What started as a one shot from a prompt has now grown arms and legs, so I’m making a master post to recognise it as a series in its own right.
Summary:
Tommy and Y/N have been together, in secret, for some time, after growing up together on the streets of Small Heath. Set after the end of s2 through into s4, Tommy was poised to have everything he ever wanted, until a colossal error of judgement comes back to haunt him and he finds himself on the wrong side of the woman he loves.
Warnings for whole story: 🔞 This is very angsty piece and littered with bad language. It contains some smut and some very dark themes, including domestic violence and sexual assault. For that reason, I respectfully ask minors not to interact. All chapters have their own warnings so please do check these before reading.
Credit: There are scenes and dialogue lifted from series 3 and series 4 of Peaky Blinders used throughout this story. I take no credit for Steven Knight’s writing or characters. Everything else is my own and I do not give permission for it to be replicated without consent.
Author's Note: I've completely given up on posting this on a Friday because this has been sitting here for more than a month.
Chapter 18
Summary: Y/n and Jim come clean about their relationship and consequences ensue.
Mid February- 2 days later.
They’d managed to get Nadia to give them a meeting early Wednesday morning, at seven am; outside of her usual office hours and before the department was even open to anyone else but staff. Jim had urged that it was an emergency, citing that time was coming short and of the essence- he wasn’t lying. He hadn’t offered many details though, not with the intention of ambushing her at the meeting, but instead deciding that disclosing that he’d gotten into a relationship with one of his students and subordinates was not the kind of thing anyone did over the phone, but especially someone that wanted to salvage their job- and their girlfriend’s future.
Bright early, they’d been there before seven, and had opted to wait in his car until Nadia came in, so their could start their meeting as early as possible- that may have involved a little bit of ambushing. “Miss Y/l/n,” Nadia knitted her brows and flashed the pair a confused smile as they stepped into the elevator behind her, “I didn’t realize you’d be joining us for this meeting.”
“Uh….Mr. Gallagher didn’t mention that?” She glanced at Jim, wide eyed and worried that he’d forgotten a crucial specific.
Nadia shook her head with a chuckle, “He might have, but honestly, it was so early when he called on Tuesday morning, I must have been half asleep still.”
“Er, sorry about that,” Jim apologized, running a hand nervously through his hair, “This is just….really important.”
“Of course,” Nadia nodded with a smile, “Though, I wish I could have been more prepared, you didn’t mention what this was about,” just then, the elevator doors slid open and before Jim or Y/n could respond, a kind faced, middle aged janitor walked past them, pushing her cleaning cart slowly.
“We’d prefer to discuss this in your office,” Y/n interjected suddenly, “In private,” she smiled tightly. As they stepped out of the elevator, Jim rested a guiding hand on the center of her back, and they both missed the odd look that Nadia flashed them before shaking her head and leading them to her office down the hall. While she opened up; unlocking the door, turning on the lights and setting her bags down, they waited outside, until she invited them.
“So,” she huffed, sinking into her chair after they’d claimed the ones on the other side of the desk. Her office was larger than Jim’s, and by extension, every other lecturer in the department, with space to host small meetings, more books and some other personal effects. “What’s this about? Where’s the fire?” She chuckled lightly, referencing Jim’s apparent haste.
Instead of starting off, Y/n glanced at Jim, hoping he’d take the initiative, and sighing softly in relief when he did. “Uh…well, Y/n and I are well aware of the university’s position on fraternization-”
“Oh my God,” Nadia sighed heavily and mood quickly changing as she cut him off, easily deducing where he was going before Jim could even finish. “How long?”
“Just over a year,” Jim answered softly, averting his gaze from Nadia’s.
As she glanced at Y/n, she knitted her brows, “I’m assuming the baby is his?” She nudged to Jim and Y/n offered an unsteady ‘yes’. Silent for a moment, Nadia leaned further into the back of her chair, clasping her hands together in front of her and she propped her elbows on the leather upholstered rest. “You are a month and a half away from graduating, and up for an amazing job from this university,” she pointed accusingly at Y/n, “No one knew about this,” Nadia glared them both, “So why are you here this morning? As Mr. Gallagher has mentioned our policies on teacher/student fraternization is very clear; you two could have gotten away with this without making it my problem, so what else is going on?” She questioned sternly.
“There’s a video,” Y/n breathed.
“A video?” Nadia pressed her lips together.
“Yeah,” Y/n licked her lips, as as she sorted her thoughts, Jim threw her a concerned glance and reached over to her lap to take her hand, keeping their joined hands on her thigh, squeezing soothingly as she went on. “Of us…..in his office.”
“Jesus,” Nadia hissed, “You-”
“Not us,” Jim injected pointedly, offering her hand another comforting squeeze, “Someone else, a student,” he clarified pointedly, “Took it, and now they’re using it to blackmail Y/n,” he glanced at her and Y/n bent her head, even more embarrassed than before.
“Who is it?” she asked, lurching forward, and when they both hesitated, she pressed, “Look you two have gotten yourselves into a mess and this could become the university's problem- I need to know,”
“Emily Warner,” Y/n spilled after another moment of hesitation, “She’s the one with the video….she told my ex boyfriend, his name is Kyle Grayson, I don’t know if he has a copy.”
Shaking her head, Nadia seethed, reaching for a day planner and a pen on her desk, “First of all, the two of you being together is totally against the university’s code of conduct. Second,” she paused, seemingly searching for the right word, “Intimate relations in your office,” she glared at Jim, gaze hard and warning. “Is completely inappropriate- it would be an embarrassment, you could be fired- and I can’t even begin to tell you both how disappointed and furious I am, at both of you,” she shook her head and sighed, “You know, just last week I talked to the headmaster about offering you tenureship,” Nadia sighed again, “And you’re up for valedictorian, and you were this close,” she gestured with her fingers, “To having a job that most students are begging for. Now I have no choice but to report you both to human resources, so they can open an investigation.”
At her words, Y/n sucked in a breath; she didn’t like the sound of that, it really just sounded like a subtle way of saying that both their futures had just been destroyed. Of course, she hadn’t expected it to go any better; they’d broken clearly written rules and any hint of a scandal ran the potential of destroying the university’s reputation. “What does that mean for right now?” Y/n stuttered, nervous to even ask.
Nadia exhaled loudly, placing to fingers at her temple and Y/n and Jim shifted their hands to interlock their fingers, their grip tight. “It means….” She drew in a breath, shaking her head, “It means that pending the outcome of the investigation, I’m going to have to suspend you,” she glanced at Jim, “If I file the report this morning- and I am going to- then Human Resources should have a report ready by……” she gestured openly with her hands, “Late March….maybe April. And you,” she turned to Y/n, “Will obviously be taken out of the running for valedictorian-”
“What about the Assistant Professor job?” Jim interjected, leaning forward slightly, intent on getting an immediate answer, “There is no one that deserves that job more than she does-”
“That is no longer for you to decide, Mr. Gallagher,” Nadia hissed testily, “And frankly, your sway in Miss Y/l/n’s abilities no longer holds the weight that it used to, the only reason I haven’t brought your thesis into this is because of your practically flawless defense and your transcript, but that doesn’t mean that the folks at H.R. won’t be suspicious of the fact that one of the best MBA students is involved with her supervisor. So where the job is concerned, that I am going to advise that no decision be made until after report.”
Knitting his brows, Jim protested, “That’s not fair-”
“It’s fine,” Y/n regarded him and gave his hand a squeeze, encouraging him to look her way, “Its okay, if I don’t get it because of this, that’s okay. It’ll go to someone that deserves-”
“You deserve it,” he argued heatedly, “You deserve it,” Jim repeated in a whisper, “What I did was a clear violation of the rules of my job, that shouldn’t have anything to do with you getting a job that you’ve worked hard for.”
“I broke the rules too,” Y/n reminded in a hushed tone, swallowing thickly, “Look, let’s just….see what happens, okay? No use in making a big fuss when nothing’s been decided yet.”
“Right, right,” Jim nodded reluctantly, “You’re right. Backing off,” he announced quietly, raising one hand in surrender.
The rest of the meeting went by with Nadia detailing, with evident fury, what the investigation would entail; a through audit of anything they’d done together in a professional and academic capacity over the past year, separate interrogations by a human resources officer, a review of Jim’s previous conduct, possibly a call to Y/n’s former university in San Francisco to confirm that there hadn’t been any similar occurrences- there hadn’t-and dependent on the outcome of the probably call, a rigorous review of her thesis. After she was through with glossing over the specifics of the investigation, Nadia reluctantly invited their questions, and when they had none, she dismissed their meeting after informing them she was about to call over to human resources.
They’d separated to leave her office, not wanting to exacerbate her anger, but from the minute Y/n and Jim were secured in the elevator once more, their fingers were locked again. Unpeaking, they rode the elevator down, and even though she’d been the one to talk him out of a verbal argument back at Nadia’s office, he could tell she was scared. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t scared too, he was scared for his future in teaching and for his and Y/n’s overall future- suddenly, he felt solely responsible for the entire mess; maybe if he hadn’t gotten so mad at her for such an innocent little comment back then, they wouldn’t have reconciled in his office, and if they hadn’t reconciled in his office, then there wouldn’t have been anything to film.
“I’m sorry that I got you into this mess,” Jim spoke abruptly, just as the elevator doors were sliding open. Caressing the back of her thumb with the pad of his, he added, “If I hadn’t gotten so upset with you-”
“There are a lot of ‘if’s that could have prevented this,” Y/n frowned, “If you hadn’t gotten mad, if I hadn’t asked you out. If,” she shook one shoulder, “If those things hadn’t happened we wouldn't be here,” she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Right here we’re in a lot of trouble,” he quipped as they stepped out of the building.
“Yeah. Its pretty scary,” she frowned, eyes welling up as she glanced down at herself, “But its also pretty good. You know….we have each other, we have our baby,” she sighed unsteadily and sniffled, “If I lose that opportunity, its gonna suck, but I’d rather lose that than not have you.”
“I’d rather lose my job than lose you too,” they paused at the bottom of the weather beaten front steps of the building.
“You love this job,” Y/n smiled sadly, “And you don’t have to just say that because-”
“I’m not,” he shook his head, promising earnestly, “I’m not just saying that,” he inched closer, “There are other universities, and if I can’t teach at one of those then.......economics is a very lucrative field,” he teased, earning himself a smile from her, the first real one he’d seen her wear in days, “The point is, there are other jobs,” he bent his head so his forehead could touch hers, “But not another you.”
