#I thought this might be Margate

[whentommymetalfie]

I’m not sure if its the kinda thing you write but I quite enjoy mpreg fics and I had some ideas for Tommy & Alfie

When Tommy goes to Margate to tell Alfie of his plan to shoot Mosley, he also tells Alfie that he is pregnant with his child as it’s getting rather difficult to hide his growing bump

Tommy goes into labour in the middle and of the night while Alfie is still away and in London and isn’t due home for another few days so Polly delivers Tommy and Alfie’s daughter and calls Alfie to get him to come home immediately

Tommy is even more hurt by Alfie’s betrayal when he, thanks to Polly, discovers that he is pregnant

Alfie is stunned when Tommy turns up to their meeting heavily pregnant and working out the dates Alfie realises that its his baby and Tommy never told him

You are in luck because I'm right there with you, this is definitely my thing, and you've come to the right person with these mpreg thoughts! ❤️ I've even written an mpreg work and I keep meaning to add more to that series, but I've obviously got about a million things I want to write, and only so much time. But, it's in the cards for sure.

These are all such great scenarios -loving all the opportunities for angst. The betrayal one, God imagine the possibilities for heartbreak (and then reconciliation and comfort because I mean, it's me, writing it).

And I can imagine, if Tommy had come to Margate with these news, only to two seconds later tell Alfie about this assassination plan, Alfie would've straight up just not let him leave. If Tommy thinks he's waltzing off to assassinate Mosely while carrying Alfie's baby, he's got another thing coming.

There could also a bit of humor possibly, with Tommy showing up at the bakery with this kind of surprise for Alfie. Poor Alfie nearly has a heart attack. Also loving the imagery of him sitting there in stunned silence, quickly trying to count backwards to see if this could be his doing. And Tommy watching this unfold with mild amusement.

Oh and I actually have a super old draft for a story where Tommy goes into labour when Alfie is away (I vaguely remember someone rushing to get him on horseback...) so I'll take this as a sign that I need to write something along these lines. I don't know why but the idea of Alfie dropping everything and rushing to Tommy's side is just something I really enjoy

In the meantime, there are many great omega!verse stories for this ship, and when reading your ideas, I realised there's one in particular that you might really enjoy. It's a series centered around Tommy being pregnant with Alfie's child, and it's written by @itshoneywhatever. You can find it here on AO3,. It's one that I really enjoy, with so many wonderful moments, and I go back to re-read it all the time. I highly recommend checking it out!

Finally, thank you for sharing these very inspiring ideas with me ❤️ I hope to make something with them in the future!

[scorpiussage]

The Ghost of Margate Manor

(Alfie Solomons x Reader) - Oneshot 

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Y/N

Summary: Everyone in Margate knows the mansion on top of the hill is haunted. Y/N finds this out first hand. 

Warnings: none, swearing 

Everyone who lives in Margate knows that the mansion on top of the hill is haunted. They say some gruesomely ugly ghost haunts the corridors and eats those who trespass. Really, it’s all rubbish, but when you’re five drinks deep like Y/N is, the idea doesn’t seem so far fetched. Her friends are no help, either, as they are also horrendously drunk and daring her to break into the manor if she’s so sure there’s no ghost. 

That was thirty minutes ago and now that Y/N is standing at the top of the hill next to the mansion, she’s suddenly worried that those tall tales might be true. Her friends are all waiting at the bottom of the hill, though, and she absolutely cannot go back without following through; she’d never live it down. So here she is, rock in hand, breaking into a side patio door into what used to have been a ballroom of some kind. The few pieces of furniture (and the chandelier) are all covered in eerie white sheets that billow in the breeze from the open doorway. 

Tamping down on her fear, Y/N continues forward, exiting the ballroom into the main corridor. That’s all the further she gets before she encounters him. 

…

Alfie is just trying to enjoy his first night on his own. Since getting shot in the face by that Peaky cunt, he’s been laid up in bed being tended to by nurses and maids. But now, now, he’s finally healed enough to be alone for extended periods of time and he’s been looking forward to it for months. 

He’s got a nice pot of tea, hot and ready, his newspaper in his hand and a big fire in the hearth. With an excited giggle he moves to sit down in his favorite chair when he hears the sound of glass breaking. He looks at the pot of tea and newspaper forlornly, already knowing that the relaxation of this night is gone. Throwing down his newspaper, he surges out into the hallway while readying his pistol, ready to kill the fucker who thought it was a good idea to break into Alfie Solomon’s house. 

Something rams into his chest and lets out an ‘oof’. Raising his brow in surprise, he looks down at who broke into his house. 

It’s a woman, a tiny one at that, and she reeks of bourbon like there’s no tomorrow. She looks up at him, the color draining from that pretty face of hers. 

Before Alfie can say something, she shrieks, “Ah! A ghost!” 

And then she punches him in the face. 

Alfie lets out a loud curse and clutches his sore cheek. Little bit got him right on his wounded side too, “What the bloody fuck was that for?!”

They stare at each other for a long moment before the woman drunkenly asks, “Wait, you’re not a ghost?”

“I’m fuckin’ what?” he demands, reaching out and grabbing her by her arm. 

She gapes up at him stupidly, and says, “Everyone in Margate knows that this mansion is haunted.” 

What sort of looney bin did he move to? 

“Well as you can clearly see, I am not a ghost, love. Now, why the fuck are you in me house?”

The woman doesn’t get a chance to answer because in the next moment she’s bending over and vomiting all over Alfie’s slippers. Yeah, the peace that he’d been promised tonight is long gone. 

…

Y/N wakes up with a pounding headache and a terrible taste in her mouth. She looks around herself in confusion. She’s in some plushly decorated bedroom with extravagant curtains and warm hand carved furniture. This doesn’t look like her room or the room of anyone she knows. 

Looking to her left, she sees a man slouched down in an armchair, his loud snores telling her he’s asleep. 

That’s when she remembers what happened and feels a wash of horror and embarrassment overcome her. God, she was such an idiot and to top it all off she assaulted this poor man. Reaching over, she gently shakes the man’s shoulder to wake him. He does so with a snort and he squints over at her with a contemplative gaze. 

“I just want to say that I am so terribly sorry,” Y/N says while wringing the edge of the blanket on her lap, “I can’t believe I broke into your house! I will pay for whatever repairs that are needed, I swear.” 

The man smacks his lips as he takes in what she’s just said before he reaches his hand out, “‘It’s alright, love. No harm done. I’m Alfie.” 

He’s an oddly handsome man under his unkempt beard and the large scar on his face. And his hands are large and warm as they engulf hers in a handshake. Y/N introduces herself in return. 

“Surely there’s something I can do to make it up to you? I did break your window after all,” she tells him fretfully while climbing out of the bed.

 He watches her while rubbing his chin and says, “Yeah, ‘suppose there’s one thing you could do.” 

That’s how Y/N finds herself returning to the not-so-haunted manor later that night and having dinner with a one Alfie Solomons. 

[oferwood]

closed starter for @bruiscdviolets at Margate 1812

In the weeks since William’s arrival, Margate had been a welcomed change to the racetrack. The sun hung low in the sky, and the fields that surrounded the Lockridge estate were much preferred. This time of year, there was a gentle breeze that was a welcomed reprieve to the spring’s heat, but it also carried a heavenly mixture of the wildflowers and sea salt from the not-so-distant coast. What should have brought some cheer to the Lockridge estate was overlooked by the state of perpetual misery that had made itself a permanent resident amongst those who lived on the estate. Well, it was like that for all but William. As he was the latest arrival, the quiet, forlorn atmosphere had not yet affected the young boy as of yet, though given William’s demeanour, many had doubted if it ever would.

