#peakyblindernet

With a push, you toppled him to the ground. John’s initial look of shock turned into smug satisfaction as you unbuckled his belt and slowly took him inside you. After all this time, his cock still made you feel sparks up and down your spine, your body deliciously stretching to accommodate him. And soon you are riding him, feeling his heated body tense and relax beneath you.

“Yeah, love, so good for me” He grunted, “Take my--”

“If you’re going say loaded gun, I swear to God I’ll snap it off. Bastard.” You choked out.

"So I'm a bastard, eh?" John smirked as he flipped you over and quickened his thrusts, pressing a finger to your core, slick with pleasure. With his touch you lost all sense of time and place. And it doesn't take long before you were breathing erratically, threading your hands through his hair, his head close to your breasts.

“John, I’m close,” You gasped out. When you became undone he let out a roar as he came, holding your hips as he pumped forcefully, marking you as his.

Sweat-slicked, John rolled you on top of him.

"And I really am sorry about the gun, love," he rumbled into your ear. You hummed with contentment, good-humor restored once again.

Basking in the afterglow, you both startled when a loud rapping came from the front door. Before either of you could scramble up from the ground, Tommy's head popped in.

“John, after you’re done fucking we need you to come with us. Bring your gun.” He said mildly, scarcely glancing at your unclothed state before shutting the door.

He was ignorant, selfish, dishonest and a criminal, but neither of it kept him from donating to the charity you ran frequently.

They were not small sums of money but you simply couldn’t get over his reputation as a gangster and gang leader, as much as you had already tried to.

You lead an orphanage much like the Grace Shelby Institute, also in Birmingham, and Tommy Shelby made a point out of donating a large amount of money out of a reason unknown to you.

You didn’t know if it was his conscience that demanded he make a donation every month so he could continue doing whatever gangsters did for the rest of it or if he really cared, which you just couldn’t imagine.

Even though you didn’t like him he was invited to every social event your orphanage hosted, him as your biggest donor gave you no choice but to invite him.

You had talked to him countless times but you still couldn’t quite figure him out, he was polite but reserved when you talked, watching you rather than talking much to you.

His stares were thrilling but you didn’t like the honest and demanding way he looked at you.

It made you giddy and you always started blushing, which you hated more than the blatant way he looked at you.

You scoffed at every woman and man that swooned over Thomas Shelby but if you were honest with yourself you did as well, which was what you hated most about him.

He was handsome, intelligent and unperturbed, which made you admire and dislike him.

Nevertheless during every social event you saw him at you simply couldn’t keep your eyes off of him, to the point that he had realised it as well.

Everyone else might have thought you were kind and caring but you knew Tommy didn’t, because you behaved dismissive whenever you talked to him, which you could only blame on the fact that whenever you were near him your brain shut off completely.

Much in contrast to what you thought Tommy thought about you he actually quite liked you.

You had only ever briefly met his wife before she died but you were always kind to everyone, eager to make people feel good around you, which he loved about you.

Even though he never needed to come to your charity events he always made room for them, making sure to spend some time on the parties, sometimes only to watch you interact with people.

He liked to talk to you too, he loved the way you grew defensive and flustered around him and he loved the way you smelled, always a distinctive smell of honey following you around, which he couldn’t get enough of, and which he could smell the entire rest of the day after leaving to get back to work.

He had noticed that the smell and your presence had a calming effect on him which helped him fall asleep in the evening as well, all factors that fueled Tommy Shelby’s infatuation with you.

Your perfume wasn’t obtrusive but it was the right amount, Tommy just took every little part of you in like a dying man his breath.

He didn’t hide his feelings but he didn’t broadcast them either, but he made sure to attend every social event you might have been at, which came close to a love declaration for a man like Thomas Shelby.

He usually found you once or twice during an event and talked to you, even if briefly, the verbal sparring match unlike any other.

You were witty and fierce with your words and perception of him, and your comments that were almost insulting always brought a smile to his lips.

You were standing on your own on another social event you had both been invited to when he approached you, handing you a glass of champagne he had gotten for you.

You were about to thank him for it when he spoke up, settling beside you as he watched the room of people carefully.

The smell of cigarettes, soap and whisky embraced you and a shiver ran down your spine.

