#since i have to kinda... delay arthur

[the-commonplace-book]

ngl folks i said i was working on my next we happy few fic chapter after like a year hiatus and then i only wrote like two paragraphs before going off to work on my silly self-indulgent ya fantasy book for days oops

[queers-gambit]

Aces

prompt: ( requested ) during a terrible storm, you're invited to stay at your boss' house. years of tip-toeing around one another comes to an end when emotions are finally laid on the table.

pairing: Tommy Shelby x female!reader

fandom masterlist: Peaky Blinders

word count: 3.5k+

warning: honestly, it's pretty tame. some cursing, kinda-sorta one bed, most def OC Tommy, fluff, author is def on the Grace Hating Train but it's mild.

With a grunt, you threw the file of paperwork from your hands across the empty room; scattering across the floor. You were agitated, grouchy, beyond exhausted, and yet, there was no use in trying to leave when the worst storm to ransack England was being unleashed from the seediest parts of hell.

All you wanted was to go to bed for about 16 hours, but as midnight ticked closer and closer, that dream was dwindling. You'd be lucky to get a few hours at this point since your job was demanding enough to warrant early mornings and late nights. But this night was later than ever before.

You often wondered if your employer's antics brought this hell-storm upon you all, but figured, God didn't care that much about Small Heath. He most certainly didn't care for the Devil running it.

"Woah!" A voice laughed when the file went flying. "Gott'an arm on yah, love! Nearly took me fuckin' eye out!"

"Ha-ha," you mocked John Shelby, your employer's younger brother. "What're you still doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same," he smirked, squatting so he was in front of you with an exaggerated pout. "Why're you still here, love? Tommy's still gotcha workin'?"

"No, it's my own vocation."

"Tommy don't pay overtime, sweetheart."

"No shit," your eyes rolled. "In case I'm the only one capable of seeing it, there's an outlandish storm outside that prevents me from getting home." You gestured around where you sat on the floor, surrounded by files and other paperwork, "So, what else was I gonna do to pass the time?"

"It's not that bad," he waved you off. "C'mon, I'm off t'the Garrison, come with me, love. We can drink 'til the storm passes, huh?"

"John, seriously, I'm warning you," you deadpanned, watching him adjust his flatcap.

"C'mon, sweet cheeks, we can endure it," he laughed, opening the door and literally being shoved back by the force of the wind. You didn't make a sound, just reaching to hold down the papers around you as he grunted and groaned, trying to shut the flailing door; only able to once he threw his entire weight into it.

"Told you," you mused, his face and coat dripping wet from the short time the door was open.

"So, you're staying here, then?" He asked, panting, trying to play off the entire ordeal.

"I figured I'd get some more work done, it's not like Tommy gives any days off," you shrugged.

"He'd give you whatever you asked for," John smirked, taking his coat off.

"No, he needs me to do shit on the daily, there aren't days off, John Boy," you rolled your eyes playfully. "But I knew what I was signing up for when I agreed to work for you idiots."

"Hey," he pouted.

"Oh, honey, if it helps any, you're my favorite idiot!"

"Good," he pointed at you with a small laugh. "But seriously, love, if you need the day off, Tommy would do it."

"No, there's so much to do here," you frowned. "We're on track to reopen in a few weeks, and if I take a day off, we'll fall behind, and you know Tommy doesn't do delays."

The gambling den the Shelby's operated was getting a make over now that The Shelby Company Limited was soon to be up and running. Hence why you were there in an empty room with only files around you and a dimly lit lap, you were trying to get shit organized before furniture could be moved back in.

You would have to restock Polly's office, Tommy's, Arthur's, and John's - all of who were Company members and would need their space to work. Not to mention the completely different office Tommy was currently eyeing to use as his base of operation, something you, as his personal assistant, was expected to help with every step of the way. Honestly, it was a miracle Tommy was ever able to get shit done before you - an organizational Goddess.

"Well," John sighed, looking around for a moment before shrugging and placing his hands on his hips, "want some help?"

You chuckled, "No, it's all right, John, you go on. Surely the lads will be home soon - "

Speak of the Devil! And He will appear!

The door burst open, sending your files every which way from the gust of wind; several bodies shoving their way inside before the lone, single body of Tommy Shelby stalked in last. He shut the door without issue, being a force of nature himself; a professionally observant, silent, lone menace that commanded the attention of any room he walked into. People on the street parted for him like the Red Sea, flocked to the darkened parts of the streets just to get a glimpse of the gangster in motion.

For as long as you can remember, you've harbored overwhelming affection for your boss, but never once vocalized it out of sheer fear of rejection.

He was Thomas Shelby. He was an enigma; a mysterious, stoic man that instilled a sense of fear and respect from those around him. You included, but yet never dare let your admiration for your employer be known in public. You loved him from a distance; admiring him and feeling yourself fall further into your unrequited love due to the intimate proximity you shared. He's always treated you as exactly what you were - a valuable member of the Company and his personal assistant. You worked intimately together on a daily basis, and each night you went home, you would scream into a pillow out of sheer frustration.

Being his personal assistant meant you were constantly in close proximity, and no matter how hard you tried to fight your feelings, it was impossible. He was Thomas bloody Shelby - insanely suave, charismatic, a deep nut to crack, but once he opened up, he was insanely loyal, caring, even decently amusing. He was all you wanted, but never felt secure enough to admit your feelings for him.

You were greeted happily by the men, all piling into the Shelby home to take refuge from the storm. You were left to silently rock to your feet and start gathering the papers that had gone flying in their entrance, glancing up when a hand offered help in rounding up your supplies. "Thank you, Mr. Shelby, but I got it," you insisted quietly, accepting the pages he handed you.

Tommy always had a soft spot for you.

He was silent for a moment, then asked, "What're you still doin' here?"

"Storm makes it impossible to get home," you shrugged. "I was waiting until it lessened, but it doesn't seem to," you glanced out the window, still shuffling files and papers together.

"You've worked all day," he sighed, "c'mon."

"Uh... Where?"

"Think you've earned a drink," he eased, already striding out of the room. You quickly finished gathering your papers, stacking them all together, but was pleasantly shocked when Tommy returned to the empty room with two glasses and a bottle of whiskey.

"Mr. Shelby, don't - "

But he was already sat on the ground, back against a wall, watching you with amusement. "Think a man's too good to sit on the floor?" He asked, uncorking the bottle.

"When their suit is so expensive that I have to take it to a specific cleaners, perhaps, then yes," you answered truthfully.

"I've money to spare, I can send this suit to be cleaned by another errand boy, you won't have to any longer," he poured two glasses of whiskey, "but tonight's company is too good to pass up."

You laughed, "Oh, no, what did you do?"

"Hmm?"

"You're kissing my arse a little, what've you done? What mess do I have to clean tomorrow?"

He smirked as you finally sat beside him, a bit stiffly, but accepted the drink he served. "Nothing, love, this storm's put a halt on everything," he gestured to the window, unaware that your heart stalled in your chest when you heard him call you 'love'. "What is it you were working on?" He asked, fingering the few files stacked between you. "Ah," he mused, reading the titles of the packets, "trying to get a jump on tomorrow, huh?"

"Not very much else to do," you shrugged. "I... I got a little frustrated. I think I'll need Polly to go over a few things with me."

"I'm sure you've got it," he spoke quietly. "I wouldn't have hired you if incapable."

You nodded, "Right, of course, sir."

Mr. Shelby offered you a look, taking a swig of whiskey. "You know, after hours, you don't have to be so professional."

"You didn't hire me to be unprofessional, though."

"No, I didn't, but this isn't a work meeting," he offered his glass. "We can still be friendly, can we not?"

You clinked his glass with yours, "Sure, of course we can..." How the hell could you be 'friendly' to the man you've pined after for the past two years? "So, I heard Grace skipped town," you started, instantly wincing when you realized what you said. "I-I'm so sorry, Mr. Shelby, I didn't mean to - "

But he chuckled, "You heard correct." He waited a long moment, then offered, "She's gone - for good."

You tested the waters, "Is... That a good thing?"

"It is."

"I thought you liked the barmaid?"

"I thought I did, too, but I've been wrong before."

"I doubt that."

"No, truly," he smirked, "I've made my fair share of mistakes."

"That you'd be willing to admit to?"

"Well, that's a different story," he mused, downing the last of his glass. "C'mon," he decided, sitting up, "the others are in the den, if you'd like to join?"

"Oh, no, I don't wish to intrude."

"Where were you going to sleep, then? If this storm doesn't die off in the next hour?" You gestured to where your coat and belongings were bunched up beside you, shrugging lightly. "No, absolutely not," he glared when he took in your makeshift bed, "you're coming in, you'll stay the night here."

"No, you lot are having family time - "

"And why do you assume you aren't family yet?" He asked sharply, making you reel back a little. "Three years, you've worked with my family, a portion of that before any of us came home. C'mon, love, you're more family than others wish to pretend to be."

"You mean that?" You worried softly.

He offered a look of mild offense, "I don't speak to hear the sound of my own voice. I would not say it if I did not mean it."

The whiskey in your system encouraged you to offer a sharp look, snipping, "It would not kill you to just say, 'Yes, I mean it.'"

Tommy smirked lightly, nodding, "Yes, I mean it. Come, you'll stay here tonight."

You couldn't fight off the smile even if you tried. With your coat and purse in one hand, Tommy took the other to help you off the floor. Like a gentleman, he took your belongings before leading you further into the Shelby home; leaving the empty gambling den to find the others all stuffed around a table with a card game loudly being played; fireplace stoked to life.

Polly greeted you happily, not knowing you were still here. Tommy set your things to the side as Arthur wrangled you into the seat beside him - insisting you had to be on his team! A quick sniff of his tea mug assured he was waist deep in the whiskey.

"Okay! New player at the table!" John announced, yanking all the cards back to hand over to Polly. They were all smoking, minus you and Finn. "You all know the rules - hey, hey, hey, no! Tommy's not on her team!" He pointed at you and his brother, who had sat beside you to sandwich you between Shelby's.

"Why not?" Tom asked, accepting the tea from Polly as Finn handed you your own.

"Thank you, little love," you whispered, pecking his cheek as he giggled.

"Becuase you two can communicate without words - it's fucking weird!" John insisted. "All right! Polly, you're with Tommy - the fucker likes to cheat."

"Being better than you isn't cheating, John Boy."

"Is when there's money on the line!" John laughed, Arthur leaning over to explain to you the game. He was actually a very good teacher, and even for a few rounds, you weren't a "viable player" just to let you watch and get the gist of things.

However, when you joined the game, it was far more intense than you had given credit for. But the Shelby's were competitive lads, Polly just happy to laugh and remind the boys of the rules; letting them dominate the table as you were content to just watch, laugh, and sip your tea. After a few rounds, Finn came over and hopped up on your lap, declaring you two a team now, and believe it or not, you won the next three hands!

"CHEATERS! AYE!?" John yelled, laughing right after as a boom of thunder rattled the home.

"No, call that beginners luck!" Arthur tried to defend, Tommy lighting a new cigarette.

"Or maybe John's just not accustomed to losing?" You grinned. "Especially from a lady?"

"I lost to a lady? Where? Where is she?" John looked around comically, earning a swift kick under the table that rattled the tea cups.

"All right, all right, next hand, we play for money, come on, come on, bets in the center," Polly instructed. "Finn, don't," she warned and you reached up to push the lad's hand down as he was ready to toss in a few pounds.

"Here, I'll cover us," you told the little lad, both grinning when you offered money to the center. Unknown to you, Tommy was keeping mental track of however much you were betting - intent to pay you back. Yet he didn't say anything, content to watch you and Finn have fun together.

Arthur and John were the most vocal of the group, arguing about scores and tallies and who won which round. You chuckled as Finn leaned into your chest, everyone waiting for the two to finish arguing; Polly looking over with a broad smirk before dropping her gaze. Tommy had seemingly naturally moved closer to you, one arm extended behind your chair to keep you close to his warmth.

Neither seemed to notice.

Not even when you would turn to crack a joke directly in Tommy's ear, his lips spreading in an easy smile that made Polly fight off her own grin. Grace was something special to Tommy, sure, this was true, but after the time together, she could tell that the two of you had become something more - without even verbalizing it.

Never realizing.

Hours passed, the storm still raged, two cartons of cigarettes was smoked between the lot of them, and there was no clear winner in sight. Finn had fully deflated into your embrace, asleep despite the loud thunder and blinding flashes of lightning. Your head had lulled onto Tommy's shoulder, sleep clawing at your eyelids as you listened to a drunken John and Arthur still argue about the card game. Polly eventually called it quits and bid everyone a goodnight, smiling softly when she noted the cozy seating between you and Tommy.

The longer you sat there, you more exhausted you became.

"C'mon, love," Tommy whispered softly, rousing you from your half-sleep, "let's get you to bed. C'mon, up you get," he smirked, aiding you from your chair as you kept a firm hold on his little brother. "We'll see you lot in the morning," he told his brothers.

"Night," John and Arthur waved, still deep into their argument, but smirking to one another when Tommy lead you up the stairs. When you were gone from sight, John leaned in and asked his eldest brother, "Think Tommy'll make a move tonight?"

Arthur glanced up the stairs, musing, "If he doesn't, he might be stupider then we thought."

John agreed.

Upstairs, Tommy opened the bedroom door and let you lay Finn softly on his bed, pausing to tug his shoes off and cover him with his blanket; moving his stuffed teddy bear closer and watching his sleeping hand naturally curl around it. You snuck out of the door, Tommy shutting the door, and tangled your hand with his.

Silently, he lead you to his bedroom.

It was small, ridiculously small, but it was enough for his single person. Tommy shut the door after you, moving around, muttering, "You can sleep in this," as he handed you one of his shirts, "and I'll be in the drawing room if you need me - "

"Tommy, I'm not kicking you out of your room," you sighed. "I can sleep on the sofa for the night, it's not - "

"I'm not letting you do that," he refused sharply.

"Then we seem to be at an impasse," you decided with perked brows. "Either we're both sleeping on the sofa or we both crash your bed. You choose."

He chuckled dryly, "And here I thought the whiskey would make you less stubborn."

"Wishful thinking."

He nodded, letting you have the room to change and get under the covers. It was decently cold in his room, more so without pants; the storm doing nothing to remedy that, and when Tommy returned, everything felt different.

A good different, but still different.

Neither of you made eye contact, him joining you in the absurdly small bed after blowing the candles out. You settled on your side, facing the wall, and after a few moments of adjusting, Tommy was settling down - but hesitating to deflate in comfort.

