Hi, I'm Lee! I'm an adult who enjoys reading and writing fanfiction in my spare time. Sometimes that includes dark themes or nsfw. Please read all warnings carefully.
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Summary; Jacqueline needs help, the Wallace family grows, Cassie tries to help Sean without telling him.
Warnings; Smut all of it unprotected & typical gangs violence. Minions DNI, Mature themes & Sexual content.
Word count; A little more tame this time 8.1k
Header & Dividers by @cillmequick 😘 - Birdie belongs to Alex you can find her story here. 🥰 Once again a massive thank you Alex for being my Beta Bestie™ 😘
This isn't canon to Gangs Of London - Some topics have been taken from the series but not in the same concept/timeline.
Complete fiction - Cassie is my creation.
Masterlist | Souls
Part Fifteen - Safe Hands.
Jacqueline wasn't expecting her mother on her doorstep before 10am on a Wednesday morning, any kind of visit from her mother was an unwelcome one. She pulls the slice of over buttered toast from her mouth, brushes the crumbs from her dress.
"Mum, what are you doing here?"
Marian makes her way into the hall without being invited in, "I came to visit my very pregnant daughter after I find out from my son that she was in hospital just a few days ago"
"and what do you really want?"
Jac pulls two mugs from the shelves above the kettle, as Marian starts to answer her "I spoke to Sean, he had some interesting information"
Marian takes a seat at the kitchen island, Jac flicks the kettle on, dumping her cold slice of toast on a nearby plate.
"Mother just come out with it, I'm in no mood for your cryptic messages"
Marian swipes crumbs from the side before she leans her arms on it, "He told me, you told him"
"About what?" She narrows her eyes, Marian sighs "about the lie we told that girl"
"Cassie, not saying her name doesn't magically banish her from the kingdom" Jac laughs lightly at herself.
Marian ignores her, narrowing her eyes at her only daughter.
"I just can't understand why you would tell him after so long"
"It was only six months and if you hadn't noticed he was miserable" she hands her a cup of tea.
"Miserable? While running around London with Hollie?"
"He was using Hollie" She sighs, taking a seat on the sofa, not even attempting the higher island chairs at this point in her pregnancy.
"Well in the end he would have come to his senses" Marian shrugs, "Telling him has just caused him to drop the ball on the business for a few weeks, we can't have him dropping the ball"
"We can't? or you can't?"
"Jacqueline, you're so bitter for no reason every time I see you"
"Are you seriously telling me I have no right to be hostile around you?"
Marian sips from her tea, "Are you still hung up on James?"
Jacqueline slams her cup on the table, "Hung up…are you serious?"
"You don't think I should be hung up on the death of my husband? Hung up on the death of my unborn babies father? at the hands of my own family?"
"Jac-"
"You kept his involvement in the business a secret from me until it was too late"
"It wasn't like that.."
Jacqueline shakes her head "I could see exactly how this was heading with Sean. I couldn't stand by while he lost the love of his life, couldn't watch him think she left him"
"I couldn't watch it happen all over again, I've been through it and Sean didn't deserve it"
Marian sighs, "Jac, I was doing this for the business. Sean needed redirection. That girl was getting in the way"
"That girl loves your son, loves him so much that she's going to try and see past how awful his family is and be with him again"
"She's coming back and you can't stop it from happening"
"She's back already, she answered his work phone" Marian rolls her eyes.
"He loves her, you're going to ruin your own relationship with Sean if you keep acting this way"
"He'll see sen-"
"No, he'll choose Cassie over you, he already has"
"Jacqueline, you gave him that option when you told him the truth"
"I'm glad I did, he deserves to be happy, fuck knows this family makes everyone miserable. He deserves happiness away from it"
Marian stands up, leaving her cup of tea untouched "your problem Jacqueline is your always trying to pull away from the family, you done it when you married James and you're doing it again"
Jac laughs at her "I married James so I could be loved by someone who knew how to be loving and kind, and you ruined that. You and dad went behind my back and ripped it away from me"
Marian picks up her handbag "James made his own decision to help your father, we didn't force him"
Jacqueline shrugs "You didn't stop him either"
Marian rolls her eyes "I wasn't his mother"
"That wouldn't have mattered" She scoffs, as Marian approaches the front door.
"You and your brother are exactly the same, both of you blame me and your father for how you've turned out"
Folding her arms on top of her her bump Jacqueline sighs, "No, we blame you both for how you forced us into this shitty life, pretending that giving us all the material things would make up for everything else"
Marian's grip tightens on the door handle "We set you up for life, we set all three of you up and how did you repay us?"
"Oh I'm sure you're going to enlighten me"
"Billy repays us with drug binges and disappearing for days on end, you've repaid us by cutting us out of your life and my grandchild's life and Sean, he's repaid us by continuing things with that girl. I'm not sure which one is worse"
"Oh mum, when are you going to actually stop trying to get us to feel sorry for you"
Marian tugs open the door "Goodbye Jacqueline"
-
"Come in" Sean calls, the knock on the door to his office subsides as it opens.
"Are you busy?" Cassie asks as she steps in, Sean gets up from his chair.
"Not when you're here" he smiles, making his way over to her.
"Everything going ok?" he asks, leaning to press a kiss to her forehead.
"Yeah, I was just doing some digging for you. I think I've found her" She places her laptop on his desk, Sean leans over her shoulder. Cassie turns her head so she can kiss him.
"Floriana Elezi" she points at the screen, "There was some other paperwork in that folder of your dads, she's all over his bank accounts and there's a flat in Kentish Town under both their names"
"Her flat isn't too far from where your dad was found" she points to the address, "I think that's her own flat, from what I can gather they'd only just purchased the Kentish Town one"
"Her name also confirms the yacht your mum found details for" she pulls out the folder containing all the information of a yacht purchase a few months before Finn was killed.
Sean smiles "Maybe we could pay her a visit?"
Cassie grins, Sean lips move down her neck nipping against the skin, "I think we should" she sighs.
-
"My mum called this morning" Sean pulls out of the office carpark, flicking a look across to Cassie.
He watches as she stiffens slightly at the mention of Marian, lip pulled tight between her teeth.
"Yeah?" She's looking out the window, her knee bouncing in anticipation "Yeah, she's been asking to see me, again"
"Do you want too?" She asks, turning to look at him "Not particularly, no"
"Then don't" she slides her hand onto his thigh "It's your life, Sean"
"I know but it's hard to hear her so upset" he shrugs, turning at the traffic lights "Yeah of course, I get that"
"But I can't forgive her, what she done to me, to you. How she tried to ruin us" his knuckles tighten on the steering wheel "Now I know why Jac keeps her at a distance"
Cassie squeezes his thigh "Whatever you do, I'll support you"
Sean covers her hand with his, "I know, I just haven't decided yet"
She nods, "You don't have to straight away"
Sean thanks her for understanding, they fall into silence until he turns into the car lined street.
He turns to her after he's parked, hooking his fingers under her chin. Eyes locked on hers "I'm so happy to have you back and I don't want her to ruin anything for us"
Cassie smiles "She won't, just don't leave us in a room alone"
Sean laughs lightly before he gets out of the car "Never"
He holds the car door open for her, kissing her softly before he lets her out. "What are you going to say to this woman?" She asks.
Sean shrugs as they head towards the house "Hi, I think you were fucking my dad before he died"
Cassie shoves him, he wraps his arm around her waist "no don't lead with the fucking"
"Oh? Too forward?" He smirks
"Maybe a bit" they head up the path to the front door.
