#Tommy Shelby

[vervainandspritz]

Slut

Peaky Blinders Season 4 | Episode 1

[cillianmurphyfanatic]

[vervainandspritz]

CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING?—please, don't leave me

Thomas Shelby x Reader

Request by @goblinjnr

Warnings: hurt/comfort, mentions of death, grieving, angst, suicide

A/N: it's very fucking sad so beware

~~

Her eyes shut tight as her husband pressed a loving kiss onto her lips. Y/N's body involuntarily relaxing into his hands, causing Tommy to smile through the kiss.

”Mrs. Shelby, are you cold? I can see goosebumps on your skin” He teased, leaning forward as he grazed the skin of her neck with his nose, causing her to let out a sigh.

”Very funny” She responded, pinching his side lightly with a grin. ”That's what happens to a woman when her husband finally decides to put business away and give her affection instead.” Her voice was also teasing, as her own gaze completely drowned in his intense blue orbs.

Pulling her even closer, Tommy's nose brushed against hers in a promise of a kiss.

”So I'll have to consider doing this more often.”

Leaving last, strong kiss on her lips Tommy took a step back.

”Do what you have to, and come find me.” Y/N asked, squeezing his hand lightly, her expression relaxed and almost dreamy seeing him in such a good humour.

Bowing lightly, Thomas answered.

”Don't go too far, I'll join you soon.” His voice had an undertone of worry to it, his eyes becoming slightly more cloudy at the obvious allusion.

Giving him a weak nod, Y/N agreed, understanding exactly what he meant.

Don't go anywhere on your own, it's dangerous

Turning around, Thomas slowly walked back to his office, his steps echoing throughout the corridor as the warmth of their lovely encounter disappeared under the weight of reality.

Y/N let out a sharp breath, her heart picking up speed as her hand fell to her belly, causing more internal pain than anything. The mask she had to wear around him was becoming heavier with each passing day.

But she couldn't tell him. Not when the prognosis were so hopeful the last time they visited the hospital together. Not after seeing him gain back the spark he lost for so long.

Letting out a sharp exhale, Y/N turned around, slowly walking back to their bedroom. Wincing quietly she made her way through the corridor before settling on a bed lightly.

The day they found out was the worst day in her life. Rushing to the doctor so hopefully, once she noticed her stomach... Growing. After trying for a baby, could it finally happen? Y/N wondered back then, showing Tommy the swelling on her stomach.

Putting his hand over her belly, he was the happiest man in the world, dimples on his cheeks revealing to their full extent as he smiled so brightly, a rare sight but how beautiful she felt. A family, of her own.

A girl? A boy? They wondered the day before her visit. Chatting away endlessly about names, clothes and toys for a little Shelby.

A heavenly happiness that lasted no longer than three days, before they got crushed by the diagnosis.

Stomach cancer

Thomas' hand fell limp by his side, as Y/N froze completely. It took a longer minute, followed by ”I'm so sorry” from the doctor before tears appeared. Falling faster and heavier, each one a nail to her poor heart, wiping away every dream they managed to talk about in the last days.

All hope, gone, just like that.

...but it wasn't over just yet, as Dr. Wellerman explained the path they will have to go through. The risks of chemotherapy, additional tests and needed medication.

Tommy tried to stay strong, so badly, despite the white colour his face turned. Nausea took over his mind as he listened to each word, listening to the doctor explaining her survival rate. He needed to be strong.

So he was, carrying the weight like a world champion, never letting her carry it alone.

”Don't cry” He murmured in the worst nights, rocking her back and forth in his arms, sitting on the floor by the bed. ”We will bring you back to good health, and then have children. Little copies of our own, eh? A girl with my nose and your smile.” He spoke quietly into her ear, staring blankly at a wall. Whispering beautiful words she so desperately needed to hear, keeping her heart from breaking.

With each week they were both feeling worse, Y/N's physical state worsening visibly throughout the chemotherapy. The pain she felt in her abdomen could be compared to the flames from hell, reaching her ruthlessly and blooming the horrible thought she tried to push away so badly.

I want to die already, her mind would whisper cruelly, hating the way her husband's bones became more visible. His sunken eyes which lost all colour, almost as if he was the one with tumour eating away on his body and mind.

It wouldn't be much different then, because the pain he carried seeing her slowly fade away was easily the most difficult battles he had to fight.

A couple years back, Thomas would never expect to even think that, but the war in France was nothing compared to the unfair war he chose to fight everyday, holding onto his wife at all costs.

On the worst days, he would silently cry against the door of their bathroom, begging her to let him in as she cried so loudly.

”Don't look at me, I'm disgusting!” Y/N kept repeating, looking in the shattered mirror at her reflection. She was a shadow of her old self, her almost completely bald head mocking her, along with the colourless eyes that looked back.

”Y/N, please. Don't shut me away” His voice was breaking, despite the attempts to stay strong. Minutes later he would be on the floor by her side, kissing her temples and holding so tightly to not let her drown.

”You're beautiful, Mrs. Shelby. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen,” He talked, looking her in the eyes, his deep, honest voice never ceasing to bring her out of misery even just for a few seconds. Rough fingertips grazing over her delicate, pale skin. ”So beautiful I just had to marry you.”

A deep silence following his gentle tone, as his fingers drew random patterns on her skin.

”Am I dying, Tommy?” She asked quietly, her voice so fearful as she held onto his shirt, head resting on his shoulder. Thomas was almost sure she could physically hear his heart shattering at the question.

”No,” He replied confidently, getting her to look him in the eyes. To see the lack of hesitation and the fire he had in him, as her own was slowly getting smaller. She was losing hope. ”You're not dying. I wouldn't let you leave me, after all, eh?” He said, small, weak smile appearing on his lips and reaching her eyes.

”I love you so much” She whispered, slowly nodding off to sleep against his heartbeat.

Y/N remembered every and each of those days when he's been the lifeline. The only reason she was getting up and fighting against the cruel faith, slipping from death's embrace every day, almost like his love was keeping her alive.

...and it worked. Tests started coming back better than before, the cancer responded well to the chemo, allowing life to slowly seep back into their reality.

Y/N could never forget how happy it made them. Made him. The way he laughed and joked, and touched her looking, oh the way he looked at her. Like nothing else mattered, as he brought her flowers and loved every moment they had. Thomas grew to appreciate her presence so much, even the business wasn't able to get a hold of his mind as often anymore.

Life was a dream, until it wasn't.

The pain and swelling grew, sometimes making it difficult to move her legs even. Y/N held onto the thought that it was temporary, that everything was okay, so she didn't tell him. Couldn't bring herself to share her worries, seeing the way he lived and not just survived anymore.

So the secrets began, every letter from the hospital started coming to the rented storage she kept away from everyone. Tests getting more worrying until one, particular one, killed the hope completely.

