#Luca Changretta Friendship

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Salvation - A Luca Changretta/Reader One Shot Story.

So my darling @zablife put this in my brain, and it was going to be smutty, but it took a much more tender turn in the end. I hope you all enjoy it nonetheless.

Words - 1,034

Warnings - Brief mentions of violence.

In Luca’s world, his status dictates he acts as judge and jury, but not often executioner. Usually, it’s another to squeeze a trigger, send a ballistic of hot lead into somebody, their final lesson learned in never crossing the men who loom like reapers within the shadows of the New York underworld.  

Until the code of omerta is forsaken so badly, he has no choice but to execute vengeance, when it’s on a level so personal, there’s no one else but him to bring down the final blow. For omerta, any bond is pushed aside. Friendship, blood, oaths, everything.  

And it never gets easier.  

The weight of it pushes down on his shoulders, the deed trailing along after him, like a restless phantom vying for attention, swirling dark as it flits through his mind. It casts its shadows, seeds itself, an implanted haunting no exorcism will ever remove. The stains of blood can be washed away, cleansed by soap and water. Stains of the soul take a much deeper scouring.  

For the wages of sin is death, so says the holy book. He knows it’ll come to him eventually, unless he’s particularly fortunate. It shan’t be the sacrilege of breaking omerta that ends him, though. He knows whatever reaper comes for him in the end will be nothing less than his own wages of sin have earned him. 

He examines his hands again in the car, although it was a gloved hand that pulled the trigger and sent his own blood down to check in at the gates of hell. They only contain the usual brandings, no blood to mark the deed, nothing outward giving it away. If his appearance matched the carnage in his brain, he would look as if he’d been launched headfirst into a blood-filled vat, dripping sanguine, no skin left without the slick wet of a crimson stain.  

He feels like he is walking through clay as he enters your home, feet heavy, limbs turned to stone and concrete. Luca Changretta is nothing if not a pillar of strength, but as with anything, if the pillar is subjected to blunt force trauma too many times, it begins to show cracks.  

It’s always you who patches them up again.  If anybody has a chance of banishing the phantom, it is you.

He moves through the house wordlessly after removing his coat and hat, his feet upon the stairs echoing through the hallway. Slow, heavy footfalls, his shoulders drawn up as you stand at the bottom to view him, biting your lip nervously.  

“Want me to bring you a drink up?”  

He never means to bite your head off, show his fangs like an agitated viper, but it does happen. When the tall Italian turns at the top to look down on you, though, it’s with a softened face. “Please, doll.”  

A little pang of worry nestles itself in your chest, his voice even quieter than usual. You knew he wouldn’t walk away from that particular hit unscathed, the damage being on the inside. It’ll be like a feral cat scratching against the inside of his skull in the days to come, sore, repetitive, vying for release.  

After all, it isn’t every day a man has to put a bullet in his cousin, after discovering he was a rat. 

Knowing he needs a little time, you wait downstairs until after the sound of running water has ceased, giving him a slither of peace before padding up, a large whiskey in your hand. He hasn’t bothered switching the lights on, some of your candles over in the corner lit instead, the room bathed in a dark gold glow.  

He seems to have been taken by the storm of his thoughts, not immediately registering your entrance into his calming space, a wounded, green gaze finding you eventually as you pass him his drink, seating yourself on the side of the tub. Your hand reaches for his face, cupping his cheek, the dark stubble grainy in texture against the soft of your fingertips.  

A sigh sweeps over your palm as he leans into your embrace, your thumb skimming his lips, a kiss pressed as finally, he smiles. “Thank god for you.” Leaning forward, he shuffles to the centre of the tub, the water whooshing around the narrow, muscular form as it cuts through it, Luca jerking his head back. “Come hop in here with me.”  

It’s usually you who lies between his long legs, legs you once coined sexy giraffe legs and made him laugh until his stomach hurt, a rarity for a man usually so taciturn, so quietly still. Your place now is to be the bearer of support, the bolster rod knocked in behind the great pillar to prevent it from toppling, ready to take the weight and repair the damage.  

His head rests between your breasts, eyes falling shut, long legs jutting out of the water where he’s bent them at the knees to make room for you. The steam rises from his skin, and you watch it curling up through the air while your fingers weave into his wet hair, nails combing through the raven strands and swirling over his scalp.  

It’s a practice he’s always found soothing, and you know he needs it, needs something to counteract all that is sharp and screaming in his mind. Your presence alone is tonic enough, but for him, it’s your touch which truly pours healing elixir over the emotional wounds lacerating him deeply. Your fingertips begin to squeeze and rake, easing the tension pulling tight over his head, a soft, relaxed grunt rumbling his throat.  

Your caress moves to his neck, the muscles hard and unrelenting, tension cording every muscle. It leads to his shoulders, your hands working with diligence, stroking, kneading and pinching until you feel them begin to become malleable. He feels it leaving him, the exorcism that is the pure brilliance of your love banishing all that hangs heavy upon him, the phantom chased away, shrouding itself from your light.  

“Feeling any better?” 

He lifts his chin, turning his head, the smile finally reaching the green twinkle of his eyes, picked peridot in the candlelight. “Always am whenever you’re near.” 

[runnning-outof-time]

K’s Reading List — AUGUST

Hey there! Thanks for stumbling upon this reading list! I figured that as a way to support the lovely writers within this fandom that I’d compile a reading list of all of the stories I read over each month.

August was a wonderful month filled with incredible stories. Below is the list of stories that I read. I hope you will find some that you like as well!

As always, please make sure you heed to the warnings on each fic!!

🧡 — denotes story written for my 3.5k celebration

@youtifulsunshinelixfics (was @/acewritesfics)

Prove It - Tommy Shelby x Reader blurb **

Serves You Right - Tommy Shelby x Reader blurb **

It Led Me To You - Tommy Shelby x Reader blurb **

Dirty Dishes - Tommy Shelby x Reader **

**Changed username, so links may not work**

Peaky Caps and Razorblades - Tommy Shelby x Reader — this link works!!

@peakyswritings

Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains dark themes!

Pinkie Promise - Tommy Shelby x OC (prewar)

Heart, Body and Soul - Tommy Shelby x OC (on- going series)

Too Young To Love You - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@lis-likes-fics

A Deal’s A Deal (pt. 2) - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@notyour-valentine

Welcome to Downton, Mr. Shelby - Tommy Shelby x OC (on-going series)

@holacia3

Tommy Shelby Gif Blurb — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@brummiereader

Killing Me Softly - Tommy Shelby x Reader (completed series) — contains dark and 🔞 NSFW themes!

Happy Birthday Love - Tommy Shelby x Reader (from Killing Me Softly universe) — contains dark themes!

@gypsy-girl-08

Blind Date - Modern!Tommy Shelby x Reader (on-going series) — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@zablife

My Sun, My Moon, and All My Stars - Luca Changretta x OC (Aurora) (on-going series) — contains some intense themes!

Pearls from Tommy - Tommy Shelby x Reader headcannons — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

Funeral - Tommy Shelby & Sister!Reader

Pretty When You Cry - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@shelbystales

Story Time - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@peakyltd

Unexpected Friendship - Arthur Shelby x Reader

@writers-hes

Protection - Tommy Shelby x Reader (on-going series)

@weaponizedvirtue

The Face We Hide Behind - Tommy Shelby x OC

@everythingelseisextra

Casual - Tommy Shelby x Reader

Only The Wild Ones - Tommy Shelby x Reader (on-going series) — contains dark themes!

@look-at-the-soul

Skyfall - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@little-diable

Sunshine - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@call-sign-shark

Hey Bunny - Yandere!Arthur Shelby x Reader — contains dark/mature themes!

Birthday Blurb - Arthur Shelby x Reader

@holacia3

Blurb - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@there-goes-thefighter

What Did You Say? - Tommy Shelby x Reader

The Task - Tommy Shelby x Reader blurb

Love You Goodbye - Arthur Shelby x Reader blurb

Cake On the Dance Floor - Tommy Shelby x Reader blurb

Monster - Michael Gray

Bury the Hatchet - Tommy Shelby

@multifandomwriter56

A Good Dose of Laughter…Or Lack Thereof - Tommy, John, and Arthur Shelby & Sister!Reader

Blurb - Tommy Shelby & Daughter!Reader

Five Sentence Blurb - Shelby!Reader featuring young Finn Shelby

Gif Blurb - Tommy Shelby & Daughter!Reader

@raincoffeeandfandoms

Emergency Call - Tommy Shelby & Alfie Solomons (feat. Cyril)

Just Another Test - Alfie Solomons x OC

“Yes or No?” - John Shelby x Reader — 🧡

@moral-terpitude

The Talk - Tommy Shelby x OC

@shelbydelrey

Mrs. Shelby - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@pacifymebby

Peaky Blinders Headcannons - several Peaky Blinders characters — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@cillmequick

The Dress, part 2 - Cillian Murphy x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

The Dress, part 3 - Cillian Murphy x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@teenwolf-theoriginals

Happy birthday, my love - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@peakbys

A Minute And Gone - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@kitixie

The Sapphire Ring - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@valentine-in-my-quinjet

Best Made Plans - Tommy Shelby x Reader (prewar)

@dreamlandcreations

Imagine Tommy Coming To You All Bloody After Meeting With Alfie - Tommy Shelby & Sister!Reader (Alfie Solomons x Reader hinted at here)

@jomarch-wannabe

Control - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

What Was I Made For? - Tommy Shelby x Reader — 🧡

@dearshelby

NSFW Alphabet - Tommy Shelby x Reader — contains 🔞 NSFW themes!

@amysteryspot

Jay Halstead Blurb - Jay Halstead x Reader — from Chicago PD

@notyour-valentine

Welcome To Downton, Mr. Shelby - Tommy Shelby x OC (on-going series)

@zkvry

Are You Laughing At My Brother? - Shelby Brothers & Sister!Reader

@noforkingclue

Dark Promises - Tommy Shelby x Reader

@loverhymeswith

Let’s Be Alone Together; part 1 -Tommy Shelby x Reader

Let’s Be Alone Together; part 2 - Tommy Shelby x Reader

[justins-foley]

I finished watching season 4 of Peaky Blinders and as usual, I have a few thoughts 😌💅🏻

Luca Changretta was such a great character to have on the show. Adrian Brody absolutely nailed it, I wish he were there throughout the whole show to be honest

I loved Alfie so much.. I know we’ll get to see him again but his dynamic with Tommy was so great. Their friendship and the mutual respect that they had for each other made it so much fun to watch. Both were also very clever and understood each other so well. Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy are both so intense on screen and they have such great chemistry, it just made it so good

Polly is a Queen. She is a princess, a queen and a badass. She is the goal, she must be protected. She can do no wrong in my eyes. She is also so pretty… 😍🥰

I’m kind of already done with Michael at this point lol Though, truthfully, I never liked him

Lizzie is growing on me, but still… I feel like her character was so forced on us. I don’t get why they keep including her in everything. She is reliable but she is only reliable because she is desperate for Tommy to see her as an actual human being and not just a reliable prostitute who works for his company. Most of her scenes with Tommy are painful to watch, I wish she were just a woman working for the company but not interested in Tommy like that. Then I’m sure we would appreciate her more

Grace… has become an idea.. ?? I think? An idea of “what could have been”?? Obviously I loved them together, but I’m a bit uncertain when it comes to Tommy’s feelings for her. I don’t know. Again, I’m saying this and I know about the “Our love still remains” scene in 5x1. It just seems to me that Tommy might also feel that way about the girlfriend that he had before going to war.. 😬. But I’m uncertain

[mxpseudonym]

Hi, i'm not sure if you do requests for imagines/oneshots, so my apologies if you dont. Though if you do could you write a Luca changretta x reader imagine where the reader is his childhood bestfriend and they haven't seen eachother in years because the readers family kept Them away from Luca? And then one Day they are eachother again and its a really Sweet reunion? I hope this is alright 😊

Pairing: Luca Changretta x OC (or characterized reader)

OC gender expression: she/her pronouns

Note: I don't write reader inserts much anymore, so I took that liberty but I hope you enjoy. I have a whole backstory of Giada's family, mainly her brother spiraling to get to this point so I just need you to know this ask really inspired me, haha. I've also had this written since like, the week you first asked this I just never got around to editing it and posting. Enjoy!

--

"You're never gonna see that boy again," their brother snarled in her ear.

Everything. Giada's brother had everything he could ask for. Freedom, money, the family business. And now this. Her eyes could only focus on Luca even as she heard the scathing words.

"For once, I'll do anything if," she began a feeble attempt in a quiet voice.

"No." Nick cut her off. "This fucking criminal made a fool of us and you want to ignore it for what? To have playdates? So,”

"It's okay," Luca said, though he was betrayed by his own damp eyes. "It won't be that bad."

"What?" Giada gapped, trembling hands barely grasping the switchblade Nick forced into them.

"Stab the boy, end your alliance," Nick ordered.

There was no use looking around at the gang of devoted men Nick had standing by or even Luca's two friends who looked like shells of themselves. She could only look at Luca. He stepped towards her, and with every flick of the street lights coming in through the junkyard fence along his face, he changed between being the most mature man she knew and still just a 16-year-old boy. Luca grabbed her hand and placed the blade firmly in it. Even at this moment, he took care of her, knowing she'd never done something like this before.

"Don't be scared. It's just the one," He said. Giada felt Luca's arms wrap around her, a false comfort as she heard him grunt. With Luca's hand guiding her, Giada's hand pushed the blade into his abdomen, a clean and deep wound. His thumb stroked the back of her hand. "That wasn't so bad."