"It wasn't for you when we first met" he teases, knocking on the front door "yeah well like I've said before I was pretty desperate" she presses onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
"Is that so?" He laughs as the door opens, they pull apart "Hello?" The woman frowns at them.
Sean straightens up "I'm Sean….Sean Wallace and I think you knew my father"
The ear piercing wail from somewhere behind her, makes her sigh "you better come in" she holds the door open for them.
-
Cassie and Sean wait in the kitchen as she disappears up the stairs, "do you think she's married?" Cassie whispers, Sean's eyes are darting around the room.
"No I'm not" Floriana appears with a baby on her hip "oh" Cassie nods "this is Zeek, your fathers son"
Sean blinks, a look of confusion on his face "my fathers what?"
"Son, I had your fathers baby"
Sean is silent, eyes locked on the baby in her arms. "My half brother?" He asks, Floriana shrugs "yes I suppose"
Cassie turns to look at Sean, he gives her a nod letting her know he's ok. "So you were seeing my father"
Floriana nods "We were in love, he was going to leave your mother for me"
Cassie watches as Sean draws a deep breath at her words "do you know who killed him?"
She shakes her head "He wasn't with me at the time, he had left hours before because I revealed my pregnancy"
She looks at the little boy "he didn't want me to go through with it"
"I don't care about the pregnancy" Sean snaps "he was an awful Father this baby wouldn't have been treated any differently by him"
Cassie knows he's hurt, he loves his dad, has looked up to him. He's trying to hurt her, this woman who was going to ruin their lives.
"He was fond of you and siblings" she argues back "fond of us when we done his dirty work yeah"
"So you knew he had a family?" Cassie's asks, Floriana nods "I did"
Sean takes another deep breath, he goes to speak but she interrupts.
She sighs "if you're here for answers I have none"
Sean nods, holds out his hand for Cassie "fine, let's go"
He doesn't wait for her to take his hand, he stalks out of the kitchen back onto the street.
Cassie gives her a small smile "if you want to talk this is my number" she hands her a business card, Floriana thanks her.
-
Sean's hand is wrapped around her bunched up t-shirt pressing against her stomach. Holding her against the sofa, she's on her back legs bent, mouth open as she whines for him. Begs him to to stop teasing her, to just fuck her, please.
He teases his cock through her soaked slit, taps the head against her clit making her body shudder as she cries out.
"Look at you, so needy huh?" He hums, his free hand tangling with hers "Need my cock?"
"Yes please, please" she pouts at him, reaching for his cock, "No" he laughs, "No touching"
Cassie lets out a frustrated moan head thrown back, as he slowly presses the head of his cock against her needy pussy "Want me to fill you up?"
She nods, he taps against her cheek "Use your words, darling"
"Sean I swear to god, if you don't fu-" he shuts her up with a swift push of his cock into her, fills her to the hilt as she cries out.
Sean smirks, "Is that what you need, baby?"
Her eyes flutter open, she has a sloppy grin on her face "Yeah, need you" she hums, hands pressing against his chest.
"I'm here" he soothes, rocking his hips slowly down, her pussy contracts around him "I've got you"
She hooks her leg against back, he grabs her hand holding it above her head as he speeds up his pace. Pressing her harder into the sofa, she knows he's frustrated after their visit to Floriana
She knows he's wanting to release the tension, and she isn't going to deny him. Having him buried inside her isn't something she's going to start refusing.
"So wet, Cass" he hums, "only I can get you this wet, huh?"
She nods, "yes, fuck so wet for you, only you" she whines, "your girl"
Sean smiles squeezing her hand "All mine baby, all mine" he dips his head, lips catching hers.
-
"She knows more than she let on" Sean lights the joint as Cassie comes back from the bathroom, cleaned up and in his jumper.
She plucks the joint from his lips before he's barely had a substantial toke, settles on the sofa next to him legs curled under herself, she takes a drag. "I could go alone? Speak to her?"
Sean shakes his head "I couldn't ask you to do that"
He's watching her, flushed cheeks, hair messed up, lips swollen, all because of him. He still has moments where he can't believe he's got her back.
Cassie hands him the joint back, letting him take a proper drag this time. "You didn't, I'm offering?"
She leans across to grab the nail polish off the coffee table, bending her leg resting her foot on his thigh "don't move"
She starts with the red paint on her toe nails as Sean thinks it over. "I don't want you to meet her alone"
She looks up at him, nail polish in her hands she pouts, he gets the hint presses the joint to her lips "Sean-"
Smoke billows between them as he speaks, "No, Cass. I don't want you involved in this. I've got people trying to kill me"
"I'll go somewhere public, ask her to bring the baby surely tha-"
Sean shakes his head "Cassie, these people don't care about babies or wives. I don't want you to go"
Cassie nods "Fine, ok" she hands him the pot of polish, he rests the joint on the ash tray taking it from her. She shuffles round to get in a better position.
They sit in silence as she finishes off, Cassie can tell he's overthinking it. She flicks a look up at him, he's watching her.
"I just want you safe, ok?" He hands her back the pot, she nods "Yeah, I know"
He leans to kiss her, before picking the joint back up. His phone vibrating across the coffee table distracts them, Elliot's name on the screen.
Sean groans, sliding to answer. Cassie tidies up around him as he chats with Elliot.
"You'll have to pick me up, mate. Had a joint with the missus" he grins at Cassie she flips him off. He makes plans and hangs up.
"Work?" She asks from the kitchen, watching as he stands from the sofa stretches out with a yawn "Yeah sorry Cass"
She shrugs "it's ok, I can lay around naked waiting for you"
Sean grins, "So in reality you're going to get into bed in one of my T-shirts and scroll through social media?"
She meets him between the kitchen and the lounge, "You know me so well"
He bends his head to kiss her lips "I shouldn't be long Elliot has a lead in Kentish Town which is a bit of coincidence"
"Maybe there's more than we think happening there"
Sean nods, pulling away so he can get changed "You'll be safe though?" She asks immediately biting her lip with worry.
This is the first time he's left in the evening for work relating to his fathers death, she tries to push the feeling of dread down.
The thought of Elliot dragging him semi-conscious through the door of their home this time, the crimson blood splashing on the hardwood floor, the way it would stain into the wood and she would have to see it everyday for the rest of their lives.
She can't bare the thought of holding pressure against another gunshot wound, trying to stop the blood pouring out of his body. Her hands covered in the sticky warm substance, the metallic scent filling her nose.
"Cass" his voice breaks through her thoughts, pulling her back into the bedroom. She gives him a small smile, "Sorry, I was somewhe-"
"I'll be safe, I promise" he cups her chin in his palm, she nods "I'll wait up for you"
He leans forward to kiss her, slow, tongues rolling together "You don't have to" he mutters lips still touching.
"Want too" she replies, he presses his lips harder against hers letting her lick into his mouth, her hands gripping onto his arms
"Stay" she hums, lips inches from his. Eyes locked on each other.
Sean smiles against her lips "Elliot's on his way I-"
Cassie grins at him "I know"
-
Cassie is laying sprawled out in the bed, the TV playing some brain numbing reality show that she has no interest in.
As she scrolls through her phone, Sean's call takes over the screen.
Her heart's pounding as she accepts and puts him on speaker. Her mind racing with all the possibilities of what could have happened to him.
"What's wrong?" She sits up straighter, immediately thinking the worse.
"I'm fine, I promise. I just need you to go be with Jac" there's commotion in the background.
"Why is she ok?"
