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music-viber · 8 months ago

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Summary: your younger sisters boy best friend had been getting too much attention lately.

kissing booth if the genders were opposite. Pt.1

Warning: smut, mature content, language.

Your sister had a built-in best friend since the day she was born and 1. No, it wasn't you but yes 2. I, was better that way because you could only deal with so much of her for so long so you were glad to share some of the responsibility with somebody. They grew up together and partly with me because I tried to ignore them most of the time anyway but they always found a way to be around me somehow Vincent’s mom had been best friends with your mom since college or something so it made sense

Sports are your specialty which worked in your favor cause guys like girls who play sports especially when they were good at it. You got in a few of fights when you were younger making you gain popularity girls feared you knowing you could beat their asses. You did look out for your sister and her best friend when other girls would try a fast move on you guys. You liked to feel needed and important so you would always help them with bullies when you guys were younger.

You were the popular sister athletic it’s not like it was some big secret, you didn’t need to be nice to get what you wanted you had pretty privilege had it since the you pop out of your mother actually, it was like a super power. P r e t t y p r I v l I d g e something not all people are blessed with. Only time I was ever jealous of my sister was when she had a built in best friend who stuck by her side 24/7 and never got tired of her. So basically since the day she was born maybe? You can’t keep count.

Everyone put up with you tough girl act everyone except vinnie ever since you were kids he had always put you in your place when your out of line you couldn’t lie you didn’t know why you didn’t just ignore him what he tried to but it didn’t think much. People had always liked you but in a I fear her kinda so what you got went through puberty you better believe it wasn’t that way anymore. You tried to know less about Vinnie because 1. He was like a little brother to you and 2. That’s your sisters boy best friend, You didn’t wanna upset her.

School was starting up again soon your about to start senior year. No different from the other schools years but you did have to pick a college soon so that really sucked for you. Leaving home.

As you walked into your house from a workout in your sports bra and gym shorts your a variety soccer player so it was mandatory you keep up your A game. ��Leeah, have you seen my soccer ball?” I asked my sister looking at the pair who can never be caught apart. She obviously gave me some snarky remark making Vinnie laugh, I smirked “hey Vincent” I say looking at him. I know he hates being called by his full name, he looks back at me “Yes Noelle?” He knows I hate being called my first name

“When did you get the abs?” I pointed out at them He looked caught off guard as he looked down at them trying to think of something to say. Leeah chimes in “When you were away at soccer camp learning how to be a bigger bitch, it was almost as if he was in human growth hormones or something.” Leeah laughed as you scoffed. Vinnie then covers himself with a towel “Rule number 2? Please.” I tell them I was throwing a party and not to invite any jackasses. Leeah makes another snarky remark as she and Vinnie celebrate it so I throw a ball at her making him fall into the pool and then walking away. Leeah gets out of the pool, “she's such an ass” Lee says looking at Vinnie, “I know.” Vinnie says looking directly at his best friends sisters ass which was quickly shut down by Lee.

The first day of school

as I got there on my motorcycle and started talking to some other girls my sister rolled up with Vinnie. “What the fuck is he wearing” his shirt was way too small for his new muscular body making his buttons left open making his whole chest and stomach exposed. Noelle sat there dumbfounded by his chiseled-like abs then looking away. Noelles sister and vinnie looked confused as to why Vinnie was getting some stares.

“Is he new?” you heard females ask around. You scoffed at their reactions. Then some horny girl grabbed his ass in front of everyone. He made a weird sound then turned to confront the person then saw it was a female. He was helpless he couldn't hit a girl, Leeah knew this and yelled at her attempting to push her then looked like she needed some help of her own so I intervened and punched her to the ground as the principal came out and sent us 3 to the office. “You guys office now.”

Vinnie had ended up asking me why I helped them so obviously I told him “It's like seeing those girls gryi g to get into my little brothers pants, which is super gross.” I continued “ You've also had 0 experience with girls you haven't even had a girlfriend. Opening your shirt like that is asking for it.” I laughed as he took offence. We kinda all git detention after that stunt we pulled this morning

As I watched Vinnie flirt with the girl who had groped him yesterday my eyebrows raised as I look between them. He looks over at me as I mouth the words “what the fuck?” he rolled his eyes and he goes back to passing notes. The teacher doses off then eventually the girl bursts in the room wearing her shirt the same way Vinnie had done that same morning as people laughed and took picture she posed as Vinnie laughed also. I'm definitely have in a chat with her after class.

After detention, I found her “hey.” I said pushing her shoulder “I don't know what you told him but your not going out with Vinnie.” she was confused and scared “if you will I will break your nose, got it?” he nodded and ran off. “Easy.” not as easy as you thought because the next morning Vinnie called you angry “You do realize you're not my mom right?” he stated while on the phone with you. I smiled “You still got a lot to learn kiddo.” he scoffed

Mumbling stuff you ignored “I could just beat you with my shoes right now” be says “she's a player” I tell him “so are you?” he yelled confused.” “and that's why I'm not letting her near you, you'll thank me one day.” Noelle says calmly “stop yelling girls not to talk to me!” Vinnie yells.

Two days later

It was time for my party which was packed with almost everyone even tho I did say invite only. I had occupied myself with the first person to throw themselves at me just to have a make-out session, and that's when Vinnie came up and tapped on Noelle's shoulder. She turns to face whoever tapped her. She stopped kissing the guy for a brief moment. “I haven't seen Lee,” she said as she went back to making out with the guy. Vinnie taps me again as I stop kissing the guy again “What?!” he says something about a kissing booth before the guy I'm missing flicks Vinny's forehead “Lonely nerds are downstairs bro.” I rolled my eyes at the random guy. “ look uh, you should probably leave he's important to my family which kinda means he's important to me.” the guy backed off and left and was sassy about it. Vinnie looks down at me “Sorry I ruined your make-out session.” you smiled “That's fine he tasted like Cheetos anyways.” he ignored the last part. “So kissing booth?” he asked hopeful. “No, go away” and so he did.

Later into the party I saw Vinnie drinking like there was no tomorrow like absolutely downing everything everyone gave him as people cheered him on. As he got up and danced on the pool table. I couldn't like he. Does look better this year and people can tell people he's getting lots of attention. He starts to fan himself “It's hot out here.” he starts to strip as everyone cheers him on. You look at him in disbelief. Then he yells “Let go skinny dipping.” that's when you know he's had too much as everyone jumps into the pool Vinnie stumbles and falls into the grass. Lee looked over at Noelle for help and so she rolled her eyes and helped carry him up the stairs. “I have to go make sure they don't break anything but you git this right?” lee leaves them. “Noelle” Vinnie mumbles as you ignore him as he gets up and walks into your room and crashes on the bed. “Great because I didn't wanna carry him” Noelle whispers as he throws up on his shirt he put back on. Noelle takes his clothes off him and immediately outs it in the washer. “This is so gross”

The next morning

Vinnie woke up groaning from his hangover he opened his eyes and looked around panicked as he checked to see if he slept inside my room. He then checked to see if he was naked which he stuff had his underwear in as he sighed in relief. He watched as Noelle walked in with nothing but a towel as Vinnie stared at her in shock. He looks at him “Oh I didn't mean to wake you just grabbing my clothes.” she said. Vinnie didn't need to ask what happened, he remembered everything. “Noelle I'm so sorry,” he said holding his head. He got out of bed and looked down and realizedtat he was basically naked and tried hiding behind her curtains embarrassed. “Can you pass me those?” he pointed at some baggy shorts on the floor. “Please can I get those” he begged. She just stood there smirking at him ignoring the request.

“Fine,” they both said heading towards the shorts as Vinnie fell into Noelle getting tangled in the fallen-down curtains. She was rolled up on top of him and he was under her complaining about how were stuck. “My arm is stuck” he yelled as they tried to get out of this his arm pushed into her core the he gasped as she moaned “I told you not to stop moving!” she yelled yelled. They untangled themselves from the curtain. Vinnie rushes to put on the shorts and then rushed for the door before he stopped “Do I owe you anything at all” he asked “Just get out dork.” she said panting.

The next day

I was playing carnival games and talking to a few guys when Vinnie came up to me. He spoke “Look I'm desperate, just stop at the booth for a little please? It would mean a lot to me.” he signed. I looked at him crossing my arms“Wow the independent Vincent Cole hacker begging someone else for help?” then he ended up giving me an I care about you so help me kinda talk making me feel bad as he walked away.

The kissing booth starts and it looks like the most successful booth at the carnival after while so I bought a ticket. I stand there thinking I wasted my money on something guys wouldve payed me for. “Wanna cut?” I looked over at some random girl confused as I tilted my head. She then opened her mouth again “like get I front of me and not wait in line?” she said nervously. “Okay.” Noelle cuts in front of her and walked up to the stand. Waiting for the kisser. She sighed and looked towards the curtains to see which guy she would be kissing. Suddenly Vinnie walked out in a blindfold looking confused. He stumbled as I helped him to his stand of the stand. He then nervously tells me his secrets about his lack of relationships and kissing

experiences as everyone else also hears him and laughs at his nervousness. I smirked and rolled my eyes as I looked over at the curtains seeing the guys Laugh at Vinnie until they saw who he was about to kiss and stopped in their tracks. Noelle cut off the geek boy rambling by pulling him down by his collar and kissing him. It went in as people around then gasped and cheered. After a while Vinnie thought, why these people be cheering over just a kiss- he then realized and took off his blindfold and looked at her dumbfounded. She didn't want it to stop so he kissed him again then people had cheered as she looked at Vinnie “okay I'll see you around?” she walked away from the booth and wentnti go flirt with some guys to take her mind off of him.

Later Noelle was on her motorcycle when she spotted Vinnie walking home on the road. The sky was lit by the thunder. “Need a ride?” Vinnie gave her a little look. Noelle rolled her eyes and crossed her arms “Look I care about you and stuff plus my mom would kill me knowing I left you in the cold. He got onto her motorcycle after a while the storm got heavy and they couldn't drive any longer. She led him to a greenhouse-like area where he gave her his jacket. Noelle was looking out through the glass at the rain “We should be fine if we wait.” she said distracted.

Vinnie had walked towards the girl towering over her. He then quickly kissed her and she kissed back. Then he backed up “We can't how would I tell Lee?” he said slowly. “We’ll figure it out” I reassure him pressing my lips into his as he melts into it, he then takes the lead by choking her a little bringing her to moan and catch her breath. She grabbed his shirt and unbuttoned it. As he gasped and pulled away, they stared at each other for a short period of time She looked at him “we don't need to-” she told him he unbuttoned her shirt. As they were both shirtless and making out. Vinnie knew he should've stopped but she felt too good to let go.

"May I?" Vinnie asked, indicating his desire to try something else. Noelle agreed, "We can do whatever you want," she said, grinning at him seductively. He then chokes Noelle gently as his leg nudges between hers, encouraging her to spread her legs for him. She gasped as his knee pressed into her core. Seizing this moment, Vinnie slipped his tongue into her mouth, asserting his dominance.

Noelle knew that her actions with Vinnie were morally questionable. She had no intention of revealing their secret, as it would earn her the label of the worst sister of the year. Yet, Vinnie was so intoxicating that she couldn't resist him. She had known about Vinnie's feelings for her since they were children, but societal rules had always been a barrier. Now, the way Vinnie made her feel had her contemplating a future with him.

She moaned as he tugged on her hair, a side of Vinnie she hadn't expected. "Vincent," she moaned softly. He paused from his activities, "Don't call me that," he replied, looking right at her as lightning illuminated the sky and the rain poured down.

She looked up at him, an innocent challenge in her eyes, "Or what?" As she reached up to touch his face, he grabbed her hand. With a gasp, she found herself turned around to face him, her back pressed against the wall. He was careful not to hurt her. Sweeping her hair aside, he whispered into her ear, "Let's find out."

He used his belt to tie her hands behind her as she was pressed against the wall, he then asked her “Can I remove your clothes?” as she nodded. He scoffed saying “Use your words, princess.” she rolled her eyes “Yes please Vinnie.” as she said this he undressed her and started to rub her heat in a circular motion as she threw her head back and moaned in pleasure as she pushes her ass against him. It wasn't long before Vinnie had also undressed "I want you to pleasure me until I reach my cum."

He teased me with the head of his arousal, causing me to shudder and my breathing to grow unsteady. He lavished attention on me, and then without warning, I felt him enter me. I was pinned and helpless, unable to do anything but accept him. His thickness filled me, causing my back to arch as he held my thigh to steady himself. My cries were quiet, shocked at the intensity of the situation. He paused, savoring my response, his lips peppering gentle kisses on my neck and chin. I tensed when he moved, the sensation overwhelming. As he withdrew slightly, my body reacted instinctively, crying out his name, "Vincent!" "Vinnie," he corrected, but I had no time to process his words as he moved again.

His touch stirred me, his hand moving from my thigh to my rear, adjusting my position. My legs wrapped around him as he quickened his rhythm, each withdrawal and thrust more intense than the last. My cries grew more urgent, the intense pleasure leaving me gasping for air. My body responded to him, my euphoria building. He grunted my name, our bodies slick with sweat. "Vincent!" I called out, but he corrected me once more, "Vinnie."

He repeated, "Say it and I'll let you go." His movements quickened, our bodies collided. My legs shook, but I kept them wrapped around him. I matched his rhythm, eliciting grunts from him. "Vinnie," I whimpered, yearning for him to release my hands so I could draw him closer. He looked into my eyes, the intensity of his gaze holding me captive. He let go of my hands, and the rhythm continued, the intensity only he could create. I clenched my muscles, matching his pace. His hands gripped my waist as he murmured into my lips.

Our bodies moved faster, and our lips parted. His head rested in the crook of my neck while he lifted my lower body and continued to thrust. I cried out, a sensation building that would soon release if he continued. "You like that, baby?" He whispered. I could only respond with a roll of my eyes as he filled me again. He was so deep, I felt him in my stomach. My toes curled, my hands clawed at his back as I tried to steady myself. But neither of us cared. We reached our climax together, and we collapsed on the floor. Breathless, I asked, "Where did you learn that?" He smiled and responded, "Porn." I nodded, understanding his solitary pastime. We sat in silence, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what just happened. I began to giggle, then burst into laughter. Vinnie watched me, chuckling softly. "I'm such a bad sister," I finally said.

"I'm such a bad sister," I admitted, my laughter subsiding into a quiet chuckle. Vinnie, however, continued to chuckle, his eyes filled with truth as he looked at me. "You're not bad, Noelle," he said, his voice soft but firm. His hand found mine, giving it a comforting squeeze. "You're human.

We sat in silence again, the gravity of our actions settling in. But there was no regret, just a strange sense of... peace. Maybe it was wrong. Maybe it was right. But in that moment, we were just Vinnie and Noelle.

And as I looked at Vinnie, his bare chest rising and falling with each breath, I realized that sometimes, it's not about right or wrong. It's about the moments that take your breath away, the moments that make you feel alive. And as I lay there in Vinnie's arms, I felt more alive than I ever had. I closed my eyes, letting the silence of the room envelop us, a serene ending to an unexpected night.

#vinnie hacker #vincent hacker #smut #imagines #fiction #wattpad #writing #scenarios #kissing booth #the kissing booth #SoundCloud #Spotify

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elizacinnamon · 3 months ago

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I love your ideas about barchies wedding!! I’ve always pictured them as eloping too, I always imagined they’d do it pretty much as soon as they get engaged because Betty would struggle to deal with the “pressure” of planning a wedding with Kevin and Veronica in her ear (because they’re both the type to want on over the top wedding so would get overexcited about planning one) and the expectations Alice would have of the day and all events leading up to it. Then Archie would just want to be married to Betty but wouldn’t care about “a wedding”. I could imagine the reactions after would be super mixed too. Jughead and Tabitha would be happy for them, although Jughead would be shocked and maybe a little bitter initially. Cheryl and Toni would also be happy for them. Reggie would be happy too, I think Kevin would be happy for them but slightly annoyed he wasn’t in on the secret. Veronica I think would say she was happy but probably have a bit of a meltdown too. Alice I think would be furious and Mary would be happy for them but hurt she wasn’t invited or included.

I agree with all of this and the assessments of the characters reactions! But in reality, I can see it going like this:

One night, Betty walks home angry and upset because she spent the entire day having her wedding planned for her. Her mom booked a Church venue without even asking (when she’s stated she’s not religious) and Veronica booked her an appointment to wedding dress shop at Kleinfelds in NYC (also not her vibe). Kevin is trying his best but also sending her a million wedding TikTok trends and she’s overwhelmed.

“Arch, let’s just elope, I’m over it,” she says jokingly, throwing the comforter over her head.

“Okay, let’s go to the courthouse tomorrow,” he replies, completely serious.

Betty peeks her eyes out. “Baby, I was joking.”

“I know, but let’s do it. Your mom’s driving you crazy, Veronica and Kevin are driving you crazy. I don’t want us stressed on our wedding day. I want it to be us, promising the rest of our lives to each other. That’s all I care about. Let’s go in the morning and get married.”