Unlacing their fingers, Jim clasped her shoulders and she brought her hands to his forearms, “This, us, more than anything, is what I want,” Jim reassured, fighting the urge to say what he actually wanted to- or rather ask- but that wasn't the moment; that couldn't be the moment. Instead Jim added, “I promise you, this is more than enough for me,” probably more than he deserved.
“This is more than enough for me too,” she added with a soft smile, and after another moment spent lingering like that, and deciding that any more affection would draw far too much attention to themselves, Jim and Y/n resumed their walk towards the parking lot. They were almost there, Jim could see his car a few feet away, parked near a street lamp. More cars had come in since they’d first gotten in that morning and Jim recognized most of them as those of his colleagues, though they still seemed to be the only ones out there.
They had just passed the first line of cars when Y/n stopped abruptly gasping, her hands immediately moving to cup her bump. Panicked by the thought that something was wrong, Jim hastily returned to her side, one hand reaching to soothingly rub up and down the small of her back, “What?” He assessed her agape jaw and wide eyes with worry etched on his features, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she breathed with a breathless smile. “Gimme your hand,” she was already reaching for his free one and Jim offered it up willingly, letting Y/n position it right next to hers. After that, it had merely taken a second before Jim felt it; a subtle patter under his palm, so light he might have missed it if his hand hadn’t been flattened against the gentle curve of her stomach. “Do you feel that?” She glanced up at Jim, eyes bright and alight.
“Yeah,” he rasped excitedly, amazed by the feel of their baby’s first kicks. It had been so long since he’d felt something like that, maybe going on sixteen years, since before Ben was born- the last time Jim had felt little fluttering kicks against his hand had been when Danielle was pregnant with his son. He’d been so much younger back then, and even if the experience with both children had been immortalized in his mind, being there and going through it with Y/n was practically brand new. “That’s amazing,” he grinned widely before bending his head a little so he could converse with their little one, “Is that you Jellybean?” It took a couple seconds, but Jim felt another gentle kick, as if their baby was responding, “Are you trying to cheer us up?” He asked, sparking another spur of barely-there, fluttered movement,
“I think that’s a yes,” Y/n giggled musically, and Jim’s heart sighed at the sound-like her smile, that had also been a rarity since the evening after her defense. It was good to see her happy again; she’d finally started feeling good about the pregnancy after the horrible morning sickness in her first trimester as well as the falling out with her mother- who she had yet to reconcile with- and then her insecurities about her changing body at the beginning of the second, and now more than anything, Jim wanted her to enjoy the rest of it.
They both laughed softly, perfectly happy with standing around in the parking lot until Jellybean decided that they’d be taking a break from the movement. Even then though, their smiles didn’t fade, and eager to keep the cheery mood live, Jim claimed Y/n’s hand once more, that time leading her towards the car with vigor, “Come on,” he urged, “We’re going to the diner.”
“Why?”Y/n chuckled softly, knitting her brows as Jim opened the front passenger door for her.
“Because,” he pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, at that point not caring who saw them- his mood had completely turned around and he was hoping to do the same for her, “We have to get a Knickerbocker Glory, to celebrate,” he knew that it had already become one of her favorites since the first night he’d coerced her into trying it, but of late, it had also become one of her more ordinarily palatable cravings. Pickles with peanut butter, Dragon Fruit- she’d actually cried when they couldn’t find any at their regular grocery, prompting Jim to drive around town in search of some- and of late, Knickerbocker Glories.
“It's so early though,” she protested weakly with a giggle as he helped her into the car. “You said it was too early yesterday,” Y/n reminded with a pout as Jim got into the driver’s seat a few seconds later.
“That was yesterday,” he said simply, taking her hand and kissing the back, “Besides, you had it anyway.”
“After you so graciously made me one,” she teased with an unwavering grin,”Because you are the sweetest.”
“That’s true, I am,” he joked, exaggerated pride in his tone, “But now I’m taking you to get a proper one. We didn’t have the nuts, or raspberries.”
“But it was amazing anyway,” Y/n praised as they pulled out onto the street.
Jim shrugged, “I guess, but it was an injustice. You’re not Irish, you wouldn’t get it,” he taunted and she scoffed, feigning offense, “But Jellybean.” he reached over the console and touched her stomach, “Is, and I wouldn’t be a very good father if I didn’t get them a real one.” Following his words Y/n simply laughed, and as they put the campus in their review, all thoughts of their meeting from just a few minutes ago temporarily melted away.
For just a little while, they could go back to living in unhindered bliss.
Hi I love me some angst so if your still doing them can I request. "You never hold my hand in public anymore. Is there something I should know about?" With Alfie please. BTW I'm head over heels in love with your story telling.
Forbidden (Alfie Solomons x Reader)
Prompt: "You never hold my hand in public anymore. Is there something I should know about?"
Summary: As Tommy Shelby's fiancée you owe him respect and fidelity. But how do you do that when he won't repay you in kind? And how do you do that when the one who does respect and love you properly is Alfie Solomons, his friend? Shouldn't you feel and do what you do and yet... The best thing to hope for is that Tommy never finds out and continue with this forbidden relationship. The problem is that Tommy knows.
Warnings: Angst. Tommy is kinda an asshole. Cheating and mentions of sex (not graphic at all). The ending, is up to your interpretation. This is a one-shot.
"Are you ready?"
Tommy peeked out the door as you finished zipping up your dress. The Shelby's were opening a new bar and as Thomas' fiancée, you had to go. Linda and Esme would be going too so it was your obligation to accompany your man and stay with him for the night.
Even if you didn't want to go.
"I'm ready, love."
You gave Tommy your best smile and walked towards him kissing his cheek. Thomas Shelby was every woman's dream. Rich, handsome and powerful. With a brilliant political career on the rise. Who doesn't want their own Tommy Shelby? And he was all yours. Well, yours and every whore he slept with. You knew that because he didn't bother to hide it. You had to be content that at least you were the only one wearing a ring he had given you on your finger. Was that the kind of loving relationship you imagined having when you were younger and naïve? No. In your head that special someone was a faithful and loving man. One who would speak warm words to you when you needed them and hold you when you needed comfort. And not someone like Tommy who barely distinguished between his fiancée and one of the many women he shared a bed with. Alfie was that man you dreamed of once upon a time. As rough and foul-mouthed as he seemed on the outside, when you were alone with him he was very different.
A little over half a year ago, Tommy and Alfie had been invited to an opera. The venue and the guests were everything they were supposed to be.
As you walked with Tommy through the entrance you reached for his hand, but he pushed it away.
"You never hold my hand in public anymore. Is there something I should know about that?"
"Really?" Tommy raised an eyebrow at you as he lit a cigarette "Will you make an issue of why I don't hold your hand?"
"I don't want to start an argument about holding your fucking hand, Tommy" you replied. "It's just a question!"
"Sounds like a fucking argument to me, if you ask me. The tone of your voice… My advice is why don't you go to the ambassador's wife and try to get some information out of her?"
"Why don't you fuck her and get information out of her yourself?"
"Maybe I should."
You looked at him with hatred and tear-filled eyes and pushing him against a wall you turned around and walked out into the street. You sat down on the marble steps of the theater while hiding your face in your hands. Shortly after, a hand rested on one of your shoulders, when you raised your eyes thinking it was Tommy you only saw Alfie there offering you his handkerchief. You thanked him and he sat down next to you.
"Your fucking fiancé, ain't he? Tommy made you cry?" he asked and you nodded. "You want me to talk to him?"
You denied. It wasn't worth it, Tommy didn't care about you and you knew that. And you didn't want Alfie to get in the way or it would affect the business the two men had in common. You knew Mr. Solomons from the meetings he and Tommy had, some of which had been in the house you shared with him. You liked Alfie, something not everyone could say about him, but the truth was that the Jewish man had never done anything at least in your presence to make you think otherwise of him.
"Maybe I'm not good enough for Tommy."
"Don't fucking say that, alright? Not again. Thomas is the problem here. I've noticed from all the times we've seen each other and how he doesn't seem to appreciate the woman next to him. Fucking silly boy."
You couldn't help but laugh when he said that and he smiled at you too. "That's it. Don't cry anymore, sweetheart. Tommy doesn't deserve it."
And that was the last time you cried for Tommy Shelby. You didn't go back to the opera that night and Alfie never came in. That night you kissed for the first time in his car. You took the first step a couple of hours later when you rested your hand on his cheek and turned his face to yours. You both looked at each other and closed your eyes at the same time. As soon as Alfie felt your soft lips against his mouth, he wasted no time capturing them with his own, roughly but without hurting you, making you moan. How Tommy could have made you cry. How. Alfie made you sit on his lap, still kissing you. In that car seat you two did more than kiss.
His friend's fiancée. A forbidden person like no other. But like all forbidden things, you were too tempting for Alfie. You were too good for Thomas, but you were too good for him, too. And yet, as he felt you move on top of him, he couldn't help but think you were more his than Tommy's.
And six months later, Alfie was right.
The opening of the new bar was as it should be. Bustling, full of the smell of tobacco, alcohol and people laughing. Linda, Ada, Esme and Polly were talking amongst themselves in amusement. You had been with them for a while too, the truth was that these women made your life more bearable. Perhaps they were the only ones who knew for sure how to deal with Shelby men and what it meant to be around them.
But you were in London and it was hard to concentrate on anything when not far away, there was Alfie. You walked out of the bar to get some fresh air. The cold wind on your face pleased you. Every part of your body was crying out for him. You had seen him the week before when you used the excuse of going to the doctor and incidentally your aunt, to meet him.
"Thinking of going to fuck Alfie?" the voice of Tommy at your back made you startle. You spun around to see him and your eyes widened in surprise.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You don't? I think you do. How ignorant of what you're doing do you think I am?" Tommy grabbed your arm and dragged you into a corner.
"Let go of me!" you yelled, "You're hurting me, Tommy! What are you doing?"
"I do what I do to those who betray me!" Tommy's crystalline eyes almost glowed in the dark with fury. It didn't bother him that you had cheated on him, it bothered him that someone had dared to touch something he thought was his "You think I don't know? You little whore."
