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#TommyShelby
viesanterieures · 1 day
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shelbystales · 8 months
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Stay - One Shot
Tommy Shelby x Reader - Masterlist
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Word count: 4532
Requested by: @morrigan-crowmwell
Summary: Tommy realizes that despite him trying to avoid it, he loves and needs you.
Warning: angst, fluff and rough smut with dirty talk?
A/N: This was inspired by a brazilian song called "evidências", as requesteted. I hope you like it😘 .
English is my second language so I apologize in advance for the grammar mistakes
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He entered forcefully, pushing the door of your room open like a hurricane.
"Stop it," he ordered, pointing his finger at you.
You glanced at him, but your hands kept busy, packing your bags, shoving clothes into a bag that was clearly struggling to fit even half your dresses.
"I told you to stop," he said, approaching you and closing shut the door of your small wardrobe.
"Make me," you said irritably, trying to force the door open, but his hand on top of it prevented the process.
You rolled your eyes and carried on, your determined hands struggling with the stubborn zipper. You tried to wrestle the wardrobe open once again, a frown deepening on your face, but just as before, his hand on it prevented your success.
You sighed loudly, grabbing your bag from the bed and headed toward the door, ready to leave the scene.
He grabs your wrist firmly, preventing you from reaching the door, stopping you from leaving.
"Let me go!" you shout and struggle against his grip, but he doesn't let go of your wrist. His gaze seemed disturbed like he was out of himself. "Are you drunk?" you ask, pulling your hand, hating the fact that he's stronger than you.
"Why are you doing this?" he asks, and you clearly notice the knot in his throat.
"Tommy, you're hurting me," you say as the strength of his grip on your wrist becomes stronger.
"You can't do this. You can’t leave me" he says.
"Why do you care?" you ask angrily, pulling your wrist as you feel he loosened his grip on it and took a step back.
His chest rises and falls rapidly, his eyes locked onto yours with a mixture of frustration and desperation. He runs his fingers through his hair, a sign of his internal struggle.
“Tommy, what the fuck? You can't just barge in like this and do this” you said angrily
he swallowed harshly and looked around the room, the same room he had been with you many many nights before. The same room where he sleep nestled against your neck, smelling your scent to prevent his fucking nightmares. The same room he told you he couldn’t be with you, that he didn't want to be with you. The same room he broke your fucking heart. 
“It’s not fair,” you added, letting go of your bag to fall loudly to the floor. 
“Fair?” he chuckled “life isn’t fair” he said frustrated. 
His response only fueled your anger.
It felt like he was dismissing your feelings, brushing them aside with his cynicism. You crossed your arms over your chest, glaring at him with a mixture of irritation and hurt.
"Life isn't fair? Is that all you have?" you shot back, your voice dripping with sarcasm.
Tommy clenched his jaw, his fists curling at his sides. His eyes held a storm of conflicting emotions – regret, anger, and an undeniable pain that seemed to cut through his tough exterior.
"It's not like that, ey" he said, his voice strained. "I never wanted any of this to happen."
"Oh, so it's not your fault then?" you retorted, your tone dripping with bitterness “you stood right there” you pointed at one side of the room “and you told me you couldn’t fucking love me anymore! Like, what the fuck! Poor misunderstood Tommy Shelby… you wanted me to beg? to do what?! To run after you like a fucking dog. To beg for your love. Was that it? Tell me, what did you want?”, you couldn't restrain the anger in your voice
He winced, as if your words were a physical blow. You could see the pain in his eyes, a flicker of regret that he was desperately trying to hide. But it was too late for that – the dam had broken, and the flood of pent-up emotions was pouring out
“That’s because I love you” he said, making you laugh in disbelief 
“Fuck you!” you barked at him
“When I said i didn’t want you anymore, thats because I still fucking do” he spat out.
“What? Are you bloody high?” you shook your head 
He seemed to search inside for the right words. It was clear he was struggling.
“I can't let you leave” he stated
“Its not up to you” you answered coldly
“I will blow every road out of this damn city if I have to, drown every boat. But you are not leaving, eh” he warned, his finger raised, pointing at you as a warning sign
“I hate you so much right now” you whispered, your words seeming to have an effect on him. He breathed deeply and looked at the ceiling of your room
"Look, I know I messed up," he admitted, his voice quieter now.
"You damn right you did," you said, your anger still burning hot.
His frustration crackled in the air like an electric current. Everything was spiraling out of control, slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. He watched as you challenged him, your voice a mix of irritation and hurt. It was a pain he was intimately familiar with, one he had tried to distance himself from.
He knew he was the architect of his own misery. The moment he let himself care, truly care for you, he had opened the door to chaos. His heart, so carefully guarded, now laid exposed and vulnerable.
He took a step closer to you, his gaze intense, burning with a mixture of what you assumed to be anger and fear.
His heart raced in his chest, each beat a reminder of what he stood to lose. He wanted to grab you, to shake some sense into you, to break down the walls he had built between you.
But his hand remained at his side, clenched into a fist. He could feel the heat of his anger pulsating through him, but it was masked by an even greater terror - the terror of losing you.
"You think I wanted this?" he finally spat out, his voice raw. "You think I wanted to hurt you?"
You didn't answer, your eyes locked onto his, a mixture of defiance and something deeper.
He ran a hand through his hair, the usually impeccable locks now disheveled, mirroring the chaos inside him. Every step he took seemed to carry the weight of his uncertainty, his fear of losing something he hadn't realized he'd grown so dependent on.
"This is bloody ridiculous. I can't do this, alright? I can't bloody bear the thought of you walking away," he muttered to himself, his voice taut with frustration.
His gaze flickered to the door, as if half-expecting you to disappear beyond it any second. The very idea seemed to send a jolt of panic through him.
"You drive me mad!" he said, his voice rising in agitation.
His chest rose and fell rapidly, his breathing uneven as his gaze darted around the room, searching for some form of escape from the vulnerability clawing at him.
"I've denied it, tried to pretend I didn't need you, that I could bloody well do without you," he admitted, "but I need you," he practically spat out, the words almost foreign on his tongue. "More than I care to fucking admit. You're under me skin, in me bloody bones, and I'm terrified of what that means. I’ve tried but I can't fool me heart, I can't keep lying to meself” 
His voice cracked, the dam of his emotions threatening to break completely.
The room felt stifling, a cage that held him captive with his own fears. Tears welled up in your eyes, the battle between your anger and your love for him raging within you. You took a shaky breath, your own vulnerability exposed.
"You can't leave," he said, his voice low but laced with a desperation that belied his usual composure. "I won't let you. I can't." His admission hung in the air, raw and unfiltered.
Tommy's agitation reached a fever pitch, his body tense, his eyes wide with a mix of anger, fear, and something deeper that he struggled to name.
He couldn't let you go – not now, not ever. The very idea of you slipping through his fingers was enough to shatter his carefully constructed world.
You stared back at him, the weight of his words sinking in.
A mixture of anger and hurt still lingered within you, the wounds of his past actions still fresh. But now, in this charged moment, you could see that he was baring his soul to you.
You didn’t know what to do, what to say. part of you wanted to shout at him, to slap him to push him to the floor and kick his guts… but at the same time, part of you wanted to run to his arms, to kiss him, hold him strongly… truthfully, Your heart ached as you watched him struggle
You stepped forward, closing the distance between you. His eyes followed your movement, a mix of anticipation and apprehension in his gaze.
Your hand reached out, your fingers gently uncurling his clenched fist, the gesture a silent reassurance.
"I can't lose you," he choked out, his voice a mere whisper, his eyes searching yours for some form of understanding.
"I don't want to leave," you admitted softly, your voice breaking “but… you can't just come in here and say all of that after causing me so much pain. The past won't just disappear, Tommy. You can't just expect me to forget everything and come running back."
He shook his head, his hand shifting to cup your cheek, his touch warm against your skin. "I'm not asking you to forget," he said, his voice gentle but urgent. "I'm asking for a chance. A chance to make things right, eh? to show you how much you mean to me. I know I fucked up. But I need you, I need your lips on mine." His thumb gently brushed over your bottom lip. "I’ll give you my life, you can do whatever you want with it. I just want to hear you say yes, that you'll give me a chance to fix it. To fix us."
You closed your eyes, leaning into his touch, torn between the memories of pain and the yearning for something more.
His thumb brushed away a tear that had escaped your eye, his touch sending shivers down your spine.
"Tommy… I…," you whispered, losing your words. 
His gaze bore into yours, his thumb now tracing a path from your cheek to your lips, a feather-light touch that ignited a spark within you. His eyes were filled with a mixture of sincerity and vulnerability, a stark contrast to the tough exterior he often presented to the world.
"Say you'll give us a chance," he murmured, his words hanging in the air like a fragile plea.
His hands still cupped your face, his touch warm against your skin. His eyes danced between your lips and your eyes, a silent request for permission.
Your heart hammered in your chest, the battle between your head and your heart reaching its peak.
His touch, his words, they were like a balm to your wounded soul. And in that moment, you found yourself leaning in, your lips just a breath away from his.
"Tommy," you whispered, your voice trembling, "I want to believe you."
His eyes held yours, a mixture of relief and longing in his gaze. Slowly, almost hesitantly, his lips brushed against yours in a soft, hesitant kiss.
The kiss was short and when his eyes locked on yours again. his hand cradled your cheek, his thumb tracing light patterns on your skin as if he didn't want to let go.
You took a deep breath, embracing your own vulnerability. "Tommy, I…I can't go through the same pain again. I won’t forgive you again"
“You won’t need to” he reaffirmed, his voice unwavering. His thumb kept brushing your cheek.
You nodded slowly, feeling a mix of apprehension and hope you gave him a small smile, trying to give him some comfort. As response, his arms wrapped around you, pulling you close in a tight embrace, His heartbeat thudded against you. 
It was like a weight lifted off both your shoulders, replaced by a warm sense of security. You leaned into him, resting your head on his chest.
His fingers played with your hair, his touch gentle and soothing.
There, in his arms, you allowed yourself to believe in the possibility of healing.
He pressed a soft kiss on the top of your head and breathed deeply your scent, a scent that soothed him as a reminder of home.
“I love you” he whispered in your ears
“Fuck… I love you too” you said holding stronger onto him.
He pulled even estronger, his arms pressed strongly against you as if he was afraid you would slip away
As his arms held you close, his aftershave and Cologne mixture scent mingled with the warmth of his skin, enveloping your senses in a heady combination. Your fingers traced the contours of his chest, feeling the texture of his skin under your touch.
His fingers, which had been tracing patterns on your back, now ventured lower, roaming over your ass, his touch light and teasing.
His lips brushed against your forehead, a soft and lingering kiss that held a promise of more.
Your breath hitched as his fingers trailed along your spine, sending a trail of tingling sensations.
You tilted your head up to meet his gaze, your eyes locking onto his with a mixture of anticipation and a touch of apprehension.
