#valentines1k

[look-at-the-soul]

Ain’t she sweet

Tommy Shelby x reader

Master list

✨I had this idea for a while going around my mind, and even though I’m still in jail time, it was the perfect time to finally write this down. Actually this idea was meant to happen in The Photoshoot, but you know me… if I don’t use something in a story, I will make it fit into another one ☺️😉

Dear Val @notyour-valentine congratulations on your 1K celebration followers!!!!! I’m so happy you reached that goal and I’m still keeping some of your stories on my to-read list. 💖

🌙🌘I chose this incredible theme A forever memory

“How was school, Charlie?” You tried to make small talk with Tommy’s son, he had been very quiet, looking out the window. His attitude was screaming he rather walk back home than be with you inside the car.

After a loud sigh he answered; “Good.” You could even bet he was rolling his eyes at you so you decided to stop bothering him.

The trip back home was long and quiet, he got upset because you went to pick him up instead of his aunt Pol like she usually did. Tommy had asked you as a favor because his aunt wasn’t available that day, neither was Ada, so Charlie didn’t really have much choice there.

His cold attitude towards you wasn’t something new, ever since he found out his mother was killed because he accidentally heard his uncles Arthur and John talking about it. He refused to talk to anyone for days, and when he finally did, Charlie asked lots of questions no one could really answer, even Polly couldn’t reach to the boy. And then, he deliberately started to ignore you, he constantly interrupted while you were talking to Tommy, stormed into his room or office without knocking first -and almost caught the two of you making out twice-, he even told Polly once he wished it was you the one that got shot instead of his mum. You didn’t even know Tommy back then.

Tommy practically gave up on him, too busy with the family business and well the general danger surrounding him, he eventually got tired of explaining Charlie it wasn’t your fault his mother was killed. You even gave up to the little hope of the kid changing his mind about you, since in his mind, you were the enemy.

You tried several times to get close to him, and every single time, Charlie rejected any way of affection that came from you, any present was left unopened, when you tried to congratulate him, he turned his back at you… and the list could keep going.

But you wanted to keep trying for Tommy, and deep down, you adored Charlie, he was an incredible kid, you understood growing up without his mother wasn’t something easy, you actually wanted Tommy to be closer to his son, wanted them to have a relationship based on love and trust yet, you understood Tommy’s reasons to be strict, he even struggled himself for his late wife’s death. And he also suffered for being in the middle, between your love and his son’s.

You saw Frances opening the door as the car reached Arrow’s House entrance.

“I’m going out to play with my cars.” Charlie announced, probably to Frances and rushed past you.

Ruffling his hair, you gently suggested: “How about we have lunch first, then homework and later we can play outside?”

You never noticed Tommy coming out from his office just as Charlie yelled at you:

“You don’t get to tell me what to do! You’re not my mum!” He ran off upstairs, not even stopped to say hello to his dad.

A heavy silence filled the room as you felt the pain caused by his words like a hot, sharp knife, slicing through your heart.

“Charles Shelby, come back in this moment!” Tommy barked as the boy reached the last step to then disappear in the hall of the second floor. He tried to go after his son, but you stopped him.

“Leave it, please.” When you saw Tommy’s angry expression you pleaded again. “I don’t want you to start a war.” Frances discretely had left you alone. “Besides, he is right… I am not his mother.” You added in a low voice, your head down as you walked to the kitchen.

Tommy stayed there in the middle, between his fiancé in the kitchen and his son upstairs. Torn between comforting one or grounding the other.

Something shattering in the kitchen made him choose the first one.

The glass pan you used that morning to bake a cake was on the floor broken and mixed with the smashed cake. Frances saw it slipping from your hands.

Hands shaking, you were frozen in spot. Unable to keep holding the tears as you heard Charlie’s words over and over in your mind. No matter how hard you tried, he would never accept you. Picking up a piece of cake, Tommy rushed next to you as you were about to cut your hand.

“I got it love.” He moved you with a gently voice. But he felt your body shaking. “It’s alright, hey, listen to me.”

As he pulled you into his embrace, you started to shake your head against his chest.

“No, it’s not.” He heard the way your voice broke down and shot Frances a quick glance to leave the two of you alone.

He wasn’t usually very fond of showing his emotions or affective, but he also was aware how much Charlie’s contempt affected you. That’s why he decided to keep his arms around you, hands running up and down your back while he felt your sobs subsiding.

Tommy took his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe away the tears from your face.

“He’s going to have to get used to you once we get married.”

Taking a deep breath, your fingers touched nervously the engagement ring he gave you about a month ago, right before Charlie found out about what happened with Grace.

“Tommy… I think it’s best if we put our engagement on hold.” You decided to distract yourself smoothing the neck of his shirt, you couldn’t look him in the eyes, not with all the battles you were fighting at the moment.

“That’s nonsense Y/N.” His body tensed immediately and then he lifted your chin with his finger. “You can’t let a child control your life like that.”

“I’m not going to be in the middle between you and your son, I grew up without my father and-”

“Don’t do this to me, fuck this Y/N. Why are you taking the easy way out?”

“This is far from easy for me Tommy, I’m trying to avoid that one day he makes you choose between me and him.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

You took a step back, trying to put some distance between the two of you.

“That’s what happened with my father and he didn’t choose me… I can’t go through that again.”

You didn’t want to wait anymore to listen what he had to say, so you walked out of Arrow House.

Tommy’s hands were closed in a tight fist, the vein in his temple visible. Each footstep he took, echoed on the floor as he returned to his office.

“Frances! Get someone to clean this up and tell my son he’s grounded!” He closed the door with a loud bang only to open it again seconds later. “Indefinitely.” He added with a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

***

As Tommy skipped lunch, and he pretty much was about to skip dinner as well, Frances decided to prepare him some tea. She had known Y/N since Mr. Shelby started dating her and she could recognize all the good things she had brought into his life.

“What am I doing wrong, Frances?” He asked the maid while his eyes were fixed on the papers in front of him.

Smoothing her apron, Frances looked at him, lines of worry across his forehead, tensed shoulders, rubbing his index finger against the thumb, the lost look in his eyes, she could read him like the palm of her hand.

“If I’m too strict, he’s going to run away, if I’m too soft he’s going to end up like Finn, there’s no in between.”

“Talk to him, Mr. Shelby, Charlie is a smart child he will understand.”

Leaning back on his chair, Tommy took the remains of the almost consumed cigarette to take a long puff.

“Will he?” With a groan he moved his arm to reach the cup of tea. “I’m scared one day he will look at me and ask why did his mum die instead of me.”

Frances felt her heart crushing inside her chest.

“He loves you Mr. Shelby and not long ago he was happy around Y/N. Give him some time, I found him crying earlier.”

How did his happiness could cause such sadness to his own kid?

“Soon we’ll be celebrating your nuptials and all of this will be forgotten.” She had so many things to do, and she knew that once Mr. Shelby stayed quiet, his mind started to overthink everything so she decided to excuse herself and left her boss alone.

Leaving his tea unfinished, Tommy walked upstairs to Charlie’s room, the lighted lamp and his breathing gave away his son wasn’t sleeping, he was just pretending to be asleep.

Sitting by the end of the bed, Tommy tucked his son in, just like when he was a little boy.

“When your mum was taken away from us, I swore I would never get married again.” His voice was soft, almost soothing. “And it’s actually a funneh story the way I met Y/N, the only time I’ve been late to a meeting in my life, was because of her.”

Tommy chuckled at the memory and leaned his palm over his thigh to rest his body forwards. He knew Charlie was awake because he saw him by the corner of his eye blinking, but he kept talking as if he was asleep.

“I was in a hurry, distracted, talking to myself like I always do. She was walking backwards you know, just coming out from the store carrying boxes of cupcakes and I swear I didn’t see her right away as I was taking my right on the corner… the cupcakes ended up flying everywhere and landed on the floor. I thought she would be so mad, but instead she looked at me with the biggest and kindest smile and after asking if I was alright, she offered me the only intact cupcake that wasn’t ruined.” She smelled like vanilla and frosting, too sweet and delicate he remembered. “And in that very moment I knew she had something that no one else had.” Licking his lips, he could still taste her there. “She was the sweetest little thing a grumpy man like me needed.”

He was now softer thanks to her, she constantly stormed inside his office or the betting shop with fresh baked cookies or cake to share and bright everyone’s day. “And I don’t tell her much this, but she makes me want to be better man, and she’s constantly pushing me to be a better father to you.”

A glimpse of sadness clouded his blue eyes. “You can’t even imagine how much your words have hurt her, because if there’s someone asking me about you, worried every time you get sick, staying up late to check on you or if you need anything, that’s Y/N.”

Tommy swallowed hard, thinking how grateful he actually felt for you.

“You’re right, she’s not your mother, she will never be, but apart from your aunts… Y/N is the closest to a mother you will ever have.”

The bed creaked when Tommy got up to walk out of his son’s room, wearing his heart on his sleeve, craving for you in that moment.

———

The following day, he knew you wouldn’t be home to have lunch that day like you usually did. You actually made him change that from his schedule, to spend more time with Charlie every day and he couldn’t lie to himself, he had loved making that little adjustment to be with you and his son instead of eating alone in his office.

“Mr. Shelby! I tried to reach you in your office all morning.” Frances appeared with a worried expression. Tommy saw by the corner of his eye Charlie in the middle of the stairs.

“What is it Frances?”

“It’s Y/N, she was run over by a delivery truck outside her business this morning.”

Tommy didn’t wait to hear the rest, he rushed back to his car to go to the hospital.

Trying to adjust yourself, you groaned from the pain.

“Do you want something?” Tommy’s voice asked you taking your hand.

“How many elephants were?”

Tommy chuckled at your humor. “One milk truck in reverse was all you needed to get knocked out.”

“Mmm, it felt like a stampede.” You finally opened your eyes to meet his. Tommy was all over you, kissing your face, moving away your hair.

“Doctor says you can leave today, but you will need someone looking after you.”

“Did you had to pull out your gun to make him say that?”

“It wasn’t necessary, says you’re strong as an oak.” He winked at you. “I’m taking you home, Y/N… and I don’t want to hear a single complain about it.”

You closed your eyes for a moment, too tired to keep them open. “Wasn’t going to.”

“So, you’re really in a lot of pain.” You saw the corner of his lips moving upwards.

“I didn’t see the truck.” You admitted.

Tommy made a funny face. “Maybe you need glasses.”

Too tired to argue his sarcasm, you slapped his arm. “The truck driver was moving in reverse.”

After sleeping all the way to his house, he carried you upstairs in his arms as if you weighted nothing, straight into his bedroom, under the gossipy eyes of the maids.

You thanked Tommy for arraigning the pillows for you and the soup he announced Frances was making.

“I’ll be in my office doing some phone calls, but if you need anything you know where the bell is.” Tommy leaned down to kiss you softly on your forehead, but before he could break apart, you pulled him to your lips, tasting the smell of tobacco in him. “Don’t start something you won’t be able to carry out, Y/N.”

“Give me a couple of days and you’ll see.”

You felt like you needed at least ten painkillers to make you feel better, but you already had too many, looking around, there was just a dim light coming through the curtains so it was probably night by now and Tommy still hadn’t returned. Tilting your head to the side, you found the door open barely by a few inches and a spying eye looking through.

“You can come in Charlie.” As the little boy opened the door you realized he had been crying. “What’s the matter?”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t want you to get hurt Y/N.” He stormed in and started crying inconsolable on your side.

“Take a deep breath Charlie… of course you didn’t, it’s not your fault.”

But he had a confession to make. “It is, I wished you went away or disappeared.”

“Well… I’m glad your wish failed, you have nothing to worry about.” Your fingers moved away the fringe from his face, he was starting to look so much like Tommy now.

“Dad said I made you cry... sorry.” He looked down.

“Don’t worry, we all say things we don’t want to say.”

“But I was so scared of something bad happening to you.”

Patting the empty spot on the bed, you smiled at him. “Just a little push, that’s all, you don’t have to worry now.”

As Charlie cuddled close to your body, you helped him climb under the covers.

“I like you Y/N, I just miss my Mum.”

You had to blink a couple of times to make sure you listened him correctly. “I’m sure she’s watching over you, Charlie. You know, your Dad works really hard to keep you safe, you’re his priority always.” You could feel him relaxing against you. “And I’m not here to take your Mum’s place, I’m here to make you and your Dad happy.”

You chuckled as Charlie yawned. Stroking his head, you felt his arm over your stomach, as if he was hugging you.

“When I feel better how about we bake something? A chocolate cake? Your favorite.”

“Can’t… I’m grounded until I’m twelve.”

Smiling, you couldn’t tell him his Dad would never do that.

“Maybe… I can help you reduce it to nine?”

“Deal.” He had completed melted in your arms, his eyelids closed now. “Y/N?”

“Yes?”

“Is it true you and Dad are getting married?”

He must have heard someone in the house talking about it.

“Would you like that?” You saw the boy nodding eagerly to your question. “In that case, I can talk to your father about that too tomorrow. Have sweet dreams Charlie.”

Perhaps it was the heavy pain medication you were in, or the fact that Charlie went back to being the sweet kid he was in the beginning to you, but that night was a good one, despite the little incident with the truck. You could even see the moon shining up in the sky through the curtains.

Unbuttoning his vest, Tommy walked into the room the two of you shared when you stayed for the night, he was taken aback by the sight in front of him; Charlie sleeping in his bed, not only stealing his side of the bed, but his woman as well.

The image filled his heart, this was all he was hoping for, to have you in his life, his heart, his house, his bed. He wanted everything. The whole scene was something he would keep like a forever memory.

