#Town Hall Birmingham

[thefollyflaneuse]

Earl of Plymouth Monument, Bromsgrove Lickey, Worcestershire

In 1833 Other Archer Windsor, 6th Earl of Plymouth, died. Almost immediately there were calls to erect a monument in his honour, and a public subscription was raised. With funds in place, the foundation stone was laid in May 1834. The chosen site was on Bromsgrove Lickey, a prominent eminence which would ensure that the obelisk would be an ornament to the landscape and visible from miles…

[cherrycranes]

Private Show (Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader) [+18]

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x female reader Summary: You're a burlesque star who caught the eye of the infamous Tommy Shelby, and one night after your show he decides to pay you a little visit backstage. Word count: 3,292 Contents: (Minors DNI) Unprotected sex, hair pulling, semi public sex? pull out, cum shot. Author's notes: Once more, my bestie @fuckiingloser and I collaborated to make this. Give her some love! I've had this in mind for quite a while now so I hope you enjoy it. Mandatory "english is not my first language" disclaimer. ILY!

The roar of your beloved London audience followed you across the backstage hall. You were a star. A burlesque princess adorned in sequins and rhinestones, enamouring the audience with your unique presence and charm that got you where you stood at this very moment. Adrenaline coursed madly through your veins, mapping out every inner crevice of your risqué scarlet costume. Another job well done. Another night of the glory of bright lights, music and performance.

Every single sound got muffled out right after you entered your small private dressing room. A privilege of being the main attraction. No more snarky comments and unhealthy competition between a stressed out dance troupe. It was just you in your velvety stool, admiring your own self in the vanity mirror. What a beautiful woman. Carefully, you removed your feathered headpiece and let your hair down in relief, finally winding down.

You removed your bracelets and hairpins, carefully placing them in their respective decorated boxes when a soft knock on your door interrupted you. Definitely the stage manager, you thought, already picturing what he would say to you about your next show. To your surprise, however, when you opened the door you met with a completely different man…

Thomas Shelby, in all of his infamous gangster glory standing right in front of you, that signature cheeky smirk upon his devilishly handsome face. 

He looked like he wanted to swallow you whole. 

You knew of this man. The Shelbys had risen to power throughout the years and now, anyone with a working brain knew who they were. The name Tommy Shelby made many shudder, and now, you had him just a step away. 

“Can I help you?” You looked straight into his perfect blue eyes, fearlessly. You owed nothing to anyone and you had no reason to cower in front of him, no matter how dangerous or handsome he was. 

“I don’t know, love, can you?” His smile grew a bit, his voice was husky and rich in a Birmingham accent. He didn’t bother to conceal the way his eyes roamed all over your scantily clad body, so beautifully adorned in red jewels and feathers and so deliciously leaving little to the imagination.

“Backstage is private, you know…” You pretended to chastise him, leaning against the doorframe like you didn’t have a feared criminal shamelessly checking you out. He didn’t even try to hide his intentions. He laughed a bit, your heart raced. No security could ever stop him from doing what he pleased and you both knew it.

 “I've seen your pretty picture on flyers all over town…  Figured I’d come see what all the fuss is about…” He remarked as your eyes locked on each other finally. 

“And?” You asked with a pretty smile. “Was it everything you dreamed and more?” His smirk grew to a big grin. He knew you were a tease, feeding him with playful banter that he absolutely enjoyed.

“You were a sight to behold out there, love… Body like that, face like that and voice like yours… I’ve never seen anything quite like you… You were a goddess up there.” Thomas practically purred to you in that thick accent that made your pussy tingle and sent shivers down your spine. His tongue, quick yet unmissable to your eyes, wet his lips after speaking. So subtle but incredibly sensual. You wanted to drop down to your knees…

But you also wanted to make him work for it a little…

Charmingly, you invited him in for a drink. An irresistible offer. You shut the rest of the world out and closed the door behind him. Just you and him in your little shoebox dressing room. He sat down on the small futon across from you and you sat at your vanity, pouring you two glasses of whiskey from your secret stash. The room was so tiny your knee brushed against his when you spun your stool around to face him and hand him his drink.

“There was buzz amongst the other girls of a Shelby brother in the crowd tonight…” You started, lipstick staining your glass and your legs crossing. “I was hoping it was you…” Thomas smirked like a devil, your admission feeding his ego. 

“And why’s that, love?” He took a large sip of whiskey like it was a sip of you, savoring the burn like he wanted to savor you. It made you nervous, restless… And you were a performer, your nerves were supposed to be of steel. But Tommy had something about him, an aura, a natural disarming confidence that made you want to bow down in submission. You swallowed a bit, just to gain some confidence back, knocking your head out of the trance his accent and icy blue eyes put you under. 

“Well you’re the leader right? The big man in charge…” You charmed through your smirk like he was your audience, looking over at his crisp, expensive navy blue suit. Tommy laughed, pulling a cigarette out and rubbing it against his plump bottom lip before lighting it up.

“That’s right…” He smirked, a puff of smoke adorning his words. He leaned forward a bit, his large calloused hand finding its shameless way to the exposed skin of your knee and rubbing it softly with his thumb. Naughty girl, not even wearing a pantyhose for your performances. A mischievous glint shimmered in his eyes. 

You couldn’t help but bite your lip and clench your legs together at his touch. The sexual tension hung thick and heavy in the air of your tiny dressing room, threatening to burn you both alive. 

“I'm known for getting what I want… When I want it, love…” There it was, expected yet it caused a strong reaction in you. The closer he leaned in, the more he spoke with that deep voice of his, the more you wanted it. He stabbed his cigarette out in the ashtray next to you on your vanity, your faces now inches apart. 

“And I'd love a private show…”  He whispered, his voice raspy. His hand reached out and the tips of his fingers brushed over the red jewels on your breast, nearly feeling the pulse of your racing heart. You could feel yourself soaking through your underwear from just the thought of what he wanted to do with you. To you.

“I'm not a whore, Mr Shelby…” You retorted softly, finding pleasure in resistance despite how turned on you were for him already. Tommy, accustomed to most women giving in easily, smirked, thrilled by the challenge.

“But you could be, couldn’t you? Just for me…?” His voice was attractive, persuasive. One of his hands came up to tuck a lock of hair behind your ear, his eyes bearing into yours deeply. There was always something so captivating about a man with no shame about getting what he wants… And this man just so happened to want you.

Hungry eyes moved from your alluring cleavage towards your gaze again. You had found yourself completely speechless at his proposition, not even a single witty comment popping into your head at that moment. For a second, you got lost in the crystal blue, enthralled by the obvious knowledge of what would come next for you both.

Without another word he sat up and leaned forward, closing the gap between you. His plump lips met yours, the taste of cigarettes and whiskey melding in your mouth. You closed your eyes, letting him sink you to the depths of his desire, your tongue melting slowly against his. You took your time with each other, just soaking in the sensuality of it all, sharing a few gentle moans before his hand came up to grip the back of your head.

You made out slowly, almost teasingly for around a minute, then finally pulled back for air. There was that smirk again, Tommy reveled in as his hand snaked between your thighs and his thumb rubbed gently over the satin of your costume, right over your pussy. He pressed against your clit through the fabric and you bit your lip, stifling back a moan.

He took in every single detail of your reaction and loved each one. You felt a nice shiver running down your spine as his mouth came closer to your ear.

“You little minx… This little pussy’s already wet for me and all I had to do was kiss you…”. His hot breath on your ear mixed with his words had your brain buzzing, expertly knowing how to push your buttons.

Soft kisses peppered the skin of your neck, sending another shiver through your spine and goosebumps all over your body. His rough, greedy hands reached back to undo the fastenings of your costume, then gently pulled it down your chest, your warm tits finally bare for his eyes to rake over.

