Since Neal seems in no particular hurry, Wes adopts the same pace for himself. He doesn't need this job, but he enjoys the challenge. On typical days, it gives him a way to spend his time and something to tinker with. It's also introduced him to plenty more of Deerington's residents than he'd ever have cause to meet on his own. For a man who's spent the better part of his life in the company of so few people, he finds it fascinating now to learn more about others. Even if the conversation is stilted and largely absent, the simple act of being around someone else and doing something so profoundly normal seems to remind him that he's more than the man of his own past.

He lets Neal work on his sketch, only insisting the man's eyes off his work when he seems at a natural breaking point. Wes trims with restraint, keeping much of the length intact despite his earlier protestations about it. He lets the natural wave of Neal's hair reveal itself and cuts around the coils thoughtfully, letting the man return to his own work after a time. The candle threatens to put his own thoughts to a distant place and time, but the longer it burns the more relaxed he finds himself, and soon its playful magic leaves the whole shop with an air of contentedness.

When he's finished he grabs a hand mirror from the drawer and passes it to Neal to let the man evaluate his work. Leaving him to check, Wes reaches for his Fluid again.

THOUGHT I'D START CONSERVATIVE. I CAN TAKE MORE OFF IF YOU WANT.