PUBLISHED: 21/07/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 39

PUBLISHED: 15/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You sat at your dining table, listening to the noise coming from inside as Finn, Saoirse, Daisy, Karl, Aberama, Bonnie, Isiah, and Oscar all worked together to cook breakfast — brunch, now, you mused as you looked at your watch.

It was Mother's Day today, and Finn and Saoirse were originally going to cook just you breakfast, but then Saoirse wanted to cook something for Ezzie, and Polly, and Ada, and Hilda. Jeremiah, who Isiah always celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day with, was also invited. That was how that lot, as well as Isiah, Aberama, Karl, and Daisy ended up here. Saoirse then called Bonnie and demanded that he come and help cook or he wouldn't be a part of the family anymore (an empty threat, of course, but the cooking would feel incomplete without him). He ended up bringing Oscar, who was a welcomed addition.

You ended up taking the table outside so you could enjoy the weather, which wasn't all that bad at the moment.

You could hear your father instructing Saoirse on how to scramble the eggs properly. The smell drifted down to you and made you feel queasy, so you drank some of your ginger beer to fight it. This didn't go unnoticed by Polly, who poured you a cup of tea.

"Try some tea, love. Maybe it'll settle your stomach," She suggested, pushing the cup towards you.

You took it gratefully, sipping away.

"You're not reading my leaves, though," You warned the woman, seeing right through her antics.

She sighed, then looked at Esmeralda, who cocked an eyebrow as if to say 'I told you so'.

"What are you two on about?" You demanded, feeling terribly left out.

"Nothing," The two replied quickly, making it know that they were very much on about something.

"Oh, god, what's wrong with (Y/N)?" Ada questioned, knowing that the only time Polly read leaves was when someone had something big happening to them.

"Something's wrong with (Y/N)?" Hilda asked hurriedly, eyeing you worriedly.

"She looks fine," Jeremiah commented, sipping on his coffee as he read the newspaper, not even bothering to look at you or entertain the women's antics.

"Nothing's wrong with me!" You snapped, a bit louder than you should've, waking Finn Junior from his nap at your feet.

He yowled in protest, swiping at your ankles, making you yelp.

"Tell me what you two are going on about before I take your eyes out with a spoon," You threatened, narrowing your eyes at the pair sitting across from you.

Ezzie and Polly looked at each other, then back at you.

"I had a dream that you gave birth," Ezzie admitted, making you scoff.

"Your dreams are always hit-and-miss," You pointed out, she didn't always have dreams that came to be like you did.

You conveniently left out the fact that you also had a dream that you went into labour. It didn't feel like a prophetic dream. Just a normal dream. Wishful thinking. You knew the difference.

"And that is why I want to read your leaves," Polly added, making you huff as you tipped the remains of the cup out onto the ground, leaves and all, then slammed the cup back down onto the table, hard.

You were surprised that the cup didn't break.

The pair took that as a sign to take a step back. Hilda placed a hand on yours, and squeezed it comfortingly.

"If she was having a baby she would've told you all," Jeremiah pointed out, placing his newspaper down, not seeing any point to the women's nonsense.

You all sat tensely, waiting for brunch to be cooked and brought out.

"Is something burning?" Ada broke the thick silence, and you went to snap at her for saying something so ridiculous, but you soon smelled the scent yourself.

You all quickly looked back over at the house, and through the window you could see Finn, now rushing around with a smoking frying pan, everyone else in the kitchen laughing at him.

He left through the kitchen door, and after a few beats he appeared through the side door, rushing to the railing and throwing the burnt stuff onto the ground.

"What did you manage to burn, Finny boy?" Jeremiah called out to the boy, and Finn rolled his eyes.

"He burnt the onion!" Saoirse yelled out of the window, giggling.

"You shush, little miss," Finn commanded, pointing the frying pan at her, but grinned as she still giggled away.

"Finn, I was looking forward to having onion on my hamburger. Bee, divorce your husband," Ezzie joked, and you chuckled.

"I shall have to, the smell of burnt stuff stinks," You complained, screwing up your nose as you took a sip of your ginger beer.

"You know, they sort of look like you, (Y/N)," Finn said as he looked down at the burnt mess, then up at you.

"Finn Theo Shelby, stop comparing me to fucking onions! Push my buttons again and you're sleeping on the couch tonight," You said to your husband, narrowing your eyes at him, and the people around you started cackling.

"Love you," Finn threw over his shoulder before walking back inside.

•••

You all had a good brunch. Oscar and the kids had washed up and put away, and now you were all scattered around the house, either napping or relaxing. The kids were out on the play equipment with the cat and dogs.

You were stood in the kitchen with Ada, eating some leftover muffins, pencilling in Saoirse's next dentist appointment on the calendar. Ada came over and bumped you to the side, then started flipping around the calendar herself.

"What in the fuck are you looking for?" You asked her as she counted days, flipping back and forth between the pages.

"Couldn't find it, doesn't matter," She replied, and you rolled your eyes, downing the last of your drink.

"You right watching the kids? I feel tired," You said, and she nodded telling you to go and sleep and that she'd get the kids inside to colour so she could nap too.

You walked out to the hallway, and stuck your head through the doorway of the living room, where all of the couches were taken. Oscar and Bonnie were asleep on the couches in front of the fire. Hilda and Jeremiah were asleep on the couches surrounding the green rug.

You headed down the hallway to the smaller guest room, and stuck your head in the doorway there. Isiah and your sister were sound asleep, your sister snoring softly. You looked across the hall. Polly and Aberama.

You walked back down the hallway, into the living room and up the stairs, going down to your own room.

Finn was making himself comfortable in the bed, eyes half closed as he did so. You wasted no time kicking off your shoes and crawling into bed with him.

Finn quickly moved so he was flush against you, humming contentedly as you drifted off to dreamland, your husband not far behind you.

§§§

Chapter forty is next — it feels surreal to have a fanfic with such a high chapter count lmao

Also, honest question to you readers; Would you prefer me to follow the plot of the show and kill off Bonnie, or leave him alive?

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 40

i do have a personal blog and I finally posted stuff there so, if you want to keep up with me, you guys should go follow!!

@naiwillalwaysloveyou

ANGEL - SETH CLEARWATER X READER

PROLOGUE

NEXT PART - I

THIRD PERSON'S POV

The war was now over. The Volturi had left the Cullens alone, content with the fact that they were now following the rules. Some of the older wolves still shifted regularly, but Seth had slowed down for now. He was keen on being a normal boy, for now. Currently on the eve of his 15th birthday, and working a shift at his new work — the resort, which he never took much notice to, which made sense; he lived here, he didn't need a place to vacation here.

Right now he was working at the counter, checking people in. Kim usually did it, but right now she was taking a small break to 'talk' to Jared. They were just busy sucking face, which was ridiculous. They only had ten minutes to go until their lunch break, where Seth finished for the day. Half days on Saturdays and Sundays, and in the holidays he had a couple of full days through the week, which was nice. Normal. Like every other nearly 15 year old.

It was okay though. It wasn't really busy at the desk. Seth was really there for cleaning, and answering the phones when people had a problem finding the clean towels or their lightbulbs shorted out. And besides, getting paid to play Solitaire when there were no cleaning jobs or minor repairs to be done wasn’t that bad.