“Jesus… You are just gorgeous…” He rasped, unable to stop himself from tracing the soft underside of your breast. Not that he would have to stop. But even then, for such a rugged, scary gangster, he was so gentle. So reverent. It truly took your breath and words away, filling the now empty space with butterflies instead. From your chest to every nerve ending of your fluttering pussy, a deep need for him ran rampant. 

“You've got me rock hard…” Tommy whispered, proudly proving it to you. His growing bulge in his trousers looking right at you, mirroring your own desire. He rose slowly, looming over you and your vanity set.

“Stand up for me love… Let’s get this costume off you,  I need to see this beautiful body naked and bent over this vanity for me…” 

Your eyes widened, but you weren’t against his request. Without thinking it twice, you stood up, one of his hands slid off your red satin costume bottoms, the other took your hand and helped you step out of them. The metallic jeweled necklace around you felt heavy with all the loss of clothing items, you reached behind to unclasp it, but Tommy stopped you.

“Keep it…” He whispered, slowly turning you around until you faced the mirror of your vanity. You looked utterly gorgeous. Completely naked besides the beautiful ruby necklace you had on. You watched his smile widen in the reflection and his strong arms wrapping around you.

One hand came up to squeeze the soft flesh of your breast, the other now traced slow tempting patterns over your skin, down your stomach and between your legs. One finger rubbed between your slit tortuously slowly, making you moan and close your eyes. You melted against him, perfectly placing your ear close to his hot breath. 

 “Ah ah ah… Keep those pretty eyes open… I want you to watch yourself fall apart on my cock…” Tommy purred, his voice so deep and sexy you wondered why your arousal wasn’t dripping down the inside of your legs already. Obediently, you nodded and opened your eyes, locking gazes with yourself in the mirror. 

“Yes, sir…” You moaned back, his fingertip rubbing painfully slow, hard circles on your clit. He grinned, proud of just how easily you yielded to his touch, how easily you submitted yourself to him.

Slowly, he grinded his aching hard-on against you back, a reminder of what was to come. Gentle, wet kisses left a fiery wake on your neck that extended to your earlobe, he nibbled it, his finger never once forgetting your clit.

“Bend over…” He commanded, a little whine of protest leaving your lips when he withdrew his finger from you. Hoping to get that much needed stimulation back, you did as he said, bending over your vanity and displaying yourself for him. Tommy responded with the sound of his belt unbuckling and the rustling of his trousers being undone. 

In the reflection of the mirror, you watched him pull down his trousers and briefs in one go, his large thick cock springing free and slapping obscenely against his pelvis. Its head was already red and dripping, aching to be buried deep inside you.

Not wasting a single second, he palmed your ass cheeks, spreading them apart a bit to get a better look at you and your puffy wet folds. He groaned, knowing that in a few minutes his cock would be buried deep between them.

He looked up into the mirror, locking eyes with you and giving you a sexy smirk. It was an unforgettable image, with you laid there, bent over your vanity panting in anticipation. The lighting of the room cast a warm glow over your naked body, making the rubies around your neck glimmer. 

“Looks like it’ll be a tight fit love… But we’ll make it work… Won’t we?” He cooed, voice dripping with need like you were dripping wet for him. 

You nodded, your eyes on the mirror, paying close attention to every movement of his and hoping it would lead him closer to fuck you. The way he licked his lips, how he reached down to line up behind you. It all seemed so slow in your own arousal-clouded mind. When he gripped your hips, you felt relief, and when he finally started to sink into your dripping center, you moaned. It was a breathy, soft moan with a grateful undertone. Such a sweet relief after centuries of teasing and foreplay. 

Tommy groaned loudly, one part for pleasure, one part for being proved right. You were indeed really tight. Your pussy stretched and swallowed his aching cock, already feeling so full and he still hadn't pushed all the way in yet. You whimpered, getting split open further like never before in your life. Any discomfort from adjusting to his length and girth completely outshined by total and complete pleasure.

“Fuck me… This pussy is so perfect… Gripping my cock so fuckin’ good…” Tommy groaned, managing to push even further and finally filling you full. He gave you a merciful second to adjust before moving his hips, slowly pumping in and out of you.

Involuntarily, your eyes shut, moaning repeatedly for him in this newfound sea of pleasure. You felt his hand tug around your hair hard, your neck craning up to look into the mirror. A warning. Remembering, your eyes shot open, you whimpered like an apologetic prey to the mixture of pain and pleasure.

“I said… Keep those eyes open…” He growled, stern eyes looking at you through the mirror. As discipline, he pistoned his hips faster, you whined loudly. He drilled into you relentlessly, skin slapping with fury against skin and filling your changing room with obscene noises.

“Y-yes sir…” You managed to moan out, noticing how the pale blue of his eyes never once left the reflection of your deeply fucked form. Your mouth hung open, your eyes were half lidded and struggling to follow his command. In your mind, every single thought disappeared, all of them fucked out of your head until only him remained. 

The thick tip of his cock nudged that special spot inside you, over and over with every perfect, hard thrust of his hips. You babbled incoherently, still watching like he wanted. Your reflection bouncing and jiggling with each hard and fast movement. 

Tommy smirked, but even through his triumph he was lost in the pleasure too. He panted hard, his fingers sunk into the flesh of your hips and made sure there would be evidence of the encounter tomorrow morning. As if you minded. 

The vision of you falling apart on his cock got to him in the best way possible. From the way you were moaning to how you almost drooled as he fucked into you hard. It was obvious you weren’t going to last much longer, and neither would he.

“Jesus Christ-  This pussy’s so good- I think it was made for me… Won’t last much longer…” He groaned to you, a hint of vulnerability escaping in between the words.

At this point, your body and mind had a major disconnect, so well fucked forming a coherent sentence took all your brain power.

“P-please… please come..” You stuttered pathetically, eyes fixed on his reflection. His hand tightened its grip on your hair for leverage as his thrusts got sloppier and sloppier, his strong hips pistoning into you. 

His left hand left its vicious grip on your hip and snaked around to find your clit, beginning to rub hard circles on it. The combination of his long cock poking your g-spot with every thrust and his fingertips rubbing your clit had you seeing God… Your orgasm built in the pits of your stomach, threatening to boil over any second now…

“I want you to come first love…  Want this perfect pussy to cream all over my cock…” He rasped, his voice deep and thick with need, almost like he was begging you to.

And that’s what did it for you.

The pressure in you finally reached its peak and exploded into the best orgasm you had ever experienced. Every nerve of your body relented to the sinful pressure, making you cry out a string of loud whiny moans and mindless curses. Your pussy clenched him tight, like you never wanted to let him go. For a moment you disobeyed his previous command, as your eyes rolled to the back of your head and lost track of the private show your reflection in the mirror was giving.

He moaned loudly, feeling you clamp around him. The satisfaction of seeing the reflection of your face contorting and twisting in pleasure was priceless, Tommy truly understood just how much he loved to see you fall apart for him… Because of him…

He fucked you through your orgasm, chasing him. The feeling of your pussy spasming around him had his usually crystal clear mind completely hazy with pleasure. The way you looked, sounded, felt… It was too much for him… So much it sent him over the edge.

His hips slowed their movements a bit and it hit him.

 “Oh fuck love- I’m coming…” He warned with a strangled moan. Quickly, he pulled out, shooting thick hot ropes of his cum onto your ass cheeks, eyes still focused on the mirror. 

You watched too, biting your lip at the feeling. Tommy’s brows furrowed together while he moaned for you, his warm load slowly dripping down your ass and taking over your senses. You both stayed there for a second, catching your breath, basking in the afterglow together.