You released yourself from his grip waving your arm wildly, "You're the least likely to say so" you said gritting your teeth "You son of a bitch. Half of Britain went through your bed. Yes, I'm sleeping with Alfie. He's a thousand times more of a man than you'll ever be, you fucking asshole. I hate you, Thomas Shelby" you shouted at him as you threw the ring in his face "put it on whoever you want, I don't give a fuck anymore. I'm leaving you."
"Haven't you heard?" his voice was cold like never before, "Nobody leaves me."
And in one motion, he pulled a gun out of his pocket and fired at your chest. You fell backwards before you could know what happened. As your body hit the floor, blood began to spill around you. "Lizzie is pregnant," he said in your ear before walking away, "I'm going to be a father. She's going to be my wife."
The cold, lonely night was your only company at that moment. You closed your eyes as you inevitably bled out. Then you stopped feeling. There were no noises, no smells, no colors. Nothing.
Two days later, Tommy returned to London. But this time to see Alfie. Your body had disappeared from that alley where he had killed you and Tommy knew Alfie had something to do with it. He wanted to know which cemetery he had taken you to. But Alfie wouldn't tell. Which led to Tommy having little and no sympathy and throwing him to the ground. His business partner didn't flinch. That was nothing compared to what Thomas had done to you.
"Congratulations, Tom. The same day you kill your wife you also get the news that you're going to be a father. The world works in the most incredible ways. Ain't it?" Alfie stood up with the help of his cane. "News travels fast."
"You don't know anything about it, Alfie?" Tommy ignored his words. "Where did you bury her?"
"Should I tell ya? Have a little compassion and at least now, leave her alone, Tom. Don't you think so? Don't you think that after you didn't respect her when you should have, you should do it now? Since you won't pay for your crime… It's a benefit to have the police in your pocket in the end, right?"
Alfie walked away to his car where one of his men was waiting to drive him to his job.
Even though it had been three days after that, Alfie still felt chills when he heard about the shooting. Alfie had been almost completely silent since that moment, which was unusual for him.
When minutes later the car stopped, he got out. Not without difficulty, Alfie climbed the stairs. He ached where Tommy had hit him, but he would recover. He just had to lie down on the bed and sleep soundly.
But first, he had something else to do.
Alfie opened a white door. The people around him paid him no attention as he walked in there. Alfie walked to a chair and sat down.
"Alfie…"
"It's me, yes, sweetheart."
The bullet that should have gone through your heart and killed you instantly had deflected. It hit and caused damage, but not death. And although the surgery was complicated and long, you had survived. Alfie had his men rush you to the hospital, he paid enough to buy everyone's silence and that had saved you from an inevitable fate. Eventually Tommy would find out, Alfie knew. But by the time that happened, it would be too late. Tommy had nothing left to claim.
You reached out your hand and Alfie took it. Once again, you felt protected. The price of the forbidden almost cost you both dearly but no more.
Pain flooded your body. You couldn't believe how something as small as a bullet could cause so much pain. You knew it, but you had never experienced it. But it was a thing of the past. You would endure it. You smiled at Alfie and he smiled back.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, love. But don't worry about me, 'kay? Rest."
You closed your eyes to sleep. The pain drugs were really powerful. The last thing you felt was Alfie's fingers stroking your hair and face.
Alfie watched you sleep and eventually he too fell asleep sitting in the chair. It had been almost three nights since he had done that properly.
Two hours passed without anyone coming in or interrupting you. Until through the white door leading to the hospital room where you were admitted, someone came in. Tommy Shelby had just arrived and was staring at the two of you.
------
taglist: @zablife @kittycatcait219 @moral-terpitude @dreamlandcreations @liliac-dreamer @cillmequick (If you want to be tagged in future fics, let me know)
“The Elephant in the Room” (Alfie Solomons x fem!Reader) — PART 5 (Final)
Read Part 1 Here
Read Part 2 Here
Read Part 3 Here
Read Part 4 Here
SUMMARY — What you thought would be a nice private space rented from a nice lady in a nice neighbourhood soon turned to be a living nightmare. Enter: the most eccentric little girl and her even more unconventional father who just so happens to be the criminal boss of Camden Town.
AUTHOR’S NOTE — Hi friends! 💗💗💗💗💗 After an eternity of a writer’s block, the series is finished! Thank you to all of you who encouraged me and commented and sent love, I truly appreciate you and the support for this story!
WORD COUNT — 1,804
Masterlist
Come December, you received some much needed respite from teaching, even though you tried not to think about it that way. Taking care of your pupils was after all your calling, though perhaps moonlighting as Alice’s tutor had finally taken its toll on your health. For some time now Mrs. Collins had stopped with her incessant bickering and started to treat you more kindly. That, you decided, was bad news in itself.
“Any plans for Christmas, luv?” she asked you one evening when she ambushed you in the kitchen with a pot of strong tea in one hand and a deck of well-worn cards in the other.
“Ambushed” was the correct term, too, as your actual plans involved checking the schoolwork and then polishing off that bottle of gin you had been harbouring upstairs for the better part of the year.
Summary: It was Monday and he just wanted his first coffee of the day. Alfie knew he was smitten with you. But it's in Tommy's hands that if something is meant to happen between you two it will happen. Because, one, Alfie does nothing but stare at you and two, because you can't bring yourself to talk to him. Oh, and Alfie is a famed musician that everyone knows about... except you.
Warning: None. (It was not my intention to write several parts, but after 3k words, I had no choice because I noticed that I had barely started. And I didn't -and don't- want to rush the ending. There will probably only be one more part.)
Alfie had just woken up. Not bothering to put on a shirt and just wearing his pajama pants, he got out of bed and walked to the refrigerator to get something for breakfast. Obviously there was nothing. The only thing the Shelby's had were bags of frozen food and beer. The night before he had stayed at the brothers' place and now he regretted that. He would have gone to a hotel and now he could be enjoying a hearty breakfast.
Alfie looked around only to see Arthur sleeping on the couch with a few bottles around him and how at that very moment the door to Tommy's room opened and out through it came a girl still settling her clothes.
"Nice to meet you, Tiffany," Tommy said, as he made his way to the front entrance to let her go.
"I told you my name is Denise!"
"Yes, Denise, that's what I said. Have a nice day."
"Asshole, I should have slept with your friend. Bye, Alfie," she said as she passed. He just raised his hand to wave at her. Tommy closed the door as soon as she was gone.
"Always a gentleman" laughed Alfie. "Rule number one, Tom, at least bother to learn the girl's name."
"To what purpose? I'm going to forget it anyway."
"One day you're going to meet a woman, Tom, that you're going to want to know her last name to replace it with yours."
"No, that's not me, that's you. Stop projecting."
"Whatever you say, I'm not projecting I'm just telling you. But I'm a one-woman man, but you know that. And I'm going to be with her, watching the moment you fall fucking in love with one."
"With the small drawback that you don't have a woman."
"Details. Now, on to something much more important, may I know why the hell you don't have anything for breakfast? How do you survive? Where's the bread?"
"There's no bread."
"No bread? Fuck it. I'm going to have breakfast at some cafe. Are you coming or not?"
Tommy agreed and having both changed, they went to a cafe that was three blocks from the Shelby's apartment. Arthur was still asleep on the couch even though his brother had tried to wake him up. The night before they had played a concert and as it usually happened, they all stayed together after that. This one had been in Birmingham, so Alfie had no choice but to stay there with them. Or at least with the older Shelbys, because John had gone back to his wife.
It was hard to ignore the two of them on the street. People knew them. So the three blocks they had to walk in a few minutes took longer than it should have because they were being stopped for a photo or autograph. That is until Alfie, who was not very patient, decided that the best thing to do was to grab his friend by the arm and pull him out of the people around him. Tommy wasn't too patient either, but he was more given to talking to people. Alfie was not. He was grateful for them, but the moment they became too intense, Alfie had to resort to his self-control. No one wanted a celebrity yelling at a civilian just for asking for an autograph. Even if they yelled at him and put the pen close to his eye.
"Goddamn it," he said once they were alone again. "Why the fuck can't you hurry up, Tommy?"
"They're not hurting anyone, Alfie."
"No, they're just getting between me and my morning coffee. And let's not forget it's Monday."
Luckily for them, there was almost no one in the cafe. Except for the cashier, the barista and an isolated group of customers who paid them no attention.
Alfie watched as the young man behind the cash register. Boy's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of them, but he didn't say anything about it. On the other hand, the barista greeted them both and asked what they were going to order.
"Name?" She asked Alfie who was standing in front of his friend. The girl held the cup in one hand, a marker in the other and looked at him with a smile.
"Mine?"
"Yes, yours. So I can give you your coffee."
Behind him, Tommy chuckled "His name's Alfie," he said peering over his friend's shoulder "sometimes he forgets what his name is."
"Shut up" he growled, then turned his head back to the girl again. " Yeah, my name is Alfie."
"Okay, Alfie" she replied, writing the name down, "on this side I'll deliver the order to you."
"Thank you." And Alfie smiled back.
Behind him, Tommy was still giggling and didn't stop until they were both able to sit at a table away from the window.
"What the fuck was that? Error 404, Alfie stopped working. Please reboot the device." Tommy let out another laugh and then looked in the girl's direction. "At least she's cute."
"Get lost, Tom," he replied, but slyly he looked in her direction as well.
When you returned home that afternoon, you were tired. It was usual, but for some reason that Monday felt like two Mondays together.
You collapsed on the couch letting your dog come over to rest his head on your lap. Your roommate came over to say hello peeking through the doorway.
"Everything okay? You look like shit."
"I know," you said looking up at him and smiling briefly. "I need a vacation."
"It could always be worse. Nothing interesting to tell me?"
"To tell you the truth…" you stood up and from your pants pocket pulled out a paper napkin that by that point in the day, was all crumpled up. "Today a guy left me his phone number. Well, not him, his friend who was with him. His name is Alfie. The situation itself was pretty funny."
In less than a second, your roommate was sitting on the couch next to you "Let's get down to the important stuff: this Alfie, was he hot?"
"James!" you smacked his arm laughing "No! I don't know! Well, yes, he was hot, yes."
"I knew it. And? Did you call him? Are you going to call him?"
