Word Count: ~ 1,600
Warnings: Cursing, angst, fluff
SUMMARY: You convince Tom to take a day off and finally connect.

A/N We're gonna pretend that Julie London made music when this fic takes place

Getting Thomas Shelby to take a break from work was like trying to get a woodchuck to chuck wood... absolutely fucking impossible. Despite your adamant attempts to get him to take– at least –a day off from work, he never listened. Always groaning and mumbling about how, "I've got work up to my ears," and, "Soon, I promise." What a shitty lie.

You knew going into the marriage that it'd be a lot of work. He's a businessman at heart and truly cannot help it, or so you tell yourself that to humor yourself. But it isn't like Tom's a completely absent husband, when he is around he makes up for his lack of being home by at least sitting in the same room as you. It was easy between you two, to just sit in silence and enjoy each other's company without speaking. Although lately, it seemed like Thomas was working himself to death.

He would return home at ungodly hours completely exhausted and wouldn't even bother with dinner. You could tell he was suffering mentally when he came home with that haircut. The sides were shaved so harshly that the tuft of dark hair on top of his head looked completely out of place. You were sure he saw the wide-eyed look you gave him when he entered your bedroom as you read before bed.

But he said nothing of it as he undressed and laid down beside you wordlessly. You've been watching him deteriorate for months... and now you're sick of it. You love Tom, that's why you married him, and you refuse to let him kill himself when he's got so much left to live for.

⎯⎯

"Alright, I'm done." You sat your teacup down with a stern look. It was the best motherly glare you could muster as Thomas hardly looked up from the papers in his hand. You clenched your fists on the table and sigh loudly, knowing if you made enough noise Tom would finally acknowledge you.

He pushed his glasses up when he finally looked at you, "With your dinner? You've got an entire plate left." The rolling of your eyes didn't go unnoticed by him as he just sat up to truly look at you. "What's wrong, Y/N?"

The dining room was painfully empty, You and Tom sat across from one another at the head of the table. The chair usually reserved for Thomas was empty, but the throne-like appearance showed a king sat there. Sure, Thomas is no monarch, but he does rule all of Birmingham as though he is one. That thought makes you realize that would make you the quiet queen who sits idly by as her husband fucks everything up.

"Nice of you to finally acknowledge me, Thomas." You try your best to soften your tone, to sound worried and not annoyed but it hurts. It hurts knowing your husband is more caught up in his work than with you. So many broken promises... so many nights alone... so many days where you just couldn't force yourself out of bed due to feeling like a complete failure.

You became what you sought not to, a man's wife. Known only as Thomas Shelby's wife is probably the worst thing you've ever been called. You grew up founding strong values about being a strong, independent woman, but the first time a man showed you any true attention and you went and married him... "What's that supposed to mean?"

Your Y/E/C eyes cast down to the dark wood of the table solemnly, "We haven't had a proper conversation in weeks," You fiddled with the handle of your teacup absentmindedly, "I miss you, Tommy." You extended your hand across the table, palm up for Thomas to grab. He set the papers in his hands aside and placed a hand above yours.

The realization in Tom's eyes was obvious as his head inclined toward the table almost as though he were ashamed. "I know... and I'm sorry, love. It's just that things are crazy this time of year... along with the flowers blooming comes lots of political turmoil about this and that... it's a lot." You nodded, wanting to understand but the mention of flowers blooming reminds you of one of the many broken promises.

"We'll plant marigolds and lilies and daisies, fuck, we'll plant whatever the fuck you want!"

Thomas promised to help put the garden in, it was supposed to be a bonding experience but you were left to do it on your own. And you did a damn good job, the flowers you planted were indeed blooming and looking beautifully healthy. You were extremely proud of yourself. "Can't you take one day off? Work a little more for a few days then take a weekend off? You're killing yourself and I hate it."

"I hate it too, Y/N."

"Do you?" Your eyebrows caused a crease in your forehead as you squeezed Tom's hand tightly, "Because it feels as though you love work more than me... your wife. I wait up for you to not speak to me, I wake up to see you, but you've already left. I think it's time for a break. It's long overdue."

Thomas nodded, "I can't just not go to work. I'm a politician and a businessman, the world doesn't spin unless I'm working."

"The world can do with one still day!" You retorted at Tom's stupid imagery. "Just one day and you'll see how wonderful being lazy can be. And then you'll want to stay home for an entire week at best!" A large smile cracked open on your face and the fondness in Tommy's eyes made your heart skip a beat. "Please?" You pleaded and after a moment of thought... Tommy finally agreed with a sigh.

He moved his glasses up so he could wipe his eyes before he spoke, "I'll see what I can do. I'm sure I have an open Friday somewhere in me diary."

"Thank you."

Tommy lifted your hand to his lips, "Anything for my best girl."

⎯⎯

The rain was wonderfully warm on your skin as you ran in the yard like a child. Your dress stuck to your skin and showed off your figure but you could care less, no one would see but the nosy maids. You spun in a circle and made your way back into the garden, you set your gramophone up in the greenhouse so the sounds would play in the garden and you could dance with yourself.

This wasn't new to you, dancing in the rain is among the few things you truly enjoy. And with the weather warming up, it made it that much better. Your favorite song by the American singer, Julie London played as you swayed to the rhythm,

You'd be so nice to come home to.
You'd be so nice by the fire.
While the breeze on high sang a lullaby.

You'd Be So Nice to Come Home reminded you much of your recent relationship with Thomas. How you only appeared to be what he wanted in theory and only if he'd been gone for more than two days. Even if it made you sad, the lovely sound of Julie's voice soothed the pain away into bittersweet happiness. When the record suddenly stopped playing your eyes opened and spotted Tom inside the greenhouse.

Seeing him home so early made a gigantic smile appear on your face, "What're you doing, Y/N? It's fucking pouring, get inside!" Thomas shouted through the open door and leaned away from it, trying not to get wet.

"NO! Get out here, silly!"

"I'm pretty sure you're the silly one,"

You gasped loudly and dramatically, "My goodness, how rude of you, Mr. Shelby! I think as payment, you should join me!" You spun around in a circle and lifted your arms up to the sky, letting the water land on your closed eyelids. The sound of Julie's voice began playing once more and you smiled softly.

The feeling was wonderful and when you felt a pair of warm hands on your hips, you jumped. There before you in his standard white button-up and high trousers, was the Thomas Shelby OBE... in the rain, with an almost smile on his face. Your grin practically doubled in size as you threw your arms around his neck, "Mr. Shelby, it's time for you to let loose."

Thomas shook his head, "I believe the only thing that's loose are the bolts is your brain," He brought a finger up to your forehead and pointed at your head. You giggled at Tommy and stood up to kiss him.

You pressed a small peck to his lips, "I love you," Thomas' eyes grew darker as his hand moved up your back to cradle your head, he brought you in for a far deeper kiss. Unlike the light peck you gave him, this one stole your breath and sound mind away. I'm in the Mood for Love began playing and you thought it was the perfect song for this moment.

Heaven is in your eyes
Bright as the stars we're under
Oh! Is it any wonder
I'm in the mood for love?

His grip on you grounded you as you drew back to take a breath of much-needed air. "You are my love." Tommy murmured quietly against your lips as your eyes fluttered open.

You embraced him tightly and the two of you began rocking back and forth to the beautiful melody of Julie London's voice. "And you are my life."