After a while, Tommy tucked his tired cock back into his trousers, grabbing a shirt off your vanity and wiping you clean. You finally stood up, turning around to face him despite how weak and wobbly your legs felt. Being bent over your vanity felt like forever, although it was the fastest a man had ever made you finish.

“Well, that was certainly something…” Tommy smirked cheekily, eyes still on you and arms wrapping around your naked waist. You couldn’t help but laugh and blush a little, his presence alone making you feel so shy, as if you hadn’t been moaning like a whore for him just a moment ago.

“You really do put on one hell of a show, love. You’re a natural born performer…” He smiled at his own words, leaning in to nuzzle his nose against yours before giving you a hot kiss. Then, he pulled back, just enough to whisper his proposition against your lips.

“How about we make this a regular thing? I come to all your shows… Maybe even bring you flowers… In return you be my naughty little showgirl and let me fuck n’ fill that perfect cunt and make you scream?”

You smiled without even having to think of your answer… How could a girl say no to that?

Pinterest board made by @fuckiingloser

Random Tommy playlist made by me cause why not

[neworleansqueen]

Robert Plant and John Paul Jones at an unconfirmed venue, circa June 1969. This is likely from a soundcheck for their show at the Birmingham Town Hall in Birmingham, U.K. (June 13th, 1969)

Photo by Ron Raffaelli.

[directactionforhope]

Late notice but

Today 10/5 is an international day of action protesting one year of the Gaza genocide!

Find a protest near you today or tomorrow 10/6! If you're in the US, look at the links below, from the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights!

October 5, 2024

Note: Tumblr has capped the number of outgoing links you can use in one post. Go to the USCPR link above and click on a protest for a flyer/organizer info for each and every one of these events.

Albany, NY | 4:30PM Dana Park

Albuquerque, NM | 2PM Robinson Park

Amherst, MA | Amherst Town Common

Anchorage, AK | 2PM Townsquare Park

Atlanta, GA | 2PM 190 Marietta SW

Austin, TX | 1PM Austin City Hall

Birmingham, AL | 2PM Victoria Square

Blacksburg, VA | 3PM Pylons

Boston, MA | 2PM Cambridge City Hall

Burlington, VT | 1PM Battery Park

Charleston, SC | 2PM Marion Square Park

Chicago, IL | 2PM Water Tower Park

Cleveland, OH | 3PM 11804 Lorain Ave

Columbus, OH | 2PM Goodale Park

Corvallis, OR | 12 NOON County Courthoue

Dallas, TX | 12PM The Grassy Knoll

Denver, CO | 12PM 400 Josephine St

Detroit, MI | 2PM 5 Woodward Ave, Detroit

Dover, DE | 12 NOON 250 Gateway S Blvd

Fort Myers, FL | 6PM Centennial Park

Gainseville, FL | 2PM City Hall

Honolulu, HI | 11AM Ala Moana & Atkinson

Houston, TX | 2PM Houston City Hall

Indianapolis, IL |  2PM Lugar Plaza

Kansas City | 1PM Mill Creek Park

Kona, HI | 12:30PM Old airport by the skating rink

Las Vegas, NV | 2PM 3449 S Sammy Davis Jr Dr

Little Rock, AK | 4PM 1200 Main St

Los Angeles, CA | 2PM Pershing Square

Louisville, KY | 3PM Water Front Park

Maui, HI | 11AM Kapuka’ulua (Baldwin Beach)

Memphis, TN | 2PM City Hall

Miami, FL | 5PM Torch of Friendship

Milwaukee, WI | 2PM Zedler Union Square Park

Missoula, MT | 7PM 200 W Broadway

Nashville, TN | 2PM Centennial Park

New York, NY | 2PM Times Square

New Haven, CT | 1PM New Haven Green

New Orleans, LA | 5PM Congo Square

Ottawa, Ontario | 2PM Parliment Hill

Orlando, FL | 4PM Orlando City Hall

Pensacola, FL | 5PM Palafox & Gregorary St.

Pittsburgh, PA | Film screening, 3PM 100 S Commons St.

Portland, ME | 5PM Monument Square

Portland, OR | 3PM Unthank Park

Providence, RI | 3PM RI State House steps & 5:30PM 1 Finance Way

Raleigh, NC | 3PM Moore Square

Rochester, NY | 1PM MLK Park

Sacramento, CA | 2PM West steps of the Capitol

Salt Lake City, UT | 2PM 125 S State St

San Antonio, TX | 1PM Travis Park

San Diego, CA | 2:00PM 1600 Pacific Highway

Seattle, WA | 2PM TBA, with car caravans from Spokane, Pasco, Ellensburg

St. Louis, MO | Liberation weekend, 9AM-8PM 475 East Lockwood Ave

Tampa, FL | 2PM Bank of America Plaza

Toronto, Ontario | 2PM Yonge Dundas Square

Urbana, IL | 2PM 101 E Main St

Ventura, CA | 2PM 501 Poli St

Washington, DC | 4PM White House

West Plains, MO | 12 NOON Downtown Square

Wichita, KS | 12:30PM Spirit Aerosystems

October 6, 2024

Amityville, NY | 1PM LIRR

Boston, MA | 1PM Boston Common

Green Bay, WI | 5:30PM Leicht Memorial Park

Los Angeles, CA | Vigil, 6:30PM Echo Park Lake

Minneapolis, MN | 1:30PM Gateway Park Fountain

Ontario, CA | 1PM Euclid & C St

Paterson, NJ | 2PM Palestine Way with Gould Avenue

Roanoke, VA | Vigil, 6PM Heights Community Church courtyard

San Diego, CA | 4PM Centro Cultural de La Raza

San Francisco, CA | 1PM 16th & Valencia

San Jose, CA | 12 NOON City Hall

St. Louis, MO | 1PM Choteau Park

[cleolinda]

Reporting from Birmingham

HOLY SHIT THE LINE

I’m in a blue oasis so this will probably not hold true for the rest of the state, but holy shit. This line wound through a hall in the library, around a big outflow room, and doubled back into the hall again. My mom said that when she drove past early this morning, the line was ALSO down the block. Later, she saw three buses from a senior living facility pull in on her way to our house. And then she and I went at lunchtime.

People were there to VOTE. I saw—well, on second thought, I’m gonna cut out some people-watching detail here, but I saw a lot of things that struck me about ages, health conditions, personal responsibilities. A number of people had clearly gone to a lot of effort to be there. Some of the voters looked young enough that this might have been their first chance to vote. Somewhere behind me, I heard a man say something in part like “…what a turnout like this…,” and the woman who must have been with him reply, “Well I think we know what it means.”

In other words, a big turnout for Kamala Harris. I’m sure there were Trump voters in that line, but this is, on the whole, not a Trump town. We always go blue. I haven’t seen many yard signs in my neighborhood at all, but I’ve only seen Harris/Walz. My mom has seen exactly one Trump sign this year. (This is why I say my observations will not hold for all of Alabama.) So this is what I expected, but at the same time, THE LINE. I know I’ve stood in line out on the street before, but I do not recall the line ever winding around and doubling back like that. The observation that women over 50 who remember what shit was like before Roe v. Wade are turning out to vote with a vengeance—I think I was seeing that as well, yeah. There were some seniors on a mission in that library.

The thing is that a lot of people are pissed off for a lot of different reasons this election, and then on top of that, there’s a lot of excitement. It’s like the thrill of 2008 plus the urgency of 2020. And everyone in that line still knew that Alabama’s nine electoral votes will go red anyway. Sure, we have downballot races—I just chose the “straight party voting” option, you make one mark and that’s all you have to do, plus one (1) Walker County measure we were voting on—but we all knew that we couldn’t do much to help in this big generational event of a presidential election. Run up the popular vote a little, maybe. But we were all still there by the hundreds on people’s lunch hours, not missing out on this.

