this is just a quick little idea I’ve had flitting about in my brain. I’m sure someone’s already done something like this before, if so let me know! And if anyone knows what colour Ada is please let me know (I’m thinking sort of like an Alice blue/silver?)
Summary: The shelby sister associates her brothers with colours.
Warnings: mentions of blood, implied poor mental health (for Arthur)
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Tommy is her Navy Blue
At first glance his darkness seemed to swallow the world, collecting light and joy like trophies and spitting out misery to take their place.
That was to the residents of Small Heath, but to his sister, Tommy’s darkness was a source of comfort and of safety.
Like the depths of his long dusty coat, Tommy’s arms could wrap her up in the warmth and stillness only he could provide. Like a den similar to those of the rabbits burrowing by the cut, Tommy’s darkness carved out a home to keep his family safe.
He was blue, not like the ice in his eyes, but like the midnight sky. He was a cover of darkness shielding those below him from the harm and horrors exposed by the light of day.
He was the peace of village fast asleep, the calm before the storm of a busy morning
He was the star-studded night that weighed with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Arthur is her Red
Those of Small Heath only see the red of his face flushed in anger and of the blood coated fists. To them he is the red cloak that sends the bull running.
But his sisters eyes only catch the pink embarrassment rising in his cheeks as he stumbles though a rushed apology, the ruby glaze that clings to his skin, hearty chuckles hurried along by malted veins.
His red is of love, rather than hate, of life rather than death.
His red is of healing, the only fights are internal, provoked by the demons who clung in the crevices of his mind.
Arthur is rosy like the blush of gentle love, Ruby like the fiery passion to protect his loved ones and crimson like his port-flushed veins which will the demons to settle their own bloody tempers and allow him just a minute of sleep.
John is her Green
He’s fresh like the beginnings of spring, his own birth gifting his sister a fresh start as an older sibling.
He’s spontaneous and playful like sprouting springs in the spring sun
He bounces back after any adversity just as the leaves regain their rightful place in the tangled tree branches after a harsh winter.
He’s emerald like endless possibilities and jade like the luck on his side as he conquers new adventures.
But he is also the calm of Oak, strong and wise beyond his years, knowing just what to say in any situation.
He’s the gentle breeze that tempers heated flames, the dew that soothes aching skin.
John is green like an expanse of meadows, waiting with open arms to catch you when you feel you can’t go on.
Finn is her Yellow
He is golden like sunshine, his smile breathing life into those who feel wilted by responsibilities.
Finn is honey, smooth and sweet with a wry smile that makes him practically impossible not to love, even if his sticky fingers bring trouble to your doorstep in the form of Sergeant Moss’ inquires into a recent spate of sweet shop robberies.
He is the butter that holds the family together
And just as certain as the sun will rise, Finn will always be there to brighten dark days.
You grew up with the Shelby family after your father’s death. He worked for the Shelby’s and when he was murdered by an enemy, Polly took you under her wing.
Through your teenage years, you were especially close to Ada and you two confided in each other about every little thing. This doesn’t change as you get older.
You and Ada are best friends and she is the first one who clocks onto you and John hiding feelings for one another.
“Just tell him, Y/N!”
“I can’t, Ada, there’s no way he feels the same!”
“That’s the biggest load of shit I’ve ever heard. He looks at you like you hung the bloody stars!”
You spent a lot of time with John as a teen, getting into trouble, drinking and smoking, running rings around Polly and running wild around Small Heath.
Polly bollocked John about it to no end and expressed her disappointment in you too, but you two just couldn’t stay away from each other. There was nobody else in the world that made you feel like the weight of the world had been lifted from your shoulders the way he could - he made you feel genuinely happy.
On your 18th birthday in the summer, John steals a bottle of whiskey and you both get drunk out in the fields watching the stars and talking about anything and everything.
You rode out there on horseback but since you were too drunk to ride back, you end up falling asleep under the stars curled up next to John.
When you wake early the next morning, the sheer magnitude of your feelings for him hits you like a freight train.
He wakes up shortly after you and when he sees you propped up on one arm staring at him with a particular twinkle in your eye, he wastes no time in kissing you. You both laugh about how hungover you feel and how it was probably the worst first kiss ever, and then you both panic about the beating you’re both going to receive from Polly when you get home.
It doesn’t take long for John to propose after that, and you don’t hesitate in saying yes.
Polly acts like she’s annoyed about it but deep down she couldn’t be happier for the two of you; part of her hopes that you’ll be able to reign him in a little bit.
