, just to make sure that what he was feeling was not a product of his imagination. To make sure that she was alright. Every breath he took was filled with her, the woman that he cared for more than he would usually allow himself to admit.

They pulled apart realising where they were and that the kiss truly was real. “Great timing, eh?” “Probably not the ideal location.” She softly laughed back. A whistle cut through the air that had gone silent at some point during their kiss. “Go on then Tommy!” John cheered. Tommy stood up, pulling Nicole along with him before dusting the sand off of her clothes and out of her hair. He wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her in close “Alright lads, lets go back home.” Then leaning down to whisper into her ear “Come see me tomorrow so we can have that talk.”

Midland Hotel, Birmingham

Nicole let herself into their room at the Midland hotel well after dark, she could see the shapes of her sleeping friends. Except one. The outline of Nej was sat against the wall in the corner of the room, smiling at her. “All good?” asked Nicole, dropping down onto the floor next to her friend. “All good. Saw the big man himself read your letter, so message definitely received. I have to ask though, what was in it?” she closed her eyes leaning her head back “Once I get a response I’ll explain everything.” Nicole wanted to make a difference, but to do that she needed connections. This would hopefully be one at the highest level.

♡ Whoo boy. Started writing it. Had a breakdown. Bon Appetit.

So many locations and time jumps to pack into this chapter, and at nearly 4,000 words this was a mammoth to tackle. Nevertheless my loves I hope you guys enjoy it...and especially the kiss.

I caved and could not stop their romantic relationship from progressing any longer. So i'm chalking it up to being a thank you for all the kind comments you beautiful people have been leaving me. There's no bigger motivation. Hope you beauties have a wonderful easter weekend. xx ♡

Tag list: @ysmmsy @captivatedbycillianmurphy @lovemissyhoneybee

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x oc #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelby x reader

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lawyering-and-running · 3 years

Text

Chapter 7 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Alfie’s Bakery. Camden Town, London.

Nicole did not in fact sleep few just a few hours. She slept for 8. She startled awake suddenly to the sound of voices and footsteps approaching the office door. Shit, she definitely recognised them. Alfie and Thomas’ distinctive accents had already become far too familiar to her. Nicole’s first instinct was to hide, but a cursory glance over the room showed that this would not be possible. Alright, she thought, plan B, pretend I’m not here and maybe they won’t see me. No? Righty-o plan C, play it cool and run back to Birmingham as soon as possible. That one sounded best to her.

The door swung open, just as she rose from the sofa “Ah there she is! Shalom birdy! You really should look after your birds a bit better Tommy, right, because this one was planning on sleeping in a pile of hay.” Tommy’s cool blue eyes swept up and down her frame, the ice melting just a touch when he saw she was alright. “She’s free to make her own choices Alfie, especially considering she likes to think herself a bit of a businesswoman, ey sweetheart?” Before Nicole had the opportunity to answer what she was pretty sure was a rhetorical question, Alfie cut back in “A businesswoman! That is great, innit? Because you clearly are not a Peaky, from your lack of, well, ridiculous cap. So you can be the unbiased third party. Keep us honest right.” For some reason whenever Alfie opened his mouth, Nicole felt thrown off her game. With Tommy it was easy to battle wits, but with Alfie, everything was so unexpected. She glanced over at Tommy, unsure of what to do in the situation, the slight turn of his head indicated that he clearly also thought she should leave. They were finally in agreement then. “I appreciate your hospitality Alfie, but I think I should go.” “Nonsense, see Tommy here needs us to have this little sit down and make a deal. Now the only way I’m going to fucking have that little chat is if you’re there as well. So there isn’t really much of a choice, right.” Tommy sighed, he had heard stories about Alfie Solomons’…personality, but he had not quite expected this. Nevertheless, “Sit down sweetheart.” He sighed, and Nicole complied sitting in one of the big leather armchairs opposite Alfie with Tommy by her side.

Alfie reached into his desk pulling out a dark bottle “Well, rum's for fun and fucking, innit? So, whisky, now that...That is for business.” Moving to pour the amber liquid into three glasses until Tommy interrupted “Let's talk first, eh?” Alfie scratched his thick beard “Suit yourself.” Leaning back he continued “I hear that you are involved with policemen, and you see, I don’t like them. Cannot be trusted. Can they birdy?” turning towards Nicole. Again before she could answer Tommy interrupted her “Sabini also uses policemen, which is why he is winning your war in London and you are losing.” “Right and I was speaking to the little lady. Don’t be rude mate.” That pulled a smile from the girl, always nice when someone else also knocked Tommy down to size. With a cheeky smile she answered “Well Alfie, I’m not too big a fan of coppers. They get in the way.” Tommy shot her a glare that promised repercussions for speaking against him, but she just smirked back at him. “Nevertheless, Alfie you are losing.” “A war ain’t over until its over, mate. So don't come in here and sit there in my chair and tell me that I'm losing my war to a fucking wop.” Slamming his hands against the surface of his desk with a resounding bang; god, Nicole was regretting not just running out. What were they going to do? Stop her? She really did not want blood on her nice coat and this meeting was looking at becoming more and more violent by the second. “I say we join forces.” Nicole shot a bewildered look at the gangster next to her, first he insults Alfie and then he expects to form an alliance. Men really did not have any tact. But Alfie looked to be considering it! Honestly! What was wrong with them? “What do you think little bird?” Shit, this was probably not a good time to continue testing Tommy’s patience “I would…” Shooting a glance at the icy eyes boring into her “…want to know what his plan was?” “Mhm well mate, go on. Tell us your plan.” With a sigh of relief from Nicole, Tommy began detailing his plan in getting rid of Sabini once and for all.

It took another hour, until the men sealed the deal and a shot of whiskey was poured. Nicole had started tuning out as soon as the situation had de-escalated, this was well above her pay, and frankly she didn’t quite care. None of this involved her at the moment so it was not worth any effort. Although she did appreciate the shot of alcohol. “Now fuck off out of my office, mate. And you, don’t fly too far away birdy, I’ll be seeing you yeah.” That was enough for Nicole, she shot off through the office door and was already halfway through the factory when- “Nicole.” She stopped in her tracks. Tommy’s footsteps came closer, and a cloud of white smoke appeared from her right. Tommy also stopped beside her, taking in another drag before stubbing out the cigarette with his shoe. “Come along, I’ll give you a ride.”

Which is how she found herself sitting silently next to Tommy as he drove along the London roads in the direction of Birmingham. “So…” Nicole started, unable to take the silence any longer “That went well.” Tommy didn’t take his eyes of the road “You think so, eh?” “Well, this is the second meeting I’ve had with you where no one died. I think it’s going pretty well, and, as a bonus, you made a new friend. Sounds like a pretty good day to me.” He looked over at her from the corner of his eye, a small smile gracing his lips. “If that is your measure of a successful day then you really are not suited to being a businesswoman.” Nicole made an affronted sound “Maybe you should-“ “We also do not call it “Making a friend” Alfie is an ally.” “Right two things, one, the…tension, in that room would suggest differently-“ “Exc-“ “Ah ah ah, this brings me on to my second thing, stop bloody interrupting me! Don’t be rude.” Tommy’s mouth snapped shut, and in Nicole’s opinion this was the highlight of her day. Due to her lack of means Nicole had never had the opportunity to explore activities she enjoyed; up until now the only thing she enjoyed was running, but now, now she could safely add shutting Tommy up to her list.

It was silent for a few minutes before Tommy spoke up again “We’re making a stop along the way, I need you to deliver this card to a boy named Henry without anyone realising.” Handing over a little card with the Shelby’s watery lane address and telephone number on it. “Sure, that’ll be one shilling.” He gave a long-suffering sigh. He really did do that a lot, she thought, he could definitely use a dose of happiness. Despite his quiet complaints he flicked a coin into her lap. “Great, always lovely doing business with you. Do you have anything more than just a first name?” “You’ll be earning that coin, sweetheart. Don’t disappoint me.” They pulled up at the edge of a picturesque little village, the complete opposite of Birmingham. Without another word Nicole hopped out ducking behind a shed. This definitely was not the easiest delivery; the whole town was spread out with lots of sunny open spaces. She would have loved running through the fields on an ordinary day, but for her current task, it was not ideal. As a farmer walked past, she continued moving parallel to Tommy who was making his way towards a woman in front of a quaint little house.

