#the peakys receive a letter

[runnning-outof-time]

A Call For Help… | Tommy Shelby (written through letters)

Request: no - part of @raincoffeeandfandoms ‘s Peaky letter writing event

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC (written in form of letters)

Summary: Tommy tries to find a way to better an old flame’s current situation while also hoping to make her aware of the fact that things have changed since they last saw each other.

Warnings: mentions of abuse, starvation and isolation, mentions of an arranged marriage

Word Count: 1413

A/N: this is unlike anything I’ve ever written before…thank you Flor for creating this super unique event, and Aimee ( @dandelionprints ) for writing the first letter - it was so fun to respond to…I hope it’s ok that I took a bit of an angsty route, and I hope that it makes sense. Enjoy! :)

A/N 2: the woman mentioned at the end of the second letter is not Grace (or at least I did not imagine it to be as I was writing). She doesn’t have a name though, so it could be her if you want.

— letter writtten by @dandelionprints —

Dear Tommy,

I'm sorry if it comes as a surprise that I'm writing you this letter, I'll completely understand if you decide to read no further than this part, throw it into a fire and scatter the ashes as if ridding yourself of me for good.

I fear you were not told the truth about why I went away. I'm sure my father told you that I'd had a change of heart, that I could never truly love someone who called themselves a 'Peaky Blinder'. Oh how wrong that could be.

The truth is that it was not my choice to be parted from you, in fact I kicked and screamed with all my might to stay but it did no good. I was still manhandled into a car and driven off to Scotland to wed a man that I cannot stand, a man who knows nothing of loyalty or love. A man who is nothing like you.

My father told me that it had been agreed between himself and my now husband's father that I were to be married into their family, all to settle a debt that my father created by drinking and gambling his way through his wages. If I married this man then his father would rid mine of his debts and make sure that my parents would live a comfortable life.

Why they wanted me of all people, I don't know. I have no money to give them, only services that I'm forced to do against my will, otherwise a beating is in order. Sometimes I take the beating, I'd rather that than to do the things they want me to. All I do know is that I wish it could be different, wish that I could have stayed back in Birmingham with you...

Anyway, I'm sorry. You probably don't need to know about that and also probably don't care. It's been two years since you last heard from me so I completely understand if you want nothing to do with me. You might even have a new love now, I wouldn't blame you if you do.

They stopped me from sending letters to anyone but my parents, I have to be chaperoned everywhere I go.

I've lied and said I don't feel well today and the man whose job it is to make sure I don't do anything I shouldn't has left me in my room to sleep though I fear he will be back soon. I knew I had to use the time wisely and write to the person I've wanted to speak to since the moment I was dragged from my house by the arms all that time ago. You.

I'm planning an escape soon, I can't take much more of this life. The beatings, the withholding of food to the point that my clothes hang off my frame, the feeling that there is not a soul around that I can turn to for comfort.

I don't know where I will go but I won't be able to leave this God forsaken place for at least another month. If you write a letter in response to this then please find a way to get it here without having to go past other people in this house first, I'll never get the chance to read it if it does.

As I said before, I'll understand if you have a new love or if you just want nothing to do with me, time has passed now and feelings change. I'll leave it up to you to decide what to do.

Yours, always,

Aimee

— letter written by myself —

Aimee,

I'm sorry.

I haven't a clue of how long your letter has sat on my desk. A lengthy trip to America took me away from Birmingham for some time and I've just finally gotten back to my office now.

It's been too long, Aimee. Since I've seen you; since I've heard from you. And the reason behind it makes sense now, but it was a struggle to figure it out in the interim.

I hate to know what has happened to you; what the reason behind the silence was. I would have fought against it had I known what type of situation you'd be taken into. I wish this letter would have found me sooner. Maybe if it had, things could have been resolved before they got to their current point.

I looked for you around Small Heath, and when it turned up empty; I widened the search to the whole of Birmingham. The decision to write this letter came when those efforts returned unsuccessful. I write it with the hope that you have not since left this address, and that you will receive it when I send it out.

Help will come, Aimee. I cannot give all of the details here for fear of interception, but know that I will do all that I can in order to improve your situation.

The man that your father struck a deal with is easily influenced, as I am sure you might have already figured out. I have spoken to him and have managed to get him to switch some of his operations around. He has hired some of my men onto his payroll, and they will allow us to trade correspondence in the future; if you feel inclined to, that is. When the time comes, you will be able to leave, and if things go according to how I have planned them, that time will arrive sooner than later.

As for the man you were made to marry...the things he does are worse than anything I have ever carried out. How your parents cannot see that perplexes me and makes me wonder if there was more than the debt that needed to be paid back. I could have helped, Aimee. I could have made your father's situation disappear; I could have changed your entire family's life for the better. How can he be wary of me but yet sell his daughter to a man who so clearly resembles the devil in all of his doings? I never understood how he conducted things; how he could be so scornful at times, but I withstood that to continue to be with you.

I was told that you moved away. That you had dreams bigger than Small Heath and you were finally going to work towards achieving them. I should have recognized the dullness in your mother's eyes when she told me these things, but I was not one to over-analyze what was put forth as the truth then. I understood what it was, and is, like to hold dreams that others think are too big to become reality. I've worked hard to make the Shelby Company Limited into what it is today, and I guess a part of myself was content with thinking that you were off wherever it was that you went, also working hard to make your dreams a reality. Had I known what your actual reality was…

So much has changed over the years we’ve been apart from each other, but I cannot deny the fact that reading your words allowed me to escape back to a time when things were easier. When there wasn’t much else other than you and I. I often think of those times; of you in the summer, sitting under a blue sky with not a care in the world. You always felt much better outside, and thinking of those times makes me feel better…like the weight of the world is lifted off of my shoulders, even if only for a moment.

But like I said, things have changed since then. I’ve found someone whom I love. She has become my wife and has given me a son. They ground me in a way that you used to.

I couldn’t wait for you, Aimee. I had to allow myself to continue on with my life while thinking that you were bettering yours. I thought I’d never hear from you again. I needed to move on.

I want to help you though, and things will get better. They just may not get better in the way that you’d hoped upon writing your letter.

I hope to hear from you again,

Tommy

Tagged: @zablife @call-sign-shark @shelbydelrey @look-at-the-soul @cljordan-imperium @there-goes-thefighter

MASTERLIST

[shelbydelrey]

Mr. Shelby and Jay Gatsby

summary: Bri recommends a book for Tommy and he muses over it.

warnings: Tommy being angsty AF

A/N: Written for the The Peakys Receive a Letter Event hosted by @raincoffeeandfandoms. The first letter was written by @there-goes-thefighter and the reply was written by me. I'm sorry if Tommy came off as overtly dramatic 🤭 I don't know why but i think he would make a fuss about it 🤷🏾‍♀️ Enjoy!

Dear Tommy,

This is Bri writing to you. I’ve been wanting to tell you about a book I’ve read before. It’s called The Great Gatsby, and it was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s a beautiful tale of love, loneliness, and emotion. The main character, Jay Gatsby, is described through the eyes of his neighbor, Nick Carraway. Gatsby is known for throwing parties at his glorious mansion, in hopes that someday his love Daisy will come. He believes in a green light that shines across the lake from the end of Daisy’s dock. The green light represented his hopes and dreams for the future.

The chilling passage at the end of the book goes like this:

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter – to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther….And one fine morning–

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

I apologize for spoiling the ending for you, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the book, as Nick is describing the hope that Gatsby still held on to. His hope never faded. He was also a believer in going back and repeating the past. It was his love for Daisy that shined through, there. See, he loved Daisy in a way he knew her husband never could. This story almost feels like you, seeking hope that is brushing against your fingertips. You’re similar to Gatsby, as you both have glorious mansions that are often filled, but never whole. In both stories, there’s a woman that magnetizes you, changes you, and envelopes you. I bet you’d get along well if you met him.

I love the story because Gatsby is such an intriguing man. His desperate attempts to fill a void in his life despite having every material thing one could want shows how hard and passionately he loved. The material things didn’t matter to him, Daisy did. His love for her superseded anything and everything on earth. Gatsby wanted no one else, as no one else would ever compare to Daisy. He loved her and only her.

I hope someday you pick up the book and let it speak to you. I hope you’re captivated by the story as much as I was. I hope you believe in the green light too.

All my love,

Bri

Dear Bri, 

I apologize for not replying to you sooner. I've read the letter as soon as it came to my possession but the words 'hope' and 'void' hit me in the stomach with the force of ten men and like a coward, i recoiled inside myself and threw your epistle aside, hoping that being out of my sight it would be out of my heart too. I failed miserably, as you may have guessed already. 

Your descriptions of Jay Gatsby haunted and pestered me in the most inappropriate times and every time that i was in London for business, i found myself heading to the library Ada used to work at, asking for the book. I could purchase it of course, as i did later on, but the lack of commitment that borrowing it brought was more appealing than to have it on my shelf, taunting me every time i remembered its existence.  

The librarians gave me negatives each time, explaining that since it was a rather new book, they needed permission to acquire it, and each time i left with an odd mixture of relief and guilt. Relief for stalling for a little while what felt inevitable and guilt for creating a fuss over something you took the care to tell me about. 

But i can't lie, Bri. The picture you painted of Mr. Gatsby felt like a mirror and i was afraid to face that hopeful fool. Afraid of what awaits us at the end of his story. 

I do trust your judgement though and I apologize again for taking too long to remember this fact. That’s why the book is resting by my side as I write to you, waiting to be opened for the first time. 

There’s a detail that you provided that gives me hope (here’s that word again): Gatsby isn’t the one who narrates it. I can’t help but to think that if he were the one telling his own story he wouldn’t be as intriguing or passionate. His dedication to Daisy seems like a desperate man’s attempt to cling onto life because everything else inside him got corroded. There’s nothing left except a pathetic core. But having an outsider, his neighbour Nick Carraway, as the storyteller, serves to redeem Gatsby out of his own foolishness. It’s comforting to imagine that a legacy of misery can be erased with rose coloured glasses. 

These are only my impressions, of course, and I'm sure they’ll be put to the test and prove me that I'm wrong.  

One thing that I don’t doubt is the fact that we would get along. Melancholic men have a tendency to gravitate towards one another. 

I’ll write back to you once I'm finished with book, Bri and let you know what I thought about it. 

Yours Truly, 

Tommy Shelby 

taglist: @runnning-outof-time @call-sign-shark @look-at-the-soul @cljordan-imperium @dandelionprints @zablife

[cljordan-imperium]

Arthur & Kate (Art & Kay)

Peakys Write A Letter

SUMMARY: While at war, Arthur receives a letter from his wife Kate. He had been home weeks before for a visit and she has not heard from him since, but she has some news to tell him, along with that she misses him dearly. Her letter gives him the fire he needs, and his letter indicates such in return. A/N = I received the amazing letter from @runnning-outof-time from her OC Katherine Shelby (Kate). My apologies for the great delay in responding but I was having trouble channeling Arthur...then one of my OC's took control and said that he identified with Arthur...so I hope that he is right and this is an adequate response. (I'm nervous y'all) I hope I did your wonderful letter justice!

TW = BLOOD/WAR/DEATH

(@runnning-outof-time)

Dearest Arthur,

I hope all is well with you. I hate that I have not heard from you in such a long while, but I understand that these sorts of things will happen when you're out on the front.

Being able to see you last month was like a dream come true. The girls are still reeling from it, and Lottie insists that you need to come home every other week now. I tried to tell her that it doesn't work like that, but she doesn't listen. She won't let me read another bedtime story because 'I don't do it like daddy does'.

Elsie wanted me to tell you that she lost a tooth, her very first tooth, and that she didn't even cry when it fell out. Of course, we couldn't find said tooth because it fell out when she was playing in the garden with Mr. Whiskers. By the way, we have a cat now...Mr. Whiskers kept showing up at our doorstep, so the girls convinced me to take him in. He's a very sweet addition to our household, one that I hope you will take to warmly when you return.

The girls are growing so much each day, so much so that I'm afraid you may not recognize them when you return. And they ask for you at the hardest times; at the times where I also am missing you. They wonder why you can't come back like you did, and why they can't talk to you. I tried to explain it, but I'm afraid that it goes over their heads. Children shouldn't have to understand war. They shouldn't have to worry if their family members will come back or not. It's been so hard to try to keep things positive around them, but with how bleak things have been looking, I'm afraid that my positivity may not last for much longer. Oh Arthur, you don’t know how hard it is for me to keep up the front that all is fine in front of them while I worry for your safety every second of every day.

Anyway, I won't fill the majority of this letter with my sad thoughts. Let me share some good news instead. Polly has managed to take total control of the shop, and she's running things in a way that has allowed us to continue making profits even though many men are out on the frontlines. She actually wanted me to ask you: how would you feel if she and I continued with our idea of hosting a special for women on certain race days? I know Tommy has his ideas of how the family business should be run, but you're the oldest and therefore have the power to make this decision. I feel as though this would continue to help Small Heath as a whole.

The nights are much quieter now with you and the boys being gone. Although at times quieter is better, I do miss the nights where we'd all stay up and share stories, and the nights we'd go out and camp under the stars. Oh, how much simpler those times were compared to the life we're living now.

I don't have much room left on the page, so I'll wrap this up with a few more, quick things. First, Elsie and Lottie have asked me to enclose some of their 'most favorite' drawings in this letter for you. It excites me to think that they're taking after you with their artistic talents. Second, I'm thinking of changing my hairstyle up...you may not even recognize me when you come home again. Lastly, along with Mr. Whiskers (who will not be leaving no matter what), how would you feel about us raising chickens?

I hope to hear from you soon, Art. Please be safe.

Sending all of my love until I can see you again,

Yours Always,

Kate Shelby

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

(me)

My Dearest and Darling Kay,

How the pictures from the children did make me long to feel the warmth of your arms and to hear the sound of their laughter as they played in the yard.  Such comforts are far from where they boys and I are though.  While we are presently safe, the nights are cold and the sounds are never as melodious as your voice or the rhymes the children make to entertain themselves.  

Do not fret, for this shall end and the life we once knew will return.  I can feel it in my bones as surely as I know that Tommy will always find trouble no matter where he shall be and Polly will be the strongest person any of us know.  As I said Tommy makes trouble and Polly is strong, but she is also smart.  If she is making a profit, I see no reason to change things when we return.  My darling, I am proud of you, so proud my heart swells that you two have done so well. I cannot wait to stand beside you and back you. I hope you can feel my love surround you as you work.  Tell Polly that I’ll deal with Tommy if he has something to say, and we all know the bastard will.

Of course Elsie could find her tooth.  The Tooth Fairie already captured it and brought it over to me here on the frontlines.  She wanted me to have something so special since I can’t be there to see it.  And she wanted me to send this coin for it, it was too heavy for her to carry all the way back over here from France.  You see, during war, sometimes the Tooth Fairie has to make special trips and have couriers.  But she can’t tell anyone, it’s a secret. The Tooth Faerie is a spy for the British to bring me home sooner.

I am sorry I have not written sooner, since my visit my heart has ached so.  I have seen the you and the girls when my eyes have closed, your voices seeming to call to me in my dreams, but I awake afresh in this hell around me.  The mud and blood causing my thoughts to be dark and I did not want to burden your bright and beautiful soul with the thoughts of this tortured man that loves you more than my own life.  I would start to put thoughts to paper and I could not put upon you the darkness I have felt, I could not dim you in that way, my bright and shining Northern Star that guides me through this dark time as we fight. I will come home to you, we can raise cats and chickens, goat and cows if you want.  I do not care how you do your hair, if you even do it at all.  As long as that smile that you had when I was last home, that one that graced your angelic face when I surprised you, that one of utter adoration; if that one is upon your lips, then I do not care if the rest of the Earth falls to ruin, Kay, as long as there is you.  

So you tell those girls that John, Tommy, and I will be home soon.  You get with Penny and you make sure you are all ready.  Because we will win this war, Kay, we will.  We have to.  We’ve lost too many to give up and come home like dogs with our tails between our legs.  I have to believe this to keep the darkness that haunts my heart at bay.  We will come home and when we do we will have a party like Small Heath has never seen, we can stay up till dawn and not give a fuck who cares.  I will come home to you Kay, if I have to kill the devil himself to do it.

So, you do up that hair how you want.  You buy a nice dress.  And you know I am coming.

Art

@runnning-outof-time @call-sign-shark @shelbydelrey @look-at-the-soul @raincoffeeandfandoms @there-goes-thefighter @dandelionprints @zablife

[call-sign-shark]

Under the Willow Tree ||Alfie Solomons x OC (letters)

Summary: While he was roaming through paper works in his office, Alfie Solomons finds an unopened letter by chance. A letter written by his wife when he was fighting for his life at the hospital after his violent encounter with Thomas Shelby. Alfie still decides to write a reply... Unfortunately, he loses it before he can hand it to his Mrs. Solomons.

Notes: Letters exchange written for @raincoffeeandfandoms' event "The Peaky Receives Letters". The first letter was written by Flor (@raincoffeeandfandoms) herself, and Alfie's answer is mine. Hope I did a good job at portraying your sweet Alfie!

My dearest love, Alfie.

It's been two whole days since Thomas shot you. You're lying here in bed, surrounded by doctors and nurses who don't know if you'll recover or not. I haven't slept in 48 hours and I don't know if I will be able to again, not while you are there. 

I write this letter in the hope that I will be able to tell you all this in person when you wake up. I have spoken to you as you lie there, but I can't tell if you can hear me or not. And the anguish inside me, it needs to come out. I've told myself that I have to be strong that I have to be fighting by your side, like we always did, but I don't always have the strength. And I'm so tired.

I decided, instead, to remember nice moments we spent together. There's a memory I have of us when we were 17, maybe you've already forgotten about it. You were already in charge of the bakery where you started working at 14 and you were starting to get interested in having your own "bakery". You always called the business you really wanted to get involved in that way, I guess it was easier to call it that, than calling it an illegal distillery. I always thought it was funny, even today.

We had gone on a picnic day in the middle of spring. We had brought apples and several of those little cakes you used to bake. We had planned everything and the day couldn't have been more perfect. I remember the sun was shining and I remember the tree we sat under. It was a willow tree whose branches touched the stream in front of which we were sitting. 

I think the day was beautiful, at least is how I remember it. There were even ducks that we also fed. We hadn't been able to have a date like that in a long time because we were both working and really needed some time alone. Do you remember? We could barely see each other in the evenings. And sometimes not even that.

At first, it was beautiful. The food and you was all I wanted. But the things started to go wrong when we got distracted and the ants decided they wanted your pies, too. You were so angry with them! But we couldn't do nothing because, of course, they outnumbered us. So we moved from there, because it was a war we couldn't win. There was another tree, so we went under that one. But it happened that we never saw the beehive. The bees were not happy with us. The way we run! We abandoned the basket and the remaining food there. Probably the ducks ate the rest. Our date next to the stream was terrible. I remember you were mad, because you couldn't give me the perfect date you wanted. But to me, it was perfect. I laughed a lot after that.

We have shared so many things like this, Al, and I know we have to keep making memories because we can't end up like this. I can't let the one person I loved my whole life, my first kiss, my first love, to die because of a bullet from Thomas Shelby. I know you'll survive.

I'll leave the letter in a drawer, hoping I'll never have to write another one like this one. 

I hear voices, what's happening? They're coming from the room where you are. It sounds like your voice. Is it possible? Or is the lack of sleep making me hallucinate? I'll go and see. My heart is beating so fast…

Yours, always.

Rosie.

Ahuvi sheli,

As I was looking for some tedious paperwork, I found your letter by chance, hidden under the mess on my desk. I know this terrible event is far behind us now and that you are peacefully sleeping on the couch, snuggling against Cyril by the fire. Still, I can’t resolve myself to let this heartbreaking letter without any answer. You’ve opened your heart by writing this, so let me ink mine on the back of this same paper.

When I was laying in a pit of darkness, trapped in the flesh prison of my own body, I felt Death’s presence creeping in the shadow, waiting for me to stop fighting so that It could take me away from you. Fear paralyzing me, fatigue eating up my remaining strength, I was convinced I would die here without being able to kiss your honey lips goodbye… My heart ached at this sole thought. But then, I heard your wonderful and enchanting voice talking to me in this dull hospital room, and suddenly the thick darkness was not there anymore. I felt the sweet caress of sun rays warming up my skin and I smelled the intoxicating fragrances of your floral perfume — the last one I gifted you for our anniversary. And there I was, near the mighty willow tree we would sit by when we were 17. Even though I was alone, I could still hear you talking to me from a faraway distance. Each word, each sigh, each sob… I held onto them, finding strength in your love until I could finally reopen my eyes.

