#john shelby x cousin!reader

[runnning-outof-time]

happy 3.5 k you 100% deserve it !!!! please could i put forward 33 . "are you jealous" with john shelby tysm have an amazing day

@henrywinterluver Thanks so much for your kind words and also for sending this request in! I’m sorry it took me so long to write it! I hope you like what I did with the prompt you chose! I envisioned this as season 3 Michael…after he started acting cocky haha. Enjoy! :)

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

Part of my 3.5k Celebration - find more stories here!

Run in with a Cousin

John Shelby x Reader

Warnings: language

Word Count: 1170

Summary: Michael hits on (Y/N) one night at the Garrison. Michael doesn’t know that (Y/N) is John’s girl. (Y/N) tries to figure out why John reacts the way he does…in the process she learns of a family member she didn’t know John had.

(Y/N) was waiting for her drink at the Garrison’s counter when she felt someone slide into the empty space beside her. At first she ignored the person, wanting to get her drink and head back to the corner table she’d been occupying while she waited for her partner and his brothers to finish talking business. But the feeling of the man’s eyes lingering on her made her turn to face him just seconds later.

“May I help you?” she asked politely, wondering why he’d been staring at her.

“You might be able to,” the man said with a grin. (Y/N) tried so hard to keep her grimace internal.

“Oh yeah, how so?” she asked, deciding to humor him.

“I just couldn’t help but notice how bloody beautiful you are…and then when I saw that you were sitting here alone. I figured I’d come over and introduce myself,” he answered, inching closer to her as he spoke.

“Well thank you,” she accepted his compliment, still playing nice while making sure to add, “I already have someone though.”

The young man pursed his lips together at the added information before he looked around the room. “I don’t see him anywhere,” he commented on his observstion.

“Oh he’s here,” she assured him.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t still buy you a drink,” the man’s eyes were back on her as his grin returned, “nothin’ illegal with buying a pretty girl a drink…and maybe then we’ll see where that goes.”

A look of surprise flooded (Y/N)’s features as she heard what he had to say. “I think I may be a bit too old for you,” she pointed out. It wasn’t hard to notice that this man looked to be in his early twenties.

“Age is just a number, darlin’.”

(Y/N) didn’t know what to say back to that. So instead she just pursed her lips and nodded.

The young man was about to speak again when she caught a glimpse of her partner over his shoulder. Within seconds, John Shelby had approached them. She could tell by the scowl that had formed that he’d clocked the man she was talking to. (Y/N) tried to withhold her grin…things were about to get interesting.

“Hi, love,” she greeted him in a soft voice as he stopped by her side. He wasted no time in slipping his arm around her shoulders as she pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“Who’s this?” he asked, nodding his head to the man that was on his right. He still hadn’t looked in his direction yet.

“Just someone I’ve been talking to,” she answered, glancing between the two as she spoke.

“This must be your man that you spoke about,” the man made his observation known.

“It is,” (Y/N) nodded.

Then John looked to his right. “Michael?” he said the name as if there was posion laced into it.

“John?” the man’s response was full of shock. “Fuck,” he breathed then, dropping his gaze to the floor.

“You were out here trying to get with my girl when you were supposed to be in the snug discussing business?” John questioned.

“I wasn’t, I didn’t know, I…we were just talking,” the younger of the two struggled to think of an answer.

“But she had to tell you that she had a man,” John pointed out.

“She’s a pretty girl!” Michael admitted, throwing his arms outward in exasperation.

“We’re leaving,” John said to (Y/N) then, his arm dropping from her shoulders to hook around her waist before he looked back to the man named Michael, “and you’d better think twice before trying any of this shit ever again. Got it?”

Michael nodded in response, clearly looking like a child who had just been scolded. Well that’s what he was though, right? He was basically still a child. That was all John needed though to turn and lead (Y/N) out of the pub.

It wasn’t until they made it to her home that someone spoke again. “I can’t fucking believe that happened,” John grumbled as he swiped his peaked cap from atop his head so that he could throw it down onto one of the chairs in the living room.

(Y/N) spun to look at him, immediately noticing that his deep scowl was still very much present. “We were just talking, John,” she told him, trying to get him to lighten up.

“Yeah, but he was talking with the intent of picking you up.”

“But he didn’t.”

“Because I came out and put an end to it.”

“You don’t think I would have put an end to it myself?” (Y/N) inquired, her eyebrows raised.

“I’m sure you would have, but that’s not…” he trailed off with a huff, running a hand down his face before he waved it out in the air, “that’s not the point, (Y/N). I just can’t fucking believe he tried that.”

(Y/N) studied her partner’s mannerisms for a few moments, wondering why this measly conversation had got him so worked up. Then it clicked. “Are you jealous?” she just had to ask him.

John’s eyes immediately snapped to her. “What?” he just had to ask, wanting to make sure he even heard her right.

“Are you jealous of me talking to him?” she repeated her previous question. “Because that’s all we were doing. Talking.”

“Fuck no, I’m not jealous of him!” John exclaimed in an incredulous manner, “why would I be jealous of my little shit of a cousin who’s got absolutely no chance with you?”

“He’s your cousin?” (Y/N) asked with wide eyes, completely shocked by this new information.

“Yes, he’s my cousin,” John answered with a nod.

“How?” the word left (Y/N)’s lips before she could think of anything else to string with it, “I mean I know how, but like…through who?”

“My aunt Pol. He’s her son.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“It would have made things much easier if you did.”

“Well if you would have told me…” (Y/N) trailed off, her eyebrows raising again.

“It never came up!” John defended himself, “and besides, I’m not the problem here, he is.”

“It’s not even a problem though, John,” she sighed in response, wishing he’d let the minuscule issue go.

“I’m gonna tell Pol about it…then it won’t be a problem anymore,” he decided how he was going to remedy the situation.

“That might make it more into a problem,” she couldn’t help but giggle slightly as she thought of her partner, who was very much an adult, going to his aunt to tell on her son - who was also very much an adult.

“It’s what he deserves,” he stayed steadfast with his idea, nodding once after he spoke, as if he was agreeing with himself.

“Whatever you think, John,” (Y/N) appeased him, deciding to let the matter rest…although she knew that this wasn’t the last time she’d hear about this situation.

**tags in reblog so that hopefully they get sent out

MASTERLIST

[evita-shelby]

Persistence

Luca Changretta x shelby sister!reader.

Reader is younger than John and Ada, but older than Finn

Cw:mentions of sex, loss of virginity, older man/younger (consenting adult)woman

Gif by @daebom

He has wanted you since he last saw you.

You had grown up from the little girl who’d lost her mother into a beautiful young woman. He had seen you at his cousin’s wedding and known he’d do anything to have you.

That night he spent between your legs wasn’t enough, your virginity wasn’t enough. He needed to own you, to marry you and make you exclusively his.

So when Angel began seeing the Shelbys whore turned secretary sometime after Christmas, he took his chance. It was bound to blow up and it had by February. Angel had been beaten within an inch of his life by John Shelby, Angel’s right hand completely missing John Shelby and leaving Grace Shelby injured enough to divorce her husband and best of all, forcing Thomas Shelby to negotiate a peace.

Luca choose you. His little sister in the flower of womanhood, looking like an angel waiting to be ruined.

“I’ll be good to you, carissima.” He promised with a kiss of your hands.

And he has, treats as you deserve, gives you all you could possibly want and shows you how good a real man can make you feel.

You don’t love him, not yet anyways, but you will. Persistence was the key to success.

Luca has always been a patient man when it comes to love.

[acewritesfics]

Drabble 31 | Not Okay

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Reader

Fic Type: Drabble

Word Count: 322

Warnings: Tommy being a neglectful husband.

Tommy Shelby Masterlist | Main Masterlist

“No, I’m actually not ok,” Y/N scoffs as she drops their daughter, Edie’s teddy bear into the toy box in the corner of her bedroom. Polly took her to John and Esme’s so she can spend some time with her cousins for the day. She’d done that so Y/N and Tommy could spend some time together and maybe hopefully start working on baby number two.   

But of course, Tommy made other plans. Plans that included business and not his wife.  

“Polly has given us the day to spend with each other, just the two of us,” her voice raises as she turns to her husband. “Today only happened because you agreed to it, Tom. And now you’re running off to the office because Lizzy called with something that the other two can handle themselves.”  

“Love, I-”  

“Don’t love me!” she shouts at him, pushing past him to leave their toddlers bedroom now that it’s tidied. “You’re sleeping in the guest room tonight.”  

“I’ll call Lizzie back and tell her that the other two can handle it,” he offers as he follows her through the house. The thought of sleeping alone terrifies him more than he would like to admit. Y/N being the one who chases his nightmares away and brings him peace when he sleeps, he’s going to do whatever it takes to not sleep in the guest room. “And then you and I can go for a drive and find a nice place to have a picnic.”  

“I’m listening,” she stops, keeping her back to him and turns her head to the side, not quite ready to face him just yet.  

“Then we can come home and start trying for a sibling for Edie,” he finishes.  

She turns to face him, her angry expression turned to a look of hopefulness. He’s known for a while now that she wants another child. He’s been trying to put it off for as long as he can.   

“You better not be getting my hopes up, Mr Shelby.”  

“Never, when it comes to this.” he assures her. 

[look-at-the-soul]

Easter egg hunt

Tommy Shelby x reader (blurb)

🐣 🐰 I wrote this in one sit and it’s pure fluff 🤭

Y/N tried to catch her breath after chasing the kids around the stables, she was so grateful for the fresh glass of lemonade Ada offered.

“Charlie is getting so big.”

“Have you seen Karl?” She chuckled throwing a glance at the Shelby cousins. Each kid had so much of their fathers, both women complained of carrying them inside for months only for them to look just like their dads.

“Do you think these will be enough?” Polly joined them followed by Frances who brought a second tray of sandwiches.

“As long as you keep my brothers off those, it will be enough for the children.” Ada laughed.

They were doing an Egg hunt for Easter this year and after spending weeks collecting and decorating one by one with different colors and filling them with little piece of candies before covering them with bright papers.

“Ugh, those bloody eggs… if I see one more after today…” Esme arrived flopping into the nearest chair, she was severely pregnant and everyone keep betting the baby would be a boy.

After finishing their task, all the Shelby brothers demanded to not eat a single egg in a few weeks.

“Everything is ready for the kids Mrs. Shelby.” Frances announced.

“Perfect, I’ll go get my nephews.” Polly disappeared into Arrow House.

Y/N asked Frances to get the children, but she wasn’t able to hide her disappointment as Arthur, John, Finn and Johnny Dogs joined them outside, except for Tommy as they mentioned he decided to check some paperwork.

Soon the little giggles and squeals from the Shelby kids filled her heart as they started running around looking for the eggs hidden under the bushes, behind the flower pots of even inside the fountain.

She particularly loved the look in Charlie’s face when he found the little candies inside his first egg.

As Esme was comforting Katie because she still hadn’t found one, Y/N stood up determined to walk in and drag Tommy from his office. It was a Sunday and she wanted to have the entire family together to enjoy it.

But to her surprise, he was leaning against the front door, with his characteristic cigarette unlit between his lips, the sleeves of his immaculate white shirt rolled up and a breathtaking smile that he usually had reserved only for the private moments between them decorating his face.

He had been watching the egg hunt from afar.

“I was about to make you come outside.” Y/N wrapped her arms around his torso.

“I knew you would, so I saved you the trip to my office.” Tommy winked, saving in his memory the images of his entire family gathered having a lovely moment.

Thoughts of how this was pretty much what he had been looking for were running inside his mind, watching the kids barefoot, giggling, he was willing to give anything for that.

“Saved you one… it’s special.”

“Yeah?” Tommy couldn’t remember having his own egg for Easter, his eyes were fixed in the delicate shell.

Covering his hand, Y/N couldn’t keep hiding the huge smile from her face. “You need to break it, sweetheart.”

Smashing it with his hand, Tommy found a small paper inside among the confetti.

Can’t wait to meet you, daddy! - it read.

Tommy couldn’t believe it, it took him several seconds just staring at the handwritten note. After Charlie, they had to deal with a few losses that caused a severe damage to their marriage, but they surfed the high waves with patience and decided to focus on what they had, so this was a total surprise.

“It’s been so hard to keep it from you, but I wanted to make sure everything was alright.”

His arms where around his wife in a tight embrace, feeling grateful, blessed, thinking how good his life actually was.

“This is the best news I’ve had in a long time, love.”

To his own surprise, he took Y/N by the waist to spin her around, showering her face with feather-like kisses when he stopped, feeling his love expanding without limits.

*****

Master list

A/N: Just because 🤷🏻‍♀️

Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick @gypsy-girl-08 @datewithgianni @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @ange-thoughts @lespendy @onlydeadcells @fastfan @stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @strayrockette @forbidden-forest-witch @elenavampire21 @forgottenpeakywriter @zablife @peakyscillian @moral-terpitude @babaohhhriley @shelbydelrey @shaddixlife @sloanexx @cilliansangel @rangerelik @sydneyyyya (can’t tag) @adaydreamaway08 @dandelionprints @thomashelbyswhore @woofgocows @cljordan-imperium @flippittygibbitts

[peakyltd]

New Endings - Part 3

Part 3 | Tommy Shelby x reader

A/N: Well this is posted later than I intended but I was struggling with this one and after working a little bit too long on it, idk what to think of it anymore 🥲 Anyway, I hope you'll still like it!

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of injuries, mentions of domestic violence/abuse.

Word count: 5.4k

MASTERLIST | PREVIOUS PART | NEXT PART

Tommy held his aunt's displeased gaze, if her angry tone didn't already gave away how she felt, her eyes would for sure. "Did you forgot who her fiancé is? Who says we can trust her?"

"It's (Y/N), Pol." Tommy's toneless voice objected, not impressed by Polly's words. "You think people won't change? It’s our company that’s connected to the house, it’ll become a fucking target." She confuted.

Tommy had gathered Polly, Arthur, John and Michael for a family meeting in his office in Arrow House. He had enlightened them on the new situation and found details about David. Much doubt arose when he announced that (Y/N) stayed at the old family home, mostly from Polly who questioned her intentions or that from her fiancé.

“Ah c’mon Pol, d'you really think she’d try anythin'?” John turned in his chair to look at his aunt, his eyebrows furrowed. Not believing (Y/N) would have any intentions to screw them over.

“She won’t.” Tommy interrupted them as he leant back in his chair. He hadn't expect the backlash he just received, assuming they would all just accept it. The words of his aunt lingered in his head, maybe he was taking a risk but at the same time he didn’t believe (Y/N) would go against him. Not in the state he had found her in.

“She stays there. I’ll find her a home in the meantime.” He looked at each of his family members, a dominant look in his eyes, a sign that there was no room for negotiation. Something that didn’t work well on Polly. “You’re blinded, Thomas. Remember how it worked out for you the last time.”

Tommy clenched his jaw at her remark, annoyed that she brought up his late wife and the way she had lied to him. Despite the betrayal it didn’t stop him from loving her and forgiving her. Something Polly never did.

“I’m helping her so that bastard doesn’t kill her.”

Michael cleared his throat, the tension between Polly and Tommy was clearly palpable and it made him feel uncomfortable. “With who is David involved with?” He wondered, recalling the information Tommy gave them earlier. “I don’t know yet.”

“We’ll keep an eye on that bloody bastard, right Tom?” Arthur looked at his younger brother, showing him that he got his back. “We do.”

Polly shook her head. “Isn’t this place big enough?" She referred to Arrow House. "You have plenty of space for a guest.”

“She felt safe at Watery Lane.” Tommy directed his attention back to his aunt. Polly narrowed her eyes. “That’s what she tells you.”

Tommy sighed as he kept his gaze on her. “Thank you all for coming.” His brothers and cousin got up to leave the office together, unlike Polly, who remained in her chair with her arms crossed.

“You’re dismissed Pol, free to go.” He bossed her while he put his glasses on his nose and took a folder with documents from his desk.

“You wouldn’t let her stay here, do you?” Polly sneered at him. He looked up over his glasses. “I wouldn’t want to give off the wrong ideas now, do I?”

A humorless laugh fell off her lips. “Please, Thomas don’t-“ Tommy slammed the folder on the desk, making Polly slightly jump at the sudden noise. “Listen to me, eh?! She's no bad news. We’ll go see her tomorrow and you’ll see with your own bloody eyes what happened. I’m not fucking stupid Pol.”

Polly let the silence after Tommy's finished sentence surround them for a moment as she stood up. She walked over to his desk and leaned over it, pointing her finger in his face. “You don’t realize what you got yourself into.” Her eyes were boring into his, showing him that she meant it.

