#theycametoconquertheearth53

[timeguardians]

"well, that’s too bad…i was planning on helping you." ~ [any muse; i'm experimenting with john robie from to catch a thief]

Trapped, Rose is, like a bug encapsulated in amber. Safe and beautiful to view from extraordinary lengths and when shielded, not so flawless up close and personal. Painted lips are fashioned into a perpetual frown. One, the evening has only cemented further upon her pallored face. The debtors cerulean orbs shakily flit upwards towards his.

For a moment, all the crimson-haired false heiress could do is stare at his incredibly warm features. Her scathing rebuke uttered moments ago only comes back to haunt her. "Wait," she implores in a tone so dire, so fragile, she fears it'll be swallowed up by the commotion of the erratic night breeze. Swallowing down every bit of contempt, she has for her own voice, her command is a degree clearer. "Wait!"

"You would help me?" She incredulously questions. "Why? He knows barring a marriage to Hockley, she hasn't a penny with which to reimburse him. "What would you get out of this arrangement?"

[avictimofthejazz]

@theycametoconquertheearth53

Continued from here

Michael huffed, annoyed and not very skilled at hiding it. He never was good at hiding his emotions. He just accepted whatever he was feeling at the time, embraced the sensation, and ran with it. Granted, that got him in trouble more than a few times, but Wilton had not chosen him for his emotional control. That was more Bonnie’s department anyways…. Michael let thoughts of the brunette mechanic distract him for a few seconds before refocusing on the problem at hand. Namely, trying to figure out what happened to Delores Macabee before the cops decided he had something to do with her going missing.

“So, you only got involved in this when you heard she had gone missing? Not before that?” Michael tilted his head, leaning back in his chair until it balanced on its two back legs. “Because she came to the Foundation, and said she needed help with the police chief in town running a racketeering scheme. Knowing that, and the fact she’s gone missing, I’m not too keen to talk to the police on an uneven footing if you know what I mean.” Michael prayed this Dan Farrell did, or he was about to be in for a very awkward, unproductive and likely short-lived conversation before the police came in to really complicate his day.

[txmeguardxs]

I needed a distraction, and here you are. [from Malloy to any muse after the events of X-Force when he returns home after being suspended]

Tubbs's tounge wets her lips as her vibrant orbs gloss over his incredible form. His eyes practically devour her, and in truth, her's are no less interested. The silk of his tie (a symptom of having been to state his case) is ensnared within her wandering fingers as she tugs him closer. Her other hand moves to dotingly cup his cheek. "It went that bad?Hm?" She prods.

"It's a good thing you came. I was about to get in the hottub. Want to join me?"

[zablife]

Benny Takes You Cruising on Halloween

Benny Cross x female reader

A/N: Benny takes you cruising late on Halloween night, requested by @theycametoconquertheearth53. Part of my Corrupt a Wish challenge.

Warnings: dark!Benny, drinking, stalking, kidnapping Corrupt a wish reminder: If you think this story has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention. Proceed with caution!

Benny was always running away. Something in the steady rhythm of a humdrum life in the suburbs had never agreed with him. As a teenager he'd left his parents behind, swearing never to return. But the big city hadn't treated him well, a hungry stomach and soul made worse by a cruel world. It hadn't been the adventure he hoped and his bright blue eyes began to dull from constant disappointment.

That is, until the day he spotted you at the soda fountain. Craning his neck to find the source of carefree laughter, he watched you swing your ponytail and sip a milkshake. The sight of your shapely figure made his heart throb.

Sitting up straighter in the booth, he tried to ignore the jukebox competing for attention in the corner. And when he picked out your voice over the strains of the music, he held his breath just to listen. Your words sounded as angelic as the pleasant ring of your laugh and he became infatuated with it in a matter of minutes.

Twirling the straw in your glass, you were oblivious to the dirty biker eavesdropping on your conversation. You had more pressing things on your mind, like what you were going to wear to the Pi Kappa Alpha Halloween party. "Do you really like the pink? I thought red would be sexier," you admitted to your friends, biting your lip as a naughty smile pulled at the corners of your mouth.

