#polly shelby header

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[moonlight-prose]

In the Bleak Midwinter

(none of the pictures used in header belong to me.)

A/N: So, I’ve decided to finally add another fandom to my writing masterlist. I’m starting out with the beloved Tommy Shelby. Enjoy! Also this version of the song is so much like Tommy Shelby it’s crazy.

Summary: A saying you knew too well suddenly becomes something that saves not only you, but Tommy as well.

Word Count: 3.5k

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x F!reader

Warnings: Way too much angst for my own good.

Song: Make it rain - Foy Vance

      In the bleak midwinter…

      A saying you’d known since birth. Words that would be said when you died, as they were said for the ones before you. Yet now here you were moments away from shaking the cold hand of death. Sickness overtook you a month ago, and only being sixteen everyone did not believe you would survive. They said their goodbyes and made peace with the fact you would no longer be there.

      All except for one. He refused to let you give into anything. He reminded you that you had a long life to live before those words, that oh so familiar saying, would be recited for you.

      Only that was years ago. He left to go fight in a war just as they all did and he came back different. He came back broken, reserved, and ready to hear that saying for himself. You survived the illness because of him. He helped you push through it. Yet he looked at you as if you were a stranger who was being introduced to him for the first time.

      It became clear to you that Thomas Shelby had given into the hole of darkness after all. He no longer felt as if he had a life worth living and held no fear of death.

      You couldn’t allow that to happen. Refused to stand by as he gave up hope for anything, because he truly believed he deserved nothing. Just as he pulled you away from shaking Death’s cold hand, you would do the same for him and bleak darkness. Yet it was Tommy you were to trying to help and he seemed to know exactly what you were doing. He avoided you every chance he got, because even he knew the truth. The man you fell in love with was gone. He died in those hellish mines fighting a war that gave him nothing.

      He’d given up on himself long before he came home yet the second, he looked at you, he’d felt it. The pull in the base of his heart. The one that told him he had to keep fighting to stay alive, for you.

      He shied away from you so he wouldn’t have to see the pain in your eyes every time your gaze met. He didn’t want to hurt you, yet even Tommy knew there was no avoiding that which was inevitable. He hurt everyone. Arthur, John, Polly, Ada, he caused them some sort of grief, and them he could ignore. He could forget what he’d done to them, but you. No, he wasn’t allowed to simply move past what he’d done to you.

      To Tommy, you were everything. All the good parts of him before the ugly war remained with you and it caused him guilt to see it. Whenever he looked you in the eyes, he saw himself; the boy who helped you to survive.

      There was one truth both you and him knew to be fact. Tommy Shelby wanted to be saved, but whether or not he deserved it still remained a question yet to be answered. For you, the answer was clear. Only it would be Tommy who made the final decision as always. He had to accept the fact that he was allowed you in every way you wanted him. But for now, he would continue to pretend you were a stranger. When in reality, his heart, soul, everything in him screamed for you. Like a banshee his heart’s agonizing cries would fill that bleak midwinter until he let himself feel again.

      Your eyes were getting blurry from staring at the books for so long. After having discussed with Polly, you were allowed a week on the job before being sent away. Your parents wanted you to go live with your aunt in London for a month since she was getting sick. So, you’d asked Polly for a chance to earn some extra money before leaving. She agreed promising to keep the secret from Tommy, knowing how he’d react. He wanted you as far away from the business as you could get, and him knowing this secret would only make him treat you more like a stranger.

      He however had yet to learn of your biggest secret. Tommy thought time would be on his side when it came to you. He’d be able to figure things out in Birmingham and you would be there waiting for him when he did, but was time ever on people’s sides? It seemed to be against him the most.

      The door slammed shut jolting you from your spot. Sleep nearly washed over you and the sight of Tommy standing in front of you pushed it away within seconds. His stare remained blank as he saw your sleep ridden state. Muttering a curse in the Romany tongue he headed towards the office leaving you sitting there.

      Tommy Shelby now knew being careful around you seemed to longer be an option. He longed to call you his. To make you a Shelby in the proper way, but instead he forced himself to sit by. He nearly kissed you the second he saw you in your sleepy state. Your eyes which were dazed and luminescent turned the cold ice around his heart to liquid.

      Letting out a huff you stood from the chair and slipped on your coat. You left for London tomorrow and needed to pack what clothes you owned before getting on a train. You wondered what he would think. Would Tommy Shelby mourn your absence silently? Would he move on as if he’d never known you? Or would he finally give into the cries of his heart and allow himself to have life’s simplest pleasure. To be loved.

      You didn’t dwell on it. Tommy had been home for nearly a year and you were always an afterthought to him. It hurt you to leave him. You knew that getting onto that train would shatter you in half, but you had given him everything you had in you. Tommy Shelby owned you, body, mind, and soul. So why were you still someone pining over what your heart couldn’t possess?

