#tommy is an expert in getting older brother figures.

[cottoncandythetrashpanda]

Life By The Sea (Part 3)

i told you i meant it when i said i'd have the chapter out soon

words: 1.9k

warnings: none

Wilbur knew that Tommy would grow quickly. He just didn't think it would be this fast. 

Tommy got too big for the first fish tank almost immediately. The second, slightly bigger one lasted a couple weeks before the next growth spurt. The bathtub was always intended as a very temporary measure, and worked okay for what it was, but the new tank- the biggest one he could find that he could still fit into his living room- had been working fine for a couple months now. And hopefully would until Wilbur could figure out something better for Tommy than a series of larger and larger tanks. He needed more room to swim, and anyways, he'd eventually get too big to fit in the living room at all, much less any fish tank Wilbur could get his hands on.

Luckily, the situation never felt too dire, because it's not like Tommy was totally confined to his tanks. Wilbur very quickly discovered that Tommy was not only just fine on dry land for a few hours at a time, before he started to dry out and needed a dip, he could even move surprisingly well considering the kid had no legs. Tommy had thoroughly explored the apartment, just dragging himself along with his arms, and sometimes bouncing along the ground, kind of like a seal. 

(Techno, as the sole keeper of this secret outside of Wilbur himself, had been sent quite a few videos of Tommy bouncing around like a seal.)

"How old is he now?" Techno asked. He'd invited himself over to see Tommy in person after receiving one such video, since he was back in the area.

"About three months." Wilbur responded. 

"He looks a lot older than three months."

"No shit, he's more than 5 feet long. Little bigger than most 3 months old."

"That's not what I meant. Look at his face, and his proportions- he looks closer to a one-year-old. Do mers develop that much quicker than humans?"

"I don't know. Probably, I guess?" How the hell was he supposed to know? "Since when are you an expert in child development, anyways?"

Techno shrugged. "I've been doing some reading. And aren't you supposed to be the mer expert here, Wilbur?" 

He shook his head. "I just look at them from afar. I guess I know a little more about mer biology than your average person, but this–" he gestured at Tommy, who was currently attempting to climb over the baby gate Wilbur had set up to keep him out the kitchen- "This is out of my depth." 

"In more ways than one, he's going to hurt himself if you just let him climb on things like that." Techno picked up Tommy, who let out a noise of complaint that was somewhere between the sound of a whining toddler and pitched-up whalesong. Techno flinched. Wilbur was used to it. 

"Realistically, what did you want me to do? We can't all lift a hundred pounds like it's nothing." 

"You could at least try to stop him."

"Don't tell me how I'm supposed to raise my kid."

Techno raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk creeping onto his face. "Oh, he's your kid? Congrats on becoming a father." 

As Techno was speaking, Tommy looked up and started studying his face.

"Er-" Wilbur felt his face heat up. "Well, I am taking care of him, aren't I? … I, uh, wouldn't call myself his "father", though. Maybe more of an older brother."

"Oh, of course. You're not adopting a child yourself, you're adopting him on behalf of Dad, then. Without his knowledge, I assume. Makes perfect sense."

"Dad doesn't know, and he doesn't need to know."

Techno gently pushed away Tommy's hand, which had started poking at his face while the twins bickered. "You'll have to tell him eventually."

Wilbur hated it when Techno was right.

"But not yet."

Techno looked like he was about to say something else, but thankfully for Wilbur, his line of thought was derailed as Tommy reached up and pulled the glasses right off his face.

"Wh- hey! Give those back!" Techno sputtered indignantly; however, since both his arms were occupied with holding the little thief, there was nothing he could do. "Little help, Wil?"

"No. This is what you get."

—

Techno stayed in town for a few weeks after that, and Wilbur thanked God for that, because in exchange for Wilbur providing a place to crash, Techno agreed to help out with Tommy and even babysit- Techno wasn't exactly a childcare professional, but every time Wilbur left and came back the apartment was intact and Tommy was alive and untraumatized and honestly, that was enough for Wilbur. Finally, he could actually go to the store and not have to rely on delivery apps.

(And he may have gone to his usual cliff and tried to spot some mers once or twice. Hey, it had been a while, he was starting to miss it.)

Sadly, though, Techno had just left town to stay with Phil for a few weeks, then go off to who knows where. He'd be back, eventually, but for now, Wilbur was on his own again. It was nice while it lasted.

Wilbur flopped on the couch after seeing his brother off, rousing Tommy from the nap he'd been taking in his tank. He stretched and lifted his head out of the water, looking around.

"Abuh," Tommy babbled out. 

"Yeah, he just left. He'll probably be back later this year," Wilbur said, guessing Tommy was looking for Techno.

Tommy waved his arms a bit and let out a longer string of syllables. 

Wilbur looked up from his phone a little more. "Yeah? What's the matter, you need something?" 

"Wil," Tommy said.

Wilbur's head shot up. "Uh." He had no idea what he was supposed to say.

"Wilbuh." Tommy stated, and okay, the first one could've been a coincidence, but now Wilbur knew Tommy was talking to him. 

He moved closer to the tank. "Uh! Yeah! That's me, that's my name!" A soft, excited laugh escaped him. "Hey, how'd you learn-" His phone started ringing. "Shit-!" He tried to decline the call, but fumbled, and the phone slipped out of his hands, falling right into the tank. He barely had time to register, before the screen flicked off, that the call was from Phil. "Oh, fuck."

"Fuck," Tommy repeated.

—

"Happy birthday, Tommy!"

Tommy blinked awake and lifted himself partway out of the tank, grinning as he stretched. He uncurled his tail as much as he could- which… wasn't much, it wasn't really enough space. Wilbur felt a pang of guilt. Tommy never complained, never said he was uncomfortable in the tank, but Wilbur knew it was too small. Hell, another year and this whole damn apartment would be too small. 

He pushed that guilt aside. He knew what he needed to do to make sure Tommy would have the space he needed to thrive as he grew more. He just… still needed to iron out the details of how it would work. They weren't ready quite yet.

"How's it feel to be a whole year old?" It felt weird to Wilbur, but that was neither here nor there. Techno's theory had been right, as far as they could tell- mers really did grow up quickly. Tommy already looked- and acted, and talked- like he could be four years old.

Tommy tilted his head and thought about it. "I don't feel different," he decided.

Wilbur nodded. "You never really do." 

Tommy climbed out of his fish tank and flopped onto the floor. "Do I get presents?" He asked, practically bouncing with excitement. 

"What kind of birthday would it be if you didn't?" Wilbur looked around. "But, oh, hmm, where did I put them?" He pretended to think about it. "Maybe they're-"

Tommy had already wriggled under the couch and retrieved his presents.

"Ah, you found them. I, uh, I was going to do, like, a thing-" Tommy said nothing out loud, but gave him a look that clearly said you are an idiot. "Aw, whatever, go ahead and open them. The smaller one is from Techno." Techno had sent it in the mail, along with a note telling Wilbur not to check what it was until Tommy had gotten it. This made Wilbur very nervous. He didn't check the present, though, which he was pretty sure he'd regret.

Tommy opened Wilbur's present first, tearing apart the wrapping paper with reckless abandon, and the box just the same; Wilbur couldn't even offer to cut open the tape before Tommy simply ripped it open. "Ooh!" Tommy exclaimed as he lifted his new Hello Kitty bath toy and turned it in his hands. "It's a kitty!"

"And it's made to go in water, so you can take it into your tank," Wilbur told him, not that being told not to take a toy into the water had ever stopped Tommy. Tommy had plenty of waterproof toys, of course, but he always wanted to take anything that wasn't waterproof with him in the tank. 

He set the new toy down on the ground and got to work shredding the box Techno had sent his gift in.

A few seconds later, Wilbur felt the dread set in as Tommy, a huge grin on his face, pulled out from this box… a water pistol.

Wilbur was going to murder Techno next time they saw each other.

—

"Wil."

Wilbur blinked awake. "Mm?"

Tommy had climbed onto the couch, and was staring at Wilbur with big eyes brimming with tears. Wilbur glanced at the window. It was still dark outside.

"Bad dream?" Wilbur asked. Tommy nodded. 

"I wanna sleep up here."

"You know you can't, you'll dry out." 

Tommy pouted. "But I don't wanna…"

Wilbur shook his head. "Sorry, Tommy, it's not up to me. C'mon, back to the tank. I'll stay with you until you get to sleep, okay?"

Tommy nodded, relenting, and started to pull himself back to the tank. Wilbur walked with him the few steps, and sat down next to the tank as Tommy pulled himself up into it. Tommy rested his arms on the edge of the tank, rested his head on his arms, and looked at Wilbur expectantly.

Wilbur yawned, and leaned back. He remembered a song he'd heard as a kid. It was the ending credits song to an old animated movie; he hadn't heard the song, let alone seen the movie, in many, many years, but he couldn't forget the lyrics if he'd wanted to. Phil used to sing it to him and Techno when they were toddlers; there was a sadness to it, but Wilbur had always thought it was comforting, too.

He started to sing.

"You can always count on me, I will always care…"

He wasn't sure why it stuck with him so long. 

"You'll be with me until, the sun shines through the night… it never will…"

As he neared the end of the song, he looked down and saw Tommy had drifted back to sleep. Wilbur smiled, and laid him down in his tank. Tommy had to curl his tail up just to fit.

Wilbur sighed. "Don't worry, Tommy. You won't be stuck in there for long." He looked out the window and saw the sea in the distance. He still didn't know exactly how this would work, but he couldn't put it off any longer. 

Tommy needed to go back to where he came from, but come hell or- much more likely- high water, Wilbur was going to stay with him.

#mcyt g/t #WE'RE GETTING SO CLOSE I PROMISE #Lbts au

[thal-ent]

Dream and Tommy as a duo is just two golden retriever playing together and being happy and I find it really nice

#thal talk #Dreamwastaken #tommyinnit #listen I know we talk a lot about tommy's relationship to Wil but. but. Wil is not his only big brother. neither is techno. #tommy is an expert in getting older brother figures.

[oddaodd]

can you make one where the reader is the youngest maid in Tommy's house and she's helping serve the dinner for christmas and taking care of the kids and in some point Finn gets closer to her and try to flirt with her (she's just a few years older than him) and the reader don't know how to react but Tommy comes and help her (because he already likes the reader but don't get too close because she's too young for him) and by the end of the night when everybody is sleeping and they have sex

· A Whimsical Tale · 

Author’s note: I know we are no longer near Christmas but I love living a dangerous life so I’m just going to post this now.  

 Anddd I loved writing this story so thanks for requesting! and as always, I hope everyone has a lovely day. ❤️

Warnings: smut, mentions of alcohol and a drunken Finn. 

·

Christmas Day was a heavy day on Arrow House and despite the numerous staff, there was always something to be done. Y/n was one of the youngest maids so she was never the one in charge of cooking and preparing dinner, instead she helped pour drinks and look over the children, which Y/n was thankful for since it didn’t require as much elbow grease as cooking for an abundance of people.  

“More wine Tomm...” she caught her mistake and made it up clearing her throat “Mr. Shelby?”

“Thank you, Y/n” He politely answered pretending he hadn’t heard her almost call him Tommy.

Y/n poured the wine with shaky hands hoping that nobody  had noticed her mistake and blushing cheeks. She knew Tommy didn’t mind her calling him by his name when they were alone, but she wasn’t sure if he would still be as lax on the topic if there were other people present.

As she poured some for Ada, Polly gave her nephew a knowing stare that indicated she had noticed and knew what it implied, which triggered complex emotions in Tommy.

He enjoyed Y/n’s company when she served him breakfast and lit the chimney in his office and when sometimes she engaged in conversation with him. She told him everything about her life, whimsical tales of mundane occurrences that sounded worthy of a novel. He wondered what kind of character he played in it.

He would be lying if he were to say that he only enjoyed having her around because she was good at her job. Truth was, Tommy felt infatuated with her and her bubbly smile and occasional kind words when he was feeling the world closing in, but he knew he couldn’t do anything about it because she was much younger than him.

Y/n threw occasional smiles at Tommy through the night. She helped entertain the children while the other adults drank and enjoyed the evening. As the night progressed the alcohol began taking tolls, calling some to bed and inciting some others to questionable actions.

“Do you maybe want to go out sometime? Came Finn’s voice while Y/n tidied up around the kitchen.  

“Excuse me?” She asked even though she had heard him loud and clear.

“We should go out sometime” Finn spoke again in boozy confidence

“Um...” she began with an amused smile that disguised her discomfort for she wished the one asking were a different Shelby.

As if summoned by mention in a passing thought,  Tommy’s deep voice interrupted whatever excuse she was  machinating.

“Leave her be, Finn”

“But I’m not doing anything, Tom” he complained in a slur.

“You’re making a fool of yourself Finn” interrupted Arthur before dragging Finn away and out of the kitchen.

She didn’t miss the way Tommy’s eyes lingered on her figure before he left the room after his brothers.

After a while everybody including all the maids had gone to bed, Y/n stayed behind to have a cup of tea in the kitchen so she could mull over her feelings for Tommy in peace.

She had been attracted to him since her arrival to arrow house, but what began like a stupid crush soon turned into more complex feelings. She was always looking forward to seeing him and talking to him at late hours of the night at his office when he couldn’t sleep. She had tried not to think too much into his stares and considerate actions, but her infatuation with him had reached a point in which she couldn’t pretend not to notice.

She wanted his actions to hide a deeper meaning and she believed they did, but she felt her reasoning was tainted by her own wants. Tommy was significantly older than her and she felt immature in comparison.

“I knew you’d still be here”

She knew he would come.

She looked up from her teacup to the kitchen door to see Tommy strolling in. She forced a smile and shoved all her thoughts about him aside.

“Want a cup?” She signaled to the teapot as Tommy leaned against a cupboard.

“Alright” he said and Yn poured him a cup. His eyes following her every move. Her features seemed to be highlighted by the moonlight flowing in through the window making her look more divine than ever despite the tiredness hiding in her movements.

