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#tommy x grace forever
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tommygrace · 22 days
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This is one of the reasons why Tommy respected Grace and fell in love with her, she showed him that she demanded respect and that she valued herself.
She wasn't afraid of anyone, she could alone, against everyone, Polly, Campbell, Tommy, May, Tatiana. She always had an answer, she was intelligent and she was bold. She was never going to allow herself to be called property or insulted. And for Tommy, she was the only one who didn't let him believe that he was a God, and that he could get his way, that's why with her, he was his best version.
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But there is also the other part of Grace, she could be soft, loving, gentle, have a sense of humor, Tommy loved that, and she was a good friend and companion to Tommy, she was his other half. And a good mother for Charlie.
They complemented each other. They loved each other, what no one else loved, they understood each other in their silences and understood the reason for their darkness. Together they healed and brought out the best version of the other. They adored each other, and admired each other. True love.
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emmatgc · 4 months
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Thomas Shelby "IN LOVE"
There's a lot of debate. A lot of doubts. A lot of craziness as to who Tommy love the most and such. Not to be mean but, love is relative and subjective. No easy way. It can be platonic, sexual, familial , romantic, friendly, transaction, and of course, soul mates. Im sure you reading this, you have your girl and pick for Tommy. Good. So that by the end of this post, you might double check your choice.
How do you know Tommy is in love?
He pauses at the sight of her
His eyes never leave her
She is the only one that exists in a crowd there is only her
Curiosity gets the best of him
He becomes soft, pissed off but still soft
He asks her to dance.
Smiles and flirts all damn time with ger
The mere presence of her, he is breathless
The world stops if she is there
He sighs endlessly towards her
He is a jerk but a jerk that can change his mind if its her
He plays a game, he makes the rules but breaks the rules for her
He sold her to Kimber, yet didn't want her, too. He was clearly falling, hard.
Didn't want any man to touch her obviously, too.
He sought her company.
Always wants to be near her, no matter what.
He knows something is off but he is not blinded, rather he chose to go blind.
Why? His ideal girl is real.
A woman of character and substance
She is here. She is her.
Yet, he feels undeserving. As it should be.
But fate is funny.
A copper. A spy. An enemy. An elite.
He fell in love with their enemy. The very people he hates the most.
He saw her. She saw him.
She changed his mind, he didn't mind.
Until its all over the 1st time.
She got caught. He was empty handed but they had already made love.
First time, he already meant forever.
"You waiting home for, what time do you call this?" Sort of thing
She tried to tell him but he was more concerned of her leaving.
She was after all his soldiers minute.
She left. He let her go.
Too hurt to admit.
To prideful to admit defeat.
But its too late. In love he was, guilty as charged.
A very twisted and conflicted man but in a snap, never in question his love towards her.
See, Tommy is damaged goods. Long before the war, he was already heartbroken.
Greta, his 1st love.
He settled after the war. A hero with PTSD. All down to the drain. Unmarried. Sullied. Stained. Ruined.
He kept going for his family. He loves his family.
But he was never loyal to them.
Never again with love he says so he continued with whores and business lovers.
Another love or loves, he tried.
Nobody is questioning how many girls or people Tommy loved.
He loves them in any form, size and yeah pockets.
Yet never once questioned, who Tommy was in love the most.
For the answer is crystal clear.
Two years passed, she returned.
Her letters were burnt but still he accepted it anyways.
He still knows where she live.
He f*cks whores, particularly his favorite whore to forget and convince himself, he has forgotten about her. The girl is obviously in love with her, they were friends but still pays her anyways.
Then, he stumbled upon a widow. A desperate one. Another woman with class. He thinks more than feels. A jackpot for business, and yes pleasure. Plus, somebody to take care of the horses!
Yet through it all, he named his horse in her honor.
He continues to be a manwhore and cannot stop thinking about her.
She got married.
That should be the end of it but no, not by a chance.
What was he thinking or waiting for, eh?
He was hoping.
Hoping its not the end of their love story.
At what expense though? to be the other guy?
He finally summoned the courage to call her. Respond to her letter like a toy soldier.
He was having a mood, after a f*uck while being in a "relationship" to the horse woman
But the 1st thing he did was call her.
He got through but not the voice he was hoping for.
He was jealous.
Tommy was speechless.
She called back.
He pauses in disbelief. He sighs, again.
He complains a bit its not a good time but doesn't want the call to end
They have to meet. He wants to meet, too.
The reunion happened.
He was ready for war to punish her for being married and leaving
He impressed her. Really gave her 3 whiskeys.
Pissed of her husband and her are trying for a baby
Thinking she came back for him
Only to ask her if he could see him again like a little puppy.
Got slapped but still so soft.
He can never be mad, she can never go wrong
He respected her so much.
Never once questioned her choices. He answers immediately to her. She talks. He listens. He even bought the lies, before. Sneaky barmaid.
I need you like water, his eyes says so. Full of lust, desire and love. Perfect combination.
At the derby, F*ck, im dying , i don't care about the baby to yes, we are getting married.
Love is a strange feeling for Tommy.
He felt it. Big time. This 2nd chance is a sign.
A wedding happened, full of enemies
A groom so tense its actually too funny.
Tommy who back hugs her, neck kisses her, not a care in the world.
Who lets the cavalry in, all by her design
For her. Because of her.
Honeymoon was a blast.
Tommy couldn't stop kissing, touching and making love to her.
He would die in her bed, I bet he prefers that way.
Tommy in love is like a poet.
So romantic and fragile.
Hence, it shouldn't be, they say.
She gave him a son.
They were perfect like the trinity.
He thought he could have it all.
She died by the very hands he tried to stop.
But death is only 1 thing for Tommy.
She never died in his mind heart and soul.
Still, he was in love with her.
Longs for her touch , scent and embrace
Married again, chaotic and miserable
So fuckin miserable.
He was never, ever the same.
The dead becomes his source for life
holding on to her, like she is still there
Never alone, he says.
Never alone.
He didn't move on because he doesn't want to.
Her huge portraits, enough to scare the new wife are actually symbols of his undying adoration.
Any new wife would feel insecure, as they should.
For a dead woman looms all over a super alive wife who cant even get close half as a husband should treat a wife.
Tommy should know better. But he doesn't.
He would always choose her in a heartbeat.
Men like Tommy rarely falls in love.
He is like a red tail fox.
1 mate forever.
How about, Greta?
Well, she died. But the biggest difference? he was able to move on from her.
That is why He found Grace and never looked back.
He didn't let her go.
Couldn't let her go.
Wouldn't let her go.
The world might end, but for Tommy, it ended anyway when Grace died.
Guilt or not , ghost or not, he will forever mourn her for he loves her truly and deeply.
Rewind, would you, reader.
Open your eyes.
Was your girl ever treated this way?
In Wuthering heights , its been said "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same".
They were the same.
Tommy was only in love once. He loved Greta but he was and will forever be in love with Grace. And the others? They had a purpose but it wasn't for a lifetime.
Grace is Tommy. Tommy is Grace.
That is the ultimate secret.
Thomas Michael Shelby.
He can love them all
But only with Grace, he was utterly, devastatingly, painfully, completely, deeply in love.
She stopped the shovels.
Never in question. Never in doubt.
Grace might be in heaven for sure. Tommy in hell.
But heck, they will make a way.
For them to be together once more.
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- I just hope you remember who are you dealing with, here. A man who cuts off ears and cuts out tongues.
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- I know what he is, sir.
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faithdevotion · 2 years
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@shelbysdevil​ || continued from here.
The atmosphere was unknown; even drawing a sense of darkness and mere danger. A woman that had been raised in places that were farther from this pub’s reality like Grace would be astounded, yet she had been driven and allured by the essence of Thomas, committed to prove she was skilful enough to be able to handle the rhythm of the business and of course, the clientele. The sight of him approaching her and her blue hues falling on his figure brought a sense of security and warmth, unexplainable to the blonde woman. They had crossed some words not too far ago, yet she was drawn to him. She easily mirrored his smile, expressing confidence yet distance -- Despite the feeling he had given her, she was uncertain as to what he had in store for her. In his presence, she felt protected. It was protection she didn’t need, but she appreciated the moment the gazes that had been set on her wandered away to other affairs. They knew who was with her and she couldn’t be touched or approached in a clumsy, flirtatious or foolish manner. 
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He was observant and confidence exuded from him. This was mostly about him, and Grace deep within knew it. His compliment on her outfit choice boasted her confidence further. “Certainly. I hope you can appreciate a woman’s knowledge of numerous skills, Mr. Shelby.” Rather than only sticking to making a good impression, she was eager to discover about the world he was involved in. Her gaze then travelled between the bartender, Henry, and Tommy as he gave her clear and brief instructions. Deliver an Irish whiskey. It was simple as that, wasn’t it?
Without any hesitation, Grace’s eyes began to wander all over the bottles displayed at the bar while moving to reach for some bottles stacked inside the counters. Unsure of how many were inside the room Tommy had entered. she made sure to pick four glasses and place them beside her. Serving wasn’t a difficult or tricky task for her and it’d be done in no time and it was perhaps the easiest task he’d given to her. Her mind was clouded with thoughts about what would happen as she reached for the bottle of Irish whiskey and poured the liquid onto the glasses, making sure to fill them properly and in the process, remembering the times he’d witness men like Tommy being served such to keep those details fresh in mind.
Inhaling deeply, she reached for a tray and placed the glasses there as well as the bottle. Now, came the balance task. Keeping the palm of her hand still, she rested the tray on top to walk towards the room Tommy was in along with company. Her hues met the unfamiliar faces sitting beside him, wondering if they were business associates or friends. 
“I beg your pardon, gentlemen.”
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motherofdogs1010 · 5 days
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Siren I (Dark!Thomas Shelby x Reader)
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Summary: A new singer has come to Small Heath and has unfortunately enraptured the soul of a big-time, Birmingham gangster...
