#Robert Crane

[dcdreamblog]

In your piece on Gernsback, you touched briefly on Robert Crane, the first Robotman.

I'm wondering if Cliff Steele, the second Robotman, was in any way connected to him, or if it was simply a matter of a similar situation and a codename that no one was currently using?

(I am aware that Mr. Steele prefers to be addressed by his birth name from a brief appearance on television back when we first learned about the Doom Patrol.)

First of all, yea, I often wonder about how one is meant to refer to the members of the Doom Patrol these days too. Out of respect I usually lead with their birth names, just like you did. So no big.

The answer to your question is: Yes*. See the asterisk is always the interesting part.

*As I said in my original post, the post war life of Robert Crane is mysterious, probably on purpose. He vanished a few years after the war (though his original career was among the longest of his era, not dropping off the map until 1950).

Through comments from his teammates and attendance lists from Squadron reunions conducted in the decades since, we know two things.

He's still alive.

He was transferred back into a human body that was not his original one, we can assume he is living under that body's given name.

As with any other superhero's right to privacy, any attempt to "track down" Crane's current whereabouts and activities is explicitly against my field's code of ethics.

That being SAID. Niles Caulder, for all his faults did manage to masquerade as a legitimate scientist during his early days and in the medical paper he published about the operation that saved Cliff Steele's life we find this.

"Special commendation is given to Dr. Robert Crane, without whose expertise and consultation this operation would have been impossible. My sincerest thanks to him, who knows so well the second chance Mr. Steele has been given."

Now "expertise and consultation" could mean anything from "he answered a single question he was asked." to "he was literally in the surgical room with Caulder, helping the operation"

Him suggesting the Robotman alias is doubtful, neither Crane nor Steele seem overly fond of being saddled with it but we know that, somehow, he was connected to the operation. Any relationship of the two men beyond that is pure speculation.

[dailyjsa]

The Golden Age #4

Writer: James Robinson

Artist: Paul Smith

Inker: Paul Smith

Colors: Richard Ory

[wanderingmind867]

I had a new poll idea, based around something DC did back in the day (I think they let their 40s readers vote on who to add to the Justice Society). So let's do a poll about that:

[doyouknowthisdccharacter]

Where'd you first encounter this character? Put it in the tags!

And check out our pinned post for more info, and our tag #dyktdcc-character for other polls!

[splooosh]

“an even dozen”

Adrian Gonzalez - Jerry Ordway

[cyraniadebergerac]

Robin OC

I know the joke is that there's so many Robins. Few of us would say it's really that bad of a thing though. And if there was another Robin, I have an idea for what direction could be taken.

Another common thing is that none of the Robin's like being in galas, hate the fakeness of the people and the discomfort and all that. What if we had a Robin who actually liked that setting though? Liked being in the fancy setting and being able to play the game of upper crust internal politics? It is a side of how to change Gotham for the better that often gets neglected, getting the rich to donate in ways to actually help the city then slowly fostering actual care of the city and it's people so that the very culture of the upper class will make them all the more likely to do what's good for Gotham such as to keep offering jobs within Gotham and don't cheat your workers out of their money if only because it hurts their public face to do so. Through playing the politics, people can he convinced to do things that you want them to for your goals. An understanding of how it works is necessary along with a willingness to get in the thick of it and blur some lines, things perfectly reasonable for one of the Batfam to do but is never really touched on much because none of the current ones have quite the right personality to pull it off. And what sort of personality could?