Rays of sunlight streamed trough the small gaps of the curtain, touching (Y/N)'s face in a kind way. The soft light slowly awoke her from her peaceful rest. She snuggled into the blanket as she opened her eyes, carefully taking in her surroundings. Her mind took her back to the events of the day before, just like it did during the night until exhaustion took her into it's arms and gave her the rest she so desperately needed.

The room felt safe and if she could, she would lock herself in there so she didn't have to worry about anyone. Unfortunately things weren't that easy and she had to prepare herself for her new future, something new and unknown.

She sat up and put the pillow against the metal bedframe. While she got comfortable, she looked around the room. It was exactly how she remembered it, the flower pattern on the wallpaper, the chair next to the bedside table and the tapestry that hung next to the bed. It was as if the younger versions of both her and Tommy could walk trough the door at any moment. The sigh that left her mouth was slow as she reminded herself of easier times.

She got up and changed into the dress that Tommy had left for her before opening the curtains. The sky had replaced the somber grey colors for a calm blue one, clouds were dappled here and there. Golden threads of the morning sun directly shined into the bedroom, a smile tugged on the corners of her lips as she looked outside. It felt as if this was nature's way to tell her that she made the right decision. Or well, she would like to believe it was.

She turned away from the window and left the room to make her way downstairs where she got herself a cup of tea. The kitchen didn't offer her the same safe feeling as Tommy's bedroom did, making her feel like some kind of intruder in a place where she shouldn't be.

She looked up at the clock on the wall, no idea on what to do next. Her belongings were not with her, she didn't dare to set a foot outside and she didn't know when or if Tommy came back today.

The sound of footsteps made her snap out of her thoughts as her heartbeat exceeded. "Good morning, love."

"Polly..." She breathed out the visitors name while she tried to keep her composure, knowing her voice had probably betrayed her already. She hadn't expect to see Tommy's aunt, at least not yet. "Good morning."

"It's been a while." The dark haired woman looked at her as a small smile played on her lips. While she eyed the younger woman in front of her, she let Tommy's words play trough her head again. He was convinced that they could trust (Y/N) however there was something that didn't sat right with her.

"It is." (Y/N) returned a small smile. "Would you like some tea? I just made some." She asked Polly, her hands trembled slightly while she put her cup on the table.

"I'll get it myself." Polly answered before taking off her coat and hanging it on the rack. "How have you been?"

"Well..." She let her hands rest on the back of a chair that stood by the table. "I'm alright."

"Alright?" Polly filled a cup and turned to face her. "If you were alright, I don't think you would be here." She pointed out while she sat down at the table. "I-"

"Please take a seat." Polly interrupted her, directing her with her eyes. Her gaze did not leave the woman in front of her until she sat down. "I heard you were engaged."

"I am. For a while actually." (Y/N) confirmed while she twisted the ring around her finger. She felt her palms getting sweaty, unable to tell why she felt so nervous all of sudden. Polly had always been good to her and they got along from the moment they had met.

Polly sipped on her tea, letting the silence linger for a while before she spoke up again. "You're living in London now?" (Y/N) nodded in response. "Yes." She wasn't able to stand the long silences Polly used after her answers. "It's been very different from what I was used to."

"Better?" The older woman asked her. (Y/N) shrugged. "In some ways."

"I think London is convenient for your fiancé's work, isn't it?" Polly's head was slightly tilted backwards as she looked down at her with a raised eyebrow, (Y/N) broke the eye contact and looked down at the table. "It is. Easier for the distribution of the car parts."

"I see." Polly noticed that the behavior of the woman in front of her was different, nothing like she had remembered. She noticed the bruises in her neck and on her arms, which she had tried to cover up with the dress she was wearing. Her confident appearance was replaced with fear and shame. "And now you're here."

(Y/N) felt Polly's gaze almost burning into her skin. Her questions made her wonder what else she knew about her life or David's. She just nodded, thinking about a way to tell her without making it too complicated for herself. "I couldn't take it anymore." Her voice was soft, almost too scared to admit it.

"Tommy told me." Polly's expression softened as she started to feel pity for her. "I didn't expect him to help me." (Y/N) dared to look up at her again as she heard a soft laugh coming from her mouth. "He's full of surprises lately."

The sound of the front door alerted both of them. She felt her body tense as she looked at the opening that led to the small hallway where a familiar man had showed up.

"Did I miss the tea party?" Tommy's low voice filled the room while he walked in, giving his aunt a stern look.

"You did." Polly shot back at him, unfazed by his attitude. "Very eager to come see her, eh?" He sneered, annoyed by the fact his aunt didn't listen to him. "I thought she'd like some company." Polly fake smiled at him, knowing exactly how to push his buttons.

Tommy took his cap off and put it on the table in front of him before sitting down. "Would you like some tea?" (Y/N) questioned, already getting up to get him some.

"No. I won't be here long." He leaned back in the chair, looking at her the way Polly did, waiting for her to sit back down. "Oh, okay." She sat back on her chair. "I guess you've already discussed a few things?" Tommy asked, referring to Polly's early visit.

"We did." Polly answered before drinking some of her tea. "Good." Tommy redirected his attention back to (Y/N). "We might have a house for you, it's not much but it's safe. You'll be able to move there in a few weeks."

"A house? Tommy..." While she was lost for words, she tried to let the new information sink in. Tommy took a wad of cash out of his pocket, shoving an amount of it, her way. "This is for food and clothes. Finn can get you some groceries." He assured her while glancing at his aunt who's dark eyes were almost burning holes into his skin. "And I'm sure Polly wouldn't mind to buy you a few dresses."

"No. No I can't take this." She pushed the money back to him. "You did enough already, I don't even know how I have to pay you back." She was taken aback by his gesture, it was way too much.

"You don't have to pay me back. Just take it." He shoved it back to her way, putting the rest of his money back in his pocket. "I know it's not the same as your belongings but this is what I can do for now."

"Oh no... Please don't worry about it. I'm... I just don't know what to say." It didn't felt right to take his money. She wasn't sure if it was because it came from Tommy or that things just went way too fast but either way it made her feel uncomfortable.

"You don't have to say anything. It's yours." He assured her while he got up, grabbing his cap off the table. (Y/N) looked up at him, shaking her head. "I can't-"

"You can." Tommy put his cap back on his head. "Can I at least invite you dinner for tonight? I can't just take it without doing anything back." She offered, it was the least she could do.

He looked at her in silence while blinking a few times. "If you insist." She nodded. "I insist. 7 PM? "

"I’ll see you tonight."

Plates were neatly put across from each other and the bottle of whiskey was already waiting to be opened. Food was almost finished and even though she was a bit late there was no need to hurry since there was still no sign of Tommy.

Knowing he was always on time, she started to worry. Maybe something had happened to him or maybe he changed his mind about the dinner. But if it was the last thing, he would’ve let her know. Right?

She cleaned her hands after she turned the stove off and peeked trough the window. The streets were pretty calm, except for a few people here and there but none of them was the one she was looking for. She decided to wait a little longer and sat down at the table, opening the book Polly had brought her, along with her new clothes and groceries.

It was a welcome distraction for the time she had to kill because much later than expected, Tommy finally entered the house.

She put her book down and looked up at him. "Is everything alright?" She asked him while he took off his cap and coat and sat down at the table. "Everything's alright." He looked at her when she gazed quickly over at the clock. "A little inconvenience at one of the factories." He added, addressing the fact why he was late.

An embarrassed feeling went trough her body when she noticed he caught her looking at the clock, not wanting to give him a feeling as if she was anxiously waiting for him. "Oh, no don't worry. I already thought that it had something to do with... business." She half lied, leaving out the fact that she was worried.

Tommy nodded as he observed her, noticing her new dress and the make up she was wearing. "I like the dress." He boldly told her, making her smile in response. "Thank you. I like it too, Polly got exactly what I wanted."

"I'm glad." He replied as he watched her get up. "You must be hungry." She assumed when she got his plate and took it to the stove. "I made roasted chicken and baked potatoes with cheese."

"It smells nice." He admitted while she put his plate back in front of him. She opened the bottle of whiskey and poured him a glass. "Thank you."

When she got herself a plate as well and had poured herself a glass of wine, she sat across from him. An uneasy feeling crept up on her, it felt weird to have dinner with him after everything that had happened. The only thing that made her feel better was that he didn't seemed as tensed as he was that morning.

"I hope you'll enjoy your meal." She politely smiled at him as she cut a piece of her chicken. "I think I will." He responded before taking a sip of his whiskey.

"Were you able to get some sleep last night?" Tommy wondered, he had noticed that she looked less exhausted than the evening prior. "Yes, a bit but enough to feel better than yesterday."

He nodded as he calmly ate his food. She eyed him carefully, becoming more aware of the things she had already seen in The Garrison. The tired look on his face and the lack of happiness in his eyes were a big contrast to what she had remembered. She thought back at the words he had said to her in the pub, their kiss and how she hit him after. She had felt a yearning to go back and undo what was done. What she did was equally as bad as the things David did.

"I'm sorry." She blurted out, earning a confused look from Tommy. "For what?"

She looked down at the table, feeling insecure under his intense stare. "Hitting you. You know... at The Garrison. After you-." She stammered, feeling stupid that she wasn't able to get out one proper sentence.

"It was very painful, y'know." He deadpanned. She looked up at him, a hint of guilt in her eyes until she realized he was joking. "I'm serious Tommy." He leant back and took a sip of his whiskey. "Me too, that ring hurts."

She parted her lips to speak up but didn't know what to say. A small smile appeared on his face. His attempts to be funny didn't gave her the chance to explain her feelings. "I felt really bad."

"Don't." He assured her, his way to ease her feelings. "You're not angry about it?" Tommy shook his head. "No, 'm not."

She was relieved that he wasn't mad about what she did although his short answers didn't gave her full satisfaction, wondering if he maybe didn't want to talk about it. While Tommy continued eating the food she made, she wondered if the silence had become a family thing since the conversation with Polly wasn't really flowing either. "So..." She awkwardly started, trying to bend the conversation into a different subject.. "How's the family been?"

"Good." He put the cutlery down. "Arthur got married, John became a father again, Ada and Finn are doing well." Her eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" She marveled with a small smile on her face. "That's great news."

"I guess it is." Tommy filled his glass with whiskey once more. His comment made her wonder what he meant but she decided to leave it. "Finn must've changed a lot."

"He did grew up, yeah."

"I remember I caught him smoking when he was just a little boy." She chuckled softly. "Probably wasn't the first and the last time." Tommy snorted lightly as the corner of his lips turned slightly upwards. He couldn't keep count on the numerous of times he had caught the young boy with a cigarette in his mouth.

(Y/N) shared a little more about her memories of the Shelby's as it seemed to be the easiest way to make a conversation with the one in front of her. While they finished their dinner and drank some more, he attentively listened to her stories.

"Well, I think I'll have to thank you for dinner, eh?" Tommy had turned his chair to look at her while she was doing the dishes. He had taken his suit jacket off, leaving him in his dress shirt and vest. "You're not staying for a drink?"

"I've already had a few." He stated as he saw how her lips turned into a smile. "I can get you a glass of water." Her witty comment made him think of the many she used to make all the time. "I'd rather not."

While she dried the last plate, she turned to look at him. "Then at least stay for one more?" She asked him. Despite their dinner starting off awkward, she ended up enjoying it and she wouldn't mind to chat a bit more. "Alright then."

Once she finished, they both moved to the small living room where they sat across from each other. The fireplace warmed the room and a few candles were spread trough the place, the flames glowing on their faces.

"The whole house is exactly like I remember it." She giggled, the wine had given her a little more confidence but also helped her to feel at ease. Tommy looked around, nodding his head slowly. "Not much has changed."

"It's weird to think about how it looks like time stood still while everyone's lives has changed so much." She concluded as her eyes fell on a picture of the three brothers, Tommy was no older than 19. Tommy's gaze moved to the picture before looking at her. "Everyone's lives or our lives?"

(Y/N) turned her head to meet his eyes and shrugged, not expecting his question as it seemed he wanted to keep a distance in every conversation that night. "Both, maybe." Tommy swirled his whiskey in his glass. "Do you think you'd be still living around here, if you didn't meet David?"

She thought about his question. "Maybe, yes. I don't think London is where I belong." She pulled her knees up and let her legs rest on the sofa she was sitting on. "It's too busy, I guess. The people are different as well."

"How did you meet him?" Tommy asked while he leaned his arms on the chair, curious about how she met him. "At a party, in a club. Also in London." She took a sip of her wine. "A friend invited me. He was there with a group of his friends and he came to the rescue when some Italian was bothering me." She smiled at the memory. "We hit it off pretty well and it turned out the Italian was friend of his who had a few too many drinks."

Tommy nodded once more, replaying the words in his head. This could be information that would help him find the missing link he was looking for, it confirmed his suspicion.

"For how long have you been engaged now?" He continued asking about her relationship. "6 months. He promised he'd do better so I said yes."

"But he didn't." He concluded. "No." She looked at the fireplace as she thought about the past few years. "For how long have you been married?"

"A few months." (Y/N) saw Tommy's eyes change, although his expression remained the same. "Did you love her?"

"I did." He sighed after he finished his whiskey. "Yeah.."

"I'm sorry Tommy." She immediately apologized. She didn't want her curiosity to be the reason behind a ruined night as it appeared to be a sensitive topic. He shook his head, his eyes finding hers again. "No, it's okay."

They both remained silent, thinking about their lives and how things could've ended so differently. (Y/N) decided to get up and get herself another glass of wine. She passed the chair where Tommy was sitting and gently took the glass out of his hand. Their fingers touched briefly, sending a kind of warm sensation trough his body. He looked up at her, her eyes meeting his as they locked their gaze for a moment. His electric blue eyes stared directly into hers, just like they had done many times before. A familiar feeling found it's way in her stomach before she looked away. "I'm- I'll get you a new one." She mumbled before making her way to the kitchen.

Her heart was beating faster as she leaned against the counter, not fully understanding what her body tried to tell her. While she took the time to get herself together, she decided to just blame it on the alcohol.

When she returned with their drinks, she found him smoking in his chair while he let his head rest on his other hand. His eyes were staring at the table. She stopped in front of him, getting his attention as he looked up. “Are you okay?” She asked before handing him his glass.

He blew smoke out of his mouth while he sat up. “I am.” Her hand found its way to his cheek as she gently stroked his skin with her thumb, a way to comfort him. Their eyes finding each other again while she continued. He had missed the genuine and gentle touches of solace. The contact of her skin on his, made him crave for more. Just as he wanted to lean into her touch, she pulled her hand away. Taking the comfort only she could give, with her.

She hadn’t expected to be so drawn to the urge to touch him. Usually she wouldn’t dare and she wasn’t even sure if he was okay with, although his intense stare almost assured her that she was doing something right. The increase of confidence from the alcohol was helping her more than she realized, it could be a good time to use it while it lasted.

“Can I ask you something?” She sat back on the sofa as she watched him finish his cigarette. “You can.”

“Did you mean it what you said? That the ring on my finger should’ve been yours?” Tommy blinked a few times before nodding slowly. “You know I did.”

“Then why did you let me go in the first place?” She let her fingers slide over the stem of her wineglass, the wait for his answer forming an unknown feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Because this life’s not a life where you belong. We'd be better off without each other.”

She remembered the countless arguments that started that last conversation which broke her heart. She didn’t want to give up on him, on them but he forced her to. He forced her out of his life as if it was nothing, as if she was nothing but just an erased memory.

She remembered the evening he told her it was for the best if they didn't saw each other anymore. It was for the best he said but in the end nothing turned out for the best.

She remembered how he told her how life was going to be from that moment, that she had no choice if she stayed but that the exact life within her choice, wasn’t one she belonged to. His words were harsh and his demeanor was cold, as if he didn’t want to understand her feelings or might as well pretended that he didn’t. Only to make it easier for himself.

She remembered how she called him a selfish bastard, how she hated him and how he just stared at her, saying nothing.

“You could’ve protected me and still let me live my own life.” Tommy shook his head as stubbed out his cigarette. “You hated how there were people always watching you, remember the many times you told me it was suffocating you? It only became worse after that, you wouldn’t be happy.”

She couldn’t deny the suffocating feeling it gave her, knowing that everywhere she went, there would be someone watching her. Good or bad, it didn’t matter. But she loved him deeply and a part of her didn't care anymore, as long as she could be with him. “I loved you, do you realize that?”

He sighed softly at her words before taking a sip of his drink. “You think I didn’t love you?”

