PEAKY BLINDERS

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 22

PUBLISHED: 13/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1 MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

I sat across from my dad in the snug of the Garrison. He said that he had something important to tell me, but I wasn't sure what it was. I sipped on my glass of water, waiting for him to speak to me. It was too early in the day to drink, even though it was the weekend.

He looked at me, his brown eyes boring holes right through me. I shifted in my seat, feeling uncomfortable.

Dad reached for his mug of beer and took a drink, then placed it back down on the table, taking a deep breath in.

"I'm sorry," He said, "For putting you through this."

My jaw dropped. Maybe I should have gotten alcohol.

"What do you mean you're 'sorry?'" I demanded, jabbing a finger into the table as I looked at him.

He wouldn't be sorry. Not now, not ever. What's done was done.

"I am — Sorry. For making you get married. I was thinking about myself. I thought about the good of the family, and not what was good for you. I'm a terrible father." Dad admitted, and I narrowed my eyes at him, then raised my hand, swinging it at him.

However, my palm never made contact with his cheek because he grabbed my wrist, stopping me.

"You can't go and get physical whenever you're mad." Dad warned, and I swung my other hand, loving the sound it made at it connected with Dad's face.

"I don't forgive you, what's done is done, and I'm going home, to my husband." I gritted out, standing up and storming off.

I walked outside, and to my car, getting in it and starting it. I pulled a piece of gum out of my pocket and unwrapped it, throwing it into my mouth and chewing angrily as I sped off.

He may have been sorry, but he shouldn't have married me off in the first place.

I drove in an angry silence, bar the aggressive chewing of my poor gum. Once I reached Finn and I's apartment building, I shut off the car, and took a deep breath to calm myself, not wanting to blow up on Finn. I continued taking deep breaths, then got out and walked up to our apartment, where Finn was stood out on the balcony having a smoke, leaning against the railing with his feet crossed, watching the kids play out on the street.

"Not good," I answered Finn's question before he could get it out, heading inside.

He followed me, hot on my heels, as I headed for the kettle and put it on the boil, grabbing my mug, and his, and twelve biscuits, splitting them evenly onto each side of a plate. I spat my gum out into the bin.

Finn stepped up next to me and silently made the two cups of tea as I grabbed a chocolate from the basket on the bench and started eating it. I broke off a piece and held it out to Finn, silently offering it to him. He took it, grabbing the end of it with his teeth and pulling back, then tilting his head up and letting it drop into his mouth.

I chuckled as the kettle started whistling. He pulled it off the boil, then poured it into each of our cups, then poured the milk. I grabbed my own cup and the plate of biscuits, and we headed over and sat on the floor in front of the fire.

"What happened?" Finn asked, watching me as I dunked my biscuit into my tea.

"He said sorry — which I'm grateful for," I stopped to bring my now soggy biscuit out of my tea, and eat the soggy half, "But it doesn't fix anything. It doesn't turn back time and change anything, it doesn't unmarry us. And then he had the nerve to tell me to not get physical whenever I'm mad just because I went to slap him!"

Finn nodded, then took a sip of his own tea. "Um, (Y/N)?"

"Yeah?" I replied, pulling the soggy second half out of my tea then eating it.

"First up, unmarry isn't a word. Secondly — He's right. You can't just get physical any moment of any day. Yeah, he deserved it, and I reckon that you're in the right for slapping him, but you just can't act on it all the time. Being mad is fine, being physical with the people you love isn't." Finn said, making me scowl.

"I know that!" I snapped, taking a sip of my tea to calm myself down.

I closed my eyes and hummed in contentment after I swallowed it, feeling it warm me from the inside out.

"I don't mean slapping and being physical with other people — You do it with objects too, throwing them around, and I do it when I'm drunk but I'm not fond of it, I'm scared it might turn in to something else," Finn confessed, making me open my eyes and look at him.

"Why are you saying this?" I asked him carefully, eyeing him as he picked up one of the oval shaped biscuits and flipped it around in his hand.

"Well, what if we make it a rule? So we can stop it before it gets really bad. I'm not saying that it will, but it could. And what if we blow up in front of Tommy or the kids? That'll fuck us right over." Finn stated, dipping the biscuit into his own cup.

I watched as he moved it up and down, making sure it was soggy, but not enough to break, before pulling it out of the cup.

"That'll be a good rule, but what if we get proper cross and can't help it?" I questioned, grabbing two biscuits and dipping them.

"We should get away from the situation before we get that mad. Go on a walk or something," Finn supplied as I ate the soggy parts of the biscuits.