"She's in labour, I can't get hold of Billy and she's refusing to see mum and I can't leave here right now. Please Cass"
"Sean I'm not saying no but surely she has someone else to go be with her. A friend or someone from James' family? She can't want me there, she hardly knows me"
"Cass, she really doesn't have anyone, James' family blame her for his death and her friends are all nurses - probably all on shift. I don't want her to do this alone, please"
"Let me get changed and I'll go. Where is she?" She gets out of bed pulling items of clothing from the back of chairs and the wardrobe.
"The Royal London, I've already got Tim on the way to pick you up"
"Ok, great I'll head down and wait for him. Does she know I'm coming?"
"Yeah, her neighbour is taking her in and will stay until someone gets there. Cass I can't have her doing this alone"
"Sean, calm down ok? I'm getting changed, grabbing my things and I'll be downstairs waiting for Tim" she's stumbling around the bedroom as she dresses.
"Thank you, I'll come as soon as I can"
"I know you will, don't worry"
"Fuck, I love you Cass"
"I love you, now hang up stop worrying and call me when you've managed to free yourself up to come"
-
There's commotion outside of the maternity suite, raised voices. Cassie frowns surely this ward should be peaceful. Jacqueline is an hour and a half into her labour with no end in sight. Her contractions haven't worsened, the right strap around her stomach is monitoring the baby.
The melodic chime of the machines signalling all was ok with both mother and baby.
"Do you know what you're having?" Cassie asks.
Jac shakes her head "No, we always said it would be a surprise and I've kept that promise to him"
Cassie gives her a small smile "What was he like?"
Jacqueline sighs, closing her eyes "You don't want to hear me ramble on about my dead husband"
Cassie laughs, squeezing her hand quickly "I'm here for you and if you would like to ramble on about him I'm all ears"
Jacqueline gives her a smile, shuffling in the bed for a different position, before she can say anything else the door opens letting in the noise of the busy ward. Jacqueline groans as she spots the visitor.
Cassie's body tenses as she locks eyes with her, the ringing in her ears a sure sign of her panic.
"Those people out there telling me I can't come in and she's here?" Marian frowns the minute she see's Cassie, Jac lets out a long frustrated sigh.
"I don't want you here" she hisses, Cassie hands her a glass of water "Don't stress, Jac"
"I'm your mother, I should be here"
Cassie catches the look Jacqueline gives her, she nods "Marian, she's in the middle of having a baby I think she gets to decide what she wants"
Marian has her arms folded across her middle, eyes burning into the side of Cassie's face "You think? You of all people think you know whats best in this situation?"
"Mum-"
"No, its unbelievable that you'd have this girl you hardly know in the room with you while I'm forced to leave"
"Maybe we should go outside, Jac doesn't need this" Cassie suggests.
Marian doesn't move, in a silent battle with Cassie to see who will give in first.
"Mum, just get out. leave me alone - I don't want you here"
Cassie stands by the door, "Marian, she needs space to be able to do this"
Marian looks over at Jacqueline, she can't understand why her only daughter wants her out of the room during such a big moment in both their lives. "Please mum"
Jac's voice is softer than before, almost pleading with her. She finally nods, leaving the room. Cassie following her out.
"You've got some nerve, how dare you think you have any right to be in there with her" She doesn't hold back as the door shuts behind them.
Cassie takes a seat on one of the small plastic chairs "She needed someone, Sean asked her and she was more than happy to have me here"
Marian is still standing, towering over her in her heels "You don't get to waltz into this family and throw everything off, Cassandra"
"I've thrown nothing off. I'm being supportive, I'm accepting that this family does some shitty things and trying to be happy with Sean"
"I'm her mother it should be me in there"
Cassie stands up, making her way back to the door "she doesn't want that and as a mother you should respect her wishes"
-
Jac is gripping onto Cassie's hand, she's not sure how long ago she lost all feeling in her fingers.
"God Cass you don't know how lucky you are not wanting kids" Jac pants, head pushed back against the mattress. "This is fucking torture"
Cassie holds back a laugh, wiping Jacs brow with a face cloth "he told you then?"
"Yeah the other week, it's probably for the best we don't want too many babies bought into this fucked up family"
The midwife looks between the two girls, an amused smile on her face.
"Jacqueline, on your next contraction I want a big push right down into the mattress"
"I can't do that I'm exhausted" she huffs out a frustrated breath, Cassie pushes her sweat drenched hair from her forehead.
"You have to Jac, no one else is getting this baby out of you"
Jacqueline meets Cassie's gaze, "I want to fucking hate you so much Cassandra" she laughs through another tightening of her abdomen.
"Oh right? So me being here isn't cementing our sisterly bond?"
"Oh fuck off" she wails clutching at Cassie's hand, baring down into the mattress. She falls back with a long sigh, "I just need a break, please"
The midwife nods "We can try but baby has a mind of their own at this stage"
Cassie squeezes her hand, "You're doing so well Jac"
"If I shit myself that's really going to give us a unbreakable bond" she whines.
-
Cassie is grateful when Sean walks through the door two hours later, Jac is in a fresh nightgown, a sleeping baby in her arms.
She watches the emotion flicker across his face as he leans over to have the first glimpse of his niece. Cassie can feel the emotion radiating off him.
"Another girl to look after" Jac hums as Sean wipes at his eyes.
"Don't get soppy, where did you just come from? Some big gangster mission and now you're crying over this"
Sean shakes his head "fuck off Jac"
He presses a soft kiss to Jac's head with a laugh as Cassie joins him, he wraps his arm around her waist pulling her tight against his side.
"Does she have a name?" Sean asks, Jacqueline nods "Lily June"
"Hi Lily June" he hums, Cassie is watching him closely, she can tell he's smitten already.
"Look at her, we've got a niece" he beams, Cassie nods "Well you have"
"You're definitely Auntie Cass" Jacqueline smiles, "You were here from the moment she came into the world"
Cassie bites at her lip, feeling Sean's fingers press into her side "Really?"
"Really, you welcomed her into the Wallace Family even though most of the Wallace family have been awful to you"
Cassie looks up at Sean he leans to press a kiss to her forehead, "oh fuck sake stop it" she laughs as her own tears push from her waterline.
"I'll leave you two and get some coffee? Do you want any food Jac?" She wipes at her cheeks, moving from Sean to grab her bag.
"Just a coffee please" she smiles.
Sean pulls Cassie back to kiss her "You alright?"
"Going to the hospital shop on my own? I think so" she smirks.
Sean rolls his eyes, as she leaves the room, taking one last look over her shoulder at the siblings and the new addition to the family cradled in Sean's arms.
-
"Cassandra, wait!"
Her voice rips through her as she heads back from the shop. Cassie knows she will never feel anything but anger and panic when she hears Marian's voice.
"Cassandra, how dare you ignore me"
Cassie turns round, "Now you know how it feels"
Marian frowns "are you doing this to get back at me?"
Cassie huffs out a laugh "Marian, I don't do anything with you in mind. In fact I don't think about you at all. And today all I'm doing is respecting Jacqueline's wishes"
She watches as the older woman takes in what she's said "You've ruined this whole family"
Cassie takes a steadying breath, holds back the laugh she can feel bubbling at the back of her throat.
"Marian, I think you started to ruin this family long before I came along and then you made it worse when you faked your sons death"
"Is that always going to be thrown in my face?"
Marian looks as if she can't quite believe Cassie is bringing it up. As if it wasn't just a few weeks ago that everything had come out.
