#Arthur Shelby fan fic

[shelbyssins]

White Tulip ~ Arthur Shelby x F!Reader

A/N: This is rated 18+ for mature themes. This is my contribution to @runnning-outof-time's 3K follower celebration "Tales From the Flower Garden". The prompt I chose was “I don't mind what you have to do… I won't think less of you”. I'm so happy with how this turned out and I'm excited for you all to read my first Arthur story! He's my baby and I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts. This takes place somewhere in S3 in the countryside. As always, if you read this, please let me know what you think! - Rosie x

Warnings: Mature themes, hurt/comfort

Arthur sat in his and Y/n's garden, an isolated meadow that stretched into farmland just beyond their fence. He was surrounded by wild flowers of seemingly every colour and variety, the stems bending in the breeze, petals stroking his hands where they lay at the sides of his legs. The night was warm, not even a hint of a chill in the air, and the sky was inky blue despite the late hour. There was no pollution in the countryside, unlike the ever present fog in Birmingham, so the moon shone bright pale light onto Arthur's face and reflected into the pond just beyond their willow tree.

Arthur looked at the bottle of whiskey he had brought onto the grass with him, the cork still intact and the liquor still untasted. His mind wandered back to a promise he'd made to his beautiful Y/n that he would quit the alcohol, quit every one of his vices if it meant he could be with her for longer. His hands caressed a patch of grass as he recalled what had happened after that conversation, how the smell of wild flowers clung to Y/n's skin as he laid her down in the meadow and left kisses all over her body, how beautiful she looked as they made love under the spring sun.

He heard the soft beat of footsteps against the grass and lifted his heavy head to gaze at his love. Y/n was wearing nothing but a silken nightgown, her legs and feet both bare as she sat down next to Arthur. Her hair, which was usually pinned up in intricate styles, hung loosely over her shoulders, some strands dancing in the warm breeze. Arthur thought for a terrible moment that he might cry at the sight of her, his beautiful angel under the pale moon.

He reached for her instantly, as if she was the only thing keeping him from floating away. Y/n felt his hands shaking despite the summer warmth as she carded her fingers through his un-styled hair. She watched with sad eyes as the lines on his face that she loved to trace with her delicate fingers deepened when he squeezed his eyes shut, trying fruitlessly to hide his tears from her.

Y/n smiled softly, cupping his cheek as she whispered to him, "Stop that, you know you don't have to hide your emotions from me, Arthur."

Arthur recalled, then, how difficult it was when he and Y/n first started to go out, how hard Y/n had tried to train Arthur out of the bad habits he learned from Tommy. Only recently had he started to open the door on his past traumas so that Y/n could get in; at the start of their relationship he refused her comfort. Once, he'd even thrown a glass at Y/n when her gentle hands were too overwhelming and he'd never forgiven himself, even though she had forgiven him a thousand times. The memory brought the shame right back to him, acidic guilt rising up his throat.

Arthur looked to the skies for falling stars, so that maybe all of the bad thoughts and poisonous memories could be carried away with his one desperate wish.

Arthur could feel himself properly going over board for the first time since he and Y/n had moved away from Birmingham. The weight in his mind was pushing him deeper and deeper under the relentless waves of anger and worthlessness, so heavy that he was terrified he'd pull Y/n under with him.

"What's wrong, my love?" Y/n asked gently, she could see all of Arthur's emotions flashing through his eyes like a picture book, she knew his silence never meant good things.

"Tommy," He whispered back, as if afraid that mentioning his name would somehow summon his brother.

"What about him, darling?" Y/n replied, the pet names rolling easily off her tongue as she knew Arthur loved to be loved, that he needed reminding at all times she was still his.

"He asked for me... To go back to Birmingham. Needs help with business, but you and I both know what he really wants from me," Arthur clenched his fists in the grass to articulate his point, the pale scars littering his knuckles glowing silvery in the moonlight.

"I know he'll put me straight back in the field, in the ring where I know he needs me," Arthur continues, that unmistakable waver in his voice when he was trying not to break down, "I know I'll kill whatever new enemy he's made if that's what he wants me to do,"

Y/n brushed her thumb over the back one of Arthur's battle-marred hands, trying to quell the pounding of her heart. She knew about his past and accepted all that came with it, but that didn't change how unpleasant it was to imagine her husband condemning a man to his death.

"I can try to pretend it's not who I am but... Y/n, me 'ead stops hurtin' when me fists start bleedin'," Arthur said, a fresh wave of unshed tears welling up in his eyes, "If Tommy asks me to fight, I won't let 'em get up from the count,"

Y/n scrunched her eyes closed, squeezing Arthur's hand to somehow let him know she understood.

"You could tell him you're not going back," She whispered, already knowing what his answer would be, Shelbys and their loyalty weren't to be questioned.

"You and I both know I won't do that, Y/n," Arthur replied, his clenched hands ripping the grass out at the roots.

Arthur dug his damp palms into his eyes as his tears finally spilled over, "I - I can feel hell fire blazing at my feet, Y/n, and the closer I get to going back to the Blinders, the more me mind burns up," He sobbed, roughly hitting himself in the temples to emphasise his words. Y/n laced her fingers through Arthur's own large, calloused ones in an attempt to stop him from hurting himself. The terrified rage in his eyes seemed to drain as he softly gripped Y/n's hand in his, "I love you, Y/n. I can't let you burn with me,"

Y/n smiled softly despite Arthur's panicked spiel. She picked a flower from the beautiful plant bed she had sown herself one day when Arthur was out. She tucked it into the breast pocket of his thin linen shirt, a white tulip to symbolise her anticipatory forgiveness.

"Oh, Arthur, I don't mind what you have to do… I won't think less of you," She whispered, as if afraid that speaking any louder would make him run.

Y/n pressed a soft kiss to Arthur's temple, reddened where he had abused the skin earlier, and she took his war-toughened face into her small hands, holding him so gently it was as if she was cradling the whole world in her grasp.

"I love you so much," She began, shushing Arthur softly when he tried to interject, "You don't have to understand why I love you, you just have to accept it. If your choice is to do whatever Tommy is asking of you, I'll still love you when it's done. I chose this life with you long before you turned your back on who you were in Birmingham. I fell in love with you when you were still proud to be a Peaky Blinder, you can't scare me off with talk of hell now, my love," She resumed carding her fingers through Arthur's soft hair, his eyes had closed somewhere during her speech and his breathing was so even and calm she might have thought him asleep.

Arthur opened his eyes again when Y/n's fingers stilled and she was once again struck at the love she saw in his eyes, so pure and unfiltered that it was almost too much for her to bear.

"And besides," Y/n spoke again, "Surely if I'm journeying into death with you, I couldn't possibly be anywhere else but heaven,"

Arthur's tears spilled freely then, down his cheeks in paths that glinted like the first spark in a flame.

"Just promise me you'll let me be around to patch you up, even if you're not physically hurt," Y/n whispered as Arthur nodded, unable to speak around the lump in his throat.

He laid his head down in Y/n's lap, the skirt of her night gown cool on his hot skin, "Let's stay out 'ere for a while," Arthur rasped after a moment of silence, pouting his lips slightly to ask for a kiss.

He tried to pour all of the love he had in his body for Y/n into the soft touching of their lips; he knew there were no words that have ever or will ever exist to describe his feelings for her. They stayed like that, gently laid in the blooms as they kissed, until Arthur felt the crushing weight in his head disappear. When they eventually pulled apart, Y/n graced him with her brilliant smile and wiped away a stray tear he didn't know he'd shed with her thumb.

Arthur gazed back up at the dark sky, the thousands of stars that glittered there just for them couldn't ever compare to the light Y/n brought to his life. Even in a garden of beautiful flowers, Arthur thought Y/n was still the most radiant being by a mile.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders fanfic #arthur shelby #peaky blinders fic rec #peaky blinders x reader #arthur shelby x reader #arthur shelby x y/n #Arthur Shelby fluff #Arthur Shelby angst #Arthur Shelby fan fic #Arthur Shelby fic rec #Tommy Shelby

[peakyblindas]

Chapter 24 preview!

She remembered the white horse Mrs. Shelby had bought Tommy, back when Tommy used to whisper to the mares by the docks and would fall asleep in the hay with the foals. He loved that pony, named it King, and rode it everywhere.  

King, for what it was worth was a lovely thing, was more like a dog than a stallion, Fawn would braid his tail for him and he’d stay as still as a statue.

When Tommy went off to war, King stayed behind, Curly tended to him, But he passed before the peace.

Fawn remembered writing the letter to inform Tommy, King knew the time to die, On the anniversary of Mrs. Shelby herself being found in the canal.  

A part of Tommy died with that horse, Fawn knew it then as true as she knew it now.

Maybe Mrs. Shelby was riding him through heaven, through lush meadows, just waiting for Tommy to arrive.

If Tommy wasn’t careful with Billy Kimber, they’d be meeting him sooner than expected.

Tagging @evita-shelby​ @zablife​

#OC: Fawn O'Hart #peaky blinders fan fic #Tommy Shelby #Arthur Shelby

[thosepeakyboysimagines]

Hello my Peaky babes!

New fan fix blog here! Give me a follow and send some ideas to get this party going! Thank ya!

I will pretty much write any type of fic you want!

CREDITS TO GIF OWNER! GOT OFF OF GOOGLE SO I DIDNT SEE WHO MADE IT!!!

#Tommy Shelby #Arthur Shelby #Finn Shelby #John Shelby #ada shelby #peaky blinders #peaky fucking blinders #imagines #fan fic #smut

[cillianscrybaby]

Everything is for sale...There is always a price

(A part 2 of a Peaky Blinders fic I've started. If you're a fan of the show you know the themes and violence so that's your WARNING.)

Things changed a bit after Tommy put you to work directly in his home, keeping you more so around his office and bedroom to make sure things are tidy. Barely anyone looked at you and it was rare anyone but Tommy spoke, he had seemed to have gotten used to reading your expressions or gestures so you didn't have to bother with attempting to speak.

Tommy was a mix of both, quiet a lot in his own mind but stern with others along with yelling at times he was angry. You've been observing him as much as he's observed you, a silent agreement that he's never raised his voice or struck you and you listen and keep things tidy. You assumed there was a rule that no one touches you after you knifed one of his men two months ago.

Things might seem good but you didn't forget who's house you're in. Tommy Shelby. Peaky fucking Blinders.

"You keep her around for a fuck now and then, Tom?", Arthur asks, laughing a bit as he downed a glass of whiskey.

"No. No, she keeps the place tidy.", Tommy sighs.

"At least she don't talk or make much noise. Probably fun to have without all the bullshit chatter.", Arthur adds in, refilling his glass.

"She can talk.", Tommy says bluntly.

Author sends a sideways glance, "Oh?"

Tommy nods, content.

Clicking the door open as quietly as you could, you paused slightly at the sight of Tommy and Arthur sitting around Tommy's desk. It wasn't allowed for you to clean when there were meetings and honestly you didn't care for any of the business as long as you knew enough to keep yourself alive.

Tommy waved his fingers at you, signaling it was okay and you gave a small nod, making yourself busy to gather empty glasses that needed washed.

It was silent, only the sounds of them drinking, your steps, and if their eyes watching you could make noise you were sure you could have heard it. Tommy picks up his glass, downing a big gulp of gin before placing it on the table.

"That'll be enough staring, Arthur.", Tommy clears his throat, you didn't even look up as you take the glasses away.

"What's your name?", Arthur asks, your eyes flicking up to him and then Tommy before looking at the glasses you had gathered on the tray.

Tommy drums his fingers on the desk, a light smile on his lips that he hid, it was bold of you to not reply, especially to a Peaky Blinder, although he knew you could handle yourself after you knifed a man for touching you.

Arthur sighs, rubbing his face, as much as the silence was interesting it unnerved him too, not used to a woman not answering him.

"Y/N...", Tommy rasps, "Her name is Y/N."

Again, a sideways glance from Athur, amused that Tommy knows that, "She told you?"

Tommy raises his eyebrows, shaking his head no. Your back was turned to them, tidying up another table in the corner, your own hidden smile on your lips that begins to fade as Tommy contuines speaking.

"I asked her father. I paid him a visit to ask a few questions and her name was one of those questions.", he speaks like you aren't in the room and maybe it bothers you, "Another question was why did he beat her voice out of her."

Maybe you picked up the tray a little too hard, a glass falling over and clinking against another but thankfully it didn't break. You could feel their eyes on you as you were making your way out of the office without being dismissed, again, a bold action but one Tommy let you do. You remember the bruising on Tommy's knuckles after he had been out one day not long after you had started work in his home, he must have went to see your father, you know that now.

