#Brimingham

[veronicadelica]

Birmingham, 2015

My prints are available on Fy! or DM for bespoke prints.

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Weronika Dudka

[theroyalsandi]

The Prince of Wales join young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action | October 10, 2023

[soon-palestine]

[02nd]

[mmtimesasimstories]

Something like 4 Killed and Handfuls More Harmed in Birmingham Shooting

This is My article "Birmingham, a city prestigious for its rich history and dynamic social scene, was as of late pushed into the public spotlight for an unfortunate explanation. A shooting occurrence in one of its areas has left the local area wrestling with misery and looking for replies.

[willstafford]

New Years Grieve

MURDER IN THE DARK The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tuesday 7th November 2023 This new thriller from writer Torben Betts is a little misleading from the off.  The title does not describe what we get – unlike Snakes On A Plane!  Rather, the murder-in-the-dark refers to the game played upon the protagonist by a cruel babysitter many years ago.  It’s also, somewhat unlikely, the title of a song…

[qektuekwos1]

Are you planning a trip to Birmingham, AL?

[birminghammoneyman]

Tamworth, Birmingham, UK: A Great Place to Live

Tamworth, located in the West Midlands of England, is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage. It is a bustling market town that has grown into a popular residential area, with excellent transport links to nearby cities like Birmingham. In this article, we will look at why you should consider living in Tamworth, and how a mortgage broker in Tamworth can help you move home in the area.

Why Live in Tamworth?

Tamworth has a lot to offer its residents. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider living in this beautiful town.

Affordable Housing

Tamworth has a range of properties available, from traditional period homes to modern apartments. Compared to neighboring cities like Birmingham, Tamworth's housing is affordable, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and families looking to upgrade to a larger home. With a mortgage broker in Tamworth, you can easily navigate the local housing market and find the perfect property to suit your budget and lifestyle.

Excellent Transport Links

Tamworth is well-connected to nearby cities like Birmingham, Nottingham, and Leicester, making it an excellent location for commuters. The town has a train station that connects to Birmingham and London, as well as bus services that run regularly throughout the day. For those who prefer to drive, Tamworth is located near the M42 and M6 motorways, making it easy to access other parts of the UK.

Beautiful Surroundings

Tamworth is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is home to several parks and nature reserves. The town's castle, built in the 11th century, is a popular attraction and is set within the beautiful Tamworth Castle Grounds. The town is also home to the SnowDome, an indoor skiing and snowboarding center, and Drayton Manor Theme Park, one of the UK's top family attractions.

Great Local Amenities

Tamworth has a range of local amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town center is home to several supermarkets, high street shops, and independent retailers, making it easy to find everything you need. There are also several excellent schools in the area, making Tamworth an ideal location for families.

How a Mortgage Broker in Tamworth Can Help You Move Home in Tamworth

Moving home can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but with the help of a mortgage broker in Tamworth, the process can be made much smoother. Here are some of the ways in which a mortgage broker can help you move home in Tamworth.

Access to a Wide Range of Mortgage Products

A mortgage broker in Tamworth has access to a wide range of mortgage products from various lenders. This means that they can help you find a mortgage that suits your specific needs and circumstances, whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage your existing property. With a mortgage broker's help, you can ensure that you get the best possible deal on your mortgage.

Expert Advice and Support

A mortgage broker in Tamworth is an expert in the local housing market and can provide you with valuable advice and support throughout the home buying process. They can help you understand the various mortgage products available to you and guide you through the application process. They can also help you understand the legal and financial implications of buying a property and provide you with advice on how to manage your finances.

Save Time and Money

One of the most significant benefits of working with a mortgage broker in Tamworth is that they can save you both time and money. With their expert knowledge of the local housing market and mortgage products, they can help you find the right mortgage quickly and efficiently. They can also help you negotiate the best possible deal with your lender, potentially saving you thousands of pounds over the lifetime of your mortgage.

Final Thoughts

Tamworth is a fantastic place to live, with its affordable housing, excellent transport links, beautiful surroundings, and great local amenities. With the help of a mortgage broker in Tamworth, you can make the process of moving home in the area much smoother and stress-free. From accessing a wide range of mortgage products to providing expert advice and support and saving you time and money, a mortgage broker can help you navigate the local housing market with ease. Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking to remortgage, or simply want to move home in Tamworth, working with a mortgage broker can make the process much more straightforward and hassle-free.

Why Choose us as Your Mortgage Broker in Tamworth?

With over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry, we have assisted a diverse range of clients throughout their mortgage journey. Our services cater to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let landlords, self-employed individuals, those exploring help-to-buy and right-to-buy schemes, and those facing unique circumstances. As your mortgage broker in Tamworth, we strive to alleviate all the stress associated with the process and ensure that you feel confident and secure throughout the journey.

After scheduling your free mortgage appointment online, you will have the chance to converse with a dedicated mortgage advisor in Tamworth who specialises in your particular situation. The advisor will inquire about your personal and financial circumstances to determine the types of mortgage products that may be accessible to you. Subsequently, the mortgage advisor in Tamworth will conduct research to identify a product that is customized to your needs and will not recommend products that do not align with your requirements.

[clfpc]

MBS 672 2022 date    Birmingham Alabama   Art Museum 

[sirkingyo]

My table at MCM Brimingham, Nov 2022!

[twgcleaningservicesltd]

Best Cleaning Services in Birmingham: Get Excellence with TWG Cleaning Service

Ensuring that your surroundings are clean and fresh, reliable and excellent cleaning services are always required. For a city like Birmingham, which is very busy with different types of properties and businesses, it requires cleaning services that are versatile, adapting to various needs. As one of the best among the Top Cleaning Services in Birmingham, TWG Cleaning Service guarantees to keep every client's space crystal clear and well-maintained.

Why Top Cleaning Services in Birmingham?

Selecting the appropriate cleaning business can have a very lasting effect on your area. The Top Cleaning Services in Birmingham include cleaners that provide all-in-one cleaning solutions for home, office or special care. Here's why going for the best is important:

1. High Level of Cleanliness  

All cleaning services in Birmingham strive for the best, but aim to distinguish themselves based on their desired level of cleanliness. Using only green cleaning products, their tools are top of the line. While the focus is on keeping your patients in mind—which is obviously incredible—this small commitment also saves your aesthetics some stress and ensures that particles are kept to a minimum.

2. Professional Experience and Training

When you employ professional cleaning services, you can depend on their employees to do their best to sustain your environment. They are well-qualified and know various cleaning techniques and products to clean every corner of your property like a pro. The Top Cleaning Services in Birmingham value their expert and reliable cleaners.

3. Customized Cleaning Plans

Each location has its own clean-up needs. A professional service provider will collaborate with you to map out a plan tailored to your specific concerns. Whether your space is large or you’re working within a budget, these services offer options for one-time deep cleans, post-construction cleaning and ongoing maintenance to fit your requirements.

