PUBLISHED: 14/06/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 30

PUBLISHED: 02/07/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON’S POV

A wail filled the master bedroom of Arrow House, and you started laughing with glee as Ada handed a pale Lizzie her newborn daughter. Polly had gotten the honour of cutting the cord.

"She's gorgeous!" You cooed from your spot by the side of the bed, Lizzie had been grasping your hand as she pushed.

"She'll be a star in the pictures," Polly commented proudly, watching as Lizzie held her daughter.

"You'll have to beat boys away from her with a bat," Ada chuckled, holding a glass of water for Lizzie.

She tilted it towards Lizzie, who gulped down the water.

"Shall I go and get Tommy and Charles?" You offered, and Lizzie shook her head.

"Not yet. I want some more time with Ruby before they come," She said, and you nodded understandingly.

Your own dad had to wait an hour to see Saoirse, and you kids had to wait thirty more minutes. You understood the need for privacy, wanting to enjoy the small moments.

You shifted from foot to foot as all of the other Shelby women had gathered around Lizzie, still giving her a bit of distance, and fawned over the baby.

Even though you had settled into your role as a Shelby lady, you still felt awkward sometimes. Like an outsider. Ada and Lizzie had grown up together, and Polly had overseen it all. Linda was also married in, but she was closer in age to the others, and she had more in common with them. You felt like you were intruding, somewhat.

"(Y/N), get up here and look at this baby, by order of the Peaky fuckin' Blinders. You're a Shelby, now act like it," Polly ordered gently, sensing your discomfort.

You looked at Lizzie, who nodded, then you gave a shy grin and treaded carefully up to stand next to Ada, who placed a hand on your shoulder. You relaxed your shoulders, no longer feeling like an intruder.

"Look at her hair," Ada said, chuckling, and you started chuckling too.

Ruby had a head full of brown hair, hair which would soon most likely smell like the baby soap that you had put into the bath at Polly's orders.

"You hungry, Lizzie?" You asked as she adjusted the blanket covering Ruby, "I'll grab you something from the kitchen if you want."

"A sandwich would be nice — Ham and pickles, please," She requested, and you nodded, turning on your heel and walking away.

"The jar with the green lid, right?" You questioned as you put your hand on the door handle, and Lizzie said words of affirmation.

"Tell Tommy that the baby's healthy, but I want a bit more time with her," Lizzie said, and you nodded once more.

You twisted the door handle and opened it, hurrying down to the kitchens. Tommy and Charles were already there, Charles eating chocolate ice cream. It had gotten more on his face than anything else.

"(Y/N), how's Lizzie?" Tommy asked, and you could hear the worried tone in his voice.

"Is my little sister here yet?" Charles added, and you chuckled as you gathered the ingredients to make Lizzie her sandwich.

"Lizzie's fine, the baby's fine, both healthy, but Lizzie wants a bit more time with sissy before you two go in," You informed the pair as you started buttering the bread.

Tommy nodded but Charles whined, and Tommy ruffled his son's hair. The phone ring and Tommy picked it up, answering with a 'hello?'

"It's for you," Tommy announced, handing the phone to you.

You traded him the knife for the phone, telling him to put the pickles on, and he did so, spreading it right out to the edges, just as his wife liked them, then cut the crusts off, just like Lizzie liked them.

"(Y/N) Shelby here," You said cheerily into the receiver.

"Aunt (Y/N)! Mum asked me to ring you, she's just had George." A voice that I quickly identified as Katie's said.

"Oh, that's wonderful! Tell her I said congratulations!" You said as Tommy eyed you with curiosity.

"I will — She said she'd enjoy a visit from you and Uncle Finny — she'll send Trevor to come get you when she feels like visitors," Katie informed you, and you nodded, momentarily forgetting that she couldn't see you.

"Erm, that will be great." You said, bouncing on your heels, feeling overjoyed.

"I've got to go now, see you later Aunty." Katie said, and you replied with a 'see you, my dear', then hung up.

"Katie. Telling me her brother's here." You told Tommy somewhat stiffly.

READER’S POV

Esme had allowed Finn and I to update the rest of the Shelby family about her and her kids, but only what she said we could tell them. We knew a lot more. I think it ate Finn up inside, sometimes. I think, if I was in Finn's position, I wouldn't be able to open my mouth without information about Katie's new dress or Lockie's skills with soccer or Colin's knowledge of plants spilling out.

Ada soon entered the room, her heels clicking against the floor bringing me back to reality.

"Oh fuck, I forgot about her sandwich — Katie called to say that Esme had the bub, sorry," I muttered, and Ada nodded, reaching out to grab the plate that held the sandwich.

"She said you can go and see the baby. She's ready for you now." She said as she picked up the plate, and Tommy wasted no time picking Charles up and sitting him on his hip, and walking to the bedroom.

"I'll be back up in a minute," I mumbled, sitting down in a chair, and Ada hummed as she spun on her heel and went.

I felt sixteen. Really felt it, right down in my bones. Everyone was getting older. I'm growing up. But everyone else is moving forward, and I'm still stuck in the same place, doing the same song and dance with Finn.

Someone entered the kitchen, making me look up from the spot on the floor I had been staring at. Frances, followed by Finn.

"Hi," I said quietly, still feeling a bit out of it.

"You alright, love?" Finn asked softly, crossing the room and coming to kneel in front of me.

"Just — feel old," I replied, then chuckled humourlessly.

Finn nodded in understanding then placed his hand along the back of my neck, leaning up and pressing his lips to my forehead. I shut my eyes and focused on the sensation, trying to clear my head of all the other thoughts.

"Let's go see Tommy and Lizzie, aye?" Finn suggested, standing back up and stretching out a hand for me to take.

I took it and he helped me stand up, then continued holding my hand as we walked through the hallways, squeezing it thrice.

"I'm going to figure out what that means one of these days," I decided, making him laugh.

"I hope it's soon." He replied, a small grin on his face.

We walked in silence until we reached the master bedroom, where Finn knocked on the door. Polly answered it, and let us in.

"We can come back when there's less people, if you want, Lizzie," Finn offered, but Lizzie shook her head, making us cross the room.

Lizzie was laid in the middle of the bed, Tommy on her left, and Charles on her right. Ruby was sound asleep on her chest, still wrapped in her pink blanket.

"We've got something to tell you and (Y/N)," Lizzie said, making my eyebrow cock up.

Lizzie looked up at Tommy, and nodded. He turned to us, and cleared his throat.

"We want you, Finn, and you, (Y/N), to be Ruby's godparents." Tommy announced, making my breath catch in my throat momentarily.

"Really?" Finn asked quietly, sounding like he might cry.

I looked up at my husband, who was rapidly blinking, trying to get rid of tears.

"Really," Lizzie confirmed, smiling softly.

"Thank you, it's an honour, honestly," I murmured, now feeling sixteen and a bit once more.

Lizzie just grinned in reply as I laid my head on Finn's shoulder.

•••

Finn and I drove home from our date. I watched his hand as it gripped the wheel, the other one sitting on my knee. He had gotten us tickets to see 'The Nutcracker', then took me to some fancy restaurant that I couldn't remember the name of, even if my life depended on it. I was still running on the high

We had left Saoirse with Bonnie. Finn had dropped her off at the door; Bonnie, along with Ezzie and Isiah, lived in Finn's old house on Watery Lane.

Finn had told me that Bonnie was moving into an apartment in Artillery Square sometime soon, which surprised me. Bonnie had never mentioned it before. I didn't talk to him much, anyway, after the last time we had all stayed out at camp together.

It hurt me not to talk to him. We had shared a vardo when I first moved in with Dad, he knew me like the back of my hand. I was close to Ezzie and Saoirse, but we were closest in age. When we were growing up, Ezzie was always off doing big girl things and Saoirse was too little to play with us, leaving us to entertain each other. He was three years my senior, but he always let me follow him as if we were the same age.

He was the one who held me after I had nightmares when I didn't want to walk to dad's caravan, who filled in the gaps of my knowledge of Shelta, Romani, and Rokka, who won me Tuck in the fairground that night, the one who fought Dad tooth and nail for me to not get married.

He was my brother, through and through.

And here I was avoiding him like the plague.

Finn pulled up in front of the house, and stopped the car, then got out and walked up to the door, knocking on it. I made a split second decision and got out of the car, jogging up to the door in my heels.

Isiah opened the door, and grinned, letting us in.

"She's up in the upstairs spare room, want a cup of tea before you leave?" Isiah asked, and I looked at Finn who nodded.

"Please," I replied, kicking off my heels and heading upstairs, going to find my older sister.

I heard Isiah potter around the kitchen and continue talking to Finn. I knocked on the first door on my right. The door opened, and there was Ezzie, hair damp, most likely fresh out of the shower.

"Come tell me how your date went," She commanded, ushering me into her bedroom.

I sat on the stool at her vanity whilst she sat on her bed.

"It was amazing. I'd sell my left tit to do it all again," I admitted, making her squeal and clap, "We went to the ballet, The Nutcracker, then we went to some fancy restaurant for dinner."

"Oh, that sounds amazing! Did you kiss?" She inquired, and I shook my head, making her groan.

"I know, it's killing me — we haven't kissed since our wedding!" I grumbled, making her look at me with sympathy in her eyes.

"We're taking it slow, but fucking hell, Dad and Polly move faster than us," I complained, making her cackle.

I was also scared to kiss Finn — I had been wanting it so much I wouldn't know what to do with myself when we finally did kiss.

A knock sounded on the door, Ezzie calling out 'come in!', then in came Isiah and Finn, each holding a tray with cups of tea and biscuits on them. As they sat them down on the king sized bed, I noticed that Isiah had three cups on his tray.

"Is Bonnie in?" I questioned, looking over at Ezzie, who nodded, looking unsure of herself.

"I'll go tell him his tea is ready," I announced, making Ezzie begin to stand up as well.

"Ez, we'll be fine," I reassured her as I crossed the room, pecking my husband on the cheek as I passed him, making him blush.

I walked across the hall and knocked on the bedroom door in a particular manner, letting Bonnie know it was me. I stood in the hallway for a few beats, and Bonnie opened the door. He looked just as bad as I felt.

He opened his arms for a hug and I didn't hesitate to lean into his embrace, wrapping my own arms around my brother.

"I'm sorry, Bee, I didn't mean it, I was just cross and you know how I get when I'm cross," Bonnie apologised, and I nodded.

He was terrible when he got mad. His words were as sharp as knives, and they left wounds just like knives, but the ones they left weren't ones you bled from.

"It's okay, Bon," I soothed, my words slightly muffled by his chest.

"It's not okay, I knew what those words meant to you and I still called you them," Bonnie said, and I could hear him tearing up.

I was on the verge of tears, myself. In all of our years knowing each other, this was our first proper fight.

I stepped back, out of the hug.

"As long as you don't call me them again we'll be fine," I informed him, making him nod, although I knew he wasn't planning on it.

"Your tea is ready, by the way," I added as an afterthought, and lead him back to Ezzie and Isiah's room.

We entered the room, and took spots on the bed, Finn and I cuddled up down at the foot end, in the corner next to the wall, Bonnie sitting with his legs crossed in the middle of the bed, against the wall, and Isiah and Ezzie at the head of the bed, lazing against each other.

We sat there and chatted for ages after we finished our cups of tea and biscuits, not really wanting to leave. The cup of tea made me sleepy, too. I laid my head against Finn and yawned.

"Tired, love?" Finn asked, sounding very much tired himself.

I hummed in agreement, reaching up and undoing my hair. Finn started helping me. I had it up in a crown braid for tonight. I felt very much like a Princess with the hairstyle, and the way Finn treated me tonight.

"You can stay here, in the downstairs spare room if you like," Isiah offered, and I looked at Finn, who nodded.

"Fuck, we might turn in now, I can barely keep my eyes open," Finn said, yawning and bringing a hand up to rub his eyes.

I crawled off of the bed and stood up on unsteady feet, Finn doing the same.

"Goodnight," I threw over my shoulder as I left the room.

I headed to Saoirse's room, Finn hot on my tail. I opened the door quietly, and peeked in. She was sound asleep, Rosie curled up with her. I 'awwed' at the sight and moved so Finn could see. He chuckled once he saw, then shut the door quietly. Finn grabbed my hand and lead me down the stairs, to the spare bedroom, the only downstairs bedroom.

Once Finn closed the door I stripped down to my underclothes, and crawled onto the bed, deciding to sit for a bit, too lazy to get under the covers just yet, Finn doing the same.

"Finn," I started, making him hum and look at me.

"Thank you for tonight. I had a great time," I admitted, looking him in the eyes.

"I did too." Finn replied softly, reaching up and tracing his finger along my cheekbone.

I looked at my husband; properly looked at him. I took notice of his curls that he didn't gel back for once, his freckles spreading across his face, and the scar just under his lip. I found my eyes drifting back to his lips. I reached up and ran a finger along his bottom lip, unable to resist myself. It was soft.

"(Y/N)," Finn said softly, and I could hear the desperation in his tone.

"I know," I murmured, and he leaned back, making me withdraw my touch.

I could've whined at the lack of contact, but my heart skipped a beat as he started leaning in, placing a hand on the side of my neck as he did so.

