#grace shelby x shelby!reader

[amidst-wonderland]

i don’t know if this is gonna ruffle a few feathers but there’s an account on twitter that’s basically going through a fuck ton of peaky fics on ao3 and a handful of tumblr ones posting sections and being overly pedantic about historical accuracy. which fair enough if it annoys you but dont actively take people’s work, post it elsewhere, make it incredibly fucking obvious what fic it is and be super snide about someone else’s entertainment that doesn’t harm you in any way.

i don’t necessarily think it’s reductive as there’s genuinely some discussion to be had with more sensitive topics, however it just feels real scummy especially because you just know the fic writers aren’t aware so aren’t getting anything constructive out of it.

the only reason i came across it was because it’s been happening in some of my other fandoms - people posting and “critiquing” fics on twitter to point and laugh at writers - and it honestly feels violating and it didn’t even happen to me (at least i fuckin’ hope not).

it’s fuckin’ ao3. leave people alone and stop posting their work without their consent.

[everythingelseisextra]

You're Like Me

Part Twelve: Run, Little Girl

Description: A loose idea for saving you sparks conflict. Warnings: References to rape and torture, language, references to poor mental health Word Count: 2125 Tag List: @theshelbyslimited @ttaechi @weaponizedvirtue @majesticcmey @optimisticsandwichgladiator @zablife @princesssterek @mm0thie @callsignvenus @ay0nha @mgdixon @fairytale07 @babayaga67 @look-at-the-soul @shelbydelrey @globetrotter28

When you were younger, trapped in a constant cycle of hotel rooms and hazy, feverish feeding frenzies, you acted as though love was a brutish thing, something to be brushed off and forgotten about. Like a bruise on your body left over from some client with more insidious inclinations, it only hurt if you thought about it. Love was performed, used in order to gain some gentleness, maybe, placed on your form like a costume. As soon as it was over, as soon as you could let it go, it became a brash, useless thing again, pointless. You loved a girl and you would never have been able to make something out of it. That was the beautiful thing about it; you were doomed from the start, and yet, you still dove in without holding your breath. You tried to nurture a still-born. You wanted to love yourself and you looked in a mirror and you weren’t sure who that was. It’s hard, you think, to take such a risk as to love. In your years on this earth, you’ve looked at love from afar and thought you could never have it. As a child, you looked at anything kind and saw darkness underneath it.

You are Eve and you’ve taken a bite from the apple, and now you’re aware, far too aware, of the evil in the world. These are things you have said and done, and most of them make you a victim or a villain. These are the people you have been, and most of them are sad. 

Now, though, you are starting to see the good too. Because a white horse prances through the arena and he stands beside you and watches with soft blue eyes and his head tilted towards you, just slightly. Because when you wake from a nightmare, or from fitful half-sleep, and you call him, he always picks up. Because on the few nights you have together now, you share a bed, and he does not touch you. Because he is the closest you’ve ever had to safety, and you’re not sure what you fear more; the circumstance of it being taken away, or the possibility of it staying and learning who you are without the trauma making you a survivor. 

There is a quiet battle happening in front of your eyes. They are trying to locate you. There are men, he says, who prowl Birmingham with hungry eyes and dirty clothes, and they don’t settle. They pace and provoke and pester until people fall prey to their pressure and answer their questions, all too vague to pinpoint, but too pointed to be for anyone else. Descriptions of your younger self float through the city, and you find yourself face to face with who you used to be. That person who held fast to life when everything around her asked her to want to die. 

How does one kill a hydra? Tommy struggles with this, pacing back and forth in the bedroom. You lie back on the bed, your legs dangling off the side, and stare up at the ceiling. If he tries to take down the current lead, a man named Liszt, then another will simply take his place, and they’ll know where the threat comes from. A web of men dangle around Liszt, prepared to fight for him and what he stands for, and targeting one of them would likely wipe out the Shelbys, powerful as they are. 

“Money?” You turn your head to look at him, your eyes drifting over him. He wears a white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up, and a black vest and pants, accessorized, of course, by a gold chain and finely made watch. “If we could somehow stop their revenue, that might do something.”

“Lead the girls out on strike and watch them get shot?” He shakes his head, continuing to pace. His head rolls back on his shoulders, stretching out his tired muscles, and he looks up at the ceiling, pausing. “You’re not gonna like this.”

“Oh God, okay.” You sit up, one arm supporting you on the bed while the other toys with the belt you wear. “What is it?”

“Only way I can think of is to infiltrate. Report back to my connections. Take them down from the inside.” 

You blink slowly at him, unbelieving. “And you’re suggesting you go into that world and— and what? Pretend to be one of them? Tommy, you know that line is thin.”

“Arthur’s not careful. John doesn’t take things seriously. Can’t ask Pol or Ada. Who else?” He looks over at you, eyes flicking to your hand on your belt, then back up to your face. 

“No.” You press your lips together, staring him down. “I won’t let you”

Knowing what he’d say as soon as he opens his mouth, you shake your head. “Because I don’t want to see you put into positions where you’re forced to rape and torture and use young girls like who I used to be. I don’t care the reason why you’d be doing that, you’d still be doing it.. Intention doesn’t matter when it’s going to affect someone for the rest of their lives.”

“I wouldn’t be doing all that.” He gives you that infuriating, searching look, like he’s unsure how he should proceed and wants you to tell him how.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t start out doing that, but you’d get deeper and deeper. Boiling a frog.”

“I’m not a frog.”

“No shit, Sherlock. It’s a metaphor.”

“No, I’ll know when I get too deep.” 

You resist rolling your eyes, both wanting to express your frustration and also maintain the mutual respect you serve each other. “You’ll know when you get in too deep like I knew I wasn’t actually being sent to a boarding school?”

The sentiment hovers between you, tense in the air, and you become deeply conscious of the rise and fall of your chest, of the way your fingers fall still on the belt. He will get in too deep, you think, and by that time, it’ll be too late to back out. It’ll be too late to change anything. He’ll be stuck, like you were, in a loop of being forced to do something you would never choose, would never wish on anyone. 

“It’s the only way.” 

“That’s a cowardly argument and you know it.”

“You’re afraid to take the risk that’ll ultimately save your life.” His voice raises slightly. “I’m not the fucking coward.”

You bristle, standing up and stalking towards him. “Why are you so desperate to risk your life for me? What does that say about you, huh? Do you care about me or hate yourself?”

It was a low blow. You said it without thinking, without realizing the effect it might have. His eyes widen slightly, and his jaw tightens, and he takes a step back, then another, then turns and starts to walk out of the bedroom. 

“Tommy, wait.” You follow him, socks sliding on the wooden floor. “Wait, I didn’t mean that.”

“Yes. You fucking did.” He’s bitter, not giving you the time to explain yourself. 

Your heart pounds in your temples.”Thomas, you know I don’t think—”

“You do. You do, and you’re right. You’re fucking right.” He turns and points a finger in your chest, rheeling on you. “I’m fucking— I’m not right in the head, and you know it, and you’re like everybody else in this damn family and look at me like I’m the worst thing a human being can be. I’m getting fucking tired of it. For once could someone treat me like I’m not a liability?”

“First of all,” you snap back, a hollow sensation filling your chest and something cold spiking your heart. “I happen to quite like you, so whatever you’ve got in that head of yours about me looking at you like the worst thing ever is all you. You’re not right in the head, and neither am I, and I don’t blame you for that, so we can move right on from what I just said to you. That was bullshit and I’m sorry. Lastly, and this is probably the most important,” You take a step towards him, leaving about a foot between you. “Who the hell told you that having feelings and vulnerabilities made you a liability?” 

He straightens, the furrow in his brow loosening, the anger in his face turning to something tensely thoughtful, the expression someone would take when doing difficult math or strategizing. He considers you, taking a few deep breaths, then looks away. “Probably me.” 

You nod slightly, reaching out a hand to take his. “I’m sorry I said that. I got heated at that moment. I didn’t mean it.” 

“You still said it.”

“Yeah. And that’s on me. It wasn’t right to say that to you.” You squeeze his hand, peering up at him, trying to read his expression. “Are you ready to move on?”