Why Hire TWG Cleaning Service: A Leader in Birmingham:

At TWG Cleaning Service, we have a significant responsibility toward keeping the environment clean and organized. Our wide array of cleaning solutions demonstrates our mission to provide the Best Cleaning Services in Birmingham. This is how we differentiate ourselves:

1. Wide Range of Services

Our Services that we offer are Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, End of Tenancy Cleaning, Office Cleaning and much more. That is why having so many years of experience we offer one of the most versatile services for cleaning which will help to solve all the greatest difficulties.

2. Advanced Cleaning Technology

At TWG Cleaning Service, it is our policy to take advantage of the modern cleaning technology and equipment to enable us to offer the best service. The high powered vacuums, steam cleaning equipment and green cleaning products ensure that each surface of the home is thoroughly cleaned.

3. Attention to Detail 

Our team is able and we take pride in the work that we do, and that includes every single minutiae. We understand that nothing is more important than paying attention to such details, hence we scrub even the difficult to notice areas. The practice here is what any other company might view as small details we take as major. 

 4. Customer Satisfaction 

Our focus is to maintain proper relationships with customers, which involves respecting them and paying attention to what they have to say. It is thus only right that we somewhat guarantee that your experience with us is as satisfactory as possible. 

Conclusion

If you are in search of cleaning services in Birmingham called Top Cleaning Services, kindly contact TWG Cleaning Service. These include professionalism, quality assurance, and client satisfaction as key factors that make us different. Our services range from cleaning of carpets and rugs to office cleaning services and any other specific services you may require. Call us today and see all the benefits of coming to the most effective cleaning service in Birmingham!

[hairgrowthcentre]

Hair transplant Birmingham UK: HGC is a leading hair transplant clinic in Birmingham, offering the best hair transplant surgery from experienced doctors.

[minnesotafollower]

“We Are the Church: Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good” at Westminster Presbyterian Church 

On October 8, 2023, Rev. Dr. Tim Hart-Andersen, Senior Pastor at Minneapolis’ Westminster Presbyterian Church, delivered the sermon, “We Are the Church: Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good,” which was the fourth of his final seven sermons before his retirement at the end of October. Scripture: Joshua 1: 1-9 “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to…

[cabinetekmi]

The Finest Luxury Bathroom Remodeling in Birmingham and Ann Arbor

​When it comes to bathroom remodeling, Birmingham and Ann Arbor, residents have a penchant for luxury and elegance. From high-end fixtures to premium finishes and spa-like amenities, these cities boast some of the most exquisite bathroom remodeling in Birmingham and Ann Arbor, MI. Statement Fixtures for Opulent Appeal One of the defining features of luxury bathroom remodeling is the selection of statement fixtures. Birmingham and Ann Arbor homeowners often opt for high-end fixtures that serve as focal points in the space. Consider elegant freestanding bathtubs with sleek designs or vintage clawfoot tubs for a touch of timeless sophistication. Additionally, extravagant rainfall showerheads, luxurious steam showers, and smart toilets with advanced features add a touch of indulgence and comfort. Premium Finishes for a Stylish Touch To create a truly upscale bathroom, premium finishes play a crucial role. Birmingham and Ann Arbor residents often choose materials that exude elegance and refinement. Marble, granite, and quartz countertops provide a luxurious and durable surface for vanities. High-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles and intricate mosaic accents add a sense of artistry to the walls and floors. Rich wood cabinetry with intricate detailing completes the luxurious aesthetic, adding warmth and sophistication to the space. Spa-Like Amenities for Relaxation A lavish bathroom retreat isn't complete without incorporating spa-like amenities. Birmingham and Ann Arbor homeowners prioritize relaxation and wellness, transforming their bathrooms into serene sanctuaries. Consider installing a state-of-the-art soaking tub with hydrotherapy features, providing a blissful bathing experience. A spacious walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, including body jets, can recreate the ambiance of a luxury spa. Incorporating heated flooring and towel warmers adds a touch of comfort, making stepping out of the shower a cozy experience. Intelligent Lighting and Ambiance Expert lighting design is crucial in creating a luxurious bathroom ambiance. Birmingham and Ann Arbor residents understand the importance of layering light to set the mood. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to achieve a well-balanced and visually stunning bathroom. Install dimmers to control the intensity of light and create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider integrating smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely or through voice commands for added convenience and customization. Expert Design Tips for a Lavish Retreat To achieve a truly lavish bathroom remodel, keep the following design tips in mind: 1. Embrace a cohesive color palette with sophisticated hues like neutral tones, deep blues, or rich greys, complemented by accents of metallic finishes. 2. Incorporate ample storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free and organized. Consider custom cabinet design in Birmingham and Troy, MI, built-in shelving, mirrored cabinets, and custom vanity drawers. 3. Introduce luxurious textiles such as plush towels, soft bathrobes, and elegant window treatments to enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal. 4. Pay attention to details by adding decorative elements like chandeliers, sconces, and art pieces that elevate the overall ambiance of the bathroom. Homeowners in Birmingham and Ann Arbor are all in for luxury bathroom remodeling. From statement fixtures to premium finishes and spa-like amenities, homeowners here showcase the finest in opulent bathroom design. Homeowners can transform their bathrooms into lavish retreats by incorporating high-end elements, expert lighting, and meticulous attention to detail.

[writers-hes]

Toy Horses Outside the Brothel

You always knew Tommy as the cheerful boy who took care of you. He always knew you as the smart girl that he visited by the docks. The daughter of a prostitute, the son of a deadbeat father; a soldier who protected his country; a whore who protected him; a gangster who controlled Brimingham; and now, a wife. War changes people, you just didn't realize that war could change you both. (angst, depictions of abuse, poverty, prostitution, canon-typical themes, death, war, time jumps)

A/N: This is dedicated to @runnning-outof-time ! Thank you for giving me guidelines and for reading my work before anybody else did. You’re amazing and I wish I could write Tommy as good as you do. 

Want to be tagged?   navigation | main master lists | PROTECTION MASTERLIST

BIRMINGHAM, 1900:

Tommy first met her when his father took him to the docks. Arthur Shelby Sr. told impressionable young Tommy that there were kids he could play with by the docks. Tommy agreed, wanting to impress his father. On the way there, right outside of what looked like a house with many rooms, was her.

You were lonely and something in Tommy told him to play with you instead. Besides, the boys were too big around the docks. Arthur Shelby left him right outside the establishment and threw a shilling to you. You picked it up, stuffed it in your pocket, and looked at him.

He smiled at you widely, a tooth missing from his mouth and extended his hand towards you.

“I’m Tommy,” he said. You reciprocate the gesture, telling him your name and shaking his hand. You were more reserved, Tommy noticed. He was so used to the ruckus in their house that he expected every child to be as energetic as them. “Why did my father give you money?”

“He wants me to play with you while he’s inside,” you said. “I don’t have many toys but…I do have this,” you said, showing him your wooden horse toy. They were your prized possession, one of the few gifts that your father sent when he promised the world to your mother.

