PUBLISHED: 16/05/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 12

PUBLISHED: 25/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes, like today, they treat me like John.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 13

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 17

PUBLISHED: 02/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Finn?" I questioned, getting no answer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He leaned out of my reach and stormed off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

I live for clingy Finn

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 18

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 9

PUBLISHED: 22/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Finn," I grabbed his arm.

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

His tie was askew, so I adjusted it.

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

•••

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Behave!" Charlie hissed as Curly greeted us.

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

I'd have to speak to Tommy about it.

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

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

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

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

After a bit, Tommy came over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marian scoffed, rolling her eyes. She looked drunk.

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

“I trust you,” You mumbled.

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

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

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

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

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

I shrugged, “Yeah, them’s the rules.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You looked over at the cat as I started driving.

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

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

“How?” You demanded, glaring at me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I glanced at the cat’s squashed up face.

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 10

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 2

PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

!!FIRST PART + MASTERLIST HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

Arthur was now dragging me down to the Garrison. Apparently (Y/N) and her elder sister Esmeralda were there, waiting for us. Fuck 'em. I didn't want to see any of those Golds, especially the one Arthur told me I had to marry. This would be the first time I'd be seeing you properly.

"Why the fuck are we meeting at the Garrison? She's too young to drink anyway," I complained as Arthur fixed my suit as we walked down the cobblestone streets, feeling slightly buzzed from my whiskey.

"She can drink if she wants, I wouldn't be surprised if she could drink you under the table - and behave, you're going to be tied to this girl until one of you die because Shelby's. Don't. Divorce." Arthur warned before we walked in.

Arthur strutted in, and I followed, automatically reaching up to touch the bottom of the door jamb, then we walked to our private booth, passing Harry and saying hey on the way.

You were there, looking out the open window, your hair shielding you from my gaze (and Arthur's), your hand near your mouth. From the soft 'click', it was safe to assume you were chewing your nails.

I closed the door and locked it behind me, making sure no one could enter. Your sister nudged you, saying something softly, making you tuck your hair behind your ears and look at us. Your eyes met mine,  and breath caught in my throat. The sun coming through the window made your eyes look like they were glowing.

You scowled, then faced the window again.

Arthur ushered me into the chair and I slid across, stopping next to the window. I immediately started bouncing my leg. Arthur sat down next to me, saying greetings. Esmeralda replied, but not you.

"Have they organised a date for the wedding yet?" Esmeralda asked Arthur, her eyes flickering to me and back.

"Sometime next week, I suspect. Don't worry, we'll get a seamstress to sew her up a nice dress." Arthur reassured the pair of you — mainly Esmeralda.

"I don't want a white dress," You spoke, turning to look at Arthur, "I like yellow — I want yellow. If I'm going to get married against my fucking will, It's it going be in my favourite fucking colour."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully, "That can easily be arranged."

You settled back into your seat, looking somewhat content at the little say you had, "Good."

We fell into an awkward silence.

"I'll go get us some drinks," Esmeralda said, slipping out of the chair and out of the booth.

Arthur shifted uncomfortably as you openly glared at us now that your sister was gone.

"I hate you both," You announced, then looked back out the window.

I opened my mouth to say something back but Arthur raised his eyebrows at me. I quickly shut my mouth, knowing he would tell Tommy.

Esmeralda quickly came back in, a jug of beer and four glasses on a tray. Arthur flew up to help her set the tray on the table without breaking anything.

"Have they  told you of your new living arrangements?" Esmeralda asked her sister as she poured her a glass.

You shook your head slowly. I perked up in my seat as Arthur slid me a glass, wondering what was going to happen. Esmeralda nodded towards Arthur.

Arthur pointed to himself, and Esmeralda nodded. You cocked a brow as you crossed your arms over your chest.

Arthur cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably, leaning his arms on the tabletop, "You're moving to Watery Lane — with Finn. Orders of Tommy and your father. You're expected to move as soon as possible."

Your jaw dropped, as did mine.

"Fuck off!" You said at the same time I whipped out my pocket flask and took a long, hard swig of the whiskey.

This was the first I was hearing about it.

You stood up and stepped up onto the chair, then the table. You kicked the jug, effectively shattering it, making us all shout. Drops of beer landed on the yellow ribbon intertwined with your shoelaces, but you didn't seem to care as you walked down the table and hopped down onto the ground, and walked out of the booth.

"I'm sorry," Esmeralda said hurriedly as she got up and followed you.

Quite a fucking exit, if I do say so myself.

•••

READER'S POV

I locked myself in my vardo, this time I was adamant about not coming out. This was my home, not some cobblestone street where all the houses looked the same.

"(Y/N)! Get out here, girl!" Dad called out, knocking on the door again for what must have been the eighth time in two hours, "I'll tow this fucking vardo into Watery Lane if I must!"

The thought of my precious home touching that filthy street made me blanch, so I quickly got up off my bed and stepped across the van to the door, taking a deep breath in through my nose and letting it out of my mouth before I swung the door open.

There stood Dad and none other than Tommy and Finn Shelby. I grimaced at the trio. Finn didn't have his cap on, the sun shining freely on his face. I could see the freckles spread across his pale skin. Tommy continued puffing on the cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth.

"What are you lot doing here?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

"Finn's staying the night with you, so hand over your weapons." Dad ordered, stepping past me and grabbing my rifle and knife, "Tommy was kind enough to let you have one last night in the vardo."

My jaw dropped once more. He couldn't be serious! I looked at Finn, who looked away.

Oh, he was very fucking serious.

"We've decided you're to get married on Friday, five days' time — we'll do it here, at the camp, and you're going in to get your yellow dress on Tuesday, in two days' time. Sound alright?" Tommy questioned as Dad stepped back down the stairs.

I didn't have very much of a choice, did I?

"Sounds divine." I said through gritted teeth, making Tommy nod and walk off.

Finn stood there awkwardly, hands clasped around the black bag.

I stepped back and opened the door to the caravan wider, tilting my head to the side, "Take your boots off on the stairs. I don't want mud."

Finn handed me his bag, and I went and placed it on the table. He sat on the stairs, slowly unlacing his boots and removing them, then stood up and came in, reaching up and touching the top of the doorway as he did so, looking around.

I sat on my bed, watching him as he trailed a finger along the table and looked at the trinkets I collected at fairgrounds lined up on the shelf on top of the stove.

"So?" I asked, cocking a brow.

He turned to face me, looking confused.

"Do you like my caravan?" I elaborated impatiently, feeling slightly nervous.

He nodded, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"It's nice, really — just not what I'm used to," He replied, settling himself down on the seat next to the bed.

His leg immediately started bouncing. We settled into an awkward silence, and I brought my hand up to my mouth out of habit, making Finn reach over and grab his bag. He rummaged around for a bit then threw a little packet onto the bed.

I looked at it, and opened it. Chewing gum.

"To save your poor nails," He explained as I ripped the foil off of a piece and popped it into my mouth.

I pulled another piece from the packet and threw it to him. He unwrapped it carefully and placed half of it into his mouth and bit down, then threw the remaining half into his mouth, chewing like a cow.

I opened the window above my bed wider, to let breeze in more. I could smell something cooking on the fire, probably soup and flatbread again.

"Erm, should we figure out who's doing what role in the wedding?" Finn asked, scratching the back of his neck, leg bouncing a bit faster.

