Hey everyone, I am back with another fanfiction. This was inspired by some talk at the dinner table. We were talking about how nursery rhymes are actually pretty dark. Ring around the Rosie's? It's about death. London Bridge is falling? It's about the Great Fire of London. Anyway, that little talk, and the nursery rhyme inspired this fanfiction, so I hope you guys like it! Also, there isn't any official Locklyle-unless you guys would like some, but I don't really care. Sure, there are some hints, but it isn't the main focus of this fic, so they won't actually get together in here. That is, unless you want them to. XD Also, my birthday is tomorrow.

I tucked a strand of dark brown hair behind my ears as I turned the key to 35 Portland Row. I walked in as stealthily as I could, which wasn't easy, considering I had on huge snow boots that were covered in ice and snow, and that Lockwood was sitting in the living room.

"Lucy, you're just in time for rapier practice!" He said, standing up and giving me that bright smile. He strolled over as I removed my coat and earmuffs, took them, and hung them up.

"It's a bloody blizzard out there! Where's George?" I asked, trying to take off my boots.

Once again, I failed. I lost my balance, and tried to step down, but due to the ice, I fell sideways. I rubbed my now sore backside and scowled.

Lockwood offered me his hand. "Are you alright?"

I took it, and he helped me up. "I'm fine. Nothing hurt but pride."

"Good, then you can practice with me. Also, to answer your earlier question, George was just practicing with me."

Then why did he want me to practice with him? Honestly, that boy never seemed to tire from fencing! I followed him to the basement, already dreading practice. If he insisted we go against each other…ugh, I'd be sore for a week. I walked over to the rack and grabbed a rapier. I picked up another one and handed it to Lockwood.

He faced me. "Let's go against each other."

I groaned. "Fine, but you're coming to my funeral. They'll say, 'She died so young, all because of her boss, who made her practice sword play with him!'"

He had the nerve to laugh, though I suppose it was pretty funny. "I'll go slightly easier on you than I did with George."

Affronted, I faced him. "Should I be relieved or offended?"

I lunged forward, and he deflected my strike. We circled each other, on guard. We both attacked at the same time.

I talked over the clanging of blades, "So, why are we practicing on each other?"

Lockwood parried easily and replied, "I thought it would be more challenging. Besides, I think the dummies could use a break."

Our eyes met for a brief second, and then he disarmed me so quickly I needed a few seconds to process what happened. I ran a frustrated hand through my hair.

Lockwood folded his arms and leaned casually against the wall, grinning. "I believe I win this round."

I glared at the smug fool and picked up my rapier. "What do you mean 'this round?'?"

He flicked his blade to and fro. "I was hoping to do some more plays."

I huffed. "Fine, but you owe me!"

On and on we went, and I always lost. Finally, I threw my hands in the air, thoroughly exasperated.

"I give up! You win again!" I said, flopping onto the floor and staring at the ceiling.

Lockwood leaned over and stared at me, amused but slightly out of breath. How did he do it?

I waved him off. "Don't mind me, I just need a break. Also, I feel like you wanted to do all that practice so you could have the satisfaction of beating me and George all the time, so you could feel good about yourself."

He raised an eyebrow. "I assure you, I only intended to practice, and improve us all, not feel good about myself. Also, you should probably get off the floor."

I grunted, "Good, you don't need a bigger head."

I stood up, and he gently patted me on the back. I headed upstairs to the kitchen, Lockwood just behind me. George was making dinner, and from the smell, it was something with chicken. I sat down on the couch, and Lockwood picked up and magazine to read.

"You know, some help would be nice, because remember, I control what goes in tonight's food-upset me, and you might wake up with a horrid stomach ache." George called.

I huffed again, and headed over to the sink to wash my hands. Lockwood, being a lazy sack (don't tell him I said that) stayed put.

"Are you deaf, man? Even Lucy is helping me!" George demanded.

I glared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He didn't answer, just sat down. I resisted the urge to slap him, and instead just set the table. Lockwood strolled over and sat next to George. Actually, he was sitting between George and me, which was a good idea. I glanced at the food, and my mouth started watering. We started eating silently.

Then, something started to knock at the door. Scratch. I stopped eating, and glanced at the door. Lockwood stood up and walked over. I glanced at the clock. It was 7:30, which meant it was dark, considering this time of the year, which was December.

"Who is it?" Lockwood called.

I leave you all with a cliff hanger because I'm evil. Don't you all love me so much? Anyway, I'll update as soon as I get three reviews-mainly because I want your opinions. Do you like it, do you think there should be Locklyle, etc. That's probably the only input I will ask, because I already have the next two chapters planned out, and I can work in the Locklyle somehow then. Ha, this story has only just gotten started!

Updates may be slow, I have two other stories I am writing, but this one should be quicker, since I planned more, whereas I have writers block with the other two.