Hey Y'all X Long Time No See Or Long Time No Read I Guess 💀 I've Literally Been Working On Chapter

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 13

PUBLISHED: 27/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Fuck!" I hissed.

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

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

Fuck me.

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

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

Unbelievable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her kids started whispering to each other.

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

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

I grinned, "Thank you!"

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

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 14

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 20

PUBLISHED: 11/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You woke up in the comfort of your vardo, looking up at the star covered roof, and hissed, feeling your head pound. You were grateful Finn slept in your bed, because it made you cover all of the windows for his comfort.

You had stayed the night at your family's camp, not wanting to stay around the family that made Finn believe that his brother was dead, not for longer than you needed.

It was unnecessary and cruel to him, and to you. You actually took a liking to Arthur, and that's saying something. You didn't like very many people, but Arthur, with his crude jokes and claps on the shoulder and always making someone move out of their seat so you, the wife of his kid brother, could sit down, had weaselled his way into your heart.

You'd have to admit that you also admired him for stepping up, and becoming a father figure to the younger Shelby siblings after their actual father had left them.

To your surprise, Finn begged to come with you, even after you asked him to stay so he could be with Arthur when Arthur woke up. Finn said that he'd just wake up early and take the car back to Tommy's. You ended up giving in, and letting him come, telling him you'd both take your wagon back to Tommy's in the morning, as Tommy had agreed to let your family camp there, as long as there was no conflict between yours and the Lee family.

You sat up and fumbled around for the canteen you had filled with water last night, finding it just above the cat and dog. Tuck and Finn Junior had gotten along well, which was another thing you were grateful for. You had a lot to be grateful for these days.

You uncapped the canteen, putting it to your lips and taking big gulps of the water inside, then closing it and laying back down, not feeling up to moving yet.

Finn shifted beside you and groaned, bringing a hand up to massage his temples. You wordlessly handed him the canteen, and he leaned up, then took a drink like you had just done, but managed to spill some, the drops rolling down his chest.

If you had looked a little longer than necessary at the droplets and the trails that they left along his sharp jawline and broad chest, maybe Finn was too hungover to notice. Or maybe he didn't care.

A knock in a particular pattern sounded upon the door of the vardo. You recognised the knock as Saoirse's. You looked at Finn, raising your eyebrows, and he nodded.

"Come in," You called out, and the door creaked open.

Footsteps padded along the floor, then the curtain separating your bed from the rest of the caravan was pulled back. Finn helped your little sister clamber up and over him, to go snuggle into your side. You jolted as her cold feet touched your legs.

"Hungry," She said simply, and you sat up, grabbing the biscuits that you stored in a blue tin on a shelf above your window, and sat them next to her.

"I don't want to eat your biscuits," Saoirse whined — she knew you loved them.

"I love you, I want you to eat well. Have these while I go cook," You commanded your sister, rubbing her messy hair.

"Is that why you cook for us all sometimes? Cause you love us?" Saoirse asked as she attempted to pry the lid off of the biscuits.

Finn wordlessly leaned over and did it for her.

"Yes," You replied truthfully, then prodded Saoirse's side.

"Thank you, Finn." Saoirse said, then bit into a biscuit as she sat up.

"It's alright," Finn replied, leaning out of the curtain and  scrabbling around, then produced a throw blanket, wrapping it around Saoirse.

"We gonna warm up the stew from last night?" Finn asked you, knowing it would still be out on the fire in the big cast iron camp oven.

"Yes — I'll grab the ferrets, there's rabbit holes around here, as you'd already know." You said, your lips turning up at the sides.

Finn groaned at the memory of him stepping in a hole last night, "It's not funny, I could've done my ankle!"

"Poor bitty baby," You pouted, then felt your own stomach grumble.

"You can take Daisy and Duke, they're under here," Saoirse offered, and you wiped the crumbs from the corners of her mouth, thanking her.

"I'll grab Daisy and Duke," Finn announced, sliding out of bed and standing up, waiting for a bit until he felt steady on his feet.

He loved those basset hounds. He pulled on his clothes, then his boots. You clambered out of bed, stretched, then put your own clothes on.

If Finn stared at you a bit too hard as you stretched, your nightgown clinging to your curves perfectly as you did so, maybe you were too hungover to notice. Or maybe you didn't care.

"You want to come with us or you want to stay here in the warm?" Finn asked your sister as you brushed your hair and pulled it back into a plait.

"Stay here in the warm." Saoirse decided, shooing Finn Junior away as the cat tried to eat a biscuit she was holding in her hand.

Finn handed her the water filled canteen and moved Tuck up next to her, where he promptly laid down and went back to sleep. You watched as he made your little sister comfortable, straightening up the blankets so she, and the dog, and the cat, was fully covered.

Even in the cold of your caravan, you felt a warmth spread through your chest as Finn asked your little sister if she needed anything more. After watching your sister shake her head, Finn pinched her toes through the blankets, making her squeal and roll around, messing up the perfect pile that Finn had just painstakingly crafted. You gasped, and, to your surprise, instead of getting mad, Finn just grinned down at her, chuckling as he pinned the curtains back.

You stood up and dusted yourself off, shaking your head to rid yourself of your last thought. Finn wasn't the type to get mad at little kids for being kids, you knew that. Kind. That's what he was. You were sure you'd never be able to say it to his face. You weren't very good with words.

"You're not to move from here while we're gone, until someone comes and gets you," You told your younger sister sternly as you and Finn exited your vardo.

She said something in reply, muffled by the biscuits, and you shut the door.

"Not allowed to move?" Finn asked as you headed over to Bonnie's vardo.

Bonnie owned the ferrets that you and your family hunted with, winning them in his very first scrap in a fairground.

"Dad used to scare us with stories of children stolen from fairgrounds because they left their caravans — children turned into pickpockets and whores. I still get scared, even when we're only camping with family." You admitted, and a shiver went up Finn's spine as you knocked on the door of your brother's vardo.