"No, not now, not ever." I hissed, glaring at the boy.

Finn threw his arms up, "Fuck me, (Y/N), I'm just trying to make things easier on us!"

I scoffed in disbelief as Finn ran a hand over his face, "They're marrying us off together because it's for the good of our families, (Y/N), can't you do this for your family?"

I  closed my mouth, halfway through thinking of an insult, then opened it once more, "How will it help my family? I'm not doing it if it's not worth it, Shelby."

"I don't know, you can figure it out and we can make it happen. Tommy wants me to marry you because we could use a strong family like yours tied to us." Finn said, using his thumb to twirl the ring on his index finger around.

I thought for a bit.

"Can — can you keep the Lees away from us when we're passing through, keep it civil when we're camped close? Can you use Dad whenever you can? And can you promote Bonnie to the best of your ability?" I asked as the boy leaned back onto the seat.

Finn nodded, "I'll pass the message onto Tommy."

I thought about it for a bit, then narrowed my eyes at the boy, "How will it help me?"

"It doesn't, I think. I don't get many benefits either." Finn said softly.

I nearly felt sorry for him as I turned my head away to look out of my window, staying silent for a few moments.

"I'll do it for my family, don't think for one second that this is for you. And I sleep on the right side of the bed, with the window open. I can't stand a still room." I stated.

"Well, can we keep the curtains closed at night? I can't sleep with light." Finn informed me, making me groan and roll my eyes.

We weren't even properly married yet and I already hated it.

§§§

Chapter two done and dusted

Also - I find that Peaky Blinders continuity is a bit iffy, so I’m playing around with it, which in turn may make a few things feel funny time-wise.

Feedback is appreciated :))

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 3

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 3

PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

You and I were now sat around the fire with the rest of your family, having eaten our dinner of vegetable soup and flatbread. You were sitting next to Esmeralda, your younger sister Saiorse on your lap as she chattered about her adventures today. I was in between Aberama and Bonnie, a situation I very much wanted to avoid.

I looked at you as you flipped your hair back over your shoulder so it wouldn't be in Saiorse's way, then looked at your other two sisters. They looked one and the same, anyone would think that Saiorse was Esmeralda reborn. But you, you looked different — and you felt different.

Your eyes flickered over to me as you were talking to Esmeralda about someone named Brianna, and I felt my face flush as I realised I had been caught staring.

"Come on, we're talking a walk, Shelby." Bonnie's voice sounded from my right, making me look at him.

He was already standing up, lantern in his hand. I looked over at you, and you raised your eyebrows as if to say 'go with him'.

I stood up, and he wordlessly turned on his heel and went. I followed him, feeling entirely at his mercy. I heard from Arthur what he did to Billy Mills, and I'm nowhere near as good a fighter. I didn't even have my cap on me in case he made a move.

We walked a fair distance away from the fire before he stopped, and turned to face me, the lantern illuminating the scene around us making him look all the more scarier as he looked down at me. I drew myself up straighter, trying to make myself seem taller.

"You be gentle with my sister any way you can, you hear me, Shelby? Because if I find out you haven't I'll kill you and mail your body back to Tommy in fifty different parcels," Bonnie warned, "She doesn't need a harder life, not right now."

I nodded, the last bit of his statement making more questions than answers.

"I'm about to give you a photo, put that photo in your bag and show your brothers because the woman in that photo is not allowed to come near (Y/N) under any circumstances, and if I found out that she's come near (Y/N) I'll hit you so hard I'll send your nose up into your fucking brain, do you understand?" Bonnie stressed, and I could only nod.

He reached into his jacket, and produced a photo, handing it to me. I looked at it under the light of the lantern.

"Who's this?" I questioned, noticing how the woman in the photo looked somewhat like you.

"That's (Y/N)'s mother. She's a cunt, and the reason (Y/N) is the way she is. Her name is Marian Jones." Bonnie informed me, "She does more damage than good anywhere she goes, so keep her away from my little sister."

"I will," I agreed, knowing all too well what it was like to have a parent that hurt more than helped.

"I'm glad we could understand each other, Shelby." Bonnie said, grinning and clapping me on the shoulder as if he didn't just threaten to kill me, then led me back over to the fire.

•••

You and I were now in your vardo, under what seemed to be a million blankets, bar one thick, scratchy dark blue one you had hung up on the window above your bed to stop any light coming in. We had the window above the bench open, and the curtains partitioning your bed from the rest of the caravan shut, but you could still feel the fresh air.

It was a nice feeling, the cold air keeping my face cool while my body was warm under the covers. I could see why you liked sleeping with moving air instead of still.

"Your family's nice," I said as I stared at the star painted roof, trying to start a conversation.

You snorted, rolling over towards me and propping yourself using your elbow, "I could've told you that, Shelby."

I did the same, mirroring you so now we were face to face, "Yeah, but everyone says their family's nice."

"Not entirely true — anyway, I think Dad likes you, I'm pretty sure Bonnie and Esmeralda do too, and Saiorse hates you because you're, and I quote, 'stealing me away to live in your filthy house on Watery Lane'. So, all in all, you did good, Shelby." You announced, the corners of your mouth quirking up.

I huffed, thinking of Bonnie's chat.

"Bonnie has a fucking funny way of showing me he likes me," I grumbled, making you cock a brow.

I noticed a thin scar running through your brow as you gave me a look that said 'explain'.

"He threatened to kill me and send my body home in fifty different parcels, then threatened to hit me so hard he'd send my nose up into my brain if I didn't do certain things." I elaborated, making you shake your head, some of your hair coming over in front of your face.

You quickly flipped it back, tucking it behind your ears, "Bonnie's word is his law, Shelby. I suggest doing whatever he told you to do."

"Yeah well, my word's my law too, and I'll do what I said I'd do — that's a promise," I stated, looking you in your eyes.

You could only nod at the tone of my voice, one that meant business.

I yawned, and flopped down onto my back once more, closing my eyes, muttering 'goodnight'.

The last thing I heard before drifting off to sleep was you replying with, 'sleep well, Shelby'.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Finn didn't want to do it, but he did. He put my hand on your shoulder, and shook lightly.

"(Y/N). (Y/N), wake up." He whispered, making you stiffen, then sit up quickly.

"I'm awake, what's wrong?" You mumbled, eyes still closed as you leaned over Finn, grabbing a match and lighting the lantern.

It was obvious to Finn that you had done that many times, which concerned him slightly — fire and wood didn’t really mix.

Finn took a deep breath in, then let it out, "Nothing's wrong, I just need to piss, and I'm scared of going alone."

Your eyes snapped open, and you looked back at the brown haired boy in your bed.

"Finn, you better be joking, because if not, I'll smother you with the fucking pillows and throw your dead body into the cut." You cautioned, making Finn shake his head, blushing, the blush reaching the tips of his ears.

"Oh for fucks sake! Hurry up and put your boots on before I decide to stay in bed." You commanded as you crawled over the boy, out of the warm nest of blankets, quickly putting on your socks and boots, along with whatever coat was closest.

The coat smelled nice, you decided, although you couldn’t place the name of the scent, something which bothered you nearly as much as being woken up for nothing. Finn rolled out of bed and slipped his boots on, not having to bother with socks as he slept with them on. He picked up the lantern, and the pair of you left your caravan, the fire still roaring as a few of your uncles sat at it, keeping guard.

