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cosmic-crybaby · 9 months

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 15: 'Alone Tonight'

Warnings In This Chapter: Hinted affair, excessive alcohol consumption, arguing, Thomas really messing things up for himself etc. etc. etc.

Masterlist:

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The distance between you had only grown with the passing weeks.

The more time had passed, the more Thomas had to work. The more he was gone, the more you realized you had been sleeping alone most nights. You understood how busy he was and how his job and family relied on him to make the right choices, but you were a part of his family too, You wanted to keep reminding him, but you knew it was useless when he couldn't put off business any longer.

It was the the night before Elizabeth's performance, and you had finally caught a moment with him. You didn't want to be a bother as you caught sight of him sorting through endless piles of papers on his desk.

"Thomas..." You meekly called as you stepped through the threshold and into the office. He looked up at you for just a moment. And in the split second, you saw just how overworked he was, slowly being consumed by his work. He acknowledged your presence with a small raise of his brow. His blue eyes lit up behind his glasses. "I didn't want to bother you, but I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is Elizabeth's first performance, and she really wants you to be there," You told him, walking further into the room. By the time he nods at your words, you were already at the front of his desk.

"You could have told Francis to deliver the message to me instead of getting out of bed to tell me yourself...you know you need to rest more now that you're further along," He simply stated.

"I wanted to deliver it to you myself so you know just how important this is,” You stood up straight, making sure it was known to him that you were not to be taken lightly at that moment.

“I’ll surely be there,” He sighed.

“If you can’t make it, tell me now so-” You rambled. Thomas takes a heavy, slightly frustrated sigh.

“(Y/n),”

You shut your mouth as he stated your name. ‘Hm?’ You hummed, raising your brows in acknowledgment.

“I would want nothing more than to be there, I promise I will go,” He calmly stated. You nod once.

“It’s late, please try to come to bed tonight,” You reminded him of the time. By this time he was fully invested with his work again as he just hummed at your request. Without another word you were gone. You read his actions loud and clear before going back to the bedroom, holding on to the railing to help you along the way. You slept alone that night once again.

The next day was a busy one. Your kids were taken to school in the company Bentley as you were off to work. Sitting in the office, doing some last minute paperwork and orders for inventory. Ever since you started seeing Thomas, you and your family were put on the protection list, on behalf of the Peaky Blinders. Thomas even managed to have your bills paid and taken care of. It made you feel uneasy to have your independence taken away, but you wouldn’t emasculate him when you knew he was doing it to not only ensure you were taken care of but to ensure you put all of that money into your own wallet for once. The Peaky boys would often linger around the front and back of the bakery to make sure you weren't in harms way. It's not like you ever were in the first place.

Winter was slowly rolling in and you were preparing hot drinks and baked goods for the customers who just wanted to keep warm during the cold seasons. You even offered to serve hot whiskey cider to the workers who came in at the end of their shifts when the snow really kicked in.

And that was why you were everyone’s favorite baker.

After you had closed up the shop, you were picked up and taken on the trip back to Arrow House. You got yourself and Henry ready for Elizabeth's first big performance at the ballet. Frances was there to help get Henry dressed. You struggled to clasp your earrings on you asked her:

“And where the fuck is Thomas, we’re late!”

Much to your knowledge, he was in his office. The pub was lively that night, but he was sitting like a dead corpse at his desk. Smoking a dull cigarette while staring into the flames of the fireplace. The music and laughter muffled by the thick, wooden doors. The heat filled the room but Thomas was still as cold-hearted as ever. Thomas was a smart man after all, but his weakness had just strutted through the door. Holding an even bigger vice than herself, right in her thin hands. Two crystal glasses and brand new bottle of whiskey.

If his recent days hadn’t been so hectic he would have declined her advances and her offer to share a drink. And maybe he would have remembered the promises he made.

At the theater, the show was just starting. You sat in the second row, your son beside you to your left and an empty seat to your right. You watched in amazement and excitement as you spotted her on stage amongst the other swans. Her small height compared to the taller women giving herself away. She looked so beautiful and grown up it nearly made you cry. She didn’t show any sort of hesitation or insecurity as she hit every step, spin, and leap in tune with the orchestra. But in the back of your mind, you still wondered where Thomas was.

“Why aren’t you out there? Arthurs’ just started singing,” She chuckled as she closed the door behind her, drowning out the loud noise and music.

“Lizzie,” He blinked at her as she sat in the chair across from his desk. The red dress she wore exposed her shoulders and her long arms, the necklace that hung around her neck was shining under the lights.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” He asked, sitting up and putting the cigarette out in the ashtray. Assuming she was inquiring about her job. She shrugs a bit, setting the whiskey and cups on the desk in front of him.

“I just wanted to speak with you,” She reached for one of his cigarettes, and being the gentleman he was, he lit it for her. She continued to speak, but he began to drown her out.

He eyes the alcohol for a moment before clearing his throat and reaching to check his pocket watch. He could have sworn he had somewhere to be, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“I didn’t ask you to put anything on my schedule for tonight, did I?” He interrupted. It was unlike him to forget things so easily.

“Um…” She paused to think, but it came up empty and she shook her head. “No, you didn’t tell me anything about tonight. Why, am I keeping you from attending something important?” She asked. His gaze was distant as he slightly shook his head.

“I suppose not, now…what did you want to speak to me about?” He asked. He watches as she stands up to open the bottle and pour him a glass as well as herself. Watching him as he took a small sip, longing for his touch again…missing him deeply. Loathing him for what he did behind her back. But then again, she still wondered…

“Are you happy, Tommy?”

“No…No not always,” He gruffly answered, but his answer was honest nonetheless. But, she already knew that. Everyone already knew that he wasn’t a happy person. After France, after Grace and Charles, after constantly worrying about losing his family. But then, there was you. You helped him little by little to gain that happiness again. To maintain that feeling of being alive.

But that was only temporary when Luca Changretta had his family's names engraved on bullets.

“But there are things in me life that help…still working on those things,” He said. Lizzie nods along.

“What things?”

“Being a good man…a good father,”

She hums.

“Yeah…kind of wished you worked on that when we were together,” She takes a deep inhale of her cigarette. And if Tommy Shelby wasn’t so cold already, her words would have cut him like a knife.

“Why did you do it?” She finally asked after they sat in their silent tension. He set his glass down, looking away from her.

“I wasn’t in love with you,” He told her honestly. She held her stare on him for a moment. Nodding bitterly.

“You’re a fuckin’ liar,” She accused. Tommy chuckled as he leaned back in his office chair with a creak.

“If you really didn’t love me, you would have let me marry John, or fired me after I spoke to your mistress, or wouldn't have given me this fucking job in the first place…so explain that to me, you at least owe me this,” Her eyes were glossy with hot tears. The blinder hesitated before he took one last finishing gulp of the whiskey in his cup.

After the performance, you waited for her in the hall of the theater. She skips to you and Henry, already carrying a bouquet of roses, wearing her boots and a coat over her leotard. Her hair and makeup are still on. She smiled brightly as you opened your arms to engulf her into a hug.

“You did amazing!” You praised her proudly, letting her go as Henry stood beside you.

“I saw you almost tripped,” He teased.

“Shut up,” She nudged him

“Henry that’s-” You started to scold the younger son before you noticed Elizabeth glance around the room.

“Where is Thomas?” She asked, her smile was still on her face but you saw the faintest dismay.

“He really wanted to come, Love but he got stuck at work,” You lied. You had hoped that was the case, but even you weren’t sure. You rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. She stutters.

“That’s okay, can we just go home? I’m starving,” You nodded, your arms over her shoulders as Henry held your other hand, slowly leading them out of the theater and to the car.

At home, you tried your best to hide your disappointment in your fiancé, who still hadn’t shown up. But regardless, the three of you sat at the dining table as the maids served Elizabeth’s favorite dish. Roasted chicken, potatoes, salad, and bread. It was simple compared to the other dishes the kitchen staff make, but it was more than enough for your family. In her opinion, your home-cooked meals were better.

“Did you know dad came tonight?” Elizabeth stated as she picked up her silverware.

“Was he the one who brought the roses?” You asked, desperately wishing you could guzzle some wine to distract you from the growing stress in your chest. The feeling of dread coming and going with every ticking second on the clock.

“Yeah...he sat in the back, he saw me just before you did,”

“That’s nice, darling I’m glad he came,”

‘At least he made an effort, can’t say the same for Thomas,’ You bitterly thought. Your eyes were dark as you stared at your plate. Aggravation causes your appetite to greatly decrease.

“Should we wait for Thomas?” Henry asked. You shook your head.

“Go ahead and eat,” You gave permission as you moved the food around your plate, attempting to at least eat. You, rather aggressively, cut into your chicken as your silverware clanked on the ceramic plates. Your children watched you, giving each other a knowing glance to not ask as they followed and hesitantly began eating. You heard the heavy footsteps of your fiancé walking into the room. “Sorry I’m late,” He apologized as he went around the table, rubbing Elizabeth's shoulder and tussling Henry's hair before he approached you. Henry fixed his hair as he smiled up at him while Elizabeth gave him the silent treatment. He placed a hand on your shoulder before kissing your temple. “Hello, sweetheart,” He whispered. Your lips form into a tight line before you acknowledge him. Your jaw clenched a bit as you refrained from pulling away from his touch. He sat down in his own seat across from you.

“I’ve been trying to reach you for hours,” You stated, a hint of displeasure in your voice as you take a sip of water.

“I was at work,”

“All day?” You quickly shot back.

“Yes, darling I was stuck at work and then I attended a very important family meeting,” His tone slightly changed, exhausted from his long day and the interrogation he had to go through with you. As he got situated, the only noise was your children eating and quietly whispering back and forth.

“Well, Elizabeth did amazing tonight,” You reminded him after clearing your throat, keeping your eyes down on your plate. Thomas formed his lips in a thin line, internally scolding himself. He knew deep down he had forgotten something important. He glances at you but your eyes were elsewhere, the dead and tired look in his eyes showed only a bit of guilt as he looked from you to your daughter.

“Elizabeth,” He called. She only continued to eat, not looking at him when he spoke. “I had a terrible and busy day at work today, but I apologize for not showing up tonight, I was really looking forward to seeing you,”

Elizabeth just glanced at him.

“It’s fine…” She simply said before going back to pushing her food around her plate.

“You know, next time you’re going to be this late, I would at least appreciate a call,” You told him, quietly enough so only he could hear.

“And next time when I have a shit day at work, I would appreciate it if you didn’t badger me the second I walk through the door,” He said in the same volume, but in a more apathetic tone.

Your eyes scanned him, examined him as he just stared at his plate. Your eyes quickly scan your children before turning back to pick up your glass of water.

“Eat some bread for Christ sake,” You hissed your Small Heath accent thicker than he had ever heard. Thomas widened his eyes a bit in disbelief as he started dismissively yet obediently eating the food on his plate.

“Henry, how was your day?” You asked him. He looked up at you and smiled. Thomas' gut sank at the change of pitch in your voice. The sweetness as you spoke to your children was like honey.

“It was good,”

“And your lessons?” You pondered again.

“I’m getting better, Miss Matisse says I might even have a part in the orchestra this year,” You smiled warmly at him.

“I’m glad darling…what about you, Elizabeth?” You turned to her.

“It was fine…just uneventful before the show,” You nod at her words.

“What about you, Thomas?” You asked, sarcasm and accusations seeping from your words.

“It was fine, (Y/n)...How was your day?” He feigned interest.

“Oh, I think you should go first,” You mumbled.

“You can go first,” He scoffed, arguing.

“No,” You set your silverware down with a loud clank and looked at him. Sharply lifting your head to make direct eye contact with him. Your eyes darkened as your tone and demeanor completely changed, it was something he had never seen before. “Tell us, how was your day?” You faked a smile at him as he just stared at you. His eyes are low and dark.

“I said my day was fine…” He said back to you, spitting as much venom as you did. You heavily sigh through your nose. Bringing your water to your lips. As dinner went on, Henry had brought one of his toy cars to the table. Rolling the wheels over his napkins and silverware. The irritating squeaking of the wheels caused everyone at the table to feel vexed, but Elizabeth was the first to snap.

“Will you stop?” Her brows furrowed as she looked at him. He grinned as he stopped momentarily before continuing.

“Stop!” She shouted.

“No,” He argued, sticking his tongue out at her. The two continued to bicker.

“We all want to hear what happened to you today,” You said again. Thomas sat back in his chair, pressing his thumb and index fingers to the bridge of his nose. He pulled his fingers away as he stared at the nearly full plate before him. His mind was practically numb at this point, and the anger began to bubble up with every passing second. The frustration radiated in his head, jaw, and shoulders as he shifted to try to calm himself. The more you questioned him and the louder your children fought made his head ache and his jaw clench. Just then, Elizabeth grabs the toy car and begins to run around the table as Henry chases after her.

“Elizabeth, sit down please,” You sternly, yet tiredly ordered. “Mom, she won’t give it back, make her stop!” Henry complained as she held the toy over his head, just barely out of reach.

“Both of you come sit back down, I won’t ask you again,”

They continued to chase each other and argue as Thomas sat in silence, the pending anger just waiting to be set off. The two children began to yell and whine.

“Mom!”

“Knock it off, let go of me!”

“Stop it, both of you!”

“Stop!” They repeated loudly. Just as you were about to stand, Thomas abruptly stood from his chair, it loudly scraped against the floor as he slammed his hands on the table.

“Shut the fuck up!” With each word he yelled, his hands came down to slam on the table. You covered your ears, startled by the sudden loud noise as Henry and Elizabeth stopped in their tracks, in sudden shock as they stared with wide eyes. The room was suddenly silent. You kept your eyes down at the table and your hands were on your lap. Upset and angry but not sure how to react. Thomas takes a deep breath to calm himself down. Hanging his head low before standing up straight.

“I…I am so sorry, but you really need to listen to your mother, eh?” He asked. Breathing heavily, he takes a cigarette out of his pocket. He didn’t even notice the blood on his hand until he saw the red stain his sleeve, the table, plates, and silverware below. He simply uses one of the napkins to wrap it.

“She asked multiple times to stop, you have to listen to her, she is your mother,” he excuses himself and leaves the room, a trail of smoke follows. You shakily stand up, giving your kids a tight hug, holding them into you tightly as you reassured them that things were going to be okay. You sent them to have a bath as you sat in silence at the table. Holding a hand over your mouth, feeling nauseated and shaken. You stand and slowly walk to Thomas’s side of the table.

“Fuck,”

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cosmic-crybaby · 8 months

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 16: 'You're No Good For Me'

Warnings In This Chapter: Hinted affair, mentions of blood, manipulation etc etc. ANGST

Masterlist:

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It took you almost twenty minutes to calm your children down.

Reassuring them that things were going to be okay. But even you yourself were unsure. Giving them a tight hug and a kiss goodnight, making sure to tell Frances to stay with them until they fell asleep, before you entered the bedroom.

You didn't want them to hear the absolute terror you were about to unleash.

Thomas sat on the bed, his jacket discarded and his white shirt somewhat unbuttoned. His hand was still wrapped in the blood-stained cloth from the dining table. You harshly slammed the door behind you, making the room rattle, approaching him and stopping to stand in front of him with your arms crossed.

“You lost your temper with my kids, Thomas…That can never happen again, do you understand?”

He only nods once before he purses his lips and looks up at you.

“Your kids are out of control,” He stated with raised brows and condescension behind his words. Your brows furrowed in confusion.

“They’re fuckin’ kids! That is how kids behave when they’re tired, hungry, and disappointed,” You listed. He arched a brow at you. 'Disappointed' he repeated with a bitter laugh.

“I told you I wasn’t ready for this, didn’t I? I warned ya…I fuckin’ warned ya,” He pointed a finger at you with his non-injured hand before he stood up and struggled to unknot his tie with one hand, taking strides to his wardrobe. You stood in your place as you stared at him, bewildered.

“It’s not that hard to ask for help, you could have asked your Aunt or your sister for help, but it’s a little too late to turn back now,” You shook your head in disbelief.

“Yeah, I am sure Aunt Pol would have some great advice on how to discipline your kids for you,” He simply said with a small glance. Perplexed, you screwed your brows together.

“Don’t you dare,” You seethed.

“What?” He taunted, walking to his wardrobe to put his clothes away.

“Don’t you dare blame my kids, the only person acting like a child tonight was you!”

He exhales heavily as he slammed the door to the wardrobe shut before turning to you, the obvious frustration on his face. His normal glacier eyes were dark like the darkest depths of the ocean as he wore a stern look on his face. He approached you, at least a few inches away from your face. Under any other circumstances, he would just be a kiss away. And everything would have been forgotten.

“I’m acting like a child?” Shock laced his question.

“Yes, you are,” You argued. You looked down and reached for his wrist, bringing it up to show him. “You slammed your hands so hard, that you broke a fucking glass and you cut yourself…you threw a tantrum just like a fuckin’ baby,” He jerked his hand away from you. He wasn’t in any pain, his anger numbed it.

“I have made big sacrifices for you…huge fuckin’ sacrifices, I am behind on my work because I spent all my time with you-”

“And you think I haven’t? I have to commute at least forty minutes back and forth everyday,” You interrupted.

“And that wouldn't have been a problem if you just took everyone’s advice and hired someone to help you,” He said quietly.

You took a deep breath before speaking again.

“You walked into my family…my beautiful family that took years to grow and create, one that you would have started by now if you had any strength, courage, or restraint,” You stepped back from him, glaring at him with disgust. “Esme was right, you’re unstable…I get it…work is hard but that does not give you the right to act the way you do,”

“And how is that, (Y/n)?” His condescending tone was pushing you closer and closer to the edge. Your blood boils with every second.

“Oh, would you like me to list it off for you, Thomas?” You asked. “Your terrible temper, your unstable mood, your drinking problem, and the fact that I found snow in your office and opium in your nightstand!” You yelled.

He chuckled.

“Ah, after all this time…I still stand by what I assumed,”

“Which assumption would that be? Because you’ve made so many,” You laughed. You stood far away from each other. You were by your vanity while he leaned against the bedpost.

“You pretended to be drunk to get me to fuck you, get you pregent,”

You both fell silent. The only noises in the room were your heavy breaths and the crackling of the wood in the fireplace as the flames cast an intimidating shadow upon your face. Your chest heaved up and down rapidly as you gulped down the lump in your throat as your hands moved to rub your stomach, protectively as the baby began to move about and kick.

“Oh God…How could you say that?” You asked yourself as you turned away from him. You held your hand over your mouth to side the sobs as you bent over, one hand leaning on the vanity. Thomas slowly approaches you and attempts to hold you.

“This is just an obstacle…eh? Listen to me…Listen to me (Y/n), I am sorry I shouldn’t have said that, this was only a setback,”

You pulled your arms away from his touch. Overwhelmed by everything around you. His smell, his touch, his voice, the hot temperature of the room, the weight of the baby, everything had you wanting to just tear your hair out and scream.

“No…No this isn’t a setback, Thomas…this is a fuckin’ disaster!”

“I warned you that the stress of what I do and the stress of this is going to ruin our relationship-”

“The stress of what?” You asked, turning to him with tears in your eyes.

“Having a baby together,” He answered. You shook your head.

“No…Three…” You held up your shaky hand, showing three fingers. “Thomas…Three children!”

“I didn’t even ask for one!” His voice boomed.

“You act like you’re the only one who fucked up their life,”

He shook his head before he sat down at your vanity chair, picking up a cigarette to rub it across his lips before lighting it.

“I guess that’s what happens…” He took a deep breath. “When strangers get drunk and fuck,” he exhales the smoke.