He nods slowly, eyes staring off over your shoulder, mind clearly elsewhere. You gently tug at his arm, leading him back to the bedroom. 

Once the door is closed behind you, you let go of his hand and cross your arms. “What?”

His lips purse in an almost-pout and he shakes his head. 

“Out with it.” 

His lips twitch up and he stares at you, as if waiting for you to speak.

“Thomas Michael Shelby, is this funny to you?”  You step towards him, resisting smiling back and failing miserably. 

His smile widens, and you catch a glimpse, for the first time since you met him, of the boy he used to be, all charm and sleepy eyes. Your heart flutters and you feel your cheeks heat slightly.

“Oh, so it is funny.” 

“I’ve been with a lot of women, and—”

“Oh boy, I’m so excited to hear what comes after that absolutely stunning start to a sentence.” 

“Do you want me to talk or not?” 

You incline your head, trying to hide a grin. 

“I”ve been with a lot of women, and they all wanted Thomas Shelby. Except Grace.” His tone sobers. “Not Grace.”

You stay quiet, tilting your head, letting him have the space to speak. Grace’s name serves as a kind of silent message between the two of you; that he wants, or needs to be able to speak his mind without interruption, no matter how long the pauses take, no matter how shy or uncertain he seems. You don’t speak until it’s over. 

“I’m a broken man. I’m no fucking joy to be around, and there’s no great reward for knowing me like they always expect. I’m heartless, cold, and called the Devil. But you—” He looks away from you, swallowing hard before he speaks. “You don’t give a shit who I am. Just yelled at you in the hallway and you didn’t fucking flinch. You’re brave. Or— or not smart enough to know better.”

You shake your head, chuckling slightly. “You know I’m neither, Tom. If you’re asking why I stick around, I’ll tell you.”

He looks back at you, giving you a slight nod. 

You step forward, placing a hand on his chest, just above his heart. “You say you're heartless but you’re not. You say you’re cold but you’re not. You’re like me. You’ve adapted to live in a world that isn’t fair to you. You’re ashamed to admit that your heart beats like mine does. And I— I love you for that.”

Slowly, his hand lifts to cover yours on his chest, his eyes slide shut, and he speaks his next words in one long breath. “There are better men—”

“And they’re not you.” You smile, slipping your hand up his chest to hold his face, stroking his cheek with your thumb. Eyes still closed, he leans into you, and his whole body seems to shift, to relax, to move to you. “I choose you, Tom. Like you chose me.”

He nods, his soft eyes opening to look down at you, pupils a little larger than before. 

You shift your weight forward and kiss him, and he melts into you, lips soft and pliant, allowing you to take some control. Your other hand rests on his waist, gently pulling him towards you. You fit together, entwined, his hands resting on your hips, delicately holding you. You pull away to rest your forehead against his, and you sway in silence, an almost-dance. 

“Stay the night.” It’s not a question.

You chuckle. “I have to do the horses in the morning.”

“Fuck the horses.”

“Maybe don’t.”

His hands, hesitantly, pull you to stand flush against him. His voice is breathy. “Please. Stay the night.”

You exhale slowly. “Alright. Alright, we can— we can try.”

[r0ckstardr3amgal]

HAPPY 10 YEARS OF PEAKY BLINDERS

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Masterlist

Summary: (Begins at season 1) A young American woman accidently gets lost and left behind during her family trip in England. Now she's left alone in the sketchy town of Birmingham. What will happen when she meets a family rumored to be full of notorious and dangerous gangsters? Warnings: swearing, inappropriate language, guns

https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551641308708864/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc-ch?source=share

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https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/762381353370238976/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc-ch?source=share

[novashelby]

Hello, there. I created a BINGO sheet with writing challenges. I named it Peaky Blinders BINGO, but honestly, it should fit every fandom. So, feel free to join in...despite the Tommy Shelby derp face. I almost used his ass and wrote "FREE ASS" instead of space, but I'm trying to keep it PG here.

Here is what you should do:

Firstly, please reblog this. Likes don't share this with other Tumblr friends. Likes do not share this with other Tumblr friends. LIKES DO NOT SHARE THIS WITH OTHER TUMBLR FRIENDS! Ahem, cough, okay. Sorry, so yes...please reblog. Thank you, okay, love you.

So, after you reblog this, your objective is to complete the card. You see, the BINGO your granny plays on Friday night with her nursing home peeps, their objective is to just complete one column. Nah, sis(or bro), your job is to complete the whole card(or at least the ones you want-though, try to challenge yourself).

Once you complete something that fits a box, can you please tag me? I want to see your progress. Also, it'd be a great way to make more Tumblr friends. Tag me as you normally do any user, but also in the tags; Nova Bingo Card

When you complete the whole card, it'd also be chill if you can make a Masterlist with all the completed prompts. :) For not only I can be proud of you, but you can be proud of yourself.

I think this BINGO card can be good for us old writers, but also people who are a little nervous about starting and want a starting point. :)

Some clarification:

WORD COUNT: The prompts such as 5k, 10k, 15k, and so on...you can interpret that how you wish. Meaning either 25k total words or added all together.

Different writing routine: Meaning you switch up your writing process or environment. So, maybe you usually write curled up in your bed. Maybe try going to a park or cafe for an hour?

Where I write 'New Authors': That means, don't just comment/reblog on the popular writers or your friends, but people who are new to you. Like go in the tags and search for new authors and stories. :) We're trying to create community here.

Anyway, happy writing and remember to REBLOG and tag me in anything you do. Please have fun. Post any questions in the comments. I will answer them promptly.

[pherelesytsia]

Thomas Shelby Masterlist

Mr Loverman Thomas receives a call and imagines the worst.

Forgotten DinnerSunday dinner was always important to Y/N, but the night ends differently after Thomas arrives over five hours too late.(+18) Whisper of a loving HeartThomas Shelby was always drawn to Y/N, but never found the courage to invite her to dinner but when a man dances with her he can no longer stay in the background.

Safe and SoundThomas Shelby never found time to spend a day with his wife and daughter, but one day he stays home.

Bloodbath At his daughter’s 18th birthday Thomas is not enjoying the attention his daughter is receiving from the male guests but his wife can calm him down before the feast can end in a bloodbath. Burn little witchThomas Shelby, a knight on a hunt for a witch finds his horse under the care of a woman living in the cottage instead of a wicked creature and slowly falls in love with her.

PART ONE

Fool of a Man After a fight, Thomas comes home.(+18)

Feast for Eyes Thomas comes after a long day home.(+18)

Love me tender, Y/N´s parents find out their daughter is dating Thomas Shelby.

Ragging Oceans Thomas finds his girlfriend crying by the cliffs.

Lovelier than a Dream Lazy mornings are not common in the Shelby household, but one spring morning, Thomas cannot find the motivation to get dressed.

How did you know? Y/N always had special abilities, saw the future of her family but one day after John nearly faced death, Thomas demands answers.

Stars were falling, Thomas and Y/N are stargazing and lose themselves in the beauty of the night.

Bleeding Heart Y/N takes care of Thomas after he was shot.

Forbidden Fruit Alfie Solomons finds out his younger sister is dating Thomas Shelby and forbids her to see him ever again, but his words cannot scare her.

Secret Girlfriend, Thomas Shelby, a man of many secrets, can no longer keep one of his most guarded secrets hidden after his girlfriend is in danger.

In the Shadow of Somme Thomas believes his sister is a blessed woman, never faced war nor the destruction of France, but one day they find out what their sister was up to in 1916.

Duties of a father, Thomas has not only neglected his duties as a husband but also as a father.

Duties of a Husband Thomas makes his wife know how deeply he loves and needs her.

Blinders Business As Thomas Shelby hears of a thriving business in town, he arranges a meeting with the head of the company.

I'll never be her, Finding out Thomas has been secretly seeing Grace, Y/N leaves with Charlie.

I have always loved you,Y/N finds out Thomas is warming another woman's bed and suddenly she finds herself in John's arms.

Shadows of the Untold Thomas discovers the dark past of his wife.

May I have this dance? Thomas had never found the bravery to ask Y/N to a dance, let alone talk to her, but when he notices her in the embrace of a man and hears about the men desiring to marry her, he cannot hold back.