They decide to go for it. Betty slips on an old white sundress with pink flowers, Archie wears a suit. Since Riverdale is a small town, they wake up early and head straight to the court house. But as they are sitting and waiting for their time slot, Betty notices Archie looks a little off (it’s evident since she knows him better than anyone). Worried she asks him if he’s okay.

“I’m thinking of dad,” he says in a small voice. “I just wish he was here.”

Betty puts her head on his shoulder. As she does, it hits her. Fred isn’t there. But their mothers are still alive. And so many of their friends still live in their town. Even Polly is back. Though their family is difficult, time is precious and it may be worth inviting everyone in for the most important moment of their lives.

“I don’t want to elope,” Betty suddenly says, standing up. “Arch, this isn’t what you wanted. You always said weddings give people something to celebrate, something good to fight for. We should have our family and friends here.”

Archie looks at her confused. “It’s okay, Betty. I just want to marry you. And I want to do it today.”

“Oh we’re getting married today,” Betty says, walking closer to him. She cups his face with both her hands. “I said I didn’t want to elope here. I have a plan.”

They get their marriage license from the court house but don’t say their vows. They rush out and within a few hours, they get the word out to everyone. Tabitha brings food from Pop’s and Cheryl brings flowers from the grounds of Thornhill (picked by Britta). Veronica, though disappointed, still makes Betty go to the local dress shop and buy something off the rack (if not Kleinfeld, she still won’t stand for Betty to get married in a sundress). Toni whips out her old camera and agrees to be the photographer. Alice and Mary are in shock but grateful to be invited and agree to help with the set up.

Later that night, after dark, they get married in Archie’s backyard under the glow of string lights and with their closest friends and family watching. Though the whole town isn’t present, it gives everyone there a reason to celebrate and fight for good.

They eat burgers drink beers from six packs in lieu of a sit down dinner and drink a strawberry shake with two straws as their wedding cake. All night, they dance to a music slightly fuzzy from Kevin’s blown out stereo; Bingo runs in circles during their first dance on the back patio, everyone watching with teary eyes. At the end of the night, everyone “sends them off” in the Jalopy (Archie drives down the street, stops the car to kiss Betty passionately, and then turns around and drives straight back to their house).

For their rest of their lives, they say it’s the perfect wedding. No amount of months or years could’ve planned a better one.

#barchie fic #barchie #archie x betty #barchie headcanons #barchie wedding #wrote in five minutes lol #ficlet

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kurtsource · 7 months ago

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A Day to Recharge and Refuel

This Saturday, I got up early and made a point of finishing all of my tasks. I started washing my clothes, blanket, and pillowcase after waiting for the water to flow. People in my house are already awake once I finish my laundry, so I put my tasks aside so I can eat first because I haven't eaten yet. I took my phone with me after eating breakfast so I could unwind and have a few minutes to myself. Browsing through various social media platforms, including Facebook, where I shared some memes, Instagram, where I updated my notes for a certain person I really admire, and Tiktok, where I watched short videos of people I find incredibly interesting. After a while, I came to the realization that I had to work hard to complete my responsibilities because I was already exhausted from performing them. This would allow me to relax for the rest of the day and take a sleep.

It was like emerging from a cocoon when I woke up on Sunday. I fixed my bed and did some stretching exercises before the day began. After then, I could feel my stomach growling like a thunderclap, so I went to look for my food in our home. Unfortunately, since my family prepares our meals and they are not yet awake, I was unable to find anything. In the end, I decided to stroll to the closest store to purchase a snack. As I was eating, I noticed on my phone that one of my best friends had sent me an invitation to her birthday celebration that day. Running back to our house so I can prepare and not miss the occasion. The guests were dining when I got to the location, so I had to get my own plate and start eating. Both the food and the drinks that were provided to us were quite tasty. I invite my friends to go window shopping at the mall after the celebration. We had to say our goodbyes and express our gratitude for the day since it was getting dark outside.

#weekends #saturday #sunday #friends #chores

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nhlovesadri3 · 1 year ago

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Adriana Lima Feels 'Celebrated' by Victoria's Secret After Having a Baby at 41: 'It's Uplifting' (Exclusive)

Lima, who was the longest running Victoria's Secret Angel from 2000 to 2018, tells PEOPLE that fashion right now feels hopeful for the "new models coming up"

Victoria’s Secret has entered a new era and Adriana Lima is thrilled to be along for the ride.

The iconic model, who has worked with the brand for years as one of their most famous "Angels," tells PEOPLE that she’s “celebrating” this new time for the brand not just because it’s exciting for the retailer to move into an inclusive space but also because it’s an exciting time for fashion.

“I feel that as a woman, and still being in fashion — I’m 42 years old and a mom with five kids, so I feel that I’m still being celebrated in this stage of my life,” she tells PEOPLE at an event in honor of Victoria’s Secret’s upcoming The Tour event. “It’s great to see that no matter what stage you are [in life], for my kids and the new models coming up, it’s uplifting.”

This new direction for Victoria’s Secret kicked off in 2019 when the famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was canceled following complaints of a lack of body diversity on the runway.

In 2021, the retailer launched the VS Collective, aimed to drive the brand more toward what women want. At launch time, the lingerie retailer's VS Collective featured Priyanka Chopra, Megan Rapinoe and many other "accomplished women who share a common passion to drive positive change," Victoria's Secret announced in a press release.

Shortly after the VS Collective announcement, the brand further pushed for change by removing Angel displays from stores and moving away from the iconography.

Starting in summer 2021, stores moved to displays of mannequins of all shapes and sizes and brighter lighting and pale pink walls that would feel "more inviting for women to enter," Victoria's Secret's EVP and head creative director, Raul Martinez, told Page Six at the time.

Since then, Victoria’s Secret has continued to move toward a more inclusive model, showing more body diversity in campaigns and working with plus-size models and consultants, including Remi Bader. The TikTok influencer partnered with VS Pink last year to help keep the brand accountable and true to size and continues to be a voice for inclusivity.

With Victoria’s Secret The Tour, which will stream on Prime Video on Sept. 26, the fashion show will make a return, but in a new format and in a new way. Many of the models who stomped the runway in years past will return, though it won’t be a live, traditional runway as we once knew it. Instead, the feature film was shot in various cities around the world and truly celebrates fashion and art.

The film will focus on 20 innovative global creatives who curated fashion collections from Bogota, Lagos, London and Tokyo.

The group, which consists of all types of creators including filmmakers, artists, fashion designers, choreographers and body artists, will "conceptualize, produce, and stage a collection that is all their own" alongside custom Victoria's Secret designs, the brand shared in a press release.

The artists will create alongside each other in different "houses" based on location and the film will follow their journeys and showcase the final results.

Lima, who is no stranger to a Victoria’s Secret runway, tells PEOPLE that this experience doesn’t even compare to her past shows — it was a whole other world.

“The whole experience is different for everybody,” she says before a preview clip of the show was shown to the room — introduced by Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid. “The fashion show itself is going to be totally different form — not the usual runway as you think. There will be a runway, there will be a walk, but there will be parts where fashion designers, poets and musicians will be celebrated, and they will have a freedom of expression for whatever talents they have. So I'm excited to see that.”

#Adriana Lima #llink #interview #vsfs 2023 #vs #tour #goddess #angel #gorgeous #2023

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clouds-rambles · 2 years ago

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Cloud dearest,

Around about a year ago, I came to you and gushed about my crush. I then said he was dating someone and kind of disappeared.

Well let me give you a little update.

It turns out, my guy and his boyfriend broke up sometime around April/May-ish because they realised they really weren't more than just friends.

We vibed. We vibed for the rest of that school year, with him sitting with me, talking, sending eachother all sorts of tiktoks and getting into heated philosophical debates about this and that.

Summer. We talked all through that. He sent me a tiktok involving chess one time and I told him I actually didn't know how to play chess. He was shocked because "I seem like someone who would be great at chess". I was feeling bold so I said he should teach me, and he took it seriously! We met up in a coffee shop, he bought a chessboard, and he thought me how to chess, in a way that my late grandad would be proud of (he also tried to teach me and I simply could not remember each piece, and then he died so I never got the chance to try to learn again). We've played chess many times since and I've even won a few matches!

After summer, school started again. He stole my phone many times, took bunches of the goofiest selfies on it. We started talking more, about just this and that, just random things. He started asking me more about myself and my personal preferences. We started going out to play chess, just because, more. And somehow the flirting got so intense (?), I guess, because the whole philosophy class started asking if we were dating, or if we were friends with benefits, because "there is absolutely no way you two are just friends!"

December rolled around. Now, let me tell you, both him and I are Christmas fanatics. He asked me out to town because he wanted to pick out outfits for eachother, because that's apparently something we just do nowadays. Unfortunately, the weekend coincided with plans I had with my family - we were dressing up the tree - so I just invited him over to that. He attended, met my family, loved them, they loved him, it was a very nice little Christmas moment.

He had invited me to the German Christmas market before I got him to dress my Christmas tree with my family. We linked arms, "to not get lost", then started holding hands. "Because I like you," he said to me at that. I asked in what way, and he said I'll find out later. I told him I like him too, and when he asked in what way, I said I think he already knows.

I went to his house, met his family, and watched The Polar Express with them. We chilled, cuddled in eachothers arms in his room. I pet all of his cats and his dog, they all loved me! Let me tell you, we basically were dating then. He said I looked uncomfortable, ducking my head in his attic bedroom, so he invited me to the bed and I lay between his legs, staring at the ceiling for two hours before we headed downstairs to watch the film. His family are very nice, by the way, and I think they like me.

He kept being like "wish I was cuddling someone right now" and so I spontaneously asked him to come over for new years eve, because the plan was that I was supposed to stay alone with the dog (because she's terrified of fireworks) while the rest of my family went out to a party. He agreed! And we were going to cuddle and watch movies and then celebrate midnight and it was going to be nice.

Unfortunately, I got ill at Christmas and then infected my mom and so they all stayed home and didn't go to the party. I told him this and he still decided to come (because my family are nice apparently)! So he came over! And we cuddled in my room! And he somewhat kissed my neck (bestie let me tell you, embarrassingly, neither of us have had our first kisses yet and neither of us know what we are doing or how to kiss because there is a very complex theory to all of this and is just really goddamn hard!) and it was all nice and great until my mom decided to fry fish. The smell of fried fish made him feel really sick. And so he went to my toilet and threw up and spent a good while in there and I was concerned and my mom was really sorry and felt bad but my crush felt really bad too because he 'ruined' the night which I really don't think is true. Anyway. I ended up giving him his phone so he could call someone to pick him up and take him home. I sat on the bathroom floor, he was sitting on my toilet. He was really embarrassed and upset but ended up laughing anyway because "it's always the things you really want to go right that end up going wrong!" He wanted to officially ask me out and kiss me at midnight. He was sick, and he believed it was so unromantic and gross, but he was dead set on asking me today so "if everything went to plan, would you-" "YES!"

So, today, on new year's eve, on the bathroom floor, I got asked to be my two year crush's girlfriend officially! And holy shit does it feel good! We didn't kiss because he threw up and that's just gross. But I did spend half an hour comforting him and telling him he didn't ruin anything and that it's not his fault. I love him. I love him holy shit I love him so much! He went home at 9, didn't last till midnight, didn't carry out his midnight plans. But we are dating! Officially!!!

Apologies, I got progressively drunk while writing this because ✨champagne✨ because ✨happy new year✨!

My boyfriend (I can officially say that and it feels absolutely great!!!) has left before 12 so now it's just me and my parents drinking two bottles of champagne and I am absolutely drunk off my ass. Anyway I am very very very happy! Holy shit. Two years. Two years of pinning, mutual pinning from a certain point, and finally here we are, after the single funniest (most embarrassing for him) asking out story ever, we are dating!

Cloud I am so happy! Cloud I am turning into my friend who got drunk and started talking exclusively about their girlfriend. Cloudddddd!! I have a boyfriend! I have a BEEEEE EFFFFF! (I will absolutely call him my BEEF at some point because I saw a meme one time and it's all I think about). I have a boyfrienddddd. My crush. My crush actually liked me back and now we're dating and that is absolutely insane and I am very happy!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, joy and understanding,

Me, drunk off my ass on champagne and love <33333

nonny i think this is the single most wholesome way for your crush to end up, i’m so happy for you <333

happy new year to you and your new boyfriend :)

#SCREAMING THIS IS ADORABLE #[☁️]asks

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troglobite · 2 months ago

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apologies to op but this is the 500th time i've seen this today and i'm taking this as the opportunity to correct the record bc i dislike it when partial and incorrect info spreads.

direct quote from the rolling stones interview:

"My visit to Roan’s house took place a day after an embarrassing press conference hosted by then-presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Roan and I commiserate over how horrifying both the presser and his recent debate with Trump had been. At the time, Roan’s views echoed those of a lot of young voters, especially in the face of multiple wars, drag bans, and diminished health-care access for both trans people and those seeking abortions. “I’m pretty, ‘Fuck the government, and fuck everything that’s going on right now,’ ” she says, middle fingers in the air. “I don’t have a side because I hate both sides, and I’m so embarrassed about everything going on right now.” Later in July, of course, Biden would drop out of the race, and Kamala Harris would become the Democratic nominee. Even after Roan turned down the White House invite, she would become a part of the campaign: Kamala HQ’s official TikTok would use “Femininomenon” in a video edit. “Harris-Walz” camo hats bore a striking resemblance to Roan’s “Midwest Princess” camo-hat merch, down to the orange font; she would repost a side-by-side of the hats on X with the caption “is this real.” During the Democratic National Convention, “Good Luck, Babe!” soundtracked the Missouri delegation’s roll call. “Right now, it’s more important than ever to use your vote, and I will do whatever it takes to protect people’s civil rights, especially the LGBTQ+ community,” she tells me in August. “My ethics and values will always align with that, and that hasn’t changed with a different nominee. I feel lucky to be alive during an incredibly historical time period when a woman of color is a presidential nominee.”"

i have no interest in discussing/arguing the ethics of voting or not voting or any of that, and i'm not an obsessed stan of chappell.

HOWEVER.

the quote circulating is inaccurate and incomplete. there was an update/addendum to the issue. the original was from before biden dropped out. the above is everything that was said and done on the issue since then. and in case anyone has forgotten, before biden dropped out, even moderates weren't too hot on voting. and plenty of ppl who don't care abt chappell at all are STILL not keen on voting. separate issues.

i'm also gonna go out on a limb and say that chappell wouldn't have enough influence on enough voters for it to fully matter whether she endorses kamala harris or not. she's become an overnight sensation, but she's still not tswift. and she also literally encouraged her fans to vote.

additionally, here's the three paragraphs before the above section

At Gov Ball, Roan revealed to the audience that she had turned down an invite to the White House’s Pride Celebration. Before singing “My Kink Is Karma,” she dedicated the song to the Biden administration, protesting its involvement in the destruction of Gaza and death of civilian Palestinians. “We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come,” she said. At her house, Roan tells me she had something “way worse” planned. She was originally going to say yes, show up, and then refuse to perform; instead, she would protest with some poetry. “I had picked out some poems from Palestinian women,” she says. “I was trying to do it as tastefully as I could because all I wanted to do was yell. I had to find something that’s tasteful and to the point and meaningful, and not make it about me and how I feel. I don’t know if I’ll ever get that close in direct sight of the president ever in my life. This is my shot.” She talked it through with her publicist, who was supportive but made a point: “You fuck with the president and the government, your security is not the same, and neither is your family’s.” Roan opted to turn down the invite, though there were some who misread what she felt was a pretty clear message. “I saw a couple of TikToks where they were like, ‘So she’s pro Trump?’ ” Roan’s face contorts into disgust. “It is not so black and white that you hate one and you like the other. No matter how you say it, people are still going to be pissed for fucking some reason. I’m not going to go to the White House because I am not going to be a monkey for Pride. And thank God I didn’t go because they just made a huge statement about trans kids a couple weeks ago,” she says, referring to the Biden administration stating its opposition to gender-affirming surgery for transgender minors in June. (The administration would walk back those comments a month later.)

POINT BEING if you still disagree w her and want to criticize her, absolutely your prerogative! adding the full quote bc like i said, this is the 500th time today i've seen a partial misquote without context or info and it's frustrating.

and in case anyone thinks i'm doing this bc it's chappell roan--i have spent weeks trying to dispell misinfo that was spreading on here abt solar energy and power companies, among other things.

chappell being a "problems on both sides" girlie was not on my 2024 bingo like i knew she had refused to go to the white house over Palestine/Israel and I totally understood that but when you're talking about who to vote for please please think before you speak, like. "Problems on both sides?" Girl one of these candidates is telling people schools are giving sex change operations to children and women are killing babies after they're born and the other is literally calling for a ceasefire, supports roe v. wade being codified, and performed some of the first gay marriages in the nation. now is not the time for "problems on both sides".