You paused and swallow thickly. Your eyes scanned him. Until you spotted the red smudge on the collar of his shirt, the red and purple spots on his clavicle. Everything seems so clear now. Your eyes began to tear up as you gasp in doubt.

"I knew it," You muttered as you looked away. Thomas lifted his head to look at you.

"I fucking knew it!" You shouted, picking up a glass perfume bottle and raising it to throw it at him, Thomas quickly leaves the vanity chair and rushes to the washroom, dropping the cigarette as the glass bottle shattered against the hardwood as it merely missed him.

"What the fuck?!" He shouted from behind the door. He could only hear you shouting, crying and the loud crashing of only what he assumed was you breaking the valuables on the vanity. He scrambles to look in the mirror, cursing to himself as he looked at the love-bites and the lipstick that were evidently clear now that he was sober.

"You're a fucking coward Thomas Shelby!" You cried as you leaned against the door.

"It was nothing (y/n), you're overreacting!"

You chuckled sourly. leaving the door to sit on the bed. Thomas cautiously opened the door, looking out into the room, the broken glass of the beauty products were haphazardly spread across the floor. There you sat, tears glistening on your cheekbones as you looked down at the floor.

"(y/n)…please," He held his uninjured hand out as if you were a wild animal. You tsked and roll your eyes at him.

"Oh please, Thomas..." You mumbled.

He threw his hands up, breathing heavily.

"Humor me, Thomas..." You started, slowly standing up. "Who was it?"

"I don't know what you're-"

"Stop lying for one second and tell me!" You snapped. He blinks, his body seemed less tense as he conjured up the courage to tell you.

"You know who," He simply stated.

"At least have some courage and say her fuckin' name...you owe me that at least,"

Thomas licks his lips and looks down. Suddenly feeling brave he says her name. It felt like a curse leaving his lips.

"Lizzie Stark,"

You nod bitterly, crossing your arms over your chest.

“I’m packing my shit and I’m leaving…tonight,” You told him, turning back around to pack whatever little you had left into a trunk. He watched as you then went into your children's room to wake them up and help them pack a small bag, fetching some maids to help you take them to the car as you threw whatever gifts, dresses, jewelry, other materialistic things he got for you onto the floor. Throwing your coat on as you made your way down the stairs with Frances’s help. Your children, although confused and still tired, sat in the backseat of the company car, knowing this was the last time you would have that kind of luxury. You sat in the middle as they rested their heads on your shoulders and cuddled into your sides. A single tear escaped your eye as the car began to take off down the long entry path. If only Thomas knew of the agony you felt in your heart.

Thomas stood outside, watching in somberness as you left. Without a goodbye and second glance. You and Thomas had argued before, of course but it never got this bad. It was always resolved by the morning, but he feared that this was the last time.

He wanted to cry, scream, and yell over the fact that he really fucked up his last chance with you. He loved you more than words could say. As the car disappears into the dark distance he retreats back inside.

"Should I assume she is coming back, sir?" Frances asked.

"That...I am unsure, Frances..." He shook his head.

"Please get some rest, Mr. Shelby...have some peace of mind,"

And so he did. He tried at least. He cleaned up most of your mess but as he laid in bed he held the engagement ring between his fingers. You had left it on your vanity before you took off.

Oh how beautiful it would have looked on your finger when you got married.

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies- Tommy Shelby

Chapter 3: ‘Deadly Kiss’

Warnings in this chapter: smut (minors DNI), hints of infidelity (again), drunk sex etc. etc. etc.

Masterlist

---

After your soiree, Thomas wasted no time in taking you back to his home.

Between the drunken laughter and heated kisses in his car, you barely noticed just how large the mansion was. You held onto him as you carefully walked through the pathway of stones, making sure not to trip or stumble in your heels. The lights illuminated the walkway as he led you inside. The inside was just as lavished as the outside, it took your breath away. You've never been inside of a house this big. 'Did he really live here all alone?' You wondered. The front door closed with an echo behind you. The entrance completely enthralled you, so much that you nearly jumped out of your skin as Thomas came up behind you and used his fingers to peel your coat off your shoulders, sending chills up your spine. You turn your head to the side, one of your hands reaches up to touch his cheek. One of his hands laid on your hip as the other slowly laced his fingers with yours. Moving your hand away from his face to bring your knuckles up to his soft lips. You turn your body to him as his hand holds your chin and the other holds your waist, slowly going lower and lower down your back. Planting heated kisses on your lips, a sense of wanting in his motions. A heavy pleasurable sigh escaped your lips as you pulled away from him.

"Take me," you whispered in his ear. Thomas' eyes roll as a heavy exhale escapes his lips.

Thomas Shelby wasn't one to disagree with a woman's request.

In a blur, you were in his bedroom. He quickly shuts the door behind him as he hungrily kisses you, pushing you against the door. You chuckled into the kiss as you helped him strip off his grey suit jacket and throw it to the floor as if it were a common shirt. His lips crashed against your own again, his tongue slipped past your lips as you moaned. Teeth biting on his bottom lip as you pushed yourself off of the door. He began slowly walking back towards the bed, each taking your time in shedding your clothing.

You wore nothing but your slip and stockings. The silky fabric was a pretty blush pink color as the stockings were decorated with lace at the top, clipped onto the nude colored garters. He began to feverishly unbutton his shirt, as many buttons as he could without stumbling to not keep you waiting. With your legs wrapped around him, you laid under him, your drunken gaze and lustful eyes stare up at him with half-lids, pure indication that you wanted him, your eyes drinking up his figure even more now.

He hurried to pull his half buttoned shirt over his head as your hands ran up his body and around his neck to pull him down to your level and into another heated kiss. His large calloused hands pull the slip over your head, tossing it to the side as his hand pins yours above your head. Ever so slightly tugging him closer with the motion of your knees.

"Thomas, please," you beg in a sultry moan. The way the lace hugged your breasts and curves, the way your garters held up your stockings and squeezed your thighs sent him in an obedient frenzy. He wanted nothing more than to rip that lace lingerie right off of your body and ravage you, taking you and experiencing pure, hot bliss together. He slipped his slacks off, leaving him in his white boxer shorts. The V-line cuts into his pelvis deliciously, causing you to stick out your tongue and quickly lick your lip.

For a second or two you stared at each other. His icy blue eyes pierced through you with arousal and then, when the seconds passed, he slid between your thighs, using his fingers to slip the lace to the side. Staring intently at you as he slowly slid his length in. Painfully slow, so slow it took your breath away. And every thought and doubt you had, already left your mind.

A moan echoed within the quiet room. He moved, thrusting once slowly, then again and again picking up his pace as he rocked his hips into yours until you were a crying, moaning mess. His cock was filling you deep as his tongue danced with yours to the rhythm of your bodies.

You knew it deep down you weren't going to remember these events in the morning. The amount of whiskey you both had was hitting you hard at that very moment, but the consequences seemed like a thing your future self needed to worry about since your current self was pressed against the soft sheets of the bed. His strong arms keep him up and hovering above you. You were used to being pinned down in the bedroom but not like this. This was different. You reminded yourself that he was insanely drunk and the look he was giving you was nothing more than lust. Your mind buzzed as you fell in love with every bit of this moment. It was something you never expected you needed in your life, to have your control taken away from you in the most sensual way. In fact, you were obsessed with the idea that you felt the familiar hot feeling already approaching, pooling in the middle of your stomach. He momentarily pulled away from you, causing you to squeeze your eyes shut and groan.

"Ah, fuck…Thomas I-"

"Cum for me love, go ahead," His deep voice cut you off with a whisper in your ear. His voice alone was your downfall as your muscles clenched around him tightly. Milking his cock as you fought your release for as long as you could. He groaned in your neck, using every last bit of energy he had left to pump into you. Every thrust was hitting you in just the right spots, making you let our breathless moans into the hot air. Forcing a mind-numbing, glass shattering, world rocking orgasm to hit you like a train, turning your hot moans into a muffled scream as he kisses you roughly. Your nails digging into his shoulders and back as he fills you up with his load, driving him insane as he reaches his own climax just seconds after you did. When he slid out of you, he collapsed onto the bed beside you, sweat covering your bodies as you felt drowsiness take over you.

Your head was resting in his chest as he heavily pants, wrapping an arm around your shoulder as he reached for a cigarette and a lighter on the nightstand.

The singing birds and sunlight burning your eyes through your eyelids were the first to wake you up that next morning. Taking in your surroundings, you questioned yourself.

'Where the hell am I?'

You slowly sat yourself up, rubbing the hangover from your eyes as you twisted to carefully glance at the sleeping stranger behind you.

Except there wasn't one.

You sighed in relief a little too loudly as you sat up and stretched your arms over your head. The warm sun beaming through the windows, painting a comforting warmth on your naked skin. As much as you wanted to stay wrapped in the soft comfort of the sheets, you forced yourself out of the bed. Tip-toeing your way around the bedroom to find your scattered clothes. As you bent your body down to grab your undergarments, you winced.

"Shit, fuck me," you hissed in pain as your back and hips were sore from last nights events. Even though you could barely remember the events, you knew the pain was worth it. You cleared your throat as you stood up and quickly got yourself dressed.

"I am never going out alone ever again," You sigh to yourself as you strapped your shoes on. Grabbing your purse from the floor, you ever so slightly put pressure on the door knob and twist it, praying it wouldn't make any noise and you'd be able to make your escape as quickly and quietly as possible. Holding your breath as and using the tips of your heels to walk down the hall, making your descent down the stairs. Just as you made it to the main corridor, you found yourself utterly confused. You had no idea where the front door was nor how you would get back home without having to walk all the way back in heels. You would hate to get your shoes dirty

'I didn't think this through properly,' you thought to yourself as you glanced around the area, trying to remember which way you walked in. But alas, your memories were hazy and all you could remember was when he kissed your neck and you surrendered your senses. You cursed yourself for being so easily persuaded by him and those glacier eyes, and for drinking whiskey when you knew damn well that you and whiskey did not mix well.

"You must be Ms. (Y/n)," an elderly voice hit your ears in the midst of the silence, frankly scaring you and making you psychically jolt as you whipped your body to face her. She stood just a few feet from you on the first step of the stairs. It was one of his maids, she smiled at you.

"Uhm-" your voice cracked "Yes that's me," you confirmed as you cleared your throat.

"Mr. Shelby would like to see you in his study, follow me," She started walking down a different hall and led you in front of double wooden doors. She knocked once before opening the door.

"Your guest is awake Mr. Shelby, I brought her like you asked," You stood behind her as his gruff voice gave you the same chills as it did the night before. Your body remembers him more than your own mind did.

"Thank you Francis, that'll be all," he told her, grogginess in his tone.

"Would you like any tea?" She turned to you, her voice quieter.

"Ah, no thank you...Francis," you smiled as she nodded once. You took a few steps past her and into the room. Your heels clicked on the wooden floor as she closed the door behind you. Nervously playing with the pearls hanging from your neck, you looked at Thomas. He sat at his desk, a cigarette already lit and a cup of what you assumed was whiskey on his left. The silence caused your skin to crawl and your throat to suddenly go dry as he looked down at the papers and documents scattered on the desk.

"I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay in your home, I'm sorry if it was an inconvenience for you," You fidgeted your hands as you slowly approached him like he was a feral animal and you were trying to gain his trust. He took a sip of his whiskey and let out a refreshed exhale.

"It really wasn't an inconvenience, (y/n)…wasn't gonna just send you home after the fun we had," He answered it so nonchalantly it almost caught you off guard. You only smiled and let out only the slightest jest of amusement as your lips formed in a closed smile.

"Right, well...I appreciate the hospitality but it's getting quite late and I have somewhere important to be, would you mind-"

"I'll have someone take you in the company car," he lifted his head to look at you. You nodded, indicating a 'Thank you'. Thomas himself led you towards the front door, asking the driver to take you wherever you needed to go. But before you got into the car, he gently grabbed your arm and pulled you close to him again. His hand caressing your face as he brought you into a good-bye kiss. It was soft and sweet, a bit shorter than you both had wanted but you still got to be intimate with him one last time. And for all you knew, that would've been that last time you'd ever be able to do this with him.

Either way, you took your leave in the company Bentley and returned home safely. It was a hazy day in Birmingham. The skies were gray in hue and the cold streets were already busy with workers and cars traveling up and down the streets. It took everything in you to get changed and dressed for the day in under half an hour, struggling to put your arm through your coat sleeve.

"Fuck," You cursed loudly as you ran down the street to your bakery. Panting heavily as you unlock the door and lock it once again behind you. You knew once people saw that your doors were open they'd come flooding in. You threw your apron on and thrusted yourself into baking the pastries you had set up the night before.

It took you nearly two hours after the time you usually open to display the freshly baked treats and open up the doors and just as you predicted, your little shop was bustling with customers. It was times like this where you wished you took Esme's advice and hired more people to help you out. But, you convinced her, and yourself, and you could handle the weekend rushes. You knew if she saw you now she would be laughing and saying, 'I fuckin' told ya so, ya cunt,'

You hated it when she was right.

"Have a nice day, thanks for coming in!" You told your last customer. Following behind them as you locked the door for the evening. Heavily exhaling as you leaned over the counter and collecting the money you made into a yellow envelope. You rested for a quick minute before starting to clean up. The records played calming slow jazz as you swept, mopped, and dusted every corner of the bakery. Once you finished that, you wiped the sweat from your brow and stretched your aching and dry hands. Moving to the back kitchen as you scalded the utensils and set them to dry. As you did this you couldn't help but think about the night before. You wondered what you did to deserve such pleasures by such a captivating man like Thomas. You thought about him all day, internally debating if you should continue this casual 'affair' with him or leave yourself out of it and save yourself the troubles of getting involved with a man like him.

The phone ringing in the office interrupted your thoughts. You haphazardly wiped your hands on your apron as you sat in the creaky chair and picked up the phone.

"(L/n)'s Bakery, (y/n) speaking," You answered in a chipper tone.

"(Y/n)," The familiar voice made your lips creep into a smile.

"Thomas Shelby," Your smile showed through your voice. Thomas couldn't help but put on the most subtle smile on his lips as he imagined the bright smile on your face. You bit your lip as you leaned back in the old leather chair.

"How did you find out where I worked?" You smirked. He was quiet for a moment, a muffled chuckle rang through your ears.

"I have my ways I suppose," He shrugged on his side of the line.

"Fair, I'm not going to question you then," You laughed a bit. It went quiet once again as you opened your mouth to speak again.

"What did you call me for?" You asked, cringing at the fact that you probably sounded more paranoid than curious.

"I just forgot to tell you um...that I had a good time with you last night," Thomas was having a hard time to find the correct words to use. He's never been this expressive before. Not since Grace.

"I did too, Thomas..." You told him, your voice like honey as you spoke.

"I hope I get to see you soon, (y/n),"

His words caused your ears to perk up. Was the notorious gangster really hoping to see you again? The cold-hearted Thomas Shelby? You stared bewildered, lips slightly parted. Who were you kidding? You knew deep down that this was probably the last time you'd see him. He was a busy man, everyone knew that. He himself knew that. Thomas barely had any time to eat a decent meal, let alone seeing a girl he barely knew. Everyone knows that getting to know someone properly took time, and time he did not have.

"I was thinking tomorrow we could meet again...you can teach me how to properly bake a cake" As much as you wanted to take up the offer, you had to decline. You sighed and bit the inside of your cheek.

"I-I'm sorry, I can't...I'm taking care of my kids tomorrow," You lied, guilt washing over you. Thomas tsked on the other line.

"It's no problem, (y/n), perhaps another time then,"

"Yeah...goodnight Thomas," you nodded.

"Have a good night, (y/n)," he told you. Even though you knew he wasn't upset, you still felt horrible. You hung up the phone on the hook, your hand still lingering.

Trying to convince yourself that this was the best option. Not only for you, but for your family. You'd only heard of stories of gangsters' families ending up dead because of the shady business they get themselves into, forcing their family to become moving targets. If his enemies knew you two were casually courting together they'd target your children, the only things worth living for.

Just as Thomas was hanging up the phone, his study door opened. It creaked as the tall dark-haired woman walked in. She smiled as she approached his desk and slid her lean hands on his shoulders. He sighs in relief, placing his hand on top of hers.

"Why don't you come to bed already, Tommy? It's late," Her soothing voice whispered in his ear.

"In a moment, Lizzie," he said tiredly. Her smile slowly slipped as she stood up straight, and without a word she excused herself from his study. He heaved a sigh as he picked up the glass, downing the whiskey in one single swig. He shouldn't be feeling this distressed over a woman he barely knew just twenty-four hours before, especially when he had a beautiful woman already on his side. It confused him to have this feeling, but something was drawing him to you.

It almost reminded him of when he met Grace.

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies- Tommy Shelby

Chapter 2: ‘The Other Woman’

Warnings in this chapter: Smoking, Alcohol, hint at infidelity, Tommy got that rizz

Masterlist

---

The man beside you caught you off guard, barely getting a peak at his face.

You had noted just how close he was to you. Close enough for you to smell the cologne, musk, and tobacco, and the slightest hint of beer. He took a step closer to the bar, your eyes darting around his face to drink up every of him that was visible. The peaked cap on top of his head casting mysterious shadows down his face. The gray suit he wore was perfectly tailored to fit him. A golden pocket watch sitting in his vest pocket, a sharp jawline that could cut anyone brave enough to come close enough to touch it. When he took his cap off, his dark brown hair was freshly cut and carried small specks of silver.

The moment he moved you quickly averted your eyes away from him, opting to look down at your wine red painted nails. Tempted to start picking at the lacquer as your hands began to feel weak as he reached into his jacket pocket to retrieve a silver cigarette holder. The metal clinked as he pressed the button to open it, flipping the lid and grabbing a cigarette stick for himself. Running the end of it between his lips to moisten it before setting it between them, his large blue eyes darted to you, just a simple side glance at your figure before he noticed your eyes made contact with his. Your gaze never leaving his intimidating eyes as chills ran up and down your spine and into your fingers.

He held out the holder to you, indicating that you could grab a smoke if you had pleased. Your fingers went numb and trembled as you slipped your fingers around one of the white sticks and held it between your middle and index finger to hold it in place as your plump, red lips wrapped around the end, staining the white paper red. The gangster flicked the lighter, igniting the flame and burning the tip of his cigarette and taking a large puff of smoke before using the still open flame to do the same for you, gently and slowly lowering it to your cigarette. Your curtly nod at him, ‘Thank you’, as you inhale the smoke in bliss. You made an effort to stop the smoking when your children were around as not to be a bad influence on them, but everyone knew most Birmingham children started smoking at the ripe age of nine or younger and you didn’t want that to be the case for your children.

The presence of the older man beside you made it hard for you to keep your eyes away from his alluring features. However, the daunting and anxious feeling in your stomach couldn’t be ignored. The infamous family of gangsters were widely known around Birmingham, maybe even all through the United Kingdom. So, the Shelby name was not unheard of to you. You never saw the Peaky Blinders up close in action as you didn’t live within Small Health, but you heard of what they have done and still continue to do to this day. It shocked you but you were glad you never experienced the gang of men in peaked caps shooting their guns and getting in fights around your home.

To a certain extent.

What shocked you even more was the fact that the front man of the Peaky Blinders was standing less than a foot away from you, sharing a cigarette and having a glass of whiskey with you. He glances around the room briefly before he diverted his attention back to you, quietly sitting on the stool and savoring your cigarette. He places the glass of whiskey in front of you, the liquid amber sloshes in the glass before it settles into slight stillness. You glance up at him again, getting a better look at his face. His dark circles and wrinkles by his eyes, those freckles that kissed his skin. Ask anyone else that they saw when they looked at him and they’d say he was a broken man and you assumed that would be true but you thought he was beautiful. Those ice-blue eyes were captivating and drew you in deeper. He had the devil’s eyes, but even the devil used to be an angel.