Blinking back tears, it ashamed you of what you've dealt with but every day you've tried to convince yourself it made you stronger. How many women would knife a man, right? As your shoes clicked the hardwood floors, taking the tray to the kitchens, a man in a suit almost bumps you as he's wandering the house.

"Excuse me?", he looks down at you, eyes scanning to see that you're a servant. He's not a Peaky Blinder, the hair is all wrong, you can tell, but he wears a fine suit. No doubt someone in business with Tommy.

"I'm looking for Tommy Shelby.", he tells you, his accent thick.

You point him towards the office, walking away.

Alfie Solomons walks himself into Tommy's office, opening the door with the confidence of seeing an old friend and an old enemy that things are familiar with, "Tommy, my boy, you've got nothing but rude staff.", he tuts.

Arthur snickers to himself, getting up to get a fresh glass, "You've met the new staff."

Alfie shifts on his feet before walking himself to sit down where Arthur had been, "I asked a simple question an all she did was point. Didn't even offer a drink."

"You asked a simple question. You get a simple answer.", Tommy shrugs, steepling his fingers.

"Let's just get this fucking meeting over with.", Arthur grunts.

"No. Absolutely not.", Tommy tells him.

Arthur was silent.

Alfie staring back.

"Not for sale. I've made that clear. She's not part of the deal.", Tommy doesn't like repeating himself.

"Everything's for sale. Everything has a price. Isn't that what you always say?", Alfie asks.

(I'm sorry this was so long. I'm honestly surprised anyone read the first part. So, thank you all.)

#cillian murphy #modern thomas shelby #the delinquent season #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders #peaky fookin blinders #peaky blinders x y/n #bbc #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby #cillian murphy fanfic #alfie solomons

[nocompromise-noregrets]

Writers' Month 2023 Masterlist

Thank you as always to the mods of @writersmonth, one of my favourite events, to everyone who prompted me this year, and to everyone who kudos'd, commented, liked and reblogged!

1 blossom and on an island - An Outcrop of Rocks and Grass for @spiced-wine-fic - Rings of Power, Bronwyn and Arondir spot a potential settling place.

2. camping - and we will carry on - Hobbit, modern reincarnation AU, Bard takes the kids camping, in the hope that the place he found last time will help them recover from their loss.

3. festival - She's So Fine - Hobbit, modern heavy metal AU, Sigrid isn't quite sure what she's doing when she invites the rest of Thranduil's band back to their campsite, after Thranduil's dragged her da off into the darkness, especially because Thranduil's bass player is the most beautiful woman she's ever laid eyes on.

4. memories - Everything We Have Learned for @verecunda and @glorf1ndel - LotR/Hobbit, part of My Heart Is An Empty Vessel, Legolas and his father begin to talk about his mother at long last.

5. sun and poolside - Summer Sun - King Arthur (2004), one uncomfortably hot day, the people of the fortress take a trip north of the Wall.

6. surf - Ride the Waves for @antares0606 and @bae-owyn - LotR, part of A Little Piece of the Sea, Imrahil tells Legolas of a popular pastime among the young (and not-so-young) of Dol Amroth.

7. in the mountains - A Silver Ribbon and the Sea for @spiced-wine-fic - Rings of Power, Bronwyn on the journey to Pelargir.

8. fishing - One of Us - Fishermen's Friends, Morgan joins Jim on the boat one morning, and they figure out his place in the band.

9. warmth and home for the summer - Fresh Water for @spiced-wine-fic - Rings of Power, Bronwyn, Arondir and Theo investigate the island across the bay from Pelargir.

10. sandcastle and lifeguard AU - Unpredictable for @eowyn7023 - Hobbit, Sigrid meets a very nice lifeguard when Tilda gets into trouble swimming in the Long Lake.

11. sweat - Like A World Ending - Peaky Blinders, Arthur Shelby never came home from France, not in any of the ways that matter.

12. lemonade and band AU - Walk of Shame for @scary-grace - Hobbit, modern heavy metal AU, Bard hadn’t been looking forward to doing the walk of shame back to the campsite from Thranduil’s tour bus, but having company does take some of the edge off it - although given that the company is his eldest daughter, he isn’t entirely certain how to feel about it.

13. fan and cruise ship - A Fan for the Stage for @myeaglesong - Hobbit, modern heavy metal AU, Thranduil's band is booked on a metal cruise, and Bard and co are invited along.

14. bonfire - A Talisman for @redeemer46 - Hobbit, part of My Heart Is An Empty Vessel, Thranduil has never quite been able to understand why the people of Dale kept the Midsummer bonfire as part of their celebrations, after what happened to their old home.

15. blue and neighbourhood barbecue - Better Late Than Never for @antares0606 - Hobbit, part of the modern AU A Kiss In The Cold And Dark, at a street party for the coronation, Thranduil gets to know some of Bard's friends, and makes a decision.

16. energy - Ash and Dust for @piyo-13 - LotR, the twins are so tired of their endless quest for revenge, but they can't admit it to each other, and they can't stop.

17. at a wedding - Court Etiquette for @inthecrevicesofmycrispytoes - Hobbit, Thranduil is very bored at the wedding of Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo Baggins, but then he meets the new King of Dale, who has never been to one of these events before.

18. restaurant AU - Mr Underhill's Finest Seafood Specialities for CyanSoul on AO3 - LotR/Hobbit, Frodo is flustered to realise that famous food critic Thorin Oakenshield has booked a table at his Uncle Bilbo's seafood restaurant. Not nearly as flustered as his Uncle Bilbo, though, it turns out.

19. cloud, Passing Shadow - LotR, the twins take a moment to rest, after the end of the War of the Ring.

20. fireworks - A Rain of Coloured Stars for @myeaglesong - LotR, on the slopes of Mount Doom, Frodo has a brief, bright memory of home, before the Ring came into his life and changed it beyond repair.

21. hammock - Outwitted - LotR, the twins have a habit of hogging Glorfindel's hammock, but Glorfindel doesn't really mind all that much.

22. human/non-human AU - Rewilding for CyanSoul on AO3 - LotR, modern merpeople AU, Faramir, recovering from the loss of his brother and his father in the wake of Eye-Corp's failed attempt to ruin their seaside home with a giant golf course and marina, meets a strange woman swimming in the sea near his uncle's island home... (CyanSoul tells me this is the first mermaid!Éowyn fic on AO3! :D )

23. storm and in the woods - always played a part for @scary-grace and @spiced-wine-fic - Hobbit, modern reincarnation AU, Thranduil watches Bard's children exploring the ruins of his home, and marvels at how alike they are to their predecessors, how much he has missed them.

24. summer - Climbing Upwards for @spiced-wine-fic - Rings of Power, Bronwyn and Arondir, in their first full summer on the island, contemplate the future, and Arondir gives their new settlement a name.

25. relax and at a concert - floating high above for @eowyn7023 - Hobbit, modern heavy metal AU, Sigrid, at a really sensational rock show, takes a moment to drift off, thinking of how great her life is just now.

26. found - the tale as it is told for Anon (if you have an AO3 please let me know, I'd love to make this a gift to you!) - LotR, Imrahil tells Legolas how Dol Amroth was founded and named.

27. on the beach - a treaty of friendship and love for @verecunda - LotR, part of A Little Piece of the Sea, Legolas has a conversation with Imrahil's grandson Alphros, and another with Lothíriel, about Imrahil's sons' disdain for him.

28. bright and mythological AU - Restoration for CyanSoul on AO3 and Anon on here (if you have an AO3 please let me know, I'd love to make this a gift to you!) - LotR, modern merpeople AU, Faramir adjusts to having a mermaid for a - well, 'girlfriend' isn't the right word, and he's still not quite sure what is.

29. fireflies and at a cabin - Honey-Cakes and Mead for @sallysavestheday - LotR/Silmarillion, Glorfindel and Ecthelion, reunited, pass a quiet evening in Valinor.

30. happy and children - little sunshine for Anon (if you have an AO3 please let me know, I'd love to make this a gift to you!) - LotR/Hobbit, Thranduil and little Legolas encounter a deer and her fawn, and Thranduil learns that there is still happiness in his world, although his wife is gone.

31. fall and at a hotel - Another Night in Room 305 - Hobbit, modern AU, Bard has to go home at the end of his conference, but hopefully he and Thranduil will be able to stay in touch…

31 fics for 31 days, 38,483 words (phew!) - back next year!

Next from me: Innumerable Stars 2023, and a fic whose premise came to me in a dream. :D

#my writing #writersmonth2023 #lotr #lord of the rings fanfiction #the hobbit fanfiction #bard #thranduil #sigrid #tauriel #legolas #imrahil #fisherman's friends #king arthur (2004) #gawain #galahad #peaky blinders #arthur shelby #barduil #bard/thranduil #sigrid/tauriel #faramir/éowyn #faramir #éowyn #legolas/imrahil #bronwyn/arondir #arondir #bronwyn #rings of power fanfiction #frodo #sam

[emotionalcadaver]

Part 13: Dance of Darkness

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Grace Burgess x OC

Summary: Disaster leads to an explosive confrontation between Lucy and one of the Shelbys.

Word Count: 3,568

Notes: Warnings for depictions of slut shaming (sort of) and references to violence and sexual assault. Apologies to Polly fans in advance for this one.

Masterlists: Main • Series • Fic

Previous Part • Next Part

Chapter 10: Ride or Die

“Where did Lucy get to?” May asked as they walked the rest of the way back to the house from visiting the horse, stepping into the entryway. “I thought that she would come meet us at the stables after she was finished with those calls.”

Lucy had been informed by the maids that there was a call for her or Tommy just before they were about to leave for the stables. She’d told them to go on ahead and that she’d catch up with them. But she’d never turned up.

“Probably yelling at someone on the other line. Sometimes it happens. Drink?” he asked.

“Why not?”

He went to the alcohol shelf to pour them both glasses while May sat down to remove her boots. 

“Madam, there is a telephone call,” one of the maids reported.

“I’ll take it in the drawing room,” May said, taking the glass Tommy offered her.

“It’s for Mr. Shelby,” the maid said. There was a boom as a door slammed, and then the clatter of shoes running along the floor, and Lucy appeared behind the maid, hair messy and eyes huge, face pale.

“Tommy. You need to come hear what’s happened. Now.”

∗ ∗ ∗ 

She had to jog to keep up with Tommy as he stormed towards the church.

“Shall I wait for you outside?” she asked. Campbell had ordered that he and Tommy have their meetings in private. He likely wouldn’t respond well to her presence when he had expressly forbid it.

“No,” Tommy said, already half up the stairs, though he paused until she climbed them to be back at his side. The look in his eyes told her enough. He wouldn’t be letting her out of his sight for a while. Not when his entire family was being targeted. 

“We had a deal,” he shouted as he entered the church, stalking to where Campbell was sitting the pews. When Campbell didn’t respond, his voice rose. “Hey! We had a fucking deal!”

“I would thank you to moderate your language in a place of worship,” Campbell said. Tommy seized the paper out of his hands and threw it to the ground, getting directly into his face.

“Fuck your house of worship,” Lucy said. Campbell glanced back at where she was standing.

“She isn’t supposed to be here.”

Tommy leaned closer. “We had a fucking deal.”

Tommy paced back and forth as he and Campbell argued. The smug, patronizing tone in Campbell’s voice was almost enough to make Lucy lunge forward and mash his head into the wooden pew in front of him. 

“So…let us review the new situation. I have your brother in a prison cell, charged with the murder of Billy Kitchen. The case against him is strong, and I have no doubt that his destiny is to hang. And then there is Polly’s son, Michael. He has already admitted to helping Arthur burn down the Marquis pub. Oh. He was a tough nut to crack, that boy, but crack he did. So, I have your brother facing the noose, I have your cousin facing five years for arson, and I have your entire organization in disarray in Birmingham and in London,” Campbell said, eyes shimmering with glee.

What a fucking disaster. 

Tommy was trying to bargain with him. Even though he had already agreed to do the killing. But Campbell just smiled, and shook his head. It had never been about trying to strong arm them into doing more for him. It was about showing Tommy that, even if he himself was not afraid to die, Campbell could have his entire family killed, should he fail to follow through. 

“I’ve been ahead of you every step of the way,” Campbell said. “And, as my father used to say…to make sure your dog obeys you, you have to show it the stick once in a while,” he raised his cane for emphasis. It clanged as he brought it back down to the floor, the sound turning rhythmic as he began to head towards the doors. 