There was a show in the 1950's called Hogan's Heroes, where Colonel Robert Hogan led his crew of international espionage agents in over the top hijinks as they disrupted the Nazi war effort while being in the 'toughest pow camp in all of Germany', Stalag 13. It's a madcap sitcom that is genuinely humorous while also making sure it's somber moments were kept somber. And is honestly all around great. I would highly recommend. Anyway, the reason I bring it up is for the main character, Hogan. Personality wise, he is utterly charismatic and knows how to use it, loves nothing more than to snark a little and pull pranks since he enjoys being mischievous. However, that's only one side of him, a side he emphasizes when he's trying to be underestimated. The other side is very much a serious planner, more of a Indy Ploy planner that leaps on opportunities as they come than a Batman planner, but a planner nonetheless. He knows his goals and he's near ruthless in achieving them. However, he does have limits. He won't abandon his men, no matter what. He won't abandon innocents or allies counting on him either. He also often seeks to minimize how many are killed by his actions, finding ways to complete missions without anyone dying if at all possible. Of course, he is in a war, he is up against some genuinely evil men at times instead of just those scared and sacrificing everything to survive, and this was a 50's sitcom with some character inconsistencies across episodes. Deaths do happen, some of the non-deaths might be worse, and there are sometimes where he directly causes a person's death without being at all guilty about it and you can't really blame him. But in a different setting, I could see him as someone willing to not kill anyone. At the very least, it helps show that he does have a moral code even with all his lies, thieving, and manipulations. On top of that, their barracks is secretly outfitted with a lot of very outlandish makeshift gadgets, such as a pipe periscope that looks out from a water barrel that's viewed through sink handles and a coffee pot connected to a bug in Klink's office that's hidden in a photograph of Hitler where he's speaking into a microphone. And the peice de resistance

Dark Brown/Black hair. :)

All in all, a teenage form of Hogan would be a perfect Robin candidate with His Heroes also making good candidates for his future team. There would be a lot of natural tension with his time with Batman as their personalities are similar but conflicting. But it could resolve and we would have Rob both as someone that can take on the playboy schmoozing aspect of Bruce's Batman role and so take on the public spotlight to better hide any family secrets while also playing the politics game with the elites and also be their go-to infiltrator as sometimes, having someone that is just good at infiltrating places and acting like they belong there is the best way to get into places and find out secrets. Dick can act and Jason's a drama kid, but neither of them really (as far as I know) make infiltration a core skill of their's, nor do any of the others except Batman with his Match Malone persona. So having someone who can fit that role would be good, especially as the rest cover other aspects of being Batman such as Straight-Forward Crime Fighting (Dick), Seeking Ways to Change the Status Quo for the Better/Seeking to Help Those Trapped in the Cycles of Desperation(Jason, even with the disagreements about how he's doing it), Detective Work/Gadgetry (Tim), etc. [It's late, and I'm really going off of other tumblr posts and fanfic for what seems to be the core thing].

How do we get Rob into Gotham and adopted by Bruce though? For my take, there's a bit of referential humor. The actor who played Hogan was named Bob Crane. And the DC universe happens to have Scarecrow, aka Jonathan Crane. Now, I'm not absolutely sure how this part would work. But my idea was that Rob was sent to live with his uncle Jonathan after the death of his mother. Jonathan isn't sure about having a kid living with him and is considering throwing him out to foster care. But Rob convinces him to give him a chance and he could help pay his keep (Rob being unaware of Jonathan being Scarecrow). Jonathan's intrigued and so allows it. Rob then hears about a gala going on, steals himself a nice suit, strides in like he's just another idle rich kid, then manages to talk and conjole several people to give him money for some academic research his father's brother is doing. He then heads back to Jonathan with little over a thousand dollars. Jon, needless to say, is impressed, and so allows him to stay if he'd gather more funds, which Rob agrees with.

Bruce gets on the case after hearing about several people suddenly giving money to Scarecrow. As the money and checks aren't falsified and the donators do recall giving money, Batman's left wondering if this is a sign of Scarecrow having made a new form of fear toxin that makes people do what's commanded of them. There's no evidence for that though and he gets no real leads until he's at a gala and sees Rob for the first time, laying out his usual charm and getting people donating to him. Bruce then makes his way over and tries to covertly find out what's Rob's angle in all this, but Rob is evasive and manages to slip away. He does leave the glass he drank from though, so Bruce is able to get that for DNA sampling.

From that, he figures out how Rob's tied up in all this then tries to encourage him to get away from Jon before there's trouble, but Rob brushes it off, sure he can handle anything Jon can do before Rob's finally 18. It's after this talk that Rob returns and finds out what experiments Jonathan is doing and who he is. Before he can try to escape though, Jon gets him and forces him into a box to be kepted until Rob would be willing to keep getting him the money or Rob became a living test subject. Rob's locked away then for some time to contemplate the choice.

Batman then comes and gets him out of there. He then gets him fostered under his roof and the rest is history.

[sebeth]

All-Star Squadron #13

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

“One Day, During The War” by Roy Thomas, Adrian Gonzales, and Mike DeCarlo.

