#WE WERE CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS - WE WERE THICKER THAN THIEVES - WE WERE SO CLOSE WE COULDNT BREATHE - IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!!!!

[agathaharknes]

Remembering that one time my childhood bestie turned crush revealed to me that she once kissed a girl at a party whilst drunk, and I have never been able to emotionally recover from that.

[dollslayer]

Charity Case

Bucky Barnes x Reader, College AU, enemies to lovers

Summary: You loathe Bucky Barnes and his cocky attitude but you find yourself doing him a favor. Is he really as insufferable as he seems?

W/C: 3,830

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol consumption, uhhh kissing, that's it!

A/N: Here it is! My entry for @sweeterthanthis Quote Me On It 6k challenge!! My quote was "Fuck me gently with a chainsaw. Do I look like Mother Theresa?" (in bold). I love the Heathers so I'm excited!! Hopefully I did this prompt justice. As always, if you liked it please reblog/comment! Cheers! I do not consent to my work being reposted/translated on any platform.

Main Masterlist

____

Steve was running late again. You try not to chew your nails off in frustration but he’s definitely testing you. This is the third time in the last two weeks that he’s late to meet you. When he hasn’t been late he’s cancelled all together. Always with a half-ass apology of ‘Bucky needs me’. As if.

You’ve been friends with Steve since your freshman year creative writing class when the only open seat was next to him. Ever since that first day you two had been close. But not as close as him and Bucky. Childhood friends attending university together, thicker than thieves.

You always felt like Bucky was maybe a little jealous of the friendship you and Steve have. Maybe you’re a little jealous too but you’re almost positive Bucky is more jealous of you than you are of him but that’s beside the point. On top of his jealousy Bucky was just annoying. He had a girlfriend but he was always flirting with every girl he met, yourself included. Not to mention he was cocky as all hell.

Steve vouches for his character, swears that it’s all an act and he’s actually very sensitive underneath but you don’t buy it for a second. If you were his girlfriend you’d have dumped him a long time ago.

You don’t have time to dwell on your annoyance too much because Steve is rushing through the doors of the coffee shop. He looks around for you and when he finally finds you the look on his face is relieved. As he gets closer it’s clear that he’d been running to get to you in time. He’s sweaty and a little out of breath and if you weren’t so annoyed with him you’d have found it endearing that he ran here.

“There you are,” he huffs out, “I’m so sorry, I was with Bucky and I lost track of time.”

You purse your lips and hand him a napkin which he takes with a gracious nod before wiping the sweat from his brow. You hand him the iced coffee you’d ordered for him too. The ice is slightly melted from sitting there but he looks so refreshed to be drinking it.

“Figures” is all you say with a huff. If he hadn’t been doing it so often you would’ve been a little kinder about it but you were just irked.

“Seriously, I’m sorry. Nat just dumped him, he's been having a hard time” Steve explained.

“Is it because he flirts with anything that moves?” You scoff.

Steve scoffs in return “He does not! He’s just… outgoing. But no, they had their own problems.” You raise one eyebrow at him. “Okay the flirting had something to do with it but there’s a lot going on there.”

“Whatever, let’s just study for this exam while we can”.

____

You and Steve spent the next two hours cramming for your midterm together. Things were going well and you’d nearly forgotten that you were mad at Steve in the first place. Nearly.

You were so deep into your notecards that you didn’t hear the door open behind you. A voice that could grate on only your nerves. A voice that if it didn’t belong to such a bastard, might even be kinda sexy. The voice breaks your focus completely when it calls out.

“Hey, Steve, are you done already or what? Oh hey, what’s up, beautiful?”

You set your notecards down on the table maybe a little harder than you should. You shoot Steve a glare because you thought it would just be the two of you. Really? You cut in before Steve can answer his friend.

“No, Bucky, he’s not. Can we help you?”

He smirks, giving you his full attention. He knows he has you now, knows you took the bait and he’s goaded you to the point of backtalk. He pulls up a chair to the table and wedges himself tightly between you and Steve. The sound of the chair legs scraping the floor as he scoots closer to you rings in your ears and makes you cringe. You look at Steve again only to find him avoiding your gaze.

“Well, sweetheart, me and Stevie boy here have plans later. Gonna do some gaming and order a pizza, really embracing the bachelor lifestyle.” He raised his eyebrows at this and you just rolled your eyes.

“Yeah, I heard Nat dumped your ass, actually, is that true?” You asked with a fake sweetness.

“Why, you interested?” He rebuffed.

You bristled at his quick response and muttered your annoyance under your breath. You chose not to respond. Instead you decided to address Steve.

“Steve, I didn’t realize that you had plans”

“Oh… yeah, loose plans…” He answered distractedly while pretending to be reading a text on his phone.

You decide to call it a day. You were getting seriously fed up with Steve’s passive behavior in all of this. Thankfully you didn’t have much to pack up, so once you slung your backpack over your shoulder you looked up at the pair to bid them goodnight.

“Well, Steve, this was… enlightening. Bucky, eat it. Goodnight fellas, have fun with your ‘bachelor lifestyle’” You said with air quotes. Turning on your heel you left before either could respond.

____

You had left the coffee shop that evening pretty upset with Steve. Of course it’s fine for him to have other friends but lately it was like he only cared about Bucky and all of your plans took a backseat to theirs. You decided you weren’t going to be the one to text Steve first, since he was being a bad friend. He could be the one to initiate plans.

He did just that when he caught you in the hallway after your midterm a week later. He jogged up to you once again and tugged on your sleeve to get you to stop.

“Hey, how do you think you did? Bet those notecards paid off, right?” He half-joked. He looked sheepish. Nervous almost. You figured it was because of what happened last time you met.

“Yeah, Jesus Christ! I’ve never been so grateful for little pieces of paper.” You scoffed. You decided to keep it light between you. You were still upset with him but his tone leads you to believe he was gonna apologize.

“Right?” He laughs nervously, “So listen, I know I’ve been kind of a jerk lately… Maybe we could get something to eat at Nick’s?”

Nick’s was the local greasy spoon on campus and they had the best breakfast food you’d ever had. You eyed him suspiciously but accepted.

“Alright, but you’re buying. And there better not be any visitors!” You add as you bound down the hall ahead of him. He knows you mean Bucky and he’s not worried because Bucky won’t be showing up today. He’s more nervous about what he has to ask you.

____

You’re sipping on pop as you play with your straw wrapper. You look up at Steve and notice he’s fidgeting a lot more than usual.

“What’s up? Why are you so twitchy?” You question him.

“Me? I’m not twitchy! I was just thinking that’s all” He quickly defends himself.

“Well that was the last midterm of the semester for both of us, I think it’s safe to say you can relax.”

“Yeah, guess you’re right.” Steve concedes quietly.

You and Steve eat in near silence, neither of you mind though because it’s comfortable. You worked on your hashbrowns when you looked up and noticed that Steve had barely touched his food. He was still fidgety, he looked nervous.

“Hey, you’ve hardly eaten anything, what’s the matter?”

He looks a little embarrassed, like he’s been caught. Or like he’s about to come clean about something.

“Look, I wanted to say sorry I know I haven’t been the best friend lately with everything going on with Bucky. He really is having a hard time since the breakup y’know… he’s lonely”

“Right” You laughed, “I’m sure he’s soo lonely.” You rolled your eyes and picked up your fork.

“No really, he just needed a friend to be there. I think he does need to get back out there though.”

“With how smooth he thinks he is, I'm sure he’ll have a date by the end of the night. I wouldn’t worry about it, Stevie.” You responded.

“I’m serious! As much of a player as he comes off he needs to be with someone he already knows. He’s actually really sensitive.” You interrupted with another laugh. There were many choice words you’d use to describe Bucky Barnes but ‘sensitive’ is not one of them.

“But anyway, I was...kinda hoping you’d do me a favor…” Steve trails off.

Based on the conversation you just had you’re cautious. You eye him warily but motion for him to continue.