"Tommy," you murmured, your voice barely audible, but laden with unspoken desire.
He swallowed audibly, his eyes darkening with a hunger that mirrored your own. His fingers moved from your back to gently lift your chin, tilting your face up towards his and then his lips were on yours, a kiss that ignited a fire within you.
His lips moved against yours with a fervent passion, his hands sliding down to the small of your back, pulling you impossibly closer.
Your fingers found their way to the back of his neck, tangling in his hair as you responded to his kiss with equal fervor.
His lips trailed from your mouth to your jaw, then down to the curve of your neck, placing soft kisses along the way. Your breath hitched as his teeth grazed your skin, sending a jolt of sensation straight to your core. Every touch, every brush of his lips, was a delicious torment that fueled the growing heat between you.
"Fuck, I've missed you," he breathed against your skin, his voice husky with desire.
The confession sent a shiver down your spine, the intensity of his words adding fuel to the fire burning within you. Your fingers moved to the buttons of his shirt, undoing them with a sense of urgency. His hands mirrored your actions, working together, desperately to rid each other of the barriers that separated your bodies.
As the last button came undone, his shirt, suit and gunholster slipped from his shoulders, revealing his bare chest.
Your fingertips traced the lines of his tattoos, feeling the rise and fall of his chest with each ragged breath.
Your dress was eventually discarded to the floor along with his clothes. You felt so desperate for him, both almost ripping each other's clothes off like animals.
Leaning against the wall across him there was a full-body-length mirror giving him a perfect vision of your ass, and back as he moved his kisses around your neck and shoulders.
He put a hand on your ass and caressed it softly before drawing his hand back and spanking it hard. The slap was sharp and loud in the small bedroom and it mixed with your moan. You dug your nails on his back.
“You're so fucking hot,” he said, noticing the skin of your ass becoming pinkish forming his handprint, moving to the other cheek, he squeezed it once, before slapping it just as hard.
He didn’t lose time, his lips met yours, sliding desperately.
Your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss as if trying to express all the longing you had held back. The taste of him, the pressure of his lips moving against yours, were like fuel.
With a swift and confident movement, he scooped you up in his arms. You instinctively wrapped your legs around his lower back as he carried you effortlessly towards the bed, where he gently placed you against the sheets. His lips never leaving yours.
He pinning you to the bed, kissing you with even more passion as he pressed his aching dick into your body through fhe fabric of his pants and briefs.
With your arms pinned against the bed, he started kissing your neck and kissing his way down to your breasts, and began to circle one of your nipples with his tongue.
“oh, Tommy. Fuck” you moaned as he closed his lips around one of your nipples, sucking it firmly.
He kissed your collar bone and moved to your earlobe, biting it playfully. 
“Tell me how bad do you want it” he whispered, his voice hoarse
“I want it so fucking bad. Fuck, i need it” you moaned
Tommy slid his pants off as if his life depended on it, his briefs slipping off along with it.
He flipped your body so that your stomach was pressing against the mattress. A movement that he did so effortlessly. Giving him the perfect view of your ass, which, according to him, was the most beautiful part of your body. 
He took his hand and gave your ass another firm slap, before firmly grabbing both yout asscheeks and spreading them apart. 
“So fucking beautifull” he praised. 
he leaned over you, his face now close to yours, where he left a few kisses on your cheek. his mouth right next to your ear again, just because he knew that turned you on. 
“I going to fuck you real good, ey” he said, his hands sliding between your legs, a finger sliding inside of you.
“Please” you moaned, spreading your legs a bit more apart
He stood back up, so that he could rub his dick against your asscheeks a few times before positioning it against your wet folds, leaning slightly, applying more and more pressure as he adjusted his posture before completely sliding inside of you. 
“Fuck, yes” you moaned as you felt him  inside of you. 
He reached one of his hands to hold at your shoulders, while the other reached one of your arms, pulling it to your back, holding you firmly as he started pounding nice and hard against you.
With every stroke you felt him deeper, moans left your lips involuntarily. His name eventually mixed with the sensual sounds leaving your lips, making Tommy wish you’d never stop. Every moan serving as a fuel for his hard thrusts to get harder and deeper
“Fuck, fuck… Tommy. Oh fuck” you moaned and felt the same strong slap on your left asscheek, then on your right “yes! just like that” you told him
Everytime your perfectly red ass pressed against his hip bones his mind took mental pictures, he would be daydreaming about you like this for the next few days. This, you… was exactly what he needed. The only one he needed. 
“You like it, hm?” he asked breathlessly as he slapped your ass one more time
“Yes, yes I do” you told him, biting your lower lip. 
“Fuck you feel so good” he let his head fall back, momentarily taking his eyes off you. “Tell me, y/n. Tell me you love it”
“I love it Tommy. God, I love your fucking cock so so much. Fuck just like that” your words spit out so quickly, desperate for him not to stop.
He held at your hips pulling them against him everytime he thrusted, making the movement rougher by the minute. 
You were feeling so overwhelmed by the feeling of him deep inside you that the orgasm that washed over you was inevitable. It wasn't common but vaginal orgasms happened once in a while with you, making you impressed everytime it did. 
“Fuck! I coming, i’m coming” you told him, as the orgasm washed over you, your face buried on the duvets
Without letting you recover from it, he pulled out and rolled you over to your back, your tits now reaching up, hard for him. He leaned over to kiss one of them as he pinched the other one hard.
“Fuck!” you cried at the feeling 
He then laid beside you, pulling your hips to him as he did “Get up here and sit on me”, he said and you slowly stumbled upwards to mount him. 
Your head spinning slightly, out of breath as you were still feeling the effects of pleasure course through your veins. As you got on top of him you held his cock, stroking it a few times before directing it to your entrance and slowly lowering your hip, sliding his cock back inside of you, where it belonged. 
“Fuck yes, ride that cock, real nice” he said as your hips moved back and forward. Tommys eyes were a combination of lust and admiration as he looked up to your bouncing tits and moaning lips. 
Both your moans filled the room and you could feel his body shake slight from the pleasure building up at every hip movement. He reached to hold both your nipples, pinching and twisting them, making the pleasure harder to handle as your legs started to feel weaker. 
Tommy leaned upwards pushing your hips against him, dictating the intensity of the moves as he was now working with you, his hips moving up, as yours pressed down on his. 
“Fuck, i’m getting close” He muttered 
“Me too, oh god. me too” you told him and took your fingers to start caressing your clit as you continued the movements, feeling the knot in your stomach starting to grow stronger. 
“Yeah, Just like that, ride that, fucking, cock” he said pausing between words everytime his hips pressed up. 
His grip tighter on your hips, his eyes fucking you as the most lustfull moan escaped his lips, his primal instincs taking over as he moved up, throwing your back against the bed as he started to fuck you faster and harder than ever before. His grunts, getting deeper and louder. 
“Fuck! Don’t stop, don't stop! Fuuuck” You cried surprised at the new feeling. Your nails digging at whatever piece of flesh of his you could grab hold, scratching his skin. 
You were already so close and his attack just made everything more intense, the knot that was forming before, was already strong and ready to explode. But for some reason it didn't, it just kept growing and growing.
“Fuck, your pussy feels so fucking good” he told you out of breath, his atack on your nipples returning as one of his hands pinchend and twisted them. 
All you could do at this point was moan the words fuck repeatedly, your body starting to shiver. Your moans were turning him on so hard you knew he wouldn't last longer.
“Fuck, so close, so close. Don’t stop” you warned him,seconds before your body freezing as the best orgasm washed over you, your head spinning, a burning feeling washed over around your entire body as your skin felt hotter.
The sexiest moans leaving your lips followed by Tommys name, and that combined with your shivering state, was enough to push him over the edge. He couldn't hold anymore, a primal grunt escaped his lips and his moves got uncoordinated as he emptied himself inside of you, coming so hard he thought he would pass out, his vision getting blurred. After a few more strokes, he allowed himself to collapse on the bed beside you. 
"Holy shit," he whispered, his voice still tinged with disbelief and desire as he caught his breath.
The room was silent now, just the sound of your labored breathing filling it as you both recovered. Your labored breaths began to synchronize, creating a rhythm that seemed to echo the connection between you. 
Tommy's fingers brushed against your skin, as he moved to kiss your neck and collarbone. His touch, now gentle and caring.
His hand cupped your face, his fingers caressing your hair as he gazed into your eyes. You smiled at him and he smiled back, a small smile, but a huge one for a man like him.
“That was something” your voice laced with a mixture of amazement and satisfaction.
His chuckle resonated in the room, a sound that felt like a secret shared between the two of you, since not many would ever hear the sound of a Tommy’s Shelby chuckle
“Yes it was… Want a cigarette?” he asked and you nodded, watching him stand up and grab his overcoat, searching for his pack of cigarettes. 
He found his pack and lit one cigarette. The sight of him, half hard as he slid the cigarette over his lips before lighting it felt like the sexiest thing you’ve seen. The flicker of the cigarette illuminated his features in the dim light, casting shadows that danced across his face.
Slowly, he began to approach you, his eyes fixed on yours. He held your chin gently, making you sit, his fingers warm against your skin, as he took a drag from the cigarette. The smoke curled between his lips before he leaned in, exhaling the smoke into your mouth. The act was surprisingly intimate, making your core tinkle. 
He took another drag from the cigarette, his eyes never leaving yours as he sat beside you. The air seemed charged with electricity as he exhaled, the smoke curling around you both like a fragile veil. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned closer, his lips a whisper away from yours.
"You're something else, you know that?" he murmured, his voice husky with a mixture of arousal and admiration as he held your face and kissed you, feeling the taste of the smoke on his lips.
"You're not so bad yourself," you replied, your voice a low murmur .
His lips curved into a half-smile, the playfulness in his eyes contrasting with the intensity of his gaze. The cigarette rested between his fingers, forgotten for the moment as his focus remained solely on you.
the intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, he was fucking you with his eyes. your lips finally met in a hungry, passionate kiss, his lips moved against yours with a hunger that mirrored your own, a craving for each other almost as if you hadn’t spent the last minutes fucking eachother senseless. 
As the kiss deepened, his hand cupped your cheek, his thumb brushing softly against your skin. 
When your lips finally parted, breathless and flushed, his words reached your ears like a plea. "Don't you ever think of leaving again."
You met his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the depth of his fear and desire. The weight of his confession hung heavy in the air, the intensity of the moment a testament to the connection you shared.
"I won't," you whispered, your voice laced with determination. "But you have to promise me something too." His brow furrowed slightly, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin as he waited for your words. "Promise me that you won’t shut me out again," you said, your voice soft but firm. "No more pushing me away, Tommy. If we're going to do this, to really make it work, you have to be all in."
He studied you for a moment, his gaze searching your face as if trying to decipher every emotion you were feeling. And then, with a nod, he gave you a small, genuine smile.
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anarchyyone · 2 months
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Cillian Murphy at almost 17 years old.
