#Alfie would have teared up but he was too busy making funny faces at Baby Ruby across the asile

[anonymooseforever007]

Y/N *pointing*: Well, Well, Well. If it isn't the bitch who ignores Major Character Death and Trama for her own fictional devices.

Finn:.... You're pointing at a mirror though.

Y/N: YEP :D :D

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Blue Eyes Part 22

Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers’ chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.

Part 22: Alfie copes with Ella being away with the Lees. Ella learns to cope with her loses. 

         Alfie was not a patient man. Of course, he would cross land and sea for his wife, didn’t mean it was easy to wait for her return. To keep his spirits up, he reminded himself that it was for the better. She was clearing her head after the months of trauma she endured while in Small Heath. He imagined the day they reunited. It couldn’t come soon enough.

           Alfie turned over and felt a warmth coming from Ella’s side of the bed. In his sleep-addled state, he furrowed his brow and blinked a few times. “El?”

           Cyril lurched forward and began licking his owner’s face. He had taken it upon himself to travel from the foot of the bed, where he usually slept, to take Ella’s empty spot.

           The man grumbled and shooed the mastiff away. “Oi, fuck off. Your breath smells like shit, mate.” He sighed and flopped back onto the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.

           There was a soft whimpering from the window. Alfie turned over onto his side and saw Anthea with her front paws resting on the window sill so she could look outside. Her brown eyes watching the street below.

           “Thea, what’re you doing?”

           The pit bull whined and dropped down to pace around Ella’s side of the bed.

           “Yeah, I know, I miss her too.” Alfie rested a hand over his eyes. “I miss her too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

           Ella had forgotten how sharp the forest air was in the early morning. She nearly forgot the stinging cold of a river as she washed. Her teeth chattered as she worked quickly, scrubbing away the dirt under her fingernails. But she paused when she dragged the soap over her abdomen. The scar was ugly, ugliest she’d ever seen. Still slightly bruised and purple with what was left from the stitches that had been removed.      

           She frowned and passed the soap over the scar once, twice, three times. Hoping with every scrub that it would disappear.

           “Brought you some warmer clothes.”

           Ella jumped and turned, her eyes going to her gun which was concealed in the pile of clothes she’d left on the bank of the river.

           “Easy.” Isabel stopped a few feet from the bank so Ella wouldn’t spook more. “It’s just me.”

           Her shoulders fell in relief and she began to rinse the suds off her skin.

           “Mum was right, you Shelbys have gotten jumpy.” The young woman laughed softly. Isabel was a Traveler girl through and through. Her long ash-brown hair.

           “Sorry,” Ella mumbled and stepped out of the river, reaching for the towel that was hanging on a nearby tree.

           “No need to apologize.” Isabel smiled. She’d been partly made responsible for trying to help Ella through her withdrawal and see her through the grief. It had been a year since she’d lost her own daughter, who was only sixteen months old. There, of course, was a mystique around the Shelby family. But Isabel had known them growing up. It was strange to see how much Ella had changed but it was understandable.

           As Ella dried off, Isabel handed her the long skirt and jumper. “You must be freezing, you’re so thin.”

           “I lost weight in the hospital.” She mumbled and pulled on the warm clothes.

           “Well, I know we’ll get you back to a healthy weight.” Isabel smiled and sat down beside the river.

           Ella ran the towel through her hair. “Do you think people want me here?” She wondered.

           Her friend frowned. “Why wouldn’t they?”

           “It’s been a long time. I know Esme was on the road with you for a bit.” Ella couldn’t imagine that her former sister-in-law was gushing about how amazing the Shelbys were. Not after her beloved husband was gunned down.

           Isabel nodded and pulled her knees close to her chest. “Mhm, she’s with the Youngs now. Might see her in the spring or at the fair.”

           “Still.”

           “I think you’re forgetting that gypsy families take care of their own. Your brother made a deal with us and that’s that. There’s no ill blood between us.” She smiled.

           Ella sat down beside her. “I miss my husband already.” She sighed.

           “I can imagine. I saw the way you two were looking at each other. You must love him very much.”

           Tears stung her eyes. Coping through the withdrawal made her cry at the drop of a hat. Everything seemed to make her sad or angry. She tried her best to keep it under wraps. After all, she was a guest to the Lees and the last thing she wanted was to lash out at them. But it was gnawing at her insides like a parasite. “We’ve fallen so far apart. I didn’t want to fucking go to Birmingham but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He wanted to protect me. Instead, my life ended.”

           Isabel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “El, your life isn’t over.” She said softly.

           “Yes, it is.” She sniffled. “Alfie and I were meant to have a family together. Twins, a boy and a girl. And then Tommy’s fucking mess got me shot. Everything just came apart at the seams and I couldn’t do anything to fucking save it.”

           “But Alfie still loves you, you know that.”

