DISCLAIMER: This is simply a fan-fiction of one of my favorite movies. I do not own Sweeney Todd and it's characters.
This chapter is much like a prologue. It brings you into the story and informs you on what's going on. Keep in mind that this is taking place before the death of Judge Turpin. Enjoy.
The sound of horseshoes pattering against the dark, gray, cobblestone streets echoed throughout the empty London streets. It was nearly midnight, and those who were to be awoken in the morning, to face yet another day, were fast asleep. The scattered lanterns in Ms. Lovett's Pie Shop were still lit. Cold, dark hues glanced up and through the windows to gaze upon the black carriage being pulled by bay horses. Only did Ms. Lovett's eyes return to the wooden roller and dough in front of her when the carriage was completely out of sight. Slender digits caressed the pale dough that lied before her on the powdered counter top. Business had skyrocketed since her and Mr. Todd had finally found a way to bond with what they loved to do. Sweeney wanted to get revenge and ease his anger with the swift flick of his wrist - blade in hand. She, however, wanted to get her business back up and running. Two completely different visions, and yet they were able to merge it into one solution.
Slowly, Ms. Lovett's posture caved in, causing her to slump over the dirty counter with only her elbow propping her slim frame up. Her eyes glanced over at the door that led to the staircase to the so-called barbershop above. Mr. Todd was awake. She could hear him pacing back and forth on the hard wood floors. His firm black boots weren't ones to sneak with. He hadn't slept for days. He'd spend his days thinking about how he'd get revenge on Judge Turpin - how he'd slit his throat wide open. Oh, how he wanted his shiny friends to drip the rubies of such a heartless man. Todd blamed himself for the death of his love. He felt that he should've seen the signs in the first place. It was his fault he lost the two loves of his life. He was a foolish man. But, the fact still remained that Judge Turpin raped his wife and 'killed' her just for the hell of it. He also held his beloved Joanna captive as his ward, but not just as that. Turpin spoke of fondling her the last time Sweeney saw him. If it weren't for Ms. Lovett, he probably would've killed him right then and there. But he lost him...and he probably would never see him again because of that stupid wench.
"Wait until the time is right..."
He mimicked Ms. Lovett's words of advice.
Sweeney dismissed Ms. Lovett after realizing that he might have lost his only chance in life to get his revenge. It had been several hours since he'd seen her. He wasn't in the mood for her blabbering on about the future. Life by the sea could wait. He wanted that piece of rubbish dead now. Sweeney began advancing towards the barber chair. His posterior met with the leather seat. He allowed himself to relax and simply stare at the gleaming blade in his right hand. He saw his own reflection - so dark and grim. Oh, how he had aged. Sweeney could remember when smiling was natural. Now, the muscles in his face just wouldn't allow him to curl his lips into that cheerful expression. The bright, full moon shone through the window and onto his pale skin. He closed the razor up and slipped it into his pocket.
"Until we meet again, Judge Turpin..."
Sweeney stared blankly at the dark side of the room where the moonlight couldn't reach. He had neither a frown nor a grin. His eyes were furious - probably the only thing on his face that showed his anger.
Ms. Lovett had dozed off for a few minutes while she was still slumped over the dirty counter. The eerie quiet sound coming from up above woke her. Ms. Lovett had grown accustomed to the soft footsteps that were of Sweeney Todd. Had he finally sat down to rest? Was he still angry? Was he still upset with her? Blank eyes stared up at the ceiling as if to peer into the room above. A soft sigh escaped from her thin lips. It wasn't best to barge in on him at this very moment. If she did, she'd be lucky to come out with only a few cuts and bruises. Mr. Todd had a temper - she had to admit. But, he had a reason. Despite his anger issues, Ms. Lovett still couldn't bring herself to be angry with him. Not once. Standing up once more, she looked down at the mess before her. She knew she had to clean it, but she honestly didn't want to. Maybe she'd just have young Toby clean it up in the morning. Where was that little bugger anyway?
A thin eyebrow arched upward as she made her way around the counter and into the small living area on the other side. Dark hues traced the chairs and the sofa. It wasn't until she stepped around the sofa that she found little Toby curled up with a bottle of gin grasped between his small fingers. This poor boy had been mistreated all his life. He had such delicate cheekbones, but because of his early drinking age, his mouth was sinful. Ms. Lovett wouldn't protest. Gin made him happy, not to mention it put him to sleep. A soft chuckle escaped from her lips as she grabbed the empty bottle of gin and placed it on the small table in front of the sofa. Gently, she picked the small boy up and into her arms. Ms. Lovett placed him on the love seat and propped his head on a pillow. She grabbed a nearby blanket and covered him up. With him around, she felt so motherly. In a way, it filled in a part of the void in her life.
Thunder rumbled within the dark clouds in the sky. A flash of light entered the living area, where Ms. Lovett and Toby were, and the barbershop, where Sweeney was, at the same time. Ms. Lovett jumped just slightly. Sweeney, on the other hand, didn't flinch. In fact, his gaze never left the pitch-black area of the room, nor did his expression change. Ms. Lovett peered back at Toby seeing that he was still asleep. That gin really did put him to sleep. Ms. Lovett thought a moment and realized that she had opened the window upstairs earlier that day. Guessing from previous situations, Ms. Lovett had to assume that Mr. Todd didn't bother to close it. Ms. Lovett wanted to make sure the rain, which was soon to come, wouldn't affect the hardwood floors and wear down the building before it was supposed to. Quickly, Ms. Lovett made her way to the side door and stepped outside. Closing the doors behind her, she looked up the staircase that led to the very place Sweeney was. She hoped she'd come out with her all of her limbs still attached. Small, cold rain droplets caressed Ms. Lovett's exposed shoulders. Ms. Lovett lifted up the front of her dress just slightly so she wouldn't trip, and advanced up the stairs and to the door.
Knocking first, Ms. Lovett entered the room. The small dinging from the bell echoed throughout the room momentarily. When she closed the door behind her, she looked at Mr. Todd, who appeared to be staring at the other side of the room where it was dark. Ms. Lovett was unsure, though. From the way the moonlight was shining into the room, the entire area from his eyebrows down to his cheekbones was pitch black. Slowly, Ms. Lovett made her way towards him. The heels of her shoes clicked against the hard flooring. When she was standing in front of him, she could see that his eyelids were shut. He had finally fallen asleep! That was a change. Ms. Lovett could only smile. Even if he was a murderer, he still looked so innocent when he slept. Ms. Lovett walked to the window and closed it. While she looked outside of the window to overlook the town, she could hear him mumbling. He must have been dreaming. She couldn't help but smile.
"Sweet dreams, Mista' Todd..."
Without another noise, she turned and made her way over to the door - the sound of the bell chiming for a few quick seconds - and began making her way back down to her pie shop.
Once inside, Ms. Lovett made her way back to the living area where she left little Toby lying on the couch.
"Goodnigh' love…"
Sitting down on the chair just opposite from the love seat Toby was laying upon, Ms. Lovett closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. As everyone in the building was asleep, the rumbling of thunder continued on through the night, along with flashes of light here and there.
So, ha. The next chapter ends similar to this as well. Please review and read the next chapter. This is my first fan-fiction on here so giving me some tips and compliments would be really appreciated. D