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creativepawsworld · 1 year
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Silence Master list
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Inspired by the song Silence - by Marshmello feat Khalid. 
In a world where the threat of gangsters is impossibly high. Anastasia Adler finds herself thrusted into their life of criminal activity, killings and racketeering. All for the love of one man who makes her feel at peace in the wake of violence.
Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11  Part 12  Part 13  Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17  Part 18  Part 19  Part 20 Part 21  Part 22  Part 23  Part 24  Part 25  Part 26  Part 27  Part 28  Part 29  Part 30  Part 31  Part 32  Part 33  Part 34  Part 35  Part 36  Part 37  Part 38  Part 39  Part 40  Part 41  Part 42  Part 43  Part 44  Part 45  Part 46  Part 47  Part 48  Part 49  Part 50  Part 51 Part 52  Part 53  Part 54  Part 55  Part 56 Part 57
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dandelionprints · 2 years
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You’ll Catch A Cold
Pairing: Tommy x Y/N
Summary: Y/N catches a cold and it’s up to Tommy to look after her
Warnings: Fluff, explicit language
Word Count: 3060
A/N: I currently have a cold so I’ve used it as ‘inspiration’ for this one shot, I hope you enjoy!
I do not give permission for my work to be posted anywhere else but reblogs, comments and likes are greatly appreciated!
Tag list is here if you’d like to be added to it
Credit for GIF to creator
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A warm glow from outside shone through his office window as the sun was beginning to set. He’d been stuck in his office all day making various phone calls and writing letters to people he’d rather brush off to his secretary, but he couldn’t do that, he was Thomas Shelby OBE. A politician had to keep up appearances and at least pretend they gave a shit about what other people in power had to say. Yes, he’d worked hard to get to where he was today but he couldn’t deny that he’d rather have spent his day with his wife, Y/N, out in the autumn sunshine catching the last of the years warm rays from the sun, for no doubt the mornings would soon be filled with frost and the skies clouded over with sheets of white by early afternoon.
He reached into his pocket to check the time on his pocket watch. Five thirty PM.
He took a cigarette from its holder on the desk, rolling it slightly on his lips before placing it between them and lighting it. He took a pull and allowed himself to slump a little further into his chair, exhaling as he did so. Sure, five thirty was a lot earlier for him to finish work for the day than usual but he decided that he’d allow himself that luxury. He missed Y/N.
He continued to pull on his cigarette, not really enjoying the taste any more but still craving the nicotine he was getting, as he stood from where he was sitting and began walking over to the door, grabbing his coat on the way.
“Mr. Shelby, sir”, came the voice of his head maid, Frances. She’d been on her way towards his office and looked almost surprised to see him already exiting his office so early in the day.
“Yes?”
“Do you know where Mrs. Shelby is? I haven’t seen her since early afternoon. I thought she might have popped out with Ada but I saw Ada leaving on her own not too long ago”
His heart started to pick up pace a bit although he was sure Y/N would be absolutely fine, she’d probably gone for a walk around the grounds of Arrow House as she quite often did, or to the stables where he often found her when she was feeling down. ‘The horses listen, I don’t need to try with them. I can just talk and talk without the fear of judgement’, she’d say.
“No, I haven't seen her, Frances. It’s okay, I’m just on my way outside to find her. She’s probably in the stables grooming her horse”
“Yes Mr. Shelby”, she nodded, “I’ll pop the kettle on and make some tea, I can imagine she’ll need to be warmed up after being out there, the temperatures dropped something rotten”, she turned on her heel and started walking towards the kitchen.
Tommy continued to make his way towards the door leading out onto the grounds forecourt and made sure to grab his peaky cap on the way. He couldn’t deny the truth in Frances’ words as he stepped out onto the gravelled floor, there really was a bite in the air. The sun looked deceiving as it shone through the slowly yellowing leaves on the trees, you’d think you could still go without a coat if you knew no better than to trust the inconsistent British weather. He threw his now burnt out cigarette onto the floor.
The stables weren’t too far from the house and as he made his approach, he could hear his wife softly singing to herself, or to the horses in fact, a sound that he always loved. A smile crept onto his face as she came into view.
“Thought I’d find you here”, he spoke.
She jumped slightly at the sudden sound, bringing up a hand towards her chest.
“God, you fucking frightened me!”
Tommy only let out a chuckle in response and made his way over to his wife, the smile from the sound of her singing still placed on his lips.
“I love hearing you sing to yourself, it’s one of my favourite sounds in the world you know”. He placed a hand on either side of her waist and pulled her in slightly to give her a kiss as her hands gently reached up to grab his coat by the lapels.
“What time is it? It’s still light, I didn’t think you’d be finished with work until much later this evening”
“Five thirty or thereabouts. I thought I’d give myself the evening off to spend with my beautiful wife who I’d usually be happy with not wearing many layers of clothing but who in this instance I’m worried is going to catch a cold from the lack of layers”
She was wearing a light blue summer dress with no tights and a cream coloured cardigan, not nearly enough to keep the late autumn chill off. She’d fallen victim to the deceit of the sun, believing it to be a lot warmer than it looked outside that morning when she’d rolled out of bed alone and stood in front of the window that had the curtains already pulled apart slightly. She knew Tommy must have gotten up and gone over to the same spot that she was now standing in to check that no unwanted visitors were outside, he did the same thing every morning.
She couldn’t deny that she’d begun to lose the feeling in her fingertips and the tip of her nose felt numb from the bitter bite of the breeze that came in through the slats of the stable door, she could just about feel her nose dripping slightly. She quickly gave her nose a swift wipe with the handkerchief that she kept up her cardigan sleeve.
“I figured that it wouldn’t be as cold as it is and I didn’t plan on being out here for too long, I only came outside to wave goodbye to Ada then I thought I’d check on the horses, before I knew it I’d been out here for at least an hour. Y’know, you get quite used to the cold when you’re distracted. The horses are good company”.
“That they might be, love, but I need to know that my wife is looking after herself and isn’t suffering from hypothermia, now c’mon, lets get inside. Frances has made you a fresh pot of tea”, he was already removing his coat and placing it around Y/N’s shoulders.
“Tea sounds delightful Mr. Shelby, will you be joining me?”
“It would be my pleasure, love”.
He playfully smacked her bum as his signal to start moving towards the stable door and back to the house. She giggled and did as she was instructed, wrapping Tommys coat tightly around her frame.
***
Once inside the house, Tommy had insisted that Y/N go upstairs to their bedroom and get into something warmer. She’d chosen to go for a pair of his boxer shorts and one of his knitted jumpers that he only wore when it was the two of them, usually during the winter months in the evening when they were relaxing in front of the fire before bed. Sure the items of clothing she’d chosen certainly weren't the warmest but the boxers felt comfortable and the jumper was big on her, perfect to snuggle up in. She lifted it up towards her nose and tried to breathe in his scent, only to find that her nose had now lost its ability to smell and instead was now completely blocked. Shit.
‘Tommy’s not going to shut up about this, guess I’ll have to try and pretend I’m not ill’, she thought to herself.
Putting on the boxers and the jumper, she went to the chest at the end of the bed and took out her favourite blanket, the one that Tommy had bought her for her birthday knowing that she loved nothing more than to be wrapped up in a blanket in front of the fire with a cup of tea when the nights were chilly. She smiled at the memory of opening it on her birthday, the joy and excitement that came with it, as she wrapped it around herself and sat in front of the already lit fire. Frances must have been in to light it just before they got back into the house.
“One cup of tea, Mrs. Shelby”
Tommy walked into the room holding a cup of tea on a saucer in each hand, a biscuit or two placed next to the cups.
“Oh why thank you, my love. You do spoil me”, she reached out and took one of the saucers, giving Tommy a peck on the cheek as she did so.
“That’s my job, to keep you happy”, he bent down further to place a soft kiss on her lips.
Frances had insisted on bringing them the tea herself but Tommy had told her he wanted to spend the evening with his wife alone and that although he was grateful for her help, he wanted to be the one to do the basic everyday things he quite often forgot he used to do before the money was rolling in and maids were there at the drop of a hat to tend to his every need. Even if that was something as simple as bringing a cup of tea to his wife.
He took a seat opposite Y/N in front of the fire and placed his own cup and saucer down onto the table that sat between them.
“How was it with Ada? What did you talk about?”
“Oh you know, the usual. About the kids, about politics, about how you work such long hours…”
“You know I have to, Y/N, there’s business that needs to be done”
“I know, Tom. I’ve heard it all before, business first, personal life second, I should really be used to it now”, she paused, “it’s just, I wish we could have at least one day a week where you put the business second and personal life first, just one”
“So that’s why you were out with the horses? To talk to them about your thoughts?”
She nodded in response and he felt his heart drop, he hated the fact that his wife was feeling the way she was and it was all because of him.
“I’m sorry, you’re right. I shouldn’t be putting business first all the time, I know that. It’s just, I’ve worked so fucking hard to get to where I am I’m afraid that if I slow down, even for a second, that I’ll drop the ball and it’ll all be gone”
Y/N stood from her chair and closed the small gap between herself and Tommy, cupping his face with one hand and holding her blanket around her with the other. Tommy wrapped both arms around her.
“That, Mr. Shelby, won’t happen. You’re too headstrong and determined to let that happen. All I ask is for one day a week where you let yourself relax and at least spend a bit of time with me, I feel like I spend most of my days missing you”
Another pang to his chest.
“I miss you too, I really do. I’ll do everything I can to make sure I spend as much time with you as possible and I’ll start doing the one day a week thing too, someone’s got to make sure you bundle up before you go outside”, he chuckled as Y/N tried to hide her smile, giving him a playful nudge to the chest.
“Thank you, it’ll mean the world to me”, she bent back down so that her face was level with Tommy’s, giving him a kiss before standing up straight again.
His eyebrows furrowed slightly.
“Is that my jumper?”
Y/N took the two steps back towards her chair and sat down, picking up her tea and taking a sip. She jokingly looked around the room, ignoring his gaze as his eyes bore into her chest, the cream coloured material showing through the gap between either side of the blanket that had come away from each other.
“Hmm, thought it was”, he chuckled and shook his head slightly, he couldn’t give a fuck if it was his or not, he just knew she looked good in it. Then again, he thought she looked good in anything she wore.
His eyes wandered upwards and began to study her face properly, he noticed that her eyes looked a bit glassy and that her nose was slightly red, he could see her fighting the urge to sniff.
“I knew it! I fucking told you! You’ve caught a cold”, he seemed almost smug that he’d been right about the amount of layers she’d been wearing earlier, “looks like you’ll be getting the Doctor Shelby treatment”
“I have not!”, she exclaimed, her eyes widening, so much for trying to hide that she was ill, “Anyway, what's the ‘Doctor Shelby’ treatment?”
