PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 8

PUBLISHED: 19/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

The ride to my family's camp was silent, and the air inside the car was heavy. I had Polly stop twice so I could get out because I felt nauseous enough that I was sure I was going to vomit. Thankfully, I didn't.

We arrived at my family's camp, and Polly shut off the car. We were the first of the wedding party to arrive, everyone else coming in other cars. Finn and Jeremiah were already here, and if everything was going to plan he would be walking down the aisle now, and everyone would be in the tent, waiting for the arrival of the bridal and groom party, then, finally, me. I could see the tent just a walk away, nice looking stones from the stream laid out to mark the aisle.

"Are you ready to do this?" Polly asked, looking at me in the rear view mirror.

"I don't have a choice," I snapped, feeling a lump form in my throat.

I closed my eyes took a deep breath to calm me down.

"I can object because you're sixteen; underage. Tommy won't do anything if I object." Polly stated, making me open my right eye to look at her.

I could be free of this. I could say yes and forget it all. I could choose who I wanted to marry, if I ever wanted to marry.

But, getting Polly to object would damage both the reputations of my family, and hers. I'd probably get kicked out of my family, and my family would go to war with the Shelbys. It wasn't worth it. Not now, not ever.

"I'll be fine," I said in what I hoped was a reassuring tone, "Finn and I, we'll — we'll figure something out."

Polly leaned over and grabbed both my hands, squeezing them tightly.

"You're such a brave girl," She declared, "And don't let anyone ever, ever tell you any different. And if they do, take their eyes, because very soon you're going to be a Shelby, and becoming a Shelby means that you're going to become a Peaky fuckin' Blinder."

I chuckled at her, then she let my hands go, and we exited the car. I grabbed my bridal bouquet from the seat, then shut the door.

Ezzie rounded everyone up with the help of Isiah. I leaned back against the car and watched, feeling sick to my stomach. Usually this would be a sight of joy, and I'd happily play a part in the bridal party, but now that it was my own, the bridal party that was meant to give me the most joy whilst I was watching them, I just felt misery. It was unfair and unjust to be put in this position.

Tommy walked over to me, Dad hot on his heels. He stood on my left, leaning against the car, and Dad took the spot on my right.

"You're having a honeymoon after your wedding. You and Finn will have no work for the next seven days." Tommy stated.

I watched him as he pulled his cigarette case from his pocket, opening it, and put one in his mouth. Unbelievable.

"Don't you dare light that fucking smoke next to me, I'm not walking down the aisle smelling like smoke!" I hissed, snatching it out of his mouth, which made his eyebrows shoot up.

"(Y/N)!" Dad warned as Tommy plucked the smoke out of my hands and put it back into the case, and returned it to his pocket.

"She's alright," Tommy said, nodding at Dad, "Did Polly talk to you?"

I looked up at him, his expression unreadable and his steely blue gaze burning a hole through me.

"I did — I said no," I sniffed, making Tommy nod with approval.

"And whatever you do, don't fucking bite my brother when you kiss him," Tommy warned, making me blanch.

I had completely forgotten that I had to kiss Finn. Ezzie called out to Tommy, and he wordlessly walked off, leaving me and Dad alone.

"I hate you," I spat quietly, looking at the ground to avoid looking at the man next to me.

"No you don't," He replied, pulling me into a side hug.

"I hate that you're right," I sniffled, hugging him tightly.

I loved my Dad too much to be mad at him for this. He held me for a bit, then pulled away.

"It's time," He informed me, making my mouth go dry and my heart drop.

He linked his arm with mine, and we began the walk to the tent. Saoirse walked in, spreading the flower petals around. Dad waited five seconds, then lead me in. I looked straight ahead, not bothering about the guests. I had no idea why anyone would want to come and watch this forced union anyway. Finn was the first one who caught my eye, he looked paler than usual.

I tried to focus on the feeling of the flower petals underneath my bare feet, and not the fact that I was mere minutes away from being forced into a loveless marriage.

Too soon, we were right in front of Finn, and Dad shook Finn's hand as I handed Ezzie my bouquet, then placed my hands into Finn's. I looked at him, and he gave me a reassuring smile as Jeremiah started talking. I squeezed his hands as a return gesture.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join (Y/N) Gold and Finn Shelby in holy matrimony." Jeremiah began, "This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realisation of its obligations and responsibilities. With that being said, the groom and bride shall partake in the exchanging of vows."

Jeremiah looked at Finn, "Finn Shelby, do you promise to cherish (Y/N) always, to honour and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to her in all things until death alone shall part you?"

"I do," Finn stated, looking me in the eyes.

I never realised just how blue his eyes were. They looked like the open ocean.

Jeremiah then looked at me, "(Y/N) Gold, do you promise to cherish Finn always, to honour and sustain him, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to him in all things until death alone shall part you?"

"I do," I stated, my voice faltering.

Finn started rubbing the back of my hands with his thumbs.

"Finn and (Y/N) will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are made out of precious metals, but they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to support each other without end," Jeremiah announced, and Isiah handed him the pillow with the rings on it, "Finn, please place the ring on (Y/N)'s left hand and repeat after me."

I watched Finn grab the ring, and my eyes went wide.

You could probably buy Birmingham twice with a stone that size. He gently slipped it onto my ring finger, the cold metal feeling foreign and heavy.

"As a sign of my love," Jeremiah began.

"As a sign of my love," Finn repeated.

"That I have chosen you,"

"That I have chosen you,"

"Above all else"

"Above all else"

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." Finn concluded.

"And (Y/N), please place the ring on Finn's left hand and repeat after me."

I plucked the plain gold band from the cushion, and noticed that it had an inscription on the inside — FINN + (Y/N), forever and always

In any other situation, it would be a wonderful promise of love, but right now it sounded like a death sentence.

"As a sign of my love," Jeremiah said once I placed the band on Finn's finger.

"As a sign of my love," I echoed.

"That I have chosen you,"

"That I have chosen you,"

"Above all else"

"Above all else"

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." I finished.

"And now by the power vested in me, it is my honour and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss." Jeremiah declared, making me gulp.

Finn cupped his hands around my face, gently rubbing a thumb across my cheek, and I placed mine on his chest, then leaned up onto the tips of my toes to reach his lips. He leaned down, and the space between our lips disappeared.

I heard everyone cheer, some people whistle, one kid gag, but all I could focus on was that the kiss felt wrong. There was no spark, no love shared. I quickly pulled away,

"It is with great honour that I present the newlyweds, Finn and (Y/N)!" Jeremiah spoke, "Please, join us all at the Birmingham Inn for lunch and further celebration."