"You're not going to dress up?" your friend Linda asked, pushing her ice cream away in a childish pout. "Last year everyone loved our group costume," she argued.

"We're seniors now," you reminded her with a wink. "Time to get serious."

"I agree," Jenny replied with a firm nod, all business when it came to the topic of boys. "I'm attending to find my future husband, not bob for apples."

"Can't we do both?" Linda asked hopefully.

Wrapping an arm around Linda, you pulled her close as you whispered, "Don't worry, I intend to!"

Another eruption of giggles came from the counter as you rose to gather your school books. The dark green ribbon adorning your ponytail fell to the ground like a leaf drifting from a tree as your hips swished, sauntering off into the blinding afternoon sunlight.

The bell above the door rang out just as Benny's heavy boots thudded across the floor. When he reached the spot where you sat moments earlier, he bent down to pick up the soft velvet with callused fingertips. He couldn't resist the urge to draw the material across his cheek, inhaling the floral notes of your perfume as it passed under his nostrils. He only snapped out of his trance when he saw the waitress reappear to collect the coins off the counter in front of him.

"Hey, you know where the Pi Kappa Alpha house is?" he demanded.

Hands resting at her hips, she studied him with disdain. "And why would you need to know that?"

Benny narrowed his eyes, but tried to remain civil as he held up the ribbon. "Just wanna return that girl's hair ribbon is all," he explained.

The waitress attempted to swipe it from him, but he jerked it away just in time. Holding her gaze, he spoke in a low, serious tone. "A gentleman would give it back."

"You ain't no gentleman," she snorted.

As Benny reached the outermost limits of his patience, he pulled a switch blade from his jacket and held it before her terrified face. "You're right," he conceded with a dangerous look in his eye, metal gleaming in his hand. "That's why you should answer me."

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

Halloween 1965

Benny had camped out all night in anticipation of the party being held by the fraternity brothers down the street. He figured it was a small price to pay for seeing someone as lovely as you waltz back into his life. His diligence was soon rewarded as he glimpsed you teetering down the walk in impossibly high heels and a crimson red dress. "Look fuckin' perfect," Benny hummed under his breath.

Flicking his cigarette onto the pavement, he exhaled a large plume of smoke which obstructed his face. Hands jammed into the pockets of his faded Levi's, he stalked after you, half hidden by the flickering street lamp.

"One smoke and I'll be right back," you'd cooed at your boring date before he allowed you out of his sight. However, now you wondered if that had been such a good idea. Your vision fuzzy from the alcohol you'd consumed, you couldn't help but stumble as you dug into your purse for your cigarettes. Children dressed as ghouls and goblins brushed past you, making you sway unsteadily.

Your skirt still swooshed in their wake as an unfamiliar man approached. "Kids," you shrugged.

"Yeah, kids," Benny echoed with a wide smile. Then noticing your unlit cigarette he offered, "Need a light?"

You nodded in appreciation, leaning forward as he cupped his other hand around the flame.

"Thanks," you mumbled with your first exhale.

"No problem," he answered, staring intently into your eyes.

Tilting your head to study him, you noticed his rugged good looks. He wasn't like the boys inside who all reminded you of your father. Stable and predictable, they weren't half as interesting as the man who was offering you a ride on his motorcycle now.

"So you wanna come with me or what?" he asked in a seductive whisper.

"I don't know..." you hesitated all of a sudden, eyes flicking to the bike and back to your new dress.

Benny chuckled as he assured you, "I'll go slow."

You thought for a moment as you dropped the cigarette to the ground and pressed it under your toe slowly. A shriek of excitement issued forth from the kids trick-or-treating across the street and you laughed at their enthusiasm. That's when you realized this was the safest night you could choose for such an adventure with so many people out and about. "Alright, let's go," you agreed, taking his hand as he helped you cross the street.

