#nadine is typing...

The street was buzzing with life, children ran around chasing an elusive red ball, businessmen gathered to chatter about the daily news and women spoke about the weeks events. Sweeney couldn’t help but note that his dreary, dull world had become a little brighter and he knew there was only one person who could have caused such a change.

“Goodmorning Mr.Todd! I’m sorry i’m late, I ran into a friend at the market and they are quite the chatterbox you know, I could hardly get away!” Sweeney turned at the sound of your sweet voice and door opening. Your smile nearly blinded him as you stepped in with a basket in your hand, he couldn’t help but return it.

Sweeney stepped away from the window as you placed the basket onto the large chest beside the front door.

“Goodmorning pet, you slept well I hope?” Sweeney asked, standing beside you now and peering into the basket you now opened.

“I slept as well as I usually do,” you smile bashfully, “thank you for inquiring but anyway! I passed a baker and i saw these delicious looking rolls so I bought you one!” You say sweetly holding up a wrapped roll smelling of cinnamon and honey.

Sweeney glanced towards his door and took the warm roll in his hands, he realised he hadn’t eaten all morning and his mouth watered at the enticing aroma.

“Thank you, perhaps we should eat these in the back in case Mrs.Lovett comes in, I wouldn’t want her making a fuss over us not eating any of her pastries.” Sweeney suggests, a hint of a smile at his lips as you hold a hand over your grinning mouth.

You nod in agreement and take your own roll, following him back into the back room which was luckily more well lit since the first time you entered it months ago. You find a seat on a small cushioned stool as Sweeney pulls a hard wood chair towards you, sitting down on it and unwrapping the roll. As you both enjoy the fresh, sweet rolls you find your eyes trailing over Sweeney’s face and hair.

His hair seemed longer than usual, some of it even beginning to fall in his face which you thought was impossible. Without much thought you reached out and ran your hand through it, pulling the stray strands out of his face in the process. When you lean back you nearly snort in amusement as Sweeney has become frozen mid bite. Mouth agape and eyes now trained on yours with a shocked and confused knot in his brow.

You giggle and shake your head, feeling slightly embarrassed by your bold moves but delighted by Sweeney’s reaction.

“I’m sorry Mr.Todd,” you speak through bouts of small laughter, “it seems your hair has grown quite a bit since we met,” you finish with a long breath, attempting to regain your composure.

Sweeney’s mouth shuts in an almost comical manner and he turns his head to look at a mirror hanging on the wall. His hair was a bit longer, the ends nearly met his shoulders in fact. He shrugged lightly, so what if it was a bit longer it didn’t really matter to him much. As he did this a wonderful idea struck you and before he could speak you jumped up a bit in your seat.

“You should let me cut it for you!” Your eyes seem to twinkle at the thought and Sweeney finds himself lost for words for a moment before reality hits him.

“Absolutely not,” Sweeney declined before he can even figure out why. The disappointment on your face is clear and you sag into your seat a small fraction.

“Why not? I’ve been watching you all this time and i’m sure I could do a good job!” Sweeney falters at your determined tone but shakes his head a small fraction.

“There is nothing wrong with my hair being a bit longer, and even if you have been watching me work it takes a lot of practice to be able to cut hair well,” you can’t help but grin as Sweeney seemingly pouts, “if I get bothered by it I’ll just cut it myself.” The way he spoke reminded you of a stubborn child but you held back the urge to laugh.

“Oh come on Sweeney,” you spoke softly, not ignorant to the dusting of pink on his cheeks as you said his first name, “it’ll be fun! You can just sit in your chair and relax and let me take care of you for once, it’d be a good change of pace i think.” You smile as he glances at you the wall before letting out a huff of air.

“Alright, if you truly must than I’ll let you cut my hair.” He says, his tone more bothered than he truly was.

After you both finished your rolls you giddily rushed back into the shop, heading over to Sweeney’s barber chair. He followed at a slower pace, moping as he sat down in the chair. You rolled your eyes at his childish behaviour before grabbing the soft cloth that sat on the counter. You clear your throat before copying what you’d seen Sweeney do many times before, wrapping the cloth around him and tucking it behind him.

You pat his shoulders, hearing him huff out a short laugh at your actions, before turning back to the counter and grabbing a comb. You gently run your hands through his hair and then carefully run the comb through it. Sweeney shifts in his seat, the feeling of your hands and comb running through his hair more pleasant than he assumed it would be.

“Is this alright?” You ask, being careful with any knot you came across.

“Yes.” Sweeney replies, surprised at how relaxed he felt. You smiled and turned, picking up the pair of scissors that sat on the counter.

“I’m going to start cutting now, stay still.” You hum, taking the comb and scissors and making precise and planned cuts. Sweeney obliged, finding his eyes closing as you combed and cut his hair.

He relaxes further as you start humming a soft tune, immersed in your work, careful not to cut any peice too short. It was odd, sitting so still yet relaxed, not on edge even a small bit. Sweeney felt safe in your care, not caring what came of his hair. The more he thought on it the more his heart raced, the simple fact that you noticed something as simple as the length of his hair was somewhat endearing.

He hadn’t even noticed it himself after all, he wondered if anyone else had noticed. It didn’t much matter, as he truly wouldn’t have let anyone beside you put him in such a vulnerable position. It felt nice, being taken care of in such a way, he may just be convinced to let you do this again in the future.

Locks of hair fell to the floor silently, you continued until his hair was at the same length and shape as when you first saw him. If only a bit tidier.

“Almost done.” You smile, running the comb through his hair again and cutting away any stray strands you missed. Once you were satisfied you placed your tools down and removed the cloth, dusting away and excess hair and smiling brightly at Sweeney.

He stood and examined himself in the mirror, you did a marvelous job, he felt a small bit of shame for doubting you.

“Thank you pet,” he turned and met your hopeful gaze, “couldn’t of done better myself.” He says, smiling at the wide grin that spread across your face.

“Oh that’s such a lie, but thank you, I’m glad you like it. See, it wasn’t so bad after all was it?” You tease gently, laying the cloth down on the chair.

He walks closer to you, eyes soft as he watches you.

“I would never lie to you pet, and yes, it was rather relaxing actually. If you could forgive my fussing perhaps you would do this for me once again when the time comes.” His tone is gentle, you’ve already been so generous he wouldn’t dare want to ask too much of you.

Despite his worry you nodded enthusiastically, eyes creasing from your wide smile.