Hawman calls the first official meeting of the All-Star Squadron to order. Present for the meeting are the Shining Knight, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Hawkgirl, Robotman, Commander Steel, Firebrand, and the Atom.

Hawkman’s first order of business is to elect a chairman for the All-Star Squadron. Carter has declined the position as he is still and active member of the Army Air Force.

Hawkman notes Batman, Superman, the Spectre, and the Flash have not enlisted in the armed services. Wonder Woman is noted to not be a member of the Justice Society but she has accepted membership in the All-Star Squadron.

The Shining Knight reports that his fellow members in the Seven Soldiers of Victory (Green Arrow, Speedy, Vigilante, Crimson Avenger, Star-Spangled Kid, Stripesy) have not enlisted in the arms services but stand ready to aid the All-Star Squadron as individuals or as a group.

Robotman mentions other possible candidates for membership: Mr. Terrific, Wildcat, Air Wave, TNT & Dyna-Mite, Doll Man, Mr. America, Manhunter, and Plastic Man. Plas has previously assisted the All-Stars on two occasions.

Commander Steel is amazed by the number of mystery men that have debuted since he was a prisoner of war.

The group votes – by ballot – to elect a new leader. The winner is…Liberty Belle! Johnny notes Libby is the “most widely-read lady columnist this side of Eleanor Roosevelt.”

Sir Justin announces he is taking a leave of absence as he will be returning to Brittain to serve as Winston Churchill’s personal protector. No, don’t take Justin away, he’s my favorite part of the series!

Firebrand, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Hawkman, and Hawkgirl travel to California to visit Danette’s brother, Rod, who was wounded in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rod was the original Firebrand.

Danette is having a difficult time letting go of her hatred for all Japanese due to the attack on her brother. Libby reminds Danette she lost her father to a Nazi bomb but she doesn’t hate all Germans. Libby couldn’t do that and remain sane.

Roy mentions this in several issues – the importance of not hating an entire country/ethnicity/group of people – due to the actions of a few.

The Hawks ditch the rest of the group as they travel over San Francisco. They want some alone time to make out.

Danette’s trauma from the first arc of the stories seems to be catching up to her. She’s certain nobody can protect her “just like nobody could protect my brother”.

Libby reminds Danette their true enemies are the fascist dictators, not the people under their yoke.

Back in New York, Commander Steel checks up on his old mentor, Dr. Gilbert Giles. Steel meets with his former fiancé, Gloria Giles, who informs him her father is dead. Steel almost reveals his identity to Gloria but doesn’t when he realizes she’s married to a serviceman named Brad Farley. Steel informs Gloria that Hank Heywood died on a mission in Europe.

Robotman returns to Queens, New York to check on a project Chuck Grayson, his assistant, is working on. Bob discovers Chuck and Joan Carter, Bob’s former girlfriend, unconscious. Bob destroys the malfunctioning machine that knocked the duo unconscious.

Joan is unaware of Bob’s survival in his robot shell. Bob wants it to stay that way until he is more comfortable in his new self. Bob uses a rubberized face and hands to appear as “Paul Dennis”.

“Paul” and Chuck are informed by a henchman for Sam Glottery that the lawyer is going to have Robotman declared a public menace.

The Shining Knight and Churchill return to England. Justin battles the planes that are blitzing England.

Danette, Johnny, and Libby enter the hospital where Rod is a patient. Danette reunites with Rod. Rod mentions Slugger Dunn has already returned to active duty. Danette confesses her hatred to Rod only to be scolded by her brother. He tells her she is “too smart for that kind of racist talk”. Rod reveals it was an American soldier of Japanese descent that saved Slugger and Rod’s lives – at the cost of his own.

Danette comes to her senses and begs forgiveness for being “fool-blinded by hate”. Rod tells Danette to be a force for good.

Firebrand, Johnny Quick, and Liberty Belle entertain the wounded soldiers at the hospital.

Back in Washington, Al (the Atom) meets up with Mary James, his girlfriend. Mary isn’t thrilled with Al’s enlistment and begs him to come home safe.