You always compliment how tough I am — both physically and mentally. Whether I am carrying huge bags of flour or handling the Shelby and Sabini’s situations.  I usually answer that the strongest of us was you. After all, you were the one who kept fighting after the awful years these Evert bastards had made you undergo. I would gladly tell you that I would piss on Lawrence’s grave but since it is a letter I guess I should remain polite. Yet, despite how strong you are, I am deeply sorry for worrying you and involuntarily making you suffer after that cunt Tommy Shelby shot my fucking face. Living with the fact I caused your tears to run down your sweet face will be the bane of my existence, but I promise to make amend for all the sorrow I caused you.

Rosie, my beloved flower, what is the willow tree without your elegant frame? What are the birds’ whistles without the symphony of your adorable laugh? What is Alfie Solomons without Rose? Fucking nothing. And since I’ve risen back from the dead to pull you in my arms, let me write down our latest wonderful moment that happened yesterday: You were in the kitchen, sitting at the table with the tip of your pen trapped between your gorgeous lips. The more you flipped the pages, the more you were getting angry because you could not decipher my admittedly awful handwriting. I tried to make you laugh but you were not in the mood, and at some point, you thought I was so annoying that you threw a bit of flour at me without being aware of the consequences… We looked at each other silently for a few seconds, and then the same thought crossed our minds. We rushed to the nearest bag of flour and proceeded to turn our kitchen into a battlefield of white powder. You laughed! Oh, you laughed so much that diamond tears ran down your pinkish cheeks. 

You laughed, my little Rose, and I fell in love with you again for the hundredth time.

Don’t fear the voices you might hear, they are just the murmurs of my soul whispering to yours how much I love you. Also, Fuck Tommy and his little bitchass bullets — this prick can’t even aim— for nothing will take me away from you. 

Forever yours, mind, body, and soul,

Alfie. 

Tag list:

@runnning-outof-time

@shelbydelrey

@there-goes-thefighter

@cljordan-imperium

@dandelionprints

@zablife

@raincoffeeandfandoms

@look-at-the-soul

[motherofdogs1010]

Little Darling I (Thomas Shelby x Reader)

Summary: Birmingham has received a new club, one that is showcasing a exotic type of dance that is drawing in crowds, but it is one particular dancer that catches Thomas Shelby's eye... one that goes by the stage name: Little Darling

Warnings: 18+, eventual smut, stripper!reader, eventual smut, swearing, drinking, mentions of prostitution/ sex work, canon Peaky Blinders violence

😊 Dividers by @firefly-graphics 😊 Banner by @vase-of-lilies

Part II

A new club in Peaky Blinder territory was something that always raised Tommy's attention; usually, he would pay no mind when they first pop up, but it seemed like this club was different.

The Scarlet Letter was what it was called, Tommy had been sitting in his office at Shelby Company Ltd. when John and Arthur had come in to report about this club. Apparently, the club was showcasing a unique type of dance with its female employees, one that involved the use of a pole?

"A bloody pole?" Tommy had scoffed at the mention. "How the bloody hell are these women dancing with a pole?"

"Have to go check it out to see", Arthur had replied with a cheeky grin. "From what we've heard, this club had been making money. No ties to any gangs either."

It was a sight to see inside The Scarlet Letter, women adorned in expensive lingerie, their hair adorned in pinned curls and lips painted a deep red, but what was interesting was they work masks that concealed half their face. Literal poles were scattered throughout the place, a barmaid and bartender maned two bars on either side of the place, both busy; sofas and booth seats surrounded some of the poles, paritions in certain parts of the building.

He noticed a few heavy built men guarding certain areas, Tommy realizing they were hired help for the women.

"Mr. Thomas Shelby", a voice boomed. "What a surprise to be seeing the Peaky Blinders in my establishment!"

Y/N ran the red lipstick over her lips, smacking her lips together to get the the color saturated onto her lips. The eyelash extensions she had glued on for the evening tying the whole look together as she made sure to careful wipe away any excess around her mouth just as the boss came in.

"Ladies", she boomed, "We got some big customers outside. Make sure to put on your best performances!"

Cherry Johnson was their boss, she was a woman of a tall stature with a loud, booming voice that commanded respect. But she was a good boss, always fair to them and making sure they were safe, she only had them dance or perform lap dances, never forcing them to go any further.

Cherry came over to her as Y/N was about to fix the mask on, "Y/N, do you mind taking on a particular client here?"

"What client?" she asked as she adjusted the mask and tied the ribbon to secure it.

She saw Cherry grin in the mirror, "Thomas Shelby. Told him I'd send him only the best of my girls."

Everyone had heard of Thomas Shelby, of the Peaky Blinders so she looked at Cherry with a little frown, her lips curled a little.

"He's an obvious big tipper, darling", Cherry said, Y/N sighed.

"Fine", Y/N said as she adjusted her corset. "But he better know the rules."

Cherry grinned even bigger if that was even possible.

Y/N waited behind the curtain, pushing her hair behind her shoulders as she waited for her arrival to be announced. They switched dancers every hour or so, changing sets and outfits, working the floor and private dances. She noticed that her two other co-workers, Babydoll and Lovely, were up next with her on the big stage.

"Hey there, Little Darling", Lovely said with a grin. "Heard the boss gave you some big fish to entertain."

"I just hope he isn't stingy with the tips", Y/N said as she heard Cherry begin to announce them.

"Look alive, ladies", Babydoll teased, "it's showtime."

Tommy leaned back in the plush velvet chair that was in front of the large stage, Arthur and John on either side of him as he inspected the area. Cherry, the boss, had told him that she was sending one of her best girls to dance for them, the crowd favorite, but Cherry had told him the rules and the biggest one was 'no touching'.

"Next up we got Lovely, Babydoll and your favorite... Little Darling!" Cherry announced to the eager crowd.

Tommy put his cigarette between his lips as he noticed the anticipation in John and Arthur, the eagerness in their bodies; Tommy wondered where Esme thought John was as she came out, a intricate corset and stockings piece with a garter on one plush thigh adorned her body. Pinned curls framed her masked face with those blood red, plump lips and sultry, bedroom lidded eyes that were just calling to him.

He didn't even notice his brothers be captivated by her or the other two dancers as she approached the pole, a sensual dance performed in front of him as she moved in a way he had never witnessed before. He noticed other patrons throwing... pounds? at them, the women sensually grabbing the bills and stuffing them into the attire.

"C'mon Tommy", John said, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him a little. "Let loose a little already."

His brothers were throwing notes onto the stage, Little Darling making a show of grabbing them and stuffing them into the corset with a wink. She was like a seductress on the stage, moving with the music, performing acrobatic moves on the pole, it amazed him so as he light another cigarette and placed it in his mouth, he reached into his inner coat pocket, grabbing some bills into his hand.

Little Darling gave him a seductive smile, moving from the pole and getting to her knees, begin to crawl towards him till she reached the end of the stage where he was; she tilted her head a little before she leaned forward, making a show of grabbing his hand that held the bills and guiding it to stuffing the bills into the front of her corset where her tits were.

She winked at him before blowing him a kiss.

Y/N made a good amount of money from her dancing on the stage, counting the pounds that were thrown before passing it to Cherry to take her part.

"Good show out there, N/N", Cherry said, handing her back the money she earned. "You got a private dance with a Mr. Shelby."

Y/N nodded, rolling her shoulders back before making sure her makeup was still good before heading to one of the private rooms.

Walking into one of the private rooms, she saw him there; the dimly light room only seemed to work in the man's favor, adding to the feeling of danger that already existed in the room. He had his cap off, it resting on one of the side tables in the room as he blew out a smoke of nicotine from his lips.

"Cherry tells me you're called Little Darling", Tommy said as she closed the door behind her.

"I am", she answered as she slowly walked towards them.

"Quite the performance you put on."

She moved to straddle his lap, draping her arms his shoulders with a lazy grin on her face.

"I could see you enjoyed it, very much."

She stared into his piercing blue eyes, she could see the lust swirling in his eyes as she begun to move her hips.

[padfootdaredmetoo]

Tell Me Lies

Tommy Shelby X Wife Reader

Request for @luvlesavyy

Request: What if Thomas found himself in a sticky situation? What if he had to be compelled to pretend that he had betrayed his beloved wife, whom he holds dearly in love with, in order to protect her and their child? What if Tommy received life threatening letters from his gems? He lies to his wife, tells her he cheated on her, all this to keep them away from the harm he can bring to their lives... How would this story end? Would she forgive him after he found the letters, threatening her and her firstborn's lives, in Tommy's office drawer?

(They spent a week apart, and she had constant back pain, Polly said she was pregnant. Now what? Pregnant, with the love of her life, who "cheated" on her. Wonder what she's going to do about it? Will you tell Tommy when you discover the letters?).

Hey love,

Sorry this took so long but I didn't forget about you. I've never been the kind for the silent anger type of thing. Changed a few of the details around but I hope you enjoy this <3 Thanks for being so wonderful!

Warnings: pregnancy, cheating, screaming, passing out, hitting, biting, extreme anger & the usual peaky themes

Tommy was used to the bitter taste of whiskey doing absolutely nothing to calm his nerves. He stares at the telephone wishing that he had just imagined the phone call he had received. He pulled a red package of documents out of the top drawer of his dresser. He had finally been advised to open it. Now that he knows what is being asked of him he wants nothing more than to throw it in the fireplace. 

For the first time, he really felt that he was flying too close to the sun. Everything he had started was for his siblings and aunt, now every day was for his wife and child. 

How could he turn his back on all of them, on you, even for a second? What could he say to you that would keep you away? If he told you the truth, then Polly and Esme would be dragged into it and all of a sudden it would be a family trip to Austria. His stomach gave a lurch and he put his head in his hands. 

He had to lie to you. 

He would have to tell you something horrible so you would let go of him for the week-long mission. Then he could come crawling back with the papers as evidence. Sure, he would spend the rest of his life on the couch in his study, but at least you would be safe, at least you would still be his. 

He could try to refuse. 

How many wives and children would die if he did? Would you want to be married to that man? Looking at the papers in the file it was his own family on the chopping block if he refused.

“Fuck” He swore slamming his hands against his desk. 

______________________________________________________________

“What’s wrong.” You said looking at him with sharp eyes. You could tell just by the way he held himself that he had gone and done something stupid. 

“I have to go away for a bit.” His eyes were focused on you in a way that made it hard to look away. 

“Why?” 

“I can’t tell you.” He said firmly and you could tell your husband wanted you to accept this answer. 

“I’m your wife. Spit it out, Tommy.” You said crossing your arms. You hadn't been in this position since you were dating. Once married in you were at every meeting, involved in every dollar, and every conflict. Okay, you weren't directly involved in every conflict but you helped out in areas that weren't covered with gunfire. 

“Look, something's come up and I need to see to it, I really don't want to -” 

“I don’t care what you want Thomas. Do what’s right and tell me.” The anxiety was starting to bubble up and turn into rage the way it always did. You hated when people lied to you. 

“I got a phone call last night. Someone I may have had an entanglement with has had a child. She’s saying it’s mine.” The words fell between you and you knew something was off. You assumed he was just hiding the juicy details of his affair. Now a child is out there. Whose child would he father? His wife’s or his mistress? 

You stood there feeling a familiar hysteria build up inside you. This time you didn't have to push it down. Charlie was with Esme and the cousins for the night. You could make him pay. 

The feeling started to radiate into your limbs and you were freed from your initial shock. You picked up the crystal vase on the side table beside the couch. You threw it at him. 

Head on where he was sitting at his desk.  He narrowly missed it. His eyes flared with shock. You picked up every single thing you could reach and threw it at him. He stood up and charged towards you and you welcomed it. 

You wanted him to hit you first. You wanted blood. It was your turn to cause trouble. He tried to grab your arms and you smacked his chest as hard as you could. He got his arms around you and you bit into his shoulder hard enough to draw blood. Hope his mistress likes that scar. 

You screamed at him. You told him every single bad thing you could think of. You told him he was the reason the family was cursed. That his mother killed herself to get away from him. You screamed your own curse on his life. 

You screamed and screamed until you cried. A deep sob that unraveled years of strength. Everything you had done for this family, just to be replaced as Lizzie once said you would be. 

This was beyond anger and betrayal. This was beyond human. You felt your mind become otherworldly and your vision narrowed in. The blackened edges of your vision collided and you weren't screaming anymore. You had dissolved into nothingness and it was blissful. 

______________________________________________

You woke up and he was gone. The family was in complete chaos over the news. Arthur was actually crying on and off, apologizing for his stupid little brother. He and John held the business together under Polly’s direction. 

Polly eventually sat you down and told you the news once everyone had come to say they were sorry and how they would be helping. It was like being a widow at a funeral. 

A pregnant widow. 

“You're joking.” You took in a sharp breath. “And that is not very funny at a time like this.” Your voice was high and she grabbed your face with two hands. 

“It’s not a joke. You’ll be fine.” Her eyes were so intense it put you at ease. 

Esme reassured you and decided to stay with you at Arrow House for a while. The kids were used to being lumped together and they had no problem looking after themselves for the most part. Charlie was 6 so he didn't have a hard time keeping up with his cousins. 

The two of you rot in bed and she did what she could to keep your blood pressure from rising. You could see it in her eyes though, she was pissed as hell and you were sure she would make Tommy feel it too when the time came. 

If he ever came back. Your heart gave a painful clench and while you were alone in the bath there was no one to judge you for crying. It was a soft moment you allowed yourself. It felt shameful, it felt like letting him win. It was stupid but you felt like you were just a girl getting your heart broken again. This time it felt final. Your heart would not survive this. 

But your family loved you. That was obvious from the cooked meals and even Arthur was around helping with the kids at bedtime. You could hear him and John reenacting all the monsters they fought when they had lived on the boat as kids. You even caught yourself laughing a few times at the wild stories.

It was almost a week since that night and you were starting to feel just as betrayed but you had your head back on your shoulders. In the middle of the night, you decided to see if this woman had written him any letters. You weren't sure why but you were obsessed with finding out who this woman was. Why could she steal him away from you so easily when you had done nothing but give him everything?

You went into his study and shut and locked the door. While you turned the latch you wondered where they had sex? Was it here? The office? The backseat of his car? The rage started to bubble up again and a hand went to your stomach. You took some deep breaths thinking about what a divorce would mean. 

His - scratch that, your family would still love you. You would get to pick a new house and decorate it however you wanted. Fill it full of books and do nothing other than look after Charlie and read. You took another big breath and moved over to his desk. 

You pulled open the drawers in his desk and started to pick through everything. You knocked on the bottom of the first drawer when you saw that the woodwork didn't quite line up. You remembered from all your spy novels that it could have a false bottom. You grabbed a letter opener and started to pry it open. 

It came loose with a pop and you pulled out lots of extra copies of passports and documentation for your family. A cold shudder ran through you. You picked up your fake passport to see that he had named you, Arbella Shelby, maiden name Sutherland. You let out a snort as that was a character in a Highlander romance novel you adored. Why would he remember something so stupid when he was plowing another woman the whole time.

You reached into the hidden compartment a little further and pulled out a red envelope. It was made with very expensive card stock. You opened it and read through the document carefully. 

He had been sent away to aid in the assassination of an English spy hiding in Austria.

Your brain hurt and you took another few breaths and kept reading. 

It only got worse. Any outside interference would result in death. Failure to complete the mission would result in his death. Failure to accept the assignment and the government will move forward with prosecuting the remaining members of the Shelby family for acts against the crown. You read down the list of names and ran a finger over your name, following it was the rest of the family. You also noticed that Esme and John’s older kids were on the list. 

He needed to leave without us going to find him. 

He lied to protect you. 

It got hard to breathe and you had to try and remain calm. You let out a weird sort of choking sound then threw up into a plant pot. Polly found you moments later. 

“Breathe.” You let her grip your shoulders and tried to follow her breathing but your vision went dark again and you were out. 

_______________________________________________

When you woke up Polly was pacing the room and shouting at someone in a hushed voice. 

“You should have told us.” She hissed. “What if something had happened to you.” 

“Churchill would have sent the news. Then she would know what had happened.” Tommy answered in a low and steady voice. He sounded exhausted. 

“What if you had failed! They would have shipped us off to jail again.” She snapped. “She almost lost the baby over this mess Thomas.” 

“Only if I had refused the job,” Tommy answered and he sounded so tired. You opened your eyes and watched them stare each other down. 

“Promise me it won't happen again.” You mumbled. 

“I wish I could.” He closed his eyes and looked positively exhausted. 

“Let me talk to Churchill.” Your whisper still conveying your anger. Tommy gave you a big smile. You finally registered how battered his face was. 

“I have papers saying you lot won't be used as collateral again.” He held his whiskey glass up to his cheek. 

“Tommy, if i thought that the family and our children would get killed I would manage to stay away.” You said knowing that tears were starting to spill down your cheeks. Polly took in a breath and you knew she was going to lay into him properly now that you were awake. 

“I’m sorry.” He said simply. His eyes opened and locked on yours. You knew he meant it. Shock crossed Polly’s face.

“I didn't think you knew those words.” She said waving her hand in the air. 

“Okay.” You said not wanting to be apart for a moment longer. There was ringing in your ears and you knew he was sorry. You knew he wouldn't do it again. Tommy was a lot of things, but he never hurt you the same way twice. He always learned from his mistakes. 

You started taking some deep breaths trying to get your head to stop throbbing. Esme came through with a mug of tea and Tommy put his drink down to help you into an upright position. 

“Tea will help with the headache.” She said her eyes darting to Tommy. 

“Esme?” He said calmly.

“What.” She answered looking skeptical. 

“Thanks for looking after her.” He held her gaze and she nodded at him. The rest of the family piled in and discussed the events of the past week. The tea brought the ringing in your ears and the throbbing in your head down to a normal level. 

Charlie came through and climbed up on his father's lap. Tommy’s arm fit around him and he continued talking about what needed to happen moving forward when dealing with Mosley. 

You had hope for his cause. You rested in his arms and found your way back to him out of the darkness that had been threatening to swallow you.

[call-sign-shark]

Me with you:

Wooooow Mar!! I’m speechless. First off all my apologies for the delay, I just came back from vacations yesterday and I was exhausted.

The way you’ve portray Arthur and poured your all heart in this letter really move me. I’ve read you e also done a little research about Heaven, and if that’s not dedication I don’t know what it is. It struck me the most when you talk about the forest around their home. I was like “okay, she definitely knows what she’s talking about” and I was so surprised!! 🥺 Your description of Arthur’s feelings towards her is so accurate that I wouldn’t write it better myself. Especially your emphasis on how she had been his light. The line “How I wish it was me lying next to you ” turned me into a puddle of marshmallow. I also particularly appreciate the small touch of humor you’ve added by talking about the dog. This is… So heaven and Arthur coded. I could perfectly imagine the huge Cane Corso literally sulking when his owner comes back and reclaim his place in the bed.

I laughed so much at the “Oh no, you bloody what?!” line. I could almost literally hear him curse 🤣 Him being surprised but, at the same time, knowing there’s nothing he could do to stop his woman was lovely. Also, you did a wonderful job at portraying the mix of happiness to see her, worries, surprise… This got me on my knees. Would you it be okay for you if I add your letter in the next chapter of my fic? Because the timeline is perfect!

Admittedly I kinda forgot I’ve written that they were waiting for their marriage when I first worked on the letter exchange — I’ve slightly changed my plan and they are already married in the story timeline when Changretta appears, but it only your reply even more touching 💚 thank you so much for writing this for me. I’ve been rereading it for the tenth times in a row and it makes me smile like an idiot. You’re an incredible writer Mar, and I’ll cherish this gift for life.

Also, is this really the first time you write for Arthur? Because, fuck, you nailed him.

Peaky Blinders letter exchange

Arthur Shelby x Heaven

Letters master list

💌 So I’m beyond thrilled for this brilliant idea, @raincoffeeandfandoms thank you for creating this project I almost stick to the deadline… not going to lie it was quite a challenge since I’ve never wrote for other than Tommy, but just as in life, I’m always up for a challenge 😉

The first letter was written by @call-sign-shark as the OC, Heaven 🤍 I have to admit this letter made me dream about their encounter, the response as Arthur was written by me, I hope you enjoy!

