I'm sorry it's been a bit longer between updates on this Chapter. I've been dealing with sick kids for over a week and ran into a bit of difficulty finding very much usable information on English Fairs in 1919 then figuring out how to add steampunk flair to it. Hopefully the length of this chapter makes up for it's lateness a bit.
Chapter 8
The Fair
Tommy POV
Tommy parked the car a reasonable distance from the throng of people headed for the entrance to the fair. He quickly got out and lit a cigarette before heading back toward the truck that was parking a bit behind them. He needed a minute before he faced Aoife after hearing that her airship had been in the war. Hearing that had thrown him. She hadn't mentioned being anywhere near the war. Maybe she wasn't aboard during that time. The government didn't allow women anywhere near the fighting. Though he had heard that the Colonies were more lax in their rules about women being a part of the effort. And Pirates, fuckin pirates. He had to admit he'd never really thought about the dangers airmen faced.
He didn't know why it seemed to bother him so much. Whether she was onboard the Adelisa while it was conscripted or not, she was here now. She wasn't hurt, she was alive. His mind had mucked up his thinking for a small bit that's all. Visions of her lying still, glassy eyed and bleeding out messing with the reality of her sitting in the back seat of his motorcar, entertaining Finn with her story.
Why the bloody hell was she getting under his skin so badly. He barely knew the woman. Yes, he liked what he saw and yes he enjoyed her company. Had found every damn thing about her to be favorable. He didn't fucking need to be enamored with her, he needed t o keep his mind on business.
"Tommy!"
"Yeah John boy."
"What are we gonna do first, eh?"
"Fucking first. I want all of you to be on your best behavior. We're here to have some fun, right! Don't fucking start anything, yeah. You hear me? "
Tommy waited for the chorus of aye's and yeah bosses to subside before nodding his head and continuing, "All right, listen up. Have fun, but be respectable. We'll meet back here quarter after dark. Anyone not here on time, will be finding their own way back to Birmingham."
The lot of his men nodded and cheered before starting to the entrance. John and Michael stayed behind with him. "You all right there Tommy."
"Do I not look all right John?"
"Can't really tell. You seem somewhat poorly."
"I'm fine. Come on. Let's go have some fucking fun."
Tommy turned around and started walking back up toward the car where the women and Finn were waiting for them. Arthur was just a head joking around with one of the boys. As he got closer he noted Polly had a calculating look in her eyes, that couldn't be good. They were discussing what they'd like to see and do while they were there. Finn was holding Aoife's hand and looking at her like she was the fucking sun. He caught the wink Aoife gave Finn too, seemed to make the little man's world spin. Yeah, I know how you fucking feel Finn. But I have no right, feeling it.
"Finn, what would you lot like to do first, eh?"
"Tommy can we go to the Menagerie first? I want to see the animals. Can we?"
"I suppose, as long as the ladies don't mind."
Aoife POV
Arthur offered her his hand to help her from the backseat before he started walking back toward the truck with Tommy. The sky was blue and the field before her was green. The air was crisp and clean and she enjoyed a deep lungful after the smog filled air of Small Heath. If the crowds were any indication, the fair was being enjoyed by many. Colorful tents and scores of temporary booths and vendors were setup in amongst larger attractions. She could hear yelling, and cheering and the shouts of the fair workers as they went about their own daily routines.
She heard Polly and Ada somewhere behind her speaking to Finn, trying to express the importance of staying near one of them and not wandering off on his own. He must be a hard one to keep up with at times, all that curiosity, excitement and energy.
While she was studying the organized chaos that was in front of her she felt a small hand take her own. Looking down Finn stared up at her with a shy hopeful look on his face. She smiled inwardly, she liked children, for the most part they were honest. She didn't have to wonder about their motives or whether they could be trusted. Their emotions and thoughts clear as day with no hint of subterfuge or malice. It was hard to believe that everyone used to be that way until life hardened them, taught them to hide and lie.
Kids deserved to be kids for as long as possible. Then again, for a boy who's siblings were all grown, he might prefer to feel as though he were a bit more of an adult. "You won't leave me will you Finn? It's my first time at a fair and it looks like it'd be easy for me to get lost."
"Don't worry. I'll stay right next to you the whole time, so you won't get lost. Is it really your first fair?"
" I've never been on land when a fair is nearby, so I've never been to one. It's one of those things you need to be willing to leave behind when you live in the sky."
She watched as Finn contemplated her answer before nodding his head sagely, "Then allow me to escort you to your first fair?"
"Why thank you good sir. I would be delighted to be in your company today."
Finn's eyes travelled behind them. She followed his line of sight to see that Polly and Ada had been watching their little exchange. Ada's face was contemplative while Polly seemed to be fascinated about something. The men were all back at the truck, listening to whatever it was that Tommy was saying to them. She had noted that his mood had seemed to shift when they'd arrived. It would seem trying to decipher the many facets of the numerous members of the Shelby family would not be an easy task. She wondered to herself, if unraveling the mysteries of the Shelby's was something she wanted to do, especially in Tommy's case.