A simple “day in the life” issue that wrapped up the loose ends on Commander Steel’s plot and set up Robotman’s future plot. The past few arcs (Feathered Serpent, Baron Blitzkrieg, Hastor/Flying Eye) were weak, but this was a return to form. Great character moments for most of the All-Stars. Loved it.

[mydear-corinthian]

phone call

synopsis - tommy receives a phone call in the middle of having sex with his wife.

pairing - tommy shelby x reader / thomas shelby x reader

warnings - SMUT +18, rough sex, use of foul language, breeding kink, praising kink, creampie, just full of porn, unprotected sex, p in v

notes - short (w.c <850), gif and picture isn't mine, divider is mine

main masterlist | peaky blinders masterlist | cillian murphy masterlist

His hands explored every inch of your sensitive body with a satisfying touch that sent shivers down your spine. There was an irresistible affection between the two of you that was endless. Your breath caught as his dominant, wild hip thrusts into yours, causing hectic, unrestrained moans with every thrust.

"Oh my God- yes, Thomas!"

As he pushed you farther into the mattress, his weight and heat surrounded you as you lay beneath him, your bodies linked. He drew closer as your legs coiled around his hips, stretching you in the most delicious way as he slid deeper with each thrust. Tommy started to breathe hard, his chest heaving as sweat collected on his forehead and trickled down to mix with the heat from your smooth skin. He met your gaze with lust and something deeper than that.

"Yes, baby.. fuck- you take me so well.. so fucking well," he praised on your ear as he rested his head on your neck, his deep thrusts not stopping.

The telephone on top of the nightstand beside your shared bed rang loudly. Your husband stopped, looking at the phone near him.

Who the fuck is calling at this hour?

Tommy picked the phone up, not leaving the bed.

"Thomas Shelby." he answered.

You expected him that he would draw away and stop, especially when the phone rang. He stopped and reached for it, and you felt upset. Tommy, though, chose to stay still and answered the phone with one hand while tightening his grip on your waist with the other and suddenly thrusting his hips forward once more.

His thrusts continued to shock you, causing your body to tense in surprise, but before you could respond, pleasure took over. His cock sank farther, each malicious movement finding that exact spot. You ended up speechless by both of his soothing phone voice and the way he caused your body to react to him.

"What ha-happened?" Tommy asked over the phone, his breathing heavily telling each question with a struggled and unsteady voice. He attempted to keep his composure, but the force of his motions made it almost impossible as his chest rose and fell quickly. As he tried to concentrate on the talk, you could feel his heart thumping against your body and his breath rapid and hot against your skin.

Tommy looked at you, a smirk painted on his face. With his free hand, his fingers toyed with your hardened nipples, brushing them and squeezing it.

"Tomm-" you covered your mouth immediately as you nearly moaned his name out loud, afraid of whoever is on the phone hearing that Tommy is fucking his wife at the moment.

"Yeah, I'll handle that tomorrow morning," his voice was deep making you feel wetter and wetter. A familiar feeling coiled down through your stomach.

"Tommy, I'm so close," you quietly moaned. Your fingers gripped the silk bedsheets tightly as you felt your high coming.

The room was filled with the constant sound of your bodies meeting, the heat between you growing with each slap of flesh on skin. Your thoughts were taken over by the intense pleasure that was shooting through your entire body as your eyelids fluttered closed, buried in a fog of ecstasy. You vaguely heard Tommy drop the phone somewhere in the distance, but it didn't really matter. The way he grabbed you closer and pounded your hips with such merciless pace that every thrust sent shivers of pleasure through your entire body was all that mattered. Heavy intakes of breath from him, merging with your groans as he pushed you both to the edge.

"Good girl, yes, yes.. Finish on my cock."

Tommy experienced the same closeness as your cock clenched all over it. With a deep moan, he raised your right leg to his shoulders. He treated you like the most precious gemstones that thieves like him could take. Tommy groaned and praised as his head rolled back.

"D'you want me to cum inside you? Breed you? Make you mine?"

"Yes, yes! Fill me up, sir! Please!"

His back was scratched by your nails, and in a few hours, scars will definitely begin to appear. You groaned, breasts bouncing and the bed creaking with every pound.

And then, after a few more thrusts, he smashed deep inside of you until he poured all of his seed into your abused and tight walls. It was warm and filled. Tommy groaned loudly and pleased, then rested his head on the side of your neck to inhale yourself. He waited until every last drop of his cum filled you before pulling out.