You led Finn just beyond the tree line, then stopped, "Pick a tree, any tree, I'm sure they'd be honoured to have a Shelby piss on 'em."

Finn rolled his eyes as he hooked the lantern onto a tree branch, making sure you had your back to him, then began to take care of business.

Finn fixed himself back up and grabbed the lantern off of the branch, "You know, I was thinking—"

"If you're anything like your older brother Tommy, that's a dangerous pursuit," You cut in, making Finn clench his jaw, but ignore your statement.

"—I was thinking that you could meet the girls, Polly,  Ada, and Linda, in the morning, after we settle you into home." Finn stated, turning to look at you.

His eyes widened once he realised you had on his coat.

You turned around to look at him, face blank, then nodded, making him grin boyishly, the light from the lantern glinting off of a small scar just above his lip.

"I suppose it's only fair, since you met my family. Now let's go back." You said stiffly, shoving past him and leading him back the way you came.

When you walked into your caravan, you kicked off your shoes and put the coat back down where you found it, and climbed back into your blanket cocoon.

Finn followed, blowing out the lantern and putting it on the table next to the bed, climbing up into the bed then pulling the curtains closed, slipping under the covers next to you once more.

You were already asleep by the time Finn had made himself comfortable, your hair covering your face. Finn gently ran a hand through it, pushing it back so it was out of your face, then stared up at the ceiling once more, counting the stars to help put him to sleep.

§§§

I’m so obsessed with enemies to lovers trope you don’t even understand how much fun I’m having while writing it lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 4

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 36

PUBLISHED: 09/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

As soon as your eyes opened you grinned. You dreamt of babies, mini versions of Finn and mini versions of you running amuck in your house.

Eyes still closed, you reached out, fully expecting to feel your husband next to you, but instead felt the cold sheets of the bed. You looked over, and he wasn't there. Odd. The curtains of the bed were also pinned back, signalling that he had been gone for a bit. You strained your ears for a sign of your husband moving around the bathroom or the closet. You could hear Saoirse's giggles coming closer to your room, and Finn shushing her, telling her that they needed to be quiet.

After a few beats, the door swung open, and the pair came through the open door carrying trays. Finn's tray was filled with food, and Saoirse's had drinks and biscuits on it. The animals trotted in straight after them, single file. You snorted at that sight.

You noticed a paper flower, which had been painted yellow with what looked like watercolour paint, in one of the glasses, making the corners of you lips turn upwards. That would have been Finn's folding skills and Saoirse's painting, for sure. You had given her watercolour paints for her birthday. It was good to know she was using them.

"Surprise! We made you breakfast in bed!" Saoirse announced, grinning.

You bit back a giggle at the sight of her missing tooth. She had a mishap on her play equipment yesterday, tripping and hitting her mouth on a bench, which knocked out a tooth on the bottom, right next to her front ones. You were just glad that it was a baby tooth, and that she didn't bust her lip.

She'd probably have to smile with her mouth closed for the photos today, but you didn't mind.

You shuffled over and helped the pair arrange the trays on the bed.

"Thank you, my darlings," You said to the pair as you settled back down.

"Do I still get money even though the tooth fairy isn't real?" Saoirse asked the pair of you as she poured herself some juice.

Finn looked at you as you piled your plate up with scrambled eggs and bacon, and you nodded.

"Yeah, why not," Finn chuckled, then pointed to the bedside table on the left, "Top drawer. In there's my wallet, you can grab yourself some money."

Saoirse whooped and rolled backwards off of the bed, then jogged around to the other side, opening the top drawer enthusiastically and shifted things around in her search for Finn's wallet. Once she found it, she held it up victoriously, beaming a smile. She moved to open it, but looked at Finn for permission. He nodded, and she opened it, getting herself five pounds, then placing it back in the drawer where she found it. She crawled over the bed to curl up next to you. You hissed as her cold feet hit your arm, immediately causing goosebumps.

"Sorry," She mumbled, wiggling around so her feet were now under the blanket.

"S'Okay," You replied as you passed your sister her plate, which was filled with pancakes.

She immediately started to scarf them down. You rolled your eyes at her behaviour. Anyone would think that you and Finn starve her with the way she was eating.

Finn repositioned himself so he was sitting up straighter, and so his side was tucked into yours. He had a plate full of French Toast, topped off with bananas, ice cream, and honey. He had cut everything up before he brought it up here, saving everyone the task of awkwardly attempting to cut stuff whilst sitting on the bed.

You all ate in a comfortable silence, bar the purring of the cat on the end of the bed. The dogs were all curled up on the floor together, in front of the fireplace.

Once you finished all of your drinks you stacked everything up on one tray and put the spare one under the other, ready to be taken back downstairs.

You crawled off the bed, stood up, and stretched, reaching straight up to the roof and standing on the tips of your toes, yawning as you did so. Finn watched you as you moved, your hair swaying with your every motion. You turned around and grabbed the trays, and Finn got ready to help you.

"I've got it," You reassured your husband, who nodded.

"If you give me a kiss I'll believe you," Finn replied, smirking.

Saoirse giggled as you leaned over and placed a quick kiss on his lips, then lifted up the trays, heading downstairs.

You managed to not drop and break anything in your trek down the stairs, making a feeling of success bubble up in your chest.

You started humming a song as you continued your walk to the kitchen, and placed the trays on the island, filling up the sink to wash up the dishes, putting your hand under the tap to test the temperature. You looked out the window, and grinned. Today would be perfect photo taking weather. You stopped the tap, then decided to put away the stuff that Saoirse and Finn used to make the breakfast first, making room on the sink for the rest of the stuff.

Once you were done, you grabbed the glasses and jugs, washing them up first, putting them on the rack, then did the dishes, and let the sink drain. You wiped the trays over with a wet cloth, placing them on the rack too, then went back upstairs. You peeled into Saoirse's room, and noticed that her bed was unmade. You made it for her, arranging her stuffed animals amongst the pillows the way she liked them, then went across the hallway to your own room, where Finn and Saoirse were fixing up the pillows on the bed, having just finished making the bed themselves. Saoirse was knelt on the bed as she adjusted the pillows, being too short to lean over it with ease like Finn.

You leaned against the doorway, watching as your sister sneakily grabbed the pillow closest to her, and moved it as if plumping it, gripping it tightly, then picked it up lightning quick, swinging it back then bringing it forward, connecting it to the side of your husband's face, sending him stumbling.

You gasped as your sister cackled, but Finn wasted no time grabbing a pillow of his own and returning the favour, sending Saoirse face first into the mountain of pillows she had just finished fixing.

You guffawed at this, then quickly clapped your hand over your mouth as Saoirse sat up, and looked at you. Finn also had his gaze set on you. Saoirse narrowed her eyes, and shuffled forward on the bed.

"Saoirse — no," You warned holding a finger up as she got off the bed.

"Saoirse; yes," Finn encouraged, making you glare at him.

"Hit me with that pillow and you're not getting any dessert for the next week," You warned, finger pointed at her.

She stopped her stalking over to you, and looked over at Finn.

"Hit her with that pillow and I'll give you two more pounds," Finn said, making your jaw drop.

"If I got hit, you do too," Finn stated, seeing your betrayed expression.

"Fucking — Saoirse, you'll not hit me with that pillow or you'll not be my favourite sister anymore!" You threatened, although it was empty; Saoirse knew you didn't have favourites.