Warnings: 18+ only, eventual NONCON/DUBCON smut, forced marriage, dark!Tommy, obsessed!Tommy, singer!reader, eventual pinv sex, eventual pregnancy, dark shit will be happening
A/N: Song used ''Young and Beautiful"- Lana Del Ray
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Tommy was skeptical when Harry had said he found a singer, the man saying that he needed Grace more for the bar tending than her singing. Harry had said that Grace protested but soon enough shut her mouth once he had found a suitable singer for the pub, someone Harry had said was the daughter of his best friend.
Tommy had been in the snug with his brothers when he heard a woman singing, her voice lulling him in a way that differed from Grace's soft singing.
It intrigued Tommy so much that he stood from his seat, ignoring the looks of his brothers and walking out of the snug to see a woman standing on one of the chairs.
Her voice was hauntingly beautiful as he listened to the song.
I've seen the world, done it all, had my cake now Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air now Hot summer nights, mid-July When you and I were forever wild The crazy days, city lights The way you'd play with me like a child
Her hair hung in thick curls and her eyes were drawing him in as lightly swayed as she continued her song, Tommy noted that the other men in the bar were calm as they listened. He never realized how calm a pub full of men could feel even when Grace had been singing away her tunes.
Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
She wore a black dress, a odd color to wear since most of the women here in Birmingham tended to stray away from such a funeral color unless necessary. Tommy took a drag of his cigarette as he went to lean on the bar, listening to the song that felt almost like a sad love letter in a way.
Dear Lord, when I get to Heaven Please let me bring my man When he comes, tell me that you'll let him in Father, tell me if you can
His mind, for once, felt calm like the voices of tunnels were no longer existing in his battle-wounded mind as Tommy ignored Grace's presence. The woman singing felt as if she was one of the mermaid singers drawing him into the sea from his ship, ready to drown him so he could be with her forever.
All that grace, all that body All that face makes me wanna party He's my sun, he makes me shine like diamonds
Peace was not something Tommy had been granted since the war, using drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes to just get by.
But her voice was drawing him so well and his mind was quiet!
Quiet, can you believe it?
He needed that quiet, he needed her! Tommy brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled the nicotine as he mind began to unravel as he listened and watched.
Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul? I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
He needed to possess her for himself, break her down until all she knew was him and that healing voice singing for her whenever he wanted, whenever he needed.
France had changed Tommy and it wasn't for the better. He wasn't the same man who envisioned himself working with horses and laughing along to the newest joke John had come up with.
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful? Will you still love me when I'm not young and beautiful?
"Another one, Tommy?" Grace asked, holding the whiskey bottle.
Another song was what he needed and he was going to do whatever it took to have it all to himself.
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mystcldydrms · 8 months
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ALWAYS ON YOUR SIDE - TOMMY SHELBY
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prompt: "I'm always on your side." - requested by @peakyswritings
pairing: tommy shelby x fem!reader
word count: 1.2k
warnings: none (let me know if you find any)
notes: I haven't written for tommy in forever. I really missed it. I hope you all enjoy this.
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The door to your husband’s office stood ajar. You could see the light from the room illuminating the darkened hallway as you made your way towards the room. Once you stood in front of it, you peeked inside, seeing Tommy with his face in his hands, his elbows propped up on the desk.
If he knew that you were watching him, he would sit up properly. He would show you his strong side and not the vulnerable one he was presenting now. Of course, you would see right through him. You have been married for quite some time, and even before your marriage, you had been friends for years.
You watched Tommy for a little while longer, thinking he would move, but he stayed in that exact same position.
A sad sigh left your lips. You smoothed down your nightgown before you lifted one of your hands, and knocked on the door.
You didn’t enter the room right away. You waited for your husband to say something and when he did, you opened the door properly. His elbows weren’t propped up on the desk anymore. He had smoothed down his hair, his eyes looking intently to the door until he noticed it was you. His eyes instantly softened, a small smile gracing his lips while you closed the door behind you.
You walked over to where he was, not stopping at the chair that was lined up in front of his desk. You walked around it, so you could be close to your husband.
“Isn’t it a bit too late for you to still be awake?”
You raised your eyebrows, an amused smile on your lips as you shook your head. You dropped a kiss on the top of your husband’s head before you moved to stand behind him, your hands finding his shoulders. You started massaging his shoulder blades, an almost inaudible groan leaving his lips.
“I can stay up past midnight.”
“Barely.”, Tommy stated, earning him a light slap against his upper arm before you returned to your previous action.
“The question is, why are you still up? Two hours ago, you told me you would join me in bed soon.”
You could feel Tommy tense up a little bit. You tried to ease him up again by massaging not just his shoulders but also his neck. You knew it helped him, yet his eyes kept staring straight ahead. Something was bothering him.
“Tell me, love. You know you can talk to me.”
You pressed your lips lightly against his neck, kissing him gently before you removed yourself from him. Nevertheless, you stayed close to him. You leaned against his desk, looking him deep into his blue eyes, waiting for him to talk to you.
“It’s nothing.”, he said, although he knew it wouldn’t convince you. Tommy didn’t want to disturb your peace with his schemes and business.
He took one of your hands in his, his fingers lightly playing with yours before he pulled you on his lap. You smiled up at him, his lips pressing a loving kiss on yours.
Oh, how you loved having Tommy to yourself. Your husband was a different man when it was just the two of you. Once his family joined you, he would change, not much, but slightly. And when you were accompanied by his business partners, he was even more unlike the Tommy that was with you at that moment. That was the Tommy you least liked.
“Will you tell me about it now?” you whispered against his lips, kissing him once more, his arms wrapped around your body, pressing you close against him.
“John and Arthur aren’t as convinced of our next project as I thought they would be. It’s not stressing me out, but it makes things a bit harder.” he finally confessed, and even though he tried his best to stay confident, you were able to make out the change in his eyes.
Although he did things on his own, he always liked having his brothers with him. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but even Tommy Shelby needed someone by his side from time to time.  
“I’m always on your side.”, you stated confidently, pressing another kiss on his lips. “So, if you need anything or you want me to be anywhere, let me know.”
Tommy immediately shook his head. His lips pressed kisses to cheeks before he took your face into his hands and stared intently into your eyes.
“I don’t want you anywhere near what I’m doing, okay? You will stay here. I want you to stay out of my troubles.”
You knew he was being serious. He had told you this before. But you wanted to help. You didn’t care about what could happen, however, Tommy knew better.
You couldn’t help but nod your head. There was no need to fight your husband. He would try anything, in his willpower, to keep you safe and out of his business.
His thumbs traced circles on your cheeks. A defeated sigh escaped your lips before you leaned in and kissed him again. This time, you didn’t pull away. Your lips moved in sync. You poured your love for him into the kiss, your hands roaming one another’s bodies.
“You’re very stubborn. I hope you know this,” you mumbled into the kiss, giggling lightly as you felt him squeeze your hips.
“I learned from the best.”
The two of you stayed entangled for a while, lips interlocked. Until you had to pull away to breathe. Yet you stayed close to Tommy, your foreheads lightly touching.
“I think it is time to go to bed.”, you said, getting up from Tommy’s lap. “You too, mister Shelby.”, you told him, pointing an accusing finger at him.
“Don’t make me wait again.”
“I don’t intend to. Who knows what you could do to me.”
Tommy winked at you teasingly, making you laugh. He got up from his chair, pushing it close to the desk before he made his way over to where you were.
You waited for him at the door, shrugging your shoulders before both of you left his office, walked through the hallway of your home and made your way to your bedroom.
“Oh, I won’t tell you what I do to you. That’s my little secret.”
You grinned up at your husband, helping him out of his clothes until the only thing he was wearing were his undergarments. You put your hands on his naked chest, gliding upwards to his shoulders until your arms wrapped around his neck, playing with the hair at the back of his head.
“But I know what we could do now. I’m not that tired.”
You took one step closer to him, his lips immediately crashing on yours. His hands slid to your thighs, lifting you up from the floor. Your legs wrapped around his body as Tommy moved you over to your bed, laying you down on it gently.
“Great idea.”, he mumbled against your lips before his hands slid under your nightgown. A moan escaped your lips, and you knew sleep wouldn’t come so soon.
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padfootdaredmetoo · 4 months
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Tommy x wife reader: Charlie and Ruby are theirs (no grace or lizzie) and they have a few other children, in order of their ages: Charles (Charlie) James (Jamie) Edward (Teddie) Ruby (Ru)
And just after Ruby dies and Tommy finds out he’s dying, his wife finds out she is pregnant again and she is just traumatised by it as she’s lost her only daughter and her aunt-in-law and about to lose her husband too
But Tommy doesn’t die and they have a baby girl, who they name Rose Elizabeth, because Ruby loved roses and after Polly and they nickname her Posy as a portmanteau of Rosy and Polly
Hey Love,
Sorry it took forever. This one is pretty sad and I really enjoyed writing it. Hope you enjoy!
Warnings: Peaky Themes, Childbirth, Child death, grieving.
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Not a single dull day had passed in Arrow House. It was always loud as the children ran around causing chaos. Today was so silent you could drop a tack in the kitchen and hear it in the attic. 
You lay on the floor of your youngest daughter's room. Your little girl. The grief clenched in your chest and you felt your heart miss a beat as your body twisted in on itself. You’d never felt such a loss in your life. 
Now you have a baby in your stomach, your husband is going to die leaving you with three boys. You knew you should be with him, enjoy his presence while you have him here amongst the living.
How could you worry about anything after watching your daughter slip from the world just a day ago? You remember holding her hand and singing to her. Thomas holding it together just until her eyes fluttered closed before falling apart in a way you didn't think him capable of. 
You sat there silently. Something deep inside you felt at peace. She was safe where she was. Polly was with her. Knowing something deep in your soul had never taken away from the way your brain and body worked. 