Imagine what the enthusiasm’s like in states where it’ll make a difference.

[listen-to-the-inner-walrus]

Again, not an exhaustive list but for anyone else in the UK, these are where riots are expected today:

Aldershot - Immigration Advisors at 40 Victoria Road GU11 1TH, starting at 19:30.

Bedford - Immigration INN (Inn?) on Ford End Road MK40 4JT, at 20:00.

Birmingham - Refugee and Migrant Centre on Frederick Street B1 3HN, beginning at 20:00.

Bishop Auckland - outside the Town Hall on Market Place DL14 7NP.

Blackburn - Rafiq Immigration Services on Whalley Road BB5 1AA, at 20:00.

Blackpool - Immigration Solicitors at the Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road FY1 1EW, starting at 20:00.

Bolton - Deane & Bolton Immigration Lawyers on Chorley New Road BL1 4QR, at 20:00.

Brentford - UK Immigration Help in The Mile on 1000 Great West Road TW8 9DW, starting around 19:00.

Brighton - Raj Rayan Immigration in Queensberry House at 106 Queens Road BN1 3XF, starting either at 19:30 or 20:00.

Bristol - Gya Williams Immigration on West Street BS2 OBL, at 20:00.

Burnley - at Thompson Park on 111 Ormerod Rioad BB11 3QWat, starting at 13:00.

Canterbury - UK Immigration Clinic in the Canterbury Innovation Centre CT2 7FG, at 20:00.

Chatham - Immigration Status UK on Maidstone Road ME5 9FD, at 20:00.

Cheadle - Intime Immigration Services on Brooks Drive SK8 3TD, at 20:00.

Chelmsford - UK Immigration Information Centre on Violet Close CM1 6XG, at 20:00.

Derby - Immigration Advisory Service, Normanton Road DE23 6US, at 20:00.

Dover - Kent Immigration and Visa Advice at 5A Castle Hill Road CT16 1QG, reportedly around 20:00.

Durham - in Crook at Market Place, at 18:00. (Unsure as to whether this is the same one as in Bishop Auckland as I know Crook is near there?)

Finchley - Immigration and Nationality Services within Foundation House at 4 Percy Road N128BU, around 19:00.

Harrow - Yes UK Immigration and North Harrow Community Library within the Business Centre at 429-433 Pinner Road HA1 4HN, in North Harrow, at 19:00.

Hastings - Black Rock Immigration at 37 Cambridge Gardens TN34 1EN, at 20:00.

Hull - Conroy Baker Immigration Lawyer in Norwich House, 1 Savile Street HU1 3ES, at 20:00.

Lewisham - the Clock Tower, SE13 5JH, 19:00.

Lincoln - Immigration Lawyer Services on Carlton Mews LN2 4FJ, at 20:00.

Liverpool - Merseyside Refugee Centre in St Anne's Centre on 7 Overbury Street L7 3HJ, at 20:00.

Liverpool - Sandpiper Hotel (might be on Ormskirk Old Road? if any scousers can clarify where that is, that'd be great) at 13:00.

Middlesbrough - Immigration Advice Centre which is the Co-Operative Buildings at 251 Linthorpe Road TS1 4AT, at 20:00.

Newcastle - United Immigration Services in Artisan Unit 3, The Beacon on Westgate Road NE4 9PQ, at 20:00.

Northampton - Zenith Immigration Lawyers at 2 Talbot Road NN1 4JB, starting at 20:00.

Nottingham - East Midlands Immigration Services at 15 Stonesbury Vale NG2 7UR, at 20:00.

Oldham - somewhere on Ellen Street 0L9 6QR, at 20:00

Oxford - Asylum Welcome in Unit 7 in Newtec Place on Magdelen Road OX4 1RE, around 19:00. [Updated as of 15:53]

Peterborough - Smart Immigration Services in Laxton House at 191 Lincoln Road PE1 2PN, at 20:00.

Plymouth - in a Morrisons car park, I don't know which but I saw Victory Parade associated with it? If anyone from Plymouth can clarify, please do. Not sure on time.

Portsmouth - UK Border Agency at Kettering Terrace PO2 8QN, at 20:00

Preston - Adriana Immigration Services at 109 Church Street PR1 3BS, at 19:00 or 20:00.

Rotherham - Parker Rhodes Hickmotts, The Point S60 1BP, at 20:00.

Sheffield - City Hall on Barker's Pool S1 2JA, at 13:00.

Sheffield - White Rose Visas at 101 Wilkinson Street S10 2GJ, at 20:00.

Southampton - Y-Axis Immigration Consultants, Cumberland Place on Grosvenor Square SO15 2BG, at 20:00.

Southend - MNS Immigration Solicitors on Ditton Court Road SS0 7HG, at 20:00.

Stoke-On-Trent - ZR Visas on Metcalfe Road ST6 7AZ, in Tunstall, at 20:00.

Sunderland - North of England Refugee Service which is in Suite 12 in the Eagle Building at 201 High Street East SR1 2AX, at 20:00.

Swindon - I have no details for this, just seen that something might be kicking off there.

Tamworth - Lawrencia & Co Immigration Solicitors within the Amber Business Village on Amber Close B77 4RP, no details on time unfortunately.

Walthamstow - Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau at 187 Hoe Street E17 3AP, at 20:00.

Wigan - Support for Wigan Arrivals Project, Penson Street WN1 2LP, at 20:00.

York - only detail I've got it is York Stay City Hotel.

[singemall-stayallnight]

Led Zeppelin backstage at Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham, England, 13 June 1969. | © Ron Rafaelli

[ultra-francesca-mercury]

Queen performing at the Birmingham Town Hall in Birmingham, England, on November 27, 1973, from the “Queen I” Tour.

[kitixie]

The Sapphire Ring

request: Hi! If your requests are open, I’d like to ask for a Thomas Shelby x Reader. Tommy gets injured in WW1 at some point and is taken care of the same nurse (reader) at the battlefield medic hospital. She has something distinct about her (I was thinking maybe some unique piece of jewelry so it could apply to anyone). He always remembered the nurse for helping him and the reader always remembered him as a patient she saved after losing a lot of her patients. And then years later they reconnect in Birmingham (he recognizes her jewelry first). Just helping eachother through hardship and fluff and reconnection leading to romance. You’re the best, can’t wait to see what you do with it! Thanks!

word count: 2.5k

warnings/info: no warnings for this, just sweetness and a happy ending :) also, i promise i am working on the next part of “Little Girl Gone”, so be on the lookout for that this weekend!! i had so much fun doing this request, i’d love to do more so if you have any requests, please let me know! enjoy!!

1916, in the midst of World War 1.

“Y/N, there’s a patient down the hall, he’s just out of surgery. Would you check on him, Love?”

You turned to face MaryAnn, the lead nurse tonight. Her curly brown hair framed her face a shoulders, her soft smile aimed at you.

“Of course, MaryAnn,” you said, returning her small smile.

Making your way down the hall, you ducked your head in. Most of these patients you’d already seen, so spotting a new face shouldn’t be hard. Especially if he was fresh from surgery, his moaning and grumbling would probably be heard before he was seen.