"Is it all right if I, uh... If I...?"

"Yeah, 's all right, Tommy," you whispered, reaching for the hand that hovered over your waist and pulling it so he was curled around you. It was all he needed to readjust, sigh to himself, and deflate against your back. You shivered slightly when his warm breath fanned over your neck and shoulder; his hand splaying over your belly and rubbing his thumb mindlessly. "Thank you for letting me stay the night," you whispered.

"Wasn't gonna send you home in this weather," he answered, voice vibrating the shell of your ear. "Besides," he whispered in a sigh, "this is where I wanted you, and where I wanted to be."

You chuckled, "Oh, yeah? So cold in here you need a warm body in bed with you?"

"No," he whispered, "but I've been in love with you for months now that I didn't want you far from me. Doesn't feel right, seeing you go home without me - everyday. I was overjoyed to come back and see you still here."

"What?" He didn't let you turn around, just kept you both there; locked in your spoon. "Tommy, what're you saying?"

He took a sobering breath, "That this is what I want, this is where I want us to be."

"That's the whiskey talking."

"No, love, it's you," his lips danced across your ear, making you shiver. "It's always been you, but I wasn't in my right mind to do anything about it."

"And now you are?"

"I might be, I couldn't go another minute with you thinking I don't want you - that I don't value you in my life. The fact that you were ready to sleep downstairs hurt me more than I'm willing to admit," he sighed, "and I knew, I needed to confess a few things so you know, you're welcome in this family. You won't ever sleep downstairs, love, you're meant to be here... With me... If you want to be."

You had to slap his hand to get him to loosen his grip and let you turn around to face him; but his hand remained on your, moving up to grip your ribs. In a whisper, you asked, "You're being honest? Genuine?"

"I can't lie to you, you can always tell. So, am I lying?"

"I don't think so," you whispered with skepticism, eyes narrowed. Neither of your voices rose above a whisper, "Why say any of this, Tommy?"

"Because the idea of going another day without at least trying to tell you how I feel was beginning to feel suffocating."

"What about Grace?"

"It's taken me a bit, but I know now that I was infatuated with her simply because I had already decided you were out of my league."

"Do you hear yourself?" You grinned, caressing his cheek. "You're everything I've wished for, Tommy, but know I can't have. You're the one in a league of your own, I'm the one unable to touch you."

His head shook, "You're all I've wanted and more. I wasn't sure you'd think it appropriate - my affection for you - given you work for me."

"The same reason I feared voicing my affection for you, too."

"Now that it's in the open," he whispered, "how do you want to proceed?"

"We can figure logistics out later," you smiled, tracing your fingertips over his face, "but for now, I just want to enjoy this. I never thought you'd look at me the same way, and now that you do, I don't want to look away."

"You won't have to," he whispered. "I'm in this for us, my sweet, if you are."

"Nowhere I'd rather be," you whispered, cuddled close, and simply breathing the same air. For a single moment, Tommy felt unparalleled peace; the shovels quiet, heart content, and body warm.

requesting rules and masterlist

Peaky Blinders masterlist

[atopearth]

Ikemen Vampire Part 16 - Interlude

I actually thought the Interlude was short like the prologue but I didn't expect it to be basically the length of a full route! I think it was very sweet of all the guys to do a welcome party for the heroine when she wasn't able to go home to her era. She's understandably distraught since even if everyone treats her well, it's not her home and it's a foreign place so of course she is concerned. They really picked the worst people to delay her from coming home early so they can set up a party though hahaha. Jean and Dazai inviting her to silly places she has no interest in hahaha. It's always sad to see people from each LI's past come back to torment each of them in some way, but it's sad to see the ones from their past who don't want to actually harm them be mind controlled to the point that they do. I like Vlad but I feel so bad for these poor souls.

I'm glad that Sebastian made the heroine realise that even if he may be a historian and know history, that doesn't mean he can understand their hearts since they're people as well. On the other hand, it might be better that the heroine doesn't know much about the guys, because then she can treat them as who she sees them as they are now, rather than the historical figures that they are on pieces of paper. Jean wondering if the heroine's snack party has "mararons" (macarons) was so cute hahaha! Leonardo giving his overcoat to the heroine when she was cold, and then Saint-Germain holding her hands in his and blowing on them was so heartwarming! Two hot guys caring for you is cutee. Leonardo looks really good without his overcoat I must say hahaha. I love how the heroine was willing to go along with Arthur's antics to get him to tell the truth of where he's going, but Isaac misunderstood thinking they were having a romantic tryst hahaha. I'm glad the heroine is always there to help the guys realise that they are working hard and people don't have the right to criticise all their hard work. It was actually really sweet to see Arthur say to Theo words that the heroine would probably say, I love how he called him his best friend, and said he didn't want to lose him, I found it so heartwarming to hear especially since Arthur likes to tease people more than anything.

It's really heartbreaking to see all the "villains" of the LIs die one by one as they regain their sanity and kill themselves, I feel so bad for them that they were revived only to experience death again so that they don't live under someone else's command. I'm glad that Shakespeare finally understands firsthand what his actions caused and what his desire for a great play ended up creating but I was still quite worried for him when he protected Napoleon and got stabbed. I've always wanted le Comte and Vlad to truly become friends again so if the heroine could do it, it would be great, I feel like we never truly got it even in their respective routes so I kinda wish we can get it here. The human exhibit was disgusting and distasteful. Vlad wanting to save the Dhampir children born through a pure-blooded vampire and a human is very fitting considering his past and his desire for the future. I honestly wanted to cry when the heroine and le Comte held Vlad's hand wishing for him to not hurt himself anymore. It really breaks my heart every time having to see Vlad like this. I'm so sad that Gauguin died like that not getting to properly fullfill his own dreams with another life he was given. I just find it so sad that all their counterparts lost their lives a second time so tragically.

Overall, I feel like the Interlude isn't very necessary going in to the sequels for all the guys' because the main thing you really need to know is just that le Comte and Vlad are now in better terms with each other basically. However, I do have to say that seeing them reconcile and getting to see Arthur and Theo's friendship made it truly great. It's definitely worth reading if you haven't read everyone's route though since I feel like it gives snippets and a feel for everyone's story except maybe Faust, Charles-Henri, Sebastian and Dazai who are more standalone with no particular "villains" to their routes. It's quite short and simple but saddening because having to see the "villains" die again was quite tragic in itself. It's quite short so it is understandably a good interlude and probably useful for the sequels coming.

[claire-starsword]

The Guardiana Magic School Run - Part 8

Well, last time was tough, but at least now we get to chill on a little sea voyage.

Except of course we don't. Let's go beat up some zombies instead I guess.

Sadly, the chapter ends as soon as we finish Shade Abbey, so this is our last chance to buy stuff. I still don't have enough money for the Zombie Charmer nor got to win it in yesterday's disaster bonus, but I don't care much. Everyone is hitting hard enough in this team by now, my worries for the next battle are all defense-wise. The Charm Ring will not help because none of the enemies use magic, but it's our last chance to buy them so I'll get a last one anyway. It goes to Gong because I'm still mad. I did check the deals section beforehand, there's nothing new.

The bonus is just money so it's not that pressing, but (hubris incoming) eight turns does not sound like much in a tiny battlefield like this.

Max being alone there worries me little because he's overpowered. Anri and Arthur starting in the front though is a horrifying sight. Thankfully we're all faster than the enemies.

See, there's no need to worry.

Also I just remembered Max is already up for promotion, I honestly have no clue if it's better or not to delay his promotion or whatever, I tend to just promote people whenever they start finding weapons that require promotion. Spellcasters however have a problem in this version that I'll explain later when we aren't, you know, in the middle of battle.

"Yes, we can always make time for a lesson."

"But let's clean up the classroom first."

I'm curious as to how much the Zombie Charmer would be doing, but as you can see the Power Staff is doing just fine.

This guy however is hopeless. Jk, the skeletons do have greater defense. And he's only 3 exp away from his first level up, so any scratch counts. And he indeed gets it next turn, honestly there's not much else to talk about, this battle is super easy compared to the last one, Max isn't talking much damage even when poisoned, and the enemies are downright turning to avoid other characters sometimes, it's ridiculous.

Arthur's level up gives him +0 attack and +0 defense.

sigh. we have a long way to go with this guy.

In the meanwhile Tao continues to have so much fun. The skeletons only take 6 damage though, so there's definitely some resistance afoot despite the game not showing it. Usually that's the case for elemental resistances, but that's weird since fire is often advertised as the element good against undead.

We're at turn 5 and only the Ghoul is left.

Max clearly won't have any trouble unless this thing has absurd attack or something. He also levels up, but gets very little stat increase. I feel Max should be promoted early because his epic level ups have chilled by now.

Which feels weird, because you can see growth rates in this version and, aren't the attack/defense/speed ones implying they grow better at late levels? That's kinda the opposite of what's happening.

Hey, that's more than I expected! Despite being the boss, the Ghoul still has less defense than Skeletons. Arthur gets another level up for his efforts, gaining +1 defense.

Like, just that. 1 stat point. Oh Arthur.

Again his curves imply the opposite of a late bloomer to me, either I'm messing up badly at reading these or there's something wack here.

Also I forgot the Ghoul could do this. This man can't catch a break, but I was actually gonna let others get the exp anyway. Sleep man. Dream of better boats.

Hey, again with this! Stop lying to me about resistances! (Anri used Blaze 1 here).

Because of this nonsense, it takes an extra turn for Anri and Arthur to finish off this guy, but we still get the clear bonus with a turn to spare, because we're that awesome.

Anri also reclaims a relic of Guardiana from the undead forces. I'm legit wondering if he's the only one to drop this, in which case it's very interesting, is this guy supposed to be the real priest? I'd expect zombies to be made from older corpses. Though there was a whole line of Anri relatives buried here anyway. Why am I discussing lore in the middle of a challenge run, see this is what happens when the battle is too easy.

Let's move on, not that there's much else here, we say hi to Amon and Balbaroy and head to Bustoke, ending the chapter. I find it kinda weird that Balbaroy says "let us know when you're ready" but you're not given a chance to get back to town. Feels bad.

But in the end it's good that the post is short so far. We have business elsewhere after all.

And that business deserve it's own post actually. See you soon :)

Losses: 0 Deaths: 2 The expected deaths on Narsha interludes: 0/3

[rt2417]

[Hymn of Serata on the Requiem Night] Chapter 3

Rutile: J-Just now, something passed by…

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Location: Remote Central Village

Time: Day

Akira: (Perhaps that’s why…… I wonder if that’s the reason why Faust approached the villagers.)

(Come to think of it, Arthur is the Prince, so there’s the chance someone could’ve recognized him. Moreso, Cain’s wound from the Calamity prevents him from seeing others…)

Even without using words, Faust was able to make the right decision for the situation naturally. It’s a reassuring thought, having his presence by our side on this mission.

Faust: In the meantime, we should continue discussion about the investigation. Is there anyone with concrete information on the time and location of when the anomaly happens?

Woman with a Mole: Um, well… I happened to catch sight of something in the direction of the plaza. I believe it was a bit after sunset…

Graying Old Man: I also saw something just down the hill. This was late at night, around the time when most people are already in slumber…

The villagers seemed much more at ease now than a short while ago. All of them answer Faust’s questions in loud voices.

According to their reports, the anomaly only occurs during the night. Moreso, the sightings themselves can be seen all over the village.

Bearded Man: Sightings outside of the village are rare, but I’ve seen them once or twice by the right hand side of the animal trail entrance.

The end of that trail stops at a sudden steep cliff, which is why most of the village folks don’t go near it……

Cain: I see. Well, then it’s probably best to keep our investigation inside the village, yeah? If we come out with nothing, we can start looking outside.

I’ll go around shaking the villagers hands while gathering information. It’d be kinda a hassle if I can’t see them.

Faust: Right, if you would. To start off, let’s prioritize the residences with missing livestock and the areas that sustained the most damage.

Once night falls, we’ll regroup in the plaza and share our findings.

Time: Night

Rutile: As we were running about, it seems like nightfall has caught up to us.

Akira: I agree… It was like I blinked my eyes and suddenly the sun had already begun to set.

With no lit street lights or house lamps, it was hard to believe the scenery was the same as it was in the day. Everything had been enshrouded in darkness.

Since the anomalies only ever occurred at night, it was reasonable to guess that whatever it was probably wasn’t the best with light. Therefore, even the smallest lights were extinguished.

Arthur: I’ve gone and asked the residents who live around here to spend the night in other houses… but, it’s really pitch black now.

Cain: Yeah. Man, if we don’t keep talking we might even end up losing sight of each other.

Gathered in the plaza, so far, are a few of us who have already finished our investigation. The only source of light was from the moon, which occasionally flickered through the clouds.

Faust: I see that everyone has assembled. Lennox, Rustica, and I have returned.

Lennox: Apologies for the delay.

Rustica: Oh my, hearing everyone’s voices in the darkness makes it so much easier to enjoy the sound of them.

Riquet: Welcome back. Per Faust’s instructions we’ve been waiting without any lights turned on, but so far I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Cain: Ow! Rustica… My foot, you’re stepping on it!

Rustica: Oh my, excuse me. Cain, have you somehow managed to lose a few inches?

Arthur: Rustica, Cain is over that way. I’m Arthur.

Akira: We’re all at the mercy of the darkness, it seems… It’s cloudy today, so even the moonlight is dim.

Although my eyes are adjusting to it, it’s so dark you wouldn’t even realize if someone tried to pinch your nose. So, please, be careful…

Bradley: Nose? That’s a strange way to put it, ain’t it? Hey!

Akira: Guh. W-Who!?

Bradley: Hahah! You really can’t see, can ya? In a condition like that, you’ll totally get captured by the monsters!

Akira: Bradley! Oh my god…… I really thought you were the anomaly.

Faust: Seriously, what are you doing? If you keep these foolish games up, you’ll miss anything abnormal happening.

Lennox: Still, with this level of darkness, it proves quite challenging to observe anything without paying close attention.

Rather, I honestly find it easier to tell if someone is pinching my nose than this…..

Lennox says as he surveys the nearby surroundings. Then, something faintly emerges across his face.

It looks akin to a white spider. However, even as I strained my eyes, before I could clearly see it, the cover of night masks its presence.

Akira: (Was I mistaken…?)

Cain: Hey, did you guys just see that? I could’ve sworn I felt something from where Lennox’s voice was coming from……

As I look in the direction of Cain’s voice, something white quickly crosses my field of vision.

