PUBLISHED: 23/06/2022

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 16

PUBLISHED: 02/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Polly Gray got out of the car, her son Michael following close behind.

"No. No fucking way," Michael protested as he got out, the springtime air hitting him.

"Have you ever eaten hedgehog, Michael?" Your father called out, making Bonnie laugh.

Polly was sure he was joking. Mostly sure.

"I'm getting back in this car." Michael announced, clearly not pleased.

"Michael, you're number two on Luca Changretta's hit list." Polly informed her son, not having it.

"Yeah, and I'll stay in a hotel," Michael shot back, pulling out his cigarette case and grabbing a cigarette.

"You stay in a hotel, I'll know where you are, so will the people who take you there, so will the people who work at the hotel." Polly said, stepping closer to her son, "And hotels don't move around. They don't even know where they'll be tomorrow. They follow the patrin and the crows."

"And if anyone should come for you, Michael, the Palmers and the Boswell's will put up a fair fight." Aberama informed the boy, Polly looking between the pair.

Michael took a few drags of his cigarette, disdain clear on his face.

"Take your medicine," Polly commanded, stepping past her son to grab them out of the car, ever the worrier.

"I'll take them," Bonnie announced, Polly handing them to the raven haired boy and him nodding a silent promise to take care of them.

"Your painkillers." Polly added, handing them to Bonnie.

"But the healers up there will heal you much quicker." Aberama added, knowing from first hand experience.

"Fucking witches, the lot of them." Michael said, making Bonnie turn around, ready to defend his people.

"Show some respect, Mr. Gray." Bonnie scolded lightly, heading back over to stand with his father, "They've agreed to welcome you on account of your blood."

Michael silently puffed on his cigarette, maintaining eye contact with Bonnie. Bonnie looked at Polly, then walked off, putting the medicines in the vardo Michael would be sleeping in.

"Take your medicine." Polly commanded her son, then handed him a revolver, "Take the gun. I won't be able to contact you. Till you phone me. We'll make a plan. Tommy says it won't be long. Then we'll be free."

A squeal in the tree above them alerted the group, and there you were, sitting with your sister Saoirse, laughing as you held a spider toward her, her shrieking and leaning away.

"Girls, come down!" Your father called out to you, "We've guests!"

You both looked at him, you putting the spider on the tree. Bonnie came over and stood at the base of the tree, arms open, and Saoirse jumped first, landing in Bonnie's arms with a shriek. Bonnie put your sister down, and she ran over to Polly, hugging her.

"Hello, poppet," Polly greeted warmly, smiling down at the child, then looked back over to see you jumping and Bonnie catching you with an 'oof'.

"You're getting too big for your brother to catch you now," Aberama warned the pair of you as you approached the group, arms slung over each other's shoulders, making you giggle.

"She's my little sister, Dad, she'll never get too big for me to catch her," Bonnie countered, a big grin on his face.

You beamed your older brother a toothy grin as he ruffled your already messy hair.

"Especially cause she doesn't grow taller anymore," Bonnie quipped, making you gasp and shove him lightly, giggling.

Polly looked at you in surprise. In this camp, you weren't the difficult girl forced to marry Finn. You were just a girl having fun, being happy. Polly was sure she'd never seen you happy like this before. She didn't think you could get this happy, seeing you at your default of sour most of the time.

"Oh, Saoirse, (Y/N), this is my son Michael. Michael, this is Saoirse and (Y/N), Aberama's other two daughters, Esmeralda, the one who came with us to pick you up, she's the eldest. (Y/N) here is Finn's wife." Polly explained as you all exchanged greetings.

"Speak of the devil," You remark, watching as your husband comes over with the suitcase you had packed, ready to put it in his car.

Finn Junior was right at his heels, sauntering along, little bell on the collar jingling. You noticed a field mouse in his mouth.

"Polly. Michael." Finn greeted, hugging Polly and shaking Michael's hand.

"Nice cat you've got," Michael commented, nodding down at the scraggly grey Maine Coon, making the cat hiss in protest and run over to you.

"It's hers. I wouldn't ever want to keep that fucking feather duster," Finn replied dryly as you crouched and told the cat to ignore the mean bellend holding the suitcase.

"We're off then, see you all later," You announced, having said your proper goodbyes before you climbed the tree, Finn leading you and the cat to the car.

Polly made a mental note to make Tommy let you camp out more when all this shit was over, so you could be happy.

"She shows him his roots, teaches him how to live off the land, and how to speak Shelta, Romani, and Rokka." Aberama informed Polly, coming to stand next to her, "Honestly, you'd think he was a child with how she was babying him when she was teaching him everything."

Polly looked at Aberama, then back at you, who was now mad at Finn for God knows what.

She tried to imagine you, patiently teaching Finn how to skin a rabbit, or gently showing him how to pronounce the words of her mother tongues. She couldn't, no matter how hard she tried. The only way she could imagine you was full of fire, ready to snap at whoever rubbed you the wrong way.

But, watching you as you kissed your crying sister on the forehead, clasped her little hands in yours and promised to visit her whenever you could, she could believe that you were somewhat kind. She couldn't imagine you in the act of kindness, but she could imagine you having kindness stored away somewhere.

Finn was completely right. You really were a contrary little girl.

•••

You were wrapping Bonnie's fists with bandages when Finn walked in with his brothers. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of you. You looked divine. Your hair was twisted back into a low bun at the back of your head, and you were wearing yet another champagne coloured gown, the neckline low enough for the half heart pendant to show. He watched as your gloves fingers skilfully finished their duty, then came to rest at your sides. He noticed you looked taller, most likely wearing heels, and that you were carrying a purse which had a long thin chain that went across your body to sit on the opposite shoulder, most likely carrying a gun inside of it.

Tommy had given you a new gun as a late wedding gift. It had '(Y/N) Shelby' on the butt of it in cursive.

"Bonnie boy! Here we go, boy." Arthur said, catching your brother's attention, as well as your own, as he tipped pills into his hand, "Bring out that fucking tiger, go on."

Bonnie shook his head, "Tiger's already out."

You grinned at your brother for this statement.

"Fair enough," Arthur commented as your brother started bouncing on his heels.

Arthur threw the pills into his own mouth, making your eyes widen. You were certain he would've already done snow this evening.

"Bonnie," Your father started as he walked over to his only son, pulling him close, "Mr. Shelby will give you a 20% cut if you put Goliath down in the fourth round."

Aberama tapped your brother's side, then stepped away.

"Been caged up too long, brother." Arthur announced, heading towards the door, "If the women are going to have fun, so am I!"

Finn held a hand out, and you said see you later to your brother, promising to be sitting front row, and headed over to your husband, walking back out to the ring with him. He lead you to the other Shelby ladies, you would be sat in between Polly and Lizzie. They were the two you liked best. You flat out hated Linda, and Ada you didn't know too well to make a judgement. Your older sister Esmeralda wasn't in attendance tonight, having offered to watch the kids for everyone.

The women greeted you as you sat down, then teased Finn about being a good little husband for walking his wife to her seat. You sat impatiently, wanting your brother to get out into the ring already. You soon enough got your wish, your brother hopping into the ring with a red sash around his black shorts.

"Red for Rose." you mused, putting your head on Polly's shoulder.

She reached up and patted your face. Bonnie always wore red in his fights, for his mother Rose. The fighters got introduced, then the fight started. You immediately started cheering for your brother.

The first round didn't last long, Goliath sending your brother stumbling along the canvas. Your sister was right. He did look like Frankenstein's fucking monster. You internally chuckled as the bell rang, and the men went back to their corners.

The announcer shouted 'Round two!' And the men were back at it again. You felt something wet hit your back, and touched it, bringing your hand around. It was spit. You turned around, and narrowed your eyes at the men. One shifted nervously in his seat, and that's all it took for you to golly right in his eyes, then spin back around in your seat, cheering for your brother. Finn, who watched the scene unfold from the other side of the ring, started laughing as the man behind you furiously rubbed his eyes with his sleeve to rid the area of spit.

Lizzie moved from her seat, and you did too after a few beats, wanting to go to the toilet and wipe the gunk off your back.

You entered the bathroom, Lizzie stopping fixing her hair to look at you, then you went to the stall farthest from the door, then quickly did your business. You heard someone else enter the room and head into a stall.

"So what did Tommy say when you told him?" Polly questioned as you flushed the toilet then exited the stall, washing your hands at the sink next to Lizzie.

"He said I'd get a weekly allowance." Lizzie replied, sounding flat.

"Oh, he can be romantic." Polly snarked as Lizzie wiped your back with paper towel, ridding it of the spit.