Finn held my hand tightly as we walked back down the aisle, and exited the tent. We headed to his car. He opened the door for me, and I hopped in. He shut the door behind me, and walked around to the driver's seat, getting in and starting the car. He was gripping the steering wheel tight enough that his knuckles were white.

"It's done," I broke the silence, looking down at my ring, and the way it glinted in the light.

"That it is, and there's nothing we can do about it." Finn said solemnly as he began the drive back to town, "Do you want to go home to change or stay in your dress?"

"The dress is okay for me to move in, I'll be fine," I replied, looking out the window at the scenery.

"Can — Can you stay with me during the reception?" Finn asked, sounding painfully vulnerable.

"Of course," I agreed, not even having to think of it.

I didn't want to be married to him, but to make him go through this alone was low, even by my standards.

§§§

AHHHHH WEDDING'S DONE — Next chapter will be the reception hehe

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 9

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 20

PUBLISHED: 11/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn wordlessly leaned over and did it for her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

He always did know Finn the best.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn leant into Arthur's hand.

"You remember your wedding?" Polly prompted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 21

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 37

PUBLISHED: 14/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

"(Y/N), which frame do you want for this photo, this oval one or this rectangle one?" Finn asked, holding the two frames up, along with the photo he was talking about.

The photo was the one of Saoirse leaning on the couch.

"Mm, oval one," I decided, and he nodded.

I took the backing off of the heart shaped one in front of me and placed a photo of Finn, Saoirse, and I (and the animals) in it.

We were just finishing up putting photos in the frames now. These two would be the last two to go in the living room, one going to sit on the piano (the one of Saoirse) and the one I had was going to sit on the bookshelf.

I didn't like photos in bedrooms. I was funny like that. I got it off of an elderly woman that used to live next to me when I lived with Marian. She said that photos in bedrooms would see every sinful action happening, and as a child I completely believed it.

I secured the back onto the frame once more and picked it up, then stood up and walked over to the bookshelf, deciding the put it on the shelf that was eye level with me.

It sat between a deck of cards and a small clay statue Saoirse had made in an art lesson at school. It was meant to be an artistic rendering of a heart, but it was shaped more like a lopsided triangle.

My eyes drifted back to the cards again, and my heart stopped. Oh fuck, Finn and I forgot to give each other anniversary gifts. I had gotten Finn one on very short notice, but I didn't want to bring it up in case he forgot. It'd be shit to make him feel bad about it.

"Erm, Finn?" I started as I turned back around, facing my husband who was now gathering all of the empty photo frames.

"Yeah?" He replied, stacking the frames into a pile.

"I just realised that we forgot to give each other gifts for our anniversary," I snorted, shifting from foot to foot.

"Oh, fuck," He muttered, standing up, photo frames forgotten, "I got you one but I got distracted with the breakfast and the photos."

He then headed upstairs. I headed into the mudroom, and fished around in my coat pocket, producing a deck of cards. The back of them were blank, and that's where I put my gift for him.

I went and sat on the landing of the stairs, waiting for my husband, bouncing my leg as I did so. I heard Finn coming back down the hallway, and looked up when I heard his feet hit the stairs to see him carrying an engraved wooden box.

He came and sat next to me, and handed me the box. I ran my fingers along the top of it, loving the feeling of the wood dipping and curving. It was an intricate design of a sunflower with vines and other things surrounding it. There were small divots in either side of the box, and it had three drawers in the front. I opened the top, and found that it was a jewellery box. Inside the lid were hooks to hang necklaces on, with pouches at the bottom so they could sit in there, and adjacent to it were boxes for rings and pairs of earrings. There were two small figurines holding hands on a little platform along the back of the box.

"You can lift the top bit out," Finn informed me, and I did so, revealing more compartments, these ones slightly bigger, probably for bracelets and bangles.

I put the top part back in then shut the lid, opening up the sides to find more hooks to hand stuff on. I opened the first drawer in the front, and it was another compartment drawer. The next one down had padding in it, to put rings in. The last one was just a drawer with no compartments.

"Oh, it's gorgeous Finn, thank you," I murmured, looking up at my husband.

I needed a jewellery box, having to use the drawer of my vanity to put everything in and just being too lazy to go to the shops and buy anything.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "It's alright."

He then reached out and touched the back of the box, and I heard something cranking. Once he stopped cranking and removed his hand, the figurines started rotating and the box played music. After a bit, I realised what song was playing.

"Is that one of the songs from the ballet we went and seen?" I questioned my husband, who nodded.

"Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," He confirmed, and I grinned.

"You're so romantic," I teased, and looked back at the figurines.

The girl was wearing a yellow dress, and the boy was wearing a peaky cap. I snorted.

"Are these meant to be us?" I asked jokingly, and watched as Finn blushed.

"Oh, it is!" I crowed, throwing my head back and clapping my hands, "Finn, you're such a romantic, it's adorable."

"Shut up," Finn mumbled, red in the face as he noticed the cards on the stairs above us.

"This mine?" He asked, reaching for them.

"Yeah," I replied, watching him as he grabbed the pack of cards and flipped them over in his hands, inspecting them.

"52 things I love about you," He read the packet, then opened it.

They were normal playing cards, but had blank backs. I wrote the '52 Things' on the backs. I watched as he looked through all of them, chuckling at some.

1. Your looks (I didn't marry you for anything else, Shelby)

2. You help me reach things on the top shelf

3. You're always there for Saoirse (as well as your own nieces and nephews)

4. You brush the cat when I don't feel like doing it

5. You help me think positive when I feel negative

6. You helped me build up my self confidence

7. Your laugh

8. Your cuddles

9. Your kisses

10. You're not afraid to be silly

11. You help make our house a home

12. You make a good pillow

13. You clean the hair clogs from drains so Saoirse and I don't have to

14. You treat our animals like human babies

15. You try to maintain good relationships with my family and friends

16. You use sound effects when telling a story

17. You always touch door jambs when you walk through doors

18. You run through the alphabet when alphabetising anything

19. You keep a photo of Saoirse and I tucked into your cap (yes, I've seen it, sentimental bastard)

20. You always flip things around in your hands

21. You're an early morning person like me

22. You like climbing things (like me)

23. You put up with Finn Junior when the pair of you didn't like each other

24. You got me Christmas and birthday presents from our pets and signed the cards 'To Mum, from your loving sons'

25. You put your family first

26. You attend Saoirse and I's many activities without any complaints

27. You spoil us

28. Your voice

29. Your sense of humour

30. Your ability to keep our inside jokes running

31. You are considerate

32. Your personality

33. You learned how to do hair just so you could do mine when I don't feel like it

34. You always catch my attention just as I'm about to walk out the door so you can get one last look at me

35. You're a good cook

36. You accept me for who I am

37. You offer to wash up because you know I don't like floaties in dishwater

38. You know how I take my tea

39. You always make sure there's biscuits in the cupboard

40. You always give Saoirse another sweet whenever you think I'm not looking

41. You trust me, and I know I can trust you

42. You got your ears pierced with me and Saoirse on New Years Eve (the gold cuffs look nice, by the way)

43. Your freckles (and the way you let me play connect the dots with them sometimes)

44. Your hand fits perfectly around mine

45. You laugh at your own jokes

46. You taught me how to skip stones

47. You won me Pip (I am still disappointed that you did not take the opportunity to name your bear Squeak so we matched names)