"Finn," I mumbled, leaning out of his grip and looking away, cheeks burning, "Not ready yet."

"It's alright," He cooed as I looked back at him, and I gave a soft smile, then started pulling back the covers, slipping under them, getting comfortable with him.

I was ready to kiss him, but I wasn't ready for everything that came after. If we kissed, that would lead to more intimacy, and not just the sexual kind. We'd learn to love each other more, to get to know each other more. My family knew me, but they didn't really know me. I was scared to let anyone really know me. It was scary, being known. Nearly as scary as being loved. Now, as I laid next to Finn and thought about it, I think it was more scary to love someone than to be loved.

§§§

AHHHHH y'all I am back in business with frequent updates lol

What did you think of this chapter?

I am so excited for next chapter you guys will love it (I hope)

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 31

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 7

PUBLISHED: 18/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

THIRD PERSON'S POV

(A/N: I haven't been to a wedding in yonks so this and the next chapter is me really just making stuff up as I go lmao)

Today was the anticipated day. The union between (Y/N) Gold and Finn Shelby. You had woken up a nervous wreck.

You hadn't even been able to eat anything, not even biscuits with your tea, something that made Esmeralda and Saoirse concerned — you had always had an ungodly amount of biscuits, at least four, whenever you had a cup of tea. Once, Esmeralda was sure she counted twelve on your saucer.

It was now eight in the morning, and your sisters were begging you to eat at least one mouthful of the feast Polly had cooked for you and your bridal party. You had all slept at your residence, while Finn and his groomsmen were getting ready at Tommy's.

You picked up a pancake, and took a small bite — it was fluffy and soft. You chewed it, and mindlessly began drumming your fingers on the tabletop.

"So, I'm walking down the aisle with Arthur, Tommy with Lizzie, Bonnie with Ada, and Isiah with Ezzie." Polly reminded the girls at the table, who all nodded.

"And I get to throw the flower petals!" Saoirse cheered, making Polly chuckle.

"Yes you do, my dear." Polly said with a smile towards the small girl, who was now playing with a doll.

"(Y/N), go shower, we leave in three hours!" Ezzie hissed, making you hurry on eating your pancake.

"And Finn will be here in two and a half to drop off your something new," Ada pointed out, making you curious.

Once you were done your pancake, you walked to the bathroom, and had a quick shower, washing your hair and body with some nice smelling shampoo, conditioner and body wash set Lizzie had gifted you. You trusted her, she seemed to know what the men liked. You also quickly went over your legs and underarms with a razor, and brushed your teeth. You weren't that cruel to make Finn kiss you with morning breath.

You hopped out of the shower, dried yourself and wrapped a towel around your body, then wrapped your hair up in another towel, this one being a microfiber one to help it dry quicker. You walked to your room, where Ezzie was sitting on the bed.

"You're putting on that set," Ezzie said with a stern look on her face.

You knew that look. That look was the one she gave when she meant something was final. The first and last time you disobeyed that look, you ended up with a rather nasty bruise in the shape of her paddle brush. You didn't want another, so you begrudgingly put on the set of lingerie you had bought yesterday.

"It's not like he's going to see it," You grumbled, trying — and failing — to clip up your bra behind you.

Ezzie came over and wordlessly helped you, then handed you a bottle of lotion. It looked as if it came from the same set as the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and as you opened the bottle and the smell hit your nose, your thoughts were confirmed.

You quickly put some lotion on, then put on your slip. You looked up at the clock.

Two hours left. You felt the pit in your stomach get deeper. What would happen after you and Finn officially got married? Would you continue on acting civil all your lives, never to love each other but being bound to each other for all eternity? Or would Tommy be kind enough to let you get with different people, and the marriage only be for show? It was all a big mess of confusion, and you hated it.

•••

"Your hair is going up today," Ezzie informed you casually, not bothering to look at you, making your heart stop.

"I can't do braids or anything," You said quietly, making Ezzie look at you.

"That's why I'll be doing it," She reassured, giving you a small smile, "It's only me."

You took a deep breath, but nodded. She was right. It was Ezzie. She wasn't going to hurt you.

"Come sit," She instructed, and you did so.

You handed her your hairbrush, and she started detangling your long, (H/C) locks, starting at the ends then moving up to the roots. Once your hair was knot free, she parted your hair in the usual spot.

In the reflection, you spotted Polly and your Dad come to stand in the doorway of your bedroom. The first thing Polly noticed as your sister started braiding your hair was how tightly you were gripping the legs of the vanity. Your knuckles were white. She noticed that you were sitting stiff as a board, as if getting ready to jump out of your chair at a moments' notice.

"Hi," You greeted your Dad softly, still unsure of whether you wanted to interact with him or not.

"Hello, Bee," Aberama replied, staying in the doorway, giving you a wide berth for your own peace of mind.

You grinned at the nickname. Your Dad had nicknamed all of you kids after something that was the colour of your favourite colour — you were Bee, Esmeralda was Turtle, Bonnie was Tiger, and Saoirse hadn't settled on a colour yet.

"You'd think her sister was about to murder her," Polly whispered to your Dad, who pursed his lips.

He sniffed and cleared his throat, "Marian, she — she would never let (Y/N) put her hair up, so it would get really knotted, I'm talking nearly matted, Polly — and then she would make (Y/N) sit as she would pull the brush through her hair and (Y/N)'s body would have no chance but to follow the brush and (Y/N) would be in so much pain and that slut would enjoy every minute of what she'd put my Bee through."

Polly put a hand to her mouth, horrified that someone could do that to their baby. She could never, ever imagine doing that to her Michael, or her Anna.

Aberama and Polly watched as Esmeralda carefully braided your hair into a crown, leaving wisps out to frame your face, then delicately put wildflowers into the braid.

Polly looked at the clock. One hour left. She quickly got the dress from your wardrobe, and Ezzie ushered you out of your seat, and Ezzie helped you into your dress. You weren't wearing shoes — high heels and yourself weren't the best of friends. You weren't even acquaintances.

•••

You were now pacing in your bedroom, waiting for Finn to come give you your something new. The pit in your stomach had gotten worse, and it was taking everything in you to not spit out your gum and start chewing your nails.

A knock sounded on your door. You stopped your pacing and spun around, facing the door. You took a deep, steadying breath.

"Come in," You called, your voice shaky.

The door opened, and there stood Finn Shelby.

You gasped softly. He walked in, shutting the door behind him. He looked a vision, standing there in his suit. You'd be lying if you said that you didn't find him attractive right now. You wouldn't mind someone painting a portrait of this moment in time so you could always look back at it, just to see this version of Finn again.

You realised you were staring, and quickly looked away.

Finn, however, was too busy admiring you to notice. This was the first time he had seen you with your hair up. You looked like some kind of angel, but not the ones he read about in the Bible with Jeremiah. The pretty kind. To him, in this moment, you looked divine.

"Hi, Finn," You said shyly, feeling awkward under his gaze.

"Hi, (Y/N)," Finn greeted, sounding breathless, "You look — amazing, honest."

"You don't look too bad yourself," You teased as you looked back at him.

He grinned, then remembered what he came for. He fished a small box out of his pocket.

"These are our something new." He explained as you walked closer to him.

He opened the box, revealing two silver pendants, each the shape of half a heart.

"They're beautiful," You stated, looking up at Finn.

He felt pleased that you liked it. He had out a lot of thought into it, and there wasn't really much good stuff a person could get in five days.

He gently grabbed the one with his initials out and handed it to you, "Yours. We wear each other's initials."

"Can you put it on me?" You asked, scared the clasp would get caught in your hair and you would ruin your sister's handiwork.

Finn nodded, swapping you the box for your necklace. He undid the clasp, and put it around your neck, then did it back up again. He saw your spine peeking out of the top of your dress, and couldn't resist softly dragging the tip of his index finger up it, which made you gasp and shiver.

"Sorry," He mumbled, not feeling sorry at all.

Your skin was soft. He wanted to feel it again someday. And, when he was this close, he could smell your perfume. He liked the smell of it. He’d have to buy you more.

"Would you like me to put yours on you?" You questioned, turning back around.

"Yeah, please," Finn replied, handing you the box.

You went and stood behind him, necklace in hand.

"Can you bend your knees a little?" You asked the brown haired boy — he was a little bit taller than you.

Finn did as you asked, and you put the necklace on him. He spotted your bridal bouquet on the vanity, Aberama's tie wrapped around it, and chuckled.

"What?" You demanded, peeking around him to look in the same direction.

"You have silver bells in your bouquet — Mistress Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty pairs all in a row," Finn recited, "You and Mary, you've both got silver bells and pretty maids both in a row and you're both contrary."

"I'm not contrary!" You snapped, frowning as Finn turned to face you, "I've got ... layers."

He nodded sagely, "Like an onion."

You gave him a funny look, "What the fuck are you comparing me to an onion for?"

"I don't know, the boys had fried ones for breakfast!" Finn defended, putting his hands up.

"Did you have any? I don't care that it's a wedding, I won't become lip locked with you if you've eaten onions this morning!" You threatened, jabbing a finger to his chest.

"I haven't!" Finn said truthfully, but you narrowed your eyes at him.

"Let me smell your breath," You commanded, and he  complied, breathing heavily your face.

"You're lucky," You warned after the minty breath entered your nose.

Finn chuckled, which made you realise how ridiculous you were being. You started giggling along with him, then the door was knocked upon.

"Finn's got to go!" Ada said through the door.

You looked at the door, then back at Finn.

"See you there," You said quietly, the magic of the previous moment gone as reality set back in.

Finn nodded, "See you there.”

He turned to walk out of the bedroom, and you had the urge to grab his hand to make him stop, but you ignored it. He exited the room, leaving you in silence once more.

§§§

THE NEXT CHAPTER IS THE WEDDING AHHHH — I apologise for not much Finn and reader interaction but eh

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 8

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 12

PUBLISHED: 25/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

Luca dialled the betting den, letting it ring. I strained my ears for any other sounds outside, but I couldn't hear any. The window in the room had been covered with a curtain, and the two other doors in the room had been closed. I noticed about three deadbolts on each door. They had planned to kidnap someone.

"Hello?" I heard Tommy's voice come through the phone.

"Thomas Shelby. I think I have something of yours," Luca greeted, looking straight at me.

"Where's the girl?" Tommy asked coldly, and Matteo shoved me roughly into Luca, who put the receiver to my ear, "And I thought we agreed no fucking kids! She's a kid, Luca!"

"Speak." Luca commanded, staring down at me, "And tell him that you're only means to an end."

"I'm here, Tommy." I muttered into the phone, "And he told me to tell you I'm only means to an end."

"Have they hurt you?" He asked, sounding concerned.

"Only when they grabbed me. I came to not long ago." I informed him, then switched to Shelta, "I don't know where I am. Take care of you and yours and mine, forget about me, I'll be fine."

"Don't be fucking stupid, you and yours are mine now. I'll figure it out. I got you into this mess and I'll get you out." Tommy informed me, making me frown.

"Don't you dare try to find me, watch your back so you don't get hurt!" I snapped, then Luca hung up.

"You heard that boys? Thomas Shelby cares enough for her that he'll come for her. Now, all we have to do is wait until they get sloppy." Luca stated, making the men cheer.

I hoped Tommy's word wasn't his law. If he got hurt, it would bring the whole family down, and everything they did, everything they lost, would all be for naught.

FINN'S POV

I was livid. (Y/N), my wife, was on the phone and Tommy wouldn't even let me speak to her. I wanted to know if she was okay too.

"Let's go for a walk," Arthur commanded, clapping my shoulder and leading me out of Tommy's office roughly.

I followed, knowing that I would only cause trouble if I stayed. I slowed down as I heard the quick tinkling of a bell. Finn Junior. Arthur stopped too, until I felt Finn Junior rub up against my legs, no doubt leaving his grey fur all over my pant legs. Arthur started moving again, albeit slower this time so Finn Junior could keep up with us. He lead me to my house.

"Pack a suitcase, Finny boy," He instructed me.

I walked upstairs and did as he asked, grabbing my suitcase from under the bed and throwing some clothes into it.

"What about (Y/N)'s stuff?" I called back down as the living grey doormat came and jumped up on my bed and started cleaning himself.

"Leave it here, she can pack if she gets back!" Arthur yelled in reply.

"When she comes back." I muttered, heading to the bathroom to grab my toiletries.

I refused to think any other way. They wouldn't want to kill you, to them you shouldn't be an important part of my family, just a traveller girl that got married in.

I threw the rest of my stuff into my suitcase, the stuff that could fit into it anyway. I could always make two trips. I hoped.

I walked back out to Arthur, and he led me across the street to his house, and told me to get into his car. I complied, then helped Finn Junior up, sitting him on my suitcase. He curled up on it and purred as Arthur started the car, driving down the streets of Small Heath, taking us to Artillery Square.

He stopped the car and got out. I did the same, holding open the door until the overgrown lint ball got off of my suitcase and jumped out of the car, meowing at me as if thanking me for my services, then grabbed my suitcase and followed Arthur. I got up to the top of the stairs before realising that the tinkling sound had stopped. I turned around, and the cat was sat at the bottom of the stairs.

"Can't you walk yourself up?" I asked, and the cat stayed in his spot, making me roll my eyes.

