#john shelby blurb

[runnning-outof-time]

Hiii K, congrats on your 3.5k! That’s such an amazing milestone 🥳🤩 I’d like to send in the following prompt for John. 17. “How do babies get made.” I felt like this would go very well with John 🤭 Can’t wait to see with what you’ll come up with!

Hi Daisy @peakyltd !! Thanks so much for sending this in!! I was hoping that someone would choose John for this prompt because you’re sooo right - it fits him perfectly!!! I hope you like what I did with this! Also a special thanks to @raincoffeeandfandoms for letting me use the ‘little chimney man’ who brings babies…you’ve helped (Y/N) immensely here! Enjoy! :)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Part of my 3.5k celebration — find more stories here!

That’s Not What Dad Said

John Shelby x Reader

Warnings: awkward talk about babies being born, a playful smack with a newspaper

Word Count: 677

Summary: (Y/N) gets a surprise when she and John’s oldest child asks a rather interesting question out of the blue.

The question that six year old James Shelby asked just about made (Y/N) spit the tea she was drinking right back into its cup. “Can you repeat that again, dear?” she prompted the child, silently hoping that she didn’t hear him correctly.

“How do babies get made?” the boy repeated his question. It was the exact question (Y/N) had heard. Word for word.

“Umm, well…” she trailed off, taking a few moments to try and think of how she’d tackle this. The boy was six…he didn’t need to know about the actual process that occurred. “So when a mummy and a daddy love each other very much, they have a talk, and in that talk, they decide that they want to have a baby. Then, there’s a man who comes down the chimney after hearing the talk and puts the baby in the mummy’s tummy. In nine months, the baby is born, and that’s how babies are made,” she finished her extravagent story with the exhale of a breath and an unsteady smile, hoping that it worked.

James looked at his mother, not saying anything for a few moments. “That’s not what dad said,” was what he finally said in response.

His statement immediately confused (Y/N). “Wha—what do you mean?” she rushed to ask, her eyes shifting between her son and her husband, who was still reading the newspaper and drinking tea; completely unbothered.

“Dad and uncle Arthur were talking yesterday and uncle Arthur was telling him about a lady he was with and I asked dad what he meant and he said that it’s how babies get ma…”

“Alright, I’ve heard enough. Why don’t you go and get ready for school, hmm?” (Y/N) cut the boy off, already having an idea of where the rest of his statement was going. Her insides were doing flips just thinking about her husband and his brother talking about stuff like that in James’ presence.

“Ok,” James nodded, hopping off of the chair without a second thought. (Y/N) was thankful he didn’t question it and did what she asked. He ran off then, leaving (Y/N) and John alone in the kitchen.

(Y/N) looked over at John, seeing him glance over at her while holding the cup up to his lips. He tried to be nonchalant and revert his eyes to the newspaper, but (Y/N) caught his gaze. “Would you like to tell me why you and Arthur were talking about those types of things with your boy in the room?” she asked him, her eyebrows raising as she spoke.

“We didn’t think he was listenin’ to us,” John tried to defend himself, setting the cup down so that he could look at her.

“He’s six, John. He listens to everything…and then he only remembers the things he isn’t supposed to,” she countered, her frustration shining through her words.

“It was a mistake, love. It won’t happen again,” he assured her, surrendering the argument because it was one he knew he couldn’t win.

“It better not,” (Y/N) emphasized, standing up from her chair to collect the empty dishes from the table. She walked them over to the sink, sitting them in it so that she could do the washing. Before getting to it, she walked back to where John was sitting with the newspaper in his hands. “Let me see that,” she said to him as she stopped at his side, motioning to the paper he was holding.

“Here,” he said, handing the paper over without second thought.

(Y/N) didn’t waste any time. She rolled the paper up and used it to lightly smack John on the back of the head, the sound of the whack from it filling the room.

“Oww!” he exclaimed, turning to look at her with wide eyes as he rubbed the back of his head.

A grin spread across (Y/N)’s face as she locked eyes with her husband. “I meant what I said,” she said then, seriousness present in her voice.

Tagged: @the-anxious-youth @mystcldydrms @look-at-the-soul @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @shelbydelrey @theshelbyslimited @peakyswritings @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @stevie75 @dark-academia-slut @zablife @cillmequick @letal-y-poetica @depxiety @shelundeadxxxx @areyenotfondofmelobster @padfootdaredmetoo @crabat-the-queen @sebastianstangirl01 @everythingelseisextra @kmc1989 @papichulo120627 @brummiereader @adaydreamaway08 @kissforvoid @raincoffeeandfandoms @peakyltd @johannelis2302nely @wildheartsalwaysburn @dragons-are-my-favorite @jessimay89 @slaymybreathaway

MASTERLIST

[calummss]

masterlist

requested by the lovely @zablife . thank you for being so patient i feel awful but i hope you enjoy

prompt this was always how it was going to end

‘What is wrong with you?’

‘What’s wrong with me? What the bloody hell is wrong with you?’

‘With me?’ You stopped strutting, stepping towards his face. ‘Me? Are you fucking insane?’

John reached out for your arm, his tight grip making it impossible to walk off, leaving you in his embrace that no longer gave you the same warmth it used to. It was cold and wet, cold and dark. All you wanted was to go home, eat the food your nan had made you and sip a cup of tea by the fireplace as she talked about her golden age. John had apprehended you as you sat inside of the Garrison, patiently waiting for Pete to show up but as the clicking of the clock continued to burn into your head, you had given up and pitifully ordered four shots, all burning the back of your throat and you wiped your lips with saddened eyes.

‘Don’t touch me,’ you tried to pull back, your heels almost making you trip every time you tried to get away from him but he was also the one that saved you from the dirty streets of Small Heath. John had loosened his grip, enough to get rid of the burning sensation on the skin of your arm. His eyes were dark, no joy, no tears, no pain; just soulless.

‘You are mine.’ He growled at you not caring for the people that eyes the scene in front of them.

‘You don’t own me!’

‘You’re mine. Stop going on these stupid dates. Do they know you’re married? That they’re committing adulterous acts against me?’

‘We divorced, John!’

‘There’s no such thing as a divorce, sweetheart,’ he inched his face closer to yours, his hot breath clashing against the cold air. ‘Til death do us part.’

Your eyebrows softened with the released tension of your forehead. Who was he? What happened to John?

‘Pete won’t come.’

‘Why?’ You asked. Each second letting his words settle, his grip on your arm slowly fading as you tilted your head to look at him. Legs barely supporting your weight. ‘What the fuck did you do John? What did you do? Where is he?’

‘Receiving the punishment any man should.’

‘What the fuck did you do?’

‘I shot him in the head and watched all of his blood spill next to him as I watched life leave his eyes, his breathing stop, as he looked at me and realised that the last thing he would see was me.’

You stared at John processing what he said. Going over every word he had just uttered, not realising that your shaking hand had made its way to your lips, anxiously pulling the skin. And then it dawned on you… ‘Freddie, Roy, Kennedy, Albert…they never showed up, they…never returned any of my calls…John, what did you do?…Oh no no no,’ your tears silently fell.

‘Do you think I share what is mine?’

Sobs

‘If you think it was ever going to end any other way you are a stupid girl. This is how it was always going to end. You can run as far away as you want. Date who you want. Kiss who you want. But I will always find you. And I will take back what is mine. Always’

[peakyltd]

Shadows

John Shelby x female reader

A/N: It's been a loooong long while but I'm back and actually wrote a little something, inspired by the gif below. I hope you guys like it!

Warnings: Angst, grief

Word count: 1242

The sun softly crept trough the window, projecting the shadows of the textured curtains of Johns’s old Watery Lane bedroom on both his and (Y/N)'s faces as they peeked trough the side of them. The streets were eerily quiet and the tension of the ongoing vendetta was palpable.

"How long have you been in here?" John asked while he kept his eyes on the street. "Since last night, orders of your brother." (Y/N) answered. "I'm not allowed to leave under any circumstances. Probably until they say it's safe." She sighed as her eyes fell on John's relaxed frame. His trousers were smoothly ironed, a white undershirt covered his upper body and his hair was neatly combed, a sight that she hadn't seen in a while. "I wonder if it ever will be." She added softly.

"You know he wouldn't do this for fun, love." John replied as he moved his eyes from the streets to meet hers. "Probably for the better, eh?" She shrugged at his question that somehow sounded more like a statement. "I'm not too sure about that."