"Bonnie's my favourite anyway!" Saoirse said with a shrug, before launching the pillow at your face, making you shriek and stagger back.

You pulled it off your face just in time to see Saoirse clamber back onto the bed, grab a pillow and pelt it at a laughing Finn, hitting him square in the forehead, throwing him off balance enough that he fell down into a heap on the ground.

While Saoirse was giggling with glee, you snuck up behind her, pillow in hand, and hit her across the knees, hard, making her stumble and fall onto the mattress with a squeal.

"That's what you get for hitting me first!" You declared, crawling into bed with her and tickling her, making her shriek with glee.

Finn, now up with the support of the bed, crawled onto it and started tickling your younger sister too.

"Say 'Finn and (Y/N) are the greatest and I'm sorry I ever hit you two with a pillow' and we'll stop," Finn told your little sister, who was wriggling around, trying to escape you and Finn, both of you with grins big enough to split your faces in two.

"Finn — Finn and (Y/N) — Are the greatest and — I'm sorry I ever hit you two with a pillow," Your sister said, the last bit of the sentence running together, making you and Finn immediately withdraw your hands.

She was now red in the face with tears slipping out of her eyes, huffing. You reached over and grabbed the bottle of water you kept on your bedside table, and offered it to your sister. She sat up and took it, having a few sips.

"So, Finn, when's the photographer getting here?" You questioned your husband, wanting to make yourself look presentable before they arrived.

"I didn't hire one," He said simply, making your eyes widen in disbelief, and your jaw drop.

"You didn't hire one after you said we could get family photos?" You asked disbelievingly, and Finn nodded, then put his finger up, signalling for you to wait.

"I decided that — wait for it — I would buy us a film camera and we take the photos ourselves! How good is that?" Finn replied, grinning, waiting for the reaction of the two girls.

"I like that idea," Saoirse agreed, face now back to normal.

"That is a good idea," You agreed with your husband, and got off the bed, heading to your closet.

"Finn, what's your favourite colour? I want to coordinate outfits with them all," You told your husband as you walked into the closet, immediately grabbing your yellow sundress.

"You won't be able to see it anyway," Finn pointed out, and you stuck your tongue out at him.

"Blue and yellow are fine," He decided, and Saoirse poked him in the arm.

"Finnegan Shelby-"

"My name is just Finn-"

"-Just Finn, everyone has a favourite colour, so what is yours," Saoirse prompted, and Finn shrugged.

"I don't know. Never really thought about it before. Blue and yellow," Finn answered, now deep in thought.

"Those are me and (Y/N)'s favourite colours, though," Saoirse huffed, and it was Finn's turn to poke her in the arm.

"Yes, but you two are some of my favourite people, so I can copy you two," Finn replied, making Saoirse grin.

Nobody else had favourite colours and stuck to them like you Gold children did. But, he had chosen yellow as his favourite colour long ago, when you had taken him to a paint store once. You had enthusiastically shown him all of the shades yellow came in, from a soft, parchment yellow to a deep, Dijon yellow. You chattered and chattered about the yellow, pointing out the shades you liked the most and the shades you liked the least.

He only added blue to his favourite colours after Saoirse moved in with the pair of you. She would always point out how pretty the blue sky to him, show him her favourite light blue dress, bring him home blue things that reminded her of him (his favourite one so far was a throw cushion from a market stall, bought because of how comfy it was, given to him in case he needed something to make his office chair more comfy).

Those two colours reminded him of home. The porch with paint on it from Karl and Saoirse going over the edge of their papers, the kitchen doorway which had all of the kids' heights marked on there, the living room with couches he always let the animals sleep on, even though you would tell him not to, and finally, the two people who helped him make this house a home. You and Saoirse.

•••

You had managed to colour coordinate your outfits well. Finn had on a yellow sweater and jeans. You had worn a yellow dress with a blue belt, and Saoirse had worn a blue dress with a yellow belt. All of you were barefoot, and with your hair down in its natural state, but you didn't mind.

You had ended up with thirty-six pictures. You took twelve, Finn took twelve, and Saoirse took twelve.

Your twelve consisted of;

- Saoirse laying amongst the wildflowers in your backyard, grinning widely, her two dogs laid on their backs either side of her. You and Finn had woven flowers into her curly hair. The sunlight shining down on her made her eyes look all the more golden instead of brown.

- Finn, leaning against the beam at the front of the house, Finn Junior and Tuck on the stairs under him.

- Finn Junior and Tuck resting in the sun on the porch.

- Finn and Saoirse on her play equipment, him pushing her on the swing set

- You, Finn, Saoirse (who had Finn Junior on her lap) on the porch swing, the dogs laid at your feet (this photo was achieved with the help of the self timer on the camera, which was sat on the top of the railing)

- In the field next to your house, you leaning back on one hand, looking down at Finn, who was laid with his head in your lap, one arm across his midriff, the other reaching up to play with your hair, and Saoirse leaned against your side, looking at the camera.

- Saoirse reading a book with Finn, the pair on the floor, leaning against the bay window seat

- You, Finn, and Saoirse holding hands and walking, Saoirse in the middle, the pair of you looking down at her and her looking at the animals (you had to bring a chair outside to achieve this)

- Saoirse on her carousel, reaching up and attempting to touch the lights that lined the top of it

- Your hand on top of Finn's showing off your wedding rings

- The three of you on the steps of your vardo (which you had moved next to the stables a while back)

- Saoirse feeding your chickens

Finn's twelve consisted of;

- You, leaning against a door frame with your arms by your side, smiling shyly up at the camera

- Saoirse petting your horse Charlotte

- You, sat at your vanity, brushing your hair (he managed to angle it so he was in the reflection of the mirror, camera to his face)

- You and Saoirse on his rocking chair, giggling, Saoirse in your lap

- The cat and dogs on the couch (you had scolded him after this one)

- Saoirse and you making a cake, you showing her the contents inside the metal bowl as she knelt on the kitchen island

- You, and him standing next to a tree in your orchard, looking up at Saoirse who was in the branch above the pair of you

- A mirror picture of the three of you in the guest bathroom downstairs, you leaning against the wall, plaiting Saoirse's hair, and Finn sat on the edge of the tub, Saoirse 'fixing up' his curls

- Saoirse, leaning against the couch with her arms crossed under her head, looking directly at the lens with a serious face

- You, playing guitar

- Saoirse playing ukulele

- Finn and you at the upright piano, Saoirse sat on top of it, legs dangling down over the keys

Saoirse's twelve were;

- Finn, sat up on Charlotte, you kissing Charlotte's nose

- You, spinning around in the field, so your dress was flared out

- Finn sitting in his rocking chair, lighting up a smoke

- You, brushing the cat's fur

- You and Finn, kissing in the backyard (she had giggled and giggled and giggled when she had took this photo)

- Daisy and Duke asleep in their basket

- You and Finn icing the cupcakes that you and Saoirse had made

- Finn, piggybacking Saoirse, Saoirse giggling

- You and Saoirse standing with your backs to the camera, your hands coming up to make a heart

- You, Saoirse, and Finn crouched (you two girls kneeling) in front of the small pond in your front yard, Saoirse pointing to a fish in the pond

- You, sat down in the field, weaving long grass into a basket

- Finn sat on a chair, his front against the back of it, watching you as you leaned towards a mirror, running a finger along your hair (This was Saoirse's favourite, because all you could see in Finn's eyes was pure adoration)

You had taken the film to town to get developed and buy photo frames, a trip which you all thoroughly enjoyed, especially because Finn ended up taking you all to get ice cream. It was a good day.