Heart thumping against your rib cage, you allowed Benny to help you onto his bike. He smirked to himself as your fingers curled around his jacket, squeezing tightly against his waist the moment he accelerated away from the curb.

The wind in your hair felt exquisite, the cool air a welcome feeling on your burning cheeks. Am I drunk? you wondered before relaxing against Benny's strong frame and resolving to enjoy the ride.

As soon as the houses of the neighborhood began to fade into the distance you furrowed your brow in confusion. "Where are we going?" you asked over the roar of the engine.

"You'll see," came his cryptic reply.

Your insides stirred at the promise, taking in the sights of the city before he exited onto the highway. "Wait," you objected, but he couldn't hear you, zooming into oncoming traffic with shocking speed.

"You...you said you'd go slow," you shrieked into his ear.

He turned his head slightly and nodded as though he'd heard your complaint. Then he fell in line with a group of bikers.

Much to your chagrin, they soon flanked both sides, whooping and whistling at you. The display unnerved you, breath coming in short spurts as you squeezed your eyes shut against their hungry looks and lewd hand gestures.

Sensing your tension, Benny reached a hand back to stroke your leg, lifting your dress to expose your bare thigh. The other bikers leered back at you, grease stained hands gripping the handles of their motorcycles harshly and you wondered what they would be capable of if they caught you.

Benny's head tilted back, a wolf cry leaving his triumphant lips. As soon as it met your ears, you cowered in fear, knowing this had all been a big mistake."D-do you know them?" you asked, afraid of the answer.

"Course I do," he called back to you with a devilish grin. "We're all gonna have a real good time tonight."

"We going to a party or something?" you asked suspiciously, pressing into him for safety.

Benny's cock stirred the moment you began to hiss into his ear, using all his self control not to pull off the road and take you there. However, he knew the Vandals' rules well. Everyone shared on the first night.

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

Tag List:

@peakyswritings

@alanadetigy 

@severewobblerlightdragon

@lovemissyhoneybee

@theshelbyslimited

@kittycatcait219

@callsign-fangirl

@elenavampire21

@little-diable

@lyarr24

@the-fangirl-diaries

@kmc1989

@stilestotherescue 

@helen06dreamer

@chaosinkest1996 

@pietroxreader 

@galactict3a

@ietss

@mostly-marvel-musings

@writeroutoftime

@yolobloggers

@outlanderuniverse

@anilovessadbooks

@tremendousstarlighttragedy

@elliaze

@leenieweenie

@snickersmee

@niktwazny303

@brummiereader

@cillmequick

@moral-terpitude

@mischievouslittlecreature

@mollybegger-blog

@xxanaduwrites

@greenparadiseperry

@gardens-light

@ughdontbeboring

@mrs-hardy-hunnam-butler

@xxanaduwrites

@nerdy-novelist017

@superstarcherrycolagirl

@mrsalwayswrite

@dreamlandcreations

@mayfieldss

@finley-08

[deke-rivers-1957]

Spooky Season and Birthday Month

The only agreed upon Elvis Halloween movie. Funny thing is that this was written by Three Stooges writers Elwood Ullman and Edward Bernds. As a Three Stooges fan, the general summary of being at a ranch and then going to a presumed haunted house is classic Three Stooges.

Also I'll be having a special request week starting October 12th with a big celebration post on my birthday itself on the 19th. If you have a request you can either leave it here or send it to my inbox.

Tagging: @almightybigbrain, @lilmisspeaches, @halieghhh, @thelonelyheart, @bonjovipresley,

@theycametoconquertheearth53 and @urbeatlemaniac.

[avictimofthejazz]

"The local detectives want to question everybody involved with that woman's disappearance..." (Dan Farrell to any muse)

Michael Knight shifted in his chair, trying to make it look like he was escaping an errant spring rather than squirming uncomfortably. The fact of the matter was though, the last thing he wanted was the local police poking around into this mess. His situation wasn’t exactly… normal, and having nosy cops digging too much into his past would only lead to uncomfortable questions. At one point in his life, when he was still Michael Long, he had been an LAPD detective himself. But that was before he was betrayed on an undercover assignment, and shot in the face. An eccentric billionaire named Wilton Knight saved his life, giving him a new face, a new identity and a new purpose working for his organization… but Michael Knight had no history prior to three years ago. Simply put, he had not existed. Once the cops noticed that little fact, they always started asking awkward questions.