Lucy watched as Tommy’s hands flexed into fists, waiting until the doors had slammed shut behind Campbell.

“We’ll see how much he likes that stick when I shove it up his arse,” Lucy mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest, shaking her hair out of her face. “What do you want to do?”

“We need to get to the office,” he began to walk towards the doors. Lucy rushed to remain at his side. “Now.” 

∗ ∗ ∗ 

When he came into the office, the phone on his desk was ringing.

“Tommy, Arthur’s in solitary confinement. Michael’s in the remand wing–” Lizzie started frantically.

“Yeah. I already know. Get out, shut the doors,” he stalked into his office with Lucy still right behind him. Lizzie stopped speaking and did as she was told, the double doors to his office closing with a click. The phone continued to ring, even as he sank into his seat. With a great amount of foreboding, Tommy lifted it from its cradle and held it to his ear.

“Tommy?” he swore that his heart stopped, everything going still. “It’s me,” her voice was the same low, soothing Irish lilt that he remembered, that haunted him in his dreams. “Tommy, can you hear me?”

“Yes, Grace.”

Lucy nearly dropped the gloves she’d been tugging off, half running around the desk. He tilted the phone so that she could also hear.

“I think you called. I…I haven’t slept,” she sucked in a deep breath. “Is Lucy there?”

“Yes, she’s right here.”

“Hi, Grace,” Lucy whispered into the phone when he turned it to her.

“Hi, Lucy,” Grace’s voice was soft and longing.

“Grace, this is not a good time,” it physically hurt him to say it. 

“I can call you back.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s all right,” the last thing he wanted was to stop hearing her voice.

“Can we meet?” Grace asked. Lucy looked at him with wide, hopeful, pleading eyes.

“Yes. We’ll meet.”

“When?”

He hesitated. “Grace, there are some things I have to do first.”

“That’s alright. That’s alright, just…whenever those things are done.”

“I’ll call you.”

“I’ll make sure that I’m the one who gets to the phone first, this time.”

“Good bye, Grace.”

“Bye, Tommy. Bye, Lucy.”

“Bye, Grace,” Lucy said, voice very quiet.

He took a deep breath, and hung up the phone. Lucy stared at it for a long moment, chin slightly trembling as she tried not to cry. 

“Come here,” he pulled her gently into the circle of his arms, squeezing her to him as tight as he could without having to worry about hurting her, tucking his face into her neck and breathing in the scent and comfort of her perfume. 

∗ ∗ ∗ 

When they entered the betting shop, John, Esme, Finn, and Polly were already gathered, waiting for them. 

John began to report to Tommy. It wasn’t good.

“They’ve taken Michael,” Finn said, desperately.

“Business first,” Tommy ordered. Polly leapt from her seat, physically shoving Lucy out of the way in her haste to get at Tommy. Lucy caught herself against the wall with a yelp, head whirling to stare at her in shock.

“They took Michael.”

Tommy held up a hand. “I said business first. And don’t push Lucy, Polly.”

Polly continued to try to talk, but Tommy shouted over her. 

“Polly, business first!” he barked. She went silent, glowering. Lucy moved so that she was on the other side of Tommy from her, putting him between them, just in case. A movement that wasn’t lost on Tommy, if the way that his eyes tracked her were any indication. He turned back to his brother. “John?” he said, encouraging him to continue with his report. All of their whiskey had been taken, vans impounded and warehouses locked. They’d lost the Eden Club back to Sabini. Alfie had framed Arthur for Billy Kitchen’s death, so their truce with the Black Country boys was over.  

“I don’t give a fuck about whiskey,” Polly interrupted. “I don’t give a fuck about Billy Kitchen. I want my son out of prison, now!” she slammed her hand on a desk.

“Thomas, I spoke to Johnny Dogs–” Esme began.

“This meeting should just be family!” Polly raged.

“I can help–” Esme tried.

“Let her talk!” Lucy said.

“It’s family only, she’s not blood, Tommy!” Polly practically screeched. 

“Let her speak,” Tommy ordered.

“Or is this a business–have you forgotten our family–” her eyes locked on Lucy, like she’d just realized that she was there, and her face turned bright red, all the hatred that she’d kept locked up towards her spilling out in one sudden, demented roar. “Get your soulless, disgusting, bitch of a slut out of here, now!”

Lucy recoiled like she’d been slapped, sinking into herself, her back hitting the wall behind her.

“Enough!” Tommy shouted. 

But Polly wasn’t done. “We all know that you just keep her around as a hole to shove your cock into–” 

“Enough!” Tommy roared, in a voice Lucy had never heard him use before. He sounded monstrous, terrifying in a way that wasn’t wholly human. Polly went silent, eyes widening, taking a step back, like she’d actually realized that she’d gone too far. Lucy stared at the floor, eyes blinking hard, feeling the rise of warmth in her cheeks from humiliation, unable to look at any of the other people in the room, though she could feel all of their eyes on her.

 “Enough, Polly,” his voice was lower, but the dangerous growl was still there. “Esme?” he turned back to her, voice more gentle.

“I spoke to Johnny Dogs. The Lees are kin.”

“The bloody Lees!” Polly shouted.

“They can give us men,” Esme argued.

“We don’t need more fucking men! It’s men that have done the damage. It’s…it…” Polly stammered. “It is men fighting like cockerels that have put us here in the first place.”

“Esme, we’ll take up their offer. We need men,” Tommy said. Polly looked at him with the most hateful expression Lucy had ever seen.

“If Michael ever gets out of prison, I am taking him away from this family. For good. This life is bad,” she stalked around the table and grabbed Finn by the arm. “This life is all bad.”

“Aunt Pol, what are you doing?” Finn asked.

“Shut up and walk,” she half shoved him toward the door.

“Polly,” Tommy called after her, his voice a low and dangerous growl. She hesitated. “If you ever speak about Lucy like that again, I’ll have you thrown out onto the streets.”

Polly’s face twisted, and for a moment Lucy thought that she might actually lunge at him, but instead she just spat on the ground near his feet, and shoved Finn the rest of the way out the door.

Tommy leaned against a table with a sigh, convening with Esme and John for a few more minutes, sinking into a chair. Esme sent John away to get the car, and then leaned against the other side of the table from Tommy, face close. She began to mumble to him, about riding away. About getting lost.

Tommy moved slowly, leaning forward to tell her in a quiet voice to go with John. Then he reached out, and grabbed her by the face with one large hand, holding so tightly her cheeks squished. “If you ever talk about getting lost again, I’ll cut you from this family,” the threat was spoken in a soft whisper, and then he let her face go. Esme looked around, at the empty room, save for Lucy still leaned up against the wall watching them.

“What family?”

And then she walked out the door. 

Lucy let her head fall back to thump against the wall, staring tearily up at the ceiling, swallowing hard. Polly’s furious outbursts regarding her presence really shouldn’t have bothered her, by now. She ought to be used to them at this point.

She had always figured that Polly knew about her and Tommy, at least in some fashion. Polly was observant. And she wasn’t stupid. Of course, she knew that the other family members all probably also had their suspicions, but…she had never expected Polly to just out them like that. Certainly not in such a horribly demeaning and humiliating way.

“Lucy,” Tommy cleared his throat, voice surprisingly close. She coughed, once, and opened eyes she hadn’t even realized that she’d closed. He was standing right in front of her. Tucking a curl behind her ear, she tried–and horribly failed–to give him a shaky smile. “Come here.”

He pulled her into his arms, hand cradling the back of her head, pressing it to his chest. She locked her arms around his ribs, leaning into him heavily as he began to carefully stroke her hair, the other arm wrapped around her, anchoring her to him.

“Sorry,” she whispered, sniffling. He shook his head, cheek resting against the top of her head. He smelled of smoke and whiskey and his cologne, his body impossibly warm as she cuddled closer into him. He kissed her forehead, and she relaxed.

“Don’t listen to a word she fucking says,” he said, sternly. “Eh?”

She nodded, movements still shaky, against him. 

“And Lucy…hey,” he pulled back, tilting her chin up to look into his eyes. “It’s not true. None of it. I love you,” he kissed her between her brows. “You’re perfect.”

Sniffing, she nodded, squeezing him back to her with her cheek squished against his chest. “I love you too,” she sighed. “They all officially know, now.��

“Yeah. It’ll be alright,” he assured. He pulled back just enough to kiss her, making it slow and deep, hand cradling the back of her head while the other kept her close. When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. “Listen, I’m going to go call Grace. I’m going to set up a time and place for us to meet her, yeah?”

She sniffed, nodding, knowing that he was trying to distract her with the idea of something hopeful and exciting. “Yeah.”

He smiled gently, kissing her again before letting her settle back against his chest. 

He let her hold onto him for as long as she needed, stroking her hair and pressing kisses to her head the entire time.

∗ ∗ ∗ 

She put down the phone, after listening silently to what Ada had just told her, resting her fingers against her lips, tapping them once, then buried her face in her hands, feeling as the muscles in her cheeks contracted, leaving her to shudder.

Even after all this time, the alleyway remained.

Not just the alleyway, narrow and terrible, as the men grinned gleefully down at her, but the hole. The hole that came after. Once she’d regained consciousness after she inevitably passed out. Probably from a combination of blood loss, pain, and shock.

It had been so dark, so cold…the soil dug deep under her fingernails when she clawed at it, lungs heaving for breath, frantic as she fought her way up, out from under the ground and back to the surface.

Back to life.

Raising her head up, away from the darkness of her palms, she breathed deeply, forcing down the memories of her own trauma that the report of the new one had drawn forth. 

Poor Polly. Much as she and Polly may have hated each other, she never would have wished that upon her.

She was going to have to tell Tommy. That was why Ada had phoned her, after all. Probably because she knew that Lucy was the only one of them who would be able to have a chance at preventing Tommy from marching to Campbell’s lodgings and slaughtering the man then and there. 

She made a second call, to a man that they had inside the prison, asking him a few pointed, careful questions, listening silently and unmoving to the responses, then hung up the phone.

Standing, she went to double doors to Tommy’s office, stepping out into the space that Lizzie occupied, where Tommy was giving her instructions for the next couple of days.

“Tommy,” she said, quietly. He looked up, saw the look on her face, and immediately hastened towards her. “We need to talk,” she half whispered, and he nodded, going into the office. 

“Everything alright?” Lizzie asked, eyeing her curiously from her desk.

“Mhm. Everything’s fine, Lizzie, thank you,” Lucy went back into Tommy’s office, closing the door behind her. “Tommy,” she said, very quietly. He looked up from his desk.

“Yes?”

She sat down, the leather in the seat beneath her squeaking in complaint as she eased her weight into it. Reaching across the desk, she took his hands in hers. “I need you to listen to what I have to tell you, and I need you to promise me not to go flying off the handle.”

“What’s happened?”

“Tommy, promise me,” he never broke his promises to her. Not ever. He sighed, icy eyes narrowed.

“Fine. I promise. Now what’s wrong?”

“Ada called. She said that Polly…Polly went to the prison, to…I guess to try to get Michael out. She didn’t trust us to get it done, probably. Anyway, she went in, she saw Campbell, and,” Lucy gulped around the words. “Something happened. I talked with one of our men inside. He says that Polly made a trade of sorts, for Michael’s release. He’s been released, by the way. Ada says that night, after Polly went to the prison, she found her in the bath back at the house, drunk out of her mind, scrubbing harshly at her skin.”

As she’d spoken, Tommy’s face had gradually drained of all color, until he was so white Lucy was afraid that he would pass out. At that particular final detail, a muscle in his cheek twitched. It was a habit that Lucy had also developed, that still she sometimes found herself doing; scrubbing at her skin until it was red and raw. As if she could somehow scrub away the memory of their hands on her. 

“Tommy?” she asked, hoarsely, unsure of what he was going to do. “Tommy?”

He wiped a hand over his face, grunting, brows pinching as if in pain.

“I know you would like to kill him,” she said. “I would like to kill him too,” she looked into those eyes, blue and whirling and furious. Though she knew not at her. “But I think that doing so now would do more harm than good.”

Tommy’s jaw twitched, lips pursing. And then, without a word, he rose up out of his seat, walked around the desk, and picked up his coat and hat.

“Tommy? Tommy!” Lucy jumped up, half running after him, barely having enough time to snag her own coat and hat from the hooks they were hanging on before following him out the door, and down the street. But he wasn’t headed in the direction of Campbell’s lodgings. “Tommy, where are you going?” 

She grew quiet, as Charlie’s yard came into view, allowing the silence to just settle around them. Tommy pushed open the door to the stables, going to his black stallion, running a hand along his muscular flank, eyes tortured.