Right, she decided, her target probably had something to do with the woman. She observed the house for a moment before she saw a brown-haired man peeking out of a window on the first floor. Considering Henry was a man’s name, and her target was probably in that house, she was guessing that this was Henry. Perfect, now to get into the house. She crouched down and crept towards the back of the house, out of view. There she saw an open window, gauzy curtains floating in the breeze. Taking a slight running jump she caught the edge of the windowsill, before pulling herself up so she could peer inside. Deeming the room empty she launched herself up and forward into the room, silent. She was inside in seconds. Nicole crept along the hallway to the room she’d seen the man in, looking through the keyhole she saw that the man was facing away from the door. Quietly, she slipped inside the room and crept up behind the man. In a split second, she had him pressed against the wall with a hand shoved over his mouth. “Shh. I am not here to hurt you, I have a message for a Henry. Are you Henry?” The man quickly nodded as they heard a woman’s raised voice from outside. She slipped the card into the man’s pocket “Message from Thomas Shelby.” Before the man could even think to yell or protest Nicole had already slipped back outside and was already sat in the car by the time Tommy made it back. “That was child’s play. Think my time went better than yours.” “You delivered the card to the boy in the window then.” “Yes sir. Think I might have scared him a bit.” “Sir? This mean you’re going to start respecting me again?” Tommy smirked “Oh yes my lord, I worship the earth on which you walk. How you bless me by letting me breathe the same air.” “Cheeky rat” but this time the name had no bite behind it, it was almost fond.

Birmingham

Another hour later Tommy dropped Nicole off outside of the Midland Hotel, before continuing on to whatever other important business Thomas Shelby had to attend to. “Oi up here Nic!” From the veranda of the second floor came Will’s voice, behind him was an open door to what she presumed was their new room. She bounded up the metal staircase, taking the step two at a time. Eager to be surrounded by her people again. Inside the room was a little kitchenette and seven bed rolls side by side, currently being used as a settee by the room’s occupants. “Hey Nic! Saw you stepping out of Thomas Shelby’s car, how very cosy.” Nina winked at her “Alright, alright. If you all must know he gave me a ride back after the meeting, which went very well, by the way, thank you for your concern towards my wellbeing.” Nicole bit back sarcastically. “You’re still alive and breathing, that’s good enough for us.” Nej laughed before carrying on “Never mind that, we bought a change of nicer clothes for our night out. Including a dress for you, get changed.”

Nicole went behind the curtain, taking off her prized coat and old clothes before unwrapping the bandage that kept her chest secure whilst running around. Relishing in the freedom and relief it brought, before putting on proper underclothes for the first time in years. She followed this by quickly putting on the dress, stockings, and shoes before walking back out from her spot to show the others. “It looks perfect on you!” exclaimed Nina as the others hollered at her. It really was lovely, the ruby red dress hit her at knee length and ended in a fringe of tassels that moved with every step she took. The dress was clearly pre-owned as a few of the gems lining the dipped neckline were missing, but it was still the nicest thing she had ever worn. At least besides the coat. “So where are we going first?” “We were thinking Marquis first, and then maybe we could see the brand-new Garrison.” With that the group set off down the street, out in the open for once instead of hiding in the shadows.

They entered through the double doors into the bustling Marquis, the lads immediately making their way to the bar to get them a round of drinks whilst the rest of them found a table to sit. The pub was absolutely packed with more than half of the customers already drunk and the other half making a valiant effort to get plastered. Which suited their groups’ plans just fine. The lads returned with a whole bottle of brown rum and a stack of shot glasses, perfect for a good time. “Alright ladies drinking game time, I think we’ll start off with Categories.” Cheered Jaspar, handing out filled glasses. “Let’s start easy, animals.” They went around the group “Cat” “Dog” “Bird” on and on, the animals quickly becoming more exotic. The kinds they had heard about whilst hiding out in the school but would never see in real life. That was until Will slipped up and said “Marmamillo.” “What on earth is that?” laughed Nina “You know the small thing with armour on its back.” “Oh no mate, I think you mean Armadillo. Maybe you were paying too much attention to one of the boys in the class to listen carefully, drink up!” The played the game until there was only enough rum left for one shot, all of them having become rather drunk.

“Next category is…Shelby family members” Said Nej, smirking at Nicole. Their words had all started to slur a bit as each of them became more and more inebriated. “What? What are you looking at me for?” “No reason hun, none at all.” They started clockwise again, “Arthur Shelby” “John Shelby” “Ada Shelby” “Polly Gray” then it was Nicole’s turn, and well, there was only one left “Thomas Shelby!” which meant that Kaz being next in line automatically lost and had to take the final shot. Nina poked Nicole in the side “Of course you would manage to remember his name Nicole.” “It doesn’t mean anything. He was the only one left! It’s not that I think about him regularly…just his eyes, and his face…and sometimes his voice-“ Luckily Kaz broke in before she could drunkenly embarrass herself any further. The rest of them of course thought this was the most hilarious thing they had heard in months, and were laughing it up “Called it! I take full credit as being the first person to notice, shit, we should’ve made a bet or something. I could’ve won good money.” Whined Nina. “Alright alright, everyone drink a glass of water before we leave and hopefully the cold air will sober everyone up a bit.” Kaz said whilst passing the water around. Because the group had never had the opportunity to drink in an actual establishment before, Kaz had taken it upon himself to stay as sober as possible so he could keep an eye on everyone. The last thing he wanted was for one of them to get hurt, especially to one of his girls. He had spent enough nights stopping disgusting men from taking advantage of drunken ladies, he never wanted one of his own to end up in a position like that.

The group did in fact sober up quickly as soon as they stepped out into the frigid air, leaving behind the boisterous sounds of the pub. The Runners were happy though, happier than they had been in a very long time. Their lives were very different to most people who lived in Small Heath considering they survived solely on the streets, but now that things were looking up, it was almost like a dream. To the kids who had grown up with nothing, tonight was like living in a fairy tale. As Nicole looked at the merry faces surrounding her, she vowed to get them anything they ever wanted out of life.

The Garrison was even more packed than the Marquis, probably due to its grand reopening. Nicole thought it looked rather ridiculous with all that blinding gold, then again, what did she know about class? They pulled each other through the crowded room and ended up finding a spot along the bar, this time Nicole sipped her gin content to soak up the atmosphere. Interjecting every once in a while, as Nina and Jaspar teased Will about the time he was frightened by a little lamb and listening in on Kaz and Nej’s conversation about how best to pick a lock. Typical. Looking around the room she saw that the Shelby’s had entered the main bar area.

It was clear that there was some sort of conflict going on between the heads of the Shelby clan, Polly and Tommy. Thinking back to earlier in the car, he really could do with a dose of happiness. The man was one of the most successful people in Birmingham, more money than anyone else in Small Heath and yet here she was; dirt poor and living on the streets until yesterday, and still far happier than he was. Nicole made her way over to Tommy, spurred on in part by the liquid courage and in other part because she did not like seeing people upset. “I would offer to buy you a drink, but you own the bar.” She gave him a smile. Downing his drink, he turned to her “The drinks would be on the house regardless sweetheart.” “Another benefit to the name.” He stared at her, for a second longer than she was comfortable with. “Dance with me.” He stated, already starting to pull her towards the dance floor “Wow hold on there Mr Thomas Shelby, I’m pretending I’m not the street rat everyone is so fond of calling me tonight. I’d like to be asked as a proper lady.” Thomas stopped, and regarded her with a soft look in his eyes, he whispered so quietly she barely heard “I don’t think you’re a rat.” before bowing down slightly and sticking out his hand in an exaggerated fashion “May I have this dance Lady Nicole of the Runners?” she let out a laugh before accepting “You may my Lord” letting him pull her along.

