#Peaky Blinders x Red (Female Reader) Fanfiction

[ryuzakemo128]

Four Horsemen

Chapter Seven: A house to call my own.

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Red (Female Reader) Genre: Modern, sci-fi, mystery Trigger Warnings: Graphic Scenes Mention of violence and criminal activities Cursing, Swearing Rating: MA15+

Masterlist: Link

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[Red's Point of View]

The circular bathtub, made of exquisite black and gold marble, took pride of place in the center of the spacious bathroom. It was a drop-in style tub, seamlessly integrated into the smooth floor. Its large size provided ample room for indulgence, allowing one to sink into the depths of relaxation.

The surrounding tiles, a rich obsidian black, adorned the walls, reflecting the gleam of the candlelight that danced throughout the space. Their glossy surface added an air of sophistication to the room, while also creating a sense of depth and mystery. It was as if the tiles held secrets within their dark embrace.

A magnificent window, framed with elegant curtains, overlooked the enchanting woods beyond. Its generous proportions allowed streams of sunlight to filter into the room, casting a warm glow upon the luxurious surroundings. Nature's artwork became an ever-changing backdrop, with dappled light and swaying branches, offering a serene connection to the outside world.

Nestled near the window, on a small table, sat the silver incense burner. It took the delicate shape of a lotus flower, its petals gracefully unfurling, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Fragrant smoke curled upward, carrying scents of sandalwood, lavender, and other calming essences, infusing the air with tranquility.

Adjacent to the bathtub, a shelf held an assortment of bathroom amenities, neatly organized. Shampoo, conditioner, and various oils awaited their turn to pamper and nourish the body. The bottles glistened in the sunlight, their labels a promise of luxurious self-care. Black towels hung on the towel warmer, I had a large de-humidifier inside the bathroom and another one just outside the bathroom to ensure air remains dry.

On the sink in a medium sized glass jewelry casket for my rings like my diamond and fire opal ring, my brass pair of cufflinks with several myriad amber stones, a gold pendant with several myriad diamonds given to her by several exes in the past.

There was an hourglass with white sand which timed how long I was in the bath for, the light red curtain for the large window and the midnight blue walls of the bathroom. I have several small velvet purses filled with coins in case I needed them, along with a small ceramic dish held my favorite blood red lipstick along with my favourite palette of neutral eyeshadow shades and jet black liquid eyeliner.

My pair of crimson silk slippers are always outside the bathroom to put on after having a bath. I kept a hairbrush with an ivory bone handle to brush my hair before I go to bed, usually keeping it in the end table drawer beside my bed. I lived far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in a large cottage surrounded by a forest behind it.

Steam rose from the scalding hot water from inside the bathtub, the warmth embraced my body as I stepped into the tub sinking further into the water. Letting it envelope me, a sigh escaped my lips as the tension left my body, the pure bliss I felt. My friend was staying over for the night, she wanted to see the place for herself and she planned on taking me to an art auction in town the next day.

Adeline was visiting for two days and planned on staying over for two nights at the very least. She wasn't too sure about me living on my own for a while, stating she was afraid something could happen to me while I lived in a secluded area. I assured her every precaution was put into place long before I moved in.

She walked into the bathroom fifteen minutes after I started bathing to tell me what she was going to do while she was here, interrupting my moment of tranquility. Adeline was a lively and inquisitive woman, always eager to explore new adventures. Her vibrant red hair and mischievous smile were a stark contrast to my own calm demeanor.

"Red, darling, have you decided what you'd like to do tomorrow?" Adeline asked, her voice echoing in the marble bathroom.

I leaned back against the edge of the tub, allowing the warm water to support my body. "I was thinking we could start the day with a visit to the art auction in town. You know how much I adore discovering new artists and their creations." she continued.

"As much as you enjoy baking that's for sure." I replied thinking about it further, "Anything you wanted to do tomorrow? I assume the auction would be held during the night,"

Adeline replied, "Well, during the day, I thought we could take a stroll through the local market. They have a wide variety of fresh produce and unique crafts. It's always a treat to explore and support local businesses. And perhaps we could grab lunch at that charming little café we passed by last time."

A few hours later, we both went to bed, Adeline stayed in the guest room with her fiancé, James. Unlike them, I have dated around since I was 18 and never found someone who captivated my heart. It came close though, timing was never right and it was often due to them falling out of love first.

[horrorlove14]

Master list for my fanfiction works 01

I'm open for requests for any fandom you desire. Just send in an ask and you shall receive. I'll try my best to fulfil it to your satisfaction.

Second masterlist

The Sandman

His Shy Bookworm series (Morpheus/ Dream x shy! reader)

Part 01

Part 02 (coming soon)

The King of Dreams and His Energetic Adventuress (Morpheus/ Dream x Female! Pumpkinhead! Reader)

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

Gotham

Your Beauty Never Ever Scared Me (Edward Nygma/ Riddler x Female Vampire! Reader)

You've Got A Smile That Can Light Up This Whole Town (Bruce Wayne x Female! Reader)

The Red String of Fate (Jonathan Crane/ Scarecrow x Female! Reader)

The Cat's Out of The Bag - Jonathan Crane/ Scarecrow x Female! Reader

Relationship Headcanon of Jonathan Crane/ Scarecrow with a Scaredy cat! Reader

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

Demon Slayer

Reunited Muse series (Yushiro x Tamayo reincarnated! Reader) (coming soon)

The Dream Demon's Childhood Sweetheart (Enmu x Female! reader)

Sweet as Caramel ( x reader)

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

Resident Evil Franchise

Hey Nurse, Be Gentle With Me (Leon S. Kennedy x Nurse! Reader)

Let Me Take Care of You, Alright (William Birkin x Female Assistant! Reader)

Safe Haven (Leon S. Kennedy x Wife! Reader)

William Birkin x GN! Reader request

The Silent Research Assistant (Yandere! Albert Wesker x Female! Reader)

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

Valorant

For this fandom, I'll be a writing an anthology where the stories are set at the same time as each other.

I'm Forever Yours, My Love (Chamber/ Vincent Fabron x Female Doctor! Reader)

Being Forever Thankful (Husband! Chamber/ Vincent Fabron x Doctor Wife! Reader)

Reuniting With My Old Flame From Mother Russia (Sova x Female Ex-lover! Reader)

Ramen Bar Nights (Yoru x Female! Reader)

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

Lies of P

The Puppet's Songbird (Pinocchio x Female Singer! Reader)

Sequel to The Puppet's Songbird: Finally Human (Pinocchio x Female Lover! Reader)

It's A Fine Day (Human! Pinocchio x Wife! Reader)

Fluff one-shot request

Heartfelt Flowers and Books series (Pinocchio x Violet (OC))

Character Profiles and Moodboards

Couple and Story Moodboards

Relationship Headcanon

Marriage Headcanon

Halloween Special 🎃👻

Chapter 1: First Meeting

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

Tokyo Revengers

His Pretty Tattooed Doll (Timeskip! Hanma Shuji x Himura Natsu (OC))

A New Addition To The Family (Timeskip! Hanma Shuji x Wife! Himura Natsu (OC))

Paralyzed (Sanzu Haruchiyo song fic)

Happy Blissful Life (Timeskip! Hanemiya Kazutora x Pregnant Wife! Reader)

She Changes The Weather (Timeskip! Kokonoi Haijime x Wife! Reader)

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

The Umbrella Academy

Old Scars and A Bandaged Heart (Five Hargreeves × Female Doctor! Blood Healer! Reader)

Old Scars and A Healed Heart (Five Hargreeves × Female Doctor! Blood Healer! SO Reader)

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

Final Fantasy Franchise

Arranged Royal Love - Final Fantasy XVI

The Royal and His Street Performer - Final Fantasy XVI

His Mermaid Maiden - Final Fantasy XVI

Clive Rosefield short fic request

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

One Piece

His Forever Home (Trafalgar D. Water Law x Pregnant Wife! Reader)

Another Bun In The Oven (Trafalgar D. Water Law x Pregnant Wife! Reader)

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

Dead by Daylight

The Trickster and His Assassin Darling (Ji-woon Hak/ Trickster x Female Assassin Killer! Reader)

Thanks, Killer ♡ (Ghostface/ Danny Johnson x Killer! Artist! Reader)

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

Miscellaneous

Star Walkin' - Cyberpunk Edgerunners

Street Angel In The Rough - Peaky Blinders

Relationship Headcanon with Vash - Trigun (1998 & 2023)

Relationship Headcanon with Knives- Trigun (1998 & 2023)

Paper Rings and Wedding Bells - Haikyuu

The Merman and His Human - My Hero Academia

Merman! Mirio Togata as your Boyfriend Headcanon - My Hero Academia

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

The masterlist will be updated once I've written something down.

[mrs-gray]

MIDNIGHT GRAY – Part II

Michael Gray x female reader (OFC / OC) – A Peaky Blinders™ fanfiction

Summary: You arrive at the Shelby mansion, first time meeting Thomas, his brothers and Polly – as well as a known stranger, Mr. Gray. 

Word Count: 3.7k 

Status: Incomplete 

Warning(s): English is my second language, melancholy, smoking, strong language

Published: February 2022

Part 2 of the ‘Midnight Gray’-saga

Author's note: Slow burn, (Fr)Enemies to lovers

Song recommendations for this chapter:

Rue Des Trois Frères – Fabrizio Paterlini

In My Feelings – Lana Del Rey

Breaking Down– Florence + the Machine (MTV Unplugged version)

Bad Blood – Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox feat. Aubrey Logan

Light Me Up – Ingrid Michaelson

_________________________________________

Chapter 2: 

Zemblanity – the inevitable discovery of what we would rather not know; the opposite of serendipity.

Welcome to hell...

‘Here it is.’ You whispered to yourself. Your personal prison named ‘Arrow House’. 

__________________________________________________

You opened the door of the car and took a deep breath – the air was fresh and clean and you were surprised by the pleasant quietness. 