How could you…. A rumour turned into truth, and the brothers are incapable of forgiving the youngest among them.

Dance through the Rain The romantic anniversary was planned to the smallest detail, but Thomas failed to include a rainstorm.

The Sailors Chant When Y/N's date doesn't show up, she sets off on her own through the dark streets of Birmingham.

Sealed Promise A secret, guarded like the royal crown, uncovered by Sherlock Holmes, comes to light.

The Ring In hope of getting her hand in marriage, men of high status are knocking on the door, but the man Y/N hopes to see is not among them.

The Barn Thomas and his girlfriend meet in secret, but the weather gets in the way.

Lurking in the Shadows As Halloween draws near, Charlie's mother worries that even Thomas will fear the costume of his son.

Coming Home for Christmas Returning home late after a rough day, Thomas arrives in an empty living room and not even the dog greets him.

(Un)lonely on Christmas Thomas visits Garrisons and meets the new barmaid.

Love me series

As Thomas Shelby hears Y/N´s parents are searching for a suitable husband for their child Y/N faces a loveless marriage she hoped to never encounter, but slowly the cold walls crumble as the scent of spring is dancing over the meadows.

PART ONE PART TWO PART THREE

Lost series

Thomas Shelby, a single father, lost his son at the fair and finds him in the arms of an unknown woman and is enchanted by her.

Part One Part Two Part Three

Who did this to you...?

Bruised and broken, Y/N, trapped in a loveless marriage, arrives at her best friend's house, desperately hoping someone will help her, aware she cannot return to the estate of her husband.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

[padfootdaredmetoo]

Hey, hope you're doing well. Idk how to to do this cause I haven't ever made a request but I saw your requests are open (if I'm not mistaken, if I am sorry to bother), but what do you think about a Oneshot from Grace's POV. Her thinking Tommy will still be inlove with her but he's moved on and she's perceiving everything between them.

Its okay if you can't but I'm curious. Love you're writing.

Hey Love,

Thanks for waiting so long. Hope you enjoy! <3

Warnings: Grace being Grace

“A martini please” She batted her eyelashes enjoying running up a tab that was going to be paid for by someone else. After some research, she was happy to find that Tommy Shelby would be attending this club, and the stars aligned in her favor as her husband was tied up at a work thing. Normally he was gone for most of the night and even if he got home early, his feelings were soon to be irrelevant to her. 

Grace wanted two things. Tommy Shelby, and his children. Her current marriage had proved that there was only one man for her and he was a half hour late to this club. She could get whatever she wanted with him now, whispers of his name and accomplishments were reaching as far as America. He was slowly taking over like she knew he would deep down. 

Now all she needed was a baby and her spot next to him would be cemented. This wasn't going to be a difficult task knowing how broken he was when she found him, he was unlikely to be recovered from her departure from his life. 

In this red dress, he was bound to be all over her. She took a large sip of her martini. 

A large group entered the club and she knew immediately that it must be the Shelbys. They never did classy as well as they thought they did. 

She sat looking at her drink on the bar, she wanted him to find her.

There were lots of laughs and cheers over the music. Arthur came over and asked the bartender for bottles of whiskey for the table. 

“Big celebration tonight, boy!” He boomed completely oblivious to her presence. He took the bottles out of view and she wondered what they were so happy about. 

The night dragged on and finally, she allowed herself a peak at the corner of the club. It was dim and the music was loud but still, she could see him there with a woman tucked under his arm. 

He was leaning back with a cigarette in his hand, the other resting on your shoulder. You weren't anything remarkable. Looking at John’s wife sitting next to you it was obvious the woman helped you with your makeup. Your dress was nice but not anything like hers. Certainly too plain for such a club or event. 

Pathetic. 

Tommy would notice soon enough and make his way over. Then she would have the pleasure of watching you crumble under the unavoidable weight of his lack of loyalty. She gave a coy smile at the thought and lit a cigarette. 

You weren't a threat in the slightest so she turned to face the family, leaning back on the bar. She kept her posture loose and inviting, waiting for his eyes to find her. 

Instead, he let out a laugh at something you’d said. He pulled your face close to his and placed a kiss to the top of your head. Esme picked up your hand and was whispering something to you that made your cheeks go crimson. Obviously, you’d embarrassed yourself so badly that even Tommy was laughing at the girl.

You shook your head and then Esme was pulling you out of your booth and onto the dance floor. She watched with curiosity. Why would you dance with her and not Tommy? 

You both laughed loudly as you danced around in the crowd. You both looked ridiculous but Tommy had his gaze on you as he and John talked about something. After the song ended you both piled into the table. Climbing back into the booth, Tommy’s hands prevented you from moving past him. Keeping you there on his lap. 

Tommy raised the bottle. 

“To the world's best accountant!” He said loudly and the family let out a big cheer. 

You and Esme were clearly drunk as the woman poured whiskey into your open mouth right from the bottle. More laughs erupted. 

She’d had enough waiting but that’s when Polly caught her eye. The woman stared at her with a cocky glare that put her off. The only way to get Tommy’s attention would be to go over there and talk to him. Clearly, he hadn’t seen her sitting here. 

Polly turned her attention to Tommy and mouthed her name. She watched to see his body language change. The way you would slip from his grasp. How he would walk over here and leave with her on his arm. 

But he didn't move. His eyes went back to your face listening to what sounded like a story about an exam. Just waiting for the story to be over, then he would come. 

Time dragged on, another martini. 

You got up from his lap and he stood up, his hand finding your low back and guiding you toward the balconies. This would be as good as it gets. 

Grace got up from the bar and made her way to the balcony. 

_________________________________________________________

You stood there looking up at Tommy, his eyes were so proud. Weeks of studying and worrying and yet you passed all your university classes. You delighted in his attention as the cold air wrapped around you. 

The balcony door opened to show, who Esme had whispered was Tommy’s Ex. Pale yellow hair, and a glossy red dress. She was older than you in more ways than one. She looked like she was carrying a great burden. 

“Tommy can we talk.” Her Irish accent was soft and her words thick with sadness. You almost felt sorry for her, you would have if she hadn't betrayed the family and fucked Tommy up so badly. 

“Sure.” He said cooly, his hand on your waist tightened to keep you in place at his side.

“Alone?” 

“Nah, she’s my better half. What can we help you with?” 

“I’ll be in London for a while. I thought maybe we could talk about what happened, things are complicated right now -” She let her words trail off and you knew in your gut this was some type of act. 

“I would invite you for dinner but we’re leaving on a trip tomorrow. Such bad timing.” You said politely. She never looked at you, even when you spoke. Her eyes were fixated on him in a way that made you want to throw her over the balcony. 

“Pity,” Tommy said. “Enjoy your time in London.” 

She looked even more defeated, a large contrast to the glare she was giving you from across the club all night. She handed Tommy a piece of paper before leaving, giving him a nod. 

“The fuck was that about?” you whispered. You took the paper and opened it. All it had was her accommodations in London. 

“Ah.” She expected him to drop me off at home before falling back into her arms. 

“Do I need to worry?” You said in a coy tone. 

“Not in the slightest.” He said pulling you into an embrace. Esme and John came out with eyes full of questions. You gave the paper to Esme. 

“What is she expecting a foursome?” She made a sound of disgust before crumpling the paper and leaving it in the ashtray. 

As you drank and partied to celebrate your success, you knew she was back in her room pacing. The faith in her ability to hold Tommy down wearing away hour by hour.

[lilacsnid]

Don’t You Think It’s Time? — 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮 𝙭 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙏 𝙊𝙉𝙀)

Part 2  ✘

warnings: mentions of violence, swearing & blood.

There was always something about Finn Shelby that made Y/N feel more alive than ever before.

The mere sight of him would make her heart swoon. The thought of him would make its way into her mind at almost every moment of the day, filled with his kind words and his gentle gaze.

She has had a yearning for him from the very first moment they had set eyes on each other.

Y/N L/N, the young 22 year old was fresh into her Nursing & Midwifery career. Riding around the streets of Small Heath on a bicycle, turning heads wherever she went. To begin with, she was utterly terrified. But she soon became more comfortable with every moment that passed and the streets of Small Heath soon became familiar to her.