She felt an old wave of nerves creeping up her spine, making her heart beat faster and she didn’t know why. It wasn’t the first time Tommy and her were alone together, but that night’s air weighed differently.  

“Im sorry about Finn” he commented while she poured the tea.

“Its alright” she spoke softly walking towards him “Thanks for coming to my rescue”

Tommy’s mouth curved into a small smile, the way it did whenever she was around.

“Anytime” he said

“You are staring” she commented when she handed him the cup, noticing his gaze.

Tommy hummed taking a sip of his tea before placing it on the counter behind him, not even attempting to deny her accusation. “You look beautiful”

Her cheeks turned a soft shade of scarlet and her heartbeat quickened at his words. She wasn’t expecting him to say that. Still, she couldn’t help but smile at his honest complement.

Feeling comforted by the intimacy that the kitchen late at night provided, he cupped her face as leaned close to her lips. Y/n  did the same in a heartbeat and when their lips came together she felt a thousand matches lighting up inside her body.

She melted into the kiss as it turned more passionate, Tommy’s hands went to her waist, pulling her closer to him.

“Tell me to stop” he murmured against her lips.

“God no” she murmured back.

Tommy felt reassured knowing that she had wanted this just as badly as him and let himself get lost in the  soft moans and blissful sighs he coaxed from her with his wandering tongue and expert hands.  

Y/N hadn’t noticed Tommy began leading her to the table until she felt the cold surface against her lower back. Tommy prompted her up on it and smoothly hitched up her skirt. He ran his index finger teasingly along her clothed folds earning a whine from her pretty lips.

“Take them off Tommy” she pleaded.

Tommy complied and slid her underwear off her legs, his mind clouding at the sight of her, needy and wet in front of him. He kneeled in front of her and spread her legs open with his hands sending shivers through her body. Y/n felt her stomach drop in expectation at the sight of his handsome face close to her cunt.

“Tommy, ple..” Her place came short at the feeling of warm tongue on her sex. A teasing lick first that soon developed into passionate wet strokes and kisses  lapping against her folds and teasing at her entrance.

Her fingers tangled on his dark hair as she became a withering mess, submissive to Tommys experienced tongue. she felt her arousal building up, bringing her closer and close to the edge with each lick. She couldn’t get enough of him but she was eager to have him in her so bad.

“I need you inside me”

Tommy looked up at her with teasing eyes, her juices glistering on his chin and lips and when she felt the absence of his tongue on her she almost regretted being so impatient. But Tommy didn’t give her time to dwell on that regret when he went to passionately kiss her again and she felt his bulge through his trousers against her bare entrance.

Her impatient hands went to fumble with the buttons that held the basted trousers in place and Tommys went to assist her moments after, never breaking apart from the searing kiss, Y/n got a glimpse of Tommy’s cock and she felt like gasping when she felt Tommy guiding his head to tease at her entrance.

She moaned at the feeling and gasped when he pushed into her.

“So fucking tight” he whispered to her ear.

She sighed lewdly at his sinful praise and when he was fully inside her she felt so sinfully full she wondered how she could have lived for so long without this feeling.

She held onto his broad shoulders as he started pumping in and out of her, teasingly slow at first and speeding up deliciously with each thrust.

The table started creaking under her and the teacup and cup she had put there earlier fell off at their movements, loudly crashing onto the floor. She felt a twinge of concern about the noise, trying to break through the dense cloud of pleasure Tommy had summoned around her. However, Said concern became less and less concerning with each thrust of Tommy’s. It was the stuff of dreams.

He felt her clenching around his cock telling her that she was close. He wanted to make her cum, he needed to make her cum.  

He began rubbing circles on her sensitive bundle of nerves and soon after she came beautifully. Her legs tightened around his waist wanting to keep him close, still reeling in the aftershock of her orgasm as Tommy chased his own, which came not long after with a groan of her name. The expression of his face as he came into her was one Y/n knew would never leave her mind.

“What if somebody heard us?” She whispered as she collected her discarded garments with a smile.

“I hope they heard. Maybe that way Finn will know better next time”

·

@captivatedbycillianmurphy @peakyxtommy @nyotamalfoy @writeroutoftime @babylooneytoonz

#tommy shelby request #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby smut #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby oneshot #thomas shelby request #thomas shelby imagine #thomas shelby smut #thomas shelby x reader #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders one shot #thomas shelby one shot #tommy shelby #tommy shelby one shot #thomas shelby #peaky blinders smut #peaky blinder imagine #peaky blinder one shot #peaky blinder smut #peaky blinder request

[theshelbyclan]

Brotherly Discomfort

Summary: After ‘the talk’, your brothers are adamant to protect you, but you throw yet another curveball their way. Part 2 to Growing Pains

(Gif by @nofckingfighting​)  A/N: This is part 2 to my most popular fic Growing Pains and I used anon’s request: Could you do a Shelby sis story where she’s a lesbian and in love with a woman and her family doesn’t know. The family is trying to get her into an arranged marriage with a man and she can’t figure out how to tell them she’s a lesbian cause she feels they won’t except her? Sorry if that’s too much. Love your writing so much btw!! Thanks for this request babes, hope I did it justice :)  Words: 2387

*** “Right, Y/N, sit down,” Tommy sighed deeply and pointed at a single chair by the kitchen table, “We need to talk.” As you sat down, three brothers loomed over you. Tommy lit a cigarette like his life depended on it, Arthur couldn’t stand still if his life depended on it and John seemed to have forgotten what his life actually depended on, so he just stood there, unsure of everything. “We’re having another talk,” you stated. The last one, only a few days ago, was still fresh in your mind. 

“We are,” you brother confirmed. Arthur took off his cap like he was attending a funeral and stumbled, “We, uhm… We’ve had an idea.” “Christ,” Polly mumbled from behind her newspaper and you couldn’t agree more. “The thing is,” John finally spoke, “We’ve been worried after we… talked.” “Right,” you nodded, “Because of he subject of our conversation?” “It’s not just that!” your brother continued, with a slight frantic edge to his voice, “You’re growing up, but you’re still running around with the dogs at all hours. You won’t listen to anyone, do whatever you please…” Tommy continued where John faltered, “The truth is, Y/N, you’re getting to be too wild.” “Oh, fuck off, Tom,” and you got up with every intention to leave the room. “Sit down,” he said sternly, “We can’t have another Ada situation.” “Situation?” your eyebrows shot up, “What do you fucking mean by a fucking situation?” “The baby, Y/N,” Arthur explained. “I’m sorry,” you were boiling inside now, “but please explain: was the baby the problem or the man she had the baby with the problem? Or possibly, maybe, the fact that you three had no say in the matter?!” “That’s not the point,” John could feel this conversation wasn’t going as planned, “The thing is we couldn’t stop it!” Polly scoffed behind you, so at least you felt like someone was on your side. After a few moments of silence, your anger got the better of you and you slammed a hand down on the table in a very Tommy manner, “So what did you three fucking geniuses come up with?” Tommy pointed at you menacingly, “You fucking watch your mouth. You may be sixteen but I will still wash your mouth out with soap if you don’t mind that tongue…” “Minding my tongue…” you repeated, rolling your eyes, “Fine. So, what’s the plan? Arthur? John? Are we going back to the old ways and am I being married off to some good gypsy boy?” You turned around at Polly and laughed at your own joke, but when the room fell silent once again, you realised you’d hit the jackpot. Arthur had known you since the day you were born. He’d been twelve at the time and he could recognise every little expression on your face. Like when you were little, you used to scrunch up your nose just before you were about to cry for hunger. Or when you were sad, a small wobble in your chin just before the tears. Or when you were angry, a wrinkle in your forehead gave away the tantrum that was about to follow. This was happening right now. So he held up both hands and said, “Y/N, he’s from a good family…” “Nope,” you said, adamantly. “He is,” John confirmed gently, “and he has horses.” “Fucking no,” you shook your head. Tommy sighed, “We already made the deal.” “You promised your sister, just like that. That’s low, even coming from you, Thomas,” Polly’s cold voice sounded. If there was one person who could break his tough exterior, it was his aunt, “Well, what the fuck should we have done, Pol? Let her run wild, like you, eh?” But you stood up and walked over to Tommy. This was the man who had raised you, cared for you and disciplined you most of all, but right now, none of it mattered. So you slapped him hard, once. “Undo it Tommy,” you hissed, “Undo it or I’ll fucking cut you.” In the background you could hear Arthur mumble at once, “Okay, we’ll undo it…” “Give me one good reason,” your brother’s face, now only inches away, remained emotionless. You sighed and decided to throw all caution to the wind. “Anna,” you said, calmly. “What?” John asked immediately. So you repeated, voice raised, “Anna!” Three frowning brother stared at you, not understanding at all. “Remember when you asked me what hisname was, last week?” you called out exasperated. “’John’, wasn’t it?” Arthur looked at you. “No, it wasn’t fucking ‘John’, Arthur, she just said so,” John explained to his oldest brother. Tommy lit another cigarette, “What’s your point, Y/N?” You pointed at your neck where the nearly faded hickey could still be seen if you knew, “The name of the girl who gave me this is Anna.” “That would be bloody fantastic actually, because we wouldn’t have to worry anymore about a baby situation…” John squinted, “I think she’s serious…” “Oooooh fuck…” Arthur sighed, suddenly connecting the dots; “We’ve been keeping an eye on the wrong fucking people, John.” But John burst out laughing, “Didn’t see that one coming, did you, Tommy?” Slowly, your brother sat down and started smoking his second cigarette, “Pol, contact Madame Ross, tell her the wedding is off.” But Aunt Polly was having none of it, “You got us into this mess, you can fix it.” And then fear settled suddenly into the pit of your stomach. You looked at Tommy and asked softly, “Are you mad?” “Nope,” he said, head dropped down into his hands. “Disappointed?” “No, I’m not disappointed. But you should’ve told us, eh?” You shrugged, “Didn’t think you’d… approve.” “Why?” John asked, “We don’t care that you like women.” And all the love you had in you went out to your brother in that very moment. “Y/N,” Arthur started and he looked so angry that uncertainty took over again, “Why the fuck did you not tell us before we… explained?” “Because it was hilarious,” Polly commented unhelpfully. John started giggling again, “Fucking unnecessary is what it was.” “Arthur?” you asked, fear seeping into your voice. He sighed deeply, fidgeting with his hat, “It’s not the women, Y/N, I don’t care about that. It’s you and… anyone really. I don’t like the idea of you with anyone. Remember when she used to play with the coals, remember John?” “Yeah, I remember,” John smiled. “Black like the night she’d be!” Arthur remembered out loud, “Sweet and innocent.” “Well, she’s not anymore,” Polly sipped her tea. “I fucking see that and I don’t like it,” you eldest brother’s smile faded quickly. “Right,” Tommy raised his head again, “Guess we need to change our approach.” “There really no need…” you started. But he continued, ignoring you, “So you like girls, eh?” “Yep,” you confirmed meekly. “Only girls?” You nodded, “Well, one in particular.” Arthur looked at Tommy like he would have all the answers, “Now what, Tom?” You could now start to see the humour in all of it. Your brothers’ faces were an absolute picture! John could hardly contain his laughter, Tommy looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and Arthur was filled with the absolute dread at another conversation like the one you had last week. “Oh, come on!” John called out, “I’m sure we could offer some advice!” He winked at you and a smile spread across your face. “Yeah!” you said, “I mean you all like women, right? This should be even easier!” “It’s not,” Arthur muttered. “I like women,” John said to no one in particular. “What about you, Tommy?” you asked your brother sweetly. But he just rolled his eyes and continued smoking. A part of you wanted to joke about him and Alfie, but you decided against it at the last second. “Horses?” you ventured, “Tommy, any advice on this with the famous analogy of horses? “Horses don’t really…” he waved a hand, coughed and stopped talking all together. “Well, at least you don’t have to be afraid of her getting pregnant,” John said to Arthur, who was as white as a sheet now. “That’s right,” he replied in a low voice, “but that’s my entire speech out the window, because there’s no waiting ‘till bloody marriage either…” “Well,” you tried to comfort your older brother, “You did offer me some good advice the last time, Arthur. You said there was no hurry and to not do it unless I wanted to?” “Right! I did say that. That, yes, it still stands!” Arthur looked around the kitchen triumphantly. “And John,” you continued, “you said to not put anything in my mouth unless I wanted to. Sound advice that was, now more than ever!” “Fucking hell,” Arthur crumbled again, “I can’t do this again. Tom, say something.” “Women….” Tommy started off vaguely waving his cigarette around, “they want love.” “We do.” “And they always want to take things slow.” “Can you imagine?” John interrupted, “Two women together? Must take ages…” “You’d be surprised…” you started, but when you saw your other brothers’ faces, you shut your mouth quickly. Tommy glared daggers at his brother and then turned to you, “How did you become an expert all of a sudden, eh?” “Talked to Ada,” you shrugged. “You talked to Ada…” he repeated lowly and threw his head back. “Wait,” John said suddenly, “Is this why you hate wearing dresses?” “Or why you drink whiskey like a man?” Arthur added, carefully. “That’s just because she’s a Shelby,” Polly explained matter-of-factly. “Or why you never sit on chairs?” John continued, “Or hang out at the factory all the time! Or why you always talk about votes for women…” You held up a hand to stop your brother, “None of that has anything to do with me liking women, John. That’s just… me.” “So what does have to do with you liking women?” your other brother asked in his typical low voice. “Me liking women…?” “So how does it work exactly?” John furrowed his brows, “Like, without… a man there?” “John,” Arthur warned him with a grumble. “Well, both people are enjoying themselves, for starters…” you replied in earnest. “Fucking hell,” the eldest interrupted, “She’s turning into Ada, she bloody is.” “Have you never seen two women together, Arthur?” you asked innocently, “Not even in London?” “They’re all mad bastards down in London, Y/N, the things I’ve seen there…” “Well, imagine me now.” Tommy had just taken a sip of his whiskey and practically choked on the spot, “That’s fucking it. You’re not to go near the BSA again!” “Why?” you called out, “It’s not like all the women in the world are gathered at the BSA!” “I will not have you behaving,” he struggled to find the words but finally spit, “like those fucking women in London!” “Don’t worry, Tommy,” you tried to comfort him, “I’m still… we haven’t actually…” “Oh, thank God,” Arthur sank down in his chair. “Well, when you do, just be gentle, alright?” John offered some advice, “And light a candle! Women love candles.” “Candles, check,” you noted. Tommy downed his whiskey, recomposed himself and added, “And make sure they’re in the mood first…” “To get ‘happy’,” you said, “like Arthur said last time,” “Yes,” he sighed deeply.

