8
Immediately snapping his attention away from Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's hand went for a razor at his side. "Brace the door with something!" Was the first thing out of his mouth.
Hurriedly scrubbing at her tears, Mrs. Lovett looked around to find something for just that. With its mechanics, the barber chair was immovable, and the little vanity that held the gin wouldn't do any good as a block, as it was too light. Thinking as quickly as she could, Nellie dashed for the door and braced it with her back.
"What do you think you're doing?" Sweeney snapped at her.
"Jus' helpin' Mr. T." She smiled weakly at him.
For once his scowl failed him, and all he was able to do was stare at her. Having almost panicked at the sound of the banging, Toby began to calm down, seeing that the adults appeared to have things under control.
"Mum, ye can't stay up 'gaisnt th' door ferever." The boy mumbled finally.
Breaking away from the eye contact, Sweeney slowly bent down to pick up the discarded rag. "They'll probably wander off eventually. Or at least move on when they can't get in." He stared at the rag rather than the room's other occupants. "We'll just 'ave to take turns until then."
"Keep fixin' yerself up Mr. T." Nellie said softly. "I'll keep 'em back fer now." Her smile faltered as she felt each fist pound on the door through its frail wood. Though they could move on, it was more likely they broke in before that occurred. What would they have then?
A stuffy silence descended on the room, only broken by the occasional thud on the door, or the soft splash of water as Sweeney cleaned off the blood coating his skin. Toby had sat down by the chair he used as a weapon, casting continued glances between it, and the door.
There was a loud crack, and all attention immediately went back to the door.
"Mrs. Lovett!" Sweeney once again abandoned his attempt at self-cleaning and headed for the door, taking his razor from a holster and preparing for a fight.
Nellie gave a squeak of surprise as the glass panel by her head shattered, and a bruised and bloodied hand came through. Sweeney stopped in his tracks, feeling the old emotion of fear in his belly, fear for someone else. "Nel-" he choked down the name, determined not to say it. "Get away from the door." He growled instead.
She didn't seem to hear him, and instead stared wide eyed at the grasping limb.
"Mum.." Toby whimpered.
A loud scream echoed out of the barber shop and onto the street as the remaining windows were shattered and several hands grabbed the back of Nellie's dress.
A/N M'fraid zombie fighin' is still postponed.. at least, until tomorrow. Muahaha..