She had never really danced before, only once in a while with one of the lads on top of the warehouse when one of them had managed to get their hands on some better-quality alcohol. It was definitely not the same though, she decided, as his warm hand rested against her back. Tommy led her along to the lively upbeat music, not caring that his dance partner was…lacking in the skills department. He spun her, making the golden walls blur in front of her eyes and a bubble of laughter escape her. This must be what heaven feels like, she thought. “You’ve had a fair bit to drink, ey?” Tommy asked, the corners of his lips curling into a smile. “I don’t need to be drunk to be happy Tommy. You’ve made me happy, you’re the reason we were able to afford a night like this.” “Don’t underestimate yourself sweetheart, I only agreed to your terms. You are the real reason for tonight. You look after your family, the same way I look after mine.” Staring into his eyes she whispered, “You and I aren’t so different then.” Tommy started to lean his head towards her, pulling her in closer, before his eyes flickered to something over her shoulder. He sighed, the frustrated, cold look returning to his gaze. “Go home. I don’t need my messenger rats unwell tomorrow.” Shoving her in the direction of the rest of the group. Nicole glared at him “I take it back, we’re clearly very different people. I don’t let fear control me, and I certainly hope I’m a lot kinder than you.” He stopped “Of course we aren’t alike, how could we be? You are nothing whereas I am Thomas Shelby. Clearly being kind doesn’t get you very far ey?” Thomas moved into the private room, slamming the door behind him. Screw what Thomas Shelby says, she thought turning to the group at the bar “Get me another drink please.”

♡ Alright beauties, it's here, all 3452 words! I really really struggled writing this one, for no apparent reason. I want to thank everyone who has left a kind message for me, every time I got stuck writing this past week I looked over them to give me a boost. Hope you all like it and happy Friday my loves xx ♡

Tag list: @lovemissyhoneybee @captivatedbycillianmurphy

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x oc #peaky blinders fic #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x oc

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

Text

Chapter 6 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Betting Shop, Birmingham

The group of Runners found themselves hiding in the alley behind the Shelby Company Limited Betting Shop completely stuck on how to proceed. “We could just use the front door.” “We never use the front door Kaz, that would just be wrong.” “What about the back window Jaspar?” “Yes Nej because that won’t look suspicious at all.” “How about we climb up onto the roof, make a bird call, and wait until we hear a response.” “Great plan, COMPLETELY fool proof. What do you think Jay?” Asked Will. Jay, the seventh member of the Runners, was never much for words, instead of answering he just side glanced at Nicole who was currently looking up at the darkened sky shaking her head. Please give me the patience to deal with this lot, she thought.

“Right, there’s one option none of you seem to have considered.” She paused for dramatic effect “the backdoor, it’s the perfect compromise!” she finished with jazz hands. This caused both Kaz and Jay to roll their eyes, they tended to be the more sensible of the group. Nevertheless, it did seem like the best option for the group considering none of them seemed eager to cross through the still crowded building from the front door. Slipping further around the back of the building Jaspar kneeled down by the backdoor, fishing out the pins he used as a lockpick. Nicole winked at Jaspar “I always knew there was a reason I kept you around.” “Hilarious Nic” whilst the others snickered.

Jaspar fiddled with the door for a few more seconds before an audible click sounded through the alley “They should really update their security you know.” Muttered Jaspar opening the door. “I expected more from the Peaky Blinders-” only to come face to…gun? “Shit” Nicole looked around Jaspar’s frozen frame, letting out a relieved sigh when she saw that it was Polly. “What were you saying about my security?” asked Polly. “Nothing ma’am, miss, umm madam. I’ll stop talking now, please don’t shoot.” Nicole shoved her way in front of Jaspar “Evening Ms Gray we’re here about that meeting.” Polly lowered the gun and ushered them inside the warm building. “Come in then, you can wait in Tommy’s office until the boys get back.” Pointing towards a door, before walking in the opposite direction.

That is how the group found themselves sitting in the most comfortable chairs any of them had ever sat in. “If they are going to kill us tonight, I hope it happens in this chair. Wouldn’t be the worst way people like us could go.” Murmured Will. It was true, all of the Runners had grown up sleeping on hard surfaces. Nina was the only one who could remember ever having slept in a bed, but even that was before she ran away from home at the fresh age of 8 years old. Jaspar and Nej had started dozing off the moment they had made themselves comfortable, lulled to sleep by the warmth and the quiet sounds of their group’s voices. Maybe there is a way I can make a deal with the Shelby’s to get all of them beds, or at least mattresses, thought Nicole she just wanted to make life better for the people she had claimed as her own, even if it was just a little.

Kaz had been watching her whilst Nicole was lost in thought. “We appreciate how you’ve always looked out for us, you know?” he cut through, shaking her from her dreams. “There’s no reason any of us should’ve survived as long as we have; through disease, starvation, war all of it. Somehow we have. No matter what happens we have each other.” Nicole rolled her head to look at Kaz from where it had been resting against the back of the settee. “May we die in the shadows as we were born.” She whispered. The phrase said it all for them. They all knew they weren’t worth much, but they were comfortable with where they came from; in the darkness they were all one, indistinguishable from one another. Not a family bound by blood, but then none of them had any blood relatives to write home about, a family pulled together by desperation and trust.

The group waited for another 30 minutes before they heard footsteps and voices coming from the other side of the door, coming closer and closer, waking up the two that had fallen asleep. Suddenly the door opened and there stood the Shelby’s.

Tommy moved forward to sit behind his desk with Polly standing behind him, whilst Arthur and John leaned against the walls. The Runners shifted uncomfortably in their seats as Tommy pulled out a cigarette for himself and Polly before lighting them. Uneasy tension bubbled under the surface as the nerves amongst most of the Runners skyrocketed. These were the most powerful people in their world of Birmingham, to them it was akin to meeting the Prime Minister, except worse. These people were liable to cut and torture. The silence stretched on for a few more long minutes as the occupants of the room observed each other.

“Jones will no longer be a problem” said Tommy after exhaling another lungful of smoke. Well that does not sound good, thought Nicole “Is he…dead?” “Probably best you don’t know. All you need to know is that we have taken care of it. From now on you will be carrying messages directly from one of us, and no one else. If information were to for some reason come out, well, at least we’ll know where to look ey?” Jaspar gulped audibly. “Just to c-clarify, you a-aren’t going to k-kill us?” stammered Will. “Not yet boy, that’d be a waste.” Arthur smirked at the lad; intimidation was one of the many perks that came with being a Shelby. “That is all we needed from you, you’re Peaky Blinders now. You can leave.” Dismissed Tommy.

Of course, thought Nicole, he is so arrogant that he just assumes we will go along with everything he wants. “No” “Nic let’s just get out of here.” Urged Nina. “I’ll hear what you have to say.” Interrupted Tommy. “After what happened the last few weeks and how useful we were against Kimber I have some conditions. First of all, fair pay, the same pay as your factory workers. Second of all, beds. I want at least a bed roll, blanket, and pillow for each of us. Third, we are not Peakies. We get to keep who we are.” The Runners stared wide eyed at their fearless leader until Kaz chimed in “Those are our terms, take it or leave it.” A rare hint of a smile graced Tommy’s lips as John started chuckling from the back of the room. “Not so mouse-like after all Tommy.” Smiled Polly. “Indeed. Alright we can give you a room at the Midlands and seven bed rolls. As for pay, factory owners earn their money as a result of their skills, for which they have training. I understand your original pay was 3 pennies per message, we can continue with that.” “Well if we’re so unskilled then you don’t need us. Go find someone else then.”

With that said she signalled for everyone to stand and turned her back, heading towards the door. She could hear faint protests coming from Will before Kaz silenced him with a pinch. Nicole reached out opening the door and holding it open for the other six to start filing out. She wondered how long she would have to keep up the charade, hoping she had not miscalculated- “A shilling per message” Nicole smiled to herself “Your factory workers earn 22 shillings a week.” “Yes, but I don’t also pay their rent. A shilling per message.” Nicole acquiesced; it was better than she would dare hope for. “You will also dress and refer to yourself as Peaky Blinders, it is non-negotiable as it ensures protection for you.” Guess they were not quite through negotiating then, thought Nicole. “I’m sure a businessman such as yourself, Mr Shelby, will know that everything is negotiable. Either you accept that we can look after ourselves, as we have been doing for years now, or you find some other way to offer us protection. We are Runners, have been for years, and your say so is not going to change that.” It was Polly who replied this time “You speak as if you have had schooling.” “We spent a couple of winters hiding out in the school building, they were informative months.” A glimmer of respect shone in Polly’s eyes, she could always appreciate people trying to improve their lot in life.