"Lu-luca," she whispered, after a moment. The hug weighed her down as he slumped onto her. "Luca!"

--

Giada blew away the memory with the exhale of her cigarette smoke. It had been almost 20 years since getting ripped away from Luca and dragged home. Nothing would be the same after that. She begged and pleaded with her parents to understand her and scold her brother and let her see Luca. But considering the Changrettas never retaliated against the Sparacias, she guessed he promised he'd never see her again either.

Eventually, her family looked at her like they had no idea why she was still on about it. When the pain became too much, she asked to visit her grandparents in Sicily. Her parents considered her responsible enough to travel alone since she was 13, and thought her request was her getting back to normal. But two weeks into her visit she took a potato from her grandmother and began peeling it for her.

"I feel like I'm in a room of people I love, shouting at the top of my lungs. But everyone's decided not to hear me," Giada explained.

"I knew there was a reason you'd visit in the fall. Very unlike you to miss the summer harvest," her grandmother mused. Giada finished the potato and turned to her only solace.

"Nonna, can't I stay here?"

"You're young. So I'll let you run away once."

That one time lasted well into her adulthood, and at 36 she was finally back from running away. There were many things she could miss, but her brother's second wedding, at her Nonna's insistence, was one they could not. The reception was grand and roaring in a stunning hotel her family owned now.

The door she left cracked, opened fully with a creak, and her quiet moment on the stone balcony came to an end. Her eyes remained on the full moon, however, even when she could tell it was her brother by the floral tobacco that wafted around her.

"I'm impressed that you can hold a grudge over your family for so long. Is it so difficult to choose blood over water," he asked, straight to the point. Giada flicked the ash from her stub of a cigarette.

"Why do you always do that?"

"What?" Nick asked in disbelief that there was anything he was at fault for in this situation.

"Why do you act upset like you're mad at me for your plan working? You made up a lie and you separated me from the person I was closest to. Why can't I be mad? You won, right? Everyone believed you. And now all these years later, I can't talk about it because it wouldn't be worth making a fuss over. That's what hurts the most. There's not a week I don't think about Luca, but everyone else is so far past it."

"So what do you want so you'll forgive me? Huh? Money?"

Giada turned her eyes to Nick. He did look handsome on his wedding day, she'd give him that. But he was still a power-hungry maniac who, at his core, was an idiot. How could he be 8 years older than her? Was it their father who made him like that?

"When have I ever wanted your money? Apologize or don't, I don't care. I'll be back in Italy soon enough and you don't have to worry about it."

"Giada, I'm telling you,"

"Isn't that forgiveness?" She stopped him before heading to the door. "And you didn't even have to work for it, I did it myself like always."

"Well you still came back, didn't you?" Nick smirked.

"You're right," Giada confirmed. But so badly she wanted to finish the sentence.

But not for you.

--

It was fucking hot. Giada used to say it was stupid to sneak alcohol during heat waves because it would just make them hotter. Luca chuckled at the memory as he filled a glass of water in the sink.

He was pretty sure there was a Sparacia wedding today, a Saturday. Pretty sure? He already knew Nick Sparacia was getting married again. He kept tabs on the family the best he could without being suspicious. His family had long spat on the grave of his friendship from 20 years ago. Who cares what 16 year olds do? But Giada...

Luca looked down at his bare chest, angling to better see the faint scar that remained. He always wondered why he pushed the blade so deep. He was in the hospital for longer than they expected because of that. But at the moment, he just wanted it to be over for her. 20 years later he'd do it all again. Where the hell was she, anyway? She never was around for the family events, or so he heard through the grapevine.

"Luca!"

Luca's apartment door burst open and his right-hand man ran in. Luca cleared his throat as if that didn't just restart his heart and motioned for the panting man to talk.

"She's here. That girl you're always talking about, Giada Sparacia?"

"I don't talk about her that much,"

"She's in New York," Vinny yelled.

"How do you know that?"

"Because it's a big deal. The prodigal daughter that betrayed a Changretta is back."

--

Sneaking out when you're young was all about finding the right moment. You pass a note to your accomplice, somehow, someway. Then, during a party, offer to help and wait until people aren't paying much attention. At night, wait until your parents check your room for the second time. When you're leaving school, in between classes is best. The best crimes are the ones no one knows even happened.

When you're an adult, Giada found, it's not much different. It was a Changretta worker who approached her while she was grocery shopping with her mother and grandmother. The message was delivered: Luca Changretta would like to see you upstate on Saturday morning.

"I'll get the artichokes we forgot today. It's hot though, so you don't need to come, Nonna," Giada announced over breakfast. Her parents lived alone nowadays with her youngest cousin Damon. They were so happy to have her back that she almost felt bad for leaving.

"Take my car," her father told her, pointing to the keys hanging on the wall. "I'm just happy to see you got passed whatever it was you were hung up on."

"Exactly. You always seemed to understand family over everything except that time you fought with your brother," her mother chuckled. Giada gave them a tight smile as her grandmother patted her knee under the table.

"If we're all done, I'll do the dishes."

Giada's eye twitched over stabbing her best friend in a shoddy junkyard as a child being boiled down to "fighting with her brother" the whole drive to this location. It was a cafe far away from the divided boroughs of their city, a smart choice, though it was farther away.

--

The best way to sneak out of the house is by causing a scene about going somewhere trivial. The Changretta family breakfast concluded and Luca stood and charmed his way around the room.

"Where are you going, Luca?" His mother asked him, making eyes around the room turn to them.

"It's a hot day, and I'm pretty sure the pool will be swimming with... very lovely women. Ah!"

He took the smack from his mother with grace as his brother cheered and chided him for being a scoundrel. All that waiting for the right time stuff was too much work, Luca huffed as he hopped into his car.

He chose the Rose Café nearly an hour and a half north of Brooklyn because he'd been there once when he was checking on the Changretta's expanding warehouses. It was small and friendly, and peaceful. Even when it was crowded, it was quiet and spacious. It was the kind of place, that could easily become "our place."

He pulled up outside of it and paused. There were questions the realistic part of his mind needed the answers to. Would she show up? What if she didn't want to see him? What if she used her complex sneaking out strategy that always left him waiting on her?

He chuckled at the last thought. She'd come.

--

Giada looked in the mirror and tried taking a deep breath. She was too early. Much too early. Early enough to start asking herself all of the questions she didn't have time to entertain before. What if he changed his mind? Did he actually want to see her? What if he wanted revenge? She'd let him, if she were honest.

She swallowed hard. The Rose Cafe bathroom was too small all of a sudden, she needed fresh air. She needed a cigarette.

Giada stepped past the waitresses and hostess, making her way through the lobby and out the door. She dug in her bag, only looking up when she grasped the small tobacco tin. Her body froze before her mind could process.

"Giada," Luca said like a full sentence. He leaned against his Bentley with a cigarette in hand. She ran down the steps quickly, jumping over the last one and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. It was a feat given how tall he was now, but she managed like her life depended on it.

"Luca, Luca, Luca," she gasped. His name was a watery praise coming from her lips as her tears soaked his chest. "It wasn't okay. It was that bad."

It took Luca a moment to understand her reference to the last things he told her, but he only hugged her tighter when he did.

"Why do you always remember every little thing?"

"How could I forget?" She smacked his back. "I could never forget you."

"It wasn't okay, and it was that bad, but we found our way back didn't we?"

"Yes, we did."

>> Luca Changretta Masterlist <<

>> Mx’s Main Masterlist <<

>> Mx’s Peaky Blinders Masterlist <<

[a-libra-writes]

Peaky Blinders - How They Care for Their Disabled S/O

In This Preference, You’ll Be Dating: Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby, John Shelby, Ada Shelby, Polly Grey, Michael Grey, Esme Shelby, Alfie Solomons, Lizzie Stark, Isaiah Jesus, Luca Changretta, Aberama Gold

hello friends sometimes i post writing. this may have been a request at some point but who knows, time is an illusion.

THOMAS SHELBY

He’s overprotective but in a quiet way - he’ll send a nurse to assist you during the day, but you have no idea how many guards Tommy actually has patrolling the place. When you’re out in public with him, he often has a hand on the small of your back and scans the room to ‘make sure’ it’s safe. The anxiety and overprotectiveness really sets in when there’s trouble with business and he believes his rivals could get to you. You can call him out on this behavior, remind him you aren’t made of glass, but Tommy still struggles with the paranoia that something might go wrong. There’s a deep fear that he’s not fit to be with you, that someone kinder or more attentive would be better for you.

ARTHUR SHELBY

He treats you like he would anyone he’s in love with, which is to say like an angel that’s come to this earth. Arthur is his usual sappy, clingy self but there are times when he has intense guilt -- you have enough to worry about, you shouldn’t be dealing with a mess like him. To “make up” for that, there’s really nothing he wouldn’t do to make you more comfortable or help you get around better. He becomes very aware of your limitations so he can assist when you need it; he thinks it’s the least he can do, considering how much you help him. Side note, he will also go absolutely feral on anyone who insults you.

JOHN SHELBY

John is the sort of person who might protect you too much. He’ll want to keep you in a calm and relaxed home, preferably in the country, away from the dirty loud city -- well, he heard that was better for people’s health. He’d be stubborn about things at first, but eventually he’d listen to you when you explain the care you need. He’ll never hesitate to do something for you or get something you need, and will fight anyone that upsets you. Also, his kiddos adore you - you’re surprised to learn he taught them how to be considerate of you and help when needed.

ADA SHELBY 

As your friendship gets closer, Ada reads up on your condition and listens to you so she can do her best to accommodate you when you visit her, or when she visits your house. She never treats you like you’re different... But some days, she can become protective, especially around strangers or when her brothers saying stupid things. Before you two lived together, she set up some cozy accommodations in her home in hopes you’d be more willing to stay over (though she’d never admit to it).

POLLY GRAY

Polly won’t let anyone try to call you weak or shame you for your condition. She knows better than anyone what you go through on a daily basis, and how you still help the company in spite of that. They’ll get such a tongue lashing, they won’t look at you for a week. Protective as she is, she’ll never treat you like you’re helpless. She’d hate to be treated like that way herself. When she was having her bad days after cutting ties with Tommy, Polly would stay at your home and you both would look after each other, though she’d feel terrible for being a burden to you.

MICHAEL GRAY

He wasn’t sure how to progress with his crush on you, wondering if you weren’t interested because of your “condition” - he definitely had a more old-fashioned mindset about it that Polly set him straight on. Once Michael actually gets to sit and talk with you, he begins to understand better. He feels like an overly confident bravado won’t work with you. It’d be dishonest, and you’d see right through it. So you end up seeing a surprisingly real side of Michael that many aren’t privy to. Once you’re a couple, Michael is as protective as the rest of the Shelbys. He might do things that are overprotective, but he insists that’s what’s best.

ESME SHELBY

Esme has never completely understood your condition, but she’s never treated you negatively for it, either. When she’s feeling like going outside, she’ll do whatever she can so you can come with her. When she’d rather stay in, she’ll make sure you’re cozy and the house is tidy before snuggling up with you. She’ll do lots of things you don’t notice right away, like clean this or fetch that, without saying anything. She will immediately fire back at anyone insulting you, even if you aren’t in the room. She has no patience for that nonsense.

ALFIE SOLOMONS

First of all, you’re Alfie’s princess, that’s the long and short of it. You have a lovely home in a safe part of town that his men guard 24/7. The home has whatever accommodations you need, and if you need a helper when he’s gone, he’ll have someone there - after an intense “interview” to make sure they won’t try anything funny. There are times when he’s too overprotective, and you call him out on it, the core is Alfie wanting to protect you from his enemies. After he’s been shot, you relocate to Margate with him. Yes, he makes incredibly morbid jokes about his condition and your’s, and he’s still protective even if he’s falling apart.

LIZZIE STARK

She isn’t proud that she pitied you at first, wondering how you’d fit in with the Shelby company, but she was quickly proven wrong after working with you. She feels she has no right to judge you, and she makes a point to make sure the office is cozier to work at. Goodness knows Tommy doesn’t think about that. Eventually you and Lizzie will become friends or something more, and she’ll do little things to make your life easier, whether that be helping with work or helping out around the home. She’s happy when you move in together so she can better assist you, though she’s definitely not an overprotective or smothering sort. She’ll knock it off if you ask.

ISAIAH JESUS

You both met through his father, who often helped you out if you needed it, but Isaiah also just liked visiting with you over the years. Isaiah has always treated you respectfully but he couldn’t help getting a crush. He’s quite protective, wanting you to move to a better part of town and often volunteering to help you with things just so he can hang out with you. He tries to keep you out of trouble with the gang and its rivals, telling you as little as possible and pretending he isn’t as involved as he is. He’ll insist it’s for your own safety and he doesn’t want to upset your delicate constitution; feel free to give him a round of scoldings for that turn of phrase.

LUCA CHANGRETTA

You aren’t the usual sort of girl that Luca chases, so he’s less likely to put up his suave persona he likes to use with women. He’ll speak with you on a more personal and honest level. He’ll still spoil you like he does with all the women he’s interested in, but the gifts will seem far more personalized. Before you know it, you both would be dating, and eventually he’d insist on you moving in with him. While he’d respect your wants and independence, his old-fashioned tendency to care for you and keep you out of his family’s unsavory business would just be exacerbated.