#okay now you may continue criticizing chappell if you want #just v fucking irritated at the cruel irony of misquoting and decontextualizing a woman who has criticized celebrity/fame #and has spoken honestly abt how fucked up this shit is and how much the weird public trappings of fame fucking suck

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musicarenagh · 1 year ago

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‎Tally Koren’s Empowering Journey Unveiled In Latest Album ‘Do You Believe In Me?Get ready for a musical experience that is bound to touch your soul as Tally Koren’s highly anticipated third album, 'Do You Believe In Me?’, is set to make its debut during Mental Health Awareness Month. Tally’s career has flourished, showcasing her remarkable talent and gaining recognition since the remix of her hit single “Watch Your Thoughts” climbed to an impressive No. 13 on the Commercial Pop Chart, alongside acclaimed artists like Pink, Taylor Swift, and Ellie Goulding. Behind the captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics lies a personal story of triumph over adversity. Tally found herself in a foreign land, devoid of love, employment, and the support of her family. In her own words, the mental noise became overwhelming, pushing her to the brink. But here’s the fascinating part: Tally actually wrote this song 23 years ago, at a time when she hit rock bottom in the year 2000. It’s a reminder that great songs often arise from the depths of our darkest moments, capturing raw emotions and transforming them into powerful expressions of self-belief and growth. Renowned for her highly regarded single 'Beauty of the Duty’, which earned airplay on BBC Radio 2 and garnered her the prestigious Fringe Award for Best Singer-Songwriter in 2011, Tally Koren has built an impressive repertoire of live performances. From enchanting audiences at esteemed venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The National Arboretum, and The Belgrade Theatre (Coventry), to lending her mesmerizing vocals to the start of a match at the MK Dons Stadium, Tally has left an indelible mark on stages across the country. Notably, she also hosted the remarkable 'Music for Peace’ concert in the Middle East, where Palestinians and Israelis shared the same stage, earning her the esteemed 'Ambassador for Peace’ award at the House of Commons. With 'Do You Believe In Me?’, Tally Koren invites us to embark on a musical journey that celebrates resilience, self-belief, and the power of hope. This album is more than just a collection of transformative songs—it’s an expression of Tally’s unwavering spirit and her ability to rise above life’s challenges. Brace yourself for a melodic experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted. Listen to Do You Believe In Me https://open.spotify.com/album/4QrXymbLsUrpXGfyZNWehz Facebook Twitter Spotify Soundcloud Youtube Instagram Songkick Tiktok

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mostardently · 3 years ago

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#SINCE WHEN ARE TIKTOKERS INVITED TO CELEBRITY'S HOUSE??!???????????????#Desis u must be familiar w this mrunu girl my IG is off but my sister send me ss now #she met COURTNEY COX?????????#THE FUCKK?????#And she baked for her????? this girl was in her house????#god I wanna kill someone

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0nlythrowharrybeaux · 2 years ago

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Masterlist

** - Smut & ^ - Angst

Pieces with these emojis have content with these holidays/events: 🎄- Christmas, 🦃- Thanksgiving, 🎃 - Halloween, 🪩 - New Years, 🫶- touring/ LOT/concerts

All smut will have a "mature" community label from here on out to avoid any issues in the future. You will need to adjust your account settings to view those posts! (11/19/22)

Preacher’s Daughter ** , Part II ** 🎄- Y/N is the preacher’s daughter and Harry isn’t exactly an angel.

Be My Mistake ** ^, Part II ^ - Y/N is the other woman & Harry lets her take all the blame.

The MET ** - Harry wants Y/N to know just how much she means to him.

CEO Harry ^** - Harry hires Y/N and as it turns out, she's everything he's ever wanted.

Guardian Angel**^ - Y/N is Harry’s guardian angel.

Roomies^** - When Harry’s living arrangement falls through Y/N lets him live with her...she’s kinda growing tired of him. But the more they get to know each other the more she wants him to stay around.

Golden Trunks** - “So in response to what you whispered in my ear, I’ll be upfront. Sometimes, I fantasize about you too.” Inspired by Golden Trunks by Arctic Monkeys

The Calm Story - Harry’s colab with Calm elicits an unexpected reaction from his friend, Y/N.

A Keeper** - Y/N and Harry are seeing each other for the first time since the pandemic and he has a full-grown mustache.

Falling ^ - Harry falls in love with someone else and leaves Y/N.

No Coincidence** - Y/N & Harry happen to vacation in Italy at the same time and it seems that one way or another, their paths were meant to cross.

Eros!Harry - A cute and fluffy oneshot about Eros (cupid) falling in love with a human girl. BLURB** for Harryween 2020

Strawberry Fields Forever** - In which Harry’s had a BAD day and ends up where he feels the happiest, which is at his best friend’s house (Non-famous AU).

Sometime Around Midnight^ , Part II ^**- Harry & Y/N have been broken up and run into each other at a bar. Y/N seems to be over it, but truthfully, Harry is more in love with her now.

A Perfect Christmas 🎄- Harry and Y/N are coworkers and he can’t go home for the holidays. Y/N’s family believes she is dating someone, so she hesitantly invites Harry to spend the next few days with her family. + A Perfect Start** 🪩

Overheard** - Y/N & Harry are friends and there’s always been some tension.+ Happy Birthday** - Y/N wants to wish Harry a happy birthday

Come So Far^ - Y/N and Harry try to piece their lives together after he cheats on her.

Flash Warning**- Y/N sees a trend on TikTok and needs to try it on Harry.

Knowing Me, Knowing You^ - Where Y/N realizes that she needs to make a tough decision.

Don’t Forget ^** - Y/N is dealing with the stresses of life all while trying to navigate past her break up with Harry. However, after a drunken night out she finds herself in front of Harry’s home.

Twin Souls^ - (TW: some physical abuse) A period piece. Harry has just sailed back to England from America and Y/N has just returned from university, both just in time for the debutante season. Where this time around, they were expected to find their lifelong partner. Part 2^** (TW: some physical abuse)

The Electric Ballroom** - Seeing Harry rapping with Stormzy does things to Y/N. 🫶

Someone Else^ - Y/N moves on and Harry isn’t taking it all that well.

Baby Fever** - The one where Harry has baby fever and he can’t wait to start a family with Y/N.

Starry-eyed ** - Harry & Y/N are friends with benefits and he’s been thinking about going down on her all day.

Boyfriends** - Harry & Y/N grew up together and he's always had to watch her fall in love with others and get hurt from the sidelines until he writes her a song that makes her come around.

The Nearness of You - A short fluffy pice that was an anon request inspired by the DWD trailer back in May.

Keep Driving , Part II^** + this blurb^ - Harry & Y/N meet on the celebrity dating app Raya in the middle of the pandemic and start getting to know each other better.

Wasted Time^ - Harry has a girlfriend after telling Y/N he's not ready for a relationship.

Night XV - After 15 consecutive shows at MSG Harry's girlfriend tells him how proud of him she is. 🫶

Friends Share** , Part 2 ^** - Harry & Y/N have been practically perfect roommates for several years but the appearance of a hot new neighbor creates an unexpected shift in their relationship.

Just A Taste** - A Harryween one shot about an unlucky man and an unfortunate curse. 🎃

Halftime** - Y/N is very horny for her Harry, but Harry is really wrapped up in the Brazil vs. South Korea match. 🫶

My Superstar, fuss-pot - Harry get's a little cold after deciding to sing in the rain and Y/N is taking care of him and his medicine makes him drowsy and he just starts confessing too many lovey-dovey things. 🫶

The First Time** - A soft and sweet one where Y/N asks Harry to be her first (requested)

Birthday Kiss - Y/N and Harry are friends who finally get to see each other at one of his birthday shows and as much as they like each other, they're both terrified of making the first move. 🫶

No Kids** - After their second baby comes Harry & Y/N have been so busy that they've had a 6 month dry spell and Harry's looking to fix that. ASAP.

The Divine Feminine** - Amidst his sadness after his wife leaves the Underworld, Hades (Harry) encounters a human woman who brings him to his knees.

A Good Fit** - Harry is best friend's with Y/N's older brother and she comes over because her BF cheated on her he ends up helping her out in an unexpected way (or just an excuse to write smut).

Champion of the World **^ - Part 2 of this blurb. Or Harry is producing Y/N's album's band and they initially don't get along and what happens with them after he realizes he likes her.

LVRS Club** - Y/N is going through a rough patch in life and her friends drag her to a sex club to shock her out of her rut. Her night takes a very unexpected turn when Harry Styles approaches her.

Make It Better** - Harry is Y/N's professor and he really, really needs his best girl after the long and bad day he's had.

Wake n' Bake** - Y/N decides to give "wake n' bake" a try only to get all riled up. So she goes and finds her man to take care of it for her.

A Surprise^** - While Harry and Y/N are broken up she ends up dating a man who is not what she thought he was. His irrational behavior ends up bringing her and Harry back together. Things are going well until they receive a big surprise - Y/N is pregnant.

Magnetic** , Part 2^** - After Y/N and Harry hooked up after his Love On Tour show in Portugal, he has not been able to forget it. Even though he has a girlfriend now. No matter how they both try, they keep getting pulled back together.

Trying** , Part 2** - After a few years of marriage and a new free-use kink, Y/N is finally ready to start trying for a baby with Harry.

Ménage À Trois** - Y/N's work has led her to neglect her boyfriends, Harry and Rowan, for a bit and they decide to remind her what she's been missing out on.

The Divorce - After several years of marriage and two children Y/N’s worried that Harry’s not been himself. Then, Y/N sees something she clearly wasn’t supposed to.

One Week - Harry & Y/N are exes who haven’t seen each other or spoken in years. Now, they both happen to go on a weeklong holiday for Nick’s birthday.

Fine Line - Harry and Y/N are best friends who are in love with each other. When they discover each other’s feelings will it be too late? 🦃🎄 🪩

Wolves - Harry is a werewolf and Y/N seems to be an inconvenience he can’t get rid of.

Threat of Joy - Harry has a big crush on the hair & makeup girl from the Don’t Worry Darling set. The only problem is that she has a boyfriend.

Roxy's Record Store - Harry and Y/N don’t get along despite their tight knit friend group. Amidst the fights and make-ups some lines get blurred and they just need to figure out what they want and where they stand. 🦃🎄🪩

Unavailable** , Part II^ , Part III** - Y/N has a very specific preference for unavailable/inappropriate people and Harry is her therapist who is supposed to help her work through this.

The Assistant - Y/N gets hired as Harry’s assistant and as much as they don’t want to be some romance novel trope, it’s kind of hard to not fall for each other when they just get along so well. 🦃🎄

With Discretion - Y/N discovers that her husband of 7 years, Caleb is cheating on her. One night out with her friends leads to an affair of her own but with Caleb's boss, Mr. Styles, and they promise to never do it again...but some promises are just meant to be broken.

A Twist of Fate - Harry and Y/N are exes who unexpectedly run into each other. And while they have both moved on, being with each other unearths the feelings they had buried for each other when they had to end their relationship. So they make a promise to do something about the next time they run into each other if they're both single.

A Chance - Y/N and Harry are coworkers with a less than friendly relationship, especially after a misunderstanding occurs at the office. However, a fateful run in at a bar exposes Y/N to a side of him that makes her realize that she's had him all wrong since the start. But will she give him a chance to keep surprising her?

Meet Me in the Hallway (complete)- Lucy and Harry are soulmates, but something seems to always be in the way. However, they’re both willing to wait for each other and they’re both willing to make it better.

Compromised (complete)- Harry is involved in a branch of the European mafia called the B.F. Clan. Y/N is an American spy who has been trying to dismantle them for years. Her objective now, get close to Harry and burn it all through him.

Young American (complete) - Y/N get’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime, an apprenticeship at English Graffiti, world renowned tattoo artist, Eddie Chan’s first American shop. However, an unnerving rivalry brews between her and one of Eddie’s old apprentices and best artists, Harry Styles. 🎃

(Ongoing) Wonderful World - Harry is a psychiatrist who starts to see a young girl named Celeste. As time goes on he starts to find himself developing feelings for Celeste's mother, Diana. Despite his many accomplishments, once they come into his life he realizes that his life is a bit empty. But there is no way he can pursue the woman he wants, it's unethical and it could put his entire career in jeopardy.

Blurbs from requests/asks - Categorized by topic.

Picture Prompt Blurbs

Challenge no.1

Challenge no.2

Fic Rec Masterlist

Please let me know if there are any incorrect or dead links! Thank you so much for reading! All interactions are appreciated 😊❤️

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sanosimp · 3 years ago

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Friday Night Heat (18+)

It's my first work in a while so it's not much. Inspired by the tiktok I posted about wanting to do the pocket rocket trend with Wakasa Imaushi. (all characters are 18+. NSFW themes, read with caution)

It started with a simple invite.

From one friend to another. She had to go to Akashi's party, promising a crowd of people who’ll be celebrating graduation along with everyone else. Shinichiro begged you to come, and he volunteered to bring you since the two of you had been close friends, and at first, you were hesitant but with the promise of seeing a certain blonde, your ears reddened and all of a sudden Friday couldn't come sooner.

This is how your friendship worked with Shinichiro, he dragged you to places you wouldn’t go to just for the fun of it, much rather wanting to go home or next door to his house to watch movies. But the two of you were best friends and this is how things worked between you, and although you would never admit it to his face, you were grateful for it. He would go to you for girl advice or for help with babysitting and he gave you friends and a home and a family.

The promise of Wakasa showing up was a surprise but you knew Sano had no reason to lie to you about such matters. Typically Wakasa Imaushi avoids parties and social gatherings, much rather preferring small hangouts with a few close friends. But another rare occurrence at parties was seeing the face of his best friend and he knew well if Sano was going, the other might as well follow. You were a regular amongst the boys since you fit in with them and usually made the vibe of the group better, but at some point, he started quietly longing to get to know you and get closer to you. Shinichiro had picked up on it quickly, catching Waka on the occasion when his shoulders would tense at the mention of your name or the side glances he would sneak when you hung out with the boys on Fridays in the shop where you all would frequent after hours to destress and just hang out with friends. Shinichiro was eager to act as a wingman in any way possible knowing the other would need it with his quiet and reserved tendencies.

Eventually, the night was in full swing and when you and Shinichiro arrived, the house was packed and the music was blasting out the windows. It looked like a typical high school graduation party, red solo cups all over the place, people on top of each other and dancing freely, stress far away after hitting an important milestone in your lives. Sano led you down the stairs to the basement saying the others were hanging downstairs away from the majority but still involved in the scene. You saw all the familiar delinquents that frequented the Black Dragons and all the current members were tucked away in the corner by one of the couches.

You made your way down the stairs, following closely behind Shinichiro. You had made eye contact with Wakasa as he sent a smirk your way and raised his cup towards you in greeting. You smiled back and nodded you head in his direction before falling behind Sano again in attempt to keep up. Akashi was the first to greet them, a smile on his face and a beer in his hand, slugging an arm over Shinichiros shoulder and announcing your arrival to the rest. The others raised their glasses and let out a cheer as you let out a laugh as you all settled in. Benki had passed you a cup filled with something you weren't sure what as you thanked him. Shinichiro switched cups with you, trading whatever cup it was with a cup filled specifically only soda knowing it was your prefered choice in this type of setting.

The music was typical party anthems and you recognized a few, slowly falling into the vibe and getting comfortable. The atmosphere was a regular high school party you would imagine after graduation, but being downstairs surrounded by familiar faces felt comfortable in its own way. While you may not have known everyone's names or acquaintances, you did see many of these faces since it was common for delinquents in your area to crowd around Shinichiro and the Black Dragons.

You hadn't realized Shinichiro had snuck up behind you due to you observing the on-going scene. He pulled you close which caused you to jump and smack his shoulder as he let out a laugh and an apology in response. He got close to your ear in an attempt to let you hear him over the commotion of the party. "So, are you planning on making any moves or are you sulking like usual?" He knew the tension that surrounded you and one of his most trusted captains, after all he had been encouraging you for weeks on end to just go for it already, tired of you being the one to help him with his relationship issues and attempting to help you for once.

You let out a sigh and turned more to face him properly only to find that his focus wasn’t on you but rather on something, or someone, behind you. "No. You know how I am. I'd rather be shown..." "Interest before making any attempts blah blah blah. Yeah I know already." He finished your sentence with you after hearing your complaints many times before in the bike shop. "Well I don't know about you, but I'm trying to score tonight so if you'll excuse me." He lets go of you and sends a wink in your direction causing you to shove him and call him gross before he sauntered over to some girl you do not personally recognize.

Some time had passed as you had fallen into conversation with some of the boys about plans for the future now that you all had graduated high school. You weren't really paying attention, just listening and tuning into the overall surrounding atmosphere , which is probably why you hadn't felt someone grab your cup, placing it on a nearby table. You had turned your head slightly, catching a glimpse of blonde hair before he had grasped your hips and turned you around completely, forcing you to come face to face with him.