“I don’t normally share drinks with the women that come to my pub, but you looked helplessly lost,” He commented. He wasn’t completely wrong but you had hoped your efforts of seeming relaxed and natural went unnoticed.

“What makes you think that?” You asked, quirking a brow at him.

“I’ve never seen your face around here before…are you sure you’re not lost?” He asked, the slightest hint of a smirk on his lips. His body was still facing the bar as he held his glass in his hand.

“I can assure you that I’m not lost, Mr. Shelby, but how would you know? I think my face is quite ordinary,” You quickly raised your brows in amusement.

“Trust me Sweetheart, I’d recognize a face like yours…especially if you walked into me pub,” The Peaky Blinder leaned in close a bit, his voice was deep and raspy but he said this quiet enough for you to hear behind the live music and drunken shouting. As he drew just a few inches closer to you, your confidence quickly turned to shyness as everything around you turned dark and all you could see was his eyes. The slightest movement made your breath get caught in your throat. When he retreated it was like the lights in the room got brighter. He clinked his glass against yours before moving back to his original position. You couldn’t help but watch in awe as he lifted his glass to his lips, taking the whiskey in one single swallow before setting the glass back on the wooden bar. Your hand takes your glass as you stare at the liquid inside as it shined like honey under the lights of the pub. He closely watches you take the whiskey down in the same smoothness as him. You suppress your cough by simply clearing your throat in attempts to ease the burning sensation you were not used to. You preferred wine over any other alcohol and the whiskey reminded you why you did.

“So, tell me…why come here to a pub full of drunkards' all by yourself?” He questioned. You crossed one leg over the other, revealing your leg through the slit in your dress, which caught his eye.

“What makes you think I’m alone, Mr. Shelby?” You turned your torso to him and rested your elbow on the bar.

“Would a mare rile up a stallion when she already has one on her heels?” He asked. This caused you to smile.

“Ah, so you ride horses, then?” You asked, like it was an obvious question, lifting your chin up slightly. He nodded once.

“I race them actually, but it’s just as fun,” His eyes never left you as you talked, but you were too busy looking down at your hands in bashfulness to notice. You chuckled and turned away to run a finger over the rim of your empty glass.

“Fun is overrated,” You arch your brows as your laugh ceases. That actually wasn’t true to you, but when you had a life as messy as yours, fun was just something you’d eventually get to enjoy when the time was right and when your life was in order. But that was in the distant future.

“Ah, I am sure you’ll like it, you should try it sometime, eh?”

You quickly turned your head to him again, the defensive reply ready in your throat if he did not choose his next words carefully.

“Fun?” You asked.

“Riding horses…or racing them,” He shrugged his broad shoulders. You shared a small laugh, although yours was more in relief.

“Right right…maybe I would if I had someone to guide me?” Your bottom lip was sandwiched between your teeth as your eyes glazed up at him. He stared at you for a moment, taking long glances at your face.

“How about I buy us another drink, eh? And I’ll tell you more about it,” He stood up straight and your heart fluttered. It was the first time your body felt that way over a man in months. You eagerly nodded.

“Oh yes of course, please do, Mr. Shelby,” You smiled as you sat up, motioning to the bar. He instructed the barmaid to hand him the bottle of whiskey after grabbing the empty glasses in his hands.

“Enough of that I’m buying you a drink the least you could do is call me by my first name,”

It was an odd request to say the least, since you both had met less that twenty minutes ago. You slightly nodded with a smile as he motioned you to follow him, leading you past the dancing, drunk, guests and into a secluded room. A different room than the one he and his family usually used.

An hour and a half later and you had finished your third glass of whiskey. You sat across from him and talked. Races, horses, work…anything that came to mind. It was a casual conversation, a conversation that anyone would have on a first outing when getting to know each other in one night.

“You really amaze me Thomas,” You laughed as you set the half-full glass on the table, suddenly not wanting anymore whiskey.

“You still haven’t told me your name, Sweetheart...” He asked, leaning back in his chair, a cigarette between his fingers and a glass of whiskey in his free hand. "Why is that?"

"Then you'd have to stop calling me Sweetheart," You flirted. Thomas chuckled as he brought the cigarette up to his lips and slowly inhaled.

"Besides, you never asked me…I'm afraid if I tell you this will end too soon…and tragically," You rested your head on your hand as you drunkenly gaze at him from your seat.

"Is that so?" He exhaled the smoke he was holding. It billowed around the both of you. You only hummed.

"Well that's a risk I am willing to take just to know your name,"

"Do you enjoy my presence that much?" You giggled as he shrugged and pretended to act coy.

"It will start out nice and perfect but then those hardships and frustrations from unpredictable external conflicts will get the better of us," You say. Thomas was listening in understanding silence as his eyes scanned your beautiful features. “But, before we absolutely destroy each other we will be in this brief period of calm, pure, perfect love,”

“The calm before the storm, I know that all too well,” He said. You nodded in agreement.

“Exactly…It will devolve into this excruciating loveless loop of sex and be extremely exhausting…The melodramatic love-life we have will end in us becoming perfect strangers again,” You shrug and take one last sip of your whiskey.

“I don’t want to be perfect strangers, not after tonight…” His voice broke the silence. The muffled music and cheering beyond the doors of the room the two of you shared.

“I don’t either…but I guess it doesn’t always have to be doomed. It all just depends on how you interpret it,” You smiled at him. He assumed you didn’t want to continue your time together but you wanted the exact opposite.

“It won’t be doomed,”

“Under what authority?” You asked, mischievously.

“Mine,” He slowly blinked as he sat back in his seat. For the first time you noticed how much more relaxed he had become. You never expected him to just have a conversation with a woman he met at a tavern. You imagined he would have wanted to get drunk and fuck like all the other men expect out of the women in Birmingham. You hoped you were wrong about him.

“How about this…The only way to avoid inevitably failing is to do things we enjoy,” He asked, playing along with your false romantic scenario.

“What do you enjoy, Thomas?” You asked as you stood up. Your hips swayed a bit as you took the slow steps to him. He extended his hand out to have you sit beside him, his rough hand playing and gently running over your thin fingers, twirling the rings you wore. He hands you the cigarette as you cross your legs and move closer to him, getting comfortable with his warmth.

“Is this a way for you to get to know me?” He asked cheekily. You chuckle and nod.

“It’s a good idea if you ask me,”

“Okay…You go first,” You scoffed at his words before looking away from him, thinking for an answer.

“Kissing under the stars…no interruptions,” You suggested, testing the waters. He nods along. You look at the smoke from the cigarette and your eyes light up as you quickly turn to him.

“Since you are teaching me how to ride horses I am going to teach you how to bake something from my family's recipe book,” You smiled. His eyes widened a bit as he tried to hide his grin. Liking the idea better as he pursed his lips momentarily before speaking again.

“That reminds me, next is horse riding lessons from me personally,”

“Number four, you take me to one of your races,” He nodded.

“Seems a bit obvious don’t you think?” He asked, setting the end of his burnt out cigarette in the glass ashtray. You take a moment to gather your next words carefully without telling him too much.

“My father always used to promise me that he would talk me to the races when I was younger, but I um…grew up rather fast so I never got to go,” Your smile faltered at the memory, regret filling in your chest as the alcohol made the memory much more emotional than you wanted. You remembered your father before you left for London and how he would always try to call. You slightly shook the memory away, noticing Thomas staring at you. The slightest sense of somber in his expression, but of course he kept his expressions hidden behind those tired, icy, blue eyes.

“Anyways, five would probably be around the time we have our first fight,” You said, laughing to yourself. “Followed by holding each other and forgiving each other,”

“Seven, fuck and make up,” He smirked, looking away from you and bringing the whiskey to his lips.

“I guess eight could be…Get married and have a child,” You shrug, suddenly taking back your words when you saw the look on his face.

“A child?” He asked, furrowing his brow. You quickly hum and decide to drink the rest of your whiskey to ease the embarrassment heat rising to your already pink cheeks. Your drunken word vomit made you remember once again why you hate drinking.

“What if I uh…don’t want a child?” His demeanor changed slightly. He wasn’t distancing himself from you, but he was intrigued by this conversation.

“Ah that would be a bit of a deal breaker for me,” The make believe life you both made up began to feel a little too real. Not only to you but to him as well. Of course who was to say if this really going to happen, but it was a topic you wished you hadn’t brought up. Maybe it was the alcohol talking, but you didn’t know how to react.

“That so? Well, I guess number nine would be to apologize,” He looked at you again.

“And finally number ten, time to say goodbye,” You ever so slightly shifted away from him as a scoff left your lips.

“So that’s it? Just a goodbye…No conversation about it?” He asked, gently grabbing your face with his rough hands to make you look at him again. Sharing a longing and wanting look, gravity naturally pulling your lips closer and closer.

“I should go, Thomas,” You whispered, closing your eyes as you desperately wanted to move in closer. His nose is touching yours.

“Please don’t, Sweetheart,” The way he whispered your nickname in that deep, rough voice gave you chills.

“What if I have strong feelings about children?” You tried not to sound so defensive but the slight tone seeped from your words and slight glare.

“You have strong feelings about having children with me?” He asked, feigning his bewildered expression, slightly creating some distance between you. This caused you to cough as your words got caught in your throat.

“I- n-no I didn’t mean-” He was quick to cut you off upon noticing your anxious behavior and speechlessness.

“Sweetheart, I am flattered, honestly I would love to put a baby in you but I’d like to think about it first,” Thomas lowly laughed, causing you to sigh and chuckle knowing now he was only joking.

“Besides, I’m not ready to say goodbye yet,” His voice was calm again.

“But look at all the fun we had…It all just fell apart,”

“I thought the whole point of this was to keep it from failing?” He asked, the back of his hand grazing your cheek.

“I said it was inevitable,” You shook your head. He stares into your eyes. It was like the world around you was melting and all he saw was you and all you saw was him. Thomas sets his glass down and places the ashtray on the side table.

“What if it doesn’t have to be?”

His words came clearly to you. Your drunken mind was screaming at you to make a move, it was now or never. But you had to plan this casually. You couldn’t force it. Women never made the first move.

“After all of that you should at least tell me your name now,” He places his hands on his knees. You roll your eyes playfully.

“(Y/n), my name is (y/n),” You told him finally. He stood up, holding his hand out to you. Your cold hand grasps onto his large warm hand as he helps you stand.

“Let's go for a walk,(Y/n),” He told you, grabbing your coat and helping you slip it over your shoulders. Your name sounded so good coming from his lips.

“Where?” You asked suspiciously, hoping he wasn’t going to murder you in an alley.

“Anywhere…I heard the stars are beautiful at this time of night,” He cheekily smiled as he held his arm out for you to grab. You giggled as you linked your arm around his.

Even this late at night the pub was still in full swing and showed no signs of toning down. He instructed you to wait for him outside as he alerted his brothers that he was leaving early and to behave themselves. Thankfully they didn’t get the chance to get a look at you, you’d rather remain anonymous for now.

As you walked down the streets of Birmingham, it was cold as usual but walking by Thomas’ side made your chest and cheeks red with heat, and the alcohol of course. After a few minutes of walking, he stopped you, glancing up at the open night sky. It was a rare occasion that the stars were glowing fully on display. Not covered by any clouds, smoke, or fog. It was perfect. It was fate that you were where you were meant to be. In the arms of the notorious gangster, Thomas Shelby.

Hesitant at first, the two of you leaned towards each other, pressing your lips together gently. You could feel the cold breeze from the fall air nipping at your skin through your closed eyes, but Thomas’ hold on you was bathing you in warmth as he wrapped his arm around the small of your back, his eyelashes brushing against your cheek. Your heart leapt and you worried he could feel it against him as he pressed your body to his.

For a moment, it felt like everything in the world around you two had disappeared and it was just you, Thomas, and the stars.

244 notes · View notes

cosmic-crybaby · 10 months

Text

Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 14: ‘Fade Into You’

Warnings In This Chapter: fluff,fluff,fluff. Some angst at the end (I can’t help myself, sorry)

Masterlist:

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Thomas Shelby rarely got a night off.

Being a gangster came with the stress of the life they lived. Which also meant…

No time off.

But when your kids were away you missed their feet padding around the house. Without the sound of them running about, taking the horses out on the field, and whole mess of the Shelby Company Limited the two of you finally had the chance to enjoy each other's company over some dinner. After a busy week at the bakery, you were happy that you got to be alone with the man you adored. Much to your dismay, running the bakery by yourself just got harder and harder as the weeks went by. Polly was right.

Of course she was, she always was.

Ever since the night of the dinner party, the family was more open to you stopping by to visit Thomas in the office or joining him to the pub. This, of course, meant you would often run into Lizzie Stark. You didn't say much than a small head nod of acknowledgment before you would enter Thomas' office. If only she knew.

Thomas had a talk with you shortly after you had moved in, whether or not she should keep her position at the company. And being the forgiving and kind soul you were, you told him not to bother.

'Let her stay, Thomas…Do not punish her for your mistakes…but if I find out she fucks up again, she is gone…no further questions,' You told him sternly.

Plus Thomas knew better.

He also knew better than to invite you to any and all family meetings. With the exception of one. You and Thomas had attended a dinner with the rest of the business, and when Arthur started talking to John, who talked to Ada, who then brought Polly into it. At one point you found yourself slipping deeper in the knowledge of the family business. Shortly after it started, only did you wish you had stepped out. The longer you stayed, the more you realized how often you were getting involved with helping Thomas make decisions, double checking the accounting books, and being around to hear the gruesome carnage they planned, the more you tried to push the lifestyle away.

But you knew that was all inevitable.

So instead, you focused on your time with Thomas. You had sat across from each other at the dining table, eating chicken and vegetables quietly as it was all you could manage without feeling sick to your stomach.

“How was work?” You asked him, pushing the pieces of peas in a corner of your plate to eat the other, more desirable greens on your plate. Thomas takes a small sip of whiskey.

“Work was…” He takes a heavy sigh. “Well, work was fuckin’ work,” He muttered, making an obvious stop to the conversation. His work-life was overwhelming, of course anyone would find stress in a business like that. He glanced up at you for a moment. He wasn’t partial in talking about work while eating, most of the time, so these answers were always anticipated. But you still managed to make sure to ask him anyways, show him you’re still interested in him and that you still care.

He clears his throat before asking; “And you?”

“Busy as always,” You nod once. You refrained from giving away the fact that you were working yourself to the bone. Thomas would have you homebound in an instant if that were the case.

“You should look into hiring help, eh? We can get someone more than qualified…especially since you’re further along,” He arched a brow and motioned to your stomach. You chuckled dryly, putting a protective hand over the bump as your eyes shifted from your plate up to him.

“Thank you, Sweetheart but I don’t need any help right now. I am more than capable of handling the work,” You smiled.

“If I had anyone else behind that counter it would be like…” You paused. “Like an unwanted guest…It’s just tradition, love you know that all too well,” You shrug. He went quiet for a moment. You watched as he picked at the food on his plate. Sighing, you set your silverware down on the plate and stand up, pulling out the chair right beside him.

“Look,” He set his silverware on the plate as you reached for his hand.

“I know you are worried but I can handle this myself, I am not sayin’ I don’t appreciate your help, but all I want you to do is focus on the issue at hand…Stopping Luca Changretta, okay?” Your hands caressed his face as your thumbs brush over his cheek bones. His skin was warm as you glance at the freckles on his skin and the color regaining in his face. His eyes scan your face for a moment, a ghost of a smile causing the corner of his lips to turn up in the slightest. He reached his rough hands up to grab yours and bring them to intertwine with his.

“(Y/n)…” He paused, swallowing quickly. He was at a loss for words.

“Yes?” You peer through your long lashes.

He stared at you. The way your eyes looked so big and bright, your skin was glowing. Your voice was like heaven to him.

“Will you marry me?” The way his words casually flowed, as if he was having a perfectly normal conversation with you. Your eyes widened as your lips parted. Quickly leaning forwards to pull him into a hug. Your arms tightly wrapped around him as he gently kissed your temple and his hand rubbed your back. You held him close to you for a few silent moments, just trying to take in his proposal. You only let go and looked at him again when he whispered your name. Again you were at a loss for words as you looked up at him.

“I…I’m not sure,” You whispered, slightly shaking your head. You took his silence as a que to continue.

“I mean…If I say ‘yes’, God how can I say yes when we hardly know each other,”

Thomas caressed your cheek with his hand, using his thumb to wipe the small tear from the corner of your eye before it could roll down your face. As if he told you that everything was going to be okay.

“And how can I say ‘No’? I already love you so much,” Your voice cracked as you looked away, pressing your head to his chest as you listened to his heartbeat as it rapidly thumped against his chest.

“I am apprehensive…that if I do agree to marry you I will never know if we actually got married out of necessity or out of love…If I decline then I’ll never know if I passed up the love of my life,” You spoke quietly, holding him tighter. After another moment of silence, just soaking everything in before he said:

“I will never pressure you into giving me an answer…but know that I do love you, very very much and it would be an honor to marry you,” He said.

“If you’ll have me?” He added at the end with a small smirk. You let go of him, your hands clasp around his own as they rested by your sides.

“Yes…” You told him with a nod.

“Was that a yes?” He asked with a smile. After you confirmed he pulled you into a kiss.

“You thought I was gonna say no, eh?” You giggled. He exhaled in relief as he chuckled dryly. If he was being honest, he thought you were in fact going to say no. He pulls you into another deep kiss before reaching into his pocket to take out a small, velvet box. Opening it to reveal a ring. It had an oval ruby in the middle that laid on a golden floral bouquet design with small diamonds embedded, decorating the band.

You gasped at its beauty. Sniffling as he slipped the ring on your finger.

It was a perfect fit.

A few days later, you had stopped at the doctor's office for another check-up. With a clear head after learning your baby was perfectly healthy, you went home. You had gotten home a little later than usual but even at this time Thomas would usually be home by now, yet he was nowhere to be seen. You had waited up for hours, only to end the night eating dinner and going to bed disappointed. You were not aware what time it was when you stirred awake when you felt the mattress dip from his weight. He was exhausted and beyond aggravated as he let out a relaxed sigh after finally getting some kind of rest. He felt guilty for having drinks in his office rather than coming home sooner, unfortunately that’s expected when you live like a Shelby.

Thomas had to have been in deep sleep by the time you fully woke up in the middle of the night. Groaning as you rest a hand on your stomach to sooth the frequent late-night kicking. With his back turned to you, his slow breathing was a clear indication that he was fast asleep. You attempt to press your body against his, cuddling close to him. Craving that much-needed comfort from him. The second he felt your hand on his bare shoulder he pushed himself away.

Flinching your hand back, offended and confused, you sat yourself up. Hair a mess and eyes still dry and heavy with sleep. He grumbles groggily as you rubbed his arm with your hand. Testing to see if it was a genuine or involuntary reaction.

“Thomas…” You whispered. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m fuckin’ tired,” He mumbled, still facing away from you. You laid back down, making yourself comfortable again by propping all of the pillows around your stomach and between the two of you, giving him space as you laid awake staring into the back of his head.

“Do you…do you not find me attractive anymore?” You asked him.

You heard him let out a forced, heavy sigh before he shifted.

“I am very attracted to you but I need to sleep,” He mumbled again. “Please do not trouble yourself with this, not again,”

Rolling your eyes you laid on your back.

“I’m not it’s just…just painful for me that you refuse to touch me,” You whispered, the hurt evident in your tone. If he was looking at you, if he had taken a moment to just look at your face…your eyes, he would know just how hurt you actually were.