“Well“, it appears that you are in fact ill, and will be requiring someone to look after you. Therefore, I see it as my duty to fulfil that post and tend to your every need. I shall bring you cups of tea, fetch you more blankets, bring you tissues, run baths and lay in bed with you for as long as you so wish. You may not lift a finger to do anything, your husband, or in this case, doctor, will do everything for you”.
“Well doctor, that all sounds amazing! And how long may I ask is this service valid for?”
“For tonight and tomorrow, my love. Shit, sorry, that was unprofessional. You have my services tonight and tomorrow, Mrs Shelby”
“You mean you’re taking the day off of work to look after me? What will you tell them? That your idiot wife didn’t wear enough layers outside and that you’re now stuck at home while she lays in bed sniffing and sneezing her pathetic little nose off with a cold?”
Almost as if to give an example, her nose began twitching and she let out a sneeze, managing to stop herself from making as loud of a noise as she could have. Tommy handed her his handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket.
“Yes I’ll tell them exactly that”
She rolled her eyes and smiled, bringing her now cooling cup of tea to her lips again.
“Do you really think that’s wise? Missing a day off work because I have a cold? You’ve got a reputation to uphold. I mean I know I’ve just said to you that I want to spend more time with you but it doesn’t need to be for you to look after me. Please, Tom, go to work. I’ll be fine! I’ve got Frances and the rest of the staff I…”
“No I won’t hear of it, I want to take the day off to look after you. Besides, when was the last time we actually got to spend time together, eh?”
She pondered for a moment, she knew that he was right. Tommy would get up so early in the morning that she either slept right through or was half asleep when he’d roll over to her and place a kiss on her face before pulling himself out from underneath the covers and to the bathroom. The only times she’d see him in the day if he was at home would be when she’d go to say good morning once she’d gone downstairs, sometimes at lunch when she’d convince him to stop his work for fifteen minutes and get some food down him and then again in the evening once work was over if he’d finished early enough to catch her before she went to bed. She’d lost count of the amount of times she’d stay up waiting for him to come to bed, only to find her eyes growing heavier by the minute, finally allowing them to close fully and drift off into a much needed sleep. She would often wake in the middle of the night to find a blanket draped over her along with Tommy’s arm pulling her in towards him.
She couldn’t deny that getting to spend a whole day with him at home sounded like an absolute dream, even if she was ill.
“Okay, but promise me you’ll come up with something better than ‘my wife is an idiot’ when you tell them you won’t be in please”.
She sniffed again as she felt her nose tickle, trying, but failing, to stop another sneeze from coming.
He laughed, “yes love, don’t worry about that. Besides, I’m Tommy fucking Shelby, I do what I want, when I want”, the cheeky smile that she loved so much appeared on his face and she felt her stomach flip.
She composed herself and managed to utter the words, “Oh, is that so?”
“You know it is, love”
“Well then Tommy fucking Shelby, what is it you want to do now?”, a smirk was playing on her lips, she loved watching his mind race, it was almost as though she could see it happening behind his bright, blue eyes.
“That’s doctor Shelby to you”
“Oh yes, sorry ‘doctor’ Shelby, how are you going to cure me?”
“Well, first things first, let’s get you into bed, you need your rest”
He stood from his chair and made his way over to Y/N, scooping her up in his arms, blanket and all. He softly kissed her forehead as he felt his arms wrap around her.
“It’s still early, you haven’t even had a sip of your tea or had your supper yet”, Y/N wrapped her arms around the back of Tommy’s neck, enjoying the warmth that she could feel radiating from his body.
“That's okay, I’m about to do something really unprofessional and have a snack”
With that he threw Y/N onto the bed, ready to devour her, every inch.
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justimagineitblog · 9 months
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KEEPER OF MY HEART - THOMAS SHELBY
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KEEPER OF MY HEART - CHAPTER 2
Well… I survived.
Actually, more than that. I feel at home already. 
I glance over at the clock as the last of the men stumble their way out of the pub. I smile to myself as I hear them singing and laughing with each other, all the way down the street. Happy customers. 
I poured the beer. I made sure there were no fights. Nothing was damaged or broken. I made chatted with the men and women, making them laugh as I tried to make sure I left my best impression on them. Incase the Shelby’s wanted to ask around about what people thought of me. 
I felt like I had found my feet after only one night, but the relief doesn’t last long.
I know I haven’t gotten the job yet. In fact, the Shelby’s could walk in here right now and thank me for my time before sending me on my way. I try to push the thought of homelessness or having to clean peoples houses for a living out of my mind as I count up the last of the till. This is all I know. This is what I’m good at. I need this job.
I sweep and mop the floors, and wipe down all the surfaces, making sure everything is neat and tidy. 
A peace of my heart has fallen in love with the Garrison already. 
Earlier in the night, John Shelby and some of the younger Shelby boys and their friends had stopped in for drinks. It was Saturday night after all. The boys were hitting the town. They had their own private room, and I made sure they were tended to like kings. I was fast and discreet, remembering their orders and topping them up with fresh glasses any time they ran out before they even had to ask. 
My only reassurance, is when John pulled me aside just before 11pm.
“Zoe, right?” He had asked me, as he joined me behind the bar and started helping me pour beers during a busy rush. 
“You’re good at this, you know, like really good” He had smiled at me “Tommy told me to stop by-“
“To make sure I hadn’t burned the place down yet?” I joke, earning a laugh. 
“I’m putting in a good word for you, I just want you to know that” he touches my shoulder reassuringly “Maybe it’s that I’m younger, more with the times than the others, but I think you would be good for the place. Bring some life back in here”
I smile at him warmly, turning my attention away from the beers I was pouring to make sure I have him my full presence. Him doing me this favour means more to me than he could imagine. Everything is riding on this. Ever since I gave up my fathers pub, I’ve felt so lost. Just one night at the Garrison and I feel like I’m back in my element. More than needing money, I think I need this job for my sanity. 
“So you’re the softie of the Shelby’s huh?” I grin, handing him a beer “That means a lot to me John. Thank you” I add sincerely. 
“See you tomorrow then hey” he smiles back, heading back to the others. 
I knew from that moment that John and I would be friends. Similar in age. And he had looked out for me when the rest were ready to dismiss me at first glance. He even reminded me of my own brother. 
Smiling to myself at the thought of the exchange with John, I head over to the front doors to lock them and close up for the night. 
Right as I reach up to close the latch at the top of the door, it suddenly swings open. 
And there he is. Thomas Shelby. 
I take a few steps backwards, moving out of his way. 
Like earlier in the day, he looks me up and down before giving me a firm nod. I guess that was his way of greeting me. So much for “hello”. 
He brushes past me, and begins to make a lap around the empty Pub. It takes me a few seconds to realise he’s examining the place. Checking that nothing is out of order. I clasp my hands behind my back, wringing them tightly. I don’t want him to see my nerves. 
“The till is balanced, place is clean, everyone is gone and safe and everything is prepped for tomorrow” I inform him, but he barely even notices. Despite my reassurance, he makes his way behind the bar to check that the money is all in order. 
“I didn’t steal anything, before you ask” I say, slightly offended that he won’t take my word that I can manage the pub. 
He counts the money in silence, and takes one last look around the Pub before finally turning to me. 
When his eyes meet mine, they’re just as piercing as they were 12 hours ago when we first met. Something about them makes you stand still, frozen. They are crystal clear blue, but it is still impossible to read him. To know what is about to come out of his mouth. 
“Good. You didn’t burn the place down”
Seriously.
Any nerves I had fall away, as I am overcome with frustration. That is all he has to say to me? Is he embarrassed that I proved him wrong?
“Thank you is generally the word that people go with” I retort.
“Thank you” he replies condescendingly, almost mocking me. 
I sigh. I expected a lot of things. But I didn’t expect him to literally send me on my way without even giving me a fair chance. 
“What’s it going to take?” I ask, exasperated. I’m tired. I’ve just worked all night. I’m beyond entertaining this man any longer “Just tell me what I have to do?”
But he doesn’t speak. Of course he doesn’t. He just studies me. It’s like I can see his brain ticking. 
Until I get an idea.
“You know what. Sit down. I’m making you a drink” 
“No,” he interrupts her immediately “I have to go and-“
“Come on,” I cut him off, with nothing left to lose “Appease me” 
He takes a deep breathing, looking up to the ceiling as if he’s trying to gather patience “Fine. One drink” 
I burst into a wide grin, feeling like I have a chance again. With a spring in my step, I make my way around the bar, concocting the same drink I used to make for my father. 
When I place it down in front of him, he examines it, a disapproving look on his face. 
“Oh come on I didn’t poison it”
“Not funny” he shakes his head, before bringing it to his lips hesitantly. 
He takes a sip. And another. And another. 
I got him.
He finishes the drink, and I smirk, waiting for him to admit that it was good. 
“Okay so you can make a drink” I dismisses me, unimpressed. 
This man is something else. I can’t pick him. 
“Alright” I shake my head, giving up “Just tell me what you’re thinking”
He pauses “I don’t know if I trust you”
“I’m not asking to run your business” I reassure him “I’m asking to pour beer so I can afford somewhere to live”
“Well I don’t know anything about you” he retorts “I need to know who I’m letting into this family”
“You haven’t asked me anything” 
He opens his mouth to reply, but closes it again. He knows I’m right. 
“You’ve only jumped to conclusions about me. So go on, what do you want to know? I’m an open book” 
He shakes his head, taking less time in between replying now. Like I’ve gotten him fired up and his normally carefully crafted responses are getting hastier. 
“I don’t want to know your favourite colour, I want to know that you don’t have ulterior motives” He reveals. 
“I do” I reply shortly “Who doesn’t?”
He glares at me.
“I want to live in the country. I want to save my money and buy a place. I want to live comfortably. I want to work and be treated like an equal. This may come as a shock to you, but I have no idea who you are and who your family is. I moved here one week ago. The only jobs going are for nanny’s and maids. I saw the ad. I put my name down because I’m good at this. And I don’t want to clean someone’s house for a living. So there…” I pause, letting my words sink “Not everyone has sinister motives you know”
And for the first time, he’s looking at me like he’s actually listening. Like he doesn’t have anything else to say. I search his face, trying to find some kind of indication. Did I go too far? Did I cross a line? 
“And it’s purple” I add, trying to lighten the mood “My favourite colour is purple”
And all of a sudden, he laughs. Okay, maybe it was more of a scoff. But it is the most emotion I’ve seen on his face all day. 
He shakes is head at me, like he’s astonished that I won’t give up. 
“Lot’s of business goes down here. You do not utter a word of it to anyone” He says seriously, his face turning grave and serious. 
“I get paid to listen, not to talk” I nod.
He nods back, and then, he holds a hand out. 
Oh my god. He’s offering me the job.
I quickly take his hand, shaking it firmly to try and show confidence. 
With that, he heads back towards the doors that he came in.
“See you tomorrow, Boss” I call out to him, unable to contain my excitement.
He looks back at me, shaking his head, but I swear I could see the faintest smile on his hollow cheeks. 