“No… not the way you left me heartbroken with a shit explanation in the middle of the same fucking kitchen we just had our dinner in. If you really loved me, you would’ve listened to me but you never did.” Her words held the anger she had for years but still came out calmly. "And don't even get me started on how quick you fucking replaced me, that's not love."

Tommy clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I listened (Y/N). I always fucking listened but I knew it would never make you happy. I never would. And talking about replacing, eh? I fucking told you I didn't replace you. Have you forgotten how I went looking for you after you left?"

She scoffed as she listened to him. “Oh yeah, because you were so sorry. So sorry for yourself, that you ended up alone again." Her voice became louder, just like the anger within her. "If you really wanted to find me, you would. Just like a few weeks ago."

"You didn't want to be found." He defended, getting annoyed at her accusations. "Not after what you did, no."

He shook his head as he put his glass on the table, a little harsher than expected. “You wouldn’t be happy but I wanted you to be.” He pointed his finger at her. “I didn’t want to throw away the years we had and I didn’t want to break your fucking heart but I knew how much you loved your fucking freedom and I didn’t want to be the person that would take it away from you.”

She looked at him, his words hitting her in a way she didn’t expect. His voice was strong and determined. She wasn't sure if it was anger or not. “You were always that strong, independent woman. Always out there to do whatever you wanted. Who the fuck was I to take it away from you, eh? You know it would’ve made you unhappy. Love wouldn’t have changed that.”

“I still am.” Her words sounded soft as she disagreed with his statement. “What?” His eyebrows furrowed at her comment. “I’m still the same woman. You said were.”

“Please, have you looked…” Tommy didn’t finish his sentence, instead he took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. Her body tensed and her eyes narrowed as she waited for to finish his sentence. “Have I looked, what?”

“Have you looked at yourself?” He continued his abruptly stopped sentence. He sat up straight, his voice picking up the same tone as before. “You’re far from that. The woman I knew would’ve dared to yell in my face if I deserved it, she would speak up when no one else would and she wouldn’t take shit from anybody.”

(Y/N) gulped at his words, tears brimmed in her eyes as she kept his gaze, listening to the other things he had to say.

“The woman in front of me is a ghost of all of that. The spark in your eyes is gone and all I see is fear. You changed in the worst way and it’s because of him. He fucking ruined you (Y/N).”

She sniffled softly, as she tried not to break down in front him. He was right.

Tommy's eyes did not leave her frame. She tried to take a deep breath, ready to speak up but she couldn't. He moved to the edge of his seat to place a hand on her knee, squeezing it gently.

"You're nothing better." She choked on her words as she watched his thumb moving in patterns over her knee. "I would've ended up the same as I stayed with you." Of course he wasn't the same as David but her life wouldn't have looked much different than from what it did now.

Her mind took her back to David who told her so many times how much he loved her. Who always made it up to her after his outbursts, telling her how sorry he was and that he would do better. He did, even if it only lasted for a few days until he fell back in old patterns. Despite it all, she still loved him, or at least she thought she did. Perhaps it could be the fear speaking, that when she told herself she didn't, he'd come find her.

Tommy shook his head as he felt himself losing his temper. There were many people who held grudges against him and those also brought many accusations however being compared to David was something completely new.

"If you ended up the same, then please enlighten me on the last time I caused this." He grabbed her arm and lifted her sleeve a little harsher than intended, revealing her bruised arm.

She gasped and looked up at him with widened eyes. "Stop, Tommy." While he let go of her arm, she quickly pulled her sleeve down. "I never laid one single finger on you, now tell me again that I'm nothing better than that fucking bastard!" His voice was harsh and full of bitterness. "I don't understand why you keep fucking defending him while nothing like this looks like the love you've been desperately looking for."

She watched him get up and looked up as he towered over her. His words hitting her like he hoped they did, an attempt to wake her up and make her realize what she was doing.

"If you want to go back to him, then please go but remind yourself that if you stay with him, you'll end up six feet under within a year. And he wouldn't even be sorry."

Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know what you think!

Taglist: @cyphah @kissforvoid @liter4ti

[warnersister]

“Your Lethal Hand” Michael Gray x Reader

Michael Gray x Reader, Thomas Shelby x Reader(platonic)

Extremely sad ending.

You looked up at Thomas Shelby from where you were sprawled on the ground. The man you’d once called a friend; a brother. Your cousin in law after your engagement and eventual conjoining in a holy matrimonial ceremony to his cousin Michael. The man that walked you down the aisle.

You couldn’t breathe. Your chest was constricted, trachea suffocating in shallow breaths as you drowned in the salty sadness of your own tears. The world around you was the way it was before you’d met Michael - a constant bleak midwinter. Cold and grey. Shallow and painful. He’d introduced you to a magnificent make-believe that romanticised every crack and crevice and every misfortune divot of imperfections in this world into something incredulously beautiful.

Michael had shown you how to live. He’d taught you to breathe after removing that metaphorical bag you had constricted around your own head in a suicidal fashion. He’d treated you like the princess your parents refused to humour as a child and would dress you up in lavishly expensive gowns and insist on doing your hair for you - to be paraded as his and only his. He’d encouraged you to run before you could crawl and goodness did you sprint. He’d taught you who you belonged to, who you were, your reason for living, he’d introduced you to yourself and for once in life you felt free.

“No one close to you makes a choice without your opinion, Tom.”

“You selfish bastard” you’d breathed out between desperate breaths.

“Not Arthur, not me, not Ada.”

“You satanic monster” your eyes were sore now from the chlorine-like waters that pooled in the overflowing viaducts of your eyelids.

“We can’t escape you!”

“I can’t live without him Thomas.” Your heard lunged out of your chest. “You killed my husband”

“Your lethal hand is always on our shoulders”

“He was my reason to live and you took him away from me for some stupid fucking Vendetta” you clawed at nothing.

“Give me the gun, Thomas.” You say and he calmly hands his pistol to you, now unarmed himself as he felt he owed you this much. You had done nothing wrong. You were mourning.

“Killing me isn’t the answer yn” you shook your head “you and I have been friends since you punched that lad for pulling my hair when I was befriending Finn” you say. “And when I met Michael and you introduced us. You weren’t like that then. Your eyes sparkled and you picked me up and spun me around when we announced our engagement.” The gun rattled in my shaky hands, hardly able to focus on the man before me through blurry vision.

“You walked me down the aisle, kissed my cheek, gave me away and cried. We got married in your house for goodness sake.” I shout, and he remained quiet. “It’s gone on long enough. John, Polly, Michael, Grace, the Italians; the Mafia, the Peaky Blinders.” I exhale calmly. “It’s all that ever mattered to you. Not your aunt. Not your brothers. Not your cousins. Not your wife. Nothing but business.” He looks down at his feet.

“Don’t you dare look away from me.” I seethe. “I understood, for our sake. It’s the family business for crying out loud. But Michael was the only thing I had in this world and my own brother from no blood took him away from me. I loved you Tommy.” I said, lip quivering. “Yn, I understand-”

“Bury me with Michael.” You say, turning the gun on yourself as the bullet accurately punctured the space between your eyes and you collapsed forwards, Thomas catching your lifeless body as you bled onto him. He screamed in pain, looking at the woman he called a sister as a tear ran down his cheek.

“I’ll bury you with him.” He slid down the wall, looking at the red brains dripping down the adjacent one. “A lovely plot near the tree we used to swing on.”

“I’m sorry yn.”

[teddy06writes]

Much Ado About Nothing

Alfie Solomons x fem!reader

Warnings: Mentions of drinking,

Premise: It's a Much Ado About Nothing AU, with Alfie as Benedick and Reader as Beatrice

Useful links: click here for a plot summary of the play, here for access to a version w/David Tennant and Katherine Tate, here for a proshot of a production at the Globe, and here for a wonderful video essay that discusses the plot and has a very insightful tangent about Judaism in Shakespeare.

{I've got a lot going on right now what with the production I'm in being in tech, plus even if I'm doing a simplified version of this, it's still quite a bit of work to go through the script bit by bit, I've decided that I'm going to just release the bit that I have done, and then if people really want more I'll do it in parts}

{Most dialogue is either directly quoted or paraphrased directly from the original text}

It was a beautiful day in the seaside town of Margate, and for the first time in years, you and your family were finally able to enjoy it. The war had been over for months, and with the arrival of spring, it felt like the world was finally alive again.

You were out lounging on the veranda with your cousin Esme, and her friend Ada, enjoying the fresh air when you heard footsteps coming down the gravel driveway. Esme sat up, in her deck chair, "Are we expecting company?"

"I didn't think so." You frowned.

Ada was already at the railing, peering around to try and make out who it was, "I don't recognize him- but he is wearing an army uniform!"

Esme let out a squeal, all but jumping up out of her chair and rushing over to look over Ada's shoulder. You let out a groan, reaching for your drink.

It only took a few moments for your uncle, Johnny Dogs to come bursting out onto the veranda, a letter in hand, and followed closely by Polly and the messenger Ada had seen, "I've learned, in this letter, that Tommy Shelby and his unit are coming to Margate, this very night!"

Esme let out another squeal, quickly chattering away to Ada, filling her in on the events of the Unit's last stop in Margate just before the war.

"He was very near by this," The messenger offered, "They were just getting into town when I left them."

Johnny Dogs nodded, "And how many gentlemen did you lose in this- action?"

"Our unit seems to oppose the rest of the war: we lost few of sort and none of name." The messenger said proudly. This prompted another little burst of excitement from Esme.

"A victory is twice itself when the achievers return home in full number."

Johnny aimed a pointed look at her, reading a bit more from the letter, "It says here, that Tommy has bestowed much honor on his younger brother John."

You chuckled as Esme went bright red, practically glaring back across the veranda with the look of someone caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Much deserved on his part, and equally remembered by the Sergeant Major. He bore himself beyond the promise of his age, doing, in the figure of a lamb, the feats of a lion. He has indeed better bettered expectation than you must expect me to tell you." The messenger excepted the drink offered to him.

You pulled yourself up out of your chair, "I pray you, has signor Mountanto returned from the war, or no?"

The messenger turned to you with a frown, "I know none by that name, Lady."

"My cousin means that Captain Solomons from Camden town." Esme spoke up, glad the attention was finally gone from her and her crush.

"Oh, he's returned and as pleasant as ever."

You let off a scoff, "I pray you, how many has he killed and eaten in this war? How many has he killed, for I have sworn to eat all his killing."

"Niece, you tax Mr. Solomons too much." Johnny Dogs scolded.

Polly chuckled from where she'd taken up your empty chair, "But he'll meet with you, I have no doubt."

The messenger still focused on you, "He has done good service in the war, lady."

You raised an eyebrow, "You had stale food, and he helped you eat it. He's a very brave eater. He has good stomach for it."

"And a good soldier, too, Lady."

"And a good soldier to a lady," You shot back, "But what is he too a lord?"

"A lord to a lord, a man to a man, stuffed with all honorable virtues."

"It is so indeed," You nodded, punctuating your words with a sip from your drink, "He is no less than a stuffed man. but for the stuffing- well, we are all mortal."

"You must not mistake my niece, sir," Johnny Dogs interrupted, quickly explaining, "There is a kind of merry war between Mr. Solomons and her: they never meet but there is a skirmish of wit between them."

You groaned, "He learns nothing by that!"

"It's true enough." Ada teased.

You crossed to the rail of the veranda, leaning back against it, "In our last conflict, four of his five wits went halting off, and now the whole man is governed with one. So that if he have wit enough to keep him warm, it marks the difference between he and his horse. It is all the wealth he has left, to be known for a reasonable creature."

The messenger let out a laugh, "Truly?"

"Aye," You nodded, "Tell me, who is his companion now? He has a new sworn brother each month."

"Is it possible?"

"Very easily possible, he wears his faith like the fashion of his hat- it always changes with the next block."

"I see, Lady. The gentlemen is not in your books." The messenger nodded as if he finally understood.

"No, and if he were I would burn the whole library." You nodded in a agreement, "But truly, who is his companion? Is there no young man who make voyage to the devil with him?"

"He's mostly in the company of the younger Shelby brother: John." And as he gestured back toward Esme, who blushed again, you had to hand it to the messenger: he was a quick learner.

"Oh lord," You groaned, "He will hang upon him like a disease. Alife is sooner caught than the pestilence and the taker always runs mad. God help young John, if he has caught the Solomons it will cost him much to be cured of it."

The messenger chuckled, "I will hold friends with you lady."

You grinned, reaching out to clink your glass to his, "Do, good friend."

"And you'll never run mad niece?" Your uncle asked.

"No, not till a hot january." You quipped.

Before anyone else could retort, the sound of gravel crunch under tires filled the air, and Johnny Dogs was leading the way off the veranda and around the side of the house to meet the new guests.

There in the driveway, your little party was met with the grimmer one of Mr. Shelby. Thomas himself was leading the way towards the house from the cars, flanked by the others as he called, "Johnny Dogs, you've come to meet your trouble. You know the fashion of the world is to avoid cost, yet you encounter it."

Johnny Dogs let out a barking laugh, "Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of you and your good men. For trouble being gone, comfort remains and when you leave- sorrow abides and happiness leaves with you."

"You brace your charge too willingly." Still, Tommy allowed himself to be dragged into his hug. When they seperated, Tommy caught sight of the rest of the party, "Ah, then this your daughter, Esme."

"Her mother has many times told me so."

Finally disentangling himself from the ruckus being made by the soldiers now that they were out of Tommy's orders, Alfie appear at his side, "Were you in doubt sir, that you asked her?"

"Ah, Mr. Solomons, no, for then you were only a child." Johnny said, slapping him on the back.

"You have it full Alfie, and we can tell what kind of man you are for it," Tommy, turned making his way back to Esme, "Surely the lady fathers herself. Be happy lady, for you are like an honorable father."

"If Johnny Dogs be her father, then she would not have his head on her shoulders for all of Margate!" Alfie laughed, but the group had already moved away, as Tommy caught up with the rest of the household.

From where you had found a perch against the side of the house you sighed, "It's a wonder you will still be talking, Alfie. Nobody marks you."

"What-" Alfie slowly turned on his heel, taking in the sight of you, lounging in the sun, "My dear Lady Disdain- are you yet living?"

You smirked, raising your glass towards him mockingly, "Is it possible disdain should die when she has such food to feed on as Alfie Solomons? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her presence."

"Then is courtesy a turncoat. But, it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepting," He wagged a finger in your direction, "and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart- for truly, I love none."

"A dear happiness to women!" You cheered, pushing off the wall to stalk closer to him. "They would else have been troubled by a horrid suitor. I thank god and my cold blood that I am of your humor for that, I would rather hear a dog bark at a crow than a man swear that he loves me."

Alfie barked out a laugh, pointing a finger your direction, "God keep your ladyship in that frame of mind! So some gentleman or other can escape a scratched face!"

"Scratching could not make it worse, if it were such a face as yours."

"Well, you are a rare parrot teacher!" Alfie scoffed.

Your face suddenly felt hot, and you scrambled to retort, "Well better a bird of my tongue than a beast of yours!"

"I would my horse had the speed of your tongue and so a good continuer. But keep your way, in god's name, I am done." He all but waved you away, turning to follow as the rest of the company began to make their way into the house.

You sat for a long moment, watching him disappear, before shaking your head and making your way back around towards the veranda, muttering, "You always end with a jade's trick. I know you of old."

[jungle-angel]

It Takes A Village To Catch A Menace (Rhett Abbott x Reader)

 Summary: You and Rhett adore your kids, but once they’re turned loose with their cousins, they give everybody a run for their money

Tagging: @rhettabbotts​​ Shelby, I hope you’re doing ok. I know things have been kinda rough but I thought this might give you a good laugh and cheer you up a bit

 No one could have asked for a better day than this, the threat of a long, hot summer approaching from around the corner and the Dutton Land near to bursting with the new life of spring. So many animals had been born as soon as spring hit, mostly from the cattle, but to everyone’s surprise, even the bison hadn’t slacked in the procreation department. Everyone was reeling with excitement when it was discovered that a white calf had been born to a female in Felix Long’s herd, a highly auspicious sign in everyone’s eyes.

Rhett, Rip and Kayce leaned against the wood rails of the paddock fence, watching the little calf graze with its mother, the cow clipping the grass and the little one sneaking in to nurse every so often.

“It’s gonna be a good year, that’s for sure,” Rip remarked, pushing his aviators back up onto his nose. 

“Herds are doing great, land’s nice and green,” Rhett added. “Couldn’t ask for better.”

