PUBLISHED: 18/07/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 23

PUBLISHED: 14/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

FINN'S POV

I just wanted to go home and drink. Tommy fucked up the good mood you had put me in. The other day, he had stepped me up, giving me an actual job instead of following him around doing endless bits and bobs. A job of making sure everything went smoothly at the racetracks, and that nothing happened to our bookies, and that every bit of money that we made was accounted for.

Today, he had someone following me around whilst I was doing that job. A new boy, no less. It was insulting. Always looking over my shoulder, asking me what I was doing, making sure I was doing it the way Tommy wanted. I grew up around racetracks, I knew how it all worked, Tommy and the boys showed me how it all worked. I could do it in my sleep. It made me feel stupid, the way Tommy treated me sometimes.

I walked up the stairs, and along the balcony. I stopped outside our apartment and pulled out my cigarette case, putting one between my lips, then pulling my lighter out of my pocket. I flicked it open and tried to light my smoke with it, to no avail. Fuck me. This just wasn't my day.

I placed the loose cigarette and empty lighter back into my pocket, and walked into the apartment, taking off my cap as I did so. I was immediately met by the smell of a cake cooking, and the chatter of kids.

You were there, standing next to Karl, Saoirse, and Bonnie as they licked batter off of two beaters and a spoon. You were holding a bowl and two spoons, your hair pulled up into a high messy bun.

You looked away from Bonnie, and your eyes lit up and you beamed me a smile as soon as you saw me stood there, "Finn! I saved you some batter from our celebration cake."

You held up the bowl and spoons proudly. Everyone else said various words of greeting, but were too preoccupied with eating batter. Karl swiped some off of Saoirse's beater, then she swiped some off of Bonnie, who then tried to swipe some off of you, to no avail. You laughed at your brother's crestfallen face, and he ruffled your hair, making you squeal.

Your smile soon dropped as you realised something was up with me. You asked Bonnie to put everything in the sink after they were done as you dropped the teaspoons into the bowl. You came over and looped your arm through mine, leading me down to your room and shutting the door behind us.

"What's wrong, Finn?" You asked softly, a hint of worry in your tone, going and placing the bowl on your bed, then coming to stand in front of me.

"Fucking — Tommy fucked me over." I grumbled, and you gave me an understanding look.

"Want to talk about it?" You questioned, going and sitting on your bed, tapping the spot next to you.

I went and sat down, leaning against the footboard of your bed, as you moved and made yourself comfortable up at the headboard, bowl in hand.

"Tommy had Richard Carpenter following me around all day at the racetracks, asking me questions about every single thing I was doing." I complained, and you scrunched your nose up, placing the bowl down.

"He asked Dick, of all people? One of the new boys? The one who wouldn't know his own knob from a doorknob?" You said incredulously, making me snort, even though I was proper mad.

"Yes, that one. He even accused me of dipping my hand!" I threw my hands up in frustration, and your jaw dropped.

I also didn't like Richard because of the way he always tried to flirt with you; even in front of me. Disrespectful prick. He thought just because he was older than me he could boss me around, even though I had the seniority in rank.

"That's a no go. What did Tommy say?" You questioned, shifting around on the spot.

"He told me to suck it up." I grouched, and you frowned, "Sometimes he sees me as a man but I think he still sees me as the little boy who he left behind with Poll when him and the others went to War. I don't know what to do."

"Do you want some advice?" You asked, and I shrugged.

"Sure." I answered, not sure how it would help.

"Well, you're still growing. You should tell Tommy that it frustrates you, but go with the flow too. You're still a bit younger than him and the others, so it might be hard for them to see that you're a man, especially because of your age gap." You advised, and I nodded.

That made sense. I only turned eighteen just after New Years. I felt eighteen, but whether or not they saw me as eighteen was the question. I'd call Tommy later and tell him not to let Richard follow me around. Maybe it was one of his tests. He liked testing people's loyalty, and his power. Sometimes.

You picked the bowl back up and shuffled down so you were near me, "Now, would you like some batter?"

"I'd love some," I answered honestly, and you placed the bowl in my lap, sitting with your back against the wall, but still leaving a gap between us.

I stretched my arm out and made a noise, and you came and leaned into my side. I wrapped my arm around you, and you made yourself comfortable, snuggling into my side. When you were this close, I could smell your flowery shampoo and conditioner, as well as your perfume. I took a deep breath, and felt all of the tension I was holding leave my body, your familiar scent chasing it away.

You grabbed a spoon and ran it along the side of the bowl, gathering a bit of the chocolate batter, then nudged me, bringing it up to my mouth. I dipped forward and bit the spoon, and you let it go, the bowl of it in my mouth. My eyebrows shot up. This batter was better than any cake batter I'd ever tasted, and I'd tasted a lot of batters.

You gathered your own batter on your own spoon, and placed it into your mouth. I could hear the chatter of the kids and Bonnie through the door, but I wasn't ready to go out yet. I wanted to stay here, with you, eating batter from your celebratory cake.

Hang on. Why were you celebrating?

"Why'd you bake this cake for?" I asked you, and you smiled softly, looking down as you gathered more batter.

"Dad and Tommy are becoming permanent business partners, Dad's gonna be a foot soldier, doing the dirty work. So is Bonnie, when he's got the time." You informed me, "They'll be staying here, with me, and not leaving."

"That's great, honest." I replied, giving you a quick smile as I brushed hair out of your face with my free hand so you didn't get it dirty with batter or eat it.

It really was great that you'd have your family here with you, that you got to stay connected. I'm sure Isiah would be pleased by your sister staying here, too.

“Oh!” You said suddenly, and sat up, feeling around your pockets.

You started patting your chest, and reached down your shirt, then pulled out a lighter from your bra.

“I bought two — One for me and one for you, just in case the other doesn’t have theirs. Sorry if the letters are a bit messy, I carved it in myself,” You explained, handing it to me.

I looked at it under the light. ‘F.S.’ Was carved into it, very neatly might I add. I spotted a little carving of a razor blade down in the bottom corner, making me snort. It was a nice, thoughtful gift.

“I love it, thank you,” I said, giving you a soft grin.

You blushed and looked away, mumbling something about it not being a big deal. The smile stayed on my face as I gathered more batter on my spoon, feeling much better than I was when I walked in the apartment door.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Today was the day. Your first netball game. You were excited, and nervous. Everyone came to watch you play. You were sure Finn told them, as you kept it quiet.

You looked over at the seats that lined the courts as you grabbed your bib, WA printed on the front and back in white, and pulled it on over your netball dress. Ezzie wasn't playing this quarter, she was on the bench, going to swap out Flo when she got tired.

You snorted as you saw your family take up nearly an entire ground row. From left to right, there was , Curly, Uncle Charlie, Jeremiah, Isiah, Michael, Polly, Aberama, Bonnie holding an upset Violet, Saoirse, Finn with Charlie on his lap and the cat at his feet, Karl, Ada, Tommy, Lizzie, Linda with Billy on her lap, Arthur, and Johnny Doggs.

Charlie had noticed you first, in your yellow netball dress, and pointed at you, calling out your name, prompting everyone else to look. You gave them all a smile and a wave as you walked over to your starting spot on the goal third, making sure your feet were behind the line. You looked over at your husband once more.

He was watching you carefully. You had braided your hair back into twin braids, so it wouldn't get into your face whilst you played. He liked the look on you, this way he could see your face properly.

‘Good luck’ You saw him mouth, and you gave a thumbs up, mouthing back ‘thanks’.

You focused your attention back on the umpires, your own Coach Lynn, and one from Camden Town, as Coach Lynn flipped a coin for who was starting off with the ball. Flo picked heads, and the other Centre picked tails. You watched as the silver coin left Coach Lynn’s hands, and landed on the ground.

“Heads!” She announced, and you grinned as she gave Flo the ball.

Flo stepped up into the centre circle, and the whistle was blown. You stepped into the centre third, and made sure you were in front of the other team’s WD.

“Flo!” You called out, and the pass came, you catching it in front of your chest, then pivoting around, looking for an unmarked girl on your side.

A flash of blonde in a yellow netball dress caught your eye, no red dress near her. Ivy. You threw the ball, and ran up to the goal circle. Ivy threw the ball back to you, and you threw it to Hilda. She pivoted around, facing the ring, and threw the ball back to Ivy, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to get the shot with the string bean standing in front of her.

“Uncle Arthur, she looks taller than you!” Karl gasped, pointing to the Camden Town GK as Ivy got the goal.

“And she doesn’t even have heels on.” Saoirse added, making all of the adults chuckle.

Finn was shocked. When you said that netball was a fast-paced game, he didn’t doubt you. But he didn’t think that it was that fast.

“The time it took to get the first goal was less than thirty seconds!” Ada exclaimed, looking down at her watch.