She took note that the group of Peaky Blinders were starting off to the entrance. While the Shelby's started to make their way back towards the car. Polly and Ada joined her and Finn, waiting for the others to join them. Ada's voice was full of happiness and excitement when she asked Finn what he thought he wanted to do first. This sparked a debate as they discussed whether they should begin with the Menagerie or the steam powered roundabouts.
The Shelby men joined their waiting group and they started for the entrance. Finn was an eager little ball of energy, they'd opted to start at the Menagerie. It was already after mid-day so it would be better to see the animals sooner rather than later.
Once they passed through the metaphorical gates of the fairgrounds they all took a moment to take in the crowds and fanfare. Finn sped up in front of their group, he read the signs and led them in the direction of their first destination. Aoife noticed Polly falling back to walk with Tommy and the boys. Ada stepped closer to her and slid their arms together so they were entwined and walking in step. She was caught slightly off guard as she'd only ever walked so closely with Aine and her mother. It was by no means unwelcome just unexpected.
Ada leaned closer and began to speak softly to her so that no one else could hear. "You're very good with him...Finn. He doesn't usually take to new people so easily. If you don't mind my asking, do you have any of your own?"
"Little ones? God, no...that didn't come out right... While I am old enough to have a few by now, I haven't met a man I like well enough, to consider bringing new life into the world with. "
"So you're not in a relationship with anyone either? I'd have thought for sure you would have a man."
Aoife couldn't help but laugh. "It's not for the lack of options. Many have shown interest, unfortunately none of them interested me. There was one man, that for a short time, I thought held potential. I was mistaken. Thankfully I realized the error in my judgment in a timely manner."
"So the man with potential, you didn't love him?"
"...No. I've come to learn that the notion of love is far more vast and complex than one can possibly understand. My sister informs me, that when you truly feel 'love' you will know it with a certainty set deep in your bones. Though she also says that in my case I'll probably have to be beaten over the head with it a few times before I'll ever even admit to feeling it."
Aoife listened to Ada's light laughter, "I like you, I think I'll like your sister too."
"What about you Ada? Any romantic entanglements in your life?
Before they could continue on with their private conversation Arthur, John and Michael joined them. Bringing an end to 'girl talk'.
Polly POV
Polly slipped back to walk with the boys. All of them seemed to know she was doing so, to speak with Tommy. Once she settled into step beside him she hooked her arm through his and slowed their steps. When the others had a decent lead on them she turned and studied his features.
"All right Tommy. Spill it."
"What, Pol?"
"You like her. More than you're willing to admit. More than you want to it would seem. So what are you going to do about it?"
She studied him as he ran his hand over his face, scoffed at her question and then sighed as though he carried a heavy burden.
"Nothin'."
Polly nodded her head at him, "I see. Well that's your decision to make. Though I admit, you might be making the wrong one."
"For a woman that's had a hard life, you're still full of romance, eh?"
"I don't know her yet...I get a good feelin' from her Tommy. I like what I've seen so far."
"Aye, that's the bloody fucking problem."
"Then before you settle your mind. Whatever is spinning round that brain of yours, put it to bed. Get out of your head and be present. Take this opportunity to find out more. You've never been one to give up on something you want. So find out what it is you want."
Polly watched as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. She squeezed his arm in support saying the one thing she knew he'd stopped believing. Hoping that he might one day start believing it, if she said it enough. "You deserve to be happy."
Tommy POV
Aoife was ahead of him, walking closely with Ada by her side. He noted Arthur, John and Michael flanking the girls, with Finn up ahead of all of them. It didn't pass his notice that several men who were enjoying the fair themselves had their eyes glued to Ada and Aoife as they walked past. Thankfully they seemed to realize that the girls weren't to be approached as they were accompanied.
"Is that it Aunt Pol, or is there something else?"
"That's it for now. Lets catch up before we get separated from the others."
They picked up their speed a bit and quickly caught up, Finn continued to stop at each junction and read the signs that pointed the way to the Menagerie.
As they were making their way through the crowded lanes they stopped. A two tiered mechanical elephant was carting people from one end of the fair to the other and passed by them. They watched it as its trunk swung from side to side and lifted before spraying water out the end. The angle of their vision and the intensity of the sun created a rainbow effect in the falling water.
The elephant continued to trudge on down the lane sporadically spraying water from its metal trunk. They continued on, passing several vendor booths and stalls with various flat stores, gaff games and grab joints. The smell of popcorn filtered through the air and the laughter and chatter of others enjoying the day filled the surrounding area. Sporadically you could hear the talkers shouting out across the crowds in attempts to lure them into their shows.
Finn's shout of excitement brought everyone's attention to the rising dirigible ride as it lifted into the sky with a passenger basket suspended below it. They watched as it maintained a certain height before it slowly started to descend back towards the ground. Then a loud screeching noise rent through the air before a small flying metal mechanical dragon flew over the crowd dragging a banner behind touting that a visit to the Mechanical Animal Menagerie was a must see.