He had been told the stories too, by Aunt Poll and Uncle Charlie, then Arthur, to stay away from certain streets as the sun went down, because that's where kids from Watery Lane went missing. Maybe you two weren't as different as he thought.

•••

Saoirse danced happily around the fire as you finished skinning the last rabbit you had caught. Finn had ended up going back to get Saoirse as you two were the only two adults awake.

"Can you go and light the fires under the tubs?" You asked your husband, lighting the fire under the stew then starting another to cook the rabbits on.

Finn shifted his weight from foot to foot, "I forgot my lighter."

"Just use sticks," Saoirse supplied, now picking a bur out of Finn Junior's fur.

"I don't know how," Finn admitted, cheeks red.

You looked up at him, then stood up, telling your sister to watch the stew and the rabbits and warning her to not play in the fire or you would stew her dogs next.

"Cruel," Finn mused as you led him to the washtubs.

"It works," You muttered, then knelt down, a pile of kindling already under each of the two tubs.

Finn had fetched the water whilst you had skinned the rabbits, thankfully. He also put the curtains up around the tubs, for privacy.

"I'll show you how to light a fire with sticks, come here," You mumbled, grabbing Finn's hand and leading him to sit down next to you.

You demonstrated it for him, then watched as he attempted to do it under another. He sighed when his stick broke, and you silently produced another from your pocket.

"Try again," You encouraged, and Finn could hear the motherly lilt to your voice.

He tried it again, and he did it. You quietly cheered and clapped for him, mindful of everyone still sleeping. According to your watch, gifted to you by Bonnie with the winnings from his very first professional boxing match, it was only seven am.

Saoirse must have woken up early. You wondered who she slept with, because Ezzie wasn't home, probably with Isiah, Bonnie stayed at Tommy's, bedding one of the maids, and your Father followed Polly Gray home. Maybe one of your extended family looked after her.

"Sersh, who did you sleep with?" You asked your sister after you and Finn had trotted back over to the fire.

Finn rotated the rabbits on the spit. You'd probably end up eating it for lunch, on the road.

"I slept with Daisy and Duke in Dad's vardo." Your sister answered, making you look at Finn, who looked surprised as you, then at your younger sister, "What?"

"No one else had any room for me and Oscar has the flu so I couldn't sleep with him and Aunt Molly!" Saoirse defended, and you exhaled through your nose, and nodded.

Usually, she slept with you in your vardo, not wanting to sleep in Aberama's vardo now that she was 'bigger', but you supposed that she wouldn't want to sleep next to Finn.

"We would've had room for you," You insisted, and Finn agreed, making Saoirse look at him in surprise.

"The next time I'm here and there's no other place to sleep except for (Y/N)'s caravan, you come tell us. I'll sleep on the couch, and you can sleep with your sister, yeah?" Finn explained, and Saoirse gave a quiet 'yeah' in reply, bouncing on her heels.

You felt the warm feeling in your chest again as Saoirse sat down next to Finn, talking to him and asking him about his life as a non-traveller.

Finn was pleased too, that he was getting through to your sister. The last thing he wanted was another child like him, scrabbling around for a place to sleep that they didn't really want to sleep in. Scrabbling around to sleep in places that wasn't with their family, where little children belonged. Yes, your extended family was still family, but it wasn't the same. Finn knew it from the bottom of his heart, and was confident that you did too.

•••

After travelling back to Tommy's house in your vardo, Finn, your sister, your dog, and your cat sat in the seat of your wagon with you, you had one of your moments, ignoring Finn once more. That's how he ended up at the house, sat at Arthur's feet, sucking on a bottle of whiskey, while you were with your family down at the river setting up camp.

"Lady troubles?" Arthur asked gruffly, nudging Finn with his boot.

He always did know Finn the best.

"Yeah," Finn mumbled as Polly went and sat herself back in the chair across from Arthur's, her tea now made.

"Tell old Arthur what's happening. Maybe I can help," Arthur offered, and Finn sighed, taking a big swig of his whiskey then wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"(Y/N)'s cross, but I don't know what for, because she doesn't tell me!" Finn complained, throwing the hand that wasn't wrapped around the neck of the whiskey bottle up in annoyance.

"Do you ask her what's wrong?" Arthur prodded, and Finn suddenly felt stupid.

"No — But she's fine one minute then funny the next!" Finn added, "I don't know why she does it, and she always pushes me away from her and I don't like it. We're never going to get on well if this keeps on happening, honest."

"Well, next time you should ask her if she's mad at you or not," Polly said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Does she get violent with you?"

"She doesn't throw anything at me, but she does throw things around." Finn answered — He was confident that you wouldn't actually hurt him, you weren't that ill-natured.

"Well stay with her, son, how are you going to get it across that you like her otherwise?" Arthur questioned, making Finn roll his eyes.

"I do stay with her, I'm with her most of the day!" Finn exclaimed, and it was Polly's turn to roll her eyes.

"That's not when it counts. A fool could do that. You're not a fool, you're a Shelby. You stay with her when she's cross until she feels better or until she tells you to get your freckled face away from her, are we clear?" Polly instructed the boy, who swallowed and nodded.

"Good lad," Arthur quipped, clapping Finn's shoulder.

Finn leant into Arthur's hand.

"You remember your wedding?" Polly prompted.

Finn grimaced. How couldn't he? Polly asked some fucking stupid questions sometimes.

"You remember how her mother cornered her in that bathroom, Finn? What if she did that day in and day out to that poor girl, telling her she's unlovable and that's why she pushes you away?" Polly asked, taking a sip of her tea.

Finn didn't question her know all tone. If Polly said it like that, it was a fact.

He then thought for a few moments. It did make sense. But you should know that you weren't unlovable. Everyone loved you. You were even starting to grow on Finn.