"What if it's Tommy or someone bigger than us and we can't just walk out?" I pointed out, making him frown.

"We can walk out, they can't keep us there. If you want me to, I can come and get you and say that you need to help me with something." Finn suggested, and I hummed in agreement as I dunked two biscuits again, "It's a hard skill to master but I reckon we'll be able to do it."

I moved them around in my tea, making sure to soak them, "I'll do the same for you. But how am I supposed to know when to get you out of there?"

"I'll — um, I don't know. Wave at you?" Finn decided, and I nodded.

He never did it any other time, so it would be an easy sign that he needed me.

"Shall I do the same?" I said, before dipping my final biscuit.

"Yes," Finn answered, standing up and grabbing the paper and pencil from the mantle, "That way it'll be easy. A universal signal. I'll write it down in our rules."

"Erm, can I write it?" I questioned, feeling slightly embarrassed to be asking a question like that.

Finn just grinned as he slid the sheet and pencil over to me.

"Number six. No throwing or kicking stuff around when cross. Number seven. When the other gives you the signal, you go to their aid." I said as I wrote them down.

Finn looked at the sheet, and nodded in approval, "Your writing's gotten a lot better. It's even clear upside down."

I felt pride bubble up in my chest.

"Thank you," I mumbled as I stood up and placed the sheet back on the mantle.

"Anytime," Finn said, grabbing his last biscuit and breaking it in half, then pouring some of his tea onto the plate and placing a half in it.

I watched as Finn Junior came over and started lapping up the tea. Finn hesitantly reached out and stroked the cat, who continued purring. Finn Junior leaned into Finn's touch, and I smiled.

Maybe my two boys would get along.

•••

I walked with Jenica and Ezzie down to the netball courts. The other day, Ezzie and I signed up and joined the team. Today, we'd have our first practice. I decided to join some club so I wouldn't be stuck at home bored all the time, just until Tommy found some position for me to work in. Even so, I'd still probably play netball, so I was active. I couldn't stand not doing anything. When I camped out, I was always doing something. Hunting, cooking, playing with the kids, walking my dog, doing chores, messing around with the animals, but in our apartment if I swept the floor one more time I'd go mad.

I convinced Ezzie to join with me because it would bring her into town more often so I, Jenica, and Isiah, could see her more often.

We played netball at our camps, because it was quite an easy game to set up, and the rules were sort of simple, but I wasn't the best at it, being a bit on the shorter side, especially compared to the other girls.

Finn didn't know that I joined the team yet. I wanted to make some friends of my own, friends that weren't Finn's friends. Finn's friends were alright, but I needed some of my own so I wasn't hanging off my husband all of the time.

"Ladies! This is Esmeralda and (Y/N)." Jenica said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I looked around, and the first thing I noticed was how big the range in ages was. There were girls that were as young as me to girls that were Ada's age. There was one woman who looked to be Polly's age, standing there and holding a whistle. I quickly counted. There were nine girls on the court, not including the woman holding the whistle, twelve girls if you included Jenica, Ezzie, and me.

"The Golds, our newest recruits. I'm Coach Lynnette, but you can call me Lynn," The woman with the whistle said, giving us a motherly smile, "There's a pile of dresses here. Go take a few into the change rooms over there and try them on, see which fits you best."

"Yes, Coach." I said, giving her a grin as I stepped forward and and grabbed a few of the blue dresses that looked my size.

I waited for Ezzie to do the same, and we walked to the change rooms together. I stepped into a stall, placing my rucksack down on the ground, getting out of my red dress, shoving it into my rucksack, along with my flats, and tried on the first blue dress there. It seemed to fit. I stepped out of the stall and moved my arms around. It fit just fine.

I grabbed my rucksack and got out my leggings, slipping them on under my dress, then putting on proper socks and a pair of canvas shoes that Jenica leant to me to practice in.

I pulled my water bottle out of my rucksack and waited for Ezzie. She soon emerged from her stall, her own rucksack over her shoulder. I picked up my rucksack and the other dresses, then we headed back out onto the court, where the other girls were warming up. I put my rucksack and water bottle down on the bench, next to Jenica's, and began to warm up next to Ezzie and Jenica.

"Girls! Fall in!" Coach Lynn commanded after a short while, and the other girls immediately stopped what they were doing and ran over to Coach, standing in a semicircle in front of her.

I stopped and went and stood at one end of the semicircle awkwardly.

Ezzie and Jenica went and stood at the other end. Traitors.