      He heard the door slam shut behind you and the fleeting thought of running out to you screaming how much he longed for you crossed his mind. But just as quickly as it came, it left. The hole in his heart grew, but Tommy shoved that away too. Feelings were a nuisance he no longer wished to deal with.

      “Tommy,” Polly called out. He heard her heels clack against the floor as she made her way to the office.

      “Where the bloody hell have you been?” she asked.

      “Here,” he said. Lighting a cigarette, he ran a hand through his hair inhaling the smoke, hoping it would calm his nerves.

      Polly could see it. The way he didn’t look her in the eyes, because it hurt too much to even breathe. She knew how much he loved you, but never did anything about it. If there was anything Polly knew for a fact, it was that she would no longer stand by and let him cause himself agony.

      “You’re a fucking idiot,” she said taking a seat.

      Tommy’s eyes shot up to her. “Careful Pol, you’re showing you care.”

      Polly smirked, lighting her own cigarette. “I have no problems with showing I care. It’s you who has that problem.”

      “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he murmured. Smoke filled the air and he focused on that instead of Polly’s intense stare.

      “Y/N.” All Polly had to do was say your name and Tommy was listening.

      “What about Y/N?” he asked.

      Polly inhaled and let out the smoke knowing the next words she said would change him forever. “Y/N is leaving Tommy.”

      His eyes shot to her. “What?” he asked.

      “I said…” she began.

      “Dammit Pol, I know what you said. Why?” Tommy could feel his heart begin to scream again. He could feel the emotions he’d pushed down for so long rise up in him until he couldn’t bare it anymore.

      “An aunt is sick I suppose. All I know is Y/N is getting on the next train to London by tomorrow. I don’t know if she intends to come back Tommy,” Polly said.

      That was it. The final sentence that nearly caused him to sob. The owner of his heart was leaving him for good all because he pushed you away. He never allowed himself to feel and you were finally ready to walk away from the fight of trying to get him to love you. Yet there was no fight to be had. Tommy loved you. He’d loved you when you were ready to die at sixteen, loved you when you were ready to hear those words, and loved you when he came back from the war.

      Tommy watched Polly leave, unable to move from his chair. Tommy muttered out another curse in Romany before shoving his chair back and shoving his arms into his coat. After putting you through a year of pain, he needed to make it up to you and even Tommy knew simply saying he loved you wouldn’t cut it. He had to watch you try to bring him back from a place he refused to leave and said nothing. Tommy Shelby broke you piece by piece until only a simple fragment remained, and yet you still loved him. You still remained here, because your heart wouldn’t allow you to leave the place it belonged.

      He stepped out into the night and threw his now finished cigarette onto the floor. The clouds were coming in for rain, he could practically taste it in the air. Tommy took in a breath. It had become harder to breathe within the time Polly said those words to him and now. That weight on his chest pressed and pressed until he could no longer get air into his lungs.

      Freezing in the center of the cobble-stoned street he gasped in a breath filled with smoke and smog before letting out a scream. It only lasted a moment, but that was all he needed. He continued on his way knowing nobody would ask about that scream filled with agony. Nobody would incite he was in pain, because he was Tommy Shelby, and they stayed away from Shelby business.

      The sound of the train filled your ears as you sat on it. You’d boarded an hour ago and now you waited for it reach London. There you would go straight to your aunt’s house and even though she was a bitter old woman, you felt a thrill of excitement go through you. London felt different, because he was no longer there. Tommy Shelby now remained in Birmingham along with the rest of you, but you didn’t dwell on that fact.

      “Last call for London,” someone called out. Standing up you gathered your bag and shuffled off the train.

      The platform seemed to be filled with people on their day to day trips and it overwhelmed you in a way. Finally, you were in a place that didn’t revolve around one family. The Shelby’s were your home and always would be, but everyone left home one way or another.

      The smell of London hit you hard and you couldn’t help but compare it to Birmingham. Only you knew you weren’t comparing it to Birmingham. You were comparing it to Tommy. The whole of London couldn’t fill the hole he’d left inside you and as much as you wanted to deny that fact, you knew it would always be true.

      Tommy tore off his hat as he searched the bustling crowd of London for you. When Polly told Arthur and John that you were leaving, they nearly shoved him onto a train. Leave it to them to beat the sense into his brain. Even though Tommy knew it already. He would not survive a life without you. He would not be able to save himself if you were gone. He’d known it when you were at the brink of death and he knew it now. You, the person who could take away his pain, were it for him.

      A familiar looking coat caught his eye and like a hunter narrowing in on his prey he ran forward.

      “Y/N!” he shouted out. The sound of the train whistle drowned him out and he had to watch as you walked away from him.

