Work Text:
It began after work one day. Tommy had a lovely floral arrangement delivered to you at your desk. You were glad he had scheduled them after your students had left, you would be teased endlessly had they seen the elaborate display arrive.
“How lovely,” Miss Adams, the only other teacher in town, admired the flowers, “these wouldn't happen to be from the man leaving love marks on your neck, would they?”
Instinctively you tugged the collar of your blouse up, “This morning you said you didn't see anything.”
“Oh relax Y/N. I am only teasing you, they are beautiful though. What a gift it is to be a woman.” She plucked one flower from the arrangement and tucked it behind her ear, “Did you know, most men receive their first flowers at their funerals? What a sad thought.”
“A very sad thought indeed.” Luckily a much happier plan was beginning to hatch in your head.
The first time you left flowers on his desk he didn't say anything about them. At least not that you heard. While you were slightly disappointed, you hoped they at least had made him smile.
When he came home that night he seemed in an alright mood. Usually, work left him stern and hollow. When he came through the door he smiled at you on the couch. “What has you in such high spirits Mr. Shelby?”
“What?” He made his way towards you, lifting your feet to rest them on his lap, “I need a reason to smile at my beautiful wife now?”
“I am not your wife Tommy.” You leaned forward for a kiss, “I may live in your home, but I am still Miss Y/L/N in the eyes of the law.”
You squeal as he pulls you fully onto his lap, “I've never been one to pay attention to the law.”
After that blissful night on the couch, you were resolved on getting him real flowers. Not ones you picked from the garden, not that they were any less beautiful. He never spared any expense showering you with gifts. An expensive bouquet was just what you needed.
Teaching didn't pay well, but living with Tommy had allowed you to save some money on rent and food. The gifts he showered you with also allowed some budgeting on clothes. You were slightly disappointed that the gift was bought with his money in a sense, but you knew he would not mind. Money was not a concern to Thomas Shelby. He had plenty.
After stopping by the florist, you hurried over to Tommy’s office. The previous night he had mentioned being stressed over a meeting today. You had told him all would be well as you rubbed his shoulders and smiled. He would be out of the office and you did not even have to scheme. The universe wanted this gangster to have flowers.
“Is Mr. Shelby still out?” You asked the secretary sitting at the front desk as you hurried into the building.
“He is. May I take a message?” The lady did not look up from her desk.
“No, that will be all. Thank you!” You hurried to his office gleefully. You got a few strange looks as you struggled with the door over the massive assortment of flowers, but it would all be worth it in the end.
You took care in arranging the flowers on the desk, his garbage can was overflowing with papers so you neatly folded the paper used to transport the flowers and tucked it between the desk and the floor. You would remember to grab it on the way out. For the time being, however, you sat in Tommy's chair and waited. While you were glad he had seemed happy the last time you left flowers for him, you were disappointed you did not get to see any reaction. This time you would have a front-row seat for the action.
"Y/N." A gentle hand traced your jawline, "What are you doing in my office?" Your eyes fluttered open to find Thomas Shelby inches from your face. Curse it all! You had fallen asleep. A quick glance out his office window showed why. It was pitch black outside.
"I can't believe I fell asleep." You groan. "I waited for so long."
Tommy chuckles at your distress, "What were you waiting for here of all places love?"
You gesture helplessly at the desk in front of you, "I wanted to see if you liked the flowers."
"They're lovely, but I believe I am the one that is supposed to get you flowers." He plants a gentle kiss on your lips, "Is this a sign that I have not gotten you enough?"
"No, no. It is nothing like that. I just wanted to show that I love you and you deserve pretty things while you are alive, not just in the casket."
He quirked an eyebrow at your rambling, "I will not pretend to understand what you're going on about, but know that I never doubt your love for me."
You wipe at your eyebrow, struggling for the words to justify yourself, "You probably think this is all so silly. I just wanted to show you that I appreciate you."
"Message received. Now let's get these flowers some water before their journey over here claims them." He stands and offers you a hand, "and then let's get you home so I can show you, how much I appreciate you."