“Well, like I said Buck’s having a hard time and he needs to get back out there but he doesn’t feel comfortable hooking up with a stranger. I was thinking maybe.. You guys should hang out?”

Steve refused to look at you as he finished the question. The look on your face was a look of confusion and shock.

“Fuck me gently with a chainsaw. Do I look like Mother Theresa?” you asked in disbelief. “I mean seriously, I’m nice but not that nice.”

“Look-”

“No!” You cut him off, “You know I can’t stand that prick. Also why would I want to put myself on the long list of women he’s probably tried to fuck? I don’t buy this whole ‘sensitive’ thing for a minute.”

“I’m serious, Nat kinda crushed his heart when she left. He acts cocky but it’s a front. I just think he needs to see someone to get it out of his system. You’ve got more in common than you think. Just hang out with him once. Don’t think of it like a date, just a really really big favor. Please?” Steve begged.

You pinched the bridge of your nose and sighed. “You. Owe. Me. So. Much”

“Really?” He asked hopefully.

“Really. But I’m not gonna bang him. Hard no on that” you said.

“Yeah, yeah of course! No problem! I’ll give Bucky your number!” He reached across the table and grabbed your hand. His hands were kidna clammy but you let him.

“Seriously, thank you. I know you think he’s some jerk but I promise he’s a good guy.” Steve adds, “A-and don’t think of it as like a date, even, y'know? I think honestly he could just use another friend. Think of how good it could be if we could all hang together some time?”

You shook your head and chuckled at his optimism while you stabbed another bite of your meal.

____

‘What’s up, sweetface?’ Gross.

‘Okay, sorry. Hi, how are you?’ Better.

‘I’m alright, you?’

‘Good. Steve tells me you’re a huge trivia nerd. Wanna go to Sally’s tn?’

‘It’s a date’ Shit. Didn’t mean to say that. Fuck. Quick- say something that will deflect before he responds!

‘And since it’s a date you’re paying’ That’ll have to do.

‘Ugh fine. Here’s hoping you’re a cheap date at least. I’ll meet you there at 9’

____

What do you wear for a date with someone that you despise? It’s just bar trivia so it’s nothing special but somehow the jeans and flannel you’ve been wearing all day don’t feel like they make the cut. You rip your closet apart trying to find something before you settle on black skinny jeans and your favorite sweater with some boots. Casual but not too casual.

You spend the whole walk there dreading the night ahead of you. Knowing that you wouldn’t even have Steve as a buffer between you made the whole evening seem daunting. At least you had trivia to distract you. You decide to give Bucky the benefit of the doubt tonight for Steve’s sake. You try to remember Steve’s insistence that Bucky’s a good guy and you have a lot in common. We’ll see about that.

When you arrive at the bar you find Bucky already waiting for you at a high-top table with two PBRs and a shot of brown liquid. Please don’t let that be whiskey. He sees you coming and smiles that damn-his-good-looks smile at you while patting the open chair next to him. The closer you get you even see that he got the whiteboard already for trivia.

“Please tell me that’s not Jameson or Fireball” you greet him.

He laughs a little and shakes his head. “Better - it’s Jack. Sorry, doll, but I already opened the tab. This is what we’re drinking” He nudges one of the shots closer to you and motions for you to pick it up. “Come on, we gotta start the night off right, bottoms up!”

Before you can gag at the thought of drinking whiskey you grab the glass and face him. You both knock your shots on the table before clinking them together and swallowing them in one go. You grimace at the taste and feel the warmth flow all the way down your throat. You quickly take a sip of your beer to rid yourself of the taste.

“Aww, you’re cute when you’re grossed out.” Bucky coos at you.

You’re embarrassed and annoyed but it goes away quickly.

“Shut up, Barnes”

You give him a light shove and he pretends like he’s about to fall off his stool, making you laugh. For someone that’s only ever annoyed you he’s doing a pretty bang-up job of being likeable when it’s just the two of you.

“You ready for me to carry you through some trivia?” You joked.

“Hey, now! I know...stuff” he concluded.

“Mmhmmm, I’m sure you do. Don’t worry, I’ll answer the questions and you just sit there and look pretty” you reach over to pat his face lightly with a wink.

Bucky grumbles before taking another sip of his beer.

You settle in for a long night when the host announces the first round is starting.

____

You managed to steal the first round without breaking a sweat, second round was a little rocky until it came down to you and one other couple. You knew the third round would be tricky but the way Bucky was cheering you on you were determined. To no one’s surprise Bucky had been completely useless so far but to his credit he was trying. At least he was a supportive teammate.

Things were going well until the third round was announced: Old School Videogames. You didn’t know shit about old school videogames. Or regular videogames. The extent of your video game knowledge started and ended with Mario Kart.

When the third round was announced though Bucky hit the table in excitement and cheered.

“Woo! Fuck yeah!” He pats you on the shoulder, “I got this, don’t worry. I so fuckin’ got this!”

He was a few drinks deep but he was so confident and he was your only hope so you went with it. He looked like a little kid the way he was practically giddy.

“You had better! There’s some serious prize money riding on this round.” You said in warning.

“No, no. You don’t understand that I’ve GOT this. Your turn to look pretty, not that it’s gonna be all that hard for you, sweetface” Bucky grinned at you over his beer as he took another sip.

Your cheeks felt heated and you tried your best to hide it by taking another drink yourself. Bucky’s flirting has never worked until now. Must be the alcohol.

“Shut up, Barnes” you mumble.

“Y’keep saying that but what I really think you mean is ‘I love you, Bucky you’re so strong and handsome~’” He imitated in a high pitched feminine voice.

You shoved him for real and before you could say anything else the third round was starting.

____

Bucky wasn’t kidding when he said he had this. He had won the round in a clean sweep and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t impressed. Who knew this man harbored so much videogame trivia? When the host handed you the prize money he just waggled his eyebrows as if to say See?

“I gotta hand it to you, Barnes, I had no idea you had that much videgame wisdom rolling around up there. The only videogame I ever play is Mariokart so I’d be toast without you.”

“Mariokart? That’s it?? No problem, doll. It was nice to contribute.” He chuckles at that.

You divvied the money up and handed him his half.

“Guess I’m not such a cheap date afterall, huh?”

He chuckled as he took his half from you.

“I’m gonna go pay the tab with our winnings, I’ll be back”

You picked up your phone while you waited for him to find some missed texts from Steve.

‘How’s it going?’ ‘Are you guys doing okay?’ ‘I haven’t heard anything so I’m assuming you haven’t killed each other. Have fun, text if you need a ride home.’

You almost rolled your eyes at Steve’s insistence but found yourself smiling instead. You’d text him back when you got home.

Bucky was walking up to you once more and you smiled at him slightly.

“You said you’re good at Mariokart?”

“I didn’t say I was good at Mariokart, I said that I played it. Why?”

“Well I was thinkin’ maybe we could go back to mine and I could whoop your butt”

You weren’t going to say yes but now he was goading you and you took the bait without hesitation.

“Oh, you’re on, Barnes. You’re so, so on.”

His smile grew wider when he heard your response. With that he placed his hand on your lower back and ushered you out of the bar.

____

You played two tournament cups worth of Mariokart and Bucky had indeed whooped your butt. You don’t know why you were surprised, with how much gaming he and Steve do it’s no surprise he’s a natural. You still had fun though. Just when you were about to propose a third round Bucky got up and headed to the kitchen without a word.

He came back with two glasses of water and handed you one. He sat down on the floor next to you and you set down your controller.

“Here, drink up.”

You were taken aback a bit by the kind gesture but accepted the glass just the same.

“Thank you, I might regret saying this but, you’re not so bad when you’re not being insufferable, Barnes”. You told him

He smiled and shook his head as he drank his water.

“Thanks, I guess”

“How come you can’t be like this all the time? When it’s just the two of us you’re so kind and you’re even… I don’t know, funny maybe. Why do you get all cocky whenever else I see you?”

He looked down into his glass at your comment and you watched his brows crease in thought.

