Gun metal and Daisies (Thomas Shelby)

Peculiar people

We only obsess over relationships that feel unfinished.

Thomas, it seemed, was not lying when he said the home would be big. The house was broad and tall, and the land was vast and green. Horses grazed in the fields and the meadows allowed for a picture perfect scene.

The seven peculiar people piled in to a car with people sharing seats and squished in next to each other.

Dorothy held Tammy in her lap and peeked out of the window as they turned down the long drive way. "You've got to be kidding me..."

Thomas only chuckled and parked his car right in front of the doors of the mansion. Not even waiting for the car to stop, the kids in the back clambered out of the vehicle to get a closer look at the horrendously big house.

"This cant be real..." Dorothy stood up from the car and gawped at the brick monstrosity.

"It is real, love. It's all ours, too. Just for the likes of us... no one else."

After Thomas had turned up at Dorothy's door, the two made arrangements to pack everyone's things up and Thomas would be back with his car the next day.

The two youngest were excited. Theo was suspicious and Matilda refused to meet Thomas' eyes. Darcy only nodded at the man which he wasn't sure of the meaning behind, so he just nodded back. Him and Dorothy had seemingly gone back to normal. Though it wasn't normal, was it?

There were none of those special touches, nor the tight hugs. She didn't accept the hand he held out for her, instead she took his arm. It upset Thomas, but he had no right to complain.

Thomas took the keys and unlocked the large door that even a horse could waltz through. The hall was large and the ceilings were so high they made one dizzy.

The children ran off in all kinds of directions, instantly exploring the manor.

"You never cease to amaze me, Bubs." She smiled so wide and stared up into his eyes. She wore the kind of smile that it would be cruel not to kiss, but sadly Thomas lost that privilege.

He could still feel the way his palm met her cheek as he stroked his thumb on the soft skin. He remembered seeing the specks of different greys in her eyes as he leaned in more. The colours only multiplying as he got closer. The sensation of his lips on hers plagued his mind as desperation and love seeped out of his pores.

Some nights as he lay in bed and secretly thought about her months ago, he wished he could go back in life. Not to change things, just to feel a couple things twice.

"Tom, what's this?" Leah called from the top of the stairs. Thomas left Dorothy's side and raced up the stairs. Once he reached the top, he bundled the small girl in his arms and threw her up slightly, "what yer got there, Princess?"
Leah giggled profusely. She truly was like a princess in some aspects.

Dorothy was brought out of her daze by a hand on her shoulder. "Why did you forgive him, dear?" Darcy Monroe had a tight lipped smile on her face.

Dorothy sighed and looked down at the floor, then back up to Thomas again, who was now running up and down the landing after Leah who had nicked his pocket watch. "We all have that one person, whether it's a month from now or ten years from now, we'd go back to. Cause at the end of the day, they're the only one who felt most like home."

Darcy nodded. She too, knew of that feeling. It was the same one she had for Dean when they eloped. "So this is it then, huh? You two are going to love this place, I already know."

Dorothy grinned like a Cheshire Cat, "and with you, Mama. We'll have great fun together."

Darcy turned fully to Dorothy, "...see that's the thing, dear..."

Dorothy furrowed her brows, "what is it Ma? Do you not like it here?"

Darcy smiled sadly at her daughter, "none of that, Dot. But I do think it would be more suitable if it were just you, Thomas and the children."

Dorothy laughed in confusion, "what do you mean, Mami? Where would you go?"

Darcy sighed and folded her hands in front of her, "I haven't told you, Dorothy, but- well, for the past year since we left, I've maintained communication with Polly through letters. We've been giving each other updates and just checking in..."

Dorothy was quiet in disbelief, but she knew it made sense- the two women got on like a house on fire. Nothing could split them up.

"And Polly has invited me to go live in her home. Thomas got her a lovely big house, you see."

Dorothy smiled and wrapped her arms around her mothers shoulders and squeezed her tightly. "I'm happy for you, mum. But don't think you can escape us that easily" she pointed a finger at her, "I'll visit as much as I can- you can't escape this family that easy."

Darcy chuckled and shook her head, "not even death could break this family."

——

The evening had settled now. Darcy had gotten a car to Polly's and now it was the six peculiar people.

Thomas and Dorothy now sat in one of the many living areas. Thomas was nursing a glass of whiskey while Dorothy held a glass of a strawberry brew she'd learnt the recipe for when she was away.

They sat on opposite sides of the same sofa. Dorothy sat with her legs tucked underneath her while Thomas sat slouched back with his head resting on the back of the sofa.

Dorothy stretched out and her knees creaked in protest. She shifted around slightly, grabbed a pillow and rested her head on the pillow in Thomas' lap.

"Some things never change..." Thomas chuckled and shook his head. Since the day had worn on, Dorothy and Thomas's usual dynamic had gone back to normal, sort of. There was still something more he craved.

He'd never been one for beating around the bush, "Dorothy, I love you." Both of their breathing stopped.

Thomas briefly panicked when Dorothy paused mid sip and and spluttered slightly into her drink. She sat up quickly while coughing. Thomas helped her up and rubbed her back in small circular motions.

Once she had calmed down, they sat for a moment. "...please... say something."

Dorothy stared to the ground, then her eyes met Thomas'. She held his gaze for a long moment and Thomas thought he fucked it all up. He almost felt tears stinging his eyes. "Don't let this be the way I lose you..."

"I love you too, Thomas." The name still sounded alien to her tongue, but she needed him to know that she still loved every part of him.

Thomas swallowed thickly, "can I- can I kiss you, Bonny?"

He leaned in slowly, she nodded and he leaned in faster. The kiss was sweet and held a lot of pent up emotion. They hadn't mourned yet, that would call for another day. Because tonight was a night of re-admitting feelings.

Fireworks and bombs could explode, and they wouldn't compare to an inch of how loud their love was.

The second kiss was more frantic as Thomas slid his arms around Dorothy's waist and brought her onto his lap. She twisted in her position and brought a leg either side of Thomas' thighs.

What if they were meant to part ways, only so they could find each other again. So they could relish in the feeling of being close together. No feeling had ever felt so warm. They matched and fitted together perfectly. They felt like they were on fire as a declaration of love.

"Well look who I ran into,"
Crowed Coincidence.

"Please," flirted Fate, "this was meant to be."

——

Well there you go!
I'm almost tempted to just write a book dedicated to Polly and Darcy's antics together round Small Heath.

Thanks for the love.
Feedback and comments are wanted.
See ya next time!