#the mirror is polly pocket

[meowizard]

rate my setup

[palesmokeisinthevoid]

Even more fankids while I still have freetime because I love these guys

Fancy little kids. They like playing dress up. I’m going to be honest I don’t have much to say about many of the kids because most of them have not existed in my mind for long-

Jewelry box children! Little cuties.

Bentobox kids! These ones I actually have some stuff on. These two are twins and they couldn’t be anymore different. Benny is distant, he doesn’t exactly talk a lot but when he does it’s always in short sentences that are incredibly blunt, he isn’t exactly a people person. Meanwhile Lenny is a lot more talkative but she is incredibly nervous about everything she does.

Midnight Tragedy! The second oldest of the kids (first is Lofty). I made this guy a bit more recently than all the others here (except Gage) so I don’t have much on them yet.

[mydear-corinthian]

Bait || Shelby family x reader

Synopsis: Reader went out partying and the Shelby family's enemy attacked her. Pairing: Shelby family x sister! reader Warnings: ANGST w/ comfort, reader gets injured badly, mentions of blood, stabbing, and violence, swearing Notes: rushed :C, gif is mine Click here to find the MAIN Masterlist Click here to find the PEAKY BLINDERS Masterlist

It was just a usual night in Small Heath. Due to the boredom, you decided to go outside and maybe have a little fun.

You dressed up. A long gold dress decorated your body. A feathered hat decorated your head. And a few pearl jewelry shined your neck, arms, and ears. Grabbing your gold colour purse, you exited your room, spiraling down the wooden stairs of your family's house.

As you went down, Polly saw you. "Where you going, love?" she asked, smiling.

Grabbing a cigarette stick, you placed it on your lips, leaning to Polly as your aunt was also about to light her long black stick of the cancerous stick. "Party, Aunt Pol. I'm getting bored staying in this house," you replied, your cigarette finally lit.

The matriarch of the family took a puff of her cigarette, her serious eyes locked on yours. 

"Where? Who's going with you?" Polly asked.

"Oh, Aunt Pol.., I'll be fine. It's just 2 streets away from here. I'll be home at 2 am."

"Take care and enjoy love," she smiled, opening the door of the house's entrance, allowing you to exit the house.

<>

The only real issue was that you were wearing heels on the short walk from the house to the party location. Warm lights and vehicles adorned the spacious mansion. The estate was packed with elegantly dressed people in suits. You headed straight to the mansion's bar as soon as you got there and ordered a drink for yourself. Your heels reverberated against the bar's porcelain tiles. Men made up the majority of the crowd, and they were all too busy chatting, drinking, and trying to find women to satisfy their lusts.

"Whiskey, please," you ordered. You sat down just in front of the barman, glancing at everyone while waiting for your drink.

There were a few faces, you knew them because of your brother, Tommy and some were rich clients from the betting shop.

Finally, the barman gently placed a glass of whiskey in front of you. "Your drink, Madam."

You thanked him, picked up the glass, and sipped, letting the alcohol wash over your mouth. After placing a couple more drink orders, you made your way to the dance floor and started to dance energetically to the loud music being played. You moved your hips in time with the song's tune. You're waving your arms in the air. As you danced with the women, the dance floor was filled with a chorus of woos and laughs. Drinks were chugged into your system in tremendous amounts.

<>

You excused yourself and your new friends to go the restroom after a few hours of nonstop drinking and dancing. You were relieved that after eating at your place for a few hours, despite having numerous drinks, you were sober. You reapplied your clothing and your cherry lipstick as you straightened your hair in front of the big mirror. It's almost two, you realize as you glance at your pocket watch. Because you're the kind of person who takes responsibility seriously, is mature, and always arrives on time, Polly wasn't concerned about you going out late to party. After gathering your belongings, you put them back into your golden handbag and head out of the bathroom.

Finally saying goodbye to your new girlfriends, your heels found their way to the mansion's exit. Since you were sober already, you decided to take a walk back home.

As you walk through the dark streets of Birmingham, you cannot help but feel uneasy. You felt like you weren't alone at all. You felt that someone or somebody was following you.

And you were right.

Reaching for your pocket gun, you tried to protect yourself from the person who was following you by looking over your shoulder. You were too late, though. You were forcefully grabbed by two men, one of whom disarmed your gun. You were trapped against the wall by two rough pairs of arms, your head hitting the rocky concrete. Particularly on your stomach, you felt something cold and sharp graze your flesh, and the pain eventually got intolerable.

"What the fuck do you want!" you panted weakly, feeling a warm liquid drip on the side of your stomach.

"Just.. sending a message to your git brother," the low Irish accent sent shivers down your spine.

Campbell.

On the other hand, Polly was at the dining table, a cigarette in her hand as she watched the clock tick.

It was already past 2 and she started to get worried. You always come home on time - not even a minute late.

Polly hurriedly went to the telephone and dialed Tommy's number, her fingers shivering.

"Hello?"

"Tommy,"

"Pol? Why are you calling at this hour?"

"I-it's (y/n). She's not home yet and I'm starting to get worried. Oh God, Tommy. What if something happened to her?" Polly stammered, holding the telephone pole tightly.

"Not at home? I'll call John and Arthur." Tommy replied before ending the call.

<>

You tried to move and get out from their touch but due to the injury that you had, you were getting weaker.

"Tell your fucking boss to fuck off!" you hollered, heaving due to the pain down your stomach.

Punches rained down on you so hard you were gasping for air and screaming in pain as two strong fists crashed into your stomach and chest. Every blow sent waves of pain through your body, causing your legs to buckle and your breath to come in short, frantic gasps. Every strike was brutal, breaking your will and power in the process.

During the cruel assault, a fresh, burning pain suddenly appeared in your abdomen. Compared to previous experiences, this feeling was sharper and stronger. Frightened, you looked down to see the sparkle of a blade pressing against your body again. The man with the knife was cautious, taking his time as he carved the initials "C.C" into your flesh. The letters were an endless source of pain and abuse burned into your mind.

Dizziness was starting to get worse and worse but you paid no mind as you built up all of your strength to get up and grab your gun that was thrown on the cold hard bricks of the dark alley. Your cold fingertips pulled the trigger, emptying the bullet chamber by shooting them non-stop.

Two bodies were now on the cold floor, both lifeless, and their blood pooling out of their bodies, mixing with the hard concrete.

"You don't fuck with the Peaky Blinders."

Taking a deep breath at what happened, you stood up but moaned in pain after you felt the cuts and bruises all over your body. Looking down at your stomach, your dress was slit and filled with your blood.

"Jesus Christ," you muttered. Leaving your bag alone and limply walked back to the house.

Every step was a painful fight and the walk seemed to go on forever. Your back was laden with weight, and the pressure turned your spine into a throbbing rod of agony. Your single shoe scraped the uneven sidewalk, causing sharp pains to shoot through your leg with each step. As you struggled to remain straight the world around you became hazy and wobbly, and your vision became less sharp at the edges. You could feel consciousness sliding away, hovering on the edge of darkness, and every breath was a strained gasp. If you returned home without passing out, you were quite lucky.

Thankfully, you did.

Your bloodied palm opened the silver-colored knob, twisting it, and opened the door with all of your might.

There Polly was, looking at you with widened eyes. She ran towards you immediately, checking up on you.

"Dear God (y/n)! What happened to you?!"

Your body became weak due to a lack of strength in your muscles. You had a really pale face. Your dress was stained and damaged by your blood, and your hair is disheveled. Your aunt's voice fades more and further, the walls in your head beginning to swirl. After that, all you could see was darkness.

Polly caught you before your head contact with the wooden floor. Your arm limped on her touch.

The whole Shelby family including Michael, arrived at the doorstep, looking at the scene in front of them with their eyes locked and widened.

"Help me out here!"

As Polly commanded, everyone went inside. Tommy, John, and Arthur carried you gently before placing you on the dinner table that was filled with glasses and plates. Tommy removed the items on the table before Arthur placed you there. Michael and Ada quickly grabbed the first aid kit that was inside the kitchen room's wooden cabinet.

When Polly teared up your dress, she gasped.

"C.C.. Fucking Campbell," Polly's voice hissed, seeing the carved initials on your stomach, bleeding harshly.

Your breaths started to get faint and weaker, your body started to get cold.

"Stay with me, (y/n)," Ada whispered between sobs as she watched Polly do something with your wounds and help her aunt hand out the supplies that she needed.

"Fuck.. Fuck!" Tommy shouted, walking in circles as he rubbed his temples harshly.

"Arthur, John, Finn, Michael, find Campbell immediately!" he ordered.

"Bring me back his fucking head."

Michael and the brothers moved quickly, their actions a blur of rage and anger. They took immediate action after realizing this. With a mixture of terror and determination, their hands trembled as they took out their firearms from their pockets. The icy steel of the weapons was comforting, a guarantee of justice for the wrongs done.

They left the home without saying anything, the wooden door slamming shut behind them with a loud crash. They were barely aware of the sharp, biting night air. Their only thought was to locate the person who was responsible for this. 

"She isn't even part of this fucking shit and yet she was targeted,"

Polly's eyes shot daggers with Tommy's blue orbs while her hands focused on healing up the wounds all over your stomach.

"You better fucking catch him, Tommy."

As soon as Polly's done patching you up, she stormed out in front of her nephew, disappointed at him.

"I'll look out for (y/n). You heard Aunt Pol, catch that bastard," Ada said, fixing up the used cotton and alcohol before throwing it out.

Tommy sighed as he exited the house. Looking for the man who did this to you.

<>

You woke up with the sunlight beaming on you. Looking at your surroundings, you noticed where you were right away.

Slowly, you tried getting up but your body fell again, moaning in pain.

"Easy, (y/n). Don't move, your wounds are still fresh," Ada said, slowly guiding your back to allow you to lie down comfortably.

"A-Ada, I was so scared... I didn't know what was going on.."

Your eyes were starting to get wet until tears were dropping down your cheeks as you recalled what happened last night.

You were so traumatized. You didn't want to remember again. 

And that time, you knew that remembering is a curse.

"You're safe now, love. We're here now," Polly said, her arms locked with yours, giving you a comforting smile.

The door opened, and your brothers were there.

They immediately greeted you and asked how you were.

"God, love. I'm sorry that happened to you," your oldest brother, Arthur, said, gently combing your hair with his rough fingertips.

"It's okay, Arthur. I'm fine now,"

"We got him already," Finn remarked.

The gang leader showed up, his coat hanging on the chair. His footsteps echoed in the room as he approached you, placing his palms on your head.

"How are you now?" he asked, sighing.

"Fucking scared, Tom. I nearly died! This is fucked up."

"I know, (y/n). I know."

Polly stood up in the middle of the small argument, shutting the both of you. Her fists curl up like a ball, her brows knit together.

"Let her rest first, Tom. She had enough already," she said.

"I'm sorry," he apologized softly before exiting the house.

Tommy felt simply anger and guilt. Even though his sister isn't involved in the business, she was the one targeted. She's currently in there getting better from the physical and emotional trauma she recently went through.

"You're safe now, love." Polly gave you a comforting smile before asking the other Shelby siblings for breakfast. 

"Thank you, Aunt Pol."

[look-at-the-soul]

Every little thing you do- Part 10

Tommy Shelby x reader

Series master list

Word count: 3,765

A/N: I was debating whether or not to take this turn in the story but here we are… tell me what you think, what will happen next? 😊 sometimes I get ideas from your comments✨ thank you for following this series!!

Y/N felt like she was in a dream as she looked at herself in the mirror, she was wearing a gorgeous dress in a creamy tone, her hair glamorously curled and pinned up and very little make up, but everything looked so put together.

She felt like a princess.

With a huge baby bump. She giggled, until she got dressed she didn’t think the dress would fit, but surprisingly it did… and it had a beautiful line full of small crystals right under her breasts and over her bump. She had been half twirling just to catch the light, it was beautiful and delicate and it had costed a fortune, but Polly insisted it was appropriate for the occasion.

Never in her wildest dreams, she could’ve afforded something like that, but Polly basically forced her to get it, she didn’t leave the boutique until Y/N nodded.

It had been a few busy weeks, the Shelby Fundation Dinner planning kept her so busy lately, she had several meetings with vendors to make sure everything would be perfect. Y/N personally supervised the menu, music and flowers, the party held at Arrow House a couple of weeks ago would look small compared to this Gala for the Institution.

Her baby startled wriggling a lot, so Y/N decided to pace around the room in an attempt to settle down.

Meanwhile, downstairs something entirely different was happening. Mary just learned that Mr. Davis -Mr. Shelby’s driver-, had been sneaking from Arrow House with a basket of food and other goodies under that intruder instructions to the Shelby Institute to give it to an unknown person that was living there. But other than that he refused to speak more. She felt upset, that Y/N felt with authority enough to feed someone else off Mr. Shelby’s pocket, because given the fact that Mr. Davis was trying to keep a low profile, when she asked if Mr. Shelby knew about it, the man shook his head.

But she’d reveal the truth and let her master know.

Running her fingers over the table, she checked it looking for any trace of dust. Pleased she then arranged the curtain and finally smoothing her apron, she waited patiently as Mr. Shelby parked his car outside.

“Mary.” He acknowledged her.

“Mr. Shelby I’m so glad you arrived… there’s something I need to tell you.” She explained while hanging his coat.

“Not now Mary, I’ve to get ready for the Institution’s Dinner.” Tommy replied taking the stairs.

“Oh.” The maid smoothed her apron. “Can I help you to get ready then?”

But Tommy was already shaking his head, but as he reached the last step, he changed his mind. “Actually yes, come with me.”

Mary could hardly hide the smirk of satisfaction playing on her face. Would she help him getting into the bath? Or pass down his tuxedo while he got dressed?

Her answer would come shortly as Tommy emerged from his dressing room with a black velvet box. “Go and find Y/N, give her this necklace and help her with the final touches for the Dinner.”

Disappointment flashed through Mary’s face as she stared at the box. “But…”

“Go Mary.” Tommy ushered her outside his bedroom without another glance.

Mary stomped her feet quietly and pursed her lips into a tight line, she didn’t want to help that sinful woman, but she had to obey Mr. Shelby.