"Now, as you can see we have two new players. Esmeralda and (Y/N)," Coach Lynn began, bouncing the netball she held in her hands, then quickly threw it at me.

I caught it, making an 'oof ' sound as I did so, the ball managing to wind me. For an older lady, she was a lot stronger than she looked.

"Good catch," She praised, then looked back at the other girls, "Now, make them feel welcome. Introduce yourselves."

The one next to Ezzie spoke, "Hiya. I'm Florence, but you can call me Flo."

She looked nice enough. She also looked to be my age, her face still retaining the fullness of youth.

"Hilda." She looked Lizzie's age, and very motherly.

"Dorothy — Dottie for short." She was stunning, a bit older than me, and Ezzie.

"Elsie." She looked Ezzie's age, easily.

"Winnie." She looked older than Ezzie, but younger than Hilda.

Her skin stood out the most, white patches against her chestnut coloured skin.

"Ivy." Another angelic face, with a name easy enough to remember.

If I wasn't married to Finn I'd probably try my luck with some of these girls, honest.

"Emily." She was another who still had the childish roundness to her face.

Her voice sounded settled, though, so it was safe to say she was older than me.

"Sarah." She grinned at me, a shy one.

I returned it, making her smile wider. I reckon she'd be a good mate.

"Dinah." I looked at her, standing next to me, and her flawless brown skin and her brown curls up in a bun.

She looked my age, another good person to try and befriend.

"I'm Jenica, but of course you already knew that," Jenica said, making us chuckle.

"Now, girls, we'll start off with warmups, then move up from there. Grab a partner and a ball, practice your passes." Coach commanded, and I moved to go grab Jenica or Ezzie.

Ezzie paired off with Dottie, and Jenica paired off with Ivy.

I suddenly felt like a fish out of water.

"Hiya. Want to be my partner?" Florence — Flo — asked cheerfully as she strolled up to me.

"I'd like that," I replied, and we walked over to one side of the court.

"Are you Finn Shelby's wife?" She asked, and I nodded.

"Cool." She said, "Now, we're going to do a passing drill. You have the ball, and you have to pass it to me. I've got to keep my hands by my sides while you chest pass it to me. I can only move my hands once the ball is in the air and the pass is in progress."

I nodded, and passed the ball to her. She quickly caught it, making my eyes widen. Her reaction time was crazy fast.

I'd have a bit to learn.

•••

I sat with Jenica and Ezzie in my apartment, listening to Jenica pack her nail polish away, the glass bottles clinking against each other like the marbles Bonnie and I used to play with.

Violet was down in my room napping, thankfully. The girls went and grabbed Violet from the babysitters and had showers, and I made cupcakes and put them in the oven before I showered. They were done now, and I whipped cream up and made them butterfly cakes.

"So, you and Isiah, what's been happening?" I demanded, making Ezzie blush.

"Ooooh, yes, tell us!" Jenica added, coming to sit on the floor next to me.

I sat my freshly painted nails on my lap, trying to keep them free of smudges.

They were nearly dry, but I didn't want to risk anything.

"It's been going good. I ring him and he comes to see me and I go to see him and we go for walks or to dinner or to the pictures. I think I really like him," Ezzie confessed, making me 'aww'.

She had never said that about any boys before Isiah. She never blushed around about any boys before Isiah. She was utterly head over heels.

"He's cooking me dinner tonight. I'm having dinner with him and his father." Ezzie added, making my jaw drop.

"You two are that serious?" Jenica questioned, and Ezzie nodded.

"Fucking hell. You must love him a lot to settle down for him," I joked, making the girls laugh.

I was glad that Ezzie was feeling this way about someone. She deserved to be loved.

We heard a cry come from my room, and Jenica hopped up and rushed down there, coming back out with baby Violet on her hip.

"I'll take her home now, she might be hungry." Jenica muttered, and I nodded, standing up, Ezzie doing the same.

"I'll go to hers too, sister, see you later." Ezzie said, gathering her belongings, as well as Jenica and Violet's.

"See you. Call me and tell me how it goes," I demanded as they headed for the door.

"I will!" Ezzie promised, then held the door open for Jenica and Violet.

Jenica headed out first, then Ezzie, then Finn came inside, saying bye to the girls and shutting the door behind him.

"Nice nails," He said after he came and sat in the armchair in front of me.

"Thanks," I replied, then he spotted my rucksack and shoes next to the couch, as well as my netball dress and leggings on the clothes horse in front of the fire.

"What's that for?" He nodded towards them.

