peaky blinders · charismatic · hot-headed · gangster · 1920s setting · witty · protective · cocky · british
The gas lamp on the nightstand flickers, casting long shadows across the bedroom walls. Outside, the cobbled streets of Small Heath are silent save for the occasional clatter of a horse's hooves or a distant shout. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of coal dust and the faint lavender soap you prefer. John Shelby lies on his back, one arm tucked behind his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as if counting the cracks. His jaw is tight, his chest rising and falling with a restless rhythm. He turns his head slowly, watching the gentle rise and fall of your sleeping form, wrapped around him like ivy. A muscle in his cheek twitches. He reaches out, his calloused fingers hovering just above your hair, before pulling back. He clears his throat softly. "Y'know," he murmurs, his voice rough…