“Come in.” Y/N stated when she heard the knock on her door. “Oh, Mary… I thought it might be Tommy.”

“Mr. Shelby is busy.” She clasped her hands together. As much as she disliked, Y/N looked good, her hair perfectly styled and the dress fit like a glove. But she didn’t deserve a compliment.

“Right. Well… guess I’ll wait.” Y/N mumbled starting to feel uncomfortable under Mary’s stare.

“I was asked to hand you this.” The maid explained under her breath. “I hope you really take good care of it, since it’s so expensive.”

The blue stone shone under the room’s light, making Y/N catch her breath.

Mary was still wondering what made Y/N so special to deserve a gift like that, according to her, she didn’t deserve it nor all the benefits she also got for being under Mr. Shelby’s protection.

Y/N looked down at her lap after being reminded once more of her place in Tommy’s life.

The feeling of the cold sapphire against her skin made her come back to reality. Staring back at her reflection, she felt as if the jewel was mocking her, like shouting how ridiculous it looked on her and a shiver ran down her body.

“Who are you hiding?” Mary asked raising her chin in a cocky way. “I know you’ve been stealing food from the kitchen.”

“No one.” Y/N’s words came out shaky as she gave the maid a nervous look.

“I wonder if Mr. Shelby knows…”

Worry flashed over Y/N’s features, she hadn’t got the chance to talk to Tommy about Frances yet, because he had been either at a trip, busy with some business, solving a family affair or visiting a factory. He hadn’t been involved in the Institution event either, he only managed to hand her a list of the important guests he wanted to attend. That led her to be in charge of most of the things, including the decision to help Frances without his approval.

“I think Mr. Shelby shouldn’t have give you so many liberties, you come and go as you please, have your relatives staying over as guests and now you’re feeding another mouth out of his pocket, how ungrateful and opportunist.”

Leaving Y/N to deal with her own guilt, Mary walked out of the bedroom.

She was used to Tommy’s unlimited generosity, he went above and beyond for her and her baby, but the maid was right, there was a thin line and sometimes it felt as if she was stepping over it, her baby would need food, clothes, medicines, it would be expensive and even though Tommy had made clear he was more than able to provide for everything, it felt wrong, it wasn’t his responsibility.

Another knock on the door startled her pulling Y/N abruptly from her thoughts.

It was Claire, the maid who was kind to her. “Miss Y/N, just wanted to let you know the car is ready… oh you look so pretty!”

The unexpected compliment made Y/N smile momentarily.

“Is everything alright?”

Blinking to push her emotions away, Y/N gave her a nod. “Just trying to find a way to put on my shoes, this belly is on the way.”

“Let me help.” The young maid offered without hesitation. “I heard Mary’s furious for being asked to help you so I decided to see if you needed something.”

Kneeling in front of her, the maid took her feet and placed the shoe against her lap, then the other.

“You’re so kind to me.”

Claire thought Y/N didn’t deserve to be treated the way she did by some people, she knew the reason she was living there was because her parents didn’t support her. And she had experienced a similar situation when her cousin Amanda got kicked out of her house, she went to her house temporarily and then got married to the father of her baby, sadly she passed away during the birth and the child got placed into an orphanage. But she refused to share that story, Miss Y/N didn’t need those kind of thoughts.

“It’s going to be chilly, you’ll need to wear the stole.”

A sigh escaped Y/N’s lips. Ada had lent her the hair clip she was wearing, a lipstick and the fur stole. To her it all seemed like too much, even Polly insisted on getting her a nice perfume, she didn’t dare to ask how much it was, she preferred to save that money instead, but to the Shelby family it was important, part of the image they wanted to portray for society and after all they had done for her it was at least she could do.

Her heart was drumming as she stepped at the top of the stairs, it was like a dream. So surreal, this kind of event was like the ultimate ball, it was crucial for the kids to get enough donations to run the Institute.

At the loud sound of a thunder, Y/N gasped.

“Is just the bad weather.” Mr. Davis informed her from the front seat.

“Right… I’m just nervous.”

“Miss Y/LN?” He asked with a hint of doubt in his voice. “Do you think you can speak to Mr. Shelby for me? I’m afraid of what Mary might tell him and I really need the job.”

Mr. Davis only helped her deliver the groceries and food to Frances on her behalf, he wasn’t responsible, so she assured him she’d explain everything to Tommy as soon as she could.

Tommy hurried across the room to tuck in his shirt, zipping his pants he then started fixing the cummerbund. Hair fresh from the shower, he sprayed some lotion.

Staring at the mirror, he skillfully tied the bow.

“Fuck.” He breathed out as he took a look at the clock, he wanted to arrive to the venue early to greet the guests. Placing the cuffs in place he stood in front of the mirror for a second to make sure his hair was perfectly combed.

The speech he had prepared was safely guarded inside the pocket of his jacket, now he just needed to get his coat from the downstairs closet.

“Jesus, you scared me Mr. Shelby.” Mary stated as he stormed off his bedroom. “Before you go, I need to tell you something important.”

Tommy rolled his shoulders as he made it halfway the staircase.

“Later, I’ve to go Mary.”

“I must insist, just want you to know Miss Y/N has been taking food from the kitchen to give it to someone, and there are some sheets and towels missing too.”

Tommy stopped abruptly to look back at her.

Pondering in his maid’s words he tried to find a way out.

“Don’t worry Mary, I’m aware.” He stated and then, continued to rush downstairs.

But he didn’t know and confusion invaded his mind as he put on his coat. Why would Y/N do something like that? It didn’t make sense, but right now he could only think of the event, he needed it to be perfect.

On his way to the vehicle, he thought of finding a way to make Y/N understand she could take everything she wanted or needed and she didn’t need to hide. But he couldn’t help but wonder who was that person?

“Hey.” She greeted him as he made his way into the back seat next to her.

Her genuine smile welcomed Tommy, instinctively he passed an arm behind her head to make her feel comfortable.

“Hello,” then he instructed the driver to go.

“I thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“Yeah something came up and I wasted some time, but here we go… are you ready for the big event?”

“I can’t wait.”

“Looking good ey?” Tommy couldn’t help but notice the subtle make up she was wearing and that glow she carried everywhere made her features stand out. “So fancy.”

He couldn’t see it in the dim light, but Y/N blushed, his words made her feel confident.

Y/N adjusted the stole around her shoulders.

“Ada said this would keep me warm.” She wasn’t used to this kind of luxury. “And she also lent me this hair brooch.”

Turning her head around, she showed Tommy.

“Hmm.” He hummed, taking in the little details Y/N was showing him, she sounded like a kid in a candy store. “I remember that, gave it to her for her 21st birthday.”

“I know, she told me.” Y/N explained fixing her eyes on the man sitting next to her, he was so selflessly generous, there was no one else like him. And he looked so handsome.

Over the years she had heard people speak of him out of fear, out of anger and resentment, and every single time she had jumped right there and then to defend him, because she only knew this side of him.

“Do you’ve the pendant?” He asked wriggling his eyebrows and with a playful smile growing on his lips.

“I’m terrified to lose it.”

Unconsciously, Y/N touched the cold stone hanging from her neck.

Tommy asked her to show it to him so she let the stole fall from her shoulders and threw her head slightly back so Tommy could have a better look of the present he gave her.

For a couple of seconds she held her breath as his eyes fixed on the necklace.

Then his eyes slid lower, to her cleavage, the valley of her breasts captured all his attention and it was Tommy’s turn to hold his breath. He couldn’t help but notice the evident change in her frame apart from the obvious bump… quickly he cleared his throat and looked away feeling guilty for the sudden turn his thoughts took.

“It’s heavy.” Y/N stated oblivious of what just crossed his mind, when Tommy shifted on his seat, she looked at him. “Are you sure it isn’t too much?”

As soon as the car parked, Tommy rushed to walk around the car to help her down. “It’s perfect.” He admitted focusing now on the ground instead of her.

“There’s Polly.” Greeting her with enthusiasm, Y/N praised her look and beauty, she was stunning.

“Let’s get inside, shall we?” She urged Y/N and offered her hand for her to take the steps.

“What are we gushing about?”

Polly’s smile grew impossibly big. “There’s a man that wants to do my portrait.”

“The painter from the party?”

Polly nodded as someone approached to get their coats.

But their chat was soon interrupted by the impressive decoration at the venue.

“Wow this is breathtaking.” Polly stated holding Y/N’s hand.

It was eye catching, the chandeliers on the bases and flowers looked so elegant, it was the perfect way to greet people.

Y/N felt so proud of what she had achieved after working for so long in this event, choosing the best flowers, the best dishes, selecting the greatest band in the city. And it was all paying out. Hopefully they’ll get a lot of people donating for the Institution.

Tommy who had been stopped by the entrance couldn’t stop his eyes from following Y/N. There was something in her that put him in some kind of spell.

“Oh, this looks lovely my dear.” Y/N’s grandma finally arrived, linking her arm to her granddaughter, she smiled proudly. “And why are you so beautiful?”

“Because I look just like you.” Y/N kissed her cheek lovingly and returned the compliment as Tommy walked towards them.

“I hope you’re planning to dance all night, eh?” He winked at Y/N’s grandma.

“Oh Tommy I wish… but now I’m old and I don’t want to look like a fool.”

“Grandma, none of that.” Y/N chuckled. “I’ll be right back to welcome the guests.”

“Well, well Tommy Shelby knows how to throw a party.” Ada tilted her head, she wasn’t surprised by her brother’s wealth, but his need to let everybody know.

He cleared his throat, aching for a smoke. “Money can get you anything, Ada.”

“Oh yeah?” Those eyes of hers reminded him so much of his mother. “And what about love, Tom? Can you buy a wife too?”

The truth in her words felt like knife opening his chest in two.

No, he could always for sex yes, but not love. Shifting his weight from one foot to another, his eyes found Y/N in the back of the salon greeting a guest and taking the envelope with the donation they promised.

As more guests joined them, Tommy moved from group to group, not really listening to what they were saying but he had to pretend.

“Tommy.” Y/N touched his shoulder. “He’s the leader of the Birmingham City Council.”

“Hello Tommy.” They greeted each other.

“Danny.”

Until they started chatting, she realized they already knew each other, but as Danny was explaining their business, Tommy’s posture changed and he got tense. Following his eyes, she found the man that visited at the Institute once.

Y/N couldn’t understand what that priest was doing there, she couldn’t recall having him in the guest list specially after Tommy asked her to be extra cautious when it came to him. But she couldn’t interfere either so she let Tommy deal with him, she still had to greet lots of people anyways.

“Oh hi Esme!” Y/N stopped for a second in front of John’s wife. “Look at you.”

But Esme’s attention was fixed on the necklace, the sapphire hanging from Y/N’s neck. She felt something indescribable and an urgency to stand as far as possible from it invaded her.

“Who gave you that?” She asked Y/N bluntly.

It was dark, sinister and she didn’t like it at all. Esme could barely stand to look at the stone.

Confused, Y/N frowned. “Tommy, why? It’s a gift.”

Worry installed in her heart, Esme could feel her throat closing, the energy coming off the stone made her feel dizzy and she could only see black dots blurry her vision, as Y/N called for John to check on his wife.

There was nothing Y/N could do, she felt bad for Esme not feeling well but sadly she needed to attend the guests.

A woman approached her with a foreign accent.

“I’m the Duchess Tatiana Petrovna.”

Once Y/N left behind her initial shock, she wondered how did she end up in the same room with someone who was part of the royalty. She tried to do a small curtsy, just like she was taught.

Tatiana smirked and noticed the necklace.

“You know I’m used to wear jewels all the time, it must’ve fascinating for you to have the chance to have it loaned.”

Y/N had to bit her tongue hard to remain quiet and don’t fire back as the Duchess deserved.

“I wonder what you must’ve done for Mr. Shelby to give you that.” Her words and tone clearly meant to humiliate Y/N but she was used by now and she wasn’t in the mood.

It was either her mother, Mary, the rest of the people and now a woman who owned a royal title who wanted to make her feel like she didn’t deserve anything.

“You can ask him why, Duchess.”

Tatiana watched her with wide eyes. “Oh, my my… you’ve character.”

With a sigh, Tommy joined them, now they wanted him to take the Duchess to the factory, he didn’t trust Father Hughes and he didn’t trust the Russians either.

“You should’ve kissed my hand.” Tatiana flirted openly, directing her eyes towards Y/N, she wanted to show her she was in charge and even a man like Thomas Shelby obeyed her.

Observing the interaction between them, felt a sudden urge to stand in front of the Duchess to place some distance between her and Tommy. She couldn’t hear the rest of their conversation, she was blinded by jealousy by the mere thought of them together but…why?

As Tommy noticed Tatiana’s intentions he motioned Ada to take Y/N away.

“There’s a Lady that wants to talk about a donation to the Institution, Y/N come with me?” Ada was suddenly leading her in another direction.

Tatiana was definitely after Tommy. If they got together, what would happen to her? Would Tommy still support her and her baby?

“If you excuse me, I’ll go to the powder room.” Y/N gave the woman and Ada an apologetic look and excused herself, feeling grateful for having a minute to calm down at the internal turmoil she was dealing with.

Tommy was looking for Y/N hysterically, heart pounding inside his chest, worry showing across his forehead. “Have you seen Y/N?” He asked Arthur, who only raised his hands and shook his head.

That sapphire is cursed by a gypsy.- Tatiana’s words repeating over and over in his head.

He didn’t believe in God anymore, he didn’t believe in fate either. But he religiously believed in gypsy curses.

He needed that fucking necklace off Y/N. Why the hell did he have to give it to her?

She must mean something to you if you gave her such a pretty jewel.- she had stated before explaining about the curse.

Suddenly people moved and he spotted Y/N talking to someone.

“Come with me.” He ordered pulling her by the arm.

“Calm down, what’s happening?” She asked with a frown.

“Give me the necklace.” His words came out rushed, he was desperate.

“What? Why?���

“Give me the fucking necklace. Now.” He barked confusing Y/N more.

Feeling overwhelmed by the strange situation, Y/N felt bothered and sensible.

“Why would you give it to me then?” She asked but Tommy interrupted her, his hands on her shoulders shaking her slightly.

“I need you to be safe, Y/N.” But he refused to explain further.

