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zablife · 19 hours ago

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@brummiereader Ahhhh, I'm so happy you liked it! Everyone's enthusiasm over Aurora's return has given me life 🥰

I'm flattered that you remember where I left off in my series bc I'll admit even I've forgotten 🙈 I do know that Aurora and Tommy were always meant for one another due to the respect he gives her. (So unlike her combative relationship with Luca.) Aren't they adorable together?? Ofc this drives Luca mad with jealousy bc in my mind he's never gotten over her.

I snorted when I read your comment about the men roasting each other over suits 🤣 It feels true to Luca's character that he places such value on superficial things. Tina seems rightfully concerned about her place in his life when compared to the glamorous Aurora.

Ty for pointing out Aurora's lines btw. I must admit, her dialogue always takes the most time bc she's far more clever than I am! As you might have guessed, the line about "tender cuts" was a nod to Shark's series which I'm currently obsessed. It also felt like the perfect way to undercut Luca 🤭

The prob is that Tina sees and hears everything, always lurking and watching. Her stealth combined with the unexpected cheerfulness makes her a dangerous predator. Btw the idea of the Glasgow smile terrifies me as well 😱 I actually steered away from a more gruesome depiction bc I felt the act spoke for itself. I have to give credit to the anon who requested this punishment specifically bc it fits Tina's impulsive and violent personality so well.

The attack was obvs not sanctioned by the crime families Tina works for bc this was her personal vendetta. However, it dovetailed nicely with Luca's business interests so he looked the other way. Quite literally bc I'm sure his infatuation with Aurora came to an end when he saw her tarnished beauty.

Yet again we see why Tommy is the bigger man bc her appearance is the least of his concerns when he's finally reunited with his love. You're absolutely correct that he goes on to avenge her! Currently daydreaming about a part 2 where this happens, but I have other WIP I want to finish first.

Yikes, I've written you quite a lengthy reply! I just adore talking about this AU tho 🥰 Ty for taking an interest in our OCs and giving such amazing feedback!

A Smile Is a Loaded Gun

Tommy Shelby x OC Aurora Sabini

Summary: In the winter before their wedding, Tommy and his fiancée, Aurora Sabini, find themselves in New York arranging the details of their personal and professional merger. What happens when they unexpectedly cross paths with Aurora's ex, Luca Changretta, and his mysterious new gf?

A/N: This was inspired by a request originally sent to the lovely @runnning-outof-time. Ty for trusting me with it, K! For those who remember Aurora Sabini, I've resurrected her for this one shot! In this AU she was never married to Luca, but they dated so there's obvs history. Tina is an OC belonging to @call-sign-shark.

Warnings: mention of a weapon, blood, disfigurement

1924, New York City

"Negotiations with the family are going well," Aurora noted with satisfaction as Tommy ushered his fiancée into a waiting car. "At this rate we'll be home by Christmas," she remarked with a gentle smile.

Tommy held the door a moment too long, adoration sparkling in his eyes at the affection she gave so freely.

"Tommy!" Aurora cried in surprise as the driving snow outside began covering her expensive shoes. "What are you doing?" she giggled at his lovestruck face. She paused scrubbing her hands along the sides of her fur coat to reach out for him. "Get in!" she commanded, pulling on his arm.

Tommy shook his head as though coming out of a trance and entered the warmth of the backseat.

As the car sped off into the night, he became mesmerized once again by the twinkle of lights illuminating her profile. Knuckles grazing over the apple of her rosy cheek, his thumb finally came to rest over her plump lips as he murmured softly, "My beautiful bride."

"In five months," she reminded him, thoughts drifting to the elaborate spring wedding she'd been dreaming of since he placed a ring on her finger.

Tommy grunted softly with acceptance, but she sensed the impatience behind it the moment he spoke. "You're my girl now and forever, you understand?" he asked, brow knitted determinedly.