“I don’t know, it just sort of… happens, whenever I’m around other people I don’t know that well. I don’t mean to be a dick or anything but it’s like I can’t help myself. People expect me to be a certain way and I can’t help but fall into it sometimes. Nat hated that about me, it’s part of the reason why she dumped me, actually”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know that. And I’m sorry about the breakup, too. I know you guys were together for a while.” Bucky only shrugged at this and downed the rest of his water.

“It is what it is. I’m ready to be over it, I’m getting there slowly but surely. I gotta say, you’re not so bad either when you’re not getting all defensive and in my face. You’re actually pretty funny”

Your turn to become flustered at a personal analysis.

“Thanks, I guess I don’t mean to be so defensive either, it's just my response to most other people. I feel myself slip into it and it can’t be helped.” You explained.

Bucky nods at you, not knowing entirely what to say in response.

“I like spending time with you” He says leaning closer to you.

You swallow thickly, not sure what to make of what you feel knowing his face is so close to yours.

“I… like spending time with you too. You’re not what I thought.”

“Me neither,” he shakes his head, “You’re something else.”

With that he leans his head closer to yours and you feel yourself close your eyes and move your lips to slant perfectly into his. You’re kissing Bucky Barnes. The Bucky Barnes you can’t stand. That Bucky Barnes. You’ve decided that his tongue feels too good in your mouth to care now.

His hands come to frame your face and bring you in closer. His hands are warm and calloused but they feel like comfort. You can’t help but to melt. You moan into his mouth and it seems to spur him on. He pulls you into his lap and you let out a noise of surprise that’s muffled by his mouth on yours.

Your hands come to caress his sides and you take your time feeling every muscle and ridge. Your hands idly make their way under the hem of his shirt and his skin is just as smooth as you’d expect. He sighs into your mouth and it takes all of your strength not to fall apart right there. You feel yourself getting lightheaded and have to pull away for air. When you do you rest your forehead against his and the only sound is both of your breathing.

You finally brave a look at him and he has the softest smile on his lips.

“Sorry, doll, didn’t mean to get so carried away but I’ve been waiting for a long time to do that.”

This catches you off guard.

“You have? Wait, did you like me? But you flirt with everyone!” You explain.

“With you, I flirt with you. You just can’t stand me” he laughs out, “Nat dumped me for a couple reasons but that’s one of them she told me I needed to get my priorities straight and I gotta say, I’m thankin’ her for sayin’ it ‘cause she was right.”

You don’t know what to say or what to make of any of this. All you know is that you want to kiss him again, so you do. You grab him by the collar and pull him into you again. He lets out a startled noise but kisses you back all the same.

You don’t care what you used to think of Bucky Barnes and you don’t care about what’ll happen after today. Right now all you care about is feeling him in sync with you for the first time. You could live in this moment forever but right now will have to do.

[jessikahathaway]

Crimson Grail - Part V

Well hello there lovelies! Here’s the newest update of Crimson Grail! Hope you all are doing well, love you lots!!

PS: Waiting on new banners for some of my fics so they will be blank until the banners come in!

Pairing: Min Yoongi X Reader

Genre: Pirate!AU, Romance, Action, Adventure

Warnings: Kidnapping, violence, coarse language.

Words: 3,964

Scarlett had taken you back to her ship after the Council had finished.

The two of you talked about your life, what you were doing before you joined the crew of the Crimson Grail, and what had happened to your family.

Why did you love the sea so much?

All of these questions and more were thrown your way as Scarlett interrogated you for information it felt like. But she claims she hadn’t had a good chance to talk with anyone for a long while. Her first mate, Joy, was really the only girl she trusted. But they had exhausted all topics apparently and she wanted to start fresh with you.

“Sorry Yoongi yelled at you, normally he’s much more controlled when it comes to things of that nature,” Scarlett said, brushing through her hair with her fingers.

“It surprised me, I’d never seen him like that before,” you said, biting your lip.

Although you hardly knew the man.

“I’m sure, but when Tobias is brought up or anything to do with his fanatics he gets a little touchy,” Scarlett explained.

“What? What do you mean, touchy?” You asked.

“Well, Tobias and Yoongi used to be friends. Thicker than thieves. But Tobias became obsessed with the story of the Heart of the Ocean you see. He wanted to control the seven seas and everything they had to offer. And in order to do this, he needed a ship. So he convinced Yoongi to help him steal one, and then-”

“Do you often enjoy spilling the secrets of everyone around? I thought that was Swallowtail’s job,” Yoongi said from the corner.

The pair of you jumped as you looked at him, captain’s hat tipped low as he gazed at the two of you from the shadows.

“Yoongi, I-”

“Enough Scarlett, I think we’ve all had plenty of talking for the evening. I came to take her back to the Grail for the night,” Yoongi said, looking at you.

“Must you ruin our girl time?” Scarlett whined, kicking her feet out like a small child.

“I’m afraid I can’t entrust her to you unsupervised for too long. Come, Y/N, it’s time we went to bed,” he said, turning his back to the two of you.

“Okay,” you said, dreading the thought of being alone with him. But, you waved to Scarlett regardless and made your way to him.

The walk to the Grail was silent, save for the pair of your footsteps hitting creaking boards. Yoongi didn’t even spare you a glance since you left Scarlett’s ship, and the way he was acting made you wary. What was going on with him? He’d barely spoken to you since the Council was done. He didn’t even see Scarlett snatch you away and take you to her ship. Jimin probably told him where you’d gotten off to.

“You said that you’d answer my questions this morning, but all you did was question me... You promised,” you said, walking behind him.

“I did say I would answer any and all questions, but the day proceeded differently. Sorry about that. But did you have questions?” He asked, looking back at you.

“Yes, of course I do!”

“Then, ask,” Yoongi said, leaning up against the railing of a shipwreck that was almost vertical. You gazed at him and found that his eyes weren’t meeting yours.

“What happened to your parents?” 

It was silent, and you felt as though you struck a chord deep within him. Something no one had touched for a very long while...

“They died,” he said, slowly as if he were thinking through his explanation.

“Okay, how did they die?” You pressed further.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Any and all questions,” you simply reminded.

He sighed and looked down at his boots before continuing.

“They hanged them, the Royal Navy did, when my sister and I were just children. After that we lived with my Aunt until we were old enough to work for our keep. My sister forgave the Royal Navy and married one of their lower ranks. I, I was always in love with the sea. So I had already been taken in by another family. Jimin and his friends actually. Once I had my taste of plundering and treasure... Gods it’s addictive, the wind in your hair the sea spraying in your face. It’s all so... alluring is it not?”

You were speechless.

“My parents died too,” you said, casting your gaze to him.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said, keeping his tone level.

“They were both murdered, right in front of me when I was a child. I didn’t have any siblings, so I grew up alone. The Inn keep down the road took me in, made me work for her. And since then, I’ve been on my own,” you said.

“Yeah? How did you come to love the sea?” Yoongi asked. 

“Well, my father was a merchant. He ran several loads of cargo from Yocleptes to Kevineuax. Mother and I traveled with him. We helped on the ship and that’s where I learned a lot of my ship knowledge and healing techniques.”

“I see,” Yoongi said.

Silence settled between the two of you again, and you weren’t sure how to break it. Yoongi had divulged his childhood to you, in turn you gave up a part of yourself as well. But now what do you talk about after that? 

“Captain!” You heard Jin’s voice echo over the quiet area.

“Aye?” Yoongi turned to him, you following closely after.

“You weren’t on the ship, I was wondering where you’d gone. Sorry to disrupt the two of you,” Jin said, placing his hands on his hips. 

“It’s alright Jin, we were just heading back to the Grail,” Yoongi said, starting to strut off towards his ship.

Jin nodded before looking at you. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine, thank you. Come, before the siren’s take us!” You joked, laughing and following Yoongi back to the Grail.

—

You woke up a few days later, throat dry as you headed for your wash basin.