§§§

Thank you to everyone that voted on names, appreciate your input so much!!

Also shout out to everyone that replies/messages me and gives me feedback/comments!! I love hearing feedback lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 37

TAGLIST

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 26

PUBLISHED: 18/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

I started squealing as we got into the carriage. I loved Ferris wheels, and heights. In the line, Finn and I had planned out the rest of the night.

I sat myself right against the wall, looking out at the people on the ground as we began our descent into the sky. They had gotten smaller and smaller. I looked out at the buildings. I noticed that we could see the Cut from here.

"Oh, Finn, look, there's Lizzie and Tommy," I pointed out the pair, on the ground near a cotton candy cart, and looked over at my husband.

He was puffing on a cigarette, eyes on me.

"Oh, Finn, what's the point of coming on the Ferris wheel if you don't enjoy the view!" I whined, making him chuckle as he pulled the cigarette from his mouth.

"I am enjoying the view." He replied with a grin, then winked, a cocky tone in his words.

"Shut up," I muttered, looking back out towards the scenery, feeling my cheeks get warmer.

I continued looking out at the scenery, watching the people mill around the fairground, and enjoying the funny feeling in my stomach as we spun around.

Soon enough, we got out, Finn threw any arm around my waist, leading us to the bumper cars using his map.

I spotted Ada and Karl in line, Karl with a balloon on his wrist.

"Fancy seeing you two here," I called out as we approached them.

"Don't you two look quite the cute couple," Ada greeted as we lined up behind her.

"Uncle Finn, uncle Finn, can you drive me?" Karl begged, and Finn shook his head with a small grin.

"I'm on a date with Aunty (N/N), sorry," Finn replied, pulling me in closer to his side.

Karl pouted, but nodded. I felt my heartbeat speed up at the use of my nickname.

"A date?" Ada asked, sounding surprised.

"Yeah, Lizzie forced us," I joked, although it wasn't too far from the truth.

I would be too, if we were being honest.

"Who knows, by the end of the night we might know each other in the biblical sense," Finn said cheekily, making me gasp and slap his chest.

"Finn!" I squealed, making Ada laugh and Karl look at us confusedly.

Luckily, I was saved by the person announcing for everyone to get out of their cars, and exit the ride. I started bouncing on my heels, making Finn chuckle.

I really did love fairs.

We moved up onto the black floor after Finn gave the man our tickets, and got into a yellow car.

"We gonna annoy Karl and Ada, love?" Finn asked as I pulled the padded bar down over our laps.

Love. My butterflies came back tenfold at the stupid little nickname.

"Yes — But Karl's driving so be careful," I begged, and Finn nodded.

"I will," He spoke simply, but the smirk on his face said otherwise.

After all of the cars had people in them, the ride started. We jolted forward, and Finn immediately started chasing Karl and Ada.

I felt someone ram into us from behind, making us jerk forward. I looked around and saw that it was Flo and Dinah, Flo cackling away as she drove, Dinah blowing us a kiss.

"Finn, get those girls back," I commanded, and he laughed as he started chasing them.

"Your wish is my command," He said, dropping a hand from the wheel and placing it on my knee.

I felt my heart speed up at the contact, making me grin.

•••

Finn and I had just come from the circus and our second Ferris wheel ride of the night. We were now making our way towards the giant slide, after our quick stop at a cotton candy cart.

"Okay, so we went on the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, flying swings, Helter Skelter, circus, thanks to your family for getting us seats in the front row, second Ferris wheel ride, carousel, haunted house, and now we're going to the giant slide. That leaves the stalls, one final ride on the Ferris wheel, then fireworks at midnight." Finn informed me, looking down at the map as I bit into the pink cloud in my hand.

I gave a hum of approval as we walked towards the wooden slide, me dragging Finn by the belt loop again. I had pulled my yellow sweater on after sundown, because the night air had a chill in it, even with all of the people moving around the fairground.

In the haunted house, Finn had put an arm around me 'in case I got scared', but ended up nearly pissing himself when a contortionist ran full pelt at our stopped carriage in a bridge walk.

We continued trotting along until we ended up in line for the giant slide. It was a big wooden slide, one you had to sit on a piece of hessian cloth to go down. We grabbed one each from the pile at the bottom of the slide. Once Finn and I got to the top of the slide, I placed mine down and sat on it, then waited for Finn.

"We should make it a race." I decided, "Loser does whatever the winner tells them to do."

Finn nodded, "I'd be up for that."

I waited until the employee told us that it was safe to go, then started counting, "One, two-"

"-Three." Finn said, then pushed himself off.

"Finn, you bastard!" I screeched as I slid down after him, leaning forward and making myself go faster, catching up with him.

My hair blew back from how fast I was going. I whooped as I grabbed my hessian mat tighter. Finn bumped into me, sending me spinning around; making me shriek, the world turning into a blur. I reached out and grabbed Finn, making him yell as we tumbled off of the end of the slide together.

"Holy fuck, never again!" Finn swore, making me cackle.

"I won that one; you cheated, so I won by default." I decided as we stood up.

Finn didn't protest as I threw our hessian cloths into the pile. He held a hand out, and I helped him stand up.

Someone cleared their throats to our right, making us look.

Tommy and Lizzie stood there, Lizzie with a knowing smile on her face.

"(Y/N). Finn. Nice to see the date's going good." Tommy said simply, his blue eyes burning holes through us.

"It's going great," I said, interlacing my fingers with Finn's, who gave three quick squeezes.

"We'll be off then," Lizzie said, pulling her husband away from us.

I waved to the pair as I lead Finn away to the stalls. I spotted a familiar pair of men, then tried to lead Finn the other way.

"(Y/N)! Come and see your old dad and brother!" Dad called out, making me groan as Finn lead me over to them.

They were running a stall where you had to knock the cans over. I noticed oversized bears handing from the top of their stall.

I pointed up at the light brown one, "Dadda, Bonnie, I want that one."

"No can do, sister. You need to win it," Bonnie replied, leaning back against the bench of the stall, grinning.

My jaw dropped.

"Why!" I demanded, and Finn slung his arm around me.

"What do you have to do to win one?" Finn asked, and Bonnie cocked a brow as Dad smirked.

"Knock each pyramid over. No rebounds, no bounces." Bonnie informed him, "3 shillings; 3 shots."

Finn pulled the money out of his jacket pocket and handed them over to Bonnie, who gave him three balls.

"And I thought all Shelbys were good for was pushing papers around," Bonnie mused, making me roll my eyes.

"Finn, darling, ignore those two." I told him, "They're just trying to shake you up to make you miss, show them what you're made of."

Finn smirked, and started throwing the balls up into the air.

"Where are we going to put that bear in our apartment, love?" Finn asked, juggling the balls.

"You haven't even thrown a ball yet," Bonnie interjected.

Dad watched on in amusement, and I stayed silent as I leaned against the bench, watching the pair.

"I don't need to just yet; because I know I'm gonna knock 'em down. So, again, where are we going to put the bear?" Finn asked, turning back to face me, a cocky smirk on his face.

"If you miss I'll make my daughter divorce you," Dad called out to Finn, making me give Dad a death glare.