"Yes! It's was a disgusting thing to do, and then I find out about Jac's husband and it all makes sense now. You hate losing control of your children, you need to be the one with power"
"Cassandra-"
"But your children are adults, they don't need you interfering"
"You need to watch what you say to me, Sean will-"
"He'll what? Take your side? I doubt he's going to do that after what you put him through, he's seen you for what you are. Why do you think he's keeping his distance from you? it's not because of me"
"It's all because of you"
"It's really not, you done this yourself all those months ago and it was only a matter of time before the truth came out. It didn't end how you thought it would. He loves me and he came looking for me"
"Sean will see you for who you really are" Marian hisses.
Cassie lets out a laugh this time, watches as Marian looks shocked at her outburst.
"And who is that? Because I've never been anything but myself with him, he knows me. You don't know me, you've never took time to get to know me"
Cassie catches the look of frustration on her face, the realisation that she's not getting her way this time.
"If you'd excuse me I should get back to the room" she pushes past her, leaving Marian stood in the middle of the corridor.
Cassie takes a moment outside of Jac's door, taking deep steadying breaths, shook up from her confrontation with Marian, on edge that she's going to be constantly interfering in their lives.
The door opens, Sean appears with a grin that she knows won't leave his face for a while.
"Cass, are you alright?" he asks, holding out his hand, Cassie smiles back at him nodding "Yeah, you're here" she takes his hand heading back into the room.
-
They'd left the hospital once Jac was settled. Sean had finally given Baby Lily back to her mum and agreed to let her sleep.
"You looked like a natural holding her" Cassie reaches across to rest her hand on his thigh as he drives them home.
Sean quickly looks across to her "We're not having babies"
"Oh god no, not at all" Cassie laughs "Couldn't think of anything worse"
Sean squeezes her hand as he laughs "Although you'd look amazing pregnant"
"No I'm not indulging you. Its not happening" she pinches his thigh lightly.
"I know, we both don't want it. I'm allowed to imagine you all knocked up and glowing though" he teases.
"Could have told me about this breeding kink before I fell in love with you" she cackles.
Sean reaches across to squeeze her knee making her squeal as his fingers dig in "fuck off Cass"
She bats his hand away "you fuck off"
"God, I love you" he hums his grin giving him the cute crinkles by his eyes "love you" she smiles.
It was creeping close to late evening by the time they get back, both wide awake, she knew they'd be up for a few hours yet.
The joint they'd had early evening a long forgotten memory, the mellow buzz had been ripped away with work calls, Jacqueline and the birth of baby Lily.
Both of them buzzing with something drugs wouldn't be able to achieve.
Sean stops in his tracks on his way out of the bedroom, he's still not over her being back. She's curled on the sofa laptop in front of her, tapping away at the keypad working on contracts for the company.
Cassie senses him watching her, "What?" She laughs, pushing her laptop away. Sean shrugs "I have something of yours"
Cassie frowns "Huh? What there's loads of my stuff here, I live here"
Sean disappears back into the bedroom, appearing moments later holding out her dressing gown, she squeals uncurling herself from the sofa "Where was it?" She asks as he hands it over.
"Shoved in the back of the wardrobe"
"I tried to buy a new one and I couldn't find one anywhere" she buries her nose in the soft fleece.
Sean snorts out a laugh "I'm not surprised, look at how hideous it is" She throws him a look ignoring his comment, "you kept it?"
Sean grabs her round the waist "Of course I did, it's you it's the only thing I had of you"
Cassie smiles, pulling him down with her onto the sofa, he hovers over her "I love you"
Sean pecks his lips against her nose "I love you" he hums back, pushing his leg between her knees.
She pushes her hands under his T-shirt, his skin warm against her palms. She moves her hands slowly down to the waistband of his sweat shorts, pushing her fingers in.
"Oh, no boxers?" She smirks, Sean takes a shuddered breath as her finger graze across his semi-hard cock.
"Want to be comfortable" he sighs, legs bucking slightly as she curls her fingers round him, she uses her free hand to push his shorts down to his ankles.
Eyes fixed on his cock as it springs free, hitting against the hem of his t-shirt, "what's got you like this" she hums, looking up at him.
"You? I don't know" he laughs stepping from his shorts pushing them across the floor with his foot, "just you being here, it's dangerous"
"Do you need me to move out?" She giggles, slowly moving her hand on his solid length.
"Not at all" he licks his lips, his hand pushing into her hair "Going to suck it or play with it?"
Cassie gives him a look, as he tugs at her hair "I was going to sit on it"
"Fuck sake, Cass" he huffs out a laugh on the back of a deep groan.
"But if you don't want me to then I w-"
Sean lifts her from the sofa before she can finish her sentence. In one quick motion he's pulled her shorts and underwear to the side, fingers pressing between her folds, thumb finding her clit.
She pulls his top up and over his head throwing it in the direction of floor. Bends her head to suck and nip at his chest. His cock pressing into her inner thigh.
The high pitched whine falls from her parted lips as his fingers settle back against her cunt, as she grips onto his shoulder, pushes her hips down to his fingers. Sighing as he slips two into her plush heat.
"Sean" she gasps, head falling back, his fingers stroking against her walls "fuck"
He leans forward pressing his lips against hers, her tongue running across his lips, he opens his mouth letting her tongue roll against his. Fingers still pumping into her.
Her hand slides down his chest, as she rocks herself against his fingers. Sean gets the hint pulling his fingers from her heat, tapping them against her lips.
She sucks them into her mouth, the taste of herself on her tongue. Sean curls his hand around his cock, she opens her mouth so he can pull his fingers out.
Cassie lifts her hips allowing herself room to lower herself down onto his cock, letting the head push between her folds, nudging at her entrance as she presses down.
His mouth falls open as he nestles in her wet warmth, her grip on his shoulders tightens as she adjusts to him filling her completely.
"You alright?" He asks, his voice hoarse.
She nods, "better now"
Sean grins at her, pushing his hand into her curls cupping her face "just needed this huh?"
"Always" she nods, rolling her hips.
Sean pushes his hands under her top, pulling it up as she raises her arms in the air for him to remove it fully. He runs his hands under her breast around the sides, before squeezing them in his palms watching as her lip catches between her teeth.
"Fuck please Sean" she whines, as he pulls at her nipples.
Leaning forward to running his tongue over the hardened buds.
He's trying to concentrate on her body, but the pleasure she's giving him with every gentle move of her hips is pulling his mind elsewhere.
Watching as she bears down on him, her thighs pressing against his, she leans forward to kiss him, peppering kisses across to his ear "love when you watch me" she hums.
Her breath hot against his skin, his hands fall to rest on her hips "Love watching you"
He guides her movements, helping her speed up. "Fuck Cass, that's it baby. Bounce on it"
She's pushing herself up bouncing against his thighs, panting as he lifts his hips to fill her every time she sinks down.
"Take me so well" he praises, her hands planted in his chest "Sean fuck I can't, please"
He smirks, "Need me to take over?"
She nods, her curls bouncing around her face. He lifts her off his lap, laying her back on the sofa removing her shorts and underwear fully off over his shoulder. Positioning himself between her legs, teasing his cock through her folds, before he slides into her.
Sean pushes her legs back bent up and apart as he hammers forward, pushing himself into her, stretching her cunt around his cock.
"Look at you, so fucking beautiful" he sighs, she looks wrecked, cheeks pink, hair sticking to her forehead, mouth open trying to take in much needed air.
"You look handsome all fucked out buried inside me" she teases him, Sean groans, rocking his hips down.
Cassie wraps her legs around his waist, holding him tighter against her "Going to fill me up? I need it" she hums, batting her lashes at him,
He huffs out a laugh, his breath catching in his throat "Yeah? Want to be full of me? All fucked out and full of my cum?"