"She'll know that you're not like Marian. She knows it in her heart, just like I know that I'm not in the tunnels anymore. But, like I do, she might get funny sometimes." Arthur said knowingly, making Finn think and nod at the pair's words.

He wouldn't leave you next time. Leaving was a horrible act, one that he didn't want to do to you anymore.

He stood up, leaning on Arthur's leg as he did so, and pulled on his coat, making his way to the door with the intention of going to you and staying with you if you wished it.

§§§

You guysss I'm sorry for the long wait lol — I've been really really busy

Thank you all for the likes on this series, for the new followers, and for the reviews that you guys give me!

Also I am once again begging for a beta reader lol if you're interested in becoming my beta reader for new chapters of Contrary please let me know!! I can send them to you via email (I have all of my work on a Google Doc), discord, screenshots through social media, whatever works lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 21

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 35

PUBLISHED: 07/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

Finn and I had already been to camp (after showering together, of course) to get breakfast and pick up Saoirse. Now we were in the living room, hanging up the paintings that Billy had given us for Christmas. He had given one to each of us, then one to all of us.

I had no doubt that Linda thought of the gift. She may have been a bitch, but she sure knew how to pick presents.

It was a good thing, too, because they made our walls look all the less bare. We didn't have many photos. Finn's parents weren't overly worried about taking photos of him, and we could rarely get near a camera to take photos of Saoirse, having to draw or paint her instead. In fact, the only photo Finn and I had together, as well as the only one all three of us had together, was ones from our wedding.

I frowned as I adjusted the painting on its hook and made sure it was level, then stepped back, going and curling up in my armchair.

"What's wrong, my love?" Finn asked from his spot on the floor next to Saoirse, practicing a song she taught him on the ukulele as she read a book.

"We don't have any family photos," I huffed, and Saoirse stopped reading to look at me.

Finn shrugged one shoulder, as if he couldn't care less, making me scowl. He cocked a brow and waved a hand, showing him to not worry about it.

"We should get some?" She suggested, although it sounded more like a question than a suggestion.

"We can book a photographer for our wedding anniversary," Finn added, eyes still on me as he studied me.

"I'd like that idea. But it's ages away though," I complained, throwing my arms up in annoyance as I shifted so I was dangling my legs over the side of the chair and my upper half was hanging over the other side of the armchair.

"It's in nine days, on the tenth," Finn pointed out as I listened to the fire crackle, and my eyes widened.

"Like fuck it is," I protested, rolling out of the chair, landing on my hands and knees with a 'thud' then standing up and marching over to the door leading to the hallway, making my way into the kitchen.

I headed towards the fridge, where we had a calendar hung up on it, and looked at the January page.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Oh, fuck, it is."

"Told you," Finn replied as he came into the kitchen, making me roll my eyes.

I kept on looking at the calendar as Finn pottered around.

"Your birthday is on the third?" I asked, turning to face my husband, "How come you never said anything about it."

He paused, mouth open as the arm holding the cookie he was going to bite stopping in its tracks, and shrugged, then bit half of the cookie clean off.

I gave him a deadpan look, clearly not impressed with his response, and grabbed the pen from the top of the fridge, then wrote in my birthday, placing the pen on top of the fridge once more.

"Well, when's yours then?" He questioned, mouth still full of cookie.

"On the fourth," I answered, and walked over to the island to grab my own cookie out of the jar.

He swallowed the food in his mouth, looking at me in bewilderment, "Of January?"

"Of January," I confirmed, and took a bite, humming at the taste of it.

They were homemade, I made them yesterday before we started partying.

Finn's eyes kept on flickering to my bracelet as he nibbled on his second biscuit, and I nudged him with my foot.

"What, Finn?" I sighed, feeling slightly frustrated, and he held a finger up as he continued chewing, then swallowed, and wiped his lower face with the back of his hand, ridding it of any crumbs.

He hesitated, putting his cookie down. He opened his mouth and closed it. I fought the urge to cross my arms impatiently, instead deciding to reach out and grab his hand, rubbing the back of it with my thumb. The action made his cheeks tint pink.

"Erm — I was looking at the rose charm," Finn admitted, leaning back against the island and hoisting himself up to sit on the bench.

I did the same, swinging my feet and waiting for him to continue.

"Well — I know from how all of the kids talk that Aberama and Rose never actually separated and that your father never actually got with Marian. And I'm confused about how you even ended up with Aberama." Finn said, the words tumbling out of his mouth and nearly running together at some points.

I nodded slowly, "How about a cup of tea?"

Finn immediately leaned over and switched the kettle on, as I wiggled around and made myself more comfortable, leaning back on my palms.

"So — where should I start?" I asked my husband, looking up at the roof so I wouldn't have to see him looking at me.

"At the start," He replied, barely giving me time to finish my own sentence.

I took a moment to think, before starting to speak.

"Rose and Aberama were on again off again, although everyone knew they belonged together. They had Esmeralda a good six years before me, then Bonnie followed three years after. In an off again stage, Dad met Marian at a fairground, and they got to know each other in the biblical sense. Eight months later, I came along, and with the help of some healers from the Gold family, I survived." I said, racking my brain for what Dad told me about my early years.

"Eight months?" Finn asked incredulously, eyes wide, "Is that why you're so short?"

I could feel my cheeks growing warmer.

"The healers said it was an effect of coming into the world too early!" I snapped, and Finn said a quick 'Sorry'.

"Anyway. I lived with Marian, and Dad would come and visit when he could, taking me on the road when Marian let him. Sometimes Marian even came with. Her and Rose got on well, as well as her and the older two, until they found out what she was really like, of course. He had eyes in the neighbourhood, other travellers that had settled down, so he knew how I was faring, somewhat. Uhhh — I never went to school. Marian didn't want to send me, instead I just ran amuck around the neighbourhood, playing hopscotch, making friends, eating apples from our neighbours' orchard — just having fun." I paused as the kettle stopped boiling.