“Well… I wasn’t really involved in it.” Michael confessed. “I came to town to meet Delores Macabee—she contacted the foundation that I work for and asked for help—but she was already missing by the time I arrived. What do you know about it?” Maybe if he played his cards right, he would be able to get information out of this man instead of having it pumped out of himself.

[avictimofthejazz]

@theycametoconquertheearth53

[timeguardians]

Muse: Olivia Benson

tagged by the lovely @adaxrafaelbarba

Cake  or  Ice cream? (better still- ice cream with Noah)

Sweet  or  Spicy?

Potato Chips  or  French Fries?

Seasoned or Bland?

Cookies  or  Brownies?

Salad  or  Pizza?

Turkey  or  Chicken?

Hamburger  or  Cheeseburger?

Sour  or  Bitter?

Homecooked  or  Takeout?

Hot  or  Cold?

Beef  or  Pork?

Chocolate  or  White Chocolate?

Fruit  or  Vegetables?

Soft  or  Hard Shell Tacos?

Tea  or  Coffee?

Stuffing  or  Mashed Potatoes?

Cake  or  Pie?

Fresh Ingredients  or  From The Can? (Benson loves FRESH, she hardly has time to do all the meal prep. So her go-to, is unfortunately, canned

@bruz3r @protectxthem (any muse you want) @gaffns @donohcrm @ssolessurvivor @theycametoconquertheearth53 @honorhearted @honorarystripes @marvelousmysteries @ricketyhearts @lightcreators @historiavn @lightwxlkr @falsekings @legends-and-savages @legacyprotected and anyone else who wants to join

[timeguardians]

♤- Who has the best butt out of everyone you know? (Ricki Tubbs)

make my muse uncomfortable:

Send me a symbol, and my muse will answer with the name and URL of another muse here on Tumblr:

Tubbs smirks around her drink at Sadie's inquiry. "That's an easy one to answer. My partner James Sonny Crockett has the absolute best ass this side of Miami." @ricketyhearts Then he's followed by Pete Malloy @theycametoconquertheearth53 & James @backedagainstthewall

[timeguardians]

@theycametoconquertheearth53 did not specify a muse. Therefore got a randomized one. Muse: Rose Dewitt Bukater

“ Why are you looking at me like that?:" Rose sheepishly inquires.  

[zablife]

@theycametoconquertheearth53 Look who it is!!

James Mitchum, Christopher Mitchum and Robert Mitchum, March 1946.

[zablife]

@theycametoconquertheearth53 Tysm, Illya! I'm honored that you chose my fic as your first Benny story to read! So happy you enjoyed it! I have a growing affection for this time period so it was a fun little imagine to create ☺️

Benny x Flower Child

Benny Cross Masterlist

A/N: A lovely anon's request to see Benny with a woman who loves and accepts him for who he is. Since it's the '60s, I thought the concept of Benny meeting a free spirited flower child fit really well.

🌼 At first the Vandals dismiss your relationship as a fling without much of a future. After all, how can two people who cherish their freedom as much as a biker and a hippie ever hope to hold each other down?

🌼 The first time Benny brings you to meet everyone, the wives note your lack of jealousy when someone flirts with your man and frankly find it suspicious how you live in your own little world of pleasure separate from Benny as your silvery voice floats above the campfire like a siren song meant to attract their men.

🌼 The guys in the club take to you with immediate enthusiasm, listening to your tales of carefree adventure as Benny looks on with a lovesick smile. They recognize the mischievous twinkle like Benny gets in his eye and they see your shared sense of wanderlust.