You thanked her as you fixed your hair, not having to worry about makeup since you didn't wear any. Your ring caught the light next to the mirrors every time you moved your hand.

"Of course as company treasurer, I shall be questioning that expense." Polly joked as she walked to the sinks.

"He said something like, 'we've had enough death, let's have some life.'" Lizzie stated, bringing a cigarette to her lips.

The door opened, and you looked over to see Ada entering the room.

"Poll," She began, "This fight is fixed, isn't it? Poor Gypsy boy's getting battered out there."

She went and stood at the sinks next to Polly. You hopped up on the ledge and sat, waiting for someone to make a move to leave the bathroom.

You'd rather flush yourself down the toilet than be alone with Linda.

"Yeah, it's fixed. My Bonnie's a good fighter, he'll be fine," You informed Ada, who nodded as she got up onto the counter.

"Right, you said you have some news?" She questioned Polly, who grabbed some makeup out of her bag.

"Lizzie has some news." Polly replied, making you look at the ebony haired woman next to you.

"Polly!" Lizzie said, turning around, clearly not wanting to be put on the spot.

"Well tell her. Now!" Polly demanded, uncapping her perfume, "While the men are screaming for blood."

Lizzie sighed and looked away from the older woman.

"Have a swig. You're gonna need it," Polly advised Ada as she handed Ada the bottle of gin.

You wiggled on the spot, feeling like you were intruding on a family moment. Lizzie, sending your discomfort, leaned over and put a hand on your knee, giving you a look that told you that you were fine.

You nodded, then she stood back up and looked in the mirror.

"I'm up the duff," Lizzie announced, "And it's Tommy's."

You watched as Polly lit a cigarette, taking a long drag.

Ada gulped down the gin and handed the bottle back to Polly, "How far gone are you?"

"If I were going to London I'd be in Coventry." Lizzie informed Ada, making you giggle.

"And are you carrying on past Coventry?" Ada questioned, gripping the bench.

"All the way to fucking Piccadilly Circus." Lizzie replied, bringing her smoke back up to have a puff.

"You found out whether she's having a boy or a girl, Poll?" Ada asked, looking over at her aunt.

"No." Polly answered, taking a big swig of the gin.

"Go on then," Ada urged, hopping off the counter as Polly approached Lizzie.

"(Y/N) had a dream about it. Let's see if she's right," Lizzie added, looking at you with a small grin on her crimson painted lips.

You reached over and grabbed the gin off of Polly as she started feeling Lizzie's breast, making you all chuckle. You uncapped the bottle and took your own swig, feeling the liquor burn your throat. Lizzie continued giggling, Polly now using two hands.

"It's a girl," Polly spoke, making you clap.

Ada turned around in the mirror to look at Lizzie, happiness clear on her face.

"Call her Ruby. Ruby Shelby. She'll be a star in a Hollywood movie." Polly informed Lizzie, looking at her.

"(Y/N) said all of that, she said she had a dream about it." Lizzie stated, making Polly look at you.

"Her father's mother had second sight. Maybe she inherited it too." Polly mused.

"I was right!" You cheered, holding the bottle of gin up then taking another swig.

"Congratulations." Ada said after crossing the room, pulling Lizzie into a hug.

Lizzie kissed Polly's cheek and hugged the shorter girl, smiling as she did so. The door opened, and in walked Linda. You grimaced, and took another swig. Polly gestured for you to jump off the bench and join the group, and you did so, ending up between Polly and Lizzie, the pair's arms over your shoulders, and your gloved hands on theirs.

"Hey, Linda." Polly greeted, cigarette in hand, "Welcome to the extraordinary general meeting of the Shelby ladies club."

You all giggled at Polly's words, looking between yourselves. Linda paid you all no mind as she looked at her back in the mirror.

"Is there spit on my back?" Linda questioned, "There were men out there spitting, it's fucking disgusting."

"No, there's no spit on your back," Polly sighed as she walked away from your side, over to Linda, "Don't let us stop you doing what you came in to do."

You stayed by Lizzie, who still had her arm slung around your shoulder.

Linda looked up, momentarily stopping hitting the little blue bottle on the bench, "What? It's helped me get through the fucking nightmare of being stuck in this city."

"Well, since you're here and you're almost family, Lizzie's got some news." Polly said, watching Linda as she lined up the white powder.

"I'm pregnant." Lizzie announced proudly, her smile audible.

"Oh? And who's the father, have you managed to narrow it down?" Linda snarked, making you frown as she rolled up a bill and snorted the line.

"Shut the fuck up and snort your lines before I break a mirror and cut you with the glass, you sanctimonious snow snorting slut!" You barked at the blonde woman, making her pale.

Polly's eyebrows flew up. She fully expected you to slap Linda silly.

Lizzie squeezed your shoulder, a sign to stop, "Yes. It's Tommy."

"Congratulations!" Linda said, not sounding very congratulatory, "You've won the raffle at last."

"Yeah, she's a real Shelby lady now, Linda." Polly stated, wiping the excess snow from under Linda's nose, "Just like you."

"I suspect that you're a better woman than her." You spat quietly, and heard Lizzie going to laugh but covering it with a cough.

"Right ladies, let's rejoin our gentlemen." Polly said, gathering her stuff.

"And remember Linda, if they spit, just spit back." Polly told her, making Lizzie roll her eyes at the thought of Linda even trying to spit on someone.

"I spat back." You announced proudly, Polly looking at you, then nodding.

"She gollied right in his fucking eyes, maybe you can learn something from her." Ada muttered, her heels clacking against the floor as you all walked back out to the ring.

§§§

I love the Shelby Ladies club fr

Also would anyone like to be a beta reader lol I need a new one I'm begging pls

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 17

ANGEL - SETH CLEARWATER X READER

PREVOUS Prologue

I

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Seth sat with the pack and the imprints after telling them about you — The little he knew anyways. He was still hung up on the fact that you would only be here for two months.

"Why don't you, I don't know, show up in the same places she is?" Embry suggested, throwing a baseball to Quil as they sat down, albeit carefully — Sam would kill them if they broke something.

Emily wouldn’t mind, but since she bought half of the stuff in the house Sam would break their fingers if they scratched even one thing.

"He's not a mind reader, Embry, God," Leah snarked, throwing an arm around her not so little brother's shoulders, pulling him slightly closer to her.

She smelled like home, so he nestled in a little closer, needing the comfort.

"But the little Cullen is, maybe Jake can ask them for some help," Embry shot back, and Seth looked elated, but then his face dropped.

"But I don't want her to think I'm a stalker or anything," Seth murmured defeatedly, and it was back to the drawing board.

The room went silent, Seth dragging the slightly good mood down with him.

"Adopt a dog," Quil suggested, and everyone looked at him.

"You said she has a dog — If you get one then you can take it for walks when she takes hers for walks. That's not that stalkerish. You have an excuse to be in the same place at the same time," Quil elaborated as he fumbled an extra hard throw from Embry, and Seth grinned so bright that it made everyone else crack a small smile.

"Quil, you're a genius! Now all I need to do is find a dog." Seth replied, his mind running wild as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts, wondering who to message.

Adopting dogs from the local shelter was really expensive, and he was saving for a new dirt bike. He only had $200 to go, and he really didn’t want to waste money on a new dog. Not when he could nearly taste the dirt bike.

"Rez dogs are having puppies all of the time man, but if you're that keen Miss Postoak is trying to get rid of her bitch since she can't afford her right now, she’s only a companion dog and the others are working dogs," Jared supplied before taking another bite of his blueberry muffin, courtesy of Emily, and Seth felt victorious as he clicked onto his Mom’s contact and called her, asking if he could get a dog for his birthday.

"You're picking up its’ crap, buying its’ dog food and leashes, and it is getting neutered, we have enough strays on the reservation as is, young man — and I'll help you set up the yard for it when you get it," She replied, then said 'love you' and hung up the phone.

Seth whooped, then calmed back down, looking around the room at his expectant friends.

"What the fuck do I need for a dog?"

Leah pinched her brother’s ear for his foul language, making everyone laugh.

•••

Thankfully, Old Quil owned many a dog in his lifetime, used for hunting, mainly, but most of them were now companions in their old age, the man hesitant to get another in case it outlived him. Young Quil helped Seth buy the needed supplies like leashes, a crate for inside, dishes for the food, a dog bed, and a vet appointment was set for Monday so the bitch that Seth adopted — named Missy, a Rottweiler Shar Pei cross (Rott Pei, Quil had helpfully given him the proper name for the breed of the mutt) could be checked up, seeing as she was due for one.