Finn got up and started making us tea.

"Keep going," He requested as he grabbed the biscuits.

"Marian was forever nasty when I was a child, only nice when we had company. It got worse as I got older," I recounted, my hand absentmindedly going up and rubbing the small scar going through my eyebrow, "When Saoirse came along, after I turned eight, Dad and Rose came to visit us with her. That was probably the first time Dad, and the older two, actually ever saw firsthand how Marian treated me. Dad didn't take too kindly to it, and tried to take me off of Marian, but Marian had a lot of friends in high places, friends that wouldn't mind turning a blind eye to the way she treated me."

Finn grimaced as he brought my tea and biscuits over to me and sat it on the bench next to me, then taking the time to press a kiss to my forehead and hold it for a while, before moving to get his own tea and biscuits.

"Erm, it all came to a head when I turned nine. Dad, Rose, and the kids all came over for my birthday and it turned to shit. There was a lot of things thrown, words said, and tears. I don't like talking about it. No one does. Dad took me away that day, saying he'd shoot Marian if she tried to stop him, and I believed it. I visited her once again when I was thirteen, but other than that I had no contact with her, and didn't see her again until the wedding," I finished, and Finn took a long, slow, sip of his tea.

"It wasn't all bad," I added, "But you know how it is."

"We tend to focus on the bad parts," Finn said understandingly, nodding.

I gave him a small smile, and took a sip of my own tea.

"Erm — is Marian the reason you got funny over family photos?" Finn asked carefully, and I let a long breath out through my nostrils.

"She — she didn't have any photos of me, but she always had her and everyone else she knew up in the walls," I explained, and Finn frowned, leaning over and placing a hand on my knee, then squeezing it.

"Now, Mr. Shelby, what was your life like?" I inquired, and Finn chuckled, dipping his biscuit into his tea.

"Can we finish our tea first?" He asked, and I nodded, grabbing one of my own biscuits.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You and Finn decided to celebrate your birthdays together, on the fifth of January, with a lunch at your house, in the garden, with everyone bringing a dish of food.

It was a joyous occasion, with quite a few people in attendance. Esme and her brood even attended it, to your surprise.

If you could make a day happen again, the fifth of January, 1927, would be your first choice.

§§§

Short lil chapter because it's sorta kinda a filler lol it was meant to go in a different direction but it didn't go in that direction so eh

Also I'll give you guys from five days to a week to pick baby names from the list in the previous chapter (voting ending on the 14th of July at the latest lol)

Also — If some of you eagle eyed readers noticed that the first set of baby names were all variants of Finn's name, there's a reason for that.

If you go back to chapter nine, you'll see a scene where the reader says that she would never name her child 'Finn Junior' if she was naming them after Finn, instead using his first name as a middle name or using a variant of his name for the first name 🤭

Anyways — The rest of the chapters between now and when I plan to start writing about season 5 may all be shorter than usual, due to being fillers/not being overly important to the plot, just being more of Finn and the Reader's relationship lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 36

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 1

PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

MASTERLIST

READER’S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

I nearly shivered from his icy gaze.

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He shook his head. What Tommy says, goes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 2

ANGEL - SETH CLEARWATER X READER

PREVOUS Prologue

I

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Seth sat with the pack and the imprints after telling them about you — The little he knew anyways. He was still hung up on the fact that you would only be here for two months.

"Why don't you, I don't know, show up in the same places she is?" Embry suggested, throwing a baseball to Quil as they sat down, albeit carefully — Sam would kill them if they broke something.

Emily wouldn’t mind, but since she bought half of the stuff in the house Sam would break their fingers if they scratched even one thing.

"He's not a mind reader, Embry, God," Leah snarked, throwing an arm around her not so little brother's shoulders, pulling him slightly closer to her.

She smelled like home, so he nestled in a little closer, needing the comfort.

"But the little Cullen is, maybe Jake can ask them for some help," Embry shot back, and Seth looked elated, but then his face dropped.

"But I don't want her to think I'm a stalker or anything," Seth murmured defeatedly, and it was back to the drawing board.

The room went silent, Seth dragging the slightly good mood down with him.

"Adopt a dog," Quil suggested, and everyone looked at him.

"You said she has a dog — If you get one then you can take it for walks when she takes hers for walks. That's not that stalkerish. You have an excuse to be in the same place at the same time," Quil elaborated as he fumbled an extra hard throw from Embry, and Seth grinned so bright that it made everyone else crack a small smile.

"Quil, you're a genius! Now all I need to do is find a dog." Seth replied, his mind running wild as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts, wondering who to message.

Adopting dogs from the local shelter was really expensive, and he was saving for a new dirt bike. He only had $200 to go, and he really didn’t want to waste money on a new dog. Not when he could nearly taste the dirt bike.

"Rez dogs are having puppies all of the time man, but if you're that keen Miss Postoak is trying to get rid of her bitch since she can't afford her right now, she’s only a companion dog and the others are working dogs," Jared supplied before taking another bite of his blueberry muffin, courtesy of Emily, and Seth felt victorious as he clicked onto his Mom’s contact and called her, asking if he could get a dog for his birthday.

"You're picking up its’ crap, buying its’ dog food and leashes, and it is getting neutered, we have enough strays on the reservation as is, young man — and I'll help you set up the yard for it when you get it," She replied, then said 'love you' and hung up the phone.

Seth whooped, then calmed back down, looking around the room at his expectant friends.

"What the fuck do I need for a dog?"

Leah pinched her brother’s ear for his foul language, making everyone laugh.

•••

Thankfully, Old Quil owned many a dog in his lifetime, used for hunting, mainly, but most of them were now companions in their old age, the man hesitant to get another in case it outlived him. Young Quil helped Seth buy the needed supplies like leashes, a crate for inside, dishes for the food, a dog bed, and a vet appointment was set for Monday so the bitch that Seth adopted — named Missy, a Rottweiler Shar Pei cross (Rott Pei, Quil had helpfully given him the proper name for the breed of the mutt) could be checked up, seeing as she was due for one.