The cancer no longer remained in her stomach, now spreading to the liver, lymph nodes and lungs, crushing the potential survival rate to 3%.

”Oh God” She cried at first, howling so loudly her throat grew sore and voice weak.

But it wasn't the worst. The worst was pretending around Tommy, forcing herself to smile and walk and talk as lively as before.

Be there for him, and try hard enough to smile so it would reach her eyes, because else he would know.

Each day was harder as the pain grew stronger. Eventually she had to start shaving her head every few days, to hide the fact she stopped the chemotherapy.

The pain was too much. The first time was easier, as she mindlessly shared the misery with Tommy. Carrying it together was easier, but with how much he loved her, seeing her in that state was killing him more than cancer was killing her.

So she pretended. Smiling, shaving her head and making sure to keep her expression stoic as the swelling burned hellishly.

So here she was, sitting on the edge of their bed, both hands on her belly in hopes to ease the pain. Unfamiliar pain, one so strong she couldn't breath at all.

”Tommy” She managed to whimper out, fingers wrapping around the edge of the nightstand so hard, her knuckles turned white. Slowly lowering herself to the ground, Y/N felt her legs giving out as she fell down with a loud thump, starting to cough.

Barely opening her eyes, she noticed the drops of crimson red fluid dirtying the clean, wooden floor. Her mind turned hazy, feeling completely out of it as more and more blood splattered the floor.

Only then did she barely register the fast, loud steps approaching.

”Y/N!” Thomas boomed loudly, rushing to her side. His face was completely pale, his shaky hands wrapping around her chest as he pulled her up, completely panicked. ”Frances! Frances call the ambulance!” He screamed in a frenzy, leaning forward to try and help. ”Y/N, I'm here, I'm here.” He choked out as her eyes became cloudy, breaths coming out in short bursts. ”Y/N! Look at me, please fucking look at me!” Tears steamed down his face at the suddenly terrible state she found herself in. She looked at him, but couldn't see.

As he cried, and screamed, pulling all the old medication she used to be taking from her nightstand, spilling them by his side and looking for the particular one that used to help with breathing problems, Y/N was halway gone.

Physically she couldn't see, struggling to breathe enough to keep her brain functioning yet the only thing she could think of was him.

Please, don't take me away. Who's going to protect him from the self-destruction his heart holds?

”Please, don't leave me” He cried out weakly, pushing his forehead against her collarbone, hiding his face in the crook of her neck. Hiding.

The memory of his happy, blue eyes was the last thing she registered, feeling as if he gently eased her into sleep, taking away all the pain. In reality, Thomas couldn't hold in the animalistic howling that ripped from his throat while he held her tightly to his chest, rocking back and forth as the sound of an ambulance pulling up by the Arrow house came to his ears.

From this moment, there was nothing.

***

She was gone.

He lost count of the amount of hours since it happened. Thomas didn't know if it was a night or a day, as he forced the maids to cover every source of light in the house before sending them away. The alcohol combined with opium in his system made him see the most beautiful things in the dark, memories shining so brightly.

His eyes rolled back at the scent of her, as he was holding her nightgown to his chest. Blood was trickling from his fingers, dirtying the pink material because of the destruction he brought upon the Arrow house once left alone.

Rocking back and forth in the middle of the room, he remembered the sight of his wife sitting by the vanity, laughing as she made him roll his eyes with her smart mouth. She fitted so perfectly, so perfectly with the scent he was feeling.

It was all that mattered, as long as he felt her presence around him.

In the next few days Polly threw away all the opium he had, trying her best along with her nephews to support him through the ripping loss. Only if he wanted that help, maybe everything would eventually be okay.

But for him, there was nothing before her, and nothing after her. The story was done.

Once left alone again, he let out a sigh, feeling the pounding headache. The noise was overwhelming, impossible to suppress ever since she was gone.

”I can hear them coming again” He whispered into the silence of his office, as the shovels dug against the walls from every direction. Getting louder with every passing minute. ”They want to take you away from me, darling” His voice was rough from the lack of using it. Opening his eyes, Thomas looked at the portrait hanging on the wall. You and him. Like like he promised. His eyes on the painting were far from reality, not resembling the dark irises, swallowed completely by madness which took over his mind without change. ”I won't let you leave me” He repeated the line from the past, lips wrapping around the familiar words as he pulled out the pistol from his holster. Lazily pressing the muzzle against his head as his lips turned upwards into a heartfelt smile. ”I'm coming, sweetheart.”

His loving words were followed by a loud bang, as the bullet ruthlessly ripped through his skull and brain, only to get stuck in the old furniture in another room.

His body went completely limp as the unlit cigarette fell onto the desk, becoming the last sound of their lively love ever heard in the wall of the Arrow house.

A house which became a cemetery for the undying love, and future that would never come.

Taggin my people: @iilovedonnatartt @gentlebeari @narlytude @honeymoon8 @chaimaarouaine11 @hatethis29 @bruhidkjustwannaread @reiwanwan @immyowndefender @jbrownta @preparedfruit @emptyvoidofmine

[luluartpop]

Ocean Eyes

[apollosdaydreams]

meme

Meme 

Cillian Murphy x Reader

Summary: Your husband Cillian, had just finished a new interview for his new movie Oppenheimer. Once he came home he asked you a question that you never thought you would hear him ask. 

Warnings: Suggestive, no smut though

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You were sitting on the couch in the living room You heard the front door open and close,  looking up you saw it was your husband.

“Hey babe.” You said smiling at him and putting your phone down on the couch. 

He took off his shoes. “Hi honey.” he said, once his shoes were off he sat down next to you on the couch, his arm wrapping around you.

“So, how was the interview?” You asked. 

“It went well…” He said. “Though I do have a question to ask you?” He asked.

You sat up thinking his question was going to be something serious. “Yeah, what's up? Is everything ok?” You asked.

Cillian chuckled a bit at your reaction. “Yes honey everything is fine.” He said leaning down to kiss you. “I, just… it's kinda dumb..” He said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. 

“There's no reason to be nervous, what is it?” you asked again. 

“What's a meme?” he asked suddenly.

You didn't say anything back to him, just before he was going to speak again you started to laugh. “Oh, babe, that's the last thing I expected you to ask me.” you said not being able to contain your laughter. When you looked up you saw that your husband was doing the meme everyone was talking about, his disappointed face. Seeing this you laughed even harder. 

“What's so funny?” he pouted. “I know I look funny, but I don't look that funny babe.” He said, crossing his arms over his chest. 

You tried to stop laughing. “Babe you aren't funny looking.” you said, kidding his lips, which seemed to make him happier. “That's just the last thing I expected you to say” You said. 

“Well today in the interview they asked me if I've seen the ‘disappointed Cillian Murphy meme.’” he said in quotations. “But I don't even know what a meme is!” He exclaimed slightly. 

