We Meet Again (Thomas Shelby)

Chapter Twelve: Transparency

John's POV:

I sat in the staircase as Thomas explained to Sorina all about the business; even the darkest, dirtiest parts. To say we were all nervous would be the understatement of the fuckin' year. Her facial expression remained neutral the entire time, making it almost impossible to figure out what was going on in that brilliant head of hers. She refused to take her eyes off of Thomas the entire time, exempt for when he referenced me and Arthur, to which she barely turned her head. I'm no religious man, but I'm hopin' to God she doesn't get up and leave for good. We've all grown close to her, even Polly, and if she leaves us now, it'll hurt everyone. After Thomas finished, the entire room fell silent as we waited for a reaction. We've finally reached the moment of truth, and it was beginning to feel suffocating the longer we waited. Sorina's face softened slightly as she turned and looked at everyone individually. Whatever she was thinking, it was sure making her sad. "Sorina." I stood up, getting her attention. "Look, love. I know we lied. Alright, and I know that it made you infuriated but-"

"That's not even remotely close to what I'm feeling, John." I stopped, watching as tears threatened to spill over even as she held an angry expression. "I'm angry with Thomas, but you two...Johnathan Shelby I'm hurt." She looked between Arthur and I, but the both of us couldn't meet her stare. It started to feel like we were children again being scolded by our mother. I closed my eyes in shame, sitting back down in my spot. I would have much rather her been angry; it wouldn't have weighed on my mind as much. "After all that we've been through together, did you truly think me so vile and untrustworthy that you couldn't tell me the truth?" I shook my head, Arthur jumping to elucidate further. "That wasn't what we meant-"

"We would never-"

"Then what?!" She raised her voice, exasperated. "You trusted me enough to take care of your children, your own flesh and blood, but you couldn't tell me a little secret like this? Forgive me, but it just does not make sense." Polly finally stepped in, addressing Sorina strictly. "Would you get your head out of your ass and think for a god damn minute?" Sorina stared at her, lifting up her arms in a shrug-like manner to indicate she was listening. "These boys love you to bits! Look at their faces and tell me they haven't proven that to you already." She looked around at all three of us, her face softening slightly. Her eyes lingered on Thomas for a moment longer; nobody else noticed, but I did. It was that slight pause that helped me realize why she was so upset with Thomas; it wasn't just because he lied to her, although that is a large part of it. He betrayed the trust she built around him because she likes him. It all makes sense now; why she's always so willing to leave with Thomas whenever he asks, why she gets a smile on her face whenever we get to the Garrison and tries to cover it up. She likes him romantically and I couldn't help but feel fuckin' stupid for not figurin' it out sooner. But the question is, does he like her back? We've always cracked jokes and made fun of him about it, but we never thought we'd have to genuinely wonder!

"They didn't lie because they felt you were untrustworthy, you fuckin' imbecile! They were afraid you'd walk out on 'em. To not care 'bout 'em anymore!" Polly's words resonated in the entire room, making not only Sorina think, but us too. She was right; I was afraid. She was the first person to get to know us as the Shelby's; not the Peaky Blinders. It felt good to have someone outside the family care about us and we held onto that selfishly. We were afraid and we didn't even realize it. Leave it to Aunt Pol to point it out.

Sorina's eyes sank to the floor as she turned back around, facing the table. It was as if she didn't have anything else to say, but I know she does. But I don't think they're to Arthur and I, or Polly for that matter. I think everythin' she needs to say is to Tommy. "Lets just skip to the end of this little meetin' because some of us have places to be. Are you with our family and the reputation it carries, or are you out?" Polly's sharp tone ripped through the room, tearing into the air like a knife. Sorina's eyes shot towards Polly, bewildered at the question. "Of course I'm with you...I'm shocked that you'd even have to ask." Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, even Pol's shoulders seemed to relax slightly. "Can we have a moment? I need to talk to Sorina privately." Thomas requested, his voice completely monotone as he stared absentmindedly at Sorina. His lack of reaction was strange; you'd think he would be happy that she's accepting. Everyone got up and left the room, and right before the door closed, I looked at Sonia one last time, the image of her teary face burning forever in my mind. "I hope Thomas doesn't fuck this up." I told everyone, grabbing the large bottle of whiskey on the table. "He better not...or I'll kill 'im myself." Polly muttered, pulling out a cigarette to calm her nerves.

