PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 31

PUBLISHED: 03/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

"Are we there yet?" Saoirse asked for what must have been the fiftieth time.

Finn had bundled us into the car and blindfolded us, telling us he had a surprise in store.

Finn chuckled, and I felt the car slow to a stop, "We're here, but don't take off your blindfolds yet. I'll come around the car and guide you both to where I want you to stand, and you can take the blindfolds off then."

"Okay," I said, feeling my curiosity eat me from the inside out.

The car door opened, then closed. I listened closely and could hear Finn walk around the car, stopping at the passenger side door. He opened it, and placed a hand on my head, then grabbed my hand with the other.

"Here, now watch your head, I've got my hand over it but you could still bump it," He said as he helped me out of the car.

Once I was standing he helped Saoirse out, then shut the door. He grabbed my hand, and lead me along. He was probably guiding Saoirse with his other hand.

"Okay, I'm going to stop walking now," Finn warned us, and I slowed down, coming to a stop next to him.

He wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Now, take off your blindfolds," Finn ordered lightly, and I wasted no time reaching up and pulling the fabric off of my face.

My jaw dropped at the sight in front of us.

"Is it ours?" I asked, watching as Saoirse skipped up the path towards it.

"Yeah, it's ours. I decorated it myself." Finn confirmed, "Let's go have a tour."

He then lead me up the path, and up the stairs, stopping on the porch, which was a wraparound. Next to the door was a porch swing, and a wooden rocking chair. He stuck his hand into his pocket, producing a key, and unlocked the door to our new house.

"We've an basement, which is where our washer and dryer is, first floor, second floor, and an attic," Finn announced as we walked through the door, his arm still around my waist, "It's half an hour from town, so we'll leave a bit earlier than needed. We're up with the roosters, though, so I don't think it will be a problem."

I hummed in agreement as I looked around. Through the front door was a small mudroom. I took off my coat, and placed it on a hook, then kicked my shoes off, sitting them by the door. Finn followed my lead, then Saoirse did the same.

"Have you picked out rooms yet?" Saoirse questioned as Finn led us into the living room.

"Yes. Yours has a bed right under the window, so you can lay in the sun, and the bed has things each end, so it's like a hideaway," Finn informed Saoirse with a grin.

She started squealing and bouncing on her heels. She loved beds between things. It made her feel secure. It also created more floor space in the centre of the room, giving her a bit more room to run around.

I stood on the threshold of the living room floor, facing the room, and looked around it. The walls were a champagne colour, bar the wall which held the fireplace, that one was dark blue. I hoped the rest of the house had champagne walls. In the centre of the left wall, there was a big, grand fireplace with a black grate covering it. On the mantle there was a radio. It front of the fire was two armchairs and two couches, the couches not parallel to each other, instead coming towards each other at the end, so the furniture made a sort of 'v' shape. They were a rich red in colour, and looked quite comfy.

The window facing the front yard was a bay window, and on either sides of the window and seat were huge book shelves. They weren't all filled with books, it was mostly books, but there were also photographs, board games, and other trinkets there as well. In front of the bookcase on the left was another wooden rocking chair.

A huge green rug lined the floor behind the couches, and a brown coffee table sat on top of it. Surrounding the coffee table were more rich red couches and armchairs, a couch on each longer side of the table, and an armchair on the shorter sides.

In the far corner of the room there was an upstanding piano, and some guitars and ukuleles. My fingers immediately itched for the string instruments. I loved playing them. I hadn't even had time to think about them since I got married to Finn, too preoccupied with everything else.

There was a door next to them. I assumed it was the one for the basement.

"You play instruments?" I questioned my husband, and he shook his head.

"No. Bonnie told me you played them," Finn informed me as he led us through the door on the right wall of the room.

I noticed a staircase in the corner of the living room, but I was content exploring the first floor for now.

We ended up in a hallway. He showed us the room adjacent to the living room. The kitchen, which also doubled as a dining room, with a door in the corner at the edge of the bench that held the sink that I thought would be a pantry. We had our kitchen bench on the right side of the room, the sink under the window, and an island next to it, which was practical. The kitchen half of the room was raised higher than the dining room half, having a small step leading up to it.

We had our dining table on the other side of the room. I noticed that the kitchen had linoleum flooring, and the dining room had wood, just like the living room. I had a suspicion that the rest of the house pile be wood flooring. The dining table and chairs was the same colour brown as our coffee tables. On the other side of the dining table was a fireplace, although not as big as the one in the living room.

Finn showed us the next room, which was an office with two desks. One for me and him. This room also had a fireplace. In between the office and the kitchen was  a small hallway with a door leading out to the porch.

The door across the hall to the office was our first guest bedroom. It had a king sized bed, a bedside table either side of the bed, a dresser, and a wardrobe along the wall that held the door. A fireplace was along the left side of the room, across from the bed. There was a window across from us. Finn told me that this was the smallest bedroom, and that the other guest bedroom upstairs was exactly the same, just a bit bigger, so we didn't have to bother going in there. The door at the end of the hallway was a guest bathroom. We backtracked down the hallway and walked up the staircase in the corner of the living room, and ended up facing down another hallway.