48. The first thing you do when you walk in the door is seek out Saoirse and I

49. You learned the languages of our people

50. You buy me yellow things and Saoirse blue things whenever you see fit

51. The way that you are unapologetically you

52. You said 'I do' on the 10th of January, 1926.

"It's not much because I forgot it was our anniversary until you reminded me the other day," I admitted, and watched as he gently ran his fingertips over the writing on the cards.

"They're amazing, (Y/N), honest. I love them, they're thoughtful as," Finn replied, his voice soft and eyes glistening.

I was happy to sit there in silence with him until he felt better, but Tuck decided to come in through the dog door and track mud behind him. He shook himself, sending mud flying everywhere, some even going as far to hit the couches around the rug.

"Oh — You could've used the mat, now I've got to bath you! You naughty, naughty boy!" I complained as I used the banister to help myself stand up, Finn sniggering behind me.

Tuck just flipped over, ready for belly rubs as I approached him.

"No," I told the dog, wagging my finger at him, making him whine as I walked past him and into the hallway.

I walked down to the bathroom and grabbed Tuck's tub from in the cupboard under the sink. It held his brushes, nail clippers, and shampoo in it. I sat it on the sink, ready for when the mud dried and I could brush it out, then give him a shower.

I headed back out to the living room, where Finn was towelling the wet mud off of Tuck with one of the towels from the mud room. Tuck was gnawing on a bone, looking quite content. Finn threw me another towel, and I wiped the mud off of the floor and couch with it, not wanting to grab the cleaning supplies from the basement. I'd wipe it down when I vacuumed and mopped next.

Finn threw his towel back into the mudroom, and I followed suit, Tuck running over and laying on the floor in front of the window as soon as he was free.

I 'awwed' at the sight. I knew he'd probably fall asleep in the sun. My big boy.

"I love you," Finn said as I moved and grabbed our gifts, wanting to put them up so the dogs didn't chew them.

"I love you too," I replied, then hummed as I headed over and put them on the bookshelf, not wanting to walk up the stairs just yet.

Finn pulled a smoke and his lighter out of his pocket, placing the smoke between his lips then lighting it. I screwed my nose up and opened the window.

"You never used to hate the smell that much," Finn complained, lit cigarette still dangling between his lips as he came and sat on the window seat.

It was true. The smell of cigarette smoke always stunk to me, but it had become proper rank to me as of late.

"Well it turns my stomach now, you remember this morning," I huffed, going and grabbing a book off of the bookshelf.

Finn nodded in agreement as he leaned out of the window and exhaled.

Finn lit up a smoke in the bedroom this morning while we were laid in bed, and it smelled so bad that I threw up.

"You know, Saoirse won't arrive for a bit, we've got the house to ourselves for a while," Finn said suggestively, making me snort.

"You should've thought about that before you lit up that smoke, you'll stink of it," I pointed out, making Finn quickly put the smoke out on the window frame.

"I can go have a shower so I don't stink, wanna join?" Finn asked, a smug grin on his face.

"You can go shower, I'll be here when you get out," I answered as I settled down across from him, opening up the book.

Finn groaned, leaning against the window dramatically.

"We can christen the couch in front of the fire," I said, not looking up from my book, knowing that if I looked at Finn I'd probably drag him over to the couch myself.

Finn whooped and headed upstairs, nearly tripping up them, making me snort and grin.

"I'm okay!" He called out back down the stairs.

I sighed and put my book down, knowing damn well I wouldn't get any reading done as I waited for my husband.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You packed the last of the dishes away, and wiped down the sinks. You had a picnic dinner in the garden, you and your little family (plus the animals). You found out that the smell of coffee turned your stomach as well.

The phone rang, and you hurried over it, picking it up with a "Hello?"

"Bee! It's Bonnie," Bonnie greeted, giggling as he sat on the floor next to the kitchen bench in his own apartment.

"Hello, Bonnie," You replied, rolling your eyes and feeling yourself smile at how happy your brother sounded, "What's got you so happy?"

"I met a boy and went on a date today," Bonnie replied lowly even though it was only you two in the phone.

"Oh, that's great! What's his name? And how was the date?" You asked as you jumped up onto your kitchen bench, knowing you might be on the phone for a while.

"His name is Oscar, and the date went grand. He bought me beer when we met up because he thought that I wouldn't like flowers, y'know, because flowers are too girl-like," Bonnie said, twirling the cord around his pointer finger. "He's really nice, I like him. I could've cried when he dropped me home."

"That's cute," You said, swinging your legs as you drummed your fingers against the countertop, your nails clicking as you did so.

"Shut up," Bonnie spoke, and you just knew that his entire face would be red, right to the tips of his ears.

"He's coming to my next fight, do you think he can sit next to you in the front row? I would've asked Ez but she's scary sometimes," Bonnie stated, and you 'awwed', resulting in him telling you to shut up again.

"He can sit next to me," You confirmed, wanting to meet the boy who managed to make your Bonnie so giggly.

"And don't be mean or tell him anything about me from when I was little, or I'll smother you with your pillow as you sleep," Bonnie threatened, and you agreed that you wouldn't, even though you knew that he wouldn't smother you.

Bonnie loved you too much to hurt you on purpose.

As you continued talking to your brother, watching the hand on the clock go round and round, you felt closer than ever to your brother, and you were glad. You felt yourself growing apart from your siblings after you moved in with Finn, but now, as you giggled with Bonnie over the way he and Oscar managed to get lost on their way to the place they were having dinner, you knew that you were overthinking.

You were fine, your siblings were fine, and you all couldn't grow apart if you tried.

§§§

Another filler chapter, I apologise if it doesn't flow as well as my chapters usually do

This chapter was surprisingly hard to write and I have no idea why lol I was stuck for agesss but I managed to finish it for you guys

Also: voting for the names has closed!

The baby names that got the most votes were 🥁🥁🥁

Finley & Isaac!!!