“Cut your nails,” John said out of the blue, “Esme told me.”

Arthur turned to his brother, “What the bloody hell do nails have to do with anything?”

“Well, it’s for when you…”

But Tommy silenced you with a gesture, “Please, Y/N, don’t.”

“Right,” and the quiet returned in the small kitchen. Well, at least now they knew, so that terrifying bit was out of the way. Apart from that, you weren’t quite sure if this was going great, because your brothers seemed absolutely petrified and slightly annoyed at your sudden revelation. Maybe it would’ve been better if you hadn’t told them. Then again, marrying a ‘good gypsy boy’ was the last thing you wanted in life. So maybe you could lighten the mood just a little.

“I have a better idea,” a sudden glint came into your eyes, “How about I offer all of you some advice!” The tables had turned already and this couldn’t possibly get any more awkward.

“Nope,” Arthur stood up and promptly marched out of the kitchen, talking to himself, “I can’t. That’s my baby sister and I just fucking can’t...”

“Arthur, where are you going?” Polly called after him, mirth clearly audible in her voice. And he replied, “I’m going to find this Anna, make sure she’s from a good family…” And then he was gone.

Tommy looked from you to Polly for a few seconds before he cleared his throat and mumbled something about business. Polly smirked at you and his face was full of annoyance at it all, “I need to get back to Dangerous. The horse. Tell me some other time, eh?”

“Tommy,” you asked carefully, “Are you sure you’re not mad about me liking women?”

“Princess, I honestly don’t give a fuck who you like,” he said, while putting on his coat and hat, “I just want to meet this Anna and if she hurts you, I’ll still kill her. None of that has changed, eh?”

This was strangely comforting to you.

And just as you were about to offer some unwanted advice, he left the kitchen in a hurry and called over his shoulder, “If you have any questions, Ada apparently has all the fucking answers!”

So you turned to your aunt, “That went well, didn’t it?”

“At least the wedding’s off.”

“Thank fuck,” you smirked and Polly smiled at you encouragingly, “You don’t mind, Aunt Pol, do you?”

“I’m with Tommy,” she said returning to her stern voice, “The fact that it’s a woman won’t make me hesitate.”

“Right,” you nodded, “She makes me happy, though.”

“Good,” Aunt Polly continued to read the newspaper, “Bring her over for tea. Let’s make the boys really uncomfortable, shall we?”

Still laughing, you stood up with the intention of getting on with your homework, when you suddenly noticed John was still sitting on the chair in the back of the kitchen.

“What do you want?” you asked him bluntly.

“I’m waiting,” he said, hands upturned, “You promised me some advice, remember?”

***

Masterlist

#Growing pains #peaky blinder imagine #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders #shelby!sister #sister!shelby #shelby sister #shelby sister imagine #sister shelby #shelby sis #tommy shelby #thomas shelby #tommy shelby x reader #thomas shelby x reader #arthur shelby #john shelby #john shelby x reader #polly shelby #polly gray #ada shelby #ada thorne #peaky blinders fluff #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders headcanon

[stellocchia]

i actually had a whole-ass train of thought on how when dream and wilbur get abusive (dream specifically) or manipulative or possessive of tommy,they often act/read more as abusive or narcissistic parental figures rather than peers or sibling figures and your dadbur au REALLY adds fuel to the fire if both dream and wilbur are his ACTUAL dads.

ALSO: expanding upon that,revivedbur,in the latest streams treats tommy like a kid who cant handle himself,who needs WILBUR rather than the other way round. like the whole "always a child to the parent",similar to how he treated fundy in the early l'manburg days,actually and i think that's quite intriguing that he seems to project onto tommy in a specific way that allows him (wilbur) to treat tommy like that,even giving him the illusion of free choice,and then immediately guilt-tripping him.

also: i personally perfer the idea of dadbur!fundy being wil's firstborn bc i personally think c!fundy is a LIL older than tommy and also bc i think wil would take a different approach to raising tommy bc fatherhood stressed him out,so he keeps tommy at a bit of a distance but also gives him more independence bc tommy wont push back,really.

I would not describe them as narcissistic, mainly because I'm no psychology expert and that's an actual personality disorder people can have, not a synonym for abusive.

That said Wilbur's behaviours especially do read to me more like parental behaviour at times, especially after the last stream with the bit you pointed out! Like, Wilbur did seem to have a tendency to infantilize Fundy (always calling him "his little champion" and acting like he could not make decisions on his own) and now that seems to have shifted to Tommy (protecting him from Quackity mainly).

It's interesting especially because Wilbur seems to recognize at least partially that Tommy is stronger than him and has achieved some impressive feats in his life (mentioning how he "changed the world"). He's not unaware of him being capable, but he needs him to depend on him.

Dream is somewhat similar in that regard. He doesn't act as family to Tommy (I mean, he wouldn't know they are family in the AU anyway...) but he's shown in the past his same need for Tommy to be dependent on him and their game as much as he is. It's more of a typical super-villain&superhero relationship type (a la Joker and Batman) in my mind if I have to be honest here, but it can work either way!

That said on Tommy and Fundy's age you can headcanon it however you want for the AU! I still like Tommy being born first, because a young Will becoming father unexpectedly seems like a more plausible reason for someone to raise their child as a brother instead. Plus we already know that Fundy has his time moving all weird, so it's not too weird to assume that he'd age weirdly as well (probably ages faster because of his fox genes).

Also I really like the idea of Wilbur finding Tommy really easy to raise and then having Fundy and deciding that this time he'll actually be a dad and raise him, only to struggle a lot more the second time around because him and Fundy clash a lot more...

#regulus-ready-to-scream ask #dream smp au #dadbur #long post #tw abuse mention

[amintyworld]

Sunset - Dream SMP Drabble

WATERFALL (Part one) - SECRETS (PART 3)

A/N: Okay, I’ve decided to make this a 3-parter, so yay! Third part should be coming out later this week. Hope you all enjoy! -Minty

TW: Arguing/fighting, character death mention(?) (Let me know if I need to tag anything else!)

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

Ever since they met at the waterfall, Phil saw Sally around a lot more lately. Not to say he minded it, the girl was very nice and kind, but she fit right into his chaotic family, a little too well. He heard the normal loud crashing through the trees at nine in the morning - Techno sparred when he couldn’t sleep - as he walked downstairs for his morning coffee, yawning a bit. As he poured himself a cup, he took a second to smile as he mouthed ‘3...2...1…’, and then yelling began upstairs that made Phil’s head throb. He rubbed the spot with a sigh as he took another sip.

“STOP STARING AT ME WHEN I SLEEP, YOU WEIRDO-!”

“I’M NOT A WEIRDO, YOU’RE THE WEIRD ONE WHO KEEPS TRYING TO SLEEP IN MY BED!”

“YEAH, WELL I’M JUST TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM MONSTERS!”

“TOMMY, MONSTERS CAN’T GET IN HERE!”

The two boys yelled and called for their father, and Philza slowly meandered back upstairs, still half asleep, coffee cup never leaving his hand. He yawned. “What seems to be the problem?”

“Tommy keeps sleeping in MY bed,” Wilbur said harshly. “And I keep waking up to him clinging to me like some weird koala, it’s creepy!”

Tommy glared at his older brother. “Oh, I’M the creepy one?! You’re the one who I wake up to staring at me-!”

“Because you keep sleeping in my bed-!”

Before it broke out into another yelling match, Philza simply raised his hand and the two fell silent - Wilbur crossed his arms as the two brothers just looked to the floor. “Tommy, Wilbur wakes up before you, remember? He’s a light sleeper. When he wakes up and you’re holding onto him like a teddy bear, he can’t exactly move without waking you up, can he?”

Tommy’s eyes furrowed in thought. “Well, but he-”

“Wilbur,” Philza interrupted. “Tommy’s still young, he gets scared. We’re all getting used to sleeping apart, we’re all used to sleeping on the road and huddled together. He just wants to be near you because he loves you.” The two brothers looked at each other. “Now, can the two of you please move past this and try to understand each other?”

Wilbur slowly uncrossed his arms. “Do you really miss me that much?”

Tommy quickly scoffed. “Wha- no!”

“Oh.” Wilbur’s face fell.

“But,” Tommy said, crossing his arms as he stared at the floor. “I do miss hanging out with you and exploring like we used to. You and Sally are so busy now, and I get bored. So I guess, maybe, psychologically, some part of my mind just… subconsciously makes me sleep-walk over here…?”

“Aw, you DO miss me!” Wilbur said, smiling as he pulled Tommy in for a hug. Tommy struggled to get away from his strong grasp. 

“I do NOT-!”

Philza smirked from the doorway at the scene, turning and walking off. “Come on down for breakfast when you’re ready-” He chuckled a bit to himself as the two began bantering again, and from the sounds of it Wilbur was trying to take a picture from the number of protests coming from Tommy. He walked downstairs to find Sally sitting at the kitchen table idly, and Philza would admit it was a weird sight, even with the amount of normal strangeness that came about in the house. “Uh, hi...?”

“Oh, hey,” Sally said, turning around a bit quickly. “You startled me.”

“I could say the same thing to you. How’d you get in here...?” He asked, confused, and trying to figure out what possible scenario let the girl wander in.

“Uh, the door was open,” Sally said. “You really need better security.”

No kidding. “Techno may have left it open. It’s kind of early, what are you doing here exactly…?”

“Couldn’t sleep. Didn’t exactly notice the time.”

“Ah, I see,” Philza said cooly, going on to lecture the teen on a proper sleeping schedule while grilling eggs on top of the furnace. The dad was surprised to learn how quickly she’d moved and set up shop in a nearby treehouse she constructed during the night.

“I’m just an expert at moving during the night, it’s the better cover for survival.”

“Smart. But not really healthy.”

“I guess, but safe is better than not in the long run, at least from my experience,” Sally said confidently,  

“But you don’t have to run from anything, at least not anymore. This is the safest place to set up shop I’ve seen in miles.” Philza said matter-of-factly. “Now you finally have a home.”

“Home…” Sally repeated with a small laugh. “I haven’t heard that word in a while.”

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

“So, how’d you get that beanie?”

Wilbur sighed as he looked up at the sky, Sally next to him, both soaking wet from a splash fight they had earlier, and now decided to lay on the rocks and dry off in the sun, both of them tired. Wilbur instinctively reached up to touch the soft knitted hat in his hands, fingers fumbling through the fabric in a bit of comfort. “It was a gift... from my Mom. Or, at least, I think it was my Mom.”

Sally sounded curious. “What do you mean? Is Phil not…?”

“He is. I’ve known him for as long as I can remember, there’s no possible way he isn’t. But my Mom… I’ve never met her.” Wilbur said thoughtfully, recalling faded memories.

“Oh, so… how’d you get it if she…?”

Wilbur was quiet for a moment. “It’s not going to make any sense, it doesn’t even make much sense to me if I’m honest. It’s weird anyway-”

“Wil,” Sally said, giving him a comforting smile. “It’s okay. What’s the point of life if everything made sense?” Wilbur couldn’t help but smile. 

“Don’t laugh?”

“Never.”

The teen took a breath. “The first thing I remember was a voice talking to me. I couldn’t see anything, it was so dark. The voice said it was my Mom, and that her name was Sam. Anyway, for a long time, I couldn’t see anything, but I wasn’t ever really worried. I felt safe as long as my Mom was there, you know? When it got colder she gave me the beanie and my old green sweater, and I know it sounds weird, but with the warmth - it felt like a hug, almost. That’s why I really love my beanie so much, it reminds me of her and her hugs. It’s like even if she isn’t here, she’s here. I miss her a lot, and-”

Sally pulled Wilbur in for a tight comforting hug as Wilbur’s voice hitched. A few tears slid down his cheeks as he returned it, and he mumbled a few ‘thank you’s before continuing. 

“One day, she told me that she had to go, that I was going to go be with my Dad and everything was going to be alright. A door opened, and there was Phil. He pulled me close to him, and I remember hearing fizzing... smelling smoke, but he didn’t let me look back. He just grabbed me and left.”

“That must’ve been hard.” Sally said. “Do you ever talk to Philza about it?”

“Sometimes.” Wilbur said honestly. “Other times I feel like it’s something that he just wants to forget and move on from, and from the way he talks about it, I can’t blame him.”

“No wonder that beanie means so much to you.” Sally breathed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry and bring it up if I made you uncomfortable.”

“No, no.” Wilbur waved off. “It’s nice to talk about it with someone other than Dad.” He turned to face Sally. “What about you? Anything you keep that means the world to you?”

“No. The way I live, or used to live, only had room for the essentials and nothing else. Putting so much value in an object like that, would only lead to disaster waiting to happen.” Sally said simply. “There’s no use in getting attached to anything when you could lose it.”

“That sounds lonely.” Wilbur said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, but that’s surviving.” Sally sighed, laughing a bit bitterly as she sat up. “Stupid logic, isn’t it?”

“It’s not, it’s not.” Wilbur retorted, sitting up as well. His mind wanted to ask who she was running from, but it seemed like she didn’t really want to talk about it right now. He gave her a comforting joking smile. “I bet you had the biggest emo phase-”

Sally’s face lit up in a grin and Wilbur felt his stomach begin to flutter uncharacteristically, a knot forming in his throat as she snorted slightly, playfully swatting. “Yeah, as if you didn’t go full emo - I’ve seen your poetry.”

