She sighed to herself in irritation as she crossed her legs on the chair. Nellie turned to the barber as he stood at the window, sharpening his beloved 'friends' furiously. "S'not much of a chair, but it'll do. Was me old Albert's chair, till 'is leg gave out with gout." she muttered.

He paid her no mind, merely grunting in response. James rolled has eyes, more than displeased with the man's rude manners towards his wife, but he knew she didn't care. Couldn't she see he was no longer the man he was? Even if he was the same, it wouldn't do any good to try and cozy up to the man. He could never have the life he once had.

"Why doesn't the Beadle come?" the barber's cold voice interrupted his thoughts in a harsh mutter. "Before the week is out, s'wot he said." he continued to mutter as his frustration built up. "Who says the weeks out?" Nellie began, looking at him confusedly. "S'only Tuesday."

Sweeney glared at for a moment, annoyed at her statement more than her, and flung the razor at the floor with a loud thud, causing James to jump slightly and stiffen as if the barber would strike. But instead, his glare lingered on his landlady as he strode over to the shattered mirror in the corner of the room. "Easy now," she whispered as she slowly rose from the tattered chair and cautiously stepped toward him. "Hush, love hush, don't distress yourself, what's your rush?" she came to stand and little his side, whispering soft whisper of comfort. Sweeney paid her no attention, whipping out another razor out of nowhere and smiling at it deviously.

At this, James took a few steps closer to the pair, his fists clenched and face set on the barber's wicked grin. Nellie slowly brought up a hand to rest it light as butterfly legs on his shoulder, but as soon as she came into contact with him, he merely walked off toward the door.

"The Judge, when do we get to him?" he grunted impertinently as he opened it roughly and stepped out onto the balcony. "'onesty, can' think o' nothin' else. Always broodin' away on your wrongs, 'eaven knows 'ow many years ago. Come on." she lay her hands on his shoulders and ushered him inside. He made no move to pull away.

Nellie sat him the chair and continued to sing softly. "Don't you know, silly man, 'alf the fun is to plan the plan?" her eyes twinkling as she caught his quick glance in her direction, his eyes holding slight consideration for her words.

The apothecary stood behind his wife as he glared down at the barber. Sweeney glanced up to see his face and flashed a grin. "Why, Nellie, I do believe your right," he beamed, his face bright with his wicked grin, but she didn't notice. SHe only smiled heavenly to herself as he took her hand in his, savoring the chill of it and the electric shock that came with the contact.

"Thank you, for holding me up when I was about to crash." he muttered and he leaned in closer, close enough to smell the flowery perfume she wore and close enough to hear her quickened breathing and James' growl of jealousy

Just then, fast and heavy footsteps pounded on the stairs. Sweeney broke away form the baker and leaned against the wall as to not be seen. The door was pushed open and rather girly looking sailor and red lips and shoulder length chestnut brown hair rushed in.

"Oh, Sorry to intrude Ms...?" he started breathlessly. "Mrs. Stewart, son." she replied, annoyed that she and Sweeney were interrupted. James strode over, a casual smile on his face and out stretched his hand. "Mr. James Stewart." the sailor took his hand and shook it quickly, still catching his breathe.

Nellie looks startled. She had forgotten about her husband being there. Had she really forgotten that he was right there? Could Sweeney have leaned in closer had the sailor boy not? Would she had leaned in closer? At this thought, the baker was almost relieved they had been interrupted.

Coming out behind the door, Sweeney stared at the boy. "Anonthony?", "Mr. Todd, there's this girl, lonely, but beautiful too and-" he was going a mile a minuet. "Slow down, son," he sat him down in the chair. "Yes, of course, I'm sorry."

He caught his breath. "There's this girl, Judge Turpin's ward, Johanna." Everyone's eyes widened as they settled on the sailor boy.

...

"I don' see wot yer so upset 'bout, Mr. T." Nellie said softly as he ushered out the sailor. "You'll 'ave yer Johanna by the end o' the week, m'sure." Sweeney didn't meet her gaze as he took out his leather strop and sharpened his razor. "What about the boy?" he muttered. James looked at him strangely. "Wot about 'im?" the barber looked at him like he was a moron.

"You really think I'll let him run off with her?" He dropped the leather to hang at the chair's side and strode over to the man, a dark scowl on his face. "I've already lost her once, Stewart, I don't intend to let it happen again." he growled in his ear, the razor raised to his face.

"O' course, love," the baker came in between the two, slowly pulling Sweeney away from her husband. "We won' let 'er be taken again." she whispered softly. He grunted and turned away from them, facing the window and watching London's filth crowd the streets.

James stared as his wife like she'd grown a second head. How can she possibly be OK with this...this...madman! Feeling his eyes on her, Nellie sighed and took a few steps to him and whispered sadly in his ear, "C'mon, love, 'es lost everythin'. 'E can' possibly let 'is girl be taken away."

He felt himself begin to say something, but held his tongue. She was right. He had lost everything. A beautiful wife, a lovely daughter, and very good paying job at doing something he loved. Also, in a way, he was the reason for meeting her in the first place. hesitantly, the apothecary nodded slowly and wrapped his arms around the baker in a comforting hug.

"What are they doing here?" Sweeney's voice whispered curiously as he looked out the window, eyes brows furrowed slightly. Nellie rushed over and looked to see the fancy Italian and his work girl approaching the shop. The barber faced her with a slight scowl. "Keep the lass downstairs." he ordered in a low spine-chilling tone. Nellie nodded and pulled her reluctant husband along.

What do u think? now that my computer is wrking, ill try to update more. and, now im only doing this if u review and ask for it, but i was thinking of drawing of James on ms and post it ondeivatn art. ill put the link on my profile and u guys and get an idea of how he looks. reviews r love!