“They’re not allowed to hold the ball for longer than three.” Finn informed her, not taking his eyes off the game, “If they do, it’s a held ball, and it’s an automatic swap over. That’s why they’re always moving.”

Finn knew the rules off by heart now. You had told him, and answered every question that he had about your ‘confusing’ game, just so he could watch it and not be confused about what was happening. He refused to go and support you and not know what was happening. It was a stupid thing to do. A fool could do that. Finn wasn’t a fool. He was a Shelby.

Finn groaned as Camden Town team got the ball because Dinah passed it to Ivy.

“What’s happening now?” Saoirse demanded, grabbing Finn’s arm.

“Dinah, that one with the GD on her bib? She passed it all the way down to Ivy, the one with the GA on her bib. That’s not allowed, it needs to be touched in the centre third, and Dinah threw it from Camden’s goal third down to our goal third, so Camden’s got the ball.” Finn said, gesturing as he did so to make his point clear, and Saoirse nodded.

She understood. Kind of.

Polly and Aberama started chuckling, making Finn look at the pair.

“Nothing,” Polly said, and Finn turned his eyes back to the game.

The pair knew that you wouldn’t go support someone’s game and sit through numerous rundowns of the rules unless you cared for them and wanted to make an effort, and Finn did exactly that.

•••

Arthur watched you and your table as you drank, keeping an eye on you lot and making sure no one bothered you and dampened your mood, per Finn’s request.

The girls had asked you out for drinks after your win, and you agreed. As you drank your gin, your cheeks ruddy and heart full, you felt like life was as perfect as it could get.

§§§

AHHH first netball game!! Sorry for not making it longer lol but I figured that you all didn’t want to read a full game of netball lmao

Also I do know that some of my links to posts don’t work so I’ll fix those sometime soon!!

Love y’all x

- Sunflower ❤️

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

NEXT PART

Part 24

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 15

PUBLISHED: 29/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

I twirled my finger in the telephone cord nervously until I heard Lizzie's 'hello?'

"Oh! Lizzie, it's (Y/N), I've just had a dream, and I needed to tell you because you were in it," I rambled as Finn Junior came and weaved between my legs.

'Was it a vision, like the ones Polly has?' Lizzie inquired, and I shrugged.

"I'm not sure, but it felt real enough," I admitted as Finn came down the hall, just waking up, his curly hair all over the place and only wearing boxers and a singlet.

Finn jutted his chin up, and I mouthed 'Lizzie', making him nod as he put the kettle on to boil then reached up to grab two mugs. I watched him as he did so, revelling in how the skin tightened over the muscles in his upper arm, showing them off.

'Tell me about it,' Lizzie demanded softly, bringing me back to reality and making me avert my eyes from Finn.

"You had a baby, and she grew up to be gorgeous, like someone you'd see in the pictures. Her name was Ruby," I stated, leaning back against the bench, smiling slightly, "And I saw her father, too. The blue eyed devil. You know exactly who I'm talking about."

'Tommy Shelby,' She sighed, then took a slight pause, 'It's true. I am pregnant, and he's the father. He doesn't know yet.'

"Are - Are you keeping her?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, Finn now going over and relighting the fire.

'Yes. I want a baby,' She states, making me grin.

"Well then, Miss Stark, congratulations. I'll knit you some baby boots, beanies, and a blanket." I informed her.

'I don't need them just yet!' Lizzie protested with a  chuckle.

"It'll be good to have them on hand," I pointed out, making her hum in agreement.

'I'm feeling a bit tired, I reckon I need some more sleep, see you at the shop?' Lizzie said, then yawned.

"See you at the shop. Talk to you later," I replied, then Lizzie hung up.

"Who's the father of her baby?" Finn questioned, and I put my finger to my lips, signalling that it was a secret.

Finn huffed, but nodded as he came back over and grabbed a spoon out of the drawer and put sugar into his blue mug.

"I'll take Jenica's cake tin back over to her," I said as it caught my eye on the bench.

"Who the fuck is Jenica?" He asked, pouring the now boiled water into his mug.

"My cousin, Jenica Palmer. She's probably your distant fucking relation too, with how big and connected gypsy families are," I remarked, then chuckled.

"I'll come with you," Finn announced after pouring milk into his cup.

"You've been in my pocket ever since I got back, Finn Shelby, I don't think so," I warned, wagging my finger.

Finn nodded, knowing not to push my limits, then handed me the tin, "Take a gun with you, put it in your bra or something. City's still dangerous."

"I will," I snapped, frowning as I turned on my heel and went up the corridor, grabbing Finn's handgun off of the table, unloading it then putting it into my bra.

I grabbed the silencer too, putting it into my bra.

I knew that we were in trouble, it held on to the Shelby's like a bulldog. I didn't need reminders every five seconds. I grabbed my socks and put them on, then grabbed my boots, pulling them on. I looked over at my vanity, and decided that the walk was too far away, instead grabbing the hair tie on my wrist and scraping my hair up into a bun, grabbing my coat, and walking back out to the living room, where Finn was frying, eggs, sausages, and tomatoes in a pan, cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth.

"I won't be long," I informed him, making him nod.

I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down a reminder to knit the stuff for Lizzie, and one to buy our own cake tin, then left the flat, borrowed cake tin in hand. I walked along the balcony in front of the apartments, humming a song I had heard on the radio.

I went upstairs, then entered the building, taking the internal stairwell instead of the fire escape for once, sick of the clanging sound it made with my boots.

I walked up to the fifth floor, and headed to the third door on the right, knocking on it.

Jenica opened the door, baby Violet on her hip.

"Cousin," She greeted warmly, pulling me in for a hug.

"Hello, cousin. I brought your cake tin back," I said as I released her from the hug, handing it to her, "I've got to get back to the apartment before Finn sends out a fucking search party, I'll come visit you and baby soon."

I pressed a kiss to Violet's forehead, making her giggle.

"All good, see you then." She said, and shut the door.

I walked down the internal staircase, and heard a familiar voice yell; "Everyone stay indoors! Stay down! By order of the Peaky Blinders!"

"Oh, fuck," I muttered, yanking the gun out of my bra, "I should've stayed home."

As I was putting the silencer on the gun, I looked down, and Tommy was coming up the stairwell.

"Thomas!" I hissed, making him look up, "What's going on?"

He ignored my question as he approached me, grabbing my arm and dragging me along with him.

"Why do you have a gun like that? Are the Italians here?" I questioned, and he shushed me as he continued to lead me God knows where.

My heart started racing. I didn't know these buildings like the back of my hand. I wasn't a Shelby, born and raised here like he was. I felt blind.

He stopped and leaned against a wall, panting. I started panting too, although it was from nerves instead of being out of breath. I reloaded my gun, then watched as Tommy reloaded his gun, then I pocketed the empty cartridge, making him look at me.

"You've been pushing papers around for too long, that could lead them to us!" I busted quietly, making him nod.

We heard voices in the stairwell, so he lead me through the door on our right. He lead me through the building to a fire escape, and looked around quickly. He lead me downstairs. I noticed someone walking down the street, and aimed my gun at them.

"Oi!" I called out, making him turn around, revealing the gun at his side.

I took one shot, sending a bullet through his head, watching as he fell to the ground in a heap.

"Stay here, watch my back, and if Luca comes, I get that shot," Tommy commanded, and I did so, kneeling down and pressing my back into the window behind me to make myself less visible from the street.

My hands were shaky, and cold. I heard someone speaking Italian as Tommy stepped off of the bottom step, and peeked over the edge of the landing, watching as Luca Changretta took shots at Tommy. I kept my eyes on the pair as they exchanged shots, then as Luca's gun ran out of bullets.

He put the gun down, and walked towards Tommy, and another Italian appeared from around the corner. I steadied myself, then took a shot and killed the other Italian, making Luca jump as his crony hit the ground. I let out a breath, then ran back upstairs and in the door Tommy and I just exited, making my way back to my own apartment.

I tried the front door, and found it locked.

"Finn!" I called out desperately as I knocked on the door, feeling shaken.

Finn opened the door, and I pushed past him, tripping over my own feet as I run to the bathroom, and knelt in front of the toilet, where I promptly vomited. I didn't even have anything to eat yet, so it felt horrid.

As I dry heaved, I felt a hand rub my back. Finn.

"What happened? Italians?" He asked, and I nodded, flushing the toilet.

"Tommy — I came across him when I was coming back from Jenica's. He had Italians after him, and he dragged me along with him. I don't know these streets, I don't know these buildings, I was fucking blind, thrown in the deep end!" I spat, feeling tears well up in my eyes, "If I knew what was happening and if I knew these buildings I'd be fine, but fucking hell, he just ordered me about like I was a soldier under his command, never again!"

