Note from the author: Hello, everyone. I haven't written a fresh fanfic in a LONG time, but I had an idea for a Sweeney Todd fic that I couldn't get out of my mind.

Now, while time has the illusion of passing very quickly in the movie, I really think the events would have taken a bit more time to unfold. That being said, I'm making time in Sweeney's life expand in this fic and since it's fanfic, I guess that's okay.

Honestly, I wanted to write a little Sweeney "smut" at first, but I think I have more than that developing right now, so we'll see what happens and change the rating or where it may need to be posted as we go. As of right now, it's a general fic with one "adult" chapter – so I'm not sure it warrants an "M" rating…yet.

Yes, I'm adding my own character. No, I do not look anything like her and she's not me. I understand that lots of OC characters are seen as "Mary Sues" and that's fine. Honestly, it's a VERY rare fic indeed with an OC character that isn't one…even Elizabeth seems Mary Sue like in Dead Man's Chest. So no, I probably haven't developed my character into her own as much as I could have, but I'm doing this for fun, so…please don't be cruel to her.

Um, all that being said…here we go. Constructive criticism is welcome…just please don't be cruel! As I said, it's been quite a while… And, yes, I always tend to write Johnny stories that have a new female character in them…they seem to be my niche.


Chapter 1

"Cynthia Van Hue"

"Mister Todd?" The woman's voice was soft, but undeniably there. "Mister Todd?" Still not having received an answer, she approached the man who was either intensely – or absent mindedly – staring out of the window on the far side of his shop. Lightly touching her hand to his shoulder, she tried to get his attention one last time. "Mister Todd, are you all right?"

The man jumped a little, startled. He turned quickly on one heel, his hand instinctively reaching for the blade attached to his belt. Once his eyes focused, he relaxed his body and placed his hand at his side. "Miss Van Hue," he said sounding quite exhausted. "I'm sorry, you…" His speech drifted off.

The woman blushed ever so slightly. "Again, Mister Todd, Cynthia's fine enough." Her cockney accented voice was warm, but it was obvious that she had made this statement several times and that the man before her never listened. "Are you all right?" she repeated. "I called t' you a couple of times."

"Yes, I'm fine…tired." His pale, sunken face tried to force a smile, but failed. "How much today?"

Cynthia put the basket she had been holding under her left arm down on the floor, her breasts on display as she did so. "Nothin' today, sir. You overpaid on Tuesday, remember?"

He averted his eyes, suddenly realizing. "I know the stains must be difficult."

Cynthia was under the impression that the meat supply in the shop downstairs was coming from a wealthy uncle of Mrs. Lovett's and that Sweeney helped her with the slaughter of the animals. She had taken on his laundry since his arrival in London and the "story" was legitimate enough to work quite well.

She smiled. "It's not my place, sir, but might I suggest a darker colored shirt? Or maybe changing before helping Mrs. Lovett in the bake house?" Feeling that she may have overstepped her bounds, she quickly added. "Don' get me wrong, the pies are delicious, an' you're such a dear to help with the preparation, but…"

"I'll try to be more careful," Sweeney interrupted.

"Right, then," Cynthia said, feeling foolish. "Good day, Mister Todd." She turned to leave, but felt a cool hand on her shoulder.

"I can't let you go…" he whispered, sending chills through her body. "…with nothing." He reached for his pocket, but she stopped him.

"You're very kind, Mister Todd, but you've already paid. I wouldn' want word gettin' round that I swindle my customers."

A genuine smile found its way onto Sweeney's gloomy face – something that rarely ever happened. Truth be told, he didn't mind when Cynthia came through his shop's door. She was sweet, sincere, and always sent new customers in Sweeney's direction. Poor thing… If she only knew what happened to some of them. She did her job well, ridding Sweeney's clothing of evidence and fixing any tears he may have caused by being overzealous. She was pretty enough to turn a head or two, but never fully realized that she could do so. She kept her long auburn hair pinned up and her dark green eyes were always warm and welcoming. Sweeney found it a wonder that there was no wedding ring on her hand.

"Cynthia," Sweeney used her name knowing the effect would be greater. "You're no swindler, an' I…"

As quickly as she could, Cynthia pressed her lips against his cheek. In the mere blink of an eye, she pulled away, blushing deeply, and rushed to the door. Unable to contain a girlish grin, she said, "There, paid in full, Mister Todd." She hurried out of the shop, her skirt almost catching in the door.

Sweeney swallowed and his hand went to where she had kissed him. His skin was warm and he knew that he was blushing. Was she fond of him, or simply trying to stop him from paying her? He insisted it was the former.

The bell to his shop rang out and a customer walked inside, requesting Sweeney's services. He had an exquisite shave…and left with his life. Sweeney's bloodlust had subsided for the day.