      If there was one thing Tommy Shelby never did was give up. He refused to do so. He’d traveled to London with no clothes, just a single flower in his pocket and a speech he’d been writing since he left for war. Tommy ran after you, needing you to hear his calls more than he needed to breathe.

      Turning onto a rather empty street you began to search for the address of your aunt. She didn’t live too far from the train station and you were grateful you didn’t have to pay for a taxi. Polly had payed you, but it wouldn’t last the months you would be here. Letting out a breath you finally came upon the house when someone’s voice caused you to freeze.

      You knew that voice. Knew it better than you knew your own voice. After all those years of loving him, you’d finally gone mad. He’d driven you to insanity at last. Pushing it away you began to step forward again, but then his voice rang out as clear as day.

      Tommy stood at the end of the street waiting for you to turn around, begging whatever God was up there that he’d found you. When your face came into view and the surprise crossed over your face he smiled. Tommy Shelby never smiled, but there it was. That stunning smile you thought you’d never see again. The bags slipped from your hands and toppled to the ground. Still you were unable to move.

      “Y/N,” he said. The smile remained and you couldn’t help but think that he looked like Tommy again. Not the cold, broken Tommy that returned to you, but the Tommy that kissed your cheek on the train station before leaving for war.

      “Tommy?” you asked in disbelief. He couldn’t truly be standing mere feet away from you, could he?

      He made his way towards you, but you held up a hand to stop him. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?” you asked.

      Tommy’s face fell slightly. “I came for you.”

      There it was. The single sentence that broke you. Hearing that you were leaving may have broken him, but hearing he came after you shattered the last piece of yourself you held onto. He gave you a year of pain, of longing for him to return to you, and now he finally gave it you. Letting out a sob you held yourself up, not wanting to collapse onto the ground.

      “What’s wrong?” he asked. Tommy didn’t dare move closer.

      Gathering yourself together slightly you glared at him. “One-year Tommy. One year I waited for you to allow me in! Why did it take till now to do it?”

      He felt his soul scream at him and knew what he had to say. “I’m sorry. I knew you were there; I knew you were trying to help me, but I didn’t want it.”

      The glare you gave him felt like you’d stabbed him in the heart. “You couldn’t have told me that then?” you asked.

      “No,” he whispered. Tommy had concluded he’d rather be shot repeatedly then say these words. He’d rather live every bad time in war he experienced rather than stand there and tell you he needed you to help him; to save him from himself.

      “Why now?” Your anger had died down slightly until all that was left was him. He consumed you without even trying to.

      “I’ve known for a long time.”

      You took in a sharp breath. “How long Tommy? How long have you known you wanted me?”

      He nearly hung his head in shame. No words would leave him. His mind yelled at him to get them out, to say he loved you and to see you leave him left him a shell of a person. Silence filled that smog filled London air until you couldn’t take it anymore. Running a hand down your face you turned to grab your bags.

      “In the bleak midwinter…” Tommy said more to himself.

      That simple saying sent a chill down your spine. “What?” you asked.

      Tommy’s blue eyes seared into you, seeing all the way to your soul. You knew he probably could with his Romany blood. Perhaps that’s what made him the way he was. The famous Tommy Shelby, a great man by day, but at heart he belonged to the place where his blood was from. Be it Romany or Shelby, he belonged there, and he knew it as well it as you.

      “I’ve loved you ever since you were ready to hear those words. Ever since I pulled you away from death himself.” Tommy held no fear now as he looked at you.

      For years he called Birmingham his home, but he knew there was nowhere he could call home unless you were there with him.

      “Tommy,” you whispered.

      “Allow me to finish love,” he said with a small chuckle. “I can’t live without you Y/N. I tried. One year of not having you and it only tore me to shreds. I’m sorry for whatever I did to you, for pushing you away and I hope that you can forgive me. Because I don’t want to die one day and have those words spoken over me unless I’ve loved you. I won’t die living a life without you in it.”

      Tears threatened to fall, but you fought against them. “Tommy Shelby,” you said. “You are the strongest man I know. You are fucking stubborn and will never back down from a fight, no matter how big it is. And you’re probably the most oblivious man I’ve met.”

      “I only hear insults love,” Tommy joked.

      You took a shuddering breath. “And I love you despite it all, because I’m yours Tommy. I’ve been yours long before you left for that damn war.”

      Tommy took that last few strides in your direction and gathered you in his arms. If he could howl from the pure joy that filled his veins he would have, but instead he opted for pressing his lips to yours. That was it. That single kiss ruined him, because he finally held the last piece of him in his arms, the one thing that had been missing. You tore his hat off and threw it to the ground in order to run your fingers through his dark hair as he kissed you.