I wiped them away angrily with a sniff, then heard stuff hit the sink, and the sound of something filling up. I looked up to see Finn offering me the cup that our toothbrushes usually sat in, but filled with water.  I took it, muttering a quiet 'thank you' and took a sip, swishing it around my mouth then spitting it into the toilet, repeating the action until my mouth felt clean. I handed the cup back to Finn, who sat it on the sink, then helped me stand up on shaky legs.

"Feeling sick still? Want to eat breakfast?" Finn asked, and I shrugged.

"I'll keep it warm on the fire until you feel alright. You should shower, I've got a feeling we're going to have a family meeting soon." He stated, and I nodded, turning the water on.

"I'll set you out some clean clothes," Finn mumbled as he exited the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

I stripped down and hopped into the shower, welcoming the feeling of the warm water on my skin. I had washed my hair last night, so there was no need to do it now. I stood under the hot water for a bit, waiting until I felt all of the tension wash off of me, then moved to clean my body, deciding to use Finn's body wash instead of my own. Once I was done, I turned off the shower and leaned out, grabbing my towel off of the rack and drying myself, then wrapping it around my body. I put my dirty clothes, bar my coat, which had been washed yesterday, into the laundry basket behind the door, picked up my boots, and walked to my room, shutting the door behind me.

I spotted the clothes Finn put out on my bed, walking over and drawing the curtains closed, then quickly got dressed, then put my boots on. I walked over to my vanity and grabbed my brush, undoing my bun with one hand, and pulling my hair over my shoulder, detangling my hair then pulling it down into a plait, in case I had to do any more fighting today.

I walked out of my room, down to the kitchen. The smell of food didn't make my stomach turn, a good sign. Finn was plating up the food. I walked over to the cupboard and grabbed my yellow mug down, making myself a cup of tea.

"You feel alright now?" Finn asked, and I nodded.

"Fuckin' nerves making me sick, that's all it was," I grumbled, taking a sip of my tea.

I grabbed my plate from Finn and carried it over to the table, placing it and my cup down, then headed over to the cupboard, grabbing a tin of cat food out and putting it into Finn Junior's bowl. I was surprised to learn that, while I was with the Italians, Finn had gotten the cat bowls, beds, blankets, and even a litter box with the cat's name on it. And the pair of them still hate each other.

I put Finn Junior's bowl down at the end of the bench, and he got up from his place in front of the fire and sauntered over, purring as he swayed his tail.

I sat at the table, next to Finn instead of across from him, and started eating, thanking him for the food first. We ate in a comfortable silence, and once we were done I took everything to the sink and washed them up, leaving them in the rack to dry.

The phone rang, and I picked it up.

"Hello?" I greeted my hand coming up to fiddle with my half heart pendant.

'(Y/N)? Family meeting, one hour. Polly's house.' Tommy said, then hung up.

"Fuck!" I bellowed, slamming the phone back down.

"What happened?" Finn asked, coming to stand next to me.

"Family meeting, one hour, his house," I mocked in a deep voice, making Finn chuckle.

"We can't even take the car because you got sick in it last night and it still stinks," I grouched, making Finn blush.

He was absolutely legless, Isiah had to call me to come get him from the Garrison. I should've left him there on the floor, or behind the bar.

"I'll call Arthur to come pick us up," He stated, making me nod, "I'll go have a shower, I'll be ready to leave in fifteen, I can read you some of the paper before we leave if you want."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Why are you being nice to me? Is it so I won't be mad at Tommy?"

He looked taken aback, then narrowed his own eyes at me, "Am I not allowed to be nice to my wife? Would you rather be a drop dead cunt?"

"No — But you were never nice before I got taken!" I defended myself, making Finn roll his eyes and turn on his heel, heading to his room.

"You are worth the effort, fuck what anyone else told you before," He threw back quietly over his shoulder, then added, "If you weren't so contrary all the time we'd probably be an alright pair."

I scowled and picked up the pan that Finn had used to cook the food, and launched it after him, "I'm not fucking contrary! I'm complicated!"

He just laughed me off, "Yeah, you've got layers; like an onion."

"Stop comparing me to an onion!" I shrieked, before regaining my composure.

I looked down at Finn Junior, who was looking up at me with a funny look on his face.

"Don't stare at me like that."

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"They're here," Polly announced, looking out of the window and seeing Arthur, Linda, you, and Finn in Arthur's car.

You were poking Finn in the side of the head, talking animatedly. Polly wouldn't be surprised if you were arguing about something. Again.

Finn hopped out of the car, helping you out, then all four of you crossed the street, heading to Polly's. Once inside, you sat at Polly's dining table. There were only four seats, Arthur and Johnny Doggs took two, Lizzie and Finn taking the other. Finn pulled you down to sit on his lap, and, to everyone's surprise, you stayed there, not protesting as he sat a hand on your hip.

You were glad Finn let you sit in his lap, because nothing could make you stand next to Linda. At least this way Finn could hold you back if you tried to hit her. Standing on the other side of Charlie meant standing behind Johnny Doggs. Finn figured that this way was the best bet.

"So," Arthur began, tipping the contents of a small blue bottle onto the table, "What the fuck happened today, Tom? We all heard, shooting in Artillery Square."

Tommy nodded softly, "Yeah, there was. Today I killed two men. (Y/N) killed two as well. Now our enemies will have to wait."

You saw out of the corner of your eye the other three sat at the table looking at you in disbelief. You didn't blame them. You didn't look all that threatening, but that's precisely why you were dangerous. No one would expect the gypsy girl to be wielding a gun.

"I suppose they uh, I suppose they took you by surprise, did they?" Arthur questioned, tapping his blue bottle on the table one last time.

"No. They took (Y/N) by surprise; I knew they were coming." Tommy informed the group, making you and Finn side eye each other.

Why weren't you told that Tommy was going gallivanting in your backyard; with all guns blazing? You two could've helped, or hid.

"Just after Christmas I received a letter from Luca Changretta, offering to spare my son if I gave up Tommy. And I gave Tommy up." Polly said, making your eyebrows shoot up.

She was either very stupid or very brave to do that. You thought the latter.

"Because that was the plan that Polly and I agreed on," Tommy added, "I knew that Luca would want to pull that trigger himself, so I used the set up as bait to bring him in. (Y/N) just happen to be in the wrong place at the right time, and thank fuck she had a gun."

Finn squeezed your waist at this statement.

"Never again, I went in blind. I didn't know what the fuck was happening, or why, and I didn't know that building. Next time you need my help, you tell me beforehand," You warned Tommy, who nodded.

"You're a fucking idiot, Tom." Arthur said, sniffing and jerking around in his seat, the snow probably already taking its effect.

"Look, I didn't get Changretta, but I got two and (Y/N) got two, together we got four. All right? That's it, that's what happened." Tommy said in his 'that's final' voice.

Charles came into the room, and Tommy picked him up.

"Aye, but he's right. I mean, it thought you'd gone soft." Johnny Doggs said, standing up from the table and chuckling, "So you got two? And the lass did too?"

"Yeah, I got three. She only needed one shot each, fucking good aim on her." Tommy said, adjusting his son on his hip.

"Well, I'll drink to you, Tom, you mad bastard. And to you, (Y/N), for your services." Charlie said, raising his glass.

"You make it sound like I'm a whore." You said blankly, making Lizzie chuckle, "No offence, Lizzie."

A laugh went around the room, Finn pulling you in so you were leaning against his body.

"Pretty soon, you are gonna get the shakes when your blood cools down. Now, let's go get a drink," Arthur said to his brother.

"Dad, you got four what?" Charles asked, a big grin on his face.

"I got four shillings for a three-shilling horse." Tommy stated, making you chuckle, "Now, my boy, you come with us, huh?"

You watched as all of the men walked out of the room, bar your husband.

"You going to drink with them?" You asked Finn, who shook his head, "I've got whiskey here."

You hummed in agreement, watching carefully as he poured you a glass, and topped his up. You missed the knowing look that the women down the other end of the table shared.

§§§

Ooof long chapter lol

I have a personal Tumblr blog where I post my photography if you all are interested in keeping up with me, I only started using it today tho lol (I also plan on posting other stuff too lol but I'm new to Tumblr so eh)

@naiwillalwaysloveyou

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 16

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 1

PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

MASTERLIST

READER’S POV

(A/N: (H/T) = hair type, e.g. curly, wavy, straight, etc.)

I tucked my long, (H/T) hair behind my ears once more as I stood next to Bonnie and Dad at the fire.

Thomas Shelby had just passed a coin to Dad to toss for the yard. I knew damn well he wouldn't toss the coin when the price of losing was Tommy Shelby fucking my older sister. He adored her too much, not to mention how that would affect the family's image.

