#aside from making john and arthur hug
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copinghex · 1 year ago
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The noose | T.S
Summary: Tommy's wife returned home after the failure of his plan got the whole family arrested. The way they deal with her trauma ends up sending her to a worse place.
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The feeling of the noose around her neck still haunted her. At that moment, all she thought about was her family, Rose was a daddy's girl, she would be fine eventually, but what about Violet? What about Tommy? What about her brother and mother? What about Finn?
What about Polly? The woman was side by side with her, tears ran down her face as she muttered a prayer and there was nothing Y/N could do, except hoping that her in-laws on the cells aside met a better ending.
With a deep breath, she revisited the past, the smell of Grace's hair as she held the spy from behind, the sound of the train coming and the bitter taste on her tongue, reminding her Tommy that could be dead by then, that if she let Grace go, she’d certainly reach for the gun a few steps away. Her only choices were to kill or die.
Then, the saving yell came, a desperate guard who didn't truly care for the Shelbys' life and was only complying with the king's order of setting the family free.
As they met again in the hallway of jail, no words were said. Polly cried in Michael's arms while Arthur and John hugged each other. Y/N stood there, speechless, waiting for someone to cross the door and hold her too, but no one did.
Somehow, she knew they also blamed her, because she should've talked Tommy out of the russians' business, because she should've given a warning before their arrest. She wished she had then, if she only hadn't choked on her own fear, perhaps their forgiveness would come easily. 
On the way out, a driver waited for her, Y/N scoffed at the realization Tommy was too ashamed to face her. She wondered if he still blamed the stupid cursed sapphire for all their misery.
Finally, she was home again, Rose and Violet ran to their mother's arms, crying about how much they missed her. Tommy watched the scene from afar with too many words stuck in his throat, if he was able to kneel and apologize, it still wouldn't erase the guilt he felt.
After Y/N promised she'd never leave again, the children left her alone and she had to encounter her husband. However, while he had too much to say, she had nothing.
The truth was that Tommy always had too much to say, he was a clever, eloquent man, no one ever struggled in maintaining a conversation with him because his views of life were beyond intriguing. The war had taken away his will to speak, but his mind was still a powerforce capable of generating the most fascinating speeches.
On the other hand, Y/N carried herself silently, preferring to show than tell. Every time Tommy spoke about politics, science, religion or even boring mundane tasks, she paid close attention, not bothering to hide the adoration in her eyes. She believed displaying genuine interest was more flattering than attempting to engage in the conversation.
Standing at the entry of the house, they remained silent and silently the days went by. No talks about what happened, no apologies, no touches or significant looks. Everything went back to normal as they ignored the elephant in the room.
That lasted until a particularly warm night, the children were in bed, all the windows were open and many watch dogs guarded the garden. The summer was coming and Y/N decided to welcome it by getting a new style, joining the new fashion of haircuts above the shoulders, as if a new external could cease the mess in her head.
That night no comments were made about her sudden change, everyone sensed the tense atmosphere including herself, who was in desperate need of relaxing, then the idea popped in her head, she needed a long bath.
Heading to the bathroom, she denied the maids' offers of help, aware that she regenerated better alone. She filled the bathtub with cold water and enough soap to make bubbles.
The sudden temperature change sent a shiver down her spine, the blood running on her veins matched summer and took a while to cool up. Resting her head on the tub's edge, Y/N closed her eyes trying to focus on the delicious smell of lavender soap.
However, her heart beat fast and her chest held a tight feeling, as if someone was stepping on her, crashing her ribs and making it hard to breathe. 
Her jaw clenched as she ran hands through her recently cut hair, the strange feeling persisted and her blood traveled to her face, heating up her cheeks. 
Ignoring the situation, she took deep, slow breaths and rationalized the symptoms. She had an awful couple of months, her body must've been too warm when she got into the cold water. That was all, it would pass.
In the frustrated attempt to calm down, Y/N conjured happy memories. The night her and Tommy celebrated the first legal betting license. Their first honeymoon night and how delighted she was to be officially his wife. When they moved in and inaugurated the house by spending the night together in the bathtub. 
Everything with the same Tommy she hadn't spoken to in weeks, the same Tommy she had killed for, the same one to send her to the noose. 
The rope squeezed her braid and neck together, Polly's silent prayer was all to be heard, but God wouldn't save them, what would happen next? Was it all done? Would she wake up somewhere else? Was the sapphire really cursed? What now? She wasn't dead but she couldn't breathe,
She couldn't breathe

She couldn't breathe
!
Y/N opened her eyes, noticing her cheeks wet with tears, gasping for air, her shaky hands grabbed the bathtub's edge in a quick impulse to stand up. Water drops trickled from her naked body making a mess on the bathroom's floor. The dogs were barking outside and her sight was getting dark.
Clumsily, she managed to reach for her robe, covering herself with the soft piece of clothing. The tears still came out as her legs got weak, holding onto the walls, she supposed she bumped on something because maids were knocking on the door, "Is everything alright, Mrs. Shelby?" 
Y/N recognized Frances' voice, unable to answer, she shrunk her legs and pressed her lips together.
"I think we should call Mr. Shelby," another maid suggested.
Despite feeling weak, her feet moved rhythmically, quick with the energy the rest of her body was lacking. In a matter of seconds, Tommy called for her.
"Y/N, are you alright in there?" the worry in his tone was clear, "Y/N, I need an answer even if you don't want to talk to me!" 
Gulping, she brushed off her wet cheeks and sobbed, "Tommy?" 
"Y/N, are you alright?" 
"...no," 
Everything got silent, the fear was slipping away as she heard the door unlocking. The extra keys, every single door in the house had extra keys. Tired and confused, she remained still.
Tommy rushed to her, it was his turn to panic, he kneeled to her level looking for injuries. Not finding any, he worried even more.
"What the fuck happened?" he sat her up, "What happened, love?" 
Ashamed, she stared at the floor, a knot formed on her throat with the urge of crying again, "I don't know- I-" 
She sobbed, shrugging off. He immediately pulled her to his chest, not caring if her wet hair would ruin his shirt, "No, no, it's alright, eh? You're alright, I got you now," 
Words were unnecessary for Tommy to acknowledge he was the root of her suffering. He knew how badly he fucked up and seeing his wife like that was the worst punishment ever. Worse than his family's hatred, worse than the possibility of her leaving him, worse than himself being hanged.
Together at bathroom's floor, they grieved her near death. Not all the money, cars or jewels they had could fix the damage, perhaps not even time could, a scar would remain forever regardless of her forgiving him or not.
Feeling her snuggled into him, Tommy muttered, "We need to talk," 
Fidgeting with the buttons of his shirt, she quietly answered, "I think we do."
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sl-newsie · 8 months ago
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American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 49: What Do You Want?
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Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share
I just saw some of these people only a few days ago. Now I must face them with a heavy heart. I take a deep breath and enter the dining room. Everyone is already sitting at the round dinner table with expecting looks. Johnny’s here. Polly changed her haircut. Lizzie, Ada, Uncle Charlie. Jeremiah and Isiah are in attendance. As well as one more familiar face.
“Finn, how are-oh!” 
I gasp when the young Shelby nearly squeezes all the air out of me in a tight hug. Everyone’s still looking, so I steer him off to the side to avoid more unwanted attention. When Finn finally lets me go I see just how much a year has aged him.
“It’s all changed, Verena,” he whispers dreadfully, shaking his head. “Nothing’s the same. Our family
 Thank God you’re here.”
I squeeze his hand. “Shh, it’s okay. I’m going to help smooth things out. Where have you been staying?”
“I’ve been hanging around with Isiah. We’ve been studying some. I told him about all the books you showed me.”
For a moment I take in Finn’s face with a bittersweet gaze. It seems that every time I see him, the young boy I ran into all those years ago disappears little by little. Both Polly and I warned Thomas about this. Now it’s already starting to happen.
“You’ve grown up.”
Finn shrugs. “Had to. We all took a hit. After you left Tommy stopped talking. Guess he thought I’d hate him too. How’ve you been?”
Aside from possibly having my family threatened and just witnessing Thomas completely naked?
“Pleasantly well. It’s been nice to work from home but I knew I needed to be here, especially for the holidays. And now
”
Footsteps alert us back to the front of room. Thomas walks in and the atmosphere gets even more tense. Neither Finn nor I make a sound.
Thomas gives the crowd a once-over before speaking. But even when he does start he keeps his eyes down, still afraid to face his family.
“John is dead. Esme’s gone on the road with the Lees. She’s taken the kids. Michael is badly wounded, they say it’s 60/40 in his favor.”
“There’s no number, there’s no percentages,” Polly grunts. “So the hand, the hand beneath him stops falling. Spoke to someone
 my son will live.”
Michael was right. Polly’s scattered mind is jumping from one dimension to another.
Thomas continues nonetheless. “Michael and John were shot because we killed someone. Vincenzo Changretta. His son Luca has come to take revenge. Men from New York and Sicily are here in Birmingham. These men will not leave our city until our whole family is dead. That’s how it works. An eye for an eye.”
Lizzie narrows her eyes at me. “What about her?”
My mournful face turns cold. “My family’s Irish side is an enemy of the black hand too.”
“It’s called a vendetta,” Thomas explains.
“Yeah, well, the bullet’s been written,” Arthur declares and holds up the bullet in question. “It says Luca. When the time comes, and it will come, me as the oldest brother, will put it into his fucking head.”
Thomas takes a breath. “There’s been some bad blood between us.”
Polly starts outright laughing and ignores Arthur’s small pleas to quiet down. Thomas gives me a quick look but I honestly don’t know what to say. 
“Until this business is settled, we stick together. We stay here
 Small Heath, Bordesley, Hay Mills down to Greet. We know every face, every man has a soldier in his army. These men are professionals, so we’re gonna need more than what we have. I sent a message to Aberama Gold.”
Johnny’s face jerks up and I can already tell he does not agree. “No! No, Tom. I can get ya 50 Lee boys. You need good men-!”
“No, Johnny. For this I need bad men,” Thomas states plainly.
“Tommy, his people are fucking savages! You know, heavens, Tom.”
“So this is the plan, Thomas?” Polly slurs and stands on uneven feet. “This is the plan? Bullet with a name on it, help from a bunch of savages.”
I don't care if we ask complete nutjobs to shoot these people! 
“Moss is putting the word out, eyes and ears so we can find them. The truth is that the coppers don’t give a fuck about us. Which means
 that here today in this room, we have to agree to end this war between us. Take a vote.”
There it is. This is what I’ve been pushing for. From my spot next to Finn I show Thomas my proudest smile. He subtly gives me a look that seems to ask if he sounded legit. I respond with a slow nod and he anxiously waits to hear the others’ responses.
Arthur is quick to answer. “Peace.”
The answer is slowly passed around the table. Finn agrees too, even if he never had a falling out with Thomas, and is told to be quiet.
Finn scrunches his brow. “Why can’t I say peace?”
“Arthur, let him have his say,” Thomas says and gestures to an empty seat. “Finn? Sit at the table.”
He gives me a quick glance. Did we both hear that right? Goodness. Finn’s been waiting so long to have a seat. If only it weren’t under such grim tidings.
Finn sits down and Arthur grabs his head. “Little bastard.” They both share knowing smiles.
Polly speaks up. “My son’s not here to speak. So I’ll speak on behalf of us both. Truce.”
Across the room Linda catches my eye. Unlike Lizzie, her gaze is not full of bitterness. Instead she looks confused.
“Five for peace. Two for truce. One abstention.” Thomas gives the table one last nod. 
“Why don’t you go home?” Linda bluntly asks me.
Now everyone’s looking at me. I try to inch towards the edge of the room but Thomas gently grabs my arm. He doesn't have to say anything. I can’t be ashamed of being here.
“I-”
“She can’t. The Italians are there too.” Thank you, Polly!
“Let’s get on with the war.”
Thomas releases me and rushes out before I can stop him. Let him go, Verena. Remember Thomas copes with things alone.
For all of the funerals I have attended, a Gypsy funeral seems to be the most recollective kind. We’re gathered in a clearing at the edge of town. Two horses decorated in giant headdresses pull a wagon containing John’s body and a collection of his personal effects. It’s not like Grace or Aunt Eleanor’s funerals. Instead of shoveling dirt onto a coffin it’s like a tribute celebrating John’s life. The custom of black clothes is still followed. As much as I want to mourn properly, I can’t help but wonder why this was chosen to be in a place so
 exposed.
“This is how John wanted to go,” Thomas begins. “On the smoke. The truth is, we died together once before. Arthur, me, Danny Whizbang, Freddie Thorne, Jeremiah, and John. We were cut off from the retreat. No bullets left, waiting for the Prussian cavalry to come and finish us off.”
Memories of vader’s stories come flooding back. All the things he heard in the medic tent
 I can only imagine what kind of evils were on the battlefield.
“And while we waited
 Jeremiah said ‘we should sing 'In The Bleak Midwinter.’ But we were spared. The enemy never came. And we all agreed that everything after that was extra. And when our time came, we would all remember-”
“You would remember the extra time that God gave you,” Polly says bitterly. “But what did you do with that extra time, eh Thomas?”
Thomas doesn’t answer. Instead he stays silent as the match is tossed and flames begin spreading over the wagon. This doesn’t seem right. I just saw John a few days ago, and now he’s gone. Goodbye, John. Wherever you are, we will not forget you. And I will pray for Esme-
Bang!
A gunshot rings out and I flinch towards the sound. Half the crowd screams and the others draw their guns. Me included. Where did it come from? No one seems to be hurt- 
“At ease! At ease!” Thomas holds up his hands. “Do not return fire. I repeat, do not return fire! The men doing the firing are on our side.”
Bang! Another shot signals another death.
“I took the trouble of giving an invitation to Aberaman Gold.”
Johnny Doggs scoffs. “Fuck. Now it’s begun.”
Polly shares his disbelief. “You put this out here on purpose. Use John’s funeral as a fucking beacon. You set a trap!”
A trap
 During this time of mourning? I’m about to slap him! What is this world coming to? Do these monsters have no morals?
Thomas ignores her and points to Finn. “Finn! Finn, go to the yard and light the fires.”
The young Shelby looks between him and Polly with unease. Eventually Finn does start walking and I follow him to avoid Polly as she storms over and continues to scream at Thomas. 
“How are you feeling, Finn?”
He lets out a shaking breath. “I’m torn, Verena. Part of me is sick of this headache. All this death. But then I can’t walk away. I want more.”
Something about the way he says that does not sit right. “More?”
“Yeah. They’re finally letting me be a part of things. Who knows what else I can do.”
“Finn,” I speak with a firm warning and put a hand on his shoulder. “More is not always the answer. Sometimes it’s the little things that amount to happiness. Like family.”
Finn grunts and keeps walking away. “Yeah. Family. Just look at how we’re still broken.”
I turn around to see where he was looking. He’s right. Linda’s trying to walk away despite Arthur’s orders to stay. 
Linda shoves Ada away when she tries to stop her. “I’m going home to the country-”
“You will stay here until it’s over,” Ada orders and thrusts over a house key. “Take the fucking key, Linda.”
I catch up to them and Linda gets even more irritated. “You married into this. Whether or not you think you’ve changed Arthur, you cannot change the rest of this family.”
Ada nods. “They will take you hostage. And the baby. They will use the baby. Take it. Put the kettle on, wait for your husband.”
With a tartly smile, Linda stiffly takes the key. “The only way you Shelbys will ever leave this place is in a cloud of smoke like John.” She gives me a pitiful pout. “And you, Verena, I’m surprised you’re still here. Why aren’t you with your own family?”
My eyes narrow and my mouth presses into a line. “They are safe in America under my uncle’s watch.”
“And for the record, we are her family too.” Ada puts a hand on my shoulder. “You're Shelby too, Linda.”
I smile at her kindness and shake my head at Linda’s eye roll. “I don’t know why you keep thinking you can change Arthur.”
“Oh, like how you try to change Thomas? You slip your morals and Christian values into your relationship with him, expecting him to catch on.” Linda sneers gleefully. “But he won’t.”
Are all women this dramatic? “I know he won’t. I know I can’t change this family. But I can stand by them.”
Linda doesn’t respond. She keeps walking away while Ada follows, giving me an apologetic look before they round the corner. The rest of the funeral attendees start dwindling back to town, leaving me to be escorted to wherever the Peaky Blinders are off to. I follow them to a scrap yard and try to ignore the terrible ash and smoke clogging my lungs. And I thought Brooklyn was filthy. 
At the center of the dirty yard a line of mismatched tables and chairs is set with plates and bottles of whiskey. I take a look around and notice Finn is missing.
“Where’s Finn?” I ask Thomas, who’s starting to smoke another cigarette.
“I sent him with Curly to dump the bodies.”
Why does the thought of Finn handling corpses not seem right? “It’s gracious of you to let him in on more responsibility, but please remember to keep it at bay. Finn doesn’t need to-”
“Verena, love, you can’t decide Finn’s future,” Thomas interrupts with stern annoyance. “He’s growing into a man. You’ve taught him well and now it’s time for him to take on a man’s world.”
Just then I hear footsteps behind me and Thomas pushes me aside to begin talking to someone. I huff in frustration and take a seat next to a few chatting Blinders.
“Everything alright, Ms. Steenstra?” Harry asks and tilts his rifle on his shoulder.
“Nothing I can control, apparently,” I mutter, staring at the muddy footprints.
“Well well, what have we here?” The new voice is directed at me.
I look up to face a tall man in a brown trench coat and matching homburg. His long, graying hair is quite unique than the other Peaky Blinders’, adding another noticeable difference between the two groups in the yard: The Peaky Blinders dressed in dapper suits, and this new man with three others dressed in much more modest attire. He walks up to me despite Harry making a performance of clutching his gun and looks me up and down.
“Aberama Gold,” he introduces himself with a devious look. “And who might you be? Or should I ask how much would you be?”
Thomas clears his throat. “Not for sale.”
My eyes narrow at him. “I can hear just fine.” I turn back to look at Mr. Gold. “If you think there is a price on any man’s head then you are gravely mistaken, sir.”
“I don’t see a man. I see a very fine woman.”
Thomas clears his throat again and walks over to stand behind him. “This woman is not afraid to bite back. Stay away.”
Mr. Gold does not. Instead he reaches out to grip my shoulder as one might do to a man. “You’re sturdy for a little thing.”
I jerk back and make a move of reaching for my pistol. “Do not tempt me!”
“Back off.” Mr. Gold’s face flinches into a sneer and he goes back to talking with Thomas. “You tell Mr. Strong that I’m going to buy his yard.”
Just how strong-headed is this man? He can’t just waltz in here and try to buy Uncle Charlie’s yard!
Thankfully Thomas is still not moved. “This yard has been in his family since they settled.”
Gold smirks. “But now it’s part of our deal.”
Thomas beckons to his uncle. “Charlie, come here.”
Uncle Charlie begrudgingly wipes his hands on a rag and strides over from where he’s working. From the look on his face I can tell he’s as uneasy as I am around Mr. Gold.
“I’m gonna spin a coin for your yard, Charlie,” Thomas says. 
“You going to what?” His uncle asks in disbelief.
“If it’s heads, he takes this all with my blessing. And if it’s tails, I fuck your daughter, Mr. Gold.”
Excuse me? 
My eyebrows go sky-high and it’s all I can do to keep my jaw from dropping. Mr. Gold and the man next to him are obviously just as surprised, though their reactions are far more grim. I can’t listen to any more. There’s no changing Thomas’ mind. If this is how business with these men are to be carried out then I want no part of it.
I stand from my seat and walk off to the canal. Sadly I will have to wait here until this wretched meeting is over. It’s too dangerous for me to go back alone-
“Hello, miss. Hope you don’t mind chatting.”
It’s the younger man. One with dark hair and keen eyes, wearing a brown waistcoat and a hat similar to Mr. Gold’s. If he wants to ‘chat’ about another coin toss-!
“I’m Bonnie Gold.” 
He holds out a hand for me to shake, which I eye skeptically. “Verena Steenstra. You are Mr. Gold’s son, I imagine?” 
“Ay. Good to meet you, miss,” he smiles. “You have very pretty eyes.”
Goodness. Where did this behavior come from? I’ve only known Bonnie for thirty seconds and he’s like a split opposite of his father. 
“Thank you, Bonnie. At least you’ve got some manners about you.”
He takes the liberty to stand closer and eyes me with curiosity. “I’ve never met an American before. You’re much more, um
”
I crack a smile. “Sporadic?”
“On the contrary, you’re very put-together. If that makes sense?” He pauses a moment. “Um, how old are you?”
“Just turned 23 this October.”
Bonnie’s eyes widen. “Oh! Um, you’re older than I thought.”
What is it with everyone getting my age confused? I suppose this is what happens when you’re forced to grow up too fast. I must say for a young man Bonnie seems quite put-together himself. Much like Finn, in a way. Only he seems much more calm to handle things.
“You’re not a Peaky Blinder, are you?” He observes.
I shake my head. “Not officially. Just someone who lends a hand to the Shelby Company Limited. I’m the foreign representative.”
“Makes sense.” Bonnie tilts his head. “Would you want to join the fight?”
“And bring more violence into my life? I am perfectly fine with persevering oral battles rather than the guts and glory of what the Shelbys do. I can make just as much a difference with meeting in New York than with a pistol duel. Less blood.”
Bonnie gives a halfhearted chuckle and takes a quick look behind us. “I guess I’m used to blood. You’ve never met my father, but he is one of the best hitmen around here.”
Which is why Thomas hired him. Despite Mr. Gold’s bold introduction I must trust Thomas’ judgment that he will fulfill his assignment. 