           “There’s something in his eyes though, every time I look at him.” She hiccupped. “I know it’s bad. It’s like looking at me makes him sick.”

           “Oh Ella, that’s not true.” Isabel soothed. “You want him to be angry at you. You want him to hate you because you think you deserve it. But you don’t.” She began to trace spiraling designs in the wet sand of the riverbank. “When I lost Flora, I blamed myself. How could I let her die? She got sick so that made me a bad mother. But there are things in this world that we can’t control.”

           Ella wiped her eyes and felt a tremor go down her spine. She desperately wanted to numb the anguish inside.

           Isabel saw her friend start to tremble and twitch. “Here.” She took her hands and dipped them in the ice-cold water. Ella instinctually went to withdraw her hands but Isabel kept them submerged. “Just focus on the cold. Feel that?”

           Ella wanted to push her away but she forced herself to stay still. The chill in the water traveled up her arms leaving goosebumps. It was like a stinging injection right under her skin. A shock of the senses.

           “You’re alive, Ella.” Isabel urged. “That’s not a mistake. I know you don’t want to feel anything but you need to. It’s the only way you’re going to get through this.”

~~~~~~~~~

           Alfie scratched at his beard while he read through the numbers. “You double-check these?”

           Tommy nodded from his spot across the desk. “Polly did.”

           “Right, well, fucking trust her more than I trust you, mate.” He set the documents aside.

           “Most people do.” The Blinder didn’t seem insulted.

           “Good, right, it’s a deal then.” Alfie tipped his hat at the paper. It was funny how simpler business interactions went after he and Ella got married. Of course, he and Tommy could go down the usual course of negotiating until one of them pulled out a grenade or a gun. But both of them were well aware the other was flat out bluffing. Neither of them was willing to face Ella’s wrath. So, the trick lost its fun and purpose.

            “You hear from Ella?” Tommy asked once they signed documents and shook hands.

           “Yeah, got a letter yesterday,” Alfie answered. The handwritten pages were tucked inside his waistcoat. He’d pulled them out various times throughout the day to reread them. Reading his wife’s words made her feel closer to her despite the difference. “They’re in Wales. I suppose she’s having fun but there’s still…” He gestured with his hand as if trying to pluck the word out of the air.

           “Sadness.” Tommy nodded. “It’ll take time.”

           “Right, I know.” He grumbled and slipped off his glasses. How strange it was to have Tommy as sort of a confidante? Of course, the man wasn’t an expert on the relationship. But at least he was there and listening. Alfie wasn’t about to start monologuing with Anthea and Cyril. The day he did that was the day he committed himself to an asylum. “Just miss her.”

           “The whole family does.” Tommy nodded in agreement. “But I think we’re all hoping she finds some clarity. That’s the end goal, aye?”

           “Yeah and…” Alfie paused and held up a hand. His brow furrowed. “Hang on, did you just group me in with your family?”

           Tommy hadn’t realized what he said. After telling his sister Alfie would never be considered a part of the family, he’d been carefully walking the line. Sure he could consider the man his brother-in-law for legal purposes. But to see Alfie sitting in future family meetings made him want to both laugh and cringe in horror.

           “I think you’re reading into things.”

           Alfie raised an eyebrow. “Here’s the thing, Tommy, I’d rather be hung from me fucking thumbs than be considered a Shelby. So you don’t hafta worry ‘bout me going ‘round saying I’m a part of your fucking family. Just married your sister. We ain’t brothers.”

           “Touching, Alfie, truly.”

           “Oh, fuck off.”

~~~~~~~~~~

           Roddy was possibly the largest dog Ella had ever seen. He very well could’ve been the largest dog on the planet. But Isabel treated him like he was her baby. A massive Irish wolfhound, Roddy hit well above Ella’s waist. He was taller than her standing on his hind legs. Despite his unthinkable size and wolfish appearance, he was just as gentle as Cyril. It was a good thing he was around too because Ella missed her dogs. Having the shaggy gray-haired dog was a good comfort.

           Isabel took Roddy along with them on their early morning walks. For the first few weeks, Ella got physically sick nearly every morning. But her friend still insisted they go out. Ella complied but didn’t make it very far. Less than half a mile and she was begging to go back to camp to lie down. As the weeks turned into months, they traveled further every morning. Often times bringing food along because they wouldn’t return to camp until after lunchtime.

           Ella went barefoot as she used to as a child. The cold earth beneath her feet was soothing. She kept her right hand out to the side, grazing across the rough bark of passing trees and the fragile leaves of bushes and flowers.

           Three months in, Isabel, Roddy, and Ella found a beautiful clearing. They were stopped near a town called Geufron on the River Severn. Ella had done her best to take no notice of the distance they’d traveled. She was afraid that if she knew how far away, she was from Alfie and her family, she would panic. Instead, she kept following them west, never calculating how long they traveled between each stop. She simply was wherever they landed.