The mansion looked imposing, standing proud in the middle of the country estate, surrounded by befogged trees. 

You walked to the back of the car, pebbles under your shoes disturbing the silence. Just when you wanted to lift your luggage, one of the men already grabbed the suitcases. 

‘We’ll take care of it.’ He mumbled, a cigarette resting in one corner of his mouth.

‘Thank you, Sir.’ You replied and reached for your purse to tip him. 

Both men laughed at your well-intentioned gesture. You sighed deeply in defeat. A servant opened the enormous front door and asked you in. You entered the entrance hall, observing several different paintings on the wall as well as the old hardwood floor. The scent of flowers lingered in the air and breathed a little bit of life into the otherwise dark and almost oppressive foyer. 

‘Lady Huntington-Coldwell?’ You heard a deep unfamiliar voice behind you and turned around. 

Two sky blue eyes intently inspected you. The man in front of you was standing tall, hands behind his back. 

‘Mr. Shelby?’ You retorted.

‘Yes.’ He replied politely but without any emotion, then you two shook hands. ‘Follow me, please.’ He guided you to his office. 

Dull daylight flooded the dark and spacious room. Several wooden bookshelves filled with old classics on each side of his office – Shakespeare, Lord Byron, as well as the highly controversial Freudian theory caught your eye. It made you wonder if he read any of them…

‘Did you have a pleasant journey?’ He asked and you knew he didn’t care.

‘As well as possible, considering the circumstances. Thank you.’ You replied.

‘Good.’ He retorted sharply. 

He lit a cigarette and sat down in his chair, studying you wordlessly. 

You held his intense gaze and you promised yourself that you wouldn’t look away first. You may loose everything but you’ll certainly won’t break this eye contact first. You didn’t fear this man, despite his shady reputation. 

Moments past, your greenish blue eyes defied his blue ones till he finally blinked. He turned his desk chair, facing the large window, red curtains with golden ornaments on each side of the glass. The satisfaction of winning made you feel even calmer. 

A maid entered his office and asked for drinks.

‘Whiskey, Sir?’ She supposed, he nodded and thanked her briefly. 

‘For you, madam?’ She addressed you attentively.

‘Scotch. Thank you.’ You gave her a smile and she mirrored it right away. 

‘You’ll find your luggage in your suite, Miss.’ The maid added.

‘Thank you.’ The two of you once again shared a heartfelt smile, then she left silently. 

‘I wanted to tip the gentleman but he refused.’ You told him.

Thomas smiled to himself, ever so lightly. 

‘I assume this situation is amusing to you, Mr. Shelby?’ You said calmly but equally annoyed. 

‘A bit.’ He said while inhaling the tobacco. 

‘…just like your henchmen.’ You crossed your arms, visibly wanting to signalise a barrier. 

‘They aren’t my henchmen, Miss Huntington-Coldwell.’ His brows furrowed for a second. ‘They’re part of my people. You’ll see I have a big family.’ He stated, one side of his mouth forming a half smile, his eyes stayed impervious. He leaned in a wee bit closer, his hands folded together. 

‘We are not here to imprison you. You are free as long as you stay in the mansion or the estate. Everything else has to be arranged beforehand and attended by one of my men.’ He informed you. 

The maid entered his office again and you thankfully drank a sip of the Scotch, the burning sensation in your throat calming your nerves. 

‘How long do I have to stay, Mr. Shelby?’ You asked motionless. 

‘At least 4 month, 26 days.’ His voice throaty due to the smoke.

‘My birthday.’ You whispered. 

‘Exactly.’ He approved. 

Both of you knew that the signing over will be legally binding on your next ‘day of glory’.

‘When can we start with the paperwork, Mr. Shelby?’ You bit the inside of your mouth.

‘We can’t for now.’ He paused and you tasted some iron in your mouth. ‘Situations have changed and we have to wait for my accountant for any business affairs.’

‘I see. When can we expect him?’ You awaited his answer.

‘In a day or two.’ He drank some of his whiskey. ‘Once he’s back from London, Miss Huntington-Coldwell.’

‘Just Coldwell.’ You abridged.

‘Alright, Miss Coldwell.’ He repeated. 

You closed your eyes a few seconds too long and he noticed it, a sad smile on his face. 

A beautiful black horse strutted along the window facade. 

‘Your Friesian?’ You asked full of curiosity.

‘Yes, just bought him at an auction last week.’ He searched for your eyes with intensity.

‘Do you enjoy horse riding, Miss?’ His eyes widened a bit. 

‘I do.’ You exclaimed.

‘Feel free do do so.’ He casually replied.

‘Really?’ You sounded far too excited – your stoic facade gone. 

‘Of course. Whenever you want.’ His brows narrowed, a slight smile on his edged face. 

‘Miss Coldwell…’ He paused, exhaled and sat a bit closer, arms resting on his office table now. 

‘We aren’t dehumanized.’ His sky blue eyes were lost in thoughts. ‘I am fully aware of your situation.’ Addressing you now, even more distinctly. 

You sighed and your tense shoulders relaxed a bit. 

‘Now, if you'll excuse me.’ He put his coat over his shoulders. ‘I have to attend another meeting. One of my maids will escort you to your suite.’

‘I will expect you tonight.’ He checked his pocket watch. ‘Dinner.’ He added and looked at you once more. 

‘I guess I’m about to meet your family then?’ Your eyes locked with his blue ones.

‘I'm afraid that can't be avoided.’ He said jokingly, almost sounding like he wanted to make a funny remark and you wondered if he wanted to make you smile?

‘Thank you, Mr. Shelby.’ You gave him a slight smile, showing no teeth. 

He sympathetically shook your hand, ocean blue eyes matching his sad smile and he escorted you to the foyer again. The maid awaited you and showed you the suite, your lavish prison cell for the upcoming months. 

The suite was stylishly furnished; a grand four-postered bed, gilded baroque-framed paintings on dark forest green walls, matching the vevelty green pillows, curtains and every other fabric. Dark, almost black wooden furniture completed the elegant interior.

It could be a lot worse, you knew that and you were grateful that you were allowed to stay in this suite instead of some sort of dungeon or damp cellar. 

You walked to the window, and your hand absentmindedly touched the cold glass while Mr. Shelby drove off, away into the distance. Your other hand played with the silver-coloured charm hanging around your neck. 

‘I’ll do it for you.’ You breathed and gently kissed the platinum pendant, memories aggravated your longing.

The afternoon passed by quickly while unpacking your belongings, still you continued reading one of your favourite books, yet again. It soothed your soul to find shelter in written fiction, at least for a few moments, escaping reality. 

A soft knock disturbed your wholesome daydream and another maid entered your suite. 

‘Dinner will be served in half an hour, Miss.’

‘Thank you.’ You replied politely. 

She closed the door again and you decided to change into something more suitable for the dinner – a black dress, the slightly flared skirt reaching your knees, matching silk stockings underneath. You removed both hair clasps, soft golden waves falling into place around your hips. Despite your apparently neat semblance, your eyes betrayed you. Sorrowfulness beheld your reflection. 

‘If I only left…with him.’ You let your thoughts wander, ignoring your inner promise to even think about such reverie. 

He is in Southampton now, probably walking down the boardwalk, which you knew so well, thanks to several different sea voyages. A feeling of familiarity arose from your soul – ‘Lordy!’ You even imagined the rich smell of salty foam filling your lungs. Crossing the mighty ocean, seeking refuge in America. A new start, a new life.

Suddenly your mind developed your secret thoughts even further. ‘…but he wouldn’t be there’ You thought and your heart skipped a beat.

‘…but I could take the next train to Southampton…’ Your inner voice had a mind of its own now. 

You could begin to search for him and if the universe wanted you to find him, you would find a way. You sighed so deeply and let your head hung, negating this absurd notion. How could that man, this Mister Gray, become so important to you? It was ridiculous - you knew it but still, he lighted up a spark within you. It scared you, it was foreign, presumably dangerous and most certainly addictive.

You observed your mirror image one last time; pearl earrings and a matching bracelet around your wrist. Your make-up was subtle but flawless. 

Being a ‘prisoner’ didn’t mean you couldn’t look presentable, right?

You were satisfied with your appearance for tonight and confidently walked down the stairs, through the entrance hall, past the parlour, the library and a couple of unacquainted voices guided you to the dining room. 

A maid conducted you inside but you stayed a few steps in front of the doorframe, then your eyes met Thomas’ powerful ones. He put out his cigarette in an ashtray and ended your eye contact. 

‘Everyone.’ He addressed two men standing in front of him.‘This is Lady Harlow Georgienne Adelaide Huntington-Coldwell.’ His hand gestured in my direction. ‘She will be our special guest for the next months.’

You entered the room and several eyes focused on you entirely, studying the ‘new arrival’.

Thomas came a few steps closer in oder to introduce you to his family. 

‘Quite a few names, love!’ You heard a deep voice pronouncing it with a heavily Brummie dialect. He sounded like the epitome of a proud Birmingham accent.

His lips formed a kind smile under his moustache. 

‘My brother Arthur Shelby.’ Tommy declared. 

‘Mr. Shelby.’ You shook hands with the man and you supposed he was the oldest Shelby brother. 

‘Arthur.’ He replied while his other hand gently wrapped around your small one now too, a kind action, you thought. 

‘Harlow.’ You rejoined, smiling. 

He waltzed off to grab himself a drink, certainly not the first one tonight nor today.

‘My youngest brother Finn.’ Thomas continued. 

He had a friendly face and you’ve been quite surprised by the noticeable age difference, but didn’t let it show, hiding your wonderment. 

‘I am Finn.’ He said smiling a wee bit flustered, his eyes shining brightly while his cheeks flushed as red as a cherry. 

‘Pleased to meet you, Finn.’ You tried to reassure him. 

Suddenly a loud voice filled the entire dining room.  

'The kids stole the fucking car keys and forgot where they hid it.’ He continued walking in an utmost unique and nonchalant way. 