If (Y/N) were here he'd be up these stairs in the blink of an eye.

Arthur yanked my suitcase out of my grip, holding it.

I looked down at Finn Junior, who was looking up at me expectantly. I sighed and walked down the stairs, crouching in front of him, then he gave me a slow blink. I slipped both my arms under his stomach, right next to his legs like you always did, making sure I had a good grip on him then slowly standing up.

"Hurry up!" Arthur commanded lightly, watching me carry the cat up the stairs rather awkwardly.

Awkward for me. The cat was probably enjoying every second of my slaving around for him.

"You try carrying this cat, it feels heavier than your Billy!" I snapped making him roll his eyes.

With the size of him, I was absolutely sure that he was heavier than Billy. Arthur lead me to the very apartment he was sat in at midday. I cursed that old slut for bringing him here. You'd be safe, at home with the cat, probably eating the biscuits I stashed away if she didn't.

"There you go, brother," He announced, throwing my poor suitcase onto the floor, "Home sweet home!"

"Place for you to spend time with your wife, bring your mates, play games, gamble, cards, and you keep an eye on our backyard," He informed me as I looked around the room, inspecting it, "It's Artillery Square. Place is full of Communists. The strikers. Having a Shelby — or two — will keep them in order."

It was at this moment in time that Finn Junior decided he wanted to get down, wiggling in my arms, then rolling over and trying to scratch my face. I leaned back, dodging his claws, hitting my head on the doorframe in the process, then crouched and let him down, and watched as he sauntered around the room, avoiding any broken glass on the floor.

"You little bastard! I should shoot you and turn you into a rug to put in front of the fire!" I bellowed, making Arthur chuckle.

"Light the fucking fire, take some of this shit off the walls. Curly will be over later with some poison for the rats. Unless your cat eats them." Arthur informed me, making Finn Junior hiss in protest.

Lazy bastard. I'd have to try to get you to stop spoiling him when you came back.

"Arthur," I began shakily, getting his attention.

"Huh?" He responded, turning back around to face me.

"This morning, I wouldn't have been able to pull that trigger. I know I wouldn't, they would have just walked past. I'm not John." I said, a lump forming in my throat, "I know I'm not."

Sometimes, like today, they treat me like John.

"All right," Arthur cut me off gently, coming over and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, "You're my brother. I know you're not. I know. In the end, its God who pulls that fucking trigger anyway."

"We don't get to decide who lives, and who dies Finn," He reassured, placing his other hand on my other shoulder, "Not us. You just have to ... flip a switch; in your head."

He clapped me on the shoulder, then wordlessly walked out.

It would be hard to flip that switch. The older boys went to France and I didn't. Some days, like today, they throw me in the deep end, and others, like when Tommy decided that we were to marry, they treat me like a child, always deciding and doing things for me. It was unfair, and confusing. I'd have to ask you how you managed when you helped your father and brother.

I looked around, and found a broom in the closet next to the front door.

"We gonna clean this place up for your mum?" I asked the cat, who gave a sound of agreement.

As I swept, all I could focus on was how quiet it was. In the time you had been living with me, it was never quiet in the house. You were always making some sort of noise, whether it was complaining, arguing with me, singing, bouncing your leg and tapping your shoe on the floor, chewing your gum, or practicing your reading.

I missed that noise, and I was sure little Finn did too.

§§§

Y'all I pierced my own nose last night and it actually turned out decent lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 13

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 28

PUBLISHED: 23/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

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THIRD PERSON'S POV

Your husband leaned down, breath hot on your ear as he promised to be back soon. You gave a hum of acknowledgement and continued talking to one of Tommy's friends in high places. What Tommy brought you and Finn to this dinner party for, you didn't know. Tommy was bringing his new business partners (Bonnie, your father, and your sisters) to meet some of his uppity friends over a dinner party, therefore the senior Shelbys were in attendance as they all had important positions in the company, but you and Finn weren't senior Shelbys. If you were being honest, you and Finn didn't even have proper positions in the company, just doing whatever bits and bobs Tommy told you to do. You supposed it made sense, but also didn't make sense at the same time.

Finn handed you his glass of whiskey, and walked off, happy to be out of that damned room but feeling slightly guilty for leaving you alone.

He headed towards the nearest bathroom, wanting a few moments of privacy to settle his nerves — and to play in the snow.

He knocked twice on the bathroom door, and no answer came. He tried the door but it was locked, making him frown. He hoped that no one was inside and unconscious. He put his ear up to the door and knocked again.

A faint, sniffly 'hello?' came through, making his heart drop. He knew that voice anywhere. Saoirse.

"Sersh, it's Finn. Can you open the door?" Finn asked, trying to sound calm.

She should have been well and truly snoring by now, tucked safely into bed, under the watch of her nanny, who Bonnie was so generously paying for.

Finn heard the door lock jiggle, then the door opened just enough for Saoirse to slip through and hug Finn in a bone crushing hug. He quickly wrapped his own arms around the child, rubbing her back comfortingly, her nightgown smooth under his hand.

"I got scared because it was a new room and I was going to ask Pippa for a nightlight because the shadows looked scary but I couldn't remember if she went right or left or what bell to ring to call her and I tried to find her but I couldn't and I ended up in there," Saoirse explained through sniffles, breathing quick and shallow, "She does it a lot but she usually puts a light on so I'm not scared."

"I'm here now," Finn reassured, making a mental note to tell Bonnie to get rid of that nanny.

Saoirse nodded, breathing still uneven.

"Take a few big, deep breaths — like this," Finn demonstrated, then gestured for Saoirse to do it.

Saoirse did so, clinging on to Finn as she did it, as if she was scared he was going to run away as soon as she turned her back.

Finn waited patiently until Saoirse was calm, then pulled his handkerchief out and told her to blow her nose with it, and she did. He suddenly heard the rapid 'click-click' that your heels made when you walked. He spun around, and you were hurrying over to the pair, dress bunched up in your hands so you wouldn't trip over it.

"What's she doing here? She was meant to be back at camp with Pippa," You said softly, giving her a hug and leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead.

"She just said that Pippa put her into one of the guest rooms," Finn replied, reminding himself to unclench his jaw, trying to keep himself standing in a relaxed way so Saoirse wouldn't see how stressed he was becoming.

"Fucking — I knew she was mad on that butler, wouldn't think she would do that to my sister because of it," You grumbled, frowning, "She'd be better off fucking living with us, honest."

"That can be arranged," Finn said, making you stop and look at him.

"That isn't a five second decision!" You hissed, not wanting to get Saoirse's hopes up.

Finn nodded, taking off his jacket and placing it around your sister, who must have been cold in her little blue nightgown.

"Want to stay with us tonight, at our house?" You asked Saoirse gently.

She nodded, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of Finn's jacket.

Finn handed you the car keys, "You go put her in the car, I'll go tell Tommy."

You nodded, and Finn turned on his heel and went to go find his brother.

You were concerned. You had gotten Saoirse a nanny so she wouldn't be left alone, with all of you going and doing business most of the day. Your father and Bonnie having a bit of an erratic schedule making it hard for them to be home, and Ezzie was usually in town with Isiah making lesson plans for the kids so they could learn too, which, knowing her, could easily turn into a night over at Isiah's house. That was where Pippa came in useful, caring for your sister when you all couldn't, but now you were wondering how many times Pippa actually left your sister alone and unsupervised.

By tomorrow, Pippa would be lucky if she had her eyes.

You walked down the corridor and turned to your right, holding Saoirse's hand, then heard a giggle. You looked to your left, and, there was your brother, talking to one of the butlers, a smirk on his face.

"Bonnie!" You said sharply, making him look at you and drop his smirk.

"What's she doing up?" He asked you, shoving the butler into the room and closing the door behind him, walking over to the pair of you.

"The nanny you hired has been leaving her unattended," You explained, making Bonnie's eyes widen.

"What about the dogs, her dogs, Daisy and Duke, don't they stay with her?" Bonnie questioned, reaching an arm out for Saoirse, who shook her head and pressed herself into your side even more.

"That's not the point-" You began, but Bonnie cut you off,

"-We always had the dogs and no babysitters-"

"Yes but we were older and we had each other, she's got no one, we're not camping with family now!" You snapped, and Bonnie pursed his lips and nodded, seeing your point.

You sighed, ushering Saoirse along the corridor and promising to see Bonnie sometime soon, when he wasn't busy.

•••

A week after Pippa was fired — and you took her eyes, cheered on by Finn — you sat with Finn, Saoirse, Ezzie, Aberama, and Bonnie at your dining table, Finn Junior on Saoirse's lap.

You drummed your fingertips against the tabletop, your nails clicking against it. Finn found the noise irritating, so he clamped his hand around yours and brought it back between the pair of you, giving it three quick squeezes

Saoirse's eyes went from you and Finn, to Aberama, and back again. You noticed that she hadn't even taken a sip of her tea, or had a biscuit. Nervous. She felt nervous.

"You can choose whatever you want, my darling Butterfly," Aberama said in a reassuring tone, smiling fatherly down at his youngest child.

Butterfly. Saoirse had finally picked a favourite colour. Blue.

"Want to stay with Bee and Finn for a bit," Saoirse admitted, making you freeze, "See what it's like."

Your husband noticed this and dropped his hand, rubbing your leg in a reassuring manner.

"We'll give you my room," Finn told Saoirse, making her grin, "And enrol her in school today, we've got time."

Saoirse's grin dropped, and she looked over at you.

"You're going if you're staying here," You told her, and she huffed, hugging Finn Junior and rubbing her face against his fur, but protested no more.

The only options were school, or a nanny, and you didn't want to hire a nanny after that last incident. You could have gotten her a governess, but you wanted her to have some interaction with other children.

Aberama looked at you and your husband. He noticed that your hair was down, which was unusual. You rarely had it down anymore. A big change from when you first got married and rarely had it up. Maybe it was a sign of growing up. He wished you had your hair down more if it was.

"We'll need to get her clothes from my vardo sometime soon, then," Aberama said softly, making you nod, the check the time.

You still had time to enrol her today.

"I've got to go see Tommy, I'll see you two back at camp," Bonnie said, standing up from the table and wiping the nonexistent dust from his clothes.

"And I've got to go and make schooling packs, I don't know when I'll be back at camp," Ezzie excused herself, Bonnie pulling her chair out and helping her stand up.

Your father wordlessly stood up, and tucked his chair in. You frowned. He always said see you later before standing up from his chair, then once again whilst leaving.

"Dad? What's wrong?" You asked carefully, not wanting to upset him.

"You're all growing so fast, at the start of the year I had you all with me but now you're all going and growing up," Aberama admitted, making you feel slightly guilty.

You didn't see your father as much as you wanted now that you lived with Finn.

"I'll never grow up," Saoirse piped up, making you all chuckle.

"Maybe all of your kids should spend one last night in camp with you — not one last night, but just one night together before Sersh comes to stay with us for a bit," Finn suggested, making your heart flutter.

He could be proper considerate sometimes.

"Yes, tonight," Ezzie agreed, and looked at Bonnie, who grinned and nodded.

"It's settled then," You stated, looking at your father who looked more upbeat than he did before.

"Tonight," He nodded, grinning from ear to ear, "I'll see you, you'd do well to get Saoirse enrolled today."

You hummed in agreement as you stood up from the table, taking the empty cups to the sink, Finn getting up and helping you.

Your sister, father, and brother moved towards the door, saying see you later, then left you, your husband, your cat, and your younger sister in the apartment. Saoirse was finally eating her biscuits and drinking her tea.

Finn walked over and phoned Poll, who agreed to go for a drive and get him the enrolment forms and help him fill them out, no questions asked. That's what he liked about Polly. Always doing things for the people she loved.

"Finn, she won't be where she's supposed to be up to in school, what if she gets bullied?" You asked your husband lowly as you stood next to him at the sink, looking over at your shoulder quickly, peeking at your sister.

She picked up things quick, being a kid, but you were sure she wasn't where she needed to be, and you knew just how vicious kids were.

"Then we'll pay someone to get her up to speed in the afternoons," Finn reassured you, leaning down and planting a kiss on your forehead, then grabbed the tea towel and started wiping up.

Finn listened to your soft humming as you moved around the room, and headed down the hallway to his room. You were probably beginning to move his clothes into your room. Neither of you had much clothes, so you'd be fine sharing your wardrobe and chest of drawers with him.

"Finny?" Saoirse's voice snapped him back to reality, and he spun around, raising his eyebrows and jerking his chin up.

"Can I get a nightlight for a bit?" She asked, shifting in her seat.

"Of course," Finn reassured, "We'll track one down after we get your enrolment form."

Saoirse grinned toothily at this statement, then put the cat down, walking over and laying in front of the fireplace, which was roaring. Even though it was getting warmer, it was still cold in the apartment, especially in the rooms. Finn wouldn't mind having a place that had a fireplace in each room. Maybe an extras room, too, so no one would have to move rooms in case guests came.

"Need help!" You called out, and Finn moved down the hallway, then backtracked, turning on the radio and finding a station for Saoirse, then moving down the corridor again.

He walked into his — now Saoirse's — room, and saw that you had all of his clothes out on his bed.

"What do you need help with?" He asked as he leaned against the doorway.