She nodded softly before placing a tender kiss to his lips, "All yours and you're mine," she whispered before Tommy pulled her into his chest.

------------

The bar was crowded as Aurora passed, a cloud of smoke hanging in the air so dense she could scarcely see the tables in her cousin's restaurant. Squeezing Tommy's hand as she guided him toward the back, he followed her to a large table where her father and an associate sat engrossed in conversation. She chuckled as she came close enough to hear her father complaining about the slow service, unable to contain her amusement at his impatience.

The moment Antonio glimpsed his daughter's smile, his scowl melted and he moved to embrace her.

As she leaned in to give her father a peck on the cheek, she teased, "Didn’t I warn you about this place on a Saturday night? It's a good thing I came when I did or you'd be ordering the chef's head on a platter."

"Birichina!" ("Naughty!") he scolded playfully, earning him a mischievous smile. Turning to her fiancé, he remarked, "She never hesitates to say I told you so.”

It was Tommy's turn to smirk at the comment, adding jovially, "I learnt that long ago."

Aurora feigned disapproval with a toss of her head, pouting "Not even part of the family yet and you're ganging up on me!"

"I would never," Tommy promised, placing a kiss to her temple.

Mr. Sabini's face softened watching the two lovers together, wishing his wife were alive to see their daughter find such happiness. However, the moment was soon interrupted by the approach of another couple.

"Don Sabini," Luca Changretta called, tipping his head reverently. When he noticed Aurora by her father's side he added quietly, "Hello Aurora."

Aurora was still processing the sudden appearance of her former lover, barely choking out a reply. “Oh, Luca…What a surprise.” The tone of her voice indicated it was not a pleasant one.

Attempting to move past the awkward moment, Antonio began a polite introduction, "Luca Changretta, meet my future son-in-law, Thomas Shelby." As the don spoke, Luca flashed an insincere smile while extending his hand for the forced pleasantries.

"Mr. Changretta," Tommy repeated slowly as they shook hands, acutely aware of the man standing before him, as well as his unsavory reputation. By all accounts he was a cruel and sadistic man, honor bound to Don Sabini, but equally likely to plot his demise.

For now, he played the subservient underling, making a bit of small talk with his don before Mr. Sabini excused himself to speak with someone else.

The moment he was out of earshot, Luca adjusted the lapels of his suit before looking Tommy over, a judgmental stare radiating down the end of his nose at his replacement. "I heard you dress well, Mr. Shelby. But now I see not so well as me," he taunted with a low chuckle, eyes darting to Aurora's tight expression with satisfaction.

"Who's your tailor? Perhaps I'll have a suit made while I'm here, eh?" Tommy asked, keeping the peace for Aurora's sake.

Luca sucked his teeth as he decided to accept the small victory, answering with a casual shrug, "Fenacci on Mott Street."

Aurora only caught pieces of the conversation after that, gaze drifting to the petite dark haired woman who suddenly appeared at Luca's side. Her small stature allowing for quiet, stealthy movements, Aurora realized she'd likely been watched for several minutes completely unawares.

As they locked eyes, the girl flashed a cheerful smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth unnaturally and Aurora felt an involuntary shiver run down her spine.

Perhaps it was the razor sharp canines she displayed or the obvious heterochromia of the girl's eyes, one black as night and the other a striking yellow. However, something about the woman's very presence made Aurora wish she'd gone unnoticed.

"Meet my girl, Celestina Caccitore," Luca boasted with pride as he wrapped an arm around the young woman's shoulders.

She began a rapid introduction in Italian before Luca squeezed her shoulder. "English, honey. He ain't one of us," he commanded in a low voice.

"Please, call me Tina," she announced in a bubbly voice. "And if you'd like a nice cut of meat while you're in town, my father's butcher shop isn't far from the tailor," she added helpfully.

"We don't have a kitchen where we're staying. It would only go to waste," came Aurora's clipped reply.