“Yeah and in two weeks, you and I are gonna be uncles again,” Rip chuckled. 

“Because THAT horn dog over there couldn’t keep it in his pants!” Rhett laughed, pointing to Kayce.

“Fuck all o’ ya’ll and the horses you rode in on,” Kayce retorted. 

Rhett laughed but deep down, he knew Kayce and Monica deserved it. Sure, they had Tate, but after one rough ride, Monica had given birth to Jake, their precious little rainbow baby and Felicity after that. Now, another little girl would be entering the family in just a few weeks. There wasn’t a day that went by where you and Rhett hadn’t kept the family in your prayers, grateful for the lifelong bond you all shared with one another. 

The three men kept talking away, hardly noticing the smaller footsteps traipsing through the grass behind them. Rhett, Rip and Kayce turned to find Tatum and Tanner, yours and Rhett’s twin boys, Rip’s son Joey and Kayce and Monica’s little boy, Jake, running through the grass with something in their hands. 

“Whatcha got there boys?” Rhett asked them. 

“Nothin,” the four little boys chirped. 

Rhett, Rip and Kayce all looked at each other, knowing that nothing usually meant something. 

“I’m gonna ask ya’ll one more time,” Rhett warned them. “What’ve ya’ll got in your hands?” 

“There’s a wasp nest in the tree daddy,” Tatum chirped. 

“Yeah, a big one,” Tanner added. 

“And we’re gonna burn it off the branch,” Joey proudly declared, holding up one of John’s cigar lighters. 

Rhett, Kayce and Rip were suddenly overcome with a look of fear on their faces, almost as though each one had just shit themselves. 

“Uh oh,” Tatum said meekly, noticing the look on his father’s face. 

“HAND THAT SHIT OVER!!!!” 

“NO!!!!!” 

The four little boys took off into the grass, their fathers all hot at their heels as they leapt over the pasture fences and chased them around one tree after another. 

You and Beth had just come out onto the front porch of the main house, coffee mugs in hand, ready to relax and enjoy the morning before helping Monica with whatever she needed. All of a sudden, you heard the shouts of small children and three grown men coming up behind them. 

“Oh my God, what did they get into now?” Beth chuckled. 

“Well, I noticed at least three cans of hairspray and your dad’s cigar lighter was missing,” you answered. 

Beth almost choked and spat out her coffee. “Why the fuck do they even have that?!” 

“One of life’s great mysteries I guess.” 

You and Beth fought the urge to chase your sons through the yard, letting their fathers try and catch them for once. John’s heavy footsteps came up beside you, his gaze fixed on the sight before him. “Anybody have any idea where my good cigar lighter went?” he asked. 

“Why don’t you ask your devil grandchildren Dad,” Beth answered. 

John laughed and shook his head when a loud curse from Rip reached his ears. “I’m gettin way too old for this shit,” he chuckled before pulling his phone from his pocket and hitting the record-video button on his camera.

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

“C’MERE YA LITTLE SHITHEADS!!!!” Rhett bellowed as he, Rip and Kayce charged across the grass towards the barns. 

“No we need it!!!” Tatum yelled back. 

“BULLSHIT!!!” 

Teeter and Avery leaned out the window of the loft where they had been stacking haybales all morning. ”What the fuck are them lil goat turds doin now?” Teeter questioned, adjusting the Astros cap on her head. 

“No idea but by the looks on their faces, I’d say it’s not good,” Avery answered. 

“SOMEBODY HELP US CATCH THESE DAMN KIDS!!!” echoed Rhett’s voice. 

“Ight, let’s go git’em,” Teeter sighed climbing through the trapdoor and down the ladder. “Them idjits have suffered enough.” 

Teeter and Avery headed down into the main stables where three of the other ranch hands were busy feeding the horses. “The fuck’s all that yellin about?” Lloyd asked. 

“Them lil skunk-herd motherfuckers are at it again,” Teeter answered. “Ya’ll got the oversized feedin sacks?” 

Colby tossed her one and Jimmy took another before giving one to Avery. “What’re ya’ll doin with those?” Lloyd questioned.  

“Gonna go and catch’em,” Teeter answered before sticking her gum behind her ear. 

“Well, if ya’ll are goin, I’m goin too,” Lloyd chuckled. “I ain’t missin this shitshow.” 

Teeter led the way and the ranch hands all hurried to the other end of the pasture, blocking off the only escape route the boys had a hope of taking to outrun their fathers. 

“Keep’em steady boys!” Teeter ordered. 

The kids came charging over the hill with Rhett, Kayce and Rip still on their heels, clutching the cans of hairspray and the lighter as if their lives depended on it. In a split second, each one of them tumbled right into the feed sacks, the hands closing them right up as they wriggled and squirmed inside. 

“Thanks guys,” Rhett blurted out, completely out of breath as he took one of the sacks that had a twin inside of it. “We owe ya’ll one.” 

“You don’t owe us shit,” Lloyd told him. “Here, c’mon, bring’em back to the bunkhouse, I’ll make damn sure they’ve got the fear of God in’em for this one.” 

Rhett, Rip and Kayce followed them all back to the bunkhouse, hoping that this time the boys would learn their lesson. 

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

“Are you shitting me?” Thomas Rainwater laughed as he watched the video John had pulled up on his phone. 

“No, wait, it gets better,” John told him. 

Thomas laughed and shook his head as he heard the loud curses and Beth’s remark. Mo tried to hide his laughter too, but it was no use. Neither of them cared who in that office saw them or heard them. It was just too funny to look away from. 

“I take it they went down to the fire station?” Thomas asked him. 

“Nope,” John replied. “Didn’t have to do that. Lloyd took’em aside and showed’em what’ll happen if they do it again.” 

Thomas and Mo each made a face knowing that Lloyd’s tactics, as unorthodox as they were, would at least stick with the boys for a long time. 

“Well,” Mo sighed, scratching the back of his head. “Maybe there’s an advantage to all this.” 

“You’re damn right Mo,” John said. “There’s definitely an advantage.” 

“And what might that be?” Thomas asked him. 

“If that bitch, Caroline Warner, ever comes onto the property again and tries to pry the land out of our hands, we’ll just sick the grandkids on her,” John explained. “Odds are no land developers will ever come back.” 

“Truth be told, I like those odds,” Thomas grinned. 

[midnightswithdearkatytspb]

MidnightsWithDearKatyTSPB's Recommendation List: February '23 Part 2

Welcome to February's recommendation list, part two. If you haven't already, you can find part one here. The last list had 32 fanfiction recs in it this one might come in a little under as I have my cousin coming to visit me the last few days of the month. If you are interested in having your writing challenges featured here, or your stories, or even just your blog, please feel free to tag me, in your works, message me, or use the hashtag MidnightWithDearKatyTSPB. I hope your valentines day was a good one and those partaking in Lent, you got this! Happy March everyone!

WE REACHED THE LIMIT ON THIS LIST! FROM NOW ON, I'LL TRY & NOT TO MAKE IT SO LONG. SORRY!

🌹 February '23 Pt 1

March '23 🍀

Masterlist

Billy The Kid: The Playlist (Billy O'Grady) - "So what is wrong with another sin?" - "Rock You Like A Hurricane" by Scorpions

King Billy O'Grady (Moodboard)

Playlist for Uhtred the Berserker - "You'll be a man, boy!" - "Run Boy Run" by Woodkid

Uhtred the Berserker (Moodboard)

Thomas Micheal Shelby - "There was no doubt that Tommy Shelby had a soul and a heart that beat."

Luca Changretta (Moodboard)

Thomas Shelby "I Need My Girl" (Mood Board)

A Daughter's Return (Moodboard)

Tommy Shelby Pinterest Ask Game (Moodboard)

Lavender Haze >> Tommy Shelby x Estella Holland (Moodboard)

ONE-SHOTS:

*36 Minutes by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Reader gets stood up, but is it really so bad? | Ace delivered again in her Valentine's Day Fic Special. Cranking out some of the best works, I've ever read.

*As The World Caves In by @areyenotfondofmelobster >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: What would you do when your world comes caving in? | I did indeed cry at this beautifully written masterpiece.

Bound By Blood by @noforkingclue >> Dark!Vampire!Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: You never expected that working for the Shelbys would be easy. However, you never expected you would gain the interest of Tommy, let alone what would happen next. | This was so freaking good seriously. I never knew I needed Vampire!Tommy till I read this. I need more Vampire!Tommy.

*A Christmas Journey by @notyour-valentine >> Tommy Shelby & Secretary - Summary: A Journey back from London in the Christmas Season with his secretary doesn't go as planned. | If I’m being honest, I’m not one for Christmas, but this could get me in the mood for Christmas. I love how this takes you into the mind of Tommy and how his secretary influences his view. So well written.

Daddy's Girl by @gypsy-girl-08 >> Tommy Shelby x Wife!Reader - Summary: Tommy's world revolves around his two girls, his wife, and his daughter. | This was cute and a nice change of pace to read. I would like to see more Dad!Tommy and Uncle!Finn as well.

*For A Good Cause by @peacexatxlast >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy is in a mood and snaps at Frances. His wife does not approve... | So hot and so well-written!

*Mama Bear by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Wife!Reader - Summary: Inspector Campbell thinks he can get to Tommy through his daughter. Mrs. Shelby finds out and is having none of that. | So good. It's a good reminder to never mess with a mother who loves her child and her family.

Punishment by @mxpseudonym >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy’s wicked games leave you breaking the rules, but punishment for you means punishment for him too. Who can hold out the longest? | This is perfectly Spicy!

Red Lipstick by @cupidsheqrts >> John Shelby x Reader - Summary: You feel flattered when Charlie Shelby asks to marry you while your husband feels like he could strangle his nephew. | This was so adorable to read. I loved everyone's reaction as you read along.

*The Recovery by @cillmequick >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Tommy ruins his own specially planned Valentine’s evening and has to work hard to get back in his wife’s good books. | This is so good! I think I may have blushed while reading it was so good.

Tommy Pressing His Forehead to Yours by @zablife >> dark!Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: Ambushed by the Italians, the Shelby family, especially Tommy does everything he can to figure out who did it. | You know it’s good writing when the writer can get your heart to drop to the bottom of your stomach. Lee does what she does best, writing.

MINI-SERIES:

SERIES:

Betrayal by @cillmequick >> Tommy Shelby x Reader x Luca Changretta - Summary: Tommy and Y/N have been together, in secret, for some time, after growing up together on the streets of Small Heath. Tommy was poised to have everything he ever wanted until a colossal error of judgment comes back to haunt him and he finds himself on the wrong side of the woman he loves. | If you haven't read it yet, please do yourself a favor, grab a drink, and get ready to be blown away.

DRABBLES:

Day 14 by @acewritesfics >> Tommy Shelby x Reader - Summary: This is a request I made where Tommy gets the marriage license for their marriage. | I'm so happy with how it turned out. It felt like I was getting a Valentine's Day gift.

MINI-SERIES:

Try a Little Tenderness by @ramp-it-up >> Mob Boss!Steve Rogers x Reader - Summary: Steve can't win you with presents. He's got to try a little tenderness. | I came here for the pairing and stayed for the plot. It’s so hot, the plot, that is. Please enjoy this as much as I did.

ONE-SHOTS:

His Most Prized Possession by @bucky-barnes-diaries >> Dark!Mob!Bucky x Wife!Reader - Summary: You’re the wife of the most feared man in all of New York City, James Buchanan Barnes, the mob boss of the biggest mafia in town. Your his—his girl, his beauty, his love, his property, his most prized possession. He will torture and kill anyone who dares to make any advances on his woman, and he won’t hesitate to show them who you belong to in the most sinful way possible before their end. | Just the kind of hot you need on a cold winter's morning. It is 🥵 🥵 🥵 y’all! Remember to read the warnings ⚠️!

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture by @world-of-aus >> Pornstar!Bucky x Pornstar!Reader - Summary: Bucky loves to take pictures to remember you. | So very spicy, and I loved the writing and teasing!

The Video by @becca-e-barnes >> Pornstar!dbf!Bucky Barnes x Reader - Summary: You find out what your father’s best friend does for work. | Don't ask me why but Pornstar!Bucky and Steve are some of my favorites to read and this one does not disappoint me. You get a good dose of feels, along with a good dose of spiciness in this.

Unattainable by @heavysoldat >> dbf!Bucky Barnes x Reader - Summary: The reader has a horrible, no, good day, in which Bucky comes to save the evening. | If you want something hot to read on a lonely night, this is it for you.

What Goes Around by @navybrat817 >> BFD/DBF!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader - Summary: Bucky is your friend's dad and your dad's friend and nothing more. Until he isn't. | This is hot, it’s got the shameless smut, and it’s got the possessive Bucky. What more could you really ask for?

Why Wait by @fatecantstopme >> DBF!Bucky Barnes x Plus size!reader - Summary: You've known Bucky for years, but the dynamic between you had begun to shift since you'd graduated college. He suddenly found himself struggling to act normal around you and you decided to make it your mission to find out why. | The jokes in this were fantastic. It had me laughing. The writing in general, was just fantastic, especially when you get to the hot stuff. Highly recommend!

ONE-SHOTS:

In The Shadow by @littlefreya >> General Kirigan x Reader | Geralt x Reader - Summary: Geralt and you are captured by the Darkling and about to find out his means of punishment are quite unusual. | I would have never thought of this crossover, and I'm so glad the writer did. Please read the warnings, its dark but oh-so-good!

*Stories of Us by @writingdumpster >> Jonah Heidelbaum x Hunter!Reader - Summary: Jonah tells the reader he wants to have a family but she doesn't think she's worthy of motherhood after all she's done. | Do you hear that in the distance? That would be my heart breaking and slowly being put back together all in one one-shot. That is how well-written this is!

TEACH ME + R U SHY? by @ramp-it-up >> Lloyd Hansen x Reader - Summary: Lloyd's had his eye on the maid for the past three days, thinking he's struck the gold mine when he's found a 19-year-old virgin. | This is *chefs kiss* perfect. You will not believe the ending.

MINI-SERIES:

Lost Without You Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 by @gypsy-girl-08 >> Cillian Murphy x Reader - Summary: Your six-year relationship with Cillian, comes to an end. Can you both move on? | This made me feel everything I wanted to feel in a two-shot/mini-series. You have the heartbreak, the love, and the devotion the characters have for one another. Very beautiful.

SERIES:

Begin Again Pt. 2 by @teds-mustache-wrangler >> Ted Lasso x OFC!Penny - Summary: When Penny starts working at AFC Richmond as their new head photographer, she catches the eye of a certain mustached, happy-go-lucky, head coach of the team. But can their spark endure through the season’s pressures and the demons of their past? | You don't understand how honored I am to be able to read this before it gets posted, and also to get to see the characters develop. I didn't ever recall laughing at a story before, but this one, this one makes me laugh.

@zablife - Let's take a moment to say happy one-year anniversary to Lee here on Tumblr! She has over 100 writings she accumulated over the year she's been on here, sharing with us. Lee writes for the Peaky Blinder fandom and the fandom is so very lucky to have her.

[runnning-outof-time]

You know I had to do another one! 💙🥂

From the 5 word list, #16 - “Please stay with me tonight.” - with John or Tommy (that's up to you!)

(2 of 2)

Thanks for sending this one in also, Bri! I went with John on it so that I could break to the little Tommy steak that was going on before this! I also may be bending canon a little bit here, but oh well. And I couldn’t resist the silly title. Enjoy! :)

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

Part of my 3.5k Celebration - find more stories here!

Gangsters Have Feelings…?

John Shelby x Reader

Warnings: language, smoking, one sexual reference

Word Count: 1017

Summary: John calls on (Y/N) when he’s having trouble coping with the decisions of his brother, Tommy. (Y/N)’s quite honestly surprised to see this side of him.

(Y/N) took the moment of pause in the conversation she was having to wonder just how in the hell she’d wound up in this position. She never could have expected that her on the fly befriending of John Shelby one evening at the Eden Club would have led to showing up at his hotel room because he needed someone to talk to.

Hell, this brought on a whole new question…gangsters have feelings?

She hadn’t thought of it before, but it was becoming clear that they did…or this one did at least.

From the second she entered the suite, she knew that John was upset. She felt it. The usual energy that he exuded whenever she was around him was missing, and he wasn’t paying much care to his appearance at the moment. His usual three-piece suit had been exchanged for a pair of slacks and a messily tucked in undershirt.

The reason for his calling became apparent the second she asked him what had been going on. A simple question opened the floodgates of complaints of how his brother had been running the business; putting a much younger cousin in a more respectable position while he and his other brother were expected to keep up with the unmentionable side of things.