The Council reconvened the morning you were supposed to leave to go after Tobias. You all agreed to wait for news of his next heading. Scarlett was heading to Yocleptes to gather information on him while Jimin was going to Kevineaux to see if he’d returned to his favorite port. 

The rest of you were to wait in Pirate’s Cove until they returned. 

Yoongi was restless to say the least. 

“I hate being docked for too long,” he said, as he came back to the cabin.

“Well, Scarlett should be back within the week and Jimin not too shortly after her. Just survive the week, Yoongi, I know you can do it,” you smiled. 

He sighed and sat down on the bed heavily. 

“I hate having to sit like a duck in this fortress with people I hardly trust. Sure, Apollo was on your side but... The two Lords I trust the most aren’t here. It makes me worry,” he said, rubbing his neck. 

“I understand your concerns, but I fear they might be misplaced,” you confessed. Yoongi looked up at you, shocked. 

“What do you mean, ‘misplaced’?” He asked.

“Apollo’s crew is mingling well with your men. So I see an alliance with him being the most likely while Scarlett and Jimin are gone. Swallowtail has kept to himself and not bothered us in the least. And Allistar, well... He’s young, and unsure of what he truly wants. I don’t think anyone is going to make a move on the other. It’s a big stalemate currently,” you explained.

“Allistar is a fire cracker, I know that he’s planning some mischief, I just... Don’t leave my sight until those two are back, alright?” He said, looking at you with concern.

“Captain? Are you in there? Lass?” Greaves' voice echoed through the room.

“We’re in here Greaves, you can come in,” you said, sitting down at your new vanity Yoongi cleared off for you.

“I have news from First Mate Jin. He says the remaining council members are meeting on what to do in the meantime while Captain Scarlett and Captain Jimin are out gathering information on Tobias Bridge,” he said, looking at you and Yoongi.

“Well, best we get ready. I’ll leave you to change,” Yoongi said, standing up and heading for the door. 

“I might need your help,'' you said offhandedly.

You heard a small choke from the corner. Turning your head, you looked at Yoongi in confusion.

“W-With what?” He said. Greaves was a similar shade of pink as he walked away from the door.

“My corset?” You said, as if it were obvious.

“O-Oh, of course, I’ll uh... I’ll wait out here and you can call me in when you need me, alright?” 

You nodded and continued brushing your hair at the vanity for a short while.

Many thoughts came to mind. 

Especially about Yoongi. What was his goal? Why did he want to continue to be a pirate? How did he get so strong and find a ship such as the Grail? Even some stupid questions like what his favorite drink was. You wanted to know everything about the man who would be your husband. 

And yet, he was still such a mystery to you.

That was all well and good, but... You didn’t want to have to hide anything from him, and you wanted him to feel the same. If you couldn’t find love in one another you at the very least wanted to be friends. 

But something about Yoongi felt off, as if he were hiding something from you. Something dark and dangerous.

But the day was today, and those are fears of tomorrow. Let them sit there in the wings while you enjoy the now.

“You can come in!” You said, adjusting your corset as you winced. Your arm was still tender, but it was getting better.

Yoongi walked in, clearing his throat as he approached. You felt his warm palms on your waist and you jumped slightly.

“Sorry,” he breathed. 

“It’s okay,” you assured. Face flushing slightly at the contact. 

“So, um, breathe in please,” he said, taking the bottom laces and pulling them tight. You gasped as the bodice began to tighten around your frame. It had been a long while since you’d worn a full corset and it was obvious it’d take some getting used to. 

You gripped the bed frame and gasped when Yoongi tugged once more. 

“Easy, or I’ll break!” You said, holding your stomach.

“Sorry, sorry. Should I stop?” He asked.

“No-No, keep going,” you breathed. 

“Um, sir?” 

The two of you bolted apart at the sound of another voice. 

Jin stood there, blush over his cheeks as he stared at the two of you.

“Jin, you can’t just barge in here!” Yoongi warned, walking over to him.

“The door was open?” Jin said, pointing to the very open door at the back of him.

“You left the door open!?” You shrieked, coming forward to throttle Yoongi for all he was worth before Jin spoke again.

“Anyways, the meeting is in about ten minutes. I’m here to escort the two of you to the meeting room,” he said.

“Well, we’ll meet you on deck in a few moments, just let us finish here,” Yoongi said.

“Very well, I will await the two of you on deck then,” Jin said, smirking lightly before heading out the door, and shutting it this time.

You could feel the heat from your face burning through your whole body. Embarrassment flooded you as you tried not to hide in shame. But Yoongi tied off your corset without even blinking.

“There, you’re all set,” he said, patting you on the back softly.

“Thank you,” you grimaced, trying not to let your own embarrassment leak out past your blush.

“Sure, let’s get going,” Yoongi stated, bringing you to his side before walking out the door. 

—

The meeting was boring to say the least. Everyone agreed that two ships would stay behind and the other two would make port in nearby towns. It was simply easier for everyone that way. And so people weren’t draining their supplies needlessly. And the other two ships would also bring back extra cargo for the rest of the ships. 

Allistar and Yoongi were told to stay here in Pirate’s Cove while Swallowtail and Apollo’s crew went to port elsewhere. Yoongi was sour about the whole situation, wanting to be one of the people who got to leave the damned cove but, everyone had voted against him.

Although, Yoongi was also upset for another reason.

Allistar was the only pirate in the Council Yoongi was on incredibly bad terms with. Something about calling him a child in the boots of a man that were three sizes too big. That hadn’t gone over very well with the youngster, making the two men at odds at the best of times.

So, Yoongi went straight to the cabin when the pair of you returned from the meeting. Jin looked at you for some kind of information but you just shook your head. 

“He just needs some time to cool off no doubt,” you said. Jin nodded and the two of you rested along the sides of the boat leisurely.

You watched as Apollo’s and Swallowtail’s ships left the fortress. You longed to feel the sun on your face again, the sea spray freshening your skin and making it dance in pleasure as the ship moved forward towards the beloved horizon.

But, here you were, stuck like the rest of the men here. 

“He’s anxious, I can tell,” Jin said, arms folding over the other as he gazed out over the cove with muted interest.

“Anxious? About what?” You asked, intrigued. 

“Going after Tobias is no doubt going to reopen old wounds with him. And with you now a part of the picture he’s going to have someone to worry about. Yoongi is bad about thinking about himself first. He normally goes into stuff thinking about the other people involved, he’s just an afterthought. This is going to change with you I hope. Someone to remind him to look after himself, keep himself and his friends safe. I worry about him constantly, as someone who has known him for almost seven years I think that we are rather good friends. But, he keeps his very personal life away from everyone. Even from himself. Hopefully, you can bring that part of him to life again. So he’s not afraid of losing everything all the time. I hope that you two can work together to be a great team, I want that for the two of you,” Jin confessed.

You had tears in your eyes because you were so moved with his speech.

“Oh Jin! I’ll do my very best! I absolutely will!” You said, moving to take both of his hands in yours. 

He flushed a deep scarlet as you smiled brightly.

“Thank you, Y/N, I mean it,” he said. 

“Oh goodness, is that the time? I had better go get the men to cleaning the ship. You can wander about as you’d like. I’m sure Yoongi still needs a bit of time,” Jin announced before heading off into the ship.

You sighed and gazed around, a small light in the water catching your eye. 

What was it?

A piece of gold?

A jewel?

You leaned further over the edge, trying to get a better glance at the object when-

“Grab her lads!”

Suddenly there was cloth around your mouth and you were being hauled overboard.

Tight ropes constricted your shoulder painfully, making your eyes water. These men weren’t gentle in the way they handled you. They just grabbed for whatever part of you they could get their hands on. 

What was worse, they barely rocked the boat with their precision and deft hands. You looked up to the cabin and your heart sunk as you realized the curtains were drawn, and Yoongi wasn’t going to be able to save you this time. 

But who would be capturing you? There was only one other pirate here and that was Allistar. Yoongi would immediately know where to go and how to find you, so what was the point in taking you hostage?