🌼 It comes as a shock to everyone when you don't move on over the next few weeks, accepting Kathy's offer to stay at her place so you can plant a little garden in the back yard and watch it grow.

🌼 Your role as a nurturer becomes even more apparent when the guys from the club come around sick or hurt. You always seem to have a home remedy available to heal them.

🌼 It becomes a running joke that Kathy's porch is the place for strays when dogs begin to appear alongside the men, all drawn to your empathetic spirit.

🌼 Benny too finds himself orbiting around the same unlikely center of domesticity, hunched over Kathy's ring stained coffee table as you read his tarot cards.

🌼 "You actually believe all that hocus pocus?" the guys heckle him through the screen door, but the goosebumps he feels prickling his arm as you reveal the lovers card time and time again answers the question for him, the temptation of his heart revealed long before he's able to speak the words.

🌼 Late at night when he's fitful, you remind him of his place and purpose, guiding him out onto the roof to gaze up at the stars. Huddled together under a blanket, chain smoking and pointing out constellations, you feel the tension leave his body as his restless mind shuts off.

🌼 Eventually this ritual takes on a new meaning, the vastness of the night sky reminding you both how much living you have to do. So you pack the same worn satchel you arrived with and Benny takes you away for places unknown.

🌼 You stop to say goodbye to Johnny, tho he says he doesn't know why you're leaving the safety of the home you've made with the Vandals. He couldn't possibly understand that from now on home is wherever you and Benny are together, wild and free.

[zablife]

@theycametoconquertheearth53 Tysm for your kind words, Illya 🤍 I'm pleased you enjoyed the intrigue of this one!

Troubled Spirits

Polly Gray x female reader

Summary: After her release from prison, Polly isolates herself from the living to commune with the dead. You are a war widow who seeks her help to contact your deceased husband, but you have to offer her more than money for the privilege. 

Author’s Note: This was requested by a lovely anon to pair dark Polly with a female reader. I hope you enjoy it! This takes place at the beginning of S4 when Polly is holding seances in her home. Also, I do not claim to know anything about the magic I describe here which is taken from a variety of sources and does not represent any specific religion or culture. 

Warnings: Dark AU, dark magic/spells

You placed the paper face up next to you on the table and sipped your tea thinking of the article you had just read. “Riddle of the Life Hereafter Draws Worlds Attention” the big black type beckoned you from the corner of your vision and you just had to have a second look. Could it really be true that deceased loved ones could cross over to visit the world of the living? As you thought of your dear husband, Edward, a chill ran through you and the skin on your arms turned to gooseflesh. As you often did when you felt a strong breeze or heard a door slam, you searched for him behind you, but the room was empty and still. You knew his love for you was everlasting and you often wondered if he had found a way to watch over you even in death. All you knew was you would have done anything to be with him again.

You wondered if it was a coincidence or if someone had deliberately planted this idea of mediums and seances in your head. Was it Edward trying to find you? Being a woman of faith, you weren’t sure you believed in ghosts. That seemed like the work of the devil. Your heart and your brain collided daily, however, when you swore you felt his presence. 

You weren’t sure you could trust your thoughts anymore. You had spent nearly a year locked away in this somber house as mourning tradition dictated. You looked around your darkened dining room and thought of the days when you had actually opened the thick drapes to see outside. You couldn’t remember the last time you desired the light. However, you knew you couldn’t live this way forever. You grew wearier by the day in this tomb and it made you feel as though you were disappointing him somehow. You had promised to be strong in your letters to him when he was in France, but you found that vow hard to keep after you learned of his death on the battlefield. 

You had heard rumors about Polly Gray, the gypsy woman who held seances, but you had never been tempted to venture into the more dangerous part of town to find her until now. Something about the newspaper article prodded you, begging you to seek out Mrs. Gray in order to fulfill a need within yourself. You had so many unanswered questions and your curiosity eventually got the better of you. At the moment you made your decision, you rose from your chair as if you’d been lifted up by someone and you soon found yourself donning your familiar black attire.