Your body hadn’t stopped shaking since it happened. Your limbs vibrating as you lay on her pink carpet. You felt discarded like all the stuffies and dolls that lay on the floor around you. Without her to come and breathe life into you, you would stay on the carpet like a doll. 
Teddie was the first person to find you. His small body came and curled up against your side. The warmth of him seeped into your icy body. 
A mother could only stop being a mother once she had no children left. And you had three. This moment of sadness and grief couldn't go on for the eternity you felt it needed. You had boys to wrangle. Little Ruby adored her brothers and you knew she wouldn't ever forgive you if you let them down. 
With the strength of a British Mum, you brushed the tears off your cheeks with the side of your hand. You sat up even though every selfish part of you screamed to lay back down on that carpet. To rot away to a place where you could hold her again. 
“Hey, Teddie.” You whispered running a hand down the small boy’s back. 
“Mum I’m hungry.” He mumbled.
“Teddie! Dad said we have to leave her alone.” Charlie was in the doorway, with his arms crossed. His tone was angry and you could swear he looked years older than the last time you saw him. 
“Darling, never leave me alone.” You said giving him a serious look. His face faltered slightly as he took in your words. “I’m still a mum. And mum’s make dinner, let’s go. Into the kitchen.” 
Teddie was happy and you picked him up even though he was far too big for that now. Walking down the hallway, Charlie surprised you when he opened Jamie’s door. 
You sat Teddie on his favorite spot on the counter and started getting out various pots and pans. 
“She’s up.” He said and your middle boy came into the hallway. Silently the four of you made it into the kitchen. Grief was creeping in all the shadows of the room as Charlie made a fire. 
“Ruby isn't coming home is she?” Teddie asked. Charlie let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose in the way only the eldest child could. 
“No, she’s with Aunt Polly now. They live in the sky.” Jamie answered softly. You gripped the edges of the pot tightly as you pushed down the intense feelings threatening to overflow again. 
The window opened and you could hear her voice on the wind that whipped around your face. 
Keep Going.  
That’s what you did. Death be dammed you’d made a deal with God to sacrifice and survive for these boys and that’s what you would do. 
With a cracking heart you closed the window and looked around the kitchen at the boy's stunned faces. 
“Please tell me you heard that as well right?” Charlie said with wide eyes. 
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One dinner down a lifetime left to go. 
The weeks turned into a month and the pain did not relent. You had no moments of peace only the love felt by shared grieving. Esme was always around now. All the kids lumped together in Arrow House like the days of the Changretta feud. She made sure your hair got brushed and your outfits matched. 
Arthur came around every day. He kept Tommy together while they worked out all this conflict. He feels a war is coming and you couldn't imagine it could be anything worse than the one raging in your mind. Alfie stops by and tells you things that confirm it will be much worse. 
Three boys, and a war. 
You put your make-up on so you have a reason not to cry during the day. 
You spend every evening with Tommy. You know what he is doing is important. It could change the outcome for the rest of the families on the planet. So you sacrifice your time with him and survive on the couch reading. When really you just stare into the fire wishing everything would burn up to be reborn as something new. 
Three boys and one more undetermined in your stomach. Your hand rested there often. You expected to lose the baby so you didn't really think about it. If they did come into this world you prayed it would be before Tommy passed. Grieving with a baby in your stomach would be easier than grieving with a newborn. But you wanted them to meet their father, even if it was for a fleeting moment. You would suffer and survive. 
Tommy finally got over himself and got a second opinion. He hated doctors and you expected him to be in a foul mood when he got back from a series of appointments in London. Alfie accompanied him back and you placed a plate of biscuits and cups of tea on the kitchen table. The kitchen was for family, but Alfie somehow managed to get an invitation out of Tommy. You were always happy to see him, but were wary of the news he often brought these days. You took a seat and he grabbed your hand and held it.  Your mind flashed back to the good old days when something so small would have sent Tommy after him in a rage. 
Alfie knew better than to ask how you were keeping. Tommy finally sat down at the head of the table, he looked pale. Too pale to drive, which explains why Alfie had come back with him. 
“I’m not sick.” His eyes closed and he leaned back against the chair. 
“What?” You whispered. 
“The f-uck-ing doctor was working for that stupid mustache piece of shit,” Alfie said his voice was venomous but his smile was unshakeable. 
“You're not going to die.” Your eyes moved to Tommy and he shook his head.  
“Going to have to wait a while longer to steal you away, love.” Alfie's voice was all humor now, but he knew it was time to let go of your hand when Tommy flashed him a look. The look of the old Tommy. 
“I’m pregnant.” You blurted out. 
“Looks like I dodged a bullet. Last thing I wanted to be raising up another little Shelby brat.” Alfie was laughing and Tommy smiled. A genuine smile. 
You were happy, and then the brutal deafening sadness crashed down on you. The sheer panic of having a child hits again and the nausea has you throwing your head back in the sink. Tommy is there pulling your hair up. 
“Like she would ever go for you,” Tommy said easily taking a sip of tea.
“Shit,” Alfie says from the counter near you. He gets a glass for Tommy to fill with water. 
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You told Esme and you both held on to each other as you cried. 
“I never thought I would say this but thank God Tommy will be alright.” She shook her head as the words strangled her. “You’ll never have to know what it’s like to raise em up with out their father.” 
You both cried on the kitchen floor for a long while. 
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The time came and you had high blood pressure meaning you had to do things in the hospital. Something that made everything a thousand times more painful. But that was your baby, and you would sacrifice and they would survive. 
They kept trying to medicate you and Esme kept throwing nurses out of the room screaming at them in Romani when English wasn't scary enough. In the thick of it you kept crying out for Polly. 
You didn't want these strangers to help you. They didn't care about you or your baby. They weren't family. Arthur came and spoke to Esme in the doorway for a moment. You expected news that Tommy wouldn't make it in time or that something worse had happened. 
Instead, Esme handed you one of Polly’s rosaries to hold. You gripped the cold crystal beads and felt yourself split apart over all the reasons you were crying. 
Tommy showed up and commanded the room with Esme. The window blew open letting cold air around the room and you could feel her love for you. 
You gave birth to a little girl. 
There were no pictures taken as you bawled. You got her latched on to your breast and cried and cried. The nurses kept pushing for sedation but Esme started at them and Tommy pointed towards the door. Arthur came in and read a passage from his bible for you. You're not sure why exactly but it helped. It felt like a blessing that this baby would be alright. 
_______________________________________________
You brought her home the same night, itching to get out of the hospital. You carried her in and watched all your boys get excited. You handed her off to Charlie first. 
“I love it when they look like grumpy old men,” Jamie said with a smile, Teddie let out a loud laugh. 
“She does look like an old man.” 
“What did you name her?” Charlie asked his finger tracing down the slope of her nose. 
“Rose Elizabeth,” Tommy said sitting next to him placing his arm around his eldest son. 
“Posy then,” Charlie said with a sense of finality. 
Charlie, Jamie, Teddie, and Posy. Your heart was happy and sad at the same time. 
Jamie came round and put his arm around you. 
“Love you mum.” He whispered and you wondered when he got old enough to kiss the top of your head. The boys were strong like their father, and you had no doubts they were strong enough to carry you and Posy.
_______________________________________________________________
This chunk of time was easier than it was with the other four kids. Tommy took time off. Churchill had other moves he wanted to play and for now, Tommy wasn’t involved. 
He’d sit while you breastfed in the night, he’d change nappies, and read stories. You watched him be a girl dad again and the pain was harsh and beautiful at the same time. 
Esme helped you take down Ruby’s room. The idea of moving one of the boys to a different floor or wing of the house made your skin itch. Ruby’s room needed to be emptied. 
You aired the room out and you knew that she would be happy about giving it to her sister. Esme assured you at every turn that she wouldn't be angry at you. 
_______________________
Eventually Arrow House moved on. Posy was very attached to the idea she had both an Aunt and a sister in the sky watching over her. 
The war came and what was left of the family did what they had to do. Thankfully Posy was there with you so you were never alone.
Thankfully when it was all over all your boys came home to you.
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skyeeuphixia · 2 months
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𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚗 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚋𝚢 // 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚒 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚋𝚢𝚎?
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finn shelby x sister oc (florence)
summary: in which finn is left forever broken
⁺   . ✦ .  ⁺   . ✦ .  ⁺
warning/s: blood, violence, death, grief, emotional distress
words: 1010
⁺   . ✦ .  ⁺   . ✦ .  ⁺
When Finn and Florence Shelby were born, they instantly became the pride and joy of their families lives. They were loved by and doted on by their older siblings, the two of them could get away with close to anything, even Tommy would crack when he watched as his baby sister looked up at him with her big blue eyes that matched his so perfectly.
Despite each of them having particularly close relationships to different older siblings, Florence being especially close to Tommy, and Finn close to Ada, no one could deny the bond the two held with one another, they all saw it from the day that they were born and the two of them grabbed each other’s hands as they slept in their cot. Being twins they were connected on a deeper level than normal siblings. Aunt Polly pointed it out days after their birth. If Florence cried, Finn would cry. If Finn was happy, Florence was happy.
“They can feel each other’s feelings” she claimed.
For a while, the other Shelby’s brushed off their eccentric Aunt, they were babies reacting to the world around them, of course one would start crying if a baby started screaming in their ear. But as they grew older, their Aunts words became truer and truer. The twins would occasionally finish each other’s sentences, or say things at the same time, they could predict the others feelings even when they weren’t around each other. They couldn’t feel the others pain, but if Finn was in pain, physical or emotional, Florence knew, and vice versa.
They never provided much explanation as to what it was they felt, they simply placed their hands on their hearts stating that ‘they could feel each other’.
“Gypsy twin magic” is what they called it.