“Oh! I love horses,” he said. “Do you? I like watching horses,”

“Yes,” you replied. “My mother said that my father owned many. I’ve never met him though. Where do you watch horses?”

“That’s alright. Fathers hit kids. See?” he said, showing you a bruise on his side quickly. “My mother puts ice on it and it tickles. We watch it in the races. My mum takes me for my birthdays. She usednto ride a white horse before. She told me. Do you go to school?”

“No,” you shook your head. “But my mum taught me how to read and how to write. Sometimes, Big Johnny teaches me arithmetic. One plus one equals two,”

“You’re smart. Who’s Big Johnny?”

You hummed, making the wooden horse gallop on the murky ground. People in the house all told you that you were. If only poor Mary Magdalene had the means to send you to school. If only. You stop your movements and move your toy towards Tommy.

“Here,” you said. “Big Johnny is the man who runs this place. He’s kind,”

“You won’t have a toy,” he replied.

“It’s okay. I have more but they’re in my mama’s room. My father sent them. Sorry if it’s dirty,”

“Thanks,” he said. It’s the first time anyone has ever given him something without asking for it. He keeps it with him; keeps the memory of a girl who watched him intently while he played with a toy horse. That’s why when his father exited the house, with less money in his pocket, Tommy asked if he could come again next time.

-

When the house closed, you ran to your mother’s room. You usually had to stay out until five in the morning, sleeping on the sacks right in front of the brothel until your mother woke you up. She’s been seeing less men these days…always cooped up in her room, asking for you. She didn’t mind if you stained her bed with sweat and grease. She’d ask how your day was and you told him about Tommy, the boy you met earlier.

“I’m glad you have a friend,” she coughed into her white handkerchief. The blood stain was normal now. You were worried at first, but your mother told you to never tell anyone. You just never knew how serious it all was when you slipped once. You were talking to Big Johnny; he was teaching you how to subtract.

“If I help you, are you going to pay me?” you asked, perched on his lap. He had been the only father figure in your life. He’d help your mum surprise you for your birthdays and give you some money every now and then.

“Pay you? You’re robbing me,” he kids. “What do you need the money for?”

“I’m planning to buy mum a present. A nice handkerchief,” you said. “The one she has has blood—“

“What is it, bug?” he asked, eyebrows furrowing.

“Nothing,” you shrugged, smiling sickly sweet.

“You have to tell me,” he replied. “It’s your—your safety,”

It was your turn to look confused.

“But mum told me to never tell anyone,” you whispered, heart racing. What did he mean by it? “Why would I not be safe? I’m safe. I have mum with me,”

Big Johnny ran his hand through his hair, then his chin. You knew that it was a sign of his agitation, so you relented.

“You can’t tell anyone,” you whispered. “But mum has been coughing up blood for a while. She said it’s fine. You won’t take her from me right, Johnny?”

“Fuck, kid,” he sighed, stressed at the sudden turn out of events. “No more arithmetic today, okay? I’ll go talk to your mum. Just go outside or play or whatever,”

“Is everything okay?” you asked, panic rising in your throat. It constricts while you keep yourself from crying.  “Mum will be so mad at me! Please don’t tell on me,”

“Do you know why she’s coughing up blood?” he asked, his voice serious. He knew that you had to be talked to in his “adult voice” for you to listen. You knew that he needed to be stern for you to listen.

“N-no…” your hair falls messily as you shake your head, picking on your nail beds.

“She’s sick, bug,” he said. “If we don’t do anything about it, you could get sick too. The two of you might die,” he explained. “Look, kid…you have a bright future ahead of you, alright?”

“What will you do?” you asked. “You can’t take her from me! Please, Johnny. My mum is all I have,” you cried, tears started flowing once the first one dropped.

Johnny couldn’t do anything else. He relented but locked your mother in her room. Whenever you went in, he made sure you had some face mask on to protect yourself. You only saw her for a few minutes every day. Parting her was painful and Johnny had to console you while you cried. He gave up his bunk and slept in his workspace so you won’t have to sleep with your mum.

A week later, your mum died of lung cancer.

It was too late, the doctor explained. Johnny let you stay in his bunk, never mind the fact that he had no space for himself now. He didn’t mind. You were his top priority. How is he going to raise a child in a brothel?

-

Your mother always told you that as long as you were with her, you would never be lonely. There was no burial, just her body being thrown and burned with the rest of Birmingham’s garbage. It made you wonder what your body would be like dead. You decided to never end up like her, one way or another you were getting out.

Tommy continued to visit you, but he knew that you were different now. It has only been a week and you’ve grown up so fast. When he arrived, a box of your toy horses was prepared for him.

“What’s this for?” he asked, eyes brightening up at the sight of the box. His father threw a shilling your way again.

“It’s for you. I don’t want to play anymore,” you said. “I kept one white horse for me but you can have them.”

“Why not?” he asked, galloping the toy you gave him last week. “Thank you. I don’t have my own. I always have to share with Arthur, John and Ada.”

“My mom died…you were my first friend and you never met her,” you said, tears falling on the ground. “I’ve been living in Big Johnny’s room,”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said. “My Aunt Pol says that friends are there for each other. I’m…I’m your friend,”

You smiled a teary smile, appreciating the underlying message behind his words. He’ll be there for you. But until when?

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1905

Fifteen, you were fifteen. You haven’t even turned fifteen for a week and you were working. The owner of the house told Big Johnny that if you wanted to keep living there, you would have to work too. Johnny had no place for himself, no house—his money all went to you. Your clothes, the books you’ve read, the food you ate. He'll get you a cake with a candle along with a pound for special occasions. If you were lucky, some of the girls would give you something. Tommy’s dad stopped coming and so was the shilling you got.

He stayed, though. He’d talk to you about school and how he wanted to leave.

“You’re lucky you’re in school,” you said, watching Tommy smoke a cigarette. You were never a fan if them, seeing as your mother died of fucking lung cancer. “You have to stay,”

“I’m not built for it though. They’re all so boring,” he said, blowing the smoke away. “If only I could work like you. Why are you dressed so nicely anyway?”

“The owner told me to work,” you shrugged, pulling the strap of your dress back on your shoulder. “Johnny asked the boss if I could help him with the girls and management, but he said no. Wanted me to work because it will bring more money in,” you bitterly replied. “I want to go to school but the fucking boss wanted me to present myself as a Cherry Girl. You wanna know what that is?”

“What?”

“A fucking virgin.” you shrugged. “Said many men will pay for someone like me. Today’s my first night and Johnny cried a little bit when he saw me. I’d kill and die to go to school, Tom.”

“Shit, love, I’m sorry. I was being insensitive,” he offered. “Hm, maybe you’ll bag one rich man you know? Some rich bloke from London and he’ll take you. Besides, at least you smell nice,”

“This shit is awful,” you countered, sighing. You blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. “Fuck, I said I wasn’t going to cry tonight.”

