Mr. Sweeney Todd contemplates Mrs. Lovett's hair.

It was matted and tangled, there was no denying. Being as practical as she was, Mrs. Lovett couldn't be bothered to buy a new hairbrush after the old one snapped trying to work it's way through her nest of hair. It was always piled on top of her head, to keep strands from falling into the pies and out her eyes when she was baking. It would certainly be no good to have a lock of hair get soaked in blood when she was chopping up a customer, now would it? When she bathed she scrubbed at her hair, getting it clean as possible before setting it up again, leaving it to dry on its own and become even frizzier. He was sure if she just took the time to brush it that it would glow. It was dry from spending so much time in the heat of the bakehouse, and the ends where broken and uneven. She needed a haircut. And a good shampoo.

Mr. Todd was sitting at a table in the shop, watching as Mrs. Lovett bustled around, cleaning up after the lastest rush of customers. Whenever her hair fell into her face, she'd push it away roughly, sticking it back into the mess on top of her head, or tucking it behind her ear. Sweeney was sure she was saying something, but he wasn't really listening. Her hair was just so entrancing.

Lucy had always loved it when he brushed her hair. She sigh and coo and purr like a contented pet as he ran the brush through her tresses. He wondered if Mrs. Lovett would show the same enthusiasm. She stopped in front of him, a hand on her hip and the other clutching a broom.

"You 'aven't 'eard a word I've said 'ave you Mr. T?" Her eyes were twinkling, so he knew she wasn't really upset. Her eyes came alight with fire when she was angry. Mr. Todd found himself thinking that if Mrs. Lovett let her hair down she would be quite lovely. He decided he might as well get her a hairbrush and some new shampoo. He should probably give her a haircut as well. It would be something to occupy his thought. Mrs. Lovett sighed.

"'Course not. Too busy thinking about revenge and the judge. All day long, I swear, Mr. Todd, you're going to think yourself into a tizzy if you keep it up." Mr. Todd eyes met hers with a snap.

"Not the judge." Mrs. Lovett's eyebrows went up a mite.

"Well, what kind of bee do you 'ave in your bonnet what's got you thinkin' so 'ard?" Sweeney rose from his seat and grabbed a loose lock off Mrs. Lovett's hair in his hand. She stood still, drinking in his closeness.

"Your hair." He tucked the strand gently behind her ear before stalking out of the shop, the bells jangling as the door slammed behind him. Mrs. Lovett placed a hand on her head before wandering back into her home behind the shop.

"Strange man, that Mr. Tood. Strange indeed."

When Mr. Todd returned later that evening, Mrs. Lovett was sitting in her rocking stair, letting the stresses of the day melt off of her. She had just taken a lovely long bath, and she was so relaxed that she didn't notice the clanging of the bells alerting her of Sweeney's return. Her eyes fluttered shut just as he entered the room, carrying a small bag with him. He set it on the table near her, and move stealthily behind her chair. He slid his fingers gently into her hair, feeling for the numerous pins he knew she used to hold her hair in place. It was still damp and the strands were cool between his fingers.

Mrs. Lovett had awoken the moment she felt his hands on her, but she didn't move, for fear that he would stop. His fingers felt so good moving through her hair, and she sighed gently. When he didn't stop, she felt it was safe to open her eyes. She saw his arm reach around her once her hair was down and pull a hairbrush out of a small bag on the table. She had to swallow a gasp. It was beautiful. It's bone handle was engraved with silver filament, and it was perfect. She had never seen something so lovely.

"What do you think Mrs. Lovett?" She jumped at the sound of his voice. Was he actually asking her opinion? She blinked in surprise before answering.

"It's lovely Mr. T." The hand disappeared, taking the hairbrush with it. Mrs. Lovett let her eyes flutter back shut as she felt the rhythmic pull of the brush through her hair and the occasional tickle as it brushed it scalp. It was soothing.

Mr. Todd felt a small smile tug at his lips as Mrs. Lovett melted before his eyes, but it was quickly smothered. He did not have feelings for Mrs. Lovett, he just needed something to occupy his time. Her hair just happened to hold the strongest interest right now. He let his hands find the rhythm of brushing and he gently worked his way through the tangles that had accumulated. Now that it was getting some proper attention, her hair was starting to shine with a beautiful auburn glow. He didn't know how long he stood there, continuing to run the brush through her hair even once the tangles were worked out. He watched as it dried and curled naturally into smooth ringlets of deep red. He pet it gently with one hand.

'Like dark rubies,' he thought 'beautiful rubies as they cascade off my blade.' He set down the hairbrush back down, the small thunk causing Mrs. Lovett's eyes to open slightly. She sighed contentedly, but sat straight up when she saw Mr. Todd pull a set of scissors out of the bag.

"Mr. Todd-"she was interrupted by his cool, rough hand on her shoulder, she disintegrated under his touch and didn't struggle as he pressed her back into the chair.

"Trust me, Mrs. Lovett." She nodded as she relaxed back into the chair and tried to ignore the metallic snipping of the scissors behind her head. Mr. Todd was silent as he worked, leaving Mrs. Lovett to wonder what had possessed Mr. T to do something so out of character. Deep in her heart, she prayed that it meant he was warming up to her.

As Mr. Todd worked, he gathered Mrs. Lovett's hair off of her neck, feeling her shiver with pleasure as his fingers caressed her neck. Her skin was so milky white and smooth, and warm to the touch. Like beams of moonlight under his fingers. He trimmed the bottom of hair in moments, and then replaced the scissors on the table. Much better, he thought, as he ran his fingers through her now silky locks. Amazing what a hairbrush and a trim could do. Mrs. Lovett was practically purring under his touch and her found himself marveling over how much impact her could have on this woman. He worked through her hair, his fingers again finding her neck and pulling the hair to one side.

He ran his fingers lightly up and down her neck, pausing when he felt her fluttering pulse under his fingertips. He was surprised when the blood lust did not possess him. He bent down and placed his mouth over her pulse point, sucking and nibbling gently on the creamy skin. Mrs. Lovett gasped when she felt his mouth on her, but arched her neck and felt a gentle moan escape her lips and his tongue flicked out and licked at her neck. She had never felt anything so amazing, and it had been so long since she had been touched. She felt his mouth move higher on her neck, up to her earlobe and she gasped as he sucked on it, grabbing it between his teeth, and running his tongue cat-like up the inside of her earlobe. His hand had fallen down from her neck and was now caressing her shoulder, her collarbone, her breast. She reached up a hand and set it on his cheek, hoping to bring his mouth to hers. But her touch seemed to jolt him out of some sort of trance and he stood upright with a jerk.

"Please excuse me, Mrs. Lovett." He stormed out of the room, angry at himself for having betrayed Lucy, angry at the Judge for ruining his life, and angry at Mrs. Lovett for being so damn tempting.