"Relax, it's just me. I wont bite." You let out a sigh in relief, glad it was Imaushi and not some creep you didn't know. "You're the second person tonight to just come up and grab at me so sorry if I'm a little jumpy." His smile falters and he looks past you to where Shinichiro is currently leaning against the wall, towering over the petite female he is currently trying to win over. "Mmm, yeah I saw earlier." He looked back down to you and his hand that was resting on your shoulder now moved down towards your wrist as he grabbed you once again. "Come on, I wanna dance."

Giving you no time to respond he drags you behind him into the swarm of bodies not before hearing Akashi snicker under his breath. He finds a spot where he deems fit and spins you until your back is pressed upon his front. "Do you trust me?" His breath tickles your ear as you nod in confirmation. He takes the lead, placing his left hand on your waist. He guides you to fall into the tempo of the recently changed song as you gradually fall into it with him. He notices your demeanor faltering into a more relaxed and free version of yourself which he rarely sees.

He intertwines your right hand with his and raises your hands above your heads. He guides your hips into a forward backward pattern with his left hand that squeezes your side every so often in an attempt to set the pace. Every little touch had your senses in overload, hyper aware of every placement of his fingertips as you let him take complete control over the both of you. At some point, he feels confident enough to let go of your hip, still holding onto the intertwined one as you continue the pace he set for you. You continue to move until he brings his right arm around your waist as yours follows and settles on top of his as he pulls you closer with no space left in-between you now.

He pushes some hair from one side of your shoulder onto the other, exposing the soft skin of your neck where your dainty chain rests comfortably. He tugs on it lightly enough for you to feel then leans in to unexpectedly kiss the skin below your ear, eliciting a gasp from you as he blows the area he just came into contact with. Involuntarily, this causes you to lean more into him that you already were closing all remaining space till you share body temperature. Suddenly, the song changes and Wakasa lets go of you til you face him again completely. He smiles at you but his eyes are glossy and his pupils are wider despite knowing he's had nothing to drink.

He looks, to put it quite simply, pretty. His light blonde hair falls in whisps and there's a slight mist of sweat forming on his forehead from sharing contact with you surrounded by the many others in the house. He's always looked pretty handsome to you from afar but you've never had the opportunity to appreciate him up close and personal before.

"I wanna take you home with me. I have the apartment tonight. Only if you want to of course. I just..." and he stops mid-sentence, licking his lips in concentration. You meet his eyes and share a light smile with him, squeezing his wrist for silent encouragement. No words are spoken as he understands and leads u up the stairs and out of the house into the cool breeze which is much welcomed considering both of you needed the temperature change. He leads you to where he has his bike parked by the house and prompts you to sit behind him, guiding your arms to wrap around his waist in security.

To test the waters, you tighten your grip around him which causes him to sharply gasp for breath before starting the bike and taking off. You let out a giggle before leaning your forehead on his shoulder, this childlike attitude falling over the both of you. You easily recognize the route he's taking towards the apartment he shared with Arashi considering you have been there to hangout with the boys before. But this felt different, much different than the planned study sessions you all shared despite there hardly being any studying due to the constant bickering and toddler-like arguments that would take place. This time there was a mutual understanding between you and the boy you had longed for from a distance.

He had parked in the front and led you up the stairs all childlike and foolish. He opened the door as you both took off your shoes as courtesy. "Arashi told me most likely he was planning on crashing at Akashis place, meaning we have the apartment to ourselves til maybe about tomorrow morning." It sinks in suddenly that this is really happening, you're really with him right now, standing in his apartment, and fully placing your trust within him to do what he wants with you. He leads you to his room but you falter and stumble your steps when the realization hits, his grip on your wrist tightening to ensure you don't fall. He completely stops in his tracks and turns to face you now the most serious he's been all night. Your eyes meet his and neither of you are smiling anymore, the tension building as the tone is set differently for the moment. "Please tell me you want this. I don't wanna do anything you don't want to. We can stop right here and I'll take you home and nothing will have to change..."

His sentence is cut off when you place your hands on his face to center him on you only, cutting off him rambling. "Wakasa, I want this. I want you." There's a brief pause shared between the both of you before he smiles again as you caress your thumbs on his cheeks. He continues the pursuit to his room and lets you in first, guiding you inside before turning around and locking the door. In a moment, he's in front of you, hand cusping your neck towards him as he guides your lips to his with no hesitation. Lips meeting yours unexpectedly in a crushing kiss, kidnapping all the air in your lungs within seconds. It was unmistakably him as you reached up, fingertips meeting the soft long strands of his hair on his neck.

He was a good kisser that was for sure, knowing that this certainly wasn't his first as he led you through the familiar room. His previous experience might've intimidated you if he wasn't distracting you at the moment, so intent on running his hands down your body. With one hand on your waist to guide you and the other in the back pocket of your jeans to keep you close, hands reached around his neck and gently tugged on a strand of hair which prompted him to groan. You committed this noise to memory due to the chill that ran down your back after hearing it. You became intent on hearing this noise again as he decided to progress towards his bed, walking backwards until the back of his knees hit the frame.

He pulled back to take in your disheveled state, ponytail a mess and lips swollen. The childlike atmosphere came back, the both of you sharing a smile before fingers gripped the edge of your shirt as you pulled it over your head as he did the same. He seemed distracted so you took the opportunity to establish the lead with a welcomed boost of confidence. Letting out a brief laugh, you proceeded to shove him into the bed until he was laying flat down on the mattress. You straddle him as you sit upon his lap, taking a moment to appreciate his appearance from under you. He reached up and tugged the hair-tie setting your hair free, placing the hair-tie around his own wrist as your eyes traveled from his wrist to the rest of his skin.

You noticed the few bruises that were on his arms and neck and chest which were temporary trophies from his well fought battles with the rest of the gang. You traced over a few with the light graze of your fingers, a soft smile on your face as you sat upon his lap, running your thumbs over his collarbones. "One night of you to myself huh?" He huffed in response and his eyes met yours. "Well it depends. If you blow my mind, one might turn to two then three. The ultimate goal here is to have you under my arm as my girlfriend if you'll have me" He looked up at you and teasingly dug his fingers into your sides which caused you to giggle and squirm under his touch, giggles escaping with pleas for mercy.

He then sat up and kissed you much softer this time and bites your bottom lip, sitting chest to chest. You had often imagined a scenario somewhat close to this before considering how long you've admired him from a distance, afraid to ruin a friendship that you've come to actually enjoy. He flipped you both over to take the lead as his lips began to wander and explore the expanse of your skin, teeth grazing the skin of your neck, causing you gasp. Rising your body off the soft comforter to meet with his but was cut short as his hands pin your hips to the bed. He took his time biting and marking and teasing, paying special attention to any part that would make you involuntary moan or sigh. You knew tomorrow you might have issues with your shared circle of friends since they would notice the marks. You then made it a promise to return the favor by giving him a few marks of your own, evidence to your own testimonial of truth.

You never would've thought to see yourself in this position. He drew you out of any thoughts you were having as his lips began to wander down more, lips touching skin of collar bones, chest, lowering down to where the button of your jeans rested. You sat up on your elbows, resting to take in the view below you and pushed some of his hair out of the way of his eyes. He looked up at you with a childish look in his eyes, eyelashes playfully fluttering against the skin of your tummy. He laid his cheek on the denim of the jeans as his fingers played with the button, looking up silently waiting for what he wanted. He waited to hear from you directly what you wanted, teasing you as the seconds passed, wanting words, pleas, whimpers, anything from you that would set him ablaze.

You let out a whine of his name which prompted him to finally pull at the button, fully exposing you to him by taking off everything left at once. After shimmying your hips in assistance, he runs his hands on the outer parts of the soft skin of your thighs, guiding you to lock your ankles behind him. He continues his adventure with your skin, placing frequent kisses along the inside of your thighs sitting comfortably on both sides of his head. You completely fall back into the bed, collapsing amongst the pillows and attempting to catch your breath as you throw an arm over your eyes and place your other hand back into his hair.

He gets to work and finally has a taste and your hips rise from the bed towards him. He guides you to rest against the bed once again, and the hand in his hair gently tugs, eliciting a groan from him which shoots straight through you as you gasp at his reactions. He pulls back and looks at you again, peaking at you and licking his lips.

"You taste amazing. You're doing so good for me tonight princess."

His words almost send you over the edge as you drag him up once again to kiss him, moaning into the kiss and overwhelmed with everything happening all at once. Your hands wander down his spine, teasing your nails into his skin every so often which causes him to grind into reminding you that he hasn't fully shed his clothing. You make quick work of fixing that as he helps you and pulls away when you both have fully been exposed to the other. He smiles gently again and your hand caresses his check. "You ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Ahhhh!!! I had to write this TWICE cause Tumblr deleted everything the first time. The ending was ehh but let me know if you liked it <3

#tokyo revengers #imaushi wakasa #wakasa imaushi x reader #wakasa imaushi smut #wakasa smut #wakasa headcanons #sano shinichiro #tokyorev #wakasa imaushi imagine #tokyo revengers x reader #tokyo revengers x y/n #tokyo revengers x you smut #tokyo rev smut #tokyo rev x reader #black dragons #wakasa imaushi

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minimalismdiary · 3 years ago

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Quitting social media | digital minimalism

I deleted facebook 8 years ago, snapchat 5 years ago, instagram 3 years ago, twitter 2 years ago and gladly never made tiktok

Shopaholic

I was influenced by beauty bloggers very badly which led me to have multiple identity crisis's and change my style many times. Shopping was a lifestyle and hobby for me since I never made space for saving any money. As a result my wardrobe was exploding in clothes that I wore once or twice or never even had the opportunity to wear. This was the pivotal moment that started minimalism because I had no choice but to get rid of my clothes and start decluttering.

Inconsistent style

Changing styles and experimenting with appearance was difficult to portray online due to fear of judgements. Through the years I had many different phases and would completely erase my feed and start from scratch for every new era. This made me worry about what others will think about my inconsistency

Going broke to look rich

Funding for the lifestyle for a perfect feed was expensive due to outings, diners, and mainly outfits. It seemed on the surface that I was wealthy but the truth was that every penny was spent on the image with nothing being saved or spent wisely. I would see a photo of a blogger and try to replicate it by buying a similar outfit and going to the same location

Insecurities

I was constantly comparing my appearance to that of others even though they have gone through plastic surgeries. I would spend hours contemplating going through these surgeries to feel as beautiful as them.

Makeup

My makeup obsession stemmed from my insecurities however social media encouraged me to be dependent on makeup. The perfect image meant I felt the need to wear a full face of makeup every time I left the house in order to be picture perfect every second. This made me feel worse about my true self and more insecure when bare faced. Now I only wear makeup a few times a year for occasions and I can confidently be natural outdoors. There's no more pressure for selfies.

Aesthetic lifestyle

Maintaining a certain style or aesthetic became exhausting and was draining my energy because I felt like I trapped myself in to one aesthetically pleasing box

False portrayal

I no longer wanted to deceive everyone by only sharing best moments when my reality was the complete opposite in every way from my appearance and makeup to what was really happening behind close doors. My life was far from perfect so I felt fake by presenting it as if it was

Jealousy and envy

Posting regularly and so perfectly invited jealousy and envy which negatively effected my life. A private life has become a much happier life. I don't trust that everyone wants the best for me and is happy for my successes so I keep everything to myself.

Poor time management

Every minute of the day was about taking pictures to share online in order to seem interesting or aesthetically pleasing. This wasted a lot of time and cause problems by missing things or running late. Especially getting a daily selfie before leaving the house.

Productivity

The lack of productivity was terrible. I never achieved anything for several years until I quit social media and focussed on improving myself. I now fill boredom and spare time for good habits. As a result I've studied 3 courses, joined 3 classes, read 15 books within 6 months, and take morning jogs a few times a week

Celebrity culture

It was part of my routine to check the pages of my favourite celebrities and show them some love. This love turned into idolisation and consumed me with their lives and drama. I would passionately speak about celebrity gossip in majority of my conversations. Now I'm oblivious and focus on my life and better it.

Conversations

I was having less conversations by being more focussed on taking the perfect photo instead of talking with the friend infront of me which made the quality of our time together worse on my behalf. I view this as inconsiderate behaviour now and give my full attention to everyone.

Socialising

Since I don't know what my few friends are up to and they don't know anything about me either I'm required to reach out and directly make plans together. This has made for better real life experiences that no one needs to know about through posting it online. I'm in the present moment.

Sleep routine

The addiction to blu light exposure was apparent in my tendency to mindlessly scroll until the sun would rise. Scrolling had no time limit which made sleep very challenging. Getting out of bed and getting tasks done also took a lot of effort due to scrolling on apps. Now I fall asleep quicker and get out bed faster.

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elysiashelby · 3 years ago

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In Another World - T.Shelby Imagine Ch. 30

Paring: Thomas Shelby x Aliena Welsh (OC)

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Word Count: 15,683

WARNINGS: Cursing, Fluff, POV! Shifts, Pregnancy, Detailed Labor Scene

Summary: Aliena has yet to have her baby and it’s worry the hell out of Tommy. However, the holidays save the day and prevent him from being too overprotective. The holidays also allow Aliena to see a side of him that she’s never seen before. However, when will the baby be born?

MASTERLIST CHAPTER 29 CHAPTER 31

A/N: Oof, so this took a lot longer to finish than I thought it was going to take! However, I have delivered. This chapter is about the baby being born, so if you don’t like things like this... I guess you’ll have to skip this chapter. You can read it up to a certain point since the beginning is a lot of filler. Anyways, I HOPE YOU ENJOY!!

A LOT OF POV! CHANGES SO PLEASE REFER TO THE LINE BREAK GUIDELINE IN THE MASTER IF CONFUSED!!

When December rolled around, everybody was on their toes at the possibility of me going into labor any day. I, sure as hell, was ready for this baby to get out of me. Look, being pregnant beats having a period by a landslide, but the weight! Oh god, the weight! And the amount of times I have to go pee in a day is annoying and tiring.

I can’t believe how many people I’ve taught the TikTok trick during my ninth month. I taught anybody I could: Tommy, Polly, Cassie, Angie, Dougie, and Horace. I couldn’t get Tina to do it since she felt as if she’d hurt me. The whole point was to gently lift my belly so some of the weight would get off my back, but whatever!

Back to it being December, my new doctor confirmed that my supposed due date was December 22nd, but the day came and went. All I felt that day was Braxton-Hicks contractions, so he was called back to the house the next day. Tommy was worried out of his mind, and quite frankly— he stressed me out.

The doctor soothed Tommy’s worries by reassuring us that the baby was fine and healthy and that we would just have to wait it out. The baby would choose their time to enter the world, but in the meantime, I was to be put on bed rest with the minimalist amount of movement. I tried to argue, ya know? But Tommy gave me this stern look, and I caved.

I was only allowed to walk to the restroom as my meals would be brought to the room. It was ridiculous, and Anne had the gall to be on Tommy’s side! It didn’t make sense ‘cause I only did that for the one day, seeing as the next day was Christmas Eve, and we had already made plans to celebrate at the house. It frustrated Tom to no end when I rubbed it in his face, but what could we do— cancel? I wouldn’t let him.

We already bought the food, the decorations and sent out the invites. So, I had my way and was allowed up and about for the holiday, but there were conditions. Of course, Thomas Shelby had to do a deal. I was to sit on the couch as often as I could. I couldn’t be on me feet for long, and I was to be "obedient" and tell ‘em if I felt anything wrong. I remember just staring at him deadpan but agreeing with him, nonetheless.

I wasn’t keeping any promises, and we owned a fucking mansion. He’d lose sight of me eventually. Let me tell you something real quick, news flash— he never lost sight of me. Freakin’ overprotective, loveable bastard!

The whole family came over, including my mates, since they were technically “my family.” Nobody protested their presence, so why would I make a big deal about it? I was expecting pushback from Pol, if I was honest. However, I think she quite likes Cassie and Angie. Cassie is over almost every day, so they’ve had plenty of time to talk while Angie has a fire lit under her arse that she admires, as she put it. Tina came by the house when she could, but lately, she had thrown herself into her work and studies. Couldn’t knock her for it, ya know.

I wore this lovely green velvet dress with my pearl set and my hair in a low ponytail with some of my hair framing my face. I kept my makeup light as always. The dress had flowy mid-arm sleeves, a square cut neckline, and it came down to my knees. I wore black stocking under, which Tommy graciously offered to help me in.

It was seriously a wonder that this man was still attracted to me. I mean, not that I was fat or anything along those lines— no. I mean, my stomach was bulging outward. There’s not much torso on me, so the growth of my bump was exaggerated. My brain couldn’t comprehend Tommy’s lustfulness for me, but it made me feel secure. For every day this man stays with me, my confidence and ego grows, I swear! Tom’s just way more romantic and playful than I thought he’d be. It’s beyond words the affection I feel for him.