Locking his eyes with her, she couldn’t understand what was crossing in his mind.

“Fuck this, fuck these people… we don’t need it.”

Words wouldn’t come out as he wanted, he needed to rip off the necklace from her.

“But Tommy…” what did he mean about fuck this? The event she had worked so hard on?

What did it had to do with the necklace?

“Y/N… please?”

His grip on her shoulders got tighter. This abrupt need to protect her from all evil that it was baffling, it made him feel uneasy but at the same time it was relieving as she grinned and moved her hand back to take the necklace off.

“Damn you Tommy Shelby”

In matter of seconds, everything changed… there was a shout and commotion. Before Tommy could react, he realized Y/N was a death weight against his chest.

There was blood. A lot.

“Y/N?!” He shouted.

Tommy heard himself call for an ambulance but he wasn’t sure anymore.

“You’re going to be alright. Take it easy.” Gently, he caressed her face. “Save your energy.”

“Tommy? It’s getting dark…” Y/N mumbled.

“Don’t close your eyes Y/N… stay with me!”

Next part

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[brummiereader]

PREVIOUS PART

Hopelessly Devoted (PART THREE)

Summary: After the previous day's events relentlessly play out in your head you come to the realisation it's time to move on from any hopes you had of rekindling your relationship with Tommy. But just as you decided to turn the page, Tommy's thoughts begin to be plagued by the past. His attempts at confessing how he really feels short lived when he discovers he has been betrayed on the day his plan to take out Billy Kimber falls apart.

Warnings: Language, angst, mutual pining

Authors note: The song Y/N sings is "Where have all the flowers gone" covered by Olivia Newton-John.

" Shit..." you said as you looked in your bathroom mirror dabbing the cut on your throat with a cotton ball doused in alcohol as you glanced down at your trembling hand, quickly grabbing it with the other to stop the shaking as your frustration with the constant nerves engulfing your every waking breath refused to relent. Walking over to your bed you sat down as tears began to form in the corner of your eyes. How was there even any left? You thought to yourself as you rested your head in your hand, exhausted from another night of almost no sleep. Biting the corner of your mouth you gave up letting the tears fall down your arm as the previous day's events played out in your head, tormenting you over and over again at the bitter pill you had finally forced yourself to swallow. This was it. I'ts over, there was no point in trying to kid yourself into thinking otherwise. Tommy may not have said the words to you himself but Kimber's men had made it clear to you of his feelings when they had a knife pushed up against your neck threatening your life. He was protecting the new barmaid he had known for five minutes by giving your name so freely, putting you in harm's way, the woman he had known his whole life the same woman he once wanted to marry at all cost. You thought to yourself as you glanced at his pocket watch sitting on your bedside table, glaring at it as if he had returned his love back to you, discarding anything he once felt for you like he had with your own feelings for him. Standing up you wiped your tears away as you straightened your body out trying to regain some sort of control over your emotions. Would he even care if you told him what happened when you left the Garrison? What did it even matter, you quickly determined. You had no intentions of telling him, you would not let him think you needed his protection, have him pity you, have him believe you couldn't fend for yourself. You was on your own now that much was clear, his feelings towards you finally understood when he replaced the one thing you never thought he would with such disregard and heartlessness. If Tommy was moving on it was time you did the same. No more tears no more day dreaming of what could have been. From this day forward you promised yourself not to let the heartbreak he had caused you drag you down any further. New me, new start. You mentally hummed to yourself like a mantra as you looked in the mirror hanging on the wall, holding up the burgundy dress you had picked out against your body. "Fuck him" you said as you nodded at your reflection, reassuring yourself on the hardest decision you had ever made. Grace can have him, good luck to her.

" Where is she?" Tommy huffed as he loomed over the large table in the room adjacent to the betting shop as his family looked on shrugging their shoulders. " I dont have fucking time to wait around for her shit" Tommy said as he pulled out his new pocket watch, the weight of it not feeling the same, the shape of it not sitting in his hand how he liked how he had become accustomed to.

" Yes your relentless brooding over her is not obvious at all" Polly uttered quietly under her breath as she licked her finger, turning the page of the newspaper in front of her as Arthur and John sniggered at eachother.

" What's that, hm?" Tommy said as he leaned forward his eyes darting between the three of them as Arthur put his hands up in defence unable to hold back the laugh he had been trying to keep in. You were getting under his skin, and Arthur found it the most comical thing he witnessed all week.

" Sorry brother" Arthur said as he sniffed back his laughs clearing his throat. "But she always has had you by your balls. Not that you'll ever admit it" Arthur snickered as the whole room let out a burst of small laughs whilst Tommy's face twisted in anger. There was nothing more loving than teasing a family member in the Shelby house.

" Right you all done? " he said pointing at everyone as he pulled his pocket watch out to check the time again " Five minutes" he mumbled as he clenched his jaw. " I'll fire every single one of you" Tommy muttered as he sat down in his chair with a huff.

" Alright now that you've had your little temper tantrum can we get to business. And she's ten minutes late not five" Polly said taking a sip of tea, a smile on her lips as she watched the realisation on Tommy's face. His watch for the first time in ten years was on time. Fuck. He had become so used to it being five minutes late he would plan all his meetings around the little habit you had started ten years ago, never bothering to or wanting to turn it to the right time. Except this time you was ten minutes late. Just as Tommy was about to get into another rant about your tardiness the sound of your heels echoing loudly though the betting shop had everyone but Tommy turn their head.

"Fabulous" Polly mouthed to you when you walked into the room, motioning up and down with her hand at your outfit as Tommy's head nearly flew of his neck when he turned to face John and the wolf whistle he had just sent your way.

"There she is" Arthur said, sending you a wink of approval as you strutted through the room with a new air of confidence passing by Tommy as he finally turned his head to you. Looking you up and down Tommy cleared his throat as he shifted in his seat hitching his trousers further up, his eyes widening as he looked you over. Was this for his benefit or everyone else's he wondered as he looked at the way your dress hugged every curve of your body, every curve he could never keep his hands off.

" You're late" he said as his eyes pierced into you, piercing through that fucking dress you had decided to wear to make him jealous, to torment him. He thought to himself as he tried to stay composed, tried to stop himself from saying something he would regret.

" Oh am I?" you replied nonchalantly as you pulled a chair out from the side, scrapping it along the floor to the opposite end of the end of table. " Only five minutes though" you said sitting down, having not once looked at him since you entered the room.

" Ten" Tommy replied as he leaned his elbow on the arm of his chair, his fingers resting in front of his lips as he watched you brush your hair behind your shoulder. Something was different. And since when did you start wearing dresses like that? Tommy thought to himself when he suddenly determined you had a new man. His only evidence being that dress he couldn't keep his eyes off and the small remark you made the other day about your relationship being over, a remark that had been playing on his mind ever since. His eyes still boring into you, Tommy quickly decided he'd find the bastard you was dating and rip his throat out for daring to go near you. Had everyone forgotten the warning he had given?

" Replaced that too I see" you said finally looking up as your eyes locked onto each others, a smirk on you lips as you enjoyed your new founded confidence. Last night's events had finally given you the push you needed, the wake up call you had been longing for.

"Shall we start" Polly said as everyone else who had been watching your interactions finally shifted their eyes away from the palpable tension between you. Nodding his head Tommy lit a cigarette shaking the flame from the match as he continued to watch you in the corner of his eye.

All throughout the meeting you could feel the heat of his glare burning into your cheeks with every minute that passed whilst you constantly fidgeted in your chair, desperately wanting to free yourself from his incessant stare. Your confidence was back but not enough to face his piercing blue eyes that he enjoyed watching you squirm under and the foul mood he had forced you and everyone else to endure. As for Tommy he had no interest in what his family had to stay. Instead he was more concerned as to what had you looking so pleased with yourself so poised, a far cry from how you had been in recent years. His concerns only heightened when John went over dates for an event Tommy had planned for everyone in celebration. A celebration for what, nobody new yet.

"Talked with Aunt Pol, only date free is February the fifteenth, in a month's time for your...whatever it is" John said chewing on the end of his pencil as he squinted at his handwriting on the piece of paper in front of him. " No the sixteenth" he said looking up as Polly rolled her eyes.

" The nineteenth" she said as she shook her head at her nephew whilst John shrugged his shoulders replacing the pencil in his mouth with a toothpick.

" Right yeh, fine" Tommy said as he mentally went through the dates in his head, hoping his plans in a week's time would go the way he wanted to actually have something to celebrate about. "Y/N you gonna write that down?" he said looking to you as he tapped his fingers on the table trying to gain your attention.

" I can't come" you said as you finished writing in your notebook finally looking up to see the irritation growing in Tommy's face.

" It's a company gathering. You don't have a choice. Moving on..." Tommy said as he flicked his ash into the glass dish beside him as he lent back into his chair.

" I'm not obligated. It wasn't in my contract" you said as you crossed your arms.

" You don't have a contract" Tommy scoffed as he rubbed his brow in frustration.

" Well I want one, that way I know exactly where I stand"

"Think you're making it pretty clear were you stand sweetheart" Tommy said as you glared at him. " So what is it that has you so busy you can't come, care to share it with us?"

" I have plans with someone" you lied. In truth, you didn't have any reason to not got to Tommy's event. You just didn't want to, knowing you wouldn't be able to endure another evening watching him with her again.

"You have plans with someone in a month's time? Who?" Tommy asked stubbing out his cigarette getting annoyed with your short response" With who Y/N?"

" What's it got to do with you?"

" Another man, is that it hm? You fuckin..."

" Right think we're done ay" Arthur said standing up as he clapped his hands together cutting Tommy off in attempt to break the tension before a slagging match ensued between you both. Staring eachother down you was the first to get up, briskly walking away with a scowl on your face as Tommy brushed his hand down his face.

" See that fucking attitude I have to deal with?" Tommy said as he stood up turning to Arthur. It wasn't the first spat you had ever had in front of everyone but it had been the first time in a long time that you finally bit back at his words, catching him of guard.

" Wonder where she learnt that?" Arthur said as he placed his hand on Tommy's shoulder before walking off with a smirk on his face.

" I won't stand for this kind of attitude in a work place! Hey, you all listening to me?" Tommy shouted as he turned to everyone in the betting office and their weak attempts to hide the amusement on their faces.

" We hear you baby brother!" Arthur called out as he grabbed his hat walking out the door. Clearly everyone was mad at him, mad at the way he had treated you the previous evening in the Garrison . But Tommy was just as mad at himself for letting the events play out. He felt blindsided by Grace's gift. He needed you to know that, he needed you to know the last thing he wanted was to be parted from it.

It had been a few hours since the meeting when the tension between you and Tommy had almost turned into a full blown argument one that potentially had the chance of you launching anything you could find at him. Thankfully Arthur had intervened, stopping you from embarrassing yourselves in front of the whole betting shop. For the remainder of the day you had stayed out of each others way letting your anger towards one another simmer down. But an hour before closing time Tommy had called you into his office. His plan was to apologise for the previous evening, albeit in a cold uniquely Tommy way. But nonetheless he felt guilty for what had happened last night. Little did he know, he was only going to make things worse. As you entered his office Tommy looked up from the various papers on his desk to the scowl still spread across your face. You was clearly still mad at him, did he really think he could just apologise and his cruel actions would be forgotten?

" Hand me my diary" he asked as he rubbed his forefinger above his top lip watching you as you crossed your arms in frustration. Did he seriously ask you in here to fetch his diary for him ? You thought to yourself as you stormed over to the shelves behind him as he cleared his throat reaching for the pack of cigarettes on his desk. Slamming it on the table in front of him you started to walk off when he grabbed your arm stopping you.

" I need you to write down the dates John gave at the meeting" he said as he looked up at you and the storm of anger building in your face.

" You couldn't have done that yourself?"

" Forgot them" he said as he picked up a pencil handing it to you.

" You never forget anything Thomas Shelby" you snapped back grabbing the pencil from his hand as you started turning the pages, a little huff leaving your throat that Tommy couldn't help but smile at. " What's this?" you asked pointing at a black star one week from today.

" The day I finish my dealings with Kimber. The dates" he said nodding at the book, lighting a cigarette as your hand wavered over the paper at the confirmation from Tommy himself that what Kimber's men had said yesterday when they had you pushed up against the brick wall behind your home was Indeed true. Turning the page a sudden surge of discomfort started to build within you, a discomfort you hadn't felt since he left for France. He was putting his life at risk once again, and the only reaction you had was worry, worry that he wouldn't come back from it. " There" you said quietly, pushing the book towards him as you turned to leave.

" Y/N' wait" Tommy said as he stood up walking over to you." The other day at the Garrison...the pocket watch i didn't want to.."

" Just stop Tommy" you said as put your hand up cutting him off " We've both moved on, why hold onto the past right? " you added as Tommy let out a deep sigh whilst you turned your head away from him avoiding as much eye contact as you possibly could.

" That's the thing, I never mov... What's that?" He said as he moved your hair away from your neck, you body flinching as his thumb rubbed along the small knife mark on your skin. " Y/N who did that to you?" Tommy said, his voice getting lower as a surge of anger started to course through him.

" It's nothing Tommy"

" Nothing? You're lying" he replied with a scoff as he moved your hair away again, ducking his head down to to get a better look when you swatted his hand away. " Looks like someone had a knife to your throat" he said as he let his hand drop to his side, fury rising within him at the mere thought of someone hurting you.

" Don't be ridiculous. I was cutting my hair and nipped my skin. Why do you care anyway?"

"You never was very good at lying Y/N" Tommy said huffing as he watched you bite the corner of you bottom lip whilst you fidgeted in place. " And you really think I stopped caring about you?"

" Yes" you said as the words caught in your throat, tears welling in your eyes as you spun around to the door not wanting him to see you like this. His pity was the last thing you needed to add to you ever growing list of reasons to feel insecure.

" Y/N wait, I need to know what happened " he said as he tried to turn you around but stopped as you shrugged him off you, opening the door then slamming it shut behind you.

" Fuck sake" Tommy muttered under his breath as he watched you return to your desk through the window of his office. There was no way he would let this slide. You was clearly lying to him and he was determined to find out why.

