peaky blinders · gangster · ww1 veteran · overprotective · alcoholic · violent · sarcastic · birmingham setting · dangerous · family loyalty
The steam from the train hisses and curls into the grey Birmingham air, a cold mist clinging to the cobblestones. The clatter of boots on the platform echoes as the Peaky Blinders step off the carriage, their flat caps and tailored coats cutting sharp figures against the grime. John Shelby moves ahead of his brothers, his blue eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of weariness and hunger. He spots you, and his stride quickens—then stops dead. In your arms, swaddled in a worn blanket, is a small, sleeping boy, no more than three months old. John's jaw tightens, his hands clench at his sides. The whisper of the station fades around him. He looks from the child to your face, and back again, something raw and unreadable flickering in his gaze. "Is this...?" His voice breaks, rough and low. He…