They held each others gaze for a while until she looked down at the floor, resting her body against the wall. He had noticed the dark circles under her eyes, the stress laced into the beautiful features of her face and the sparkle that was still missing from her eyes. He stepped closer, reaching for her hand and pulling her into his chest, safely wrapping his arms around her back. “I got you, you know that.” He mumbled against her hair before he pressed a kiss to the side of her head. He felt her arms find their way around his waist while she let her head rest against his chest, a soft sigh escaping from her lips.

“I missed you so much.” She whispered, her hands resting on his back. He kept quiet for a moment, feeling a pang of sadness in his chest from her words. "I missed you too." He replied, the tip of his fingers running up and down her back. "I'm tired, John." She confessed quietly. “I know, darlin’ but you’ll get trough this. I know you will.” He tried to encourage her, trying to stay positive in a situation that seemed endless.

“Can you please tell me about your day?” She quietly asked, longing for something quite normal in their turbulent lives. “Well…” He started. “I went home because I hoped I’d find you there but I didn’t. Then went to visit Polly to ask her but she seemed too busy. After that I came here.” He chuckled, the sound vibrating trough his chest, making her feel at ease.

“I haven’t been home in a while.” She disclosed, her hands grabbing onto his shirt. “Couldn’t settle anymore.” She felt his fingers gently run trough her hair while he pressed another kiss on her head. “I’m so sorry.” A wave of guilt washed over him.

“No, please, you shouldn’t be sorry.” She assured him as she closed her eyes for a moment. He held her close while his eyes wandered around the room. Memories of the past years slowly entering his mind one by one. “Do you remember the time we were caught stealing from the bakery a few streets away?” He asked, trying to lighten up her mood. She lifted her head to look at him, a small smile visible on her lips. “Excuse me? We? It was you who did it and I got caught while I was innocent.” She chuckled softly, getting a grin back from John in response. “It was even worse when my parents found out.”

He chuckled. “Hadn’t seen you in weeks after that.” He remarked, a smirk on his face. “I just accepted my fate and didn’t want to snitch on you.” She smiled at him. “Ah see, that’s when I knew you were the one. The most loyal woman I've ever known.” He winked at her before pressing a soft kiss against her lips. She gently cupped his face in her hands as her eyes scanned his face.

A few minutes in silence went by until she spoke up. “Do you think this will end well?” She asked, bringing up the vendetta again. “Of course it will.” He spoke up, not too sure if it would but not wanting to fuel her worries more. “We will win.”

His words caused a cold shiver to run down her spine, she held his gaze before slowly shaking her head. “We’ve already lost.” Her voice was quiet, almost too scared to speak the words out loud. Her hands dropped down to hold onto his waist. John took a deep breath while he put a strand of hair behind her ear. “You did not. You have to keep going.” His soft blue eyes tried to assure her.

“It wasn’t supposed to end like this. It’s not fair. It’s not fucking fair, John. It could be anyone but they took you… like it was nothing.” She looked away, feeling the tears burning in her eyes but trying to blink them away. John grabbed both of her hands when he spoke up. “Look at me.” She bit her lip, trying to avoid his stare. "(Y/N)... look at me."

She looked up at him, her teary eyes reflected the sadness that had took over her body. "Listen love, people like us don’t get to decide when we’re done.” John confided calmly, knowing his fate was laid in somebody else's hands the very moment he decided to follow his brothers' footsteps.

“People like you? You're a good man John, you deserved better. You never belonged in this life.” Her voice trembled as she put her hand on his chest. “Your heart was way too good for that.” His eyes were locked on hers, not knowing what to say. "We were supposed to be happy. Together." She added as she felt a tear run down her cheek. She remembered how he bravely protected her when they attacked him, at their own home. Brave, fearless and strong, putting up a tough fight but it wasn't enough.

She remembered how she saw him fall, hit by bullet after bullet. She remembered the agonizing screams that left her mouth and the light that left his blue eyes. She did what she could but there was nothing that could've saved him.

“You have to remember that I’m always with you, even when you don’t see me.” He interrupted her thoughts while he gently cupped her cheek, slowly stroking her skin with his thumb. She sighed, the familiar touch giving her the feeling of security she so desperately needed. “Promise me that you keep going, yeah? Do the things you always wanted to do.” He gave her a smile. “It makes no sense doing them without you.” She quietly spoke.

“You’re not doing them without me.”

She wrapped her arms around him again, hiding her face in his chest as she took a deep breath. The feeling of his strong arms around her made her forget about the harsh reality for a moment. “I have to go.” He whispered. “Will I see you soon?” She wondered, slightly hopeful. He was quiet for a moment, a bit unsure of what to say. “You will.”

She slowly let go of him, taking in the sight of him again. “Wait for, me, will you?” A small smile appeared on his face. “I will, love. I promise.”

Tagging some people who might like it, obviously no pressure to read it if it's not your cup of tea! @brummiereader @call-sign-shark @peakyswritings @zablife @emotionalcadaver @runnning-outof-time @raincoffeeandfandoms

[theshelbyslimited]

a sudden thought (john shelby x reader)

gif credit to: @peakyblindersxx

note: a few days ago, I was struck w sudden and incredibly random inspiration and this john blurb/fic is the result of it. I am FARRR from a fanfic writer, I'm barely even a writer at this point but I couldn't let this inspiration go to waste whilst it was presenting itself.

note no.2: this is just a silly random fic so please don't take it too seriously. I cannot explain why I wrote it but I hope at least one person enjoys it.

warning: there is more than likely going to be grammatical errors and it may seem very 'wordy' in parts, I am not someone who is good at writing short sentences so please be gentle with me 🙈

I also want to thank @runnning-outof-time for letting me send this random fic to her for feedback, I appreciate you endlessly for it and I feel so honoured to have even been able to share my own 'work' with one of my favourite fanfic writers on this platform ❤️

John had just returned from a two-week long business trip with his brothers; therefore, you were cherishing having your other half back at your side at last. You currently sat side by side on the sofa, his right arm wrapped around your shoulders, his hand subconsciously caressing the slither of skin that could be felt atop your shoulder. There was no need for conversation in that moment, as you were both content to simply enjoy each other’s presence and the temporary silence that filled your home whilst the kids were still at Polly’s. A sudden thought struck you, prompting you to flicker your gaze up towards your husband’s restful face as he allowed his eyes to slide shut just for a moment.

“Would you still love me if I were a worm?” you speak aloud without any second thought or consideration. John’s eyebrows were suddenly raised so high, you became worried they may fly off his forehead and into the unknown, "what are you going on about love? What worm? Where is it?” John asked you, in a tone that voiced the confusion his face was expressing at your random questioning about a worm. “No, you idiot, there's no worm anywhere. I was asking, would you still love me if I were a worm?" you thought, perhaps, that if you put emphasis on the question that you were proposing to your husband, that his confusion would be erased, and he may actually give you an answer to it. Unfortunately, this is the John Shelby we are talking about here. Although your man most definitely possesses a certain intelligence when it comes to creating jokes or riddles that leave you hugging your aching stomach from laughter, he is most definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed (you still love him regardless). “Why would you want to be a worm for you numpty? Are you okay? Did something happen while I was away Y/N? You can tell me love, honestly” John asked, voice filled with worry. It seemed, he had gone from being confused to feeling concerned, wondering if maybe this was your way of conveying that something was weighing on your mind, and you needed his attention. You had to let out a laugh at John’s questioning of your current state, even if your heart was immensely warmed by his concern. Engulfing his left hand between your palms, you sat yourself up properly and turned to give your husband the entirety of your attention, “John, nothing’s happened yeah? Everything is completely fine. Just please answer the question, will you?" Perplexed by your need for an answer to such an absurd question, your husband brought his right hand down from behind you and laced it with your currently joint hands. With eyes filled with bemusement and adoration, John leaned forward, quickly placing a kiss upon your forehead and nose before saying, “If you insist. Yes, my dearly beloved Y/N, I would still love you if you were a worm, okay?"

Your face lit up like the night sky on the 4th of July and as your scrunched eyes met the crystalized orbs of your John, you both could not help but let out a shared laugh at the utter randomness of the conversation that just took place. “I love you John Shelby, forever and always” you say as you lean forward to kiss your husband, oh the things that man has to put up with when it comes to your random thoughts and questions. Returning the kiss, John bites down on your bottom lip before pulling back to gaze over your features and smirking to himself, “I love you too, worm." Oh, how John was never going to let you forget this conversation, even when you are both grey and old.

let me also tag some of my favourite fic writers bc y'all all inspire me to 'try' and write fic even half as brilliant as yours: @look-at-the-soul @zablife @notyour-valentine @gilmoreslorelai @retromafia @madame-wilsonn @gypsy-girl-08 @queenshelby @padfootdaredmetoo @christinasyellowflowers @cillspropertea (feel free to flip me ask if you wish to be removed).