           Roddy loped through the clearing, scaring away a few birds. He dropped to the ground and began to roll around in the long grass. Isabel laughed softly and found a spot to rest.

           Ella sat as well and watched the wolfhound traipse about. Despite having most of her withdrawal symptoms faded, she was still left in a dark space. Being out in nature helped somewhat, but the sadness felt almost permanent. How could she possibly ever get back to her past self? The woman she was before returning to Small Heath?

           “You were crying last night,” Isabel commented gently after a few minutes of silence between the two.

           Of course, her friend heard her. The two slept only feet away from each other. “I’m sorry, didn’t meant to wake you.” She mumbled and picked at her nails.

           “You always apologize for things that don’t need apologies, El.” Isabel pointed out with a frank smile. “Have you ever apologized to yourself for treating yourself so badly?”

           Ella gave her a funny look. “Apologized to myself? For what?”

           “Well, have you been very kind to yourself lately? Or have you been negative?”

           The question was a difficult one for Ella to really think about. What nice things could she possibly say to herself? Kudos for losing your children? Good job for getting hooked on drugs? Bravo for screaming at your husband more times than you could count? “Negative.” She finally admitted.

           “You’re still angry.” Isabel noticed.

           She shrugged. “I suppose. I’ve got a lot to be angry ‘bout.”

           “Scream.”

           “Huh?”

           Isabel gestured to the open, empty space around them. “Go on and scream. Get some of the anger out. It’s doing you no good just stirring up inside you.”                                          

           Ella scoffed and shook her head. “I’m not going to scream.”

           “So, you’re just going to keep it balled up inside of you?”  

           The question was hauntingly familiar. Hadn’t Ella said that to Tommy at one point? Gazing blankly at the blue sky above them, she realized how much she had turned into her brother. “Fuck.” She grumbled and stood up. For a moment, she felt stupid. But then something punched her in the gut. It was anger, anger at so many things and so many people. Raw hurt and pain that had been eating her from the inside out. Tears stung her eyes and she began to scream. She kept at it until her lungs began to burn and her voice went hoarse. When she finally lost the energy, or she was satisfied enough, she looked up. Roddy was staring at her, his tail and ears perked up in confusion. Isabel was smiling.

           “How was that, then?”

           Ella took a deep breath. Admittedly, she did feel a bit lighter. “Felt alright.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Ab-.” Alfie frowned and peered at the name again. “Abers-Aberysh-fucking hell.” He scratched the back of his neck.

           Aberystwyth.

           That’s where Ella said they were headed towards. A town by the ocean in Wales. Their journey west would come to a stop and they’d head south before heading back east. Ella didn’t tell Alfie, but she had a choice. Isabel gave her the option of going back east with her family or meeting up with the Youngs to go further north, thus prolonging her time away.

           Still, Alfie didn’t question the date of her return. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure her. But he couldn’t help but have a sickening worry for her all day and all night. To say he didn’t trust the Lees was an understatement. Despite being married into a family of Travelers, the Shelbys weren’t nomadic so Alfie could relate to them a little better. But the Lees were always on the road. It made him uneasy, not to mention he didn’t know any of the clan.

           Tommy had to reassure his brother-in-law that the Lees were allies. Had been ever since Esme married John. And despite John’s fatal fate, that alliance was still strong. The Shelbys had grown substantially stronger than they were over five years earlier. Tommy assured Alfie that the Lees were well aware of the consequences if something were to happen to Ella.

           However, many times he was told this, it didn’t completely sway Alfie’s opinion. Did he think Ella was in immediate danger? No. But he couldn’t imagine any good came from constantly being on the move. If she hadn’t been sending him letters the entire trip, he might’ve gone insane.

           She was brief, to her husband’s dismay. But Ella described some interesting things and people they came across. It was a much simpler way of living, as she wrote, and most of the day-to-day tasks went into keeping camp. Doing chores took much longer than they did in the city and filled up most of the day. But she seemed content with this. She gushed about how nice it was to be around horses again and to be submerged in the Welsh wilderness. It made Alfie smile when she spent an entire paragraph writing about the family of deer, they came across one day. She couldn’t get over the speckled fawn with its spindly legs and fidgety movements.

           Reading her write about the simpler things in life reminded Alfie of how they fell in love. When she admitted she wasn’t very worldly. Alfie could scoff at that statement looking back. Sure, maybe she hadn’t been to France or even have left the country. But she saw the world through lenses that some people could only dream of. Her gentle and thoughtful nature was beginning to blossom again. As well as her fiery spirit that had nearly been snuffed out by the coal filled air of Small Heath.

           So, while Alfie worried, he also gained some hope. It was just a matter of time before his Ella returned to him. He couldn’t wait to see the light in those blue eyes again.