Going limp you simply let them carry you without a fight. You wanted to save your energy for when it really counted.

The men all worked in tandem to get you aboard the Jeweled Crest and handed you to another set of men that took you below the deck. Sqiruming from discomfort you jostled in your restraints and yelped when they rubbed against your wounded shoulder. The men silenced you once more before hauling you into a cage in the brig. 

A chorus of laughter came from them as they all gathered around the iron bars. 

Finally, the great schemer himself came forward, ripping the cloth from your mouth. You winced as you glared up at Allistar with detestation. 

“There she is, the pretty bride. So sorry if the transport wasn’t to your liking. We had to make due with what we had you see,” he explained, twirling the cloth in between his fingers gingerly.

“Why did you bring me here?” You asked, wanting to get to the point already.

“Well, you see my dear, Yoongi having a bride is horribly unpleasant for the lot of us. Swallowtail, Apollo. We all agreed it’d be best if you were, as they say, indisposed,” Allistar smirked.

“Yoongi will know you’ve taken me,” you said, sneering right back in his juvenile face.

“Ah yes, but he will know a smidge too late I’m afraid,” Allistar said.

“What?”

“We plan to kill you, tonight. Tie you down with weights and let you sink to the bottom of the cove. And tomorrow morning, poor Yoongi will find your body drifting in the sea. He’ll be utterly heartbroken. Far too heartbroken to think about going after the Heart of the Sea, and the treasure will be mine,” Allistar smiled.

“You realize that Yoongi could kill you for this. It goes against the code,” you said, faintly remembering Jin and Yoongi’s ramblings about your new rank. 

“Ah yes he could, but you drowned remember?”

“Yoongi will know it wasn’t an accident,” you said, marking your words.

“But what evidence will he have against me? My men haven’t left a bruise on you. And your body will be floating near the Grail,” he smiled.

“If you truly think this plan will come to fruition then you are more dense than you look,” you scoffed.

Allistar came forward, hand gripping your throat painfully. “Listen here lass, I will have you know I am the youngest Pirate Lord for a reason. I am as ruthless as the sea and I take everything of value in my path. You are playing a dangerous game with me, one you won’t win,” he warned.

“If I’m to die, the least I can do is remind you of your place,” you smirked.

The crew went deadly silent. 

A sharp sting was felt as your head jerked to the side. 

He’d hit you.

You smiled and turned your head back to his. His face was flushed with anger and frustration, something not unusual for a child his age. He was merely upset because he wasn’t getting the fear he wanted. You wouldn’t give it to him, there wasn’t any point.

You’d easily been gone for an hour at this point. Yoongi or Jin should’ve noticed you missing by now... You hoped.

—

Yoongi was laying in bed, wondering why on Earth he had to stay here another day. Let alone another week. Especially with Allistar. The cocky little brute was no doubt going to cause some kind of trouble while he was here with Yoongi and his crew.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Yoongi said, sitting up on the mattress.

“Sir, it’s me,” Greaves said, entering the cabin.

“Yes Greaves, how can I help you,” Yoongi said, standing to his full height. 

“Have you seen Miss Y/N? No one has seen her since after the meeting and we all went about cleaning the ship. We thought she might be up here with you,” he said, looking around the cabin with a wary eye.

“I haven’t seen her since after the meeting either, perhaps she went for a walk and hasn’t returned yet?” Yoongi asked.

“The men did a sweep of the perimeter and didn’t find her anywhere. Jin checked inside the fortress and she wasn’t in there either. I’m getting worried Captain,” Greaves said, worrying over you like you were his own child. 

“I’m sure she’ll turn up Greaves, no need to worry,” Yoongi said, heading to sit back down before something struck within him.

If you hadn’t been seen since the meeting, that meant that Apollo or Swallowtail could have taken you out to sea. But they were leaving when Yoongi went into his cabin, and you were with Jin on the deck at that point. 

Where could you have gone off to?

Then it hit him.

“Allistar, the smarmy bastard no doubt took her,” Yoongi said, placing his hand on his sword.

“It’s almost dark Captain. The last time she was seen was almost three hours ago,” Greaves worried, biting his dark nails in fear.

“It’s alright, can you go get Jin for me? I need to speak with him privately,” Yoongi explained.

“I’ll be right back Captain!”

With that, Greaves left the room. Yoongi mulled over a few possibilities of why Allistar would want you. No doubt it put Yoongi in a bad position to have his bride taken from him right under his nose. But, Yoongi hadn’t thought Allistar had the gall to take something from him. Not with Yoongi being older and having been one of the most notorious pirates on the seas. 

Allistar was young and naive, and he was going to learn his place. 

If he’d touched a hair on your head there’d be hell to pay. 

Thinking through his plan, Jin came through the door shortly after.

“You needed to see me Captain?” Jin asked.

“Yes, when was the last time you saw Y/N?” He asked, looking out of his cabin’s windows. 

“We talked a little after the meeting, but then the crew went to clean the ship. I thought she either came up here to talk to you or went for a walk,” Jin explained.

“Allistar’s taken her,” he said, growling at the thought.

“What?!” Jin exclaimed. 

“He took her from me, right under my nose. What kind of husband lets that happen!?” Yoongi yelled.

“No one could’ve predicted that Allistar would act this quickly. The important thing is how we fix this,” Jin said. 

Yoongi nodded.

“No doubt the second he sees me he’ll either give her back or shoot her right in front of me,” Yoongi said, rubbing his forehead.

“Would he go against the code like that? No Pirate Lord can harm the bride of the other, I thought that was the code?” Jin stated.

“Power makes beasts of us all, Jin. And when it’s given too young it can meld your mind into something ugly. Allistar is living proof of that. We need to go over there and retrieve Y/N before things get out of hand,” Yoongi explained. 

“Very good Captain,” Jin agreed.

Just as the two were about to leave the cabin, Yoongi caught sight of something being thrown off Allistar’s ship into the depths below. 

“Oh fuck. Jin we’ve gotta move now! Get the men ready and follow me as soon as you can!” 

“Captain! Captain what’s going on?” Jin asked.

“Man overboard.”

[orionwhispers]

🍒 Hey, Lolita, Hey! 🍒 ; Tommy Shelby

(A/N - Wow!! Its been a long time, sorry for my absence, I suck! Lana Del Rey is one of my favourite artists of all time and Lolita inspired this imagine, because as Im sure you have all figured out now in my head Tommy is brought to his knees by a small country girl who he adores. I know my characters are all similar but i can’t help it lol! Thank you for your patience and PLEASE let me know your thoughts on this, kisses and hugs my angels xoxox also - lolita is one of my fave books and i would never romanticise pedophilia or anything gross like that, this character is of age and entirely consenting all that good stuff!)

Part Two 

There was one thing Thomas Shelby was not, and that was a babysitter. He was respected and powerful, wise beyond his years with no time for childish antics or immaturity, he had a business to run, one that required his undivided attention. He was surrounded by an aura of dominance and authority, as grey as the smoke that passed his full lips, engulfing those around him and contaminating them with his darkness. In contrast, you're a beacon of light, radiating youth and enchantment - so bright you rivalled the sun, illuminating everyone you came in contact with your exhilarating nature. Maybe that’s why you became so close, two opposite sides of the spectrum drawn together like magnets, unaware that you needed the other to help balance yourselves out.

You were Michaels best friend from childhood, except, when you knew him he was Henry. You grew up in cottages side by side, with matching rose vines blossoming up the brickwork and sharing a stream at the bottom of your garden. Ever since he was adopted by his foster parents you became as thick as thieves, sharing secrets until the sun set and rose again behind the clouds that consumed your neighbourhood. You paddled in the water, catching frogs and newts with your bare hands, splashing each other until your mother ran out, shrieking at you for ruining your new dress. As the years passed and you slipped into adolescence you remained just as close, stealing whisky from your parents and drinking it on the roof of an abandoned house, staying up till midnight in the cornfields, laughing until you burst into tears of pure elation.

