PUBLISHED: 15/06/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 27

PUBLISHED: 19/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You adjusted the dish filled with sweets on your coffee table for what felt like the millionth time as you waited, Finn pacing back and forth in front of the door.

The cat even looked agitated, kneading at his pillow impatiently.

A knock sounded upon the door, and you flew up, walking over to the door, Finn already opening it.

There stood Tatiana, who you assumed was Tatiana's husband; Trevor, and John's six kids, each of them, bar the baby on the oldest one's hip, carrying a rucksack.

Esme was pregnant with his seventh and last, soon to give birth. You had a dream that her and Lizzie went into labour on the same day, Lizzie having Ruby and her having a little boy named George the day after. You hoped it was a vision and not just a dream.

"Uncle Finn!" One of the older ones said as she ran up to him, hugging him.

The rest followed suit. The two adults stepped through the door, and you told them to make themselves comfortable, going and putting on the kettle. They went and sat at your new dining table, one that was big enough to accommodate you, Finn, and the six kids, not that Sophie would need her own seat, you and Finn would probably sit her on your laps.

"This is my wife, (Y/N)," Finn introduced you to the kids, "And this is our cat, Finn Junior."

You waved and gave them what you hoped was a motherly grin as you hurried over and grabbed the dish from the coffee table, holding it out for one of the children to take.

One of the younger ones came and took it, uttering a 'thank you.'

"I'm Katie, and this is Colin, Mary, Lachlan — Lockie, John Junior — JJ, and baby Sophie," Katie said, then nudged the baby on her hip, waving towards you.

The baby grinned and did a hand clenching and unclenching wave, making you chuckle.

"Does your cat scratch?" Mary asked as she walked over to Finn Junior.

"Only when he needs too, if he starts to walk away from you that's a good sign he wants to be left alone." You advised, going back over and helping Finn make the cups of tea, one cup of coffee for Trevor, and carry them over to the dining table, then sitting down next to your husband.

Trevor had taken the head of the table, with Tatiana to his right, and you and Finn to his left. It was a smart move, taking the head. To you, that was where the host or the person with the most power in a situation sat. Trevor definitely had the authority here.

"Your beds are in the last room down the hall on the right, me and (Y/N) have made up baskets with your names on them full of fun stuff, she evens knitted you all a sweater each," Finn informed the kids.

They all rushed down the hall to go check it out, followed by the cat.

They'd be sleeping in Finn's room, on his bed and the two trundles. Most of his bedroom floor was taken up by the beds, but he didn't mind, not if he got to see his nephews and nieces again. It had a plus side too; he'd get to sleep with you. He usually did, but this would be different. He had an excuse not to sleep in his own bed. He liked sleeping in yours, getting to wake up to you in the mornings.

"So. Esme has rules for her kids staying here," Trevor began, making you and Finn nod.

"Rule number one, also the only rule, no other Shelby family adults coming to see them, especially not Thomas Shelby. The kids, their cousins, can, but not the adults." He announced.

Finn sighed, but nodded. Annoying rules, but at least the kids were here. Maybe, if this visit went well, you'd be able to get the kids again.

"How has Esme been?" You asked, wanting to move the conversation so the atmosphere wouldn't become stuffy due to uncomfortable conversation.

"Good," Trevor replied, leaning back into chair, making himself comfortable, "She's due with the baby soon."

"I had a dream about the baby. She'll have a boy, with curly brown hair and blue eyes. Shelby eyes." You replied, making Finn freeze.

This didn't go unnoticed by you, who easily shifted your teacup into your other hand, taking a sip, and with your free hand sitting it just above your husband's knee and rubbing his leg reassuringly.

Trevor nodded, unperturbed as he drunk his own coffee.

"How does it feel? To be married to someone you don't love?" Trevor asked, making Tatiana choke on her tea at the lack of tact her husband had.

You quickly moved around the table to help your cousin, but Trevor just looked between the pair of you, brown eyes unforgiving.

"We don't hate each other anymore, so it's easier." You replied as you stepped back around the table and settled back into your chair, drinking the last of your tea in one go.

"But it was a nasty thing of our families to do." Finn added, taking the first sip of his own.

Trevor smirked, "I wouldn't expect anything from a Gold. Marrying his children off into a diddicoy family."

You squeezed Finn's thigh, a sign for him to stay silent. You knew if you took the bait Trevor would pack up the kids and take them away just as quickly as he brought them here.

"It was only so she didn't end up with the likes of your younger brother," Tatiana shot back gently, reaching up and pinching her husband's ear playfully, making you and Finn's eyebrows rise up.

It was news to him, and to you. But, it made sense. If your father didn't want Bonnie to be successful so badly, then maybe you'd be married to one of the Lees to quell the fighting going on between your families. Or maybe a Fury boy, to tighten alliances. Hell, you swung both ways, maybe your father would send you off with a girl from either families. But, as you sat next to your husband, you were glad that you ended up with him.

You weren't stupid. You knew your dad was going to marry you off someday, like he was trying to do with Ezzie. You were women, expected to go settle down soon. If anything, Ezzie was overdue to settle down. Bonnie and your father were lucky. They were men. They got to do whatever they wanted.

"You've broken his heart, you know," Trevor mused, a smirk playing upon his face, "But, I suppose, with the way you and your husband oh so dearly love each other, I can forgive you."

You chuckled, and internally cheered. You won this round. He saw you and Finn as acquaintances, rather than annoyances for taking away his little cousins. For that, you were thankful.

The kids came back out with their baskets, talking amongst themselves. Finn hurriedly drank the last of his tea and went over to them, grabbing Sophie off of Katie and grabbing a toy out of Sophie's basket, showing it to her.

You watched at how your husband effortlessly interacted with the kids, and wondered; would that be him and your kids one day? Would you have kids one day?

"How's Bonnie's boxing going?" Tatiana asked you, making you look back at her.

"Oh, it's going well. Thomas and Arthur, they're good at promoting him," You answered, sounding far away, and Tatiana kicked your foot under the table, raising her eyebrows.