As closing time approached you picked up your belongings when your movements had Tommy who was deep in thought abruptly stand up grabbing his coat and hat. If he was coming out here to bombard you with questions as to what happened he could forget it. You thought to yourself as you hurried to the door hearing him call your name. "Fucking door" you mumbled, pulling at the handle trying to open it as you looked over your shoulder to see Tommy heading your way, luck finally falling upon you when John stopped him putting the book of takings in front of him. Open, open, open! You thought as you rattled the handle pulling it back and forth when the door suddenly opened with ease and Grace walked in.

" Y/N" she said as she looked you over, taking in your reddened face from your efforts, a small chuckle leaving her lips. " Came to surprise Tommy after work" she said as she continued to stand in your way.

" How lovely" you said sarcastically as you tried to push past her when she put her hand on your arm.

" I know about that old pocket watch you gave Tommy all those years ago" she said looking at you. " Best you let go off the past, after all Tommy said it was only a silly little teen fling" she said with a small smile.

" Fling?" You repeated taken aback by what she had just said, what Tommy had said to her.

" Childhood sweethearts never last Y/N, don't be naive" She said in a mocking tone, belittling you without an ounce of shame at her hurtful choice of words. What were you saying, what had she said? Tommy panicked as John continued to bother him with the takings of the day. As your head turned to face him, Tommy swallowed harshly at the sight of a tear falling down your cheek.

" Let her go Tommy" Grace said placing both her hands on his chest as he walked over to where you had been standing, watching you storm out onto the streets of Watery Lane as the door closed behind you.

A fling, a fucking fling. He once asked you to marry him, promised to spend the rest of his life with you, her words couldn't have cut deeper if they tried. Let them have eachother. You thought to yourself as you clutched your coat around you heading for home, back to the four walls where you knew you would ultimately fall apart once again, your new founded confidence short-lived your own promises discarded, dwindling down into a pile of self-doubt and surrender after Graces cruel remarks. Could things get any worse?

One week later..

Today was black star day, the day Tommy planned to take out Billy Kimber and all of his dealings. Sitting in the corner of the Garrison nursing the drink you had ordered over an hour ago you glanced over to see Tommy and Grace standing behind the bar pouring drinks for his men, undoubtedly to numb any nerves that threatened to appear risking the plan Tommy had been preparing meticulously for weeks. Lifting his head from the glass of stout he was pouring Tommy caught your eye. It was the first time in almost a week you had looked each others way, anything you had to say to one another was passed on to anyone in the betting shop that was willing and had the patience to deal with both of your stubbornness. But today was different and Tommy couldn't help but notice the way you was looking at him, the same way you looked at him as you both waited on the platform for the train to arrive and take him and all of the other men saying goodbye to their loved ones off to war. The only difference between them and you was you had barely uttered a word to eachother, his final goodbye before he boarded a quick peck to your cheek.

And as if you had been transported back five years, tears started to form in your eyes as you abruptly stood up leaving the Garrison like you did when Tommy stepped on the train not once looking back, leaving you alone and heartbroken. What you didn't know was, Tommy did look back. He pushed his way past all the other men in the carriage in search of a free window shouting your name as he desperately tried to get a glimpse of you one last time before he left for war.

"Y/N!" Tommy shouted as he grabbed his coat and hat racing out of the Garrison. He wouldn't let what happened on that platform five years ago play out again.

" Tommy wait! What are you doing?" Grace called out after him as she watched the Garrison doors close behind him. " Why does he always go after her? He doesn't even love her anymore" she seethed as she looked to Arthur who raised his brow downing the rest of his drink.

" Doesn't love her? He's a stubborn bastard but he never stopped Grace" Arthur said as he walked away leaving her fuming at Tommy's unrelenting devotion to you.

"Where have all the young men gone,

long time ago?

Where have all the young men gone?

Gone to soldiers, every one..."

You sang, tears streaming your cheeks as you sat by your little brother Georgie's gravestone, his life taken like so many others during an air raid. Wiping your tears you continued to sing as if time had stood still and you was back in 1916 sitting on the grass in the only place you felt peace and calm, waiting for the men you loved so much to return from war.

" Do you still sing that song for me?" Tommy said as he slowly approached you, afraid you'd stop.

" Leave me alone Tommy" you sniffed as you stood up brushing the remaining tears away from your cheeks, looking out at Small Heath in the distance.

" We live in the same town, work in the same place. I can't...I don't want to" He said as he stepped closer wanting to reach out to you, wanting to hold you in his arms like he should have done all those years ago.

" Yes, Tommy Shelby doesn't care what anybody else wants, what anybody else asks does he? you replied misunderstanding the meaning behind his words. " Why did you follow me?" you sighed picking up the dead flowers by Georgie's grave as you turned around making you way down the hill not wanting to even wait for his response when Tommy put his arm out, stopping you from walking any further.

" You were crying" he replied feeling like a teen boy again stuck on what he really wanted to say. " Y/N I.." Tommy sighed as he brought his thumb up, brushing it down your cheek. " I knew you would come up here" he said, his hand dropping from your face as he abandoned the small speech he had prepared as he made his way to the cemetery to find you.

" Crying, I've been crying for five years, only now you notice?!" you scoffed pushing past him.

" Oh I noticed, its not like you try and hide it, do you? " Always pushing it in my face, have you forgotten who's fault this all is, eh?" Tommy said as his stance stiffened, his coldness towards you making a swift return when you didn't respond to his veiled attempts to be tender with you.

" Here I almost forgot. Throw it in the cut like you did everything else when you came back from France, like you did my heart. After all it was just a fling " you said storming back to him as you pulled his pocket watch out of your coat, shoving it into his hands.

" A fling? Y/N!" Tommy called out furrowing his brow as he watched you run down the hill. "You broke my heart first, you fucking broke mine first!" Tommy shouted back taking his cap off as he brushed his hands through his hair. " Fuck!" He yelled throwing his hat onto the grass as Jeremiah and Arthur came running up the hill.

" Tommy!" Arthur shouted as his brother turned around to face them, brushing his eyes with the back of his hand.

" What? What is it?" Tommy sniffed as his eyes darted between them both. "Well?"

"Tell him what you just told me" Arthur said breathlessly as he turned to Jeremiah stood beside him.

" Just heard there's to van's driving up the Stratford Road. An old Corporal of mine said he recognised some of the men..he said it's the Kimber boys"

"Ada wake up! You and the baby get into the ball ring where there's lots of people" Tommy said as he stormed through their house on Watery Lane as Arthur, Jeremiah and his son Isaiah followed behind him.

" What's going on?" Polly said as she took in Tommy's panicked state.

"We've been fucking betrayed" he replied rubbing his forehead. " Someone let slip. Kimber's men are on their way here" Tommy said as he paced the room back and forth.

" Yeh but you can handle them Tommy" Polly said having confidence that her nephew had another plan if something like this was to to happen.

"It's just us. All the Lee's are on their way to Worcester, we're outnumbered" Tommy said as the realisation his plan had fallen apart started to sink in. "Fuck!" he shouted as he slammed his hands down onto the top of a cabinet, the pictures and ornaments rattling from the force of his outburst.

"Who else knew today was the day you was moving on Kimber? You said you kept it a secret who else did you tell? " Polly questioned as Tommy leaned his weight on the mahogany wood, clenching his jaw at what Isaiah had told him before they had all entered the house.

" Isaiah" Tommy said as he turned his head to the young Blinder. " Tell them what you just told me"

" Tom, I don't think she was..." he said as he stepped forward when his boss cut him off.

" Tell them!" Tommy shouted turning around, his patience wearing so thin he was close to loosing any self-control he had left.

" The other day I saw Y/N with Kimber's men in the alley way behind her place. I thought she'd come to you and tell you herself. Tom they look like they roughed her up " he said as Tommy scoffed at his remark.

" Nah I don't believe it. Y/N would never..." Arthur said when Tommy interrupted.

" Betray me? She fucking hates me, you've all seen it " he replied raising his brow as he stepped closer to his older brother. " You've always stuck up for her, but she did this, she threw us under the bus. All of us, even you Arthur" he said pointing his finger in his older brothers face.

" I'd back away if I was you Tommy, because this time I won't let you win baby brother" Arthur said pushing him in the chest away from him. " We've known her since we were bloody kids. Y/N would never betray this family, she's one of us" Arthur concluded as he walked away grabbing the bottle of whisky on the table, pouring himself a full glass before he too lost control of his temper.

" Tommy that girls been devoted to you the moment she met you, you're blinded by your bitterness towards her. Did you not tell anyone else? Polly asked as Tommy shook his head forgetting or ignoring the fact he had, the very same person who had written it in his diary. No, Tommy's sights were set on you, only you could have done this only you could have betrayed him.

NEXT PART

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[futurefamousdeadmusician]

Escape to the Eden Club - Sister! reader x Shelby Brothers

Summary; Emily Shelby wants to spend the night away from the confines of Small Heath and decides to head out to the famed Eden Club of London. All was well until a certain trio arrived and reigned havoc.

Author's Note; I took some liberties with the plot/ location of the Eden Club itself. That being said, this is still meant to be aligned closely with the fight scene from season 2. As always, let me know what you think.

Eager to escape into the cool evening air, Emily wrapped her shawl loosely around her shoulders and took stock of her purse. A small roll of bills, lipstick, a dainty opal hairbrush, and a shining Colt Pocket Hammerless Arthur had given her some time ago. With one last glance to the mirror, she smoothed out her dress and went for her bedroom door, shutting it softly behind her. Seeing as Polly would still be at the church for sometime, she decided it would be best to inform her brother on her intentions. Emily approached Thomas’ office and peered in to see the stout man sitting behind his modest desk. She rapped lightly on the door frame and was beckoned inside by just a flick of her brother’s eyes instead of a word. After only taking one step into the room she spoke in the most clear, confident tone she could muster.

“I’m going out with Ada this evening. I’ll be back by midnight.” Hoping the conversation would end there she turned to leave only to be stopped by her brothers words. Still not looking up from the papers spread across the wood before him he cleared his throat and said,

“Going out with Ada, eh? Why is this the first I’m hearing about this?” Emily rolled her eyes, hoping her brother didn’t see, and replied,

“Because I didn’t think there would be any issue.” Emily didn’t like lying, a quality instilled in her by her Aunt Polly since her youth. Though, as a Shelby, it came naturally. Exhausting Emily further, Thomas continued in his questioning. 

“Where about are you two going?” Calmer this time, as to not arouse suspicion, the girl replied, 

“Just to dinner, in Digbeth.” 

“The name of the establishment?” With more attitude, she replied, 

“The Carriage.” The man sat for a moment, only sparing her one more glance as he searched her face for deceit. He apparently found none. 

“Be back by 11.” Emily offered a small smile and made her way out of the home on Watery Lane, calling over her shoulder, 

“I’ll see you at 11:30, Tom.” 

The night was still young and the chance for her to walk the streets of Birmingham alone and untethered was an excitement of a life time. She wouldn’t just be walking the streets of her hometown tonight, though. After meeting her friend Scarlett by the cut they hailed a cab and set out for London. 

The passage was just under 2 hours before they arrived to the Eden Club just outside of the city. After tipping the cabman and exiting out into the brisk night they set for the front doors of the avant-garde establishment. Scarlet giggled with excitement as they approached the doorman who knew better than to question two striking young women trying to enter the club. The main hall filled was filled with the smell of smoke and sex and the band played on to ring in the young night. It wasn’t often that Emily got to leave the holdings of Small Health, let alone the claws of her brothers. After Ada’s departure, Thomas was more worried than ever about loosing his youngest sister. This fear often manifested into the overarching control of Emily’s every move. He felt it was both an act of love and an act of necessity. Emily knew she was deeply loved by her brother and cared for him in the same way. Yet, at the end of the day, if Tom could have his thumb on the pulse of every member of the family, only then could he ensure their safety, or so he believed. 

“Isn’t this amazing!” Scarlett squealed in Emily’s ear. Scarlett was one of the few friends that Thomas approved of. She came from a respectable, working-class family who raised horses and often did work with the Shelby family. 

“I know.” Emily said back, raising her voice to soar over the loud music. The pair approached the bar and beckoned the attendant for a drink. Soon after, two men approached the women introducing themselves as Paul, a tall man with short black hair in a pressed grey suit, and David, a slightly stout man with dusty blonde hair and rosy cheeks who’s slim black suit made him look taller than he was. Paul explained that Emily had caught his eye from the moment she had walked in and it would be a crime to let a woman like herself buy her own drinks. It was only out of the confines of Birmingham that handsome men would approach her, unafraid of people she was related to. She could speak freely and finally feel a sense of control she was never afforded at home. 

“Would you care to dance?” Paul asked the young woman and carefully took her hand in his. They left their drinks at the table where David and Scarlett sat completely enthralled with one another. He led her to the dance floor just as a new song started over at the bands stage. Spinning around the floor Emily couldn’t help but laugh at the happiness she felt in Paul’s arms. He leaned in close to her face and breathed, 

“You are absolutely stunning.” His breath smelled of bourbon and lust. This was Emily’s dream; to be young and free. Finally she was living it. 

She only noticed the violent outburst taking place across the large room once she heard the crashing noise of a wooden table full of glassware hit the ground. The band cut to a halt and gasps filled the audience. Out of instinct, Paul shoved Emily behind him as he assessed the situation. When it became clear that the men dressed in black meant to do harm he ushered his date back to their table to collect their friends and make a run for the door. Through the crowd, Emily peered over the bobbing heads of patrons ducking and running at the chaos she noticed a familiar jacket fly up as one of the unknown assailants struck another man across the face. As he turned to face another man she saw the face of her brother adorned with a busted lip and small drops of another mans blood. 

“Fuck.” She whispered and made a run for her table. Scarlett and her companion had already gathered their things and stood to meet the other couple. The four of them hid behind the large sofa they had once sat on while they waited for a path to clear to the main exit of the building. Emily grabbed her friend by the arm and swung the girl around to meet her scared face. The two men were conversing anxiously at the best plan of escape while the women spoke in hushed words. 

“It my fucking brother!” 

“What?” Scarlett gasped “Are you sure?” The two women peered over the couch to see the men still going at it near the center of the room. This time, Arthur’s face came into view through the madness. 

