A/N: First Sweeney fic! Let me know what you think! I don't own any of the characters unfortunately...
"Mum?" Toby called anxiously through the bathroom door, "Are yeh ok?"
A muffled "Fine, luv" came back at him. Sighing, Toby turned and leaned against the door, knowing full well she was nowhere near being 'fine'.
Nellie Lovett stood by the wash basin gripping it for support. Taking in a deep breath, she studied her pale reflection in the mirror. What was wrong with her? This was the third day in a row she had woken up only to find herself moments later dashing to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach.
With a heavy sigh, she reached for the door, pulling it open and being met by Toby falling into the small room.
Mrs Lovett looked down at him, her eyebrows raised; as he stared sheepishly back up at her from the floor.
"Hi mum."
"Wot are yeh doin' down there?" She asked, holding out her hand for him.
"Wanted t' make sure you was all right, didn't I?"
Nellie smiled guiltily as she helped Toby to his feet. He'd been ever so worried about her over the past few days.
"I'm fine luv. Just a bit sick's all. I'll be betta by tomorra."
Toby frowned at her.
"Tha's wot yeh sed yestaday."
Nellie rolled her eyes and placed a hand on Toby's shoulder, guiding him out of the bathroom.
"And I do feel betta than I did yestaday. I'll be back to me ol' self agen by tomorra."
They came to a halt as they reached the living room.
"Now, 'av yeh dun as I asked yeh t' do?"
The young boy shook his head "Not yet..."
Nellie nodded, "Well get to it then. I'll be out in a bit."
"Yes mum."
As Toby left the room, Nellie flopped down into her rocking chair and shut her eyes. Truth be told, she felt no better today than she had done yesterday. If anything, she felt worse. That though, was the last thing Toby had to hear. He would only try make her see a doctor. Something she was keen on doing.
"Mrs Lovett?"
She briefly opened one lazy eye. There, in front of her, stood Sweeney Todd. The man who drove her crazy, yet she could not help but love.
"Wha' is it, luv?"
"My shirts."
She sighed, "Wha' 'bout 'em?"
"Where are they?"
Mrs Lovett opened her eyes once again, allowing them to momentarily linger on Mr Todd before flicking their gaze to a dresser.
Mr Todd followed her line of gaze; his eyes came to rest on a pile of shirts, freshly washed and folded. Without uttering a further word, he lifted the pile and turned back to the door.
"Mr T?"
He stopped, keeping his back to her. She continued
"'ow long are yeh gonna ignore me for?"
Silence filled the room as he continued to stare blankly ahead.
"Mr Todd..." Mrs Lovett sighed as she lifted herself from the chair "Mr T, s'been a whole month, yeh've barely said a word t'me."
Mr Todd flinched. She had a gentle hand resting on his arm. He gave her a look of disgust before pulling away sharply, taking a further few steps forward.
"It 'appened, luv," She started "Nuthin's gonna change that. No matta 'ow much yeh ignore me." Mrs Lovett took a deep breath as she felt yet another wave of nausea wash over her.
Mr Todd turned to face her, noticing the woman was particularly pale and breathing heavily. He knew she was right. Nothing could change what happened between them, no matter how hard he tried.
"Mrs Lovett..." He began but before he could finish, Mrs Lovett rushed out of the room, her hand clamped over her mouth.
Mr Todd cringed as he watched Mrs Lovett empty the rest of her stomach into the sink, her tiny frame shaking with every heave. Finally, she ceased. She straightened herself up and glanced in the mirror, jumping slightly as she caught sight of Mr Todd. She flashed him a weak smile.
"Sorry yeh had t'see tha'."
Mr Todd ignored her apology
"What's wrong with you?" He asked passively.
"Guess I got a stomach bug or somethin'."
Mr Todd nodded once. His face showed no emotion as he spoke
"There's work to be done."
Mrs Lovett drifted in the centre of the sea of customers and looked around. The day had been more busy than usual so far, and it was only lunch time.
"Mind out mum!"
She stepped aside as Toby dashed past. He carried a jug of ale towards a gentleman and placed it down on the table.
Nellie watched the boy as he smiled on receiving payment. She really was lucky to have him. Always running around and willing to help her in anyway he could. She smiled gently as he came back to her, his dark eyes beaming.
"'ere mum." He said as he held out a penny. Nellie shook her head.
"No, luv. You keep it."
Toby grinned, "Thanks mum!"
Nellie slipped an arm around Toby's shoulder.
"'s'alrigh', luv. Yeh deserve it."
Feeling faint, Nellie raised a hand to her head and gently massaged her temple. She needed a break.
"Toby, dear?" He looked up at her, "I'm jus' gonna see Mr T." She paused briefly, "Will yeh be ok on yer own for a bit?"
He nodded, "Yes."
She gently squeezed his shoulder.
"Good lad."
As Mrs Lovett made her way to the bottom of the stairs, she felt a surge of pain shoot through her head, her body turned clammy and her vision blurry. She stumbled and gripped the stair railing tightly, pulling herself up the first few steps.
Halfway up the stairs, she stopped, looking back down on her customers. They appeared to be spinning, muffled chatter coming from their mouths. In the middle of the crowd, she spotted Toby watching her. A look of worry spread across his face. That was the last thing Mrs Lovett saw as she felt herself falling backwards.
So that's it for the first chapter...what do you think? Should I continue?? All views welcome!
