I Don't Wanna Be In Love

A/N: Ok, this is my first Sweeney Todd story...REVIEW PLEASE

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sweeney Todd...no matter how much I wish i did

Chapter 1: A Depressing Proposal

Johanna Barker had lived in Judge James Turpin's manor since she was an infant. What she remembered of her early childhood had not been unpleasant; quite the opposite, in fact. Turpin was kind, loving and caring. Johanna thought of him as a father and referred to him as such. Sure, he was a bit overprotective but he was, indeed, quite a good, loving father.

As the years went on, however, Turpin changed. As Johanna grew, his behavior towards her became strangely different. She began noticing that his eyes would linger over her body much longer than necessary, and sometimes they seem oddly clouded over. What really got to Johanna was what he did one day as they were out walking.

Johanna and Turpin were walking home from a relatively pleasant day in Hyde Park. They walked past a tavern just as three, drunk young men walked out. Not realizing Turpin was their, let alone what his status was, one of them reached out and smacked Johanna on the backside while the others cat-called. She jumped forward with a squeak and turned to the men, glaring. Turpin turned to the boy that had hit her and grabbed him by his collar, throwing him to the ground on his stomach. He called out for a police officer as he held the man down. Grabbing a handful of hair, Turpin yanked his head back roughly.

"Apologize to her," Turpin roared the command. "NOW!"

The terrified man looked up at Johanna. "I beg your pardon, miss. I was extremely out of place." He said kindly, hoping Turpin would let him go.

A police officer hurried over to them, and Turpin handed the man over. "Put him in a cell; I'll deal with him tomorrow."

"Yes, my lord." The man replied, dragging the man away.

Turpin walked quickly back to Johanna and placed an arm around her waist. She shifted and stiffened, uncomfortable with his action. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned. When he continued, Johanna could hear the possessiveness in his voice. "I won't let that man get away with hurting my Johanna."

Johanna raised an eyebrow. "I'm fine, really, father. It's not a big deal; I'm not hurt at all." She argued, trying to dismiss the situation.

Turpin waved off her comment. "Of course it is; let's not speak of this anymore." He said, leading her home.

"Yes, father," she said, knowing not to argue.

Things continued to change at the manor, starting with Turpin buying Johanna new dresses. The house maid, Mrs. Harper, helped her put them on. She wore a bodice that was laced extremely tight and was cut low to show off her chest. When Johanna made to protest against the dress, Mrs. Harper shushed her.

"Miss Johanna, Lord Turpin has given me specific instructions that you are to wear these from now on, as you have become a woman and he requests that you appear as one." She said, quoting him.

Johanna put the dress on and gasped as the slit that ran up the side, running up to her knee. "Mrs. Harper? Can you fix it? I didn't mean to rip it." She said, worried.

The maid rolled her eyes. "No, you daft child, it is supposed to be like that." She told Johanna.

That same night, at dinner, Turpin could barely pull his eyes from Johanna's chest. He also insisted that she use his first name instead of calling him father. Johanna agreed, reluctantly.

When Turpin caught the Beadle staring at Johanna several times, he spoke to her. "Johanna, why don't you go up to your room? I need to ask you something."

"Yes, sir," she said, walking up the stairs, nervously. She sat down on her bed, playing absentmindedly with her hands.

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As soon as Turpin entered Johanna's room, he walked to her and grabbed her hands, pulling her up. She looked at him, confusion plastered on her face.

He smiled broadly as he spoke. "I have wonderful news, my dear Johanna."

"Is that so, fath-…I mean, James?" she asked.

He nodded before continuing, "Do you remember when I told you about all of the horrible men in the world?"

Johanna nodded, "Yes, sir."

His eyes were strangely clouded again. "There are men of different and far higher breed. I have one in mind for you."

Johanna's interest was caught. She raised an eyebrow. "You have?"

Turpin nodded. "A gentle man, who would shield you from all earthly cares and guide your faltering steps to the sober warmth of womanhood-a husband-a protector-and yet an ardent lover too. It is a man who, through all the years, has surely earned your affection." He said, dropping to his knees while still grasping her hands.

Eyes going wide and face paling, Johanna pulled away from Turpin. "Y-you?!"

Turpin, confused at Johanna's reaction, stood and crossed the room to her. "Yes, my dear…me." He pulled a large diamond ring from his pocket and kneeled again. "Will you marry me?"

Johanna shook her head. "Marry you? N-no! I can't…I won't marry you."

Turpin rose, fury burning in his eyes. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice, wife." He said, pulling her against him and shoving the ring onto her finger.

Johanna pulled away from him and threw herself onto her bed, sobbing loudly. Turpin shook his head, standing in the doorway. "I am doing such a big favor for you, Johanna and this is the thanks I get. You don't realize that I'm shielding you from the evils of this damned world." He said before walking out and slamming the door. Pulling a key from his vest pocket, Turpin locked the door with a click.

A/N: Ok...there it is...should I continue? Should I never write again? I want input...Constructive critism is appreciated...Flames are welcome but will be countered by large buckets of water... :)