Everyone was convinced you would end up together, your mothers sharing tea and tales about what your children and future home would look like. The both of you would roll your eyes, teasing and giggling the other relentlessly, knowing that although the bond you shared was unbreakable, you never once thought of the other romantically. Deep down though, despite his toothy grins and the adventures you shared, you knew Michael wasn’t happy in the country. He was brilliant, destined for a life more than just meadows and wildflowers, as much as it pained you, you knew your best friend would eventually leave.

That’s why, when he came rushing to your house, scaling the vines and darting in through your window as he had always done - (despite the door being constantly unlocked) - and he breathlessly told you about the suited man who had visited him, telling him about his birth mother, you grabbed his face and demanded he leave. You both knew it was for the best, and you helped him pack his bags and fix his best tie as he prepared to start a new chapter in his life, both of you wiping away tears as you remembered your fondest memories spent in the village, grateful for the fact that it brought you impossibly close.

“Oi! You better not forget about me.” You teased, wiping away droplets from your rosy cheeks as you watched him board the train, ready to start his new life.

He rolled his eyes dramatically, “Please. Like you’ll get rid of me that easily, we both know we’re stuck with each other forever.”

His words were beyond true, and no sooner than a week later a letter arrived at your doorstep, it was on fancy paper only available in the inner city and you fingered it gently, running your hands over the words as if they would fade from the page. It described how he had met his birth mother and had been welcomed into a new family - he seemed hesitant to describe them but you didn’t mind, your heart soaring at the happiness leaking from the ink. Despite his stupid pride, he was truthful about how much he missed you, and how it wasn’t the same without seeing you every day, and you agreed, missing the connection you shared. He was adamant that you would come visit, telling you how he was desperate to show you around and introduce you to his family, you beamed with pride, running inside to get your ink and write back.

A year passed and the only way you communicated was through your weekly letters. Without fail, every Friday morning as you drank your tea sweetened with sugar and honey, you perched on the window seat eagerly, unable to stop the grin as you saw the postman’s statement bag from behind the gate. You’d rush outside and tear it open, laying in the grass as you read his weekly update, missing him with your whole heart. You had so badly wanted to go and visit him, but things were more complicated than you anticipated.

Not only did you still have school to complete, but village life was all you had ever known, and you soon got sucked into the routine of feeding animals, taking care of the children and tending to the plants. The letters were the tear in your familiarity, exposing you to a world beyond what you knew. Despite the miles of distance between you both, conversation flowed like it had never stopped, your friendship evident on the pieces of parchment paper travelling across the country. It was something you never knew you needed, for you, it was the idea of a life outside what you knew, more than rivers and fields, that idea that you were possibly destined for more. For Michael, it was a reminder of where he came from and who he had left behind, as he slipped more into a Peaky Blinder, your letters would bring him back to sanity, reminding him of the good in the world.

The Friday following your eighteenth birthday and the start of summer, you were watering the sunflowers blooming below your windowsill when you heard the crunch of the gravel behind you. You twisted at the sound and gleefully took the letter from the weary postman, seemingly tired from the weekly trek he made to your cottage. You thanked him as you felt the package in between your fingers, it was much larger than before, and you could feel a slip of something between the edges of your hands. You ripped it open, your heart hammering as you saw the train ticket, fragile and delicate between your shaking palms and printed in large red letters, Birmingham. Placed behind you could see Michaels tell-tale handwriting but instead of pages of detail, there was only a line.

“Happy Birthday. Come and visit me, no excuses this time. I’ve missed you.”

Much to the rest of the Shelby’s amusement, Polly was a nervous wreck, ever since Michael had announced he had invited you to come stay with them, she had been cleaning and dusting relentlessly. Tommy rolled his eyes as she pushed his feet off of her coffee table, wiping it down for the third time since he had arrived. “You know, Pol, I hardly think this new guest is going to be judging you on the woodwork.” She gave him one of her hardened stares and he held his hands up in mock defeat, sucking on the end of a cigarette and turning the newspaper. “I don’t see why you’re being like this - isn’t she just one of Michaels friends from the country?”

She stopped mid-wipe, placing her hands on her hips and staring him down like a tigress. “She’s his best friend.” She emphasised the words as if they would have any significance to him, he resisted the urge to wrinkle his nose, he had work to do, and he hoped that his cousin wouldn’t keep him busy with childish antics. “Not like you know the meaning of those words.” She added slyly, dusting the bookcase with far too much vigour, sending speckles of dust into the air. “You know how much he goes on about her, it’s sweet. I want everything to go well, She knew him all those years I didn’t… she knows a side of him I don’t.”

Her voice was unusually soft and it made Tommy rub a hand over his eyes reluctantly, he met Polly’s expectant gaze and nodded, a small signal of mutual agreement - he would be nice. He didn’t have any high expectations and hoped the two of you would leave him in peace, he had no need for two teenagers to mess around in his business, his plan was to hole himself in his office for the duration of your stay. He grabbed his jacket and pocket watch, checking the time quickly and making an exit as he realised he was late for a meeting, he offered a salute of departure as he heard his Aunt’s voice cut through the brisk air. 

“I swear, if you mess this up for him Thomas, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

He rolled his eyes, she was back.

You weren’t sure what you were expecting, Birmingham seemed as foreign to you as Mars, but that day as you stepped off the train onto the platform, stomach twisting into gnarled knots from your nerves, and you saw the familiar face of your best friend, it felt like home. His transition was shocking though, at first. His hair was shorter, the blonde fading chestnut from his lack of sun, he was taller and broader, and had an aura of power surrounding him, you could tell from the way people avoided his gaze, slinking back like he was a wild dog. His accent was different as well, thicker and he spoke slower, more eloquently as if he had rehearsed every word that fell from his lips. Any qualms you had about seeing him dissolved though, as soon as you saw his trademark eyes and soft smirk, his lips twisting as he enveloped you in his arms. Beneath the fancy suits and rolls of cigarettes, he was still your Henry.

Polly adored you. She was the one you were most terrified of meeting. You knew Michael was adopted, and even as a small child he spoke of his Mother as if she was a Queen from the storybooks you would share, it broke your heart to find out the truth - and your sympathy and genuine kindness made you and Polly close, your heart of gold unusual in Birmingham. The three of you would spend all day and most of the night sharing stories, you could have filled up a book with hilarious anecdotes of your childhood adventures, Polly snorting with unrefined laughter as you reminisced about Michael falling down a well. You were the closest thing she had to the boy Michael once was and loved the fact that you brought a childish glimmer to his ocean eyes.

The days passed and you slowly became more intertwined with the roots of Michaels new life, he opened up to you about the family business and introduced you to his cousins Arthur, John and Finn. They were kind and hilarious, welcoming you with big smiles and hugs as if you were a long-lost family member. You also bonded with Isaiah, sharing a talented knack for teasing Michael and knowing how to exactly get under his skin and make him squirm with embarrassment, the three of you laughing till the sun rose in the Garrison.

Coincidently, that was the first place you met Tommy. It was a particularly hot evening and after Michael enthusiastically showing you around his new kingdom, he dragged you into the pub for something bitter and unfamiliar. You were never much of a drinker, only occasionally stealing liquor from your parent's cabinets and stealing swigs under the stars, but you were desperate for some relief from the unrelenting heat. Arthur and John noticed your arrival, both men beyond tipsy and waving for you to join their booth, you smiled as you slunk in next to them, smelling sour spirits and old cigarettes. Michael returned with a pint of something that smelt and looked like petrol and you raised an eyebrow, laughing as he winked and murmured. “Birmingham's finest.”

It was hot and spicy on your tongue, but refreshing and it didn't take you long until you had downed the glass, enjoying the buzz it gave you. You weren’t sure how long had passed but soon you were giggling like a little girl, already drunk, the blood rushing to your head. You thew your hair back as John told a dirty joke, and you nestled deeper into the arm Michael had swung over your shoulders, at some point he had plucked the flower from the vase on the table and tucked it behind your ear, singing a drunken rendition of a lullaby from your childhood.