She would never forget the night her path crossed with Finn Shelby’s. A wild turn of events that would soon lead to a beautiful friendship, and perhaps something more.

It was quite late into the evening, Y/N had just helped a mother to deliver another beautiful and healthy baby. The father had gifted her a small bottle of whiskey, followed by a chorus of kind and gracious words for her helping to bring his daughter safely into the world.

Even though she didn’t drink, she took the bottle, concealing it in her nursing bag that was strapped on the back of her bicycle.

She hopped on her bicycle, preparing herself for the long cycle home. The night was that cold that she could see her breath. She bid the family one final farewell before setting off into the night. She listened carefully to the sounds around her as she rode through Small Health. She could hear the sounds of rowdy men in the pubs, the occasional sounds of chatter and cars. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary.

Much to her despise, it had started to rain not long after she had left. She began to pedal a little faster, wanting to get back to the Nurse’s home as soon as she could. She still had around 20 minutes left of her journey.

She became extra vigilant, as her vision became impaired due to how hard it was starting to rain. She rode past The Garrison, another pub filled with music and rowdy men. She came across a darker part of the street that wasn’t lit up quite as well as near the pub. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something. Or rather, someone. They seemed to be hunched over from what she could make out.

Out of pure instinct, she came to a complete stop. She hopped off her bicycle, mounting it against the brick wall. Remaining cautious, she decided to approach the person.

“Excuse me,” she announced herself, hoping whoever it was could hear her over the rain hitting the pavement, “Is everything alright?”  

As she came closer to them, the person started to stand up. She was now able to make out that it was a man, who turned to her with a smile that she could only describe as evil.

The man snickered, dropping the bottle of alcohol she had failed to see him holding in his hand. She flinched at the sound of the glass hitting the pavement quite loudly, smashing into a thousand pieces.  

“I reckon there is something you can help with, sweetheart.” The man spoke in a low voice, before grabbing her and slamming her against the wall before she even had time to run away.

“No!” she screamed, trying to fight her way out of his strong grip, “Stop! Leave me alone!”

She could smell the vile, strong scent of alcohol on his breath, turning her head away as his face kept coming closer to hers.

The man chuckled, tightening his grip around her wrists, “I’m going to have some fun with you, stop fucking moving you whore.”

Her knees felt weak, like she could topple to the ground in fear any second. She fought harder and more desperately as hercoat buttons were ripped from being pulled open so forcefully. Her tears were hot against her cheeks as the rain that kept hitting her skin.

She screamed. Wishing that someone, anyone at all, could hear her cries. The man kept clawing at the buttons of her uniform, trying to get them undone.

She had started preparing herself for the hell she thought she was going to face; but she soon heard someone yell out from behind them.

“Hey! Get the fuck off her!” she managed to glance up to see the man being pulled away from her. She had never been more grateful for being able to breathe properly now her attacker was no longer crushing her with his weight.

She was quick to wrap her ripped coat back around herself as best she could, watching with tired eyes as the scene unfolded before her. Whoever had saved her life was now above her attacker, throwing punches over and over again that she had lost count.

Her attacker was then slammed against the brick wall on the opposite side of the road to her, his face bleeding and broken. The other man, who she still couldn’t make out, took his hat off before turning it inside out. Even though it was dark, she couldn’t mistake the shine of razor blades hidden on the inside of his hat.

Whoever he was, he was a Peaky Blinder.

She knew who the Peaky Blinders were, and in any other case would be petrified. But in this moment, she felt somewhat safe. She knew she should probably make a run for it, but she couldn’t seem to tear her gaze away from him.

The man slashed her attackers face, and she cringed after hearing him yell out in pain.  

“If I ever see you again,” he then points in her general direction, making her breath hitch, “And if I ever see you near her again, I will cut your eyes out of your fucking skull and I’ll watch you bleed. Do you understand?!”  

He then proceeds to throw him to the ground, not waiting to hear for her attacker’s response. The two of them watch him scramble to his feet and flee from the scene.

Y/N was stiff and hadn’t dared to move a muscle from the moment she was saved. There was something about her saviour that drew her in. She watches him turn around to face her, quickly making sure that her attacker ran completely out of his sight. They were still a few feet away from one another, staring at each other, not daring to look away once.

Looking closer, she realized that he was a young man who didn’t look much older than herself. She could see his shoulders moving up and down from how hard he was trying to catch his breath. His hair was now damp, droplets of water running down his face. He held his bloodied cap in his hand with a tight grip, not daring to let go.

There was something about him that made her feel a particular type of way. 

“I’m sorry, please, don’t be scared.” The young man broke the silence, beginning to approach her slowly, “Are you alright, did he hurt you?”

As he approached her, she couldn’t seem take her eyes off him. Not only was she grateful, but she was also mentally scolding herself for thinking about how attractive the young Peaky Blinder standing before her was.

Blood covered his white shirt that he was wearing underneath his dark grey suit, but she ignored it.

“I’m okay,” she whispered.

She could see his face drop as he let out a small sigh, “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

For the first time since the encounter, she offered a small smile towards him, “You didn’t. Thank you for helping me.”

“I wasn’t going to let that prick hurt you.”

Despite him being a Peaky Blinder, she could see something in his eyes. It was kindness, she could see it as clear as day. It was this kindness that had saved her from something awful. Something everyone fears. 

She glances down at his side, and without thinking, reaches out for his hand. His knuckles were red and bruised, there was blood from the amount of punches he had been throwing.

“You’re bleeding,” She spoke, concerned no longer for herself but for the young man standing in front of her. 

Her touch sent shivers down his spine. He closed his eyes for only a quick second, wanting to etch this memory in his mind of how soft her skin against his was.

It surprised him that this girl, who was only seconds away from pure terror, was no longer concerned for herself. She was concerned for him. He stole a glance at the nursing uniform underneath her coat. 

“I can barely feel anything, don’t worry about me,” he shook his head as he spoke, gently placing that same hand on her arm. 

After seeing her involuntarily flinch, he instantly felt bad. It was out of instinct, but she couldn't help miss his touch after he had taken his hand away. 

He led her out from the rain, into a small eve that sheltered them both from the rain. Again, they stood opposite one another; there being not much room between the two of them. She could the warmth radiating off of him due to the close proximity. 

He looked down at her small frame, noticing she had started to shiver. Without a second thought, he started taking of his suit jacket.

As he took of his suit jacket, she spotted the signature pocket watch tucked into his vest, along with the gun holster that was sitting on his shoulders that had been concealed underneath his jacket until now. 

He looked into her eyes, not needing to speak as he silently asked for permission. The space between them was small, but he managed to wrap his jacket around her. 

She glanced up at him gratefully, meeting his gaze and holding onto the front of his jacket to stop it from falling from her shoulders. She was engulfed by the smell of his cologne and the faint smell of cigarettes, it made her heart beat all the faster. It was comforting. 

“I’m Finn Shelby,” he spoke, his hands not once leaving her waist.

“Y/N L/N,” she responded. 

Her eyes trailed his face, admiring him. 

Finn smiled down at her, wanting nothing more than to make her feel safe. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her small frame until she stopped shaking. Resting his head on top of hers, the pair gently swayed in one another’s arms, listening to the rain as it began to fade away. 

“Would you let me walk you home?” he asked, pulling his head away to look down at her, suddenly becoming shy at the close proximity of their faces. 

She nodded, resting her forehead against his, “I’d like that.”

                                The pair soon set off into the night, Finn never once leaving her side. 

Y/N felt comfortable in his presence, knowing there was something special about him. It was like she had known him for her entire life, his eyes were so alive with promise. 

They had talked the whole way, both of them blushing when their arms would brush together. 

Their hearts fell just that little bit when they arrived underneath the bike shed at the Nurse’s home. 

Finn leaned against the wooden post as he watched Y/N put her bicycle away, unbuckling her nursing bag from the back. She held the bag by her side and glanced in his direction, smiling like she couldn’t help it. 

“Thank you for walking me home, and for being there for me. I can’t bear to imagine what would have happened to me if you didn’t show up.”