“So he can protect us from Changretta?” I ask softly.
This makes Bonnie’s confidence melt into concern. “You’re involved in this too? Why?”
“It’s a long story. Basically my employment to the company ties me into the vendetta against the Shelbys.”
Bonnie’s mouth presses into a thin line and he gently puts a hand on my shoulder. A far contrast from how his father did. 
“We do not agree to consentingly involve women or children with violence like this. Verena, I promise no one will harm you. My father can handle this.”
Although I tense up at his touch I still value his kindness. “My own safety is not my concern. It’s my family back home I’m worried about.”
“Then we’ll kill these bastards off before they can try anything.”
His words bring a small smile to my grim face. Why do I have to be in a vendetta in order to meet men as caring as this?
“I appreciate the support, Bonnie. Thank you.”
“Oi! Stay back!”
We both flinch just as Thomas storms over and causes Bonnie to hurry back to his father. Mr. Gold looks between Bonnie and I with surprise. What the actual Hell is the matter now?
“Aberama, keep your men from her,” Thomas barks and stands in front to block me from view as the hitmen group starts to sit at the tables.
“Thomas!” I smack his shoulder. “We were just talking.”
“And now you’re not,” he states plainly. 
That cocky lul! So he can sleep with countless women but Heaven forbid I talk to another man!
“That’s not fair! It’s- I- Ugh.” I hold my aching head in defeat and try to ignore my anger. “Please tell me Mr. Gold refused the deal.”
“No wager today.”
“Thank Christ. How can you suggest such a thing? His daughters have no part in this-”
“Your family has no part in the mob business. How’s that treating ‘em, eh?”
My head snaps up and my blazing glare combats Thomas’ ice-cold one. “Watch your words, Thomas. They just might dig your grave.”
I shove past him and take a seat next to Arthur. He takes the hint that I’m in no mood to talk and leaves me alone. In the back I see Polly, Ada, and Lizzie being escorted over by some other Blinders. Ada looks pleasantly happy, but the others do not seem impressed. They take their own seats and try to ignore the rugged men at the end of the tables. All except Polly. She’s deciding to stand back and stubbornly sits down on a bench. She won’t let John’s death go. So this is how Boxing Day is spent.
I catch Thomas looking over at her and I swear I’m about to push him over there myself.
“Go to her, Thomas. Talk.” My tone offers no negotiation.
“Alright, alright.”
He stands up to go chat and apparently that’s Lizzie’s cue to start a conversation with me.
“So, Verena. Do you plan to stay long or does Tommy already have you stationed halfway around the world?”
Oh, she is so hoping for it. Sorry to rain on your parade Lizzie but I have much more deep concerns than picking a fight with you. It’s like arguing with Grace all over again. I am here to help this family! Not to give in to blindful lust!
“Hasn’t mentioned it, actually,” I answer wittily and innocent. “He wants me to stay here where it’s safe until this mob business is sorted out. I’ll do any work he needs here but I do want to be back in time for Easter.”
Lizzie hums in response and turns away to talk with Ada. Is that how things work? Every woman Thomas looks at is supposed to be set up in a line of competing mistresses? I- 
“Verena, has Edmund Colon said anything about the Sicilians?” Arthur interrupts my thoughts.
I give a low huff. “You sound like Thomas. No, not a thing. Maybe my broer tipped him off not to say anything. In fact I’m lucky to be here at all. My family’s not too fond of me working for Shelby Company Limited.”
Drip. Drip. Storm clouds roll in and rain starts to fall. So much for a festive meal. 
“I’m heading back to the house,” I declare and give Arthur a pat on the shoulder. “Tell Thomas, wherever he is, that I’ll be escorted back.”
Just then Bonnie hops up from the table and walks over to offer an arm. “Can I be of service?”
I look around to be sure Thomas is not around. Another fit of jealousy is not something I want to encounter again. I mean, it’s not as if Thomas has officially claimed any love for me. No doubt his actions towards me hint at love but no words have clarified it. 
“I would appreciate it, Bonnie.” I accept his arm and we begin walking back to Watery Lane.
Maybe my road in life isn’t set so straight. I’ve only met Bonnie for barely a day and he’s already shown so much compassion. It’s no doubt that he does not share Thomas’ suave aura or captivating eyes; but at this point I am starting to lose patience. When I first met Thomas it took weeks for him to completely open up about anything. Hell, he sometimes bottles things up even now. Thomas wants me to listen. Well, I’m tired of being expected to sit and listen like a trained dog! Maybe it’s time to follow his words and start to think about what I want.
@meadows5
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arthur-lesters-ass-hair · 5 months ago
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Noel still had shivers. Fearful anger. Even in this city, where he's free. He still has nightmares. Oh the King and his mark on Charlie's poor soul. Aside from that, he'd been having a gay old time. At least for a while. Then, he followed a scraggly man and his eldritch piece. He'd been shot, beaten, and nearly killed. Had a nice holiday in Spain after he was found by some poor elderly couple. Then, he had realised something after about a week. He couldn't feel his left leg from the knee downwards. He couldn't move it, and yet he walked and ran when needed. It took an embarrassingly long time to realise he wasn't alone in his head, although he blamed it partially on his roommate being entirely silent. Yellow was strange. After he'd been found out, Noel putting together the pieces and experimentally stabbing his leg with a fork- then hearing a subsequent curse from deep in his mind, Yellow had been near fearful. Noel had been terrified as well, as this was the being who took control of his mind and threw him off a balcony, killed men, and had been Larson's associate. After a while, Noel had figured out how Yellow differed from John- perhaps in nearly every aspect yes, but the most prominent was that Yellow... cowered. He kept expecting Noel to scream at him, insult him, even hurt the limb he'd taken. After all, from Yellow's perspective Noel had every right to make him suffer. Perhaps he did. But alas, perhaps luckily, Noel had extended experiences with the King. He knew that this poor bastard wasn't the King, much less John. It took a few weeks to get Yellow to tell Noel what happened. How he came to be. Addison. Larson's estate.
The terrifying pianist who had convinced Yellow that he held the power of the gods.
Then, how he'd been flung out by a much larger force. Then, Larson. Apparently, Larson had been kind at first. Guided Yellow into his 'destined' role. Noel never thought he would pity someone who tried to kill him. The poor fool had been deceived with promises of power and love. Noel had seen he scars on Arthur, had seen the madness in Larson's eyes. He had sworn to himself that he'd help Yellow. It had taken almost a month to make Yellow laugh- a simple pun answered with a soft chortle. Noel had pretended nothing was amiss, even as Yellow shut down for rest of the day. Then, it was Yellow discovering sleep. Yellow had been very hesitant about touch, but Noe had managed to start him off small. He'd gotten questions from his work, about who the new quiet man Noel had been hanging out with was. 'An old friend.' he'd say. It took a while for Yellow to admit he saw Noel as a friend, too.
Noel had hugged Yellow, and he'd gotten a tentative hug back. Well, he was pretty sure it was a hug- Yellow had many, many limbs. It took even longer, almost a year from the 'pianist incident', for Yellow to admit he hated his name. Hated that all it meant was 'not john'. Then, he'd said he loved Noel. It had taken Noel a minute to understand what his friend meant. Even longer to realise he felt the same. They made the guest bedroom a guest bedroom, and made Noel's room theirs. It hadn't taken too long for Noel's new partner to accept kisses. An even shorter time afterwards to accept... more. Noel had healed more than he thought he would. More than he'd set out to heal, for both of them. But as Dandelion writhed beneath Noel, making inhuman noises with his inhuman throat, the detective knew it was his best mistake. Noel still had shivers, still had fearful anger and nightmares- but soon enough he was embraced by eldritch limbs and a deep, near honeysuckle voice.
I wrote this like three months ago as a multific outline but instead focused on Oscar/butcher smut
Noel tsking Larson is way sexier than it should be.
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shelbystales · 3 years ago
Text
Best Aid - Part Two
Modern Tommy Shelby x Reader - Masterlist
Previous parts: 1
Summary: you are a young doctor in Birmingham. After a crazy incident, Thomas Shelby shows up at your hospital. You don’t know much about the man everyone seems to fear, but you definitely will.
Warning: Swearing, mention of blood
A/N: i don’t know if i will continue this
 comment and interact, tell me what you think! it means a looot thank you very much
English is my second language so I apologize in advance for the grammar mistakes.
ïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”â€żïž”
You were surprised to see Thomas' name on the patient chart when you got back. Still in room 7. You assumed he would have discharged himself by now.
The doctor before you explained that he showed signs of infection on his blood test, and for some reason, his blood protein levels were higher than normal.
"Hey, ready for another long night?" Jeremy asked, sitting across from you as you read the exams, trying to understand what was going on with Thomas Shelby.
"Yes, after 24 hours of rest, I feel like I was born again," you joked.
"I heard there's a college party going on nearby," he said, and you took a deep breath.
"Oh god, we will be taking care of teenagers throwing up all night," you said already tired
"Well, not exactly. They're in college," Jeremy said, and you looked at him smugly.
"Are they any different?" you asked, making him laugh "I'm going to do my rounds," you informed and got up.
As soon as you entered Thomas' room you were surprised by the presence of his two brothers and a lady.
"I thought I told you about our visiting policy," you said irritably. It was already after 20:00, and the time for the visit ends at 18:00.
"You did," he said.
"gonna threaten us with hospital guards?" John asked, mocking you
Taking a deep breath, you kept your cool. You ignored the younger brother's comment and took the syringe from the drawer.
"I need some blood," you said
"You guys are bloody vampires, taking blood all the fucking time. He's gonna run out," Arthur spoke as you took Thomas's arm and prepared for the blood draw.
"Can you tell us why you are doing it?" The woman asked behind you
"Well, he has some signs in his blood that indicate an infection. So we need to follow up and see how he's developing. Unfortunately, hospital infections are common and aggressive," you explained while taking the blood 
“But is he at risk?” she asked
“I can’t affirm anything yet. There we go," you said as you finished, getting up 
“You have very delicate hands,” Thomas said as you labeled the blood sample
“It should be ready in a few hours. I’ll come back when it does” you said ignoring him and leaving the room.
"I hate him and his annoying brothers," you said, sitting next to Jeremy
"Who?" he whispered to you
"The Shelbys," you replied
"Oh...yeah. He's a jerk, and he thinks he runs this hospital," he said
"He actually does," Lauren said, putting aside her bagel "he is a member of the board."
"What?" you asked, confused "why has no one told me that before?"
"I don't know. I thought you knew," she shrugged.
"I am new here. How would I?" you asked "ugh, I literally scolded him. More than once," she laughed.
"I hope you don't get fired," Jeremy said, hugging you "I've grown to like your pretty face,"
"It makes sense now... he knows why a doctor was fired and why he knows where I fucking live," you said, connecting the dots.
"What?" Lauren asked, surprised "he knows where you live?" you nodded "did he threaten you?" you shook your head
"No, he didn't...but the situation made me feel threatened," you said and took a deep breath "I don't want to talk about it" they nodded, and the subject was changed.
The night was pretty busy, not busy enough to make you crazy and tired, but enough to keep you from sitting still for hours, in a perfect measure between calm and chaotic.
A notification arrived on your tablet, the button in room 7 had been pressed and attention was required.
"Can you please go?" you asked Jeremy, showing him the tablet screen. He rolled his eyes at you and walked away "thank youuu".
You continued to attend to the patients that kept coming in. 
You were in the CT room, evaluating a patient who had arrived later with abdominal pain.
"Hey" you heard Jeremy speak behind you. You looked at him and saw that he was with Thomas in the wheelchair. "he wants to smoke, but it's raining outside."
"No smoking then," you said and went back to looking at the computer in front of you. Waiting for the images to appear
"She's being rude today," Thomas said, watching you making Jeremy laugh
"You haven't seen her during morning shifts.. let me tell you, she's not a morning person," he said jokingly, and you simply ignored it. Jeremy insisted "serious Y/n, where do I take him?"
"I don't know. I don't care," you replied shrugging and smiling at him ironically "please leave."
Jeremy frowned at you and didn't mean to contradict you and pushed the chair with Thomas, but he held on to the door causing the chair to stop.
"Can we talk?" Thomas asked looking into your eyes, you looked back at the screen
"Shit," you said looking at the images that were finally ready "Jeremy look at this," you said
"Holy fuck" he said leaning in behind you "what is that in her anus?" You laughed
"Oh god, I love night shifts," you said laughing, "I think it's a toy."
"Like a sex toy?" he asked
"No, not a sex toy
 and I don't think it's only one
," you said impressed
"Jesus," he said with a pained face "Give the girl a laxative and see if she can get it out."
"I think we’re a bit past that. her intestines walls don’t look too good," you replied, looking at the other images and trying to see signs of any injury “and, yes we can talk. Not now for obvious reasons” You spoke to Thomas and got up to pick up your patient and finish taking care of her. 
You decided to do a colonoscopy on her to try to remove it. When that was over you went to Thomas' room
"Don't you ever sleep?" you asked entering. it was almost two in the morning and he was awake
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” he said 
"Great, we're being positive," you said and he smiled
"Did anyone try to break into your house?" he asked
"Seriously?" you asked and he nodded "ok, we need to re-establish some boundaries. I'm your doctor, period. I feel so violated knowing that you know where I live and what car is mine! you have no right to do that"
"Are you going to answer me?" he insisted
"No," you said, "is that it? is that what you wanted to talk about?"
"I need to know" he insisted, breathing deeply you gave in
"No, no one tried anything," you said "happy?"
"Hardly ever" he replied and you took a deep breath again "I was just worried"
"Well, you don't have to worry about me. As I said, it was no big thing I was simply doing my job. Now I ask, please don’t mention that again," you said sitting on the sofa and he nodded "let's see if your blood test is ready"
"I feel fine, honestly," he said "better than that lady, I assume" you smiled and nodded "what was in her?"
"You don't want to know, believe me," you said smiling 
“You must know it's disheartening when you're not the doctor on duty,” he said, his eyes burning on you “other doctors are not like you" 
"Like me?" you asked intrigued, was he flirting with you? Patients usually did, you never took any of them seriously
but for some reason, your heart skipped a beat at the thought that he might be. 
"Yes, I can see your passion," he said “you like what you do”
“I do,” you said smiling and looking away “I must say, your exams look better," you said
"Can I get out of here then?" he asked and looked at you with pleading eyes
"no, but if you want to discharge yourself, you won't die..." you said
"One less patient bothering you, ey?" he joked and followed you with his eyes as you stood up and changed his saline.
"I don't think that way
 but in your case, yes," you said and he smiled "sleep is good for recovery. So you better try to get some, ok?" he nodded and you walked to the door.
"Hey doc, I hope this is not crossing your boundaries but
 Can get your number?" he asked when you were at the door.
"Don't you have it already? Boss," you said, mocking the word boss as it came out of your mouth, leaving him with a smile on his face when you left the room.
Later, sitting with Jeremy in the staff room you explained the whole situation that happened with Thomas on his last shift.
"If you ask me... it's kinda hot" Jeremy said surprisingly you
"What? please clarify" you asked
"Well, he's attracted to you that's obvious. even the way he looks at you, I saw it in CT today. He worried you'd get hurt and wanted to protect you like a 90's gentleman" he said making you laugh.
"Oh god..." you said 
"if he asks you out, give him a chance. If his looks aren't convincing enough... remember he is rich" Jeremy said
"And maybe a criminal" you added
"Oh
 those details can be overlooked" he joked "who hasn't been involved with a thug?" you laughed again
"I haven't!" you spoke
"Yet! Your's is just around the corner girl!" he said, "they say they are the bust fuckbudies you can ask for"
"Ok enough talking about this," you said changing the subject
The next day the hospital security asked you to move your car because they needed to do some constructions in the parking lot, recreating the gas passage. You had been warned of this a few days ago, but forgot to park away.
You simply gave the man your keys and asked him to do it, since you were busy.
"Hey" you heard behind you. Turning around you saw Thomas wearing a very expensive suit. He looked and smelled good.
"Disobeying doctor orders, Mr. Shelby? So not like you" you said shaking your head and putting aside your tablet
"Well, as amazing and intelligent as my doctor may be, I need to go," he said with his hands on his pockets
"I hope I don't see you here again," you said and he smiled and nodded.
"Everything is clear," Arthur said approaching you both, Thomas nodded at him
Suddenly a loud noise followed by a certain shaking of the walls surprised everyone in the hospital. Looking around, nothing seemed different. Outside, several car alarms were sounding.
"What was that?" Jeremy asked running passed you, on his way outside
"It felt like an explosion," Arthur said puzzled
You guys rushed outside the hospital to see a catastrophic scene. It was a big explosion.
"Call the fire department, please" You spoke to either one of them and ran to where the explosion seemed to occur.
Cars were on fire everywhere, and nurses and doctors now rushing to help the ones that needed. Some man screamed due to the pain of the burns. Luckly it didn't seem to have many casualties, running into the fallen men you gauged the gravity of each one.
You and Jeremy were helping one guy that had his arms burned, getting him ready to be placed in a wheelchair and moved.
"It's not safe. Other cars are going to explode" Thomas said to you "you need to get everyone inside" you nodded and looked at Jeremy.
Jeremy nodded and walked around the parking lot, warning one by one about the danger and telling tehm that they needed to get out of there.
"Other cars? Was it a car that exploded?" you asked and he nodded.
Looking around you saw the car burning more intensely, already destroyed. The shock came when you realized which car it was.
"That's mine" you muttered confused
"Your what?" he asked
"My car," you said almost in a sigh
"fuck, please tell me it was an old car," he said and you looked at him angrily
"No! it was new! I bought it when I moved back here. Damn it!" you said frustrated finishing securing the guy on the wheelchair and pushing him into the hospital.
Thomas was relieved you didn't connect the dots as he did. This hadn't been an accident.
"We need to go," Thomas said to his brother, marching to the car.
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immajustvibehere · 3 years ago
Text
Chance Encounter
Chapter 17
Chapter 1 // Chapter 16
warning: SMUT (has very much first time vibes, fluffy, consensual, slow) Also, this is my first time writing smut. I'm very sorry if it sucks ._.
summary: After the gang had settled in at Shady Bell, it took Arthur and the other men almost a week to locate Jack. When they returned one evening you and Arthur are desperate to spend some time together.
4600 words, 25 minutes reading time
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You barely saw Arthur for the next couple of days, as he was busy asking around in Saint Denis for some information on Angelo Bronte, who was the guy who held Jack hostage. You spent your days in bed or outside in a chair, resting your leg as much as possible, while still trying to help, especially Abigail. She needed someone to talk to and since you weren't too capable of doing much else, you gladly lent her an ear. Occasionally, you'd have a nice conversation with Kieran, who was so kind as to take care of your horse the whole time. Conversations and card games aside, you felt useless.
Every time Arthur stopped by at camp, it was only to rest or sleep for a short time. As soon as the sun was up, he was already in town, tracking down young Jack. You had the privilege of using his room. It was a debate Arthur had with Mrs. Grimshaw, who only agreed when Dutch stepped in and argued for your case, as "we might need her firepower soon". Oh boy were you glad you had a real bed to sleep in. The swamps were a weird and uncomfortable place, at least you didn't have to sleep on the ground. It was tricky getting up the stairs with your injured leg, but it was well worth it.
"Hey, they're back! I think I see Jack!", somebody yelled. You looked up from the table you were sitting at with Kieran. Dutch yelled for Abigail, who ran out the house as if her life depended on it. You stood up and leaned against the table to better overwatch the scene. Abigail hugged Jack desperately. It was not possible to make out what they were saying, but you were sure it was nothing else but an expression of how much she had worried and how glad she was of having him back.
"Y/N", Arthur said your name as he came closer to you. You cracked a big smile; you knew Arthur would have at least this night off. "Thanks for bringing Jack back", you said. Arthur looked around quickly before he pressed a fleeting kiss on your forehead. It made your stomach flutter. There had been occasional kisses on cheeks and foreheads over the last few days, always in the privacy of your room or when nobody else was looking. You had also shared a bed, though Arthur often stood up way earlier. He'd try to get up silently, and still he would either stroke your cheek or give it a kiss before he left the room. It had always woken you and you were happy it did.
"I'm glad we got the kid back", Arthur nodded and left his big hand on your shoulder to guide you to the campfire, "Gives us a good reason to party." He gave you a warm smile. It was at this moment that you realized you wanted him. You had missed him terribly and you just wanted some peace and quiet, lay down next to him and cuddle. Feel his skin against yours. But this wouldn't happen any time soon, the night was still young, and the first bottles were just being opened.
Everyone was gathering around the fire. "Come on! Are we celebrating here or what!?", Karen yelled and handed out beer. Javier was supplying the group with a song. You sat down on a wooden chest a bit further away. Still close enough to consider yourself joining in on the action, but all the chairs and trunks were occupied. Everyone was cheerful, humming along and joining in on the refrain. After the song had ended, John, Jack and Abigail excused themselves and some other people dispersed, getting more beer and forming smaller groups. You stayed on your chest, observing everyone. It was difficult not to stare at Arthur, who walked around to talk to different people.
From time to time, yours and Arthur's eyes would meet. It happened rather often, regardless of whether he was having a conversation at the moment or not. You'd search him and find his eyes already resting on you, smiling when your eyes met and then looking away. You listened to Hosea telling a story and talked with Lenny about his day. Kieran and Karen were having a fun conversation, it seemed, and you were happy about how relieved Kieran was about Jack's return. Kieran had been on edge the last few days, blaming himself for Jack's abduction. Not even you had managed to ease his conscience, despite offering distraction and consolation. Especially because Kieran was a nice and gentle soul, it was hard for you to see him so nervous. Which is why it made you even happier to see him relaxed tonight.