“Ok, just give me a minute.” you said trying to calm yourself down, eventually you were able to stop laughing. “Ok so a meme is usually a picture or a video that then has a caption or phrase, so for example like the disappointed cillian murphy meme.” you began. “Started because in interviews you are always looking disappointed.” you said pulling out your phone to show him the picture. “Do you get it now old man?” you joked.

“Yes I do honey that was actually- hey, that's not nice.” he said, not realizing you called him old at first.

You dramatically put your hand on your chest. “Oh my! How could I ever apologize.” you said laughing. 

Cillian then pushed you down on the couch. “Well I could think of a few things.” He whispered in your ear. 

Blushing hard, “well I'm not complaining.” you said as he picked you up to take you to your shared bedroom.

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Authors note: sorry for the drought, summer went by fast and now im back to college, i hope to try to post more though!! Hope you enjoyed this fic!!

© 2024 on tumblr apollosdaydreams do not translate/remake/repost my works on any platform without authorized permission.

[cillianmurphyfanatic]

Cillian Murphy as Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) dir. Christopher Nolan

[stoopime]

I love how everyone just tease him and hey sub!Thomas might be an interesting thing

”°•.˜”°•. ˜”°•. ˜”°••°”˜.•°”˜.•°”˜.•°”˜

Tommy hadn’t thought about much as you sucked and kissed his neck. He never really did. Apart from how much he wanted to fuck you fast up against the headboard. You would either sit on top of him and press yourself into his crotch or sit behind him and let him lean on your naked chest.

“Tommy.” You breathed next to his ear. He turned his head slightly toward you and ran a hand down the side of your face. Tommy held onto your neck as you kissed around his neck. But when you started to kiss near his mouth, he flipped you into your back and you giggled. Tommy looked down at you with a smile.

“I love you.” He told you.

“And I you, you lovable idiot.” Pulling his face toward yours you kissed him lightly. Pulling away you wrapped your arms around his neck and he lay down with his head on your chest.

Keep reading

[hagarsays]

New set pic of Cillian filming the Peaky movie

[borgialucrezia]

peaky blinders — 5x03 created by steven knight

[zablife]

Ty for the reblog!

The Stable Boy

Tommy and daughter reader

Summary: Tommy’s sixteen year old daughter secretly falls for the new stable boy. What happens when Tommy discovers the truth and attempts to separate them?

Author’s Note: In this AU Tommy has a daughter (16) from before the war and she is being raised alongside Charlie (8)  and Ruby (4). Timeline might vary a bit from canon. The idea of Tommy’s daughter dating the stable boy and Tommy's reaction to a first date, were requested by a couple of lovely anons.

Fair warning: Tommy is overprotective and quite mean here. Ngl, this is going to be rough and I apologize in advance.

Warnings: drinking, weapons, mention of illness, mention of death, mention of murder, heavy angst

Arrow House, 1930

“Do you want to have a race?” Charlie excitedly asked little Ruby. It had been raining for days and this was his first chance to leave Arrow House. He was buzzing with the prospect of stretching his legs outside in the fresh air. 

“You know you always win. You’re older and you’ve got longer legs” you replied, rustling his hair. “What if I race you to the stables? Give you a real challenge, eh?,” you asked with a mischievous smirk. 

“Alright,” he agreed following you to the front steps. 

“One, two,…” you said before taking off before finishing the count. You heard Charlie squeal out, “Hey, that’s not fair! I’m going to get you, y/n!” Before running out the door after you.

As you neared the stables, you slowed considerably seeing a handsome young man petting your horse. He was talking to Uncle Charlie unaware of your presence until your brother ran up behind you and gave you a shove. You lurched forward into the thick, black mud with a shriek.

“Charles Thomas Shelby!” You cried looking down at your mud stained clothing. Charlie just laughed and ran off, leaving you to pick yourself up.

Uncle Charlie called out, “I think you lost that one, y/n!” with a hearty chuckle. Cheeks flushed with embarrassment, you stood slowly wiping yourself off with as much dignity as you could muster. “Come ‘ere and meet the new stable boy,” he said motioning you over. You made an effort to wipe the mud from your cheek and push your hair back, even though there wasn’t much you could do to improve your appearance now. Slinking over to the young stranger you smiled meekly.

“I’m Faron, nice to meet you,” he said warmly extending a hand. You wiped the mud from your palm and shook his hand quickly, ducking your head to avoid his gaze. He was even better looking up close and it made your stomach churn in a funny way. Before your nerves set in any more, you excused yourself back to the house to change. The whole way back you could think of nothing except the newcomer.

——————————————————————-

At dinner your father and Lizzie discussed household business. You picked at your food, barely listening until they mentioned the new stable boy. “Faron?” you called out with more excitement in your voice than you intended.

Your father turned toward you slowly with a raised eyebrow. “You already met him?” he asked. You quickly realized your father was watching you for a reaction.

“Uncle Charlie introduced us. We didn’t speak long, but he seemed like a nice lad,” you said trying to be nonchalant. You couldn’t let him know how much you fancied Faron or he would become even more protective over you than usual. 

“I see,” Tommy said with pursed lips. 

Unable to hid your curiosity you asked, “He looks young, is he my age?”

Pointing a finger at you in warning he said, “Don’t get any ideas, y/n. He’s here to help with the horses not to entertain you. Remember that.”

“Of course, Dad,” you said with a gulp.

—————————————————————————

Despite his stern warning at dinner, you couldn’t help thinking of Faron that evening. You didn’t want to leave him with that image of you playing childish games and covered in mud. In any case, you always visited your horse in the evenings. You were so sheltered at Arrow House, the mare had become your closest friend. 

When your father had retired to his study and your stepmother and siblings were in bed, you grabbed a shawl and headed for the stables. The sky had not yet turned to inky blackness, but it was still hard to navigate a path in the dim light that remained. As you got closer you wondered if you should turn back, nerves worsening with each step.

You shouldn’t have fretted over Faron’s reaction because you caught his attention the moment you walked in and he beamed at the sight of you. “Good evening, Miss Shelby,” he greeted you formally. 

“Hello, Faron. Please call me, y/n,” you said shyly. 

“What brings you out here so late?” he said continuing to brush the horses. 

“I always come down to say goodnight to Lady Buttercup,” you said lingering by the door.

Faron quirked an eyebrow. 

“I named her when I was a little girl,” you said blushing at the silly name. “Everyone just calls her Lady now,” you explained twisting your fingers nervously.

“Well I’ll be sure to take exceptional care of Lady then,” he said holding your gaze. You broke the tension picking up a brush to help him with his work. 

“You don’t have to do that, miss. I’ll see to it that they’re groomed properly,” Faron offered.

“I don’t mind. Before you came, I used to come help Curly as much as I could. I love horses. I was practically born riding,” you said, more at ease chatting now that you had something to occupy your hands. 