ABERAMA GOLD

Aberama’s spoiling and doting doesn’t let up; if anything, he’d want to look after you even more. It never feels patronizing or overprotective, however. Caretaking has always been a way he expresses his love. However, he’ll feel guiltier about the long days he has to spend away from you. He’d likely have Bonnie or his daughters check on you and help out around your home; or maybe you could live with them, if that pleased you. He’d ensure you had a nicely put together wagon to accommodate whatever you needed! But if you prefer your own place, he’d still be happy to come in after a week of being away and give you lots of attention.

[inkyblinders]

Dancing with the Devil: Part II

Part 1

Pairing: Luca Changretta x Reader

Author’s note: This was so embarrassing to write not because of smut...but because I’m crushing hard on Adrien Brody right now. And I can’t even share this obsession with anyone because… he’s kinda niche? Someone please reassure me that I’m just going through a phase because dear God why can’t I stop watching Darjeeling Limited just to see him ahhh.

The story picks up right after the end of Part 1, so I recommend reading that first. Comments, likes, and reblogs are always appreciated, let me know what you think!

Summary: Following your meeting with Luca Changretta, you face the Shelby family and Tommy's reaction. (2.6k words)

Warnings: Smut, angst, swearing

Tag: Let me know if you would like to be added or removed

@anythingwriter, @rrtxcmt, @shut-chan

_____________________________________________________________

You barely make it into your bedroom before he is all over you. The buttons of his crisp, tailored shirt fall like marbles. He moans when you nip the skin of his neck, right over his tattoo of the black cross, legs tangled together like a depraved waltz.

When he grinds into you, you shudder deliciously at the hardness that meets between your bare thighs.

How easy would it be for him to kill you after he fucks you, leaving your corpse twisted in the bedsheets. You know Tommy would find it when he eventually remembers that he has not seen you for days.

“Signorita, you know I come to you with the most honorable of intentions.” He murmurs, as if sensing your thoughts.

“You're not a very honorable man then.” A laugh that turns into a gasp as he trails his hand lower and strokes between your legs. No, not very honorable at all. And pretty soon all thoughts of honor are forgotten as he coaxes a moan from your throat.

His fingers are magic. The cold outline of his onyx rings scald your skin each time he crooks a finger inside you. Knowing exactly what you need, seeking your depths, swirling, rising to rub the clit, all the while exploring the flushed expanse of your body with his other hand.

Shoulder to breasts to hips and back again.

Without meaning to, you’ve let this stranger take control of your entire being. But God, do you crave this pure ecstasy.

It’s as if he wants to know precisely how much you can take before you're undone. So when you clench around his hand and feel the familiar ache he is right there, helping you ride the wave of pleasure, never breaking the rhythm of his thrusting fingers even as you curse, rake your nails down his back.

You almost cry out his name when you come. But you bite into his shoulder instead.

“Sweetheart, I’m gonna have to hear you next time.” He growls.

His words barely register as you come down from the high. Aftershocks spark like tiny flames. Now you are wearing his scent as much as he is wearing yours.

“Be inside me,” You whimper, tugging at his soft hair, urging him for more.

He rasps an empty warning, “What's my name, sweetheart?”

Of course. All this time you've never acknowledged you know of his identity. There was no use in trying to hide it now.

“Luca,” you breathe. And his eyes gleam with approval.

With a snap of his hips, he plunges into silky warmth. The fullness stretches you to your limit, head thrown back. It’s good, so good. Every withdrawal of his thrust is a blessing because you know what follows next. It’s him inside you again, wrapping you with his touch and the scent of tobacco and roses.

“Does your Tommy fuck you like this? Like the way I do?”

“He’s not mine.” You choke out, punishing Luca with a bite on the neck that elicits a chuckle rather than a yelp of pain.

He kisses you, your foreheads pressed together. “A damn shame for him.” Soon he starts to quicken his pace, going faster, more erratic, his breathing heavy upon your ears.

Yes, you urge him, come on, now.

And this is your chance. In a flash you roll on top of him, pinning down his shoulders with your hands. He tries to arch up but you stop him with a knee.

“How many men did you bring, Changretta?” You ask, making your voice rough to mask the lust, pressing your hands around his jugular.

It's a pleasure to see him like this. Shocked at your actions, maybe even scared. Naked with want but unable to do anything to relieve it. Unless he tells the truth.

“Fifteen. Why baby, am I not enough for you?” He laughs breathlessly, hands trailing goosebumps along your hips, tracing the contour of your breasts. The jib doesn't hurt you. After all, men have said worse. He tries to surge into you again, and his hot member pulses on your thighs.

“Do you swear on your honor? That you’re telling the truth?” You insist, squeezing him harder. The touch brands his skin as much as it brands yours.

In a voice full of self-mockery he says, “Yes I swear on my honor. Now let me in, clever Isabel.”

You take him in you, the sensations amplify a thousandfold. You try teasing him, going slowly in and out, but soon you are caught up in the sensation of him completely at your mercy and you ride him, faster, until you keen his name, until he too is undone.

****

Through the haze of dawn, he stumbles out of bed and gets dressed. Before he dons his hat once more, Luca leans down to whisper in your ear, as soft as sin.

“You tell Tommy Shelby he may expect a visitor in the night. I'm coming for him as the angel of death. The vendetta has begun…” He kisses your hair.

“I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”

The door clicks shut. You rise from your pillow, and a small, hard lump rolls next to your hand.

It is a signet ring of onyx and gold.

****

“So we all get a death letter from the mafia, but Izzy gets jewelry?” Ada huffs as the family filters into the betting shop. As usual, Tommy holds court at the front of the table, brooding over a glass of whiskey. You roll your eyes as Arthur and John try to cover their snort of laughter with a cough.

“If you want it, you can have it, Ada. He’s probably planning on killing me too.”

“Doubt it. You’re not a Shelby, and we’re the ones who killed his father. Well, someone did, to be precise.” She shoots a bitter look at Tommy, who doesn’t even have the decency to look ashamed.

Despite Ada’s matter-of-fact tone, the words cut to your heart. Not a Shelby.

It’s not her fault. No one knows you’ve been sleeping with Tommy, not even your dearest friend. It’s a lonely secret to keep, but at least you can look at the family square in the eye and not have to worry about the things they say behind your back. Or worse, pity you.

You can handle the violence and moral ambiguity of Tommy’s business. But to lose the love and respect of the Shelbys would break your heart.

“What was the mafia man like, Izzy?” Finn asks eagerly. It’s obvious the boy is thinking of the dashing, gun-wielding gangsters he’s seen in the pictures.

“He was a wrinkly old brute. Kind of like your arsehole brother Tommy.” A smile to take the edge off the insult. But Tommy only looks off into space. As if he hasn't paid attention to this entire conversation.

Arthur clears his throat. “Now, let’s get one thing straight. It was me who pulled the trigger on his dad, so the blame falls on me.” He pats Linda’s hand even as his voice is heavy with guilt.

“No one’s blaming you Arthur, you weren’t the brains behind the operation, no offense.” Ada says. He is about to say something when Polly cuts in.

“Stop squabbling like children. We’ve all voted for truce, despite everything Tommy’s done to us—” The words nearly having us hanged hover pointedly in the air. “—So let’s focus on the matter at hand." She fixes Tommy with a sharp look.

“What’s the news from Camden Town? Will Solomons help us?”

“No.” He says tiredly. And all of a sudden you feel sorry for teasing him. He look gaunt. There are shadows under his eyes, even more so than usual. Without you to remind him to eat, you can imagine his diet for the past few days consisted more of alcohol and cigarettes than anything substantial.

“Spent three hours on a fucking tour of his bakery and another pretending to drink his piss-poor rum. I think he was trying to get me sloshed so I’d forget what I came for.” Tommy rubs his head.

“He’s refusing to send his men to help. Said he’s not going to go after another oppressed people.”

“Did you tell him the Italians are rounding up Jews in their country as we speak?” Polly asks incredulously.

“Wouldn’t make a difference to Alfie. Besides, that’s just an excuse. He’s really just a fucking coward.”

Polly looks troubled at this, as does the rest of the family. Everyone had been counting on Alfie’s friendship with Tommy, however peculiar, to help them with the vendetta. What they hadn’t expected was his extreme sense of self-perseverance. How are they going to protect themselves now?

“Before everyone panics, I’d like to say something.” Tommy clears his throat, setting down the whisky.

“As you may all know, two nights ago our Izzy encountered Mr. Changretta in the Garrison. He bought her a drink and asked her to deliver an official beginning of the vendetta.” He chooses this time to finally look at you. You hold his gaze until he looks shiftily away.

“We can also assume that he has been scoping out Small Heath, looking for any weaknesses on our turf. Now, Izzy has something to share with you all.”

You stand up uncertainly. The last time a woman other than Polly tried to speak her mind at the table it had been Esme, who still refuses to come to the betting shop unless Tommy is not here.

“While Mr. Changretta was, er, indisposed at the Garrison, I found some items in his coat that I think could be useful.” You fish out a passport and a stack of papers from your skirt pockets.

“Good job, Izzy! Oh, I knew we could count on you more than my idiot brother.” Ada beams.

“Becoming a right little spy, eh?” John ruffles your hair good-naturedly. As everyone gathers around, Polly gives a low whistle.

“Goodness, if this is your definition of an ugly brute, I wonder who’ll really catch your fancy, darling.”

You flush. The documents were obtained shortly after Luca had fallen asleep. It was an exercise in agility, trying to extricate yourself from his tangle of limbs, especially when you wanted nothing more than to stay in bed, encased in his warmth.

To your own credit, the papers were highly useful indeed. Some were maps of Birmingham, circles drawn in places where the Shelbys are known to frequent. The Garrison. Charlie’s Yard. The Arrow House. There was also stationary from The Stanton, a hotel just outside of the city.

There had been another piece of paper in the stack, a letter. But you kept that for yourself.

“We all have Izzy to thank for bringing us this valuable information.” Tommy’s voice rises above the chatter. “I will be personally examining all the documents and think of a plan. In the meantime, everyone stay alert, stay armed, and stay together.”

“Now if no one has any further questions, I need to have a private word with her. Alone.”

*****

You twirl the onyx ring around your finger as everyone filters out. It’s much too big but you still wear it anyways. The thick band of gold is comforting in its own way. And despite what you told Ada earlier, you don’t want to give it to anyone else.

Tommy’s curt voice snaps you from your reverie.

“Was it good, then?”

A small muscle tics on the underside of his jaw. His previously blank expression is now cold. The coward in you compels you to feign ignorance.

“What do you mean, Tommy?” You ask lightly.

“Did it feel good to have that fucking wop inside you?”

You burst out laughing. “Christ, Tommy. Did you pick up that word from Alfie? You sound bloody ridiculous when you’re trying to be crass, you know.”

“Don’t fucking change the subject, Isabel.” Tommy snaps.

“Oh, so I’m Isabel, now? You only call me that when you’re trying to get me in bed. Is that what you want? A bit early in the evening if you ask me.”

“What I want for you is to tell me how it felt having that man inside you, inside---”

You blaze with anger. “My sex life is none of your business, even if you are an occasional participant. I did what you would have wanted, and now I’ve got intel on the Changrettas that could save your arse!”

“Do you know how dangerous it could have been? Fraternizing with the enemy is exactly what got us into trouble with the Changrettas!”

“And fraternizing with them again has given us an advantage. We know how many associates he’s brought with him, and where they are staying. Good God,” Your eyes widen as you see the mutinous look on Tommy’s face. “Are you jealous?”

The silence of the room presses in until it's almost palpable. Finally he rubs a hand over his eyes, looking utterly defeated.

“I have no right to.” He says, pained. “But I am, just the same.”

The admission of his feelings would have made your heart soar a few days ago, before you met a man who enchanted you in the Garrison. You only laugh bitterly.

“What makes this different from all those other times you made me seduce the men you wanted to spy on?”

He says nothing. But what else is there to say? The past is in the past, and so many hurts have been caused by the both of you, it would be impossible to untangle it all.

You soften your voice, laying a hand on Tommy's arm.

“Let me continue seeing him. He wants me, and we can use that. You know it will be help, you know it might save us all.”

A breath flutters in your chest as you wait for his decision. If Tommy allows it, you’ll do it in a heartbeat. The Shelbys are your family, whether you're one in name or not.

But if he refuses, then perhaps… Perhaps he might actually care for you, deeper than jealousy, deeper than he admits.

“Very well.” Tommy says finally, and something in your heart shatters. The corners of your mouth curve up in a wobbly smile.

“Thank you for trusting me, Tommy. I won’t let you down.”

“You would never let me down, no matter what you do. Just…Be careful, Izzy.”

He closes the distance between you and enfolds you in a hug. You enjoy this quiet warmth, as fragile as spider's silk. With a small laugh, you pull away, patting his arm before turning to the door.

You don't look back to see if he follows.

[artedimichelangelo]

Hey! Are you still taking requests? If so, do you still write for Luca Changretta?

Yes! I'm still taking requests and I also write for Luca Changretta.

Ok, here's a list of the characters I write for:

Thomas Shelby

Alfie Solomons

Arthur Shelby

John Shelby

Finn Shelby

Michael Gray

Bonnie Gold

Isaiah Jesus

Luca Changretta

Ada Shelby

Polly Gray

I also take these types of requests:

Peaky Blinders Character x Shelby!Reader.

Peaky Blinders Character x Solomons!Reader.

Peaky Blinders Character x Gray!Reader.

And so on like that.

This to say that they can also be about family and friendships.

So, if you have any requests, you know where to send them !!