Noticing her obvious discomfort, Tommy pulled her into his side, thumb stroking along her hip bone affectionately. The action grounded her instantly, a beatific smile washing over her face.

However, it soon faded as her gaze shifted back to Luca's clenched jaw. Tina didn't seem to notice the chill in the air or if she did, she expertly avoided Aurora's sharp edges by complimenting her glamorous outfit.

When Aurora shook her head modestly, Luca chimed in, "It's true, Aurora, you've always been classy." He only seemed to realize he'd spoken out loud when Tina's eyes flicked up to his anxiously.

Attempting to pull him from whatever daydream he might be having about his ex girlfriend, Tina reminded him of their waiting table.

"Go on ahead, piccolina," he murmured in her ear as he stroked a large hand down her spine.

She turned into his arms, pressing on tip toe to leave a languid kiss upon his lips along with a trace of her favorite lipstick.

As she sauntered away, he swiped at the marking with the pad of his thumb. Then he grew silent as he watched her disappear into the crowd.

Aurora seized the opportunity to needle Luca about the obvious age gap no one else dared mention. "Moving on to the tender cuts these days, Luca?"

A quiet scoff pushed past Luca's lips, a smirk overtaking his handsome features as he relished the chance to spar with Aurora's sharp wit. "Cheaper maybe," he winked, hazel eyes falling to the fur around her shoulders. "La fame è il miglior cuoco, hm?"("Hunger is the best cook, hm?") he growled, fixing Tommy with a stare.

Aurora felt Tommy bristle, fingers pressing into her side possessively at the conspiratorial tone Luca had taken with his fiancée. Roughly clearing his throat to bring the conversation to a close, he announced, "You'll have to excuse us, Mr. Changretta. We're keeping Aurora's father waiting."

Aurora nodded in agreement, though just before she turned her back to Luca, she countered his assertion to make her loyalties perfectly clear. "Non è la fame," ("It is not hunger.) she called to him. "È una voglia di qualcosa di buono,"("It is a craving for something good.") she said, stroking Tommy's arm lightly for emphasis.

Fire flashed in Luca's eyes and his smile faded into a tight line as they left him standing alone in the crowded restaurant, muttering to himself through clenched teeth.

When he found Tina she was waiting in a far corner usually reserved for those who hadn't yet earned their place. She sipped her drink quietly as he seethed over the perceived slight, causing her to pass the glass to him to finish.

Having a temper not unlike his, Tina knew he would soon become unmanageable without a bit of coaxing. "Don't let her get under your skin, baby," she cooed, stroking her nails along his thigh beneath the table. However the tension in his body only grew upon hearing her words.

It was glaringly obvious who had Luca's undivided attention as he sat wedging a toothpick between his lips. The aggravated silence between them only growing with the crescendo of clinking utensils against china and peels of laughter from patrons enjoying their evening. The fact that she was being ignored plucked Tina's nerves, her spiteful heart raging as she followed Luca's line of sight directly to Aurora.

Removing the hand on his leg to cup his chin, Tina brought her boyfriend's gaze back to her. "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to stare?" she scolded harshly. Talons digging into his flesh she added ominously, "I think we should do something about that."

Prying her hands away, Luca placed kisses to the inside of Tina's wrists as he assured her, "All in good time..."

Jerking her hands away with a huff, she shook her head. "You don't have time."

Luca reached for her once more, stroking her hair slowly. He tangled his fingers in her long dark mane in a romantic gesture intended to placate her. "I'm building an empire, amore. Something for me and you. Don Sabini is crucial to my plan. so I follow his lead for now, hm?"

Though Tina was younger than Luca, she wasn't lacking in experience. She'd been in the family business her whole life and thus she understood biding your time in careful observation. But she also knew the advantage of striking when your opponent was weak.

It was a known fact that Don Sabini was losing the power he once held over the city and his enterprise had not yet been fortified by the Shelbys. He was ripe for the taking if only Luca wouldn't hesitate. It would be an added bonus to strike at Shelby, the leader of the gang who had left her heart and skin scarred by their violence.