But instead all he said was:

“I’m sorry that’s painful for you,”

You fully turned to your side, your back facing him as well as you bit your lip as it trembled.

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 12: ‘Wrapped In Cellophane’

Warnings In This Chapter: Nothing besides Esme making y/n cry again lol.

Masterlist:

---

Weeks had passed and you continued to stay with Thomas.

The frequent commute back and forth between Arrow House and your home in Sutton Coldfield was getting tedious, especially with the baby growing more, and your fatigue never ceasing. You had realized that your own home was falling vacant due to the fact that you rarely left the mansion. He gave you the decision to move in with him fully. It was obviously spacious enough for the three of you, and you, as well as the children, were cared for by the maids when Thomas was busy. It was everything and more than what you had wished for. And yet something was still holding you back.

You knew Thomas honored you and your growing family. He really wanted to protect that. He would do whatever he could to protect you, even following your wishes by keeping his business ordeals away from the home. He went a step further and insisted that he kept all work and family business meetings away from the home, even running background checks on all of his workers. Just to ensure that you were safe with him. You greatly appreciated his efforts, but part of you hoped the blame wouldn’t be put on you if things took a turn.

Elizabeth and Henry began to warm up to the new father-figure in their lives. Their skepticism slowly faded the more Thomas was around. He was kind with them, gifted them toys and nice things, spending as much time with them as he could whenever they were around. You acknowledged that he treated them like they were his own, it made you admire him even more.

It took a while for you to get used to the maids doing your usual routine. From getting your kids up out of bed, getting them dress and fed before school, it gave you some extra time in bed with Thomas before you had to get yourself up and ready to go to work. The company car drove you to the bakery and back home after the long days. Even in between the busy week days, when your children were in London, you cherished your private intimate moments with Thomas. Everything seemed to get easier for you, even when your bump started to show. Your regulars at the bakery would congratulate you, after admitting that they had never noticed before.

With Elizabeth's birthday coming up soon, you wanted to make it special. You always made her a cake each year, and each year you made sure to surprise her with one thing she needed and one or two things she absolutely begged for, depending how good the bake sales were that year. This year was no different and you wanted to spoil her for once, making sure your children had memorable birthdays. Taking matters into your own hands you decided to make her another cake this year but make it something she favored but you rarely ever made. Strawberry ice-box cake. It was an easy recipe but the lack of time and well, a decent ice-box, made it difficult for you to fulfill her wishes. But, now that you were with Thomas you decided to use up your resources to your advantage for your own personal gain. Making your daughter happy on her special day. You had asked Thomas to at least participate.

“Why don’t you help out, darling? She would absolutely love it if she found out you helped,” You had begged him. Holding his hands in yours as you gave him a hopeful smile.

“I don’t bake…” He told you, rolling his neck a bit as he held the unlit cigarette between his lips.

“Oh please? I’ll be there to guide you, you can be my sous chef,” You joked a bit. He chuckled, only to glance at the counter with the equipment and ingredients laid out for you. He had agreed reluctantly. ‘If it makes her happy’ he told you.

Needless to say, the kitchen wasn’t an entire mess by the time you put the biscuits in the oven to bake. Once they were set to cool you began to make the cream frosting as Thomas helped by cutting the strawberries. You couldn’t help but glance at him, the way he rolled his sleeves up and the way he worked the knife quickly to slice the strawberries, you licked your lips and looked away before he could catch you.

Once he was done, he stood behind you, a hand on your waist as he observed you put the layers together. He wondered how you could make a simple cake recipe look so elegant and pristine. After you are finished piping on the décor with the icing you set it in the icebox to sit overnight. Thomas held you against the cold counter, kissing you passionately. You briefly pulled yourself away from him, giggling as you scoop a small amount of the frosting from the bowl on your finger and silently motion for him, instructing him to try some. The loving look in his eyes as he tried some. You placed your finger between your lips to lick up the remaining sweet and fluffy frosting.

“Thank you for helping,” You told him quietly as you placed your arms on his shoulders. Even though he helped as much as he could, since you practically took over the project as he watched in amazement at your talent. Needless to say, Elizabeth's birthday was a success and she was more than happy to hear that Thomas helped.

After spending the week with your family and working, you decided to sit down and enjoy some tea with Esme. After she had gotten married to John, she was so busy taking care of the betting shop and watching over the heaps of kids he had from his late wife.

The two of you sat in the dining room of her new home that she shared with John. With John and Tommy being away for work, and the children were running and playing in the yard. You were glad you finally got around to some quality time with your closest friend. She poured you some tea and set the sugar, honey, and milk in front of you. Thanking her as you dipped some honey into the cup, stirring it with a spoon.

“So, how have you been since you’ve been married?” You asked, cheekily. Excited to hear all of the news. She takes a generous sip of her tea before answering.

“Oh it’s been great, ya know?...Working with John and the family it’s just great...but,” She paused.

“What is it?” You asked.

“It’s nothing, it's just Tommy…he’s,” She stopped herself again. “I- nevermind, I’m sorry,” She abruptly stopped herself. You snicker.

“You’re apologizing now? Has becoming a Shelby really tamed you?” You joked. She scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Nonetheless, I understand…how are you with the kids?” You then asked, changing the subject. She groaned a bit.

“Little shits hardly listen to me, let alone their own father…but, they’re sweet kids,” She said, looking out the window with a soft smile on her lips. You hummed, just happy to see your friend happy and content with her new life.

“I don’t want to pry, but have you made a decision yet?” She asked after a moment of comfortable silence.

Her burning question made you shift uncomfortably, but your smile never faltered.

“Yeah…I think I have,” She moved a piece of her wavy brown hair out of her face.

“Really?” Her eyes widened, just the slightest. But, it was noticeable enough for you to take note of her expression. But you just hummed as a response and nodded your head.

“I think I want to keep it,” You shrug as you hold your hands over your stomach.

“(Y/n), Love are you sure?” She asked, ultimately unsure of you and your decision.

“I could wait but-”

“No, (y/n) I mean are you sure…one hundred percent sure you want this?” She asked you. You place your hands on the table as you take another sip of your tea. She urgently reaches to place her hand over yours.

“Is there a problem, Esme?” You asked, trying to read her.

“I’m simply reminding you that there is still time,” She had an unreadable expression on her face, but overall worried for you.

“Esme,” You retracted your hand from her, quite perplexed and a little offended. “I am going to have this baby,” You told her sternly. She exhaled, leaning back in her chair and drinking her tea. Her worried expression dropped to one of displeasure. You noticed the smudged mascara around her eyes, the sweat upon her forehead, and the look as if she was aching for something. Craving something.

But, you could also tell there was something she wasn’t telling you.

Why wasn’t she telling you?

“I don’t understand Esme…Is it something to do with Thomas?” You asked, pushing your tea to the side as it had gotten too cold for your liking.

She shook her head bitterly.

“This whole situation is fuckin’ crazy…how can you stake your life on someone, a man, you hardly know?”

“Esme, come off it,” You take your head at her. “You’re not a judgmental person, I know you…why are you saying all this?” Your words show the hurt you felt from her reaction.

“I swear I am not judging you, I…I’m warning you,”

It was like the whole world around you changed. The clouds hid the sun as the tone of conversation became serious. You felt the baby kicking at your sudden increase in heart rate.

“You don’t know Tommy or know anything about him…he is an emotional fuckin’ time bomb and it’s too soon for you to tell,”

“I don’t understand the sudden negativity…you can’t sit here and judge me for my relationship when you married his brother, another man you hardly know might I add…You hadn’t even seen him until your wedding day so do not sit here and act like a sanctimonious and jealous woman,” You sternly stated.

“I am not jealous,” She spat.

“I finally find someone who makes me happy and you decided to just…shit all over it-”

“Don’t you dare,” She stopped you, pointing a finger at you. “I am not trying to take that away from you, and yeah so what if I didn’t know John before we got married...We got married for a pact, I just want you to open your fucking eyes,”

You take deep breaths to calm your beating heart. After your silence she continues.

“Have you ever considered what this would do to your kids if it doesn't work out?”

“I am doing this for my kids!” You shouted. “I want my children to see me in a healthy relationship for once because we both know my marriage with Alfie went to shit, I am allowed to do this for me too,” Your chest began to grow hot with anger.

“Be honest with yourself, you fuckin’ love him, you’re in love with Tommy fucking Shelby! You’re not doing this for them, you’re making a decision that will change the rest of their lives based on someone you don’t know! You’re selfish, reckless and naïve!”

Her words struck a nerve.

“Firstly, you don’t get to tell me how to parent my children, and secondly don’t you call me selfish, reckless, and naïve when all you do is sit around and sniff up every supply of snow the Shelby’s own and boss John around about how much you hate his family…”

You bit your cheek, you didn’t mean to make it known that Thomas and John tell you close to everything when it comes to Esme. She looked at you with disgust.

“How dare you,”

You didn’t say much more before you stood up and grab your coat and purse.

“Don’t come cryin’ to me when you see how he really is!” She shouted as you slammed the door shut behind you. The breeze outside blew your hair out of your face as the cool air nipped at your cheeks and nose. The crisp air was calming you in a way. You had taken a deep breath to calm your nerves before approaching the company car that drove you around wherever you needed to go. Once back in the mansion, you noticed how empty it felt. You were thankful that your children nor Thomas would have to see you like this.

“Please do not tell Thomas that I am like this, Francis,” You begged as you wiped the tears from your red cheeks.

“Of course Ms. (L/n),” The elderly woman nodded kindly as she guided you to the stairs.

“What would you like me to tell him?” She asked quietly.

You had paused as you used your hand to grip the railing.

“Tell him not to worry, just unwell…due to the baby,” You said before climbing up the rest of the way to your bedroom. Closing the door behind you as you took a moment to sit down on your side of the bed. Your head turned down as you stared into your lap.

The conversation you had just dawned on you. The things you had said to your closest friend were out of character and hurtful. But you weren’t the only one at fault and you knew that. It deeply upset you how defensive you had gotten at the words she spoke to you. You wipe your tears away and sniffle as your stomach churns. With one last deep breath you held your head high and calmed the muscles in your face. It looked like you hadn’t even cried.

‘ Don’t come cryin’ to me when you see how he really is! ’ Her words shouted at you. Staring in the vanity mirror as you fixed the runny mascara under your eyes.

“I won’t”

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 10 months

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 13: ‘You Can Do No Wrong’

Warning in this chapter: You finally meet the Shelby family, and come face to face with Polly Grey herself.

Masterlist:

---

The Shelby family always knew how to throw a proper party.

You recall that it was a family party, but you knew that meant anyone who was in close ties with the Shelby family. Nevertheless, you felt the pressure already building. The dread of intimidation and the increasing fretful pit in your gut forming with only the thought of what they might think of you. When he first proposed his idea of the party, you hesitated even attending. Fearing that his family would show the most hostility to you and your ‘broken; family since you were not married and you were pregnant with his child. But, even with the storms of scenarios that ran through your mind, Thomas made sure to clear the clouds and reassure you that his family did not give a single fuck if you were married or not yet.

‘I call the shots, okay? No ones going to fuck with you if you are with me,’

He had told you while he held you in his arms. His words made you feel only the slightest bit less anxious. The party was in celebration of their business finally taking off, which brought your stress and worries even higher. You wanted everything to be perfect.

“B-but I don’t have a dress to wear, the kids need new formal clothes, the cooks still haven’t bought the meat for the main course and-” You rambled. You and Thomas both knew you had plenty of dresses to wear, but you felt as though none of them were good enough. Each one didn’t fit the way you wanted, or didn’t match the jewelry you had planned on dawning.

“Sweetheart, please...: He held your heated face in his cold and rough hands. Taking a deep breath with you. “Don’t worry about that...I will have everything taken care of, when I get home tonight I’ll buy you a new dress and some clothes for the kids...okay?” You only looked at him, gathering your thoughts.

“And I’ll make sure Francis has everything ready...Please, I want them to meet you,”

You nod. Reluctantly agreeing.

The day of the event came quickly.

With each passing hour and the closer you were to completing your appearance, the more the realization began to creep up on you. You stood there in your shared master bedroom, giving yourself one last look over of yourself in the mirror. The deep blue dress was heavy with the beaded detailing but hugged your body in just the right way. It was especially comfortable around your midsection. Your neck was decorated with the jewelry that reflected under the dim lighting. Exhaling, you run your hands down your sides to smooth out any wrinkles in the dress. A timid knock at the door caused you to jump a bit.

“Ms. (L/n), the guests are arriving,” Francis stated from behind the heavy wooden door.

“Thank you Francis, I’ll be out in just a moment,” You had called back. Taking a deep breath once again and fixing any stray hairs before turning to open the door. Laughter had echoed through the house as you closed the bedroom door behind you.

“They will be gathering in the drawing room,” She told you once you reached the bottom of the stairs. You nod once again, thanking her with a smile as you walk to the open doors. Peering in to see just how many people were attending. Your eyes had scanned the room for anyone familiar, as most of the people who were there were people you had never seen before. Elizabeth and Henry were talking to two other boys around Elizabeth's age as they sat around a chess board on the small table. John and Esme were attempting to calm down and round of their own children as they wondered and ran around the room with Johnny Doggs’ flock of kids. You made an effort in getting to know everyone’s names that were attending beforehand, making sure you didn’t make any mistakes when meeting them. There were only a few you could point out. Uncle Charlie, Curly, and Johnny Doggs were in one corner. Sitting on the couch next to your children was the second youngest Shelby sibling, Ada. The brunette was speaking to one of the boys, which you only assumed was her son Karl. Across from her was Linda Shelby, Arthurs God-devoted wife. She watched the other boy carefully, her son Billy, as he was introducing himself to Elizabeth and Henry. Your eyes scanned some more. Beside Thomas was Arthur himself, speaking quietly but yet his gruff voice still carried throughout the room. Then there was Aunt Polly, who sat in one of the chairs as she smoked a cigarette with elegance and grace as her son, Michael, stood beside her as he talked with Finn, the youngest Shelby sibling.

Shaking slightly as you squeezed your hands together. When you had fully entered the room, you held your head down a bit and laid your hands one over the other. Gracing them with your very presence, the room almost went silent. You had only glanced up when you felt Thomas stand beside you, clearing his throat as he held a hand out for you to take to join his side. Handsome as ever in his suit. You walked to him, taking a few strides to interlock your hand with his.

“Everyone,” He started. “This won’t take long, I figured there will be no better place to introduce this amazing woman by my side, rather than tonight,” He looked at the guests scattered around the room.

“Throw her to the wolves, why don’t you,” Polly was the first to comment through the silence, a scoff and a snicker following her words. “Pol...” Thomas sent her a warning glance. His patience wore thin and you couldn’t help but hide a giggle and pat his chest gently. ‘Relax darling’ You mutter to him. He takes a deep breath before he finally was able to introduce you, you earned a small round if applause and some whistling when he revealed that you were expecting.

“You might want to relax Tommy, it seems like you’re the one who’s pregnant,” His sister, Ada, joked as she approached you with a smile. You chuckled as he let out an exasperated sigh.

“Ada... ” He spoke. If she didn’t say anything, you wouldn’t have noticed how stressed he looked. But, the slightest bit of tone changed in him when he introduced you to his sister.

“This is (Y/n), (Y/n) this is-”

“Ada Thorne, his sister,” She interrupted as she held your hands in hers. She seemed the calmer, pleasant sibling out of the bunch, but you knew looks were deceiving when it came to Shelby women.

“Ada, it is so nice to finally meet you,” You smiled happily, feeling yourself instantly become more comfortable. “Oh I hope my children aren’t causing too much trouble for you?” You said, glancing at the four children playing games and entertaining each other.

“Oh? Those two are yours?” She asked. You hum and nod. “Oh of course not, they’re absolute angels!” You humbly smiled at her.

“They get along so well with Karl, you should consider letting them come over once in a while, Karl does need more friends his age and he seems to enjoy being around them,” She explained. You raised your brows in slight surprise.

“I- yes, yes that would be nice, they have many activities outside of school but how about this upcoming weekend?” You asked.

“Sounds perfect to me, I’ll have Tommy bring em over,” She winked. Before you could continue the conversation John then came up to give you a tight hug as he greeted you.

“Oh, John it’s so good to see you,” You laughed, he let you go as he looked down at you, holding your hands.

“Look at you, (Y/n) You look amazing, absolutely glowin’' Tommy rolled his eyes as he tried to get his younger brother away from you. You chuckled before looking off to the side where Esme stood. She stood a few feet away with her arms crossed. You attempted to give her a small wave, which she ignored and with a glare and a quick swig of alcohol, she walked off to find her husband.

You nod once and look up at Thomas as he returns to your side, placing his hand on your shoulders and giving them a reassuring squeeze, letting you know that you were doing just fine.

Better than himself.

After getting introduced to the rest of the guests, and Tommy's younger brother taking a noticeable liking to you, you were finally left to meet his aunt.

“It’s very nice to finally meet you, (Y/n)” She gave you a sharp smile as she held her hand out to you. You held her hand in yours as you shook her gloved hand.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you as well, Polly,” You smiled, feeling the blush rise to your face once you noticed Thomas wasn’t standing behind you like he was just a moment ago, instead he was jokingly roughing up Finn with John and Arthur. You turned to look back at Polly and chuckled nervously.

“May I?” She asked as she motioned for your stomach.

“Oh, no of course…Everyone seems to find joy in touching it these days,” You commented light-heartedly as she took a small breath and held her hands on your clothed stomach before looking up at you with a faltering smile.

“She’ll be a beautiful baby,” She told you with a calm voice.

“She?” You repeated. She nodded with a hum.

“You should name her ‘Evelyn’, she’ll be just as talented as her family,,” She told you confidently as you both glanced at your children as you overheard Elizabeth telling Ada and Linda about her part in the ballet and Henry telling them how he wanted to play in the orchestra when he gets older. Your heart swelled as you swallowed the lump in your throat. You looked back at Polly Gray.

“It’ll be a beautiful name in lights, don’t you think?” She smirked at you. You nodded.

‘Evelyn Shelby’

‘Evelyn (L/n)’

You thought, but deciding to keep your thoughts to yourself, in fear of offending anyone around you with the last name Shelby.

“I hope my nephew is behaving himself,” She arched an eyebrow at you.

“He is,” Your mind then wandered to the day you found out about Lizzie, and you wondered if he was still seeing her behind your back. but you quickly shook the suspicion away. “Since I’ve moved in, he’s been nothing but supportive and generous to my family…not to mention helpful with our little one coming soon,” It was only a little exaggerated, he was helpful and caring but sometimes you were lonely on those long days he was gone at work.

“How far are you?” She asked.

“A little over 21 weeks now,” You told her. She hummed.

“And how have you been running that bakery all on your own?”

It caught you off guard, you didn’t think she would know your career but you only assumed Thomas had probably mentioned it at some point, but then again why would he?

“Oh I’ve been just fine, it’s been a little difficult since I’ve gotten bigger but I’ll manage,” You shrug.

“And you prefer it that way? If not we are more than happy to provide some help for you until the baby comes,” She showed her concern.

“My mother did the same with me, I’m just following tradition, and I can’t bare parting from something I love doing everyday but when the time comes I promise I will get help,”

You hear a scoff from your right, as you see Esme roll her eyes and walk out of the room.

It wasn’t much longer until you were sitting at the dining table, Arthur pulling your chair for you since he was sitting next to you. It was the gentleman thing to do. Especially after Linda scolded him for not offering you, a pregnant woman, a seat in the first place.

“Thank you Arthur,” You gratefully smiled as you sat down in the chair, the pressure and pinching in your back slowly easing the more you rested in the cushioned chair. Tommy stood at the head of the table beside you as John sat across from you with Esme beside him. Her dark eyes barely shared a glare at you, but you were too busy noticing that the dining room was filled with chatting from all ends. You had never seen it so full and busy before, it suddenly made the room seem so much smaller than its actual grand size.