As soon as he pulled out, a mixture of his and your load leaked outside your throbbing pussy. Tommy got up, grabbing a box of tissue and cleaned the both of you up.

"Who was that?" you asked.

"Just the betting shop asking for me to check on something."

"You think they.. heard me?"

"I'm sure they did and I'm glad so that they know how much I fucking please my lovely wife." he chuckled before planting another kiss to your lips.

You gladly kissed him back but the kiss deepened and the both of you know what that means.

Another round.

[bruisedkisss]

yall my horny ass could NOT 🙅‍♀️❌ live in gotham city 😭🙏🙏

[sl-newsie]

Um… yeah

[cillianmurphyfanatic]

[dcdreamblog]

What became of Gernsback, the All Star Squadron's robit butler, I hope he's okay :D

Oh this is one of my favorite parts, and I can actually pick up from my last story. So, Background! "Gernsback" was made out of the remains of the Elektro robot that was something of a star at the 1939 World's Fair but after the Phantom of the Fair's reprogramming and a battle with the Sandman and the Crimson Avenger he was a little...

Totally and utterly smashed. While we don't have direct sources saying so, our best guess is that he was just left on site for the next couple of years in the middle of the wrecked ballroom where his assassination attempt against George VI has been foiled. It explains how he was discovered by Robert Crane, the original Robotman, when the fairgrounds were given to the All Star Squadron as a base...

Those of you who are familiar with this era of history know Robert Crane is a VERY enigmatic figure

(A file photo of Crane as Robotman, very much the clearest photo of him as part of the Squadron's 1944 yearbook) To the point that it wasn't until recently the name "Robert Crane" was known. For most of his career he was known under the false name of Paul Dennis and he purposefully retired into obscurity after the end of his career.

One thing that IS known about him...

Is that he was a NOTORIOUS tinker. (Photo taken from the Squadron's 1940 yearbook, this time a candid shot with Johnny Quick's name on the back. Its the only picture of Robotman in the candid photos of any of the Squadron's 5 yearbooks and implied by Quick's name and caption on the photo, it was taken without Crane's knowledge) Said caption being: "tin man being antisocial again but he's good to have around, even if he does prefer scrap to people." For several months he fiddled with the pieces of the robot and was able to rebuild and upgrade it in various fashions. Because the All Star Squadron didn't have any civilian staff he eventually set the machine as a combination doorman/butler/security alarm...

(Liberty Belle and Gernsback from the Squadron's 1940 yearbook. "Sometimes he's the best conversation around here" in Liberty Belle's handwriting written beneath) The robot's "artificial intelligence" if it could be said to have one was VERY basic. Limited to answering knocks at the door (as in hearing a knock and physically opening the door), prompting for a security passcode and fetching small items around the base Robotman rechristened the robotic butler "Gernsback" presumably after science fiction editor Huge Gernsback. Which is one of the few insights we have into Crane's personal life/preferences He served the Squadron for the rest of the war until the organization was shuttered after the war, after most of its members retired or dropped from the public eye in the aftermath of the Red Scare and the disbanding of the JSA Gernsback was left on site undisturbed for several decades. Now you may remember me saying I give tours of the national park that's been made of site now. Let me show you one of my favorite parts of my job...

He's out doorman, lol. I walk past him every time that I bring in a tour group where I get to make a big show of introducing him to the group and speaking the passcode to let us in. (We still have to use the passcode because we can't figure out how to turn the security system off ^^") Don't ask what happened to his legs, we don't know. Safe to say though we keep him in perfect working order and shiny for the visitors. He'll live out his golden years as a freshly polished centerpiece. In case anyone was worried.