Seth and Quil now at the store, buying some dog food. The smell was still overwhelming, and mixed in with how all of the other store goers smelled it was nearly unbearable. He could even still smell the products they mopped the floors with. He put the last thing in the cart when he heard a familiar voice. You.

"Quil, shit man, that's her!" Seth whispered excitedly, then listened as you made your way through the aisles, talking about dog food for Cujo.

Quil watched his younger pack mate bounce on his heels as you approached, and tried not to laugh at how excited Seth was getting. The boy turned to face you as soon as you turned the corner, dragging your dad by his hand, a basket in your other hand.

"Oh! It's little Seth!" Alexander pointed out, making you look away from the tins of dog food on the shelf, and give him a friendly grin, dropping your dad’s hand in the process.

"Hello, hello," You greeted, and nodded towards his full trolley, "Stocking up for a vacation?"

Seth turned back at the groups of haphazardly stacked dry kibble bags and wet food cans, and numerous treat packets. Maybe he was going a tiny bit overboard.

"Uh, no," Seth admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a chuckle, "I'm getting my first dog and I think I got overexcited."

"Oh! Such a spoiled little puppy that will be! Maybe you and miss (Y/N) could take your dogs for walks sometimes! I think she gets sick of her old man slowing her down," Alexander offered, and nudged (Y/N)'s shoulder, "If you need help with the dog too, (Y/N) could teach you a few tricks. Should help her keep herself busy for the next two months."

Seth tried not to smile too hard as he agreed, but noticed that you looked less than pleased, but give him a tight lipped smile nonetheless.

"Dad, grab two dry bags of dog food," You commanded, and your father did your bidding as you somewhat aggressively threw some dog food cans into a basket, managing to dent one of them.

Your father suddenly looked less than pleased with your behaviour as you threw the last can and turned on your heel, shoulder checking him as you walked past him. Alexander looked back at the pair of boys and gave them a tight lipped smile and a small wave before leaving behind his daughter.

Seth cocked his head to the side, trying to drown out the rest of the store goers to listen to you. Quil immediately did the same.

“What in the Gods was that? Ridiculous behaviour for what?” Your father said gruffly, but not unkindly.

"Dadda, I don't want to go for walks with him!" Was the first thing Seth heard you say, which made his heart drop, but he kept on listening anyway.

"Nonsense, he seems nice! A friend wouldn't hurt," Your father tried to reason with you, but you huffed.

"If a friend wouldn't hurt we'd actually live in one place and not move around like nomads." You then let out a soft 'fuck!', most likely stubbing your toe on the stupid boxes near the mouth of aisle 2.

"Well, I'm sure this place is the place. Trust me, tiny child. If it isn't, I'll buy you your dream Dodge Challenger for a late birthday gift." Your father reasoned.

"Don't bullshit me," You snapped back, sounding like you were nearer to the doors.

"I'm not! Matte black Dodge Challenger with red under glow for your birthday, or we live here, I swear it on Cujo's life." Your father pleaded, and you sighed.

"Fine. I'll see if one of the workers knows how to get into contact with him. I'll try to find him on MySpace or Twitter or something." You relented, then the doors opened to the front of the store, and your scent was gone.

Your Father cheered and Quil put Seth into a headlock playfully, messing up his hair, making Seth laugh as he did so.

•••

You sat on your new bed, your dog Cujo, a black Cane Corso who was getting on in his years, shown by the grey fur on his muzzle, resting on the floor next to your bed, not being allowed on any furniture. Your father was doing research in his room.

You picked up a piece of mango and popped it into your mouth as you looked up the name of the place you were staying at on Facebook. You found the profile, and clicked into it, then went straight to followers. You couldn't find any followers with Seth's profile picture, so you went and looked up the name of the school, finding their profile and looking through the followings for Seth. No luck. Even searching his name up you discovered nothing. You stalked his school until you found his name on an old post where he had won an award for a spelling bee, also discovering his last name. Clearwater. Seth Clearwater.

You logged into your MySpace account, and looked for him, and surprisingly found him. His profile picture was a photo of him with a man, standing side by side, grinning.

You found it, and let held your arms up above your head in a victorious manner, looking around the room as if expecting someone to cheer for you, then focussing on your dog.

"See how fucking amazing I am, Cujo? The FBI needs to hire me as a detective," You said, then started scrolling through his profile.

Nothing overly fancy. Just some pictures of him, people you assumed to be his family, and some of nature around the area, alongside some photos of his adventures. You clicked the 'Add Friend' button, and decided to make a new friendship bracelet while you watched movies, heading off to your dad's room to go and ask him to start the bracelet for you.

•••

Seth was currently scrolling through Twitter at his desk as his Xbox 360 started up, Leah lounging on his bed playing Mario on his DS. Technically, he and Leah shared the Xbox, but he just kept it in his room as she didn’t really play it much these days, instead choosing to play his DS. He didn’t mind. Just as long as she stayed in his room so he knew it was safe. Missy was laying halfway under his bed, gnawing at a new chew toy Quil had picked out.

His phone beeped, and a new notification popped up. He walked over and slid onto the bed next to his sister. A new friend request. He looked, and his heart started speeding up as he looked at the profile.

“What?” Leah inquired, hearing the thrumming, looking over his shoulder.

“She added me on MySpace!” Seth told his sister excitedly, showing her the profile picture of you and a black dog, along with your Dad and a woman who looked a bit like you, and accepted your friend request, then started looking through your profile.

There were photos from all around the world. Australia, Sweden, Italy, France. Your father and you were the main focus of your photos, but your nature shots were a sight to behold. There were also some with people that weren’t your father, so maybe friends and relatives. The photos of the woman in your profile picture stopped around a year ago, he noted. Your newest photo was the Welcome to Forks sign, you and a huge black dog posing in front of it, the same one from your profile picture.

A message notification popped up. He opened it, and there was a message from you.

Y/N:

Hey

“Oh my goodness, she messaged me!” Seth nearly squealed, and Leah bit back a laugh at her little brother, knowing that laughing would probably result in him attacking her with a pillow covered in a Spider-Man case.

“Well don’t just ignore it, reply!” Leah urged, and Seth looked at his sister, eyes as wide as saucers.

“What do I say!” Seth panicked, and Leah rolled her eyes, grabbing the iPhone covered in a Spider-Man case and messaging her back.

Seth:

Hey

•••

You blinked at your laptop screen, your friendship bracelet forgotten. You didn’t expect him to reply so fast. You went down to the vending machine just outside of the office about ten minutes ago and he wasn’t there, instead there was a girl at the counter, talking on the phone as she painted her nails. Maybe his shift was over, and he was at home? You didn’t think on it much.

Your fingertips ghosted over the keys, then stopped, instead picking up your phone and logging into MySpace there.

“Dad?” You called out, and he ambled into your room, a sandwich with a bite taken out of it, jerking his head upwards slightly as he chewed.

“Seth messaged me and I don’t know how to reply,” You admitted, and your father chuckled as he came over and sat next to you, trying not to get any crumbs on the bed.

Cujo immediately came over and sat expectantly next to him on the floor, but your father shooed him away. Your baby walked over and laid in his crate, looking offended.

“What do you want to say?” He asked, pulling your phone into his hand, getting ready to type a message for you.

You leaned against his muscly arm, and shrugged. You weren’t very good at holding conversations.

“Why don’t you ask him about his new dog?” Your father suggested and you grinned victoriously, taking back the phone and sending him a message.

Y/N:

How’s things going with preparing for ur dog?

You hummed, feeling content, then sent the message. Seth started typing immediately.

Seth:

She’s good! We picked her up like an hour ago and she’s currently harassing my sister, lol

A photo came through of a dog that looked like a Rottweiler, but was wrinkly, and the tail curved upwards, sitting on the lap of a girl that looked a couple years older than you, playing a DS.

“Oh! Looks like a little Rott Pei! They’re stubborn little fucks,” Your father commented, still eating his sandwich, making you giggle.

Your aunty Lara had one, over in Italy. He tended to chew any shoes left outside, and didn’t like Cujo much.

Seth:

Her name is Missy :)

Y/N:

She’s so cute! Is she a Rott Pei? Dad says they’re stubborn lol

Seth:

Yeah, she is. I’m gonna try and take her for a walk tomorrow. She’s really good on lead, and well socialised. My sister Leah’s coming too, wanna come with?

Before you could type ‘no’, your father snatched your phone and sent a message.

Y/N:

That sounds good, when & where?