“Seeing all these people gathered for a purpose makes you feel good about what you’re doing for the children, doesn’t it?”, he glanced at you before his attention shifted back to the people, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that he hadn’t only addressed you but also himself in his sentence.

“I’m sure this is your good deed of the month, Mister Shelby. You can go back to business now, as usual”, was your reply that made him look at you in amusement and surprise, his eyes tracing your face while his lips pulled upwards into a smile.

It made your knees weak seeing him like that, and standing so close to you as well, and you already cursed yourself for what you had let slip.

It was so unlike you but you were a much different person when you were near Thomas Shelby, much more direct, fierce and honest than usually.

“Such poison from a pretty, honeyed mouth”, his grin was flirtatious which shut your brain off completely, your lips opening and cheeks reddening in response.

“How about you see if my lips are honeyed, and while you’re at it find out if I am actually poisonous too”, you said back, biting your lip, your voice low, and the words were out before you had realised you said them.

You were mortified but Tommy let out a short but heartfelt laugh, surprising you with his reaction because you didn’t see him as the type to laugh out loud.

He was quiet for a short while before he gave you an honest smile, gesturing towards you in an open gesture.

“How about I take you out to dinner first, eh?”, he suggested with the smile still lingering on his face as his eyes stayed on yours, almost like a challenge.

You were so perplexed that you said yes, and so you went on a date with Thomas Michael Shelby OBE.

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In silence, you turned around the corner and there it was. Your home… or well, the building where you lived with your brother, since your parents had died.

“See? It’s already here!”, you told him and glared over to him. He didn’t seem surprised. Sometimes he was so calm, it scared you. You were full of emotions and you were happy one minute and sad the next minute, but he was neutral all the time. Even his smile felt cold from time to time.

You walked over to the door and peaked over your shoulder for a goodbye. Preferably with a kiss. “Well, I’m here now and I should go upstairs soon… or my brother will be worried about me.”

Instead of answering, Michael just pressed his lips on yours. Your eyes widened. It was not like, you didn’t expect the kiss, but it was rougher than you would have imagined.

His tongue slipped inside of your mouth and you shivered. He didn’t notice and kept going. The kiss was not bad at all, you were more surprised by the fact how demanding he was. It was like a completely different side of him, which you hadn’t met yet and you wondered if you liked it.

But while you had time to think and enjoy, what was happening there, another desire was rising. It was more of an urge. You needed to break, so you shoved him away gently and smiled at him, still panting.

“What’s wrong?”, he demanded to know.

You were reluctant to tell him. It was a little too fast for you.  “I just needed to breathe”

Then he nodded, like he just gained important knowledge, which confused you, because your words were simple and true.

He pushed you against the wall and groaned next to your ear. “That’s part of the game, right?”

This left you baffled and shocked. You opened your mouth, like you were planning on saying something, but there was no right answer for this kind of joke he just pulled up. Then you started frowning and shook your head. “No, actually, I have no idea, what you mean, Michael” The way you pronounce name was different, it sounded like you were about to scold him.

“Don’t act like that”, he moaned and put his hand under your coat on your waist. His grip was tight. Too tight for your taste. “Women always play those games. They tell you, they are not floosies, but in the end I always-”

“Fuck them?”, you interrupted him with disgust in your voice: “I can assure you, that’s not what’s happening here.” You tried to push him away, but he was stronger than you.

Michael scoffed and shook his head in amusement. “I wasn’t about to put it that way, but yes… most of the times it’s ending with sex. I’m very good at it. Would you like to try?”

Now you couldn’t take him seriously anymore. Nobody could say that and mean it… But Michael did and you laughed about him. “Is that how you treat a lady?”

It was Michael’s turn to be confused now. He said nothing, but his eyes were full of questions.

“Is that how you treat woman?”, you repeated and demanding an answer.

There was a smug on his lips, when he explained: “Most women like it that way.”

You nodded. “Okay, then- apparently- I’m not most woman. Don’t talk to me ever like that or you can leave now.”

He blinked once, twice and stared at you. You could see how he grinded his teeth together and he was indeed thinking about what you said. Or maybe he was just deciding, if you were worth the trouble.

“Okay”

You said nothing. Just okay was not enough.