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saintsir4n · 10 months
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TOMMY SHELBY STORIES
Despite me writing a Tommy shelby story, I generally believe that his stories can’t have much of a happy ending.
Since I stated I was going to write one, uploading TikToks about it and even spoke about it on my conversations wall, people asked me whether or not I’ll make him cheat or just hurt the reader in any way.
I immediately said no to the cheating as I think there’s ways to create angst in a story and cheating is one of those unforgivable acts especially in stories and I never understand why people write it in unless they allow the LI (tommy) to suffer consequences by making the reader eventually leave him. Majority of stories don’t, they subject the reader to disrespect of the highest regard and we as readers just have to go along with it.
I mean no disrespect to writers who do so, it’s just tiring to read as well as disheartening as it gets to the point that many readers get attached to the character and feel their pain.
So when I was planning my Tommy story I was thinking about all the ways he would and could hurt my oc (Eden Dawkins) and considering his flawed nature, there are many. Eden is a young black nurse from Small Heath, why? Because nursing was a prominent profession especially back then and was fairly easy to get into. She’s black because I am and there is a very big absence of black original characters in peaky blinders stories and I’m tired of rereading the same ones.
Already Eden and Tommy will be subjected to prejudice, because of their pairing and their backgrounds, her being a black woman and him being from Irish and Romani traveller parents. So that is a big factor in their relationship.
Another being. Tommy is an ambitious man, and as he said as well as others, “he has no limitations.” He doesn’t, well apart from his family and the love he has for them.
But considering that this story is set before the war, his ‘worse self’ as I like to call it, hasn’t kicked in. The fact he was living with ptsd and survivors guilt after the war and he already viewed himself and the others he survived the war with as dead and everything else was simply “extra” he just kept going into he reached the top and even then he didn’t stop.
So how I’ll write Tommy, the Tommy before the war, the one that smiled and wanted to work with horses, I’ll still incorporate his desire to push his family to the top, to crawl out of the hole that is small Heath, all whilst in a relationship with my girl Eden.
The problems in their relationship will revolve around his communication issues, jealousy and possessiveness. Now Eden is forgiving, but she won’t forget. It’s impossible for her since his misdeeds will prominent and cling to her like a leech. As will her insecurities and how they will prevent her from being all in when it comes to Tommy.
Being with someone like Tommy isn’t for the faint hearted, she knows what she’s gotten herself into and won’t forget all the sacrifices she’ll have to make in order to keep up with the unstoppable force that is the blue eyed devil.
But then again, he’s the Tommy before the war…
How bad can he be?
a/n:
Check out “until we meet again” on my wattpad
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He’s an Angel!😇☘️🇮🇪
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elk96 · 1 year
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Tommy and Grace
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leizyzet · 2 years
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My fan work. Thomas Michael Shelby
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author: Leizy Zet
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shelbystales · 9 months
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Story Time - One Shot
Tommy Shelby x Reader - Masterlist
Word count: 1672
Summary: After a few days being absent in his familly, Tommy arrives late, once again. But to his surprise you and his son are still awake.
Warning: fluff, fluff and more fluff?
A/N: I could EASILY have turned this into a long SMUT, but hey... all my one shots are smut 😂. But if you guys want i can write a part 2.
Oh and please dont forget to comment and interact, tell me what you think! it means a looot to me.
English is my second language so I apologize in advance for the grammar mistakes
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Thomas Shelby trudged wearily through the dimly lit streets of Birmingham, his mind still reeling from the day's events. It had been a long and exhausting day, negotiating business deals, and handling the never-ending challenges that came with running the Peaky Blinders. 
The Peaky Blinders' operations had been especially intense lately, and the weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders. All he wanted now was a moment of peace and a good glass of whisky.
As he finally reached his home, a beautiful Victorian house tucked away in a quiet corner of Small Heath, bought especially for you, he let out a sigh of relief.
The familiar sight of his residence offered a small respite from the chaos of the outside world. He pushed open the creaky front door, the familiar scent of his home enveloping him as he stepped inside.
The living room was dimly lit, the fire crackling in the hearth casting a warm glow over the room. Thomas made his way to the worn-out leather couch and sank into it with a grateful sigh. 
With a heavy sigh, he poured himself a glass of his favorite drink and took a sip, relishing the familiar burn that washed over him. The warmth of the alcohol began to soothe his frayed nerves, and he allowed himself a rare moment of relaxation.
As he closed his eyes, the sounds of his home enveloped him—the crackling of the fireplace, the ticking of the clock, and the distant creaking of the floorboards. But amidst the background noise, he heard something that brought a small smile to his face, a soft chuckle, unmistakably belonging to his son, Charles.
It was such a joyful and carefree sound that he hadn't heard in a while. He furrowed his brows, wondering why Charlie would be awake at this hour. 
Curiosity getting the better of him, Thomas set down his glass and followed the sound. He made his way through the hallway and stopped outside his son's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, and the flickering light from the hallway revealed a heartwarming scene.
There, on the bed tucked under the covers, was his son Charlie, just three years old, and you, his mother, playing with him. Charlie was giggling uncontrollably as you tickled him, a smile on your face that lit up the room. 
Thomas felt a softness in his heart, a tenderness he rarely allowed himself to feel amidst the harsh realities of his world.
"Well, look who it is," you said with a playful grin, noticing Thomas at the door. "Come join the fun, Tommy."
Thomas hesitated for a moment, his mind still clouded with the weight of his responsibilities. 
But something about the sight of you and his son together drew him in. He stepped into the room, his eyes locked on the scene before him.
He approached you with his usual confidence, but as he got closer, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words. 
You looked up, your eyes meeting his in a moment of unspoken understanding. It was as if you could see the pain and darkness that lay hidden behind his steely exterior.
"Seems like I've walked into a tickle battle. Why are you still awake little one?" he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Aye, you have" you replied, giving him a knowing smile. "Charlie was missing his dad, weren't ya, love?"
The little boy nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining with adoration as he looked up at his father.
Thomas moved to sit on the edge of the bed, the weariness in his bones momentarily forgotten. He reached out to ruffle Charlie's hair, earning another delighted giggle from the boy.
"I'm sorry, I've been busy all these days" Thomas said, his voice softened by genuine regret. "No need to apologize, Tommy," you said, laying a hand on his. "We know how much you have on your plate."
He sighed, his eyes never leaving the two of you. "It's not an excuse, though. Family should always come first."
"You're right," you said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "And you're here now. You can help me put this one to sleep"
“I don’t want to sleep. I want to play with da!” Charlie cried, the crying giving away the little one's tiredness
“How about we play tomorrow, hm?” Tommy asked
“You won’t be here tomorrow,” Charlie spoke in a weeping voice.
You just sat there, with Charlie in your arms. Just watching.
Charlie just missed his dad, but Tommy was needed out there. You could see the pain in Tommy’s eyes, to be an absent parent was not in his plans. 
“How about I tell you a story?” Tommy asked “and tomorrow I can take you and your mom out, maybe we can go to that park you like, ey?” 
Charlie got agitated in your arms, happy with his dad's promise. But you feared he wouldn’t keep it, again. Making you go silent. 
Charlie got out from under the covers and crawled into his father's arms, who received him with a strong hug.
Thomas found himself immersed in the simple joy of being you both, a rare respite from the constant struggles of his life.
“Okay, now lie down" Tommy ordered, pulling the blanket back for Charlie to get inside.
"Lie down here too daddy" charlie called him
Impossible to resist his son’s request, Tommy kicked off his shoes and crawled under the covers, Charlie between the two of you.
"What book are you going to read?" charlie asked
"No books. the story is here" Tommy pointed to his head making Charlie smile “Once upon a time, in the green hills of Birmingham, there lived a magnificent horse named Midnight."
"Like cocoa?" Charlie asked, refering to the brown horse Tommy had bought. Cocoa wasn't his race name, but the one Charlie chose for him.
"No, this was no ordinary horse, my boy. Midnight had a coat as black as the night sky, if you looked close by, you could even se the stars. He was magical and he could run faster than the wind…” Tommy went on telling the story. 
As Thomas spun his tale, the room seemed to come alive with his words. He painted vivid pictures of the horse's daring escapades and heroic deeds, capturing his son's imagination with each passing moment.
You watched the scene unfold, your heart swelling with love for the two most important people in your life.
You marveled at how effortlessly Thomas could transport your son to another world with his storytelling, and you couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of admiration for her husband.
As the story reached its end Charlies's eyelids began to droop, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. 
Thomas leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his son's forehead and you gently tucked the covers snugly around him.
Once Charlie was fast asleep, you and Thomas went back to the living room. The fire had died down, so you gave it life again, with a few woods and a single match. 
Thomas poured another glass of whisky, and you sat beside him on the couch, streching your legs across his lap.
"I never thought I could have this," Thomas admitted quietly, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. "A family, a home... it was never part of the plan."
"But here we are," you said, taking his hand in yours. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"
"Aye, it does," he murmured, his fingers entwining with yours. "And I wouldn't trade this for anything." he pulled your face gently for a kiss
"Where this is coming from? all this declaration of love for us?" you chuckled lightly "had a hard day?" you asked and he nodded
“Yes" He sighed "you were silent back there” tommy pointed out
“Well, good you noticed. I don't want you promising Charles things you can’t do,” you admitted. “We both know how it’s with you. You can’t stay away from work”
“I have a lot of work to get done, y/n” he said almost in a whisper
“I know. Just, please don’t lie to him. You’re his hero” you asked
“I never plan to” he sighed
“So you're taking him to the park tomorrow?” you asked and he nodded “good. you better, I can’t stand to look at the disappointment at his face again”
“What do you mean again?” he asked frowning
“Oh, come on Tommy. ‘i’ll be home dinner’, ‘i’ll pick you up at school’, ‘i”ll do this or i’ll do that’. you may not remember tiny promises, but he does. Everynight he asks if you are coming home before he sleeps” 
“every night?” he asked, sounding defeated
“Yeah, and even though i know the truth i say ‘i don’t know, maybe’” 
he went silent
You could see the guilt wash over Tommy's face, and you knew he was grappling with his own emotions. You didn't want to add to his burden, but you also couldn't bear to see Charles disappointed again.
"Tommy, I understand that you have a lot on your plate, i promise i do," you said gently, "but you need to make time for Charles. He's growing up so fast, and he needs his father in his life."
"I know, I know," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I can't promise to be there all the time. It's not easy, y/n. You know what I do, what I'm involved in."
"I do know, Tommy," you replied softly. "And I know that your work is important, but so is your family. Charles needs you, and so do I. I also miss you. You come home after i am already sleeping and you leave before the sun comes out. I am getting abit tired of this loneliness"
Thomas took a deep breath, his gaze locked with yours. He could see the concern and love in your eyes, and it weighed heavily on his heart. He reached out to cup your cheek tenderly, his thumb caressing your skin.