“You want to act like a businesswoman sweetheart? Well I need to ensure my investments are protected, you are my newest assets, therefore I need to be sure nothing happens to you when you’ll be privy to sensitive information.” Tommy coolly interjected. How did Tommy Shelby always seem to rile her up? “Surely it’s more dangerous then for us to be identifiable as Peaky Blinders, put a target on our backs.” “Maybe so, but it will also ensure that the other Peaky Blinders will know to intervene if anything happens.” Fair enough “What if we tied a small ribbon around our clothing or pinned something to our coats. Identifiable enough to people who know about us but not so obvious as to draw unwanted attention.” Tommy rose from his seat, spit into his hand and then held it out towards Nicole. Nicole on the other hand, jumped back looking at Tommy as if he should be institutionalised. Tommy rolled his eyes “Like I said, you want to be treated like a businesswoman. This is how deals are finalised sweetheart.” He was baiting her, Nicole realised, he wanted to show that he had the upper hand. So without further hesitation, she copied his actions and clasped their hands together making sure to give a firm handshake. “Thought you people would have standards” Nicole shrugged, checkmate.

“Nicole before you leave, I need you to run ahead of us and deliver this message to a Mr Solomons in Camden Town. We have a meeting with him tomorrow afternoon. Be discreet.” Handing her a sealed letter and a shilling “Of course Mr Shelby…” she mocked “But that’ll be two shillings. Compensation for the distance and various transportations that I’ll have to take, being discreet and all.” He tossed her another shilling “Get out of here before I decide you aren’t worth the trouble.” With that the Runners dashed from the room as quick as possible, door slamming shut behind them.

“You aren’t usually so insistent on offering protection Tommy.” Mused Polly glancing over at the man. Arthur piped up “I think our Tommy has finally found himself a woman.” To the cheers of John, before they both also quickly left the room, lest Tommy decide they were not worth the trouble either. “You match together well, similarly cunning and far too intelligent for the station you were born into.” Polly added taking a drag from her cigarette “she also still wears your coat.” Stubbing out her cigarette and exiting Tommy’s office, leaving him to his thoughts.

Outside the shop the Runners were clapping Nicole on the back. “That was suicidal!” “Do you have a death wish?” Jaspar and Will shouted at the same time. “Honestly Nic, what were you thinking?” said Nej. “I was thinking this was the start to us improving our lives. There’s no reward without risk.” “Thank you Nicole. Maybe when you get back from London we can use our higher wage to celebrate in a proper pub.” Replied Kaz, gently tugging on the braid that kept her hair out of her face. “Our very own Nicole, head-to-head with the great Thomas Shelby” clapped Jaspar. “In more important news, they’re an attractive bunch, aren’t they?” giggled Nina to collective groans from everyone else. “…and on that note, I’m off. See you all tomorrow or something.” Nicole ran off. Nina turned to the group that remained “I bet they’ll end up together.” She stated to the others causing Nina, Will and Jaspar to start whispering about how they could push the two closer together as the group made their way to the Midland hotel.

Outskirts of Birmingham

Nicole’s plan was to hitchhike her way to somewhere close to London and then run the rest of the way to Camden. She estimated that depending on how close she could get by motor vehicle, it would take approximately 2 and a half hours. That would mean she would be able to deliver the message bright and early tomorrow morning, hopefully refreshed from finding a place to sleep in Camden. Maybe even deliver the message tonight if she could find Mr Solomons quickly.

Quietly climbing into the back of a delivery van heading in the right direction she crouched down behind the cargo boxes labelled for Luton. If all went well she would only need to change transport once from there to get to London.

Somewhere in Camden Town, London

It had all gone surprisingly well. She had indeed found another cargo van in Luton that took her all the way to Wembley. From there it had only been about an hour run to reach Camden Town. Now all that was left was to attempt to find Mr Solomons before she could finally get some sleep. Sticking to the shadows she crept along the warehouses keeping her ears open for any indication that she was in the right place. All she really knew about Mr Solomons is that he was a baker.

Eventually she came across a factory with a picture of a loaf of bread on it, which seemed like a pretty obvious sign to Nicole. Slipping in through an open window she was about to creep in through a door when she was grabbed by a mountain of a man. Not again she thought. “What are you doing in here rat?” the giant shook her from where he had raised her up off of the ground by her throat, choking her. Nicole tried to get the words out, kicking her legs, hands grasping the man’s grip around her neck.

“Put the lady down, mate, she’s only little.” From the corner of her eye, she caught site of another large, bearded man making his way towards them. The giant loosened his grip, dropping her to the floor as she tried to regain her breath, until she was pulled back upright by the back of her coat. He dragged her along with him further into the building “You better start talking little bird, right, because I don’t need a Starling problem in my factory. You understand right?” Nicole figured he was but just in case “I’m looking for Mr Solomons of Camden Town.” “What business do you have with Mr Solomons of Camden Town little bird?” “That would be between me and Mr Solomons.” Suddenly she found a gun pointed at her head. “Funny, innit? See I have the gun. I’m Alfie Solomons now answer the question Starling.” Handing over the sealed letter she shook her head “If only you’d said so earlier Mr Solomons, all of this could have been avoided.” “You’re a peculiar little thing aren’t ya? Very interesting.” He tucked his gun away so he could read the letter from Tommy, humming a little tune to himself.

“Right job done Mr Solomons I’m off to go find a pile of hay to sleep in.” Already moving to back away, not quite convinced that he wouldn’t shoot her if she turned her back to him. “Hay isn’t too good, little bird. Right, come along then let us go find you a nest.” Mr Solomons clearly did not have the same misgivings against showing his back as he started striding towards another door, the sun already starting to light up the sky through one of the windows. Nicole was wary of the man, but she also did not want to sleep out in the open if it was already morning. Taking her chances, she followed him through a couple of corridors until they happened across an office similar to that of Tommy. “Right, you can use the couch, no one will bother you little bird.” She gave the large man a genuine smile “Thank you Mr Solomons-“ “yeah you, birdy, you can call me Alfie” he interrupted “Uh thank you Alfie.” With that Alfie left the room, leaving her to curl up against the comfortable cushions and shut her eyes. Just for a few hours then I’ll be gone, she thought.

♡ SURPRISE! I was going to make you wait till the weekend for the next chapter, but I just got back from running a new PB on my half marathon so I am in an exceedingly good mood. So here you go a present from me to you my loves. Hope you beauties also had (or have) a good day! xx ♡

Tag list: @captivatedbycillianmurphy @lovemissyhoneybee

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinders x oc #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelby x reader #peaky blinder imagine

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

Text

Alfie makes you feel good

Deep breaths in and out, just do it, send it out onto the Internet. 18+ only please.

*warning: smut (furious blushing), unprotected sex*

You let out a moan as Alfie sucked on your neck. "mhm that's a good start, innit?" he hummed. Alfie kissed back up your throat and along your jaw before finally placing his lips on yours again. The day was the last the on our mind, your only focus the all-consuming man hovering above you. Thick forearms framing either side of your head.

Crushing your lips together, Alfie slipped his tongue inside, rolling his over yours. Sucking your bottom lip into his mouth. He pulled back slightly, your heaving breaths mingling together as your lips just barely touched. "Nothing to say, yeah?" he teased over your lips. Ah breathy moan escaping you. Moving his mouth to nibble your ear, causing goosebumps along your arms. Whispering "I'm going to need more than that from you."

Your hands raked through his hair, nails lightly scraping his scalp as it was his turn to let out a groan. Your hands continued its path to the front of his dress shirt, at first gently popping open the buttons, before giving up and ripping the rest of it. Hands trailing through the newly exposed chest hair as you worshipped his strong, scarred body. Alfie pushed his shirt off the rest of the way before smashing your lips together again, teeth clicking against each other from the sheer force of your combined passions.

His hands skimmed over your breast, curving along your waist, before moving back up to your nipples. Gently he pinched the little nubs, in contrast to the continuing hunger of your kiss. Rolling the nubs between his forefingers until they were adequately hardened into peaks. Alfie broke the kiss, nuzzling your throat before slipping downwards, his beard tickling the sensitised flesh of your chest. As his hot mouth clamped down over the sensitive flesh of your nipples, sucking them with his lips, you let out a stuttering breath.

Whilst his lips paid attention to each nub in turn, his hands found their way between your legs. At the feeling of his fingers tickling the tender skin of your thighs your legs clamped together with a groan. "Ah ah ah love." he whispered into your skin, shoving one of his knees between your legs to open you up for him. With newly unimpeded access his fingers trailed across the hooded nub, teasing a sharp exhale from you. Your hands moving from the bed sheets to rake across his back. His hands trailed downwards over your slit to find you soaking wet already, how could you not be, when someone so handsome and attentive was devoting themselves to you. He dipped his forefinger into your wet hole, gently curling it inside. "Fuck Alfie" You could feel his lips curve into a smile along your breasts, before he removed his fingers, continuing his path downwards with openmouthed kissed.