For the most part, the staff had moved throughout the grand manor with hushed footsteps, sharing in the family’s state of lingering grief, but William’s exuberance was practically infectious, which had saved him on a number of occasions from being released from his employment, something his Uncle Henry had reminded him of constantly. William’s demeanour was exuberant, filled with an energy that could make even the stiffest of butlers crack a smile—albeit only when no one else was looking. No one would dare voice it, but there were times when William had brought a little bit of life back into the Lockridge estate. Some days, even William’s high spirits could not tame the persistent sorrow, and today was one of those days, but all of William’s attentions were fixed on Miss Cassandra Lockridge and her well-being.

Sneaking a freshly baked honey cake out of the kitchens as the sun hung low in the sky, William rode out to the fields that surrounded the manor. The golden hue was cast over the grounds while the summer’s warmth still hung in the air. Seated upon the ground, it didn’t take William long to spot Cassandra in the fields; her eyes seemed lost in the page as well as distant, as if she was lost in a world of her own making. “Forgive my intrusion, Cass,” he said, his voice steady, disregarding all formalities. “I thought you might like something sweet to lift your spirits, though if you tell the cook, she may beat me senseless.” He joked, attempting to make her smile, though the threat the cook had warned him about was not the first time, nor would it be the last.

He tried to sneak a look at her book, always curious to see what had piqued Cassandra’s interests. For some inexplicable reason, all William found himself wanting to do was lift her spirits, and so often she was found reading. “Now, I shall be honest, I did steal more than one honey cake, but if you prefer to eat alone, I will take no offence.” William smiled, stepping closer with a quiet confidence. “But you will need to finish them before you return, or else the cook will have me.” William's smile widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. A smile and a compliment would normally leave him in the cook’s good graces, but now was not the time to say such a thing.

[askalfiesolomons]

If you dreamt of a "quiet life", what would that entail?

Alfie: Guess it'd be Tommy moving in with me in Margate... strolls on the beach, him, I and Cyrill...

Bob: Just running my bar like a normal bar owner... I guess.

Eames: Robert, me, a nice house in the country side, maybe some farm animals, yupp.

Eddie: I once thought it'd be me, Anne and a couple of anklebiters.. but now, I am not sure if I want a quiet life at all, because it means I have to part from V.

James: Cottage in the countryside where I'll be self sufficient. A man can dream.

Johnny: Don't think I can quite manage imagining it, though a suburban lil house where I can tinker on my bike, with Benny going to college... Sound okayish.

Reggie: I know Frances wants that. The East Ender wife life. I can't do it. I need to feel the thrill.

Ronnie: Me, my boy, a lil place in a quiet village. If only.

Tommy: I wouldn't mind settling down with Neil, have him run his rental shop. I might find a job as a gym instructor. Maybe we'll adopt a kid...

[agentidiot]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

thanks @justhallucinating for the tag 🫡🫡🫡

1. How many works do you have on ao3? 

23 atm but i'm planning at posting more

2. What's your total ao3 word count? 

129,910 ☠️

3. What fandoms do you write for?

right now for peaky blinders but i used to be very deep in the rolling stones and mcu (and i still am just doesn't feel like writing for them)

4. Top five fics by kudos 

If There Is A Will, There Is A Way (mcu)

don't feed me, I will сome back (pb)

like real people do (pb)

Don't Forget to Subscribe (mcu fic that i translated to russian like 8 years ago ☠️)

lavender (pb)

5. Do you respond to comments? 

YES I LIVE ON THEM AND SCREENSHOT THEM AND LOOK AT THEM FOR MOTIVATION

but i used to be bad at responding tho cuz i was too shy ig

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? 

love is the death of duty but only because it's an open kinda ending. but i'm your man which is the ongoing fic i just finished and posted 1st chaper of broke my heart when i wrote the ending

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? 

pretty much all of them, apart from the ones i mentioned have a happy ending

8. Do you get hate on fics?

no which im really happy about

9. Do you write smut? 

yes

10. Craziest crossover? 

i haven't done any crossovers

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? 

no thank god

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? 

no but i did

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

kinda if dumping fic info to @justhallucinating counts

14. All time favorite ship? 

tommy/alfie and mick/keith. but. hear me out. that's might be controversial. but i'm stony shipper since the first time i saw avengers. i'm a stony shipper til the day i die. also wolfstar but mainly because fics are just too good (fuck jkr btw)

15. What's a wip you want to finish but you doubt you ever will? 

i so many but i can only think of two.

the 1st on is about modern tommy and alfie meeting at the margate's beach where alfie sees tommy walking his cat (yes dangerous is a bengal cat in this one) on a leash. also alfie went to margate to rest after chemo and tommy went there cuz his family talked him into taking some rest after he broke his scull.

the 2nd one is tommy and alfie meeting via chess app. and then they meet irl but alfie doesn't realise it cuz he never saw tommy's photos but tommy did. and he decided to not tell alfie that it's him and suffers greatly cuz of it

16. What are your writing strengths? 

god idk i wish someone would tell me that. smut comes very easily, dialogs too

17. What are your writing weaknesses? 

HAVING. TOO. MANY. WIPS.

also i struggle with not established relationships like how the fuck i supposed to get those idiots together

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

i sometimes put russian words in when i write alfie cuz well i know russian, he knows russian, so why not

and i don't mind it if it's in the fic i read until it's not like in the first pages of war and peace which is a crime against humanity. but well i haven't seen fics like that yet

19. First fandom you wrote in? 

harry potter ☠️ (FUCK jkr)

20. Favorite fic you've written? 

it's either places we came from cuz HELLO? BOTTOM ALFIE TO THE MASSES 2024 or don't feed me, I will come back which is the 1st one from baker!alfie au

that was really fun!! thanks again

tagging: @gimmeaglimmer @rysko

[oxalisvulcanicola]

"Doyle was just a man of his time" is of course correct, but I think our perception is skewed by what literature from the period made it into becoming classics. On the topic of colonialism I'd like to share what Marie Corelli, a bestseller writer of the time, wrote in 1897:

It was the full “season” in Cairo. The ubiquitous Britisher and the no less ubiquitous American had planted their differing “society” standards on the sandy soil watered by the Nile, and were busily engaged in the work of reducing the city, formerly called Al Kahira or The Victorious, to a more deplorable condition of subjection and slavery than any old-world conqueror could ever have done. For the heavy yoke of modern fashion has been flung on the neck of Al Kahira, and the irresistible, tyrannic dominion of “swagger” vulgarity has laid The Victorious low. The swarthy children of the desert might, and possibly would, be ready and willing to go forth and fight men with men’s weapons for the freedom to live and die unmolested in their own native land; but against the blandly-smiling, white-helmeted, sun-spectacled, perspiring horde of Cook’s “cheap trippers,” what can they do save remain inert and well-nigh speechless? For nothing like the cheap tripper was ever seen in the world till our present enlightened and glorious day of progress; he is a new-grafted type of nomad, like and yet unlike a man. The Darwin theory asserts itself proudly and prominently in bristles of truth all over him—in his restlessness, his ape-like agility and curiosity, his shameless inquisitiveness, his careful cleansing of himself from foreign fleas, his general attention to minutiæ, and his always voracious appetite; and where the ape ends and the man begins is somewhat difficult to discover. The “image of God” wherewith he, together with his fellows, was originally supposed to be impressed in the first fresh days of Creation, seems fairly blotted out, for there is no touch of the Divine in his mortal composition. Nor does the second created phase—the copy of the Divine—namely, the Heroic,—dignify his form or ennoble his countenance. There is nothing of the heroic in the wandering biped who swings through the streets of Cairo in white flannels, laughing at the staid composure of the Arabs, flicking thumb and finger at the patient noses of the small hireable donkeys and other beasts of burden, thrusting a warm red face of inquiry into the shadowy recesses of odoriferous bazaars, and sauntering at evening in the Esbekiyeh Gardens, cigar in mouth and hands in pockets, looking on the scene and behaving in it as if the whole place were but a reflex of Earl’s Court Exhibition. History affects the cheap tripper not at all; he regards the Pyramids as “good building” merely, and the inscrutable Sphinx itself as a fine target for empty soda-water bottles, while perhaps his chiefest regret is that the granite whereof the ancient monster is hewn is too hard for him to inscribe his distinguished name thereon. It is true that there is a punishment inflicted on any person or persons attempting such wanton work—a fine or the bastinado; yet neither fine nor bastinado would affect the “tripper” if he could only succeed in carving “’Arry” on the Sphinx’s jaw. But he cannot, and herein is his own misery. Otherwise he comports himself in Egypt as he does at Margate, with no more thought, reflection, or reverence than dignify the composition of his far-off Simian ancestor.

[pawnshopsnycblog]

Could I at any point pawn chains

Pawn Shop handle a wide assortment of things which incorporates an expansive scope of gems pieces like chains. So assuming you are hoping to pawn chains, you can pawn them with us at Florida Pawn.

What is a pawn chain worth?

The worth of your chain will shift contingent upon a few elements:

The make of the chain - famous brands and originator brands can build the worth The materials that it is produced using - it is produced using gold or real silver, what is the quality and carat of the metal, does it contain any stones or diamonds The plan of the chain - there are a wide assortment of chain plans and this can influence its attractiveness in view of latest things The state of the piece - assuming that the piece has any harm to the connections or catch for instance this can affect the worth This multitude of variables will influence the worth of your pawn chain as well as current market costs for gold and silver, so it merits visiting one of our stores to get a valuation and afterward you will have a precise thought of the worth.

What kind of chains might I at any point pawn?

You can pawn most sorts of chains including gold and authentic silver chains. Marked and fashioner chains will be more alluring like Pandora, Gucci, Tiffany or Fendi. Be that as it may, your chain needn't bother with to be a creator chain to be reasonable, despite the fact that it might assist with the worth.

There is a particularly expansive scope of chain types and we acknowledge them whether they are a short choker, mid-length or long rope style chain. The chain configuration can be a fine Figaro chain, a mid-thickness chain, for example, a rope chain, snake chain, belcher chain, follow chain, ball chain or box chain, or a thick chain like a link chain or check chain.

How does pawning a chain work?

To pawn your chain you ought to visit either our Hollywood or Margate store with your chain so one of our prepared experts can assess it. They will evaluate its worth in light of the above factors and furnish you with a fair and serious credit offer or a deal esteem.

In the event that you choose to take the credit, we will part with you the cash straight and will claim the chain as security for the advance. During the advance term, your chain will be put away safely until the credit is reimbursed in full. You can reimburse the advance in full anytime and recover your chain. On the off chance that you are battling with reimbursements on your credit, you ought to address us to check whether we can broaden the advance term.

[bruiscdviolets]

Nodding, "okay, good," she gave her a smile, "thank you." Cassandra stepped away from the other ladies of the ton, in hopes of some quiet. "Heavens no," she joked, "this corset is tearing into my side, but I've heard ladies must suffer for beauty?" Living on the shore offered Cassandra luxuries she never realized were just that, including the lack of corsetry that high society required of her. She never thought she would miss Margate the way she did so fiercely right now.

"I worry about who my husband to be just might be," she sighed, grabbing at her skirts, "I guess I had fantasies of finding myself a love match, even though I never thought myself to be that wistful of a girl." Cassandra always believed herself to be above the girls who dreamed about love, but faced with the prospect of a forced marriage proposal, she only wished she had longed for more a more grander arrangement. Nodding, "yes, I was sent here from Margate. My mother and father met here years ago and I believe they want the same for me."

"Of course." Beatrice nodded. She fully believed that if you thought a compliment about someone, you should saw it. They deserved to hear it. And if it cheered them up, then she thought that it was a job well done. "No. Absolutely not too much." She reassured. "You look amazing. Do you feel comfortable in it?" She thought that, that was the most important part.

As Cassandra stepped to the side, so did Beatrice. If the other didn't want her there, she hoped that she would be okay with asking her to leave. She raised an eyebrow, though, as Cassandra spoke. "I think that, that is okay, though." She nodded. "It is - It's a big night tonight. I think the truly smart ones would be feeling a little bit of trepidation about it. Is it your debut?"

[gooditemstopawn]

Could I at any point pawn chains?

Pawn Shop Florida handle a wide assortment of things which incorporates an expansive scope of gems pieces like chains. So assuming you are hoping to pawn chains, you can pawn them with us at Florida Pawn.

What is a pawn chain worth?

The worth of your chain will shift contingent upon a few elements:

The make of the chain - famous brands and originator brands can build the worth The materials that it is produced using - it is produced using gold or real silver, what is the quality and carat of the metal, does it contain any stones or diamonds The plan of the chain - there are a wide assortment of chain plans and this can influence its attractiveness in view of latest things The state of the piece - assuming that the piece has any harm to the connections or catch for instance this can affect the worth This multitude of variables will influence the worth of your pawn chain as well as current market costs for gold and silver, so it merits visiting one of our stores to get a valuation and afterward you will have a precise thought of the worth.

What kind of chains might I at any point pawn?

You can pawn most sorts of chains including gold and authentic silver chains. Marked and fashioner chains will be more alluring like Pandora, Gucci, Tiffany or Fendi. Be that as it may, your chain needn't bother with to be a creator chain to be reasonable, despite the fact that it might assist with the worth.

There is a particularly expansive scope of chain types and we acknowledge them whether they are a short choker, mid-length or long rope style chain. The chain configuration can be a fine Figaro chain, a mid-thickness chain, for example, a rope chain, snake chain, belcher chain, follow chain, ball chain or box chain, or a thick chain like a link chain or check chain.

How does pawning a chain work?

To pawn your chain you ought to visit either our Hollywood or Margate store with your chain so one of our prepared experts can assess it. They will evaluate its worth in light of the above factors and furnish you with a fair and serious credit offer or a deal esteem.

In the event that you choose to take the credit, we will part with you the cash straight and will claim the chain as security for the advance. During the advance term, your chain will be put away safely until the credit is reimbursed in full. You can reimburse the advance in full anytime and recover your chain. On the off chance that you are battling with reimbursements on your credit, you ought to address us to check whether we can broaden the advance term.

[pawnshophollywoodfl]

Could I at any point pawn chains?

Pawn Shop Hollywood handle a wide assortment of things which incorporates an expansive scope of gems pieces like chains. So assuming you are hoping to pawn chains, you can pawn them with us at Florida Pawn.

What is a pawn chain worth?