“I’ve spent my whole life around horses too. I’d like to be a trainer one day,” Faron said shaking his fringe from his eyes. He had a boyish charm that was sweet and disarming. You wondered why you’d been afraid to speak to him.

“How are you getting on with them?” You asked, jerking your head toward the other horses who could occasionally be heard turning and stomping in their stalls. 

“Fine, thanks. Although, Dangerous is aptly named. Unpredictable that one!” he said with a chuckle.

You giggled knowing full well what a handful he could be for someone who wasn’t used to him. 

“He’s sensitive so you have to be careful when you groom him or he’ll try to bite,” you warned.

“Wish someone had told me that earlier,” he said, sheepishly raising a bandaged hand for you to see.

You clapped a hand over your mouth so as not to laugh at his pain, but the sight was amusing.

“It’s alright to laugh. I should have known better, but I’ve not had much experience with thoroughbreds,” he admitted.

“You’ll get used to him, I promise,” you said with a reassuring smile. 

He nodded. “Mixed blood is stronger, you know? Like your Lady. She’s a good horse,” he said trying to pay you a compliment by way of your animal. 

You smiled unsure of how to respond. “She is...I’ll come for a ride in the morning after breakfast. I’ll say goodnight,” you said hinting at your next meeting. “I’ll have your horse ready for you,” he said with a grin. You thanked him before running back to the house, exhilarated by the happiness you felt. 

————————————————————

For the next few weeks, you arrived at the stables after breakfast for your morning ride. As promised, Faron was always there with Lady saddled and ready. This morning was no different. He greeted you politely, helping you mount your horse and watching you gallop off into the fields. You had no way of knowing he was watching you mesmerized by your every movement.

You had a pleasant ride and returned to the grounds surrounding the mansion. As you returned you spotted Faron in the distance and you smiled to yourself. Just then, Lady reared up and you were thrown from her back as she galloped off to the stables without you. You dropped into the grass with a thud, watching a black adder slither past as the blue sky faded to deep, dark fog.

When you awoke, you were in Faron’s strong arms being carried toward the stables. 

“Are you alright?” He asked looking down at you tenderly, bright green eyes glinting in the sunlight. His soft, full lips were so close to yours, your heart began to beat quickly at the sight. 

“Yes, I think so," you gulped nervously. "I’ll walk now,” you said suddenly breaking the trance, feeling embarrassed when you remembered he’d seen you fall off your horse.

Faron stopped and slowly placed your feet on the ground. You wobbled slightly as you stood, still feeling a bit woozy and he offered a hand to steady you. You looked at him and let out a nervous laugh saying, “I feel so foolish.”

“Don’t…It wasn’t your fault,” Faron said kindly trying to comfort you. You slipped your hand from his grasp, making an excuse that you needed to lie down and he nodded in understanding. As you walked away you shook your head muttering to yourself. You were developing feelings for Faron, but he was always such a gentleman around you. You doubted he felt romantically toward you and you wished you could stop thinking of him that way.

——————————————————————————————

Later that night you felt guilty you hadn’t thanked him for coming to your aid. You strolled back to the barn knowing he would be finishing his nightly chores. You often bookended your day by riding in the morning and visiting the stables in the evening to talk. Faron was much like you- gypsy mother, a love of horses and a shy, quiet demeanor that often left him feeling overlooked by others. While you were clearly easing each other’s loneliness, you still wondered if he saw you as anything more than a friend. 

You were still considering this possibility as a mouse ran over your foot and you squealed in shock. Your high pitched shriek announced your presence in the barn.

“Y/n?” Faron called, peeking out from the stall he was cleaning. 

“It was just a mouse,” you said looking around quickly for the tiny creature. It had disappeared into the night. 

“You need a cat,” Faron said with a chuckle. “It would help your rodent problem,” he said matter-of-factly.

“We’ve never had that problem before,” you stated feeling confused.

“With all respect, I think you do now. That’s why you have snakes so close to the barn. Ever since Arthur and your Uncle Charlie loaded that building a fortnight ago,” Faron said as though this were common knowledge. He rested his pitchfork against the wall and came to sit next to you. 

You didn’t care about your father’s business, but you were concerned for the horses and you knew your father would be as well. “You need to tell my father. He’d be upset if something happened. Maybe not to Lady, but Dangerous or one of the other race horses…he’d care about them.”

“What about you? Does he care about you, you reckon?” Faron asked sensing your relationship with your father was strained. 

“He’s not an easy man to get to know,” you said swallowing thickly. “He left my mum in trouble before the war. When she died of the flu, Aunt Polly raised me until he came back. I was four by then and he frightened me. She always said I was a reminder of his guilt.” You took a deep breath realizing how much you’d just told him about your past. Looking away quickly, you admitted, “I’m not sure why I said that…” 

You felt Faron move closer to you and you breathed in his comforting scent of leather, musk and hay. “I understand. My mum and sisters died of tuberculosis when I was twelve. I was the only child who survived. My dad left camp because he thought I was cursed. I started working with the horses because they were the only ones who listened,” he explained slowly. He ducked his head to find your gaze. “So you see? We’re the same, you and me.”

Faron began looking at you with a curious expression. Then he leaned forward to brush your cheek gently with his fingertips and asked, “Would it be alright if I kissed you?” 

You sat up suddenly, unsure how to react when faced with the reality of your daydream.

“Have you ever been kissed?” he asked sweetly.

“I…yes….and no…” you said answering both his questions at once. He could tell how nervous you were as your voice faded and you bit your lip.

He chuckled softly at your response and said, “Close your eyes,” before cupping your chin and placing a soft, slow kiss to your waiting lips. Your heart pounded in your chest and you felt the familiar return of butterflies in your stomach. You leaned into his touch, melting at the feeling of being so close to him finally. His hand released you slowly and you pulled away with a goofy smile lingering on your face. 

Wanting to remain in the moment, you buried your head in his chest and he held you there, running a hand along your back and up into your hair. You looked up at him with soft eyes and he bent his head for another kiss, one with more passion this time and you never wanted it to end. You pulled the back of his head to you and he allowed his hand to wander over your thigh as you moaned softly at the contact. You were still panting for air when you heard the thud of boots close by.

“On your fucking feet…” you heard your father’s voice call out the warning in a low, dangerous tone. You heard a gun cock and your heart raced, suffering the fear his enemies knew well.

You knew you couldn’t let Faron get hurt when you were equally to blame so you came out from the stall first, hands raised as you called out in a shaky voice, “Don’t shoot, Dad.” 

Tommy lowered his weapon quickly and holstered it, exhaling loudly. “What the fuck are you doing out here this time of night, eh?” 

Before you could reply, a pitchfork fell over and Tommy raced into the stall to find Faron. Piecing the scene together quickly his rage began boiling beneath the surface. 