“I’m sorry about that”, he added after a moment of silence and cupped your face in his hands. “Won’t happen again.”

There was his sweet side again. Even if he was just pretending, it was nice. Other guys would have just walked away or started yelling, but he chose to do neither. What a gentle surprise.

Then you leaned over to kiss him. This time it wasn’t full of loathing passion, it was sweet and breezy. Like your lips just brushed against his.

You had your eyes closed, but just from the movements of his mouth, you could feel, he was smiling.

Michael was into it and his hand played with your hair, while the other was wandering under the jacket again, but instead of resting at your waist like he did before, he chose to move his fingers even further down.

You were caught by surprise and it felt too good for another interruption. It was exciting in way. Your heart was beating so fast, while you felt the path of his fingers down your hip.

A moan escaped your lips, right into the kiss, when you realized, where he was heading. His hand was under your skirt and he kneaded your ass.

He pulled away and admired you. The way you were soft just for him and he smiled when he saw the desire in your eyes. Michael really loved to win them over. He was quite the player, when it came to women and he treated them like a sport and right now he knew his changing of the game strategy was working just fine.

“So”, he moaned: “Should we go upstairs?” He shoved his hip even closer to you.

Then you felt it. He had an erection and your legs were intertwined with his so tightly, that even through the layers of fabric you could feel his hard cock twitching against your thigh. It aroused you, yes, but you weren’t so easy to get. And even with a temptation like this and his sweet smile and everything, you wouldn’t just say yes.

Once again, you tried to push him away. “No, I can’t”, you said, but immediately corrected yourself: “I mean, we shouldn’t.”

He took it easy, but kept digging: “Why? What’s the matter? I’m gentle how you wanted me too.”

“That’s not the problem. I just don’t want to have sex with you yet”, you confessed and looked away. It was embarrassing enough to talk about this, after knowing him for such a short time.

Now he laughed: “Yeah, I get that, but why? It’s not a big deal anymore. It’s the 20’s and we are young and we should have fun, right? Everybody does that.”

“I’m not everybody!”, you insisted: “And it’s a big deal, okay? I’m waiting for my wedding night. Nothing more and nothing less.” You got a little louder than you expected and even Michael seemed surprised by your temper.

A sign left his lips, while he took a step back. “Alright then”, he mumbled and searched his pockets for a cigarette.

You couldn’t watch him acting like that, so you opened your purse and gave him one of yours. First, he refused to take it, but then you added: “Take it” in such a strict voice, that he did, what you told him to do.

The situation was frustrating. The whole evening had been so nice and you just destroyed everything in the glimpse of the moment, even if it wasn’t all your fault. You sighed and leaned your head against the wall for you to look up the sky. There were no stairs in sight tonight.

“Marriage is important to me”, you explained: “I don’t want to fuck around and I don’t want to end up pregnant with some child I have to raise on my own. And I don’t play those games, Michael, if that’s the thing you are looking for, go walk up to the next. I’m sure there are plenty of other women, who would be more than happy to have a meaning less night of fun with you. I’m just not that type of person.”

Michael took another drag from his cigarette. You watched him.

There was nothing left to be said.

After he was done smoking, he threw the end at the ground and stepped on it. “I think”, he began and inhaled deeply, before confessing: “You’re right. It would have been another meaningless night and I already had plenty of that. Maybe I should do things different this time.”

And this time he meant it. It wasn’t just a strategy to get you laid, it was honest and true.

Just like that, he made you smile again. “So, you can wait as well?”, you asked him.

He nodded: “I think… I can… for the right girl.” Once again, he placed his hand on your cheek and his thumb caressed your soft skin. “But it also means goodnight” He leaned over to kiss you, but instead of aiming for your lips like several times before, he kissed your forehead.

“Sweet dreams”, he whispered.

Somehow Michael managed it to leave you breathless again.

Adam had lost track of how long he had been sitting in the living room. Its long since dark and his mother went to be hours ago leaving their home suffocating with how quiet it was. His legs and back had started to grow numb but he couldn’t be bothered to move.

“Adam love...” his mother’s voice is quiet. Wrapped in worry as she walks towards him. Pale light, from the candle she’s carrying, illuminates their faces. He turns away as his throat seizes up with an ache building up behind hid eyes.