“How’d you-?!”

“Your brothers know how to get a hold of blackmail like nobody’s business.” She snickered, and Wilbur cursed under his breath. “Awe, come on, I thought it was cute-”

“Cute…?” Wilbur repeated, and the unfamiliar fluttering feeling in his stomach grew more intense.

Sally laughed. “Yeah, like a little hissing kitten-!” The two friends burst out laughing, Wilbur feeling lighter, happier, but also extremely confused.

“Come on you two, dinner!”

“Coming!” Sally called, smirking. “Beanie Boy’s just embarrassed-!”

Beanie boy?

Wilbur could definitely feel the unmistakeable tingling feeling in his stomach as they began to race back to the house for dinner. 

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

Wilbur paced in his room as Techno intently listened, pausing to talk and get a word in before quickly realizing he had to wait until his younger brother stopped ranting. He focused on twiddling with his dagger as he listened, sitting on the bed facing a distressed and confused Wilbur,

“And, AND it just keeps getting worse, every time she smiles or laughs I feel like, really, really warm and I don’t know what’s going on because this has never happened before and I can’t talk to her about it because she’ll think I’m weird and I don’t want her to stop being my friend because she’s the only real friend I’ve ever had, and things would be so awkward but I just can’t stop feeling like this and it’s driving me crazy and I just want it to stop-”

Techno let out a breath as he sharpened a stick, not looking up. “Are you done?”

“Y-yes. I think.” Wilbur said as he tapped his foot to release some nervous energy. 

“Have you considered, and stop me at any time,” Techno said calmly. “That you might like her more than just a friend?”

Wilbur’s voice was soft and filled with nervousness. “What… what do you mean?”

“Like,” Techno sighed. “Like you want her to be your girlfriend…?” At the mention of girlfriend, Wilbur turned red as a tomato, his mind racing. Did he want that? His mind imagined her snuggling close to him, holding her hand and leaning in to kiss her on the lips-

Wilbur’s face turned redder as he ran his hands through his hair quickly, trying to breathe with the large knot stuck in his throat. Technoblade smirked as he chuckled softly, looking back down at his work. 

“I’m guessing that’s a yes.”

“Y-yes.” Wilbur managed to stutter, giving his brother a nervous smile. Suddenly, Techno’s ears perked up at quiet giggling outside in the hallway, and with a soft throw, he threw the sharpened stick hard against the wall next to the doorway, earning a loud yelp from the other side as Tommy appeared, angry.

“Aw, I missed.” Technobalde said, feigning disappointment.

“You almost stabbed me!” Tommy yelled, but Technoblade glared down at him, making Tommy’s protests quickly quiet.

“And you were eavesdropping on me and Wil.” Techno walked up to the younger, retrieving the stick and talking scarily calm. “Eavesdropping spies get stabbed, them’s the rules.”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping, I was… listening.” Tommy defended. “Anyway, i was just trying to help my poor older brother with his ‘woman problems’.”

Wilbur smiled, his nerves beginning to fade away as his mind got distracted. “Yeah, what do you think I should do, Tommy?”

Tommy’s chest puffed out with confidence as he strolled over to the bed where Wilbur sat. “Now, Wilbur, in my many years of experience and research on women, I know exactly what you gotta do - you walk up and ask her who her favorite woman is. If she says anything other than the Queen, she’s not real.”

Techno and Wilbur burst out laughing, and Tommy smiled. “As much as I appreciate your advice, I don’t think Sally would like that very much. It’s gotta be romantic.”

Techno’s eyebrows raised. “You’re gonna confess to her…?”

Wilbur pushed down the nervous knot in his throat thickly. “Ye...yeah! It’s better to get everything out in the air, right? Whatever happens, happens. If...if she says no, at least I was honest.”

Techno’s warm smile met Wilbur’s nervous one as he sat down next to his brothers, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “And if she says yes…?”

A flicker of hope glimmered in Wilbur’s chest. If she says yes… His cheeks turned rosy as he took a deep breath. “If she says yes, I think I’ll faint.” He stated as he flopped backwards on the bed, trying to hide his lovestruck gaze and goofy smile at the thought.

“So, it seems we’ve got a date to plan.” Technoblade said as Tommy looked over at his flustered older brother, smiling.

“I knew she was your girlfriend-!”

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

Wilbur took a deep breath as he walked to meet up with Sally by the waterfall, wearing his nice yellow sweater and signature red beanie, carrying a few sweets he knew she liked from town. As he sat and set up the blanket on a rock overlooking the entire forest, a salmon leaped out of the water, shifting in the air and landing gracefully on the rocks, was Sally - her body and strawberry blonde locks dripping wet. “What’s all this…?”

“I have something I want to show you.” Wilbur smiled. “The perfect view of the sunset.”

“Sunset…?” Sally repeated, looking down at the picnic blanket and few torches lighting the area, the sun about to sink over the horizon. 

“Yeah, I wanted to get you something special. I thought ‘what’s the perfect gift for a girl who’s seen everything?’ and I just knew ‘The things she hadn’t been allowed to stop and notice’.”

She sat down quietly, looking in wonder as the sun sank lower, turning the sky an array of breathtaking pinkish purples. “It’s beautiful. How’d you know I-?”

“Lucky guess, maybe a hunch?” Wilbur laughed, his heartbeat in his ears as Sally looked to the sunset in pure awe, the smile on her face the brightest he’d ever seen. 

“I can’t believe all of this was just out of view, the entire time.” Sally breathed, looking relaxed and content as a cool breeze blew through her hair. Suddenly, Wilbur noticed a fluffy tail, and were those… ears…?

“Uh, are you shifting, or…?”

Sally went red as she realized what was going on, scrambling to hide her ears and squish them back in her head to no avail. “Oh my god, this is so embarrassing-! D-don’t look, okay?! You weren’t meant to-”

“No no, they’re cute!” Wilbur said before he chastised himself for calling her cute.

“They don’t… freak you out at all?”

“No, not really.” Wilbur responded. “I just can’t believe you hid them for this long, how did you even hide something like this-?!”

“It’s painful, but it’s safe. Animal ears and tail are telltale signs of a shifter. While people were chasing me, I had to blend into the crowd so I forcefully shifted them away. It’s exhausting and can hurt me a bit if I’m not careful, but it’s safe.”

“But, you’re not running anymore.”

“I thought you guys would think I’m weird. I wanted to show you, I did, but I just kept putting it off and making excuses so I wouldn’t have to admit I kept it from you at all.”

“You don’t have to hide from me, or anyone else here, I promise, we won’t judge.”

“Thank you.” Sally said. “For this, for giving me a place to be, for being so accepting.”

“Of course.”

Sally yawned a bit and leaned closer to Wilbur’s side, which made his heart leap to his throat as she started out at the sunset, beginning to purr a bit in content, which made Wilbur’s heart flutter. “You know, I’ve heard that the sunset looks like pink lemonade, but it looks more raspberry to me.”

“Raspberry lemonade?”

“Hm, that would taste good.” Sally murmured sleepily, letting out a laugh. “Sorry, all the exhaustion is hitting me, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“I don’t mind.” His hands brushed over her ears amazed at how soft they were. He looked down at Sally, his heart seizing at the sight as the sunset’s glow radiated off her face, and he felt a heat flush his face at the sight as his heart beat loud in his ears. Sweat gathered at the back of his neck as he tapped his fingers nervously on his thigh, seeing the sun almost completely set. 

It’s now or never. Don’t chicken out now.

He cleared his throat nervously as he scratched behind his neck. “So uh, I actually wanted to tell you something, something kind of important.”

“Yeah…?”

“I’ve actually been trying to find the right time to tell you for weeks now, looking back it seems kind of obvious and I don’t know how you never noticed, it’s kinda funny really-” Wilbur rambled, dancing around what he needed to say, not knowing if he really had enough courage to say it, could he even say it?

“Wil.” Wilbur looked down to notice Sally’s concerned gaze. “You’re shaking, are you okay?” Her hand squeezed his, and Wilbur’s nerves rose as any words he had began to die in his throat.

“I...I…”

“It’s okay, we’re friends. You can talk to me about anything and everything, okay? I won’t judge.” Her strawberry blonde hair swayed in the breeze as she talked softly and calmly, her usual cocky grin replaced with one that showed pure care. In that moment, Wilbur realized just how scared he was of losing that, of losing being with her and seeing her smile every day. What he was going to say was going to change everything, it was going to risk it all. Wilbur didn’t know if he was willing to risk it, risk losing her.

His mind told him no, told him to back down, that she didn’t like him like he liked her, and that he was going to lose her forever, that she’d hate him. That when he told her she was going to walk out of his life for good and leave him behind drowning in heartache. His heart whispered something else - maybe it was in her face or the way she gripped his hand just enough, or the way she laughed, the way she cared so much about him that it felt… it felt like…

...Love.

His body trembled in nervous fright as his hand rose up to scratch her ears softly, trailing down her face to tuck a bit of hair behind her ear just so, and softly cupped her cheek. The world around the two turned silent as Wilbur’s heart hammered in his chest. “I love you, Sally.”

Sally’s cheeks tinted pink at Wilbur’s words, before turning to a smile and she began giggling. Wilbur’s expression lowered for a moment. She’s laughing at me…

Then, suddenly he was pulled by his yellow sweater to crash their lips together, the movement unstable as they both fell off the rock and crashed into the river below. Though he was falling, Wilbur felt like he was on Cloud Nine. They both crawled into the beach, giddly giggling as their faces flushed with excitement. Wilbur pulled Sally in close and kissed her again, his heart drumming along as the tight nerves in his stomach finally faded. The shifter wrapped her arms around his neck as the two savored the moment, the moon rising behind them.

When they pulled apart for air, Wilbur smirked. “An ‘I love you too’ would’ve been fine-”

“Shut up, Beanie Boy. You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that.” Sally’s cheeks flushed as Wilbur gently took her hand in his.

“Well, we can do it again...” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, as Sally’s face got redder. “My salmon.”

Needless to say, they kissed more than a few times that night.

#young sleepy bois inc #sleepy bois inc #dream smp #dream smp drabble #sally the salmon #wilbur x sally #dream smp fic #my writing #wilbur soot #philza #tommyinnit #technoblade

[siriuslyshewrote]

Good Grief

A/N : So I kind of mixed both of these requests together, I hope that’s okay! I hope everyone’s keeping safe in these weird times. Much love x

It was the first time you had been downstairs in a few days, and you were sat, hair unkempt, a rather miserable look on your face, stabbing vehemently at the carrot on your plate. The rest of your family chattered around you, but you couldn't find it in you to join in. You had always liked to think of yourself as a strong, independent woman - and raised by none other than Polly Gray and your older sister Ada, that was very much to be expected - and that was why you were so infuriated at yourself. You weren't the type of person to be so hung up over someone. And a boyfriend, at that.

Except, it was Bonnie Gold. The boy you were in love with, and who loved you too. At least, you thought. Until he didn't turn up to your date a week ago, and you had gone to the camp several miles out of town, concerned and confused, only to be told by Aberama that the boy didn't want to see you. And you hadn't heard from him since. You had been furious at first - because no one stood up a Shelby, but it quickly transpired into rather pitiful, wallowing misery, leading you to hibernate in your room for several days.

John nudged you in the ribs, jolting you out of your thoughts.

“How’re you doing?” You had been asked that question what felt like a million times during dinner - a dinner you were well aware Polly organised to try and cheer her youngest niece up, even though you knew she didn’t know the reason for your mood.

You shrugged, with a partially forced small smile. “Oh, ya know. Alright.”

"Cheer up, squirrel." He grinned, that infectious John Shelby grin, that almost made you smile too. "It's only a boy."

John's bluntness at other times would probably make you roll your eyes a little, but now, you froze slightly, still midway through prodding the pile of carrots on the side of your plate.

"What?"

"I said it's just a lad, squirrel. Your hearing going?" He snickered, but your eyebrows pulled together in a frown.

"How did you know?" You spoke slowly, trying desperately not to jump to conclusions. Because the only person in your family that knew you and Bonnie were together was Finn, and he was very good at keeping secrets - at least, when he wanted to. So why would your brother know?

He paused for a second. "You know what you're like, Y/N, can't keep anything secret to save your life, can you? We figured it out a couple weeks back..." His half joking, half strained voice, the one you knew very well was his tell for lying, trailed off.

"We? We?" Your voice was raising steadily now. You locked eyes with Tommy at the end of the table, as the chatter began to die down. “It was fucking you lot, wasn't it? You're the reason why..."

You waited for them to deny it, to tell you you were being crazy. Instead, both Tommy and Arthur shot John a glare.

You pushed back from the table, the chair falling over behind you, not that you cared.

"He's not good for y-“ Tommy began, his face as expressionless as usual.

"How the fuck would you know!" You threw up your hands in exasperation. "Have you seen us every day for the past year? Have you seen how well he treats me? Or did you just see a gypsy boy, eh? However much you try and forget our heritage, Tommy, you're no better than Bonnie. You're worse, actually. Bonnie has a fucking soul. We can't say the same for you."

You focused a furious glare on your older brother, the one you knew that would have been the architect of this plan. Later, you'd regret these words. But for now, you were so angry you could barely refrain from throwing something at one of your brothers, aside from Finn, who looked utterly baffled at the situation, as per usual.

"Y/N." Polly's voice was sharp, always there to remind you you'd gone too far.

"No! Just because Grace is gone-" Just because Grace is gone doesn’t mean everyone else’s relationships are going to fall apart. Just because you lost someone doesn’t mean we all have to.

"Enough!" Polly barked, cutting you off, but your words - at least, the meaning, what you were about to say, hung in the air.

The silence that consumed the table told you very clearly that you had crossed the line, and for the first time in a long time, you saw what could only be described as a flicker of emotion - sadness - in Tommy's eyes. Guilt consumed you, and internally, you were screaming an apology. Externally, however, you set your jaw in fury.

