#a.k.a K 🎧

[zablife]

@runnning-outof-time Oh, K!! This is such an amazing continuation of their story 🥰 Tommy gifting her her fave flowers?!? But more than this is the connection they share as Tommy fights to protect her *swoon*!

Ngl I wasn't expecting him to go feral! Reliving the terrifying moment we see in canon shocked me, but then I was teary eyed as Y/n speaks to him so softly afterward. Her willingness to accept him for who he is moved me deeply. I esp love the way she tends to his wounds with the love and care he deserves. I'm sure he hasn't felt this connected to anyone in ages and her touch is made all the more special knowing he's harboring a secret crush!

I also love the way you've used the prompt in 2 diff ways here which demonstrates your skill as a writer. My heart swelled as she repeats the line to Tommy bc this is exactly what he needs to hear in the moment. Well done!

I'm looking fwd to your other ideas for this series bc I'm eager to watch their relationship blossom ☺️

Repay the Favor | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Part TWO of A Little Thank You, but can also be read by itself.

Request: yes by @look-at-the-soul - sent as blurb request

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x fem!Reader

Summary: Another altercation happens at the Garrison. Both Tommy and (Y/N) have a chance to repay the favor.

Warnings: series typical violence (Tommy sees red and takes a beating too far), language, brief manhandling, mention of blood, smoking

Word Count: 2857

A/N: thanks so much for all of the love on the first part of this story! This part was really fun to write —it wasn’t the prompt that won the poll, but I got this idea and just had to write it! The prompt used is bolded. I hope you like what I did with it — Enjoy! :)

COMMENTS & REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED — I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE STORY!

Comment/Message me if you’d like to be tagged!

A busy day at the Garrison had finally come to an end. (Y/N) was working on emptying the buckets from around the pub floor, one of her final closing chores of the evening. She was so ready to head home and call it a night.

The sound of the main door opening didn’t even make her look up. “I’ll be finished shortly, Mr. Shelby. The bottle you requested was delivered earlier today. I left it out on the shelf in the stock room,” she greeted and informed the man she thought had entered the building.

Even though Tommy had told her to address him by his first name, Arthur and John hadn’t made that distinguishment yet. She still addresssed them as ‘Mr. Shelby’.

Arthur always liked to come in after closing. He never sought out company, saying that an empty pub was one of the places where he did his best thinking.

The response that (Y/N) got, however, quickly told her that the person who arrived was not Arthur Shelby.

“Go pour me a drink, will you?” The voice was deep and unfamiliar. It made her look up from what she was doing. Her eyes fell on a man she hadn’t seen in the pub before.

“We’re closed, sir,” she told him, maintaining a level, professional voice. Her hesitancy was heightening with each second that passed.

“I didn’t see no sign on the door,” the man commented, jerking his thumb in the direction of the doors to emphasize his point, “you’re the barmaid, yeah?” His eyebrows were now raised as he took a few more steps in her direction.

“I am,” she nodded, her voice still level.

“Then go pour me a fucking drink,” he insisted, a tinge of anger seeping into his voice.

“Sir, we’re closed,” she was also insistent; keeping her boundary clear. The books were already balanced for the night, and who knows…pouring him one drink could have the potential of this man staying all night.

After being on her feet all day, all (Y/N) wanted was to go home. It seemed like she wasn’t going to be getting that wish so easily tonight, though.

“I don’t give a fuck if you’re closed,” the man began, his words coming through gritted teeth as his stalked even closer to her, “I’ve been working like a dog all damn day; I’ve earned my keep, so I won’t come in here and be told by a fucking barmaid that I can’t be served a glass of fucking whiskey!” he went off on a rant, his eyes widening with anger as he came to a stop right in front of (Y/N).

She was trying all that she could to keep her composure, but she’d be lying if she said that his actions weren’t intimidating her.

“Sir…”

“Pour me. A fucking. Drink,” he cut her off, his words being spoken through his teeth in a low, seething tone. He then reached out and roughly gripped onto (Y/N)’s chin, allowing him to pull her closer to him against her will, “do it now,” he commanded her, a smirk creeping onto his face as he continued, “before I decide to have my way with you.”

(Y/N) opened her mouth to speak, trying with all of her might to keep herself composed while this man’s fingers were surely leaving imprints on her skin. “I’m not afraid of you,” she spoke with as much confidence as she could muster.

The man just grinned at her statement, obviously not caring that she was standing up for herself. He knew he was the one with the power in this situation. “We’ll see about that when you’re…”

He could even finish the sentence. The man’s hand was ripped from her body without warning as his entire body jerked backwards; being pulled by someone (Y/N) couldn’t quite see.

“What…the fuck?” The man sounded entirely confused by this third person entering the situation. Before said person was able to do anything else, the man raised his right arm, bent it and sent his elbow flying backwards; connecting with the person who’d put hands on him.

This didn’t do much to thwart the new person’s attack though. The man was immediately pushed forward in response to the elbow, and it was then that the identity of the mystery person was revealed.