Summary: After S3c Heaven and Arthur live a peaceful and happy life in their house in the forrest and they are trying for a child. But when Arthur got the mafia’s black hand, he came back to Small Heath. At first he asked his wife not to come to protect her, but their love is so strong, so drug-like, that they kinda withered without each other. So she decides to join him no matter the danger of Changretta’s threats. Arthur receives the letter the day Tommy told him everyone should stick together for safety reasons.

*****

Mon amour, Bleak Winter and brass knuckles, My heart burns in the steel Of your saddened eyes. Night fell upon the city and I’m alone in our house, our big dog lying at my feet and flickering candle lights as sole company. As I watched the moonlight and stars, I felt the urge to write down these words for my heart aches with your absence. I know you asked me to stay away from Small Heath until things are better with Luca Changretta, but I’m becoming crazy between these walls. I can’t stand the idea of you risking your life and not being able to take you in my arms at night to give you comfort, nor to wash away the blood from your face and hands. Admittedly, it sounds like I am writing this in pure emotions and I am pretty sure that’s what Thomas will say, but I have thought the matters for nights and days before taking this decision: I am coming back to Small Heath, and we will fight as we have always done since we have met: together. As long as you’re with me, I know that nothing can happen — and if Death brings its cold and bony fingers around my neck, know that I’ll forever be by your side. But Arthur, I can’t go on without you. Each day without your presence is not worth living: I would rather hold your hand and bath in blood with you than being locked up away from you, safe but decaying. As I impatiently wait for our “retrouvailles” in three days, I keep brushing the golden ring your offered me with the tips of my fingers. Your gravel voice still echoes in my head, the words of your proposal bringing me comfort in my darkest and coldest nights. I remember how pained you looked when Tommy told us to wait for this gang war to be over before getting married but I think this is not a good idea. Quite the contrary, this is one rule we should disobey. Even in the midst of battle, I am ready to wear my white dress and deliver my vows, flowers crowns on my head and razor blade in my hand. If sky fall apart and hell breaks loose, at least we’ll leave this world as husband and wife — but don’t get me wrong, I am pretty sure no one will make you bow. Don’t forget that you’re a strong man. Stronger than you can imagine, stronger than everyone thinks. I believe in you, and always will. In the meantime, keep me in your heart and I promise I’ll soon be in your arms, Forever yours, Your angel Heaven.

-

My dear Heaven,

There’s no more room for sadness for me since the day you walked into my life. Last night I had a dream, it was already dark and I was sitting alone, you suddenly appeared out of nowhere and everything changed; it was a sunny day and we were walking hand in hand around the forest that surrounds our home. I just wish it could be true and you could be by my side, you can’t even imagine how much I dream of you…. Finding your letter early today gave me peace, but the day has been a fucking nightmare and I just got the chance to answer your words in the middle of the night. How I wish it was me lying next to you, feeling your warm body calming my busy mind. Don’t let out dog get used to it, though as I intend to take my spot back once this war is over. If only you knew how much your love means to me… you saved me from the darkness. It’s been lonely nights without you darling, but the sacrifice will be worth it, we will be able to go back to our routine and start the family your heart desires, but your love is giving me the strength I need at this moment, that’s what keeps me going. I need you to stay away from this mess, that’s the only way I have to protect you. Oh no, you bloody what?! Heaven, love that’s the craziest idea, I miss you so much yes, but there’s no way I can put you in danger, Small Heath isn’t a good idea right now… and please don’t even think about it, I’d never let anything bad happen to you. But as I know, once you make a decision there’s no way to convince you otherwise, so just let me make adjustments and prepare the way you’ll get in so it’s the safest, at least give me that peace eh? I cannot wait until we get married, but again if you already decided you don’t want to wait, we’ll do it right away. You’ll be the prettiest bride, you’ll look like an angel…and later after all of this passes we’ll have a bloody big celebration. Don’t worry about Tommy, he’ll understand. Your words mean so much, I treasure it so close to me heart my dear. I’m looking forward to our “retrouvailles”. I just know having you close will give me peace. Always in my head and heart soon to be Heaven Shelby. Always yours, AS.

****

Tag list:

@runnning-outof-time @call-sign-shark @shelbydelrey @raincoffeeandfandoms @there-goes-thefighter @dandelionprints @zablife @cljordan-imperium

I don’t know if you read for Arthur, if not that’s okay!

@lyarr24 @esposadomd @elenavampire21 @stevie75 @babaohhhriley @fastfan @forgottenpeakywriter @mrkdvidal1989 @shaddixlife @moral-terpitude @pono-pura-vida @ange-thoughts @onlydeadcells @lespendy @sloanexx

[pacifymebby]

the peaky boys being jealous cuz the person they’re going after (not dating yet js courting) gets a lot of attention, gets letters written to her, people confessing to her, asking her to go to pubs yk yk

Tommy

🌿 Tommy would try to ignore the fact that the woman he wanted was receiving the attention of other men, for as long as he could.

🌿Actually he'd try very hard to pretend that he wasn't interested in you or what happens to you at all.

🌿 He'll be distant but you'll feel his eyes on you whenever you're in his vicinity. You'll feel that angry, resentful glare burning you whenever any of the other peaky boys are talking to you.

🌿 You'll be completely convinced he actually hates you. The way he ignores you completely whenever you speak in a group, the way he often straight up leaves when you walk in.

🌿 He gets really snappy amd abrupt with you, cutting you off midsentence when you are talking to John or Isaiah. He hates seeing you laughing at their jokes or enjoying the company of someone that isn't him

🌿Everyone else will know! His brothers will tease him about it, Polly will roll her eyes and call him a stupid boy, his sister will roll her eyes when you ask her why her brother hates you.

🌿He'll still try to hold it in though, he will never say anything cruel about you to your face but if one of his brothers mentions that you look pretty today, trying to rile Tommy into confessing something, Tommy will just shrug and say he hadn't noticed, that actually he thinks youre quite plain.

🌿 You overhearing that and stewing on it for days, refusing to speak to him, glaring at him from across the room, wounded because you knew he didn't like you but you hadn't expected him to be so horrid and dismissive.

🌿 So you make a point of accepting a date from a fella you know Tommy will really hate. You don't see much in this man but you know that when Tommy gets wind of your evenings plans he'll be fuming.

🌿And of course he rises to it, storms into the Garrison to find you giggling in the corner with this young lad.

🌿 He wants to grab this stupid prick by the collar, shove him up against the wall and slit his throat, or at least beat him half to death so that he never goes near you again. He also knows that if he does then you'd hate him for certain.

🌿Instead he'll stand over you, cough politely and then ask to borrow you. He would perhaps apologise to the young lad if he was feeling particularly charitable, but "borrow" isn't exactly the right word because he's got no intention if giving you back.

🌿 "Tommy what the hell are you playing at you can't just..." "Sorry love need you on somw important uh.. Business, yeah very important it is..."

🌿 Would take you completely by surprise pushing you up against the wall the second he gets you outside, kissing you, testing the water at first watching your expression carefully to see how you react, and when you stutter but don't pull away he knows you feel the same.

🌿"but you... You hate me!" "What you? I could never..."

Alfie

🐻 Is having the most murderous thoughts. He has to be very careful thinking about you this way, as if you're already his that is, because he might actually hurt someone over this.

🐻 You aren't his, he knows you aren't his, but he's always been so fond of you, always treated you as if you were his... Well almost... Hes never actually told you how he feels but... He's always seeking out your company, always got his hand on your waist when youre close to him... And he's always making sure you're close to him

🐻 And you can be sure he's threatened every man in his bakery not to go near you, not even to look at you... To treat you with the upmost respect.

🐻 Everyone else knows you're as good as his, except apparently you

🐻 Alfie is super possesive over you, if he catches a man admiring you he'll go and stand with you, shoot them a warning look.

🐻 If they persist he'll have a quiet word...

🐻 And then when one of them isn't deterred, when they actually ask you out... When you say yes...

🐻 He starts thinking the worst things... Murderous things. He really does think hes going insane, getting this emotional over a woman

🐻 He feels physically sick seeing his girl with another man, his temper is volatile and he gets so grumpy... His bad mood doesn't go unnoticed by you and when he snaps at you and hurts your feelings he feels awful!

🐻 He grumbles at you about your man, has the cheek to ask what you even see in him

🐻 But when you try to tease him "careful alfie you sound jealous" he just sneers at you and laughs you off,denies his jealousy until he's blue in the face.

🐻 He thinks he can be patient, wait it out, this little fling youre having won't last long and then you'll go back to being his girl, but after several months, when he can see things really getting serious between you and this lad he realises he can't wait.

🐻 Hes in agony, completely torn up, doesn't know what to do and, in a panic blurts it out one day. He doesnt mean to and he isn't remotely articulate...

🐻 "I don't understand it right, what are you doing with him? What you gonna marry him yeah? You're gonna settle yeah? With him of all fucking people..." "I dont see why it matters to you alfie!" "Well of course it fucking matters to me y/n, how dya think i feel yeah, watchin my girl fall in love with someone else right, when she was always supposed to be my girl..." "What?" you frown looking back at him in confusion.

🐻 "Yeah thats right, you were always supposed to be my girl..."

Arthur

🍂 Anger Issues TM

🍂 Arthur has always been terrible at managing his feelings. He gets awkward and shy whenever you're around, fumbles his words when he's talking to you... Can't say anything right. It makes him feel stupid and frustrated.

🍂 And then when he sees other men talking to you with such ease, such charm... When he sees how taken in by them you are, how you flirt back, how you smile and play with your hair...

🍂 He can't control the rush of jealousy and rage he feels, he feels bretrayed, he feels like an idiot, he is full of selfloathing and he just wants to break things.

🍂 He takes it out in the boxing ring, fighting, losing himself in the fights, going crazy. When he's beating the shit out of his opponents all he's thinking about is the sight of you laughing, twirling your hair as you smiled up at some younger, more charismatic young man.

🍂 He's so unbelievably grumpy, literally snarls at people who ask him how he is... And of someone asks him whats gotten into him lately he won't hold back

🍂 "Its that tosser y/n's been spending all her bloody time with lately. Hes a fuckin scumbag.." his brothers will laugh at him and tease him but not too much... They can tell this is sensitive, that if they push him too far he'll end up taking all his anger out on them.

🍂 But when they do question him "What exactly is it you don't like about him again?" he can't really answer, he gets speechless and stutters and then tells them "He just is, he's just a tosser, i hate him..." and won't elaborate... Because he can't, not without admitting how he feels about you

🍂 Definitely drinks away his sorrows, gets way too drunk, stumbling around the Garrison snapping at everyone, everyone knowing to stay out of his way, except you

🍂 Instead of being grumpy and mean to you though he just gets shy, slurs something about how you should go back to your lad, "you don't wanna be wasting your time on a drunk fool like me sweetheart..."

🍂 Might (definitely will) get into a fight with your man...

🍂 Might end up blurting it all out to you one day when he's drunk.

John

🌼 King of laughing through the pain.

🌼 Will try desperately hard to convince himself and everyone else that he isn't at all bothered by the fact that his childhood sweetheart seems to be the most adored young woman in small heath.

🌼 Obviously he isn't convincing anyone and to be honest, even you can probably tell he's jealous the way he goes on making jokes and laughing it off every time someone brings up all the attention you get

🌼 He definitely tries to tease and embarrass you about it, and thats partially how you can tell he's bothered by it.

🌼 When someone sends you flowers one day he makes a joke about how they aren't even the kind of flowers you like... You raise your brow at him, "and why do you care whether they sent my favourite flowers or not?" "I don't I'm just saying..." "Flowers are flowers John, they're still nice, maybe if you're so bothered you should send me some sometime..."

🌼 He'd go bright red, unable to hide his blush, he'd choke on his drink and stand up abruptly abandoning you with the gift from your secret admirer.

🌼But he'd dwell on what you had said, he'd torture himself wondering whether maybe he should do it. Whether you'd like them, whether you'd just laugh at him for even trying...

🌼 And even then, when he did decide to do it, he'd spend ages at the florists second guessing whether he was right about which were your favourite flowers.

🌼 Every week he buys you the same bouquet after much deliberation, he vows that this time hes going to actually give them to you but then he chickens out and the kitchen in watery lane slowly fills up with the flowers he's too scared to send.

🌼 His brothers start to lose their mind with him and Aunt Pol finally snaps at him "look john if youre not going to be a man and give the girl the bloody flowers dont fuckin buy them for her... The next bouquet you bring home youd better bloody well send or thats it..."

🌼 And at the end of the day his aunt pol is far scarier than the thought of getting rejected by the girl of his dreams... Somehow.

Bonnie

🍀Is absolutely miserable, completely besides himself. He just doesn't know what to do. Honestly, he's distraught, he feels like his hearts been torn from his chest and shredded to pieces...

🍀 What happened exactly? Oh, he saw you smiling at one of the older lads last night around the fire.

🍀 But thats enough for poor Bonnie, just that one sight is enough to convince him that you're in love with somebody else, that you don't notice him at all, that he's missed his chance with you...

🍀 So he'll withdraw from you completely and there's no way you won't notice the change in his behaviour towards you... Instead of being his usual cheeky self, he won't be able to smile at you anymore without his eyes getting all bruised and wounded looking...

🍀 And you'll miss him so much! If you didn't know how much you loved him before you'll really feel it now he's backing away from you. You will think its something you've done wrong, you won't understand why he's changed

🍀 You'll get so worried about it you'll end up asking one of his sisters and honestly, they'll be clueless too, they'll be really shocked because they know how fond of you bonnie is, they won't understand what he's playing at

🍀 But he'll carry on like it, watching you from afar with wounded eyes, beating himself up for not doing something sooner. Even his dad will be trying to perk him up and offer him some encouragement.

🍀 Eventually you'll get sick of missing your best friend and you'll catch him by surprise one day when he's coming back from his training. "Bonnie please talk to me... Tell me what i did wrong... I... I just, i really miss you..."

🍀 He'll be so confused and conflicted and he'll probably accidentally come out with something spiteful and harsh... "surely you haven't got time for missing me these days, not now you've got..."

🍀You'll frown, you'll be confused, you'll try to ask him what he means and when he blushes and becomes stuttery and shy, when he gets frustrated with himself for not being able to get the words out... Thats when you'll understand

🍀 "oh," you say softly, barely even a whisper, looking at him with a small shy smile which grows with every second that passes.

🍀 "What do you mean oh... Y/n..." he starts getting nervous, thinking he's made things even worse... But then you stand on your tiptoes and kiss his cheek and link your arm with his and say "I don't know why you think I'd rather spend my time with him than you Bonnie Gold..."

Isaiah

🐀He pretends he doesn't care and to be honest, he lowkey does not care... So what if other lads think you're pretty

🐀In fact of course other lads think you're pretty... Hes been in love with you since forever and he knows he has good taste... So its only natural that other men would be interested in you too

🐀Isaiah isn't worried though, he knows he can get to you without even trying... He has all the confidence in the world whether he should or not.

🐀When other men send you flowers or ask you out he just watches it all with a smirk. He isn't bothered one bit...

🐀But then perhaps his playing it too cool is the reason he sees you kiss another man, outside the Garrison one rainy tuesday night, it looks all too romantic and real for Isaiah's liking and he skulks past you straight to the bar where he intends to stew and sulk over a whiskey

🐀Of course he isn't sulking for very long... So what you kissed another man, its only because you don't know who else is on offer...

🐀So he strolls straight back outside to where you and this lad are having a cigarette and he comes straight out with it...

🐀"Whatre you doing love?" "M'havin a cigarette Isaiah..." you say trying to play dumb, "No love, i mean what are you doing outside kissing this stupid prick - no offence mate - when you could be inside with me..." it shouldn't work... It should piss you off

🐀But this is Isaiah and somehow he has the uncanny ability to charm his way out of any situation.

🐀So you leave with him, you don't know why but you do... And he gets his way, and he gets to flaunt you to all those men he knows are feeling jealous as they watch you sitting on his knee.

🐀And if that other lads got a problem with how things have turned out Isaiah won't think twice about fighting over you.

Michael

☘️ Fucking livid mate.

☘️ He's very possesive and definitely the jealous type so if he sees you getting attention from other men he will be angry and he'll definitely take it personally. Way too personally.

☘️ Everyone will be on the receiving end of his little sulk but you will definitely receive the bulk of his frustration. He'll be so snappy and short with you...

☘️ His foul mood will probably push you even further into the arms of his competition which will make him even more angry

☘️ You just know his mother will be giving him hell for being so childish and defeatist about it... "For fuck sake michael grow up, if you want the girl hurry up and make her yours... Show her what she's missing..."

☘️ So thats what he does... First he has to swallow his pride, say hes sorry for being such a beast to you recently... And you're a sweet girl so of course you'll accept his apology...

☘️ Then Michael will take it upon himself to outdo every other man who tries to attract your attention. If they send you flowers he sends you twice as many and turns up on your door with them. If they offer to walk you home Michael will drive you home, if they try to spoil you with little gifts michael will bring you a diamond necklace... He'll completely overwhelm you with gifts and affection trying to win you over this way

☘️ Until one day you burst and stop him midsentence, "Michael stop for christ sake stop whats gotten into you lately?"

☘️ "can't a man spoil his favourite girl these days love?" "But this... This is more than that its... Its... Well its insane michael! Look at all this stuff! I don't understand..." "Whats there to understand love just accept the gifts eh?" he'd get frustrated with you all over again, his temper flaring when you argue back...

☘️ "I just don't understand why you're giving them to me Michael!" "Just... Just because alright! I just bloody am... Cause..."

☘️ When it comes to actually telling you he gets tongue tied and so annoyed with himself and maybe he manages to spit it out in the end... And maybe he gets frustrated when you giggle and say "oh... Well why didn't you just tell me how you felt... Didn't have to buy me all these things..."

☘️ "Well am not taking them back..."

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Part 21: The Shadow of the Abattoir

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: Arthur is missing and Luca considers just how much of a threat Thomas Shelby's little Red Demon poses.  

Word Count: 4,320

Notes: Warnings for depictions of racism towards Romani people and references to violence.

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Chapter 8: Miscalculation

His pen scratched against the paper he was scribbling on, eyes blinking rapidly behind his glasses, battling back the strain that was settling in them from having spent so long reading paper after paper. His fingers ached from holding a pen for so long, as did his back and neck after being hunched over his desk for hours. 

The fire crackled and popped in the fireplace in front of the circular table that Lucy was seated at, hunched over her own paperwork, taking brief breaks only to puff at her cigarette or take a sip from her glass of whiskey.

When the door opened, it startled him somewhat out of the focused daze he’d been locked in while he worked, eyes snapping up irritably to glare at whoever had burst in to disturb them.

Polly pulled off her hat. She’d gotten her hair cut, shorter than Lucy's or even Lizzie’s, and styled in careful curls around her head. And some new clothes, from the look of things. She’d straightened herself out fast. Faster than he had even expected, truth be told. 

“I need to show you something,” she announced without preamble, shucking off her coat and hanging it up, stalking across the office to him. Tommy raised an eyebrow, irritability replaced by curiosity as he capped his pen. He could feel Lucy peering over at them from her spot at the table.

As if just remembering the red-head’s presence herself, Polly looked over her shoulder at her. “Both of you.”

Lucy’s eyes darted over Polly’s shoulder to meet his, wide with surprise and intrigue. He shrugged minisculely at her. Fuck if he knew what this was all about. Lucy set down her pen and got up from her chair, moving to take one of the armchairs positioned in front of his desk. Polly seated herself in the other one beside her.     

“Just after Christmas, I got this,” Polly held out a simple, white envelope to him. Tommy looked from it to her, then took the letter with a sigh, flipping open the flap of the already torn envelope and pulling out the folded paper inside. He recognized the handwriting within immediately. The same handwriting that had been scrawled alongside the black hand he’d received in the mail on Christmas Eve. He read over the contents twice, then passed it over to Lucy, fixing his gaze on Polly and wetting his lips. 

“I take it by you showing me this, that you aren’t going to give me up?”

Polly cocked her head, a very small glimmer of amusement finding its way into her eyes. “I thought about it,” she admitted. “But no.” 

“Not even in exchange for him sparing Michael’s life?” Tommy asked, parroting what he’d just read in Luca’s letter.

“I don’t trust him to keep his word,” Polly said simply. Tommy nodded, ignoring the slight twinge of hurt that followed her words. Lucy handed the letter back to him, hand raising to settle on her face as she thought, her eyes focused on the window, but not really seeing it, her mind somewhere far away. Tommy set the letter down in front of him. Now that he’d heard Luca speak, he could hear his voice echoing in the twisting words scrawled out onto the paper.

