Growing up Kray

2.

178 Vallance Road, Bethnal Green, 1952. 

"It's Y/N!" Came the loud call over Reginald's shoulder as he opened the front door, the family responding with their usual cheer in union of a relieved 'Ahh". As long as the old bill, pigs, coppers, police, whatever you wish to call 'them' - the enemy, didn't come knocking, they were quite happy. "Alright?" Reg questioned, keeping her on the doorstep as he fiddled with his hands and arms absent-mindedly, peeling back a week old plaster before smoothing it back down against his skin. "Mhm..." She quietly hummed, a light frown across her forehead as she watched her friend in slight disgust and discomfort, becoming sidetracked by his revolting boyish ways. "Did you want something?" Reggie questioned again with little thought, forgetting to think before he spoke. "What? Oh. Yeah, sorry-" She began before being interrupted by Ronnie, noisily peering over his twin's shoulder. "Alright? What do you want?" He questioned, mirroring his brother. "My mum and dad are fighti-" "In." Ronnie said firmly, taking her by the top of the arm as he brought her swiftly into their home with Reg shutting the door behind her. "For the fifth time this week, when your old man starts mouthing off, you come straight to us. How many times do we have to tell you?" Ronnie scolded, tutting as he and his twin shook their heads in disappointment. "I didn't want to bother-" She begun, quietly mumbling as she wandered into the living room. "Oh for cryin' out loud! Mum, tell 'er!" Ronnie exclaimed, his voice booming through the family home. "You know better, my darlin'. Listen to my boys. You're welcome to come knocking at all hours." Violet gently cooed, dusting an old photo frame that she gripped tightly within her hands. "Yeah, all hours." Reggie mumbled in agreement, his lips were set in their usual firm line but his eyes were soft and gentle. "Well then. I'd best put the kettle on, hadn't I?" Violet suggested chirpily with a clap of her hands, her duster now lying across the arm of a chair. "Yeah, lovely, thanks mum." Quietly spoke the boys in union as they slipped into the middle of the room, facing one another with their fists raised. "Thank you, Mrs. Kray." Politely whispered their guest, her bright eyes cast downwards towards her lap. Violet paused before exiting the living room and lovingly caressed the young females cheek, a warm smile across her lips as she gave a simple nod of her head before leaving to put the kettle on.