"Darling, can you take those ironed clothes and put them where ever you want them? I'll take these and put them wherever they'll fit," You said, and Finn felt his heart skip a beat at the pet name.

"That I can do, love," Finn said, crossing the room and grabbing the ironed stuff by their hangers, then walking them into your — his, now, too — rooms, going and putting them into the wardrobe, noticing his list for you pinned on the door.

He noticed the heart shaped rock on your vanity, and beamed a smile.

"What's got you smiling?" You questioned as you went and put Finn's folded clothes into your chest of drawers.

"The rock," Finn admitted, blushing, making you chuckle as you stood up, then crossed the room, leaning up and planting a kiss on his cheek.

He wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you into a hug. He took a deep breath in, and caught your scent, making his shoulders drop in relaxation. Your scent always calmed him.

"It's going to be odd, sharing a room," You said, but felt excited.

You'd be sharing a room with your husband, finally. The thought of waking up, tangled in the sheets with Finn as the morning light filtered through your window made your heart beat just a little bit faster.

§§§

Heyyy long time no see

What did you think of this chapter??

Some of the events in this chapter was meant to happen in chapter 30 but oh well lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 29

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@shelundeadxxxx

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 45

PUBLISHED: 22/07/2022

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Thomas Shelby and his elder brother Arthur strolled into the Garrison, which was empty. It wasn't opening time, yet. The morning sun was shining through the stained glass windows. Glass crunched under their feet as they walked, and surveyed their surroundings. It was like a whirlwind made it's way through there. Or a really bad bar fight. Arthur just hoped his kid brother wasn't involved in it.

Tommy made himself comfortable on a stool, which woke up the girl laying in a booth. Mary Bone looked over at the source of the noise, and gasped.

"Go home," Tommy commanded, making her grab her dress and cover herself with it for decency as she slipped her shoes on.

"Come here, you," Arthur demanded, walking over to a chair and grabbing the coat off of the back of it, "Put this on."

He held the coat out to her, and she grabbed it thankfully, slipping it over her petite frame.

"There you go. Look at that. Looks great on ya! Wrap up warm." Arthur said as she left the pub, hurrying out along the street.

Tommy looked at his peacefully asleep younger brother, clearly not pleased with the company he kept. He wondered if Finn's wife even knew he was friends with the girl in the brown coat. He was sure she only had a baby recently, too. It wouldn't hurt her to stay home with it.

Arthur grabbed a glass of water, putting ice from another glass into it, then hopped up onto the chair of the booth next to the one Finn was laid in, and poured the cold water and ice onto his brother, making Finn yelp and fly up, panting in surprise.

"Wake up," Arthur said by way of greeting, ignoring the way his brother looked at him as he hopped down, "Rise and shine."

Finn sighed and moved himself so he was sitting properly on the edge of the seat, "What are you doing here?"

"Wasting our fucking time on you," Tommy replied, ever the one for no nonsense.

Finn groaned as he rubbed his temples, trying to chase away a headache. Arthur handed his younger brother a glass of water, which he went to take a sip from as he stood up.

"Sit down, Finn," Tommy ordered his younger brother, "Sit down."

Finn sat back down, then Tommy stood up and stepped over to his brother.

"What do I have to do," He began, eyes trained on his curly haired brother, "To make you fucking listen to me?"

Arthur settled into the booth across from Finn.

"You took a bullet. You've been running around the streets with a fucking gun in your hand." Tommy added, one hand on the back of the booth behind Finn and the other on his hip so he didn't strangle his brother for his idiocy.

"Somebody has to." Finn defended himself, looking Tommy square in the eye.

Arthur fought back the urge to chuckle. Finn had definitely toughened up after he met you. He wouldn't have been able to look Tommy in the eye four years ago.

Tommy and Finn looked over at their older brother, who didn't hesitate with his reply.

"Finn, we've got people for that kind of work. Soldiers. Captains and corporals," Arthur explained, waving a hand around, making Finn clench his jaw as he looked at the window.

"Well then, what am I?" Finn questioned, looking back at his older brother, trying not to let the older two catch on to how badly he was craving for an answer to that question.

"'What am I?' Jesus Christ," Tommy said as he stood up straight, clearing his throat.

"Yeah, what am I, Tom? Huh?" Finn pushed his older brother, making Tommy look down at his younger brother, "I'm the brother you never got around to."

Finn put his glass of water onto the table, already done with the conversation and itching to be back home with you and the kids.

"You're a general, Finn." Tommy explained, his patience running out, "You understand? You're a fucking Shelby, so you're a general. When did you last see a general anywhere near the blood and the puke, eh?"

Finn nodded, taking in his brother's words.

"He's fucking right. That's what you are." Arthur added, moving out of the booth and going to stand next to Tommy, "So, on your feet, soldier. Come on, on your feet!"

Finn looked away from the pair in frustration.

"I thought you just said I was a general," Finn stated, looking at the pair, fighting a smirk.

He was right. He was the brother they never got around to. They loved him, he had no doubt about that, but he wasn't sure they liked him. Especially because they never knew what to do with him.

"I did just say you were," Arthur confirmed, then moved and grabbed Finn by the front of his singlet, "So, get on your fucking feet-"

"-Arthur." Tommy interjected, pushing his older brother back, "Finn. Finn. Look at this."

Once Finn looked at what his older brother was holding, Tommy continued.

"This is the bullet that Aberama Gold cut from you. First and last." Tommy declared, then flicked it up, Finn catching it.

"First and last," Tommy repeated, pointing at him, then walked away from his brother, going to the bar to get himself a drink.

Finn sighed as he stood up, hand clasped around the bullet. He brought it up to his chest, showing it to Arthur.

"Don't lose it," He instructed, and Finn nodded, tightening his grip on it.

Arthur clapped his brother on the shoulder, "Go and clean up. Put some clothes on. Nice suit."

Finn started walking off, glad that he kept spare clothes at the pub. You'd never know when you'd spill something on yourself.

"I've got some trouble that'll keep you out of trouble," Arthur called out after his brother, watching him as he swaggered off.

Finn quickly got dressed and walked back out to his brother, still tying his tie. He rarely tied his own tie nowadays, you did it before he left for work.

"Arthur, I'm gonna put that bullet on a necklace and wear it as a reminder." Finn announced as he walked over to him, then clapped his older brother on the shoulder, "Arthur?"

"I hear ya," Arthur confirmed, but he still looked out of it.

"You got trouble for me, then?" Finn asked in reply, leaning down so he was more eye level with his brother.

"Yeah," Arthur replied, sounding far away.

"Yeah?" Finn replied, then swatted his brother on the chest and walked to the door, ready to see what trouble was in store for him.

•••

You sat in your dad's vardo, feeling slightly worried. You had just woken up from a black cat dream. You looked down at the floor. Bonnie and Saoirse were still playing cards. You looked up at the clock. You had napped for a mere thirty minutes. Your father and Ezzie has probably started your dinner now.

Outside, around the fire, Aberama stoked it with a stick, kicking a log to see if it was burnt through yet. He heard his horse whinny, then a twig snap. He looked around, feeling slightly on edge. No one was supposed to know where he was camped, having to lay low after the last job he did.

"What is it, Da?" Ezzie asked softly, watching him as he looked over at the group of shrubs behind him, getting a funny feeling from them.

He ignored her, instead spinning around in his chair and getting up, standing to look at them properly. He took a few slow steps forward, then stopped, waiting to see if something would happen, although he wasn't sure of what he was waiting for.

The area around him went quiet, bar the sound of the fire. A gunshot ripped through the air, the bullet finding a home in Aberama's shoulder with enough force that it knocked him to the ground. The birds surrounding the area flew away, screeching and cawing as they did so.

"Dad!" Ezzie yelled, quickly going and kneeling on the ground next to her groaning father.

Bonnie heard the noise, and grabbed the rifle next to him.

"Stay here, stay hidden, stay quiet," He ordered you and Saoirse quickly, then rushed out of the vardo, leaving the door cracked open behind him.

You grabbed your handgun and crept over to the door, standing behind it and looking out of the window. It was stained a dark brown, so you were confident that whoever was out there wouldn't be able to see you. Saoirse hid under the bed at your orders, the skirt of the blanket hiding her.

You watched as Bonnie aimed the rifle at the group of men with shaky hands, knowing full well that he was outnumbered.

"Drop the pea shooter, son," One of the men commanded, and Bonnie slowly lowered it, then placed it on the ground as two men dragged a cross past him.

"A broken broom stops all Gypsy curses, Mr Gold." The one who seemed to be the leader said, then broke a broom over Aberama's shoulder, making him howl in pain.

Ezzie looked over at the men, her blue eyes wide with fear, then back down at her father, softly reassuring him that he would be fine. Bonnie looked at the pair worriedly, and prayed that the men wouldn't go into his Dad's vardo. One man went and put his foot on his father's neck, keeping him down, and one of the men holding a gun put it down and walked over to Ezzie, pulling her backwards by the hair and making her stand up, holding her. She thrashed in his grip, and one of the men holding a gun placed his on the ground, going and holding her back. Bonnie knew he wouldn't be able to pick his rifle up and shoot them all. He'd get killed first.

"Who the fuck are you?" Bonnie questioned after looking back at the group, his voice wobbling.

"Did you not hear my song?" The man asked, but didn't wait for an answer, "These gentlemen are the Billy Boys."

He then walked up to Bonnie, "And me?"

He then picked up the rifle Bonnie put down, "I'm Jimmy."

He hit Bonnie across the face with the butt of it, making you gasp softly.

"No! Fuck." Your father said, struggling under the man's foot to try and stand up.

"Good. Mouth broke so you can't talk." Jimmy said, watching as Bonnie looked back at him, the lower half of his face covered in blood, "But you don't need to. Your body will be the lesson."

Your eyes widened at that statement, and you gripped your gun tighter, ready to shoot if you needed.

"You work in a particular capacity for Mr Thomas Shelby OBE, am I right?" Jimmy continued, watching as Bonnie spit up blood and sniffled, staying silent.

"I heard you're a fighter," Jimmy stated, stepping closer to Bonnie, who pulled himself up to a kneel, "The best."

"But your fighting days are over." He finished, hitting him square in the face with the butt of the gun, making Ezzie scream for her younger brother and Aberama thrash under the man's shoe.

You grit yourself teeth so you didn't make a sound, and fought the urge to go comfort Saoirse, who you could hear sniffling from under the bed. She soon crawled over to you, standing up on the tips of her toes and looking out of the window.

Bonnie attempted to crawl away, Jimmy stalking behind him. You watched as the last man holding a gun slung it over his shoulder, and walked up behind Jimmy.

"Because I need Mr Shelby to understand," Jimmy stopped momentarily to kick Bonnie, "That his best,"

He pushed Bonnie back into a tree, "Is not ... good enough."

He threw off his cap, and head butted Bonnie fair in the nose, dazing him. He then let your brother go, watching as he stumbled to the ground. The other Billy Boys quickly picked Bonnie up, dragging him over to the cross that they had dragged with them. They strapped him onto it, and he was too dazed to fight back. You watched as they stood the cross up, and waited for the right moment to take a shot. You might get yourself killed while doing it, but at least it would give everyone else a chance.

Jimmy picked up his cap and put it on, then approached Bonnie on the cross. Ezzie thrashed hard enough that she freed herself from the grip of the men holding her, and scrambled over to her brother, only to get a bullet to the stomach from Jimmy's pistol, stopping her in her tracks. She flopped to the ground, holding a hand to her torso.

"Sersh, when I shoot this gun, I want you to run and grab one of the guns over there, but only use it if you have to," You whispered to your younger sister, knowing damn well she knew how to use one.

Your father wouldn't have any of his kids around the lifestyle he lived without them knowing how to wield guns and knives.

Jimmy turned back around, and put his pistol to Bonnie's chin.

"Farewell, fighter boy. You died well." He announced, and a gunshot sounded throughout the camp.

Jimmy screamed in pain, his pistol hitting the forest floor, blood spurting from his shoulder, and Saoirse ran, grabbing one of the guns. You one man fair in the forehead, and Saoirse plowed down two of them as you made your way over to her, grabbing the gun next to her. You shot both of the men next to Jimmy, but Jimmy wasted no time running off. You didn't care. He didn't have his gun with him.

"Saoirse, grab Flicker and ride him to the phone box, call someone!" You commanded your younger sister, making your way over to Ezzie, "Isiah, Finn, Tommy, fuck, even Curly, but call someone!"

Saoirse nodded, eyes wide and hands shaky, putting down the gun and stumbling over to your Father's horse, mounting him and speeding off. The phone box was only a short ride away, but you had a feeling it would take forever.

You put pressure on your sister's wound, listening to her breathe heavily. She was bleeding more than you thought she was. She'd be fine, though. Saoirse would call for help and help would come and Ezzie would be safe.

"It's just a little bit of blood, only more than a scratch," You reassured your older sister, your eyes filling with tears as you took in the scene around you, your brother hanging limply on the cross and your father sobbing on the ground, wondering where he went wrong, "Saoirse's probably calling for help and we'll get you to a hospital, and you and Bonnie and Dad will be fine, we can have tea at my house-"

"-Don't give me false hope," Your sister murmured, her eyes halfway closed as she made the effort to reach up and put a hand on your face.