Barely an hour had passed since the party had started, when once again you met Arthur's eyes. This time though, he was not occupied with someone else, he was simply leaning against a table, watching the scene, or better: watching you. He took a swig from the bottle which he held in his hand, lowering it after he had done so and placing it on the table. Neither of you looked away. You watched as his eyes sometimes broke the staring contest to check you up and down and as if agitated, he adjusted his stance. Suddenly, barely noticeable for anyone else but you, he nodded towards the house.
You knew what this was supposed to mean. Not only that he wanted you in the house, but it meant much more. You suppressed those thoughts for now because they made your stomach turn, you simply told yourself to be calm. You walked inside, your leg was barely bothering you anymore. Running or heavy lifting was still not an option, but you could walk without a crutch by now, even if it meant limping a bit. Climbing the stair still took you longer than you would have wanted, but Arthur had given you a head start for probably exactly this reason.
When you had reached the room you lit the lantern, illuminating the dark room. It was night already and in the last quarter of an hour, clouds had formed and hidden the moon behind them, so the lantern was absolutely necessary to not hit your foot somewhere. (This had actually happened a few days ago with your injured leg and you had been careful to know where you were stepping ever since.) The door creaked as it was opened again and Arthur walked in. You stood at the window and turned around as he entered.
"You okay?", he asked with a calm voice. He put his hat on the table and walked over to the bed and got out of his boots.
"Yeah." He looked a bit exhausted, you thought. Unsurprising of course, he had been out the whole day. You again looked at each other, both at a complete loss for words. There had been no long private conversation the last few days. The privacy and tranquility of this moment was unusual, you didn’t quite know how to handle it.  Arthur lit a cigarette after he had unfastened his gun belt, which now rested discarded next to him on the bed. "I missed ya", Arthur admitted, attentively watching you while he finished his cigarette. The smile came to your face involuntarily. "It was difficult...getting up so early, having you sleep all peacefully next to me. Never thought I'd...feel like this again."
"I missed you too", you replied. Your cheeks had burned up from Arthur's confession. Though he had told you before that he cared about you and he liked having you around, it had never come so close to him telling you that he had stronger feelings. Arthur nodded and shifted his position a bit, then tossed the cigarette away and put one hand on the mattress for support, while he lightly clapped on his thigh with the other one. This was an invitation to sit down on his lap, and you wouldn't let him ask twice.
You sat on his thighs, facing him with a slight smile. He watched you find a comfortable position and asked all innocently: "How's your leg?" "Much better. It doesn't hurt anymore if there's no pressure applied or something like that...it's just a slight, dull...throb, if that makes sense." Arthur nodded in affirmation as he carefully placed his hand on your injured thigh, just resting it close to where he remembered the wound to be. "I had the same with my shoulder. Just means that it's healing well", he explained. Your faces were only inches from each other, so it wasn't too difficult of an act to lean in closer until your lips met.
It was as if you kissed him for the first time, the butterflies in your stomach went mad and you felt yourself melting into his touch. Arthur left his hand on your thigh, lightly stroking it with his thumb. You barely felt it through your pants. But you definitely felt his other hand, which found its way to your lower back. The kisses were gentle and careful. You could barely form thoughts explaining how happy you were that this was happening again. For no reason other than overthinking you had feared that the kiss a week ago could have been a one-time thing. You were proven otherwise at the moment, so you couldn't help but crack a small smile during the kiss.
Arthur stopped, looking at you curiously, but finding you content and smiling he gave you another kiss on the lips before he worked his way down from your cheek to your neck. You chuckled satisfied and with new courage managed to place your hands on his shoulder, playing with the collar of his shirt. Arthur hummed as he placed a final kiss next to the neckline of your shirt. His beard was softer than the last time, probably because it had reached a length longer than stubble, so instead of scratching, it tickled your neck. Arthur's hand which had rested on your back was no looking for an opening, carefully peeling your shirt out of your pants so it could slip under and touch your bare skin.
The sudden contact surprised you and Arthur must have noticed you tensing up because he kissed your cheek again and whispered a "Ya know ya can tell me if yer uncomfortable..." You only managed a nod. Arthur smiled at you kindly and said: "I better make sure you know that, because you don't look like the type to tell someone else to slow down." It took you a couple of seconds, but you recognized those words. Arthur had said the exact same thing to you when he rode with you all the way from Valentine to Rhodes. It had been your first time on a horse and Arthur had decided to ride behind you, so you wouldn’t fall behind. It was obvious that he had said this as a homage to this ride, and you couldn't be more thankful. Arthur had always been kind and considerate to you and there was no reason this would change if you relaxed a bit more.
"Thank you", you whispered. This time, you initiated the kiss. The feelings from earlier; just wanting to feel Arthur from skin to skin, hadn't dissipated. The contrary was the case, they had only gotten stronger since you sat on his lap. This time, the kiss grew passionate quickly. You let Arthur's hand roam across your back, where it found a place to rest under your undergarment. "How 'bout we get this off, darlin'?", Arthur mumbled. You leaned back a bit, just enough so you would be able to move your arms without hitting Arthur and got out of your shirt. Arthur enjoyed the show. His two arms rested on your thighs while his eyes followed every movement of yours.
Your undergarments were a two piecer, so you could get out of your undershirt without removing your pants. Your fingers trembled in excitement as you tried opening the last buttons, and finally, stripping out of the cloth that had hidden your breasts. For a few seconds the feeling of exposedness and embarrassment almost overwhelmed you, but Arthur was quick to let go of a happy sigh he had been holding and exclaimed a weak "Amazing" before leant in to kiss you again. This time, however, his hands went directly to your boobs. His touch was very tender, only holding them at first to see if you'd object. You found it appropriate to let the kiss grow more passionate, as sign that you were alright. When he slowly started kneading them, a soft moan escaped you.
You could have sworn you felt the shiver that went through Arthur's body as he heard you moan. He broke the kiss, looking at you admiringly: "Yer driving me mad, ya know that?" "Sorry", you mumbled back in a chuckle, using the momentary distance between you to unbutton Arthur's shirt, which proved quite difficult with your trembling fingers. When he realized you struggled, he helped you and finished the work. You had never seen Arthur's bare chest, only ever with the cover of a union suit. So of course, you could have guessed how broad and muscular he was, but it still had you in awe when you finally saw it.
"Ya okay, y/n?", Arthur asked.
"Yes. Of course", you had been okay up to the second Arthur had asked you. Because now you remembered what you were here for, and you felt anxious once again. You considered not telling Arthur, but after you sighed you still blurted out: "I'm pretty nervous."
"Tha's okay", Arthur smiled and cupped your cheek in his hand; "I'm...too, to be honest with you."
"What?"
"It's been a long time since I was with a woman. And I don't wanna mess up...", Arthur admitted.
You shook your head: "What should you mess up?"
Arthur shrugged and looked around in the room before he asked: "What are you nervous about?"
Of pain, mostly. That you'd have to tell him to stop. That you wouldn't be brave enough to tell him to stop when you needed to. That you looked weird. That you wouldn't like it. That he wouldn't like it. The list was long...but it could be summarized: "That I mess up."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Yer teasin' me!", he chuckled lightly. His grimace made you laugh in turn. Arthur pressed a quick peck on your cheek before he said: "So are you gonna lie down yerself or should I throw ya off?" You looked at him confused, the smile still on your face: "What?" Arthur rolled his eyes playfully and sighed an "Alright then" before he grabbed you under your arms, carefully of course, lifted you off his lap and threw you onto the bed.
You knew he had done this to make you laugh, and it worked like charm. "That's better", Arthur commented on your laugh and took a seat on the edge of the bed next to you. You saw him palm his bulge as he found a comfortable position to sit in. Yes, you wanted him. You searched for eye contact to tell him exactly that. And it worked, because when your eyes met, you started to peel out of your pants while Arthur got rid of his belt first, dropping it on the floor together with the gun belt which had been clinging on to its dear life on the edge of the bed.
Both of you were now naked. You did your best to look into Arthur's face, out of embarrassment, mostly. You weren't sure if you were ready to look down. He, however, let his gaze wander, absorbing and observing every part of your exposed body. Arthur’s whole body seemed to shiver again, he couldn't resist to immediately lean forward and kiss you again. "I want ya, y/n"
"I want you too", you stuttered. His hand first stroked your cheek and then wandered down your whole body, only stopping when he had reached your hip and went all the way up again. It gave you goosebumps. "We're gonna get'cha ready, okay?", Arthur asked and dutifully looked you into the eyes, searching for consent. You nodded. He plastered your face and neck with tiny kissed while his hand wandered down again, this time further, stroking the outside of your thigh before he let it touch the inside.
"Ya might be more ready than I thought", Arthur commented surprised as he felt the slick between your legs. You only squirmed lightly under his touch, but he didn't miss another second before he slowly started to drag his finger through your wet folds. He was now half lying next to you and while one hand was busy between your legs, he supported his weight on his other arm, allowing himself to have a better view over the situation. It didn't take long for his finger to stimulate a point which made you moan into the kiss you were just sharing.
"You like that?", Arthur whispered, his face so close to yours, you couldn't even focus on his eyes. Your eyes were half closed anyways. You nodded as reply, and Arthur continued to stimulate the same spot with frightening accuracy. He pulled you into another kiss when he slowly let a finger slide into you. You barely noticed. Honestly, Arthur's little growl when he did so told you more that something happened than anything else, but you were just glad it didn't hurt.
"Ya doin' great, darlin'", he praised, as he slowly moved his finger. You wanted to answer something along the lines of 'no, you are doing great' but just as you opened your mouth, he found another sweet spot which instead pulled a moan out of you. You felt the second finger more than the first and it made you whimper silently when you perceived the stretch. Arthur mumbled an apology and went even slower if that was possible. The pain was only short though and quickly replaced by pleasure. You felt full. Full, safe and satisfied. Hearing Arthur's heavy breaths and seeing as he always closed the eyes for a few seconds after you moaned made you think that this could be going on forever.
"Arthur, I think I'm ready", you announced in a whisper. Arthur pricked up his ears. He was on edge, ready to act in seconds, but you knew he forced himself to act slowly. A low hum was his only answer. Then he sat up and looked at you, all the while his two fingers still buried in you: "D'ya wanna touch it?" You knew what he meant, obviously. You hadn't even looked at it yet, but of course you wanted to give Arthur something back. He was holding back and being considerate, the least you could do is try; so you nodded in affirmation.
Arthur slowly slid his fingers out of your pussy and smiled as you shuddered at the sudden emptiness. A bit ungracefully he wiped his hand on the bedsheet before he held it open, waiting for your hand to guide it to his cock. You were grateful for the gesture. Making proactive moves would cost you too much courage and you spent most of your nerves on staying calm. Arthur led your hand to his dick. Now you had a reason to look down, so you'd know where to grasp. You didn't have enough experience with men to judge how well-bestowed he was, you could only tell that he was definitely thicker than two of his fingers. Your thumb barely touched your other fingers when your hand was wrapped around it.
Arthur's hand was still on top of yours, though he now let go of it and left you alone with the instruction: "Now just move your hand up 'n down, darlin'." You whimpered silently, not moving just yet: "I'm afraid of hurting you." Arthur chuckled: "You couldn't, even if ya tried." So you moved your hand up and down. You saw how the mountain of a man next to you melted, breathing a satisfied "for Christ sake" and absolutely being at your mercy. He shamelessly buried his face into the crook of your neck, pressing a few kisses on your skin before he stopped you by taking your hand off his dick. You were confused why he did that, because he had seemed to like it and you thought the reasonable thing to do was to go on. It was only later that you understood he wanted you to stop so he'd last longer. He hadn't had sex for a long time and waiting for something for so long, you had no idea at the moment of how excited he must have been.
"I'mma go slow, alright? It might hurt a bit. You tell me if ya need to stop", Arthur assured you as he lined up his cock with your entrance. He used his one hand to spread your legs further apart. He didn't touch your injured one, letting it rest on the bed in the position you had put it in, where you didn't feel your wound throbbing too much. You closed your eyes when you felt his tip slowly pressing into you. He pushed into you incredibly slowly, stopping when you winced and slightly rubbing the spot with his thumb that made you forget about pain momentarily. With every inch he buried into you, his breaths became heavier. When he had finally bottomed you out, he let out a deep growl and cursed in illegible words.
He tried not to move too much as he bend his torso forward, so he'd be closer to your face. "Ya feel amazing, darlin'. Yer doing really great", he praised. You lifted your head and gave him a quick kiss. The burn and stretch was clearly discernable, but you were too entertained of how done Arthur seemed. Panting before he had even properly moved, sweet praise falling from his lips so silently, you wouldn't have possibly understood it.
Arthur started slowly thrusting into you, barely moving at first. There was discomfort and this new sensation, it brought tears to your eyes. When Arthur noticed them and stopped, you were first to speak: "No, go on please. Arthur. It feels good." You weren't lying. The uncomfortable stretch had almost disappeared and was replaced by an interesting feeling. Suddenly Arthur began hitting a spot that at first drew a loud moan from you and then let you whimper every profanity known to you. He picked up speed and a few moments later his thrusts became sloppy.
With a growled "fuck" he pulled out so suddenly if you would have had the energy you would have protested at the sudden emptiness. You felt his warm cum on your stomach. Arthur didn't rest one second, mumbled a hurried "'m sorry" and stumbled to the little washbasin he had resting on his desk. You laid still on the bed, catching your breath and watching Arthur as he dipped a rag into the water, wrung it out and came back to you. He cleaned you up tenderly, also still trying to calm his breath. The cold wetness of the rag was a relief. The swamps are very muggy already, and the activity had both of you covered in a thin layer of sweat.
You had no problem begging for eye contact, which Arthur was keen to avoid. Even in the dim light of the lantern you saw his red colored cheeks and awkward hand movements. You smiled to yourself. In many ways this had gone better than you'd have expected. "Thank you...you", you swallowed and tried to get rid of your raspy voice, your throat dry from the moaning, "you were great." Finally, Arthur looked at you. "Did it hurt?", Arthur asked tenderly. You shook your head. It did at first but it got better and in the end the pleasure outweighed the pain. You had been prepared for a bit of pain and you knew it would only get better the next times.
"'m sorry I didn't last long", Arthur apologized as he laid down again next to you. You squeezed yourself against the wall, so he'd have more space. "Don't be stupid", you simply replied. You couldn't care less about how long he lasted. To stress how much you didn't mind, you pressed a kiss on his cheek. "Might go for a second round later to make it up to ya", Arthur said, his embarrassment now replaced by sass. You chuckled and sat up. Arthur had covered himself with a blanket from his hip downwards, but you still had a wonderful view on his torso.
Oh god, how you adored this man. Thinking back to a few minutes earlier how you had him at your mercy. Never before had you seen a man of Arthur's caliber - or any man to be precise - so responding and soft to a woman's touch. You could flick, hit and kick this man, he wouldn't feel more than when a fly landed on him; yet you had his knee buckle and body shiver. Suddenly, something came to your mind. Something, your mum had always done to you when she was still alive.
"Could you sit up? And have your feet on the ground", you instructed Arthur, who at first only rolled his eyes back to look at you questioningly. When he saw you smiling innocently, he sat up as you told him. He let the blanket rest in his lap. You crawled around on the bed until you were positioned behind Arthur. Then you placed your hands on his shoulders. They were huge. You knew that, of course, but now, touching them consciously, skin to skin, you felt nothing but hard muscle. You started to knead them, lightly at first, but quickly adjusting to a firmer grip.
Arthur chuckled: "What's that about, darlin'?"
"Figured you'd like a massage", you explained. You regretted not touching Arthur enough, so having him lie naked next to you, you thought you couldn’t let this chance pass. You were right to assume that his muscles must be tense. He had survived an intense week of riding and running around and if you could possibly offer even the slightest relief, you were up for that. You wouldn't admit it to him, but your hands got tired quickly. His shoulders being so broad and his muscles so hard, you had to put a lot of effort into the massage. Arthur's occasional hums made it worth it though.
"You should relax more often", you instructed after about five minutes when you had to take a break, now massaging your own hands that had almost gone numb. "Guess I'll have time to relax in Tahiti", Arthur turned around and smiled slightly. He gave you a peck before he stood up. It surprised you that he held the blanket in place when he waddled to his pants, but as he lowered it to get dressed, you saw why. He had hidden another erection which he now quickly covered with his underwear and pants. You smiled faintly. Without a question, you were way too exhausted for a second round. Your feelings were going crazy too, it was almost overwhelming. Nevertheless, you were proud of making Arthur feel this way.
"I'll get down to the others again, night's still young", Arthur said after a quick glance out of the window. "You coming?", he added. "In a minute. Mind handing me the blanket?", you asked and pointed at the blanket which Arthur had just dropped on the floor. Slowly, Arthur looked at the blanket, then at you. You sat on the bed, stark naked. He shrugged and cheekily said: "I'd rather not."
------x
this is my first smut, sry it took so long. I thought I had fallen from grace after I uploaded the first chapter of this story. Now I've uploaded smut. There's definitely no turning back now.
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theshelbyclan · 4 years ago
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Welcome to the chaos, little one
Summary: Giving birth is never easy, especially when it’s a Shelby x Solomons baby

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A/N I’m so slow with requests but a while back the lovely @fandom-puff​requested: Omg sorry to be a pain but I’m a sucker for Shelby chaos 😭😭😭 can I request something linked to A Very Shelby Christmas where the labour of baby Solomons is just as chaotic? But it could also be sweet like the bros finally accepting Alfie bc they all care about YN so much and can’t stand to hear her in pain, all while YN is screaming that she’ll cut off more of Alfie’s dick than his rabbi would even dare to if he ever tried to bed her again 😭😭😭 omg the chaos 👉👈 ily 💓💓 Here we go! This is part 2 to the story A Very Shelby Christmas
Words: 1638
***
“Not now, Y/N,” Arthur groaned. Ada rolled her eyes, remembering keenly when her brother had spoken those iconic words before. “It’s not like I can help it, Arthur,” you spit. 
Polly grabbed you by your arm as you doubled over again, “Alright, sweetheart, it’s time. Come with me
” “Not yet, Aunt Pol,” you panted, “It’s too early.” “The baby doesn’t have it’s own pocket watch yet,” Ada commented matter-of-factly, as she took your other arm. “Fuck!” you called out again as another contraction set in, “Fuck, fuck, fuckity-fuck!” “Nice.” “Oh, piss off John, you want to try this?” “Not really
” “Tommy!” you turned to the one family member who hadn’t said a word yet, “Get him.” “And who would that be, eh?” he replied in a low voice. “Thomas
” Aunt Polly warned softly. He raised his eyebrows, “Finn? You want Finn at the birth?” “WHY WOULD I WANT MY FUCKING BABY BROTHER HERE?!” Tommy waved a vague hand, “General comfort?” Now Aunt Polly’s eyes flashed with anger, “Thomas! Go get her husband, right now!” Tommy sighed deeply, still trying to ignore the fact that his little sister was now Mrs. Solomons, and said, “Come on boys, let’s get them all together and wet this baby’s head! Leave the women to it.” And you groaned, “Thank you
” Once Alfie would be here, everything would be easier.
*** “Solomons!” “No need to shout, mate, I’m right here, ain’t I?”
Slowly Tommy lit a cigarette and started smoking it, “It concerns my sister.” “You mean the glorious creature that made me the luckiest man on earth by marrying me? My wife? Mrs. Alfie Solomons?” A small twinkle appeared in Alfie’s eyes as he saw Tommy’s jaw tense up just a little at his words. “Yes.” “How is the old lady doing?” Alfie asked conversationally. “In pain,” Tommy replied, “She’s in labour, more to the point.” “You fucking what?” “She’s with her aunt Alfie, she’ll be fine.” Alfie blinked a few times, “Tommy I swear to God if you’re playing some fucking game with me I will shoot you between the eyes right here and now. You’re telling me my wife is in labour and you’re standing there casually smoking a cigarette, waiting for some fucking woman to tell you it’s done?” “Yes,” he nodded, “Well, I was about to go the Garrison. Thought we might bury the hatchet and you could join us.” “Have you lost your fucking mind
” Alfie said slowly, while rubbing his chin. Tommy cleared is throat and with a slight hint of uncertainty in his voice said, “It’s tradition.” “Well, if you’ll pardon my French, fuck your fucking heathen traditions, I’m going to my fucking wife and you are fucking coming with me. And bring your fucking family while you’re at it!”
*** “Why are we here?” John leaned in to Arthur slightly while asking the question in a hushed voice. “Alfie insisted.” “Why?” Arthur raised his voice, “Ask Tommy, alright? I don’t bloody know! I’m guessing it’s another Jewish thing
” On the other side of the door, you were most definitely in labour now. The pain was worse than anything you’d experienced before and you were seriously questioning your sanity at this point. “Aunt Pol?” Ada asked carefully after about an hour. Polly moved over from your side down to your legs and said, “What is it?” “Something’s wrong.” “THOMAS!” Polly bellowed as soon as she had taken a look, “Get me some more towels.”