[dailyjsa]

The Golden Age #4

Writer: James Robinson

Artist: Paul Smith

Inker: Paul Smith

Colors: Richard Ory

[slut4thebroken]

Kinktober ‘24 Masterlist

༺˚ʚ DC | Marvel | Cillian Murphy | Other ɞ˚༻

Characters:

Dick Grayson, Jason Todd/Red Hood

Bucky Barnes, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch

Emmett, Jackson Rippner, Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow, Lenny Miller, Neil Lewis, Raymond Leon, Robert Capa, Robert Fischer, Tommy Shelby

Spencer Reid

main masterlist

Dark content -❗️ (noncon elements)

──────────୨ৎ──────────

1. dry humping ᥫ᭡ Scarecrow❗️

2. free use + breeding kink ᥫ᭡ Tommy Shelby

3. mind control + master/slave ᥫ᭡ Wanda Maximoff

4. boot licking + discipline/punishment ᥫ᭡ Raymond Leon

5. strap-ons ᥫ᭡ Robert Fischer

6. manhandling + size kink ᥫ᭡ Jason Todd

7. non-con ᥫ᭡ Robert Capa❗️

8. sharing ᥫ᭡ Jackson Rippner & Tommy Shelby

9. prison ᥫ᭡ Spencer Reid

10. hunter/prey + fear play ᥫ᭡ Jonathan Crane

11. prostate milking + chastity ᥫ᭡ Robert Fischer

12. on the desk ᥫ᭡ Jason Todd

13. accidental stimulation ᥫ᭡ Emmett

14. corruption + age difference ᥫ᭡ Tommy Shelby

15. biting/marking ᥫ᭡ Dick Grayson

16. sexual slavery ᥫ᭡ Jackson Rippner❗️

17. degradation ᥫ᭡ Neil Lewis

18. role reversal ᥫ᭡ Tommy Shelby

19. forced orgasm ᥫ᭡ Jackson Rippner❗️

Read this lol

coming soon ᥫ᭡ Raymond Leon

stalking + voyeurism ᥫ᭡ Bucky Barnes

fucking machine ᥫ᭡ Lenny miller

emetophilia (maybe…) ᥫ᭡ Jackson Rippner

masks ᥫ᭡ Jason Todd❗️

bukakke? + cum eating ᥫ᭡ Bucky Barnes

spit-roasting + double penetration ᥫ᭡ Scarecrow & Red Hood

coming soon ᥫ᭡ Emmett

coming soon ᥫ᭡ Neil Lewis

?

?

?

I’m going to be reblogging this post soon with a poll asking which characters you guys want for the last four days !! So stay tuned for that lol

[corrupte3d-mindz]

Sleepless Nights

Thomas Shelby x Pregnant Wife Reader

Summary: Thomas cares for his wife.

Wordcount: 2.3k

Warnings:

soft Thomas!, kissing, soft talk, lovely husband things.

Thomas prowls the grand corridors of Arrow House with a mixture of determination and unease. The mansion is a labyrinth of opulence, each corner dripping with the wealth he’s fought tooth and nail to secure. Yet, tonight, none of that matters. His mind is solely focused on one thing—finding his pregnant wife.

The house, with its vast rooms and endless hallways, feels both protective and suffocating. The heavy silence is broken only by the distant ticking of an antique clock, a stark reminder of time slipping away. Thomas’s polished shoes echo on the marble floors as he moves through the dimly lit spaces, his keen eyes scanning every shadow and crevice. The opulent decor, a testament to his success, now seems to mock him with its cold grandeur. He enters the library, where shelves upon shelves of leather-bound books line the walls, their spines gleaming in the faint light. The room smells of old paper and cigarette a sanctuary for his restless mind on many nights. But tonight, it offers no solace. He moves on, his pace quickening, his heartbeat mirroring his urgency.

As he strides through the dining hall, the long table stands like an island in the middle of the room, set for a feast that never seems to be eaten. The chandelier above it sparkles, casting prismatic reflections around the room, but Thomas’s eyes are unseeing. He is a man on a mission, driven by an anxiety he rarely allows himself to feel.

Finally, he reaches the living room, a vast space dominated by an enormous fireplace. The flames within flicker and dance, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. And there she is. His wife, his beacon in the storm of his life, sitting on the couch in an awkward yet somehow comfortable position. The sight of her instantly softens his stern expression, though worry still shadows his features. She’s nestled into the corner of the couch, her swollen belly making her position look ungainly to anyone else, but Thomas knows better. He sees the way her hand rests protectively over her stomach, the way her eyes are half-closed in a state of meditative calm. She’s wearing a loose, flowing nightgown that accentuates her maternal glow, the fabric cascading around her like a gentle waterfall.