He had a feeling Finn would like taking a look at that Menagerie as well. They continued on and saw the large tent that boasted "Bostock Wombwell's World Renowned Menagerie. The bills lining either side of the entrance had pictures depicting lions, tigers, and bears. Tommy watched as Finn waited for them while bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet. Arthur took the stairs two at a time with Finn on his heels as he went to purchase admission for everyone.
Polly left his side and joined Michael, smiles on both their faces. He knew that this was a new experience for Aunt Polly. She'd taken the lot of them to a fair with his parents before Finn came, and had visited one with them before the war. This was however the first one she was attending with Michael. It only made sense that she would want to share the experience with her long lost son.
Since Arthur had left Aoife's side to take care of admission, Tommy moved up to step beside her as John remained at Ada's.
Aoife POV
She felt the heat of his hand approach her lower back before she felt the weight of it. Knowing it was Tommy she turned her head toward him and smiled but continued to watch Finn. He was so happy he seemed like he was going to burst. "This has really made his day hasn't it?"
"Weren't sure if we were going to come. Arthur didn't tell him till after breakfast. The last time he went to a fair he was too young to remember it."
"He'll remember this time. It's good that you all came together, he'll cherish the memory more when he's older."
She still watched Finn but she could feel Tommy's eyes on her, studying her features, "You said this was your first fair?"
They were starting up the stairs to enter the tent and she didn't want Finn to over hear their conversation so she leaned her head closer to Tommy's and whispered her reply. "Hm, my first grounder fair."
She felt Tommy move closer to her and he turned his head, dropping it down slightly due to their eight inch difference in height to speak lowly near her ear, "Suggesting your attendance at a non-grounder fair."
"It was quite something, all of us were 'home' for holiday break. I was about Finn's age and I remember experiencing it with my siblings. They didn't have any menageries but they did have a couple shows and roundabouts. Various other activites. I cherish the memory more each year. "
"I can only hope he'll have memories worth cherishin'."
Aoife couldn't help feel as though there was something in his demeanor that was distant. She turned her eyes to his and noted they were staring off not really seeing anything around him. She continued to whisper to him raising her hand to grasp his bicep. "Tommy." She waited until he focused in on her and when he squinted his eyes slightly at her, she gave him the only advice she had. "All you have to do is be here with him and experience the surroundings together...try not to be Thomas Shelby leader of the Peaky Blinders. Just be Finn's brother."
She listened as he scoffed and she knew he couldn't pretend to be something he wasn't and he most certainly was the leader of the Peaky Blinders but that's not what she meant.
"Pfft. Don't look at me like that. I'm not saying be something you're not, I'm saying for a few hours stop being so controlled. Loosen up and have some fun. You know, smile a little, laugh every now and then. And if you dare try to tell me you don't do either of those things I'll call your bullshit because I've seen you with a smile and I've heard you laugh."
Aoife hadn't noticed that they'd stopped while the others had continued on looking at and exclaiming on the different exotic animals that were in separate colorful wagon cages lining the walls of the tent. She also hadn't noticed till just then that they were fully facing one another and Tommy's hand was no longer on her back. Both of them were on her waist. Her own hand had gone from his arm to his chest, she was sure anyone looking at them in that instant would assume they were a couple courting.
"Who are you Aoife? Every time I think I've got you figured, you go and change on me."
She gave a low chuckle, "Then we're in the same boat Tommy. Every time I put a piece of the puzzle together I always think I'm getting closer to completing the picture but all I end up learning is that the puzzle is much larger than I thought."
Aoife and Tommy stared into each other's eyes until he glanced down and took a deep breath. "I just need to smile and laugh?"
She chuckled again, "Just have fun with Finn, let him see you having a good time doing this with him." She moved her hand from his chest to the lapel of his jacket and tugged on it as though she were straightening it out. She hoped it would extricate them from the position they'd ended up in, as un awkwardly as possible.
He straightened his stance and they separated. She tried to lighten the tense mood she was in. It unnerved her, how affected she was and how easily she forgot herself around him. So she put on a cheeky smile and arched her brow. "I'll be straight with you Tommy. If I come to find your idea of having a good time, is pulling on my pigtails then I won't hesitate to wallop you upside the head."
With that Aoife turned and made to catch up with the rest of the Shelby's. She knew she wasn't wearing pigtails, but she hoped it did the trick of lightening the mood as it were. A little light harmless flirt should do the trick of clearing the air of the intensity that had surrounded them.
Tommy POV
He watched as Aoife left his side, he couldn't keep the smile from his lips at her parting quip. It seems he was getting to her as much as she was getting to him. She wouldn't be trying to make light of things and be running away from him if he weren't.
He headed after her, to join the rest of his family. Try to show Finn he was having a 'good time', eh. He did want his brother to have a good memory with them all together, and he was happy to be able to watch Finn enjoy himself so much. As he rejoined their group he made sure to stand next to Aoife. He caught the sideways look she sent him with that damned arched brow. "I'm just standing here. I'm not pulling your pigtails. Though if I were thirteen again, I certainly would."
