Peaky Blinders Imagines

[Tommy Shelby] - Ineffable

Ineffable: adjective; [in-ef-a-bel] beyond expression in words, unspoken.

Thomas Shelby never made himself easy to get along with. He preferred it that way. The less people in his life the better. Ever since the war, Tommy was closed off and reserved, the only emotions he thought worth feeling were negative. It was such a rare occasion that Tommy had a sincere, warm feeling, and it usually came in the company of a glass of whiskey.

That was until you came along.

Tommy never made time for love, not in that sense at least. He had a familial love, he respected and cared for his brothers, his dear Ada, and his aunt all the same. But any other type of love was, in his eyes, pointless. It was a weakness. Anybody in Tommy's position couldn't afford such a weak spot to be exposed, and therefore he had always shunned anyone's attempts at getting close to him. Tommy never knew who he could trust.

However, it wasn't like that with you. For reasons unbeknownst to the Shelby boy, he found himself drawn to you. You were just a normal person, you crossed his path a few times on your way to the grocery shop you worked at, not too far down the street from The Garrison. Almost every day he would see you, and every time he would be greeted with cheer.

"Hello, Mr Shelby."

"Good afternoon, Tommy."

"Here's to a good day for you."

Some variation of quick passing comment, and Tommy found himself almost looking forward to that, sometimes lingering for another cigarette by the doors just so he could catch you on your way past. For whatever reason, Tommy couldn't bring himself to have more of a conversation than the fleeting ones shared between you, at the time he felt a level of shyness unfamiliar to him. Thomas Shelby never got shy.

One day, he caught you for a little more than a quick hello. He had waited outside the pub doors as usual, on his second cigarette of the morning. You walked past, the normal routine, but this time Tommy spoke to you first.

"Hello, Y/N," he spoke in his best, cheerful voice. "Bright morning for Birmingham isn't it.

You smiled. "It is indeed, Tommy. You're very chipper today. I hope this means its a good day all round."

"It would be if you'd join me for dinner or a drink tonight?" Tommy wondered where that burst of confidence came from, but suddenly he felt anxious. Clenching his free hand on and off, he took a drag of his cigarette and waited for your response.

Your smile grew. "A drink would be very nice, Tommy. Thank you!" The joy in your voice overwhelmed him, and the nerves were gone.

"Meet me here, 7pm then. Enjoy your day, Y/N. Be safe."

And with your goodbyes, you were on your way. Tommy laughed to himself, finishing his smoke and heading inside.

7pm arrived and you were there on the dot, dressed comfy but presentable. Tommy was outside, donned in his usual suit.

"You look lovely, far too dolled up for Small Heath, I'll say that," Tommy said, gaining a chuckle from you in result.

"Well, I do what I can with what I have, Mr Shelby. You look very fine yourself this evening, as always."

Tommy felt his heart racing. Nobody did this to him. He didn't feel like this during his loudest and angriest of fights. His heart sped, though he maintained control of himself outwardly. Holding the door for you, he invited you into the pub you had walked past so many times, but never been in. Tommy led you to the backroom, his private little area.

"Please, sit down," he gestured to the table. You seated yourself and he pulled out a bottle of whiskey. "A drink, Y/N?"

"Water, if you don't mind."