"Tommy Shelby, OBE, no wager today," Dad announced as he decided not to flip the coin, holding it high, "But with this penny I will buy a flower to put on your grave,"

Dad put the penny into his breast pocket, "When the time comes."

Tommy nodded, his blue eyes piercing us with their gaze, "And before that time, please don't again disrespect my friends or their valued property."

I nearly shivered from his icy gaze.

He placed a cigarette into his mouth, "We missed Christmas, let's have it now. Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men."

•••

I was now helping Bonnie brush my horse, Dad lighting his pipe behind us. Tommy Shelby entered the barn and put some bottles on the table, making Bonnie stop.

"She's a fine beast, this one." Tommy stated as he sat next to Dad at the table.

I felt pride swell throughout my chest as my lips curled up at the ends - yes, of course my horse was a fine beast. She was gorgeous, you'd have to be blind to not see it.

"Nothing you see is for sale, Mr. Shelby." Dad said, making Tommy open a bottle of whatever he brought.

"You know your grandfather camped with mine for a while?" Dad asked the man sitting next to him.

Bonnie kept on half heartedly brushing Charlotte, attempting to listen to Dad and Tommy's conversation, so I poked him, making him focus on how he brushed my horse.

"Yep, and it didn't last," Tommy answered, taking the cigarette out of his mouth.

"No, it ended badly in a pub called the Wenlock. We were owed money, still are." Dad replied.

"Is that why Dad doesn't like the Wenlock?" I whispered to my older brother, who hushed me with an elbow nudge as he stood up.

Tommy looked at my Dad with an unreadable expression, then spoke once more, "Other than money, and this scrapyard that's clearly not for sale, what is it that you want from me, Mr. Gold?"

"How do you know I want anything from you?" Dad shot back in reply, nearly making me snort.

Dad never did anything if it didn't benefit him.

"Well, because my company treasurer is a certified accountant and also apparently, a witch." Tommy answered, making me cock my head in confusion.

"You're a sporting man." Dad stated, making me look up at Bonnie, who grinned in reply.

"Yes I am," Tommy answered after a brief pause, clearly not knowing where Dad was going with this.

"And a gambling man." Dad added, then his eyes flicked over to us, "Bonnie, take off your shirt."

Bonnie did as Dad asked, walking up to the pair and started shadow boxing.

Dad looked at Bonnie, "What I want from you, Mr. Shelby, is for you to take a gamble on him. I want you to help my son achieve his ambition."

This statement made Tommy look at Bonnie too, who quickly finished shadow boxing.

"What ambition might that be?" Tommy asked sarcastically, making me snort.

•••

"Now (Y/N)," Dad started as we sat on the steps of his vardo, watching Bonnie shadow box, "I've made a business proposition with Tommy. It involves you."

I hummed as I brought my hair over my shoulder and brushed the knots out, not even minding that it hurt. My bare feet tapped on the wooden steps to no particular beat. Esmeralda laughed at my behaviour, but I didn't mind.

Bonnie had just been taken on by the Shelby brothers due to knocking out the Billy Mills, the former heavyweight champion of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Warwickshire.

"What do you think of getting married to Finn Shelby?" Dad asked, making me stop and freeze mid-brush, turning to look at him.

"What?" I asked incredulously, feeling sure I couldn't have heard him properly.

"Do you need to wash out your ears? You're marrying the youngest Shelby brother." Dad said, making me drop my brush, the wooden object clattering on the steps before hitting the grass with a soft thud.

"Can't I choose who I'm going to marry?" I asked softly, looking at Dad for any chance of him crumbling.

"Can't she grow up first?" Esmeralda asked angrily, pulling me so my back was flush with her chest.

Dad shook his head. Of course. He'd benefit from this, so of course he'd go through with it. He really didn't do anything unless it was for his business. He didn't care about any of us.

"You can't be serious — she's sixteen!" Bonnie said as I stormed over to my vardo, locking myself inside.

Dad couldn't be serious, surely. I was only sixteen, I deserved to live my life. A sudden burst of anger overcame me and I picked up a pillow and launched it to the other side of the van with a shriek.

This wouldn't do. I pulled on my boots, threading yellow ribbon through the laces, then grabbed my rifle, unlocking the door and walking down the steps, calling out to Tuck, my English Springer Spaniel, before setting off on Charlotte, ignoring my Dad's calls for me to come back, along with Bonnie and Esmeralda yelling at him for his deal.

•••

FINN'S POV

I stared down at my shoes, now dirty, wondering whether to clean them or not. Probably not. It's Small Heath, they'd be dirty again once I left the house.

I had just gotten back from burying the bodies with Curly, now sitting with Polly, Ada, Lizzie, and Linda at Polly's waiting for Tommy's next orders.

I heard the front door open, then came an, "Oi! Finn!"

"In here!" Polly called as she put out a cigarette.

"Tommy said you're to be married to that Gold girl!" Arthur said as he entered the room, making my heart drop and my mouth go dry, regardless of the tea I just drank.

"Who, the one Tommy wanted to fuck?" Lizzie shot back, making Arthur shake his head as he sat sext next to me on the couch.

"The youngest one, the one who had her hair down, (Y/N)." Arthur informed me, making me go pale.

"You can't be serious, Arthur, she's not yet eighteen, she's just a child!" Polly protested as I stood up, stumbling over my own feet as I went and stood on the other side of the room.

"So is Finn!" Ada added, coming over and putting an arm around me.

"I'm serious, all right — Tommy wants to strengthen the ties between us," Arthur explained, making Ada protest again.

"Don't I get a choice?" I asked, taking my eyes off of the floor and meeting those of my eldest brother.

He shook his head. What Tommy says, goes.

I pushed off of Ada and walked out of the room, Arthur calling after me, Polly telling him to leave me be.

I stumbled out of Polly's house, feeling numb, and staggered across the way to mine and locked the door behind me, grabbing whatever was nearest and throwing it as hard as I could at the ground. Bad decision.

Some of the shards of the vase came back and nicked the skin of my cheek, making me hiss. I could feel blood drip down. I walked into the dining room, pulling a chair out to sit on. I ended up pulling it too far, sending it flying across the room.

"Fuck!" I yelled, slamming a fist down on the dining table, then walking to the sitting room and dropping myself into an armchair.

I put my head into my hands. I didn't want to get married yet. And if I was going to get married now, she'd be my last choice.

I growled and jerked my leg, kicking the coffee table, then putting my hand under it and standing, flipping the damn thing.

"Crap table anyway," I muttered to no one in particular as I stalked to the kitchen to pour myself some whiskey.

§§§

I write too much fanfics lmao — feedback appreciated!! I’m also on Wattpad so if you see this fanfic pop up there under the same username don’t be too alarmed!!

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

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First time creating one, also on mobile so here we go!!

I also take requests for oneshots (other fandoms currently not listed but am in a lot of them)

PEAKY BLINDERS

FINN SHELBY

CONTRARY

CONTENT WARNINGS: Implied/referenced child abuse, implied sexual content (nothing graphic, just referenced)

When Finn Shelby and (Y/N) Gold are pushed into an arranged marriage, they agree to act civil towards each other. What happens when that civility turns into something more?

TAGLIST (Interact with this post to be tagged in the newest part of 'Contrary' whenever I update :)) )

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40 Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44

TWILIGHT

SETH CLEARWATER

ANGEL

Prologue Part I

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 29

PUBLISHED: 30/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

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READER'S POV

I fixed my hair for what had to have been the millionth time as Finn tied off Saoirse's braid. Today was her first proper day of school. Finn, Polly, and I would be taking her. Dad was off doing dirty work for Tommy, so he couldn't come. He would be back later today, though, and Saoirse and I would be sleeping at camp.

Her teacher, Miss Elliot, had picked out a buddy for Saoirse to play with for her first day. I hoped that the buddy would be nice. Saoirse could hold her own against other kids but she was never confident enough to do so in new environments.

"You look fine, (Y/N)," Finn sighed, and I rolled my eyes, turning to face the pair.

"You're only saying that because you're my husband," I said, and he shook his head, then nudged Saoirse.

"Tell her how pretty she looks, Sersh," Finn encouraged, making her turn around in her chair and grin up at him, then turn back to me.

"You look gorgeous and Finn is very lucky to be married to you," Saoirse said, deadpan, making him grin and rub her cheek with his knuckles affectionately, not wanting to mess up his handiwork.

"I am lucky to be married to (Y/N)," Finn agreed, making me blush.

"Shut up," I muttered, but a small smile crept onto my face, showing the pair that my words were good natured.

"Never," Finn and Saoirse said in unison, then looked at each other in surprise.

I chuckled at their antics, then looked at the clock. Polly would be here any minute now. I looked at the pair, and hummed in approval. They looked decent. I'd be damned if I wasn't going to make a good impression on her teacher. I didn't need her thinking that we were negligent.