Finn smiled, leaning off of the post and standing up straight as she handed him back his suit jacket, “Anything to keep you safe.”

He could see that he had made the girl blush at his words, she’s so beautiful he thought. 

He shrugged his suit jacket back on, his gun holster now being concealed once again. The two of them stood in a comfortable silence for a few seconds, dreading the thought of having to leave one another. 

Y/N then rummaged through her nursing bag, Finn being confused once she pulled out a small bottle of whiskey. 

“Been drinking on the job?” Finn joked, looking back into her eyes.  

“No, uh..,” she chuckled, clearing her throat, “I was given this tonight from a grateful patient, I delivered her baby.”

Finn nodded, putting his hands in his pockets, “Boy or girl?”

“A little girl,” she smiled, “I don’t drink so I thought you could take this, consider it a thank you.” 

Finn laughed and took the small bottle she offered him, his fingers brushing against hers, “I’ll take it, but there really is no need to thank me.”

Y/N kept eye contact with him, unsure of what to say next. Finn managed to beat her to it, stepping closer so he was right in front of her. 

“Will I see you again?” he asks in a sort of hushed whisper. 

“You will,” she responded, a wave of confidence suddenly coming over her. 

She took one more step, her body now being pressed up against his. she slipped her hand through his jacket, placing her hand over his heart. She could feel it pounding through his chest as she reached up and placed a kiss on the corner of his lips, teasing him. 

“I’ll see you soon, Mr Shelby.”  

2272 words

© lilacsnid

[cosmic-crybaby]

Blue Skies- Tommy Shelby

Summary: Sparks fly when a self-sufficient, newly single mother meets the cold-hearted bachelor gangster of Birmingham. On their first outing, it was like everything in the world was asking for them to finally meet each other. But when fate intervenes, they soon find themselves suffering the reprocussions of their own decisions.

Rating: Mature, Minors DNI plz

Warnings: Warnings will be advised on each chapter. 

Story Playlist

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 

[saintsir4n]

Can u do the scene with eden finding out about grace. Thank u and I am in love with ur writing, I've read Dark twisted fantasy about 3 times already and will read for a 4th time, I love how u write the black women in ur stories, how u show their emotions and how u portray them. ♥️♥️

love this and thank you.

BETRAYED

——

1919

“What is it? What’s wrong you had everythin’ fuckin’ planned.” Eden stressed, after being told they had been betrayed.

Ada had left the room, with baby Karl and an anxious Inara in tow, whilst Eden and Tommy stayed. The Dawkins woman watched as he paced, gulping and tugging at the roots of his hair, wanting to say something but couldn’t spit it out.

Black Star Day was their day. It was planned, everything was going according to plan, and Tommy said so. Prayers had been said, drinks had been poured, and Eden and her newfound friend Grace even chatted, buzzing about it all.

But it went to hell when Jeremiah informed Arthur that Billy Kimber was spotted, with an army full of fuckers rallying behind him. There was no God in Small Heath. With every War that ended, another started up.

“It was Grace,” Tommy finally blurted.

Eden froze, face full of confusion, “What was Grace?”

“We’ve been fuckin’ betrayed.”

Tommy had been so stuck on the why, he didn’t focus on the how, how the Irish Barmaid they befriended so quickly could accomplish all of this in such a small frame.

“No,” Eden, of course refused to believe it.

And just like that, she began to pace and he watched, observed with a pained expression as she struggled to come to terms with the truth.

“Eden,” Tommy exclaimed.

“No, she’s our friend remember,” Eden gesticulated. “She was in the Garrison, fuckin’ seconds ago, pouring pints, celebrating with us all.”

Tommy breathed out, more steadier than before, “She gave us away.”

His voice was calm but he was anything but. He had to keep it together, for her. For his Edie, who was on the verge of spiralling.

Eden gulped as her heels slammed against the floorboards, creaking and cracking.

“You said we could trust her,” she whispered, but he heard.

It was like shrapnel to his chest.

You were wrong Tom, was what she meant. You didn’t think.

“I know,” Tommy nodded, standing still, silently raging.

She turned to him, gritted her teeth, “You said we could trust her Thomas.”

He shut his eyes, “Don’t you think I don't fuckin’ know that.”

“You said we could fuckin’ trust her!”

Eden wrung out her numb hands as she choked back a sob. All that happened, all that has been going wrong since that fucking inspector came to their city, their town of Small Heath. She felt the work of a wretched soul at play but she didn’t expect to think it would come from such a nice girl like Grace.

Huh…

Nice, she certainly pulled the wool over their fucking eyes.

Eden had just felt so lonely, Tommy had returned home from the war and her best friends were either dead or in London. She needed someone other than her husband to speak to, preferably anyone without the last name Shelby. And there Grace was, singing her way into the Garrison with her soft and trusting voice.

Oh, how they were wrong.

Eden’s face scrunched up as Tommy’s eyes quickly opened having heard her shuddering breaths.

You said we could fuckin’ trust her. Tommy had his suspicions. He knew the barmaid lied about where she came from and why she moved. He didn’t trust her at first but his wife did. He too, missed the comfort of a friend. Freddie wasn’t one anymore, not after the war, they were on two different paths, racing like trains that wouldn’t come to a halt at any time soon. His other good friend was dead and had been for years. The war took more from him than he thought and his little ‘Nara was the light of his life, his Edie was his heart. But Grace… she was something new, something calm that settled both him and his wife. An outsider, a new friend.

Oh, how she played them for a fool.

“She’s the reason why ‘Nara was almost taken,” Eden’s glossy eyes darted to him, as he stood there in shock. “That fuckin’ inspector tried clawing our daughter out of our hands. For dirty dealin’ Moss said. He got the fuckin’ social on us, claimed that we were a pack of animals.” Eden remembered it all like it was just yesterday. “But they — they trashed our houses, turned it all into a tip, framin’ us like we did it all and they tried… oh Tom they scared us good they did. They scared our little girl even more.”

Tommy’s jaw clenched, recalling the day, hearing his daughter’s screeches and his wife’s wails… Christ, they were louder than the shovels against the wall. Pat. Pat. Pat. He almost wasn't there to stop it. They claimed that Eden was too erratic, too primitive to look after a child like theirs. Daddy! Inara’s shaken voice will always stay with them.

Being dragged and kicked back to that day, neither parent saw or heard Polly enter the room, full of grief and torment.

The Shelby Matriarch's stomach dropped once more, it scarred her brain just like it did when her children were taken from her.

Eden rasped, “I need to see her.”

“No, no you won’t.” Polly shook her head, “I'll deal with Grace. If either one of you set eyes on her again, you might kill her.”

Eden hung onto that blissful thought.

When Polly left, Tommy turned to his wife, sighing when she gripped her Black Madonna.

“I thought we could trust her,” Eden wanted to cry.

She wanted to scream, stab, shoot, fuck anything.

“I know love. I know,” Tommy slowly nodded.

The two exchanged a dark look, one that read, that they’ll talk later.

“Tommy?”

“Yeah.”

“Please be safe.”

And with that Tommy raced out of the house, needing to end this all one and for all.

——

a/n:

If I ever wrote the canon plot, Tommy wouldn’t cheat on Eden, but because of who he is he would do other things to fuck up their relationship.

In this though both trusted Grace as a friend because of how they lost friends in my headcanon

[everythingelseisextra]

MASTERLIST

I am open to requests at the moment!

click the above to see my rules and resources :)

Thomas Shelby x Reader

Oneshots:

Those Nights: On clear nights, you choose to leave your bed with Tommy and watch the stars. A miscommunication is made, and a new routine is born from it.

Casual: A panic attack sends you and Tommy into surprising vulnerability. Hurt/comfort with some fluff at the end

Sometime Around Midnight: After separating, Tommy sees you at a banquet. Poetic Justice: You meet Tommy Shelby on his way to war, finding a cheerful and happy young man. A few years later, he returns to you, drastically different.

Multi-Chapter Fics

The Women Of Birmingham (On Hiatus)

Only The Wild Ones (Active): Your whole life, you've been running, desperately seeking safety from a past you want to forget. You spend your time working yourself into exhaustion, then getting up the next day to do it all again. When a powerful but vulnerable Thomas Shelby comes into the picture, you're convinced, for once in your life, to stand and fight.