You leaned into her touch, tears now rolling down your face.

"Oh, Ezzie — It's not meant for you," You whimpered, a sob wracking your body as you took off your coat with one hand, then pressed the fabric to her midriff, "I want my big sister to be okay. Bee needs her Turtle."

The world around you was blurry as you focused on talking to your sister as you helped an unconscious Bonnie down from the cross, rambling about how you'd make pancakes and make your own jam to put on it from wild berries, just like you did when you were younger, your father sobbing in the background. You just prayed Saoirse made it to the phone box okay.

§§§

A bit of an open ending because I'm still not sure if I want to kill anyone lol — I'm gonna be real with you all, in the early plots of this chapter, all of the Gold children bar (Y/N) died, then only Saoirse and Bonnie, then Esmeralda and Bonnie, then none of them, and now I'm still not sure lol.

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

@jamieolivia27

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 16

PUBLISHED: 02/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Polly Gray got out of the car, her son Michael following close behind.

"No. No fucking way," Michael protested as he got out, the springtime air hitting him.

"Have you ever eaten hedgehog, Michael?" Your father called out, making Bonnie laugh.

Polly was sure he was joking. Mostly sure.

"I'm getting back in this car." Michael announced, clearly not pleased.

"Michael, you're number two on Luca Changretta's hit list." Polly informed her son, not having it.

"Yeah, and I'll stay in a hotel," Michael shot back, pulling out his cigarette case and grabbing a cigarette.

"You stay in a hotel, I'll know where you are, so will the people who take you there, so will the people who work at the hotel." Polly said, stepping closer to her son, "And hotels don't move around. They don't even know where they'll be tomorrow. They follow the patrin and the crows."

"And if anyone should come for you, Michael, the Palmers and the Boswell's will put up a fair fight." Aberama informed the boy, Polly looking between the pair.

Michael took a few drags of his cigarette, disdain clear on his face.

"Take your medicine," Polly commanded, stepping past her son to grab them out of the car, ever the worrier.

"I'll take them," Bonnie announced, Polly handing them to the raven haired boy and him nodding a silent promise to take care of them.

"Your painkillers." Polly added, handing them to Bonnie.

"But the healers up there will heal you much quicker." Aberama added, knowing from first hand experience.

"Fucking witches, the lot of them." Michael said, making Bonnie turn around, ready to defend his people.

"Show some respect, Mr. Gray." Bonnie scolded lightly, heading back over to stand with his father, "They've agreed to welcome you on account of your blood."

Michael silently puffed on his cigarette, maintaining eye contact with Bonnie. Bonnie looked at Polly, then walked off, putting the medicines in the vardo Michael would be sleeping in.

"Take your medicine." Polly commanded her son, then handed him a revolver, "Take the gun. I won't be able to contact you. Till you phone me. We'll make a plan. Tommy says it won't be long. Then we'll be free."

A squeal in the tree above them alerted the group, and there you were, sitting with your sister Saoirse, laughing as you held a spider toward her, her shrieking and leaning away.

"Girls, come down!" Your father called out to you, "We've guests!"

You both looked at him, you putting the spider on the tree. Bonnie came over and stood at the base of the tree, arms open, and Saoirse jumped first, landing in Bonnie's arms with a shriek. Bonnie put your sister down, and she ran over to Polly, hugging her.

"Hello, poppet," Polly greeted warmly, smiling down at the child, then looked back over to see you jumping and Bonnie catching you with an 'oof'.

"You're getting too big for your brother to catch you now," Aberama warned the pair of you as you approached the group, arms slung over each other's shoulders, making you giggle.

"She's my little sister, Dad, she'll never get too big for me to catch her," Bonnie countered, a big grin on his face.

You beamed your older brother a toothy grin as he ruffled your already messy hair.

"Especially cause she doesn't grow taller anymore," Bonnie quipped, making you gasp and shove him lightly, giggling.

Polly looked at you in surprise. In this camp, you weren't the difficult girl forced to marry Finn. You were just a girl having fun, being happy. Polly was sure she'd never seen you happy like this before. She didn't think you could get this happy, seeing you at your default of sour most of the time.

"Oh, Saoirse, (Y/N), this is my son Michael. Michael, this is Saoirse and (Y/N), Aberama's other two daughters, Esmeralda, the one who came with us to pick you up, she's the eldest. (Y/N) here is Finn's wife." Polly explained as you all exchanged greetings.

"Speak of the devil," You remark, watching as your husband comes over with the suitcase you had packed, ready to put it in his car.

Finn Junior was right at his heels, sauntering along, little bell on the collar jingling. You noticed a field mouse in his mouth.

"Polly. Michael." Finn greeted, hugging Polly and shaking Michael's hand.

"Nice cat you've got," Michael commented, nodding down at the scraggly grey Maine Coon, making the cat hiss in protest and run over to you.

"It's hers. I wouldn't ever want to keep that fucking feather duster," Finn replied dryly as you crouched and told the cat to ignore the mean bellend holding the suitcase.

"We're off then, see you all later," You announced, having said your proper goodbyes before you climbed the tree, Finn leading you and the cat to the car.

Polly made a mental note to make Tommy let you camp out more when all this shit was over, so you could be happy.

"She shows him his roots, teaches him how to live off the land, and how to speak Shelta, Romani, and Rokka." Aberama informed Polly, coming to stand next to her, "Honestly, you'd think he was a child with how she was babying him when she was teaching him everything."

Polly looked at Aberama, then back at you, who was now mad at Finn for God knows what.

She tried to imagine you, patiently teaching Finn how to skin a rabbit, or gently showing him how to pronounce the words of her mother tongues. She couldn't, no matter how hard she tried. The only way she could imagine you was full of fire, ready to snap at whoever rubbed you the wrong way.

But, watching you as you kissed your crying sister on the forehead, clasped her little hands in yours and promised to visit her whenever you could, she could believe that you were somewhat kind. She couldn't imagine you in the act of kindness, but she could imagine you having kindness stored away somewhere.

Finn was completely right. You really were a contrary little girl.

•••

You were wrapping Bonnie's fists with bandages when Finn walked in with his brothers. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of you. You looked divine. Your hair was twisted back into a low bun at the back of your head, and you were wearing yet another champagne coloured gown, the neckline low enough for the half heart pendant to show. He watched as your gloves fingers skilfully finished their duty, then came to rest at your sides. He noticed you looked taller, most likely wearing heels, and that you were carrying a purse which had a long thin chain that went across your body to sit on the opposite shoulder, most likely carrying a gun inside of it.

Tommy had given you a new gun as a late wedding gift. It had '(Y/N) Shelby' on the butt of it in cursive.

"Bonnie boy! Here we go, boy." Arthur said, catching your brother's attention, as well as your own, as he tipped pills into his hand, "Bring out that fucking tiger, go on."

Bonnie shook his head, "Tiger's already out."

You grinned at your brother for this statement.

"Fair enough," Arthur commented as your brother started bouncing on his heels.

Arthur threw the pills into his own mouth, making your eyes widen. You were certain he would've already done snow this evening.

"Bonnie," Your father started as he walked over to his only son, pulling him close, "Mr. Shelby will give you a 20% cut if you put Goliath down in the fourth round."

Aberama tapped your brother's side, then stepped away.

"Been caged up too long, brother." Arthur announced, heading towards the door, "If the women are going to have fun, so am I!"

Finn held a hand out, and you said see you later to your brother, promising to be sitting front row, and headed over to your husband, walking back out to the ring with him. He lead you to the other Shelby ladies, you would be sat in between Polly and Lizzie. They were the two you liked best. You flat out hated Linda, and Ada you didn't know too well to make a judgement. Your older sister Esmeralda wasn't in attendance tonight, having offered to watch the kids for everyone.

The women greeted you as you sat down, then teased Finn about being a good little husband for walking his wife to her seat. You sat impatiently, wanting your brother to get out into the ring already. You soon enough got your wish, your brother hopping into the ring with a red sash around his black shorts.

"Red for Rose." you mused, putting your head on Polly's shoulder.

She reached up and patted your face. Bonnie always wore red in his fights, for his mother Rose. The fighters got introduced, then the fight started. You immediately started cheering for your brother.

The first round didn't last long, Goliath sending your brother stumbling along the canvas. Your sister was right. He did look like Frankenstein's fucking monster. You internally chuckled as the bell rang, and the men went back to their corners.

The announcer shouted 'Round two!' And the men were back at it again. You felt something wet hit your back, and touched it, bringing your hand around. It was spit. You turned around, and narrowed your eyes at the men. One shifted nervously in his seat, and that's all it took for you to golly right in his eyes, then spin back around in your seat, cheering for your brother. Finn, who watched the scene unfold from the other side of the ring, started laughing as the man behind you furiously rubbed his eyes with his sleeve to rid the area of spit.

Lizzie moved from her seat, and you did too after a few beats, wanting to go to the toilet and wipe the gunk off your back.

You entered the bathroom, Lizzie stopping fixing her hair to look at you, then you went to the stall farthest from the door, then quickly did your business. You heard someone else enter the room and head into a stall.

"So what did Tommy say when you told him?" Polly questioned as you flushed the toilet then exited the stall, washing your hands at the sink next to Lizzie.

"He said I'd get a weekly allowance." Lizzie replied, sounding flat.

"Oh, he can be romantic." Polly snarked as Lizzie wiped your back with paper towel, ridding it of the spit.

You thanked her as you fixed your hair, not having to worry about makeup since you didn't wear any. Your ring caught the light next to the mirrors every time you moved your hand.

"Of course as company treasurer, I shall be questioning that expense." Polly joked as she walked to the sinks.

"He said something like, 'we've had enough death, let's have some life.'" Lizzie stated, bringing a cigarette to her lips.

The door opened, and you looked over to see Ada entering the room.

"Poll," She began, "This fight is fixed, isn't it? Poor Gypsy boy's getting battered out there."

She went and stood at the sinks next to Polly. You hopped up on the ledge and sat, waiting for someone to make a move to leave the bathroom.

You'd rather flush yourself down the toilet than be alone with Linda.

"Yeah, it's fixed. My Bonnie's a good fighter, he'll be fine," You informed Ada, who nodded as she got up onto the counter.

"Right, you said you have some news?" She questioned Polly, who grabbed some makeup out of her bag.

"Lizzie has some news." Polly replied, making you look at the ebony haired woman next to you.

"Polly!" Lizzie said, turning around, clearly not wanting to be put on the spot.

"Well tell her. Now!" Polly demanded, uncapping her perfume, "While the men are screaming for blood."

Lizzie sighed and looked away from the older woman.

"Have a swig. You're gonna need it," Polly advised Ada as she handed Ada the bottle of gin.

You wiggled on the spot, feeling like you were intruding on a family moment. Lizzie, sending your discomfort, leaned over and put a hand on your knee, giving you a look that told you that you were fine.

You nodded, then she stood back up and looked in the mirror.

"I'm up the duff," Lizzie announced, "And it's Tommy's."

You watched as Polly lit a cigarette, taking a long drag.

Ada gulped down the gin and handed the bottle back to Polly, "How far gone are you?"

"If I were going to London I'd be in Coventry." Lizzie informed Ada, making you giggle.

"And are you carrying on past Coventry?" Ada questioned, gripping the bench.

"All the way to fucking Piccadilly Circus." Lizzie replied, bringing her smoke back up to have a puff.

"You found out whether she's having a boy or a girl, Poll?" Ada asked, looking over at her aunt.

"No." Polly answered, taking a big swig of the gin.

"Go on then," Ada urged, hopping off the counter as Polly approached Lizzie.

"(Y/N) had a dream about it. Let's see if she's right," Lizzie added, looking at you with a small grin on her crimson painted lips.

You reached over and grabbed the gin off of Polly as she started feeling Lizzie's breast, making you all chuckle. You uncapped the bottle and took your own swig, feeling the liquor burn your throat. Lizzie continued giggling, Polly now using two hands.

"It's a girl," Polly spoke, making you clap.

Ada turned around in the mirror to look at Lizzie, happiness clear on her face.

"Call her Ruby. Ruby Shelby. She'll be a star in a Hollywood movie." Polly informed Lizzie, looking at her.

"(Y/N) said all of that, she said she had a dream about it." Lizzie stated, making Polly look at you.

"Her father's mother had second sight. Maybe she inherited it too." Polly mused.

"I was right!" You cheered, holding the bottle of gin up then taking another swig.

"Congratulations." Ada said after crossing the room, pulling Lizzie into a hug.

Lizzie kissed Polly's cheek and hugged the shorter girl, smiling as she did so. The door opened, and in walked Linda. You grimaced, and took another swig. Polly gestured for you to jump off the bench and join the group, and you did so, ending up between Polly and Lizzie, the pair's arms over your shoulders, and your gloved hands on theirs.

"Hey, Linda." Polly greeted, cigarette in hand, "Welcome to the extraordinary general meeting of the Shelby ladies club."

You all giggled at Polly's words, looking between yourselves. Linda paid you all no mind as she looked at her back in the mirror.

"Is there spit on my back?" Linda questioned, "There were men out there spitting, it's fucking disgusting."

"No, there's no spit on your back," Polly sighed as she walked away from your side, over to Linda, "Don't let us stop you doing what you came in to do."