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Masterpost

Masterlist

[lovebitesimagines]

Dangerous Love- First Meeting.

  Here goes nothing...my first ever imagine/fan fic! Please let me know what you guys think! 

The over-protected sister of the Shelby brothers, meets Alfie Solomons. They soon begin to start a Dangerous Love affair. Will her brother approve? Will she be safe?

Masterlist. 

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] 

You could say, being one of the youngest Shelby siblings, that you had it easy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact that you were only a couple of years older than Finn, caused your siblings to be somewhat watchful of you both. You were viewed as the babies of the family, too young to witness and be aware of the violence surrounding you both. Of course, Finn had soon proved himself as worthy enough to be included in the family meetings. On the other hand, as you were the only sister of the Shelby siblings, the boys seemed to wrap you in an extra layer of cotton wool. You couldn’t move an inch without a Peaky Blinder watching your every move. You knew that the boys researched into the background and family history of every person you spoke too. At times you were grateful for the protection, especially living in Small Heath- especially being part of the Shelby family. Other times, you felt suffocated. It frustrated you that your brothers deemed you as ‘too fragile’ to be fully exposed to the family business, although you were aware of the goings on- thanks to Finn, who would always readily spill the secrets to you in exchange for cigarettes and a bottle of whiskey.

You and Finn had always shared a close bond, due to your similarities in ages. You had to spend a great amount of time growing up together, creating wild stories of what your brothers where getting up too. John and Arthur would always entertain you both, thinking that it was funny to encourage both of your wild imaginations. They would create tales of their adventures, painting a picture of your brothers as heroes almost. It was only when you began to make friends outside the family, that the criminal truth came out. Out of all your brothers, Tommy was the most protective. He felt the need to always keep you close, in the vicinity, never too far away from him if it could be helped. This was due to the horrors that your father had inflicted upon you as a young girl, something which only Tommy was unlucky enough to witness- although you assumed the entirety of your family where now aware. You knew that Tommy was of the opinion that you could not handle yourself, that you continuously required some form of protection. Knowing that he thought that angered you. You hated being viewed as the weakest Shelby sibling.

 It was a sweltering summers day, which was only intensified by the heat being produced in Aunt Pols kitchen. (Y/C/H) was normally expertly styled, something that you prided yourself on, but today you had deemed it as a lost cause and pinned it on the top of your head. You had applied some rouge to your lips, but your cheeks where naturally flushed with the heat. Your light green dress clung to your body in places, the exposed skin slightly shimmering with sweat. You sighed in frustration, causing the young man who had been given the role of protecting you, to raise an eyebrow in question.

“Errytin’ okay?” he grumbled, shifting his weight uncomfortably on the chair as he watched you.

“How much would it cost me, for you to let me go my own way now?” you asked, reaching across for your bag. You started to undo the clasps, beginning to rummage inside for a few coins.

“More than is worth”

“Come on. I just want to go outside and enjoy the heat. I will be back within the hour” you leaned forward, placing a few coins on the table that sat in between you both. “They have a meeting with an Alfie Solomons in forty minutes. I can guarantee you that they are inside that building now, having a family meeting run down. I will be back, before they even open the office door. I promise”.

The man raised his eyebrow again, glancing down at the coins which now temptingly shone on the dull, wooden table. 

“One hour”.

You smirked softly, jumping off from the seat that you had been stuck too for an hour, slinging your bag over your shoulder. You couldn’t seem to get your shoes on fast enough, your excitement levels rising rapidly. You pushed the front door open, stumbling out onto the streets of Small Heath, the heat suddenly rushing over you. This was the first time you had been allowed to venture out, without someone watching your every move like a hawk. The change was refreshingly welcome.

You began to make your way down the street, ignoring the inquisitive glances that where occasionally thrown your way. What was the Shelby Sister doing out without the company of a Peaky Blinder? You could almost hear what everyone was thinking, their thoughts incredibly loud and disappointingly predictable. One of the only boring things about Small Heath was that everyone seemed reluctant to change their habits, that they were perfectly content in remaining in their own little bubble. You held your head up high, walking with an air of confidence, continuing to make your way down to the one destination that Tommy had expressed his reluctance in you visiting alone. The Garrison.

The moment that you opened the door, your eyes adjusting to adjust to the contrasting darkness, the entire room went deathly silent. You were aware what the men, whose eyes where forbidden to meet yours, where thinking. Here was (Y/N) Shelby. Alone. In the Garrison. Half of the room where wondering how much Tommy would pay them, for reporting your whereabouts. The other half where suppressing the thoughts of what you would look like underneath your dress. You stared straight ahead, refusing to let your external show of confidence slip, as you walked over to the bar.