"I play netball now." I informed him, and he hummed in acknowledgment.

He leaned back in the chair and took off his cap, "When's your first game?"

"Saturday, two o'clock, at our courts, against a team from Camden town." I replied, moving to the kitchen and grabbing two cupcakes from the tray.

I bit and pulled the paper down on one with my teeth then bit into the cupcake as I walked back over and handed Finn the other.

"You spoil me," Finn commented, making me chuckle.

"I'll make sure to make your game." Finn promised, then took a bite of his own cupcake, "Holy fuck. Can I take some to work tomorrow? I want the lads to know that none of their girls can bake like you."

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, Finn, you can take some to work tomorrow."

§§§

Please note — I do not play netball outside of sports/PE lessons lol, I do know the basics and stuff but I don't play it enough to know *everything*

What do you guys think of the reader joining a netball team to make new friends? Yay or nay?

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@shelundeadxxxx

@bethabear12

@im-your-possession

NEXT PART

Part 23

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 44

PUBLISHED: 21/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

FINN'S POV

I answered the phone and Tommy immediately started speaking.

"They say they haven't even heard of us. So tell Aberama and Isiah to introduce themselves. And Finn, you stay out of it." He instructed, then hung the phone up.

I turned around in the booth and nodded to Isiah and Aberama, who immediately got into the car and got ready to go.

I thought about Tommy's orders, and quickly dismissed them, running out and jumping into the car with them. If he could go around wielding a gun, then so could I.

"Decided to step up in the family business, aye boy?" Aberama asked, smirking, making Isiah scoff and roll his eyes.

"Step down more like it," He muttered, making me frown.

He had his turn in the streets. He's still having his turn in the streets. Now it was time for me to have mine. We drive through the streets of London until we got to where we needed to be, somewhere in Limehouse. As soon as the car screeched to a stop, I opened the door and got out, my heart pumping.

I followed Isiah through the alleyways, pulling out my pistol as he approached a door and tried it. It didn't open, so he shoulder barged it, hitting the door with a grunt, but effectively opening it. I followed him through the building, turning to look over my shoulder at Aberama but finding him gone.

We turned a corner in a corridor, and I ended up in front of Isiah. I made my way down the corridor, pistol at the ready, looking in every doorway for a threat.

"Psst, Finn! This door," Isiah whispered, nodding to the white one with worn down paint in front of us.

I stood in front of it, opening it slightly, only to get stopped by a bullet coming through the door a bit above my head. I swiftly moved to the side of the door, jerking my head. Isiah followed my silent instruction and went and stood on the other side of the door frame, in the corner.

We waited for a few second, then I moved to open the door and enter the room. Another gunshot sounded, and I felt the bullet hit me in the arm, making me shout in surprise and slide down to the ground. I looked down, and my coat arm was already soaked through with blood. If I wasn't in so much pain I would've laughed. It was in the same spot that you put the temporary tattoo of a gun on when we first went to the fair together.

"Oh, fuck," I sighed breathily, looking up then over at Isiah.

(Y/N)'s going to kill me.

•••

Aberama helped me hobble through Ada's house, to the sitting room. I had lost a lot of blood, lots more than I thought I would. I huffed as I stumbled a long.

"Come on," Aberama muttered as we entered the sitting room.

"Couch. Couch!" Aberama told Isiah, who started clearing the cushions from it.

"Put something down for the blood. My sister will fucking kill me," I instructed Isiah, and he carelessly grabbed a throw blanket from an armchair next to the couch.

The blanket knocked a statue off of a table, making me wince.

"Be fucking careful! She spends thousands of pounds on this shit," I exclaimed, then Aberama helped me flop onto the blanket covered couch.

"Get me some booze," He commanded Isiah, peeling off my coat, making me yelp.

I started huffing, readying myself for what was to come as he ripped open my shirt sleeve. He squeezed my arm, making me scream.

"Just fucking get the thing out of me and sew me up. Just do it," I begged, and Isiah handed me a bottle of whatever.

I had a swig of it, wanting to be drunk enough that I wouldn't be able to properly feel what Aberama was about to do to me.

"Peaky boy, give me your blade," Aberama demanded, and Isiah removed his hat and grabbed the blade from the brim, giving it to Aberama who poured the booze on it, then handed the bottle back to me.

I took another swig and he grabbed it off of me.

"That's enough. Don't want you throwing up on your sister's furniture," He said, putting it on the coffee table behind him.