But also in Charlie’s life. He knew he had chosen the right woman to raise his son with, he just hoped Charlie could eventually see it too.

And judging by the heartwarming scene in front of him, it looked just like that.

Well, ain’t she sweet. He thought to himself with the hint of a smile decorating his lips as he climbed in the tight space free.

***

A/N: since I’m in jail time, I won’t be able to reply to your comments 💕 but you know I treasure each of them. If you decide to share and spread the word, I will be forever grateful ♥️ thank you for reading!!!

The usual tags will be from my side blog.

[runnning-outof-time]

As Good A Place As Any | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: no - for @notyour-valentine ‘s 1K follower celebration

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: (Y/N) finds the perfect time to share some news she's been keeping secret for some time now.

Warnings: mentions of drinking, mentions of a miscarriage

Word Count: 3388

A/N: I’m sorry that it’s a bit late, but I just had to jump in on this amazing celebration that you were having, Val. I chose to go with ‘a reveal’ and I’ve also decided to set it within one of those fancy parties that the Shelbys throw. I hope you like it. Congrats again on 1K! Enjoy! :)

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future stories similar to this one!

———

"Your dress, Mrs. Shelby," Mary announced as she entered the room that the woman of the house used as an overflow closet and a space to get ready in. (Y/N) smiled widely as she saw the garment bag. She was overly eager to wear this certain dress, after having it made a few weeks ago.

"Have you seen it, Mary?" she asked the head-maid, her hands clasped together in front of her.

"I have not," Mary responded with a slight shake of her head, "but I am sure that it is gorgeous, Mrs. Shelby," she added while smiling.

"Will you help me put it on?" the younger woman then asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Of course," she smiled, laying the bag out on the empty chaise lounge that was placed in the corner next to (Y/N)'s vanity.

(Y/N) swung her legs around the side of the bench she was sitting on so that her full attention could be on the reveal of the dress. Mary looked back at her and waited for the nod before she unzipped the bag to show its contents. (Y/N) just about gasped when she saw the cream-colored gown that she had custom made for this occasion. She then stood up and moved over to the lounge as Mary removed the garment and held it up for a better view. After untying her dressing robe, she giddily stepped into the gown and allowed Mary to bring it up around her body.

Once she was properly wearing the dress, (Y/N) stepped over to the floor length mirror that stood next to her vanity. She quietly looked over her figure, loving how the dress was hugging her body. It reminded her a lot of the dress that Polly had decided to wear for her portrait; the designers had done a fine job at that aspect. The only differences were that the design varied slightly — the biggest missing piece being the feather on the chest, and that the color was different than the one the Shelby family's matriarch wore. She loved how the straps hung over her upper arms like sashes, and that the neckline accentuated her body in a flattering manner while still being tastefully modest.

"Can I help you with your hair, Mrs. Shelby?" Mary asked from behind her, breaking her out of her own thoughts.

"If you don't mind, Mary," (Y/N) answered while turning to face the older woman with a smile.

"Not at all," Mary smiled back as they both moved over to the vanity.

A comfortable silence fell between them then as Mary started working on (Y/N)'s hair. (Y/N) watched through the mirror with a small smile playing on her lips. Mary most certainly knew what hairstyle would work the best with the dress she was wearing, so she put all of her trust into the older woman.

"Are you going to tell him tonight, Mrs. Shelby?" Mary asked after several minutes had passed. She was almost finished with what she was doing, which meant it was almost time for (Y/N) to get into the car and go to the event. She'd meet up with her husband, Tommy, there because he needed to leave early and ensure that the last minute preparations were finished.

"I think I am, Mary," (Y/N) answered, the nerves apparent in her voice.

"I think he'll be overjoyed with it," the older woman said, recognizing the nerves right away. She hoped that her statement would serve to quell some of them.

"You think?" (Y/N) had a hopeful tone in her voice now.

"Oh yes," Mary nodded, "you've both been waiting long for this."

"I don't know what I would have done if you wouldn't have been here when I got the call," (Y/N) stated, thinking back to the day when she'd received the news.

"I'm sure you would have been fine, love," the older woman smiled at her through the mirror. "All finished," she said then, finally dropping her hands from (Y/N)'s hair, "you're ready to go, Mrs. Shelby."

"It's gorgeous, Mary. I love it," (Y/N)'s smile widened as she took in her final look, "thank you so much," she said as she turned around to look at her.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Shelby," Mary smiled, clasping her hands together in front of her body. "I always enjoy getting to help you."

"I think I'm about ready now," (Y/N) commented as she stood from the vanity's chair and took another look at herself in the full length mirror.

"Shall I help you to your car?" Mary asked and (Y/N) nodded, making sure to grab the small clutch she'd be bringing with her before she walked to the door of the room with Mary following behind her.

She eased herself into the backseat of the car that was waiting outside and waved to Mary before the driver began their trip to the venue where the charity event was being held.

——

The driver helped (Y/N) up the steps and to the door of the venue before wishing her a good night. (Y/N) smiled at him and thanked him for his service. Once she was by herself, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. These big events were just starting to feel normal to her again. It had taken her a bit to get back into wanting to attend them after the unexpected happened to her and Tommy at one a little over a year ago. Thankfully this one was a smaller, more intimate affair, so she didn't need to worry as much about the possibility of something going on.

The first person that caught her eye was Polly. She was talking to a man and a woman, who seemed to be the man’s wife. She made her way over to the small group while greeting every person she passed. She was one of the event's hosts after all...it'd be rather rude to just ignore the other party goers.

"(Y/N)!" Polly greeted in an enthusiastic manner when she approached them, "you've made it!" (Y/N) smiled as she hugged the older woman. It was obvious that she'd also upped her host role, because Polly Gray was never that enthusiastic to see people when in private. It worked for the setting though, so (Y/N) played along.

"I figured why not be slightly fashionably late...there's no harm in that, right?" (Y/N) responded, laughing along with the rest of the group.

"No harm at all," the other woman in the group chimed in amidst the laughter.

"Your dress is stunning," Polly commented then once the laughs had ceased.

"You like it?" (Y/N) asked with a wide smile, "does it look familiar?"

"It does," Polly grinned. "I love how it turned out."

"Me too," (Y/N) agreed, glancing down at her dress again, "thank you again for letting me use the idea and run with it," she said then, calling back to the conversation they'd had a few weeks ago. (Y/N) loved the dress that Polly wore for her portrait so much that she wanted to get one along the same lines of it custom-made for this occasion.

"You've really taken it to the next level," Polly commented, her words making (Y/N)'s smile grow even wider, if that was possible.

"You're too sweet, Pol," (Y/N) gushed before realizing that the man and woman that Polly was talking to before she butted into their conversation were still standing there, watching expectantly for them to be pulled back in. "I've interrupted your previous conversation, I'm sorry for doing so," she apologized to the couple, "I'll let you get back to it...I need to go find Tommy," she added then, her final statement directed at Polly in hopes that the older woman would be able to point her in the right direction.

"I've not seen him yet," Polly told her and (Y/N) nodded anyway before going on in search of her husband. He has to be around here somewhere, she thought to herself as she ventured deeper into the party.

Instead of finding Tommy next, she found Ada. The Shelby woman's eyes lit up as she spotted her sister-in-law. "(Y/N)!" she exclaimed, opening her arms in an invitation for a hug, "you look absolutely stunning!"

"So do you, Ada," she returned the compliment as they broke apart from their embrace.

"You're literally glowing, oh my goodness," Ada continued to gush, succeeding in making (Y/N)'s cheeks heat up. "Have you been enjoying yourself so far?"

"So far, yes," (Y/N) nodded, "I've only just gotten here, and the night is still young, so who knows what may happen," she elaborated, a smile on her face. She knew of one thing that was going to be happening tonight.

"You're so right. These things make me want to lose my mind...I don't know how you're always so composed," Ada stated, exhaling a slight groan after speaking. "Speaking of losing my mind, I need a drink. Care to come with me?" she asked, motioning over to the drinks table then. Champagne had been flowing throughout the building, and almost every person had a glass in their hands. (Y/N) and Ada certainly looked like the odd ones out.

"I don't think I'll be drinking," (Y/N) declined the other woman's idea.

"No?" Ada was surprised.

"No," (Y/N) affirmed with a slight shake of her head, "I'd rather things not get too crazy for me tonight," she added an excuse then.

"Fair enough," Ada didn't fight her choice, grinning at the memory of the family Christmas party where she and (Y/N) had polished off two bottles of wine. Things most certainly did get crazy at that event.

"Have a drink for me, will you?" (Y/N) jokingly suggested, her ask making the other woman laugh.

"Of course," Ada promised her with a grin.

"Have you seen Tommy?" (Y/N) decided to ask then, glancing around the room once more in hopes to catch a glimpse of her husband.

"I believe he's talking with Roland Weatherington about the export venture," Ada answered, also looking around the room then. Silence fell between them for a few moments before she spoke again, "he is. He's just over there," she confirmed, pointing over to where the tables were set up for the guests on the right side of the room.

(Y/N) looked in that direction and found Tommy rather quickly. She wondered why she didn't see him earlier. "Thank you, Ada," she smiled at the other woman, getting ready to go greet her husband for the first time that night. She just hoped that he wouldn't get too angered by her jumping into his conversation.

"You're welcome. I'll see you later, yeah?" Ada asked, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"Most definitely," (Y/N) nodded with a smile before they went in different directions. She could feel the butterflies start to pick up as she neared Tommy. He always looked so good in the tuxedos that he wore for these occasions. It was most certainly her special treat for having to endure these events. "Hi, Tommy," she greeted as she approached him and the other man, "am I finding you at a bad time?" she asked then, not wanting to speak any further if he was already invested in a business-based conversation.

Tommy's eyes found her almost immediately. "No, love, of course not," he shook his head, happy to finally see her after spending most of the day apart. "C'mere," he beckoned her over to his side with a slight nod of his head, and she listened, slotting herself next to him so that he could place his hand on the small of her back. "This is Roland Weatherington," he then began introductions after realizing they were in order, "Mr. Weatherington, this is my wife, (Y/N)."

"It's nice to meet you, (Y/N)," Mr. Weatherington smiled as he extended his hand out for her to shake.

"You as well," she smiled back as she shook his hand.

"I've heard so much about all of your time spent with the children at the home. They are really blessed to have someone like you as a constant in their otherwise uncertain lives," he said then, and (Y/N) swore she felt happier just at the mention of the children and her time spent with them.

"He's decided to give a donation to the home in Birmingham," Tommy informed her, a smile on his face as well. This was such a major project for him, and seeing it do so well brought so much joy to his heart. He slept soundly at night knowing that the children left to the streets of Birmingham didn't have to go through the things that he went through as a child.

"Really?" (Y/N) beamed as she heard the news, "oh, that's so very kind of you, Mr. Weatherington."

"It's the least that I could do," the man answered her, a look of gratitude on his face.

"Tommy, it's time," Polly came over to the group then, telling Tommy that it was time to deliver a formal thanks to all of the guests for attending the event.

"It was nice speaking with you, Mr. Weatherington," Tommy addressed the man standing across from him.

"As was with you, Mr. Shelby," Roland returned the sentiment, "I will be speaking with you more in the future." He watched as Tommy nodded in approval of his statement before he left the other three for his table.

"Come with me?" Tommy asked (Y/N) as he looked over at her. (Y/N) only nodded as she sent a smile his way. That was all Tommy nodded to take her hand into his and follow Polly to the open area of the venue.

(Y/N) stood by his side as he addressed the crowd, thanking them for coming and for supporting the children of Birmingham who didn't have a place to call their own prior to the Shelbys' stepping in. She couldn't help but smile proudly as she watched him speak, feeling overwhelmingly blessed for getting to call him 'her person'. He looked over at her as the crowd applauded his speech, and she swore that they were the only two people in the world...well, not quite - there was someone else too. Which made (Y/N) realize that this was the perfect time to tell him what she'd be wanting to the entire night.

"I'm pregnant, Tommy," she told him, deciding to come right out with the news instead of building up to it.

"That's great, love," he answered her, smiling before he looked away. (Y/N) watched him carefully as his eyes darted around the room, and saw the realization slowly seep into his features. "Wait..." he trailed off, his now wide eyes finding hers again.

"We're having a baby," she told him again, already feeling the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Really?" he asked for further confirmation, even though she'd explicitly told him twice already.

"Yes," she nodded, laughing slightly at his shocked expression.

“Wait…” he still seemed a bit confused, and it was obvious to (Y/N) that his mental gears were turning, “why tell me here?” he asked with furrowed eyebrows.

He had a good point. Why did she choose to tell him this intimate news while standing in a large room full of people? “I figured this was as good a place as any,” she shrugged slightly.

“Even after everything?” he asked another question, alluding to the past that they shared with these types of events.

She knew exactly what he was talking about. Many of her previous nights were plagued with nightmares of the charity event where she suffered a very early miscarriage due to the shock and fear that stemmed from a man breaking into the venue and attempting to carry out a hit on Tommy. The attempt was quickly neutralized by his brothers, but (Y/N)’s pregnancy was unable to be saved. But better days were on the horizon now, she knew that they were.

“Yes,” she nodded definitively, “it feels like a full circle moment,” she said with a smile.

“Full circle indeed,” Tommy grinned.

He never thought that he’d hear this news so soon, especially after what they’d gone through a year ago. An overwhelming amount of joy surged through his body, and he had to fight the urge to let the tears fall from where they were welling up in his eyes. It wouldn’t be a good look for the Tommy Shelby to be crying in the middle of a room filled with his prestigious counterparts, but he was damn sure about to.