“So what did you tell him?” You spoke quietly, glancing between your three older brothers in turn. “That he can’t see me? That he isn’t good enough? Threaten him?”

“Come on, squirrel-“ Finn pulled at your sleeve from beside you, his eyes imploring you to just sit down (he always hated conflict like this).

“Don’t worry, Finn. I’m done.” You turned on your heel, out of the room, pulling your coat from the rack near the door, slipping into your shoes, and slamming out the house, despite several protests you heard from inside the house. Just before you left, you grabbed the car keys off the sideboard.

********

You hadn’t slowed down to think, not since you left Polly’s house, after ‘borrowing’ John’s car, your fingers tapping impatiently at the steering wheel, urging the car to drive faster and faster, not caring that you were slightly drunk, and most definitely weren’t an expert in car driving. However, stood just outside the camp borders, with the cold stars behind you, and having just caught a glimpse of Bonnie sat beside the fire, whittling a piece of wood into some intricate shape, you did freeze. You weren’t supposed to feel like this, not after just a week, but somehow, it felt like you were simultaneously looking at a stranger and the boy you loved with all your heart.

You willed your feet forward, the mid-autumn night air cold on your arms, even though you were wearing a thick coat. The camp was silent, and you guessed Bonnie was guarding it while everyone else was asleep. He didn’t look up until you trod on a branch with a loud snap noise, and his hand immediately reached for his gun, though he relaxed as soon as he saw your face, then stiffened again, as if remembering what had happened. Even though you weren’t so sure about what happened yourself.

“Hey.” You said softly, sitting next to him, on a long log, the bark slightly uncomfortable, though you were used to it - you had been coming to this campsite for a year, after all.

He didn’t reply, didn’t know where to look, and so he returned his gaze to to small figurine he was creating, and now you were nearer, you saw it was a small deer - your favourite animal. It felt foreign to you, to not be curled into his side, to not see his large grin, his warm kisses.

“Why are you here?” He spoke gruffly, and you stared into the crackling fire, watching the sparks flare in the air for a few seconds, until they fizzled out.

“I wanted to talk-“

“Bit late for that, ain’t it? After you sent your brothers to break up with me?”

You gaped for a few moments, just now realising how this had all played out.

“Is that what they told you? That I didn’t want to see you? I thought... I don’t know what I thought. But listen, Bon. Whatever they said, yeah? None of that came from me. They’re overprotective fucking-“ You were rushing your speech, desperately hoping he would just listen.

He glanced up at you in surprise . “What?”

“None of that came from me, okay? I would’ve come sooner, but when you didn’t come to the date, and your Da sent me away... I just, I thought you wanted nothing more to do with me.”

“So ... you don’t want to break up?” A half confused smile was on his face.

“Of course I don’t! I want to fucking marry you, Bonnie Gold. Why the hell would I wanna break up?” You grinned, your thrumming heart slowing, as you saw realisation in his face.

Your hand tentatively reached for his, but he leaned closer to you, his lips brushing yours, as unsure as you were. You felt more nervous than you did with your first kiss.

“You want to get married?” He breathed, his eyes searching yours.

“Nothing I want more.”

“Good. Cause I feel the same.” He grinned, his hands caressing your face. “Marry me, Y/N Shelby?”

You laughed, several tears welling in your eyes. You weren’t exactly sure how you had gone from misery not five minutes ago to this, but you didn’t care.

“Yes, Bonnie Gold. Yes.”

#peaky blinders headcanon #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinders imagines #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders imagine #bonnie gold #bonnie gold imagines #bonnie gold x reader #bonnie gold imagine #shelby sibling #shelby sister #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby imagine #john shelby headcanons #john shelby imagines #john shelby imagine

[mrs-evadne-cake]

Realistically, how do you think Stoncy would get together?

Realistically, very, very slowly. 

They don’t start as a triangle triad- it’s very much Nancy and Steve and Nancy and Jonathan- even when they’re messing around together in private it’s never all three of them at once and there’s absolutely no discussion of them ‘all dating each other’ to start with. 

Steve has basically no idea what the hell they’re doing and is trying to figure out touchstones to stuff he is aware of which consist of one guy from basketball’s older brother’s stories about guys in his Frat sharing girls, one 70′s porno about swingers that he and Tommy H. found in Tommy’s dad’s basement when they were thirteen, hippies, and like, reverse Mormons. So he’s at least tangentially aware that this is a thing that people occasionally do and can justify to himself that it’s totally not that weird and as long as it’s focused on Nancy he doesn’t have to learn anything about himself or his sexuality today, thanks.

Jonathan considers himself the group’s expert in ethical non-monogamy because he read Robert Heinlein's Stranger in A Strange Land last year (note to readers: nothing makes you less of an expert in ethical non-monogamy than reading  Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in A Strange Land one time in High School) and while he’s aware that he’s bisexual and attracted to Steve he doesn’t want to risk their friendship by making a move that might not be reciprocated  nor is he entirely sure he wants to sleep with someone that uses the phrase ‘reverse Mormons’. 

Nancy is the one that keeps pushing them to take steps forward because Nancy has stared down a Demogorgon, a meat monster, and a speeding Camaro driven by a possessed douchebag with bad hair and doesn’t give a fuck about propriety or whether or not Steve Harrington has to deal with a crisis about his potential sexuality. She’s the one that initiates the three of them all messing around all together for the first time. It goes surprisingly well since they’ve been doing basically everything but for so long - even though Steve still technically knows this not the sort of threesome he’s socially expected to want to participate in and has that crisis- but none of them are sure if it’s a one-time thing or not. It definitely doesn’t become the norm right away, though it does start the ball rolling on discussion of if they’re all together or not or if that’s even a thing.

None of them have any idea what poly negotiations are but they manage. Eventually.

Thanks for the ask! I love Stoncy fics but there tends to be a certain ease and maturity with which all three of them decide to get together that would be surprising for teenagers (and a lot of adults) today, let alone 1985. Let these three be absolute disasters, I say. 

#asks #stoncy

[poorreputation]

SPN 1X02 Wendigo Retrospective Meta

Tagging: @emblue-sparks @metafest @verobatto-angelxhunter @evvvissticante @dea-stiel @sudo-apt-get-destiel @wildligia

Summary (via IMDB)  Sam and Dean make a stop at Blackwater Ridge and end up helping a young woman and her brother find their other brother, who mysteriously disappeared, while on a camping trip, in the woods.

Teleplay by: Eric Kripke

Story by: Ron Milbauer and Terri Hughes Burton

Directed by: David Nutter

Post under the cut:

Episode Notes:

Our first Then-Now segment.

November 2, 1983- This, combined with Jess' tragic death, establishes it's been 22 years between the Winchester's lives being ruined by fires. The Pilot, oddly enough, didn't make the significance of the dates clear. I chock it up to the Pilot having so many drafts. that some plot relevant stuff got lost in the shuffle.

And, now our title card has sound! The first time we see SPN's logo, it's completely silent. Again, constant tweaks between episodes.

Blackwater Ridge

Lost Creek, Colorado

We open on 3 people camping, as one dude calls his sister Haley to deliver exposition.

Of course they're being hunted in the woods, as the camera gives us a monster's eye view.

Haley's brother (still nameless) is reading when one of his friends is attacked. Now, knowing this production crew, there must be some significance to the book he's reading-

-it's Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Who, in this book, wrote of the Hero's Journey.

I- I'm, I can't, Kripke, no. It's only episode 2, slow down. Please. You're getting ahead of yourself.

Gary's fucked. Bye, Gary.

Palo Alto, California

Confirmed, Jess died on 11/2.

Sam expresses grief, and then regret, in not telling Jess the truth, as we're treated to a bad jump scare that only got me the first time.

Dean offering to let Sam drive, to get his mind off of things, asking how Sam's doing. Doesn't buy it when Sam shrugs it off.

To find Jess' killer, they have to find John, who is nowhere to be found. 

Connecting the dots already between Mary and Jess.

Blackwater Ridge

Lost Creek, Colorado

A bunch of abandoned gold and silver mines, hmmm...

Haley sounds like a worried older sibling. I'm sure Dean can relate.

Sam assumes Dean wants to get in Haley's pants, while Sam just wants to find John as quickly as possible. Dean notes his brother's change in attitude to "shoot first and ask questions later".

Tommy's his name. Tommy Collins. Alright.

Oof, Haley's really the older sibling. Looks like there's a 2nd brother, too, that she's cooking for. Reminds me of flashbacks of younger Dean, providing for Sam. Haley's very observant, as well, asking for ID and noting Dean's unusual car.

Parents gone, only "two brothers and me", not "us three". Call it clunky writing, or call it Haley identifying herself  not as her sibling's equal, but as the one in charge.

Dean connecting with Haley on her urgent need to find Tommy, "I think I know how you feel." At first, one would think he's just referring to John, but everything we've seen thus far from Haley screams as someone searching for a little sibling/feeling parental.

Haley shows Sam and Dean Tommy's last message (recorded on his fucking flip phone. Tommy would be the kind of person to use a go-pro or a selfie stick). Every 23 years. Alright, first off, I love how cryptic the Pilot was about the monster reveal, while here it's just 'Wendigo' in the title. Second, the similarity between the Wendigo and what John's ultimately hunting: a creature killing every 20 or so years. Maybe the slight difference of 22 years vs. 23 made John leave. Or, he figured out it was a Wendigo, and dumped the case on his kids without any heads-up.

Sam and Dean interview a Wendigo survivor from '59, someone who was so young when it happened, no one believed him. It all got swept under the rug as a Grizzly attack.

A little detail I'm noticing now; the Wendigo is vulnerable to fire, that's why it left the kid in '59 alive. The boy had fallen asleep in front of the cabin fireplace. And earlier, the Wendigo, just before killing Tommy's friend, hesitated at the sight of the campfire.

Sam and Dean figuring out the creature has to be corporeal, ruling out spirits and demons as potential culprits, means John probably knew, too. Knowing John's looking for the Yellow Eyed Demon this whole time...

Sam wants to tell Haley the truth to keep her from going into the woods, and Dean counters with this:

Dean: "Her brother's missing, Sam. She's not gonna just sit this out."

To further my point from before; the focus is on the worry a guardian would have for a dependent. Dean sees John as the man with all the answers. Dean relates to Haley not because his worries over John are equal to Haley's about Tommy, but because he's probably fretted over Sam the same way. An alternative, and equally valid point, though, would be Dean sympathizing with Haley over losing 'Family', as I brought up in 1X01, when Dean insists to Sam he's not only a Hunter, deep down, but a Winchester.

Sam: "Finding Dad's not enough? Now we gotta babysit, too?" (at the idea of Haley coming with them on the Hunt). The glare Dean gives in response to this shows how much Sam is missing the point.

The guy Haley hired is just trying to do his job. I used to be annoyed with him, but with this rewatch, I'm more annoyed at Dean. Dean's the one who insists they can't tell anyone their secret, and yet they (Sam and Dean) could've benefited from cooperating with Haley's group. It makes Dean come across as an arrogant know-it-all who dismisses the help of an expert despite being on such unfamiliar terrain.

We catch up with Tommy, who sees his friend get eaten. That's gonna need some therapy.

Dean starts sizing up the guide Haley hired, Roy, and Dean's doing the whole "Well, has anything ever hunted you back?" shtick. Right as Roy saves Dean's ass from a bear trap.

After Haley confronts Dean (who up to this point has just been giving Roy a hard time), he tells her part of the truth; he and Sam are really brothers, and they're looking for their father. Telling Haley this is the "most honest I've (Dean) been with a woman. Ever."

M&Ms as provisions. Of course, Dean. Only a 26 year old can get away with that.

Roy calls the group over to Tommy's campsite, which is wrecked.

Haley finds Tommy's phone. It must seem like any chance of getting in touch with her brother is gone for good. Dean comes up and assures her Tommy could still be alive. I'm sure Dean's felt this many times with John, especially now.

The Wendigo mimics a man's voice, lures everyone away, and takes the distraction as an opportunity to destroy/steal the group's supplies.

Putting it all together, Sam figures out it's a Wendigo. He tries to talk the group into going back to the cars, not giving the whole truth, and Roy's, rightfully, fed up. Think of it from Roy's perspective; these two actual babies come waltzing in, clearly lying about their government job, almost getting themselves caught in a bear trap, Sam and Dean must seem like a couple of walking disasters.

Poor Roy. Your greatest crime has been using logic.

Now, thiiis, referring to the Wendigo as not only a Hunter, but the perfect Hunter.

Dean: "Nobody likes a skeptic, Roy." Dean, you were pulling that shit with Roy, first. "Well, has anything ever hunted you back?" Having all the answers doesn't make you any less of a douche.

Sam and Dean come to the conclusion John has probably never set foot in Lost Creek. I still stand by the idea John checked it out, and then ruled it out. Sam and Dean have so little to go off of, in finding John, they're grasping at straws.

"Saving people, hunting things. The family business." Connecting what the Winchesters do as Hunters, and the Wendigo itself is the perfect Hunter. More on that, later...

Why doesn't John just call, play it to them straight? Because Sam won't listen to John, but he will listen to Dean, who's bought John's philosophy hook, line and sinker. And, John's so obsessed with revenge he sees nothing wrong with this.

The Wendigo once again tries to trick the group.

Bye, Roy.

It's the next day, and everyone left tries to regroup.

Sam and Dean fill Haley and her remaining brother in on Wendigos. Since the only instance of people being up in Lost Creek were miners, I'm guessing the Wendigo was a worker who got lost/trapped in a tunnel collapse with only their fellow miners to keep them company. And fed.

So, Wendigos are creatures who were once people, but give in to cannibalism. They then develop an insatiable hunger, but never turn wild; they're still very much Human.

Hi, Roy. Nice to see you're still hanging around.

Dean and Haley have been kidnapped, who could have ever seen this coming?