The first door on our right was the next guest bedroom. We didn't bother going in there. The next door on our right was Saoirse's room, the walls a plain white.

"I thought we could paint it together, have a spot of fun," Finn announced as he turned on the lights, and Saoirse said something in agreement as she walked over and laid on her bed, fiddling with the bottom of her curtains that covered the window.

Her bed had a ceiling to floor bookcase at the foot end, which had little toys like dolls and stuffed animals on it as well as books. She had a ceiling to floor wardrobe at the head of her bed. Her bed had little square shelves under it, which were empty. She'd probably put stuff in there. She was like me, loved collecting little knickknacks and trinkets. The bed also had a curtain in front of it, suspended from the ceiling, so she could draw it and be separated from the rest of the room if she was on her bed. On the floor next to her bed was a light blue rug which looked soft to the touch.

I walked into the room, dawdling around it. Next to the wardrobe, in the corner, was a light blue screen, for privacy when changing. Straight across from the door was a bench hung from the white ceiling, fake vines and fairy lights wrapped around the chains that suspended it from the ceiling. She had a white vanity next to it, with a little blue puff of a stool in front of it. She had a dresser and wardrobe along the same wall that the door sat on. There was a fireplace along the right wall, adjacent to the bed. The thing that surprised me the most, however, was that in the middle of the room, sitting on a blue pedestal, was a tiny carousel.

"Oh. My. God. You spoiled her," I accused Finn as I came back and stood next to him, making him grin.

"Nothing wrong with that, aye, Sersh?" Finn said, looking over at my sister.

"Nuh," She agreed with him, making me roll my eyes.

No wonder Finn was the fucking favourite uncle, he always spoiled the kids. I was just as bad, but I never did anything as big as this.

"Go sit on a horse," Finn said, nodding towards the carousel.

She wasted no time doing so.

"Oh Finn, it's not fully functional, is it?" I questioned, looking at my husband who was already crossing the room and flipping a switch on the bottom of the pedestal that held the carousel.

"It's fully functional," Finn said in a reassuring tone as the lights at the top lit up, and the horse that Saoirse was on jolted to life.

"Finn, what the fuck, what if that blows the power in the house," I demanded, watching as my sister rode her three horse carousel with absolute joy.

"Don't worry, I've fixed all of that, the bloke assured me it wouldn't happen," Finn said with confidence, and I gave my husband a look that said 'really?'.

"She'll have a go on it for a bit then she'll forget all about it, (Y/N), honest. And if it blows the power in the house you can say I told you so," Finn sighed, making me grin.

"And you'll be sleeping on the couch until I say otherwise," I added, making his jaw drop.

"Them's the rules," I told my husband, who rolled his eyes and nodded.

"At the end of the hall is a guest bathroom." Finn informed me, and walked across the hall and grabbed a stick with a hook on the end that was sitting next to the door that I assumed led to our bedroom.

He reached up and hooked it into a loop on the ceiling, and pulled, making a set of stairs come down.

"Attic. It's empty, but you can still have a look." Finn said, and I climbed up the stairs, just enough that I could poke my head up past the roof and see into the ceiling.

It had guardrails along the hole that the stairs came out of, and a big, circular window behind me and in front of me. I hummed and walked back down. Finn grabbed the bottom of the stairs and pushed them up, making them disappear back into the ceiling.

He put the stick down, and I looked over at Saoirse who was now looking at her bookshelf, grabbing a stuffed tiger, a bee, a turtle, and a butterfly down. Tiger, Turtle, Bee, Butterfly. The nicknames Dad gave us because of our favourite colours.

"You remembered," I said softly, looking over at Finn.

He looked away sheepishly. I could've kissed him there and then.

"Do you think she'll like it?" Finn asked quietly, and I could hear the worry in his tone.

I looked over at my husband, and placed my hand on his cheek, gently guiding his face so he was looking at me.

"Finn. She'll love it. You did absolutely fucking amazing." I said softly, then leaned up and kissed his cheek, "You've put so much thought into it."

When I removed my hand from his face he cracked a grin, and placed his hand on the knob of the closed door next to us.

"Our room, love." He announced, and opened the door.

The first thing I noticed was that we had a darker yellow on our bedroom wall, compared to the rest of the house.

To my left was a fireplace, with a door on either side.

"Door next to the window is a walk in wardrobe, door just next to us is an en-suite," Finn informed me as I walked into the room.

A white rug sat in the middle of the floor. A king sized four poster sat along the right wall, in the centre of the wall with a bedside table either side. On the wall in front of us was a window, and in front of that window sat a vanity. At the end of the bed was a rectangular ottoman. I noticed another wooden rocking chair in the left corner. Finn's side of the bed.

I headed into our en-suite. The tiles were white and lemon yellow. We had a big claw foot tub, and a big shower, the glass surrounding the mirror was reflective. In the corner, across from the tub, was a sink and mirror, a small bin sitting next to it. I looked behind the door, and there was our toilet.

I hummed in approval as I came back out to Finn, standing in front of him and wrapping my arms around his neck. He immediately placed his hands on my waist.