“Tommy boy!” Arthurs voice was booming and made you wince from the sudden intrusion. You blinked away the headache forming and tried to focus on the figure in front of you. You almost audibly gasped but managed to close your mouth before you could let it slip, you hoped the blush rising to your cheeks seemed like natural flush from the alcohol and heat but even still you hid behind your loose hair. The man acknowledged his brother momentarily but kept his eyes on you, impassive and emotionless, making you quiver under his stare. Up close he was even more beautiful than you originally imagined, his eyes were the colour of the summer sky and you felt even dizzier as you melted under his gaze. He radiated domination and pure power and you felt beyond intimidated, but so intrigued, his beauty making him an enigma you were desperate to uncover.

To your surprise, he extended a palm, so cool and collected it made you shiver. “You must be, (Y/N)” His confidence was alluring and you nodded in return, reaching across the sticky table to meet his fingers, unable to ignore the spark as your hands connected. “Thomas Shelby.” You simply stared in return, getting helplessly lost in those eyes, feeling hot and drunk and unable to form any kind of sentences. “I’ll be seeing you around.” it wasn’t a question or a friendly remark, it was a statement, one that made your knees buckle, only snapping out of your daze as you heard John snigger.

“What?”

He lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke into the humidity. “I think Tommy has seen something he likes.”

You weren’t what he was expecting. Truth be told he had forgotten all about you, his mind wrapped up in business deals and endless meetings, and he had simply slipped into the Garrison on his way home looking for something strong to numb his thoughts. He wasn’t expecting to see you there, with loose hair and flushed cheeks, captivating everyone around you unknowingly. He hadn’t expected his jaw to clench at the sight of his cousin's arm around your shoulders, heavy and strong against your small and delicate frame. The heat rose inside him unconsciously, even though he had no reason to be jealous of such a small and simple gesture, especially one directed at a girl he didn't even know.

He shrugged the feeling off and remained impassive, extending a hand as he drank you in like a glass of water after a scorching day. He roamed over your features, freckles from the sun sprouting along your nose, eyes big like a young doe’s and lips prominent. It was your skin that made him stop though, impossibly smooth despite the few blemishes of adolescence, untainted from smoke or age, no wrinkles from laughter or sadness. Simply glossy and beautiful, dewy from the heat and unbridled with years of drinking or fighting. He fought off the thoughts in his head as he left the pub, fondling the smoke between his fingers as he slid into his car. You were just a child, you were innocent.

Three days passed without any contact between you both, Tommy caught up with his business and you enjoying spending the days with your best friend. It was just approaching mid-afternoon, the sun was high in the sky and even Tommy had to shrug off his jacket as he approached Polly’s door. He gave three rapid knocks against the wood, waiting a millisecond before sighing in annoyance at the lack of response and unlocking the door with a spare set of keys.

“Pol?”

He ran a hand over his brow as he entered the hallway, searching for any sign of his Aunt. He was feeling impatient, inwardly annoyed at the fact she wasn’t immediately answering - even though he had arrived unannounced. Walking through the kitchen he pressed a hand to the teapot resting by the sink, frowning when the ceramic was cold to his touch and opened his mouth to call one last time.

“Polly?”

“Sorry, you just missed her.”

He turned to the noise, enthralling him like a bell against the wind, soft and gentle. You were stood in the doorway, hair loose and your dress hitting just below your knees, showing slivers of sun-kissed skin. Fire was brewing in the pit of your stomach from the mere sight of the older man and you turned your face to the sink, heading over to wash your mud stained hands to escape his gaze. You cleared your throat at the silence that lasted a millisecond too long, feeling like a school girl with a crush as you felt his eyes trawl across you.

“She just left, with Michael - they went to the betting shop, I think they had some work left behind.” You almost bit your tongue to stop yourself from rambling, but you were embarrassed and insecure, feeling like a complete and utter child. You knew he probably already thought of you as a burden, especially after your ridiculous encounter at the Garrison, and now barefoot in a sundress in Polly’s kitchen, you felt like a field mouse encountering a fox.

“And they left you.”

It was a simple statement and you couldn't decipher any hidden meaning behind it, your anxious nature wondering if it was a dig at you - perhaps he thought you were unable of doing mathematics or simply too stuck up to help out with the family business. You ran your tongue over your teeth momentarily as you turned off the faucet, wiping your palms with a tea towel and shrugging your shoulders.

“Michael doesn’t want me involved.”

“Overprotective, eh?”

“We’ve been best friends since we were kids, we both are of each other.”

Tommy’s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes lighting up with a flicker of humour that you couldn't read as he lit a cigarette. Even an action as simple and collected as bringing the smoke between his lips made you feel uneasy at the sheer authority and power he held over any situation. Being alone in a room with him made you feel small and meek, but you couldn’t help but yearn for him, his dominance and beauty were unrivalled with anything you had met before and you were drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

Unhappy with the silence that engulfed you both, you lifted your leg to scratch your ankle with the underside of your foot, unknowingly lifting your dress an inch higher. You watched as his eyes darted to the flesh that had slipped out, the momentary blip in his demeanour making you regain a sliver of confidence, your eyes meeting properly for the first time.

He was first to break contact, back to his impassive and in-control state. “You been gardening?” The causal dip in conversation made you stammer but after noticing his eyes drift to the stems and tools strewn beside the sink you nod, toying with your fingers.

“Oh yeah, I wanted to thank Pol for everything, she mentioned she loved Violets and I saw some when I was at the market, thought I could surprise her.” Your words were dainty, even with your slight country accent they glided across Tommy’s ears like the finest silk, much to his displeasure at the effect you were having on him.

You noticed the change in the air and tried to brush away your inner discomfort, “I’ll ask her to ring when she’s back? I’ll tell her you stopped by…” You paused, “Thomas.” His good looks and character made you feel small and once again you diverted your attention to the tiling, sure that by now you could memorise the pattern in your sleep.

Footsteps made you tilt your head, and exhale from deep in your chest as you noticed how close you both were now. Without warning his thumb skimmed across the side of your cheek, making your heart hammer madly. He tilted it so you could see the calloused underside was covered in speckles of dirt and immediately your hand shot up, your face turning as pink as the salmon coloured roses outside.

“Call me Tommy,” You nodded, sucking on your tongue for comfort as his ocean eyes bore into yours, a confident smirk on his beautiful features and you inwardly cringed that he knew the impact he had on you. Without warning, he turned to the door, grabbing his coat and box of matches, back facing you as you scrambled to pull yourself together. “It’s a shame.” You looked up, confusion evident on your features, the summer breeze mingling into the cottage as he held the front door open. “Me and Michael, I don’t wanna fall out with him.” His voice was so even and calm you weren’t sure you were hearing him properly, your brows were knotted together in surprise and he answered for you, “but one thing you should know about me - I always get what I want.”

From then on Tommy took every opportunity to watch you from afar. He observed you from a distance, admiring the little quirks and mannerisms that made you, but he remained impassive, refusing to be submerged into you entirely - he had a reputation to uphold after all. However, it was much harder than he thought. During intense family meetings at Polly’s, his eyes would travel to you outside, sat in the sun away from the drama, tanned legs tangled together, reading a book in the grass. Your laughter would hit him like the brisk winter air as it flowed into his office as you giggled down the hall with Michael, forcing him to get up and shut the door, despite it ringing in his ears like wind chimes. You would catch his eye at the Garrison, swallowing pints of bitter as large as your head, or sneak glances at you as you roamed arm in arm with Michael around Birmingham, radiating the cobbled streets with your infectious smile.

One particular morning, as Polly stirred milky tea and spoke about business, he diverted his gaze to you outside. Standing on your tiptoes to hang bundles of washing onto the line, face flushed from the heat and tongue caught between your lips in concentration as you fiddled with the pegs. Feeling eyes on you, he watched as you turned to face him, squinting momentarily from the sun only to blink it away once you recognised the familiar face, you offered him a playful wink, your confidence and cheekiness surprising you both. You grabbed the empty basket and walked away, and Tommy frowned inwardly when he realised he didn’t want you to go.