‘Well hello.’ He eyed you up and down, cockily taking his time doing so. 

‘So what have we got here?’ His smile even more smug. 

‘Lady Huntington-Coldwell, this is my brother John Shelby.’ Thomas informed you, sounding a bit annoyed by his brother’s manners, or more his lack of it.

‘Good evening, Mr. Shelby.’ You greeted him.

‘John’s the name.’ He stated and winked while shaking your hand. 

‘Harlow, pleasure.’ You replied, squeezing John’s hand a bit tighter now, wanting to put him in his place. He perceived it and it only widened his snotty yet charming simper. 

You sensed someone behind you and cautiously let your head turn. A woman with dark, shoulder-length hair and even darker eyes pierced yours. She made no move to approach you and proudly took a pull on a her brownish cigarette.

‘Hang on! Should we make a curtsey?’ Finn’s eyes widened, curiously surveying your reaction before looking over to Tommy next. ‘I mean…she’s a Lady.’

John slapped the back of Finn’s head - making him stroke the fresh source of pain. Your light eyes showed compassion and you felt sorry for the youngest member of the Shelby clan. 

‘We don’t! Do we?’ John asked you, a questionable look on his face now too. 

‘No! No, please don’t!’ You insisted, showing them your pearly whites in order to lift the mood. 

‘Miss Huntington-Coldwell?’ A female voice spoke to you, extremely placid. ‘Polly.’ She reached for your hand. 

‘Please call me Harlow.’ You took her hand. ‘My pleasure.’

__________________________________________________

Later that night you laid in your bed – eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling through the semi-transparent green tester bed fabric and recalled the evening. 

Finn was truly a sweetheart and he was so nervous and slightly clumsy, so eager to make an impression on you. The fact that Arthur and John had to constantly tease him didn't help the redness in his cheeks. 

Still, the brothers were a coherent entity and it made you chuckle. John is driven by his brash manner, constantly cheering everyone up and joking around. Arthur is more reserved but good-hearted, very companionable once he reached a certain alcohol limit.

Totally different from Thomas, the human byword for guardedness. If you didn’t knew better, you would have never guessed that Thomas has three brothers and also a younger sister named Ada whom you didn’t meet this time. He conveys an impression to be more of a loner – so very calm, highly intelligent and constantly analytical.

Polly is indeed a whole other level. You only met a handful of similar women prior to her – sly, alluring, wary and overall fascinating. She has this singular aura and you weren’t able to make sense of her. Well, not for now, at least.

‘Polly and Thomas are definitely the thought leaders of the Shelby family, without a doubt.’ You will keep a very close eye on both of them, defending yourself from their manipulation.

Nevertheless the first evening wasn’t too bad and it took a load off your mind. You liked the energy that emanated from this loud, sometimes uncouth, yet heartfelt family. It seemed like the old rich families you constantly had to deal with most certainly always lacked this special kind of unconditional love.

For tonight you felt less tense, knowing that the family you would have to stay with for the next couple of months, wasn’t as bad as you imagined. 

You turned to the side and looked out of the window into the everlasting darkness, a bright star shining in the distance. Maybe he is looking at the same star right now? What a lovely thought…

You smiled like a child and a certain part of you wanted to see him, this mysterious man named Mister Gray, again – if only in your dreams tonight…

Your eyelids became heavier and heavier until you drifted off to sleep. 

__________________________________________________

You woke up early, got dressed and put on your riding gear. 

You just finished tying up your soft golden hair with a black velvet braid, matching the rest of your dark outfit, when you heard a knock on the door. A maid entered and asked what you wanted her to prepare for breakfast.

‘Just a strong cup of tea, please.’ You thanked her and drank it once she came back with the steaming porcelain. 

You reached for your riding crop as well as your helmet, walked down the stairs and Thomas approached you. 

‘Good morning Mr. Shelby.’ You greeted him.

‘Good morning Miss Coldwell.’ He gave you the once-over and added ‘I see you’re about to go for a ride?’

‘If the offer still stands?’ You awaited his answer raising your brow.

‘Indeed. I’m a man of my word, Miss.’ He said smiling but his eyes stayed unlucid. 

‘Thank you, Mr. Shelby. I appreciate it very much.’ Your excitement clearly audible.

‘Would you like me to escort you to the riding stable?’ He offered. 

‘No, thank you.’ Your lips formed a small smile and you continued. ‘There is no need for it.’

‘Alright.’ He responded sharply. ‘My man Curly will acquaint you with the horses.’

You two bid goodbye and you set off to the stable. The little pebbles once again gnashed under your leather riding boots.The purple-coloured dawn lit up the morning sky as well as your mood. About a dozen horses were housed in the stud.

Next you met Curly. He might not be the most intelligent man but he had very friendly, almost childlike eyes and a heart of gold. The way he spoke to the horses made you feel unexpectedly sentimental. 

You felt at ease once the cremello coloured mare’s legs started to move and you swiftly changed your position from starting to ride sidesaddle to gallop with each of your legs on one side of the saddle, the way men rode –  surely not like a lady.

After your riding out you walked back to the mansion and saw Polly, attentively watching you from Thomas’ office window, observing each and every of your movements. You gave her a nod and she continued talking, most probably to Thomas. 

You changed your clothes, choosing a velvety black dress with a matching ribbon on your back, half-sheer black stockings to keep you warm. You powdered your nose, applying some more mascara and a rosy lipstick to emphasize your facial features. Your golden hair fell in loose curls, a black ribbon pinned up some of your strands on top of your head. Another pair of pearl earrings hanging from your ears. 

You looked and more importantly felt good. 

You grabbed a bite to eat and decided to read another book in the library, this time picking Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. 

You reached chapter three, after that Polly entered the room, standing next to the fireplace. None of you spoke, therefore you didn’t mind her presence. Shortly afterwards you heard Arthur, John and Finn walking and vividly talking while strolling down the courtyard. Boisterous laughter got louder with each step. 

‘Sometimes I wonder if any of them ever held a book in their hands, not to mention actually reading it.’ Polly confidently remarked. 

You smirked and could hardly contain a laughter. 

She gave you a cocky half smile. Another car arrived and made her dark eyes light up. ‘Finally.’ She breathed, slightly above a whisper and disappeared towards the entrance hall. 

You closed Hardy’s masterwork and decided to follow her into the foyer. 

‘Michael.’ You heard Polly greeting a man and embraced him tightly.

She stood in front of the stranger, glaring daylight made it impossible for you to observe him. 

Several leather bags were carried inside by different servants and a draft of air flowed towards you – an extremely pleasant and oddly familiar scent hung in the air.

You saw Thomas entering the entrance hall and his left hand gestured in the direction of Polly and the stranger.

‘May I introduce you to my accountant?’ He addressed you and you followed him. 

The door snapped shut and just like the loud slam, it hit you. 

There he stood, so very smug and dapper. 

The two of you stared at each other for what felt like ages without articulating a single word.  

‘That fucking bastard!’ You thought. You felt your heart run wild - anger, fury, deep sadness, betrayal…but yet bliss. 

It was too much for you. How could he do this to you? 

Tommy cleared his throat and introduced us; ‘Michael, this is Lady Harlow Georgienne Adelaide Huntington-Coldwell. Miss Coldwell, this is my accountant, also Polly’s son Michael Gray.’ 

‘Pleasure to meet you, Lady Huntington-Coldwell.’ He said, hiding the fact that you two already met.  

Well well! So we don't know each other? He wants to play this game? He can have that. 

‘Good afternoon.’ You said, your voice monotonous. 

‘We will settle the business affairs tomorrow.’ Tommy addressed both of you. 

‘The sooner the better.’ Your statement sounded sharp as a razor. 

‘Good.’ Tommy replied and looked to your nemesis. ‘Michael I need to talk to you.’ Michael nodded in return. 

Polly hugged her son once again and kissed his cheek as lovingly as only a mother can. ‘I will see you later, Michael.’ She whispered. 

‘Thanks mum.’ He retorted softly, showing her a small smile. 

‘Miss.’ He nodded, his cobalt blue eyes burning your soul, a shiver ran down your spine. 

He turned to Thomas and walked down the corridor and you literally fled into your suite. 

‘This fucking prick!’ You were so furious you almost forgot to breathe. 

‘For God's sake! I am so stupid, so damn fucking stupid. Why did I trust him? Bastard!’ You continued to insult him over and over again, even the devil himself would blush. 

You heard a knock on your door and you weren’t in the mood for any maid, servant or anyone. You opened the door and there he stood. 

‘Miss.’ He started and you interrupted him right away. 

‘What do you want?’ You replied, voice full of annoyance. 

‘Honestly…’ You continued. ‘…I don’t want to talk to you, apart from business matters.’ You stated, brows furrowed. 

His expression softened, his eyes faced away from you for a moment – he clenched his jaw and his midnight blue eyes met yours again. 

‘I wish I had more time to explain myself. I would like to continue this conversation tomorrow.’ He requested, his glance surprisingly sincere.  

‘Or never.’ You rolled your eyes. 

‘I’ll make it up to you.’ He explained and you believed him, if only for a second. Hating yourself for doing so. 

‘Without a doubt!’ Your patience snapped. 

‘Promise.’ Calm honesty drowning his voice. 

You shut the door in his face, one of your hands still touching the wooden barrier between the two of you. Little did you knew that he mirrored your motion behind the other side of your door. 

You inhaled deeply und walked over to the window, arms crossed. You saw him striding towards the parked cars with Thomas and the other Shelby brothers in tow. 

‘Bastard!’ You spat out the harsh insult again, like it’s his legal name. 

You looked daggers at this fucking Mr. Gray and you could barely recall a time you felt that angry. 

Just when he opened the door of his car he looked up to you once more, your eyes locked with his. Sparks of fire spreading in your stomach, perhaps even a bit higher, your heart matching your emotional outburst.

It certainly didn’t help that he looked even better than the first time you met him, a lot better to be honest  –  if indeed such a thing is possible?