Of course this doesn’t happen since the two of you are just as fiery as each other.
Your wedding night is a wild one, that’s for sure. It’s surprising that anyone even remembers it the next morning.
You, Arthur, John and Michael are the worst, it’s actually quite funny to watch.
You literally go off the rails.
Consecrating the marriage is amazing, to say the very fucking least. John treats you like royalty up until you tell him not to…
“I won’t break, you know. You can be a little rougher than that.”
He doesn’t need you to say anymore than that.
Even after being married for some time, you and John are still loved up.
You’re always holding hands at family meetings.
You sit in his lap whenever you get the chance.
Anyone would think you were still teenagers.
You literally cannot keep your hands off each other.
Sometimes you steal his hat and wear it which he thinks is the cutest damn thing ever.
And the sex… well.
You ‘christen’ every room in your house. Hell, you ‘christen’ every surface.
He’s always murmuring crude comments in your ear at inappropriate times because he loves watching you squirm.
When you eventually have children, they are just as wild as their mum and dad. Polly never misses the opportunity to let you know that you only have yourselves to blame for producing such raucous children.
He loves watching you be a mother to his children.
You like to argue about who the fun parent is, but it’s definitely John.
You’re always knocking Tommy down a peg or two, which he actually really respects. He thinks you’re just what his brother needs, and he’s right.
You and Arthur are cut from the same cloth, and when you get together it’s a given that there’s going to be trouble. Nights at the Garrison with him almost always end in a wicked hangover because you’re constantly trying to out-drink one another.
You understand the nature of John’s work but it does get lonely sometimes when he’s always away or coming home late.
But he never fails to make it up to you.
He spoils you incessantly - jewellery, books, fancy dinners, expensive champagne… anything you want. Name it and it’s yours.
Being married to John is literally a dream.
There’s never a dull moment.
There’s never any room for doubt where his love for you is concerned because he tells you whenever he gets the chance.
: You learn that John was actually the one behind one of the best birthday presents you’ve ever received, which leads to a sudden revelation…
:1708
:Swearing
It might have been the booze, or maybe you were simply drunk on life, but you could honestly say that you were happier in this moment than you had been in a long time. Longer than you could even remember, in fact. You told Ada so as you downed what could have been your fourth or fifth Scotch whiskey, beaming underneath the warm lights of the Garrison.
“It’s been a weird couple of years,” You said. “But it finally feels like things are returning to some semblance of normal.” Ada snorted. “Normal? When is anything ever normal around here? We’ll see how long it lasts.” You rolled your eyes. “You’re always so bloody pessimistic. Honestly Ada, why are you always looking gift horses in the mouth?” “Maybe because I know my brothers, and I know that nothing good ever stays that way where they’re concerned.” “You can say that again.” A very drunk Polly retorted, sidling up next to the two of you at the bar. You glanced at her, taking in her dishevelled appearance and the way she was swaying on her feet. “How much have you had to drink, Polls?” She held her head high, nose in the air. “None of your concern.” You spotted Tommy across the pub and he gestured you over. “Ada, make sure Polly stays on her feet.” “You know I will, Y/N.”
You couldn’t remember life before the Shelby family, and you likely wouldn’t remember a life after them because you knew there wouldn’t be one. The Shelby’s were your life - your kin - and you wouldn’t have it any other way. You had never known another mother aside from Polly since your own had died in childbirth, and your father - who had worked for the Shelby’s towards the end of his life - had been killed in an entanglement with an ‘enemy,’ as Polly had explained. Since the age of thirteen you had grown up in close quarters with Tommy, Arthur, John and Ada under Polly’s diligent care and while it had been an unusual childhood, you wouldn’t be who you were without it. Now, at the age of twenty nine, you lived in your own house (a birthday gift from Tommy) and spent most of your days helping Polly with the books when you weren’t writing your own. Words flowed steadily through your blood to your heart and kept you alive; you were in the process of publishing your first novel.
Tommy and John were sitting together in a booth by the front doors watching the grand reopening and taking it all in. They usually kept to a private room while at the Garrison, but right now they wanted to see their success materialising right in front of them. Drink in hand, you took the seat next to Tommy and followed his line of sight.
“Brilliant turnout,” You remarked. “But it’s very…” “Gold?” Tommy inquired, the ghost of a smirk on his face. “That’s one word for it…” John burst out laughing. “Fuckin’ awful, ain’t it?” You downed your whiskey. “I might’ve gone with a different colour scheme,” You snickered. “But it looks great.”