“Love,” Thomas says softly, his voice a gravelly whisper that cuts through the silence. “Y’alright there?” His thick Birmingham accent adds a rough edge to the tender words, a contrast that defines him so well.

She looks up, her eyes meeting his with a tired but loving gaze. “Tommy,” she replies, a small smile curving her lips. “Just needed a moment. The baby’s been restless tonight.”

Thomas nods, understanding immediately. He crosses the room in a few strides, his presence a mix of power and protectiveness. He sits beside her, the couch dipping slightly under his weight. Gently, he places a hand over hers, feeling the life within her. It’s a moment of connection, grounding him in a way few things can.

“Been lookin’ for you,” he murmurs, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of discomfort. “Worried me, y’know.”

She chuckles softly, the sound like music to his ears. “I’m fine, Tommy. Just... needed to be alone for a bit.”

Thomas’s eyes soften further, the hard lines of his face easing as he takes in her serene expression. “Y’should rest more, love. Don’t want you overexertin’ y’self.” His voice is firm yet gentle, the protective husband surfacing through the tough gangster exterior.

She nods, leaning her head back against the couch and closing her eyes. “I know. It’s just... there’s so much to do. So much to prepare for.”

Thomas sighs, his hand moving to gently caress her cheek. “Leave it to me. I’ll handle everythin’. You just focus on our little one, yeah?”

He could see the strain in her eyes, the toll the pregnancy was taking on her. His heart ached for her, wishing he could take away her discomfort. "I wish I could do more," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret.

She smiled again, squeezing his hand. "You're here, Tommy. That's enough."

But it wasn't enough for him. He wanted to do more, to alleviate her pain in any way he could. His mind raced, trying to think of something, anything, that might help. Then she spoke again, her voice hesitant.

“Tommy, Ada said if it gets too heavy, you can lift my belly a bit with your hands. It might help.”

Tommy's brow furrowed as he processed her words. It was a simple gesture, yet one that could provide her with some relief. He looked into her eyes, seeing the vulnerability there, and he knew he had to try. "Alright, love," he said, his voice firm with determination. "Let's give it a go."

He moved closer, positioning himself in front of her. His hands, rough and calloused from years of hard work, gently interlaced under her belly. He could feel the warmth of her skin through the fabric of her dress, the gentle rise and fall of her breath. Slowly, he lifted, supporting the weight of their child. She let out a sigh of relief, her body relaxing into his touch.

"Better?" he asked, his voice soft.

She nodded, her eyes closing once more. "So much better. Thank you, Tommy."

He held her there, his strong arms supporting her, providing the comfort she so desperately needed. In that moment, all the worries and burdens of their world faded away, leaving only the two of them. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to simply be present, to cherish the moment.

"You're incredible, you know that?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Strongest woman I know."

She smiled, a soft blush creeping into her cheeks. "I have to be, married to you."

He chuckled, the sound low and rough. "Yeah, I suppose you do." His gaze softened as he looked at her, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings. "But I wouldn't change a thing. Not a bloody thing."

They stayed like that for a while, the silence between them comfortable and reassuring. Tommy's thoughts drifted to their future, to the life they were building together. It was a life filled with uncertainty and danger, but it was theirs. And as long as they had each other, he knew they could face anything. Eventually, he shifted, carefully lowering his hands and easing her back into a more comfortable position. He smiles, before cupping her face; his hands calloused from years of work, are surprisingly gentle as they cup her cheeks. He brushes a few stray strands of hair away from her face, tucking them behind her ear with a care that belies his hardened exterior. The feel of her skin under his fingertips is a reminder of all that he has fought for, and all that he stands to lose.

“Love,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble, thick with his Birmingham accent. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” The words are simple, but they carry a weight of sincerity that is unmistakable.

She looks up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and fatigue. Pregnancy has been both a blessing and a challenge, but in this moment, with Thomas so close, she feels a sense of peace. He leans in, closing the small distance between them, and presses his lips to hers. The kiss is intense, filled with a passion that speaks volumes of his devotion. It’s not just a kiss; it’s a promise, a silent vow that he will always be there for her.