You didn’t even admitted it to yourself but something within you couldn’t wait to continue your hot-tempered discussion…

_____________________________________

To be continued...

Thank you so much for reading my second chapter – stay safe everyone and lots of love & positivity!✨🤍����

[dyns33]

Masterlist

Flufftober 2021 (Michael Langdon, Loki, Geralt, Adam and Eve, Sherlock, Dream) 

Flufftober 2022 

Flufftober 2024

Most of the stories are about female readers

Michael Langdon and Cody Fern’s character : 

Series 

Stories with Reader and one of CF’s boys 

Stories with Reader and more than one boy (Threesome and more) 

Stories without Reader 

_____________________________________________________

Sherlock (Enola Holmes) : 

The woman : my first (and only ?) Sherlock (Enola Holmes) x Reader fanfiction. I had no idea where to put it... 

Simple thing : second Sherlock story. Like for the Rook, it’s just a phase, don’t mind me 

Virtuous : Last  Sherlock story

_____________________________________________________

Tom Hiddleston characters

Loki (Marvel)

My Fair Lady 

Truth 

The Kid 

Double trouble 

Nexus 

Snake and Lizard  (Wizard Y/N x Loki) 

Accidents  (Wizard Y/N x Loki)

Mister President ? 

Grimace 

Raining cats and dogs 

Dreamcatcher (Wizard Y/N x Loki) 

Little Star (Prince Jotun Loki x Y/N)

Little Nightmare (Prince Jotun Loki x Y/N) 

The Prince and the servant 

Magical science (Wizard Y/N x Loki) 

Imagine and quotes : 

Dark AU 

Jotun Loki 

Agent Y/N 

Wizard Y/N 

All the imagines 

Loki x Michael Langdon x Reader 

The Arrangement 

Eve x Adam x Reader  (Only Lovers left alive movie)

Only Lovers Left Alive  / Only Lovers Left Alive 2  (complete)

Adaptation 

Venom 

Housekeeping 

Incorrect quotes 

_____________________________________________________

Tom Sturridge characters

Dream of the Endless x Reader (Sandman DC Comics and Netflix series)

Dream 

Young God 

Wonders (Dream x OC) 

Morpheus x Hob!Reader: Part 1  -  Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 (complete)

Upon a dream 

The Debt 

Antichristmas

The basement 

The God of nightmares

Ineffable

Good uncles  /  Prequel  / Sequel (complete)

The ruby

Sentimental weather

The first (Daniel Hall x reader)

True love kiss

The Temple

Split

Feeling rainy

A Silly Dream

For a smile

A story of witch

In the stars and the Book 

Nigel Colbie x Reader (Like Minds - Murderous intent) 

My beloved sweet heart : Part 1     Part 2    Bonus (complete)

The Surgeon

Young Carl x Reader (The Boat that rocked) 

No girl on the boat 

Lord Byron x Reader (Mary Shelley) 

Hours of Idleness

Unknown love

Hidden in plain sight

Jon Dondon (Velvet Buzzsaw)

Burning love

_______________________________________________________

The Corinthian (Sandman)

Nightmare

________________________________________________________

Tom Hardy’s characters

Venom x Eddie x Reader 

The Miracle   (and imagines) 

The Secret 

Symbiosis

New life

Bane x reader (The Dark Knight rises) 

Down the Pit - Part 2 - Part 3 - part 4 - 

Rafiq alruwh

Alfie Solomons x reader (Peaky Blinders) 

Family business / Family honor /  Family respect /  Family language /  Family trust / Family house / Family protection / 

Eames x reader (Inception) 

Specificity 

________________________________________________________

Vaas Montenegro (Far cry 3) x Reader 

The tiger and the rabbit  (and imagines) 

Vaas and the little pirate imagines   - Chico 

Vaas and the nurse imagines 

Fucking Fate   Part 2   Ending 1   Ending 2 (complete)

Rook College 

_______________________________________________________

Homelander (The Boys) x Reader 

Love 

Perfectly happy 

Imagines - Catlander 

(Team Red /  matt x reader x wade / Deadpool  )

No Fear

The Best Friend 

______________________________________________________

Charlie Cox characters

Matt Murdock (Daredevil) x Reader 

Moment of doubt 

Little Devil 

My Fellow Devil 

Soulmark 

The Big Day 

Devil Inside 

The Thief 

Pretty 

Good boy 

Slave 

The Devils Kiss

Torn 

The Test 

Grandpa Sidney 

First day of April

Dream job

Secrets

The Contract 

Hellfire (Dragon Matt) 

Truth and Dare(devil)

The Moms / The Moms 2 / The Moms 3 / The Moms 4 (Matt x Frank x Reader) (complete)

The Punisher, the Kingpin and the Darling (Murderdock x Frank x Reader) 

The Devil and the Angel (College Dark Matt) 

The Murdock boy (College Dark Matt)

His (College Dark Matt) 

Earth 65 (Dark Matt) 

Flower arrangement   / Stealing perfume

Inseparable pair / Inseparable pair 2 (Dark Matt) (complete)

Soulmate AU (Dark Matt) - Scared  - Enough  - Obvious (complete)

Murderdock and the Nice Lawyer (Dark Matt) 

Promise / Promise 2 (Dark Matt) (complete)

Saviours

A chaste meeting

The Roommate (Dark Matt) 

His little secret (Dark Matt) 

Walkind Dead (Dark Matt) 

Unexpected proof (Dark Matt)

Lost (Dark Matt) 

The Devil and the Cat (Dark Matt) / The Devil and the Cat 2 

- The Devil’s lawyer 1  - Part 2 - Part 3  - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15 - Part 16 - Part 17 - Part 18 - Part 19 (ending) 

  Bonus part  1 - Bonus part 2 - Bonus part 3 - Bonus part 4  - Bonus part 5  - Bonus part 6 - Bonus Part 7 - Bonus Part 8 - Bonus Part 9 - Bonus Part 10 - Bonus Part 11 - Bonus Part 12 - Bonus Part 13 - Bonus Part 14 - Bonus Part 15 - Bonus Part 16 - Bonus Part 17 - Bonus Part 18 - Last Bonus Part 19 (complete)

Henry (Eat Locals) 

Eat Locals / Eat Locals 2 (complete)

Old and Stupid 

Philip Duke of Crowborough (Downton Abbey)  

Two Swallow made a Summer (Philip x Thomas x Reader) 

Happiness and responsibilities (Philip x Reader) 

Owen Sleater (Broadwalk Empire)

Intruder 

The Office 

Littes Vulcan Owen  / The Bond (complete)

Michael Kinsella (Kin) 

The Magician

____________________________________________________

Jon Bernthal characters 

Frank Castle (The Punisher / Daredevil) 

The Big Nice Punisher 

Without warning  / part 2 / 

Shane Walsh (The Walking Dead) 

Dead man walking

Communication issues

Mistake  - Part 2 (complete)

All fine

Julian Kaye (American Gigolo) 

Wanting something  /  Wanting more  (complete)

_____________________________________________________

Pedro Pascal characters

Din Djarin (The Mandalorian)

You 

Mando’a 

The way to communicate 

The Mand’alor (happy Pedro day !)

Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels (Kingsmen : Golden Circle) 

The Agency 

Oberyn Martell (Game of Thrones) 

Of Snakes and Kitten (Oberyn x Reader x Ellaria) 

Worst in life

The little angel 

Maxwell Lord (Wonder Woman 1984)

The Wish 

Javi G. (The Unbearable weight of massive talent) 

Never meet your idols

Private life

Simple mission

Reed Richards (Fantastic 4 first step) 

Elastic heart

Max Phillips (Bloodsucking Bastards) 

The Neighbor

___________________________________________________

The Batman 2022 / Bruce Wayne 

The transfer 

_____________________________________________________

Deadpool 

Obvious

_____________________________________________________

Oscar Isaac characters

Poe Dameron (Star Wars) 

Simple

Miguel O Hara (Spiderverse) 

The Big Cat 

The Scar

Nathan Bateman (Ex Machina)

Flowers

The Smile

Exodus

The stupid genius

Moon Knight 

Shielded by the moon   - Part 2  (complete)

___________________________________________________

Jack russell (Werewolf by night) 

The kind man (Fluffobter 2024)

_____________________________________________________

Brad Pitt’s characters 

Bullet Train (Ladybug x reader) 

Fight club (Tyler Durden x reader) - Part 2  (complete)

Snatch (Mickey O Neil x reader) 

_____________________________________________________

Eyeshield 21 

Agon (Agon Kongo x reader) - part 2 (complete)

Spot the difference (Agon x reader)

__________________________________________________

The Ghoul / Cooper Howard (Fallout) 

Only wastelands (Cooper x reader) / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 (complete)

Strange way of life 

__________________________________________________

Feyd Rautha Harkonnen (Dune part 2)

The Fall of House Harkonnen (Feyd and reader, platonic, fraternal love) 

His Dark Sun 

The Alien (Flufftober 2024 long story)

___________________________________________________

SLASHERS

Halloween (rz version) 

Halloween (Michael Myers x reader)

The Mask 

The Collector/The Collection (movies) 

Firefly (Asa Emory x reader)

____________________________________________________

Jarod (Road 96) 

On the road

[ryuzakemo128]

Four Horsemen

Chapter Six: Don't Tell Me The Odds Part 2 Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Red (Female Reader) Genre: Modern, sci-fi, fantasy, fluff, mystery

Masterlist: Link

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Trigger Warning: Implication of smut

[Alfie Solomon's Point of View]

Red was all I could think about, I only met her once and she left an impression on me. One I couldn't shake off. Her fiery red hair, her piercing gaze, her charcoal grey eyes holding a lifetime of secrets. During my search to find more information about her, the more I looked the less I found, she was like ghost or a phantom somehow. It only fueled my desire to know more about her, to uncover the secrets and mystery around her.

