Wishing you all a very happy New Year. And a thank you to everyone for not only reading; but also following, voting and commenting. It is all very much appreciated.

(Y/n) and Arthur made their way through the streets of Small Heath. It had been strange having breakfast with Arthur and not John; but she had to admit that she had quite enjoyed it. Despite what people may think about the oldest Shelby, despite his reputation and his legendary temper, as far as (Y/n) was concerned, he was a good man. She had always respected him and Tommy, always seen them as the kind of men that she would want to be her big brothers. Always telling John how lucky he was to have them there for him. And now, as she walked arm in arm with Arthur, she was glad that they were there for her too.

Arthur had come to the house that morning and told her that he had let Tommy in on his plan. And that Tommy, in his own distinctive way, had agreed with what he was going to do. It nice to know that he wanted to help, as much as his brother did. That they both saw her as a part of the family, and it was about time that John saw it too and made her, as Arthur had put it, a real member. It about time he gave her the Shelby name. (Y/n) finding herself blushing at the idea that John would ask her to be his bride. Arthur joking that if John didn't make an honest woman out of her, he might just have to do it himself. The blush to her cheeks only becoming brighter, as the oldest Shelby said once again, that he couldn't understand why his brother concerned himself with other women, when he had a keeper, right by his side.

"So..........what do we do today........?" (Y/n) finally asked, a couple of children dodging her and Arthur, as they ran down the cobbled street after a rather unamused looking ginger tom.

"There's a bit a business at the Garrison that needs dealing with. And then there some stuff ta pick up from Charlie's yard, if ya don't mind a bit a lifting..........." Arthur replied, smiling at her, as (Y/n) nodded enthusiastically.

It would make a nice change from just hanging around the betting shop all day. Not that she minded spending time with Polly; she loved the older woman. It was because of Polly and her grandmother, that (Y/n) had learnt what it was to be a strong woman. Learnt that she shouldn't take any shit from anyone. That she was capable of so much more than many believed her gender allowed. But it would be nice to talk to Harry, when she wasn't after killing John; and it had been some time since she had been to the scrap yard on the Cut. Some time since she had seen Charlie and Curly. And if she saw Curly, it would mean that he would grin widely at her, before taking her hand and leading her over to the stables, with his usual trotting walk, so that she could see Tommy's horses.

"But first.......tha house............." The older man continued, giving her a wink, as they turned on to Watery Lane.

                                                       >>----------------------------------<<

John threw the bread back onto his plate and dropped his cigarette into his cup of tea. This was not normal. For years he had had breakfast with (Y/n). He would get up every morning, dress, and then make his way to the house. The smell of eggs, of bacon or sausages filling his nostrils, as he pushed his way through the front door. (Y/n) always greeting him with a broad smile, before she would help him off with his coat and push him into a seat at the table. A hot breakfast and fresh cup of tea placed in front of him, before she joined him. Yet this morning, he was reduced to bread, jam, and cold tea.

But worse than not being able to enjoy his usual morning with his best friend; John couldn't help but think about what Tommy had said, as he pushed the bread around his plate, that Arthur had come home an hours ago, got changed, and said he was going back to see (Y/n). John wondering if that meant that his oldest brother had actually spent the whole previous night with (Y/n)...........with his (Y/n)...............

"Mornin............." A voice suddenly said. John shaking the thoughts from his mind, as he looked up to see Arthur, with (Y/n) on his arm. The older Shelby pulling out a chair for her at the table; (Y/n) going over and kissing Tommy on the cheek, before taking a seat. Arthur ignoring a look from John, as he sat in the chair next to her.

"Enjoy ya breakfast..............?" John huffed, crossing his arms, as he looked between (Y/n) and his brother.

"Aye, nice bit a bacon. This lass ain't just a pretty face, she's a damn good cook too. I'll be tha size of a house by the times she's finished with me..................." Arthur chuckled, as he leant over and gave her a kiss on the temple.

"What d'ya mean when she's finished with ya...........?" John enquired, as he abruptly sat up straight. He had hoped that whatever had gone on, today was the only day. That tomorrow, everything would be back to normal; and the only one getting cooked for, would be him. But it appeared that Arthur had other ideas.

"So, after I went and found her, last night; we had a good talk, didn't we beautiful? And, well, I told her how I feel about her............."

"What d'ya mean..........feel about her............?" John interrupted again. This time jumping to his feet; his brows furrowed in confusion. The younger man not sure that he was hearing his brother, right.

"Well, (Y/n) deserves a good man in her life. A man that'll look after her, and'll care about her. Someone that can make her happy. And let's face it, its gettin her nowhere being with you all tha time. So, who better than me ta do that.........." Arthur explained, as he moved his arm around (Y/n)'s shoulder.

"Ain't that right, sweetheart.............?" He added. (Y/n) smiling at him, and nodding, before she and Arthur looked at John.

"You............?" John replied in disbelief. His fist clenching and unclenching, as he looked back at the pair. His mind reeling; no words formulating. John choosing instead to storm out of the house. Not seeing that (Y/n) had jumped to her feet to try and follow him. Only to be held back by Arthur.