Cassie nods eagerly, her cunt fluttering around him "Yeah please, fill me up I deserve it" she pouts.
"Oh? You do?"
"Yes, I had a stressful evening" she smirks "I can see how being there while someone else gives birth is stressful"
"So stressful" she pushes her hips up, her pussy contracting around him making his hips stutter.
"Poor baby," he smiles, thrusting into her making her eyes roll back.
Sean pounds into her, her legs dropping from around his waist as she grabs at his shoulders.
"Fuck Cass, fuck fuck" he's panting head dropped forward watching as he pushes back into her cunt, the way she opens up for him just to snap tight around him moments later.
His hips stall as he empties into her with a deep moan, mouth hanging open as he starts to messily roll his hips down into her, "Cum for me Cass" he groans.
She presses her finger to her clit, Sean bats her hand away, replacing it with his own "That's my job" he smirks.
Cassie nods, finally giving into the sensation that burns through her body, her pussy clenching around his spent cock, as she whimpers for him, cries out his name as she cums.
Cassie sits up, Sean is lounging back on the sofa, trying to catch his breath, she looks at him over her shoulder.
"I don't think HR would approve of that during the work day"
Sean laughs, pinching teasingly at her side "You haven't signed a contract yet"
They'd decided Cassie would work for the Wallace Company, mainly on the less legal imports and the construction leases that were a cover for drug storage. As well as keeping his inbox and calendar organised.
Ed and Alex hadn't been overly thrilled, but Sean pulled his owner of the company trump card out and overruled them.
Cassie comes back into the lounge a while later after freshening up, Sean is changed into joggers relaxing on the sofa his laptop in front of him.
He looks up with the biggest grin, she's in the dressing gown her hair piled on her head "I'm home" she giggles, Sean is sure his heart is going to burst with love.
He holds his hands out for her "Come here, look at the state of you" he chuckles.
She joins him on the sofa, leaning to kiss him before she stretches out her legs across his.
"Do you mind?" He gestures towards his laptop
She shakes her head "No, I need to catch up with Birdie anyway" she flashes her phone at him, "Going to tell her I became an auntie today"
Sean grins at her, squeezing her knee, before they settle into their usual comfortable silence.
'Hi Cassandra, it's Floriana. Can we meet?'
'Hi, yes of course! Where would you like to meet?'
'Broomfield Park? There's a cafe there'
'Perfect, I can do tomorrow or Friday afternoon'
'Tomorrow works, please don't bring Sean'
'I won't. 1pm tomorrow?'
'Yes'
Cassie flicks back to her messages with Birdie, she had hoped Floriana would contact her. She wants to try and help Sean solve the mystery of Finn's death or at least get him some more information to help him piece things together.
But, she knew he wouldn't want her to go. She knew exactly how the conversation would go, of course he was only looking out for her but she could handle this one thing.
She'd make an excuse, to be out of the office for the afternoon.
'Hey Bird, how's life with your new roommate? Can I ask a favour?'
'Bonnie he's a pig, living with boys is horrendous how do you do it? Yes, I guess so what is it?'
'Sean is a delightful boy. If I ping you a location tomorrow and we agree a time for me to contact you by would that be something you could do?'
'That's because he's got you under his spell with his dick and god knows what else. You mean if you don't contact me I send your location to the police so they can find your dead body?'
'Oh yeah that sweetens the deal massively! Yeah basically, is that okay?'
'You're unbelievable. I mean I'd rather you didn't go but yes ok I can do that. Do I want to know what you've got yourself into?'
'I'm sure you ignore things Steve does because of his dick…which is gross to type because old man!!! I need to go, I won't tell you yet I'll tell you after'
'He's not that old! Fine whatever. I take it Sean doesn't know?'
'I meannnnn he's pretty old Bird! No he doesn't and it needs to stay that way'
'I'm ignoring you. Ffs Bonnie be careful yeah?'
'Of course. Love you x'
'Love you x'
She decides against telling Birdie about Lily, she didn't have the energy to explain how she could go from hating Jac for months to being there at the birth of her daughter in just a short few weeks.
-
Cassie spots Floriana before she notices her, she's pushing Zeek in a sleek black pushchair. She gives a small wave as she spots Cassie.
"Thanks for coming" Cassie smiles, as Floriana adjusts the pushchair on the far side of the table, Zeek is smiling up at Cassie.
She wiggles her fingers at him making him break out in a cheeky grin.
"He's very cute" she comments, as Floriana takes her seat "I think he looks like Finn, did you know him?"
Cassie shakes her head "No, I met Sean after he passed"
Floriana nods, "you make a striking couple"
Cassie smiles at her, taking a sip of her water "oh thanks, it's still fairly new"
"Well I hope you'll both be very happy for years to come" she smiles.
"Finn loved his sons" she adds, "he was really proud of them"
Cassie nods slowly, "did you know him long?"
"A few years, but we weren't together properly for more than six months"
"So you got pregnant quickly?" She looks up as a waitress comes over, Floriana orders a coffee and a sandwich. Cassie does the same, handing over her card to pay for both.
"I could have got my own"
"It's fine," Cassie dismisses her offer. "But no in answer to your question we were sleeping together for more than a year"
"And he didn't want you to go through with the pregnancy?" Cassie didn't want to push her but she wanted something to take back to Sean.
"No, we argued about it regularly. I refused to terminate our child, my precious Zeek" she rocks the pushchair gently.
Cassie stays silent, letting her talk.
"The night, he was killed he had left after a massive row. Left me begging him to stay with me" she takes a deep breath "and then I found out a week later he was dead"
Cassie's heart tugs, remembering how it felt to be told the man you love had died. At least for her she got Sean back.
"He promised me a future and then it was ripped from me"
She looks down at Zeek, he was happily gurgling to himself.
"Do you think he would have left his wife?" Cassie asks.
"Yes, I do. He had plans he was going to leave the business behind. He'd been putting things in place for a while"
She pauses, picks up her coffee sipping slowly. "The investors knew about his plans, if Sean wants to get answers or revenge he needs to talk to them"
Cassie frowns "do you think they wanted to kill him?"
Floriana shrugs, "they wanted something to happen to him, they weren't pleased he was trying to leave"
"The investors will be hard for him to track, from my limited knowledge there's a lot of them, they helped fund the Wallace Company's illegal imports" she offers Zeek a dummy.
"I do know Asif Afridi is one of their favoured men, he controls most of the criminal network of suppliers"
Cassie nods, "did Finn tell you much about the business?"
"That's all I know, he didn't tell me a lot of things. I done some digging in the week between him storming out and his death, he had left his second laptop at my flat" she gives Cassie a smile, "I'm sorry I can't help more"
Cassie jumps slightly as Zeek lets out a high pitched squeal, Floriana laughes "he likes you" she hums.
Cassie watches him, his chubby arms reaching for her "Can I?" She asks. Floriana nods with a smile, "of course"
She unbuckles him, gently lifts him out. His hands grabbing at her as he giggles "Hi Zeek, I'm Cassie" she coos bouncing him slightly as the waitress brings their food.
Floriana makes a move to take him off her so she can eat "no it's fine you eat first" Cassie smiles.
Floriana looks grateful as she digs into her lunch. "Sean isn't as rude as he came across the other day"
"I gathered he was in a bit of shock" Floriana laughs, "yes, and he hasn't dealt well with the death of his father"
"I am always open for him and his siblings to know Zeek" she offers as Cassie strokes her hand over the back of the babies head "I'll tell him, he's very stubborn so I apologise"
Floriana waves her concerns away, "we all handle things differently, but I was honest when I said I have no answers"
Cassie smiles at her picking at the salad on her plate "but please tell him to look into the investors and Asif" Floriana adds.