“What’s happening?” A panicked Alfie asked from the hallway. But Polly pushed him aside and started ordering Finn to boil more water. “Woman!” he demanded, “You fucking tell me.” “She’s bleeding,” she answered quickly, “and I can’t see why.” “What can we do, Pol,” Arthur asked, wild-eyed. “Get a doctor. One we can trust.” Arthur dragged John with him, even before Polly had finished her sentence. “What about Sabini’s men?” John asked, “We were supposed to deal with them tonight. What if they come here?” “Shoot them,” Tommy said simply, as he lit another cigarette in a nervous manner. Inside the room, you were now screaming your head off. Of course you had realised giving birth would be painful, but not like this. The sight of Ada going slightly pale didn’t help either and panic had started mixing in with the general anxiety of the process, so your screams got louder and louder. “Pol
” Ada called out again, “What do I do?” In that moment, Alfie pushed passed her and fell down by your side, “I’m here,” he said softly. “I can see that,” you panted between shouts, “but why? You’re not supposed to be here.” “Out,” Aunt Polly said strictly, “This is no place for men.” And then Tommy walked in as well, averting his eyes and grabbing your hand at the same time. “What?” he said when Polly send him a death-glare, “If Alfie gets to stay, so can I!” ïżœïżœFucking children
” “Alright, sweetheart,” Polly focused on you again, “This baby needs to come now.” Your eyes grew wide, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” Alfie replied for her, “You’ll be fine. You’re doing brilliant, babes.” “How the fuck would you know!” you shouted out. He shrugged, “Educated guess?” “Had a lot of experience with this, eh?” Tommy grumbled sarcastically. “This,” Ada pointed at the both of them, “This is why men shouldn’t be in here.” “I’m not fucking going anywhere, especially if my wife is in danger.” Tommy just shook his head in reply. “Danger?” you asked suddenly, “What does he mean in danger?” “No danger, love,” Ada soothed you, “if you just push.” And so you pushed, with every bit of strength you had in you. But then a gunshot sounded outside, followed rapidly by another two. Everyone looked up. “John,” Tommy clarified with a single word. “You’re being awfully cavalier about baby brother John getting shot there, Tommy
” Alfie commented. Tommy looked at Alfie with a frown that spoke volumes, “John just shot Sabini’s men. I told him to.” “Oh, good. Saves me the bloody trip.” “I can see some hair!” Ada called out suddenly. “What colour?” Alfie replied at once. And John stuck his head around the corner of the door, “Took care of them.” “We heard,” Aunt Polly grumbled. He hopped from one foot onto the other uncertainly, “Anything else I can do?” “Yeah, you can fuck off mate!” “Alright, I’ll stay, since you asked so nicely.” “John, just get the fuck out!” your sister shouted. The birth was chaos enough as it was and now all these boys were only adding to it instead of helping. And on top of it all, Finn stumbled in practically falling over his own feet with a bucket of water, splashing Aunt Polly in the process. This was more like a madhouse than a family occasion. But John pointed at Alfie indignantly, “He gets to stay!” “Push, Y/N,” Polly urged again, and so you did. “Nice one,” John laughed at Finn, “you literally had one job, mate.” “Mrs. Gray?” Alfie asked carefully, “Sorry to interrupt you there, alright, but I just wanted to quickly check, because you mentioned the hair, yeah? What colour? Because I’m sure I’ll love my son all the same if he’s blond, but I might just need to mentally prepare myself
” And then you finally burst out in anger, “Can you all just shut the fuck up for a second! I’m actually trying to have a fucking baby here!!” “Right, sorry about that love,” Alfie moved closer to you and grabbed your hand again, “Please continue. You’re doing brilliantly, even if he is blond
” Tommy chuckled lightly in the background, which made you even more angry somehow, “Alfie, I swear to God or Adonai or whatever you want to call him, do nottouch me again because remember how you said you couldn’t remember your circumcision?”
“Yes,” Alfie mumbled in mortal fear.
“You will remember when I do it. Remember how you told me of your rabbi doing it when boys are eight days old, because then it heals faster?”
“Yes...” he gulped.
“I’ll make it slow sweetheart. Really fucking slow.”  
“Right,” he said with big eyes, “What exactly would you have me do then except for just standing here like some great big bloody useless piece of shit?”  
“Shut up!”  
“Noted.” *** You weren’t sure what had happened exactly in that last hour. Apparently you’d lost a lot of blood and things had gotten hazy very quickly. Ada and Aunt Polly had stopped talking altogether and they had managed to save you, despite the bickering men in the background. You did remember that Alfie and Arthur had gotten into a fight at one point, but apparently they managed to resolve it quickly when the doctor arrived and they took turns in beating him up because he was no longer needed. Anger really does bring people together.
Of course, none of that really mattered now, because you were now holding a perfect baby right there, in your arms. Finn just stared at the baby, completely in awe. “Not blond
” John sounded a little disappointed. Arthur grinned, “But bloody perfect.” “Gorgeous, just like the mother,” Polly hugged you carefully. “Shelby good looks.” Tommy nodded slowly, with a sense of pride in his voice. “Any names yet?” Ada asked, “I bet you’ve picked them out ages ago, haven’t you?” “I have,” you smiled, “but couldn’t say them out loud yet, so we didn’t really discuss it. It’s bad luck.”
Uncharacteristically, Alfie hadn’t said a word yet.
“Mr. Solomons?” you said, gazing up from your one love to the other, “I believe you have a daughter.” And finally he smiled, deeply and incredibly in love as he held her tight with both hands. And in the most tender way possible he looked at you, grinned and said, “Fucking hell!”
***
Masterlist
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call-sign-shark · 2 years ago
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Daisy, I am so glad you liked this quieter chapter full of fluff and love. This is a well-deserved break for Arthur and Heaven, who definitely deserved a magnificent wedding. The relief of Moss' coming had been definitely intense -- he really came just in time. But the true MVP here is Kat Wilson, who worked with Tommy to help save his family. Admittedly, I wasn't satisfied with this part so I'm delighted you think I did a great job with describing emotions and details.
Now
 I am squealing that you're crushing on John!! Pretty sure he's happy about it.
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He is a true sweetheart, visiting her whenever he can and bringing everything needed for picnics. đŸ„ș What I loved the most is that he's always so goofy, never missing an opportunity to make her laugh but he knows when to be serious and comfort her with both hugs and perfect words. The bond they share is undeniably strong, and one can feel the soft spot they have for each other (and for you, since Heaven embodies the reader). I'm so glad you thought I was talking about Arthur while, in truth, it was Kaiser who wouldn't stop to cry without his mom buuuut... Let's be honest, that was something Arthur certainly did. Like "Why do I have to fookin' wait? I don't wanna wait! I wanna see her!" and Polly would just slap the back of his head. 😂
The decision to ask him to walk her down the aisle comes from the heart. As you said, she has no one. The whole church is filled with the Shelby and their relatives. On her side, she has just Lucy (the woman with whom she lived prior to living with Arthur). So it was natural for her to ask him, the most important person in her life along with her soon-to-be husband. And this decision surprised John. Seriously tho, I just love you love declaration to John TEEHEE. This is lovely, I'm glad I managed to make you swoon about him. đŸ–€
Arthur's nervousness and constant self-doubts felt in character for to me. In my opinion, he can't help beating himself and comparing himself with his brothers, particularly Tommy. He just wants to be good enough, but as soon as his eyes fall on Heaven, his doubts vanish. As it has always been the case since they've met. And swearing in church def comes from his stress so let's forgive him right? The same goes with him adding a bit of tongue to their kiss đŸ€­ Also Tommy being stunned by Heaven's beauty... Keep this in mind.
THANK YOU. You're the only one who picked up the mention of Arthur with a flower crown on his head. Birmingham's most feared gangster yes. LMAO Also tipsy Ada is the best: got slightly inspired by S1 during John's wedding. And regarding the funny and little humiliation Arthur undergoes, I couldn't help but laugh when writing it. Like, it's over. Two words killed him.😂 😂
Smut allusions aside, the last scene between the newlywed was maybe one of the fluffiest parts of this series ever. I just loved the idea of them snuggling against each other on a rug, right in front of the fireplace. I'm delighted you love them, honestly it means a lot đŸ„ș Thank you so so much for supporting this little couple. I think that's the best comment someone can have about their OC when paired with a canon character.
I am delighted you liked this drama-free chapter. Take your time to catch up, really! No matter when it happens, know that I'll be impatiently waiting for your reactions Daisy Kitty. And... Here is a little something to fuel your crush even more:
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Heaven in Your Eyes || Arthur Shelby x Reader!OC
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Summary:  Six months after being released from prison and cleared of murder charges, you and Arthur are finally getting married. All you have to do now is hope for the wedding day to be spared from some Shelby chaos. Featuring John Shelby x Reader.
Words: 6k
TW:  tooth-rotting fluff, light angst, allusions to smut, one ruined wedding cake, Tommy not being a dick for once, otherwise it's a well-deserved soft chapter to start this new act. Let's not break your heart too soon.
Notes:
✞ This chapter is the beginning of Act II of Heaven in Your Eyes. The timeline is S4.
✞ Heaven is OP's original character but written with the use of « you » (Moodboard here).
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PREVIOUS || Masterlist || NEXT PART
The beating in your heart was so erratic, so fierce, that its constant drumming echoed in your skull and ears as painfully as if someone was smashing your brain with a hammer. You clenched your jaws at the painful bite of the rope the police officer behind you had placed around your neck. The way the noose compressed your windpipe, already giving you a foretaste of what was awaiting you, made the act of breathing laborious. Sucking on a sharp breath, your throat whistled like a dying bird. Down below I go, you thought while nervously playing with the wedding ring Arthur gifted you weeks ago. He had barely made his proposal when policemen snatched you from him and threw you both in jail. With your back straight and your crystal eyes glaring at the officers who were present in this slaughter room, you managed to keep your dignity. They might hang you, but they would not see you cry. In fact, if you went down they would have to watch you, so that your piercing irises would haunt them until, one day, Death would come for them too.
I love you Arthur. 
I love you Dad and Mom.
I love you little sister.
I’m so sorry I’ve failed you.
Could you ever forgive me?
Your teeth dug into the flesh of your inner cheek as seconds flew, each bringing you closer to your inevitable end. 
“WAIT!!! PLEASE WAIT! ” 
A far cry in the distance. Were you dreaming? Or were demons already afraid of you down in Hell?
Officer Kat Wilson’s heart missed a beat when the familiar voice boomed in the warehouse, as loud as a foghorn. The blonde policewoman turned around, eyes filled with hope as she saw the silhouette of Sergeant Moss bathed in the blinding outside light that had rushed into the place when he had opened the warehouse’s heavy doors, “Do not kill her! We’ve just received a new order from the Crown: Heaven Lavey and Polly Gray are proven innocent of the crimes they had been accused of.”  He said, forehead glistening with sweat. He had probably run as fast as possible to deliver the news quickly. Kat Wilson felt all of her muscles relax at such an unhoped-for plot twist.
“Take the noose off her neck now.” She ordered, trying his best to sound strict despite Moss standing right here,  running out of breath.
Innocent? Take the noose? Sentences were melting in an intelligible treacle because of the emotional roller coaster you were undergoing, hence you only caught a few words. When your mind finally made sense of what was happening, a long sigh came out of your quivering lips. Then, the policeman behind you set your throat free. You blinked several times and looked at Officer Wilson, who replied to your confused gaze with a faint, supportive smile illuminating her usually oh-so-severe traits. Then, she proceeded to free you from the handcuffs that were sinking into the frail flesh of your wrists. As she did, Kat brought her lips near your ear and whispered so only you could hear, “Arthur’s safe. The warrant includes the Shelby family too. I’m sorry for the mess, doll. ” 
You swallowed the lump in your throat and glanced at the woman, trying not to let too many emotions show. Not that you wanted to play the tough girl, but you were so overwhelmed by your feelings that you were not even able to let out anything except confusion. It was all
 Too much. “You knew they were going to release us.” You stated with a quiet but still slightly shaky voice as the revelation struck you. 
“Let’s say I hoped they’d interrupt your death sentence in time.” Her soft yet hoarse voice replied, highlighted with a cunning little something.
Kat Wilson gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze before leading you outside the sinister warehouse, unwilling to provide you with further details. And somehow, you did not bother to ask. The only thing you wished for was to run away from this killing floor. Thus you walked bare feet on the gravel ground, the peaky sensation of the tiny stones against your flesh keeping you grounded to reality, andyou stopped in the middle of the yard. There, you threw your head back and closed your eyes,  relishing the soft caress of the wind on your face.  You breathed a sigh of relief, for the clouds above you had shifted from the sun, whose rays were warming up your frozen skin. 
You were alive. 
“Heaven!” A woman voice called you.
You reopened your eyes and looked around you, “Oh my God, Polly!” You suddenly exclaimed when you recognized her. Seeing Aunt Polly running to you and almost tackling you in a desperate hug was all it took for your emotions to finally flood you. Tears dawned at the corner of your eyes as you pulled her into a deeper embrace. Polly sobbed in your arms, her body quivering because of her cries.
“I saw them Heaven! I saw the spirits. Oh bloody hell, the spirits
” 
“I know Pol,” You tried to comfort her the best you could, your grip tightening around the poor woman in the hope of helping her calm her panic attack. Still, you knew she was shaken to the core by her freshly canceled rendezvous with Mr. Death, “Everything’s fine,” You whispered, and let one of your hands lose itself in her short dark hair, “I hear them too.” You admitted. Polly gradually grew quieter in your arms, running out of tears. Nevertheless, you did not let her go. What you did, though, was to silently thank the policewoman with your gaze, your irises sparkling with genuine gratitude. No matter her role in all this mess, you knew Kat Wilson contributed to setting you free. 
You were alive.
Alive, for sure, and indescribably furious. 
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1925 - Six Months Later 
You had been absentmindedly looking at your reflection in the mirror for long minutes when someone knocked at the door and snatched you from your contemplative state. A growl escaped from your lips for you had let everyone know you did not want to be bothered— truth be told, you needed a bit of time alone with you to soothe your anxiety. However, the uninvited guest came in before you allowed him to do so.
“True gentlemen wait to be invited before entering a room, you know? Especially when a lady is in it. ” You said with a faint smirk on your plump and glossy lips as you recognized the guest by the sole fragrances of his cologne. 
“A part of me hoped to see you undressed, that’s why I didn’t, little Angel.” The masculine voice answered, its tone filled with tease. You snorted at such a stupid answer, kinda expecting it, and rolled your eyes in amusement.
“Idiot.” You simply retorted, glancing at him through the mirror you were still facing.
“Idiot? That’s it? I’m used to better roast from ya, eh!” John exclaimed, surprised by your lack of wit. He wanted to tease you again you but your sudden silence kept him from doing so. Something was off. Worried, the young Shelby brother frowned a little bit and walked to you, not minding your desire of being alone. You jumped slightly at the sensation of his two large and warm hands squeezing your upper arms, “Oi, Angel.” He gently called, the tenderness in his voice wrapping you in a comforting haze, “Tell me what’s wrong please
” 
For sure John Shelby had a soft spot for you since the day Arthur introduced you to the family. No one had ever doubted it. Without the slightest explanation nor apparent reasons, you both immediately grew fond of each other from the moment your eyes met. In truth, your relationship with the Shelby family had been quite tricky for months following the first meeting. Most of them didn’t want you to be a part of the clan, partly due to the witch rumors around you and Arthur’s obsessive love. It was only now, a solid year and one murder later, that everything had started to flow more smoothly with them. Even Esme, who had been terrified of you and would usually avoid you at all costs, had learned to live with your presence in the family. According to Polly, you had deserved your place among them more than any other women the boys brought home. The only threat to this harmony had been and still was Thomas Shelby himself. The mutual resentment you shared for each other was rooted in deep and far too complicated reasons, the most recent one was him selling you to the police for murder charges. However, you came to terms with the idea of maintaining a mutual hatred as long as he did not step between Arthur and you ever again. 
So, apart from Tommy and Esme, you were now getting along with everyone. But with John
 With John, it was unlike anything you had ever experienced, apart from Arthur. Whenever your man wasn’t there, John would do everything that was in his power to keep you company and bring a smile to your face. Not only he loved to visit you and spent his free time with you, but he truly cared for your well-being. Sometimes he would make a surprise visit to your house. In fact, he would stand there on your porch with the most adorable smile you had ever seen etched on his lips, a basket filled with food in one hand and a bottle of red wine in the other. When Arthur and you decided to leave Birmingham, your heart ached at the thought of moving away from John. Following your departure, rumors said John’s eternal smile had not be seen for weeks. However, once you had well adjusted to your new routine, even distance could not shake your unique bond: John never ceased to visit you when he could.
“What’s the matter, little angel?” He inquired, genuinely concerned by your silence and the melancholic gleam in your aquamarine eyes. 
“I’m scared John. I’m fucking scared.” You finally admitted, closing your eyelids a few seconds to take a slow inhale. The weight in your chest had vanished from the moment words left your mouth.  At such a surprising answer, the young gangster’s grip tightened on your arms and he gently forced you to turn around to face him. Still, you avoided his gaze, fearing judgment. 
“It’s your wedding day, Heaven. What are you scared of?” He carefully asked, taking care not to make you think he was mocking or judging you.
“I’m scared because now I’ve got something to lose,” You fell silent for a tiny while, fighting again the desire to remain silent, but you knew you could open up to him, “I have a magnificent house in the forest cradled by the sweet chant of a peaceful stream. I have the loveliest man I could have dreamt of by my side, who loves me to the moon and back. God, I even got a dog!” Another brief pause you took to avoid crying, “And one day there will be one or two kids
” John listened to you carefully, still wondering what the problem was, “If I'm being honest, I’ve never thought I would be allowed to be this happy. At one point in my life, I got used to the idea of dying alone,  hunted down by bad memories, and drown by guilt. But, look at me now. Look how far I’ve come
 That’s why I’m scared of losing it all. Fuck, John — I’ll die without him.” 
To your greatest surprise, the young gangster replied to your lament with soft chuckles, “Heaven. I don’t know what it is between Arthur and you, but I’ve never seen a love fiercer than you one you share. Bloody Hell, you’re so addicted to each other it’s even a bit scary sometimes, not gonna lie eh,” His fingers trapped your chin in one soft movement and, with indescribable tenderness, he raised your head so that he could observe each trait of your angelic face, “Having something to lose makes you cherish what you have even more. Plus it doesn’t mean you’re gonna lose it. “ The corner of his charming lips curled in a sweet smile, “Moreover, there’s more chance for Tommy to like you than for Arthur to leave your side. He’s not gonna let you go
 To my greatest sadness.” John winked at you and, despite everything, his last flirty comment managed to make you laugh.  Sometimes, you didn’t know how he always succeeded in cheering your up but still he did, “Listen, I knew you’d be a bit nervous for your wedding day, so I got you a little surprise.” 
“A surprise?” You asked, curious, wiping away the tiny tears that had formed in the corner of your eyes while being careful not to ruin the stunning siren-eyes makeup Ada did. It would be a shame to have more mascara on your cheek than on your eyelashes the day of your wedding. John walked to the door and put his large hand on the knob, looking at you to maintain a small suspense “I know he’s not supposed to see you before the ceremony but he would not stop crying without you so
” He was about to open the door when he stopped mid-action, “Oh and I’m not talking about Arthur by the way. Even though I’m pretty sure he’s also doing that.” 
“Fuck off, John boy.” You poked your tongue out, feeling cheerful and far less anxious thanks to him. He grinned in reply and finally opened the door.
“Oh! This is... So cuuuuute!” You almost squealed, for you were welcomed by the sight of Kaiser, the huge Cane Corso Arthur’s had brought home one night, sitting in front of the door with his mouth open in a big smile and with his drooling tongue hanging, “Come here big boy!” You called him, kneeling on the floor without minding your wedding dress now that your fur baby was here. Kaiser did not need to be asked twice: he walked to you and put his huge head between your frail hands to get his scratches, looking at you with so much love in his hazel eyes you could not resist smooching his wet snout “I can’t believe you’ve put a bow tie to my dog!” You laughed, “Look at this distinguished gentleman... He’s gonna steal all the women!”  The massive beast barked loudly as to agree with you. You delicately wrapped your arms around his muscular frame to hug him, the sensation of his fur against your face erasing the last bits of anxiety left in you “Oh you’re the most handsome man of the whole family, baby Kaiser... Yes, you are. ”
His tail wagged. Of course, he was!
“Couldn’t participate in the wedding if he wasn’t all fancy, eh. I've also put a fake mustache on his snout but he ate it so I gave up on the idea,” He shrugged, “I thought it would make you laugh and help you relax.” 
“Thank you, John! Thank you so much, you’re lovely I swear.” You said, looking at him with your gaze filled with genuine affection all the while cuddling with Kaiser, who seemed to be in paradise judging by his blissfully happy face. 
“So — are you ready?” John finally asked.
“Yes, I am.” You replied, then stood up and took a quick look at your reflection in the mirror to fix your long white mane, which had been styled in wavy and adorned with a few diamonds from there and then, giving your hair an otherworldly shine. As you focused on your hairstyle, John rearranged your dress. At one point, he stopped what he was doing to look at you with a dreamy expression. 
“You’re stunning, little angel. Fuckin’ bewitching.” He whispered before shaking his head, “Let’s find your man now, eh. Alright?” You nodded, the butterflies in your stomach flying at the sole mention of Arthur.
“I’m ready but before we go can I ask you a favor, John?”
“Anything.” 
“You know, I’d have loved my family to be here. Mom would have been prolly crying during the whole wedding in Dad’s arms while my little sister would have thrown white petals at everyone’s face for fun
” You let out a charming but oh-so-sad chuckle “But no matter how fiercely I’ve prayed for it I know they won’t be there. So I’ve got two choices left: either I walk alone to my husband or I ask someone to accompany me.” You had barely finished your sentence when the celeste blue of your eyes dived into the sky blue of his, “I’d like you to escort me down the aisle, John.”