      You felt it all the way down to your toes and he clutched you to him as if you’d disappear, but you relished in it. The feel of him against you, his lips against yours, the small groans he let out. All of it was yours. He was finally yours.

      “Tommy,” you said breathlessly.

      “Hm?” he asked. A new dazed look was in your eyes and he longed to bring it out again and again. To kiss you until you forgot your name, perhaps have you until all you knew was his.

      “What do we do now?” you asked.

      He looked back at the house you were supposed to be staying at. “Do you have to live here?”

      You nodded. “I’m the only one to do it.”

      Tommy sighed. “I didn’t bring any clothes with me.”

      That surprised you. “You’re staying with me?”

      Tommy shoved you closer to him. “Only for a few days, but I’m not letting you go. I just got you back.”

      A dazed smile spread across your lips as you looked up into those blue eyes of his. Where they were once to cold that the blue resembled ice, they were now a beautiful ocean of pure blue. His smile matched yours.

      “Do I have something on me face love?” he asked.

      You shook your head. “You came back to me.”

      His eyebrow raised. “Care to elaborate?”

      “When you came home from the war you weren’t you Tommy.” His eyes clouded with pain. “But you’re back. You came back to me at last Thomas Shelby.”

      He kissed you again. “I told you I’d return love. Didn’t I?” he said against your lips.

      Kissing him again like you’d never get enough you nodded. “Yes, you did.”

      Once again, those words resonated in your head. Meant for the death of a loved one, they seemed to have done the exact opposite. They brought your Tommy back to you, the man you loved before the war and the man you loved now. He may be different and it may never go away, but he was there. The Tommy who dragged you away from death’s cold hand and forced you to stay with him.

      “In the bleak midwinter,” you whispered as Tommy left to knock on your aunt’s door.

      He was right after all. He wouldn’t hear those words until he’s lived a life loving you, and you would do the same. You wouldn’t leave this world without having saved him and giving him all the love, you had to offer. The stubborn Thomas Shelby, finally agreeing to let you in and take away his heart’s cries that filled that bleak midwinter air.

Masterlist

[imaginesbymk]

GIF IMAGINES.

NOTE: a lot of these gif imagines have been upgraded with old/new headers and some of them don’t have headers at all.

black mirror

USS Callister: Nanette Cole

black mirror: bandersnatch

Colin Ritman

brooklyn nine-nine

Jake Peralta

Rosa Diaz

Raymond Holt

Kevin Cozner

dracula (2020 netflix original)

Dracula

dunkirk

Alex

euphoria

Rue Bennett

Maddy Perez

Nate Jacobs

Lexi Howard

gotham

Jim Gordon

Jerome & Jeremiah Valeska [both]

Jerome Valeska

Jeremiah Valeska

Barbara Kean

Edward Nygma

haunting of hill house

Luke Crain

heathers

Veronica Sawyer

midsommar

Mark

peaky blinders

Everyone

Thomas Shelby

Grace Burgess

Arthur Shelby

John Shelby

Polly Gray

Michael Gray

Ada Thorne

Luca Changretta

Alfie Solomons

Tatiana Petrovna

skins

James Cook

Rich Hardbeck

JJ Jones

Grace Blood

Emily Fitch

Tony Stonem

shadowhunters

Simon Lewis

Magnus Bane

Alec Lightwood

Isabelle Lightwood

Jace Wayland

Clary Fray

Raphael Santiago

stranger things

Robin Buckley

Steve Harrington

Dustin Henderson

Billy Hargrove

Max Mayfield

the maze runner

Gally

Thomas

Newt

Minho

Teresa Agnes

the hunger games

Peeta Mellark

Finnick Odair

Enobaria

Foxface

the walking dead

Daryl Dixon

Negan

Carol Peletier

Sophia Peletier

titanic

Rose DeWitt Bukater

triple frontier

Ben Miller

William “Ironhead” Miller

Santiago “Pope” Garcia

Francisco “Catfish” Morales

[bonniebird]

NEW HEADER NEEDED

Shelby Family x Shelby!Reader

Requested by Anon

Christmas Prompt List

Ada scolded you as you fidgeted, tipping your chair back to see out of the window which caused you to knock into John who frowned and tried to see what you were looking at.

“Is there something that has your interest?” Tommy asked you as you managed to get Arthur to join in with you and John’s focus on the window.

“Are you almost done?” You asked Tommy who raised his eyebrows. “It’s supposed to snow today!”

“Seriously! It’s just snow.” Finn grumbled and the two of you started play fighting and bickering.

“(Y/N) you can go.” Tommy said with a sigh as he realised you wouldn’t be paying any attention and nothing would get done in the meeting if you stayed.

“Mind you get your coat!” Polly yelled after you as you bolted out of the office. A few minutes later most of the family joined you in watching the newest snowfall and the afternoon ended in a snow fight.