You stayed by Lizzie, who still had her arm slung around your shoulder.

Linda looked up, momentarily stopping hitting the little blue bottle on the bench, "What? It's helped me get through the fucking nightmare of being stuck in this city."

"Well, since you're here and you're almost family, Lizzie's got some news." Polly said, watching Linda as she lined up the white powder.

"I'm pregnant." Lizzie announced proudly, her smile audible.

"Oh? And who's the father, have you managed to narrow it down?" Linda snarked, making you frown as she rolled up a bill and snorted the line.

"Shut the fuck up and snort your lines before I break a mirror and cut you with the glass, you sanctimonious snow snorting slut!" You barked at the blonde woman, making her pale.

Polly's eyebrows flew up. She fully expected you to slap Linda silly.

Lizzie squeezed your shoulder, a sign to stop, "Yes. It's Tommy."

"Congratulations!" Linda said, not sounding very congratulatory, "You've won the raffle at last."

"Yeah, she's a real Shelby lady now, Linda." Polly stated, wiping the excess snow from under Linda's nose, "Just like you."

"I suspect that you're a better woman than her." You spat quietly, and heard Lizzie going to laugh but covering it with a cough.

"Right ladies, let's rejoin our gentlemen." Polly said, gathering her stuff.

"And remember Linda, if they spit, just spit back." Polly told her, making Lizzie roll her eyes at the thought of Linda even trying to spit on someone.

"I spat back." You announced proudly, Polly looking at you, then nodding.

"She gollied right in his fucking eyes, maybe you can learn something from her." Ada muttered, her heels clacking against the floor as you all walked back out to the ring.

§§§

I love the Shelby Ladies club fr

Also would anyone like to be a beta reader lol I need a new one I'm begging pls

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 17

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 40

PUBLISHED: 16/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You headed into the changing rooms, chattering to your teammates about how you won the game. Your netball shoes were perfect, having gel insoles. Finn knew what he was doing when he got them for you as a gift. You'd have to tell him when you meet up with him and Saoirse after you were done changing.

You were about to head into a stall, when someone tapped your shoulder. You turned around to see Dinah standing there, her braids up in a ponytail today.

"You grab the right sized dress today?" She  asked quietly, and you scrunched your eyebrows together in confusion.

"Yeah, of course," You replied equally as low.

"It's getting a bit tight, especially around the midriff," She advised you, making you scowl as you stepped into the stall and slammed the door shut behind you.

You looked at yourself in the mirror that hung up behind the door. Your stomach was bigger. But, you ate a lot, and you didn't do nearly as much walking as you did when you were a traveller. That would be why.

You'd tell Dinah that and make her apologise, you decided as you quickly changed.

•••

You and Polly sat at a table in a small café, heading there for your lunch break. Finn was outside, finishing off his smoke.

You tapped your fingers against your teacup, feeling content. Polly eyed you as you looked out of the window, lost in thought.

"Polly," You began, sounding far away.

Polly gave a hum of acknowledgment before finishing off her tea.

"You and my father — What's going on there?" You questioned softly, looking at Polly.

Polly shifted in her seat, not uncomfortable with the question, just caught off guard.

"We've got a thing," She admitted confidently, and you grinned at the woman.

"In your forties and still breaking hearts," You teased, making her smile, a faint pink tinting her cheeks.

Finn came back in, and slid into the booth next to you. You looked down at your cup, then took a sip and slid it over to Polly, who looked surprised.

"I've been eating more and someone even said that my stomach looked bigger. I don't want to go to the doctor if I'm not actually there yet. I don't think I am. I don't know if I'll ever be there. My parents, both of them, they don't have babies easily," You explained, dropping your voice low on that last piece of information, and Polly nodded understandingly as she grasped your cup.

Aberama had told her that. Finn had no idea that Aberama struggled, but seeing how Ezzie, Bonnie, and Saoirse were all spaced out it made sense. Traveller couples usually popped out a baby every year or so.

Finn slipped his hand into yours, and squeezed it three times, watching as his aunt looked at your tea leaves. He felt somewhat nervous. He thought that maybe you were pregnant; he noticed small changes, like the way you always got sick, and the way that everything made you feel sick. He noticed that you ate more and that you gained weight.

"You didn't tell me that," Finn murmured to you, feeling a bit disappointed that you failed to mention it.

"We'll talk about it later," You brushed him off, wanting to focus on what was happening now.

He nodded. He wanted kids, and he thought you did too, but that little tidbit that you (and anyone else who knew your family history) failed to mention threw him off, just a bit.

"What do you think, Finn?" Polly asked her nephew as she sat down your teacup.

"I think she's expecting," Finn answered honestly, making you look at him funny.

"I noticed that your," Finn trailed off and cupped his hands over his chest, as if he were holding two things up, making you snort and Polly roll her eyes at her nephew, "They got bigger."

"Boy. You could've just said her tits got bigger. And of course that's the first fucking thing you noticed. Boys," Polly commented, and you chuckled, bouncing your leg.

Polly's crimson lips curled into a smile.

"Congratulations. You're in the family way," Polly announced, and you felt your mouth go dry.

Finn felt breathless, as if he ran a marathon. He brought your now shaky hand up to his mouth, brushing it against his lips gently.

Ada and Ezzie were definitely going to kill the pair of you, and throw your bodies into the cut.

•••

You and Finn sat in your kitchen on the floor between the bench and the island, cups of tea and a plate of biscuits between the pair of you.

It was closer to sunrise than sunset, and the pair of you should've well and truly been asleep by now, but a visit to your family healers had you feeling fretful. And hopeful. You absentmindedly put a hand on your stomach, patting it. You hand told anyone that you were expecting, yet.

"Did you really think you wouldn't have a baby until later?" Finn asked softly, grabbing a biscuit off of the plate.

"Yes," You admitted, looking away from him, finding the cupboard handle very interesting, "I was ten years coming, Finn. Ezzie came easily but Bonnie didn't. After Bonnie, they kept trying. Another big gap there. Twelve years. And it certainly wasn't Rose who was the problem. The healers even said so."

Finn nodded, and considered reaching out to touch you, to reassure you some way, but decided against it. If he started reassuring you he wouldn't get out what he needed to ask.

"Did you ever think of telling me that you didn't think you'd have babies easily?" Finn questioned, leaning back on his palms.

You snapped your head in your husband's direction, narrowing your eyes.

"Fucking — Tommy knew. And he still forced us to marry. I don't even know why you're still on about the bastard, the healers said I'd be fine to get pregnant after this one. That I won't have any problems. That is that." You spat, and Finn's jaw clenched.

Fucking Tommy. He could have the big, happy family he wanted but would leave his brother to struggle if it came down to it. Unfair. It always was, Finn always got the short end of the stick. It didn't matter if you couldn't have kids. You could always adopt. What mattered is that Tommy didn't tell him something, yet again.

"Are you mad at me?" You asked your husband as you dipped a biscuit into your tea.

Finn didn't miss the vulnerable tone hanging off your words.

"Darling, of course not," Finn replied hurriedly, truthfully, his words like a bandage that stopped the guilt flowing from your wound.

He shuffled over and knelt in front of you, pulling you into a tight hug. You returned it, grasping his night shirt so tightly that you were slightly scared you might rip it.

"I love you," He mumbled against the crook of your neck, his breath hot and the words heavy.

"I love you too," You murmured in reply, and tried not to let your eyes fill up with tears.

You stayed like that until your knuckles couldn't take being curled up anymore, and released your husband, who shifted back so he was sitting on his heels.

It didn't last long, because he moved forward and tenderly placed his lips on yours, hands cupping the sides of your face as he did so. He wanted contact. To reassure you that he loved you, like he should've done earlier on.

You continued your tender touches and soft words well into the night, even after you moved up into your bedroom, your tea gone cold and poured down the sink and biscuits put back into the container, to be worried about another day.

§§§

we've got a proper pregnancy confirmation from none other than THE Polly Gray

Although you guys probably knew from last chapter lmao

I know my chapters are shorter than usual but you guys will get the long chapters again once I start writing about s5

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 41

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 10

PUBLISHED: 22/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

It had been a week since you and I had tied the knot, and you adopted Finn Junior. In that week, you had pulled me closer and pushed me away as you pleased. I was sick of it, and glad that I was going back to work today so I could get away from it. Tommy had called me this morning to tell me to be at Charlie's Yard in an hour.

Tommy had wanted you to come along as well, but I told him that you weren't well enough. Aberama had waxed poetic about your skills with guns, knives and even bow and arrows, and Tommy believed every word. I did too. This morning I had witnessed you stick a fly darting around to the kitchen ceiling with a knife because the buzzing annoyed you.

I didn't need you bothering me though, so you would be heading to Polly's after we went shopping. It was hard enough to try to get anyone older than me to take me seriously, but with you constantly belittling me it was an impossible task. I had no doubt that you would overshadow me too, and that was a big no-go.

I wrote the list out, and called out to you. You walked into the kitchen, Finn Junior hot on your heels, the bell on his little red collar tinkling. He had a little name tag, and our names on it in case he ever got lost, not that he ever would. He'd follow you everywhere, the Garrison, the betting den, Charlie's Yard, around the neighbourhood.

He'd never come near me voluntarily, though. He hates me, and I hate him. I nearly threw him out the window yesterday, because I turned my back on my cup of coffee for five seconds only to find him drinking it. You said that it was my fault for leaving the cup alone, but I'm positive that it's your fault for not training that fucking monster properly. He never ever tried that with your food either, it was always mine. I felt like you two had some sort of secret agreement to drive me mad.

"Let's go, you're reading the list." I instructed, throwing you the folded up piece of paper.

You blanched, but put it into your pocket. I rolled my eyes. I wouldn't have told you to do it if I didn't think you could. It was only four things, anyway. I put my cap on, and threw you your — our — brush, and you fixed your hair. It became our brush after you used mine to brush the knots out of Finn Jr's fur.

We started our walk down the street, to the market, you chewing your gum as usual. Once we entered, I grabbed a basket.

"What's the first thing on the list?" I asked, making you roll your eyes.

"You know damn well what's on the list, you wrote it!" You complained, but fished the list out of your pocket.

"Reading practice, won't hurt you." I replied as you came into step with me.

"I'm not sounding anything out," You warned, looking at the first word. "Erm, bread."

I nodded, and made a beeline for the bread aisle. I grabbed two loaves, knowing we were going to babysit Karl tomorrow and he was obsessed with jam sandwiches at the moment.

"Tea, coffee," You read out the next two items, and I put an arm around you and guided you to the aisle containing tea and coffee as you stared down at the page, trying to figure out the last word.

"What's the first sound you're sure of?" I questioned as I grabbed teabags and a jar of coffee.

"Bis," You answered as I grabbed your shoulder and started guiding you again.

"What do we eat a lot of, starting with 'bis', that we might need to top up on?" I prompted as we walked through the store.

"Oh, um, biscuits?" You replied unsurely, looking up at me, making me nod.

"Biscuits. Good girl," I praised as we reached the biscuits.

You blushed and looked away as I grabbed three packets. I lead us to the checkout and placed the items down. You made small talk with the cashier as she added up the cost of everything. I paid her, then we walked back to home. I could see Tommy, Arthur, and Isiah walking up the street. I looked down at my watch. Oh fuck, they left five minutes early.

"I've got to go with Tommy, I'll see you later, don't leave the Lane." I commanded, handing you the bag holding our groceries.

"Why?" You demanded, adjusting your grip on the brown paper bag.

"Family business," I brushed you off, adjusting my cap.

You stopped, and I turned to look at you.

"What?" I said impatiently.

"I'm part of the family now, so what business are you attending to?" You questioned, "Or are you not telling me because I'm a Gold?"

"It's complicated," I answered, not wanting to start up on the street.

"Fuck you, Shelby." You spat, walking past me and into our house, slamming the door behind you.

I ran to catch up to the other boys, patting Arthur on the back once I caught up.

READER'S POV

"Fuck Finn Shelby and the other Shelby's, and fuck the Peaky Blinders!" I swore as I walked to the kitchen.

"Is that any way to speak about your husband?" I heard a familiar voice speak.

I looked up, and Mum was sat at the kitchen table, stroking Finn Junior.

"If you try anything, I'll kill your cat," She said coolly.

I had no doubt that she would, so I sat across the table from her, tucking my hair behind my ears.

"What are you doing here?" I asked carefully, watching her as she scratched him behind the ears and made him purr.

Little grey traitor. I should've let Finn leave you at the yard.

"I'm doing a favour for some people." She replied, and I heard a car pull up outside, making my blood run cold in my veins.

"Leonardo, now!" Mum commanded, and I heard the floorboards creak behind me.

I quickly got up, and swung the chair that I was sitting on around, hearing it crack and break as it made contact with a man. I felt long nails scratch my scalp as Mum grabbed my hair from behind, yanking me back and making my back hit the table. She kept her hold on me, and no amount of thrashing could free me from her hold.

The man, Leonardo, stood back up and grabbed a wooden pole from the back of the chair. The last thing I felt before I fell unconscious was the pole cracking across my face and Mum letting me go, making my head connect with the kitchen bench, then everything went dark.