Isiah came and put his arm around me, holding me down. I chuckled nervously, bouncing on the spot in anticipation and patted his arm, silently reassuring him that I was fine.

"You know what you're doing?" Isiah asked Aberama, sounding a bit nervous.

"I've done this a dozen times. I once took a bullet from between two ribs, one inch from the heart. Mind you, it was a horse," He replied, chuckling, "And the horse did die."

I started chuckling, and so did Isiah. I reckon we wouldn't even have known what we were laughing for.

"Hold him. Hold him," Aberama commanded, and I clapped Isiah's arm twice, heaving as I waited for Aberama to make a move.

He sliced into my arm, making me scream. It was a white hot pain, which only got worse as he dug his fingers into the hole, then plucked the bullet out.

"Here you go," He said, showing us the bullet, "Just a little one."

Isiah patted my chest, hugging me a bit tighter, but not so tight as to hurt me. Aberama turned and dropped the bullet into a glass ashtray sat on the coffee table.

"What the fuck is going on?" A voice questioned angrily.

"Oh, fuck," I murmured, then turned my head to look at my sister, "Hello Ada."

"Get out. Both of you," She ordered, making me mumble another 'oh, fuck'.

"Ada? What's up?" I heard you question, then enter the room, our daughter on your hip and our sons trailing behind you.

"Daddy!" Finley cheered, toddling over to me, Isaac following close behind.

"Finn Theo Shelby!" You exclaimed, looking at my arm.

Isiah scooped up Finley before he had a chance to run over to me, then picked up Isaac, both of them waving bye to me.

"You're in for it now," Isiah snickered, making you snap your head in his direction.

"Don't for one second think that I'm not going to tell Polly and Ezzie how you've let Finn traipse around in the streets with a gun," You warned, making Isiah stop snickering, then gave me one last look and left the room, trailing after your father.

Your father gathered his coat and a towel before leaving the room, "Push this on the wound. Keep up the pressure."

"Get out," Ada snapped at him, snatching the towel out of his grip and skittering over to me.

"I'm so sorry, Ada. They broke a statue of some thin woman," I explained, hoping that she wouldn't growl at me.

"Fucking statues," She growled as she walked over and picked the ashtray up, looking at the bullet inside of it.

"What has Tommy told you?" She asked as she sat down next to me, looking me dead in the eye, "Shelbys stay out of the sporting stuff."

"What? To maintain your fucking reputation?" I threw back, earning a soft slap on the cheek.

"Oi!" She started, "You listen to me. We've got a chance. Tommy has given us that chance. He's got power, we've got money, and our past is left behind us."

"And you've got a precious young life, Finn you fucking idiot! What would (Y/N) do if Isiah and Aberama came home and told her that her husband was dead? That Finley, Isaac, and Rosalie wouldn't have a dad anymore?" She questioned, making me feel terribly guilty.

"Three inches to the left and that would've been gone," She informed me, pressing the towel down, making me groan in pain.

"You've got nothing to prove, Finn. You have got nothing to prove." She declared, and all I could do was nod, even if I didn't agree with her.

I had everything to prove, to everyone.

•••

I walked in the door, and immediately heard a call of 'Dadda!' I looked down, and the boys were toddling over, followed by Rosalie speedily crawling, squealing behind her dummy as she did so.

"Hey, Finn," Saoirse greeted from her spot on the couch, Daisy painting her nails a shimmery blue, and repeating the greeting.

I leaned down and picked up Rosalie with my good arm, going and sitting on the couch across from the girls, greeting them.

"Is it true you got shot?" Saoirse inquired, making Daisy perk up.

I helped the boys up onto the couch, then looked back over at them.

"Maybe," I replied, then winked, confirming that I had, making them giggle.

I helped Rosalie up into a stand as the boys made themselves comfortable, Finley babbling as he did so, Isaac quite content driving his toy car all over the couch.

"Don't make them think getting shot is alright," You snapped, and I turned my head to look at you as you came into the room, coming and sitting down next to me, pulling Isaac into your lap and giving him a kiss on the cheek, then leaning over and giving Finley a kiss, making him squeal.

"I'm not, am I, girls?" I questioned, then grunted as Rosalie's chubby hand found it's way up to my curls and pulled.

"No," The girls chorused as I reached up and tickled my daughter, making her squeal in delight, her dummy falling out of her mouth to reveal her two little teeth down the bottom.

"Girls, can you take the babies for a walk?" You asked abruptly, making the two eleven year olds look at each other, then at you.

"Come on, Finley, let's go get your gum boots!" Daisy cheered, leaning over and picking up my son.