Akira: Gh…!?

Rutile: J-Just now, something passed by…

Riquet: Rutile, it’s near you!

Rutile: Wah!

Bradley: Heh… So ya got the nerve to come out now?

I could hear Bradley’s laughter from nearby, and finally, I came to see it clearly. Unconsciously, I let out a scream.

Akira: H-Hands! We’re surrounded by a bunch of white hands…!

I quickly became all too aware of the many white hands floating in the darkness, encircling us.

It was undoubtedly a bizarre spectacle. A myriad of hands float in every direction around us, swaying as if they were watching our every move.

Lennox: Kenja-sama, please stay behind me.

Akira: R-Right…!

As I take a step back, Faust recites his spell.

Faust: « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »

As Faust finishes, an orb of light appears, illuminating the surrounding area. Naturally, everyone gathers around the orb.

Even after the light was released, the white hands persisted, moving about as they pleased. At that moment, we came to a realization.

Lennox: This is…

Akira: H-How should I put this…… Their movements are surprisingly quite unique.

Riquet: Yes….. They walk on the ground using their fingers, and sometimes mimic flying by forming wing shapes.

Rutile: They almost look like they’re swaying and dancing on a swing; giving off a relaxed feel to them, don’t they?

Cain: It’s no doubt peculiar…. Even when they appear, there’s no notable sense of weirdness. That remains true even now.

Arthur: Agreed. I don't sense anything strange or feel any hostility. If it were so, we would’ve been attacked by now.

Rustica: Then, shall I get acquainted with them? Come, extend your hands my way.

Akira: Wait, Rustica!

Rustica, who approaches gracefully, gently extends his hand towards the eerie floating white presence. The younger wizards, startled by his actions, instinctively widen their eyes.

Rustica: Oya…

Riquet: I-Is holding your hands out suddenly like that even okay…!?

Faust: How careless…. Well, never mind that; is there anything unusual?

Rustica: No. But this is quite the surprise. « Amoresuto • Viesse »

Bradley: If you wanna make the light brighter, at least give a heads up. My eyes’ are gettin’ strained.

In an instant, the white hands halted their movements, as if taken by surprise, after being bathed in the bright magic.

In that short time, I could see the details of the hands.

Akira: Could it be that….. All of them are gloves?

Rustica: That’s correct. Each one has a different shape, but they’re all crafted with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Arthur: Now that you mention it….. There are consistent stitches on them.

Lennox: The inside of the gloves are empty as well. They get caught by the wind, and the hem flutters about.

Rutile: It’s quite the peculiar scene, isn’t it? It feels just like a world from a picture book.

Cain: Even though it’s a picture book, it’s more so the type that suits a specific kind of audience. Hence why the villagers find them creepy instead.

Rustica: Yeah….. Still, it gave me a mysterious feeling. It was as if I was holding the hand of a young maiden…

Bradley: Hands or gloves, it doesn’t matter. Stop fuckin’ around and kick their asses instead.

Akira: Ah.

Faust is deep in thought when the gloves begin to move silently, inching closer from behind Bradley.

With that knowledge, it takes hold of a strand of his hair and yanks forcefully.

Bradley: You, whose hair do you think yer pullin’ at!?

In an instant, Bradley stretches out his hand, but the gloves slip through the gaps between his long fingers.

And then, in a dash, they quickly escape with a whoosh, moving up and down in place as if cheering ‘Banzai!’

The other gloves present express their approval with an applause.

Rustica: My, how wonderful. Racing through the night at the speed of a shooting star, such a marvelous display of agility. Allow me to offer my own applause too.

Cain: Haha. Somehow, it feels like I’m watching a game of chase or something.

Akira: How do I say this…. They seem quite mischievous, I’m beginning to find them somewhat cute now.

Faust: Still, we can’t afford to let them run wild. Without understanding the cause or background, I can’t devise proper strategies.

Lennox: That’s right. In any case, for the time being we should use magic to catch….. Ah, Faust-sama.

Faust: What is it?

Lennox: Please stay where you are. There is something on your shoulder...

Faust: ! Say it promptly. « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »

Without hesitation, Faust extends his hand to grasp the thing on his shoulder and begins to recite his spell.

However, the gloves immediately float up, nudging his glasses in the process.

Akira: Woah, it’s coming over here….! It’s pretty quick, isn’t it!?

I also try to reach out for the gloves, but they slip through, flying towards Rutile. Then, they start circling around him at high speed.

Rutile: W-Would you please…. be still for a moment? U…Ugh…. My head…. is spinning….

Cain: Arthur, there’s one diving into your cloak!

Arthur: Cain, your sword is being poked at too!

Cain: You’re right. Hey, back off! If my sword comes out, your fingers are gonna get cut!

Riquet: Ah, give me back that bag! I just got it from the villagers!

Akira: E-Everyone is getting caught up with the gloves….

Bradley: Tch, so damn irritating. « Adno Potensum » !

Bradley’s spell rings out, like aiming to take down a flying bird.

In that moment, the glove, which had been suspended in mid-air as if paralyzed, suddenly vanishes into the darkness.

Bradley: Hah….? It just poofed out of existence.

Arthur: « Pernoctant • Nixzo »

…It’s true. These gloves, do they lack an actual form!?

Rutile: Now that you mention it, I think it also slipped through Rustica-san and Faust-san’s fingertips a little while ago…?

Riquet: It’s like they’re ghost gloves or something….

Faust: ……..If we continue like this, we won’t get anywhere. Let's change the plan, everyone. For now, let's prioritize the safety of the village.

Lennox: I agree….. We can't keep playing cat and mouse with them until morning.

← Previous ✧ Directory ✧ Next →

[zodiyack]

Who’s Watching

Requested by @cai-neki​: May i ask a request; Youngest Shelby!reader one an angsty again, where someone's haunting the reader (she couldn't grasp if it's a past memory or person) ending up into various looks from her brothers thinking she may have a trauma but it turns out there is really someone following her around. Kinda long and messsy but yeah.

Pairing: Shelby & Gray Family + Shelby!Female!Reader

Warnings: Stalkers, swearing, my horrible reference in the title, angst

Words: 1,642

Summary: (See Request)

Taglist: @matth1w​, @redspaceace-writes​, @peakysputain​, @fandom-puff​, @darling-i-read-it​, @cai-neki​, @simonsbluee​, @marquelapage​, @sebastianstanslefteyebrow​, @thewarriorprincessxo​

Masterlist | Peaky Blinders Masterlist

Her chest heaved with uneven breaths as she slammed the front door shut behind her, back pressed against it. Her brothers walked in to see what the noise was about, surprised to see their sister’s disheveled body blocking the door.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Arthur exclaimed first. He eyed her with wide curious eyes, not all that sure whether he should be mad at her or getting revenge for her.

“S- some- someone-” She couldn’t form a full word with how heavy she was breathing, gasping for air as she rested her hands on her knees.

“Someone what? Did they follow you?” Tommy moved to the windows, looking around before drawing the blinds. “Are you alright?”

“W-wat-wah-”

“Water. Get her some water, Finn!” Arthur yelled before turning back to his sister. “Nod or shake your head. Are you alright?”

She shrugged.

“Do you need help?”

Again, she shrugged.

“Did they want to kill you?”

She shrugged once again, this time taking the water as Finn passed the glass to her.

“Can you stop fucking shrugging?”

A few gulps of water later, the cold liquid soothing her dry throat, she spoke up. Her breathing was still off, but she was recovering. “Someone was following me. I don’t know if they’re trying to kill me or if they followed me home, I just know that I did the thing you taught me-”

“What thing?” Finn furrowed his brows in confusion.

“Tommy. He told me that if I got a bad feeling about someone walking in the same direction as me, to turn a couple times, walk in directions off-route. This person followed me even then. As soon as I realized that, I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t even take the time to look back.”

“Good girl.” Every head in the room turned to Pol, who leaned against the door-frame of the family room. She slowly walked forward, moving her niece aside to look around outside the door before shutting it and locking it. Tommy gave her a questioning glance, to which she replied, “all clear at the front door.”

“Alright. Finn, go check the back, Arthur, can you patrol the house? If one of the doors were unlocked, they could have gotten in while we were talking.”

“Yep.”

The three waited in the main room for over an hour. Tommy and Polly took turns comforting Y/n as they waited for the boys to return. When Finn and Arthur did indeed return, Tommy was suddenly more doubtful than Y/n expected. Finn confirmed that all the doors were locked, Arthur reporting no one but themselves in the home.

Thomas turned toward his sister. “Are you sure someone was following you? Did you forget a turn and assume they were?”

“What?” Y/n’s face morphed into an expression of disbelief, hurt that her brother would question her. She was horrified, looking as if she’d seen a ghost, when she ran inside. The entire time she was running, her body felt uneasy, like she would faint had she stopped for even a second. It felt like her stomach had dropped.

“Are you one-hundred percent serious?”

“Yes- well- I-” It was ironic. She’d looked like she’d seen a ghost and for a split second, she thought it was a ghost. Had she been hallucinating? No, the chase felt too real. Whether it be a person or something from long ago, she knew it was after her. “I don’t know if they were human but-”

“You don’t know if they were human?” Arthur cackled. “Tommy, she thinks a mummy ran after her!”

“I never said that!”

“Was it a werewolf? Was he going to eat you? Gobble you up?” Arthur continued to poke fun. Only Thomas, Polly, and Y/n remained straight-faced. Polly noticed Y/n tearing up, the genuine hurt in her eyes saying that whatever it was, she was still terrified for her life.

“Arthur. Stop.” Although he continued to chortle, Finn’s laughter faded as he made eye-contact with his aunt. “Arthur.”

Finn nudged Arthur harshly. He stopped laughing and turned to Pol. “Yeah?”

“Stop teasing your sister right this damn moment or I’ll find whatever was chasing her and let it have you instead. She was beyond terrified. Look at her!” Polly snapped. “Can’t you see she thought she was literally going to die?!”

As the arguing went on, Y/n sighed and headed to her room. Her aunt was a great save, but that didn’t mean she believed her either. Only defending her due to catching how mortified she was. The embarrassment gifted to herself by a simple overthinking thought. ‘What if I was only imagining things...’ her brothers made her second guess herself.

The night went on, lights turning off, Shelbys and Grays lying in their beds, until everyone in the home was fast asleep. The windows and doors were locked, blinds drawn, and home quiet. The creaking of the wood, however, was new. It sounded like someone was stirring, but no one was awake to hear it.

Screaming awoke the members of the Shelby home. John had just returned, Ada as well, and had a head start to their sister’s room. She had sat up so quick it felt like she should’ve gotten whiplash. When the other four got to Y/n’s room, Ada was sitting on the bed beside Y/n, holding her close to her, and John was sitting on the edge of the bed, shooting her a sympathetic look.

“Did you see them again?” Finn inquired. Arthur slapped him up the back of the head, earning a glare from his little brother. “I’m being serious!” He whisper yelled at Arthur, only to be ignored.

“See who?” Ada looked at her family with widened eyes of confusion. She turned to her sister then back to her brothers and aunt. “What happened?”

“Ada. I’ll um...tell you in the study, okay?” Polly mumbled softly. Ada nodded and rose from the bed, hugging Y/n reassuringly before walking to her aunt. Both women stopped in their tracks as Y/n’s voice sounded again.

“I had a nightmare. The same person. They were in...here. My room. They opened my door and began to walk over to my bed. I couldn’t move. I was terrified. I thought it was all over, but another door opened and the person ran away. I screamed when I could, but for some reason, it was delayed.” She didn’t even take a break to breath or rethink details. It was like she was reliving it even at that very moment.

Tommy looked concerned. He whispered something to Pol before gathering his brothers and the other two females. They left the room, Tommy closing the door behind him, and left Y/n by herself to meet in the study.

“She’s got some kinda flashbacks or something like that.” Finn commented.

“We went to war, she...well, whatever happened, it wasn’t as bad as war. I doubt it’s some kind of thing she’d seen. Perhaps it’s her imagination again.” Arthur grunted in response.

The three older brothers had dealt with PTSD before, the effects similar to Y/n’s awakening, but Arthur didn’t believe she was hurt. He couldn’t bring himself to believe it. The man wanted his little sister to be safe, and knowing he couldn’t keep her so would hurt him more than the war did.

“I say it’s a trauma.”

“What kind?” Ada was quick to question Thomas, as per usual. “Injury related or event caused?”

“Either. If she hit her head, perhaps walked into something on the way home, or if she saw something she didn’t want to see...”

Unbeknownst to the family in the study, Y/n was on the other side of the doors. She pushed them open with a furry. “I’m not traumatized. Nothing that happened is from my imagination or some injury! This person is real and no matter what you do or say, they won’t stop.” She stormed out just as quickly as she stormed in, leaving her family to dwell in her warning.

She hadn’t left the home all day. It concerned the family, but they understood. No one had spoken a word to her since she’d made her point. When it was time to sleep again, Ada and Pol were the only ones to bid her goodnight, the boys cowardly, even more so when it came to admitting it.

The creaking occurred again. Y/n was awake this time, wide awake. The dream felt just as real as her escape had. Last night, she’d fallen asleep, given the person an advantage. Not tonight, she swore, not tonight.

Footsteps grew louder as they neared her door, the small squeak of the door opening causing Y/n to clench her eyes shut. Cold air followed the stranger; Y/n thought to herself, the person must have opened a window...but they were all locked, were they not?

She couldn’t be certain.

They stood over her bed, hesitating for whatever reason. Y/n had her own advantage this time. She wasn’t in sleep paralysis, she wasn’t incapable of showing the stalker what Shelbys learn since birth. Right as they reached for her, the mirror next to the wall by her bed positioned so she could see them, she slid under their squatted legs and darted out her bedroom door.

Behind her was not her concern as she ran for a specific room. Their footsteps thundered loudly, yet not loud enough to wake the rest of the family. Hot on her trail, they aggressively swung for her, but her distance was just far enough that they couldn’t reach her fully.

Reaching the room, she grabbed the first gun in sight, turning and firing. A few seconds later, steps padded throughout the house and stopped at the door. There they saw their little sister with a gun, standing over the person who’d been stalking her, wounded but not dead.

“Told you.”

[rigelmejo]

So while I’m not fond of Peppa Pig, I do find this discussion interesting. And it did make me go check if I could follow Peppa Pig (I can, easily, I know most of the words if not all - though I’m watching without subs so I might miss a little bit). 