Seth and Quil now at the store, buying some dog food. The smell was still overwhelming, and mixed in with how all of the other store goers smelled it was nearly unbearable. He could even still smell the products they mopped the floors with. He put the last thing in the cart when he heard a familiar voice. You.

"Quil, shit man, that's her!" Seth whispered excitedly, then listened as you made your way through the aisles, talking about dog food for Cujo.

Quil watched his younger pack mate bounce on his heels as you approached, and tried not to laugh at how excited Seth was getting. The boy turned to face you as soon as you turned the corner, dragging your dad by his hand, a basket in your other hand.

"Oh! It's little Seth!" Alexander pointed out, making you look away from the tins of dog food on the shelf, and give him a friendly grin, dropping your dad’s hand in the process.

"Hello, hello," You greeted, and nodded towards his full trolley, "Stocking up for a vacation?"

Seth turned back at the groups of haphazardly stacked dry kibble bags and wet food cans, and numerous treat packets. Maybe he was going a tiny bit overboard.

"Uh, no," Seth admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a chuckle, "I'm getting my first dog and I think I got overexcited."

"Oh! Such a spoiled little puppy that will be! Maybe you and miss (Y/N) could take your dogs for walks sometimes! I think she gets sick of her old man slowing her down," Alexander offered, and nudged (Y/N)'s shoulder, "If you need help with the dog too, (Y/N) could teach you a few tricks. Should help her keep herself busy for the next two months."

Seth tried not to smile too hard as he agreed, but noticed that you looked less than pleased, but give him a tight lipped smile nonetheless.

"Dad, grab two dry bags of dog food," You commanded, and your father did your bidding as you somewhat aggressively threw some dog food cans into a basket, managing to dent one of them.

Your father suddenly looked less than pleased with your behaviour as you threw the last can and turned on your heel, shoulder checking him as you walked past him. Alexander looked back at the pair of boys and gave them a tight lipped smile and a small wave before leaving behind his daughter.

Seth cocked his head to the side, trying to drown out the rest of the store goers to listen to you. Quil immediately did the same.

“What in the Gods was that? Ridiculous behaviour for what?” Your father said gruffly, but not unkindly.

"Dadda, I don't want to go for walks with him!" Was the first thing Seth heard you say, which made his heart drop, but he kept on listening anyway.

"Nonsense, he seems nice! A friend wouldn't hurt," Your father tried to reason with you, but you huffed.

"If a friend wouldn't hurt we'd actually live in one place and not move around like nomads." You then let out a soft 'fuck!', most likely stubbing your toe on the stupid boxes near the mouth of aisle 2.

"Well, I'm sure this place is the place. Trust me, tiny child. If it isn't, I'll buy you your dream Dodge Challenger for a late birthday gift." Your father reasoned.

"Don't bullshit me," You snapped back, sounding like you were nearer to the doors.

"I'm not! Matte black Dodge Challenger with red under glow for your birthday, or we live here, I swear it on Cujo's life." Your father pleaded, and you sighed.

"Fine. I'll see if one of the workers knows how to get into contact with him. I'll try to find him on MySpace or Twitter or something." You relented, then the doors opened to the front of the store, and your scent was gone.

Your Father cheered and Quil put Seth into a headlock playfully, messing up his hair, making Seth laugh as he did so.

•••

You sat on your new bed, your dog Cujo, a black Cane Corso who was getting on in his years, shown by the grey fur on his muzzle, resting on the floor next to your bed, not being allowed on any furniture. Your father was doing research in his room.

You picked up a piece of mango and popped it into your mouth as you looked up the name of the place you were staying at on Facebook. You found the profile, and clicked into it, then went straight to followers. You couldn't find any followers with Seth's profile picture, so you went and looked up the name of the school, finding their profile and looking through the followings for Seth. No luck. Even searching his name up you discovered nothing. You stalked his school until you found his name on an old post where he had won an award for a spelling bee, also discovering his last name. Clearwater. Seth Clearwater.

You logged into your MySpace account, and looked for him, and surprisingly found him. His profile picture was a photo of him with a man, standing side by side, grinning.

You found it, and let held your arms up above your head in a victorious manner, looking around the room as if expecting someone to cheer for you, then focussing on your dog.

"See how fucking amazing I am, Cujo? The FBI needs to hire me as a detective," You said, then started scrolling through his profile.

Nothing overly fancy. Just some pictures of him, people you assumed to be his family, and some of nature around the area, alongside some photos of his adventures. You clicked the 'Add Friend' button, and decided to make a new friendship bracelet while you watched movies, heading off to your dad's room to go and ask him to start the bracelet for you.

•••

Seth was currently scrolling through Twitter at his desk as his Xbox 360 started up, Leah lounging on his bed playing Mario on his DS. Technically, he and Leah shared the Xbox, but he just kept it in his room as she didn’t really play it much these days, instead choosing to play his DS. He didn’t mind. Just as long as she stayed in his room so he knew it was safe. Missy was laying halfway under his bed, gnawing at a new chew toy Quil had picked out.

His phone beeped, and a new notification popped up. He walked over and slid onto the bed next to his sister. A new friend request. He looked, and his heart started speeding up as he looked at the profile.

“What?” Leah inquired, hearing the thrumming, looking over his shoulder.

“She added me on MySpace!” Seth told his sister excitedly, showing her the profile picture of you and a black dog, along with your Dad and a woman who looked a bit like you, and accepted your friend request, then started looking through your profile.

There were photos from all around the world. Australia, Sweden, Italy, France. Your father and you were the main focus of your photos, but your nature shots were a sight to behold. There were also some with people that weren’t your father, so maybe friends and relatives. The photos of the woman in your profile picture stopped around a year ago, he noted. Your newest photo was the Welcome to Forks sign, you and a huge black dog posing in front of it, the same one from your profile picture.

