AN: It's the morning after you-know-what for Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd. Awkward city. Sweeney has a bad dream and when Nellie tries to rouse him, the concequences are enormous. Kind of angsty. Extremely hot off the press, so don't be suprised if it's not up to par with my other stuff. Will be moved on-and-off site while I try to improve it. Your input is VITAL. Disclaimer: not mine, it's sondheim's. Mrs. Lovett is (as usual) Patti LuPone 2001 concert. Sweeney is George Hearn with some Michel Cerveris touches. --NELLIE
THE MORNING AFTER
The sun's needle-like morning rays plucked through the numerous holes in the curtains and jabbed Mrs. Lovett in the eye. It had been another one of those rare, blissful nights with him: Benjamin, Mr. Todd, Sweeney, 'Mr. T'—whatever the hell he was this week. "I love you." He had said. "You're beautiful." His voice purred before harrowing in for a rich, gentle taste of her.
It was a complete mystery as to what universe any of his words would be true. At least this morning, she accepted it. And yet there had been last night...Ohhhhh last night
But it was morning and though Mr. Todd hadn't woken up yet, he would eventually, and he would hate her. Hate her for what he had done, what she had let—encouraged—him to do.
That being processed, she gave his cheek a last stroke before rolling out of bed to make breakfast and ready some pies with the materials reaped from yesterday.
The floorboards were slightly damp from the moisture outside and sounded even more hollow than usual as she padded barefoot to the kitchen. Upstairs, Sweeney moaned in his sleep and gasped for air. "Lucy!" He cried.
Oh God. Mrs. Lovett stumbled up the stairs two at a time, So much pain—he shouldn't have to take it...what was she going to do? Would he even want to be roused? What was she going to do?
The door nearly flew off its hinges as she came bursting in, "BENJAMIN!"
His demon eyes flashed open and he slowly came out and stood upright, fists clenched and showing no sign of anguish.
"M-M-Mister Todd..." She sputtered, slowly backing into a wall.
"Mrs. Lovett" He snarled; her very name was a curse to his mouth.
His naked body was almost Spartan, approaching her in sharp, slow strides. "What did you call me?"
Mrs. Lovett's jaw set firmly and she boldly held her head high, "Benjamin. Benjamin Bar—"
He never let her finish those words as he viciously charged towards that woman.
Nellie threw herself to the ground and crawled to the door way, she would not die, never like this and not so soon! "It's your name an' you're going to have to live with it, Mr. Todd!" she bellowed, crossing out of the room.
Sweeney Todd, the Demon of Fleet-Street sighed venomously. "For the last time, I'll ask you to never call me that name ever again." His labored breathing became softer and Nellie finally found the heart to look at him. His sharp, silver-blue eyes glazed over in sadness; it was all she could do not to run to him.
Much gentler this time, "I'm going to make us breakfast. You need some more rest. I'll keep it warm for you. Don't worry, Mr. Todd."
She swept out of the room with a cold flourish, ignoring the soft weeping of her only, Benjamin.
"Never Again." She chirped caustically, rhythmically chopping her vegetables, the morning warming her cheeks to a deceitful glow. "Never Again."