The bell above the door tinkled, making Seth look up and exit his game of Solitaire. There was a huge man, with striking blue eyes. His hair reminded him of a Viking, with the sides clean shaved, revealing tribal tattoos, but the hair on the top of his head was pulled back into a plait which sat over his left shoulder, tied off with a leather cord.

The man stepped out of the way, revealing you. Your left eye was a striking blue, and the right was a golden brown. As soon as Seth looked into them, he felt the pull. The earth fell beneath his feet. Gravity wasn't holding him down anymore. It was you. You were his imprint.

After noticing the boy's intense stare, you hid behind your father slightly, letting him shield you from the boy's gaze.

Seth blinked twice, and swallowed, snapping himself out of it.

"Welcome to the Quileute Seaside Resort! My name is Seth, how may I help you today?" Seth relayed his script, trying not to focus back in on you.

"Hello, Seth! I'm Alexander Ardell. I have a reservation, one of the pet friendly cabins? I booked it online, A-R-D-E-L-L," The man replied with a grin, and Seth nodded, logging into the computer and getting the reservation up on screen.

Cabin one, two rooms, one and a half bathrooms, with one adult, one child, one large dog. Staying for two months, daily laundry service, everything paid in full. He let out a low whistle as he grabbed his room keys and information booklet.

"Two months? That's quite a while," Seth commented, trying to make friendly conversation as he gathered everything, "Wasting your school break in this boring place?"

Alexander let out a chuckle as Seth held out the package.

"My daughter, (Y/N), she's homeschooled. I thought a nice seaside vacation would be fun, she likes exploring places she hasn't been before," Alexander replied, ruffling your hair as you grabbed the keys and booklet off of Seth with a quiet 'thanks'.

"Your cabin is cabin one, straight across the way, there's two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and a kitchen and the rooms are smoke free. Please, call the office if you need anything, here’s your keys and information booklet and enjoy your stay!" Seth chirped, and you and your father smiled at him, all teeth, before exiting the way you came.

You had blue and brown braces, the same shades as your eyes.

As soon as you were out of sight Seth grabbed his phone and called Kim. The line rang twice before she answered.

"The lightbulbs are in-”

"I know where the lightbulbs are Kim! You need to get down here, like, ASAP." Seth said breathlessly, pacing behind the desk, trying to calm his rapid heartbeat.

"What's wrong?" She questioned, and Seth could hear a car door opening and shutting over the phone.

"I imprinted and she's here and she's in cabin one and she has a dog and her dad is here with her and she's really pretty and her braces are blue and brown like her eyes and she's only gonna be here for two months so I need help like now please and thank you," Seth told her, all in one breath, and the office door opened once more, this time Jared and Kim entered, making Seth hang up the phone.

"How are you feeling, kid?" Jared asked, clapping Seth on the shoulder, hearing all of the conversation on the phone.

“I don’t know — Hopeless,” Seth sighed, leaning against his pack brother.

Jared gave him a side hug, then looked at the clock.

“Well, your shift is over — Should we go and see Sam and Jacob?” Jared offered, and Seth could only nod, although the thought of leaving you pained him.

Seth looked in the general direction of cabin one, and Jared chuckled, clapping him on the back before leading him out to his car.

§§§

Hi! This is based somewhat on Midnight Mass, a Netflix series, and as the first paragraph stated, this takes place after Twilight saga/Breaking Dawn ends; the movies specifically because I've never read the books, lol. Also; not proofread so if you see a mistake please kindly point it out!!

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 46

PUBLISHED: 24/07/2022

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Finn followed Isiah and Arthur into a the Garrison, which was surprisingly lively, the patrons singing along with the performer. The performer stopped when they entered, and some of the patrons started exiting the pub. It made Finn feel powerful, the authority he held over them. He knew it was a bad thing, but fucking hell, he loved it.

Finn sat down at a table, straightening up his jacket, his best friend taking the seat next to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm just gonna take a short break. Thank you. Yeah," The singer announced, and Finn bit back a chuckle.

Arthur sat down at the table his younger brother was sitting at as a member of staff hurried over and poured the group drinks without anyone having to say anything.

Arthur started clapping for the performer, making the rest of the people in the room do so.

"Beautiful, Billy. Beautiful," Arthur declared, "Really nice. Really nice."

Finn was too busy looking at the man across the table, intrigued by him. It was rare he ever got to meet anyone in the barely legal side of the business nowadays. Usually it was Isiah, or Oscar, Bonnie's ... friend. Everyone knew they weren't just friends, but they still called each other friends. Oscar wasn't here to help now, though, because he was babysitting. Finn hoped that he had bathed the kids by now. Finley always became a troublemaker when you didn't stick to the schedule, thinking he could get away with anything, and he usually roped his siblings and cousins into his plans. Jeremy, Isiah and Esmeralda's year and a half old son and Bonnibel, their nine month old daughter loved running amuck with his and your children. All little troublemakers, and Oscar was always letting them get away with things.

"Really meaningful, you know, a heartfelt song." Arthur continued as he poured the drinks, "I like it. I really do."

"Boys ... This here is Billy Grade," Arthur introduced, "Man I was telling you about."

"Billy, this here's my kid brother, Finn." Arthur said, gesturing to the younger man.

"Hey," Billy replied softly, with a quick nod of the head.

Finn returned it, and so did Isiah.

"Have a drink, Billy." Arthur said softly, but Finn knew it was an order.

"I can't, my voice is..." He protested softly, and Finn tried to suppress the need to snort.

"Drink, Bill." Arthur said, and Billy replied with a soft spoken 'yeah'.

"Yeah," Arthur murmured in reply, raising his own glass quickly and throwing the liquid back.

Billy did the same, looking over at Isiah and Finn, unsure of who exactly they were.

"You boys won't remember," Arthur began, "But I remember when Billy here made a living on the football pitch."

Billy laughed at the memories. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Yeah, that was a long time ago, Mr. Shelby." Billy said, grinning softly.

"Yeah. What a left foot aye?" Arthur asked, remembering the absolute weapon Billy was on the pitch.

"Yeah." Billy agreed, then the men chuckled.

Isiah watched the interaction. To anyone that didn't know what was going on, it would just look like a pair of old mates catching up. But he knew that it was much more important than that.

"And then what? Manager, right?" Arthur said, pointing at Billy, "Hmm?"

Billy chuckled, tilting his head in thought, "Well, yeah. And now I'm a singer."

"Are ya?" Arthur cut in, "Every football team in England — knows Billy Grade, and he knows a few people too. Didn't you, Bill, aye? Hmm?"

"One or two," Billy agreed.

"Useful," Arthur told the two younger boys, "Very useful."

"But what do you do, Bill, aye? Hmm?" Arthur continued, "You're in here, singing, or whatever the fuck you call it, in shithole pubs in Birmingham."

Arthur tutted, shaking his head softly, "That's no way to make a living, boys. Degrading."

"I love it," Billy defended, "I really do. I love it."

"And thank you, by the way, for inviting me here tonight," Billy added, "I really appreciate it. So, thank you very-"

"-Don't thank me," Arthur interrupted, "I didn't invite you here to sing."

"I wanna listen to music, I'll buy an Al Jolson record. Hmm?" Arthur said, "That's what I'd do. Real singer, ya know? Melody, tune."

Billy started stuttering, and Finn felt slightly sorry for the man. He was actually a decent singer.

"So, what is it that you want, exactly?" Billy asked confusedly, and Arthur stayed silent for a few beats, deciding his next words.