[zodiyack]

hey!! if ur still doing peaky ships, id love one :) i’m cis fem (she/her) and i’m also bi (id love a masc ship tho pls). i’m 5’2, filipina, tan skin, black hair i keep cut above the shoulders, brown eyes. i’m ambiverted & develop deep close friendships but friendly too almost everyone. i eventually want to write and pursue journalism, but i love to perform in musical theatre as well. also i pretty much march the dark academica aesthetic. i also LOVE to debate and very into politics. ty!!

I ship you with Luca Changretta!

Luca is big on getting you to your dream of a writing/journalism career and has many plans in the works to make it happen

He also gets you only the best teachers and shows involving musical theatre

He takes you to shows with “free” front row seats!

let’s face it, they’re not really free but he won’t tell you that

The politics at the time and women might not really getting along all that well but what fuck does Luca give?

He checked your guys’ garden and, checks out, he doesn’t have any

So, he’ll make it so your opinion is heard and considered

He may also use you to settle random arguments between mafia members because two guys yelling and creating such a fuss over pretty much nothing drives him up a wall

Luca is protective of you already, but with how friendly you are, he takes extra caution

His excuse is that he doesn’t want someone to take advantage of your friendliness but, while that’s true, he also is just a jealous lil’ babe

Back to musical theatre!

He’s on top of getting you auditions and filling that theatre asafp

Expect a random pair of men sitting backstage 24/7 because Luca is just that protective of you

In New York, he finds large groups of people pretty easy so if some random strangers are at what you expected to be a small show, the person guilty is sitting front row with a ginormous grin on his face

I feel like Luca’d vibe with the dark academia aesthetic as well- I don’t know why, I just do

He cuts your hair sometimes

He’ll let you cut his hair too if he knows you know what you’re doing

Being teased for your height? *in Italian/New York voice* Forget about it!

Luca takes pride in everything you do

“Hey have you met the love of my life, she’s an actress! And she’s got a lovely voice, you should come see her live sometime!”

Imagine all that but with an Italian accent and that husky voice of his

By “you should come see her live sometime” he means, “I better see you at her next show or else it ain’t gonna be fun for you.”

Not even gonna lie, he totally asks you to sing him to sleep or some soft shit like that

But while he doesn’t confess that in front of anyone else, he does let you sing while he conducts business

“Doesn’t she have a lovely voice?”

“Yes sir but-”

“Tell her that. Tell her how lovely her voice is.” He’s being serious and it scares the person sitting opposite to him

BASICALLY HE JUST LOVES YOU AND WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT LMAO

okay, I hope you liked this!!

[opheliasbrokenmind]

stranger - luca changretta

hi everyone! apparently i’m not allowed to go out and this means i’ll try to write as much as i can. requests are always open. this is my first luca fic and i’m sooo excited, please let me know how you found it after reading. i love you, take care of yourselves xx

‘Alfie, thirty minutes is over. You can open your eyes now.’ You slowly walked to the place you left the man a while ago and your hand reached to the gun you were hiding under your coat when you noticed the group of men in your direction. You heard him saying something to the man he was talking to and waited for you to come near him before continuing to talk. ‘Yeah, dove, right. Let us finish this, will ya?’ You stayed silent and listened to them, Alfie probably knew you figured out what was happening.

You also noticed the man hadn’t look at you since you appeared so you studied his face. With that perfect suit and beautiful eyes, he seemed assertive but somehow, you thought he was also sad. His tattoos were remarkable, of course. Alfie turned his back to grab a bottle of rum and you felt the Italian’s eyes on you, you barely smiled at that.

‘I tell you what, right. Here’s a gift, it’s free. Souvenir of your visit here. Goodbye, trot on. Down there is Bonnie Street.’

The Italian opened the bottle and smelled it, ‘You know they say you’re a smart guy. You already know what we want before we say it. That’s funny ‘cause now I believe I know what you want even before you say it. Yeah.’ He chuckled and walked to Alfie, you watched them carefully.

‘So, are you gonna taste it?’ Alfie asked calmly, his patience running out. He took out the toothpick and smiled, you thought it was a crooked one. ‘I think this clown wants us to run his rum into New York.’ He said in Italian and you kept your face stern, not letting them you understood him. You threw a look to Alfie, he had the same expression. ‘Damn fucking straight, mate. Otherwise, you wouldn’t still be breathing my oxygen, would ya? Because I have 200 barrels a month. Yeah, cleared by your people, distributed through your teams...’

‘Thing is that people want gin these days.’ He cut him off and Alfie turned to you, ‘Is that true, love?’ You looked like you saw them for the first time today, ‘Well, maybe it could be but... If you ask me, alcohol will be sold anyway.’ Alfie cracked a smile, ‘You drink something other than wine?’ You rolled your eyes playfully, ‘Tommy’s gin isn’t that bad, actually and your rum... I’d drink it too, only if you wanted me to.’

‘Bad, bad liar.’ Alfie said and sighed, ‘Well, the exit is still out there. Right on Bonnie Street, yeah?’ He pointed out the way and the Italian chuckled, ‘Oh, you fucking crazy, you know that?’ Alfie sat back to his chair again, staring at him.

‘Two hundred barrels, huh?’ Then he said something in Italian to the man on his left. The next minutes passed with Alfie explaining the bill to him and you held your laugh when he called him a cunt. You were almost surprised when he agreed with the deal but Alfie was faster than you.

‘Eh, you just made a deal without a negotiation, didn’t you? Yeah, Tommy Shelby was right about you, wasn’t he? You plan to kill us all.’ He said the last sentence in Yiddish and you caught the change in Luca’s face, he wasn’t expecting this. ‘Are we done yet, Mr Solomons?’ He asked and you knew the meeting was over, ‘You know the exit, right.’

The Italian stared at you and then turned his eyes to Alfie, ‘A real beauty, you have.’ He said in Italian and you simply nodded when his eyes were back on you. ‘Grazie, signor Changretta.’ Alfie and you could sense the second wave of shock so you just let the man leave with his questions wondering in his mind.

Luca would expect everything from Alfie but how could you know Italian? More important than that, who were you? Not only you were on Alfie’s side the whole time but you also mentioned the Shelby. Whatever it takes, he thought. I’ll find who you are, darling.

On the other hand, Alfie looked at you under his eyelids, ‘What was that, love?’ You sighed softly and gave him your hand, he got up from the chair quickly. ‘You know, I’m not sure. I just wanted to see him surprised.’ He snorted, ‘Did that fucking Italian impress you? Is that what you mean?’  

The two of you went outside and walked to a cafe, he didn’t say anything until your orders arrived. ‘John’s dead, Alfie.’ You couldn’t help but feel a bit sad for the poor man, you weren’t close but in the end, he was a brother, a husband and a father. ‘I talked to Tommy the other day, things have gone out of hand now and somebody is gonna bleed. I don’t want it to be you or him, I don’t want people to lose their loved ones.’

‘Hmm, I’m your loved one?’ You smiled and he smiled back even it was a really small one. ‘I don’t have many but you’re my friend, Alfie and of course, I care about you. You’d handle him somehow but Tommy’s gonna get killed or lose someone again. You and he have always been so kind to me since I came here so please give me a chance to return the favour.’

‘How’s you gonna do that exactly?’ Alfie sounded concerned, you held his hand on the table. ‘I guess it’s up to him, if he gets in contact with me I will try to stop him.’ The man growled and his free hand caressed your cheek, ‘Don’t do that, y/n. We’re not worth it.’ You closed your eyes and when you opened them, he saw the tears, ‘You are. You are the closest thing to family for me. In all these people in the world, you saw me and you understood me.’

‘I will kill that bastard myself if anything happens to y-’ You cut him off, ‘You have a business to run but me, I’m just a passenger roaming around the world. By the way, don’t be that hopeless.’ You forced a smile and left a little kiss on his palm. ‘Whatever happens, I will always be in contact with you which means if you ever stop writing to me I come here and pay you a visit. Understand?’ The man smiled and this time, it was a warm smile that made your heart flutter.

‘Keep me informed, love. I’ll never forget you.’ He said when you came to your doorstep and you knew he’d refuse if you invited him. Even though he wasn’t showing any emotion, you knew he was pretty sad. ‘Come ‘ere, Alf.’ You whispered and he didn’t resist, letting you wrap your arms around him. ‘Y’know, this old man’s gonna miss ya, little one.’

You watched the man walking away, he grunted loudly and you saw his shoulders dropped. You sighed and closed the door, you knew you were going to leave but didn’t know when. The idea was on your mind for a long time and you were planning how to do it since the Italians arrived in England. You’ve heard a lot of stories about Luca and decided to make him leave Alfie and Tommy. After your encountering today, you were expecting him to do something.

His face appeared in your memory, the sorrow in eyes... What he did was unacceptable but it was clear he suffered enough after everything happened in his life. Tommy had told you about his background, the prison and other things he dealt with. Everyone you knew had a rough life and he wasn’t any different. You’ve always felt like these men should be released from all of this pain and dirt. Alfie was old enough to know that, he was the first one you met. The two of you shared a lot of memories together and now due to his health conditions, maybe he would decide to get some rest. 

Thomas Shelby was different from Alfie, he had been through a lot more and the power was all he had. Alongside your meetings, you had conversations with people you worked with but the ones you had with Tommy were different. He was also aware of the life he could have, he could’ve been a lot happier. He could’ve lived a simple life. Then, he believed there’s no coming back. It was true in a way, nothing he can do would bring her wife to life again. Or his brother, John. You remembered the man again, he always had a smirk on his face and when you looked at him, you could never stop yourself from smiling. 

All these years, you never stayed at somewhere long enough to have an attachment but this time it was different. You and Alfie had a really intimate friendship and even Tommy opened up to you sometimes. The Shelby family didn’t see you as just an interpreter who helped them with their business. You went out with Ada, laughed and drank with Polly, talked with Finn and played with John’s children. To them, you were Aunt y/n. You smiled with the memory of you and John dancing at an event for the business. That night he told you about what was he planning to do before the war. 

When you thought of the Shelbys, you saw children who gave up their dreams. Maybe it was the reason why you wanted to draw Luca away from them or maybe deep down, you believed the Italian was just another victim of this cruel world. Shaking your head to let go of the thoughts, you made your way to the bedroom to change your clothes. When you reached to your bed, you noticed the package on it. You couldn’t help but feel a bit excited as you sat on your bed, unravelling the ribbon. Your eyes wandered on the dress for a second after you picked the envelope. 

   Let’s have dinner

        - Luca Changretta

You let out a breath and read again, he had a beautiful handwriting. The satin dress was scarlet, it was quite assertive just like the man who sent it. You had to take off your bra to wear it and when you looked at the mirror, you liked the reflection on it. The red lipstick made the look even more challenging and you smiled to yourself, he knew what he wanted. You put your coat on and wore your high heels, maybe it could make a difference between your heights. After checking the cigarette box and lighter, you left the house and locked the door.

You were just about to finish your cigarette when a car arrived at your door and the Italian got out, waited for you to putt off the cigarette. You exhaled the smoke and stepped closer to him without breaking the eye-contact, you wanted him to be the first one to speak. Once you were in the car, you studied his appearance. He wore a fine suit, it wasn’t the same one you saw in the afternoon and even though the streetlights were the only light source, his beautiful orbs were able to be seen.

‘Nice place, your house.’ The man looked directly into your eyes and played with the toothpick. ‘Nice dress.’ You commented and noticed the little smile covering his lips. ‘It would be a shame if I didn’t see you in it.’ He offered you his arm and you walked to the restaurant. ‘Well, I’m here, right?’ The worker opened the door for you and after giving your coats to the check girl, the manager of the restaurant guided you to your table. You arched an eyebrow, ‘May I ask why you brought me here?’ 

‘I researched you, mi amore. You are an elegant woman and you should be treated like one.’ You sighed and the waiter saved you with bringing the wine menu. ‘Which one do you work for?’ He asked after the waiter left, curious for the answer. ‘None.’ A smile played at the corner of his lip, ‘Which one do you love or should I say which one is in love with you?’ You smirked, ‘I’m afraid the answer is the same, Mr Changretta.’

‘What is it you do exactly?’ You took a sip from your glass, ‘Simultaneous interpretation but I assume you already knew that. Five languages. English, French, German, Russian and Italian.’ He nodded, ‘Yeah, and how? You don’t have a past. You just appear and disappear.’ You bit your bottom lip without realizing, an old habit of yours from the past. ‘I was born in Russia, my mother was French and she taught me. Then she passed away and my father sent me to Germany to live with my grandparents. I moved to England and learned Italian at school.’

‘I see, a woman with no country.’ You almost smiled at that, ‘I belong to nowhere and no one, better than killing people in order to prove everyone I have strong ties.’ He was taken aback with your observation, ‘I started a vendetta and I won’t stop until they are all buried to the ground.’ 

‘That’s the thing with you people. Thomas and Alfred are all the same. You’ll do that for what, Mr Changretta? Is it going to bring your father and brother back? Is it going to make a difference or fix anything? You are just cowards, all of you.’ 

‘Cowards, huh? An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ You rolled your eyes, ‘You are afraid to let go, to live with it. You’ve already killed John Shelby and you didn’t just murder someone. You also took a husband from a wife and a father from his children. Call it off.’ The rage in his eyes made you stop, ‘What if I don’t?’ 

‘I know you’re not alone here but believe me, they will kill you. Whatever it takes, they’ll kill you if you don’t stop. It’s like a cat and dog fight, it doesn’t make any sense. Do you hate your life this much? Do you want your mother to lose another son?’ You could see your words made him think, he sighed and stayed silent for a moment. ‘What’s in this world to live for? If I die, I will die for an honourable reason. Would it change anything for you if I die?’