He placed an open mouth kiss on her cheek, making her giggle. Isaac slipped down from your lap and followed them. Saoirse came and grabbed Rosalie off of me. I chuckled as Rosalie did her little open and close of the hand goodbye. Like how you never got a look in with the boys, I didn't even get a look in with Rosalie. The only thing of mine she had was my freckles.

You watched through the window as the girls headed down the garden path, and around the side of the house, heading for the orchard, the dogs and cat following them.

Once they were out of sight, you looked at me.

"Why the fuck did you follow Dad and Isiah to London? Finn, you've got direct fucking orders to stay in the legal stuff, we both do. That's why you run racecourses and I fuck around with jewellery, and we both do our bit in the company when needed," You stated, bringing your hands to rest in your lap and clasping them together tightly.

"I just wanted to see what it was like," I admitted, making you purse your lips but nod.

You knew how everyone treated me. How I felt about it.

You took a deep breath in, "Finn, fuck what they all think. You're doing fine. You don't need to prove yourself-"

"-But if I don't then I'll never step up in the company," I interjected, making your eyebrow twitch.

I had you proper cross with me now. You'd probably make me sleep on the couch. I hope the cat would sleep on my feet to keep me warm.

"Finn, you don't need to step up. We're fine where we are. We can take care of us, the kids, and the animals." You stated calmly, "They all take us seriously, they don't think we're stupid."

"They don't think you're stupid," I threw back in reply, then set my jaw.

Tommy and Arthur never took me seriously. The only one who ever did was John. They went to France, I stayed home. They built the company up, I didn't help. They moved away, I stayed in Small Heath. I was always getting left behind. The youngest. The weakest.

You reached over and grabbed my knee, stopping me from bouncing it. I didn't even realise I was doing it. Your eyes were full of worry.

"Finn, I love you, the kids love you, the animals love you. My family love you, and your family loves you. And that's why I worry about you. The only thing you need to prove right now is that you're sensible, and you won't do that running around the streets with a gun in hand," You advised, "If you keep on disobeying Tommy you won't get anywhere. You need to prove you're sensible so they know they can trust you. You need to prove you're sensible so you can stay safe."

I didn't miss the way your voice wobbled at the end. You looked to the side, blinking rapidly, withdrawing your hand from my knee. I grabbed it, and brought it up to my mouth, kissing it softly.

"Does it hurt?" You asked, looked back at me, then turning your gaze down to my bandage wrapped arm.

"Yeah, but it's fine. I didn't die," I joked, making you scoff and roll your eyes.

"Well you could've!" You snapped, and I squeezed your hand thrice, a silent reassurance that I was fine.

"I'll do better," I promised, making you nod and take a shaky breath.

I would. I'd try my best to. I wouldn't run around with a gun for a while now, having my first proper bullet hit me. The adrenaline rush when we were chasing the pimp was like no other, but I felt better when I was home with you and our family.

§§§

Hey you guys! Im back lol

Did you guys like this chapter? It was so hard to write from Finn's point of view, especially cause I haven't for SO LONG lmao

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

@jamieolivia27

CONTRARY TAGLIST

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

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

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 4

PUBLISHED: 16/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saoirse nodded rapidly, her hair bouncing up and down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linda opened the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So what?" Lizzie asked, arms crossed.

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

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

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

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

He actually trusted me with this.

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

She then strutted over to stand in front of me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

Lolll I love Polly stirring people up so much

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 5

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 18

PUBLISHED: 03/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

I woke up to the sound of someone retching. I shot up, and Finn was leaning over the bed, so I shuffled over to him and rubbed his back until he got it all out.

"Did you get any on the sheets?" I asked, and he shook his head, taking deep breaths.

"You stay here, I'll clean this and grab you some water," I told him, giving him a final pat on the back and walking off to the bathroom.

I grabbed our toothbrush cup from the bathroom and placed our toothbrushes on the sink, filled the cup up with water and took it back in to Finn.

He took the cup gratefully, cleaning his mouth and spitting it into the bin. I looked through the door and saw the sunlight filtering through my window.

I left our doors open so I could feel some breeze while sleeping. I had closed the curtains around Finn's bed before going to sleep, although I was sure he wouldn't wake up from the light.

"Want to go back to sleep for a bit?" I questioned softly, climbing back into bed with him.

"Yeah," He mumbled, eyes half closed as he snuggled into me.

I heard the phone ring, and cursed, clambering out of bed and walking down the hall.

