PUBLISHED: 07/07/2022

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

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

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

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

gofundme.com

Donate to Escaping DV and Homelessness, organized by Grace Morgan

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

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 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

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 30

PUBLISHED: 02/07/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON’S POV

A wail filled the master bedroom of Arrow House, and you started laughing with glee as Ada handed a pale Lizzie her newborn daughter. Polly had gotten the honour of cutting the cord.

"She's gorgeous!" You cooed from your spot by the side of the bed, Lizzie had been grasping your hand as she pushed.

"She'll be a star in the pictures," Polly commented proudly, watching as Lizzie held her daughter.

"You'll have to beat boys away from her with a bat," Ada chuckled, holding a glass of water for Lizzie.

She tilted it towards Lizzie, who gulped down the water.

"Shall I go and get Tommy and Charles?" You offered, and Lizzie shook her head.

"Not yet. I want some more time with Ruby before they come," She said, and you nodded understandingly.

Your own dad had to wait an hour to see Saoirse, and you kids had to wait thirty more minutes. You understood the need for privacy, wanting to enjoy the small moments.

You shifted from foot to foot as all of the other Shelby women had gathered around Lizzie, still giving her a bit of distance, and fawned over the baby.

Even though you had settled into your role as a Shelby lady, you still felt awkward sometimes. Like an outsider. Ada and Lizzie had grown up together, and Polly had overseen it all. Linda was also married in, but she was closer in age to the others, and she had more in common with them. You felt like you were intruding, somewhat.

"(Y/N), get up here and look at this baby, by order of the Peaky fuckin' Blinders. You're a Shelby, now act like it," Polly ordered gently, sensing your discomfort.

You looked at Lizzie, who nodded, then you gave a shy grin and treaded carefully up to stand next to Ada, who placed a hand on your shoulder. You relaxed your shoulders, no longer feeling like an intruder.

"Look at her hair," Ada said, chuckling, and you started chuckling too.

Ruby had a head full of brown hair, hair which would soon most likely smell like the baby soap that you had put into the bath at Polly's orders.

"You hungry, Lizzie?" You asked as she adjusted the blanket covering Ruby, "I'll grab you something from the kitchen if you want."

"A sandwich would be nice — Ham and pickles, please," She requested, and you nodded, turning on your heel and walking away.

"The jar with the green lid, right?" You questioned as you put your hand on the door handle, and Lizzie said words of affirmation.

"Tell Tommy that the baby's healthy, but I want a bit more time with her," Lizzie said, and you nodded once more.

You twisted the door handle and opened it, hurrying down to the kitchens. Tommy and Charles were already there, Charles eating chocolate ice cream. It had gotten more on his face than anything else.

"(Y/N), how's Lizzie?" Tommy asked, and you could hear the worried tone in his voice.

"Is my little sister here yet?" Charles added, and you chuckled as you gathered the ingredients to make Lizzie her sandwich.

"Lizzie's fine, the baby's fine, both healthy, but Lizzie wants a bit more time with sissy before you two go in," You informed the pair as you started buttering the bread.

Tommy nodded but Charles whined, and Tommy ruffled his son's hair. The phone ring and Tommy picked it up, answering with a 'hello?'

"It's for you," Tommy announced, handing the phone to you.

You traded him the knife for the phone, telling him to put the pickles on, and he did so, spreading it right out to the edges, just as his wife liked them, then cut the crusts off, just like Lizzie liked them.

"(Y/N) Shelby here," You said cheerily into the receiver.

"Aunt (Y/N)! Mum asked me to ring you, she's just had George." A voice that I quickly identified as Katie's said.

"Oh, that's wonderful! Tell her I said congratulations!" You said as Tommy eyed you with curiosity.

"I will — She said she'd enjoy a visit from you and Uncle Finny — she'll send Trevor to come get you when she feels like visitors," Katie informed you, and you nodded, momentarily forgetting that she couldn't see you.

"Erm, that will be great." You said, bouncing on your heels, feeling overjoyed.

"I've got to go now, see you later Aunty." Katie said, and you replied with a 'see you, my dear', then hung up.

"Katie. Telling me her brother's here." You told Tommy somewhat stiffly.