"You, Mr. Shelby, have outdone yourself," I mused, looking up at my husband.

"Does that mean we can christen the house as my reward?" He asked cheekily, making me roll my eyes but smile.

"Okay, but I'm being serious again. We've a stable behind the house, and a chicken coop in the backyard. Behind the tree line to the left of the house is a river, a clean one, so Aberama and the rest can stop there when they please." Finn informed me, then we heard a horn beep.

He walked over to the window and looked, "It's Ezzie and Isiah dropping off the paint."

I quickly made my way over to the window, and saw the pair carrying a tin of paint each. I stuck my middle finger up at Ezzie through the glass. She did the same once she saw me. I laughed and ran downstairs, nearly running into Ezzie as my feet hit the mud room floor.

"That happy to see us?" Isiah joked, and I shook my head.

"Happy to see the paint. Hey, did you know that Finn put a fucking fully functional three horse carousel in Saoirse's room?" I asked the pair.

Ezzie looked shocked but Isiah looked at Finn.

"Told you the girls wouldn't agree," Isiah sighed dramatically, which made Ezzie and I roll our eyes.

"You can carry this up to Sersh's room now," Ezzie told Isiah, handing him the paint tin, "I'll be out on the porch, waiting."

I started laughing at him as Ezzie spun on her heel and left through the front door, making him narrow his eyes at me.

"These are actually heavy," Isiah whined, holding one out for me to take.

"Oh, poor Isiah, being asked to do physical labour," I mocked, but took the paint tin anyway.

I tried not to show the boys that the tin was, in fact, quite heavy. I walked up the stairs and into Saoirse's room, Isiah hot on my tail.

"Hiya, Sersh." Isiah greeted, and Saoirse got off of the carousel, flipping the switch to turn it off, and ran over to Isiah, giving him a hug.

"Blue paint for your room, little Miss," I said as we placed the tins on the floor.

"Yay!" Saoirse squealed, bouncing up and down on the spot.

Isiah leaned back and looked down the hall, then faced us, grabbing our shoulders and bringing us closer, so we were huddled together.

"Now, I've got to ask you something," Isiah whispered seriously, eyes darting between us.

I had a strong suspicion of what direction this conversation was going in.

"I've gotten permission from Aberama, and Bonnie, and now all I need is you two's permission," He added, making Saoirse scrunch her nose up in confusion.

"Permission for what?" She asked, in a voice that definitely wasn't a whisper, making Isiah and I shush her.

"Permission for what?" She repeated, this time in a whisper.

"I want to ask you two for permission to propose to Esmeralda," Isiah stated, eyes darting between us.

"You have mine," I said, and he cracked a grin.

"Just don't break her heart. Do that and I'll break both your legs, and then some," I added, making him nod.

I was joking. Mostly.

"You can marry my sister, but if you hurt her, I'll tell our Aunt Cass, who'll tell her friend, Uncle Ben. Uncle Ben was a sniper in the war." Saoirse whispered with a straight face, and I bit back a chuckle at Isiah's expression as he realised the meaning behind my sister's words.

"Will this uncle Ben shoot me if I fu-stuff up?" Isiah asked, sounding a bit scared.

"Right between the eyes like he did to the enemies of the Crown," Saoirse hissed, narrowing her eyes at Isiah.

Well, she sure fucking picked up Dad's dramatic flair.

"Alright," Isiah said,  letting us go, "I've got to go now. No telling anyone, alright?"

"Telling anyone what?" I replied, tilting my head in mock confusion, making him smile.

He then walked down the stairs. I could hear him tell Finn that he'd be over for a visit soon. I popped my head out of the doorway, and Finn was coming up the stairs, holding paintbrushes in one hand, and a bag in the other. I could see a sleeve hanging out of the top.

"Ready to paint?" He asked, and I grinned.

"I was born ready," I replied with a smirk.

"What Bee said," Saoirse added, making me chuckle.

•••

"Well then. This was a smart idea," I snarked, looking down at my clothes that were now covered in light blue paint.

"Very smart," Finn agreed, nudging Saoirse, who was  covered from her neck down with paint.

"I wanna do it again!" She yelled, and I gave her a stern look.

"Go and get into that shower. Throw your clothes into the tub, I'll clean them later." I commanded her, and she nodded, ambling off into the bathroom next to her room.

We had painted her walls successfully, but then had a paint fight, started by Saoirse 'accidentally' flicking paint onto Finn. Finn, the overgrown fucking five year old he is, flicked paint back at her, then Saoirse flicked paint on me, and it was a blue blur after that.

"Do I have any in my hair?" I asked Finn, not wanting to wash it out if there was.

He inspected my hair, up in the messy bun.

"No, but there some right — there." He replied, rubbing his finger along my cheek.

I rolled my eyes, making him chuckle. I looked back at him. The low hanging sun filtering through the window, along with the blue paint under his eyes, made his eyes look a glorious blue, like the ocean. My eyes wandered over his face, and settled on his lips.

"(Y/N)," He said lowly, stepping closer to me and placing his hands on my waist.

My heartbeat sped up at the contact.