“I was just going to leave it unanswered…” Polly started, then shrugged. “But I wanted to know what you thought.”

He again raised an eyebrow. Apparently she had really meant it when she had promised him her help once more. Looking back at Lucy, he found that her eyes had moved to fix on him. The beginnings of an idea had started to formulate in his head, and he pushed it towards her, seeking her input. She cocked her head, thinking it over. 

“I’ll be coming with you.”

He opened his mouth to argue, protectiveness flaring within him at the idea of placing her in harm’s way. But Lucy narrowed her eyes at him stubbornly, jaw setting in a way that he knew meant he would have better luck picking up a mountain and moving it than getting her to change her mind. He sighed.

“Fine.”

“What are you two talking about?” Polly asked, perturbed, watching the two of them have their half silent conversation with her lips pursed. Tommy turned his gaze back onto her. 

“You’re going to give me up.”

Polly, who had lit one of her clove cigarettes while he was conversing with Lucy, frowned. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “We set up a spot and a date. We can scope it out and store weapons there ahead of time.”

“I think I can get our hands on some machine guns, maybe,” Lucy chimed in. 

“When Luca comes for me with his men, Lucy and I will dispatch them.”

“How do you know Luca himself will come?”

“He’ll want to pull the trigger on me himself.”

Polly considered this. “Arthur wants to be the one to kill Luca.”

Tommy sighed, thinking of the bullet Arthur had scratched Luca’s name into. “I think that this situation is dire enough that we can dispose of tradition.” It may hurt Arthur, but it was the truth; if anyone got a shot at Luca, they needed to take it.  

“He won’t like that.”

“He’ll like it less if Tommy is dead,” Lucy pointed out. 

“I’ll bring it up at the meeting tomorrow. We can take a vote,” Tommy pulled off his glasses to rub at his eyes. “Maybe we can get him to see reason on it.”

Lucy nodded. Polly cocked her head, but didn’t say anything for a moment, turning her black cigarette over and over between her fingers. “I’ll write Luca a response and post it today requesting that we meet.”

Tommy tensed. “If you do that, he could lure you into a trap–”

Polly waved away his concerns. “I’ll request a public place. Besides,” she eyed the letter sitting on the desk. “I think he’s genuine.”

Anxiety built up in his throat, lodging in there stubbornly like a rock. Losing John had already been too powerful of a blow. He didn’t know if he could take losing anymore of them. But Polly’s eyes were steadfast and just as stubborn as Lucy’s had been a moment ago. There would be no moving her on this.  

“Right,” his thumbs twiddled against each other. “We’ll iron out the details later. For now, just establish contact with him.”

Polly nodded. He turned back to Lucy. “Any progress with the cousin?”

“Nothing solid yet. I think he’s still staying in Birmingham. Maybe he’s with Luca. Maybe not. Our boys are still looking,” she hesitated, clearly thinking something over. “Are we sure that there’s only fifteen of them?”

He looked up at her sharply. “What do you mean?”

“Luca may have brought fifteen men with him from America, but that’s not counting anyone that Sabini may have loaned out to him. Or any of the people who have remained sympathetic to the Changrettas, or who live in their former territories or in other parts of Birmingham. Not to mention the people here who simply hate us enough to potentially side with Luca instead of us.”

Tommy massaged at his brow, closing his eyes. She was right. They needed to assume that Luca had more men than the fifteen they’d been accounting for. 

“The longer he’s here, the more power he’s likely to accumulate,” Polly agreed. Tommy groaned, and fought back the temptation to just rest his forehead against the cool wood of his desk and cease functioning for the remainder of the day. 

“Why is it whenever you two agree, it’s on something that’s bound to give me a headache?” he asked. Lucy chuckled, and when he cracked his eyes open, it was to see her standing, reaching across the desk to give him a pat on the shoulder. “Look into it.”

“Yes, boss,” she gave him one of those two-finger salutes that made him fondly roll his eyes, returning to her papers at the circular table in front of the fireplace. When he looked back at Polly, he could have sworn he saw a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. 

Hm. Perhaps Lucy’s charms had finally started to wear away at her a little, after all. 

“So we have a plan?” Polly asked, looking at him assessingly. He nodded, ignoring the way that his stomach twisted with fear for all those he held dear. 

“Yes, we have a plan.”  

∗ ∗ ∗

They were the first ones to show up at the hospital. That was to be expected, of course, considering they were early.

“Hello, Michael,” Lucy greeted him where he was sitting at the round table in the middle of the hospital room, dressed in pajamas and a robe. “You’re looking better.”

He gave her a grimace of a smile. “Morphine does wonders.”

Tommy set down his briefcase, clicking it open and handing papers to Michael, spreading others out onto the table. Lucy removed her coat and the suit jacket layered underneath, stretching her arms before sitting down in the chair Tommy had already picked for himself. There was a peculiar scent in the air: a rich, overwhelming perfume that was certainly a scent Polly would never choose to wear on herself. Nor Ada or even Lizzie. 

She shot Tommy a knowing look which he returned, though neither of them commented on it.    

Tommy pulled off his coat and suit jacket, leaving him in just his waistcoat and white button down shirt, pulling his glasses from their case and setting them upon his nose. He pulled out his cigarette case, offering her one, then taking another for himself.

“They’re late,” Lucy commented, checking her watch after the three of them had sat in growingly uncomfortable silence for several minutes. 

“They’ll be here soon,” Michael said placatingly. Lucy fought back the urge to grind her teeth. Lack of punctuality had always annoyed her. 

A good five more minutes ticked by, and she was half considering suggesting to Tommy that they just start going over things with Michael and catch Polly, Ada, and Lizzie up on everything later, when she heard the click of heels approaching from down the hall. 

The three girls entered the room, disposing of their coats and taking their seats at the table. Polly grumbled out an apology for being late, setting a bouquet of flowers on Michael’s hospital bed. Lucy shared a greeting nod and smile towards both Ada and Lizzie from across the table while they sat down and Tommy stood. When he asked where Arthur was, Polly snapped at him. 

“Let’s just start. We can catch him up on everything later,” Lucy suggested. Tommy nodded in agreement, beginning to pass out papers to everyone. He verbally checked things off the list he kept in his head as they moved through them: reinstating Polly as company treasurer, and passing Michael’s duties to Ada while he was still in the hospital. Once those were both done declared the meeting of Shelby Company Limited over, and then they moved on to the real business. 

“But for that, we need Arthur,” Tommy’s jaw ticked as he looked around the room. “Where the fuck is Arthur?”

An odd look passed across Polly’s eyes as she watched him. Lucy cocked her head, but decided that it would be better not to comment on it. Instead, she offered a cigarette to Lizzie before leaning back in her chair with a deep sigh. Beneath the table, Tommy’s leg pressed against hers. 

“We’ll wait, for a little while,” he decided, and they all started to get more comfortable. Polly stood from her chair, prowling around the hospital room like a caged tiger. 

“So, who was doing my job while I was away?” she asked, filling the deep silence that had settled throughout the room. 

“Lizzie and I shared your duties,” Lucy explained. 

Polly nodded, continuing to pace about the room, her heels clicking across the floor. Lucy sighed, staring up at the ceiling. Normally the sound of heels didn’t bother her, but she had a headache and was tired. She’d rather this meeting just ended as soon as possible.  

Ada, Lizzie, and Michael all made small talk while Polly continued to flit about. Lucy listened quietly to the conversation, interjecting a reply or comment every once in a while, but mostly she remained silent. She wasn’t in the mood for much conversation at the moment. Beside her, she could sense Tommy growing more anxious and irritable with every passing second that Arthur didn’t walk through the doors. He was fidgeting with his cigarette, twitching in his seat. 

“Do you want me to go find him?” she offered, aware that his mind was likely already filled with horrid visions of what could have happened to make Arthur nearly an hour late to a meeting. 

“No,” he said softly, and she internally heaved a great, fond but exasperated sigh at his overprotectiveness. They were going to have to have a talk about that, and soon. It might even turn into an argument. But he needed to be using her more strategically. Keeping her at his side at all times limited just what kind of damage she could be causing to Luca’s forces. 

But in front of a good share of the family was not the place for such a discussion, so she held her tongue. 

Tommy looked at his watch, again, and she could practically feel it as his worry and irritation finally hit its breaking point and his temper snapped. 

“All right. He’s an hour late. Fuck him,” he stood from his chair, and began to explain the business in which they needed to vote on. Polly opened a briefcase, and began passing around copies of the photograph from Alessio Changretta’s wedding, including an enlarged one of Luca. Lucy looked over the copy Polly had handed to her carefully. She’d stared at the copy Isiah had given her already for more minutes than she’d care to count, committing every face from the picture to memory. Should she cross paths with any of them, she would know immediately. 

At Polly’s verbalization of the proposal that they give a copy of the photo to Aberama, Ada looked up sharply, already understanding what they were getting at. She started to argue that they needed to wait for Arthur, before offering his job of killing Luca away to someone else, but Polly dismissed her worries. 

“We need Luca Changretta dead. That’s it,” Tommy concurred.

“Lucy?” Lizzie asked. “What do you think?”

She shifted in her seat, fumbling with her cigarette. The sterilized scent of the hospital room was making her headache worse. “I think that if anyone gets a shot at Luca, they should take it. We can’t afford anyone hesitating in the name of tradition.”

Tommy called for a vote, including a promise that he would personally deal with Arthur. Lucy raised her hand in favor. Everyone–even Ada, after a brief hesitation–followed suit. Tommy declared the motion carried, and Lucy rose from her seat, setting about helping to pack up their things.  

Polly threw a small fit over Michael’s mother having come to visit him before they’d all arrived, storming out with the other girls in tow. Tommy sighed, looking like he either wanted to scream or take a very long nap in a nice, quiet place. Lucy shot him a sympathetic look, tugging lightly on his arm.

“Come on. Good to see you’re feeling better, Michael,” she added. Michael nodded at her silently, eyes tired.

Briefcase in hand, Tommy let her pull him from the room and down the hall. She let out a deep, relieved sigh once they were out of the hospital and in the fresh air–or as fresh as the air could possibly be in Birmingham. 

“You all right?” he asked, taking note of her closed eyes and upturned face. 

“Mhm. The smell of disinfectant was giving me a headache.”

He touched her arm in sympathy, looking around the street worriedly, paranoia etched into his face. He did that a lot more, these days, scanning rooms the second they’d entered them, head on a swivel as they walked down the smoky streets. 

She supposed that they both did, actually. 

Worry was revealing itself in the crease between his brows and the clench in his jaw, and she knew that behind his eyelids, he probably was having horrid visions: Arthur, dead in the gutter, Arthur, strung up like a piece of meat in the back of a warehouse, Arthur, cut into so many little pieces that they’d never find all of them. 

It hadn’t been all that long since they’d seen him; at the factory, selecting men who were willing to work and keep things running despite the strike that had been called. 

Lucy had stood at Tommy’s side as she watched the scabs filter into the factory. They were hungry men, many of them inexperienced, but they would have to take who they could find until the strike was over.

But things could happen fast, in situations like these. 

“Let’s go to the office,” she suggested. “Maybe he just lost track of time. Or got held up at home.”

Tommy’s fingers tightened around his briefcase, and while the worry didn’t leave his face, he nodded, taking her hand with his free one, and walking side by side with her in the direction of the betting shop.  

∗ ∗ ∗ 

Luca stared down at the papers spread out across his desk, fiddling with the matchstick between his teeth. He examined, briefly, two photographs, side by side. One of Thomas Shelby from his days spent during the war, the other a photograph of the whole family, taken at the opening of an orphanage in honor of Shelby’s late wife. 

He shuffled through the pictures on his desk until he found the one of Grace Burgess. A beautiful woman with wavy blonde hair, intelligent eyes staring back at him in the photograph. 

Such a shame, what had happened to her. Though, if they had not gone after Angel, she would still be alive today. 

Amazing, how Shelby seemed to play so carelessly with the lives of those closest to him. Had he kept his family close, it would have been harder for them to have gotten the second youngest brother as easily as they did. 

“What about her?” Matteo asked, seated on the other side of the desk from him, fiddling with a little, rectangular photograph. He slid it across the desk towards Luca, and he picked it up, looking down at the image of a woman who could be only a year or two younger than Shelby, the fair skin of her cheeks and nose dusted with freckles, her cheekbones lightly prominent. She had full, naturally pouty lips, and wide eyes that were just a little too large to be in proper proportion to the rest of her face. But she was pretty. Almost doll-like. Her hair was sheared off at the chin, falling in tousled, barely tamed loose curls around her face. 

The expression with which she met the camera was serious, but there was a sparkle of something–be it madness or simple mischievousness, it was hard to discern–in her eyes.

Luca’s teeth scraped against the matchstick, gnawing it slightly as he considered the image of Lucy Winters before him. He knew, from having seen her in person, that those eyes were a dark forest green. Her hair, a deep, rich, dark auburn. And she was tiny. Laughably so, for someone who was supposed to be so terrifying. The top of her head would probably barely come up to his shoulder, and he was pretty sure that if he wanted to, he could lift her up with one arm. 

She’d looked at him from across the long table in the room where he’d confronted Shelby with the expression of someone gathering information from every twitch, every little glance or stutter of speech. She was smart, of that he was sure. She likely wouldn’t have managed to claw her way so high up in the Shelby’s organization if she wasn’t. 

Even if she was also fucking the boss. 

“I keep hearing rumors about her, Luca. On the streets. From our informants. From the people we’ve talked to who hate the Shelbys almost as much as we do. They all say similar things about her. Should we be worried?”   

Luca turned the photograph over in his hand thoughtfully. Thomas Shelby’s Whore, that was what his mother had called her. His concubine. The Red Demon. She said that Winters had been working for Shelby since before his late wife had been in the picture, and that rumors about their relationship had been rampant. Shelby’s attachment towards the red-head had not diminished, even after his marriage. The woman even fucking lived with him and his wife in their big fucking mansion in Warwickshire. So either his wife was in on the affair–some of them were into that kind of thing, after all, and who knows with these Romani and their strange customs–or she was dumber than a bag of rocks. 

After Grace Shelby’s death, Winters had continued to remain at Shelby’s side. Comforting him in his time of grief. His mother had spoken with disdain and disgust of the whole arrangement. The words husband stealer and slut were both used quite liberally in all her assessments of the little red head. 

Murderer, bitch, assassin, spy, and dangerous had all been included in the mix as well. His mother had been insistent: Lucy Winters must be one of the first in Shelby’s organization to die. 

“If Thomas Shelby is killed, she will come after you. And she will bring all of hell with her, Luca, mark my words. She will never stop. You have to get her first,” his mother’s lips had curled into a cruel smile, then. “It’ll hurt him more, too. To hold the body of another woman he loves while she dies in his arms.”

Luca had taken her seriously, at first. Of course, Thomas Shelby’s assassin needed to be dealt with. But then he had seen her, sitting there in the office. She’d been caught unawares by him just as her lover had been.

Yes, he was sure that his mother’s stories of her being a good shot with a revolver and particularly fond of castrating rapists were both true, but he was beginning to suspect that the other stories, the ones of her slaughtering a group of men in a pub or murdering her own brother in her family’s home in London, were all just tall tales. Likely spread by Shelby himself to ensure that no man was stupid enough to try to lay a hand on his woman. 

No, he was not worried about the tiny little girl playing gangster because her lover let her. Yes, he would ensure she was dead before the vendetta was done. That was a certainty. But it would be to punish Shelby. To force him to confront the pain of having everyone and everything he’d ever cared for ripped away. Not because he saw her to be a legitimate threat that ought to be feared. 

What was there to be afraid of, really? She was so small he doubted she would be able to hold her own against even just two of his men. 

Not listening to his mother was not something he made a habit out of. Since she had come to him in New York, eyes red and swollen from crying, but mouth set with quiet wrath, he had listened to everything she had said. Every morsel of information she had on the Shelbys was invaluable in planning the vendetta. In ensuring victory against the Peaky Blinders scum who thought themselves grand enough to take both his father and brother away from him. 

But not every scrap of information she had given him may be correct, and he had to adjust when necessary. He had evaluated the red-headed girl. Looked her in the eye and saw nothing that indicated the promise of violence and death that his mother had warned him of. And she had admitted herself to him that she had not once seen any physical evidence of the Red Demon’s rumored ferocious violence herself. Only heard of it through secondhand stories and rumors. And Luca was not about to lose resources or spend precious time being paranoid over what he had known from the moment he made eye contact with Lucy Winters were just tall tales.  

She would not be a problem. His men would deal with her easily. Fucking hell, she and Shelby had both allowed an unknown man to sneak into their office and unload their weapons without their knowledge. That they’d left their guns hanging out in the open like that at all was a sign of either great stupidity or colossal arrogance. Like a dog who had grown too fat, lazy, and comfortable that it rolled over to show its belly to all who approached it. Not taking the time to carefully scent their hands to tell if they were friend or foe before revealing the weakest part of itself.   

It showed just how weak and unprepared they were to face an organization as well-oiled and ruthless as he and his men. They would make quick work out of them. And, if Winters surprised him and turned out to be more than she initially appeared, he could always just deal with her himself.  

“Luca?” Matteo pressed, still waiting for an answer. Luca raised his eyes to him, lips pulling back to reveal his teeth, matchstick still gritted between them, in a smile. 

“Don’t worry about her, Matteo,” he took one last look at the picture, then tossed it aside to settle on the far right edge of the desk, unworriedly. “Don’t worry about her at all.”

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[lady-of-the-english]

Tommy and Grace and Marriage Part 4

As his key antagonist of season 2, Campbell demonstrates how he thinks Grace is Tommy's weaknesses - a pain that he can keep poking at to distract him and make him off-kilter in their exchanges. It's a tactic Tommy uses himself, so he understands perfectly how effective it is.

It is only this danger that forces Tommy to consider truly forgetting Grace and leaving her behind burning her letter just as the Garrison, where they fell in love, burns due to Campbell's bombing.

Most seasons of Peaky Blinders begin with visually showing the audience Tommy's status. The opening of season 2 lets us clearly understand how financially better off the Shelbys are. To do this, we have both transformed locations and new locations.

With their financial success, the need to diversify their portfolio, and hide money, Tommy buys his family homes, especially the women that he loves, Polly, Ada, and their sons - a clear parallel to how the season ends with Grace pregnant with their son and the next opens with their wedding.

Tommy tells Polly he bought her a house to bring her family home to. Polly is haunted by the loss of Anna and Michael, and Tommy's depth of empathy comes from shared experience as he dedicates himself to finding what happened to them and if he can return them home. Like Polly, Tommy also longs for the family he dreamed of having with Grace but feeling that Grace is out of reach (married and living an ocean away), he'll give Polly and Ada what he fanatasied about providing Grace - all the warmth, comfort, security, and love a home typically symbolizes.

While season 1 showed his flashbacks of the war, season 2's are mostly centered around Grace. He tells Arthur, who is spinning out of control due to his own PTSD, to "shut the door" on the war, like he did. However, Tommy sees his own hypocrisy; neither the war nor Grace are gone from his thoughts. He just hides it better, and even that is cracking, especially in relation to Grace as both Polly and Campbell have pointed out their knowledge of how much he still loves her.

At the reopening of the Garrison, Tommy leaves his family to celebrate and retreats to the renovated snug to brood over Grace's letter that he's been carrying around in his pocket since he received it as a perfect representation of his internal struggle of wanting to hold onto her but feeling like he must let her go.

With the Garrison physically changed, he possibly thinks that moving on from her is possible for the first time. The reminders of her physical presence have been literally burned away, and with that, maybe he won't be so haunted by the memories and how they almost had everything they wanted together. With the changes, maybe he won't look for her at the bar or in the doorway anymore.

He tries to follow his own advice to Arthur to "shut the door" on his feelings and he burns her letter without reading it. The burning is juxtaposed with their love scene as he holds it in front of himself a moment to gather his courage before lighting the match and then holds the match for another moment before taking it to the letter.

The first visualization of Grace this season - outside of the season 1 recap at the start of 2x01 - is of Tommy remembering their love scene and especially the most intimate moments of it. Tommy remembers their gentle kisses, how they reached for each other, him burying his face in her neck, wanting to be as close to her as possible.

