Tommy Shelby X Sister Reader - Tumblr Posts

Soooo uhmm hiii I don't usually know how request works but I'm gonna give it a try because you write freaking good stories! Can I request a Shelby!Sister fic where in she and her family used to be really close (she was the closest to Tommy 🥺) then everything changed after the war and they barely have time to spend with her because the business was booming and everything and she had to raise Finn on her own too. Then she turned 18 and she was finally allowed to work in the business and she was happy but then money goes missing, they accused her of stealing it (bcoz like her job was writing down all the money that enters like she records it) she got fed up, told her everything (her problems, the neglect she experienced etc. ) she realized that she deserved better than this after all all she did was lookout for her family when everything was going downhill. She was always there for them but they where never there for her. So she left home. Started working 24/7. Finding jobs, getting an education, and making a name for herself. Moving to London and then to the US. Then many years later she's successful. She became a doctor, she has business all around the world. And when she can, she helps people in need. Then she meets her brothers (and family members) again. DUN DUN DUNNNN realizations where made. hehe the rest is up to you, you can change whatever you want hehehe. If ever you decide to do this request for me I just want you to know that that will make me incredibly happy. This scenario has been stuck in my head for monthsss its just that I suck at writing things (clearly, from the way this request is written) anyways, thank you so muchhhh! And I love your stories very much! I always come back and reread them! I can't get eough of it 😫 I hope you have a good day! :))))

Word count: 9079 - AH!

Okay first of all I'm sorry this took forever. I've literally been working on this for like three weeks. No matter what I do I just keep wanting to add things or fix them... Honestly I have other parts planned out that didn't make in. I'm a hot mess for this idea. I changed some stuff... Also I added in a romance and I'm sorry not sorry. Really hope you enjoy this and thank you for sharing it with me. If you all enjoy let me know and I might post some extra bits I have planned for it.

XOXO

Warnings: heart break, depression, anxiety, peaky related stuff, kissing, flirting. Happy ending because I'm not capable of hurting the Shelby fam. If you want to spoil the romance - its in the tags!

Being a Shelby meant very little growing up. It was a name that was often cursed for the criminal actions of your father. As a little girl you remember looking up at the loud man, watching him sway around the house temper flaring. Adults approaching you on the streets uttering death threats for you to pass along to the men of your house. But almost every memory you had of your parents or other people also included the back of Tommy’s leg. He was always standing in front of you and it never took long for him to scoop you up into his arms and carry you away.

Tommy was always more of a parent to you when you were young, he didn't play dolls with you like Ada, but he always took the time to try and teach you how to think. Eventually you were old enough for it to become more brotherly. By that time your mother was dead and your father had disappeared. Polly took hold of the family and you followed in suit, raising Finn and John’s kids.

You thought that you owed it to the family to look after the children as Tommy had taken so much time over the years to help you. So you managed your school work, cleaning, and all the children. You told yourself that you were just as important as the rest of the family, this was just your job right now.

The war hit and things fell on your shoulders more than ever. Wasn't long before you had to watch your brothers leave. You’d been Polly’s right hand man after that. The Children were old enough to be in school and out in the streets with the other kids. It caused a bit of tension between you and Ada but it was never spoken about so you let it go.

The things you had to do to pull the family through, you would never speak of again. You wrote letters about how lucky the family had been, but only you and Polly knew the extent to how badly things were. No point in worrying the boys with things they couldn't change.

All three boys came back. You weren't naïve, you didn't think they would be the same as they were, hell you were only a small fraction of the girl you were before they left. But nothing prepared you for what it would be like.

They tried their best to settle in. Tommy was not your loving big brother anymore, he fought against Polly and all the changes we had to make while they were away. She tried to protect you claiming she’d done most of it herself.

No use in telling him that it had been you, burying bodies, up to your eyebrows in illegal trades. But the Shelby name was cursed by all, and the rumors caught up with him eventually. People always underestimate the capabilities of women, how the Shelby family pulled through got placed on your willingness to whore yourself out. Which you would always be grateful for, was not the case.

Tommy outright refused to look at you in the eyes after that. He was cold, he drank too much, and he didn't have an ounce of gratitude for what you’d done.

No one did.

But you continued on, reduced to a bookkeeping position. You worked in the corner, got spoken over in family meetings. The only thing that proved it was happening was the occasional sympathetic glance from Polly. It hurt like hell, but you’d been through worse. At least the money was coming in…

Until it was gone. The shop was broken into, and despite John being the last person in. The last person to lock up. He’d sold you down the river claiming you’d been there when he left and that’s why the door wasn’t locked.

Thomas started in on you, screaming his head off about what you’d done and what you’d been rumored to do. Tears welled up in your eyes as your heart raced, watched as everyone stood there and let it happen. Death would have been a kindness as opposed to standing there watching someone who used to be your sole protector tear into you with a viciousness reserved for the enemy. He screamed about how hard he was working to pull the family out of this life of poverty, as if he hadn't come home to destroy all the work you’d done. Then it finally snapped, whatever strings that had tied you to this family were not as strong as you believed they were. You were as good as the enemy to them, it just took you too long to realize it.

With him standing inches from your face shouting, those blue eyes looking at you wide with disgust. You took a big breath in, curling your slender fingers into a small fist. He paused for a moment, giving you the opening you needed to get on with the rest of your life.