You followed the directions you’d been given by other widows and you soon found yourself at Mrs. Gray’s front door. You thought about all you had been told when picturing the woman you would meet. She was purported to be gypsy royalty and you’d been warned that she could be moody and erratic. It frightened you a little, but not enough to keep you from Edward. 

Mrs. Gray answered the door as though she was expecting you, a warm smile on her face and you wondered why everyone had seemed so frightened of her. She was a slight woman who didn’t stand more than an inch taller than you. She wore her dark curls pinned away from her face so you could see her kohl rimmed eyes. As she greeted you, you couldn’t help but notice her searching the air beside you as though she were addressing two people instead of one. 

In truth, Polly was seeing the image of a handsome, young man in a military uniform. She knew this was why you had come because the man placed a hand on your shoulder to show his ownership over you, but she didn’t want to divulge that just yet. She beckoned you inside with a ringed hand and you followed.

The well-appointed room was layered in various shades of red that made you feel excited somehow. The drawing room was large, but all light had been shut out to create a stifling darkness. A round table sat in the center of the room illuminated by a few tapered candles and a roaring fire in the corner. There seemed to be a haze of smoke in the air, although it did not smell of cigarettes. You found it all quite mysterious. 

Polly gestured toward a chair and asked you to take a seat. You felt hesitant at first, suddenly feeling an urge to run away, but you knew that was just nerves. You sat in one of the mahogany chairs and asked with a nervous giggle, “Will the table tilt and twirl like the newspaper accounts, Mrs. Gray?” 

Polly chuckled, “No, my dear. Those are parlor tricks amateurs use. My gifts are not quite as tangible.” You quirked an eyebrow at her unsure of what she meant. “What gifts do you possess, Mrs. Gray?” you asked overcome with eagerness.

“Please call me, Polly,” she said smiling at you. “I have the gift of second sight. That means I can see into the future, predict things.” 

“I think I may have come to the wrong place then, you see I was hoping to speak with my husband who died in the war,” you said sadly.

“I commune with the dead as well, my dear, so you’ve come to the right place,” Polly said confidently.

“Now, I always start with a tarot reading. It helps me determine what kind of energy I’m channeling,” Polly explained as she produced a deck of cards unlike any you’d seen before. They all had funny drawings and names. She placed three cards before you, face down. “Well, alright, if it will bring me closer to Edward,” you replied reluctantly.

Polly looked deep in thought as she turned over the first card. Placing her pointer finger over the card she said, “This is the hermit. You’re looking for answers.” This you already knew and you remained silent watching to see if she would go on. Polly turned another card and said, “the high priestess. This signifies passivity.You must retreat and reflect to trust your inner instincts to guide you. “ You nodded thoughtfully, unsure if you should speak while she was reading your cards. “This is the final card. It is the hanged man,” she said ominously. You gasped unsure what such a gruesome image could mean. 

“It’s alright, my dear, this means that you will surrender. But it’s interesting to note the card is upright so you’re putting up somewhat of a fight. I would suggest you accept your fate.” You looked at her quizzically before asking, “What fate is it I am to accept?” 

“Oh, you’ll see,” Polly said with what you swore was a triumphant smirk, but you couldn’t be sure in the dark candlelight. “Now, shall we begin the ritual to commune with your husband?” she asked. You nodded, eager to begin.

“First, I must ask if you’ve brought a possession that once belonged to your husband.” You reached inside your dress and pulled a chain out that held Edward’s wedding ring. Polly’s eyes followed your slender hand as it dipped below the neckline of your dress, your breath catching in your throat as you ran your fingers over the warm metal thinking of your beloved. Removing the chain from your neck, you handed the necklace to Polly hesitantly. She took it from your clutched hand with a silent promise in her eyes to take care of it and you released the chain from your grasp. Polly’s hand glided over yours and held your grasp a moment too long before taking the jewelry from you. 