For those of you who wanted Elijah, I was always planning on making Elijah a middle name if it didn't get picked as a first name anyway lol

Hope you all are well :)))

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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NEXT PART

Part 38

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

@naiwillalwaysloveyou

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

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@jamieolivia27

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 9

PUBLISHED: 22/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

We arrived at the inn. Finn shut the car off, and took a deep breath.

"Do we have to stay for long?" I inquired, looking at him.

"If Tommy wants us to," Finn replied, making me scowl, "And we've got wedding photos before we eat, so you might want to wipe that ugly look off of your face."

"Shut up before I take off one of my garters and strangle you with it," I threatened, using the rear view mirror to make sure I looked halfway decent.

"How sadistic," Finn commented, making me roll my eyes and get out of the car.

"You'd love every minute of it," I snarked, then hissed at the feel of the street on my bare feet.

I should've went home and grabbed my boots. You wouldn't have even seen them due to my gown.

Finn got out, and we walked into the inn together. He put a hand on the small of my back as a staff member came over and guided us to the area that Tommy had rented out for the reception. Half of the room had tables that were lined with all sorts of food, and circular tables for us to sit at whilst eating. The other half of the room was cleared, most likely being our dance floor. The staff member lead us to a little room past that, where a camera and backdrop was set up.

"Linda's gonna take the photos, then Jeremiah's gonna help us sign the paperwork to make it official," Finn informed me, then the devil herself entered the room.

"Oh, don't you two look lovely," She said in what sounded like a mocking tone.

"Linda, shut the fuck up and don't antagonise my wife." Finn told her abruptly, which made me start sniggering then full on cackling.

She looked at us like Finn had just pulled out his revolver and shot her with it. She huffed, then stomped off, her heels muffled by the carpet floor.

"Right, where's the happy couple?" I heard a voice call out from behind us, making us turn around.

Arthur strutted over, and clapped Finn on the back, and nodded at me.

"Groomsmen first!" Ezzie called out, and Finn moved to go stand in front of the backdrop.

"Finn," I grabbed his arm.

He turned to me, and I quickly looked over him, making sure he was decent.

His tie was askew, so I adjusted it.

"There, now you're okay," I said, making him nod and walk off.

•••

FINN'S POV

I hated this. You and I had to sit at a table all by ourselves whilst we ate. I checked my pocket watch. Exactly half an hour ago we signed the papers to make it official. You were now (Y/N) Shelby. You argued with Tommy for about ten minutes over having to change your name, your brother had to come in and settle you down.

"Can't you eat something instead of pushing it around on your plate?" I scolded you, sick of watching you play around, "My people worked hard to get this food ready."

Johnny Dogs, Curly, and Uncle Charlie had led a team of people to cook for us. I had already finished my food, and was now waiting for you to eat something so you wouldn't be hungry all night.

You rolled your eyes, "I'm not hungry."

"Eat at least the pasta so you have some lining on your stomach for later on," I reasoned, being very familiar with the horrible feeling of drinking on an empty stomach.

You stabbed your fork into your pasta angrily, and ate it. I moved my chair closer to yours, grabbing my own knife and fork to cut up your pork, knowing the pasta alone wouldn't be enough to fill you up.

"I talked to Tommy when we were getting photos done, after we make our rounds we have to stay for at least half an hour, after that we can go home. Everyone will be too plastered to notice." I notified you, making you nod.

People were already up and milling about, drinking. Tommy got the band to start playing music about five minutes ago. You were taking too long for us to walk around to peoples' tables. You finished the pasta, and  put your fork down.

"Now some meat." I urged, making you scowl.

"Uncle Charlie went through the trouble of slaughtering a pig just for this, now give it a rest and finish the meat so we can hurry up and start doing our rounds," I said through gritted teeth.

You didn't move to pick up your fork, so I stabbed my own into the pork and manoeuvred it to your mouth, holding my other hand under the food in case the gravy dripped.

"Tommy and Aberama are watching us, come on," I grunted, making you lean forward and bite the pork.

"Now was that so hard?" I asked, stabbing another piece of meat and eating it myself.

"I'll eat at home, can't we just do our rounds now?" You pleaded.

I let out a deep breath through my nose, but got out of my chair, and pulled out yours.

"Let's go thank Charlie and the boys for cooking before we make any rounds." I said as you stood up and took my arm.

I spotted the men we were looking for in a corner. I led you over to them, grabbing a flute of champagne on the way. Charlie spotted us first, and said something which made Curly and Johnny Dogs spin around.

"Here he is; the man, the myth, the legend." Johnny greeted with a grin, then looked at you and frowned.

"Behave!" Charlie hissed as Curly greeted us.

I introduced you to the three men, and you made polite conversation with Charlie and Curly, Johnny flat out ignoring you.

I'd have to speak to Tommy about it.

"We've got to go make our rounds and see everyone else, thank you for cooking," I said as I started leading you away from the trio.

You and I were already having a shit day, you definitely didn't need Johnny Dogs being a cunt on top of it all.

"I'm finding Ezzie and heading to the bathroom," You muttered, handing me your flute of champagne and walking off.

I headed over to Arthur, and listened mindlessly to the conversation between him, Aunt Polly, and Ada, sipping my drink every now and again.

After a bit, Tommy came over.

"Finn, where's your wife?" He asked shortly, making me shrug.

"She's with her sister," I answered, and Tommy shook his head impatiently.

"Look over there, boy." Tommy instructed, gesturing in a certain direction.

I complied, and your sister was there, but you were nowhere to be seen.

I scanned the room, "Maybe she's in the bathroom still."

"Go find her," Tommy commanded, and I placed my now empty champagne flute and your still full one on the table next to us.

"Aunt Poll, can you come for a walk?" I asked, making her nod and give her alcohol to Ada.

I figured that if you were crying Polly could comfort you. I wasn't the best with crying people.

"I'll come too," Arthur announced, downing the rest of his drink.

We walked hurriedly to the nearest bathroom. Through the closed door, we could hear a woman yelling at someone. I furrowed my brows and put my ear up to the door, Polly doing the same. Arthur pushed me down so he had room to put his ear to the door.

"I don't know why they brought you here, because now you're tangled up in their fucking business! You're untrustworthy and you're too angry to do anything right!" The woman shouted, then a sharp thwack sounded through the air, indicating that someone had been slapped.

"And you've got yourself mixed up with a man! How stupid can you be, you're going to end up fucking pregnant at sixteen. I pity the poor chap because you're ugly and unloveable, and that's why I never ever told anyone new that you were my daughter." The woman hissed.