“One whiskey. Thank you” you leant against the bar, waiting for the barman to begin with your order, a task which you hadn’t thought of as an issue. There was a slight pause

“I’m sorry Miss. I can’t serve you. Tommy won’t allow us, ‘specially since he’s not with ya” the barman apologised with a stutter, looking down at the glass that he was currently drying. You felt your fists automatically clench with anger. Tommy, the fucking bastard. You stared at the barman, your jaw clenching slightly before you allowed yourself to speak.

“I don’t give a fuck what Tommy fucking Shelby said” you stated, each syllable pronounced with your heightened annoyance. How dare your brother deem himself able to control what you were able to do without him.

“Oi Princess, calm down!” you heard a man laugh out from behind you. You spun around, turning to face the gentleman who continued to snicker at your situation. Quick as a flash, you had the man pressed up against a wall. You held a blade that you had pulled from your stocking, up against his throat.

“Continue talking, and I will cut out your throat” you whispered in his ear, slightly increasing the amount of pressure that you placed upon his skin, before pulling away. You where internally grateful to Arthur, who despite Tommy’s demands, had insisted on teaching you how to shoot and handle yourself- something which you had proved yourself more than capable to do.

You glanced around the room quickly, aware that everyone was watching the unexpected confrontation that had just taken place in front of them. The whispers and mumblings began to rise in volume as you easily made your way to the door, everyone now reluctant to come too close to you. You ignored the words that floated up to your ears. Nothing anybody was saying was new, you had heard this all before. They all treated your family with caution, a level of respect that was almost smothered with fear. You forcefully pulled the door open, allowing it to slam against the wall with a satisfying bang.

Stepping out onto the street, you continued to feel anger rise and burn inside you, as you stormed home. Your throat felt tight, tears threatening to spill and scald your cheeks. You were growing tired and frustrated with your brothers constant need to control every aspect of your life. All you wanted, was for your brothers to view you as worthy to be included in family business, to be thought of as equal to them. As much as they claimed how important family was to them, they never made you feel as if you were part of it. You had begun to resent being associated with The Shelbys and The Peaky Blinders.

You pushed open the front door to Aunt Pols home, the sound of wood crashing against concrete ringing across the front room. The man who had previously sat with you, sat up straight as you made your way into room, a befuddled look playing upon his features.

“Home early” he stated, his forehead creasing slightly as he spoke, watching you make your way to the curtains that concealed the room where your brothers sat in. “Don’t- “.

You didn’t allow him to finish speaking before you had violently pulling aside the curtains, exposing the shop before you. You had only set foot in here once before when you were sixteen years old and was dragged back out again by Arthur. It hadn’t changed at all since you had seen the rooms last. Dirty white paint was peeling off the walls, exposing the rough grey brick underneath. The windows where haphazardly boarded up with planks of wood, with little light shining through the gaps. Blackboards where hung against each wall, with numbers and bets scribbled upon them with chalk. The main source of light came from a room to the side, the entrance guarded by one of your brothers’ cronies

 “Miss Shelby. You’re not allowed back here” he warned, stepping forward in an attempt to prevent you from moving closer to the room.

“My brothers back there?” you asked, craning your head over his shoulder to see shadows move behind the frosted glass, before looking back at the man who was stood in front of you.

“Best to make your way back out Miss Shelby. This isn’t no business for women” he stated, gripping your arm to move you back to where you had just come from.

“Every business is a womans business. Remember that” you spoke coldly as you pulled your arm from his grasp, swiftly colliding your knee with his groin. He fell to his knees with a satisfying thud, groaning in pain. You brought your attention to the door that concealed your brothers from the world, the once moving shadows now still, no doubt hearing the commotion that had just taken place. You had a brief moment of doubt, wondering if gate-crashing their meeting would be the right idea. You knew that they would be incredibly angry if you did, and you had no clue how this Alfie Solomons would act. You had never met him before, but word had gotten around of his famous temper that could bring Arthurs to shame. The anger and hurt that you felt, currently outweighed any doubt that you experienced. Your brothers had pushed you aside for long enough, enough was enough.

“THOMAS FUCKING SHELBY!” you yelled, forcefully opening the door in front of you. Arthur, John and Tommy instantaneously rose, their guns pointed at you before they realised who you were. A mysterious gentleman who was sat opposite where Tommy was, turned to face you. Time instantly seemed to slow down, as (Y/C/E) looked into his light blue ones. His light brown beard twitched slightly, as a mischievous smirk played upon his lips. He slowly broke eye contact, before taking in the scene that was currently playing out in front of him.

“(Y/N)...” Arthur warned, lowering his gun as he cautiously moved towards you.  

“Fucking don’t” you snapped, lifting your right hand up slightly as a warning. You glared at Arthur, who seemed to shrink back slightly at the unexpected furiosity of your demeanour, before bringing your focus upon Tommy.

“You know you’re not allowed-“ Tommy began, his jaw clenched in annoyance that you had disturbed their important business meeting.