“If anyone knows a thing about working hard, and being underappreciated it’s me. But because I'm such a kind woman, I’ll do you all the favor of a lifetime.” You turned and walked out of there with your head held high. No one followed you out but you heard them shouting at him to go make it right between the two of you.

You didn't have many things to pack, within fifteen minutes you were back to your gypsy roots. The rain falling on you as tears stained your cheeks.

This was the worst day of your life. As you got on the train to London with nothing more than a bag and a shattered heart, you had no idea that your life was just beginning.

_________________________________________

You watched as you transformed into many things in this time of darkness. You were finally separate from the thing that had defined you your entire life. What were you without it? Being raised and drowned in that life how could you have possibly grown something separate in the depths of your soul? How could you be anything different than the poor gypsy choices that have plagued your family for generations. It was their blood, their bone, their skin, the hum of your bloody heart was more theirs than it would ever be yours.

Surely that's how it worked. And yet you kicked and bled to escape that sentence, working three times harder than the people who frequented your new life. You were determined to rise up above this, find something in the darkness of your soul that had the strength to persevere past your heritage and the consuming bleak world around you.

If you were put here, now, of all the things you could have been, there must have been a reason. Perhaps that was just another feature to the grayness that enveloped you in this world, maybe there was no purpose. Maybe you should just become hardened, fade to nothingness, enjoying the bitter-sweet taste of irrelevance and all the freedom it offers…

Or you could make something better. You’d accepted, after many nights sick from drink, that you were going to die now, tomorrow, and everyday until it actually happened. When the final blow would land would always be a delicious mystery a step ahead of you. So naturally you might as well do something with the time you had, and figure out what's on the other side of death's door when it opened to you.

At least you would be leaving your name on something separate from the savagery of this place. Something divine and entirely your own.

London was where you’d made peace with yourself and the spirits that stood behind you. London was where your bones became strong enough to be your own.

America was when you started to heal. After years of hard work you graduated top of your class, you were a doctor, often one spoken about in very high regard. Your heart broke over the man you left behind, but it was something that had to be done….

You had a top floor apartment where you could look over the ocean that stood as a barrier between you and your old life. Often storming as if to show you that there was no way back.

It was a place that made you feel safe. You became a name known to the rich and poor alike, meaning you went where you wanted to and no one said anything about the large dog that stayed at your side.

Everyday you saw the strength of ordinary people and it renewed your faith every breath you took. When you’d see a woman's life improve over your education, or a child recover, a man cry over his newborn, you knew you’d made the right choice in London. The mark you were making would make up for the wrongs committed by your hands and blood.

Things were chaotic and stressful in the most peaceful way possible. Your mind was your own and your heart was shared with many. You’d made friends with some of the women you worked with, bonds you were grateful for as they made you laugh, and their mothers held you tight when they had you over for dinners.

Your dog, Aminta stayed close to your side which proved very useful wandering the city at all hours for house calls. She kept you sane and often barked at you when you drank too much.

Things were going better than you thought possible for yourself.

You just finished helping with a particular tricky birth and laid down on one of the sofas in the women's change room. Light streamed through the windows and you wondered how it could possibly still be day time. The space was very cozy after you’d had your way with it, it was a change room with lockers but you’d moved some furniture in so it looked more like a living room. Aminta lumbered over and sat with her head placed on your stomach. You closed your eyes, having missed her presence in the treatment room.

“There you are! How did it turn out then?” Betty called out walking through the door. You watched as she looked herself over in the mirror.

“Successful.” You murmured.

“Calm down woman! You only saved two people this morning. Try to contain your excitement!” she teased, causing you to smile.

“I am so tired, and I can't feel my feet, I can't feel anything”

“Join the club. At least your shift is over darilin’ oh by the way there was a phone call for you. Some man with the name Shelby.” She said, giving you a strange look. She often found your lack of love life something that needed to be sorted, but eventually she adopted the theory that perhaps something awful had happened to you and it was better to let you find your own way.

“What?!” You shot up sending Aminta into high alert. “What was the name??” You shuddered thinking that perhaps all that storming sea wasn't enough to keep yourself safe after all.

“Thomas? Look if this is the one you're running from. Go straight to my parents place and I’ll take Tod to your place after to grab some of your things. I’ll call my momma -” Your head started to spin and you watched her worry over you.

“No no, I’ll call him. He’s my brother. I can take the call. Maybe that will be enough…” Your heart ached at her willingness to help you. “If things don’t go well I’ll let you know.”

She came closer to you and a waft of perfume hit you. She slipped you the piece of paper with a phone number written in her loopy writing.

“Call him right now in front of me so I can get things sorted before my shift.” She pointed to the phone and you were shocked enough to do it.

“Maybe just give me some space?” You asked in a small voice she nodded and stepped out into the hallway.

“Shelby.” Polly’s voice called out over the line and your stomach dropped.

“Thomas called me at my place of work?” You started coldly. You heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line.

“Darling is that you?” Her voice shook in a way that brought years of pain flooding into your mind.

“Yes” You said as naturally as you could.

“That's her, hand it over.” You hear his voice in the background. There was a sound of fabric rustling.