“Dad!” You hissed, picking up your stuffed Elmo doll from beside you and assaulting your father with it, making him drop his sandwich.

Cujo wasted no time in scrabbling over and eating it, making you laugh, but you quickly stopped as your phone beeped again, leaning over and grabbing it from your dad’s hand.

Seth:

Tomorrow, like 11am?

We can take out a picnic!

Me and Leah can come pick you up :)

You quickly positioned yourself so you could see Cujo in the background, your dad deciding to hop into the photo as well, holding up both of his thumbs and giving the biggest smile you’d ever seen.

Y/N:

Cujo & I are keen, so’s Dad apparently. See you then!

•••

Leah pinched her little brother’s cheek as he put the phone down, tittering at the way he blushed, the colour in his cheeks and ears becoming more noticeable with the red undertone of his blood rushing to them.

“My baby, all grown up! Going on a date with a girl-”

“-It’s not a date, Leah,” Seth said exasperatedly as he grabbed his phone and messaged Jacob, wanting to let him know first.

Seth:

(Y/N) and I are walking our dogs together tomorrow.

Jacob:

Good job bro :)

You should see if she wants to come to your birthday party tomorrow

Seth blinked. Tomorrow was his birthday. He’d be fifteen, and in two months he’d be starting tenth grade.

Seth:

I forgot about that haha

Are you and Ness coming?

Jacob

Wouldn’t miss it for the world man

I picked out a cool gift but Ness said hers is ‘practical’, or whatever

You know how she is

Seth laughed and sent back a thumbs up emoji, then leaned over and scritched Missy behind her ears, making her wag her tail contentedly. Today was a good day. Tomorrow was going to be even better.

•••

Alexander stood out on the porch of the cabin, facing the sea as he puffed on his Marlboro, the cigarette being his only source of light other than the moon, full and low over the sea.

A movement in the distance, over near some rocks, only just visible in the corner of his eye. His head snapped in the direction of it, his blue eyes nearly glowing in the dark.

Something was staring right back at him, its eyes shining green like a cat’s in the dark. A stare off ensued. Alexander moved ever so slightly, reaching for his crossbow, but the creature then spread its’ wings and took flight, the huge wing span nearly blocking out the moon as it ascended.

Alexander growled and put out his cigarette, dropping it into the metal trash can near his feet. He found what he was looking for. Now it was time to complete the rest of his mission.

•••

Mary Postoak stared at the moon through her kitchen window, opting to watch it as the sink filled up in front of her.

There was a flash of darkness in front of the moon, looking like a huge bird. She gasped, a hand going to her chest. It was bigger than any bird she saw, ever. And the last time she checked; birds didn’t have legs like humans.

A thud was heard in her backyard, and her dogs started barking, making her head for her back door, but a yelp cut her off. She instead turned on her heel, running towards her bedroom and grabbed her rifle, then ran through the hallway, throwing open the back door and loading the rifle.

She grabbed the flashlight from her deck table, and turned it on, shining it toward the scene, and gasped.

Something was hunkered over her dog, feeding from it. Upon hearing her, it looked up, blood covering its lower lip. It was hideous. Pale skin, and two enormous wings. It stood up at its full height, nearly ten feet, and stepped forward, making her drop her torch and point her rifle at it.

She fired it once, hitting it square in the chest. It growled, then lunged for the woman, attacking her before she could even scream.

§§§

Fun fact lol, Missy & Cujo are based on dogs I've owned. Again, not proofread so please kindly point out any mistakes!

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 8

PUBLISHED: 19/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That I have chosen you,"

"That I have chosen you,"

"Above all else"

"Above all else"

"With this ring, I thee wed."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That I have chosen you,"

"That I have chosen you,"

"Above all else"

"Above all else"

"With this ring, I thee wed."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 9

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 41

PUBLISHED: 16/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You spritzed the vinegar in the spray bottle over your mirror, Saoirse wiping it up with newspaper. You and Saoirse giggled and giggled as you got the bottle of rubbing alcohol and dipped the cotton swab in it, writing your message for Finn onto the mirror, Saoirse grabbing her own cotton bud and dipping it into the liquid, drawing pictures to decorate around the message.

You worked quickly, then headed downstairs, shushing each other as you snuck back through your bedroom, trying your best not to wake Finn up as you headed downstairs and into the kitchen, starting up on breakfast.

Finn woke up to the smell of bacon cooking, which made his stomach rumble. He headed into the bathroom, turning the hot water on at the sink, washing his face and hands. He didn't like cold water, even in summer. It always had to be hot.

He went to look at himself in the mirror, but noticed the words in the fog on the glass.

'Happy Father's Day!

Thank you for everything you do for this family.

We wouldn't be here without you.

With love from,

(Y/N), Saoirse, Finn Junior,

Daisy, Duke, Charlotte,

Tuck, the chickens, and the twins'

Finn grinned widely as he read the last bit. You were having twins. Polly and Esmeralda saw it in a dream. You, surprisingly, had no dreams about your babies. It was everyone else.

Finn headed downstairs, already in a good mood. His good mood became lifted when he saw you and Saoirse arranging pancakes on a plate, everything already set out on the dining table. You looked over at your husband, and your eyes lit up at the sight of him.

"Good morning, my darling," You greeted, coming around the table and walking to him, hugging him the best you could with your stomach in the way.

"Good morning, my love," Finn replied, then placed a chaste kiss on your lips.

Saoirse gagged at the pair of you, making you chuckle as Finn pulled away.

"Good morning to you, little miss," Finn said, and Saoirse hummed in reply, mouth full with some of the strawberries that were meant to go on top of the pancakes.

Finn knelt down, placing a kiss on your very prominent bump and saying good morning to his 'daughters'. You were now at the beginning of your third trimester. Only a couple more months and they would be here, in your arms. Finn was excited — nervous, but mainly excited.

"We don't know if they're girls, Finn," You sighed exasperatedly, slightly annoyed with the way he insisted that they were girls.

"I feel it in my gut," He replied as he guided you over to the table, pulling out chairs for you and Saoirse before sitting down himself.

"I want girls too," Saoirse agreed, and Finn high-fived the girl, making you roll your eyes at the pair as you started filling a plate with food.

"I want healthy babies," You said simply, but you were hoping for boys.

Boys that could look out for their younger siblings. Boys that could be a good big brother, like Bonnie is to you.

“Well we already have two sons, let’s hope these two are girls to even it up, aye bubbas?” Finn said, rubbing your bump at the end of his sentence.

Finn felt a jolt under his hand, and beamed a million dollar smile.

“Are the babies kicking?” Saoirse asked hurriedly, leaving her French toast in favour of putting one hand on your stomach too.

“Medium Bee just kicked me,” Finn confirmed, making you snort and roll your eyes.

Since you were the original Bee, your babies were ‘Medium Bee’ (the more active twin, they kicked and moved more) and ‘Small Bee’ (the less active twin, they just relaxed — they moved, but not as much as medium bee, and their kicks and hits seemed to be less stronger). Saoirse, with the wonderful way her mind worked, came up with the nicknames first, and you and your husband followed suit.

Saoirse squealed in delight as she felt your stomach move under her hand, making you smile. Your husband retracted his hand and started eating his breakfast, your sister doing the same.

•••

You mixed the pasta salad around, getting ready to take it outside. Everyone was at your house for lunch once more. You had bought a dining set to have outside, so you didn’t have to drag your dining table outside all of the time. The outside one was much larger than your inside one, and sat on the porch, getting carried down the stairs and sat on the grass when needed.

“Everything ready, ladies?” Polly asked, and you all gave her words of confirmation.

“Well, let’s go then!” She said, clapping her hands then picking up the tray of cooked meat.

You grabbed the pasta salad, putting the bowl on your stomach, and giggling at how it balanced there, taking a few careful steps before Ezzie scolded you for playing with the food. You rolled your eyes, but grabbed it properly anyway, taking it outside and placing it on the table.

“Here she is! Woman of the hour!” Arthur said, raising his bottle of whiskey when he saw you, making you chuckle at the tipsy man.

“How’s Artie and Will?” He asked, referring to your twins.

“They’re fine and they’re not being named after you,” You replied, making him roll his eyes jokingly.

You didn’t know what the twins would be named yet.

“I just thought, being Finn’s favourite brother and all, that I’d get them named after myself,” Arthur said, moving his hands around in his drunken rambles.

Linda elbowed her husband and hissed a ‘shut up!’ to him.

Finn frowned, and took a sip of his glass of water. Arthur wasn’t his favourite brother. John was. Arthur knew that, and even though his eldest brother was joking, the words didn’t sting any less.