[zablife]

Hi Lee! 💕 I had so much fun with your little present that I figured I’d drop in your inbox and return the favor of prompting you to write something lovely, so here goes nothing…

“Do you understand bad of an idea that was, Katie?” you asked your daughter, eyes wide as you spoke, “you cannot push your brother down the steps in a basket…he could’ve gotten seriously injured!”

“I only did it cuz daddy said I could,” Katie responded in a mouse-like voice, tucking her head into her shoulders as she tried to shy away from the scolding.

“He did what?” you asked in a shocked tone, your wide eyes now locking onto John, who quickly averted his gaze to the newspaper in his hands as he brought a cup up to his mouth in attempts to act natural. “John…?”

John slurped his tea nervously watching you out of the corner of his eye. The reprimand Katie received was nothing in comparison to the lecture he was about to get, though he wasn't entirely sure what he'd done to deserve it yet. You tapped your foot against the floorboards impatiently as your husband thought of an explanation. As he listened to you clear your throat expectantly, he knew his time had run out. Swinging his feet off the desk and crossing to where Katie stood, he stooped to address her trembling form.

In a soft voice he asked, "Poppet, why would you say that? I would never tell you to hurt your brother." John looked from his daughter back up at you as if to ask if he were forgiven. You pursed your lips to show your displeasure at his feeble attempt to disentangle himself from the situation. You didn't have any more information than when you arrived. However, that's when Katie spoke up in a loud wail.

"But I wasn't trying to hurt him, daddy! I wanted to make the others laugh like you used to with cousin Michael!" she buried her head in her hands and sobbed, shoulders shaking. The moment the words left her quivering lips, John's memory returned. He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh before leaning in to comfort his child.

"Alright, love, don't cry," he said, taking her into his arms and rubbing her back in soothing circles. He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye earnestly, explaining, "I know you're a good big sister and a great help to your mum. Sometimes you're a bit too serious, eh?" He chuckled for a moment thinking of how grown up she tried to be, like a little mother to her brothers. Then his voice turned serious as he added, "It's good to have fun sometimes. But you can't do things like that, even if it's for a laugh. Do you understand?" Katie wiped her eyes on her shirt sleeve, nodding slowly in agreement. "That's my girl," John said as he rose to his feet, stroking her hair gently. "Now go wait outside while I speak to mummy."

As you watched your daughter close the door, you felt the anger subsiding. John was an excellent father, you couldn't deny that about him. However, you were still curious about what Katie said. "John, what did Katie mean about what you used to do with Michael?" you said furrowing your brow.

John turned, hands in his pockets, as he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. He wondered how much he should tell you about his childhood games, knowing you'd disapprove. However, it wouldn't be long until you heard the tale from one of the children. The whisky in his veins at bedtime last night had loosened his lips enough to make it into a bedtime story.

He scratched behind his ear as he confessed, "We used to put him in a shoebox and kick him down Watery Lane." As the memory replayed in his mind, a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his mouth until he was grinning widely and a deep chuckle rose from his chest.

You clasped a hand over your mouth, but soon found yourself giggling at the thought as well. "John, I swear to God..." you said, shaking your head. "It's a wonder any of you survived childhood."

John pulled you into his chest and nuzzled your nose with his. "Yeah, but aren't you glad I did?" he said, leaning in for a kiss.

"Sometimes I wonder," you mumbled against his lips before, melting into his embrace.

[theshelbyclan]

Little Devil

Summary: Teddy Shelby is the only one that can make her brothers forget about France, business and time itself

A/N: just as I wanted to write for Teddy again, because I too miss her at times, sweet anon requested: I’m having a hard day today, can you please write me something with Tommy and Teddy to cheer me up? Maybe the two of them just playing and Teddy being Teddy and Tommy having a hard time with her but secretly loving it too? I adore your writing and you always manage to make me feel better. Xx Aww Anon, I’m sorry you’re having a bad day and I really hope this helps, even just a little. Teddy being Teddy; here we go 😘

Words: 1212

*****

Triumphantly, Teddy stood in the kitchen with her newly stolen treasure burning hot in the pocket of the trousers she was wearing. She tried to hide her glee, but it didn’t quite work. Luckily, her brothers’ attention was elsewhere.

Moments before, she’d been sitting on John’s lap during tea and then spend some time with Tommy as well, but now they needed to talk, so Teddy had been pushed off. Her brothers were discussing business at the table, and she and Finn were allowed to stay in the room, on the one condition they wouldn’t interfere.

“When do we do it, Tom?” Arthur asked.

Tommy replied in a low voice, “Black star day. I’ll tell you when.”

“How about Johnny’s men? He’s got at least a dozen good men...”

“I’ll let you form an army, Arthur, but just remember to trust kin first, then the rest.”

Teddy watched them. She knew what they were planning, or she knew a little about it, and knew it involved the fairs. Tommy had told her, that as soon as she’d turned nine, she’d be old enough to go with them. Just a few more weeks.

“Tommy, we promised them protection...” John continued, looking at the diary and the books at the same time. He seemed worried, but Tommy appeared more relaxed than ever, slouching slightly in his chair, smoking. He had it all in hand.

Teddy watched him and smiled. When she grew up, she wanted to be like Tommy.

Unfortunately, Aunt Polly had other ideas for now, so she entered the kitchen and announced herself with the words, “Time for bed, Teddy!”

“No, it’s not!” Teddy protested, wanting more than anything to just spend a few more minutes with her brothers. They didn’t have to play with her, they didn’t even have to talk to her; she just wanted to be near them when they talked to each other. Now that they were back, that was more than enough.

She shot a pleading look at her brothers, focusing on Arthur, because he was usually the easiest to sway. But Tommy flashed her half a smile when he noticed what she was trying and said, “Listen to your aunt, Teddy. If she tells you it’s time for bed...”

He always was the strictest with her. But Teddy was feeling brave today, so a mischievous look came over her as she told Tommy, “But it’s not yet bedtime! I swear! You can check, Tommy.”

Tommy felt around in his pocket for his pocket watch, but at the end of the delicate chain, he found nothing. For a second, he frowned in confusion. Then he thought about who the best pickpocket in the family was and his eyes were fixed on Teddy once again.

“That little imp,” Arthur growled, following Tommy’s eyes, “She took your watch, didn’t she? I knew she was up to something, looking all bloody innocent back there...”

“Fucking rascal,” John laughed, face full of pride. After all, he’d been the one to teach Teddy how to pick pockets, much to Polly’s dismay.

But Tommy didn’t say a word. He looked at Teddy and she looked at him. Then he held up the empty chain, as if to ask: was it you? And Teddy held up the watch, as if to say: of course it was me, I’m the best thief in Small Heath!

For a second, Tommy lowered his head, and everyone in the kitchen wondered whether he was hiding an impending outburst of fury or a smile. Hard to tell at this point. Then he lifted his head, but his expression remained emotionless.

Tommy motioned with his hand for Teddy to approach him, but when she didn’t, he just couldn’t bring himself to be angry with her. Full of affection, he mumbled, “Little devil...” and then, “Fucking come here!”

Teddy smiled cheekily, recognising the mirth in her brother’s eyes at once, and challenged, “No! You can come here!”

Tommy cleared his throat and sighed, “You have three seconds. Three...”

But his little sister just stuck out her tongue at him.

“Right!” He slammed a hand down on his knee, and got up. Anyone else would’ve been terrified by now, but not Teddy Shelby. She started jumping up and down at the game they were playing and shouted out, “Catch me if you can!”

A big grin spread across Tommy’s face and all of a sudden, he was up and chasing Teddy. The two of them sprinted circles all across the house and betting den, which was now deserted after a long day of work. Then, and only then, would Tommy allow himself to drop the facade of the tough Birmingham gangster and play with his little sister.

“Run, Teddy!” John urged her on, when the two of them passed him by for the third time in a very short time period. He, too, had a big smile on his face and for a moment, it was like France had never happened.

Teddy ran as fast as her little legs could carry her. Tommy was quicker, but she was smaller, which meant she could sometimes crawl under tables that he had to go around. Heart racing and panting, she was enjoying every second of this.

Aunt Polly watched them from the bottom of the stairs. Giggles resounded all through the house and an occasional shout of glee from Tommy when he’d almost caught her. “Before France, he used to laugh, a lot.” They all had, and in a way, Teddy was their time capsule, their window into the past, their portal.

