#and same goes for ada who is a communist and at odds with her family because of this

[redshoes-blues]

The Worst period drama trope is when the revolutionary/radical socialist character “learns from their ways” and just…becomes a status quo lib. Or even worse: an actual member of the aristocracy

[cottonwren]

I pronounce you, wife and wife | A.S

Summary: you get married to your girlfriend, Ada Shelby, in a world that won’t let you. It’s a good thing that Thomas Shelby doesn’t believe in won’t, or can’t.

Words: 5016 (my longest ever oneshot!)

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“Tommy, are you sure?” You asked as you sat in the car with him, Ada currently with Esme and John and their rabble of children for a playdate and to talk weddings - she wanted her brother there, but the family was simply too big to transport. Little Aoife was merely two months old and the bumpy car ride all the way to the hotel Tommy had more or less forced them to use was not going to be good for her head. You had a feeling the rabble would show up anyway, or atleast you hoped. Babies were a weakness of yours, and Esme was one of the coolest women you’d ever met.

“I’m sure. I will have Charlie anyway, and don’t tell Ada, but I quite like him. Alfie’s always adored kids - he’s a right softie. Karl’s in good hands. So, are you planning on wearing a suit or a dress? I know that you’re used to wearing suits, so if you want a suit, I can take you to the finest tailor in the country - I’ll get the finest to come here from anywhere, in fact. Same for if you want a dress” Tommy told you, driving back from the venue. He wanted you to see it so that you could organise all the flowers, seating and procession - a job you had decided between yourself and Ada was a good idea for you to have. Your forms and the charts were impressive to say the least.

“Thank you - really, Tommy, there’s no-one we’d trust as much with Karl. Polly maybe, but it’d be a close call. I’ve only heard of Alfie, but Ada and you seem to trust him, which is enough for me - I’d like to meet him, though, before the wedding…. I was thinking a dress, they’re what I wear when me and Ada go out, and I look great in them. Suits are more to get myself more respect in the workplace. The more you look like a man, the more you’re treated like one” You explained, leaning back in the car seat. Tommy was really going above and beyond for your wedding, and even though you knew it was just for Ada, it touched you.

“A dress it is then. I’ve already told Ada I’ll pay for both of your dresses and everything else - can’t have communists doing things like paying for luxuries whilst the others suffer” Tommy narked, making you laugh.

“Tommy, you don’t have to - I’m on good pay, I can afford it, and Ada’s writings are really starting to pick up.” You began to explain it to him, but he was having absolutely none of it as he held a hand out to you and then retracted it.

“Y/N. I know you’re both doing well for yourselves, but I want all of that money to go on Karl, and things for yourself and Ada. Not a big party. I…. I’m going to say something now, and you’re never going to repeat it, especially not to Ada. I fuck up a lot, and ever since the war I have fucked up monumentally towards Ada and her life. I know she won’t accept the money as an apology, because of her fucking politics, but it’ll help ease my conscience. It’ll ease my conscience if I can see you two and Karl happy at the aisle.” Tommy explained, pulling up to the manor.

“She’s already forgiven you Tommy. You’re her brother - the stuff I’ve heard about you from her when she’s feeling sentimental, you’d never guess. Thank you so much. We’d be happy even if it was happening in our apartment with a little cake” Getting out of the car with your bag, you looked at him and then at the other car pulling into the drive after them. “Recognise that car, Tommy?”

Tommy spun round in shock and then let out a sigh “Oh, fuck’s sake, you scared me. That’s Alf. If anyone’s going to shoot us, it’s not going to be him. Anyway, like I was saying - just let me pay for everything. Think of it as a wedding present, if that helps”

“ ‘Ello treacle!” Came a rough holler as you walked up the steps with Tommy. You both spun around, though Tommy took steps towards the voice and you just stood there watching the odd scene. The two men embraced eachother - well, Alfie kind of enveloped Tommy, pulling back only to kiss him and then tower towards you with his cane.

“You must be Alfie - I’m Y/N, Ada’s fiancee.” The title tasted so good in your mouth, but not as good as ‘Ada Y/L/N’s wife’ had under your breath whilst Ada slipped out of bed to go get Karl to stop him from wailing.