Tommy watched her as she pulled her lips between her teeth and god if that didn't send a spark through him. This was dangerous, being near her. He couldn't seem to pull himself away no matter how wrong he knew it was. He was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame, couldn't stop it even knowing he'd burn.
Finn turned to him, his eyes bright, shining with wonder and happiness. "What's your favorite so far Tommy?"
"My favorite? Out of the ones here I'd say the tigers. What's yours Finn?"
"The seals. They're funny."
"Aye, how bout you boys, Arthur...John?"
Arthur seemed to consider his answer before he pointed out the bear cage they'd passed a little ways back. "I think I find myself partial to the bears."
John laughed and quipped, "Yeah, all irritable and growling, eats everything in sight and enjoys sleeping for hours at a time."
Arthur put John in a headlock and ruffled his hair with a laugh asking him what his favorite one was then. John wrangled his way loose, laughing all the while and pointing towards the Giraffe's across the tent. "I'm actually liking the giraffes the most. They look down on everything and seem to mind their own."
Finn's little voice piped up in excitement and asked the girls what they liked most. Ada opted for the monkeys, Polly found the elephants interesting and Aoife just smiled and shook her head saying she couldn't decide. She turned to Michael and asked him about his, removing the attention from herself. Michael laughed and said he too couldn't decide, there were so many different and interesting animals he'd never seen before.
"Well, what next Finn? The Mechanical Menagerie or the roundabouts?"
He watched Finn as he thought it over carefully and then stated it was to be the Mechanical Menagerie next with a nod of his head.
Tommy smiled down at Finn and nodded ruffling his hair, "All right on to the Mechanical Menagerie."
They left the Bostick and Wombwells tent and went in search of their next destination.
Finn's POV
The entrance to the Mechanical Menagerie wasn't that far, it was a grand 3 level roundabout. After Arthur had got them tickets they climbed the three story staircase and were told to choose a conveyance to take them to the main entrance. There were all different types of fish, whales, sharks, squids, things Tommy said were called prawns, crabs and even sea turtles.
Arthur and John chose a strange scary looking fish that had big eyes and sharp teeth. From where they sat inside it looked like they'd been eaten. Ada made a comment about how of course they would chose a piranha. He guessed that was the name of it. Michael and Aunt Polly got into a sea turtle, the turtles shell was like a cockpit and they could see through it. Finn chose a dolphin for himself and Ada, they sat on it like they were riding a horse. He turned to look behind him and saw Tommy helping Aoife into a jelly fish looking thing. Their sitting bench was suspended below the body and they were surrounded by the squiggly limbs.
Before long the sea creatures started to move, it was similar to the Golden Gallopers roundabout. John and Arthurs fish was moving side to side like it was swimming in water, the turtle seemed to glide with a gentler motion, it tilted and went up and down a little as well. Aoife and Tommy were shooting up and floating down, he could hear both of them laughing and noticed through the squiggly limbs that it looked like Tommy's arm was around Aoife, all that jumping around probably didn't feel safe. As for himself and Ada well their dolphin would swerve side to side but then it would arch up and go back down.
They continued their motions as the creatures revolved around the center beam moving them down a level with each full rotation. When they reached the ground again they were unlocked from their sea creatures and it opened up into the rest of the tent. There were different moving metal creatures everywhere. They were all bright and shiny, polished to a high gleam.
There was so much to take in he didn't know where to start. He felt a hand on his shoulder and twisted his head to see Aoife smiling down at him. "What do you say, left, right or up?"
"Up?"
"Take a look at the tent top."
Looking up at the top of the tent he saw a gigantic dragon that was making a circuit of the entire space. Along with the dragon there was a bird carrying two baskets with people riding in em, going back and forth. "Look at the bird, why's its beak so long?" He heard Aunt Polly chuckle and she told him it was because it was a stork, the kind of bird that's supposed to bring babies in the fairytales. Ugh. He glanced around and opted to go left.
The left of the tent consisted of large insects an ant, a bee, a grasshopper, even a mosquito. There was a tarantula, and an inchworm too. They spent time examining each, he even got to ride a couple of them. The other side of the tent was filled with animals like the real ones they'd seen. Bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, even the big giraffes. He wasn't sure how long they spent looking at all the different machine animals but when he heard Aunt Polly say something about food he was ready to eat.
So he readily agreed when Tommy asked him if he was done exploring the Mechanical Menagerie.
Aoife POV
Aoife enjoyed watching Finn's curious mind work as he had examined and studied all the mechanics they'd come across. The how behind the working metal animals really seemed to interest him. Not to say that he wasn't ecstatic about the subject matter, he really seemed fascinated with animals in general. She remembered the Air Fair she'd gone to and how her brothers and been all about the roundabout rides and other interactive activities that had been available.