You had been working at the hospital for two years, you had only started working here because of the war. Your brother had gone off to fight, leaving you and your father home alone together. Your mother had passed away two years before that, leaving you only her cherished sapphire ring. The piece of jewelry was the only luxury your mother had ever had, growing up in a small town on the banks of Dundalk. It was a large sapphire in the center, flanked on four sides by sparking, clear diamonds. You wore the ring at all times, not much worrying if it would get messed up, as the hospital had paid you nicely, and you’d saved up a small pile just in case something happened to it. You loved the ring almost as much as your mother did, feeling as if it was your only connection left to her. You peered at the ring on your finger, continuing on your search for the mystery patient.

A few doors farther down, a loud bang came from one of the patient rooms. You rushed to the door, only to see a man standing up, and a rolling metal tray lying on the floor. You watched him for a moment, just to see what his next moves were. You observed his pale skin, almost blue tinged; then his dark hair. His head was shaved around the bottom, leaving a messy patch on the top half of his head. He looked to the tray, then to the bed, then to the window on the other side of the room. He leant over to retrieve something off the floor, when he cursed.

“Sir, are you okay?” You called, stepping into the room slowly so as not to frighten him.

He slowly turned towards you, and only when he was fully facing you did you see the bloody bandage dangling from his shoulder.

“I could use a bit of help, I suppose,” he grumbled, staring at you.

You slowly approached him, letting him see that your hands were clear. He was young, a few years visibly older than you, but young enough to justify that the only reason he was in here was because of the war.

“I’m not delusional, I know where I am. So you can stop easing towards me like I’m shell-shocked, aye?” He said, an accent coming out from somewhere.

“You can never be too cautious, ya know,” you stated, straightening your posture back up to full height, and walking normally paced towards him.

You removed his own hand from his bloodied shoulder, and nodded towards the bed. He followed orders, and sat down, rolling his head to the side so you could get a better look.

“I’m Tommy,” he offered, blowing out a deep breath.

“Y/N,” you said, focusing your attention on his now leaking stitches.

You could feel as he watched you, those blue eyes tracking your every movement precisely. He had indeed pulled out his stitches, but it was nothing you couldn’t fix.

“Ya pulled your stitches, so I hope whatever you were trying to do was worth it,” You laughed, casting him a gentle glance so he’d see the joke in your eyes.

“I was trying to get a smoke, so I’d say it was worth it.”

“You want a smoke? I’m about to restitch your shoulder, so ‘ats the least I could let ya do,” you smiled, picking up his discarded pack of cigarettes from the floor, also handing him his pack of matches.

He returned the smile, immediately struck up a match, sending the smell of smoke and tobacco throughout the room. You gently closed the door, not wanting to disturb the other patients with the smell. Walking back over to Tommy, you held a small suture kit in your hands.

“This is gonna hurt, so be ready,” you breathed, not wanting him to lash out at the pain.

“I’ll be fine, Love. But talk to me, will you? Helps distract me,” he said, exhaling a long stream of smoke from his mouth and nostrils.

“Okay,” you agreed. Readying the needle and thread you began speaking right before running the small metal piece through his skin.

“I’m from Ireland, born and raised. Although I used to live in Dundalk, now here we are in Dublin. My brother is fighting in the war, at least I assume he’s still fighting, hasn’t come home alive or in a box yet,” you joked, but feeling a slight twinge of pain in your heart. You continued, “I work ‘ere every night, I like nightshift best because it’s when the least amount of people actually come into the hospital. I don’t really handle losing patients well, but that’s another story,” you sighed, nearly done with the first few stitches.

Tommy nodded his head, releasing another puff of smoke before speaking.

“I’m from Birmingham, it’s not really a place worth talking about though. I fought in the war, ‘ts how I ended up here, but you’ve gathered that much. I’ve got a couple siblings, some still at war, some not, but they’re my only family.” he said, going back to his cigarette.

“I have the one brother, and my father. My mother died a few years ago, but it’s part of my past life now.” You spoke, finishing up the last few stitches. He hasn’t flinched the entire time.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Love. But every sorrier to say I can relate.” Tommy said, gently turing his shoulders towards you now that you were done putting him back together.

“It’s alright, I’m sorry for your loss too, it never really gets better, just more dull,” you remarked, cleaning up the kit from the small rolling tray you had placed it on.

You took notice of Tommy’s staring, following his eyes as the flicked over you, assessing every detail. His eyes caught on your ring, and he cocked his head.

“That’s a lovely ring, Mrs. Y/N,” he said, drawing out the Missus.

“It’s just Miss, and thank you,” you laughed, “it was my mothers.” You gave him a soft smile, looking toward the ring on your middle finger.

You helped Tommy settle back into his small bed, then bid him goodnight with the promise to check on him tomorrow.

-

The next evening, you barely had time to check in before MaryAnn was hounding you about Tommy. He had been refusing care all day, saying that you were the only person he’d allow to check his stitching. The other nurses had tried to reason with, tried to explain that you wouldn’t be here until 10 pm, but he would not listen. He wanted your care, and only your care. You promised MaryAnn you would handle it, and went off on your way to his room. You rapped your hand against the door, slightly cracking it open.

“Tommy?” You called out, not wanting to startle him.

“Oi, finally. I’ve been asking for you all day, where have you been, Y/N?” He said, slowly sitting himself up in the cot.

“I told you Tommy, I work nightshift. It doesn’t switch over until 10,” you laughed, “although I am flattered that you refused all care other than mine.”

“Of course I would, you have the best bedside manner of all the nurses.” taking a drag from the cigarette you hadn’t noticed earlier, “Plus you’re beautiful,” he added.

Your cheeks flushed, and you brought a hand to chest, resting it over your heart.

“Flattery rarely works on nurses, Tommy. Now let’s get those stitches checked.” You smiled, your cheeks hurting from how genuine it was.

After checking his stitches, you gave him the all clear and told him he should be released in a few days, and you swore a frown flashed across his face before straightening back out. You bid him goodnight, with the promise to see him tomorrow night.

For a week straight, this little routine carried on. You’d come see him as soon as you arrived at work, check his stitches, then the two of you would just talk. You talked with him about varying subjects, both of your families, home life (although Tommy didn’t give much away here), and your hopes for the future. You told him of your plans to travel after the war ended, and he told you how he never wanted to travel again. You would compare families, your brother palling in comparison to the array of Shelby boys that Tommy had described to you. Every night, the two of you would talk, some conversations were short, some lasted so long that MaryAnn had to come pull you from his room so that you would round on your other patients. You developed a sense of kinship with Tommy, although the two of you were admittedly very different. You got excited to go to work, marking events in your day that you were excited to tell Tommy about. You thought of him outside of the hospital, more than you should. But how could anyone resist the charms of Tommy Shelby?

On Friday night, you arrived to the hospital. You checked in, and began rounding on your patients, saving Tommy for when you had a bit of free time; you had a lot you wanted to tell him. You eventually found your way to his room, softly knocking on the door.

“Tommy?” You called, easing through the doorway.

Tommy was sitting up in his cot, stitches almost healed enough to go home. You had come to dread the day he would leave, he felt like a friend, maybe more.

“Y/N, Love, I thought you had forgotten me.” He said, adding his signature Tommy Shelby smirk to the end.

“I could never forget you, Tommy,” you blushed, “Now, let me check up on those stitches.”

He nodded his head, tipping it to the side so that you could access his shoulder better.

“How’s Georgia?” He asked. Georgia was an elderly lady who lived in your apartments, you had told Tommy about how she loved to bake for you.

“She’s good, she brought me meat pies earlier today,” you said, giving a soft smile, “These stitches look healed Tommy, I think you can go home soon.”

Tommy grew a distant look in his eye, gazing to the floor.

“I don’t really want to go, if I’m honest.” He said, pulling you from similar thoughts.

“I know Tommy, but your family probably misses you, I know I would be.” You replied, trying to coax him with a soft rub of his shoulder.