The murderous look already written upon her face signaled Tina's thoughts without need of words. Luca tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, eyes drifting to the scar above her eyebrow. He sensed her mood turning at that moment, whispering promises he hoped would soothe her. "When I'm don, the Shelbys will get theirs. You have to trust me."

Hating the condescending tone of his voice and the insinuation she needed him to fight her battles caused the balance to tip, a decision made in her wayward mind as she stole a glance across the room.

-----------------

"Where are you off to so early?" Tommy asked, watching Aurora slip into her heels.

"Shopping," she chirped happily. "Presents don't magically appear under the tree, you know."

"You've already bought half of New York, love. We're going to need a few more trees," he joked, stubbing out his cigarette.

Coming to stand over the desk where he'd been working since dawn, she placed a kiss to the top of his head. "I'll add them to my list," she quipped, laughter ringing in her soft voice. As she scoured the mountain of paperwork in front of her fiancé, a heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Take a break, Tom. Come with me today," she urged, massaging his shoulders gently.

Tommy clasped a hand over hers as he shook his head. "The sooner I finish this, the sooner we can go home."

He turned to find a crestfallen Aurora. She wasn't accustomed to being denied and he hated to disappoint her. Remembering the small package stashed in the drawer next to him, he reached for it with a sly grin. "Besides, I've already finished my shopping."

He presented the box to her with an uncharacteristically timid look. To his relief, Aurora accepted it graciously and quickly began to untie the bright red string holding the paper closed. Her childlike enthusiasm made him chuckle.

As she opened the box, a gold locket winked back at her. "It's beautiful," she remarked, tracing her fingertips over the shiny metal.

"Open it," Tommy urged, leaning forward to savor the unmistakable twinkle in her eye.

The locket clicked apart, revealing a photo of them at their engagement party six months ago. "Oh, Tommy..." Aurora breathed, trembling hands removing it carefully. "Help me?" she asked, offering the necklace to Tommy.

He clasped the cool metal to her throat, turning her toward him so he could take in the sight of her beaming face. "I love you," she declared before leaning in for a soft kiss.

"I love you," Tommy replied. Adjusting the locket on her slender neck, he proclaimed, "Now I'll be with ya all day."

"A clever technicality," she tutted, pressing one final kiss to his lips.

-----------------

Feet aching and cheeks chapped from the cold wind, Aurora sought warmth inside Fennaci's to complete her last errand of the day. Rushing inside to order shirts for Tommy, she could only think of the moments after when she'd join him back at the hotel. The image of him greeting her with open arms made her smile to herself.

Removing her gloves to ring the bell at the counter, she shivered from the sudden chill racing down her spine. It might have been the snow clinging to her coat, but she couldn't deny a discomforting sensation tingling in her veins.

As her call for assistance went unanswered, she thought of Tommy and how displeased he'd be to learn she'd given her driver the rest of the day off. Suddenly she wondered if he had been right to insist on someone accompanying her. Fingertips ghosting over the locket that had grown warm next to her soft skin, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

She shook her head to dismiss the thought of harm coming to her in her father's neighborhood and began to wander the shop making selections. The peace and quiet of the small shop soon became comforting to her and she enjoyed choosing a tie that would match Tommy's brilliant blue eyes.

With the sound of approaching footsteps, Aurora sighed in relief. "I was beginning to think..." she trailed off when she turned to find Tina standing behind her. Fingers clenching the fabric in her hands, Aurora failed to conceal her fear as she demanded, "What are you doing here?"

"Fennaci is my uncle," Tina announced, her yellow eye catching the light as she tilted her head curiously. "Did you need something? I can help if you like," she offered in a saccharine voice.

"And what does a butcher know about fashion?," Aurora countered.

"Not as much as a refined woman like you, I suppose," she shrugged with a faint smile that soured slightly on the finish.