She'd watched, listened and laughed as John, Arthur and Michael had started to deliberate which mechanical animal was more likely to win in a fight. They kept up this debate for several animals, each one choosing their champion. In the end, Finn was the final judge on which would win, based off of the pros and cons that each one gave for the animals in question. Tommy even chimed in a few times adding pros and cons where he saw them.
Ada, Polly and herself had simply enjoyed watching the boys interact with one another. Polly would say a word or two softly so only they could here. "It saddens me that the last time I saw them like this was before the war. Yet it brings me joy cause I thought never to see it again."
Ada was just about beaming with how much she was enjoying seeing all of her brothers so light hearted for once. She'd once again entwined their arms so they were walking side by side. There was enough distance between them and the men to allow for a bit of private conversation. "I heard Tommy actually laughing with you when you were inside that jellyfish."
She chuckled, "I don't think that either of us were expecting the contraption to actually move like a jellyfish."
"Whatever the reason, it was nice hearing him laugh. He used to laugh all the time before the war. Not so much since he's been back. Not to say that he doesn't at all, it's just not all that often. They all came back so different. Arthur tends to suffer from the Flanders Blues, John drinks more and Tommy, well, he's...he...I don't really know the word to properly describe it. He came back cold, like the warmth had been leeched out of him."
Polly chimed in quietly beside them, "Aye, one could mistake him for a heartless man. All the men were affected by the war. Some more capable of dealing with the changes wrought inside them than others. I often curse what they did to him in France. I know how Tommy is, but he does what he does, for us Ada. We may not be able to see it anymore but I believe that Tommy does everything he does for us. Even if at times we don't agree with what he does, he believes he's doing what's in our families best interest."
"Yes Aunt Pol, I just wish he'd stop making decisions for everyone."
"You mean you wish he'd stop making your decisions for you."
"Well it's not like he's my father is it, plus I'm a grown woman, I'm more than capable of making my own choices. I don't need him telling me how it's going to be. Do your brothers tell you what to do Aoife?"
"My brothers ... know they're more likely to get their way if they ask me to do something. Instead of telling me to do something. I have a tendency to be somewhat obstinate, they'd use the term mulish, when anyone, really, tells me what to do. We all have a tendency to look after one another. I don't really know your family dynamics. From what you've both been saying, it sounds like Tommy's trying to keep you from making what he sees as a mistake. Keep you from getting hurt. My families different because of our situation on the ship. We don't get in each other's way, even if we think the other is making a mistake. We just make sure that we're there for them when they realize they've made one. Sometimes you have to make your own mistakes to learn your lesson, no matter how much the ones who love us wish they could keep us from getting hurt."
Polly laughed softly, "Mistakes are indeed lesson aren't they. The hardest lessons to learn, which is why we wish the ones we love would learn from our mistakes instead of making their own."
Aoife replied just as softly because it looked like the boys were on their way to join them. "Unfortunately there are some lesson you have to learn for yourself."
Polly nodded at her in understanding, it seemed she knew that there were indeed lessons in life one needed to learn on their own. Ada seemed to contemplate this before nodding her head slowly, "I wish Tommy could see it that way."
As the boys drew within earshot Polly started speaking as if they'd been talking about getting hungry and finding some food. After a brief discussion they decided it was time to get something from one of the grab joints before looking around further.
When they stepped outside Aoife noted that, large self standing steam powered heaters had been setup to keep the winter evening chill at bay, so patrons could continue to enjoy themselves and spend their coin.
They walked in a group, Ada still in step with her towards the front end where all the grab joints were located. Tommy gave her space but she noticed that he still managed to remain close. Why she wasn't exactly sure. Could be for her safety or due to whatever strange thing seemed to be going on between the two of them. It almost felt like they were magnetized in some way, pulled toward each other by an invisible force.
She hadn't made up her mind yet on how she felt about it, him. He was a grounder and she an airman, contemplating any sort of relation with him wasn't smart. Not even bringing the fact of his lifestyle into the equation, anyone who opted to be 'with' him would have to accept that his life was dangerous. She supposed if she thought about it, so was hers, just in different ways.
She was glad when they started discussing food options as it got her mind off a topic she didn't want to deal with at the moment. Ada ended up talking everyone into the spit roasted chicken. She didn't think it was that hard to do as the smell wafting from the tent was quite mouthwatering. John and Michael went inside to wrestle the throng of people wanting to eat themselves, and place their order. As the rest of them waited outside a man shouted Tommy's name near them.
Tommy POV
Tommy turned toward the man who'd shouted his name, he was tense and on guard until he realized it was Johnny Dogs.
"Johnny Dogs!"
"Tommy how the hell are ya?"
"All the better for getting the city smoke out of me lungs."
"Aye, the fine clean country air. What brings you out today?"
"Settle yourself Johnny, it's a family day, we're not looking to cause any disruption."
"Aw, well, just so you're aware the Lee's are here as well, so as it's not a surprise if you cross paths."
Tommy nodded his head in understanding, "As I said, it's a family day, we're here to enjoy ourselves. We'll leave them be, so long as they leave us be."