"Finn will explain the nature of my proposition," Arthur replied, then sat up in his chair, pointing at Billy, "You'll listen to him, won't you, Bill, aye? You'll be attentive, won't ya?"

"Yeah, of course. Of course," Billy agreed, knowing that saying no wasn't an option.

"'Cause Isiah here, he'll show you the fucking consequences if you don't." Arthur announced, and Billy stayed silent.

Arthur took that as a good sign.

"All right." Arthur said, then stood up, "I'll leave you with the bottle. Hmm?"

He patted Billy on the shoulder, and Billy reached up to remove his hand, but quickly withdrew it, making Arthur do the same. Arthur shook his head, then walked off.

Billy looked at Finn. He looked young. Late teens, early twenties. He then looked at Isiah. He looked around the same age as Finn, maybe a bit older.

"What proposition?" He questioned the boys,  and Finn moved his chair forward, and grabbed a paper from his pocket.

"Right. What I want from you, Billy, is for you to write down a name and a number next to every one of those football teams, yeah?" Finn announced, unfolding the paper and pointing to some of the words on it.

"Why?" Billy questioned, still confused.

"Why?" Finn replied, "People like to bet on those kind of things these days."

"We're a gambling enterprise," Isiah added, grinning.

He loved stirring people up with Finn.

"I know who you are." Billy said quickly, and everyone caught the hidden meaning of his words.

They were a gambling enterprise. Amongst other things.

"To fix a horse race, you give the outside a bit of cocaine," Isiah told Billy, who muttered a 'Jesus', and Finn fought the urge to tell Billy that Jesus couldn't help him here, "To fix a football match, you give the goalkeeper twenty pounds."

Finn eyed Billy, who still looked unsure. Billy looked over at Isiah, then back at the paper. Billy chuckled nervously, then reached for the pen, and got ready to write.

"You're a Peaky Blinder now, Billy. Hmm?" Finn asked, and Billy just gave a silent chuckle and nodded.

•••

A car came up the Arrow House driveway noisily, and Lizzie got up, grabbing the hands of both of her children.

"Okay, kids, come on. Let's go to bed," She instructed, feeling nervous.

"Why? Who's coming?" Charles questioned his mother, wanting the celebration to continue a bit longer.

"That's the thing, Charles. We don't know. We never know." Lizzie stated, hurrying out of the drawing room, Frances helping her with the kids.

Tommy opened a cupboard in his office, and grabbed a gun, ready for whatever danger might be on his doorstep. He crept outside, and stood in the doorway, behind the stone entryway, and waited.

The car came to a stop, and the car door opened. Johnny Doggs hit the ground hard, and grunted.

"Tommy!" He called out, and Tommy stepped out onto the gravel, aiming the gun at the car.

"Out of the fucking car." He commanded, rushing up to the car.

"Don't!" Johnny protested, knowing who was in there.

"Get out of the fucking car now, or I'll open fire!" Tommy repeated, ignoring his friend's protests.

Aberama Gold struggled out of the car, and limped around so Tommy could see him.

"You looking for traitors?" He asked, and Tommy lowered his gun, "There's one!"

He pointed to Johnny Doggs with his good arm.

"With his ribs mashed up!" He added, and Johnny sobbed.

"The man's gone fucking mad, Tom!" Johnny said, eyes filled with tears.

"You did this?" Tommy asked, eyes flickering between Aberama and Johnny.

"With one arm and a hammer, and a mighty pain, a mighty fury!" Aberama shouted, eyes filling with tears, approaching Tommy, "They killed them. My son. They shot Bonnie and they put him up on a fucking cross! Then they finished the deed, killing my kids in the hospital room where they rested!"

Aberama sobbed, and Tommy just looked at the man. There was a time for comfort, but that time wasn't now.

"Who did?" Tommy asked calmly, and Aberama threw a piece of balled up paper at his feet.

Tommy grabbed it and unfolded it.

'BY ORDER

OF THE

BiLLY BOYS'

Was written in black marker, and the note was streaked with blood.

"Only Johnny Doggs and his kin knew where we were camped," Aberama stated, and Johnny shook his head.

"No Tom," He said, attempting to stand, "No, I swear to God, I never told—"

"—I'll fucking kill you!" Aberama shouted, and moved towards Johnny.

Tommy put down his gun, and ran over to the men, pulling them apart and trying not to aggravate any of their injuries.

He restrained Aberama, yelling at the sobbing man.

"It's shattered!" Tommy yelled, "Listen to me! Listen to me!"

He grabbed Aberama's face in his hands, "Your shoulder is shattered. You don't get it fixed, you'll lose your arm."

"They're gone! They fucking killed them! My babies!" Aberama screamed, trying to thrash out of Tommy's grip, "I'll fucking kill you!"

"Listen to me!" Tommy shouted, "How can a one-armed man avenge the death of his kids, aye?"

Aberama stopped, panting for breath, seeing reason through the red hot rage flowing through his veins.

"They crucified my son and shot my kids ... for you," Aberama informed Tommy, casually, as if he was talking about the weather, "My children, my flesh and blood — no longer here. Because of you."

Tommy paused, and let Aberama's words sink in. Bonnie. The fighter, full of bounce and always with a smile on his face, gone. Hang on. Aberama said kids, plural. Did one of his daughters die? Or two? Or three, all of his daughters, leaving the poor man childless and his younger brothers without wives? Esmeralda, full of sly remarks and fierce enough that only Isiah Jesus, a boy who Tommy watched grow up, could tame her? (Y/N), his baby brother's wife, with stubbornness that fit right in with the Shelby brood, and a natural warmth that people could only wish to have? Saoirse, oh God, little Saoirse who hadn't even gotten the chance to grow up yet, to see what life was really about. The little whirlwind of a girl who Karl had become best friends with? At least one of them was dead, and if Tommy was any good with showing his emotions he’d be visibly upset by now. All of the Gold children had worked their way into his Shelby-Jesus family. Shelby-Jesus didn’t even sound right nowadays. Shelby-Jesus-Gold was the way he thought about his family, like a blanket made from scrap fabric, worn out in places, a bit odd, but still good and warm.

In his distraction, Aberama pushed Tommy away and picked up the gun that Tommy was holding, and two gunshots sounded, but it wasn't from Aberama's gun.

"Get away from my house!" Lizzie yelled, running up to the men and aiming the revolver at them, "All of you!"

"Get away from my child!" She screamed, her voice coated with pain and anger.

"This is my house," She continued, aiming the gun right at Tommy, "And I don't want you back. I don't want you back!"

Tommy stalked towards his wife, and grabbed the revolver from her, taking the bullets out of it, then walked over to Aberama, grabbing the gun from the broken man.

"You wanna take on the Billy Boys? You need me alive." Tommy told Aberama, then looked at Lizzie, "Everyone fucking needs me."

Aberama leaned on a stone decoration with a groan.

"Call an ambulance or a man will lose his arm." Tommy told his wife, who quickly looked at Aberama.

She stepped backwards slowly.

"And call Finn and Isiah, tell them to get to ... Finn's house. I'll go over there soon." Tommy said, then looked over at Aberama, "His children are dead."

Lizzie wasted no time turning on her heel and running inside to the phone.