"In my room, at the foot of the bed," I answered my husband, and that was all it took for Finn to straighten up his stance and focus, then throw the three balls lightning fast, effectively knocking over the three towers.

Dad's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and Bonnie begrudgingly got the light brown bear down and gave it to me.

"I was just teasing, you know, didn't mean anything by it," Bonnie said to Finn, who gave him a boyish grin in return.

"I know, but what my wife wants," He then threw an arm around me, "She gets."

"See you later," I said as we walked along.

I looked around the stalls, trying to find something fun.

"Roll a penny, Finn I want to try it!" I pleaded, and he sighed but led me over there.

I knew that he thought it would just be a waste of money because it was a luck game but I tended to get lucky when it came to it.

Finn paid the girl running the stall, and I got three pennies.

I placed the little wooden wedge on the edge of the table, then dropped my first penny into the slot, then moved the wedge towards the paper, a bit towards the left, and dropped the penny again. I moved my penny right to the edge of the paper on the right, and dropped it into the slot, waiting for it to stop rolling and hit the paper with a clatter. I looked at my three coins. They all landed on 'WIN' squares.

"Congratulations, you can pick five prizes." The girl said blandly, sounding like she didn't even want to be there.

How boring. I'd want to be at a fairground working. You always got free rides.

"Erm, that sliding whistle, that plastic tiara, that bunch of temporary tattoos, and ... two of those friendship bracelets." I said, pointing to each one.

Finn grabbed the prizes off of the girl for me, putting the whistle, temporary tattoos, and friendship bracelets into his jacket pocket. He turned to me with the tiara in his hand, placing it onto my head gently.

"A tiara for the Queen of Onions," Finn dubbed gravely, then started laughing at my scandalised face.

"Queen of onions? Couldn't you have thought of anything better!" I exclaimed, watching him go red in the face as he cackled.

"It was either that or the queen of contrary ... ness. Contrariness." He announced after he calmed down, still giggling.

"For the last time, stop comparing me to an onion! And I'm not contrary!" I scolded, then spotted another stall and ran over there, Finn not too far behind.

"I'm no good at this one," Finn said as he forked over the money.

I handed him my bear, "Well lucky for you, I'm great at frustration."

I dropped the orange counter into the slot, and immediately started tilting the green bar using the knobs on either end, trying to get the counter to land in the notch in the middle of the bar. I tilted it left and right, slowing down every now and then as I thought it was going to land it the notch, then groaning as it didn't.

I tilted it towards the left quickly, then back towards the right, levelling it out. The counter landed in the notch and stayed there, making me whoop.

"Congratulations, pick a prize, pretty girl." The boy running the stall said, sending me a wink.

Finn stepped up and put an arm around me, "Yeah, pick a prize, love."

He then planted a kiss on the top of my head, making the employee drop his smile.

I smirked, and pointed to the giant bear, much like the one I already had, but this was a darker brown, "That one — For my husband, so we can match."

Finn grinned at me as the employee gave it to him, "Thanks, mate."

"Welcome," The boy replied, in a tone that told us that he was not, in fact, welcome.

"I think we've got enough material prizes, let's go try for money prizes," Finn decided, and I nodded, looping my elbow through his as both of us had our hands around our bears.

We didn't need money, we had enough, but it wouldn't hurt to win a few pounds, just in case.

I looked around for a fun stall, and Finn stopped, making me look up at him.

"Do you think I'll be able to make it up the unclimbable ladder?" Finn asked, nodding towards it.

"Nope." I replied, popping the 'p'.

You could make it up if you knew the tricks, but even then it was hard. Bonnie couldn't even do it and he was one of the most coordinated people I knew.

"If I win, will you give me a prize?" Finn asked, leading me over there.

"Sure," I answered, and Finn looked at me, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes," I affirmed, knowing he wanted a proper answer.

He grinned and stood in front of the employee.

"Pay a pound, try to climb the ladder. If you succeed, you win twenty-five pounds." The employee told Finn, a big million dollar smile on his face.

"Yeah, alright," Finn said, paying the employee, then giving me his bear.

"Want me to hold your jacket too?" I asked, and Finn nodded, taking it off and handing it to me.

I placed my bear on the ground and put his jacket on his bear, giggling as I did so.

"Wait," I said, making Finn look at me.

I fished a friendship bracelet out of the jacket pocket, then grabbed Finn's wrist, tying it on.

"For luck," I informed him, making him grin as he walked back over to the ladder.

Finn grabbed the sides of the ladder. He put both of his feet on the bottom rung, then lifted his right foot, moving his left hand as he did so, grabbing the side fabric of the ladder. I noticed that he put his feet at the edges of the rungs, not the centre.

Balance. That was the secret.

I watched him as he ascended the ladder, making it to the top with ease. I clapped, and the employee looked less than pleased as Finn dropped down onto the landing pad with ease, stretching his arms as he stood back up. I watched as his muscles flexed through the fabric of his shirt. It was a nice sight.

The employee grabbed the twenty-five pounds out of his pouch, handing it to Finn. Finn came over and I handed him his bear back, then picked up my own, and we began walking again.

How our legs weren't tired, I didn't know. Maybe we were too giddy to feel tired.

I noticed a man holding a multicoloured cube in one hand, and a pocket watch in the other, making me smirk.

"Finn, this way," I said, leading him over to that stall.

"Little miss! Do you want to try to solve this cube under one minute? You pay a pound and win fifty if you solve it under a minute," The employee said, and Finn bumped his side against mine.

I looked up at him.

"Are you going to get disappointed if you lose?" Finn asked, and I shook my head.

He grabbed a pound and handed it to the employee.

"Um, can you hold my bear please?" I asked Finn, who grabbed it off of me with a nod.

He started fishing around in his pocket again, and pulled out the other friendship bracelet. I grinned and gave him my wrist. He gently tied it around my wrist, leaning down and placing a kiss on my wrist after he was done, making my heartbeat speed up at the small gesture.

The employee cleared his throat, making me turn around and look at him, then gave me the cube, looking down at his pocket watch, "You can start — now!"

I started twisting and turning the cube, quickly solving the yellow side.

I went on and solved each side, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I raced to beat the time.

"Done!" I shouted as I finished the last side.

The employee's eyebrows shot up, "Forty seconds. You did it."

"Course I did," I shot back, making Finn chuckle behind me.

The employee reached into his pouch and pulled out the money. I gave it to Finn to put into his jacket pocket, zipping the pocket back up.

"Oi, mate, what's the time?" Finn asked, and the employee looked at him.

"Quarter to eleven," The employee said after checking his pocket watch.

Fuck me. We'd been here for a long time, but it only felt like five minutes.

"Is there a revolving bar here?" Finn asked, and the employee nodded, pointing him in the direction of it.

"I want to try that one before we go on the Ferris wheel, come on love." Finn said, leading me down towards it.

"Come on, hurry, I want to make the Ferris wheel before the fireworks are on," I urged, picking my pace up to a jog.

Finn jogged along beside me, and we made it to the stall. I looked at my watch. Twelve to. That gave us seventy-two minutes for Finn to do the bar, for us to ride the Ferris wheel one last time, and get back to the apartment building. We'd planned on sitting on top of the building to watch the fireworks.

The employee noticed us jogging toward him, and perked up, "Hello, lady and gent-"

"-Yeah, sorry for being rude, but how much is it." Finn cut in.