He remained silent, stricken by surprise at such a touching demand.  He had not been expecting it. Words were at loss, however, they were not necessary for you to understand his answer:  as the sun rays crossed through the windows and enlightened John’s face, you could see the precious shine of one sole crystal tear running down his cheek.
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The powerful sound of the organ resonated in the whole church, the vibrations of its melody resounding in Arthur’s chest and making him tremble from within. He was standing in front of the altar with his manly hands interlocked in front of him. For the occasion, he had bought the most elegant and expensive tailored three-piece suit he had ever owned: he was dressed in all black, except for the white shirt he was wearing under. Moreover, Tommy had put some traditional white flowers in the pocket of his vest, while Polly had slipped an emerald pillar pendant around his neck and hid it under his shirt before he entered the church— a marriage blessing, from what he had understood from Polly’s emotional speech. The woman was so proud of her older nephew she could not help but already weep with joy. Arthur nervously glanced at his brother who was standing by his side, slightly in front of him at his best man’s place.  Then, his steel-blue eyes shifted from Tommy and searched for his Aunt, who sat a bit further in the audience beside Ada and Finn. To be honest, Arthur’s anxiety kicked in. The more the second passed, the more the unpleasant impression his heart was about to burst from his chest was overwhelming. Nervously spinning one of his silver rings, he tried to control his nerves the best he could but it was harder than he thought: a part of him, admittedly irrational, was terrified by the possibility of you not showing up.
What if you’ve changed your mind? What if you’ve come to the conclusion you did not want him? What if your wedding did not work out, just like his first one? Maybe the problem hadn’t been Linda but him? 
As was always the case when he was panicking, his self-whipping thoughts banged together in his skull like a hive of furious buzzing hornets. Nevertheless, Arthur knew, deep down, that you were soul mates and that there was no actual reason for you to flee. What really helped him to calm down though was taking a deep inhale and focusing on the hundred of candles’ flames that were illuminating the room with tiny dancing flames. A comforting wave of warmth almost immediately wrapped his heart as he did, for this church was the place in which you met for the very first time. He still clearly remembers the fire that had lit in his dying soul at the way your fingers grazed him when you had cleaned the blood off his face with a torn piece of your own dress. Not only had you purified his soiled skin, but then you had allowed him to put his head on your thighs and proceeded to pet his hair all the while lulling his demons to sleep with that enchanting voice of yours. From that night, Arthur made a promise to Almighty God, who had been kind enough to answer his prayers and sent him his most precious Angel. And that promise was that he would marry you in this same place to show God how well he would treat you and how happy you would be with him.
The organ roared louder in the church all of a sudden, causing him to refocus.
 You were coming.
The gangster straightened his back, quickly slicked his hair back one last time to look perfect for you, and then stared at the church’s heavy wooden doors with both anxiety and anticipation in his eyes. His blood boiled with impatience, for you had been separated for too long because of the traditional “don’t see the bride before the ceremony” the Shelby women — and John — had insisted to establish. That being said, it had been torture for Arthur, who was aching so much from your absence that he felt almost as bad as when he went through rehab. Hands shaking, cold sweat running down his back, breath hitching, Arthur could definitely not live without you by his side. — you were the most exquisite drug ever created, against which even opium could not even compete. 
The doors opened and panic rushed even more brutally into his being. At first, he thought he was about to die from a heart attack, but then, all these negative feelings vanished in dust when his piercing blue irises met your tantalizing silhouette. When you erupted from the almost supernatural light that was surrounding you, Arthur widened his eyes and stopped breathing. Here you were, your seductive body adorned with a graceful Greek goddess-inspired dress whose cut let the pale flesh of your back for the world to see while also forming a graceful and long wedding cape that was cascading down your shoulders. The whiteness of your outfit, equaling the wonderful snow-like color of your hair, was enhanced with gold jewels: armbands and a choker. One look at you was all it took for Arthur to feel the stinging of uncontrollable tears dawning in his eyes, for a tsunami of emotions had crashed in his soul at such a holy sight. As you walked to the altar at John’s arm, the wind blew in the church and made your cape dance behind you. For a few seconds, Arthur was convinced he saw wings in your back. Mighty feathery wings. 
Divine. It was the only word that came into his mind when he watched you breaking the distance between you. And the more you approached, the more he was stunned by your ethereal beauty. So stunned he had to keep himself from falling on his knees at your feet, deeming himself unworthy of standing in front of such a pure seraph. Even Tommy, whose resentment for you was a secret to none, found himself in awe at your pulchritude. He, along with the groom, had to blink several times to make sure they were not dreaming. 
Your glossy lips stretched in an enamored smile overflowing with emotions when you looked at your future husband: he was so charming in his suit that you fell in love with him for a second time. Your grip tightened around John’s arm for your heartbeat quickened until you finally rejoined Arthur. As soon as you reached him, the tall gangster took you by the hands — yours: small, delicate, and freezing. His: large, calloused, and burning. You dived into each other’s eyes, and the rest of the world disappeared. 
“You’re so handsome.”  You whispered, causing an adorable pink shade to blossom on your soon-to-be husband’s cheeks. 
“C-Come on. Did ye see yer own reflection? Ye took me fookin breath away, Angel.” His hoarse replied.
“Arthur, we’re in a church.” You discreetly snorted.
“Oh Fook. I mean shi— Whatever.” He slightly stuttered. At this moment, it did not matter that he was a grown man in his mid-thirties: he felt like a flustered teenager in front of his first crush all over again.  And to be true, so you were — to the point you both did not hear much of what the priest was saying, for you were far too hypnotized by each other’s presence as well as fighting hard against the urge of devouring each other’s lips. The only moment you both came back to your senses was when you had to pronounce your vows.
Then came the final moment.
Arthur Shelby, do you take Heaven Lavey to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?
I do. He answered with haste. You trapped your lower lip between your teeth, gathering all your strength to hold your emotions, but the crystal tears in your aquamarine eyes betrayed you. 
Arthur Shelby, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The caress of your fingers along with the cold sensation of the golden ring on his skin sent shivers down his spine.  Observing you as you sealed your love by slipping the ring around his finger,  Arthur’s smile grew a bit larger and made his teary eyes squint, digging adorable crowfeet at their corners.
You can kiss the bride.
The priest’s last words brought him back to life — that’s what he had been waiting for what seemed to be an eternity. Unable to wait any longer, the gangster brought one hand to your cheek and broke the excruciating distance between your lips until they crashed together under a thunder of applause. The feathery caress of his moustache on your skin mixed with the sensation of his eager mouth warmed you all over. Arthur deepened the kiss by parting his lips slightly so that his tongue could find its way to yours and give it a gentle stroke. But while hungry, the press of his mouth remained chaste. Carried away by his softness, you felt your body flickering in his arms, as fragile as the church’s candle flames.
You were his, he told it to himself. And he was yours. All yours until death tears you apart.
No, fuck that Reaper cunt he thought, even Death would not keep him apart from you.
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The hundreds of candles and lanterns that were scattered through all Arrow House’s garden enlightened the night with their warm hue. Shortly before the wedding, the Shelby family suggested hosting the party in Tommy’s Mansion rather than in your place for practical matters. By celebrating your marriage in Arrow House, all the family and, by extension, friends, could reunite together without having to drive for miles. Moreover, the mansion was far bigger than your and Arthur’s house, which made the place far more convenient for partying.  For the event, all of Arrow House and its gargantuan garden had been decorated with lights, candles of every kind, white drapes, and flower wreaths that gave the place a supernatural atmosphere. The cheerful cacophony of chatter and music hovered above the garden as the guests were indulging themselves with food, alcohol, and innocent fun. Even Officer Kat Wilson, who had been invited following her implication in your release from prison, spent the whole night partying with the Shelby family.  Surprisingly enough, no one dared to disrupt the celebration with illegal activities. Just a few bets here and there. The only incident to declare had been the moment when Arthur, faithful to himself, almost smashed someone’s head in the wedding cake —he got angry when one of the guests looked at your cleavage—.  However, if Arthur failed with ruining the cake it had not been Kaiser’s case, who ate half of it by himself. 
“Where are Arthur and Heaven? Can’t believe the bride and the groom had disappeared!” Polly asked Tommy and Ada, visibly unhappy. The latter was a bit tipsy judging by the red shade of her cheeks and the glass of champagne in her perfectly manicured hand.
“Last time I’ve seen them they were dancing with flower crowns on their heads,” She hiccoughed, “I nearly died from laughing. Arthur. With a flower crown. It was so sweet and ridiculous!”
“That ain’t fun, Ada. I really need to find those stupid lovebirds. I swear I’m going bonkers: first Arthur’s tantrum, then Kaiser ruining the wedding cake, and now the newlyweds are late for the picture!” She complained. Overall, it had been Aunt Polly who made sure everything ran smoothly, hence her discontentment.
Tommy rolled his eyes at his sister’s inebriation, then he squeezed her shoulder with his large hand, “I think your question will find its answer really soon, Pol.” He stated with his quiet and deep voice as his turquoise eyes caught sight of your silhouette walking toward them, holding Arthur by the hand. You were both exchanging glances and light enamored laughters.
As surprising as it sounded, Thomas Shelby and you had managed to put your mutual hatred aside for the sake of the wedding. Of course, you were carefully avoiding each other the best you could, but when you were together in inevitable family moments, your exchanges remained polite. 
Polly turned to you with her eyebrows furrowed and pressed her fists on her hips with an angry- mother expression when you and Arthur joined the small group.
“Ah! There you are! The photographer has been fuming for half an hour! Where have you been?” She scolded. 
“We really need a map. This place is a fookin’ maze eh. We got lost.” Arthur tried to justify himself, his fingers firmly intertwined with yours, “I mean I wanted to show her the mansion but hey, I quite forgot which way to go and —“
“Arthur?” Polly cut him.
“Eh?” 
“Your fly.”  She simply stated. Holding much power, those two tiny words made Arthur almost jump. He let go of your hand in one vivid movement.
“OH FOOKIN HELL!” His gravel voice exclaimed when he looked down at his trousers. He quickly zipped the fly up under Ada’s hysterical laugh and Tommy’s mocking smirk. Admittedly, you could not help but giggle too for his reaction had been quite priceless. Oh Arthur, you thought. The only one who was not laughing was Polly, who looked at him with such a desperate face that you were sure she was about to facepalm herself. Or slap his face, it depended on her mood.
“Men and their cock, I swear. Look at you, idiot,” She said affectionately, “Your hair is all messed up! You’re going to look awful in your wedding pic!” She growled, grabbing her oldest nephew to rearrange both his hair and his tie. 
“Don’t be mean Pol, he just needed to release the pressure.” You said, watching the scene with a faint smile on your juicy and glossy lips still swollen from Arthur’s lustful kisses, “The whole speech thing worried him.”   
“Mmmpff— true.” He grunted, embarrassed.  
“Yeah of course.” The beautiful Ada started before coming to you and smoothing the folds of your goddess dress with a teasing grin “What a long and difficult way to say you just wanted to give him a blowjob.” She teased.
“Piss off Ada.” You gently retorted, rolling your eyes in a fake outraged pout, “let’s take that picture before Polly strangle us all.”
“OI. Everyone fucking gather together for the picture! Bring the damn dog too!” Tommy yelled to the crowd, “John! Made them pose in front of the mansion!” Orders flew and Peaky Blinders were soon taking the crowd in charge to help the photographer take the most perfect picture he could take. When everyone was ready, he pushed the button of his camera and, in a blinding flash, captured the most beautiful moment of your whole life in a picture you would cherish like the apple of your eye.
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“We
 We really should 
 Like
 At least try to get in bed.” You giggled, your cheeks still adorned with a pink blush. Admittedly, talking had become quite a challenge after the second bottle of wine.
“Not gonna lie, love, I can’t fookin’ get up for the life of me.” Arthur pulled you closer against his bare chest and slipped one hand into your messy long hair, not willing to move. The tenderness of his caresses made your whole body relax and you melted in the warmth of his freckled skin. To hell with the bed, you thought, the floor would do the trick. 
When the party had come to an end, Arthur had carried you bridal-style to one of the mansion’s magnificent bedrooms, despite being completely drunk. The whole walk had been tedious with poor Arthur staggering in the stairway, but you could not have cared less — you were as wasted as he was and could not walk anymore. Maybe the alcohol contest with Kat and Uncle Charlie had not been such a great idea after all
 Once you reached the bedroom, Arthur and you collapsed on the large fur rug that was on the wooden floor and clumsily took off each other’s clothes between heated kisses and steamy moans. He had impatiently waited for the wedding night, calling you “Mrs. Shelby” and “me lovely wife” all the way. That being said, a few intoxicated chuckles had embellished the symphony of your love when alcohol made one of you missed the other’s lips. No one could tell how many hours went by nor how many times you made love — Not even you. You were only coming back to your senses now that you were both snuggling naked on the floor, your legs entangled and your mind still clouded with your latest orgasm.
“I don’t want this wonderful day to end,” Arthur said, his gruff voice finally breaking the comfortable and peaceful silence that had settled in the room. A slow and long exhale escaped from your nostrils at his words before you laid lazy kisses on his chest. Your lips, still hungry for him despite your drowsiness, trailed up until they reached the golden cross pendant he was always wearing. A shiver ran down his spine when you took it between your full lips and looked up to his eyes through your Bambi lashes, “Fook — you make me so
 Happy.” 
“And I’ll do my best to keep you happy every day of your life.” You replied after a little while, setting the pendant free from your tantalizing mouth. “That was a pretty successful day.” 
“It was, eh.” Arthur softly smiled at your words, his piercing blue eyes enjoying your mesmerizing beauty and his long fingers gently massaging your scalp, “We got a letter and a bouquet from Mrs. Solomons, y’know. She wanted to come but her husband’s back was hurting too much. ” 
“Oh yes? Rosie is a sweetheart.”
“And her husband’s a cunt.” He growled, “Bloody bastard.”
“I know right? But she’s great. She’s been teaching me so many interesting things about feminism! Really made me want to attend her next meeting!” 
“Women
 You’re all going to overpower us one day.” Arthur said, his voice tinted with amusement. His free hand quickly grabbed the bottle of whisky that was next to him and took a mouthful of alcohol.
“It would not be a bad thing,” You pressed a kiss against his chin and he hummed in response, delighted by the way you showered him with tenderness. Arthur would have been purring under your touch if he had been able to do so. It just felt good — so good the whole world could have gone down in flames he wouldn’t mind as long as you kept pampering him like you were doing. You made him feel loved. You made him feel at peace
 And God knows how much he needed that. “Especially for Michael. Have you seen his girlfriend Nora? She looked exhausted.” 
“She just gave birth to her second child. Of course, she’s exhausted, love.” He said. His hand, which had been playing with your hair until then, slowly ran down your naked back.
“Hm.” That was all you replied, for you felt Michael’s girl was more than just physically exhausted. Something was definitely off in their relationship, but you did not want to mingle. “Their daughter is lovely, though.” 
“She is.”
Another silence fell in the bedroom, only embellished by the relaxing cracking of the woods burning in the hearth. Both of you had closed your eyes, slowly drifting away into Morpheus’ kingdom.
“Angel?” He called you with a sleepy voice.
“Yes, Arthur?” You answered, dozing off.
“ I’d love to have kids with ye, eh. Little white-haired and blue-eyed us running barefoot in the forest
 Little embodiments of our love brightening our life.” His voice was merely a whisper now for he was slowly falling asleep, “I’ve always wanted to be a dad
 but thought I was too messed up for that.”
“You aren’t.” You smiled and let your fingers lazily graze his skin, your nails crossing through his chest hairs and ending their race on his heart, right where his tattoo was “I want it too Arthur. I want it too.” 
Sleep made the last word of your sentence die on your lips. Now, the hullabaloo of the party was no more. All the remaining noises were the harmonious murmurs of your slow breathings and the lullaby sung by the fire, which had never been so comforting. 
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✞ Any comment, review, reblog, or constructive criticism is welcome. Your reactions really motivate me and keep me alive, so please don't be shy. English is not my first language.
✞ Tag list: @adaydreamaway08 @theshelbyclan @jomarch-wannabe @esposadomd @zablife @woofgocows @anathemasworld @anastasia000 @kate654 @kxnnxy @babayaga67 @meowtastick @shelbyssins @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @bluevenus19 @raincoffeeandfandoms
✞ Nora Gray belongs to @amidst-wonderland || Rose Solomons belongs to @raincoffeeandfandoms || Kat Wilson belongs to my sweet partner @callme-fox
✞ Each chapter of this series can be read as stand-alone even though it's far more enjoyable if you have read at least the previous chapter.
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turnerchic · 3 years ago
Text
FOREVER YOURS
tommy shelby x reader
summary - y/n has been a close friend to the shelby's, they reunite in London at a party years later.
warnings : alcohol, drug mention, tinyyy bit angsty, fluff
NOT PROOF READ
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the party was packed like every other day, half naked women dancing on higher platforms, drunk and drugged up dancing bodies scattered the building, loud music bouncing off of every wall, the room was glitzed and glamourised with diamonds & crystals, chandeliers dangled, golden curtains draped, expensive furniture, high paid bands, and everyone was wearing something expensive and drinking something expensive this was The Eden Club.
you were stood in your strappy v cut white and gold patterned dress, and golden strapped heels, almost as if you were waiting for something to happen, something exciting, something to set your soul on fire something exactly like..
Thomas? shelby? you gasped as your eyes settles between the gap of bodies to a table where he was sat with his brothers, John and Arthur. would he even recognise you now you pondered, downing your glass and making your way over to the table they were sat "tommy?" his gaze in fact all three gazes lifted to you as they stared. good or bad?
"Y/n fucking y/l/n" Arthur was quick to stand up and greet you the Arthur way, he pulled you into a hug you laughed he was still the same your Arthur the one who taught you how to play or attempt football as a 12 year old girl with her hair in coils and dress full of dirt but gosh she was happy
"Arthur, you remember me then" "how would i forget, you see boys y/n has come to join the party after how many years" he turned to his brothers "i'm always here Arthur, why are you three here?"
"business" tommy said, you met tommy at 11 in the schoolyard he was the one who helped you against the bullies in playground who would pull your pigtails and steal your toys and he would put their faces in dirt everytime, he stole a bunch of flowers for you when you were upset because your cat had run away, you'd do everything together he was your Tommy, he said one day when you were big and older you and him would leave Birmingham and live far away he'd give you your own flower garden so you'd have your very own endless bunch of flowers for yourself but he'd steal you a bunch of flowers if he had to he'd do it in a second to make you happy, that fantasy shortly ended when he got sent to war and you got sent to London by your mother to work as a nurse which you shortly got away from, you had returned to Birmingham when the war ended as quick as possible to look for Tommy but you never met with him again until now. alive
"john you've got older, arthur you're still you and"
"stop rambling and sit down" john said as you pulled a chair and sat down opposite tommy
"i've missed you, all, i have" you said staring directly in tommy's direction, he was quieter before he left he was always smiling now he looks like he hates your existence
"i've missed you too" finally the first sentence he spoke to you and it contained a smirk plastered on his face "y/n never thought i'd see the light of day of you again, been awhile" he poured you a drink
"it's been a few years yeah, how are you all anyway?"
"we're alright i've got a child now you wouldn't believe it" john chirped up from chewing on his toothpick
"john shelby is a father, exactly something i wasn't expecting yet" you laughed, john had always been eager to do the wrong thing and live life on the edge
their original trip to The Eden Club ended when they found out the people they came for cancelled on them so you got up and said your goodbyes to them "i'll see you soon?", "no you'll see us right now let's go paint the fucking town" Arthur shouted
Out of all the Shelby's Arthur was your favourite aside from Tommy of course he was the most alive, welcoming, he was full of life, a true man
Arthur dragged you along with the three men on the dark streets on London it was a Friday the streets were busy with people looking for a good time, Arthur and John had walked or stumbled far in front of you and Tommy leaving you two alone again for the first time since the war, "So what about you Tommy what have you been up to since the last time i saw you?" "you never came back y/n" he said puffing on his cigarette "i did come back Tommy" he threw the last of the cigarette on the floor "then why weren't you in fucking Birmingham y/n, and why aren't you?" he stated did he look for you? did he mean it? "i was in Birmingham! well i came back when i heard the war ended i looked for you i couldn't find you, my mother forced me into London to work as a nurse, i wouldn't leave you"
his gaze slowly turned to you "why didn't you write to me y/n?"
"i thought you were dead Thomas" that seemed to affect him as his gaze lowered to the ground "i'm here, you're here now Thomas i'm just glad i found you again"
"so you were looking for me?" he smirked, "you Thomas Shelby promised me a house in the country with my own flower garden so yes"
"you remembered then" he put his arm out for you to link as you walked on the cobblestone path john and Arthur still shouting in the distance "i always wanted to take you out, somewhere like this" he almost whispered from how quiet he announced it "then why didn't you thomas?"
"the war happened, that's why i was angry when i returned back and you wasn't there, i thought u we're gone probably married, kids" he said in one breath a weight had been lifted from his shoulders
"Thomas..you felt that way..?" you knew about your attraction to thomas but you never knew it officially that he felt the same about you
"still do y/n."
"i felt the same, i mean God Thomas i never stopped" you let out frustratedly looking everywhere but his face you couldn't cry right now, but with hearing that he didn't reply instead he walked over to where you were standing grabbing your face and kissed you, you kissed him back instantly
"come back to Birmingham forget fucking London y/n come with me, i cant let u go again i'll get that flower garden with all the flowers in the world, the country house i'll get you 5 however many you want just..just come with me" he said your heads were touching, his hands were still holding your face in the palms of his hands waiting for you to reply
you nodded eagerly you didn't need to be persuaded you wanted Tommy , he was your Tommy you would of left London and everything behind anyway for him he kissed you again "Pollys missed you too"
"i've missed Polly ive missed you, birmingham"
"when we get to Birmingham i'm taking you on the date i should've all them years ago."
your talk with Tommy was interrupted by a very tipsy Arthur "you two lovebirds done yet?" he shouted towards you both
you and Tommy linked arms again and started to walk down the cobblestone road and you swear you heard Tommy let out a laugh
"you're blushing Tommyyyy."