READER’S POV

Esme had allowed Finn and I to update the rest of the Shelby family about her and her kids, but only what she said we could tell them. We knew a lot more. I think it ate Finn up inside, sometimes. I think, if I was in Finn's position, I wouldn't be able to open my mouth without information about Katie's new dress or Lockie's skills with soccer or Colin's knowledge of plants spilling out.

Ada soon entered the room, her heels clicking against the floor bringing me back to reality.

"Oh fuck, I forgot about her sandwich — Katie called to say that Esme had the bub, sorry," I muttered, and Ada nodded, reaching out to grab the plate that held the sandwich.

"She said you can go and see the baby. She's ready for you now." She said as she picked up the plate, and Tommy wasted no time picking Charles up and sitting him on his hip, and walking to the bedroom.

"I'll be back up in a minute," I mumbled, sitting down in a chair, and Ada hummed as she spun on her heel and went.

I felt sixteen. Really felt it, right down in my bones. Everyone was getting older. I'm growing up. But everyone else is moving forward, and I'm still stuck in the same place, doing the same song and dance with Finn.

Someone entered the kitchen, making me look up from the spot on the floor I had been staring at. Frances, followed by Finn.

"Hi," I said quietly, still feeling a bit out of it.

"You alright, love?" Finn asked softly, crossing the room and coming to kneel in front of me.

"Just — feel old," I replied, then chuckled humourlessly.

Finn nodded in understanding then placed his hand along the back of my neck, leaning up and pressing his lips to my forehead. I shut my eyes and focused on the sensation, trying to clear my head of all the other thoughts.

"Let's go see Tommy and Lizzie, aye?" Finn suggested, standing back up and stretching out a hand for me to take.

I took it and he helped me stand up, then continued holding my hand as we walked through the hallways, squeezing it thrice.

"I'm going to figure out what that means one of these days," I decided, making him laugh.

"I hope it's soon." He replied, a small grin on his face.

We walked in silence until we reached the master bedroom, where Finn knocked on the door. Polly answered it, and let us in.

"We can come back when there's less people, if you want, Lizzie," Finn offered, but Lizzie shook her head, making us cross the room.

Lizzie was laid in the middle of the bed, Tommy on her left, and Charles on her right. Ruby was sound asleep on her chest, still wrapped in her pink blanket.

"We've got something to tell you and (Y/N)," Lizzie said, making my eyebrow cock up.

Lizzie looked up at Tommy, and nodded. He turned to us, and cleared his throat.

"We want you, Finn, and you, (Y/N), to be Ruby's godparents." Tommy announced, making my breath catch in my throat momentarily.

"Really?" Finn asked quietly, sounding like he might cry.

I looked up at my husband, who was rapidly blinking, trying to get rid of tears.

"Really," Lizzie confirmed, smiling softly.

"Thank you, it's an honour, honestly," I murmured, now feeling sixteen and a bit once more.

Lizzie just grinned in reply as I laid my head on Finn's shoulder.

•••

Finn and I drove home from our date. I watched his hand as it gripped the wheel, the other one sitting on my knee. He had gotten us tickets to see 'The Nutcracker', then took me to some fancy restaurant that I couldn't remember the name of, even if my life depended on it. I was still running on the high

We had left Saoirse with Bonnie. Finn had dropped her off at the door; Bonnie, along with Ezzie and Isiah, lived in Finn's old house on Watery Lane.

Finn had told me that Bonnie was moving into an apartment in Artillery Square sometime soon, which surprised me. Bonnie had never mentioned it before. I didn't talk to him much, anyway, after the last time we had all stayed out at camp together.

It hurt me not to talk to him. We had shared a vardo when I first moved in with Dad, he knew me like the back of my hand. I was close to Ezzie and Saoirse, but we were closest in age. When we were growing up, Ezzie was always off doing big girl things and Saoirse was too little to play with us, leaving us to entertain each other. He was three years my senior, but he always let me follow him as if we were the same age.

He was the one who held me after I had nightmares when I didn't want to walk to dad's caravan, who filled in the gaps of my knowledge of Shelta, Romani, and Rokka, who won me Tuck in the fairground that night, the one who fought Dad tooth and nail for me to not get married.