You shook your head. You didn't know him and, although he didn't look like it, he was probably just another crazy man. Besides, it hadn't exactly been him who had given you his number. Maybe Tommy, if you remembered the other man's name correctly, had given it to you without Alfie's consent. He would call you crazy if you called him or ask you who you were. Most likely you would never see him again, it was common for customers of the cafe to come once and then never again. Many were just passing through and this seemed to be the case.
"So you're not going to call Alfie" repeated your friend, "too bad. If you told me it's because he had something that appealed to you, otherwise you wouldn't have told me. Or it would have been in a joking tone and that's not the case, but it's your choice. And his friend?"
You smiled at him, "his friend had beautiful eyes. Tommy's his name."
James got serious all of a sudden. "A Tommy with pretty eyes? A Tommy friend of an Alfie? You've got to be kidding me. Wait for me here."
When he returned he did so with a CD in his hands. The large print read Peaky Blinders. In the picture four men were standing. He said pointing to them "This Tommy and this Alfie?" You looked at him and nodded. "You know who they are, don't you? The Peaky's! You've got Alfie fucking Solomons phone number!"
"Who?"
"Oh, my God. Alfie Solomons! A few years ago, the Shelbys formed this band. Alfie wasn't originally part of them, but Tommy befriended him and invited him along. Since that time he has been one of the band. The other two are Artur and John, Tommy's brothers."
"I didn't know! I didn't know them, James! I didn't have to know them! I didn't even hear you name them! But I see you're quite a fan."
"I like them. And you've heard them because I've played their music more than once. That you haven't paid attention is another matter." He hit you over the head gently with the cd "I can't believe it. You call that man. Or I will."
That night, lying on your side and covered with your blankets, you were watching interviews of them on YouTube. More than once you found yourself laughing at what he was saying. Then you listened to some of their songs and watched their music videos. You had to admit they were good at their thing, maybe you should have met them earlier.
You rolled over in bed until you were facing the ceiling. You were remembering how you had met him that morning. Now you understood why it had caught his attention that you had asked his name. He must have been used to everyone knowing it. Given the millions of views on his songs and interviews you saw on YouTube, he wasn't anonymous at all…except to you. You covered your face with your pillow…how could you have been such an idiot.
In your phone you had already saved his number. The keypad appeared as soon as you opened the app to send him a message. The problem was that you were staring at the screen not knowing what to say to him.
'Hi, I'm the barista at the cafe that served you today. How are you?'
No. It didn't sound right. The other options in your head like: 'Your friend gave me your number today, I wanted to know if you were okay', 'Hello? Do you want to go for a drink?' were even worse.
"Ugh!" you sighed putting the phone aside. You wouldn't text him. Not today. You'd think of the right words to say to him. If you ever found them.
The three Shelbys plus Alfie were at a radio interview still in Birmingham. As much as Alfie enjoyed the music, he also missed the solitude he had in London. At least the anonymity that a bigger city could give him.
The day before even Arthur had teased him about checking his phone all the time. And that Arthur used to stay as far away from Alfie as possible even considering they were in the same band. Possibly because he remembered a certain incident when Alfie was just a stranger to the family, except for Tommy.
Alfie was expecting a message that hadn't arrived. Well, to tell the truth it shouldn't have come. There was nothing about the anonymous girl the day before to indicate that she was going to send a message to him, but there was a certain moment that Alfie thought it was. And Tommy's taking the initiative to give her his phone number had done nothing but increase his anxiety.
Perhaps it would be best if, as soon as he got off the radio, he stopped by the café and asked her out. And incidentally find out her name since she was still 'the cafe girl'.
"Alfie?" the newscaster called out bringing him into the real world again.
"Yeah, sorry mate, I'm having a… difficult day, right?" said Alfie, as the three brothers looked at each other with half smiles "and I didn't sleep well, you were saying?"
"I'm on the same, Alfie," replied the man, "I was asking you what your expectations are with the new album."
As Alfie answered, the door to the radio opened. Tommy's right hand man and best friend, Johnny Dogs let someone in. You.
The order came in half an hour early. You were struck by the address you were to take the order to, it was five blocks away when there was a cafe right across the street from the radio. The place where you worked was not the most expensive nor did they serve imported brands, it was just one more café than any other in the city. But an order meant extra money and that always came in handy.
A man wearing a cap opened the door for you.
"Johnny?" you asked reading the paper with the order.
"Yes, come in. My friend placed the order in my name. Is it paid for?"
"Yes, he paid by card. Where do I leave it?"
"Come on in."
You followed Johnny down a hallway to a new door. In there was one of the radio studios where they were interviewing several people, you saw out of the corner of your eye. You rested your coffee on a table and looked out the window, while Johnny told you to wait he was going to give you a tip. If you had held the coffee in your hand you would have dropped it. Now that you knew them, thanks to an all-nighter on YouTube, you knew that first in the chairs were John and Arthur Shelby. Next to them was Tommy and next to him was Alfie, who was talking to the broadcaster. When Tommy saw you, he poked his friend in the ribs who first looked at him in annoyance and then looked up to where you were. You barely raised your hand and waved at him, a slight smile also appeared on your face. He responded to that greeting.
Johnny Dogs looked amused at your reaction.
"Alfie, eh? Fucking Alfie, Tom was right" he said.
"No, no… I don't… I don't know him. Well, yeah, I saw him yesterday. But, no, we didn't talk. I didn't even know he was here. I got the order and…"
"Hey, calm down. I know, you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Tommy exclusively asking you to come. Alfie seems to have taken a shine to you. Tommy told me something about yesterday… what happened?"
Twenty-four hours earlier, shortly after Alfie seemed to have forgotten his name when you asked him and when the two friends sat down, it all began. And Tommy was the only witness.
Tommy was telling Alfie about the concert they were having the following month in Boston, USA. But, just like on the radio at the time, Alfie wasn't paying attention. He was watching you serve another customer and when you raised your eyes, you met his blue ones. Alfie leaned back on the table and smiled at you from a distance. You at that moment dropped a glass. He laughed, as you felt yourself burning with embarrassment inside. Who was that man?
Tommy was looking at the two of you. He had seen Alfie flirt before, he knew that if his friend was interested in someone he would do it by looking at them intensely. It was a game Alfie liked to play.
"…So, tonight, I'm going to sleep with your mother," Tommy said knowing Alfie wasn't listening. "Do you agree? Alfie! Do you agree?"
"What? Yes, Tom, that's fine."
"Really? Well, thank you. Which wine does your mother prefer?"
"Excuse me?"
"See? You're not listening to me, I told you I was going to sleep in bed with your mother. I had to say it to confirm that I don't exist for you right now" if smoking indoors had been allowed, Tommy would have lit up a cigarette. Instead, he leaned back in the chair and pointed his hand in your direction "Go give her your number already."
"Nah, what for? That girl's not the kind of woman who'd be interested in me." Tommy raised an eyebrow at that. "Not a chance, Tom. Come on, let's go wake up your brother and go find John."
"Right, we're off." Tommy stood up but not without first grabbing his phone and looking up Alfie in his address book "But since you won't do it, I will. I'll talk to that girl."
Tommy stood up and walked to the counter again, that's where he wrote down Alfie's number and handed it to you.
"Text him," he said to you before you left. "He's a good man…when you get to know him."
But you didn't text him. So Tommy, that Tuesday, resorted to plan B and this time with the help of Johnny Dogs.
"I have to get back to work," you told him. "My boss will kill me if I'm gone too long."
"I understand. Can you at least tell me your name…because Alfie keeps calling you 'the coffee girl'?"
You could hear your friend James' voice in your head that if you didn't tell him your name, James was going to make you sleep in the hallway. You turned your gaze and again you saw him. Alfie was stroking his beard, he still had his headphones on and the t-shirt he was wearing allowed you to see his tattoos. He was attractive, you couldn't deny it. And in the interviews you had seen he had made you laugh… Maybe, you should get up the courage to text him.
You told Johnny your name and on the same coffee ticket you wrote down your number. If you didn't get up the courage to write him that day, maybe he would.
------
If you were lucky.
PART 2
taglist: @zablife @cillmequick @buttercup32sstuff
(let me know if anyone else wants to be tagged as well😘 )
Summary: With no one in the middle to speak for the two of you, you and Alfie can finally talk face to face. First virtually, then on the date he has planned for you. Things seem to be going perfectly for the two of you that night. Let's hope it stays that way.
Warning: None. But towards the end there's something NSFW. But not explicit, not at all. Next chapter, maybe.
"This is one of my fantasies and you're fulfilling it," Alfie said to you.
"Is that so?"
Alfie nodded. That same Tuesday night, after the radio show where you left your phone number with Johnny Dogs to give to Alfie, you and he were alone at your workplace. The café had closed two hours earlier, but still the two of you were there.
"I thought," you said, "that being a celebrity, this sort of thing was commonplace."
"Well, not in my case. Until today."
You laughed. "You're going to have to be careful, okay? And do it slowly."
"As you command me, love. You're in charge now."
Alfie had shown up at the cafe shortly before it closed. You hadn't expected it, you thought Alfie, if he wanted to, would have texted you. But against all your odds, he had decided to go straight there. And this was the first time it was just the two of you.
All the lights in the place were off except for the bulb just above the counter which was where you were standing. Alfie was standing behind you, you could feel his breath on your ear and also his perfume, which you were sure would go down as one of those smells you would never forget.
"Gently…" you said to him. "It's sensible."
"I can be as gentle as you want me to be, love," he replied and you bit your lower lip.
If you hadn't been talking about the new coffee machine your boss, and owner of the place, had bought the week before; you would have thought Alfie's connotation was very different. Or maybe it was. You had noticed that he could be quite a tease.
"So you had always wanted to make coffee in one of these machines, but never could?" you asked. As you watched him press the green button that finally started the machine.
"Never. I was always intrigued by how they worked, now I know. Thank you, that's one less doubt I have in my life. I hope I don't get you in trouble for being after hours at work."
"My pleasure, Alfie. And no, my boss isn't going to find out. So don't worry." You looked at the machine and the coffee Alfie had made was ready. You put a lid on the cup and handed it to him, "for you to take with you on your way to London."
It had been over half an hour since the car that would take him back to his apartment had been parked in front of the café. He certainly didn't mind having to pay for that extra half hour. It had been thirty more minutes that he had enjoyed being by your side.
"Come with me, I'll tell the driver to give you a ride to where you live. I won't let you walk alone at night." Alfie put on his jacket and picked up the cup of coffee.