“Nice to meet ya, pet.” Alfie nodded, bringing you in for a hug “Congratulations on the engagement. Takes real bollocks to do that, ‘specially to a Shelby”

“And yet I don’t regret it one bit. Make sure he doesn’t work himself into a mess about the wedding he’s orchestrating - I’ve tried to calm him down about it but he’s just got more worried. I have a feeling you’ll know how to do it better than me” You told him quietly, then looked at Tommy with a grin “You going to let us into Chateau De Thomas Shelby or are we going to stand here all day?”

“You can stand there” Tommy told you and Alfie cheekily, then let you in. You walked through, ears picking up like a dog’s when it heard a babe’s laugh - more specifically, your babe’s laugh. And then your wife’s.

You walked through towards the sitting room to see Ada in a flower crown made of baby’s breath, Karl with one to match. Your breath caught in the back of your throat as you fully caught sight of her - it was always as magical as the first time, seeing Ada, and you always fell harder for her no matter how many times you’d seen her.

“Mom!” Karl beamed, reaching out for you, making Ada jump. You practically ran to where they were sitting on the sofa, Karl crawling onto your lap.

“Hi, love” Ada smiled, gently adjusting the crown “How did everything go with the venue? Have you managed to put it all into an understandable flow chart with colour coded markers?” She joked, gently pulling Karl’s socks up.

“Everything went great, seating plan’s ready, I’ve made sure not to put anyone on the wrong table - you lot fight too often, you know.” You chuckled, taking her hand, gently rubbing your thumb over the band on her index finger. “The crown looks gorgeous on you, Ade”

“An’ me” Karl added with a hum, standing on your thigh, his chubby cheeks pressing against your neck.

“How could I forget my beautiful boy?” You gasped softly, kissing his forehead and holding him gently around the middle so that he didn’t fall. He was three, but the thought of him falling off wasn’t a fun one. “How was your day with Auntie Esme and Uncle John, hm? Who gave you those beautiful crowns?”

Ada gave Karl a smirk and he gave one back, making you raise an eyebrow - you knew she’d go dress shopping, Tommy had arranged it all perfectly. Ada had told you, aswell, though your dresses were remaining a secret.

“Good.” Karl giggled, then waited until Ada very obviously looked away until he cupped your ear with his hand and whispered “Mum got a pretty dress”

“The thing about your mum, Karl, is that she looks pretty in any dress. I’ll keep it our secret, don’t worry” You grinned, whispering back to him, catching Ada blush as she pretended not to hear.

“Okay.” Karl grinned and then hopped off your leg, standing on the carpet. “I’m go’n find Tom” He announced, running into the foyer, his little footsteps thudding onto the floor as he went. “Tom!” He squealed, most likely being lifted into his uncle’s arms.

“So, Miss Shelby, got yourself a pretty dress, have you?” You asked, wrapping an arm around her as you sat closer.

“I have. It’s not Miss Shelby for much longer, you know.” She told you softly, kissing your cheek “Can’t believe we’re actually getting married. Everything with Tommy alright?”

“Everything’s great. He says he’s more than happy to have Karl on our wedding night with Alfie and Charlie” You told her, yawning softly “Wanna go home in a bit and spend the last night together before those Lee’s nick you and get you drunk with Jessie?”

“Jessie will look after me, you know. And I can look after myself. Call me if there are any issues with Karl tomorrow night, but I know you’ll be fine.” Ada hummed, tired herself “I’m fucking knackered”

“I’ll surprised to see you in a white dress with a mouth like that!” You teased, laughing “You have fun, don’t worry about us. But for tonight, I’m cooking us a nice meal and then we can have a nice night together.”

“Ooh, look at you, professional chef” Ada hummed “Seriously, what do you think of the flowers? I was thinking maybe instead of a veil? I’ve never hidden anything from you, and I don’t see why we should start on our wedding day. If you don’t like it though, then we can do a veil. What are you thinking?”