“NO I wont have you take her away again Thomas!” You heard her snap at him, this was a mistake you thought heavily. Aminta let out a wine, pushing her face into your leg. You sat down and took a deep breath.

“Family needs you, we are moving to do some business in London. Our contact won't meet with us unless you're present.”

“You want me to come all the way across the ocean. For a meeting in a world I moved passed? Nice try.” You said slightly amused. You loved how unbothered your voice sounded.

“I will make it worth your time, I’ll pay for the trip, pay you a hefty amount, as well as making a considerate donation to your Women’s fund of $20,000 pounds.”

This was how he was going to do it. The bastard. You could do a lot of good for people with that donation. Fucking bastard. You knew who they were meeting. You knew why that man wanted you there. You groaned internally, at the raise in your heart rate.

“Put it in writing and I’ll sign it when I arrive.”

“Deal. You have a place on a ship leaving tomorrow at six am.”

“Tomorrow is no good. I have a meeting that morning. I’ll leave Monday after my affairs are in order.”

In case I don't make it back.

He sighed and swore softly.

“I’ll make that work.”

“I’ll see you then I guess.”

“Thank you.” His voice sounded hesitant, like the words were new to him. He cleared his throat. “For taking the call and coming back. Be safe on the way over, alright. Last I recalled you swam like a stone.”

“Lot’s has changed since then.” You responded shortly.

“I look forward to hearing about it.”

“Good bye”

“Take care” His voice rang out in your mind for a long while after the line went dead. Betty poked her head in and saw you frozen in place. She took the phone from your hand and placed it back on the hook. You realized that Aminta had gone to get her.

“Sorry. I’m okay.” You took a deep breath trying to calm the dog down. “My family needs me to come home.”

“For how long?”

“I’m not sure. But I told them I would go on Monday.”

“Well there are a few good things about that. There were some rich callers from London that requested you to help with an experimental surgery. Meaning you can do it while you're gone. Marie can take our caseload and give it to the newbies. Tod should be able to help out momma while I’m gone, lord knows he should be doing more already. It’s gonna be a good experience for them. Show ‘em what they're missing.” She prattled on for a while about how Marie will be good at looking over everything, before it clicked that she was going with you.

“Betty. No. You are not going my family are- It’s complicated - they - it’s messy and -”

“They are British gangsters, It will be dangerous, they could hurt you - Am I missin’ anything darlin?”

“HOW ON EARTH DO YOU KNOW THAT?” You hissed.

“One time when we were drunk you accidentally introduced yourself with the wrong last name and I looked into it. I figured the story fit.” She waved her hands around you.

“And you just-”

“Kept it a secret.” She nodded. “ I decided to keep being your friend, and that’s not changed.” Betty gave you a small smile.

“Good lord.” You murmured.

“I gotta tell momma! I'll tell the boss we are taking the job in London, then we need to go shopping!!!!” She was trying to make you feel better, something you appreciated but it didn't reach your heart the way it should.

“Look if you come with me I can't guarantee that we will make it back. Things are dangerous over there. This kinda stuff can stick with you for the rest of your life.”

“I’ve been looking out for you since you started here at this hospital and I’m not stopping now.” She answered in a serious tone.

“Well then don't worry about shopping, nothing here compares to the shops there. Save your money for when we get there.” You watched her do a little happy dance. You can’t imagine what the contrast between her and your family was going to feel like.

___________________________________________________________

The journey was surprisingly fun. Thomas adjusted things to add Betty and Aminta on to your trip. It was ritzy and expensive, you spent most of it half cut with her partying and gambling. In the evenings she stayed up as you described your family members and some of the backstory.

You were happy that she was happy. She’d never left the city she was born in, her family were good people and from very poor beginnings. All of them had worked very hard to be where they were now. You weren't certain what this journey would bring, but you felt you owed her this fun as she was the main source of brightness in your life.

You arrived at the station after trying to make it look like you hadn't spent the whole journey drunk. You thought you both looked polished, and you were shocked by the greeting party.

The whole family was there outside the doors looking for you. Fin was taller than you, Aunt Polly looked like she’d been crying. Two new women were there, Arthur and John looked nervous. And Tommy looked like himself. Unimpressed and tired.

“Is that them?” Betty whispered. To you they looked like a family that had hurt you to the point of near death, to her she probably saw the sparkling cars, the expensive clothing, the way other people gave them space and looks of envy.

“That’s them.” You took her arm and walked out of the place. You watched as they took you in and then shifted to Betty on your arm. Polly moved away from them and quickly took you into her arms. You allowed her to hold you tightly. She whispered words of longing in your ear, and you hated yourself for it but you melted into her touch. She was the only mother you remembered and that was a challenging thing to turn away from. You watched as Betty took your example of a greeting and awkwardly hugged everyone. John looked like he was ready to be his usual self but you saw Tommy’s cold eyes land on him and watched the humor disappear.

Fin was the next person to give you a hug, there was a lot of emotion in his eyes and you realized that this trip was going to be a lot more difficult than you realized. Aminta stayed close to your side taking everyone in.

You were introduced to John’s wife Esme, then you shook Grace’s hand, deciding that you’d met corpses that were warmer. Seemed fitting she’d be with Thomas.