The Christmas party went off without a hitch. There was a minor hiccup with Robert and John Jr.— the hiccup being that they broke a vase as they were fighting. John assumed I had bought it and promised he’d pay me back for it, but I told him that it was fine. Tom didn’t even care about it; however, I knew it would be getting replaced. The party was slightly awkward because of two people: Michael and Linda.

Arthur and Linda began dating in September of 1922. I just hardly pay attention to ‘er ‘cause she pisses me off, and I can’t be stressed. So, it’s physically and mentally better for me to just pretend she doesn’t exist. I still smile to her face, though. What I do for family, right? I have no idea if she knows I don’t like her, and I don’t care. I don’t mind religion. What I do mind is when people try to push it on others. Arthur wasn’t a praying man before her, but suddenly, he converted or something.

I’d understand better if he found the path on his own, but it feels like he’s only doing it as a way to get closer to her. Look, I’m just happy for Arthur, alright? Despite all his hellraising, I believe the man deserves a soulmate and some happiness. Arthur and John are like the older brothers I never had, and they will be my brothers once Tom and I are wed. Point is, I care deeply about the two knuckleheads despite all the chaos they’re going to raise later in life.

I’ve found that I’m legitimately the only one Polly has accepted full-heartedly into the family. The woman never welcomed Freddie, Grace, Esme, and now she doesn’t accept Linda. Like the two peas in a pod we are, she smiles at Linda’s face too but complains about her to me. It’s fun and reminds me a lot of me mum. We even whispered about her at the party. We were criticizing the way Linda kept Arthur by her side the whole party. Linda had Arthur on a tight leash, and she wasn’t planning on letting up on her grip anytime soon.

As promised, I was mostly sitting down on my arse during the party. I’d try ‘n move about only to be guided back to a seat. Sometimes I didn’t mind ‘cause my feet were actually hurting, and I was stubborn. However, Ilsa tried pulling me to the side for a chat during the party but was seen by her uncle, and he waved her off. That was the only time I was genuinely annoyed with him. I scolded him for it then waddled off to find the girl. She was having boy troubles, and she felt that she couldn’t ask Esme or John for help. Poor thing cried about her problems with me. It was rather endearing, and it took a lot out of me not to cry with her.

It was a small scolding, so there was no need to make up. I just joined him when I was done talking to Ilsa. He kissed my temple as he hugged me close to his side. He muttered a tiny apology into the kiss, and of course, all was forgiven. I desperately tried to control my mood swings during my pregnancy. I wasn’t a saint.

I’m not going to sit or stand anywhere and preach that I was a pillar of calm during these past months. I wasn’t. There were days that Tommy annoyed the hell out of me for no reason. There were times I yelled at him and bullied him for no reason other than doing what I perceived as wrong at the moment. I’ve cursed at him, threatened him (though he would just laugh and make it worse), given him the silent treatment, and locked him out of our bedroom.

The most significant part about these days is that we would always make up by the end of the day before we went to bed. I can’t tell you how many times I��ve sobbed into his chest with apologies. Tommy wouldn’t grovel at my feet or cry, but he wasn’t so prideful to withhold any apology from me if he was in the wrong. He was just way sweeter about it. Tommy would come home with a gift for me or the baby, or he would take the next day off, and we’d have an “us” day. Our relationship was indeed becoming something solid.

After the party, cleaning up was left to the maids, and we went to bed. The whole family stayed over because that was just the Christmas Eve party. We still had Christmas to celebrate. Bright and early in the morning, the kids woke us up for presents; after presents came preparation for the rest of the day. The men and kids went outside while the women stayed inside.

I’d sent any and all inside staff home to celebrate Christmas with their families once the Eve Party was over. Polly and I planned it that way so that we could freely roam about the kitchen with the other women in our family. Though it was technically my kitchen, Polly was handing out the orders, and we were just cooking the food for the day while still wearing our pajamas.

Katie and Ilsa tried staying with us, but I sent them outside. I never liked them in the kitchen with us when they could be playing outside with their brothers and cousin. If they wanted to help out any other time, I wouldn’t turn them away. But I didn’t want them to think that they had to help make the food. Luckily, Polly didn’t prevent them from leaving.

Once lunch was ready and dinner was cooking, all of us women retreated to our rooms to get appropriately dressed. Meanwhile, the men had been outside the time. They were getting the outside of the house ready with the Lees, who had arrived for the celebration. The Lees were family and were, of course, invited for the holiday. Plus, it meant more playmates for the kids.

The men were setting up tables, games, and tents. I’m sure some were already drunk by that time! I managed to convince Dougie to bring his camera.

He took plenty of pictures and videos of both parties. I didn't care how grainy there were or the fact that there wouldn't be audio in the videos. I just wanted the memories to be captured for my babies.

Tommy and his brothers went off and rode horses with his brothers. They wrestled like children and had themselves a grand ole time. I’m just sad I wasn’t there to see it.

I wore another velvet dress, but this time it was red and had a V-neck. I went to sleep with clamps in my hair, as every other woman in the house did, but I was going for some Hollywood waves. I didn’t like it all bunched up in stiff, so I tried my best to make them loose and natural. I topped off the look with some black bobby pins that would hold back any hair that would want to frame my face. I went with another natural look. I didn’t put on any eyeshadow, but I drew a smooth eyeliner look. I don’t know how to describe it. I got into makeup when I was about 18, and I always had to watch a tutorial to accomplish something. It’s been a miracle these past years. I used pink blush on my cheeks and the tip of my nose and then used highlighter on top. I went with nude pink lipstick, and that was my look.

After we women got ready, we went back downstairs. It had to have been around one or two in the afternoon by then, and lunch hadn’t been served yet. I remember Polly yelling for the boys to come ‘n get the scran from the kitchen. Men being men, they fought their way through the kitchen’s threshold. It put a smile on my face seeing Tommy acting so freely. They helped bring the food outside, and we ate at the large table.

There were smaller tables around, but our family was the ones who occupied the long table in the middle of the newly set-up camp. After lunch came games, those which I’d never heard of nor played before. Tommy loved teaching me a few before he sat me down, and we talked instead.

Sometime during the day, I was surrounded by children while their parents were off doing something else. Karl was perched on me hip while his mother was off dancing with some bloke. Jack, John and Esme’s baby, was asleep in the stroller I was pushing back ‘n forth. The rest of the kids were still playing games, only now I was the appointed referee. I had no idea where me fiancé was at the time. I guessed that he was fooling around with his brothers.

I wasn’t alone with the kids since I had my mates with me. Poor buggers were practically attached to me hip the whole evening. There were a few times that they branched away from me, but they always ended up coming back. Speaking of coming back, when it was around sunset— my lover and his brothers came back along with a huge group of men. Arthur, Finn, and Isaiah looked like they had been scrapping with their faces bruised ‘n bloodied and their shirts unbuttoned.

Oh, Arthur got scolded by Linda, alright! She gave the man the loudest silent treatment I’d ever witnessed. Arthur and Linda’s relationship brought a lot of nostalgia to me for reasons I’d rather remain unsaid. Just poor divvy, and Lord help him.

Isaiah had a busted lip with some blood on his temple. He was hanging off of Michael’s arm. Michael and I are still in a weird place. I had hoped that we’d be close again, but all we ever have is one-word conversations. I figure it’s for the best, and I can’t afford to stress over him. I know Tommy sure as hell wouldn’t let me stress over it. From what I understand, “Michael has a staring problem.” If the lad weren’t kin, Tommy would’ve already blinded him.

The boys came back just in time for dinner, but before I go about telling you how that went. I’ll let you know about the minor freak-out Tommy had when I found me carrying his nephew in me arms. The man locked eyes with me, furrowed his eyebrows, and then began running toward me. He took Karl from me ‘n immediately went to hound Ada. I couldn’t get a word out; that’s how fast he was! When Tom was done reprimanding Ada, he set his sights on me!

I’m quite ashamed to say that I abandoned poor Jack with his father and tried to do a runner. I waddled over to Polly and tried to offer my services as a diversion. If there were one thing I knew would never happen, it would be Polly being on his side over mine. So when Tommy caught up to me, he tried scolding me, but Polly hounded him off. She made him carry the platter of food in my stead. The lad had the audacity to glare at me, and I blew raspberries back at ‘em.

Tommy managed to get me soon after as we sat down to eat, but it was a light-hearted reprimand. There were plenty of smiles and laughter, which put off the underlying confusion that revolved around my pregnancy. I may have seemed nonchalant about the whole situation, but inside I was just as concerned as Tommy had been. I didn’t understand why our baby didn't want to come out yet. I didn't even know the risks or if there were any. You know about the dangers of having a preemie baby, but never a post-term one.

At some point during the night, Tommy had run inside and got me a coat. It was just sweet that I didn't have to ask him to get it, ya know? He just draped it over my shoulders. There was cake, fireworks, singing, and dancing. Everyone had a good time. There were no fights that hadn't been planned, and that's what I count as a win! Hell, into the night when John had more than enough bevies— he came up to me and suggested I dance as Ada danced. To induce my labor as she had. I'm not tellin' a blag; he made me ugly laugh.

Anyway, we eventually had to call it a night. Let me rephrase, Tommy called it a night. The Lees and Johnny Dogs left the grounds while my mates and the family went back inside with us. We stayed up for about a half-hour more before heading up to our room.

For Christmas, it would seem Tommy and I had the same idea: jewelry. I didn't know what to get him, but I had an idea. If that makes sense? I just wanted it to mean something to both of us.

You know, with my parents and I think with a lot of Hispanic couples, you share jewelry. Me ma' and papa both wore gold chains. So, I thought about getting us both silver chains. But I don't think Tommy would ever wear a silver chain, but I bought it anyway. Then, I started getting really insecure about the present, and I began looking for other types of jewelry. Tom had his left ear double pierced, but he never wore any earrings. I still bought the earring set and got another piercing on both ears.

I had to take care of the new piercings in secret, and my hair covered them. Nothing gets past Tom for long, though. The man seemed to pride himself in knowing every inch of my body and expertly pointed out one evening that I suddenly had an extra set of holes in my ears. I tried to trick ‘em, but I ended up just telling him that I just decided to get them done.

I thought about the pocket watch, but with this item, I thought I could match the chain with a necklace. I didn't end up buying it. But I did think about rings, despite us being engaged. I was the only one with a "commitment" ring at the moment, while Tommy only wore his signet ring. It felt like a good idea at the time, so I got us matching rings that would be going on our right hand instead of the left.

Altogether, I put all the jewelry in a box. The inside was blue velvet and packed with: a 6mm silver chain, a single set of diamond stud earrings, and a matching set of gold tungsten rings. Their design was simple, with only a single thick band of, I don't know, diamonds running through it. I got the rings 'cause they were pretty. I have no clue what they're all about. The person working there tried telling me, but it went one ear out the other. I was just worried about the price at the time.

I had my 0.8 mm silver chain in a box of its own, also laced with blue velvet.

Tommy had handed me a well-wrapped present, but the shape of it had me suspicious. At first, I thought it was a book, but then I opened it. It was a sleek, smooth black box, and I instantly knew what was inside. I remember sitting down on the bed before opening it. Inside the box was a necklace, pair of earrings, two rings, and a bracelet. The necklace was more like a choker, and the lines of jewels dangled down to my chest in the form of butterflies. The butterfly design was subtle. The earring dangled as well with a single butterfly then a teardrop at the end. The bracelet had no other design other than the butterflies, and the ring resembled a broch. It was a diamond set.

I remember asking how the hell he could afford this, but he just told me that we make more than enough so that I could get five more sets. I was in awe of the gift. I don’t remember if I ever told him, but my mother loved butterflies, and I was going to get a tattoo of one per her request, but I never got around to it. I kissed and thanked him. He loved his gift too and promised he’d try his hardest to wear them at all times. We even put on the earrings.

It was a single pair, right? Well, we’d each wear a single earring out of the pair.

After Christmas soon came New Year’s and still no baby. The day was grand, but the baby weight was definitely getting to me now. Before I would fight through it, ya know? I wanted to be a part of the festivities as much as anyone, and I wasn’t going to let my pregnancy keep me away from having a good time. However, I think the baby dropped or something! My back and feet ached like a motherfucker! I could hardly stay on me feet, and I had to catch my breath just crossing the room.

When another week passed with no baby, Tommy’s paranoia grew worse, as did mine in secret. The doctor was practically here every other day to ensure that the baby’s heart was still beating, and sure enough— he kept insisting that the baby was perfectly healthy. Continuously asserting that Tommy and I would just have to wait till our little one was ready.

And Tommy wasn’t taking no for an answer any longer as he ordered me on bed rest. Tommy blatantly told me that he wasn’t playing around and if he found me walking around more than necessary— it’d be my grave I was digging. I had no idea what he meant by that, but I wasn’t looking to find out.

What if it meant he was gonna give me the silent treatment? What if he slept in another room? I’d die! I’d throw a tantrum! Trust me, I’m not above it, but I haven’t done one since I was about 19. It worked like a charm on me parents, but he was my lover! Everybody knows how Tommy Shelby gets when he doesn’t have his way!

So, I was on bed rest and limited to only our bedroom. Well, at least until I get bored and he’s already away at work. I have everyone working here under my thumb— nobody would dare snitch on me. Though Anne has threatened to do it a few times, I always manage to persuade her not to. That was until reinforcements were called.

Polly and Cassie were called to keep an eye on me from time to time. I only knew they were called instead of coming out of the kindness of their hearts ‘cause Cassie straight out told me.

“Oh! Tommy called and told me to keep you company, hun. ‘Said you were on strict bed rest now, and probably outta your mind with boredom. Didn’t you know I was coming?”

Smart bastard…

I couldn’t complain too much since they were such great company. It was just different when you’re ordered to do something rather than doing it out of your free will. I generally liked lazing abar in bed doing nothing but reading a good book, but when I was told to do it— it made me want to walk ‘round. Polly’s caught me loads of times on my feet ‘n scolds me for it, as does Cassie. The traitor.

Polly and Cassie have come to visit me together and separately, and we usually talk about mundane stuff. Ya know, the news, gossip, and of course— the baby. To be completely honest, sometimes I get bored of the conversation, but I blame it on the baby. I use them as an excuse to take a nap.

It was night, and I was sitting at my ottoman bench in front of my vanity while rubbing cream on my bump. I was humming one of the songs from Cinderella, which I believe was called “Sweet Nightingale.” Fortunately/Unfortunately, I wasn’t too wrapped up in song as I heard the door creak open and a figure enter the corner of my eye.

A smile spread across my face as I whipped around and breathily exclaimed, “Tommy!” I was going to rush up to greet him, but he put a hand up as he chucked his briefcase on the bed. I tsked and rolled my eyes, but held my arms out for him, nonetheless.

Tom walked over to me, and we shared an awkward hug as he remained standing. “Hello, my love.”

I chuckled before allowing my arms to drop to my side. “Welcome home.” We shared a kiss before parting. My eyes followed him through the mirror, watching as he zipped around the room. I gathered more cream on my fingers, rubbed it on my hands, then asked, “So, how was your day?”

Tommy sighed as he shook his suit jacket straight. “Some fucking idiot fucked up on his first day on the job. Set us back, and of course, I had to go ‘n fix it.” Under his breath, he grumbled. “Fuckers can’t do shit without me holding their hands. Do I wipe their arses too?”

I heard all his muttering with my elephant ears, and I attempted to stifle my laughter, but it just came out me nose. I made this elephant-like noise and hurriedly covered my mouth before I began to cackle openly. “Tommy!” I admonished, and he let out a short laugh. I shook my head before dipping my hands in a bowl of water to wash the cream off my hands.

“What else happened? Or was that the only thing?” I asked as I dried my hands with a towel I kept beside the bowl. I twisted the cap of my stretch mark cream closed shut, placed it where I usually kept it, and then grabbed my facial cream. I began using it when I noticed that the space under my eyes was darkening.

Should’ve just got an eye cream, but then I thought about the wrinkles that were developing on my forehead. Honestly, I don’t know too much about skincare, and it’s not like I’m in the best time period for it!

Tommy was undoing his cufflinks as he replied, “There was some Blinder business that I had to take care of.”

I scoffed slightly as I smoothed out the skin under my eyes. “So, are you gonna tell me abar it or not?”

Tom cleared his throat, saying, “Money wasn’t addin’ up right, and Arthur was nowhere near the books. So, we had to look elsewhere. John caught one of the bookies embezzling money. He was stuffing the money into his pockets, going over to his desk ‘n then putting them in a sock. At the end of the day, he’d throw the sock into his lunch bin and walk out with it.”

I nodded. “So, you’ve dealt with ‘em then?” I was done with my face, dipping my hands into the bowel then drying them off once more. I locked eyes with Tommy in the mirror as I dabbed the towel along my arms.

“Yeah, we dealt with him.”

“How?”

“He won’t be able to see again or talk without an impediment if that’s what you’re asking.”