"I'm sorry, love," he said sincerely "I can't promise you miracles, but i'll try to be home earlier".
You leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his hand on your cheek.
He gently kissed you. His lips slowly savoring yours. Tongue gently invading your mouth and sliding on your lips. 
“I love you y/n” He said resting his forehead on yours
“I love you too tommy” you smiled 
“Let me take care of you now, eh?” he smirked pushing you down to lay on the couch. 
“Yes please!” you said smiling in anticipation, making him chuckle as he lifted your nighgown.
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anarchyyone · 3 months
Text
Cillian Murphy glow up.
HE IS GLOWING
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creativepawsworld · 1 year
Text
Silence -Chapter 41
Pairing = Thomas Shelby x Reader
Summary = The Garrison reopens bringing up sore memories for Ana. Tommy finds a way to help ease the traumatic memories by creating a good memory. 
Warnings = Language, Grammar, Violence, Fluffs, Drugs mentioned! Lots of alcohol consumed. Long awaited news...
Word Count = 2890
Note = No notes today, I am excited to see the fallout of this chapter... I really am. Enjoy :) 
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Tonight was the grand reopening of the Garrison. A night that quickly became a sharp thorn in the sides of both Tommy and I. We had fought so much about this night- he wanted me there, I wanted to stay as far away as possible. Ultimately I was the one to cave, giving into his ask with the thought of it being a family event, even Ada was making an appearance.  
Hand in hand, Tommy and I walked down the cobbled road towards the new bar, the outside looked a lot like before, I just prayed the inside was different.  Memories of that fateful morning crossed my mind the closer I got.
Feeling the sickness rise in my throat, I slowed down our steps, my body fighting against moving any closer. My breath began to quicken the closer we got to the entrance - the flashes of bright orange and red, the feeling of the immense heat, the pain, the screaming it was all coming back.
Pulling away from Tommy, I quickly ran into the side alley, trying to collect my breath. Holding my hand against the wall, I tucked my chin into my chest, inhaling through my nose and breathing out through my mouth, the tears were threatening to spill from my eyes as I stared at the ground below me.
“I can’t do this” I whispered, feeling Tommy’s presence behind me, the smoke of his cigarette flew around me as the wind carried it away.
Placing a hand on my lower back, he rubbed small soothing circles as I tried my hardest to control myself but I couldn’t get the thoughts out of my head.
“Stace you are one of the strongest woman I have the pleasure of knowing, not to mention call my own. You can do anything.” Tommy encouraged, moving his hand from my back to my shoulders, rubbing them tenderly.
“It’s going to be us first right?” I asked, lifting my head, looking at him over my shoulder, the moonlight catching the twinkle in his eyes perfectly.
“Us and the bar staff, they are just setting up. You won’t even know they are there.”
Nodding, I allowed my tongue to rest between my teeth before straighten myself out with a long deep sigh. Retaking his hand, I pushed aside the screaming voice in my head telling me to stay away, marching forward towards the entrance before I had a chance to talk myself out of it once again.
Tommy noticing my determination opened the door for me, the glowing heat of the place hitting my face as I walked into the pub for the first time, my jaw falling in shock.
Although the outside looked similar the interior was nothing alike. It was completely different. Taking a step further into the main pub, I let my hand glide over the top of one of the chairs, taking in the finer details, the designers did a fantastic job.
The walls were gold, bright gold due to the lightening hitting off the darker golden wallpaper perfectly. It was accented very well with the dark wooden tables and booths with dividers reaching half way up the walls allowing privacy for the patrons.
The snug where Tommy and his men liked to hang out was in the same place, frosted windows demanding the much needed privacy the Peaky Blinders craved while the bar itself was deep mahogany, varnished and sealed to perfection.
“Tommy it’s so different.” I managed to speak, watching as one of the barmen avoid all eye contact as he unloaded a wooden crate of whiskey, piling the bottles under the bar, getting it ready for the next half hour.
“It is, for good reason.” Tommy nodded moving to stand next to me. Feeling his presence next to me, I turned to offer a weak smile.
“Guess you need Arthur here before you do that.” I pointed towards a black silk cloth covering a painting or plaque hanging on the bar wall adjoining the snug to the bar.
Tommy glanced over at it before pulling his watch from his waistcoat.
“It’s not for Arthur.” Tommy shook his head, placing the watch back. “Can you men excuse us for a minute.” He asked, the two men working the bar. Without a word, they simply nodded at him, disappearing out the back.
“What’s going on?”
“I know you don’t want to be here, but it might be easier to know your brother is here with you.” He nodded his head towards the cloth while his hands reached into his pocket to pull out his cigarettes.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, feeling overcome with emotion, my eyes flickering to the cloth and back to Tommy, who just stood there waiting for me to move.
Rubbing the tip of his cigarette over his lips, he rested it against the corner of his mouth, bringing a match up to light it.
“Go find out.” He spoke, a puff of white smoke coming from his mouth.
Biting my lip, I slowly turned my back to him, walking back towards the top of the bar. Inhaling, I put a hand on the countertop, walking along the inside of the bar, the feeling of wood under my fingertips grounding me. Stopping just short of the cloth, I felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest.
Tommy just stood on the other side of the bar smoking his cigarette, his eyes watching every movement I made.
Reaching forward cautiously, my hand was shaking as my fingers traced the outline of the cloth, the silk feeling soft beneath my fingertips. Tugging on the light material, it crumbled into my hand but what was beneath had completely taken my breathe away.
Inhaling sharply, I dropped the cloth to the ground. My hand came up to cover my mouth, tears now falling freely from my eyes as I stared into the eyes of my brother. I was unsure how he got the picture but it was perfect.
Silently sobbing, I tried to blink away the tears that were blinding me. It was James, Tommy had organised a memorial for him, pride of place in the pub he had lost his life.
“Its perfect.” I whispered reaching forward, my fingertips pressing against the glass. Tracing around the outline of his face before returning to my mouth. My bottom lip trembling as I glanced a Tommy, who simply nodded in return. “Thank you.”
*****
“Where the fuck is Arthur?” Tommy asked, walking over to the table where John, Finn and I sat.
They were playing a game of poker with some other men, while I watched. John had tried his best to show me how to play, but according to the boys my poker face was terrible.  
“In the house, he wasn’t even dressed when I left Tom. Sitting by the fire with a bottle of whiskey.” Finn spoke, glancing at his older brother before checking his hand.
“Go get ‘em then and bring him here Finn.” Tommy demanded, knocking back the rest of his whiskey, an annoyed expression on his face as he looked around the bar.
The place was filled to capacity between his men and the residents of Small Heath, to the other people around Birmingham all wanting to get into the hottest pub in  town for opening night, where the drinks were cheap and flowing.
“But Tom-“ Finn tried to defend only to stop after receiving a cut throat look from Tommy. “I fold.” Finn grumbled tossing his cards into the centre of the table.
Standing with a huff the younger Shelby brother threw his black coat over his shoulders, disappearing into the crowd and out the front door in search of the oldest brother.
"Tommy tonight’s a successful why you so tense?” John asked, receiving a cold glare from Tommy, who instead of replying took himself off, back through the crowd. “What’s gotten into him?” John asked, turning his attention to me.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head, glancing over at my man. He had perched himself against the side of the bar, waiting on another glass of whiskey.
Since the doors opened an hour ago he was on edge, it wasn’t like Tommy. To most of the patrons in the bar it just seemed as though he was in a bad mood, even to his own brothers it was how he was coming across but I knew different. He was on edge, nervous almost.
“Excuse me” I spoke, not taking my eyes off the blue eyed man, determined to make my way towards him when Curly stood in front of me, a giddy smile on his face.
"I didn’t get to congratulate you probably yeah.” He smiled widely, nodding his head, jiggling from foot to foot as he searched his jacket pockets. Pulling out a small white handkerchief and unwrapping it to reveal a small white peonies flower.
“Oh” I smiled down at the wilting flower before looking up at the heavier set man who held his hands out offering it to me.
“It’s white for innocence and the flower stands for luck. I found it under Barley’s hoof this morning. It’s a sign you know.” He went on to tell me, as I took the handkerchief from his hands.  
“Thank you Curly, this means so much to me.” I tell him honestly, it was incredibly thoughtful of him to even think about me never mind, taking the flower and treating it with such care before giving it to me. “May I give you a hug?”
“Yeah, you can, yeah.” He nodded, standing awkwardly in front of me. Leaning forward I wrapped my hands around his neck pulling him closer to me. Feeling his discomfort I pulled away and with a simple nod of his head he was gone, disappearing through the crowd, his cheeks fiery red.
Folding the handkerchief over once again I made my way through the crowd over to Tommy. He was still standing in his spot, analysing everything that was going on in the pub, his elbow resting on the bar, his half-filled glass in his hand sitting in the air.
“Where is Polly? It’s not like her to miss a party?”
“Polly is not speaking to me.” Tommy sighed, placing the glass on the counter top, turning his head to look at me, his blue eyes swirling with a lot of emotion.
“What did you do this time?” I asked with a sigh, placing my bag on the countertop, placing the handkerchief with the flower carefully inside.
“I won’t tell her where her son is.”
“You found her son?” I gasped, smacking the side of his upper arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because, if I did. You would tell her.”
“And why can’t she know?”
“Because Stace, the boy isn’t eighteen and the woman he calls mother will not allow Polly anywhere near him. If Polly tries, the woman will call the police. Knowing Polly, she will go on the offensive, getting herself locked away, scaring off the poor boy before she has a chance to meet him, yeah?”  
“But it’s her son Tommy.”
“I’m protecting them both, why is that so hard for you both to understand?”
“What if someone did that to your son? Would you be so calm about it?” I asked, leaning on the bar with my arm, turning my body into his. Tommy swallowed back a mouthful of amber liquid before looking at me with a raised eyebrow. “No I don’t know the sex am just saying.”
“No one is taking my child away from me Stace, there is a difference.”
“That’s not fair Polly didn’t have choice.”
“LET’S GET THIS FUCKING PARTY STARTED” Arthur loud voice came yelling through the door, turning to look at the gentleman, he had entered the bar with both hands held in the air as the patrons welcomed him inside.
Instead of replying, Tommy raised his glass at his brother the moment he entered through the door, a small smile pulling at his lips. The role of host silently being passed on to the correct brother.
“Alright sister, looking ravishing tonight as always.” Arthur complimented, taking my gloved hand into his and placing a kiss on the back of the satin.
“Thank you” I nodded, smiling softly.
Almost immediately I noticed his pupils were completely blown, his eyes almost completely black as he moved beside me to hug Tommy who said something about snow and race days.
Leaving the brothers to talk, I brushed down the emerald green chiffon on the front of my dress, avoiding the embellishments before making my way through the crowd, only to be stopped by a gloved hand on my bare arm.
“Ana, I went to your shop yesterday, to fix a few dresses but it was closed. When do you plan on opening?” Lizzie Stark asked, the taller woman looking absolutely radiant tonight in her off cream, embellished flapper dress.