The worth of your chain will shift contingent upon a few elements:

The make of the chain - famous brands and originator brands can build the worth The materials that it is produced using - it is produced using gold or real silver, what is the quality and carat of the metal, does it contain any stones or diamonds The plan of the chain - there are a wide assortment of chain plans and this can influence its attractiveness in view of latest things The state of the piece - assuming that the piece has any harm to the connections or catch for instance this can affect the worth This multitude of variables will influence the worth of your pawn chain as well as current market costs for gold and silver, so it merits visiting one of our stores to get a valuation and afterward you will have a precise thought of the worth.

What kind of chains might I at any point pawn?

You can pawn most sorts of chains including gold and authentic silver chains. Marked and fashioner chains will be more alluring like Pandora, Gucci, Tiffany or Fendi. Be that as it may, your chain needn't bother with to be a creator chain to be reasonable, despite the fact that it might assist with the worth.

There is a particularly expansive scope of chain types and we acknowledge them whether they are a short choker, mid-length or long rope style chain. The chain configuration can be a fine Figaro chain, a mid-thickness chain, for example, a rope chain, snake chain, belcher chain, follow chain, ball chain or box chain, or a thick chain like a link chain or check chain.

How does pawning a chain work?

To pawn your chain you ought to visit either our Hollywood or Margate store with your chain so one of our prepared experts can assess it. They will evaluate its worth in light of the above factors and furnish you with a fair and serious credit offer or a deal esteem.

In the event that you choose to take the credit, we will part with you the cash straight and will claim the chain as security for the advance. During the advance term, your chain will be put away safely until the credit is reimbursed in full. You can reimburse the advance in full anytime and recover your chain. On the off chance that you are battling with reimbursements on your credit, you ought to address us to check whether we can broaden the advance term.

[whentommymetalfie]

A new chapter! And again such a long one! 😃

And - wow! - thank you for your detailed answer to my question. 😃 It's really interesting to hear how you approached this big story. I too think, that it's really important to be aware of each character and their development and to maybe write it down to keep track of everyone. One can tell you're doing this because the story has never lost its thread.

And I have to say: I think the same can be said for your Oneshots. Yes, each and every one is complete in itself, but so is the big picture. Due to the fact that I discovered them not so long ago, I was able to read them all in one go, so that they really seemed like many small scenes from yet another big story. Which was great! 😊

But now to the new chapter: Alfie!!! You wanna shake and hug him at the same time. But then you get to know the complexity of everything. At first you think: Just lie down, damn it, Alfie! It can only go wrong… But then reading your/his thoughts on the subject that Tommy will of course relate it to himself when Alfie is exhausted and as a result will not ask him for help again puts everything into perspective. As already described above: One can tell how much effort you put into it and the development of the characters, which makes them incredibly alive and deep! And of course it goes wrong... but luckily there’s Esther! ❤️ I'm really glad you decided to keep her in the story. She is so great! ☺️ And such a nice ending, even if you want to shake Alfie again so that he finally says what he thinks! Things are looking as if they miiiiiiiight get going uphill. 😀

Thank you for the chapter! I am excited for the next! 😊

Thank you for another incredible message! ❤️  And here’s a very late (and again, very long answer, bear with me) 

I’m very happy to hear your thoughts on my one shots in the wtma-AU, because writing for that AU was very different from these long stories, since they’re not written in chronological order. I wrote most of them based on requests, and sometimes I got a request for something that I thought would fit better earlier in the timeline, so I had to do some planning and thinking to make it feel cohesive. Though when I think about it now, I’ve always taken requests sort of ’in bulk’ so I did have a chance to plan them out and make them work in relation to each other. I didn’t have quite the overview I’ve had with Breathe Again and Home to you, but I’m glad they feel like one long story, because that’s always been the goal. (And just a little note for anyone who enjoys the wtma-AU, I actually might have a story planned out for that, because I re-read them the other day and realized how much I’ve missed writing for it, and a little idea came to mind. We’ll see what happens.)

But back to the current story: your kind words mean the world. Alfie slowly but surely wearing himself out is something that’s been in the works from the moment Tommy got injured and had to be taken to the hospital way back in the beginning. And in some ways from the very beginning of Breathe Again. But I’ve tried to portray Margate as this sort of safe haven, where they’d gotten into a working routine of sorts by the end of Breathe again and the beginning of Home to you, which helped Alfie (and Esther) to care for Tommy. And of course Tommy’s recovery has taken a toll after so much new trauma. Which is part of the core of Alfie’s current struggle, seeing so much of the progress gone, like they’re worse off than when they started. While he’s also grown to love him deeply, and that makes it all the more painful to witness, especially since he feels guilty for being unable to protect him. 

Right I could ramble on about that forever, so I’ll just wrap it up there. 

I’ve been struggling with the new chapter, but I’m working on it, and it means a lot to know you’re excited for the continuation. Thank you again for your kind message ❤️ 

[commonorgarden]

Black Boat, Bateson Mason, 1955

[zablife]

HC How Alfie Says I Love You

Author's Note: This was inspired by a post by @solomons-finest-rum who is the expert on Alfie. I hope you agree with these, babes!

*Alfie was unlike any other man you knew when it came to how he showed affection. You had to admit his odd displays of love  and devotion were what fascinated you most about him though. 

*Alfie had only said I love you at the beginning of your relationship to indicate you had moved past the casual dating phase. After that, he didn’t feel the need to say it. He would rather show you with his actions. 

*Alfie had a hard time expressing himself beyond sarcastic comments, but you loved his grumpiness.

*Alfie grumbles about Cyril preferring your company over his. “You take over my house and now my bloody dog too?” However, he was secretly pleased by the way the mutt loved and protected you.

*You appreciated someone who was your complete opposite. You didn’t want a man to treat you as gently as glass. You were glad you didn’t have to constantly reassure Alfie he wouldn’t break you. Some nights you thought he might with his rough lovemaking, but you enjoyed every minute of it. 

*In turn, he appreciated your softness and how you always pressed a tender kiss to his lips in the morning before work. He never said he liked it, but the way he lingered by the door waiting for you and the little grunt he made when your lips touched his, let you know he enjoyed it.

*Alfie often returned late from work. When he climbed into bed next to you he would place a large hand on your thigh, assuring you of his presence. 

*Alfie was the first person who treated you as though you had a mind of your own and he trusted you when you said you could handle yourself. 

*When you first began dating he was impressed you owned a gun, but disappointed by your lack of experience with the firearm. He insisted on teaching you the correct technique when firing it.

*Alfie liked baking more than you and was quite good at making sponge. He made your favorite chocolate cake every year for your birthday even though he hated it.

*After you proclaimed how much you enjoyed Tommy’s brand of gin, he stocked it in the liquor cabinet. Even though the idea of giving Tommy Shelby business made him mental.

*Alfie had given you his pinky ring to wear, but it was still much too large for your delicate fingers. It kept falling off and you worried you would lose the treasured possession. 

*Alfie gave you a chain to wear around your neck so you could keep it close to your heart. At least that’s the way you interpreted the gesture. Alfie would never be so prosaic. 

*He had an odd ritual when he came back from trips, however. He would kiss you, pulling you toward him by the chain of your necklace and hold his ring in his fist. It was a primal desire to know he still had your heart. 

*Your desire to leave the city soon infected Alfie. You had begged him to give up the business long ago, but he wouldn’t relent. Then when you became pregnant, he finally let go. Wanting to spend all his time with you and his child. 

*When Alfie bought Margate you confessed that the ocean scared you and he made sure you learned to swim.