He watched Johnny as he seemed to weigh his words for truth before nodding his head. "All right then, I'll inform them of your presence and that there's to be no trouble today. So this is your first fair since France, eh?"
"What would you know about France you war-shy gypsy bastard?"
Johnny broke into laughter knowing that Tommy didn't mean any offense to him with his comment, it was just the way of their friendship.
"Your whole family today huh." Tommy watched as Johnny took off his hat and nodded to Polly and Ada respectfully. He knew the instant Johnny's eyes landed on Aoife. An extra twinkle came to his eyes . "Who might this lovely be? "
"Johnny Dogs...Aoife Deveroux. Aoife, Johnny Dogs."
"Aoife Deveroux, what is a sweetheart the likes of you doing hanging around the Shelby family?" Tommy didn't take offense but he watched as Arthur tensed up a bit. Johnny's comment could be misconstrued as an insult. Aoife's sweet laughter sounded through the air garnering the attention of those around them before she answered Johnny. "Well now, I've come to learn that is takes a certain kind of person to keep up with the likes of me. The Shelby's don't seem to have an issue with keepin' pace."
Johnny laughed as she gave as good as she got. Her answer eased the tension he'd seen growing in Arthur. Kept things light and all in fun.
"It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Deveroux. Tommy, good to see ya. I'll leave ya to enjoy the rest of your day."
"See you around Johnny."
Polly POV
After Johnny Dogs took off Polly knew they needed to remove themselves from the throng of fair goers and find somewhere they could eat in relative peace. Looking around she spotted a space near one of the heaters that looked like it could do. "Tommy, we should see about moving over to that area there, will be out of the way."
Tommy looked to where she'd been pointing and nodded in agreement as they made their way over. It was far enough from the thoroughfare they wouldn't get trampled and they weren't likely to get dust in their food. Yet close enough to the heater to have a decent amount of warmth reach them. Once they laid claim as it were to the space Tommy sent Arthur back to the grab joint so that John and Michael would know where they were.
It wasn't but a moment later Arthur returned with John and Michael in tow carrying multiple bags and it seemed someone had the forethought to find a blanket to spread out on the ground. Tommy grabbed the blanket from beneath Michaels arm and Arthur helped him spread it out so they could all sit and relax while they ate.
Polly had been keeping an eye on what was going on between Aoife and Tommy. She had noted the way they'd fallen back from the group in the live animal menagerie. Had seen them with their heads bent toward one another, the natural progression from a simple hold to a more intimate one. She'd also noted the moment Aoife had realized it too and how she'd smoothly skittered away. She'd effectively put space between the two of them, but she'd missed the look on Tommy's face when she'd walked away. She'd expertly captured Tommy's attention and she hadn't even meant to. Of that she was quite sure.
Aoife was interested but she was standing on the other side of the fence looking through the railing and contemplating whether she wanted to climb over it or not. Polly also had no doubt that in that moment Tommy had decided what he wanted. She prayed that Tommy would get it.
Her boys may be rough, sometimes brutish and often cutthroat but her sister and then she, herself had raised them to be gentlemanly so she couldn't help but feel pride when John and Tommy assisted the girls in settling on the blanket. Her own Michael seemed to take his cue from them and helped her down himself. Finn made sure to situate himself close to Aoife and Polly found she didn't mind that Finn had taken an immediate shine to the girl. She had yet to find fault in her, and hadn't sensed anything off about her. She was known for having a good sense for these things.
The bags were handed out and everyone tucked in to eat. It was juicy and flavorful and after the amount of walking they's done so far it was much appreciated. Finn having gobbled his down went to wipe his hands on his pants. Before she could scold him for his thoughtlessness Aoife tapped his shoulder and passed him a cloth to use. It was such a small thing, but that, more than anything she'd been witness to so far, told her that Aoife Deveroux was observant, thoughtful and prepared in ways unexpected.
Polly glanced over to Tommy and caught the look in his eyes. He'd taken note of Aoife's action too, and if it were possible he was even more smitten. Then she watched his eyes glaze over in ice when he seemed to spot something across the way.
Turning her head slightly she caught site of Erasmus Lee and a couple of his kin coming their way.
Aoife POV
She felt the change in the atmosphere immediately. It went from being happy and comfortable to dangerous and intense in the space of a heartbeat. She wasn't the only one that noticed either. Tommy, Arthur and John immediately stood and seemed to form a barrier between the rest of the them and a group of men that were quickly approaching.
She looked to Polly and noted the concern that showed for a moment before it hardened into the stern unreadable face of well, a Shelby apparently. Ada seemed aggravated with the appearance of the newcomers and Finn seemed to deflate before her eyes. He was scared that whatever was coming would bring an end to their outing. Michael had risen and was helping Polly to stand before helping Ada and her as well.
Finn stood, placing himself between his older brothers and them. A last line of defense? Shaking her head Aoife stepped behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders giving a light squeeze.