“(Y/N), move,” Tommy spoke in a serious tone, his eyes locking onto hers for a split second.

(Y/N) couldn’t say much, the adrenaline coursing through her body making it tough to string anything together. It was all happening so fast. She trusted her feet to move her behind the bar as the man who attacked her stumbled and turned to face Tommy.

“‘M just tryin’ to get a fuckin’ drink, mate,” the man said as he lunged toward Tommy.

“This place is closed. Should’ve fucking listened to her,” Tommy responded, stopping the man before he was able to do anything, pushing him away once again. The man then looked around, seeing what was close enough for him to grab. His eyes settled on one of the chairs (Y/N) had set on top of the table so that she could mop the floor. “Don’t do that,” Tommy, who realized what the man was thinking, said in attempts to curb the man’s decision. “Just go home and don’t come back here.”

“I want my fucking drink!” the man exclaimed, forgoing the chair and charging Tommy yet again. He immediately took hold of Tommy’s collar, gripping at it in attempts to wrap his hands around his neck. Tommy grabbed onto the man’s waistcoat, bunching it up as they both grappled for a better position on their adversary.

The man was able to move his hands upwards, finding space above Tommy’s collar to wrap his fingers. He grinned at this victory, sniggering as Tommy’s eyes widened. Both had realized that he’d now gained the upper hand in the fight.

This power balance didn’t last long as Tommy quickly managed to find a break in the man’s composure, using this moment of gloating the man was doing to remove his hands and push him away.

The man stumbled slightly, still not deterred, before charging right back to his opponent. He managed to land one last punch with a wild swinging of his fist before Tommy squared up and responded with one of his own. This blow sent the man falling to the floor, and Tommy wasted no time clambering on top of him.

Something snapped inside of him as he corralled the man beneath him. Despite the current position he was in, it was obvious that this man wasn’t giving up on the fight. His arms were flailing around, grabbing onto Tommy’s overcoat in attempts to knock off his balance and remove his weight so that he could be on his feet again.

Tommy didn’t let that happen though. He took one of the buckets (Y/N) had been going around emptying into his hands and briefly wielded it over his head before bringing it down to strike his opponent in the face. The man’s flailing stopped in an instant, obviously stunned by the blow. This didn’t stop Tommy though. It was like everything was now tinted over red as he began to repeatedly strike the man in the head with the bucket.

“Tommy!” The voice sounded muffled, like it was far away. Tommy’s eyes were practically shut now. He was back in the tunnels, fighting for his life against this enemy underneath him. He wouldn’t, couldn’t let up for fear that if he did, the man would spring back up and finish him off. “Tommy, stop!” The voice sounded like a woman’s. It had to be his mind playing a trick on him. “He’s finished!”

Then it clicked. (Y/N). His surroundings returned. He was no longer contained in a tunnel….he was at the Garrison. The man below him was no longer a German solider….it was the man who he first saw with his hand gripping (Y/N)’s chin. (Y/N).

Tommy brought the bucket down, steadying himself as his chest heaved for breath. He became aware of the silence that filled the room and didn’t dare look down at the man below him. After taking a few more deep breaths, he finally lifted his head. He looked around, searching for the woman who’d brought him out of the animal-like state he previously was in.

(Y/N) was resting up against the end of the bar. She was peering around the corner, and had watched the entire altercation happen. A deep breath — perhaps a sigh of relief — escaped her lips when Tommy’s eyes locked onto hers. Once she deemed the situation safe, she moved out from behind the bar and rose to her feet. Slowly, cautiously she made her way over to where Tommy was still kneeling. She tried hard to focus on him and not the bloodied man laying lifeless on the ground

“You should’ve left, (Y/N),” Tommy spoke sternly, trying hard to hide the fact that he too was shaken up by the altercation. It had been awhile since he’d let himself go back to that place; let himself become engulfed by the rage that seemed to reverberate off of the tunnel walls. He hated that (Y/N) had also watched him go to that place. “You shouldn’t have seen that.”

“Tommy, you’re hurt,” (Y/N) ignored his statements, her eyes focused in on the cut above his eyebrow.

“You should leave,” Tommy also ignored what she had said to him, still stuck on trying to carry out damage control.

“Let me see your head,” she continued on with what she was now worried about, moving even closer to him before bending down to get a better look at the injury he’d sustained.

“You shouldn’t be here, (Y/N),” Tommy was still stuck. His voice was teetering on breaking and he hated it. He hated that he wasn’t the one who was strong in this moment; hated that she’d now seen him for who he truly was.

He’d spent months trying to keep up good graces, spending every second of the extra time he had at the Garrison in hopes of being able to talk with, or even just to catch a glimpse of, her.

It had been that way since she’d been hired. For once, he let Arthur make a decision in the business, and — for once — Arthur had chosen correctly. (Y/N) was the best thing that had happened to that establishment in a long time.