*This is a show that WAS recommended to me, if you want to watch a simple show for kids that’s easy to comprehend - 大头儿子和小头爸爸 (and it is cute, it reminds me a little of Arthur and shows I watched when I was little)  : https://youtu.be/bpO2W9Xaigc

Ok back to Peppa Pig discussion, of all things lol.

So on reddit, someone was discussing how they’d been studying chinese 8 months and still could not understand Peppa Pig. I found the discussion between everyone very interesting. All I really think on my end is like? I also could not understand Peppa Pig (or any shows super well) that early on so it is partly a matter of “you just gotta study chinese for a while.” (The reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseLanguage/comments/mk4665/fed_up_with_my_poor_chinese/ )

But also? I am a big believer in “it gets easier the more you practice.” So if you want to do something in a language, try to DO it. And try to keep doing it - because partly yes, you will likely realize you need to learn more words/grammar and the ‘doing’ may just be a catalyst to ‘make you study more’ so that next time you try to DO you know more and its easier. But also, doing it involves building the skills of getting USED to listening, used to recognizing words you studied in a different context, getting used to recognizing and understanding grammar in real time instead of on a delay (like in a textbook when you can slow down and really look at something and figure it out) etc. So partly, how ‘easy’ it is to read or listen has to just do with how often you’ve done it. Have you done it enough that the parts you HAVE studied you can grasp immediately? Or have you done it so little that even things you ‘studied’ don’t click right away - but they might on a rewatch or if you pause and read a subtitle slower, replay a line, etc. The part of the skills you pick up by DOING you really have to just... do to get better.

I found a few responses from people who are years into studying chinese and still find Peppa Pig difficult. And I think in that case, it might be the same situation as my japanese was (studied for 2 years and could still barely read a manga for bare gist). I think partly at that point, lack of understanding has to do with not practicing understanding by Doing. Someone who’s studied a couple years, likely knows a few thousands words+? If they practiced listening or reading regularly for a few months, they’d likely see a TON of improvement. Because they probably ‘learned’ a lot already they just need to develop stronger skills to comprehend what they studied when engaging with shows/audios/novels etc. And if they just ‘wait’ to engage with material until it feels ‘easy’ they may be unnecessarily holding themselves back. Because a major part of ‘why’ it might feel difficult is simply that they don’t practice the skills of USING what they learned. If they practice more, it will get easier. But if they wait to immerse until ‘easy stuff FEELS easy’ when they first try? Then they aren’t challenging themselves nearly as much as they can probably handle...

Like? I’m not that good. I still only kinda comprehend a LOT of things. But that doesn’t stop me from watching chinese dramas I wanna watch in chinese only. And I think a big reason I can comprehend ENOUGH now to follow the plots of shows I wanna watch? Is because when i was 8 months, 10 months, 12 months into learning - i would watch 12 minutes and look up lots of unknown words, or watch an episode and pause to read hard sentences, or make myself watch when i ‘just’ got the gist of an ‘easier’ show and hope that the more i did it the more i’d understand. And somehow, that did work out. (Also it motivated me to keep studying new words in other activities lol, hoping that would make watching easier). Now I’m at a point where i can turn on new shows I want to watch, and watch them, and follow the main gist and pick up some details. Its nice. Its nice and its getting a bit easier each time i do it. And if i had ‘waited’ until ‘easy stuff’ like Peppa Pig was easy? Or until stuff like “Granting You A Dreamlike Life” was easy? I probably would not comprehend this much right now. I tried to watch gyadl like 8 months in and it was pretty rough... even rougher because i only paused a handful of times an episode to make things go faster. But now? When i watch a show ‘about that hard’ that’s mostly slice of life? I can pick up a ton more easily than before. Doing the ‘hard’ thing eventually made it easier. 

So if there’s anything I think about all it, its just... don’t be afraid to challenge yourself sometimes. Sometimes doing hard things makes the ‘easier’ things finally Actually easier. And sometimes waiting until you can ‘understand’ the easy things means just never trying the easy things - when its trying and doing, that will eventually MAKE them doable for you. At least that’s advice to myself ToT I wasted a ton of time in japanese when I didn’t do this, and helped myself a lot in chinese by doing this. I also did it with french even though i wasn’t really aware what i was doing back then.

Some links:

Peppa Pig in mandarin (let me know how much YOU can follow an episode! - if you can... sit through one): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1dhSMSAXxI

Konglongmandarin - a site that teaches mandarin utilizing Peppa Pig episodes. Which, while I do not like that cartoon much, I really appreciate the concept behind this site and its lessons. And I think its a really cool way of making comprehensible input lessons (which I think are a quite easy and Direct way to teach things that click well with my learning style and probably some other peoples’). I am checking the site out currently: https://www.konglongmandarin.com/lessons/

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER IN MANDARIN - its on WeTV! I didn’t know that! It’s all just free to watch so like?!! I guess I’m doing a rewatch! The downside is these have no subs. The upside is I guess it makes good listening practice since you can’t rely on reading skills. Also, if you’ve watched atla before like me, then you likely have enough context already you should be able to follow what’s going on and pick up some new words: https://v.qq.com/x/cover/m0t0ud0mjg6td5t/v00225ojbpd.html

Again 大头儿子和小头爸爸 - its a show that was recommended to me by a language partner, and its good if you want a show for kids to practice comprehensible input with (I find it a lot more nice to watch then peppa pig but that’s just my preference): https://youtu.be/bpO2W9Xaigc

Two Souls in One - a cdrama I’m watching right now, its really good! Its only in chinese subs rn but I imagine youku plans to english sub it since its on youtube. Its magical premise mixed with mundane reality, a lot of fun identity and gender shenanigans. At my comprehension level its reasonably easy to follow - since most of its slice of life or actor-genre lingo. I think for most people who know 1k-2k common words this should be very doable to watch (just like Granting You A Dreamlike Life was doable to watch and follow the gist of). https://youtu.be/zaX2pdVpmUY

[nineteenninety-six]

A Tragic Birthday

REQUEST: Could you do an imagine where the reader is a Shelby sister and Tommy’s favourite sibling and one day a deal goes wrong or something and she dies but kinda how grace died, in Tommy’s arms and it’s all hectic. Thanks:)

I was going to take a little break (only to the weekend) because tumblr was stressing me out and annoying me but when I started this, I couldn’t stop and I don’t like sitting on fics.

TW: Death

WORD COUNT: 2681

[PART TWO]

It was (Y/N)’s eighteenth birthday coming up in a week and it was safe to say that she was excited. (Y/N) had been looking forward to that day since her older brother Tommy had promised her a large party to celebrate the year before, and now that it was literally only days away she couldn’t stop buzzing about it, no doubt irritating her older siblings.

(Y/N) was the youngest of the Shelby siblings, a few years younger than Finn and was primarily raised by her Aunt Polly and her eldest brothers Arthur and Tommy. (Y/N) and Tommy were the closest between the siblings and had a special bond, that none of the others could replicate with their youngest sibling but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t close to her other siblings, because she was. In fact, it could be said that she had a special thing with each of her siblings; with Ada, they were close because they were the only girls in the family, Finn was the closest in age to her and they grew up as each other’s best friend, Arthur was the closest thing to a father she had and (Y/N) knew if she needed comforting then he would be the person she went to and John was someone she could rant to without judgment and he was always willing to help her out whenever she got in a sticky situation.

But the bond (Y/N) had with Tommy was different and there was no doubt that they were each other’s, favourite siblings. When their mother had died, Tommy had taken on the role as her primary caretaker, he changed her nappies, bottle-fed her and pretty much did anything a father would do. Polly had told her about how when she was a baby, Tommy would get a large piece of fabric and wrap her in it and secure her to his chest so that her cheeks rested on his chest because she would cry whenever she wasn’t being held by him and that it allowed him to keep her calm and content while he got some work done.

Just as much as (Y/N) hated being away from Tommy, Tommy hated being away from (Y/N) just as bad. He was overly protective when she was born, only allowing his Aunt Polly to get involved and help him out because despite thinking he knew everything, Tommy most definitely did not know how to handle a baby, especially not a newborn but he learnt and adapted and became a dad to her.

(Y/N) were three when Arthur, Tommy and John had to leave and go to war and Tommy to this day still has nightmares of how she screamed and cried to the point where she was almost sick at the train platform where he and the hundreds of other men from Small Heath were leaving from. (Y/N) didn’t understand what war was or why were her brothers were leaving but she did understand that her Tommy was leaving and she hated it.

Tommy had made a thousand promises to (Y/N) as he held her in his arms that day on the platform, repeatedly promising to come back alive and well and that he would never abandon her again and Tommy wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to keep them but he made it his goal to come back to her and the rest of his family.

But he didn’t break those promises and four years later, he was sobbing into the dress of a seven-year-old (Y/N), who was crying just as hard into his neck. The only time (Y/N) ever left Tommy’s arms the rest of that day was to hug her other brothers but other than that, (Y/N) was stuck to Tommy’s side. She was silent at first, slightly awkward around her brother who she hadn’t seen in years but it didn’t take long for her to become comfortable and start to quietly mutter into Tommy’s ear about everything he had missed whilst he was away and Tommy sat there in shock as she did so, marvelling at how much his little girl has grown. When he had left, she had just started to string sentences together but now she could speak in full sentences and was chatty, something he guessed she picked up from Ada.

That night as (Y/N) was curled up into a ball asleep beside him, Tommy cried once again. He was glad he was back home and alive but he knew nothing was going to be the same anymore but he was determined to keep things as normal as possible for her whilst she grew up and he was going to create a good life and world for her to live in.

And now eleven years after he’s returned home from the war, he’s pushed all his work to the side to prepare for the birthday of his little munchkin. Tommy had been dealing with an issue for the past week which involved one of his clients thinking he was overpaying for the Peaky Blinders services and was now demanding a refund. One that obviously Tommy refused to give.

Tommy called in the person who had knocked on the door, not even bothering to look up from the paperwork he was looking through.

“Hello to you too, Tommy.” The person said as they stepped into the office, moving to sit in one of the chairs that sat in front of Tommy’s desk.

Tommy grinned when they spoke up, instantly recognising the voice,

“Good morning (Y/N), what have I done to be blessed with your presence this early in the morning?”

“I have the finalised cost list for the party.” Tommy pushed his other work to the side and took the piece of paper from (Y/N)’s fingers and skimmed his eyes over it, letting out a low whistle at the final amount,

“You plan on bleeding me dry eh?”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and smiled, “Don’t even try it. I know my party costs less than what the Garrison re-opening did.”

“How do you know how much the Garrison cost?” Tommy raised an eyebrow.

“I just do.” (Y/N) raised her eyebrows, a smug look on her face.

“Stop tricking Arthur into letting you see the company files” Tommy pointed a non-threating finger at his youngest sister who only rolled her eyes.

(Y/N) bit her lip in nervousness before she spoke up, “It’s not too expensive, is it? I can remove some stuff if you want!”

Tommy got up from his seat and walked around his desk and leant on it, patting (Y/N) on the head, “It’s not expensive, don’t worry, I was only teasing I’m sorry. You don’t turn eighteen everyday eh?”

“You’re the best Tommy!” (Y/N) leapt up and tightly hugged her brother.

“I know.”

Tommy laughed at (Y/N)’s scoff.

“Any plans for today?” Tommy asked as he went back around his desk and sat back down.

“Ada’s taking me down to London to pick up my dress.”

“Hmm, spending the whole day?”

“I think so. I mean we might as well. Karl and Finn are coming along too so we should be able to find something to do.” (Y/N) made her way to the door.

“Have fun.”

“Will do!” She called over her shoulder as she left his office

It was the day before (Y/N)’s birthday and the clients of Tommy’s that thought they were being scammed have only become an irritant to Shelby brothers, making threats and destroying property has become their form of revenge and attention-grabbing at the moment but none of them could do anything at that moment, all three of them making a promise to their youngest sister not to do anything gang related on the day off or the day before her birthday. (Y/N) desperately not wanting her birthday to be ruined and her brother understood and promised her that they wouldn’t. It was bugging Tommy that he had to wait on retaliating on them but he told himself years ago that his family came above everything else, especially his (Y/N).

On the morning of her birthday, (Y/N) slipped out of her bed and crawled into Tommy’s, his arm automatically wrapping her shoulder as she curled into his side. This was a semi-common occurrence between the two of them, originating from when Tommy started to try and put (Y/N) in her own bed in her own room for the night when she was a year old but it only took a few hours before (Y/N) was climbing out of her bed or Tommy himself took her back to his room. Though it had become less of a thing as (Y/N) grew up as her room was pretty much the only place that she could get peace and quiet and privacy from her wild family. (Y/N)’s room became her sanctuary.

“Good morning, Tommy!” (Y/N) chirped

“G’morning princess.” Tommy lit himself a cigarette, “Happy birthday.”

“Thank you.”

“Here.” Tommy had pulled out a jewellery box from the draw in his bedside table and held it out to her.

“What’s this?” (Y/N) didn’t open the box straight away.

“My gift to you.”

“I thought the party was your gift to me”

“Take the gift (Y/N) or I’ll throw it in the bin.”

“Alright alright, christ almighty.”

(Y/N) slowly opened the box and gasped at what laid inside. It was a diamond necklace, simple yet elegant. Exactly (Y/N)’s style.

“Oh, Tommy. It’s gorgeous, thank you.”

“Glad you like it. Now get washed and dressed, I’m still taking you out for brunch.”

(Y/N) quickly kissed his cheek and left his room, not wanting to delay.

After their brunch, (Y/N) spent the rest of the day getting ready for the party and running around fretting about the smallest things, only settling down after a threat from Ada. After several impatient shouts from John and Finn, (Y/N) was finally making her way downstairs to the rest of her family who made of a series of appreciative noises when they saw her, causing her to smile.

“You look wonderful darling.” Polly walked over to her and gave her a hug before leading her outside and towards the Garrison where the party was being held, the rest of the family following behind them.

“How’s your day been so far?” Polly asked her.

“Good! Brunch with Tommy was great as per usual.” (Y/N) grinned.

(Y/N) usually had brunch with Tommy and then dinner with the rest of her family on her birthday but because this year was slightly different, they were doing dinner the next day.

“I’m glad.” Polly patted her hands and they continued their journey with small nonsense chatter, Ada and Esme quickly joining in.

The party was already in full swing when they arrived, drinks were being passed around and the music was pounding and as soon as she stepped foot into the pub, (Y/N) was dragged away by her friends, the bunch of them squealing and giggling. Tommy and his brothers were sat on a table tucked away but placed somewhere where they can see pretty much the whole room but despite that, they couldn’t see who had slipped into the pub.