As the twins grew older, their differences emerged. Finn was street smart, Florence was book smart. Finn wanted a dog, Florence preferred a cat. Finn was eager to be more involved in the business, Florence wanted to be involved with business as little as possible. But despite their differences, they were just as close as when they were children. At 16 years old, they had never spent more than 24 hours away from each other. You would never see one twin without the other and if you did, something was likely very wrong, especially with recent events. Ever since Tommy’s wife, Grace, had died and things had been getting more tense against the Changretta’s, the twins had been ordered to never leave each other’s side and to protect one another, which they didn’t need to be told twice.
However it made moments like this more frustrating. Family meetings had to take place somewhere different every time they were held, it lowered the risk of the Changretta’s targeting them all at once, as they wouldn’t know where they are, Florence, ever the good girl of the family was often first to the meetings, and could almost always guess when Finn would come crashing through the door, panting dramatically as if he had sprinted a 5k. But now, the family had to wait for the two of them to arrive at the Garrison together. And Tommy was getting impatient.
“They should have been here by now,” Tommy says as he paces the room, more on edge than ever.
“’ave a bit of patience Tommy.” Arthur calls out, already half way finished a glass of whisky, “They’ll be in ‘ere any moment, Flo dragging Finn by the ear, scolding ‘im for making her later,”
Their aunt however was less convinced. She was good at sensing when things were wrong, and the pit in her stomach was growing more and more as the twins refused to appear, “Somethings not right,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Then, as if summoned by the collective fears of his family, Finn stumbled through the door. His face was deathly pale, eyes void of any emotion other than pure shock, but most significantly, in his arms, he was carrying Florence’s lifeless form. Her skin was as pale as ever, and she was drenched in blood from a bullet wound in her forehead, that was staining Finn’s white shirt.
Finn had barely processed what happened, he remembered hearing a gunshot, running to where he knew his sister was, and shooting his own gun in anger, that was all he could remember, but hearing the horrified gasps from his family, everything in his brain clicked. He didn’t hear himself scream, or the pain in his knees as he dropped to the floor, all he could do was sob as he desperately clutched his sister and held her close to him, desperately willing for her to wake up and end this nightmare.
The rest of the Shelby’s watched the scene in horror. Ada was sobbing into Johns side, as he held onto her burying his face into her hair to hide his own tears. Arthurs fists were clenched in fury, hardly being able to keep himself from smashing everything in the garrison.
Tommy’s ever cold and distant look had contorted into anguish at the loss of the sister he held so dear, “Not Flo…” he whispers, a quiet plea to whatever higher power there was to give her back to him.
Aunt Polly was the only one who could will herself to move over to the twins, kneeling down next to Finn, holding as much as he’d let her and placing a gentle kiss on the crown of his head, trying to hold herself together for him.
“I only left her cause I forgot my cap,” he whispered, his voice shaky and laced with guilt and self-hatred, “I knew Poll…I knew something was wrong, I could feel it…here,” he said, as he pressed a trembling hand to his heart, his sisters blood staining a red handprint, “It felt like I was dying, and then it vanished…”
“She’s gone…I can’t feel her anymore,”
And the family knew, then and there, the twin flame had burnt out,
and Finn would never be the same.
⁺   . ✦ .  ⁺
(fin)
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lavender-romancer · 6 months
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Deceiver
Part Seven Tommy Shelby x Reader CW: slow burn, arguing
You've been involved with the Peaky Blinders business for a few years now, undiscovered as a woman posing as a man. Now the Shelby boys have grown suspicious of you and want you found out.
an: set in season one
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”*°•.˜”*°•. ˜”*°•. ˜”*°••°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜
previous part
As you stirred awake you looked up, there were a considerable amount of cobwebs on the support beam running through the center of your room. Their delicate intricacies were illuminated by a stream of morning sunlight through your curtains. It was so beautiful but your mood this morning just made you want to dust it all away. Today was Cheltenham.
One comfort of this awful day was that you could take some aggression out on some Lee boys, whilst Tommy would be prancing around with Grace doing fuck knows what. No, you had to try and control your anger on the subject. It wasn't worth all your thoughts and anyways you had to meet Arthur, John and Johnny.
"Eddie," Arthur yelled, getting your attention in the dockyard, "What's our mission?"
"To fucking stick it to the Lee boys!" You announced with a smirk towards John.
"That's right. The Lees are skimming money off legal bookies. Running chalk, selling rafflers, beating up bookies. But today, we're going to stop them." Arthur raised his stick, "Anyone with a gun, we won't be using it unless it's pulled on you. Take what you have, whatever it is. Let's fuck up the Lee boys, lads!"
You all loaded into a van, with you, Arthur and John in the front. It was 60 miles to Cheltenham and no matter how much you talked to the boys, all you could think about was Tommy and Grace in a car together. No matter how much Arthur hammered the point of this being 'Tommys Army' you struggled to get excited when you knew you wanted to be the pretty blonde girl dancing with him in a nice new outfit. Not that you'd want to wear a dress but-fuck- you were so insanely jealous of the barmaid you didn't know what to do with yourself.
Even when Tommy reassured you that there was nothing between him and Grace, all you could see was them kissing in the light of the bar when you opened the room to the booth. How did you get here? Obsessed with a man who couldn't or wouldn't commit to you, you were more likely to grow old with Thomas as his friend or mistress.
Looking out of the window the shouting coming from the boys faded into white noise. Closing your eyes you saw Tommy's smile. You didn't want to be his friend, you didn't want to wait forever but you knew he should be with her because you couldn't compete. It wasn't as if you could blame Grace for it all anymore, she was a convenient scapegoat but not one that made sense. There was something between Tommy and Grace that he wouldn't admit to you, and you couldn't blame him. It wasn't anything new, you often had to separate your life and the possibility of love.
Love doesn't last the way respect and job security do, it can be fickle and easily betrayed which were eventualities you couldn't afford. You were used to being alone, but you weren't used to being as vulnerable as you would be if you ever lived your life as a woman.
Tommy was dancing with Grace, their bodies close and moving in time with one another. He did keep looking over at Kimber's table but couldn't help but feel Grace's body against his. She was an easy choice, a safe one. There were no complications he knew of, she was beautiful and wanted him. But you. He dreamt of you. He had to stop himself from seeing you every single night. There was such an undeniable magnetism between the two of you that Tommy struggled to justify considering choosing Grace over you. There were complications but who gave a fuck about that?
He dipped Grace in the choreography of the lively dance and she smiled, it was so ridiculously beautiful. Tommy couldn't help but smile slightly back, pulling her back up. She laughed softly and Tommy bowed his head so he wouldn't laugh in return. There was a part of him that wanted to kiss her, wanted to fuck her and move on from there. He craved immediate gratification and Tommy couldn't seem to let you give that to him. The lust feeling was intoxicating, being able to look you up and down but knowing he wouldn't take it any further. Even when he was drunk he only kissed your hand, it was pathetic. But Tommy wanted you to understand how deeply he cared for you, that he didn't want to just fuck you and leave it at that. But Tommy failed to explain this to you and it led to a horrific case of crossed wires.
You'd got the stolen money off all Lees boys by this point chased them off the track and down to Devon road, they were long gone, some by persuasion, most by force…. But realistically it came with the territory of a blinder, cut off an ear here, punch someone in the face there. It would be on the job description.
"We need to get this all back to Tommy." Arthur said, holding the 7 napsacks over his shoulder as you, him and John stood under a stairwell and smoked.
"I'll take it." You said all too quickly and the brothers snickered.
"Someone wants to see his man." John smirked and you rolled your eyes.
"Don't get too jealous of Grace." Arthur couldn't stifle his laughter as he handed the napsack to you, the two of them keeling over laughing with jokes about you and Tommy. You just snatched the bags and walked up the stairwell to the agreed meeting point.
Seeing Tommy poke his head around the door and smile at you sent a warm feeling around your whole body. It only seemed to dissipate when you saw Grace, you dropped the bags at his feet and glanced at her before going back to Tommy.
"Any problems?" Tommy asked, looking you up and down without letting Grace see.
"None. We got it all back and ran the Lee boys off the tracks. A few cuts and bruises but nothing major." You smiled at him and the two of you took a moment, just looking at one another lovingly before snapping out of it.
"Get Arthur to buy all the boys a pint, I'll see you later." He gave you a smirk before you shut the door.
Standing on the other side of the door, you almost jumped up and down from the way he looked at you. The man looked like he wanted to rip everything off you and take you right then and there. It was impossible to forget, even when you were sitting back in the Garrison a few hours later. Every so often you'd take a sip of your beer, but mostly you stared into space and thought of his eyes.
"Now, should I guess who you're daydreaming about or just come out and say it?" John laughed and sat next to you at the bar.
"You can keep your mouth shut," you smiled, "What do you think of Grace?" You asked after a pause.
"Great set of legs." John raised an eyebrow.
"No, idiot. I mean, she doesn't seem suspicious to you, comes out of nowhere trying to help with the business and now she's working for us all because she's a liar? Seems odd." You shrugged.
"Think you're just being paranoid and a little bit jealous. Personally I don't think she really does much, has no excitement in her life, this gives her some shit to do." John took a drink of his pint and lit a cigarette.
"When she is finally found out for being a deceiver, we'll only have men and their cocks to thank." You said, exasperated with John. How he could immediately assume you were jealous without a second thought. "If you didn't know I was a woman would you still question me like this or just take it at face value?" You said close to his ear before walking out of the door.
You were sick of the teasing, you had tried to tell yourself that they didn't treat you differently but it wasn't true. They just saw you as some sort of scorned woman, who wasn't capable of thinking straight. You weren't being jealous. Were you? No, she was suspicious and it didn't make sense that she came out of nowhere. Walking in the chill of night your chest heaved, what could she and Tommy possibly be doing? Was it all fooling him as well? Your brain felt so foggy it was impossible to think straight, all you wanted was to get home.
Tommy was sitting on the doorstep in front of your house and in the moment you just wanted to run up and kiss him. His face was so beautifully lit by the moonlight, with a slight smile on his lips he looked so pretty. But, instead you walked past him and unlocked your front door, leaving it ajar for him. You walked straight up to your room to unbind your chest, it had been an extremely long day.