“Hullo, Sin,” Lucy said to her chestnut mare, stroking her nose, feeding her a few sugar cubes from her palm. “Good girl,” she pressed a kiss to the horse’s nose, closing her tired eyes and resting her forehead against her. When she opened her eyes, Tommy was no longer there. “Tommy?”

She found him with Curly, having shed his coat and hat, helping to shovel shit with sharp, quick movements. Curly was staring at him in bafflement.

“Why are you doing that, Tommy?”

“To remind myself of what I’d be if I wasn’t who I am.”

Leaning against the entrance to the shed, Lucy watched with a flutter of pride in her chest. He’d never allowed himself to forget where he had come from; the kinds of troubles which he’d used to suffer. That many more still suffered each and every day.

Curly began to help Tommy shovel, grinning to himself, clearly taking joy out of Tommy’s sudden decision to assist him. Lucy continued to just watch them work, eyeing the way that the muscles flexed in Tommy’s arms and back, his face creased with concentration.

Charlie came over to stand beside her, took one look at Tommy still shoveling and Curly beaming, and removed his cigarette from his mouth. “Tommy? What’s going on?”

“I think Tommy’s lost his mind, Charlie,” Curly said, ecstatic. Tommy ceased his movements, clearing his throat.

“Well, it’s honest work, Curly, but I don’t want to get used to it,” he stooped to scoop back up his hat and jacket. “So I’ll need six cans of petrol. Bring them to the garage, put them in the back of the car.”

“Six cans?” Charlie asked. Tommy just nodded, heading to the door, taking Lucy’s arm as he walked by, guiding her with him. “Tommy? If you ever want a job, I’ll get you your own shovel,” he shouted after them.

“Did shoveling shit make you feel better?” Lucy asked. Tommy washed a hand down his face, groaning.

“Not really.”

She rubbed at his arm. Then he looked at her, something almost like excitement entering his eyes.

“But I know of something that will.”

Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!

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Masterlists: Main • Series • Fic

#tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #peaky blinders #lucy winters #lucy winters x tommy shelby #my ocs #my fanfiction #fanfiction #dance of darkness #lucy winters x tommy shelby x grace burgess #tommy shelby x grace burgess #tommy shelby x grace burgess x oc #grace burgess x lucy winters #grace burgess x oc #grace burgess

[look-at-the-soul]

900 followers short celebration 🎉 (Part 2)

I want to thank each one of you for following, for leaving ♥️, for sharing your thoughts and reblogs! It means absolutely everything to me ✨this is crazy, I never imagined I would get more than five, let alone this many.

But beyond the number, I’m very grateful for the beautiful and kind people I’ve been able to meet here. Really lovely mutuals sharing incredible stories that make my day go a million times better and take my mind off of worries, stress, etc. So thank you for the chats, for the laughs, for the learning, for sharing bits of your day to day with me, for listening to my non-sense as well. 🥰 You’re a shining light ⭐️

I still have some requests in my to-write list, so this celebration will be sharing some fics recommendations of mind-blowing stories written by the best fandom. (There are so many great stories so I will keep it down to one per writer) and I highly encourage you to stop by and read them if you haven’t -leaving the proper tip (also know as your thoughts, comments, reblog) it’s highly appreciated.

This is my master list in case you want to take a look around, who knows? Maybe you’ll find a story you haven’t read yet 🥰 I write for Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders), Cillian Murphy and some of his characters like Robert Fischer (Inception), Scarecrow (Batman), Lenny Miller (Anna movie), Emmett (A quiet place), etc

Last but not least, my recommendations to read (in no particular order)

Story share - proposed by @zablife (on going) each chapter is written by a different writer and trust me, you will want to get some snacks to enjoy the show 😉

Midnights -by @madame-wilsonn This series is just starting, I’m curious to see where this is going, join Tommy through the memories from the war, see by yourself the struggles he has to deal with.

All apologies - by @gypsy-girl-08 One mistake broke apart Tommy’s family, a thousand apologies won’t be enough to get back what he lost. The perfect mix of everything smut, angst, love…

Tachipen - by @zablife (series on going) This story will take us along reader when she moves to the Shelby house because her father lost a flip coin against Tommy and she starts to take care of the Shelby kids.

Betrayal - by @cillmequick (on going) You’ll find the perfect amount of angst, the war between the Shelby’s and the Changretta’s is about to get ugly.

Birmingham - by @runnning-outof-time get to see as reader escapes from her family gang and ends up in Small Heath with no other than the Shelby family, there will be angst and mystery.

The boy in the window - by @notyour-valentine (series) I’m fascinated by this story and how little Emma takes us by the hand to meet Charlie Shelby, the boy who her mum thought was an imaginary friend.

Misery loves company - by @shelbydelrey Tommy is sleeping with Arthur’s wife, follow their forbidden relationship and get ready to gasp constantly as you read!

Getting away with murder - by @theshelbyclan Join Teddy in one of her adventures, she will find out becoming a stylist isn’t the best idea, but at least Tommy wasn’t her target.

Dear Sister - by @l1-l4 Intriguing story about Grace’s sister, who happens to marry Tommy… loving it from the start!

A kind heart by @forgottenpeakywriter The relationship between Charlie and his sister will melt your heart, fluffy Tommy included.

Family ties - by @peakyscillian follow reader and Tommy’s story, they met at a gentlemen’s strip club, Tommy wants to help her out…

Birdcage - by @raincoffeeandfandoms Corrupt a wish stories will never be the same after you read this. (I don’t want to spoil anything, just read it!)

Prima ballerina - by @padfootdaredmetoo Loved the whole ballet idea, and the story is amazing!

Destiné à Être by @the-forest-witchh Remus Lupin story, if you’re a Harry Potter fan this is your story

The library - by @evita-shelby Tommy realizes the only way to shut you up is… 🤫 💋

Men with blue eyes and dark hair by @dandelionprints Tommy jealous of his brother for being close to Y/N, will he ruin the only chance to share his real feelings?

Christmas traditions - by @midnightmagpiemama get festive with Charlie and Tommy while decorating for the Christmas festivities! Lovely details. A lot of fluffy content!

Plus two recommendations @heidimoreton shared with me and I loved it!

Freedom / Poison

Tagging some lovely mutuals I adore 🥰 @lyarr24 @ange-thoughts @imichelle-l-rigby @heidimoreton @thesoldiersminute @theshelbyslimited @peakyv @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @allie131313 @lovemissyhoneybee @kittycatcait219 @already-broken144 @babaohhhriley @cillixn @sloanexx @kittycatcait219 @lespendy @moral-terpitude @theshelbyslimited @rangerelik

[dogmetaph0r]

10, 13 (alfie - i mean i have to - plus one of your choice) and 14 for salty asks game 👉👈

OOOH HERE WE GOOO

10. Most disliked arc? Why?

I didn’t not like it narratively, but I didn’t particularly enjoy the whole arc of trying to get Linda and Arthur back together :/ I did appreciate it in a “fellas we are never breaking the cycle” way, but it kinda drove a wedge between me and my enjoyment of Arthur’s boyfailure arc at some points. Linda kinda reminds me of my adorable little WASP-y mom so seeing her threatened and upset because a man will do anything but go to therapy……eugh, hard watch.

13. Unpopular opinion about XXX character?

Alfie - this is gonna maybe be a bit controversial (or not? idk it took a while for me to wrap my noggin around the vibes) but……I don’t think Alf is all that religious? He is very very involved in his community and seems to be a well respected member of Jewish society in Camden Town, but idk how much he really practices in his day-to-day. I could be entirely wrong (would be happy for a Jewish PB fan to correct me if I am, and honestly I much prefer the headcanons that imply it matters a bit to him because as you’re about to see….I love cultural exchange) but Alfie’s irreverence and self-deification don’t really come across as terribly devout to me. If you consider the non-TV works to be canon, he definitely seems to be of the impression that nothing really matters beyond the carnal. He does seem to believe in a God, but that God’s existence isn’t really consequential to him. So I think his Jewish identity is more forged in community than shared reverence! I can relate, in a way; I never practiced Catholicism, but because my entire dad’s side did and I grew up in a highly Catholic neighborhood, it impacts how I interact with the world. So that’s how I kinda see it: it’s not the religion that he practices, but more the identity of someone raised with the religion.

I also wanna doooooo……..

Polly - she wasn’t always a wise, rational woman throughout the show. There were plenty of times she acted out of anger, fear, stubbornness… and while I do love that we kinda treat her as our voice of reason, she’s still as flawed as the rest of them. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of fics fall into the idea that Polly knows everything. It makes for a good story driver, but I feel like that unfortunately just doesn’t encompass who Polly is as a person. I don’t wanna ramble super long AGAIN but I think a lot of her interactions with/about Michael kinda demonstrate that. She’s easily blinded by her fear of loss in particular, and in a way it’s very similar to Tommy’s motivations. I think that’s part of why they butt heads sometimes. I’d like to explore that more myself!

14. Unpopular opinion about your fandom?

Oooh boy, this one is kinda tough to say. But I think we have a looooong way to go as a fandom in terms of cultural sensitivity. I know we’re working with source material that already has a pretty problematic and shallow way of going about Romani characters, but I think it’s our duty as fans to sorta….grapple with that a bit? Address it with nuance? Or at least listen to POC, particularly Romani, creators who take issue with the things done in the show and in fan content. There are SO many aspects of the show itself that play into racist stereotypes about Romani people, and I’ve seen a number of tropes and fic concepts that revolve around those stereotypes in particularly shocking ways (for example, maybe don’t have “sold to the Shelby family” or “magical g**** fortune teller” as a plot point??? Many levels of inappropriate to that). I do largely give people the benefit of the doubt because I know that not everyone knows what to look out for, especially if they themselves are not targeted personally by bigotry in their communities, and fewer people know where to go to figure that out…. but I feel like specifically Romanichal culture is a strong enough theme in the show to warrant SOME promotion of cultural research. Of course we all have work to do (I’m no exception, and I wholeheartedly welcome concrit if anything in the story seems off) but I feel like some people really lean into exoticism and stereotypes without any unpacking of why they’re doing it. And, when other people express discomfort, I’ve seen more than once the sort of response that sums up to “well so-and-so said it’s not a slur/bad trope/stereotype so I’m gonna keep using it”. Thankfully it’s less prevalent here on tumblr but it’s still a problem! Let’s rid ourselves of the idea that any one culture is a monolith! Cultural exchange and education are exciting! Decolonize your writing! Respect and an open mind go a long way!

BUT YEAH basically that’s it teehee :•)

#telegram #for the last point: again I’m still learning as I go #but actually talking to/hearing from romani people and their varied opinions of the show have been very helpful #esp in navigating the more controversial plot points #and even just avoiding little things #like one throwaway line can leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth even if it wasn’t meant to be racist #so it’s good to know as much as you can to try and handle these topics appropriately

[archivyrep]

The go-to archivist depiction

Example of someone who cross describes as a go-to depiction of an archivist; this is Archie in Regular Show

Samantha Cross, an archivist who reviews examples of archives in popular culture, has argued that the "go-to depiction of an archivist" is often middle-aged, White, male, and likely cisgender. She also described Zootopia as feeding into "the stereotype of records and archives being distant," and the almost useless archivist in Voltron: Legendary Defender. One of the best examples of what she describes as the "go-to depiction" of an archivist is Archie in Regular Show, but there are others as well, which align and buck this depiction.

Reprinted from my Wading Through the Cultural Stacks WordPress blog. Originally published on May 13, 2022.

If he can be considered an archivist, there is the Librarian in an episode of She-Ra: Princess of Power. He oversees the Library in the Valley of the Lost, and is said to be a hermit. He is an elderly man with White hair and is White. He also manages what is known as the Inner Library, which has books "in a language not used in a thousand years." It is, arguably, a bit archivy. He is not the only White archivist I've written about on this blog. One of the oft-mentioned on here is Jocasta Nu, an elderly White woman, who runs the Jedi Archives. Another example I sometimes forget is the White female archivist who is manipulated by Anna to change a birth record in My Dictator Boyfriend. [1]

Some fan fics seem to feed into the idea that archivists are White people. These fics show archivists as stereotypical with grey hair, for instance. Others showcase archivists of color, including those which I've written myself, even making Bow's dads archivists, even though they are historians in the original series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. This is a bit of an oddity, however. As, others example of a White archivist are the records clerks shown briefly in an episode of 180 Angel, Abigail Chase in the National Treasure franchise, and a reference librarian in Can You Ever Forgive Me?. Additionally, it could also be argued that Theoda and Pothina in Cleopatra in Space are archivists, or at least information professionals of some kind as they work in a museum of the show's protagonist.