•••

FINN'S POV

I aimed at the group of men on the bridge, finger on the trigger, willing myself to pull it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do it. If you were here, you'd probably be telling me to grow a pair and pull the trigger before you did it yourself. Then, you'd probably grab the gun off of me and proceed to do it yourself.

"Too late to back out now, mate." One of the men said, making me breathe a sigh of relief as I lowered the rifle.

"It's a fucking decoy!" I heard Tommy yell out, making my eyes widen, "Bring the car around!"

I started running to the apartment that Arthur was in, unloading my rifle and pocketing the bullets.

"Arthur!" I called out as I ran along the pathway in front of the apartments, and opened the door to the apartment that held my eldest brother.

"Arthur, they're not here for you. It must be Michael." I said, panting, eyes flickering from him to the woman.

He took a breath in, then grabbed the tablecloth, shoving it off of the table.

"You fucking bitch!" He roared as everything clattered on the floor.

"You set me up, eh?" He said, pulling out his gun, "you set me up!"

He flipped the table, then stepped closer and grabbed the woman by the shoulders, "I know!"

"Arthur, you need to get to the hospital now." I stated, walking over and grabbing his shoulder.

"Fuck off!" He grunted, tearing himself from my grip, making me stumble.

I walked back over to the door. He looked back at the woman and growled. She was damn near crying.

"If your faith is real," She began shakily, "I've got all the kids!"

Arthur put a hand on her face and pushed her away, heading to the door, but not before kicking a teapot and shattering it, making her gasp.

"If you're here in one hour, I swear to God — I will cover you in tar and fucking feathers." Arthur threatened, pointing at her, then spinning around and pushing past me.

"Come on, Finn, let's go," He commanded, and as we walked away I could hear the woman start to sob.

We piled into Tommy's car, and Tommy began speeding through the streets. The car was silent, the air heavy. When we arrived I nearly tripped as I rushed out of the car, Arthur helping me to find my feet.

Tommy lead us to Michael's room, my heart pounding so hard that I thought it was going to come right out of my chest. Tommy stopped in the corridor just outside of Michael's room, then burst in, followed by Arthur, then me, Isiah and Johnny waiting in the car.

Michael was sitting up peacefully reading the paper.

"What's wrong?" He asked, looking at us in confusion as he lowered the paper.

"The Italians — They had a decoy, they was meant to attack Arthur but they didn't," Tommy explained, making Michael's eyes widen.

I had a funny feeling in my stomach. I didn't like this. I spotted the cup of tea and biscuits next to Michael and my mouth went dry.

"Tommy," I began nervously, "What if they went to Watery Lane; after the girls?"

I watched as all the colour drained from Tommy's face, and he got up from the chair he was sitting on and told us to get our asses back into the car. I didn't waste any time running through the halls. Isiah and Johnny were leaning against the car sharing a smoke. Johnny quickly put it out when he saw us, and hopped into the back, followed by Isiah.

I clambered into the back after passing Isiah the shotgun, Arthur putting the seat up and hopping in, and Tommy getting into the drivers seat, starting the car and speeding to Watery Lane.

I found myself twisting my wedding band around my finger, a habit I picked up when I was nervous. Tommy came to a screeching stop in front of Polly's, and I couldn't get out of the car quick enough, running down the street to our house, and opening the door.

"(Y/N)!" I called out, scanning the room.

Finn Junior was laid on the coffee table, and he got up and strolled over to me, rubbing against my legs, making my stomach drop. Something was definitely wrong.

I ran upstairs, and you weren't there. I stumbled back down the stairs, and into the kitchen. A chair had been broken, and there was blood on the edge of the kitchen bench.

"Fuck!" I hissed, looking around the room. I spotted an envelope on the kitchen table.

I snatched it up, and ran back out to the street.

"Where's your wife?" Tommy asked, looking me up and down.

"She's gone," I snapped, handing him the envelope I found.

He tore it open.

"What does it say?" Polly asked, coming to stand with us.

"That Luca Changretta is keeping her until he kills one of us, and if he can't kill one of us, he'll kill her." Tommy said, his face unreadable.

I suddenly felt nauseous, and doubled over, my breakfast making a reappearance on the cobbled street. Arthur started rubbing my back. This was unfair, you were innocent. You didn't have anything to do with this.

As I heaved for air, I came up with one thought; if I had taken you with me this morning, you would be fine. This was all my fault.

§§§

OOOOH IT FINALLY HAPPENEDDDD

I've been waiting to write the kidnapping for agesss

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 11

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 13

PUBLISHED: 27/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

I had been here for about five days. I think. Assuming that the meals they had been bringing me were when they had their breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I hadn't killed any Italians, but I did maim the one who knocked me unconscious in Watery Lane, when he brought me my lunch the other day. Luca hadn't been too pleased when he found out, but he did agree that he didn't say anything about not maiming any of his men.

I was sitting on the floor, drawing on the wall with a piece of chalk Luca had given me. I would lose my mind if I was stuck down here with nothing to do. There wasn't even any windows. The air felt staler than bread that had been left out.

I heard the door unlock, and spun around on the spot. Luca was coming down the stairs, no tray full of food in hand.

"Is it breakfast already?" I questioned, feeling confused.

I had woken up a while ago, but I was sure that breakfast wasn't for a bit.

"Not yet," Luca informed me, coming to stand in front of me, putting his hands into his pocket, "For your good behaviour, ignoring that one incident, I've decided to grant you a wish."

"Let me go home?" I remarked, making him chuckle.

"Something more doable." Luca stated, looking down at me and waiting for my answer.

"Can — Can I be put into a room with windows?" I inquired, trying push the feelings of hopefulness away.

"Yes. We've got a room ready upstairs for you." Luca replied, "Your ma said you would want that."

I frowned. They already had me, why would they want her around?

Luca reached a hand out, and I ignored it, pushing off the floor and standing up, feeling a bit unsteady on my feet. He turned and lead me upstairs, into the living room, the room with the phone. Some men were sitting around the coffee table playing cards. I quickened my pace, wanting to get away from them.

He lead me to the corner of the room, then put a bit of pressure on a panel, stepping to the side then taking his hand off of it, making it swing back.

He lead me up the narrow staircase, and we ended up in a corridor of doors. He showed me my new room, the door second on the left.

He unlocked the door, both the deadbolt, which had been reversed so that the keyhole was on the inside, and the regular door lock, which had also been reversed.

"You gonna try to escape?" Luca asked lazily as he opened the door.

"No. It's not worth it," I replied, scowling.

If I did have a clear chance to escape though, I wouldn't hesitate.

"Bathroom's through there." Luca stated, knocking on the door to his left, "You share it with the room on the other side of it. That room happens to be my room. Don't worry, I don't like little girls."

I'd be stupid to take his word. He said no kids, but yet here I am, locked up at God knows where.

I walked into the room, looking around. The window had been painted black, from the outside, so I couldn't see out. I could see that it was cracked a tiny bit at the bottom to let fresh air through. To the left of the window, against the left wall, next to the bathroom door was a chest of drawers and a small mirror sat on top of it, along with a hairbrush and some hair ties, and ribbon.

There was a double bed with a plain white blanket and pillows in the far corner, a bedside table next to it. A small stool sat next to the beside table, a blue, soft looking towel folded up on it.

"I have razors in the medicine cabinet behind the mirror if you want to shave, however, I'll be expecting them all back in one piece. If not, I know a few of my men think that you're pretty enough." Luca announced, making my blood run cold.

I walked into the bathroom, and found a clawfoot bathtub in the left corner closest to Luca's room, a shower to my left, and a toilet to my right. I could see a towel on the rack behind Luca's door. In between the tub and the shower was a small cupboard which I assumed was the cupboard for towels. There was a sink in the right corner, opposite the bath. On the sink, I could see female shampoo, body wash, and conditioner.

"I won't let any of my men touch you, Mrs Shelby. Unless you give me good reason to." Luca declared, coming to watch me look through the medicine cabinet and grab a razor.

"I'll leave you to it." Luca announced, turning on his heel and walking out of the bedroom, locking the door behind him.

I dropped the razor into the tiled floor. I couldn't get to the window fast enough, dropping onto my knees and trying to look out of the tiny sliver that let in fresh air. I could see rolling green fields, and a road in front of us. It was a dirt road. The sun was only beginning to rise.

"Fuck!" I hissed.

I had no idea where I was. They were smart not to let me near a clock. If I had seen one when I woke up I could figure out where I might be, and how far away I was from Birmingham.

I tried pushing the window up, to no avail. I looked around the edges of the window. I could see dried glue coming out of the joints.

Fuck me.

I decided to go have a shower, feeling utterly filthy. I probably stunk worse than Bonnie after he finished a boxing match.

I walked back into my room, and grabbed my towel, throwing it over my shoulder then heading to the dresser. I opened the top drawer. Sundresses. I shut that drawer, and looked for other clothing. The other three drawers were completely empty.

Unbelievable.

I went back to the top drawer, and found a pale yellow sundress.

"It'll have to do," I decided, heading to the bathroom.

I started the shower, letting the water heat up as I went and grabbed the brush from the dresser. I picked up the razor, and locked both doors leading to the bathroom. I grabbed the stuff off of the sink and placed it into the shower, happy that I didn't have to smell manly. It'd feel weird, especially while I was in a dress.

I stripped off and hopped into the shower, brush and razor in hand. I didn't waste any time putting the conditioner into my hair, then pulling my hair up into a bun. My hair was knotted badly, but nothing the brush and some patience wouldn't be able to fix.

I began washing myself with the body wash, then lathering it onto my legs. I picked up the razor and started carefully shaving my legs, not wanting to nick them. I hated leg hair. I couldn't stand it, and I couldn't stand other people's leg hair touching my legs. Once, I made Bonnie shave his legs so he could sleep in my bed when one of our uncles had to sleep in his vardo. I chuckled at the memory, Bonnie being livid that I 'stripped him of his God given right to hairy legs'.

Once I was done, I shaved my underarms. I hated hair there, too. It was annoying. I washed the razor, then placed it on the small ledge in front of me. I picked up my brush, and pulled my hair over my shoulder, starting to detangle my hair at the bottom, then slowly working my way up. Once it was knot free I grabbed some shampoo, then applied that, then some more conditioner.

I cleaned under my nails too, having been surprised at how quick they grew without me chewing them. I'd have to ask Ezzie to paint my nails when I saw her next. I can't paint nails, I never did it enough to gain good ability.

I turned the shower off, then grabbed my towel and dried myself quickly, wrapping the towel around my body to shield myself in case anyone came into the bathroom. I wrung my hair out in the shower, then I stepped on my dirty shirt and used it to keep the floor dry as I shuffled along to the small cupboard next to the shower. I opened it, and grabbed the purple towel on top of the pile. I wrapped my hair up in it, then grabbed my under layers, putting them on then putting on the pale yellow sundress.

I dried my brush with the blue towel, knowing I'd probably use it again soon to pull my hair back somehow. I always pulled my hair back when I was in trouble, because no hair would fall into my eyes if I had to fight.

I put my blue towel onto the towel rack on the door leading to my room, then gathered my clothes and took them back to my room. I folded them up and placed them neatly on my bed. I unwrapped my hair from its towel turban, then started towel drying it. I could smell bacon cooking. They must be starting breakfast.

Once it was no longer overly wet, and just damp, I detangled it, then parted it in the usual spot, making sure to split it all the way down to the nape of my neck, then began braiding my hair. I walked over to the dresser and got a hair band, tying off the first one then beginning the second. Once I tied off that one I grabbed two blue ribbons, tying them around the hair bands.

I heard men chattering outside, so I peeked through the crack. They were walking away from the house. I counted ten. Arthur killed two at the warehouse. That means that there's three still here with me. I heard the locks click behind me, and quickly moved to my dresser, inspecting the ribbons on it.

The door swung open, and I looked at the man carrying the tray with my food. I recognised him as one of the men playing cards at the table.

I looked at the food on the tray. Scrambled eggs and bacon with toast on a ceramic plate, and orange juice in a glass cup. I tried to fight off a chuckle. He's obviously never plated up my food before. I had plastic plates and cups, and no utensils. Luca was smart like that.

He sat it on the bed, shutting the door behind him. I looked at him, sizing him up. Yeah, I'd be able to take him if push came to shove. I didn't know if I'd be able to take the other two, though. I'd cross that bridge when I got to it. I walked over to the bed, grabbing the glass of orange juice, then retreating to my spot in front of the dresser. I drank the orange juice in one go, feeling thirsty. He chuckled.

"You look prettier with your hair up," He mused, coming to stand in front of me.

He grabbed my hair, playing with the braids, then trailed his fingers down my bare skin to find the necklace Finn had given me. He fiddled with it, and I watched him. His eyes focused on my chest. It was inevitable. I did seem to have a chest that was on the bigger side.

My breathing became shallow as he started exploring my body with his hands, rubbing his hands up and down my sides. I grasped the glass and made sure my grip on it was tight.

"Such a pretty girl," He muttered, one hand trailing up my legs, brushing under the hem of my dress and continuing to move upwards as the other moved a thin strap of my dress off of my shoulder.