“Gotcha!” Tommy growled, as his sister shrieked in his arms. Limbs flying everywhere, he carried Teddy back into the kitchen and loudly demanded in a voice that would make the rest of Birmingham quiver in terror, “Now what did you do with my watch, eh?”

As he was pretending to search for the watch, he tickled Teddy everywhere. Hanging almost upside down in Tommy’s arms, Teddy squeaked, “No, Tom! It’s not there!”

“Oh, right,” Tommy frowned and he moved on and dug a hand into her side, “Maybe in here?”

“Noooo,” Teddy burst out laughing again and tried to protect herself, but it was no use in her brothers’ arms.

“Just tell me where then,” Tommy sighed and switched sides, “Here?”

“NOOOOHOOO,” Teddy protested, until she managed to produce the watch from her trouser pocket herself. She stuffed it into Tommy’s offending hands and he raised his eyebrows in mock innocence, “Should’ve just told me it was there, Teddy.”

Exhausted now after all the fun, Teddy let herself slump down in Tommy’s arms and he held her like she didn’t weigh a thing.

“Say goodnight, boys,” Tommy said when he noticed, “This troublemaker is going to sleep.”

“Quick, John,” Arthur joked, “Check your pockets first!”

And when everyone had wished her goodnight, Tommy carried Teddy up to bed. In the darkness, he couldn’t see, but he could feel her getting heavy in his arms. As gently as he could, he put her sleeping form down on her bed.

Then he securely attached the watch to its chain again and sat back, as a smile crept on his face again, while whispering with all the love he had, “Teddy Shelby, you little devil...”

*****

Masterlist

[peakywitch]

Wish I could - Michael Gray

asked! "Hey hope your day’s going well :) “I wish I could marry you…” & Michael Gray? Thanks so much love 💕" SPOILER FREE! pure fluff, too!

500 words!

masterlist

check out my prompt list! you can send an ask, because i'll be updating A LOT! And also, please let me know what type of thingy you want, fluff, angst, blah blah blah, so i won't dissappoint anyone and everyone will get what they want!

“I wish I could marry you…” he whispered in her ear, while holding her from behind.

The fire was burning softly, and the dog that they found one night a few years ago in the darkness of the alley was now the most loyal guard dog for baby Eliza. Everywhere she went, so did Porridge. And her curious nose was always trying to tuck her safely under the blue blanket. Polly had been wrong, for once in her life. It wasn’t a boy, like everyone predicted, it was a girl. A giggly and calm girl, one that didn’t give them too much trouble.

“You wish you could marry me?” she muttered back, her fingers going up and down his forearm.

“Yes, I wish I could marry you. Again, you know?”

When Y/N met Michael, she thought he was a tough one, a man like Tommy. One that would only keep her warm in the lonely hours of the night, and that she wouldn’t feel seen, admired, obscenely loved. But Michael had that in himself, he was open, yet so private. All, all of his love was just for the two women in his life: Eliza and Y/N. His daughter and his wife.

His family.

His dreams had come true, his truest, deepest and realest dream was now his reality. A family to come home to, a wife that had his back and would stick through thick and thin and a daughter that he would do anything for. He didn’t like to navigate too much into that thought, because the mere idea of having to go to the inhuman levels of brutality to just be sure that her future would be promised, gave him goosebumps and a sense of anxiety. Not because he didn’t want to do those things, but because he wanted Eliza to grow up away from that life. Away from what he once was. What he told himself he wasn’t anymore.

But, was he ever something before her? He could barely remember who he was before her. A man whose heart only had a beat to keep him alive, and now that same heart was full with love, pride and so many other emotions that made Michael realize he wasn’t alive before.

Whoever the person before him was, he was long gone. The feeling of the sticky and warm blood dripping from his hands was now even barely there, since it was replaced by that first feeling of hugging his daughter. So small, so soft, so light and ever so fragile. If there’s anything more precious than his memory of holding her for the first time… he didn’t want to know.

“Tomorrow is our anniversary, you can write some vows if you want. You know I love it when you just tell me over and over again how amazing I am.” Michael laughed a bit louder than he would have wanted, and Liz mumbled something from her crib. They both froze in their place. “If you wake her up, Michael Gray, you’re taking over. I’m too tired.”

He was tired, too. He was a working man and one of the few men in the city that actually did something in the house. But he would put through the baby fuzz if that meant spending one or two more hours with her.

[red-riding-wood]

Drabble/Short Oneshot Requests

So, have been holding back on doing this because I still do have a oneshot req I need to complete, and so many WIPs it's outlandish. That being said, right now, since I'm reconditioning myself to write, it's very difficult for me to tackle those projects and get even a sentence in them at a time. So I'm sort of asking for your help in this in my theory that drabbles are a good medium and that they might help me get used to properly writing.

I'm currently comfortable writing MxF, FxF, and of course platonic relations. I tend to write angst or dark fics so nothing is off limits with me, but if you want to send in something fluffy I can try my best! Anything smutty will likely not be too "in-depth" given the length of drabbles.

I will most likely do these x reader and 2nd person unless otherwise specified.

You can send in:

A GIF or picture prompt

A written prompt (use any but I do have some good angst I found)

A lyric or song + character

A description of what you'd like if the request is more specific (though keep in mind I will be keeping these short)

Fandoms & Characters below!

- Peaky Blinders -

Tommy Shelby Arthur Shelby John Shelby Polly Gray Michael Gray Alfie Solomons Tatiana Petrovna Luca Changretta Aberama Gold

- Game of Thrones -

(since I'm not far in this there are only a couple characters that I feel confident writing for as of yet, since I know their spoilers updated) (underage characters will be aged up if the request is sexual)

Petyr Baelish Daenerys Targaryen Jaimee Lannister Cersei Lannister Tyrion Lannister Jorah Mormont Viserys III Targaryen Jon Snow Sansa Stark Arya Stark Robb Stark Catelyn Tully/Stark Tommen Baratheon Stannis Baratheon Ramsay Snow/Bolton Theon Greyjoy Yara Greyjoy Margaery Tyrell Bronn Brienne Melisandre

- Adrien Characters -

* ones I am more picky with because I have full stories planned out for them, so I might not do the request or might use my OC for said story depending on how the inspiration goes

Henry Barthes (Detachment) *Jack Driscoll (King Kong) Clive Nicoli (Splice) *Dmitri (The Grand Budapest Hotel) *Peter Whitman (The Darjeeling Limited) Jack Starks (The Jacket) Leo Kopernick (See How They Run) Frankie (American Heist) Bloom (The Brothers Bloom) Jack Grace (Love the Hard Way) Steven (Dummy) Harry (Oxygen) Charles Boone (Chapelwaite)

- Aidan Characters -

If you ask me to write an Aidan Gillen character that isn't on this list, odds are I will say yes, lol. I may just have to watch whatever the character is in because I've not seen much with him... yet.

- Far Cry 5 -

Jacob Seed John Seed Joseph Seed Faith Seed

[look-at-the-soul]

Hello my darling Cia! Thank you SO much for sending in this gif!! You always provide the best inspiration! (I’ve a couple more waiting in my inbox 🤭) but in the meantime I wrote this little blurb, I hope you like this 🥰

The complaint

“You made the count wrong… again, Y/N.” Freya left the heavy book over your papers.

Feeing a cold sweat you looked at the red marks she made with confusion. “I counted the money two times, it matched.”

“I just finished and it’s wrong.” She pointed loudly for everyone to hear. The other secretaries throwing discreet glances in your direction.

Counting to three mentally, you looked at Freya. “That’s not possible.” You felt frustrated and her attitude was irritating you.

“Counting the money it’s a huge responsibility, if you can’t do that just tell me.” Tap, tap, tap the sound of her shoe against the floor made your stomach twist.

“What’s the matter?” Tommy’s voice called from the door frame, making the two of you turn your heads.

“Y/N counted the money but I checked it after and there’s a different amount.” She let out a loud sigh to add more drama. “This isn’t the first time she made a mistake Mr. Shelby.”

“If I remember correctly it was John’s fault last time since he took some of the cash.” Tommy explained politely to defend you.

“Nevertheless she should’ve known.” Freya insisted. “But she continues to do it over and over again, she shouldn’t-”

“That shouldn’t be a problem because I took some cash this morning and I forgot to tell you Miss Y/N.” He added in a soft tone.

She babbled and winked nervously.

“But-”

“That would be all.”

Once she was out of sight, you took the book to place it next to the others. Tommy’s eyes danced around the office, a couple of blinders checking the bets and secretaries taking the money.

“If you’re done with that I want you to go to the Garrison, need to talk to you.” Tommy added in a serious tone.