“Fuck it’s the lot of them. We need to go. Now!” Emily shoved the other girl forward and the men followed suit. A gunshot rang out through the building and they all dropped to the floor covering their heads. Paul grabbed Emily’s shoulders hovered his body over hers to protect her. When the men quit fighting and stood to see where the shot had come from all became quiet. The four took this opportunity to head straight for the exit. Emily only heard the indistinct echo of Tommy’s voice before clearing the doorway. 

Pouring into the street patrons ran every conceivable direction to vacate the path of anymore possible bullets. After reaching the end of the block Paul spoke, out of breath. 

“Is everyone ok?” Each took their turn affirming that they were not hurt, just a bit shaken. Emily turned to her friend communicating with just their eyes that they all needed to get leave before her brothers had a chance to exit the building. “Alright, I need to get you home.” Paul said and took Emily’s shoulder and David followed suit with Scarlett. 

“No!” Emily said too forcefully, “I - We will get home, I promise. You need to get on your way,” she explained gently. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to go anywhere with Paul, that handsome, caring gentleman. He stood firm on his words and said again,

“Emily, really, I need to make sure you get home. I don’t know who the fuck those bastards were.” Scarlett let out a worried laugh at the irony of the situation and still couldn’t take her eyes off the doorway expecting any moment that the men would emerge and see them. Emily took her arm from him though it pained her to do so. 

“Please, Paul, really. You need to get going.” She said urgently. He took a step back and dropped his eyes to the ground, looking hurt. Defeated, he touched David on the shoulder, prompting him to let go of Scarlett’s arm. 

“It was lovely meeting you,” was all he spoke before turning and walking off into the dark alley way. Emily rifled around in her purse and pulled out some small bills shoving them into Scarlett’s hand. 

“Go. Now!” She said before beginning to turn away. 

“What? I’m not leaving you!” Her friend yelled back, grabbing onto her wrist, stopping her movement.

“Scarlett, go! Please. Before they come out.” She pleaded. Even her friend knew that there would be hell to pay if her family found out that she had been running around, getting into trouble with the Shelby girl. With eyes darting between the front door of the Eden Club and Emily’s worried expression Scarlett forced herself to embrace her friend. 

“Please be safe.” Emily nodded in response and they both took off into opposite directions. After quickly crossing in front of the building, the younger Shelby tried her best to hail a cab as many former club goers tried to do the same. Every few seconds she found herself looking over her shoulder praying that she wouldn’t turn to find her brother’s red face looking back at her. After a few failed attempts she saw a empty taxi just across the way parked right next to the entrance of the club. If she hurried, she might just be able to make it before her brothers emerged. With a quick decision she bolted as fast as her heels would carry her across the street and made it just steps the the cab door before she felt the shoulder of a much larger man connect with her own. As she was shoved back onto the hood of the cab she couldn’t help but shout,

“watch where yer’ fucking goin!” Just as any other Shelby would. She watched in anger as that very man climbed into the cab himself and the car began to drive away forcing her to move back onto the side walk. Collecting herself and still cursing the man under her breath she only made it a few steps from her place in front of the club before she heard her name called from behind her. 

It was John. The word pierced her soul like a knife. Without thinking, she swung around to see him standing only about 10 feet behind her as Thomas and Arthur filed out of the door. Without a second to reconsider, she ran. Though slowed down by her shoes and the lingering effects of alcohol, she carried herself briskly down the street. 

“Emily Lenora Shelby!” She heard Arthur roar from behind her. Continuing down the sidewalk shoving between the still clearing crowd she did not stop. Just before she reached the nearest intersection a strong hand gripped her shoulder and spun her around causing her to stumble. She was caught by her oldest brother’s hands of either shoulder lightly shaking her to emphasize each word as they came from his red, blood splattered face. 

“What the fuck are you doing here? Are you bloody mental?” She squinted to shield herself from the yelling as she put her hands to his chest to push him away. He wasn’t planning on letting her go lest she run again until he felt the hand of Tom guide him away from the younger girl. She almost preferred the outright rage of Arthur over the chilling coldness of Thomas, at least with the former, his true intentions were always clear. John soon arrived behind the men and took to consoling Arthur while Thomas pushed the girl to side of the road. Unwilling, she attempted to hold her ground against the man though a stronger grip on her upper arm and a stern look from his piercing eyes encouraged her to comply. She kept her head low has he was still catching his breath from the conflict and subsequent jog to catch his fleeing sister. Finally, in a low, gruff voice, he spoke. 

“In the club, ye?” She nodded her head but still wouldn’t meet the man’s eyes. Instead, she peered past him to see John and Arthur leaned in close to one another talking. Arthur waving his hands around like a lunatic while John tries to calm him down. Out of all her brothers, her and John butted heads the most. Maybe it was the age difference, sitting at just enough years to give them not much in common but enough to argue about. Though, when it was all said and done, she knew John would have her back just as much, if not more, than anyone else. She met his eyes in a quick glance before turning back to Tom’s shoes. Now, the more pragmatic Shelby took in a deep breath to gather his thoughts before continuing the conversation with his sister. 

“Why? Eh?” He said quieter this time. She couldn’t tell if his low voice was an attempt to deescalate the situation or to intimidate her into telling the truth. Well, the truth as it may be, wasn’t that interesting. Emily shrugged and only spared him a small glance up. She went to the Eden club that evening for the same reason as any other girl of her year would; to have fun. 

“You have no business being at those clubs. Getting yourself fucking killed, right?” He said lowering himself to her level, even closer to her face. Her jaw tensed as she thought of a thousand words she could say back to him.

“Everything was fine until you bastards shot up the place.”

“Weren’t you just at the same club, Tom?”

“It’s none of your business what I do.”

Using her better judgment though, she held her tongue. The irony of the situation was not lost on Tommy. He knew that the standard he held for his sister was much different than he held for the men of the family, though he held it steadfast. At the end of the day, he knew Emily was a good girl. Smart, calculated, quick, and usually honest. When the silence hung in the air for too long, he took a gentle hand and guided her face to meet his eyes. 

“Don’t scare me like that again.” He said pointedly with his finger pointed at her face. Emily pursed her lips and gave a curt nod before he pulled her in for a quick but firm hug and placed one kiss on the top of her head. Trying to break away from the clutches are her brother once more she took a step away from Thomas and said, 

“I’ll see you at home,” before attempting to leave in the opposite direction. He let out a sigh once again and wrapped a strong, possessive hand around her arm once more. His lips parted and he eyebrow went up in astonishment, almost as if he was testing her to defy him once again. She looked in his eyes a moment longer, unwavering, before following him back to the other men. Thomas cleared his throat and released the grasp on the girl before speaking, 

“Let’s just go home, shall we.” The four walked in uncomfortable silence back to the car, just over a block away from the fateful scene. As they walked, her oldest brother moved closer to her eventually putting a hand on her upper back and bending down to her level.

“You knows I just want to protect you, right, love?” He offered in a nicer tone than before. Emily knew and nodded a reply. 

“I know.” 

“It’s just you can’t go running around like that.” Before he could get another sentence out, Thomas called out from the front of the group. 

“She knows, brother.”  They eventually made it to the Bentley and it was John that opened the door for his sister to enter the back seat. As she took the less-than-sober step up into the vehicle her brother gently pushed her, just to see how unstable she was.

“Acting like a fuckin’ harlot,” John laughed quietly to chastise the younger girl. Quickly, Emily turned to face him hunched over in the car and raised her purse as if she was going to hit him. 

“Oi, you fuckin’ bastard!” She seethed. Before the two could go at it Thomas darted a look at them in the rear view mirror and raised his voice in a menacing shout. 

“Enough!” Was all it took for the pair to quiet down and sit silently for the rest of the ride home. 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

The Dollhouse 4

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as fear, coercion, violence, noncon/dubcon, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk. 

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you. 

Summary: Five girls move into a shared residence for the upcoming school year but not all is as it seems. 

Characters: Jonathan Pine, Captain Syverson, Steve Abnesti, Lloyd Hansen, and Peter Parker 

This fic features five named readers; Ann, Lulu, Polly, Barbie, and Molly. This chapter features Ann and Lulu. Please note that characters may switch but will maintain second-person POV.

Note: Hello again.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. Thanks to everyone who reads this one and thank you for all your energy.<3 

Love you all until you can’t stand it. Take care. 💖 

You take your time unpacking. The more you think about the others, the more nervous you are. Peter’s nice enough and the others didn’t seem so bad but they’re still strangers to you. Everything about this is strange. New home, new school, new city... 

You put away the last of your clothes and unzip the smaller pockets. You put away your charging cords and the little bits and bobs tucked away. You leave your pouch of toiletries on the dresser, a mirror mounted to it, and put your straightener and curling iron beside it, adjusting them until they’re perfectly horizontal. 

You make yourself turn away before you can get hung up on the little imperfections in the wood. You pace in a full circle around the room then stop by the window. You nearly scream as an unexpected figure looks back at you. 

Steve, the security guy, looks just as surprised then laughs at himself. His eyes crinkle and he waves. You don’t know what else to do but return the gesture. You back away shyly and cross your arms. 

Maybe your dad is right. Maybe you aren’t cut out for college. It’s so confusing when he says that, he’s the one who wanted you to go so bad. 

You stop by the bed as you hear the other girls coming down the stairs. You don’t move. If you’re still enough you might just disappear. Or at least, you won’t make enough noise to remind them of your existence. 

No such luck. The knock on your door jolts you from your inaction. You don’t answer it right away. You could make an excuse. You could say you have a headache or that you’re tired. The latter isn’t entirely untrue. 

You can’t. You don’t want things to be like they were before. You can’t let yourself be the odd one out. 

You go to the door and open it. It’s one of those girls. You don’t remember her name. She has silvery purple eyeliner and glossy lips. 

“Molly, was it?” She smiles and giggles, a small flutter in her fingers as she sways. “I’m Lulu, remember?” 

“Oh, yeah,” you utter quietly. 

“We... we’re...” she looks behind her, “we’re going to make some drinks and play some ping pong--” 

“Ping pong?” The door next to yours opens, startling both you and Lulu. “I’ve been waiting for some real competition.” 

“Oh, hi, er... Peter?” 

“Luanne, right?” He counters. 

“Lulu,” she corrects, “you can come too!” 

She giggles again. It’s not really humourous, more of a brittle crackle. When she does it, she almost twitches. She’s nervous. That makes you feel a little less so. You’re not the only scared one. 

“Awesome,” Peter shuts his door, “you coming, Moll?” 

You nod, surprised by his pet name. Moll? Your dad calls you Molly Anne but you like Molly just fine. You close your door and follow Lulu as she leads the way. You’re overly aware of Peter right behind you. 

As you get to the kitchen, there’s a squeal. Barbie, the bouncy one, shakes moisture from her fingers and laughs. The other girls join her. 

“You’re making such a mess,” the other girl, you think her name was Polly, chides. 

“It ain’t fun if it ain’t messy,” Barbie chirps back then glances over at you. “Oh, there they are. Finally. We’re about to get started.” 

You smile and Lulu skips ahead. She watches Barbie as she wipes up the mess then grabs the bottle and fills the lined up shot glasses. Peter steps up beside you, his elbow brushing yours. “Tequila, huh? You girls ready to get wild?” 

“Think you can handle it?” Barbie goads. 

“You know it. How about we make it interesting?” 

“How’s that?” Barbie wonders, the other girls look between them, you included. 

“Ping pong. Losers take a shot each round.” 

“Hmm, well there’s six of us and only four paddles,” she tuts. 

“We’ll do a tournament. Three teams.” Peter suggests. 

“That works, I guess,” Barbie shrugs, “everyone in?” 

You peer around and nod as the others do the same. You don’t want to be the party pooper. You’ve never played ping pong before. 

“Dibs on Molly,” Peter nudges you with his elbow. “Ready to win, partner?” 

You peek at him and shrug, “sure, but uh, I might not be very good.” 

“I’ll take whoever,” another girl, the only one you haven’t met, says. She meets your gaze and smiles, “I’m Ann by the way.” 

“Molly,” you reply, this time remembering to do so. 

“Me and Polly will make it fair and won’t team up,” Barbie says, “how about it, Lu?” 

Lulu giggles, “alright!” 

“Guess it’s me and you,” Polly says to Ann. 

“Alright, we got our teams but we’ll do some inaugural shots first! We have to christen this place!” Barbie whoops and takes a shot glass. “Come on, everyone.” 

You don’t move until Peter does. He’s the first one, and the most eager, to join Barbie. Ann follows and Lulu’s close enough to take a glass, and Polly takes one with a trite look.  

Barbie raises her glass, “cheers.” 

You echo her and you watch the others drink before you do the same. You cover your mouth as you swallow, eyes watering, nearly choke. Lulu looks just as shocked by the sear of the alcohol and the other hiss and laugh about it. 

“Holy shit, that’s strong,” Peter slams his glass back on the counter. “You bring that, Barbs?” 

“Barbie,” she corrects him once more. “Yes, only the best.” 

“Hmm, I think it would go great with pizza,” Peter says, “my treat. How about it, girls?” 

“Pizza?” Lulu says hopefully. 

“Can’t drink on an empty stomach. Or ping pong. Trust me, you don’t wanna touch a paddle without a good meal in ya,” he snickers. 

“You’re goofy,” Barbie says, “but I am starving.” 

“Me too,” Polly agrees. 

You nod in agreement and your stomach rumbles. Peter looks at you and pats your shoulder, “Mood,” he rubs his stomach at the same time, “alright, toppings? What are thinking? Please don’t say cauliflower crust. I need real carbs in me.” 

Things are getting interesting. The first round of ping pong is almost through and the tip tap, click clack of the ball bounces over the table top. You keep your eyes on the blurry white sphere, flick your wrist as fast as you can. Peter returns each shot, the game coming down to a duel as Lulu and Molly can only watch you battle. 

A loud chime makes you falter you miss the shot. You curse and toss the paddle to the table. “No fair! The doorbell messed me up.” 

“Excuses, excuses,” Peter sneers. “Losers get the pizza!” 

“You are so lame,” you huff at him. 

“Hey, I paid.” 

You roll your eyes and spin away. Lulu sets down her paddle and follows your strut out of the room. You’re not that upset. It’s just a game and you are pretty hungry. 