"I live nearby, I don't want to disturb you and… " But Alfie insisted and in the end you agreed. Besides he was right, it was later than you used to come back.
If Alfie's driver had minded waiting, he didn't say so. You both got into the car and the few blocks that separated your work from your home, you and he didn't speak. There was a comfortable silence between the two of you.
"It's here," you said pointing to a brick building. "Thanks, Alfie."
"At least I know where you live now in case I want to see you at work and you're not there. It's more than ten floors though, as far as I can see."
"Twelve exactly," you replied. "It's the third floor, apartment 12."
"I'll remember that," he said, smiling briefly. The two of you looked at each other, then Alfie leaned toward you "Can I have, in addition to coffee, a kiss from you tonight?"
You nodded and closed your eyes as soon as he finished leaning in. It was a short kiss, he barely moved his lips over yours. When you broke apart, you both smiled.
"Good night, Alfie. Take care."
"You too, love."
When you walked into your apartment, you leaned against the door as soon as you closed it. You felt like a teenage girl who had received her first kiss. Only you weren't a teenage girl anymore, nor was it your first kiss. But you couldn't help it. Your friend was watching you from the couch, you were so lost in your thoughts that you hadn't noticed him.
"You came over later, you're grinning like an idiot… I shouldn't even be asking this, but you saw him, didn't you?"
"Yes. We kissed too."
"You lucky bastard," James said laughing and throwing a pillow at you. "You know what I'd give for Alfie Solomons to kiss me? I hope you don't waste this opportunity. Are you going to see him again?"
"I don't know. He's on his way to London now, he lives there. But I suppose I have no more excuse for not texting him."
"That's true. Text him."
Alfie was finally back in London. He was in his apartment when his phone rang. He thought it was you, but it was Tommy.
Alfie put the phone on speaker, as he prepared something to eat.
"What do you want?"
"Nice to hear from you too, Alfie," said Tommy's voice, "Have you arrived?"
"Yeah, mate. A couple of minutes ago.. something happened?"
"No, but I wanted to know if anything had happened between you and the girl, since I heard you went to the cafe. You know you owe me. If it wasn't because I placed that order for the radio, or if I hadn't given her your number, you wouldn't have seen her again."
"He told you? You got Ollie, my driver, as an informant? No one else knew! Did you blackmail Ollie?"
"I didn't blackmail anyone, Solomons. I needed someone to drive me somewhere and I knew Ollie had the car, but he told me he was waiting for you at the entrance to the cafe. So I found out by chance."
"Fucking hell, I can't go anywhere anymore without you knowing? Privacy is called, Tom." Alfie put the food in the oven, as he kept talking "Nothing happened, okay?"
"Sure?"
"Tommy, I'm going to hang up on you." Alfie sighed, picking up the phone again and going to the couch where he hoped he could relax before eating. "I don't have anything to say. Are you okay? Your brothers?" Tommy told him they were all fine, "Okay then. I'll call you when I feel like it. I'll see you. Bye."
An hour later, his cell phone vibrated again. "Bloody hell," Alfie muttered. This time he was actually eating while trying to watch a movie. He picked up without looking at the number.
"What now?"
"Sorry, I can call back later if I bothered you. Or tomorrow."
Alfie looked at the phone screen only to see your name there. His mood changed for the better this time. "Sorry, luv! No, I thought you were Tommy. I'm sorry. You didn't bother me, not you. How are you?"
"Tired, but fine. I wanted to know if you'd arrived all right."
"Perfectly. I thought I'd call you when I finish eating, but you've been quicker. I want to invite you to London, I thought that … I thought if you want, we can go on a date."
"A date? In London?" if he could have seen you, he would have seen the smile that appeared on your face and how you tried to find the right words not to sound extremely happy. "I'd like that, yes."
"I'm glad to hear that, darling. When can you?"
"In a week, next Monday, it's my day off. I can't before, sorry. A Monday isn't the best day for a date, it's not Friday night or a Saturday."
"Fine with me. I'll see you Monday? I'll have my driver, the same one as today, Ollie is his name, pick you up."
"Okay then, Monday" you replied smiling. "I'll wait for that day. This is more than I expected when I called you to see how you got to your place, Alfie. I just wanted to wish you good night."
"I'll wait for that day too. And good night, rest well love."
Once he finished talking to you, Alfie looked around. There was a chance, he hoped, that after the date you would agree to sleep with him. For that, he would have to clean his apartment. He would do it urgently, the next morning.
The next day, Wednesday, as well as the ones that followed, you and he did not stop talking or texting each other. Twice you made a video call. At this point, you were already talking about almost everything. And Alfie was comfortable with that. So were you.
Tommy went to his friend's apartment to bring him some papers for Alfie to sign. A new contract for an interview that would take place the following week.
"Tuesday," Tommy told him. "It's here in London, before you ask. With Arthur and John we thought we'd stay with you from the day before, we could rehearse too."
"No. Absolutely not. Categorical. My girl is coming on Monday, we have our first date and of course you' re not going to stay here. I invited her so it's just the two of us. Go to a hotel."
Tommy rolled his eyes "Monday?"
"That's what I said."
"All right. We'll go to a hotel, I'll tell Johnny Dogs to find us one. Where will you take her? You don't want us to accidentally cross paths in the same places, do you?"
"How unlucky can I be to run into you three on my first date in a city like London? I made reservations at a restaurant, ya know which, then I'll see."
"All right, we'll go elsewhere. I'm off, Alfie, I've got to get back to Birmingham." Tommy put on his sunglasses and walked to the door of his friend's apartment to leave, "Use protection, if you plan on having sex with her."
"Oh, fuck off. Just go."
Being in the cafe was never as overwhelming as the weekend before the Monday you were due to see Alfie again. You had bought new clothes that now sat on a chair next to your bed and you saw them every time you went in there. As the days went by, you had noticed that Alfie was like a gentle grumpy giant. He was the kind of guy they described in the fanfic you read as a teenager (and not so teenager too): handsome, who got mad at everyone but when he talked to his girl, he was affectionate. It seemed unreal, but it was real. Well, there was one detail you couldn't ignore and that was that you weren't his girl yet. Your insecurities told you that he might be nice to you just to get you into bed, that celebrities weren't interested in commitment, that he probably had another woman in the bedroom ready for him while he was talking to you. But on the other hand, you didn't want to believe that. He didn't seem to be that kind of man. Without going any further his bandmate, John, was married and had children. Maybe not all celebrities were like Hollywood culture made them out to be. And if Alfie had wanted to, he would have picked any other girl much prettier than you were. A trophy girlfriend, or something like that. You were just another one of the millions of women out there in the world, with an ordinary job that if fate hadn't willed, you never would have seen him. Besides, there was something about the way Alfie smiled at you when you talked on video call that made you feel special. Or the way he talked to you.
You promised yourself that until once Monday was over, once you had your date with him you would draw conclusions. Until then, you wouldn't let the voice in your head called anxiety, make you think things that were not.
Monday came and James didn't go to work that day either. He stayed with you to help you get ready. Working as a hairdresser and makeup artist, he decided what would be best for you that day. James would have preferred something more extravagant but, following your wish, he left your makeup simple but still helped highlight your beauty.
"You look like a queen," he told you. "If he doesn't fall in love with you tonight, then, I'll be forced to quit."
"You're the best, Jimmy."
Ollie came by to pick you up and by the time they finally arrived in London, it was dusk. Alfie was waiting for you at the door of the restaurant when the car with you in it arrived. He smiled at the sight of you. It had only been a week since you had first seen each other, but you had spent so much time talking in the days that followed that it felt as if more time had passed.
"You look beautiful, dove."
"So do you, Alfie," you said. He planted a kiss on your cheek and offered you his arm to take. The two of you walked into the restaurant that was his favorite. And that after that night it would become your favorite too.
Inside you sat in a VIP seating where Alfie made sure no one disturbed you. As you waited for dinner, the atmosphere was quiet. There weren't many people making noise either, the fact that it was Monday perhaps helped. Alfie stroked your hand while you two talked.
And during dinner, you couldn't take your eyes off each other either. Once you left the restaurant, and Alfie insisted on paying for it, you went for a walk with him. By that time, there were still a lot fewer people. You and he walked hand in hand with fingers intertwined.
While you were waiting for a traffic light to change, Alfie leaned in to give you a kiss. A kiss you accepted without hesitation. It wasn't like the first one, six days earlier in his car; this one was more intense. Alfie put his hands on your waist and you rested yours on his chest. You let him take control of the kiss and even let him slide his tongue into your mouth. The light changed to green and you never knew it. When you broke apart looking for breath, the light was red again.
"I've been waiting for this all night, love. Sorry it wasn't in a more romantic place and yes it was at a fucking stoplight. But I couldn't wait any longer."
"I don't care. I swear I don't care," you replied kissing him again, but this time more briefly.
Alfie took your hand again and with him you walked two more blocks. You stopped in front of a building much more luxurious than the one you lived in. You could tell it was a modern one and you were sure the upper floors had an incredible view of the city.
He kissed you again. Your arms went around his neck and your hands caressed his hair. Alfie pulled you against his body and you could feel his member against your pelvis. He wanted you. And you wanted him.
"I live here," he told you pointing to the building with his head, "do you want to come up?"
"I want to, but I don't want you to think I'm taking any advantage… Alfie, I…"
Alfie put his finger over your lips "I don't think anything. Only that we're a man and a woman who want the same thing. Come, I don't bite… unless you want me to." He winked at you and you smacked him on the arm laughing.
Together you walked into the building and went to his apartment. Neither of you saw the paparazzi who were hiding photographing you both.
Summary: (Modern AU) You’re weeks away from your wedding to Tommy, but you’ve run away to Camden to think about your future. When you stumble into a random pub for a drink, you meet a handsome bartender who changes everything.
Author’s Note: This was requested by the lovely @solomons-finest-rum who asked me to write a modern Alfie fic where he owns his own bar. I hope you enjoy it!
Warnings: drinking, language, unwanted advances
You’d just arrived in Camden feeling tired and ready for a drink. Unable to go any further, you settled for the first pub you saw, a run down little place called The Rum House. Although it was late afternoon, the sun disappeared as soon as you crossed the threshold. The interior was dark and it smelled of damp as though you had entered a cave. Your boots stuck to the sticky floorboards giving you the feeling it hadn’t been mopped properly in ages.
