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look-at-the-soul · 6 months

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The Photoshoot -Peaky Blinders edition

Modern Tommy Shelby x reader (+Alfie)

Summary: Y/N is hired to do a Photoshoot at a pub, but she’ll find much more than just an object to capture.

Word count: 4,500

A/N: I’m practically drooling with the Photoshoot series (for Cillian), so I thought why not give it some kind of twist and create the same magic for the peaky world… my dear @raincoffeeandfandoms this is for you! For your 3K followers celebration 🎉 thank you for being a lovely mutual, for your kindness, for your stories, I’m so grateful that I’ve met you here ✨ps: there are two moodboards as part of this story 🤭

Ps2: if you’re ever to Texas let me know! The bar that’s mentioned in the story is real! And it gave me all the peaky blinders Garrison’s vibe 😍 and brisket is OMG!

“Look at the numbers brother.” Arthur walked in without knocking first into his brother’s office.

Deep blue orbs hardly looking away from his laptop as Arthur placed the papers with numbers and graphics next to his glass of whiskey.

“Hmm.”

“The place is packed again.” Arthur’s mustache moved up and down as he smiled pleased.

Tommy took the almost consumed cigarette from the ashtray and took a long puff as he ran his eyes across the papers.

“That’s great brother.”

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation, two pairs of eyes looked back.

“Arthur, the photographer is downstairs.” Lizzie announced.

“Are you a model now Art?” Tommy cocked an eyebrow.

Arthur giggled nervously, but shook his head. “Finn hired her to get photos of the place for our social media.”

“Fucking social media.” Tommy mumbled to himself, it was all everyone was talking about lately, are you posting that? That’s so asthetic, why didn’t you like my post?… he was so done with that shit.

“But works like a charm, look.” Arthur showed him the screen of his phone, a video of someone making a cocktail and then the door to The Tavern. “We’re getting lots of likes and comments.”

Tommy hummed, he had been listening a lot about this photographer lately and all the fantastic work she was doing with the pub. And now he had to admit curiosity was winning over.

Secretly he had been watching her photography media, the videos she created to give tips and tricks to achieve certain images or effects, she was a natural and had a very sharp eye to find little gems everywhere. It was such a surprise and a treat to see flirty sneak peek she shared about the pub. He was particularly curious about the profile photo of her Instagram account, because her face was hidden behind the camera, he could only see a blurry reflection in a mirror

An incoming call kept him busy for a while as he was trying to solve a problem with one of the tobacco vendors, a new law affected the price and now he was in the middle of an endless negotiation.

It was until a few hours later when he finally called for the night at the pub and decided to head somewhere else, one look at his phone and he practically had a catalog to choose from, these women weren’t exactly discreet or lady-like…

Placing the peaky cap on his head and he stopped on his tracks as his eyes fixed on the woman holding the camera in front of the bar, her hair in a messy bun at the top of her head with a few loose locks here and there, she adjusted something and a bright light focused on a couple of empty glasses.

He observed her checking the camera angle and she walked again towards the bar to adjust one of the glasses she previously placed.

After blinking for the flash, she focused on the screen placed at the end of the bar.

Tommy saw her smile forming from the side and felt as if time stopped suddenly.

The petite form moved to the side with the light and tripod close to her and without saying anything, she captured the captain of The Tavern placing an order.

“Sorry, I wanted to capture your natural essence, without posing.” She announced in a soft tone that had a lot of effects on Tommy. “Look! You’ve a nice profile.”

As she showed Pablo her camera, Tommy saw him smile shyly.

“You make me look good.”

“Can I squeeze in behind the bar? I’d like to get a few shoots of the barrels.”

“Of course.” He winked. “All yours.”

As Pablo moved back, she squeezed uncomfortably between him and the bar, holding her camera above her head.

She removed a piece of cloth to the side and then Tommy saw her do something equally weird and funny, as she closed one eye from different heights, he was fascinated by the way she moved and arched her body to capture the image she wanted. After a few clicks, she kept staring at the small screen in the camera.

“Can I have a pint please?” A deep voice startled her.

Looking from side to side she blinked nervously.

Struggling to find her voice at the bluest eyes of them all staring back at her with a smile. “Sorry, errm I’m just a photographer.”

“Oh! Apologies then, I didn’t see the camera.” Tommy lied leaning closer to the bar and extending his hand to her. “Thomas Shelby.”

“Y/N Y/LN. I better get going and leave you to a real bartender.” She chuckled and the dim light didn’t hide her blush.

“‘S okay… how’s The Photoshoot going?”