“Missed you kiddo” John said quietly, pulling you into an awkward hug. You started to struggle with keeping yourself neutral. The look on Arthur's face was what almost broke you. He held your small frame tightly, and let out a soft howl.

“Arthur, it’s alright. She’ll be around all week.” Tommy said, patting his shoulder.

“Bold of you to assume that,'' Betty said in an unusual tone for her sunny personality. “We’ve got a surgery to perform and lots of meetings to attend while here.” You were floored by the way she went up against him. But she didn't back down against him, she wanted to make a statement about you that said Successful without you.

He looked at her from under his hat, you watched as Esme seemed particularly amused. Tommy only turned and pulled you into a hug.

“Looks like you’ve done well for yourself! That’s our girl.” His words hit you hard and you were grateful that it ended the reunion. You were shuffled into a car and boys put your suitcases in the boot.

__________

Your bones adjusted to the soft mattress under you. Tears started to spill and you were grateful that you had a separate room from Betty.

Memories from your childhood flooded your mind and soon you were struggling to breathe. Finally your mind slid down to the place you were avoiding.

The man that caused all this meeting nonsense. You’d ended on good terms, you had two options at the time: Move to America for the job opportunity of a lifetime - or - Stay and die in a gang conflict.

Memories of his hands cradling your face, the way his breath tasted the last time he placed a soft kiss to your lips. How he held you there with his forehead pressed to yours. Whispered promises in a language you didn't speak, and yet the words were painfully etched into the layers of your heart.

He sent you away with a fury that still burned you.

Now you were back, your family pretending to miss you, and you would have to sit in a meeting with everyone.

The mess of emotions threatened to choke you further. You didn't care about Thomas or his plans or the family business, that’s not why you agreed to any of this.

You came back because it was an excuse to see him again.

_____________

You woke up to the phone ringing loudly. Your mouth was dry and you could barely open your eyes. You grabbed the phone hating how cold it felt in your fingers.

“What?” You grumbled.

“Are you available today?” Tommy’s voice called through the receiver sounding like a megaphone pressed to your ear. You sighed in annoyance.

“For what?” You tried to think of what day it was.

“I was hoping to spend the day with you” You couldn't tell anything from the tone of his voice, which irritated you further.

“Just us?” You asked.

“Yes, Polly wants to see you in the evening if you have the time.”

There was a shift in your body, you knew deep down that you couldn't put this off any longer. You were supposed to talk with Thomas. Something needed to be said. The more logical part of your brain reminded you that the only options for the day was to go shopping or wallow over a broken heart that should be forgotten.

“Okay. I have all day so that should be fine.” You answered quietly.

“I’ll come by and pick you up in a half hour.”

The phone went dead and the possibilities started to pile up in your mind. Was this going to be some kind of business nonsense?

___

You watched as the green countryside flew past you, the cab filled with cigarette smoke and a heavy silence.

Tommy had dragged you out to the countryside to take you on a picnic. You rode horses the rest of the way in, stopping at a clearing he frequented often, you watched him climb off his horse and lay a blanket out on the grass. Aminta wandered around, happy to be out of the city for once.

He’d brought you treats that you used to like when you were a kid. Guilt pooled in his eyes as he watched you snack on a sandwich.

“Suppose we have some business to discuss” He said while chewing on a mint leaf. The last thing you wanted was to discuss business but you gave him a small nod anyways.

“I didn’t like how things ended.” His words hit you like a truck. He paused for a moment trying to find his words. “ I tried to find you afterwards but you were gone. If you were that well hidden I eventually decided to let it go. You knew where to find us - and then this came up and - I - had to call Winston Churchill and ask a favor before I finally found ya.” He closed his eyes. “Things that were said about you weren't true. Even if they were true it shouldn't have mattered. I just gave so much, lost so much and to come home and see that you’d given every bit of yourself away.” His jaw clenched.

You gave him a few moments, shock coursing through you. How the hell were you supposed to do this?

“When I came home to see everything, it just made everything I did worthless. I did all of that for you lot, coming home to see you, I couldn’t handle it. I wanted things to be legal and they were further from it than imaginable. I’m still trying to get us out, but out of everyone, I didn't want your hands dirty.”

“Why not?” You asked, mind still spinning.

“Because you were the one that was going to make it. You wanted to go to school, you had the marks, you had the brains. You had enough inside you to pull yourself out of this place the right way. I wanted to do it for you, I was working on it and figured I had the time to sort everything out with you.``

“I don’t know what to say” You mumbled as tears started to sting your eyes.

“You don’t have to say anything. Since you left Polly has been harder than ever. Finn tolerates me, just barely. When we couldn't find you John tried to jump into the cut, like mum. Arthur, he’s not well. I don't know how much further he has in him.” He ran his hands over his face. “You don’t ever have to forgive me, don’t have to be around me. Just please try to see the others. If you can’t forgive John then don’t but please speak to Ada, Polly, Arthur, and especially Finn.” His voice was pleading and you wanted more than anything to hold him. He looked pale, too pale, running around with a family that hated him.

You scooted over to him and rested your head on his shoulder. He flinched and quickly pulled you into a side hug, holding you awkwardly. You felt him place a kiss on top of your head.

Something inside you felt as if it had fallen back into place.