“I don’t give a fuck what you say I can and cannot do” you shouted, moving closer towards him. “I’m fucking sick of you dictating my life Thomas. I can’t even fucking go for a drink, without your approval!”

“It’s for the best” he coolly replied, his voice sharp and cutting. “Now leave.”

Before you knew it, your hand had flown up to connect with his cheek, the slap reverberating out through the small room. The silence that followed was deafening, Tommy’s eyes burning into yours, your handprint already leaving a red mark upon his pale skin.

“Fuck. You” you whispered, before spinning around and storming back out the door.

“I like ‘er” you heard Alfie Solomons chuckle, before the door slammed behind you.

*****************************************************************************************************

                                                            Alfies POV

Alfie Solomons never had any intention of setting foot in Birmingham, let alone a shitty little place named Small Heath, before he met Tommy Shelby. Tommy fucking Shelby, the bloke who had begun to make his life very difficult as of late. Still, he knew it was better to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Stepping out of the car, Alfie looked up at the tall, narrow building that seemed as if it would topple over if he leaned against it. The bricks where once red but had now been tarnished with black smoke. The ground was wet beneath his feet, causing his shoes to become covered in mud.

“Fuckin’ depressin’ this” he muttered to himself, before moving forward to the doorway. He gave two loud knocks, before it swung open and he was greeted by a young man, whose cap seemed far too large for him.

“Solomon?” he grunted the question, his eyes giving away the nervousness and apprehension that he so evidently tried to hide.

“Mr. Solomon to you boy” Alfie replied, shuffling forward as the boy led the way into the house. It seemed as if it was a lot smaller than Alfies back home, every possible space filled with clutter.

‘You could tell that it was lived in’, thought Alfie, ‘You could tell women lived here.’

The boy pulled aside two curtains, revealing a dark, unwelcoming room. Alfie blinked a couple of times, his eyes adjusting to the lack of light that the room provided.

“You fuckin’ gypsies eh?” Alfie chuckled at the young boys uncomfortable frown, as he pushed open a door to the side.

“Alfie Solomons here” the young boy announced to the three men, currently sitting in the small room. He had met John, Arthur and Tommy before. Arthur had a temper which could occasionally match Alfie, a fact which he respected. Alfie thought John was slightly dim-witted, and he saw him as the under-dog of the Shelby pack. The leader, Tommy, annoyed Alfie to no end. He always had a way with words and dealings, which had tricked Alfie a fair few times- something which he did not let Tommy know. The young boy took one last look at Alfie, before rushing away.

“Wha’ sorta’ boys do you employ ‘ere then Shelby?” Alfie asked, nodding towards the men before lowering himself into the chair opposite the brothers. A sturdy wooden desk covered in papers, was sat in between them.

“That’s our Finn. Watch your mouth” John snapped, frowning as he spoke. This only encouraged a chuckle to escape from Alfies lips, as he leant back.

“Now, whatcha’ call me all the way down to this shit ‘ole for?” he asked, listening as the brothers began to speak.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Nice doin’ business with ya Shelby” Alfie smirked, leaning forward to shake Tommys hand. He was secretly glad this meeting had come to a close, he had enough of dealing with the Shelbys for one day.

“TOMMY FUCKING SHELBY”. Alfie raised an eyebrow in response to the female sounding yell that came from outside the door. He assumed it was a rejected lover, that Tommy had thrown out after one night of passion. This was something that Alfie had experienced himself, one too many times. The door slammed open with the three brothers jumping out in response, pulling out their guns as an automatic reaction, before lowering once they realised who the intruder was.

Alfie turned around, curious as to what Tommy’s latest fling looked like, to decide for himself if she was worthy of barging in on their meeting unannounced. Then he saw her. (Y/C/E) met his, and he felt his whole world stop. She was beautiful. Incredibly fucking beautiful. Her cheeks where flushed with anger, loose (Y/C/H) curls falling out of where she had haphazardly pinned it upon her head. Her light green dress clung to her body, allowing Alfie a sneak preview into what her figure looked like. She also looked incredibly like the three men Alfie had previously been speaking too, almost identical to Tommy. Fuck. This must be the infamous (Y/N) Shelby, the hidden sister of the Shelby family. Why would they want to hide her away? She looked…incredible. Her fiery attitude, only intrigued Alfie more. He unwillingly broke the eye contact, looking around at the scene that was playing out in front of him.

He listened to the confrontation, frowning slightly at what he was hearing. The rumours where true about how protective they were over their sister. Fuck. He would have to suppress the thoughts he had, imagining what she would possibly look like underneath the light green dress- the thoughts that had begun to make him hungry, for a fucking Shelby. Alfie shook his head slightly, before a loud slap rang out across the room.

“Fuck you” the woman whispered, before storming out of the room.