"i am not"
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a-libra-writes · 4 years ago
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How the Peaky Blinders React To You Being a Jazz Singer
In This Preference, You’ll Be Singing To: Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby, John Shelby, Ada Shelby, Polly Grey, Michael Grey, Esme Shelby, Alfie Solomons, Lizzie Stark, Isaiah Jesus, Luca Changretta, Aberama Gold
THOMAS SHELBY
True to his reputation, he’d be interested in you right away, and that would inevitably grow to infatuation. Tommy would come to see you towards the end of your shift, when most of the customers are passed out and you’re sweetly crooning in a room of smoke and spilled drinks. He’s ready to drive you home, ignoring any questions about why he’s awake in the wee hours of the morning. Don’t be surprised if your club is suddenly bought by the Shelby company, especially if your boss wasn't treating you well. Tommy claims it was just a good business decision, since you’re popular and the club is close to their territory, but you know him well by this point. You’ll be well protected by guards and he often visits during your rehearsals, always looking tired and a bit lonely. Tommy's clearly relaxed by your singing, though maybe encouraging his advances isn't for the best.
ARTHUR SHELBY
No surprise, he takes a liking to you right away when you’re hired at his club. When you’re performing, he gets distracted, especially when you’re croning a love song in the wee hours to a bunch of drunk, passed-out patrons. In the corner of your eye, you’d notice Arthur looking at you like you’re hanging the moon. He’d die if you smiled at him during that. He’s incredibly protective of any weirdos trying to catcall you or grab you while you’re singing; he’ll grab them by the collar and throw them to the street or just bash their faces outright. The thing is, Arthur quickly learns your everyday personality is much different than your stage persona 
 and it makes him nervous to talk to you when you’re not working. You being so close and personal, not distant from the stage, makes him far more bashful.
JOHN SHELBY
The club you ended up at was always a favorite of his, and it was made even better by your singing. Eventually he stopped bringing his rowdy men around because their hollering and whistling began to piss him off - though he laughed his ass off when you threw a drink at one and continued your song. When it’s much later in the evening he’ll visit, since it brings John some peace, especially after a hard night of following Tommy’s orders. He’s too embarrassed to approach you at first, though it’d be easier if you worked for a Shelby club. He’d have an excuse to talk to you, for one. His crush would be painfully obvious, though he’s far more comfortable when he meets you outside the club. Conversation and jokes come more naturally.
ADA SHELBY
You two met by chance outside of work, and tonight she was finally coming to see you sing. That's when her little attraction turned into a full-blown crush. While Ada isn't big into jazz clubs, she's into you, so she'll visit several nights a week. Once you both are close, she insists you stop by her place after work, when the sun is just coming up. She gets up to let you in and brews you some hot tea to soothe your throat before you both fall asleep in bed. When you finally agreed to work at a Shelby club, Ada wanted it extra protected. She's ready to raise hell with her brothers if they think about starting something stupid at the club you work at.
POLLY GRAY
While Polly enjoys visiting the club you perform at, she warns you about the job in general. There are plenty of entitled men that could harass you, not to mention all the idiot drunks and brawls. Before long, you’ll be employed at a Shelby club to get some “proper” protection
 though Polly will still ask you to carry a knife or a gun. Her protectiveness aside, she likes to tease about what you're wearing for the night, especially if you've a habit of getting ready at her place. When you're performing she likes to give you winks and knowing looks in the hopes you'll get flustered. If she’s had several drinks, she’ll whistle.
MICHAEL GRAY
He’s not the type who likes to be smitten with people right away, so he’ll swing between trying to impress you and trying to distance and be aloof. Michael finds your performances relaxing, even if the other club guests ruin it with their noise and loud drinking. Because he wants to avoid that crowd, he shows up early during rehearsals or very late in the evening, when you’re about to quit for the night. Even before you both are an item, Michael is protective and might hire an extra bodyguard for you. He waves off your concern by insisting all Shelby club employees are kept this safe (they aren’t, and he gets jealous of the guard anyway). Michael’s feelings are so obvious to you, but he’s too proud to admit it, even when he’s driving you home and buying you flowers and leaving nice gifts in your dressing room.
ESME
She doesn’t understand why you put up with that noisy, smokey club, with all those men that stare and try to make a move the second you step off stage. She prefers when you both sing together, outside in the sunshine or under the stars. When you come home after a long night of singing, she wakes up early and gets you in a nice bath or snuggled in bed. She’ll keep the house dark through the day so you can sleep. Esme understands you need to sing to eat, but you shouldn’t work your pretty voice until it’s hoarse!
ALFIE SOLOMONS
He doesn’t visit these kinds of jazz clubs that often; it’s not Alfie’s scene, but he closed a deal in one of them. You were singing that night, and it was the only pleasant part of the evening. So he sent flowers. The next time you received flowers, it was because his men and Sabini's tore up half the club in a brawl. The third time he figured he should deliver them personally, and that's when he walked you home, too. Afterward you suddenly had a job offer in Alfie's part of town, and sometimes you'd spot him while you rehearsed. Alfie only flirts and chats when you approach him first. He doesn't want you to feel indebted or intimidated, especially since your singing really does relax him.
LIZZIE STARK
As much as Lizize loves to hear you sing, she worries about the weird men you might encounter in the club. She urges you to carry a weapon when you’re going home, or she just walks you home herself. She enjoys helping you with make-up and dressing before a show, it feels sweet and personal, and keeps her mind off any unpleasant men that might bother you in a few hours. It’s not just that they annoy her and make her worry for your safety; she gets pangs of antsy jealousy when they’re all staring and drooling after you. She’d never tell you that, though. When you come home in the wee hours of the morning, Lizzie wakes up just to give you a hug and an exhausted good morning before falling back asleep.
ISAIAH JESUS
Isaiah stumbled into the club you sing at by accident, and he wouldn’t call it love at first sight
 But he does swing by nearly every other night to watch you perform. You’d start to recognize his grin and starry eyes, and even during slow nights, Isaiah would be there. He’s had some trouble with your boss because he’s quick to cause trouble with the drunks that try to harass you, but eventually you two got to talking. Isaiah was the one to talk you into joining a Shelby club because it’s safer and you’d be paid better
 and he’d get to see you more. He’s pretty embarrassed by his friends teasing about his crush, but he’s undoubtedly smitten by you.
LUCA CHANGRETTA
He was a huge flirt from the start. You didn’t even work at one of his clubs, he was invited there as an exclusive guest by some New York politician, but his attention was taken right away. After a second visit, he sends a fancy bouquet. After the fifth, it’s a gold bracelet with some diamonds. Luca likes the ego boost of you looking his way and recognizing him in the crowd, and eventually he’d invite you to work for one of his clubs - especially once the one you’re at gets involved in a gang brawl. Word spreads quick that anyone making a ruckus while you sing is getting thrown out
 and any idiot that tries to approach you after the show is getting a hand or nose broken. He will melt if you sing in Italian or Spanish.
ABERAMA GOLD
He’s not a regular visitor to these fancy, noisy clubs, but Aberama will make an exception for you. He loves your voice, though he much prefers hearing you hum to yourself as you get ready for the evening’s set. It’s probably for the best he doesn’t watch you sing too much, because the moment a drunk catcalls you or tries to get on the stage, he’s got them in a chokehold and politely suggesting they leave. But no matter what, if Aberama isn’t working, he walks or drives you home, no matter the hour you’re finished with work. If you work at a Shelby club and there’s some drunk or brawl that causes you trouble, he’ll absolutely give Tommy grief about it.
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linguisticparadox · 3 years ago
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For friendship asks-John and Arthur
When I think they became friends (if canon already hasn't showed how they became friends): Has canon established the when? I get the feeling they would have met in like late adolescence/young adulthood...like long enough ago for them to be casually calling each other "Jack" and (most tellingly for the son of a Wholeass Lord) "Art", but not long enough ago to have been "childhood friends."
My favorite scene of them: Arthur sobbing into Jack's arms while Jack awkwardly pats his back like "uh...there, there" and then later tells his phonograph "Dear Diary: I was so Normal and Masculine today."
A random headcanon I have of them: Well Jack is obviously canonically neurodivergent right? I get the sense Arthur kind of knows this, in whatever terms were available to non-psychologist Victorian English gentlemen lmao ("My friend Jack can be a bit of an odd chap, gets into funny moods and goes on tangents about the strangest things, but he's bloody brilliant") and frequently will play subtle defense against people who might judge him or make fun of him--which, given that he's the son of a Motherfucking Lord, often just consists of Standing With Him At Parties and Laughing At His Dumb Jokes (and occasionally subtly "translating").
My favorite thing about them: Literally never a question of jealousy or competition over Lucy!! Best Bros 4 Lyfe (also Quincey)
A scene I wish we had of them: Literally any Suitor Squad Shenanigans from pre-canon!!
A scene with them that I want to rewrite/change in some way: Hmmm maybe Arthur telling Jack not to be a dick to Renfield? "That man SECONDED my FATHER show some respect you ASS!"
What makes me like their friendship: It's just so prep+nerd
Who I think is the ”crazier” one: I mean if we're talking "Somewhat mentally unstable" then Jack. If we're talking "Down 2 clown at ALL TIMES" then Arthur (Jack will absolutely participate in shenanigans but he is hesitant to Instigate them).
Would I change anything about their friendship? More hugging and crying and Talking About Feelings mb.
A song that reminds me of them: Uh....hm. idk?
Which one of the friends can I relate to more? Need you even ask? I'll give you a hint: it's not the socially-competent one. :')
A word to describe them: Complicit
What I think would have happened if they never met: Lbr the only reason Jack has ANY friends other than Van Helsing is Arthur and/or Quincey. And it seems more likely that Jack would have met Arthur first, and then Arthur met Quincey thru some rich-guy-bullshit. So yeah. Jack with NO friends. He would already be at evil scientist levels by the time the story started.
If I can picture them to be more than only friends: It may surprise y'all but I really don't get into shipping beyond joking around fjckgjfjc. But I can fully believe JACK can picture that (or would like to, anyway, low self-esteem aside).
If I would want to be friends with them: Oh hell yes.
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bitsandbobsofwriting · 3 years ago
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Arthur’s reaction to finding out the knights/ a knight is gay/bisexual? And also meeting his boyfriend and asked to be best man at their wedding?
(Headcanon Masterlist) (Full Masterlist)
This is cute, let's get into it!
Look... I love him, ok? But Arthur is awkward as hell when it comes to emotions and relationships and stuff, if any of his friends came out to him in any way, he'd like... freeze on the spot and go "...ok. Good for you?". He's not homophobic in any way, he just... has no concept of how he's meant to react?? He knows that a lot of people don't want a big deal made out of it, so he makes an effort to keep his reactions super basic and as "ok, moving on" as possible.
BUT!! If he were to... figure out (meaning Merlin or Gwen had to tell him after) that said friend needed a little more support and love and comfort because it was something they were super nervous about, and they didn't know what to make of Arthur's "...ok", he'd find them in a quiet moment. He'd still be super awkward, but there's also tight hugs and gentle smiles and a soft "I love you, no matter what, and you should be proud of yourself and who you are. Let me know if [insert family member/friend/boss/whatever] is a jackass about it, and I'll kick some sense into them, ok? You best let me know when you get a bf/gf, I wanna judge them."
When he meets a bf/gf, he's just... normal. Super friendly and lovely, if a little awkward, but secretly watching their every move so he can do some serious judging. It's no different to what he would do if he met a straight friend's partner, though if the friend had been one of the nervous/scared ones in need of more support, he might be a little extra protective, but nothing ridiculous.
Being asked to be a best man? He's so... surprised. Think Sherlock in BBCS when John asked him to be best man. Literally can't conceive that he's someone's best friend. MONTHS before the wedding he asks for a list of people that his friend and partner HAD to invite (think family members or family friends), but are... *worried* about, so that he can keep an eye on them and kick them to the curb in case they decide to get phobic. He takes his job very seriously. He probably also takes the friend aside before the wedding to have a very serious "I'm so proud of you and happy for you" moment, before he clears his throat, smacks them on the shoulder, and says something awkwardly dad-like, like "Go get 'em, tiger."
ANYWAY!! Arthur, as we know, is just hella awkward, and might need a soft nudge in the right direction, but is otherwise super lovely and supportive, and fairly good at picking up what the person needs after a little while of observation/prompts from Gwen or Merlin :D
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ttuesday · 4 years ago
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Hi! Could you do one where the fellers take care/react to a reader who has depression and is having a bad day/few days? Thank you! <3 <3 <3
I hope you get through this slump anon, honestly I’ve felt the same way too recently but I’m sure we’re both gonna get through this wave of bad days <3
Arthur
Arthur noticed your change in mood after the first day. He could tell something was off but he didn’t want to push you for answers. He had asked you if you were ok and you’d always reply saying you were fine, though that was an obvious lie. 
After a few days and seeing no improvement in your mode, Arthur decides to push you a little more. This time after you said you were yet again ‘fine’, he sighs “You sure? You seem down lately”. He isn’t great with his words and scared of saying the wrong thing.
He knows that whenever he feels down that saying around camp can do more harm than good, so Arthur suggests you go stake out Cornwall’s factory with him for a mission. Nothing much happens but giving your mind something else to focus on certainly helps.
If you do decide to tell Arthur about how you’re feeling, he stays quiet and nods along to everything you say. Even if you only tell him a small bit, he feels honoured that you trust him enough to say it and he makes sure you know that no matter what, he’s always going to be there for you.
Charles
Charles could tell from your demeanour that something wasn’t right. It’s the little things Charles picked up on, like how you now had to force a smile more often or how you always seemed distracted during conversations. 
Charles overheard a few of the others asking if you were ok and you always gave the same answer so he didn’t bother asking you that question again. Instead he asks if you’ll go hunting with him. He tells you how he needed an extra pair of hands acts totally casual .
After a nice ride through the forest and some relaxed conversation, Charles leads you through to a small opening where he apparently saw some deer. He hopes being out in nature and away from everyone will help your mind relax.
He doesn’t push you to talk about how you feel, Charles just wants you to have a good time and to have a genuine smile on your face. If you want to talk about your feelings then Charles is happy to listen and try to come up with solutions but ultimately he just wants you to have a good day.
Dutch
It took Dutch a few days to fully realise you were feeling down but he does notice it eventually. First he just presumed that you were feeling down because a job didn’t go to plan but he got worried when you’re mood didn’t seem to lighten.
His first approach to trying to cheer you up is by giving you materialistic goods. Dutch surprises you by giving you a shiny new pocket watch he just so happened to ‘find’ somewhere and he even gives you some money form the donations box and tells you to buy yourself something nice.
But Dutch can see that his plan didn’t work. Sure materialistic items are nice but they didn’t change how you were feeling. It’s times like this Dutch is happy he has Hosea to give him some advice on how to help you.
While the gang is distracted serving up dinner, Dutch pulls you aside and says “I know you haven’t been yourself lately and I know I can’t make you talk to me but if you ever feel like chatting, I’m always here for you”. He doesn’t want you to feel forced into talking but Dutch wants to make sure you know he’s there.
Micah
Micah knows this sounds kinda creepy but he likes to keep an eye on you when you’re in camp. So because of this, it’s actually pretty obvious to him when your mood changes.
When he tries to get you to open up first, he’s very abrupt and straight out asks you what’s wrong with you. But when he realises this method only pushes you further away from him, he attempts to take a more relaxed and calm approach.
When he sees you’ve trailed off by the edge of camp, Micah follows you out with two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He’s always found it easier to talk when he’s had a drink and he’s hoping you’ll feel the same. 
He doesn’t expect you to tell him all about how you feel but if being there and occasionally annoying you works as a distraction from that dreadful feeling, then he’s happy to do that. He wants you to feel like you can tell him things like this, even though he understands he ain’t the most trustworthy person out there.
John
John can be kinda awkward at times and sure, he doesn’t know how to have those deep emotional conversations but he cares about you and genuinely wants the best for you.
He tries to be subtle about it and says little comments every now and again like “Well you know where I am if you wanna talk” or he’ll compliment you throughout the day, just to make sure you know how great you are as a person.
But when he sees you’re not feeling any better, he starts to worry. On the outside it’s easy to see John as someone who doesn’t notice the change within you but the truth is John sees it but he’s scared that if he brings it up, he’ll accidentally make it worse. 
In the end, John goes with what he feels in the moment. Seeing the sad, drained look on your face, John’s almost sure his heart is breaking. Sighing, he holds out his arms and says “C’mere”. John hugs your for as long as you need, not daring to let go first. Sometimes you’d be surprised how great a hug can be.
Javier
Javier likes seeing your smile. It’s the one thing that’s guaranteed to make his day better. One of his favourite things in the world is making you smile, especially since it gives him that butterfly feeling in his stomach. So he’s recognises when your smile seems too forced or as though you’re smiling without genuinely feeling happy.
Javier sits with you and reminisces about old memories, hoping stories of goofy robberies that somehow didn’t get ye killed would make you smile. And it works! 
but only for a little while.
Javier knows that this feeling comes and goes, and that sometimes it can seem like it’s in the background of your mind for weeks. When he first left Mexico, he had strong feelings like this too so he knows how each day can differ and how the feeling fluctuates.
But Javier tells you he’ll be by your side for all of it. He wants to be the shoulder you cry on and for the nights that seem long and dark, he’s there. He lets you rest your head on his lap and Javier hums a few songs as he runs his fingers through your hair.
Bill
We all know what Bill is like. It can take him a while to understand how you feel but the main thing is he tries to help in whatever way he can. At first he thinks that you just feel sad over something. He doesn’t think it’s a big deal and Bill just thinks the feeling will fade in a few days. But it doesn’t.
Something that always helps Bill destress and forget about life’s problems for a while is playing with Cain. He’s convinced that dog has superpowers cause Bill’s in a good mood whenever Cain comes around. One day when Cain comes over to Bill for some belly rubs, Bill gets you to join in too.
You spend the rest of the afternoon with the two of them, using Bill’s bandana to play tug of war with Cain and laughing when Cain flops down on Bill, tired from all the games. 
As ye relax, Bill distracts you some more by telling you a few stories, like when he drunkenly mistook a cow for his horse. Bill doesn’t care if he has to tell you a thousand stories and pet a thousand dogs with you, if it’ll make you smile again then he’s willing to do it.
Sean
Sean wants to be the most helpful person ever. He wants to be there for you through it all, holding your hand each step on the way. Seriously, when Sean sees the shift in your mood and notices you aren’t your usual self then he holds on to your hand and doesn’t plan on letting go anytime soon.
Anytime you want to talk, Sean has no problem stopping whatever he’s doing and giving you his undivided attention. You’re so goddamn special to him and he’s scared of losing you, so he puts 110% into making you feel more comfortable in yourself.
Whenever Sean hears about a robbery or sets up a job, he always brings you along, whether you wanna go or not. He doesn’t think staying around camp all the time is good for you so whenever he goes out, he drags you out with him for a change of scenery
Does Sean know what he’s doing or if he’s helping you overcome this? No, he’s just winging it but this man will literally do anything if it means getting you out of this slump.  
Hosea
This is Hosea, of course he notices when you become more reclusive and depressed. Hosea’s a strong believer in love and support helping people get through anything, and so that’s what he gives you. 
It doesn’t matter where ye are, what time of day it is or if you’re in the middle of a shootout, if you need Hosea then he’s there to reassure you and tell you everything’s going to be alright.
He understands how it can be hard to talk about things like this and how sometimes it feels like you can’t put your emotions into the right words. If you try to talk about how you feel but start to get upset, then Hosea stops you and instead suggests you just sit with him for a while and wait for the feeling to pass.
He never tries to pressure you into talking and if anyone gets pissed off cause you’re not ‘pulling your weight’ around camp then Hosea becomes absolutely furious with them, unholstering his gun making sure the person knows they’re a fool for saying such a thing.
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maybanksslut · 4 years ago
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Dating Tommy Shelby would include...
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Pairing: Tommy Shelby x fem!reader
Warnings: mentions of alcohol and smoking :)
Ok pls watch me drop everything to write this bc I'm married to cillian murphy <3
First of all, how the two of you met
One night, you’d be alone in one of Birmingham’s many pubs, drowning down the sorrow you felt after fighting with your father, who was visibly upset with you for not being married
He’d been talking about marriage with you for weeks and you grew tired of having to tell him the same thing every day
“I don’t want to get married, dad, there’s no one I love!”
Of course, he’d think that was bullshit and tell you marriage wasn’t an act of love, rather a business that was supposed to tie two families together
This angered you, so here you were, drinking your pain away
And just as you’d got seated and ordered some Irish whiskey, a certain Shelby walked into the pub
Perhaps it was fate, perhaps a mere accident, but no matter what it was, it changed your life forever
“May I sit here?”
You were quick to realize he was a peaky Blinder by the way he was dressed
And by the way everyone appeared to shiver when he entered the pub, you concluded that he must be one of the Shelbys as well
“Only if you promise not to get blood on my dress”
To be honest, he was taken aback by your joke, expecting more of a nervous smile or a look filled with lust, like other women seemed to give him
He was immediately intrigued by you and made it his goal to get to know you better by the end of the night
Tommy tried to be a gentleman, he paid for your drinks, offered you cigarettes, and referred to you as “Mrs”
Until you told him you weren’t married, that is
His jaw (his jawline is perfect tho can we talk about that?) practically dropped, because how could such a beautiful woman like you not have a husband?