•••

Finn and Isiah sped to Finn's house, in Isiah's car. The pair caught each other's eyes in the rear view mirror a couple of times, but neither of them spoke. They were too wound up to speak. They didn't know what to say.

Lizzie had told Finn, through tears, to go to his house with Isiah. She started sobbing on the phone. Lizzie rarely ever cried in front of Finn. She was strong, like every other Shelby woman. If she cried, it was something bad.

Isiah gripped the steering wheel tightly as he turned onto Finn's driveway, speeding down it and screeching to a stop outside of the house, turning the car off and jumping out, running up the path to the house after Finn.

"(Y/N)? Saoirse? Oscar?" Finn yelled, slamming the door open.

Finn stepped over the baby gate, nearly falling over it, and headed upstairs, into the nursery. The twins were asleep in one crib, and the girls asleep in another. Jeremy was by himself, too wormy to ever sleep with anyone.

Finn sighed in relief, then headed up towards Saoirse’s room, and was met with a surprise. Books and toys scattered everywhere, her vanity upturned, and the brown haired girl asleep on the floor, tear tracks on her face. Finn stepped carefully over every upturned thing, and crouched down, shaking Saoirse’s shoulder gently.

“Saoirse. Saoirse. Come on, little miss, you’ve got to wake up,” Finn coaxed her out of her slumber.

She sat up, and rubbed her eyes.

“You need to go to sleep in a bed. You can go up into me and (Y/N)’s room and sleep there, yeah?” Finn suggested, helping her stand up, and hobble to the door, where she then walked into his room unaided.

Isiah led the pair back downstairs and into the kitchen, where Jeremiah was sat at the head of the table, a bottle of gin in front of him, staring at the table, a vacant expression on his face.

"Where's our wives?" Isiah questioned softly, his tone being one that told you not to mess about.

"And Oscar and Bonnie?" Finn added, feeling dread pool in his stomach.

"(Y/N)'s in the backyard-" Jeremiah began, and that was all it took for Finn to rush outside.

Isiah gave his father one last concerned look, and followed Finn. You were on top of the monkey bars, no shoes or dressing gown on, just your sleep shirt and shorts. It was freezing outside. Finn could see your goosebumps.

You stared at the ground as you swung your legs back and forth, your hair billowing around you, the wind messing it up. Your eyes were vacant, and your face expressionless. Finn could see the light reflecting off of the tear tracks running down your cheeks, though.

"Love? What are you doing out here? It's cold out," Finn said, walking towards you.

Isiah followed behind.

"I don't know," You answered honestly, sounding far away as you stopped swinging your legs.

Finn jumped up, grabbing the side of the bars and heaving himself up, Isiah doing the same. Finn then took his coat off and put it around your shivering figure.

"Baby, where's everyone at? Bonnie, Oscar, Ezzie?" Finn asked, and you looked up at your husband.

"They're dead. They got killed at the hospital today," You said, then started sniffling, "They killed them while I was outside talking to a doctor, because Bonnie had been crucified and put up on a cross and he was injured and so was Ezzie but she bled out onto the way to the hospital, I couldn't get onto you, Isiah, only your dad and when I came back-"

You broke off into sobs, your whole body shaking, then screamed, a heartbreaking, mournful sound that Finn knew must've hurt your vocal chords. Finn pulled you into a hug, then pulled Isiah into his other side, his best friend already crying.

You mumbled incoherent apologies to Isiah and Finn, Isiah shushing you as he wiped his own eyes, his own heart broken, falling out of his chest and onto the ground under the monkey bars, shattering across the dirt.

"We'll get the bastards that did this, and we'll pump them full of lead," Finn promised shakily, squeezing you and Isiah tighter.

§§§

Fun fact: I killed everyone off then rewrote this chapter because I regretted it 💀

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

@jamieolivia27

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 30

PUBLISHED: 02/07/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON’S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READER’S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Really," Lizzie confirmed, smiling softly.

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

He was my brother, through and through.

And here I was avoiding him like the plague.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I stepped back, out of the hug.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

What did you think of this chapter?

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 31

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 25

PUBLISHED: 16/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Obviously a more modern couch shhhh)

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

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

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

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

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

I leaned into his embrace without even thinking about it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold on.

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

Finn perked up, "Really?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 26

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 23

PUBLISHED: 14/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

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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 ❤️

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NEXT PART

Part 24

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 38

PUBLISHED: 15/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You watched as Saoirse flitter around the park in her pretty pink dress, giving Valentines Day cards to her classmates, chattering away as she did so. Today her class had their Valentines Day party and picnic, and parents and guardians were invited along to attend.

You and Finn had gotten permission off of Tommy (who may have gotten a telling off from Lizzie) to go. The pair of you were slightly nervous. Finn Junior, who was lazing at your feet, made you slightly more nervous. No other parents had a pet that followed them around like yours did.

You, stood in your red dress and brown coat, was the youngest guardian there, barely seventeen. That, along with the fact that you were Saoirse's older sister, a traveller, and married to Finn Shelby, were the only concrete facts that everyone knew about you. You knew that the rumour mill was probably in overdrive right now. You fiddled with the charms on your bracelet, and tried not to think about it.

Everyone knew of the reputation of the Shelbys, Finn was the youngest of them, and there was rumours that he had followed in their footsteps, even though he was a part of their legitimate business. Even with people saying that the two of you were fine, the parents were all still a bit on edge.

Hilda noticed the disapproving, and curious, looks the other parents were giving you and your husband, and sniffed. Ever the motherly person, she gathered some of her brownies on a pink paper plate and put her million dollar smile on, then walked briskly over to the pair of you.

"Finn, (Y/N)!" She said, catching your attention, "I baked brownies for today, here, try some!"

She held the plate out to you both. You took it and gave her a grateful smile, Finn verbally thanking her. You balanced the plate in the same hand as your cup skilfully, a talent you had learned after beginning your work in the office and using smaller purses to fit in.

You could barely fit anything in your purse, having to carry everything in your hands. You were glad that you had been to a seamstress to make you skirts and dresses with pockets, as well as make pants that looked like skirts with pockets deep enough to hold whatever you liked. You even got new coats with pockets galore. Those coats were useful for pickpocketing, although you didn't need to do it much these days.

With your free hand, you lifted a brownie up and went to bite into it, but Finn grabbed your wrist and guided the brownie up to his own mouth, making you tsk but you let him bite the brownie, giving it to him to hold. You picked another up, this time your husband left you alone, content with his own brownie.

"How's Daisy's leg?" You questioned before nibbling on your own brownie.

She had fallen over in the last netball game she played, her leg was still badly bruised. Hilda looked over at her daughter, the bruise still very prominent on her shin. Finn winced at the sight of it.

"It's fine, the doctor said it's only a really bad bruise," Hilda replied, giving her daughter a wave and blowing her a kiss.

Daisy pretended to catch the kiss and put it in her pocket. For a split second, Finn imagined you doing that with your daughter. His daughter. He shook his head to rid himself of the thought.

"That's good to hear," Finn said, taking a sip of his cordial then grimacing.

It was too sweet. Way too sweet. No wonder Saoirse was running around the way she was. Finn pitied their poor teacher, who had to take them back into class after this. Twenty kids, all hopped up on cordial and sweets. They had sandwiches laid out, too, but they were untouched by the kids, only the adults grabbed some. Finn wished he was still eight so he could've grabbed all sweets. It just wasn't acceptable as an adult.