“Here’s an idea; you have yourself another baby with your wife and name him Arthur,” You snarked, sitting down next to your husband.

Finn placed a hand on your knee and squeezed it, a silent thank you, then started putting food on a plate for himself, then for you, making sure to stay away from anything that set off your ‘anytime sickness’. Saoirse was doing her own, now closer to nine than eight and wanting to do everything for herself.

You tried to focus on lunch and the conversation, but you knew that after everything was cleaned you’d be seeing the nursery for the first time, Finn promising to let you see it. Finn had started doing up the upstairs guest bedroom for the nursery, moving everything from that bedroom up to the attic. Finn wouldn’t let you see the nursery, even going so far as to lock the door so you couldn’t go in. You were annoyed, but excited.

After the other women cleaned everything up (you got out of clean up duties do to your baby bump), and everyone either went home or started relaxing either in the living room, garden, or guest bedrooms, Finn took you upstairs, covering your eyes as he lead you to the nursery door. He guided you to find the doorknob, and you twisted it, pushing the door open.

“And — open,” He commanded as he took your hands off of your eyes.

The wall in front of you had been repainted — a light blue. The rest were still a faint, barely there yellow. A rainbow with clouds on each sides had been painted on the wall, the window in the middle of the rainbow. In front of the two clouds were two cribs, each of them with a mobile. There was a chest of drawers in between the cribs.

Down to your right, there was a big, red armchair with a footstool, a bookshelf with baby books and stuffed toys on it between that and the crib on the wall adjacent. There was a change table closer to you, a bin next to it. On the floor, in the middle of the room, was a light grey rug. In front of you, next to the crib, was a rocking chair. Finn put his hand under your chin, and gently tilted your head so you were looking up at the roof. Your jaw dropped.

The roof was painted black, with yellow stars. A crescent moon sat near the light.

“Do you like it?” Finn asked softly, scared that you wouldn’t and all of his effort would be for naught.

“Oh, Finn — it’s perfect,” You gasped, tears filling your eyes and threatening to fall.

Your husband grinned, leaning down and kissing you on the temple.

“Finn,” You began, going and sitting in the red armchair — which was quite comfy, if you were being honest.

“Yes, my love?” He replied, coming to sit in front of you on the footstool.

You placed your hands on your stomach, a habit you gained in the past six months.

“What did you want to name our babies? And don’t just say girl names,” You warned as you took off your necklace, making the corner of his lips turn up.

“I like Elizabeth or Polly for a girl,” Finn answered, then added, “John or Isaac for a boy. Something biblical. And sort of like Isiah’s name.”

You ‘awwed’ at your husband. You could definitely see your baby with those names.

“I like Isaac for a first name, but remember, Esme’s already got John Junior. What if we use John as a middle name?” You pondered as you slipped your wedding band onto your necklace, and Finn hummed.

“I want to name them Rosie or Ezra, if they’re a girl, and Finley or Elijah if they’re a boy. Not your name, but a variant of it,” You explained, and your husband nodded, racking his brain for where he heard that phrase before.

He chuckle once he figured it out. Your wedding day, when you were naming Finn Junior, his big baby boy.

“Finley,” Finn repeated, testing the name on his tongue.

He grunted in approval. It sounded nice. Finley John. Even better.

You gave the necklace to Finn, who held it above one side of your stomach, the side that Medium Bee sat in. He knew what you were doing. He’d seen it done in Johnny Dogg’s camp when he was younger.

He held his arm absolutely still, and the ring started swinging back and forth in a straight line. You and him watched it as it did so, mesmerised. He stopped the ring, then moved it to the other side of your stomach, over Little Bee, letting it swing again. Another straight line, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

“Isaac Elijah doesn’t sound too bad, does it?” You asked, crinkling your nose up as your thought.

“No, it doesn’t,” Finn answered, feeling slightly dejected, but tried not to let it show.

“And Finley John. That’s a good name. A strong one,” You continued, tilting your head as your thought.

Finn chuckled as he undid the clasp on your necklace, placing your ring back on your finger gently, giving your hand a kiss, then putting your necklace back on you.

He stood up, then helped you out of the armchair. Instead of going and telling everyone the news of your discovery, you decided to go and have a nap, after a bathroom break of course.

Finn ended up with one less pillow than he would’ve liked, the pillow ending up supporting your stomach, but he didn’t mind. He dreamt good during his nap, dreaming of two little boys toddling after you in the garden, giggling and squealing as their feet got muddy.

§§§

The next chapter will be a doozy oof

I hope you all enjoyed this one :))

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

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@im-your-possession

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@jamieolivia27

NEXT PART

Part 42

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 25

PUBLISHED: 16/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Obviously a more modern couch shhhh)

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

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

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

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

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

I leaned into his embrace without even thinking about it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold on.

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

Finn perked up, "Really?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 26

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 40

PUBLISHED: 16/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You headed into the changing rooms, chattering to your teammates about how you won the game. Your netball shoes were perfect, having gel insoles. Finn knew what he was doing when he got them for you as a gift. You'd have to tell him when you meet up with him and Saoirse after you were done changing.

You were about to head into a stall, when someone tapped your shoulder. You turned around to see Dinah standing there, her braids up in a ponytail today.

"You grab the right sized dress today?" She  asked quietly, and you scrunched your eyebrows together in confusion.

"Yeah, of course," You replied equally as low.

"It's getting a bit tight, especially around the midriff," She advised you, making you scowl as you stepped into the stall and slammed the door shut behind you.

You looked at yourself in the mirror that hung up behind the door. Your stomach was bigger. But, you ate a lot, and you didn't do nearly as much walking as you did when you were a traveller. That would be why.

You'd tell Dinah that and make her apologise, you decided as you quickly changed.

•••

You and Polly sat at a table in a small café, heading there for your lunch break. Finn was outside, finishing off his smoke.

You tapped your fingers against your teacup, feeling content. Polly eyed you as you looked out of the window, lost in thought.

"Polly," You began, sounding far away.

Polly gave a hum of acknowledgment before finishing off her tea.

"You and my father — What's going on there?" You questioned softly, looking at Polly.

Polly shifted in her seat, not uncomfortable with the question, just caught off guard.

"We've got a thing," She admitted confidently, and you grinned at the woman.

"In your forties and still breaking hearts," You teased, making her smile, a faint pink tinting her cheeks.

Finn came back in, and slid into the booth next to you. You looked down at your cup, then took a sip and slid it over to Polly, who looked surprised.

"I've been eating more and someone even said that my stomach looked bigger. I don't want to go to the doctor if I'm not actually there yet. I don't think I am. I don't know if I'll ever be there. My parents, both of them, they don't have babies easily," You explained, dropping your voice low on that last piece of information, and Polly nodded understandingly as she grasped your cup.

Aberama had told her that. Finn had no idea that Aberama struggled, but seeing how Ezzie, Bonnie, and Saoirse were all spaced out it made sense. Traveller couples usually popped out a baby every year or so.

Finn slipped his hand into yours, and squeezed it three times, watching as his aunt looked at your tea leaves. He felt somewhat nervous. He thought that maybe you were pregnant; he noticed small changes, like the way you always got sick, and the way that everything made you feel sick. He noticed that you ate more and that you gained weight.

"You didn't tell me that," Finn murmured to you, feeling a bit disappointed that you failed to mention it.

"We'll talk about it later," You brushed him off, wanting to focus on what was happening now.

He nodded. He wanted kids, and he thought you did too, but that little tidbit that you (and anyone else who knew your family history) failed to mention threw him off, just a bit.

"What do you think, Finn?" Polly asked her nephew as she sat down your teacup.

"I think she's expecting," Finn answered honestly, making you look at him funny.

"I noticed that your," Finn trailed off and cupped his hands over his chest, as if he were holding two things up, making you snort and Polly roll her eyes at her nephew, "They got bigger."

"Boy. You could've just said her tits got bigger. And of course that's the first fucking thing you noticed. Boys," Polly commented, and you chuckled, bouncing your leg.

Polly's crimson lips curled into a smile.

"Congratulations. You're in the family way," Polly announced, and you felt your mouth go dry.

Finn felt breathless, as if he ran a marathon. He brought your now shaky hand up to his mouth, brushing it against his lips gently.

Ada and Ezzie were definitely going to kill the pair of you, and throw your bodies into the cut.

•••

You and Finn sat in your kitchen on the floor between the bench and the island, cups of tea and a plate of biscuits between the pair of you.

It was closer to sunrise than sunset, and the pair of you should've well and truly been asleep by now, but a visit to your family healers had you feeling fretful. And hopeful. You absentmindedly put a hand on your stomach, patting it. You hand told anyone that you were expecting, yet.