I picked up the phone with an annoyed "Hello?"

"(Y/N). Arthur's body is going around town in a wagon. On today. Starts at ten o'clock; on the dot, go to Polly's and stand outside with her. Don't be late." Tommy instructed coldly, then hung up the phone.

I looked down at the phone in shock, setting the mouthpiece back down on the receiver and walking down the hall, looking through my clothes and finding a black dress. I set it on my bed and shut the door, not wanting the cat to put his fur all over it. I looked at the time. Seven o'clock. That gave us two and a half hours to get ready, allowing a half hour for travel, even though we wouldn't really need the full half hour to drive down to Watery Lane.

I lit the fire, and headed back down to Finn's room, and grabbed the bin. I cleaned it out in the bath, washing the contents down the drain, then disinfecting both the bath and the bin.

I then decided to have a quick shower, putting on my underclothes, as well as doing my routine of putting on cream and deodorant, then wrapping my robe around me before I wrapped my wet hair into a towel turban to keep it out of the way, and headed towards the phone, flipping through the phone book until I found the number for Charlie's Yard.

Finn had stayed with Charlie after everyone else moved away, so I was sure he would know what my husband liked eating most.

The operator patched me through, and to my surprise, Curly picked up with a 'Charlie Strong's Yard, Curly speaking, how may I help?'

"Hello? Curly, it's (Y/N)," I greeted, twirling the cord around my finger, "Erm, would you happen to know what Finn likes best for breakfast?"

"Oh, hello Miss (Y/N)! Yeah, Finn, he likes omelettes with bits of bacon, onion, tomato, and mushroom. He likes fried potato too." Curly replied cheerfully.

"Thank you Curly, you look after yourself today, alright?" I commanded lightly, shifting my weight from foot to foot.

"Yeah, I will," He responded, now somber, "I got to go get horse ready to take the wagon, bye."

"See you later," I said, then ended the call.

I walked over to the fridge, and found the bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes, but didn't find any onion in the wooden crate. I found potatoes, thankfully.

I huffed, and looked down at the cat, who was laid in front of the fire, purring contentedly. I grabbed his cat food and put it down in his bowl, and realised that I'd have to get an onion from somewhere.

"For fucks sake," I grumbled as I slipped on my slippers, and exited the apartment, heading next door and knocking.

The door was opened by an old lady, Miss Bird. Finn told me that she was a spinster who killed her sweetheart and took his money. I didn't disbelieve him, she looked downright evil. He also said that she hid a revolver in her shawls. That I fully believed, without hesitation. Evil old hag.

"What do you want?" She snapped, eyeing me up and down.

"I need to borrow an onion, I'll give you one of ours when we go shopping next, honest," I informed her, and she tried to close the door on me, but I stopped her, swinging it wide open and looking at her with narrowed eyes.

"Listen, you fucking middle-class cow, my husband wants an omelette with onion in it for breakfast, and he's going to get it, so let me take an onion; by order of the Peaky Blinders, before I kill you and feed that annoying bird of yours to my cat." I hissed, making her totter over to the kitchen and grab an onion, speeding back and giving it to me.

"Thank you for your service!" I said cheerfully, then went back to my own apartment.

I took my hair out of my towel turban and placed the towel back in the bathroom, then headed out to the kitchen and peeled the potatoes, sliced them then put them in a small frying pan. I got started with the omelette, chopping everything up, mixing it in with the eggs, then tipped it into the big frying pan. I heard Finn come padding up the hallway and reached over, switching the kettle on, listening to it boil.

Finn came up and stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and looking over my shoulder as I turned over the potato slices.

"Tommy said Arthur's funeral's on today at ten. If you go and grab your clothes I can iron them for you. I want us to be out of the house by nine-thirty, quarter to ten latest. We've got to go to Polly's and stand with her, Tommy's orders." I told the boy, and he hummed in acknowledgment.

I flipped the omelette successfully, and cheered.

"This for me?" Finn asked, his breath tickling my ear.

"Yeah. Want toast with it?" I asked, and he scrunched up his nose, shaking his head.

"I'll be full enough." He stated, and I nodded, putting the omelette on his plate, and placing it under the grill to keep warm, then cooking my own.

By the time I was done cooking my omelette, the potato slices were ready, and I plated everything up, made him and I our coffee and tea, then we sat at the table.

I looked up at the clock. Eight o'clock. That gave us an hour and a half to eat our breakfast, iron the clothes, for me to do my hair, and Finn to shower. The boy only took five minute showers, so we had plenty of time.