*When early pregnancy exhaustion would hit, he carried you back to the house, bad hip be damned. 

*He grumbled, but actually enjoyed the way you would soothe his aching joints with a massage later. Your scented oils and gentle touch, turning him to jelly in your hands. 

*The greatest declaration of your love was the day your daughter was born. A strong storm kept the midwife away and Alfie delivered her himself. He had never looked so scared beforehand or so triumphant afterwards. 

*One of the few times he said it counted most. As he lay your screaming babe on your chest, he said, ‘I love you with all my heart, dove.”

[blueiscoool]

Banksy 'Valentine's day mascara' 2023

Freezer forming part of Banksy's new work removed hours after artist confirms mural

British street artist Banksy confirmed a new mural showing a 1950s housewife with a swollen eye apparently pushing a man into an abandoned chest freezer was his work early on Valentine's Day, just hours before the appliance was removed.

The artwork, which Banksy titled "Valentine's day mascara" on his website, appeared in the seaside town of Margate, east England, on Sunday night. Its subject and timing appear to highlight violence against women.

Banksy offers few clues about his work, which usually appears in public locations overnight, beyond a confirmation on social media.

Artist Pete Brown was painting the scene when the genuine freezer — which formed an integral part of the mural — was removed on Tuesday morning.

"A council truck turned up and they took away the freezer," he said, adding that the vehicle had the hazard warning lights and a metal cage typical of those used to clear fly-tipping.

Thanet District Council said the graffiti was on a wall of a privately owned property, but the freezer, which was believed to have been part of the installation, had been removed by council operatives on the grounds of safety as it was on public land.

"The fridge freezer is now in storage and will be returned once it has been made safe to the public," the council said. "We will be contacting the owner of the property to discuss the options to preserve the artwork for the district."

Brown, who was visiting Margate from Bath, said he had come to the resort to paint the sea, but after coming across the mural had spent his time painting a scene of a wall instead.

Local resident Lee Hilton said he loved art and was really happy it had appeared.

"I always thought maybe someone might put a mural on the wall, but I was never expecting a Banksy," he said.

He said he had seen a van arrive on Sunday night and cover the area with a tarpaulin. When he woke up on Monday the mural was there.

But he did not catch sight of the elusive artist, and said even if he had done, he would not have wanted to give his identity away.

[wandawiccan60]

Part 19: The Witch of Camden Town

Alfie Solomon's X Jovonka(FemOC)

A/N: Good evening everyone from California and yes I am back with another chapter. I was really again having trouble finishing the ending once again but I managed to leave at the beginning of Part 20 on the next post. Just to give you all a quick heads-up that while was writing this chapter I felt nothing but sadness. Seeing my OC falling into a dark hole it hurts me but don't worry you guys I promise you that there will be something bigger that'll pay off this whole darkness. As always guys thank you to those who have been following my story. Please again comment, reblog, and follow my channel it'll mean so much for the page and I appreciate every single one of you guys. But enough said and again please enjoy and see you all very soon.

ALFIE SOLOMON'S MASTERLIST

TAGS: @i-love-th-characters1, @hecatemoon87, @jarvisrocks, @kittycatcait219, @evita-shelby, @theshelbyclan, @zablife, @potter-solomons, @ao3feed-symbrock, @annisse, @tomhardyspinkyfinger, @edwardthomashardy1, @star017, @thealmightybitchgoddess, @theshelbyslimited, @mollybegger-blog, @rikki-b-lake, @ninja-potato-shelby-solomons, @tea-atfive, @professor-alfie-solomons, @solomons-finest-rum, @symbean, @veddieiscanon, @97freaknik, @jollysoulfestivalfreak, @weirdgirl16355, @omgeternal, @twvstedsouls, @bubblyani, @buttercup32sstuff, @raincoffeeandfandoms, @queenofthefaceless, @queencoraline3, @queen-multi-fandoms, @quarterpastmidnight, @thefics-that-drip, @lovebitesimagines, @alfiesolomons-treacle,

Word Count: 5,285

WARNING 18+ ONLY!!!: Some Cussing, Graphic Mentions of R**pe, Unwanted S**x, Force Intercourse, Mentions of Physical Assault, Some Blood, Mentions of Prostitution, & Devastation(I know I'm sorry for making this chapter feel sad 😔)

⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸

The long drive away from Camden Town felt like an eternity going by. Jovonka Isabel and Edna anxiously sit inside the dark vehicle waiting for what lies ahead for them. All three women didn’t speak to one another for the entire journey, thinking about what Sabini would do to them. If they will ever be able to escape from this hell, they have been trying to hide and run away all this time. But it’ll have to be something they themselves have to witness, even if it means a matter of life and death. Isabel stared down at her feet, feeling dead on the inside while her middle sister looked out through the window. Still remembering the horrifying torture she had to endure of Alfie being tortured in front of her eyes. Feeling as though part of her soul was forcefully pulled away, leaving her empty from inside. Jovonka felt she’ll never see him again, knowing he was really gone from this life. She prayed that one day she would see Alfie again in the afterlife. For their souls will reunite as one again, even if it means to wait for death to take her away. Just so they could reunite her with her king, that caught her heart. 

I’ll see you someday again my love… you will see…

Outside of the foggy night, the girls noticed they were in a newer location that was new to them. The streets were more lit while crossing a long brick bridge and in the distance there was an enormous tower with a clock on top of it. Jovonka looked on in awe through the window and never thought of seeing such an enormous new place. But that didn’t stop her from forgetting where she and her sister and Edna were taken, too. Sometime later, they arrived at a brown, dark building with the windows in the front brightly lit with some people at the front entrance. It was like the hotel they stayed at in Margate however, this new building was more than just a hotel to stay in. The car turned into a dark alleyway as it came to a complete stop. The women held their breaths while Isabel held onto both Jovonka’s and Edna’s hands, feeling their hearts might burst out at any minute. Overthinking of what lies ahead for them which it did not prepare them to see. Victor then approached the back of the car, opening the door for them. But the girls scoot away from the henchman until both Bob and Jack appear from behind. 

“Welcome to your new home, ladies,” Bob said with a cheeky devil grin. Victor and Jack only chuckled.

The women didn’t move an inch from where they were and, without warning, the men forcefully reached forward for them. Jovonka kicked with all her might, but it was no use for Victor handily dragged her out of the vehicle. Isabel tried her best to pull her sister back, but was held back in the hands of Jack. The men laughed out while this was happening to them. Edna also suffered the same. As the hopeless old maid screamed and struggled against Bob’s grip. 

“Let go of us! Novel! Please help us!” Cried out Jovonka while being taken away inside. The young boy was nowhere to be seen.

Inside the lit-up hotel, they passed by a couple of rooms that they couldn’t quite make out. But they caught a scent of booze mixed with smoking cigars with some music playing, women and men laughing while some were making out from either outside or inside of the rooms. Without noticing the newcomers passing through the hallway. Towards the end, they turned a right corner, leading down a dark hallway that leads to the basement. Both sisters and Edna struggled to be let free, but it was of no use. Once they arrived down under Victor Bob and Jack shove them forward, making the poor old maid fell hard onto the concrete floor. Jovonka and Isabel helped her to her feet until Sabini appeared while Novel walked alongside him.

“Now don’t be afraid, my dears. We will take care of you three, no matter what. Isn’t that right, men?” The Italian questioned everything and chuckled in unison. 