“Out,” Tommy commanded angrily, reaching for his gun once more.

“Mr. Shelby, sir,” Faron said cautiously raising his hands. 

You rushed to your father’s side, pulling on his arm. “Dad, stop it!” Although you were accustomed to your father’s neglect, you’d never been on the receiving end of his temper. You were about to feel the full weight of it now as he turned and struck you across the face. “That’s enough, y/n,” he spat.

You held your burning cheek as tears blurred your vision. You glanced at Faron and saw the fear in his eyes. “Go to the house,” Tommy commanded, shoving you by the shoulder in the direction of home. Afraid and hurt, you stumbled in the darkness. You fell as you reached the front steps, collapsing in a heap. 

Soon after Tommy stomped through the gravel, stopping long enough to point at you, “I want to speak with you in the morning. Can’t even look at you right now,” he said before taking the stairs two at a time.

——————————————————————————

You tossed and turned all night wondering what your father would say to you. As dawn approached, you studied your bruised cheek in the mirror wondering how the most wonderful night of your life had turned to horror so quickly. You dressed slowly, dreading the walk to your father’s office. Hearing your footsteps, Tommy called in his intimidating timber, “Y/n, come!”

You entered with hunched shoulders, feeling very small in his presence. “Yes, Dad?”

“Have a seat. I’ll be brief because I have business in London this afternoon,” he said stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray.

You shifted in your chair, waiting for him to hand down his orders as though you were one of his soldiers. 

“Y/n, why did you disobey me when I asked you not to interfere with the duties of the staff?” 

You looked down at your hands folded in your lap and replied in a quiet voice, “I wasn’t interfering...,” you began. 

“No!” Tommy slammed his hand on his desk. “Don’t” he warned, holding up a finger. “Don’t you dare lie to me.”

Feeling emotional and exhausted from lack of sleep, you sadly admitted, “I never get to see anyone my own age. I was lonely, Dad.”

“So you decided to sleep with the stable boy? Your mum and I went through all of this. It’s not a game, y/n. There are consequences,” he warned you harshly.

You shook your head. “Dad, we weren’t doing anything. Besides I’m old enough to date if I wanted,” you pointed out.

“You’re sixteen years old, y/n. I won’t allow it!” Tommy shouted over you.

“Exactly, I’m sixteen, old enough to make my own choices! I like Faron, Dad. He’s good and decent,” you argued with him.

Tommy clenched his jaw and exhaled heavily through his nose. You were so stubborn.

“It doesn’t matter now. Faron won’t be staying here any longer. I need good men now that we’re moving opium and he’s accepted the job,” Tommy informed you. 

“He’s going to become a Peaky Blinder?” you said blinking in confusion.

Your father nodded quickly.

You furrowed your brow, "You’re worried about him corrupting me, but you're corrupting him!”

“That’s ridiculous. I'm giving him an opportunity,” your father said realizing it sounded like a lie the moment he said it.

"You just want to get him out of Arrow House and away from me!" you shouted accusingly.

“You don’t get to decide and that’s final," he yelled back.

You stormed out of his office, running for the stables. You had to warn Faron what he was agreeing to before it was too late. Even if it meant him returning to the gypsy camp and leaving you forever, you didn’t want to see someone so gentle forced to wield a gun and a blade. You knew how it changed people.

You’d often heard your Aunt Polly talk about the kind, gentle man your father was before the war and and his ambition to work with horses. You often wondered who he would have become if he had chosen a different path for himself after the war. Perhaps he could have healed. 

———————————————————————————

When you reached the stables, you found Faron packing. He stopped you wordlessly searching for your father or any other blinders who might be around watching. “Y/n, I’m sorry about last night. Your father’s still agreed to employ me. It was very generous of him,” he said with hope in his eyes. 

You caught sight of a peaky cap laying beside his bag and winced at the sight. “Do you know what we do? We Shelbys?” You asked with tears forming in your eyes.

“I think so, yes,” Faron replied, turning pensive once he saw your stricken expression.

“You might think you understand now, but you don’t know the reality of it. It will change you,” you said, pushing the stray lock of hair from his forehead in concern.

“I’ll help your father with whatever he asks, but I’ll still be myself. I care for you, you know. Do you think you could still care for me too?” Faron asked shyly.

“You want my father’s blessing, but you’ll never have it. He doesn’t want me to be with someone like him.” You paused for a moment, chewing your lip before looking in his eyes and admitting, “I don’t want that either. I like you because you’re different. I thought you’d never hurt anyone.”

“I wouldn’t hurt anyone, y/n,” Faron said taking your hands in his. “This a business agreement. Your father says if I work for him for a time, he’ll introduce me to May Carleton. Maybe I can still be a horse trainer one day,” he justified.

You dropped his hands and scoffed in frustration, “You’re being naive. They’ll have you take that cap to someone’s eyes the first week and then the work will only get more dangerous,” you said gravely. Faron tried to grab your arm, but you pulled away, “No, Faron. I won’t watch you change into a monster.” You turned from him, stumbling away with Faron calling out to you. The only thing you could think to do was run as quickly as you could, feeling the burning in your legs so you wouldn’t register the ache in your heart.

———————————————————————————-

Six months later….

It was late one evening when Finn trudged into the parlor of Arrow House. Although he was your uncle, he’d been more like a brother to you growing up as you were only a few years apart. This evening he crossed to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink before joining you by the fire. 

“Why are you here so late, Finn? Have you only come to steal Dad’s expensive whisky?” you joked, stifling a yawn. Finn downed his drink anxiously causing you to stare. You marked the page in your book shutting it gently. “Finn, what’s wrong?” you asked with trepidation.

“Bit of trouble with our business partners,” he said cryptically going back for another round. There was silence as he uncorked the decanter once more and poured another drink slowly. 

Finally he blurted out, “Bonnie Gold is dead,” in a somber tone, as he swirled the liquid in his glass thoughtfully before turning it up and gulping it down. It was difficult for him to say. You knew the two of them had been close. All the junior Peaky Boys were like family. 

You were shaken by the news as well. Another man dead, probably because of a new feud your father had started. It all seemed so senseless to you. In that moment you wanted to ask about Faron, but wondered if you should. Although you thought about him constantly, you only had sporadic contact now that he was working in Birmingham. As if reading your mind, Finn offered a bit of news.

“Your man, Faron, killed a Billy Boy last night. He did well,” he said, nodding to himself as if that brought him a small bit of comfort. 

You felt your ears ringing with his words. “He what?” you asked standing to be sure you heard your uncle correctly.

“Tommy’s orders, said he had to get his hands dirty this time. If you ask me, I think he took satisfaction in it though. He wanted revenge for Bonnie just as much as any of us,” he said telling you more than what you wanted to hear. You stopped yourself from being sick and excused yourself, rushing to your room to be alone. 