Tommy stood up, clearing his throat once again. Thanking his family and friends for joining and for the success of their company taking off after they started off from nothing but a small betting shop in Small Heath. At the end of his speech, everyone held up their drinks and cheered happily before dinner was officially served. The many conversations and loud talking threw you in a spin as they were asking you questions, trying to get to know you. You shared laughs with his siblings, which seemed to ease your tension as well as Tommy’s as he watched you smile and crack jokes. It was enough to make him feel confident in his relationship with you. It solidified his feelings for you and that you were in fact the one for him.

After dessert was finished, they were serving drinks in the drawing room once again. You took this chance to break away from the crowds and take a breather outside on the patio. You let out a small relaxed sigh from your nose as you felt the cool air hit your hot skin.

“Needed a break?” A smooth voice asked behind you. You turned to see Polly, watching in silence as she took a few steps to stand beside you, lighting a cigarette. You hastily shook your head when she offered you one from her cigarette case. She blew the smoke up towards the night sky.

“Are you using my nephew?” She asked. Her voice sounded so different from before. Her voice was deeper, calmer, yet intimidating. It made you shift a bit, having your loyalties questioned and being interrogated after the hectic night you had already endured.

“No…” You answered calmly, you only faced her again when she asked you another question.

“Did you get pregnant on purpose?” This time her tone was a bit more harsh. Then it finally clicked, she was asking all those questions before dinner to get some kind of answers out of you.

“It was purely a coincidence…I never planned on getting pregnant again, at least until I remarried,” You explained.

“You’re much younger than him and you already have two children to support on your own and you run a bakery all by yourself…kind of hard not to believe you don’t want something out of this relationship with him…Thomas is not the smartest when it comes to beautiful women,” She shook her head in disbelief. “Surely you must want something from him,”

You chuckled.

“I don’t need a man to get what I want…I am more than capable of getting what I desire on my own and I don’t need your nephews money to get it either,” You answered. “I don’t blame you for suspecting me of ill intentions…Anyone in their right mind would have some questions about a young woman starting a relationship with the front man of the Peaky Blinders, but there was a silver lining that got us to where we are today…”

You sighed, preparing your words carefully.

“I thought long and hard, if I wanted to keep her or not just for the sake of saving our careers and reputations but that small sliver of hope is what made us work it out in the end, and trust me I made this decision myself,”

She stared at you for a moment before slowly putting the cigarette to her lips. Tapping the ash into a glass tray.

“And did you know about Lizzie while you were fucking him?” She asked, a sly smirk slowly forming on her face, thinking she caught you. You swallow the words you were about to shout in defense.

“No...I left him when I found out that he had lied to me...to both of us,”

She hums. “And you still went back to him?” She questioned.

“What can I say? I adore him,” You answered honestly.

She stood close to you, holding one of your hands.

“I like you (Y/n), but trust me when I say this family is dangerous…we get ourselves into a lot of shit and I don’t want to see you and your family in the middle of the crossfire if Thomas fucks up,” You nodded in understanding.

“I know Polly…I intend to do right by your nephew,” You told her, looking into her eyes. She smiled slightly, creating small creases by her eyes, suddenly making her look warm and comforting.

“I know you will sweetheart, after all that he’s been through he needs a good woman by his side, don’t let him fuck it up,” She finished her cigarette and placing a hand on your cheek before she walked away to rejoin her family inside.

You let out the breath you didn’t realize you were holding. Relieved that you finally got through the much anticipated and dreaded family dinner, but still reeling from all of the pointed questions, scoffs and glares from Esme, suspicions of your intentions, and judgmental thoughts of your relationship with Thomas.

A small tear spilling from your eyes as the realization hit you.

The realization that you loved him.

More than you could ever imagine.

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies- Tommy Shelby

Chapter 1: ‘Misty Memory’

Warnings in this chapter: Alcohol consumption, hints at previous marriage/divorce

Masterlist

---

No one said being a single mother was easy.

You knew it would never be easy. You and your husband had recently divorced after being married for ten years. When you first met him you were sixteen and you were completely infatuated by the London man, who was at least four years older than you, but alas you won his heart the second he laid his eyes on you. When you turned seventeen you got married right away. He even moved to Birmingham for you because at the time you could not bare leaving your family just yet, and right away your marriage was consummated. You had your first daughter within that same year, Elizabeth was her name and she resembled her father with her blue-green eyes and tan skin. But you, she had your breath-taking smile. After having Elizabeth you were both happy and delighted to finally start your family but having a child at such a young age was not ideal, especially right after getting married, but it was inevitable.

Handling one child was easy enough, especially with the help of your family. Your parents home was just up the road, so help came easily whenever you needed it. But after witnessing the real dangers of Birmingham your husband decided to move back to London. Much to your dismay he thought it would be best if he had his daughter, his only daughter, grew up in a place that wasn't 'ridden with shit'. Even though you thought London was just as bad. Around two years later you found out you were pregnant again. Your second child and first son was born. Henry was a carbon copy of yourself. Everything down to your eyes, your nose, the way your skin blushes easily. He of course had your husbands dark hair and plump lips. After Henry was born you noticed how much harder it was to look after two children on your own. At the time, Elizabeth was just turning two and was begging for your attention at every burning second while simultaneously disobeying every every word, and Henry was still a newborn and cried for your attention and warmth. You were exhausted at the end of everyday and easily irritated. You could not keep a steady job for yourself for too long as to your husbands request to keep your family safe. You sat at home, alone most of the time, and cared for the screaming children.

When the two got a bit older, being a mother became easier, but it was nothing compared to the marriage you so desperately tried to fix. The drift was evident once you told him your were expecting Henry. For years the marriage was falling apart and by the time you had requested the divorce, the children were already old enough to eavesdrop in on your arguments, hearing the harsh things you both would shout at each other, and it riddled you with guilt knowing they experienced that.

It was the year 1926, and just a year ago you moved yourself back to Birmingham in a slightly better area than the one you grew up in. The children come to visit you every week or so after agreeing with your now ex-husband to trade them off between Birmingham and London.

You were quickly running through the muddy streets on the way to the schoolhouse, hoping your children weren't too late,

"Shit, come on Henry!" You call, holding their school satchels over your shoulder.

"I'm coming I'm coming!" The seven year old trailing behind and trying his best to catch up. Once you made it to the entrance of the school, you hand them their bags, kneeling down a bit to get a better look at their faces.

"Have a great day, your father is picking you up after school," You were slightly out of breath, holding their faces in your hands. "I'll pick you up next week, good-bye my loves," You say, finally catching your breath and standing up.

"Bye mum!" Elizabeth waves while holding her brothers hand.

"Bye mummy!" Henry flashes you a smile and trips over his feet as Elizabeth pulls him inside and through the doors. A heavy sigh leaves your mouth as you turn to walk back towards the shop you own. You were a baker, by far the best baker in Birmingham, and it was an extremely busy day, just as you had suspected. The closer it is to the holidays the more customers you got. Day by day they came in to purchase hot coffee or tea with a freshly baked pastry on the side. It was the middle of your shift, after the usual lunch rush, a familiar face decided to ease your tension and brighten up your day.

"Evening (y/n),"

"Esme, it's so great to see you!" You smile as you wipe your hands clean with a wet cloth and approach her. Esme was your closest friend and has known you the longest, ever since you were children. When she found out that you were back in Birmingham she was ecstatic and made the trip to visit you as often as she could.

"Had to visit my favorite baker in all of England," She laughed. You roll your eyes as you give her a tight hug, minding the flour on your apron.

"Right, almost didn't make it today," You shook your head as you locked the front door, flipping the handmade sign that stated, "Restocking pastries, be back in 1 hour". You pull out a chair and sat across from Esme, the small wooden table between you.

"What happened this time?" She asked with a sigh, as you quickly stood up to retrieve two cups for tea.

"He forgot to pick up the kids this morning," You said, trying to focus on not spilling the piping hot herbal tea. You took the light steps back to the table to set them down. She silently thanks you with a nod as she grabs the cup by the handle.

"I don't know what he's doing, but he's been so busy or so he claims...so busy he can't even remember to pick up his fucking kids, the kids he claimed he still wanted to see every week!" your voice elevated a bit and your brows stern as you angrily stare into your cup pf tea, the steam billowing lightly into the air.

"(Y/n), relax love you're going to make yourself sick again," Esme held your hand with a concerned look painted on her face.

"I know I'm sorry...," After taking a long deep breath you close your eyes, taking a small sip of the bitter tea.

"I know, it's not easy running from here to London and back with no help from him, especially when you have a bakery to run,"

"Sorry...um," You blinked and shook your head slightly. "What have you been up to?" You ask, a small smile slowly forming on your lips.

"Me family," She lets out a groan and rubs her temples.

"Oh? What did they say this time?" You quirk a brow and hold the cup up to your lips, taking an intriguing sip as you await her answer.

"They think I'm too 'wild'" She laughs. "Whatever the fuck that means...ah fuck 'em," You two shared a small laugh.

"They talk about getting me to marry but I would rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon," She joked.

"If the man is rich then you would not be complaining,"

"Rich and old...sooner or later he'd kick the bucket and I'd live happily as a widow with everything in my name!"

Your conversation with Esme ended shortly when you noticed a couple of potential customers checking the sign and walking away in disappointment.

"Shit, gotta get back to work," You stood up and went around the counter to retrieve a basket with a maroon colored cloth draped over it.

"Right, I'll be of then," Esme stood up as well and dusted herself off, looking up when you stood in front of her once again, handing her the basket.

"I made these for your family, I remembered to add more apple dumplings this time since you told me the littles favored them," She gasped, her eyes went wide as she lifted the cloth to look inside at the array of pastries you provided for her.

"Oh! Thank you, Love!" She cheered and pulled you into a tight hug.

"You get home safe, I'll see you soon?" You pulled away and held her arms.

"Ah, they'll love this...they always loved your treats, thank you so much...how would I ever replay-"

"No no shh," You hold a finger up to her lips, causing her to chuckle. "As long as you're my friend, you won't ever have to repay me Esme," She pouted before silently nodding, figuring it was useless to argue with you. When she took her leave you immediately got back to work and made sure to take the sign out of the window and unlock the doors so customers can come in, welcoming them in the warm and fuzzy setting compared to the harsh cold streets outside.

After you sold all of the baked goods you had set out and prepared the new ones to make in the morning, you locked up and went home. Your home was spacious of course but it felt so lonely without your children running around and wreaking havoc to fill up the space. You were sitting on your vanity chair, brushing out the curls in your hair and wiping off the access flour and sweat from your brow. With a heavy and extremely bored sigh, you bit the inside of your cheek. It was a Friday night after all. There weren't very many things to do as a single woman besides drinking at the pubs to meet possible suitors and there was one pub you have always wanted to go to.

The Garrison.

It was and infamous pub that had everyone buzzing about it ever since it opened. You heard so many stories and rumors about the place and the events that happen within it. Naturally, you just had to see it for yourself. You took a quick shower to freshen up and got yourself ready for the night out. Curling your hair and applying a new face of make-up. The rouge dusted your cheeks and stained your lips, the perfect shade of a blush red to match the perfect dress. It was a wine red shade and decorated in sequence and studs that shine under the light. Rolling up your stockings and clasping on your heels you take a look in the mirror at yourself. The pearl earrings and matching necklace were a tasteful touch and finally you threw your coat on and exited your home.

The moment you stepped through the doors you were met with drunken shouting, loud music, alcohol, and heavy cigar smoke. It took you a minute to take everything in completely. It took everything in you to not turn away and go home, but you decided to stay. You needed a break to enjoy yourself for once and you haven't been out to a pub in years.

You deserved a little fun here and there.

You pushed your way through the crowd of people, who were mostly men, to get an empty seat at the bar. The numerous intoxicated men fawning over your very existence, trying to take a peak at the new mysterious lady at The Garrison by herself of all places, and it certainly didn't go unnoticed by you. You turned a blind eye to it as it made your cheeks burn at the new found spot light and attention that fueled your confidence. Hurrying to an empty bar stool as you slip off your coat, it slid off your shoulders with ease as you were approached by a busy barmaid.

"What'll ya have, Love?" She asked. Her brunette hair tied into a messy up-do. You hesitate as your eyes scan the selection of alcohol behind her.

"Um..." In all honesty, you had no idea what to get. You weren't keen on drinking alcohol often.

"Have her try the whiskey, Mary," A deep voice says from your right. All you saw was the man's arm pointing aimlessly at the barmaid, just over your shoulder.

"Right, Mr. Shelby,"

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 11: ‘Good Intent’

Warnings in this chapter: 18+ (Minors DNI), Smut, some fluff at the end.

Masterlist

“I just wanted to apologize,”

He cleared his throat. Setting the porcelain teacup on the table as quietly as possible, but the clink of the ceramic on the wood was inevitable. You cocked your head to the side, slightly intrigued by his slightly uncharacteristic mannerisms. You waited for his next words, hoping he would at least have the decency to choose them wisely.

“I want you to know that I want to continue this relationship with you and I want to build this family...together,” His words were just as emotionless as ever, but something told you that he was being truthful. He hesitated, his eyes scanning down from your face to your hands. Your eyes softened, establishing that you had accepted his touch. He took his leather gloves off and held your hand in his. The roughness and warmth against your soft hand made you swallow the lump in your throat and instantly drop the harsh look in your eyes.

“I have bad habits, but you already knew that...I want to learn,” He paused to take a deep breath.

“I want to learn to be a good father and a better man...not just for you but for all of us,” He held your hand tightly, his mouth becoming dry the second he saw the look in your eyes. Even after he showed more emotion than he intended, your eyes were still ice cold and cautious.

“All of us?” You repeated. He nods, licking his lips slightly. “Even Elizabeth and Henry,” You stated out of curiosity. There was confusion that flashed in his eyes and then hesitation.

“Of course...” His eyes glazed with the slightest bit of gloss as he turned away from you. Your hands shook as he pulled away, and you bit your bottom lip slightly, to hold yourself from saying anything more.

You didn’t want to hurt him. You wanted to hear what else he had to say before you made your own decision.

You promised yourself that you would not cry, but you found keeping that promise was more difficult than you imagined, especially when your emotions were heightened and now the both of you were just so vulnerable in front of each other.

“I miss you so much, darling,” He said. His eyes scan down to your stomach once before looking back into your eyes, cautiously. It was like you were a wild animal, the second he made eye contact you would rip his throat out with your own teeth. But the softness returning to your eyes out him at ease. You felt like you looked like a mess, with your dress covered in flour and sugar and your hair nearly resembling a birds nest, Thomas still thought you looked absolutely gorgeous. You lift yourself out of the wooden chair without another word and stood before him. He stands as well, engulfing you in a tight embrace. His strong arms wrap around your waist, and you rested your head on his shoulder.

“I hate you...so much,” You cried into his neck, sniffling as you held him to you just as tight. You heard him chuckle before he kissed your temple, and soothing your disheveled hair.

“I know, sweetheart...I don’t blame you,” He spoke quietly. You pull away from him to look into his eyes. Those blue eyes that still glowed like glaciers, even in the dim light of the closed bakery. Your thumb ran over his cheekbone. Without waiting any longer, you took him firmly by the white collar of his shirt to pull him into a kiss. Your lips smashed into his in a desperate and rough attempt to fill in the gap between you. You got a taste of his familiarity, a taste you dearly and feverishly missed. You instantly pulled him into the back office, closing the door behind you. You sat yourself on the desk, pulling him closer as he stood between your legs. His rough hands slowly graze up your smooth legs and under your dress and you slip your hands under the lapels of his coat and forcefully pull it down his shoulders. He pulls away to set it on the chair behind you as you make haste in untying your apron and pulling your dress up to your thighs. Your legs spread just a little further as he used his fingers to tell just how wet you already were for him.

“Fuck,” He inhaled sharply as you unbuckled his belt and unzipped the fly on his slacks, breathing heavily as he moved your underwear to the side and using his hand on your lower back to bring you closer to the edge of the desk. He gives you one last look of confirmation, and you accepted. Keeping his eyes on you as he gently slipped himself inside of you. He shuttered and blinks, groaning with his mouth slightly agape. You had gasped as he slowly stretched you out. Your pleasure-filled eyes found their way back to his, your lips slightly parted to let him hear the sweetest moans he had ever heard. One of his hands slammed on the desk as the other dug into your lower back to control your movements. He began to pick up the pace, grunting profanities and praises in your name with each stroke. Your legs wrap around his waist and your arms clung to his broad shoulders, as you beg for him. If he wasn’t wearing his shirt you knew you would’ve drawn blood with how hard your nails were digging into him.

“I don’t know if I can last long enough-” He panted, meeting your eyes again. You shook your head, and reached a hand up to cup his face. “I don’t care, I just want you...I don’t care if I cum, I just want you feel you,”

But you were soon eating your own words as the pleasure was flooding your senses. Your mind was dizzy from the rapid thrusting and the noises of his cock slamming into you as you squeezed around him, this made him groan loudly in your ear. You shut your eyes tightly and rest your forehead on his shoulder as you felt yourself coming closer to your release.

“Ah, fuck Thomas,” You whine, coming closer and closer to your end. His lifts himself up to cup your face and kisses your deeply, muffling your moans. That very same hand slid off of your cheek to make contact with your clit. Within a matter if seconds, your thighs were shaking as he continues his motions. Just a few more thrusts to milk his own release into you. Hissing as he stopped his motions and rested his head on your shoulder, panting heavily as he brought his hand up, sticking his middle and ring fingers into his mouth to taste your sweet slick, the clear juices coating his fingers made you blush as he slipped them into his mouth. It was new to you, and it made you hot all over again. He slowly pulled himself out of you and stuffed himself back into his pants. You lean back o your hands as you both try to catch your breath. You used the discarded apron to clean up the mess in your thighs and the remaining puddle that formed in the desk, making a mental nose to properly clean it up when you had the chance. Thomas tiredly kisses your temple as he helps you off of the desk and steady yourself on your feet.

A calm couple of weeks had passed since you and Thomas reestablished your relationship. One morning Thomas suggested you fully moved into his Grand mansion, at first you had refused his offer for the time being. You were still able to work for the time being, so you wanted to be close enough to the Bakery. And the commute from Arrow House to your shop took well over half an hour. And much to his dismay, he still agreed as long as you were to see him when he wasn’t busy. Traveling to London and attending family meetings began to plague his life recently, and all he wanted was to see you to clear his head.

Like today, you kept yourself at the mansion while he took your kids shopping. Using the quiet alone time to drink tea and read a book in the study. But, your alone time was cut short at the noise of Henry excitingly calling for you. Hearing him search as many rooms as he could reach made you giggle, but you put an end to his search when you called out to him to let him know where you were located.

“Mum, I need to show you something!” He jumped as he ran to you.

“What is it?” You asked, setting the book down and folding the page to mark your spot.

“It’s a surprise, come on…And you have to close your eyes when we get outside,” He held your hand to help you stand. You laughed a bit as you smooth down your dress and follow behind him. And as promised, you closed your eyes and held your hand over to reassure your son that you in fact were not peaking.

“Okay, I can tell we’re outside, can I open my eyes yet?” You asked, taking small steps as Henry held your hand to guide you. You felt the plush grass under your shoes and the cooling breeze.

“Not yet!” Elizabeth shouted from a distance.

“Almost, wait a little,” He chuckled. You waited impatiently as he brought you a little further on the lawn.

“Okay, are you ready?” He asked in a chipper tone. You take a deep breath and nod with a confirming hum.