Saoirse looked down at her feet and brought the tail of her braid over her shoulder, playing with it.

"(Y/N)," She began uneasily, looking up at me, "What if no one at school likes me?"

I open my mouth to tell her to not be silly, then shut it again.

"You'll be fine," Are the words I decide on, "There's a lot of different people there. You'll make a friend before the school day is out."

Saoirse nodded, still not looking sure, and Finn stepped up to talk.

"You have your buddy, too, remember Miss Elliott telling us the other day?" Finn asked, making her look up at him and nod wordlessly, "Well, your buddy probably already has loads of friends. Show them your juggling skills, or something. Juggling's pretty neat."

Finn had taught her to juggle a couple of days ago. She was a natural at it, juggling anything she could with ease. She juggled oranges while I tied her shoelaces this morning, Finn and I cheering her on.

"Juggling is impressive," Saoirse admitted, making Finn crack a small grin and rub his knuckles against her face softly once more.

He leaned down and positioned his mouth next to her ear, then put his hand in front of it so I couldn't see what he was telling her.

"And, if anyone bullies you, you just tell them that Finn Shelby will take their parents' eyes," Finn added in a faux whisper, making her giggle.

My jaw dropped as I looked at him incredulously.

"Finn Charles Shelby!" I shrieked as I crossed the room, and gave him a slap on the back, making him laugh as he stood back up.

"I'm just joking, love," He said, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close.

"Some fucking joke," I murmured as I laid my head on his chest, allowing him to hug me, wrapping my own arms around him.

Saoirse spun around in her chair, kneeling on it and resting her chin on the back of it, watching us. I felt some sense of déjà vu as I realised I had been in Saoirse's exact position years ago, watching Dad and Rose as they danced in my old kitchen. I had wanted a love like theirs. Any sane person would.

"You'll be fine, Sersh, honest," Finn comforted, "Every one of the Shelby children went to school there, even Michael — except me."

Saoirse nodded, looking slightly more confident than she was before.

"Why didn't you go to school?" Saoirse questioned, and I opened my mouth to scold her for her lack of tact.

"My mum had it hard by the time I was born. By the time I was school aged no one was focused on getting me to school, they had other stuff to focus on," Finn explained, making Saoirse nod.

"And my friend Hilda sends her daughter there, and she really, really, really loves her daughter, so she wouldn't send her daughter there if it was a bad school," I reasoned, head still on Finn's chest.

The door was knocked upon, making me call out, "Come in!"

The doorknob jiggled and the door swung open, revealing Polly. I stepped away from Finn, who grabbed my hand and squeezed it three times.

"Ready to go?" She asked, looking at Saoirse.

"Do I have to?" Saoirse replied quietly, making my heart break the tiniest bit.

"How about you try it for a week and if you don't like it we'll get you a governess?" I suggested, and Saoirse grinned, then nodded, picking up her rucksack from next to her feet as she stood up.

We all exited the apartment and walked along the balcony. My heels clicked against the ground as I walked. Saoirse was walking silently next to Polly, no skip in her step.

I looked at Finn worriedly, who squeezed my hand once more. It's fine.

I hummed in acknowledgment as we walked down the stairs, our shoes clanging against the metal. I hated that sound. It made me miss our Watery Lane house, because we never had that problem there.

Maybe Finn and I could get a bigger house somewhere down the line. Preferably one with at least three rooms, so Finn and I could share a room, and Saoirse could have one for herself, and we could have guest bedrooms.

I was snapped back to reality by Finn opening Polly's car door. I slid into the back with Saoirse, while Finn and Polly sat in the front. Polly stuck the key into the ignition, and started the car, then drove off, heading towards Saoirse's school.

Saoirse wiggled in her seat, looking out the window as we travelled down the road.

"You feeling excited?" Polly asked, catching Saoirse's eye in the rear view mirror.

"Sort of," Saoirse answered hesitantly, clutching her rucksack so tightly her knuckles turned white.

I leaned over and placed my hand over the pair of hers, making her loosen her grip.

"And remember, when you eat lunch, we all put notes in your lunchbox," Polly reminded her, making her grin.

Polly, Ezzie, Isiah, Bonnie, Finn, Karl, Dad and I had all put little good luck notes in her lunchbox. It was originally only going to be my family but I had wanted Karl to put one in for her, knowing she'd be gutted if he didn't, then Finn and Isiah put one each in to show Saoirse their support. I had no doubt that she would read Karl's note first, though. They had become fast friends, and were quite adorable together. He was coming to sleep over at our apartment on the weekend, to spend time with Finn and to help her settle in.

Polly finally parked the car in front of the school, and we all got out, Saoirse grabbing my hand when I walked around the car. I helped her put her rucksack onto her back instead of her holding it by the straps, then we all walked up to the gate, where Miss Elliott was standing with a familiar little brown haired girl.

I noticed some of the children stop what they were doing and look at us. Some even started whispering amongst themselves.

"Saoirse Fury-Gold! Hello and welcome to your first day at Small Heath Primary School," Miss Elliott greeted, far too cheery for half-past eight in the morning, "This is Daisy Wilkinson, she's going to be your buddy for the day."

Daisy waved at Saoirse, a big smile on her face. Saoirse waved back shyly.

"I like your dress, it's a pretty blue," Daisy said softly, and Saoirse grinned, all teeth.

"My Dad bought it for me," Saoirse replied, and Daisy's head bobbed up and down in acknowledgment.

"Want me to show you to our classroom so you can hang your rucksack up?" Daisy offered, and Saoirse nodded, then Daisy started walking, waving for Saoirse to follow.

Saoirse looked up at me, and I nudged her forward.

"Go on then," I encouraged, and she nodded, then ambled off after Daisy, who started chattering about what they were doing in class today.

"She's in good hands, don't you worry, she could make friends with a rock if she tried," Miss Elliott reassured after seeing Finn's worried expression.

"She'll be fine, that's Hilda's daughter," I informed Finn, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Netball Hilda?" He asked, and I nodded, making him make a noise of surprise.

"I play netball with Daisy's mum," I explained to Miss Elliott.

"I knew that," She admitted, "That's why I made Daisy her buddy. That and how friendly she is. I don't think there's a bad bone in her body."

I nodded, and relaxed my body slightly. Of course she'd choose a friendly person, she wouldn't put a child with a bully.

"We'll be off then, see you at three," Polly said, and I looked over at the playground.

Saoirse was already jumping rope with Daisy and another girl. She noticed us still standing there. I waved bye, and she waved back, then Daisy tapped her on the arm, saying something to her.

Finn grabbed my hand, squeezing it three times, then we walked back to the car.

•••

I cackled as I threw a King down on the pile, "You dickhead! So you were talking to these two girls and you didn't even bother to ask if they were related?"

I picked up a card, making sure I had three in my hand.

Dad threw down a ten, then pushed the pile to the side, then threw down a three, "Well I didn't find out they were related until I saw them at the fairground that night — one of them lived with their mother and the other lived with their father. Didn't help that they looked different."

He then picked up two cards, and Bonnie threw down a five.

"Bet you this taught you to ask who their parents were earlier on," Bonnie sniggered as he picked up a card, and Ezzie threw down a Jack.

"Sorry, Sersh," Ezzie said lazily as Saoirse scooped the pile up.

"(Y/N)'s my favourite sister anyway," Saoirse said, making Ezzie gasp.

I shoved Ezzie jokingly then threw down a four.

We were all in Bonnie's vardo, which was the biggest one in our little encampment. He had gotten Dad's old vardo after Rose passed away. Dad didn't want to sleep there anymore, so he and Bonnie swapped vardos.

We heard a wagon pull up outside and momentarily stopped our little game. Saoirse clambered up onto the bench to look out of the window and see who it was.

"It's Aunty Cass." She informed us, and Dad excused himself from his spot on the floor.

"Can I go and see her?" Saoirse asked, and Dad nodded.

"She's staying overnight, so you'll have all the time in the world to see her," Dad replied, but still let her walk out of the door first.

"We'll see her later, Pa." Ezzie said as she straightens up the cards.

Dad nodded, then walked out of the vardo, shutting the door behind him. I felt slightly bad about not going out there to see Dad's sister, but she could wait.

"So, how have you and Finn been after your date?" Bonnie asked, "I heard you had all of Esme Lee's kids over to visit the other weekend. Surely that's a good sign."

"She organised it," Ezzie cut in, making Bonnie grin.

They often asked me how I was with Finn because we were forced to marry, but as of late I've had no complaints about him.

"Shut up," I muttered, but felt a smile creep onto my own face, "Finn loved it. I loved it. It's starting to feel like we're an actual couple instead of two people being forced to marry. The only thing I don't like is our apartment. Feels too small for three people and a cat."