He was my brother, through and through.

And here I was avoiding him like the plague.

Finn pulled up in front of the house, and stopped the car, then got out and walked up to the door, knocking on it. I made a split second decision and got out of the car, jogging up to the door in my heels.

Isiah opened the door, and grinned, letting us in.

"She's up in the upstairs spare room, want a cup of tea before you leave?" Isiah asked, and I looked at Finn who nodded.

"Please," I replied, kicking off my heels and heading upstairs, going to find my older sister.

I heard Isiah potter around the kitchen and continue talking to Finn. I knocked on the first door on my right. The door opened, and there was Ezzie, hair damp, most likely fresh out of the shower.

"Come tell me how your date went," She commanded, ushering me into her bedroom.

I sat on the stool at her vanity whilst she sat on her bed.

"It was amazing. I'd sell my left tit to do it all again," I admitted, making her squeal and clap, "We went to the ballet, The Nutcracker, then we went to some fancy restaurant for dinner."

"Oh, that sounds amazing! Did you kiss?" She inquired, and I shook my head, making her groan.

"I know, it's killing me — we haven't kissed since our wedding!" I grumbled, making her look at me with sympathy in her eyes.

"We're taking it slow, but fucking hell, Dad and Polly move faster than us," I complained, making her cackle.

I was also scared to kiss Finn — I had been wanting it so much I wouldn't know what to do with myself when we finally did kiss.

A knock sounded on the door, Ezzie calling out 'come in!', then in came Isiah and Finn, each holding a tray with cups of tea and biscuits on them. As they sat them down on the king sized bed, I noticed that Isiah had three cups on his tray.

"Is Bonnie in?" I questioned, looking over at Ezzie, who nodded, looking unsure of herself.

"I'll go tell him his tea is ready," I announced, making Ezzie begin to stand up as well.

"Ez, we'll be fine," I reassured her as I crossed the room, pecking my husband on the cheek as I passed him, making him blush.

I walked across the hall and knocked on the bedroom door in a particular manner, letting Bonnie know it was me. I stood in the hallway for a few beats, and Bonnie opened the door. He looked just as bad as I felt.

He opened his arms for a hug and I didn't hesitate to lean into his embrace, wrapping my own arms around my brother.

"I'm sorry, Bee, I didn't mean it, I was just cross and you know how I get when I'm cross," Bonnie apologised, and I nodded.

He was terrible when he got mad. His words were as sharp as knives, and they left wounds just like knives, but the ones they left weren't ones you bled from.

"It's okay, Bon," I soothed, my words slightly muffled by his chest.

"It's not okay, I knew what those words meant to you and I still called you them," Bonnie said, and I could hear him tearing up.

I was on the verge of tears, myself. In all of our years knowing each other, this was our first proper fight.

I stepped back, out of the hug.

"As long as you don't call me them again we'll be fine," I informed him, making him nod, although I knew he wasn't planning on it.

"Your tea is ready, by the way," I added as an afterthought, and lead him back to Ezzie and Isiah's room.

We entered the room, and took spots on the bed, Finn and I cuddled up down at the foot end, in the corner next to the wall, Bonnie sitting with his legs crossed in the middle of the bed, against the wall, and Isiah and Ezzie at the head of the bed, lazing against each other.

We sat there and chatted for ages after we finished our cups of tea and biscuits, not really wanting to leave. The cup of tea made me sleepy, too. I laid my head against Finn and yawned.

"Tired, love?" Finn asked, sounding very much tired himself.

I hummed in agreement, reaching up and undoing my hair. Finn started helping me. I had it up in a crown braid for tonight. I felt very much like a Princess with the hairstyle, and the way Finn treated me tonight.

"You can stay here, in the downstairs spare room if you like," Isiah offered, and I looked at Finn, who nodded.

"Fuck, we might turn in now, I can barely keep my eyes open," Finn said, yawning and bringing a hand up to rub his eyes.

I crawled off of the bed and stood up on unsteady feet, Finn doing the same.

"Goodnight," I threw over my shoulder as I left the room.