Her kind gesture that came in the form of the flowers she brought him a few weeks ago only served to heighten his desire to see her; to be around her. She’d been on his mind since she exited the snug that day.

But now things had the potential to change drastically. She’d never seen him like this; never experienced this other side of him. He was worried that all of the trust that had been built up between them would now come crashing down.

“I’m not afraid of you, Tommy,” she told him, her eyes locking onto his as she spoke. “You saved me from that man; from what he was looking to do. You did what you needed to do in that moment, and I’m not afraid of you for it. God knows how things would have played out had you not arrived when you did.” Her words were spoken with earnestness, and she hoped that it would cut through whatever whirlwind that she was able to see was raging in his mind at that moment. “You’ve got a cut above your eye. Will you let me look at it?” she brought attention to his injury then.

“I’ll be fine, love,” he brushed off her offer.

“It looks rather bad,” she commented.

“(Y/N)…” he trailed off, saying her name in a sort of a warning tone in hopes to tell her not to push back on how he was responding.

“Let me look at it, please,” she insisted, forgoing the warning, “I won’t be able to sleep if I leave without doing so.”

Tommy thought for a moment. Much like when she was injured and he was offering help, it was quite obvious that she wasn’t going to let up on her stance. She wanted to help him.

“Ok,” he finally gave in to her insistence, nodding his head slightly.

“Good,” she nodded back, appeased with the outcome of their conversation.

“We can go into me office. First aid things should still be in there,” he said, allowing her to stand first before he finally moved from the man he’d beaten.

(Y/N) waited for him to be fully on his feet before she led him back to where the offices were located in the pub. Tommy made a mental note to make sure she exited through the back door of the building, and to also get some men in here to clean things up before the pub opened the next day.

“Sit,” she commanded him, motioning to the chair behind the desk as she moved to grab the things she needed.

“Instant, eh?” Tommy commented, the slightest grin forming on his face as he listened to what she told him to do.

He sat down and watched as she gathered some things before finally moving over to where he was. She placed the materials on the desk next to her before she reached out and gently tilted his chin upwards so that she could see his face better. Thank goodness she had something to be focused on now, because otherwise she would have melted from the way he was looking at her.

First she grabbed a clean cloth and began to wipe the blood from around the cut. Doing this allowed her to get a better look at how bad the injury was. “I don’t think you’ll need any stitches,” she commented, her eyes briefly leaving his face so that she could put some antiseptic onto a cloth. She was still able to feel Tommy’s eyes watching her intently. After wiping the cut with the cloth, she put a small piece of adhesive plaster on it in hopes to keep it covered. She took a step back once she was finished. “I think you should be good now,” she affirmed with a smile.

“Thank you, (Y/N),” he said appreciatively, his eyes unable to leave her.

“Consider it me repaying the favor,” she smiled at him.

“What type of flowers do you like?” Tommy asked a question, switching up the topic of conversation.

“Primroses.” At first (Y/N) thought nothing of it. Then the randomness of the question clicked. “Why did you ask me that?” she asked, her brows furrowed.

“I want to thank you for repaying the favor,” he responded in a nonchalant manner.

“You don’t need to do that. Saying ‘thank you’ is more than enough for me,” she insisted, “besides, this is the least I can do given how you helped me out there.”

Tommy pursed his lips, hoping to make her think that he was mulling over what she’d said. He wasn’t though…his mind had already been made up. “Alright,” he agreed with her, or rather with himself, “it’s late…can I walk you home?”

“Only if I’m not holding you from anything in doing so.”

“You’re not.”

“You may walk me home,” (Y/N) smiled at him, moving to throw the things she used in the bin. Tommy had lit a cigarette and was waiting at the office’s door by the time she finished. She smiled softly at him and he took it as his go-ahead to leave the room and lead her out of the building.

Today was (Y/N)’s first day back after everything that had happened that evening a few days ago. She was thankful that she was in for the opening shift because she was able to have some time alone in the pub before patrons started coming in.

What was waiting for her on the counter was something she hadn’t expected at all.

Sitting in the middle was a vase filled with a lovely selection of primrose flowers. A soft gasp left her lips as a smile formed on her face. Then she noticed the note sticking out of the top of the bouquet. Moving over to the counter, she grabbed the small piece of paper and read what was written on it: I still wanted to repay the favor. — TS. The words made her laugh. Her smile widened and her heart fluttered as she looked at the flowers again.

“Wonder who those could be from?” Harry, the barman who worked alongside (Y/N), commented with a grin as he emerged from the stock room.

“Oh, I don’t know,” (Y/N) played coy. They both knew who these flowers were from, and a knowing look was exchanged before Harry continued on with his morning duties.

(Y/N) looked at the note again, her smile widening once more.

MASTERLIST

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[zablife]

Happy 2.5k Lee!!! 🥳🥳🥳

I’m not really sure if this one’s ‘ambiguous’ or not, but I’d still move to see how you’d interpret it!! 😏😏

p.s. I’m sure this’ll be the first of many I send 😉

Stolen Kiss

Tommy’s hand pressed your palm into the mattress as he delivered a deep thrust. Looking up at him through your lashes, you quickly noted he was losing himself in pleasure. Freckled jaw unclenching, his plump lips parted suddenly as he exhaled a shaky breath.