Bonnie and Ezzie nodded understandingly.

"Now, give us the juicy details, have you fucked him yet?" Ezzie asked, making me shriek her name and swat her on the arm, making her laugh uproariously.

"Well, have you?" Bonnie inquired, brown eyes wide with curiosity.

"I think it's a bit weird that you two are so invested in my sex life," I said stiffly, "But no. We haven't even kissed yet."

"How boring," Ezzie commented, and Bonnie hummed in agreement.

The fact that we haven't kissed yet was also annoying me.

"Hey!" I said, feeling outraged, "You probably haven't even shagged Isiah yet, and you don't even have a girl!"

"If Jeremiah knew what happened on his dining table, he'd burn it," Ezzie said simply, making my jaw drop.

"And who said I liked girls?" Bonnie joked, but quickly realised his mistake.

He stood up, ready to walk out the door but I dived and grabbed his ankle, making him stumble.

"What the fuck does that mean, Bon?" I demanded, making him flush.

"(Y/N), leave him," Ezzie scolded, but even I could see the confusion on her face. Bonnie yanked his ankle out of my grip, but I made no move to grab him again as he stood there, facing the door. I retracted my hand and brought it back to my side.

I watched him carefully as he stood there, most likely contemplating whether to leave or to stay.

"You don't have to tell us if you're not ready, Bon," I soothed from my spot on the floor, still splayed out, watching him.

"You can walk out and we can pretend that this part of the conversation never happened," Ezzie added, ever the peacemaker.

Bonnie shook his head as he sat down, still facing the door. I reached back out and brushed my hand against the back of his shirt, making him shiver as I touched him through the cotton.

"I don't like girls. Never have. I tried and tried but it just didn't — didn't work," Bonnie explained softly, and I nodded in understanding even though he couldn't see me.

"Does dad know?" I asked, and Bonnie shook his head, turning around to face us.

I took a deep breath before speaking again, "If you told Dad-"

"-Dad wouldn't understand! I'm his only son, I've got to be normal, go and settle down and have kids!" Bonnie snapped, making me frown, "Ezzie's the oldest and I'm the only son, we've got to be normal, you got away with it because you're not important like us! You're just another bastard gypsy girl."

As I looked up at Bonnie, laying upside down, I felt like I was thirteen years old again and Marian was scolding me for kissing the girl next door. That's what she always called me when she was mad. And Bonnie knew it. Everyone knew it. They had heard her call me it when Dad took me away.

"Bonnie!" Ezzie said sharply, coming to sit down next to me, but the damage was done.

"I'm going, see you two later, Aunt Cass will want to see me," I said as I stood up, stepping over Bonnie who started to apologise, but I ignored it and walked down the steps, and over to the fire, standing next to Dad and wrapping his arm around me.

Time felt funny as I stared at the fire, blinking back tears which I blamed on the smoke from the fire hitting my eyes. Aunt Cass didn't question but Dad looked at me with concern.

§§§

I feel like I should do a backstory on how the reader ended up with Aberama sometime soon, would you guys like that?? Or nah, keep it vague??

Thank you to all new (and old) readers for voting on chapters, and commenting!! I love reading comments/feedback

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 41

PUBLISHED: 16/07/2022

Part 1

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THIRD PERSON'S POV

You spritzed the vinegar in the spray bottle over your mirror, Saoirse wiping it up with newspaper. You and Saoirse giggled and giggled as you got the bottle of rubbing alcohol and dipped the cotton swab in it, writing your message for Finn onto the mirror, Saoirse grabbing her own cotton bud and dipping it into the liquid, drawing pictures to decorate around the message.

You worked quickly, then headed downstairs, shushing each other as you snuck back through your bedroom, trying your best not to wake Finn up as you headed downstairs and into the kitchen, starting up on breakfast.

Finn woke up to the smell of bacon cooking, which made his stomach rumble. He headed into the bathroom, turning the hot water on at the sink, washing his face and hands. He didn't like cold water, even in summer. It always had to be hot.

He went to look at himself in the mirror, but noticed the words in the fog on the glass.

'Happy Father's Day!

Thank you for everything you do for this family.

We wouldn't be here without you.

With love from,

(Y/N), Saoirse, Finn Junior,

Daisy, Duke, Charlotte,

Tuck, the chickens, and the twins'

Finn grinned widely as he read the last bit. You were having twins. Polly and Esmeralda saw it in a dream. You, surprisingly, had no dreams about your babies. It was everyone else.

Finn headed downstairs, already in a good mood. His good mood became lifted when he saw you and Saoirse arranging pancakes on a plate, everything already set out on the dining table. You looked over at your husband, and your eyes lit up at the sight of him.

"Good morning, my darling," You greeted, coming around the table and walking to him, hugging him the best you could with your stomach in the way.

"Good morning, my love," Finn replied, then placed a chaste kiss on your lips.

Saoirse gagged at the pair of you, making you chuckle as Finn pulled away.

"Good morning to you, little miss," Finn said, and Saoirse hummed in reply, mouth full with some of the strawberries that were meant to go on top of the pancakes.

Finn knelt down, placing a kiss on your very prominent bump and saying good morning to his 'daughters'. You were now at the beginning of your third trimester. Only a couple more months and they would be here, in your arms. Finn was excited — nervous, but mainly excited.

"We don't know if they're girls, Finn," You sighed exasperatedly, slightly annoyed with the way he insisted that they were girls.

"I feel it in my gut," He replied as he guided you over to the table, pulling out chairs for you and Saoirse before sitting down himself.

"I want girls too," Saoirse agreed, and Finn high-fived the girl, making you roll your eyes at the pair as you started filling a plate with food.

"I want healthy babies," You said simply, but you were hoping for boys.

Boys that could look out for their younger siblings. Boys that could be a good big brother, like Bonnie is to you.

“Well we already have two sons, let’s hope these two are girls to even it up, aye bubbas?” Finn said, rubbing your bump at the end of his sentence.

Finn felt a jolt under his hand, and beamed a million dollar smile.

“Are the babies kicking?” Saoirse asked hurriedly, leaving her French toast in favour of putting one hand on your stomach too.

“Medium Bee just kicked me,” Finn confirmed, making you snort and roll your eyes.

Since you were the original Bee, your babies were ‘Medium Bee’ (the more active twin, they kicked and moved more) and ‘Small Bee’ (the less active twin, they just relaxed — they moved, but not as much as medium bee, and their kicks and hits seemed to be less stronger). Saoirse, with the wonderful way her mind worked, came up with the nicknames first, and you and your husband followed suit.

Saoirse squealed in delight as she felt your stomach move under her hand, making you smile. Your husband retracted his hand and started eating his breakfast, your sister doing the same.

•••

You mixed the pasta salad around, getting ready to take it outside. Everyone was at your house for lunch once more. You had bought a dining set to have outside, so you didn’t have to drag your dining table outside all of the time. The outside one was much larger than your inside one, and sat on the porch, getting carried down the stairs and sat on the grass when needed.

“Everything ready, ladies?” Polly asked, and you all gave her words of confirmation.

“Well, let’s go then!” She said, clapping her hands then picking up the tray of cooked meat.

You grabbed the pasta salad, putting the bowl on your stomach, and giggling at how it balanced there, taking a few careful steps before Ezzie scolded you for playing with the food. You rolled your eyes, but grabbed it properly anyway, taking it outside and placing it on the table.

“Here she is! Woman of the hour!” Arthur said, raising his bottle of whiskey when he saw you, making you chuckle at the tipsy man.

“How’s Artie and Will?” He asked, referring to your twins.

“They’re fine and they’re not being named after you,” You replied, making him roll his eyes jokingly.

You didn’t know what the twins would be named yet.

“I just thought, being Finn’s favourite brother and all, that I’d get them named after myself,” Arthur said, moving his hands around in his drunken rambles.

Linda elbowed her husband and hissed a ‘shut up!’ to him.

Finn frowned, and took a sip of his glass of water. Arthur wasn’t his favourite brother. John was. Arthur knew that, and even though his eldest brother was joking, the words didn’t sting any less.

“Here’s an idea; you have yourself another baby with your wife and name him Arthur,” You snarked, sitting down next to your husband.

Finn placed a hand on your knee and squeezed it, a silent thank you, then started putting food on a plate for himself, then for you, making sure to stay away from anything that set off your ‘anytime sickness’. Saoirse was doing her own, now closer to nine than eight and wanting to do everything for herself.

You tried to focus on lunch and the conversation, but you knew that after everything was cleaned you’d be seeing the nursery for the first time, Finn promising to let you see it. Finn had started doing up the upstairs guest bedroom for the nursery, moving everything from that bedroom up to the attic. Finn wouldn’t let you see the nursery, even going so far as to lock the door so you couldn’t go in. You were annoyed, but excited.