Apart from Hermes Conrad, a bureaucrat who you could argue is an archivist I suppose, there's the Japanese man, Ura, in Pale Cocoon, a green Gem named Peridot in Steven Universe. The latter two could be either be said to be archivists, each in their own way, or engaging in some archivist tasks. In any case, Peridot's voice actor is Shelby Rabara, a Filipino-American actress and dancer. More directly than any of these examples is the Black male record clerk, Clark, in Joker (played by Brian Tyree Henry), who tries to help Arthur Fleck get his hands on records of his mother. However, he is determined to stick to the rules, leading Fleck to literally steal the records from him to avoid the red tape.

There are two characters other than Hermes, Ura, Peridot, or the unnamed record clerk which can undoubtedly be described as archivists: Arizal in Recorded by Arizal and Grandpa Park in Stretch Armstrong. Neither seems to have professional training (Arizal may be on the path to such training), but both engage in actions which make them archivists in one way or another. There's a solo archivist in Ultraman Taiga, a presidential archivist named Briony in Leif & Thorn, and a 26-year-old archivist named Cortez Velasquez in Heirs of the Veil, the blue-skinned sisters (and archivists) in Lore Olympus, and Rae, an aspiring archivist in Always Human.

There are many other examples and characters who engage in archivist duties like arrangement, description, preservation, appraisal, reference, collaboration, outreach, administrative tasks, and selection, so in that sense, this is only scratching the surface. That is in part because the number of posts on this blog are minimal, not even reaching 100 posts at present, so I don't have many other examples to use for this post. But, if I decide to pursue this in the future, I may come back to this post and build on it again.

© 2022 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

#archivists #archival science #archival studies #archives #arrangement #description #preservation #appraisal #archival appraisal #reference #collaboration #outreach #selection #always human #lore olympus #leif & thorn #ultraman taiga #regular show #zootopia #voltron #samantha cross #pop archives #jocasta nu #my dictator boyfriend #national treasure #180 angel #peridot #steven universe #pale cocoon #joker film

[https-rainbumble]

Marjorie Davenport

face claim · dakota fanning

fandom · peaky blinders

fic · dancing in my dreams

love interest · tommy shelby

Leona Middleton

face claim · samara weaving

fandom · peaky blinders

fic · disruption of glory

love interest · arthur shelby jr

Annie Howell

face claim · claire holt

fandom · peaky blinders

fic · scourge of insanity

love interest · thomas shelby

Matilda ‘Tilly’ Steele

face claim · lily james

fandom · peaky blinders

fic · luck of the land

love interest · arthur shelby jr

Clara Jennings

face claim · eve hewson

fandom · peaky blinders

fic · foundation of hell

love interest · thomas shelby

[gutsncoffee]

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾 𝙰𝙱𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚁 & 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃.

⊱┊𝙱𝙰𝚂𝙸𝙲 𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾

Greetings, I'm Montgomery or Monty for short. I'm not a new writer, but I will be a new peaky blinders writer. I'm twenty-three and would prefer to be referred by He/Him. I do hope you enjoy my writing when I post something, I have quite a lot planned. As of now I've watched up to season four of Peaky Blinders so I might be quite late.

⊱┊𝙵𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙾𝙼𝚂

As of now, I will just be writing for Peaky Blinders but I have some other fandoms in mind. I do enjoy apocalypse shows and movies quite a lot, so perhaps I'll eventually make a blog to focus on a show I love aligned with such genre.

⊱┊𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙸𝙲 𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝚂𝚃𝚂 𝙸 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

Hozier, Queen, Her's, The Honeysticks, Ricky Montgomery, Alec Benjamin, The Crane Wives, The Backseat Lovers.

⊱┊𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃

☏︎ 𝙿𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚢 𝙱𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜

⊱┊𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚂

Requests are currently closed!

⊱┊𝙱𝙰𝚂𝙸𝙲 𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾

➛ I would first like to start off with the fact I will only write for Male, Ftm, and Gender-neutral Readers as I'm masc-leaning. Then there's the fact there's not a lot out there for people who are looking for such, I know that Thomas seems to have quite a couple fics for male readers which I was happy to find. But there's not much for Arthur who's my favorite Shelby brother, so I will mainly be writing for male, ftm, and gender-neutral readers. That doesn't mean I'm not open to writing female readers, it really depends on the character and if I like your request.

➛ For now I will only be doing up to three requests, that doesn't mean you can't send in some once my requests are closed. I may take up such requests once I finish the first three, the main reason for this is because I suffer from writers block badly and then there's the fact ADHD sometimes kicks me in the ass making it hard to finish things. It makes it easier if I focus on a few things at once.

➛ Most of the time I will usually add my own small touch, something subtle. Like a brand of cigarettes the reader specifically likes, a taste for coffee, phrases, or even certain habits.

➛ When requesting I don't mind how much you write, please be as detailed as you want. You can even ramble if you please, I love hearing what people have to say and their idea's. It helps a lot, but I also don't mind how simple it is. It's up to you, whatever you're more comfortable with. Just make sure to include specifics, like if you want the reader to be Gender-neutral, Male, or Ftm. The genre, the point of view of reader, like if you want Second-Person or Third-person or if you want it from a characters perspective. You can include a backstory for the reader, some small habits you'd like to see, perhaps some things they struggle from like sleep deprivation. Also, accessories or clothing. You are the requester so it's up to you!

➛ I do not describe the readers features or anything, I avoid it and make it so everyone can read. I also won't mention the specifics of clothing unless it fits the storyline, request, or anything of the sort. As I said it's up to you, if you have anything clothes wised you'd like to see described then you may request so.

⊱┊𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙸 𝚆𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝚆𝚁𝙸𝚃𝙴.

➛ Fluff and Angst, I don't know what other genres I could include here.

➛ I'm fine with exploring heavy topics in my writing, which should be kinda obvious since Peaky blinders is a dark show. Of course I won't write anything including rape, SA, or anything of the sort. There will be mentions of it though, but I'll always have warnings in the beginning.

⊱┊𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙸 𝚆𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝙽𝙾𝚃 𝚆𝚁𝙸𝚃𝙴.

➛ Nsfw, only because I've never wrote it and feel like I wouldn't be good at it. That doesn't mean there can't be subtle hints, mentions, or even suggestive flirting.

➛ Incest, which includes step-cest or anything of the sort.

➛ Big age gaps, just not a big fan of it. I'm fine with maybe like up to three to four years apart, even so I don't ever specify the readers age unless there's a reason or it's important to the plot.

⊱┊𝙿𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙳

☏︎ 𝙿𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚢 𝙱𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜

⊱┊𝙳𝙸𝚅𝙸𝙳𝙴𝚁𝚂

Here I will put credit to where I got the dividers from, which will usually be in the description section of fics as well.

The divider I'm using for this post.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders writer

[mrsmalfoyshelby]

John Shelby Smut Alphabet:

Pairing: John Shelby x reader

Warnings: smut, a little swearing

A -ftercare (What they’re like after sex)

God he’s so sweet, like tooth rotting sweet, every time you have sex he’s like that. He will hold you for as long as you want and get you whatever you need.

B-ody part (Their favorite body part of theirs and yours)

On himself his neck because that’s where you bury your face when you cum or because that’s where you leave hickeys.

His favourite body part of yours is your ass, he just loves it as it perfect for his hands.

C-um (Anything to do with cum)

He loves to cum in your mouth and watch as you struggle to swallow it all.

He loves when you come on his face, as he loves to taste you “fucking delicious” are normally his words.

D-irty Secret (Exactly what is says on the tin)

He likes to be dominated by as he has to constantly be in control over everything in his life, so when he comes home to you he loves when you just take complete control of him and his body.

E-xperience (How experienced they are)

Very. This man has been sleeping around since he was 14, but since he met you your the only one he will fuck now. - lucky you -

F-avourite Position (How they like it)

You on top of him - when he’s being dominated - but apart from that he doesn’t really care all he cares about is fucking you l.

G-oofy (Are they more serious or goofy)

It’s John, so we all know that he is going to be goofy during sex.

H-air (how well groomed are they)

I’d say he doesn’t really bother much with his hair down there.👇🏻 - Unless you ask of course -

And with you he doesn’t care he’ll go down on you, and oh boy he will make sure that you are screaming his name.

I-ntimacy (How are they during the moment)

Yeh he’s intimate during sex, mostly because when he’s at work he doesn’t show lots of affection.

J-ack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

If your there then he’ll fuck you even if he’s angry he’ll fuck you but he will just go harder on you.

And with you he doesn’t care at all tbh, whatever/however you want he’s cool with.

K-ink (One or more of their kinks)

Choking. Power kink. Breading - why do you think you have so many kids he loves to see you stomach swell with his kids -

L-ocation (Favourite places to fuck)

In your bed is his all time favourite, but in his office is a close second.

M-otivation (What turns them on)

Something as simple as you sitting on his lap can turn him on. - it doesn’t take a lot -

N-O (Something they wouldn’t do/turn offs)

He won’t share you. Your his. Nobody else’s and he will make sure to remind you if you forget that.

O-ral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

He loves going down on you, and this man is good with his tongue and mouth.

He also loves when you go down on him.

P-ace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

He can be both, “baby you just need to ask, you know that I’ll give you what you’ll want”

Q-uickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Your sex is mainly quickies, and he loves them but he prefers to take his time on you and worshiping you/ your body.

R-isk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc

This man is risky he will fuck anywhere, you even fucked in Tommy’s bed once - Tommy still doesn’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ -

S-tamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

5 at most I’d say but you could try for more.

T-oy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

You have some, but they are mainly used on you, on the rare occasion John will use them.

U-nfair (how much they like to tease)

Oh this man is a tease, he will touch you randomly on the thigh when you sitting next to each other and will run his hand up and down it. And he could do that for a whole week if he really want to tease you.

V-olume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

He’s not overly loud, but this man can make some noise, it’s mostly just grunts tho and the odd moan will slip out.

W-ild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

He will make you be extra loud when at home, so everybody can hear you.

X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

Let’s be honest he’s big like 6-7 inches and he is THICK, and the annoying thing is... he knows it.

Y-earning (How high is their sex drive?)

Very very high since he met you, all he does is think about sex.

Z-ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

If you stay up, he will stay up it’s as simple as that.

I know that I’m definitely doing Arthur, but I might do Polly as well, should I?

#john shelby #peaky blinders #polly shelby #thomas shelby #arthur shelby #cillian murphy #alfie solomons #fan fic ideas #peaky fookin blinders #smut alphabet #smut #john x reader #character x you #x y/n

[weeo]

Peaky Season 6 Response Challenge: Masterlist - Episode 6

EPISODE 6 “LOCK AND KEY” •  3RD APR

FIC - CANON CHARACTERS

• the unseen part 6 by @ganseybois​

tommy x alfie // read ao3 & tumblr

• their final act by @whatsmyline-pb​​

tommy x alfie // read on ao3

• tired horses in the sun by @emjenwrites​

tommy & ada // read on ao3

• the river by @zablife​

arthur shelby // read on tumblr

ART

• just you and me - tommy x alfie art by @thatgurlsstuff​

--

It’s the last one, so I just wanted to thank and congratulate every single person who has participated to the challenge, whether it was every week or for one episode. This hasn’t been an easy season to write for. I want to thank as well ever person who supported the fanworks by reblogging, commenting and liking. 

I also want to congratulate specifically @ganseybois​ and @emjenwrites​ for completing the challenge by posting a fanwork for every episode of season 6 ! Congratulations to both of you ✨🎉 

If some of you are late, you can still send me your fic/art for episode 6 or previous epsiodes, and I'll add it to the masterlist! If you loved the fanworks, please leave some love to the creators by liking, reblogging and commenting!

You’re curious and don’t know what this challenge is about ? Read the introduction post! You can also visit the ao3 collection.

#I will create a masterlist of masterlists #soon #peakys6responsechallenge #peaky blinders #peaky blinders s6 #tommy shelby #tommy x alfie #alfie solomons #tofie #ada shelby #tommy&ada #arthur shelby #peaky blinders fic #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders art #peaky blinders fan art

[peakyblindas]

Quiet (Arthur Shelby x OFC)

Arthur isn’t any good at dates, he hates fancy restaurants and art galleries, but he knows the countryside.

Sorry this is so short, I lost the thread of the plot but I think this is cute anyway <3

Tagging: @stone-hearted-seymour @julyzaa​

The field was peaceful and the shade was a welcome hideaway from the noon sun. Pearl unpacked the picnic basket and placed the sandwiches on the tartan blanket.