Head between your legs he hooked one of your legs over his broad shoulder, leaving you completely at his mercy as he parted your lips and ran his tongue along the exposed pink flesh. Your hands scrambled for purchase in his hair as his beard scraped along your flesh. His mouth moved upwards to suckle at your nub as his fingers found their way back to your wet hole. Spine curving upwards you let out a long moan "God Alfie, please." His chuckles vibrated through you as he unlatched his mouth, fingers continuing to thrust into you. " 'm definitely not god sweetie but i'll make you feel good, yeah, you gonna tell me what you want?" Struggling to get the words out, to explain exactly all that you wanted him to do to you. "Alfie please, please, make me cum, fuck ple-" You were cut off as his lips harshly sucked your throbbing nub back into his mouth, curling his fingers just slightly as you climaxed with a long drawn out keen. Alfie lapped at your juices whilst you calmed down before he moved back upwards to join your lips together, tongues swirling. "Delicious, innit?" he purred, staring into your eyes. Fuck you needed him now.

With frenzied hands you unbuttoned his trousers, tugging them down with his pants as you moved the both of you so you were straddling his thick thighs. Alfie kicked them off the rest of the way behind you as he pulled you down for another searing kiss. One hand gripping the back of your head as the other tangled into your hair, his dick jutting up between your two bodies.

You rolled your hips into his, rubbing his throbbing cock as he let out a moan. Breaking the kiss "I definitely prefer the sounds you make Alfie." You whispered, just to elicit another louder moan from the man when you rubbed your wet slit along the head of his cock. Alfie reached between your bodies to grip his dick for you, as you sunk down on the thick length until he was completely buried inside of your wet heat. Both your bodies stilled for a second to get used to the intense feeling, as you stared into each others eyes. Until Alfie decided he's had enough of that, gripping your hips he suddenly dragged you up and back down his cock. Shocked by the sensation you started moving with him as he set the pace, thighs clenching as you rose up and down, feeling the drag of his dick along your sensitive, velvety walls. Alfie started rutting up in desperation as he felt the fire in his abdomen burn hotter and hotter. Grunts and groans filled the air as you clutched his shoulders, giving you purchase as you rode him. Breasts bouncing up and down between your bodies.

The coil wound tighter and tighter in your own belly as you again raced towards climax, god it never took long when you were with him. Higher and higher the crescendo built between your two forms, throwing your head back to let out the loudest moan yet. " 'm close Alfie" His hips started to stutter as the fast rhythm he'd set started to break. With groan he slammed into you to the hilt holding you still as the damn burst and waves of pleasure washed over the two of you.

"Abso-fucking-lutely biblical love" Alfie groaned, staring up at your trembling form as you came undone on his cock, splintering around him. Alfie following close behind at the feeling of your muscles clenching him, at seeing the ecstasy painted on your face. Chest heaving as you try and gasp in a breath whilst the world seems to stop for a brief moment. All you can focus on is Alfie, realizing he's all the family you need, all the family you've ever really needed or wanted.

"Fucking hell love. Now I do believe I promised to catch you up on all the loving you deserve, right?" He growled out, clasping you by the throat to flip the both of you over. "And I am far from done with you."

@floatinginwords is to thank for me writing this continuation and @theshelbyclan for giving me the courage to actually post. 😅 Haven't done anything like this before and I am afraid my face will permanently remain red at this point. Hopefully I can practice it a few more times before any sexy scenes appear in my longer series. Hope you beauties enjoy xx

PSA: Sex Ed was shall we say lacking in the early 1920s with quite a lot of prominent figures opposing the use of condoms (Interestingly, there was even opposition from feminists on the grounds of it being a male controlled conception avoidance), that along with the fact the Alfie and Reader are in a committed loving relationship is how I am justifying the lack of protection. That being said, please remember to cover up and/or use birth control. We definitely aren't in the 1920s anymore so there's no reason to have unprotected sex until you are absolutely ready and make a conscious decision to accept the potential consequences. It won't feel so good anymore when you suddenly find yourself pregnant or with an STI when you are unprepared. There we go, rant over, I feel better about myself again 😂.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder imagine #peaky blinders x reader #alfie solomons #alfie solomons x reader #thomas shelby

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

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I umm...have my first smut ready (Yes I am blushing!). I don't know if I should wait to post it, build up the tension a bit you know, or just bite the bullet. Indeed I am a shy scaredy cat. I am going to continue blaming @theshelbyclan for my newfound appreciation of Alfie Solomons, this man now does things to me.

I mean just look at this power, how did I miss it the first two times I watched the series.

#alfie solomons #peaky blinders #I need to go drink some water #and throw some water onto my face #good thing I love alone and no one has to witness this mess #This mess is me #I am the mess

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

Text

Chapter 5 - Don't Shoot the Messenger

*Warning: Mention of Peaky typical violence, implied abuse*

Birmingham

It had been a couple of weeks since Kimber’s death. The morning after getting stabbed, Nicole had woken up alone in the Garrison. The warm black coat that covered her weakened body brought a feeling of safety that she rarely had the luxury to feel. She’d taken that coat, wrapping it around her hunched shoulders before stepping out into the cool morning air.

Nicole had near stumbled to the warehouse rooftop, finding her little group waiting for her to her surprise. They’d huddled around each other in the silence only obtained in the very early hours of a day. Snacking on some dry loaves of bread, washed down with some “appropriated” rum. The group had passed out for most of the rest of the day, only leaving each other’s company to quickly fetch something from one of their nearby hidey holes.

The day after that and every day since then, the entire group had gone back to work. Back to the normal status quo. Rule number one, avoid all Shelby’s. The only contact any of them had was with Mr Jones. It felt like nothing had changed, whilst simultaneously everything had. For one, the Garrison had been blown up and was currently under reconstruction. Secondly, the Shelby’s were suddenly part of a large, legal corporation. They owned the entirety of Birmingham, perhaps even the midlands. It was not necessarily an overt change, but it definitely tinged the air. Something was brewing, there was no such thing as peace in Small Heath.

Mr Jones had been behaving stranger and stranger recently. More volatile. The usual pay had gone down to barely enough to survive, let alone to have enough to save another street rat. When Mr Jones was upset he took them out back, in a dark corner away from the shop to hit them with his cane. A smack to the side, a smack to the hands. The runners did not need those to carry out their tasks, only really needed their feet for that. By new order of the Peaky Blinders. According to Mr Jones this new way of things was vital to uphold the order which the Shelby’s now established.

Another indication that something odd was going on with Mr Jones were the kinds of messages they were tasked to deliver. To Italians and Irishmen, according to Mr Jones they were new alliances with past grievances forgotten. The runners were not paid to ask those questions, barely paid anything at all. The runners were starting to become restless, angry that they were being treated this way when none of them had done anything to deserve this kind of behaviour. Each night they gathered on that same rooftop above the warehouse, huddled together for warmth, airing out the grievances that boiled in their bloodstream. Looking over the ever-increasing bruises.

Tommy Shelby had been equally busy the past couple of weeks, after finding that Nicole had left the Garrison he had kept an eye out for her. Hoping to see that she was actually alright with his own eyes. What good was having all of this newfound power if he could not even find the people he was looking for. Jones was in charge of the messengers and that was that. The Shelby family had a lot of other things on their mind. Tommy wanted more now that he had gotten a taste of money and wealth. Tommy wanted London for his family.

He was currently on his way with Arthur and John to get a lay of the land from Sabini’s club. Hoping to blend in a bit so as to gain as much information as possible before they made their move as possible. The element of surprise would be on their side.

London

The element of surprise was decidedly not on their side. They had been sat in the club for all of two minutes before they were confronted. Sabini had somehow known they were coming. How the hell had their plan been discovered, they’d only ever discussed it in their office. They had a mole, that was the only possible explanation. It did not explain how the message had gotten out so fast, no thought Tommy, there was only one group of people he knew that got messages out faster than a forest fire. The brothers stumbled out of Sabini’s club after their…altercation. “Brothers, I think we need to go and deal with some rats.”

Birmingham

When the brothers had come back from London, they immediately called a family meeting. “Right” Tommy started, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. “We have got a problem. Someone in this office has betrayed us and our carrier pigeons are working for Sabini.” “You mean that pretty girl Tommy? The one that saved your life?” John questioned. Arthur took a drink from his glass “there’re a group of them, ain’t there?” Betrayal was not something taken lightly amongst the Peaky Blinders. “Why don’t we cut the lot of ‘em?” Arthur bit out. Polly sighed, shaking her head “Don’t be rash, they work for the highest bidder. Our priority should be finding out who in the office has betrayed us before we take any further steps in London. We need to clean house.”