“oh Adam” he holds his breath trying to stop the tears building in his eyes. He rubs them harshly as his bottom lip trembling.

Rose settles next to him, placing the candle onto the table and untucking Harold’s coat from underneath Adam’s chin and draping it across both of their laps.

Unable to hold it in any longer Adam turns and hugs his mother. Shaking as “im sorry mum” is muffled by her shoulder “im sorry that I can't be there for you and that I cant—“.

“I know” is spoken as she presses a kiss against his hair “I know” shushing softly as she does “I miss him too”.

Breakfast the next morning was a quiet affair. Adam and his mother talked over tea, making plans to arrange a meeting with Paul And Micky. 

Adam hoped that his brother would be out or too busy ‘running the business’ to be interested in what they were doing. It was almost impossible to have a conversation with him these days. He didn’t want anyone's opinions on business or how to go about finding out who exactly what happened to their dad. His brother was always stubborn with a quick temper and once riled up he didn't want to listen or be reasoned with. 

“what about this morning at twelve?” Adam nodded along as his mother spoke “Martin said he’s going to Brixton so the pub will be free—”

Loud slamming of the front door cuts Rose off. Frowning she turns around to be met with Martin stomping through the doorway.

“WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!”

Turning back around with a sigh she puts her tea down “morning to you too Martin”

“oh fuck off” Martin scoffed as he continues to glare at Adam dismissing his mother all together.

“dont you dare talk to our mum like that! Who the fuck do you think you are?” Adam met his brothers glare straight on. Hands waving around as he spoke “our dad aint even cold” getting up close into his brothers face “and you’re already swanning around like you own the fucking place”. He was fed up with his brothers attitude but his mothers words from the night before stopped him from fighting his brother in the kitchen “be patient with your brother people mourn in different ways”.

“I DO!” the sheer amount of anger in his brothers tone shocked Adam.

Their father wanted them to have as little involvement as possible and Martin seemed satisfied with what he was doing; monitoring certain areas took up enough time as it was. And in recent years Martin slowly took himself out of the business after meeting his girlfriend 2 years back.

But it seemed looks really were deceiving. His brothers chest heaved and his lip curled into a snarl “I’m the head of this family now and I'm going to be better than he” is spat through gritted teeth “ever was”.

This anger is old and has been building for years. Like an old wound that was never treated getting more and more painful with time.

“I'm the head of this family” he repeats “and were going to do things my way whether you want to or not”.

Isaiah had long lost count of how long he had been laying awake. His eyes were rubbed sore and stung as he wiped away tears. A deep throbbing was building in his temples but he didn’t have the energy to get up for a glass of water.

Instead he layed awake thinking of Adam. Hand subconsciously tracing over his gold bracelet, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Adam was wearing his ring.

He wishes that things had gone differently. That he could be with him and tell him he was sorry. Several times he had nearly bought a train ticket down to London but the memory of Adam crying and refusing to look at him stops him every time.

“stay with me please” plays on repeat and he prays for Adam and his family. And wishes that he sees Adam soon.

“I don’t like it as much as you Adam but we have to consider everything”

Turning away from his mum he leans against the wall “it wasn’t Isaiah” dismissing the idea completely “none of his lot knew except Finn and Michael and they stopped coming months back—"

“that’s what I mean!” Paul interrupted “turns out not only are those lads blinders they’re related to Tommy Shelby” throwing both hands up “who by the way sent them ‘ere in the first fucking place”.

“he didn’t even know my last name” Adam mumbled rubbing at his eye “how can you trust him if you’re a liar?” he hears his brothers cruel voice scolding him.

Micky’s tentative voice broke through the silence that followed “so it weren’t none of our men or any blinder?”

“they were outnumbered?” Rose waits for their nods before continuing “and they didn’t know Harold?” she sighs when they shake their heads “it just doesn’t make sense they don’t have anything to gain everything goes through us”

“Solomons does” Paul’s face looked determined “he holds no power these ends”.

“mum?”

“we’ve been working with him for years and we have known him even longer” she fiddles with one of her many rings, a nervous habit she and Adam share “he and your dad got on” she shrugs “but this doesn't seem like him its too...” she pauses trying to find the right word “obvious”.