At the same time, he was happy, because this meant he could have a chance of making you his forever
Which, he realized later, was something he did wish to do
Tommy fell himself falling for you more and more every day, he just adored your smile, your laugh, the way you weren’t afraid of him, but rather treated him as a close friend
Yes, he was entirely enamored with you, and he knew he had to make a move before anyone else did
He often took you on horse rides or to restaurants to hear your voice, and he loved to hear you talk
“What about that horse race you went to last week, eh? Can you tell me more about it? I don’t quite remember”
He didn’t officially ask you to be his lover before you’d known each other for three months
His feelings for you were a big burden when he kept them a secret, and so was keeping your friendship from both of your families
Therefore, one night as you walked through the empty streets of Birmingham, he confessed to you
“The truth is, y/n, I am in love with you and I want you to be mine. What do you say, eh?”
You were stunned when you heard those words come out of his mouth
You’d never expected this coming, even though you had for some time now felt a stronger connection to Tommy than just a friendly one
Furthermore, the way he said it made your breath tremble. You could almost feel the passion burning its way through his confession
You could feel all the atoms in your body craving him and his love, but you couldn’t utter a words
So instead, you gently caressed his cheeks and kissed him, as if you were trying to pour everything you wanted to say into his mind by this sweet embrace
It took the both of you some time to cool down after the kiss, but when you did, the two of you grinned like idiots
“I love you, too, Tommy Shelby”
He’d carry you home and properly introduce himself to your father the second he got the chance
Your father would be so surprised, because of who you’d brought home
But he’d also be so happy (mostly because Tommy is rich, but also because his daughter finally had found someone)
He and Tommy ended up getting along quite nicely, though you saw his jaw (again he can cut me with that jaw) clench a couple of times when he mentioned the word “thugs” about some of his peaky boys
Before he left that night he kissed you so softly and romantically you thought you’d FAINT
Luckily, you didn’t, but you dreamt about him after you went to sleep
Sometime later, Tommy pushed aside his hesitations and decided to introduce you to his family
“Darling, I beg of you, don’t let them scare you away, eh?”
“Why would they scare me away? If they’re anything like you, I’m sure I’ll love them”
You’d be fascinated by all of his family members because they all appeared to be very interesting people
John would be the first one to talk to you, his outgoing personality very evident after even only a few seconds of conversation
You did enjoy his company, though you had to admit, he was kind of intimidating with his strong voice and loud laugh
Next on the list was Polly, the woman you’d heard so much about, yet knew nothing of
She was the one that you’d were afraid to meet the most, a sue she seemed so majestic and proud in her red dress and high eyebrows
Her personality was the complete opposite of what you’d expected
“Oh my god, you must be y/n! You’re gorgeous, my love! Oh, come here for a hug, my dear”
Her friendliness was overwhelming, yet it warmed your heart deeply to see that she cared for you after such little interaction
It was comforting how she took you under her wing, introducing you to the other family members while Tommy went to talk with his brothers
After the night was over, you’d befriended Ada and learned not to get on Arthur’s bad side
It was an evening full of emotions and feelings, but it was one of the best ones in your life, so you were quick to thank Tommy for making you the luckiest woman in England
“Don’t thank me, sweetheart, you’re the one who made my life brighter”
It took Thomas four weeks to propose to you
He loved you and he needed no time to know that you were his true love and he wanted to spend the rest of his life by your side
It was one night you’d spent together in bed, talking about anything and everything, stealing kisses from each other now and then
Suddenly Tommy’s face turned more serious
“I want you to marry me, y/n”
“What?”
“I want you to marry me. I want to show the whole world how much you mean to me. I want to spend the rest of my life in your arms, holding your hand and kissing your lips. I want to start a family with you and I want you, forever.”
You agreed immediately, tears in your eyes as you looked into the eye of your future husband and thought of the life you’d build together
It was perfect.
TAGLIST: @fangirlings-things @runaway-mom-friend @gxtitobxby @amirahiddleston @myloveforluna
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call-sign-shark · 2 years ago
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The scene of John picking her up wasn’t supposed to be that long but just mentioned, and then I got carried away by their cuteness and thought it would make his death extra painful. đŸ€­ Bts facts aside, thank you so much for telling me that the tension building was good in this one, it means a lot coming from a writer as talented as you.
As I told Layla, John’s death didn’t come out as I planned at first but finally, what’s better than sobriety to describe such moment rather than going with long descriptions? I know a lot of people wondered if I was going to follow SK’s show and kills him, and to be honest I also wondered because I didn’t expect the two characters to grow that close but as you said John’s death is pivotal. It’s pivotal in the series, pushing Arthur to relapse because they were the closest. Pushing the Vendetta arch. But also, it’s pivotal for Heaven. Your sentence “it’s going to be an integral part of Heaven arc” is a big Yes, Lauren. Heaven’s going to change following John’s death. Like, she will go from a peaceful and “I’m trying to do my best with people” girl to a colder and sardonic person keeping a small circle around her. But that’s something will see later.
In the meantime, she sincerely needs your hug. Sorry for the heartbreak Lauren đŸ–€ also thank you so much for your support and comment. I know I say this a lot but I’m grateful beyond words to have you.
Heaven in Your Eyes || Arthur Shelby x Reader!OC
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Summary: Disobeying Tommy's orders, you're back in Small Heath. Your rebellious attitude starts to really bother him but you don't care. All that matters is that you're reunited with Arthur and John, the two men of your lives. From then, nothing can go wrong. Nothing, right? -- Featuring John Shelby x Reader.
Words: 5.5k
TW: Extreme angst - read at your own risk, graphic depiction of violence, canonical violence, graphic depiction of murder, major character death, allusions to self-harm.
Notes:
✞ Theme song on repeat if you want to break your heart: HERE
✞ Quotes from the TV Shows are in bold and italics
✞ Heaven is OP's original character but written with the use of « you » (Moodboard here).
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The deafening howl of the train’s honk boomed in Small Heath’s station, quickly followed by a whistling sound. The steel giant had barely opened its heavy doors when the foul-smelling wind of the city rushed into the wagon and made you wrinkle your nose in disgust. It was not that you hated Small Heath strictly speaking, but the stark contrast between the industrial city and the green landscape of the forest in which you lived now was difficult to process. The sound of your stiletto soon clicked on the metallic steps as you got off the train, attracting people’s eyes to your tiny frame. Yet, you weren’t really sure if this sudden attention came from their sound, or rather the sight of your short black dress adorned with the most expensive white fur coat you had ever owned, and the gold choker necklace you wore, whose shape was one of a barbed wire wrapped around your neck. When your heels found the dirty concrete of the platform, a gargantuan hundred pounds Cane Corso with a spiked collar followed you closely, like a silent but off-putting bodyguard. He was your shadow, mimicking each of your movements and grazing your steps,  except if told otherwise. Loyal guardian, Kaiser was even more protective since Arthur left. Without minding the fascinated or curious stares that were looking at you, you walked out of the station with the dog’s leash in one of your small hands and a cigarette in the other.
“Mrs. Shelby? Here is your bag.” A man told you, all the while putting the said luggage at your feet. 
“Thanks, sir.” You replied with a brief polite smile, before stubbing your cigarette on the nearest wall and throwing it away. At first, you had been surprised by the care the staff provided you during the whole trip until you saw the glow of fear in their eyes as soon as they noticed your family name on the ticket.  She’s Arthur Shelby’s wife, you better be ready to help her with her stuff if you don’t want her husband to knock at your door and break your skull. That was what the ticket inspector told one of his colleagues when he met him in another wagon a few minutes after this frightful discovery. Waiting in front of the train station with a slight feeling of uneasiness, you swept your surrounding with your celeste blue eyes, whose coldness equaled the freezing English wind.  Looking around you in the hope of catching sight of a cab, your fingers absentmindedly brushed the almost imperceptible white burn scar on your wrist. The circle-shaped wound the cigarette had left on your skin had miraculously healed in a matter of days.
“Welcome home, little Angel.”  A familiar voice echoed right behind you. You turned around in one swift movement, and your freezing gaze turned into a child-like expression: John’s smile welcomed you, its charms so blinding that it made you momentarily forget about the dreadful feeling you carried in your soul. 
“John!” You exclaimed, unable to hold your joy any longer. Kaiser’s bark followed right after when he recognized who the man was. Without further ado, you rushed into him to pull him in a hug. Amused, John could not help but chuckle at such a vivid reaction before wrapping your body with his muscular arms and tightening his grip around you with the firm desire not to let you go, “What are you doing here?” You asked, looking at him. Your enlightened expression adorned your doll face and made your hypnotizing eyes shine with elation.
“That ain’t the right question, love. What are you doing here?” He teased you, raising one of his eyebrows, then stared right at your eyes. His tongue pushed the toothpick that was in his mouth from the right corner to the left before he went on, “When Arthur got your letter he told me about your arrival in Birmingham. Hell, he was so happy and terrified at the same time I thought that bastard was having an aneurysm. I’m the one who came at the train station ‘cause Arthur still has to make a few last-minute adjustments to welcome you here.”  As he talked, the young Shelby brother had freed one of his hands from your delicate body to pat the big Cane Corso’s head. The latter closed his eyes, mouth wide open and tongue hanging in bliss.
“A few adjustments?” You frowned.
“Like, threatening all the men of Small Heath not to even look at you, and dealing with Tommy’s reaction. He’s fuckin’ mad at you, eh.” 
Of course, he was — you could not expect less from Thomas Shelby. God, you barely arrived in town he already found a way to bother you, even if he was not here. At this stage, he had real talent. “You know what? Fuck Tommy. If he thought I’d be dumb enough to stay out of the plan while my husband and you risk your lives, well it’s his problem, not mine. And if Changretta’s men come to my door, I’ll put them in the dirt myself.” That being said, you waved off the topic, “But let’s not talk about Tommy, please” You concluded, then laid a soft kiss on his chin.  As your juicy lips crashed against his skin, John half-closed his eyelids and let out a soft exhale from his nostrils.
“Yeah, I bet you will,” He stated, referring to you possibly burying Changretta’s henchmen six feet deep. John enjoyed the physical contact for a few extra seconds, then he gently parted from you and closed his fingers around your wrist in a soft grip. You raised your gaze to him, surprised.
“Wait a minute. I just wanna check something before you get in my car.” His smile vanished, handing over to a very serious expression that kind of unsettled you.
“What‘s the problem?” Your smile followed his somewhere else. You didn’t know where, but what was sure was that it had left your face. 
Without the slightest warning, John raised your arm above your head and made you twirl one first time, “Would you look at you, little angel! What a stunning outfit!” He exclaimed, before spinning you again to admire your otherworldly beauty, “Oh my God, I’m in love. Last time we met you were barefoot in the grass like some kind of ethereal nymphet and here you come in the shape of a goddess, dressed like a queen?”  You suddenly chuckled at his unexpected reaction.
“Hey fuck you! You’ve scared me!” You nudged him in the ribs with your free arm, but it only made him laugh louder. 
“My little heart can’t resist that.” He winked at you, his grin stretching in an adorably annoying smile only he could do before making you twirl again. Sometimes, you wondered if Tommy and he were really brothers. He is so different from Arthur and John. You thought.
“John! Shut up, dumbass. Your little heart can’t resist girls in general — or more like your cock can’t resist girls.” You rolled your eyes, faking an annoyed pout which only resulted in John protectively wrapping your shoulders with one arm. 
“That’s my mean angel! Fuck I’ve missed you and your quick wit so bad. C’mon!” He said, grabbing your bag with his free hand before you started walking away. Kaiser ran and hopped inside the car a few seconds before you did.
The whole trip went well, casual conversations and joking with John had managed to alleviate the anger in your heart, which was far too focused on the driver’s joyful voice and stunning eyes. He talked to you about the kids, about his new house, and about some childhood stories. Surprisingly enough, each of his sentences had snatched a smirk from you despite the anxious situation in which the Shelbys were embedded. Nevertheless, your mind drifted away at some point and you stopped listening to him though. Not that he bothered you, but it was rather due to the fact that you lost yourself in the contemplation of the smallest details of his face. The adorable freckles, his little round ears, his pinchable cheeks
 Everything about John Shelby made you feel at home. 
“Is that fine with you?” His voice suddenly popped your thoughts bubble.
“Hm?”
“I was saying that you’re going to live a few days at me house just the time for Arthur to secure Watery Lane properly. You’ll spend Christmas with me, Esme, and the kids.” He repeated, noticing he had been talking to himself for a little while.
“Ah,” You started, batting your Bambi lashes quickly to chase away your daydreams. That was all you could say, for you dive into your thoughts right again. A comforting silence fell between you. After a little while, John slightly bit the inner of his cheek and glanced at you. The truth was he had been hesitating on his next move for five solid minutes. No matter how goofy John Shelby could act, he was a sharp observant. Considering his ease at analyzing people, he naturally noticed the way your fingers nervously played with the fabric of your dress, indicating your inner turmoil. The young gangster slowly moved his hand towards you, still conflicted about what he was about to do — Was it appropriate? Were you going to slap him? He hoped not, for he didn’t want to crash the car on the side of the road and explain the reason behind the accident to Esme. But worst than facing his wife’s wrath was to offend you.
No, no he wouldn’t want you to hate him. Yet, John was not the kind of man to let the demons of his mind win. Acting first, and thinking after was a motto he often applied in real life. He briefly looked at you again, his sky-blue eyes meeting your aquamarine iris before they shifted their focus back on the road. The young Shelby brother finally gathered his courage and rested his warm and strong hand on your thighs. 
“Hey. Are you okay? You didn’t tell me what you think about living at me house.” 
“Oh yeah,” You slightly shook your head, “That’s fine with me John boy.” You finally said, punctuating your sentence by gently covering his hand with yours and, to his greatest surprise, your small and cold fingers clenched around him. The physical contact almost immediately sent a wave of comforting warmth into your soul. John’s lips stretched in a caring smile and he replied to your sweet gesture by turning his hand to intertwine your fingers together.
That was definitely fine with you, for you knew that as long as John was around, there was no place for the storm.
Only for the sun.
A sun as bright as his smile.
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“Get the fuck off my way.” Arthur’s gruff voice thundered in the hallway, followed by a noisy thud and Michael’s flourishing insults.
“Piss off, Arthur!” 
The tall gangster had been so eager to rejoin his sweet angel after two awful weeks of loneliness that he had shoved Michael right into the nearest wall for the sole reason that he had been walking too slowly for Arthur’s tastes.  All the while walking through the corridor, he had thrown his beret out of frustration and had brought his hands in his hair to nervously slick them back. He busted into the living room and his shiny steel blue eyes, sparkling with a gleam of hope, searched for you. 
“Hey, Arthur.” When your soft voice swirled in the room and reached his ear with the tone of a mesmeric siren’s chant, goosebumps of excitation appeared on Arthur’s skin. Moving your body with a wildcat’s grace from the sofa, you stood up and looked at your husband with an adorably shy smile, like a young bride seeing her groom for the very first time. All the confidence you’ve felt kinda disappeared now that you were standing in front of him — would he be happy to see you? Or did you deceive him by disobeying and coming back to town despite Changretta’s men lurking in the shadow? You hadn’t the time to think about the matter though for Arthur rushed to you without waiting any longer and, with an uncontrolled strength enhanced by the power of his overflowing emotions, hugged your little frame. The gangster then lifted you from the ground, causing a cry of surprise to break free from your plumped and glossy lips.
“Bloody Hell, angel! I’ve told ye to stay safe at home!” 
He said, putting you back on the ground right before cupping your face with his large, warm, and calloused hands, before you could even react, “I’ve told ye it was too fookin’ dangerous here! What if Changretta and his men would have attacked you on the train eh?!” He exclaimed, a bit more aggressively than intended. At first, you opened your mouth to reply but no sound came out. The sight of his pained eyes and his worried expression suddenly made you feel a bit guilty: if there was one thing you hated it was being the cause of his worries. “Hmm?!” He insisted when faced with your silence. His piercing blue iris dived into yours, looking in their celestial frost for the answer your mouth could not produce. 
“I— I don’t care. If you’re in trouble then I am too. If you fight, I fight. If you die, then I fucking die. We’re one, and I’m sick of acting like the good frail wife waiting for her husband to come back from the war,” You started, shaking yourself out of your silence; and the more you spoke, the more your confidence came back, backfiring, “I don’t care about the danger, Arthur.” A desperate smile stretched the corner of your lips, making your eyes squint a little bit. A smile both tainted with sadness and mad love, “The first time we met I’ve made the promise that you’ll never face Hell alone ever again and I don’t plan to back up now that we’re at its gates.” 
“Yer fookin’ crazy, I swear you are.” He replied. His eyes shone with dawning tears as he observed your holy pulchritude, “Out of yer goddamn mind, Heaven Shelby
 Fookin’ bonkers.” His face relaxed, anger swept away by the winter breeze that had rushed into the living room through the open window. Arthur finally let out a nervous yet endeared little chuckle and shook his head in disbelief, "You're so much trouble eh."
“I’ve learned from you.” You straight off replied, gently pressing your forehead against his in this intimate gesture that was so proper to him. Yet, he didn’t reply right away, still shaken by your fierceness — these last two weeks had almost made him forget how untamable you were. He wanted to scold you for behaving in such a reckless way — He really did. But the truth was big bad Arthur Shelby couldn’t resist you. And God knew how hard it was to function without your heavenly and reassuring presence. If he had to be honest, he would admit that he wasn’t sure he could do it without you anymore. He was consumed by his love for you, body and soul.
A little sigh escaped from his lips as his boiling worries slowly faded away, drowning himself in the little details of your face. With trembling fingers, Arthur grazed your snow-white hair. Fuck, he had missed you bad. Very bad. To the extent of drinking himself to sleep almost every night and lashing out at the boxing ring, mercilessly beating his opponents, for these were the only ways he had found not to slip into pure insanity. 
“Angel —“ He started, wanting to say so many things at once, but words choked in his throat. Closing his mouth, Arthur swallowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he did. The joy of having you there was so intense that his mind could not find something relevant to say: he wanted to talk about Tommy, about the letter he had sent you, about the Changrettas but nothing mattered anymore. What did though was you and him. That was why he finally gave up everything to hug your frame again, his spine bent so that he could bury his face in your small breasts. “I promise I’ll protect ye with me whole life, Angel. No one’s gonna hurt ye. Not on me watch.” He finally mumbled, the sound of his words muffled against the soft pale skin your cleavage exposed, thus turning his plead into more of a symphony of low grunts than anything else. 
“I’m here, darling.” You reassured him. Arthur squeezed your body a bit too painfully in reply, but you didn’t mind. The uncomfortable pressure of his brutal grip chased your worries away and made your whole soul flicker — It made you feel so tiny, so fragile, as no other men did before, and you genuinely liked it. So, he could break you in half with his hug if he wanted, you would be okay if it was the price to pay to keep feeling his possessive and aggressive love all around you.
With the desire to soothe his heated spirit and confusing thoughts that were bumping into each other in his confused head, you let your small fingers lose themselves in his messy hair. Your gesture brought immediate relief, whose warm sensation spread in his bones at the contact with your frozen skin. Arthur’s whole being gradually relaxed, and he could finally let out the pressure of these last two weeks. All of sudden, you felt salty and wet drops running down your chest, “I’ve fookin’ missed ye.” He lamented, his crystal tears dying in your cleavage. Parting from you was the worst idea ever, he thought, and he didn’t want to experience it ever again. 
“I’ve missed you too.” You said in a whisper. Ceasing to caress his hair, you put your hand on the back of his head and pressed his face a bit more against your bosom, keeping him still until his grip finally loosen around you and his tears run dry. Now that the storm of emotions was slowly calming down, Arthur sniffed one last time and raised his head, his lips reaching for yours. The press of his kiss, eager and hungry, dissipated the last couple of clouds of his troubled mind the moment your flesh reunited. Weakened by his scorching passion, your legs shook at the sweet and liquored taste of whisky on your tongue, while his strong hands explored you just as if the tall gangster wanted to make sure you were really here. To make sure he was not dreaming. His hands grabbed you, rubbed the sides of your thighs, ran up the curves of your ass, and then clenched on your shoulder blades for a short while before going down again to seize your waist in a bruising movement. You squeezed your eyes tighter, shaken to the core by the way his fingers left streams of fire in their trail, melting the ice that had settled under your skin the night he had left the house without you. Arthur deepened the kiss, almost leaving you breathless.
After an undefinable while during which you both lost the notion of time, his tongue gave yours one last stroke before he finally broke the kiss and reopened his eyes. Yes
 You were still there — to his greatest relief. You let out a faint feverish sigh, the sensation of his kiss still tingling on your swollen lips, then you tilted your head to the side. Betrothed by your adorable pout, Arthur’s smile widened until the crow feet at the corner of his eyes appears. 
“Look at you. You’re fookin’ stunning, little one.” He laid his big hand on your cheek and you gently rubbed it against his palm in reply.
“What about you tell me what you're up to instead of treating me like a little girl, Mr Shelby?” You teased, your reunion definitely erasing the worries out of your brain, even if the threat section D had sent you still lingered at the back of your mind. 
“Listen,” He started, his thumb brushing your lips with utter desire but he tried not to get too distracted by them, “John should have already told ye but you’re going to stay here ‘til Christmas hm? The house isn’t safe yet and you’ll be safer with Esme and the kids. Also, John will stick around to protect you. Just until Christmas right?”
