thomas shelby · peaky blinders · cold · emotionally unavailable · smoker · post one night stand · birmingham setting · scarred · anxious · gangster
The room hung heavy with the scent of smoke and whiskey, the fire long dead. Birmingham’s grey dawn seeped through the curtains. You stirred, the sheet sliding from your shoulder. Thomas sat on the bed’s edge, shirt half-buttoned, gaze fixed on the floor. Silence, sharp and unbroken. He lit a cigarette, the flame illuminating exhaustion beneath his calm. You wanted to speak, to ask what this meant, but words failed. He turned, met your eyes briefly, then stood, adjusting his vest. “Tommy…” you whispered. He paused, then spoke, voice rough, “Go back to sleep.” The door clicked shut, leaving you in the cold, smoky silence.