“fucking ‘ell you Adam Crane?” Alfie Solomons barely waited a second before continuing “course you are the spit of your dad” he turns his head as he walks to look at Adam over his shoulder “nothing like your brother”.

Adam cocks his head but doesn't comment.

“last time I saw you” he stares at Adam, as he pours them both a drink, holding his hand so it hovered near his waist “you were only a little thing”.

“you know why I'm here Mr Solomons aint no need for all this—”

“straight to the point now I respect that I respect” his hand waving only to freeze mid air pointing towards him as Alfie’s eyes looked him up and down “how about you call me Alfie considering the circumstances?” when Adam doesn't respond he continues “I respect a man that can look me in the eye while throwing accusations”.

“speculation Mr Solomons only ever speculation” he looks at Alfie over his glass “we are friends after all”.

Its several long seconds before Alfie reacts. A sound of what could be amusement “just like your dad you can take the boy out the east end” before he rubs at the corner of his mouth “speaking of boys out the east end” he points a fingers “I hear you've been having relations with peaky blinders” in a mock whisper.

Adam takes a long sip from his drink reaching across the table to place it next to Alfie’s and in copy he whispered “only the one”.

“hes got everything to gain Adam! With us out the way—”

“we aint out the way are we? Alfie Solomons has nothing to gain—” he trails off remembering something Alfie said during their meeting

“come on now treacle what do I have to gain by turning London in on itself?”

“he has nothing to gain” looking to his mum they both come to the same conclusion.

One week later Martin organised a meeting with Tommy Shelby to discuss trade agreements. They followed in a separate car after Martin decided to throw a tantrum.

“I dont want you involved in this” despite already taking over Adam’s areas and rearranging delivery times and routes “its nothing personal brother it’s just business”.

They waited for the Shelby’s in a warehouse in Hackney. Martin wanted to ‘have words’ with the men watching the doors and too bothered with hearing his own voice he didn't notice Adam getting passed a silencer before tucking it into his coat.

The Shelby’s arrived soon after. Sat in a semi-circle in front of the Crane’s with Martin in front with Rose and Adam sat next to each other behind him. Martin shaking Tommy’s hand and immediately delving into a no doubt rehearsed speech. Its only when his brother speaks of loyalty does Adam stand. As expected the Shelby’s don’t react, just as well, Adam did pay them a good amount not to after all.

“it will be a pleasure working with you” Tommy stands and his brother follows nodding “Adam Crane”.

His brother looks over his shoulder confused making him to slow to move because Adam’s already got his gun raised and shoots.

One

Martine collapses to the floor clutching his shoulder “it’s nothing personal brother” Adam’s voice monotone “it’s just business”.

From the side his mother takes Micky’s arm and walks over to the Shelby’s ignoring Martin completely.

Isaiah could only stare at what was playing out in front of him. This wasn’t the Adam he knew. This Adam is cold and shoots his own brother without hesitation. Stood over Martin the resemblance between Adam and Harold is frightening. He stood tall, back straight and focused on nothing but his brother. As he spoke a shiver slips down his spine and seeps into his skin leaving goose bumps in its way. That chill reminds him Adam hasn’t raised his voice once. 

It feels like Isaiah’s looking at a ghost.

Adam crouches down just out of reach of Martin “why did you do it?” his brother starts rambling denying everything “do what?” starting to shake “Adam I don’t understand—“.

Sighing Adam shakes his head and stretches his arm to shoots his Martin in the shin.

Two

“I will ask you again” impatience beginning to creep into his voice “why did you have our dad killed?”.

Martin’s laying on the floor now hands moving between his shoulder and leg, sweating and shaking. All the pain must have been too much because soon Martin begins to confess “he was running this family into the dirt” gasping as his chest heaves “we could have been kings with London at out feet—”.

Adam cuts him off with a cruel laugh “my dad” a knee pressed onto the bullet wound causing Martin to cry out before gritting his teeth “worked day and night to make London safe so that we could live”.

He raises the gun so it is level with Martin for head “and you killed him for it”.

“and me brother” his breathing laboured, barely able to lift himself off the floor “what will you kill me for?”

“for loyalty” spoke their mother from where she stood on Tommy’s right.