Days turned to weeks, those weeks turned into months, there was no trace of her history or background anywhere. It's like no one knows anything about her, her real name or her history before she came to England. The dream I had last night was vivid, almost real. In the dream, I woke up next to her in her home. We were lying in bed, our bodies entangled, and she was smiling at me. I reached out to touch her face, but then I woke up.

This dream was almost real, by the time I sat up I was awake. She wasn't there and I was alone in my bedroom, breathing heavily, feeling a mix of both disappointment and longing. The dream was my safe way of getting to know her without the fear of being rejected, without any risk of losing her or her disappearing like ash in the wind.

I continued to think of the dream I had throughout the day, it was so intimate and tender. The warmth of the embrace still lingering as if it actually did happen that morning. In my dreams I have found solace in the dream world where Red and I were together. Unbothered by the risks and uncertainties the world had outside.

I couldn't help but wonder what her life must have been long before she came to England, what she did before and how she manages to move around so fast. As the days go by rumors of her being a spy to being an assassin started to occur.

Aleksandr her younger brother, he usually helped out when it came to work and business matters. Even he didn't know much about her and their mother is the only person that does.

"My mother knows more than I do, whenever I asked her about her past she never said much about it. Although I can tell you one thing, her real name is Oksana Volkova." Aleksandr stated one afternoon.

[ryuzakemo128]

Four Horsemen

Chapter Five: Don't Tell Me The Odds

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Red [Female Reader]

Genre: Modern, sci-fi, fantasy, fluff, mystery

Masterlist: Link

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Trigger Warnings:

Mention of possible mental illness and nightmares

Authors Note: Longer chapter this time around. Sorry for the wait, I hope you like this one. The next one might come out the same day, but that all depends on what happens after doing stuff outside of the house.

[Red's Point of View]

Nightmares of the past and the things I have done in the past, the insomnia crawling over like a cosmic horror threatening to devour what little sanity I had left. Memories of bloodshed and other horrifying things I done, staying up late into the night. Distracting myself with the designs I wanted to in place my house I was building, sleep sung like a siren's call both tempting and alluring. Plans to look over, to distract from the lull of a sleep where night terrors waited for me like a predator lurking in the darkness.

After staring at the plans for the past three and a half hours, she got up and started to get ready for her morning bath, lighting candles smelling of lavender and jasmine, hoping to create a soothing yet calming ambiance to settle back into a lulled sleep. Putting Epsom salts into the hot water to ease my tired muscles, as the bathtub fills up with hot water.

I turned calming sounds of the ocean rushing on the sandy beach and rushing back, and I started to undress, shedding the weight of yesterday. Along with my clothes I was sleeping in from the day before. Tension started to dissipate as I stepped into the bath, the sweet smelling candles and the sounds of the ocean calmed my mind. As if it scared off the horrors of my nightmares and thoughts of yesterday drifted away, like a boat in the ocean.

Warm water embraced my body like a warm hug, soothing my bones and muscled. The bathroom was dimly lit as I haven't replaced the blown out bulb just yet, the flickering flame making shifting shadows against the walls of the bathroom. Almost like they were dancing.

The nightmares were all the same, only the people inside of them change with each one.

"I'm so tired of these nightmares," I said to myself as I sank further into the salty hot water. "I just want to sleep soundly for one night."

I looked over at the clock again, it was already 4:45am, dawn will come in the next five minutes and the day will finally start. After having a bath, I felt warm and relaxed, ready to get back to working on my house. The cellars were in place and the base foundation was complete.

After the walls were put into place, the cottage started to take shape and my vision is coming into reality the more work is done into it. The more work I put into my home the more of my dream home came to life. I wanted to make it perfect, I wanted to make sure it had everything I needed and more. After the structure continue to come together, the more time I spent living in my friend's home and I felt bad about it, despite them being fine with it.

As the details were added, one by one, the crimson red roof tiling, the wooden carvings on the front porch with the rocking chair on the front porch covered by a thick knitted blanket in time for winter's cold breath. The front door had stained glass in the middle of the door, depicting a red rose in the middle.

The windows of the house were done to able to look outside and to make sure no one could look inside, providing both privacy and a view. Interior design a blend of industrial and gothic styles, the exposed brick walls, ornate chandeliers hanging from high ceilings. Furniture mix of both antique and modern pieces.

The polished black wooden flooring throughout the entire cottage, sleek and sophisticated looks. The two skull planters outside the front door with black Baccara Roses inside the two of them. I could finally move into my home as the main parts came together after five months.

[ryuzakemo128]

Four Horsemen

Chapter Two: The Enigmatic Connection

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Red (Female Reader)

Genre: Modern, sci-fi, fantasy, fluff, mystery

Masterlist: Link

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Chapter Summary: Intrigued by the alluring Red, Alfie delves into the enigmatic woman's past. Her captivating presence and piercing eyes hide a depth of secrets. As whispers of her involvement with the Russian intelligence agency and connections to the criminal underworld circulate, Alfie becomes consumed by curiosity.

(Alfie's Solomons point of view)

As I observed the woman calling herself Red, I couldn't help but be intrigued by her. Her presence is mysterious and alluring. There were sharp features and piercing charcoal grey eyes that carried a sense of depth, containing a host of experiences I could only imagine. Her thick Russian accent adds exoticism to her alluring, captivating persona. 

I had only heard whispers in the underworld and in the Jewish community about her, and I was only aware of rumors about her. In this part of the world, rumors like these spread like wildfire. In my opinion, the rumors did not do her justice as she seemed to exude an aura of power and intelligence which should have been worthy of respect, despite all of the rumors. I didn't know what to say to her at the time. She was gone in a matter of moments, and I was left to wonder who she was.

It is impossible not to be curious about her, to want to know what lies beneath the facets of her and what hides beneath her personality. "Who was that?" I asked Katya in response to my question. Having both a sense of suspicion and a sense of curiosity at the same time. 

"That was Red, my friend. She's an engineer and tech expert who moved to England recently. She's been assisting me with the setup of my company's network. I've known her for quite some time now, and I have found her to be trustworthy and skilled." Katya replied, looking at me with a narrowed gaze. 

As I raised my eyebrows, my interest was piqued even further. There is something about her that intrigues me, so I would like to know more about her. What else can you tell me about her?"

The moment Katya considered the amount of information she should reveal, she hesitated for a moment. It wasn't until she had shared a bit more information that she decided to share more. There is much more to Red than just being an engineer. There is a history of Red with the Russian intelligence agency the FSB. Although her departure from the agency was a mystery, it was well known that she was a formidable operative. She is highly skilled and has a reputation for getting things done. I have heard whispers about her being connected to the criminal underworld as well."

My question to her was, "What do you mean by that?" 

[ryuzakemo128]

Incorrect Quotes - Peaky Blinders ( Part Two)

(Part One / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five / Part Six / Part Seven / Part Eight / Part Nine / Part Ten)

(Divider by this person here)

Thomas: *sharpens knife* We've got ways of making people talk. Thomas: *cuts piece of cake* Red: ...Can I have some? Thomas: Cake is for talkers.

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

Thomas: You’re giving me a sticker? Red: Not just a sticker. That is a sticker of a kitty saying “me-wow!” Thomas: I’m not a preschooler. Red: Fine, I’ll take it back- Thomas: I earned this, back off!

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

Thomas: You read my diary? Red: At first I did not know it was your diary. I thought it was a very sad handwritten book.

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

Red, sniffling: Calm down, I’m probably not sick. It might just be allergies. Thomas: Okay, tell me this: are you like, really tired? Red: I have depression, what do you think?

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

Red: Why would I flip my shit about that? Thomas: Because you flip your shit about everything. Red: Well, will you look at this. Here is my shit, and yet it remains unflipped. Just sitting there on the skillet, getting burned on one side. It’s a miracle.

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

Kidnapper: I have your partner. Thomas: What? I don't have a partner... Kidnapper: Then who just called me a lowlife bitch and spit in my face? Thomas: Oh my god, you have Red.

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

Thomas: I love murder mysteries! Red, trying to impress them: I've been a suspect in four murder cases.

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

Red: Do you need help getting up? Thomas: Nah, I'm cool down here on the floor.

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

Red: I have a new hoodie. Thomas: Wrong. Thomas: We have a new hoodie.

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

Red, confused and exasperated: Thomas, how do you plan on telling a bear to go vegan? Thomas: Politely

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

*Red sends more than 5 messages in a row* Thomas: I ain’t reading all that. Thomas: I’m happy for you tho. Thomas: Or sorry that happened.

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

Thomas: I won a new phone in a race. Red: Huh? What kind of race lets you win a phone, Thomas? Thomas: A race between the store owner, the cop, and me.

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

Thomas: I regret nothing!!! Red: I regret everything!!!

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

Red: I want a bf. Thomas: Do you mean best friend, boyfriend or bread feast? Because you’re being really vague here.

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

Thomas: The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was changing their name to Red.

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

Thomas: Go big or go home! Red: Please, for once in your life just go home. I'm begging you. Go. Home. Thomas: I'm going big!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Red: We’re getting married, bitches! Thomas: And we're about to make it everybody else's problem.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Red: Wait you like me? For my personality? Thomas: I know, I was surprised too.

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

Thomas: Red is not a morning person. Or a night person. There’s really only about seven minutes a day you are fun to be around. Red: The best part is you never know when they’re coming.

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

Thomas: Don’t stay up all night, Red. Last time you got this sleep-deprived, you tried to eat your own shirt.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thomas: I can’t believe all these people are wearing black. black is supposed to be my thing, they’re all just posers. Red: Thomas, for the last time, we’re at a funeral.

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

Thomas, texting Red: Red there’s a moth on the outside of the bathroom door can you get rid of it? Thomas: Pls hurry because I’m going to cry Thomas: Red Thomas: Red Red: Red is dead. You’re next. Love, Moth.

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

Red: I still have no idea how I’m attracted to you... Thomas: Yeah, well, you’re stuck with me, and no take backs, honey.