“I think the crown looks absolutely gorgeous on you, you look like a princess” You told her honestly, unable to take your eyes off of your bride. “If you want to wear it to the wedding I’d be more than happy… we need to get Kyle a suit, should we ask your brothers to take him or should I take him when I get my dress?”

“I think the boys have already got theirs… when are you getting your dress?” Ada asked, running a hand through her hair.

“When you’re at that march on monday, me and Karl are going to have a day out doing wedding things. If he’s going to be throwing flower petals with Katie, he should help decide on them. I was thinking white roses, and now you’re in the crown, it does match well”

“Sounds good. I think I can hear Alfie feeding Karl, and by the sounds of his giggles, it’s not healthy food either” Ada bit her lip.

“He’s going to be babysat by him, it’ll do them good to bond. Don’t  worry about it, it’s not like he’ll get really ill from a couple of sweets. Doesn’t Alfie hand bake them anyway?”

“He does - I’ve seen the amount of sugar that goes into them, love”

The next Monday rolled around and you, Karl and Tommy were standing in the tailors’. Tommy had wanted a new suit for the wedding, and also wanted to pay for Karl’s. The assistant took Karl’s measurements, and you never kept your eyes off of the boy - anything to cause discomfort towards Karl and you would have the demure woman across the table by her throat. Maybe all those years with Ada had rubbed off on you.

Whilst they took the measurements back to the adjustments room, you let Karl sit on your hip as you walked around, the most of the wedding planning done now. Ada didn’t handle planning as well as you did, but the stress was slowly gnawing at your head. You let your eyes flit over the suits on display and saw a peculiar one - it was on a woman’s mannequin, and it was.. Perfect. Fitted dress trousers, a blouse with buttons three quarters of the way up, with a dark blazer.

“Hey, Tommy” You mumbled, unable to keep your eyes off of the suit as Karl propped his head on your shoulder to look at Tommy “Any idea if this is available? What do you think?” You asked as he came towards you two.

“I can get that for you. Definitely. Just talk to the woman and get her to measure you up, tell her you’re marrying Ada Shelby and that it’s going on Thomas Shelby’s bill. I think it would look great, by the way. Want me to hold Karl whilst you get measured?”

“Thank you, Tommy, but I can pa-”

“-Excuse me, we need another suit, in the style of the one in the glass cabinet that she’s standing by. Yes. After Karl’s is done, then measure her. Put it on my tab” Tommy interrupted you, now speaking to the receptionist, making you grin. So, this was what it felt like to be Thomas Shelby, was it? Rich and never having to want for anything.

You were sure that Tommy Shelby had no idea how rich you felt, though, in the moment that the music began from the organ. You had managed to convince a church to house your wedding, and the sunlight beaming through the stained glass windows was making everything seem ethereal. Your legs began to quake as you looked over the crowd in the pews to see the church doors opening with a flash of white.

There, there Ada was, in her beautiful dress. The dress didn’t matter, though, because her face - oh, my god. You gasped as she caught your eye and the light shone onto her figure, making her dark brown hair glow. The lack of a veil made her able to see you, and when you caught each other’s eyes? You thought you could die of butterflies.

She joined you eventually after Arthur had walked her down the aisle, and took your hands. Only when you saw her up close could you properly admire her - the dress was perfect for her, and the baby’s breath crown she wore made her look angelic. Your whole life was in those eyes.

“You look gorgeous” She told you with a whisper, then looked at Jeremiah, prompting him to start.

“Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Y/N and Ada . You have come here to share in this formal commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Y/N and Ada to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.

So welcome to one and all, who have travelled from near and far. Y/N and Ada thank you for your presence here today and now ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support for their decision to be married.” Jeremiah began the ceremony, though it was all hazy. The euphoria you were getting from the whole situation was filling your brain like there were moths fluttering about and whispering only her name.

“Will you, Y/N Y/L/N, take Ada Shelby to be your wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to protect and care for?” He asked you, his voice loud in the hall as Karl ran up with the rings securely tied on the cushion he was carrying.