"Here, I've had half let's swap you eat and I'll occupy the little monster"
Cassie hands Zeek over as her phone buzzes, she apologises turning it over.
'Claire said you had to pop out all ok?? xx'
'Yes! Couldn't find you, had to go sort something for Birdie. love you x'
'Love you x'
"Did you know about the yacht, Finn purchased?" She asks, Floriana blushes slightly.
"Yes, it was his insurance for our new life, if everything went to shit we'd have money"
Cassie nods that made sense, she knew Marian would have given him hell for trying to leave. Would have killed Finn herself if she knew about a child.
They settle into general chatter, finishing up their lunch taking turns with Zeek.
Parting at the station. Cassie tells her to reach out if she ever needs anything, Floriana thanks her as they hug goodbye, Zeek waving his hands at Cassie as she disappears down the steps of the underground.
-
Sean is waiting for her outside the station just down the road from the flat, engine running. Sunglasses on as scrolls his phone, cigarette between the fingers of his free hand hanging out of the window.
“Taxi for Cassie?” she teases, stealing the smoke from between his fingers, trotting round to the passenger side.
“You can’t smoke in here love,” he grins, leaning across to kiss her.
“What’s this pick up for?….”
"I thought that's why you text me you were only ten minutes away" he smirks, taking the end of the cigarette back flicking it out of his open window.
"Oh no just wanted you to know, but I won't turn this down"
"Was everything ok?" He asks, pulling out onto the main road.
"Yeah…Birdie just needed a couple of bits sent over to Stanton and Ash wanted something from a shop in Covent Garden"
He nods, stopping in a queue of traffic "Right..are you going to tell me why you were on the other side of London, near Floriana instead then, Cass?"
Reblogs, comments & likes are always appreciated - if you feel the need come scream at me ✨
@peakyscillian Cassie is really becoming part of the family now, working with Sean and attending Lily's birth!! And I LOVE the fact that Marian is getting her comeuppance! However, danger is always lurking. I have a v bad feeling about the Floriana business. I can't wait to see what Sean will have to say about Cassie meeting her on her own!
The Shelby patriarch left often and came back sporadically. But this time, dragged behind him, was a boy of five, red haired with honey brown eyes and threw him in the room with a stranger he told was his brother. Same age, same height but with Shelby blue eyes instead of brown and they thought they didn't look much alike at all.
Vincent 'vinnie' Young was no Shelby. Despite his name change. Despite sharing a father he was no Shelby. "Too smart for his own good just like his mother" dismissed their father "fuck load of good it did her" too outspoken, too quick to dodge a slap and spend days alone in the woods until one of his brothers found him and dragged him home.
And too soft hearted. His brothers too old and too busy to deal with another kid brother, his sister already a woman and out the house and Finn tried. They were inseparable for a few years, more out of necessity than loyalty. Birthdays only a few months apart, people who didn't know them assumed non identical twins but those that did looked at Vinnie with a look that leaves a stain that never washes away.
But people out grow eachother. Finn had his friends and Vinnie had his books. He tried. Followed Finn through mischief and ran from the police more than once but they both knew Vinnie didn't enjoy it and Finn didn't want him there. Too eager to follow the Shelby path Vinnie was left behind. Or did he step away? Took the long way home, past the library and past the river to spend time just to himself. Vincent Young. Not Shelby. His mother's name the only thing he had left and he wasn't going to forget her even if everyone else did.
"Thinks he's too good for this house" Vinnie made a promise to himself that he would get out. Before he was too old and bitter like his father and too sad like his mother. Not through the military like his brothers, not on a downward spiral like Finn desperate to prove himself. He swore he would leave this cursed town when his father burned his library books. When no one at school asked about a black eye and a split lip. When Finn opened his mouth but stayed quiet and turned away just as fast when called by one of his friends.
He spends more nights out the house than in. Between the delicate glow of fireflies in the endless dark of the woods and the humming lights of the bus station just out of town Vinnie dreamt of running away. Day dreams of one way tickets or of cool river water; both a sirens echo in the night when he can't sleep.
Vincent "vinnie" Young was not a Shelby but the curse that swallowed his family lived within him anyway. He felt it whenever an adult sneered and whispered about him like he wasn't there. A constant weight on his back that dragged him down. Humid days haunted by the thoughts of cold water and nights lit up by neon street lights he often wondered how this would end. Tragedy seemed inevitable and those bus tickets too expensive.
Either way he had to get out soon, while he was still young before the Shelby curse claimed him too.
something for @zablife american teenager au, lee you already know im a fan of this au and couldn't resist, im not familiar with Ethel Cain's music (but i did listen while writing this) but what i do know is bruce springsteen and vinnie needs to get out while hes young because tramps like him, baby, they were born to run.
@the-makingsofgreatness OMG, EM!! This is incredible! I can't believe how quickly you created something so beautiful and devastating. Ty for lending your talent to the series 💕
I'm obsessed with the evocative moodboard. It recalls the pain of nostalgia, expertly juxtaposing the boys' innocent play with the effects of their trauma. I love the way the images are faded like old photos one finds in a shoebox. Btw the image of the boy climbing in the car window is such a great callback to the show when Finn pretends to be Tommy!
My heart aches for Vinnie. I get Matilda vibes from him with the ref to his love of reading and how his father ridicules him for it (when Arthur Sr. burns the library books 🤬). And yet, he retains a gentleness that is admirable. Seriously, can we swap him for Finn? Vinnie's a much more interesting character 🤭
However, there's something genius about having brothers close in age to act as a foil for one another. I can't recall if you originally intended Vinnie to be Arthur Sr.'s illegitimate son, but you described the shame of it perfectly in these poetic lines: "Birthdays only a few months apart, people who didn't know them assumed non identical twins but those that did looked at Vinnie with a look that leaves a stain that never washes away."
I was a blubbering mess after reading: "His mother's name the only thing he had left and he wasn't going to forget her even if everyone else did." Considering the way Vinnie suddenly comes to live with the Shelbys, I can't help but wonder how his mother met her end. I'm thinking suicide by drowning based on this haunting line: "Humid days haunted by the thoughts of cold water..." Stay strong, Vinnie! You're going to get out of there! (Pls tell me he gets out 🙏🏼)
Ty you again for sharing your OC! Someone recently mentioned May for the next character study and after reading this, I'm thinking she could be Vinnie's ticket out. Could you see her as a teacher who helps him get a scholarship to university? Is this something 🤔
A/N: Ada and Irene are best friends and maybe something more? Part of my American Teenager AU.
Irene sat quietly at the Robinson's kitchen table, feeling disconnected from her body as her mother explained Ada Shelby wouldn't be returning to finish out her senior year. Irene began to shake as the rush of blood through her ears muffled the words that came next. Glancing down at the xo tattoo on her wrist, her mind wandered to happier times when she and Ada sat side by side getting inked. She wished she could live there forever.
The unlikely friendship of a sarcastic, irreverent brunette and a soft spoken, artistic blonde came to be the year before when they struck up a conversation about music during Study Hall. Their debates about the best bands of all time led to hours spent making compilations of their fave songs to share with each other. Ada's CDs were often untitled except for a cheeky message like "Trust me" scrawled across the front in smudged marker. Irene's were decorated with hand drawn designs and a track list with notes to evidence the thoughtful process behind her choices.