“Can I ask you some questions?” He asked.

“Sure” You murmured as he let you go. You placed your head back on his shoulder enjoying the sun hitting your face.

“How do you know my contact in London?”

“Takes alot for a girl to get through medical school. Betty is the only woman I know with the same credentials as me. World of hell she had to go through to get there. I needed a few things when I got to London and I only had a specific skill set to get them. He helped me out and I helped him back.”

“That’s all then? Old business partner?” You coughed awkwardly, damn him. You spent years hating him and yet much like when you were little you still couldn't lie to him. Your face always got hot and your words became jumbled. You could lie to the whole world, even to yourself sometimes, but never to Polly and Tommy.

“Why do you ask?”

“He seemed eager to see you.” Tommy answered hesitantly.

“I wanted one life, he lives another. Unfortunately they don't mix.” The words were strangled and you desperately wanted to leave the topic there. Tommy seemed relieved.

“Good. I don’t want him anywhere near you. Don’t trust him” He said sternly and you rolled your eyes.

______

Polly was all over you that evening and you agreed to stay over with her as you were too tired to go back to the hotel. You called Betty, she was happy your day trip was pleasant, and was planning on going out dancing with some girls she met at the salon.

You enjoyed the conversations you’d had, the whole family wanted to know about school and what you did for a living. Stories about how you and Betty became friends, how you got Aminta. Once things settled down you watched more closely as Polly fussed over you. You could see in her eyes that this is where she wanted you. Home where she could hold your hand, laugh at your stupid jokes. Finally it was just the two of you.

“What about this man in London?” She asked, sipping on her whiskey. You gazed into the fire and thought about what to say. “Ah that’s why he wants to see you then?” She nodded, answering her own question. “You're the one that got away.”

“I guess so.”

“Did he hurt you? I don’t care what the consequences are. I wont have you around him if he hurt you.” You could feel the anger rising out of her.

“No, he sent me to America to build the life I wanted. Things in London were getting complicated in his line of work. For my safety he sent me away.”

“Now he wants you back?” She sighed.

“I doubt it. But I’ll shortly find out what he wants. Tommy will get his way and all will be settled.”

“I know you have a heavy caseload back home, but could I talk you into staying a while longer?” Her eyes were watery and you could just barely stand to look into them. “I promise that I looked for you love. I prayed, I tried -” Her voice cut off and you held onto her tightly. “I promise I made him pay for what he did. Both him and John.” She choked out and you knew that doing that would have hurt her just the same.

“I know. I just had to look after myself and- “

“Shhhhh - no - don't you ever apologize for anything you’ve done.” Her voice was sharp and you didn't have it in you to argue.

The morning passed as you slept off the whiskey. The surgery was in the evening and you’d gotten ready to head back when you found Polly fully dressed in a posh suit sitting in the kitchen.

“Alright I know I’m probably not allowed to watch, but I’d like to go with you.” She said hopefully. You froze, unsure of what to say.

“Alright, yeah, just gotta go back to the room to get ready then head over.” She responded with a big smile.

Polly went through your clothes watching you pick an outfit for the day. Asking you questions about where you got certain pieces and how you normally dressed at work. Once you were washed and dressed she handed you a plate of food.

“I called room service, they had your favorite. Plus I have sandwiches and some fruit for your lunch break.”

You smiled as you took the plate from her. She was trying so hard to look after you, show you that if you stayed she would be good to you despite the fact that you were a grown woman now.

“Now come sit on the floor, how do you have to have your hair pinned for such things?”

You sat on the floor as she combed out your hair. A deep sense of rest caressed your body. This was the most comfortable you’d felt in ages. You felt love, love from a mother. Who wanted you to eat a full breakfast, who took pride in taming your wild hair, in her eyes she was sending you into some kind of battle. You knew Polly had a very limited understanding of what you were doing, but officially today you were making history and that was something she understood very well.

Betty came through and was taken back by the situation. You were never relaxed like this, ever. You heard Polly sniffle and right herself before going back to twisting your hair up.

“Morning Mrs. Gray”

“Morning darling.” Polly answered easily.

“There you are, love. Can’t believe how long your hair is.” She gave you a firm pat on the shoulder and reached into her hand bag.

“This was my mothers, it’s for luck. You can tuck it under your top.” Polly carefully pulled the necklace over your head and dropped the pendant down your neckline.

“Thank you.” All of this was so strange and yet so familiar at the same time. You felt powerful with her behind you. The coolness of the necklace against your skin felt like long lost love that spanned back even further than Polly’s mother.

“Don’t mention it, love.”

______

The surgery was a success, you changed in the lockers with Betty feeling like you’d climbed to the top of a mountain. It would take about a week to see how things settled and you were informed you would need to stay for at least another two weeks.

Betty was even more pleased with that news.

“Miss! Your family is waiting in the lobby for you.” A nurse called out as you moved down the hall.

You and Betty were met with loud cheers as you rounded the corner.

In a hospital, in the dead of night, by your wild gangster family. You had half a mind to shoot them, but your heart swelled at their pride.

They embraced you and Betty into large hugs. You looked at Polly and realized she’d sat on the same bench the whole time you were in there.

“Did you stay for the whole thing?!” You asked, watching her face flush.

