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Tommy Shelby never was one for religion, or God, any deity for that matter. But, seeing you that uneventful day did make him believe there were good things in the world. He never knew your name. He just knew your heavenly voice. You loved to sing, and any chance you had that is what you did. He was walking by your father’s store the first time he heard you. The window was open that warm day while you were stocking shelves. The beautiful sound hit his ears, immediately drawing his attention. Tommy stood flat against the building so you wouldn’t know he was eavesdropping. He closed his eyes with a smile as the sweet melody washed over him. Tommy knew then that you were his songbird.
He watched you from afar to not scare you. Tommy learned that you were sweet and timid. You worked at your father’s store and was a regular church goer. He never bothered you. His reputation was well known, and he knew that you could do- and should deserve- better. His eye was always on you. Not in a bad way of course. Just watch to make sure you are okay. Burmingham was a rough place to be. Much too rough for the likes of you, but you survived just fine. Born and raised there to his surprise. The closest Tommy ever got to you was when he snuck into the church to hear you sing with the choir. He was hunched over in the back of course, not to draw attention.
His eyes were only on you, his songbird. He ignored everyone else including Jesus. Tommy was there just for you. You were proof that good things happen and exist. A beacon of light in this dirty dreary town. He snuck out before church let out to not draw attention to himself. The feared devil of Small Heath in a church service is bad for business. One night you had choir practice run a little late, and Tommy was outside waiting for you to come out. Tommy always kept his distance but was always there just in case. There were lots of bad men in this town, Tommy would know. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if some evil man hurt you. The most innocent thing in his life.
Finally, you exited the church and headed home, Tommy silently not far behind. You turned the corner as usual, and Tommy heard you cry out. He pulled out his gun from his coat and headed in your direction. Two men had grabbed you to do God knows what. They were smiling and cackling, happy with what they had caught. You tried to get away, but that just made them laugh more. Tears filled your eyes as two gunshots rang in the air. Immediately their hands were off you. You touched your face after something wet splashed onto it. Blood. Not your blood. Before you passed out, you saw bright blue eyes glowing at you in the moonlight.
Tommy felt horrible. Not about the men. About scaring you so bad you fainted. And the blood that got on you. You were so close to the men when he shot them in the head that it couldn’t be helped. His poor songbird collapsed in fear. Tommy spit on the men before gently scooping you up in his arms. He must get you away from here before you wake up. You can’t see the crime scene he just made. The Garrison was just up the street, so he figured he would take you there and clean you up. You began to stir a few minutes into the trip. “Relax, love, I won’t drop you. Almost there.” You didn’t know what “where” was, but the voice was deep and relaxing, so you didn’t fight. Tommy kicked open The Garrison’s door and brought you inside. He set you gently on the bar and went to turn the lights on. “It’s alright love. It's over. Let me clean you up, yeah?” Tommy softly touched your face with a wet rag to get the blood off. “I’m sorry about the blood. You were standing awfully close to them. They won’t bother you or any other woman again I promise.”
Any other time you would be afraid. You are in a bar for the first time ever alone with a strange man who may or may not have just hurt someone. But oddly enough you weren’t. He carried you to safety and cleaned you up. He certainly didn’t have to. “What did you do to those men earlier?” your voice comes out barely a whisper. “Don’t worry about it yeah? It's done and over with. You are safe now.” Out of the corner of your eye you see a gun sitting on the bar. You are not silly. You know what he did. "Murder is a mortal sin Mr.Shelby." Tommy, very surprised you knew who he was replied with raised eyebrows, "What those men would've done to you would have been worse than murder sweetheart. Where was your god back there huh?"
You gave Tommy a smile that almost stopped his heart. "That's an easy one, Mr. Shelby. He was in the alley with us and He compelled you to save me." Tommy chuckled. "God used the devil of Small Heath, eh? I'm surprised he knows who I am." You sit up on the bar. "He knows everyone. He can work through anyone. I'll be praying for you Mr. Shelby. I see a goodness in you." Tommy helped you to your feet. "Call me Tommy, love. Well, if what you say is true, can we take you home?" You took Tommy's arm and he walked you home. It was a comfortable silence. Tommy wanted to take your hand, but decided that you have been through enough this evening. He strangely liked how full of faith you were. How you could have seen any possible good in him was beyond him. He always thought he was beyond redemption.
You two finally made it to her door. Part of Tommy didn't want to let her go, but the other half knew it was for the best. "Well Tommy, this is me." you timidly state. "Will you tell your father what happened tonight?" Tommy asks, not wanting her father to pay him a visit. Even though he was the good guy for once. "No, probably not. I don't want him to worry more than he already does. But, thank you Tommy. For everything." With a small smile he takes your hand and softly kisses it. "Don't thank me love, thank your god yeah?" His songbird turns a pretty shade of pink at the affection. "I expect to see you this Sunday, Tommy. Regardless if you're hiding in the back or not."
Tommy's eyes got big. "You knew I was there?" HIs songbird lets out a pretty chuckle almost as harmonic as her singing. "I know every face at the church Tommy. You stuck out like a sore thumb to me." Now it was Tommy's turn to get shy as he moves from one foot to the other. "Well i'll try I guess, love. But, no promises. I'll be there for you if I do go. I'm still not on speaking terms with your god." She goes to open the door. "That's alright, Tommy. He'll speak to you when he's ready. You'll be in my prayers tonight." Sunday comes around, and Tommy finds himself outside the church. Something about songbird noticing him last time he was here, made him uneasy. What was he doing? Is this God supposedly talking to him now? Tommy just felt compelled to see her again. With her knowing that is. His watches have still been going on, gun staying in the holster.
With a sigh, Tommy sneaks in the church. In his usual back corner. His songbird in the front of the choir singing her heart out. He felt his eyes water, but didn't let the tears fall. What the hell is this? Tommy felt eyes on him, and before he could run, he noticed it was just his songbird. She smiled at him and continued to sing. Maybe she will be his saving grace after all. Maybe there is something to this redemption thing.