So instead of letting them fall, he grabbed hold of (Y/N)’s face and brought her lips to his in a passionate kiss, showing her just how excited he was to hear this news. “I’ve got a good feeling about it all this time, Tommy,” (Y/N) whispered against his lips once they pulled away.

“Yeah?” he breathed, truly feeling like they were the only two in the room now.

“Yeah,” she affirmed, giggling slightly before she reached up to wipe the smudged lipstick off of his bottom lip.

Tommy chuckled as he realized what she was doing. “Thanks for looking out for me,” he said, his grin still present.

“Always,” she winked before pecking his lips once more. She repeated the previous process when she pulled away, making sure his lips didn’t have any added color to them. Tommy shook his head slightly at her. “I couldn’t help myself,” she defended her actions while grinning like a fool.

“You never can,” he teased her, wanting to cling onto this reverie as long as he could.

“Do you blame me?” she quipped, raising her eyebrows as she recognized what he was doing. This was something she could happily play along with.

“No,” he shook his head again, pressing a kiss to her forehead this time before he dropped his hands from her cheeks to her waist. “I can’t help myself neither…especially when you give me such wonderful news.”

“You two wanna join the rest of the party again?” Polly’s voice cut into their bubble before (Y/N) could say what she wanted back to him.

(Y/N) finally broke her eyes away from Tommy’s to face the older woman, a sheepish look clear on her features as she did so. “I was just sharing some news with Tommy,” she explained, having no desire of holding the secret back anymore.

“Some news?” Polly was immediately intrigued by the other woman’s statement.

“I’m pregnant, Pol,” (Y/N) broke the news, and Polly’s arms were wrapped around her within seconds.

“I knew it,” Polly whispered into (Y/N)’s ear as she hugged her tightly, “and what a place to share it…it’s always refreshing to erase what’s happened in the past with something good.”

“You’re most definitely right,” (Y/N) nodded once they pulled away from each other.

Polly sent (Y/N) a wide smile and squeezed her shoulders before she set her attention on Tommy. “Congratulations, Thomas,” she said sincerely as she then pulled her nephew into a tight hug. (Y/N) didn’t know how Tommy was keeping it together, because she was just about bawling at the touching nature of the moment they were all sharing.

She recognized the second they pulled apart, however, that he wasn’t doing the best job. “Thank you, Pol,” he choked out, nodding his head as he discretely tried to swipe away the tears that were threatening to fall. (Y/N) caught him though, and that was what made her floodgates open.

Polly paid no attention to the tearful couple as she took both of their hands and began leading them over to where the rest of the Shelby family was congregated at their reserved table. She said something about sharing this news with the rest of the family as soon as possible, and (Y/N) was only able to send one more quick smile in Tommy’s direction before going into doing just what Polly suggested.

———

Tagged: @mgcllovdrms @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @golden-hoax @elenavampire21 @peaky-cillian @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @notyour-valentine @shelbydelrey @december16-1991 @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut @tommystargirl @stevie75 @lyarr24 @signorellisantichrist @zablife @anotherblinder @midnightmagpiemama @cillmequick @rangerelik @lovemissyhoneybee @dandelionprints @letal-y-poetica

MASTERLIST

[notyour-valentine]

Hello Val!!

How are you doing? Congratulations on reaching 1k! ✨

Can I request a Tommy blurb with this prompt?

“I want to understand you.”

I’m sure you’ll create something amazing 🥰 xx

An Understanding ~ Dad!Tommy Shelby (Fluff)

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

Warning: Babies? (18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 1039 words

By now, one would think Thomas Shelby was used to these situations. 

He knew the rush, the feeling of his blood pumping and his mind racing at a hundred miles an hour.

If one had the luxury of a warning, one had to use it wisely - such quarter wasn’t easily given but far too quickly squandered.

It had started with the slightest of sounds, but Tommy knew it all too well by now. Small at first, but it was only the beginning, like the first droplets of rain before the storm would come. 

Immediately wide awake, he had jumped out of bed and rushed out to the adjourning room before the woman next to him could stir.

"Shh, shh!", He soothed, even before he reached the crib, making sure to close the door behind him that usually was always open.

The baby was squirming inside, little legs kicking in frustration, with swollen and red cheeks and a face torn in agony.

“Oh love.”, he sighed as he reached inside, supporting the little head. 

While cradling the child against his chest, he reached inside the cot and retrieved the little blanket before fleeing the nursery for the silence of the corridor. 

It was a small thing, embroidered at the edges with rather clumsy needlework, but what it lacked in skill it made up for with the love that laced every stitch. 

They reached the corridor just in time as outright cries began to replace the restless groans and sniffles.

Tommy rushed down the stairs as quickly as he dared with the baby in his arms, thankful he had the means to put so much distance between the crying baby and it’s mother. 

Once downstairs in the sitting room, he breathed a small sigh of relief because at least they were out of earshot by now. 

It was short lived, though, as the baby began to cry again, making him feel the burn of warm tears against his bare chest. 

“What was it?”, Tommy asked, rocking the child back and forth.

“Was your room a bit chilly?”, he asked. 

He hadn’t noticed a drop of temperature but he would have to check once it was safe to go up again. Things like that could happen all too quickly in times like these.

He checked the nappy but that was still good too. And yet the baby kept crying. 

In an effort to spread some sense of calm, Tommy placed his chin on the top of the little head, humming softly.

But it did little to stifle the wails. They were just as noisy and just as piercing as earlier. 

So it couldn’t be lack of attention or a mean midnight scare. 

Not warmth either, not when the baby was held between his bare chest and that blanket. 

Tommy shifted, allowing himself to look into the tear streaked face. 

Gently, he stroked a few droplets aside. 

“What is it, eh?”, he wanted to know. 

The only response he got was another heart wrenching sob. 

He had always hated the sound of a baby’s tears, not because he found them annoying, but because it sent a rush through his body to sooth them, to help and to comfort. 

Nothing, not those countless hours with Anna, Michael of even baby Finn had prepared him for the heartbreak of hearing his own baby cry. 

"Want to tell me?", he tried once more. 

When he brushed his finger over one of the tear stained cheeks, the baby leaned into his touch, still wailing as if there was no tomorrow. 

“Love, I want to understand you.”, he sighed, “but you have to give me more than that. Otherwise I’ll have to get Mummy.”

And that was the last thing he wanted to do. 

He had heard the women talking about the different types of baby cries, which Ada and Polly had only ever confirmed, and she could probably figure it out at once, but he really didn’t want to have to wake her. 

The days with a young baby were long, and the nights longer still.

Carrying a child, giving birth and nursing - these were all strains Tommy could not help with, but he was determined to do his absolute best when it came to nighttime duties. A few more hours of sleep weren’t the world, but it was the least he could do. 

He wiped at the tears again, only to have his finger caught and immediately brought to the baby’s mouth. 

The sucking was immediate and forceful, the scars of his split knuckles bushed against those pink petalled lips. 

The baby sucked and sucked, and when there was no release in the light of a disappointment, Tommy huffed. 

“No milk but you keep sucking, so you’re not hungry then.”

His baby was smarter than that.

Then he remembered something and brushed his finger against the baby’s gums only to see the little head flinch.

“Your gums, is it?”, he asked. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

He thought of giving the baby a droplet of whisky - that had calmed Finn, but he knew a certain someone who’d have his head on a silver platter if he did that. 

“We could just not tell her.”, he thought, his eyes wandering to the crystal carafe once more, but he hated lying to her unless it was absolutely necessary so he had to find something else. And he knew just where.

The kitchen was pitch black when he entered, and the chill of the ice box made goosebumps appear all over his arms and back. 

He muttered a curse under his breath as he gathered a handful of cubes with his bare hand and threw them into a bowl before letting a little water run over it. 

“Shh, shh, nearly there.”, he soothed the fussy baby as he waited for a few moments before dipping a clean cloth into icy water. 

The cold stung as he wrapped the soaking cloth around his finger but it was a pain he just had to bear. 

Compared to the icy water, the warm lips felt almost soothing as his baby began to suck once more.

They repeated the process again and again, Tommy leaning against the kitchen counter and before the ice was fully melted, he felt the weight of a sleepy little head resting against his chest. 

“I knew we’d come to an understanding in the end."

Thank you so much @look-at-the-soul for requesting and participating in my celebration - I hope you liked where I went with it, and who knows, perhaps it is not what you expected?

Thank you everyone for reading and as always, I hope you enjoyed and would love to hear your thoughts!

If you want to participate in my celebration, click here!

Taglist

Overall

@lilyrachelcassidy @jyessaminereads @chlorrox @watercolorskyy @books-livre @quarterpastmidnight  @lilyevanswhore  @polishcrazyone  @zablife  @just-a-harmless-patato  @stevie75 @flyingjosephine-blog @runnning-outof-time @babayaga67 @butterfly-skinnylegend

Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly  @signorellisantichrist @lespendy @geeksareunique @look-at-the-soul

[noforkingclue]

Risk Taker (Thomas Shelby x reader)

Summary: Just how many risks are you willing to take for your employer?

Author’s Note: written for @notyour-valentine 1000 follower celebration! Of course I had to celebrate and wrote a little something for it! I chose the theme ‘a risk’ and did have fun writing it! Hope you like it :D

Peaky Blinders tag list: @stylesofloki, @ohshititsfenharel, @lenaskyler02

Thomas Shelby tag list: @alreadybroken-ts, @darlingdevil, @lyrxbz, @watercolorskyy

Everything tag list: @greenrevolutionary, @byebyebreezywrites, @spngingerbread21, @layazul, @lov3vivian, @simonsbluee

This was stupid.

You were stupid.

You were going to get caught and then killed.

Or maybe worse.

You froze when you heard Tommy shift in his sleep and looked over your shoulder at. It had taken some getting used to Tommy being such a light sleeper. You were used to the men you were with being able to sleep through just about anything. You hoped that the amount he had to drink would’ve knocked him out for a bit longer. When you were sure that Tommy was still asleep you turned your attention back to his desk.

This was definitely the biggest risk you had taken. The Shelby’s were not the type of family you’d usually get involved with, but the money you were being paid to spy on them was too good to pass up. You slowly opened one of the drawers in his desk and sat down as you read through them.

You had to squint to read the writing on the paper. You wished that there was some light but doing this during the day was too risky and you didn’t want to potentially wake Tommy by turning on a light. Arrow House was beautiful but you hated the darkness of the countryside. You traced a finger slowly the words as you tried to make sense of what was on it.

A creak made you freeze. If you were caught now you would almost certainly be killed. You sat dead still as you looked towards the door. Tommy was still asleep and you slowly relaxed when no one burst through the door. It must just be the house shifting in the coolness of the night.

You exhaled and shook your head as you put the paper back in the drawer. It was too dark to read anything and you were too tired to try. You pinched the bridge of your nose as you relaxed in the chair. This was stupid. You had no idea what you were doing. Was the money really worth risking your life for?

“Hmm, love?”

In a flash you were out of the chair and by the door. You made it just in time to look like you were re-entering the room, hand on the slightly ajar door. Tommy sat up, looking at you suspiciously through sleep clouded eyes.

“Where did you go?” he asked, suspicion lacing his voice

“Needed to piss,” you muttered as you shut the door quietly, “Didn’t realise I needed your permission, dear.”

The corners of Tommy’s lips twitched as he reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. You blinked in the orange light and wished that you had that earlier. You turned your back on him and wrapped your arms around yourself and looked out of the window. You liked looking up at the stars something that you rarely saw in the city. Your breath hitched when you felt Tommy wrap his arms around you.

“So,” he muttered after he pressed a kiss against the base of your neck, “Are you going to come back to bed.”

“I just want to see the stars.” You muttered

“The stars,” Tommy sounded amused, “And what would I get in return?”

“We can discuss that once you deliver what I want.”

Tommy reached over a gripped your chin tightly, tilting your head back. You blinked at him as Tommy smirked and pressed a burning kiss against your lips. He broke it almost at once and stepped away to plunge the room back into darkness. For a second you thought that Tommy had gone back into bed, tired of a view that he must’ve seen a thousand times before. You jumped when you felt him wrap his arms back around you. Tommy chuckled and said quietly,

“Nervous?”

“Of what?”

“Hmm.”

Tommy rested his chin on your shoulder. You relaxed into his grip and thought back to earlier that evening. Maybe the biggest risk you took wasn’t snooping around Tommy’s private papers. Maybe it was getting into bed with a man as dangerous as Thomas Shelby. Or maybe-

The snap of a drawer closing brought you back to reality with sickening horror.

“What I want,” Tommy’s voice was quiet and dangerous, “Is to know who you’re working for, love.”

[zablife]

The Portrait

Summary: You receive an invitation to a party at the home of Thomas Shelby, but what you find inside is not what you anticipated.

Author's Note: Written for @notyour-valentine 1K celebration. Congratulations again dear friend! I'm so proud of you! I wrote this with the prompt "creepy portrait" in mind and realized I'd also included "a rumor" after the fact. I hope you enjoy it!

One afternoon, just before the last train, your friends had promised to take you to a party where you could indulge in all the booze and snow you desired, surrounded by handsome gangsters. You’d been unable to say no to such an intriguing offer and found yourself hastily dressing in your most scandalous beaded gown, ready for a dirty old night in dirty old Birmingham. You and your friends giggled the whole way on the train, wondering what kinds of trouble you’d find at the party.

When you arrived at the front door, a boy named Isaiah greeted you with a wide grin. He ushered you inside, but the party didn’t seem so lively. In fact, the mansion you entered was dark and gloomy like a haunted castle in a novel and your host, Thomas Shelby, was noticeably absent. The men inside were indeed attractive, but somber having been given strict instructions no one would be playing in the snow this evening. 