Dean's trail of M&Ms leads Sam and Haley's brother to an abandoned mine. Sam and the brother fall through the floor, finding the Wendigo's kitchen. They find Dean, Haley, as well as Tommy.

Dean volunteering himself as bait is tragically typical.

For once, Sam has to look up (at the Wendigo).

Okay, real quick, I appreciate the time and energy it took to make the Wendigo costume. For obvious budgetary reasons, SPN relies on monsters that conveniently look Human, so it's a real treat for the baddie to actually look monstrous.

Haley: "Must you cheapen the moment?" ladies, gents and distinguished individuals, this is Dean propositioning someone without saying a word and using only his facial expressions. People are gonna get confused over the next 14 seasons over Dean not verbalizing he wants to fuck, but I'm happy to say he's been doing it from the start. Bonus points is that Haley instead gives Dean a kiss on the cheek, which seems to fluster Dean, implying he wasn't actually expecting her to respond. Almost like Dean's putting up a front, or something.

Sam takes Dean up on his offer to drive, how sweet.

Post Episode Meta/Notes:

(These were all written during the episode, so if the flow feels weird, that's why. I just want to try sticking meta related stuff at the end)

(After Sam and Dean realize John was never in Lost Creek) Another thing, though, is this shows a similarity between John and Sam; with a 'bigger' hunt in mind, they're willing to let 'smaller' cases pass by. Call it selfish (it kinda is) call it what you will. Now, look at Dean. He may be arrogant, yes, but he can step into someone else's shoes and understand they need help. Haley's just gonna blunder into the Wendigo's clutches, otherwise. This is an example of, despite the separation of time, John and Sam have a lot in common.

(After going into the origins of the Wendigo) A person gives up their Humanity to become the perfect Hunter, but is forever consumed by hunger... for flesh, or revenge?

(After Dean and Haley get kidnapped) OH WAIT I'VE GOT IT ALL WRONG.

Roy is a stand-in for John. Older Hunter that's been at it for as long as Sam's been alive, acting condescendingly towards the younger Hunters, undermining their ability. Dean's giving Roy a hard time because he can't and won't say the same to John's face.

After that whole speech from Dean about all John knows being in his journal, and having that book bestowed upon him and Sam, it started to click for me.

That’s my take on 1X02 Wendigo! Thank you for reading, share your thoughts, and let me know if you wanna be tagged in my next meta on older Supernatural episodes! And, if you’re interested in more content about this particular episode, I have a post on both it and 14X16 Don’t Go in the Woods!

https://poorreputation.tumblr.com/post/183625991916/spn-14x16-dont-go-in-the-woods-meta?is_related_post=1

#SPN #S1 #1X02 #Wendigo #Meta #writers #writing

[queenieschronicles]

Vide Cor Meum Part 2

Thomas Shelby x Reader 

 Summary: What would a man do to protect his family, wealth, and business? Marry his daughter off to Birmingham’s most ambitious: Thomas Shelby. 

 Word Count: 2608 

 Warnings: Choking and what I'd consider minor physical assault. 

 A/N: I'm sorry this is so all over the place. I'm a sucker for detail, while also wanting to get the story moving. Sorry for the length! I hope you enjoy! 

Part I Part III Part IV _________________________________________________

You ran your hands over the delicate tulle bodice adorned with crystals and pearl beads. Your eyes scaling your reflection in the mirror. You hardly recognized yourself in the tulle and satin sheath dress. You traced your index along pleated pattern at your waistline. 

You wondered how long it took to tailor and just when your mother had time to fetch you a wedding dress with such little notice. You failed to remember your mother’s constant endeavor to find you a husband before you were worn and withered.

 “You’ll ruin your nails.” Your mother pulled your hand away which pulled you from your daydreaming.

 You nodded solemnly. You had never dreamt of your own wedding day. You figured you would grow old surrounded by family and one close niece or nephew. You would have never foreseen this travesty.

 “Must I marry him?” You met stared at your mother with beseeching eyes.

 Your mother’s lips were taut and she held you with a scrutinizing gaze. Her shoulders fell as a sigh blew from her mouth.

 “Who do you suggest you marry?” She inquired softly with a raised brow.

 You hugged yourself, “Must I marry at all?”

 You looked away from her and out the stained window of the church. You had no one in mind. It would benefit you to stay close to home if you couldn’t stay at home. In that case, Elliot.

 “It’s as if you fear marriage, child.” She wrapped her arm around you and held you as she looked at you in the mirror. You followed her gaze.

 “You may feel like it is a cage, my dear, but you’re a (Y/L/N). A lady no less. You are the neck and you can turn the head whichever way you please.”

 Something in her smile warmed you. Despite marriage being the last thing that you wanted, your mother made it less encumbering.

 “Are you ready, child?” She rubbed your arms soothingly.

 You nodded silently hoping to hide your true feelings. You refused to make this day hell for everyone.

_________________________

 Tommy followed a stairwell down into a kitchen.

Michael was lighting one up with the help of John who had a cigarette slowly deteriorating between his lips.

Arthur had plucked a bottle of champagne from a crate waving it cheerfully in the air.

 Jeremiah, followed by Finn, entered from the cellar door. Tommy looked at the lot and motioned with his fingers.

 The group came to and joined Tommy in a relaxed huddle.

 “Alright men.” Tommy's hands clapped together. “It's my wedding day. You know what that means.”

 Some lewd comments came from someone in the back. John grappled Michael in a headlock where Michael held his cigarette as far from John's suit as possible. John snuck a playful jab to Michael's abdomen.

 “It means no rough housing.” Thomas pulled the two apart and shoved John back. “No fucking fighting.”

 “Cocaine for the rich bastards.” Michael sucked soothingly on the end of his cigarette.

 Tommy's blue eyes darkened, he grabbed Michael by his lapel,” No fucking drugs.”

 Arthur exchanged a look between the gents. He held the champagne up,” Drinking?”

 The raven haired leader turned his attention to his older brother,” Lots of fucking drinking.” A grin stretched across his lips.

 Cheers erupted from the group. Hands grabbed at Tommy pulling him into short-lived hugs and congratulatory pats on the back.

 “Shall we, gentlemen?” Tommy rose a brow at his friends.

___________

 Your breath caught in your chest when you saw him waiting at the altar in a deep navy three-piece.

 An unfamiliar softness had touched him. There was a warmth in his cheeks. The striking blue seas in his eyes were quiet and alluring.

 You thought you caught a small smile curling at the corner of his lips.

 When he took your hand, it was warm and his thumb swept reassuringly over your palm.

 You could feel your pulse quicken. A bead of sweat gathered at the base of your neck.

 You looked into the pews. Friends and family sat prim and proper expressing a mixture of emotions. Some looked blissful and other's looked skeptical.

 Swept up in your own regret and feelings, you tuned out the reality of your marriage.

 “Thomas Shelby, do you take (Y/N) (Y/L/N) to be your lawfully wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love forever more?”

 “I do.”

 Do you (Y/N) (Y/L/N) take Thomas Shelby, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to share your life openly, standing with him in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love forever more?”

 The words choked in your throat. The pews creaked with curious onlookers. A gloomy cloud looked in his eyes.

 “I do.” You forced breathlessly.

 His hand came to your face, brushing his thumb tenderly over your cheek. His kiss was softer than expected but every bit expert as you assumed.

 The rest was a blur. Your freedom as a single woman of the world was over. The reality of it was daunting.

 The ring felt heavy on your finger. You stared at it. It was lovely. Celtic knots led to a beautiful diamond.

 You only managed to look away when Tommy offered you his hand.

 “Ready to go home?” He smiled.

 “Home.” You mused distantly.

 “And the reception.” Tommy reminded.

 More distress weighed you down . “Right, of course.” You managed politely.

 He pulled you into the carriage.

 “Why a carriage?” You asked bluntly.

 Get settled in next to you waving at the happy guests.

 “It’s romantic. ” He turned to you with an amused smile.

 “Oh? I thought Thomas Shelby was only good at fucking numbly.”

 For a moment you thought he might turn cross. Instead, he laughed heartedly.

 “I wondered where the rebel in you had gone.” He leaned comfortably back.

 You looked away taking in the scenery with a satisfied smile.

___________

 The house was breathtaking. The architecture screamed Renaissance.

 You were so captivated you hadn't paid a speck of attention to Tommy.

 “You like it.” His tone smug matching that triumphant glimmer in his eyes.

 You glanced at him discontent. “It'll do.” You corrected dryly.

 “Everyone's waiting. Shall we?” He offered you his arm.

 The ballroom was beautiful. You wondered how often the room would be used. Who would fill the empty space?

 People were already dancing and toasting to each other and the wedding. You were relieved everything seemed so ordinary and everyone carried on with ease.

 “This was such a surprise, (Y/N). You married. We would have never thought.” Emma carried on.

 “And to someone outside of Highbury. We're surprised. Where are you from, Mr. Shelby?” Jane leaned in curiously.

 Of all the people you had to greet tonight and thank, these two had lifted your spirits. They were certainly entertaining.

 You could feel Thomas tense next to you from the chaotic chattering.

 “Birmingham.” He answered nonchalantly sipping his champagne.

 The two went on chattering. You could keep up with little trouble, but you could feel your new husband tiring of the foolishness. You reminded yourself to invite them often to your home.

 “Excuse us ladies, I'm going to treat my wife to a dance.” He smiled at them.

 They were silenced by him radiance. They nodded longingly.

 You followed without resistance.

 “You see them often.” He pulled you into him.

 “Nearly every day.” You smiled devilishly.

 “It's good we didn't stay in Highbury.” He looked around the room.

 “They have one of the finest vehicles in Highbury. I'm sure they will visit often.” You mentioned lackadaisical.

 Thomas grumbled something incoherent under his breath, but you felt successful in your efforts to put him in a bad mood.

 You took another glass of champagne after the dance ended. “I think I might retire early. Marrying you was hard work.”

 He shook his head at your words.”It's only ten.”

 “I'm sure you're used to hosting without someone at your side. Or rather someone without a dignified title.” You sneered.

 “You’re really trying to upset me, aren't you?” He studied you dubiously.

 “I need to know how to work you.” You smiled deviously. “Besides, it's fun getting under your skin. You're a - ELLIOT!”

 You glowed. You set your champagne down and let him pull you in. His familiar honey and leather scent made you nostalgic.

 “You look divine.” He hummed with his lips pressed to the side of your head.

 You stepped back sheepish. You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

 “You look handsome as always Elliot. I didn't see you at the ceremony.” You searched his face with modest concern.

 He gave a forlorn smile,” I had business in London. I hurried as best I could.”

 You were sure he wasn't sorry he missed it.

 “It's so nice of you to come and celebrate our union.” His voice was buoyant, charming.

 Elliot stiffened. His smile disappeared. “ I'd never miss a chance to celebrate (Y/N).”

 “I believe it.” Tommy's blue eyes were shadowed.

 “May I?” Elliot turned to you a new song was being queued up by the band.

 You stepped forward willingly, but Thomas's arm forced you back. Your brows pulled together indignant.

 “Not tonight, friend. (Y/N) was just about to retire. She is tired from the events today and I think we'd both like to get some rest.” He pulled you into him, hugging you from behind.

 Your expression softened. You looked apologetically at Elliot. “I'm sorry, Elliot. I promise we'll get together soon.”

 Elliot nodded somberly at you. “I look forward to it.”

 You turned away from the situation. Pulling out of Thomas's grasp, you began the trek to your new bedroom.

 “Goodnight, Elliot. Safe travels back home.” Thomas gave a curt nod and turned to follow you.

 “I told you to be through with Elliot.” Thomas growled.

 “Fuck off, Thomas. You can't tell me who I can and cannot see.” You pulled clutched the train of your dress as you weaved through tables.

 “You're my wife! The hell I can't!”

 “Yes, your wife! Not your slave! I don't have to obey your every word.” You bit back.

 “You're supposed to respect my wishes as the head of the house.” He fell into step with you.

 “Shall I go to a new house then?” You asked menacingly.

 “Don't be a martyr.” He hissed.

 You stayed quiet ignoring him.

 Thomas caught your arm halting you mid step. You glared up at him, but he wasn't paying any attention to you.

 A haunting figure looked in a doorway not far off. A server was trying to get him to leave.

 Tommy snapped his finger summoning John to his side. “Take her upstairs and lock the door behind her.”

 “Don't you dare, John.” You warned.

 John smiled down at you,” No can do, love. I've got orders.” He practically whisked you out of the ballroom.

 The last thing you saw was Thomas confronting the man with a threatening stance.

 You slammed a fist on the locked door. “Damn it John, let me out!”

 It was no use. He was gone.

 You walked to another set of doors and slammed them in retaliation.

 You turned away and looked angrily on at the beautiful decor. All your things from your room had been placed around the room including your vanity.

 Hot tears clustered at the corner of your eyes. You wiped them away angrily.

 You slipped out of your dress and into something more comfy. You sat on the edge of the bed in silence.

 You were a prisoner here. You had expected to feel a much.

 You heard the knob rattling and got up reading yourself for a fight.

 Thomas stormed in,” Why do you have to be so difficult?”

 “I don't live to please you Thomas!” You shot back.

 “You will not see Elliot ever again. Or else.” He pointed a finger at you.

 You stomped up to him, letting his finger jab you in the chest.” Are you threatening me? You think you're so scary. Please.”

 “I said no more.” He growled through gritted teeth.

 “Just try and stop me.” You turned away storming toward the bathroom.

 “I will. Don't make me.”

 “By what? Locking me up like a prisoner?! I'm already a prisoner. You have your brother throwing me in here like a prison and inviting creeps into the house.”

 “Don't.” His voice was a low rumble borderline sinister.

 “You're a monster Thomas.” You tried to slam the bathroom door shut but he had his hand forcing it to stay open.

 “Go away.” You pushed.