A message notification popped up. He opened it, and there was a message from you.

Y/N:

Hey

“Oh my goodness, she messaged me!” Seth nearly squealed, and Leah bit back a laugh at her little brother, knowing that laughing would probably result in him attacking her with a pillow covered in a Spider-Man case.

“Well don’t just ignore it, reply!” Leah urged, and Seth looked at his sister, eyes as wide as saucers.

“What do I say!” Seth panicked, and Leah rolled her eyes, grabbing the iPhone covered in a Spider-Man case and messaging her back.

Seth:

Hey

•••

You blinked at your laptop screen, your friendship bracelet forgotten. You didn’t expect him to reply so fast. You went down to the vending machine just outside of the office about ten minutes ago and he wasn’t there, instead there was a girl at the counter, talking on the phone as she painted her nails. Maybe his shift was over, and he was at home? You didn’t think on it much.

Your fingertips ghosted over the keys, then stopped, instead picking up your phone and logging into MySpace there.

“Dad?” You called out, and he ambled into your room, a sandwich with a bite taken out of it, jerking his head upwards slightly as he chewed.

“Seth messaged me and I don’t know how to reply,” You admitted, and your father chuckled as he came over and sat next to you, trying not to get any crumbs on the bed.

Cujo immediately came over and sat expectantly next to him on the floor, but your father shooed him away. Your baby walked over and laid in his crate, looking offended.

“What do you want to say?” He asked, pulling your phone into his hand, getting ready to type a message for you.

You leaned against his muscly arm, and shrugged. You weren’t very good at holding conversations.

“Why don’t you ask him about his new dog?” Your father suggested and you grinned victoriously, taking back the phone and sending him a message.

Y/N:

How’s things going with preparing for ur dog?

You hummed, feeling content, then sent the message. Seth started typing immediately.

Seth:

She’s good! We picked her up like an hour ago and she’s currently harassing my sister, lol

A photo came through of a dog that looked like a Rottweiler, but was wrinkly, and the tail curved upwards, sitting on the lap of a girl that looked a couple years older than you, playing a DS.

“Oh! Looks like a little Rott Pei! They’re stubborn little fucks,” Your father commented, still eating his sandwich, making you giggle.

Your aunty Lara had one, over in Italy. He tended to chew any shoes left outside, and didn’t like Cujo much.

Seth:

Her name is Missy :)

Y/N:

She’s so cute! Is she a Rott Pei? Dad says they’re stubborn lol

Seth:

Yeah, she is. I’m gonna try and take her for a walk tomorrow. She’s really good on lead, and well socialised. My sister Leah’s coming too, wanna come with?

Before you could type ‘no’, your father snatched your phone and sent a message.

Y/N:

That sounds good, when & where?

“Dad!” You hissed, picking up your stuffed Elmo doll from beside you and assaulting your father with it, making him drop his sandwich.

Cujo wasted no time in scrabbling over and eating it, making you laugh, but you quickly stopped as your phone beeped again, leaning over and grabbing it from your dad’s hand.

Seth:

Tomorrow, like 11am?

We can take out a picnic!

Me and Leah can come pick you up :)

You quickly positioned yourself so you could see Cujo in the background, your dad deciding to hop into the photo as well, holding up both of his thumbs and giving the biggest smile you’d ever seen.

Y/N:

Cujo & I are keen, so’s Dad apparently. See you then!

•••

Leah pinched her little brother’s cheek as he put the phone down, tittering at the way he blushed, the colour in his cheeks and ears becoming more noticeable with the red undertone of his blood rushing to them.

“My baby, all grown up! Going on a date with a girl-”

“-It’s not a date, Leah,” Seth said exasperatedly as he grabbed his phone and messaged Jacob, wanting to let him know first.

Seth:

(Y/N) and I are walking our dogs together tomorrow.

Jacob:

Good job bro :)

You should see if she wants to come to your birthday party tomorrow

Seth blinked. Tomorrow was his birthday. He’d be fifteen, and in two months he’d be starting tenth grade.

Seth:

I forgot about that haha

Are you and Ness coming?

Jacob

Wouldn’t miss it for the world man

I picked out a cool gift but Ness said hers is ‘practical’, or whatever

You know how she is

Seth laughed and sent back a thumbs up emoji, then leaned over and scritched Missy behind her ears, making her wag her tail contentedly. Today was a good day. Tomorrow was going to be even better.

•••

Alexander stood out on the porch of the cabin, facing the sea as he puffed on his Marlboro, the cigarette being his only source of light other than the moon, full and low over the sea.

A movement in the distance, over near some rocks, only just visible in the corner of his eye. His head snapped in the direction of it, his blue eyes nearly glowing in the dark.

Something was staring right back at him, its eyes shining green like a cat’s in the dark. A stare off ensued. Alexander moved ever so slightly, reaching for his crossbow, but the creature then spread its’ wings and took flight, the huge wing span nearly blocking out the moon as it ascended.

Alexander growled and put out his cigarette, dropping it into the metal trash can near his feet. He found what he was looking for. Now it was time to complete the rest of his mission.

•••

Mary Postoak stared at the moon through her kitchen window, opting to watch it as the sink filled up in front of her.

There was a flash of darkness in front of the moon, looking like a huge bird. She gasped, a hand going to her chest. It was bigger than any bird she saw, ever. And the last time she checked; birds didn’t have legs like humans.

A thud was heard in her backyard, and her dogs started barking, making her head for her back door, but a yelp cut her off. She instead turned on her heel, running towards her bedroom and grabbed her rifle, then ran through the hallway, throwing open the back door and loading the rifle.

She grabbed the flashlight from her deck table, and turned it on, shining it toward the scene, and gasped.