[twistedrunes]

Master List

If you would like to be added to the tag list please complete the form here

Series

George  - An AU multi-chapter story about the life of an OC in the Peaky Universe - the whole gang are here

Performance Anxiety - An Alfie fic from reader requests

Tommy’s reaction to reader fainting

Intimacy with Tommy (inc NSFW) 

What Tommy finds attractive headcanon 

Tommy dating a Romani girl who’s a very accurate palm and tea-leaf reader 

Tommy after Grace’s death - the fuckboy and falling in love again (NSFW)

Tommy’s reaction to reader coming home with a puppy 

Tommy and Charlie dealing with the loss of Grace - All that remains

Shirts: Tommy

Tommy Pregnancy Headcanons 

Birthday Girl

Tommy New Father Headcanons

The kitten and the tiger 

Female best friend headcanons

The Two of Us (female best friend part II)

Nine O’Clock

Promises

Fire In The Belly

The Arrangement

NSFW Alfie head-canons

Jealous Alfie head-canons

What Alfie finds attractive headcanon

Dating Alfie head-canons

Husband and father Alfie head-canons

Alfie being supportive of reader with anxiety issues

Alfie meets anxiety reader’s parents - Performance Anxiety 

Alfie helps a homesick worker - Midsummer’s Eve

Alfie finds out you can look after yourself - gender neutral

Alfie and Hagrid buddies PB x HP crossover headcanon

Alfie drinking headcanons

Performance Anxiety - Part 2

Performance Anxiety - Part 3

Alfie Pregnancy Headcanons 

Alfie New Father Headcanons

Shirts: Alfie

A day to remember

Cyril

Changing Fortunes 

Too straight for straws  

Flames 

Bathhouse Blues

Homecoming

Chocolate Kisses

How They Sleep

Melting Hearts

NSFW John head-canons 

John’s reaction to his daughter dating for the first time 

Shirts: John

What’s school like for John’s kids

Bathtime with John - NSFW

Shelter

Finn and Isaiah’s little sister 

Drunk Finn Headcanons

Finn’s Firsts 

Finn’s Family 

What Michael looks for in a girl/ preferences 

NSFW Michael headcanons

One Way Ticket 

Shirts: Michael 

Weeping Willow

Michael pregnancy headcanons

Closer

Angelic

Shirts: Arthur

Jealous Arthur headcanon/drabble

A good lie in 

Polly Gray Headcanons

Because I love you

Favourite Foods

A trip to the museum

Shelby sister coming out as lesbian to the family

How the siblings protect/ look after a younger oc sister

Peaky Blinders - what happens on your Birthday

What if..... WWI never happened?

Fav books

Reactions to you flirting and being flirted with

Diner - a Luca Changretta imagine

Lingerie preferences

VIKINGS

The Selkie - a collaboration with @collecting-stories 

Rauðr - Bjorn Ironside

OTHER

Crushing on Rey - Written In The Stars (Star Wars)

Sit - Bob Saginowsky (The Drop)

Prompt events (closed)

Headcanon weekend Feb 2018 - multifandom mostly Peaky Blinders

Angst and Fluff March 2018 - Peaky Blinders

I’m also on AO3 - TwistedRunes

Thanks to @flowers-in-your-hayr​ for the headers 

[collecting-stories]

Peacemaker - Johnny Dogs

Okay, thank you :D So I was thinking, instead of John marrying Esme to make peace between the gypsies and blinders, Tommy sets you up with Johnny Dogs instead. And it’s just really fluffy? :

Peacemaker pt. 1 | pt. 2

“Thomas Shelby!” You all but screamed, running down the stairs and straight into the betting shop, not a care that one of the men working in there should see you in your robe. “Where the fuck are you?”

“Calm down,” Tommy called, walking out of his office to see what the commotion was.  

“Calm down? Calm down? Fuck you Tommy, Finn says you’ve told Johnny Dogs I’ll marry him?” You continued to shout.

Tommy grabbed your upper arm and dragged you into the office, slamming the door behind him so that no one in the office could hear what you and he were arguing about. You pulled away from him and crossed your arms under your chest, waiting for an explanation to come from Tommy.  

“Is it true Tom? Did you tell Johnny I’d marry him?”

“I need the business with the Lee Family, it’s very important.” Tommy replied, still in business mode.

“So you did? You told him I’d marry him!”  

“You’re overreacting.”

“I’m not! Thomas, you’ve fucking given me off to some man I hardly know because it’s good for your fucking business. Why not Arthur or John for fucks sake? Why me? I told you I wanted nothing to do with the business, so you go behind my back and do this?” You were still shouting, aware that the people outside of the office could probably hear you through the glass windows.

“Keep your fucking voice down would you!” Tommy snapped.