“Of course Mr. Shelby.” You nodded and by the corner of your eye, you noticed Freya smirking.

Oh that bloody triumphant smirk, like she was always right, as if she knew it all. She made your blood go boiling.

She was a walking headache.

Organizing your desk, you finished covering the typewriter.

“Let’s see if you can keep that smile later.” She whispered as you walked by her desk with your coat hanging from your arm, your purse on the opposite shoulder.

“I can assure you it’ll grow even more.” You added with a forced smile marching outside.

Freya thought she could embarrass you in front of your boss? You were sure the count was right, now you just needed to find out what happened to the money really, because you knew Tommy was lying.

“Hello Harry, is the Shelby family in the private booth?” You greeted him.

Harry stopped wiping the counter and took a few glasses. “Miss Y/LN good evening, Mr. Shelby called a moment ago you can go ahead I’ll take the drinks in a minute.”

“Thank you, Harry.”

He looked towards you with his eyebrows raised not used to being thanked, but he knew you were different, kind and he had seen you hanging out with Tommy so you were under his protection.

You tried rubbing your hands to get them warm, then as you passed by the window you took the small mirror from your purse to reapply your lipstick and fix your hair when you heard the click by the door.

Tommy entered the private booth in a swift motion, not moving his eyes from you.

“Mr. Shelby.” You tried to control the blush that covered your cheeks.

“Oh please stop, Y/N.” He chuckled placing his hands on your waist.

“Well you made a dramatic entrance.” You giggled.

“What happened at the betting shop? Was Freya being rude to you again?”

Your fingers smoothed the neck of his suit jacket. “I think she’s jealous. A poor soul bored by herself.”

“You want me to fire her?” He asked with his lips touching the corner of your mouth.

Harry opened the window. “Oh Mr. Shelby I didn’t see you coming in. Your drinks.” As he thanked the man, you walked towards Tommy to wrap your arms around his back.

Covering your hand, he gave it a light squeeze, feeling his body burning up from the fragrance emanating from you.

But you shook your head. “There’s no need, she just needs a lesson.”

“Does it mean we’re finally going public about our relationship?”

“Is that what you want?“ You asked before lighting a cigarette for him.

“It should be me asking you that.” He frowned playfully, blowing the smoke away from you. “Even better, I’m naming you secretary in chief, so she won’t dare to bother you again.”

“What if she fills in a complaint?” You asked.

He gave you a nod and a wink. “I won’t even pay attention to it.”

You squealed at his announcement, not able to contain your excitement you wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed all over his face.

Suddenly someone opened the door unannounced, taking the two of you by surprise as Polly gave you a shocked look, Tommy cleared his throat.

“What’s the celebration for?”

“Y/N got a promotion.” He took his glass with whiskey and gave you a small wink.

“Ugh please stop pretending Thomas.” She took another glass and poured herself a drink. “I haven’t seen you smile like in a while and poor Y/N deserves more than raise for keeping up with you.”

Her blunt but honest comment made you burst into giggles as you felt Tommy’s hand sneaking around your waist to pull you closer, then you felt him smiling against your cheek.

***

Masterlist

Blurbs

Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick @datewithgianni @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @gypsy-girl-08 @lespendy @onlydeadcells @fastfan @stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @forbidden-forest-witch @ange-thoughts @moral-terpitude @elenavampire21 @forgottenpeakywriter @thenattitude @winchestergirl22 @zablife @heidimoreton @imichelle-l-rigby @allie131313 @already-broken144 @peakyscillian @babaohhhriley @mrkdvidal1989 @shelbydelrey @shaddixlife @sloanexx @sydneyyyya @adaydreamaway08 @pono-pura-vida @thomashelbyswife @darleneslane @everythingelseisextra @mariaelizabeth21-blog1

[writeroutoftime]

belated valentine’s day blurbs

please love me - steve harrington/ “after all…I’m just a girl, standing in front of boy, asking him to love her.” - Notting Hill

what I hate about you - tommy shelby/ “but mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you. not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” - 10 Things I Hate About You

the greatest thing you'll ever learn - jamie tartt/ “the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” -Moulin Rouge

crazy things - sir leon/ “people do crazy things - when they’re in love.” - Hercules

don't write me off just yet - john shelby/  “and no, I know, based on my track record, I might not seem like the safest bet. All I’m asking you is don’t write me off just yet.” - Musics & Lyrics

untitled blurb - benedict bridgerton/ “when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” - When Harry Met Sally

choose me - eddie munson/ "choose me. marry me. let me make you happy.” - My Best Friend’s Wedding

just as you are - foggy nelson/ “I like you very much. Just as you are.” – Bridget Jones’s Diary

don't wanna lose you - jamie tartt/ “with everything to win, the only thing I lose is you.” - Anastasia the Musical

lasso the moon - foggy nelson/ “what do you want? you want the moon? ust say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” - It’s a Wonderful Life

and yet... - jack thompson/ “you like because and you love despite. you like someone because of all of their qualities, and you love someone despite some of their qualities.” - Set it Up 

[runnning-outof-time]

Hello, K!

First, I adore your new theme! It's beautiful!

Then, may I request “Who did this to you?” with John? I'm here for the angst 💔.

Congratulations again, my beloved K!

Flor!! I’m so happy you like my theme change - I felt it was good to bridge the gap between summer and fall. Thanks so much for sending this in! I hope I was able to deliver on the angst without getting to be too cliché! Oh! - also just wanted to say that Ada’s not pregnant in this! Enjoy! :)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Part of my 3.5k celebration — check out others!

A Run In With Her Past

John Shelby x Reader

Warnings: mentions of drinking, run in with an ex - who couldn’t keep his hands to himself, language, implications of violence

Word Count: 622

Summary: A night out with Ada ends in injury, making John want to do nothing other than seek out the man that cause (Y/N) harm.

John was working on wiping down the family car when he heard the sound of giggles approaching him. He stopped what he was doing, listening in and wondering if they were coming from who he thought they were.

“John!” came the unmistakeable voice of his partner, (Y/N). It wasn’t long before she and Ada came into view, walking into the garage he’d been working in.

“Where’ve you two been?” John questioned, quirking an eyebrow as he dropped the cloth he’d been using onto the car.

“You’re starting to sound like Tommy now,” Ada commented on her brother’s question, “always wonderin’ where people are,” she added before looking at (Y/N), another round of giggles leaving their lips.

“I think it’s nice that he worries about us, Ada,” (Y/N) stated, moving over to John’s side, draping her arms over his shoulders. “We went to the pub down on Canal Street…where the barman knows us, so we were able to be there.”

“And you enjoyed yourselves it seems?” John couldn’t help but grin as he asked.

“We certainly did,” Ada nodded.

“Missed you there though, Johnny,” (Y/N) leaned in to whisper in his ear, her hands finding the sides of his cheeks then.

“I’m sure you had plenty fun without me,” he responded, his grin growing.

(Y/N) smiled back at him before launching into a story, “you should’ve seen Ada. She was holding her own right up with…”

“What’s this, (Y/N)?” John’s question abruptly stopped (Y/N)’s story before she was able to finish it.

“Huh?” she questioned, turning back from her friend to see that John had his eyes fixed on her right wrist.

“Your wrist,” he pointed to it. She silently cursed herself for talking with her hands so much.

“It’s nothing,” she answered, glancing to Ada for help, only to find her backing out of the garage.

“Who did this to you?” he asked, his brows furrowed.

“John…don’t get mad,” (Y/N) started off, sobering up quickly the second she caught the look in his eyes.

“I’m already mad,” he quickly told her.

(Y/N) took a deep breath, re-centering herself before she spoke: “Tony was at the pub. He saw me…”

“Fuck,” John breathed, moving back to the car to brace himself on it, his anger boiling up the second she mentioned her ex.

“He saw me and tried to make a pass at me. I wasn’t having it so he grabbed my wrist and was trying to pull me with him,” she explained more of what happened, watching the anger become prevalent on John’s face. “He was dealt with before anything could happen,” she added in, hoping that that would deter her partner from whatever he was thinking of doing.

“He still hurt you,” John pointed out, pushing himself off the car and taking a few deep breaths to keep his anger in check.

“But he was dealt with,” she reminded him.

“Yeah, but surely not the way I would’ve,” John persisted, his words coming out like a snarl.

“John…”

“Go to the house. Have Pol take a look at it. I’ll be back later, sweetheart,” he gave her instructions, paying no attention to the warning tone in her voice.

His mind had been made up. He was going to deal with this Tony once and for all; make it so that (Y/N) would be able to go anywhere in the city without the fear of running into him.