After changing into a looser fitting men shirt you went back downstairs and found Tommy with two glasses of whisky in hand sitting on the settee. You gratefully sat down next to him and took the glass, whilst the whisky you owned was a shocking quality it still took the edge off more than a pint.
"How did today go?" He asked you.
"We got all the money, if that's what you mean." You directed a polite slightly unfeeling smile in his direction, our head felt like it was going to burst open with anger because of how John had spoken to you. "How was Grace?"
"She did her job. Looked pretty and danced with Kimber." Was all that he said, you couldn't help but assume ther was more he could say about her but didn't. You just sat holding the glass in your lap and looking down at the liquid through the crystal shapes in the glass. It was so distorted that staring at it this closely was giving you a headache. You placed the glass back on the table in front of you with a slight clink and returned to your position. Hands in your lap, looking down at them in silence because you didn't know what to say. Didn't know the right thing to say without coming off as jealous. Because regardless of what the Shelby boys said about your apparent jealousy, Tommy's connection with Grace just made you sad. You wanted the day out at the races, the hurried sexual favours in a side room, the openness in society.
At this point whilst you considered growing your hair out and stopping binding your chest, what would be the point if the person you were doing it for couldn't commit? He claimed that he would die for you but he was happy to kiss Grace, happy to fade into a silhouette of nothing as she stifled his light. He wouldn't commit to you whilst he still wanted to get his dick wet and not give you the time to be in society as a woman at your own pace. The silence was pounding in your ears, consuming your body in a cold blanket of insecurity. You could only think about how he could be normal with Grace, live a normal life. It would be boring and he might not be happy but it would be normal.
"Y/n?" Tommy said softly and you nodded in acknowledgement. "What's going on?" He asked in a confused tone.
"I just… I don't know why you're wasting your time with me. Maybe wasting is the wrong word, but you only have so long in this life and I don't know if we can give eachother what the other needs." Your eyes were hurting with the amount you were straining them so you didn't cry.
"Do you want me?” He said, making it sound so simple and you brought your eyes up to his- so much emotion and hurt was shown with this one look that Tommy felt taken aback, had he hurt you? "If you want me, then we give each other what the other needs."
"I don't want to be someone you can't commit to." You said quietly, looking back at your hands in your lap. "You're going to forget about me and marry someone without all the complications. Someone like Grace is perfect for you."
"I've told you before that Grace is not your concern." Was all he said and you couldn't help but scoff.
"Alright Tommy. You can stay to finish the bottle if you really want to, but I don't know if there's anything else for us to talk about now." You stood up and looked at him with tearful eyes. Why couldn't he understand how you felt about him, why couldn't he understand how deeply you cared for him?
"Y/n," he said in a soft tone and you bit the inside of your cheek to stop the tears from flowing.
"What else is there to say?" You asked quietly.
"Nothing happened." He paused. "Between me and Grace, since that night when you saw…" you got a horrific flashback of seeing Grace and Tommy kissing.
"But you still don't want to commit to me do you." It wasn't even really a question, more of a statement.
"Why do you assume that?" He placed his glass on the table in front of him next to yours, they were closer than the two of you felt right now.
"Because of how you act, Thomas and because I know you. You don't want a complicated personal life when your business life's complicated enough." You held your forearm with your other hand, feeling insecure in front of a Tommy that seemed more vulnerable.
"You've never asked me to commit to you, not in those words anyways." Tommy stood up and took a step towards you, your eyes were fixed on a point on the floor where the wood was cracked and splintering. "I've wanted you for years now. Ever since I met you it's been the same, there's always been something."
“If I finally live as myself I lose all independence, if you leave me after I live as a woman I won't have any agency! You don't understand how much anxiety that creates for this whole situation, it's not just about fucking feelings.” You paused and ran a hand down your face, tears forming in your eyes, “It's about the rights I have over myself, men won't treat me the same, I'll never be viewed the same by anyone. I'll never be able to walk home alone without being scared, I'll be posing as someone I've never been! I've lived this way for so long it's comfortable, and unless you can prove that you want only me then-”
“Y/n,” Tommy held your shoulders in both of his hands, “you can dress however you want, have the same job, fuck, you can get a better paid one in the company. You'll still be my right hand person regardless of how you live. I've never been able to control you and I don't intend to try and start. There has always been a part of my soul connected to yours, Y/n.” You were still looking at the splintered wood.
“How much room in your soul do you have when you desire two people?” You sounded malicious and honestly it wasn't intentional because most of what Tommy spouted sounded like lip service to get you to be complacent.
“What?” He asked, his hands falling from your shoulders.
“You heard what I said,” you walked past Tommy and sat down on the sofa, pouring yourself another poor quality whiskey. After downing two glasses your throat burned in a satisfying way that distracted you from your head.
“Why do you think I'm here? Practically begging you to give me some time.” He let out a long sigh.
“You feel the same way I feel about you about her. I know that's what is really in your soul. Even though she doesn't love you, she isn't truthful, she's so deceitful but you can't see past your hard cock long enough to realise. You fucking know I'm in love with you, I'm convinced you've known it the whole time. But it's more exciting to string two people along than commit to anyone. You can perpetuate your tortured heart narrative and everyone feels sorry for you, well I don't care anymore. Do whatever you fucking want, fuck her, fuck me. Everything's controlled by you and you love it.” You picked up the bottle of whiskey and started drinking straight from it. Leaving Tommy to stand there not knowing what to do. The two of you existed in a sort of social limbo for a few minutes before Tommy sat down next to you and you offered him the whiskey bottle.
”*°•.˜”*°•. ˜”*°•. ˜”*°••°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜
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fandom-chic · 8 months
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Please Please Please: Chapter 9
Summary: Y/N is only a child when she and Tommy Shelby meet. The two quickly become best friends as they grow up in Small Heath. As the years go by, Y/N and Tommy realize there may be more to their friendship than they originally thought.
Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Y/N
Previous chapter
Days turned into weeks that turned into a month, and suddenly, it was August. Y/N didn't care what day it was, though; all she knew was Tommy was gone.
He had been taken from her before she could say stop, before she could rationalize with him. And then, with one fatal swoop, he was gone from her life. So she did the only thing she could think to do: rest.
She lay in repose once she got back from the hospital. Her father would check on her, bring her some soup, and even attempt a conversation, but he knew his attempts were useless. She would come to him when she was ready.
She thought a summer of supposed rest and relaxation would take her mind away from the fact that her one love was heading to his death, but it did the opposite. It gave her more time to ponder, to consider the future that could have been. She imagined every part of their future together.
The wedding was meant to be perfect, and they were going to promise themselves to each other forever. The honeymoon was going to be in a small cottage in the countryside where they would eat breakfast in bed and make love under the stars. Tommy would work in his company, moving more toward the legitimate, and Y/N would teach at the school down the road. Their home would be filled with little Shelby children who would have her husband's blue eyes and her warm heart.
This was a life that could be looked upon with pride. It was not one of excess or luxury, but it was her version of perfection. She had the love of her life, her babies, and a roof over her head. It was a version of happily ever after. But now, it was over. If only she hadn't been at the lake that day, if only Tommy had been there, if only she could've talked him down, maybe they would be getting this life.
She felt like she needed someone to blame, and her immediate thought was herself. What kind of woman goes alone to a deserted location, she would wonder. She would say it was all on her, but deep down, she knew that was not true. Tommy didn't have to kill that man, but he did. And now, everything was dead. These thoughts would make her stomach squeeze itself, as if punishing her for blaming her fiance for his evil action.
She would pull her blankets up to her nose and push that thought to the depths of her mind because it meant one thing that seemed to be certain: Tommy may no longer be in her life. France was dangerous, and his life may end before it has truly even begun. That made the squeeze of her stomach turn into a pit. She knew that was the worst possibility.
These thoughts swirled in her mind until August was almost coming to a close. The sun was setting earlier, and the air was beginning to cool as fall began to wade into the town of Small Heath. Y/N spent these days trying to distract herself with literature from the likes of Jane Austen and Mary Shelley. That was what she was doing when she heard a knock at her door.
She pretended not to notice her father pop his head into the room, saying, "You have a visitor." But that made her perk up.
"Who?" She asked. Her question was quickly answered by the presence of Polly Gray. She felt like a child compared to her. Polly was truly an elegant woman, even in the peril that was Small Heath.
"It's been a while, Y/N," Polly greeted as Y/N's father shut the bedroom door. Y/N sat up and straightened her back, trying to seem as graceful as she could sprawled across her twin bed.
"It has," she responded, staring at the older woman. The seconds of silence were deafening. Y/N scooted over on the small bed, giving room for Polly to take a seat. She obliged, sitting beside the younger woman. Y/N stared at her toes as Polly stared straight ahead, both of them searching for words to say. Polly broke the silence first.
"You're probably wondering why I'm here," she said, abstaining from looking at Y/N.
"You could say that," Y/N murmured under her breath.
With a sigh, Polly continued, "Tommy leaves at the end of this week," Y/N's eyes left her feet and went to the older woman's face, "He's shipping off to France with his brothers."
There were so many things to say to this, but all Y/N could say was, "Oh," as her mind raced. He's leaving. He's leaving her. He's going into a warzone. He can only kill more men there. But he's leaving her.
"I know the last month has been," Polly thought of her words, attempting to find a way to continue, "trying. But, I know you would regret it if you didn't say a proper goodbye. Both of you would." Y/N nodded her head.
"I know, I know I should," Y/N said, moving her gaze back to her toes, "but… I don't think I know him anymore." She didn't want to look at Polly for the next part, "He killed someone, Pol."
"I know, dear." Y/N felt a hand on her back as it began to rub circles.
"I don't know how we come back from that." The words came out before Y/N could stop them. She knew she meant them as much as she loved Tommy. He would never again be that sweet boy asking her to play ball with him. That boy was long gone.