“Hey,” he said, sitting closer to you. He wraps your arm around you and lets you stay there. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ll stay in school and do well, okay? I’ll study so hard; I’ll take you out of here. Let you live in a mansion with lots of space to run in. Fuck, I’m sorry, love,”

“It’s not your fault, Tommy,” was your weak reply. “I’m just…I told myself that I would never be like my mother and now, I am,”

“You’re not her,” he whispered, tightening his arms around you.m, never mind if the grease and sweat of his clothes mixed with your perfume. “You’re not her.”

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1906

“Fuck, Tom. You can’t stay here while I’m working,” you scolded. You were lying, you appreciated the fact that Tommy was here. He’ll wait until you finish your shift, until you meet your quota. It was always quick, though. You had a rich patron that covered your every living expense.

“My patron’s coming,” you told him, and he tenses. He remembered the way you cried to him after your first ever shift last year. How some old fuck didn’t even bother. He finished and threw you some coins. He remembered his rage when you told him about this new guy. He’s quite scary but he pays the most, you said. “He doesn’t like seeing me with other men,”

“I’m a man now?” he quips, a smirk on his lips. “It’s not like I can afford it. I’m broke. Besides, I’ll act like a bodyguard, yeah? All I ask for payment is a day out with you. Aunt Poll is cooking something on Sunday. Want you to eat something that’s not whatever is being cooked here. We can go on a picnic. I met a girl who worked at this mansion, and they have lots of flowers in the garden. Shit you’ll like,”

You offered him a slight smile, nodding.

“Will your aunt be okay with…me eating your food?” you asked. Tommy took notice of how insecurity laced your voice. His suggestions of meeting his family have always been met with resistance. He understood. Although Polly has been insisting on meeting the girl he’s been spending his time with, he couldn’t risk his father recognising you and then, treating you like trash.

“Of course. She’s been more annoying. Told my mum about the girl I’m seeing,” he said. “I’ll be the first boy to take you out, hm?”

“Shut up,” was your only reply.

Sunday comes and you asked your boss for a day off.

That day, Tommy took you to the garden with Polly’s chicken stew and his mum’s fig cake. Tommy didn’t let you work, he set down the food and opened the containers.

“The best meal you’ll ever have,” he said while you sat. “I should’ve done this earlier. What have you been eating?”

“I’m lucky enough to be fed. Johnny gets me some food out of the brothel sometimes.” you said. “Thanks for taking me here. I love it.”

“I knew it,” he said, spooning out your portion and giving it to you.

“I want to have a house with lots of flowers. Different coloured blooms all year round.” you said.

“The caretaker of the garden says that we can pick some flowers. Do you want to take some home?” he asked. You nodded, a flush on your face. How could someone not love him?

BIRMINGHAM, 1908

“How have you been my angel?” he asked, twirling your hair in between your fingers. “Can’t believe I missed you last week,” he mumbles, kissing your shoulder. You giggled. “I was in London and all I could think of was you,”

“I’ve never been to London,” you told him. “Are you going to take me there?” you asked, wide-eyed. He’s been your patron since you reached 18. He was quite younger than your usual customers. He always came to visit when you were seventeen but never looked at you. As if that made it better.

“You haven’t?” he asked. “I’ll take you there, Angel. I’ll show you the whole world. Hm?”

“You will?” you asked, faux excitement in your voice. He loved this; you knew. He loved that you were a fragile little bird in need of saving. He loved that you’d listen to him talk about his father. He’s the sappy kind. He liked to hold hands, talk, and make love. He’s paid you more than anyone else and gave you a hefty allowance. Big Johnny didn’t have to think about your safety anymore. “I want to go to the city! Buy everything that I see and just…breathe a different air,” you said.

“Fuck, baby, I’ll take you there and buy you everything you ever lay your eyes on. I’m not fucking around. I’ll take you there,”

“You will?” you asked. “I don’t like the idea of you leaving me. Did you know that? Sometimes, when you leave, I have to lock myself in my room and refuse everyone,” you lied. You locked yourself in because your quota was already met. You were just saying these things to keep him coming back. A little bit of pretending never hurt you. It meant a bigger tip, more money.

“Yeah?” he asked.

“Of course,” you said. “You’re my hero…”

Somehow, you didn’t find yourself lying when you told him. You felt dirty, you felt like your mother when she thought your father would give her the world. But Simon paid big money to have you alone for multiple nights a week.  No other customers were to ask for services.

“I’m your hero, alright…you’re my little bird. I’m dead set on taking you with me to London. Once I get my inheritance, I’ll show you the world and get you out of these slums.”

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1909

“You don’t have to do this anymore,” Tommy said. You were well enough to have your own place somewhere near the docks now. Johnny had given you some furniture that the house wasn’t using anymore, helping you fix the tables and the chairs that you would be using.  You didn’t have to live at the brothel anymore and it was all thanks to Simon.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Tommy,” you chuckled. “Do you like my place?” Tommy looked around, flowerpots littered your house.

“I’m serious.” he asked. “I’ll have you safe in Small Heath,”

“And my job? What will pay for this place? I finally have enough space for my flowers.” you asked. “I can’t just leave. Come on, you have to see the view on my balcony.”

You dragged Tommy’s hand to the balcony to show him the view. You were a little far from the docks now but from your balcony you can see it. The blue water, the usual chaos…you were smiling so freely, so beautifully. Tommy stills, unspoken words lingering in the air. You could realise it too…you’ve been realising it slowly. The world was in your hands. You could seize it if you wanted it. It fills Tommy with determination. It pumps through his veins, and it rings in his ears. Determination, consistency, and power. Three things to play with the world…three things that he’ll have. He could get you a bigger house. If he played right, he could have it all.

“This is why I got this place,” you said. “I mean, there were others but the view of the docks…I used to think everything about it was so ugly, you know? So grey, so evil…so grotesque but from the vantage point, everything is different,” a soft smile played on your lips when you let go of Tommy’s hand. He already missed your touch. “I can’t leave my job now because I wouldn’t have this,”

“I’ll work for it,” he says proudly.

“Tom, I know you’re not happy with how I earn money. Fuck, I’m not happy too. I hate that job. I know you hate it when I turn down your offer. But I have nothing else. You have to support your siblings. Don’t you get it? We’re all whores, Tom. We just sell different parts of ourselves. Mine just so happens to be my body.”

It enrages him and you could see it. See his face fall apart, how his jaw ticked.

“I’ll do it.” he said. “I’ll fucking do it. You think I’m fucking around when I tell you that I’ll protect you? I will. I’ll make a name for myself and protect you. I’ll fucking protect you; I swear on my life.”

“I know you will, Tom,” you said, inching closer. “But can’t you just be happy for me? This once?”

“We could add a little chair right here,” he relented. How could he ever tell you how much he hated himself for not being enough right now?  “I’ll bring some of Polly’s flowers. You’d let me stay here?”

“Only if you’re being nice,”

“What if I’m too tired to make the trip back to Small Heath? Can I stay here?” he asked.