Reading Lists:

August 2023

[tommyshelbyswh0re]

maybe i’m just not enough part 2- Tommy Shelby

warnings- abit of angst.

summary- it been a year since thomas broke your heart and he shows up at your door.

part 1

It had been a year since tommy left you and kicked you out. you had moved to manchester and you became a business woman. you were proud of yourself. if someone had told you 14 months ago that you would be a single, independent woman running your own successful business selling machine parts, you would have laughed in their face. up until a few years ago you knew next to nothing about machine parts but you suppose you had tommy to thank for learning. that was the only thing you would consider thanking him for.

moving to manchester was the best thing you could have done. you had made numerous friends, met multiple business partners and enjoyed your fair share of men. in fact, you had one of your men over who was just about to leave. key word is ‘was’ because just as he was putting his shirt on, someone knocked on your door.

“can you get that for me? i’m still very naked” you laughed.

“on it” he said whilst buttoning his shirt and walking downstairs.

he opened the door and you heard a very familiar voice coming from the other side. you felt like you couldn’t breathe.

“is there a y/n y/l/n living here?” none other than thomas fucking shelby asked.

“what the fuck? what the fuck?” you whispered trying to tie your silk robe. you looked in the mirror and realised that the post-sex look was very obvious.

oh fuck it. he’s the one who fucked someone whilst we were together, not me. i can sleep with who i want. you thought.

you slowly made your way downstairs until you made it to the front door.

“what the fuck are you doing here?” you bluntly asked him.

“y/n can we talk?” he asked.

“no”

“please. all you have to do is listen” he asked.

“im just gonna head out” your man of the hour said to you kissing you on the cheek and heading upstairs to get his things.

“please leave” you asked tommy calmly.

“can you just listen? it will take two minutes” he near enough begged. as he finished his sentence, your man ran down the stairs and squeezed past tommy to leave.

“what, grace fucked off and now you want to talk to me?” you scoffed.

“can you just let me in?”he deadplanned.

“no”

“okay well can you at least hear me out and then i’ll leave i promise”

“tommy i wouldn’t trust your promises even if we did get married” you laughed in his face.

“listen. i’m genuinely sorry for sleeping with another woman whilst you were at home planning our wedding. i thought i loved her. as soon as it became an official relationship with her i realised the version of her i wanted was a completely made up fucking person in my head. i missed you. waking up without you there, coming home to you singing in the kitchen whilst baking something which was going to end up burnt. not having you keeping me company by simply just sitting in my office so i wouldn’t go insane by reading words on a page for 10 hours straight. not having you moan at me for not eating, tortured me. not having you with me tortured me. if i could go back and burn that fucking letter, i would. I miss you.” he blurted.

“but you can’t go back. life doesn’t work like that. the letter was delivered days before you went to london which meant you had time to change your mind and you didn’t. you were certain you wanted to sleep with her. you fucking kicked me out tommy. i have my life back. i have friends, i have a business i’m happy thomas. do you want to fuck that up for me?” you asked him. you were stern. you were not going back to play housewife with a man you treated you like you were nothing. no fucking way.

“no ofcourse not. i just want you to come home. you have friends at home.” he sighed out.

“i am home. this is my home. i have made it my home” you desperately pleaded with him.

“this isn’t your home. this isn’t you. sleeping with men you don’t know” he looked at you in disgust.

“how fucking dare you? you don’t know anything about me now. your the one who slept with another woman whilst i was sat at home worrying about if you would like my fucking wedding dress. or if you would cry when i walked down the aisle. you don’t get to call me a whore. when i met you, i though i had found the person i was going to spend the rest of my life with. you chose grace. i’m all pieced back together now. you do not get to come to my home and ridicule me about how i chose to repair what you broke” you raised your voice. you chose to pull him into you home after that in fear that your neighbours would stare at you through their windows.

“y/n i didn’t mean it like that” he shook his head.

“yeah you seem to do a lot of things that you regret” you scoffed. you walked into your kitchen knowing that he would follow you. you poured rum into a glass and handed to him as he sat at the kitchen table.

“i don’t-“ he started.

“just drink the fucking rum thomas” you said sternly.

“where grace then? did you kick her out aswell?” you asked.

“she moved out months ago. and before you ask it was on her own accord. ‘said it was clear i was having second thoughts and that she was going back to america”

“well at least she was smart enough to get out” you smiled fakely and to which he sighed.

“look i know you hate me but is there anyway we can fix this?” he said very candidly.

“no. no theres not” your eyes welled up.

“can you just think about it?” he asked

“think about what? what do you want from me thomas?” you deflated.

“coming back to birmingham” he asked you.

“i’d say yes but we both know i wouldn’t. and i’m not about be a liar as well as a whore like you” you laughed.

he started laughing with you which surprised you.

“this is fucked. can we atleast be friends?” he asked.

“we can be business partners” you proposed.

“i’ll take what i can get” he shook your hand.

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 1: Stuck

Birmingham, England, 1919

Much like America, it is an empire of industry. Giant factories tower over the slums and shacks, with drunks, thieves, and whores alike all sulking in the shadows. Smoke and ash cloud the sky and block out what little sun there is, as well as fill everyone’s lungs with foul air. With sparks flying everywhere it’s a miracle nothing catches fire. The gloomy and dreadful atmosphere is enough to make anyone faint, vomit, or lose hope altogether.

But I’ve got something these folks do not. 

I am an American.

While that may not be astonishing to some, to me it means that I’m independent, as well as rambunctious and a bit of a rebel even for my culture. My family always says I’m too rash and stubborn, and that it will diminish any chance of me finding a husband and settling down for a proper life. But I’m in no mood to marry, so sue me for actually enjoying my life.

However, at the moment I seem to be in a bit of a pickle. You see, I don’t travel much. Yes there’s the occasional trip out of state, but never in a million years did I think I’d ever go to England. Of all places, my family chose to vacation in Manchester, England. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful country with gorgeous countryside views and polite accents… that is until you reach the deep city. Then it gets bustling and dangerous, which is how I came to be where I am now. We decided to travel by train, stopping in Birmingham on the way to London before we headed home. Lord knows why I decided to stray away and get a better look at the intriguing shops, but after an hour of desperately searching for my family it finally sunk in that I was, quite frankly, alone. Talk about a dumb-headed move on my part. I passed back and forth through the train station for hours as night fell, growing more and more worried about what kinds of danger Small Heath, Birmingham has hiding in the darkness. 

Right now, people are giving me mixed looks of pity, confusion, and judgment. I know I’m not much to look at, with my messy blonde hair stuffed under a simple hat and my slim figure dressed in a gray dress with black heels. I probably look much richer than I really am, which makes my fear of criminals spike even more.

“Might I help you, young lady?” A sinister voice calls out.

He's a drunk, I’m sure of it. A man in a ragged overcoat staggers over, and he’s reeking of alcohol.

“No, I’m waiting for someone. Please leave me alone.” 

“Oh, no. You’re all alone? Perfect…” He licks his lips and starts reaching his hand out-!

“Back off! She’s with me.”

I look over and see an older man wearing a trenchcoat and bowler hat. He’s got a simple mustache, is smoking a pipe, and carrying a briefcase. Is he a cop?

“Says who, old man?” The drunk slurs.

But instead of answering, the man slugs the drunk in the nose and ushers him off. When he turns back to me the bowler hat man extends a hand to shake.

“Excuse me, miss. I’m Inspector Chester Campbell. Who might you be?”

“I- I’m Verena, Verena Steenstra.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Verena. I’m here for private matters, sent by Churchill on account of a BSA munitions robbery. I am here to weed out prime suspects and possibly recover some stolen items that belong to the Crown. You wouldn’t happen to know an Arthur or Thomas Shelby, would you?”

I shake my head. “Sorry, can’t say I have. I’m new to these parts, just having arrived from America yesterday.”