“Oh Lizzie, I no longer work there. I’m sorry.” I smile, tilting my head to the side as the taller woman nodded in response, a sad smile pulling at her lips.
“That’s a shame, I heard you were really good. One of the best.” She smiled, bringing her cigarette holding to her lips, puffing on the end of it.
“I can still fix the dresses for you though. Bring them by Tommy’s office and I’ll call around tomorrow, pick them up.” I explained much to her surprise.  
“Are you sure?” She asked, taken back by my suggestion. “I don’t want to put you out or anything?”
“You wouldn’t be, I can absolutely do it.” I nodded, fanning my face with a gloved hand. “If you’d excuse me, I need to get away for a bit.”
“It is getting a bit hot in here, aint it” Lizzie agreed, placing a soft hand on my upper arm. “Thank you though, really appreciate it.”
Nodding at her words, I turned around making my way towards the back section of the bar Tommy had shown me earlier this evening. It wasn’t opened to the public tonight, something I was grateful for as it gave me a place to hide away.
*****
“I was wondering where you had snuck off to.” Tommy voice interrupted the peace and quiet I had found myself enjoying.
Sitting in front of the roaring fire, I rubbed small circles into my stomach. Feeling at complete peace, watching the flames dance, the show giving me something to watch as I sat alone with my baby.
“I just needed to get away for a bit.” I nodded, sparing him a glance before returning to watch the flames.
“Stace” Tommy called, bringing my attention to him.
A strange feeling came over me as I looked at him. The feeling of unease hung in the air as he stared at me, his hands clasped behind his back, he looked rather serious. I couldn’t help but think something had happened and I was about to receive bad news.
“Tommy is everything alright?” I asked slowly getting out of my seat, my fingers sliding along the grooves of the seat as I stood.
“Marry me” He stated, face completely serious.
Laughing shyly, I paused my movements looking for any sign of him joking but there was nothing, his face was completely still.
“Tommy…” I started. I was about to ask him why he was joking about such a thing when he did something I never expected, he dropped to his knee in front of me, for real this time.
“Marry me Stace?” He asked, reaching into his jacket pocket, pulling out a diamond engagement ring.
Feeling my breathe hitch in my throat, my hand slapped over my mouth as I stared at the ring, shining under the light of the fire. It was white gold, six smaller diamonds rested either side of a huge clear solitaire diamond in the middle.
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“I was gonna do this at the betting shop, but seeing you sitting there, stroking our baby I couldn’t stop myself.”
“Your not joking?” I whispered, the words muffled behind my hand.
“No Stace, I’m not joking. I want, no I need you by my side as my wife.”
I have seen Tommy on his knees many times throughout the course of our relationship. Whether that be to pleasure me or after a brutal fight, to putting a boot over my foot for the first time allowing me to feel like a princess – nothing could compared to this.
“Yes.” I squeaked out, unable to control my excitement. “Yes Tommy, yes I will marry you.” I nodded frantically.
With a grin of his own he took my left hand into his, slipping the satin glove from my hands before sliding what I considered to be the most gorgeous ring onto my third finger.
Standing to his feet, he reached forward cupping my face in his hands. His thumbs catching any tears that fell. We stayed this way for a few moments before he finally pushed his lips against mine allowing me to taste the cigarette and whiskey taste I had grown to love.
“Shall we get you home Mrs Shelby?” Tommy smirked, pulling away but still remaining rather close to my face, mischief dancing in his eyes.
“Take me home, Mr Shelby.”
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dandelionprints · 2 years
Text
Time To Go
Pairing: Tommy Shelby x you
Summary: The sunlight began to stream in, the sign of a new day. A new day Tommy didn't want to begin. He'd just been called up to fight for his country in the war alongside his brothers, John and Arthur. And then there's the love of his life, how will he possibly say goodbye to her?
Warnings: slight fluff? Mentions of war and destruction/weapons, slight language.
A/N: This is my first imagine writing for this fandom! Full credit for GIF to whoever created it. I do not give consent for my works to be posted anywhere else or used without my permission, reblogs are very welcome though! I feel like this could be better but I really wanted to get something out there, I hope you enjoy it x
Tag list is here if you’d like to be added to it
Word Count: 2929
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He'd hardly slept a wink.
'What time was it?'
He was aware of the sunlight slowly creeping in through his window little by little, making his small box room in the Shelby household glow. The dull wallpaper on the walls now had shadows cast upon it and he tried to decipher what item in his room each shadow belonged to. He'd hoped that it would help him drift off to sleep if even only for an hour. God knows he needed it. He slowly turned onto his side to check the time on his pocket watch that he kept on his bedside table. '5:30am. It would soon be time to leave for the train'.
He rolled onto his back letting out a sigh, fuck he was so tired. The night was spent tossing and turning, his mind wouldn't stop racing with thoughts of the unknown that he was soon to endure. His eyes felt like sandpaper was scraping past them with each blink, his mouth was so dry that it was an effort to lick his lips successfully in an attempt to wet them. He'd kicked the bed sheets off of himself in the night as they clung to his sweaty body and he found himself constantly turning the pillow over in a desperate attempt to reach the cold side.
He'd just been called up for the War.
He wasn't sure yet what his main duty would be, would he be called up to the front? Digging trenches? A sniper man, maybe? A tunneler? God he hoped he wouldn't be a tunneler, he'd hated confined spaces ever since he was a child. His older brother, Arthur, would often trap him in their mothers wardrobe whenever they were fighting over something or he just wanted some entertainment. The sound of his brothers pleas for freedom did nothing but make Arthur laugh even more each time a scream came from the young trapped Shelby lad until their mother set the poor boy free from his dark holding. She'd always be sure to give Arthur a swift hiding on the backside each time which he'd come to see as worthwhile if it meant he got to torment his younger brother.
Tommy could feel his throat closing up just at the memory, the air in the room suddenly appearing thinner as if someone had turned a dial and was slowly shutting off the oxygen. He brought his hands up to his throat and began clawing at it as if to try and remove an imaginary pair of hands he was convinced were squeezing it, tightly.
Don't think about it, Tom.
Trying to regain back some kind of control, he lowered his hands back down to his sides and slowly closed his eyes before making sure to take some deep breaths in through his nose and out through his mouth. His mother had taught him that trick as he was growing up, "the best way to get that breath of yours back!", she'd told him.
He'd soon come to find that it was also a neat little trick for when he'd been out stealing small rolls of bread at the bakers to help feed the family, times were hard, he couldn't let his mother see that he was out of breath from running away and then have to explain the reason behind it. He smiled at the memory and soon realized that he had gained back the control of his breathing, with each breath as smooth as the last.
He rolled over once more to grab a cigarette from his bedside table along with the lighter laying next to it. Lighting the end he laid back down on the bed with one arm rested behind his head, taking a drag of the cigarette that was now in between his fingers.
His mind quickly wandered back to everything that had kept him up all night and the thought of knowing he was about to enter a new chapter in his life. He knew that to begin with he'd have to go through some very basic training, how long this would be for he didn't know, he just knew he'd probably go on to do whatever job he was assigned very under-prepared due to the need for more men to help fight for their country, and fast. 
His brothers, Arthur and John, had also been called up. His youngest brother Finn was still not old enough, a blessing he'd admit to being relieved by. If the three were all to die in combat then at least there would still be a male Shelby to carry on the family name.
He took another drag.
His mind raced then as he thought about all he'd be leaving behind. His beautiful white horse that was a gift from his mother, the freedom of being able to do what he wanted when he wanted, to go wherever he wanted when he wanted. The woods just past the cut that he'd often escape to, trying to relieve his mind of the pressures of the city. His mother. His father. Finn. Aunt Pol. You.
He felt a pang of sadness suddenly hit him in the chest and was surprised to feel a rush of tears enter his eyes but wouldn't allow them to spill out, no chance, if he started he was afraid he'd never stop.
The cigarette had now burnt right down nearly to the filter, his thoughts pretty much wasting the time he could have spent smoking it. He rolled over again and stamped the wasted nub out into the ashtray he kept on his bedside table before once again laying down, this time rolling over onto his left hand side.
A smile grew onto his lips as he saw you sleeping peacefully beside him. He brought a hand up and gently stroked the hair that had found itself covering your eye away so that he could see every inch of your face. 'So beautiful'.
You'd first met Tommy as a young girl whilst playing out on the dim dirty streets of Birmingham. The pair of you had soon become inseparable and it was a known fact that wherever the Shelby boys went, you went too.
You were often being told off for not 'acting like a girl' by your parents, when you'd rather skin your knee's climbing walls into places you weren't meant to go in, or sneak into the pub with Tommy and his brothers to try and drink whatever leftover alcohol people had abandoned in glasses on empty tables, you didn't see the need in making sure you looked presentable all the time.
Tommy loved that about you. Your carefree, determined attitude to do whatever you wanted to do instead of being trapped by other peoples thoughts and opinions about what they thought you should be doing. Even now you were a young woman, that attitude had never changed.
His eyes shifted as you began to stir from your sleep, his hand gently cupping your cheek.
"Morning", he smiled, happy that you'd finally woken from your slumber.
He'd watched you sleep throughout the night, the constant worries of leaving you behind plunging themselves into his thoughts. He'd had to fight them off each time and reassure himself that you'd be okay back here in England with his mother and aunt Pol. They'd make sure to keep you occupied and keep your mind busy to try and warn off any bad thoughts about Tommy's well being, as much as they could anyway.
You opened your eyes fully before squinting, the room now brighter than you'd expected it to be. You heard Tommy let out a chuckle as you pulled the duvet up closer around your chin and slightly nuzzled the pillow.
"Morning", you managed to murmur, "what time is it?"
"Just after 5:30, you can go back to sleep if you want to, you need your rest", his hand was now back to stroking your hair away from your face, each brief graze of his fingers sending the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end. How did this man do it? Any time he touched you no matter how briefly was like it was for the first time all over again. Electric.
"No, I want to be with you, savoring every second before..." the realization hit you then. Today was the day he had to leave for God knows how long. Maybe forever.
As your voice trailed off he knew you were probably finding things just as hard as he was, he knew you didn't want to be apart from him either. What he didn't know was that you'd been in a constant stream of nightmares all night, terrible ones. Images of bombs going off, men being gunned down, tunnels collapsing... and you wasn't about to tell him either.
His hand was around your waist then, gently pulling you in closer as he pressed a tender kiss to your forehead. He didn't have the words to tell you just how much he'd miss you, how you'd be on his mind every second of every terrifying day. How even though he'd carry your picture with him wherever he went, he was so scared of forgetting each and every angle of your face, the way your nose slightly curved upwards at the tip, the way your lips would feel as they touched his, soft. So soft.
The thing he was most scared of though was forgetting the sound of your voice, how it sounded as you called his name in any capacity, and your laugh, God he hoped he didn't forget that. The noise was music to his ears every time even though you always said you hated the way it sounded.