‘It would, actually. I thought you are a wise man but if you are this eager to die, then I’m afraid I was wrong. I’d also feel blue because someone I’d like to know is dead.’ You stared at him as he took the words in, thinking about his life and you. ‘You speak like you really mean it, you are a good liar.’ He took a long sip from his wine and looked at you. ‘Do you think I have to speak to make you believe, Mr Changretta?’ 

He stayed silent again and you knew he was weighing your words, you were hoping he’d come round. ‘I was going to ask you what are you doing in the men’s world but now I see, you are as lost as I am.’

‘Alfie was faster than you, y’know? Yes, I don’t have a big purpose in life but at least I enjoy living, unlike you.’ Luca gave you a half-smile, ‘You don’t have any worries but me? There’s no coming back for me after all these years. I’m not a fan of life.’ You tried to gather yourself up, this was the only idea that came to your mind. 

‘One day, Mr Changretta.’ The man frowned, ‘What?’

‘Give me just one day to show you life is beautiful. You’ve got nothing to lose.’

‘I don’t know you, why would I do that?’ He said but you felt you were about the win. ‘Then ask me anything you wanna know and at the end of this night, make your decision.’ You spoke, letting your guard off for him. ‘Tell me about your family.’

‘I was their only child and when I was fifteen, my mother passed away. She loved me in her own way but I knew their love for each other was fucked up. Dad went crazy and sent me away, I saw him in England a few times then heard he shot himself. We weren’t close, I spent more time with his parents. They were nice people but I haven’t seen them for years. Not sure even if they’re alive.’ You realized the emotion in his eyes and laughed softly, ‘Please, I don’t really care about having a family.’

‘Did you ever get married?’ Your smile was bigger this time, ‘Oh, Mr Changretta. I didn’t, of course. Can you imagine me with a baby in my belly? I don’t think I’m the best person to be a mother and well, it must be boring to settle down and sit at home all day.’ He shook his head, you were completely unpredictable. But unlike you, he could imagine you with a beautiful baby in your arms. It would be nice waking up next to you and prepare you breakfast. 

‘How about falling in love?’ 

‘I had relationships, good and bad ones. Most of the time I’ve avoided connecting people, then I got my heart broken by someone. I like knowing people but I don’t like holding to them.’ Luca wanted to know the man who broke your heart, what were you like before? ‘What are you planning?’ 

‘For tomorrow? I’ll take you to a place I like, we’ll talk and see what happens. Maybe I can know you more, too.’ He raised an eyebrow, ‘Have any questions?’  You slightly nodded, ‘How are you feeling, right now?’

‘Confused. I don’t know if I should walk away from that door and leave you or stay and see what you mean. I feel the pressure, the rage after everything that happened. You make me think about things I don’t want to think about.’ You noticed how tired he looked, it wasn’t easy to be him. ‘You have a conscience and it tells you to do the right thing, right?’ He took a deep breath, ‘Why does it make a sense? My mother says I should kill every one of them.’ 

You reached out for his hand on the table and held it, ‘Does killing people make any sense? I know you feel sad and angry but that’s not how to grieve. You should let things go.’ He looked at your hands, ‘Do you? Do you let things go or you’re running around the world to not get attached to people? You are telling me I am a coward but you are afraid of people.’ You tried to take your hand away but he didn’t let you, ‘I don’t hide from people, Mr Changretta. I’m hiding from myself.’

He stayed silent and you glanced away, ‘It’s pretty late, time for me to go home.’ You got up slowly and he walked behind you, your words still echoing in his mind. ‘Let me give you a ride.’ You didn’t say anything and when you were in the car, you watched the road. ‘You know, when I saw you this afternoon I thought you were different, in a good way. How stupid I am for being hopeful.’ The car stopped and you walked to your house with quick steps, you didn’t want to see his face.

‘y/n, please.’ His warm voice stopped you, he was coming after you. ‘What’s left to say, Mr Changretta?’ The Italian stayed silent until you looked at him, ‘I made my choice.’ He whispered and took a step closer to you, your heart was beating fast. ‘When I came to pick you up, I thought I’d have a good fuck tonight. Then you showed me there’s much more in this life. Just one day. Nothing less and nothing more.’ He saw how bright your eyes looked and smiled, ‘When should I come in the morning?’ 

You bit your lip again, unaware of what it did to him, ‘You can stay here if you want but we’ll need a car.’ Luca walked to his driver and took the keys from him, you watched him coming back to you. You took his hat and coat from him once you were inside, you kicked off your high heels and sighed. ‘Want a cup of tea?’ He was studying your house so you walked to the kitchen and put water to the pot. 

He watched you making tea, you were humming a melody and he shook his head at your sight, you looked stunning in that dress. ‘You didn’t accept my offer so we could fuck, right?’ You asked and he smiled, ‘Oh, I couldn’t think that.’ 

‘I’ll change my clothes, enjoy your tea.’  You went upstairs to your room and took the dress off. You choose a white nightgown and found him in the kitchen, sipping his tea. ‘Did you grow up in Italy or America?’ He thought you looked like an angel, ‘Italy, moved to America when I was seventeen.’ You wondered how old was he now, ‘I’ve been to Italy once, to Palermo. There are so many places to visit in this world and mostly I feel like I’ll die before I get to see them. It frightens me.’

‘You have years ahead, doll.’ You smiled softly with the word, this man changed something in you. The two of you went to your room once your cups were empty. ‘I can sleep downstairs if you want.’ You shook your head, ‘Here’s the first thing we’re gonna do to show you life is beautiful, waking up someone next to you.’ He took off his suit and got in the bed only with his underwear. 

‘We are sharing a bed now but you haven’t said my name yet.’ He commented and you turned to him, ‘Come closer, Luca.’ The Italian didn’t question and you stared at him, your eyes turning slowly to his lips from his beautiful green eyes. You closed the distance between your lips and he placed his hand on your nape, pulling you closer. Your hand caressed the soft skin of his shaved face, your other arm around his neck. He pushed you to the bed so your back was resting on the sheets.

His lips left yours and made their way to your neck, gaining a quiet moan from you. He was leaving small kisses to your chest when you stopped him, ‘We shouldn’t do this. Because if we have sex now, tomorrow we will feel awkward all day.’ The man smiled and kissed you again, this time slowly. You sighed softly and wrapped your arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He didn’t resist and rested his head on your chest, listening to your breaths. 

Luca noticed you were asleep and he moved away a little to look at you properly. With your hair spread on the pillow, your lips parted and your eyes closed, you looked so vulnerable and unreal to him. He thought about your conversation earlier and this time it made more sense. Of course, he knew he was going to get killed if he didn’t get rid off the whole family but he didn’t care. All the business and problems with his family were overwhelming recently and he was looking forward to a way out. 

He realised thinking wasn’t going to take him anywhere, he shook his head and pulled the blanket over the two of you. He closed his eyes and waited the time to solve his problems, in the end, you never know what tomorrow will bring. 

[chellestrash]

“slow burn/fake date/enemies to lovers” Alfie Solomons, Luca Changretta, Aberama Gold

alfie - enemies to lovers for sure. I want to go from wanting to kill him to just wanting...him you know? imagine all the sexual tension during confrontations. How about, from ememies to this crazy desire to just pure love. ANGRY SEX! sorry i just thought about that, and you know all the “pleasure doing business with you mr.solomons” when you’re putting your clothes back on? i need that! also like “you could’ve killed me?! nah, that phase of our relationship has been closed for a while pet”

luca - mate i’d fake date luca just to piss tommy off come on. Also i assume we would go out for italian food, and there’s nothing better than that. Well...maybe italian cigarettes but i assume he has those too

slow burn- LISEN OKAY I WANT A SLOW BURN RELATIONSHIP WHIT ABERAMA GOLD! but like only with the season 5 haircut. I mean come on, i feel like he’s such a gentleman, he’d care so much about me. We’d be friends at first, you know drinking partners, for years. We would travel together, sleeping in the woods, siting by the campfire together, slowly realizing that this thing we feel deep inside might be something bigger than just a friendship. (oh and his accent is so cute come ooon)

[peakyblindersexchange]

Deadline Passed! [EDIT: only 1] Pinch Hit Needs Writer

[EDIT] UPDATE: Only ONE pinch hit needs writers now! #5 thewestmeadow 

The collection is looking good! While some writers asked for extensions and are currently working on their assignments, others did not and hit the deadline without posting, so here's the pinch hits below. If you would like to pick one up, comment on dreamwidth (comments are screened to keep anonymity), email me at peakyblindersexchangemod@gmail.com, message me on discord at ashling#7490, OR message me at peakyblindersexchange.tumblr.com.

#1: comebackjessica-CLAIMED

TAKEN--thank you to the pinch hitter!

#2: convenience

TAKEN--thank you to the pinch hitter!

#3 fiveaces

TAKEN--thank you to the pinch hitter!

#4 Kevin_DesertBluffs

TAKEN--thank you to the pinch hitter!

#5 thewestmeadow

Request 1 by thewestmeadow

Luca Changretta/Reader

Wants: Hurt/comfort, a little fluffy, a little smutty

Luca and reader are both strangers in a strange land (ie Americans in a foreign country) and bond over this.

Things I love about Luca that would be great to have included: love of fine things such as food and clothes, the fact that he's masquerading in England as a "lover of the theater," his deep love of family and heritage.

Extra special bonus: Luca cooks authentic Italian food for reader at some point

Interesting but not necessary: Reader is involved in/affected by Luca's life of crime. Reader is also involved in illegal/nefarious activities related to the Shelby and Changretta families.

Have fun, and thank you!!

Do Not Wants: mpreg, rape/noncon, gore/excessive violence (canon typical violence is fine)

Request 2 by thewestmeadow

Michael Gray & Reader

Summary

Friends from birth, from very different backgrounds (Reader background is totally up to you.) Polly is like a mother to Reader, a spiritual guide who also gives sex and relationship advice. Michael and Reader are not romantically attracted to each other but have a deep friendship and understanding, and aid each other through difficult and violent times

Want: Friendship, mentorship, a little angst or hurt/comfort if you feel like it. Just some fun with Michael and Reader alone or with Polly in the picture somewhere. Polly giving relationship/sex advice to both of them would be fun!

Do not want: mpreg, gore/excessive violence (canon typical violence is okay)

Request 3 by thewestmeadow

Polly Gray & Reader

Summary

Reader is American, distantly related to the Gray family, and has come to England to research her ancestry. Polly initially distrusts her but takes her under her wing. She teaches her some of what she knows about gypsy traditions as well as giving her some advice on relationships and sex. (Bonus: Reader is attracted to Luca Changretta. How does Polly react to this?)

Also open to: Reader is a new initiate into Shelby family, comes from America, is distrusted by some but liked by Polly. Polly is mentor/guide/friend to Reader.

Polly and Reader are similar in many ways, connected by blood, but from different backgrounds. Just something fun to show the friendship between an older and younger woman!

Want: Friendship, mentorship

Do Not Want: Gore, rape, noncon, mpreg...

#6 Birdywhistle

TAKEN--thank you to the pinch hitter!

AGAIN: If you would like to pick one up, comment on dreamwidth (comments are screened to keep anonymity), email me at peakyblindersexchangemod@gmail.com, message me on discord at ashling#7490, OR message me at peakyblindersexchange.tumblr.com.

[hethrewmyheartinthecut]

The Complete Peaky Blinders + Characters of Color Masterlist (edit: no longer complete)

Edit: this masterlist is no longer complete, as I am no longer using this tumblr very much and won’t be around to update it

All works on this list are set in the world of Peaky Blinders and FOCUSED on at least one canon or original character of color. (This means no Michael-centric fics with only one or two scenes involving Isaiah, etc.) All works should be longer than 500 words and located on tumblr or archiveofourown. 

Last updated 10/16/18.

WARNING: I have not read all the fics on this list, and fully abandon all responsibility for their quality, content warnings, etc. Read at your own risk.

🎖 indicates a personal favorite of mine + notes on why I like it

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIC W/ A CANON CHARACTER OF COLOR - This is any fic that focuses on at least one canon character of color.

FIC W/ AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER OF COLOR - This is any Peaky fic or imagine that focuses on at least one original character of color.

READER x CANON CHARACTER OF COLOR - This is any Peaky imagine that focuses on the relationship between Reader & a canon character of color.

READER OF COLOR x CANON CHARACTER - This is any Peaky imagine that focuses on the relationship between a Reader of color & a canon character.

CONCLUSION - some parting thoughts

1. FIC W/ A CANON CHARACTER OF COLOR

This is any fic that focuses on at least one canon character of color.

🎖 ISAIAH-CENTRIC - me aka Ashling on ao3 //  Isaiah Jesus and the Sucker Punch Heist // Multi-chapter heist fic focusing on Isaiah, w/ side helpings of Isaiah x WOC, other original characters of color, action, friendship, drama 🎖 notes: really did my damnedest to make this a fun, good one

ISAIAH x FINN - rxttenk1d on ao3 // Finn Has A Choking Kink // smut, written in the second person

ISAIAH x FINN - me // picnic // short modern AU romcom fic

ISAIAH x FINN - me // coffeeshop // Finn has been waiting a long time for his goddamn espresso. 

ISAIAH x MICHAEL - cyrusbarrone // change // exquisite prose, incredibly short 

ISAIAH x MICHAEL - cyrusbarrone // saint dymphna // exquisite prose, perfect 100-word drabbles

ISAIAH x MONA MALLORY - @danceyreagan // several fics on this masterlist //a black OC, Mona Mallory, is cute as hell and dating Isaiah Jesus

ISAIAH x OC - @justaclichewhitegirl​ aka justaclichewhitegirl on ao3 // Hell is Empty and the Devils Are All Here // Alexandra wanted the past to stay in the past, but when doing a business deal with the Shelby's that doesn't always happen.