He nods. “Well it’s best if you don’t, miss. They’re ruthless, the lot of them. Gangsters, bookmakers, racketeers. The gang they’re part of call themselves the Peaky Blinders. You best be getting indoors instead of wandering these dreadful streets at this hour.”

When Campbell sees my uneasy expression he frowns. “You do have a place to stay, right?”

“Actually sir, I was… left here by mistake. My family left hours ago and I’ve been here ever since.”

Campbell’s eyes soften a little. “I’m sorry to hear that, miss. If I knew the area I’d find you an inn or hotel, so the most I can do is guide you to the desk clerk in the train station.” He gestures for me to follow him and leads me over to the back desk, where a middle-aged lady is typing. “Hello, would you happen to know where this young lady might find any lodgings?”

The lady gives me a once-over and tilts her head. “Maybe ask Harry at the Garrison. That’s a local pub nearby. You can’t miss it. Just ask for Harry.”

We thank her and head back outside, where it’s starting to get dark.

“I’m sorry to leave you here, but I’ve got my own appointments to attend.” Campbell grips his briefcase and waves to signal a passing cab. “You’ll be alright?”

I try to give a convincing nod. “Yeah, as good as I can I guess. Good luck with your investigation.”

“Best of luck to you too, miss. You’ll need it if you want to survive this wicked city.”

And with that, the inspector climbs into the cab and is driven off. Leaving me, once again, alone. But at least this time I have an idea of where to go and what to do. I tightly grip my small suitcase and begin walking down the bustling streets, trying my best to ignore the… less than Christian crowd that hovers around. 

“God does not care if you live in a slum or in a mansion!”

A man’s voice draws my attention, and I look to find the source coming from down the street. He sounds Jamaican, and seems to be a minister of sorts. 

“God does not care if you are rich or you are poor!”

I approach slowly, not wanting to interrupt. “Excuse me, sir? Where would I go to find the Garrison?”

The man frowns at me, confused. “What’s a lass like you doing in this part of town? Don’t you know it’s dangerous?”

“I understand that. I’m looking to find a place to stay, so I’ll ask again. Where can I find the Garrison?”

The man looks at me as if I’ve signed my own death note, then points to the building down the street. “There. But God be with you if you want to persevere with what kind of men go in there.”

I thank him and walk towards the building. It’s definitely a pub, because there’s drunk men staggering out and vomiting everywhere. 

“Look out!” Someone shouts.

Without warning, a small person plows into me and sends us tumbling into the dust.

“Dear God, what on Earth…?” I gather myself up and get a look at the person, or should I say kid. He’s a young boy with a conservative haircut, wearing dark pants, a white shirt, and gray vest. One might say he dresses just as professional as any stockbroker. 

“I’m sorry!” He says in a worried manner and looks as if I’m about to slap him. “I didn’t mean to, I swear!”

I gotta say, seeing this boy speak in an English accent is downright cute!

I kneel down to seem less intimidating and hold out a hand. “Hey hey, it’s alright, kid. It was an accident. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

He nods and shakes my hand, now looking at me differently. “You sound different.”

“I’m American, from New York. Now what was it you were running from?”

“Oh, right!” He points to the alley he just ran from. “I’m playing hide-and-seek with my aunt.”

I frown. “And you’re out here, in the dark, at this time of night? It may not be my place to say, but you should probably go back inside. Where’s your aunt now?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well that’s not going to get us anywhere. You got a name?”

He smiles and nods eagerly. “I’m Finn, Finn Shelby. I’m 10 going on 11!”

“Wow, that’s old! So Finn, how about you head inside with me and we can find a way of contacting your aunt? That sound alright?”

“Finn! We were looking for you!” A man comes walking up, wearing dark clothes and a cap. When he sees me next to Finn, the man’s eyes darken. “Who are you?”

I ignore his question and look at Finn. “Do you know him?”

“Yeah, he’s my brother John.”

Now I know that I can trust this man. “I’m nobody. Just a lost tourist who’s looking out for Finn.”

The man looks confused. “Why? You don’t know him.”

“That doesn’t matter. I’d look out for him as if he was my own child because no kid should be wandering around at this time of night.”

He scoffs. “What are you, some nun or midwife? Doesn’t matter. Come on, Finn.” John takes the boy’s hand and starts walking away. 

“Nice to meet you!” Finn calls before they’re out of sight.

“Goodbye!”

Now to get back to the task at hand. While being as inconspicuous as possible, I sneak past the gruff men and enter the strangely quiet bar. I gotta say, it’s surprisingly clean. Compared to the filthy world outside you’d think the king himself would eat here. But I know better. I can tell this place has seen its fair share of violence, but I give credit to the barman for keeping it spiffy. Gruff and sketchy-looking Brits sit scattered all over the room. Murmured conversations ghost around the room, confirming that this is yet another place I shouldn’t be at. A few turn their heads, but seem uninterested… for now. I hold my suitcase close and discreetly make my way to where the barman is standing.

“You don’t know me, but the desk clerk at the train station said to ask for someone named Harry.”

The barman, just like everyone else, seems to think I’m a fish out of water. “I’m Harry. What do you want?”

“She said you could tell me where to find a place to stay. I’ll pay what I can, I swear. I just need somewhere to sleep until I can find a way to get back to America.”

His face changes. “America? You mean you’re stuck here?”

“For the time, yes.”

First Harry goes to say something but then seems to look over at someone behind me. This changes his demeanor and he gestures for me to sit.

“Can I get you anything?”

I shake my head. “I don’t drink.”

“I do,” a woman’s voice says behind me.

A dark-haired woman wearing a gray suit sits up next to me, her face being shielded by a hat.

Harry nods respectfully at the woman and pours a shot of whiskey. “On the house, Polly.”

She gladly takes the glass and downs it, looking at me with calculating eyes.

“Name’s Polly, love. Polly Gray.”

“You seem to be a woman who knows what she’s doing, and how to conduct authority,” I reply.

“And you seem to be a woman who has nowhere to go. Am I right, love?”

I look away and become more interested in staring at the table. “Yes, ma’am. I’m currently homeless, jobless, penniless, and on the verge of hopeless.” I look back up. “But I’ve got a song in my heart and a gleam in my eye, so that’s all I can do for now.”

Polly laughs and twirls the shot glass in her hand. “Well a song and dance isn’t going to take you far, love. It’s best if you come with me.” She stands back up and starts pulling her coat back on.

My thoughts freeze. Did I hear that right? This person, this complete stranger who has no inkling of who I am, wants me to go with them? Where? And what for? Inspector Campbell said to be careful.

“Wait- what? What do you mean?”

Polly walks to the door, unfazed by my questions. “I saw you interacting with Finn. You treat him as both a child and an adult, which is something I respect. You’re not too sour but still know when to show a firm grip. I’d like to hire you as his tutor. He needs help studying, as well as someone to make sure he doesn’t shoot his eye out.”

My jaw drops. “Shoot his… But how-?”

“Don’t ask. I have to deal with the most ridiculous idiots this side of England, you have no idea!” She scoffs as I follow her back into the inky night. “The fact is that I need a tutor, and you need a roof over your head. So, do you want the job or not?”

I try to form words but all that comes out is a babbling mess. My thoughts are fried! What reason do I have to even trust this Polly character?

“You’re conflicted,” Polly states plainly. “I can understand why.”

“Yes! Because- because I’m alone! I- I have no one to help, but everyone says I can’t trust anyone here, and then you happen to be passing by… I don’t know what to make of it!”

Polly puts a hand on my shoulder. “Love, one of the things I always go by is my faith. If fate had it so you would be here to help Finn and get my attention, then God has spoken. My trust is not so easily won over, so I suggest you consider this chance very seriously.”

She’s right. Everything’s led to this. Besides, she’s right. I need a job.

“Yes, I accept your kind offer.” I hold out a hand and we shake. “Thank you, Mrs. Gray.”

“I may be your employer but there’s no need for that formality. Polly’s fine, love. And yours?”

“Verena Nora Steenstra,” my name flies right off the tongue. 

“That’s Dutch, I’d imagine?”

I nod. “Yes, after my great grandmother. My father’s Dutch, my mother’s Irish.”

“Ah yes, you Americans and your mixed heritages.”