“Great! I’m in love with this place.”

“Are you drinking something?” He asked as she walked around the bar to stand in front of him now.

“Just water, I’m in working hours.”

“I’m sure the owner won’t mind a glass.” Tommy winked at her.

“Thank you, but I don’t think it’d be appropriate.”

“A snack then? Have you tried something from the menu yet?” Tommy tried again, raising his hand he called for the closest waiter. “Make sure to provide Y/N with anything she needs please, on the house she’s our guest tonight.”

Y/N gave him a confused look before realizing how he matched the atmosphere of the place in total sync. He belonged there, he owned such an interesting presence, elegant, business-like, a troublemaker. As he nodded, she went back to focus on her task, the one thing that was consistent in her life; her love for photography, to capture an instant, not noticing that Tommy instead of going home to an unknown blonde, stayed close to the bar to see her work.

The following days, Tommy took a moment to step out of his office upstairs once he heard she had arrived, he would casually walk past her and sit in a corner where he could see her working, not wanting to interrupt her in the middle of shooting something at the pub.

Even if it was for a brief moment, they’d engage in a interesting conversation.

Arthur even teased him for leaving his cave for once, oblivious to the real reason behind his actions, he’d just brush it off saying he wanted to see people’s reaction over the drinks and he even made a few adjustments in the music choices that were being played.

But deep down, he was really enjoying seeing Y/N in her element as she kept pressing the shutter.

As she finished another day of photos, she placed the camera strap around her neck, ready to pick up her equipment. Secretly she was looking forward to see certain Shelby brother around.

“Ready to go Miss Y/LN?” A deep voice called.

Y/N turned around to find Tommy in one of the booths.

He stood up slowly, giving her this predator vibe and walked towards the bar, leaving her speechless for an instant.

“Sorry to ask you this, but… would you mind if I take your portrait?”

He never posed for pictures, but there was something about her that made him say yes to anything she asked. So he listened to her guidance and leaning against the bar, he looked at something in the opposite wall.

“Hold it for me…”

Click.

She didn’t even use the extra light on him, his cheekbones caught it effortlessly, and his eyes… she wanted to make a whole photoshoot for them.

“Yeah, I gotta start editing tonight to put together the work and hand you guys the final version.”

“So you’ll be done with the project?” He asked without hiding the disappointment in his voice, but soon he cleared his throat.

The hostess walked past him, trying to get his attention, but his eyes were fixed on Y/N’s.

“Is there anything you might need to carry on?”

She bit her lip.

“Actually yes, I’d like to get a few shoots of the place without customers, if that’s possible.”

She saw him produce a smile and a nod. “Stop by tomorrow at eleven o’clock before the doors are open to the public.”

“I really appreciate it.” She sighed and threw a quick glance at the place. “The design and vibe makes me go back in time to one of those pubs from back in the day.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve.” Tommy smiled proudly dragging his eyes around the room.

“Well you have good luck, I’m here to capture the beauty of this place and immortalize so more people can know about it.”

“A woman with a strong drive and passion I reckon?” He guessed giving her a nod in approval.

“Photography is one of the rare tools that help us remember someone or something forever.”

She made him remember an ancient photograph he kept of his mother as the most precious treasure he possessed. It was a bit damaged on the edges and the paper was so old and fragile but it still held such sentimental value.

That was all he got left of her.

Sensing she touched a sensitive matter she excused herself to continue photographing the place while he was watching her every move intensely. Canceling the original plans he had for some booty call.

***

Y/N cursed herself for not hiring an assistant for the day to help with the lights, computer and camera, but these days it was a luxury she couldn’t afford. Luckily she wouldn’t be photographing people as they were harder to deal with, barely paid attention to the clothing suggestions she’d made or taking any instructions in general.

“Need a hand with that?” A husky voice called from behind her back, she had been so focused on planning to how get everything in just one round to avoid the stairs twice that she never noticed Tommy had been watching her.

“Hmm…” a blush covered her completely, it was impossible to not being smitten by his presence. “I don’t wanna bother you.”

“None of that, gimme.” He mumbled with the cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth.

“Thank you.” She smiled but soon it was replaced by a gasp when he took the laptop case and lights from her, his hands covered in leather gloves holding the equipment as it weighed nothing.

Climbing the stairs, Tommy couldn’t stop himself from looking at her bum swaying from side to side as she took the steps, that sweet little thing had a huge impact on him.

“You can leave it here, I’ll set up the lights, thanks again.”

“My pleasure, if you need anything just shout.”

She saw him disappear upstairs and decided to shake her head a little because his cologne was too masculine that it was even intoxicating and her heart was beating so fast.