You were flustered. Six new kids in your house, ones that you only just met. And, to top it all off, you had to make a good impression on them. They were Finn's family. You knew he cared for his nephews and nieces much more than he cared for his brothers and sister, so you had to make a good impression. You didn't want to think about what would happen if they didn't like you.

You heard a knock on the door again, and got up, hurrying over to it, opening it.

Karl, Saoirse, Charlie, and Billy were there, with Jenica.

"Just came to drop these four off," Jenica said before the kids pushed past you and entered your apartment.

"The wife and I will be off then," Trevor said, making you spin back around to see him rinsing his and Tatiana's cups.

Tatiana came over and embraced you, saying see you later. Trevor told the kids that he would be going, but the kids barely even looked at him. He and Tatiana left your apartment, shutting the door behind them. They would be staying at Jenica's for the weekend, just in case anything happens to the kids.

You went and stood by the open living room window, looking out of it and breathing in the fresh air. Finn noticed the bothered look on your face and came over.

"What's wrong, love?" He asked quietly, making you turn and face him.

"It's just sort of — stifled in here. We've only a small apartment, Finn. And — what if the kids don't like me?" You said, lowering your voice at the last part.

Finn chuckled, making you frown.

"(Y/N), they'll love you. They'd be mad not to." He reassured, and Sophie reached out towards you, wanting to be held by you.

You grabbed the baby, and she clapped her hands in glee, then leaned up and gave you a kiss on the cheek, making you giggle.

"See? One down, five to go." Finn said, putting a hand on your upper arm and leaning down and placing a kiss on your forehead, then rubbing your arm comfortingly.

"(Y/N)! Mary and Katie want to know if you'll braid their hair!" Saoirse called out, "And I want you to do mine too!"

You looked over at the girls, who quickly looked away.

"Of course I'll braid your hair, do you girls have brushes?" You replied, going and sitting down on the couch.

"Katie packed them," Mary said, making Katie look at her funny.

"No, you said you were because I was finding Sophie's shoes!" Katie pointed out, making Mary frown, but nod.

"No worry, we'll buy a brush later for you two if you wish it," You said, waving your hand in a 'don't worry about it' motion, "Sersh, go and get my brush, comb, hair tied, and ribbons off of my vanity please."

Your sister nodded, running down the hall.

"Have you lot had lunch yet?" You asked Katie, who shook her head.

"Well, after I do your hair, how about we go and have a picnic at the park?" You suggested, and the children cheered.

"Can we bake cakes and take them with us?" John Junior questioned, momentarily looking away from his new toy horse.

"Of course we can, let's go pick some cake mixes." Finn answered, picking the boy up and carrying him to the kitchen.

Saoirse came back with everything you asked for, and placed them next to your feet.

"Me first!" Katie shouted, sitting on the floor between your legs.

"My hair's a bit knotty," She added as an afterthought, "I had my hair down and it was windy."

As you gently undid her bun, you could see that her hair, was, in fact, very knotty. You grabbed your brush and started at the very ends of her hair, grabbing her hair at the nape of her neck to make sure you dragging the brush through her hair wouldn't pull her head back too much. You slowly worked your way up, making sure to not hurt her scalp as you finished detangling her hair, then parted it down the middle.

"Do you want a normal braid or a reverse braid?" You questioned, and she shrugged.

"I'll give you reverse braids; grab the jar and pick out ribbons for me to tie your hair with at the end." You instructed softly as you used the rat tail comb to help section her hair.

Finn watched you as you did the three girls' hair with patient, feather soft touches, and felt his heart flutter. He felt lucky to have you, with all of your kindness and patience, as his wife.

•••

You now sat in the park, watching the older children run around. Soon you would all be going down to the netball courts so you could play netball. The kids were keen to see you play. Colin loved netball, apparently. Katie had just finished painting your nails, they were now covered in black polish. Billy and Sophie were sat on the blanket with you and Finn, playing with their toys. Charlie and John Junior were on the edge of the blanket, petting a very content Finn Junior. Sophie was dressed in her pretty pink sweater that you had knitted for it, the pink complimenting her brown hair and light brown eyes. You were leaned back on your palms, and Finn was laid down with his head on your thigh.

You felt good. Today had been a good day. You watched Finn's nephews and nieces, along with your sister, as they kicked Karl's soccer ball around. The sun was out, but it wasn't overly hot. Just warm. Nice. You tilted your head skywards, closing your eyes so you weren't momentarily blinded by the sun, feeling the warmth hitting  your face. It felt good. You listened to the sound of the kids running around, the babies babbling to each other, the boys petting your purring cat, your husband's soft humming, and smiled. A very good day indeed. You felt content, and this contentment was one of the ones that you felt right down in your soul.

"(Y/N)?" You heard a voice that you identified as Lockie's, making you open your eyes and look at the boy who was stood before you.

"Yes, my dear?" You replied, watching as he shifted from foot to foot.

He looked back over to the other children, who had momentarily stopped their game to watch him.

"Go on then!" Colin encouraged his brother, making you feel slightly confused.

Locking looked back at you, and stopped shifting from foot to foot, now fiddling with the hem of his sweater, "Erm, can me and the others call you Aunty (Y/N)?"

You looked down at Finn, who nodded, then looked back at the nervous boy before you.

"You and the others can call me whatever you're comfortable with. (Y/N), (N/N), Aunty (Y/N), Aunty (N/N), Bee, Aunty Bee — As long as you don't feel forced to say it," You informed him gently.

He gave you a big grin, and you noticed a tooth missing from the bottom row. You were taken by surprise when he suddenly leaned down and hugged you, then ran back off to the others calling out 'She said yes!'

He checked his watch, then sat up, "Five minutes and we're going to watch (Y/N) play netball!"

Sophie came over and plopped herself down into your lap, followed by Billy. You cuddled the two and gave them kisses, feeling joyous.

Finn noticed your small smile as you looked back at the group. He was right. They did love you, but nowhere near as much as he did.

§§§

you guys aren't even ready for chapter thirty lmaooo a lot happens there

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 28

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 32

PUBLISHED: 04/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ezzie returned the grin, then looked at you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 33

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 1

PUBLISHED: 15/05/2022

MASTERLIST

READER’S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

I nearly shivered from his icy gaze.