He placed his hand gently over yours, his massive hand covering the ring.

“You would be or you will be?” He said, cheekily flashing you a smile.

“I will miss you, Tommy. You have been a joy to take care of, and a good friend to talk to.” You could feel tears wanting to come from your eyes, but ever the professional, you held them back.

He gave a soft smile, placing a gentle kiss to your hand.

“If you ever find yourself in Birmingham, come find me. I’ll be at The Garrison, waiting for you.”

Tommy had mentioned The Garrison a few times, noting how it was his family’s favorite bar and pub, and how they spent most evenings there. You gave him a soft nod, and retracted your hand.

“Goodnight, and, goodbye, Thomas.” You smiled at him and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, before you exited his room.

-

1921, five years later

You found yourself staring, craning your neck up to the sign in front of you. A hundred questionable decisions had led you here, to Birmingham.

The first decision, was getting married. The second, was getting divorced. Your husband had been a prick, and you knew it when you married him but he was handsome, and certainly you could have done worse.

The third decision was traveling. You had been all over the world, but you had avoided Birmingham like it had the plague. After Tommy was discharged, you quit the hospital. Every time you would walk by his former room, tears would well in your eyes and breath would catch in your throat. You hadn’t realized how accustomed to Him you had become, not until he’d left.

But now, five years after last seeing each other, you stood in front of the doors to The Garrison.

Pushing into the pub, holding the leash on your fear and anxiety, you approached the bar. An unpleasant bar keep took your order, appearing surprised at the order of Irish Whiskey for a young lady. You got your drink, and waited. Waited to see if what Tommy had said still rang true. Had he been waiting for you?

You heard a knock, coming from the window that peered into the back room of the pub. The bar keep opened it, and you nearly fainted. There, ten feet away, stood Mr. Thomas Shelby.

You stared at him, mouth hanging open like a fool. He had only gotten more handsome, a peaky cap now sitting atop his head, which looked much better now that he had some color and a fresh haircut. He was dressed in a fine suit, looking polished and refined, like a real man, not just a patient in the hospital. His eyes caught yours for a single second, and a look of recognition flashed across his face before vanishing. The window closed, and your heart sank. He didn’t remember you, or worse, he didn’t want you here.

You stood from your barstool, slapping a bill on the bar. Your ring, that same ring Tommy had stared at and asked a hundred questions about, still sat on your middle finger. The metal slapped against the bar, and you could only look towards the floor on your way out.

A warm, pale hand snatched your arm from your side, cradling that soft hand that held the ring.

“Y/N?”

You whirled around, face to face with Tommy. He had remembered you! You wrapped your arms around his neck, embracing him in a tight hug. He returned the gesture, wrapping his long arms around you and lifting you from the floor. Your head tucked into the crook of his neck, inhaling the tobacco scent you had always associated with Tommy. He gently placed your feet back on the floor before speaking.

“I never thought you’d come,” he breathed, a grin on his face, “but I am so glad that you did, Love.” He said, just before leaning in and placing a hard, passionate kiss to your mouth.

[therogerclarkfanclub]

Roger's* 2025 Comic Con Schedule

Interested in knowing if Roger is coming to your city or town? Check the listings below. Updated as new info becomes available.

If you've been waiting for the opportunity to meet Roger & The Gang, or you would like to meet him/them again, feel free to bookmark ("Like" 😉) this post if you want to keep up with Roger's Comic Con appearances. I will update and reblog this list as soon as new info becomes available.

Alternatively, you can always keep tabs on Roger's social media for the latest dates.

*This is listing is not limited to just Roger, it will also include any other cast members attending a specific Con.

⭐ LAST UPDATED: April 04, 2025 ⭐

JAN 01 - Added: Comic Con Baltics (Roger), Comic Con Scotland Aberdeen (Rob, Roger), CT Gamer Con (Roger, Rob, Kaili), Texoma Comic Con (Ben), C2E2 (Roger, Rob), Nostalgia Con (Rob), SuperHero Saturday (Alex)

JAN 08 - Added: CT Gamer Con (Mick)

JAN 20 - Added: Fanboy Expo (Ben, Rob, Roger, Alex)

FEB 11 - Added: Comic Con Midlands (Roger, Rob, Alex)

MAR 08 - Added: Comic Con Baltics (Rob), Saratoga Comic Con (Rob, Roger)

MAR 22 - Added: MCM London (Noshir)

MAR 30 - Added: Iron City Comic Con (Roger)

APR 04 - Added: Fan Fusion Phoenix (Roger, Rob)

─────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────────

🌟 SuperHero Saturday 🌟

Dates: January 18, 2025 City: Phoenix, Arizona Venue: Metro Center 9610 N Metro Pkwy W Phoenix, AZ 85051 Confirmed attendees: Alex

🌟 Texoma Comic Con 🌟

Dates: February 22-23, 2025 City: Durant, Oklahoma Venue: Choctaw Nation Event Center 3702 Choctaw Rd Durant, OK 74701 Confirmed attendees: Benjamin

🌟 Comic Con Scotland (Aberdeen) 🌟

Dates: March 1st and 2nd, 2025 City: Aberdeen, Scotland Venue: P&J Live East Burn Road, Stoneywood, ABERDEEN, AB21 9FX Confirmed attendees: Rob, Roger

🌟 Fanboy Anime Toy Gaming Comics Expo 🌟

Dates: March 8th and 9th, 2025 City: Knoxville, TN Venue: World's Fair Exhibition Hall 935 World’s Fair Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37902 Confirmed attendees: Benjamin, Roger, Alex, Rob, Peter

🌟 CT Gamer Con 🌟

Dates: March 15-16, 2025 City: Uncasville, CT Venue: Mohegan Sun Casino Hotel 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard Uncasville, CT 06382 Confirmed attendees: Roger, Rob, Kaili, Mick

🌟 Charlie's Epic Con 🌟

Dates: April 6, 2025 City: Fort Meyer, FL Venue: Doubletree by Hilton 13051 Bell Tower Dr Fort Meyer, FL Confirmed attendees: Steve

🌟 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 🌟

Dates: April 11-13, 2025 City: Chicago, IL Venue: McCormick Place South Building 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois Confirmed attendees: Roger, Rob

🌟 Saratoga Comic Con 🌟

Dates: May 3-4, 2025 City: Saratoga Springs, NY Venue: Saratoga Springs City Center 522 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Confirmed attendees: Rob, Roger, Kaili, Peter, Noshir

🌟 Comic Con Baltics 🌟

Dates: May 23-25, 2025 City: Vilnius, Lithuania Venue: Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre Laisvės av. 5, 04215 Vilnius, Lithuania Confirmed attendees: Roger, Rob

🌟 Pasadena Comic Con 🌟

Dates: May 24, 2025 City: Pasadena, CA Venue: Saratoga Springs City Center 522 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Confirmed attendees: Steve

🌟 MCM London Comic Con🌟

Dates: May 23-25, 2025 City: London, England Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks London E16 1XL UNITED KINGDOM Confirmed attendees: Noshir

🌟 Iron City Comic Con 🌟

Dates: May 31 and June 1, 2025 City: Birmingham, AL Venue: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N. Birmingham, AL 35203 Confirmed attendees: Roger

🌟 Fan Fusion Phoenix 🌟

Dates: June 6-8, 2025 City: Phoenix, AZ Venue: Phoenix Convention Center 100 N Third Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 Confirmed attendees: Roger, Rob

🌟 Nostalgia Con 🌟

Dates: June 6-8, 2025 City: Anaheim, CA Venue: Anaheim Convention Center 800 W Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802 Confirmed attendees: Rob

🌟 Comic Con Midlands (Birmingham) 🌟

Dates: July 12 and 13, 2025 City: Birmingham, UK Venue: Pendigo Way Marston Green Birmingham B40 1NT United Kingdom Confirmed attendees: Roger, Rob, Alex

[dailyclaudiajessie]

NEW: Claudia backstage with Phil Rosenthal. Claudia co-hosted Phil's show yesterday, April 4, at Birmingham Town Hall.

via Michael Ford's (Claudia's agent) Instagram Story (Note: as of posting, the story is only viewable for the next 13 hours)

[freddiemercurylegendabovelegends]

Today, on 27th November, 1973 - Queen Story!