“Sure,” you shrugged. “But only if you have food for me or something,”

“Or something? You’re not letting me stay for free? I’m your best mate,” he chuckled. “I mooch off you all the time,”

“You have more than I do. It’s time for me to mooch off on you,”

“Yeah? Well, I want yours,” he said. “I’m glad though…that you don’t have to live there anymore. You’re safer here,”

“Thank you, Tom,” you smiled, sitting by the railing of your balcony. “I’m glad too.”

“I’ll make sure you’re protected,” he promises.

“How?”

“I’ll protect you.”

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1910

Tommy gave you the number of his telephone years ago. You were shaking, something bad had happened and you didn’t know who else to turn to. Big Johnny was too busy breaking up fights in the bar beside the brothel. You walked home shakily. Tommy called the brothel earlier to tell you that he couldn’t make it tonight because of some gang business. It was fine, of course. So, you went to the market to buy some supplies. You just didn’t know that he would be there.  

You were waiting for someone to pick up the phone, biting your perfectly manicured nails.

“Who’s calling?” a woman asked from the other line. Her tone was snippy, and you knew she meant business.

“Hi,” you cleared your throat. “I’m looking for Tommy Shelby?”

“Who is this?” she asked, confused as to why a woman would suddenly call Tommy in such a manner. She was used to Tommy’s girls calling, an embarrassment usually hinted when they spoke. But this new girl had no shame.

“I’m a friend of Tommy’s,”

“Tommy has many girlfriends. You’re going to have to be specific,” she said, intrigued.

“Oh, of course,” you said. You told her your name. “Is he there?”

“Tommy!” you could hear her voice call. “Some girl is on the phone for you!”

“What, Poll?” he asked, scowling.

“Pick up the phone, Tom. Your friend is asking for you,” she said, passing the phone to him. She didn’t leave the room immediately, sitting on the nearby chair instead to listen in.

“Tommy Shelby,” he says, and you breathed a sigh of relief.

“Tommy,” you whispered. “He was there…he was there.”

“Who, love?” Tommy asked. Polly noticed how his voice softened, how his stance relaxed. “Do you need me there?”

“He was one of my customers before,” you forced out. “He was always…rude and rough,” you choked. “I hate this fucking job, Tommy. I fucking hate it and he treated me like an object today just because he paid for my services years ago,” you sobbed. “I’m sorry. I know you were busy but I fucking hate it,”

“Shh…it’s okay, love. It’s okay. I’m going over there, and you could tell me,” he said. “Will that be alright?”

“I—yes,” you nodded, wiping your tears hastily. “I got some of your favourite fruit from the market today. Didn’t know you have an expensive taste,”

He chuckled softly.

“I’ll see you, alright?” he asked. “Keep the doors locked. I have my copy,”

“Okay, Tommy. Stay safe for me?” you asked.

“Of course.” Tommy put down the phone until he heard you end the line. He sighed and went to go get his coat until he saw Polly with an eyebrow raised. “Fuck, I didn’t see you there,”

“Who would? You were too lovestruck to notice anything,” she teased. “That’s the girl you’ve been seeing?”

“We’re friends, Pol,” he clarified.

“She’s the girl from the docks, then?” she asked. Tommy nodded. “Fuck, that’s rough. She’s a whore,”

“Don’t,” he said, an edge to his voice. “Don’t call her that. I’m trying to build something for all of us, Pol. For her. She hates her job…she fucking hates it and I can’t do anything about it,”

“You don’t have to save her, Tom. You can’t save everyone,” she said but she knew that Tommy was stubborn. Everything that she’ll say will fall on deaf ears.

“It’s all her,” he said, clearing his throat. “I’ll get her out of there if it’s the last thing I do.”

The walk to your place was unnerving. Thoughts swarmed in his head. If he only had it in him to murder the man who dared to look at you. He’s never made peace with how you earned your money, but he still happily showed up after every shift. You never talk about your customers, and he didn’t like to ask.

“Tommy, you’re here,” you greeted. He could see how swollen your eyes were; how red they were.

“Of course, I am,” he replied. “Are you okay?” He hangs his coat on the coat rack and walks towards the couch where you were seated.

“I am now,” you sniffed. “I’m sorry for making you worry but this job…people reduce me to such an object. I didn’t even know his name, you know?”

“I know, love.” he said, his heart beating inside his chest. What was it? What was the beating?

“Tommy, I’m going to make a request. It’s absurd and we haven’t done it yet…”

“What?” he whispered, unsure.

“Can-can you hold me?” you asked. “You don’t have to but…I have no semblance of what it’s like to be loved anymore. I want to pretend. At least for tonight, somebody out there loves me.”

“You don’t have to pretend,” he said. “You’re my friend. Of course, I love you.”

You only smiled, snuggling closer to Tommy. You were his friend…only a friend. How else would he look at you differently? You still had to pretend because the love that he was willing to give was not the love that you were looking for.

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1911

Multiple knocks on your door woke you up. Someone was screaming your name outside and you felt yourself panic. You took the gun that Tommy gifted you last year and crept down the stairs. You opened the door slowly to reveal two men—one older and one younger. The younger one had a smirk playing on his lips while the other looked panicked.

“Who are you?” you asked, tightening the gun behind your back.

“Arthur Shelby,” the one with the beard replied. You nodded. “I’m Tommy’s older brother. This is John,”

“Where…where’s Tommy?”

“He asked us to come get you,” John replied. “We mean no harm.”

“What happened to him?” you asked. “Come in,”

The brothers entered your house and watched you lay your gun on the table. An unspoken threat.

“Tommy’s not in a good place,” Arthur replied. “Well, he’s asking for you. He’s having these…episodes. I don’t fucking know what thr fuck they’re called but sometimes, he calls for you when he shuts down,”

“It's even worse today,” John added. “Our mother died,”

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry,” you said, offering a small smile. “Will you let me dress better? I’ll come with you,”

You met the brothers outside of your house, your gun secured on your skirt.

“Are you Tommy’s whore?” John asked as you walked.

“John!”

“I’m not his fucking whore,”

“So, why is he always at the brothel by the docks?” he pressed.

“We met when we were kids. Your dad used to visit the brothel with him,” you shrugged. “I never understood why your father took him there all the time. It’s a dangerous place,”

“Why were you there?”

“My mother worked there. I was born there. I grew up there,” you shrugged. “Tommy was my only friend growing up. Your father stopped coming but Tommy still managed to show up,”

“I see,” Arthur replied. “You’re the girl who gave him toy horses when we were kids, then. He never let us touch them. Even now, he has them lined up on his wall,”

“Yeah, I was. I gave it to him a week after my mother died,” you recalled.

“I’m sorry for calling you his whore,” John said. He realised now that your relationship with Tommy was deeper. It was more meaningful than he realised.

“It’s okay,” you let out a small smile. “It’s a fair assumption,”

Minutes of silence passed by, and your group stopped in Watery Lane. You’ve never been in his house before; you never had the time to do so. You were also quite ashamed to show yourself. How could you prove that you weren’t after Tommy’s money if that's exactly what you are after men?

The door of the house opens, and you assume it was Polly. The same woman who you talked to on the telephone before.