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He shook his head. What Tommy says, goes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 2

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 47

PUBLISHED: 26/07/2022

(I forgot to copy some chapters onto here shhh)

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You woke up to an urgent pulling of your hair, and sat up. One of the twins. Isaac. He gave you a cuddle, and you held him a bit tighter than necessary, then got out of bed, balancing him on your hip. You headed into the bathroom, washing your face, and wiping Isaac's with a baby wipe. The house was painfully quiet.

You poked your head into the nursery as you passed it. Rosalie was gone. Finn probably had her. Or Isiah. He had come to stay at yours for a bit. It was too painful for him to stay there, at the house that he and Ezzie had made their own. You didn't blame him. You hadn't been in Bonnie's apartment or vardo yet. You didn't want to.

You headed downstairs, sighing at the fact that there was no noise. Saoirse would usually be humming, or giggling, or reading a story to the babies and animals, or playing an instrument, or singing, or talking. Just making noise. But the only noise was the cat meowing. You shook your head to rid yourself of the sad thoughts, not wanting to ruin your day before it started.

You hummed, although it wasn't nearly as nice as Saoirse used to, and entered the kitchen, where your daughter was up in her high chair, and your other son was sat at the table, both of them eating toast. Your husband was sat with a vacant look on his face. He looked more than tired. He looked exhausted, and you knew it wasn't just a physical one. Finn had lost two of his best mates in the one go.

"Finn?" You said softly, putting Isaac next to Finley, who gladly grabbed some of his brother's honey covered toast, even after Finley tried to swat his hands away.

"Just — tired," Finn explained hoarsely, and you pursed your lips and nodded.

You made your way around the table to your husband, and leaned down, giving him a quick kiss, then pulled him into a tight hug.

Finn placed a hand on your knee, and squeezed it thrice, grabbing his coffee with his other hand.

"I love you too," You replied, grabbing the mug next to his own and sipping it, knowing it was meant for you.

"You staying home again?" Finn asked, feeling a bit more normal after his cry.

"Yeah, I think Jeremiah has things to do so one of the girls and I will be watching Jeremy and Bon-Bon." You explained, and your husband nodded.

Isiah needed a bit more help with the babies now that Ezzie was gone, and you were all too willing to help out with your niece and nephew, and so was the girls from your netball team. They were all absolute godsends, always bringing around food and offering to watch the babies and taking Saoirse to and from school, even though it was all out of their way.

"It's Poll's birthday today," Finn informed you, and you swore, then walked over to the fridge, grabbing a small box off of the top of it.

"Can you give her this just in case I don't see her?" You asked, and Finn nodded.

Rosalie, now done with her toast, squealed, wanting to get down.

"No, you're in baby jail because you keep on opening the baby gates!" Finn chastised his daughter, wagging a finger in her direction, and Rosalie giggled.

"Oh, Finn, don't put her in baby jail! She's just exploring, right ring-a-round the Rosie?" You defended jokingly, going and getting your daughter out of your chair, bringing her over to sit on your lap.

Finn reached over and grabbed the boys' toast, and told them to come around the table to the three of you. They did so. Finn balanced the pair of them on his legs, and listened as Rosalie babbled to the twins, and Finley babbled back to her, throwing in some of his big boy vocabulary in there, telling her about his adventures with 'Untle Tarl' in the 'orch' (they picked 'appas' together, according to Finley).

You scolded Finley when he said a certain four letter word starting with 'f', Finn just laughing, knowing that his uncle Arthur most likely taught him it (you had walked into Linda and Arthur's once and caught Arthur encouraging Finley to swear — "Come on, Finley, say 'fuck' and I'll give you a chocolate!" "...Buck." "Close enough, mate.")

"We'll get through this," You told your husband, who nodded, but you weren't sure how you would or how long it was going to take.

You just knew that you'd get through it somehow.

•••

Thomas and Polly approached the group gathered in Charlie's yard.

"Happy birthday, Poll," Finn greeted, giving his aunt roses and a kiss on the cheek.

He then fished around in his pockets and gave her the box.

"From (Y/N) and the rest," He said, then stepped away from Polly, and Curly approached her.

"You grow grand in the horse shit, Poll," He congratulated in his own little way.

"Curly, pour some beer, aye?" Tommy asked, and Curly scuttled off to do it.

"The train to London leaves in an hour. Arthur, Michael, you're coming with me," Tommy said, trying to light his smoke.

"Tommy, I have to take Gina to the hospital today." Michael interjected, and Finn tried not to roll his eyes.

"A week ago, three members of our family were killed by Jimmy McCavern. The man we're going to speak to in London is establishing a relationship with Jimmy McCavern," Tommy took the beer that Curly offered, "So, cancel your appointments, and Ada can take Gina to the hospital."

Isiah bristled at this information, and Finn put a hand on his shoulder. He wanted to go with them too, but he knew that it wasn't the right time, or that he wasn't the best man for it.

"'Cause that's what women do," Arthur added, making Isiah scoff as he took a draw from his cigarette.

"Clean that shit off your shoes before you get in me car, aye?" Tommy told his cousin, taking a puff of his own cigarette.

Michael looked at him in a way that said that he wasn't impressed with his older cousin.

"Michael, they will give it and give it until your case is proven, and then they'll take it. From you, but mainly from me." Polly said, looking at her son, then at her nephew.

"Polly, you go to the hospital and speak to Aberama Gold. You tell him there is a strategy in place to avenge the death of his son and daughter, so not to do anything rash. And take with you the heartfelt condolences of the whole family," Tommy instructed his aunt, making Isiah frown.

Isiah knew Tommy meant his words, that he was truly sorry that Esmeralda and Bonnie had died, but couldn't the man say it with a bit more emotion?

"Why me?" Polly questioned as Tommy took a sip of his beer.

"Because Aberama Gold is in love with you. He even got an haircut," Tommy replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "And the smell of your perfume might help ease his pain."

Finn's mind drifted to you teasing him about Aberama being his 'favourite uncle', and he fought the urge to snicker.