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

Red: Something’s off. Thomas: Maybe you’ve finally developed human emotions and feel bad for hurting people. Red: No, but that’s funny.

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

Thomas: What is the one thing I told you not to do? Red: Burn the house down. Thomas: And what did you do? Red: I made dinner. Thomas:

Red:

Thomas:

Red: And burnt the house down.

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

Red: You can’t have a gun on stage! Thomas: WRONG AGAIN! I can have a gun, and I must have a gun, that’s the rule of Chekhov’s Gun: have a gun. And now that it’s been seen, I will have to shoot someone before the end of the play.

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

Thomas: You look mentally ill. Red: I am. Let’s go.

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

Thomas: The time to act is now. Thomas: Wink, wink. Red: Don't say "wink wink". Just wink. Thomas: Oh, sorry. Thomas: Wink.

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

Thomas: When I first met you, I did not like you. Red: I'm aware of that. Thomas: But then you and I had some time together. Red: Uh-huh? Thomas: It did not get better.

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

Thomas: You believe me? Red: Thomas, you’re the last good person on this planet. I‘d believe cartoon birds braided your hair this morning.

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

Thomas: I personally don't think it's possible to come up with a crazier plan. Red: We could attack them with hummus. Thomas: I stand corrected. Red: Just keeping things in perspective.

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

Red: The saying “it is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission” no longer applies to Thomas.

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

Red: Valentine’s day is just a consumerist holiday that holds no real value other than drive people insane buying heart shaped chocolates for their significant others and pos- Thomas: I wrote you a poem. Red, already crying: You did?

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

Red: Good morning! Thomas, checking their watch: Correct.

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

Thomas: Hey Red, listen, corporate makes us do this every year, but this is just a little manager evaluation form. You just fill it out, let them know how I'm doing, you know? Red: Alright! Uh, "Is your manager manipulative?" Thomas: I'd say "No" to that if I were you.

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

Thomas: I'm gonna nickname my child "Lil Bitch". Red: I see you're passing on your name.

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

Red: When I said bring me something back from the beach I meant like a conch shell! Thomas: *Struggling to hold a seagull* Fucking say that next time!

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

Thomas: Seriously, Red, how many people would you have killed if we’d asked you to? Red: That’s not important Thomas: I DISAGREE.

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

Red, to Thomas: If you can ever manage to get over yourself, I would highly recommend being me.

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

Red: How do tall people possibly sleep at night when the blanket can't possibly cover you? Thomas: Red, it's four o'clock in the morning. Red: So, you can't sleep, huh? Is it because of the blanket?

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

Red: That's greatly offensive to my people. Thomas: College dropouts?

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

Thomas: We are not mad. We are just disappointed. Red: No, we are mad. Thomas: Yes. We are. We are livid. But we are going to let this one slide. Red: No, we’re not! Thomas: I am not a mind reader, Red!

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

Red: Everybody shut up, I'm thinking. Thomas, patting them on the back: Well, don’t think too hard. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.

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

Thomas: What situation is not instantly improved by the addition of fishnets, I ask you. Red: Being a fish. Thomas: Well, shit.

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

Thomas: I’m quick at math. Red: Ok, what’s 38 times 76? Thomas: 24. Red: That wasn’t even close. Thomas: But it was quick.

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

Red: Kill me nowwwww. Thomas: Sorry, no can do. I need your help with my homework.

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

Thomas: When's the last time you slept? Red: Uh... a few days ago, I think. Thomas: A few- how many?! Red: Uh... *starts counting on fingers* I need more fingers... Thomas: What you need is sleep!

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

Red: Strawberry milk doesn’t taste like strawberry OR milk. Thomas: Go the fuck to sleep Red.

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

Red: Oh Thomas, we have a visitor! Thomas: Don't tell me it's Alfie. Red: It's Alfie.

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

Thomas: If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're impressed. Red: But you do know better.

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

Red: Relationships should be 50/50. Thomas cooks us dinner while I sit on the kitchen counter looking pretty.

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

Red: Did it hurt when you fell- Thomas Shelby: From heaven? Wow, I didn’t think you were such a flirt- Red: No, I meant when you fell down the stairs. Thomas Shelby: ... Red: You just laid there for 15 minutes.

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

Red: Ugh, crushes are so dumb. Thomas Shelby: I know. Whenever I’m near the person I like I just start acting stupid. Red: But you’re always acting stupid? Thomas Shelby: ... Thomas Shelby: Yeah, don’t think about that too hard.

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

Thomas Shelby: So you like cats? Red: Yeah. Thomas Shelby: *tries to impress them by slowly pushing a glass off the table*

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

Thomas Shelby: We have a problem. Red: No, YOU have a problem. I have an idiot who keeps making them.

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

Thomas Shelby: Red, you love me, right? Red: Normally I’d say yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere I won’t like.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Devil and Death

Chapter One: If Only She Knocked

A/N: I have set this after Thomas and Red got married.

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Red (Female Reader) (Modern au)

Chapter Summary: Months after Red and Thomas gets married, Galina breaks into their home with a glint in her eye and an idea to start a business big enough for the both of them.

Next Chapter >

One late night, while Thomas is with his business with the Peaky Blinders. Red is still painting the nursery with a child on the way. Galina is on the way there, Red is pregnant with Ruby and thinking about passing out on the couch instead of finishing the room. Red continued to debate over which one she wanted to do. As she painted the details onto each cloud to make each side of the room a sunrise and the other a sunset.

She didn't hear the car pull up in the driveway over the loud music and she certainly didn't pay attention to the bright light waving around the windows of her house. She certainly hoped it Thomas was pulling up into the driveway. But she knew he wouldn't be home until tomorrow night instead. It's as if an otherworld being set it up from the future.

Galina is climbing upside the house near the expensive flower bed. She left her shoes in her car and decided it would be better to sneak in without shoes. While Red ordered takeout for her second dinner after shoving the last of the dishes into the dishwasher.

"My appetite is through the fucking roof, my husband is busy and I'm home alone. About to have my second dinner and eat two deserts,"

"Hey, Red, I know this might be a bad time and everything. But I have a great idea that I think you might want to be apart of,"

"Bad time for me or you?"

"You?"

"I'm a pregnant, home alone and the appetite of a monster wearing a skinsuit,"

"Never mind, that's not the point. I have an idea for a business that we could start up,"

"What kind of idea?"

Galina started to explain what she thought the kind of business she wanted to start up. She had to follow Red around while she cleaned up the left over paint tins.

"As much as I would love to help out, we'd have to wait until Ruby is born and at least three years old to get out of the planning stage,"

"You could also start third degree at the same time,"

"I'll think about it and discuss it with my husband. Spitball ideas of our own, see what he thinks about it."

"Since when did you go running to him?"

"I don't run or walk to him for anything, I ask him for an opinion because I want to hear it,"

"Like when you over planned my birthday party and you ran crying to him when I said I hated it,"

"You did that on purpose and I know it,"

Galina had to take several hours of promising to never hurt Red's feelings again. Which led to a heated debate over when it should start and where. Galina wanted it near a city they grew up, which was basically a neglected war zone and incredibly unstable. Red decided on starting near the mountains, away from civilization.

Galina groaned, complained about the idea until her own idea fell through and went back to sneaking into the house through the bedroom window. Luckily at this moment, Thomas only just pulled into the driveway. Galina had already climbed through the window and decided to cook dinner, while Red had a nap on the couch. As Thomas walked in confused, didn't think much of it before heading off to shower.

As the night continues, Galina had went to wake Red and Thomas had to make sure Galina didn't try to set their house on fire. Red slowly woke up, groaning as she stretched from sleeping on the couch.

"I'm still sorry for leaving you home alone that long," Thomas shouted from the kitchen.

"I told you, if you needed to go there. It's fine. I had Galina here with me the entire time,"

"I don't doubt that, I just wish she'd respect our privacy sometimes," Thomas said in a hushed tone that Galina couldn't hear.

"I'm hoping starting near the mountains would give one of us time away from the other sometimes. But knowing my luck it wouldn't happen for quite a while,"

"Make sure she doesn't climb into our bedroom window while I'm home at least, I don't want a repeat of what happened the night we got married,"

"She's married too, the guy is always off doing things though," Red stated confused by it, "there is cleary something happening that is making her act out in this way,"

"whatever it is, I hope we can deter her from our room to a separate room in the house,"

Galina didn't have to tell her if things were or weren't working out back at her home. As her facial expressions and her body language said it before she could hide that it was actually happening.

"I'm just worried that she's trying to fill an unfillable hole that's inside her," Red explained without over-explaining to the point of confusing him.

Over the next few months, Red and Galina had fixed up a new office for Galina to sneak into without bugging Thomas or Red. Thus Galina's bedroom window climbing came to a swift easy ending. At the very least both Thomas and Red had thought so, there was less yelling.

Three months Later

An office set up, Galina and her husband going to couples therapy. Red and Thomas looking for better locks for their bedroom windows. Red is about to have her child and she's currently hoping they don't loose her. Between both now and the time she enters the world. Even though she is reassured that it wouldn't happen a second time.

Her sleeping pattern after having the child on Christmas Eve became a complete mess. But it was already mess before having the child, so the sleep schedule didn't make it less or more difficult than usual. The Christmas holidays weren't much better for Galina since she divorced her husband and she moved in with Red.

Months After Christmas

Ruby is a few months old, Charlie is starting school that year and Red had started studying business so Galina could be free to sort her personal life out. While also making sure to decide what she is going contribute at the start of it. Thus beginning the new era of work for the both of them.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Angel Of Death

Chapter Two: The Eternal Sleep

<;- Previous Chapter / Next Chapter ->

Trigger Warning(s): Mention Of Death, Cursing, Violence

Pairing: (Later on) Thomas Shelby x Red (Female Reader)

1919

Red came home, only this time she had decided the military would have to replace her. She held no interest in working with or for the Soviet Union. Russia might have been her birth place, but it would never be her home.