He pressed a kiss to (Y/N)’s forehead before walking passed her, leaving her with no choice but to listen to his instructions and hope that things would pan out the way that he was planning for them to.

Tagged: @the-anxious-youth @mystcldydrms @look-at-the-soul @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @shelbydelrey @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @stevie75 @dark-academia-slut @zablife @cillmequick @letal-y-poetica @depxiety @shelundeadxxxx @areyenotfondofmelobster @padfootdaredmetoo @crabat-the-queen @sebastianstangirl01 @everythingelseisextra @kmc1989 @papichulo120627 @brummiereader @adaydreamaway08 @kissforvoid @valentinabloom @wildheartsalwaysburn @dragons-are-my-favorite @jessimay89 @slaymybreathaway

MASTERLIST

[calummss]

Lilac And Lilacs | John Shelby

masterlist

summary: thomas wants john to marry esme lee to finally put an end to the shelby-lee family war. john’s heart however belongs to francesca wellington, the barmaid at the garrison who finds john’s romantic talk charming but is oblivious to his intentions with her

pairing: fem! oc x john shelby

words: 2.2k

a/n: john is more romantic in this fic than canon, still i find it to be somewhat believable. my choice of words for john are more proper but nonetheless believable in my eyes if john really tried to impress a girl. even if you aren’t a fan of oc fanfics i promise y’all will love this

The door to the Garrison flew open with a loud bang, eyes of the customers already enjoying their pints fixated on John Shelby as his heavy footsteps weighted the old wooden floor of the pub. His gaze met the emerald eyes of Francesca Wellington, who gave him a defeated look; a reminder to leave the building unharmed at his expense.

‘Sorry, darling, old habits.’ His soft tone rang bells inside her head. A light blooming in the pit of her stomach as John sat down at the counter and grinned, his pearly white teeth nothing but inviting.

‘Old habits still have an urge for whiskey?’ Francesca returned the smile, her eyes reflecting the sunlight only he seemed to take notice of.

‘They do.’ John lifted his cap off his head and set it aside, the rough and violent part of him too.

Harsh walls let down that were only ever meant for her. Francesca was the only one that John ever allowed himself to be more relaxed with. More calm and less tough. A yin-yang relationship that turned heads even inside of the room, though it was no secret that the two of them were close.

‘Coming right up, Mr. Shelby.’ Her cheery voice echoed deep into his mind, the colour yellow coming to mind. Just like the sun.

‘I told you to call me John on more than one occasion, Frankie.’

‘I know,’ Francesca briefly turned around to grab a bottle of whiskey that was standing on display. ‘But it feels so informal, you know…you being a Peaky Blinder especially a founder.’ The gradual high tone that made her statement sound more like a question made him chuckle.

‘We are friends, are we not?’ John’s fingertips grazed the rim of the glass.

‘Depends how you define friends, John.’ She raised an amused eyebrow, annunciating his name with a grin, her hair the colour of wheat and sunshine more beautiful than John had remembered.

‘I believe that friends always listen to what the other has to say.’

‘I’m a barmaid, that is quite literally my job.’ Francesca placed an ashtray next to the glass. ‘To listen to old men wail about their wives and children, how they regret the life they chose and how everything is so awful, but that I am the highlight of their day…though I believe they’re talking about the bottle of whiskey more than me.’ Her giggle warmed his heart on the cold November morning.

‘Why wouldn’t you be the highlight of their day?’ John leaned forward, his breath so close she could feel it on her neck as he removed a piece of dust that was sitting on top of her hair.

Collecting herself, Francesca let out a small cough. ‘I’m a barmaid walking around in filth. Dirt all over myself, messy hair,’

‘You’re still gorgeous to me…’ The seriousness in John’s tone and face let a light blush warm the cheeks of Francesca, her fingers rubbing against each other under the counter that was the only thing separating their bodies.

Francesca’s mind wandered to Thomas Shelby. John’s older brother and the head of the Peaky Blinders. If he set something in motion then it would happen. No one dared crossing him. Why John ignored his brother’s orders was beyond what she could imagine.

‘John,’ she coughed, shaking her head at the same time. ‘You can’t say that,’ her eyes scanned to see if anyone was listening in. ‘I can’t be found being courted by one of Small Heath’s most eligible bachelors. It’s not proper for me or you.’

‘I never intend to marry Esme.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I don’t love her.’

‘Marriage is about convenience, John.’ Francesca said, her mind forced back to reality when she found herself thinking of the life she could lead with him if the circumstances were aligned with their fate.

‘Not in my eyes.’ He downed the rest of the amber gold liquid that burned his throat. ‘I want to marry for love. For a partner that matches my half…not too perfectly though because that would feel too artificial.’

‘Such a romantic at heart.’ She poked at him, his love hidden behind his eyes as clear as the summer sky the day he first saw her.

‘You have no idea, Frankie.’

For a short moment it was quiet. Cars driving past the Garrison, the sound of clanking metal, and worried mothers running after their children. John’s eyes were on Francesca the entire time she had turned her back to him, trying to gather a moment of clarity, hidden by the cleaning of various glasses that had piled up beside the sink.

‘I want to be with you, Frankie.’ His soft tone had once more invaded all her senses.

‘John, I— I don’t think you would want to be with me.’ She turned around.

‘You’re everything that I want.’

‘And what do I have?’ Her hands slammed onto the counter. Her face was pained with all of the confessions he had made the past minutes, yet she struggled to be angry at him.

John leaned forward, his pink lips pulled into a smirk as his breath met her rosy cheeks. ‘My name written all over you.’

Francesca pulled away hastily, head turning in every direction to make sure no one had heard the thing he had said. ‘John!’ She half yelled before lowering her voice, ‘You’re making me blush.’

‘I like seeing you red because of me. Makes my ego a little bit bigger than it already is.’ And he was met with a firm slap on his upper arm.

‘I don’t think I’m built for the life you lead…All the violence? Not only would I constantly be worried about my safety but also yours.’

‘So you worry about me, huh?’

‘John.’

‘I would protect you from all violence.’ He reached out to firmly hold her soft hand that felt like it already belonged to him. ‘My hands carry the weight of blood and punches so that you can wear the finest jewellery in the world.’

Francesca’s head tilted to the side, her fingers brushing against his wrist.

‘I mean it.’

She retrieved her hand, ‘You’re flirting with me in a bar full of men that have nothing better to do than to listen and eye us up and down.’

‘I’m a Shelby. I can do whatever I want, and this lady,’ he turns around, all men staring at him. ‘Feels uncomfortable with all of you listening in so unless you want to keep your ears, you keep to your business and your business only. Have I made myself clear?’

Men muttered, turning around instantly and didn’t dare to turn their heads once more. John too turned back around again, his smile painted back on.

‘John has gone all soft.’ A voice said from the back, the smile quickly dropping off of John’s face as he turned around, grabbed his cap and stormed to the direction of the voice where he grabbed a fistful of the man’s collar bringing him to his knees.

John’s free hand took the cap, the blades close to the man’s face who was now panicking.

‘I have not gone soft.’ John breathed through his teeth. ‘I merely treat a woman how she should be. Now remember what I said about the ears of the men inside this building? Same goes for your lips and tongue. I hate to repeat myself, so leave this establishment before I ruin this new suit I just got. Hate to ruin such fine work with a man’s blood not worth it.’

The man stumbled, his friends following him outside of the door. The rest of the room stuck to their business as John had instructed them moments ago.

Francesca met John’s face with widened eyes.

‘Frankie, I would never let a scratch on your body. If I did it would be the day I’d stop existing.’ He cupped her cheeks with one hand, his thumb stroking her cheek.

‘How are you ever going to make sure that I don’t get hurt? That’s practically impossible. What if I fall into a river?’ She smiled, still stern.

‘Then I will bleed every river dry that flows on this earth to stop you from ever falling into one.’

John’s grip on Francesca’s cheek grew tighter as he slowly yet steadily pulled her closer, close enough to let him kiss her as he had imagined over a hundred times. Her lips melted into his. Engulfed by his desire to deepen the kiss and push himself against her then was physically possible but it was enough that for this moment he could feel her beyond her hand and cheek. Her lips as addictive as cocaine.

John dreaded pulling away from her but held her close. ‘I’m addicted to you.’

‘What,’ she breathed deeply, her mind still processing what had just happened.

‘Every time I’m away from you, my heart only wants to feel you. My eyes want to see you. My ears want to hear your voice that’s sweet like honey. My nose wants your smell, my skin your touch. My lips melting into yours until we both forget our names.’ He paused for a brief moment, his eyes holding hers. ‘I’m addicted to you, Francesca Wellington. My heart, body, and soul belong to you. Yours to love, yours to hate, simply and utterly yours. You don’t have to be mine but I will always be yours.’