"Tommy, I'm forty-five years old today." Polly informed her nephew, clearly not having it.

"Forty-five years old and still breaking hearts, eh?" Tommy said, and Arthur said a 'yeah' in agreement.

"To Polly," Tommy announced, raising his glass.

Everyone else followed suit, raising a toast for the matriarch of the family.

"Curly, organise two wagons to take the souls of Esmeralda and Bonnie Gold's souls to heaven," Tommy commanded, and Curly nodded, "Isiah, fetch his boxing gloves from the gym to burn with his body. Grab anything from your house that Esmeralda would want gone up in the smoke with her."

"Ezzie," Isiah muttered softly, knowing how much his wife hated being called by her full name.

Finn clapped Isiah on the shoulder, and led his best mate to his car, not wanting to leave him alone.

•••

You bounced Rosalie and Bonnibel on your knees as you read them a story, the boys drawing on a piece of paper with Dorothy. A car pulled up outside, and the dogs started barking. Finn Junior hopped up onto the bay window seat to see who it was.

Dottie walked over to the window to see who it was.

"Mary Bone and her baby," She announced, and grabbed the girls off of you, allowing to go and answer the door and tell the dogs to stop barking.

Mary came up the walk, the setting sun making her look all the more gorgeous, cradling a baby wrapped in a purple blanket. You welcomed her in, and ushered her to the kitchen, putting on the kettle for the pair of you.

"Is this bubby then? Oh, gorgeous!" You cooed, and she chuckled, turning the baby in her arms so you could see them better.

"Her name is Cara," Mary stated, and you cooed even more, telling her how pretty and romantic her name sounded.

"She's going to be a heartbreaker when she gets older," You said jokingly, going and grabbing two teacups and putting sugar and teabags in them.

"Hope not — I hope she'll be like her father, falling in love with the one woman and staying with her," Mary replied, and you grinned at her.

"Who's the father? You didn't tell me you were in love!" You complained, going and grabbing the biscuits from the pantry.

"I'm not the one he's in love with," Mary admitted, and you clucked your tongue sympathetically.

"Oh, Mary. Any man would be lucky to have you," You consoled, and grabbed the chocolate you stashed earlier, then going and sitting back across from her, snapping it in half and giving her the big piece.

She took it gratefully, and you pulled over Jeremy and Bon-Bon's stroller, Mary setting Cara down in it after you reclined the back of it. You got up and poured the now boiled water into the teacups, and milk, then carried them back over to the table, setting Mary's down in front of her.

"I didn't just pop around for a visit," Mary said as you settled back into your own chair.

"Oh?" You asked, confused, looking over at the woman as she rocked her child back and forth in the pram.

You picked up your teacup and took a sip.

"Cara; she's," Mary began, but paused, then sighed, looking away from you, "She's Finn's."

You gasped, and your grip on your teacup loosened, sending it clattering onto the table, sending lukewarm liquid pouring across the table and into your lap.

"What?" You questioned, your voice quiet, eyes narrowed at the woman across from you.

"She's Finn's," Mary repeated, still not looking at you.

"How dare you," You said through gritted teeth, standing up and making you way around the table to her, stopping in front of her.

She still didn't look at you.

"As if Finn would touch the likes of you — He has a wife. My husband would never," You spat, "And the next time you accuse my husband of that shit, you look me square in the eye."

Mary looked at you, and smirked, "Well then maybe you don't really know your husband, because on those nights you'd stay home while he and Isiah were out drinkin', he'd come and seek me out, and we'd head to darkest corners of the bar."

You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you picked up the teacup in front of Mary.

"I'm serious, (Y/N)." Mary continued, standing up, following you across the room to the sink, "He wanted to feel the touch of a real woman. One he wasn't forced to marry."

"Well, he seems to enjoy my touch, we've got three kids to show for it," You snarked, not missing a beat, turning to face Mary, "And you'd hardly be able to call yourself a real woman after saying you slept with my husband."

"Oh, but I am," She replied, feeling terribly bold, "See, the difference between me and you, (Y/N), is that you're a girl, and I'm a woman. You dress yourself in whatever's fashionable, change with the trends you know, you paint your nails silly colours-"

"Yellow's my favourite colour," You interjected quietly, looking down at your now cracked nail polish.

"-And you're still graceless. Awkward. However, I, the proper woman I am, I don't keep up with the styles. I dress in clothes that suit me and my body, I don't change just because something new is in style it all cycles back anyway, I paint my nails sensible colours, not childish yellow, of all things, and I have grace only you — and other little girls — could dream of," Mary finished, and you looked down at the ground.

What she said was true. She was five years your senior, three years Finn's senior. She was Ezzie's friend first, but got roped into your friend group easily. You never got on with her as well as the others, just because of your age difference, and partly because you were jealous of her.

She never walked into a room, she floated, her dress billowing around her, she never talked, she chimed, her voice sounds so angelic that it would be a crime to say she just talked, and every move she made was so precise, so calculated, that you'd think she was dancing. She never missed a beat, stepped out of formation. She was perfect, in every sense of the word.

Now that you were thinking about it, Finn could've slept with her. You wouldn't blame your husband, either, if you were single and she swung your way you'd try to bed her without hesitation.

She was gorgeous. You doubted her story of her sleeping with Finn a little less now.

"Here's what we're going to do," You said abruptly, wanting to stop your train of thought before it got worse, "We're going to get a blood test, to see if the baby has a blood type that could make her Finn's daughter. If she does happen to have a blood type that could make her my husband's daughter, then we're going to get Polly Gray to do paternity test. Our way. The gypsy way."

Mary nodded.

"If, and that's a big if, Cara is Finn's daughter, then I'll make sure you get money. I'm bad but I'm not fucking cruel," You reassured her, then dipped your finger in her tea.

After finding that it was lukewarm, no longer boiling hot, you threw it on her, the soggy teabag hitting her square in the face.

"Now, you absolute harlot, get the fuck out of my house before I grab a knife from the drawer and stab you with it," You threatened, placing the teacup into the sink, and she nodded, scurrying across the room and picking up her daughter, then hurrying out of your house.