You open the door to the delivery man. You nearly slam it in his face as his eyes rove up and down you. It’s no unusual, you’ve noticed Peter’s stray glances all night, but it doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable. 

“Hello,” you sing. 

“Hello,” smirks back, a bristle of a mustache over his lip. “All this for you two ladies?” 

“It’s a party,” you assure him as you reach to take the boxes. 

“Ah, exciting, getting lit?” 

You almost laugh in his face. Is he trying to be cool? You balance the boxes and he hands over the paper bag with the dips to Lulu. She thanks him and only then does he really look at her. Another leer. Ew. 

“Alright, well, have a good night, sir,” you grip the edge of the door. 

“No tip?” He challenges. 

“Um, Peter said he put one in the app,” you shrug, “sorry, but we don’t have one.” 

“Hmm, well...” he eyes you up and down again, “not for nothing I guess.” 

He winks and twists on his heel. As he strides away, you squint after him. His footfalls snag your eyes on his embossed shoes. Slowly, you shut the door before he can turn back and notice. You frown. 

“What’s wrong?” Lulu asks. 

“He... I don’t know. He just... didn’t strike me as a delivery man.” 

“It it Uber?” She asks and looks at the boxes. 

“Hmm, no receipt,” you glance down. “Guess we can ask Peter. Or, you know, it doesn’t matter.” 

You turn and head back down the hall. You suppose anyone can wear Prada loafers. You go back to the gaming room and put the boxes down. 

“Dig in!” You declare, “then time for the second round.” 

“Oh yeah,” Peter grins, “me and Molly versus Ann and Polly. You girls better watch it. She’s a beast.” 

Molly gives an awkward hum and wrings her hands. She stands back as everyone else clusters around for a slice. You use napkins, all too eager to bother with plates. Besides, you haven’t even checked the cupboards. You’ll probably have to go buy a bunch of stuff like that. That will be fun! 

“Mm, this is so good,” Ann says. “It’s been forever since I had pizza.” 

“Me too,” Molly agrees. “My dad only gets it when I get all As. Last year... well... it’ll be better second year.” 

“Second year,” you echo, “me and Polly are second year too.” 

“First,” Ann says. 

“Second,” Peter adds. 

“Third,” Lulu supplies with her trademark giggle, “you have to be third year to do exchange.” 

“Ah, makes sense,” you accept. 

The conversation dies down, replaced by eager chewing. You’re all ravenous. It isn’t until that moment that you realise how long the day’s been but you don’t want to call the night early. Not now that you’re finally back in the thick of it. 

“You didn’t do your shots,” Peter says. “You and Lulu. You lost.” 

“Oh, yeah, we’ll eat first.” 

“Right,” he says doubtfully. 

“Don’t get cocky, the night’s still young.” 

“Mhmm,” his brows flick up. 

You’re slightly irked by him. He’s friendly enough and you really can’t pick out a definitive reason why. He’s just... too much. Almost argumentative but not really aggressive. And he keeps calling your Barbs. You hate that. 

“Come on then, Lu,” you crumple the napkin around your crust, “let’s take our shots.” 

She still has a mouthful but she nods and follows you. You go around the table and take two shot glasses. You pour and push on towards your teammate. You count down and drink in tandem. She whines as she forces it down as you swig it down easily. 

You can eat your humble pie for now, but you’ll get them back in the next one. 

You bat the ball back across the table and trip, barely keeping from tumbling over. It’s late. Two at least. You’ve been at it for hours, back and forth, team versus team. You’ve lost almost every round you’ve played. 

As you stumble for the next shot, you collide with your Ann. The two of you tangle up together as Peter hollers in victory. He’s the most skilled and thus the most sober of the group. You might suspect he’s a hustler but it might just be that no one else cares enough to be good at it. 

“Game point,” Peter announces. 

“Thank god,” Ann mutters, “I can’t handle anymore.” 

“Probably a good idea,” Barbie yawns and looks at her partner. Lulu is at the table, her head in her arms as she snores. The sight of her makes your own eyelids heavier. 

“Come on, let’s just get it over with.” 

Peter smirks and tosses the ball up. He hits it with enough vim to send it bouncing high. Ann tries to swipe at it but only manages to hurl her paddle at the wall. She huffs in disappointment and you put down your own paddle. 

“Huh, kinda anticlimactic,” Peter chuckles. 

“Good game,” you say. 

“I guess,” he looks at Molly and raises his hand, “good job, Molly.” 

She slaps his palm gently, almost as if she’s afraid to touch him. You almost feel bad for Peter. He’s the only guy and everyone seems a bit awkward about that fact. Even him. You have to admit, you don’t exactly like that he’s there. It isn’t his fault but you just aren’t very comfortable around guys. 

“Anyone down for solo?” 

“Aren’t you tired of playing drunk people?” Barbie whines. 

“Pour me a shot, Barbz, I can win fair and square,” he challenges. 

“Barbie,” she snips back for probably the dozenth time. 

“I think...” you rub your eyes, “I’m going to hit the hay. I’m dead on my feet.” 

“Me too,” Ann slurs, “um, I’ll clean up the empty boxes first.” 

“Leave em for the morning,” Barbie stands and waves her off. 

“I don’t mind,” Ann insists. 

“I can help,” Molly offers. 

The two of them gather up the empty boxes and Barbie gently shakes Lulu awake. The poor thing snorts as she sits up too fast and nearly tips out of her seat. Barbie tries to get her up and you go over to help. 

“I think maybe she shoulda done half shots,” Barbie says. 

“Yeah, maybe,” you agree. 

“She can sleep in my room. I’ll make sure she’s okay,” your friend offers. 

“Good idea.” 

“Boo, we’re in college. Come on, let’s pull an all nighter,” Peter says. 

“Pfft,” Barbie scoffs as you as good as carry Lulu between you, “I save those for studying,” 

“Same,” you laugh thinly. 

“Hmm, well, it was fun I guess,” Peter mutters. “How about a rematch tomorrow?” 

“Maybe,” Barbie dismisses. “I think we all need to sleep. We got a lot to do around here.” 

“Speak for yourself,” Peter says, “I’m spending tomorrow evening out my tan. Once winter’s here, I’ll be as pasty as a ghost.” 

His humour fails to laid on the group of drunk and exhausted girls. You help Barbie with Lulu as Ann and Molly fold the cardboard boxes and carry them into the kitchen. You struggle to get the sleepy girl upstairs and Ann catches up to you as you hear Molly squeak out a good night. 

As much fun as that was, you’re going to hate spending your first morning in the house hungover. 

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Immortal Beloved - Chapter Two.

Well, here we go with the next instalment, guys. I won't lie, I'm a bit disheartened that chapter one did not do as well as the prologue. I just hope that's because people are busy and haven't gotten around to it yet, rather than 'oh, this sucks, not reading it any longer.' Sadly because of events not too long ago, that's exactly where my worried little mind always goes :( Huge thanks to all of you who have interacted, though. Maybe I can encourage some of you who don't already to leave a comment, or reblog it? It would mean the world to your hardworking author.

Previous chapters - Prologue One

Tag list - In the comments

Words - 3,700

Warnings - Adult themes + vampire content throughout. Minors DNI!

“Holy shit.” Patting his pocket quickly, he was mildly dismayed to find himself without the silver letter opener he had stashed in there, the only thing made of the metal he could find that would work as a weapon against the shadow walker stood before him.  

“Do you search for this?” There within her handkerchief covered grasp was the very tool he’d been told to arm himself with, the vampire tilting her head back. “You know what I am now, for you to be carrying the very item that could destroy me within your pockets.”  

Looking at her unflinchingly, the blue of his eyes burned cold through the amber of his eyelashes, taking a drag on his cigarette. “I do.”  

Puzzlement tugged at her grin. “But why? I pose no threat to you, John. I told you this.”  

The caution in him continued to amp, but swirling around it came a feeling of great juxtapose. His first encounter with her had been truly terrifying, appearing before him more beast than woman. As she stood mere inches from him now, there was a gentleness to her quite palpable, the feeling of a storm stilled, the raging rain and howling winds broken by glittering beams of sunshine. He kept the words of Polly and Tommy firmly in mind, though. 

“How’d you know my name?” 

“Your walls are thin, and vampire hearing is quite the thing.” Smiling, she watched as he mirrored it for a flicker of a second, his face swiftly altering, blankness stilling his features. She read him like a book, though. “Your aunt, she is incorrect.”  

“Yeah? What about?”  

“When she spoke of us being evil incarnate. I for one am not.”  

His soft snort was muffled by the blast furnace once again roaring, but she still heard it. He could have snorted in disbelief three streets away from her and the sound would still reach her ancient ears. “You tore four men to pieces last night. That counts as evil in my book.” 

“Then you are evil too, John Shelby. For the weapons you wield, the intent behind the bullets you direct at your enemies, or the razorblades within your cap intended to blind and maim. I could say we are the same.” She had him there, he had to concede. “I saved your life, there was a purpose to my slaying of the Rasmussen men. That, and I happened to be quite famished.”  

He sighed, flicking his cigarette away, returning the toothpick to his mouth. “Look, love. What the fuck do you want, eh?”  

She cocked her head, smiling, reaching for his cheek. “For you to be calm, John. All this coolness towards me is unneeded, I swear to you. I would also like for you to be a gentleman, escort me down to the public house and buy me a glass of wine. I am partial to a nice, dry red.” She held the letter opener forth, gesturing to it with a nod. “A show of faith. Take it. I trust you; I would like for you to trust me as well.” 

They shared a weighted silence, pulled in by one another’s gaze, the vampire speaking once again as her eyes toured him. “Gods, you are so strikingly handsome.” 

She watched as the confidence he carried himself within seemed to slip a little, his cheeks colouring a tad as he looked away for a moment, a tiny slither of shy disbelief fluttering through him.  

He looked back at her with a sniff, his shoulders bobbing lightly. “I ain’t bad.” There within the sharply dressed gangster, the man with the feared surname that preceded him, was the tiniest smidgen of boyish bashfulness. Oh, how she adored it.  

“So,” she began, eyes glittering at him through the gloom of the evening, “that drink?” 

The stroke of her fingernails against his cheek soothed him in a way he couldn’t explain, feeling himself pulled into the glacial vortex that was her eyes as he returned the letter opener to his pocket. “Alright.” He suddenly remembered Arthur’s reaction, coupled with the warnings of Tommy and Polly. “We can’t go in The Garrison, though.” 

“This is of little matter to me,” the vampire began, adjusting the black fur of her collar. “I much prefer The Brasshouse.” 

“You mean the place on Broad Street? Bit far, ain’t it?” 

She smiled, taking his arm. “Not too far at all. Now, hang on tight. We shall arrive in a jiffy.” Suddenly, he felt as if he’d been shot out of a canon, the air whirling past him at great acceleration, his feet finding the floor below after a few seconds. Looking up, he saw the doors of The Brasshouse to his left.  

“How... the fuck did you do that?”  

Her smile flashed a set of pearly white teeth. “You bared witness to the stealth that I move with. The Bentley Motor Company has nothing on me.” She took his arm again, his warmth delicious against her perpetually cool body. “Let us head inside, and perhaps I shall tell you more about myself. I sense you have many questions.” 

She absolutely wasn’t wrong.  

As he entered the cosy surroundings of the pub, with its long, polished oak bar, bare brick walls and tiled floor, he wondered whether he’d completely taken leave of his senses. There he was, escorting a vampire towards the bar, intent on purchasing her the dry red she had made it known she was partial to, against the grave warnings of his family. He was nothing if not a risk taker, though, a man who lived life in the moment, caution thrown to the wind.  

Imagine the stories he could tell his grandchildren; about the time he’d courted a vampire.  

Was it even courting, though? Perhaps such a notion was getting ahead of himself, John realising that for all the thrill seeking within his nature, he should still perhaps not throw his caution to the aforementioned wind entirely. After all, he still had no idea over her intentions towards him. 

“Large whiskey, Irish, and a dry red for the lady.” John instructed the barman, who nodded before bustling away to prepare their drinks.  

All around him, the eyes of the patrons were drawn to his companion, how much she stood out compared to the other female persons there present. Short hair styled in finger waves was all the rage, but the vampire couldn’t have been further from that, with her dark curls tumbling almost to her waist. The stares did not abate once they’d taken their seat in a booth, John noticing one man at the bar practically salivating over her. 

“Oi, mush. This ain’t a museum and she's not on display,” he barked, his frown deepening. “Put your fucking eyes back in your head.” 

The man scoffed, leaning back against the bar in a casual, unbothered manner. “And who are you to tell me what to do, eh lad?” 

“John Shelby.” 

At the mere mention of his famed surname, the man’s face dropped, picking up his drink and moving with his cohorts across the pub, John muttering beneath his breath. 

“That was very gallant of you, but I do not mind being stared at so much. I know that I am somewhat of a curious sight to behold,” she began, running her fingernail around the rim of her glass. “I do not look like other women.” 

His eyes roamed over her, pupils inking into the blue. “No, you don’t.”  

“And you enjoy that,” she asserted, her pretty lips curling, looking at him through the flirtatious flutter of her long eyelashes as she sipped her wine.  

On impulse, he reached forward, wiping the drip of Cabernet from her lip, bringing his thumb to his own mouth and sucking it momentarily. It made her shiver within. “I do,” he finally confirmed, his eyes not leaving hers for a second. Oh, how she loved a man who had the confidence to stare so unblinkingly at her. “Do I get to know your name?”  

“Brynhild.” 

He was taken aback a little. “That’s a strange name,” he began, eyes still fixed firmly on hers, so much so that she shuffled slightly in her seat. He was much too handsome for his own good. “No surname?”  

“It is a very old name. As for surname, I do, but it is not like a surname that is known today. My people used patronymics, and what that means is to combine the father’s name as the prefix, and then either son or dottir as the suffix. I am the daughter of Leif, so therefore my name is Brynhild Leifsdottir.” 

He was fascinated, if not a little confused, closing the gap between them as he leaned across the table. “I think I’m just going to call you Bryn.” 

Her laugh at his dryly delivered assertion tinkled through the air. “That is fine with me. I like that. Nobody has ever shortened it before.” 