“I did some corned beef and some chicken…” She unwraps them “I wasn’t sure what you liked.”

The sandwiches looked lovely, somehow perfectly cut, with perfect white fluffy bread.

“And some pop..” Pearl produces two glass bottles: “One is orange, the other is dandelion and burdock.” 

“Sandwiches and pop?” Arthur chuckles “We belong on a fucking postcard.”

He reaches for a sandwich and wolfs it down like he hasn’t eaten for a week, crumbs and butter lodge themselves in his bushy mustache. 

Pearl laughs and pulls out her handkerchief, she wipes away the crumbs.

This was a sweet, quiet moment, something just for them and them alone.

She could get used to quiet moments like this with Arthur Shelby.

#OC: Pearl Stone #arthur shelby x ofc #Arthur Shelby #peaky blinders fan fic

[ijustwant2write]

The Tomboy-Shelby Family x Shelby!Sister!Reader

(GIF credit to @mutlulugumhayallerim​)

Masterlist

Prompt List

Tags: @jenepleurepasbaby​ @amirahiddleston​ @bloodorangemoonlight​ @haphazardhufflepuff​ @mzcrazy2​

Requested by anonymous: ‘Hi!! I was wondering if you could do one where the reader is a major tomboy and the youngest Shelby and people start to bully her because she never acts like a girl and she comes home crying and everyone comforts her and next time she goes out the boys stand up for her? Thank you!!!’

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Arthur Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), John Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Finn Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Ada Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Polly Gray x Shelby!Sister!Reader (aunt)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Swearing, homophobia, bullying, crying, fluff

                                         *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Woman tutted as she watched past, instantly whispering to each other once she was out of earshot. Men would take a double glance, frowning at the woman’s attire, shaking their heads as they thought about what kind of body was hidden beneath those clothes. (Y/N) never took any notice, knowing that she stood out from the other girls. 

Besides being a Shelby, she was known for not wearing the usual attire a woman of their time would wear. Although she was mostly spotted in suits (falling in love with them after her aunt Pol had showed up in one), (Y/N) surprised those around her by slipping on a dress sometimes, but that was an extremely rare occasion. (Y/N) liked covering up, she wasn’t ashamed of her body, it was just that this was comfier; and leering men wouldn’t ogle at her, she wouldn’t give them the chance. And round Small Heath, there were plenty of people like that.

“That’s a new one (Y/N).” Ada noticed (Y/N) in a new suit as she spotted her across the street.

(Y/N) looked up and down the road before crossing, smiling at her sister and nephew.“Indeed it is. Got a bonus on a job Tommy gave me, thought I would treat myself. Alright Karl?"

The young boy nodded, about to say something when his mother interrupted him.

“A job?!” Ada exclaimed.“Why did Tommy send you?”

“Because I’m perfectly capable. Finn’s starting to take on more jobs, and he’s only a year older than me.”

She huffed, rolling her eyes.“You’re too cocky for your own good. Speaking of the other baby in the family, have you sorted out Finn's birthday present?"

(Y/N) ignored her sister's comment."I have actually! So you are going to be there tomorrow night, at the Garrison?"

"Yes, why do you sound surprised?"

(Y/N) shrugged."Just heard you and Tommy arguing the other day."

"Oh, that was Tommy being an idiot."

"So nothing out of the ordinary?"

Ada laughed."Nope."

"I'm not allowed to go." Karl huffed.

"What?" (Y/N) acted surprised."Why not? It won't be a party if you're not there?"

Ada sighed."Don't encourage him."

"And with that being said, I need to head off. See you tomorrow night Ada, bye Karl!"

She winked at them as she walked away, cheekily smiling to herself when she saw her sister's disgruntled face. She was glad that she wasn't a parent yet, it looked far too stressful.

The day of her brother's birthday had arrived. (Y/N) still lived with her aunt, but left the house early that morning to visit Finn in his new flat. It wasn't the most glamorous place, you would be surprised to find out a Shelby was living in such a place; nevertheless, he was still lucky to have a place of his own. With his presents in her arms, she passed women coming back from a night of working the corner, a few homeless man, and those leaving for work, but she kept a smile on her face. Finn wasn't expecting her, and she knew she was way too excited for his birthday.

Walking down the hall, she was almost at his door when she heard the woman she just passed by mumble something. (Y/N) would have ignored it if the woman didn't continue staring at her.

"Can I help you?" (Y/N) boldly said. She was never afraid to call out someone.

This woman was older, she must have been around Polly's age. She looked away, sighing before speaking."I just don't understand you people."

"'You people'?"

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You women, if I should even call you that...women that enjoy the company of other women."

"Are you calling me a homosexual?"

"It's pretty obvious isn't it?"

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

"Look, I was minding my own business-"

"But you weren't, were you? You decided to make a comment about me under your breath instead of keeping it in your little head."

She scoffed."Oh, there's that attitude, not surprising whatsoever."

"Fuck off you old bat." (Y/N) knocked on Finn's door, praying that he would answer soon.

"Hope you're not seeing some young man, wouldn't want to disappoint him."

"Didn't I already tell you to fuck off?"

Just as she finished her sentence, Finn opened the door, looking confused as to why his sister was there and what was going on. He leaned against the door frame as the woman walked away, glancing down to see (Y/N)'s scowling face.

"Bringing trouble into my neighbourhood?" Finn mumbled, rubbing his eyes from tiredness.

"No, your neighbours are just twats. Anyway, happy birthday!" she exclaimed the last part of her sentence, shoving the presents into his hands.

He stumbled back into his flat, managing to shut the door after (Y/N) let herself in.“Uh, thanks. What are you doing here?”

“Coming to wish my brother a happy birthday?” she sarcastically replied, disappearing into the kitchen before returning with a bottle of whiskey.“And to make sure he starts the day off right!”

“You’ve definitely started to pick up on Tommy’s bad habits.”

Although she was having a good time with Finn, (Y/N) couldn’t stop thinking about the comments made about her. Of course it wasn’t the first time, but she noticed more and more people openly staring or saying something. It was confusing to her as people new who she was, they knew what family she was apart of; she could get them beaten up or even killed. So where had the confidence come from? And why were they even saying anything in the first place? However she wasn’t going to let that show, and she certainly wouldn’t let it effect Finn’s birthday, especially since they were enjoying drinking at such an early hour.

Finn had a suspicion that they would end up in the Garrison that evening, even if there wasn’t an actual party being thrown. He let his sister take him out to a nice restaurant, buy him more presents (though he didn’t mind that when they turned up at the suit shop she frequently visited, they knew how to tailor), and he pretended he didn’t notice there was an edge to her that day. He had seen how easily she flipped her emotions off, though he had also seen the anger and hurt as he opened the door. (Y/N) was a tough Shelby, she would feel belittled if he tried to help her, despite his brotherly instinct desperate to take over.

(Y/N) was awful at acting casual as they approached the Garrison. Finn bluntly told her that he knew people would be waiting for him inside, she profusely denied that, her mouth hurting from trying to suppress a grin. Theatrically opening the doors (that was due to how drunk she already was), Finn flinched as everyone inside cheered, screaming ‘happy birthday’. It was mostly drunk punters who were probably promised free drinks if they acted like they cared, but that didn’t matter to Finn. His brothers, sisters, in-laws, aunt and friends were there. He was handed a glass of whiskey from John, a hard slap on the back following. 

“See?” (Y/N) slurred from beside him.“I told you there was a surprise!”

“(Y/N), you told me there wasn’t a surprise.” he reminded her, feeling lighter but he wasn’t at the same level as (Y/N).

She pouted as she thought.“Oh. Well, cheers!”

(Y/N) concentrated on Finn, gripping onto her glass and keeping her focus on the story he was telling, not the group of people clearly talking about her. There were men and women squeezing into a booth, not so subtly pointing, glaring and chatting away about how she looked and acted. (Y/N) was leaning against the bar just as any other man would, hand in a trouser pocket with the other holding her beer. Apparently it was most entertaining to gossip about her.

“Excuse me?” one of the girls had approached her when she was alone.

(Y/N) sighed, looking down into her drink.“Yes?”

“We were just wondering why you dress like that?”

(Y/N) frowned, a tiny part of her hoping they were being serious.“What?” 

“We just don’t know how you could wear something like that? Have you not seen some of the beautiful dresses out there? Seriously, a suit does nothing for your figure.”

(Y/N) scoffed, slamming her drink down on the bar.“And what if I don’t want to show my figure?”

“You should.”

“Why?”

“It might be the only thing going for you if you don’t change how you hold yourself.”

“I suggest you go sit back down.” (Y/N) sneered as she began to turn away when some men started hollering.

“Don’t bother the gentleman!”

“The lad is just trying to enjoy a drink!”

“Sorry mate, women am I right?”

They all found themselves hilarious, erupting into laughter as the girls returned. People around them would glance back and forth, waiting for the show to start; what would the Shelby’s do about this? Instead, (Y/N) couldn’t find the strength to stay there and ignore it, storming out of the pub and down the street. Her breath was shaky as she sobbed, unable to hold it in. Her hands fumbled with the keys to the house, slamming the door shut and heading to where the alcohol was kept. She groaned when she didn’t find whiskey, settling for gin and collapsing into the arm chair. As if it were water, (Y/N) drank away, cheeks soaked with tears, wiping her nose with the back of her jacket sleeve, ugly noises escaping her as she let it all out. It was only now that she felt how much emotion she had been building up and holding in; now that she was crying, it was all too overwhelming.

“(Y/N)?” Polly called out as the front door opened.

Polly quickly headed towards the sounds of crying, sympathetically sighing when she saw her niece in such a state. Taking away the gin, she knelt down to eye level with the girl, lifting her face by the chin to make sure she was listening. Tommy and John followed, standing back as they let Polly take the lead. 

“What happened?” she demanded to know, though her tone was soft.

“I just don’t understand.” (Y/N) loudly whined.“Why are people so hateful? They don’t have to fucking say anything!”

Alright, alright,“ Polly calmed her,“they disrespected you?”

“Yes! They even came up to me and made a scene, and there was some old bitch from this morning. Why do people hate the way I dress?! How does it effect them?! IT’S NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS!” she screamed the last part.

“(Y/N),” Tommy said,“what other people think, it doesn’t fucking matter. But if it upsets you this much, you need to tell us.”

“Yeah, we need to give them a reminder about who their talking to.” John smirked.

“You don’t hate the way I dress, do you?” (Y/N) asked much more quietly.

“Of course not. You’re our (Y/N).” Polly reassured her.“You’re (Y/N) Shelby, you do whatever the fuck you want. You’re royalty here.”

“(Y/N), we’re going to walk back in there like nothing happened, because it didn’t. It was just a bunch of drunk twats running their mouths.” Tommy said.

John chuckled.“And you know what we’ll do if they start anything else.”

(Y/N) felt nervous as they headed back to the Garrison. Her brothers and aunt walked in before her, and she heard the atmosphere die down as people realised they had returned. (Y/N) expected the noise level to rise once they got their drinks, until she saw Arthur standing up on a chair.

“Oi! All of you listen up!” he shouted, everyone going silent and looking at him.“This ‘ere,” he pointed to (Y/N),“is my baby sister. I fucking love her! And if any of you disrespect her in any way, you will be banned from this pub! Not only that, but you will be hunted down by the Peaky Blinders, and you don’t want to know what we do to people who go against our family!”

(Y/N) smiled at her eldest brother, knowing that he was drunk too, but Arthur still meant every word. Once the tension left, the music and chatter became loud again. He clumsily got down, slinging an arm around her shoulders.

“How was that?”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” (Y/N) giggled.

“It was all true, we all love you. Don’t give a fuck what you wear.”

“Thank you, I’ve got the best family ever.”

“Too fuckin’ right.”

#peaky blinders #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders imagines #peaky blinders one shot #peaky blinders x reader #bbc peaky blinders #peaky blinders bbc #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders fan fic #peaky blinders fanfiction #peaky blinders fan fiction #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby imagines #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby one shot #Tommy Shelby #arthur shelby #arthur shelby imagine #arthur shelby imagines #arthur shelby one shot #arthur shelby x reader #john shelby #john shelby imagine #john shelby x reader #john shelby imagines #john shelby one shot #finn shelby #finn shelby imagines #finn shelby imagine #finn shelby one shot

[murderousginger]

Pretty but Naive

Part 2 of Cops and Robbers

Warnings: Fluff. Angst. Some steamy kisses. They're criminals guys, they do bad things.