Her fiery nature had awoken Alfie. He wanted to know more about her, and not just how she looked without a scrap of clothing upon her. He felt his heart thump in his chest, remembering how she had made him feel with just one look. No one had ever made Alfie Solomons feel that way before.

“I like ‘er” he chuckled, looking back at the door she had slammed shut on her way out.

Alfie began plotting in his head. Plotting of a way to get to know her better, with the approval of her over protective siblings. He had too.

‘Fuck, am I interested in a fucking Shelby?’

[summerseachild]

I also powerwatched GoT Season 2...

I stopped pretending I was only going to have three things to say about each episode.  

2x01

1. Sandor backing Sansa’s “it’s bad luck to kill someone on your birthday” play is SMOOTH. He has her back and I kind of love it????

2. BRAN WARGING! Back when this show cared about magical/fantasy elements that weren’t the dragons.

3. Ugh Theon’s idealism when he offers to go to his family for Robb stabs me right through the heart. (Also he likes calling Robb “Your Grace” A LOT and it makes me cackle and then want to go read fic.)

2x02

1. Cersei asking after Jaime while everyone else looks awkward gives me joy.

2. Gilly!!!! She’s so darling. And so is Sam. And Jon’s “Hello Gilly. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” makes me giggle. What stellar delivery.

3. Theon returning to Pyke is so sad and the castle on Pyke looks SO COOL. (And Yarra keeping a straight face during that horse ride makes me smile just as much as Balon Greyjoy makes me furious.)

4. Bonus: Gendry telling Arya he knows she’s a girl is precious. In fact every second they are on screen are so cute it should be illegal.

5. Bonus bonus: John saw a white walker (Or was that a wight?) Pick up a baby at Craster’s in SEASON FUCKING TWO. How did they so thoroughly fuck up that arc?

2x03

1. This episode was written by Bryan Cogman and directed by Alik Sakharov; which means I was going to love it because Cogman cared a lot about the story and the books, and Sakharov did one of my favorite director commentaries I’ve ever listened to.

2. Brienne’s intro is so great. She is such SERIOUS BUSINESS. Renly genuinely smiling and being happy to have her around :....( he would have been a good king.

3. THEON’S FACE WHEN HE SAYS YOUR LAST BOY JUST LEAVE ME HERE also THAT SHOT OF THEON HIS FACE LIT BY THE BURNING LETTER AND ALL ELSE IN DARKNESS AKDHWISJHSJJSSHSJ CINEMATOGRAPHY AND DIRECTING

4. Bonus: I remember how cute Gethin and Loras’s actor were about Loras and Renly and it gives me warm fuzzies

5. Bonus bonus: Yoren giving Arya the idea that will become her list is a nice moment and A GIRL IS CLEVER telling them Gendry was the dead boy!

2x04: one of the only episodes written by a woman!

1. Ok I love Lannister soldiers playing “who is GOAT?” before Greywind attacks.

2. I’m sorry all the blood just rushed to my eyes because I saw red during the scene with Joffrey having Sansa beaten in front of EVERYONE.

3. Catelyn Stark angrily brandishing a knife at Littlefinger when he’s all “I’ve always loved yoooooouuu” is A Big Mood.

4. Davos “WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST SEE” Seaworth, ladies, gentlemen, and honored folk....

2x05

1. Catelyn keeping her cool and being smart under pressure and keeping Brienne alive is some A++ women helping women stuff.

2. The room with all the latticework where Cersei and Tyrion talk is SO PRETTY. And Tyrion is... actually trying to do right by the city and his family. It’s sad, really.

3. I’d forgotten how much I liked Dagmer for actually helping Theon rather than just making fun of him for a lack of knowledge that isn’t his fault.

4. I remember there was some debate having Arya as Tywin’s cupbearer since it was a pretty major change to the books, but it gave us some great interactions between two super talented actors, and those scenes are... mostly(??) in character and reveal interesting things about them, so I’m on the side of “I love it.”

5. Wow, but the Fist of the First Men is beautiful. And I love Sam’s love of history and how it lets him do world building in an endearing way.

6. Brienne swearing to Catelyn literally just brought tears to my eyes.

2x06

1. Bran’s “Did you hate us the whole time?” to Theon is a moment that will have me in tears every time I hear it. Let’s just pretend I’ve flailed about every upsetting second Theon is on screen and how many awards Alfie deserves and call it a day.

2. Arya’s OH SHIT face when she hears that Littlefinger is about to come into the room... priceless.

3. Sandor Clegane is an Incredibly Useful Person.

4. I know he’s really different from the books, but Xaro Xhoan Daxos is so handsome and INTERESTING in the show, and Qarth is SO PRETTY. Like the clothes the sets... everything.

5. Probably Dyslexic Jaime is one of my favorite little touches the show added, and Tywin’s reaction to it was... very him.