“I wasn't sure how long it would be, or if you would need anything.” She said quietly, and you remembered the sandwiches she’d brought.

“I’m absolutely starving.” You answered by giving her a big hug. You caught Betty’s eye and she smiled knowing full well that you never ate after a surgery. Your nerves were always too wired up, anything you ate you would just puke up.

“Good, good, Tommy has something planned at his place but I have some snacks for the ride over” She pulled you both into the back of a car, before you could process her words.

Something planned. You groaned, you were so tired, the thought of doing anything seemed impossible. But you watched as John and Arthur yelled into the streets about how their baby sister made history.

“Betty? You feel up for this?” You asked and saw her flushed face and lopsided smile.

“Your family is crazy!.” She said lightly, causing Polly to stiffen in the seat next to you. “Darlin’ I wouldn't miss this for the whole world!”

The two of you ate and Betty thanked and complemented Polly on the simple sandwich. To you it felt like a gold bar. Arthur got in the front and the rest of the family piled into separate cars.

“Here you are, love. Gotta catch up to us.” He passed you an amber bottle from the passenger seat. You took a long drink and passed it off to Betty whose face pulled into a hilarious pucker.

Tommy tore down the road, taking you all to his big fancy house he’d mentioned.

The night passed on in drunken dancing and laughter. This was a part of the family you’d never really seen before.

Eventually Arthur stumbled over insisting on talking to you outside. You followed him through to a balcony and John was there. You had an uneasy feeling in your stomach.

“There you are.” John said. “Look, I've been trying to apologize to you for years. I pray, every fook’in morning that you’d come home and let me. I thought Tommy wouldn't get that mad if you’d done it. He’d got a soft spot for ya. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, about you and the family” He shook his head.

“Now you don't have to forgive him! You don’t” Arthur slurred, pointing a finger at you.

“I do. I forgive you. No more lies though eh?” John's eyes got watery and he pulled you into a rib crushing hug. You looked at Arthur and watched as a weight was lifted from him, you forgave John and Tommy, so now he could too.

“MY BABY SISTER MADE HISTORYYYYY” He shouted out into the sky and you almost toppled over in laughter. Arthur pulled you into a hug after. “Look, I don't care how big or little. I don't want to lose you again. If anyone does anything you come to me. I will fix it for ya, love. I’m your big brother and I’ll fix it next time.” He whispered.

“I promise.” You whispered back and felt his tears land in your hair.

______________________

You woke up to light streaming through an unfamiliar room. Betty snoring softly next to you. You smiled to yourself as you looked at her smudged makeup.

Your guts were turning, head pounding, limbs shaking, but you felt that you could have both these lives and be just fine.

Maybe you could also help Tommy make things legal? You pushed the thought out of your mind knowing it was too soon to put yourself and career in that much danger.

You rolled out of bed and padded down the stairs knowing that Tommy should be up by now. Going past his office you heard his wife’s accent drifting under the door. You brushed off her harsh words about the family and made a note to get on Tommy’s case about it later. With your head pounding and multiple meetings with reporters planned that evening all you wanted was some breakfast and coffee.

You pushed open the heavy door to the kitchen and found Finn sitting over some breakfast. He looked up at you with a soft smile. Taking in his appearance properly, you remembered the last time you saw him. He was breast level, big wide eyes, chubby face, and now he was taller than you, angular face, broad shoulders. Seeing him was almost the hardest part, he must have felt just as abandoned by you as you had your family. Suddenly you felt sick for other reasons, the pain of the hangover fading.

“Can we talk about all this?” You asked softly.

“‘Course” You moved to sit next to him.

“I’m sorry that I left you behind.” You got right to the chase, you wanted this fixed. You wanted him to know that none of this was his fault.

“Wasn’t your fault.” He looked out the window and clenched his jaw.

“Yeah, but it wasn't your fault either. I thought about you often. I figured Pol would make sure you were alright. I feel selfish. I want, I need you to know that this wasn’t your fault.” You stumbled, not realizing how much pain was reserved in your chest for the boy.

“I think Mum would still be alive if I wasn't born. I think you would have stayed in the family too.” Tears started to well up and your heart was breaking all over again. Such heavy thoughts carried by such a wonderful boy.

“Tommy and Polly raised me, she was still a person but by the time I was little but she couldn't be a mother. When you came around it was time for me to step up. Should it have been that way? No, but it was mum and da’s fault. Not ours and not Tommy’s. Him and I have made our peace. I know why he did what he did and he knows my side of things now.” You watched him take in your words and eventually he nodded. “You are a gift, and I should have taken my role in your life more seriously. If you give me a chance I’d like to work on it.” You didn't know what you were saying. You would be gone back to your life in America shortly. You internally scolded yourself for opening up more wounds than you could sew back up.

“I’d like that a lot.” He answered stiffly and you pulled him into a big hug. His body eventually relaxed against yours and he took a deep breath. More shifts and changes were felt in your bones.

__________________________________

Reporters, surgeries, family reunions, apologies, shopping, sightseeing, partying….. It was a lot. And now it was coming to an end.

You couldn't stay any longer. The meeting was lined up for that evening and the ship home was booked for tomorrow morning. Betty had become quite taken with a friend of Ada’s, and was dreading the trip home.