You watched her leave out the window, and sighed, going over to the table and packing everything up, washing up the teacups and wiping up the spilt tea with a wet rag. You sniffled as you did so.

"Fuck Mary Bone, fuck her and her being so fuckable — and fuck anyone else who looked at my husband!" You ranted to the four walls as you scrubbed at the floor violently, then threw the rag up into the sink.

You were too mad to cheer when it made it in.

"Dot, you alright in there? I just need a minute!" You called out, your voice cracking as you did so.

"Yeah, they're all getting tired now, you're right!" Dorothy hollered back, packing up some of the toys the kids were using.

You thanked God that you had a friend like Dot, then the phone rang. You sprung up to answer it.

"Hello?" You croaked, and winced at how bad you sounded.

"(Y/N)! Baby!" Finn shouted, and you sighed, knowing your husband was probably off his face on booze and snow, "Solve an argument between me and Billy here, yeah? Now, when you mop, you - you vacuum the floors first, right?"

"Yes, Finn, you vacuum the floors first," You huffed, wiping your eyes with the back of your hand.

Finn whooped over the other side of the phone, "I told him that! Hey — you don't sound too good. D'ya need me home?"

"I'm fine, you stay out," You reassured your husband, not wanting him to come home yet.

"Okay. Love you, see ya when I lay eyes on ya next," Finn said, then hung up the phone before you could even reply.

You tsked, and sighed, heading out of the kitchen and up to your room to change clothes.

•••

Finn stumbled into the stables, to the cot you always had set up for him when he came home shitfaced. He woke up still drunk this morning, so he decided that it was best to sleep it off  before going to you and the kids. He had to tell you that Tommy wanted Billy to stay with you and him, so he could keep an eye on the man.

Finn heard someone clear their throat, and he looked up. You were sat on the cot, an unimpressed look on your face.

"Hi," Finn greeted quietly, and you gestured to the bale of hay next to you.

He went and sat there, confused. Usually you'd just leave him be.

"Finn, in ten days' time, you're getting a blood test because Mary Bone came here yesterday and said that her new baby was yours," You told your husband, not wanting to beat around the bush.

"What?" Finn asked, feeling dread creep up inside of him.

"She said you slept with her, and that her child is yours," You repeated, looking at your husband, "She's wrong though, isn't she?"

Finn studied your poker face, and shrugged, making your jaw drop.

"I'm fairly sure she's not," He said hurriedly, "But I'm usually too shitfaced to remember anything."

"Finn Theo Shelby!" You thundered, "If you got her up the duff I'm taking the kids on the road!"

Finn stood up, albeit with a struggle.

"You can't do that to my kids!" He protested, and you scoffed.

"I can and I will," You challenged, "I've got more right over them than you do, and you know it."

Finn stayed silent, mulling over your words.

"And if you have a problem with it, then you should go to Tommy, although I don't think Tommy would care about it," You snapped, and Finn looked utterly wounded.

You touched a nerve. You knew it.

"Get out," Finn hissed, and, instead of apologising, you plumped Finn's pillow and walked out of the barn, leaving your husband there in his misery.

§§§

Hi guys, please please PLEASE go share my pinned post, it’s a GoFundMe to help me escape homelessness & DV 🫶🏽

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky-18

@cucumberfingersandwiches

@jamieolivia27

@hughesstars

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 43

PUBLISHED: 18/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

A cry filled the bedroom, and Finn started laughing victoriously. Both of your babies were here, safe and sound.

•••

Finn sat on one of the couches adjacent to the fireplace in the living room. You were resting on the mattress from the bed in the downstairs guest room, just at his feet. Finn moved it into the living room for you. The babies were swaddled and laying in the small, shallow white plastic tubs that you used when washing, between the mattress and fireplace, but not so close that they'd overheat.

Finn felt iffy about putting their Moses baskets so close to the fire, so he went and got the tubs. He looked down at his sons, Medium Bee and Small Bee, sound asleep with their matching yellow and black beanies covering their ginger hair (after Saoirse came up with the nicknames, you couldn't resist knitting bee-themed clothes for your babies).

They were gorgeous. He couldn't have asked for more perfect little boys. But they were small. Medium Bee was small, and Small Bee was tiny. He was worried about his sons making it through the night, but you told him that he was just stressing. You were probably right.

The living room door was suddenly thrown open, and Finn quickly turned around to see who it was.

Polly strolled into the room, followed by Esmeralda, Aberama, Bonnie (who was dragging a nervous Oscar by the elbow), Lizzie (who was carrying Ruby), Tommy (who was carrying Charlie), Arthur (who had Billy on his shoulders), Linda, Isiah, Jeremiah, Uncle Charlie, Johnny Doggs and one of his wives, and Curly. All of whom were soaked and, with the exception of the children, muddy from the knees down. At least they all had mud boots on.

Finn grimaced. He had just cleaned the floor earlier on that day while you were baking. They grabbed the towels he had set out on the couch and started drying themselves, kicking off their boots stripping off coats and throwing them into the mudroom. Those who were carrying children put them down. Ruby crawled over to the bay window, hoisting herself up to a stand and looking out of it at the overcast day. The storm had now stopped. Billy and Charlie followed her.

He eyed them all nervously. There was a lot of people here. Too much, in his opinion.

"Where the fuck is my little sister, Shelby?" Ezzie yelled, making Finn wince, and before he could tell her to stop shouting around, a shrill cry filled the room.

"She's resting," Finn informed her, but Ezzie was already storming over to him, followed by everyone else.

She looked over the back of the couch, and pushing Finn out of the way so she could see her nephews properly. You had woken up, now drowsy.

"Oh-h-h, they're lovely," She sighed, and Polly and one of Johnny Doggs wives, the one named Edie, wasted no time heading around the couch and picking up Small Bee and a still whining Medium Bee.

"Be careful!" Finn begged, even though his aunt and Edie were treating his baby boys as gently as could be.

"How did they even get here?" Linda asked, and Finn pointed to himself, making everyone's eyes widen in surprise, some of them even gasping.

He felt slightly disappointed. Didn't they have any faith in him?

"Don't act so surprised," He snapped defensively, "Dottie, (Y/N)'s friend that's a nurse, she instructed me over the phone."