Contenting yourself with a glass of spiked punch, you began to wander away from the ballroom. As the music faded away, no other sounds could be heard other than your own heels rapping against the floorboards. The eery echo they created should have made you conscious of your intrusion into your host’s inner sanctum, but your curious nature spurred you on. 

When you came to a grand staircase, you stopped suddenly feeling as though you were being watched. You turned in all directions to see if someone were there, your long strand of pearls thumping against your chest in time with your heart beat, but you found the corridors empty and you exhaled a sigh of relief.

Realizing you might be caught snooping, you turned to leave. However, a flicker of light from the overhead chandelier caught your eye. It bounced from the upper floor and down the wall, eventually coming to rest over a large portrait of a blonde woman. Her blue eyes gazed back at you, holding you in a trance as you recalled the gossip your friends shared on the train. 

“She died last year, you know. Some kind of awful tragedy involving a madman with a gun!”

“Yes, I heard that too! She was…” Alice leaned in to whisper, “murdered! Do you think her husband had anything to do with it?” 

“Well I heard a gypsy put a spell on her,” Lulu told you matter-of-factly as though that were the most logical explanation. 

Whatever happened had been enough to turn the house into a mausoleum. It made your blood run cold. What had happened to Mrs. Shelby, you wondered? As you stood considering her portrait a hand clamped down on your shoulder. “Christ the fucking night! You can’t be in here, girl!” You spun around to see a short man in colorful clothing and a red scarf standing behind you wearing a stern expression.

“It’s alright, Johnny, she’s with me,” Isaiah said appearing from the shadows with a cheeky grin. He came up behind you and placed his arm around your shoulders. You were glad for the familiar company even though you’d only met him an hour earlier. 

“Get her out, Isaiah! You know the rules,” Johnny warned and you gulped at his harsh tone.

“Alright, sweetheart, shall we get back to the party?” Isaiah said with a smile. You wanted to be swayed by it, but you hadn’t had nearly enough whiskey to fall for his charms. You were far too intrigued by the portrait and the fact that no one wanted you to see it. 

“What happened to her?” you whispered as Isaiah led you back to the sound of music and laughter. 

“Nothing for you to worry over, love. It’s a matter for the Shelbys.” Then he leaned in to brush the shell of your ear with his full lips. You felt him smirk against your skin as he teased, “They’re all cursed, you know.”

-----------------------------

Tag list:

@peakyswritings

@evita-shelby

@tommydoesntpayforsuits

@shelbydelrey

@wandawiccan60   

@easilyobessedbutflighty

@severewobblerlightdragon

@lovemissyhoneybee

@theshelbyslimited

@kittycatcait219

@peakyrogers

@christinasyellowflowers

@retromafia

@notyour-valentine

@theshelbyclan

@cillmequick

@look-at-the-soul

@raincoffeeandfandoms

@dreamlandcreations

@flysafepapi

@the-makingsofgreatness

@there-goes-thefighter

@moral-terpitude

@l1-l4

[thebathatter]

Tommy Shelby x OC

Summary: This might just be the most interesting boring party Tommy Shelby has ever been to.

Authors Note: This was written for @notyour-valentine 1k Follower celebration using the prompt "An inappropriate giggle" which is so cute! I hope I managed to do this prompt justice. I went a little to hard so I hope its not too long. This is like my second fic ever but I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope y'all like it! Sorry in advance for any mistakes you encounter bc no beta. Anywhoo Once again Congratulations on such a huge milestone! Enjoy!

p.s I named her Lucy bc I had "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" on repeat lol

A Funny Girl

Thomas Micheal Shelby was a man of many talents, he was rather good with words, a natural leader, and a savvy businessman, seemingly all one needed to successfully run a company and intermingle with England's high society. Oh, how wrong he was, for all his many talents Tommy Shelby has yet to master the deplorable art of small talk.

Attending parties has suddenly become an integral part of his job. Charity parties, dinner parties, company parties, derby parties, the whole lot of them all the same high and mighty lords and those cowards from the cavalry and decorated upper-class ladies talking about everything and nothing. Granted they would once in a while say something with some merit but the instances were few and far in between, and it certainly was not worth the side glances he would get from the men or the overwhelming sound of the ladies giggling and not so subtly commenting on his bachelor status.

“I certainly think that is a cause worth supporting, don't you think so Mr.Shelby?” a high-pitched voice shook him from his thoughts. Shit! What is this woman's name Lady Beabroke? What were they talking about? Better to just go on with it

“Of course, noble indeed. Where would I need to inquire about donating?” he asks politely hoping his voice does not sound as dazed as he felt.

“Why I believe Lord Walker’s secretary handles all their donations isn't that right sir?” Lady Beabroke continues addressing the well-dressed plump man standing across from them.

“Ah yes, my niece! I am afraid she is late again as I have not seen her but once she makes an appearance I will make sure to point her out to you Mr.Shelby we are very grateful for any contribution, children are the future after all.” Lord Walker says a deep chuckle all proud and smiling way too much for someone as serious as a Lord. If Tommy still believed in Father Christmas he might have mistaken Lord Walker for him.

Tommy politely excuses himself for a moment to walk towards a waiter holding a tray with champagne glasses hoping the alcohol would hold him over until dinner, he doesn't make it 3 feet before he is ambushed by pearls and giggles.

“Oh, Mr.Shelby I am so glad you were able to make it tonight” says Lady Owen the organizer of the event, her husband is a betting man, and never seems to have any luck with the horses. 

“Yes Mr. Shelby you’re a delight indeed” Lady Madison continues in an overly sweet voice almost making him cringe “ Why you should've brought your darling brothers! I would love to meet them, rumor has it they're as handsome as you!” Both women break into delicate practiced laughter. 

“You lovely ladies are too kind,” he says, giving them a side smile. It must have the right effect as both women seem charmed enough.

A loud laugh interrupts whatever intelligent conversation the women were about to regale him with next, which causes them all three to turn towards the entrance of the grand hall.

“ I am fine, it's just a little water sir! I needed a shower anyways ” a female voice says just as a young woman in a green dress walks into the hall with a waiter holding a small hand towel up to her which she gratefully takes. She is more or less dry, her exposed arms are littered with droplets and he notices her trendy bobbed hair is slightly damp as she rubs the towel up and down both of her arms, the whole time smiling and giggling at herself.

“Ah that must be Lord Walker's niece,” Lady Madison says “Heard she is quite a… funny girl, she comes from America you see”

“Uncle!” she excitedly yells once she spots him among the crowd attracting everyone's attention “Oops excuse me that was loud! As you were everyone” she continues walking to her equally smiley Uncle who embraces her in a bear hug before looking her over and laughing once again both seemingly finding it hilarious that she showed up to this high-class party in such a state.

“Americans never change, do they? So loud! Also, look at her dress, it almost hits her knees how indecent!” said Lady Owens judgemental voice quipped sounding incredibly scandalized “Oh my she’s coming this way”

Indeed she was. The young woman was merrily making her way toward them this time with a small folder in her hand. 

“Good evening! You must be Mr. Shelby, my Uncle has told me a good deal about you” she said offering her hand for him to shake. He was at a loss for a second as he’d often heard ladies don't shake hands but recovered quickly and extended his own gently shaking her smaller hand. Her skin was soft yet not without a certain roughness to it, definitely not an idle lady that sits all day for tea and gossip and her grip was firm and full of confidence, she's done this before then. She made eye contact with him the whole time offering a sweet smile, her gaze was soft and relaxed. He was not used to not seeing people with their guard up and this girl was an open book, it almost startled him to see someone bare it all without a care in the world.

“Thank you so much for inviting us Lady Owens, it's a lovely party” she turned to the hostess politely. 

“I was beginning to think you would not show up Ms.Walker '' Lady Owens replied tensely, pointedly ignoring Ms. Walker's gratitude “A little more and you would've missed dinner. Would you like to use the upstairs to freshen up?” Ah, there it was the unique passive aggressiveness of the upper class.”

“I am truly sorry for my lateness it's too easy to get turned around in a city like yours and don’t worry about me Lady Owens I’m sure it's not the first time your guests have seen wet hair with this dreary weather you have here in London,” she says with a polite smile Good save Tommy thinks she was not rude but she did not take it on the chin either. Ms.Walker turned back to him and took a breath to start speaking when she was rudely interrupted by Lady Owens 

“As I was saying Mr.Shelby your eyes are truly magnificent isn't that right Lady Madison” 

“Why I do believe they the bluest I have ever seen”

“That is very kind of you, My Lady” Tommy replied, wondering if he was starting to feel embarrassed.

“See Mr.Shelby I have a daughter, she’s a bit younger than you but she's a pretty thing, very good background and very obedient” Lady Owens continued 

“All of this is terribly interesting Lady Owens but in order not to waste more time,” Ms.Walker started “Mr.Shelby my uncle has instructed me to give you more information regarding our foundation it can all be found in these documents along with our office address here in London I would love to take you on a tour of our facilities so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you decide to partner with us”  

He admired the way she politely took over the conversation and enjoyed Lady Owen's baffled look at being so suddenly stopped mid-conversation handing him the folder she turned to the ladies and said “Well ladies I won’t take any more of your time you can get back to your obedient daughter and Mr.Shelby's dreamy blue eyes” she looked at him and winked  teasingly before gracefully walking back to her uncle.

“Well she is certainly forward, isn't she? Modern women, no wonder they can't find suitable husbands I heard they call them charity girls” Lady Owens said scornfully

“Charity girls?” Lady Madison asked suddenly very intrigued at the chance to hear some new gossip 

“Oh, I can barely make myself repeat it,” Lady Owens said, putting her jeweled hand to her chest seemingly steading herself “You know working girls Mary? Well a charity girl does what working girls do without charge”

Lady Madison gasped and held her hand to her chest “Oh my”

Both had seemingly forgotten Tommy was standing there with them utterly bored of their little exchange. He turned to see Ms. Walker standing next to her uncle talking to Lord Madison who seemed to be charmed by her, both exchanged a couple of laughs before Madison nodded and he shook hands with her Uncle presumably making a deal. Working girl or not, she is good at her job.

Once dinner was served Thomas found himself sitting next to Ms.Walker and after a toast to the king they started to eat, chatter filling the large hall.

“So did she get the date?

“Excuse me,” Tommy said as he turned to look directly at her 

“Lady Owen’s obedient daughter. Did she land a date with your magnificent blue eyes Mr.Shelby ?” The last sentence was said in a fake London accent, gaudy and posh imitating Lady Madison. Tommy did not know how to react. No one in these events ever spoke to him so casually or in such a direct manner before.

“No” he finally replied 

“Shame” she responded “you know when she first started talking I thought she was trying to sell you a dog”

That made Thomas almost choke on his champagne. She just says whatever comes to mind eh? he thought.

“I mean good background and very obedient. I was thinking about a greyhound or something. Guess not, just her human daughter” she turned and smirked this time her eyes were mischievous. It reminded him of the look Finn gave them when he would think no one knew he was smoking cigarettes in the garden.

“But hey I am a modern woman, I drink, I smoke, I dance the Charleston, no chance of finding a husband with pretty blue eyes for me” 

“You heard that” his brows furrowed. For some reason, he felt a tinge in his chest at the thought of her taking what those old hags said about her seriously.

“Oh they never say anything you are not meant to hear at these parties” she replied calmly smiling back at him “It only serves as a reminder that my life is more fun than hers”

He had never really thought about it like that. Money always meant freedom and power but fun? No, fun had never really crossed his mind.

“It almost makes me feel bad for Lady Owens” she continues 

“Why is that?” Tommy started now engaged in the most entertaining conversation of the night.

“Even though she is a literal charity girl I doubt she’s had a good lay in a while”  

Thomas' couldn't help but snort before his face fell “I am sorry you had to hear that. It's none of their business”

“Don’t trouble yourself about it Mr.Shelby it's not like you said it” She said calmly “Not the first time and not the last time someone will call me that I can assure you, the upper class is an uptight bunch but seeing them scandalized is always very entertaining”

“You got that right, love” he replies going back to his food “Call me Tommy” 

“I’m Lucy,” she says and he turns around to find her already looking at him. She smiles sweetly and he finds himself returning it. Her cheeks blush a little, must be the champagne.

“A toast to my lovely wife” Lord Owen's booming voice is heard from the head of the table “Who organized this lovely evening and whose big heart encourages us to give to those most in need” 

Everyone raised their glass before Lord Owens continued “And of course, we must include my wife’s fellow charity girls who are always willing to help her spread joy and kindness.”

Lucy turned to look at him immediately they managed to hold it together for a second before they dissolved into laughter. Lord Owens was significantly confused and his wife was going red in the face either in anger for their inappropriate reaction or her husband's seemingly innocent comment having a double meaning he was ignorant to.

Quickly composing herself Lucy spoke first “I deeply apologize, Lord Owens. Mr. Shelby is more charming than I gave him credit for” she motioned to him placing her hand on his arm gently ignoring the scandalized and judgemental stares from the ladies sitting across from them.

Lord Owens most definitely already under the calm fog of alcohol simply smiled “No apology needed Ms.Wilson. We were young once too”

Once dinner was through the guests started to slowly dissipate as their cars were brought towards the front. 

“Well Tommy I thank you for a truly entertaining dinner” Lucy spoke as they both waited for their cars away from the rest of the guests 

“You should be thanking Lord Owens and his charity girls” Tommy replied while lighting a cigarette feeling rejuvenated as he inhaled the smoke tasting the tobacco. His reply coaxed another pretty laugh from her, shoulders shaking with mirth. He stared at her lips, the rouge that  lay on top of them almost gonet but they seemed soft and that cheerful smile that decorated her soft features creating a very alluring picture.