“I agree Aunt Pol, I think we should have a chat with one of the rats, a friendly chat Arthur, and find out who has been giving them the messages. Perhaps ask them about their sudden interest in working for someone else.” Tommy answered, exhaling a cloud of white smoke. “Everyone raise your hand in agreement for this plan of action” All of the Shelby’s showed their approval. “Right, decision made lets go catch one of them.”

It had been another long and rough day for Nicole. She hadn’t gone fast enough and Mr jones was displeased. He’d told her that the Shelby’s expected more from her; that is, right before he took his cane and whacked her in the head with it. Damn, it had definitely caught her cheekbone since it felt like it was throbbing. It was definitely bruising. She was so distracted by the current woes of her life that she had uncharacteristically stopped paying attention to her surroundings. Which is why she didn’t see the door open and a hand shoot out to grab her by the collar of her coat (It was hers; she was claiming it as a gift). It was also why she found herself shoved into the darkened, small room before she could regain her bearings. Whirling around already trying to look for a way out, until her eyes caught icy blue ones once again.

The fight instantly drained out of her, although a healthy dose of fear took its place. Nothing good could come from a surprise meeting like this with a Shelby, let alone the multitude of Shelby’s currently surrounding her. It was silent for a beat, before, “I think we should have a little chat, ey sweetheart?” Nicole sighed before taking a step towards the man, inadvertently bringing herself into the light. “If this is about earlier Mr Shelby, then Mr Jon-“ Tommy cut her off catching sight of her bruised face “Who did that? Are you getting into fights? Feeling a bit scrappy?” Nicole scoffed “Well if it was a fight then I would have won.” Now glaring back at the man in front of her. “If you’re doing this for a laugh then I am out of here, it’s been a long enough day as it is. You know well and good how this happened, and I am tired of it.” The family shot each other confused looks, clearly none of them had any idea what the girl in front of them was going on about. Arthur spoke up from her left side “I can assure you girlie, we don’t know what you’re talking about. We definitely didn’t order a hit on you.” “Right well, you can’t really claim that when we’ve all been specifically told it was by order of the Peaky Blinders.” Nicole mocked right back, fed up. “Who?” cut through “Who told you that?” Polly was furious, violence on women was never justified but especially not if it was being claimed on account of her family.

“Mr Jones! You’ve all changed everything. We can barely afford to eat you know?! And all these bloody bruises really aren’t helping us do a better job like you lot are currently asking for!” She was heaving after her outburst, the only noise cutting through the silence. The rest of the family was taken aback. Well, thought Tommy we’ve found our mole then. Polly seemed to have realised the same thing when their eye met across the darkened room.

“Alright sweetheart, we’ll get this all sorted for you. For now here’s £10, and if you bring the others in-“ “Now hold on a minute Tom boy, they’re still delivering messages to Sabini why the fook are we rewarding ‘em?” Arthur cut in, eyes flashing wildly. He pulled the flat cap from the top of his head, waving the glinting razors in Nicole’s face threateningly. Tommy sighed, rolling his eyes “and this Arthur is why I do the thinking. Jones is the mole, the rats clearly thought they were delivering messages for us, ey sweetheart?” Nicole’s glare cut to Tommy “I take offence to you calling us rats when we’re called Runners. But besides that, yes, we were under the impression the messages came from you lot.” It made sense, thought Nicole, Mr. Jones had been acting so very strange recently and so suddenly as well. She should have seen it sooner as the groups so-called leader, it was her responsibility to keep an eye on them. She was kicking herself for her naivety.

“Right, let’s go then, we’ve got a traitor to cut; and you have to go and round up your…” Tommy paused “…Runners, so we can fix this mess.” With everything said and done the Shelby family exited the building, leaving Nicole to sigh up at the ceiling. Why did it feel like life so much less complicated just a mere few weeks ago. She was glad that the Runners’ situation seemed like it was about to improve again, but couldn’t help but wonder at what cost. Nothing good had ever come from contact with the Shelby’s, everyone knew that. It’s why the Runners had avoided them at all costs, until now.

Heaving one last sigh up at the cobwebbed ceiling, deciding that this was enough heavy contemplation for one evening, she too exited the building. Running the couple of streets to the warehouse she used an empty crate to vault herself up towards an overhanging windowsill. The tips of her fingers just about latched on to the edge. She inhaled. As she exhaled her shoulder blades contracted, launching herself higher up the wall. Higher and higher until she caught the edge of the roof, and with one final pull she’d made it up into their hideout. God, that never seemed to get any easier after a long day. Maybe they should move to the sewers instead, like the rats Tommy was so keen to liken them to, at least there wouldn’t be any climbing.

Unsurprisingly she found the rag tag bunch of outcasts waiting for her. “That scumbag got your face good Nicole.” Came a voice from one of the huddled bodies. “Well good evening kind sir, how good it is to see you. Glad to know that you are doing well. Oh me? Why thank you for asking, I am quite well. Lovely weather we are having-“ “Alright Nicole, we get your point.” Snickered Nej, the third and final female member of the Runners. “Glad to see you lot in good spirits, but its hopefully about to get even better. That SCUMBAG was using us to betray the Peakies-“ “Oh fuck, we’re going to die. We’re going to get cut up and chucked in the Cut.” “-and as I was going to say before I was interrupted.” Shooting a pointed look at Jaspar. “We have already had a discussion, clearly I am still alive. The Shelby’s instead seem keen to help us.” Tossing the £10 stack to Will. “They also want to meet all of us at the betting shop.”

Smiles broke out around the group, except for Kaz, who remained unconvinced “Is that a good idea Nicole? The Shelby’s never let anything go, no matter how small the slight. Why would they help us?” The rest of the group sobered up a bit “Well we won’t know if we don’t try. We cannot keep going on like this, we are barely hanging on as it is. We need help, and I trust them. They looked after me when I was hurt…and I trust Tommy too do the same for us now.” Kaz nodded in acquiescence. Nina on the other hand gave a low whistle “Should we start preparing the wedding invitations then?” Everyone burst out laughing, blushing furiously Nicole rolled her eyes. “Alright you lot, you really are rats. Let’s get a move on. May we die in the shadows as we were born.” The group repeated the mantra back, ending the meeting as they had ever since they banded together. As one they slid down the building, slipping towards the shop under the cover of night.

Other side of Birmingham

On the other side of Small Heath the Shelby brothers once again found themselves in small, dimly lit room. The difference this time however was the chained man that took the place of the pretty girl. “You’ve been busy Jones. Going behind our backs, using our, lets call them resources. That isn’t very loyal of you ey?” indiscernible words bubbled out of the already trembling man “No, it isn’t loyal of you. To add on to your grievance, you’ve also harmed what’s ours and we don’t take too kindly to that.” Tommy flicked open his cigarette case, pulling out a perfectly white stick and shutting the metal with a loud click. Pulling out a matchbox he struck the match, holding it up to Jones’ face and watching the flame flicker in his terrified eyes. Lighting his cigarette he took a slow drag, unbothered by the pleading coming from the dead man walking. Exhaling the smoke into Jones’ face he turned away. “and you know how we deal with scum like you, don’t you Jones?” With a nod from Arthur one of the Peakies stepped up towards Jones, his screams ringing through the air. “It’s going to be a long night for you, but don’t worry. You won’t live to hear the birds chirping.” With that all three brothers made their way out of the room, shutting the door on the pained noises coming from behind them.

♡Happy weekend Beauties! We've made it to the end of season 2 episode 1, and gotten rid of a nasty man along the way. I really appreciate all the lovely comments you have been leaving, they all put a smile on my face. I have one more week of seminars and exams, but after that is Easter break so I am hopeful that i'll be able to post twice a week.