I had to bite my tongue so I didn't laugh.

"Pay one pound, win twenty-five if you manage to hold on for three minutes," The employee said.

Finn rummaged around in the pocket of his jeans, grabbing the money and handing it to the man.

"Okay, hop up!" The man said, grabbing out his pocket watch.

Finn put the bear on the ground.

"Finn," I said, grabbing his arm, making him turn and look at me.

I quickly stood up on the tips of my toes and placed a kiss on his cheek, right above the corner of his mouth.

"For luck," I said shyly, watching as a blush climbed up his neck and spread across his cheeks.

"I fucking feel lucky now," Finn muttered as he walked up to the bar.

The employee told him to hop up, and he did, holding on to the bar. The employee flipped a switch on the side of the stand holding the bar up, and the bar started to turn. I watched as he shifted his grip on the bar, huffing.

"You can do it, darling," I encouraged after the employee told him that he reached the one minute mark.

Finn continued to move his hands back and forth, his knuckles white. I was elated at the way his shirt was riding up ever so slightly, and the way it clung to him as he hung there, his muscles visible through the white fabric. The focus on his face was evident, his teeth clenched as he tried not to drop.

"Thirty seconds!" The employee said, looking up from his pocket watch.

I bounced on my heels excitedly as the employee counted down, reaching zero.

"You've won twenty-five pounds!" The employee said, grinning.

Finn dropped down, huffing. He fixed his shirt up and got the money off of the employee, putting it into the jacket pocket. At least one of us was smart enough to wear something with pockets that could zip.

"Ferris wheel, now, let's go!" I exclaimed after Finn picked his bear up, dragging him along.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You and Finn were currently ambling along the Cut, meeting Arthur halfway to your apartment building. You had half an hour before the fireworks started.

Finn was looking for good skipping stones to show off. He was great at skipping stones, one of the best in Small Heath. He found a heart shaped one, and quickly slipped it into his pocket.

"(N/N), look here, I reckon I can make twenty skips with this one!" Finn declared, making you look at him.

He was holding a perfectly circular one, and you urged him to try skipping it. He swung his arm back, then swung it forward and flicked his wrist, sending the rock skipping along. You both counted twenty-one skips before it sank, then cheered.

"That's impressive," You admitted, looking over at your husband.

He grinned back at you, feeling on top of the world.

"I can't skip stones," You revealed, making him gasp and place a hand on his chest, feeling completely and utterly shocked.

You looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"I'll show you how while we wait for Arthur, come on," Finn said softly, realising his mistake.

You looked over at him, and he picked up some more stones. You walked over and stood next to your husband, putting your stuffed bear next to his.

He gave you a flat stone, standing behind you.

"Okay, so you always stand with your non-dominant side towards the water, so you can throw with your dominant hand," Finn explained, shifting your body so you were standing correctly.

He handed you a stone, "Then, you swing your arm, but flick only your wrist. You throw this at the water with your dominant hand, but you don't throw it down, you throw it across, but not too across."

You nodded at his safely advice, then tried it yourself, Finn whooping and clapping as you managed three skips with your stone.

"You're a natural, love," Finn told you as you spun back around and faced him, throwing your arms around his neck and pulling him down into a hug.

"It's only because you taught me," You murmured as you pulled away, looking up at your husband.

Your eyes flickered down to his lips, which were curled into a soft smile.

A car horn beeping pulled you back to reality, and you looked over to see Arthur in a dressing gown behind the wheel of his car.

"Come on, lovebirds, some of us actually need sleep!" He called out, but you knew it was good natured teasing.

You picked up your bears and ran over to the car, hopping in to the backseat.

You felt slightly disappointed that you didn't kiss Finn, but no matter. You'd have time in the future.

"Did you have an alright night?" Arthur asked you, looking at you two in the rear-view mirror.

"It was amazing," You spoke honestly, and Finn slipped his hand into yours, squeezing it thrice.

Arthur smirked at your answer. Tommy and Linda would owe him, (and others) money. They had a few bets placed on whether you and Finn would have a good time, whether you would kiss or not, whether you would shag or not.

They all had no intention of telling you and Finn, though. What you didn't know wouldn't hurt you.

You bounced in your seat as Arthur pulled up in front of your building.

"Thank you," You said hurriedly and followed Finn out of the car, shutting the door behind you.

You and Finn hurried up the first flight of exterior stairs.

"Here, Chuck us your bear, I'll put them inside, grab the food, you hurry up to the top," Finn said, and you gave him your bear, then sped along the balcony until you reached the door that took you into your apartment building.

There were four rows of apartments on each floor, two on the exterior of the building, then two on the interior, split by a hallway. You entered the interior of the building, running up the hallway and multiple flights of stairs until you reached the door that let you out onto the roof.

You opened it, then walked over to the edge, sitting on it and dangling your feet over the edge. You shivered. It was colder up here. You looked at the time. Ten minutes to go. You watched three minutes tick by until you heard the door to the roof open with a 'bang!'

You spun around, and Finn was stood there, a bottle of lemonade in one hand, what looked like water in the other, and something wrapped in a cloth held against his chest with his forearm. He had a blanket around his shoulders, making you snort.

He hurried over to you, sitting down next to you.

You had cut up tomato and cheese before you left, so you could make sandwiches before bed if you were still hungry.

All Finn had to do was butter the bread, put the tomato and cheese onto the sandwiches, along with salt and pepper, then cut his into squares and yours into triangles.

As soon as Finn unwrapped the sandwiches, your stomach growled. He handed you one of yours, and you thanked him, then devoured the small sandwich, grabbing the bottle of lemonade and taking a swig.

He produced a handkerchief from his pocket, along with the temporary tattoos, "Reckon you can give me one of those tattoos?"

"I'd love to," You answered, sifting through the pack.

You found one of a cartoon pistol firing.

"Take your jacket and the blanket off," You urged Finn, who did so.

You opened the bottle of water and shoved the handkerchief inside, then pulled it out and wrung it out over the side of the building. You placed the temporary tattoo onto his left arm, then placed the wet cloth over it, rubbing it to make sure the tattoo under it was completely wet. Finn watched you as he ate his cheese and tomato square.

He looked down at his watch. Two minutes to go. He pulled the blanket around the pair of you. You grabbed it and pulled it around you, shuffling closer to Finn so you both had more blanket. He threw his arm over your shoulder, you leaning in to his side.

"It's starting!" You gasped, wiggling on the spot.

You watched in awe as the first firework ascended, and burst into a brilliant ball of blue. You barely blinked as the dazzling display went on, eating your sandwich, but you couldn't even appreciate the taste due to all of your attention being on the fireworks.

Finn, however, was barely focusing on the fireworks. He continually looked over at you, your amazed expression at the way the fireworks painted Small Heath's streets rainbow.

The heart shaped rock felt especially heavy in his pocket as he looked back out at the sky, absentmindedly tracing patterns on your arm.

What he didn't know, however, was that you could feel him looking at you, and every time Le looked away you would peek at him, admiring him under the multi-coloured light.

He looked gorgeous.

As soon as the fireworks ended, you groaned, and bit into your last sandwich slice quite bitterly, making Finn chuckle.

"Before I forget," He began, making you look at him.

He pulled the heart shaped rock out of his pocket, and placed it into your palm.

You gasp, and Finn saw your eyes light up at the small gift.