By the time the weather turned cold, they were spending every afternoon together in the warmth of the Robinson's shed, the frayed wire of Irene's earbuds dangling between them. And when Ada suggested they smoke weed to enhance the experience, Irene didn't object. In fact, she silently reveled in the closeness each time Ada would shotgun smoke into her open mouth.
It was around this time she began to wonder if her friend might sense her infatuation as their lips brushed in the haze of smoke or savored the taste of the cherry lollipop passed between them. A kiss seemed inevitable six months ago, but now she learned Ada was pregnant? As Irene drifted back to the present, she found her cheeks wet with tears. They continued to flow until the day Ada left town with her boyfriend.
“Freddie loves me,” Ada explained apologetically as she shoved her suitcase into the back of Freddie’s car.
Irene tugged on her friend’s arm as she climbed into the passenger’s seat. "Don't leave me," she begged, unable to let go when something lay broken between them. But Ada couldn’t bring herself to look Irene in the eye.
“She might be your girl now, but she was my girl first,” Irene mumbled, as Freddie drove away, unsure how she’d been left behind.
My poor Irene that was born to suffer!! I love her, your honour. And on another hand, I love bisexual!Ada that girl isn't straight not even in canon 🤭.
I love the moments you described! 😭. The girls being together, enjoying their time, Ada being Ada and Irene as sweet as ever 🥺. The little touches... Them smoking weed and then the kiss. Of course Irene is completely in love with her.
Goddddd!! I love them so much!! 🤧.
I can't help but feel that Mrs. Robinson is happy and Ada isn't there anymore near her daughter and also is judging her for being pregnant before getting married, she's that kind of person.
Oh Freddie, I like you but get off man!! 😒 "She was my girl first" oh, my poor girl 😭
@justrainandcoffee I'm hearing that phrase a lot in ref to these blurbs 🙈 Just know that I'm breaking my own heart as I write every one. You're so right that poor, sweet Irene was born to suffer 😞 And I'm so glad you mentioned Mrs. Robinson's thoughts on Ada's pregnancy bc I was thinking the same! As for Freddie, I'm loving the idea of making him *ahem* disappear so our girls can reunite. Juli mentioned a song rec, "Goodbye Earl." A woman helps her bf kill her husband and then they live together, running a roadside stand that sells fresh fruit. Sounds good to me!
A/N: Esme and John find each other in the American Teenager AU.
The summer before John turned eighteen, Esme Lee came to town, but not by choice. She'd been expelled from school for truancy and her parents watched helplessly as she continued to destroy any hope for her future. “To love you is to suffer you, darlin'," her daddy sighed wearily every time the cops brought her home. Eventually, the Lees decided to send her away from their five other children, afraid her rebellious spirit was catching.
Uncle Johnny was one of the few relatives willing to take her. Folks called him "Johnny Dogs" on account of the hounds he raised for deer hunting. A gregarious bullshit artist, he also worked as a handyman despite being woefully under qualified for most of the jobs he undertook. He was an odd bird, but because of that he understood Esme's nature and didn't fault her for it. In fact, he encouraged her curiosity, teaching her to work on cars and how to disarm traps to rescue injured animals. When she began talking about finding work in a veterinary clinic, he thought her restlessness might be cured. But that was before she met John Shelby.
It was two months after she moved to town when John caught sight of her, a wild thing who ran barefoot, fingertips stained with the juice of fresh blackberries. He followed her to a swimming hole and they talked for hours before he laid her down where the trees bent low. After that, they were inseparable, John preferring to keep her as close as possible. "Always tuggin on me like you're runnin out of daylight," Esme would joke, unaware of how prophetic those words would become.
By the time John graduated high school, she learned that she could lead him to bed, but she couldn't make him sleep. John was receiving letters from his brother Tommy every week, urging him to enlist like him and their older brother Arthur. Despite knowing he was going to be a father, he gave in to the pressure of Tommy's demands, the thought of letting his brothers down more than he could bare.
"Don't worry, Ez," he told his girlfriend, stroking his hand up and down her back as she cried.
"You tell me all the time not to worry, but what happens when I wake up on my own?"
"Think of all the time we'll have when I get back," he whispered, but the gentleness of his voice did little to quiet the reverberation of sobs. Somehow she knew then she'd be alone for the birth and all the years afterward, only a J inked on her hip and a shotgun on the porch as reminders of him. It hurt like greenery that stings long after contact.
Ohhh this hurt. 😭 I loved that Johnny Dogs took her in, and I adore that she and John still were together for a time in this AU even if he died at war. I can't handle this Riverboat Romeo and Juliet 😭😭😭
@murderousginger It hurt me to write it so I understand! Can't believe I forgot my rule that John should be allowed to live in every AU. But it was the most tragic ending by far and well suited to this world where everything is so bleak. Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts, darl! (And sorry for breaking your heart)
A/N: Tommy struggles to break free from small town life and his father's shameful legacy. Part of my American Teenager AU.
Tommy's boots thudded across the weathered floorboards, avoiding the picture on the wall he feared he was coming to resemble too closely. He stuffed his bruised knuckles into his jacket, turning his pocketknife over in his hand absently. Then he barreled out the front door to get a jump on the Kimber boys lying in wait.
It had never been in Tommy's nature to be violent, but his father always demanded it, deriving twisted pleasure in pushing his boy to fight back. "If they strike once, you just hit 'em twice as hard," the ruthless patriarch would say, a glimmer of light escaping the dark abyss of his eyes. It was the same sickening look of satisfaction that came over him when he was butchering a deer or watching their mother cower in fear of his ringed hand.
Tommy's senior year of high school was spent waiting for the day he'd escape, the same as his brother Arthur had done two years before when he enlisted in the Army. "M not gonna die in this fucking house," Tommy told his siblings and he meant it. It didn't matter that his father had been in prison for four years, awaiting lethal injection. They all expected Arthur Sr. to walk through the door any time, having made a pact with the DA or the devil.
In the end, he never did, but somehow the scandal left in his wake was worse. Girls in town weren't allowed to spend time with the Shelby boys. The fevered murmurs rose whenever Aunt Pol brought them to church. "The man beat his wife to death. You're a fool to think it isn't in their blood too!" Then the choir would sing a heartfelt tune about forgiveness, but all Tommy ever heard was "God loves you, but not enough to save you."
Lizzie Stark was the rare exception. Unafraid of the terrible rumors, she openly pursued Tommy. "I'm never gonna leave you," she promised every time he pressed her into the old worn mattress. She would have followed him across every state line, but he left her waiting four long years without a word.
A/N: Tommy struggles to break free from small town life and his father's shameful legacy. Part of my American Teenager AU.
Tommy's boots thudded across the weathered floorboards, avoiding the picture on the wall he feared he was coming to resemble too closely. He stuffed his bruised knuckles into his jacket, turning his pocketknife over in his hand absently. Then he barreled out the front door to get a jump on the Kimber boys lying in wait.
It had never been in Tommy's nature to be violent, but his father always demanded it, deriving twisted pleasure in pushing his boy to fight back. "If they strike once, you just hit 'em twice as hard," the ruthless patriarch would say, a glimmer of light escaping the dark abyss of his eyes. It was the same sickening look of satisfaction that came over him when he was butchering a deer or watching their mother cower in fear of his ringed hand.
Tommy's senior year of high school was spent waiting for the day he'd escape, the same as his brother Arthur had done two years before when he enlisted in the Army. "M not gonna die in this fucking house," Tommy told his siblings and he meant it. It didn't matter that his father had been in prison for four years, awaiting lethal injection. They all expected Arthur Sr. to walk through the door any time, having made a pact with the DA or the devil.