She placed the ring beside her then asked for your hand. You gave it willingly wondering if she was going to read your palm. As you looked deeply into her eyes, you felt a sharp prick and looked down to find you were bleeding into a bowl of water that had suddenly appeared in the center of the table. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting that,” you cried. “It’s all part of the process, love” she explained squeezing blood from your fingertip. You inhaled sharply feeling a throbbing in your digit, but said no more. What kind of magic was this, you wondered?

You watched mesmerized as Polly used her fingers to swirl the blood in the bowl. It was like a blooming flower so beautiful and deep red you couldn’t tear your eyes from it.  If you had you would have noticed as Polly turned the knife across her tongue to taste your blood. But you didn’t take your eye off the bowl, so Polly began to speak once more. “Your love is here, he feels your presence,” she said lids half closed as she seemed to be going into a kind of trance. Holding the ring in one hand and your palm in another she asked, “What do you wish to say to your husband?” You held your breath waiting for a sign that Edward was near. Then you felt a cool breeze blowing through your hair. You felt a breath on your neck as though someone was right behind you. On instinct you spoke, “Edward is that you?”

After a long pause you heard your husband’s voice come to you very softly. “Yes, darling, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

“No, I’m not afraid,” you said eagerly. “I’ve wanted to speak with you for so long, my love,” you assured him sitting up in your seat to pay attention to every word. 

“Everything will be fine. I’m watching over you,” Edward said in the same protective tone he used when you were married and you wept with happiness.

“Tell me dear, are you happy?” you asked with a shaky voice. You closed your eyes as you felt a large, strong hand on your shoulder and Edward said softly, almost imperceptibly, “Yes, I’m so happy.” You began to cry at his admission, finally receiving confirmation that your sweet husband was no longer in pain. You had so much more to ask him. 

You were unaware that Polly was placing Edward’s ring in a box lined with lead. As you were busy dreaming of your love, she was locking his spirit  away so it could no longer reach you. A love this strong had to be contained, Polly thought. It was the only way. With the turn of a key, Edward would be gone and you would be none the wiser. 

However, you immediately noticed how his voice was fading as he spoke to you and you grew concerned. You opened your eyes to tell Polly, “He’s grown quiet. I can’t hear him now,” you said with urgency. She gave you a reassuring smile and patted your hand gently, but something about her display made you uneasy, although you couldn’t say why. 

Then Polly mumbled the incantation in Romani, smirking at the words she knew you would have no way of understanding. “You will depend on your mistress who decides for you any movement and even your smallest gesture. And although the pain you are saddened by summons tears, they will not fall but become trapped inside your eyes. Above all else, your heart grows inside your chest until it opens to me and you have no choice but to love.”

“That was lovely, Polly. What does it mean? Will I be reunited with my love?” you asked hopefully. Polly studied you for a moment before giving a girlish laugh. She rose from the table and came to stand behind you, touching your shoulders and brushing a hand to your cheek. “My sweet, you won’t have to worry about all that hurt and pain any longer,” she said softly into your ear. You froze under her touch unsure what she meant. You had the distinct feeling you had made a grave mistake by entering this viper’s den, but it was too late to do anything now. You sat quietly as Polly added, “Now that you’ll be staying here with me.” You looked up at her startled and said, “I don’t understand…”

“If you have any hope of seeing your beloved husband again, you will have to remain here,” Polly explained. “I’ve trapped his spirit, you see. The only way you can reach him now is by pleasing me. You do want to please me don’t you?” She asked in a sickeningly sweet voice. You swallowed thickly before venturing the only question that remained. “How long do I have to stay?” You said voice trembling with fright. Polly leaned over to place a chaste kiss to your lips. Shocked by her kiss and her touch you sat in place unable to move. “Oh, my heart,” Polly said taking your chin in her hands to force you to look at her, “until I let you go…”

[zablife]

@theycametoconquertheearth53 Thanks, Daisy! I'm pleased you enjoyed this one and even more excited it gave you inspo!

The Portrait

Summary: You receive an invitation to a party at the home of Thomas Shelby, but what you find inside is not what you anticipated.