The place offered her a million different perspectives to shoot, she loved catching the lights of the vintage chandeliers, the details on the booths were absolutely gorgeous, the bar, she was in love with every touch she discovered through her camera lenses.

Adjusting the height of the tripod, she got a fabulous shoot of the private area with comfortable couches, the oil lamp was a lovely detail that captivated her.

Time flew, she got carried away with the endless images she was capturing.

With a content sigh, she pressed the shutter one more time, to immortalize part of the table with a Reserved sign, the oil lamp blurred, but the final shoot looked fantastic.

Two things happened simultaneously; her stomach protested for the cup of coffee and the granola bar she eat for breakfast and Tommy emerged from the kitchen.

“Not to hurry you or anything, but are you done there?” Tommy’s voice startled her, she noticed he wasn’t wearing the suit jacket, he had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, showing his forearms.

“Yeah, got everything I wanted.” She answered adding a lovely smile.

“Good, now.. this way.” He motioned her to follow him and held the door open. “Pictures here are forbidden just a little FYI, specially because you’re about to taste a piece of heaven.”

That’s when she realized he had been working in the kitchen all this time.

“Oh! That sounds promising.”

“It is.” He reassured her. “But I need your honest opinion though.”

Tommy turned around to face the grill again, pressing the sandwich.

“Finn told me he saw you taking photos of a building and asked you to do a shooting for us.”

Y/N studied his back, broad shoulders, the sides and back of his head was shaved sharply, intimidating posture. Yet somehow it was a huge contrast while he was enjoying preparing the food.

“Yes, it was a new condo and I had already done the interior photos, so he photobombed one of my shoots.”

“That’s such a Finn thing to do.” Tommy chuckled. “But I’m glad he did, so now you’re taking care of our media.”

Placing a plate in front of her, he added a separate bowl full of French fries. Her mouth was watering so bad.

“You’re not going to complain about the calories, are you?”

Closing her eyes at the taste, she ran her tongue over her lower lip to remove the crumbs. To Tommy it was a simple gesture that had a different -sexual- effect on him.

“You were right, this is heaven.”

Y/N took a bite of the brisket sandwich and a small satisfied groan escaped her mouth.

“I didn’t see this on the menu last time I was here. It’s so good!”

Tommy cleared his throat while resting his palms on the industrial island.

“That’s because it’s not… yet.” He admitted cutting a piece of the sandwich to eat it. “Been trying to decide if it’s a good addition or not.”

“You definitely have to, it’s amazing!”

There was something about her that pushed him to do this. He thought she could see something else in everything judging by the way she took photographs, to her it wasn’t just a vintage oil lamp, it was the main focus of the shooting.

“Why are you doubting?” She called, making Tommy pull out from his daydream.

“I don’t know if people will like it.”

She noticed the doubt in his eyes and his eyes flashing for a second.

“This is Michelin worth it, trust me.” She admitted taking the rest of the brisket with a fork. “It’s perfect.”

“If it fails you’re the one to blame eh?” He smiled, aching for a cigarette, but it was forbidden in the kitchen.

“I’m sure it will be a success!”

Tommy felt grateful for the encouragement, cooking had been once of his hidden passions and he realized showing it to her could only be because she was special.

“I could bet you anything it’ll get a high demand… if I could I’d have this everyday.”

He wondered if she was always trying to please and compliment people with her comments or if it was out of pity, but after seeing her interacting with the staff, he knew this was a natural and genuine thing for her.

“Well you could if you wanted, love.” He arched one of his eyebrows seductively that made her blush immediately.

Reaching the desire effect, he added a wink.

She felt both excited and scared, because of the meaning behind his words, what he was implying it wasn’t something to take slightly and the alarm started ringing inside her head.

“Guess you say that to every woman that sits in front of you.” She knew how men like him acted all the time.

Tommy was about to answer that no, as a matter of fact he had never cooked for another women. This was a first time for him and he wasn’t even completely aware of what made him do that, he just felt the urge to be close to her.

But he wasn’t able to because Arthur stormed in, interrupting the moment.

Tilting his head, he stared at the crumbs on the plate, to the girl and then to his brother. Confusion written all over his face, he wanted to ask why the hell he ordered the pub to be open later, but judging by Tommy’s eyes, he decided to not do it.

“Oh, sorry about the interruption, brotha.” he made a small reverence and pointed at the door to disappear, but it was enough to break the moment.

“Actually I’ve to go and do some editing, thank you for lunch.” Y/N stammered, giving Tommy a small look back, taking that as her opportunity to leave. A heavy ache pressing her chest.