“He’s in his room upstairs. Last door to the left,” she said.

“Thank you,” you rushed to where Tommy was. You didn’t bother to stay and eavesdrop. You were there for Tommy. You knocked on his door slightly.

“Stay the fuck away from my door or I will kill you,” he shouted. You cracked the door open slightly.

“It’s me, Tom,” you said. He rose from his bed and rushed towards you, flinging his arms around you. He pulled you closer. “Hi,”

“She’s dead,” he murmurs against your hair. “My mum’s dead. My dad left. I didn’t even like him, you know? He always hit the three of us. I thought it would be better if he just fucking left but my mum died because he left. Now, I don’t have her.”

“I’m so sorry, Tommy,” you said. You knew he was still struggling after his father left many months ago. He was shaking in your arms, trying to grasp you tightly. Trying to be closer.  “I’m so sorry,”

“I…I don’t know what to do,” he said. “You never got to meet her. She’d love you; you know?”

“That makes us even,” you saw a small smile on his lips. “I’m here now, Tom. You could rest,”

“You’ll still be here when I wake up?” he asked meekly, like a child.

“I’ll be here,” you nod, caressing his cheek softly. He nods, yawning after he evened out his breathing.

“Shit, love. I’m so tired,” he yawned again. “Let’s both go to sleep. We deserve it. I’ll see you when I’m awake?” he asked, adjusting your position on his small bed.

“I’ll see you,” you confirmed, snuggling closer to him.

-

“Tommy’s playing a dangerous game,” Polly commented from downstairs. It has been met with no resistance.

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1914

“Good afternoon, Pol,” you smiled. You were invited for Sunday dinner, and you decided to bring cake from the bakery that Tommy liked. You’ve only met them last year, but you’ve become such an integral part of their family that people knew you were closely associated with them. Even Simon.

“Oh, you didn’t have to bring cake,” she said. “We’d rather you spend it somewhere,”

“It’s alright,” you said. “I wanted to do something nice,”

“Keeping Tommy levelheaded is nice enough. Seriously, what did you do?” Ada asked, chopping the vegetables. She was reluctant at first but now, she couldn’t go a week without ranting to you. Girls’ night is what she called them.

“I don’t know,” you chuckled. “May I help?”

“If you could kindly chop the carrots, please,” Polly said. You set yourself and rolled your sleeves, peeling the carrots first. “Tommy and the boys went out for a while. They said it was some business with the Blinders. While they’re out, how are you?”

“Oh,” you nodded. “Me?”

“Of course. Ada has been talking my ear off about some guy she’s so secretive about,” she scoffed.

“I’ve been working less,” you confessed. “I’m helping out on the counter. Helping Big Johnny with the money and the accounts. I work a few times a week now. Simon’s been frequenting the brothel and well, you know what Simon does. It helps that he doesn’t stay long. The brothel pays me for my assistance. I can buy you cake every week now,”

“Don’t do that. Finn will be spoiled rotten,” Ada says. “Besides, you deserve nice things for yourself, you know,”

“I know but I can’t help it,” you said with a soft smile. “I like doing nice things for you,”

The boys soon come through the door, spilling with laughter. Tommy makes a beeline towards you as soon as he spots you.

“How was the afternoon?” you asked, bumping your hips with him.

“It was good,” he said. “Finn got into a fight with some kids, and we had to deal with it.”

“Is Finn okay? I brought cake.”

“Just a bruised ego,” he chuckled. My favourite?”

“Of course,” you said. “But let’s pretend that it’s for Finn, alright?”

“It’s always for Finn,” he groans. “He has you wrapped around his finger,”

“He does. He’s such a charming kid,” you praised. “Where is he, anyway?”

“Taking a bath before dinner. You have me for now,” Tommy said. “Can I sleep at your house later?” he asks in a softer tone. He’s been sleeping at your place ever since last year. He said you make him sleep better.

“You know it’s never a problem,” you said. His presence made you feel safe. He made you feel secure. “Will we leave together?”

“Yes. I’d like to sleep as soon as possible,” he says, dropping his forhead on your shoulder. You only chuckled. “I’m so tired. So, so tired,”

“Who are they fooling?” Ada asked in whispers. “Are we sure they’re best mates?”

“They’ve insisted on it for years,” Arthur shrugged. “I don’t think they’re aware,”

“I don’t think so either,” John says. “But Tommy throws a fit whenever she has to meet that Simon prick. Calls him a rich bastard.”

“He is a rich bastard,” Ada nodded. “She says he just came into his inheritance. Ammunitions,”

“Shit. She hit the jackpot, then,” John commented. “Wonder how that’s gonna go?”

“There’s nothing to wonder, John,” Arthur says. John could only nod his head.

-

You stumbled inside your house around half past midnight. You were both quite tipsy, having drank Pol’s stocks of wine. The Shelby Company Ltd. has been gaining more popularity now, along with the Blinders. Hell, Tommy even posted two Blinders to guard you. “For when I’m not around,” he said.

“Pol’s going to kill me for giving Finn too much cake,” you giggled, leaning on him.

“I reckon you’re banned from Sunday dinners,” Tommy jokes, taking his shoes off. He takes note of how you’re dressed today. “You know you can remove all the fucking things on your body right? Rouge…the jewels. Where’d you get them? Is the rich bastard buttering you up?”

“I like it. Dressing up makes me happy,” you frowned. “I’m allowed to like nice things, right?”

“Right,” his jaw ticked. It should be him who's giving you these gifts…showing you a lavish life. He hated it. “Later?”

“Later,” you nodded. “When I’m banned from Sunday dinners, you wouldn’t let me be left out, right?”

“‘Course not,” he shrugged, pulling you to your bedroom like he owned the place. You didn’t mind. You were happy to see that he was comfortable in your home. “You’re my best girl.”

“That’s what you say to your horses,”

“You’ve got really good horse sense and you’re always on your high horse,” he says, peeling his coat away. He was rummaging in your chest now, looking for clothes he might have left until he settled on a simple white shirt and pyjama pants.

“Yeah, yeah. You and your horse wordplay.” You entered the bathroom to dress down. Just like Tommy, you settled in his shirt and pants. They were more comfortable than singlets and you certainly didn’t want to make Tommy uncomfortable.

He was already waiting for you on the bed when you came back. He pats the space beside him. You obliged. You were looking into each other’s eyes with small smiles, Tommy’s finger trailing down your arm absentmindedly.

“I…” words died in his throat before he could get them out. “I…”

“What is it, Tom? Are you okay?”

“I’ll get you out of here,” he rasps. “I’ll get you out of there and I won’t let you work a day in your life anymore.”

“Tommy,” you sighed. “I can’t—can’t leave this job. It’s all I have,” He tightens his arms around you, afraid that you’ll ask him to let go.

“I know but once I come back from the war—“

“The war?” you asked, removing his arms around you. “War?”