Author's Note: Written for @notyour-valentine 1K celebration. Congratulations again dear friend! I'm so proud of you! I wrote this with the prompt "creepy portrait" in mind and realized I'd also included "a rumor" after the fact. I hope you enjoy it!

One afternoon, just before the last train, your friends had promised to take you to a party where you could indulge in all the booze and snow you desired, surrounded by handsome gangsters. You’d been unable to say no to such an intriguing offer and found yourself hastily dressing in your most scandalous beaded gown, ready for a dirty old night in dirty old Birmingham. You and your friends giggled the whole way on the train, wondering what kinds of trouble you’d find at the party.

When you arrived at the front door, a boy named Isaiah greeted you with a wide grin. He ushered you inside, but the party didn’t seem so lively. In fact, the mansion you entered was dark and gloomy like a haunted castle in a novel and your host, Thomas Shelby, was noticeably absent. The men inside were indeed attractive, but somber having been given strict instructions no one would be playing in the snow this evening. 

Contenting yourself with a glass of spiked punch, you began to wander away from the ballroom. As the music faded away, no other sounds could be heard other than your own heels rapping against the floorboards. The eery echo they created should have made you conscious of your intrusion into your host’s inner sanctum, but your curious nature spurred you on. 

When you came to a grand staircase, you stopped suddenly feeling as though you were being watched. You turned in all directions to see if someone were there, your long strand of pearls thumping against your chest in time with your heart beat, but you found the corridors empty and you exhaled a sigh of relief.

Realizing you might be caught snooping, you turned to leave. However, a flicker of light from the overhead chandelier caught your eye. It bounced from the upper floor and down the wall, eventually coming to rest over a large portrait of a blonde woman. Her blue eyes gazed back at you, holding you in a trance as you recalled the gossip your friends shared on the train. 

“She died last year, you know. Some kind of awful tragedy involving a madman with a gun!”

“Yes, I heard that too! She was…” Alice leaned in to whisper, “murdered! Do you think her husband had anything to do with it?” 

“Well I heard a gypsy put a spell on her,” Lulu told you matter-of-factly as though that were the most logical explanation. 

Whatever happened had been enough to turn the house into a mausoleum. It made your blood run cold. What had happened to Mrs. Shelby, you wondered? As you stood considering her portrait a hand clamped down on your shoulder. “Christ the fucking night! You can’t be in here, girl!” You spun around to see a short man in colorful clothing and a red scarf standing behind you wearing a stern expression.

“It’s alright, Johnny, she’s with me,” Isaiah said appearing from the shadows with a cheeky grin. He came up behind you and placed his arm around your shoulders. You were glad for the familiar company even though you’d only met him an hour earlier. 

“Get her out, Isaiah! You know the rules,” Johnny warned and you gulped at his harsh tone.

“Alright, sweetheart, shall we get back to the party?” Isaiah said with a smile. You wanted to be swayed by it, but you hadn’t had nearly enough whiskey to fall for his charms. You were far too intrigued by the portrait and the fact that no one wanted you to see it. 

“What happened to her?” you whispered as Isaiah led you back to the sound of music and laughter. 

“Nothing for you to worry over, love. It’s a matter for the Shelbys.” Then he leaned in to brush the shell of your ear with his full lips. You felt him smirk against your skin as he teased, “They’re all cursed, you know.”

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

Tag list:

@peakyswritings

@evita-shelby

@tommydoesntpayforsuits

@shelbydelrey

@wandawiccan60   

@easilyobessedbutflighty

@severewobblerlightdragon

@lovemissyhoneybee

@theshelbyslimited

@kittycatcait219

@peakyrogers

@christinasyellowflowers

@retromafia

@notyour-valentine

@theshelbyclan

@cillmequick

@look-at-the-soul

@raincoffeeandfandoms

@dreamlandcreations

@flysafepapi

@the-makingsofgreatness

@there-goes-thefighter

@moral-terpitude

@l1-l4