He tries to burn these memories away and once again turns to sex as an escape but in a new way. He knows the controlled, dispassionate sex with Lizzie doesn't help. So this time, he parties (just as Arthur does for the rest of the season with similar failed results). The next scene is Tommy awake from his threesome which is the antithesis of the scene he remembers with Grace. He is awake, sitting up and disconnected from his partners. He is unhappy and lacking any of the peace and intimacy of his memories. Recognizing that it didn't help at all, he gets out of bed and starts working - the only escape that works at least temporarily.

This realization and the true stakes of his assassination assignment from Campbell help Tommy accept and embrace the fact that his feelings for Grace will never go away.

Tommy, in quick succession in 2x4, is told he'll receive no help from the police or intelligence agency, realizes that there are spies in Campbell's plans, and how tight the security is on his target.

And with this, Tommy starts to "prepare" and "get his affairs in order" for failure and his death and, in doing so, accepts his feelings for Grace openly, which is intertwined with commentary on marriage and family. While he buys Polly and Ada each a home to raise their sons in, Tommy recognizes his own lack of immediate family. Johnny Dogs tells Tommy, "I hate to see you not even married yet," and he has Ada sign a trust to leave everything behind to John and Ada's kids as he acknowledges that "I don't have any children."

As Tommy gives away what he has and prepares to do that fully, he buys one thing for himself - Grace's Secret. While this race horse is interwoven in his business plans (gaining him access to the owners' enclosure), it is also a deeply personal choice. Tommy's love of horses was well established in the first season and is tied to the beginning of Tommy and Grace's relationship. It is after the death of his other horse that he asks Grace to sing for him.

Charlie connects the horse to the idea of Tommy returning to and embracing his true self. While Tommy repeatedly tells the family that cars are the future of the Shelby Company (both legitimate and illegitimate), Charlie asks him to think about when was the last time he rode a horse - when did he last choose something he truly loved and wanted? Tommy walks away without answering but the literal next shot is of a picture of Grace.

And thus, he goes off to buy this horse, creating a concrete connection to Grace. He tells Polly it's a good "investment" and equates it to the family homes he just bought them. While he plans to buy the horse for $1,000, as May drives up the auction, he doubles it as he tells Charlie, "I'm having that horse" who he later affectionately calls "my girl." A horse he then tells May, as he hires her to train the horse for Epsom Derby, "will be called Grace's Secret."

In the first episode of the season, both Tommy and Polly avoided speaking Grace's name when talking explicitly about her. With this choice, Tommy will confront her name continuously. There would be a decent amount of paperwork for Tommy to read and sign to officially register, train, and sign up the horse for Epsom. With each piece of paper, meeting, and visit to May, he anchors Grace into his thoughts and the thoughts of his family.

I would have loved for a scene for his brothers, Ada, or Polly to reckon with his naming and what it reveals - and doesn't. They'd probably think the "secret" is Grace's undercover work and betraying Tommy. But as we are again shown in this episode that they are still in contact two years later, it is clear that Grace's secret is Tommy himself and the love they still share.

Through this, Tommy accepts the reality of their feelings for each other and that they'll never go away even if he'd never see her again. Even in starting an affair with May, it is centered around shared grief rather than affection for each other.

May recognizes that she is a "small diversion" to Tommy, just as he is for her. As they consider him staying the night, she cries over her own lost husband, admitting, "I put all his photos in a draw and locked it. As if that was going to make a difference," just as Tommy burning Grace's letter made no difference for him. He enters this exchange, knowing neither is the person they really want to be with.

And once he has the opportunity, he chooses Grace. By the end of the episode, he returns to the office to find a telegram from Grace, letting him know she's returned to England for the first time since she left.

While he previously burned her letter, he now reads it and willingly picks up the phone to be the one to call and reach out to her. It is presented with the same purposefulness as any choice Tommy makes. Just as he waited a moment to burn the letter, he thinks for a moment if he is willing to open himself open to Grace fully, to be truly vulnerable and have an honest emotional connection with someone else. With possibly limited time left, he aims to spend it with the person he truly loves. He is no longer hiding and repressing his feelings but embracing openly what and who he truly wants.

He reaches out to Grace and while they don't get to speak on this phone call (as Grace's husband answers the phone), we are set up perfectly for their reunion in 2x05 - a parallel to how much 1x05 was a turning point in their relationship.

And more on that in Part 5!

[prettybillycore]

FOR TOMMY | Letter #7 Tread lightly, Newt

Pairing(s): Thomas Shelby x Original Character

Universe: Peaky Blinders / Fantastic Beasts

Summary: Veela and Seer- a powerful combination of traits for one person to have. Edith Lillian Scamander falls in love with a young Thomas Shelby while working in a nurse’s ward during WWI. Will her feelings be requited, or will she be doomed to pine over the man of her dreams for eternity hopelessly?

Rating: Teen

Warnings: none

Read on AO3 or Scroll down to read it right here on Tumblr below the cut!

You know that I would not write you if the situation was not dire. I know that you and Edith have your differences, but I also know you care about her safety and well-being. I have just received a concerning letter in the mail from her. She has officially ended her engagement with Lucretius. We both saw this coming, but I thought she would have come to one of us for help. Instead, she states in her letter that she will not be telling us where she is going. She stated that she will contact me when she feels safe to do so. Something doesn’t feel right about this. I am very worried for her, Theseus. Where could she possibly go that she would be safe from the wrath of a Malfoy? Other than with one of us of course. I doubt she would have gone to you instead of me, but I hope she’s safe in your living room drinking that tea she always likes. If she is not with you, I fear the worst. Would you be able to do something at the ministry to help locate her? I cannot bear to lose her, Theseus. I am going to start looking for her myself; I will check with everyone she was friendly with in school if I have to. If you hear anything of her whereabouts, tell me immediately. Do not approach her by yourself; she’s always been quite reactive toward you and she’s probably scared beyond belief right now.

Tread lightly,

Newt

[shelbydelrey]

Etheline Hill of Casterly Rock

"A dog raised among lions"

MASTERLIST

cw: canon typical violence (both GOT and Peaky), misogyny, incest, infidelity, animal abuse, death, murder, sexual content, HEAVY ANGST.

A/N: I adapted Tommy's name into Tommen Selby in order to fit the Westeros medieval aesthetic. And no, Selby isn't a typo: it is the root name, in Norse culture, of the modern Shelby name.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Born: 213 AC (one of the Free Cities)

Died: 239 AC (Casterly Rock)

POLITICAL INFORMATION

House(s): -

Affiliation(s): House Lannister; House Selby

TITLE(s)

Lady of Casterly Rock (posthumous)

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Also known as: Ethel

Culture: Westermen

Religion: Faith of The Seven

Father: Robert Lannister II

Mother: Unknown

Sibling(s): Heinrich Lannister; Daisy Lannister

Spouse: Heinrich Lannister

Lover(s): May Dondarrion (unconfirmed); Tommen Selby

Issue: -

HISTORY

Etheline’s place of birth is cited to be one of the Free Cities and her mother’s name remains unknown. Under the bastard surname “Hill” of the Westerlands, she was raised in Casterly Rock and received a formal education. Maester Dallar, who served the Lannisters from Lord Benam Lannister’s rule until the House’s extinction, noted that “while she is a child of no particular beauty and no particular intelligence, she compensates with dedication”. Heinrike, Robert Lannister’s wife, wrote to her sister about the girl’s tutoring: “I do not know why i’m being punished. I gave him two children - one of them a son above all - and yet Robert treats the creature to a higher prestige than Daisy”.

Witnesses recall that during childhood, Daisy and Etheline never displayed affection towards one another. Heinrich, however, often played pranks on his half-sister¹. There is no confirmation on whether or not their incestuous relationship started in these early days.

Robert Lannister II died at 220 AC thirty-seventh year, rendering Heinrich the sole male heir of House Lannister. In a letter to Lady May of House Dondarrion, Etheline briefly spoke about her father: “There is a daydream i allow myself to indulge: around the age of six, my father kneels before me and calls me Rhaenys. His eyes are kind while he speaks to me and full of a joy that can only be conjured through imagination. I dip inside this fantasy to pretend that i was once loved enough to be named after the First Queen of Westeros.”

The Hill girl’s stay at Casterly Rock was questioned after her father’s passing but once asked about it Lord Robert replied: “She was smeared into this world already. By trying to remove the stain, it will only further ruin the fabric.”

At her sixteenth year, she started to frequent tournaments and, although unnatural, she aided her grandfather in fiscal duties.

At 233 AC, Lady May Dondarrion requested the company of Daisy Lannister at Blackhaven. The invitation was accepted but Etheline was sent in her sister’s place². No offence was recorded on Lady Dondarrion’s part. Servants reported that the two women spent an awful lot of time behind closed doors; either in the Mistress chambers or the castle’s library and these rumours coupled with a specific passage in one of their correspondence (in which Hill pleads: “Please, give myself back to me. You’ve uncovered a truth about myself that i would rather remain concealed.”) paved the route of speculation of the possibility of an affair between the two.

At 235 AC, Lord Tommen Selby arrived in Casterly Rock. In correspondence to Lady Dondarrion, she laid out what is believed to be her first impressions of the Warden of The North: “He seeks gold after sacking the North” and “He is as tall as the shortest Lannister woman”³. She accompanied him to Lannisport on multiple occasions and even followed his delegation to the vassal House Payne. Story goes that at a Casterly Rock’s market, the Lord of Winterfell helped the illegitimate daughter of House Lannister rescue a dog from a number of kids that found pleasure in stoning the animal. Tommen would later report: “Despite being a sizable beast, the dog was skin and bones by the time we found him, with rashes all over his body and at least one broken paw. The sight of her red dress drove the little miscreants away, although two of them ran off with screams of ‘here comes the Lady of Casterly Rock’, but even so he wouldn’t let us close, showing his teeth and barking at every step we took. To him we were no different than his assailants. My suggestion of feeding him a piece of bread with a few drops of sedative didn’t please her at first but with the lack of alternatives she was forced to agree; i could tell she couldn’t bear to see the dog licking his own wounds. We had to wait until my squire came back from the Rock with a vial and i had my own reservations as to whether or not the animal would accept the offer of food but alas a dog is a dog and soon he succumbed to the medicine. I carried him to spare her the misery; at the mercy of a heavy sleep, the creature resembled a corpse. On our way back to the fortress, she shed silent tears and to this day the wails trapped in her chest haunt my sleep.”

It is uncertain if the liaison between Lord Tommen and Etheline started prior to his engagement to her half-sister⁴ but historians speculate, based on the following letter, that she seduced the man out of jealousy of her sister:

“It’s been two weeks since your departure and i’m already tracing the marks of your teeth whenever your absence makes itself physical. You can gloat; it is the sweetest defeat i’ve ever surrendered myself to. You can even have another of my sordid secrets: i’ve came on my fingers, repeatedly, thinking only of your warm mouth on my thigh.  

Are you sure no Stark blood runs in your veins? Because your canines do resemble a wolf’s and its punctures are the ones taking the longest to heal. I dread the moment the purple coloration will fade into yellow, i dread that the imprints of your mouth will fade with it and that any sign you’ve ever been here will disappear. I can only hope that the memory is as equally scarred on my soul as it is on my body. Which of us is madder? Me, for requesting your bite or you, for obliging to such a grotesque request?

Have you bedded my sister? By the time this letter reaches [the caravan], the two of you will still be a good few miles away from Winterfell and not yet married but i do wonder if curiosity or duty overtook the both of you. Despite her despise for your low birth, i can picture Daisy warming your bed in defiance - to you and Robert -, as if to say “i won’t treat myself as a victim”. Will you learn to love this fire that resides inside her? Or will it melt the ice of your newly conquered castle until all the Selbys drown?

Don’t fret, however. She will never hate you like i do. She will never make love to you like i do.”

They carried on their affair through correspondence⁵ until 238 AC, the year of Lord Robert’s death.

Heinrich, heir of House Lannister and half-brother of Etheline, was at the Stormlands under the ward of Lord Alfred Baratheon in the events of his passing, rendering his mother Heinrike the only official member of House Lannister presiding over Casterly Rock. This vulnerability was appropriated by House Greyjoy that set up an attack at Lannisport. Heinrike summoned House Arryn, her place of birth, and Etheline requested the aid of Lord Eustace Tyrell⁶, who attended her call. The uprising was quickly vanquished with remarks such as these by General Jorrel of the Westerland army: “Lady Heinrike displayed courage and provided the strength necessary to march on against the Greyjoys. But it was Etheline who carried the calm of unwavering certainty that there would be no defeat; a Lannister trait that was still fresh and was mourned at the mouths of the soldiers.” Heinrich returned with his great-aunt Lenora Baratheon, the twin sister of Lord Robert Lannister I. His first act as Lord of House Lannister was to behead Lord Kollion Greyjoy under orders of King Aegon Targaryen V. Etheline was by his side during the punishment.

From early childhood, Elizabeth Baratheon had been promised to Heinrich. Nevertheless, in late 238 AC, the man sought Septon Carn in Payne territory to secretly unite him in marriage with his half-sister, Etheline Hill. Blind, half-deaf and an octogenarian, the scholar conducted the ceremony unaware of the incestuous nature of the relationship. However, a month later the engagement with House Baratheon wasn’t broken and the union of Elizabeth and Heinrich took place in Casterly Rock as scheduled. In early 239 AC, the unlawful marriage's witness, who remains anonymous, denounced the deed. House Baratheon declared war on the Lannisters and demanded Heinrich's head as Elizabeth's immediate return.

In what is believed to be Etheline's final letter, the woman [discorre] about her condition in those hectic days:

“Dear Tommen,

I hope this letter found its way into your hands. Heinrike locked me inside my room and there’s little access to food and water, let alone a piece of parchment. I only got my hands on this one after appealing to the motherly side of Daisy’s old maid. The hag always pitied me and now she finally had the chance to crumble before this motherless child. I am being mean, i know. If your eyes are roaming this words, it’s all thanks to her. But i can’t control my anger. At this moment, it is aimless and innocent people get hurt as a result.

By now, you must be aware of my sins. I won’t apologise. A lifetime of sorries led me to where i am today. So why am i writing to you? I suppose it’s due to our own fairshare of misdeeds. Or perhaps it’s simply me being audacious in an attempt to tell my side of the story to the only pair of ears willing to listen.

I’ve loved Heinrich ever since my fourteenth nameday. I danced on my own that day, to the sound of drums that existed only in my head. It took me some time to notice him watching me but when i did, i paused as a deer caught in a trap. I waited to be berated, the punishment, however, never came. Instead, his lips claimed mine under the peach tree. 

In the following years he promised me the world: to make me Lady Lannister of Casterly Rock. The lie fed me when i was hungry, warmed me when i was cold and it lulled me to sleep for countless night but i always took it for what it was, a fantasy. And yet, i cried as if the heavens were torturing me after his departure to Storm’s End. It was particularly agonising for he denounced me a month prior, declaring that our love was an abomination. I didn’t have the spirit to tell him that as an anathema, there was no other way i could devote myself to him. 

Does the knowledge of having touched such rotten flesh makes you feel sick*? 

Time came and he returned. I was prepared to never speak of our private matters and offer him only my wits to continue my work of aiding the Lannisters but he surprised me by kneeling and declaring that he hadn’t spent a day without thinking about me. He looked feeble. Despite the broad shoulders and the stern face, he was still the sixteen year old that sneaked into my room, as i was still that foolish girl, because, Lord Tommen, i took him in.

The wedding wasn’t meant to have any validity. It was meant to serve as a token for our crimes and he purposely chose Septon Carn not only for his elderliness but also his forgetfulness. It was never meant to end up like this.

There you have it, Lord Tommen, my pathetic life and my pathetic excuses. Now, i’m at the mercy of god.

I have one last request: please find Rusty. I managed to take him out of the keep before Heinrike could come for him but he’s now wandering the streets of Casterly Rock alone, and you know they don’t treat him kindly. He’s the only son i’ll ever have and i’ve abandoned him just like my mother did to me.

Yours,

Etheline”

Although the Faith publicly accused Heinrich and Etheline of incest, they lacked the judicial power to trial the siblings. Nonetheless, Heinrike sanctioned a walk of atonement to be performed by the young bastard. As tradition, her mane, eyebrows and genitalia were stripped of hair. A crowd of approximately five thousand people awaited the woman at Casterly Rock’s castle. They followed her march with screams of “Whore!” and “Harlot”. Some say she cried through the trajectorie’s entirety while others assert that she endured everything with a directionless gaze. It is believed that the event was a diversion so Heinrich could embark on a ship to the free city of Braavos. The following morning, however, his body was found hanging by a rope tied to a hook in the roof. 

Etheline died of stoning at the gates of Lannisport.

Lord Tommen Selby arrived with his calvary at the end of the day. Upon seeing Etheline’s body displayed at the square, he slit the throat of the City’s Guard Chief, who at that moment was still trying to contain the havoc and the trampling. Records disclose that he removed his cape, enveloped the woman’s corpse and cried at the nook of her neck. He later trailed all the way back to Casterly Rock while carrying Etheline in his arms.

Etheline Hill was posthumously titled Lady of Casterly Rock by Lord Tommen⁷.

She features in “The Lineages and History of The Great Houses of The Seven Kingdoms”. Her passage reads: “ETHELINE HILL, born to the late Robert Lannister, second of his name, and [obscure], in the year 203d after Aegon’s Landing at the Last Hearth. Blonde of hair, brown of eyes, wed in her twenty-sitch year to her brother HEINRICH LANNISTER. Died in her twenty-sixth year from stoning at Casterly Rock.”

¹ The scar on Etheline’s left temple is believed to come from one of this incidents.

² Daisy Lannister spent the summer of 233 AC at King’s Landing, where it is believed she was being courted by prince Daeron Targaryen.

³ It is likely that Etheline was referring to herself, as the Lannister women contemporary to her were reportedly taller than Lord Selby.

⁴ It is uncertain why Lord Robert declined prince Daeron’s offer of engagement in favour of a landed knight such as Lord Tommen Selby.

⁵ A series of correspondence, spanning from the end of 235 AC until the end of 238 AC, exchanged between Lord Tommen Selby and Lady Etheline Hill, were found in a chest kept by the side of his bed after the Lord of Winterfell and Casterly Rock and Hand of The King was assassinated by prince Aerys II at Red Keep, King’s Landing.

⁶ Lord Eustace Tyrell was the second cousin of Heinrich Lannister, Daisy Lannister and Etheline Hill. He employed his forces to House Lannister during the Greyjoy Uprising.

⁷ After defeating Houses Tyrell and Baratheon in the Siege of Casterly Rock, event in which without a male Lannister heir, Lord Eustace Tyrell laid claim to the Westerlands due to him being a Lannister descendant on the female side, Lord Tommen Selby, now Lord of Casterly Rock had Etheline posthumously titled Lady as his first decree.

* the line "makes you feel sick" is directly inspired by the song Strangers by Ethel Cain.

tags: @justrainandcoffee @call-sign-shark @evita-shelby @mischievouslittlecreature @peakyswritings @cillmequick @darklydeliciousdesires

[creativepawsworld]

Silence - Chapter 28

Pairing = Thomas Shelby x Reader

Summary = Polly receives a telegram she is furious with and brings Ana to tame her temper. Tommy, exchanges some harsh words, leaving Ana feeling angry, upset and frustrated. 

Warnings = Language, Gang Activity, Sexual Relations, Murder, Violence, Religion, Grammar, mentions of Death

Word Count = 2647

Note = TWO updates...What? No honestly I am overwhelmed with the support this  story has been getting, honestly I can not thank you all enough. Also finally getting around to using this amazing banner by Selene @forgottenpeakywriter​ please show some love and support as it is awesome! 

The boys had returned from London a few days ago with smiles on their faces, I took that as a sign that good things happened. They achieved whatever it was they had wanted. 

Upon arriving home, Tommy had sanctioned the rebuild of The Garrison. The locals crying out for their local to be re-established. The Garrison was the heart of Small Heath for the residents of Watery Lane, Artillery Street, and Montague Street, not to mention the other surrounding areas.

I just found the idea of it hard.

“Ana come with me” Polly voice interrupted my work, looking up from the suit jacket on my desk, the woman was standing in front of me. Face like thunder, my coat in her hand.  

Glancing over at the clock on the wall, it was approaching five thirty in the evening. I had been so lost in thought I had missed out on the majority of the afternoon.

“What’s going on Polly?” I asked with a sigh, standing to my feet taking the coat from her hands putting it around my shoulders. “Father, that’s me for tonight.” I call to the man who was busy making the suits for the Italians, all I got was a nod in response.