Tommy too deep into conversation with Jeremiah Jesus and one too many drinks deep meant that he didn’t notice that something was up until the music suddenly stopped and screams erupted, and as he looked up to see what was happening, his blood ran cold at what he saw.

His little sister trapped in the arms of the client that was pissed off at him, with his gun held to her temple. The man wasn’t by himself, he had brought along two other men. (Y/N) was frozen in shock, afraid that one small mistake would result in her getting hurt.

Tommy slowly stood up and noticed his brothers and other Peaky Blinders do the same thing, each of them pulling out their guns. They easily outnumbered the three men but that didn’t matter as Tommy’s top priority was (Y/N)’s safety

“Thomas Shelby! We’re tired of being taken advantage of by people like you. We’ll have it no more!” One of the men shouted.

“Okay, alright. I hear you. Let’s talk, okay? But before that, I’m going to need you to let all these people go okay, they’re innocent.” Tommy gestured to people plastered to the walls of the Garrison, (Y/N)’s friends crying.

The man nodded and everyone quickly ran out, the only people left in the pub being Tommy, Arthur, John, Finn, Polly, Ada and Michael.

“Now, let the woman in your arms go. She’s just a teenager.”

The leader was the man holding (Y/N) and hesitated before he stood his ground, “No! If I let her go then you’ll just kill me. I want my money back Shelby!”

Arthur grumbled unhappily and shifted, causing Tommy to hold out his arm in warning.

“If you let her go we won’t.” Tommy placed his gun on the table as a sign of truce, “Just let her go.”

The man slowly nodded and loosened his grip allowing (Y/N) to slip through a take a slow step forward, sobs spilling through her lips. “You’re alright, you’re fine. C’mon.” Tommy held out his arms for (Y/N) and took a step towards her.

“No! Stop letting him win, it’s not fair!” One of the man’s sidemen shouted in rage before a loud bang sounded.

The room was silent as everyone tried to understand what had happened and it was until stuttered gasps left (Y/N) did Tommy understand what had happened.

“No!” Tommy raced over to (Y/N) and caught her in his arms just as her legs buckled.

“Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck.” Tommy slowly lowered himself to ground with her in his arms. (Y/N)’s blood spilling through her dress and on to him.

“(Y/N), n-no p-please. O-oh god no”

(Y/N) let out a soft noise of distress as Tommy harshly pressed on the bullet wound.

“I know precious, I know it hurts but I have to do it.” Tommy didn’t even realise he was crying until (Y/N) gently flinched when a tear fell on her face.

“Polly! Polly help!” Tommy heard the clicking of his aunt’s heels before he felt her pushing his hands away. “Polly-- no I’ve got to help her”

“Tommy, let me check on her okay?” His aunt convinced him to move away so check on (Y/N)

Tommy had been so engrossed with (Y/N) that he had no idea what going elsewhere until a hand on his shoulder brought him out of his trance. It was Arthur and John was right behind him, both had blood splattered on them. Finn was crouched down by (Y/N)’s head softly brushing her hair back as he whispered into her ear, Tommy could see the tears slowly sliding down his face.

“Tommy” His aunt had a defeated look on her face and slowly shook her head.

“No! You’re wrong!” Tommy pushed past his aunt and shoved Finn aside so that he could fully bring (Y/N) into his arms, slowly rocking for side to side, loudly sobbing.

(Y/N) was in too much pain to speak and used the remnants of her energy to squeeze Tommy’s hand as tight as she could before she finally passed.

Tommy felt (Y/N) slightly slump in his arms and knew what had happened, letting a loud cry of pain. Tommy heard the cries and shouts and tears of his family around him but he couldn’t find it in himself to care, he was too wrapped up in the pain of his youngest sister that was more like a daughter to him an how her death was his fault.

His darling girl was dead.

[akampana]

Other love triangle that you don't treat much and that are part of your ship.

The Proto-Boys!!! Cu, Arthur, Gil.

Pre - 5 Gen - 4 Love - 4

*gets email notif* *sprints to the keyboard*

Modern AU Proto Cú x Arthur x Proto Gil (fun fact, this is also related to "Dog House", the WIP I talked about before. Arthur exists there too as Arturia's older twin. The OG Gil isn't in that universe at all.)

Pre-relationship 5 Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

The proto boys have the rare privilege of not being riddled with that much drama. What pervades their lives is an irresistible, continuous stream of competitiveness that does wonders for them (just not for everyone around them, they leave a trail of destruction in their wake).

It doesn't help that literally anything can be a gadfly to Proto-Gil, because the mad lad has an Ash Ketchum worthy desire to be the best, and therefore he will put every effort into making sure he's the best kisser, hugger, fuckelover in the polycule. He'd already had the hots for Arthur right off the bat, but as soon as he realized the blonde came with a blue-haired accessory, he decided welp, guess this is now a threesome.

Proto-Cu met Arthur first, through Arturia, who was bffs with Lancer Cú. Although Arthur had just gotten out of a bad relationship (which made him want to delay officially asking Cú out), he pretty much knew he liked Proto right from the start.

Gil came into Arthur's life pretty soon after he met Proto Cú, because they were stacked against each other during an intercampus university competition in fencing, which Arthur won. And though Gil mainly competed for archery, he wouldn't let that loss go and just kept pestering Arthur for rematches until he eventually realized they were kinda dating. Plus Cú was always with them, but he never got mad at Gil being there, he just enjoyed being with Arthur.

So Arthur, being the responsible, caring guy he is, decided they were all dating and nobody said no.

General 4 Were they each other’s first anything (kiss, relationship, etc.)?

Arthur and Gil were Cú's first boyfriends. (Since all the other Cú's also exist, Proto is the youngest and Ferdiad, Medb, and Emer are attributed to his older brothers) He's the youngest in the polycule, and is a full year younger than the other two. Although he's the least experienced, he's also the most enthusiastic. Arthur was his first kiss.

Gil's first everything was Enkidu, and although he and Enkidu are still close friends, Enkidu eventually decided to court their first love, Shamhat. He's had a few casual experiences since then.

Arthur used to date Lancelot. Arturia used to date Guinevere. Uhh...shit happened. Anyway, while he's had a boyfriend before, this is his first time having two. Does that count?

Love 4 How often do they cuddle/engage in PDA?

Arthur, being the gentleman as always, tries to avoid overt amorous displays. He shows he cares by opening doors and offering his elbow to escort his two partners, but apart from that he's rather reserved. On special occasions, however, he does pull out the flower bouquets and movie tickets. (He'd bring chocolate but the Chulainns are severely allergic.) He took them both to a carnival fair last year and they went around trying all the booths.

Cú and Gil are not shy at all when it comes to showing affection, and because of their nature, they always try to one-up each other whenever they're out together. Poor Arthur has to deal with getting glomped pretty often. Its a good thing he can still walk even with both his partners clinging to him. Advantages of 181 cm (RIP to Arturia, but he's different) even though he's technically still the shortest.

Ahahaha thanks for the ask! :")

Ask meme

[metaldragoon]

Finished RDR2 tonight, first game I’ve beaten this year.  An absolutely amazing game, blown away by how good it was and I would recommend it to anyone who even remotely enjoys a Western setting. That said, I love to complain! So my four big problems with the game: 1. People are so god damn impatient in the game.  You take three seconds to smell the roses after murdering 50 people and the whole crew is like “JAYZIS ARTHUR (where) THE HELL ARE YA?!?!?!?”  Relax. 2.  The controls are kinda unintuitive.  I probably played around 80 hours and I was still messing things up to the very end.  I get it’s a very deep game and a controller only has so many buttons but it just ruins the immersion to be messing up.  It was also oddly difficult to interact with the correct item you wanted, so like SQUARE is to wear a hat but also pick up stuff in general, so I just see a nice hat on the ground since I lost mine but instead I lift up some corpse, now I’m a disgusting sicko lugging bodies around so I have to drop it before someone sees, so I just psychotically launch the body off my shoulder with no empathy for the dead. 3.  A lot of the animations were kinda clunky in terms of they take like a second or longer to do (such as like hiding behind cover) and it would just delay the time before you could actually react.  So, with the controls being confusing a lot of the time I’d “use cover” facing the wrong way in the middle of a gunfight and get shot twice before being able to correct my mistake.  And then they do make the animations so good so I like to go nice and slow and appreciate looking cool but back to problem #1 everyone is ready to blow their brains out with how long I am to get to the objective. 4.  The only serious complaint, I felt like the ending was kinda missing everything it had been building up to?  The game starts out with us on the run from fucking up the “big heist” at a location called Blackwater, and that just never gets explained.  We don’t know what happens, and we never go back to get our money.  Also we have a big rivalry with another gang the whole game, and then the rival gang’s leader is captured by the police and hung, why don’t I get to be the one to bring him to justice?!?  Man’s kidnapped and tortured me and no one at all cared!  Also I feel like the end of the game (during the epilogue) had the perfect ending, the 2nd last mission, and then the final mission kind of threw it all away for “revenge” which kinda seemed to be the whole point of the game is that “revenge isn’t worth it.”  I get that the last mission had an important thing to wrap up but I guess maybe they should have just dealt with who got dealt with earlier.  

[kyloswarstars]

PETRICHOR Peaky Blinders • Oneshot

Bonnie and you. You and Bonnie. It’s perfect. And then it’s all gone. Grieving is a strange, complicated thing to do and you don’t have a single clue on how to survive without him.

Pairing • Bonnie Gold x Shelby!Reader

Words • 5.4k

Warning • some swear words; mentions of death/murder

A/N • i still cry every time watching that scene; for years i wanted to write some Peaky Blinders fanfiction and out of all the ideas i have, this is the one which burned under my fingernails to be written a few days ago. so here we are.

/////

For once, you felt completely and utterly peaceful. It’s been a long time since you last felt that way. The hectic of accomplishing Peaky business and dealing with Tommy’s tantrums had worn you out. For Tommy it may have been Grace’s death to turn him even more away from the man he once used to be. For you it’s been John Boy’s death three years ago – three fucking years ago already – that turned everything upside down. Sure, before that a lot of deaths happened too and scarily disturbing shit you’ve been involved in, including a lot of eyes cut out by razor blades. But when the first of your siblings was killed – and that it would be only a matter of time when the next will be taken away, maybe even you, who knew – it changed something completely. The Shelby’s weren’t invincible. Never were and never will be, no matter how intensely Tommy tried to make everyone believe it. Not even by the order of the Peaky fucking Blinders.

Right now, though, with this cold airstream on this foggy morning, sitting on the steps of this caravan, wrapped up in a blanket – everything felt okay for a short while.

Last night you had been sitting at the bonfire and enjoyed the warming flames like the couple nights before. Lately you spent more and more time out of the city, trying to escape the business and Tommy’s orders.

They didn’t know. You never told them. All this time you spent with him and no one knew. You didn’t want them to know. The chance of them ruining it all was so fucking high, the only way you saw was hiding it from them. You thought, maybe they would start to worry where you were. Maybe. But they didn’t. So, those nights at the bonfire with him belonged to you two. Occasionally accompanied by his family, but mostly it’s been your nights, chatting away, making out for a while and roasting the rabbits or squirrels over the fire you had hunted during the day.

The fire had been burning brightly, dancing up into the night sky and competing with the stars. The booze in your veins had made you dance along with it, circling it like druids performing a summoning, until raindrops started to extinguish the bonfire. For a moment you looked up to the sky, feeling every raindrop slowly touching your face – then the rain changed its mind and rushed down onto you like someone opened a faucet. He had grabbed your hand and ran to the caravan with you.

His laughter still echoed in your ears as you sat on the steps. It was the only sound you heard in this early hours of the day. No birds had woken, no wind was finding its way through grass and leaves yet. Only his laughter in your ears, igniting a warm feeling in your chest and spreading through your whole body.

The smell of the earth was lingering everywhere. It had been the reason why you woke up so early in the first place. It was the best thing ever, how soil decided to send out this beautiful scent after rain had poured on it. The best thing, after him.

He stirred behind you and got out of the bed. His steps were creaking on the caravan’s wooden flooring. Without any words, he sat down behind you and wrapped his arms around your body. 

He rested his chin on your shoulder. „Why are you sitting here, Y/N?“

„Enjoying the woods, Bonnie.“

„How long have you been sitting here?“

You shifted in his arms to meet his eyes. „For a while.“

He tried to pull you even closer to him. Of course he knew what was struggling you. Of course he knew you weren’t only enjoying the woods. The short period of peace slowly faded and made room for the exhausting reality once again.

„I’m sick of it“, you whispered. Back in the day, when the boys came back from war, in your childish mind you thought everything would get better or at least back to normal or to a new normality. It never did. You grew up and with every blink of your eyelids another month passed, full of events that happened at such a fast pace you could hardly understand what was going on most of the times. And then you had met Bonnie and everything stopped for a while. And when the world started to spin again, the speed had slowed down a little. Not much, but enough for you to be able to breathe again.

„I know, my love.“

„Unfortunately, I have to go back“, you mumbled and heard Bonnie sigh. „I need to show my face and get some work done. Can’t stay here forever.“

„You could…“ Bonnie’s warm breath on your neck was giving you shivers. His voice was still raspy from his deep sleep. You loved to wake up next to him. „We could just go away, take the caravan and leave forever, Y/N. Imagine how perfect life would be. Imagine how cute little you’s would be.“

You tried to picture it. Traveling from one place to another with Bonnie, living in the woods and find food in the wilderness. Freezing during winter and warming each other in bed, sweating in the summer and skinny dipping in a lake to cool down. Growing his child in your belly. Giving birth, becoming a family and repeating it over and over again until you two had a whole soccer team. With Bonnie, this idea didn’t feel scary anymore. With Bonnie, everything seemed pretty easy actually. With Bonnie, it always felt like you were running through a field full of wild flowers, brushing against your skin, and making you feel exactly as beautiful as all the blossoms around you.

„Okay“, you agreed, feeling his arms hold onto you even tighter. „I’ll find a way.“ But first you had to go back to sort everything out.