“What about you?” You retorted, furrowing your brows. 
“As for me Tommy and I will figure out what to do. But don’t ye worry
 " He brought his face closer, his mouth reaching your ear, "Each night I’ll be back in your arms and I’ll show ye how bad I’ve missed you.” He whispered, his low voice alike the growl of a starving wolf, “I'm a little afraid ye’ forgot what’s like to feel your husband, hmm.” A little amused snort came from your nostrils at the delightful perspectives. For sure, Arthur’s way to make up for the last two weeks of loneliness you’ve both been through was particularly exciting. 
“You think so? Little evil me is not so sure if she prefers Kaiser’s presence next to her in bed rather than yours. ” 
“We’ll see, love.” He was about to kiss you a second time to shut your bratty mouth when Esme appeared at the doorframe, arms crossed in her chest and one brow raised.
“There are kids there.” She reminded, her voice cold and slightly bothered. Of course, she wasn’t enchanted by your stay here, but it has been two years since you joined the Shelby family, which had given her all the time needed to tame her hostility toward you. Your relationship was still rocky, but at least she had stopped insulting you on every occasion. 
“Oops, sorry Esme.” You replied with the biggest and most charming smile you could do before taking a step back from your husband to help him —and you— resist the temptation of giving in to your burning desires. Arthur could not help but chuckle at the comment. He slipped his hands into the pocket of his long black coat, coming to the conclusion that it was safer if they stayed there.
“Alright, no need to bark Esme.” He grunted, but the sincerity of his grumpiness was definitely undermined by the faint smirk etched on his lips.
“I’ve made tea.” Esme went on, her magnificent brown eyes going from Arthur to you several times. Their dark color struck you for one second for their hard beauty reminded you of autumn leaves spinning in the immensity of her iris. You did not hate her. You never did. As harsh as her behavior had been, you had come to understand that her reactions were dictated by fear rather than spite. As a very catholic person, Esme was more than terrified by evil spirits — and she ultimately thought you were one, not seeing the enamored twenty-five-year-old girl you were, but the evil witch you could be. You could not blame her though, for she wasn’t entirely wrong. Somehow, you were convinced that Esme was the only one of the family who truly understood your dormant dangerous nature. What she did not grasp though was the sincerity of your feelings, “Hurry up.” She said, turning around and returning to the kitchen.
“Come on,” You gently wrapped your arms around your husband, “Kaiser is waiting in the kitchen. He’s going to be so happy!”
“Ah right, let’s see the man who took me place in bed.”
Arthur had barely stepped into the room when you heard the dog’s frantic barks, soon followed by his muscular body running toward his master to greet him with great enthusiasm. The sight of Kaiser almost reaching Arthur’s height, with his two front paws on his shoulders, filled you with joy.
It was at this very moment that you were almost convinced that nothing could go wrong.
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The calm of the forest was a type of peacefulness nothing else could outmatch. All that was lacking from this grandiose landscape was the mighty shadow of the old and wise mountains of Haute-Falaise, whose silent lullaby could only be heard by those who paid close attention to it. From where you came, Christmas was always synonymous with snow along with the cold sensation of frosty wind biting at your face. Each time you would come back home after a joyful moment of playing games outside with your little sister, the warmth of the hearth’s fire would welcome you. But this Christmas, like many others since you left France, there was no snow. No mountains. And no little sister anymore. You were alone in the forest, wandering among the dead trees and the howling breeze.
Katie had woken up with a light fever, and she had cried in her father’s arms for twenty strong minutes before he managed to hush down her sorrow. Following a quick discussion with John, you informed him that you knew a natural remedy against fever and then, you went in the forest to collect the few plants you needed to concoct a healing tea. Esme would have naturally disagreed with the idea if John had told her, which hadn’t been the case. Instead, you simply replied that you needed some fresh air when she asked you why you were venturing outside the house on Christmas morning.
Oh, fuck it's you. Got nothing better to do on Christmas morning? // Tommy wants everybody at Charlie's Yard now, come on.
You’ve been wandering for over one hour when you finally found all the plants you needed for Katie’s tea. Satisfied, you headed back home with a light heart, already thinking about the pleasant breakfast that was waiting for you. A small grin flattered your lips at the thought of the children tearing their gifts’ paper apart and screaming with awe at the discovery of their new toys. 
What's gonna happen man, it's fucking Christmas.
Moreover, you could not wait for the adults to open their gifts too. Even if Ada told everyone to focus on the kids, you could not help but buy a little something for the house’s hosts: a beautiful silver necklace with a protective crystal pendant for Esme, and an expensive ring for John inside which was engraved the sentence “Le soleil brĂ»le dans ton sourire” which meant "The sun burns in your smile". 
John. John, come to the meeting. All right? Think about the kids. Come to the meeting and if you want to leave, then fine.
For sure you could not wait to see their surprised expression slowly shifting to joy the moment you would give them their gifts! A little smile flattered your lips at such adorable thought. In truth, you had stopped celebrating Christmas for so long that the perspective to do it today delighted you. It was going to be a wonderful, wonderful day.
Get in the fuckin' house!
The petrifying detonations of gunshots tore the forest’s silence apart, which caused a cloud of afraid birds to erupt from the trees’ thick foliage. One shot, the surprise made you wonder if you had really heard that or if it was just the traumatizing memories of men chasing you down in the forest that was playing with your mind. Two shots, you turned towards where the noise was coming from, realizing it was real. Three shots — they stirred a brutal pain in your chest. A pain so vivid your fingers loosened their grips on the plants, letting them go, and grabbed the place where your heart was. It was drumming so hard in your chest that you felt it was about to burst your ribcage open. Crushed by the unexplainable ache and a crawling feeling of anxiety, you leaned against a tree not to collapse on the muddy soil. Your throat felt tight, to the extent you could barely breathe anymore. With eyes wide open, you desperately tried to calm yourself and comprehend what was happening to you. And suddenly the macabre evidence of the whole situation hit you like a train — a suffocating panic seized you again as you realized that the gunshots were not coming from hunters in the forest but from John's house.
No.
Your body moved slowly from the tree, taking a few wobbly steps.
“No!” Your voice yelled but no one was there to hear your desperate cry except the pristine nature, which had sent the wind to howl in pain with you. A surge of adrenaline ran through your body and, as if you had received the fiercest whiplash ever, you started running to the house as fast as you could. You ran faster and faster, with the cold breeze biting your face and brambles clawing at your exposed skin as you rushed past thick bushes. That was all you could do anyway for every other function of your being had shut down to focus only on your restless race. You could not think straight anymore. You could not hear anything else than the brutal beating of your heart resonating in your skull. Gosh, you couldn't even see properly, your vision narrowed into a small point in the horizon that was John's house. So you just ran, you ran no matter the insufferable burn in your lungs and the soreness of your legs.
"Hey! Come back, little doe". You could almost hear them behind you. The cruel men who hunted little thirteen years old you in the dark woods of Haute-Falaise. "We’re not gonna hurt you! Fuck — where’s that little slut?!"
Moving away the last branches aside, you jumped above a thick root and broke the last meters that separated you from the house. That was when you heard it, the agonizing scream of Esme. Her voice, filled with pain and fear, almost pierced your eardrums like the wailing lament of a Banshee. You reached the front of the house and suddenly, your legs made an abrupt stop, refusing to move anymore. In front of your wide-opened eyes, from which tears were already leaking, laid the inanimate body of both Michael and John in a crimson puddle of their own blood.
"John! Oh my God, John! No!" Esme yelled, her face contorting with indescribable sorrow and insufferable ache. She was kneeling on the pavement and hugging the motionless frame of her husband, whose skin already faded two shades paler. The young Romani beauty shook him but John's eyes remained shut. At first, you wanted to scream along with her, giving in to panic, but no sound came from your mouth. Instead, you let your quivering body drop to its knees and immediately put the moist palms of your hands on your best friend's wounded chest — The numerous bullet holes had made flowers of blood blossom on the white fabric of his shirt.
You took a deep breath, threw your head back, and closed your eyes in a desperate attempt to channel all the magic that was running in your blood to save him. After all, you had witnessed your mother performing similar miracles in your childhood. All you needed to save him was a faint beating of his heart, even the weakest would do the trick. Thus, you focused on your task the best you could and drained yourself of most of your energy in the hope of seeing John reopening his magnificent blue eyes and offering you one of his beaming smiles. You were pretty sure that he would come back to life, just like the bird you had found in the garden two years ago. Yes, you were going to bring him back to life, and this awful nightmare would be over and you would all have a good fairy tale ending.
— But life wasn't like the tales you loved: his heart had stopped beating for too long for you to do anything. It had been only a matter of minutes but still, you came too late.
You came too late.
When you understood it, a river of tears streamed down your angelic face. One of your hands gently moved up to his throat, and you pressed two fingers on his carotid artery to check his pulse in a desperate and last attempt to feel something, but there was nothing. Only the dull silence of Death. You slowly backed off and looked at the surprisingly peaceful expression on his face, forever frozen by the Reaper's cold kiss.
John was gone.
And so was the sun.
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✞ A little note now that you've finished this chapter: Heaven did not ignore poor Michael by the way. When walking past him she noticed that his wound was not as serious as John's, so she decided to check him after checking John.
✞ Any comment, review, reblog, or constructive criticism is welcome. Your reactions really motivate me and keep me alive, so please don't be shy. English is not my first language.
✞ gif by the amazing @fkmylif3
✞ Tag list: @adaydreamaway08 @theshelbyclan @jomarch-wannabe @esposadomd @zablife @woofgocows @anathemasworld @anastasia000 @kate654 @kxnnxy @babayaga67 @meowtastick @shelbyssins @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @bluevenus19 @raincoffeeandfandoms @kishie8 @zablife @brummiereader @alexandra-001 @dearshelby
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laverna-fanfictions · 4 years ago
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To Be Free - Finn Shelby Imagine
I AM BACK! And I’m back with a long waited request -it was requested at January????-  so here it is, and I’m really sorry for making you wait for it. I combined the two requests together.  I hope you’ll enjoy! And feel free to ask/say anything to me!
Request: @beth-winchester21  Please can I request a finn shelby x reader where I'm esmes younger sister and the shelbys treat me like family and I get really excited for Christmas and everyone finds it hilarious and I end up getting drunk and finn looks after me thanks xx
@beth-winchester21 Hi please can I request a finn shelby x reader where I'm his girlfriend and esmes younger sister and I've known him and his family since I was 3 and they treat me like family and they find out my parents abuse me and make me give them my money and work for them and the shelbys save me from them and can I have a cute moment with finn please thanks x
WARNINGS: Mentions of abuse, buying someone from their family, mentions of physical abuse, drunkness.
WORDS COUNT: 1346
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   You have been working your ass of because of your parents, they have always treated you as if you were their worker- or slave. Carrying all the wood although your brother always sat at the corner, drinking, and playing card games with his stupid asshole friends. His friends were always mean to you, well “mean” didn’t describe it very well, they were harassing you all the time. Cornering you, pulling your skirt in front of everyone. Your family didn’t care that much, they only cared about your brother because he was a male. Esme was your only escape, and after her marriage John became your haven too.
The Shelby’s were like a family to you. Finn and you were always hanging out, annoying his brothers by the Garrison’s. Eavesdropping their deals, sneaking booze out of the bar, stealing Arthur’s hats and razors. They never once treated you like a stranger, you were like their sister. And that connection became stronger after the marriage between Esme and John.
Finn figured out your situation after you became his girlfriend. He saw how the other boys treated you- how your family did. One night, your father beat you so bad that he broke your arm, gave you a purple eye and almost broke your ribs too. Finn found you fainted at your tent, grabbed you and carried you to John and Esme’s house. Esme was freaking out, cussing every bad word out, throwing shit at the wall while John tried to calm her down. Things were about to turn sideways for your family, you could feel it, but you were too sedated to care at that moment. Polly brought a doctor to help you, the whole Shelby clan was at your side talking about what they were going to do. They couldn’t start another war with your family, that’s why John and Esme became married at the first place.
“I know what to do.” said Finn, still looking extremely mad. His eyes were all dark and dangerous, his eyebrows were still frowned. You could see how stressful he exhaled because of his nostril; they became large with every breath. “What?” Tommy sound angrier, eyeing the doctor time to time. “We will pay for her. That’s the only language they understand. So, we’ll make a deal.”
“Oh, nice.” you mouthed, still dazed. “Another way to show my family how I am their slave.” your words were slurred, but they still understood you. Finn looked at you concerned. “I know how you feel, Y/N. But this is the only way we can save you.” you tried to silk your shoulders, but you remembered your arm was broken. “I know but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m their slave.” Tommy wasn’t listening to you anymore; he took Arthur and John with him and went to your parents. You were worried sick about to possible outcome of this deal because your parents were dangerous. But you let your eyes rest, you couldn’t deal with the pain anymore. So, you fell asleep.
-
“Y/N, please bring us that bottle of whiskey I put aside.”
Tommy requested with a soft tone; he had a business meeting at the bar. After “buying” you out from your abusive parents, Tommy decided it would be better for you to work for yourself and yourself only. He let you earn decent money, enough to get yourself a new place to stay. The guys didn’t want you to move out, but they knew eventually you had to. After working, you had to get back to Tommy’s because it was around Christmas and you and your new family were about to get together. You were unbearably excited, head to toe, feeling numb in your fingers. You’d never celebrated Christmas before, let alone a dinner party with your family. Hell, if there were a party, you would be the one who do all the work around.
You and Finn were sitting near the Christmas tree, drinking your whiskey while chatting. His fingers were brushing through your now better arm, caressing the bandage. “Does it still hurt?” you silk your shoulders “Not anymore.” you smile, gave him a kiss on the cheek and put your head on his shoulder. You were watching them, arguing passionately about something. Polly and Ada were somewhere else at the house, Polly probably was reading the tea leaves of Ada.
You were excited about that night because it was the first decent dinner with anyone. You wanted to look good, so you dressed up- more than them. They have been mocking you all night long, especially Arthur. He kept commenting on your newly bought pearls, the kind gift of Tommy. You were like a mad cow, you accept that, bothered everyone all day long about what to wear or what to do. But in the end, you were full of happiness thanks to your new family.
“I am going to get myself a new glass.” you told Finn and stood up from the couch. You were a little bit dizzy, well it was a really strong whiskey so that was not a surprise for you. You wanted to get over your excitement so, you’d like a new glass.
While you were walking back to your spot, Arthur grabbed you by your waist and held you high. “Holy shit Arthur!” you screamed, some of it because of the pain you had in your ribs. You held his shoulders in the purpose of not falling, but your glass had already fallen. “Y/N’s first official dinner with us as our family!” he shouted, turning you around up by the air. You were feeling nauseous, you were about to throw up. “Fuck, Arthur, stop!” he didn’t listen to you, kept you up there. And then, the inevitable happened.
You threw up, while still up in the air, made a whole mess around the carpet and unfortunately, some of it got to his suit too. All his brothers started to laugh, mostly at Arthur. “Fuck Y/N!” he let you down, took off his jacket and put it aside. Tommy called over his maid, although he looked slightly amused, he didn’t want to make it obvious. His carpet was a mess.
Esme was still laughing like crazy and held your hand. “Let’s get you cleaned up, pukey.” you nodded in response. She helped you clean your mouth, sprayed the perfume, and slightly squeezed your cheeks to give you a little color. “How are you feeling, love?” she sounded concerned, which was a rare thing because she never showed her worrying side to you before. You smiled and hugged her; you loved your big sister more than anything in the world. “I’m happy.”
“About puking?”
You giggled, squeezed her more with your arms. “No, about today. About this. I feel free.” she kissed your cheek and smiled back at you. “You are free, love. And you got Finn.” she winked and let you out of the bathroom. Finn was waiting you there, looking a little bit disturbed. “Are you alright, Y/N? You look pale? Did Arthur hurt your arm or something?” you let him to hug you, to kiss you. “I’m fine, Jesus. I just had too much to drink.” you kissed him back, walked with him outside to the garden. You two were sitting at the bench, holding each other closely. “You know Finn, you don’t have to worry about me all the time.”
“I will worry about you darling, because I love you.”
You raised your head, looked at him surprised. Yes, you two loved each other but you’d never said it out loud before. The three words made you warm all inside, a huge smile creeped all over your face. You were young, little kids even, but you always had that feeling with him. Even when you guys were little, you knew Finn was the one. Finn was the one who cared about you the most, and you cared about him the most. So, you let yourself say those three words back to him.
“I love you too. More than anyone.”
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cowboywaffles · 4 years ago
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john x arthur x m!reader
reader is in a poly relationship with arthur and john, the two want to suprise their boyfriend one night, but walk in to find out that their boyfriend still sleeps with stuffed animals. this was a request and honestly hhvfvbr, from someone who still sleeps with stuffed animals and in love w these two, ty for requesting this it made me happy to write! ^^
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“so er” arthur mumbled as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “i was thinking, Y/Ns been under a lot of stress recently, I just, I don't know, think we could do something nice for him?” Arthur said, looking at his boyfriend John who stood at the entrance to his tent. 
John nodded, scratching at his stubble in thought, “i'd like that, and i'm sure he'd like that”, the smaller man paused for a moment, “like what though?”.
“I was thinking, we could spend the night with him, treat him to some breakfast in bed tomorrow morning and all when he wakes.” Arthur said, still not 100% about his ideas.
John smiled at Arthur, “well, i'll go find some flowers for him, you go get him something nice and we'll meet outside his tent later tonight, surprise him.” John said, pecking Arthur on the cheek before walking off. 
It had been 2 months since the three men decided to enter the relationship. It was Arthur's idea initially, he had gained feelings for the young man, Y/N, and his lifelong friend John marston. John was hesitant at first, denying his feelings towards the two, despite spending countless nights together, stealing kisses and exploring each other's bodies. 
Although the two men had never visited Y/Ns tent, infact, they didn't ever see anyone enter or leave apart from their boyfriend himself. He seemed hesitant to open up to his boyfriends and let them in, but surely there was a good reason. 
Arthur decided to head into valentine, he left horseshoe over look on his horse and found himself in the general store, and picked out your favourite snack that he knew you loved, and a new pair of clothes. Arthur had no idea how to be romantic, but he tried his best.
later that night, you put on your nightclothes and snuggled under your bed sheets and blankets on your bed role. you had not seen your boyfriends all day and were worried they might have been avoiding you.
with a frown, you grabbed one of your stuffed animals that was buried in your blanket, out of sight. you bought the comforting object up to your face and let out a deep sigh. before you knew it, clutching onto your stuffed animal, you fell asleep.
Arthur stood outside your tent, waiting for his other boyfriend to turn up. He tapped his foot impatiently, scanning the camp for signs of john. 
Finally, a figure approached camp, it was John, in his hand a bunch of beautiful pink and blue pale flowers tied with a yellow bow. He greeted Arthur with a hurried kiss on the lips, as he presented the flowers, proud of himself. 
“you er, telling me you didn't buy them '' Arthur chuckled, looking at the immaculate cut flowers. john frowned at his boyfriend,  “shit, think hell mind?”. Arthur rested his hand on John's shoulder and smiled, “hell love them” Arthur reassured. 
“let's go then '' Arthur said, pulling back one of the flaps of the tent. the two men peered inside seeing someone asleep on the bed roll in the corner of the tent. the two men crept in, and gazed upon their sleeping boyfriend. 
John looked at Arthur, a confused look written across his scarred face. “is that?-'' he asked, pointing to the teddy that was clutched in between his boyfriends arms as he peacefully slept. Arthur smiled slightly, seeing one of the loves of his life asleep so peacefully, he didn't seem to care about what you held onto. 
you began to stir, stretching your arms above your head as you woke. you opened your eyes and looked around, shocked to see your two boyfriends gazing at you with awe. you smiled at first, but then remembered. 
with panic, you shoved the stuffed animal under the blankets, looking guiltily at the pair. “john! arthur!.. shit” you mumbled, holding your head in your hands, your face turning red from shame.
Arthur chuckled as he sat beside you on your bed roll, reaching around you and holding you closely, “me and john bought you a lil present, darlin”. he stared at John who was holding in laughter, trying to compose himself. 
“I'm sorry,” you said, hanging your head in shame. Arthur looked confused, he put a finger to your chin and lifted your face to look you in the eyes. “It really doesn't bother me”, he grinned, reaching into the blankets and retrieving the soft toy, handing it to you as you tearfully embraced it.
John sat the other side of you, he put a hand on your knee and smiled at you, still confused and finding the fact his boyfriend still slept with stuffed animals, but he pushed that all aside. 
“me and Arthur both know how stressed you've been, thought we'd bring you something to cheer ya up, doll” john smiled, patting his boyfriend's knee. He reached behind him to retrieve the flowers from before. you wiped your eyes, smiling at John's thoughtfulness. you wrapped both arms around John, hugging him tightly. John chuckled to himself, hugging you back, he signled for Arthur to get in on the hug.
The three boyfriends all sat in bed, holding each other tight. you felt safe in your boyfriends arms, as they embraced you. you could smell Arthur’s sent, and johns, having them so close to you. you felt your eyes grow heavy, as you let out a yawn. 
“Best you two make room for two more” John smirked, looking at the stuffed animal his boyfriend held. 
you smiled at both of them, as you shuffled over. you lay in between the two men, their arms over you protecting you like two big bears. 
“I love you, Y/N” Arthur whispered, running a hand through your hair, “you too marston, i love you both so much”.
“I love you both too” John yawned, snuggling his face into the crook of your neck as he began to drift to sleep.
Arthur leant over, kissing John's forehead, before pecking you goodnight on your nose.
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