Martin’s eyes were an echo of his fathers. Dark blue and wide with fear. In that moment Adam wasn’t capable of understanding or mercy.

“for love” and pulls the trigger.

Three

In the weeks that followed Isaiah had not seen or heard from Adam. He had tried to follow after the shooting but he his dad held him back so he had to watch as Adam left with his mother.

When he had thought that Adam had given up on him a letter and several boxes was delivered addressed to ‘ Isaiah Jesus and family ’. Adam’s handwriting was distinct and just the sight was enough to make Isaiah smile.

‘ The Crane family invites The Jesus family to the memorial service of Harold Crane at The White Crane. June 12th – 10 am ’

Hope begun to bubble in his chest warming his cheeks, unable to stop himself from smiling. Adam hadn’t given up on him after all.

They arrived at the club with the Shelby’s, who also received letters, at half nine. Despite being early The White Crane was busy with people standing around talking as well as coming in and out.

Adam stood with his mum, at the front of the room next to the bar, talking and shaking peoples hands. A framed photograph of Harold Crane sat on the bar parallel to Adam.

Upon seeing them Adam excuses himself with a kiss to his mothers cheek before making his way over to them. Adam ever the extrovert smiles “I'm glad you all could make it” he said while shaking everyone's hands “my dad wouldn’t have wanted any bad blood”.

To those who don’t know Adam they would see his smile and pleasant attitude and assume that nothing was wrong. But Isaiah knew better. Knew Adam better. And saw the smile didn’t quiet meet his eyes. Adam hit a lot behind his outgoing personality.

“this is a party after all please enjoy yourselves” gesturing over his shoulder as he talks “the bar is free and food should be served soon”.

When the Shelby’s leave Adam turns back to Isaiah and his parents smile still in place but more subdued but sat more natural on his face.

“Mr and Mrs Jesus” Isaiah’s mother’s takes one of Adam’s in hand her own clasping it both of hers “it is a pleasure to meet you both” his eyes flick over to Isaiah quick before looking back “Isaiah has told me so much about you”.  

Ever the charmer Adam has his mother hooked from the beginning. She lifts one had to cup his cheek and whispers to him a prayer. Adam’s mouth pulls down slightly overwhelmed with her openness to care about someone she has only just met as well as his relationship with her son.

Jeremiah is a little more quiet in his assessment of Adam. Watches him for a few seconds before offering his hand to shake. In a firm voice he tells Adam to “look after my boy”. Who looks him in the eyes as he nods once “I mean to”.

Soon it was just them left and Isaiah had long since stopped worrying about holding Adam in The White Crane as he wasn’t going to start now.

He pulls Adam in for a hug who melts against him gripping onto Isaiah’s coat. After a few moment he pulls back and Adam cups his face tracing his thumb smoothly back and forth across his cheek leaving a line of coolness from his ring. Isaiah holds onto Adam’s wrist and wonders if it would be a bad idea to kiss him.

He has never been in The White Crane during the day, the night gave them some form of protection. But his thoughts were cut off when Adam places a feather light kiss onto his jaw.

Running his hand up his arm Isaiah grasps onto Adam’s bicep who's hand moves to the base of his neck drawing him close.

They kiss and both wonder why they were worried in the first place.

Together you talked into the night, the conversation flowing like wine. Luca had never met anyone as witty or charming as you. At one point he murmured into your ear, "Where I come from, sweetheart, they say this feeling is like being hit by a thunderbolt."

You put your head on his shoulder, somehow his hand slipped comfortably into yours. Tommy went to collect you and saw the two of you about to kiss. You didn’t know which man looked more shocked or betrayed.

At home, Tommy was furious-- “No fraternizing with the enemy!” You had a big fight. Eventually Polly talked some sense into him.

Back in his hotel, Luca was frustrated too. You can bet he threw the whole vendetta thing out the window. He was consumed by the thought of seeing you again.

Raised in a traditional Italian family, he knew there was a whole courtship ritual to go through. He never understood why people made such fools out of themselves for it, until now.

Luca was reluctant to call on your house on account of Tommy wanting to blow his brains out, so he left you presents in front of your doorstep-- flowers, books, sweets from his mother’s kitchen.

He wrote love letters and snuck them between the pages. Some parts were written in Italian because he was so distracted. Tommy wanted to see them to "check for poison" but you wouldn't let him.