Her brother might have died during the war and she wouldn't have known. Her brother could have lived and gotten home injured, she still wouldn't have known either. His parents wouldn't have told her, wouldn't tell her anything.

"Red! Head in clouds again, eh?" Her brother yelled.

"I thought you hated Russians!" Red yelled back at him, "I thought you hated me too!"

"I hate the fact you are fucking late!"

She walked over to him, "Says you, you're normally the one late." She says smirking a little.

"Oi! I'm still your older brother."

"And I can still fuckin kick your arse"

Red hugged her brother, she didn't want to let go just yet and she didn't want to believe the fact that he went all the way over from England to Moscow.

"I hate Russia because it's fucking cold."

"Well let's go get warmed up then! Vodka will warm you right up!"

1920

It's been a year since she had taken a different job, a job from a lively young russian female whose name she couldn't recall. A year since she did any kind of 'real' work as her adoptive parents would have said to their friends.

This job, more or less than the same as being in the war and if there was a difference between the two she couldn't see it or want to see it either. Her grey eyes and grey hair made things easier for people assume she is older than what she really is.

Her brother got himself married to a pretty young noble, moved away to live in the country-side. Red still wrote to him, Red still corrected him on how to write certain words, here and there. Red wrote to him while she was away in Russia sometimes and sometimes she would be in Germany. Even when she was no longer a sniper for the Soviet Army, she still feared for her life there.

She went from being a Russian Sharpshooter to being a russian assassin. It took her mind from the things she had done during ww1. She was proud of the medals her brother had received, but she never spoke of her own experience in the war. Much like most of the other Russians.

A few older friends of hers asked why she never married, as they did while they were in their twenties.

"I don't know to perfectly honest, I have no clue as to why I never did." is her favorite way of answering those types of questions regarding marriage and dating.

She continued to work as Russian assassin, even when she left to live in England for six months. As she as several targets in the area and in the hopes she would be able to spread her wings further. Broaden her horizon and to earn money some other way.

Until her employer asked to speak to her face to face in a place called Birmingham.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Angel Of Death

Chapter One: Painting The Roses Red

Next Chapter ->

A/N: In the same universe as these ones. Even If... / Paint the roses red

Pairing: (Later on) Thomas Shelby x Red (Female Reader)

Trigger Warning(s): Mention Of Death, Cursing, Violence

1906

Her adoptive parents were more than a little supportive, unless she did something they didn't want her to. Like speak in Russian or curse in Russian or ask about her parents. She a Russian, adopted by an English family after her parents had died. She was no older than fourteen at the time.

She enrolled to be a sniper for the Russians, whether or not they took her on as one of their own didn't matter to her. All she wanted to do was to shoot guns and have it mean something to someone. She might been eighteen, lost and feeling like she had no place anywhere. Then again, she might have wanted to feel something. The subtly of her origin being cussed out like disease got really old by the end of it.

"I will hear no more of this, my parents were from Russia, I was born there, in Russia and I was raised there as well and I won't listen to more of this!"

Red went back to live in Russia not long after, Mister and Mrs. Rush threatened to disown her. But she never cared much for their lifestyle anyway, she didn't care about them and she didn't care to listen to their pitiful attempt at threats either.

Her life in that family had ended, she fled to Moscow to join Soviet Union that very same year, she wanted to be a sniper and there was nothing more to it.

1909

"Red! Red, Where on earth have you been?! You were missing for ten days!"

Red had returned broken, beaten and bleeding. She couldn't close her eyes because of the fact that he was dead, her best friend was dead and she could do was watch them. Watch them beat him to death. She couldn't see, the tears in eyes made them blurry.

"He's gone, my friend is dead and it's my fucking fault he's gone," she sobbed into the pillow, there wasn't much that could soothe the crying and there wasn't much use into talking to her out of thinking it. In times like these she wished she could just crawl up into a ball and disappear.

Despite dealing with death, deceased and killing others most of her life. This death hit harder than anything else she ever experienced.

"If our parents saw you like this they'd be crushed, we both know and for fucks sake talk to us!" Red's older adoptive brother shouted through her bedroom door.

"I'll talk when I fucking want to!"

"You're not thinking of doin anything stupid, right Red?"

"I am now," She said opening her bedroom door, "Thanks for the idea by the way and I'm sorry for your loss,"

"They said sorry by the end of it,"

"I know, I had a feeling they would have."

1914 - 1918

The war was long and bloody, longer than she originally had thought it would have been. She had no problem with taking the life of another man in writing, in practice, it became rather difficult. By the end of each day, she would pray for the men she had killed and by the end of each prayer. She was asked why she never had prayed for her own life.

"My life will end some day, just not today and not tomorrow neither."

"Red, I still think you would have made a beautiful nurse."

She laughed like hadn't laughed before and she knew she might not live to see another day. She joined knowing full well it could happen.

But what helped keep going through were the women at her side and the conversations they had at times like these. Red as the world that used to know her, died during the war in order to become who she needed to be.

[ryuzakemo128]

I Will Never Die

A/N: In order to give more character Red, I would like it if you could go through these things here in this post. Just so I can get an idea of what you want Red to be in the Future.

Pairing: Modern Thomas Shelby x Red (Female Reader)

Prompt List: Part One / Part Two / Part Three

Prompt: “Don’t leave me. Don’t you dare leave me”

Requested?: No.

Song: I will Never Die By Delta Rae

Old heat of a raging fire Come and light my eyes Summer's kiss to electric wire But I'll never die

Red had taken Thomas out of the room. Whoever kicked down her office doors knew they’d be there. Whoever wanted to kill both Thomas and Red tried to ensure they knew they were coming. Red knew the Colombian mafia wouldn’t let her get away with killing their boss’s wife.

“These Colombian people don’t have the sense of humour I like.” Red says to Thomas, causing him to laugh a little.

Red smirked as one man left an opening wide enough for her to get Thomas out of there.

“One of us needs to leave in order to get backup. You’re hurt and you need medical attention. I need to get you a way to get help without them noticing that we have left.”

“I’m not leaving without you Red,” Thomas stated clinging on her arm, “I won’t let you do this on your own. Not since you have endured the passing of your friend Galina,”

“This is the only chance we have to make sure you stay alive,” Red whispered to him, “Charlie and Ruby need you to be there, I’ll find you when I can alright?”

“Don’t leave me. Don’t you dare leave me” Thomas shouted as Red went to deal with the stragglers left behind.

"I'll find you Thomas!"

[ryuzakemo128]

The Angel Of Death

Chapter Three: Endure This

<- Previous Chapter / Next Chapter ->

Pairing: (Later on) Thomas Shelby x Red (Female Reader)

Trigger Warning: Mention Of Death, Cursing, Violence

1921 (First half of the year)

She couldn't believe, the change of employers and the new one, the new one is one of her closest friends. She has enough cash before this to buy a house somewhere. But she wants more than just a house for the moment.

Although she didn't buy a house a Russia, she bought one in Birmingham and it wasn't the best in the world. But to her it definitely is.

"I heard you were in the area, I thought you would prefer to work for me instead."

"Where's Ivan? I thought he'd be with you."

"He's with Masha"

"How is she? I haven't seen her since you had divorced the other guy,"

"She misses you weirdly enough, which is why your first job to babysit while you get trained."

"I don't follow, I was a sharpshooter, what more training do I need?"

"Much, much more to be effective in type of jobs I want you to do"

"As long as I get paid while this happens, I trust you and I know how you are. So I won't fight you on this one,"

"I want you to be both operative and assassin."

"Compact combo? Why?"

"First of all no, second of all it's more like being a special type of agent. The only one I would trust to do the jobs I need you trained for."

"I'm up for it, as long as you agree to my terms and conditions."

To start over again in familiar territory and to start over without having to loose everything. She helped with Masha as the little girl grew up and she got training so much more intense than her friend led her to believe.

"You've been busy," She said after her friend punched her in the face.

"That's enough for today, I do have to say. You've gotten better now, under my care"

"I don't feel that I have, getting punched in face doesn't mean I know how to fight. It just means I know how much it hurts to get punched in the face" Red's eyes watered and she continued to try to blink them away.

"Your reaction timing is great, but the execution still needs work and you have perfected your aim with that rifle of yours. So yeah, you have improved over the three months. Three months left and we'll test out the results."

"I hope it's easier than these punching matches I've been having with you"

"First one will be a breeze I'm sure"

"That'll be a first"

Three months came and went, if Red improved when it came to fighting was about to be seen. Whether or not trained her further was a waste of time would also be seen.

1921 (Second half of the year)

"That first job, it was easier than I thought. You told me sit, listen and follow the guy."

"That's part of what you'll be doing too. The other part is killing people. But we both know you're already good enough for that part."

"So the fist fighting thing is part the operative half or the assassin part?"

"Both because you won't always have a gun on you and sometimes you'll have it taken from you"

"Well I owe Masha the rest of my desserts for the rest of this month."

"She's way too smart, she gets it from her dad and her godmother"

"I'd go more with the husband part, but that's just me"

"I like to think its both, Red you're more than just a babysitter to her. To her you are her guardian angel."

"And I'll what I can to make sure she's safe. While I am still her guardian angel babysitter."

Red took care of Masha, even after she was reassigned as an agent. Even after first dozen or so jobs, Masha and her friend is the people she goes to before anyone else. She spoils her goddaughter the way she thinks she should be.

Both Red and her employer set in their ways, her employer set a meeting with a man who is called Thomas Shelby.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Angel Of Death

Chapter Twenty Six: Last Stage of Grief: Acceptance

<- Previous Chapter / Next Chapter ->

Chapter Summary: Red faces the final three Seven Deadly fathers, embraces her darker side and the version of Red that is to come.

Trigger Warning: Mention of Death and Violence, slight hint at a few sex scenes.

"I don't like announcing a presence it's why it looks the way it does," Red says explaining why it looked plain on the outside, "Besides, with everything that has happened to my previous business partner, I'd rather not make it known outside of you lot."