“You know I never had any ambition to sit in an office and jerk around over some fucking papers, but it’s just that…that’s me own fucking brother making the calls. I mean…it’s gotta count for something, right?” John started talking again, making (Y/N) focus back in on the conversation.

“It should,” she offered a comment, letting him know that she was actively listening to his plight.

John sighed and carded his fingers through the longer parts of his hair before bringing the cigar he’d been smoking up to his lips. He took a deep drag and blew the smoke out in a steady stream as he peered through the window. “And now Michael’s in the office and Arthur’s in charge of London, and I ain’t got nothin’. Tommy doesn’t care though because all I am is some fuckin’ yes man who takes care of errands for him.”

“I…” (Y/N) stopped herself before she could continue. She didn’t really know what to say. Talking hadn’t been placed that high on the agenda of their previous visits. (Y/N) didn’t really know anything about John Shelby…other than he most certainly knew what to do in bed. So she wasn’t sure what type of can of worms she could open by giving improper advice. She could tell that he was looking for it though; advice. “I’m sure that Tommy cares about you, John. You’re his brother,” she started off with a vague statement.

“That’s about all I am,” John mumbled as he shook his head, his eyes focused on the floor.

(Y/N) sighed as she stood from the chair she’d been sitting on. She silently moved over to the window sill he’d been sitting on and took a seat on the corner of it that had been left open. “Look, John…” she paused again, trying to come up with how she was going to finish the rest of her statement. She hated that she didn’t know exactly what to say. “I don’t know much detail about the area of business that you and your family work in, but I do know the man that you are. I know that you care, that you give your all to what you’re doing, and that you’re damn good at it.” She didn’t take his eyes off of him after she finished speaking, watching for any little movement he might make.

Instead of saying anything, John just shook his head. It didn’t seem as though he was shaking off her statement, but rather shaking his head at the situation in general.

“John,” she spoke his name like a breath, hoping that he’d at least look at her. She was really struggling with what more she could add in to help the situation. There had to be some reason he called her to come over, right?

Thankfully, her attempt worked, and he lifted his downtrodden eyes up to match hers. The hopeless expression that was etched into his features made her frown, and she couldn’t stop from reaching out and cupping his cheek with her hand. She brushed her thumb against his skin while keeping eye contact, hoping that her comforting actions would make up for the fact that she had no clue of what to say.

Some time - (Y/N) wasn’t even sure how much - passed before she spoke again. “John, I’m sorry…I want to help, but I’m struggling with what more I should add,” she finally came clean, explaining her internal dilemma before she sent a sympathetic look his way.

“You comin’ here is help enough, love,” he answered her, leaning into her touch. His statement made the smallest smile form on (Y/N)’s face, and that alone helped him start to forget about his woes.

“I…um…” she stuttered over her words as she tired to think of what to say next.

“Please stay with me tonight,” John - thankfully - cut her off. The sentence, which was usually asked as a question, was spoken by the Birmingham gangster as a statement.

“You want me to?” she checked before giving her answer.

“I need you to,” he answered with a reworded version of her statement.

(Y/N) thought for a moment. This question - that John had been asked her many times before - sounded different now. He needed her in a way that he hadn’t before. The thought of that made her heart start to beat faster.

“Will you?” he asked after a few beats had passed.

“I will,” she nodded, sending him a smile.

“Thank you,” he breathed, taking her by surprise as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She didn’t pull back from it though, immediately kissing him back. “Thank you, (Y/N),” he pulled away just enough to say before his lips were on hers again.

**taglists are added in the reblogs!

MASTERLIST

[acewritesfics]

Drabble 01 | John Shelby

Pairing: John Shelby x Reader

Fic Type: Gif Drabble

Request: from @/zablife for a drabble challenge.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 151

John Shelby Masterlist | Taglist sign up

John could see Y/N becoming overwhelmed with their crying baby as they listened to the preacher giving his eulogy about her grandmother.

“Here love, pass him to me,” he tells her, with his hands out towards her.

She hands their son to him. He takes him and moves him so he’s holding him with one arm, his other wrapping around his wife’s waist to pull her into his side. She leans into him.

“Do you want to go straight home after this?” he whispers to her.

“We should get Henry home before he becomes unsettled,” she says mentioning their baby. The older children were off playing with their cousins.

“While you say goodbye to your mother, I’ll get the other children,” he says.

“Remember that Katie is going with Margaret this afternoon. Her and Eva are having a sleep over tonight,” she reminds him as the service comes to an end.

acewritesfics taglist sign up

TAGGED: @star-ggirl - @galactict3a -@alexxavicry - @nicole-19s-world - @silverrmistt

BOLD means I wasn't able to tag you. Sometimes it works after I have posted. If your tag is in bold, please let me know if you received a notification. If not, here is post that could help - WHY OTHERS CAN'T TAG YOUR BLOG.

[zodiyack]

Like Mother Like Daughter

Requested by anon: Hello love! Would you write something about the reader being Polly's lost daughter that finally found her and she goes to her house and Polly of course is insanely happy and they catch up all night ,immediately connected. The next day she gets introduced to the rest of the family and Tommy is super rude to her because he thinks she's there for money,but she's just there for Polly and just as fierce as her mother, putting him in place? :)

Pairing: Shelby & Gray family + Gray!Female!Reader (No romance)

Warnings: Swearing, angst, fluff, probably a trash story that was also probably really horribly written, posting with out proofreading oops

Note: I apologize sincerely for the likelihood of a shitty background story of how reader discovers Pol being her mum. I am also so sorry if this sucks lol, I couldn’t think of good responses for the angsty part sigh. I really hope you guys like this one, again, I’m sorry if I didn’t quite write the situation all too well. However, the more I write, the more I get to know the characters, so this is a start haha

Taglist: @matth1w​, @redspaceace​, @simonsbluee​

masterlist | peaky blinders masterlist

Today was the day. Polly fiddled with her fingers nervously, anticipation for what was to come. Her daughter, Michael’s sister, was just confirmed alive and well, and was being sent to their home. Michael didn’t know he had a sister and Pol had been uninformed of her daughter’s state of health.

It was a surprise, the only person of the family who knew was Polly herself. Y/n was her daughter anyways. The boys could wait until after they caught up; she was eager to reconnect with this girl, who very dear to her heart. Her palms were sweaty, thanks to her nerves.

The news graced her ears just last month. Her lost daughter, alive and well, and pleading with her adoptive mother to let her go and seek out the mystery woman who’s name was with her’s on papers in her father’s office. The girl had no success, getting rejected over and over due to her parent’s hatred for her discovery. Polly, however, found a way to anonymously convince the parents to let her daughter go. Whether it was legal or not, it got it done, and that’s all that mattered.

The door creaked open, the light from the sun shining onto Y/n like a spotlight. Polly’s eyes filled with tears as she scanned her daughter with a small smile on her lips.

“Hi mum...” Y/n smiled back at her, inhaling deeply, not sure if it was real or just a dream. She wished, if it were a dream she could have it every night for the rest of her life.

Polly’s mouth opened slowly, but no words left her mouth. Her hand began it’s journey up to her mouth, stuttering half way, and covered her growing smile. She didn’t know what to do. She was so happy, she could hardly move. True, she was excited to have Michael back, but this was her daughter. A year younger than Michael. More naive than Michael. Lost longer than Michael.

Her words betrayed her, but her body made up for their faults. Pol stumbled towards Y/n and wrapped her arms around her in a bone-crushing hug. “Is that really you? My baby girl?” Her tears soaked into Y/n’s dress clad shoulder, but neither of them cared.

“Mhm.” Y/n too had no luck with her words, too caught up in emotions and snotty tears to give a shit. They chose to make use of their wordless greetings, hugging tightly for a few more minutes. Once they separated, Polly took Y/n’s face in her hands and let her eyes take in the image before her.

“You’re so beautiful... I wonder what you looked like as a child...” More tears fought to escape her eyes. Her breathing was unsteady, like she had just calmed herself from a crying fit, when really, she was doing the opposite, tears greeting her warm cheeks.

“Polly, it’s alright-”

“Mom.” She chuckled softly, “You can call me mum, dear. You are my daughter, after all.”

Y/n didn’t respond. She wracked her brain for words, but they fled at the quiver of her bottom lip. So, she did her plan B. She removed Polly’s hands from her face and quickly surged forward into Pol’s arms. Y/n felt Polly’s arms wrap around her figure protectively, like she was scared that if she let her go she would lose her again.

“Well, mom, we have a lot to catch up on...” They finally separated, but Polly’s hands gripped Y/n’s, the same fear as the hug taunting her heart.

“That is true...and you and your brother have some catching up to do as well, but that can wait until tomorrow.”

Y/n raised an eyebrow with pure curiosity, “Brother?”

. . .

Tommy was walking calmly and sleepily to the kitchen area until he heard laughter coming from a voice that he didn’t recognize. His pace quickened with the need of settling his confusion.

A girl sat next to Michael, laughing at something he said. Tommy felt a slight jab of anger at the sight of a stranger in their home, everyone seeming so comfortable with this new person not even a day into her arrival.

He stepped into the room fully. His brothers and aunt tried to greet him good morning but they were interrupted when he glared at the girl next to Michael. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Might as well as you the same thing, greeting not only a lady, but a relative with a shit attitude like yours.”

“She does have a point. Tom, this is Y/n, Michael’s sister and Pol’s daughter. Which, if you haven’t guessed already, means she’s our cousin.” Ada smirked, astonished at Y/n’s retort.

“Mhm. And she just, somehow showed up over night, am I correct?” 

“Actually she showed up before dark. You boys just didn’t meet her because I wanted to catch up with her as much as possible first. You would too if you had met your daughter whom you thought was dead for seventeen fucking years.” Pol’s attitude seemed to drop from cheery to annoyed.

“So? You chose to believe her?”

“Yes! She’s-”

“She could be a complete stranger who just wants out money or- or- maybe she is your daughter but she also just wants our money.” Tommy turned to Y/n, “Is that it? You’re just lookin’ to take from us? Is that your tactic? Pretend to be our Aunt’s daughter and steal? Or are you not after money? Maybe you work for someone? One of our enemies perhaps?”

Michael rubbed Y/n’s back, he was unsure to why Tommy was acting so shitty today. His reaction was more controlled than this when he met Michael, so why was meeting Y/n any different? Michael furrowed his eyebrows to his older cousin and squeezed Y/n’s hand. She smiled to her brother in reassurance before smiling back at Tommy, not letting his not-so-good-first impression get to her.

Polly, having enough of Tommy’s angsty mood, walked out of the room. She mumbled something about him ruining her day and the reunion.

He grunted and walked past the family, poured himself a shot, leaned against the wall next to the counter, and crossed his arms. Y/n snickered to herself as she viewed his actions. “Oi, what’s so funny?”

“You’re crossing your arms and leaning against the wall in an act of dominance. An attempt to intimidate others, but honestly, your word and argument choices betray your failed claims of top-dog.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well,” she got up from the chair and pushed it back in, walking over to Tommy, “you’re acting childish. Throwing out accusations willy-nilly without reason, acting over dramatic when we could talk like civilized adults, and to top it all off, crossing your arms and pouting when you don’t get your way.” She paused, smiling mischievously.

Her cousin stayed silent. His breathing was a bit off, telling her that she had indeed managed to, if not the tiniest bit, piss him off.

“I came here to see my mother, who I’ve never seen in my entire fucking life, and then I find out I have more family. You can imagine my surprise, happy and finally feeling at home. But now, can you imagine my reaction to the cousin my mum spoke so highly about acting the way you did?”

She didn’t give him time to answer before continuing, drawling out some words and sentences with the intent of mocking the Peaky Blinder.

“You see Tommy, tough guys are what Birmingham sees you, and those of your brothers who are adults, to be, yet I only see two out of the three of you as ‘tough guys’. And now, I’m looking at the missing piece to their ‘tough-guy’ count, but all I see is a whiny child who would rather believe paranoia than his own family. Which, by the way, Polly said you cared most about.”

Tommy’s jaw clenched. Y/n’s face held a victorious smile. “Oh, and one last thing.”

“And that is?”

She swiped the glass from his hands and walked back to her seat, holding Tommy’s shot-glass cautiously. “Trust me or don’t trust me, I don’t care much, but for you and your reputation's sake-” She downed the shot, “you should really man the fucking hell up, cuz.”

Y/n set his glass onto the table, giving him the bird joined with a kind smile before she left the room to chase after her mother. The family, minus Polly and Y/n, sat in silence, processing the personality shift of their newly discovered family member.

“...Yep. She’s Pol’s daughter alright.”

[look-at-the-soul]

Hi! I was inspired by the game I saw @zablife create a few weeks ago (I can’t find the link for it, sorry!) where you send people a GIF for them to use as creative inspiration for either a blurb, headcannon, moodboard or one shot or fic whenever they choose!

This can sit in your inbox for months and months if you wish, the idea of this is just to be there for when you feel as though you need some inspiration for something creative and just want to have a bit of fun or get the brain into a creative place! Please don’t feel any pressure to use this I just thought it might be quite a nice thing to use when you’re in the mood to write but aren’t sure what!

I hope you enjoy this and have fun with it! X

Aimee!!! Thank you so so much for sending in this beautiful gif!!!! Those eyes and that smirk, made me think of this little story 🥰♥️✨

Boys will be boys

Tommy Shelby x reader blurb

Master list

The day had been shit, Arthur wouldn’t stop getting snow and whores, John had been all over the place, and Polly and Ada did whatever the hell they pleased, taking the betting shop secretaries to a pub to prove they can have a drink as well.

But as he heard a familiar voice outside his office, and judging by the moody sound of it, his day was only starting.

Standing up from his chair, Tommy walked around his desk to pour himself a drink. The liquid burning his throat.

But nothing could compare to his wife’s mood.

“Don’t tell me to calm down Finn, if you repeat that word in my son’s presence I will wash your mouth with soap.” He heard Y/N say right before storming into his office. “I have enough with your brother swearing ten words and using one properly in a sentence.”

“I didn’t know he was hiding under the desk, sorry Y/N.” Finn looked at Tommy in an attempt to ask for forgiveness, Y/N had been like a mother to him, her sons were more like little brothers than cousins to him.

Moving his hand, he quietly asked his brother to leave. “It’s alright Finn.”

“Tommy, is not alright!”

“Care to elaborate for me, love?” He asked patiently.

Y/N didn’t usually stormed like that in his office in the middle of the day unless it was something important.

Urgent.

“Well, yes… you should be the one explaining to TJ’s teacher where did your son learn to say that he wants to blow snow from your cunt. Because he shouted it when his teacher asked him to do his school activity again.”

Tommy had to suppress a loud laugh as his wife took the glass of whiskey from his hand in a fluid motion, downing it in seconds, while he connected everything in his mind it must’ve been what Thomas Jr. heard uncle Finn say over the phone as he was hiding under his desk.

“Don’t laugh Thomas! Is not funny!” She was furiously serious.

Oh shit, she saw him.

Whenever she called him Thomas, he was in trouble.

For such a petite woman, she seemed to be taller when she got angry.

“Am I laughing?” He asked with his hands in front of him in an attempt of self defense.

Her little finger pointed at him. “I know that smirk.”

It was barely unnoticeable, but it was there, his eyes sparkled exposing him.

Trying to hide it from her -because she knew him too damn well-, Tommy walked around his desk, to take a seat.

“If you don’t control him, he’s going to do whatever he wants.”

“Are you still talking about TJ or Finn?”

“Both!” She exploded.

“Love… I’m sorry to break your heart, but you can’t expect TJ to be just like Charlie, TJ is a rebel by heart.”

“Why do you bring up Charlie? We’re talking about TJ.”

“‘Cause he’s your favorite.” Tommy shoot lighting the cigarette between his lips, blowing the smoke away.

She loved all her five boys equally.

“That’s non sense!”

“You punished James and TJ last week.”

“Because they told Frances she could find a husband if she wore one of my lipsticks!”

TJ and James were only eleven months apart, so they were practically like twins, Charlie on the other hand, being the oldest, he was always trying to please his father, he was constantly trying to be a role model for his brothers.

“And what about Benjamin?”

Y/N stole the remain of her husband’s cigarette, which gave him the opportunity to grab her by the waist to make her seat on his lap.

“When I asked him to finish his food he got up on the table and shouted he was a fucking Shelby, he didn’t need me to tell him to eat.”

“Well… he’s right.” Tommy admitted making a face. “Hey!” He complained when Y/N smacked him on the chest. “Boys will be boys.”