—————————————————————-

One week later…

It was dinnertime and your father had joined the family at the table for the first time in weeks. He said business was keeping him away, which irked your stepmother. She would sulk about his absence, but never say much about it. This evening they were fighting and you sat pushing your food around the plate, unable to eat. You hadn’t had much of an appetite after learning the truth about Faron’s actions. 

Frances appeared in the doorway, effectively ending their argument. You were grateful for the peace until she announced the arrival of Finn, Isiah and Faron. You tried to take slow, steady breaths as everyone filed out of the dining room.

As you looked down the corridor for signs of the men, you noticed your siblings being lead to the nursery with the nanny. You wondered how long they would stay oblivious to everything that went on in Arrow House. Charlie had begun asking questions about his father's business and little Ruby kept a toy gun by her tea set. No one was truly innocent in this house, you thought. 

As you passed by the office you caught sight of the men assembled before your father's desk, soldiers in front of their general. When Faron saw you watching them from the hall, he came toward the door and you wondered if he wanted to speak with you. As he came closer, he stared past you with a vacant look that gave you chills. Every bit of light and warmth had gone from his beautiful, green eyes. Without a word he closed the heavy door with a thud, shutting you out forever. 

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

Tag list: @peakyswritings, @evita-shelby, @tommydoesntpayforsuits, @shelbydelrey, @alanadetigy, @wandawiccan60, @easilyobessedbutflighty, @severewobblerlightdragon, @lovemissyhoneybee, @kittycatcait219, @theshelbyslimited, @theshelbyclan, @celticmelody, @peakyrogers, @christinasyellowflowers, @retromafia, @peaky-cillian, @kpopgirlbtssvt, @look-at-the-soul, @l1-l4, @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie, @rikki-b-lake

[luluartpop]

Tommy Shelby by Cillian Murphy

[cillianmurphysdimples]

[tumbrburgerking712801]

OHHHHHHH WE ARE SO BACK!!!!!

[look-at-the-soul]

Oh K! @runnning-outof-time all of it was too perfect I’d have quote the entire fic 🤭

Loving the way the girls (specially Thea in the beginning) made Tommy forget all about his terrible day 🥺 it was adorable to see them interacting and them getting Tommy to be their precious horse! 🤭

And last but not least y/n teasing the poor thing, everything was chef’s kiss 🥰

Tommy & His Girls | Tommy Shelby x Reader

read more of the Girl Dad Mini Series — HERE.

request: yes by anonymous

pairing: Tommy Shelby x fem!Reader

summary: When things get rough, Tommy can most certainly count on the girls in his life to lighten things up.

warnings: drinking, smoking, Tommy being a horsegirl

word count: 2089

a/n: back at it with another girl dad!Tommy fic - I just love using this little family I’ve created (if you couldn’t tell) I hope you like this installment of their story!! p.s…I’m sorry if the ending’s corny…I didn’t know how to, well, end it. Enjoy!! :)

I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! YOUR COMMENTS & REBLOGS HELP ME WRITE!

Tommy barely said a word as he entered Arrow House. He handed his things to Frances and made a b-line to his study. Things with the business were rough today...they'd been rough for as far back as Tommy could remember. It seemed like he was the only one in the family pulling the weight and that left him feeling like there was war happening inside his head as he made the drive home.

He pushed his study's door closed behind him as he walked into the room, not even caring if the door had enough velocity to latch or not. He trudged his way to his desk after pouring himself a generous glass of whiskey. Half of it was downed in the first drink; he really wanted the pain in his head to cease.

Setting the glass down, he went through the motions of lighting himself a cigarette. The first, deep drag he took finally made some of the noise quiet down.

It's unclear how long he sat like that: slumped back on his chair with a cigarette burning between his fingers. The next time he came to, however, was when the office door opened slightly.

"Dad?" a small voice came from the opposite side of the room, making Tommy sit up straighter in his seat.

"Yeah," he answered, his voice not quite audible. He cleared his throat before responding louder, "yes?" He focused in on the doorway, seeing his oldest daughter, Thea, standing in it.

The young girl said nothing else as she fully entered the room and made her way right over to his desk. “You didn’t come to my room to say hello,” she stated, a slight frown present on her face.

She stopped in front of his chair as she finished speaking, her arms open to show him that she wanted a hug. The second he opened his, she fell into them.

Tommy let out a sigh as he felt the weight of his eldest daughter against him. “Hello, Thea,” he breathed, a sigh escaping with his words. He couldn’t deny the fact that he felt terrible in that moment. He always made sure to greet Thea when he returned home from work, no matter what type of day he had.

How could he have gotten so frustrated that he forgot one of the most important parts of his day?

Thea was the one to break away from the hug — Tommy could have sat there like that all evening if she allowed it — and step back to look at her father.

He watched her, waiting to see what she’d do next. To his surprise, she made her way over to one of the seats that faced his desk and sat down.

The two stared at each other for a few moments longer. Thea looked as if she was studying her father; like she was taking notes on the entire situation. Tommy was quite confused as to why the ten year old wanted to stick around after greeting him.

Finally, after several moments of silence, he had to ask her just that, “why have you decided to stay, love?”

“I was able to tell that you’re stressed out over work, dad. I don’t want to leave you alone,” she answered him, sounding simultaneously like a ten year old and like a person who was beyond their years.

Tommy took a moment to let her words sink in. Then he couldn’t help but smile as a soft chuckle escaped his lips. The innocence that his daughters held despite the line of work their father was present in was always something that grounded him, no matter what was going on. He knew that he could count on it to bring him back down from that position of power to just being their dad.

“You can keep working,” Thea’s voice broke through his thoughts, making him realize that he had been sitting there, staring at her for some time.

Tommy glanced down at the papers that were scattered across his desk. They were covered with statements that he truly didn’t want to read anymore. Then he looked to one of the photographs that sat proudly on his desk. It was of Thea, Evie, and Juni. They were all hugging onto each other and smiling their biggest smiles. His eyes finally moved to Thea, who was still sitting with a smile on her face.

“I can’t work any longer,” he said to her then as he stood from his chair, “let’s go and see what your sisters are doing,” he suggested, his statement making Thea rise from her seat as well.

Tommy and Thea found Evie and Juni playing in the front room.

“Dad’s home!” Thea exclaimed, making the two younger girls quickly turn around.

“Dad!” they both cheered in unison, smiles lighting up their faces.

Tommy smiled as they rushed over to hug him. He could slowly feel the stress leaving his body. “Hello, girls,” he greeted them, rubbing both of their backs as they held onto him tightly.

“Come play, dad!” Juni exclaimed as she pulled away from him to go back to the toys they had strewn about on the floor.

“Have you ladies finished your homework?” he asked the older two before making his decision.

“Course I have,” Evie answered in a matter-of-fact tone, “it was too easy.”