Alfie became her business partner taking over the Colombian underground fighting arenas. Half of each month's profit went directly to him and him alone. Red gave paid lesson's to those wanting to learn the Russian language, thus the building outside of city limits devoted to learning Russian and English.

"What are you going to do with the multitude of safe houses in Russia?" Thomas asked her.

"Keep them as Safe houses that's what there for Thomas."

Red's connections though-out both Russia and America were getting larger by each passing week. She felt like she up to her ears with more work than she could ever handle. She hired identical twins from Mexico to handle the assassination part of the business. Mainly the training part of things.

Red made sure they were taught English before they started working. She never hired an assassin from Colombia for fear of any of them having a connection to the woman she killed. The spies hired from there never went near any major operation. She even went as far as to hire bodyguards from Russia to protect Masha at all times. Whatever Masha asked for, is exactly what she gets at times. Masha had the best tutors money could buy. Masha's questions weren't unanswered, she told the truth as much as she knew Galina would have wanted her to know. Masha taught me how to play the piano, and how to speak both Russian and English fluently. She knew would have to be better than both Galina and her. "Our future is in the hands of these children and they need to be better than us," Her mother said to her as Red watched Masha play the piano during her lesson. Whenever Masha called Red mother or her fairy godmother it made her feel something, something she never thought she'd feel. Like someone depended on her, even though Red could have given her to the orphanage but Galina made her promise that she'd be there as if she was her own flesh and blood.

Masha needed parental guidance and there wasn't anything anyone could stop Red from making sure she got just that. Masha called Red her fairy godmother when she fixed something, which caused a pang in her heart that only happened with Masha or Charlie.

Charlie and Masha didn't get along at first, one accusing the other of taking up too much of Red's time. Basically running circles around Red's feet the whole time. It amused Thomas more than Red would have liked. Red read them both a story each night or at least one chapter of a story each night. She gave more of her time to both rather than one at a time.

Charlie got along with Masha after a while, they even started playing music together sometimes.

"What about your mother and father?"

"What would like to know about them?"

"What were they like?"

"Smart, dependable, someone you can rely on and they were there for me," Red explained to both Charlie and Masha in ways that they could understand.

"What did they do for work?"

"They helped people in a lot of ways," Red paused thinking about what else to put it so they wouldn't know before they were ready to know.

"Like dad?" Charlie asked.

"Kinda, but not the same way. But incredibly similar,"

Red had accepted that Galina is gone and there wasn't anything she could have done to prevent it from happening. But at the same time, she would have to accept that she needed to focus more on those around her as well as herself.

Thomas saw her more and more during this period of her life. Red had her business focus more on information intake to sell copies off to certain people. She pooled money for Masha and Charlie as their inheritance in the case that anything happened to her.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Devil and Death

Chapter Three: The Start Of Something

Trigger Warning: Cursing, mention of smut/ sex scenes

Chapter Summary: The uphill battle of starting a criminal career while still having their core values intact.

<Previous Chapter / Next Chapter>

Red and Galina is on the way to meeting with their Russian friend, Ramon. He recently made contact to start up a brothel in Moscow. He wanted to meet with them before he decided to do anything other than pick out the right area to start up in. As it wasn't legal because they didn't want to look into crimes against sex workers or something like that. As Ramon liked to say to them as often as usual.

Ramon looked like a himbo in every sense of the word and the feeling of that word. He has three assistants behind the scenes to help with the majority of the harder work that he couldn't do. But he usually brought in most of the female sex workers into the business and the meeting with both Red and Galina is about the cut in return of protecting his brothel.

Ramon is a a six foot four inches tall with a slight tan, he has his mum's name tattooed on his right shoulder with the date she is born and the date she passed away in a love heart. He has long shaggy dirty blonde hair and a beard that is a slightly darker tone. Toned in the terms of physical appearance and he had talked to Red about just deciding to dedicate time away to focus on just that.

Red and Ramon spoke in more detail about how he wanted his establishment protected. While Galina inspected the area to see if anything needed fixing up or replacing, writing down details whenever anything showed up.

"Regular maintenance is covered, last thing we both want is for this place to crash. So I'll look over what kind of improvements we could make now and the ones to work towards," Galina stated, as she continued look around.

"14 guys, round the clock protection and they'll listen to you," Red stated, as she walked into his office, "They'll be there to protect your girls and guys from aggressive patrons, Two of them outside your office, two of them outside the entrance and five each to just keep the area feel safer,"

"I also want to throw in one or two of your expert people,"

"Deal, what kind of expert though?"

"I'm talking about her," Ramon said pointing to Galina.

"Ask her, I can't say whether she'll agree to it, but even if she did. Don't expect her to stay longer than three years,"

"Fine by me, I'll go talk to her about it,"

Red and Galina agreed that if they helped out here, they'll be able to spread out further afterwards. Although Galina didn't like the factor of sinking in three years staying there to improve the look and feel of the brothel. Hidden behind a rather prominent bar owned by his twin brother Vanya. Thus still protected by the people his brother hired rom Red and Galina.

Vanya is identical to his twin, Ramon in the terms of looks and the main difference between the two is that he slightly smarter than him in some ways. Just like Ramon is smarter than Vanya in other ways. But his intelligence is shown through his ability to multitask. Ramon on the other hand is smart in the terms of charismatic ability.

The result of the meeting is a net positive for both sides, Galina didn't see it as that and certainly went to town on her part to improve the look of the brothel first. She took three weeks to renovate each part of the brothel. Just to make sure it looked nicer in every sense and Ramon received more from the renovated room than the older ones. Which just fueled his romantic desire for Galina even further.

Red went home after those three weeks, as it was agreed to stay with them while this went on to see if it's beneficial enough to revamp the brothel part of the building. Plus she wanted to get gifts for Ruby and Charlie while she is in Russia.

Three weeks after Red is in England and Galina is still in Russia to keep working on the renovations. Thomas had a break from the frequent visits from her friend and later that night. They finally had enough privacy to fuck without being afraid of someone interrupting them. Although it cost Red being without being in consistent contact with Galina. But at this point, the cost is worth it as they'd get more money in the long run.

"This is going to be a peaceful three years for the both of us," Red said afterwards.

"I'm fine with that," Thomas responded with a slight smirk.

"I'm certain she'd send Masha to live with her grandparents while she's over there," Red pointed out.

"I'm also certain that I don't want to speak to them ever again"

Three Years Later

Ramon's business is booming, renovations were completed long after the first year and regular maintenance throughout. Galina decided to help out with the bar by the last few months. The more money they brought it, the more the two brothers seemed to have liked her. In terms of making them a substantial amount of money.

Red didn't expect her to break in after she brought her children home from school. Which caused Red's heart to lurch and it felt like it almost jumped right out of her.

[ryuzakemo128]

The Angel Of Death

Chapter Twenty Four: Third Stage Of Grief: Bargaining

<- Previous Chapter / Next Chapter ->

Chapter Summary: Red has been going through the five stages of grief.

Trigger Warning: Mention of violence and death.

A/N: The song I had in mind while writing this was "Holding Out For A Hero" by Nothing But Thieves (The one from Vikings series 2 trailer)

Alfie continued to speak to Red even long after the incident that occurred in the warehouse in Camden Town. She didn't speak about the funeral or the fact that her secretary locked her out of her own armoury. As she didn't want to argue why she didn't fire her and the argument to fire her sounds stupid no which way she looked at it.

"You are god awful mess" Alfie says to causing Red to roll her eyes. "Tell me something I don't know Alfie," Red paced around her office, looking at the windows.

"I have been busy processing her death and it's why she locked that part of this house up. It prevented me from killing myself numerous times so far." "That part of that deal, it's not something you should have included," Alfie says to her, making her confused hearing it.

"Also that gun stole from that lady is really pretty," Red says showing off the gun, "Don't worry it's not loaded, my assistant would kill me if it was at the moment."

"Galina's office is still empty," Alfie pointed out frowning, "Why haven't you decided to replace her or hire someone else to help you?"

"I haven't decided what to do with that office. It belonged to someone I knew for a incredibly long time. So I won't be able to replace that part of the business for a long time." Red explained, "Unless I hire a teacher to make sure my guys and gals can read, write and be able to fend for themselves."

"The fuck did you just say?" Alfie responded cutting her off mid explanation.

"We taught them how to read, write and fight. If they wanted to leave afterwards, we'd find them employment if they needed it. We never forced them to work for us." Red continued to explain how their business worked, "It's how it worked for us and why it had always worked that way. It's the bread and butter of the entire operation we have going."

"Galina's death really impacted you." Alfie says sighing.

"It's called grief and it's decided to move in for a while."

"You educated people as part of a business model?"

"Yeah, to a degree where they wanted to stop I suppose, If they wanted to continue their studies. They were more than a little supported on that side of things."

"Why are you in this type of business instead of being a teacher or something?"

"It's just something I want to do, I don't do it myself and it's mainly to make sure they don't fuck up"

"So this office will be empty for quite a while then?" Alfie asked curiously, despite the fact that Red didn't like the look on his face as he asked her that question.

"Yeah, It will be until I have processed everything that has happened recently. It will remain empty."

The following weeks it remained difficult to a certain degree to keep her intrusive thoughts from peering into her mind. Thoughts like "They're still out there, the ones responsible for killing her and you're sitting here doing absolutely nothing about it"

Thomas spoke to her about grief and how he thought he wasn't truly over the death of his wife. Not that it bothered Red to hear such things, but it bothered that he didn't bother to try to seek out help for himself. As much as she would have needed it too. She would rather see him better, no matter what happened to her. In weird, dark twisted manner.

So she tried bargaining, bargaining with any god that would listen to her or even try to help her. Yet none spoke to her, uttered a whisper or called out her name in response. So she hunted the few that scattered towards her location, each kill brought them into more of a panic. She never told anyone around her how she found them after each kill.

She never intended to get further than the second as she planned that they would have went back into hiding again.