You instantly felt the warmth ghost over your face, followed by the soft brush of his nose against yours. Normally a gentle squeeze to his forearm was enough to reset his course. He would simply bury his head into the crook of your neck, avoiding the forbidden taste of your lips.

Tonight was different. You sensed it in the far off look glazing his crystal blue eyes. You knew you should call to him, remind him of your no kissing rule, but the warning caught in your throat just as his chapped lips hovered above yours.

You stilled beneath him, heart pounding as you struggled with your own tortured longing. His tenderness melting the last of your resolve, you found yourself licking into his mouth, tongue sweeping to capture his in unbridled passion.

Spurred on by your response, Tommy’s hand moved to tangle in your hair. He pulled you toward him, pressing you closer as though he were stealing the last precious gasp of air from your lungs.

When you parted, he was shaking and you couldn't be sure if it was from his release or fear of violating your one rule. His hand trembled badly as he cupped your cheek, eyes glistening with remorse. "I shouldn't have..." he mumbled, searching for the words of an apology. "But I lost myself."

Your hand hovered over his as you recalled the distance in his gaze moments earlier, knowing the kiss may have been your own folly. "It's alright, you were thinking of someone else. It happens," you assured him, certain he was remembering some lost love.

Tommy rubbed his thumb over your cheekbone, softly shaking his head in denial as he whispered, "I wasn't thinking of anyone but you."

Zablife Sleepover

[zablife]

Hi Lee! 🥰 I’m here to send another ambiguous gif! — I took a look at your ‘to be written’ and didn’t see any John fics present….so I had to change that.

What can you do with this gif??

Ty for the request, K! I hope you enjoy the fluff (mixed with some angst) in this one. I included a bit of innocent reader x dominant John here as well for the lovely @novashelby.

John's Return

"John?" you called out hesitantly, the bright headlamps from the car obscuring all but his swaggering gait which instantly confirmed his identity. Before he could issue a reply, you rushed toward him, your dressing gown flying open in the chilly night air. As John struggled to shield your delicate frame, you beat upon his chest with the fury of someone twice your size.

His boots twisting in the gravel to stabilize himself against your blows, he exhaled a deep breath and like a summer storm, waited for your mood to pass.

"No calls for three days?" you screamed at him.

As he feared, the unknown had driven you mad with worry. It would have been useless to remind you he'd given fair warning. Instead his heart flooded with guilt over your distress and he reached to stroke your hair in silent apology.

When your head finally dipped toward his shoulder, he guided you into the house with one muscular arm wrapped around your waist. He took it as a good sign that you didn't resist.

"I was so scared, John," your voice trembled as you turned to face him, fingers digging into the soft flesh of his cheeks. The flash of fear in your eye made him uncertain if you would shake him or collapse at his feet. He could feel the tension building once more beneath your hands, the cool metal of your rings shocking him awake after his long drive. In times like these, he knew he needed to handle you with care because like a spooked animal, you were quite unpredictable.

Grasping your wrists with a firm, but gentle touch, John hushed the sobs threatening to spill from your lips. "Everything's alright, sweet girl. I promise," his deep voice rumbled as he clutched you to his chest.

The soothing vibration quieted your thundering heartbeat long enough for you to resume. "When you didn't come home, I thought you..." you trailed off, hot tears flowing down your cheeks. He quickly wiped them away, dipping his head to capture your gaze.

"Hey, look at me," he instructed, grasping your chin between his thumb and forefinger. "I'm here now. And everythings alright, ain't it?"

You nodded in quiet agreement, but John knew it was half-hearted when you continued to sniffle.

Scooping you up, he carried you to the sofa and sat you on his lap where you could tuck your knees into the warm protection of his broad chest and strong arms. He placed his chin over your head, allowing you to burrow against his shirtfront, clinging to him to ensure he kept his promise.

John rocked you slowly as he stroked your back, a gentle hum to his voice as he reminded you, "I always come back, don't I? I'd never let anyone keep me from you."

You couldn't deny the truth of it. How he came to you when you needed him most and always made sure to look after you. You raised your head to pepper kisses along his jaw and mouth, pulling away in time to note the smile of satisfaction lingering on his lips.

"That's my girl," he cooed into your ear before carrying you up the stairs for bed, ready to show you just how much he'd missed you.

Zablife Sleepover

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[zablife]

@runnning-outof-time and @cljordan-imperium I adore wartime letters and usually only see them written for Tommy so this was a treat! Ty for sharing them!

K, your letter from Kate made me teary eyed. The thought of having seen and held her husband and then having no word from him must have been nerve-racking. I can't imagine going about daily life for myself much less two children who need love and reassurance. However, the small details of their days made me smile, esp the mention of Mr. Whiskers and the girls' talent for drawing (like their father 🥹🥰)! I adore this little family so much.