The sound of clashing china brought him from the depths of his own mind as Polly slammed the cups onto the saucers lining the table. She gave him a pointed look as he sighed when the liquid sloshed onto his sleeve, he went to open his mouth but Polly cut him off, “Stop sniffing around that girl, Tom.” Upon seeing his expression she put both her hands onto the mahogany, looking him in the eye. “I mean it. She’s a good girl and I won’t have you dragging her into this shit. For Michael's sake.”

Polly could strike the fear of God into men and could make anyone twice her size cower from her sheer authority and cold tone. Even Tommy with his abundance of war medals and engraved bullets would think twice before crossing her, but even his intimidating aunt couldn’t stop him this time.

As the nights became longer and the sun beat down like rays of golden honey onto the streets of Birmingham you and Tommy grew closer. It was subtle and small at first, gentle glances and touches, words with hidden meanings and silences filled with significance. He stirred up a feeling in you-you couldn’t understand, something you had never experienced before, flickering in your stomach like a match. Your whole life you had felt tiny and insignificant, but around Tommy he made you feel like the world.

The feared Gangster did an incredible job at wooing you, despite you falling head over heels for just his charm and good looks. He soon realised you weren’t a champagne and pearls kind of girl and surprised you with novels you had offhandedly mentioned or perfumes that smelled of citrus and pine. He made your heart flutter and cheeks widen whenever you saw him, but you still felt massively insecure, you were years younger than him, and despite being mature you could still be playful and childish. He surrounded himself with brilliant and beautiful women and in comparison, you felt tiny, you wanted to trust him, you wanted to more than anything, but you couldn’t see what he saw in you.

He persisted though, knowing exactly what he wanted, he took you to the races, saying it was because your country roots would help him choose a mare, but really he wanted to observe you in privacy. Watching your demeanour change and shift depending on who you were talking to, holding your own against the toffs but being sweet and soft by the horses, making his heart unexpectedly swell. Your confidence around him soon grew, spending evenings reading in the candlelight of his office as he scribbled on forms, occasionally reciting a line that you liked. You exchanged glances, and he offered you his signature smirk that made you weak at the knees.

Your initial worries diminished entirely one late night, as you twirled around with Michael to music coming from the gramophone in the ballroom of a party, slightly drunk from cherry wine and you escaped the garden. He followed immediately, unable to take his eyes off you the entire night, you captivating him completely, you smiled at his presence, face flushed and eyes twinkling, but before you could greet him, he took your faces in his large palms, kissing you passionately under the moonlight.

That night you lay on Michaels bed, limbs spread askew and heart thumping wildly as you recited the night to your best friend breathlessly.

“For fuck's sake, (Y/N)! You could've had anyone in Birmingham and you pick Thomas fucking Shelby, you are such a twat!”

You paused, gauging his reaction and wondering if he was actually annoyed. You never wanted to do anything to hurt him, and you knew that he was massively overprotective and didn't want you involved in the Blinder’s business, but also Tommy was his cousin, and you didn’t want it to be uncomfortable. You both momentarily stared at the other, faces twisted in anticipation until you both broke out in peals of laughter that lasted till your ribs hurt. You threw a plush pillow at him that he caught effortlessly, beating your stomach with it as he declared,

‘Seriously, though. If I ever walk in on you two fucking I’m driving you back to the country myself.”

Truthfully, Tommy had never met a girl like you. He hadn’t expected the connection he felt to be anything more than lust, but to his surprise, his feelings went deeper than that. The women he was usually with were a sharp contrast to you, with your long hair and sun-kissed skin, dancing around barefoot and soft-lipped. He took a while to get attached to anyone, and it happened very rarely so he was beyond confused when he noticed the overprotectiveness and jealousy that bubbled inside him whenever you were with someone other than him.

Something in you brought out a side of him no one had seen since before the war, your youth and optimism awakening a light that he thought would forever be extinguished. You were half his size and about as intimidating as a kitten but it wasn’t long before you had him utterly wrapped around your little finger, so sickly sweet you almost brought him to his knees. The difference between you both was huge, but you meshed together perfectly, he was the most dangerous man in town and you were his little angel.

You were hardly innocent though, using your power over him for manipulation whenever you could. You were infatuated with him and had never been in a relationship like it before, only cheesy kisses with the young boys from back home. You knew how to tease and wind him up, running your tanned legs over the other as you lounged alone, tracing a finger over your exposed collarbone as you drank sweet tea in the sunlight, biting your lip as you read a book, licking your fingers clean of strawberry juice with an innocent grin.

Nights were spent under the stars, forcing him back to his Gypsy roots as you tangled up in one another, hot kisses mingling in the evening air. Giggles escaping your cherry lips as you sat under the crystal sky laughing with Finn, making him pause his work to listen to the noise. Exchanging stolen kisses whenever you could, making him feel young again as you demanded his undivided attention whenever he was free. You were completely drunk off of him, relishing in his kisses and the way the smallest touch could send sparks across your skin, you gave yourself to him entirely, raw and exposed, without a single regret.

The sun would eventually go down, but the heat remained as close as ever between you two. Raspberry coloured blush rising to your cheeks as his finger trailed over your skin, cigarette between his lips. Compared to you he was rough and calloused, and he loved how pure you were in contrast, big eyes and soft-spoken, feeling like he won the lottery at the fact he had you next to him.

“Do you own anything that isn’t pink and frilly?” He’d ask, voice thick with smoke, the room smelling of whiskey and sex. You’d raise a brow and place your hands on his exposed chest, tracing the tattoo as you playfully bit his shoulder and kissed his neck. He toyed with your satin knickers, pulling the lace and greedily eyeing the skin underneath, wanting nothing more than to smother it in possessive kisses of ownership, but relenting as you sat up to answer.

“Thomas Shelby doesn’t like pink?”

Your voice teasing and playful, mimicking the sweet champagne lingering on your tongue from dinner. He rolled his ocean eyes, trapping you in his stare as he smoked in the moonlight. You extended a foot, lavender coloured toes darting across his skin as you tilted your head innocently, reaching up to pull your bra straps over your skin and down your arms.

“I guess I’ll have to take them off.”

Months passed by and you made the decision to stay in Birmingham, not just for Tommy but because the entire Shelby clan were now like your family. You were introduced into the business, despite Tommy’s reluctance at letting you get involved. “For god’s sake Tom, stop acting like her dad! She’s a grown woman!” Polly would protest, defending your honour as you raised a brow in a playful challenge when Tommy forbid you from going to the races with Michael one day.

The truth was, Tommy thought you were far too good for him and knew that his enemies would love to use you against him, knowing how pure and kind you were compared to the blood that stained his hands. Bad thoughts would enter his mind again, you covered in crimson, face black and blue, telling him it was his fault as the light drained from your eyes. The shovels would start again, and he’d become snappy, his walls building back up with thick bricks as he was determined to push you away, telling himself it was for your own good. He’d drown himself in whisky and cigarettes, spend full nights under dim light doing work until his head was thumping and his hand was swollen.

But, as always you would drag him out of it. You rendered him completely useless as you turned the corner into his office, eyes twinkling and smile wide as you crawled into his lap making him grin for the first time in the entire day. You’d reminisce about something that had happened, small hands toying with his buttons, smelling of rose and sweet fruit, talking with your hands, face lit up with glee. As selfish as it was, especially knowing the dangers you were involved in by simply being associated with him, there was no chance he was letting you go, completely trapped under your spell.

Without warning he'd smash his lips onto yours, making you squeal but quickly melt under his intoxicating kiss, the two of you connecting entirely, falling into each other like you were made that way.

“What was that for?”

His voice was deep, eyes solemn and meaningful as he answered truthfully,

“I’m so fucking glad I met you, little one.”