This seemed to relax your family. Ezzie knew Dottie was a great nurse. She had patched up Bonnie, Aberama, and Oscar after hours without questions asked, too, which only reinforced their confidence in her.

"They been fed yet?" Polly interrogated her nephew, and Finn nodded as the two women sat on the edge of the bed.

"How would you even feed them? They're so small," Edie commented, making Finn frown and you glare at her.

"Just want to make sure they've had enough, is all," She added, not wanting to be hostile.

"They couldn't latch, we had to use a syringe — Arthur, don't light up a fucking cigarette with my boys just there! If you want to do anything, go get the mop and bucket and clean up the cunt of a mess you've made," Finn commanded his eldest brother, who pulled the lighter away from his unlit cigarette, grumbling as he headed over to the door of the basement.

Your husband slipped down onto the mattress next to you, and the kids came around the couch, clambering onto the mattress. Polly and Edie started checking the babies over.

"Be careful of Aunty Bee," Lizzie instructed the children as she came over to see you for herself.

"How the tables have turned," She mused, and you grinned up at her.

Finn noticed that some colour had come back to you, which was good.

Linda came over and looked at her new nephews.

"Congratulations," She said simply, and you thanked her.

You and her had become much more civil with each other as you got to know each other more, something Finn was thankful for. It was annoying, seeing you fight every time you saw each other.

"Who else is here?" You asked your husband, who rolled his eyes.

"The entire fucking cavalry and their neighbours," Finn said dryly, making you snort as he looked over the back of the couch, "There's Tommy, Aberama, Bonnie, Oscar — Oscar, stop looking so awkward, you wouldn't be here if we didn't want you here — Isiah, Jeremiah, Uncle Charlie, Johnny Doggs, and Curly. And the others, of course."

You hummed and shifted so you were sitting up, watching the women as they inspected your babies.

"This one is healthy," Polly announced, holding up Small Bee.

Finn let out a sigh of relief.

"So's this one," Edie added, looking down at Medium Bee.

"So can we hold them?" Ezzie asked, itching to hold one of her nephews.

Edie and Polly looked at you and Finn. You looked up at your husband, who raised an eyebrow. Your call, he was saying.

"Yes," You answered, and Ezzie immediately moved around the couch and made grabby hands for Small Bee.

"Granddad, want to come and hold the other?" Edie called out, and Aberama wasted no time going and getting Medium Bee.

"Here — Help me move this couch," Bonnie told Oscar and Isiah.

They moved both of the couches either side of the green rug back, making more room, then pulled the armchairs and couches in front of the fire so they all sat around the green rug. Finn helped you over to an armchair, the one next to the couch your brother. Finn sat on the floor in front of your chair, leaning back onto it, being mindful of you. Everyone was now settled onto the couches, fawning over the babies and telling you and Finn congratulations. Ada, Karl and Saoirse would be here soon. Finn called them right after the birth.

Jeremiah was now holding Small Bee, chuckling at how much he looked like Finn. Both of the boys did, from their ginger hair to their little toes.

"Poor (Y/N) never even got a look in," Jeremiah commented, making everyone chuckle.

"Medium Bee's got her nose," Finn pointed out in reply, nodding towards the baby that Uncle Charlie was holding, Curly peering over his shoulder at the child.

"Yeah, Small Bee here has (Y/N)'s eyes," Isiah commented, looking over his Father's shoulder.

Small Bee was looking right back at him, and if Isiah's didn't know any better, he'd say that the tiny boy was unafraid.

"Can't you call them by their names instead of their nicknames?" Polly sighed, making you and Finn look at each other.

You hadn't named the babies yet.

"Do you have names in mind?" Oscar asked, and you nodded.

You just didn't know which baby would be named which. Finn got up and sat on the arm of your chair, leaning down to put his lips near your ear.

"Well, Small Bee looks like a Finley," Finn murmured in your ear, making you turn and look at your husband funny.

"Finn, if one looks like a name then the other will because they both. Look. The. Damn. Same." You whispered in reply, but you agreed with him.

Finley was a strong name and your littlest boy was a fighter. You were scared he wouldn't make it through the birth but he did.

"Medium Bee's our Isaac then?" You asked softly, and Finn nodded.

Finn sat up straight, and cleared his throat.

"Small Bee's name is Finley John Shelby-Gold, and Medium Bee's name is Isaac Elijah Shelby-Gold," Finn announced simply, and everyone nodded, voicing their approval of the names.

"Named after me, is he?" Isiah joked, and Finn grinned at his best mate, but nodded.

"Of course," Finn confirmed, and Isiah's smile dropped to a smaller, more grateful smile as he looked at his childhood partner in crime.

"Well, since I'm your brother and you didn't name one after me, you have to bake me a cake," Bonnie said, making you roll your eyes.

"There's one in the kitchen," You replied, and he whooped, getting up and going to the kitchen, wanting to put some food in his hungry stomach.

"Anyone else hungry?" He asked, and Charlie's arm immediately shot up.

"Why don't we all cook dinner to celebrate the new babies, yeah?" Tommy suggested, and everyone headed to the kitchen.

Finn helped you to the kitchen, and sat you down at the regular table, then headed upstairs and got the boys' Moses baskets, bringing them downstairs in case anyone wanted to put the babies down. He doubted it, but they were there just in case. Some of you settled at the regular dining table, and some of you settled at the outside dining table, which had been brought inside during the storm so it wouldn't get weather damage.

Tommy lead everyone around, chopping up stuff and letting the kids mix items in bowls. Bonnie came over and placed Isaac in your arms, giving your hair a ruffle, making you attempt to scowl, but you couldn't, not with how joyful you were feeling.

Isiah gave Finley to Finn, who was sat in front of you. You looked down at your sons.

"You're a fucking trooper, love," Finn murmured, making you look up at him.

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without you," You replied shyly, making him smile softly.

You and your husband held your babies, almost oblivious to the ruckus around you that was your family, too enthralled with the newest members of it.

§§§

The babies are here and they've got names!!