CJ, I adore the strength and comfort contained within your letter to his wife. It's so like Arthur to want to be the tough one who has no fear of anything. I giggled at his comment about taking on Tommy: Tell Polly that I’ll deal with Tommy if he has something to say, and we all know the bastard will. And I was grinning like an idiot as I read his adorable story for Elsie and his swoon worthy words of adoration for his wife about her hair and her smile.

Arthur & Kate (Art & Kay)

Peakys Write A Letter

SUMMARY: While at war, Arthur receives a letter from his wife Kate. He had been home weeks before for a visit and she has not heard from him since, but she has some news to tell him, along with that she misses him dearly. Her letter gives him the fire he needs, and his letter indicates such in return. A/N = I received the amazing letter from @runnning-outof-time from her OC Katherine Shelby (Kate). My apologies for the great delay in responding but I was having trouble channeling Arthur...then one of my OC's took control and said that he identified with Arthur...so I hope that he is right and this is an adequate response. (I'm nervous y'all) I hope I did your wonderful letter justice!

TW = BLOOD/WAR/DEATH

(@runnning-outof-time)

Dearest Arthur,

I hope all is well with you. I hate that I have not heard from you in such a long while, but I understand that these sorts of things will happen when you're out on the front.

Being able to see you last month was like a dream come true. The girls are still reeling from it, and Lottie insists that you need to come home every other week now. I tried to tell her that it doesn't work like that, but she doesn't listen. She won't let me read another bedtime story because 'I don't do it like daddy does'.

Elsie wanted me to tell you that she lost a tooth, her very first tooth, and that she didn't even cry when it fell out. Of course, we couldn't find said tooth because it fell out when she was playing in the garden with Mr. Whiskers. By the way, we have a cat now...Mr. Whiskers kept showing up at our doorstep, so the girls convinced me to take him in. He's a very sweet addition to our household, one that I hope you will take to warmly when you return.

The girls are growing so much each day, so much so that I'm afraid you may not recognize them when you return. And they ask for you at the hardest times; at the times where I also am missing you. They wonder why you can't come back like you did, and why they can't talk to you. I tried to explain it, but I'm afraid that it goes over their heads. Children shouldn't have to understand war. They shouldn't have to worry if their family members will come back or not. It's been so hard to try to keep things positive around them, but with how bleak things have been looking, I'm afraid that my positivity may not last for much longer. Oh Arthur, you don’t know how hard it is for me to keep up the front that all is fine in front of them while I worry for your safety every second of every day.

Anyway, I won't fill the majority of this letter with my sad thoughts. Let me share some good news instead. Polly has managed to take total control of the shop, and she's running things in a way that has allowed us to continue making profits even though many men are out on the frontlines. She actually wanted me to ask you: how would you feel if she and I continued with our idea of hosting a special for women on certain race days? I know Tommy has his ideas of how the family business should be run, but you're the oldest and therefore have the power to make this decision. I feel as though this would continue to help Small Heath as a whole.

The nights are much quieter now with you and the boys being gone. Although at times quieter is better, I do miss the nights where we'd all stay up and share stories, and the nights we'd go out and camp under the stars. Oh, how much simpler those times were compared to the life we're living now.

I don't have much room left on the page, so I'll wrap this up with a few more, quick things. First, Elsie and Lottie have asked me to enclose some of their 'most favorite' drawings in this letter for you. It excites me to think that they're taking after you with their artistic talents. Second, I'm thinking of changing my hairstyle up...you may not even recognize me when you come home again. Lastly, along with Mr. Whiskers (who will not be leaving no matter what), how would you feel about us raising chickens?

I hope to hear from you soon, Art. Please be safe.

Sending all of my love until I can see you again,

Yours Always,

Kate Shelby

**************************************************

(me)

My Dearest and Darling Kay,

How the pictures from the children did make me long to feel the warmth of your arms and to hear the sound of their laughter as they played in the yard.  Such comforts are far from where they boys and I are though.  While we are presently safe, the nights are cold and the sounds are never as melodious as your voice or the rhymes the children make to entertain themselves.  

Do not fret, for this shall end and the life we once knew will return.  I can feel it in my bones as surely as I know that Tommy will always find trouble no matter where he shall be and Polly will be the strongest person any of us know.  As I said Tommy makes trouble and Polly is strong, but she is also smart.  If she is making a profit, I see no reason to change things when we return.  My darling, I am proud of you, so proud my heart swells that you two have done so well. I cannot wait to stand beside you and back you. I hope you can feel my love surround you as you work.  Tell Polly that I’ll deal with Tommy if he has something to say, and we all know the bastard will.

Of course Elsie could find her tooth.  The Tooth Fairie already captured it and brought it over to me here on the frontlines.  She wanted me to have something so special since I can’t be there to see it.  And she wanted me to send this coin for it, it was too heavy for her to carry all the way back over here from France.  You see, during war, sometimes the Tooth Fairie has to make special trips and have couriers.  But she can’t tell anyone, it’s a secret. The Tooth Faerie is a spy for the British to bring me home sooner.