“I’m not doing it! Tell Johnny your sister doesn’t like being whored out for a deal.” You said, opening the door and stepping out of the office. Before Tommy could answer you hurried out of the house.  

The confrontation with Tommy had done nothing to quell your anger. You were furious with your brother for telling Johnny Dogs that you would marry him. Tommy did business with the Lee Family but you hardly knew Johnny, he was just a go between that you saw sometimes at the shop. You’d never even spoken to him.  

You knew, even though you’d caused a scene and told Tommy no that your no meant nothing to him. Business was business and you would be in a dress marrying Johnny whether you wanted to or not. Trying to get yourself far away from Tommy and the shop, you headed down to the bank of the river, sitting in the grass there and gathering a few of the stones on the ground into your hand. You tossed one, watching it skip twice before sinking in the water.  

“Tommy says you’ve heard the news.” A voice called. You turned to see Johnny Dogs walking down the hill toward you.  

“Word travels fast.” You replied. You turned away from him, keeping your eyes on the water.  

He took a rock from the ground and tossed it into the river, you watched it sink without a single skip. This was the first time Johnny had spoken to you and it was a bit surprising. His accent wasn’t quite the Brummie one you expected, a twinge of something else there as well. He passed you a piece of fruit from his pocket, a decent looking apple he’d taken from an orchard just outside the city. You accepted, taking a bite. Both of you ate in silence, just watching the river until finally Johnny spoke.  

“I’ve got a place.”

“What?” You looked over at him for the first time since he had sat beside you.

“I’ve bought a house. It’s really rather small but it’s nice, I think. Tommy helped me find it, it’s got a lot of land, right outside Small Heath, away from the fog. And I’ve got a steady enough job as well. I don’t expect children, I know that’s too much to ask. I know you don’t love me or know me but, I’d be a good husband and I’d provide for you and it could be a nice life.” Johnny stated.  

“Doesn’t it bother you though Johnny? That Tom’s just decided this.” You asked, avoiding what he’d said.

“Nah,” he shook his head. “I thought Tommy’d tell you though, at least, before the wedding.”

“When is this wedding supposed to happen?”

“Tomorrow evening. Right here on the river bank, I asked Tommy if we could have it here cause I thought, if the place was nice enough maybe you’d feel like it wasn’t so much business and it actually meant something.” Johnny answered.

“That’s sweet of you John.”  

“If you don’t want to move in right away don’t feel like you have to. I’ll not be bothered. Or, if you’d like to come by and see the house, I have the keys. I don’t have to be there when you go, I got a cousin I can stay with if you like it a lot and don’t want to be there with me. I’m not much of a house person as it stands. Also I got you a ring, it belonged to my mum but you don’t have to wear it. Or if you want something different that’s fine.”  

“I’ll think about it.” You replied, standing up. “Thank you for the apple Johnny, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

You walked back to the betting shop, far less angry than you’d been that morning. You kept thinking about what Johnny Dogs had said about a house and a ring. When you got back Tommy was in his office still, sitting behind the desk writing out something. You saw the Shelby Brother’s header on the top of the paper. You walked into the office and closed the door behind you before taking a seat across from your older brother.

“Have you calmed down?” Tommy asked, glancing up at you.

“When were you gonna tell me Tom? This isn’t just business, it’s my whole life. I hear enough everyday about having gypsy blood. Growing up I hardly had friends because of it. Now you want me to spend the rest of my life married to a gypsy? Going into town and hearing people whisper behind my back.” You asked, “It’s different for you, no one’s gonna say anything to you straight.”

“It’s already been agreed, there’s no more I can say on the matter.”

-

Tommy’s word proved to be law within Small Heath. At least within the Shelby family because you found yourself, newly married, standing in the Garrison. You had spent all last night awake, thinking about what Johnny Dogs had said yesterday. Even now, leaning against the counter and watching friends and family celebrating a wedding that was more a business deal, you couldn’t help but pay extra attention to him. Johnny was standing beside Tommy, who was saying something to a man you’d never seen before.  

Was a life with Johnny Dogs, in a small house outside of the city what you really wanted? He wasn’t wrong yesterday, you didn’t love him. But it wasn’t hard to imagine a future where you did. Where you had a few children and you kept a vegetable garden and he provided a comfortable life.  

“You know Tommy was just trying to look out for you.” Polly commented, coming over to stand beside you. She misinterpreted your staring for watching Tommy.  

“It wouldn’t be so bad would it?” You asked, looking over at your aunt for assurance. “Johnny’s sweet and he respects me. I know he wouldn’t do anything I didn’t want.”  

“Never thought you’d come around to the idea so easily. Though it was far simpler to get you in that dress than I thought it would be.” Polly replied.  

“I was just thinking…” You trailed off, blushing at the unfinished thought.  