ISAIAH x OC - wishfulwriter on ao3 // Don't forget where you came from // Living with the Blinders is no walk in the park, especially not if you're somewhat involved with some of them.

🎖 MR. ZHANG x TOMMY - KeithKoenar // For what are we but weak men in a mad world on ao3 // In which Mister Zhang is terribly sick for two weeks and Thomas Shelby ultimately ends up stealing a damn prostitute, because he is a foolish, weak man. 🎖 notes: intriguing, original, smutty

2. FIC W/ ORIGINAL CHARACTERS OF COLOR

This is any Peaky fic or imagine that focuses on at least one original character of color.

CHADDA “SAM” SAMRA x ISAIAH - @peakyposts // The Art of Sneaking Around // Multiple Chapters // Finn Shelby, Isaiah Jesus and Chadda “Sam” Samra had been friends since they were children, but as Chadda gets older her responsibilities become more important than hanging out with her friends. How is she supposed to juggle helping out at her mother’s hair salon, going to school, and eventually falling in love with one of her best friends? Especially when one of those things is completely forbidden by her traditional parents? 

MONA MALLORY x ISAIAH - @danceyreagan // a black OC, Mona Mallory, is cute as hell and dating Isaiah Jesus. There’s over half a dozen small fics on danceyreagan’s masterlist about this couple, plus some moodboards.

RADHA CHAKRAVATI x FINN - @peakyarthurs // “It was all about helping a friend in need.” (Indian OC)

UPCOMING FIC PROMOS: 

UNNAMED OC x MICHAEL - [PENDING] @alfiesolcmons​ plans to write a fic set in America, where the OC is a woman of color. More info forthcoming.

EVE CHEN x TOMMY - [PENDING] I plan to write a multichapter fic about Eve Chen, a fiercely guarded and independent Chinese woman who develops an enemies with benefits situation with Tommy. Moodboard here, more info forthcoming.

3. READER x CANON CHARACTER OF COLOR

This is any Peaky imagine that focuses on the relationship between Reader & a canon character of color.

Reader x Isaiah Jesus

🎖 by @birminghamblinders​ 

🎖 notes: haven’t read these imagines but I know birminghamblinders can write

son of a preacher man // Isaiah had been in your life for what seemed like forever, but was really no time at all. 

love, in phases // Isaiah, quite honestly, knew he wanted to marry you from the first time he spoke to you. 

by @blindersbeach​: 

dad’s plan: pt 1 / pt 2

with purpose // “Isaiah and the reader are best friends spending Valentine’s day together, but become more”

by @blinder-baker​

Brown Eyes // Reader reassures Isaiah

🎖 by @blinder-secrets​ 

Perfect // Reader marries Isaiah

🎖 notes: tooth-rotting fluff

by @bonniebird 

untitled // Imagine hiding that you and Isaiah are dating 

by @collecting-stories​

untitled // sex worker Reader falls for Isaiah 

🎖 Visiting // Isaiah meets a black girl from America and is completely smitten: pt 1 / pt 2 🎖 notes: sweet stuff

morning // protective Isaiah

untitled // reader stands up for Isaiah against some racist

by @ijustwant2write​ 

“Let me help you!” // Reader helps her friend get out of an abusive relationship & Isaiah gets caught up in the mix

by on Jordy___9 ao3

A Long Time Wait // Michael x Reader; Michael invites Isaiah to join them, and he agrees to the idea.

by @la-dame-fleur 

untitled // SMUT

by @lucachangretta 

give over // jealous!Isaiah

by @michaelshelbys 

dramatic // in which isaiah jesus is quite frankly sick of sneaking around with the youngest shelby sister

by @nogods--nomasters​

untitled // You and Isaiah having to hide your feelings

“Please don’t cry. I hate to see you cry.” // Shelby sister Reader

“Why are you so nice to me?”

by @peakyxshelby 

Item // Reader is John’s daughter

Forbidden Flame // Reader is a Shelby sister: pt 1 / pt 2 / pt 3 / pt 4

by @peaky-blinders-lit​ 

Savior // country girl gets lost in Birmingham, meets Isaiah

by @shelbylimiited 

blissful unawareness // Reader is a Shelby sister

helping hand // Reader is a barmaid at the Garrison; Isaiah helps

disapproval // Reader is kicked out of her home for dating Isaiah

by @theshelbycompanyltd​

of fire, fighting, and other “f” words // You went to the Shelby wedding in search of a little excitement. You found Isaiah. 

Reader x Jeremiah Jesus

surely somebody has to have written this, and yet I cannot find anything?

Reader x Colonel Ben Younger

the universe is nothing but a vast disappointment. that man was CUTE

4. READER OF COLOR x CANON CHARACTER

This is any Peaky imagine that focuses on the relationship between a Reader of color & a canon character.

Alfie Solomons

by @peaky-yamyam

Wisdom and War // “Alfie falls for a beautiful black lady who is strong, intelligent, curvy, badass, and is as nutcrackers as him”

by @mrschangrettawrites

[PENDING] untitled [promo post] // (Persian reader)

by me

🎖 A Curious Correspondence // WOC reader gets to know Alfie Solomons through writing him letters as a volunteer during the war🎖 notes: I reread this one sometimes for kicks and giggles

by somebody

I KNOW somebody has an adorable fic that I think is titled Habibi which is ROC x Alfie but I can’t for the life of me remember where I saw it???? please send help

Finn Shelby

by @twistedrunes​

untitled // Isaiah’s sister is rescued by Finn.

Isaiah Jesus

Note: These are only the Isaiah Jesus imagines with a reader that is explicitly a POC; see above (pt 3) for all Isaiah Jesus imagines

🎖 by @collecting-stories​ 

Visiting // Isaiah meets a black girl from America and is completely smitten: pt 1 / pt 2

🎖 sweet stuff

John Shelby

by @xxdearlybeloved​

Among the Stars (masterlist, 10 chapters) // the reader is Jeremiah Jesus’ niece, forced to return to Small Heath from London.

Luca Changretta

by @mrschangrettawrites​

Acquisitions // (Turkish reader) “Every person has their purpose, and yours has just come up.”

[PENDING] untitled [promo post] // (Indian reader x Tommy x Luca)

Tommy Shelby

by @mrschangrettawrites

Another Kind of Language // (black reader) “You couldn’t speak the same way others could, but you still knew how to communicate.”

[PENDING] untitled [promo post] // (Indian reader x Tommy x Luca)

5. IN (MESSY) CONCLUSION

Isaiah is deeply beloved by all. do you have any idea how many fucking tabs I had to open to sort through the Isaiah fic and imagines? I had to bust my ASS

WOC are desperately underappreciated, but at least we’re doing better than fucking Steven 

someone: “I want to write fic but I am not a POC/not that kind of POC/unsure of how to do this” 

me: “listen, just use google & your common sense, then you’ll already be 2 steps ahead of steven fucking knight”

AGAIN, if you have any additions, subtractions, recommendations, send me an ask or a message or whatever. talk to me

[wonwoosthetic]

A Messed Up Blinder || Michael Gray

MASTERLIST     WHO I WRITE FOR

Sooo, I looked back at some older requests and I saw that I still had one to write about Michael Gray. A huge sorry to @shady-good-girl for taking so long to write this, but it’s finally here! :)

It is kind of a song reference, but not really, haha I don’t know how to describe it -  basically, it’s based on the song “The Hills” by The Weeknd.

Thanks to @shady-good-girl for requesting this imagine! You guys seem to always enjoy reading the Finn Cole imagines, so I’m hoping it’ll be the same with Michael :)

Request by  @shady-good-girl : so I was thinking maybe a really passionate "friendship" between the reader and Michael, like they both know that there's more, and they long for each other, the tension is insane but every time before something happens Michael just leaves bc "I'm fucked up, that's the real me" (lyric) write it in a way it's painful to read, make it cute and like a relief at the end maybe haha  you actually don't need to refer to the song, just maybe that one line?

Pairing: Michael Gray x Fem!Reader

Warnings: some hints towards some smut, but I don’t write that, and a bit of cursing

(Y/N) = Your First Name ; (Y/H/C) = Your Hair Colour ; (Y/L/N) = Your Last Name

A Messed Up Blinder - Song Reference (”The Hills” by The Weeknd)

Michael rolled off you to lie next to you in the king size bed. Completely out of breath he commented on the action, which had just happened between the two of you

“Woah…”, he breathed heavily trying to calm down again – you weren’t any better, as well trying to catch your breath again you answered

“Yeah, wow…”

The both of you were just lying next to each other for a while before you decided to roll over, looking at the handsome brown-haired boy next to you, only to find him already looking at you. The passion between your shared gaze was almost touchable – it was that strong. Michael admired your beauty and cursed himself in his head for not having you as his girlfriend, because the only status that you guys had, was as people would call it, friends with benefits – you called it a passionate friendship. 

You guys might had called it like that, but everyone knew there was so much more, and you knew it as well, just as much as the boy lying next to you. He was way too messed up to ever show real love to someone as perfect and loving as you, so he thought. You were just too shy to mention something. It was a blessing and a cure. You got to mess around whenever you wanted but love never made it to the daylight.

At that moment there was more than just the friendship you shared – it was love, but Michael couldn’t keep it that way.

“Ehm”, he cleared his throat awkwardly “I-I…”, he rolled onto his back, only to rose his body up to stand up “I have to go.” Michael was looking for his clothes that were scattered around the room, every now and then tripping either over his own feet or your clothes.

You frowned and sat up, grabbing the bed sheet over your chest “What do you mean, you have to go?” He quickly shot a glance up at you

“Yeah, well, Tommy said he needed me for something in the night and it’s already eight, so I’m gonna head out.” You did not believe a single word he said, how could he think you would with a shaky voice and stuttering like that “You didn’t tell me anything about that earlier”, “Eh, I-I forgot.”

You took off the sheets that covered your body angrily, so you could stand up and grab the silk nightgown from a chair next to the door. Michael’s eyes were following your naked body. “Alright, get out”, your voice was flat, but the pain was able to be heard. You tied your gown around your body and turned around, Michael looked at you in slight shock “OK”, he nodded his head as he quietly walked past you. You couldn’t help but look at him leaving the room.

That situation was sadly nothing new for you, it happened almost every second week when you’re together. Michael was so messed up and you knew it, being a Blinder really messes with you – it did with your brother, who killed himself a year ago, due to being threatened. Your lovers job was dangerous, and you tried to get him away from it as often as possible, but he never let the conversation continue, he didn’t ever want to talk about it – he didn’t want you to worry, but that never crossed your mind, you had always thought that he was just too stubborn. You worked in Tommy’s office, taking care of all the finances and taking calls, et cetera – that’s how you met him.

After Michael left, you didn’t really know what to do, so you decided that maybe you should go out and have a bit of fun in The Garrison, hoping the young Peaky Blinder wouldn’t be there.

--- About An Hour And A Half Later ---

You were ready, had done your make-up, dressed up a bit and were about to exit your apartment. Walking through the hallway, you passed the tall standing mirror and you took a look at yourself and the gorgeous dress you wore. It was gold with frays at the bottom which went just below your knees and matched your (Y/H/C) hair. It almost went off your shoulder with its short loose sleeves. The small details on the dress were more of a silver-gold glitter colour which made it look fancier. Your curves were perfectly noticeable, and you were very happy with the way you looked in that dress – it had been a birthday present from Michael from last year.

After grabbing your small bag with a chain as its strap to carry it on your shoulder, you looked for your keys next to the door and put them into the bag. You opened the door, closed it shortly after, and made sure to lock it properly. The breezing wind of the night hit you immediately and you could feel yourself getting a shiver from being out in the cold and not having a jacket with you, so you took off and started walking towards your favourite bar in Birmingham – it was two streets away. While walking through the dark streets, that had only a few street lights, making it look uncomfortable, if you had to be honest. A lot of the men on the side of the streets had their eyes on you, following your frame with a hungry look, making you speed up your walk.

After the anxious walk through the streets of the dark Birmingham, you finally arrived at your desired destination. Opening the door of the bar, the smell of alcohol and smoke mixed with a bit of sweat immediately hit you, but you were used to it, so it didn’t really bother you. You saw a free seat right at the bar right away and decided to take it for the night. The bartender saw you and walked over to take your order “What can I get for a beautiful lady?” It made you smile shyly “A Margarita, please”, “Coming right up”, he nodded.

As you were waiting for your drink, you started looking around the fully packed room of all kinds of men, only with a few women, and most of them were probably being paid. One man caught your eyes though, he was tall, had dark hair and wore a good-looking suit, he was probably a bit older than you, possibly around Tommy’s age – someone rich, maybe. You shared a look with seductive eyes. Yes, you had Michael, but you had wanted something more, something meaningful, your parents always bothered you with getting married and having kids as soon as possible, and you weren’t getting any younger – but with the young Blinder, that was never going to happen.

“Here you go, love”, the bartender interrupted your flirting and handed you your drink. “Thank you…”, you trailed, waiting for him to tell you his name “Ed”, he wore a smug smile on his face. “Thank you, Ed.” “And what might your name be?”, Ed leaned on the countertops with his hands. “I could be a Jennilyn or maybe… a Rose?”, you shared the same smile, but then gave him your actual name “(Y/N).” He straightened up “Well, you definitely look like a (Y/N), a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.” Right then, you knew he was a player and got disinterested, but still tried to hold up the conversation, damn you always having to be so polite.