“We enlisted,” he clarifies, trying to gauge your reaction. “Once I come back, I’ll be so fucking rich. I’ll have you. I’ll keep you and you won’t have to lift a finger. We’ll live in a mansion and have servants. Just like what we used to talk about,”

“Tommy, you’re going to war?” you asked, standing from the bed. His eyes watched you settle down shakily on the single chair by the bed. “Fuck. You’re going to war. You’re going to leave me,”

“No, love. Come on, I—“ he grunts, sitting up from his relaxed position.

“It’s war, Tommy! They change people…I don’t want to lose you; do you not get that? Are you not happy here? Is that why you're throwing your life away?”

“I’m not throwing my life away,” he says, a frown. “We’ll be drafted one way or another because we’re poor. Might as well do it now than be forced. Some of my men will still watch over you every now and then. They’ll still make sure that you’re safe. We’ll send letters. Alright?”

“Letters,” you scoffed. “And what if the letters stopped coming?”

“Don’t say that, please,” he begs. “I’m doing this for all of us. The business will be handled by Polly and when I’m back, I’ll make it even bigger. Alright? You have to trust me,” You didn’t even want to ask about the business. You didn’t want to ask why more men wore peaky caps. You didn’t want to ask what the Shelby Company Ltd. really was. Not now.

“I know you will, Tom,” you said. “But I’m scared. For the first time since I’ve known you, you won’t be here. I’m scared,”

Tommy lays his hand on your shoulder. Words he couldn’t say lingered in the air. I’ll marry you once I step foot in England. He didn’t know what else to say; didn’t know if there was still something to say. So, he kneels before you and makes you look at him. You were crying. So afraid, so alone.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“When will you be leaving?”

“I have two more days,” he says. “Will I still see you?”

“Yes, of course,” you said. “You’ll come back for me?”

“Of course. I have a picture of you already in my pocket. I have to make sure to come back to you,” he said. “and everyone else, of course.”

He fishes a necklace from his pocket, his mother’s locket.

“Here,” he said, showing it to you. It was one of the last pieces of jewellery she owned. “Mum gave it to me. You know I’ve always worn it. I want you to wear it now. Think of it as a loan, yeah? You’ll give it back once we see each other again,”

“Tommy, I—“

“I want you to accept it. I want you to see you wear it now. I want to see you wear it before I leave. But most of all I want for us to stay the same,” he says, holding you and kissing your hair softly. You couldn’t push him away. You’ve longed for this your whole life. To be held, to feel loved. It’s all you’ve ever wanted.

“I’m sorry. So, so, so fucking sorry.”

“I don’t think you’re wasting your life away,” you cleared your throat. “I’m so—I’m so proud of you and your bravery. I’m so proud of you but I can’t be fucking happy for you. I don’t want to wake up every day knowing that you’re not here. I don’t want to have to guess if you were alive or not.”

“I am,” he promises. “I’ll be alive. I’ll come back as your Tommy. Just…wait for me, alright?”

You clung onto Tommy two days later by the train. He whispered that he would come back. He said that he will make sure of it. He breathes in the smell of your hair—roses. He envelopes you in his arms once more and turns to leave, never looking back. You knew, in your hysterics, that if he comes back from the war, the same old Tommy you used to know would never be.

PART 2 PART 3

TAGLIST:  @shelbydelrey @runnning-outof-time @duckybird101 @thenattitude @swordofawriter @litteltourtius​ @trixie23​ @everythingelseisextra​

[zablife]

Bye Bye Blackbird

Tommy Shelby x female reader

Summary: Tommy's love interest from before the war leaves for the excitement of the city, but a chance encounter years later finds her disillusioned with all that sparkles. Can he convince her to come home?

Author’s Note: Requested by the lovely @runnning-outof-time. 

Warnings: language, mention of PTSD, drinking, mention of prostitution, angst

It started before the war, you would sing in Harry’s pub on Saturdays. Back then a young man with dark hair and the bluest eyes you’d ever seen would come to listen. You knew he was there just for you because Harry said he didn’t come any other day of the week like the other regulars. He never drank much either. His two brothers would accompany him sometimes, flanking him in a booth. Each of his brothers would raise a pint, sloshing it precariously, as they jostled him back and forth with the force of their merriment. They shouted and sang along to the drinking songs, but your admirer liked the quiet, heartfelt ballads best. You wondered if he even heard them over the din of the crowd, but his lovestruck gaze told you he wasn’t just there for the songs. 

One evening in the autumn of 1913 he waited for you, twisting his cap in his hands as you pulled your coat over your shoulders. You jumped when you turned to find him waiting for you, but the gentle look in his eyes calmed you instantly. He introduced himself asking “What’s your name or shall I go on referring to you as Blackbird?” 

“Blackbird?” you asked inquisitively, a warmth creeping into your face and ears.

“Yes because they sing into the night like you do,” he explained, looking down at his shoes. “I didn’t know what else to call you.”

“Oh, I see…erm, you can call me Y/n now if you like. My name is Y/n,” you stumbled over your words, wondering how often Tommy had spoken of you to others.

That night he offered to walk you home, careful to watch for any discomfort in your posture. When you displayed a radiant smile, he felt his heart swell and that started a nightly ritual that quickly escalated to seeing one another as often as possible.

There wasn’t much romance to be found in a town as rough and cold as Brimingham, but Tommy transformed it just for you with late night strolls by the canal and quiet chats in his Uncle Charlie’s scrap metal yard. You found you could talk to Tommy about anything because he understood what it was to dream about having more in the midst of the smoke and dirt that surrounded you. 

Although you didn’t offer much about yourself at first, Tommy revealed his gentle nature in the way he was with the horses. It was one of the first things he shared with you, confiding how he hoped to have his own stables one day. He demonstrated how to pet the large beasts in slow, deliberate strokes. With his hand over yours, you felt comforted as well.

Somehow over time, there in the dark stillness of the night, it was easier to confess how much you wanted from life. You dreamed of brightly lit stages and audiences of bejeweled patrons clapping just for you. Tommy was the only person who didn’t laugh at you. He would listen as you spoke, eyes shining in the dim light as though it was the most fascinating thing he’d ever heard. “Will you come see me when I’m famous?” you giggled.

“Every night,” he replied earnestly, tucking a few stray hairs behind your ear, leaning in for a tender kiss.

A year later he wasn’t on his way to an opera house or even a dance hall. You walked him to the train station for a tearful goodbye neither of you were fully prepared to say.——————————————————-

In the months that followed, you waited for Tommy’s letter saying he was coming home. No one expected the war to last and Tommy had promised to return to you swiftly. Keeping hope alive, you washed your hair on Fridays and put on his favorite dress, swaying and singing along to the tune of a gramophone. Truthfully, the ritual of it was the only thing tethering you to sanity. You longed for the day you’d receive a letter asking you to make the bed and light a fire to welcome him home. You were hopeful in the early days. 

As the years wore on, those ideas faded with the dreams of your youth and you became more practical. With the men away at war, you took up a job at the BSA and forgot about singing. No one wanted to hear your songs, and even if they had, you struggled to remember the words. You’d watched countless women, unskilled at their work, fall victim to injury and you were disillusioned by a life locked away in a factory. 