“I don’t know what bad habits Alec will learn from you and them.” He was only six months old, but she could already see him running behind his four older brothers, breaking the Christmas tree and a few dining room chairs as they chased after each other, just like TJ, James and Benjamin did two weeks ago.

But Tommy being Tommy, got a replacement right away, anything for his boys, his little gang.

“You still want to try for the girl then?” He joked, but Y/N’s head snapped to look at him, his hands already sneaking under her skirt.

“Don’t even joke about it, you only make boys and I already have five of them, six as you’re another child, my hands are full.”

Even though she said no, the pulse on her neck as he kissed her there, told him another thing.

Now there was no way he could hide the little smirk he had on his lips as his wife turned to look at him.

“Well… you see it’s funny, because after having tea with Pol this morning, she read the leaves in your cup, and she says you’re pregnant.”

***

Fun fact: my brothers broke the Christmas tree one year when they were kids, there you go, inspiration comes from reality 😂

Special thanks for the children sassy comments inspiration to @runnning-outof-time & @notyour-valentine ♥️✨

Tag list:

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[tommyspeakycap]

youngest shelby sis barging into polly's house and not realising michael's there and her and john laughing as polly scolds her because she made a bad first impression

“fuck off!” your voice is heard booming through the house, effectively cutting off the conversation between polly, her son and your older brothers in the kitchen. finn shoves you forcefully in retaliation and so you stumble into the kitchen while brawling with him, your knuckle digging into his head as you yelled something incoherent as his arms were pretty much cutting off the air to your windpipe. “tap out!” finn barks, but you just make some sort of groaning sound. “tap out!” he yells again. you were about to do just that when you feel a hand rip your shoulder away from your twin brother as tommy pushes finn back. “you’ve got blood on your collar,” polly hisses at the older twin, who hides his snigger behind a cough. “Go upstairs and clean up before you meet Michael.” she shoves the boy’s back forcefully towards the stairs before turning to you. “and you!” she snaps, “you better start acting like a more graceful young woman.” you barely get an eye roll in before john let’s a huge snort of laughter escape him. “graceful!” he jests, moving to stand next to you. despite john’s teasing, he would always be the one to stand next to you and defend you from any scolding that polly had in store for you. “i’ve seen more grace in a bag of coal, eh (y/n)?” you giggle with him, his shoulder bumping against your body as you try to stifle the laugh as he wraps his arm tightly around your shoulder and pulls you roughly so you stumble against his side.

“oh for fucks sake!” she exclaims, “i try to make this family bloody presentable to meet their cousin. well michael, least you’re getting the true picture of what they’re fucking like.” michael smiles softly at his mother as he hears tommy say; “alright aunt pol, (y/n) tries her best.” polly may not see it, but michael does. she doesn’t see because she’s in the middle of it, but what michael sees is a bond between a brother and sister hidden under layers of teasing with you and john. he sees two twins who love each other and maintain the strength of their bond through playfulness but have a connection so deep you can feel it in a room. he sees tommy shelby trying to diffuse the situation to defend his little sister because he’s utterly smitten and wrapped around her little finger. and he sees arthur’s softness shine through in the way he now ruffles your hair and pulls you from john into his side without realising his strength. he sees a family more united and more loving than they think they are. alas, he also see’s the sneaky glint in your eyes when you clock finn creeping up behind you, and he also hears his mothers strained voice as a heavy thud of two fighting twins hit the floor. polly thinks you’ve made a bad impression, but michael knows it’s the best and most real one he’s ever gotten

[lavender-romancer]

Deceiver

Part One Tommy Shelby x Reader cw: slow burn, violence, swearing

You've been involved with the Peaky Blinders business for a few years now, undiscovered as a woman posing as a man. Now the Shelby boys have grown suspicious of you and want you found out.

an: set in season one

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

Hiding under a disguise had become second nature for you these days, you didn't slip up, you didn't find it hard to lie and you never under any circumstances made any exceptions to the rule of being secretive about your identity. You weren't y/n y/sn, you were Eddie Thompson, your hair was short and black shaved on the sides, and ruffled forward on top. You wore shirts, waistcoats, and trousers with socks in your boxers to give you a false cock. You flirted with women, never took any home and you drank like your dead father used to every night. You wore razors in your cap and a pocket watch attached to your waistcoat with a short gold chain. You learned how to bind your chest and flatten it completely but allow your chest to still look muscular. There never was a better cover, but you didn't do it to spy or cheat or deceive at least for the wrong reasons. The reason you did it was because you wanted agency, taking your dead cousin's name was easier than it should've been but there was no one around in your family to protest.

"We need some boys down in the Garrison, rowdy ones to get everyone riled up about fucking Campbell," Tommy announced at the front of the betting shop where all the Peaky boys had gathered "We need some fucking unity in this place or that man's going to separate us all."

"Oh we've got no problem being fucking rowdy, 'ave we boys!" Arthur yelled with a cheer rousing from the crowd before Tommy.

"Alright, Eddie, John, Scudboat, Lovelock, Danny, Arthur and whoever else is willing to put out some good fucking press for us and against Campbell." Tommy straightened his blazer and looked toward you, you lifted your whisky to your mouth looking over your glass at him.

There was a respect between you and Tommy that had been there since he employed you, you weren't old enough to have fought in France but you worked in explosives as a teenager and were very helpful. Tommy could see your value from the moment you stepped into the shop looking for work, your verbal CV was glowing with value. Questions never seemed to arise due to the impressive cover story you had built for yourself from an extremely young age so you could survive in a world of men. You had absolutely nothing in your possession that would point to you being a woman, no mementos of your time before your deception started and you never changed that fact. You were quieter than some of the other boys until you got a drink in you but it allowed you to assess situations and know your next move that wouldn't raise suspicion.

"I've got a job for you," Tommy told you as the other boys began to leave, he sat down on one side of the table and you sat on the other. You spread out your legs and leant over your knees, taking off your cap and ruffling your hair.

"What have you got for me, Mr Shelby?" You asked.

"I need you to follow Billy Kimber, take off your hat and clean yourself up a bit. You're gonna need to look the part for this role," Tommy took out a cigarette and you tossed over your matches "You have proved very valuable since my return and I want you to keep doing that."

"And what am I doing following Kimber?" You raised an eyebrow and lit your cigarette.

"I need to know where he's going, who he's meeting even if it's just the types of people he's with. I want to know his every move today, especially when he hears about how we've been fixing his races, he's going to be pretty pissed off." Tommy took a drag of his cigarette and put his feet up on the table.

"Sounds like an interesting one," you held the lit cigarette between your lips "and what is the aim of this intelligence? Anything you want me to look out for?"

"I want to know how he reacts, how he… how we're getting under his skin. He's gonna be in this restaurant, at table 4 at around 4pm. Before that I want you to follow him on the train before listening and noting what he says, then come straight back." Tommy looked you in the eyes and you nodded, picking up the pieces of paper he'd given you about the locations.

After changing your look into a more slick back and clean look you headed off to the train station, onto the 2:30 towards Worcester. You saw Kimber's men head into the fourth carriage, you headed into the third and walked through to the fourth to sit with your back facing Kimber on the other side of their booth. Lighting up a cig you looked out the window and listened intently to Kimbers conversation.

Tommy always knew there was something off with you, he hadn't been able to put his finger on it till today. Your eyes, they had a certain femininity that he hadn't noticed before until you looked at him over your glass. It was different, your eyes had looked so stern before that the change was easily noticeable that he'd sent you on a minor errand at the chance Kimber would let something slip.

"Arthur, John, in here." Tommy called as he entered the Garrison and the boys sat in the private room as he closed the door.

"What's going on, Tom?" Arthur asked.

"I believe we have a rat in our ranks and I want to stamp them out." Tommy poured himself a whisky.

"Who the fuck dares rat us?" John seethed.

"I think it's Eddie," Tommy paused. "I've sent him off to report on Kimber, so we can discuss what we're planning."

"We're gonna cut off his fucking cock is what were gonna do!" Arthur yelled louder than he should have.

"Yeah, we can fuck him up one by one," John laughed and Tommy looked at him with a straight face.

"You two are too bloody excited for what the situation is, someone we thought was fucking helpful. Fuck, loyalty is hard to find these days." Tommy rubbed his forehead.

"We're still gonna fuck him up, Tom." Arthur grinned at John and Tommy couldn't help but mentally agree, he was too fucking angry.

You left the restaurant at around 6'oclock and headed back to Small Heath, you hadn't really got much from Kimber as he just talked about women and blow. It was a fucking boring day and you wished you were down the pub instead. As soon as you got back to Small Heath you headed to the Garrison and sighed in relief at the noise that was coming out of the doors. Walking in you ordered two whiskeys and downed one, holding the other in your hand as you turned around and greeted some of your Peaky boys.

"The fuck is going on with your hair, you twat," Scudboat asked with a laugh.

"Ah just a bit of fucking dress up, you know I'm posing as a twat so I thought I should look the part too." You raised an eyebrow and held out your cigarette in your mouth for Scudboat to light.

"You're fucking mental," he told you, as he lit your cigarette you took a drag. You sat next to him, placing your drink on the table and breathed out slowly.

"You know today I-" you were interrupted

"Eddie, fucking here. Now," Arthur yelled and you turned your head expecting a smiling Arthur but instead he looked like hell. You picked up your drink and walked towards the side room.

"What's going on?" You asked, taking a drag.

"We need to take a little walk," Tommy told you with stern eyes.

The boys walked you towards the shop and you couldn't help but feel like something fucking awful was about to happen to you. John and Arthur were behind you as Tommy walked Infront, you were surrounded by the brothers and even though you wanted to run you knew you couldn't.

"In there," Arthur told you, pointing to his office and you walked in, "sit down." Arthur nodded towards the chair in the middle of the room. The air was thick and tense as ever, you were going to die, you just knew it.

"What's going on here then boys?" You asked, trying to keep the tone light but it wasn't working. You ruffled your hair, the gel making your scalp hurt. Arthur suddenly grabbed you by your chin and forced your head back harshly.

"So who the fuck do you think you are?" Arthur asked, his face was close to yours and he glared into your eyes that went wide.

"It's a good question, brother." John added, he lit a cigarette close to your face and the heat made you wince.

"Who the fuck are you?" Arthur yelled and you didn't know what to say. He let go of your face and you looked up, seeing Tommy in the shadow near the door. Arthur punched you in the nose and your head flew back, blood running back into your nose and back out again.

"I don't know what you want to fucking hear! You know who I am!" You yelled back at him and Arthur shook his head.

"I'll ask you again, who the fuck are you!" Arthur screamed and when you just stared at him through angry eyes he punched you again.

"Stand him up," Tommy instructed and John forced you to your feet

"So this is it then Tommy? Now time for me to fucking die eh?" You asked, your arms held by your side by John as you struggled against him. Arthur pulled your head back by your hair and it left your neck completely exposed.

"Well if you tell me the truth it doesn't have to be the last time we see each other, does it?" He walked close to you and took off his cap. Tommy unbuttoned your trousers and let them open, revealing your boxers and you panicked, kicking your leg out to collide with Tommys leg.

"I don't fucking think so," Arthur forced you to sit back down on the chair with your legs opened "Too scared to loose your cock eh? You fucking traitor." Arthur flicked up his knife and ran the blunt side against your neck.

"Fuck off, Arthur. If you're going to kill me just fucking cut my throat, I'm no traitor and I never have been!" You yelled in his face and Arthur went to punch your cock but instead found a soft impact.

"What the fuck," Arthur put his hand on your crotch, knife in hand and you shifted uncomfortably, trying to get out of their grasps "He's got no fucking balls, Tom."

"What?" Tommy sounded like he would laugh and you tried to stand up but the Shelby brothers held you down, your neck still exposed.

"Don't fucking kill me, I- FUCK. I'll tell you alright, fuck." You pushed off their grip that had lessened and buttoned up your trousers.

"What the fuck is going on?" Tommy asked.

"I'm, fuck. Okay. It's not my real name alright, but I'm not a fucking spy. I'm deceptive but I'm not a fucking spy, I love this job and this family like my fucking own. I'm a woman," You looked into Tommys eyes and he had to admit it wasn't what he suspected.

"This is fucking insane!" John bursted out laughing and Arthur joined in.

"You're a fucking woman?" Arthur yelled as he laughed and John was inconsolable with laughter.

"He's a fucking woman, oh my life what is this shit?" John had to lean on Arthur for support because he was falling over with merriment.

"Still got a bigger cock than both of you out together though," you muttered and Arthur held your face up.

"What the fuck did you just say to me?" Arthur seethed with a vision of humor in his eyes.

"Come on brother, can't beat up a woman who you know will beat ya!" John was laughing again and Arthur joined in, letting go of your face and smacking John on the shoulder.

"Now just piss off. I'm still angry you tried to fucking kill me," you gave John a playful push and he just laughed.

"Alright, leave us now brothers." Tommy told his brothers and they roared with laughter as they walked out the door.

Tommy poured two drinks and handed you one, you turned the chair around to face his desk. Tommy downed his drink and poured another.

"So, who are you really then, Eddie?" He asked, the fake name rolling off his tongue so sarcastically.

"Y/n y/sn, most of everything else was true. Every family I know is dead, it was my cousins name and I couldn't live as a single fucking woman in this city. I mean fuck, when my parents died I inherited everything and it wasn't even enough to get by a year. I was 13 and I had to completely fucking change." You took a swig of whisky and sniffed before wiping the blood from your nose on your cuff.

"How long since you've gone by that name?" Tommy asked, lighting a cig.

"8 years since someone's called me my god given name," You looked into Tommy's eyes and sighed "I'll pack up soon though don't worry, I can't stay here anymore now."

"Since when do you make the rules around here, y/n?" Tommy asked and your eyes narrowed at the use of your real name.

"Don't, Tommy. It's not fair." You looked at him with sad eyes and he smiled.

"You're not getting away from us that easily. I'll tell you that for free. My brothers are always saying I should take a woman, maybe you're just the type of deception I want in my life." Tommy rested the cigarette in the ash tray and stood up, walking towards you. You looked up at him as he approached you.

"You're going soft," you paused "and who says I'm even interested?"

"That look you gave me this morning, I knew there was something different behind those eyes." Tommy lifted up your chin gently so you were looking into his eyes again.

"You act like this wild stallion who can't be tamed with all this damage. I think you just need a good trainer," you were mocking him and he didn't seem to mind. Tommy held your chin a bit tighter and got close to your face.

"And you think that's you, eh?" He whispered

"I think I'm the most enticing person you've ever met," you whispered back.

"I always thought you were a pretty lad, might make an even prettier woman. Not as if I'm scared of some short fucking hair is it." As he spoke you could see the slightest of smiles on his lips and you wondered how long he'd been looking at 'Eddie' like that.

"You'll never be able to figure me out and I think that's healthy for you to experience every now and then considering how fucking vague you are." You raised an eyebrow and pulled his hand off your face.

"Hmm, hadn't met a better man who'd dealt with explosives before you and I haven't met a woman either. I can't say you don't interest me." Tommy sat back down and you scoffed.

"Tommy Shelby handing out a free compliment? What is the world coming to then?" You slid you glass across the desk for Tommy to refill it "I might not be a man but I know how they tick, I know how they think and you are the most interesting mind I've ever encountered."

"Fucking flaterry from someone who was my best footsoldier a moment ago," Tommy smiled and you raised an eyebrow. "Where do we go from here then eh?" Tommy asked in a low voice.

"I don't know if that's my decision, Tom." You leant over your knees, undid your top button and tried to relax.

"Men are free to do as they will in the world, I would hardly be fair to take that away from you because you are a woman. This business was run by women before us," Tommy took another drink.

"I don't want to be a fucking bookmaker or a chalky or any other shit that you get people to do. I've proven myself time and time through and I don't expect to be treated any differently." You held your hands together and looked at Tom.

"I will treat you a bit different as Y/n but I don't have another demolition option who I can trust won't blow my cock off altogether. Well, I suppose you've figuratively blown your own cock off now haven't you?" Tommy ran his tongue along the top line of his teeth as he looked you up and down.

"You seem almost too happy to find out that I don't have a cock?" You sounded questionable and Tommy looked curiously at you.