He also didn't have the words to tell you just how scared he was. Not just scared, he was absolutely petrified. It was probably a good thing because he didn't want to make you worry even more, he had to put on some kind of strong front for the both of you. He was determined that he would be coming back home.Back home to the streets of Birmingham, the woods behind the cut, his family, you.
Neither of you spoke for a while, instead you lay holding one another in the perfect sanctuary of Tommy's bed. Though neither of you said it you both wanted this moment to last forever, you wanted to feel his breath gently brushing past your cheek, his slightly rough skin on the pads of his fingertips grazing every part of your body as if to tease you, his lips pressed to yours, bliss. One thing you knew for certain was that you’d miss it all while he wasn’t there.
But time was cruel and waited for no one, it was time to get up and get ready to leave for the station.
- - -
Once at the station neither of you could hold in the tears that were forming in your eyes. You let out another sob as you flung your arms around Tommy's neck, you didn't care if his uniform got a bit wet and creased, there was no way in hell that you weren't going to hold him for what could be the last time before he stepped onto that train.
Tommy had convinced his mother and aunt Pol to stay behind at the house, he knew his mother would be in pieces having to say goodbye to three of her four sons, watching them step onto the train one by one not knowing if she'd ever get to see their faces again.
John and Arthur had already gotten onto the train. With no one to say goodbye to at the station they couldn't bare to watch mothers and sons, families with children, men with their girlfriends getting to share that last hug before the men went off into the unknown, not knowing if their feet would ever touch the soil in Birmingham again. They'd rather block it out, just get on with it and deal with their emotions in private, they never wanted to be seen as weak.
A whistle blew on the platform, signalling that it was time to start boarding the train. Your stomach tensed up and you could have sworn that you didn't know how you managed not to throw up where you stood. This was the moment you had been dreading, or so you thought.
"Please, come home to me", your voice was shaky through the sobs, your hands cupping each side of Tommy's face, "I don't want to live a life where you're not in it".
Your words were like daggers to Tommy's heart and he brought his hands up to cover your own, "I will do everything I possibly can to come back to you, even if I have to dig a tunnel all the way back to Birmingham myself, I'd do it for you".
Your foreheads pressed together for a moment before Tommy released his hands from yours and gently lifted your chin with a finger. He placed a gentle, loving kiss to your lips. You silently begged for the kiss to never end but of course it did and as you both pulled away you could see the tears still running from his eyes, rolling over his cheekbones and onto the station platform.
Another whistle.
He bent down to pick up his bag that held the very few possessions he owned, the most important one being his photograph of you, it was a portrait he'd taken himself on a camera that he'd stolen from an upmarket shop on their visit to London one year. "The most beautiful girl to ever exist", he'd said.
"C'mon lad, time to go", shouted another man in a deep, burly voice as he walked past Tommy, giving him a slap on the shoulders as he did so.
"I'll write to you, I promise", he planted one last sweet kiss upon your lips.
Tommy’s eyes were still flowing with tears, he used the back of his hand to wipe his nose as he slowly started backing away from the love of his life, his feet aching to step forward, his arms screaming at him to reach out and grab your hand to run out of the station and into those woods behind the cut that you'd so often visit together. But he couldn't.
Before either of you knew it he was at the train door, a bustle of men all stepping on one by one. Tommy took one last look at you and tried his best to give you a smile before he too took a step onto the train.
The sobs that hadn't stopped since you'd left the Shelby household that morning continued, the sound blending in with what seemed to be the majority of the women's sobs on the platform. How could any of them ever stop? Their partners, dad's, brothers, uncles and so on were leaving to fight in a dangerous war, one that they knew wouldn't be forgiving. And God knows how long this war was going to last for, it could be months before the men, come soldiers, could even imagine the pure relief of being allowed to come home.
One final whistle.
The train doors were closed one by one by the conductor, a grimace on his face with every slam of the wooden frames, almost as an apology to the loved ones standing on the platform waving goodbye, as if he felt responsible for sending the men off into what could possibly be their death.
The steam started spilling from the funnel atop the train and the sound of the engine pumping as coal was being piled into the boiler at the front started to fill the air. Ever so slowly the trains wheels began to turn and as they did so the men all stuck their heads out of the windows, hoping to catch a last glimpse of their loved ones.
You saw him, clear as day. Tommy had his head poking out of a window, two men had also stuck their heads above his, trying to wave at their families. He waved at you, tears in his eyes, the smile that he'd tried to throw in your direction before stepping on the train now well and truly gone, instead a look of worry and sorrow was written all over his face. You were sure that the same was on yours too.
His features began to get less distinctive as the train crept further and further away until eventually you could no longer distinguish which face belonged to him, the distance too great. You continued to stand there until the train was nearly out of sight, and that’s when you realised, this was the moment you were dreading the most.
Tommy had gone to war and you didn't know if he was ever coming back.
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justimagineitblog · 8 months
Text
KEEPER OF MY HEART - THOMAS SHELBY
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CHAPTER 3
Here’s what I’ve learned in the 3 weeks that I’ve been working for the Shelby Family.
John is my closest friend in Small Heath. He warmed up to me the fastest, and I swear sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s not my actual brother. He laughs with me and tries his best to not make me feel like a complete outsider in Shelby Limited.
Arthur is a massive softie. He is by far the roughest looking of the Shelby boys, but he has the softest heart. He drinks a lot, sometimes too much, and I always know to look for the signs that its time to start watering down his Vodka’s with water. He’s usually too drunk to notice. Sometimes he stays so late that I walk him most of the way home just to be sure he doesn’t get himself into any trouble. 
Polly, the most fierce and strong woman I have ever met, took a little longer to warm up to me. But one day when she caught me making sure Arthur got home safely, and invited me in fora cup of tea. Since then, she has been insisting that I start joining them occasionally for dinner. I’ve been declining because of one person.
That is Thomas Shelby.
Where do I start. If Thomas Shelby wants something, everyone around him will jump to make it happen. He instills fear wherever he goes. I’ve never known him to smile or laugh like the others do. He drinks a lot, I’m always bringing him a fresh glass to their private room in the Garrison, but he doesn’t lose his head like Arthur does. Tommy has a tight grip on everyone and everything, including himself. 
On my rounds, making sure that everyone has been taken care of during their family meetings, he refuses to join in on any jokes and playful moments that I have with the others. In fact, when he sees me getting closer with the Shelby’s, his face grows even more sour. If that’s even possible. 
And those eyes. He stares. A lot. Not longingly. Not anything. Just a thousand mile stare, straight through to my core. As much as I try to ignore that he’s there, I can always feel his eyes on me. Like I’m being watched. My every move being picked apart and analysed in his mind. 
Today was different. Initially it was the same old. Bring them drinks, laugh with the boys, try to help them pick which horses are going to win in their races. And pretend that Tommy doesn’t despise every second of it. 
After rushing around for an hour tending to the lunch time rush, I realise their drinks must be getting low. 
“Alright boys, this rounds on the house” I joke as I walk into their private room. For the Shelby’s everything is on the house. Suits. Guns. Drugs. Drinks. Women. 
“These drinks will be on you if I lose this bet Z” John teases back, listening to the radio intently to find out whether the Horse I told him to bet on has one its races. 
“And I’ve never lost one yet have I!” I retort, topping up his Whisky and setting down a plate of bread and butter for them to snack on. Something to soak up all the alcohol. 
I dare to glance over at Tommy, who unsurprisingly is already watching me with an extra disapproving look. 
“Can I get you another drink Tommy?” I ask, pretending to not notice the daggers he’s shooting my way.
He nods in response, and I pour him a whiskey “I could make you that drink from a few weeks back…” I offer, trying my luck. Maybe today he will entertain me. 
“Can I see you outside?” He snaps suddenly, and I swallow hard.
Fuck. 
The last few weeks have felt like I was walking on a fine line with Tommy. I have proved myself time and time again. But he still despises the air that I breathe. Maybe I was getting too comfortable with the boys. Maybe he thinks I’m trying to manipulate and trick them all. God knows what he thinks I’m doing. Whatever it is, he doesn’t like it. 
I follow him out of the room and into a quiet area of the Pub. 
Without any warning, or lead up, he turns to me and looks me dead in the eye. “I know the boys like you. Trust you even. But I do not” 
The words hit me like a freight train. 
I knew he seemed different today. Like he was extra disgusted with everyone and everything. These words, he had been sitting on for a while. Keeping them inside as he watched me and scrutinised my every move for weeks. I could tell by the venom that he said them with. 
I want to fight back.
I want to remind him of everything I’ve been doing for this place. The business I’ve been bringing in. The countless times I’ve looked out for Arthur and his alcoholic tendencies. Making sure he got home safe. And that no one took advantage of a drunken Shelby brother. The business I’ve heard them discussing that I’ve turned a blind eye to. That I’ve never uttered a word of to anyone. The things I’ve heard and seen, that have slowly been revealed to me about Shelby Limited that I’ve never questioned. 
But instead I draw in a deep breath.
“Okay Tommy” I sigh. My brain goes back and forth frantically as I decide to let go of what I’ve been holding onto for weeks. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take. Or what I have to do. And to be honest I don’t care anymore. If you never trust me, then so be it. But you don’t have to be so cruel. I’m just here to pour the beer, remember?”
“Then how about you just stick to doing that, hey?” He spits back.
“I feel for you Tommy” I narrow my eyes, staring him down the same way he has been doing to me for weeks. 
“You don’t know me” 
“I’ve tried. But you won’t let me. And I’m starting to think I don’t want to anymore” I shake my head “But I see you. I’ve been watching you too, Tommy. You want to know what I see? I see a man who has everything, and a man who has nothing. You have everything and nothing”
He freezes. And there it is. The first time I’ve seen something in his eyes besides hatred. It’s still shrouded. Still unclear. But it’s something. Like he’s been exposed. Cut open. Like someone just dared to say the first real thing he has heard in a very long time. Someone made him feel. 
“But hey, I’ll get back to pouring the beer, shall I?” I finish, brushing past him to continue serving customers. 
I start taking orders and pouring drinks with a racing heart and trembling hands. I couldn’t believe what had just come out of my mouth. I don’t know everything about the Shelby’s, but I’ve seen and heard enough to know that people who speak to them like that do not last very long in Small Heath. 
I dare to take a quick glance at him, to find him still frozen in place. Staring at the spot I had just been standing. As if he’s still reliving the moment. Reliving what I had said. 
Fuck. 
I expect him to turn around and fire me on the spot. Maybe even part of me hoped he would, so I wouldn’t have to face the wrath that I know is coming after I dared to peak back to Thomas Shelby. If I thought he hated me already, I could only imagine the hell he would rain down on me after that. I was prepared for him to make my life a living hell. 
But instead, he adjusts the hat on his head, straightens his shoulders, and leaves the Garrison. 
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