“Who were your people? You sound foreign but I can’t place your accent. I’m a fucking clod with nationalities, geography an’ all that.”  

“No, no,” she assured, her hand pressing to his forearm for a moment. “You are correct, for even though my accent has softened, I am not English. I am Norse, or Norwegian. My people were Vikings.”  

His eyes all but fell out of his head. “What, as in the fellas who came over and terrorised a load of monks up north all them years ago?” 

“You say that you are, to use your term, a fucking clod with nationalities and geography, yet you know this correctly, John. Not as much of a clod as you think, hmm? You know your history, also.” 

He shrugged. “Me sister is a right bookworm, she rattled something off about it once and I remembered.” He paused, momentarily wetting his lips with a flick of his tongue. Again, she shivered internally. “I know it’s bloody rude, to ask a lady her age, but...” 

“One thousand and seventy-two. If I am to count my human years, then I am one thousand, one hundred and two years old.” She reached for his mouth, placing two fingers beneath his chin to close it after it had dropped open.  

“Fucking... hell.”  

“And you are?” 

He suddenly felt a little inferior to his companion, that tiny little show of bashfulness making an appearance once more. “Um, twenty-eight.”  

“Ahh, then if you are to discount my vampire years, we would not be so different. I had just turned thirty years of age when I was made what I now am.” His face remained a picture of wide-eyed incredulity. “Does my ancientness bother you?” 

“No, not at all. I’m just... bloody hell. The things you must have seen and learned in your time. Fuck.” He laughed softly, shaking his head in wonder. “You're fascinating, Bryn.” Their chemistry already mingled in the air like magical alchemy. 

She beamed, and he felt his pulse quicken. “You are very complimentary. What else do you wish to learn about me?” 

He sipped his whiskey, returning the tumbler to the table with a soft clunk. “Whatever you want to tell me, love.” He winked, taking her hand and laying a soft kiss to her cool fingers. It took all she had not to reach across the small space and plant her lips to his.  

Everything. She wanted to tell him everything as the blue of his eyes pulled her further to him, her usual aloofness banished to a place she could not reach to pull it back. Not that she wanted to. Bryn scarcely encountered humans who were quite a confident in themselves as John, especially in the face of all that she was. She knew he’d been afraid of her the night before, but that no longer seemed to linger within the body of the well-groomed, handsome young man. 

He was unfazed, he did not cower to her. She was the most powerful apex predator on earth, yet he treated her like a lady. It had been many years since she had experienced that. He’d watched her decapitate a man with her bare hands, he knew of her savagery, yet it dented neither his chivalry nor his flirtation as they fell into long conversation together.  

“To answer your question, yes, I can eat and drink, but they have no nourishing effect upon me. I could drink every last drop of alcohol within this public house also, and it would not affect my equilibrium. I do so merely for the pleasure when it takes me, and to blend in. A woman at a dinner party pushing her meal around with a glass that never empties draws attention, the type I do not always wish to receive. All the food in the world could vanish and I would not be concerned, for truly I only need the blood of humans to survive. Animal blood works too, but not as well. We weaken without our life’s source.”  

John listened keenly as she talked, remaining mostly silent as the evening passed by, his eyes darting to the large clock in the corner every so often, willing it to tick backwards. He’d been there with her for four hours, and he wished for nothing more than another four to follow. “What else about being a vampire make you different from humans?” 

She was only too happy to share that, but there were some secrets she would keep back. Even when in the company of a man who she viewed with as keen interest as she did John, she never gave everything up at once. “My speed, which you have witnessed. My strength is boundless, too. I could – and have – uproot a tree by pushing it, for example. I could also hold a car up one handed and throw a grown man across the room with a mere shove of my hand into his chest.”  

His eyes sparkled. “You’ve done that, ain’t ya?” 

Leaning close, she licked her top lip momentarily, her grin broadening. “Too many times to count.” She paused, cocking her head slightly. “You know exactly what I am and yet, you do not fear me.” 

His shrug was light, finishing his drink. “There’s no point. If you wanted me dead, I’d be gone within a blink, I suppose. It was like being scared when I went to France. If I thought about it too much, then I wouldn’t have been able to do what I was there for and defend me country.” His eyes seemed to dull a little, John clearing his throat before offering a candidness he seldom ever uttered. “It did scare me, though. If I let it.”  

The war hadn’t affected him quite like it had Tommy, John’s perpetual cheer and effervescence shining through the shadows left behind by the harrowing darkness of war. Only very, very occasionally did the Flanders blues bother him. 

She placed her hand atop his, John moving his thumb out from under hers, stroking the soft skin just below her first knuckle. “Anybody who claims not to have felt fear in battle is a liar. I remember it well, thought it was so very long ago.” 

“Some kind of vampire war?” he asked curiously, Bryn shaking her head. 

“No, John. When I was human. I was what is known as a shieldmaiden. I fought side by side upon the battlefield with my Viking brethren. I became extremely adept in burying my axe in the heads of many an Englishman.” 

He looked very impressed at that revelation. “So, what you’re telling me is that you’ve spent your entire existence basically being a fucking killing machine?” 

Her lips pinched as she tried not to find his words as entertaining as she did. Oh, he was such a lovable rouge. Not many would brush off that kind of information, let alone turn it into a joke. “I suppose I have, yes. I tend to be a little more sedate in my penchant for slaughter at my age, though. With age comes a gentleness not seen in younger of my kind. We ah, find a little of our humanity again, you could say.” He fixed her with a comic look of disbelief, raising his eyebrows aloft. “Except for last night, that is.” 

“Decapitation ain’t really sedate or gentle, love.” he hummed, laughing when she finally began to, dropping her gaze for a few moments, beginning to swirl a curl around her finger. “Got ya there, ain’t I?” 

This man, oh, this charming, playful man. He made her feel like a girl again, not an ancient creature of the night, not a barbaric shieldmaiden. Just Brynhild. Just Bryn. “Yes, John. Yes, you do.”  

On they continued to chatter, until last orders were called, John in no hurry to leave as he bought another round of drinks.  

“How much, gaffer, to keep this place open just for the lovely lady and I?”  

The landlord looked a little apprehensive, until he saw the size of the roll of banknotes produced, John beginning to peel them off. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, thumbing away a couple more.  

“That’ll be sufficient, sir. Got to keep it quiet, though, lights off. I’ll fetch some candles.” When it was just John, Bryn and the man who facilitated their elongated stay within the cosy surroundings of The Brasshouse, he finally broached the question that had been at the back of his mind the entire night. 

He kept his tones hushed, moving to her side so that they could share conversation that would not reach earshot of the landlord, sat at the other end of the pub next to the gramophone. “So, why did you do it, then? Take out the Rasmussen fellas, that is.” 

She nodded knowingly, lacing her fingers together before her. “I knew that you would bring the conversation back to that eventually. I suppose it is only fair that I reveal my intentions, especially after the lovely evening you have treated me to.” She was not short of a bob or two, but John had not allowed her to put her hand into her purse once.  

Drawing herself up a little, Bryn began. “I will start by revealing that I initially sought out your family for the purposes of alliance only, but then I witnessed you and felt my cunt do whatever the cunt version of a backflip is, so I will be completely honest there. I have interest in an alliance, and in addition to that, I now have interest in you.” She paused a moment while John’s mirth displayed itself in a long snort before he laughed hard. When women were unexpectedly crass, it never ceased to entertain him. 

“There is an old saying, John. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and gods, the Rasmussen’s are my enemies of the highest order. What they are, they are not merely a criminal enterprise. They are vampire hunters, their lineage spanning longer than mine. From one generation to the next, they have stalked me through the shadows for centuries, after what it is within me that fuels them. You must have noticed by now that they are much stronger than your average person, yes?” 

John nodded, allowing her to continue. “This is because they drink of our blood. In doing so, it will give a human some of the attributes of the vampire they have drank of. Sharper senses, speed, strength and stamina. You can imagine, can you not, the attributes they would gain if they managed to seize me. They would become unstoppable.” 

He looked thoughtful, absorbing her words. “S’cuse me if this sounds like I’m being a thick headed Brummie twat, but what advantage does an alliance with us give you? You’re ancient and powerful. We might be gangsters but still, we’re fucking feeble compared to you.”  

The admission of his lesser strength to her made something unpleasant prickle his insides, but John was no fool even in the face of such inner concession. He could not deny that while he himself sat very high upon the ladder of intimidation, Bryn was perched right upon the top rung. 

“Daylight, John. You have the daylight, whereas I do not. My home, all of my homes, in fact, have been well fortified against break in. This does not mean it cannot still happen, though.” She closed her eyes for a moment, remembering, her fangs snapping out within her closed mouth as the pain danced in her memories. Making them recede, she continued.  

“When residing at my home in London, I am guarded during the daytime by men under the employment of one Alfie Solomons. I believe you are acquainted with him. I offer an exchange basis. I pay most handsomely for such services.”  

He still looked a tad confused. “I think I’m missing something here. Why can’t you just go kill ‘em all? Ain’t like you’re not strong enough to do that.”  

“It matters not how strong I am. The Rasmussen family is great in number, as I am sure you have deduced by now. Their dwellings are well fortified against vampire attack especially, for they know the marks they have had upon their heads by others of my kind. This has not changed throughout history. They have always bred plentifully to remain in good numbers and thus further their cause. I cannot risk happening again what their ancestors put me through.”  

He almost didn’t want to ask, watching the pain swirl in her eyes, the way her nose crinkled slightly, the tightness in her jaw. “What did they do to you, Bryn?” 

Reaching for her wine, she gulped the rest back, wishing alcohol still had a soothing effect on her. “Took me prisoner for over a hundred years.” 

John might not have known about vampires for a long period of time at all, but what he did, he knew that perhaps it stung her pride greater than he could ever imagine to confess such weakness. As he covered her hand with his, he knew on an instinctual level that this rare and radiant woman was one he wanted to pledge his protection to.  

Whether his family would agree was a different matter altogether. 

[lettingthoughtsflow]

singer!reader

insipired by this fic by @agaypanic my take on a singer!reader:

let's say high school/college aged reader

close friend to the whole team def welcome at the house

big enough to have an audience and perform at festivals but not crazy huge

occassionally works on music, lyrics, and choreo at the house which leads to working with the team

the guys (including davenport) def show off that they can play instruments

Bree steps in as a backup singer/dancer once and becomes a relatively frequent part of the set

Bree doesn't get a normal life so she deserves a fun one

I honestly think she would love it, the costumes, dancing, singing, having a good time on stage, and just spending the night with a good group of people having fun (even though preforming is exhausting)

when the drummer gets food poisoning, reader immediately asks Adam

Adam LOVES performing so the reader invites him onstage whenever she can

Chase can play every instrument but I feel like he would be more comfortable behind the scenes or performing in short intervals instead of a whole show

he might also have a teeny tiny role as a backup dancer (meaning he holds something or has a 5 second dance with the reader during her set)

He'll still perform if the reader really needs him to though

As the bf I feel like he would want to be running things behind the stage and watching the monitors – it would let him feel like reader's protector

I feel like davenoprt would be hesitant to let the kids be on stage but tasha would be all for it and she and the reader could wear him down.

Leo would comment (positives and suggestions) on the set design, set list, costumes, everything

but it's good because reader talks to Leo about this stuff anyway and he helps out

eventually Leo actually gets a name tag so he can be officially part of the concert set team whenever the reader has a show nearby

during one show the reader brings Leo to the stage to play the cowbell during a song and he becomes a fan favorite

it immediately goes to his head so whenever he makes the set list with reader he goes, "and then you'll play my song"

artists hold a mirror to society and she would never promote the davenport products or brand

Tasha def gets interviews though

the whole family gets good seats every show no matter what

in honor of Sabrina "Polly Pocket" Carpenter, I'm going to say the reader has a song where she freestyles at the end

Sometimes she'll work on the lines with one of the siblings (never more than one)

I saw a clip (from a movie idk) where the someone asked who the guy was and he went, "Like she said, I'm the boyfriend" and I love that concept for chase. Bc imagine:

singer!reader bringing him backstage, introducing him to the team, and getting him a headset and everything

he's working with the main stage manager to see how he can help out and what does what

reader introduces him to almost everyone and before she leaves she makes an announcement to make sure everyone knows who Chase is and that he's doing to be on set

reader goes to sound check to practice with Bree, Adam, and Leo

Some judgey person comes up to him when the reader is out going "so who are you?"

Chase responds with, "like she said, I'm the boyfriend" with a slightly smug smirk, puts on his headset, and goes to help with the sound

[koggthryn]

vi. willow street

in the rose creek house, where you learn for the first time that, for some, the world has neat edges. and in the cab of dad's truck, road maps are spilling out from under the seats, are plastering the dashboard, are fading and softening in the heat. you, crouched on the curb, watching and watching and waiting. there is a light at the end of the street, beside the willow, and it is flickering. the willow is shuddering. neighborhood children, knuckles like switchblades and smiles all wrong, all cruel, stop there, look down at the asphalt below. as though the end of their selves lives there. look around, a little confused. seem to have forgotten how they came to be here.

vii. disappointed father

smoke and cold sweats in the truck's cab. a cigarette ember filters back in, lands in our little sister's lap. we watch it burn a hole through her. and he is growling, still. is growing over with that rage he's infected with. WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU? what have you been told? HOW MANY TIMES? will you keep forgetting this? LOOK AT ME. LOOK ME IN THE EYES. but he is grotesque in the rearview mirror, burnt neck and grizzled cheek. mold in his eyes, soot and carcinogens on his lips. and we will dream this every night: the constellations drifting apart, becoming unmoored. his mind and his fist further from each other than ever before. we will dream of taking him apart, limb from limb, orion and his belt coming undone, the sick pop of a ligament in his ankle, the grinding of his joints and heel-toe march. we will pull his eyes from his skull, hold them out from us. we will refuse to be the first to look down.

viii. seaward

we have been here before, another dead end, another sea and sky. chillier, blacker. further from god than before, we have seen the end again and again. we have always turned back, we have always sought more.

ix. relapse

she wakes to tv static and her mother, calling her to dinner. she is walking down the hallway, and the static is still a dull roar in her head. and she wakes again. and she wakes again. and her mother's still calling, she's moaning for her, COME, DAUGHTER, COME, to find her way home, to pray over dinner, to WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE

x. ruination

IT IS THE END, IT IS THE END. the harvest is past, and we are still not saved.

xi. trilogy

god the father, the son, and the holy spirit. an old man foaming at the mouth, belt and broken bottle in hand. that lost boy on his dirt bike, dark eyes shadowed in shame, a blooming at his lip and brow. a crow carrying some rosary, and the beads slide off, roll to a stop beneath the holly bushes, where we buried baby birds and the last of our polly pockets.