Tommy's voice was strong and cold when he spoke, "Erasmus Lee."
She assumed he was addressing the rather tall, burly, dark haired man that had a scar along the side of his face by one of his eyes, because he's the one that replied back. "Shelby."
"Did Johnny Dogs not talk to ya yet?"
"He did. We aren't likely to trust the word of a Shelby though are we. Wanted to come and see for ourselves."
Aoife listened as Polly moved forward to address the man and his party, "See what? A family enjoying a day at the fair. Look around there are plenty of them."
"Aye, we see your family here...your whole family...all in one spot."
She heard the veiled threat in his response and felt the hairs on the back of her neck lift. Her intuition was saying something was going to happen. Given she had no idea who these people were or what they were capable of she wasn't sure what. She watched the three Shelby men tense up and even Michael unbuttoned his jacket for easier access to his firearm.
Are they seriously thinking about starting something here? At a crowded fair filled with innocent bystanders, tons of women and children.
It was then she felt the air shift behind her. She'd learned a long time ago to listen to her instincts. She quickly and gently pushed Ada and Finn forward towards the others more. Ada was caught by surprise but she was quick and noted the reason for the push. She grabbed Finns arm and pulled him further away and toward Tommy, John and Arthur.
Aoife gave a quick thought about alerting the men to the threat behind them but decided against it. It could potentially cause them to turn their backs on the men in front of them. It seemed Ada felt the same way. Unfortunately Finn watched with horror filled eyes, fear evident for her well being in them and his sound of anguish alerted the others that something was wrong.
Michael and John both turned around quickly drawing their weapons as they did. Michael pointing his at the second man, who'd been there to try and grab Ada. Keeping him from trying anything further without the clear threat of a bullet for his troubles. Unfortunately the man behind her already had her in his grasp and left John with no real threat to his person as long as she was in his clutches.
She wondered if this group of men had taken notice that several Peaky Blinders were appearing in the crowd surrounding them.
Her own attention was taken away from the scene unfolding in front of her due to the need to deal with the man who apparently thought he had the right to cop a feel while he held her back against his front. She'd been accosted by imbeciles before but it always amazed her that there were men out there who believed they could do whatever they wanted without repercussions.
She estimated the man was about the same height as Tommy. Putting his head out of distance for any real damage with a head butt. She'd need to distract him. She tilted her head up and to the side to try and see some of his face, "Seriously?" The man looked down and had the nerve to grin at her, as if to say, "Yeah, what are you going to do about it. This is what you get for being in the company of a Shelby."
"Did your mother never to teach you any manners. In particular the one about not touching a woman without her permission. Here I was thinking Gypsies had an understanding about how women were to be treated with respect."
"Doesn't apply to a woman who'd consort with the likes of a Shelby."
"Is that so. Well...then I'm really not sorry about this."
She heard him chuckle and he twisted her to face him...idiot. "You're not sorry abou' wha'?"
She shrugged her shoulders, "This."
Aoife exaggeratedly shifted her weight from one foot to the other and the man did exactly what she wanted. He shifted, leaning down slightly and letting go of her arm to try and block the blow he thought was coming from her knee. With her arm free she gripped the back of his neck, shifted to his side and dropped all her weight at once. Catching him completely unprepared. His own forward momentum combined with the addition of her weight and subsequent force from her arm pushing him forward had him pitching toward the ground fast.
As soon as he started falling she regained her footing, hooked one leg out around his to keep his feet from being able to stagger forward and moved her hand from the back of his neck to his shoulder. She gripped into his shoulder muscles with her nails and as soon as she knew he wouldn't be able to recover his feet before hitting the ground she swung herself up and onto his back allowing her own momentum and weight to add to the force of his impact.
He was a large man and she needed to make sure that his breath was knocked from him. If his recovery time was good it would allow her the extra moment to incapacitate him. If there was one thing her brothers had drummed into her skull during all those close quarter combat training sessions, it was to never underestimate your opponent and always take advantage of the fact they'd most likely underestimate her.
She heard an oomph and felt the reverberation of his landing. Quickly grabbing a fist full of his hair she pulled his head back and used her other hand to grab the front of his throat. Using her thumb she pressed down on the veins in one side of his neck and used her other four fingers to do the same on the opposite. By pinching down on the carotid arteries she should cause him to become lightheaded and if all went to plan he would pass out in six to ten seconds. She remained tensed above him maintaining the grip on his neck before she felt his body slacken completely beneath her. She stayed in position for an extra few seconds just to make sure he wasn't faking it. The entire incident was over in a matter of thirty seconds.
Aoife had been so focused on her task that she hadn't been keeping track of what was happening around her. She heard the tell tale sounds of fighting. When she released her grip and looked up she watched John holster his weapon and offer her his hand. She stood as gracefully as she could with his help, straightening out her clothing as best she could. "Thank you John."
John smiled and nodded down at the man below them, "He be out for a while?"
"Should be for a little bit."