Tommy pulled his packet of cigarettes and a box of matches out of his inside pocket and offered you one. You gladly accepted and let him light it for you before he did the same. John was smoking a large cigar, regal as ever as he leaned back in his chair like he didn’t give a fuck - because he didn’t. Your stomach lurched when he caught you staring and responded with a wink. Ever since you were teenagers, you’d had a soft spot for John Shelby; if it wasn’t for the fact that Polly had forbidden any of her nephews from pursuing you romantically and your embarrassing lack of guts, you would have pounced on the opportunity to be with a man like John. There had never been anyone else for you and you highly doubted there ever would be, but it didn’t matter because it didn’t seem as though he reciprocated your feelings. Besides, Polly would never go for it. She’d have John’s head on a spike before she let him anywhere near you - in that way, at least.
“How’s the writing coming along?” Tommy asked. “Don’t even talk to me about that,” You huffed. “Writer’s block is going to be the death of me.” John frowned. “Thought you’d finished writing your book?” “The first one, yes,” You explained. “Need to chase up the publishers, actually.” Tommy raised a brow. “Need me to have a word?” You appreciated the Shelby’s help - all of it, no matter what it was in regard to - but this was something that you wanted to do on your own. “No, it’s okay. Thank you though.” “So if you’ve finished the book, what’s the problem?” John pressed. “Well, I want to write another one, but I’m stuck for ideas.” “You could write about us,” John grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. “Bet you’d sell thousands of copies. Millions, even. You can put my picture on the cover.” You took a long drag of your cigarette. “Why would anyone want your ugly mug on their bookshelves?” “Oh, Y/N,” John exclaimed dramatically. “You wound me!” “It’s a good idea though,” You said. “Writing about you lot, I mean.” “Really?” “Don’t sound so surprised,” You laughed. “You do occasionally come up with some decent ideas, John.” Tommy stared at you. “That’s gotta be a joke.” “Piss off, Tom.” You smiled at John. “Maybe I’ll do it. Maybe I’ll write a book about growing up with the Peaky Blinders.” Tommy finished his drink before standing up. “As long as you split the royalties.” And with that, he was gone, off to talk to some guests. John took Tommy’s seat next to you. “You wouldn’t ‘ave to, really. He’s just taking the mick.” “I know,” You grinned. “But he did buy me a house, so maybe I’d give him some of the credit.”
You and John were quiet for a long time, just enjoying each other’s company while people watching. Polly was dancing with a fellow that looked to be at least fifteen years younger than her, so Ada clearly hadn’t done a very good job watching her. You understood why she was off the rails tonight and you felt sympathetic for the woman who had practically raised you; finding out your son was alive and well but not being allowed to see him must have been a particularly agonising kind of torture, but you understood why Tommy was keeping the address from her. There were so many ways it could all go wrong. Your thoughts were with Polly while you nursed your next drink, and when John finally broke the comfortable silence, you had to ask him to repeat himself since your mind had been elsewhere.
“I said, Tommy never bought you that house.” “What?” “You really need me to say it again?” You had no idea what he was talking about. “What do you mean, Tommy didn’t buy me the house?” “Well, he sorted out all the paperwork and all that, but I picked it. And it was my idea.” You recoiled. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He shrugged. “Dunno. Just seemed right that it should come from Tommy.” “But it wasn’t,” You felt strangely emotional upon hearing all of this. “It was from you. Thomas shouldn’t get the credit for everything, you know.”
John smiled sadly and you had to swallow the large lump that had formed in the base of your throat. When he looked at you like that with his wide, blue eyes it took everything in you not to lean over and kiss the man senseless. As much as you hated it, you understood where he was coming from; Tommy was the face of the company and the Shelby family overall. It had always been that way and it didn’t look like it would ever change.
But he didn’t deserve to get the credit for this.
“I love my house,” You muttered. “It’s perfect for me. Down to the bloody door frames.” “I knew you would. That’s why I picked it. Who do you think got the bookshelves stocked? And put the typewriter on the desk?”
That did it. You stubbed out your cigarette and grabbed John’s hand, dragging him outside rather forcefully. The noise from the pub faded to a dull murmur as the door closed behind you both, and you realised suddenly that you were still holding John’s hand.
“Y/N, what-” “Thank you,” You said sincerely. “John, thank you.” “It’s only a house. But you’re welcome.”