“Mine’s finished as well,” Thea answered with a smile.

“Good,” Tommy nodded, smiling at his girls.

“Let’s play!” Juni shrieked from where she was standing by the toys. By this time she already had one leg in one of the ‘princess dresses’ that the girls had specially made for them. Tommy smiled as he saw the one she’d chosen - it was one that Thea had been given when she was little.

“What game?” Tommy asked, watching as his other girls followed suit and grabbed the things they needed from their toy chest.

“Princesses, of course,” Evie answered like it was common sense….well, in this Shelby household it kind of was. Tommy chuckled at that thought.

“Thea’s the queen!” Juni shouted excitedly.

“She’s always the queen though!” Evie protested, a frown on her face as her hands dropped to her hips.

“I’m the queen because I’m the oldest,” Thea calmly explained to her disgruntled sister, “it’s just one of my jobs as the oldest sibling. You and Juni are princesses because you’re my younger sisters, and you’ll get to be queen once I’m older.”

Tommy couldn’t help but smile as he listened to her explanation. She was truly wise beyond her years, and she handled everything with such grace.

“Fine,” Evie huffed, deciding to accept the decision even though she sounded a little disappointed.

“What’s my part in this?” Tommy asked the three once their conversation had ended.

“The part you always are, dad,” Evie was the one to answer.

“Got it,” Tommy nodded, surpressing a groan as he lowered himself to the floor. I’m getting too old for this, he thought to himself, but he didn’t dare let that feeling show. He’d never turn down the opportunity to play with his girls.

(Y/N) was finally finished with discussing all of the changes that were to be made with the grounds and house keepers. A lot went into preparing Arrow House as one season rolled into the next. Despite the magnitude of the task and all of the moving parts that were involved, (Y/N) would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy overseeing these changes.

Now, however, she was more than ready to get back to her family.

She was able to hear them before she saw them. The giggles of her girls and one of Tommy’s unmistakable impressions. She laughed to herself just hearing it.

The sight she was met with in the front room brought the widest smile to her face. “What’s going on in here?” she made her presence known with a question.

“Mum!” came as a chorus of yells from the three girls as they forgot what they were doing to run and greet her.

“Hello, my darlings,” she greeted them, eagerly accepting their hugs. “What’re you playing in here with dad?”

“Princesses!” Juniper chirped, holding up her wand excitedly.

“Ahh,” (Y/N) nodded in understanding, “and what part is dad playing?”

“He’s the prized horse,” Evie happily answered.

(Y/N) finally looked to her husband. The sight she was met with had her stifling her laughter. Tommy was still down on all fours, and was wearing a rather strained expression as he looked at her through the longer strands of hair that had fallen over his eyes.

“Of course he is,” she finally responded, grinning at him before focusing her attention on the girls. “How about we give him a break now, hmm? Frances has informed me that dinner is ready,” she then suggested.

No pushback was received from any of the girls, who promptly began making their way to the dining room.

(Y/N) looked over at Tommy again. He was now wearing a look of relief, and he matched his eyes with hers again just briefly before he began the process of standing up. (Y/N) couldn’t help but giggle at his predicament, waiting for him to be on his feet again before she started walking to the dining room.

For once, Tommy was actually relieved to have heard that dinner was ready.

After dinner the family decided to go out onto the grounds and enjoy one of the final warm, late fall evenings before winter hit.

Juniper, of course, wanted to go to the stables and check on the horses. Tommy happily took her while the older two stayed back with (Y/N). It wasn’t a surprise, however, when he saw the three cresting the hill to join them in the stables.

Later that night, Tommy was - surprisingly - ready to be in bed at the same time as (Y/N). He helped out with tucking the girls in, wanting to spend as much time with them as he could.

(Y/N) didn’t miss the groan that left his lips as he sat down on his side of the bed. “Not as nimble of a horse as you used to be, huh?” she teasingly commented, biting on her finger to stiffle her giggles when his head snapped to look at her. “Maybe they should put you out to pasture.”

Tommy shot her a look that told her she should watch what she was saying. His look made her giggles escape.

“They’ll still treat you as their prized pony,” she conceded, moving over to where he was so that she could drape her arms over his shoulders. “You know how much they enjoy having you play with them,” she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek before she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck.

Tommy smiled at the sentiment, nodding his head slightly as he brought his hand up to set it against the spot her wrists crossed each other.

“I don’t believe I’ve asked you…” (Y/N) started after a few moments had passed. She lifted her head from his neck before continuing, “how was your day?”

A breath of a laugh left his lips and he closed his eyes for a moment, silently recounting his day’s events and deciphering what he wanted to tell her. “I came home stressed, but the girls were able to put me into a better mood,” he decided not to go too far into details, settling with a short summary.

“They’ve stolen my job then, hmm?” her question wasn’t the sort of response that he was excepting, and it was one that had him turning his head in confusion, hoping that she’d offer more explanation. “It used to be my job to put you into a better mood,” she remarked, the smile she was wearing telling him that she wasn’t being completely serious about this.

“All of you girls put me in a better mood,” he responded in a matter-of-fact tone before adding, “don’t know what I’d do without you.”

And that was the truth. Without those girls, he probably would have still been in his office, droning over the same stack of papers and nursing his umpteenth whiskey.

Without those girls, he probably would have had to deal with another night of keeping his demons at bay as the shovels hit against the walls.

Without his girls, he would most certainly be a completely different man than the one he is today.

MASTERLIST

Tagged: @mystcldydrms @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @elenavampire21

@mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @theshelbyslimited @peakyswritings

@just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry

@captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut @tommystargirl @emotionalcadaver

@stevie75 @lyarr24 @signorellisantichrist @zablife @anotherblinder

@cillmequick @strayrockette @dandelionprints @letal-y-poetica @garrison-girl-08

@insanitybyanothername @depxiety @justrainandcoffee @dragons-are-my-favorite @mrs-bond

@cljordan-imperium @brummiereader @red-riding-wood @everythingelseisextra @little-diable

@thomashelbyswife @shaddixlife @ryecosse @padfootdaredmetoo @novashelby

[lunarflux]

x: Thomas Shelby found his match in an information bookie who has eluded the grasp of the Peaky Blinders long enough to crumble their power over Birmingham. But at last, he found you. The ghost he'd been chasing was finally in front of him, but you were trickier than he expected. Dangerous, cunning - and a bit too much like himself. To buy your loyalty, he would have to sell his in equal measure. Loyalty for loyalty - blood for blood - how much were either of you willing to spill before the game changed entirely?

a/n: while trying to edit this, Tumblr thought it'd be cool to post it already instead of saving so good morning lol

part 7: the burning edge

word count: 1,263

✒✒✒✒✒✒✒

The meeting room was dimly lit, the remnants of smoke from cigars hanging thick in the air. The Blinders were scattered, slowly filing out, leaving Tommy standing at the far end of the room, his posture unyielding. The room felt quieter now that the chaos of business was over, and there was an underlying tension between you and Tommy that neither of you had addressed—until now.