Sorina's POV:
I refused to look at Thomas as we sat in silence. Although I agreed to still be their friend, and although I've forgiven the others, for some reason my heart was still holding onto the anger I felt towards him. It was as if it refused to accept anything he had to say. I wanted to forgive him; to just let go of how I'm feeling and pretend like him lying to me never happened, but I truly couldn't. Thomas watched me from his spot in the front of the room, smoking a cigarette. "Are you going to look at me?" He asked, completely emotionless. "Is there a reason I'd need to?" He sighed and butted out his cigarette, walking closer towards me. "Look at me." I chewed the inside of my cheek nervously, trying to fight the urge to do as he said. I don't know why I'm so submissive, but it's moments like this where it becomes extremely inconvenient. I sighed under my breath before slowly looking up at him. "You forgave everyone else."

"They avoided the conversation entirely, you blatantly lied to my face." I told him coldly, crossing my arms across my chest. I leaned in my chair to try and make myself seem careless, but I know he saw right through me. I always had a theory that Thomas Shelby could see through a murky mirror he was so good. It's the most infuriating thing I've ever dealt with in my life. "What do you want? An apology?" He asked sarcastically, sitting down across from me, imitating my demeanor. Oh, you sly little...I scoffed, shaking my head in utter disbelief. "Of course not. Apologies are nothing, Thomas! I want reciprocation, I want mutual respect, I want-" I cut myself off, realizing that my passion was getting the better of me. His beautiful blue eyes watched my every move so analytically as if he was trying to figure out my motives. I shook my head and stood up, walking over to stand in front of the window. I had to walk around; do something to distract myself before I go on a long tangent. God only knows if he'll genuinely listen to me, anyway. "What do you want, Sorina?" He asked, far more gently than before. "What any person wants, Thomas." I spun around to look at him, sadness finally overwhelming me. "I want transparency."

"Transparency?" He questioned. "Yes, for the love of God, that's all I've ever asked for. I don't lie to you, you don't lie to me. If there's something I need to know, tell me and I will do the same. At the end of the day, Thomas... transparency falls under the same category as mutual respect. I respect you at the highest regard, I always have. Do you respect me?" He didn't say anything, simply staring at me as if I could read his mind. God, Thomas Shelby, say something! Tears started to well up in my eyes as I looked towards my feet, nodding my head slightly. "Your silence gives me my answer." I turned and made my way over to the double doors, going to make my leave for good. Right as my hand reached toward the door, the sound of rushing footsteps abruptly occurred from behind me. Thomas grabbed me and spun me around, pushing me up against the doors. It wasn't aggressive, I knew he meant me no harm, but it was urgent. I sucked in a quick breath and stared at him hesitantly, waiting for whatever he had to say. He grabbed the side of my face and pulled me in, crashing our lips together feverishly. My arms immediately wrapped around his neck, pulling him even closer. This kiss was quick, but it felt sweet all the same. He slowly pulled away, looking down at me with a calm but serious expression. "Transparency it is." I smiled as the words left his mouth, allowing the weight that bore down on my shoulders to lift and I could finally breathe. "Thank you." I whispered before placing a light kiss on his lips once more. Thomas pulled away from me and grabbed the double doors, yanking them open. His family scattered at lightning speed, failing to acting casual as they awkwardly looked at Thomas and I.

They were eavesdropping the entire time, and must have heard the whole thing. I could see on the hidden smirks from the family they very well knew about our kiss. The awkwardness I felt was horrific, and it only got worse as Polly sent me a discrete wink. I blushed a thousand reds before looking down at my feet. Thomas noticed and smirked to himself. "Alright, listen up! From this moment forward, Sorina-" He turned and looked at me. "You are officially under the protection of the Peaky Blinders." Arthur strutted over and threw an arm around my shoulders, cheering out, "Welcome to the fuckin' Peaky Blinders!" I laughed at him and slowly moved away, allowing John to give me a congratulatory hug.

Finally, Polly enveloped me in a tight embrace, whispering in my ear, "Welcome to the family, Love."

Hello, everyone! I'd like to take this moment to apologize for the lack of updates the night before. The work I wrote yesterday was not up to par and definitely poor quality, so I decided that taking a day might help get myself back on track.

I'd also like to say thank you for reading and enjoying my story! I am over the moon by the comments, votes and just overall adding the story to your reading lists. You are all phenomenal and I want you to know how appreciative I am!

-T.E.C.