He didn’t understand what it meant to you. You never thought that you would have a place to call your own, especially not after the deaths of your parents. And he certainly didn’t understand that it meant even more now that you knew it had come from him, so you told him all of this as best you could.
You were rather flustered by the time you finished explaining, and embarrassed to say the least. “Jesus, I’m supposed to be a writer but I can’t even get my fucking words out.” “Y/N, just shut up, will you?”
With a defeated sigh, you dropped his hand and turned to go back inside the pub, but he reached out and grabbed your wrist to pull you closer to him. Your heart dropped into your stomach when you realised just how close the two of you actually were, and when he leant in you could have sworn that you’d stopped breathing.
“Stop thanking me, Y/N. I did it because you deserve it,” He swallowed. “Because I love you.” “What?” “You ‘eard me,“ He smirked. “I love you.” He pressed his lips to yours and after the initial shock had subsided, you relaxed into the kiss, looping your arms around his neck. “I love you too,” You murmured against his lips. “So much.”
He was looking at you like you were the only person left in Small Heath, like you were the only thing that mattered. But of course he had to go and make a ridiculous comment.
“Since the cat’s out of the bag, can I move into my house now?”
A/N: this is purely 2 am inspiration. And once you have the idea, you have to write it. I am sorry, I don’t make the rules
words: 1077
Summary: Tommy is rarely suprised, but when he comes home to see that Alfie Solomons came over for tea, even his eyebrows raise slightly.
—
Tommy Shelby was often confused by his siblings. Sometimes they deliberately pranked him and on some days they were just… odd. This was one of those days. When Tommy entered the kitchen, he saw John and Arthur standing before the window that looked out on the garden. John’s face was red, and Arthur was visibly shaking. It took a moment for Tommy to realize they were laughing. Arthur had his hand on John’s shoulder so he wouldn’t fall over and John had clasped his hand around his mouth to stifle his laugh. Both men were near crying with laughter, but they tried to be as silent as possible. “What is going on?” Tommy asked. “Sssh!” John said and pointed through the window. Tommy stepped forward and although it took a lot for Tommy to be surprised these days, both his eyebrows rose an inch when he saw who else was thrown into the mix. In the small garden sat Finn and in front of him, Alfie Solomons. Finn seemed totally invested in a painting he was making, and Alfie sat in a chair, drinking whiskey and was talking about all sorts of things. Tommy saw Finn didn’t really listen to what Alfie was saying; the boy was concentrating too much. Alfie, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind at all. He just kept talking, glad that he could finally talk freely without being interrupted. Tommy took a closer look at the art Finn was making. Although, ‘art’ didn’t quite fit the scene Tommy saw on the paper. The white sheet depicted an oval shape. The top of the oval was smaller and on it balanced a circle. The oval was black and white and, in the background, Finn had drawn some green stripes. Tommy cleared his throat. “What the fuck is he making?” he asked, but it took a while before he got an answer. At his question, both Arthur and John threw their heads backwards, wheezing and laughing. “Ssh, not–” Arthur tried to say, “—not so loud! They could hear us.” “So? What is Finn drawing?” Tommy asked a little impatiently. It’s a—a– ” but John couldn’t finish his sentence. Tommy looked out the window again and narrowed his eyes. Yes, he guessed, it might as well be alcohol. The shape on the paper was obviously the bottle and the long top with the circle was the cork. Tommy chuckled lightly. Apparently, he and his brothers had influenced the youngest Shelby so much that the boy had started to draw the spirits he couldn’t drink himself. Tommy looked at Finn. The tip of his tongue stuck out as he drew another line. His foot lightly tapped on the ground and he made some vague confirming noises as Alfie continued his monologue. Tommy patted the wheezing Arthur on his shoulder. I know the drawing is bad, Tommy thought, but there is no need to laugh at Finn like that. He walked towards the door that led to the garden, leaned against the doorpost and lit a cigarette. “I see you found some company, Finn” Tommy said as a greeting, “and good afternoon to you Alfie. Good of you to join us again.” Alfie scoffed, “Now, don’t you start imagining things, Tommy Shelby. The boy,” he pointed to Finn, “asked me to come over for a drink and now how could I refuse that?” He spread his arms as if daring Tommy to come up with a reason to refuse the invitation. But Tommy merely smiled, brought his cigarette to his lips and looked at his youngest brother. “That is a really good drawing