Words.

Simply just words, but they had made Francesca forget everything and anything that wasn’t John. She forgot that he was to marry Esme despite what he wanted. She forgot that she wasn’t enough, that she couldn’t give him what he needed despite his every belief.

‘John,’ her breaths drew heavier, ‘I— I told you that this cannot happen.’ She pulled away, stumbling back and steadying herself against the back counter. ‘You are marrying Esme! You are setting me up to be the girl discarded by Shelby when I already work as a maid and had a daughter out of wedlock! I’m a whore and it wouldn’t do a Shelby good to be seen with a whore. With me.’

‘You have bewitched me.’ John’s hand shot towards Francesca’s wrist, her breath caught in her throat as her lips trembled, looking at the man she felt for but could not be able to feel anymore. ‘On days I do not see you, even the warmth of the sun does not make the coldness of your absence any more bearable. The flowers hang as the dry soil does not give them what they need to survive. My heart feels an ever pit of loneliness when you are not around me. You are the sun my heart, mind, soul orbit around. They can only be complete if you are my center. Without you nothing makes sense.’

Francesca’s tears had stained her lilac dress, the colour now a deeper purple. A growing pain in her chest that made it hard to breathe. Her hands felt weighted and felt the urge to drop down to the wooden floor but she fought back, her eyes not ready to part from John’s face that has never looked the way it did at this present moment.

‘If I marry Esme, every waking moment until I close my eyes I will long for you. For your touch, your smell, your laugh, my heart clenches at the thought of a future without you. Every day I pass the lilacs that are planted in front of the flower shop and every day I fight the urge to not buy you every lilac I see because the colour reminds me of the ribbon in your hair. I don’t care what Tommy has planned for me because if you are not in his plans, there is no reason for me to continue breathing as I do now.’

‘John, I—‘

‘If you do not say that you feel the same way about me, it is better to not say anything at all. The pain would still be great but I couldn’t stomach it if you would speak the words that would break my heart.’

The urge to kiss him felt tiresome as Francesca fought every nerve in her body, blood pulsing through her veins, trying not to give in. But what happens if you leave a cheese trap for a mouse? They take it, no matter how often they do it. They take the risk.

Francesca pulled John in for a kiss. Her hands on either side of his head as John leaned over even further to taste the sweetness of the woman he had longed for.

‘Yes.’ Francesca breathed out heavily, her chest rising and falling.

‘Yes what?’

‘I’ll be with you.’

‘You will?’ John’s eyes lit up brighter than the light that shone above them.

Francesca nodded, her lips curling into a warming smile.

John pulled her in for another kiss, this time savouring her taste that he would taste and cherish for the rest of his life.

[fandom-puff]

hi, congrats on 10k!!! could i request a baby blurb of reader taking care of arthur shelby? any context, just feel like i don’t see too much of him any more!! <3

Thank you! And yes, I’ve missed writing for Arthur too <3

Warnings: blood, injury, reference to fighting, swearing

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Polly groaned as Arthur and john stumbled into the snug, their faces bloody. John was holding a handkerchief to his nose, Arthur had a gash on his cheek.

Your eyes flashed as they explained the brawl they’d come from, and you rolled your eyes as John laughed cockily, before you turned to your husband.

“You. Sit,” you said sternly, hands on your hips as you nodded to the booth. John laughed, commenting that Arthur was definitely in trouble, but a glare from you shut him up.

You sighed as you fussed over Arthur, tutting as you examined his face. “Well, you should count yourself lucky you don’t need stitches,” you told him, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead despite your frustration. “This’ll sting,” you said quickly, before holding a clean handkerchief soaked in gin to his cut cheek.

Arthur groaned, his hand gripping yours and you smiled weakly as he squeezed, his teeth gritted. “Sorry love,” he said gruffly. You hummed in acceptance, cleaning his wound.

“You’re forgiven,” you told him fondly, kissing him gently. “Now hold that on your cheek until the bleeding stops, yeah?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Thanks love, patching me up… don’t know what I’d do without you,”

[daisyblinder]

Hi, i absolutely love your work. I was wondering if you could please do a thomas blurb/ one shot and femreader where the reader is autistic but masks a lot so its hidden and he can tell when they��re getting overwhelmed so he like sorts helps them out? i’m sorry if this a bad description i’m autistic myself and extremely bad at wording things

Hello darling ☺️🧡 Your description is perfect, I hope you like what I wrote and I hope I got everything right! 🤗I'm so sorry for the long wait!

Escape to me // Thomas Shelby x fem!Reader

Y/n loved her in-laws to bits, she truly did. But unfortunately they were a lot to take in sometimes. They were loud, expressive and very very talkative.

It made her feel extremely welcome to have them be so openly themselves in front of her, but she could not lie. It overwhelmed her.

People often did not understand her. She had had a tough time with social situations since she was a child. Slowly when she was made very aware that she was dealing with something not everyone felt, she started doing what she called 'masking'.

She started learning social cues, forcing herself to hold eye-contact and she even learned to try and hide when her whole body felt like it got pins and needles because of sensory overload.

When she had met Tommy, it had been difficult for her to be with him at first. He was such a mystery and it often gave her a headache. Luckily Arthur had been a blunt horn of honesty and told her that she needs not worry, Tommy would come around.

And so Tommy did. Getting to know her, being patient with her and what made her the most loved was the fact that he was so attentive of her from the beginning. Coming to her aid when she felt lost in conversations, leading her away when she started to feel bad, taking a hold of her hand to give her something to ground herself to during parties....he truly did so much for her.

Like he now as they sat in the divan next to each other, trying to keep up with the argument between Ada and John. Tommy dropping out of it, as he noticed his sweetheart go quiet.

"Sweetheart, do you want to get fresh air?", he rumbles to her quietly. Y/n turns to him surprised. "You were rockin', and your whole body is as tense as a clenched fist"

Tommy knew she was used to masking and could go on for hours but it still worried him. He often felt like a devil but when he had heard of the things his darling had been told for being different, he realized that the world was full of so many different devils and he was not the worst kind.

He had seen her when the overstimulation led to a bad meltdown and he did not wish to see it again; no, he did not wish for her to go through it again.

Y/n plays with her fingers and tries to stroke her palm along her thigh as the sensory overload gets worse. Now seeing Ada, John and Arthur laughing in their own conversation, she nods at her lover's suggestion.

Together the two head into another room, where Tommy guides her gently to an arm chair, covering her with a soft blanket and kneeling beside her. "Do you want to put this over your ears?", he asks softly holding up another blanket.

She shakes her head, it had not gotten that bad yet. "It's just been a long day", she whispers taking a deep breath. She knew that she didn't need to mask in front of Tommy, Ada or Arthur, but Polly and Johnny sometimes said blunt things that hurt her. They were not malicious, it was just clear to her that they did not yet fully understand her.

Reaching her hand she grasps one of his and pulls it on her lap to pay with the ring on his finger. "Thank you for being so observant", she says timidly, feeling lightly guilty for Tommy having to do this for her.

Tommy hums and reaches up to cup her cheek to lean her head down so he can kiss her forehead. "You can always escape to me", he promises quietly his voice deep and soothing.

Together they close their eyes and rest their foreheads together, perhaps it was not only her, but the both of them that needed this from time to time.

[peakywitch]

Old Chapters - Michael Gray

A/N: Season 6 spoilers AND PURE PURE PURE MICHAEL ANGST, quite the harsh vocabulary, mentions of a hypothetic abusive partner (there's no violence towards anyone!), almost a love triangle, michael x reader & tommy x reader, harshness level season 6! If you dont understand the story, don't worry neither do i lmaoo anyways enjoy xx

2k words

masterlist

The bell on the door rang, snitching on whoever got into the bookstore. Maybe it was Adam, who couldn’t take a no for an answer and came today to bother, yet again. But the guards that watched over the shop had strict rules from Tommy himself to not let him anyway near the door. Y/N listened carefully, trying to decipher the noise, if the intruder did any. She was kneeling down, and the stranger interrupted her while she was doing some stock review. Slowly, the small notepad that was in her hand was placed on the floor, and this helped her to find balance with the shelf in front of her.

“I’m sorry,” she said a few seconds after not hearing anything, “we’re already closed, we close at six, please come back tomorrow!”

She heard nothing in return, so maybe it was Tommy. But even the man announced himself every time. She waited a few more seconds but still, no noise. Not even Adam tumbling around and making books fly down. This silence was more dreadful than the Welsh curses that came from her suitor.