My eyes flicked back up to meet his, which were dark like they were last night as he went to kiss me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, "I know."

And that was all it took for him to lean down and brush his lips against mine, testing the waters. My heart skipped a beat as I shifted up on the tips of my toes and grabbed his shirt, pulling him down so I could place my lips on his properly.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach as one of his hands made its way around to the small of my back, and one came up to cradle my neck, gently.

His lips were soft against mine, moving slowly and delicately, as if he were scared to hurt me.

If I were to drop dead after kissing Finn, I'd die happy. In this very moment, nothing else mattered. Just this. Just him. Us. Together.

Finn pulled away, and rested his forehead on mine. I loosened my grip on his shirt, the left side still slippery with paint, so my hands were resting on the fabric instead of being scrunched up in it. Butterflies were going wild in my stomach.

"Fucking hell," He mumbled, his thumb rubbing circles on the side of my neck.

"That's how I feel," I murmured, feeling lightheaded.

"That's what all the girls say," Finn joked softly, making me snort.

"Keep telling yourself, that, Shelby." I replied quietly, making him chuckle.

"I've been waiting to do that for a very long time," Finn admitted, making my cheeks warm up.

"Me too," I confessed, making him grin.

My toes started hurting, so I shifted again so I was standing flat footed. Finn stepped back, dropping the hand that was on my neck down to his side, giving me a bit of breathing space, but still kept a hand on my waist. I looked at my husband, and brought my clean hand up and ran my fingers across my lips gently. I had just kissed Finn. And it was fucking amazing.

§§§

AHHHH THEY FINALLY KISSED!!

Also Esmeralda and Isiah 🥺🥺

Also: If I started writing one shots/taking requests from you guys for Peaky Blinder characters x reader would you guys like it or nah??

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 32

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

MASTERLIST

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

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

PEAKY BLINDERS

FINN SHELBY

CONTRARY

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

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

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

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

TWILIGHT

SETH CLEARWATER

ANGEL

Prologue Part I

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 7

PUBLISHED: 18/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

THIRD PERSON'S POV

(A/N: I haven't been to a wedding in yonks so this and the next chapter is me really just making stuff up as I go lmao)

Today was the anticipated day. The union between (Y/N) Gold and Finn Shelby. You had woken up a nervous wreck.

You hadn't even been able to eat anything, not even biscuits with your tea, something that made Esmeralda and Saoirse concerned — you had always had an ungodly amount of biscuits, at least four, whenever you had a cup of tea. Once, Esmeralda was sure she counted twelve on your saucer.

It was now eight in the morning, and your sisters were begging you to eat at least one mouthful of the feast Polly had cooked for you and your bridal party. You had all slept at your residence, while Finn and his groomsmen were getting ready at Tommy's.

You picked up a pancake, and took a small bite — it was fluffy and soft. You chewed it, and mindlessly began drumming your fingers on the tabletop.

"So, I'm walking down the aisle with Arthur, Tommy with Lizzie, Bonnie with Ada, and Isiah with Ezzie." Polly reminded the girls at the table, who all nodded.

"And I get to throw the flower petals!" Saoirse cheered, making Polly chuckle.

"Yes you do, my dear." Polly said with a smile towards the small girl, who was now playing with a doll.

"(Y/N), go shower, we leave in three hours!" Ezzie hissed, making you hurry on eating your pancake.

"And Finn will be here in two and a half to drop off your something new," Ada pointed out, making you curious.

Once you were done your pancake, you walked to the bathroom, and had a quick shower, washing your hair and body with some nice smelling shampoo, conditioner and body wash set Lizzie had gifted you. You trusted her, she seemed to know what the men liked. You also quickly went over your legs and underarms with a razor, and brushed your teeth. You weren't that cruel to make Finn kiss you with morning breath.

You hopped out of the shower, dried yourself and wrapped a towel around your body, then wrapped your hair up in another towel, this one being a microfiber one to help it dry quicker. You walked to your room, where Ezzie was sitting on the bed.

"You're putting on that set," Ezzie said with a stern look on her face.

You knew that look. That look was the one she gave when she meant something was final. The first and last time you disobeyed that look, you ended up with a rather nasty bruise in the shape of her paddle brush. You didn't want another, so you begrudgingly put on the set of lingerie you had bought yesterday.

"It's not like he's going to see it," You grumbled, trying — and failing — to clip up your bra behind you.

Ezzie came over and wordlessly helped you, then handed you a bottle of lotion. It looked as if it came from the same set as the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and as you opened the bottle and the smell hit your nose, your thoughts were confirmed.

You quickly put some lotion on, then put on your slip. You looked up at the clock.

Two hours left. You felt the pit in your stomach get deeper. What would happen after you and Finn officially got married? Would you continue on acting civil all your lives, never to love each other but being bound to each other for all eternity? Or would Tommy be kind enough to let you get with different people, and the marriage only be for show? It was all a big mess of confusion, and you hated it.

•••

"Your hair is going up today," Ezzie informed you casually, not bothering to look at you, making your heart stop.

"I can't do braids or anything," You said quietly, making Ezzie look at you.

"That's why I'll be doing it," She reassured, giving you a small smile, "It's only me."