Arthur looked at his brother from the corner of his eyes. “Wha-?”

“What the hell are you doing here? Thought you had to be out of the city.” Tommy barked, far too annoyed now. “You better keep this to yourself if you want to be on one piece for the holidays.” Tommy warned with an accusing finger before leaving the kitchen.

If someone knew him, it was Arthur. And deep down, Tommy knew all of his effort it wouldn’t go unnoticed by his brother and the huge meaning this had.

“I was just going to say that she’s a fine gurl.” Arthur whispered, hands up in surrender. “And that I think you found the one.”

***

“Tommy,” Lizzie poked her head inside his office after knocking the door, he had been starting absently at his screen, “the photographer is here.”

Tommy felt his stomach making a sharp turn at the announcement. He felt torn between wanting to see her one more time and feeling rejected that one time he decided to cook for her.

“Ask Finn to handle that matter.”

Lizzie gave him a deep frown, these past days he was very adamant to be informed once she arrived. “He’s busy with something else.”

“Then ask Arthur. Or take care of it yourself.” Turning off his laptop, Tommy took his wallet and keys to walk out of his office, taking the stairs quickly he rushed past the hall and then the bar, eyeing Y/N siting close to the door.

She went there with two objectives that day, first present her final work to the Shelby brothers and last but not least, find a moment to talk to Tommy about what happened in the kitchen the other day, she had been terrified by the intimate moment they shared over him cooking that delicious sandwich for her, she wanted to explain that she had been hurt in the past and over therapy she had been able to slowly work things around, but the constant fear was in the back of her mind.

He wasn’t going to admit out loud to anyone that the photographer had been on his mind ever since he met her. There was something about her that caught his attention, the way she smiled or the way she saw things through the lenses of her camera.

But she also hurt his fragile ego by rejecting him. So when he was close for her to listen, he pretended to get a phone call. “Yeah Mandy, I’m on my way sweetheart.”

He never noticed the long look she gave him, because if he had, he’d have noticed the way her heart broke into million pieces by listening to his words. So she decided to let him go that day.

And somehow that’s exactly how life is, it’s messy, it goes badly and you meet the right person at the wrong time.

****

Y/N nerves started growing with every minute passing at the auction. She decided to donate one of her photographs to raise funds for women in need at a local charity, but she couldn’t help but wonder if it would sell or not.

“You never told me what happened with that Shelly boy.” Flor asked casually as she started eyeing the entrees.

She wanted to get one of each, but her stomach was completely closed and the butterflies in her tummy were out of control.

“It’s Shelby… and nothing happened.” Y/N remembered the photographs she took of The Tavern a couple of months ago now.

“You can’t keep sabotaging yourself!” Flor hissed. “What happened?”

“Look, he had trouble written all over his face, maybe it was for the best.” Y/N brushed it off, or she tried to at least.

“And you let him go why exactly?” Her friend pressed, waving at someone.

“I got scared because he was too much, he was… never mind.” Her voice trailed off. “The auction is about to start, we should move.”

But Flor had a different idea, so she stopped her friend by the arm. “You actually like him! And don’t even try to lie to me.”

“It doesn’t matter how, he’s probably busy with Mindy, Randy… whatever.”

“Maybe it’s not too late… but you gotta stop doing this to yourself, you deserve to be happy.”

“I was still healing and I literally stormed out, he probably doesn’t even remember my name. He just flirted to busy himself.”

Flor shook her head in disbelief. Y/N got the chance to be happy and she decided to hide in the dark too afraid for it to be a reality.

But they were both oblivious that across the gallery, there he was, the man himself staring at Y/N with his eyes fixed on her every move. Realizing that his memory hadn’t made a mistake of remembering her soft features, or the dimples on her cheeks, neither the sparkle of her eyes. As much as he tried, it was impossible to forget about her.

“Tom, it turns out Y/N listed a photograph for the auction.” Arthur informed him in a low voice, he had just his brother to investigate as soon as he found her among the people gathered for the event. She looked more beautiful than he remembered and there it was again, the same force that had been pulling him towards her from the moment they met.

“Buy it.” He stretched his neck to find her walking around, the sequins of her black dress catching the light.

It didn’t matter how much time had passed, there hadn’t been a day or night where he didn’t end up thinking about her, she was stuck in his mind.

“But it’s-”

“Arthur,” Tommy pointed at his brother in a warning tone. “Buy the photograph, I don’t want anyone else getting it.”