“Tommy?” she called. Shit, she caught me, he thought. Her mischievous eyes were back and seemingly hypnotized him as he barely registered her movements as she took the cigarette from his mouth and brought it to hers gently inhaling as she looked directly at him. She exhaled and then moved to put his cigarette back in his still-open mouth. Lucy then proceeded to caress the side of his face before bringing him down to her height to gently kiss his cheek. 

Tommy looked deeply into her eyes when she pulled back still holding his face. “What was that for eh?”

“Charity,” she said teasingly before caressing his face. She started making her way to the front when he grabbed her hand. “See you around?” he asked, suddenly nervous, not sure why. Lucy squeezes his hand before saying “Not if I see you first” giving him one last wink before joining her uncle. 

Tommy takes his cigarette from his lips and catches a glimpse of a slight lipstick stain around it where his lips had just been. He lets out a slight chuckle as he looks at the starry night sky. 

A funny girl indeed. 

[evita-shelby]

An unholy alliance

Gift for @notyour-valentine in honor of her masquerade themed celebration

The prompt is:A place one is not supposed to be

And it does take place at night so

Gif by @thesoldiersminute

“You’re not supposed to be here.” The blonde aims her gun at the brunette just sitting in her rented room like she belonged there.

And she did or at least she used to think, Grace was brought up to think that people like her belonged in poverty.

But the woman in here with her was the exception, just like Thomas was.

Too smart. Too ambitious. Too different from the rest of their people.

Perhaps after her mission is completed, they can be friends.

“Neither are you.” Eva smirked. “My god you UVF twats can’t even train a dog to shit. Infiltrating a place with your real name?” She tutted.

“I haven’t been found out in five months, they aren’t very bright.” The blonde lowers the gun and begins putting her coat and hat on their place.

“I figured you out in four hours, which is a little embarrassing given that the IRA man you killed figured you out in thirty minutes and Polly Gray has known it from the moment she saw you.” Eva turned the page on Grace’s notes, notes she’s to give to Campbell at the museum tomorrow morning.

“You should be careful, Thomas Shelby always heeds the counsel of his aunt, one word from her and you’ll be as dead as that man you killed.” the second she says that, a small mirror Grace has hung on the wall behind the woman cracks.

She will have to include Eva in those notes now.

That would paint a target on the Mexican exile’s back, but something tells Grace that Eva is no stranger to that.

“What do you want?” she wants something, she must want something. Why else would she be here?

“For you to do as I say.” The witchy woman says in a low voice holding more threats than an angry shouting drunk.

---

Grace is not to call the police on Freddie Thorne, Grace is not to use Ada for information and, worst of all, Grace must not seduce Tommy Shelby.

If the Irish spy does not comply, there will be consequences.

There is something between the witch woman and Tommy Shelby, she thinks.

She sees how he looks at her when he thinks no is looking, she sees how the witch will meet his eye as they pass each other by and not flinch away.

But there is a problem, Grace wants him too.

Perhaps when this is over, Grace can make him choose her.

So, when Eva Smith is not around, she continues flirting, getting him to trust her, and even better, softening him to her.

It is all going well, the blonde thinks as she blushed demurely when Tommy smiles as he sees her at the pub that night.

He's even invited her to John’s wedding tomorrow night, a shame she has to work.

“You should ask, Miss Smith, I’ve seen the way you look at her, Thomas.” She pretends they aren’t anything or that she isn’t a little jealous of the hold a woman he has never spoken to has on him.

“Perhaps I should,” he says with a hint of a smile as he looks out the window as said woman passes by.

And he does.

Eva looks stunning in her fine clothes. Wears black because it is her signature color just like red is Grace’s.

It’s late evening and she will only be out for a short while, missed the ceremony earlier because her grandmother was unwell.

Some neighbor will watch her for tonight so Eva can go dancing with Thomas Shelby while Grace is stuck at the Garrison biding her time.

“Ada’s giving birth tonight, her husband will be there and if I hear that you even thought about calling the police on him the deal will be off.” Eva says as she finished applying a second coat of burgundy lipstick.

Campbell has been told of her; his superiors only laughed when he told them about a Mexican spy interfering with his mission.

She is to follow Eva’s orders, or at least give the pretense that she is. That was what the inspector had said in there last meeting.

It wasn’t like Eva would know it was her who calls the police tonight.

But I do, I know everything the witch’s eyes say through the mirror that suddenly cracks in warning.

---

“You aren’t supposed to be here.” This time Grace doesn’t aim at her.

Its well past midnight when Grace gets to her lodgings and finds two people waiting inside: a person who’s presence she’s grown accustomed to and the last person she expected to be there.

“I thought we had agreed you would follow my orders, Miss Burgess.” The witch says with a wicked smile.

“I had to, Thomas, I was under orders of hers to---” Grace begins to justify herself to the person who truly matters to her here.

She feels for him, not love, but something akin to it.

“She only took over your mission on my behalf. We needed someone who could ensure the good inspector kept his word and that he only knew what we wanted him to know.” Thomas Shelby gives her the coldest of looks.

She had seen him give them to anyone else, but never her.

He feels something for her, surely, he has felt it too. Thomas wouldn’t do this to her, he is good for her.

“You hurt my sister and her husband tonight. Did you know he was my best friend? Did you feel guilt that he didn’t even have the chance to hold his own baby son?” Thomas’ voice is steady and calm but there is that hurt in it.

Hurt because someone hurt people he cared about.

It’s then that Grace feels guilt.

Not for hurting Ada and her Jewish husband, but for hurting the only person who mattered in this place.

“I’m sorry, Thomas, I was only following his orders.” She didn’t have to follow them, but it’s too late for that now.

“I don’t think I can forgive you, Grace. You had a chance to prove you cared for me and my family and you only proved that your orders matter more than who you hurt.” He says as the witch just watches it from her seat at the table.

“What will happen to me now?” the blonde doesn’t know who she is asking, the man she desires against all better judgment or the woman she thought her friend.

“You will hand over your resignation tomorrow morning and never come back.” Thomas answered in cold anger.

“And to make sure you do; we will be watching you tomorrow at the museum.” The witch woman says in her low and sultry voice.

If you don’t you will be as dead as the two men you killed tomorrow night.

[notyour-valentine]

Hi! Congratulations once again on your milestone 🥳🥳🥳! I'm so proud of you! And thank you again for tagging me for this celebration! ❤️❤️❤️

Could you please write a blurb for this GIF 👇👇👇

A moment's peace ~ Tommy Shelby x Reader

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

(18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 652 words

The heels of her shoes sank into the luscious spring grass with the first step that carried her beyond the terrace and into the green. 

Normally his head would snap up long before she would think it possible for him to notice. Whether it was sound, smell or just a general sense, he always knew when she was approaching. 

But not today, it seemed. 

He remained as he was, leaned back in his chair, the sun shining on his pale face with his eyes firmly shut. 

For a few seconds she watched his chest rise and fall steadily. 

Perhaps he is asleep, she wondered, and pondered how best to wake him. 

“No.”

The sudden sound startled her. 

“You’re awake?”, she wanted to know as she stepped closer, now knowing she couldn’t make him jump by accident. 

His only response was to hum and to stretch out his hand in her general direction. 

She slipped her hand in his and felt his fingers curl around them in a secure grip as if he feared she would slip away. 

“Why no?”, she asked with the hint of a smile. “Would you like me to leave?”

Annoyance washed over his face as he forced an eye open, as if her mere suggestion was insulting to him. 

In response to that he tugged at her hand and pulled her closer until she practically crashed into him. 

Only when she was at his side, he let go of her hand if only to reach an arm around her waist. 

“Don’t say it.”, he asked as he leaned his head into the softness of her chest. 

She didn’t need to ask what he didn’t want her to say. 

So she ran her hand over his hair, first the soft part on the top, and the rougher edges. 

Tommy sighed as she began to draw circles, feeling relaxation seep into his body. 

But they both knew it wouldn’t last, not forever at least. 

It was the reason Tommy had asked her not to say it. 

So for a moment, she decided to indulge him, to indulge them both, as she too closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun and the refreshing breeze on her cheeks, with only the weight of his head against her chest. 

She could count the times of true peace they had on one hand and so she supposed she ought to cling to those few they had.

With Tommy Shelby, there always was another storm brewing. One never knew what else would happen before a chance like this would come again. 

Leaning down, she pressed a kiss to the top of his head and felt his arms tighten in return. 

For a while she was more than content to listen to nothing but the birds, the distant running river and the soft sounds of his breathing, but she knew if she didn’t do this gently, someone else would do it harshly. 

And so, if slowly, she pulled back, cupping his face in her hands and tilting it upward to see his bright blue eyes meeting hers, with his lips barely parted. 

She let her thumb trace his cheekbone. 

“Your family’s here.”, she informed him, fulfilling the task she set out to do. 

His eyes fluttered shut and he sighed in deep and utter exasperation. 

I know, she thought.

But he had summoned them, so he couldn't claim surprise. 

“They are waiting.”

With a groan, he pushed himself back and closed his eyes once more as if to gather his strength. 

“Alright.”, he mumbled, but instead of getting up, his hand found hers once more, his thumb tracing over her knuckles. 

“The sooner you come, the sooner they go.”, she said in a poor attempt as a joke, but she knew it would only leave him with a headache and a mountain of work. 

So when he decided to stay outside a little while longer, his fingers intertwined with hers, she let him. 

Who knew when they’d have a moment of quiet like this again?

End

This is my last post for my 1k Follower celebration - @polishcrazyone I hope you enjoyed this little blurb I wrote for you! Thank you so much for requesting and for participating in my celebration with requesting and of course submitting your amazing moonboard

xx Val

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Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly @babayaga67 @signorellisantichrist @lespendy @geeksareunique @look-at-the-soul

[notyour-valentine]

Would you write a headcanon where Thomas and (Y/N) from TBITW finding out they are expecting a baby? How would they and children react to the news?

🍷Join me for a Drink 🍷 - TBITW: Another child

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

This was written as part of my Series The Boy in the Window and contains spoilers

Warning: Pregnancy, childbirth (18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Another child is not really something they had as their priority since they both feel that their family is complete and so they weren't actively trying. As they hadn't really discussed it before, it was initially a cause of anxiety for both

Tommy was originally scared that (Y/N) might not want to have his child. Even though he knows she loves him, his insecurities run deep. (Y/N) is far more concerned that it would make Emma or Charlie feel uncomfortable. Sibling jealousy is a real thing and she is terrified a new child would make the others feel left out or unloved and is afraid it might disrupt the delicate balance of her family. 

They can only keep it secret from the children for so long until they notice. Emma is more or less ambivalent, and her new and very tangible horse is far more interesting than a hypothetical future baby she can neither see nor touch. Charlie is less keen, especially since discovering that it is the baby that has been making (Y/N) ill - not the best start

As the pregnancy develops, (Y/N) is surprised by how present Tommy is- attending every single appointment with her, sending for Harley Street doctors, reading research, setting up a new nursery, talking dietary requirements with Frances and the cooks, rubbing her back and her feet, and even helping her tie cloths around her belly to relieve the pressure. He brings her ginger tea for the first part of her pregnancy (later raspberry leaf tea for the final part) 

As she starts to show, both children get more interested and ask countless questions. They love resting their head and hands on her belly and waiting for the baby to do something. While Emma quickly loses her patience if nothing happens, Charlie can wait for ages. He also asks the doctors countless questions. His most spoken words in these months are "Why?" and "How?"

She goes into labour a bit early, and they have to leave in the middle of the night. To her surprise, Tommy shows absolutely no intention of leaving after dropping her off at the hospital. When the doctor tells him to go, Tommy is quick to remind him that he won't take any orders from any man let alone "in me own fucking hospital and me own fucking city."

He does, however, check with (Y/N) who is surprised that he wants to be there- after all it can get very unpleasant and very messy. Tommy says that if she wants him to leave he will, but confesses he really does want to stay and won't go further than the outside of the door to her hospital room. So he stays, and he only ever leaves hours after the baby is born to go and tell Emma and Charlie. 

When they return, they come with the largest, most chaotic bouquet of flowers Birmingham has ever seen, lots of questions and quite a bit of worry. While Emma is enamoured with the newest addition to the family, Charlie is more concerned with how tired (Y/N) looks. 

In the first weeks after the birth, (Y/N) is especially worried of not being able to give each of the three children the attention they deserve and it's causing her a lot of stress. Especially Charlie, who needs physical closeness more than Emma, has had to take a step back during the last part of her pregnancy and the first weeks after it. 

So she is terrified of alienating him or losing him or him possibly resenting the new baby out of jealousy. But all that fear disappears when Tommy takes her to the nursery one afternoon grinning like a fool. Instead of letting her enter, he makes her watch from the door where they can see their youngest laying in the crib that Emma is gently rocking while Charlie is singing the cherry song.

Do you have any thoughts when it comes to names or gender?

I want to thank you for participating in my celebration and for expanding on this. I hope you like this little headcanon.

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Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly  @signorellisantichrist 

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[notyour-valentine]

Hello Val! I’d love to send you a request for your 1000 celebration (congrats again! 🥂)

I’d like to go with a blurb for modern!Tommy and the following prompt: “It is a common phenomenon that just the prettiest girls find it so difficult to get a man.”

Thanks ❤️

The Prettiest Girls ~ modern!Tommy Shelby x Reader (Fluff)

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

Warning: Mention of sexism in society, patriarchy, some swearing (18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 1480 words

“Oi!”, she snapped as Tommy reached for the packet of still warm falafels and pulled them towards him without even sparing her a glance. 

“Those are mine!”, she hissed, snatching them right back.  For that, she had to get up and lean all over the polished black chrome table.