You brought a hand up to your mouth after a sip of cordial, the sweetness a bit too much for you. Hilda noticed this and quickly offered you her cup of water. You took it and drank the whole thing.

"Sorry. Everything seems to make me feel sick these days," You complained halfheartedly, and Hilda gave you a knowing look.

"You should go and see a doctor about it soon then," She advised as Saoirse and Daisy came prancing over, arms interlocked.

You nodded, but knew it was probably nothing. If you were anything like your mother and her mother before her, any children would be a long time coming.

"Bee, Bee, I've given out all of my cards!" Saoirse announced, "And Daisy helped!"

"She gave one to every single person in our class, it was annoying walking all around to them," Daisy groaned, making you all chuckle.

Daisy had also given one to each of their classmates, but she was smart enough to put their cards into their cubbies, which is what you told Saoirse to do too. You supposed that she got carried away with the excitement of the picnic, which was fair enough.

"Here comes Dick!" Daisy said, pointing to their classmate as he approached your little huddle, parents in tow.

You had heard a lot about him from Saoirse and Daisy. He was Saoirse's desk mate. He had a stutter, and he could draw the best, and did the best knots with shoelaces. He wasn't very good at maths, but he really tried, and he was getting a little better, but not a lot. He was happy to swing the rope at skipping if the teacher couldn't, even if it meant that he didn't get a turn, but Saoirse or Daisy always volunteered to swing it for a bit so he could have a go.

"His name is Richard! Richard!" A blushing Hilda hissed lowly at her daughter, making you and Finn cover your mouth with your hands as you snickered, "Do not call him that blasted name that all of the others call him!"

"Hi, Richie!" Saoirse greeted cheerfully, and you were internally relieved that she picked a decent nickname to call the poor boy.

"H-Hi Sh-Sha-Sha." Richard greeted in reply, shifting from foot to foot as he adjusted his glasses.

He looked up at his mother, then his father, who gave his blond hair a ruffle.

"Richard has something to tell you, Saoirse, and you too Daisy," His father prompted him, and he looked back at Saoirse and Daisy.

"Th-Th-Thank you both for-for the c-card," Richard said shyly, his face turning pink.

You laid your head on Finn's upper arm, watching the scene unfold in front of you.

"You're our friend, you deserved a card," Saoirse said firmly, and looked at Daisy, who nodded.

Richard flushed once more, and looked down at Finn Junior, who was now rubbing against Saoirse's legs. You were happy that you had made her wear stockings the colour of his fur.

"Do you want to play with him? He's friendly. He goes on the big circle swing, do you want to go on there with him?" Saoirse offered, and Richard nodded hesitantly, and that was all it took for Saoirse to reach over and grab his hand, then lead him towards the swings.

Daisy caught up to the pair and grabbed Richard's other hand, Finn Junior trailing behind.

"She's such a nice little girl. They both are," Richard's mother sighed, watching the group as they put the cat into the swing, then Richard.

You and Finn felt a bit of pride well up in your chests.

"They were the only two to give my Richie a card, thank you," Richard's mother said, turning to face you.

"It's no problem, honest. Saoirse knows that with things like this it's either everyone or no one," You reassured, giving her your soft, friendly smile, then extending a hand for her to shake, "I'm (Y/N)."

"Penelope," She supplied as she shook your hand, giving you a small grin back.

"Gary," His father greeted as you shook his hand.

He had a businessman's handshake, you noticed. You and Finn got to talking with the pair, talking about everything from the weather today to a potential play date for Saoirse and Dylan (and Daisy, of course).

After seeing Penelope and Gary go over to the pair of you, more parents came over to introduce themselves.

Hilda hummed to herself as she walked away from the group to get more water, feeling victorious as you and Finn chuckled along with the rest of the parents, finally 'in' with them.

•••

The crowd was wild, everyone screaming for Bonnie. If you were out there you'd probably be screaming with them. But no, you had to go and grab Oscar, and take him to where you were all sitting.

You headed down the hallway to the room where Bonnie was getting ready. You walked through the open door, and the first thing you noticed was an unfamiliar, handsome, brown haired boy sitting back to front on a chair, watching Bonnie shadow box. Your father was leaned against the wall, a cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth as he watched his son, and how his son's newfound 'friend' looked at his son.

Aberama was very sure that his son's friend wasn't even a friend at all, that the boy was something more. It surely seemed so, especially with the way the pair went on when Oscar was wrapping Bonnie's knuckles. The pair spoke softly to each other, giggled, turned red, and Oscar was ever so gentle when he was wrapping Bonnie's knuckles, asking if the fabric was too tight or too loose. Aberama felt like he was intruding on something whilst he was watching the pair. And, as well as all of their other actions, they were doing a lot of 'not looking'.

'Not looking' (verb): The act of staring at the person you are infatuated with until they look at you, at which point you tear your gaze away and pretend to focus on something else. A sign of certain romantic attraction.

Aberama was tempted to ask you about the pair, but he knew that if you knew you wouldn't say anything, forever loyal to your brother.

But Aberama knew 'not looking' all too well, having done it when he had little schoolboy crushes. You didn't do it to just a friend.

"Save something for the fight, Bon," You teased your brother, and he immediately stopped, looking towards you, then running over and pulling you into a hug.

He hadn't seen you in two weeks. That was the longest you had ever been apart ever since you moved in with your father. It was wearing down the both of you.

You chuckled and hugged your brother back tightly. After a few moments, you let each other go. You waved at your father, having seen him only that morning when you went to Polly's for tea.

"And you must be Oscar," You greeted the man sitting backwards on the chair.

He stood up and swung his leg over, walked over to you, and shook your hand, saying his greetings.

"We'll go and head off to our seats, aye? Fight's about to start soon," You said, and Oscar nodded.

"We'll see you later," You said over your shoulder to your father and brother, Oscar waving goodbye to Bonnie, who looked slightly disappointed to see him go.

You walked down the hallway, heels clacking with every step. Oscar followed you somewhat awkwardly. You stopped suddenly, and spun to face the boy, checking your surroundings to make sure no one else was near.

"Listen closely, Oscar," You began, looking the boy in the eyes, "If you hurt our Bonnie in any way, shape, or form, whether it be physically or emotionally; I will kill you. I know where you live, I know where your family members live, I know where your friends live, I know where you go for drinks of a Friday night — Fuck, I even know where your employer lives. So, again, if you hurt Bonnie, I will hunt you down, and paint your surrounds red with your blood. Are we clear, Oscar Boswell?"

Oscar, who was now considerably paper than before, gulped and nodded. Bonnie had told him that you would probably threaten him, but fuck, he didn't think you'd be that scary.

"Good. Now, let's go, I've got you caramel popcorn because Bonnie said you like it," You told him, spinning on your heel and strutting off again.

Oscar sighed heavily before following you to your front row seats. You gave him his popcorn and his drink, chattering away. Oscar was somewhat more comfortable with you now that you were surrounded by people.

Finn was across the ring, watching you as you sat with Oscar. You caught your husband's eye and winked at him, blowing a kiss. Finn chuckled and took a swing from his flask, admiring how the dress you were wearing fit you in all the right places.

•••

Bonnie had won the fight, of course, and you all went out to drink to celebrate. Your brother was pleased to hear that, other than threatening Oscar like he knew you would, the night went smoothly and the pair of you got on with each other quite well.

Your father approached you as you sipped on your gin.