"I can come back," Aurora offered, dropping the tie she'd unconsciously been clenching between her hands.

"But you're here now," Tina protested. "He'll be terribly disappointed in me if I don't at least show you his work," she added, the cheerfulness returning the moment she chose a double breasted pinstripe to present to Aurora. "You see the care he takes in his work? Every stitch, stitched with blood." The scar above her eyebrow pulled taut as she raised it to emphasize her question.

Aurora gulped harshly, averting her eyes when she realized she'd been staring. "It's very...nice," she agreed, pretending to choose another tie from the table beside her.

"That one matches your dress," Tina noted with glee. "Come look," she offered, extending a hand toward the mirror in the corner. She pulled Aurora along with the enthusiasm of a school friend anxious to share a secret.

Aurora found herself moving though her legs felt heavy with each step. She longed to be finished, but Tina seemed insistent on stalling her. Surreptitiously casting a glance in the three way mirror, Aurora noticed Tina grin wildly as she held the tie up for consideration. Her sharp teeth inches from Aurora's face, she felt herself tense. "No, I don't think I like it," came her forceful reply, but Tina continued to bear her fang like teeth with manic delight.

"You say yes or no and that decides it, hm?" Tina asked, circling Aurora where she stood rooted in fear.

"What do you want, Tina?" Aurora asked, eyes following the girl's movements cautiously and noting when her gaze wandered to the locket around her neck.

"Beautiful necklace," Tina hummed to herself, opening it to reveal the sentimental photo inside.

"Is that why you’re with Luca then? The money?" Aurora scoffed.

"I could give a shit about your little baubles," Tina whispered harshly, forcing the locket shut between her thumb and forefinger.

Aurora nodded in understanding. "Then it’s all about power. Well let me tell you something Luca will never be don," she spat.

Tina became deathly still at Aurora's side, a single finger venturing forth to tenderly brush a lock of glossy chestnut hair from her shoulder. The overly familiar gesture sent shivers through Aurora, wanting nothing more than to run. However, she knew the kind of woman she was facing, the animalistic nature raging beneath the calm surface.

"You can do more without him," Aurora encouraged her, holding Tina's gaze in the mirror.

Tina nodded thoughtfully, an heir of gratitude seeming to pour from her eyes at the mention of her capabilities. "I intend to," she confided.

"Then come work for us," Aurora offered, eyeing Tina warily to see if the bribe might work.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you? Having me to command like a dog," Tina asked with far less emotion than her words conveyed.

"Do what you will," Aurora said nonchalantly, inhaling a deep breath before readying herself to walk away. "You want a place at the table? You earn it," she sniffed at Tina.

Tina reached for one of the many knives hidden on her body as she hissed, "Who said you were fucking invited?" Shoving the blade beneath Aurora's chin, she held it there as she scoffed, "Earn it? You've used your beauty to your advantage your whole life. And your father only encouraged it."

Aurora's heart banged against her ribs as she came to realize Tina's hatred for her. Trembles wracked her body as Tina raised the knife to her lips, sliding the blade sideways until it pressed against her teeth.

"Give us a smile, principesssa," Tina cooed to her, waiting for the inevitable tears that would ensue. When Aurora didn't give her the satisfaction she roared, "You stuck up little bitch. Let's see if anyone listens to you now." Forcing the blade into Aurora's flesh she added, "They certainly won't want to look at you!"

Aurora's scream erupted into the open space, the agony of her cries going unnoticed by the woman torturing her. If anything, the sound spurred Tina on, widening the cuts she made to Aurora's mouth until blood spilled across her hands like rain.

Knowing she could die at the hand of this madwoman any moment, Aurora elbowed Tina in the ribs. A harsh grunt from her assailant spurred her on further, stomping a sharp heel to Tina's toe which caused her to lose balance.