I am sorry I have not written sooner, since my visit my heart has ached so.  I have seen the you and the girls when my eyes have closed, your voices seeming to call to me in my dreams, but I awake afresh in this hell around me.  The mud and blood causing my thoughts to be dark and I did not want to burden your bright and beautiful soul with the thoughts of this tortured man that loves you more than my own life.  I would start to put thoughts to paper and I could not put upon you the darkness I have felt, I could not dim you in that way, my bright and shining Northern Star that guides me through this dark time as we fight. I will come home to you, we can raise cats and chickens, goat and cows if you want.  I do not care how you do your hair, if you even do it at all.  As long as that smile that you had when I was last home, that one that graced your angelic face when I surprised you, that one of utter adoration; if that one is upon your lips, then I do not care if the rest of the Earth falls to ruin, Kay, as long as there is you.  

So you tell those girls that John, Tommy, and I will be home soon.  You get with Penny and you make sure you are all ready.  Because we will win this war, Kay, we will.  We have to.  We’ve lost too many to give up and come home like dogs with our tails between our legs.  I have to believe this to keep the darkness that haunts my heart at bay.  We will come home and when we do we will have a party like Small Heath has never seen, we can stay up till dawn and not give a fuck who cares.  I will come home to you Kay, if I have to kill the devil himself to do it.

So, you do up that hair how you want.  You buy a nice dress.  And you know I am coming.

Art

@runnning-outof-time @call-sign-shark @shelbydelrey @look-at-the-soul @raincoffeeandfandoms @there-goes-thefighter @dandelionprints @zablife

[zablife]

K's 2025

For the lovely @runnning-outof-time. Wishing you the best year ever!

Want a moodboard to predict your year? Send an ask!

[zablife]

Hi there Lee! I hope you’ve been well! 😊

I’ve been on the search for some new music and was wondering….

What is one song that you’ve had on repeat this week/recently??

I look forward to listening to it!! 💛

Hi K!! How are you? I’m having a lazy, happy weekend. Terrapin by Clairo is playing and I think it fits the vibe 💕

[zablife]

My darling Lee you’ll always be Esme to me! 😘

You also bring the very light, open window letting the breeze blow the white curtains around vibes as well…but you could at the same time/in the same breath be the dark, wooden winding hallways that just add to the mystery of it all … that the duality of your amazing self!

Sorry if that all sounded cheesy 🤭 hope you’ve been well Lee! 🧡

Awwww, K 🥹 This is beautiful! I love the fact that you notice and appreciate the diff facets of my personality. It speaks to how observant and kind you are, so accepting of others! When I think of you...

An old school mix tape full of my fave songs 🎶

We've been moots for so long that seeing your username gives me a comforting sense of familiarity. Not to mention a little jolt of excitement, wondering what you'll share next. Tho I'm always certain it will be unique bc you have phenomenal range and ability.

Other associations I have with you: paperbacks shared between friends, open fields full of flowers and warm mugs of tea on a rainy afternoon.

[zablife]

Hey Lee! I just wanted to pick your brain regarding something from The Bear if that’s ok…

What are your thoughts on Sydney and Carmy? Like do you ship them as a couple? Or do you feel that they’d work better as strictly business partners?

I don’t know how to feel about them….on one hand they have had some moments were there seems to be a spark and it makes me giddy, but then there’re others where I’m like ‘no…I just like them as friends’. I’m also kind of liking the vibes of Sydney and Marcus together - the one scene that I keep going back to is in season 1, where they’re at her house (I think) and she’s making a dish for him to try and they have a little heartfelt moment. I just love the vibes they have together.

Anyways…sorry for blabbing - I’d love to hear your thoughts!! ☺️

Hi K, tysm for the ask about The Bear! Tbh I see Carmy and Syd as amazing work friends, but not romantic partners. The spark between them comes from their love of food and the drive to succeed, but I see that energy crashing and burning v quickly if it was to turn romantic. I get the sense that Sydney would be horribly unhappy due to the fact that she doesn't always trust Carmy will be there for her and that kind of uncertainty ruins any solid foundation they might try to build. (I'm worried enough for them as business partners!)

I will note this is how I feel about the characters in canon and would not be against shipping them in fanfic bc I agree they do make an adorable couple when they're geeking out over recipes 🥰

As for Syd and Marcus, I love these two individually and haven't decided how I feel about them as a couple. Marcus would be the most loving partner anyone could ever ask for, but I'm not sure Sydney reciprocates his feelings for her?? Perhaps she's slow to come around tho. I hope so bc I ship them!

[zablife]

Love the new theme, Lee!! Perfect in time for the upcoming holiday!! ❤️

Ty, darling K! You're the sweetest! I might have to change again tho bc I'm too tempted to do another with lovely Lana 🙈 Wouldn't that be sublime?