"Bee, my girl," He began, making you jerk your chin up as if to say 'what?'

"Bonnie and Oscar, are they ..." He trailed off, but vaguely gestured with his hands so you knew what he meant.

You shrugged one shoulder lazily, "Dunno. Should ask Bon instead of me."

Aberama nodded and you handed him your bottle of gin. He took a swig and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, giving the bottle back to you.

He looked over at his son and Oscar, the pair standing so close you'd think they'd be joined at the hip.

He chuckled to himself as he settled down in the booth next to you.

Forever loyal to your brother. He couldn't even be annoyed at you for that. You were a good person, better than he ever would be at seventeen.

§§§

Okay so this chapter came much easier than the last one lol

I'm getting closer and closer to when I start writing abt season 5 Finn and i am DREADING it

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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NEXT PART

Part 39

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 17

PUBLISHED: 02/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

We cheered and passed the bottle of gin around as Goliath and Bonnie exchanged punches.

I watched as Bonnie sat back down in his corner, blood pouring down his face. Surely it would've stung. I caught his eye and he winked and grinned. I poked my tongue out. He was fine.

I realised that it was now the fourth round and grinned like a Cheshire Cat as the bell rang, signalling the start of the round. Bonnie hopped back up, and headed across the canvas, meeting Goliath in the middle.

I noticed Tommy and Arthur gone from their spots across from us.

"Polly," I began, catching the attention of the woman next to me, "Where are your nephews?"

She followed my gaze across the room and noticed them gone. She frowned, then got up.

"Stay in your seats, don't move," She instructed the rest of us, then strutted off.

I looked back across the room, catching Finn's eye.

"I'm gonna go see Finn," I mumbled to Lizzie, standing up and trying to ignore the pit in my stomach.

I walked around the ring, and in between the empty seats, sitting on Finn's lap.

"Do you know where your brothers are?" I asked him as quietly as I could, eyes back on the fight as I tried to drown out the screaming men around us.

It was loud in here. Loud enough that if someone hit the floor in another part of the building you wouldn't hear it.

"No," Finn replied, and I moved to get up, but he grabbed my waist, holding me in place.

I felt him shift restlessly under me, then stop as he gripped my waist tighter, and shifted me back so my back was flush with his chest, wrapping his forearm around my waist to keep me there.

I could feel the tension coming off of him in waves, and decided not to move. He'd probably pull me right back down anyway.

"If I have to move from this spot tonight, I want you to stay here, where there's people around you." Finn commanded, his breath hot in my ear.

"Come on, Bonnie boy! Bonnie, come on, kill him!" I heard dad call out, and Bonnie moved his arms from his face and started punching Goliath, moving forward and backing him into the ropes, landing a good hit each time.

"Come on, Bon, you can do this!" I called out, and Bonnie moved to knock Goliath out, uppercutting him then giving him a left hook which sent him right into the canvas.

I cheered for my brother, standing up and clapping, Finn doing the same behind me. Bonnie did a lap of the ring, then jumped up onto a corner, and the cheering in the room got even louder.

Dad came over and lifted him up, scurrying across the ring and putting him in the corner next to the one he was standing in.

I felt Finn move behind me, so I looked over and saw Tommy, no Arthur or Polly with him. He grabbed Finn and pulled him close, whispering in his ear.

Finn looked shocked as Tommy patted him on the chest and walked off. Finn sunk back into his chair, and put his head in his hands.

"Finn?" I questioned, getting no answer.

I knelt down in front of him, turning back to see Polly across the room, sitting next to a crying Linda.

"Is it to do with Arthur?" I asked the sandy haired boy in front of me, him nodding as he pulled his hands away from his face.

"Arthur's dead." Finn croaked, making my jaw drop.

"Oh, Finn," I began, reaching up to touch his face, but he slapped my hand away, tapping Isiah and whispering in his ear, then walking off, Isiah trailing behind him.

"Now I proper look like a whore," I grumbled as I followed the pair, dusting the dirt off my dress, and kicking off my shoes so they wouldn't clack against the floor.

Anyone would think I'd be sucking someone off with all the dirt around my knees from that fucking floor.

I headed down the same blue corridor we had been in earlier that night, and there was no sign of the boys anywhere.

There was a man I didn't know at the other end of the hallway. I gasped, and he perked up, turning around, only a cord in his hand.

He rushed me before I could get my gun out, wrapping the cord around my neck.

I leaned back into him, then jumped, sending him and I backwards as I threw him off balance. He hit his head hard on the floor, his chest cushioning mine, and I scrambled away from him, undoing the clasp on my purse and pulling out my gun, aiming it at him.

"Move and I'll decorate this fuckin' corridor with your brains." I hissed, and heard someone yell my name.

Finn. He came running, and put a hand on the small of my back, rubbing small circles, holding his own gun and aiming it at the Italian. I put mine back into my purse.

"I thought I told you not to move!" Finn snapped, "This doesn't fucking look like staying still, (Y/N)!"

"I was fine," I protested, conveniently leaving out the part where the man had a cord around my neck.

"You got lucky!" Finn hissed, "You could've died, like Arthur, or something else could've happened to you, because something always does when someone else isn't with you, and that's why I'm always up your arse, because that way I know you're safe, but if you don't stay with me or people you trust, you might not be safe, do you understand?"

I looked at the panting boy, and opened my mouth to reply then shut it again as I realised he was right. At the wedding, I was alone when Mum cornered me, at Watery Lane, I was alone when the Italians kidnapped me, and tonight I was alone when the man wrapped the cord around my neck.

"Fucking hell," Isiah breathed as he entered the corridor, then searched the man, finding a wire in his pocket.

I heard shoes up the beginning of the hallway, and looked up, Tommy approaching us.

"Tommy! We got the other wop," Isiah stated, then showed him the wire, "Cunt had a wire in his pocket."

Tommy was silent as he reached us, hitting the Italian across the head with the butt of his gun, sending him to the ground. I stepped away from Finn, standing on the other side of the hallway for breathing space as Tommy started kicking the man, making us flinch. He then moved away, looking at Finn.

"Right in the ribs," I advised as I gave him a little shove forward.

"Go on, Finn!" Isiah encouraged as Finn shifted from foot to foot, "Go on, Finn!"

Finn got in and started assaulting the man, but nowhere near as aggressive as Tommy was, nearly hesitant.

Isiah leaned down and grabbed the man, holding him, down.

"Take his eyes, Finn," Tommy commanded, "Do it for Arthur."

Finn looked up at Tommy then down at the man, seeming unsure.

"Take his fucking eyes!" Tommy yelled at his brother, making Finn take off his cap and get the razor out.

"You can do it, Finn." I muttered, and that was all it took for him to move forward and pierce the man's eyes with the razor blade, moving it across his eye, making him scream, then doing the other, making blood spurt up onto his cheek.

Tommy walked away before Finn even finished taking the second eye. Bastard.

Isiah moved to follow Tommy, leaving Finn and I alone, bar the man on the floor.

"You did good," I said to Finn, reaching up and wiping the blood from his cheek.

He leaned out of my reach and stormed off.

"Finn!" I called out as I followed him.

He walked past the ring and out of the door. I picked up my dress so the hem wouldn't get dirtied by the floor as I jogged to keep up with him.

"It isn't fucking safe out here; let's go back. There could be Italians crawling around out here," I suggested, putting a hand on his arm.