His hands move from her face to her shoulders, sliding down her arms and resting on her swollen belly. He can feel the life growing inside her, their child, the future of the Shelby legacy. The thought fills him with a fierce protectiveness, a determination to shield them both from the dangers of his world. He pulls back slightly, resting his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

“You’ve got to know,” he whispers, his voice husky with emotion, “I’d do anything for you. Anythin’ to keep you safe.” His words are punctuated by the gentle movement of his hands, caressing her belly as if to reassure both her and their child of his unwavering commitment.

Thomas stirred from sleep, his body instantly alert despite the lingering remnants of exhaustion. The warmth of the morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes, casting faint, golden lines across the bed where he lay. His hand reached instinctively to the other side, expecting to feel the familiar form of his wife beside him. The cool, empty sheets met his touch instead, sending a wave of unease through him. He sat up abruptly, the fine sheen of cold sweat on his forehead catching the light. He ran a hand through his dark hair, pushing it back from his face as his sharp blue eyes scanned the room.

The clock on the mantel ticked softly, marking the time as just past nine in the morning. Thomas swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the chill of the wooden floor against his bare feet grounding him. He rose to his full height, stretching out the tension in his muscles. He was dressed only in his boxers, the morning air cool against his skin. The bedroom was silent, save for the sounds that nature produced in the waking hours of the morning.

His mind raced through possibilities as he left the bedroom, each step measured and deliberate. The house was vast, and his wife could be anywhere, but his instinct told him to check the usual places first. The corridor outside their bedroom was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn against the morning light. Thomas moved with purpose, his eyes darting to each doorway as he passed. He checked the nursery, but it was empty save for the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the window. The sitting room was similarly deserted, the furniture untouched and the air still.

Thomas’s worry deepened with each empty room. He descended the grand staircase, his hand trailing along the polished banister. The ground floor was no different – the study, the drawing room, all empty. He paused at the doorway to the dining room, listening intently. The faintest clink of cutlery reached his ears, a sound so subtle it could easily have been missed. Relief washed over him, but he kept his composure as he moved toward the kitchen, the source of the noise.

The kitchen was a contrast to the rest of the house – warm, filled with the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and other culinary delights. The sight that greeted Thomas made him pause in the doorway. His wife was at the counter, her back to him, completely absorbed in her task. She was preparing her favorite pregnancy craving, a look of contentment on her face as she worked. Her hair was loosely tied back, and she had her loose, flowing nightgown, made of soft, breathable fabric, was adorned with delicate lace and ribbon trims. He had it made especially for her.

A soft chuckle escaped Thomas’s lips, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Hungry, eh? For whatever you're eatin' at what... nine in the mornin'..." His voice was low, the thick Birmingham accent adding a familiar roughness to his words.

She turns to him, a small smile playing on her lips. Her eyes are bright, despite the early hour, and there's a certain glow about her that he finds both endearing and reassuring. "Well... I originally woke up because I had to throw up... but then it wore off and I just sat there for a bit before I actually did throw up..." she explains, her voice trailing off as she takes another bite.

He crosses the room to her, his worry giving way to a tender affection. He reaches out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch gentle and careful. "You alright now?" he asks, his voice softening. "You and the little one?"

She nods, placing the bowl on the counter. "Yes, we're fine. Just one of those mornings."

Thomas wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her close. He can feel the slight swell of her belly against his skin, a constant reminder of the new life growing inside her. "You should've woken me," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

She laughs softly, resting her head against his chest. "You need your rest too, Tommy. Besides, it’s nothing I can’t handle."

He holds her for a moment longer, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. The kitchen, with its warm morning light and the comforting presence of his wife, feels like a sanctuary. A stark contrast to the chaos and violence that often defines his life outside these walls. He pulls back slightly, looking down at her with a mixture of love and concern. "If you need anythin', you come get me. Don’t try to be too strong on your own."

She nods, understanding the depth of his worry. "I will, I promise."

They both stood there looking at each other.

"Any plans for today?" he asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

She looks up at him, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I was thinking of organizing the nursery a bit more. And maybe take a walk in the garden if the weather holds."

He nods, appreciating her simple plans. "Sounds good. I’ve got a meeting later, but I’ll be back by lunch. We can go for that walk together."

She smiles, the idea pleasing her. "I’d like that."

Author’s Notes:

Credit for the smol sparkle divider: CafeKitsune

[splooosh]

“maybe”

Jerry Ordway