Sunbeam

44)

"Are still mad at me for last Friday?" Kezia groans, resting on her elbows, her eyes following Bea around the room as she gets dressed.

"No," Bea replies, "I'm just stressed, it's nothing you've done."

"Stressed, why are you stressed?" Kezia asks.

"I'm struggling, Kez, with finances, I can't afford to keep my house, and sometimes I think I don't need all that space to myself," Bea explains, "the rent is being raised continuously and I can't keep up. Before you offer- I don't want your money, nor do I want you to speak to my landlord."

"So you're thinking of moving?" Kezia questions.

"Perhaps to an apartment, I'm unsure at the moment, but a three bed house for just me doesn't make sense logistically or financially anymore," Bea states, "I'm going to look at an apartment this afternoon."

"Would you like me to come with you?" Kez offers.

"I would love that," Bea says, leaning down to place a kiss to Kez's lips.

"And you truly want me to do nothing about it? Because I can, just say the word," Kezia checks, and Bea nods, "thank you, however, I want you to stay out of it, honey."

"Okay, love," Kez hums, twirling a strand of Bea's hair around her finger, her other hand reaching to pull Bea fully onto the bed.

"You have to get out of bed at some point, Kez," Beatrice laughs, "and I'm half dressed."

"Then you have too many clothes on," Kezia whispers.

"You are insatiable," Bea smiles.

"You don't seem to be complaining," Kez replies.

"Why would I?" Bea shrugs, as Kez gently runs her hand through Bea's hair, pulling her down to kiss her.

-

"Well that was a shithole," Kezia says, when they get back to Bea's house after looking at the apartment.

"It was... unique," Beatrice sighs, "it's within my budget though."

"What if you had a roommate?" Kezia suggests.

"I don't want to live with a stranger," Bea responds.

"Not what I meant," Kez says, "I mean what if I was your roommate."

"You want us to live together?" Bea asks.

"I do," Kezia states, "however, I am also aware that it might be too big of a step for you to even consider. I just thought I should put it out there in case the thought had crossed your mind."

"Well we already spend most of our time together, we haven't gone a night apart, it would make sense," Bea says, "it wouldn't be too suspicious, women live together all the time."

"You can take some time to think, you don't have to make a decision this instant," Kez replies, "and I won't be offended if the answer is no."

"It's not 'no' Kez, I would love to live with you," Bea smiles.

"This doesn't have to be your final decision, you can change your mind at any time," Kezia states.

"I'm not going to change my mind," Bea replies, sliding her arms around Kez's neck.

"Do you still have a gramophone?" Kez asks.

"I do, it's in the cabinet, why?" Bea replies, confusion overcoming her when Kez removes her hands, walking over to the cabinet, retrieving the gramophone and placing it on the side.

"I want a re-do," Kez states, gently placing the needle onto the disc, turning back to face Bea as Al Jolson's 'You Made Me Love You' began to play.

"May I have this dance, my love?" Kezia asks, holding her hand out, Bea's smile was uncontrollable as she takes ahold of Kez's hand, "you may."

Their hands remain interlocked between their chests, Bea's free hand going around Kez's neck and Kez's spare hand resting on her waist.

Kezia at one point twirls Bea before pulling her back into her arms, as the song was ending Bea decides it was her turn to spin Kez, laughing when Kez had to crouch slightly to go under her arm. Once they were facing each other again, Bea takes hold of Kez's tie, using it to pull Kez down, her heart soaring when she feels Kez smile into the kiss.

Bea pulls away first, resting her forehead against Kez's, "I'm so in love with you."

Kezia's thumbs caress either side of her waist, "good, because I happen to be madly in love with you also."

-

"Kez!" Finn exclaims excitedly when she walks into the betting den, business was done, only family and peaky blinders were there.

"Finn!" Kez responds with equal enthusiasm.

"So Isaiah and I have been thinking," Finn states.

"That never ends well," Kez laughs, ruffling up her youngest brother's hair.

"Shut up, future little sister," Finn remarks.

"I guess that time it was sort of deserved, what've you two been thinking?" Kezia asks.

"We're going to start boxing," Finn states, "that way I can pass time whilst waiting for you to craft me a dagger."

"You'll have a lot of time to pass," Kez replies.

"Will you come with us? We're thinking of going down there tomorrow," Finn says.

"Sure," Kez nods.

"A little more enthusiasm please," Finn scoffs, throwing air punches in his sister's direction.

"You done?" Kez asks.

"Almost," Finn says, making whooshing noises, before gently punching Kez's lower torso.

"You are aware that's where I got shot, right?" Kezia responds.

"I am now, but it doesn't hurt anymore... does it?" Finn asks, looking mildly concerned.

"Yes, ow," Kez groans.

"Oh fuck, I was just messing, Kez, I'm sorry," Finn apologises, to which Kez laughs, "I'm joking, I'm fine. Your punch is too weak to do any harm."

"That's because I was going easy on you," Finn huffs.

"Mhm," Kez hums unconvinced.

"I'll hit you for real," Finn threatens, jokingly shaking his fist in Kez's face.

"Try me," Kezia replies, smacking his fist away, "why not ask Arthur to go with you? He already goes down there."

"Arthur? He'd just see it as a burden, and then probably try and get in the ring with me," Finn scoffs.

"Arthur's a gentle soul, Finn," Kezia replies, "I'm sure he'd love to be there, he'll like that there's a hobby the two of you can share. And if he tries to get in the ring with you, I promise I'll stop him."

"Okay," Finn nods, sheepishly asking, "are there any hobbies Tommy or John have?"

"John enjoys football, and Tommy, he's boring, it's all business with him, even his hobby relates to business," Kezia responds.

"Betting?" Finn asks.

"No, Finn," Kez laughs, "horses. Tommy loves horses."

"Okay," Finn nods.

-

"Look at him over there, he's a natural," Arthur chuckles, squeezing Kez's shoulders as they watch Finn spa against a bag.

"I'm surprised he asked me to come," Arthur admits.

"Are you glad he did?" Kezia asks.

"Yeah, I don't get to spend much time with the little fella," Arthur says, "and look at him go, he's a Shelby alright. Go on, Finn!"

"Don't let him hear you calling him a 'little fella' else you'll be referred to as 'future little brother,'" Kezia warns.

"Noted," Arthur nods.