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Charles doesn’t notice the hair falling in front of his eyes himself. No, it’s Nell who points it out.
They, as well as Adamin, were playing cards. And Charles was taking his time during his turn, which lead Nell to grow impatient. “I know you’s probably having a hard time seein ya cards through all that hair of your’s but come on man. Been your go for ages.” She complained.
Adamin found it funny but did his best to hide a snicker, rolling his eyes.
“You’re just jealous of these luscious locks, I see right through you Nelly Jackson.” Charles tease, finally playing his card. Nell made a face at him, taking her turn swiftly “Don’t call me Nelly.” Her tone firm as she placed down her card.
“She’s not wrong.” Adamin admitted, looking over his cards. “You are getting a bit shaggy.” He played his own card, a teasing glance cast towards Charles, whom let out a huff. “I see the jealousy is contagious then.” He retorted, focusing on the cards in his hand. “It’s not as though this village has a hair dresser.” He muttered.
Nell furrowed her brow. “No, we do it ourselves. I’ll sharpen up some shears in the mornin’ and give you a cut.” It was more of a statement than an offer or suggestion.
One that seemed to cause both men to pause. Adamin started laughing “I’ll give you 5 pounds if you make him look ridiculous.”
“You mean more ridiculous than this shag?” Nell smiled smally, amusement lacing her tone.
When Charles finds himself at the mercy of Nell and her freshly sharpened shears, he tries to rack his brain and recall when he had actually agreed to this.
“My lady, I hardly think a hair cut is really necessary.” He tried to insist, sat on the stool with Nell eyeing his hair like an animal of prey.
“‘Course it is. It gets much longer and Roxy’s goin to be pesterin’ ya to let her braid it.” She reasoned, placing a hand on his head and turning it. Getting a better look.
“I think I’d look rather dashing with a braid.” Charles said, moving his head out of her hold.
Nell snorted.
“Oh I’m sure.” Though it seemed to be said in mock agreement.
Nelly cut at his hair with a familiarity that had him growing curious.
“You’ve done this before.” He said in observation. Not sure if he should press his luck and truly ask.
“Course I’ve done it before. Think I was just going to come at ya head with shears and start cutting if I ain’t done it before?” She huffed. He felt a tug at one of his strands and let out an indignant sound. Knowing she had done it on purpose.
There’s a beat of silence before Nell speaks again.
“Use to cut me dad’s hair, then I would cut Captain Jackson’s hair. Cut my own before too.” She explained casually. Like it was nothing. He knew it wasn’t really nothing, as Nelly kept both the topic of her father and Captain Jackson close to her chest.
“Well I don’t know what their hair looked like so excuse me for being a little worried.”
“It’s just hair. You’d got a good enough face that it won’t matter if I mess it up…but I ain’t gonna mess it up, alright?”
Both pause at that.
“My word…Was that a compliment? From The Nell Jackson, herself?” Charles was unable to resist.
Nell huffed and tugged at his hair once more before she continued cutting. “Shut up b’for I nick one of your ears.”
Charles couldn’t see her face but dare he say…it sounded as though she may have been smiling.