He leaned down to plant a kiss on my shoulder, and I nearly got sick as I felt something poking my thigh. He stood back up, moving to take off his belt, and I swung the glass as hard as I could onto his head, making him drop to the ground with a groan of pain, disorientated. I threw the glass at the door as hard as I could, effectively shattering it. I moved quickly, kneeling down and grabbing a shard of glass, but shrieking when the man grabbed my leg and pulled me towards him. I swung my arm backwards blindly, feeling the blade drive into him him somewhere.

He screamed in pain, then went quiet. I turned around, and he was holding a hand over his eye, which was pouring blood. I could see the glass sticking out.

I quickly checked his pockets, and found a revolver, and a car key. I grabbed my folded up clothes and boots, and ran through the bathroom into Luca's room. His door handle was normal. I strained my ears for any sound. None. I opened the door and went downstairs, kicking open the panel and found that there was no one else in the room.

I ran to the open window and climbed out of it with ease, not wanting to fuck around with locks. I couldn't see any cars, but I did spot a barn. I wouldn't have been able to see it from my room. I headed toward it, hoping that there was something to help me.

I pushed open the door, and found a car. I rolled the door right open, and tried the key in the ignition. It roared to life, making me smirk. I threw my clothes in through the window, and opened the door from the inside, hopping into the drivers seat. I pulled my coat around me, hiding the bloodstains on my dress, then reversed out of the barn, taking off. I sped down the dirt road, cheering when I hit a proper road. I followed it, and noticed some people in a field up ahead. I slowed down, making the woman look up.

Her kids started whispering to each other.

"Excuse me, miss, do you know the way to Birmingham? I lost my map a while back and I think I took a wrong turn," I rambled, "I'm meant to surprise my husband for his birthday tomorrow but now I'm scared I won't make it."

The woman gave a knowing grin, and raised her arm, "Thirty minutes in that direction, love. Straight shot."

I grinned, "Thank you!"

I pulled back onto the road and continued driving, feeling my heart slow down to its normal pace.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You pulled up in front of the betting den, and got out of the car. You noticed cars belonging to Polly and Arthur sitting there. You pressed the horn repeatedly, waiting until someone came outside.

Tommy opened the door angrily, ready to shoot whoever decided to waste his time, and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw you.

"Merry Christmas," You remarked, throwing him the keys to the car and pushing past him to walk inside, taking off your coat.

"(Y/N)?" Polly asked in disbelief, you ignoring her as you walked to Finn's office.

He had gotten John's office, John's name still on the door. You knocked, and heard him yell 'fuck off'.

You swung open the door, revealing a dishevelled Finn. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. You shut the door behind you. You walked over to his desk, sitting yourself on top of it, noticing the white residue on the table top. He quickly moved to stand in front of you, inspecting you for any injuries.

"It's not my blood," You informed him, reaching up and wiping a finger on the outside of his nose, getting rid of the white powder still sat there.

"Can — Can I touch you to make sure you're real? I had dreams where you came back," Finn explained, lack of sleep and playing in the snow making the line between dream and reality near nonexistent.

You grabbed his hand, squeezing it. He let out a sigh, bringing your hand up to his mouth and placing a kiss on it. You were real. And you were back with him, and safe.

"Did anyone hurt you while you were there?" Finn asked, making you pale.

"No, but this morning one of them tried it on me. He didn't get anywhere, only groped me, but God Finn, it scared me," You admitted.

In the part of his mind that was still rational and not affected by lack of sleep and snow, he made a vow to track down the bastard and cut off his hands.

§§§

As you may be able to tell; I have a fixation with bacon and eggs lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 14

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 25

PUBLISHED: 16/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

I walked around a furniture in London, hand in hand with Finn. We had come up for the day to buy new furniture, and then, tonight, we'd be going to the fair tonight. I felt giddy just thinking about it.

We had a shop attendant escorting us around, explaining each piece of furniture. Finn had arranged it, as well as arranging for delivery and assembly of our new furniture.

We had already gotten a full body mirror to place at the end of the hallway in our apartment, which was fun.

"What if we got Chesterfields?" Finn mused as we slowed down in front of them.

I scrunched my nose up. No wonder he wanted Lizzie to come with him to get the beds. He obviously didn't know how to decorate, or what was good or not.

"Finn, we are not getting leather sofas. If we fall asleep on there for a nap the other will have to pry us off with a spatula." I replied, making him snort.

I heard the shop attendant chuckle but cover it with a cough.

"We'll what if we got a Chesterfield knockoff that had proper upholstery then?" Finn asked, and I shook my head.

"The buttons will fall off at some point and I don't want to spend the rest of my life sticking them back on." I reasoned, making him sigh, but nod.

We walked down further, and I spotted the perfect couch.

"Finn, come sit your arse on this," I commanded, walking over to it and flopping down onto it.

I sighed and laid back on it. It was quite comfy. It'd be nice to nap on, and to top it all off, it was the same colour as the cat so the cat hair wouldn't show up much.

Finn came and sat on it, then laid back next to me, "Fucking hell. I didn't know they made couches like this. It's like sitting and laying on a cloud."

"We're getting two!" I decided as I sat up, and he gave a thumbs up, still laying down.

"It's a four seater," The attendant explained, making me nod, "And it's modular, meaning you can move the chaise and split the couch in half as you pleased. The corner on the side Mr. Shelby is laid on splits off."

(Obviously a more modern couch shhhh)

"That's the lounge settled, then." I stated, and Finn hummed in agreement as he sat back up.

"We have armchairs by the same people, same colour if you'd like to see those," The attendant added, and I looked at Finn, who raised an eyebrow.

My call. I looked back at the attendant, and nodded.

"Yes, we'd like that," I replied, and he gave a quick smile and lead us towards the armchairs, showing us the armchairs he described earlier.

"We'll take two of those," Finn told the attendant, coming up and wrapping an arm around my waist.

I leaned into his embrace without even thinking about it.

"Good choice, Mr. Shelby! You head to the register and I'll attend to you just after I speak to our delivery men," The shop attendant excused himself, then walked off.

We headed back to the front of the shop, waiting around the register.

Finn stood behind me and wrapped both of his arms around my waist, and I almost immediately leaned back into his embrace.

"You excited for tonight?" Finn questioned, and I could hear the nervous tone in his voice.

"Absolutely," I replied, a soft smile finding its way onto my face.

I felt him sigh in relief, making me grin. The attendant came back, and Finn stepped away from me, making me feel slightly disappointed at the lack of contact. I reached out and slipped my hand into his, and he quickly squeezed my hand three times. That was new.

As Finn started talking to the attendant, I raised my wrist to look at my watch and spotted a blue ribbon.

Saoirse. I had promised to get her something from Harrods, since she couldn't come with us. Finn squeezed my waist, making me look up at him.

"We're done here." He informed me, leading me out to the car.

"We've got to go to Harrods. I need to buy Saoirse a doll." I reminded Finn, and he nodded.

"I remember, she needed a new one because Karl broke hers." Finn replied as we got into the car, making me grin.

Saoirse had come visited Finn and I, sleeping over whilst Dad took Polly away from camp for the night. We had taken her, and Karl, who had come out for the weekend to visit his favourite uncle (Finn), to the park. We were stood in a bunch kicking a soccer ball to each other. Karl kicked it wrong, resulting in the ball hitting Saoirse's porcelain doll that Bonnie had bought her and knocking it off the bench we had sat our stuff on, the poor doll shattering on the concrete.

I had to sit on top of Saoirse so she didn't strangle Karl. It wasn't one of her finest moments.

"Oh! Finn, can we buy clothes here too? I want to match when we go out tonight." I said, removing the blue ribbon from my wrist as he drove.

"Isn't that tacky?" Finn replied, making me gasp.

"No!" I snapped, then calmed myself, "If we did his and hers versions it could be cute."

Finn hummed in agreement, and I started fiddling with the hem of my skirt as we drove along, looking out of the window at the scenery.

•••

I stood in front of the full body mirror, checking my outfit as Finn got ready in the bathroom. We had decided to wear blue jeans, and white T-shirts, along with a pair of black tennis shoes. We would also have to take coats, as it would get colder as the night went on. I had my favourite yellow sweater wrapped around my waist.

I had braided the top half of my hair into twin braids, pulling them back into a bun, and left the bottom half out. I looked at how my new earrings shone under the light. Finn had bought them at Harrods for our first date.

We'd be leaving for it as soon as he was ready. Arthur had agreed to drop us off, and pick us up if needed, so we didn't need to drive around.

I didn't want to wear a dress or skirt, because we'd be out and about and I didn't want any outfit malfunctions in case a good breeze came by.

I was glad I didn't, though, because this outfit showed off my curves very well.

In the reflection of the mirror, I saw the bathroom door open, "I'm ready!"

I turned around and watched as Finn came out of the bathroom, white T-Shirt clinging to his muscles, and his curly hair free instead of gelled back, one hand up on his shoulder, fingers hooked under the collar of his black jacket which hung freely on his back. I noticed his half heart necklace over his shirt instead of under it. He looked good. I whistled, making him chuckle and look away, rubbing the back of his neck.

I could see the blush climb up his neck, making me smirk, "Don't you look pretty, lover boy?"

"I suppose so," He replied, and looked back in my direction.

His eyes widened, and he looked me up and down.

"You look good," Finn commented as he pulled his jacket on, leaving it unzipped, "Proper good. Might have to ask some Peaky boys to tail us around to make sure all of the other boys at the fair keep their eyes to themselves."

I giggled as I walked up to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He wrapped his around my waist, and leaned down, placing a kiss on my forehead. My heartbeat sped up at the small gesture.

"Let's go," He said as he pulled away, and laced his fingers through mine.

I gave his hand a squeeze, and he gave mine three quick squeezes.

"What does that mean?" I asked as we exited the apartment, Finn locking the door behind us, "The three squeezes?"

"'S a secret," Finn said with a grin, making me huff, half-joking as we walked along the balcony.

I started swinging our hands, and felt a bit sick in anticipation. Not the bad sick. The good kind of sick. The excitement that made itself a funny feeling running through your veins. Nearly electric. I spotted Arthur leaning against his car, removing a cigarette from his mouth and stomping it out.

"Artie!" I called out, making him look over at Finn and I, and smirk.

"Don't you two look like a cute couple?" He teased, opening the door for us.

"That's because we are," Finn interjected, making me blush.

Arthur laughed as I climbed into the backseat, followed by Finn.

"You got any snow?" Arthur asked Finn as he started the car.

Finn shook his head, "Tonight I'll be feeling good enough without it, I reckon."

Arthur chuckled, "Alright, Finny boy, fair enough."

We drove through Small Heath, and I could spot the lights from the fairground before we actually arrived there. I started bouncing in my seat, making Finn chuckle.

Bonnie and Dad would be working a stall here, somewhere.

Arthur slowed the car to a stop, and we got out.

"Call me when you're ready to come home, or let me know if you're walking," Arthur commanded, and we nodded.

"Don't have too much fun," Arthur said with a wink, making Finn roll his eyes and shut the car door.

"What do you want to do first?" Finn asked as I grabbed his hand and led him into the fairground.

"Save the Ferris wheel until last — Actually no, we should go soon, then at sunset, then one last ride before we leave here — Can we go look at the stalls? And the bumper cars?" I begged, looking back at him.

He slowed down and plucked a pamphlet from a stand. I came over and looked at it with him. There was information about the fair on one side, and a map on the other. Handy.

"Oh! Big top, Finn, let's go there!" I exclaimed as I spotted it on the map.

"I want to go too but I reckon it'll be sold out," Finn grumbled, which made me frown as I looked at the map again.

Hold on.

I pointed at the red and white tent on the map, labelled 'Circus Extraordinaire', "Finn, that's the Palmer's circus crew. I'd be able to get us in for free because we're family."

Finn perked up, "Really?"

"Really," I confirmed, and looked up, "We should go on the Ferris wheel now, then go to the big top."

"Yeah. Says here the next show starts in an hour. We'd have enough time to go on the Ferris wheel before then." He agreed, folding up the map and putting it into his back pocket.

I could see the Ferris Wheel from where we stood. I hooked a finger through one of the belt loops in Finn's jeans, and dragged him along, making him laugh at my enthusiasm.

We weaved our way through the crowd until we ended up in the line for the Ferris wheel. I bounced on my heels, feeling excited.

"Oi!" I heard behind us, making me turn around and look.

Ezzie and Isiah were there, Ezzie holding a big brown teddy bear.

"Do you follow me everywhere? That's a bit odd," Finn joked as Isiah led Ezzie over to us, making Isiah chuckle.

"You two on a date then?" Isiah asked, eyeing us in curiosity.

"Yeah — First one." Finn replied, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Good luck," Isiah said, and Ezzie narrowed her eyes at Finn.

"You hurt my little sister and I'll chop yours and Isiah's pricks off." She warned, making Isiah look at her in surprise.

"Now, we're going to have one last go of this, then go home," Ezzie informed me as they lined up behind us, making me nod.

The night's not even begun and they're going home. I pouted, feeling slightly disappointed, but also slightly thrilled.

It would be nice to have Ezzie there for a bit, but I was glad that Finn and I got to be alone. I wanted Finn and I to be alone, in each other's presence, without any distractions.

§§§

I’ve been updating on Wattpad but forgetting to update here oof

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 26

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

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