"Did you really think you wouldn't have a baby until later?" Finn asked softly, grabbing a biscuit off of the plate.

"Yes," You admitted, looking away from him, finding the cupboard handle very interesting, "I was ten years coming, Finn. Ezzie came easily but Bonnie didn't. After Bonnie, they kept trying. Another big gap there. Twelve years. And it certainly wasn't Rose who was the problem. The healers even said so."

Finn nodded, and considered reaching out to touch you, to reassure you some way, but decided against it. If he started reassuring you he wouldn't get out what he needed to ask.

"Did you ever think of telling me that you didn't think you'd have babies easily?" Finn questioned, leaning back on his palms.

You snapped your head in your husband's direction, narrowing your eyes.

"Fucking — Tommy knew. And he still forced us to marry. I don't even know why you're still on about the bastard, the healers said I'd be fine to get pregnant after this one. That I won't have any problems. That is that." You spat, and Finn's jaw clenched.

Fucking Tommy. He could have the big, happy family he wanted but would leave his brother to struggle if it came down to it. Unfair. It always was, Finn always got the short end of the stick. It didn't matter if you couldn't have kids. You could always adopt. What mattered is that Tommy didn't tell him something, yet again.

"Are you mad at me?" You asked your husband as you dipped a biscuit into your tea.

Finn didn't miss the vulnerable tone hanging off your words.

"Darling, of course not," Finn replied hurriedly, truthfully, his words like a bandage that stopped the guilt flowing from your wound.

He shuffled over and knelt in front of you, pulling you into a tight hug. You returned it, grasping his night shirt so tightly that you were slightly scared you might rip it.

"I love you," He mumbled against the crook of your neck, his breath hot and the words heavy.

"I love you too," You murmured in reply, and tried not to let your eyes fill up with tears.

You stayed like that until your knuckles couldn't take being curled up anymore, and released your husband, who shifted back so he was sitting on his heels.

It didn't last long, because he moved forward and tenderly placed his lips on yours, hands cupping the sides of your face as he did so. He wanted contact. To reassure you that he loved you, like he should've done earlier on.

You continued your tender touches and soft words well into the night, even after you moved up into your bedroom, your tea gone cold and poured down the sink and biscuits put back into the container, to be worried about another day.

§§§

we've got a proper pregnancy confirmation from none other than THE Polly Gray

Although you guys probably knew from last chapter lmao

I know my chapters are shorter than usual but you guys will get the long chapters again once I start writing about s5

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 41

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 6

PUBLISHED: 17/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

(A/N: I have absolutely no idea what wedding dress shopping is like lmao bear with me here pls)

I paced back and forth, waiting for Polly and the rest of the girls to arrive.

"Keep on going and you'll tear a hole in the carpet." Finn said, lighting up a cigarette.

"Shut up! I'm going shopping for a dress everyone will see me in, it's stressful!" I snapped, turning around to face him.

He shrugged, "I'm going shopping for a suit today and I'm not walking a quarter mile."

I rolled my eyes as I unwrapped a piece of gum, "The suits are all the same, no one ever looks at suits, it's the bride's dress they all look at."

Finn hummed in agreement, and placed his hands on his stomach as he bounced his leg.

"I've been thinking," He began as I threw the gum into my mouth, "We agreed to be civil, so we called a truce but we don't have terms for the truce. We should make some."

"How smart, do you want a medal?" I snarked, sitting on the coffee table in front of him, crossing one leg over the other, trying to be mindful of the fact I had a dress on for once.

"I'm just saying, it would make stuff a lot easier if we knew what to expect from each other," Finn pointed out.

"That does make sense," I admitted, tucking my hair behind my ears and smoothing it down.

Finn produced a comb from his inner coat pocket and offered it to me. I took it wordlessly, and used it to tame my hair somewhat.

"Maybe you should tie it up?" Finn offered, making me scowl.

"No!" I snapped loudly, making him jump.

"I wasn't gonna fight you over it," Finn grumbled, making me throw the comb at him.

"So, say we do call an official truce, what happens if one of us breaks it?" I asked curiously, leaning forward, placing my forearms across my legs to support my weight.

"Whatever the other says — If I broke the truce you could tell me to run down Watery Lane wearing nothing but a smile, and the other way round," Finn decided, making me smirk.

"That sounds like a spot of fun — let's start making the rules, then," I agreed, and he got up, grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil off of the top of the fireplace, and sat back down, leaning on the coffee table.

"I'll write it up and stick it on top of the mantle so we can always see it, and so you can read it later on," Finn explained, already writing the number one.

I giggled as I realised I read the number — I learned my numbers from one to ten last night, as well as all my letters — Jeremiah called me a fast learner, a praise that kept me in a good mood all last night, even after Finn started on me because I dropped a plate.

"Okay, number one, no stirring each other up," Finn announced, writing it down.

"Number two, no touching me unless I say so," I supplied, leaning back onto my palms.

"I'll make it no touching each other unless the other says so. Number three, don't let the other get insulted in our presence, it will save a lot of fighting." Finn said, writing it down.

I frowned as I thought about how Finn didn't say anything to Linda yesterday.

"Number four, we have the right to walk away during an argument and the other person can't follow us," I added, watching the pencil glide gracefully across the page.

"Number five, look out for and protect each other — we're in the middle of a vendetta, the Italians probably know your family is working with mine, so they could target you too." Finn explained, making me purse my lips and nod.

As Finn put a full stop a knock sounded on the front door, along with Polly calling out. I got off the table, and walked over to the door, opening it.

Ezzie, Saoirse, and Lizzy were all standing there. Saoirse ran forward and cuddled me tightly.

"Are you off then?" Finn asked from behind me, coming to stand next to me.

"Yeah, busy day." Lizzie replied, "We'll see you after, come on (Y/N)."

"See you later," I said to Finn as I linked arms with Ezzie and grabbed Saoirse's hand.

"Miss Polly is driving us and Ezzie's getting in with Miss Ada and Miss Lizzie," Saoirse babbled, walking me over to Polly's car.

"Hey, Poll," I greeted, letting Saoirse slide across the brown seat before hopping into the vehicle.

"Morning," Polly replied, sending me a small smile and setting off, "I heard from a little birdie that you wanted a yellow dress?"

"Yeah, it's my favourite colour," I admitted, "But if I can't find one it's not the end of the world, I don't think we'll find one anyway."

"We'll do our best, my girl," Polly reassured me, making me grin.

"Saoirse, guess what I did last night?" I said to my little sister, watching her fiddle with the end of her coat.

"What?" She replied curiously, looking up at me.

"I learned how to read and write the alphabet, and my numbers up to ten," I said, watching her eyes widen and her jaw drop slightly.

"Can you teach me?" She asked excitedly, bouncing up and down.

"I can try," I replied, turning my eyes onto the road.

Within a few minutes we were outside a boutique named 'Susanna's Seams'. It looked nice enough. Polly stopped the car, and we all hopped out.

"Yellow dresses aren't common, so don't get your hopes up," Polly informed me, and I nodded.

The woman fixing up a mannequin in the window looked like she was going to faint when she saw us all. Polly strutted up to the door and opened it, Saoirse right behind her. I followed the pair, holding the door open for Lizzie, Ada, and Ezzie.

I shut the door behind Ezzie, and looked around. The older, frumpy woman behind the counter looked bewildered.

"(Y/N), flip that sign on the door to closed," Polly instructed, and I did as I was told.

"But we're open!" The woman in the window protested.

"Not until we leave, by order of the Peaky fuckin' Blinders." Polly said, pulling a flask out of her fur coat and taking a swig from it, then pointing the sliver object in my direction, "This young lady needs a wedding dress, something in a yellow shade."

The older woman rushed to the other side of the store, grabbing some dresses off of the rack.

"Sophie, come help," The older woman hissed, making the younger woman dart over and grab another, empty rack and wheel it over to the older woman, who started placing the dresses she gathered onto it.

I sat on a seat next to Polly, watching them scramble around for us. Once that rack was full, Sophie wheeled it over to us, the dresses ranging from a bright, eye catching yellow to a toned down, barely there yellow.

"Here you are," Sophie said, sounding breathless.

I stood up and started looking at the dresses, arranging the ones I liked to one side and the ones I didn't to the other side. I only liked three dresses.

"There's a fitting room over there near Susanna," Sophie pointed over to where the frumpy woman was, and I nodded, dragging the rack over there.