"Poor bird," Polly murmured as I began to stand back up.

The next thing we heard was a barely audible 'I'm sorry mummy', and I felt my heart drop.

"Oh God, that's my bird," I panicked, trying the door handle but finding it locked.

"Move, boy," Polly snapped, pulling a revolver from her handbag and shooting handle off of the door.

I pushed the door open, and you were knelt on the floor, your face in your hands, blood seeping through your fingers. Your shoulders were shuddering as you sobbed and spoke in unintelligible Shelta.

"Marian Jones," Polly hissed, as if the very words tasted sour on her tongue, "How dare you show your face here again."

You looked up, and I could see that one cheek was redder than the other, and that your lip was busted. Blood was pouring from your nose. You didn't waste any time getting up from the floor and running to me. You body collided with mine, and I let out an 'oof' as I put my arms around you.

"Arty, go get Tommy and Aberama," I said, and I heard Arthur turn on his heel and start jogging.

You were holding onto me for dear life. I could feel your tears wetting my shirt.

"You've got some fucking nerve coming here and starting on my wife," I seethed, "You're lucky that I don't take your eyes out here and now."

Marian scoffed, rolling her eyes. She looked drunk.

"If it were up to me, I'd take out your tongue and your eyes so you could never have the honour of speaking or seeing to this poor girl ever again." Polly spat as Aberama, Bonnie, and Tommy approached us.

"Your lovely ex flame came to visit," Polly commented dryly as I rubbed your back.

"I'll take her home," I announced, making Bonnie nod as Aberama walked in and grabbed Marian roughly.

I took off my suit coat and wrapped it around you, leading you to my car. I put you into the passengers seat, then slid over the hood with ease and hopped into the drivers seat, starting the car and beginning the short drive back to Watery Lane. You were reduced to sniffles.

•••

You and I had been laying in your bed for a bit, still in our wedding clothes. You were curled up at my side, head on my shoulder. Every time I tried to move you’d whine. I hated you clinging to me like this. You weren’t supposed to be like this, ever. You were meant to be fire and passion and witty remarks that made me wish I had come up with them. Not the pitiful girl that laid beside me now, eating her cold pancakes.

You shifted your head, and I could feel a something stiff. A bobby pin.

“Want me to undo your hair?” I asked softly, making you nod.

“I trust you,” You mumbled.

I ignored the odd remark and started carefully undoing your hair, placing the flowers and pins on the bedside table.

“Thank you, for upholding the truce — Linda.” You explained after I gave you an odd look.

I hummed in reply, but then realised; we had both stirred each other up today.

“We both broke the truce, we stirred each other up today.” I pointed out, making your eyebrows shoot up.

“Does that mean we both have to do something that the other comes up with?” You queried.

I shrugged, “Yeah, them’s the rules.”

You nodded, hard in thought. I already knew what I wanted you to do.

“I want you to apologise to Arthur for the way you kicked that jug at the Garrison.” I informed you, and you nodded.

No frown, no scowl, no protesting and swearing at me, just nodding. It made me feel horrible.

“You’re getting me a cat. I won’t be able to make this place my home without an animal,” You said, “And we’re adopting. I won’t buy any animal.”

I didn’t have the heart to protest, so I nodded. I’d suck it up for a bit. I didn’t like cats, but if it annoyed me too much we could always give it to someone else or it could ‘run away’.

“Feeling up for a trip to Charlie’s Yard?” I asked, knowing there was a ratty grey cat there that was pretty tame.

You nodded, stumbling out of bed and over to your wardrobe. I walked over to you, and unzipped your dress. You quickly stepped out of it and took off your slip, revealing bright blue lingerie, and a belly button piercing. I noticed that it was the same colour as your eyes. You looked stunning, and effortlessly so. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want to see you like this again.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” You huffed as you rummaged around, finding a pair of pants and a shirt, “And stop staring at my arse.”

I quickly looked out the window. I glanced back at you, and felt disappointed now that you were fully clothed. You pulled on some socks and your boots, not bothering to tie the laces, then we went downstairs. You grabbed some cooked chicken from our lunch yesterday, then wrapped it in a napkin, and off we went, getting into my car and driving us to Charlie’s Yard.

We got out and I led you to the building the cat liked hanging around. It was there, laying in the sun in front of the door.

“Oh, it’s a Maine Coon!” You squealed excitedly as you crouched and offered it some of the chicken.

It came right up to you, and ate the chicken out of your hand.

“It looks big enough to eat us,” I commented as you started stroking it.

“It — He’s gorgeous,” You defended the cat, and picked him up with ease.

He started purring, and didn’t try to get out of your arms at all. I walked up to the pair of you and tried to pet the cat, but he hissed and tried to bite me. Fucking bastard. I’ll make sure to babysit Charles sometime soon so he can terrorise the cat.

“We’re definitely taking this one home.” You announced, and started walking back to the car.

“I’m not going to take care of it, it’s your pet!” I called out as I followed you.

“Fine by me!” You replied, putting the cat into the backseat of the car.

“What are you going to name it?” I asked as I got into the car and started it, curious.

You looked over at the cat as I started driving.

“Hmm, Finn Junior.” You decided, making me scoff.

“That’s a stupid idea,” I told you, making you scowl.

“How?” You demanded, glaring at me.

“Well, if we ever have a kid and it’s a boy, we should name it Finn Junior, and it will be confusing if we also have a cat named Finn Junior.” I explained, making you laugh.

“You think I’d ever let you fuck me? Oh, you’re a funny one,” You sighed, and the cat meowed, as if agreeing, “Finn Junior is a stupid name for a kid, if I ever named a kid after you, it would be your name as a middle name, or a variant of your name for the first name — like Finneas.”

I scrunched my brows together in confusion, but nodded, letting you have it. Why is it that girls always seem to have a list of baby names picked out? Are they born with the list?

“Anyway, he likes Finn Junior, don’t you little Finn?” You asked, and the cat purred.

“You’re only naming him after me to spite me,” I complained as we reached home.

“Obviously,” You agreed, getting out and grabbing the cat out from the back, “If you didn’t say anything about how stupid the name was I would’ve named him something like Thunder, or Binky, or Ted. But, you objected, so now he’s your namesake. He even looks like you, honestly.”

I glanced at the cat’s squashed up face.

“He looks like he ran face first into a wall.” I said dryly, and you gasped, scooping him up and telling him to ignore the mean, ugly man driving the car.

You stepped away from the car, shutting the door. I made sure you were inside before glancing at the rear view mirror. I absolutely did not look like that bastard.

I’m sure you were only put on God’s green Earth to irritate me.