Word count: 5.4k

Note: This took quite a turn from it's original idea. I hurt my own feelings writing a part, just know that. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride, darlings!

Tagging: @imagine-that-100 @blinder-secrets​ @rae-you-gotta-be-kidding-me​

Working at The Garrison was so much easier than Sabini's club. After the night that John drove you home to Birmingham, you had started work the next afternoon and quickly picked up the routine. 

No more skimpy or overly shiny dresses. A plain cotton one did the trick and breathed better as you ran around to tables and across the bar to refill drinks. You were back home, so almost everyone knew who you were and why you were there so there were almost no issues with wandering hands or vile words. An occasional drunkard misstepped, but it was nowhere near as bad as London. You were generally happier and making the same amount of money as before.

Harry was a good boss and not long after you were taken on, Arthur bought The Garrison. The boys did their business there anyway so it was only smart they own it. Nothing much changed afterwards. Harry still ran things and you were a hard worker as well as a friend of the Shelby's so you were well cared for.

Except for once. 

On a very busy night, you went to pass around a round of beers to a group of younger Peaky Blinders boys; Finn and Isaiah leading the group.

"Oy, Finn, be a sweetheart and pass this to Isaiah," you said as you handed two beers to the youngest Shelby. He and Isaiah had chosen the seats with their backs to the wall, their friends surrounding them in the other chairs. 

"Yes'm," Finn said as he passed the second beer to Isaiah. "Any way I could get a nip of whiskey?"

Finn eyed you curiously as you stopped handing out beers on the tray and stood up, wiping your hands on the apron around your dress.

"How old are you now, Finny?" You said. "Fourteen, fifteen?"

"There's abouts," he replied, puffing out his chest. "I run things around for Tommy and even play lookout sometimes. I'm grown."

"Hmm," you considered. "I think Tommy'd still prefers you off the heavy until you're at least 17-18 like 'saiah over here, eh?" 

You started leaning back over and passing out the drinks as the group started to laugh and Finn turned red around the ears. He sipped his beer in defeat. You were almost finished passing out drinks when you felt a teenage hand slap your ass and squeeze.

"What is she, Finn, to be calling you Finny and denying you whiskey?" The boy asked. "Is she your old wet nurse?"

The other Blinders teens laughed along with him except for Finn and Isaiah. Both had wide eyes as you slowly stood up to look down upon the teen with a scowl and a cocked eyebrow.

"I did nanny Finny while he was younger," you said evenly. "I've also run more errands for Pol and the boys than you could imagine while you were still playing in the dirt."

You eyed the boy sternly as you felt the heat rise in your gut and your anger increase.

"If I asked, you'd be dead by morning," you said, teeth bared. "But I won't ask, I'll just cut you m'self. So kindly put your hands on your beer and off my arse."

The teen's eyes were wide as his hand dropped from you and went to his drink. His eyes cast down as he let out the smallest "yes ma'am" you had ever heard. 

You nodded, looking up at the rest of the table. 

"Now," you said, expelling your breath and putting a real smile back on, "can I get you boys anything else?" 

A quiet round of "No ma'am" and "No (Y/N)" echoed around the table. 

"Good boys," you said as you picked up your tray and walked away.

The table erupted with laughter behind you as you left. You heard Isaiah and Finn immediately begin to tease the boy and you smiled your way back to behind the bar.

"Always had a way with the boys, didn't you, (Y/N)?" Tommy teased as he slipped out of the private room and sat at the bar. 

"Never had a problem with the ones that weren't easily afraid," you retorted with a wink. "Who wants to keep the yellow ones around, anyhow?"

Tommy chuckled.

----

On slow days, you had time to sit in the private room with the boys and shoot the breeze. On a particularly slow day, Tommy had the others running errands for him and he had decided to sit at the empty bar and talk to you.

"(Y/N)," Tommy asked as he eyed you before taking a drink of his whiskey. "Why aren't you married by now? Surely you've been courted by someone."

You leaned on the counter, leaning in as if to tell a secret. 

"Once," you replied. "Remember Timmy McKee?"

"The git we beat for pushing you down when we was kids?" He asked incredulously. "He had the balls to try to marry you?"

You nodded solemnly. 

"Tried," you whispered. "He was talking to Da about it and started coming around after you lot were shipped out."

He leaned in, curiosity written all over his face.

"I told him if he valued any appendages he'd walk out and not look back," you said solemnly. "Mum turned blue from anger. Dad was stone faced. McKee all but ran out of the house. Ended up marrying Sue. Sweet girl. Pretty sure he beats her."

You shrugged and stood up, going to clean a few of the dirty glasses pilling up by the sink. 

Tommy chuckled, leaning back in his seat and spread his hands across the bar in front of him. 

"What did your dad do after McKee ran?" Tommy asked.

"He started laughing," you said with a grin. "Mum sent us both to bed without dinner."

----

Time sort of blended together after working at The Garrison for a while. It was all pretty much the same. Some nights were slow. Some were packed with people. Sometimes the Shelby's had you working the private room while they conducted business. 

On days off you were closer to your Mum and would visit. She was angry you worked for the Shelby's but seemed happier you were closer to home. When she drove you too crazy you ran off to visit Polly or Ada.

The days bled together, but you didn't care because you felt a part of the Shelby's again. They were family and you felt loved. 

Your favorite part was being able to goof off with your boys, but you had never forgotten the night that John had driven you home. 

On yet another night of working at The Garrison, you were walking back to the bar after dispensing more drinks when warm hands grabbed your middle and spun you into a chest. 

"Did I ever tell you how nice you look in that color?" John said as he deflected your tray from hitting him and took it out of your hands and placed it onto the bar counter. 

His cheeky grin was contagious when he bit down on the pick in his mouth.

"Only every time I wear it, John boy," you said, relaxing into his arms and patting his chest. "What do I owe this honor?"

"Well," he said, faking seriousness, "I've noticed our young Finn has gone from clutching your skirts to wanting in them -- and as one of his big brothers -- I'm here to tease him by teasing you."

"Oh now," you said, your pat turning into a smack, "he's just a babe. The wind blows wrong and he's as stiff as a flagpole. You should know, you've never grown out of it." 

"Maybe," he murmured, ignoring the jab, "but maybe I just like a chance at holding you close, (Y/N)."

Your eyes jerked up to meet his before you giggled nervously.

"Be careful where you aim that charm, John," you warned before you hesitantly stepped out of his arms to return to behind the bar. 

"Right," John said before sitting in an empty seat at the bar. "How about two whiskeys then."

"I can take them to you in the private room if you like?" You asked before turning your back on him to reach the whiskey on the top shelf he liked best.

"That may be a problem, unless Harry plans on covering for you, (Y/N)," John said playfully before raising his voice. "Harry, can I nip (Y/N) off your hands for a bit?"

"Aye," Harry said, not looking up from cleaning off a table. "But have 'er come back out during the rush in a few hours." 

"I can do that, Harry. I'm still right here," you said loudly as you sat back on your heels with the whiskey in your hand. When you turned, you saw John staring at you with a smirk. He rolled the pick across his lips with his tongue as he made eye contact with you. Your breath caught for a moment.

"Well you didn't bloody well ask me, now did you?" Harry chirped back. "You had John do it. So he got your answer."

Harry's retort snapped you out of it and you rolled your eyes at the cranky old man. You picked up two glasses with the hand that wasn't holding whiskey and followed John into the private room the Shelby's used for business.

"Slide in," John said as he went to sit with his back to the wall. 

"A lady doesn't slide," you said, placing the whiskey and glasses on the table and moving them toward the back where John sit 

"Good thing you aren't a lady then, huh (Y/N)," John teased, taking the pick out of his mouth and setting it on the table. 

You huffed a little as you sat down and moved to sit next to John. He was already filling the glasses with a double neat. 

"To bringin' old friends back into the fold," he said as he raised his glass and motioned you to take yours. 

"I've been here a while now," you said, clinking his glass before you both shoot back the drink. 

As you open your eyes and look back at John you catch him staring again. 

"Yeah well," he said, clearing his throat, "might've missed you more than I realized. You're a sight for sore eyes, you are."

"Aww," you cooed teasingly. "Is my John boy getting soft?"

You bumped his shoulder playfully before filling the glasses again. 

"To friends that feel like family," you said, raising your glass.

John hummed noncommittally. 

"Never much thought of kissing my sister," John said with a wink as he clinked your glass. You both quickly finished that round, too. You both put your glasses on the table with a thud.

"Never had the guts to kiss me anyway," you said offhandedly. "You chose not to, remember?"

John grabbed your chin so fast your head spun. His thumb and index finger dug into your skin as he pulled your face closer to his. When your lips were barely grazing his, his fingers dropped from your chin and his hand firmly rested upon your throat. He didn't choke you, but firmly held you in place. Your heart thudded against your rib cage. 

"I could choose to," he said gruffly. 

His blue eyes met yours before looking down at your lips. His tongue wetted his lips and ghosted over your own. You couldn't breathe.

"You could," you finally squeaked out. 

"Do you want me to?" John asked. 

"Yes," you whispered. 

You had expected John's lips to collide with yours, but instead he pulled you closer by your throat and ever-so-softly kissed you. He left you hungry. 

When he let go of your neck and pulled away, you pushed against him in the booth, needing the space to not exist between you. You pressed your lips back on his and could feel his smile as you slid your hands under his coat. 

He licked your bottom lip and you opened your mouth to his silent request, deepening the kiss. His hands pressed into your sides and set your skin on fire. 

As you both continued kissing, one of your hands found his face again and his hands started to wander to your skirts. John softly kissed your jawline and down your neck as he pulled you under him in the booth. His hand found warm skin near your knee and he groaned into your neck as his rough fingers pressed upwards into your soft thigh. 

"John," you half moaned, half said apprehensively. 

You pushed his face up to yours as his hands froze in place and his face pressed against your hand to kiss you again before meeting your gaze. 

"(Y/N)," John murmured back, his pupils blown out and a lazy smile appearing on his lips.

"Slow down," you said quietly. 

Recognition lifted the haze in his eyes and he gave your thigh one last squeeze before he slowly moved his hand down and out of your skirts and used his hand around your waist to upright you beside him. 

He looked at you like you were a spooked mare. He set a soft kiss on your forehead before releasing you from his grip. He cleared his throat, scratching his head as his ears turned pink. 

"Right so," he said. "Another drink?"

You did have another. And another. And when you finished your shift, John was waiting for you with a bottle in hand for many more. You walked through town in the dead of night, drinking and talking -- and occasionally kissing.

You stumbled into your flat at dawn the next morning, knowing full well you were going to nurse a hangover and be miserable before work. But you were absolutely elated.

And when you finished your shift the next night, John was there. 

And the night after. 

And after that. 

John didn't push during kissing after the first night. He waited for you to lead. He started learning your tells as the nights went on and would kiss you or touch you so softly that it would drive you to kiss him harder. You would push against him more until you could feel that cocky grin of his against your lips. And you both would laugh and go back to what you were doing. 

Some nights you wandered town. Others you dipped in the pond. You would sit on the steps of your flat and talk. Most nights were filled with conversations. You talked about each other's days, of business, of family, of dreams or ideas or anything that came to mind.

You were exhausted at work but in such a happy mood that no one commented on the bags under your eyes.

After too many nights out with John to count, there was a slow night at The Garrison that had you itching to be home.

Harry and you both started doing inventory on the liquors to order, as there were not but a handful of patrons in the place. None of the Shelby's had been in most of the day. Business, you were sure. Bloody business. 

Tommy walked in close to midnight, looking stiff. He waved you to him and nodded toward the private room. You nodded and grabbed his favorite whiskey and a glass.

"Long day, Tommy?" You said happily. "Not long till close."

"Very long," he replied shortly, reaching into his breast pocket for a cigarette and lighting it. 

He eyed you for a moment before patting the bench beside him. You sat down and put the whiskey and glass on the table in front of you.

"You've been staying out late every night with John," Tommy said, taking a long pull from his cigarette. 

"I have," you said smiling as you poured him a glass.

"(Y/N), you know he has children," Tommy said kindly. 

"Yuh," you said. "Three, from Martha, his late wife. John's told me."

"Four," Tommy said. "He has four children. A newborn. With his wife."

"Wife?" You said, frozen to the spot. 

"Esme," Tommy said, lightly resting his hand on your shoulder. "A Lee girl. He went to marry Lizzie a year or more back, said he needed a wife. It was my doing. We needed a truce. He needed a wife. He fought me at first, but he seems to like her."

"I see," you said softly, holding your breath. 