He yanked it out of my grip, and continued walking in silence down the sidewalk to our car, where he got in, and didn't even wait for me to do so before starting it and driving off.

My jaw went slack, and I heard gunshots sound in the building where the boxing match was being held, so I wasn't keen on going back in there. I pulled my own gun out of my purse, and stood flush against the wall, waiting for someone I knew to exit the building. I'd have been better off staying inside. The gown I was wearing was light, and wouldn't blend in with any of the buildings. If any enemies came along, I'd be fucked.

"Trouble in paradise?" A voice to my left asked, and I aimed my gun at them, then turned to look at who it was.

"Alfie Solomons." I greeted, putting my gun down, "Arthur's just been killed, but you'd know that if you stayed inside and watched the fight."

"I don't watch." Alfie said simply, walking up to me, his cane making a small noise every time it hit the concrete.

"Now, princess, seeing how your carriage has prematurely turned into a pumpkin, meaning fucking took off without you, can I be so kind to drive  you home?" Alfie offered.

"Only you and I in the car?" I questioned eyeing him up.

He nodded, "You can even hold the gun if it makes you feel better."

"I want to drive." I stated, making him look at me funny.

"You could crash us, I'm driving!" Alfie protested, making me raise my gun again, "Okay, you can drive."

He passed me his keys, and I gave a triumphant grin as he pointed out his car.

•••

After speeding from Camden Town to Birmingham, I got to my apartment in one piece, thanking Solomons for the ride.

When I got in Finn's door was shut. I noticed a bottle of whiskey gone from the liquor cupboard. I went and changed into pyjamas, opened window the tiniest bit, grabbed the bin from the bathroom, and my keys.

We both had a copy of each other's car keys, a key for the front door, a key for the door to our own rooms, as well as a copy of the key to the other's room, only to be used in emergencies.

I unlocked the door, and Finn was curled up under the blankets, only his face poking out, eyes red and puffy, and tear tracks down his cheeks. Finn Junior followed me into the room, heading over to his cat bed.

Finn watched me as I placed the bucket next to the bed, and went and sat at his feet. He took a swig of the whiskey, eyes still on me. His clothes were strewn around the room, and his wardrobe had a dent in the door that I was sure wasn't there before.

"I'm not moving," I informed him, wrapping my arms around the post next to me.

He sat up against the headboard, and held an arm out to me, and that was all it took for me to crawl up into his grip, sliding under the blankets with him. He put the cap on the whiskey, placing it on the bedside table, and shifted around so he was laying down instead of sat up with me, his head on my stomach and arms around my waist. I tentatively reached up and ran my fingers through his hair. He leaned into my grip, closing his eyes.

"Here, sit up for a bit," I commanded, and he did so.

I laid down, and pulled him down with me, letting him rest his head on my chest. We shifted silently until we were both comfortable. One of his arms was across my midriff, and the other was up under his currently unused pillow. Both of mine were around him.

"I like this pillow." Finn mumbled sleepily, nuzzling his face against me as I began playing with his hair again, making me chuckle.

I felt something wet hit my chest, and heard him sniffle, which sent a pang through my stomach. Poor boy.

"I'm here," I comforted, rubbing his back and he wrapped his hand in the clothes covering my midriff, gripping them tightly.

"Arthur left," Finn murmured, barely awake, making me nod, "He went to war, then came back, then went to the countryside with the boys, and Ada went to London and aunt Poll moved. Everyone left. You gon' leave me too?"

"If I leave I'll drag you along with me," I told the boy, who gave a sleepy grin.

Finn Junior hopped up on the bed and stood on the blankets next to Finn, tapping him with his paw concernedly.

"He's fine," I told the cat, who gave a pleased mewl and came and laid on the other side of me.

I traced shapes on Finn's back until I heard him quietly snore, and only then did I allow myself to fall asleep.

§§§

I live for clingy Finn

also why is ao3 so fiddly I just want to publish Contrary there as well someone pls help lmao

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 18

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 4

PUBLISHED: 16/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, Saoirse giggling and a dog barking.

I looked over at you, you were still asleep, hair still the way I adjusted it last night. You looked peaceful and calm, a big contrast to your sour ways during the day. Most of all, you looked at home. I felt a pang deep in my chest as I realised you would probably never think of a house as home, just like Esme. Maybe you could visit your family and stay with them whenever they came through, if Tommy allowed.

I rolled over and pulled the curtain back a tiny bit, revealing the early morning light filtering through the window above the bench, lighting the caravan and making it feel even more homely. This was the earliest I had woken up in months but the first time in a long time that I'd felt well rested.

I felt you move, so I looked back over to you. You had shifted so you were leaning back on your forearms, now awake.

"Morning," I greeted you quietly, letting go of the curtain, sending the bedroom part into darkness once more.

"Morning," You mumbled, bringing one hand up to rub the sleep out of your eyes, "Have a good sleep, Shelby?"

"Yeah, yeah I did," I admitted as you crawled out from under the blankets and took the blue blanket off of your window.

"I'm an early riser and I'm going to take my dog for one last walk before I go anywhere near your family, I'm not going to babysit you so do what you please until I come back," You stated as you clambered over me, exiting the bed altogether.

I heard you hiss as your feet hit the wooden floor of the caravan.

"Can I come?" I asked, throwing back the pile of blankets and sitting up, pushing the curtains to the side to look at you.

"If you want," You said, pulling on your boots then tucking your hair behind your ears.

You reached over and touched my coat, then drew your arm back as if you had just touched a pile of shit.

"Is that your coat?" You asked, looking around the van for yours.

I nodded as I jumped down and grabbed my boots, pulling them on and double knotting the laces as you wove yellow ribbon through yours. I picked up my coat and shrugged it on, finding your coat under mine.

"No wonder the sleeves kept on covering my hands, then," You murmured as I handed you the brown item of clothing wordlessly, and watched as you drew it around yourself, buttoning it up to the very top button, then pulling your hair out from under it.

"Look out," You commanded , nudging me out of the way.

I sat on the bench as you opened a cupboard under your bed and grabbed a hairbrush, quickly running it through your hair until it was knot-free, then carefully placing the wooden item onto the shelf once more, closing the cupboard door.

"Let's go," You instructed, leading me out of the caravan.

I touched the door jamb as I exited, grabbing the brass handle on your door and swinging it shut behind us.

Your siblings and your father were already up around the fire.

"Tuck! My boy!" You said joyfully as a brown and white dog came barrelling over to you, barking happily as you crouched to the ground, scratching behind his ears.

I tried to figure out where I had seen a dog like yours before, and it clicked; John had some of the same breed. He even let me name one.

I felt a lump form in my throat as my eyes welled with tears. I quickly brought my hand up to wipe my eyes, my ring feeling cold against my face.

"Shelby? What's wrong?" You asked, standing back up, one hand still on Tuck.

I shook my head. If I started talking I'd cry, and you seemed like the type of person to sit there and laugh if I did.

You pursed your lips, shifting your weight from foot to foot, "You should sit over near the fire, get some food into you. They'll take care of you."

I nodded, knowing if I talked my voice would fail me. You told Tuck to stay, and grabbed my sleeve, leading me over to the fire, to a seat next to Esmeralda, Saoirse sitting on the ground in front of her as Esmeralda checked her hair for lice. Bonnie was frying some eggs and bacon, thick slices of bread on a tray next to him. Aberama was pouring some tea into a mug.