§§§

Another chapter done!! Marian does have a bigger hand in the plot, I’m not just bringing her back for this one scene lol.

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 10

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 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 23

PUBLISHED: 14/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

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FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hang on. Why were you celebrating?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She understood. Kind of.

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

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

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

•••

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y’all x

- Sunflower ❤️

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@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

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NEXT PART

Part 24

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 33

PUBLISHED: 05/07/2022

Part 1

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READER'S POV

Saoirse trotted downstairs, and came to a stop in front of the roaring fireplace, between Finn and I in our armchairs. She shifted restlessly from foot to foot. Finn Junior came up and rubbed against her legs.

"What's up?" Finn asked her tenderly, setting down his newspaper and watching as she fiddled with the hem of her dress.

"Well — I've been to sleepovers at all of my friends houses, but none of them have been to a sleepover here. Can I have one here, for my birthday next week?" Saoirse asked, swaying from side to side.

Birthday. She was turning eight. My little sister, the one who's nappies I used to change, was turning eight. Part of me refused to believe it.

"Sure." I replied unsurely, side-eyeing Finn, hoping he would catch the hesitation in my tone.

"I can't see why not." He added, which made Saoirse grin and run back upstairs.

"Finn you bastard, you should've said no!" I hissed quietly as I went and sat on the arm of his chair so I could speak softly, without fear of Saoirse hearing me.

"Why? Surely kids'll be able to come." He reasoned, placing his free hand on the small of my back, making me sigh.

"Finn, you're the brother of the most feared men in Birmingham. And I'm your wife." I said matter-of-factly, "Surely you see why people would be hesitant to let their kids come here, especially overnight."

"I know they'd be hesitant. We'd be able to get some of her friends to come here somehow." Finn replied, taking a sip of his whiskey.

"How? Rocking up at their houses and saying 'Your child is coming to Saoirse's sleepover by order of the Peaky fucking Blinders!'" I snapped, and Finn made a face that told me he agreed entirely with my stupid suggestion.

"No, Finn, we're not going to order kids to come have a sleepover! Use your common sense!" I barked then pinched his ear, making him yelp.

Serves him right for being an idiot.

"Well what about Lynn and the rest of the girls? They can put in good words for us, can't they?" He pointed out, and I suddenly felt bad for thinking of him as an idiot.

"Let's have a piss up with them and their blokes, at the Garrison or somewhere else, and everyone can see it. They'll ask about us, and they'll tell them good things. Hopefully." Finn said, and I nodded.

"Hilda can probably put in good word too, she has influence. I'll ask if I can help her with a bake sale, sell some of my stuff at her stall." I added, knowing the power her baking skills held over the women of Small Heath.

Along with having bake sales every Thursday afternoon, she also ran a book club which met every Tuesday afternoon, and went to Church every Sunday, as well as playing netball every Saturday and attending netball practice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. How she found the time to do all that with her job at the factory and with her rambunctious daughter, I'd never know.

•••

I put the finishing touches on the icing on top of Saoirse's cake as Finn finished organising the last lolly platter. Today was the day. My baby sister turned eight.

We woke her up with breakfast in bed, and a decorated house. We put streamers damn near everywhere, balloons everywhere, and a banner along the wall of the living room that said 'Happy Birthday Saoirse'. She loved it all, nearly too excited to open her presents.

Saoirse's big present from us was in the back yard, meaning that we had to keep her towards the front of the house so she didn't see it.

Her little presents we allowed her to open. I had gotten her netball shoes (she played in the junior games, alongside Daisy, who she had become fast friends with), new clothes and hair ribbons, and new books. Finn had also gotten her new clothes (we went shopping together so we weren't doubling up on anything), a new bracelet, a pair of (faux) pearl earrings because she was forever asking to wear mine, and some new toys. Together, along with her big gift, we got her a new silver heart locket with a picture of our Shelby-Gold-Jesus family on one side, and her mother on the other.

Other people had been dropping off their presents for her all throughout the day.

We weren't going to have a party, decided by Saoirse, only a dinner with family and friends, then a sleepover. Rose made a tradition that started with Ezzie and kept it going with the rest of us that we never entertained other people on our birthday, only having parties and sleepovers and other things if we wanted to. Our birthdays were our days, no one else's. We could do whatever we wanted, on our birthdays.

I loved that rule, because Marian had always forced me to have a party every year that I lived with her. I hated every single one of them.

I was slightly happy that Saoirse didn't want a party, because there would be a lot of people there. My family always had a lot of people at the birthday parties, and that amount would only grow with the gaggle of friends Saoirse had made.

If Saoirse was going to be like the rest of us, she would only have an eighteenth. I was yet to have mine. Ezzie had an eighteenth, but she was asleep by midnight, everyone else still partying on. Bonnie's eighteenth carried on for a week, and it was only at the end of that week long bender that we were all sober enough to realise that Bonnie was MIA. It turns out that he ended up halfway across the country with a few mates.

I snorted at the memory, making Finn look at me in confusion, momentarily stopping his walk over to the table with the lollies.

I waved for him to keep going, then placed the cake in the fridge.

The dogs started barking, making me look out of the kitchen window. Ada and Karl had just arrived in Ada's car. The first of Saoirse's guests for the sleepover. She only had Daisy left to come, but her and Hilda lived only a five minute drive up the road, it wasn't like they were going to be late.

"It's Ada," I announced, heading out of the kitchen, through the living room and mudroom, opening the front door.

"Aunt (Y/N)!" Karl said happily, racing up the path to meet me, hugging me.

I returned the hug, then he wiggled out of my grip and ran to Finn, then inside to Saoirse, who was doing a puzzle on the floor in front of the bay window.

Ada came up the walkway, a present under each arm.

"The boy's bag is in the backseat of the car, I'll grab it after Saoirse opens our presents," Ada said, making me nod.

"I'll grab it," Finn offered, passing her on the stairs and jogging down to the car.

"One present from each of us," She told me, adjusting them under her arms as we headed inside, Daisy, Duke, and Tuck following us.

I heard Finn come back inside, the door shutting behind him. He went and placed Karl's bag on the couch, then came back over to me, standing behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, laying his cheek on top of my head. My hands came up and rested on top of his.

"Happy birthday, little miss!" Ada greeted Saoirse, and Karl hopped up, coming over to grab his present from under his mum's right arm, then turned and faced Saoirse.

"From me," He declared as she came over and grabbed the present, which was a long, rectangular shaped box.