You stayed seated at the long table, watching as the last of the family exited, the sound of footsteps echoing as they disappeared down the hall. The door shut with a soft click, leaving you and Tommy alone in the room.

Tommy didn’t immediately move, his hands resting on the back of his chair as he stared out the window, his silhouette framed by the fading light of dusk. You felt the weight of the question on your tongue, the curiosity gnawing at you, but it was more than that. There was an unease in the air, a shift in the way he'd been looking at you lately. He looked, he stared. He'd speak but it was to the air until his eyes found you again.

“You’ve got something to say, then?” Tommy’s voice cut through the stillness, low and measured, though you knew he’d been waiting for you to ask.

You rose from your seat, making your way toward the window. He didn't stir when you were mere inches away, his eyes fixated on your reflection in the glass as he anticipated the approaching scent of your perfume that would eventually reach him.

“I’m curious,” you began, your voice cool but direct. “What made you follow Finn to the shop the other day?”

Tommy didn’t turn, but his posture stiffened slightly. You watched his reflection—just as he did to you, his sharp profile unreadable.

“Blame it on curiosity,” he replied, his words clipped, “Nothing more.”

You chuckled softly. “Curiosity,” you repeated, though the word didn’t sound convincing coming from him. “Is that all?”

When he finally turned, his eyes met yours with an intensity that spoke volumes. There was something raw behind them, a complexity that went beyond the cold calculations he was known for.

“I’m not used to not knowing,” he said quietly. “Not about people who are close to me.” His gaze flickered, just for a second, but it was enough for you to notice.

You stepped forward, your eyes locking with his. “So, were you worried about Finn? Or worried that I would do something to him.”

Tommy let out a soft, bitter laugh, the sound not quite like his usual humor. “Worried about Finn? No.” He straightened his posture, his voice tightening, “But I am worried... About what you're saying to him. For all I know, you're filling his head with the kind of nonsense that requires years to erase.”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but you didn’t back down. “And what nonsense is that?”

He paused, his jaw flexing as he glanced away, as if struggling to find the right words. “He’s young, unpredictable. These stories you tell him—however mundane they may be—it pulls him away from the business. Too easy to get distracted.” He stepped closer, his presence suddenly more imposing. “You’re not exactly what he’s used to, and, naturally, that makes me suspicious of you.”

You felt the weight of his scrutiny, but instead of faltering, you met it head-on. “Suspicious, I see. You know, if I wanted to manipulate your brother and carve him from the Shelby family business, I would have by now.”

“I think you’re too good at making people forget things." Tommy’s expression darkened, though he didn’t take his eyes off you. "You might not be filling his head with the concept of a better life, but any time the weight of responsibility is lifted from our shoulders, we are vulnerable. Don't make yourself a liability. I can't afford to lose your services, but—should you give me no choice—I will happily sever our ties. And you can be on your way.”

You approached him slowly, your heels clicking methodically with heavy steps. “And you? What about you, Tommy Shelby? You're smarter than that. You should know better."

"And what should I know?"

You pressed in closer until you could feel the burn of whiskey from his breath on your cheeks. "You should know—should, but perhaps you don't—that even if I did choose to 'fill his head with the concept of a better life,' it is because he already sought it out. That seems to be a particularly difficult thing for you to imagine. I did not invite Finn. Much like his older brother, he came to me."

Tommy stood still for a moment, his gaze hardening. “Clever little ghost,” he sighed with a chuckle. “I feel like you enjoy this. The attention.”

For a moment, silence filled the space between you. Not uncomfortable, but it was thick with unspoken thoughts.

"What's not to enjoy?" The glint in your eyes teased him. "I am here for your benefit, and every second that passes with you trying to figure me out, you could be more productive. This was your choice."

“My choice,” he repeated. "But you're the one who accepted my offer. That would make it your choice as well."

Your lips curved into a knowing smile, though it was tinged with something else—something that felt like the acknowledgment that you've been backed into a corner with your own words. The faint pull of suffocating entrapment briefly flashed across your face, and you prayed he couldn't see it.

Tommy met your gaze with disarming softness, his expression unreadable but not as guarded as it usually was. “Like it or not,” he replied, his voice a quiet admission. “You met me halfway. I may have been the one who knocked, but you opened the door. You walked up to the Garrison that night, and you walked right in.”

You cautiously stepped back as he pushed forward until your back hit the edge of his desk. You felt disarmed, though you wouldn't dare show it.

He placed his hands down firmly on either side your waist, leaning closer until your back arched, neck craned up to meet his eyes. Tommy's lips twitched at the edges, his stare dark but flickering with something akin to recognition. "So, yes, y/n. I invited you. But—as you so poetically put it—you wouldn't be here if you didn't want it."

You held your posture still as the firm hold on your smile faded. He'd finally found a way to place himself on the board because he was right. His proposal could have been so easily rejected, but you were the one who was curious as to why a man like him would be so silently desperate for you to be on his side. He wanted you in some capacity. To own you, maybe. To stay in his domain, in his muddled world of loose morals. But you said yes.

The hardened shell of your mask returned. With a gentle press to Tommy's chest, you eased him back. You closed your eyes and rolled your neck with a heavy sigh as if expelling the scent of him from your lungs. He stepped back, and you returned the gesture with a short chuckle. This wouldn't have been interesting if he didn't fight back, and it looked like he was finally ready to play.

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Part 22: This Misery We've Made

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: Tommy's personal life is starting to cause issues in his ability to rise up in political spaces, forcing him to make a choice that has the potential to fracture his relationship with the woman he loves.

Word Count: 28,088 

Notes: As with all of my fics, you don't necessarily need to have read the previous parts in order to read this one. All you need to know is that Tommy and Lucy have been in an established relationship since prior to the events of season 1, and were in a polyamorous relationship with Grace prior to her death during season 3. Tommy and Lizzie had Ruby as a result of a threesome between him, Lucy, and Lizzie. This takes place between seasons 4 and 5. Please heed the warnings the can be found in the notes of each individual chapter.

This one is pretty angsty, so be prepared for that. And, as with the previous fic, I would like to warn everyone that this series is not friendly towards the Lizzie x Tommy pairing, and Lizzie herself is not always depicted favorably. If you aren't okay with that, I suggest that you stop reading this series now.

Previous Part • Series • Next Part

Chapter 1: Too Late (COMING SOON)

Chapter 2: Say We'll Be Okay (COMING SOON)

Chapter 3: The Bells (COMING SOON)

Chapter 4: Are You Still Mine (COMING SOON)

Chapter 5: Promises (COMING SOON)

Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!