Eventually you threatened to run away with Luca unless you saw him again. Finally Tommy allowed you to meet him for a walk around Small Heath.

You know the scene from The Godfather where Michael and Apollonia went on a date and like fifty Italian mothers followed them?

It was like that for you and Luca, except all of the Shelbys were armed to the teeth. Tommy wanted to bring the military-grade machine gun he stole in Season 1 but you convinced him not to.

(You totally did that thing where you pretended to trip just so Luca could catch your arm)

Later that night you woke up to Luca tossing pebbles at your window. You snuck out through the balcony for a real date with him in the Italian part of Birmingham.

In a word, Luca's people were a riot. You came back home missing a slipper and inexplicably holding three jars of olives and a hatbox from his aunt's shop.

It took Tommy months to warm up to Luca, once he saw he was actually serious about dating you. You knew Luca was officially accepted when Tommy gruffly invited him to see his horses.

Luca didn't understand why Tommy loved horses so much when there were cars in New York that could move at the speed of lightening, but for you he pretended to be fascinated as Tommy pointed out how he had goldfish in the water troughs.

f,Now, as you look at Tommy’s hands holding yours, ashamedly waiting for you to find the truth behind his eyes, you realize what he came for. Why he needed to talk to you alone. And a sudden fury filled you so that you could barely speak.

“How dare you,” You say in a low voice, shaking. “How dare you waltz into my life, pretending nothing’s changed, when I’ve waited and waited for you to come back to me?"

“After Grace, I--”

“Was this seat where she sang for you, that first day? Did you pick this place because it reminds you of her? I'm not a dog to be replaced when your favorite runs away." The words rip out from you, dripping with acid, cruel even to your own ears.

He flinches as if you'd struck him in the face. "It's not like that," he says fiercely, "I never meant to hurt you. And I never loved Grace."

“We’re through, Tommy. You made your choice and I made mine. I have a man, now. He is kind to me, you know? Kind and true.”

“But you don’t love him.”

His matter-of-fact tone makes you truly want to strike him.

"You pretended I didn't exist, Tommy. You came back and pretended I was a stranger."

Tears blur your vision until his face dissolves into fractures of color and light. You blink them impatiently away, but more well up to replace them until you feel him get up and sit beside you. And despite hating yourself for it, you allow him to gather you in his arms, and press your head to his shoulder,

It has been so long, the closeness should feel foreign. But as he murmurs into your hair and tenderly wipes the tears away with his hand, as you breath in his scent like oxygen, it's like the war never happened and you only belonged to each other again.

"I came back from France different, and I didn't want you to see me like that." Tommy says quietly, his voice rumbling in his chest.

"Back in the trenches, when the cries of the dying were too loud to be ignored, I'd close my eyes and see your face. When I slept I'd dream of seeing you again, holding bluebells in your arms."

"But when I came back everything was wrong. All I saw were the blood and the mud and the dead. I saw Grace and I thought, maybe I could make you hate me this way, hate me enough to make you forget. So you don't ever have to see me trapped in my own mind, reliving horrors not meant for anyone to see."

Now it is he who twists his lips into a sardonic smile.

"But it seems like she left before she could do any damage."

"Grace never did anything. It was you who thought you could play God with my heart." You sniffle even as your heart breaks at the pain Tommy has hidden for so long.

“And what a fool I was for believing I could do that." Tommy sighs, full of regret.

"As for the Garrison, love, don't you remember? This was where you sent me off. You said you’d rather remember me here smiling and drunk instead of scared at the station. When we sat here, I also asked if you’d wait for me.”

"So I'm asking again, as wretched as a man can be, am I too late?"

No matter what you wear, Michael will always ask if you want a sweater or coat.

Not because he doesn’t want you to show too much skin. It’s because he knows you get cold easily and always forgets to take an extra layer.

But sometimes he lets you forget because he likes the way his own coat looks on you

Michael would always be there to walk you home. He would hold your hand and look both ways before crossing the street.

“Michael, I’m not a child.”

“You said the same thing when that carriage nearly ran you over the other day."

He always covers up his protectiveness by scolding you.

It’s not that he’s shy about showing his affections. He’s just the strong and silent type.