“Open your eyes!” He said as he held one of your hands. The other that was shielding your vision fell to your side but quickly flew back up to your mouth as you gasped.

“Oh my goodness!” You laughed happily as you looked up at Elizabeth smiling brightly as she sat on the saddle of a beautiful white horse, both of your children wearing the proper gear to protect themselves. Thomas stood beside her, holding the reigns as two other horses stood patiently on each side. One was an auburn color that had white patches on the bridge of its nose, stomach, and hooves while the other was a golden color with a shiny coat and mane. They were all breathtakingly beautiful.

“She’s a fast learner,” Thomas said as he handed her the reins.

“She gets it from her mother," You snickered with a wink. He chuckled in response as he came in close to you, kissing your cheek and his hand laying in your lower back.

"Are these for…" You pointed to the other horses as Henry began to pull you to get a closer look at the horses, which you were respectfully apprehensive about.

"Thomas got them for us," He told you as he guided your hand to place it upon the golden horse's nose. You smiled at Thomas and mouthed a silent 'Thank you'. Your eyes full of wonder as you brought your hands to pet the horse, saying hushed words of greeting and praise as your fingers rake through her mane.

Thomas found himself smiling at you and how beautiful you looked in the golden hour. He then looked up at Elizabeth as she tightly held the reins.

"Remember what I taught you," He told her as she slowly guided the horse to take a few steps further into the grassy field. "Got it?" He asked, trailing beside her. She nodded confidently as she lightly bit her lip to focus.

"Come on Henry, you're next," He said as he turned to Henry and helped him get ontop of the auburn horse. You watched them as Thomas instructed Henry on what to do. Henry then began to follow his sister down the field and towards the stables.

"You didn't have to do this," You told him, your tone was still showing gratitude, as he came to stand beside you, the both of you slowly trailing behind the duo to make sure they were safe and responsible.

"Think of it as a gift," He shrugged. You reached out to hold his hand.

"They're beautiful," You smiled. Thomas wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a close kiss before briefly pulling away.

"You're beautiful,"

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 8: ‘Cherry Wine’

Warnings in this chapter: More fluff ig.

Authors Note: I will attempt to upload another chapter this week since this one is a bit short, and more of a filler chapter but still important to the plot nonetheless.

Masterlist

---

You set the last of the plates on the table.

“Sorry it took some time, but it’s finally done,” You stated as you wipe your brow. Considering it was a last minute decision to impress, and for the fact you were running low on funds for the week, you settled for a simple but efficient dinner. You passed the plates around, and before you sat down you served your children a healthy portion of food.

“Thanks, it looks great mum,” Elizabeth smiled up at you.

“Thank you,” Henry said, grabbing his fork and stabbing it into the meat.

“Careful not to choke, darling,” You told him quietly as you pet his hair with your hand before sitting down next to Thomas. You glanced at him, looking a little less uncomfortable as he picked at his food, taking small bites here and there but mostly paying attention to the glass of wine you served him, nearly drinking it all in one go. You noticed that his plate was still nearly full of the food you had cooked, but you held your tongue. Knowing that he never ate much anyways but you were still thankful that he still agreed to join you. Thomas grabbed the bottle of wine to pour himself another glass, then reading the table before he set it down.

“Cerise Pinot Noir,” He spoke as he read the label. “French?” He asked. You weren’t sure just how much the bottle had cost, but you had it stored away for a couple of years. Your extended family from France had gifted it to you as a belated birthday gift.

“Can you speak French, Mr. Shelby?” Henry had asked after swallowing his food. Elizabeth kept her eyes averted low on her plate unless she was glancing at you or to grimace at her brother for eating too loudly.

“A bit yeah, I do,” Thomas nodded, clearing his throat. “Spent a bit of time in France during the war,” He added.

“Woah, you were in the war?” Henry asked in amazement. You shot him a small look and cleared your throat and when Henry looked at you, you slightly shook your head. ’Don’t push’

“I was…I could show you my metals one day if you’d like?” This caused Henry to nod ecstatically, and you to look at Thomas with slightly widened eyes, his response catching you off-guard. Most of the men tried to avoid talking about the war.

“We’ve been to France once, our cousins live there,” He said.

“You were too little to even remember,” Elizabeth commented in a snobby tone.

“So? It was still fun,” Henry shrugged sheepishly.

“I didn’t know you had family in France?” Thomas turned to you, asking you quietly as your children bickered back and forth.

“My cousin was in the war too, after the war was over he stayed in France because he got married…I rarely speak to them though,” You shook your head with a shrug.

“Can we go visit them again soon, mum? I want to see the farm again,” Henry asked, interrupting your conversation with Thomas. You turned to him and nodded.

“ I’ll give them a call soon, love,” You smiled, knowing that you definitely won’t be calling them any time soon. They were your distant cousins for a reason, and they didn’t taking kindly to your ex-husbands bold and unfiltered nature.

“I actually have a couple of animals at me home, Henry…I could show you those too next time your mum brings you over,” Thomas said, officially and permanently setting his fork down.

“Really? What kind of animals?” Your son inquired, shoving some more food in his mouth.

“Duck, geese, chickens…they run all over the yard,”

Henry giggled and nodded with glee.

“What about you, Elizabeth? Would you want to see them too?” You asked, noticing how quiet she had gotten. She looked at you then looked at Thomas, and with a quirk of her brow, she said, “No thanks. I don’t like farm animals,” Then proceeded to eat her dinner. You heavily sighed, about to apologize for her attitude, but Thomas spoke up first.

“Oh then you probably won’t like horses either, eh?” He asked. This caused Henry’s eyes to light up and practically pop out of his head. Elizabeth on the other had tried to hide her intrigued look.

“Hm…” She set her utensils down. “I’ll think about it,” She says. You hid your smile behind your napkin, knowing she had a weakness for horses. She rode one once when she was younger, with the assistance of your family in France, and she got to see them all over Birmingham so it was easy for her to get distracted when admiring them from afar.

“If you both want I can teach you how to ride a horse, one day when my schedule is free you can come to the stables and pick out the best ones,” Thomas smiled slightly. “If your mother allows it,” He added, his hand slipping under the table to interlock with yours.

“I think that would make for an interesting evening,”

Another month went by.

One day you had gotten a call from Esme, baring great news that she had gotten married. You were happy for her of course, but still overall shocked. Your reaction didn’t stem from the fact she got married, no definitely not. It was only when she told you she married a man she had never met before, but all she knew was that she was absolutely in love with him. You were even more surprised when you found out exactly who she married.

John Shelby.

A week after they had gotten married, they decided to celebrate. The four of you sat in the private room of The Garrison. Dressed as nicely as you could on such short notice, a loose fitting dress to hide the bump that started to grow with each passing week.

It was your first time meeting John, you knew he was a great match for Esme. Evidently enough, she was arranged to marry him in hopes to tame her wild behavior, but even you knew that he was just as rebellious as she was. After all of the stories Thomas had told you about him, you knew he was trouble. Even after a couple of drinks, John began to ask very pressing and personal questions.

“So, (y/n) when are you gonna marry my brother?” He asked with a devious smirk and mischief leaking from his words. You chuckled to hide your disbelief and take a much needed drink of water.

“Um…” You started, then glanced at Thomas beside you as he kept his cold eyes on his younger brother. Clearing his throat as he blew the smoke out of his mouth, making sure to blow it in the opposite direction of where you sat beside him.

“When the time is right, John,” He addressed in a scolding tone.

“Right…It’s beautiful, isn’t it Esme?” He asked his new wife with a drunken laugh as she nodded along.

“’opefully she won’t end up like the last one, eh Tommy?,” John shot his older brother a cold stare. The uncomfortable silence was you bit your lip and looked down.

“Did he tell you, (Y/n)?” He asked you. “Tommy got his last wife pregnant after barely knowin’ her and right after they got married she fucked off to America with his kid,” He spoke, eyeing you. You shift uncomfortably and Thomas glances at you as you swallow thickly and look up at John again, taking a deep breath to ease the nausea. Was this a test? To see if you were going to stick through it with him after his last wife? Or was it a way to see if you could handle the pressure? You had no idea, but you were glad Esme was there to break the silence.

“John,” Esme warned him quietly as she rubbed his arm. “That’s enough,” She soothed him.

“I mean, we all thought it was going to be a disaster from the start, but they held on for a lot longer than we thought,” His drunken smile couldn’t help but make you chuckle under your breath as the tension from Thomas’ corner grew thicker with each passing second.

“I mean, you two can fall in love with each other and the baby at the same time…it’ll be beautiful,” Esme said to ease the tension. She reached across the table to hold your hands as you nod in agreement.

“Of course...I wouldn’t imagine it any other way,”

You knew how it was going to go. You didn’t want to make it sound so technical but you found yourself becoming head over heels for Thomas Shelby every passing day. You had no way in telling of he began to feel the same way towards you. Yeah, the kind gestures could be a clear indication, but you knew how closed off Thomas was. And how slick men could be with their words. One day they would say they loved you and you were the light of their lives, but the next they hurt you in every possible way. So, in that case, neither of you had said it yet. And you were going to keep it that way until you knew for sure.

Was it love? You had no idea yet.

You reached your hand under the table and placed your hand on his, sensing his tense manor relax for a moment. You glanced at him and flashed him a small smile.

After meeting John, Esme had told you about the rest of the Shelby family. The ones you had dreaded to meet. Arthur, Ada, and Polly. They were as cut-throat as they could get.

You tried to hold off that day for as long as you could.

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 6: ‘Stolen Moments’

Warnings in this chapter: mentions of abortion, light angst, Tommy meeting the kid's lmao

Masterlist

---

The drive home was long, so you offered for him to stay.

It was the first time he had come inside of your home, and you were a bit strung out. Apprehensive on is thoughts of your home since it was nowhere near as grand and luxurious as his mansion.

You had walked ahead first, finding Esme sitting in the kitchen table, waiting for your return.

“Esme, hi,” You said hushed, getting her attention. She quickly stood, a bright smile n her face as she grabs her shawl.

“(Y/n), how’d it go?” She asked, wrapping it around her shoulders with a silent yawn. You point towards the entryway with your eyes and a mischievous smile. You put your finger up to your lips as she gasps.

“He’s here?” She whispered. You nod in excitement as you both quietly giggle, grinning eagerly as you held her hands.

“Are the kids asleep?” You asked. She nodded once again.

“Been out since nine,” She noted.

“Thank you so much...” You paused to hug her. “Come see me tomorrow so I can repay you,”

Without giving her a chance to object, you were already sneaking back to where Thomas was. Leading him up the flight of stairs into your bedroom. Esme had left herself out not long after your conversation with her had ended, she grinned to herself as she caught a glimpse of the gangster that followed behind you.

The morning sun had woken you up. The bright rays burned your still sleepy eyes, as the birds chirped and sang it made you feel thankful that you weren’t anywhere near the loud city. But, it slowly dawned on you that you had slept in. You quickly sit up and check the mahogany clock on your nightstand. Scolding yourself as you forgot to set your alarm to wake up early enough to get Thomas out of the house before your kids woke up.

‘Shit,’ You mumbled to yourself as you threw the covers off of your half-naked body. “Thomas,” You hear a sleepy groan in response.

“Thomas, wake up...” You tied your silk robe on and clipped your hair out of your face.

“Hm?” He hummed, his eyes still heavy from sleep as he saw your blurry figure rushing around the room to gather his things.

“My kids...they’ll be up soon,” You told him quietly, speaking too soon as you had already heard their footsteps on the wooden floors, followed by child-like banter.

“Fuck,” He sighed as he sat himself up and started getting dressed, pulling on his shirt first.

“Mum!” Elizabeth shouted in a sing-song tone as she banged on the door with her palm, angrily.

“H-Hold on, I’m getting dressed!” You called back as you held the door shut.

“We need to start doing this is a more methodical way, eh (Y/n)?” He whispered groggily in an annoyed tone as he buttoned up his shirt.

“Okay, yes we will I just-”

“I just think it would be better if I met them before the baby was born,” He inquired sarcastically, making direct eye-contact with you for a brief moment before turning to grab his jacket from the armchair. You close your mouth, not wanting to argue against him. A small part of you knew he was right.

“Mum!” Henry joined in, pestering you with their constant banging on the door and needy shouting.

“Kids, please!” You shouted in frustration. “Go to your room, I will be there in a moment!” You pleaded. Sighing as you turned towards Thomas again.

“Thomas…You will meet them, just when the time is right,”

“There’s a deadline, (Y/n),”

His words caused you to cross your arms over your chest and give him a stern look.

“I am not comfortable introducing you to my children right now,” Putting your foot down since he was being so persistent. He slips his shoes on and dusts off his coat.

“And I don’t commit to anything unless they can commit to me as well, you have just sixteen weeks-”

“Jesus Christ, Thomas we will talk about this another time, I promise…Just not now,” You whispered the last part. He blinks at you before turning his back to you once more.

“I will go into their room to get them ready, once you hear the door close please let yourself out,”

“Of course,” He turned to you again, a pistol in his hand that he shoved into the holster. You curse under your breath and roll your eyes in disdain.

“I can’t believe you,” You mutter, mostly to yourself, as you leave the bedroom. Closing the door behind you and walking into the children's shared room, preparing to get ready for their trip to go back to London after a week with you.

"Where is dad meeting us this time?” Elizabeth asked, you thought for a moment. Rushing to grab their bags.

“Train station I believe-”

Henry's voice then rang a set of words you wish you didn’t have to hear that morning.

“Mum…There’s a man in our house,”

You turned to see your son looking up at Thomas, who in turn, glances at the boy then back at you with wide-eyes, while your eyes were dawned with aggravation with a deadly stare.

The four of you sat at the kitchen table, your kids looking at Thomas in uncertainty. And for the first time, Thomas only felt the slightest bit nervous.

“Um…” You cleared your throat. “This is Thomas Shelby…Thomas this is Elizabeth and Henry,” You told him as you pet your children's heads as they stared blankly at him. His icy stare would often inflict intimidation and fear into whomever was at the opposing end, but the nonchalant stare of your children was somehow just as unsettling. They didn’t crack, not one bit, and Thomas quirked a brow at this.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” He nodded once with a grunt as he cleared his dry throat, itching for a cigarette. The silence caused you to speak up first.

“Um…Elizabeth loves to dance, isn’t that right?” You asked, she nodded looking at you then back to Thomas.

“Ballet, I assume?” Thomas asked. She acknowledged him with a slight smile.

“She’s at the top of her class and she’s got a role in Swan Lake this year,”

“Yeah…Our performance is coming up soon,” She spoke softly.

“I would love to be there, if that’s okay with you,” He asked formally. She thought for a moment then shrugged with a nod. You and Thomas share a slight smile, feeling accomplished.

“What about you, Henry? What do you like to do?” Thomas asked as he turned to look at the younger boy.

"I play the violin, but I reckon I'm not very good," He shyly said, looking off to the side.

"Yet...With enough practice I'm sure you'll perfect it one day," Thomas' words caused your heart to melt just a bit. You now knew he did have a soft spot for children, maybe this could work out in the end.

"Mum...We have to go," Elizabeth whispered.

"Oh...Oh right! Sorry, I have to take them to the train station, but thank you so much, Thomas," You stood up.

"Of course, I'll see you very soon," He ghosted a smile before he stood up as well as to let himself out, you refrained from giving him a goodbye kiss so as to not show too much affection in front of your children.

"...or never," Elizabeth mumbled under her breath, causing you to scold her.

"Enough of that, be nice," You handed her the small suitcase.

After you had dropped them off at the train station, you hurried to work. It was around noon by the time you had arrived thanks to Thomas' mishap this morning. You prepared the bread and pastries right away but it wasn’t until later in the day that the bakery was fully open. The flood of customers coming in and out overwhelmed you, but thankfully Esme eventually came in and convinced you to close early and have some time to talk alone and catch up with her on how your night with Thomas went. The two of you sat on one of the tables, pouring yourselves some hot tea as you scooted the chair in close.

"It seems like he's passed the first test, aye?" She asked, smiling. You only shrugged and plopped two cubes of sugar in your cup.

"Hardly, I mean, they were both fond of him to say the least, but you know how kids are when it comes to new people," You blew on your steaming tea before taking the first sip. It was bitter to you, causing you to grimace and add some more sugar. Esme gave you a strange glance, noticing the abnormal amounts of sugar you were adding, since you usually were usually quite fond of the bitterness of your black tea.

"(Y/N), can I ask the obvious question?" She hesitantly asked, her brows quivering a bit in a soft expression. 'Yes of course, Esme,' You told her.

"Why...why are you so opposed to gettin’ an-"

"Getting rid of it?...I'm not opposed, really," You corrected her.

"Then...why aren't you even considering it? Thomas has got tons of money, he can take you to a proper doctor," She reached a hand out on top of yours. You set your tea down.

"I am considering it,"

"It really doesn't seem like it, love," Her tone was more harsh this time, and you took notice of it almost immediately.

"I am, I want to make sure I am certain...before I go," You pressed your lips in a thin line as she looked at you, a tilt of her head and a quirk of her brow led you to believe that she did not believe you, not one bit. 'mh-hmm,' she hummed.

"Esme, you know where I stand on this, a woman's body is her own and she is allowed to make her own choice," Your voice was stern as you told her this.

"It really doesn't seem like you are..." She shook her head. You scoffed and sighed heavily before running a hand over your face.

"I've had one before...it was when I was young before I got married...It was with a boy from school that I was interested in but he didn't want any children so I went to a doctor...it was no big deal," That last part was a lie. You were only fifteen at the time and after you had it, in hopes of you and the boy staying together, he left. Convinced you to have it then broke your heart the second you were off of the local drugs they gave you.

"I just think it's different now that I have my kids...especially when I had them with someone that I loved as much as he loved me at the time...So, knowing what I know now, it's just more complicated," You spoke, taking another anxious sip of your tea as Esme watched you with judgment.

"What do you know now, (Y/n)?" She asked. You blinked at her before your lips turned up slightly.

"Elizabeth and Henry...My amazing children," You told her. It was quiet after that. Esme left the bakery shortly after, not liking the tension she had created between you two.

You on the other hand closed up the shop, cleaned, counted the money, and went back to your empty home.

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

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Blue Skies- Tommy Shelby

Chapter 4: ‘Falling For Forever’

Warnings in this chapter: Talk/mention of abortion, male manipulation, Tommy overall being an asshole, as per usual, and slight emetophobia (gagging).

Masterlist

---

It has only been one month.

One month exactly had passed since you last talked to Thomas Shelby. It was ultimately your final decision to cut ties with him once and for all after your one night together. You had to admit it that it was pure bliss and you had wished you could relive it over and over again. But, you knew this was a better choice. Oh how you came to regret it. In the late hours of the night you found yourself thinking about it. How could one man have this much of an affect on you? After one single drunken night you couldn’t stop thinking of him. Of course you’d never admit it to yourself that you missed him as a man but you definitely missed the way he held you, spoke to you…kissed you. His eyes, his voice, his body, his skilled rough hands…all of it. He was only the third man you had ever slept with and it was arguably the best sex you have ever had.

The school bell rings, jumping you back to reality and out of your own mind.

“Hi mum!” Elizabeth smiled as she and Henry held hands, skipping to you. You smiled and bent down to kiss their faces and caress their hair as it blew in the light breeze.

“Hi my loves, oh I missed you! How was school?” You asked as you stood up straight and held their hands in yours, Henry on the right and Elizabeth on the left, making your way back home. As they told you about your day, you smiled and listened, occasionally humming in affirmation that you were indeed listening. As they were distracting themselves with kicking stones along the street and picking up old bullet casing from the dirt, Henry sneaking some in his pockets to admire later, you lead them to the produce market. Since you were low on food and they were staying with you for the week that meant you had to stock up on groceries.