If you’d had any concern for your comfort, you would have chosen literally anywhere else to rest. However, you were too tired to care. Dropping your exhausted body onto a stool, you looked around noting the lack of patrons. A few old men sat huddled in a corner arguing about a football match, while another man kept to himself at the end of the bar.
Usually when you came to London you enjoyed fine dining in elegant restaurants accompanied by expensive bottles of wine. You didn’t spend much time in places like these because your fiancé would never have allowed it. He liked the best life had to offer, exhibiting his wealth and influence via material possessions and you were no exception. At times you felt you were just another box to be ticked, a possession to be acquired in a month when you would be wed in front of 500 guests. Most of those people you barely even knew, businessman and politicians more important to your fiancé than you were.
Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of wedding planning and the life that awaited you as the wife of an MP, you’d taken an unannounced trip to escape. Though you knew this was a childish way of handling your feelings, you also knew how futile it was to voice your concerns. Your friends and family all thought you were lucky to be marrying a handsome, successful man. They said you were ungrateful if you complained about him being cold and distant at times, explaining he had other responsibilities besides tending to your every whim.
As you sat at the bar, your phone began to ring. You reached for it noticing yet another call from the florist and let it go to voicemail. No sooner had you done that, a text message appeared from your mother and then from your sister. The tone of the messages were the same, wondering how you could be so irresponsible as to disappear this close to your wedding date. Suddenly the stress was seeping back into your body, making you tense all over. You switched your phone off for a much needed respite from the barrage of communication, then cradled your head in your hands as a gruff voice called out to you, “Gonna order somethin?”
“Could I have a minute, please? And then I’ll order,” you said on a shaky breath without looking up.
“Course, dove,” he said more gently, leaving you to your thoughts.
Ten minutes later he returned, placing a ringed hand on the bar to announce his presence without startling you. He stood before you, clearing his throat softly and you were grateful for the delicate approach. Looking up, you noticed his furrowed brow, as he stared at you with concern. “You alright? Can I get you anything?” he asked.
You nodded before answering politely, “Gin neat, please.” The bartender turned to face the shelf and began to pull a bottle of Shelby Co. Limited gin from the top before you shouted, “No, not that one!”
The man looked over his shoulder at you with a puzzled look. “It’s too sweet,” you attempted to explain quickly, affecting a softer, more controlled tone of voice.
“Right, can’t blame you there, love," he said, an affable grin warming his handsome features. He attempted a bit of humor to make you feel at ease. "Marketing for it’s a bit soppy as well, innit?” He began reciting the label from memory dramatically gesturing with one large hand, “For the eradication of seemingly incurable sadness!”
As he pulled another bottle from the shelf, he let out an amused chuckle from deep within his chest, “What self-absorbed twat thought that up, eh?”
You scoffed as you replied, “Someone who makes a lot of money making promises of happiness without having to fulfill them."
The man snickered for a moment, placing your drink in front of you. “Is that why you’re here then?” he asked, intense green eyes studying you carefully.
“Why do you ask?” you inquired, turning your gaze down toward your drink.
“If you had ordered whisky, I’d know you was here for business," he said matter of factly. Continuing with a bit of hesitation he added, "Had it been rum...Well, rum’s for fun and fuckin’, innit?" he said, a blush creeping into his cheeks. "So if you ain’t here to do either of those, what are you here for, treacle?”
“Just a quick drink,” you said, gesturing toward your glass with a tight smile. You could tell by the way he leaned onto his elbows that he wasn’t finished. He was still observing you with those piercing eyes.
“Well the problem with gin, right, is that it leads to the melancholy. Ain’t gonna solve your problems with that stuff, but maybe you already knew that,” he observed, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Pointing a finger in your direction he said, “You’re a clever woman to see through the Shelby bullshit.”
You jerked your head up to look at him, wondering how he knew. “What did you say? Do you know the Shelby family?”
“Course I do, love. Tommy and his animal brothers too, don’t I?" he said narrowing his eyes. "Their gin business is doing far better than my rum ever did. Nothing but bees and honey like you said, off people’s troubles and what not.” Trying to affect an air of nonchalance, he picked up a rag and began cleaning the top of the bar. You breathed a heavy sigh realizing he was discussing business now, oblivious to any personal ties you might have with the family.
“You’re Alfie Solomons,” you stated, making the connection between the man behind the bar and the discontinued rum label that had gone out of business five years ago. Tommy had a hand in ending this man's career with his usual tactics. You called them unethical, while Tommy preferred unorthodox. Since that time no one knew what had become of the rum distiller whose spirits had once earned numerous awards. All kinds of rumors swirled around London, but no one knew where he had vanished to after the collapse of his company or if he was even alive.
“That’s right,” he said with a quick nod. His phone began to ring and he reached into his back pocket to fish it out. He excused himself to the back room to take the call as you traced the top of your glass absently.
Lost in thought about the day’s events, you hadn’t noticed the man at the end of the bar creep closer to you until his voice was ringing in your ear suddenly asking, “Want some company?”
“You’re alright,” you said without making eye contact.
“What’s a pretty girl like you doing all by herself?” he continued. The sweat and whisky poured off him in equal measure and you leaned back to avoid the stench as much as possible. That only enticed him more though so you decided to make a verbal statement of your disgust.
“I’m trying to enjoy my drink in peace. Leave me alone,” you said forcefully.
Despite your tone, he didn’t seem deterred, venturing a hand to your shoulder next. You brushed him off quickly, standing to put distance between you. “Don’t touch me!” you shouted loud enough to get the attention of the old men in the corner. However, they only watched with mild interest, none of them coming to your aid.
“You don’t have to be such a bitch,” he slurred at you, grabbing for you arm. At that moment, Alfie came back to witness the scene and instantly sprang into action, dodging a sloppy punch as a bullmastiff came to join him growling viciously by his side. He had the man's arm in a painful looking hold before he could utter another word, leaning over to growl in his ear, “The lady told you to leave her alone, mate. That means she’s off the fucking menu for you. So how come you’re still thievin’ my oxygen?”
The man mumbled some incoherent response before trying to escape the hold. Alfie was much faster though, hauling him off toward the exit. “Good boy, trot on. Down there is Bonny Street,” he said shoving the man out the door.
When Alfie returned you offered your thanks for his help.
“S no trouble. Don’t like ladies in my establishment bein harassed. Besides if I didn’t, you might never come back. Couldn’t have that now could I?” he asked with a grin, scratching his dog behind the ears.
You gave him a watery smile in return, feeling how kind he was being. He wasn’t hitting on you. He was offering protection and for that you were grateful. You hadn’t felt genuine warmth from someone in a long time. You were so tired from keeping your guard up all the time. It was nice to have someone look after you, even if it was only keeping the bar flys away.
“If you say you don’t want to be disturbed, than you won’t be,” he said, ready to return to his station behind the bar.
“Wait,” you called out. “If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to you?"
“You mean Solomons Rum?” Alfie said leaning against the bar.
“Yes, you just disappeared. Why?” you said curious to know how someone could lose everything and still keep their sanity.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret, pet. Life is so much easier to deal with when you are dead,” he proclaimed.
You had to laugh at his assertion. “So that’s the secret, eh? Abandoning all responsibility?” you asked, voice turning serious all of a sudden. Alfie picked up on your tone right away.
“Now I didn’t say that. Didn’t run off and join the circus, did I?” he said gesturing around his bar. “Just took a step back and become a respectable member of the community’s all. Stopped troubling myself with shit that don't matter.” He scratched his beard before venturing a query of his own. “Where did you run away from, dove?”
“Birmingham,” you revealed, although it shocked you as soon as the answer left your lips. “I’m trying to make a decision about my future,” you said continuing your confession. It must have been the gin lowering your inhibitions, normally you would have never divulged that kind of information to a stranger. Alfie seemed different though. He was offering to listen and you weren’t used to that. It felt like an indulgence you had to take advantage of just this once. You wondered if he might be able to help you make sense of things.
Just when you opened your mouth to speak again, Alfie stood, interrupting your train of thought. You shut your mouth quickly, feeling foolish. Perhaps he didn’t want to hear your troubles after all. In one swift movement, he wordlessly swept your glass from the table, leaving you in utter confusion.
“What are doing with my drink?” you asked watching him discard it behind the bar. You noticed him pour an amber colored liquid into a double old fashioned. When he brought the new drink back to you with a flourish he explained, “Whereas rum incites violence, it also allows you to be liberated from your self-doubt.” He pushed the spirit toward you with two fingers, staring at you intently. “I believe you’re more in need of the old rum right now than gin,” he said with a wink. Sitting back on a stool and crossing his arms over his chest he declared, “Now, tell us your plan.”
Over the course of the next two hours you spoke to Alfie candidly about your troubles and he listened as the last of his patrons filtered out of the bar until it was just the two of you sat at the bar discussing your life. You explained how badly you wanted a life of your own away from the pressure of living under your fiancé's shadow. You told him how desperately you wanted to stop taking orders and how you dreamed of having a real partner in life and in love.
Somewhere along the way you had decided you couldn't go through with your marriage to Tommy and you knew you would have to tell him sooner rather than later. It must have been when you'd gotten lost in Alfie's thoughtful feedback or the way he held your gaze as he absorbed every new piece of information with care. He even made you laugh despite the painful things you divulged. Whatever it was, you were falling under his spell.
The rum had warmed you pleasantly and you had forgotten about the sadness which consumed you when you arrived. After a brief lull in the conversation, you felt yourself lean into Alfie, knees brushing against his. Your hands came to rest on his thighs, steadying you as you gazed into his captivating eyes. You waited midway between you with eyes closed and felt his calloused palm graze your cheek, followed by the sensation of his soft lips on yours. You melted into his touch and synchronized your movement with his, wishing you never had to part from him.
As you eventually pulled away for air, you came to your senses and realized you needed to get back to the real world. “Alfie, I’m sorry, but I need to check in with my family. They’ll be worried,” you said.
“Say no more,” he reassured you, leaning back to give you space.
As you turned your phone back on, it immediately lit up with an incoming call. Tommy’s face popped up on the screen and Alfie’s face flashed with recognition, suddenly realizing who you had been discussing these last two hours. “I need to take this,” you said grabbing the phone off the table and standing quickly to answer the call.