"John boy didn't mention that part, did he?" Tommy replied just as soft. 

"No," you flinched at his name. You could feel your lungs lose all their air as your world crumpled around the edges. 

Tommy nodded, more to himself than you, and his eyes were far away. He set his jaw.

"She's missing him, in the nights," Tommy grinded out, rubbing your back softly. "Starting to get worried. Upset. Gypsy women are hard enough to keep in one place. Home with a newborn and three kids. Best to keep her happy. For the truce."

"For the truce," you recited, voice cracking. "Nothing comes in the way of money or family."

Tommy touched your shoulder, and when you didn't turn he grabbed your chin and pushed your head up to look at him.

"Unless it is money or family," he said softly. 

"Hey," he said in a low voice as your eyes locked with his. "Look at me. You're all right, love. You didn't know. You didn't know."

You crashed into his arms, burying your head into his shoulder before your tears could fall. Your breath hitched and Tommy wrapped his arms around you, forgetting about his cigarette dropped into his drink. He petted your hair, soothing you with soft sounds like he did the horses. It only made you hold on tighter.

"Take a couple days off," Tommy said finally, putting your face into his hands. "Go see Polly. Drink some tea. Get your head straight, yeah?"

"Yes, Tommy," you sniffled, nodding into his hands like a child. Tears streaked your face. He wiped one away with his thumb. His eyes softened.

"Atta girl," Tommy said quietly, kissing the top of your head as he pulled you back to his chest. "Stay outta sight for a few nights until you get your head straight. Then come back."

"Tommy," you said, voice so small.

"Yes (Y/N)," Tommy said.

"It was silly of me to ever think I'd really be a Shelby girl, wasn't it?"

Tommy sighed and lightly squeezed you closer to his chest. 

"No, sweetheart," he whispered into your hair as you started sobbing again. "You've always been a Blinders girl. You just can't be his Shelby girl."

When you walked home that night, it was alone. Your chest was tight with anticipation. You only relaxed once you closed your door and locked it behind you. You slid down the door in a puddle and cried again, arms wrapped around your knees.

---- 

Tea with Polly was pretty much what you expected it to be. You waited until the house was empty from the boys running work or errands and then slipped in the back door. 

Your face was still red and puffy from crying, and you froze as you ran into Finn in the doorway. Finn jolted to catch his biscuit before looking up at you and immediately changing his scowl into concern.

"(Y/N), what --" he started.

"Not now, Finny," you said softly. 

"But what --" he tried again. 

"Leave the girl alone and run your errands, Finn," Polly's harsh voice echoed across the kitchen. "Go on."

Polly leaned in the doorway of the kitchen opposite of the two she was cooly eyeing. You shrunk under her critical gaze as if you were already being scolded. Finn huffed and slipped past you to go outside. 

"Not now, Finn," he mocked, stomping away. "Go on, Finn. Bloody adults."

"Water's on the stove," Polly said. "Grab two teas and bring them in to sit."

"Yes ma'am," you said quietly as you set out to do what she tasked you with. In a few moments you had two hot teas placed on the table and sat opposite the chair Polly sat in watching you.

"So," she trailed. "What's wrong with my (Y/N)? Did the boys leave you out again?"

You flinched at the tease. Polly sighed. 

"What'd they do?" She asked in a more gentle tone.

You told her about John and the conversation you had with Tommy. Her face grew more and more grim as the story went on.

"So you were the tarte keeping John from coming home," Polly said, leaving back in her chair. She saw your face fall and she waved you off. "Oh, you aren't a tarte but you were the tarte, girl. All those conversations that were whispered while we couldn't find out what he was up to. Where he was sneaking about."

"I think I love him, Pol," you whispered as you ran your hands through your hair. "Nothing else could hurt this much, could it? He lied to me."

"Don't think with your heart when a man is thinking with his dick," she scowled, taking a long drag from her cigarette and pointed at you. "Even if it's one of my nephews -- especially if it's one of my nephews."

"How was I supposed to know he was thinking with his dick?" You asked crossly, putting your head in your hands. Polly laughed.

"All men think with their dick," she said. "And Shelby's are especially known to ruin many a good thing because of it."

"I won't be his tarte, Pol," you said. 

"I never expected you to be," Polly said, taking a sip of her tea. "I expected you to be smarter. Go be about your business and make him realize his mistakes."

----

You didn't visit your mum, knowing full well that she would only chide you for the indiscretion. You weren't strong enough to pretend, so instead you went shopping. You got your usual groceries, and when you noticed a pretty blue cotton dress in a window, you bought it. You had to. It was Shelby's eye blue.

You stayed home the next day and just read. You soaked in the tub until the water was frigid. You started to fidget when the time came that you usually left for work, but you stayed in. One more night. Two nights at home, and you'll be strong enough to go back into work. You had to be strong.

The next day you woke up and lounged. You took your time primping yourself, putting your makeup on slowly, teasing your hair up into something more intricate than a ponytail, fitting into your new blue dress. With each layer you put more mental walls up, preparing for your night at work. You even wore a pair of higher heels than you usually did. 

When the time came you clacked down the cobblestone to The Garrison, not entirely sure of what your night would end up like but entirely ready for anything. 

You reached the steps of The Garrison and took one last big breath and exhaled before you walked in. 

"Harry, I'm back," you called, walking toward the bar and grabbing your apron to put on. 

"Thank fuck for that, little bird, because we're busy tonight," he called as he emptied his tray with a round of beers to a table. "Grab a tray and I'll see to behind the bar."

"Aye," you called back, already filling a few drinks at the bar and taking their money before doing as he asked. 

The night was definitely fast. You spun yourself around the bar, filling drinks and laughing with a few of the regulars along the way. 

Arthur popped in around eleven and waved you over, smile on his face. 

"Well would you look at (Y/N)," he offered as you walked toward him with a smile. "Don't you look pretty tonight. I'm sure you're getting all the tips." 

You laughed as he took your hand and spun you once, looking from your dress to your heels. 

"Good night on your end, Arthur?" You asked. 

"Good night indeed," he answered, whiskey already on his breath. "Business was good and now that I've seen you, the night is even better."

"Oh, now," you joked. "Don't be too sweet on me. I might melt." 

Arthur spun you into a hug and you laughed as Tommy and John came in behind him. Tommy nodded his head to you before slipping into the private room and John watched you closely before doing the same. 

"Let me go, Arthur, and I'll get you boys your drinks," you said as you went to turn around. 

"Don't be long, love," Arthur said with a wink. "It's going to be a rowdy night."

"The rowdier, the better," you called over your shoulder, already slipping past Harry behind the bar to grab the glasses and the bottle. 

"Get them their drinks and come back out," Harry chided as he worked at cleaning glasses. "Now's not the night for you to run off." 

"Yessir," you said sweetly as you kissed his cheek quickly and slipped past him again. 

"Don't tease an old man and do as yer told," Harry yelled, but he had a smile on his face as he watched you run off. 

You open the door and moved into the private area, the Shelby's already in their spots smoking cigars. Arthur nearest the door on the left, Tommy in the corner facing the door, and John on the right. You stood between John and Arthur, facing Tommy.

"Cigars tonight?" You lilted. "Business really must have been good." 

"We're expanding, (Y/N)," Tommy said. "Bigger and better business." 

You poured their drinks, handing them to each brother, a wide smile on your face. 

"Congratulations, boys," you said. 

"How about a congratulations kiss," Arthur said, taking his cap off and placing it on the table. He raised his cheek to you and pointed at it. "For good luck."

"Now," you said, faking exasperation with your hands on your hips. "Harry just told me not to tease an old man. I thought you said when you hired me to listen to him."

All the boys chuckled good naturedly and you bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

"Anything else before I get out of here?" You said with a laugh. "Harry will have my head if you keep me too long."

"Not right now," Tommy said. "But do check in."

You raised your eyebrow before dipping into an exaggerated curtsy. 

"Whatever you say, King Tommy," you drawled before spinning on your heels and returning to the rest of the bar. 

You left the bottle with them, knowing they'd easily finish it. 

You went through the motions of the night, checking in periodically with the Shelby men to see if they finished the bottle or needed ice, or sometimes just to give one a jab. They all seemed in high spirits over whatever had happened and it lifted your own attitude to see them acting like kids again.  

However, John hadn't said more than a word or two all night and it was driving you mad. He was joking with Arthur and Tommy plenty, but as soon as you would enter the room it was almost like he grew quiet. He watched your jabs and taunts to the other two but never joined himself. 

After the bar had quieted and patrons left for the night, John came out of the room and stood between the door and the bar, watching you clean. Harry had disappeared into the back to take stock and pick up the alcohol to replace the night's used bottles.

"You've been tiptoeing around me all night, John boy," you said, finally breaking the silence. "I'm guessing you know I know and cat's got your tongue."

John stuttered a step but walked up and sat at a chair at the bar.

"I know," he said, tracing the wooden grooves on the bar top. 

"That's all you got for me?" You said, tired but incredulous. "You lied to me and all you can say is you know?"

John gulped, but looked up and kept eye contact. 

"I didn't lie," he said. "I just didn't tell you. There is a difference. Home is home. Business is business. They don't mix. They don't meet. That's why I don't invite her here."

"And I'm neither," you said, washing glasses a little more vigorously than before. 

"You're home, too," he said quietly, resuming his focus on tracing lines on the bar top. "But more like the first home. The one you grew up in as a child. The one your parents read to you and tucked you in, like."

You released a breath that you didn't know you were holding and lifted a soapy hand to your forehead. You dropped your shoulders. 

"Gotta grow up sometime, John," you said before you resumed scrubbing.

"I wasn't trying to hurt you, (Y/N)" he said. 

You slammed your glasses into the sink, hearing at least one break. You paused to take a heavy breath before you grabbed a towel to dry your hands.

"You once told me you're only as much trouble as I'm willin'," you started in a whisper that steadily grew louder. 

"(Y/N)," John pleaded.

"I'm not willin' no more, John boy," you said in a stronger voice than you thought capable. 

It almost sounded like your heart wasn't shattering. You finally found the courage to look him in the eye. His face was sheer regret. You stepped out of your heels and walked the paces to stand in front of him. You rested your elbows on the counter as you held John's jaw in both hands, squeezing tenderly.

"Do me a favor," you said with tears threatening to fall. "Give me a goodbye kiss, then go home to your family."

He looked you in the eye before looking down to your lips and squeezing his eyes shut. 

"It's alright, John," you soothed. "We're alright. I just need a goodbye."

He took a deep breath and placed a hand over your own and squeezed. 

"Goodnight, (Y/N)" he said hoarsely, before kissing you softly. 

You held the kiss for a moment before letting go of his face and leaning back slowly until you were standing upright again. Your eyes were still closed. That was it. It was done.

"Goodnight, John," you said, slowly opening your eyes. 

He was already slipping out of the door.

Tommy leaned in the private room's doorway watching you when you finally pulled yourself together. You decided to grab a rag and clean tables to get away from his prying eyes. 

"Tommy," you stuttered. "I thought you had already left." 

He hummed, kicked off the door frame, and walked your way. 

"Wanted to make sure that went smoothly," he said. "Looked like you parted just fine."

"You should know me well enough to know I'm not that girl," you glared at him before you wiped a table down and moved to another one. "I'm not anyone's tarte."

"Wasn't you I worried about," he said. "John's not always one to hear no."

You moved tables again and wiped it down. 

"What do you want, Tommy?" You asked, watching him follow you around the bar from the corner of your eye. "What are you scheming?"

"I just wanted to see if you're alright," he said before stepping closer. "That dress looks good on you, (Y/N)."

You threw the rag down on the table and stood up straight to look him in the eye.

"I'm fine," you said. 

"You shouldn't lie," Tommy retorted. "You're bad at it. But you did fine." 

You grunted noncommittally as Tommy stood toe to toe with you. You looked up at him and he touched your face, hesitating before he cupped your cheek. 

"(Y/N)," he said quietly as his warm breath teased your lips. 

"Tommy," you interjected, grabbing his hand that cupped your cheek. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you? You wouldn't … not tell me?"

"I wouldn't lie to you unless you wanted me to, (Y/N)," he said.

Your hand dropped from his and the creases that had appeared on his forehead smoothed. You were enamored with how blue his eyes were at the moment. At how they sparkled.

"Now, (Y/N)," he murmured as he leaned closer, "you absolved my brother of his sin with a kiss. Suffer me with a sin from the same indiscretion."

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #tommy shelby #john shelby #john shelby x reader #tommy shelby x reader #arthur shelby #finn shelby #fan fic #storytime with murderousginger