 “No. You're going to stop being a child. You're going to wash up and let it sink in that this is your new life. No Elliot. No Highbury. No traipsing around trifling with all the men you see. You're my wife, not a whore. No matter who you saw before me, you're mine now.”

 Hot tears streamed down your face. You felt humiliated. You were insulted.

 “Is that what you think of me?” You wept letting the emotional floodgate break. “Well at least whores get some compensation. You couldn't give me a damn thing that could make up for your callous, demented soul.”

 He stepped back just enough to let the door slam. You locked it up quick and sank against it.

 “Come on, (Y/N). Open up.”

 Silence.

 He sighed.”At least come to bed. You don't have to talk to me.”

 Nothing.

 He had given up shortly after. He cursed something and you squeezed yourself tighter blocking him out.

 You couldn't manage a steady breath. You had lost count of your crying and sniveling. You felt disgusting and exhausted.

 You managed to drag yourself to the sink to wash up. Your mascara stained your cheeks and your lipstick smeared off your lips.

 You washed up sluggishly. The last of your first fight disappeared down the drain. You pulled the clips from your hair and let it fall allowing the strain on your scalp to ease.

 You debated sleeping in the fountain sized bath, but decided you would do better with a bed for as achy as you felt.

 Your hand froze on the knob when you heard a series of cried and shouts. An unsettling gargle of asphyxiation had you ripping the door open.

 Thomas was lying on the bed tossing and turning restlessly. His fingers tearing at his chest as if he was being burned from the inside out.

 Sleep abandoned you as you bolted toward the bed. A bedpost jeered your attempt to reach him.

 You bit through the pain and clambered on top of him. You gripped his shoulder tight shaking him with all your might.

 “Thomas!” You cried horrified.

 He screamed, fighting with someone who could not be you. His hands tore at your robe causing a tear in the seam.

 His fingers bit into your skin. A mortified yelp uttered from your lips.

 “Thomas, it's me! Stop! What's happening?! Please wake up!”

 Your shook his chest ignoring the battering of your body as he tried to get rid of a ghost.

 He gasped for unfound air. He went still. Your fingers trembled over his face to his neck for a pulse. You leaned to check for breath.

 Mortified by lack of flow, you pressed your lips to his blowing in air. Your hands pumping his chest.

 You leaned back. Nothing.

 You banged on his chest.

“Thomas! Please don't leave me!” You pled with tears stinging your weary eyes.

#thomas shelby #thomas shelby fic #thomas shelby x reader #tommy x reader #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinder imagine #thomas shelby imagine #tommy shelby imagine #queeniewrites

[strangerthanjonathan]

Okay so now I have only seen a few people talk about this. I’ve seen these sort of headcanons taken as controversial, some people hate them, others are indifferent, and some support them. But I myself, support these headcanons because seeing yourself in characters is important and representation of things like this is scarce. I just don’t understand the hatred towards it when there’s nothing wrong with it. Today I am going to talk about Jonathan Byers and the possibility of him having a form of Autism.  Now if you don’t want to see this and you want to yell at me then just scroll away. This is just my opinion, I’m not trying to start a fight, so just chill. For the rest of you that want to hear, let’s get started!

I just want to start by saying I’m no expert on this subject. I’m not expecting this to be canon or whatever, and none of these are solid proof that Jonathan has autism. Not every autistic person has the same traits, they differ from person to person. It’s just something that’s been in my mind for a while and I figured that maybe some people could see this and be like “Hey I noticed that too!” 1.) Jonathan shows a very huge interest in both music and photography. A lot of teens in the ‘80s liked music, it’s a common thing. But Jonathan carries his camera around quite a lot, he uses it as a coping mechanism, a sort of bridge between himself and the world around him.  It could be surmised that his special interest is photography, it’s something he really likes and if he so pleased he could probably tell you a lot about it. He takes his camera everywhere, even to look for his missing brother. He takes pictures of the ground, as if the results might show him some sort of answer.  2.) The way he talks about people and pictures. Jonathan talks about the world as if he’s on the outside looking in, as if he’s an entirely different entity compared to everyone else. He discusses how he’d rather ‘observe’ people rather than talk to them. He understands this is strange, he’s been made very aware of that because of the way people act around him.  He says that “Sometimes, people don’t say what they’re really thinking.” and according to Jonathan if you ‘capture the right moment’ it will explain a person somehow. This observation in and of itself is interesting, because sometimes autistic people have problems interacting with others because they are very literal and they don’t quite like or understand that the people around them don’t always mean what they say. Of course, Jonathan shows an understanding and he too expresses an affinity for sarcasm... So he does understand some forms of spoken language, but he doesn’t like that people aren’t honest with him. It frustrates him that people don’t speak their minds, which can be especially taxing when you’re someone like Jonathan who seemingly is picked on quite often. He doesn’t trust people to mean what they say because perhaps he’s had experiences in which he thought people were being kind to him when in reality they were making fun of him. (I think we’ve all experienced that at one point or another). 3.) He takes pictures of the teens at Steve’s house, and of course that’s a creepy scene... But did you know that sometimes people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) cross over lines and boundaries because they have a hard time comprehending what is ‘socially acceptable’? It doesn’t excuse his actions, he even acknowledges this later and apologizes. He took pictures of a girl getting undressed, let’s be real. But it could show why he did it, instead of just ‘he’s a creepy guy’. When Nicole catches him, he seems embarrassed or startled that she’s seen them. By this point, perhaps he’s had time to examine his actions and realizes that he’s done something wrong. He’s living in a society he doesn’t seem to comprehend, but he has to know some of the rules by now. However, stumbling upon kids partying while taking pictures in the woods isn’t really in the society handbook he’s been handed, in the moment, he just did it. Later on, he probably had time to examine his actions and regretted them. Honestly he was punished for it pretty justly in the end. 4.) When his camera is broken. Steve comments that Jonathan knows he did something wrong but it’s just ‘hardwired’ into him and that they have to take away his ‘toy’. Jonathan immediately goes from passive and quiet to frantic and ready to step in, he pleads with Steve. The camera obviously means a lot to him, whether it was a present or something he worked hard for. But remember, it’s also his connection to the world around him. It helps him interpret the way people work, helps him cope with reality. His bridge is broken, and he’s absolutely devastated. He falls completely silent, and when he spots Nancy still looking at him he opens his mouth, as if to speak but he says nothing. Some might say this looks like an episode in which he’s gone nonverbal due to stress. 5.) This one is a little weak, but I don’t care. Jonathan has a soft voice, he talks quietly and often stammers and stutters as he speaks. He mumbles a lot, and has a flat tone most of the time. This is another trait common with ASD, especially people with Asperger’s and such.  Volume control is difficult sometimes for people with ASD. I myself struggle to maintain appropriate volume levels when speaking, as when I’m excited I tend to grow louder without noticing. Jonathan himself stays very quiet, and probably has to be prompted to speak up very often. His often flat tone conveys not a lack of emotional but a lack of understanding how to do so or comprehending that he’s supposed to convey his emotions through his voice. 6.) People see him as strange and odd, and just the way people depict him in general points out some form of social shortcoming. He tends to make intense eye contact and stare, and when he speaks he has a habit of looking away as he does so. It’s difficult to maintain appropriate eye contact for him, and he’s probably been berated for it at times, so he has a tendency to stare in an attempt to fix this.  7.) Routine, maybe? Jonathan is seen making breakfast for Will and presumably himself in the pilot, that’s most likely his routine. Even after Will’s disappearance, his solution to helping his mother is cooking breakfast. He’s not sure how to deal with everyone’s emotional distress or his own, so he just does what he knows. 8.) The fight with Steve. Jonathan’s rage was justified in this scene, he was just fine walking away until the older boy called out his family. Now think about this, Jonathan has been dealing with so much lately. First his brother goes missing, then his mom starts losing her mind, his camera is broken, his entire life starts to fall apart. His brother is presumed dead, his father threatens to come back into the picture, and then there’s the whole thing with the monster and stuff. He is dealing with so much, and then Steve shoves him over what he can handle. He’s pushed over the edge, into what many would call a meltdown. Of course, autistic people are rarely violent and aggressive towards others in their meltdowns. That is, unless someone is touching them, trying to prevent them from leaving, or adding into the sensory overload in some way. Steve is pushing him, calling out his family, egging him on.  Jonathan snaps and they fight, and once Jonathan is on top of Steve he only sees Steve. His sole focus is beating up Steve, any attempts to get him off are completely ignored. He pushes Tommy away, doesn’t hear the approaching cop car, and then elbows an officer in the face who tries to grab him. He’s not aware of what’s going on, he’s having an emotional outburst of such severity that he’s in a mode where his mind is saying ‘do not touch me’ and nothing else matters to him in that moment. Even after he’s pulled away, he struggles to get back on top of Steve, and he continues to struggle as he’s handcuffed. He screams at a cop to get off of him, as if it is a valid request, he’s freaked out and upset.

Back at the police station, he’s irritated and anxious, obviously still coming down off of his fit. His mother asks what happened and all he can say is ‘I’m fine’, he doesn’t even tell her ‘I got in a fight’ or anything of the sort.  In Hopper’s office, he’s got his fingers sort of in his mouth. I suppose it looks like he’s biting his nails but I took it as a stim myself, just a way to calm himself down. He’s nervous, looking between his mom and Hopper. Of course, he thinks they won’t believe him but he’s also extremely fidgety, which isn’t really something Jonathan exhibits very often. He’s geared up, still in fight or flight mode.  9.) His mother’s perspective of him. She doesn’t really talk that much about Jonathan as she does Will, but Joyce says a few choice words that I thought were very strange. Most parents of teenagers would say that their child is too distant, they want to do things themselves and are stubborn and rebellious... Joyce says this “You act like you’re all alone in the world.”  Not in this moment, just in general, he acts as if he’s alone. This excludes not only Joyce, but Will as well. It just proves that Jonathan sees himself as a separate entity compared to everyone else, and even his mother acknowledges it. He isn’t just a loner, he’s cut himself off from everyone else whether it be intentional or not. He’s not just some shy friendless kid, he’s done this to himself, he’s distanced himself from the world because he doesn’t understand it and feels like nobody else understands him. 10.) Jonathan has a good rapport with the boys, but nobody his age.  Even though he doesn’t seem the best of friends with the little group of boys his little brother is part of, he’s quite friendly with them compared to everyone else. This is most likely because Will is friends with them, they’re a little strange like Will, like Jonathan. Will is like a bridge, he’s a connection, nobody is closer to Jonathan than Will. He knows his brother, and his friends by extension know him too. They know he’s strange and odd, in another world, but in a way they are too... This really only points out that Jonathan is socially inept again, but I thought it was important to see how odd he is in the eyes of his classmates. It’s to the point where someone in Tommy and Steve’s group ( I don’t remember who, maybe Carol?) jokes that “I didn’t know he could talk”... He’s so bizarre in society’s standards he doesn’t even speak, that’s not just an outcast by social standards. He isn’t just the poor kid, the queer, the creepy guy. And it’s not just because of being bullied or anything of the sort, he probably just doesn’t talk that much unless prompted. I know a guy with autism that I’ve gone to school with since I was in fourth grade, he rarely spoke and only spoke when prompted. He was quiet, kept to himself, and when he did speak it was rarely audible. It reminds me a lot of Jonathan Byers. 11.) The way Joyce speaks to Will and Jonathan separately.  This is going to sound odd, and maybe reaching... But honestly, it feels like Joyce talks to the boys differently. When talking to Jonathan, Joyce often repeats herself, she speaks clearly and to the point. It’s almost like she’s in a habit of repetition around him, as if she realizes that sometimes he doesn’t understand things. Maybe it’s just because of the situation they’re in, but she repeats herself and makes sure that she gets through to Jonathan when talking to him. When Hopper and Joyce are leaving, she says “I need you to stay here” and when Jonathan protests, she continues over him and explains that he needs to watch the kids. She says please a few times, and when she leans back, she makes very intense eye contact with him and promises multiple times that she’s going to find Will. It’s almost as if she feels like she has to repetitively tell him this or she believes he might follow her despite her instructions (I mean, hell, it doesn’t sound out of the realm of possibility).  Also, in the pilot, when she asks where Will is, Jonathan seems to have forgotten to wake him up. She is irritated and says that she’s told him this a thousand times. However, this could be chalked up to a forgetfulness that seems to run in the family. Joyce is a little forgetful it seems, so it would be understandable that Jonathan has a similar trait. A lot of lines spoken to Jonathan by Joyce are repeated needlessly. Of course it’s understandable if she’s mad, but even when she’s worried she pries at Jonathan. “What is it? What is it? Tell me. Tell me!” This could be a habit she picked up from Jonathan’s childhood in which it took a lot of prompting for him to respond to questions. She also says “Do you hear me” or “Understand” a few times, which isn’t something she says often to anyone except Hopper when he doubts her.  She also makes intense eye contact with him all the time, like she had to struggle for a long time to get him to look at her which might have been the case. She’ll take hold of his shoulders or his arm and duck her head and wait until he looks at her to get his agreement or for him to respond, like a cue they’ve worked on. - - -  There are probably other things I could point out but this is just from memory really. I probably should rewatch the series but I rarely rewatch series unfortunately.  None of this is concrete evidence, some of this could be explained away to be honest as social anxiety or just other simple things. But I dunno, headcanons exist for a reason, eh?

#jonathan byers #stranger things #headcanons #autism

[megsblackfirewrites]

An Alpha Omega: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Jack swallowed as Miyu Shimada; a cousin of Hanzo’s, oddly enough; and Joel McCree stared at him. They had been doing that since they all met at the airport to greet John. Vanessa had warned him that they probably would be staring, but he hadn’t expected the intensity of their gaze. Joel’s eyes were the family puppy-dog brown that Vanessa had, but there was a ring of yellow in them that unnerved him. Miyu had the same calm features that Hanzo had, but her age had added a severity that he hadn’t been expecting. It was unnerving and he just wanted them to stop. The older cowboy let out a low whistle as he pushed his fingers up into his black hair, the stalk of grass jiggling between his teeth.