Back at your home, the two run inside ahead of you, putting their school bags on the hooks by the door. You slowly entered after them, slightly winded and nauseated. You sigh heavily as you place the bags of groceries on the kitchen table.

“Elizabeth, sweetheart?” You call. She walks into the kitchen, waiting for you to tell her what you need.

“Mind starting dinner? Henry, come help your sister!” You call, earning a groan from the hallway. “Just start boiling the water and cleaning the vegetables please?” You ask her in a hurry. Before you could hear her answer and Henry’s complaints, you hurry to the bathroom up the stairs in your room. Shutting the door behind you, you huddled over the toilet bowl, trying your hardest not to spill your breakfast. Your hand over your mouth and take several deep breaths. The nausea passes momentarily and you lean against the wall, dropping your hand and panting heavily. You groan and wipe the sweat from your brow.

“What the fuck?” You whisper to yourself. The nausea had fully passed but you were still shaken by the sudden feeling of sickness. You knew you weren’t sick but now that you think about it, you were feeling very fatigued for the past week or so. You bit your lip and subconsciously held your hand over your stomach. You knew your body better than anyone else. But to be sure, you reminded yourself to make an appointment to see your doctor soon.

“Mum! The water’s boilin’!” Elizabeth shouts from the kitchen. You stand with a sigh and make your way down to the kitchen to help finish dinner.

The next day, after you take the kids to school, you took a visit to the doctors office. The appointment was short so in no time you were back at the bakery just in time to set up and bake the pastries for the morning shift. It took almost a week for the doctors to get back to you. Each day leading up to this caused you to feel anxious, showing the obvious signs that you were waiting in anticipation for something. And Esme wasn’t the only one that noticed, your children did too. It was their last day with you before they went back to London with their father. It was Friday and you were dropping them off at school that morning.

“Okay my loves, I will pick you up next Friday…I love you so much,” You kissed the tops of their heads and handed them their bags.

“Love you, mum,” Henry said before going inside. Elizabeth held back for a moment.

“Mum?” She asked. You hummed. “Try not to worry…you’ll make yourself sick,” She told you. It was like she stole Esme’s words right out of her mouth. You chuckled nervously but soon smiled to hide it.

“I won't be my sweet girl, I promise…now go before you’re late,” You nodded towards the doors. She gave you one last hug before disappearing through those doors. Your smile faded into a worried frown, your brows creased and your lips formed into a tight line. You just tsked and turned to head to the bakery. The whole time you were waiting for the call. It was another busy day, but even the rushes throughout the evening weren’t enough to distract you, even making sure to keep the records low so you could hear the phone ring. You didn’t get the call until a little after lunch time. You made sure to leave the door locked and place the sign over the door. Picking up the phone in a hurry and calming your breathing to compose yourself.

“(Y/n) speaking,”

‘Fuck’

You begrudgingly trudged through the muddy streets of Small Heath. Your arms crossing over your chest as you stop in your tracks at the entrance of the Garrison. The only place you knew he would be at.

'I can't do this…' You thought to yourself. You want to just turn back and deal with it on your own. But another part of you was just begging you to go in and talk to him. You couldn't actually even tell if you really wanted to see him again or not. You shiver and let out a heavy sigh, your breath showing up like smoke in the cold air. You hated how the tavern had this alluring nature to it. It was almost pulling you in, forcing your feet to move before you could contemplate further.

You pushed through the doors, passing the usual drunk men and women to get to an empty seat at the bar. Too jittery to take a seat and far too nervous to stand, so you opted to stand. You figured your visit wouldn't take very long. The barmaid from before approached you.

"Hi dearie, nice to see you again…It's been a while," She smiles, whether it was fake or not, you couldn't care enough to decipher the difference.

"Yeah I um…" You sighed and shifted so you were half sitting on the stool. "I was busy," You answered somewhat honestly. You were in fact busy, but you also had no reason to come to a bar as a single woman. Especially after cutting all ties with one of the owners of said bar.

"Busy with the boss I presume?" She smirked. You stare at her with a confused glare.

"I- excuse me?" You asked, fully sitting on the chair. She let out a light chuckle.

"Thomas Shelby doesn't just bring girls to the back room to casually have drinks with…How long have you known 'em?" She asked, grabbing a short glass and filling it with ice. This new found information was enough to leave you speechless.

"O-oh…um," You shake your head. "Sorry, is he here? I need to talk to him," You ask the barmaid, who's name you nearly forgot. She pulls a strange look on her face, pouring the whiskey in the glass and setting it in front of you.

"It's urgent," You add, playing with the rings on your fingers, a nervous habit you had. She only nodded once before leaving the bar. The drink in front of you sloshed in the glass, glistening under the lights like honey-colored diamonds. You slightly push the glass away as she comes back into view.

"He's not here at this time…but wait a little longer he might show up later," She told you before leaving with an old rag in her hands to clean the tables with spilled alcohol and cigarette ash on them.

So, that's what you did. You waited for what seemed like hours, listening to the jazz music and laughter of the customers and watching the ice melt in the glass as people came and went throughout the night. Sitting in deep thought, rehearsing in your head what you were going to say when and if you saw him. Should you approach him first or wiat for him to notice you? Should you try to reason with him? Should you be demanding and cold-hearted or calm and collected?

Should you even tell him?

These questions plagued your mind, keeping you in the dark place within yourself that made you stare off into your drink in a somber daze. That was until the bar erupted in cheers. That could only mean one thing.

“Hey, sweetheart,” The barmaid tapped on the wooden bar with her hand to get your attention. You look up at her with wide eyes.

“He’s here,” She motioned towards the congregation room near the entrance, where the Shelby’s usually occupied. You only mod.

“Mind telling him that I need to talk to him?” You ask in a quiet, almost pleading tone.

“And tell him it’s ‘urgent’, got it,” She winked at you before she knocked on the small window that connected the bar to the small room. You stay in your seat, your hands shaking as you grip your dress tightly and your jaw clenched tight. You keep your eyes down at your drink and within a few moments in agonizing suspense, the door to the private room opens. You look towards him as he searches the bar, as handsome as ever. Once he made eye contact with you, your stomach felt light as your heart sank to the pit of your chest. Seeing him again, the dark blue suit and vibrant blue eyes made time slow around you as he slowly blinked and stalked towards you. The closer he got, his blue eyes came into view and took your breath away. Your body erupted in chills as you admired every detail of him.

To him, everyone around you turned into a blur. It was like you were the only one he saw. Your worried, beautiful face and delicate hands holding your dress. Your skin literally glowing under the low golden lights. Weight lifted off of his shoulders when he saw you. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he came closer to you. The fluttering you caused him to feel was paired with a feeling of guilt.

He figured you somehow found out about Lizzie and that was why you wanted to speak to him so urgently after cutting ties with him. It confused him as much as it excited him to see you again.

He’d be lying to himself if he denied the fact that he missed you.

“(Y/n),” He stood in front of you, the authorizing confidence radiating off of him.

“Thomas…I’m sorry to drop in like this but we need to talk,” You finally let go of your dress, trying to keep your own composure.

“That we do,” He sighs, holding his hand out, “Let’s walk?”

You nod and grab his hand to help you stand from the stool. Leaving your drink behind as he guided you through the doors and into the cold night The sun had set rather quickly, causing the air temperature to drop at least ten degrees. You hold your coat around your frame as you walk beside him.

“It’s nice to see you again, by the way,” You told him, your throat heavy and tight from the cold.

“It’s nice to see you too, (Y/n),” His gruff voice caused you to look up at him.

“How are you, Thomas?...Since the last time we talked,” He exhaled heavily. You sniffle and look straight ahead again. The factories were still busy with some workers as the smoke and fire flashed an orange hue to the street.

“I’m fine…,” He kept his answer short.

“Just fine?” You press, glancing at him.

“I guess I just missed our time together,” He kept his face stoic like always as he slowly walked beside you. This caused you to smile to yourself, half flattered from his words and half guilty for avoiding him all those weeks.

“How about yourself?” He asked. You only shrug, considering the circumstances.

“I’m fine as well,” You hesitated. It was quiet for another moment. You had to tell him. Your ears were ringing from the cold air and the tip of your nose was already a shade of red. You clear your throat.

“Thomas…there was actually something I really needed to tell you,” You started, taking a deep breath. He hummed, nodding a bit. The gravel and rocks crunching under your shoes as you walked further and further away from the pub.

“I do too-”

“Thomas I’m pregnant,”

It was like the world went silent for a whole minute. He stopped in his tracks a few steps ahead of you. Silent with his back turned to you.

“What?” Turning his head slightly to the side as if to hear you better. His side profile even gave away the amount of shock in his features.

“I-I’m pregnant,” You repeated, but your words caught in your throat. For the first time in months, a man caused fear and regret to roll up your spine and into your hands, causing them to momentarily go numb. The silent treatment he gave you just made your words start to spill out of your mouth like a stream.

“I am pregnant with your child and I already have two kids at home…I-” You just shut your mouth, shaking your head as your hair swayed a bit with the movements. Shutting up seemed like the only good option.

“I’m sorry…” Was the first thing he mumbled. It was so quiet you almost missed what he said. You took a few steps forward and stood beside him.

“My aunt,” He began, turning to face you. “She knows a good doctor that can help you,”

“What do you mean?” You were confused. Did he mean a family doctor to help you during the pregnancy or did he mean..

It suddenly clicked.

“No…I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do with it yet,”

“You don’t want to get rid of it?” He asked. It was as though that was the craziest idea ever.

“I don’t know Thomas, it's just…” You were slowly growing frustrated. This isn’t the way you wanted the conversation to go. Then again, you didn’t know what to expect. “I already have two kids of me own…this just complicates things…a lot,” You unfolded your arms, shoving them in the pockets of your coat to keep them warm.

“I’m sorry but I just thought you should know…” Was the last thing you said before he opened his cigarette box and placed one in his mouth before placing the metal box back in his coat pocket. Lighting it up and taking a rather heavy puff.

“Yeah this complicates things,” He repeated your own words, this time in a different tone. A harsher tone that made you cringe a bit.

‘Ouch’ You thought, it definitely stung.

“Just know I will be considering all of my options,”

“Options? Be specific.” He still hasn't looked at you. Not even a single glance since you told him.

“Whether I decide to…get rid of it or raise it by myself-”

“No, don’t say that…” He interrupted you.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m just as guilty…I have my own shit troubling me but I don’t want to be a shit father,” It was sweet in hindsight but you knew deep down he was only saying that because he felt obligated. You only met him once but you knew deep down he was not being genuine.

“No, I’m not asking you to be a father, Thomas,” You snapped back. He finally looked at you, the cigarette now in between his fingers as he stared at you in disbelief. He wiped his mouth with his gloved fingers.

“If I'm being honest, I really don’t like how this conversation is going,” He shook his head, turning his back to you again. You scoffed and bit your lip.

“Neither do I,” You shook your own head and turned the opposite direction to leave him. But suddenly a hand grabbed your arm, not rough enough to leave a bruise but just enough to not let you slip away.

“Listen, tell me the truth…did you do this on purpose? Eh? Is it even really mine?” He asked quickly. You stopped in your tracks and glared at him, your mount agape in surprise that he would even ask such things.

“Oh fuck you,” You growl before taking off and walking away from him. He caught up tp you once again.

“Answer me, (Y/n),” He demanded in urgency. You groaned.

“Jesus fucking- No Thomas I did not do it on purpose and yes it is yours!” You shouted, your voice raising a few octaves due to the pent up anger you held.

“This was a mistake, I was drunk-”

“So was I, or did you forget?”

“From what I remember, you didn’t have as much to drink as I did,”

“Are you joking? That was the first time in two years I had more to drink than two glasses of wine at a time, of course I was fucking blasted!”

The two of you seemed to argue back and forth as you trudged down the street aimlessly.

"This is going to fuck up your entire life, eh?” The older man stopped you, motioning with his hand that held the cigarette as he talked. You stubbornly crossed your arms again and glared up at him, forgetting the cold weather around you as the anger and rage boiling inside of you was enough to warm you up.

“Because no one in their right mind would want to be with a lonely mother with three kids from Birmingham,,”

The worst part was, that deep down you knew he was right. It was the harsh truth. His words struck you hard and the tears glossed your eyes. You nodded in silence.

“Hm…” You chuckled quietly. “Alright,” He sensed your impending anger, causing him to slump his shoulders a bit and sigh in defeat.

“(Y/n)-” You held your hand up to stop him.

“I knew you had issues, Thomas Shelby but I didn’t know you were a fucking sociopath!” You paused, “I should’ve known not to get involved with a man like you,” Your words were spitting venom at him as you took off walking again. He called your name. Once, twice, and on the third time he caught up to you. Bringing you into his embrace. It was warm. Warmer than you had imagined.

“I apologize…okay? I’m sorry, (Y/n),” You tried to push him again but the more you fought him, the tighter he held you. The tears you desperately tried to hold back were finally spilling down your red hot cheeks and into his expensive coat.

‘I hope my mascara ruins it,’ You bitterly thought. Your fighting has ceased and he exhales heavily.

“Let’s just talk..” He lifted your chin, his cigarette long gone as he wiped the tears from your face with his cold, rough, thumb. You sniffled again.

“Okay” You mumbled.

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

Text

Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 5: ‘Off to the Races’

Warnings in this chapter: Mentions of abortion, mention of divorce, Fluff (ig lol)

Masterlist

---

And so, you talked.

The slow walk through the area gave you two enough time to have a proper discussion. You had circled back to the pub, both struggling to stay warm at this point, and Thomas offered to hold your hand in his. You were hesitant at first and he honestly couldn’t blame you. Only at that point did he realize that the things he said to you were more than unnecessarily harsh, and he just wished he had it in him to properly apologize. You saw that he was making an effort to let you know that he wanted to work it out with you. The second your cold hand fell into his, it was like nothing else mattered. The words you had both shouted at each other were quickly forgotten when he pulled you into a heated kiss.

The next morning, you were tangled in the warm sheets of his bed. Wearing nothing but one of his white undershirts. The sleeves reached longer down your wrists and the neckline exposed some of your shoulder and collarbone. You rested your head on your hands as you gazed at him, his tired face wore the smallest ghost of a smile as he made eye contact with you.

“You told me you had two kids...were you married before?” He asked. You hummed in response.

“Just about ten years,” You reached one of your hands to hold his, examining the calluses on his palms, a clear indication that you wanted a distraction from the topic. He raised his brows a bit.

“Christ,” He muttered. He was surprised. Not that you were married, but that you married quite young. You chuckled quietly through your nose before changing the subject. You turned to lay on your stomach.

“And what about you?” You ask. He hums as he turns to reach for a cigarette on the bedside table.

“Were you married?” He turned to face you with the lit stick in between his lips. His brows slightly crease as he looks at you, with a small sigh he turns his head up towards the ceiling to blow out the smoke.

“I was...briefly,” He says. His voice and expression gave you the impression that his thoughts were going elsewhere.

“And…where is she now?” You curiously asked. You then quickly bit your tongue, regretting the question as soon as it slipped past your lips.

“I-I’m sorry, I forget myself don’t know why I asked-” You quickly spoke, use one of your hands to cover your face. Thomas was silent for a few seconds before answering.

"She lives in America now,"

You stayed quiet, wondering if you went too far. But despite your worry, he continued.

“We met when she was a barmaid at me pub…she worked as an undercover agent for the police, she was told to get close to me but we fell in love and one day she left…years later she came back to visit me and I got her pregnant, apparently she was already married to a man in New York," He paused to take a long drag from his cigarette. You sat up on your elbows, wondering if it was a stressful topic to talk about.

"She told me she still loved me after all those years and we got married...after the divorce, she took my boy and went back to New York, I haven't seen either of them since...." His voice drifted off a bit. You searched his face for any kind of remorse, but you were met with an exhausted look in his deep-set eyes.

“We don’t know much about each other,” You told him. He deeply chuckled.

“I never would have guessed you had a soft spot for kids,” You assumed. He slightly nods.

"Always have...but I suppose we'll never know if we don't try," He shrugged. His words caused you to furrow your brows a bit in confusion.

“I thought you were going to talk me out of this,” You tilt your head.

“You should reconsider your options,” He said, putting the cigarette out and facing you again. You tsked.

“I am Thomas…I am considering having the baby it’s just-” Your voice and eyes soften.

“Then consider having the baby with me,”

The silence that followed was daunting. Again, his words left you speechless. Thomas Shelby was an enigma and he continuously threw you for a loop with every word he told you within the last forty minutes. You were here on a whim…to bluntly state it. You were there to have sex with him not to discuss having a child together. Especially so early into your so-called ‘relationship’, if you could even call it that. You smiled at him and laughed quietly.

Part of you didn’t want to think so negatively about the situation, but you couldn’t help but feel like he only wanted you to have the baby so he can know what it was like to be a father after his own was taken away from him. You knew it was a bit selfish of you to think this way about him, but Thomas Shelby was a selfish person. You only noticed the sun was now rising as you glances out the window. You threw the covers off with a sigh.

“I have to go,” You hopped out of the bed and pulled his shirt over your head, and laid it on the chair as you got dressed.

"I'm being serious (Y/n)," He called as he also got out of the bed to get dressed.

"I know...I have to get to work, I can't be late again," You told him as you pulled the dress over your silk slip.

"Let me take you to dinner,"

You stood up straight and looked at him.

"Are you asking me or telling me?" You joked, walking past him to retrieve your shoes.

"Both, just go out with me this Friday night," He gripped your hips from behind as he whispered into your ear, causing a shiver to crawl up your spine.

"You're serious?" You asked.

"It's the least I can do...," He told you as he buttoned his shirt.

"I have the kids that day, I'll have to get someone to watch them," you said in disappointment, knowing babysitters don't come as easily anymore. Which is why you opted to not go out while you had them. You thought for a moment and turned to place your arms on his shoulders.

"I can get you someone, don't worry about it eh?"

You nodded again, hiding your smile as you kissed him passionately.

‘"Friday," you repeated, turning away from him to grab your purse and strutting out of the bedroom to take your leave.

In all honesty you weren't sure how this was going to go. How do people start getting to know each other after they've had sex and are possibly expecting a child? You couldn't believe he wanted to actually go through with this with you. A complete stranger. That line he told you the night before about not wanting to be a shit father made more sense to you now. You would feel bad for him if he wasn't so confused with what he wanted from you. Last Night he wanted you to get rid of it and accused you of using him for money and today he's wanted to go all in with starting a family and offering to take you to dinner. And besides what he did for work, maybe just maybe you wanted to give him a chance. Maybe it’ll even work out in your favor. But there was no way of telling what your future holds just yet.

That same week, Esme paid you a visit at work. You had told her about your date and she was absolutely over the moon for you. She seemed more excited for the date than you did. But, you expressed that Thomas had provided a sitter for Friday night. Neither of you knew who he would send, so Esme offered to keep your children safe in her own care.

“I am just glad you asked for help…you never do,” She joked, causing you to sarcastically laugh and roll your eyes.

When that day came, you were dressed nicely. Wearing a nice emerald dress you had owned for years now, originally wearing it years ago for one of your anniversary dinners. It was something you bought yourself, in hopes to impress your ex-husband. It worked wonders, therefore you hoped it worked just as well on Thomas. Paired with a neck full of pearls, black satin heels, and your favorite coat. You were ready for your dinner with Thomas.

“Mum! Someone’s at the door!” Elizabeth shouted from downstairs. You quickly clasped your earrings on.

“Who is it?!” You shouted back.

“Aunt Esme!” You heard them shout in unison after the door clicked open. You let out a small laugh as you walked down the stairs, greeting your friend with a hug and a small kiss on the cheek.