His head shot up and he glared at her with nothing but annoyance and impatience - as if she had insulted him.

“Seriously?”, he hissed, “You drink and eat here for free, the least you can do is give some of me own fucking food!”

“It’s not your food!”, Ada reminded him. “Its from that new vegan place around the corner.”

“We’ve got vegan food!”, Arthur argued, always quick to defend his establishment. “Chips and sweet potato chips and salad, I think?”

“If I eat nothing but chips all the time, I will break out worse than a freshers flu!”, she argued, dipping another one of her deliciously crispy fried falafels into the hummus. 

This was becoming a weekly thing, actually it was becoming almost normalcy. Ever since the Shelbys had moved into London too, it was more than convenient for her and Ada to spend their evenings here. Groceries was expensive and here they could practically drink them dry and even if they ordered food more to their taste, they could put it on Arthur’s tab. 

He didn’t mind in the slightest, not when it came to his sister and their childhood friend. 

Usually it was actually quite fun, with John in town too and Tommy actually having time to join them for a change, or so they had thought. 

But instead of a few rounds and some fun stories for old times sake, he was sitting in the corner of the private room, hacking away at his phone with such ferocity, she could have sworn he must’ve drilled holes into it by now. 

Always busy. Always occupied. 

As if that wasn’t enough, he cleared his throat and swiped. 

“Yes?”, he demanded to know, bringing his phone to his ear. “Is he for real now?”, Ada demanded to know as Tommy began to have a full on conversation with no regard to them and their talk. 

“Oi, at least put it on speaker!”, she offered with a chuckle. 

He threw daggers at her and got up, but on his way out, he swiped the bag with the remaining four falafels from the table. 

“Hey!”, she argued, but the door only fell shut, separating her from the rest of her dinner.

“Arrogant git.”, she hissed. 

“Don’t be harsh on him, love!”, Arthur insisted. “He’s busy with the business.”

She only shrugged. 

It was bothering her more than it should. She had left Birmingham to go to college, and had moved in with Ada so that they could share the costs. Then, before long, Tommy had bought them not only a house but a car, not that they needed it in central London, but it was nice to have.

She had thought him buying a house would mean he was around a bit more, but no. 

Only once had she passed him in the hall when he had been on his way out, and he had greeted her with a small smile and a meaningless “All good?”, but he was already on the run.

She missed Birmingham, she missed them all, but with Tommy it felt like the only place she yet held in his life was on a list of expenses - and that stung. 

But what was there to be done?

Tommy was his own man and she was her own woman. Besides, she was his little sister’s friend, hardly anyone of much importance in the busy life of Mr. Thomas Shelby. 

She still had Ada, and Arthur and John, so she needn’t mourn too much. 

Ada of course, had decided to enrol in the same university as she had, taking on Sociology, Politics and Gender Studies all in one go.

She was well suited for it and burned to share her knowledge with her, and now her brothers too. 

While (Y/N) could only contribute anecdotal evidence, they were certainly in agreement of many things. Especially in regards to the differences between men and women in society. 

And before long they were on a roll, with John blushing and Arthur paling with every word. The door behind her clicked open again, as Tommy returned - without her falafels. 

Jackass. 

But that didn’t stop her from making her point.

“Women constantly get underestimated and reduced to their looks.”, she insisted, throwing her hands in the air. “It is just so exhausting!”

Ada nodded ceremoniously, impatient to get her own point in. 

 “Did you know Marilyn Monroe was actually really smart?”, she asked.

“If she was so smart why did she stand over that subway vent and have them take pictures up her skirt?”, John asked. 

“That was for a movie!”, Ada hissed, glaring at her brother. 

“Speaking of movie stars - everytime you turn on music in your car, that’s due to Hedy Lamar - the one with the stars.”, she insisted, waving around the back of her head. “She invented Bluetooth, or rather the technology behind it.”

“So far more than looks- but history remembers them as pretty!”

Ada said the word as if it was a slur, or at least a taint. 

“Anyway, back to the original problem. Women get reduced due to their looks so much that it impacts every aspects of their lives!”

“But isn’t that also a good thing?”, John asked. “I mean, there is pretty privilege, right?”

That made her stomach coil. 

“Wanting to sleep with someone isn’t the same as listening or valuing them!”, she snarled, considering if she should try to aim for his shin under the table. 

“Besides,”, Ada added, “most men are intimidated by both attractive and intellectual women. Combine the two and 99% of men run to the hills.”

She leaned back and sighed in dramatic fashion, giving her a lamenting look. “It is a common phenomenon that just the prettiest girls find it so difficult to get a man, one who is not intimidated or even fells insulted.”

“My words exactly!”, she added with a nod. 

Across the table, Tommy scoffed. 

“You got something to say?”, Ada hissed, as always ready for a fight, especially with her favourite sparring partner. 

She loved to argue, but arguing with Tommy was the rarest and most favoured pastimes for her. 

And he didn’t care to back down from a fight and so met his sister’s gaze with that barely-there knowing smirk of his, as if the universe had laid bare all the secrets it contained in front of him and him alone. 

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?”, Ada asked, “Go on then.”

He shrugged in dismissal once more.

“I think you’re making things too complicated.”

“We? We are making things too complicated?”

Ada’s cheeks began to flush and she could practically see the speech beginning to form. 

“Yes. I’m not exactly saying that society’s perfect but it’s not the cause of everyone’s problems.”

“It kind of is, though!”, Arthur argued.

Tommy shot him a dark glare, all playfulness he had in his eyes when he had faced Ada gone at the sight of his brother’s betrayal. 

“If (Y/N) can’t find a man, it’s hardly the patriarchy’s fault. Perhaps she’s just looking in the wrong places.”

She choked on her drink, feeling the liquid climb up to her nose as she coughed, barely managing to cover her mouth with a napkin as Arthur hit her back. 

“Wait what?”, Ada asked, staring at her brother in utter disbelief.

“When did this discussion become about me?”, (Y/N) managed to croak out, her eyes burning. 

“Yeah, what are you on about, Tommy?”, John demanded to know, before his face split into a wide grin. “Hang on-”

“Shut up!”, Tommy hissed, as his ears began to turn red. “I must’ve misheard, alright. Nothing to get stuck up on.”

He fidgeted with his cufflinks. 

John threw his head back in laughter and even Ada giggled.

“Did he just call me pretty?”, (Y/N) asked, bracing her elbows on the table as she leaned forward, having recovered from her drink mishap. 

“Pretty and intellectual!”, Arthur added for formalities sake, earning more throaty chuckles and giggles, as Tommy’s ears turned the shade of ripe tomatoes. One could even see the colour sneak up his neck. 

“What do you want me to say?”, Tommy hissed, “You’re not ugly, are you?”

His anger only made her giggle more as she leaned back. “I should put that on a t-shirt.”, she suggested with a smirk. 

“We could start a clothing line, make it Shelby Company Limited official and Tommy can write off a bit of tax, that would be nice, wouldn’t it, Tom?”, Ada teased, giving her brother a playful shove. He was hacking away at his phone again, pretending he didn’t hear, while his ears seemed to glow so brightly they couldn’t have lit the entire room on their own.

End.

Thank you so much @flyingjosephine-blog for requesting and participating in my celebration and for requesting modern!Tommy - I had such fun with this and I hope you like it!

Thank you everyone for reading and as always, I hope you enjoyed and would love to hear your thoughts!

If you want to participate in my celebration, click here!

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Tommy

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[notyour-valentine]

Hi! Could you please write headcanon where something bad happened to Emma (someone made her upset for example) and she run to Thomas for help/comfort? Their relationship is so cute! I would love to see them together more often!

🍷Join me for a Drink 🍷 - TBITW: Tommy comforting Emma

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

This was written as part of my Series The Boy in the Window and contains spoilers

It happened at one of the charity functions of the Shelby Family Foundation where they were re-opening a hospital after paying for the renovations. Tommy had already been on edge given what happened the last time around. He would have far rather left the children safe at home, but given the fact that there is a brand new shiny playground for children too, he couldn’t back out of it. That doesn’t mean he didn’t watch Emma and Charlie like a hawk, just as he had men stationed at every door and below every window. That the roads were closed was such a strange coincidence, the other guests thought. 

After the ceremony, they were all gathered for tea, drinks, canapés and chatter, undoubtedly actively working on donations and connections alike. Tommy had vetted and researched all the guests thoroughly. He really wasn’t taking any chances. 

He tried his absolute best to avoid the meaningless chatter, preferring to survey the situation best he could, seeing Ada, Polly and Lizzie work the room, while watching (Y/N), although she preferred to talk to the head nurse and the doctors. Charlie was diligently holding her hand. But without Emma. 

Instead of him finding her, she found him- hitting his leg in full force and wrapping her arms around his hip. 

His relief at finding her was short lived when her reaction to him trying to talk to her was only to clutch him tighter, which tells him all he needs to know. For such little people, children have a surprisingly tight grip that isn’t easily loosened. He has to practically pry his clothes out of her little hands and once he had done so, he lifted her up in his arms and left the room in quick strides for the privacy of the corridor. No matter what had made her upset, a room full of people would not make it better. 

There, he tried to sit her down on the windowsill so that she was of eye level to him. Emma protested heavily, not with her words, but by trying to hug him again. Tommy captured her hands and held them in his while asking what had made her upset. She wasn’t crying, but her eyes were wide and her hands shaking - the absence of tears unnerved him. 

She was fighting for words for a while until she repeated bits of a conversation she had overheard in which some women referred to her mother as a, in her words, “conevience” and that it was “inneditable” that he would get tired of a woman with baggage and leave for good. 

“For good means forever and I don’t want you to leave forever! We can take turns carrying the baggage so you won’t get tired!”

Saying it out loud made the tears come, but before they had a chance to spill, Tommy already felt rage bubbling up inside him. 

But Emma first, anger second. So he wiped her tears away and cupped her face, promising he would never ever leave, and even if he had to go away for a day or two, or even a week, he would always come back. 

It takes a full five minutes of promises until she believed him and only then did he pick her up. She wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling her head in his neck and clinging to him. He held her, stroked the back of her head and walked back and forth, seething with rage and counting his lucky stars that Emma was too young to understand the true meaning of what she had overheard. The only thing preventing carnage is the fact that Emma needs comfort now and that there would be time for the appropriate response later. 

But there would be a response, so once Emma had calmed down and was giggling again thanks to a cheap trick where he produced a sweet from behind her ear and a bit of tickling, he carried her back inside, where they were met by a rather anxious (Y/N) and a frowning Charlie, but Tommy assured her that everything was just fine (or at least going to be).

Then he asked Emma to point out the people to him, which she did. Tommy of course, had in his research collected a dark secret or two. After setting her down, he sent her to the sweets table to find the biggest biscuit there. That would keep her occupied for a bit. 

They all were very flattered, when Tommy joined their conversation - all were so very impressed with his work and deeply motivated to support and one even expressed interest in a literacy scheme he was also involved in. 

Tommy made it known that he appreciated that, and would be open to it, however there might be trouble given their varying interpretation of certain words and concepts.

This left the women confused, but he was only too happy to explain, that for example “baggage to him” was a son who has a habit of sneaking his affairs onto the navy ship he was stationed onto despite being engaged to the daughter of a higher officer, or a husband who wrote off his cigarettes, whisky and nocturnal expenses off from the charity account his wife ran, or a certain niece that lived overseas and was curiously born towards the end of the war while the third’s husband had been deployed for over a year. 

This has them quiet for once, each staring at the other in a mixture of shock and disgust. 

“So if any of you ever feels the desire to talk about my wife or my children again, please remember that I will be all too happy to ensure that your baggage graces the front pages of every single newspaper from Inverness to fucking Plymouth for an entire month straight.”

~

Bonus Headcanon: 

Nightly visitors were no strangers, but the children would climb in on her side as they had gotten used to her arms shielding them from nightly terrors and nightmares, but one particular night, Tommy watched Emma climb in on her mother’s side and was ready to close his eyes again when she got up again, little bare feet padding on the hardwood floor until she found the stool of her mother’s dressing table. 

In the darkness, she was but a pale shadow in her nightgown as she pushed it up against the foot of the bed, using the added height to climb into the bed and settling into the small space between them. A mother’s arms can keep many terrors at bay but after some nightmares, it is better to be protected from both sides. 

Tommy didn’t even mind when Emma ends up hogging the blankets, both his and (Y/N)’s. After all, he feels too warm inside to feel the cold. And it was completely incidental that Tommy moved a chaise longue at the foot of the bed the very next day, which was far safer and sturdier than that little dressing table stool and was before long in frequent use by children and dogs alike.

Thank you so much for participating in my celebration - I hope you like it.

If you want to join in, click here to find out everything you need to know!

~

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Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly @babayaga67 @signorellisantichrist 

@lespendy @geeksareunique @look-at-the-soul

[notyour-valentine]

If you see reader and tommy getting married in tbitw would you maybe write a headcannon or a one shot (your choice) for them please

🍷Join me for a Drink 🍷 - TBITW: Marriage

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

This was written as part of my Series The Boy in the Window and contains spoilers

There wouldn’t be a grand proposal. Back in France, they had already made the decision to spend their lives together (or at least try), however the topic of marriage would be another they would dance around

(Y/N) would not be the one to bring it up, and Tommy would be too uncertain to do so, at least not without a lot of thought and prepared talking points (he may or may not even have written some notes). Instead, they would have an honest conversation and come to the realisation that it would not only be something that would be for the best of everyone but also something that would make them happy

Even though there wasn't a classic proposal, Tommy decides to give her an engagement anyways. He has to fight the instinct to get the biggest flashiest largest diamond ring he can find, but once he stands in that London jewellery store, he realises that anyone could buy a ring like that and so he takes a ‘business trip’ for a few days. 