"You don't," Polly began, "but that's okay. It's a new chapter of your life, and you read along." Y/N didn't know what to say as she finally looked at Polly.
"What if I don't like what comes next?" Y/N pondered as Polly looked at the younger girl.
"How will you know what comes if you don't try?" At that, Polly rose and began to make her way to the bedroom door. Before exiting, she pulled a slip of paper out of her coat pocket and laid it on Y/N's desk.
"Here is the address and time the boys are off," Polly said, "It's up to you what to do, but I know you don't want Tommy's last memory of you to be laying in a hospital bed." She then closed the bedroom door and was gone. Y/N waited until she heard the front door shut before falling back on her bed. She traced the cracks in the ceiling with her eyes, knowing exactly what she had to do.
That Friday, she wandered to the docks. It wasn't far from her home; nothing in Small Heath was that far, to be frank. The first thing she noticed was the sniffles and tears. They came from not only the women bidding farewell to their loves but also from the soldiers too.
She watched from afar at first, watching these bitter goodbyes. She knew for many, this may be the final goodbye. She took a breath, held it in her chest, and let it out before she wandered into the crowds. Her eyes wandered, looking for a set of blue eyes.
She was surprised when she first noticed Arthur. He looked handsome in his uniform, done up in a way she had rarely seen him before. Then she noticed John, holding his wife close to him as small children grabbed at his legs. It wasn't until the final man there turned around, and she saw him, Tommy. Her Tommy. His hat rested on his head, replacing the cap that usually was there. His uniform fit him nicely, hugging his slim body.
She saw him before he saw her, but she could see his eyes wandering the crowd. He was looking for someone. He was looking for her. When he saw her, his eyes brightened. That was all she needed to see to go to her love. She felt her feet pick up and rush her across the dock. The distance quickly shortened until she flung herself into his arms. She wrapped them around his neck, squeezing him tight against her chest. His arms were resting around her waist, holding her in place against him. She placed her head on his chest as he rested his chin on top of her.
"You came," the words were a whisper, but she could hear the hint of joy there.
"Of course I did," she replied, looking up at Tommy, "I had to say goodbye." She felt his hand run through her tresses as he pulled her back to his chest.
"Thank you." The words struggled to come out of his throat as he held her tight. His arms felt stronger than before. Not exactly larger than before but more toned. She knew why and it made her shudder at the thought of what training must have been like.
"I'm sorry I didn't visit you," she murmured, knowing it was a little too late to apologize.
"I know." His words were curt; he didn't want to discuss this part of their goodbye.
"I was scared, Tommy." She felt his hands rest on her cheeks and position her face to look up at him.
"I know, Y/N. Please don't apologize for anything; you have nothing to apologize for." She knew he meant it.
"I don't know if I can forgive you for what you did to that man," his eyes shifted away from hers, "but I can learn to." Tommy didn't look back at her, and she continued, "I will wait for you, Thomas. I can't live my life without you." That was when his hands fell from her face to his sides. She let her eyes wander, and she noticed Arthur and John watching the two of them, caution in their eyes. Her gaze returned to Tommy, who finally looked back into her eyes. She didn't know what to expect. Maybe a declaration of everlasting love or a promise to wed as soon as he returned. But she didn't expect this:
"Please don't wait for a dead man," his words hit her like a brick wall. "Y/N, I'm tunneling underground. That's a death sentence."
"But, Tommy—"
"I don't think you understand, Y/N," his voice rose, "I'm not coming back." A beat passed before she raised her hands to his cheeks.
"But you will, Tommy, and I will be waiting, and we can—"
"I'm a dead man—"
"No, you're not. Stop saying that!" She yelled, matching his pitch.
"It's fucking true!" He screamed back. The silence after the storm was deafening as the lovers stared each other down. Tommy broke the gaze first, looking down at his new military boots. A tear fell down Y/N's cheek as she let her eyes rise to the sky, trying to keep the tears inside.
"Please don't say that." The words were a whisper now. She felt a pair of hands slide into hers. She looked down to see her hands in Tommy's.
"Y/N, I'm not coming back, and I think that's the best thing for you." She couldn't respond, so he continued, "You can marry a nice man, one who has no criminal record. You can have that quiet life that you deserve."
"Tommy, I don't want any life without you," she whispered; he rested his forehead against hers.
"I know, but you will learn to live. I know you will." She couldn't respond but instead held him close to her. She knew this would be the last time.
"You're breaking my heart, Tommy." He pulled her into his chest as the tears spilled over onto her cheeks. He doesn't say anything as they embrace one another, knowing it was the end. The end of something amazing. He didn't say anything when the bell rang, signaling the soldiers to say their final goodbyes. All he did was kiss her cheek before heading in the direction of the crowd. He didn't say anything when she crumbled to the ground, letting her emotions take her over as he sailed off.
She wasn't sure if this was the last time she would see Tommy Shelby. She wasn't ready to accept that. She didn't accept it until 1919, when she did see his face again.
Next chapter
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tommyxgrace-always · 5 months
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Guess who’s idea was it….
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The man’s got game!!!!
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tommygrace · 4 months
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Tommy and Grace, and being completely happy in each other's company.
I think Tommy only showed interest in Grace, of all the women he was with. And not only that, but he was looking for her company, they didn't even have to talk, just be there.
He liked her personality, and he saw himself in her. He had fun, he was romantic, he was loving and he just couldn't stop smiling.
Something that never happened with Lizzie. I don't think there is a single scene of them having a good time, and he seeks her company to just be together. It was always drama and sadness. And it was always her who went looking for him.
They never had a conversation, not very deep but not joking as we have seen with Tommy and Grace, I even think, I don't know if Tommy liked Lizzie's personality.
But Grace, he just adored her.
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Peace at last..
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emmatgc · 5 months
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Tommy's Secret
Thomas Michael Shelby
A War hero.
He used to smile, a lot.
He likes to work with horses.
He fell in love with Greta.
He watched her die.
He got PTSD.
He never came back from the war.
Nobody did.
He became the lead gangster boss.
A cold blooded killer.
A charming racketeer.
A Manwhore.
He loves his family but decides for them, too.
Controlling, manipulative , egoistical and highly ambitious.
He is the "robinhood" mobster kind.
He is their bad guy.
He demands loyalty from everybody
but not himself.
He is too wounded. Too damaged.
But kept on going for the family
Just waiting till somebody finally ends him.
But nobody did. Fate has other plans.
Much crueler than death.
Fate decided, Tommy should live again.
Lived he did through a woman named, Grace.
A copper came to town with a mission.
An agent of the crown.
An undercover spy in silk
Full of revenge and duty
For herself and her country.
She got him at his "Hello".
Instantly smitten and besotted
So intrigued and bewildered.
Who the f*ck is she?
1st time since Greta, he fell in love again.
But this time, with a sworn enemy.
How could he?
Tommy tried to hide and denied it
He tried to play her as a jerk he was with Kimber
But he changed his mind
Confused and scared of what it all means to him
A blonde barmaid who sings.
Tommy says no a lot but he says yes to almost everything Grace.
The boy I love, she sings.
Secretly, hoping he is that boy up in the gallery.
Little by little, he researched on her
Slowly but surely, he cant help but think about her
Why is she here?
Ref flags not green flags
Is Tommy that stupid?
He answers for her even if he was the one who asks those questions
There were doubts but it remained as is
He was already blinded, falling hard
Like a choo choo train, it cant be stopped.
He was nearly killed but she saved him, twice.
One at the bar and the other, at her apartment.
They have seen each other.
Flawed, imperfect and the same.
She was a snitch alright, but she, too changed her mind.
She tried to cut and sew the loose ends
But Campbell was a bigger jerk.
Tommy as smart as he was was blinded by love.
Ask Polly, she knows.
Grace packed her bags
But he needed to see her.
He wasn't angry. He got betrayed but he still wants to see her alright.
She confessed again and he tossed a coin and chose to walk away.
He needed a reason to stay.
He chose his family.
He doesn't deserve her, he knows
She was his soldiers minute but
He continued being Tommy.
Two years past and he hasn't moved on from her.
Again, ask Polly, for she knows.
Too wounded. Too hurt.
Too proud to return any letters or write them back
Yet never once said he said to stop.
Slept with May, Lizzie and others
but in the instant she is back in their homeland
He called and got jealous of the man at the other line.
See, Tommy's secret is not his business nor his family.
It was and will always be Grace.
Grace's secret is Tommy's secret.
Like his favorite horse he caress and loves dearly, it is a homage to her.
He is keeping her secrets
Nobody dares should ask for he wont tell.
He doesn't tell people things, he tells her
In short, he is protecting her all this time.
Grace came back.
A second chance was given.
They had a reunion.
One that showed his vulnerability and unconditional love.
By all means, he should be angry at her.
She is now married.
But it was him who let her go.
He hated her ring but at the same time
brought her to Charlie Chaplin to impress her.
It did more than that.
He became the father to her child just as he thought he would from the 1st night they made love.
A future full of promises, change and redemption.
Finally, he admits defeat.
She wins, always.
Tommy who is always in control couldn't control Grace.
He loves her so much
But there's too much sins to pay even before she came
Tommy who was ready to die at the Derby races
Became so breathless upon hearing "i love you not him"
There is a woman, true.
A woman he deeply loves.
What he lacked was time.
She paid for his sins.
Tragic and painful
Shortlived for her
Eternal suffering for Tommy.
Fate crueler than death.
He got close.
Nearly got f*cking everything.
All he wanted was to dance with her
Now, every night he is dancing with her ghost.
He killed her
She killed him, too.
He is no longer living a life rather just barely living in the land of the living.
Happy or sad, Thomas?
He wants to join her.
Another secret.