In the end, he never did, but somehow the scandal left in his wake was worse. Girls in town weren't allowed to spend time with the Shelby boys. The fevered murmurs rose whenever Aunt Pol brought them to church. "The man beat his wife to death. You're a fool to think it isn't in their blood too!" Then the choir would sing a heartfelt tune about forgiveness, but all Tommy ever heard was "God loves you, but not enough to save you."
Lizzie Stark was the rare exception. Unafraid of the terrible rumors, she openly pursued Tommy. "I'm never gonna leave you," she promised every time he pressed her into the old worn mattress. She would have followed him across every state line, but he left her waiting four long years without a word.
absolutely in love with the story you are weaving with these blurbs, I'd love a whole story about them but this blurb collection i think is a great way to build up that au
@julyzaas-writing-blog Thanks for the love, Juli! I'm flattered you like this AU enough to want more. Tho I must admit I'm struggling to write anything more than short blurbs these days. However, I could see it becoming a longer, more cohesive story one day when I can focus 🤞🏼
A/N: Ada and Irene are best friends and maybe something more? Part of my American Teenager AU.
Irene sat quietly at the Robinson's kitchen table, feeling disconnected from her body as her mother explained Ada Shelby wouldn't be returning to finish out her senior year. Irene began to shake as the rush of blood through her ears muffled the words that came next. Glancing down at the xo tattoo on her wrist, her mind wandered to happier times when she and Ada sat side by side getting inked. She wished she could live there forever.
The unlikely friendship of a sarcastic, irreverent brunette and a soft spoken, artistic blonde came to be the year before when they struck up a conversation about music during Study Hall. Their debates about the best bands of all time led to hours spent making compilations of their fave songs to share with each other. Ada's CDs were often untitled except for a cheeky message like "Trust me" scrawled across the front in smudged marker. Irene's were decorated with hand drawn designs and a track list with notes to evidence the thoughtful process behind her choices.
By the time the weather turned cold, they were spending every afternoon together in the warmth of the Robinson's shed, the frayed wire of Irene's earbuds dangling between them. And when Ada suggested they smoke weed to enhance the experience, Irene didn't object. In fact, she silently reveled in the closeness each time Ada would shotgun smoke into her open mouth.
It was around this time she began to wonder if her friend might sense her infatuation as their lips brushed in the haze of smoke or savored the taste of the cherry lollipop passed between them. A kiss seemed inevitable six months ago, but now she learned Ada was pregnant? As Irene drifted back to the present, she found her cheeks wet with tears. They continued to flow until the day Ada left town with her boyfriend.
“Freddie loves me,” Ada explained apologetically as she shoved her suitcase into the back of Freddie’s car.
Irene tugged on her friend’s arm as she climbed into the passenger’s seat. "Don't leave me," she begged, unable to let go when something lay broken between them. But Ada couldn’t bring herself to look Irene in the eye.
“She might be your girl now, but she was my girl first,” Irene mumbled, as Freddie drove away, unsure how she’d been left behind.
A/N: Esme and John find each other in the American Teenager AU.
The summer before John turned eighteen, Esme Lee came to town, but not by choice. She'd been expelled from school for truancy and her parents watched helplessly as she continued to destroy any hope for her future. “To love you is to suffer you, darlin'," her daddy sighed wearily every time the cops brought her home. Eventually, the Lees decided to send her away from their five other children, afraid her rebellious spirit was catching.
Uncle Johnny was one of the few relatives willing to take her. Folks called him "Johnny Dogs" on account of the hounds he raised for deer hunting. A gregarious bullshit artist, he also worked as a handyman despite being woefully under qualified for most of the jobs he undertook. He was an odd bird, but because of that he understood Esme's nature and didn't fault her for it. In fact, he encouraged her curiosity, teaching her to work on cars and how to disarm traps to rescue injured animals. When she began talking about finding work in a veterinary clinic, he thought her restlessness might be cured. But that was before she met John Shelby.
It was two months after she moved to town when John caught sight of her, a wild thing who ran barefoot, fingertips stained with the juice of fresh blackberries. He followed her to a swimming hole and they talked for hours before he laid her down where the trees bent low. After that, they were inseparable, John preferring to keep her as close as possible. "Always tuggin on me like you're runnin out of daylight," Esme would joke, unaware of how prophetic those words would become.
By the time John graduated high school, she learned that she could lead him to bed, but she couldn't make him sleep. John was receiving letters from his brother Tommy every week, urging him to enlist like him and their older brother Arthur. Despite knowing he was going to be a father, he gave in to the pressure of Tommy's demands, the thought of letting his brothers down more than he could bare.
"Don't worry, Ez," he told his girlfriend, stroking his hand up and down her back as she cried.
"You tell me all the time not to worry, but what happens when I wake up on my own?"
"Think of all the time we'll have when I get back," he whispered, but the gentleness of his voice did little to quiet the reverberation of sobs. Somehow she knew then she'd be alone for the birth and all the years afterward, only a J inked on her hip and a shotgun on the porch as reminders of him. It hurt like greenery that stings long after contact.
There is a world where fate reunited them before their time.
My idea was to write a blurb, but it's getting longer than a blurb and I'm too tired to write it now. But I wanted to post the moodboard because... I wanted to.
So the story is coming sometime this week but first this.
A/N: Ada and Irene are best friends and maybe something more? Part of my American Teenager AU.
Irene sat quietly at the Robinson's kitchen table, feeling disconnected from reality as her mother explained Ada wouldn't be returning to finish her senior year. Irene began to shake as the rush of blood through her ears muffled the words that came next. Glancing down at the xo tattoo on her wrist, her mind wandered to happier times when she and Ada sat side by side getting inked. Ada held her hand the whole time, allowing Irene to cling to her for support. She wished she could live there forever.
The unlikely friendship of a sarcastic, irreverent brunette and a soft spoken, artistic blonde came to be the year before when they struck up a conversation about music during Study Hall. Their debates about the best bands of all time led to hours spent making compilations of their fave songs to share with each other. Ada's CDs were often untitled except for a cheeky message like "Trust me" scrawled across the front in smudged marker. Irene's were decorated with hand drawn designs and a track list with notes to evidence the thoughtful process behind her choices.
By the time the weather turned cold, they were spending every afternoon together in the warmth of the Robinson's shed, the frayed wire of Irene's earbuds dangling between them. And when Ada suggested they smoke weed to enhance the experience, Irene didn't object. In fact, she silently reveled in the closeness each time Ada would shotgun smoke into her open mouth.
It was around this time she began to wonder if her friend might sense her infatuation as their lips brushed in the haze of smoke or savored the taste of the cherry lollipop passed between them. A kiss seemed inevitable six months ago. Now she learned Ada was pregnant? Nothing made sense. As Irene drifted back to the present, she found her cheeks wet with tears. They continued to flow until the day Ada left town with her new boyfriend.
"Tell me why, Ada..." Irene sniffled, unable to let go when something lay broken between them.
“Freddie loves me,” Ada uttered softly, her brown eyes large and apologetic.
Don’t you know how much I love you? Irene wanted to scream as she watched Ada shove her belongings into the back of Freddie’s car.
Irene banged on the passenger side window as the engine roared to life. "Don't leave," she begged, pressing her hand to the glass. But Ada couldn't bring herself to look Irene in the eye.
“She might be your girl now, but she was my girl first,” Irene thought, as Freddie drove away with Ada, unsure how she’d been left behind.