Hope you all like it and have a lovely weekend my loves. xx ♡

Tag list: @captivatedbycillianmurphy

#thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders #peaky blinders x oc #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x oc #peaky blinders fanfic

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

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I love your fic “don’t shoot the messenger”, it’s amazing!!! Are you going to explain more about the reader’s life? ❤️

Thank you beauty! I'm so shocked by all the love its received 🥰 I definitely want to explore her past some more, at this stage I'm waiting until her and Tommy have a heart to heart (and they definitely aren't there yet 😉)

I'm not writing this story using a plan 😅 but that does mean that if there are specific things people want to see I can try and make it happen. Xx

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

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Chapter 4 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Series Masterlist

♡ Pretty proud of this one beauties. Don't forget I'm open to suggestions and/or requests xx ♡

Nicole had been sat by the fire for a while, one of the women had passed her a bowl of warm stew and a flask of water. Yet despite feeling more comfortable than she had in months she couldn’t relax. The idea of not knowing what was happening back in Small Heath was nearly too much. That was her town too, why should she not protect it just because she had something different between her legs. She was just as capable as some of the men. Mind made up, she put down her bowl and stretched out her legs. She quickly thanked the women for their kindness before setting off.

Quickly she ran back towards small heath climbing up onto the rooftops until she found her favourite, on top of one of the warehouses with great views of the canals. She raised a flag on top of the building, lighting a fire beside it. A beacon to signal to her people that she needed a meeting. Shelby’s had their family meetings; the runners had their own. She did not have to wait long before the others started the respond. Shadowy figures dropped down on to the roof until all seven of them were gathered.

“We all know what’s happening in those streets below us, and what’s going to happen. This is our home, we know it better than anyone, so we’re going to protect it.” The group was made up of two other girls and four boys, all lean from years of too little food and too much activity. All in dark grey clothing and covered in a fine layer of dirt, they really did look like shadows come alive. When it comes to fight or flight instincts the usual for the group was of course flight. They were used to being ignored, eyes peering into the dark privy to the city’s secrets because nobody realised they were listening in. Nameless, faceless, and voiceless.

But now. As this group stood before her, she realised that maybe they all had an equally strong fight response. Nobody moved to leave, nobody looked scared. “All right then Nik, what’s the plan?” asked Kaz, one of the boys. “I say we use what we’re good at. That we take down Kimber’s men before they even know we’re there. That we keep an eye on things when the other Peakies are unable to do so.” The others nodded their heads in agreement reaching into pockets for hidden switchblades and razors. “Let’s show them what we’ve got” Nina, one of the girls, cheered raising her fist in the air.

Nicole moved towards the edge of the building, looking down at where she could see the men gathering. ”May we die in the shadows as we were born” she said. The group repeated back ”May we die in the shadows as we were born” they wouldn’t quite consider each other family, none of them really knew the concept, but they did have an understanding that they were all one and the same and that they were in this together. With everything said and done the group moved across rooftops, spreading out before slithering down into dark corners, lying in wait.

A hush descended over the group of men as Nicole watched the Shelby brothers from her alleyway, hidden behind a stack of crates. Suddenly Tommy’s voice rang out “It doesn't have to be like this, Kimber.” Kimber’s nasty voice replied “Too late for all that. You've bit off more than you can chew, you little toerag. And now I'm going to take over this shithole.” Nicole quietly fumed, it was no London, but it was their little corner of the world, no way was this outsider going to come in here and disrespect her home. She reigned herself in, it wasn’t her place, wasn’t even her personality really. She stayed hidden watching the conversation take place.

“Now now Kimber, that isn't very polite. I expected something more from a man of your grand standing.” Tommy mocked. “Listen here you little shit, I am going to kill all of you. Every last one of you fuckin Peakies. Then I am going to burn this place to the ground, maybe build myself another racetrack instead. Whilst you lot all rot in hell.” Steam was practically pouring out of Kimber’s ears. His face had gone an odd shade of red, his moustache twitching. It would have probably made for a funny picture if it were not for the seriousness of the situation. Although Nicole swore she could see that glint of amusement in Tommy’s cold blue eyes from where she was perched.

Tommy remained unbothered by the mounting tension in front of him, he shrugged “So that’s how it’s going to be.” Suddenly all hell broke loose. Both sides running for each other, opponents nearly indistinguishable. The loud bangs of gunfire rang through the streets as screams filled the air. Already a hazy mist of blood was settling over them. Nicole saw a Peaky struggling against one of Kimber’s, she crept up behind him and quick as lightning she stabbed him in the neck. She’d rehidden herself by the time the body slumped to the floor, the Peaky looking around for who had saved him.

She continued to dart out where possible to help others in difficult positions, trying as hard as she could to ensure that none of her people lost their lives today. That none of the women of Small Heath would be turned into Widows by the day’s events. She recognised her other runners doing the same, a flash of black, a glint of a blade as they wove through the fighting.

In all of the chaos Nicole had lost track of where the Shelby brothers were. Too focused on what was directly in front of her to think of anything else. She had just unarmed a Kimber for a Peaky to finish off when she saw Kimber raising his gun up to Tommy just a couple of steps away. No one else seemed to have noticed that their fearsome leader was quickly running out of options, his own gun nowhere in sight. Flat cap no match at a distance to a loaded gun. No other thought in mind she jumped for Kimber’s outstretched hand.

Time seemed to slow as she became airborne. As if she were trapped in a bubble, the sounds around her became muffled, tunnel vision focused solely on the weapon. Hands knocking the gun away time sped back up, as noise rushed back in. Angry shouts. She thought she heard a “What the fuck are you doing here?” but that was not important.

She tumbled to the ground with Kimber’s heavy body. The two rolling around trying to gain an upper hand. She lost her blade in the shuffle and had not accounted for Kimber having a backup weapon. Her mistake. Her tired body was no match for his larger frame as he lodged the knife into her shoulder. Yelling obscenities at her. A white-hot numbness spread through her body; she had not felt anything like this before. A pain far more vivid and sharp than a sprained ankle.

Before Kimber could actually finish her off there was a loud bang, the loudest Nicole had heard that day. The weight of a dead body suddenly pressing in on her. Kimber’s unseeing eyes gazing into her own. There was a warm wetness trickling over her, but very little seemed to really be registering in her mind. Her limbs becoming heavy from blood loss and perhaps shock. The heavy body was shoved off of her. The man she had saved appearing above her. “Why would you do something like that, ey?” Tommy asked. His body kneeling next to hers to try and stem the blood flow. All that escaped Nicole was a moan of pain.

A hysterical thought bubbled into her mind, why the hell did she care so much about a gangster. She had only spoken a couple of words to him. Maybe her luck had finally run out, drowned in her own stupidity. Clearly those blue eyes had more of an effect on her than she thought. She laughed out loud, lest she cry out from the pain otherwise. Her eyes shut as the blue-eyed face hovered above her, lips moving but nothing registering in her ringing ears. Then nothing.

Upon seeing Kimber fall the remaining few of his men had quickly tucked tail and run away. The cause no longer worth dying for. The Peakies cheered. “You don’t mess with the PEAKY FUCKIN BLINDERS!” Arthur shouted to even louder cheers. Turning to see Tommy’s crouched form the other two brothers ran over to help. “Is that the girl from before? What’s she doing here?” John questioned. “I don’t bloody know John. She just appeared and saved my life like some fuckin guardian angel. Help me carry her into the Garrison, we need to stitch up the wound.” The men lifted up her limp body as six pairs of eyes watched from the shadows, ready to help but feeling useless all the same. I quite murmur rippled through the group, but a whisper ”May we die in the shadows as we were born” Nicole’s life was in the hands of the Shelby’s now.

They burst through the doors of the pub shoving aside glasses as they laid her body on the table. Tommy ripped her shirt sleeve, heavy and slippery from the blood. Suddenly Polly was by their side as well “Someone get me some whiskey” she commanded whilst taking out a sewing kit. Arthur thrust the bottle at Tommy. He poured half the bottle over the wound grateful that the poor girl was already unconscious for this before pouring the rest of Polly’s waiting hands and needle. His work done he slumped back as Arthur passed him a new bottle of whiskey, this one meant for drinking. He took a couple of gulps as he slowly came down from the adrenaline. The fight, nearly losing his own life, being saved, and then this girl who he for some unexplainable reason cared for nearly dying. Slowly his shaking hands steadied as the alcohol took effect.