you’re making there, eh.” Tommy heard a snort coming from inside window, but he ignored it. Beaming, Finn turned to face his brother. “You really think so? I wasn’t too sure.” He scratched his head with his pencil while he looked at his creation. “Oh no,” Tommy said, all too conscious of the eyes of his brothers that were looking at the scene through the window, “oh no, it is a beautiful whiskey bottle that is for sure.” Suddenly, Arthur’s booming laugh sounded through the garden. Tommy turned around and saw that John was trying to calm his brother, but he was laughing just as hard himself. Finn looked at Tommy with furrowed brows. “What did you say?” Now Tommy became confused as well. “I just said it is a beautiful whiskey bo–” Finn sighed deeply, dropped the pencil and hung his head. “Itisnotawhiskeybottle,” he mumbled. “What?” Tommy asked. “It is not a whiskey bottle,” Finn repeated in a defeated tone. Now, Alfie picked up on the words too. He had been deep in thought while the brothers talked but now, he realized what was going on. “A fucking what? A whiskey bottle?” He stood up and snatched the paper from Finn’s hands. “What the bloody hell, I don’t look like that at all!” Tommy’s eyes widened in realization. “Alfie? You were trying to draw Alfie?” Arthur and John had just managed to stop laughing, but at hearing Tommy’s baffled tone, they burst out yet again. “Yes, you do look like that!” Finn defended his work. “Here, the black is your coat and the white your scarf. And this,” he pointed to what Tommy had seen as the neck of the bottle and the cork, “is your head and the black hat.” “Listen to me, laddie,” Alfie gestured at the round shape of his supposed body, “I lost weight, mate. I fucking lost an awful lot of pounds and you still draw me like fucking panda bear.” “He also gave you the neck of a giraffe!” John cried from behind the window before he and Arthur collapsed in laughter. Finn’s face reddened, “it is harder than it seems, alright.” Tommy tried his utmost best not to smile at the disheartened expression of his younger brother. “Ah, Finn, just say you are sorry and promise to never draw Alfie again.” “Or anyone, for that bloody matter. It is a fucking disgrace, that is what it is,” Alfie added. Finn nodded, “sorry, Alfie, I didn’t mean to.” Alfie grinned, “I know that mate, but don’t mind me while I burn this blasphemous drawing.” Tommy and Finn went inside again, but by doing so they didn’t see that Alfie looked at the drawing once more. They didn’t see how he smiled fondly, folded it neatly and stacked it away in the pocket of his coat, like a precious memento.
BEING CLOSE TO LUCA’S FAMILY AND HIM PROTECTING YOU
Lucagoes by one declaration: your protection over his. You always get invited to their dinner parties, and Luca is always by your side. It’s most likely a ground rule just to protect you from anyone, even though it’s only family. If his mother likes you or tolerates you, then consider that a huge accomplishment. Luca’s father promises his son every day that he and his men will protect you when Luca isn’t around and out doing business. But when Luca’s father can’t promise all the time, then Luca gifts you your very own weapon, and he teaches you how to defend yourself for the worst case scenario. You get spoiled a lot by not just him, but his family that manages to oblige to that somehow, because they’re very picky on who enters Luca’s life, or any of their lives… but you learn not to take too much advantage of that.
WHEN Tommy asks you out on a date, the way he delivers it is completely unexpected.
“date”, because the event is mainly for him and he needs to bring a date.
He nearly goes out of his way to invite you to dinner with him at someone else’s banquet party, so you’re not really sure what to even call it.
But you’re just honoured to be invited by him.
His chauffeur picks you up at your home and he’s there to open and close the door for you
Tommy explains the concept on what’s going to happen, but he assures you that he’s not gonna leave you unattended with a bunch of rich people who you don’t even know
Certain rich people ask Tommy about you, and you remain polite the whole night, only speaking when it’s necessary
You and Tommy both have glasses of champagne or whiskey on the ready
You feel sort of on edge, but even you noticed Tommy was feeling tense. Either it was the event that stressed him out, or it was the date that made him feel nervous, which is generally normal, but not for Tommy, at least
It takes him a while, but he compliments your outfit and the way you’ve accessorized yourself whether it’s with jewellery or makeup etc.
Tommy has your arm linked with his at all times, and if not, you’re just standing next to him, admiring the theme of the party, the decors, the drinks, the luxuries displayed, the people
You would think that you’d feel extremely intimidated - but Tommy, who’s pretty much intimidating already, assures you that he plans on taking you somewhere better