[zablife]

Send this to ten other bloggers you think are wonderful- keep the game going and make someone smile! 💕

😂 Love you, K!! Sending this right back to you for being the most wonderful person ever ���

[zablife]

Hey Lee! Congrats again on 1.8k!!!! It’s so, so well deserved!! 🥰❤️

I’ve done some digging in my catalogue and found this fic that I posted a good bit ago….I didn’t see a comment of yours on it and it was one that I honestly forgot about too.

It’s a Tommy x Reader and it’s called When It’s Still — I hope you enjoy it! 😊

Ooh, my first ask for the celebration! I knew I could count on you, dear K!! I'm off to read it now. I have read so many of your lovely fics I hadn't considered the amount of work I created for you 😂 so for that, I apologize! Ty for giving me something new (to me) to enjoy tho. I'm so so excited ☺️

Lee's 1.8K celebration

[zablife]

Hi Lee! I hope you’re well!

I just wanted to stop in and say hi — I’m adding this polar bear in hopes that it’ll brighten your day. I hope you find something that makes you smile this week! ☺️💕

Hi K! Tbh I feel a bit like this guy trying to accomplish anything today😂 However, your lovely message has def given me a boost so ty for the encouragement 💕 I hope your week is going well so far and you're having loads of fun writing your celebration blurbs!

[zablife]

Sending you some sunshine in hopes that it’ll start your day/week off on the right foot. ☀️

I hope you’re well and wish the best for you! 💕

Awww, thanks, K!! I hope you have an amazing week! Sending love and positive energy ✨

[zablife]

Hey Lee! I hope that all is well and that good things have been happening for you! 🥰❤️

If not, I’m sending a little sunshine your way!

K, you're the best! Ty for this gorgeous GIF of golden hour. It looks like the end to a perfect summer's day, peaceful and quiet. I'd like to live in this image. I've taken some time away to recenter and I'm happy to announce that I'm back with new content! I can't wait to share it soon. Sending positive energy back to you, darl ☀️

[zablife]

Send this to ten other bloggers that you think are wonderful. Keep the game going, make someone smile!!! ♡♡♡

Awww, K, you're going to make me cry! I think you're wonderful, darl! 🫶🏽

[zablife]

@runnning-outof-time My face when I realized Y/n was trying to outwit Tommy! That grasp he held on her chin was giving me butterflies (a mixture of anxiety and lust tbh 😜). But her kiss seemed to work as a distraction! I thought the drama had ended until Alfie appeared and escalated the tension 🙈 Despite his anger, I think he would hear her out tho. I have no doubt his strategic mind would be thinking of all the ways he could use the relationship to his advantage!

“You Came.” “You Called.” | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: yes by anonymous

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x fem!Solomons Sister!Reader

Summary: Tommy Shelby and (Y/N) Solomons despise each other…….or do they?

Warnings: language, slight sexual situations, weapons, threats

Word Count: 1304

A/N: I’m sorry this isn’t as long as the others have been. I need to get these requests finished and this is what I was able to come out with. I hope you’ll still enjoy! Also I’ve tried something a little different at the end - hopefully you’ll participate and not be too mad at me for it! :)

A/N 2: Oh and this is the story where the Solomons!Sister won the poll — I’m not sure if it’s angsty enough…I tried my best with it. Also I’m sorry if Alfie seems ooc here…it’s been a bit since I’ve written him and I’m rusty.

COMMENTS & REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED! — I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THE STORY!

comment/message me if you’d like to be tagged!

"You came," she sounded surprised.

"You called," his response was nonchalant.

"Yeah, but I didn't call you."

The story of Tommy Shelby and (Y/N) Solomons is a long, complicated one.

To give a quick summary: they first met the day that Tommy showed up at Alfie's 'bakery. She was the first to greet him and instantly was able to realize that there was more to his motives than what he was letting on.

She was cautious when dealing with him at first, but his charm soon enough chipped away that hesitant exterior she'd put up.

Neither could help but cross the line one late evening after a successful business dinner.

She thought that that would be the end of Tommy Shelby. But now he'd shown up at her door...when she was expecting her brother.

"Where's my brother?" (Y/N) asked, looking to either side of the doorway, hoping that Alfie would be close by.

He wasn't.

"He's busy," Tommy answered.

"So he sent you?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

"Not exactly," he shook his head.

"I'm not understanding what you're saying. Ollie told me that he'd take a note down for Alfie and that he'd inform him as soon as he became available." (Y/N) was confused now.

"I saw the note," he began, "took it upon myself to see what was needed to be discussed."

(Y/N)'s jaw just about dropped. "Tommy, why did you...would you, you shouldn't, you..."

"My name was on the note, love," he cut off her attempt to string words together.

"Just because it was on the note does not mean you were to be involved!" she couldn't stop her voice from raising, her eyes widening as she spoke. Now she was wondering how Ollie had phrased his note to Alfie. A few beats passed before a sigh escaped her lips. She ran a frustrated hand across her face before asking, "what...what did the note say?" Her thoughts had gotten the best of her.