You took a deep breath, but nodded. She was right. It was Ezzie. She wasn't going to hurt you.

"Come sit," She instructed, and you did so.

You handed her your hairbrush, and she started detangling your long, (H/C) locks, starting at the ends then moving up to the roots. Once your hair was knot free, she parted your hair in the usual spot.

In the reflection, you spotted Polly and your Dad come to stand in the doorway of your bedroom. The first thing Polly noticed as your sister started braiding your hair was how tightly you were gripping the legs of the vanity. Your knuckles were white. She noticed that you were sitting stiff as a board, as if getting ready to jump out of your chair at a moments' notice.

"Hi," You greeted your Dad softly, still unsure of whether you wanted to interact with him or not.

"Hello, Bee," Aberama replied, staying in the doorway, giving you a wide berth for your own peace of mind.

You grinned at the nickname. Your Dad had nicknamed all of you kids after something that was the colour of your favourite colour — you were Bee, Esmeralda was Turtle, Bonnie was Tiger, and Saoirse hadn't settled on a colour yet.

"You'd think her sister was about to murder her," Polly whispered to your Dad, who pursed his lips.

He sniffed and cleared his throat, "Marian, she — she would never let (Y/N) put her hair up, so it would get really knotted, I'm talking nearly matted, Polly — and then she would make (Y/N) sit as she would pull the brush through her hair and (Y/N)'s body would have no chance but to follow the brush and (Y/N) would be in so much pain and that slut would enjoy every minute of what she'd put my Bee through."

Polly put a hand to her mouth, horrified that someone could do that to their baby. She could never, ever imagine doing that to her Michael, or her Anna.

Aberama and Polly watched as Esmeralda carefully braided your hair into a crown, leaving wisps out to frame your face, then delicately put wildflowers into the braid.

Polly looked at the clock. One hour left. She quickly got the dress from your wardrobe, and Ezzie ushered you out of your seat, and Ezzie helped you into your dress. You weren't wearing shoes — high heels and yourself weren't the best of friends. You weren't even acquaintances.

•••

You were now pacing in your bedroom, waiting for Finn to come give you your something new. The pit in your stomach had gotten worse, and it was taking everything in you to not spit out your gum and start chewing your nails.

A knock sounded on your door. You stopped your pacing and spun around, facing the door. You took a deep, steadying breath.

"Come in," You called, your voice shaky.

The door opened, and there stood Finn Shelby.

You gasped softly. He walked in, shutting the door behind him. He looked a vision, standing there in his suit. You'd be lying if you said that you didn't find him attractive right now. You wouldn't mind someone painting a portrait of this moment in time so you could always look back at it, just to see this version of Finn again.

You realised you were staring, and quickly looked away.

Finn, however, was too busy admiring you to notice. This was the first time he had seen you with your hair up. You looked like some kind of angel, but not the ones he read about in the Bible with Jeremiah. The pretty kind. To him, in this moment, you looked divine.

"Hi, Finn," You said shyly, feeling awkward under his gaze.

"Hi, (Y/N)," Finn greeted, sounding breathless, "You look — amazing, honest."

"You don't look too bad yourself," You teased as you looked back at him.

He grinned, then remembered what he came for. He fished a small box out of his pocket.

"These are our something new." He explained as you walked closer to him.

He opened the box, revealing two silver pendants, each the shape of half a heart.

"They're beautiful," You stated, looking up at Finn.

He felt pleased that you liked it. He had out a lot of thought into it, and there wasn't really much good stuff a person could get in five days.

He gently grabbed the one with his initials out and handed it to you, "Yours. We wear each other's initials."

"Can you put it on me?" You asked, scared the clasp would get caught in your hair and you would ruin your sister's handiwork.

Finn nodded, swapping you the box for your necklace. He undid the clasp, and put it around your neck, then did it back up again. He saw your spine peeking out of the top of your dress, and couldn't resist softly dragging the tip of his index finger up it, which made you gasp and shiver.

"Sorry," He mumbled, not feeling sorry at all.

Your skin was soft. He wanted to feel it again someday. And, when he was this close, he could smell your perfume. He liked the smell of it. He’d have to buy you more.

"Would you like me to put yours on you?" You questioned, turning back around.

"Yeah, please," Finn replied, handing you the box.

You went and stood behind him, necklace in hand.

"Can you bend your knees a little?" You asked the brown haired boy — he was a little bit taller than you.

Finn did as you asked, and you put the necklace on him. He spotted your bridal bouquet on the vanity, Aberama's tie wrapped around it, and chuckled.

"What?" You demanded, peeking around him to look in the same direction.

"You have silver bells in your bouquet — Mistress Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty pairs all in a row," Finn recited, "You and Mary, you've both got silver bells and pretty maids both in a row and you're both contrary."

"I'm not contrary!" You snapped, frowning as Finn turned to face you, "I've got ... layers."

He nodded sagely, "Like an onion."

You gave him a funny look, "What the fuck are you comparing me to an onion for?"

"I don't know, the boys had fried ones for breakfast!" Finn defended, putting his hands up.

