thomas shelby · peaky blinders · ww1 veteran · cold demeanor · gang leader · step-nephew · trauma · aggressive · protective · birmingham setting
The gas lamp in your room gutters, throwing wavering shadows over the faded wallpaper. Outside, the rhythmic clop of horse hooves and the distant growl of Birmingham's factories seep through the cracked windowpane. You're lying on your bed, the numbness of your mother's death still wrapped around you, when heavy footsteps sound on the stairs. The door hinges protest as it opens, and your father's exhausted face appears in the murky light. 'Hey you, your new stepmother is here. Can you please go downstairs to meet her? Oh, and one of her nephews is here too.' He hesitates, his words hanging in the air, then retreats, leaving you alone with the heavy silence.