Johnny had turned and was walking over to you. He had been keeping his distance at the reception to give you space. He didn’t want you to feel like he was overstepping his boundaries with you. Polly smiled at him and tipped her glass in a brief greeting before turning away.  

“You look lovely.” Johnny said, his cheeks going red. You couldn’t tell if he was embarrassed or if it was the alcohol. “I meant to say earlier.”

It was silly you thought, but it was also in that exact moment that you decided this would be a good life. You and Johnny could have a future together and maybe someday in the future you would be in love with him, you could see that happening. For right now he was sweet and likeable and kind to you and you felt comfortable around him.  

“Do you still have the key to the house on you?” You asked.  

“Of course, did you want it, you can stay there tonight or go in the morning. I’ll stay with my cousin tonight.” He answered, digging the key from his jacket pocket and handing it to you.  

You placed your hand over his, closing his fingers in a fist around the key, “I was thinking we could go together, it is our wedding night.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” You nodded. Still hold his hand you leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

tagged: @weirdnewbie @ducks-are-kwl @crowleyismybabycakes @photograiphy-00 @clairyfaiiry @thinemineours @ifoundmyhappythought @holy-minseok

[smellyzcat]

peaky blinders headers

[moonlight-prose]

The Queen’s Game (Pt.2)

(pictures used in header don’t belong to me)

A/N: Well here it is! Part two of the first series for Tommy Shelby that I’m writing. It’s going to definitely be interesting I’m telling you that.

Tag Lists are open and feedback is always welcome!

Summary: After you left him sitting at that bar, Tommy Shelby couldn’t get you out of his mind. He couldn’t focus on anything except your offer. So he decides to finally do something about it. Only things don’t go as planned.

Part One

Word Count: 1.7k

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x F!Reader

Warnings: Death, blood, cussing.

Song: Lilith - Ellise

      Another cigarette, another glass of whiskey, another night of no sleep. Tommy Shelby had found an addiction and this time it wasn’t the opium he smoked to keep his nightmares at bay. It wasn’t the work he threw himself into each night. No. The addiction was you. You in your red dress and the game you offered him. He couldn’t think of anything else in that moment, but the way you spoke to him as if you knew exactly how he would move.

      You two were on a chess board and it was painfully obvious that you were winning this round.

      He clutched onto the small paper you left behind with the address knowing if he went there, he’d be done for. You would have snatched him like prey. Yet Tommy couldn’t find a way to get his mind off you. He wondered if you were of gypsy blood like him. Maybe that’s why he was addicted to the thought of seeing you again, because you’d put a curse on him.

      “You need to eat Tommy,” Polly said. She went over a few of the papers scattered on his desk.

      Tommy didn’t make a move to say anything back instead re-reading the address for the hundredth time. He knew where this was. You were smart staying in a place that was on Shelby territory, especially when Changretta was after you. What he couldn’t understand was why you came to him in the first place. Tommy figured you’d heard about his own little problem with the Italian man, but as far as Tommy was concerned, he’d never heard anything about you.

      Without another word he stood up, grabbed his coat, and walked out of the office. If he wanted answers, he’d ask you himself. Just the thought of seeing you again sent his mind reeling. The short walk to where you were staying gave him enough time to come up with things to say to you.

      That all faded the second you opened the door. A blue dress covered your body this time causing you to blend in with Birmingham. This is what you wanted to do. Stand out, but then blend in to hide easily from the predator hunting you down. You knew Tommy would show. Knew he’d give into the battle that waged in his mind.

      “Mr. Shelby,” you said with a smirk. “Good of you to finally show.”

      He stared at you. “I’m here to talk business.”

      Without question you opened the door further allowing him into the small by cozy space. Tommy entered and immediately overtook the entire space. His presence a power that shook even you to your core. He knew his effect, knew that he scared people shitless, but with you he hoped to have a different effect. It would be terrible timing to fall in love with you during a war with Changretta, but Tommy always found his plans worked out in the end.

      “What would you like to discuss first?” you asked. Taking a seat on the couch you poured another glass of the whiskey you were drinking. He took it with a nod before pulling the cap off his head.

      “Tell me about your plans against Changretta,” he said.

      You waited. Giving up your plan that you’d been setting up for months made you wary, but even you knew that in order to work with someone they needed to know the information. Downing the whiskey, you began to speak.

      “Two weeks ago, I was approached by one of the Changretta men with a claim on my territory. I thought it to be a ruse created by Luca Changretta himself, but when I ignored the claim people started dying. He went after my men like prey. So, I made an alternative decision.”

      Tommy listened intently as you spoke about how you lost people and the sight of even a shadow of pain in your expression had anger roaring its fiery head. Luca Changretta was making a dangerous play against you. Granted he was new, but he should know better than fight with you. They say a woman scored is the most lethal thing that existed and he could see it right in front of his eyes. You were more lethal than you let on.