Also I was originally going to have *just* Polly rock up to the house but then I thought about it and there would be NO way that would happen lol everyone's always together

Tomorrow I go back to school so I probably won't update as frequently, but the next chapter should be out within the week — are you all excited for me to start writing about s5 or nah?

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

@jamieolivia27

NEXT PART

Part 44

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 38

PUBLISHED: 15/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You watched as Saoirse flitter around the park in her pretty pink dress, giving Valentines Day cards to her classmates, chattering away as she did so. Today her class had their Valentines Day party and picnic, and parents and guardians were invited along to attend.

You and Finn had gotten permission off of Tommy (who may have gotten a telling off from Lizzie) to go. The pair of you were slightly nervous. Finn Junior, who was lazing at your feet, made you slightly more nervous. No other parents had a pet that followed them around like yours did.

You, stood in your red dress and brown coat, was the youngest guardian there, barely seventeen. That, along with the fact that you were Saoirse's older sister, a traveller, and married to Finn Shelby, were the only concrete facts that everyone knew about you. You knew that the rumour mill was probably in overdrive right now. You fiddled with the charms on your bracelet, and tried not to think about it.

Everyone knew of the reputation of the Shelbys, Finn was the youngest of them, and there was rumours that he had followed in their footsteps, even though he was a part of their legitimate business. Even with people saying that the two of you were fine, the parents were all still a bit on edge.

Hilda noticed the disapproving, and curious, looks the other parents were giving you and your husband, and sniffed. Ever the motherly person, she gathered some of her brownies on a pink paper plate and put her million dollar smile on, then walked briskly over to the pair of you.

"Finn, (Y/N)!" She said, catching your attention, "I baked brownies for today, here, try some!"

She held the plate out to you both. You took it and gave her a grateful smile, Finn verbally thanking her. You balanced the plate in the same hand as your cup skilfully, a talent you had learned after beginning your work in the office and using smaller purses to fit in.

You could barely fit anything in your purse, having to carry everything in your hands. You were glad that you had been to a seamstress to make you skirts and dresses with pockets, as well as make pants that looked like skirts with pockets deep enough to hold whatever you liked. You even got new coats with pockets galore. Those coats were useful for pickpocketing, although you didn't need to do it much these days.

With your free hand, you lifted a brownie up and went to bite into it, but Finn grabbed your wrist and guided the brownie up to his own mouth, making you tsk but you let him bite the brownie, giving it to him to hold. You picked another up, this time your husband left you alone, content with his own brownie.

"How's Daisy's leg?" You questioned before nibbling on your own brownie.

She had fallen over in the last netball game she played, her leg was still badly bruised. Hilda looked over at her daughter, the bruise still very prominent on her shin. Finn winced at the sight of it.

"It's fine, the doctor said it's only a really bad bruise," Hilda replied, giving her daughter a wave and blowing her a kiss.

Daisy pretended to catch the kiss and put it in her pocket. For a split second, Finn imagined you doing that with your daughter. His daughter. He shook his head to rid himself of the thought.

"That's good to hear," Finn said, taking a sip of his cordial then grimacing.

It was too sweet. Way too sweet. No wonder Saoirse was running around the way she was. Finn pitied their poor teacher, who had to take them back into class after this. Twenty kids, all hopped up on cordial and sweets. They had sandwiches laid out, too, but they were untouched by the kids, only the adults grabbed some. Finn wished he was still eight so he could've grabbed all sweets. It just wasn't acceptable as an adult.

You brought a hand up to your mouth after a sip of cordial, the sweetness a bit too much for you. Hilda noticed this and quickly offered you her cup of water. You took it and drank the whole thing.

"Sorry. Everything seems to make me feel sick these days," You complained halfheartedly, and Hilda gave you a knowing look.

"You should go and see a doctor about it soon then," She advised as Saoirse and Daisy came prancing over, arms interlocked.

You nodded, but knew it was probably nothing. If you were anything like your mother and her mother before her, any children would be a long time coming.

"Bee, Bee, I've given out all of my cards!" Saoirse announced, "And Daisy helped!"

"She gave one to every single person in our class, it was annoying walking all around to them," Daisy groaned, making you all chuckle.

Daisy had also given one to each of their classmates, but she was smart enough to put their cards into their cubbies, which is what you told Saoirse to do too. You supposed that she got carried away with the excitement of the picnic, which was fair enough.

"Here comes Dick!" Daisy said, pointing to their classmate as he approached your little huddle, parents in tow.

You had heard a lot about him from Saoirse and Daisy. He was Saoirse's desk mate. He had a stutter, and he could draw the best, and did the best knots with shoelaces. He wasn't very good at maths, but he really tried, and he was getting a little better, but not a lot. He was happy to swing the rope at skipping if the teacher couldn't, even if it meant that he didn't get a turn, but Saoirse or Daisy always volunteered to swing it for a bit so he could have a go.

"His name is Richard! Richard!" A blushing Hilda hissed lowly at her daughter, making you and Finn cover your mouth with your hands as you snickered, "Do not call him that blasted name that all of the others call him!"

"Hi, Richie!" Saoirse greeted cheerfully, and you were internally relieved that she picked a decent nickname to call the poor boy.

"H-Hi Sh-Sha-Sha." Richard greeted in reply, shifting from foot to foot as he adjusted his glasses.

He looked up at his mother, then his father, who gave his blond hair a ruffle.

"Richard has something to tell you, Saoirse, and you too Daisy," His father prompted him, and he looked back at Saoirse and Daisy.

"Th-Th-Thank you both for-for the c-card," Richard said shyly, his face turning pink.

You laid your head on Finn's upper arm, watching the scene unfold in front of you.

"You're our friend, you deserved a card," Saoirse said firmly, and looked at Daisy, who nodded.

Richard flushed once more, and looked down at Finn Junior, who was now rubbing against Saoirse's legs. You were happy that you had made her wear stockings the colour of his fur.

"Do you want to play with him? He's friendly. He goes on the big circle swing, do you want to go on there with him?" Saoirse offered, and Richard nodded hesitantly, and that was all it took for Saoirse to reach over and grab his hand, then lead him towards the swings.