Something was hunkered over her dog, feeding from it. Upon hearing her, it looked up, blood covering its lower lip. It was hideous. Pale skin, and two enormous wings. It stood up at its full height, nearly ten feet, and stepped forward, making her drop her torch and point her rifle at it.

She fired it once, hitting it square in the chest. It growled, then lunged for the woman, attacking her before she could even scream.

§§§

Fun fact lol, Missy & Cujo are based on dogs I've owned. Again, not proofread so please kindly point out any mistakes!

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 12

PUBLISHED: 25/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes, like today, they treat me like John.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 13

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 14

PUBLISHED: 28/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

After explaining to Tommy and the lot how I escaped and got back to the den, I found out that Dad had killed two Italians, so there's only ten left, eleven if the one I scrapped with didn't bleed out. I asked if I could go home so I could get out of the filthy sundress, and Tommy agreed. Finn asked to drive the car, and I said yes, just wanting to go home, shower, and eat some food.

"Close your eyes," Finn commanded lightly as he started the Rolls Royce.

"Why?" I demanded as I put my coat back on, not in the mood for games.

"I've got a surprise," He said simply, making me roll my eyes but comply, shutting them and placing my hand over them.

I started humming as I felt the car lurch forward, driving off. A sharp pain shot through my stomach as it growled, making me groan. Maybe I should've taken my breakfast with me as one last stand against those people. They seem uptight enough to get upset over a missing plate.

"I'm hungry," I complained, then heard Finn sigh.

"I'll make you whatever you want after I show you the surprise," He promised, making me grin.

The Italians did make nice food, but not what I liked to eat. I wanted comfort food, and a lot of it.

"Pancakes?" I questioned hopefully, making him chuckle.

"Yes, pancakes." He agreed as he stopped the car, "I'll come around to your side and guide you, don't open your eyes until I say."

I nodded, and he opened his door, then shut it. I heard his shoes hitting the cobbled street as he came around the car, and opened my door.

"Want me to hold your head so you don't hit it on the car getting out?" Finn offered, and I gave a thumbs up.

Once I felt his hand on the top of my head, I got out, making sure to duck as I did so. Once I was standing up, he pulled me out of the way then shut my door.

He guided me across the street, I could feel the drop from the pavement to the road, then the small step up from the road to the pavement again.

He guided me a bit further, then stopped.

"Fuck," I heard him mutter frustratedly.

"What?" I asked softly, feeling confused.

"There's stairs. I didn't think about them," He admitted, making me frown.

"Do you want me to carry you up them, you make your own way up with my hand to steady you, or you open your eyes but look directly down at the stairs so you don't see anything else?" Finn questioned.

It must've been really important for him to not want me to look. Now I really wanted to look.

"Um, option three please," I replied, and he gave my back a pat.

I directed my head down towards the ground, and opened my eyes. I walked up the stairs, holding onto the railing next to me, and stopped once I reached the top of the stairs. Finn came up next to me, and I covered my eyes once more, reaching out to him so he could guide me.

He grabbed my hand, moving in closer and wrapping his arm around my waist and starting to walk once more. He stopped after twenty-one steps.

I heard keys jingling, then a door opening.

He pushed me forward, "Open your eyes."

I took my hand away from my eyes, and looked around the room. Finn Junior came bounding up to me from the couch.

"It's ours," Finn informed me, walking in and shutting the door behind him.

"It's bare," Was the first thing that came out of my mouth, making me frown.

I didn't mean for it to come out, I just blurted it.

"I know, I was waiting for you to come back," Finn confessed, the sentence making me feel warm inside.

At least he was considerate, sometimes.

He then led me to the bathroom, giving me a towel with my initials embroidered onto it. He left for a few seconds, then came back with a clean set of my clothes, handing them to me, then walking out of the bathroom.

I turned the shower on and stripped off, not caring if the water was cold as I hopped in. I would only be washing my body as I washed my hair this morning. I had to use some of Finn's body wash, mine not being brought over yet.

Once I washed the body wash off of me, I turned the shower off and dried myself, quickly getting dressed, throwing the bloodstained dress into the tub, ignoring it for the time being.

I walked out into the kitchen, and Finn had a stack of pancakes on a plate, placing them down on the table. He pulled his chair around so it was sat next to the empty one. I plopped myself down in the empty chair, and Finn Junior came and sat on my feet.

"They look nice," I said, grabbing one off of the stack and tearing a chunk off, popping it into my mouth.

"Saoirse told Arthur that they were one of your favourite foods, then the pair of 'em cornered me and forced me to learn how to make pancakes," He revealed, rubbing his arm, "She whacked me with a wooden spoon when I burned one and the bruise is still here."

I pouted, then ate another bit of pancake. I hummed in content, tapping my feet against the floor.

"I missed you," Finn said as he grabbed his own pancake, making me cock a brow.

"It's too quiet without you and your noise," He added, making me roll my eyes.

"I missed you too," I admitted uneasily, feeling awkward, "There was no one to start up on, and they all just left me alone, and Luca wouldn't read me the newspaper like you do."

Finn nodded, remaining silent and hard in thought as he chewed his pancake. He swallowed it, then muttered 'fuck it', leaning over and pulling me into a tight hug.

I gasped at the sudden contact, stiffening, then melting into his grip, hugging him back, feeling comfort in his embrace, a welcome change from the physical contact the Italian was giving me earlier. It was warm and grounding. It felt nice. He gave me a squeeze then let go, sitting back up in his seat, then grabbing another pancake. We ate in a comfortable silence, and once we were finished, Finn jumped up and washed the plate.

"We have two bedrooms, I gave you the one with the window. I packed some of your clothes and brought them here, but there's still some at the watery Lane house." Finn said, leading me down the small hallway, showing me my room beside the bathroom.

It contained a four poster queen sized bed, yellow doona cover and black pillows, to match the black canopy over my bed, as well as a vanity, chest of drawers, a black bedside table, and a wardrobe. In the middle of the room on the floor was a yellow rug, and in corner of the room was a bed for Finn Junior.