“Please behave for your Aunt Esme, or else I’m not bringing you any pie home on Monday,” You light-heartedly threaten as you wrap your coat around your frame.

“Oh, they’re always good for me, aren’t ya?” She stood behind them, as she placed a comforting hand on their shoulders. You knew your children well enough that they didn’t take kindly to strangers, so of course you’d rather have someone familiar to watch over them for the night.

“Dinner’s in the oven, then reading and bath time after dinner then bed by nine…okay?” Your friend approached you, placing reassuring hands on your shoulders.

“(Y/n)…Love, I can handle this,” She smiled. You nodded and sighed heavily. This was the first time you had someone else besides yourself watch them. You weren’t so sure about your ex-husband but you always hoped he was the only one watching over them.

“Of course…I know, I’m sorry I trust you,” You paused and turned to your children who were sitting on the couch, playing with their toys. “I love you, I won’t be home too late,”

Stepping outside, you saw Thomas. Standing in front of his Bentley, wearing a nice suit and long coat to keep him warm from the cold weather.

"Evening Thomas," You stood in front of him, not being able to contain your smile. He just looked so handsome.

"You look nice," He smiled. You bite your lip and look to the ground, bashfully. You hadn't been on a proper date in years, it all felt so new to you. Although you weren’t the type to easily blush at a man's advances, his light flirting made your stomach flutter with butterflies. It was either that or the baby growing inside of you making you nauseated but you liked to imagine that it was all him.

He opened the passenger door to let you in, closing the door behind you and getting in the drivers side. The sun was still high, but you could barely tell on account of the fog and smoke in the air. He took you to the race track first. Granted, it was a bit late in the evening but the last bit of the races you were able to see were alluring and thrilling. You now knew why the rich loved betting on horses. After the races, he took you to a luxurious restaurant, just outside of the city. The lights were painting the interior walls a golden color and everyone dining were drinking champagne and wine while wearing diamonds that reflected the light and shine like the very stars in the sky. It took your breath away. Seated at the finest table for two, per Thomas’ request, you had to simply take it all in. Excitement was obvious in your face. The conversations you had were something that you’d remember for the rest of your life. It was a sophisticated talk amongst adults, but you felt like a teenager again, giddy with joy that you were spending time with a boy you were interested in. As much as you tried to force those feelings down, the more you spent time with him, the harder it was to actually push them away.

After dinner, he decided that the date wasn’t over just yet. You had asked him where he was taking you but all he said was: 'somewhere special'. It was a vague answer but it was enough to have your mind wondering as you watched the scenery pass by. The sky was setting now and the foggy streets had passed and merged into the forest area with tall trees. Lush with green grass and trees.

You sat beside him on a large rock as he made a fire to keep you both warm.

"It's beautiful," You absently spoke as your eyes danced around the area. "Do you always come here?" You asked, turning to look at him. The light from the fire causes a glow to form on both of your faces, making his blue eyes look darker than normal.

"Before the war I used to come here, clear my head from my troubles...I haven't been here in a very long time," He spoke, chewing on mint leaves as he slipped his leather gloves off. You nodded and crossed your legs, turning them towards him. It was quiet for a moment. You almost forgot that you were practically strangers.

"Tell me about yourself, (Y/n)…" he calmly requested. You shifted a bit and hummed.

"Well... for starters I have a baby growing inside of me- your baby," You corrected yourself. "And I don't even know your middle name," you chuckled.

"Michael," he spoke. You hummed and nodded in acknowledgment.

"(Y/m/n)," You responded with your own.

"Where did you grow up?" He asked.

"Here in Birmingham actually, but I spent around eight years in London after my first was born,"

He seemed taken aback by this. How can someone like you be from Birmingham? The women in Birmingham were beautiful, sure, but they always had a cut-throat aura around them that made everyone fear them. Not you, you felt safe. You felt like home, not just to him but anyone you came across.

"Um..." You thought, "Are you close with your family?" You asked. He nodded.

"Too fuckin' close sometimes," He sighs as he takes out a cigarette.

"How about you?" He asked, arching a brow as he lit the stick in the fire before putting it up to his lips. You wore a content grin on your face and shook your head.

"No," you simply answered as you turned your head away to look into the orange and yellow flames.

"You don't talk to your parents?" He asked. Choking down the guilt as you shook your head again.

"No one...the only real family I have now is the one I started myself, and even then I only see them half of the time," you shrugged. "But, every time I see them I try to make it count for all of the time I lost,"

"You're a really good mother, (Y/n)" He reassured you. You flashed him an amused smile.

"Thank you," You blushed. He reached his hands out to you, palms on your jaw and fingers in your hair. His hands were rough and cold but you didn't care. He tossed the smoked-out cigarette into the fire as he pulled you into a kiss. It was just a light kiss, one that would have had you swooning if it was under other circumstances.

"You're really considering having it?" He asked as he pulled away. Your foreheads are touching.

"I honestly haven't decided yet, Thomas..." You were the first to pull away.

"What are you going to do?" He asked. You leaned back on your arms and looked up at the sky. Raising your brows for a moment.

"I don't know what we're going to do," You shrugged. You looked at him again, and he kissed you once more.

We're.

You didn't notice you said it until afterwards. But you were glad you did.

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 1 year

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 10: ‘Hold Me, Touch Me, Love Me’

Warnings in this chapter: Lots of emotions, confrontation, hurt/comfort, some fluff. (nothing too crazy)

Masterlist

---

Your fist frantically knocked at the front door of the home that now belonged to the man you used to love.

Grasping the handkerchief in your hands, squeezing and twisting it to help ease the anxious pit that formed in her chest. The heavy footsteps approached the door as your heart began to pound, louder and stronger in your ears than ever before. A muffled voice grumbled profanities about how late it was in the night.

“Now who the fuck is knockin’ on me door now- oh...” The tall man stared at you with an unreadable expression on his face. He looked so different to you now, compared to the last time you laid eyes on him. He was bigger now, more muscles sculpted his arms, a thick beard covered most of his face now, and a jaded look in his intimidating eyes. Anyone else would’ve run for the hills.

But not you. That was a look you fell in love with.

“Well, isn’t this a fucken’ surprise,” He hummed as he looked you up and down, a glint of pity and confusion flashed behind his eyes, for just a moment. “Shalom, (Y/n),” He greeted bluntly with a hint of sarcasm.

“Hi Aflie,” You spoke meekly in a hurry. Standing his ground as he observed you with the most indifferent and pitiful look. Like he didn’t care that you were there, like he had better things to worry about than his pregnant ex-wife showing up unannounced at his flat in the middle of the night. He ‘tsked’ and leaned against the doorway.

“Okay, (Y/n), what are ya doin’ ‘ere?” He asked, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows. You opened your mouth to speak, but feeling the lump in your throat made you close your mouth quickly. He raised his brows a bit, waiting for you to continue. You cleared your throat.

“I’m so sorry, I...I didn’t get to hug the kids goodbye so...: You told him. Your voice still low and quiet as to not disturb the sleeping children in the house. Afraid that if you spoke up too soon you would break down hastily. You heard him sigh heavily. “I just want to come in,” You added.

“The kids...they’re sleepin’, yeah?-”

“I know, I know I just want to see ‘em...please?” You entreated, desperate tears brimming your eyes. Alfie looked at your figure, growing more impatient and even slightly annoyed with your persistent request.

“Right, are you just ‘ere for ‘em or are you just ‘ere for you?” He paused to cross his arms. “Ya know, from the looks of it, ya look like you’ve had a rough night, you can’t come all the way to me home and take the time away I have with the kids just ‘cause you’re fucken’ sad, alright?” The condescending tone of his voice made you want to scream.

“Alfie,” you scoffed, shaking your head. You sniffled and looked down at your shaky hands. Alfie rolled his head a bit before he stopped to look behind him, then peaking to look at the empty Camden Town street, his gaze setting on you before his large hands reached out to guide you inside. He grimaced, uncomfortable and honestly a little displeased.

"Right...come in, just for a moment, calm the fuck down," He mumbled, closing the door behind you and guiding you down the entry to the livingroom.

A comforting fire was burning through the logs in the fireplace, a glass of dark rum sat on the wooden table, several cigars and papers scattered on his desk. The house looked a little more disorderly than you had initially remembered, and it had a completely different feel to it. Opposed to when you lived there. The woman's touch you left was officially gone the second you had moved out.

You sat down on the couch, but Alfie stood beside you awkwardly as he watched you stare into the fire with an exhausted and drained face. The woman he once married was almost unrecognizable. It pained him just slightly to see your once bright and full face that used to laugh and smile, slowly turning you as pale as a ghost. It was like you were a shell before him.

"I'm sorry," you whimpered lowly. He 'tsked' again as you walked past him and sat yourself on the couch. He joined you, hesitant to wrap an arm around your shoulders.

“It’s alright,” He muttered as he brought your head to rest on his shoulder. Bringing your feet up to curl into a ball as he held you close.

You cried. Sobbed. Cursed the Shelby man's name as you clung onto his shirt. He rubbed your back in a comforting attempt to soothe you. Staying quiet and listening to your muffled rambles of cries.

“Listen, (y/n) It’s okay…” He brought your attention back to reality as he held your hand in his. After being met with silence, he continued. Grazing this thumb over the top of your hand.

"I'm so sorry, Alfie," you told him. Sorry for barging in or sorry for the troubles before the split? He had no idea what exactly you were apologizing for. All of it, he had assumed. But he couldn't hold any of that against you.

Not while in your condition.

“I still care about ya…I mean, fucken’ hell we were married for ten fucken’ years,” He told you in a hushed voice.

“All these years...I thought you hated me...Our entire marriage we fought, and it all went to shit,” you said softly. He hummed and shook his head slowly.

"I could never hate you (y/n)," He confirmed. “Even if ya decided to have that lil twat as a boyfriend,”

You chuckled, sitting up and finally looking at him. Your eyes were red and slightly puffy, and your face was flushed. That all went away when you had the courage to speak again.

“We...we aren’t...” You started, but the good thing about Alfie was that he always seemed to know what you were going to say. You didn’t have to explain further than those words. He nods slowly before shifting in his seat.

“Listen to me, alright? Thomas Shelby is not a good man, he’s got a lot of blood on his hands,” He warned you. You scoffed.

“So do you, from what I've heard…” You shot back. Alfie managed to keep his work-life a secret from you for this long, so of course you were seething when you found out. The truth finally came to the light, but as long as he continued to keep his work-life away from your children, then you decided not to nag him about it and make a fuss out of it. He knew what he was doing. He was never a reckless man. Alfie would rather put himself in harms way than have his family hurt or killed. But your words caused him to shrug dismissively.

“How do you even know Thomas?... And furthermore, how did you know about him and I?” You asked.

“The kids were talkin’ about some rich lil fuck that promised to teach em how to ride horses, wasn’t hard to put the pieces together...Bastard lovee his horses more than his own family," He leaned forward to retrieve the glass of rum then leaned back in the couch, making himself comfortable, still a comforting hand laid on top of yours as your hands sat on your lap.

“As for your first question, Tommy and I are…business partners,” He took a sip before exhaling. “More or less...But that family is full of fucking animals…Now, if you decide to keep that baby, just know what you’re getting yourself into,”

“I can imagine…”

“He’s the devil, just be careful…If he puts you or the kids in any danger, I will hear about it and I will kill him myself,” He told you. “I promise you that,”

The talk with Alfie helped you pull yourself together again. After not speaking to him for so long, you strangely found comfort with him again. It made you remember why you fell so hard in love with him all those years ago. You stayed in London that night. You stayed in his bed, but there was not other exchange than the comfort you craved and he happily provided that for you. Reassuring you that everything was going to be okay as he held you close, tightly as if he was scared you would shatter before his eyes. You left the next morning before the children woke up, and thanks to Alfie, got you a cab home.

You believed him, of course. He always claimed that his reading glasses were made by a magician that gave him the ability to see into the future.

And sometimes he was right.

A couple of days later, you were back on track and closing up the bakery after a long and busy day of serving mint juleps, ambrosia salad, fruit tarts, and lemon berry pound cakes. Popular dishes you served during the spring. Locking the front door as you begin to wipe down the tables and turn the volume up on the records as they play slow jazz. You then wipe your hands on the old apron around your waist and grab the broom to sweep. You forgot how much being pregnant really tired you out so quickly. Taking a deep breath to get some air back into your lungs and wiping the small amount of perspiration from your brow.

A knock at the door made you jump, startled as you peer wide-eyed at the glass doors to see Thomas standing outside. Wearing his usual coat and peaked cap, his gloved hand falling into his pockets as he looked at you with the same cold expression, only this time he had the slightest hint of sorrow or remorse. More exhausted and gaunt looking than you remembered.

You were tempted to close the blinds and tell him to fuck off, but something in him seemed apologetic. And a part of you knew he wouldn’t stop until he told you what he needed to tell you. So, instead of turning him away like your subconscious was screaming at you to do, you accepted him and begrudgingly unlocked the door, opening it as the bell at the top rang with the door's movements. You held the door open and leaned on the frame as you surveyed him. But, your focus stopped at his eyes. Curse him for his alluring, prideful, enchanting eyes.

“Can I come in?” He requested in a calm voice. You only nod in silence, still angry with him. He could tell you were angry. You kept your distance from him and something in your eyes changed when you looked at him. Instead of the elated infatuation it was replaced with seething irate. He was cautious around you and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t the least bit afraid of you at the moment. At this point, you grew impatient with his presence and your reactions were unpredictable but he was taking his chances.

“Sit down, I’ll grab us something to drink,” You commanded in a cold tone.

“I’m fine thank you-”

“If this conversation is really going to happen tonight, I am going to need to drink something to keep me calm,” You had disappeared behind the swinging door. Tommy stared in the direction where you had walked off and ran his tongue over his bottom lip quickly before reaching to take his cap off and set it on the small wooden table. He’s never been in the bakery before, and just looking at the empty state of it, he knew why it was so popular. It was small enough for one person to run. It was clean and polished. Photos of your family were nailed to the walls behind the counter. Flowers decorated some of the empty shelves. Tables were still in wonderful condition that looked almost new if it weren’t for some dents on the top. The large windows were filled with shelves and cake dishes that were empty at the moment after having sold them. Even the front of the store was painted in a cool mint color to give a contrast to the cobble and dirt streets with your last name printed in big bold letters. He never knew how seriously you took your business, he knew you enjoyed it but he figured it was more of a hobby than something you actually loved to do.

Just when you almost caught him gazing at the photos of your family and the photos of when you were younger, you emerged from the kitchen, holding a tray with your drinks. It was just some tea, but yours was a calming blend of lavender and chamomile. You set the cups on the table before placing the tray on the counter. You ignored his unsatisfied glance at the tea cup and just placed some honey in your own cup. Stir it a couple of times before bringing it up to your lips.

“Do you have-”

“No,” You bluntly stated before leaning back in the wooden chair and rubbing your hand over your stomach that grew just the tiniest bit. Your talk with Alfie really helped you get into that cold-hearted headspace.

“Now…what do you want?”

---

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cosmic-crybaby · 8 months

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 17: 'On My Own Again'

Warnings In This Chapter: Nothing much, just some fluff. Lowkey filler chapter.

Masterlist:

---

When you awoke the next morning, you were in your bed alone.

The first thing you remembered was the fight you had the night before. And just how scary it had gotten.

Looking around the room, not used to how lackluster it all looked compared to Thomas’ room. The only thing you really missed was the luxury of sleeping in a large bed with only the finest silk sheets to keep you warm at night. You didn’t miss Thomas. Not one bit after last night. Every time he ran across your mind, you felt a small kick to your side, sometimes you even felt nauseated. However, the somber feeling resonated within your chest as the tears threatened to fall and soak the pillow under your cheek. You had made a call to Alfie that morning, asking to take the children a few days earlier than usual so they wouldn’t have to see you in your condition. Alfie didn’t ask any questions, not having to even ponder what had happened, as the sadness in your voice when you said his name gave it all away. You tried your best to stay strong in front of your children when they were picked up. Elizabeth noticed right away, but didn’t say a word, as to not worry her younger brother.

"I love you, mum..." She whispered to you, her hand squeezing yours. Within a few moments, they were gone to London. You had locked yourself in your room, not bothering to go to work that day. You rewarded yourself with a day off, you needed it.

Rubbing a comforting hand over your stomach, knowing the baby might feel all of the emotions you were going through. It was an attempt to soothe it and bring it the comfort you didn’t have at the moment. The more you sat in your silence, the more you began to realize something about your relationship with Thomas. For the most part, he showed you how to love again. Showed you how to remember after all those years of almost forgetting what love was. But Thomas Shelby also brought you so much pain and anger. You didn’t expect Thomas to hurt you the way he did, but you knew deep down that you were thinking too highly of him. This made you feel even more upset with yourself, knowing that Esme was just trying to warn you. But of course, you overlooked them.

Your resentment for Tommy dominated the fact that the both of you did the ten things you had discussed the night you first met.

It took a few days for you to get back on your feet again, finally feeling some kind of motivation to work.

It was the middle of the day, you were just cleaning up some tables and taking the dirty tea cups into the back sink to clean them. Your task had to come to a stop once you heard the familiar bells chime as the heavy wooden door opened and slammed shut.

"I'll be right with you!" You called, groaning a bit as you opted to just place the cups in the sink, reminding yourself to finish it up later when you had the chance.

"What can I get for-" Your words got caught in your throat once you exited the back kitchen. Your eyes went wide as you looked at the person you'd least expect.

"Hi love," Her voice was calm. Her hands were clasped one over the other in front of her.

"Esme," You were surprised. The two of you stood there for a moment until she opened her mouth to speak first.

"I just wanted to ap-"

"No," You stopped her, moving past the back counter to stand in front of her. Taking slow steps towards her.

"I should be the one apologizing, Esme...I am so sorry for not believing you..." You shook your head as you felt yourself choking up already. "I should have listened to you, I don't know how I could be so selfish," You rambled.

Esme took fast steps towards you, noticing how your eyes glossed and your nose turned red. Engulfing you into a tight, and much needed hug and closing the space between you. Hushing you as you allow her embrace and wrap your arms around her.

"You're not selfish, (Y/n) you were in love," She paused. "Ada was asking about you and when Tommy told her what happened, she told Polly and Polly told me...If it makes ya feel any better they're angry with him right now, especially Polly...you might be expecting a visit from her soon," Her voice filled you with warmth as she pet your hair. You sniffled, resting your head on her shoulder.

"I don't have the heart to face them again, Esme..." You meekly replied.

"What do you mean?" She asked, pulling away from you.

"It broke my heart when my parents died before I could even say good-bye, it's breaking my heart again that my new family is forced out of my life because of him," Your voice was full of pain, yet the spite was still evident in your tone.

"Even if that is the case, the Shelby's will never truly leave your life...Even if you aren't with Tommy anymore, they adored you and they will never leave your side," She comforted you. You look up at her finally.

"Should I move so he can't fine me...or-"

"Even if you did leave he would still find a way to find you..."

"What should I do now?"

She took a deep breath and held your face with her small hands. Looking at her made you feel at ease, for once. Her kind eyes and warm smile gave you a sense of safety.

"Live your life...You can still do that, can't you?"

You nod.

"With or without him, I will still be by your side through this...okay?" She asked.

After what felt like days, you finally made up your mind about Thomas. You had told Esme to relay the message to Thomas. That was the last and final straw. You felt desolation after you came to the realization that you and your children would never see him again. You loved him too much for his own good and he ruined that. It took you days to finally feel normal in your life without him.

Esme was proud of you and therefore you were proud of yourself.

---

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