Polly had meanwhile sown up the wound and wrapped it in a cloth to stem any further blood flow. Nicole would be alright now. “What a day” she sighed grabbing the bottle from Tommy and taking a swig. Tommy stood up, carrying Nicole to one of the benches and covering her up with his warm black coat. Moving back towards the bar, he turned to face his family “If you check behind the bar Arthur... you will find a bottle of champagne.” Arthur fetched the bottle as Tommy continued “Today was a good day, we only lost a couple of men. All of Kimber's men were busy here, so we managed to take all of the pitches at the Worcester races.” Arthur popped the cork on the bottle “It couldn't have gone better if we'd planned it.” He poured some into the various glasses “Shelby Brothers Limited are now the third largest legal racetrack operation in the country.” Handing them out to the three other family members and keeping one for himself “Cheers! Only the Sabinis and the Solomons are bigger than us. And all my family is here to celebrate. To Shelby Brothers Limited.” “Shelby!” “Brothers!” “Cheers.” Rang out through the room. “There'll be others.” Polly spoke up in warning. Tommy merely raised his glass and toasted her again “To the others. All of them.” His eyes had settled on Nicole’s sleeping form, to new beginnings he thought to himself.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x oc #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x oc #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x oc

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

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Not all men, but only 3% away from being all women

The Fall (What Men Fear, ep 2.6)

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lawyering-and-running · 4 years

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Chapter 3 - Don't Shoot The Messenger

Series Masterlist

Nicole stood in the centre of the office, unsure of what to do with herself. This is why everything was easier to just stay in the shadows; unseen and unheard. The office was cosy, with the same dark wood from the betting shops main room, only in Tommy’s office it created a peaceful atmosphere. The large oak desk was covered in papers and stacks of books, everything in complete disarray. Nicole thought it was odd that a man who came across so put together could also create such a mess. Then again, she mused to herself, everyone needs an outlet for their thoughts.

The door shut as Tommy made his way around her to the side table. Where he opened up a decanter of whisky and poured out a generous thumb’s worth of Irish whiskey. He looked up as if contemplating on offering some to the girl, but then decided against it. He did not need a drunkard running around after the meeting. With a sigh he took his glass and sat behind his desk. Observing her over the rim of his glass before indicating her to sit in a seat against the wall.

She sat lightly on the edge of the chair; this wasn’t a situation she usually found herself in. Her feet remained pointed to the door, legs ready to carry her out as fast as possible at the slightest indication of trouble. She was on edge. People were usually on edge in Tommy’s presence. “Name?” The sound of his voice jarred her from her thoughts, brain stuttering. For all of her bravado outside just moments before, now she just wanted to melt into the walls. There was a reason why she had avoided contact with the Shelby’s her entire life; she rather enjoyed living.

Tommy did not repeat himself but continued to pierce her with his eyes as he took a long, slow drink from his glass. He was not in the business of repeating himself often, too used to getting what he wanted. “Cat got your tongue? I clearly know you can talk.” His eyes flashed, the girls display from earlier still humorously at the forefront of his mind. It was certainly refreshing.

Nicole regained her footing figuratively, the wheels in her head turning again. “Nicole, Mr Shelby” “Nicole” he hummed, the lack of surname indicating a lack of family like her overall appearance did. The introduction over he continued on with his next line of questioning “Who delivered the message to you?” “He was tall, and bald. Found him by a boat a couple of miles outside of town. Paid me a whole pound, he was a funny guy.” Thinking over the words in the message Tommy assumed Nicole was describing Danny. The girl continued on “He said it was really urgent, and that I had to get the message to Tommy. First he just repeated that I had to get the message to Tommy over and over, but eventually I figured he was talking about Tommy Shelby. I mean, err, you.” Yes, the man Nicole was describing had to be Danny, that meant that the message had come from a trusted source.

Before either could continue the noise from beyond the door increased. The door slammed open, causing Nicole to half jump out of her seat whilst Tommy remained unbothered. Sighing he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, inhaling deeply. “Tommy, John boy said it was urgent and that you had a girl in here. You finally found a girl then ey Tom?” Arthur barged into the room with a laugh. Exhaling the smoke slowly Tommy cleared his throat. “Sit down Arthur, Nicole is just a messenger. This is far more important.” The rest of the family trailed in through the open door.

Polly’s eyes shot across the room towards the girl in the chair. She did not go around trusting people easily, she knew women could easily be wolf in sheep’s clothing. Just as sneaky as their male counterparts. She herself was a woman not to be trifled with. Nevertheless, she deemed the girl non-threatening, especially if Tommy was allowing her to sit in on family business.

The family made themselves comfortable around the room before Polly spoke up. “Well, what is it Tommy? Why have you called us in?” “I have just received a message from Danny that the Kimber’s have been spotted in the woods around Birmingham, moving towards the city with a near army of men and the weapons to go along with them. We aren’t prepared for this, we do not have the men.” “Fuck!” Arthur exclaimed. “But you have a plan, Tommy boy. Don’t you?” Exhaling another long breath of smoke Tommy contemplatively tilted his head. Why even have family meetings if everything was going to come down on his head.

“Right. This is happening, its too late to change anything. We need to send a message to the Lees and get them here with us as quickly as possible.” Eyes flashing to Nicole, hand already moving to write a quick message on a piece of paper. “But Tommy, even with the Lees, if Kimber is coming with an army we’ll need more men than that and we have to do it without alerting the coppers.” Suddenly Nicole piped up, if she was going to be listening in on a conversation she had no business in, she might as well make herself useful. “I can spread the word amongst the other runners, get them to bring all of the people loyal to the Peaky Blinders. We can get the men from the factories on the outskirts as well.” None of the Shelby’s had seen the runners, but that was the point. “The girlie has a good idea Tom.” Arthur piped up. “You’ll have your own army of men before you know it Mr Shelby. Small Heath protects it own.” Nicole continued on.

Tommy stood up, stubbing out his cigarette “Right, everyone in agreement? Good! Nicole, spread the word. But I do not want any coppers and I do not want any word to get to Kimber and his men that we know they are coming for us. We will need every advantage we can get. John, Arthur, go and collect the guns from storage and every last bit of ammunition you can find. Polly, Ada take Finn and the baby and go hide somewhere, I need you to stay safe in case something goes wrong. Everyone got it?” Before anything further could be said, Nicole had darted forward, snatching up the message and running out the door before anyone could comprehend what was going on. Despite the situation John laughed “Guess that’s your answer Tommy”. As the family field out to go do their respective jobs, Polly turned towards Tommy “I warned you this would happen when you decided to mess with the Kimber’s, I hope you know what you’re doing, and I hope we make it through today in one piece.” Tommy nodded “We’re going to win this Pol, we’re going to make a name for ourselves.”

In the meantime, Nicole was spreading the message around. Ducking into alleyways and hidey holes, over rough tops and under bridges. Every runner she came across she told. The whispers spread through the city, carefully delivered to every loyal Peaky. Rippling outwards, as Nicole made her way towards the Lee camp. The runners all had a certain code, an understanding developed from mutual circumstance. Nicole was well known among them for her general generosity and had become a bit of a leader figure, their own little gang. Sure, they were no Peakies, not that any of them had the desire to rise up against them, but they looked out for each other. So when Nicole happened upon them and told them the Peakies needed help immediately and to spread the word, no one questioned the request. No one asked for coin in exchange, no one hesitated, everyone moving swiftly amongst the shadows.

The first person Nicole came across at the Lee camp was Johnny Dogs, a funny fellow she’d delivered messages to a couple of times before. He gave her a friendly smile recognising Nicole. “Ay up me duck. You got something for me?” Bouncing on the balls of her feet she handed over the message “The Shelby’s need help Johnny, Kimber’s gang is coming for them.” Understanding the gravity of the situation Johnny immediately started rallying the Lee men together already hustling everyone back towards Small Heath. Turning back to Nicole he pointed her towards the fire “Why don’t you take a rest now lassie, we’ll get this sorted. You just have a drink and a bite to eat.”

In Small Heath, the Shelby brothers stood shocked in front of the Garrison. “Bloody hell Tommy, she moved quickly ey.” Johnny exclaimed. The crowd of men filled the streets ready to defend their corner of Birmingham. “Now we just need the Lees and we might actually stand a chance!” Had he known how useful the runners would be he would have better used them long ago, who knew what he could achieve using the little spies. The Shelby’s started handing out guns until the Lees appeared from the far end of the street the Shelby brothers had their own army now.

The men all stood in formation, Tommy Shelby at the front flanked by Arthur and John awaiting Kimber. The soldiers minute. Breathing in and out as time dragged. In and out, it must have been more than a minute. In and out, surely time could not actually pass this slowly. In and out, as Kimber appeared on the horizon.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x oc #thomas shelby x reader #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelby x reader #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x oc

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