"Did you have any? I don't care that it's a wedding, I won't become lip locked with you if you've eaten onions this morning!" You threatened, jabbing a finger to his chest.

"I haven't!" Finn said truthfully, but you narrowed your eyes at him.

"Let me smell your breath," You commanded, and he  complied, breathing heavily your face.

"You're lucky," You warned after the minty breath entered your nose.

Finn chuckled, which made you realise how ridiculous you were being. You started giggling along with him, then the door was knocked upon.

"Finn's got to go!" Ada said through the door.

You looked at the door, then back at Finn.

"See you there," You said quietly, the magic of the previous moment gone as reality set back in.

Finn nodded, "See you there.”

He turned to walk out of the bedroom, and you had the urge to grab his hand to make him stop, but you ignored it. He exited the room, leaving you in silence once more.

§§§

THE NEXT CHAPTER IS THE WEDDING AHHHH — I apologise for not much Finn and reader interaction but eh

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 8

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 25

PUBLISHED: 16/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

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READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Obviously a more modern couch shhhh)

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

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

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

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

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

I leaned into his embrace without even thinking about it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold on.

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

Finn perked up, "Really?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 26

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 23

PUBLISHED: 14/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

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FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hang on. Why were you celebrating?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She understood. Kind of.

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

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

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

•••

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y’all x

- Sunflower ❤️

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NEXT PART

Part 24

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 32

PUBLISHED: 04/07/2022

Part 1

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THIRD PERSON'S POV

You watched as your sister and her husband finished signing the last paper that they had to, using the bay window seat for help.

“Congratulations. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal this union with a kiss!” Jeremiah said, grinning widely at his son and his new daughter-in-law.

You, your Dad, Bonnie, Saoirse, and Finn cheered, clapped and whistled as the pair kissed each other in their nightclothes.

Your cat let out a yowl of protest at the noise, and your dog just barked happily along with you all.

Ezzie and Isiah hadn’t wanted to have a big flashy wedding. They decided to just sign the papers to make it official. A split second decision, of course, made at ten o’clock at night, which is why those two, you and Finn (the witnesses), as well as Jeremiah (the officiant), and your immediate family were now standing in your living room in your sleep clothes, the clock on the wall saying that it was closer to midnight than eleven o’clock.

Ezzie had called you at half past ten, pulling you out of your slumber and telling you to wake the fuck up and get ready because she was going to get married and you were going to be a witness. You had to put Finn’s Wellington boots on to go down to the river, a lantern in hand, to go and wake your father and brother up to tell them that Ezzie was coming to get married.

Your brother was annoyed, asking ‘Couldn’t it wait until sunrise?’

Your father had just chuckled and said ‘Apparently not.’

After getting back to the house, your brother and father in tow, you found Finn standing at the foot of the stairs, having woken up worried because he you weren’t by his side.

You had told him to go wake up Saoirse, and bring her downstairs, because Ezzie and Isiah, along with Jeremiah, were coming so Ezzie and Isiah could make the marriage official. He thought it was a dream until you took off his boot and whacked him with it to prove otherwise.

The room felt slightly cold, even with the fire starting to warm it up.

Jeremiah was smart enough to grab his fluffy black robe to cover himself, along with a pair of brown slippers to keep his feet warm. Your father never seemed to be bothered by the cold, hardened by many nights camping under the stars. Ezzie and Isiah were barefoot on the cold wooden floor, same as Finn. Saoirse and Bonnie were sharing the blanket from her bed, sitting side by side on the green rug. You had on a pair of socks, not liking having cold feet. You could stay warm if you feet were warm. Once your feet were cold, you were done for.

“Can the rest of the celebration wait until morning?” Saoirse asked sleepily, leaning against Bonnie, who chuckled and wrapped the blanket around his youngest sister.

“We’ve got voting for Tommy in the morning,” You reminded Saoirse, who nodded, eyes nearly closed.

You wouldn’t be able to vote, being sixteen, but everyone else in the room, bar Saoirse, could.

“We gonna have a drink before we go to bed? Or do you two just want to go straight home?” Bonnie asked his sister and his new brother in law.

“Let’s just have a cuppa, aye, Esmeralda?” Isiah asked your older sister, who nodded.

“Save the drink for tomorrow, Lord knows we won’t need any before then,” Your sister muttered, making you all chuckle.

You all moved into the kitchen, where Bonnie had started the fire after coming into the house. It was already roaring, the kitchen warm enough.

“The kettle will be boiled, I put it on just after making the fires,” Bonnie stated, helping Saoirse into a chair at the table.

“Good lad,” Your father said, clapping him on the shoulder, making your brother grin.

Bonnie had lit the fire in both of the guest bedrooms, too, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to walk back to camp after this. The cold night air would fuck him right up, he’d probably fall asleep on the way to camp. The ground was soft enough for him to do so.

You grabbed a few mugs and passed them out, Finn doing the same. You grabbed the chocolate powder out, as well as the tea and sugar. Saoirse would most likely have hot chocolate, and go straight to bed.