“I’ll take a Bourbon please”, a thick southern European accent appeared behind you. Your head turned to the left, only to see the tall dark-haired man taking the free seat next to you – he gave you a warming a smile. Ed looked annoyed at the sudden interruption but started making the older man his drink, almost never taking his eyes off the two of you.

A wave of confidence overcame you just by sitting next to him “Where are you from?” His smiled proudly and took the toothpick out of his mouth “Italy. And I guess you’re from around here.” You leaned on the bar top with your right arm “Yeah, hard to tell, right?” Your answer made him laugh. The sound was deep, yet comfortable, but definitely held something dark behind it.

“Luca Changretta”, he extended his hand and you took it “(Y/F/N) (Y/L/N)”, he took your hand and placed a kiss on the back of it – you blush hard, but hoped due to the bar always being only slightly lit, that he couldn’t see it.

The bartender brought Luca his drink, but smashed it on the surface, and made some of the liquid swap out. “Thank you”, the older man remarked, never taking his eyes off you.

“What is a woman like you doing here all alone?”, he wondered. “I don’t know. Letting go, hoping to calm down and have some fun.” “You don’t look like someone who would have to calm down from something. You’re way too innocent for anger”, his Italian accent was thick, but you really liked it. “Oh if you only knew”, you took a sip from your drink, not before giving him a flirtatious look.

Luca was very fond of you and wanted to know more, so the conversation kept going on for a while.

The door of the Garrison opened and closed every now and then, but with your back turned towards it, keeping your gaze on the handsome man, you didn’t know who entered or left, and didn’t really care. But you better should have had, because one time when the door opened, some of the Peaky Blinders entered, including John, Finn, Isaiah and of course, Michael. Luca sighted them right away but didn’t show any sign of it. But the gang saw him as well, John being the first to see you sitting right in front of the dangerous Italian. He didn’t want Michael to see it too but was too late because the youngest Blinder, Finn, had already told his cousin and even pointed at the two of you at the bar. Michael’s anger rose, and he stormed up to you “I have to talk to you”, his sudden encounter made you jump “I’m talking right now, we can talk tomorrow”, you snapped at him and turned your attention towards you again. Polly’s son didn’t let go “No. Right now”, he demanded. Before you could snap again, Luca took the chance “She said not right now, what do you not understand about it?”, he asked provocatively. Michael absolutely lost it “Alright you fuckin’ Eyetie, you don’t a saying in this, go back to your other blokes and eat your spaghetti.” “Michael! Stop it!”, you were boiling with anger at that point Luca rose up from his seat and was then standing in front of Michael – you thought he would hit the younger one. “I advise you to leave”, the Italian tried to stay calm and polite, but Michael had other plans “Oh, please, you don’t advise me anything.” Luca took one more step towards the Blinder, towering over him, but your “lover” didn’t back down, so before anything could happen, you stepped in “Alright, what do you want?”, your questioned Michael. He looked you in the eyes and nodded over to the room, where all the Blinders would always meet. He took off, wanting you to follow him.

You turned to the dark-haired man “I’m sorry, I’ll be right back”, you excused yourself and he gave you an understanding smile.

As you were making your way to the Peaky Blinders’ room, you cursed under your breath “This better be freakin’ important Gray.”

You entered the room and smashed the door close, which made Michael, who was leaning on the table, turn around.

(please ignore John in the background of the gif)

“What do you want? I thought Tommy needed you”, you reminded him of his statement from before. “He did! And now I’m done, come here to have a drink only to see you all over that fuckin’ wop”, “Michael! So help me whoever is up there, if you call him anything like that one more time – “, you walked up to him with your index finger right in the face, but he interrupted you “What? Hm? What will you do? Hit me?”, he was pretty much making fun of you. You smirk and smacked him right across the face “Yes. That is EXACTLY what I will do.”

Michael turned back to you in the eyes. Suddenly he grabbed your face and smashed his lips onto yours. Hungrily your lips moved against each other with your bodies close together, not even a sheet of paper fitting between the two of you. The kiss held anger, hurt, passion, and love in it, all mixed together. He turned you around, to lay you down on the table. He started kissing your neck and you sat up. Everything happened with too many emotions, but mostly anger.

--- A Short While Later ---

You straightened your dress and tried fixing your hair as well as possible, while Michael was fixing his belt “What was that?”, you wondered. “What do you mean?”, the young Blinder acted confused. You got angry again, way too often for that one day “You know exactly what I mean Michael, stop acting so oblivious to this all! The only thing we do is mess around, is that really what you want!?”, you screamed. He walked over to you and covered your mouth with his right palm “Shut up! Don’t scream. I don’t know what you’re talking about, alrigh’? You enjoy it, I enjoy it, everything’s fine, that’s it.” You grabbed the hand from your face and smacked it away “No, I don’t enjoy it. I will take no more of this. We’re done.”

Your sudden statement did not only shock Michael but yourself as well. You had never acted this way when it came to your passionate “friendship”, but this time was one too many. After collecting all your belongings, you exited the room and came right into sight with the rest of the gang, who entered the bar before. You turned your sight towards the bar, expecting the tall Italian sitting there, but he wasn’t.

“Where’s Luca?”, you asked the Blinders in front of you. “We told him to leave”, John answered bluntly.

Your anger rose once more but decided not to take it out on the men, but to just walk out. Exiting the bar, you made sure to smash the door and started making your way back home, wanting nothing more than to just sleep and forget about that night.

--- The Next Day ---

You woke up to an impatient knocking on your front door. As you got back home last night, you had been too lazy and tired to make your way to your bedroom and just decided to crash on the sofa. The knocking didn’t stop, and you decided to get up and look who was disturbing you so early. As you opened it, your landlord came to sight. The old lady looked tired and was out of breath “Please, (Y/N), dear, go downstairs to that boy. He’s been there the entire morning and won’t go away.”

You got really confused “What? What boy?”, you questioned. She was slowly catching her breath again “I don’t know his name, but I’ve seen him around here, I know you have something going on with him… and I don’t know what happened, but he won’t stop asking for you.”

You huffed “Alrigh’, thank you, Sarah.” You gave her a thankful smile and closed the door again.

The thought of not going downstairs and just ignoring him came to your mind, but you didn’t want to annoy the lovely lady, and just went to grab your gown and shoes, and opened the apartment door, to walk downstairs.

While walking down the stairs slightly annoyed, a lot of things were going through your head. What does he want? Why now? Why can’t he just let it go? And also, what should you say? Your thinking stopped when you saw Michael through the front door, standing on the pavement, waiting for you. The sound of the door opening made the young men look up. You decided to start the conversation “Mornin’”, your voice was flat. “Mornin’”, he nodded back. “So?”, you asked, wanting him to either excuse or explain himself. He rubbed his hand together “I-I’m… I’m sorry”, he looked into your eyes. You were shocked – he had never said sorry with so much hurt in his voice. It sounded like he actually meant it. “What?”, you decided to play oblivious for once. “You know… everything”, he paused “Especially yesterday.”

You nodded your head understandingly. The both of you kept your gaze down, not wanting to see the hurt in each-others eyes. Especially because tears were starting to form in your eyes “You know I can’t do this anymore”, your voice was shaky even though you tried swallowing it down.

Michael heard it and looked back at you. He approached you “I know… After I saw you yesterday with that Italian bloke, I just- I- I knew… that I- I can’t do this anymore.”

Your head shot up – you looked at him in shock, scared of what was about to follow. His blue eyes stared into yours “I tried suppressing it, but I can’t anymore. The whole messing around, it-it’s not enough. I want you. I want you and your love. I don’t just want your body to fool around… But I’m so messed up, I don’t even know why or how you ever wanted to sleep with me. You deserve so much more...”, he paused again and took a breath

“I love you.”

You smiled. He had never made you this happy, ever. No word could describe what you felt at that point. But because you took some time to react, Michael got worried. Shortly after you got on your tiptoes and pecked his lips, only for him to grab you by the waist and kiss you deeply. For about a minute the kiss was pure love and passion, no anger, no hurt.

The two of you separated “No more friendship. No games. No more of just messin’ around”, you remarked.

He smiled down at you “No more. I promise.”

---

I’m sorry, but I had to somehow bring Luca into this imagine, I love him way too much not to, haha

It’s a bit of a long one, one of my longest, so I hope you enjoyed reading it.

Thank you for taking your time! :)

Hope you have a good day/night :)

[peakyblinders1919]

Business Liasons- Part 2

Part 2

@delusionsofnostalgia doing it again!

Lorenzo and another guard Santino took their places outside the large wooden door as you locked yourself and Tommy Shelby inside your hotel room. 

“Would you care for a nightcap Mr. Shelby?” You were curious to know why he had walked you back, Tommy Shelby didn’t seem like he did anything arbitrarily. 

“Tommy please.” 

You didn’t answer but threw his coat, your shawl and gloves all haphazardly on a sofa, handing him a whisky and moving to stand on the other side of the room, one arm wrapped protectively around yourself. 

“Afraid of me?” Tommy raised an eyebrow referring to your distance. He sat with a light sigh, leaning back on your sofa looking more comfortable in the hotel room than you felt. You cocked your head to the side at the question, you weren’t used to people being so straightforward with you, no one dared. You were always the quiet type and none of Al’s men would ever have the nerve to ask you to directly answer them. You felt a frown contract your eyebrows but you moved towards the opposite sofa and sat down smoothly, not missing the piercing blue eyes that followed the fall of your dress over your bare legs. You flashed a bit of thigh briefly, noticing the slight engorgement of his pupils- so that was what he was after? 

“Don’t like me much do you love?” Tommy asked, lighting a cigarette and drawing it to his full mouth, one arm balanced artful on the sofa arm, cradling his whisky. 

“I don’t have to like you to do business with you Mr. Shelby.” you stated.

“Business? Is that what you came here to do? I was under the impression that I had made an agreement with your cousin, the real boss.” He looked away from you, pretending to be interested in his cigarette. You knew he was trying to draw some emotional reaction out of you, any emotion could lead to a fuck, you knew that well enough.

You leaned back, a smile forcing the corners of your mouth upwards. 

“Does this routine usually work, Tommy?” you stressed his first name with a wicked twinkle in your eye. He didn’t falter but stared at you, cold blue blinking very slowly; he was re-calculating. 

You got up again, walking over to the window to stare out at the winking lights of the night. 

“Look, Mr. Shelby, you don’t know me, but I’m not the type of woman you’re used to dealing with,” you turned back to face him, his eyes never leaving you, the rest of his face was blank, he was good, but not a match for you, “I don’t want you to romance me, I wont succumb to those blue eyes and sharp cheekbones that you wield so well. I’m not the type to be swayed by shows of power and I certainly won’t vouch for anyone just because I’ve fucked them.” You saw it then, a flash of uncertainty in those pale eyes, that had been his plan. You almost laughed at the obviousness. 

You moved quickly and sat on the same blood red sofa as him, so near to him that your dress brushed his thigh. He turned only his face towards you, his body still angled away. 

“So what is it that you want then? Everyone has a price Ms. Capone.” You smiled a genuine smile then, his use of formality letting you know you’d hit a nerve, he’d lost some of his cockiness. You didn’t know that he had just learned something about what you craved most; respect. 

“Not me, I’m afraid,” you took the cigarette out of his hand, leaning across him to do so, and leaned back with a deep drag, “Did Al tell you I used to fuck Luca Changretta?” Tommy looked you over then, a different emotion in his eyes, and you smiled again, “Yes, he was older.” you answered his unstated question. “Every young girl likes some danger right?” you grinned and shrugged your shoulders. Tommy was looking at you with interest now, not knowing exactly how to read you. 

“I didn’t know.” He shifted to sit a bit straighter and glanced for his coat. 

“You won’t need your gun Mr. Shelby, I’m not here on some mission of vengeance.” you laughed. “It was me who gave the order to kill him, I knew he might pose some competition with our New York associates once he was back in America.”  You didn’t know it but you gained some respect in Tommy’s mind with that statement. 

His body turned towards yours and his large eyes ran over you once more.  “Is that why you won’t let anyone near you?” Tommy’s hand reached up and brushed a stray hair out of your face. “Had your heart broken too many times and now the only man you’ll ever have loyalty to is the one that you have to love because he’s family?

  You drew your eyebrows down again and you almost flinched from the unexpected contact as Tommy ran a thumb between your eyebrows and down your nose, gently grazing your lips. His other four fingers easily stretching from your temple to just beneath your jaw. 

“I wish you didn’t frown so much, I am sorry that I keep causing you to do it,” he paused, his eyes running over your face, “I think we could have liked each other very much…in a different world.” 

He drew away from you just as quickly, reaching for his coat, and making towards the door.

You stood surprised by the change in his tone, and without thinking you blurted out, “does that mean you don’t like me Tommy?” He stopped with his hand on the doorknob, staring down for a beat before turning back to you, you felt the hot blush spread over your cheeks, not knowing where that question had come from, or rather choosing to ignore what had made you ask it. 

He smiled at you, a devilish smile, with his face turned downwards but his blue eyes bright, and walked out without another word. 

You woke the next morning with a dull throbbing behind your eyes as you flipped over with a groan on the almost too luxurious bed. You had drank more when Tommy left, not quite sure what you were feeling but knowing that he had managed to pull down walls that you had built up a long time before. 

When your parents had died, you were so trusting of everyone and then Al had taken you in and you had learnt the hard way that in love and friendship, you could trust no one but family. Luca had just been one of the men you had found entertainment in for a while but none of them made you frown, unsure of yourself and your thoughts the way Tommy Shelby did and no one ever read you that well, not even Alphonse.