I headed across the hall to Finn's room, wanting to see what it was like. It had the same four poster bed, but with a blue blanket instead of a yellow one, a chest of drawers, wardrobe, black bedside table, writing desk, and a bed for Finn Junior in the corner, a blue rug on the floor. A handful of empty, small, blue glass bottles caught my eye on the bedside table, making me frown. I walked over there and counted. There was ten, too many for my liking. Too many for anyone in that short amount of time I was gone.

"Have you had all this snow while I was gone?" I questioned, turning around to face Finn.

He drew himself up straighter and nodded, "So? If you don't like snow I'm not going to stop it."

"I wasn't going to ask you to stop, bellend!" I snapped, "That's too much in too little time, it can kill you!"

"I had to stay awake somehow, no one else was worried about finding you like I was," Finn flung back, stepping closer so we were chest to chest.

"That's how you die, Finn, don't you ever ever do that ever again, if I catch you doing it again I'll throttle you with my bare hands myself," I threatened, jabbing him in the chest with my finger as I looked up at him, "I've seen too many people in the dark corners of fairgrounds have one line of snow too many and drop dead where they sat and I'll be damned if I let it happen to you. On race days, fun nights, and special occasions only, and only enough to get yourself out of the gate, are we clear?"

Finn's face softened as he nodded, "Clear."

"Are you addicted to it?" I asked him, making him shake his head, "Good. I'd get a divorce somehow if you were."

I heard the front door swing open, "Where's my Bee at?"

"Dad!" I squealed, pushing past Finn and running out to him.

Bonnie and him were stood in just inside the door. I ran into Dad's arms, hugging him tightly. Dad lifted me off my feet, making me squeal.

"Your brother said we could take her to our camp for the night." Bonnie said to Finn, pulling me into a hug after Dad put me down.

"Can I come?" Finn asked, surprising me.

Dad looked at me, and I nodded, making him grin and turn back to Finn, "Well, who am I to seperate a man and his wife?"

•••

Finn had been somewhat clingy, following me everywhere, just wanting to be in my general vicinity. I chalked it up to the snow and lack of sleep, and made him go to sleep in my vardo. He was snoring within minutes of putting his head on the pillow, even though the sun was shining through the windows. I made sure to cover all of the windows so the light wouldn't wake him, though.

Now I was in Bonnie's vardo, laid on the bed with him, his dog Tig, Tuck, Ezzie, and her dog Rosie. It was a tight fit, but we knew how to make it work because we had been doing this ever since Dad took me from Mum. The only difference between now and when we first started doing it was that one of us had to sit at the foot end of the bed so we could all be comfortable, dogs included.

I was currently laid down on my back at the foot end, my feet up on the wall, looking up at Bonnie and Ezzie.

I couldn't stop giggling at the pair's recount of how Bonnie and Isiah had a good-natured fight so Isiah could see if Bonnie was the real deal, which ended in Bonnie knocking poor Isiah out cold. Ezzie had to help Bonnie carry Isiah home and look after him until he woke up because she was scared he was hurt.

"I've got my first proper fight set up," Bonnie informed me as I hugged Tuck.

"Really?" I replied, moving to sit up properly, feeling excited, "Who with?"

"Tommy has an acquaintance named Alfie Solomons, big down in London, he put his nephew Goliath forward for me to fight. He's fucking huge," Bonnie said, making Ezzie nod.

"I saw him. He's like fucking Frankenstein's monster, honest!" Ezzie exclaimed, making me snort.

"Do you think you'll be able to take him?" I questioned seriously, and Bonnie grinned.

"I could move a mountain if I tried hard enough, Bee, don't you worry." He reassured, making me smile.

I heard someone call out for Bonnie, and Bonnie clambered over Ezzie's legs, hopping down, then grabbing Tig and putting him down on the ground.

"I'll be back," Bonnie promised, ruffling my hair then leaving.

Ezzie yawned, making me look at her as she scratched her neck. As her shirt collar moved down, I saw a purple bruise contrasting against the pale skin of her neck.

"Is that what I think it is!" I shrieked, pointing at her neck.

She quickly covered it, going red in the face, "No!"

"Oh, it is!" I crowed, clapping my hands, "Who did it?"

"None of your business!" She snapped, making me roll my eyes.

"I won't tell anyone if you tell me who did it, honest!" I begged, wanting to know who my sister had been bedding.

"Fine," She folded, "Isiah Jesus gave it to me. Don't you dare tell anyone!"

I started cackling, "The preacher's boy? Oh, Ezzie!"

Ezzie crossed her arms and turned away, but I could see the tips of her ears burning.

"I'm sorry," I told her honestly, "I was just teasing. He's a nice boy, he teaches me to read when his dad is busy."

"He's been teaching us to read too, that's where I met him," Ezzie said shyly, turning back to me, "He took me to the pictures the other night, when I stayed at Polly Gray's. That's when this happened."

I 'aww'ed, but felt envious that she could choose who she pursued. I was trapped, bound to Finn until one of us died. The thought suddenly made me feel sick, and I spat my chewing gum out into the bin sitting beside the bed.

"You alright?" Ezzie asked concernedly, crawling down to sit next to me.

"Just fine," I answered bitterly, then shook my head to chase the thoughts away, turning to her, "So, tell me everything about you and preacher boy."

§§§

Me, rereading The Book Thief: If I stop at this page then the ending doesn't exist and I can pretend that everyone is still alive and happy and that Rudy did get his kiss from Liesel and they lived happily ever after

Thank you all for your support!! I love it when you all leave little comments and feedback for me to read, it really makes my day :))

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 15

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

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 45

PUBLISHED: 22/07/2022

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur settled into the booth across from Finn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn nodded, taking in his brother's words.

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

Finn looked away from the pair in frustration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah," Arthur replied, sounding far away.

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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