      “He’s a man with an ego,” Tommy said.

      You agreed. “Most men with power are.”

      That sent a flash of a smile to his face. “Most men?”

      “Yes Mr. Shelby most men. They think they can take things away from women because to them we’re nothing but objects. We’re prey they like to hunt down.” You sipped at your whiskey.

      “Tell me Y/N, are you prey? To me it looks like you’re the predator.” His words sent heat trailing to the base of your spine. It was the way he looked at you as he said it that made you shift in your seat.

      “Will you help me? My men are willing to come to your territory Mr. Shelby. We’re willing to fight with you.” This was no longer a deal, but a plea for help. You weren’t one to ask for assistance from anyone, but Luca Changretta didn’t plan for you to have a merciful death. No, he wanted to make you suffer.

      Tommy knew his answer immediately only the sound of shouts cut him off. A bang went off outside and he jumped to his feet his gun already in his hand. You trailed after him grabbing a larger shotgun out from the corner of the room that you kept aside just in case. He opened the door to an empty street.

      “It’s too empty,” he said. “There were kids playing outside a moment ago.”

      You stepped in front of him holding the gun steady before the bang went off again. In the center of the street children played moments before, but now there was nothing but red. Dark red that slipped past the stones in the street. A young girl lay there unmoving and your heart stopped. Changretta had made his message clear that you were not to run from him, you were to give up your throne and allow him to take it. The girl looked no older than fourteen and it broke your heart to see what he’d done.

      A woman wailed into the cold air as she ran towards the girl. Her mother. And the sight broke you even further. You’d seen violence, seen bloodshed, but this was something else. This was the killing of innocents and you knew if Changretta was not stopped he would go after your people next. He would pick them all off until it was just you. A true predator going after his prey.

      “That bastard,” you said in a broken whisper.

      Tommy’s hand came to rest of your shoulder when another bang sounded from across the street. He barely had time to shove you to the side before a bullet hit the wall where you had been standing. It seemed that Changretta was not done sending his message and Tommy thought of various ways to get you out of there. Only you weren’t there to run from a fight. You were there to push back.

      Cocking the shotgun, you pointed it in the direction of where the shot came from. Another one echoed through the street and it let you narrow in on your target. Letting out a breath you pulled the trigger and heard as it hit its mark. In the man’s chest. Heading out to the empty street you reloaded and looked for the other man you knew was there. Changretta’s men never traveled alone.

      A shot came from behind you and you spun around seeing Tommy holding out his gun. He had your back as you walked out into danger and that comforted you in a way. Lowering the gun, you headed towards the man who was struggling for breath as he bled out onto the street. You kicked his weapon away from him before crouching down and forcing his head towards you.

      “Why?” you asked.

      He coughed and blood slid down to your palm. “He will not keep waiting for you.”

      “Why kill the girl?” you asked gripping his face harder.

      “Innocent blood spilled is the only way he…” The man coughed as more blood fell from his lips. “It’s the only way you will give in.”

      Tommy watched as you interrogated the dying man and something shifted in him. He knew pain, knew grief, knew what it was like to struggle. Yet this was a different type of pain. This pain only came from feeling empathy towards someone you cared for. And as you continued to talk to the man, blood now staining your hands, he felt that pain twist his heart tighter until it was hard to breathe.

      “Y/N.” Tommy crouched down next to you.

      “No. He needs to tell me what Luca is planning.” You tried to hold pressure on the wound to keep the man alive.

      Large hands grasped yours and pulled you away from the man. “He’s dead Y/N.”

      Your breath caught in your throat at the sight before you. Not only did you kill the man, but you had gotten no information that could help you. Instead you were left with his blood dripping off your hands knowing full well the innocent girl’s blood was dripping off his. Tears were streaming down your face at the thought of more innocent blood being spilled. This was not how it was meant to go.

      “Come on,” Tommy said softly, bringing you up to your feet.

      “The girl,” you murmured.

      Ripping yourself from his grasp you stumbled into the street to see the woman still crying over her daughter. The sounds of her cries wedged themselves into your heart until you couldn’t catch your breath. Her eyes met yours and she could see the brokenness that filled you. The shattered soul you carried around day by day.

      Tommy followed you out, but froze at the sight of you. Blood dripped off your hands and tears stained your hardened face. Your expression was that of pure and unadulterated rage. In all other aspects he would see you as an angel, a thing of beauty he’d never seen before. Only now you looked like hell itself ready to tear a part the world. Ready to break Changretta piece by piece until he was begging for death.

      They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Well Tommy could see now clear as day that hell was empty and all the devils were here ready to take on the queen.

The Queen’s Game Masterlist

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