I wanted to ask more questions, but somewhere deep down, I knew he wouldn’t like that somewhere deep down. Did he do it, I wondered. Did he take part in it? Or did he just watch as his brothers and men carried out the order?

I hummed before standing up, pulling down my nightgown, picking up the bowl of water, and then began to walk to the bathroom.

“What?” Tommy asked with a bit of bite at the end of it.

I furrowed my eyebrows. “What?”

“No, what was that supposed to mean?”

I emptied the bowl into the sink before setting it down in the sink. I shuffled closer to the toilet, and as I hiked up my dress, I asked. “What was what supposed to mean?”

“Well, you just hummed. What was that hum supposed to mean?”

I starred off in confusion as I peed. “Um, nothing.”

“Didn’t sound like nothing, Ali.”

I grabbed some toilet paper, cleaned myself up, then flushed. I shouted over the water. “I was just thinking if we should tell Percy about the other side of the business when he’s old enough? You know, beat everyone to the punch?” I washed my hands once more before heading back into the room with the bowl in hand.

“You wanna tell him about his dad being a gangster?” He asked with no clear tone lacing his voice.

I hummed in the affirmative. “Yeah...” I waited a little while to give him a chance to respond, but when he didn’t— I asked. “Well, don’t you? At least, eventually.” I set the bowl down on top of my vanity dresser then turned around to face him.

Tommy had his back to me, shirtless, while still in his work trousers. He nodded slowly. “Eventually.”

I walked over then shuffled on my knees on the bed ‘till I was able to hug him from behind despite the bump between us. I ran my right hand through his hair while the other rested on his shoulder. I kissed the top of his shoulder, whispering, “Now, what’s the matter with you?”

Tommy shook his head ‘n sighed. “No, it was an idealistic thought.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“I wondered if, by the time he’s old enough to understand, we’d be away from the other side of business. One hundred percent legal.”

I exhaled through my nose. “If you set your mind to it, I bet it could happen. Look at what you’ve accomplished just this past year. If you wanted to be one hundred percent legal, I’d support you, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be able to get away from the past. Depending on where we send him to school, those kids will probably bring it up in hopes of humiliating him.”

“Humiliate him, huh? Not fear him?”

“Well, some might, but there’s always the brats you can count on that brag about their daddies money like it’s their own. You know, they’d throw it in his face that his daddy had to work to send him to a nice school while they were born with their silver spoons.”

Tommy hummed.

“You can picture it, can’t you?” I teased lightly as I wrapped my arms loosely around his neck while swaying us side to side.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

I smacked my mouth before I said. “Perhaps we don’t need to decide on this right now? We still have some years before we ‘ave to send ‘em to school, and even then, we could decide to homeschool him.” I pushed myself up ‘n smacked his shoulders before rolling back onto the bed.

I had yanked the covers down and shimmied myself underneath them. I was just patting them down when Tommy turned his head to me.

“What?” I asked softly. The way he was looking at me was somewhat off-putting.

With an emotionless glare still on his face, Tom asked. “What did you mean by, ‘If you want?’ Don’t you want the company to be one hundred percent legal? No more Peaky Blinder stuff?”

I sighed and looked away from him. “Haven’t we already had this conversation before?”

Tommy rose to his feet and began to unbuckle his belt as he said. “I don’t understand why you’d leave it up to me to decide. You know the risks. You know that me coming home is not a guarantee! That I may piss off the wrong person one day and put your life as well as the rest of our family’s lives in danger! Our son— our children would always live with a weight on their backs ‘cause their father put it there! And—! And you seem to be fine either way.” Tommy had kicked off his pants in frustration and remained standing up as he rubbed his chin.

I took a deep breath then gripped the blanket in my hands. I began picking at it as if pieces of it would fall out like plucking hair or something. I took another deep breath before I could feel the anger start to seep in. “What do you want me to say, Tom?” I laughed humorlessly. “God, I feel like a broken record!”

I took a second as I tried to gather my thoughts before I said. “When we got together— when I started having feelings for you, I knew you weren’t a saint. The whole of Birmingham knew of King Tommy Shelby of the Peaky Blinders. Hell, in my first week, I had so many people come up to me and warn me about the beatings and the cuttings and the occasional death. Either by your hand or your bidding.”

I looked over his face and tried to read him, but he was just standing there listening to me. “I knew, and I loved you anyway. ‘Cause I also saw a part of you that I knew nobody else had seen in a long while. Tommy, the world is a wicked place, and I’m the last person who can preach to you about this, but you know… You know that there are worse men in the world than you. I won’t speak about how you feel about the beatings ‘n cuttings because I know you don’t like it when I do. But, I can feel it in my heart of hearts—!” I shook my head at myself, chuckling softly. “--That you don’t take pleasure in what you do as a Blinder. And maybe you do, but not in a perverse way! And that’s what matters. You do it because it needs to be done. It’s one of the only ways to establish power and control in the "gangster world." As far as I know, you’ve never hurt somebody who didn’t deserve it in one way or another. You’re too soft for that, even though you’d never admit it.”

My eyes began to sting, and I ripped my gaze away from him. With my throat tight, I continued, “I-I’m not Grace. I’m not some naive, posh girl who lives in a fantasy that you can realistically get away from this lifestyle. It’ll follow both of us for the rest of our lives since I’m your fianceé, and of course, our child! She may have asked you to change for her. Fuck maybe any other woman would have asked, but I’m not them! You want to feel safer, more secure? Then teach me how to shoot a gun properly! Hell, get Arthur and John to do it! They’ll love to, and you know it! I really hope this is the last time I have to say this, Thomas Shelby, except for perhaps in my vows, but I will always stand by your side. Well, as long as it doesn’t put our child’s life in danger, I will stand by your side through everything.”

Tom chuckled and shook his head while smiling.

It made me laugh also. “What,” I shouted. “It’s true, isn’t it? Well, Christ, anyway! Gangster or otherwise ‘till death do us part. That was the deal way before you put this ring on my finger. Five months late ‘n all.” Our laughter had subsided, but the smiles stayed. “Now, stop standing there all ominously and get in bed. Our son has been moving and kicking abar through this whole conversation, waiting for his daddy to tell ‘em good night.”

Tommy shook his head once more before climbing into bed with me. “I don’t deserve you.” He whispered as he took my face into his hands. I huffed softly before turning my head and kissed his palm. “Now, does this mean I can keep guns in the house, Mrs. Shelby?”

I froze. “Ah—! Excuse me, sir! ‘N how in the hell are we gonna explain that to the kids, eh? Let’s fucking walk before we run.”

“That is walking. It could be our conversation opener.”

I tsked and smacked his chest. “We’ve had enough talking for one night, so let’s resume in the morning. For now, talk to your child. He’s getting more and more impatient by the second.”

Tommy managed a small smile before he tugged me closer to him. I giggled uncontrollably at his antics and couldn’t stop as he pulled me gown up. Tommy started whispering quite loudly to our son despite my cackles.

I woke up with an insane need to pee— a sensation that was getting annoyingly customary. I had to roll to my side then up to rise to my feet. Then, I quickly waddled to the bathroom. After I was done, I was hoping to return to bed for some more sleep. However, it seemed my body’s internal clock was perfectly aligning itself with Tommy’s work schedule.

The man was sitting there with a ciggie hanging on his lips. He had seriously cut down at home, but I can’t account for how many he smokes while he’s at work. I mind and don’t, simultaneously. All I can hope for is that Tommy seriously is cutting down his smoking regardless of where he’s at.

I cleared my throat. “Good morning, Mr. Shelby.”

“G’morning, Mrs. Shelby.” Tommy held up his arms for me, and I complied, taking a couple of steps until I was in his arms. He kissed my belly and whispered. “G’morning, little one.”

I hummed happily before asking, “Do you realize that you call me Mrs. Shelby, but we’re not married yet?” I ran my fingers through his hair, laughing at the messed-up tufts of hair.

Tommy inhaled sharply before holding the stick between his fingers ‘n away from me. “I put that ring on your finger, eh? And I don’t plan on taking it back anytime soon, so I’ll call you Mrs. Shelby if I bloody well, please. Anybody who has a problem with that will lose their eyes.”

I laughed haughtily. “Ho, ho, ho! Look who’s not ready to put down their razor blade.” I poked his cheek teasingly as I continued to laugh.

Tommy took one last drag of his ciggie before snuffing it out in the ashtray that laid on top of the nightstand. “Speaking of razor blades, we have some unfinished business to discuss.”

I groaned and attempted to walk away, only to be gently pulled back.

“Ah, ah! Come ‘ere, love. There’s no running away from this conversation.”

I stomped my foot and rolled my eyes. “Fine!” I whined. “But I’m lying back down. My feet are killing me.” I climbed onto the bed and over to my spot. I crawled back under the sheets and waited till Tommy got comfortable as he faced me. “So, where were we?”

Tom raised his eyebrows before replying, “Guns in ‘de ‘ouse?”

I nodded. “Right… Well, do you want them in the house?”

“It would make me feel, as you put it, more secure.”

I hummed before raising a hand to stroke his cheek. “Where would you want to keep them?” Tommy cleared his throat. “C’mon, I know that big brain of yours already picked out a couple of places.”

He snickered, closing his eyes and shaking his head. “The amount of cheek I get from you in a morning is enough for three lifetimes. What ‘ave I done to you, eh?”

I scoffed before chuckling a bit. “Oh, don’t go there! I have a list ‘n then you’ll never make it to work. No, now, c’mon, then! Tell me where they’d be.”

Tommy sighed. “I thought about getting a case for them in your office, but that was before I wanted that office for you. Then, I thought about keeping them downstairs, but then anybody could get to them, even the baby. So, that went out the window too. I was expecting you to be against them—!”

“--So you didn’t give it a second thought.”

“Yeah… Yep!”

We both hummed before I said, “Well, if you still wanna put that case or whatever you had planned in my office, then I’d allow it. We’d just have to teach him not to try ‘n pick the lock, and about gun safety.” Silence washed over us, and I took the time to tease him. “On one condition.”

Tommy rolled his eyes and brought a hand to his face. “All right, here we go. I was waitin’ for the other shoe to drop.”

I spluttered for a second, covering my mouth as I did so. “You haven’t even heard of my condition yet, you proper divvy! Anyway, I want you to teach our son and any other future child of ours all about horses.”

Tom looked at me like I was crazy. “Sweetheart, I was gonna do that anyway.”

I pursed my lips petulantly. “I knew that, but I was just giving you my permission.”

“You were just giving me your permission, eh?”

“Yes, yes I—!” I was silenced with a kiss, one that quickly became heated. I had to push him away while fighting off a fit of giggles. “Oh, you! Tommy, you ‘ave to start getting ready for work.”

He just groaned and hid his face in the crook of my neck, which was not helping my overwhelming need to laugh. Tommy laid there a couple of more seconds before sighing and picking himself up. “All right!”

The moment his warmth left me, a cramping sensation began to build in my thighs. It reminded me of my period cramps. The pain was dull, so I decided to ignore it. I’ve been having these “aches” for about two days now, but I’m sure they’ll go away soon.

Despite my discomfort, I sat up in bed and then rose to my feet. Tommy had already grabbed a towel ‘n gone to take a shower. I know he can get dressed without all my meddling, but I can’t help it now that I’m awake. I quickly gathered his suit for the day and laid it out on the bed along with all his accessories.

I didn’t get ready for the day quite yet since I had to take a bath as well. I would love to take a shower, but standing for too long, as I’ve said, kills my feet! I made my way to my vanity and began to brush out any tangles in my hair that had formed during the night.

The pain increased a bit at the top of my stomach, but I managed. I figured I was hungry. I took a few calming breaths while I rubbed my belly. Luckily, the rubbing did the trick, but I knew I’d have to eat sooner rather than later. Rising to my feet, I waddled over to the nightstand by the bedroom door. I rang the bell, and I instantly got a knock in reply.

“Ms. Welsh,” Anne said. “May I enter?”

“Yes, of course!” I called out as I walked further into the bedroom to get away from the bathroom. ‘If Tommy were to get out anytime soon, I wouldn’t want him to be startled by Anne! Well, he usually comes out with a towel wrapped around his waist, anyhow.’

The door opened then closed with footsteps following after. Once I sat in front of my vanity again, I was able to see Anne through the mirror.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“Good morning, Anne.”

“How can I be of service?” She asked with a smile on her face.

Anne’s smile was never fake like the other women of this house were. I kept her close to me, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I cleared my throat a little. “Is breakfast ready, Anne?”

“Not yet, Ms. Welsh, but I’ll give the cook the order. Still feeling like eggs and bacon, ma’am?”

I thought about it as I ran my fingers through my long, blonde locks. The cramping in my thighs and around my belly worried me, but I didn’t want to get our hopes up. “Um, no. Uh...” I abandoned my hair to rub my eyes. I couldn’t think about what to eat for the life of me. I wanted something light, but I had no idea what was considered light food. It didn’t help that I was hungry but wasn’t craving anything. Anytime I felt like this back at my parents’ house, I would eat waffles or whatever my mother suggested.

“Shall I give you some suggestions, ma’am?”

I sighed heavily and shook my head before letting my arms rest on top of the desk. “No, that’s alright, thank you. Um, I’m feeling like something light, Anne. Do you think I should have waffles or pancakes?”

Anne’s eyes widened as she clasped her hands in front of her torso. “Uh… I’d suggest the waffles, ma’am. Shall I tell the chef to prepare those instead?”

I nodded, a small smile gracing my face. “Yes, please! And bring it up here as always.” I winked at her, and she returned it with a smile. “I plan on taking a bath after eating, so if Polly or Cassie arrive, just tell them, and they can decide whether they want to be in the room or not.”

“Of course, ma’am, and I’ll have that bath ready for you as soon as you’ve finished your breakfast. Will that be all?”

I nodded. “Yes, thank you, Anne.” She didn’t hesitate to leave, and good thing too ‘cause I could hear the water turn off in the bathroom. I climbed into bed before Tommy came back into the room. No real reason behind it.

Tommy walked in with a towel wrapped around his waist, as I knew he would. “You didn’t have to set my clothes out for me, sweetheart.”

I shrugged ‘n hummed dismissively. “It was no trouble. Isn’t today Friday?”

Tom unwrapped the towel from his waist then used it to dry his hair. “Uh, yeah. It’s the 19th. Why?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s just I was gonna ask you if you’re comin’ home early today or not. Usually, on Fridays, you come home early.” I began to rub my belly; it’s become a comfort thing.

“Yeah, I should be home around seven or eight.”

I nodded. “Should I have the cook make you something for lunch, or are you not eating today?”

Tommy huffed, an amused smile on his face as he pulled up his boxers. “I eat, love. Just not as much as you’d like me to.”

“Well, if you know I don’t like you eating so little, why do you do it?” I teased.

“‘Cause otherwise, especially if you're doing the cooking, you’d be married to a fat oaf. And we can’t have that, can we?”

My scoff quickly turned into uncontrollable cackling. “Tommy Shelby!”

He laughed at his own joke before saying, "I'll be home for dinner, and I'll be on me own if I get hungry around the afternoon."

Still in a teasing mood, I asked. "You'll just smoke a ciggie, eh?"

"Oh, you know it!" Tom winked at me as he pulled his undershirt over his head.

Squinting me eyes at 'em, I said. "If I were close enough to ya, I'd smack ya. You know I would." I pointed my finger at him for emphasis before cracking a smile then bursting into a fit of giggles.

"Why do you think I'm safely out of your range while you're laying down over there?"

“Oh, you!” I grabbed a pillow and chucked it at him. It missed its target, of course, but the snicker I’d gotten out of him made it worth it. I rested my back against my pillows and sighed. “You mess with me too much. Watch this baby is gonna come out and beat you up for me.”

Tommy rolled his eyes. “Keep sayin’ it, and it’s gonna come true. The babe’s destined to beat the both of us up regardless.”

While stroking my belly, I asked with a smile. “Aw, flashbacks from Finn?”

He shook his head as he tugged on the sleeve of his white button-down shirt. “Laugh all you want, but that kid had a mean right hook.”

I shook my head as I chuckled more to myself than at him. “My niece had the grip strength of, I don’t know, an elephant! She could pull me around like I was a freaking ragdoll. We were afraid of her, not the other way ‘round!”

Big mistake…

I bit my lip and tried to immediately change the topic even when there was a stinging in my eyes. I yanked the blankets off me, rolled to my side, and rose to my feet. “I’ll do your tie for you,” I said as I walked over to him.

I’m glad he didn’t press the situation or comment. Tommy just turned around and held out his arms for me. Once I was standing in front of him, I leaned down to pick up the tie from the bed. I flipped his collar up, slid the tie around his neck, and then began doing a simple Windsor knot.

When I was done, I flipped the collar down and couldn’t help but pat the tie then smooth my hand over his chest. Tommy placed a bent finger under my chin then lifted it. I gazed into those piercing blue eyes of his and couldn’t help but smile.

