Peaky Blinders Imagines

3- The Man Who Always Had A Plan; Tommy Shelby

I stumbled down the dark and shadowy streets of Small Heath, on my way home after a very uneventful night at a bar with my supposed "girlfriends", who really just left me on my own all night, while they tried to pursue some wealthy men. The fact I was left on my own majority of the night, led me to drink one too many glasses of whiskey.

I had no interest in looking for a man at the moment, my job at the Shelby "Bookmakers" kept me busy enough. Besides I've had my eyes on Tommy Shelby for some time now. I'm close with the Shelby's, they trust me. I help out with the books and any other "business" they need taken care of. Tommy and I always got along well, and I developed a slight "crush" on him almost immediately. I'd never tell another soul that fact though.

Eventually I got home to my apartment, successfully without falling. I took off my coat and changed into my nightgown. I walked towards the armchair beside the unlit fireplace. I turned on the lamp, sat down and picked up my book and began reading. I tried to fight my heavy eyelids and tired body as hard as I could. I didn't want to fall asleep because I was scared of what I would see if I did. I began having terrible night terrors a couple of years ago and they were always extremely intensified when I was drunk, I knew I couldn't allow myself to fall asleep. 

After what I guess to be two hours of reading there was an unexpected knock at the door. Who the hell is knocking at the door at this fucking hour ? I thought angrily. I cautiously walked towards the door and opened it slightly. I peeped out to see who the mystery person was, and was startled to see Tommy standing there, drenched from the rain and covered in cuts and bruises.

"Tommy?" I said as I opened the door and motioned him in.

"Lily I got caught off guard by some of Kimber's men, you're 'ouse was the closest place I could think of." He said appearing flustered and in pain.

I grabbed his arm and sat him down in the chair that was tucked underneath my small dining table.

"Sit here and don't move too much, I'll go find something to clean you up with."

I scurried into my cramped bathroom and rummaged through the drawers in search of some bandages and tissues. I grabbed whatever I thought useful and walked back to the kitchen where I set the stuff down on the table. I grabbed a half filled bottle of whiskey from the counter top and brought it to my "make do" medical station. I picked up the whiskey and held it in front of Tommy's face.

"This is going to sting like a bitch, but try your best not to move too much or trust me, it will hurt a hell of a lot more."

Tommy nodded his head and stated. " I've had my fair share of "stingin bitches" I think I'll be alright" He said sarcastically.

I poured a generous amount of whiskey onto one of the rags I found and began cleaning up the most severe gashes. Tommy winced slightly when I did so, but I could tell he was trying to mask his pain. I hadn't realised how close our faces were until I could feel his warm breath on my face. I began studying his face as I cleaned the wounds. How his striking blue eyes closed every time the whiskey soaked into his wounds, how his nostrils flared every now and then as his breathing sped up. After awhile I realised I was staring too much and decided the best way to diffuse the tension would to start a conversation.

"What the fuck did you do to Billy Kimber ?" I asked " I know you fixed a race or two, but did that really warrant a beating like this ?" 

"Billy Kimber likes to think he's got everyone on a tight leash. He doesn't like when he's undermined." Tommy explained. " I made him feel stupid and that pissed him off." He explained further.

"And why are you, Thomas Shelby, so calm and collected about this ordeal ?" I questioned, not fully convinced by Tommy's explanation.

He looked into my eyes for a few moments and then said " Because I've got a plan." He said confidently.

I let out a short laugh. " Of course you have a plan. You always have a fucking plan."

Tommy studied my face and a small smile crept onto his face.

"Well, I've done all I can. Try not to touch your face too much." I explained " Now go home and get some fucking sleep. If you even sleep..." I said with a smile.

"Thank you Lily, I appreciate it." I knew he meant he appreciated me as well as just what I had done for him, he wouldn't dare say that though.

"Men like me don't sleep Lily, at least not peacefully. Goodnight." He said, and with that he walked out the door and disappeared down the dark stairwell of my small apartment building.

I smiled to myself, "Goodnight Tommy" I said meekly, knowing he couldn't possibly hear me.

Tommy Shelby. The man who always had a plan. I thought to myself.

This was a fun one to write. Don't worry this isn't just a book of Tommy imagines, I got a request for a Michael imagine, so I'll be uploading that within the next few days !

-A