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teddypickerry · 1 year
Note
nikki sixx (himself or douglas booth! nikki) x reader
Could you do one where the reader happens to also be a bassist and they’re both in Crüe, they’ve been close friends for a while and Mick notices that they’ve developed a close relationship and he has a talk with Nikki since Mick is like a older brother to the reader. Meanwhile Tommy attempts to flirt with the reader trying to push Nikki to confess.
Pretty much a cute fluff imagine :)
𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐘 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌.
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pairings — nikki sixx x fem! band member reader (also reader x tommy kinda)
word count — 919
warnings — just cursing & suggestive dialogue (it’s mötley mf)
a/n — lowkey disappeared off this app for a month just to come back with a shitty fic. anyways, writing as mick is so fucking fun.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" A common phrase heard by each and every member of Mötley Crüe. When Mick Mars so suddenly spoke it to the bassist, who was currently stuffing his face with pasta. "Eating?" Nikki had asked hesitantly, confused why Mick was stood in his dressing room with a bottle of something strong. It definitely wasn't lemonade. "No, that's not what I mean."
"Well, you asked," Nikki scoffed at the guitarist's words while Mick pulled up and a chair to the couch. Nikki was alone in his dressing room, for the first time in forever. No groupies, no girls. Which was different for the bassist... practically against his religion. "What the hell are you doing with Y/N?"
Oh. That was enough to make the bassist choke on his food as he threw the bowl to the couch, swallowing down the food with a swig of Jack Daniels. He finally coughed and calmed down. Mick was still staring at him like he'd just walked into Nikki banging his daughter. "She's my friend, she's your friend. Fucking whatever."
"Shitty excuse," Mick scoffed as he sat back in the chair and took another comfortable sip. He wasn't giving up anytime soon, which was obvious by his body language. "God, what do you want, Mars?"
"Stop being a little fucker and ask the girl out already. I shouldn't have to tell you how to do every fucking thing, Sixx." Mick scoffed making Nikki roll his eyes, trying to keep his tough-guy demeanor. "And, don't fuck it up. She's special, she's our bandmate. And she's beautiful, graceful, and she'll punch you in the face. So, don't be a jackass."
"Nice talk," Nikki commented as he stood up and began to hairspray his hair in the mirror in preparation for their show later that night. Mick's words stuck in Nikki like heroin. He started thinking about them and he knew he was right. He had to face his feelings and get it out of his system. It wasn't that easy, you were a member of the band. You weren't some chick. A disastrous relationship would lead to the end of the band. The band you'd all worked your asses off to create.
"I didn't mean do it eventually, I meant now. Before Tommy fucks her in the back alley," Mick added making Nikki turn to him in horror. The sleazy drummer had a way of stealing Nikki's girls, vice versa. It was an ongoing game between the two, a pretty girl equals one of them getting her. But this time... Nikki would bet his life on this round.
The bassist bolted out of his dressing room and past the millions of randos backstage. His feet carried him down the hall toward the stage, where he knew everyone was setting up for rehearsal. Specially where he heard the sound of your laugh and the sound of drumsticks falling to the ground. That was a pretty easy trail to his best friends. Which did in fact lead to the drummer twirling his sticks in his fingers, you stood prepping your own bass with a smile.
"You've got a great smile," Tommy grinned with his typical cocky look. You'd known Tommy for years on end and his innocent flirting never stopped. It also never bothered you, as it was all you knew from the bastard drummer. But over the past few months, Nikki seemed to bite back a glare anytime he heard it from either Vince or Tommy. "I mean it, really."
"Thanks, T-Bone," You flashed him your small grin before going back in with another pack of pics. You tested out a quick riff for the sound crew as Nikki simply stood there, finally erupting from the shadows. Tommy took this as an invitation — knowing he could get Sixx all hot and bothered with a few simple words. He twisted the drumsticks with his fingers as he glanced between you and Nikki. His eyes landed on you. "You think you could do this?"
"I mean it's not rocket science," You mocked while taking the bass off and sitting it against a chair. "Well I'm pretty good at it, I'm pretty good with my fingers. Wanna find out more?" Tommy so obviously flirted making you laugh as you playfully tapped Nikki's arm. Nikki just gave Tommy a harsh look at this, that didn't exactly match your grin. "Yeah, okay, T-Bone. I bet you are."
"So good, you can find out if you want," He winked with that goofy smile of his. The one that made you shake your head as Nikki subconsciously stepped closer to you and crossed his arms. "Yeah, she's not into that." Nikki was quick to say making both sets of eyes look over at him. Tommy held a proud smile at this, "Are you saying she's into you though?"
"What if I did?" Nikki cocked like he owned the place. Your eyes darted between the two for a moment before stepping up. "Will you two shut the hell up and start rehearsing?"
"Yes ma'am," Nikki nodded while Tommy shot you an army 'yes sir' nod. The drummer walked off to his setup leaving you and the bassist to your lonesome. Nikki seemed to glance around before his eyes fell back on you. "So..."
"Let's have dinner tomorrow," You spoke before he had a chance to process it, and walked away. He watched you walk away with a smile. Knowing he had actually won.
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prettybillycore · 2 days
Text
shot through the heart || ch.1 || billy hargrove x shelby!reader
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Pairing(s): Shelby!Reader x Billy Hargrove, Minor Thomas Shelby x Grace Burgess
Universe: Peaky Blinders + Stranger Things
Summary: You, one of the younger members of the Shelby clan, are just trying to find your place in the world when suddenly you are shot. Instead of dying, you are flashed-forward in time to 1984 where you meet people who will change your life forever. Will you ever be able to return home? What caused you to time-travel in the first place?
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 3.0k
Warnings: canon typical violence, swearing
A/N: I know this one is in second place on the poll I’m doing, but I was just so excited about it I started with it. The one in first place is probably going to be a one or two shot where as this is definitely going to be a series so the first place winner should be out soon!
Read here below the cut or on AO3~!
Being a Shelby came with a lot of expectations. There was no way around that. Especially as a woman you felt the pressure of your last name pressing on your shoulders. Being one of the youngest in the Shelby clan didn’t help your situation. You were freshly sixteen and your brothers never let you forget it. It was only recently that you were allowed to start sitting in on family meetings; Tommy made sure of it once he felt like you were ready. Aunt Pol was against it. The tension between the two of them over it could be cut with a knife. Of course, that didn’t really matter at the current moment. “I called this meeting because I got
some news. From Ireland,” Arthur said as he drank from a flask, “Scud-Boat and Lovelock got back from Belfast last night. They were buying a stallion to cover their mares.” Arthur gestured at the two of them and they confirm this, he continues. “They were in a pub in the Shankhill
Road yesterday and there was a copper handing out these.”
You were handed a flyer, but before you could even begin reading it, John ripped it out of your hands, “If you’re over five feet and can fight, come to Birmingham.”
“They’re recruiting Protestant Irishmen to come over here as Specials,” Arthur said.
“To do what?” Your older sister asked. Though it seemed quite obvious to you. 
“To clean up the city, Ada,” Tommy replied. Exactly as you thought. “He’s a Chief Inspector. The last four years he’s been clearing the IRA out of Belfast…”
“How do you know so bloody much?” Arthur asked. This also seemed quite obvious to you. 
“‘Cause I asked the coppers on our payroll,” Tommy explained. Again, exactly as you thought. You might have been one of the youngest people in the room, but you weren’t dull. 
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Arthur questioned.
Tommy paused for a moment and pursed his lips. “I’m telling you.”
“So why are they sending him to Birmingham?” Aunt Pol asked. A silence fell over the room. Arthur takes a large swig of his drink. He clearly has no idea how to answer her question. Tommy steps up as the head of the meeting.
“There have been a lot of strikes at the Austen works and the BSA factory lately. Papers are talking about sedition. Revolution. I reckon it’s Communists he’s after,” Tommy and Aunt Pol look at each other intensely. You knew they were the real powerhouses of the family, despite Arthur being the oldest of you Shelby siblings. 
“So this copper will leave us alone, right?” Aunt Pol asked. 
“There are Irishmen in Green Lanes who left Belfast to get away from him. They say Catholic men who crossed him used to disappear in the night,” Tommy answered.
 You eyed John carefully. He was clearly very bothered by the idea of this copper coming to town. You weren’t exactly at ease with the idea either. “Yeah but we ain’t IRA. We bloody fought for the King. Anyway, we’re Peaky Blinders. We’re not scared of coppers. If they come for us, we’ll cut them a smile each.” 
“You’re right,” Arthur agreed. 
You notice the snickers of some of the younger men in the room, but what catches your eye the most is Tommy’s hand carefully balling up the flyer until it’s tightly spiraled in his palm. “So, Arthur, is that it?”
Arthur’s gaze moved around the room, “What do you think, Aunt Pol?”
She sighed, the cigarette in her hand was still smoldering. “This family does everything open. You have nothing more to say to this meeting, Thomas?”
“No…” His eyes flickered between you, Ada, and Aunt Pol, “Nothing that’s women’s business.”
You rolled your eyes at that comment. “This whole bloody enterprise was ‘women’s business’ while you boys were away at war. What’s changed?” Aunt Pol snapped.
“We came back,” Tommy answered honestly. With that, the meeting started to disperse and you let out a large breath you didn’t realize you were holding in. You looked toward the door and saw Finn peaking in from the other room, much like you used to do when you were younger. He backed away as soon as you made eye contact, but you still found it cute. That is, until you were drawn  back to reality. 
“I still don’t like you sitting in on these meetings, Y/n. It really would be best if you were to stay with Finn,” Aunt Pol scolded. You sunk down in your seat and rolled your eyes again. 
“Why must you insist on treating me like a child?” You asked. 
“Because you are one,” she answered.
“Leave her alone Polly. She helped out with the business while we were all gone in the war, it’s only right she gets a seat at the table now,” Tommy said, inserting himself into the conversation. 
“Thank you, Tommy,” you replied before turning your attention back to Aunt Pol. “I know I am young, but I am not a little kid like Finn. I am almost 18 now. You have to recognize that I am growing up, Aunt Polly. I deserve my seat at this table just as much as anyone else in this family.”
