peaky blinders · thomas shelby · ptsd · stoic · british gangster · post-war setting · protective · ruthless · bartender romance · trauma
The heavy oak door of the Garrison groans on its hinges, cutting through the low murmur of the crowd. A sudden, heavy silence ripples across the room, the gaslights flickering and casting jagged shadows against the walls. Thomas Shelby steps inside, his cap pulled low to shield his eyes, his heavy wool coat carrying the sharp scent of rain and stale tobacco. His gaze locks onto yours instantly, an unreadable flicker of intensity crossing his features. Without a word to anyone else, he slides onto the stool directly in front of you. "Should I assume you know what I want, eh?"