He insisted on making the suits himself, keeping all the expensive materials by his desk. If I had so much as looked in the direction, he would send me back to my desk doing the menial tasks for the locals, replacing zips, fixings holes, re-hemming trousers or fixing waistlines. 

Finishing all the tedious jobs, I opted to complete the requests of the other Peaky Blinder boys, one requesting a suit jacket, another a waistcoat. I had asked my father on numerous occasions, about who he had borrowed the money from and if he had repaid the debt yet, but each time I was met with the  same answer, I’m dealing with Ana.

“I need you there so I don’t do something I both regret” She growled, holding the door open, her pace a lot faster than her usual walk as she marched towards the Shelby Company Limited building. “Is he here?” She barked at Lizzie, who was sitting behind the secretary desk in the front room.

Lizzie had started working as Tommy’s secretary after he returned from London. I wasn’t entirely thrilled with the idea, but Tommy insisted that it was nothing more than a job. Lizzie helped him overcome a lot of things since he returned from the war, and this was his way of thanking her.

“No, but I am expecting him back shortly” Lizzie nodded, looking up from her typewriter, her eyes scanning over the both of us, a inquisitive look on her face as she stared at Polly. 

With another growl under her voice, Polly stomped upstairs towards his office, stripping the coat from her shoulders and pulling a letter from her purse before sitting in Tommy’s chair waiting on his return.

“Why are you so angry with Tommy?” I asked taking a seat on one of the green leather chairs in front of the desk once my coat was hung up. 

Without uttering a single word, Polly reached over giving me the paper in her hands the words Let us break bread together in the middle. Shrugging my shoulders I looked up at the older woman, confused. Did she expect me to know what that meant? 

“He has chosen to side with the Jews Ana. He has personally declared war on the Italians.”

“No, no he wouldn’t be so stupid not after everything with Billy Kimber. He promised.” I breathed out uneasy, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.

“You’re right Ana, he isn’t stupid” Her words held so much venom as she spoke. “He purposely set off to London to do this. Going to Sabini’s club, beating up his men. Arthur lost a bloody fucking tooth and for what? To prove who has the biggest dick of all?”

Polly finished, her hands shaking with absolute anger as I let the words sink in. Sabini, the name of an Italian gangster in London. A big racetrack owner in his own right.

I couldn’t help but fit pieces together in my own little jigsaw. These must be the men my father had gotten himself into so much debt with. The men requesting the ridiculously expensive suits and not paying a penny towards them.

Tommy knew who my father was in debt to when I told him the other night. After mentioning they were Italian his complete body language changed and now I find out he went to London to add fuel to the fire, was he insane?

“Newmarket was profitable” Tommy spoke walking into the office, paperwork under his arm. Polly rose to her feet as soon as he entered.

A nervous feeling overcame my chest as my stomach churned with sickness. I was trying to figure out how all of this was going to turn out. I didn’t know much about the Sabini gang, I didn’t want to, but I knew nothing good could come from it.

Nothing good ever came from being involved with gangsters. That was blantely obvious over the years.

“Arthur told me how you left your message” Polly’s voice firm as Tommy placed the paperwork on his desk, a hand on my shoulder giving it a light squeeze before walking over to the table, pouring himself a glass of the brown liquid he had become depended on.

Polly followed after him asking about Arthur’s medicine her words barely registering in my head as I held the telegram in my hand. Tommy, either completely unphased or not listening to his aunt, continuously cleared his throat, marching back to his desk to reopening the paperwork he had arrived with, Polly now next to me.

“STOP fucking fighting me” Tommy spoke, voice slightly raised along with his hand as he interrupted the words falling from her mouth.  

“Somebody has to.” Polly returned, before turning to me, hand out. Placing the paper into her hand she threw it on the desk in front of Tommy. “That arrived an hour ago, there’s no name on it but it comes from Camden Town”

Tommy lifted the paper from the desk, taking it in both hands he stared down at the words. I waited for a reaction, anything but there was nothing. 

“I was gonna burn it, should have” Polly raged, walking over to the coat rack and grabbing her coat. “Well done Tommy, you’ve picked a side now your at war with Sabini” She finished leaving the room.

Tommy not making eye contact, let the telegram fall from his hands. I could see the millions of thoughts running through his mind, his hand reaching off to the side lifting the glass of whiskey and taking a sip.

“You here to shout at me as well?” He asked, eyes staring off into the distance.

“No” I whispered, closing my eyes I leaned my elbow on the sides of the chair, resting a hand over my mouth as I fought back the sickness.

“Did you father take the money?” He asked, huffing out a breathe throwing himself back into his seat, his hands searching through his coat pockets for his packet of cigarettes.

“Did you know before you went to London that it was Sabini my father was in debt to?” I asked ignoring his question.

Tommy, leaned forward striking the match, bringing it to his lips, his eyes finally falling on mine, the tears threatening to fall as my stomach continued to twist and turn, the nausea becoming unbearable. 

“Did your father say it was Sabini he was in debt to?” He asked, eyebrows raised as he inhaled deeply on the cigarette, the smoke clouding his face as he exhaled it from his nose and mouth. 

“No, he just tells me he is dealing with it” I reply, a stray tear falling from my eye. Wiping it away quickly, I waited in silence for Tommy to answer my unanswered question.

“Probably doesn’t want to worry you” Tommy sighed, reaching forward, tipping the smoked ash into an awaiting ashtray.

Biting the side of my lip, anger began to grow in my chest, constricting around my heart as Tommy looked down at his paperwork, continuing to work as if I wasn’t in the room.

“Tommy” I spoke through gritted teeth, the tone of my voice bringing his attention to me. Looking up at me through his eyelashes, he raised a questioning eyebrow, wanting me to continue. “What happened in London? Why did you start a war?”

“To expand into London, I need to make room. Everything that happened was done out of necessity, Stace. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I wouldn’t understand” I repeated my tongue running along my bottom lip as I nodded. There he was dismissing me again.

“No, you wouldn’t. This is real business Stace not stitching together a few bits of fabric and making a suit.” Tommy spoke, his words cold, but his tone cut through me like he had just sliced me with a knife. It was filled with disgust, disrespect, dare I saw hatred?

“Fuck you Tommy.” I spat, standing forcefully to my feet, purse clutched in my hand as I made my way to the coat rack, throwing the garment around my shoulders. “At least I make an honest living unlike you, going around cutting people who look at you the wrong way like some kind of animal.”

“Eh?” Tommy yelled back, standing to his feet so fast, his chair hit off the wall behind him with an almighty bang. “An animal? You think an a fucking animal? You have no fucking idea the things I am truly capable of Anastasia, no fucking clue.”

“No because you don’t fucking let me in Tommy. You let everybody else in, Polly, Esme, Grace, fucking Lizzie but me, the woman your supposed to love is just there to keep your cock wet just like Arthur said.”

“You think your fucking here to keep my cock wet eh?” He asked, his tone dark as he rounded his desk. Three long strides and he was by me next to the door. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as he glared down at me, his eyes unrecognisable. 

“I could have any woman keeping my cock wet Stace, Lizzie was fucking begging for it the other day. Grace still writes to me asking for it so be fucking grateful…”

His words were cut short by my hand slapping across the side of his face harshly. His head turning to the side, a red hand print showing up on his cheek as he pursed his lips together. 

“Fuck you Thomas Shelby, fuck you” I spat, tears falling from my eyes but I refused to let him see them. 

Walking around him, I marched from his office, almost running down the stairs. Lizzie was standing in the door frame of her office listening to every word, her head falling her chest, avoiding all eye contact as I passed.

Storming out into the street, the rain bounced off the ground, filling the puddles even more. The anger in my chest was just building and building as I trudged through them down the street.

The thought of him keeping his business from me hurt, but I grew used to it over the years, but keeping letters that Grace had been sending, a secret. That broke me.

Not able to contain the scream, I ducked into a nearby alleyway, assuring I was towards the end of it before letting go.

Clutching onto my chest, I screamed for as long and for as loud as I could. The sound reverberated off the walls, echoing back towards me, the sound deafening.

“Ana? Ana Adler?” A voice called from the top of the alleyway, a lanky man stood at the end. With the darkness, I couldn’t quite make him out until the match he used to light his cigarette lit up his face.

“Colin?” I called back, brushing the tears from my face as if it would make a difference. He had already witnessed me screaming into the darkness. 

“Yeah, it’s me. Everything alright?” He asked, walking closer towards me, his clothes black and dusty, after finishing his shift at the factory.

“I’ve had better days” I replied, shifting between my feet, before walking back towards the exit and into the light. I wanted to feel more comfortable being around the man I barely knew.

“Yeah I figured” He chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck with his free hand. “You scream in dark alleyways often?”

“No” I returned the laugh, shaking my head as we stood underneath a street lamp, the rain easing off slightly. “How are you? Haven’t seen you since…” I trailed off a part of me still not able to accept the words, graveyard, or funeral just yet.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t think Thomas Shelby would like another bloke sniffing around his girl, even if it were for a chat.” He inhaled, puffing on the cigarette, the smoke disappearing instantly into the night air and his lungs.

“So what’s changed?”

“You were screaming in a dark alleyway, alone. That’s, that’s what changed” He laughed, tossing the cigarette away, his hands finding his pockets for some warmth. 

“I guess that would attract anyone’s attention” I smiled back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, looking down at my feet. My cheeks were red from the embarrassment of being caught. 

“Yeah it certainly would. How are things? Are you doing okay?” Colin asked, leaning forward slightly on his feet. I was just about to take a step back when a voice I wasn’t ready to hear spoke. 

“She is doing just fine, aren’t you love.” Tommy said from behind me, his tone low, threatening as he looked at the taller gentleman.

Biting my tongue, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I looked at him, his eyes glaring at Colin, who had now taken a step back, hands raised in a defence position.

“I wasn’t trying to… I worked with her brother, she…I mean”

“Fuck off.” Tommy dismissed, his eyes not leaving Colin’s until he was walking back down the street, tail between his legs and out of sight. 

“What was that?” I asked, turning towards the man, a glare of my own thrown his way, but as usual, he wasn’t affected.

Whatever was going on inside his mind had preoccupied him. It was stressing him out, and he redirected that stress, that anger towards me.

“We will talk when we get home Anastasia” His voice carrying a bored tone.

Sparing me a glance, he nodded his head, silently telling me to follow. Part of me wanted to tell him to go fuck himself but the other part wanted out of the rain.  

Turning his back to me, he started walking towards the old factory warehouse, the only place he trusted his car to be parked after the incident with the Lee’s.

Sighing, I walked after him, the part of me wanting out of the rain winning. I was already soaked through and miserable, I didn't see the need to prolong it.

We walked in silence, the rain bouncing off the ground was the only sound until we rounded the corner, the factory fires billowing out, bringing a nice amber glow to the street.

Tommy walked ahead towards the car while I admired the light, a warmth coming over me, much like it had the night of the bonfire in Watery Lane all those years ago.

Taking a moment to reminisce in the fond memories, I entered in after him. My heart instantly stopped.

Tommy was now standing with his hands raised as a man exited his car, gun in hand, pointed straight at him. 

What had we just walked into?

Taglist

@shelbyteller @seleneshelby @forgottenpeakywriter @babayaga67 @sweetmilkshakeluminary @slutforcoffein @sydneyyyya @happysparklingshadows @margew76      

[motherofdogs1010]

Masterlist

I write with chubby-coded/plus sized, racial inclusive readers in mind; very rarely do I mention anything about a reader's physical appearance, all are welcome and are written in mind for everyone to enjoy!!

Must be 18+ to join taglists

I also take frequent mental health breaks since I do suffer from poor mental health, BUT writing is my safe space so I will always come back to you guys ❤️

Key:

💋 18 + Smut

😊 Fluff

💔 Angst

🖤 Dark Storyline

😉 Omegaverse

Laurel Sickness (Sonny Carisi x Reader) 🖤

Summary: Laurel Sickness is an case of extreme case of obsessive love that is sweeping the globe with no explanation. People are becoming just as mad as Apollo once was when he first set his godly eyes on the virgin nymph, Daphne.

Warnings: 18+ only, dark!fic, toxic behavior, gaslighting, dystopian society, dark!Sonny Carisi, stalking, stalker!Sonny Carisi, the world's messed up in this story, age gap relationship, forced relationship, eventual non-con/dub-con, Stockholm Syndrome

Part I Part II TBA

Need to Know (Peter Parker x Reader) 💋

Inspired by Doja Cat's "Need to Know"

Summary: When she was ready to get back out on the dating scene after dumping a certain Winter Soldier, Y/N was a woman ready to get back out there. She just never expected to find herself in a relationship with a certain nerdy spider.

Warnings: older woman/younger man, age gap relationship, heavy smut, drinking, swearing, daddy kink, mentions of cheating, toxic ex behavior, eventual pregnancy

Part I Part II Part III COMING SOON

Please, Please (Peter Parker x Reader) 💋

Re-write of 'Need to Know'

Part I

Little Darling (Thomas Shelby x Reader) 💋

Summary: Birmingham has received a new club, one that is showcasing a exotic type of dance that is drawing in crowds, but it is one particular dancer that catches Thomas Shelby's eye... one that goes by the stage name: Little Darling

Warnings: 18+ only, eventual smut, stripper!reader, mentions of prostitution/sex work, canon Peaky Blinders violence, swearing, drinking

Part I Part II Part III Part IV COMING SOON

Letters to Juliet & Romeo (Thomas Shelby x Reader) 😊💔

Inspired by 'Letters to Juliet' film...

Summary: Heartbroken and in the midst of the Great War as a nurse, Y/N L/N writes to a person she never expected to write to before... her brother's friend, Thomas Shelby... But the war's over now and it is time to face the letters...

Warnings: angst, wartime talk, fluff, reunion, pre-Peaky Blinders Tommy, solider!Tommy, nurse!Reader, chubby!reader, age gap (everyone is of age)

Part I Part II

Of Messiahs and Seeds (Dark!Paul Atreides x Reader) 🖤💋

Summary: Emperor Paul of House Atreides has set forth with expansion of his empire on the planets that have resisted and has now come across the last stronghold that resists him: Terra Millennium...

Warnings: 18+ only, eventual NONCON/DUBCON, eventual forced marriage and pregnancy, violence, language, drinking, chubby!reader, dark!Paul Atreides, spoilers for Dune Part 2

Part I Part II Part III Part IV COMING SOON

A Jedi in Arrakis (Paul Atreides x Reader) 💋💔😊

Summary: While on the run from Empire troops, Jedi padawan Y/N comes to find out that hyper-driving in a compromised craft can have some major setbacks when she discovers not only is on a new planet but a whole new galaxy as well...

Warnings: jedi!reader, eventual 18+, NSFW, angst, fluff, eventual smut/pinv!sex, oral sex, talks of questioning the Force and teachings, spoilers for Dune Part I and II, eventual marriage

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI TBA

Solar Flare (Feyd-Rautha x Reader) 💋

Summary: Chosen as the bride of na-Baron Feyd-Rautha, Y/N finds herself at the hands of the sadistic na-Baron who seems keen on having his bride on their wedding night...

Warnings: 18+ only, NSFW, arranged marriage, DUBCON/ pinv sex, fingering, loss of virginity, brief knife kink, small breeding kink, crude language, forced arranged marriage

Dividers by @firefly-graphics & me

Banner by @vase-of-lilies

[aliypop]

Back To Black : Chapter 4

latest chapters : Chapter 1  Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Word Count:  7,319

Writers Notes: Here we are Chapter 4  topping off season 3 and kicking into gear of season 4, I hope you all are enjoying the series so far, I’ve been enjoying writing and watching Peaky Blinders

shout to @herosneednotapply​ and her oc Florence

Warning: Show violence and language Suggestive themes

Pairing: OC ( Eleanor Williams ) / Thomas Shelby  

(Claudette Williams) / Finn Shelby

Song to listen to as you read

Plot: What happens When the Williams Family makes their grand return back to London from a war stricken France to only find the rocks of war and the runts of crime the Shelby family slowly leaking into their world,

1924, The 1st Of June, New York City

My Dearest, Thomas Shelby

Regarding your last letter, I'm terribly sorry about your wife, Grace. I'm sure she was a great wife while you were married. I also hope you received my gift for Charlie. 

I know it isn't much, but I saw the jockey on the horse, and I figured it would remind you of when we crossed paths at that derby. To think that was only two years ago. We were nearly at each other's throats. Virginia told me about what happened between Leslie and her. I could see why she'd be upset.

 I  thought the woman was dead. After all, if I weren't the head of The Black Pearl Oyster company, I  would have left. 

Meanwhile, you were right. Florence did  ask, "Why the fuck were you in the south?" I do like her quite a lot. She keeps me up on American trends and ways. 

I now have a song on the radio, a cover, if you will, they give a chance for any gullible fool to have one, but I figured why not. I have a voice, and it brought in money at The Pearl. Perhaps I can make a few records here. It's a bit of a ballad, but the words reminded me of us. If it ever swims across the pond, you'll know of it. 

By the way, Polly tells me you've met my aunt Vadoma, and I know you're wondering. Polly talks to me, and yes, she expresses a lot of how much she likes me and how much Virginia comes around to kiss Ada backward, as the kids call it.

 She also told me you had a problem with the Russians and a Priest. I wish you would've told me. After all, diamonds are girls' best friends, and I've made allies with the Russian Mafia. I met one man who could out-talk Alfie. On the other hand, I met a man writing a book, a struggling artist named Francis Scott Fitzgerald. Scott says he's writing a book that's gonna blow the blues. He calls it Among the Ash-Heaps and Millionaires, but I think he should name it The Great Gatsby. 

Anyways It seems I'm running out of room on my paper, and Florence calls me to go into this dreaded heat of American summer, give my sisters my best regards, and give Charlie a kiss on his forehead for me,

Best Wishes

With Love

Eleanor Vadoma Williams

PS. 

I hope Polly received the earrings I bought her.

1924 -  London The Pearl

"Mr. Williams..." Claudette said, sitting in the chair backward. Andre looked at his adopted sister, sickened by her appearance. She was wearing black breeches, a button-up shirt with pearls, a vest,  a black overcoat with dressy oxford heels, and suspenders keeping her pants up, 

"Claudette, it's been a while since you've shown your face..."  he laughed, "I've done some thinkin, reinvented meself," removing her gloves as she turned to Isaiah, "Butt me, will ya," handing her a cigarette, 

"Anything for you, Etta, " he smirked, 

Tommy had sent Isaiah, Finn, and Claudette to deal with Andre, who was running the club almost to the ground had Virginia not known anything, 

"Thank you, Isaiah. Now Tommy Shelby sent us here because it appears your fuckin with his shares on his Gin..." looking into her cousins' eyes as he laughed,

 " A group of children policing me, oh this is fresh." Andre laughed harder, mocking them. Finn and Isaiah stood up as Claudette motioned for them to sit, "Have you or have you not been keepin the money to yourself?" Finn asked, his trigger-happy hand on his gun, 

"I broke his deal off," a smug look on his face as he lit his cigar, "Passed it to a woman who really cares about this shithole of a place." motioning his index finger in a circle, "Who'd that be," Isaiah questioned as Claudette leaned forward, 

"Your mother Claudette," he smirked as her brown face went pale, " I partnered with her to start getting kids your age something to do; I think, what you slum rats call snow?" he smirked, 

" You snake!" pulling out her razor blade from her overcoat pocket as it was under his neck. The two boys and their guns were drawn, ready to blow a hole in his head if need be, "Look at this. This isn't you. You were the cute pearl to be, Eleanor 2.0. and-" feeling blood drip from down his neck. 