After the other women cleaned everything up (you got out of clean up duties do to your baby bump), and everyone either went home or started relaxing either in the living room, garden, or guest bedrooms, Finn took you upstairs, covering your eyes as he lead you to the nursery door. He guided you to find the doorknob, and you twisted it, pushing the door open.

“And — open,” He commanded as he took your hands off of your eyes.

The wall in front of you had been repainted — a light blue. The rest were still a faint, barely there yellow. A rainbow with clouds on each sides had been painted on the wall, the window in the middle of the rainbow. In front of the two clouds were two cribs, each of them with a mobile. There was a chest of drawers in between the cribs.

Down to your right, there was a big, red armchair with a footstool, a bookshelf with baby books and stuffed toys on it between that and the crib on the wall adjacent. There was a change table closer to you, a bin next to it. On the floor, in the middle of the room, was a light grey rug. In front of you, next to the crib, was a rocking chair. Finn put his hand under your chin, and gently tilted your head so you were looking up at the roof. Your jaw dropped.

The roof was painted black, with yellow stars. A crescent moon sat near the light.

“Do you like it?” Finn asked softly, scared that you wouldn’t and all of his effort would be for naught.

“Oh, Finn — it’s perfect,” You gasped, tears filling your eyes and threatening to fall.

Your husband grinned, leaning down and kissing you on the temple.

“Finn,” You began, going and sitting in the red armchair — which was quite comfy, if you were being honest.

“Yes, my love?” He replied, coming to sit in front of you on the footstool.

You placed your hands on your stomach, a habit you gained in the past six months.

“What did you want to name our babies? And don’t just say girl names,” You warned as you took off your necklace, making the corner of his lips turn up.

“I like Elizabeth or Polly for a girl,” Finn answered, then added, “John or Isaac for a boy. Something biblical. And sort of like Isiah’s name.”

You ‘awwed’ at your husband. You could definitely see your baby with those names.

“I like Isaac for a first name, but remember, Esme’s already got John Junior. What if we use John as a middle name?” You pondered as you slipped your wedding band onto your necklace, and Finn hummed.

“I want to name them Rosie or Ezra, if they’re a girl, and Finley or Elijah if they’re a boy. Not your name, but a variant of it,” You explained, and your husband nodded, racking his brain for where he heard that phrase before.

He chuckle once he figured it out. Your wedding day, when you were naming Finn Junior, his big baby boy.

“Finley,” Finn repeated, testing the name on his tongue.

He grunted in approval. It sounded nice. Finley John. Even better.

You gave the necklace to Finn, who held it above one side of your stomach, the side that Medium Bee sat in. He knew what you were doing. He’d seen it done in Johnny Dogg’s camp when he was younger.

He held his arm absolutely still, and the ring started swinging back and forth in a straight line. You and him watched it as it did so, mesmerised. He stopped the ring, then moved it to the other side of your stomach, over Little Bee, letting it swing again. Another straight line, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

“Isaac Elijah doesn’t sound too bad, does it?” You asked, crinkling your nose up as your thought.

“No, it doesn’t,” Finn answered, feeling slightly dejected, but tried not to let it show.

“And Finley John. That’s a good name. A strong one,” You continued, tilting your head as your thought.

Finn chuckled as he undid the clasp on your necklace, placing your ring back on your finger gently, giving your hand a kiss, then putting your necklace back on you.

He stood up, then helped you out of the armchair. Instead of going and telling everyone the news of your discovery, you decided to go and have a nap, after a bathroom break of course.

Finn ended up with one less pillow than he would’ve liked, the pillow ending up supporting your stomach, but he didn’t mind. He dreamt good during his nap, dreaming of two little boys toddling after you in the garden, giggling and squealing as their feet got muddy.

§§§

The next chapter will be a doozy oof

I hope you all enjoyed this one :))

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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NEXT PART

Part 42

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 19

PUBLISHED: 06/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

I stood next to you in the field as everyone placed their items in the wagon, to go up on the smoke with Arthur. You had placed an envelope in there, and wouldn't tell me what it was, as well as some flowers. We had bought two windowsill planters, like you wanted to, and set one up in your room, and hung the other on the outside of our lounge room window.

You were looking around, as if expecting someone. I nudged you, and you ignored me. I huffed and looked over to my left, and my jaw dropped.

Esme was approaching us with her kids, along with two women. I recognised one as your cousin Jenica, the other I didn't know. You walked up to her and hugged her, thanking her for coming. I looked around. Charlie, Tommy, Polly, Ada, Lizzie, and Linda all looked just as surprised.

You and the others approached our group.

"I'm here only to watch Arthur go up on the smoke. Then, me and the kids, we're leaving." Esme spat as you came and stood back at my side.

Tommy nodded solemnly, his gaze cold and calculating as he looked as Esme, then at you. You stared right back at him, defiantly unafraid.

"How did you manage this?" Tommy asked you lowly, watching as Esme and the kids put flowers, drawings, and personal belongings on the wagon.

"I whispered it into the breeze and she carried it all the way to Esme for me," You replied, not even bothering to look at the man.

Tommy gave a short grunt, then walked off, knowing that was all he was going to get from you.

"Does Jenica have anything to do with it?" I questioned croakily, wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

You leaned into my side, bringing your own arm around me, "Yes. Jenica's sister, she ran off and married a Lee, one of the same ones that Esme and the lot are travelling with. Jenica got a message to Esme for me, through her sister. Esme called Jenica's apartment when I was there and I begged and begged, saying that John's kids deserved to see their uncle off, and Esme agreed to bring them."

I looked at you in surprise. You looked back up at me, and raised your eyebrows, as if to say 'what?'. I leaned down and placed a kiss on your forehead, silently thanking you. If I spoke I'd be crying in seconds.

"It's alright." You murmured, rubbing my back, "It wasn't that hard to do."

I snorted. Tracking down people who didn't even know where they were going to be in twenty-four hours seemed an impossible task. But, if one person could do the job, of course it'd be you, using one of your many tricks that you had up your sleeve.

I turned to watch Uncle Charlie and others put gasoline on the logs below the wagon, my chin still sat on your head.

I noticed something that wasn't tears in the corner of my eye, and turned my head to look, you doing the same.

Audrey Changretta was approaching us, carrying a white flag. I stood up straighter as someone called out 'Tommy!'

"It's all right, let her come," He announced, holding a hand out to stop anyone from doing anything.

Your free hand found mine, and you squeezed my hand. I gave it a squeeze back as Tommy said something to Audrey.

•••

You, Tommy, Polly, and I were now in Linda's living room, Audrey Changretta sitting across from us, sipping her tea as if she just popped in to discuss the weather. Tommy said you could come along because you deserved to know what was going on, especially because you were thrown in the deep end by both the kidnapping and when he needed your help in the Square.

You were sat on a cushion on the floor next to Polly's feet, because Tommy knew that she'd be able to hold you back in case you tried to hit Audrey. You wouldn't dare hit Polly, you admired her too much. He knew that you'd probably give me a shiner without a second thought.

But I knew that you weren't stupid. You knew what importance this meeting held, and how important it was to keep your hands to yourself, to stay calm. Tommy didn't know. Or, he didn't care. It was hard to tell.

"Your note talked about making terms for peace," Audrey began, "But my son says there are no terms. You took my husband and my son. We took two of your brothers."

"The vendetta is done," Tommy said solemnly, nodding.

"We say the vendetta is won," Audrey interjected, "We will take everything you have. All your businesses, signed over to us. You agree to this, or my son will kill you all, one by one."

"The vendetta is won." Tommy agreed, making my blood run cold, "That's it. No more killing."

"Who do you think you were, Mr. Shelby?" Audrey spat, and you rested your head on Polly's leg, watching as she and Tommy stared at each other in an act of dominance.

Tommy blinked and looked down at the glass in front of him, picking it up, and throwing it back in one go. You looked at me and raised your eyebrows as if to say 'what now'.

I unclasped my hands and grabbed my own glass next to me, shaking my free hand. 'I don't know'. You sighed, and pursed your lips, looking away.

•••

We were stood in Tommy's warehouse where he brewed his gin, looking at Luca and his gang stood across the room from us.

I noticed one man with a fucked up eye, a big scar running across it. It looked recent, but not fresh. He was looking at you angrily with his good eye. You just gave him a smile.

It clicked it my brain; this was the bent bastard who tried it on you.

Luca spoke in Italian, then you snapped, "Look at us what?"

The Italians looked shocked. Luca quickly regained his composure, and ignored your little outburst.

"All that's left of the Peaky fucking Blinders." He said, then approached the table.