Finn tasted his coffee, and his eyebrows shot up.

"Is it not okay?" I asked as I cut my omelette up.

"It's fine — I didn't know you knew how I liked my coffee." He admitted, picking up a potato slice and popping it into his mouth.

"I've seen you make it enough times that I figured it out," I muttered, then started eating my own food.

We ate in a comfortable silence, listening to the crackling of the fire and the cat purring.

"I didn't think we had onion," Finn commented after he ate the last of his food, and I chuckled.

"We didn't. I bullied the bird for some." I admitted, making Finn laugh as I scooped up both of the plates, and took them to the sink.

"I'll grab my clothes and wash up the plates, you've already had a shower," Finn protested, getting up from his seat and heading over to the sink.

I walked to the end of the kitchen bench, and pushed on the planks softly, sending it swinging back towards me, revealing a small cupboard which held our washing machine, and a small shelf to sit detergent and other chemicals on. I grabbed the iron from on top of the machine, and the old, thick sheet we threw over the dining table so we could iron on it.

I grabbed the extension cord, throwing it over my arm, then shutting the cupboard. I laid the sheet out, placed the iron on it, filled it up with water, then plugged it into the extension, then plugged the extension in next to the kettle.

Finn brought his clothes out, and I lead the cat to my room, locking him in there after I grabbed my dress, just for the time I was ironing the clothes.

I ironed Finn's suit and coat first, then placed them on the hangers and walked them down to his room, then ironed my own dress and coat, getting dressed straight away, then packing away the iron, sheet, and extension cord.

I looked up at the clock. An hour left. I walked down the corridor and grabbed Finn's brush off of his dresser. I detangled my now dry hair, and pulled it down into a low bun. I headed into my own room, Finn Junior curled up and asleep on his bed, and grabbed a pair of good shoes out of the wardrobe, slipping them onto my stocking covered feet.

I looked up to see Finn exiting the bathroom, his towel sitting low on his waist as he entered his room, his curly hair still dripping wet.

I headed into the bathroom, and brushed my teeth. I saw Finn's toothbrush was still dry. I frowned. He'd be brushing his teeth before he left. I walked back into my room, putting my earrings on, and my ring. I shut my window, and locked it, then closed the curtains, sending the room into darkness. Finn exited his room, fully dressed and his hair done.

"You're brushing your teeth before you leave," I commanded the boy, stepping out into our hall.

"I don't have the energy to," Finn protested lightly as I fixed up his askew tie.

"Do you have the energy to stand?" I asked him, and he nodded, "Then that's all you need to do, I'll brush them for you."

We headed into the bathroom, and Finn sat on the edge of the tub, and I stood between his legs, brushing his teeth, making sure to get every spot.

"Done," I informed the boy, and he put a hand on my waist, leaned past me, and spat the contents in his mouth out into the sink.

I rinsed his toothbrush, and we headed out of our apartment, Finn locking the door behind us.

"You ready for today?" I asked as we walked along the balcony, then headed down the stairs.

"No. You gonna stay with me?" He replied, and I looked back at him as we headed towards his car.

"If I leave I'll drag you along with me," I echoed my words from last night, making him manage a smile.

•••

We stood side by side in the street as the caravan with Arthur inside rolled down the street, Curly and Charlie walking beside the horse pulling it. Finn interlaced his fingers with mine, and I gave his hand a squeeze, watching as people walked up and put flowers in the wagon.

I laid my head on Finn's arm, and suddenly felt guilty. I hadn't even thought about grabbing flowers this morning. I didn't even know where to get flowers around Artillery Square.

"Finn," I murmured after the wagon had passed us, catching his attention.

"What?" He mumbled, voice sounding croaky.

"Can we buy a box to put in our windowsill and grow flowers there? So we have stuff to put in the next wagon that rolls down the Lane?" I whispered, and he pulled me into his chest, hugging me tightly.

"Of course, we can buy the stuff after we leave here, and buy some flowers to burn with the wagon, yeah?" Finn replied gruffly as I put my arms around him, happy to stand in the street with him for as long as he needed.

§§§

I made a playlist on Spotify for this fic which is fun

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 19

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 29

PUBLISHED: 30/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My jaw dropped as I looked at him incredulously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I shoved Ezzie jokingly then threw down a four.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonnie and Ezzie nodded understandingly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 30

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

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@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 17

PUBLISHED: 02/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Finn?" I questioned, getting no answer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He leaned out of my reach and stormed off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

I live for clingy Finn

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 18

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 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

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!!