"Well don't most men act so close to their friends it almost seems they want to fuck them? I might actually get the chance," Tommy gazed at you through sky-blue eyes that were often in your dreams, or maybe he haunted you in your nightmares. Either way, you didn't know where to go from here with him.

next part

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

Taglist:

@hopefulinlove @kathrinemelissa @wolfieellsworld @archivallyfound09 @globetrotter28 @buttercup32sstuff @teamfreeavacados @just-a-blackhole @sabbbyn @sillyfreakfanparty @lovelyreader22 @leaked-adrenaline @ghxst-heart @just-a-blackhole

Peaky Taglist:

@smile-sugar @queenofkings1212 @severewobblerlightdragon @cl5369 @fairypitou @stressedandbandobessed7771 @shadow-of-wonder @hipsternoionlylikeunicorns @curled-hair-red-lips @lucystivinsky1315

[lilahisntsadanymore]

A special sparkle blinked in Y/n's eyes the first time she met Bonnie Gold. Tommy noticed what's going on, so he helped the love blossom between these two young people.

The reader pronouns: she/her

Pairing: Bonnie Gold x gray!reader

Words count: 6.7k

Warnings: bad language, mentions of sex, season 4 spoilers, probably typos because it's so long I didn't proofread it

I planned for it to have a second part but considering how long it is... A second part is pointless.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Young Lovers

(gif not mine)

All roads lead to Small Heath, that was what Y/n found out soon after moving out to London. She lived there, alone, for a short period of time, until she got the black hand. Y/n contacted Thomas about it as soon as possible and he advised her, or rather ordered, to come back.

So there she was, back in Birmingham. Back in a place where the whole family could be together, because it was the safest option at the time. Whether they wanted it or not, they had to unite to survive.

Although, not all of them survived. Death seemed so surreal to Y/n, it couldn't happen to any of her family members. It simply couldn't, because Y/n said so. She was a Shelby, not by the name but by blood, so everything in the universe was supposed to listen to her.

Why did it happen then? Why did death approach one of the Shelbys? Why hadn't the universe listened to Y/n? Why did she have to put on a black dress? Why couldn't everything go accordingly to her will? This wasn't real, this was a nightmare. It truly felt like a nightmare.

"Are you ready?" Polly knocked on the door of her daughter's room.

"Yes, come in."

Y/n thought she calmed herself down, but when she saw her mother's face the tears were burning her eyes again. It was too difficult to hold them back, so Y/n just let them slowly fall down her cheeks.

Polly gently took her daughter's face in her palms, thumbs rubbing the girl's wet cheeks. The older woman didn't cry, she had to stay strong.

"He wouldn't want you to cry," she whispered.

"How can you know, mum? Has his ghost already talked to you?" Y/n mocked, but then quickly changed her voice to normal, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I just... I don't know, I still can't comprehend it."

Y/n couldn't believe her mother suddenly got the power to talk to dead people after putting her head through the noose, but it wasn't the right moment to mock it.

Polly changed the topic. "Others are waiting for us, for you, let's go."

The women walked outside their flat at Watery Lane. A colourful caravan stood out from the dark and dirty street. The streets of Small Heath had always been like this - you couldn't spot a light colour there, so something as colourful as the caravan was the first thing you paid attention to.

Y/n didn't feel real when she was looking at it, she didn't want to believe John Shelby's dead body was laying inside it. The same John Shelby that so recently stood in front of Y/n, talking about various things, throwing an inside joke into the conversation from time to time.

Y/n shook hands with Arthur and Tommy, passing condolences. They were soldiers prepared for each other's death, but not in that way, not because of vendetta. Then Y/n went to hug Finn and Ada.

The small crowd that consisted of the Shelby family and their closest people walked to a field where the caravan was set on fire.

Y/n didn't stand close to the fire, but she could feel it burn holes through her. Invisible holes in her soul, that would never be filled again. She didn't even listen to what Tommy's speech, she was too absorbed in wondering why did it hurt so bad to lose a family member. John was Y/n's cousin, but he was like a brother to her. Growing up, Y/n had no idea about Michael, so the Shelbys played that role. Well, Finn, Ada, John and Tommy were like Y/n's siblings, while in some ways she treated Arthur as her father figure.

A sudden gunshot brought Y/n back to the real world. As soon as she heard it, she crouched down and so did everyone else instead of Thomas, Arthur and two other men.

The men were ready to shoot, but Thomas stopped them.

"Don't return fire," he spoke, "the people doing the firing are on our side. I invited Aberama Gold."

Y/n could see anger making its way on her mother's face. Polly was about to scold Tommy like she hasn't before.

"You did this on purpose," she accused, walking up to Tommy, "you used John's funeral fire as a fucking beacon. You set a trap! You used us as bait!"

Tommy tried to explain everything to Polly, but she didn't seem to understand it. After all, he used his own brother's funeral as a trap. This felt so wrong.

Y/n looked around and spotted men on horses walking in their direction. This must've been said Aberama Gold and his people. Two men were walking next to their horses because the animals had dead bodies on their backs.

"Who's dead?" Polly pointed in that direction.

"Our enemies."

Y/n decided to speak her thoughts, agreeing with her mother. "Tommy, this isn't right. Everyone is saying Gold and his people are bloody savages."

"This is vendetta's language. Changrettas kill one of us, we kill two of them."

Thomas Shelby was a respected person and everyone knew not to question his decisions nor argue with his ideas. But there were people not afraid to express their opinions, even the negative ones, and Y/n was one of these people.

However, the girl fell silent when she saw a particular boy. With not a single emotion on his face, he sat firmly on a black and white gypsy cob. The boy seemed young, he could be Y/n's age.

Y/n didn't look away when the boy's brown eyes locked with her y/e/c ones. As the horse he was on walked by Y/n, the boy nodded his head as a form of greeting. Despite the sadness that ruled Y/n's body that day, a spark appeared in her eyes for a brief moment. The whole scene lasted for seconds, but Y/n replayed it in her head many times.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

On the same day at night Y/n decided to make some tea, she couldn't sleep. Her mind processed John's death, it was very real, almost touchable. Michael had to live, because Y/n wouldn't be able to survive another death of a family member.

This was the language of vendetta. It was brutal. An eye for an eye. Now Y/n could understand it. If she didn't get murdered by Changrettas, she would die from all the mental pain, with a heart shattered by sorrow. John's death brought an awful pain to Y/n and it was just the beginning. Hopefully the rest of the Shelbys would manage to survive. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea to engage the Golds into this.

Tommy came back to the flat to a deadly silence. It was late and Y/n was drinking tea on the sofa, but it didn't surprise him. Everything was different since the day John died and Y/n must've had a hard time dealing with it, especially because it happened so recently. She wasn't a trained soldier, she was sensitive, barely twenty years old, her young mind wasn't used to going through loss.

"Hi," the girl said, looking at Tommy, "here's some tea if you want," she gestured at a porcelain teapot that stood on a nearby table.

"I'd rather have something else."

Thomas walked across the room and grabbed a bottle of whisky, pouring a bit of it for himself into a glass. Then he took a place on the sofa next to his cousin. They didn't speak for a while, just sat there staring into nothingness.

"Where were you?" Y/n asked suddenly.

"Doing business."

"It was you who said we're only safe together. You can't just disappear, we were all worried something happened to you."

Tommy sighed. He didn't want Y/n to raise hell in the middle of the night. It wasn't him who was in the most danger. If anything, he would die last, because Changrettas wanted to hurt him by killing people he was close to, one by one.

"I wasn't alone, alright? I was with Aberama Gold."

Y/n opened her mouth, but didn't speak, not having the right words. She scratched the back of her neck and began thinking of how to say what she wanted to say.

"Speaking of him..." she began. "Who was the other man, next to Aberama?"

"There were three other men next to him." Tommy knew exactly who Y/n had in mind, but decided to mess around with her. Back at the funeral, he saw the way she and Aberama's son looked at each other. It was hard not to notice.

"The youngest one. What's his name?"

"Why do you need to know his name?"

Y/n set an empty cup on the table and crossed her arms on her chest. "Business. I need to know who we work with."

"Business, eh?" Tommy smirked. "He's Bonnie, Aberama's son. Don't get your hopes up, he's devoted to boxing, I don't think he'll find time for love."

"Love?" Y/n scoffed. "I told you it's for business, I don't look for love neither."

"Of course, Y/n. Of course."

Y/n stood up and with a faked grimace of anger walked up the stairs. When she was in her room where Tommy couldn't see her, she smiled to herself. She smiled for the first time in a while. Now she had to just find an excuse to get close to Bonnie.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

The second time Y/n met Bonnie Gold was at Charlie Strong's yard. Bonnie and his father came there, because Aberama had a wish to buy the yard. As a part of the deal.

Nobody was allowed to disrespect Thomas Shelby's family and friends, so he quickly showed Aberama how disrespectful his offer was.

During their discussion, Y/n was sitting by the makeshift table on a makeshift chair. She couldn't help but look at Bonnie. Once again, Y/n couldn't read his emotions, except blinking his face didn't move. And this time he wasn't looking at Y/n, he was focusing on the discussion between his father and Tommy.

When everyone, except Tommy, thought Aberama will toss the coin, he backed out. Even if he would won the yard, there were witnesses. People would talk, they would call him the man who wagered his own daughter for a messy, dirty yard.

"We missed Christmas, let's have it now," Tommy ended the dispute. "Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men."

Tommy, Arthur and the two guests took a seat by the tables. Bonnie sat almost in front of Y/n and since the table wasn't very wide, they were about three feet apart.

The oldest Shelby poured alcohol into every glass and cup. "Let's have a toast to John," he said, "raise your glasses."

"To John Shelby." Echoed through the yard and everyone drank.

When everyone picked up on conversations, Y/n's eyes wandered to Bonnie once again. This time she caught him already staring at her, so she decided to send him a light smile. To the girl's surprise, Bonnie blushed, which only made Y/n's smile wider.

Y/n sighed in her mind. Only if she knew how to start a conversation with him... She needed a moment to catch him when he's alone.

Discussions continued, several topics making their ways in Y/n's ears, but she didn't pay much attention. She would just nod from time to time or give a one word answer. She was mostly focused on silently flirting with Bonnie from across the table.

It was amusing to Tommy, who was able to focus on many things in one time. He both talked to everyone and observed his cousin's actions. From the beginning he knew what's going on.

Tommy stood up and walked up to Y/n. He put a hand on her shoulder to make her look at him.

"Get up and come with me." He demanded. "Polly and the rest are on the way, we don't want them to get lost, do we?"

Y/n nodded and stood up, a bit annoyed. She was really absorbed with sending seductive glances to her love target and tapping his legs with her feet under the table. She would rather keep doing this, than help Tommy with something he could as well do on his own.

"Mum knows this place like the back of her hand," Y/n protested when they walked away from the table, "she doesn't need us to guide her."

"Well, I figured you might need something else to do apart from eyefucking Bonnie."

"What are you talking about? I- I wasn't-"

"Don't waste your time to think of an excuse, I see you're into him and apparently he seems interested in you. Later on I'll be going to the stables to discuss business with Aberama, I suppose Bonnie will also be there, so you can come with me."

Y/n was kind of speechless, in a good way. Sometimes it was a useful skill of Tommy's to see through people's minds.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Not much later Y/n followed Tommy to the stables. Bonnie was brushing his horse, he seemed to have a strong bond with the animal.

Thomas walked up to Aberama and set down three bottles on a table the man was sat by.

"No need for security," Aberama gestured to Y/n, who walked behind Tommy. "The girl always follows you like a shadow."

The comment was supposed to be a joke, but Y/n felt insulted.

"I'm Y/n Gray," she spoke, "Tom doesn't need security, I'm his business partner."

"Let's talk business then, shall we?"

Thomas took a seat and lit up a cigarette, while Y/n walked up to Bonnie and his horse.

"That's a beautiful horse," Y/n slowly touched the horse's back.

"Be careful, I advise you," Aberama warned, "she doesn't like strangers and has quite a temper."

"I could say the same about Y/n," Tommy joked, gaining a chuckle from Aberama. "But she's right, the horse's a fine beast."

"Nothing you see here is for sale, Mr Shelby."

As Aberama and Thomas continued their discussion, Y/n decided to start a conversation with Bonnie. Finally.

"What's her name?" She asked, running her hand through the horse's mane, but looking at Bonnie.

The boy hesitated for a second. "She doesn't have a name."

"How come?" Y/n smiled. "Such a beautiful creature should have an equally beautiful name."

"Beautiful creature..." Bonnie repeated, mumbling. He acted really shy, Y/n wouldn't expect that from him. He looked like a tough man. "I just never named her."

"Can I braid her hair?"

"Under one condition."

"And what might it be?"

"Teach me how to braid hair?"

"Sure, you just grab a part of it and section it into three parts..."

As Y/n was showing Bonnie how to braid hair, he tried to copy the movements of her hands. Their hands were not even inches apart, dangerously close. Eventually, Y/n and Bonnie touched each other, which made them both stop and look at one another.

It didn't last long, maybe only a few seconds, but Y/n's brain processed this moment in slow motion.

Until then, Y/n wasn't really keen on the whole theory of soulmates, but in that moment she understood it's true. When she looked at Bonnie from such small distance, she immediately knew he's the one.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

On the same day Bonnie became a peaky blinder. Tommy made a deal to help him achieve his boxing dream after a test fight in the Shelby factory. Bonnie won the fight, otherwise Tommy and Arthur wouldn't agree to promote him.

When Y/n watched the fight, she felt mesmerized. It was surprising how quickly Bonnie switched from a shy boy blushing at her words to a tough fighter not afraid to knock out his opponent. It was impressive. Y/n could get used to watching Bonnie's fights.

"Why did you walk alone?" Polly inquired as soon as her daughter stepped into their flat. She saw Y/n through the window.

"Tommy and Arthur had some more business to attend to," Y/n answered truthfully, "and I wasn't alone the whole time. For half of the way I walked with Bonnie and his father."

"I don't trust them. And what about the half when you walked alone? You know about vendetta, you know in how much danger we are. You're back in Small Heath, but it's not the same Small Heath you remember. It's full of Italians who want us dead!"

"Calm down, mum. I know how to defend myself. Kick the crotch and if that's not possible, ears rip off the easiest."

"They have snipers, Y/n! You wouldn't even know something's about to happen."

Y/n fell silent, she didn't want to argue with that. Her mother was right. If a sniper was about to shoot her, she wouldn't notice. Her dead body would fall on the ground and that would be it, the death of another Shelby.

"Mum?" Y/n wanted to change the topic. "Do you believe in soulmates?"

"Of course I do, darling. Why are you asking?"

"Because I think I've met mine."

Polly was astonished. Her daughter never seemed interested in romantic relationships and one day she comes home to announce she found her soulmate. Definitely something Polly wouldn't expect.

"I'll read your leaves if you're not sure, make yourself a cup of tea. Remember to focus on the intention."

Polly hoped Y/n didn't fall for Aberama Gold's son, she hoped it would be a temporary interest. They were savages and Polly didn't want her daughter to end up marrying someone like this. There were better candidates.

To Polly's disappointment the tea leaves indicated that the relationship has big potential to work out. It reassured Y/n and boosted her confidence.

"I'm not sure about this, Y/n."

"Why not? Mum, he's a good person-"

"No, nobody coming from the Gold bloodline can be a good person. They're-"

"Savages? I've heard that and even used to believe that until I met Bonnie. If you met him, you'd change your mind."

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Days had passed and apart from the time during which Bonnie was training for the big fight, he also found some time for dates with Y/n.

Something beautiful blossomed between those two, it wasn't just love. It was like two souls from a past life finding each other in a new life. Y/n didn't need any more confirmation.

As they rode on horses through a forest, Bonnie stopped by a pond, considering it a good place for a date. He dismounted the horse and tied it to a tree.

"I told my mother about you," Y/n said as she dismounted her own horse, "a while ago actually, but I hadn't told you before, because you'd think I'm crazy." She laughed, hoping the boy won't take the last part of the sentence seriously.

"And what particularly did you tell her?" Bonnie chuckled.

The couple sat down on the grass next to each other. Well, they weren't a couple yet, as neither of them asked one another out. They were two people, who barely knew one another, showing each other romantic affection.

"That you're my soulmate," the girl brushed the boy's arm up and down with two of her fingers, "I knew that since the day I saw you."

A light blush appeared on Bonnie's face once again. "How's that possible?"

"I just...felt it, I can't describe it. One look and I knew you're the one. Didn't you feel it?"

"Well, there are moments I feel like I've known you my whole life, or even longer. It's probably weird, I've never felt it before."

"You've just described what I couldn't," a sympathetic chuckle left Y/n's mouth. " I wish I could say I love you, but that would scare you off, wouldn't it?"

"I don't know, say it and find out."