I headed to Saoirse's room, Finn hot on my tail. I opened the door quietly, and peeked in. She was sound asleep, Rosie curled up with her. I 'awwed' at the sight and moved so Finn could see. He chuckled once he saw, then shut the door quietly. Finn grabbed my hand and lead me down the stairs, to the spare bedroom, the only downstairs bedroom.

Once Finn closed the door I stripped down to my underclothes, and crawled onto the bed, deciding to sit for a bit, too lazy to get under the covers just yet, Finn doing the same.

"Finn," I started, making him hum and look at me.

"Thank you for tonight. I had a great time," I admitted, looking him in the eyes.

"I did too." Finn replied softly, reaching up and tracing his finger along my cheekbone.

I looked at my husband; properly looked at him. I took notice of his curls that he didn't gel back for once, his freckles spreading across his face, and the scar just under his lip. I found my eyes drifting back to his lips. I reached up and ran a finger along his bottom lip, unable to resist myself. It was soft.

"(Y/N)," Finn said softly, and I could hear the desperation in his tone.

"I know," I murmured, and he leaned back, making me withdraw my touch.

I could've whined at the lack of contact, but my heart skipped a beat as he started leaning in, placing a hand on the side of my neck as he did so.

"Finn," I mumbled, leaning out of his grip and looking away, cheeks burning, "Not ready yet."

"It's alright," He cooed as I looked back at him, and I gave a soft smile, then started pulling back the covers, slipping under them, getting comfortable with him.

I was ready to kiss him, but I wasn't ready for everything that came after. If we kissed, that would lead to more intimacy, and not just the sexual kind. We'd learn to love each other more, to get to know each other more. My family knew me, but they didn't really know me. I was scared to let anyone really know me. It was scary, being known. Nearly as scary as being loved. Now, as I laid next to Finn and thought about it, I think it was more scary to love someone than to be loved.

§§§

AHHHHH y'all I am back in business with frequent updates lol

What did you think of this chapter?

I am so excited for next chapter you guys will love it (I hope)

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 31

TAGLIST

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@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

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@shelundeadxxxx

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@krillfromsky

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 4

PUBLISHED: 16/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saoirse nodded rapidly, her hair bouncing up and down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linda opened the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So what?" Lizzie asked, arms crossed.

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

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

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

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

He actually trusted me with this.

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

She then strutted over to stand in front of me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

Lolll I love Polly stirring people up so much

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 5

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 38

PUBLISHED: 15/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

Your father approached you as you sipped on your gin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

@meadownicolee

@toothlessmcleod

@im-your-possession

@bethabear12

@paisley-37

@shelundeadxxxx

@bluehairdie

@krillfromsky

@cucumberfingefsandwiches

NEXT PART

Part 39

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 47

PUBLISHED: 26/07/2022

(I forgot to copy some chapters onto here shhh)

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You picked up your teacup and took a sip.

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

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

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

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

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

She still didn't look at you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn stood up, albeit with a struggle.

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

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

Finn stayed silent, mulling over your words.

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

You touched a nerve. You knew it.

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

§§§

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 33

PUBLISHED: 05/07/2022

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serves him right for being an idiot.

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karl just replied with 'S'Alright'.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

The children giggled at your antics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smart boy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You heard Finn popping a balloon already.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn did the same, and you started giggling again.

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

§§§

Not proofread because I am tired Oof

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

TAGLIST

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@toothlessmcleod

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NEXT PART

Part 34

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 12

PUBLISHED: 25/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINN'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes, like today, they treat me like John.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 13

CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 27

PUBLISHED: 19/06/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST

THIRD PERSON'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trevor nodded, unperturbed as he drunk his own coffee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finn chuckled, making you frown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your sister nodded, running down the hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 28

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CONTRARY - FINN SHELBY X READER; PART 14

PUBLISHED: 28/05/2022

!!FIRST PART HERE!!

Part 1

MASTERLIST

READER'S POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He guided me a bit further, then stopped.

"Fuck," I heard him mutter frustratedly.

"What?" I asked softly, feeling confused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I heard keys jingling, then a door opening.

He pushed me forward, "Open your eyes."

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

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

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

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

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

At least he was considerate, sometimes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

§§§

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

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

Love y'all ❤️

- Sunflower x

NEXT PART

Part 15