'23 september prompts days 6-11 | @nosebleedclub

[palesmokeisinthevoid]

If anyone wants to ask questions about any of my fankids be my guest

Idk I just feel like in a question answering mood

Also here’s a list of them because I have a lot including some I haven’t drawn

Lofty the Sugar Cookie (Cosmo x Sprout)

Momo the Bath bomb (Brightney x Poppy)

Benny the Bento Box and Lenny the Lunch box (Boxten x Shrimpo)

Jewelia the Jewelry box, Polly the Pocket Mirror and Gabe the Goblet (Boxten x Glisten)

Lulu the Loompa (Goob x Shrimpo)

Barnaby the Toy fish and Finn Jr the Shrimp (Finn x Shrimpo)

Monica the Monocle (Glisten x Rodger)

Pearl the Perfume and Becky the Pillow (Glisten x Goob)

Hewie the Scrapbook (Shelly x Scraps)

Rosy Posy the Glass rose (Dandy x Glisten)

Comma the Hair clip (Gigi x Flutter)

Andromeda the Glow in the dark star (Astro x Dazzle)

Percy the Picture Frame (Glisten x Finn)

And Toby the Tablet (Vee)

[apple-stims80]

So this is Love? (3/?)

Frank woke up alone in bed once he noticed this he felt money, like something was missing. He got up walking into his bathroom to get ready for the day. He had to go to Howdy's first thing to buy more jars so he could get butterflies and put them in so he could carefully study them of course he would release them after he was done he wasn't a monster after all, and as for the rest of the day he planned to look at the new insects that came with spring and maybe even have a picnic with Julie, Poppy and maybe Wally, he would invite the rest but they all would be caught up in work during the afternoon till the stars shown. He groaned looking at himself in the mirror fixing his butterfly bow tie before giving up and letting it hang a little loose to the left, his day was too filled to be fixing a tie in the bathroom for hours on end. He walked downstairs and before he left the house he noticed a note on his kitchen table

~Thank you for letting me stay the night we have to do it again.

Eddie~

Frank smiled to himself putting the note in his pocket as he walked out his front door. "Sooooo~" Julie said teasingly getting Franks attention, he walked over to her as she was tending to her flowers, he signed shaking his head making her smile drop "whaaaa, no one came clean" she said pouting, Frank couldn't tell if he was more disappointed or if she was until a lightbulb flickered in her head "Eddie! He has to know, he wouldn't deliver a letter or package if it didn't have who it was going to and who it was from, he would only do that if it was a special request" Julie said smiling. That did make sense "we'll ask him later I have too much to do right at this moment, good talking to you have a good rest of the day" Frank said walking away from Julie, leaving her to her flowers, and headed for Howdy's.

"Hello~" Howdy chimed as he heard the bell ring through out the store "good morning" Frank said to the overly tall caterpillar, how could something so small turn into something so big, that was a main factor the questioned Frank about the man another was "when would he turn into a butterfly" from the moment Howdy came to town Frank had spied on him fascinated by him until Howdy had asked Julie to tell Frank to stop looking at him 24/7. "Ah Frank, what can I help you with? " Howdy asked fixing the apple display "same old same old" Frank said walking to an aisle he knew a little too well, no matter what he did he would always break the jars he got within a few days. "I feel like I should charge you more for those seeing how much you can't keep them" he said to Frank jokingly, Frank would have been worried he would do it but he knew that raising prices on things wasn't in that caterpillar's blood, Frank groaned rolling his eyes "this time I'll be more careful" "uh huh sure you will" Howdy said meeting him at the register "just for you 50% off" he said smiling making Frank roll his eyes, he was thankful for Howdy prices and how kind the tall puppet was but he'd never say it maybe behind closed doors where no one could hear him. Frank handed him 10 cents as Howdy carefully wrapped the jars in paper and placing them in a bag "thank you, came again" he said smiling Frank nodded before walking out the store.

Frank walked along the dirt paths that we're made in the forest trying to find some kind of new insect. He looked in bushes, trees, plants, and even under rocks but nothing not even a rolly polly nor a worm. He sighed packing up putting his jars and books in his a bag calling it in early as he headed home unaware of the rushed mailman running his way. Before any of them could react they had already crashed into each other sending mail, books, and jars flying Frank had ended up falling on his own things feeling a jar break under him "I'm so so sorry" Eddie said quickly pulling the smaller one up "it's alright" Frank said taking small pieces of glass out of his hand "your hand! " the tall mailman exclaimed taking Franks hand in his own looking at it before gently and carefully taking the glass out. Frank could've laughed at the man for being so worried but at the same time it was kind of nice seeing someone's face scrunch with worry for you. Eddie looked at Frank's face smiling "all better" normally Frank wouldn't care for Eddie's smiles but this time it made his heart skip a beat "oh uh, thank you" he said pulling his hand back and looking at the ground "let me help you now" he said kneeling down and helping Eddie pick up the mail, they made small talk Eddie did his best at jokes but he wasn't the best and yet it still made Frank smile a little. "Oh" Frank muttered seeing another light pink and red envelope with a heart stamp he went to grab it but Eddie had the same idea their hands met each other Frank couldn't help but feel his face heat up as his heart started to pound in his chest "sorry" Eddie mumbled letting his hand up Frank smiled at him giving him the letter "no need to be sorry" he said as Eddie took it from him.

Frank made the decision to help Eddie with his runs as a thank you for getting the glass out my hands and he would never say it but he wanted to spend more time with the taller man. "Thank you for helping me" Eddie said dropping Frank off at his house "it was my pleasure" he said back Eddie smiled at him before handing him a small pile of mail "here last ones" "thank you" he said taking them from the mailman, Eddie smiled again before tipping his hat and walked away.

"Well are you gonna open it? " Julie said crossing her arms, her and Frank had decided to have a little get together with Poppy and Wally. Frank had brought the letter he knew if he didn't Julie would nag him all night long over the phone about it" "now he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to" Poppy chimed in bring a plate of cookies "but I have to knowwwwww" Julie said pretending to faint "know what?" A small calm voice asked walking into Julie's flower garden in her backyard sitting down with the rest "Frank has a secret admirer and won't open the letter he got" Julie said whining to Wally "why do you want to know anyway? Wouldn't that be considered an invasion of privacy?" He asked Julie as she gasped dramatically placing a hand over her heart "I just care for my friend so much, is it a crime wanting to know their soon to be lover" Julie said pretending to be hurt "you're just nosey" Frank said opening the envelope "excuse me!" She exclaimed looking at him.

~My Dearest Frank,

I've tried to keep my feelings at bay but not matter what I do I fall harder and faster you're just too intoxicating you're like a drug to me if I'm far away for too long I began to long for your eyes, smile, hair, and smell. I've wanted to tell you for oh so long but I'm afraid you won't return the feelings and I'm scared of being pushed away from you until I know you'll absolutely return my feelings I'm afraid I can't give myself away.

Your Secret Admirer❤~

[curseplay]

@blkcherries sent: my vibe hasn't matched anyone else's all day. / ACCEPTING.

of all of mina's friends that make up black cherry, flo is what paris would oh - so intelligently call the deepest enigma of the group. darcy has enough history with SILK as a unit to be considered a collaborator, someone they're used to working with, and mick is . . . a different story entirely. the polly pocket lamenting beside them reminds them of some warped version of lauren. it may just be the lead vocalist of it all talking, but still. every time the three members of the band stand together, it's like looking in some weird funhouse mirror.

all of this is to say: paris has zero idea what flo is talking about. whatever her vibe is, they doubt they have enough energy to catch it, so they continue plucking aimlessly at their guitar, waiting for andie and/or darcy to message the group chat that mina made with the group's plans for the evening. they've been trying to take refuge for some pre - going out battery recharging all day, and flo, eager to find someone to match her, has followed.

❝ i'm sorry to hear that, flo, ❞ they say, clearly only half listening. it's when they look up and see the blonde mere inches from them that they jump a bit in their seat, clutching their instrument a little tighter to their chest. ❝ — whoah ! what the hell was that for ? yeesh, ❞

flo laughs in a way that they equate to some kind of female joker before bouncing away. paris is the last person in the world that can judge someone else for being kind of strange, so they refrain from doing so. in all honesty, it's stuff like this that makes it clear why she and mina get along.

❝ — is that your . . . vibe ? ❞ they ask, standing on the line somewhere between fearful and curious. for extra measure, they make an attempt to mirror her semi - crazed stare. y'know, in an attempt to match it.

[wibble-wobbegong]

The Canonical Five

Case #1: Mary Ann/Polly Nichols

Date of Death: August 31st 1888

Physical Description: 5’2”, brown eyes, high cheekbones, graying dark brown hair

Family Life

Mary Ann was born to Edward Walker and Caroline Walker, being one of three children. Her brothers were named Edward Walker and Frederick Joseph Walker.

Mary Ann was married to William Nichols at age 18 and they had five children together; Edward (1866), Percy (1868), Alice (1870), Eliza (1877), and Henry (1879). The couple eventually separated due to Mary Ann’s alcoholism and prostitution alongside the suspected cheating William underwent with the nurse who helped deliver Henry.

Death

Being the first victim, Mary Ann was the least practiced. She had no organs removed, something that later becomes an MO of JTR, but she was found with a white handkerchief, a comb, and a piece of a mirror. She was missing five teeth, alongside other slash injuries. She was described as lying lengthwise along the street with her left hand touching a gate.

Mary Ann is particularly interesting in her connections to the lore of the show because, clearly, she’s being represented by Virginia seeing as she has all three of the children; Alice, Edward, and Henry. Seeing as Alice is a child in this woman’s life, it rules out the possibility of her being Mother Alice. She also doesn’t align with what we know Mother Virginia to look like, seeing as she has brown eyes and hair, unlike our blonde-haired blue-eyed devil.

What I think this could suggest is that there is an original timeline in which a different version of Mother Virginia had all three children. To me, this is ringing several Creeler bells. The original description of Mary Ann closely resembles both Joyce and Karen in S1 (though Karen is taller than 5’2”). It could apply to either of them, except Joyce only has two children as far as we know. None of her children hold semblance to the seen Creel children outside of the comparisons made between Henward and Will which are intended to explain Vecna’s fascination and crave for him rather than familial implications.

Now, the Wheeler family doesn’t perfectly match the Creel family. Instead of two sons, Karen has two daughters. Nancy has brown hair rather than blonde. Holly is blonde and blue-eyed, but Henry was a boy. Mike fits the least, but at the same time he would be filling the role of Edward as the outcast of the family in combination with his other isolating traits.

Karen potentially being Daughter Virginia from Edward’s timeline would make the Wheelers a direct parallel to this original timeline Creel family. I could drawl on similarities between Alice and Nancy, Edward and Mike, and Holly and Henry (which I might do another post for), but this is all to say that I believe there was an original timeline before Edward was banished. This delves into speculation, but I find it very intriguing that Mary Ann was found with a piece of mirror in her pocket at her death and Edward’s banishment in the show is surrounded by mirror shards. Almost like parallels. Or something.

I have a whole post here discussing why I am almost completely certain that Edward was Jack the Ripper. This first kill is incredibly important as a kick starter, but I’ll admit I’m still unsure of who removed Edward and how it was done. I’m also trying to keep these short, so it’s not as detailed as usual, sorry!!

[heart-shaped-childhood]

this is what my world used look like ( ◜‿◝ )♡

[id: an ever-ending heart pattern of light, medium, and dark pink with a slight static filter as the background. in the very centered is a png of a pale pink crop tip with a small white ribbon on its lower neck collar. below the top is another png of light blue, baggy denims with tennis shoes. surrounding the whole outfit are pngs of different items. from the top left all the way around to the top right: two slightly chipped sweethearts, one white one with the words "i love you" etched in small pink letters, and another pink one with "cute stuffs" also etched in small pink letters. lower down is a porcelain, precious moments crucifix with a lamb on the very bottom of its design. further down is a pink make-up compact toy, opened to show off its mirror and assortment of eyeshadows. lowest down is a 1st gen mlp pony with a strawberry design on its white body, and a pink mane and tail that's tied with green bow. on the lowest part of the right is a skateboard with its wheels facing the viewer, making its 1st gen mlp design visible. there's also a random panda included in the design. above it is a pink hello kitty theme box t.v. with a menu screen featuring an assortment of typical t.v. options. lastly, at the very top of the right-hand corner is a pair of white and pink polly pocket shoes. end of id.]

[grilledcheeseat3am]

I was christened when I was 9 by a woman above the highway whirling and twirling with two crucifixes in her hands.

I asked my dad what it meant and he shrugged. “An omen maybe. You clean your room yet? Maybe god sent her to warn you.”

My mother slapped his arm. “Fucking godless.” But she was laughing.

I met the ghost in my house when I was twelve. He asked for a cigarette but all I had to offer were a bounty of Polly pocket boots and mud pies. “It’s no good,” he said and I nodded even though I didn’t understand. What does a man made of vapor do with more smoke?

If that ghost had been God and God needed a smoke and God was made of vapor too, I think I would have known it, like I knew the lady with the crucifixes was warding off something only she could see. Like a fairytale or a spell full of sticks and braided flowers and corporeal things.

I didn’t see my ghost again and I wondered if God had abandoned me for a 7 Eleven full of Marlboro.

I was sixteen when I realized that not the ghost nor god or the lady with the crosses could fix the way I felt when I looked in the mirror. It turns out god is no match for the combination of braces, acne, and a shitty haircut. I wondered if all three of them were in front of me, if they’d point and laugh, a holy trinity of vengeful stares.

Im 27 now and if god asked me for a cigarette I’d laugh and hand it to her.

-what am i if not the keeper of God’s smokes