Y/n's heart rate sped up, now she was the one that flushed. That clearly wasn't a sentence the girl would expect to fall from Bonnie's mouth. Y/n wondered if her blushed cheeks were visible, she couldn't recall a time a boy had made her turn red before.

"Bonnie Gold, a man full of surprises. I'm afraid that, despite the fact I barely know you, I.. love you."

"Now that I'm sure of your feelings I can admit that, unfortunately, I might love you too."

Both of the lovers laughed at the scene. It was so silly, they were glad nobody else was there to witness it.

When their laughters silenced, they looked deeply into each other's eyes. The pupils inside them were almost heart-shaped.

Bonnie gathered confidence from every part of his body and decided to kiss Y/n. He knew she won't stop him and he was right. Y/n put her hands on his neck, pulling him in as if skin on skin contact wasn't enough.

Bonnie lightly pushed Y/n as a sign for her to lay down, so he could hover over her. His left hand was under the girl's back, while his left wandered up and down her naked leg. She was dressed in a long, black dress, but the fabric wasn't too difficult to slide up.

Out of a sudden, a single gunshot sounded in the lovers' ears. The sound was somehow especially loud in a forest.

Y/n and Bonnie were quickly brought back to earth. They pulled away from each other. Bonnie pulled out his gun, while Y/n was ready with a gun she borrowed from Tommy the other day.

Another gunshot. Looking around, they couldn't spot anyone. Changretta's people were the only explanation in Y/n's mind.

"We should go." The girl whispered, gaining a nod from Bonnie.

They untied their horses from the tree and took off as fast as possible. The horses were disturbed as well and didn't mind a moment of a quicker ride in the order to stay alive.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Before Y/n even walked back into her flat, she could hear her mother's voice arguing with Tommy and Arthur's voices. They fell silent as soon as they heard the door opening.

"What was all that about?" She asked, as a naturally curious person, without suspecting anything.

"Tommy and Arthur-" Polly started, but was interrupted by Thomas.

"Are curious where you were."

Y/n raised an eyebrow. "In the morning I told you I'll have a, uh, meeting. Business meeting with Bonnie."

"How was it?" Tommy kept questioning, his arms crossed on his chest. "How was the meeting? What did you talk about?"

Y/n's lips parted, she searched for an answer in her head. She haven't even thought about that. Why did Tommy ask so many questions though? Y/n thought he wasn't against her and Bonnie. Maybe she shouldn't have lied that it was a business meeting. She should have been honest from the beginning and told them she's going on a date.

"About his career, you know?" Y/n finally found an excuse. "The fight is really soon and-"

"And?" Arthur hit his fist on a nearby wall. "Why do you keep lying?"

"What do you mean, Arthur? I'm not lying, how could I lie to my family?"

"So you weren't about to let Bonnie fuck you? In a fucking forest. Like a whore!"

Arthur's furious voice scared Y/n. She heard him yell before, but never at her. This was the first time Arthur raised his voice at Y/n.

"And you would let him do it," he continued, "if I didn't fire my gun, you would let him fuck you!"

Y/n's eyes visibly widened. "It was you! We thought Changrettas sent somebody! I was fucking terrified!" The fear Y/n had for Arthur's anger evolved into her own anger. She was so furious. How could he scare them like that? Especially in times where they're being hunted by an Italian mafia.

Tommy walked closer to Y/n and put his hand on her shoulder. "It's for your own good. We don't want anything bad to happen to you, like the thing that was about to happen."

"Damn it, Tommy, I'm twenty years old! I can have sex whenever I feel like it! You have no problem with Finn messing around with girls! You even encourage him to do it!"

"Because he won't be the one walking around Small Heath with a fucking bun in the oven!"

A loud sound of slap filled the room and right after it an awful silence that spoke more than a thousand words. Y/n ran to her room. Tommy stood there, with a hand on his cheek. He was used to women slapping his face, but that was the first time Y/n did it.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

After the argue, Polly decided to have a chat with Y/n. She was way better at this than Arthur and Tommy, she just had a way with words.

Y/n was told to limit the time she spends with Bonnie, for his good. The fight was going to happen in a few weeks, so he had to focus on preparing for it. After it, he would be free to spend as much time as he wants with Y/n.

After Michael left the hospital, Polly decided it'll be best if he stays with the Gypsies. And who could help with it if not Aberama and Bonnie?

"No fucking way." Michael himself didn't seem to consider his mother's idea a good idea. He has never lived that way. Until a few years ago he probably had no idea there's any Gypsy blood in him.

"Have you ever eaten hedgehog?" Aberama joked, causing others to laugh.

"I'm getting back into the car."

"Aren't you curious about the way our ancestors lived?" Y/n asked. "Just imagine that. No work, no worries, slow life with plants and birds. And Changrettas won't be able to find you."

"Then go and live this life, Y/n. We can switch roles, I won't mind."

"I wasn't the one who got shot," Y/n chuckled, shaking a bottle of Michael's medicine right before handing it over to Bonnie.

"And the healers," Aberama added, "they'll heal you quicker than any medicine."

"Fucking witches." Michael cursed under his breath.

This caused Bonnie to switch from the typical nice boy he was around his people to more of a harsh person.

"Show some respect, Mr Gray," he said, "they've agreed to welcome you on account of your blood."

Michael raised a brow at the comment. He was ready to reply to it, but Y/n was quicker.

"Don't be so negative, Michael. You're gonna be a fucking royalty there. Our grandma was a Gypsy princess."

Michael looked at Polly. "Is that true?" By the expression of his face, Y/n could tell he thinks she's joking or lying.

Polly nodded. "Birdy Boswell."

As Polly was giving some last advice to Michael, Y/n spoke in private to Bonnie. As much private as possible it was in a forest, a few feet away from others.

"Tommy said we can't meet until the fight night," Y/n said, secretly rubbing her hand on Bonnie's hand so that nobody could notice.

"Thankfully it's soon. One more day," Bonnie intertwined his pointing finger with Y/n's.

"Even one day without you is a torture."

A smirk made its way on Bonnie's face. "What were you doing before you met me? Your life must've been so boring."

"I'm trying to be romantic," Y/n chuckled, lightly pushing Bonnie.

"Marry me then, that would be romantic."

If Y/n thought Bonnie was surprising before, this time he reached the apogee of it. The girl looked at him with eyes wider than a full moon.

"You've just said to Michael how interesting the life of your ancestors was," Bonnie continued, "if you marry me, you'll get to live this life every day. It'll be amazing, I promise."

"Bonnie Gold, once again, you're a man full of surprises."

Their conversation was interrupted by Polly's voice. "Y/n, we're going. Come here to say goodbye to your brother."

"I'm coming." She answered and looked back to Bonnie. "I'll think about it, okay? I wasn't prepared for this."

"Yeah, yeah, let's wait and I'll buy you a ring with the money I get for winning the fight."

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Time was passing so slow for Y/n. She was told to not leave home, which made everything even worse. There was nothing to do, so she walked outside to the tiny backyard.

It brought back so many memories. Maybe she had missed Small Heath, maybe she was going to miss it once she leaves for good. Bonnie wouldn't agree to live in a house, probably, that would be a big discomfort for him. They shouldn't get married so soon, Y/n felt a special connection with him, but they were too young for marriage.

Sure, when her mother was her age she already had a child, but maybe this wasn't what Y/n wanted. She wanted to live a happy life and so far she did feel happy, if she didn't think about the whole vendetta going on. Maybe it wasn't just a right idea for Y/n to get married at twenty. It would be a big change. And both families would probably start expecting a pregnancy announcement, while Y/n didn't need children to feel fulfilled. Just her and Bonnie and their horses and that slow, calm life in a forest would be enough.

Y/n was so glad when the evening finally came. She couldn't wait to watch the fight. Bonnie was sure he's gonna win, but many people thought otherwise considering his opponent's size. Y/n didn't want Bonnie to get hurt too badly, Tommy even pointed out she looked more stressed than Bonnie.

Y/n hung her arms around Bonnie's neck the moment she saw him in the room he was getting ready for the fight.

"Win this for me." She whispered.

"And for the twenty percent cut Mr Shelby will give you if you knock Goliath out in the fourth round," Aberama added with a chuckle.

Arthur pat Y/n's back. "Let's go," he said, "you have a special seat next to the rest of Shelby ladies."

It was a seat in the front row, between Polly and Lizzie. Y/n was going to have a good view of Bonnie knocking out Goliath.

The fight turned out to not be so pleasant for Bonnie in the first round, or so everyone was supposed to think. After the second round, his face was covered in blood. People didn't think he would win, so they were placing their money on Goliath. Everything was going according to plan.

Polly and Lizzie went to the bathroom, but didn't come back for quite some time. Ada went after them, but seemed to get lost there. Linda offered to go to check on them, but it was taking her a lot of time so eventually Y/n decided to investigate the situation herself.

The women were, indeed, in the bathroom. They seemed to be having a lot of fun with booze didn't care much about the fight. Linda was even snorting coke by the sink.

"Welcome to an extraordinary meeting of the Shelby ladies, Y/n!" Polly exclaimed. "Lizzie has something to announce."

Y/n looked at Lizzie. The woman didn't look very happy about the announcement she was about to make, but eventually she spoke.

"I'm pregnant. It's Tommy's, but I haven't told him."

"Oh my God, congratulations!" Y/n cheered. She hugged Lizzie, hoping that would give her some assurance. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Polly says it's a girl. Her name will be Ruby."

"Ruby Shelby," Y/n beamed, "perfect, I love it."

Y/n was genuinely happy for Lizzie. She was glad Tommy managed to find someone to be with after Grace's death. He was devastated after it happened, so everyone was worried he would never get over Grace.

Everyone was a bit tipsy and in a good mood, so Y/n felt like it's a right moment to make her own announcement.

"I as well have something to tell you."

Lizzie gasped. "Are you pregnant too?"

Then, Linda spoke before Y/n could deny.

"I told them that Bonnie boy will get you knocked up."

"I'm not pregnant." Y/n stated harshly. "But...he proposed to me."

"He proposed to you?" Ada's face expressed worry.

"That's so great!" Lizzie embraced Y/n.

Polly didn't say anything about Y/n's announcement. She stood in one place, leaning on a wall, her face having one if these expressions no one could read.

She walked to the door. "Let's go back to our seats. The fight will soon be over."

She wasn't wrong. Accordingly to the deal, Bonnie knocked out Goliath in the fourth round. The crowd cheered, even though many people lost their money.

Y/n was ecstatic seeing Bonnie so proud of himself. He walked around the boxing ring, stopping in every corner to express his happiness.

"I announce Bonnie Gold the welterweight champion!" Referee's voice said through the speakers.

Bonnie gestured for Y/n to come to him, and so she did. He leaned down over the ropes to hug her. When he put his arms around Y/n and had her in a tight embrace, he lifted her over the ropes so that she was also standing in the ring with him.

"You're fucking crazy, Bonnie," Y/n took her lover's face in her hands. "I fucking love you."

She didn't care about getting her hands dirty in Bonnie's blood. It wasn't the first time Y/n had her hands dirty in blood and at least this time it was for a good reason.

"I won this for you," Bonnie said, still breathing heavily, "now I can buy a ring and propose to you properly."

"There's no need for that. I would marry you with paper rings, Bonnie."

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yes. And I'm accepting your proposal. I want to marry you."

Suddenly, the scene was interrupted by Tommy. He jumped into the ring with a gun in his hand. Bonnie and Y/n were in too much shock to understand what's happening. They looked at Tommy with fear and confusion when he fired the gun.

"Close the doors, no one fucking leaves!" He shouted, firing the fun two more times. "My brother is dead! Arthur Shelby is dead!"

Everything was over, all happiness Y/n felt was gone. Arthur was dead? Who killed him? It couldn't be true. Not again. Not another Shelby death.

"Tommy, give me the gun." Y/n demanded, walking up to her cousin. She had tears in her eyes, but had to stay strong this time, she promised that to herself.

"Y/n," the man grappled with the girl.

"Calm down, Tom."

Y/n firmly held Tommy after grabbing his gun. She didn't trust him with a gun in such moment. She felt her naked shoulder getting wet, whether from sweat or tears, or both, but it didn't matter in that moment.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Another Shelby died. Another funeral was held. Oh what a surprise it was to everyone except for Tommy when Arthur Shelby turned out to be alive. Thomas used his death in the order to kill Luca Changretta and win the war.

On the same day Luca died, Thomas held a party in his mansion in the evening. It was a small party, just for the family and friends. Thomas and Arthur raised toasts and Arthur insisted Tommy should take some time off.

Y/n looked at Bonnie, who was standing next to her. She didn't need to say anything, he knew what's on her mind and nodded. This was the right time to announce their engagament to everyone. So far only four people knew about it - Polly, Ada, Lizzie and Linda - and they kept it a secret as Y/n asked them to.

"Now that all toasts are done, we would like to say something," Y/n spoke solemnly, taking a step forward.

Bonnie, who walked forward as well, finished the announcement. "We are getting married."

The room sounded with people clapping their hands. Until Polly cleared her throat.

"I think you forgot about something, Bonnie boy." Thomas reminded.

"Oh, uh, right," there he was, blushing again, "we would like to get married if you agree, Mrs Gray."

Polly gave Bonnie an amused smile. After all, was better than a random men Y/n could've met in The Garrison or somewhere similar. The woman walked up to the young lovers and stood in front of them, putting her one hand on her daughter's shoulder and the other hand on Bonnie's shoulder.

"You have my blessings," she spoke, "may your love thrive in marriage. In joy, health and success."

"Thank you, Mrs Gray."

"Oh, you can call me Polly."

Everyone clapped their hands again, Polly got back to her place on the sofa with a big smile on her face.

"One more thing before we start celebrating and get drunk," Bonnie said, looking for something in his pockets. He turned to Y/n and got down on one knee, pulled out a small box with a ring. "I promised you a ring. You said you don't need a ring, but I want to keep my promise."

Y/n gave Bonnie her hand, so that he could slide the engagement ring on her finger. It fit just perfectly and looked expensive. A golden ring with a green gem, most likely an emerald.

Now that was the time to celebrate. The Shelby brothers were pouring alcohol into everyone's glasses. Women formed a circle around Y/n, wanting to check out the ring.

"So when is the wedding?" Ada asked.

"We'll see." Y/n answered. "Probably as soon as possible."

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

In this case 'as soon as possible' meant 'in a week'. There weren't many preparations needed, Tommy insisted on Y/n wearing Grace's wedding dress, Finn bought wedding rings and Jeremiah agreed to do the formal part, although the wedding didn't take place in a church.

Neither Y/n nor Bonnie wanted to get married in a church, so they did it on a meadow, in the middle of a forest, surrounded by nature and Romani caravans.

"You may now kiss the bride."

These words were enough. The freshly married couple kissed in front of other people for the first time, this time without even Arthur firing a gun to stop them. Arthur and Thomas were happy with their cousin's choice.

After the formal part, the party started and it was so loud, people danced as some girl from Bonnie's side of family played on a violin. Everyone had so much fun after sad and scary times. They deserved it.

"Nearby my house there's an empty house, ready to be sold," Tommy said as they sat down to eat, "I already talked to them, I could buy it for you."

"Nearby your house?" Y/n laughed, "Tommy, you have so much land, I don't know what does nearby mean to you."

"Besides," Bonnie interjected, "we'll live with my family. Y/n said she wants to try that life out."

"That's alright," Tommy was visibly tipsy, "but I can buy that house just in case! If Y/n gets bored, you could just bring her there to spend some time with the Shelbys."

"I don't think another house is needed for that," Y/n herself started to feel the alcohol take effects on her, "we can just stay over at yours. Or mum's. Or Arthur's."

Suddenly, they heard the sound of violin once again, the violin girl was playing another song.

"Let's dance!" Y/n dragged her husband to the 'dancefloor'. He didn't protest.

The music was cheerful and rapid, the freshly married couple used a lot of jumping in the dance, spinning one another around from time to time. It was a really refreshing sight to everyone. They could forget about all the worries and problems and just live the moment, enjoy it.

Aberama took a look at his son and smiled widely. The boy couldn't make any better choice, Y/n was perfect for him. They matched so well, Aberama knew there's a bright future in front of them.

Polly's opinion was the same. Maybe it all happened very fast between Y/n and Bonnie, but that was just meant to be. Fate wanted it to go this way. Polly sensed Bonnie is a good man, who will take care of her daughter well.

It was the happiest moment of Y/n's life so far. If everything went so smooth until the wedding, she wondered how amazing it was going to be all the way through the rest of their lives. And who would've thought Y/n would meet her future husband at her cousin's funeral?