He snapped his fingers, then another man brought a briefcase forward, pulled papers out, and placed them on the table.

"I've had my lawyer draw up these papers," Luca announced, stepping back over to the table, "Cover every enterprise in your possession. Bars, restaurants, warehouses."

He gestured widely, then down to the papers, "Every fucking thing that you've taken all these years to gather together."

"You will sign them all over," He walked over to be face to face with Tommy, "to my family, or you're gonna die. Right here."

They stared at each other for a bit.

"I would've buried you all, but my mother, she uh, she knows you, she said, it'll be worse for you if I let you live, and take away everything that you have." Luca said, then raised his hands and placed them on Tommy's shoulders, who held out his arms.

"Search them," Luca commanded, then pulled out Tommy's hand gun, passing it to another man in his crew, and went and stood in front of Polly, "Especially don't trust this bitch."

He reached up and ripped open her blouse, and I could feel you stiffen next to me. I nudged you with my foot. I felt the same way, but we couldn't do anything about it. A man moved forward and yanked you away from me, patting you down. I raised my arms as someone came and checked me, but kept my eye on you, even as they took away my handgun.

The man pulled out a hunting knife from your sleeve, and kept on patting away. He placed the big knife on the floor, the jagged edge catching the light. Your eyes widened, then you slapped the man across the face, making Luca turn to you and the men at the back raise their guns.

"You should tell your men not to get too handsy, that's what made your friend lose his eye last time," You hissed, and Luca simply nodded, turning to the man you slapped.

"She's a kid. Behave," He warned, and the man nodded, then finished patting you down.

"She's a good kid too. Pity you can't sign her over," Luca mused, and I felt my heart stop.

Surely they couldn't ask for you, could they? Yeah, your father married you off but it wasn't a contract.

The men all went back over to the other side of the room once they were done, and you returned to my side. I grabbed your hand and held it tight. There wasn't any hand squeezing, any silent reassurances that it would be alright, because we weren't sure if it would be.

They could take you back to New York and we wouldn't be able to do a damn thing.

"So," Luca began, looking at Tommy as he grabbed a pen out of his coat pocket, "Sign. Every fucking one of them."

He dropped the pen on the table, then leaned over it, putting his hands on the paper, "You can sign them on your knees. On the floor."

Luca then flipped the table, making you gasp.

"Get on your fucking knees and sign!" He growled, and Tommy knelt down, looking up at Luca.

"A friend of mine once said," Tommy stated, pointing a finger at Luca, "Big fucks small. So I had to find someone bigger than you. Now, you may know there are two families in Brooklyn, who want to take over your monopoly on the import of liquor into New York."

"But if they move against you in New York, they'll start a war between the families." Polly interjected.

You looked up at me unsurely, and I shook my head. I didn't know what the fuck was going on. As usual. I tried to put on my business face, to make it seem like I was in on the secret.

"But if you were to die in a vendetta with some fucking bookmaker in Birmingham, they could take over your business without a war." Tommy announced, looking up at Luca, who seemed less than pleased.

"We also contacted a businessman in Chicago." Polly continued, "He's also interested in moving into the liquors business in New York."

"His name is Alphonse Capone." Tommy declared, and Luca's facial expression changed.

"You been talking to that fat fuck?" Luca questioned, and I could hear his voice shake.

"You see, all the blood relatives you brought with you from New York, they're all dead, Mr. Changretta." Tommy stated, "And these men here, they work for money, for the highest bidder. They now have new orders."

"Is that right?" Luca asked, turning around to face his men, "Is that right?"

They all shuffled backwards. Luca turned back to face us, nodding.

"Hey ... Very fucking–"Luca cut himself off, reaching into his coat for his gun.

Tommy picked up something from the floor and hit it out of Luca's hands, then quickly got up, grabbing him. Luca forced him back against a pipe, and Tommy head butted the Italian, then pushed him towards a drum of gin, sending a punch fair across his face.

Luca picked up the rod that Tommy had hit the gun out of his hands with, and hit Tommy with it, then took another swing, Tommy dodging this one.

Luca backed him into the pipe again, and started hitting him over the back with the rod. Tommy put his arms around his midriff, and pushed Luca back into a table holding bottles of gin, smashing his face into them repeatedly.

The door opened, and I gasped. In walked Arthur, as alive as I was.

He raised a revolver, and shot Luca in the head, the bullet busting the barrel of gin behind him.

"Tell your people in Chicago that Michael Gray will sign the import license to New York." Tommy commanded, "Three hundred barrels of English fry gin a month."

"Leave. All of ya," Arthur ordered the men, and they started filtering out of the door.

"You! One eye! Get back here, now!" I hissed, making the man stop, and turn around on the spot.

"Finn," Tommy warned, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I yanked it out of his grip, leaning down and picking up my handgun.

"Come on." Arthur commanded gruffly, leading everyone, bar you, out of the warehouse.

"I want to take his eyes, and his hands, can I do it?" I asked, turning to you, my eyes immediately meeting yours.

You pursed your lips, but nodded, "Do it, Finn. Just— don't carry on with it. Make it quick."

I nodded, turning back around, and shooting the man with one eye in the knee, making him scream in pain as he buckled. I picked up your hunting knife and stalked over to him, crouching in front of him.

"You're either very brave or very stupid to fucking follow Luca here. I, and my wife over there, believe it's the latter." I said, grabbing his face and looking him in the eye.

"You know what happens to people who touch my family, my wife without their permission?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"They lose their hands," I snarled, pushing him back, making his back hit the concrete with a crack.

I scrambled to stand over him, and started hacking off his left hand, making him shriek as I sawed through the bone, and pulled his hand free, throwing it .

"Holy fuck," I heard you breath behind me as I threw his dismembered hand away, then started on his right hand.

He was losing blood quickly, his skin turning pale and clammy as I finished the second, standing back up and looking down at him.

I pulled my cap off, and ripped the razor blade free from the inside of the brim, then leaned down, and sliced through his good eye, making him bleed.

"Always take the eyes first, never forget where you come from," Tommy said, making me turn around.

He was stood in the doorway that everyone left out of.

I nodded, and you came up to stand next to me.

"Let's go home, clean you up. You did good, Finn." You advised, leading me out of the building.

I realised once the sun hit my face that I hadn't hesitated like I did when I had to blind the Italian that helped 'kill' Arthur. I didn't think at all. I was just mad. Maybe that's the secret.

•••

You looked down at me from your spot in your armchair as I laid on my back in front of the fire, bottle of whiskey sitting just beside my left hand.

"You should be getting drunk at the Garrison with your family." You stated, petting the cat as he came and rubbed against your legs.

"Fuck my family," I grumbled, sitting up with a struggle, "I should've been told Arthur was alive."

I went to go take a sip of the whiskey, but found the bottle empty. I stood up, and threw it at the protective grate in front of the fireplace, making you jump as it smashed.

"Fucking hell, Finn, if you've got a problem-"

"I have a problem, all right!" I hissed, kicking the coffee table with enough force to flip it up onto the couch, "Arthur's my fucking brother too, I deserved to know that he was still alive!"

"You're right," You admitted, making me stop and look at you.

You never admitted to being wrong, even if you were.

"What they did was wrong. They should've told you that he was alive, you're old enough to be trusted with that information. But, that's not the way things happened, and if you have a problem, you should go and tell Tommy instead of taking it out on the poor furniture." You said calmly.

I scowled and sat back down on the floor. You came and sat next to me, bringing your bottle of gin down with you.

You lifted it to my lips and I took a sip. You took a sip yourself, then put the cap on it. I watched as your wedding ring caught the light from the fire, then closed my eyes and took deep breaths to calm myself down.

You started humming a tune you had heard on the radio the other day, which then turned into mindless humming. I listened to that, the crackling of the fire, and the purring of the cat. Home.

"We gonna go to Tommy's and have a few with Arthur?" You asked, making me open an eye to look at you.

"I can drive us there, I only had that one sip." You said, and I opened my other eye and nodded.

"If we get too drunk we can sleep at Tommy's," I muttered as I got up and grabbed our coats, passing you yours, then putting on my boots.

You chuckled as you grabbed the keys, and said see you later to the cat. I grabbed your hand and lead you out to the car, feeling excited to go and have a drink with my not-dead brother.

§§§

Okay so I finished stranger things s4 and I told my friend that Two was kinda cute and she replied 'why do you only like fictional white boys that look like rats' AND IM STILL CACKLING but also how dare she 😭😭 but shes not completely wrong tho ahskdhsh

Also I'm loving Robin and Nancy's newfound friendship heck yeah

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

CONTRARY TAGLIST

Interact with this post if you’d like to join the taglist for my Finn Shelby x Reader, ‘Contrary’

Joining this list is absolutely optional, and you can come and go as you please :))

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 31

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