He goes all the way to France, to that very same fishing village and searches for the vendor they had visited where he not only bought to sets of pearls (a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a necklace each) but also the best single pearl he can find with the smallest of imperfections (but there is one because it is real). Once back in London, he can’t resist setting it in tiny diamonds, creating a star shaped halo around it. These are the highest quality and cost more than most other larger diamonds, but he never tells (Y/N) that

They would tell the children together, but it would leave them a bit confused, since nothing would really change in their day to day life. But they would quickly realise that there would be a party, which excites them.

The wedding itself would be a quiet affair. (Y/N) is not a performative person and doesn’t really like attention and while Tommy likes showing off, he would agree

Tommy doesn’t care about religion but it is something that is important to (Y/N) so they have another church wedding. I see them getting married in a very small ceremony in a little chapel not too far from Birmingham, as Tommy is a family man and would definitely want his Ada, Polly and Arthur around. So it would be a smaller wedding with only the Shelbys inner circle and their close friends there (not more than 30 people)

I do see them wanting to avoid a lot of fuss, mostly coming from (Y/N) so they might spring a surprise wedding on the family on Christmas Eve since they are all already there

They are certainly wearing matching dresses/suits. It is the main reason why (Y/N) does go for a wedding dress even if it is more cream than white and she skips the veil. Emma and Charlie pick the bouquet. Her something borrowed is a bracelet from Polly and her something blue is the names of Tommy and the children stitched into the inside of the dress with blue thread. 

They are active participants in the wedding and even though Arthur was supposed to stop them, they climb into the cart after the ceremony

Charlie and Emma are both very proud that they got to drive their parents back, and even though (Y/N) is more than a bit anxious, Tommy has taught them well.

There is a lot of good food and dancing of course, and not just Tommy and (Y/N) - the children refused to be sidelined so there is at least one moment where Tommy has to follow Emma's lead in her made up dance (it involves a lot of spinning for both of them), while Charlie is super keen on imitating his father while dancing with (Y/N).

Their honeymoon is comparatively short, just three or four days where it is just the two of them. After five days at most, the children join them and they have a family holiday instead

Bonus fact:

Both keep their old wedding rings and place them in envelopes with letters to their children which they will receive when they are old enough. Both agree that their new marriage doesn’t erase or diminish the old one and they keep including Grace and Emma’s father in the children’s lives.

I want to thank you for participating in my celebration, @just-a-harmless-patato and I hope you like this little headcanon.

If you want to join in, click here to find out everything you need to know!

~

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Tommy

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[notyour-valentine]

A better man ~ young!Tommy Shelby & Reader (Angst & Fluff)

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

Notes: This was requested and written for @cillmequick back when she was @alex-in-the-wilderness and she requested by DM.

Summary: In anger, a young Tommy repeats the rhetoric he has heard at home too many times and immediately regrets it - or: the day Tommy decided to break the cycle.

Warning: Sexism, insults, Implication of domestic abuse(18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 1604 words

“What about Harry?”, she asked, swinging her legs back and forth. 

At her feet, an array of tiny wood chips had begun to form from Tommy hacking away at a piece of wood with his pocket knife. 

“No.”, he said, bringing the blade down once more.

“Why not?”

“He’s an idiot.”

“Why is he an idiot?”

“Cause he is. Everyone knows that.”

She shrugged as she looked him up and down. He was tall, not too bad looking and almost seventeen, which meant he was practically a man. 

“I don’t know that.”

“Now you do.”, he snarled under his breath without looking at her, his long dark hair falling into his face. 

“You’re supposed to help me!”, she snapped angrily. 

That was the deal. She covered for him when he had stolen that medicine for Ada and in return he had given her a favour - any favour.

And what better day to call it in than fair day?

After all, she was already fifteen and still unkissed. If it went on, she’d be an old hag before long and she couldn’t have that. Everyone knew that the older women got the less likely they were to find a fella'. That they'd turn into spinsters and that would mean she could never leave home. She’d be stuck there forever.

Her skin crawled at the thought.

“And helping you is letting you kiss an idiot? Never kiss a fool - everyone knows that. You’ll end up with all sorts of problems.”

He drove the knife in deep, loosening a rather thick chip. 

She huffed and leaned back.

“Your sister says all men are fools.”

“Then never kiss a man.”, he hissed, as if it was the most natural reaction in the world. 

“So much for helping.”, she mumbled, unable to stop herself from rolling her eyes. 

Tommy snorted like a horse about to kick off. 

“Alright, so not Harry. Not Georgie. Not John Clark, not the other John. Not Jack, not Billy Cooper. Not Freddie.”

For each of those he had a reason why kissing them would be a bad idea. 

“What about him?”, she asked, pointing at yet another of his brother’s friends, a blond, not as tall as Harry, called Bertie. “He’d do.”

“Nah,”, Tommy said. “He has warts. Arthur said he caught them from snogging some tavern wench down in greet.”

Her head snapped around, her mouth dropped open. 

When he felt her gaze, he looked up.

“What?”, he demanded to know.

“You said that about Billy.”, she said through clenched teeth, as a suspicion spread inside the bit of her stomach. 

“They both did!”, Tommy said. “He said!”

She kicked him in the shin, making him drop both knife and wood. 

“Are you mad, woman?”, he snarled under his breath, rubbing the sore spot.

“You are a wretched liar, Thomas Shelby!”, she accused, jumping up and pointing at him. “Just now you told me that Jack was the one with warts and Billy was the one with rotten teeth!”

Tommy turned pale, then bright red as his jaw muscles clenched. 

“You were supposed to help me!”, she accused, his betrayal making her itch all over. 

He was the only person she could share her plans with, the only one she could admit her fears of becoming stuck, the only one she could trust to help her find someone decent. Or at least decent enough.

“That was the deal!”

“Yeah well what if I don’t want to?”, he snapped, anger burning in his summer sky blue eyes as he build himself up to his full height. 

“You promised me! You promised me a favour- any favour!”

How could he go back on his promise? His promise to her?

It made her eyes burn with tears. 

“That was before I knew you wanted me to find you a boy to kiss! Are you mad?”

I’m mad at you. 

His knife and half finished wooden carving laid long forgotten, as his hands coiled into fists at his side. 

“That’s not what proper girls should be doing anyways. Going around fairs wanting to kiss random boys. It’s disgusting!”

Her lip began to tremble but she bit down before he could see. 

“You can’t talk to me like that!”

“I’ll talk to whomever just the way I want to!”, he snapped back. “Even thinking like that should earn you a beating to set you straight!”

She shoved him.

She shoved him hard. 

It caught him off guard too and sent him crashing to the floor. 

Standing over him she felt her chest rise and fall. 

“You know what I just realised?”, she spat, “I don’t need your help - I’ll find someone on my own. In fact I don’t think I’d even want your help. Ever!”

She spun on her heels and ran as fast as her legs could take her, through the crowd, passed singers, dancers, drinkers, past them all, nearly knocking Arthur’s beer out of his hand, but by the time he called out “Oi, careful!”, she was out of his reach already. 

She ran until she grew breathless, without any sense of direction, of purpose, trying to outrun that burning inside her. 

It was like a flame licking at her stomach, at her throat, under her skin, trying but failing to break through and since she kept it all inside, it threatened to make her combust. 

She’d show Tommy, she vowed to herself. She’d show him. She would go out there and kiss every single boy just to show him. She'd find someone, anyone, and he'd get her out. She'd get out thanks to him., not Tommy, since he clearly didn't want to help her.

His words rang in her ears until she wanted to tear them off.

Instead she clutched the fabric of her dress with trembling hands.

When she felt h a hand on her shoulder she spun, ready for anything but not him.

“Go away!”, she spat.

“I’m sorry!”

“I said go away!”

She tore at her wrist with all her might but he didn’t let go. On the contrary. 

“I’m sorry!”, he said again.

“I don’t care!”

By now she was tearing at her wrist with both hands, which only made him grab the other too for good measure. 

“Listen, -”, Tommy began but she didn’t even let him finish

“No!”, she snapped. “Leave me alone, Tom!”

“I’m sorry. Just listen, please!”

She shook her head, forcing her eyes shut as she tried and failed again to get herself free of his grip. 

“I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to see you. I want you to go!”

Tommy sighed, the way only Tommy could sigh. It was strange to hear such an old sound coming from someone so young. 

He planted his feet on the ground and glanced up at her with a mixture of patience and slight annoyance.She had seen that look. He wore it when either a horse acted up and it only made her angrier. 

But her tugging had lead her nowhere. And her screaming hadn’t helped either. 

“Why would you even be here?”, she demanded to know, getting right up in his face, knowing he never liked that. But this time he didn’t turn away. 

“Why, huh? Why would you come after someone you don’t like? Why would you even touch someone you think is disgusting? Or have you come to give me my beating, Tom? Is that it? You gonna set me straight? Huh?”

Set her straight like a father would.

He flinched at her words, but didn’t release her. Instead he just stared at her, no matter what she said.  

“You done?”

“Done with you!”, she hissed, seriously considering kicking him again. He deserved it. And this time she could aim for his knees.

He had mistaken her period of consideration as a sign she was calming down. 

“I’m sorry.”, he said again.

“I don’t care.”, she snarled. “I don’t care about what you say. Or what you do. Not anymore. I don't ever want to see you again!”

She had thought seeing the hurt in his eyes would make her feel better, but it didn’t. It only made her feel bad. 

“You don’t mean that.”, Tommy whispered, before dropping his gaze, but not his grip on her hands. 

“I know what I said wasn’t right.”, he admitted. “I said ‘cause I was angry with you, not ‘cause I meant it.”

“You still said it!”

“And I’m sorry.”

“I don’t believe you.”, she mumbled. She knew better to believe things like that. So should he. 

“You have to!”, Tommy insisted, almost in shock. 

He was making her angry again, but he kept talking before she could argue.

“Because it’s me. I’m telling you. And I never lie to you.”

She shot him a dark glare, and he quickly took a step back.

“Not about things that are important.”

A part of her, a large part, wanted to keep her anger. It protected her, kept her on guard and away from hurt or at least made it less likely. The trouble was that she wanted to believe him. Badly. 

Because it was Tommy. And if she couldn't believe him anymore, she'd have no one left.

When she neither said nor did anything, Tommy released one hand (not the other) and reached out to cup her cheek. 

“I’m sorry.”, he said again. “I didn’t mean it. You know I didn’t mean it. I’d never mean something like that. You know I wouldn’t.”

She forced her eyes shut and clenched her hands into fists, all the while knowing he would notice even if she wanted to keep the storm inside her. 

“I’m sorry.”, he said again, and again and again, his hand finding the back of her head and bringing her in until her face was in the crook of his neck. 

He held her until she felt her inner storm ebb off, leaving just the exhaustion and deversation after, until she held him back. And he didn’t let go for a long while after, whispering apologies and promises all over again. 

And with anyone else, she wouldn’t have believed them. 

End.

Thank you so much for requesting Alex, @cillmequick and participating in my celebration - I hope you liked what I wrote, even if it was a lot darker than the line might suggest.

Thank you everyone for reading and as always, I hope you enjoyed and would love to hear your thoughts!

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Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly @babayaga67 @signorellisantichrist @lespendy @geeksareunique @look-at-the-soul

[notyour-valentine]

Any headcanons about older Emma and Charlie? 🌷

🍷Join me for a Drink 🍷 - TBITW: Grown Emma and Charlie

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

This was written as part of my Series The Boy in the Window and contains spoilers

Warning: WWII, Bombings, Injuries, mention of death and violence, medical treatments, sexism, mental health problems (18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 1333

Tommy wants his children to go to the best possible school, which are mostly boarding schools, but can’t bring himself to send his children away. It is tricky to find a school, which takes both boys and girls but he won’t have them separated. 

In the end, they find a school which not only has both boys and girls from the age of sixteen, but also a looser boarding system, allowing them to come home on the weekend. 

For the first weeks, both parents are living in a rented house barely fifteen minutes away from the school in case the children need their help or want to go home. 

Especially Charlie is homesick at first, but he has Emma and knows he can go home every weekend, which makes the transition easier. 

At school, Emma excels at writing and speaking, at debating, mathematics and dramatic arts, while Charlie is excellent in biology, physics, chemistry, philosophy, literature and, like Emma, mathematics. He also starts to take an interest in drawing and poetry. 

She becomes an excellent equestrian, so good that if she were a man, she could have made the Olympic Team by a country mile. She isn’t though, and there are some things even Tommy can’t change, even if it makes his skin itch with anger. 

She is also an absolute heartbreaker, truly. But thankfully for Tommy’s nerves, she is never half as interested in a boy as she is in her horses, at least not until she is in her mid-twenties and falls head over heels

In my mind, independent of this story or any other Charlie becomes a doctor. He doesn’t seem to be all too like his father and I would love to see him pursue a more caring profession. It would also align with the charity work of the Shelby Family Foundation and while during WWII he would see more than his fair share of war, it would be vastly different from Tommy’s. 

By the time war breaks out, he would still be studying. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he would not be sent to France but stay in Birmingham and quickly rise through the ranks. He has nerves of steele and steady hands and is soon in the operating chamber day and night to save the lives of the people of Birmingham that are caught in the bombings

He comes of age during that time, not just legally, but emotionally. He sees things just as bad if not worse than his father has seen in France, has decisions to make that are tricker than his fathers, different, yes, but no less easy. Practise makes perfect and soon he has the duties of doctors far his senior. He has the talent, the cool head and the dedication

During that time, he falls in love with a nurse. She is just as tough as she is and not at all content with keeping her mouth shut. She knows exactly what she is doing and is not shy to stand her ground, against anyone, no matter how rich or powerful or threatening. 