Bonnie hardly ever wanted to let you go. When you got up and tried to get dressed, his hands were all over you and his lips tried to delay your departure. As always, he ‚helped‘ you getting dressed. First, he inspected every piece of clothing, to see if you could really wear it, then delicately put it on you with a lot of fumbling around to expand the time he had with you. The most dangerous part of it all was, when he came to the last piece: the shirt. He made you stretch out your arms over your head and when he pulled it on and the shirt covered your face, he would most likely try to grab and carry you back to the bed. And that is exactly what happened again. You tried to somehow get out of his grip but had to surrender in laughter. He didn’t seem like it at first glance, but he was so incredibly strong, not even the giant Goliath had a chance against him in the end.

„Bonnie, stop it!“ Laughing under his tickle attack, you tried to get your head out of your shirt to see at least what was going on. Instead of accomplishing it on your own, he pulled down your shirt and freed your head. Only to press his lips on yours and make it even harder to want to go back to the city.

„This.“ Kiss. „Is.“ Kiss. „What.“ Kiss. „Will.“ Kiss. „Await.“ Kiss. „You.“ Kinda out of breath, he rested his forehead against yours. He stared down to you, even though in this proximity eyes couldn’t focus anymore. „God, how much I love you, Y/N. Do you even know how much I love you?“

„I don’t know“, you couldn’t suppress your grin, „maybe to the moon and back?“

„No.“ Bonnie’s grin was probably even bigger than yours. „More than that. To every single star in the sky and way beyond what’s in the darkness lurking between them.“

That’s probably the most perfect description of what your love felt for him as well. „I love you, Bonnie.“ Your lips brushed against his briefly. „But I really have to go now. The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll be back and we can go wherever the wind blows us.“

Groaning, he let himself fall next to you on the bed so you could stand up and fix your clothes. 

He stood as well, when you reached for the car keys and pulled on your Peaky cap. It was a quick walk to where you had parked the car – Bonnie wouldn’t let go off your hand. And he didn’t let you close the door for a while when you were sat behind the steering wheel.

The birds still didn’t chirp, nor were any other animals being heard. The silence was still there, still granting you some peace, even though it wasn’t the same as on the steps.

„Don’t take too long, okay?“ One hand on the hood, the other on the door, he leaned down to kiss you once more.

„I won’t. I promise“, you smiled. Starting the car, Bonnie softly closed the door and watched you drive off. You saw him getting smaller in the mirror, didn’t really want to leave him, but you would see him soon again. And when that time came, you wouldn’t leave him again.

/////

Parking the car in front of the house on Watery Lane, you already felt uncomfortable being back in the city. Out in the woods everything was so much more easy. Especially with Bonnie by your side. But, this, and only this, would soon be everything you had to care about. The blue sky above your head and a loving Bonnie, who you would share freedom with.

Isiah was making a beeline for you, the second you entered the building. That can’t mean any good. „What’s it, Isiah?“

„Where the fuck have you been?“

„Language! I’m the fucking boss here“, you snarled, not very seriously. He just rolled his eyes with a little smirk. „What did I miss? Short story, please.“

Shelby’s weren’t supposed to do the dirty work anymore. But someone had to supervise those who did the dirty work for the Shelby’s. When Arthur became Chairman, you gladly inherited the job. You couldn’t stand paperwork or all the other serious business stuff, your work field was more physical.

As a teenager, while the Shelby’s tried to consolidate their position within the betting world, you had been part of the razor gang like your other siblings as well, except for Ada. You hadn’t been treated differently, only because you were a girl. You had grown up with them, with the violence, and to be honest: none of them tried to hold you back from taking your spot within the rows as they did with Finn. You wouldn’t have left them.

You were awaiting a ‚normal' report, but what you got was far from normal.

„Well… Finn got shot for the first time and Michael’s back, got married on a ship, was being held captive and knocked up his lady.“

„Are you kidding me?“ That was already too much drama to comprehend for only being back two minutes.

He shook his head, being dead serious. „Oh and Charlie wants you at the yard. Didn’t say anything else.“

„News from Tommy?“

„No.“

Good. That gave you the opportunity to check on Charlie right away. Leaving the house, you chose to walk over. Maybe it would be the last time to do the stroll, who knew. The dirty alleys of Small Heath and their people had been home for all your life. It would be strange to leave it all behind but an adventure would be waiting for you. Bonnie.

People were greeting you on your way, you returned it with a tap to your cap. To be a Shelby wasn’t always bad. You loved being a Shelby. Sometimes, it could just get a little too much for you. Especially after John died and wasn’t there anymore to defuse tensed situations with his silly jokes. 

„Charlie?“ Entering his yard, no-one was to be seen at first. Your call was answered soon, though. Curly was running up to you, throwing his arms in the air.

„Yes, Y/N. Yes.“ He was smiling. You always enjoyed Curly’s presence and friendship. „Sorry, sorry, not Charlie needs you, I do. Help me, yes?“

„Of course, Curly. What’s the matter?“ Besides being the dirty-work-supervisor, you also spent a lot of time in Charlie’s yard. Helping them with every sort of work they were going after or just hanging out – sometimes with Finn, trying to maintain your bond.

Curly was returning to the shed he came out of, you followed behind. „I just found them. Couldn’t leave them just like that. Have to take care of them, you know?“ There was an old box, lined with hay, which he knelt down in front of. In it were laying a dozen tiny kittens, meowing in an unrhythmic canon. How cute. Curly just could never see an animal in need. He always took care of them. And more than one time, you had helped him with nursing them back to health.

Promising Curly to organise some milk, you left for the Garrison. It never failed to amuse you, that the noise died down for a moment when a Shelby entered the pub. When they realised you didn’t care for their business, they continued with their chats again. Grabbing some bottles of milk from the back, you went to the office and tried to call Tom. You probably wouldn’t return to the Arrow House tonight and spend it at the yard, just wanted to let him know, but he didn’t answer. 

Afternoon and evening was spend trying to feed every kitten some milk. Once you accomplished it and were done with every kitten, the first one cried out for more already. 

At some point you must’ve fallen asleep in the shed. When you woke in the middle of the night and returned to Watery Lane, Finn was sitting in the kitchen. „Why are you not at home?“ ‚At home‘ meaning Arrow House you had been living in with Tommy.

„Tommy called. Sit down with me.“ By his foreign facial expression, you feared they somehow found out you were in love with Bonnie. You hadn’t even told Finn, just to make sure. What if they ruined your plans on going away with him? „I wanted it to be me to tell you because–“

„You know of me and Bonnie?“ For a second you were scared that maybe he didn’t find out and now you just revealed it on accident.

„Of course I do. I’m your twin, Y/N.“

„So did the others find out? How mad are they?“

Finn flicked his cigarette into the fireplace and fully turned towards you. He reached out for your hands and took them both. „I told them but this is not what this is about right now.“ Taking a deep breath, he locked eyes with you. „Bonnie was killed today. He’s dead.“

Slipping from this room, you must’ve fallen through the floor and deep down into the ground. You went somewhere dark, where your body couldn’t breathe anymore, your eyes unable to see and your mouth not able to let out the scream that was building up in your throat.

No. Impossible. „This can’t be right. I was there this morning.“

Finn didn’t answer.

He swallowed and got up, wanted to hug you, but you refused. You got up from the chair, stumbled backwards and crashed into the wall. All you could do was stare at him. You were waiting for him to say that he was wrong and Bonnie wasn’t dead. It didn’t happen. His face didn’t light up, it only got darker.

You had a stare down and kept the distance between you because if he came closer, you might’ve started to cry.

When the front door got opened, your attention was drawn away from Finn to the person coming through it: Tommy. The moment you saw him, everything crashed for you. He wouldn’t have come if Finn’s words weren’t true.

Tommy was wordlessly coming over, seemed as if he had been in a rush to get here, but you stumbled away from him, using the wall as guidance. „No!“

„Y/N–“

„NO! Stay away!“ Your heart was starting to pump blood through your veins at an incredibly high speed, it roared in your ears and made your lungs speed up in sync. Hyperventilating and almost sinking to your knees, you didn’t know what to do. What should you do? What could you do? How could Bonnie be gone if you wanted to get back to him as soon as possible?

„Y/N, let us help you, okay?“

„No!“ Still with your arm stretched out in front of you, to keep them away, your mind was running wild on what the fuck to do. „Where is he?“

„Y/N, you can’t go–“

„Where the fuck is he, Thomas!“ Maybe you were waking up everyone on Watery Lane but you couldn’t control the volume of your voice. 

„Aberama put him in his caravan–“

Rushing past him to get out, you heard him shout and come after you. „You can’t go and see him.“

Fumbling for the keys in your pocket, Tommy was faster. The last thing you remembered was a sting in your neck, then everything went black as if you fell asleep.

/////

You were soon to understand why Tommy had prevented you from seeing Bonnie that night. He had drugged you so you wouldn’t rush out to the woods and find him like that. Not when you just found out he was dead. 

For a whole day you had locked yourself in your old room at Watery Lane. After Tommy told you why and how Bonnie was gone, you couldn’t stand anyone around you without going after their throat, especially Tommy’s. You had just sat on the floor, staring at the wall and tried to understand it but you couldn’t. Not until you saw him. That’s why you told Tommy to go fuck himself, when you finally went downstairs, and drove to the woods you had last seen Bonnie at.

The caravan looked just like you had left it. Climbing the steps, you were scared to open the door.

„Go on in“, you suddenly heard someone speak, startling you. Aberama had appeared from between the trees, holding an axe.

„I’m scared I won’t leave it once I stepped in.“

„You will, Y/N. There’s work we have to do.“ He disappeared again and some thuds were to hear, almost like he was mauling wood.

You opened the door. You stepped in. You found him. And instantly turned your back to him. You started to sob so hard – crying for the first time actually – because looking at him for only a second was devastating. It took some minutes to get in control of the situation and turn to him again.

Bonnie was laying on the bed. Aberama probably didn’t have the strength to clean him yet. He almost didn’t look like himself anymore. Like the handsome, adoring guy with those dark eyes you fell for so hard. The dried blood, brown on his skin, covered all of his face. Eyes were closed. Jaw unnaturally misaligned. A big hole in his head. 

Bonnie was crucified. They had been beating him up and hung his body on a cross. 

Bonnie was shot in the face. Killed merciless. 

Bonnie was a fucking message. To your brother.

„Bonnie, please open your eyes.“ The sobbing started again when you sat down on the bed next to him. His hand still felt the same when you intertwined your fingers with his. The coldness made your crying worse, though. It didn’t stop. You couldn’t and didn’t want to for a while. For a long, long time. Until your body felt completely numb and unable to cry more before you hadn’t refilled it with water. But that didn’t make you leave just like that. Deep down you knew he wouldn’t wake up but you still called his name again and again. You told him to wake up, so you could leave and go wherever you wanted. You wouldn’t waste another day, trying to sort everything out. You didn’t care. All you wanted was him. And he… he was laying there and didn’t wake up.

Following the thuds outside, you found Aberama still slamming an axe to the ground. It wasn’t the ground he was hitting, though. You tripped over your own feet when you realised that the wood to his feet must’ve been the cross. 

„Tommy gave me his word that I’m going to kill that Billy Boy scum.“ He stopped in his motions.

„Tommy’s word is as much worth as that scum,“ you huffed and let yourself drop to the cold ground. You didn’t expect an answer or anything else. The night you were told Bonnie was dead was when you lost any expectations. You just stopped caring. Except for one thing. „When… when do you want–“ Unable to finish your sentence, Aberama stopped once again.

„To burn his damn caravan?“ Throwing the axe to the remnants of the cross, he sat down next to you. „Never did I think I had too. Always thought he would burn mine one day.“ 

Against your assumption your body couldn’t cry anymore tears, it started again. This time leaving out the intense sobbing, though. „Can I help you clean him?“

„I’m not ready.“

„If we wait until we’re ready one day we will never do it, Aberama.“

„You know, Y/N, he was so incredibly happy to have met you. He was my son, so I knew from the moment he came walking up to me, wearing that big grin, that he met someone very special.“ Aberama joined in with the quiet crying. „There was only one thing he wanted more than being the best boxer to ever live.“ Bonnie’s dad placed an arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer to him. „To love you for the rest of his life.“ You totally lost it with his last words, crying your fucking heart out which you were sure would burn with Bonnie in that caravan.

It’s been his sisters that pulled both of you out of your grief. They were bringing water and some fresh cloths.

Cleaning him up, together with his father, was a rather monotonous thing to do. Saying goodbye not so much.

How the fuck were you ever going to say goodbye to him? 

Losing Bonnie was unbearable. In the past two years he had brought you more joy than the nineteen years before you fell in love with him. He had learned you to love someone so deeply, it pained to imagine ever being without him. So you never had. Out of all the people, you never thought his time would be up next. How could you switch places with him? You’re a Shelby, why did they not choose you to send a message with? 

Leaving Bonnie was like stabbing ten knives into your own lungs. You held your breath when you brushed through his hair one last time. Some tears were falling down to his cold skin when you pressed your lips to his temple one last time. The moment you placed down his hand and stood, gathering the strength to turn your back on him, asked for every small amount of willpower left in your body. Your feet didn’t move further than to the door. You didn’t want to go. You knew he wasn’t there anymore, even though he was so close.

„I love you“, you whispered and then let your eyes slip from his face and opened the door. Every step hurt but you pulled through with it. You didn’t know how or who told him but Finn was standing outside when you exited the caravan.

He took your hand and you let him. Being able to hold onto someone was very much needed when Aberama lit fire under the caravan.

And just like a few nights ago, the fire was winding its way up, dancing into the stars. Bonnie’s words were echoing. To every single star in the sky and way beyond what’s in the darkness lurking between them. That’s where the wind was taking him now. Not to another forest with you together how it should’ve been. No. You drove off, saw him getting smaller in the mirror and just like that, he slipped from your grip forever without you even being aware of it.

/////

For months you wished you wouldn’t have been so good with protection. That maybe, somehow, within the last few times you had slept with him, something of him found its way to stick in this world. That he left behind something, someone, of himself. But he didn’t. There was nothing, no little him or you, that would be left of him. He would never live further than this stupid year of ’29.

It was hard. Every day. Since he was gone there hadn’t been one day where it didn’t feel like his absence tore you apart completely.

You quit work, just couldn’t work under Tommy anymore. You didn’t really know anymore if it was justified, if he could’ve prevented it somehow, but for a long time you found him guilty for Bonnie’s death.

The only one of your family you still talked to was Finn. And only then if it was a nonchalant topic. You didn’t want them to know how broken you, Y/N Shelby, were. And you didn’t want to be around while Tommy was working together with the man who killed Bonnie. That just wasn’t an option at all.