Face covering her sore and bleeding mouth, Aurora ran from the shop and for many blocks thereafter. When she could run no more, she collapsed against a building, tears and mascara streaming down her ruined face.

-------------

1925, Birmingham

"It's been a fucking year. Where is she?" Tommy asked Polly, grief stricken still by the disappearance of his fiancée.

"Tommy, if Aurora doesn't return..." Polly broached the delicate subject before Tommy went mad.

"She will return! I know she will," Tommy, asserted forcefully before downing another glass of whisky.

Polly could only nod in agreement when he was lost in thought as he was today. No good would come of explaining that Aurora Sabini was as good as dead.

That is until Johnny Dogs arrived with word from London. "Tom! Tom!" he persisted loudly. "They've found her! She's living in London with Darby Sabini."

Tommy could scarcely believe the rumor, but his impatience drove him to seek her out that very night. If his love was nearby, he needed to know.

Parking his car outside the address he'd been given, he steadied his nerves with one final smoke. He replayed the messages relayed in the time Aurora had been away, wondering if the rumors of her disfigurement were indeed true. He resolved he didn't care as he let his cigarette fall beneath his boot. Now he would need to convince her. If she would see him...

----------

"My name is Thomas Shelby and I'm here to see Miss Sabini," Tommy introduced politely to the maid at the door.

"I'm afraid she isn't receiving vistors," the girl before him replied.

"Would you please tell her it's of great importance?" Tommy asked with a sharp inhale of breath. He'd come a long distance and he wouldn't be turned away so easily.

"I'll ask the master," the maid replied with a quick bob.

What seemed hours later, Tommy was admitted into Darby Sabini's home. He waited on the plush sofa in the parlor until he heard the distinct sound of heels upon the polished hardwood, his spirits lifted with each click and clatter.

As the doors before him opened, he was unprepared for the sight that greeted him. His fiancée stood before him with a jagged line on either side of her mouth, a fixed smile so gruesome he felt sick at the sight of it.

Nonetheless he greeted her with enthusiasm, overjoyed to see she was indeed alive after all this time.

"Aurora! I...I thought you were dead," Tommy admitted.

Aurora moved to the fireplace, shielding her face from view as she responded, "No, I've been here for some time."

Tommy rose to cross to her, but thought better of it considering the chill in her voice. "I never stopped looking for you in New York," he explained. "When your family said they thought you were..."

"Dead?" Aurora completed his sentence with little emotion. "But I was Tommy. The moment my father looked upon my face he collapsed with heart attack. So you see, I couldn't bear to reveal myself to you."

Tommy felt a swell of emotion in his chest, remembering the funeral of Don Sabini. The family members in attendance were loathe to mention the daughter now cast aside.

"It wasn't your fault, love," Tommy assured her, stepping forward to brush his hand against her face as he'd done so many times before. "I wished so many times to see you."

She bristled at his touch, wishing his gaze were anywhere except the angry scars which refused to blend into her skin.

"Don't you see why I couldn't return?" she asked, voice straining with pent up emotion.

"No, I don't," Tommy admitted truthfully. "Our wedding came and went without you and I could do nothing but mourn," he said softly, eyes glossy with unshed tears. "You swore you'd be my girl now and forever," he reminded her of his promise so long ago in New York. "Are you still?" he asked hopefully.

Aurora could hardly speak for the lump in her throat, wanting nothing more than to run into his arms at that very moment. He was seeing her and accepting her for who she was despite all that had happened. "Tommy..." she cried, salty tears falling upon her cheeks in earnest as she viewed his lovestruck gaze. It remained the same look of love and devotion he'd shown from the start of their relationship.

"Can I kiss you, please?" Tommy asked in desperation. Their bodies collided indelicately, lips and teeth clashing in a frenzied response. When they finally parted Tommy made two solemn vows. One, they would be wed the next day. "No more waiting," he insisted.

"No," Aurora agreed.

And two, "We kill Luca Changretta and Tina Caccitore."

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