"I'm not from Manchester and be careful who you call a slum rat. Last time I checked, we were born to freed slaves who could barely afford food. The only difference was everyone in Small Heath couldn't, but we fuckin worked for what we 'ad. So yeah, this is me," she laughed, "Workin' with everythin I fuckin 'ave!" Andre's eyes grew wide to see the girl who called him her brother betray him in such a way,  

"I hope Will was good to you, Lorcan," Virginia said, pocketing her money and giving half of it to Julian, 

"He was an angel with a throat that wouldn't let go." Lorcan laughed, the three coming down the stairs as Andre rolled his eyes, "I train my girls and guys to do only the best." she grinned, Lorcan taking the keys to his car out of his pocket as he fixed his hat, "You know back home we have Lizzie, 

she's great, but every man in towns had Lizzie,"

"I remember my first time with Lizzie,"  Julian and Virginia said in unison. Virginia looked over the railing, and she then noticed Claudette. She had to admit that peaky look was looking good on her, as was the grasp of power surrounding herself. This was the Claudette that had always been inside her, 

"Look at you, Ms. Williams." Virginia smiled, motioning for them to disarm themselves, 

"It's Hilda, Claudette Hilda," taking a long drag of her cigarette, 

"Forgive me, Ms. Hilda. turn so I can get a good look at ya." Claudette turned as Andre was still stunned, "You carry power well. I'm sure Nora would be proud if she'd seen you." hugging her cousin tight as Claudette hugged her back, 

"Aye, Hilda, you ready?" Finn asked as her face flushed, turning a deep red by the cheeks,

 "Coming, Mr. Shelby." she winked at him as Finn got flustered, 

" What's that about," Virginia asked,

"Never you mind. Oh, and Andre, clean your hands. You're dripping blood on Eleanors' floors." Stomping out her cigarette and walking out the door,

 "That was a ballsy move, Etta," Isaiah said,

"He better be lucky I haven't got a hat yet." taking Finns as she ruffled up his hair, placing it on his head, "Claudette Hilda Shelby," she grinned,

"Gotta nice ring to it." Lorcan looked back at the three as Julian snickered, "Could have a ring to it..." Finn mumbled enough for Isaiah to hear it.

1924 The 21st Of August, Warwickshire

  Dear, Elle

Thank you for your condolences. You seem to be the only one saying them with good intentions, and I respect that. For the time being that I had with Grace, she was what I assumed a good wife was, but I wouldn't know what one really does. And yes, the gift for Charlie. He seems attached to it, anything to do with horses,  just like his old man. And yes, it does remind me of the derby. If I'm not mistaken, the horse looks like yours that we beat. I still remember that look on your face,

However, when it comes to your aunt Leslie, we all wish she'd have died, but I'm keeping her alive because one, I assume you want me to spare her, and two, she's a minor inconvenience, 

sure she and your bastard of a brother have messed with our bootlegging deal,

 But I sent Claudette to handle that. I may never say this to her, or I may, but I am proud of her. She's more ballsy and gutsier than Finn but less impulsive.

Regarding New York City, I'm glad you ran into Florence. She's a good friend and confidante, and I wouldn't call you gullible, a fool sometimes, yes, but you have a gift, Eleanor, singing, something my late wife tried her hardest to do. Claudette actually bought it. She plays it all the time. It Had To Be You, the words are charming, and about the Russians, they're manically fucked up, or perhaps it was just the duchess. But I don't doubt you could tame them. For all I know, you tame lions for fun, 

And yes, I did meet your aunt Vadoma. You're splitting the image of her as beautiful, eccentric, and emotionally connected. However, she talks in metaphors, but I feel they hold unforeseen truths. And as for Pol, she loved the earrings. I will say I was surprised to learn you're of Romani people, Pol, however, said she knew by your bones, whatever that means, really because she knew Vadoma, 

And a writer? Careful, he may make you his muse. Lorcan does it all the time. Lorcan's either buried in a prostitute, he's painting them, or both. You have no idea how often  I've walked in on him bending some whore over a canvas. You never know with a Lee man, 

Sorry, it took so long to respond. I feel my next time will be longer, things are changing, and I can feel it. 

Yours truly,

Thomas Shelby

PS,

Emeralds suit you better from the picture you sent. 

Small Heath

"Good mornin, Aunt Polly," Claudette smiled, walking through the halls of the gambling den, "Morning, Claudette," Polly responded from her office, passing Finn as he was flirting with another girl, her face green with jealousy as Tommy looked up from the paperwork on his desk, but with a slight smirk on his face, 

"Finn, can I talk to you..." Claudette asked as he ignored her,

"You probably make everyone jealous," the girl's eyes looking directly at Claudette, 

"I wouldn't say that." checking over the numbers. "Besides, you ain't bad looking yourself." he winked at her, tipping his hat, "Finn!" Claudette shouted again as he shrugged her off, 

"Fine," walking off, she took his keys and a pack of his cigarettes, putting them in her own pockets, 

"Try impressin her now, flyboy."

"Ay, I saw that..." 

"Mr. Gray, how's the accountin going."  sitting on Michaels's desk as he laughed, "It's shit. I don't get to be out there like you, which is odd considering you're a girl in breeches." he looked at her, her face frowned up, "Don't give me that look Dette," his index finger under her chin, pulling her closer towards him,

"I hate it when you frown,"  he whispered. Finn walked by, clinching his fist, "And I hate it when you tell me not to." Getting off his desk, she gave him a wink,

 "Oh, check the total from the shares of The Pearl club and trading company,"

"Let's say Tommy's a little pissed at ya for not catching the added surplus charges we 'ave to pay." she walked out of his office, "Hope you don't die, or maybe you will." she shrugged as Arthur laughed, 

"How's me favorite, little lady?" Arthur asked. Arthur had now embraced her presence rather than seen it as a threat. And maybe it was because he understood her, or he was there on the lonely nights when she would fall asleep in Tommy's office screaming from night terrors as to why her mother left her. After all, he had been in a similar situation, "Still wantin her hat," she joked, sitting next to him, watching his Whiskey glass, 

"Can I?"

"When ya turn 17,"

"So 1925!"

1925  6th Of January 

My dearest; Tommy

When you get this letter, it will hopefully be on your birthday, but before I get into that, I'd like to wish my condolences on the life of your brother John. The splitting of your family. We have lost family, my father, and Andre. It seems my Aunt Leslie has pissed off Luca Changretta, and he's coming for us just as he's coming for you. Virginia has been teaching the rest of her girls to shoot. She's building them as soldiers, and I fear they'll kill her too. Claudette tells me Andre nearly raked our businesses across the mud. of course, that could never happen. 

See, I thought up a plan, and that is for Shelby limited to buy half of The Black Pearl Oyster businesses. That way, if Changretta or anybody else comes for your shit or mine. We can protect each other. I know I haven't met your brothers other than Julian yet,

 But I assume you can muster the will to convince them. Florence tells me you're good at these things.

 Florence also told me it'd be a bad idea to come home, Yet it's so hard to explain plans in writing rather than face to face, 

Vadoma tells me Polly tends to host séances since your family tussle. Which, yes, did cross the pond amongst the organized crime world. 

Everyone says she has a gift, and Vadoma sees it as well. Of course, from what I'm learning, Vadoma sees a lot of Polly, but I digress. I hope you got my gift, for it may be my last yet, 

My mother thought it well to go back to the practices of her youth and decided maybe I should settle down for the business and marry a politician who wants to change the world. I see it as being silenced and shown as a trophy; 

women aren't allowed much here to have opinions or be heard, they are dainty decorated things, and you and I know that's not me. I have a mind and a sharper tongue. But never the less, may you have a happy birthday, try not to work too hard, and have an old fashion in my honor.

Your dear friend,

With love

Eleanor Vadoma Williams 

  1925-London Docks

"You be gentle with my Myrtle, you hear." Virginia smiled, pocketing half the money, the rest going to Myrtle. Virginia had always done business around the docks, for it was the most desperate place where men would do anything for a quick fuck. Since Andre had gone, Virginia threw herself deep into the family business. It was time for her to step up, and she knew it. Sitting at the docks, she had been waiting for Thomas Shelby. Her sister was smitten with him. Hearing footsteps on the cobblestone Virginia grabbed for her gun. As the man stepped into the light, it was none other than "Luca Changretta..." flicking her cigarette out her mouth, "Who was you expecting, sweetheart," his New York accent getting under her skin, "One of my girls, actually," she looked at her nails then back at him, 

"You mean my broads?" his hand out as if he were expecting money.

"Expecting something?" she glared at his hand, 

"My money for my share of the fuckin girls..." he said, almost like a spoiled brat, 

"Sorry," Virginia said, 

"Sorry for what..." Luca grabbed her by the chin, his grip on her tight, 

"That I don't speak bullshit." 

BANG!

A bullet lodged right in her ribs, crimson blood staining her suit. Virginia tried reaching for her gun, but her vision was blurry. She could only hear voices, "Go ahead, shoot her, Andy." Luca said, a shot to the chest,

 "That'll teach her not to talk back," Luca smirked as the man next to him spat at her body. Running out covered in blood, Myrtle fired a few warning shots. Luca could smell the scent of sex and the cologne of one of his men on her, 

"What did you do to her!"

"She's just sleep angel face," he said, pushing her up against a wall. Myrtle spat in his face, her gun pressed to his head, "Shoot me do it," he whispered in her ear, "But I warn you, you'll be shootin fucking blanks, dear." Luca growled, 

"You don't deserve to live, you monster, you-"

BANG

BANG

BANG

Her Red Clara Bow styled curls slid down the cement bridge. Myrtle's  lifeless body lay there, a fresh bullet hole in her head, next to the slowly dying woman she'd loved, "Is this the war you want, Andy?" Luca asked, patting him on the back, "That is the warning sign." he laughed, cigarette now in his mouth. It wasn't his first choice, but it would do for now. 

"The real war is with the remaining Shelbys. You can kill the other bastards. Just let me share the main one." he grinned, snapping his fingers as a few goons dumped myrtles body in the water. 

"What'dya we do with the other,"

"Clean her up and leave her at the doorsteps of the Shelby's," Leslie said, her heels making the entrance first, "But keep her alive, and make sure the girl sees her first. Let her know she's next."  Leslie smirked. 

The Shelby House

"So this sister of yours has a plan..." Ada asked Claudette, the two drinking Whiskey, "How come I've never seen her?" Claudette sighed, "She's in the states, but she wrote Tommy the plan." leaning over the table as a sense of sadness took over in her eyes, "Eleanor was the glue to the family, and when my father, uncle told her she could never come back the family went to shit." she laughed, "Well, welcome to the Shelby family, it's always going to shit." she sighed,

 "So this Changretta shit, can she ..."

"Mhmm, Squash it, yes, but to kill it, you'll need more than the Shelby family. Two wars are going 'round, and I'm the target." she looked up at Polly, her cigarette burning as usual,

 "You won't be a target, not while you're here. I won't allow it," Polly smirked, "Now eat." Polly looked at her, "Yes, Aunt Pol." Claudette smiled, eating her sandwich, "Heard anything from Virginia lately?" Polly asked as Ada rolled her eyes, 

"Pol!" she grumbled, "No, I haven't,"

"Well, you should. I like having Virginia around. Besides, she beats all the men you've met." Polly mumbled the last part as Ada blushed, 

"We haven't talked in a while. Virginia's grown busy and-"

A plumping noise stopped the three women from talking, "I'll go see what it is." Claudette said, taking her revolver with her, "Ada go with her," Polly commanded as Ada stood up, walking with the young girl, Ada looked out the window as she saw no one but the usual bustle of the town, nodding to Claudette to open the door, laying there was Virginia bloodied, beaten, and almost on a dying limb, Ada ran to her side as Claudette was standing frozen by her feet, she couldn't breathe, her mouth was dry, and suddenly she wasn't there, this was her warning sign, this was her reason to fight. As she stood there like a dead weight, she saw her mother standing across the street in the shadows, giving her a menacing wave. This officially meant war, 

"Arthur, Finn, Julian, one of you move your asses and help!" Polly shouted as they rushed to carry her in, "Lorcan,  get Tommy, Michael, get Claudette some tea..."

"But, I'm not a maid." Michael sassed,

"Make the fucking tea Michael!" Ada glared at him. 

An hour later, Tommy had arrived with a firey fury, perhaps from meeting with Alfie or having Ms. Jessie Eden in the office. Either way, he was needed in the gambling house for a family meeting. Shrieks of pain were heard from Ada's old room. Tommy raced toward to see a brown-skinned woman dressed in one of his brothers' suits. 

"Who the fuck is this..." Tommy glared at Ada, 

"Virginia, bite the cloth, don't suck the gin out of it!" Polly grumbled, pulling the bullet from her chest out. 

"I can tolerate the OUCH FUCK!" 

"Virginia Williams, " he nodded, remembering that Eleanor had told him about her in his letters. It was strange how they never crossed paths, "Don't just stand there, help or something!" Ada growled. He took off his overcoat, he began walking over to her. She didn't look too bad, nothing he hadn't seen in France, but he knew if one thing went wrong, Eleanor would be on the first boat back to have his head. Pouring Gin over the bullet wounds, Virginia bit harder against the rag, "Ada, hold her down. Polly, get the bandages." he sighed, his fingers going into the cavity of the hole in her rib, from where it was she was lucky to be alive, "Alright love just stay calm Tommy's got you." Ada cooed, rubbing the side of her face,   and that's when it connected, but he hadn't had time to address that just yet, "It's out..." Examining the first bullet, it said Virginia, which wouldn't be surprising. After all, he had one with Tommy's name on it, but the one in her chest was different. Taking the other out, he could read the name on it clear as day, 

"Claudette..." what would Luca want with her. She wasn't officially a Peaky, and she hadn't caused any harm, but then there was Andre, who was dead, or was he. 

"So, you're Thomas Shelby..." she winched as Polly wrapped her up, 

"That would be me, yeah," he looked at her.

"We met briefly at the charity event. The night you caused my sister to leave home." Virginia said with gritted teeth, "She left because she wanted to," he stared her down. Virginia could see the hurt in his eyes, the look of a man spending sleepless nights in the arms of lovers who weren't Eleanor. 

"Well, I feel better, and I should head back to Lon-"

"STAY!" Claudette shouted, rushing over, " I mean, if you'd like to," clearing her throat, 

"You're worried about your sister?" Ada smiled. It was nice something wholesome was in the Shelby home, "I don't want Luca tryin to shoot the only family I got." Claudette said, sipping her tea. Tommy looked up at her. He could see the look of relief in her eyes. Knowing that she wasn't dead was enough for her, but knowing she might next wasn't enough for him to look her in the eyes,

"Shouldn't you be in bed, young lady?" Polly asked as Claudette shook her head, "Why's that." Claudette tried to think of an excuse, "I'd like to be tucked in first, perhaps a warm glass of milk even ?" she mentioned as Tommy laughed among himself,  that she hadn't changed much from he first met her, "You're fucking seventeen Dette," Virginia bluntly said as Claudette rolled her eyes, "Virginia and I will tuck you in, and Pol will make you some milk with honey," Ada smiled kissing her forehead, "What about Arthur and Tommy?"

"I already have Charlie to tend to." he looked at his pocket watch as Claudette nodded, 

"I'll be in bed then." she sighed, noticing how Tommy wouldn't look at her, dressed in one of Ada's old nightgowns. Claudette was tucked and comfortable as anyone could be living in Small Heath. As her eyes began to grow heavy, she could see Ada and Virginia sharing a passionate kiss with each other. 

"You should really rest," Ada suggested helping Virginia out of the room, "Fuck it, I'll be fine, my darling," her arm around Ada's waist, the two walked down the hall past Arthur as he glared at her, his wife Linda already sleeping peacefully, 

"When I let go, run for your life," Andre said, hugging Claudette tight, pushing away his grip as his hands now were around her neck, squeezing tighter. She couldn't breathe. Claudette felt lightheaded and dizzy. As if the room around her was spinning, focusing, she was in The Pearl. This much she knew, 

"Let... me ..." 

"Let you what..." Andre growled, "Go, you owe me something, Etta..."  he laughed as he pinned her against the mirror, her face towards the mirror,

"I don't owe you shit,"  she growled, his neck oozing with blood as it did on the day she cut him, 

"Oh, but you do..." another familiar voice said, peering from the shadows. Leslie had a revolver in her hand. Pointed towards Claudette. As she tried to break free, Andre slammed her face into the glass, shattering it, shards cutting deep into her face as it oozed with the red liquid on the floor. Claudette only laughed, her disfigured face looking at her mother, 

"Is that all you got..." another thrash into the mirror as she only laughed harder, 

"No, there's more..."

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

"I wish I never had you..." her body lay lifeless as a gaping hole was in her chest, the bullet next to her with her name engraved. As she tried to get up, she saw another person, Luca Changreta, 

"Send this one to Tommy..." 

BLAW!

"No....No....No...NO!" Claudette screamed, jolting out of bed. She was sweaty and sticky, her hair felt stuck to her head, and her body felt like dead weight, "No, don- don't touch me!" Claudette screamed, backing away from Finn as she flinched. Finn's eyes had gone wide until her breathing was faster and shallow,  her body trembling in fear, and she was known to never fear anything.

 "I'm not gonna hurt you. Just tell me what's wrong..."

"I-I C...Can't," her teeth chattering as hot tears pricked her cheeks. Her body shaking like a leaf, 

"Darlin, tell me, please." 

BLOOM!

"NO!"

A crack of thunder across the sky only caused her to panic more, "They're coming for me..." she whispered, laughing out of anxiety, "He's coming for me, and he's going to kill me..." Finn tried to touch her again, as another sound of thunder happened, 

"TOMMY!" she shouted, "Where's Tommy..." she asked. Claudette was 4 again, cowering in fear, screaming, kicking, and crying just like she was that night. 

"In his office," extending his arm out to her, Claudette took it. Trying not to focus on the shadows surrounding her or the many tricks her nightmare-stricken mind played on her, "Could you take me to him?" Claudette asked, counting his freckles, trying to calm herself down, "Yeah, uh, Claudette..."  Finn locked eyes with her. Something about the moonlight and the vulnerability of how close the two were was taking over his senses, 

"Yes, Finn..." the two walking towards the gambling house offices, "I wanna tell you somethin if that's okay..."  he asked, as she was snuggled up into his warmth, 

"Tell me,"

"I'm here for you." he kissed her forehead. Tommy looked up from reading over the books that Michael handled as he smirked to himself. Finn was growing up right, and he was proud. As Finn wiped away a loose tear, "If you need me, I'll be in John's old room," Tommy cleared his throat startling the two, "Finn bed... now." Tommy grumbled as Claudette straightened up, "Tommy, sorry... I." Claudette took a deep breath,

 "Why are you up. It's 3 in the morning," Tommy pointed out, "You're up too," she glared at him, "To answer your question, I had a nightmare..." she sighed, 

"But you wouldn't care 'cause you're busy workin," Tommy had finally looked up at her, puffy red eyes and drenched clothes, "I'm all ears now, tell me what was it that made you scream like a fucking banshee."

"You heard me, and you didn't think to help!"

"Can't depend on me all your life." he shrugged, "Gotta learn to do things on your own sometimes," Tommy was right, but it wasn't what she wanted to hear, 

 "That's why I got shot in my dreams by my mother..." she mumbled, "Because you weren't there, You know Andre... he haunts me in my sleep every night, and Eleanor isn't here to tell me it's okay, and Virginia's drinking her sorrows out with Ada as we speak, so forgive me if I wanted sympathy from THOMAS FUCKING SHELBY!" she broke down and cried screaming as Tommy scooped her up and held her, something he wished his own father would've done for him when he was little,  

"Hey, hey, hey," he cooed, brushing out her hair with his hands. He may not have been as paternal to Charlie, but he was learning through Claudette,

 "Talk to me..." 

"Promise you won't leave..." she asked, looking at him, trying not to cry himself, remembering how it felt when he asked his father the same thing, 

"Claudette..." 

"Promise me, even if you don't mean it!" she sobbed into his waistcoat, " I'd get it. No one wants me, not my father, Eleanor, or mother. They all left me," 

"Claudette Hilda Shelby!" Tommy took her chin to look up at him,

 "Don't you ever fucking say that, yeah they left you, but Elle, she's coming back, and the rest of us, we never left you, and fuckin won't," his hands on her shoulders as he bent to her height, "I'm not fucking leaving you," he smiled at her wiping her tears away, Claudette looked up at him still teary-eyed, "I'd even do the most shittiest Charleston for you," he began to dance, as she shook her head, "Eleanor does it better," she mumbled, "You bet she fuckin does, but just know we'd throw ourselves in front of every damn bullet with your name on it, to keep you safe."Hugging her back made Tommy feel like, just for one time in his life, he deserved to do something good, to have something good, 

"You really think of me as a Shelby?" Claudette asked, her tired puffy eyes nearly closing, 

"I don't know..."

"You called me Claudette Hilda Shelby..."

"You're delirious go to bed." he said, sitting back down about to type on his typewriter, "But I'm not tired..." yawning as he peered over his glasses, 

"Okay, I'm going, but you better go to sleep too,"

Walking down the halls, Claudette heard a whispered noise. Looking for a weapon, she grabbed the nearest bottle and swung it like a bat. The creaking of the floorboards as the nose got closer to her, she felt a halting motion towards it.