The girls huddled against each other, embracing their arms together and shaking like leaves. 

“Where, where have you brought us, you scum? Is this another sick act of yours to torment me, my sister, and Edna?” Isabel questioned with fury in her voice, giving a glaring stare at the mobster. 

Sabini only chuckled under his breath as he walked forward toward the girls. Jovonka tightly hugged her sister’s left arm, seeing the Italian knelt down in front of them. 

“This place here I owe it, and it will be your sanctuary now. But for you three, well, let’s just say it’s only the beginning of what I have in store for you all. Especially you witch dancer,” Sabini said with an ugly grin. Jovonka only looked at him with a serious face. 

“Boys, take the old hag and the older sister upstairs. I want a word with the witch alone, of course,” continued Sabini as Bob and Victor aggressively took Isabel and Edna away.

The women tried their best to not leave, but it was no use. 

“Let go of us! Sabini! Don’t you dare lay a hand on my baby sister or you’ll pay,” warned Isabel while nudging against Jack’s hands, but it was no use in fighting.

Once they were taken upstairs, the rest of the men left Novel was the left in the end. He stopped mid-way up the stairs and looked back. Jovonka and his locked eyes Novel with sorrow and regret in his eyes and heart wanting to help. But he had to remind himself that he sold out Isabel and his best friend. Novel couldn’t do much anymore and he would take this burden he had created for the rest of his life. 

I hope you can forgive me…

The boy walked the last steps until the sounds of the basement doors were closed shut. Leaving both Jovonka and Sabini alone, just the two of them. The Italian strolled his way towards a wooden brown table as he took off his brown coat and hat. Jovonka felt stiff, eyeing her eyes towards the stairs, not knowing if she should make a run for it. But knowing the consequences of doing such action, it’ll only make things much worse.

“What… What are you planning to do with us Sabini?” Jovonka questioned with a shaky voice while her captor was taking his black vest off as she continued, “you have successfully killed the person I... I loved, regained your memories back seeking revenge on me and Alfie and now I am here. What else could you possibly want more from me?”

Sabini said nothing as he kept quiet while his back was facing Jovonka’s way. A small grin appeared on his face, slowly turned to look at his prisoner. Thinking and fantasizing about the things he would do to her while Jovonka did not know what terrors will lay ahead.

“More from you, eh? Well, my lovely flower, at first I was thinking of having you all for myself. Ever since that night your beauty and the way you danced I felt you actually bewitched me,” he said, folding the cuffs of his long sleeve shirt as he continued speaking, “I had to have you and that is why I wanted to buy you off from your now-dead master pig Gusotvo. But of course, he wouldn’t be the easiest person to convince to give up his shiny bright star. However, you turned out to be a little snake that put a false spell on me. And now you’re going to suffer what I had to go through all because your savior came to rescue you.”

Finishing up folding back his cuff sleeves, Jovonka, without thinking, made a run for the stairs. She reached the top and tried opening the basement door. But it was locked up shut, making the young woman panic uncontrollably while rattling the doorknob with her hands. She breathed in and out heavily as she now banged the door with her fists, shouting out for help.

“Help! Someone, Please!” She cried out, but it was no use asking such a thing, but she continued to do so.

After every cry for help, Jovonka felt a hard grasp against her hair, making her scream out in pain. Everything went fast before her eyes as Sabini dragged her down the staircase more violently until he shoved the poor girl onto a dirty-looking bed. The Italian hovered above the frightened woman, but Jovonka fought back with all of her strength. In a sudden turn, though, Sabini with so much force he had in him slapped her hard across her face. Almost knocking her in and out of consciousness, feeling her body now weak. 

“What a pathetic action of yours to do, my dear. And let me remind you at this very moment, you little shit, you’re never getting out of this place. In here yea, you’re mine all for me to do as I please. And I don’t care whether you like it, I’m still going to enjoy every second. So cry as much as you want to scream your heart out. Fight back with whatever strength you have in you because you are now mine and my slave forever,” Sabini said with an evil smile as he disgustingly kissed the side of Jovonka’s neck. 

He continued, leaving trails of his putrid kisses all the way to her breasts. The Italian devil, without stopping, ripped her dress off with both of his hands, exposing her sacred self. Just by looking at this site made Sabini hungry for more, knowing he finally can touch her.

She is all mine to have… at last…

“You fucking behave now, my pet, and enjoy what I have to give you,” he then said, grabbing both of her breast feeling his aching bulge between his trousers. 

Jovonka couldn’t react for a moment until she felt Sabini went further down until she regained consciousness.

“Wa-wait… no, no please leave me alone,” Jovonka begged, but he didn’t listen because he then kissed both of her hips and forcefully ripped her panties with his hands.

“No. NO STOP! HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE!”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP! And stop squirming and stay quiet, yea?” He screamed back while standing on his feet as he unbuckled his belt. Jovonka tried to run away, but he caught her by her legs.

“No Sabini please,” she begged back, but the Italian gangster suddenly grabbed her by her delicate neck, almost choking her to death. 

With one hand, he forcefully opened her legs up and in between, he unzipped his black pants. Jovonka was desperately breathing for air, placing her hands around his arm. Trying to remove his hand away from her, but he was stronger than her. Releasing his aching length, he readied himself between her forbidden flower, already imagining how she would feel around him. With nothing to pull Sabini back, he violently inserted himself into her. Jovonka winced in pain while he consumed her insides without a care. She let out screams and whimpers, feeling thick tears streaming down in the corner of her eyes. 

“NO STOP! HELP ME PLEASE!” She pleaded with Sabini, then thrust into her in a savage and touch manner. 

She felt everything was going all slow, trying to ignore the agonizing pain she was feeling. Hoping that this nightmare would be over soon, but it was just the beginning. Sabini groaned as he pinned her wrists down on her sides, enjoying the feeling of her warm walls pressing against his length. He thrust hard, leaving wet kisses along her chest and neck, gripping her wrists now above her head. Crying her lungs out, she had her eyes shut as the tears continued to shed. In no time, Sabini felt his peak coming undone, removing himself out of her, ejaculating onto her flat stomach. Letting moaning groans while releasing his white poison on her. He breathes heavily as Jovonka only lets out a small whimper, feeling the Sabini’s hot breath against her right cheek.

“That is what I call a good fucking,” he said in a low voice, giving her one last disgusting kiss on her cheek as he stood up on his feet.

Jovonka stood deadly still, letting out quiet wails laying on her side of the dirty bed. Sabini fixed himself up, not caring if the girl was fine, but it didn’t bother him to ask for one bit. After getting himself ready, he looked back at the woman, seeing her curled up in a ball. He then made his way towards her, grabbing a fist full of her hair as she let out a yelp.

“You’ll never escape from this place. You will obey my every command that I say. And if you and or sister do anything funny, I will fucking cut you up like animals. You understand?” He said, gripping on her hair with more force letting out another whimper.

She said nothing and the only reply he got out of her was just a slow nod. Satisfied, he let go of her, hearing his footsteps echoing away towards the door. A moment later she heard the door of the basement close shut, leaving her in the cold dark room hugging herself tightly in her arms. Crying her heart out and wishing to feel her Alfie next to her and come to rescue her. But that will never happen, knowing that he is now gone forever.

I wish you were here my love… I only hope death will come for me soon so we can be together again… wherever you are up in the heavens my Alfie watch over us and I’ll see you again… no matter what…

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Days Later: Small Heath, Birmingham 

“I feel we have been going in circles Cyril, I wonder where we are now?” Said Elena, sitting on the cold floor of an alleyway while the big dog nestled against the little girl.