She doesn’t seem upset by it, and I’m glad she doesn’t inquire further. My family isn’t cruel, but we’re not exactly the most wanted people in New York. My uncle on my mother’s side is part of the Irish mob in Brooklyn, so our reputation is a bit strict.

Polly leads me through the dark streets and people seem to be aware not to test her. Crowds scatter away to let us pass, not even daring to meet her eye.

“You have authority here?”

“Of sorts. People know better not to start a quarrel. Here we are.”

The house itself is simple-looking on the outside, something I admire. Polly opens the door and shows me inside, which displays a traditional cross hung in the hallway. I follow her past a kitchen and into a small room near the back, one containing a simple bed and vanity as well as a single window.

“Bathtub’s down the hall. I’ll leave you here to settle in, I trust the lads will guide you through the house. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must attend a family meeting. Finn’s around here somewhere if you wish to chat.”

I set my suitcase on the bed and look at Polly with sincere gratitude. “Thank you so much. You really saved me from a tight pickle, and I promise I will do everything I can to repay you.”

Polly smiles and, to my uttermost surprise, comes over to give me a hug. “No problem, love. You seem like a decent girl, even if you are American.” She snickers and goes to walk out, then turns to say: “One more thing: when you meet Thomas, just know he’s a bit rough around the edges.”

I squint in bafflement. “Thomas? Who’s-?”

But she exits before I can finish. So just to be clear: Now I need to teach a boy from a family I just met and am expecting to meet someone who’s ‘rough around the edges.’ Yay?

[eu-nicola]

Tommy Shelby x Reader / part 2

part 1

part 3

summary: Your love for Tommy even protected him from his own actions

sorry english isn’t my first language

You were 19 when you met him and even though you already knew his name and who he was that was the first time you really met him. You remember having been delighted with that man who had just left the hospital after the death of his daughter and you really felt so sorry for him, you were moved to see him at the entrance comforting his wife who did not stop crying. After that you didn't see him again until a few weeks later with a blonde woman down a street, you watched them for a few minutes and then you had to leave.

From there he began to appear at every moment of your life, the first time both spoke he was courteous but not too much because he did not like to talk to people more than necessary, God or fate seemed to be on your side and he he kept appearing in your life, in a casual chat he told you that he was getting divorced and something inside of you maybe butterflies fluttered all over your being tickling you with happiness, since you saw him for the first time you always had a little hope in your heart that he noticed you despite your young age.

When both met he didn't speak and he didn't say more than necessary but you understood every gesture and little by little you understood why it was like that, you had met his brother Arthur and he had told you about the things Tommy had to go through and you felt sorry for him but you didn't want to say it maybe it would be disrespectful considering everything he did to get ahead for him and his family so you just didn't say anything, then every time you saw him you only saw a strong man capable of anything, you loved that.

When you were with him for the first time you almost begged him to take you as his and you didn't feel ashamed because you loved him so much that it burned your sane thoughts, he treated you so sweetly and you felt desired like never before, he had been the first man and you wanted him to be the only one. One time you even told him "Don't break my heart" and he obviously didn't say anything.

When you decided that you didn't want to be just one more you walked away from him with a broken heart and your thoughts scrambled. You spent a week at your mother's house in the room that was yours when you were a girl crying and being comforted by your mother. Every day your mother repeated to you that it was not your fault to be in love because no one can avoid falling in love. The day you made the decision to go back to your routine you found Arthur and he went crazy when he saw you, he told you that Tommy was looking for you all week and when he asked your parents about you they told him that you had taken a few days off far from everything.

You didn't want to see it because if it did you'd fall again and you didn't want to but fool Arthur had to convince you to see it one more time and so you did. That day Tommy and you found yourself in an alley far from the eyes of people where only you were calm, when you saw him arrive your heart raced and even more when he approached you and kissed you with all his being.

You cried so much when he stopped kissing you feeling like he was afar, after that he scolded you for making him look for you for a whole week to which you laughed at how he acted and for the first time he laughed too and it was the cutest thing you'd ever seen in a while.

—

When you agreed to marry him you knew the kind of man you would marry and you knew his past with his wife Grace and Lizzie and you were afraid that he would lose you like he did Grace and relapse into grief or cheat on you for not knowing what else to deal with the pain like he did with Lizzie but you did it anyway.

A few months later you were already at the altar walking towards him, you had already met his children and you had gotten along especially better with the youngest Charlie, he was a child who felt very lonely but now that you were here you really wanted to make him feel good and show him how much his father loved him even if he didn't show it.

Not even two months had passed since the wedding and you were already with pregnancy symptoms which tested positive when you visited a doctor, you were happy to have created a life with the person you loved and nothing could change it.

Except that from the day he found out you were pregnant he began to have more work or that's what he said and was never there, his son Charlie was the one who was happy to have a new brother or sister and loved to keep you company when his mother brought him to visit to see you.

One of the many times when your pregnancy was already very advanced he had come to spend the day with you trying to help as much as he could and while they were talking about the name of the baby you had not heard him but Tommy had come home early after so long.

continuation of part 1

“Tommy”. You said looking at him surprised to see him so early at home. "Could talk to you?". He asked.

"Yes of course". After that he sent his son to another room to be able to talk and he sat next to you to be closer. “Is something wrong Thomas?”. You asked worried.

"I haven’t been here for you and the child." He start. "But when i heard behind the door how my son didn't want to be like me i realized that I don't want our son to think the same of me."

"But he would never think that of you, listen to me." You told him while holding his face. "Since I found out everything that had happened to you i also saw and accepted that this could be difficult for me but I took it anyway and with that I took all the responsibilities by marrying you, you will be a good father I know because every day inside you try to get better even don't let others see it, I see it when every night you come home and lie down next to my belly to talk to our son trying to be a good father”. He looked at you as if he was the luckiest man to find such a valuable woman.

"But listen to me, how you try to be a good father to our child I want you to be for Charlie, he is still a child and he needs you more than anyone, please just get closer to him." "I promise you that I will do everything I can to be a good father to all my children.". You smiled at him and went to kiss his lips while he rested his hand on your belly.

"The baby kicked." He told you surprised. "He recognizes his father." You said with a smile.

[scarletlove2]

SOMEONE I AM ON MY HANDS AND KNEES BEGGING FOR SOMEONE TO WRITE A TOMMY SHELBY FIC ABOUT A GIRL WHOS HES KNOW SINCE CHILDHOOD WHO HE THAN MARRIED THEN CHEATED ON AND WAS A SHITTY PERSON TO HER BASSED ON THE SONGS SO LONG LONDON, THE SMALLEST MAN TO EVER LIVE, PLEASE I AM BEGGING SOMEONE HEAR MY PRAYERS🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

EDIT ALSO THE BLACK DOG

[hughiecampbelle]

Imagine Tommy cheating on you with Grace:

"You love her, don't you?"

You sank into the nearest chair, the weight of his silence crushing you. He loved her and they slept together and what you had, all those years together, meant nothing. You should have known better than to get attached to a man like him, a man only out for his own good. What he wanted he took. Grace had always been there, on his mind. No matter how good you were to him, how devoted, you were always missing something. Lacking. He never said it, but he didn't have to. Everyone knew. The Blinders had seen him fall in love. Whatever he had with you, that wasn't love, that was strategy. Bond your families together, your fortunes, have a few kids. Play your roles. You were the only one who hadn't realized you weren't royalty in this chess game, you were a pawn. You were expendable. Meaningless. Nothing. Grace was his queen.

"What now?" You felt pathetic. "Are you even sorry?" Tommy didn't answer. Instead he let the cigarette smoke fill the space between you. He didn't ask how you found out, who told you. He didn't care who did that nor did he care that you knew. It was bound to happen. Any number of the maids, the nurses, the babysitters or chefs could have walked in on the two of them without them realizing. He'll, you could have seen them. They were a little too distracted to notice. It'd been years since they saw one another. Despite the lies, the scandal, there was something magnetic about her. Something he wanted of her. It's not that he'd never loved you, he just wasn't in love with you. You were good for him. Good for your family. But Grace? Grace was enchanting. Haunting. He couldn't help himself. She couldn't either.

"I'm not sure."