“Well I’ll be,” Joel chuckled in a rough voice. “If you ain’t the spitting image of John.”

It took him almost a half-hour to figure that out? Or had he seriously just been too unsure of everything to say anything?

“I am glad to finally meet you, Jack,” Miyu smiled and elbowed Joel hard in the side.

“I’m an Omega,” Jack blurted out.

Yes, way to greet your father’s old packmates, Jack. Tell them your favourite sex position while you’re at it. I’m sure they’d love to hear how you want to be fucked. Because that’s what packmates did, right? Randomly tell people in the family how they wanted to be pounded into the mattress.

Miyu lifted an eyebrow and chuckled. “And?” she asked. “We all were until we were a pack.”

Jack swallowed again and looked at his feet. The airport was bustling around them, leaving them to their conversation in the waiting area. John’s flight was delayed; typical; and Jack’s nerves were starting to get the better of him. The only thing keeping him from bolting was Vanessa’s hand on his thigh.

These were two of the people that had been part of his father’s pack. Joel McCree and Miyu Shimada had known John when he was younger, had run with him in a pack, had been his siblings in arms. What did they think of John’s little runt that couldn’t have even been born to be half the leader his father was? Did they think he was as useless as he felt standing next to them, smelling the neutral but still powerful Beta-scent on Joel and the softer but firm Delta-scent on Miyu?

“Plane’s landin’,” Jesse chirped happily from where he was sitting beside Tom. “I’m so excited!”

“You sit yer ass down and don’t move ‘til yer introduced,” Joel ordered. “Don’t need ya overwhelmin’ John with yer puppy-yapper. Man’s gunna be stressed enough as it is.”

Jack smiled. Joel was a stern father, someone that encouraged his kids to be their best while not taking any of their bullshit. He kept a particularly tight leash on Jesse; Vanessa said it was because he was the most like Joel. Eager to see the world and damn the consequences of his actions. The last thing he wanted was for Jesse to make the same mistakes he did. Which apparently were quite numerous and ranged from mundane to terrifying “I ain’t afraid to go back to prison” levels.

“There,” Miyu said after fifteen minutes.

Jack stood up and watched his father make his way through the crowd. Heads turned to follow him and Jack saw more than one blissful sigh as people sniffed after him. Jack swallowed as Joel and Miyu straightened, their gaze not leaving John as he checked something on his phone.

John looked up from his phone, his jacket thrown over his shoulder and his carry-on in his left hand. He froze, blue eyes blinking slowly as he made eye contact with Miyu and Joel. Jack could see the fear tugging at John’s body, saw how he wanted to curl into himself and pretend he wasn’t there. He was scared, the most scared that Jack had ever seen him. It didn’t suit him at all; John wasn’t supposed to be afraid of anything.

Miyu moved first, darting forward and leaping over three rows of seats. She threw herself into John’s arms, burying her face in his chest. John clutched her like a lifeline, pushing his face into her hair, scenting heavily as he ran his face back and forth. Jack could see his father’s mouth moving, mouthing something over and over again.

Joel didn’t move. He was waiting for John to get closer. Jack swallowed, watching the unmoving man as John and Miyu slowly made their way over. John stopped in front of Joel and looked up at him. It wasn’t much of a height difference; one or two inches at best; but the heel on Joel’s boots made him a little bit taller.

“I don’t deserve,” John started to say before Joel grabbed him by the front of his shirt.

“Do you even know how worried I’ve been, John?” Joel hissed as he crushed John to his chest. “Nineteen years, you prick. Nineteen fuckin’ years and you never even tried callin’. I thought you were dead.”

“I was scared,” John whispered as he clutched Joel close. “I’m so sorry, brother. I’m so sorry.”

“I know, you idiot,” Joel growled. “Just glad yer safe and so’s yer boy. That means more to me than anythin’.”

John’s eyes shut tightly before he pulled away. Tears were leaking down his face and he rubbed at them angrily. Jack’s anger melted away at the vulnerability and he hugged his father close.

“Good to see you, old man,” he teased.

“The feeling’s mutual, you little shit,” John teased right back.

Jack nuzzled his father’s chest before he stepped back. “Dad, this is Vanessa McCree, my roommate,” he said.

“You have your pa’s eyes,” John smiled as he held his hand out and shook Vanessa’s. “Probably his stubbornness too.”

“You know it,” Vanessa grinned widely before she ducked her head shyly. “I’ve been waitin’ my whole life to meet you, Cap’n.”

John’s smile softened before he pulled her into a hug. “You’re just as sweet as your Pa,” he teased.

Vanessa snuggled in close and sighed happily. “Explains why you smell like home,” she said. “You were supposed to be our Alpha.”

“I can bet,” John chuckled before he looked at Jesse. “Holy shit, it’s a clone,” he teased.

Jesse grinned widely before he bounced forward and hugged John around the waist. “Cap’n!” he crowed.

“That’s Jesse,” Joel chuckled. “Last one Katie and I had before we split.”

“Look identical to your old man, Jesse. Well, minus the lighter skin tone. Guess more of your mother came through in you there,” John chuckled before his eyes slid to Tom. “Tommy.”

Tom stepped forward and hugged John tightly. “Missed ya, Uncle John,” he murmured.

“Tommy,” John cooed as he hugged the taller man to his chest. “Little, baby Tommy. You’re so big now! You taller than Joel?”

“By an inch,” Tom agreed. “And, um, I go by Tom now.”

“Right,” John shook his head as he pulled away. “Right, sorry. Fuck, I just...fuck.”

Jack felt his stomach hitch as John wiped at his tears. He was staring at Tom like he was his own son. How old was Tom when John fled the pack? Had he been like a father to him? Sure, Tom called John ‘uncle’, but that was out of the closeness of his parents. Had John really been like an uncle to him?

“Come on; we’ll talk more at the B’n’B,” Joel said as he wrapped an arm around John’s shoulder. “Ilima’s probably got somethin’ real nice cookin’ fer us.”

“Who?” John frowned.

“My girl,” Tom smiled happily. “The sweetest little flower you’ve ever met.”

“And my baby has a girlfriend,” John threw his arms in the air. “Fuck me with a wrench!”

“Don’t tempt me,” Miyu said as she headed for baggage. “I keep on in the glove-box.”

“As terrifying as ever,” John shuddered playfully. “I still fear your nutcracker.”

“I have that on hand too,” Miyu shot him a grin. “Live in fear, old man.”

Joel and John shared a look before they shuddered playfully.

John watched Ilima and Tom move around each other with expert ease and felt his stomach tighten. He came back into Tom’s life just in time to see him be happy and whole with his mate. He would have cried at his stupidity if he wasn’t so happy for him. Little Tommy all grown up and happy with someone that loved him unconditionally and didn’t worry about any of the mental baggage that Tommy carried around.

“Smells great,” Joel commented as he scented the air. “Got yerself a keeper, Tom,” he added with a tease.

“Paws off,” Tom snapped a tea towel at his father. “You go git yer own.”

“Like I want your father anyways,” Ilima snorted as she turned and kissed Tom’s cheek. “I have the best McCree around.”

“Ow!” Vanessa shouted. “Ili, I am insulted!”

“And what am I?” Jesse demanded.

“Fourteen,” Miyu tapped his forehead.

“I’ll be fifteen in a few months!” Jesse whined.

“Still fourteen,” John agreed. “Enjoy it, Jesse. It sucks getting old.”

They all chuckled as Ilima set the pineapple glazed ham in the center of the table. Tom set the gravy and potatoes down before going back for the cream corn and steamed veggies. John’s stomach growled at the sight, but he waited for the others to be seated before he rose to start carving everything up.

He saw the surprised look on Jesse and Vanessa’s faces as John set the food down in front of everyone, leaving himself until last. Jack waited to eat, his head tilted to the side as he unintentionally stared Miyu down. Miyu shot John a look before she stuck a mouthful of potatoes in her mouth.

“He takes after you,” she said.

Everyone else started eating while Jack blinked at her in confusion. He didn’t seem to realize just how powerful his gaze was getting. Little man was taking after his father more than he realized. Jack glanced at John and he smiled reassuringly.

“Miyu’s a Delta,” he said. “You pretty much just made sure she was the first one to start eating.”

“What?” Jack blinked. “But, but I’m an Omega! And so’s Van! We’re the ones that should be eating first! And Ilima’s an Epsilon!”

“I’m not part of your pack,” Ilima said. “Not yet, anyways. Alphas can’t command someone from another pack.”

“But I’m an Omega,” Jack repeated.

“Are you?” John lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “Your scent’s changing. You didn’t notice?”

“No?” Jack shook his head rapidly. “I’m so confused.”

“Eat,” John soothed. “It’ll make more sense on a full stomach.”

Jack started eating without complaint, groaning happily at the taste of the ham. Tom kissed Ilima’s cheek between bites, complimenting her happily on her amazing cooking skills. Ilima laughed and blushed, pushing at Tom’s shoulder.

“You’re the one that makes amazing meals! This is the only thing I can make,” Ilima scolded.

“I learned from the best! You figured it out on yer own, my hibiscus,” Tom sighed happily.

“Tom,” Ilima blushed and nuzzled him. “You’re such a sap.”

“Yuck,” Jesse stuck his tongue out. “Pa, Tom’s being gross!”

“Could be worse,” Joel shrugged as he stirred his cream corn. “He could have his tongue down her throat.”

“Ew,” Vanessa wrinkled her nose. “Not the mental image I needed, Pa. Last thing I ever want to see is Tom French kissin’.”

Everyone chuckled and continued eating. They were almost finished when Jack looked at him sadly and looked back down at his plate.

“So...why’d you leave?” he asked.

The chatter around the table stopped immediately. John set his fork down and rubbed at his eyes. How did he even explain everything when he just felt like a massive coward every time he tried to think about it? Jack was going to hate him. Joel was going to hate him. Tom was going to hate him. All of them were going to hate him. There was no way to avoid this nightmare any longer. They all deserved the truth.

“I made a terrible mistake,” he murmured. “And I couldn’t face my pack. So I ran away back to my family farm in Indiana and pretended that they didn’t exist. That I didn’t exist. Because it was easier to pretend nothing was wrong than facing them.”

“A terrible mistake?” Jack demanded. “And that was?”

John looked him in the eye and felt his lip tremble. “I thought I’d found my mate, but he was just using me. He...wanted what I had. A pack, that is, but he...he was a terrible person. I should have seen it when he started isolating me, demanding to know where I was all hours of the day. I was so stupid. So young and stupid and blind.

“He was the first one I told...first one to know I was pregnant. It was the biggest mistake of my life. He started playing head games, had me thinking that my pack would kill you when my back was turned. He made it sound like he was the only one that I could trust because...because I was just a confused Omega and they were feeding into that delusion. He had me thinking that I couldn’t trust them, that they would turn on me and my baby to make sure I stayed ‘true to form’ to remain their Alpha.”

John covered his face as he started crying. He tried to keep his sobs quiet, but he couldn’t. They were all staring at him, their mouths opening. He could see tears in Miyu’s eyes, see the way she was clasping her hands in front of her mouth; she was worried and upset. Joel wasn’t much better. His knuckles were white around the handle of his knife and John wasn’t sure if he wanted to plunge that knife into John’s heart or that bastard he’d stupidly thought was his mate. John let out a pained whine and shook his head.

“I ran away because he had me convinced that the people I loved would murder my baby. I was an idiot! I still can’t believe I listened to him over my pack.” He rubbed at his eyes, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze. “I didn’t realize how stupid I was until your first day of school when I dropped you off and wondered if this pain was what Joel went through the first time Tom raced off to his first class. And I realized that I never should have been alone. By then...I thought it was too late.”

“Pa,” Vanessa murmured as she started collecting dirty dishes. “I got this.”

John blinked as Joel grabbed him under the arms and hoisted him out of his seat. Joel grunted the whole way, but he managed to carry John into the living room and over to the massive cuddle-chair. He dropped John into the center of it and he and Miyu snuggled in against him, hiding him from the world while providing much needed touch and care.

“I’m sorry,” Joel murmured as he tucked his face into John’s neck. “I shoulda tried to find ya sooner. I thought...ya just moved on, that ya didn’t need us no more. I knew packs didn’t stay together forever, but I shoulda known you wouldn’t just run off like that.”

John pulled his packmates close and whimpered. “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” he whispered. “I always needed you. I was just so scared and….”

“Ssh,” Miyu soothed as she nosed his cheek. “We know. It’s okay, John. We still love you. No matter what, we always loved you. I’m so sorry he did that to you, John. I should have said something sooner when I noticed he was isolating you from us. I thought you had to see it for yourself; I’m sorry. I love you.”

“Love you too,” John whispered as he hid his face in her hair. “Thank you. Thank you.”

Vanessa smiled as she leaned on the doorframe leading into the living room. She didn’t think she’d ever seen her Pa look so happy in a long time. He was bigger than John, but somehow he’d managed to curl himself up to tuck himself into John’s side. John looked happy too, half-shifted with his nose buried in Miyu’s scruff with his big toes curling and stretching.

“Like what we do at the dorm,” Jack commented. “One big cuddle pile.”

“You opposed to the pups joining?” Vanessa teased.

John’s blue eyes flicked up and his stub of a tail thumped against the foam mattress. Vanessa laughed before walking forward and throwing herself playfully onto John’s chest. She buried herself in his scent, sighing happily as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Aw, I wanted to get his chest!” Jesse whined as he threw himself on top of her. “Yer hoggin’!”

“Learn to move yer ass,” she huffed as Jack and Tom flopped down beside them. “I ain’t caterin’ to ya, short-stuff.”

Ilima giggled as she was pulled down beside Tom. It took a big of wiggling to get everyone comfortable, but they eventually settled into a happy little pile of purring packmates. This was how it should have been from the beginning; one big happy family cuddling after supper. Better late than never.

#Jack Morrison #ABO Dynamics #and the truth comes out