I could hear something rattle softly when she took the present from Karl. She looked at me, and I nodded, then she gently undid the white bow, then carefully stripped the box of the blue wrapping paper. She was one of those people who hated ripping wrapping paper, because people took so long and put so much care into wrapping stuff, a trait she got from Dad. Under the wrapping paper was a cardboard box. She took the lid off to reveal a sky blue soprano ukulele with a black outline of a butterfly on the front, under the bridge and to the right.

"Oh, thank you!" She squealed, putting the box on the floor then pulling Karl into a tight hug.

The boy hugged her back, laughing. My heart melted at the pair.

"Look on the back of it," Ada advised, and Saoirse quickly stepped away from Karl and grabbed her ukulele by the neck, gently lifting it out of the box.

She flipped it so the back was facing up, and ran her finger along it. I could see some gold wording glint under the light.

"To my best friend Saoirse, from Karl, with love," She read, and looked at Karl.

"Thank you. Truly," She said softly, and you could tell she meant it.

Karl just replied with 'S'Alright'.

"Aren't they the cutest," I mused, and Ada nodded, Finn humming in agreement.

"They make me want to have another one," Ada admitted, watching as Saoirse tuned her ukulele.

"One couldn't hurt us, aye (Y/N)?" Finn asked, making Ada look at us in surprise.

I knew he was joking. We didn't feel ready for a baby yet, although I doubt we ever would. No one truly feels ready for a baby.

"You have one before you turn eighteen and I'll strangle you and my brother with the umbilical cord," Ada threatened, but there was no malice behind her words, just worry.

"I don't plan on having one anytime soon," I reassured her, and she relaxed her posture, nodding.

"Here, Sersh, come look at what Ada's got for you," I called out, and Saoirse bounded over, handing her ukulele Karl to hold.

She took the very medium sized box from Ada, and her eyebrows scrunched together.

"It's — heavy," Saoirse said, sounding surprised.

Karl bounced on his heels, waiting for her to open it.

Saoirse painstakingly unwrapped this present, and gasped. It was a light blue jewellery box, painted to look like a cloudy blue sky, a butterfly on the top of the lid. She opens it, and it immediately started chiming, playing a tinkly tune.

"Oh, it has a butterfly and it spins!" Saoirse gasped, flipping the box around to show us.

"Finn told me that he was going to get you jewellery, so I decided to get you something to put it in," Ada explained, and Karl tapped the back of it.

Saoirse tilted the box so she could see what he was tapping it for.

"To darling Saoirse. The sky is the limit. From Ada dearest," Saoirse recited the words on the back, and grinned at Ada.

"Thanks, A," Saoirse said, then started fiddling around with the key on the back as the song stopped.

"Why don't you go put your jewellery box upstairs, then we can go and look at your new present in the backyard?" Finn suggested as he stepped away from me, and Saoirse nodded, running upstairs.

"Don't run on those stairs!" I hollered after them, even though it would have fallen on deaf ears.

"Have you made dinner yet?" Ada asked as I lead her and Finn outside.

"No, starting it as soon as Saoirse sees her present," Finn replied, then turned back down the hallway, "Karl, you cover her eyes, this is going to be a great fucking surprise!"

"Stop swearing at the kids," I chastised Finn, swatting him on the arm.

He just chuckled in response as the kids came down the hallway, Karl obeying Finn's orders, his hands securely over Saoirse's eyes, the pair giggling as they walked.

Karl's jaw dropped as he saw Saoirse's present.

"She can look now," Finn told his nephew, and he quickly let his arms hang by his side, uncovering Saoirse's eyes.

Her brown eyes went wide with shock as she laid her gaze on her new, baby blue playhouse, and play equipment. The playhouse itself was two story, with a cute little picket fence front yard, with a toy kitchen and dining room down the bottom, and a bedroom up the top. The bedroom itself held a daybed with a metal frame that made it look like a couch, a privacy screen, a full body mirror, and a trunk full of dress up clothes.

The play equipment was brown, the wood unpainted, but the accessories were dark blue. On the left side of the sky loft was monkey bars, which connected up with the sky loft, so you could land on the floor of the loft. The sky fort had a bench underneath, and a patch of grass next to it. The sky loft itself was empty. A set of steep stairs was connected to the back of it, with blue railings to help climb up it. At the front of the sky loft, connected to it, was a climbing wall and a slide. Then, to the right of the sky loft was a lookout (which was accessible from the inside of the loft). The bottom of the lookout was attached to the beam that held the swings. We had two slings swings, one horse gilder swing, and one nest swing. The beam holding up the swings was metal, painted to look like wood, so I didn't have to worry about the beam collapsing.

We decided to get her play equipment because she only had 'inside ' stuff, no outside stuff. The house was big enough for her to have play dates inside but it got stale eventually.

"That's the best present a big brother and a big sister could ever give!" Saoirse screeched, coming over and hugging Finn and I quickly.

"I love it! Karl, come down the slide with me!" Saoirse demanded, grabbing the boys hand and leading him to the play equipment, making us laugh.

I heard a sniffle to my left, and looked over at Finn, who was rubbing his eyes.

"You okay, darling?" I asked, feeling concerned for my husband.

"She called me her brother," Finn mumbled, cheeks going red, and I gave him a soft smile, reaching up and brushing away a stray tear on his cheek.

"She loves you, you know," I replied softly, turning back to the kids and placing my head on his shoulder.

"We both do," I added, moving my head to look up at him, just in time to catch the ends of his lips quirk up.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

The Golds (bar you and Saoirse), the Shelbys (bar Finn and Karl), The Jesuses, Johnny Doggs and his brood, Charlie Strong, Curly, and Hilda had not long ago finished dinner, then the rest of the guests went back to their houses, having spent the afternoon with Saoirse.

You sat in Finn's rocking chair, watching as Daisy, Karl, and Saoirse played with Saoirse's new toys, now dressed up with outfits from the dress up chest. They had dressed up the cat and the dogs too. You had also been roped into dressing up, putting your wedding dress on, as well as a pair of wings from Saoirse's dress up chest, borrowing a stick from the garden outside and wrapping some streamers around it. You made a damn good faerie if you did say so yourself.

Finn was currently in the office, doing something for Tommy, which annoyed you slightly. Tommy couldn't even respect the fact that it was Saoirse's birthday.

"Faerie godmother (Y/N)! Make Finn come out here and play dress up with us," Saoirse demanded, making you snort.

"Oh, my dearest goddaughter, princess Saoirse, I don't believe I'll be able to pull the noble Mr Shelby from his work," You sighed theatrically, throwing the back of your palm onto your forehead to add a dramatic effect.

The children giggled at your antics.

"Well, if you can't pull him away from work, maybe we should," Daisy suggested, fiddling with the tail on the dinosaur one piece she was wearing, making the rest of the kids cheer.