“Well this is going to be fucking biblical,” Alfie said with a smirk.
Summary: Two years after you wandered into a Camden pub and decided to break off your engagement to Tommy Shelby, you’re planning a wedding to the handsome bartender who stole your heart, Alfie Solomons. There are no reservations about your plans this time around, but that doesn’t mean your ex-fiance will let you go so easily.
Author’s Note: Part 1 was so popular, I decided to write a second part. This is also based on an old request by @wandawiccan60.
Warnings: language, controlling behavior
“For fuck’s sake! Why?” Polly called after Tommy. He was asking a lot of her to get those permits pulled and for what? To delay a few contractors? She didn’t understand and Tommy wasn’t willing to give her any details. He was already half way to the door before he stopped with a jerk, pulling the cigarette from his mouth.
“Because we fucking can!” Tommy shouted his irrational reply over his shoulder. He sounded like a spoiled child. Frances warned her he hadn’t been sleeping, but she hadn’t realized he was this bad. He must be determined to crush Alfie, she thought. Nevermind the fact that Solomons’ new club, Lethe, wasn’t in conflict with any of the Shelby’s properties in London.
“Oi, what’s all the shouting about?” Arthur asked, trudging inside and slinging his cap on the table. He poured a cup of tea and took a sip, glancing between Polly and Tommy as he waited for one of them to answer. When it became clear they didn’t want to discuss it, he dug into his pocket and wordlessly slid a newspaper article across the table. Polly skimmed the engagement announcement briefly as Tommy let out a low growl and rolled his eyes at Arthur.
“Another one, eh? You know your wife’s been leaving a fucking trail of these?” he huffed as he stamped out his cigarette forcefully in the ashtray. It was obvious Linda had sent it on the off chance Tommy had missed the one she placed on his desk this morning. It was her passive aggressive way of airing her grievance over Tommy’s neglect of the company since your departure and the considerable downturn in profits.
“Yes, thank you, Arthur. Perhaps your wife should consider a hobby in scrapbooking since she likes making clippings so much,” Polly quipped. She shoved the article into her pocket, suddenly understanding the reason behind Tommy’s childish demands. The article listed Lethe as the location of your wedding celebration. Despite it’s absurdity, Polly recognized Tommy’s attempt to delay the opening as his only recourse in keeping you from marrying Alfie.
She inhaled a deep breath before speaking the words she knew would be difficult for Tommy to hear. “It wasn’t meant to be, love. You have to let her go,” she implored with quiet determination. She rose from her chair and walked to where Tommy stood, staring out the window in a trance. Although he didn’t reply, she could tell by his tightly clenched jaw he still had revenge on his mind. Truthfully, he hadn’t heard Polly’s words or felt her hand on his shoulder as he slipped into a memory he revisited far too often.
——————————————————————
Two years ago he’d listened to your voice calmly explain why you couldn’t marry him. He heard your words, but refused to accept the reason or the ring in return. Tommy felt certain you’d have a change of heart. After all, who could provide a lifestyle on par with the one he had provided during your courtship? Anything you desired was made available day or night.
“You’d give up everything I have to offer?” he asked with raised eyebrows, as you pushed the ring box across the table. You noted how he didn’t look you in the eye the way Alfie did though. Tommy had a way of looking right through you with those crystal blue eyes, waiting to hear what he wanted to hear rather than the truth.
“I don’t think I want the life you’re offering anymore,” you answered. He had to know the toll his political career had taken on your relationship. “Even when you’re home, you’re not really there, Tommy. You have to admit we’ve grown apart.”
Tommy shook his head in disbelief. “I have obligations in Parliament. You knew how it would be,” he reminded you coldly. “I need someone who understands my job, y/n,” he said in a tone that reminded you of an employer instead of a loving fiance. It was clear he saw nothing wrong with the way he’d been treating you and had no intention of changing despite your obvious discontent.
It was at this impasse you decided to leave him, scoffing at his arrogance. “I’m sorry I can’t be the trophy wife you wanted then, Tommy,” you replied as you gathered your coat and purse.
He had only proved your point and you walked away knowing you’d made the right decision. Although you’d only known Alfie a short time, you could already see the differences between the two men. One was guided by his heart, another by ambition. The choice wasn’t difficult to make. You were now free to pursue your feelings for the handsome bartender who had urged you to listen to your instincts.
In typical fashion, Tommy hadn’t taken you seriously, deluding himself into believing you’d return one day. However, the announcement in the paper had finally proven him wrong. You were moving on with someone new and not just anyone, his sworn enemy. There was no way he was going to let that stand no matter what Polly thought of his tactics.
————————————————————-
With Cyril trotting happily by his side, Alfie made his way inside the Rum House before opening one morning. He looked through a stack of mail, whistling as he wound his way through the darkened pub toward the office where he knew you’d be sorting paperwork. As soon as he reached the doorway, Alfie could tell something was wrong by your defeated looking posture and worried expression.
Dropping the mail on the desk, he came closer, but you didn’t move to kiss him hello as usual. Alfie knitted his brow in concern stating, “You’re in a right two and eight, dove.” Settling his large hands at your hips, he pulled your back into his chest and dropped his head to the crook of your hunched shoulder, looking down at the paper you had clutched in your hand. “What’s this then?”
“It says our permits have been delayed,” you said still reeling from the shock. “We can’t possibly open Lethe in time for the wedding,” you said sadly, holding the document out for him to examine.
Alfie released a heavy sigh as he mumbled into your hair, “Did Tommy have anything to do with this?”
You nodded slowly, realizing there wasn’t a thing Tommy didn’t have influence over. “Yea, probably,” you admitted.
Straightening to his full height and locking his arms around you tightly, Alfie placed a kiss to the top of your head and swayed you back and forth gently. “I told you he’d see the paper, dove,” he reminded you. He’d suggested a much smaller affair, but you had somehow convinced him to rejoin the land of the living with a big announcement.
“I didn’t want to hide our engagement,” you said turning in his arms to face him. Cupping his cheeks in your hands and scratching at his beard you added, “I love you and I want everyone to know it.” The corners of his mouth drew up in a shy smile that melted your heart. Despite his outgoing personality, your praise still made him self conscious and you adored his humility, although it never lasted long.
As if on cue Alfie added, “Nah, don’t blame you for staking a claim, pet. Handsome bloke like me could’ve been stolen right out from under ya.” You giggled at his remark before turning your attention back to the matter at hand.
“I may have landed the most eligible bachelor in London, but what’ll I do if I can’t marry him the way I planned?” you asked, gesturing toward the letter left on the desk.
Alfie’s face suddenly brightened and you cocked your head wondering what he was thinking. “Let’s go to the registry office today,” he suggested, brushing his nose against yours softly.
“Now? Wh-what about work?,” you stammered, surprised by his spontaneity.
“We’ll close the pub. Punters can go a day without us,” he proclaimed, leaning down for a kiss.
You mumbled against his lips, “But you don’t have a suit yet. I don’t have flowers. We don’t have any witnesses,” you protested, thinking only of logistics. Cyril jumped between you just then, pawing at your elbow and Alfie looked down at him with a grin. “Well…we’ve got him,” he shrugged.
“Someone other than the dog, Alf!” you laughed as you smacked his chest playfully.
He scratched his beard as he thought for a moment then declared, “Right, how about this? You go home and change. Leave the details to me.”
You searched his eyes for a moment to be certain he was serious and you found them sparkling with happiness, pleading for you to say yes. You bit your lip holding back nervous excitement and nodded quickly. “Alright, yes!” You shouted out, swept along with his mad plan.
Alfie grinned at Cyril and let out an enthusiastic proclamation, “She said yes, mate!” The dog barked in response, not quite understanding why his owners were so overjoyed, but wagging his tail in support.
“But, Alfie, wait! What about our guests? The reception?” you asked in a panic.
“I know it wasn’t the plan, but what about here? It’s where we met, weren’t it? Sentimental value has to count for somethin, right?” he asked stroking your cheek.
You smiled eagerly, “You’re right. It’s perfect,” you agreed, leaning in to capture his full lips in a soft, gentle kiss. He had a calming effect on you despite the urgency you felt building inside you to gather all the things you’d need for an impromptu wedding.
—————————————————————————————-
The car pulled up outside the run down looking establishment and Tommy double checked the address Ada had sent to his phone one last time before exiting. He removed his black leather gloves, placing them in his coat pocket as he strode toward the front door, glancing at the motorcycle parked at the curb. If he had any doubts he was in the wrong place, they were erased as he studied the cans tied to the back and the small sign tacked above the number plate. Tommy shuddered as he read it, “Just Married.” He hoped he wasn’t too late.
As Tommy continued toward the door, a tall young man with curly hair held out his hand. “Pub’s closed today, sir.”
“I’m not here for a drink. Just a word,” Tommy explained as he pushed inside the crowded bar. The party goers barely noticed his arrival in the din of the music and raucous laughter.
“Are you fucking deaf?” the young man asked catching Tommy by the lapels and slamming him against the wall. That action garnered plenty of attention and Alfie was by Ollie’s side in an instant to see what was going on.
“Put him down, Ollie. He’s only little,” he instructed. Ollie released Tommy, shoving him away before returning to his post outside.
“You alright, Tommy? How are you keeping?” Alfie asked attempting a civil tone for your benefit.
“You treat all your patrons this way, Alfie?” Tommy said with a roll of his neck.
“Don’t get your hackles up, mate, it’s a party. Though come to think of it, yeah, you weren’t invited were ya? Now let me think why that might be,” he said searching the ceiling in mock confusion. “Right, cause you tried to fuck up our wedding day. I’m guessing that were your people?” he said with a growl.
Tommy stood in silence clenching his jaw before answering, “I’ve got lots of people on my payroll. You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Come off it, Tommy. Stop behaving like a fucking child and admit you can’t stand to see her happy,” Alfie spat at him accusingly.
Tommy’s eyes flashed with anger and he pointed a finger at Alfie. “You know, until you filled her head with lies, she was happy with me,” he said disgustedly.
Alfie scoffed at Tommy’s recollection. “Every man craves certainty, don’t he? Well, let me assure you, she wasn’t, mate. Not with a self-centered prick like you.”