“I love you,” he said. I giggled and repeated the same to him. Tommy continued, “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

I snickered, rolled me eyes, then smacked his chest. I tsked. “Alright, buddy, you ruined it. You laid it on too thick.” I picked up his vest, flapped it out, and then held it open for him to put his arms through.

Tommy turned his back to me as he put one arm in before reaching in for the other. “I wasn’t lying, Aliena. You are.” Tommy spun around after he tugged down on his vest and cradled my face. He leaned down and kissed me.

I ripped my face from his grasp. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet, and I’m ten times bigger than a watermelon. My feet and ankles are swollen. Speaking of feet, haven’t seen them in a while! Not to mention, I spend more time in the bathroom than I do anywhere else, and when I get there— it’s like I ran like five miles—!”

Tommy was quick to have my face back in his grasp, and I just let him do it. “Eh, listen to me. You are carrying our child, and every day since, you have become more beautiful than Aphrodite herself. Didn’t you say it yourself that your hair got healthier and— what was it, curlier?”

I pouted, rolled my eyes, and smacked his chest. “My hair got wavier, not curlier. I don’t have any curls and watch what you say, and you might cause another Greek war. But thank you, now finish getting ready. You, my love, have work.” I lowered myself down onto the bed ‘n sat there.

Tommy smirked. “There wasn’t a war, but they were punished.” I blew raspberries at him then watched him as he finished getting ready. Once he was, he helped me to my feet and walked me to the bedroom door.

I huffed. “You know, I can walk you out the whole way.”

Tommy shook his head as he peered down at me, stroking the side of my face while his other hand held his briefcase. “Nah, you’re on bed rest till our son decides to come out into the world, remember? Doctor’s orders.”

I tsked, rolled my eyes, and then pulled him closer by his lapels. “Kiss,” I demanded. He huffed before leaning down to kiss me. Once we parted, I said. “Have a good day at work, love you.”

“Love you too. I’ll be back for dinner.”

I didn’t move from my spot by the door till he was out of sight. Even when he was gone from my view, I didn’t move as Anne walked toward me in his place. I took a step back then walked back into the room with Anne behind as she carried my food.

Aliena ate her breakfast then had a relaxing bath afterward as planned. The dull aches never stopped, but they never increased either. So, Ali kept ignoring them until she couldn’t. The entire morning, Anne had been with her and offered to help her with some exercises that could perhaps relieve some of the tension, but Aliena refused her offer.

Aliena’s long hair quickly became a nuisance, and she asked Anne if she could braid it for her. The older woman didn’t hesitate to help the pregnant Lady of the house. Aliena was not only taking care of her hair problem but testing out if she needed to be sitting up instead of laying down. Ever since she acknowledged these minor pains, laying down seemed to aggravate them. However, sitting up managed to soothe the aches ever so slightly.

Frustrated and uncomfortable, Aliena decided she needed to be up ‘n about. Anne tried persuading Aliena against it, but the younger woman teared up a bit, and suddenly, Anne was putty in her hands. So, the pair limited their tread to inside the residence as Anne could allow her only that much.

Walking, as Aliena suspected, helped ease the ache. Aliena eventually took a book from her office and read it aloud as she strolled around the room. That’s precisely how Polly found her when she arrived.

The woman scoffed and put her hands on her hips. “Aliena, love, what the ‘ell are you doing on your feet? For Christ’s sake, the doctor put you on bed rest!”

Aliena giggled rather mischievously, covering her mouth.

Polly walked closer to her before taking the younger girl into her arms in a firm embrace. She smacked her mouth. “It’s no laughing matter! You’re bloody ten months.”

Aliena allowed herself to be guided into the parlour room with her book in hand. Once they sat, Aliena placed her book aside on the coffee table and faced Polly head-on. “Alright, Pol, you have me where you want me. I was feeling restless up in that room and needed to walk around for a bit.”

“I don’t have you where I want you. If I did, you’d be laying down in that bed of yours upstairs.” Polly tugged off her gloves, placed them in her lap, then gently cradled Aliena’s face in her hands. “You look tired, Ali. How ‘ave you been sleeping?”

Ali scoffed but held a smirk. “As well I can. This little boy is destined to be some type of athlete, can hardly stay still at night! Lord knows he sleeps during the day, though.” She laughed it off, but Polly still had a look of concern on her face.

“Perhaps you should try taking a nap.”

Aliena shook her head. “Nah, I’m wide awake anyhow. Tell me what’s been on your mind.” The younger girl patted Polly’s leg before looking over to Anne, who had been silently standing near the door. “Anne, can you bring some tea for us, please?”

She nodded. “Of course, Ms. Welsh.”

Polly sighed before tossing her gloves on the coffee table, grabbing the purse beside her, and fished out a cigarette. “That Linda woman,” She began as she took a drag. “I don’t trust ‘er.”

Aliena scoffed ‘n sneered at the mention of Linda. “Yeah, well, me neither.”

“There’s just something there that I can’t put my finger on. I think it’s the way she says things with an attitude, you know? That lace of pretentiousness and arrogance in her words.”

Aliena raised her legs closer to her body, tucking them under her, and rested her head on her closed fist. She scoffed. “I know exactly what you’re talking about, Pol. She has this sneaky way of talking that just makes her seem fake. It’s infuriating!”

She hummed in agreement while inhaling another drag. “I wanna snuff her out, but Arthur… He’s so sweet on ‘er. I’ve never seen him smile as much as he does when he’s with her.”

Aliena managed a small smile as she recalled Arthur’s behavior these past months, how much of a joy he is to be around. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right. But that doesn’t mean we gotta like ‘er. Shit, I don’t fucking appreciate how much holy shit she spits out at every fucking family gathering! No offense, Polly.”

Polly waved the girl off. “None taken. I have my own special relationship with God, but hers. Huh, it’s fucking annoying.”

Aliena immediately brightened. “Isn’t it! She preaches to us as if we’ve never heard of Church or read the freaking Bible! Though, she would be right about me.”

Polly turned her head to Aliena as if remembering something then said. “Ah, that’s right. You told me about that.”

Aliena nodded. “I was baptized, so I’m saved, or whatever. But, I’ve never sat through a sermon or read the book. Me ma’ tried encouraging me to read it, but the stuff just never stayed, if that makes sense. One time, I began using the book to hide my money.” Aliena chuckled at the memory.

Polly laughed at the confession. “Well, hopefully, we’re both wrong, and Arthur’s finally found himself a good woman.”

Aliena hummed in agreement while nodding her head. “Hopefully,” she echoed.

Anne came back in with tea, and the women continued to talk as they enjoyed their drink. When lunch came around, Aliena wasn’t feeling any better, so she ate a simple sandwich. Polly entertained her most of the day, but Aliena can’t say she had a lovely time.

The pain in her thighs increased, as did the pain in her back. It didn’t matter if she was walking around, sitting down, or lying down. The pain wasn’t going away. However, it was still manageable. Aliena had to change into something more light and less fitting, but it was a minor change.

Polly left around four in the afternoon, and she made sure she left with Aliena tucked into bed. The pregnant lass managed to take a nap but awoke two hours later feeling just as awful as before she fell asleep. Aliena had chicken soup for dinner and was only half-surprised when Tom called, saying he wouldn’t be home on time.

While a part of her was disappointed, the other part of her was glad. It meant that she had more time to express her grievances openly.

After Ali ate, she walked over to her vanity and tried to write. She wrote while sitting down then attempted to write while walking around her bedroom. Eventually, Aliena couldn’t focus on a single thing and gave up. It frustrated her to no end trying to maintain her flow of thought to keep a realistic and rational plot.

She tossed her journal back into its drawer before continuing to pace around the room while stroking her stomach. The urge to pee came, and she went. Only on her panties and toilet paper, Aliena found bloody discharge. At least, Ali was hoping it was discharge. Still, she was hellbent that everything was fine and didn’t tell anyone about the development.

The decision to call up the doctor, the midwife, or even Polly was hanging the balance, but Aliena didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up. So, Ali swallowed her worries and looked for somethin’ else to do. She eventually came to a standstill as she stood in front of the door that connected her bedroom to the nursery. Aliena opened the door, walked into the room, and then began memorizing every detail. She ran her fingertips along all the shelves, toys, and walls.

Aliena settled in front of the tall dresser that held all of the baby’s clothes. The nursery and the clothing were quite obviously for a boy, so if this baby turned out to be a girl— they’d be in a bit of a pickle. Ali noticed there had been a few pairs of new baby clothes laid out on the chair and decided to take the time to fold them ‘n put them into the dresser herself.

Folding the clothes, holding them in her hands got her feeling a little low. She’d be having her first child without any of her family present. If this baby were truly a boy, he’d have been the first son in the family. Her brother hardly counts, and she didn’t count her nephew either. Aliena can’t explain why, but she just didn’t. But she’s sure as hell certain that her son would have been spoiled rotten.

Anyway, Aliena teared up a little but then suppressed her feelings the moment she was aware of them. After folding all of them up, Aliena had difficulty rising to her feet from sitting on the floor, but she did it. However, it did feel like she fucked up somewhere along the way ‘cause there was a sharp pain in her abdomen.

It only lasted a few seconds, but it scared the crap out of her. When the pain ceased, she waddled over to the crib in the middle of the room and admired it. Aliena never imagined she’d have so little involvement with the nursery. She saw herself with Tommy painting it and decorating the rest together. The disappointment was slight and always in the very back of her mind whenever she was in the room.

Fatigue hit her hard out of the blue, and she had no will to fight it. Aliena walked out of the room, closed the door behind her, then crawled into the bed. She hoped that Tommy would be there when she woke.

Tommy Shelby had one hell of a day at work. Not only did he have to work overtime because of a meeting with Churchill, but a particular visitor came back to England for a spell. Tom had no interest in seeing Grace again after the night he blew her off to take care of Aliena; he was sure she’d never want to see him again either.

Of course, there was the matter that she showed up at Epson without him knowing, but still— he didn’t care even after hearing that she’d been looking for him.

Tom couldn’t escape Grace since she showed up at his office, and he didn’t miss the dirty glares he got from Michael and Lizzie. Against his better judgment, Tom allowed her in his office and tried to get to the bottom of her visit as quickly as he could. Turns out she wanted to catch up again. Grace didn't like how their last meeting ended and was willing to give him another chance.

Grace didn't outright phrase it like that, but that's what Tommy concluded from her long-winded sentences.

Grace asked if he was free during the time that she was in London, and he told her curtly that he was busy. In a last ditch effort to rouse his attention, Grace revealed to Tommy that she and her husband were in the middle of treatments. There was no child cooking in her belly just yet.

Tom was painfully indifferent; he had a fiancée at home with one in the oven. Truth be told, there was no reason for his callousness. Though the woman had spurned his family and turned them against him, she had still laid in his bed, and she would have again had he not run off. But then Tom thought about Aliena and how she would feel if she found out that Grace had come back ‘n paid him this visit.

Yeah, that was enough to instill some fear into him. Pregnancy made Ali’s mood swings teeter in the extremes— though those were the bad days. He knew Aliena tried her hardest not to let the pregnancy control her, but sometimes she just couldn’t fight against it and took it out on him. Tom didn’t mind; after all, he was used to it from the other women in his family. However, when she was angry, it was nothing like he’d ever seen. A lot of cussing in Spanish and hand movements!

If Grace were in the mix, it would only add fuel to the fire. According to her show, he and Grace were destined to end up back together. It was written, and Tom knew how concepts like fate and destiny took a chokehold on people, and he was not going to let his relationship be destroyed by it. Tom controlled his own future— he chose Aliena as much as she chose him.

Grace confessed that she doesn’t believe that she is the one at fault despite what her husband and the doctors think. Again, Tommy didn’t know what that had to do with him till the second it clicked. He laughed humorlessly as he rolled his cigarette between his fingers before he lit it.

Tom didn’t wait for her to try anything with him. He didn’t wait for the outright proposition for sex, or perhaps, the seduction she may have attempted. No, Tom asked her if she knew he was getting married. He asked her if she knew that his fiancée was pregnant.

Oh, Grace knew! She just didn’t care. That’s when Tom saw in her eyes that she believed he was still in love with her.

Maybe Grace was still in love with him. Perhaps she wanted to bear his child instead of her husband's. Grace never claimed to love her husband the last time they met, just that he was sweet and kind and rich. But his ship has sailed, Tom has moved on.

Honestly, the man didn’t have time for this. First, he had that Churchill bastard on his arse, and now this! He still had work to complete! He’d promised Aliena that he’d be home in time for dinner! No. However, he knew that refusing her wouldn’t deter her. Grace was a determined woman, a quality that he used to like in her. So, he decided to strike for her pride.

Tom goaded her into believing that he was falling for her scheme till he showed her that he had been the one playing her. Grace turned redder than a tomato, slapped him, then ran out. Tom had to admit it felt nice to know Grace wouldn't be in his life anymore. If anything, it was like the previous night solidified his decision.

Grace would have wanted him to change— would have begged him to go on the straight ‘n narrow. Tom doesn’t know if it’s because Aliena knows him like the back of her hand or otherwise, but it’s like she knows that he’s not ready to give it all up. That he isn’t willing to relinquish his “throne.” Hell, with this job Churchill is setting him up for, Tommy might be able to move his family’s position up even higher!

Why stop when you’re on a roll?

Tom came home at two in the morning, having only eaten a small lunch and dinner. Food he had to get for himself out of a guilty conscience. As he walked up the steps, he could only pray that his love had the good sense to go to sleep rather than stay up ‘n wait for him. If she were awake, it wouldn’t have been the first time.

Tom had just placed his foot on the last step when a voice called out for him. Did he get scared? Yes, yes, he did. It was painfully apparent since he whipped out his gun ‘n pointed at the person at the end of the hall. It was only Polly.

“Jesus Christ, Pol! What are you doing ‘ere?” Tommy asked exasperatedly while tucking his gun away. He raised his other foot and walked closer to her.

Polly, who managed to hide her shock, replied. “Aliena was acting off all day yesterday. Went home but didn’t feel right. So, I came back. She’s been asleep since ten, and where the fuck ‘ave you been?”

Tommy rubbed his eyes, smacked his mouth, then said. “Uh, work. I just finished up.”

She hummed. “Well, don’t wake her. And Tommy, try ‘n get some sleep.” Just like that, she walked off back into her room.

Tom shook his head while trying to calm his heart. He needs to put a bell on his aunt— should’ve done it years ago. Tommy shook his head once more before continuing his seemingly long journey to his bedroom. He opened the door swiftly but closed it with caution.

When Tommy stood at the foot of their bed, he was in awe. He honestly did think of his wife as a goddess as she carried their child. Made him want to keep her pregnant 24/7. Tommy couldn’t have suspected that Ali would make him wait for their next child. He’d believed that she would be all for having another child as soon as Percy arrived. The shocker he had, eh?

Tommy set his briefcase down before walking over to Aliena’s side, bent down, and kissed her forehead. Mentally, he said. “I’m home.” After greeting her in his head, Tommy dressed down then climbed into bed. After all, he went to bed in only his boxers. He scooted closer to Ali ‘n she instinctively nestled herself as close as she could into his chest. Tom went to sleep certain that his child knew daddy was home too.

Aliena woke up to sharp pains in her belly. She didn’t open her eyes, chopping it up to being a random pain. However, when it came back some minutes later, Aliena opened her eyes ‘n trained them on the clock. It had been three in the morning. When another pain hit her, it was like her brain was finally catching up to what was happening. It had knocked the breath right out of her.

She stifled her gasp into a small whimper then hurried to sit up. Aliena was no good with timing, no good with measurements— so she had no idea how many minutes passed before another contraction hit.

Yes, contraction. There was no denying it this time.

Aliena scrambled to her feet ‘n the second she stood up, another one hit her. She let out a pained huff while clutching the bottom of her belly. She took a step closer to her vanity with her breaths already coming out in hushed pants. Aliena knew she could either be going into early labor or active labor, and she didn’t want to wake Tommy just yet. Labor could take hours. It could take a whole day! She had no idea when he came in, but she guessed it wasn’t too long ago.

He didn’t wake up; that’s how she knew. If he had been “well-rested,” Tom would have woken up in a heartbeat.

So, Aliena paced around her little spot from the window behind the bed to her vanity, stifling her grunts and pants as she dealt with the contractions. Tommy woke up to the sound of strained whines and heavy breathing. His eyes kept blinking, body begging him to go back to sleep, but he fought against it. When Tom’s eyes finally cleared up, he realized that Ali wasn’t in bed.

His head snapped up and behind the headboard. Tom met her gaze just as she let out a loud groan ‘n dived for the curtains behind her. Tom quickly climbed out of bed and to her side. “Is it the baby?” He asked.

Aliena couldn’t fathom an answer as she panted without restrictions this time. She turned around in Tommy’s embrace and clutched his chest as she let out a grunt. “Yes!” The next moment, water could be heard trickling to the hardwood floor. “My-My water broke, Tommy...” Aliena looked up at Tom with tears in her eyes. “The baby’s coming.”