"Take care of him, I'm taking Tuck for a walk." You commanded.

Saoirse nodded rapidly, her hair bouncing up and down.

"Alright — Bonnie, scramble me some eggs and cook a piece of bacon for Tuck!" You called out over your shoulder as you spun on your heel and went, Tuck trotting happily next to you.

I pulled my sleeve over my hand and roughly wiped my face again as I sniffled. How could a dog have me sitting here crying, in front of Tommy's business partners no less?

"Are you okay, Shelby?" Saoirse asked, fiddling with the hem of her skirt as she looked up at me with her big, doe-like brown eyes.

"It's Finn, don't be like (Y/N)!" Esmeralda scolded the smaller girl, smacking her on the shoulder.

I chuckled at the statement as the smaller girl mumbled a 'sorry, Finn'.

"Here, boy, get this tea into you," Aberama said, making me look over at him.

He offered me the mug he just poured. I took it, nodding in thanks.

"John — He had some dogs like Tuck," I explained, the words sounding like sandpaper.

Aberama nodded, clapping a hand on my shoulder. I took a sip of the tea, savouring how sweet it was before swallowing.

"Do you want some scrambled eggs?" Bonnie asked as he cracked two eggs into a bowl, mixing them together with a fork.

I nodded, and he added another two eggs into the bowl, as well as some milk, making sure to mix it thoroughly.

It would've been nice if the girl who was going to become my wife was here to comfort me.

I took another sip of tea, trying to wash away the lump in my throat with it, but instead of sweet, it now tasted bitter.

•••

You and I were now sitting in my house, back in Watery Lane. Aberama and Bonnie had bought us into town with a caravan, as they were heading to Charlie's yard. I had calmed down, but was sure I had a splotchy face.

You had picked out a bedroom for yourself, the one across from mine, saying you weren't keen on sleeping in the same bed as me ever again.

I checked my face in the mirror, making sure I didn't look like I was crying, and put on my cap, ready to go down to the betting shop.

"Ready to meet the girls?" I asked you, looking at you in the reflection as you sat on the floor, chewing gum.

"Ready as I'll ever be," You stated, hopping up.

You clasped your hands together behind your body, and shifted from foot to foot.

"Do I — Do I look okay?" You asked unsurely, looking down at the floor, then up at me.

I opened my mouth to reply, but got cut off by a gunshot ringing out.

"You look fine, they'll all love you more than they do Arthur's wife, stay inside," I commanded, opening the front door and locking it behind me.

Tommy came out of his house, looking bewildered, gun in hand, "Finn?"

"It came from Arthur's house," I told him, making him run to our older brother's front door.

He slammed his palm on the door repeatedly, then stepped back, "Arthur!"

He waited for a few seconds, then did it again.

Linda opened the door.

"Where is he?" Tommy asked, not waiting for an answer as he shoved past the blonde woman.

I waited, then Tommy re-emerged from the house.

"Arthur's not going to work today, he's sick, you're in charge of the betting den. Take (Y/N) with you, think of this as a bonding experience." He informed me, walking back to his house as if nothing happened.

I spun on my heel and went back to my house, unlocking it. You were nowhere to be seen.

"(Y/N)?" I called out, making you poke your head down from upstairs. "Everything's fine, let's go."

You nodded, and came down, walking past me and into the street.

"I think I would've been safer in my caravan than here," You grumbled, wrapping your coat tightly around you and tucking your hair behind your ears.

"No harm will come to you on Watery Lane, especially when I'm here — we're partners and we need to look after each other," I assured you, making you nod.

If you got killed then the deal would go tits up and I firmly believe that Aberama would turn his men against us and kill us.

"Now — for my sake and yours, we should try to be civil around the women — they're a lot harder on people than the men and won't hesitate to tear us to bits, yeah?" I said, closing the door behind me.

"Yeah — But sometimes I'm not nice and I can't help it," You admitted, putting your hands in your pocket.

"If it's warranted, I'll try to defend it." I stated, thinking about your outburst at the Garrison.

We walked in silence to the den, where I tried the door, and it swung open. I tsked and walked in, you hot on my heels.

"The rule is that door should always remain locked until 9:00am." I announced, leading you to sit down in Tommy's office.

"Right. Boy. Boy, where are you going?" Polly asked, stopping me in my tracks.

I stopped and spun around, putting a hand on your waist and guiding you around me, "Well, Arthur's not coming in today. He's taking the day off. So..."

"So what?" Lizzie asked, arms crossed.

"So, today, Tommy said that I'm in charge." I announced, matter-of-fact.

I could hear you snickering behind me, but you quickly hid it with a cough. I squeezed your waist, hoping you'd get the message and stay silent.

"Sorry, you're in charge?" Polly asked unbelievingly.

"Yeah. That's what he said." I reiterated, feeling warmth in my chest.

He actually trusted me with this.

Polly unplugged her phone and marched it over to Linda, "All right, sweetheart."

She then strutted over to stand in front of me.

"Ladies, let's give our boss a first day that he'll never forget." Polly said, adjusting my tie and grinning, peeking around me to wink at you, making you giggle.

I rolled my eyes and guided you to stand next to me, "This is (Y/N) Gold, my soon to be wife."

"Charmed," Linda said, turning back to her desk and fixing things up.

"Polly Gray, and that's Linda," Polly said, extending a hand for you to shake.

You nodded in acknowledgment, "Birdie Boswell's daughter, I've heard the tales. You'll have to forgive me, I don't do touching."

Polly retracted her hand, unfazed, "Aberama did mention that."

I dropped my hand from your waist at that comment. No one mentioned it to me.

"Lizzie Stark," Lizzie said, waving with a small, polite grin.

"Pleased to meet you all," You said, then smiled a sickeningly sweet smile, "I especially enjoyed Linda's warm welcome."

"I'll give you a tour of the place," I said hurriedly, wanting to move you before you got more snippy and an argument started.

"Come on, Finn, let us get to know her!" Lizzie protested, leaning against Linda's desk.

"You can do it at the wedding," I pointed out, making Poll roll her eyes.

"Yeah, you'll be too busy wanting to jump each other's bones for us to talk to her then." Poll replied, chuckling as she lit up a cigarette.

"I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole," You protested stiffly, screwing up your face.

"It's a natural thing to do, don't be scared," Linda said, turning in her seat to face us, a shitstirring grin on her holier than thou face.

"I'm not scared, I know what it's like," You snapped, sending my eyebrows up in shock, "And I'm fairly sure someone as high standing as Finn Shelby would know the pleasures of a woman, right, Shelby?"

You looked up at me, and my face went red.

"I, uh—" I stumbled over my words, feeling stupid under everyone's gaze.

"He's not been with a girl!" Poll crowed, clapping her hands, "Oh, little Finn's a virgin! (Y/N), dear, you're going to have to show him the ropes!"

It was at this comment that I turned around, ready to go to Tommy's office, not caring if you were following me or not. It seemed like today you were going to bond with the girls more than me.

"If you're that upset about it Finn I'm sure (Y/N) wouldn't mind spending some alone time with you before the wedding," I heard Linda tease, making the other girls giggle.

That was the last sound I heard before I shut the door behind me. So much for Tommy's orders for us to bond.

§§§

Lolll I love Polly stirring people up so much

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 5