When a coworker named Millie began concocting a plan to run away to London to escape the pressures of daily life, you began to lend a sympathetic ear. Soon temptation descended and you were unable to deny you wanted a way out as well. However, you often reminded yourself that your circumstances weren’t the same as hers. Her brother had returned with a bad case of shell shock, flying into fits of rage that left her and her mother scared for their lives. You couldn’t blame her for wanting to leave, but you had Tommy to think of. What if he came home to no one waiting for him? Could you abandon him that way?

Then Tommy’s letters stopped arriving in the mail and you failed at all attempts to push dark thoughts from your mind. No matter what you did, they crept in at night like a thief, stealing the happy memories you’d carefully stored away. When you were alone and scared, trembling from fear that Tommy may never return, the devil whispered in your ear that you were all alone. Convinced there was nothing left for you at home, you made a new life in London and never looked back.

You and Millie let a flat together and tried to be family for one another. Without leaving a forwarding address, you had no other choice. Millie found work in a bakery and you jumped at the chance to perform at the Eden Club. Things looked bright for a brief shining moment before your tomorrows began to fade away once more.

———————————

"Blackbird?” a low, rough voice called from behind your left shoulder, leaving a trail of goosebumps down your arm. It had been so long since anyone called you that. You knew it could only be one man. A lump formed in your throat involuntarily and you briefly considered walking away, but you knew he’d only follow you. Turning to face him, you readied a mask for the occasion, hoping the cracks didn’t show.

“Hello handsome,” you purred, treating him like any other customer.

Tommy halted as he observed you, “Can we talk?” he asked hesitantly. It had been far too long and he had so much he wanted to know. You’d left Birmingham abruptly and no one had been able to find you, though plenty of people still asked about the girl with the beautiful voice.

“That depends,” you said, batting your lashes at him. “I’m in high demand this time of night so you’ll have to pay for the privilege.”

He quirked an eyebrow at you, unfamiliar with this new persona. It was so far removed from the fresh faced girl he’d known from the Garrison. The finger waves in your hair and the short dress weren’t the only differences though, your whole attitude had changed. You carried yourself with an air of haughty entitlement.

“Why don’t you start by buying me a drink,” you suggested, raising your empty champagne glass to his eye level.

“The girl I used to know drank cordial and water,” he said, removing his hat, the light reflecting off the sharp edged metal at his fingertips.

“Well, people grow up,” you explained with a sharp inhale and a tight smile. “The boy I knew didn’t have razor blades sewn into his cap,” you retorted, eyeing him suspiciously. 

You had heard all about Tommy’s business back in Birmingham. He was making a name for himself as a dangerous gangster whom many feared. While it hurt to hear how much the war had changed him, the deepest cut was knowing he arrived home safely and never came looking for you, but you couldn’t show that now.

Tommy clenched his jaw as he shoved his cap into his pocket, taking a step closer to you. “It’s not the same, Y/n,” he protested, shaking his head. You rolled your eyes, wondering how he could be so naive to think people didn’t change with time and circumstance. If Sabini’s men were to be believed, he was no different than you when it came to making deals.

“Do you want to know a secret?” you asked leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, light breath fanning over his ear as your fingertips brushed along his shoulder. “Everyone’s a whore, Tommy. We just sell different parts of ourselves.” Pulling back to see if it had the desired effect, you gave him a knowing smile. Tommy’s handsome face held a note of pain briefly as he realized he didn’t recognize the hardened woman before him. 

“When I returned home from France, I did what I had to do for my family. If you had waited for me, I would have helped you too. I can still help you,” he asserted.

“You’re on the wrong side of pity, Tommy,” you scoffed. “I don’t need you to take care of me. I did that quite well for five years,” you explained, but the words took on a pathetic, hollow tone, even to your ears. 

You might have changed the scenery over time, but your days were as difficult and tedious as they had been at the factory. Life as a chorus girl took you nowhere so you’d had to find other means to pay the rent. Providing company to wealthy gentlemen might have kept a roof over your head, but it didn’t fill the hole in your heart. You shook your head, knowing it was too late for regrets and feeling too stubborn to admit your plight to Tommy.

As usual though, Tommy saw through you. “You expect me to believe this is the life you chose, eh?” You looked away momentarily, gritting your teeth when confronted by the dirty secret lying beneath your glittering facade.

“If you feel you’ve humiliated me enough for one evening, I’ll go,” you said, attempting to brush past Tommy, but he grabbed your arm above the elbow, pulling you back to face him. The beads of your dress clashed against your body, protesting the sudden stop and your face held a momentary hint of shock.

“You had a perfectly good life in Birmingham. Come home,” he pleaded, brows knit in a serious expression.

“I’m not stupid enough to think anyone back home is waiting for my return. Who would love me now?” you asked, bitterness seeping from your tongue. 

“I would,” Tommy said, blue eyes holding you in a determined stare. “Do you believe me?” He held his breath as he awaited an answer.

“A thousand sunrises ago…I might have,” you said sorrowfully, Meeting his gaze you confessed, “I’m not sure I have a place for you, in here, anymore Tommy,” you said, gesturing toward your heart. “I’ve had to shut everyone out for so long to survive and I’m not sure I have the courage to change,” you apologized as tears welled in your eyes. 

You’d already held them back as long as you could and now they threatened to spring forth and reveal your weakness. Feeling as though you might suffocate, you pulled away from him and pushed through the crowd to find a way out. You could hear Tommy shouting at people, shoving them out of his way in his haste to follow you. “Don’t look back,” you mumbled angrily to yourself, swiping at the rivulets, trickling down your cheeks, ruining your make up. 

Once outside, you walked brusquely in the cold night air, heels clicking against the pavement until your lungs burned. You didn’t want to think about what Tommy was offering or how badly you wanted him back in your life. You heard the heavy door of the club slam shut, followed by footsteps pounding incessantly behind you. “Y/n, stop! Look in my eyes and tell me you don’t remember what we used to be?”

You stopped suddenly, dropping your head in your hands. You did remember, every night spent singing to him at the Garrison and every sunrise over the canal. As you stood, shoulders shaking with the force of your sobs, Tommy approached carefully and placed his coat around you for warmth.

“Cause I never forgot. I tried to find you, but Sabini’s men got to my messenger first,” Tommy said, hanging his head at the memory of the boy who had been killed crossing into enemy territory to find you.

“What?” you said, spinning around to face him. “You looked for me?” Tommy nodded in affirmation. “You forgave me for leaving?” you asked, wiping the tears as they fell.

“Nothing to forgive,” Tommy said with a quick shake of his head. You’d done nothing to deserve your circumstances. He only wanted you home where you could be together. 

He offered you his handkerchief as you let out a sniffle. “Tommy, what if we don’t work out?” you asked in a small, frightened voice.

“Only one way to find out,” he said, reaching a hand out toward you, “Come back to me, Blackbird. I don't want to say goodbye again.”

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

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