"Chivalrous knight Karl, lead us on this journey!" Saoirse commanded, and Karl hopped up from his spot on the floor, then helped the girls up, leading them to the office.

You followed them, intrigued about what was going to happen.

Karl knocked on the door, and Finn called out 'come in'. Karl swung the door open, and the trio entered the office. You came to stand in the doorway, leaning against the door jamb with your arms crossed.

"Finn, you've got to come play dress up with us." Saoirse ordered, looking at the man sat at the table.

Finn sighed, rubbing his temples. You frowned at the sight of your obviously stressed husband.

"Sersh, he's busy, come on," You said, getting ready to usher the kids from the room.

"No, no. I'll come out and play, just give me a few seconds to pack up," Finn reassured your sister, finally looking up from the papers that littered his desk.

He walked around his desk, and rubbed his knuckles against her cheek affectionately.

The children cheered and ran past you, back down the hall to the living room. Your husband came over to you, leaning down and planting a kiss on your lips.

"You sure you're okay to play dress ups? There's cupcakes in the oven, I'll remind them of those, they'll forget all about it," You told your husband, who shook his head, walking back over to his desk.

"I'll be fine," He replied, gathering all of the papers and putting them into the file they belonged in, then placing that file into the bottom drawer and locking the drawer.

He looked back over at you, taking in the sight of you in your wedding dress, hair loose and over your shoulder. You looked gorgeous. An absolute vision.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," You teased your husband, gave a boyish grin in reply.

"A picture wouldn't be able to hold a candle to the real deal," Finn said cheekily, making your cheeks flush.

"Finn! Hurry up!" Saoirse commanded from the living room, and you and your husband headed down the hallway to them.

"I'm here," Finn announced as he stepped through the doorway, and immediately got a clown costume thrown his way.

"Go put that on, then we're going to paint nails," Saoirse informed him.

"Yes boss," Finn replied with a grin, then headed back down the hallway to the bathroom.

"(Y/N), come sit. Karl's got to do your nails, then you do Daisy's, then she does Finn's, and Finn does mine. I've already done Karl's nails," Saoirse explained, and Karl showed you his orange nails.

"They look very nice," You complimented as you went and sat in front of Karl, who was already opening a yellow bottle of nail polish.

Smart boy.

Finn entered the living room, his curly hair ruffled by the clothes he had taken off and the costume he had put on. You bit back a laugh as you looked at your husband.

Saoirse explained the nail polish order to him, and he sat in front of Daisy, who gave him a set of immaculately painted hot pink nails.

As Finn blew on his nails to dry them quicker, you couldn't resist a laugh at your husband. Daisy then scolded you for not paying attention to her nails, and you hurriedly went back to painting her nails red. Once you had finished her nails, you got up to check on the cupcakes.

As soon as you walked through the doorway to the kitchen you heard the timer you set go off with a 'ding!'

You got the cupcakes out of the oven, and placed them onto a cooling rack. You placed three cupcakes onto a tea towel, then hid the bundle in the pantry, and headed back to the living room, cooling rack in your hands.

"Alright, you lot, let's head up to Saoirse's room and settle down. We can eat the cupcakes once they've cooled down." You announced, and the kids started to move upstairs.

You noticed how sluggish they seemed, but you knew they'd get second wind once they ate the cupcakes.

"I'll start popping balloons," Finn told you, and you nodded, then headed upstairs, being careful not to drop any cupcakes.

"Hey, (Y/N), can you braid our hair?" Saoirse asked as you sat the cupcakes on the foot end of her bed.

You heard Finn popping a balloon already.

"Yeah, I can," You answered, kicking a balloon out of your way.

Daisy and Duke didn't seem bothered by the balloons, to your surprise.

"Want Finn to pop these balloons or leave them?" You questioned, gathering all of the balloons on her floor near the door.

"Pop those ones," Saoirse decided, and you kicked them out into the hallway and shut the door.

Karl handed you the brush, comb, and hair ribbons. You thanked the boy, and started with Saoirse's hair first, doing twin French braids.

"Want the same ones as her?" You asked Daisy, and she shrugged.

You decided to go the same as Saoirse's. Once she was done, you told the kids they could have their cupcakes. They all got three each. They ate their cupcakes in silence as they struggled to stay sitting upright. You chuckled at the trio. Once they were done, you tucked them into Saoirse's bed, then turned on her nightlight, and left the room, cooling rack in hand.

You shuffled along the hall, kicking all of the balloons in the upstairs hall down the stairs, where your husband was having a spot of fun stabbing them to pop them. You grabbed all of the streamers that were in the upstairs hallway, and ambled downstairs and into the kitchen, washing everything up, then sitting them on the drying rack. By the time you were done, Finn had started pulling the streamers down. You pulled down the ones in the kitchen and the downstairs hallway, then placed them on your armchair, Finn doing the same. Once you were done the streamers, you pulled down the banner, carefully folding it up.

Finn felt slightly disappointed that there were no more cupcakes left, but no matter. Saoirse had a good day and that was all that mattered.

"We've three cupcakes to share," You informed your husband, making him grin as you lead him into the kitchen and into the pantry.

You grabbed the tea towel and unfolded it, giving your husband a cupcake and devouring your own. Finn wasted no time eating his. When you reached for the last one, you heard the kitchen door swung open, making you freeze.

"I'm not sharing a cupcake with a child half my size," Your husband whispered as you stood up, handing him the tea towel and cupcake.

"Shut up," You hissed, but he words held no malice.

You exited the pantry, and found Daisy there, looking very tired.

"Thirsty," She mumbled, and you got her a bottle of milk from the fridge, telling her to take it up to Saoirse's room so none of them had to come back downstairs.

She did what you asked, and you headed back into the pantry, where Finn was in the process of splitting the cupcake in half.

"You can have the big half if you give me a kiss," Finn offered with a smirked.

You rolled your eyes, smiling softly, and placed a chaste kiss on your husband's lips.

"I would have kissed you anyway," You told your husband, who grinned.

"I would have given you the big half anyway," He replied, making you smile at him.

"To a successful sleepover!" You declared quietly, holding your cupcake half in the air.

Finn did the same, and you started giggling again.

As you sat in the pantry in your wedding dress, your husband in a clown outfit, the pair of you giggling into the night you decided that life, as this very moment, was good.

§§§

Not proofread because I am tired Oof

Also you guys aren't ready for chapter 43; I've got the biggest surprise AHHH

Also sometimes the published date can be earlier than the date I published it here because I use the date that I published the chapter on Wattpad :))

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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@bluehairdie

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@cucumberfingefsandwiches

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Part 34