“I do.” You nodded, never more sure of anything in your life, then bent down to thank Karl and take Ada’s ring, ready to slip it on her finger. He gave you his best smile, and it took everything you had not to tell him how well he was doing and kiss his forehead. The little suit looked so good on him.

“Will you, Ada Shelby, take Y/N Y/L/N to be your wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to protect and care for?”

“I do” Ada answered, then did the same, thanking Karl quietly and then offering you her left hand. You slid the ring on her finger and then let her do the same to you, ignoring the voice that told you that you’d wake up soon.

“I pronounce you Wife and Wife, you may now kiss the bride!” Jeremiah announced, cheering along with the rest of the crowd as you pulled Ada in for a kiss as she wrapped her arms around your neck loosely, kissing her like a dying man.

When the kiss ended, you grinned at her “So, Mrs Y/L/N, wanna go have cake and get drunk?” you asked her, receiving a nod and then starting your journey down the aisle. You looked over at Tommy to check that someone was looking after Karl and, thank god, Karl was happily sitting on Alfie’s shoulders.

“Let’s go get fucking hammered, love” Ada gave you a look full of tentative fire and it set you alight too, nearly running down the rest of the aisle to get to the waiting Rolls Royce.

Once you got to the hotel, it was alive with cheers and music - the live band had already started and the boys had no doubt sped there. Ada went off to talk to Jessie for a second, and Tommy took you by the arm subtly, his eyes on the doors.

“Listen - word has got out about you and Ada. Not to the police, or any political arseholes, but if it did you know I would get it so-”

“Thomas if you’re about to tell me that either my grandmother or a deranged family member of Ada’s is going to try and ruin our special day, I will fight them. Or I’ll borrow a gun of yours.” You told him, interrupting him as you watched Ada and Jessie for a second. She was okay. You looked over at Karl. He was with Alfie. He was okay.

“I have a feeling that our dad might show. I didn’t want to tell Ada because she… doesn’t have fond memories of him and I don’t want the thought of him in her head today, but you need to know. You’re Ada’s wife now, even though the law doesn’t say it, you’re Ada’s wife, and you have to look after eachother.” Tommy explained, holding your elbow gently.

“There has never been anything I’d rather do, Thomas. If sending your father six feet under is what I have to do to make sure that she’s safe and happy, I’ll do it. Got it? If you or the boys see him, you tell me, and you make sure that Karl and Ada stay together unless Ada says otherwise and then Karl stays with someone he knows and trusts. Alfie, Polly, Esme, Arthur, Finn, Mi- anyone I would let babysit. Don’t let Karl see blood, don’t keep Ada in the dark if he comes. She deserves to know what’s happening on her wedding day. But for now, Tommy, I’m going to cut the cake with my beautiful wife and son” You told him quietly, smiling as Ada came over to you now with Karl in her arms, Alfie in tow.

“Everyone wants cake” Ada told you, Karl nodding vigorously, “Is everything alright?”

“I was just making sure Tommy would be fine to have Karl until tomorrow lunch - I can’t imagine we’ll be rising early, can you?” You asked her rhetorically “Now, let’s cut that cake! Do we have a cake knife or are we borrowing a peaky cap”

“Cake knife, though Pol doesn’t trust me with it” Ada frowned, making you and Tommy laugh. Karl joined in because he liked laughing.

“I’ve lived with you for quite some time, Ada - I know why. How you haven’t died in the kitchen yet is a mystery to me” You told her with a smirk, walking towards the bar to get the knife from the bartender.

“That’s because you do all the cooking, love” She replied, a pointed finger at your exposed collarbone beneath the open shirt and blazer.

The cake was cut and the party resumed to being loud and bubbly - the band stirred softly, slowing to give a much softer tune. Arthur stepped up to the pedestal with Karl in his arms, gently knocking into the lead singer of the band - a very pretty irish woman called Saoirse.

“Will the brides come together for their first dance” He called, which was yours and Ada’s cue to step into the middle of the empty space the crowd had formed. You extended your hand to her in a proposing gesture.

“May I have this dance, Mrs. Y/LN?” You asked, bowing to her, standing as she took your hand and pulled you closer as the music began.