John and Arthur were snickering at you in the background. Aunt Pol hushed them with one dirty look. Her face did not soften when she looked back at you. “I know you want to help, but you have so many years ahead of you. You don’t have to be involved in the family business right now so why should you be? Why not wait as long as possible? You only picked up a gun for the first time last year and thank god you haven’t had to shoot anyone with it. You’re already in danger by being a Shelby, it only gets worse the more entangled you become with the business side of things.”
“I see your point Aunt Pol, but I’m not giving up my spot at this damn table after I just got it. You don’t give Ada a hard time and she’s sitting here.”
Ada shook her head. “Don’t bring me into this.”
“I will bring you into this if I damn well please,” you fired back. John was back to laughing, but you really weren’t sure what he was finding so funny about all of this. He was quieted down by a glare from Tommy. 
“You are a lot younger than Ada. I don’t think that’s a fair comparison,” Aunt Pol continued. “I have your best interest at heart, Y/n. I am only doing my best to look out for you in the long run.”
“I think leave it for now, Aunt Pol. This bickering is getting us nowhere,” Tommy interjected. Your voices hushed. Aunt Pol’s face had a look of annoyance written all over it. You were more frustrated than anything else. Everyone began to leave the room, the air a little heavier than before. 
| < ♥️ > |
You were laying on your stomach across Ada’s bed, your legs kicking the air without a care in the world. Your journal was open in front of you and a pen rested in one of your hands. Ada sat at a small vanity on the other side of the room. She was carefully applying a bit of makeup. It was much later now and the sun was getting ready to set. You were forbidden from going out at night except to change houses, while Ada could do whatever she pleased. You guessed she was going to do something Tommy wouldn’t approve of, you could feel it in your bones. “Who are you getting all dolled up to see?” You asked. You knew you might have to push a little bit to actually get her to tell you anything, but you still thought it was worth a try to ask.
Ada finished applying lipstick before she even thought about answering you. “It’s none of your business who I’m going to see.” She popped her lips together to spread around the product. “Just go back to writing in your journal. I’m sure you’ve got your eyes set on some boy you’ve met out and about.”
You made a ‘tsk’ sound with your teeth. “Yeah right, like that’s at all what I’m writing about in my journal. The only one in this room with her eyes on boys, is you, Ada!” You giggled and slammed your journal shut. You walked over to her and placed your hands on her shoulders. You looked at her in the mirror, “Come on, who are you going to see?”
Ada rolled her eyes at you. “You can’t tell anyone, yeah?”
“I swear on my life, this stays between you and me!” You stuck out your pinkie and she looked up at you. 
“Really? A pinkie promise?” Ada asked. 
“Yes. I pinkie promise I won’t tell a single soul who you’re going to see.” Ada’s face contorted into a soft smile as she grabbed your pinkie with hers. 
“Fine, fine. I’m going to see Freddie Thorne. We’ve been seeing each other for a little while now, but we’ve been keeping it a secret because you know how Tommy is. Not another soul can know. You hear me?”
“You can’t break a pinkie promise, Ada. It’s an unbreakable vow,” you replied before taking your hand back. “I never expected him to be your type, but good on you! I am glad you’ve found someone that makes you happy. I hope I find someone who makes me happy one day.”
You nearly mumbled the last part. You flopped back onto Ada’s bed, your back touching the mattress. “You will. You’re young yet, Y/n.”
“Why is there always talk of me being so young? Why can’t there be talk of how grown up I’ve gotten since the war?” You huffed, puffing every last bit of air out of your chest. 
Ada stood up from her chair and laughed lightly. “You’ve grown a lot, but you’ve still got a lot of growing to do. Come on, I’ll walk you home on my way to meet Freddie.”
“You don’t think Tommy will find it suspicious that you’re all dressed up to drop me at home?” You asked curiously as you sat up and began to gather your things. 
“Please, it’s too early for Tommy to be home. You’ll be lucky if he’s in before you fall asleep tonight,” She replied ruffling your hair. You knew she was right, Tommy was probably out at the pub. You were now old enough to set foot in bars, but your brothers all agreed that you should stay far away from all the bars in town except for the Garrison. Even with the exception, you were still only allowed to go there during the day time. This left you alone at night at home quite frequently since you lived with just Tommy. You’ve been living with him ever since he returned from war. You wouldn’t have it any other way, even if night time was sometimes scary and lonely. “Let’s go, I haven’t got all night,” Ada rushed you. 
You quickly gathered the rest of your things and threw them into your bag. “Ready!”
“Okay, let’s get you home.”
| < ♥️ > |
You woke up the next day expecting a quiet, normal morning. What you weren’t expecting was Arthur coming to your door, covered in blood. You frantically gathered the family. You met in your usual meeting room as Tommy went to go get a bottle of rum. Ada and Aunt Pol were about to start tending to Arthur’s wounds, but you couldn’t bare to watch. You were picking at the skin around your fingernails and biting the softest part of your lip hard enough that it started to bleed. Aunt Pol was wrapping Arthur’s finger while you leaned against a wall. “John, wipe the blood out of his eye.”
“Since when did you give orders?” John asked.
“I’m a trained nurse,” Ada replied.
“Don’t make me laugh, it hurts my face,” Arthur interjected. He was, in fact, laughing.
“I bloody am,” Ada continued.
“You went to one first aid class in the church hall and got thrown out for giggling,” John teased. 
“Not before learning how to stop somebody from choking,” Ada answered.
“I’m not bloody choking, am I?” Arthur shot back. 
“You will be when I wrap this cloth round your neck,” Ada said. The mood takes a downward shift as Tommy entered the room with a whole bottle of rum. 
“Let me see him,” he said walking up to Arthur. “Hmm. Well, have this.” He gave Arthur the bottle he was holding. Arthur takes a long drink before Tommy says, “Give me that,” and sets the bottle on the table in front of him. He take a hot, wet cloth and begins to clean Arthur’s skin. You dig your nails into your palms at the sound of Arthur’s painful moans. “You’re alright.”
“He said Mr Churchill sent him to Birmingham,” Arthur started. “National interest, he said. He said there’d been a robbery. He said he wants us to help him.”
“We don’t help coppers,” John stated flatly.
“He knew all about our war records. He said we’re patriots like him. He said he wants us to be his eyes and ears. I told him we’d have a family meeting and a vote. Why not? We have no truck with communists. Or Fenians.” Arthur stared at Tommy. Tommy said nothing, but is clearly off put by the idea of helping the new copper that has come to town. You could tell something else about this situation was bothering him too, you just couldn’t put your finger on exactly what it was. “What the fuck is wrong with you? Polly, what is wrong with him lately?”
“If I knew, I’d buy the cure from Compton’s Chemists,” Aunt Pol joked. Tommy grabbed his coat and left the meeting before anyone could take a vote. 
| < ♥️ > |
After everything in the morning with Arthur, you decided that you needed a drink. You were not one for drinking usually, that one was usually all your brothers, but something about this whole situation just screamed I need a glass of whsikey. So you found yourself in the Garrison in the late afternoon. The sun hadn’t gone down yet, so you were in the clear with Tommy’s rule about you only being there during the day. You walked in and all the eyes that turned toward the door quickly turned away, all except the eyes of a new barmaid that you did not recognize. You heard Harry, the owner of the bar, tell the new barmaid that whatever you wanted was on the house. You smiled politely at her as you pulled up a seat at the bar. You ordered a whiskey sour from her and as she handed you your drink you asked for her name. “Grace. My name is Grace.”
You smiled back at her and took a sip of your drink. “Y/n, Y/n Shelby. Lovely to meet you.”
| < ♥️ > |
Somewhere between the several whiskey sours you had and your new relationship with Grace you found yourself standing on one of the bar tables with her, singing. It was something that you use to do in school, before the war, but hadn’t done in such a long time. You were grinning such a wide grin that your cheeks were beginning to hurt. 
“I am just a young girl.
I have just come over,
Over from the country where they do things big,
And amongst the boys I have got myself a lover,
And since I have a lover,
I don’t care a fig.
The boy I love is up in the gallery 
The boy I love is looking–”
You stopped singing when you noticed Tommy come in the door with your brothers. You suddenly felt very exposed standing high up on a table. 
“At me
Can’t you see him standing there?
Waving his handkerchief
As merry as a robin that sings on the tree.” Grace finished the song by herself. You felt bad, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anymore words. The grin was gone from your rosey cheeks. It was replaced by a sorry frown aimed toward your shoes. 
Harry walked over to Tommy, “We haven’t had singing in here since the war.”
“Why do you think that is, Harry?” Tommy spoke plainly. “Y/n, it’s dark outside. Time to go home for the night.” You nodded. Tommy walked over and gave you a hand off the table. Your feet being on the ground again felt like you were standing a boat. The alcohol in your system was way more than you were use to. “Jesus how much did you drink?” Tommy mumbled. You tossed some “sorrys” in his direction, but he wasn’t listening. He just headed out the door to take you home. 
| < ♥️ > |
Monday came before you even realized it had. You spent the rest of your weekend recovering from the time you had at the bar. You were feeling bright and well Monday afternoon and were hanging around where your family normally does business when Arthur came yelling for Tommy. “It bloody won!” Tommy is unphased by Arthur’s sudden appearance in front of him. You were sitting across from Tommy, just present to take in the whole interaction. “Monaghan Boy bloody won!”
“And word will spread. So next time we do the powder trick it won’t just be the Garrison that’ll bet on the horse, it’ll be the whole of Small Heath. And you know what? The horse will win again. And the third time we do it we’ll have the whole of Birmingham betting on it. A thousand quid bet on the magic horse. And that time, when we are ready, the horse will lose.” Tommy snapped the book in front of him shut. “Think about it.” You and Arthur looked at each other as Tommy left the room. “Bloody hell.”
-TO BE CONTINUED-
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