It has been days since Elena ran away from Margate, as she was told to do by Jovonka. She and the Bullmastiff did their best to stay away from the open fields. But once they made it out of the forest, Elena wanted to go back to her family. Though knowing the risks of going back would be a big mistake on her part. And so they both never stopped fleeing until now, even though the place they settled themselves in will be something unexpected. 

“We can’t stay here forever Cyril, we have to keep going. Or they will look for us if they are still out there. Come on, boy,” Little Elena said, getting on her feet while Cyril stretched his body out until he shook himself.

She giggled at his behavior until they made their way through the alleyway. They haven’t had a proper meal in days, and finding food wherever they went wasn’t the easiest task to seek. But the other reason feared that they’ll be seen again, so instead they laid low even though their hunger was getting the best of them. When they made it out into the open air, Elena looked both ways, but the street they saw was sort of empty. And when she felt it was clear, she and Cyril then made their way to wherever they thought faith would lead them, too. Some blocks later Elena and the big mutt found themselves surrounded by many loud sounds while working men shoveled what looked to be black coal. The smell of steel and gray smoke rose in the air and a burst of fire blew out of nowhere. Elena jumped back at this, Cyril barked at the orange cloud. 

“Cyril, it’s ok boy. Come on, let’s keep going,” said the little girl in a reassuring tone which the dog calmed down. 

Most of the workers didn’t seem to notice her and the big dogs’ presence since they were busy doing their duties. But some by-passers, mostly children, would only look at the new arrivals, but didn’t bother to say hello to Elena. But because they feared the big brown dog that was with her, thinking it would attack them. Little Elena, though, didn’t seem to notice this, for she was busy looking at her surroundings. The adults seem to care less since they see children run around almost every day. So Elena wasn’t too far different from the rest, but it was for the best. Making to the end of the pathway, they both turned right where she saw an open space where a small river bank and ships appeared in front of her view. It was also another busy and noisy site to take in, which Elena wanted to get to know a bit more. However, somewhere on the other end of the path, there stood two peculiar men that were looking for someone important. It did not prepare Elena to encounter the evil men she had feared to see once again. 

“Oí, Mason, don’t look behind you, it’s the little girl,” Liam said in a whisper, hunching his shoulders. 

Little Elena and Cyril passed them by the men, then looked at the young child. 

“Are you certain this is what Sabini was speaking of? Or you’re just blind, Liam?” Mason said, sounding unsure and not wanting to take a random kid from the streets.

“I ain’t blind and it looks like the paper here,” said Liam while taking out the paper pointing at Elena’s picture, “See, what did I tell you, eh? Come on, let’s follow her before we lose her.

The men walked at a normal pace while seeing Elena walk down the gray path. The little girl felt her stomach growl, knowing that she and Cyril hadn’t had food in days. She tried to ignore the hunger as she continued on. Some miles later, Elena and the mutt found themselves in a new pathway. Feeling they might have been here before, Elena then saw a place not far in the distance. So she and Cyril walked their way towards the strange brown shop with three square windows along with two double doors in the middle. And on top it read the following words that, Elena had a hard time reading out.

The Garrison Tavern: Shelby Distillery 

Liam and Mason were not far behind seeing the child making her way inside. Elena opens another pair of brown doors where she was greeted by an enormous brown and gold lit room. Where old and young men sat at brown wooden tables and others at the bar counter drinking their hearts out. Most of the men looked in her direction, confused to see a young girl in these parts. Not until the man behind the bar came her way.

“Sweetheart, are you lost? I’m sorry, but this is not a place for children you have to love,” the wicked man said, trying to be as polite as possible to the young girl.

Elena said little to the man; she only stayed quiet until she spoke.

“Please, sir, I don’t have anywhere else to go. It’s only myself and my dog and we have had food for days. Please, can you spare us a meal for us sir,” said Elena, gesturing her hands in prayer as the bartender sighed at her request.

Before he said anything, the door of The Garrison opened and in came Liam and Mason, making everyone else look at the entrance.

“Elena, why did you run off from me, oh? I told you to stay with me,” Mason said, pretending to be her father, grabbing a hold of her right hand. “My apologies, sir. She is quite the child to wander off. I’m sorry for the trouble now darling, let’s go home.”

“No, he is not my dad, he’s lying help me please,” Elena begged, struggling against the man’s hand, but Mason didn’t have none of it.

“Come on, sweetheart, don’t be such a brat and let’s go home, yes?” Mason said between gritted teeth, giving her a glaring gaze. Elena continued squirming, trying to break away from the stranger’s grasp.

Little Elena, without a doubt, bite hard on the man’s hand, groaning out in pain. He let go of her, but Liam scooped her up from the floor, carrying her out of the tavern. 

“No, let go of me! Help someone!” she continued to scream her lungs out as Cyril heard the girl and barked at Liam.

The dog bit hard against the man’s right thigh, tugging and growling with force. Liam screamed out in pain until he dropped Elena onto the hard gray floor. 

“Mason! Get this fucking dog off of me!” cried out Liam, feeling the dog’s teeth sink deeper into his skin until he felt thick streams of his own blood.

Mason wrapped the big bullmastiff’s neck with both of his arms, choking the mutt with all of his force. Cyril let go of Liam, but he was now choking out for air. Elena saw what the wicked man was doing to the brown dog.

“Let him go, you're hurting him,” begged Elena, tugging on Liam’s right arm, but he didn’t pay her any attention.

Mason grabbed the girl once more, screaming at the top of her lungs, begging for someone to help her. 

“Oi! What the fuck is goin’ on out here?” screamed out a thick rough accent, making Liam, Mason, and Elena look at who talked. 

He looked very skinny looking with a very peculiar haircut, his sides all shaved off. Along with a huge, bushy mustache and wearing a very good-looking suit outfit that only rich people could afford. The new stranger saw what was all the commotion about until he saw the little girl. Liam let the dog go from his grasp. The poor creature let himself fall on the pavement floor.

“This is none of your concern, Shelby. Now if you’ll excuse us but we have business to attend too. So you can piss off,” said Mason, holding onto Elena more tightly, but the person called Shelby wasn’t having it.

“Do you even know who the fuck you are talkin’ to, boy? Hmm? And do you not realize where you're standing don’t you?” said the mustache man as onlookers, including the ones from inside The Garrison, looked on.

“Yes, we know where we are standing, but none of us aren’t afraid of you or your other crazy brothers. Besides, being the eldest of the three, you, Arthur Shelby, believe that you can defeat me and Liam? I dare to see you fucking try, mate, all on your own. Foolish is what I think,” said Mason with a smug grin, finding the situation hilarious until the voice from hell was heard behind them.

“What makes you think it would be pathetic of my dear brother to take you both, gentlemen? You wouldn’t want to push his buttons if I were you boys,” said a raspy silky voice as both of Sabini’s henchmen nervously turned slowly to meet their maker.