"Ezzie, get up and come help me with the zips." I commanded, and Esmeralda didn't hesitate to jump up and come over.

I grabbed the first dress and headed inside the room, Ezzie hot on my tail. I gave the dress to her, and she hung it behind the door. It was a nice dress, very much like a ball gown, with no straps and a big tulle skirt.

I started getting undressed, and, once I was in my under layers, Ezzie handed me the dress, and I undid the zip, then stepped into it, then she did it up.

"Oh, God, the material's not right, get me out," I urged, and Ezzie leaned over and undid the dress with ease.

I stepped out of it, and Ezzie hung it back up, and opened the door, grabbing the next dress. I tried it on, and the material felt fine, but it was unflattering.

"You look like a half plucked chicken," Ezzie snorted.

"Shut up," I grumbled as she undid me.

She passed the last dress, and I stepped into it, then looked at myself in the mirror in front of us, and I gasped.

It fit me like a glove, and wasn't unflattering in the slightest. It was an off shoulder gown with sheer sleeves ending at my wrists, and a tulle skirt, but it wasn't too big, just right. It had gold detailing on the bodice, which trailed down the dress.

(A/N: This is just the dress that came closest to what I imagined, you can envision your own)

"I feel like that fairy princess in the bedtime story your Mum used to tell us," I murmured, as if being loud would break the magic and the dress would turn into something horrid.

"You look gorgeous, (N/N)," Ezzie whispered as she did up the zip, "Let's go show everyone else."

She led me to where the other women were sitting, and Saoirse squealed.

"(N/N), (N/N), you look — you look so pretty!" She gushed, bouncing in her spot next to Lizzie.

"Gorgeous," Lizzie said sincerely, giving me a small smile.

"You look a vision," Ada confirmed, "If my brother seeing you like that doesn't make him want to skip the ceremony and consummate the marriage I don't know what will."

I blushed and looked away, not used to being complimented.

"Give us a spin, love," Polly encouraged.

"Yes, spin!" Saoirse shouted, clapping her hands.

I spun on the spot, giggling at how the skirt billowed around me.

"I never want to take it off," I told the girls, making Ada ‘aww’.

I felt truely and utterly gorgeous in this yellow wedding dress.

"It doesn't look very yellow," Sophie stated, making me scowl.

"It'll look yellow in the light of the sun, so shut your mouth you ignorant fucking cunt!" I snapped at her, Ezzie placing a hand on my shoulder.

"On the house," Susanna said as I stormed back to the fitting room to get dressed.

"We're Peaky Blinders, it's never any other way." Polly said flatly as Ezzie closed the door behind us, making me snicker, "And that girl there, Sophie, she needs to go — permanently."

Ezzie unzipped the dress, and I stepped out of it, pulling my other dress back on and slipping my feet into my shoes, and we walked back out to the women, Ezzie holding the dress. Sophie came over and Ezzie handed it to her to be bagged.

"Now, I don't want to have all the same style dresses, because what will suit one of you mightn't suit the other — Just pick whatever dress you want, preferably in your favourite colour," I informed the group, "The men can match a tie to a dress."

That had been a detail Finn and I had discussed last night after coming home from Jeremiah's. I didn't want everyone looking the same, we're not fucking blades of grass.

Everyone started getting off the seats and looking for dresses. Ezzie set off towards the green dresses.

I lead Saoirse over to the kids dresses, looking for a white one — Another detail we had agreed upon, the kids wearing plain white and black instead of colours. Saoirse was going to wear a dress that was white with a black sash around it, and Karl was going to wear a plain black suit with a black bow tie. I had no doubt they would have everyone clucky.

•••

We managed to get everyone the dress they wanted. Polly had picked a gorgeous purple dress, Ada snagged a dark blue, Lizzie grabbed a deep red, and Ezzie picked a bold green. The best part was that everyone looked absolutely, effortlessly beautiful in their dresses. That and the fact that we got all of the dresses for free.

I decided to keep my dress up in Polly's spare room. She didn't want me keeping it at the house in case Finn saw it.

The girls and I discussed my somethings; something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, and I had picked them out successfully, except for my something new, because apparently Finn was covering that for the pair of us.

The something old was going to be Birdie Boswell's pearl earrings. I was hesitant to wear them, but Polly said that they were passed down to her and she could therefore pass it down to whoever she damn well pleased. My something borrowed was going to be the tie from Dad's own wedding suit that he wore when he got married to Ezzie, Bonnie, and Saoirse's mother, Rose. I was going to wrap it around my bouquet. My something blue was going to be my undergarments.

On the way home, Saoirse jumped in with Ada, and the rest of us women went to go get my something blue — nice looking undergarments, with a matching garter set. I was planning on burning them as soon as I got home.

I could just wear a blue ribbon on my wrist. What the girls didn't knew wouldn't hurt them.

§§§

I couldn't find any nice obviously yellow dresses 💔💔 buttt champagne is still technically yellow lol

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 7

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 21

PUBLISHED: 12/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

CONTRARY TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

You and Finn were sat at either end of your dining room table in Artillery Square, you in a pair of jeans and a yellow sweater, and him in a grey suit that you helped pick out of his wardrobe, only just getting home from work. He had asked your opinion on his clothes, which you found funny. He never did it before. He told you that he wanted to look decent for an important meeting with Tommy, which was fair enough.

You had stayed at home, going shopping, reading books, and practicing mathematics, which bored you endlessly. Maybe you'd join a club, so you'd have something to do until Tommy decided you were of use.

It had been a couple of days since your family had started camping on the grounds of Arrow House, and a couple of days since you and Finn had taken Saoirse clothes shopping, so you could have fresh clothes at your apartment if you and him ever needed to look after her. You did the same for Finn's nephews and nieces, making sure to get sizes bigger than they needed as well, knowing how quickly children grew. You had also bought a trundle bed for each of your beds, in case you ever needed to babysit a lot of kids at a time. You had a feeling that they were going to get some good use.

If Esme replied to your latest message to her, you'd have all seven of her and John's kids here sometime soon, for a two day visit, watched closely by Jenica's sister, Tatiana, and the Lee boy she ran away with. His name was Trevor, according to Tatiana, who told you last Sunday after church, when you went over to Jenica's for a cup of tea.

Finn picked up his pencil, and you did the same, still confused as to why he sat you at the table in the first place.

"We are going to make a mind map," Finn announced, "One for me, and one for you."

You wordlessly wrote Finn's name on the white sheet in front of you, him doing the same.

"Now, you're going to write ten things that you think describe me. I'm going to do the same. After we're done our ten things about me, we'll do ten things about you, then show each other." Finn announced, and you nodded, already writing the first word about Finn down in your neat print.

He had learned this exercise from Uncle Charlie, not long after Finn moved in with him.

Kind :)

Throughout this whole ordeal, Finn was kind to you. Most of the time. He was kind to your family, all of the time.

Attractive

You'd be stupid to not write that one down. Finn would be stupid to not see it. You wondered if he got his looks from his mother or his father. You hadn't ever seen a photo of either of them. He didn't have any. You were sure he didn't want any.

Brave

He was brave. Braver than you'd ever be, you were sure.

Confident

You saw the way he walked — no, strutted — around Small Heath as if he owned it. He may as well have, being a Shelby. It was attractive, his confidence.

Considerate

Always buying more biscuits, buying more beds, buying clothes, bringing home yellow things that he said reminded him of you. Your favourite thing that he was brought home was a painting of a sunflower, which now sat on the mantle of your fireplace, bringing some life to the dull place.

Loyal

He'd die for his family if he had to. You hoped that he never would die for them, but instead die peacefully, after living a life that he wanted.

Adaptable

Moving around houses after his family moved away, getting married to you, doing business when Tommy asked him to then going back to being the useless younger brother — none of these things seemed to faze him all that much. They did faze him, you knew that; but he didn't show it much. Maybe he was used to it.

Trustworthy

You'd trust him with your life. You have trusted him with your life. He takes care of you as much as he can, but he's still only just a child too.

Reliable

He showed up for the family company, whenever they needed him to. He was there for you too, most of the time.

Charming

You couldn't deny it. His boyish smile, nice words, and the way he managed to do things just right so everything would go his way — it was his charm.

"Done." You said, looking over at Finn, who was staring down at his piece of paper in frustration, brows furrowed.

"Start yours, then," Finn muttered as he penned down another word.

You nodded, and wrote your name down on the other sheet of blank paper.

Unkind

That was an easy one. You didn't mean to be; you just were. It was as hardwired into your system as your need to travel.

Rude

You tried not to be. A lot. But it always slipped through the cracks and you were snapping at people who didn't even deserve it.