What else were you supposed to do? Give up everything you worked for? Transfer to a hospital in London?

All these thoughts swirled in your head as you got ready. You didn't want to face him, but you didn't really have a choice. You picked out a black dress that hugged your figure. It was far more fancy than you would normally wear but looking your best felt like an additional level of protection. Polly’s mother’s pendant was still heavy around your neck, you kept hoping she wouldn't notice you had it so it could stay with you through the meeting.

The car ride was long and Tommy insisted you go with him, leaving Arthur and John trailing behind.

“I didn’t agree to let him have you alone. I know he’ll ask but don't respond. I’ll handle it.” He took a long drag of his cigarette. “Just stay next to me, I won’t let anything happen to you, watch your mouth.” You smirked. “Don’t let your temper get the best of you.”

“It’s not my temper I’m worried about” You answered, stealing a cigarette out of his silver case resting between the two of you.

“Well don't worry about that either. No way I’ll let it happen”

“And if I want to see him alone?” You raised an eyebrow taking in his cold appearance.

“I’ll allow you 15 minutes, then I burn the place down.” He responded coldly. We’ll see about that. You thought to yourself, slightly amused. It was if he had 10 years of being your big brother to make up for, so he was squashing it all into one car ride. He was annoyed at your uncharacteristically lax attitude about the situation, but no matter how many thoughts raced through your mind about how this could end, your body had fully checked out.

You pulled up to the familiar house. The sea air bit at your skin and caressed your lungs. Your body felt so at ease you worried it would simply blow away, half of you wished it would. Your brothers looked around, stretching and scanning the place.

You didn’t make it up to the door before the dogs tore around the side of the house. Tommy put his arm out in front of you, stepping close. You instinctively crouched down and let the dogs crowd you. Three of them you remembered fondly, they were rubbing up against you whining. The others were new but followed along, happily assessing the newcomers.

“There she is! You rotten beasts!” His voice boomed out and everything inside you gave away. This was a tense business meeting, life or death rested on some of the decisions that were to be made, and yet he strode over towards you and every bit of logic evaporated.

“Where’s my grand welcome then?” You said cheekily and before you could catch Tommy’s glare of warning, you were squealing as he picked you up. He crushed you against his chest, your feet dangling off the ground.

“This grand enough eh?” He twirled you around. How had you gone so long pushing this down? Pretending it hadn't existed. Your body was humming and the world slipped away.

“I’ve had better.” You let out a laugh as he smacked your ass.

“You have not.” He growled quietly in your neck.

“That’s enough.” Tommy said sternly. Your face flushed as you looked at John’s crooked smile and Arthur clearing his throat fists clenched. You were going to need more than 15 minutes, you were going to need more than a lifetime.

“Alright let’s get down to it.” He declared placing you gently on your feet. You tried to steady yourself which proved to be useless as he had no intention of letting you go. His arm wrapped around your waist tightly and he turned towards the house.

You’d spent many weekends away here. You passed rooms that had only gotten more cluttered, your boots clicked against the wooden and tiled floors and you ached for days when you would run through the halls bare foot.

He took you all into the sitting room and there was tea already prepared on the table. Business was tense, not just because of the mess Tommy was involved in, but more so due to the fact that Alfie rarely took his eyes off of you.

“I’ll agree to whatever ‘slong as she thinks it’s a good idea.” He declared lazily making your stomach ache.

“She won’t be involved so I wouldn't recommend that.” Tommy said sharply.

“We’ll see about that” Alfie responded cockily. Arthur slammed his hand down on the table.

“Like hell you will” Arthur boomed.

“Arthur!” Tommy snapped. “That’s enough”

“It’s fine, I’ll vouch for him.’ You responded fully placing your trust in your family. Alfie looked into your eyes and found the answer he was looking for.

“When do you leave then?”

“Tomorrow.” Your voice betrayed you slightly, more than what was acceptable.

“Stay the night then?”

“Absolutely not.” Tommy answered. You wanted to, but the thought of standing Polly up on the dinner she prepared herself was not something you could do. He shook off Tommy’s words reading your face.

“Fine. Let me drive you back.” He finally countered.

“Deal” You responded quickly. Tommy let out an annoyed breath.

_______________

After hammering out a few of the smaller details, you were being guided into the the back of a car. The dogs howled as you got in and tears spilled down your cheeks. If you couldn't say goodbye to a pack of dogs, how on earth were you going to say goodbye to your family tomorrow?

Tense words were passed between Arthur and Alfie before he climbed in to sit next to you.

His driver got in and Alfie closed the curtain separating the front and the back of the car.

“Now, my love - you got someone waiting on ya back home then?” You watched his large hand find your knee and studied the new scars on it.

You couldn't speak so you just shook your head.

“Come ‘ere then.” He growled, pulling you up onto his lap. You let him manhandle you as you completely let go. It was a mess of kissing, crying, caressing, and heat.

______

“Now that he have that settled. How do I make you stay?” He whispered, eyes boring into yours.

“I don’t know, is it safe?” You wanted him to say no. That this was a horrible idea and you should go back to your apartment, hide yourself away.