Everyone made their cups of tea, chattering away. Isiah was a bit quieter than usual, feeling slightly guilty that every other member of the Shelby family couldn’t come, but he remembered Ezzie’s words that it just wasn’t possible to get them all there without a struggle. It was true. The rest all had kids, and it was a big day tomorrow.

He had his best mate, the youngest Shelby sibling, here with him, and that was all that really mattered.

Saoirse was finally asleep in her chair, her hot chocolate finished.

“I wish I was still seven so I could get carried to bed,” Bonnie whined, head laid on the table as he bounced his leg to keep himself awake.

“I feel you,” Isiah replied, barely keeping himself upstanding as he leaned against your kitchen bench.

Finn snorted from his spot next to the cat in front of the fire. He could’ve fell asleep right there and then, the warmth washing over him proving to be an amazing feeling.

“Should we all just sleep here and fuck off in the morning?” Ezzie suggested from her spot next to her husband, and everyone said tired words of agreement.

“We’ve two guest bedrooms, and Saoirse’s got a king sized bed, but we can put her in with us to make room.” You said, rinsing all of the mugs, the warm water running over your hands making you feel sleepy.

“Jeremiah and the newlyweds can take the guest rooms, son and I can take Saoirse’s room,” Aberama announced, and Bonnie got up from the table, supported by Aberama, and headed upstairs.

Bonnie, in his sleepy state, could’ve laughed as Aberama helped make him comfy in the bed. He supposed you were never too old for your dad to tuck you in.

Ezzie and Isiah headed to the downstairs guest bedroom, and Jeremiah went to the upstairs one. Finn lifted your sister bridal style with ease, and took her upstairs. You ushered the animals upstairs, and they went to their beds in your room. You settled in to bed next to your sister, Finn already snoring on the other side of her, and as soon as your head hit the pillow, you were asleep.

•••

“You don’t fuck about, that’s for sure,” Polly said, chuckling as Ezzie showed the older woman her new diamond ring.

It was a small diamond, but a diamond nonetheless. Ezzie hadn’t wanted a big diamond, anyway, Isiah knew that. She only wanted him.

You were all at Polly’s house, in the sitting room. Ezzie and Isiah went to Polly’s, and announced their marriage to the older woman, who then called everyone else over so the pair could tell them the good news. You, Finn, Aberama, Bonnie, Jeremiah, and Saoirse had come to Polly’s not long after, having to get into town to vote, anyway.

Once Isiah and Ezzie told the rest of the family, Arthur, Tommy, and Ada were overjoyed. They had watched Isiah grow up. He deserved a good woman, and a good woman your sister was. They could only stay for about fifteen minutes before going back to their respective houses and hotel suites, having to get ready for voting today.

“Did you have any time to consummate the marriage, then?” Polly teased, making Ezzie and Isiah shake their heads.

“We were too tired. We were fucking lucky to walk to bed,” Isiah answered, Ezzie laying her head on his chest.

“I think we only got about seven hours sleep last night,” Ezzie murmured, tapping her fingers against the green mug in her hands.

“Half ten at night they woke me up,” You complained, but grinned, showing the group it was good natured joking, “And then they decided to invite themselves to stay the night, the nerve of these two!”

“Ah yes, how annoying of us,” Your sister replied, coming over and pinching your cheek, the tea she had in her hand smelling amazing.

“Getoffofme,” You said, trying to squirm out of her iron grip, “I’ll mess your hair up.”

“You’ll not touch your sister’s hair, behave,” Your father warned the pair of you as he sipped on his third cup of coffee, an arm slung lazily around Polly’s waist.

You leaned down and took a drink of your sister’s tea, making her flick your forehead.

“Next time, ask,” Esmeralda scolded you, making you roll your eyes.

“Worse than fucking schoolchildren,” Polly snorted, and watched as you and your sister got closer to her lamp as you roughhoused playfully, “Watch out for that lamp!”

But, it was too late. You had yanked your face out of Ezzie’s grip, and your body followed, colliding with the lamp, sending it down to the floor with a dull ‘thud’.

You winced, looking down at the lamp, then over to the brown haired woman who looked less than pleased.

“Sorry, Poll,” Ezzie apologised as you picked the lamp up and put it where it belonged.

Your husband and Ezzie’s husband sniggered at you and Ezzie’s antics from their spot by the fireplace. Saoirse was dead to the world, curled up into a ball on the couch with Isiah’s coat covering her. Bonnie was laid down in Polly’s bedroom, sleeping his life away. Jeremiah was back at his house, twisting his hair again to make it look fresh.

“It’s alright, love,” The woman spoke, smiling softly at her.

Ezzie returned the grin, then looked at you.

“Now you apologise,” Ezzie demanded, making you look at you in shock.

“Me? You knocked over the lamp!” You replied, a bit too loudly.

Saoirse shifted in her sleep, making you all stop for a few seconds until you knew she’d stay asleep.

“You started it!” Ezzie hissed softly, making you roll her eyes but apologise to Polly for ‘Ez making me knock over your lamp’.

Finn went and sat down on the armchair. You followed your husband, sitting on the arm of the chair. Saoirse shifted once more, and stretched, then rubbed the sleep out of her eyes whilst yawning.

“Dadda?” She called, and Aberama was at her side in an instant.