With those words Tommy lunged for Alfie, but Alfie shoved him away harshly. Tommy came back at him with greater ferocity, throwing the first punch which landed squarely on Alfie’s lower jaw, cutting his lip open. As blood began to seep out of the cut, Alfie’s tongue darted out to lick it off and his anger grew. He countered with a swift punch to Tommy’s nose and then to his flank, watching as the smaller man doubled over with a groan. Alfie took the opportunity to lock a strong arm around Tommy's neck to subdue him, but that only made Tommy thrash harder. He kicked and wheezed beneath his grasp, desperate for oxygen before biting down hard on Alfie’s left hand. Throwing Alfie off balance, he forced the larger man to the ground and they tumbled one over the other, grappling for a hold. The crowd dispersed with gasps and screams as they watched the scene unfold before them.
You exited the back room at that moment and found Alfie straddling Tommy, the heel of his hand pushing against Tommy’s chiseled jaw. “Alfie, what are you doing? Stop!” you cried, running towards them. The men finally broke apart hearing your shrill cries and Alfie allowed you to pull him up to stand next to you as Tommy sat on the ground with his head between his hands, his tailored suit ruined by dirt and blood. After a few moments of silence and your concerned stare boring into him, Alfie spoke.
“Sorry, dove. Bit of housekeeping…long overdue,” he said quietly, chest still heaving from exertion.
You placed a hand over his heart and looked into his eyes. “Why don’t you go put some ice on your lip?” you suggested to put distance between the two men. He watched you for a moment wearily, tucking the hair behind your ear as he attempted to shield you from Tommy. “I’ll be alright,” you promised and he nodded. Trudging off toward the bar, he looked over his shoulder, giving Tommy one final glare.
You looked over at Tommy who had finally picked himself up asking, “Why did you have to do that?”
“You should ask your fiance,” Tommy said, dabbing at his nose with a handkerchief.
“Husband, Tommy. Why do you think I’m wearing a white dress?” you scoffed.
“M sorry. You look beautiful,” he said, looking down at the floor.
“Aren’t you going to congratulate me?” you prodded, hoping to prevail to his better nature.
Tommy let out a defeated sigh and raised his head. “I thought it would be you and me,” he said simply.
“Oh, Tommy,” you sighed. “So did I. For a long time….but we were never going to work. You were consumed by wealth and power. All I’ve ever wanted was love. I married Alfie in a registry office and we’re celebrating in a pub because I don’t give a shit about money. I don’t know that you ever believed that.”
Tommy looked away for a moment. He sniffed harshly before musing, “That’s it then. The end of us.”
You nodded and leaned into him, giving him a chaste peck on the cheek. “I wish you well, Tommy. I really do.”
Tommy pulled back, pressing a hand to his mouth. You noted the look of remorse in his eye and you realized you may have finally gotten through to him. Feeling sorry for him you asked, “Would you like to stay for a drink?”
He looked up at you hopefully as you added a warning, “No more fighting though!”
He let out an amused chuckle, “Not sure I can promise that, love.”
“Why? Is Arthur here as well?” you joked, surveying the crowd. Tommy laughed and you escorted him to the bar, pouring him three fingers of Irish whisky. You tucked yourself under Alfie’s strong arm as your husband raised a toast out toward all your friends and family.
“To fun and fucking!” he said with glee. “And forever” you added with a brilliant smile. Everyone around you cheered as you clinked glasses, even Tommy managed to clap because he had never seen you smile so brightly.
As you rested your full glass on the counter, Alfie gave you a peculiar look. “Don’t tell me you’re gonna waste the last of Solomon’s Finest Rum, darlin’?” he asked with furrowed brow. “You feelin’ alright after your little chat?” he asked pulling you into him and tilting your chin toward his face.
You brushed your lips over his and he hissed at the contact with his cut. You pressed into him as gently as possible, capturing his full lips in a soft kiss before breaking away to whisper, “More than alright. Already have Solomons finest in my belly, don’t I?” Alfie roared with laughter at your comment before pulling back to search your face. Your tears of joy were enough to make him pause. Then he wrapped you in his arms once more stroking your hair as he asked, “Not tears of regret or sadness, yeah?”
“I think that’s been eradicated long ago,” you assured him.
Warnings: angst, slight sexual content, talks of abortion, divorce, sexism, swearing
(2965 words)
(gif not mine)
Alfie Solomons did not have many friends. In fact, he did not have any friends, the closest he had to one would be his assistant, Ollie, who was terrified of him. It didn’t bother Alfie, he liked being alone, with his profession he was always surrounded by people, he was always talking, scheming, plotting. When he had time to spare, he enjoyed spending it alone, his own company was the only company he didn’t find absolutely unbearable.
Alfie Solomons’ life of solitude was something he thoroughly enjoyed. It was what made his relationship with the woman who lived across the road from him extremely confusing. Alfie wouldn’t say he was friends with his neighbour, but he thoroughly enjoyed her company, which was strange to him because he hadn’t even fucked her. He didn’t enjoy the company of women he wasn’t getting sexual gratification from.
A little sneaky peak at my newest little fic. Alfie Solomons x reader/oc. Alfie’s wife catches him with the factory cat and surprises him. I love the historical fiction aspect to Peaky blinders fanfics 💕
I was walking around the factory looking for mittens, my favourite factory cat. She’s a beautiful calico girl and still a young cat but she’s mothered a few litters and is pregnant with her third. She usually comes around to the bakery counter girls and I at lunch but she didn’t show up so I had to go looking for my lunchtime cat snuggles.
I headed to Alfie’s office to see if she snuck in there and had a nap in his chair. She does that sometimes but always gets kicked out when I’ve seen Alfie catch her there.
I swore I could hear someone in there as a turned the corner.
“Hello little madam. What’re you doing here? Hm. You’re about to pop, my little luv. You got, what, 10 babies in that belly?” Alfie cooed as I walked around to sneak a look in his office.
I give him a few moments to coo at mittens before knocking lightly as to not spook the cat.
“Who’s there? Oh luv, it’s just you. You’ve caught me.” Alfie huffed then his tone lightened when he realised it was me.
“I had a feeling you have a soft spot for pretty, pregnant ladies?” I giggled as I patted my still flat belly with a sly smile.
“What ya mean darlin’?…wait.” Alfie’s eyes widened as the realisation set in
Hey I'm so enjoying your event I know you did one already but would you be willing to do another 📜 with Alfie please.
A pirate's life for me(Alfie Solomons x Reader)
(Inspired by @druigmybeloved and her beautiful moodboard)
1800 AU.
Summary: Captain Alfie Solomons, has betrayed your family. And you, as a member of the Shelby dynasty, a long lineage in piracy, are there to take revenge. That is, if Alfie allows it. You've gotten yourself on Solomons' ship and there's a long voyage ahead, all the way to land.
Warnings: None. Just Alfie being a tease.
This fic is part of this event
"Get your hands off me!" you growled as you struggled with the young pirate named Ollie, who had you by the arm as he dragged you into the captain's cabin. "Son of a…"
The audacity. If you could have, if you hadn't been disarmed, that boy would now be hanging from the ship's mainmast. But you couldn't. And inevitably you were approaching Solomons' cabin. His voice reached you before his figure did.
"Put her down, Ollie, put her down, mate. She's only little." Alfie stopped and looked at you impassively. He would have given as much to see Queen Victoria herself as he would to see you. "Hello, Ms. Gray. Are you alone? Do you want to have a look at my boat? We're going to the Caribbean. 500 barrels, pretty impressive. Want a taste?"
"I don't want your rum. And of course I'm alone." The pirate in front of you was clearly bigger than you, but that didn't make you look down at him.
"You're brave, ain't you? Go away, Ollie, I've got this."
"I want my damn gun!" you shouted back as the boy heeded his captain and took off towards the gunwale.
"It ain't going to happen, sweetheart," said Alfie. "You want to kill me. Your cousin sent you, didn't he? Tom, he sent his best man - who's a woman. And what did Tommy tell you about me?"
"Nothing, Solomons. I don't ask questions, if they pay me enough, I do."
Alfie didn't smile but his expression turned amused "What a wonderful stowaway got on my boat. Intelligent, luv, but so am I."
He opened the door to his cabin and invited you in. It was crammed with stuff. Probably possessions of his own and just as many that he had stolen from enemy ships. The fame that the pirate Solomons had was told on the seven seas. Tommy had done business with him, but it had not gone well. Traitorous pirate. So there you were, to defend your family's honor because you bore the Gray name like your mother but let no one say you weren't a Shelby and born knowing how to sail a ship. And that night Alfie Solomons was going to die and with the price on his head, you would buy your own boat.
Alfie found your temper fascinating. That you had grown up with his friend Tommy there was no doubt, he could see his mannerisms in you too. Gray or Shelby didn't matter, Alfie loved having fun with that family. And if someone from that family came to his ship uninvited, all the better.
"As I was saying…" Alfie settled into his chair, while you sat in the one across his table "intelligence, yes. I don't doubt you possess it. But you underestimate me, love. I saw you board the ship two days ago, hiding among the pile of barrels. At first I thought you were a fugitive, you wouldn't be the first to try to sneak in, then I found out. Your cousin told me about you, I knew who you were."
"Good! Better! You save me time introducing me, Solomons."
"You're fierce. But you know you'll be back in the cellar but this time behind bars, right?" the man tilted his head looking at you with intrigue.
"Before or after I accomplish what I came here to do?"
Now Alfie was really laughing. You frowned, didn't he know who you were? Didn't he know he wouldn't be the first one you shot? You were there when Tommy killed the Billy, the pirate, Kimber and you had helped your cousin get back what was family. And not just at sea, but on land too.
"That depends, love" Alfie leaned back on top of his desk, bringing his face close to where you were. "How will you do it? As far as I can see, the only thing you could kill me with is if you kissed me breathless. In which case, do it, I'm not going to put up a fight."
"Fuck me, Solomons. Before I kiss you, I'll let myself get eaten by a shark first."
"Be careful what you say, Ms. Gray, we're in the middle of the sea and sharks are in abundance. And by the way, 'Fuck me, Solomons'? You know what, love? We're at least a month away from land. By the end of the trip, I assure you it's going to happen."
"Is that a challenge?" arrogant fucker. Sexy arrogant fucker. That wasn't going to happen, no matter how attractive you found him. Tommy hadn't said anything about the charisma of the man in front of you who had his face inching closer and closer to yours.
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