“You may, Mrs Y/L/N” Ada smiled, wrapping an arm around your waist and beginning to sway.

You danced together, other couples slowly joining you, then Tommy came up to you and Ada  - you were half expecting him to take Ada’s hand, but then he looked you in the eyes.

“I need you two to come with me. Everything’s fine” Tommy smiled nervously, then walked away, you and Ada following him into the lobby.

“Where’s Karl, Tommy?” Ada asked, still looking like an angel in her wedding dress as she tightly gripped your hand.

“He’s with Alfie and Poll, don’t worry. We do have a problem, though, because dad’s here. He’s at the gate.” Tommy told you “You wanted me to tell you, and so I did”

“Thank you, Tommy.” You hummed, looking at Ada “Love, you okay? Want to get Michael and Isaiah to h-”

“I’m going to go out there and I’m going to make sure he never fucking comes back.” Ada interrupted you, voice cold “You can either come with me, or you can stay here. I do need your hat, though, Thomas. Or your gun - I know you’ve brought one”

Thomas handed over the hat and the gun quickly - he didn’t comply with many people, but an angry Ada? He did. Quickly. “I’m coming with you. Y/N, Alf-”

“-Looks like we’re all going.” You replied “I’ll use my fists - fitting for our wedding”

“You could be referencing at least two things and both of them Tommy should never know about” Ada told you with a wild grin as you three walked out of the hotel doors, the cold biting your exposed collarbone.

“Oh, here they fuckin come, my beautiful children!” Arthur Shelby Senior roared from his open top car, getting out with open arms but still stopped by the gilded gate.

You felt Ada and Tommy tense beside you and you knew what the man had done to not only Ada, but to the family that had taken you in so eagerly. The red mist began to descend upon you, as it was the Shelby siblings, as the gates opened on Tommy’s command.

Arthur came towards Ada and before she could react, you raced towards him to push him back “You fucking dare touch her” You growled out, feeling Ada and Tommy join you.

“Who the fuck are you, then, eh? Telling me who I can touch, telling me which of my children I can touch” Arthur roared, jabbing a calloused finger at your exposed blouse.

“Get off of my wife!” A high shriek resounded in your ears and Ada had burst forward, getting in between you and her father, walking him into his car “You get back in that fucking car and you leave - you know you’re not welcome here, and you will never be.”

“Wife? My own daughter, a lezzer. Well, got myself to blame for that - was it that bad, Ada?” He bit, now standing with his back brushing the front of the car.

“Right, off ya go, in the fuckin’ car, tha’s enough of tha!” Alfie called, strolling down to meet you, now manhandling Arthur away from the three of you “Now, now, me and you, fella, are gonna have a little talk, yeah, about how we treat people! Because it’s Ada’s fuckin’ weddin’ day, yeah, and we can’t have her upset, can we? An’ I’m assuming no-one would care if you died, so we’re gonna go on a little walk, far from earshot” Alfie was exuding so much confidence that Arthur was struggling to fight back, both verbally and physically.

Physically, Alfie had a hand around his neck and was using it to power him backwards, nearly breaking the man’s windpipe. “Treacle, take Ada and Y/N back, Karl’s with Pol. I’ll come back with an ear or summat”

Ada refused to move as Alfie moved him far away, and Tom sent you a look then left you two alone in the cold of the countryside. You gently walked with her towards a bench so she could sit down, maybe process the information easier.

“Love? Are you okay?” You asked softly, her hand finding yours. “Need to talk? Just need some quiet?”

“He just tried to ruin our wedding, Y/N. I thought they got rid of him entirely” Ada muttered “Didn’t even think of him today”

“It’s alright. He hasn’t ruined our wedding, I’ve still never been happier” You told her with a smile, trying to lighten her mood.

“You shouldn’t have to fight on our wedding day - I shouldn’t have to fight on our wedding day” She protested, looking into your eyes. It was getting close to sunset, and her cheeks were tinged red from tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “I guess even though I’m a Y/L/N now, I’ll always be a Shelby…. Fucking hell, the one day I wanted away from fighting”

“You can’t just run from your heritage, love - your family love you and look how eager they were to protect you. Alfie’s a Solomons, but I consider him a Shelby now. I consider myself a Shelby, to some extension. I’m fine with the fighting, and there will be days without it - remember valentines day?”