“I feel like hazelnut chocolate spread,” She stated, making you all chuckle.

“Shall I go and get you some, then?” He replied, smiling at his youngest, who nodded.

Your father was forever wrapped around his children’s fingers. Whereas you scolded Saoirse for eating the hazelnut chocolate spread straight from the jar, Aberama just grabbed her a longer spoon so she could reach the bottom of the jar. He even spoon fed her the spread when she asked him to.

“I’ll go to Bonnie’s and get it, I’ll be back,” Aberama informed her, kissing her head, and Finn threw the man his car keys.

Saoirse whistled a three note whistle, making you look at her in confusion as your father returned the whistle.

“What does that one mean?” Polly asked, coming to sit on the arm of the couch, next to Saoirse.

Saoirse sat up, and snuggled into Polly’s side.

“Three notes, three words.” Saoirse mumbled, still half asleep.

Ezzie came over and put her mug under Saoirse’s mouth, knowing that the child must have been thirsty. Saoirse tilted her head back, and Ezzie followed with the mug, letting Saoirse drink the rest of her tea.

“I love you?” Polly questioned in reply, and Saoirse nodded.

Three notes, three words. You looked at your husband. Three squeezes, three words. You shifted so your mouth was next to your husband’s ear.

“Finn? Do your three squeezes mean three little words?” You asked the ginger haired boy, who blushed, not expecting to get caught out so soon.

“Yes,” Finn breathed in reply, turning to look at you.

“I love you too,” You murmured, and wasted no time closing the gap between his lips and yours.

“Since when the fuck do you two kiss?” Ezzie demanded to know, making you break away from your husband.

“Erm, since you and Isiah dropped the paint off. That day,” You informed your sister, feeling annoyed at how she ruined the mood.

“What? And you didn’t tell me?” She whined, feeling slightly betrayed.

“Yeah, Finn, why didn’t you tell us?” Isiah added, half joking.

You told Ezzie everything, and Finn told Isiah everything, but the pair of you had forgotten to pass on that little tidbit.

“Well you know now,” Finn grumbled, not feeling pleased at the way your sister had interrupted you and him.

“Love you,” Your sister said, grinning cheekily, making you roll your eyes.

She annoyed you, sometimes, but you truly did love her.

•••

You stood with Lizzie at the end of the staircase. She stayed outside with Ruby, in case she fussed inside, and you offered to stay with her, not wanting her to be alone, listening to the voice behind the closed door in anticipation.

“Ronald Carr, Conservative, 3,412. Bernard Hall, Liberal, 4,015. Michael Ross, Communist, 6,406. Thomas Shelby, Labour Party, 48,564.” The voice announced, and you cheered, giving Lizzie a side hug.

The crowd inside the hall went wild, cheering and whistling. The doors opened, and out came Tommy, followed by the rest of the Shelby family, as well as the Golds and the Jesuses.

“I now declare Thomas Shelby to be the new Labour Member of Parliament for the constituency of Birmingham South.” The voice continued as Tommy grabbed his handgun off of one of the doormen, putting it into its holster.

Lizzie made Ruby wave to her dad, then passed her to him once he came to a stop in front of her. Your own husband came and grabbed your hand, bringing it up to his mouth and giving your knuckles a soft kiss, then squeezed your hand thrice, a grin on his face.

You giggled at his antics, squeezing his hand three times in return, then followed the rest of your big, newfound family down the stone staircase.

§§§

Season 4 officially finished!! I’ll be writing some more fluffy chapters between reader and her family, then starting season 5. I’m dreading writing about season 5 though because A) everyone dies lol and B) Finn turns into a little shit.

Also; I have decided to start taking requests for Peaky Blinders x reader one shots; I’ll be taking requests for any of the characters

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 33

Hey y'all x long time no see or long time no read I guess 💀 I've literally been working on chapter fifty since I finished chapter forty-nine like two years ago.

Buttt I'm back with a new chapter and a HUGE favour to ask you guys!

Recently, due to unforeseen circumstances of DV, I've become homeless. I am safe, but I am travelling back to my hometown to get away from it and stay safe, but for that to happen I need at *least* $2000 (yay fuel prices!) that I don't have just to cover fuel so I've started a GoFundMe!

For me to get home I have to drive through 3 different states and the drive is 3 days long, stops included. My GoFundMe is linked in my bio, as well as this post, please please please share it around or donate if you can and if you're of age to do so 🫶🏽 any donations made will help me get home safely as well as help me find my feet until I find work.

gofundme.com

Donate to Escaping DV and Homelessness, organized by Grace Morgan

Hi, Fundraising to help me and my family escape domestic violence and homelessness by dr… Grace Morgan needs your support for Escaping D

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 39

PUBLISHED: 15/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

You took it gratefully, sipping away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You were surprised that the cup didn't break.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 40

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 22

PUBLISHED: 13/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1 MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

My jaw dropped. Maybe I should have gotten alcohol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I felt pride bubble up in my chest.

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

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

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

Maybe my two boys would get along.

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I suddenly felt like a fish out of water.

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

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

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

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

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

I'd have a bit to learn.

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x