A/N: Alrighty, this is the sequel to my story, Escape. Decided to break it up because the need to Escape no longer applies. I hope that my lovely reviewers carry from Escape to Getting By, but I want to welcome anyone who is reading this story. And there IS a plot to this story, not just them 'getting by'...anyway, you're all probably bored. This is just a filler chapter, no, an introduction chapter. It rambles a bit...
Also, if you can't remember, their code names are Benjamin Thicket (Sweeney), Abigail Thicket (Mrs. Lovett) and Rachel (Jess)
Oh, and the story name is TBA, although I think I'll end up keeping it...
It was finally finished.
It had taken six weeks, but it was finally finished.
Mrs. Lovett stood back, admiring their work. The neighbours had all volunteered to help, donating furniture and appliances to help them finish their project. Mrs. Lovett's hands were caloused and blistered, but she was stronger and her hands would heal. Jess had turned fifteen and when she wasn't working on the house, was working in the town as a dress maker. She hated it, but it was money they needed.
Sweeney had changed over the six weeks. He was more social, he joked more. He escorted Mrs. Lovett to the market and conversed with the storeholders.
Their old life was almost forgotten – none of them mentioned it. At night, sometimes Mrs. Lovett cried, but it was getting rarer. Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney continued to share a bed, although you could practically fit another person between them during the night.
They acted like husband and wife in public, but it was much the same in the safety of their own home. Mrs. Lovett was struggling to tell the difference – planting chaste kisses on his cheek whenever they finished something. He didn't comment, so she continued.
"I suppose now we get regular jobs," Mrs. Lovett said softly.
Over the course of the six weeks, they had erected a large shed for Sweeney's shaving business. It wasn't much, but it would do for now.
"There's a bakery next to my dress shop, " Jess commented and Mrs. Lovett nodded.
"I suppose that'll do," she said, "Although, I'd have to go back to wearing those god-awful dresses,"
She'd gotten used to pants and her shirt.
"I think the dresses look better on you," Sweeney said from his position, leaning against a tree.
She immediately nodded and Jess stifled a laugh. She'd been hanging onto his every word lately, trying to find his approval in the things she did.
Mrs. Lovett stepped into their house. The walls had been painted baby blue, the wooden floors had been repolished and shined brightly. In the front room, three couches had been placed, sitting elegantly around a small wooden table. Random paintings hung around the room, none of them connecting to a theme.
The bedrooms were now properly furnished, with bedframes and clean mattresses, a bedside table and more paintings. The bathroom had been cleaned and the plumbing at been looked at, making sure it would hold. The kitchen now had a small oven, some cutlery and a small supply of food until the 'Thicket's' could get back on their feet.
"I'll go put the sign up," Sweeney said, holding up their homemade sign.
Mrs. Lovett inspected it one last time.
Benjamin Thicket's Tonsorial Parlour
As a thankyou for your fine efforts in aiding us with our house, I'm offering the first week free of charge.
Come for the closest shave you will ever know….
"If the law come around…if they know about…Sweeney Todd's doing, don't you think this sign will give us away…" Mrs. Lovett fretted, and Sweeney thought for a minute.
"No," he mumbled, "I know plenty of barbers who used that saying."
Mrs. Lovett nodded, although she still looked worried.
"Don't worry," he reassured her, heading down the path that constituted as their entrance.
A/N: Kay, so you're all caught up :D Same rule applies from last story. If you have a character you want mentioned, give me their name and a few phsyical details (hair colour etc) and I'll see if they can jump in :) Oh, and any suggestions are appreciated - I'll slot them into the main storyline if I can :D
Oh, and another thing. The rating has been bumped up to M for this story, and I think you all know why...