Birmingham, UK, Town Hall

'Queen I Tour'

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 31: My Own Person

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

It’s a good thing I didn’t even bother to unpack. If luck is on my side I can slip out the kitchen door and be gone before any tears can fall. I hurry down the stairs and down the echoing hallway. Muffled chatter from the party seeps through the walls. Almost there-!

“You’re leaving?”

Christ, why did he have to find me? He should be too occupied with his bride and their guests.

I turn around slowly to face Thomas with as steady of a face I can muster. “I’ll be in town for a few days, then I’m off.”

He starts walking closer. “You’re more than welcome to stay on Watery Lane-”

“It’s already settled. Polly arranged it for me.”

I turn away and reach for the door again-

“I have an idea,” Thomas says. “Since we’re in Arrow House now, why don’t you live there? For good? Then you can work for us without having to travel so much.”

Can I afford to be submerged in more disappointment? He only means to be generous and hospitable but keeping this close to him will only cut my heart deeper. Can’t he see that?

“Thomas, that’s very thoughtful. But it’s-”

“There you are, darling!” A perky voice rings down the hall. It’s Grace. “Oh, are you leaving?”

Her subtle mocking disappointment does little to hide the relief in her eyes. She wants him all to herself and I can’t say I blame her.

“Yes, yes I am. Would it be possible to meet Charlie before I go?”

Grace, still wearing the same disgustingly sweet smile, shakes her head. “I’m afraid he’s sleeping.”

Of course. I can’t even meet their son. 

“Congratulations, Thomas. Grace.” I look between the two. “I will take my leave now back to Birmingham.”

“I’ll arrange for a car to drive you,” Thomas immediately inputs and begins showing me to the door.

Thomas. Please stop. “That’s really not necessary-”

“Nonsense.”

Try to play it off. “I see,” I smile charmingly. “There’s more than enough cars, eh? Trying to fluff your feathers, eh?”

Thomas rolls his eyes. “Very funny. I’ll go find you a driver.”

Before he walks off, Grace places a simple kiss on his cheek. She’s testing me. She’s reaching across with her left hand to show off the new wedding band on her finger. That does it. When Thomas is out of sight I face her with a tamed temper.

“Will you stop that?” I hiss. “Please stop flaunting your good fortune and leave me alone.”

Her smile falls. “I’m not-”

“We’re both on the same page, Grace. I’m not a fucking idiot. Don’t forget it’s your own fault it happened this way. You betrayed Thomas and he had the common sense to forget you. But you kept growing on him. Tempting him. Even after you married another man. You both committed adultery.” Her eyes widen at my statement and I put my hands on my hips defiantly. “Yes. I figured it out. Sin always catches up with you, Grace.”

She crosses her arms. “I love Charlie. I love Tommy-”

“Then quit whining when he’s distant,” I explain softly. “Thomas has always been a workaholic so you knew what you signed up for. It will take a miracle for him to change.”

Her gaze sharpens. “Don’t think I don’t know. You love him.”

Seems that everyone’s figured out except the man himself. I’m trapped in an endless circle of mockery and desire. Grace already has suspicions of my family. Will she try to spill this too?

I close my eyes and nod. “Yes. I do. But unlike some, I can control myself and walk away with quiet, dignity, and… grace.” Before my American side can flare up again I begin walking back to wait in the kitchen. “I love him, and that’s why I’m not staying. He chose you, Grace. Never take that lightly.”

Grace must believe me because the spite in her eyes has been replaced with surprised regret. See? Not all women are sniveling bitches.

“Verena, I… I’m sorry.”

Still looking away, she can’t see my annoyed face. “I wish I could say the same. Maybe if this world weren’t so barbaric we could have been friends.”

Back to the kitchen. Mother was right. My place is here. Providing a meal, keeping everyone happy but myself. There has to be a better life than this.

“Hey!” Thomas struts in. “I’m sorry, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that ride back. Finn made me promise to keep the car waiting so you could visit more.”

Part of my frustration melts away. “That little rascal. Where is he?”

“Joining the others outside.”

Then that is where I shall go.

“Be careful!” Thomas calls when I walk past. “They can get a bit rough.”

After all the pain, at least I can keep seeing those crystal eyes. Some fresh air will do me some good. I just need to get past these expensive people.

I squeeze past an older gentleman and almost bump into someone. “Excuse me.”

“Pardon me,” the woman replies in a Russian accent. “We have not met. Who are you?”

The accent throws me off. Back away. Back away. 

I purse my lips. “Verena Steenstra. Who might you be?”

The dark-haired woman smiles. “Duchess Tatiana Petrovna.”

A royal. A Russian royal. No, no. I do not need that. “Pleasure to meet you. Excuse me.”

More rich blood, more unwanted drama. But it also just gave me an idea. A quick phone call might be in order before I depart tonight.

I leave my trunk by the front step and spy a group of men gathering by flickering torches. One silhouette is waving at me.

“Oi, Verena! Where’s your man?” Finn calls.

“Why would I have one?” I ask as I approach. “I’m only visiting.”

“Still no lucky man, eh?”

I punch his shoulder playfully. “You should talk. Where’s your girl, Finn?”

He waves me off. “Alright, alright. How’ve you been?”

How have I been? I just watched the man I love marry someone else, Finn. What am I supposed to feel?

“As good as I can, I suppose,” I answer instead. “Yourself?”

In the dim light his eyes spark with excitement. “Fantastic! I can carry out an educational conversation with them uniforms, no problem.”

I hum in approval. “Good to hear my work hasn’t been wasted.”

“I’m always up for a lesson, Verena.”

“Oi, Finn!” One of the Blinders shouts. “Get yourself a girl?”

We both stiffen and look at each other with disarray. 

“She’s not mine,” Finn explains quickly. “She’s her own person.”

The Blinder steps closer with a wicked smirk. “So she’s available, eh?”

Finn steps over and pushes him away with the same force Thomas would display. “No. Hands off. You don’t like it, talk to Tommy.” The man walks off muttering to himself and Finn looks over with embarrassment. “‘M sorry, Verena. They’re half-drunk-”

“It’s alright, Finn,” I sigh. “Nobody looks at me the same when they find out I’m single. Where I’m from it’s fine for men but a lady staying single this long raises a few eyebrows.”

A few minutes go by and we sit in comfortable silence in the golden light. “Are you upset about Tommy?”

I feel my chest tighten. “I can’t be upset on his wedding day,” I whisper. “He’s happy.”

“But are you?” Finn presses.

I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head. “That doesn’t count. If you all are happy then I’m happy.”

“Verena. Are you happy?”

He takes my hand. He wants me to open up but I fear that will not end well. Jesus, Finn. Through these years of lessons I’ve taught you too much about empathy. Now you’re twisting my own methods against me.

“It’s incredible how he can see past me,” I murmur just so he can hear. “Thinks nothing’s changed between us. But he’s a married man now. I guess he feels differently. I just wish he would stop trying to reach out and see how much it hurts.”