Watching John nod again, he leaned down and hog tied the man. She wasn't sure where the lightweight rope he was using came from but he was quick and efficient. He stood back up smiling, "You know, just so he has a few extra moments to contemplate the lesson you're trying to teach him."
She shared a smile with him and laughed softly. "Ah, men like him just get their noses bent out of shape, their phony pride refusing to learn anything. Especially if a woman is the one trying to teach em."
John nodded and offered his elbow as they stepped away from the man who'd grabbed her. Finn ran over to her wrapping her in a hug and burying his face in her stomach. She used her free arm to hug him and rub his back to let him know she was fine. Michael looked flabbergasted, Polly held a look of satisfaction and Ada was smiling hugely. Finn unburied himself and took hold of her free hand. As they moved closer to them, Ada's voice was filled with wonderment, "You have to show me how to do that. That was bloody brilliant."
Arthur's anger fueled shouting caught everyone's attention before she could reply. He was continuously beating the face in of one of the men who'd seen fit to throw a wrench into their evening. John and Michael along with a couple of other Blinders went to pull him off the man.
Looking around she noticed Tommy wrestling around on the ground with the man he'd called Erasmus Lee. Lee had a some height and a bit of weight on him. Tommy however was lithe and scrappy, his reflexes were quicker and his movements sharper with more power behind them. Dust clouds puffed up around them as they fought one another for the upper hand. She could tell Lee was driven by anger and Tommy seemed more in control of his emotions, either that or he'd turned them off all together.
They stopped rolling with Tommy above Lee, he took a right hook to the solar plexus but managed an elbow hit to Lee's throat. She watched as Tommy gripped Lee's shoulders and threw his weight to the side to roll them again. Only now Tommy was rolling on purpose. He intended to ram Lee into the metal support beam of the heater they'd been near. The crack of Lee's head hitting the beam sounded loud in the quiet of the stillness that seemed to surround them now. There was a certain amount of cunning ruthlessness to Tommy's actions, she had no doubt that he wouldn't hesitate to kill the man if there weren't so many witnesses present.
She watched as he banged Lee's head into the beam a couple more times. He reached over to the right picking up something in the dirt, his hat. He took a hold of it in a certain way and then brought it down to the man's face, running it over Lee's mouth and jaw. She watched as rivulets of blood started to run down Lee's neck, the look on Tommy's face was complete and utter calm.
Tommy stood as Johnny Dogs stared on from the crowd, "I told em' Tommy I swear."
Tommy raised his voice so the ones who'd gathered in a crowd instead of taking off could hear. His voice calm but loud, strong and intense, "What happened here today is on the Lee's heads."
Arthurs loud voice boomed over all of them, "We are the fuckin Peaky Blinders!"
Directly following Arthur she heard John pipe up, "And no one, messes with the Peaky Blinders."
Tommy POV
"Go on about your own business, enjoy the remainder of your evening."
The remaining crowd seemed to disperse quickly aside from Johnny Dogs who was checking to make sure Lee and his men were still alive. "We were minding our own Johnny, make sure the Lee's Phuri Dai, knows this."
"Aye, Tommy. I'll tell her first thing."
Tommy turned towards his brothers who'd moved to stand next to him when he'd been addressing the gawkers. John wasn't anxious or remorseful about anything so he knew that the family was good. "Arthur anyone get hurt?"
"Nah, some cuts and scratches, a few split knuckles."
He nodded and turned back to John, "What happened back there?"
"A couple goons tried to sneak up behind us and grab the girls."
"Take it they didn't get far enough to."
"One of 'em grabbed hold of Aoife. She took the fucker down within seconds, never seen nothin' quite like it before."
Tommy stared hard at John for a moment trying to decipher if he was fuckin with him for some reason. John shook his head and held up his hands, "No fuckin shit Tommy, she took him down to the ground and had him unconscious in less than a fuckin minute. All I did was hog tie the man to make sure he's good and uncomfortable when he wakes."
Tommy looked over his shoulder and saw the man hogtied before his eyes swept over to the girls, Finn and Michael. The women were talking amongst themselves, Finn was pressed in between Ada and Aoife and good man that Michael was he was being watchful of everything going on around them.
Tommy sighed and shook his head, "Looks like our visit to the fair's come to an end, if we're still missing anyone send someone out to find 'em, we're leaving as soon as everyone's loaded up."
Arthur nodded and went to talk to the men that were gathering near them. Tommy ran his hands over his eyes and scoffed before looking over at John. "We couldn't even give Finn one fucking day of normalcy."
John seemed to consider his words before shrugging his shoulders and speaking his own, "Do you really think that's what he wants. He knows who we are, what we do. Whether the day was fuckin normal or ended like this, all he cares about is that he got to spend time with us, that he was included...Come on now, don't look at me like I've grown another head. I have kids of my own remember."
Tommy nodded his head, "All right. What do you say we get the fuck out of here."
The Mechanical Menagerie idea was taken from Frances - Les Machines de L'ile's - (Mechanical Animal Themepark)
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