 "Put the Whiskey down..." Finn glanced at her, 

"Finn..." she sighed, "You scared me..."  taking the bottle from her hands as they brushed against each other, "Just tryin to keep you safe," he winked,

 "Finn!" she gasped, " What are you tryin to do?"

"We could drink a little Whiskey, maybe..." he smirked, "Calm down those nerves of yours..."   Claudette rolled her eyes as if he didn't have her with the mention of Whiskey.

 "Whadya say?"

"Cups or the bottle?"

"We drink like Peaky's out the fuckin bottle," he smirked, taking the first swig and passing it over to Claudette, who nearly drank the entire bottle, "I see why Arthur told us no to touch the Whiskey," she laughed, "Kinda burns." Finn chuckled as she got a bit giggly, the two laying in the bed as he held her closer, their lips inches away from each other,

 "Finn..."

"Yeah... Claudette,"

"Can we always be this close?" she whispered as the wheels in his mind began to click. Seven years he'd been trying to get the girl,  she'd rejected him, it seemed the seventh time would be the charm, "Why do you like me or somethin." he asked, "I wouldn't say I like you. But... lately, I've wanted to kiss the freckles on your face, and punch that girl you've been talkin to," she grumbled as Finn laughed, to think Tommy's advice was working, "Are you sure it's me you think of and not Michael or Isaiah." Finn asked, a dorky grin on his face,

"I'm as sure as a rainy day that I only think about you." she snuggled into his side, and Finn took in her features. They were soft,  like her brown skin, her curls poked out of her scarf. She  looked at him like he was her world, kissing her nose as she giggled, "Finn, kiss me?" she murmured, "In the morning." 

The sun rose only halfway as it did in the winters of England. A cold, pale landscape, but it was home and somehow comforting to a woman like "Virginia, what are you doing..." Ada laughed, hearing soft music playing as the brown skin woman limped her way toward her, "I'm in the mood for dancing in honour of Myrtle's life and in honour of you saving mine." she gave Ada a quick peck on the lips, 

"Virginia, you haven't even healed properly yet," 

"Don't care, I feel fine, so butt me a cig, would ya, and let's dance." dipping Ada as she laughed, their eyes meeting, 

"We could be dead at any moment," her hand on Virginia's cheek, "I'd rather die by your side. Then without you at all." she sighed, 

"When did you get so fucking romantic..."

"When I started losing everyone..." she sighed, "It's fucking pathetic, innit..." she mumbled as Ada shook her head, "It's-"

"Ada Tommy's arranged a family meeting. Uh hey, Virginia..."

"Julian, you're a Shelby?" Virginia smirked, "I knew it,"

"We'll be there..."

The taste of Whiskey was still fresh on their lips. And her hands were everywhere, not knowing where to go at first, "Claudette, have you ever actually been kissed," Finn asked as she looked away from him, "You haven't..." he laughed a little. 

"I haven't done a lot of thins but don't go fucking laughin at me!" she pushed him playfully, 

"It's cute." he smiled, "But let me show ya how to kiss," he winked at her as she rolled her eyes, "Then fucking do it, Fi-" her eyes closed as her arms were around his neck, she was breathless but fully breathing, Claudette felt like her body was on fire, but also felt like she was flying, "How was that,"

"It... it was good but uncomfortable," she said,

"Uncomfortable ?"

"Yeah, layin like this on my side, no," she grumbled,

 "Fine then, what's more, comfortable." Claudette sat in his lap, looking at his lips, " That's uh comfortable very..." his brain short-circuiting. Claudette ran her thumb over his lips as she smirked,

 "Soft. I like that in a man." 

"Claudette, will ya please just kiss me alread-" Claudette leaned in, kissing him as the lingering taste of Whiskey smoke and sleep took over. His hands were around her waist, pulling her closer to him, goosebumps peppering Claudette's skin. Biting his bottom Finn flipped her over. So he was on top of her with his hands on either side of her head, 

"I can stop if you'd want." 

"By all means, please continue, Mr. Shelby..." hoarse from the kiss, Finn kissed her neck, then her cheek as he loomed right over her lips. Claudette had pulled him down to finish what she had started, 

"The French invented this one..."

"Invented what?"

"Finn, have you ever been kissed," she smirked, taking his face in her hands and licking his lips as she snuck in her tongue. Finn was flustered for once. And by the one woman, he found peace in. His fingers were in her thick curly hair, lost in everything that was,

"Claudette..."

"Where the bloody hell is Claudette..."

BLAM! 

Claudette and Finn both pulled apart from each other as their hazy gaze's cleared on the sight of Arthur, "What the fuck were you two doin?" both Claudette and Finn were lost for words and lies to come up with, 

"We were-"

"Fuckin snoggin, wait till Tommy 'ears about this." Arthur laughed, "Family meetin, by the way," he left as Claudette giggled,

 "Get dressed..." Polly said, walking by, her cigarette in hand,

 "And before you two get any more ideas, separate rooms!"

1925 12th Of January

Dear, Elle

I did get your gift. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the states just yet, but I  hope you've gotten my gift. Claudette told me you're only a day younger than me. I find that ironic, or maybe it's fate, as Pol would say. Either way, things have been getting worse since Luca arrived. It seems he and your aunt partnered off and attacked Virginia with someone else by their side until she's safe. Ada has commanded her to stay here, and I've learned they're secretly together. However,  enough about business. 

Flo tells me you're flourishing in New York, making quite the name for The Black Pearl company. I'm proud of you and wish I could see it. I've gotten on Ms. Jessie Eden's good side, a boxer under my belt, and on top of that, if we aren't careful, you might become an aunt and I an uncle again. Arthur caught Claudette and Finn in the middle of snogging each other's faces off, and I can't say I'm not surprised. I  don't know which to threaten first. After all, Finn is my brother, and Claudette is like a daughter to me that I hope to one day have. I can only hope you'll return to London. There's so much unfinished business that we left.

Manhattan New York

"Unsaid... from your dearest Tommy Shelby..." Eleanor sighed, laying on the floors of her penthouse in her Chanel nightgown, "Flo, did you hear that..."  the woman could hear the lovesick sigh in her voice, "You read his letter for what has it been the 6th time?" she rolled her eyes, "Can't like read some other shit," Florence asked, as Eleanor got excited, "No, no more letters," Eleanor let out a sigh, "Fine," she groaned, "Don't let me have my excitement." she huffed, a knock on her door, as a maid went to open the door, 

"Ms. Williams, it's a gift." perking up as Flo sighed. She already knew it was one of Tommy's gifts, after all. She's been right where Eleanor had, 

"Send it back..."

"Ignore her. I want to see it." running toward the door, "Ellie, this gift is going to break your-"

"It's a ring box!" 

"Heart..." she mumbled, "See, he's not giving out necklaces anymore," Flo said, watching Eleanor taking the ring out of its box. It had a golden band with a garnet in the middle and pearls surrounding it. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Taking the note card from the box, she then looked at Flo, 

"Happy birthday to the pearl in my life, Thomas Michael Shelby." she swooned harder. Flo didn't want to break her heart, for it was the happiest she'd ever seen the woman, but she couldn't let her go on like a bumbling idiot,

 "I should head back to London..."

"Luca will eat you alive."

"What if he loves me the way I love him."

" It's Romani culture to give gold. I read that somewhere," Florence responded, 

"What if he's proposing and I have time to say yes but is it too soon. It's been a year and!"

"The man's engaged to a Lizzie Stark!" 

"Oh..." Eleanor nodded, setting the ring down, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. But you're a bit too late." she sighed, "But you can put it on a chain and wear it close to your heart." Eleanor nodded, 

"He can write me about family updates but not his engagement..."

"To be fair, dear, you haven't been honest either," pointing to her cheek, "I'm fine," she rasped out, "I have dinner at eight with the Barlow's and my mother." her heart was beyond breaking. It no longer existed, 

"He could've knocked her up." she shrugged, 

"That's pretty common for Tommy to do... and,"

"Silver or blue..."

"Silver, with the feathers and the diamond headdress, "Flo suggested, 

"Is fur too much?"

"Ellie, it's snowing outside,"

"So fur," she smiled, her smile tarnished into one that would be never-ending pain, 

"Do you want to talk?"

"Have you seen my cake mascara?"

"Dresser." 

"Are you sure you're okay?" 

"Necklace or no necklace..." 

"Necklace, Eleanor, you're avoiding my questions. Are you sure you're -"

" I LOVE HIM, AND FOR ONCE, I THOUGHT I HAD A REASON TO GO FUCKING HO-"

"Ms. Williams, Bernadette Willaims, and Mr. Carlton Barlow are here." taking a deep breath, she hid the ring under the neckline of her dress, 

"Mother, you've made it,"

"You look beautiful, like a bride-to-be,"  she kissed her cheeks, 

"How's that campaign about those handsome colored soldier boys going for you, Carlton..."

"Hello to you too, Florence, Eleanor. You look,"

"Radiant, breathtaking, stunning?" Bernadette asked,

"Pretty." Kissing her on the cheek as if it nearly pained him too, "Thank you, you look handsome yourself," she complimented, "Will you be joining us, Florence?" Bernadette questioned, 

"Oh, no,  I have a business to attend to, but Ellie, tell me all about the dinner," she smiled as Eleanor winked. The three walked out the door. Eleanor had been courting Carlton, who came from an old money family, the Barlow's from Louisiana, but he had his secrets, and their names were Thomas, Raymond, and Walter, but this was something Eleanor already knew, after all, she agreed to let him screw around with any man he wanted, as long as she pretended to be his loving fiance and convince his family that he was the perfect southern politician, 

"Eleanor Williams."

"Mrs. and Mr. Barlow." she sat down at the restaurant as Carlton took her fur coat off, "You must be Mrs. Williams," his father kissed her hand as she smiled, "Ms. Dupont, my husband's deceased." Bernadette sighed as Carlton looked at her, mourning the loss for her,

 "Dupont, is it Creole?" Harold asked,

"French, my mother was a -"

"French soothsayer, " Eleanor butted - in, both Carlton's parents looking at her as if they'd come across the table and smacked her, much like his sister did for her talking back to her, "You hold your tongue and let her talk," Sally glared as Eleanor nodded, 

"As you were saying?"

"She was a whore, and a Romani prophesier. She fell in love with my father, who was a rich Irish man,"

"What... an interesting bloodline." 

"Sex sells especially in Manhattan." 

"Carlton control your girl," Harold ordered. Bernadette gave him a glance as Carlton cleared his throat, 

"You know, I was thinking of a way to help our colored folks, with all the protesting happening and the rise of White Mob bosses, which all illegal crime should be stopped if you ask me."

Bernadette nearly choked on her champagne.

"I think they should all be hanged for every crime they've committed and every sin they've done." Sally smirked, looking over at Eleanor, "Don't you agree."

"I think we're all sinners in the eyes of God, and sometimes I think the worst sinners are the ones who doubt that they aren't." lighting her cigarette and waving over the waitress,

 "Ms. Williams, we didn't expect you here tonight, checking on the club, Ma'am."

"No, just taking out the family," both Harold and Sally looking at the young woman. Bernadette looked frightened for her daughter as if she'd had maybe made the wrong choice,

 "Ay, I see. will it be an Irish Whiskey, Scotch, or-"

"Give me your best Gin," she winked, watching the man walk away,

"Ladies don't own dance halls, and they don't drink Gin-"

"They don't tell me how I raised my daughter either," Bernadette growled. Eleanor fiddled with the ring around her neck as the light glistened. Bernadette knew it all too well. It was her mother's engagement ring that she gave to Vadoma for safekeeping, but how did it get from where she was seeking camp to New York, 

"Lovely ring," Harold smiled, "Did Carlton get it for you?"

"No, it was a birthday gift from a good friend." Eleanor smiled as she held the bottle, 

"Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness."  

"Is the Gin not to your liking,"

"I think I'm going back to England..." Eleanor smiled, 

[themanywomeninmyhead]

The Caged Bird: Chapter 2: Bullets and Pearls

Peaky Blinders OC: Nurse Flo matches witts via letters with Thomas Shelby over the years as their lives lead them on separate but similar journies.

Pairing: OC(Florence Bell)/Tommy Shelby

Muse Insert (Will Post a Y/N Version As Well)

OC Aka Flo Belongs To Me

Time Period: 1922 (Season 2)

Warning: 18+, Violence, Suggestive Language, Eventual Smut

Ch. 1 | X | Ch.3 | Interlude

“Is that man beating on you again Lettie?” Flo asked not even bothering to look up from the note that she was writing. By now she knew the familiar and uneven steps of what was once the most beautiful woman in the Red Light District. Or at least that was until she caught the attention of the wrong man, the wrong man with the type of temper that could kill a girl. Flaming red hair that faded to a washed-out copper, porcelain pale skin that was now the color of sour milk all wrapped up in clothing that was meant for a body that was a little more shapely. Time and abuse had stripped the meat from her bones and the joy from her eyes.

“Miss Florence while it's always a pleasure to be in your presence I know you're always unhappy as to the reason why.” The woman said as she leaned into the door frame; half of her face was swollen, her bottom lip split, and bruising under the left eye were all evidence of a night spent with the man with a bad temper. It wasn't like Lettie liked him it was just that it was her job and she did it well and it paid the bills.

“You would be correct Lettie but you giving half-ass apologies on why you look like that isn't why you're here. I can tell all the way from over here you've already seen a doctor.”

“You see this is why you're always the one that we like to go to. You don't mince words, you always have a gentle hand and you don't charge us half a month's rent.”

“Let's be honest none of you have half a month's rent anytime before the end of the month. Not only that but it'd be a disservice if all of you pretty little ducks end up out on the street. After all who's going to look after you if I don't?”

“Flo that's exactly why I'm here. Eddie finally seemed to have gotten tired of me. Of which I have to say I'm relieved but it's the person he plans to replace me with that I'm worried about.” Lettie explained as she shuffled into the room and sat down on the woman's exam table. It wasn't jealousy that tempered her words. Flo had seen what jealous, vengeful women could do to each other if crossed. This was well and true worry like a mother had for her child.

“Who is it?” She said putting down her pen and giving the other woman her complete and undivided attention

“Maybelle, the younger not the older. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that he was using all the same tricks on her that he did on me. Dinners, dancing, gifts, being really nice to her and her mama. Flo that girl has a promising future. Like I had before I caught his eye and I can't stand the idea of letting another little girl be broken under his hands.”

Lettie or Leticia as she had been called back when she was still a young sprightly thing was supposed to go off to school to be a teacher. Until Edmund Monroe of the Uptown Monroe Gang had set his eyes on her. Everybody knew the tale about how he took her to dinners, and dancing, bought her fine clothes and took her about town as if she was the Crown Jewel of the city. He whispered words of love and marriage in her ear all the way up until the point he deflowered her. And after she was no longer a pristine untouched flower he showed his true self. Drinking and whoring and when he'd come for her he would beat her. As if all his worldly troubles were her fault always remembering to throw enough cash to pay the rent at her feet.

Florence sighed opening up the drawer to her left and looking down into its contents. Still neatly wrapped in the packaging that it came in except for the edges on one side that had been pulled up to take a peek inside was the gift from Tommy. She'd only received it a week prior to departing France and had every intention of sending it back. After all, what need does a nurse who saved lives have for a gun that took them? Chuckling dryly to herself she picked up the box and put it in front of her placing her hands on it.

People liked to talk about how the Romani had magic and she could not help but wonder if Thomas Shelby had known this day would come. And that the oath that she swore all those years ago once she finished school would be broken by six little bullets on what seems like another rainy Friday night in the Red Light District.

“I'll take care of it, Leticia. Don't you worry that pretty little head about it.”

Dear Flo,

I had to say that my feelings were hurt when I received the package that I had sent to you back. Even though you said that you would send it as long as it arrived before you left to return to the states. And though for you it was probably a moral dilemma I was very pleased to see it came back empty. I did not think that you had it in you to use all of them in one go. Oh to be a fly on the wall as you went into what was no doubt a beautiful, dark rage. Knowing you you didn't take a life to protect yourself but someone else. In other news, Ada is expecting her first child. To say I am displeased would be an understatement. She has fallen in with a man who has sensational ideas. I fear if I write the word for his kind down in a letter people will come knocking on your door asking all the wrong questions. As you know I will do anything for my family and I am all for becoming an uncle again but this worries me. A bird has come to nest. It can't sing all that well but it has lovely yellow feathers, it reminds me a bit of you just a bit more sneaky or so it thinks so. I wonder sometimes as I listen to it sing if you would think less of me if I fell in with a cheap replacement for the authentic thing. And then I remembered that you probably already think less of me as I do not believe it's in your nature to think highly of a man with my skill set and in my line of work.

Letters will be few and far in between in th future as Shelby Company Limited is in a stage of growth. As you said the last time we saw each other you wanted to know as little about my doings as legally acceptable. And as not to worry your pretty little head about it I will respect your desires to….some extent. I’ve been dreaming again or no I think it's more correct to call them nightmares. In the nighttime hours as I lay in my bed and sometimes in the daytime hours when I least expect them brief, bright flashes of the battlefield play before my eyes. Florence I remember once you said that I would burn the world for its warmth, then why does it feel as if I am being burned? As if the sum of my parts are being used to prop up the rotten and decaying society that I and my brothers fought so hard for.

I am rambling on again. You’ll no doubt turn it away again but now that I have come into a bit of means, so I have enclosed another gift. I’m sure your savings has been used up by now on your new home and various travel expenses. Even if you never wear it would be a good nest egg for you to hold on to. Flowers, fabrics, and perfumes might lose their value but I find that jewels do not.

Truthfully Yours, Thomas Shelby

Dear Tommy,

I fear a part of me is broken. If before I was a mirror with the glass cracked I am now a mirror with pieces missing. As you say I hoped to not have to use your gift. The pearl-handled beauty would have stayed in my desk until the next time I went to the post office and was sent back to you unused. But a monster had his eyes on a princess still too young to be out of her mother's sight. So I took care of that monster and his friends who were only slightly less bad than him. I feel like Lady Macbeth constantly washing my hands as if that could make them clean from the sin that I have committed on another. Tell me Thomas does it ever get any easier, the guilt.

I have enclosed a few gifts of my own for Ada and the baby. Nothing nearly so ostentatiously expensive as what you sent me. But it is handmade and will keep the babe warm on these cold winter nights that are to come. You have no need to speak the specific name of this young man we will just call him a pest and say that we are having a similar epidemic here as well. This is the part of the letter where I say something very nice because while I am very good at dressing you down and showing you the errors of your ways I'm also your friend. Be careful, Tommy Shelby you are not God nor are you immortal. And one day your dealings will get you killed. And though you annoy me something fiercely I hope that it is not today or this year or even the next few years that you are finally snatched off this mortal coil.

You have always had such a shrewd and inquisitive mind. It is a true shame that is not applied to more beneficial and legal things. But I am happy known the less that you and your family have come into some means and don't have to worry about struggling. Yes, I've heard whisperings in the medical community that men who have fought in wars, most recent and past ones oftentimes are plagued with terrible dreams. The human mind is sometimes unable to fathom the things that it has done and will make you relive these tragedies as it works to overcome them. I already know it is unlikely that you would step back from Shelby Company Limited as you've come to call it. But a break on the seaside might be to the liking of both your mind and body. As I write this I dare say that it also sounds like something that I would be interested in once things have cooled down here.

I have always hated when you were right, maybe it was because you were right so often or that pretentious little smirk that you would get when you realized it. I'm a rather private person so I don't talk finances with anyone but my banker and now you, you're correct. The estate needed more updates than was first thought and between that and outfitting the bottom half to become a clinic I’ve burned through 75% of my savings. And while I won't be destitute after working so hard for so many years it does leave a bad taste in one's mouth. Your gift is beautiful and I will keep it as is and add it to my rainy day fund. When the time comes that I feel more comfortable I'll return it to you. And might I also add if you are so interested in your tricky little songbird who can't sing it is probably not a good idea to be sending gifts or letters to another woman halfway across the world. I would hate to be the eventual cause of a divorce if your heart should lead you to marry this bird. That and the fact that a place of a mistress is not a position that I felt would ever suit me.

Sincerely yours, Florence Bell

P.S. Women always value honesty, Tommy. So you should tell your little bird that she is “a cheap replacement”. Your words, not mine.