[A/N: It's been so long. Too long! School and other such things have gotten in the way of my writing time recently, and I am terribly sorry. Not to worry, I'm going to start planning my afternoons in hour slots so that my life is more organized. Organization isn't something I do well, mind you, so wish me luck. Love and stuff, TeenySweeney. xxx n_n Oh, and, again, you know who you are, thank youuu! ^_^]

He attempted to put Gerard out of his mind for the rest of the day, but it seemed as though Sweeney would have no peace. He didn't sleep again that night and the questions still would not leave his mind. He didn't love Gerard. He wasn't even sure if he actually liked him, rather than simply being intrigued by him for a moment. The moment was short though, as he soon remembered the brazen, yet somehow also coy personality and strikingly feminine looks that made him so attractive. He was ashamed of himself for thinking it, but there was nothing he could do.

Gerard, on the other hand, slept well from about ten o'clock, dreaming soundlessly in his warm bed until about midnight.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Gerard groaned. That wretched pacing again.

He threw his covers off, not bothering to get a shirt or put anything on his feet, leaving the room and making his way up the stairs swiftly and silently. He didn't knock on the parlor door, but rather walked in as if it were his place.

"I thought we talked about this, Mr. Todd." He snapped.

The barber seemed to come out of a deep reverie, looking confusedly at Gerard.

"What?" He asked, before realization painted his expression. "Sorry. I was thinking."

Gerard's tone was still sharp. "Well maybe you shouldn't. I was asleep, dreaming and it was really rather pleasant."

"Oh really?" Sweeney asked in a murmur. "Well, seeing as I've told you…what do you dream about Gerard, do tell."

Gerard blushed. "A multitude of things, Mr. Todd. Not many that would interest you."

"Your friends, dream about them?" The barber pressed, sitting down in the chair and giving Gerard a look.

"Not much, no." Gerard replied.

"Not even the lad you were with earlier? You two looked…close."

He chose his words carefully, but Gerard was clearly smarter than he acted a lot of the time.

"Surely, Mr. Todd, you're not…jealous, of such a lad…are you?" He taunted softly, feigning surprise.

His teasing question earned him a frown.

"I don't have any reason to be jealous. I'm just curious to know who he is, is all."

"Mrs. Mooney's son. Mathew. I've known him for as long as I can remember. And he's a fine sight without his shirt." Gerard replied.

"Very nice." Sweeney mumbled, examining his razor.

"It is, isn't it?" Gerard replied, back to taunting, but there was no response. "I always end up here for longer than I intend." He mused quietly.

"That's because you love my company so much and you just can't get enough of me." The barber muttered jokingly.

Gerard snorted a laugh. "Okay Romeo, keep telling yourself that."

"Why? Was there another reason for you being here, Juliet?"

Sweeney fixed him with a deadpan stare.

"Maybe…" Gerard replied slyly.

"Yes or no, Gerard. Enough with your messing around."

The barber's voice was demanding and he had stood up, his ever-present razor gripped tightly in his hand.

"I…what! I wasn't!" Gerard replied incredulously.

"You're having a laugh, aren't you?" Sweeney asked rhetorically in disbelief. "You pull me in like you're interested, then go ahead and barely even look at me, like you're not."

His own words embarrassed him, but he was glad to get them out. To his satisfaction and mild surprise, Gerard blushed at them.

"I-I just-" He started before cutting himself off. "I'm sorry Mr. Todd...I've just been preoccupied with my own thoughts..." He looked at the barber. "I'm sorry..."

Sweeney nodded, not entirely believing him, but glad to have an answer, his razor was still gripped in his hand tightly, more for reassurance than anything else.

Gerard hadn't noticed Sweeney step forwards slightly until he heard the soft chink of the older man toying with his razors, admiring them.

"Mr. Todd?" Gerard muttered.

"Uh-huh?" Sweeney answered quietly, still watching his razors.

When there was no reply, he looked up at Gerard, who was biting his lip.

"Yes?" He prompted.

"N-never mind..." Gerard shook his head.

He turned and left the shop without another word.