“I can’t speak for Thomas, but I can keep you safe. Plus you know how this place is, absolutely filled with the sick and deranged, no doctors. I read that the other day, no bloody doctors. I thought to myself I know a way to fix such things. So when he came knocking for a deal, I thought I could kill two birds with one shoe.”

“Fix the medical staffing crisis in England, which I'm sure doesn't actually exist. And strike up a deal with Thomas.” You asked smiling, missing these stupid conversations that always seemed to make you feel better.

“Well, I’ll admit I mostly just wanted my girl back.”

“So you’d help my brother carve out a spot in London just to have me back?” You teased.

“Love, there isn't anything I wouldn't do to have you back” His hands sunk into the soft flesh of your ass and you were drowning again. You knew that three weeks to come back into this madness that hurt you so badly was a horrible, stupid, awful idea, and yet it was the only you knew that you could live with. He saw the flash in your eyes and his lips were back on yours in a second.

_______________

You’d been crying, holding on to Aminta for hours.

You walked down the dark hallway and pushed open the door to Betty’s room. She was laying on her side looking positively devastated. There was the slightest amount of light pouring in from the window giving her a ghost-like appearance.

“I love him. That stupid Brit. I can’t leave my parents, I can’t make him come home with me.” Her face twisted up and you rushed to her side bursting into tears. You almost thought it funny that you’d both ended up in the same situation.

“I have to stay. Betty - I can't - go back. I know I should - but I can’t” She held onto you and stayed quiet for a long moment.

“We still have a few weeks leave, we could stay and see how things go?” She whispered, finally a bit of logic.

“Let’s just do that. Give it a bit more time. Need to meet this boy, make sure he’s treating you right.” You joked, relief spreading through you. You would need to corner Ada and learn everything you could about this friend of hers.

“Likewise. Will Thomas be upset? the tickets probably cost so much… I don’t want to put you out - I -”

“Tommy will be fine. Don’t worry about it. I’ll go talk to him. Go to sleep, I’ll sort it all out.” You ran a hand through her blond curls.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

You tiptoed through the big house. It was strange and drafty, not at all what you’d pictured for Tommy. You poked your head into his office and found him there pouring over a pile of documents.

“Cold feet.” he stated without looking up. You quickly moved towards him without speaking. He looked up at you in shock as you fell into his lap like you used to when you were small. You started crying, and his hand patted your back like it used to.

“What did he do?” He asked in a deathly calm voice.

“Everything, stupid man, stupid family, Finn - Polly, You, I don't like your wife - I don’t know about Esme yet - The kids, - Finn, Alfie’s dogs. God you hurt me so badly, and after three weeks I’m willing to throw everything away. It’s a risk and I shouldn't - I'm scared - I want to but - ” You stuttered and choked, your heart felt like it was hemorrhaging. You couldn't breathe.

“Won’t be losing anything, you transfer to London. See how things go. He hurts you, I kill him. We won't hurt you. I know that. But if things here aren't what you want then transfer back.” He ran a hand through your hair. “Give me some time, I’ll make it right. Sort everything out, want you here to be a part of it.” He said softly and you took a deep breath.

“I think that’s what I’ll do. We still have another three weeks we could use up, we are going to telephone tomorrow and see if we could stay. See how that goes, I have a feeling I'll transfer anyway.”

“Good. I want you here. We all do.” You melted at his words. He sent you up to bed with a kiss on your forehead. Polly had stayed over as well and you felt the need to tell her immediately. You knocked on her door softly, then poked your head in. She was stirring.

“What is it, are you alright?! What’s wrong?” She hissed about to get up.

“Nothing, nothing. Just wanted to talk.”

She let out a loud sigh.

“Come here, love.” She said groggily pulling the covers up and shifting over. You climbed into her bed, wondering how you’d unraveled back into a small child.

“Now tell me what’s got you worked up, love.” She asked once you were settled.

“I’m staying for another three weeks. But I want to put the papers through to transfer this week. Tommy says he’ll help me sort it all out.”

There was a moment of silence where you thought she’d fallen back asleep. But her arms crashed around you pulling you against her slender frame. You felt her cry and you cried too. She cradled you in her arms and you drifted to sleep surrounded in her love.

_______

The next day you and Betty got your lives sorted, she was going away to stay with Teddy for a few days. Tommy insisted on having his full name, parent’s names, addresses, and phone numbers. She was clearly important to you, making her an extension of you that Tommy was determined to watch over.

As for Alfie he had little patience. You insisted on driving yourself over to his house to talk things over with him, much to Tommy’s annoyance.

“Just let me take you. I’ll wait in the car.”

“Tommy! No!” You started on him tired of the argument. You snatched a piece of toast off the kitchen counter.

“Let the driver take you, alright - Someone needs to go with you. Take fucking Francis, anyone”

“Me and Aminta have been just fine on our own thank you big brother. I’ll ring you when I get there.” You took his keys and kissed his cheek.

_____

You knocked on the front door as Aminta tried to settle in with all the other dogs. The heavy oak swung open.

“Couldn’t stay away?” He picked you up and wasted no time getting the story out of you. He already knew. His mouth was on yours and soon you were a hot mess pressed up against the entryway wall. “Not goin’ to let you get away this time.” He growled.

Somehow you managed to have everything. Yourself, your career, your family, your man, all in messy chaotic harmony. You were home, and you were so very loved.

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