Instead of telling me to move on or offering a drink Finn shakes his head quietly. “Someone like you shouldn’t have to go through this. You’re too nice.”

“Even mean people deserve to find love,” I point out.

He raises his eyebrows at me. “See? That’s what I mean. Nice.” More seconds of silence go by before he speaks again. “I would take you, you know. But I know you don’t think of me that way.”

How is this sweet young man the brother of the brutal gangsters?

“That’s very kind of you, Finn. Maybe down the line if we’re both old and gray then my family will force me to marry and I can choose you. But you’re right. I do love you but not in the way people expect.”

“It’d be nice if you were a sister,” he grumbles. “Not her.”

I point a warning finger at him. “That’s not up to us. Be nice to her, Finn. She’s your family now.”

He lets out a heavy sigh. “John and Arthur think so. Polly pretends to think so. Tommy’s forgotten how she betrayed us.”

“It’s his decision.” I change to a more firm tone. “Promise me you won’t tell a soul about what I said. It will undo everything if you do.”

Finn nods. “I promise.”

Good. Good, good. Now I won’t be the only one who’s seeing how blinded Thomas is. I can work for Shelby Company Limited far away from Thomas. Well, technically I could return home and give in to mother’s rants. Get married to someone new, a stranger… Who am I kidding? I don’t want that yet. What I do know is that I think I've had my share of tonight’s events.

“It’s getting late. I should be going- Where are you going?” I ask when I see Finn climbing onto a horse Johnny Doggs is holding.

“For a ride,” he replies.

“For a race!” Johnny announces. “Want to watch, Steenstra?”

I put my hands on my hips. “Absolutely not. Finn, this is dangerous-”

“Alright place your bets!” Johnny ignores me and starts leading the horse away. “Pick your favorites! ‘Cause I hope my boy Finn doesn’t fall off the fucking horse.”

Someone walks up behind me and the familiar smell of cigarettes and cologne tells me it’s Thomas. “Here you are. I think Finn will allow you to go now, eh?”

“Yes,” I answer, watching him ride off with a crowd of men surrounding him. “He’s much more occupied now. He’s grown up.”

“You’re not going to watch?”

I stride back to the steps and retrieve my trunk. “As fun as it would be to take part in whatever shenanigans you’ve got planned for tonight I must decline. You lot might be able to still sneak this insanity into your lives but I’m done with it.”

Thomas regards me with calculating eyes. “You’ve changed too.”

No shit, Thomas! Today I’ve had to mourn the only love I’ve known and you’re completely oblivious to it!

“No. I’ve learned to put my foot down.”

Thomas leads me to the other side of the mansion where a line of cars are parked. How many vehicles does one need?

“Well, have your pick.” He gestures to the lot. “Got a favorite?”

His eagerness brings a smile despite my deep sadness. “They’re all gorgeous, Thomas.”

I end up picking the Bentley 3 Litre. A hired hand starts the engine and Thomas loads my luggage into the trunk. He opens the door and I climb inside. The car starts driving down the dusty driveway and as I watch Thomas through the window I give a small wave. 

Goodbye. It kills me to do this but I must quarantine myself from you, Thomas. Your kindness will only disembowel my heart faster.

“Birmingham, Watery Lane. Is that correct, Ms. Steenstra?” The driver asks politely.

“Actually I will be staying somewhere else tonight, if you wouldn’t mind. And could you possibly keep it confidential from Mr. Shelby?”

Okay, now I see where Thomas is getting his wealthy inspiration from. This mansion is no less grand than Arrow House. But what’s different this time is that the person waiting at the front door will understand my situation.

“Hello, Mrs. Charleton.”

The woman dismisses the name with a wave. “May, please. How is America?”

“Party central, apparently. Much less hostile.”

She catches on to my hidden bitterness. “I assume you just came from Tommy’s place?”

I let out a slow breath and look up to face her. “Is it that obvious?”

May opens the door and allows me inside, giving me a look of sympathy. “Sadly, yes. Is Thomas stringing you on?”

I shake my head, now looking at the wall with distant eyes. “He’s never done that. At least not consciously. Besides he would never do that to Grace. Seems that every time I see him he assumes we’re old chums. He’ll always see me as a therapist, not a romantic interest.”

The mention of Grace isn’t enjoyed by May either. We’re both parts of the basket that didn’t get picked. Each of us got hooked by Thomas’ charm. My one saving grace is that I didn’t give in to the temptation of lust. But time can wither a person away.

“Do you know she’s helping to run the new Shelby Charity Foundation?” May says as I slump into a seat facing the warm fireplace. “No doubt Thomas is trying to improve his public image. Next thing you know he’ll be knighted.”

I scoff and glare at the roaring flames. “How generous.”

@meadows5

[neworleansqueen]

John Bonham at the Birmingham Town Hall in Birmingham, U.K. (June 13th, 1969)

Photo by Ron Raffaelli.

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Carel Jacobus Behr (Dutch, 1812-1895) Town Hall, The Hague, 1853 Birmingham Museums Trust

[timefadesaway]

stop the far right – national day of protest today (august 10th)

here is the list of current demonstrations taking place today nationally

London - Reform UK HQ, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW – 2:30pm

Colchester - Colchester War Memorial, High Street 1pm

Taunton - Town Centre, Market House – 2.30pm

Southall - Unity Hall, Southall Town Hall UB1 3HA – 12pm

Nottingham - Brian Clough Statute, Nottingham city centre – 1pm

Southampton - Bargate - 12pm

Hull - Queen Victoria Square – 10am

Norwich - Gentleman’s Walk - 12pm

Chorley - Union Street, Chorley PR7 1AE - 1pm

Preston - Friargate Pedestrian Area – 2pm

Sheffield - Sheffield City Hall – 12pm

Hackney - St Augustines Tower, Narrow Way, Hackney Central E8 1HR – 12pm

Leicester - Meet outside HSBC Bank, Humberstone Gate - 12pm

Shrewsbury - The Square - 12.30pm

Weymouth - Meet outside The Range, New Bond Street – 11am

Lancaster - Town Hall steps – 12pm

Stratford - Stratford Bus Station (old shopping centre side), E20 1EH – 11am

Derby - Meet Council House, marching to The Spot – 11am

Liverpool - Pier Head - 12pm

Coventry - Millennium Place, CV1 1JD – 1pm

Brixton - Windrush Square SW2 1JQ – 1pm

Abergavenny - Opposite Waterstones – 11am

Dumfries & Galloway - Planestanes - 11am

Wakefield - Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3QZ - 12pm

York - St Helen’s Square – 4pm

Cardiff - Nye Bevan statue - 1pm

Newcastle - Grey’s Monument – 9:30am

Calderdale - Outside Wilko’s, 2 Southgate, HX1 IDR - 12pm

Portsmouth - Guildhall Square - 1pm

Eastbourne - Outside Barclays Bank, Terminus Road - 1pm

Tower Hamlets - Altab Ali Park, Alder Street - 5pm

Islington & Haringey - Finsbury Park Mosque St Thomas’s Road N4 2QH – 2pm

Dundee - City Square, Dundee – 12:30pm

Hastings - Hastings Town Centre Robertson St, outside Owens - 12pm

Oxford - Bonn Square - 11am

Lincoln - Lincoln High Street, Speakers Corner - 2pm

Edinburgh - outside Scottish Parliament - 11am

Stoke - Hanley Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent - 12pm

Manchester - Piccadilly Gardens - 11am

Harlow - The Obelisk, Broadwalk - 1:30pm

Birmingham - Outside Waterstones, Birmingham City Centre - 12:30pm

more information here, not necessarily comprehensive, so explore local organisers and groups if your area doesn't have anything! list may expand so check the link for updates.