Phantasies about killing this Billy Boy were haunting you. Mostly in your daydreams because the nightmares were filled of Bonnie at a cross or Bonnie with no face. Or the worst: Bonnie still alive. When you dreamed of him being alive and woke from the sleep, you didn’t even stand up that day. Had someone told you a few years ago that love could do something like that to a person, to you, you wouldn’t have believed it in eternity.

The only reason you didn’t leave yet, ignoring Tommy’s deal and went after this McCavern’s life: You felt like it was Aberama’s place to take that bastards life. 

For the last months you’ve been staying with Aberama’s family. The only solace you were able to find was with the people that grieved for Bonnie as well. They were beautiful beings, cheering over his life rather than being sorry for losing him. And yes, it helped some, but no, you couldn’t just adept their mentality like that.

When the news came, that the assassination of Oswald Mosley didn’t work, that Aberama was stabbed to death, another time, everything crashed. For a few more days you were able to stay with Aberama’s kids and his sister, then you couldn’t fight the urge to go after McCavern anymore. 

You went away only by horse – Bonnie’s horse. With some blankets and the Peaky cap on your head, you made your way up north to Glasgow. The first three days it was only cold, which was endurable. When snow started to fall, it got harder to continue with your route. You spent the nights curled up in your blankets, trying to shelter from the snow under a big tree. None of it could’ve stopped you, though. Your determination was stronger than the weather. So you kept riding, kept freezing in the nights.

On the seventh day, not far away from Glasgow anymore, everything fell into place suddenly. You heard voices. Something had aligned everything perfectly well for you.

Getting of the horse and tying it to a tree, you snuck your way through the bushes to the street. You had followed it in some distance for a while now.

A car was parked on the side, three men tried to fix a tire. One of them was Jimmy McCavern. You had seen him back at Charlie’s yard from afar. No doubt, it was him. 

You didn’t expect luck would grant you such an opportunity but there it was. Remaining covered in the bushes, you waited for their discussion about the tire to come to an end. For a second you thought they would start throwing punches but then McCavern ordered the two men, he had travelled with, to go and find the next village and steal a new car. They obeyed his orders and started to walk away.

He watched them leave and muttered some slurs you couldn’t understand. You waited. Until at some point he did, what every man did: pee at a tree.

The snow covered the sound of your steps when you moved out from behind the bushes and crossed the road. After imagining his death for such a long time, in so many different scenarios, it surprised you how calm you actually were. Arthur was always so furious. Tommy so cold. John was a miracle. And Finn… he was just not meant for the Peaky business and that was a good thing. To be honest, you expected to be just like Arthur in this very moment but that wasn’t the case. You creeped up on the man who had killed Bonnie and you couldn’t be more calmer. The fact you would be able to close this chapter in a few seconds was astonishingly relaxing.

He just finished up his business, when you pushed him to the snow covered ground and held him there. You quickly removed his gun and threw it behind you. He didn’t have any other weapons on him.

Bonnie’s boxing lessons had made you a lot stronger, so you turned McCavern around to face him. The swearing, which again you didn’t understand even though being way closer this time, stopped. You didn’t know if he knew who you were or if he was surprised you were a woman. You didn’t give a fuck, though.

„Time’s up“, you hissed. Your full body weight held him down and the arm under his chin prevented him from talking. Slowly, you reached out for your head, grabbed the Peaky cap and revealed the razor blades. That’s when his eyes showed some sort of realisation.

„This is for Bonnie.“

/////

You waited for three days. But nothing changed. You didn’t feel better. Right after taking McCavern’s eyes and cutting his throat open, bleeding to death, you fled from the scene back south as fast as possible. One more death, the one death you had longed for in such a long time and it didn’t change a single thing. Bonnie was still gone, vanished from your life without a possibility to ever get him back. And revenge didn’t change a single thing inside of you. The bleak beast was still eating your insides.

You waited for three weeks. But nothing changed. You went to Aunt Pol, didn’t know where to go anymore or what to do. You told her what you had done. She was grieving for Aberama. She wanted you to stay and you decided to do so. But only a couple hours later you heard her phone Tommy that you were here – so you left again. Still with McCavern’s blood on your razor blades.

When the third month came around, something odd happened. You sat on the steps of your own caravan somewhere in the woods all by yourself. Rain must’ve fallen the previous night because the smell of mother nature rose. It wrapped around you like Bonnie’s arms always used to. Like he did on the day he died. Half a year had passed and nothing changed. You felt guilty, you felt left and lost but the scent of soil filling your nose brought some peace to you. The first time ever since Bonnie was gone. 

His laughter still echoed in your ears and his words remained with you, repeating themselves every night before you fell asleep. You knew he wasn’t here anymore but you also knew he would never leave your heart. You wouldn’t let that happen. And that’s when you realised what to do next.

[deadbiwrites]

Hi there!....I couldn't pass this up for sure, my pick would be number 8, “I don’t know how you get yourself into these situations.” but really I'd love to see you do any of these :)

(holy crap how long has this ask been here I'm so sorry)

For @vox-ex, a probably VERY delayed response!

“I really don’t understand how you get yourself into these situations,’’ Lena mutters around the knife clasped in her teeth as she uses both hands to tug at the waterlogged netting. Satisfied that it’s far enough away from Kara’s skin, she begins hacking at it.

“What was I supposed to do, just let them fish there?” Kara asks, standing semi-meekly in a puddle of seawater on Lena's italian marble floor.

Lena grunts as she manages to saw through one of the ropes. “No, just… how?"

Kara flushes crimson. “I was dropping off a friend.”

“A friend,” Lena repeats flatly. “In the middle of the Pacific?”

“Yes.”

“Did this friend have gills, perchance?”

“... maybe.”

“Kara,” Lena laughs, shaking her head. “We’ve talked about this.”

“I know, but I just… she needed help. And the DEO-”

“-isn’t what you thought,” Lena murmurs, eyes sympathetic. “I know.”

“Anyways, I was like, so close, too- I’d already gotten her where she needed to be, and I was on my way back-, then I heard a dolphin, and it was clearly hurting, so I went down, and he was tangled in a bunch of netting- illegal netting! And it wasn’t just him, a few other dolphins were too.”

Lena’s eyes flash. “Did you see the boats? What company they worked for?”

“Oh, I saw the boats,” Kara grumbles. “My friend Arthur took care of them, though.”

“Arthur…?”

“Oh! Um… Aquaman?”

Lena snorts. “Jesus. Of course, why would you not know Aquaman?” At Kara’s pout, she continues her careful sawing. “Alright, sorry, continue.”

“Anyways, I’d already been up for a long time, and I was like, really pushing my powers to the limit on that trip out there. And then there were all the dolphins, and I was holding my breath a bunch and having to swim pretty deep- by the way, it like, royally sucks, being that deep underwater. There is no light, at all. And it sounds weird, and it’s-” She cuts off, shuddering slightly. “I dunno. The ocean is beautiful and amazing and must be protected, but it freaks me the heck out."

"That's fair, it's not my favorite either. So, the net?"

"Right! So turns out, I like, sapped my powers doing all the ocean rescuing, and I got my foot caught and I struggled a bunch and sorta kinda almost drowned…"

"Kara!" Lena yells, slapping at Kara's legs through the netting.

"Hey, I am weak right now, woman! That means no hitting!"

"Sorry, I'll hit you when you feel better."

"... thanks, I guess? Anyways, obviously I'm fine, Ar-Aquaman saved me. Even brought me back here! He's a nice dude."

"If your friend rescued you and dropped you off, why are you still wrapped up in a fishing net?"

"..."

"Kara?"

"Okay, so he's not that nice: he said he thought it'd be funny."

Lena snorts, grinning victoriously as she finally cuts the last bit of the net free, moving to her feet just in time to catch Kara as she staggers forward. "Hey there, Supergirl, take it easy."

"'m tired," Kara murmurs, soaked to the bone and shivering in Lena's firm embrace. "And cold."

Lena tucks a lank lock of hair behind her ear and presses a kiss to her forehead. "Okay. How about the world's hottest bath to warm up and scrub the ocean off of you, and then bed?"

Kara hums in agreement, stumbling a bit as Lena half-carries her off to the en suite, leaving the very heavy fishing net on the kitchen floor to worry about later.

Lena starts the hot water running in her ridiculous, amazing pool/tub before they work together to strip Kara out of her suit (and with as clingy as the material is when it's not soaking wet, that's no mean feat). Finally free of her suit, Kara trips her way into the tub, and when Lena moves to pick up the shopping wet cape, she pouts and makes grabby hands at her. "Please?"

Lena shakes her head, chuckling at her utter inability to say no to Kara ever, before stripping out of her own clothes and lowering herself into the scalding hot water.

"Mmmm," Kara hums happily, wrapping Lena up with arms and legs. "Much better."

"I'm gonna boil alive in here," Lena laughs, dropping her head back onto Kara's shoulder. "This is how I die- turned into soup in my own bathtub."

Kara giggles, nosing at Lena's neck. "My favorite soup." Lena can feel the smile that spreads across Kara's face. "Makes sense, since you're already my favorite thing to ea-"

"No," Lena says firmly (though it's undercut by her smile), clapping a wet hand over Kara's mouth and sloshing some water over the side of the tub. Kara's eyes are squinty and twinkly as Lena feels a trail of wet heat across her palm. She recoils on instinct. "Did you just lick me?"

Kara shrugs with a devilish smile. "You usually respond better when I lick you."

"Oh god," Lena laughs. "You know, I got in here to help you feel better but I think all you wanted was to make terrible sex jokes."

"And for you to be naked," Kara corrects. "That part was very important to me, and it is definitely making me feel better."

"You're a scoundrel," Lena tells her, dropping a quick kiss to her lips before settling down again. 

"I know. Don't tell anyone else, though. I have an image to maintain."

"Noted."

It's quiet for a bit as they just take break, soaking (or boiling) and enjoying each other's company before finally, Lena speaks. 

"I can't believe Aquaman's real name is Arthur," she mutters. "Just... what a nerdy name."

Kara grins. "Wait 'till you hear about Nightwing…"

[tvdoriginal]

3x01: We’re Not Worthy

Welcome back witches! Last night, Legacies returned to us, so let’s get into it.

After the recap, we open up with Raf looking over Hope & Landon, with Landon doing a voiceover. “I’m sad my life has been cut short, but you taught me to live it to the fullest.” LANDON REALLY WAS ABOUT TO SAY ALWAYS & FOREVER.

Alaric addresses the school about moving through the dark times. Alyssa Chang is not being shy about her feelings towards Josie and Hope being absent.

MG has organized the first ever Salvatore School field day...yeah probably won’t go so well. Lizzie tells her dad that she’ll have to revert back to her means girl ways to get everyone to forgive & forget Josie and she’s “just not that person anymore”. However, after Alyssa magically tied Josies laces together, causing her to trip, Lizzie is more than ready to go.

CHAD (his name is Chad, right? Oops, I don’t remember) RESURRECTED THE LADY OF THE LAKE WHICH IS A KING ARTHUR THING I’M GEEKING BYE. Oh my gosh yay, it is Chad.

The Necromancer busts in struggling with Landon who only Rafael can see. Bye Landon is so cute tf how do I go that long without seeing his face.

Let’s get this field day started! WADE GIVES ME LIFE. Lizzie has a plan up her sleeve. She’s challenging Alyssa to be captain so that Josie won’t be alientated. “Yea, she messed up, but you have been messed up your whole life.” Oh hell no, MG told Alyssa that she can choose the game.

Landon refuses to come back in order to prevent the Necromancer from gaining (more) black magic.

Alyssa chose tug of war and is on a team of vampires and werewolves. Lizzie makes Josie the anchor which obviously will not go well. My poor baby Jo gets covered in mud since everyone else dodged out in time.

“Hero moves always lead to tradgedy.”

Josie ends up telling Lizzie and the whole school that she can’t do magic because she put it away. She tells Lizzie she’s making everything worse, just like she used to. The Lady of the Lake comes with Wade, asking for his sword (which is Excalibers). The green knight comes, the sword flies into a stump, and the sky turns red.

Not gonna lie it kinda hurts me that there are people who won’t get the King Arthur references but 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ew so Jed and Alyssa have some flirtationship. Pedro came back!...and the left again.

Rafael tells the Necromancer that he wants him to put Landon’s spirit in himself. Alaric speaks to Hope, telling her that he knows that she knows about Landon’s situation. Her still being in the sleep spell is delaying coming back and feeling that grief.

Lizzie reminds Alyssa that she is also a killer but at least her parents can’t see what she’s become. Which...yeah Alyssa sucks but my jaw DROPPED. But too far Liz. My Saltzman sisters were working together!

Um, so Chaddy tings the bell and is now with the Necromancer, Raf, & Landon. He’s looking for Hope to come defeat the green knight since she’s typically the one to save the day. Kinda hoping she won’t awaken til after tbh, because it gets kinda annoying that it’s always up to her (in my opinion).

JOSIE SAID OK BOOMER MAYBE IN YOUR TIME. OKAY QUEEN.

“Not exactly how I pictured dying, but what the hell.” MG gives directions for everyone and Josie asks: “Wait what are you gonna do? Something stupid, got it.” WHICH! Kaylee said was her favorite out-of-context line. MG punches the knight in the face which earns a growl? from him.

Raf takes Landon to see Hope.

Super squad is attempting holding the knight down the ropes. Anytime magic is used on him he gets angrier and MG unmasked him which had my eyes widening. Yay! Raf is the worthy one...unLESS ITS ACTUALLY LANDON IN RAF which I’m hoping isn’t the case. He stabs the green night, and blue skies return.

Not Landon giving Hope a non-consensual kiss ✋🏼but as fairy-tales go, she’s awaken.

“She thinks I should be the focus for once.”

Josie is going to spend some time with her mom. Handon cuddles and reflects on each other. Raf is such a dork I love him.

Alyssa talks to Chad. He’s going back to the ice cream palace but then like DIES. THE FUCK. Alyssa wonders if the same thing will happen to her since they were linked, but the Necromancer offers her a deal.

See you next week!

[alifeasvivid]

I hc that alfred is a lefty and growing up he had a speech impediment and hated, absolutely hated, talking to others in large crowds. When he was alone with someone he trusted, boy could talk a mile a minute, but when he was in a large crowd, even in groups with kids his own age (like when he physically looked like he was 7 or 10 or 13) he would just stutter over his words the whole time. He worked with with and through the stutter well after the rev war but the biggest breakthrough was when he sat listening to arguments for secession in the 1850s and 1860s, boy WENT OFF every lie or trickle of misinformation set him on fire and when he finally got to speak he was filled with so much righteous fury that this 15 y/o looking kid Alexander Hamilton-ed tf out of secessionist in thar room. They still seceded, but damn did the ground shake when he uttered, 'if the south can not sustain itself without the cruel practice of slavery, then perhaps the south should not exist.'