“Man you should try this…” John shoved something into his mouth and as a waiter passed by with a tray of drinks, he got a glass of champagne.

“John, I need you to-”

“What the hell are you doin ‘ere?” Alfie’s voice interrupted them.

Arthur found him midway with a huge grin on his face.

“They started whining about the price it might reach, so I doubled the amount.”

“Good.”

And in that very moment he saw someone approaching Y/N’s piece to place a card that could be read as SOLD and a woman walked towards Y/N to let her know her photograph had been bought by someone anonymously. And he’d pay an absurd amount of money anytime to see her reaction again. The shock of her face, her hand flying to her mouth, the small jumps she was making… she looked at the woman next to her and asked her to pinch her arm.

“I thought you’d only send the donation over, mate.” Alfie joined them, giving the Shelby brothers a long look, one of his hands rubbing absently his beard.

“What’s the fun in that Alfie?” Tommy answered, giving Y/N one more look. “Actually I just bought a photograph.”

“You can’t do that, there’s an auction!”

Arthur showed him the cheque he just signed off, enjoying the annoyance in his face, but Alfie’s eyes were fixed somewhere else, Tommy realized that he was looking at the woman standing next to Y/N.

His smile grew even bigger in that moment.

“Tell me this is real!” Y/N squealed squeezing her friends arm.

Turning her head around, and her eyes crossed with Tommy’s, who raised his glass at her. Embarrassment flashed through her eyes, so she took a small step towards him, holding his gaze at all times.

An apology would be a first step.

“You’ve to introduce me to that bearded man.” Flor whispered behind her back, making Y/N chuckle.

As the small group reunited, Y/N felt a blush covering her face.

“Just heard your photography sold, congratulations.” Tommy announced.

“It’s a night full of surprises,” she admitted and then looked at Alfie. “Mr. Solomons, I want to thank you for the opportunity to join the auction.”

“It’s my pleasure dove, now I don’t think we’ve been introduced… Alfie Solomons.” He extended his hand at Flor, whose smile couldn’t be bigger.

And before anyone could react, the pair moved away from the group.

“Y/N and her friend should be present at the next business meeting with Alfie.” Arthur pointed out, then noticing that his brother and Y/N were staring at each other, he waved at John. “Let’s go get a drink.”

“If he makes more brisket let us know!” John shouted over his shoulder.

Tommy rolled his eyes at the comment, but a chuckle escaped his lips.

“I hope you won’t run off this time around.” He raised his eyebrows, half joking, half serious.

A veil of embarrassment and shame covered her. “I’m sorry about that…” she began to explain Tommy how after realizing how attracted she felt towards him, she didn’t knew how to handle her feelings and how much she regretted it, that’s why she came back to try to explain him that, but well, things took another turn.

“It doesn’t matter now.” Tommy assured her as they moved towards the balcony.

“So… shall we start again?” She asked with hope sparkling in her eyes, just like the stars in the background. He nodded.

“On one condition.”

“Anything.” She agreed looking from his eyes to his lips.

“Over a brisket sandwich?”

Y/N nodded, the smile reaching her eyes.

He could take her to any restaurant in the city, the best place out there, but to her seeing him cooking, it mean a lot more than words could explain. And his brisket was to die for.

Finally leaving her fears behind, she wrapped her arms around his neck and his hands sneaked around her waist, lips connecting in a kiss they both had been longing since the first time they met.

Mouths molding perfectly against each other, it felt much better than they imagined.

After a moment, they pulled apart, but remained close with a satisfied look in their eyes.

“Good because I was going to call you anyways, I need a photographer for my son’s birthday party.” Tommy explained and captured her lips once more, but now, it was the right moment to start over… and everything thanks to a Photoshoot session.

****

Thank you for reading! If you liked this, your feedback means the world to me ✨🥰xx

Photo credits to The Tavern@ig

Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cillmequick @datewithgianni @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @gypsy-girl-08 @lespendy @onlydeadcells @fastfan @stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @forbidden-forest-witch @ange-thoughts @moral-terpitude @elenavampire21 @forgottenpeakywriter @thenattitude @winchestergirl22 @zablife @elk96 @heidimoreton @imichelle-l-rigby @allie131313 @already-broken144 @peakyscillian @babaohhhriley @shelbydelrey @shaddixlife @sloanexx @sydneyyyya @adaydreamaway08 @pono-pura-vida @thomashelbyswife @darleneslane @everythingelseisextra @kmc1989 @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @lau219

Master list

#that’s what Cill said #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x fem!reader #tommy shelby x y/n #modern!tommy shelby #modern peaky blinders #thomas shelby imagine

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