6. Ygritte’s Wildling flirting is... both hilarious and adorable. Jon never knew what hit him.

2x07

1. Dany’s WHERE ARE MY DRAGONS? Iconic, and understandable given that they are three of the rarest things on earth.

2. Shae being willing to knife a girl to keep Sansa’s secret. Friendship goals. Also the following conversation between Cersei and Sansa is nuanced and breaks my heart. Anyone who says Cersei is 100% evil didn’t watch this scene carefully enough.

3. Jaime talking about squiring for Barristan Selmy and how much he loves fighting is a good way to show us that when we can’t be in his head. (Also is this the same fight he was talking about in season 1 in Robert’s office with Barristan? I think it is...)

4. Quaithe was super cool and mysterious and I wish we knew more about her, and Pyatt Pree was CREEPY AS FUCK how did I forget that he killed the 13?

5. Oh right because there’s a Jaime scene next and somehow Brienne makes “Man” the worst insult ever and she is magical.

6. Also that Cersei and Tyrion scene at the end KILLS ME. “I always hoped he’d be like Jaime...” also she voices doubts in the show WAY MORE than book!Cersei does. But... Lena and Peter make it real and complicated.

7. SO MANY VOWS. I still love everything about this. And Jaime trying to press EVERY ONE of Catelyn’s buttons is... amusing as always.

1x08

1. Wherever Robb and Talisa are walking on the way back from the Crag is SO PRETTY I just want to pitch a tent and camp there for a week.

2. Jaime falling off a horse and introducing himself to Brienne like she doesn’t know who he is WHAT AN ASSHOLE I LOVE HIM. This is the beginning of a BEAUTIFUL ROAD TRIP.... Canoe trip?

3. I want to eat a pie with sour cherries like Hot Pie is describing....

4. Bronn and Tyrion trying and failing to pronounce that historian’s name is SO FUNNY to me right now. This show used to be good at balancing little character moments and Serious Business.

5. Jacqen H’Ghar is clearly asking himself how a man got himself into this situation with this strange girl.

6. Robb and Roose Bolton talking about hunting Theon down gives me the stomach lurches.

7. Robb Stark makes ROmanTiC BuT pooR LiFE ChOIceS

2x09: it’s BLACKWATER TIME! Huzzah for ships and sea battles!

1. Cersei getting the poison from Pycelle stops my heart a bit.

2. We get to hear a bit of “The Rains of Castamere” for the first time!

3. Nearly died laughing at Varys’ “I’ve always hated the bells.” ME AND YOU AND THE WHOLE FANDOM, MY FRIEND.

4. I still LOVE THE CLEVERNESS OF TYRION’S PLAN. And the suspense... so good. “There’s only one ship...” Bronn firing the arrow and it hitting the water ALL OF IT.

5. Increasingly drunk Cersei is cruel and tragic and funny and I love her so much my heart doesn’t know what to do.

6. “Awwww pooR Sandor” is a reaction I NEVER thought I’d have about his little moment of paralysis after seeing the burning soldier but we never step in the same river twice and all that, and this time around I def had that reaction. And cheered at “fuck the King” for SANDOR’s sake.

7. I’ve said this before but PODRICK PAYNE FOR SQUIRE OF THE CENTURY

8. oh hai Renly’s ghost and dad Lannister (Daddister?)

2x10: Valar Morghulis, BITCHES

1. Tywin’s horse shitting just outside the throne room because Tywin needed to ride it in for some reason is the line of Lannister Extra (tm) that makes me love this awful family.

2. Show Margaery Tyrell is a devious Player of the Game, and I am enjoying that this time around. (Also I see shades of Anne Boleyn in the Tudors, and that was a performance I enjoyed.)

3. Jaime WATCHES Brienne all the time, like he’s trying to figure her out, and then making up that story on a DIME, and the two of them trying to sell it... FRENEMY GOALS.

4. If people watch the scene with Theon and Maester Luwin and think Theon deserved what he got, they are dumb. My poor identity crisis in kraken from... (Also thank you subtitles for telling me WEX IS THERE? I love him in the books but I’m sure they just used that name without attaching it to someone.)

5. So in the books the House of the Undying was SO CREEPY I had to stop reading because it was too late at night and I was too freaked out and I WAS IN MY 30S! So the way they did it here was just so underwhelming. Yet more proof that the producers didn’t buy into or value the parts of the story that were too “fantasy.” Did Pyatt Pree just... not know dragons breathed fire? Or did he thing they were too little? Idk that seemed a stupid plan he had.

6. I’m fine just crying over Maester Luwin like I didn’t know he died.

7. In the final episode, if we get a shot of the throne room in the red keep looking like Dany’s vision... but with ash instead of snow... at least it’ll be a bit of continuity.

8. That third horn blast still gave me chills on a warm day. Well done, season 2.