Before them was a tall blue-eyed man with a gray cap on top of his black hair. His bone structure from his face was sharp and fine to admire. As he wore the same attractive suit as Arthur’s but in black and his hands covered in leather black gloves. Liam looks back at Mason with uneasiness in his eyes, evidently aware they were both doomed. Having nowhere else to run away from The King of Birmingham himself. Liam, however, didn’t want any of this, so he instead did what every coward does best. Run for his life to save himself to get away from the Shelbys until a sudden thunder-booming sound was heard. The henchman felt a sharp burning pain in the middle back of his back and front stomach. Liam then looked down, seeing a blood spot appear on his front shirt. He tried to say something, but everything went by slowly until he felt himself kneeling on the gray floor. Until his entire body limps on the cold pavement, breathing his last final breath. Several citizens gasp or stood deathly quiet, seeing the man’s dead body lifeless and still. Mason looked back at who shot the bullet and he saw the oldest Shelby’s holding out his pistol. 

“Oh shit, please, let me go. Here, take the little girl. I promise to not say anything. Just don’t kill me,” Mason pleadingly said, releasing Elena from his arms and pushed her towards Arthur, but she instead ran towards Cyril, hugging him.

Both brothers said nothing until Arthur grabbed Mason from his collared shirt while the blue-eyed Shelby just stared. Out of the corner of The Garrison appeared a small group of men, but one of them stood out the most. He also had the same outfit as the other two Shelbys, but in gray with a light gray cap with crystal blue eyes. 

“John, hold this fucking mugger down on his knees,” called out Arthur, his arms gripping around Mason’s neck, but the new brother went to help him out. 

Elena felt scared at what was going on in front of her, deciding on whether she should stay put or flee from these new strangers. Who she sees to be dangerous as Sabini’s men. Arthur and John forced Mason onto his knees now until the third brother who Elena, hasn’t heard a name from yet, step in front of the man.

“Then explain why you are taking the girl hostage. There must be a reason so we don’t have to kill you. And who are you working for that wants this young child?” he said in that raspy silk voice, waiting for the helpless man to answer his questions but couldn’t find any words to say.

Suddenly the unnamed Shelby brother brutally punched Mason across the face some blood formed inside his mouth. 

“I’m going to ask you one more time and this time I would break your into two pieces eh?” said the blue-eyed man giving him a reassuring look towards the henchman as he continued “Who do you work for? And what use do you or your boss need from the young child?”

Mason only gave him a glaring look, breathing heavily through his nostrils and tasting his own blood inside his mouth. A moment later, the henchman found the strength to talk between breaths.

“I work for Darby Sabini… and that little brat there is his lost property.”

“And why does he need her? What’s so important about a random child that he has so much interest in?” Said the Shelby pressured on bending his knees almost at the same height as Mason, the blue-eyed man wanting more information from the henchman.

“Why should it fucking matter to you gypsy people? She is none of your goddamn concern. I have to send her to Sabini and that’s all you’re going to get out of me. So fuck you all,” said the henchman while shrugging against Johns and Arthur’s grips, but they hold him still.

The third nameless Shelby nodded his head as he stood up on his feet. Then suddenly, without Mason realizing the crystal blue eye man took his gun out and knocked out the henchman with the back of his weapon. Seeing the conscious man fall hard onto the floor. 

“Right then. John take him to the docks, make sure Johnny Dog and the others have him well hidden and secured. And take the body far away from here. This man will be with us for a while. I have a feeling there is more to this. Now go,” the Shelby brother instructed John, nodded his head and snapped his fingers at the other men from the group. 

Once John and his men took away Mason away from The Garrison, the onlookers resumed back to whatever they were doing. Pretending that they didn’t see what the Shelby brothers did. Elena stood there quietly, trying to understand what just happened, but she now knows that Sabini sent his henchmen out. Seeing that there was no escaping from hiding from the Italian devil. 

“Oí what should we do about the girl, Mr. Shelby?” Asked the bartender, pointing a finger in Elena’s direction.

“Don’t you worry about her, Harry, I’ll take care of the child. You go back inside and I’ll see you soon,” said the unnamed Shelby, gently placing a hand on the man’s left shoulder.

Harry nodded back in agreement as he made his way back inside the tavern. Elena was busy seeing Arthur and three more men carrying Liam’s body away to god knows where. Feeling overly and mentally exhausted from watching too many people killed at this point in her life. She didn’t realize the blue-eyed man’s presence, so she just jumped back, trying to not make eye contact with the tall man.

“Don’t be frightened little one, you’re safe now,” he said calmingly, reassuring Elena as best as he could, hoping he is not making her feel uncomfortable.

She was petting Cyril on top of his head. Elena stood quiet for a moment or so until she finally had the courage to talk to the man he basically saved her.

“Are you going to take me to the dangerous man, just like them?” She questioned the Shelby brother, which made a confused look.

“No, of course not. I am not one of them,” he said, kneeling down next to Elena as he continued, “We are not here to harm you, sweetheart. I want to understand why they were capturing you. And for a little girl your age, are you out here all on your own with your dog?” 

“His name is Cyril and… I… I don’t know if I should tell you why we are here. What if you are lying to me?” said Elena shyly, being more cautious and remembering what Jovonka told her about encountering people.

The man understood the little girl completely. If he was her age, he would feel the same way. 

“If you feel like not telling me, it’s alright. But right now, you’re not safe out here. Come, I’ll take you to a more secure place where you’ll be more comfortable,” the blue-eyed man said, standing up in his feet extending his hand to Elena, while she just looked at his hand to his eyes, “I promise you I will not hurt you.”

Elena was hesitant for a moment if she should take the man’s hand or not. But deep down in her gut, she felt he could be telling the truth about him not harming her. But seeing that running away again, there could be another chance Sabini’s men will come and look for her no matter where she went. And so Elena finally took a hold of his large hand while still hugging Cyril’s neck with her left arm. 

“What’s your name sir?” Elena then asked while they walked down another pathway towards a car waiting for them up ahead. 

“My name is Thomas darling, and you don’t have to call me sir, yes?” He said, giving her a warm smile, which she returned the gesture and nodded her head in reply.

And so Elena, Thomas, and Cyril made their way inside the car, where Thomas knew where the girl would be safe and out of danger.

Grace Shelby Institute  

⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸⚜️🖤🩸

[bruiscdviolets]

It was a reprieve to be able to come to the cafe, to get away from the Sinclair house. Things had been quiet around the manor since the Lady Whistledown scandal and Thayer was doing his best to prevent the scandal from affecting her prospects, but she did not care about the scandal. The two of them were at odds with their thoughts and feelings about it. Cassandra knew he was near by on Grosvenor Square, but he allowed her some solace.

Her eyes were pulled away from the book she was engrossed in as she saw Lady Maude, a wide smile upon her face. "Oh, yes, please have a seat," she motioned for her to sit down next to her, "oh this?" She returned her smile, "it is a scientific book, one about the sea," it had become her favorite book in the Sinclair's collection: everything about the ocean, including the names of the shells she would collect back in Margate, "it is a compendium of all things related to the sea, including the wildlife." She had spent hours pouring through it, all to remember a home she might lose, "it's quite dorky, I do admit it. I do love my fair share of romance novels."

closed starter for : @bruiscdviolets location : gunter’s cafe

Maude spotted a curly brunette sitting alone, a book in hand, at the cafe and decided to approach her. The girl was in desperate need of conversation and her father had allowed her to visit the cafe, so long as her step-mother sat at a nearby table. She smiled at the Duchess of Whitlock before approaching the young lady. “Miss Lockridge, might I join you?” she asked, a tilt of her head. Her father had recently banned Maude from reading any books — worrying that her mind might be filled with fanciful ideas. In need of a taste of intellectual conversation to go along with her tea, Maude turned to Cassandra. “What are you reading?” she questioned, a charming smile on her lips, “Tell me all about it.