Daisy caught up to the pair and grabbed Richard's other hand, Finn Junior trailing behind.

"She's such a nice little girl. They both are," Richard's mother sighed, watching the group as they put the cat into the swing, then Richard.

You and Finn felt a bit of pride well up in your chests.

"They were the only two to give my Richie a card, thank you," Richard's mother said, turning to face you.

"It's no problem, honest. Saoirse knows that with things like this it's either everyone or no one," You reassured, giving her your soft, friendly smile, then extending a hand for her to shake, "I'm (Y/N)."

"Penelope," She supplied as she shook your hand, giving you a small grin back.

"Gary," His father greeted as you shook his hand.

He had a businessman's handshake, you noticed. You and Finn got to talking with the pair, talking about everything from the weather today to a potential play date for Saoirse and Dylan (and Daisy, of course).

After seeing Penelope and Gary go over to the pair of you, more parents came over to introduce themselves.

Hilda hummed to herself as she walked away from the group to get more water, feeling victorious as you and Finn chuckled along with the rest of the parents, finally 'in' with them.

•••

The crowd was wild, everyone screaming for Bonnie. If you were out there you'd probably be screaming with them. But no, you had to go and grab Oscar, and take him to where you were all sitting.

You headed down the hallway to the room where Bonnie was getting ready. You walked through the open door, and the first thing you noticed was an unfamiliar, handsome, brown haired boy sitting back to front on a chair, watching Bonnie shadow box. Your father was leaned against the wall, a cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth as he watched his son, and how his son's newfound 'friend' looked at his son.

Aberama was very sure that his son's friend wasn't even a friend at all, that the boy was something more. It surely seemed so, especially with the way the pair went on when Oscar was wrapping Bonnie's knuckles. The pair spoke softly to each other, giggled, turned red, and Oscar was ever so gentle when he was wrapping Bonnie's knuckles, asking if the fabric was too tight or too loose. Aberama felt like he was intruding on something whilst he was watching the pair. And, as well as all of their other actions, they were doing a lot of 'not looking'.

'Not looking' (verb): The act of staring at the person you are infatuated with until they look at you, at which point you tear your gaze away and pretend to focus on something else. A sign of certain romantic attraction.

Aberama was tempted to ask you about the pair, but he knew that if you knew you wouldn't say anything, forever loyal to your brother.

But Aberama knew 'not looking' all too well, having done it when he had little schoolboy crushes. You didn't do it to just a friend.

"Save something for the fight, Bon," You teased your brother, and he immediately stopped, looking towards you, then running over and pulling you into a hug.

He hadn't seen you in two weeks. That was the longest you had ever been apart ever since you moved in with your father. It was wearing down the both of you.

You chuckled and hugged your brother back tightly. After a few moments, you let each other go. You waved at your father, having seen him only that morning when you went to Polly's for tea.

"And you must be Oscar," You greeted the man sitting backwards on the chair.

He stood up and swung his leg over, walked over to you, and shook your hand, saying his greetings.

"We'll go and head off to our seats, aye? Fight's about to start soon," You said, and Oscar nodded.

"We'll see you later," You said over your shoulder to your father and brother, Oscar waving goodbye to Bonnie, who looked slightly disappointed to see him go.

You walked down the hallway, heels clacking with every step. Oscar followed you somewhat awkwardly. You stopped suddenly, and spun to face the boy, checking your surroundings to make sure no one else was near.

"Listen closely, Oscar," You began, looking the boy in the eyes, "If you hurt our Bonnie in any way, shape, or form, whether it be physically or emotionally; I will kill you. I know where you live, I know where your family members live, I know where your friends live, I know where you go for drinks of a Friday night — Fuck, I even know where your employer lives. So, again, if you hurt Bonnie, I will hunt you down, and paint your surrounds red with your blood. Are we clear, Oscar Boswell?"

Oscar, who was now considerably paper than before, gulped and nodded. Bonnie had told him that you would probably threaten him, but fuck, he didn't think you'd be that scary.

"Good. Now, let's go, I've got you caramel popcorn because Bonnie said you like it," You told him, spinning on your heel and strutting off again.

Oscar sighed heavily before following you to your front row seats. You gave him his popcorn and his drink, chattering away. Oscar was somewhat more comfortable with you now that you were surrounded by people.

Finn was across the ring, watching you as you sat with Oscar. You caught your husband's eye and winked at him, blowing a kiss. Finn chuckled and took a swing from his flask, admiring how the dress you were wearing fit you in all the right places.

•••

Bonnie had won the fight, of course, and you all went out to drink to celebrate. Your brother was pleased to hear that, other than threatening Oscar like he knew you would, the night went smoothly and the pair of you got on with each other quite well.

Your father approached you as you sipped on your gin.

"Bee, my girl," He began, making you jerk your chin up as if to say 'what?'

"Bonnie and Oscar, are they ..." He trailed off, but vaguely gestured with his hands so you knew what he meant.

You shrugged one shoulder lazily, "Dunno. Should ask Bon instead of me."

Aberama nodded and you handed him your bottle of gin. He took a swig and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, giving the bottle back to you.

He looked over at his son and Oscar, the pair standing so close you'd think they'd be joined at the hip.

He chuckled to himself as he settled down in the booth next to you.

Forever loyal to your brother. He couldn't even be annoyed at you for that. You were a good person, better than he ever would be at seventeen.

§§§

Okay so this chapter came much easier than the last one lol

I'm getting closer and closer to when I start writing abt season 5 Finn and i am DREADING it

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 39

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 14

PUBLISHED: 28/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He guided me a bit further, then stopped.

"Fuck," I heard him mutter frustratedly.

"What?" I asked softly, feeling confused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I heard keys jingling, then a door opening.

He pushed me forward, "Open your eyes."

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

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

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

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

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

At least he was considerate, sometimes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 15

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 4

PUBLISHED: 16/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saoirse nodded rapidly, her hair bouncing up and down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linda opened the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So what?" Lizzie asked, arms crossed.

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

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

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

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

He actually trusted me with this.

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

She then strutted over to stand in front of me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

Lolll I love Polly stirring people up so much

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 5

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 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