He falls for her when they are in a bomb shelter and she is helping a woman deliver a child - it is the one time Doctor Shelby is close to losing his cool - an operation is one thing, but an unmedicated childbirth in the middle of an airstrike is a whole other thing, but she has nerves of steel and takes charge. 

Within weeks she becomes his closest companion and ally. They pull each other through the war, after which they get engaged, however it would be years before they get married. She goes off and studies medicine in her own right first, and is one of the first women in England to keep her maiden name as a professional name since it would be very confusing to have two “Dr Shelby”s working at the “Shelby Family Hospital”. 

The war causes Tommy’s mental health to turn for the worse; he blames himself for everything that happens, every death, every injury, every ruined building in the city. He has plans of course, for evacuation, for rebuilding, but he doesn’t have the strength to carry them out. Guilt, fear and PTSD renders him incapable of most things, even of engaging with the general public - of being the Tommy Shelby the world, and especially the city knows and respects. 

In this time, it is (Y/N) that holds him together, if so barely. She is the one behind the scenes, caring for him, caring for others, managing his housing project, that turned into a refugee project, but behind the scenes work is not good enough in a situation like this. 

So Emma steps up. 

And how she steps up! Having always been a charismatic, charming girl, she had grown into a confident young woman, adopting a signature red lipstick and matching red ribbon in her hair to keep it out of her face. It looks strange at first, but before long it is the single most recognisable style in the city. 

Many people are sceptical about leaving their city homes for refuge in the country, but the Shelby name, the Peaky Blinder’s reach, Ada Thorne MP’s influence and Emma’s charm is enough to convince most, even if it means she has to go knocking from door to door. 

It isn’t known how many lives they saved, but when the bombs fall on all industrial cities, a large part of Birmingham is already empty, having relocated to all those country mansions Tommy had bought up earlier. 

Those are managed by (Y/N), while Emma becomes pivotal for moral and communication in the city. The Major, the MP, the Home Secretary and the War Minister, they are all well and good, but Miss Emma’s word is more often than not the deciding factor.  This irks some of the old guard in the ministeries and when they send a young officer from an old family, to investigate, and to ensure that everything runs in the proper order of things while removing “that girl” without any official position from influence. The visit goes as bad as possible, and he makes an utter fool of himself, and has to eat his words within an hour of meeting her. Birmingham is a Shelby city, and he quickly learns that Emma’s word holds much more sway than any official piece of paper. 

It is only incidental that he requests leave for a follow up and quickly puts in a recommendation to grant more power and presence to community leaders instead of solely to military officials in this city and others. 

When he asked Emma if she would go dancing with him, she said she would only go if he could beat her in a horse race. In the end, after the war was done, she beat him at an embarrassing scale, and he lost his chance to take her dancing. So she took him instead. 

The war turns Tommy into an old man. There is no other way to put it, and even after it is finally over, recovery is slow, but still he doesn’t want to let go of the reigns of the company completely. 

Charlie was practically running the foundation and the take over was only a formality. He would expand the medical care for impoverished families, healthcare, medical research etc. 

And Emma’s charm, people skills and general knowledge are decisive in shaping the company in a post WWII world. They mainly take on the task of rebuilding infrastructure, mainly housing, in the big cities. Before long, he realises that Emma has what it takes to lead the company with Ada. While he never leaves an advisory position, he keeps handing her more and more control. This happens due to his age, his trust in both of them, his acceptance that the world is changing too fast for even him to keep up and the arrival of his grandchildren, who keep him more than busy enough.

End

I want to thank you for participating in my celebration and for expanding on this. I hope you like this little headcanon.

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Tommy

@knowledgefulbutterfly @babayaga67 @signorellisantichrist @lespendy @geeksareunique @look-at-the-soul @lothbrokcore @rangerelik

[notyour-valentine]

Could you write a headcanon for Charlie FINALLY calling Y/N Mommy for TBITW thank you!

🍷Join me for a Drink 🍷 - TBITW: Calling them Mummy/Daddy

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

This was written as part of my Series The Boy in the Window and contains spoilers

Charlie calling the TBITW Reader Mummy + Emma calling Tommy Dad/Daddy from this ask

It starts one Sunday family breakfast- with Tommy back to work, he can't always stay behind that long but they always have breakfasts together on the weekends, when Charlie calls (Y/N) "Dearest."

It raises a few eyebrows but neither parent thinks much of it, but then he says it again and again until he calls her nothing but. They think it's a bit strange as it's not something they usually say, but Charlie seems rather keen. (Y/N) is "Dearest" now. 

It's Ada who figures it out and slaps a copy of Little Lord Fountleroy on Tommy's office desk. In it, little Cedric doesn't call his mother Mommy or Mama, but "Dearest" instead. 

It takes Tommy a few days to work up the courage to ask his son during one of their weekly horse rides, with Emma racing ahead. Charlie finally confessed that he didn't want to make Emma upset by calling her Mummy "Mummy" too- and that he was a bit scared that (Y/N) would say no if he asked her.

Tommy assures him that she would never say no and that he doesn't think Emma would mind. He himself thought he would mind, and a year ago he would have been livid at the thought of Charlie calling someone else that but since then, he had learned the difference between a Mother and a Mum, a Father and a Dad. Charlie having someone to call Mummy wouldn't diminish Grace. Besides it wouldn't really change anything, would it? 

He goes with Charlie as moral support to ask Emma, who listens patiently as Charlie makes his whole little speech (including an unplanned promise that he'd always and forever give her half of his dessert which hadn't been previously discussed with Tommy)

But Emma said she didn't mind. 

He says it for the first time two weeks later, during bedtime, after the goodnight kisses in the faintest of voices: "Goodnight, Mummy?"

The response of a simple "Good night, my darling!" Made him beam so brightly he could have lit up the night sky. Unfortunately, it also made him far too excited to go to sleep again and after half an hour, he climbed out of bed again. In the end, he wore his parents down and got to sleep in the big bed, and is the happiest boy in the whole wide world when he can say "Good morning, Mummy!" come morning.

~

It's different with Emma. Tommy caught her giggling after a meeting with Polly went wrong, imitating the way she had spat "Thomas!", at him, until he felt his face heat up

Then she asked him why he was called so many things. Her Mummy called him "Love" or "Darling", Charlie called him "Dad", Uncle Arthur and Auntie Ada called him "Tom", everyone called him "Tommy" and today Polly called him "Thomas."

He reminds her that there is no difference, really, between Thomas, Tommy and Tom as they are all nicknames. It would be like Emma, Emmy and Em with her. 

She doesn't like Em, insisting she's too big to be called just Em. And she doesn't look like one either. 

When she asks him what he would want Emma to call him, Tommy says whatever she wants.

"You look like a Tommy.", she announced, but on her way out, she took the measure of him. 

"But I think I like Dad now."

With that she turned and ran before Tommy could even have the chance to comprehend, let alone react. 

He has to take his glasses off so that they won't fog. 

A few weeks later, at a family function after hearing her call him Dad, Linda reminds Emma with the widest smile that Tommy is not in fact her father 

"So?", was all the response she got from an irritated Emma.

While Tommy only overheard it, he made sure the next part was heard by all, after purposefully moving to the other side of the room before calling out over everyone. 

"Emmy, come here- Dad's got to show you something."

Bonus headcanon:

Emma switches from "Mummy" to Mum when she's about ten (apart from special occasions or incredibly emotionally distressing situations), but Charlie never switches. 

Thank you so much for participating in my celebration - I hope you like it.

If you want to join in, click here to find out everything you need to know!

~

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Tommy

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[notyour-valentine]

Hello! Could you please write a blurb with Thomas Shelby and with this line: “To speak and to speak well are two different things”???

Well Spoken ~Tommy Shelby x Reader (Fluff)

[Celebration] [Celebration Masterlist] [Masterlist]

(18/21+). I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other.

Words: 1238 words

She could see him pacing up and down the corridor, notes in hand, his rounded glasses perched atop his nose as he muttered the words under his breath. 

It was a funny sight, and one she had been enjoying for quite a while now. 

Once he would be out there and trace of shaking hands and nose pinching would be gone, replaced by cold professionalism. 

Oh poor Mr Shelby, she thought with the hint of a smile. 

She knew she should have walked off and gone home long ago, but she couldn't stop watching. There was something truly intriguing about the way he prepared, the way he practised. His insecurity showed not just vulnerability but dedication, both things she didn't see too often in these halls. 

Perhaps that was why she averted her gaze from the door and instead chose to approach him. 

Or maybe it was that special aura he had. Many people here claimed greatness, either directly or indirectly, but he had achieved his own success with his own hands. And yet he didn't wear his wealth or acclaim like a crown. 

He still walked like a man going to work and not a Princeling headed for court, even in the Palace of Westminster. 

It didn't surprise her that he heard her coming. 

By the time he turned he had gathered his papers to his chest and moved to the side to let her through, but when she stopped beside him, he raised his eyebrow in a silent question. 

"I was wondering if you needed help, Mr Shelby."

She offered him a smile as she nodded towards his speech. 

A frown washed over his face as he studied her. 

"Who are you?", He wanted to know. There was a sharpness to his voice, impatience bordering on rudeness. 

For a moment, it made her reconsider her offer, but she introduced herself all the same. 

"And it is my job to record the speeches in parliament and write them out for the archives. So I am an expert on them, I suppose."

He hummed, as if not quite sure what to make of her yet. 

"If anyone knows what works and what doesn't, what sounds good and what doesn't, that would be me."

Mr Shelby huffed. 

"It's not about how it sounds. It's about the policy."

His sentiment made her smile. In a way, it was strange to find a man of his age and standing adorable, but he was. At least if he believed his words. 

"You're not a natural orator, are you?", She wanted to know. 

He sounded almost insulted. 

"I have speeches before,", he mumbled, "during the campaign."

She smiled once more. 

"And you did it in your own city, where your family employs half the citizens, either directly or indirectly, with your name on half the schools, hospitals and more?"

He cleared his throat and glanced down, almost boyish. 

"To speak and to speak well are two different things that rely on so many factors. Including the audience. I could help you, if you want."

Mr Shelby weighed his options for a moment. 

"Fine then.", He grumbled as if he was doing her a favour and not the other way around. 

Then he gestured to the entrance to his office. As he let her go first, his hand found the small of her back. 

His office was a lot simpler than most she had seen in her time, and he was kind enough to offer her a chair as he sat down behind his desk before inviting her to speak. 

Instead she asked for his script. 

He handed it to her and watched with sharp, unmissing eyes as she read. 

"And?", He asked not without a hint of impatience. 

"It is very thorough.", She admitted. 

A soft sigh of relief escaped his lips and she could see tension disappear from his shoulders. 

"I wanted it to be airtight.", He admitted, "an airtight proposal."

"That wasn't a compliment."

His pale blue eyes widened. 

"No?"

"No."

For a moment their gazes locked in a statedown, his born from confusion, hers from curiosity. 

Never could anything tell her more about a person than their reaction to rejection. 

Finally, she decided to show him some mercy and handed his speech back. 

"You are not presenting a business plan."

"But that is exactly what I'm doing.", He argued, before going into his profitable housing scheme would be in the long run. 

She raised her hand and silenced him. 

"That speech you are giving is not supposed to be an explanation, it is supposed to be an advertisement."

He leaned back and folded his hands in front of him, tilting his head to listen, soaking in her every word. 

"Your goal is not to inform, it is to convince and for that you don't need facts. You need to connect with people inside the house and the outside. To stir emotion."

He didn't give her the grace of a reaction, not yet. 

So she slid the papers over. 

"You are a salesman, Sir. So sell me your proposal."

She ended her challenge with a smile as she leaned back in her chair, mirroring him. 

His eyes took her in from head to toe, weighing her worth, and then he cleared his throat and leaned forward. 

"It is about better housing for factory workers, and judging by your pearl earrings and the clasp on your shoes it is not exactly your field of interest. I'd have a hard time selling that to you."

A capitulation so soon? 

A small part of her was disappointed. She had hoped for more. 

But where he was ready to fold, she stabbed once more. 

"It seems you are a very keen observer, but not a very good salesman. Try again.", She demanded. 

After all, most people that would vote on this bill didn't have a natural disposition to care about this issue. 

"I'm sorry?"

"Try again.", She asked, before deciding to throw him a bone. "Find something that would make me emotionally attached to housing for factory workers."

He gestured around vaguely, searching for something- anything. And his choice was just as vague. 

"You're a good person?"

It made her laugh under her breath. 

"What if I wasn't?"

Not that you could tell by now. 

"You care about your fellow citizens. Your fellow countrymen."

Better, she thought, still not good enough. 

"Not enough to spend thousands of pounds. Why would I? I never met a factory worker in my life."

His jaw muscles twitched slightly, but he kept his calm. 

"The current housing situation in industrial cities is a breeding ground for disease."

Ooh- we are getting somewhere. 

She was starting to feel that tingling thrill that only came from powerful speeches, from words said and meant, from purpose and passion. 

So close. 

"I don't live there, so it doesn't affect me."

"It affects them and their children."

"Now I know about the problem, but I can't see it. You need to create an image in the head of your audience if you really want them to remember you."

Mr Shelby huffed. 

"You're sharp.", he acknowledged. 

"Maybe so.", She argued with a shrug. "But no one in this house comes to the Chamber without a sharpened tongue or a hidden dagger."

His pale lips curled into something that could have been mistaken for a smile. 

"How much do they pay you to type out speeches?"

End

Thank you so much for requesting and for participating in my celebration - I hope you liked it! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts

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Tommy

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