There was knocking and you sat up in bed drawing a silk robe around your scantily lace-clad body, “Come in!” you threw yourself back against your pillows expecting one of your men to lumber in. What you did not expect was a fully dressed Polly Gray strutting in, swishing and smoking a cigarette, followed by a stunned looking chamber maid pushing a breakfast cart. 

“Good morning.” She smiled at you, surveying your room.

“Good morning Polly,” you replied dryly. 

“Tommy wants us to take you out, he seems to have some strange idea that you don’t care for him very much.” She let her words hang in the air as you began to chew your toast. 

“I’ve never seen him smile like that since Grace you know,” you looked at her inquisitively, you knew about his wife who had died but you didn’t know what Polly meant. 

“A real smile.” she said quietly, answering your question, “when you put Arthur in his place.”

“Now Grace I didn’t like,” she continued, “but you, you’re strong, intelligent, loyal, not easy to sway as I guess Thomas found out last night,” you two shared a conspiratorial grin, “A woman like you would be good for him, good for the family.” 

“I live in America Polly. Is that why you’re here? to matchmake? I barely know him.”

“And yet you can call me Polly but have a hard time calling him Tommy. Is that old fashioned respect? Or are you afraid to get too close? To like him? I expect you don’t get that sort of liberty in your line of work, but we look after our own.” You shake your head good-naturedly at her words.

“It takes one to know one eh Pol?” you ask her, not missing the flush that touches her neck, “never letting anyone in.”

“Aye,” she stood,moving to look at your dresses, “And look where it’s left me. A lonely old maid cleaning up her dumb nephews’ messes.” She turns sharply on you again. “Your cousin Alphonse already has children no?” You don’t miss her meaning. 

“You Shelby’s, it’s only been a few days.” You mumble under your voice as you begin to get dressed. You couldn’t deny feeling safe and welcome with them, like you had the acceptance and respect you still fought so hard for in America. 

You had had a day with Ada and Polly, and they had grown on you. You didn’t really have female friends back in Chicago, most women not wanting to associate with you and your cousin.

You three had sat down to dinner in a club that you knew used to belong to Darby Sabini but now belonged to Tommy. 

“I enjoyed today.” You said jovially, the champagne kicking in, Polly and Ada happily smiling with you. 

“We’re glad. We thought you were going to punish us all because Tommy had tried it on with you.” You looked at Ada sharply.

“Oh c’mon Y/N, didn’t he bat his eyelashes, stare at you with those big blue eyes,” Ada mocked him and you an Polly erupted in giggles. “We know, he thought you’d be a soft touch like other women, I warned him you’d be hard to win over.” 

“I like him well enough,” you admitted quietly into your flute of bubbly, neither Polly or Ada missing your little smile, “but I go back in a few days, I just have to sample the gin and all this will be over. But Ada, I hope you’ll come visit me in Chicago so I can repay this kindness,” you motion to the dinner and alcohol that filled your shared table as the young Shelby nodded profusely, her curls bouncing with her. 

There was a hush over the general din and all heads turned towards the door, Tommy, Arthur and Finn Shelby had just walked in. Tommy’s eyes cast over the entire place and rested on you briefly before he nodded to the band and the chaos resumed. The men made their way over to your table and Tommy pulled out a chair next to your own, sitting close to you but never sparing you a glance. 

“Had a good day then ladies?” He asked with that low voice like cut glass. Polly nodded once at him. 

“C’mon Finn, let’s dance.” Ada pulled Finn up by arm and dragged him towards the floor, just a few feet in front of your men who were eyeing everyone suspiciously. 

“Buy your Aunt a drink Arthur?”  Polly questioned and then they too moved off toward the bar, leaving you and Tommy in an awkward silence. 

Tommy motioned to a nearby waiter who scuttled away only to return in a second with two tumblers of clear alcohol. 

“They don’t let up do they?” Tommy said looking at your guards. 

“It’s their job. Al would have their heads if something happened to me.”

“And what if you wanted something to happen to you?” You turned your head sharply to stare at Tommy’s profile and didn’t miss the glint in his eyes or the smirk on his full lips. 

“You talk a big game Mr. Shelby, but you’re just like me, we just handle it differently. I don’t go around fucking out my frustrations but we are just as closed off. I’d like to see what you’d do if someone actually tried to break down those walls around your heart.” You looked him dead in the eye, taking in his high cheekbones and sharp jaw, you would have loved to bury your face in his neck, smell him, breathe in the whisky and smoke. 

If he saw desire in your alcohol clouded eyes he didn’t show it. 

“This is my gin.” he stated, handing you a tumbler and you brought it to your lips expecting swill.

Instead you were met with pleasant floral notes. 

“Hmmm, not too sweet, not too bitter. Not bad Mr. Shelby, not bad.”

“How many times do I have to tell you love, it’s Tommy.” He grabbed you around the waist and hoisted you up, you fell against his chest, bracing yourself against him, feeling the muscles under his perfectly pressed suit. “Shall we dance?”

You frowned yet again, you should be mad at him for taking the liberty, but somehow you weren’t. You nodded and he whisked you around easily and you smiled up at him, he returned it, “Glad you’re not frowning anymore love.” He confused you, this tough man who seemed soft somewhere underneath his angry, steely composure. 

Before you could reply there was a blast and your alcohol slowed senses took a second to realize it had been a gunshot. You saw your men barrel towards you to barricade you in. Arthur was making a mad dash for the door, blinders flying to his side. It was only when you were completely surrounded by your own men that you realized; there was blood on your dress, you reached down, it was sticky and hot, drenching your fingers and you looked up as Santino frantically searched you for a sign of a wound. 

“It’s not mine Sonny,” you said, your voice calm and even. You pushed through your men. Ada and Polly were both kneeling over a paling Tommy. 

Everything passed in a blur. The noise of the ambulance, the white corridor of the hospital, Polly holding your hand and you comforting Ada. 

[michaelgrayyy]

One of us (3)

Michael Gray x Reader/ Peaky Blinders x Reader

Master list - https://michaelgrayyy.tumblr.com/masterlist

A year after coming out of prison. Michael had continued to check in on you everyday and you’d gotten used to his talk and his attempts at humour. He’d even started drinking in the pub you cover shifts for on a Saturday now and again. You had started to develop feelings for him and you could see he clearly felt the same way, you both choose not to act on such feelings and had kept with your new close friendship.

Once you’d got back from tending to one of the boys in the village that had a farming accident and managed to cut a deep gash into his knee, you were covered in blood and wanted to go straight for a bath and then to bed. When you walked into your kitchen however, Michael was sat with a cup of tea in hand. He looked up at you, instantly noticing your appearance.

“Jesus y/n what the fuck happened?” he rushes over to you, hands going all over you fussing.

“Michael, I’m fine its not my blood” you reassure him seeing the worry on his face. “Stop fussing” you say failing to smack his hands away.

“Whose fucking blood is it” he snaps. You pull away suddenly fearful of his harsh tone. “Sorry” he pulls you in to his arms not caring about the blood. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. As long as you are alright?” you look up into his eyes and nod. He pulls you close again and you bury your head in to his chest as he rests his head on top of yours. “I need you to always be okay” he whispers.

“I know Michael, I feel the same” He pulls back to look at you, he arches his eyebrow and smirks.

“Knew it” he says being his old cocky self.

“Oh, shut it Gray” you chuckle. “What are you doing here anyway” he nods at your question going back to business with a grim look on his face.

“We all got sent this, this morning” he said handing you a card addressed to you. You look at him confused. “Just open it and then I’ll explain” You opened the card and saw the black hand causing you to gasp and drop the card, looking up to Michael you see his grave expression.

“This is the black hand, this is mafia shit Michael” you stress picking the card back up and reading it over you see it signed Luca Changretta.

“I know”

“And we all got served this?”

“Yes Tommy, Arthur, John, Me and Polly. They are coming for us all y/n”

“They know where we all live” He nods. “fucking hell”

“Tommy has called a family meeting and we all need to go, he rang me before and I came straight here. I’m dropping Ada and mum of at Charlie’s yard, then me and you are going to go to John’s and fetch him, alright?” He tells you. “y/n, alright” he shakes you when you don’t answer, milling over it all in your head.

“Yes, yes alright” you reply shaking him off you.

 A few hours later

You walk with Michael through John’s yard.

“Stay next to me” Michael says while you walk round the sheds. “Hello?” Michael calls. A gun cocks to his left and he pushes you forward so you are behind the wall.

“Oh, fuck. It’s you. Got nothing better to do on Christmas morning?” John appears making you breathe out a sigh of relief as he lowers the gun from Michael. You walk back into sight and John cocks the gun at you. “Fucking hell y/n, I could have shot you” John scolds you before ushering his dogs back in and jumping down to give you a hug and smothering you in kisses like an excited kid. This was pretty much standard for you and John, your relationship was always teasing and him being hyper. 

“Eww, i don’t want your country chicken germs” you snicker back also wrestling him with a hug and kisses to his cheeks as you squeeze them as if he were a child. 

“Once you kids have finished Tommy wants everybody at Charlie’s yard now so come on” Michael continues.

“Is he always this miserable?” John asks you, which you reply to nodding while Michael glares at you and shoves you playfully. “Oh that was the most cheeky thing I’ve seen him do, good to see you are having an effect” John congratulates you. “What’s going to happen anyway? It’s fucking Christmas” John argues as you all go back to the matter at hand and stop joking around.

“Look, John, we don’t have time for this, we need to get to Charlie’s yard. I’m not keen on the idea either but think of the kids and Esme” You interject as you and Michael follow behind John who strolls towards his front door, gun over his shoulder. You zone in and out of their conversation and by the time you start listening to their conversation once again Esme is storming out yelling in Michael's face. As they argue you hear the approaching hooves of horses, something doesn’t feel right, you move towards Michael and pull his arm trying to get his attention. He ignores you while Esme continues to argue with him, you notice the hay cart stop. Bails fall of the cart and two suited men jump out armed with guns.

“In the fucking house! Esme! y/n now” yells John as he raises his gun. Michael then looks up and notices the men, shoving Esme towards the house. He looks behind him to you and shoves you harshly in the direction of the door snapping you out of your shock.

“y/n, house now!” You grab Esme and pull her into the house. Michael shouts John but its too late, Johns body is being hit repeatedly with bullets. You watch as John and Michael both fall to the floor. Once inside you grab the phone and call an ambulance. You and Esme run straight outside once the gunfire stops and the cart passes. Esme runs to Johns blood soaked body. You go running to Michael.

“Michael” you kneel besides him cradling his head in your hands, you whisper his name repeatedly. Blood covers his hand as he grasps on to you, he opens his fearful eyes.

“Get in. Stay inside” He sputters “Not safe” He tries to warn you, but you couldn’t careless as you look down at the bloodied boy. You glance over to John’s lifeless body and let out a sob. “y/n, please” you apply pressure on to his wounds covering your hands in his blood.

“I need you to be okay Michael, I need you to get through this. Alright?  Promise me!” you make him promise, he nods at you.

 /////

The next thing you know you are running in the hospital corridor next to Michael, who lies on a bed covered in blood on his way to the operating room. Polly is opposite you as she calls for Michael. Michael continues to cry out in pain, you look down at his chest seeing bullet holes.  Bursting through the doors Polly shouts reassurances at Michael, while you remain holding his hand, you step away to let the doctors do their job and Michaels breathing becomes ragged at the absence of your hand.

“I’m right here Michael, remember our promise” you encourage him. As Polly goes into hysterics Tommy takes charge and gives his orders then leaves. You stand aside giving the doctors space to do their work, you look towards Polly and she nods at you before you walk out the door. You head outside to get some air and see Arthur and Tommy walking ahead of you. Arthur has his head bowed as tears fall from his face while Tommy puffs on a cigarette. You head towards them.

“I’m going to go see John, which way” you ask the two men.

“Through those doors, y/n. How’s Michael?” Arthur asks, a single tear falls down your face all you can do is nod.

“He’s in good hands” you say more to reassure yourself as you let out a sob, Arthur has his arms around you in an instant. 

“He’s gone y/n. He’s really gone.” Arthur muffled voice cries to you as he buries his head in your shoulder. You let out another sob

“I know Arthur, it was quick. It all happened before we had a chance to realize. He didn’t suffer, not like those Italian bastards will” Arthur nods, meanwhile Tommy stamps out his cigarette and turns to you.

“Here, I’ll come with you” Tommy says turning to the door Arthur pointed at expecting you to go with him.

“I’d rather go alone” you say walking past him through the door as Esme walks out, make up smudged and eyes puffy from crying. You reach for her arm, but she steps away and carries on walking. You walk into the dark room, at the far end of the room lying on a table is John. You slowly walk over sobs wracking through your body. His body is covered in blood but half of you still expects him to jump up and make a snarky remark at you crying over him. Even though you knew he was dead as soon as you saw him take all those bullets, you can’t accept it, this idiotic boy was a brother to you and as dangerous as you knew this life was you never thought you’d have to live without him.

“Oh John” you sigh. “John fucking Shelby. This wasn’t how it was meant to end, you should have lived the rest of your life out in that cottage, shooting bloody pheasants, having 20 more kids. Hell, you should have raised some bloody chickens. Not this, not be killed on your own doorstep by some Italian bastard. They’ll pay John, they’ll pay for this.” You promised leaning down to kiss his forehead and walked back out the door, you hugged his now cold body not caring about his blood that was soaking your clothes.

You went back to the wait outside of Michael's room where you ended up falling asleep.