With a trembling hand, Y/N found reassurance when she hid the small gun in the pocket of her long, brown skirt. Before leaving the room she took a deep breath, trying to force a steady, undoubtful grip if needed. But, when she entered the main salon, a man was looking through pages of a book that had been bought more often than any other. But it wasn’t just any man.

It was Michael.

He was just standing there as if he owned the place and was doing some stock research.

“Hello, Y/N.” his low voice vibrated through her whole body, “long time no see.”

Indeed, long time no see.

She didn’t answer. She couldn’t answer. There was no possible answer, there was no need for a warm welcome. He didn’t deserve the Welcome back to Birmingham Michael! nor did he deserve her tears. Yet, she couldn't control those.

“You own this place now?” He asked, and for the first time in years, she saw his eyes, again. The last time she had seen him, it was at Polly’s funeral. His eyes expressed many more things than he had ever expressed. But now, he looked shallow, bored to death and stuck in limbo.

“Only one thing has changed in the last few years, and it’s something I thought you’d never lose. Your way with words.” He closed the book softly and left it in its original place. Now, all of his attention was directed to her.

“I ran out of words that morning, Michael. I don’t have anything else to say to you. Not that you would care, or that they would matter.”

When Michael left for Boston, it was a Thursday morning. She found out after she spent the night at Polly’s because of a fight the afternoon before. She was in Tommy’s office, and the leather couch was acting as a safety net because after he left without her she found herself spiralling out of control in her anxiousness. In the shatters of her heart, now scattered all over the place. Tommy took matters into his own hands when he found out that his cousin didn’t have the courtesy to tell his girlfriend that he was leaving. Without her.

Michael cleared his throat.

“I’m not here to talk about the past-” he took both of his gloves off, and the shinny wedding band that was hiding under the leather twisted a knife that she thought was long lost.

“There’s no past to talk about.” She muttered, trying to sound confident. He stared at her while taking off his hat. Those same, deep blue eyes always gave him a smug look, yet a kind one. His hair was smoothly brushed, and there wasn't a strand out of place. He was looking as if he had a nice life.

“I’ll be quick, and I’ll be blunt, too. Tommy wants me dead-” His voice sounded loud and clear, he obviously developed confidence out of nowhere.

“That much I know.” Y/N voiced out with a bit of sarcasm and Michael raised his eyebrows, surprised at her newfound tone and continued.

“And I, also, want him dead. But not just because I want to live enough to see my and Gina’s son grow up, but also because I want him to pay for what he did to my mum.”

My and Gina's son.

Lawrence Gray.

She saw the boy once, in a picture that was published in the papers in an article about Gina’s uncle, Jack, opening a new hospital for children and using his nephew and media bait. Blonde hair, and Michael’s face. There was no denying it. That’s what hurt the most. Because if the baby looked a bit more like Gina, she could have brushed it off. Maybe think of her as a whore. But it wasn’t the case. Same soft nose, long lips and that smile she had once seen in him, as he was a boy in the village.

The village.

That haunted, forsaken place that they wanted to leave way behind. That place that they left behind, together. Only for her to be left behind next.

“I want you to help me to take him down, Y/N. I can’t do it without you.” Y/N snorted out a laugh, he couldn’t be serious! He had to be joking!

“Oh my God, I think you should ease it with the snow, Michael.” she laughed out, but he remained unmovable in his place. He wasn’t joking.

“He trusts you, Y/N. And this is not for me-” his voice started to raise, letting her know that he took her laughter as an offence.

“Everything is always because and for you, Michael!” She fought back.

“This is for my mum!” he yelled. And Y/N stood in her place. The only time that she heard him yell, was the day of the fight, she would be lying if she said Michael was a verbally abusive partner. Maybe a dickhead, an idiot and sometimes a fucking twat. But he never abused her, in any way. Which made Y/N hate him more because if he was as nasty and as easy to hate as Adam, she wouldn't have had a tough time getting over him.

She stayed there, petrified in front of him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.”

Fuck you, Michael Gray. Let me hate you.

“I want you to help me. And then, I will help you to keep the bookstore, or I can help you move out of Birmingham. I just… I need to trust someone inside.” He was trying his best to look… sensitive. To provoke something.

Y/N stared at him, not believing what he had just said. He became a stupider man.

“Gina sucked the intelligence out of you, Michael?” She laughed in disbelief.

Michael looked away. His ex-girlfriend talking about his wife and- yeah, she still had her thing with words.

“You actually want me to join you because you want to see how I'll stick with Tommy and want to convince yourself that you were right, that I would have eventually betrayed you. Or left you for Tommy or some shit like that. But guess what? I am not taking sides here-”

“There’ll be a day where you will need to choose a side.”

He sounded like a holy man, talking about judgement day. It made her crawl in her own skin.

“Jesus, Michael, who do you think I will choose? The man that left me and married someone else without notice? Or the man that took a chance on me and is now helping me? Do you want me to choose if the day comes? Fine, I will. But just know Michael, I would never betray you.” he smiled, “but then again, I will never betray Thomas. Because, unlike you, he never betrayed me, or my trust.”

“He betrayed me, and my mother!”

“You failed him first! You set him up, you sold him to Changretta, Michael! The man that killed John and almost killed you! And then, you betrayed me, I was your girlfriend! You told me you loved me!”

“Oh, come on! We were both barely 20, what did we know about love, ey!?” There it is, there it fucking is. A reason to hate him. “I heard you say that you loved me, night after night! And then, you just evaporated, and he was the one that told me, he was the one that helped me move out so I wouldn’t have to be the one to take everything out of your house, Michael! I was distraught!”

“I was young, Y/N!” he stated, trying to defend his reckless actions.

“I was younger, Michael! Three, almost four years younger! Fuck! But I always had at least a bit of human decency in m’self! I would have never, ever done something to you that would hurt you in the very least! And guess what? Age is not an indication of emotional responsibility, my son is ten times more considerate than you, and he is three years old!”

The sentence ripped apart her throat and her heart. Months of anger, nights of tears and mornings of dread. His ghost danced around the house for months on every sleepless night. Michael stood there, frozen, and she kept on speaking, allowing the words she only dreamed of saying to come out.

“So guess what? I will stand by the man that never betrayed me. You just want to see me sell you out, because you know I would if you ever told me about your plan of killing Thomas. Because he’s the only one left that I have, and I would sell you out if that meant I got to keep him. You wanted to see if you could trust me? Well, guess what? You can’t! You fucking can’t! Just like I will never, ever trust in you again!”

He laughed bitterly, and putting on his hat again, he spoke grimly.

“I always knew you’d betray me in the end.”

“No, you got this wrong. I will never betray the man that I love. Neither the man that I once loved. And.. not only did I love you, Michael. I adored you. Shit, I would have left for America with you! But… but now I’m so glad I never did. I have a loyal man by my side who cares for me and our kid. And I have barely any time to think of you and how you broke my heart. So go ahead. Go ahead and try to make me betray my husband, Michael. Because if you ever get a bullet in that fucked up brain of yours, it will be because of me. Don’t try my limits, because I am not the same stupid and disposable girl you once knew.”

The shallow and gloomy facade he once had, was now long gone. Even though he was the one to force her to move on, he was shameless enough to believe she actually would move on.

“So…” he said, putting on his gloves, “you have a son?” Was this some attempt to guilt-trip her?

“Yes, James. Causes more trouble than I ever did. But then again, it’s the Shelby blood, they were also quite the thing.” She smiled for the first time she had seen him that day. A small, shy and sad smile. Michael's eyes roamed her entire body, and smiled, after noticing one small detail.

“That they are.”

They stayed in silence looking everywhere but at each other. The books, the shelves, the chandelier, and the small cat sleeping in the staircase that everyone seemed to love. Without a word, Michael walked to the door and Y/N followed carefully every step. He placed his hand on the doorknob and opened the door after twisting it softly. The cold, winter air filled the shop.

“I’m happy you have James now. But you also forgot three small details. You’re not wearing a wedding band, nor is your finger shaped to its form, I doubt Tommy would allow that. You also forget that we both, too, were quite a handful. And the last one, you were never a good liar. Goodbye, Y/N.”

[red-riding-wood]

If you guys could keep sending me angsty requests/prompts that I can write at 5 am when I can't sleep that would be amazing because I'm still going through some pretty bad shit at the moment.

I think anything too smutty though will wreck my 5 am brain so I'll probably take those requests again later. But I do have a couple of those requests that I still do fully intend to fulfill and one of them is started!