#sship

"There's something I'd like to discuss." when she doesn't move he clears his throat. "In my parlor, if you will." 

And he walks away. Any other person would consider it rude, but Viviana doesn't, she's been around Sweeney Todd for long enough to know he is just like that. No need to be offended. And so she stands up, gets rid of the remaining dirt coating her hands and follows him to the barber shop upstairs.

As soon as the door clicks behind her he is looking at her and he looks… shifty. 

"Mr Todd?" she is curious about what has him in such a state and she hopes that translates on her tone.

"You know you can call me Sweeney." 

She avoids his gaze at that, hoping he doesn't notice her cheeks reddening. "Sweeney... what was it that you needed to discuss with me?"

He sucks in a breath at that and she furrows her eyebrows in confusion. She'd never seen him like this before. 

"Pardon my sincerity, but I would like to court you." 

Pardon? 

Viviana remains silent for a second, trying to process the confession. She feels warmth bloom on her cheeks and cold bite at her fingers all at once. Sweeney wants to court her. The Sweeney she developed feelings for a long time ago. The Sweeney who allowed her to work with him when no one else had. He wants to court her and she wants to say yes and yet-

"I-" she forces herself to look him in the eyes, "I'm sorry Mr Todd but I'm not that kind of woman."

Confusion immediately paints itself in his features and then there's something akin to understanding. 

"I understand that it is not common place for a lady in your social standing to accept courtship from the likes of-" 

"No, no, Mr Todd that isn't the case," Viviana is quick to stop that train of thought, "I just- I would hate to betray Mrs. Lovett in that way. I know she hasn't always been kind to me but-" 

"Mrs. Lovett?" 

Viviana nods, gnawing at her lip with clear worry on her face. She fears even speaking of her will summon the woman, and if she were to find them alone in the middle of such a conversation...

"Whatever Mrs Lovett has to do with us?" Sweeney seems genuinely puzzled and it confuses her too. 

"She is your wife..?" The lady says, though the question creeps onto her tone. 

Sweeney laughs. It's almost startling, but it is contagious all the same and Viviana has to fight a smile. It is such a serious matter and she's still confused. 

"I am not married to Mrs. Lovett, Miss Orvell." 

Viviana has to fight the warmth creeping from her neck to her ears. "But- Mrs. Lovett told me so herself…"

Sweeney's face darkens at that. "She did?"

She nods. 

"Mrs. Lovett and I aren't married, she is barely more than a neighbor." He sounds almost disgusted. There's a finality to his voice that leaves no space for doubt. And then he looks back at her and everything about him softens. "My offer still stands Miss Orvell."

Viviana flushes. "Well, if I am not breaking off a marriage then I accept, Sweeney." 

Sweeney smiles and it radiates a warmth she'd never seen in him before. It feels almost intimate.

"What do you say about a walk by the port once business is closed for the day?" He proposes, coming to grab her hand despite it not being appropriate. She lets him. 

"That sounds lovely." 

Sweeney presses a kiss to her knuckles and a million butterflies explode in her stomach. 

"See you then, my lady."

《 . . . 》