"Oh, Finn, it's amazing! I'm going to put it on my vanity so I'll see it every morning," You informed him, which made him grin.

He felt invincible. You made him feel invincible.

•••

You groaned as Finn shook your shoulder.

"You're bleeding, love," He told you, making you shoot up.

You could feel a sticky substance between your legs, making you whine.

"Go have a shower, I'll put clean clothes in the bathroom and change the sheets," Finn said, and you stumbled out of your bed, and into the bathroom.

It wasn't even daylight yet.

Finn immediately stripped the sheets and doona cover, going and putting them into the laundry. He grabbed his own sheets and doona, then went and placed them on your bed, making sure to put the fitted sheet on properly. He rummaged through your closet and found you a clean nightgown and under layers, walking to the bathroom and dropping them just inside the door, making sure to look the other way so he wouldn't catch a glimpse of you in the shower.

He never understood why men would go and do whatever women wanted when they were bleeding, but as he put the kettle on to boil and started to make your tea just how you liked it, he understood. Understood that you deserved to be taken care of, to be shown love. He'd go and buy flour just to make biscuits from scratch if you came out of the bathroom and said you wanted them with your tea.

As the kettle continued to boil, he walked down to his room and marked the day on his calendar, then marked the six days after it, then counted twenty-eight days onwards and circled the week there, too. He knew that women's bodies didn't run on clocks, but at least this way he would know to stock the kitchen with your favourite food so you wouldn't be left without.

§§§

okay so if I stick to chapter plans I should be starting writing season 5 in chapter 48,,, we're going to get a lot of Finn and reader action before then lol

Did y'all like the date or nah??

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 27

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 11

PUBLISHED: 23/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Bonnie and Aberama sat in the stables at Charlie's yard, waiting for Tommy Shelby. The horses were pacing around as if they were nervous about what was about to happen.

A person came storming through the door, carrying a lantern and placing it on the table. Tommy. He had a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth, as usual. He reached into his coat, and pulled out some bills, putting them onto the table in front of Aberama.

"Uh, two." Aberama protested, "We killed two."

He looked back at Bonnie proudly.

Tommy pulled the cigarette from his lips, "You also shot a copper."

"Shot in the arm — with purpose," Aberama replied, not missing a beat, "There's a copper on the floor, the Stratford Constabulary will swarm all over it."

"The copperas alive. Got a description of the Italians. The Italians will be forced underground. We're gypsies. We're already underground," Aberama stated proudly, Bonnie taking a sip of his drink in silent agreement.

Tommy swallowed as he looked at the pair, placing the cigarette back into his mouth as he reached back into his coat.

"You yourself inflicted the no casualties this end so..." Aberama trailed off as Tommy threw the wad onto the table.

Aberama grabbed it, "You know, Mr. Shelby, maybe you've been pushing around pieces of paper too long."

"Luca Changretta got away. You let him get away." Tommy said simply, pointing at the pair, "When our paths cross I won't be so careless."

Aberama looked up from the table, smirking at Tommy, "And when will your paths cross?"

"Soon." Tommy announced, taking a long draw from his cigarette.

"You gave us too much money," Bonnie pointed out as Tommy exhaled the smoke, earning a cuff around the ears from his father.

"Your sister, the newest Shelby, was in that Rolls Royce. The Italians have her. I figured you could use some compensation." Tommy announced, placing the cigarette back into his mouth and grabbing the lantern, quickly exiting the stables, leaving Bonnie and Aberama in shock.

•••

You came to, tied to a steel chair. You tried to get out of your restraints, to no avail. You looked around the room you were in. Concrete floor, concrete walls, one set of wooden stairs leading up to a door. No windows, but there was a rickety fan above you, along with a flickering light that hurt to look at.

The door opened, and through it came a man you had only seen in photos. Luca Changretta. He was carrying a wooden chair of his own. He silently walked down the creaky stairs, placed the chair onto the floor, dragging it over until it was in front of you, then he sat himself down in it gracefully. Another man came down and sat on the stairs. You didn’t know him.

Luca produced a cigarette from his pocket, and placed it into his mouth, then pulled a lighter out and lit the cigarette. You stared at the flame on the end as he took his first puff, watching the white paper turn to ash. He stared at you, as if trying to figure you out.

He removed the cigarette from his mouth, then tapped it against his knee, removing the ash from the end. He flipped it around in his fingers as he held it out to you, silently offering you a draw.

You shook your head, “I don’t smoke. I don’t like the smell of it.”

“Smart girl,” Luca replied, bringing the cigarette back to his mouth, “You’d be too young to smoke, wouldn’t you?”

“Sixteen,” You supplied, knowing full well that he would know how old you were.

“Yeah, I heard that through the grapevine,” Luca muttered, “And that you were married. Congratulations to you, and your husband, Mr. Finn Shelby.”

You narrowed your eyes, then spat on the man’s cheek. He sighed as he used his shirt sleeve to remove the substance from his face.

“I take it that your husband is a sore spot?” Luca asked, eyes flickering over your scowling face.

“I hate him and he hates me, our families married us for the benefit of everyone but me and Finn!” You snapped, making Luca give a short nod.

You knew what he was doing. You had done the same in the past. He was interrogating you to see if he could use you to get to the Shelby family. Unfortunately for him, they all hated you. Or so you thought.

“That’s rough. I apologise,” Luca said, not one sincere note in his tone.

“Is now the time we hold hands and confess our mutual feelings of hate for the Shelby family?” You snarked, making Luca chuckle.

“You’re exactly like your ma described,” Luca informed you, taking another draw from his cigarette, “She’s a real piece of work, you know? She gave you up for a few bottles of cocaine.”

Smart. She could sell them to support her for a little while. With how frugally she lived, you wouldn’t be surprised if it supported her for the rest of her life.

You snorted, “She sure does know how to make her only child feel loved and supported. Her and my father, he palmed me off to the Shelby family for fuck all. Then, the Shelby family doesn’t even like me. I got into a fight with Arthur Shelby’s wife, have you seen her, Linda, that blonde one who has the holier than thou expression on her face at all times? Yeah, her, so, none of them like me. They don’t like the fact that I upset their little Finny too.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to make it out that they don’t care for you,” Luca pointed out, making you frown.

“No one cares,” You replied quietly, “That’s why they push me to the side. If my own mother gave me up for a few bottles of cocaine then why would people that I’ve been thrown at love me? I’m just always in their way. My own husband doesn’t love me, and it’s going to be that way until one of us dies because we’re not allowed to divorce.”

Luca felt a pang of sadness in his chest as you spoke. It sounded as if you really believed those words.

“Your little act would fool me if your ma — and other informants — didn’t tail you and Finn around for the past week. I know they all like you. So, I’m keeping you here until either one of them dies or I get sick of seeing your face and kill you myself. Lucky for you, you’ve got a pretty face so you might be able to stay for a while,” Luca decided, leaning one arm back on his chair, then turning around to face the other man on the stairs, “Matteo, come help me move our guest upstairs so she can take a phone call. Oh, and (Y/N)? If you kill a man of mine, I’ll kill a member of the Shelby family to even it up, starting with your little husband.”

As the two men came over and untied you, then led you upstairs, you decided one thing; protect the Shelby family at any cost, even if that cost was your life.

One life lost to keep a family together wouldn’t hurt anyone.

§§§

oooh shit just got real lmao

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 12

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

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