This is great, anon. It gave me a lot to think about (hence the delay in response)... and I think I like it... however, one thing I can think of is one of the earliest defining factors of the American colonies were their rowdy and vibrant and slanderous and loquacious newspapers. To me, this doesn’t speak of someone who has trouble asserting himself in words.

It could be, however, that he might have been afraid to speak up in person, but had no problem letting people have it in print. I might even be persuaded to agree that he was unable to overcome his stutter until the point you mention. Despite what Hetalia canon says, the American troops during the war for independence were almost completely incompetent, particularly George Washington as it turns out and he himself almost cost them the war a few times. The reason that they eventually won was because the British general (I can’t be arsed to look it up rn) was super hesitant to commit to actually fighting for fear of losing too many troops with no back up handy (and indeed offered freedom to slaves who would come fight for the Brits to compensate). He surrendered because he thought no reinforcements were ever to arrive when in reality they were just on the horizon. >.> TL;DR way of saying there was no epic showdown between Arthur and Alfred, I bet Arthur wasn’t even there and thus Alfred would have had no need to overcome his stutter in that moment; in fact he was probably very hurt and disheartened by Arthur not even showing up to confront him--which might have made him withdraw further and feel unable to speak.

Not to mention that because of the massive political unrest following the revolution, he might have felt uncertain of what to say even if he hadn’t had the stutter.... so yes, I think I can get on board with that.

I think that the moment when they’re all about to tear him apart (over something he knows is wrong and should have been dealt with from the start) could have been the moment in which he for once truly knew himself and therefore finally felt compelled to speak with the conviction he always had felt and I think he can be a great orator when the situation calls for it, but I also see Alfred as a person with a tad more kinetic energy than mental energy, so he prefers doing to saying.

As for the left-handed thing... I mean maybe, but even late into the 20th century, many US schools were taught to "train” (read: force) left-handedness out of children and in the 17th century, Alfred would have been thought to have the sign of the devil and/or be cursed and then beaten severely, probably by Arthur... so since that kinda makes me sad I’m gonna say he’s probably ambidextrous.... I would imagine all of the nation-tans are... when you have the kind of time that they have XD why not teach yourself to write with both hands?

[lumassen]

What if aph England was a Scouser?

This came from a conversation on a discord server about what accent people headcanon England to have as we have so many, and as a northerner I like to think he would rock a northern accent. Based off several headcanons that England and Norway are good friends, and that nations move around a lot to avoid being clocked by their citezens for the fact that they don't age, I bring you this random drabble:

-----

It was getting dark by the time Norway finally arrived in the port of Liverpool and stepped off the ship. It had been 5 years at least since he'd seen Arthur, and perhaps 15 or more since he'd last visited England, and since finding out that Arthur was now living in Liverpool he took the opportunity to visit him when he was there on a trip.

Stepping down from the gangway, Norway tightned his scarf a little tighter around himself, the biting cold winter air slipping through any opening in his coat that it could find. Pulling back his glove to check his wristwatch, he noticed they'd got in a little late even though they hadn't really been delayed when they set off from Bergen.

Turning back to the ship for a moment, Norway watched with a small smile as his crew who'd kindly let him come along with them began to unload the large Norwegian Spruce. Since 1942 he'd given a Christmas tree as a gift to the people of England as a token of gratitude for the support they had given him during the second world war, something he would never forget. It started off as a single, 60 or so year old Spruce that was cut down specially and gifted to be put up in Trafalgar Square every year, but in recent years Norway had started gifting a couple more to other cities around the UK, and this year he had one for Durham, Oxford and Liverpool cathedral.

When he was satisfied that his crew didn't need any help, Norway waved a quick goodbye to them before setting off across the docks. He walked slowly at first, admiring the Christmas lights that decorated lamp posts and trees until he spotted England sat on a bench at the end of the docks. Quickening his pace so to not keep him waiting much longer, Norway's smile broadened just a little more. He and England were old friends despite their past differences and conflicts, and Norway had been looking forward to this visit since he found out that England living here.

"Long time no see." He said as he stopped in front of England, who looked up away from his smartphone and put it in his pocket.

"Likewise," he said with a smile, standing up and grasping Norway's hand in a firm, friendly handshake before pulling him in for a hug.

"So, Liverpool eh? I thought you'd be more of a country house in the cotswolds kinda old man by now, so I'm a bit surprised to find you here." Norway teased as they started strolling away from the docks and toward the city centre.

It was the end of November, so despite it being nearly dark it was still only 4pm in the afternoon and the streets were still full of people. For the past few years Norway had been living in the depths of the countryside up in Narvik with more sheep around him than people, so it felt strange yet nice to be surounded by so many people again.

England laughed a little, "Yeah, I fancied living somewhere a little livelier. I was getting a bit fed up in a big drauhty house down south, I found that I always had a proper cob on so I knew I needed to move to somewhere with a bit of atmosphere. I know we shouldn't have favourite citzens, but I've always had a soft spot for the people of Liverpool." he said, and Norway was shocked at how much his accent had changed since the last time he'd seen him.

It happened to most nations who lived among citezens to end up speaking with their accent or dialect, so he wasn't necessarily shocked, just a little taken aback.

Whether it was the fact that his own English skills were a little rusty from living in a rural place where not many of his citezens around him spoke anything but Norwegian or the fact that England's accent had thickened he wasn't sure, but Norway was struggling to keep up with him.

"What abar you? Where you living?"

"Er, Narvik. Been there about 7 years. It's nice." Norway said, with not much else to add. Narvik was Narvik. He went fishing occasionally, but other than that he was either buried in paperwork or eating or sleeping these days.

"Fancy a bevvy while we have a natter? There's a bar close by that's proper sound, you'll love it, and no I won't get bladdered before you say anything." England said as they turned the corner, and Norway quite honestly didn't understand a word that he just said.

"A bevvy?" he repeated, and Arthur turned to look at him and raised a large eyebrow,

"Yeah, a drink. Do you not fancy it?"

Norway blinked a couple of times, trying to get his head around England's changed accent. Sure, he knew that dialects and accents were a common thing, and back in his country he had many unique ones himself, but the way that England was rolling his 'r's and talking from the back of his throat on some words was tough enough to understand without the added slang.

"Sorry, yes I'm happy to have a drink with you." Norway said, a smirk crossing his lips at the fact that England was so oblivious to his change in accent.

They talked about this and that while they walked to the bar, England asked after Denmark and Iceland and they discussed the upcoming football championship until they arrived to a wobbly looking old stone pub nestled among the more modern buildings of the city. One of the things that Norway loved about visiting England was hidden gems such as this, and in summer he loved touring old castles and historical sights with Arthur.

Norway stepped inside as England held the door open for him, relieved to be inside and out of the wind. The smell of beer hit him immediately and he could feel the carpet sticking to the bottom of his shoes.

He spotted an empty table and took a seat, England following him and sitting down opposite, taking his gloves off and stuffing them into the pocket of his leather jacket.

"God it's baltic out there, but I'm proper made up that you've come to visit though. Actually this probably isn't that bad for you is it, now you're living in Narvik." England laughed, rubbing his cold hands together before he stood up again, "Let me get you a bev, back in a tick." he said before pushing his way to the bar.

Norway watched England as he leant on the bar, laughing with the bartender and chatting away and sighed, still not fully understanding what the hell he'd just said. He was pleased though that England was happy and settled in Liverpool. He'd had it rough the past couple of years with the whole Brexit thing which had obviously made him move as a distraction if anything else and Norway was glad to be catching up with an old friend, but had he realised that he would struggle to understand England as much as he was then he might not have suggested staying for a whole week...

------

lol. For those people not from the UK and aren't familiar with a Scouse accent I tried to find a video. The best one I could find is still a bit crappy, but the girl at 0:12 is a prime example of how fast Scousers speak that not even I or the subtitles could keep up with her at first.

Click for the video

this fic is the closest I've ever got to writing a crack fic and this is purely self indulgent im sorry lol

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 91 - Campfire Stories, Part 1

As promised, I wanted to do a camping trip and scary stories, since I can’t actually go camping for my birthday this year. And I got A LOT of stories from all of you!  Thank you so much!

Because of all the stories I’ve received, I am going to be doing multiple chapters for the camping trip.  Please enjoy!

“Since when does this lab have trees?” I asked, startled by the amount of towering vegetation as we looked for a safe spot to set up a light emitter in lieu of a campfire. Those trees were definitely not present two weeks ago.

Charly giggled. “Since after the situation with Else.  There was a lot of erosion - and I mean a lot - because of the loss of iron and some issues with the structural integrity, so… Two months? Maybe three?”

Maybe I need to pay more attention to how often I come down here, I admitted to myself. What I remembered as two weeks was, apparently, not two weeks. “I need to add coming down here to my schedule.”

Beside me, Tyche grumbled. “Good luck convincing Alistair of that. Or Xiomara.”

I nearly jumped out of my skin when a deep voice behind us intoned “Most of her security detail is actually assigned to this lab during their work allotment, so Councillor Kalloe would be easier to convince than you think.” Turning, I saw Coffee flash a grin and wink - clearly having seen me startle when he spoke.

“We may have a good spot up here!”

Picking up the pace, I made my way toward Conor’s voice.  The clearing he found was smaller than I expected. “Are we going to have room for all the tents?”

“All three?” Maverick asked with a grunt as he set his pack down. “Ours, Charly and Coffee’s, then Grey and your sister are sharing one. And there’s plenty of space under the trees.” He pointed just outside the clearing.  True enough, the trees weren’t very dense and there was plenty of room for one tent here and there.

“What about Simon and Arthur? They’re just sleeping in the open?”

“It’s not like there are any insects.” I spun to see the previously mentioned educators bringing up the rear. Simon further clarified “Besides, there’s no rain scheduled tonight. I always wanted to sleep in the open air.”

“Lucky fucker,” Arthur grumbled, dropping his pack at his feet. “I think the rest of us have done it entirely too many times.”

Simon had the decency to look sheepish at his faux pas. “Sorry.  I… Keep forgetting, somehow.”

Slapping him on the shoulder, Arthur’s voice lightened up a little. “Dude, I’m fucking with you. You managed to miss the worst of it, and relativity is a bitch.  Besides, I’ll take sleeping rough over being confined to an airlock for six months every single time.”

“I guess that’s fair.”

“Less talkie-talkie, more settie-uppie,” Tyche flapped her hands in a shooing motion.

Throwing my hands up in concession, I started going through our packs.  Quickly, we had the tents set up and seats arranged around the light emitter. Since we weren’t permitted to set a fire, camping food was kind of out.  Instead, Simon was rummaging through the heated pack we brought, handing out containers of roast chicken and potatoes. Happy noises quickly filled the air and I tried to hide my smile. No matter how many times my ‘family’ ate my food, I never stopped feeling good when they enjoyed it.

“You know,” Charly broke the quiet, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of chicken. “We really can’t have a camping trip without telling ghost stories around the fire. Well, sorta-fire.”

“Seriously?” Maverick asked, clearly skeptical. Simon looked equally concerned.

Everyone nodded, and Grey spoke up. “Even I am aware of this tradition, Misters Okima and Rodriguez.”

“No titles!” Simon insisted, shaking his head. “We’re off duty.”

“Okay, scary stories,” Conor interjected. “Who goes first?”

“Ooo! Ooo! Meeeeeee!” Charly waved her hand over her head. After some chuckles at her antics, we all waved for her to continue. Even that brief delay left her looking ready to explode. “There is a monster that seeks to trap the unwary. There are not the sort of creature that hides in shadows or anything so crass as that, they hide in the bright of day. In the bleaching sunlight of high noon when most squint to be able to see. They stay always just on the edge of your vision. A mirage, a heat wave, a trick of the sun. You are always certain that it was nothing. But just in case, you should check it out. You think it came from the tall grass, golden with the sun. Following your hunch and best guess you delve in. Not soon enough you realize the grass is not staying trampled like it should. You turn to go home. Of course now there is no path.  The sun is cruel and merciless. The golden grain is above your head. You are truly lost. There is a far off laughter. Your bones feel uncomfortable. The laughing merciless glee gets closer and you run. You are hot and dizzy and tired. There is a hiss in your ear “ittttt won'ttt be looong noooow.” You feel it eat your panic, savor your fear like a delicacy. You never did get out of that golden field. The marble white of your bones goes so well with the gold afterall. 

Moral of the story? Wear a sun hat and carry a water bottle.”

Silence filled the clearing before Simon broke it. “Annnd you just made fields scary. Thanks for that. What’s the point in telling these stories?”

“It’s all for fun,” Arthur assured him nonchalantly. “Besides, I have one that actually happened.”

“There’s no way you’re telling me ghosts are real,” Simon argued, shaking his head.  He was met only with blank stares and deadpan expressions. “You’re joking,” he cried in disbelief. “Grey, even you? You’re one of the most logical people I’ve ever met!”

“Lacking definitive proof one way or the other, I must accept the possibility of their existence.”

“We can discuss Simon’s disbelief later,” Tyche interrupted. “I love real ghost stories.”

“Always nice to be appreciated,” Arthur nodded. “So. As a teenager, I volunteered at a Boy’s and Girl’s Club. One summer, they had an event that I was staffing. I was gathering up the kids for movie night, and I thought I heard this one little girl giggle in the computer lab. So I look and I see a little Asian girl dive under the desk. I go over and look down there and there’s no one there.

So I ask the coordinator about it later, and she just goes ‘Oh, you met Samantha. That’s cool’.

And I say ‘Wait, what?’

And she says ‘Well…you know this building used to be part of a Japanese internment camp, right? A little girl named Samantha died in the camp and she just kinda pops up every once in a while. Plays hide and seek with the kids. The fact that a bunch of them who met her and all told us her name is how we know it - we looked it up and found out about the girl who died after that.’

I never saw Samantha again, though apparently she’s a pretty benevolent little specter who just plays with the other kids every now and again. It makes me sad to think of her in the After - either alone, unsure where everyone went, or surrounded by new ghosts - other little kids, who never realize they’re dead.”

I wasn’t the only one left sniffling at his last remark.  The idea of a little ghost girl - either alone or now accompanied by immortal playmates who died when the world ended - broke my heart.

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