Tommy couldn’t help but smile and laugh. “The baby, our baby, Ali.” He cradled her face and kissed her passionately. Aliena tried to reciprocate, but soon enough, another contraction rippled through her ‘n she pushed his face away. Tom felt lost for a second; his mind went blank. “Um, uh… I’ll—! I’ll get Polly!” He shouted before running out the door, leaving Aliena to fend for herself for a few seconds.

The lass rushed forward to the headboard and squeezed the wood as a contraction hit while groaning. If Aliena was sure of one thing at this moment, it was that she was not going to give birth laying down on her back despite the pain. It was then she wished she could have fallen in love with someone in a more modern setting so that she could have some fucking drugs! She can bet a £100,000 that she wasn’t even near a dilation of 10cm.

Just as Aliena began making her way to the bed to sit down, Tommy ran back into the room like a bat out of hell. “Where’s Polly?” Aliena asked.

Tommy took her hand in his while placing the other on the arch of her back, guiding her to the bed. “She went to wake up Anne. Get the things you need. She told me to stay with you in the meantime.”

Aliena began to mix her heavy breathing with pants and grunts. Sitting down on the bed was not helping at all, and that’s when she realized she was still wearing her soaked panties. Ali hiked up her dress and said. “Tommy, take them off. Take them off!”

The man didn’t hesitate to crumble to his knees and tug off the undergarment. “What else? Do you want me to get you a different dress?”

Aliena thought about it for a moment before shaking her head. “No, I’m okay. Luckily, the dress was flowy enough that it wasn’t soaked.” That’s all she could manage to say before she engaged in some deep breathing. The lass looked over her lover’s appearance, and through strained whines, she said. “Tommy, you should get dressed.”

Tom furrowed his eyebrows at the order but then nodded, quickly realizing that he was still underdressed. “Right,” he muttered.

The man disappeared from her sight, the hand that was on his bicep came down to her side. The pain was like something she had never imagined. Aliena honestly thought she would be spared with all the exercise she had done. Tommy returned to her side soon enough with his usual white long sleeve and pants on. He took her hand and knelt beside her.

“I’m here, Ali.” He said. “I’m right here.”

With her eyes closed, Ali let out a breathy chuckle as she shook her head. “This baby isn’t coming out just yet. We have a long night a-HEAD!” Aliena winced in pain and lurched forward. Tom attempted to soothe the pain by rubbing her belly, but it was hardly working.

Some minutes later, Polly and Anne walked in with all their supplies. Polly ran to Aliena, who was on her feet again leaning against her vanity. Polly instantly placed her hands on the younger girl’s arms to support her before glancing over at her nephew. “No business you being in here, Tom. Go downstairs or wait in a different room. Call your brothers, even! But get out of this room.” Polly pushed back any stray hairs away from Aliena’s face— completely finished talking to Tom.

It was typical for men of this era to be away from their wives as they gave birth. Aliena knew that, and yet she didn’t think Tom would leave her alone. She wasn’t even sure she liked the idea of company over.

Tom noticed the displeased look on his lover’s face and ignored his aunt. “Aliena, love, do you want me to leave?”

Aliena let out a long exhale through clenched teeth before smacking her lips. “I-I don’t know. I can’t think.” She turned around in their arms and allowed them to help her as she sat down on her bench. The pain was fading. Ali took a few calming breaths before she allowed herself to mull it over. “Do you want to leave?”

Tom let a chuckle out through his nose and shook his head. The man crouched down and stroked his fianceé’s face. “It’s not about what I want. This is about what you want.”

Ali nodded in understanding and thought about it again. “Call your brothers if you want, Tommy. I’m sure you and your brothers went to the Garrison every time John had another baby, and I want you to have that experience if you want it. But, Thomas Michael Shelby, so help me God if you get so bladdered that you can’t even hold this child when they arrive— I’ll kill ya!”

Tom smiled and nodded. “Understood.” Tommy’s gaze shifted to Pol and before he could say anything to the older woman, she beat him to it.

“I’ll take care of ‘er, Tommy. Go on ‘n call your brothers.”

Tommy kissed Ali on her cheek, lips, forehead and then left the room. Polly didn’t hesitate to get Aliena on her feet and over to Anne.

Tom stood outside the bedroom door with a blank expression on his face. He couldn’t believe that he’d be meeting his child soon. As if Tom were on autopilot, Tommy turned to his left toward the nursery. He turned the knob and let the door swing open. A room he decorated himself for his firstborn child. Now that the moment was upon him, all of Tom’s worries came knocking.

Would he be a good father? Gentle yet stern? Or more like his father? Would his child come to hate him for his past sins? Will he be able to protect him from the dangers of the world? Will his son hate him for his shortcomings?

Funnily enough, Tom could hear Ali’s voice in his head to stop his needless worrying. Tell him to stop being a better beaut ‘n realize that he’ll be a wonderful father. Tommy stepped into the room, walked over to the crib, and picked up the teddy bear that lay in the corner. He smiled at the doll then it fell as Ali’s groans were loud enough to hear through the wall that separated them.

Tommy stroked the teddy bear once more before putting it down. The man walked out of the room, closed the door behind him, and then headed downstairs. Tommy took a seat on one of their many couches and held his face in his hands. He vigorously rubbed his hands over his face before inhaling deeply. Tom couldn’t decide whether or not he’d want his siblings over. Didn’t want to run the risk of havin’ them all here.

Tom had run the idea by Ali once, and she agreed, but Tom knew she just decided to appease him. There was a flash of a wince on her face just before she agreed, and it made it harder to tell if she was sincere or not.

Perhaps for once in their lives, his brothers would actually listen to ‘em. Tom picked up the phone and decided to make the calls to bring them ‘round. It’ll be his child they’ll be drinking for this time ‘n words can’t describe how happy that makes him.

Arthur, John, and Finn arrived an hour later. Tom rang Ada as well, but she didn’t pick up. Arthur and John kept their promises and brought along only one straggler. Fucking Finn was still a Shelby brother, even if he was the youngest. Arthur and John gave their brother a grand ‘ole congratulations that included a lot of back-slapping ‘n hollering. Tommy couldn’t keep a smile off his face, but there was a nagging voice in the back of his head. Worried about his future wife and his baby.

Labor began at three, and it was four hours later. The volume of her screams and the intensity of pain were at their worst. Aliena was a sweaty, sticky mess, and she hated every second of it. Polly and Anne tried to soothe her distress by patting her down with freshwater, but the sweat would eventually just build back up. She’s had to change her dress two times! Luckily, Polly informed Ali that the baby was almost ready. Nine centimeters dilated, she was. Just needed one more to go!

Groaning loudly, Aliena dove for the edge of the bed frame. Panting and double over, Aliena began to pray that this would soon be over.

“Aliena, enough of this! Come and sit in the chair!” Polly shouted.

The chair had been bought upon Aliena’s request. It was made especially for birthing with a circle hollowed out in the middle to let the baby come out via gravity. The loop was not entirely closed, by the way. Aliena glanced over at the chair, and out of pure instictint, she shook her head.

“It’s not time yet, Pol.” She insisted but sat down on her ottoman bench instead.

Anne was twisting her hands with all her built-up concern. “Aliena, dear, Mrs. Gray is right. You should sit on the chair now.”

Aliena shook her head again before rising to her feet and waddling over to the bed. She sat at the edge of it and then laid down. She placed one hand at the bottom of her bump while the other had a death grip on the bed frame. “I can’t explain it, but it’s not time yet!” Her voice came out strained, her pain fully apparent in her words.

Aliena continued to lie down, grunting and panting through the contraction till Polly had enough. The older woman stood in front of Aliena and slowly hauled her up as she said. “Ali, you are getting in that chair right now! We need to check if you’re ready.”

This time Aliena allowed herself to be guided into the chair. Anne and Polly knelt, and one lifted her dress before they could tell her the good news, Aliena was already bearing down. The young girl tried to stifle the beginning scream but ultimately couldn’t help but let it flow out naturally. Her head tilted back, her eyes closed. Aliena took the crumpled-up dress into her hands and allowed Polly and Anne a better view.

Ali’s scream trailed off at the end into a tiny whimper before she took a quick inhale. When her next contraction hit, Aliena couldn’t help the elongated grunt as she bore down again.

Polly affectionately rubbed Ali’s bear bump. “That’s it, love. That’s it! Push! Keep pushing!”

Aliena took some deep breaths waiting for the next contraction to come. Once it arrived, she held her breath and screamed as she pushed. The scream converted into an open-mouthed cry. Her braid was a mess, her face flushed red with her veins almost popping out, and she was perspiring. A tear dropped from her eye onto her dress as she worked on catching her breath.

Gaspingly, she asked. “Is he here yet?”

Polly crouched lower and felt Aliena’s vagina with her hand, and she could feel the baby’s head. “He’s here, love! He’s here! Oh, just a couple of more pushes, and he’s here!”

Through her pain, Aliena managed a smile before it fell. A contraction wracked through her. Aliena’s face bunched up as she bore down while grunting. More tears fell, and she threw back her head— you could see the sheen of sweat along her neck.

The baby was nearly out. Polly could hold his little head in her hand. “Almost, Ali. Almost!”

Aliena couldn’t stop her wails and cries. But she managed to take a deep breath and then give it all she had. The grunt she let out was rough and full of strain as her head tucked into her chest, but Aliena could feel it. She knew that her baby had finally been born.

Anne let out a breathy laugh. “Oh, sweetheart. He’s here.” Through the middle of her words, Aliena’s baby had begun to cry just as his mother was.

Towels were already placed under Aliena to catch any fluid that leaked or otherwise. There was another cloth kept warm that would be used to swaddle the baby when he arrived. Anne was happy that her hard work would pay off. She scrambled to her feet before dragging the rolling trolley closer.

Polly held the baby carefully in her hands, marveling at yet another one of her grand-nephews. “A beautiful baby boy, Aliena.” She whispered while stroking the crying baby’s cheek.

Aliena sniffled. Tiredly, she said. “Give him to me. My baby, give me my baby.”

Polly shushed them both. She looked up at Aliena and said. “Right now, love. Just a few things to do first.”

Anne made quick work of the umbilical cord, which allowed Polly to rise to her feet with the baby in her arms. Without looking away from her grand-nephew, she spoke to Anne. “Anne, make sure her placenta safely passes and then fix her up.”

Anne merely bowed her head and made a sound to assure the Misses that she understood. The young mother couldn’t take her eyes off her baby, and her eyes were blown wide as if she were in a panic. But in reality, Aliena was trying to take in every second of her son. Even if he was covered in white stuff that reminded her of blue cheese and some blood, he surely did have a head of hair on him, and had she not been present at her sister’s labor— Aliena would have been worried at the state of her child’s head. Babies come out looking like aliens.

Anne pressed on Aliena’s stomach firmly as she attempted to advance the placenta out. However, Ali’s attention was still on her son, watching as Polly bathed his head with the warm water. Anne grabbed a bowl and held it under Aliena. Soon enough, the placenta dropped.

By then, Polly had wrapped the wailing baby up in the warm towel and began rocking him in her arms. Aliena was going to ask for him again when she realized that she was still messy. Though her body was thoroughly exhausted, Aliena scooted forward, grabbed a towel from the trolley, and began wiping away all her sweat. She started with her face then moved on to between her legs. She tossed the towel onto the bed, and with Anne’s help, Ali rose to her feet.

Aliena gathered the skirt into her hands and then raised it over her head. Anne received the dirty dress and swiftly came back with another. Aliena had an endless supply of flowy gowns, courtesy of her lover. This one just so happened to be white as well. Aliena turned to Polly, but the woman gestured toward the bed with her head.

Aliena hurriedly crawled to her side, tucked herself in, and then raised her arms. Polly walked over to Ali, and just as she passed Anne, she said. “Anne, go and tell Mr. Shelby the good news.”

Anne bowed. “Yes, Mrs. Gray.” Anne grabbed the soiled towels and dresses into her arms, threw them onto the trolley, and then rolled it out the room.

Polly carefully passed Aliena her son, and when the young girl finally had her baby in her arms— she couldn’t stop the waterworks.

“Hello, there.” She tearfully cooed. Her son, who had just quieted moments before, was quickly making his way to mimic his mother. “Oh no,” she chuckled. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Mummy isn’t sad; she’s happy. She’s so happy to finally meet you.” Aliena raised her baby’s fist to her lips and pressed a bunch of kisses into the back of his hand. “Now, if only your daddy hurried up these stairs, would this moment be perfect.” Aliena and Polly both laughed at her comment.

Tommy and his brothers were in the middle of a conversation when Anne walked in. Tom made good on his promise and managed not to get as drunk as his company had, but once Anne walked through the threshold— he found himself regretting it.

It was funny how quickly a smile could change his mood.

“Mr. Shelby,” she began. “The young master has arrived.”

All four men rose to their feet, though Tommy was the only one to approach Anne. “And Aliena? Is she—!”

“--She’s completely fine, Mr. Shelby. Everything is fine.”

“Go on, brother!” Arthur drunkenly shouted.

“Yeah, go on, Tommy! See ya baby ‘n Ali,” John slurred. The brothers were both slumped against one another while Finn was passed out on the floor. Tommy offered the little shit a room, but Finn was determined to stay with his brothers.

With a stupidly wide grin on his face, Tom ran through the house and didn’t stop till he crossed the threshold of his bedroom. Slowly, he walked further into the room till he finally set his sights on the love of his life and child.

Polly walked over to her nephew and hugged him. She congratulated him, kissed his cheek, and they exchanged a couple of words before she walked out the door to give the new parents some privacy.

Aliena looked up at Tom with a smile that matched his own. She whispered. “‘Ello there.”

Tom, who was still processing everything, could only manage to say, “You look beautiful.”

The reply made Ali giggle; the tremors disturbed the baby, making him fuss. Ali quickly puckered her lips to soothe him but stopped when he didn’t begin to cry. She looked back up at Tommy with another smile. “Do you want to hold him? It’ll have to be now ‘cause I still need to feed him.”

Tom nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Give ‘em here.” Tom walked over to the other side of the bed, crawled close to Ali, and held his arms open. Aliena gently passed their son over to ‘em. As Tommy brought him closer to his chest, Ali patted down the blanket from his face. Tom took in his son’s face. His beautiful face. Tom whispered, “Hello there, Perseus Ciel Michael Shelby. Your mum ‘n I have been waiting a long time to meet you.” Tommy looked over at Ali, who was pressed closely beside him and smiled.

“Ciel Michael? I thought we agreed on just Michael.”

Tommy shook his head. “Ciel Michael sounds better, don’t you think?”

Ali hummed as she nestled her cheek against Tommy’s arm. “No, I think Michael will do just fine. Adding Ciel throws off the name a bit. Doesn't roll off the tongue." As much as I appreciated Tommy's willingness to add in my father's name, I had already grown attached to the name we agreed on. I have no doubt that we'll have another child, and the possibility of honoring my father will still be there.

"Alright then, love. We'll do without your father's name. promise to remember that I tried."

I chuckled while I nudged him to the side. "He has your eyes, Tommy,” I whispered after a beat of silence.

Tommy hummed. “Just the colour. He has your eyes— the shape.” Tommy held Percy with one arm so that he could stroke Percy’s cheek. Tommy glanced over at Ali and whispered. “Thank you.”

Ali breathily chuckled, reached up, and kissed Tommy’s cheek. “You’re welcome.”

A moment passed before Percy began to cry. Tommy hurriedly gave Percy to Aliena, who readily received him. Aliena pulled down her dress before cradling Percy’s head. The newborn didn’t hesitate to latch onto his mother’s breast.

Aliena and Tommy shared a joyful glance before sharing a single kiss.

“I love you, Tommy.”

“And I love you.”

On January 20th of 1923 at 7:23 am, Perseus Michael Shelby was born to Thomas Michael Shelby and Aliena Shelby neé Welsh.

Though they’ve yet to marry, the newspaper still wrote her name as is.

After the baby ate, he soon fell asleep, followed by his mother. Tommy stayed awake, carrying Percy in his arms the whole time. Tom desperately wanted to show off his newborn son with all his ten fingers and toes, but he knew he’d upset Aliena if they weren’t there when she woke.

Eventually, when Aliena woke up, Percy was awake and entertained by his father. Tom was quick to order food to be made for the house, but the new family remained in their room. He suspected that his brothers were either still asleep or had gone back to their homes.

Polly had entered the room after their meal, which was more like a brunch. She fussed over the baby relentlessly to the point that she almost managed to get on Aliena’s nerves. The new mom didn’t think she’d have to ask more than two times for her own child back.

The rest of the day was solely the three of them. Anne had entered the room in the evening to inform her employers that the three brothers had left earlier in the day just as Tom suspected. The next day was purely Tom and Ali’s, but the day after that would finally break the short spell they had.

Aliena gave Tommy the okay to invite the entire family while she invited her own. The Shelby’s and Aliena’s mates piled into the mansion once again to celebrate the birth of Percy Shelby.

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