"It said that you needed to speak about Shelby...had some information you wanted to be made known," he answered her, his eyes boring into hers. (Y/N) opened her mouth to say something but he didn't let her, taking a step inside, making her back up in the process. "What is it you wanted to tell him, hmm?"

His close proximity made her heartrate increase. She was quickly losing her ability to think. "Tommy, I..."

"What really was your goal last night, (Y/N)?" he asked her, his brows raising.

The willpower to keep her hands by her sides and not reach out to take hold of him was leaving (Y/N) by the second.

"I thought your intentions aligned with mine..." he trailed off, raising his hand so that he could run it down her jawline in a slow, teasing manner, "at least it seemed that way when you brought me back here."

Instead of dropping his hand when he reached her chin, he grasped it; taking it between his thumb and index finger so that he could raise her fleeing eyes to match his. This action made the breath get caught in (Y/N)'s throat, and every valid argument left her mind the second her eyes locked onto his icy blue ones. All hope was lost now.

"What are your intentions with me, (Y/N)?" he asked her.

"You know them, Tommy, I.." she couldn't quite string a thought together.

"Tell me."

"I.." she paused again, interally freaking out. Think of something, anything, (Y/N), come on! "I wanted to tell him about you...about us," she decided on telling him a lie, hoping that he would take it as the truth.

"Yeah?"

She couldn't decipher what he was truly thinking from his one word response. His widened eyes didn't help either, other than making her fall deeper into his trap with each second that passed. Now she was wracking her brain to think of ways to sell this.

The last thing she wanted to tell him was that she was going to sell him out...to tell Alfie what she felt his true intentions were.

"Yeah," she breathed, nodding her head as much as she could with his fingers still holding her chin. Sell it, (Y/N)!, her mind screamed before she raised her hands up to grip his lapels. All coherent thoughts flew out the window as she leaned in and kissed him.

This wasn't a loving kiss. It wasn't a slow one, unlike the ones they shared last night. She kissed him hard, hoping that the passion she put into it would be enough to get his mind off of the damn note and seal her lie for good.

His hold tightened on her chin, but he didn't break the kiss. In fact, his other hand moved from his side to her hip, where he began bunching up her skirt in order to make contact with her bare skin.

Success.

(Y/N) also became absorbed by the passion that they both were showing. It was hard not to given the fact that he was Tommy Shelby. The night they shared was one of the best she'd ever had. Conniving business man or not, she would remember it for the rest of her life.

"What in the bloody fucking hell is going on here?!"

What (Y/N) did not remember before getting sucked into this situation was to shut the door to her home.

Her eyes shot open and she became frantic, trying to break the kiss and move away from Tommy as quick as she could. "Alfie!" she shrieked, surprise clear on her face.

"Why're you fucking kissing my sister, mate?!" Alfie asked Tommy, speaking with a seething anger.

While (Y/N) was just about shaking from the shock of her brother showing up, Tommy didn't seem to be phased.

"Alfie he...he was just..."

"No," Alfie cut (Y/N) off, shaking his head and stopping her attempt to cover for the man now standing beside her, "I asked him not you. He knows family is off-fucking-limits, so I want him to answer me why."

Tommy said nothing. (Y/N) shrunk into herself more and more with each passing second. She'd never seen Alfie this angry.

"I said fucking answer me!" Alfie bellowed, drawing the revolver he had tucked into his waistband. He wasted no time in cocking it and holding it in Tommy's face.

Tommy still didn't move; didn't even flinch.

"You're going to fucking answer me," Alfie demanded, his voice low and menacing, "yeah, you're going to fucking answer me or it'll be your fucking brains blown out all over (Y/N)'s fucking foyer."

"Alfie, don't," (Y/N) begged her brother, reaching a shaky hand out in hopes that he would see it and lower his weapon.

"She called for you," Tommy spoke, his voice level and stoic.

"She fucking what?" Alfie asked, his brows furrowing slightly, confused by why Tommy was saying this.

“She called your office. You weren’t around. But my name was on the note,” Tommy shared more details.

“And what does that have fucking anything to do with you fucking kissing my sister?!” Alfie’s anger had returned.

“It has everything to do with it,” Tommy was still level-headed. “You see, she was going to tell you about this, about us,” he then dropped the bomb, motioning between himself and (Y/N) to emphasize the point he was making.

“I can explain,” (Y/N) was quick to blurt out, her eyes trained on the gun in Alfie’s hand, which he’d - thankfully - lowered from being aimed at Tommy’s head.

She couldn’t read the look in her brother’s eyes. The seconds felt like hours as they passed. She stood frozen as Alfie rose the revolver again and…….

Ok I’m evil, I know but……..

Don’t fret, if the poll’s closed by the time you’re reading this, you’re still more than welcome (and I’d encourage you, actually) to share what you think would happen next!!

p.s….this story won’t be getting continued. I’m just curious as to what y’all think.

MASTERLIST

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