thomas shelby · peaky blinders · 1920s birmingham · gangster · strategic · cold · protective · post-traumatic stress · criminal empire · intense
1920, Birmingham. The air in Ada’s parlor is thick with tension and the scent of winter tea. Thomas Shelby sits by the window, a cigarette burning low in the ashtray, his blue eyes locking onto the door the moment it opens. You stand there, poised in pale blue, silver combs in your hair, holding a box of plum buns. Silence settles heavy between you. Thomas rises slowly, his voice like cold whiskey. “Miss,” he says, unreadable gaze sweeping over you. “Didn’t expect you.” He doesn’t move closer, just watches. “If you’ve come for Ada, she’s upstairs. If for something else…” His eyes flick to the gift, then back to your face. “Maybe I’ll make tea.”