“How could I not?” Ada laughed softly, resting her head on your shoulder, taking the crown off and putting it on her lap “Can’t believe he dared to mention what he did…. He didn’t turn me gay. I’m bi, for fucks sake…”

“Don’t have to explain yourself to me, love. I know. I promise you, Ada Y/L/N, I will never let that man anywhere near you or our little family again.” You told her, ears perking up at the sound of a familiar low grumble.

“ ‘eya, he was a proper piece of work - I was jokin’ about the ear, right, but you Shelbies are fuckin’ insane” Alfie told you two, holding out an ear on his palm “Take it or leave it - I’ll throw it in the hedge otherwise.”

“Chuck it in the hedge, Alf.” Ada told him with a hum, quickly wiping the fallen tears from the tops of her cheekbones. “Not a big fan of severed body parts - maybe feed it Cyril?”

“Ay, e’d like that. Listen, your father’s a fuckin’ nothin’. Don’ let him ruin your big day, yeah. Get in there, get drunk, and then have a nice night together without kids, yeah? What’s Karl allergic to? Just so I know for breakfast”

“Nothing” You told him honestly, just wishing the well meaning bear of a man to leave you be. Ada hadn’t gone into panic, like one of her nightmares or flashbacks, but still she was upset and hurt.

Alfie got the message and trundled off back inside to meet Tommy, and Ada looked at you “You know I love you, right? You’re the love of my life. Can’t imagine anyone else by my side”

“I love you too, Ada. I’d do anything for you, you know. Anything.” You told her “I love you, I love our little family. I don’t mind the fighting, alright? I’ll be happy as long as I have you”

“Let’s get back inside, then, eh? Celebrate just how much I love you” Ada smiled, standing up and putting her crown on “Alfie is going to spoil our kid, you know. He’s going to come back looking like a beach ball”

“Oh, good. Deserves a treat” You grinned “A bit of sugar won’t hurt him, you know”

“Oh, shush.” Ada chuckled, leading you back inside. You just hoped she was really as happy as she was appearing to be.

Once you were back in the room, you were greeted by Karl, instantly clinging onto your hip and kissing your cheek with an icing smeared mouth and nose.  Tommy noticed you were back in the room and raised a glass to you and Ada, making the room explode in noise and cheers.

The night got quieter and quieter as everyone started to go to their rooms, until you, Ada, Tommy and Alfie were the only ones left at a table, Karl asleep on your lap.

“Still surprised you’ve gone all domestic, Ada” Tommy grinned “I remember when you were at school, and you bit Mr. Hastings’ finger off for daring to tell you off and wave his finger in your face.”

“Told me that proper housewives didn’t fight” Ada chuckled, gently undoing Karl’s waistcoat so he could breathe easier “Little did he know, eh?”

“I met you when you were fighting a police officer, it’s not like you’ve changed much… I think Karl will turn into a fighter like his mum” You hummed, taking a sip of your drink.

“God help us all - It’s the eyes” Alfie commented with a chuckle “Let me know if ya want me to take him, bless ‘im.”

“Will do, thanks Alf. Where’s Charlie?”

“Staying with Lizzie - decided that a late night probably wasn’t good for the tyke, and he wanted to see his sister” Tommy replied.

“What’s Charlie like with Ruby?” Ada asked, another child having been on her mind for a while now. She wanted a babe that had your DNA as well, though it was literally impossible.

“Loves his sister - pretty much the same as we were, but cleaner” Tommy chuckled “Why’d you ask?”

“No reason. You ready to head to bed yet, love?” Ada asked, her eyes growing weary.

“Yeah, let’s head up.” You nodded, kissing Karl’s forehead and then gently handing him to Alfie, ascending up the hotel stairs with Ada, holding her hand as you went. Finally, you were married, in the eyes of your families, which meant that the law didn’t matter that much at all.