Aggressive

You were forever snapping at people, forever throwing stuff around. You tried to stop but you just couldn't. You were only sixteen. You could grow out of it if you tried. You probably should try.

Aloof

You had friends, yes, but you were sure that they didn't like you nearly as much as you liked them

Callous

Other people's suffering didn't bother you. Not all that much.

Petulant

Childishly rude. Something you had yet to grow out of. Something you weren't sure you would ever grow out of.

Moody

Your moods changed more than Tommy Shelby's.

Half the time you weren't even sure why. They just did. Most of the time you couldn't identify them.

Resentful

Resentful for a lot of things. Your father ever letting you live with her, your father forcing you to get married.

Impatient

There were many things you were. Patient was not one of them.

Unlovable

She always said that you were. She wouldn't say it unless it was true, surely.

You placed your pencil down, and looked over at Finn, who finished writing and flipped his pencil around in his hands.

"You done?" He asked you, and you nodded.

He gathered his two sheets of paper and got out of his chair, going and standing in front of the lit fireplace. The cat hissed and swiped at his ankles, obviously not pleased with Finn standing so close to the cat bed.

"I'll throw you in the fire!" Finn bellowed, nudging the cat bed away from him with his foot.

The cat gave a not-so-pleased mewl and curled back up on the bed, purring. You rolled your eyes at the squabbling pair and went and stood up next to your husband.

"We swap lists," He informed you, and you nodded, handing him yours with one hand and grabbing his with the other, still feeling confused.

You read his mind map about himself first.

Likeable

Adaptable

Ambitious

Handsome - you rolled your eyes at that one. Cocky prick.

Strong

Trustworthy

Funny

Helpful

Selfish

Greedy

You let out a small 'oh', and looked at your husband.

"You're not selfish or greedy." You protested, looking at your husband.

He was anything but, and you knew it.

"You think I'm attractive?" Finn asked, smirking at you, ignoring your statement completely.

Once you rolled your eyes he straightened up and cleared his throat, knowing you were serious.

"It's — I am sometimes. No one's all good, or all bad. It's impossible." He explained, and you nodded, understanding.

You felt more bad than good, though, and your sheet of paper with your name on it reflected that.

You read through his list for you, and felt your heart melt inside your chest.

Kind

Patient

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Loyal

Reliable

Patient

Attractive

Loveable

You felt your eyes well up with tears and quickly brought the sleeve of your sweater up and wiped the stray tears away with the cuff.

"Are you alright?" Finn asked, eyeing you carefully.

You felt compelled to go and lock yourself in your room, feeling awkward under his gaze, but kept your sock covered feet firmly planted on the rug covered ground.

"Yes — fine." You said feebly, then cleared your throat, "You're — You're too kind, describing me like that."

"It's true," He insisted, and you shifted from foot to foot disbelieving his words.

"You're only saying that because you're my husband." You objected, making him furrow his brows together, and hold up the list that you wrote about him.

"Did you only say these things because you're my wife?" He questioned, and you shook your head.

He really and truly was all of those things. If you weren't his wife and still managed to find your way into his life, you'd write the exact same things, over and over again.

"Exactly — We don't actually do anything out of marital obligation, do we? So, it must be truthful." Finn finished casually, and you agreed with that statement.

You didn't feel it yet, but you agreed with it. You watched as he switched the pages, looking at your mind map about yourself. He frowned, and handed it back to you.

"The only fucking fucking true words on that list is petulant and moody. I'm petulant and moody. Any growing person is petulant and moody." Finn stated, and it was your turn to frown.

Who was he to tell you how you saw yourself?

"Just hear me out for a few seconds, yeah?" He said, raising his arms, and you folded yours across your chest and nodded, "How much of that is you talking about yourself and her words about you?"

That made you stop and think. She called you all of those words, not you. She called you those words enough that they got jumbled into your thoughts and you couldn't think of yourself any other way.

What did you think of yourself? You weren't entirely sure. That didn't sit right with you.

"Can I throw this list into the fire?" Finn asked, holding it up, "It's not truthful. Doesn't count."

You sighed, but nodded. He folded it into a paper plane then threw it into the fire, cheering as it caught alight. You laughed at your husband, then held up the two sheets he gave you, "What do I do with these?"

"You can throw the one about me out, I don't want that — You can do whatever you want with the one about you," Finn replied, heading down the hallway and into his room.

You stood in front of the fire, and somehow felt lighter, as if a weight was lifted off of your shoulders. You placed Finn's list on the couch, not really sure what to do with it just yet. You started humming as you reread the list, then suddenly felt wrong.

Surely that wasn't how Finn saw you. Surely he didn't like you that much. You weren't that nice.

Finn noticed your lack of humming and went back out to the living room, where you were stood in front of the fire, arms crossed on your chest, deep in thought.

Finn knew that face. That was the face you always had on before you got cross and pushed him away. He wouldn't let it happen this time.

"What's wrong?" He asked, making you turn and face him, "Are you cross at me or at something else."

"I don't know," You answered sourly, making his eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"Do you know why you're cross?" Finn asked carefully, placing his hands in his pockets.

You shook your head, feeling lost. You looked down at the carpet, and stamped your foot. Finn watched your every move.

"This is why I didn't want to marry you. I'm no good as a person." You grumbled, "Can't even get cross the right way. I don't deserve this. You."

Finn felt a pang in his chest. You deserved whatever you wanted, especially with the way your life turned out. He'd give you whatever you wanted, if it made you stop thinking of yourself in that way.

"I'll take care of you," Finn vowed, looking you in the eyes, which made you scowl and turn your back to him.

He watched your shoulders rise and fall as you took deep breaths.

"Taking care of me is rotten work!" You protested, spinning around on the spot to look at your husband, then bringing your hands up and swiping forcefully at your eyes with the back of your wrist.

"Not to me. Not if it's you." Finn softly replied, stepping over towards you, holding a hand out.

You could tell by his tone that he truly meant it. You met him in the middle and fell into his embrace. He hugged you tightly, and you did the same, gathering the back of his coat in your tight grip.

"It's going to be hard." You informed him, the words muffled by his chest, "For me and for you. I didn't get to grow properly."

"I know. We'll help each other learn, though," He cooed, rubbing your back, "And you can grow here. With your family. With Aberama, Saoirse, Bonnie, Esmeralda, Tuck, and that mangy little cat who always spills my tea."

"And you?" You asked, looking up at him.

He thought you looked beautiful, with the way your tears clung to your eyelashes, framing your gorgeous (E/C) eyes.

"And me," He confirmed, "And Polly and Arthur and Lizzie and whoever else you want to grow around."

You have a hum of agreement, laying your head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat.

"It's really fucking hard, Finn. I wasn't allowed to have feelings so I don't know what the fuck to do with them. She always said that's why I was unlovable." You admitted, and you could feel Finn tense under you.

"She's horrid and if I ever see her again I'll take her eyes and throw her into the cut." Finn swore, holding you a bit tighter than he was before.

You listened to Finn hum as he shifted on his feet, and managed to calm down.

"I — I won't be able to stop seeing myself like that straight away. Rome wasn't built in a day." You said, staring into the fireplace, watching as the flames danced.

"I know, but it would be a good time to start now." Finn replied, and in that very moment, you decided to keep the mind map he gave you, to pin it in your wardrobe so you could see it every day.

To remind you what you were really like, not what she said you were like. She didn't even really know you anyway.

§§§

I literally love this chapter I got the idea from this end of year activity that a support learning staff member at my school made us do and omfg I do it whenever I feel bad about myself (ask my friends what they think of me) and I am then ultimately reminded that I have a skewed view of myself because I am much harder on myself than needed

Also I feel like we're all on the same level but I'll draw a floor plan of the Artillery Square apartment soon lol I feel like it could confuse some of you

You guys have no idea how hard it was for me to make up names and ages for all of John's six, soon to be seven kids lmaooo — literally only one has a name (Katie) and there's no ages stated.

Also!! Would anyone want to become mutuals on social media lol

Also part 3 — Would anyone like to become part of a tag list for this work?? I’ll make a post after this and you guys can like it or whatever to let me know that you’re interested - I’ll also add it to my masterlist + the top of this post + other posts so it won’t get lost

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 22

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 11

PUBLISHED: 23/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

He looked back at Bonnie proudly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

oooh shit just got real lmao

Love y’all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 12

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 44

PUBLISHED: 21/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

FINN'S POV

I answered the phone and Tommy immediately started speaking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I had everything to prove, to everyone.

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

Hey you guys! Im back lol

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

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