Well, here's chapter three! It's a bit shorter than the first two chapters, but it's still decent. I apologies for the delay. I already posted in my first A.N in chapter one about my reasonings. I'll update when I can. Anywho, enjoy!

Sweeney stared at his bloodied reflection in Mrs. Lovett's mirror. He was a bit surprised at himself for getting so much blood squirted on him. With a sigh, the barber began to wipe the blood off with a face cloth. The warm water felt refreshing against his skin. When he noticed that the tub was full enough, he turned off the water and undressed himself. Slowly, Sweeney submerged his body in the small bathtub.

It's finally over…

He grinned slightly, feeling very light and at ease. The Judge is dead and so is the part of him that was Benjamin Barker. Sweeney Todd can finally be himself: no burdens, no grief. The barber closed his eyes in deep thought. Now that he was finally free, he needed to figure out where his life would take him. He would stay in London and be a legitimate barber. He will no longer kill. Even if Mrs. Lovett hadn't brought up her promise to Toby, Sweeney would've ceased his killing spree.

Ah, yes, the baker…

Sweeney opened his eyes and looked around the small bathroom of the baker. He then realized that this was the first time he's ever bathed in her bathroom. In fact, this was the first time he had ever set foot in the second floor of her home. Why was this relevant? He didn't know for sure. All Sweeney knew was that since his love for Lucy had died, he has begun to notice things more, especially Mrs. Lovett.

Getting up, Sweeney gets out of the tub. After he dries himself off with a towel, he drains the tub and gets dressed in the clean clothes that Mrs. Lovett had washed for him the night before. Sweeney paused when he thought about her. He just realized that she has done a lot for him when she didn't have to. Mrs. Lovett took him in after he had returned as a different, bitter man. He was far different then the always polite and naïve Benjamin. Sweeney's eyes narrowed when he thought about Ben. Not only was he naïve, he was also a stuck-up coward.

Sixteen years ago…

"Benjamin, I think the Lovetts are having another row," Lucy stated nervously. Benjamin idly polished his razor, trying to ignore the yelling coming from below. Every word between Eleanor Lovett and her husband, Albert, could be heard. Albert was angry at his wife for losing their baby by miscarriage.

"This is the third night in a row that he's been yelling at her," Lucy continued, holding the newborn Johanna close to her protectively. Ben glanced at her and the baby and then back to his blade.

"It'll pass, it always does," Ben muttered distantly. Lucy looked at him desperately, about to say something when Mrs. Lovett could be heard screaming back at Albert. Her strong voice was quickly silenced by a loud smacking sound, followed by a bodily "THUD". Lucy gasped loudly, tears threatening to form in her eyes.

"Oh, god! He's beating her again!" Lucy turned and stared at Ben with longing eyes as more smacks and whimpering could be heard from below.

"Ben, you must go down there and put a stop to this!" Ben looked at his wife like she was insane.

"Their marital problems do not concern us, Lucy."

"She's our friend, Benjamin," Lucy said sternly. Ben avoided his wife's gaze, cleaning his razor at a quicker pace than before.

"She can take care of herself. She's tough, Lucy."

"That may be true, but Albert's a beast! She can't stand up for herself because he's much stronger than her! Ben," Lucy said softly, "Please, go down and help her." Suddenly, Ben firmly grabbed Lucy by the shoulders.

"It is Albert Lovett who owns this entire building. It was him who rented this room to us. If I was to go barreling down there to put a stop to his beatings, he could have us thrown out! I can't risk that, Lucy! Do you understand?" Lucy stared into her husband's eyes, feeling defeated.

"Yes, Ben," She whispered. Ben finally let her go and continued to clean his razor, trying very hard to ignore the cries from below.

Present Day…

Sweeney snarled in disgust, feeling dirty that he still has to bear that coward's memory. Stalking, Sweeney exited the bathroom and headed down to the parlor. Mrs. Lovett was nowhere in sight.

She must still be cleaning me shop.

The barber exited the pie shop and started to head up to his shop. When he entered, he saw Mrs. Lovett looking over her cleaning, seeming satisfied. She turned and became a bit more alert when she spotted Sweeney at the doorway.

"Yeh look nice an' fresh, Mr. Todd," She said cheerfully to cover up her uneasiness. Sweeney smiled politely as he took a step forward.

"Thank you for cleaning up in here, my love," Sweeney said softly. Mrs. Lovett looked a bit shocked that he was actually thanking her for something.

"Any time, dearie. Now, I've got to get cleaned meself," she stated as she looked herself over. With a bit of haste, Mrs. Lovett brushed by Sweeney.

"Good night, love," Sweeney muttered loudly enough for her to hear. She stopped abruptly at the door and turned to face him. He stared at her blankly as she stared back, briefly at a loss of words.

"Good night, Mr. T." With that said, Mrs. Lovett left Sweeney alone in his shop. He watched the door for a moment before he headed for his small bed. After changing into his night clothes, Sweeney got under the covers and stared up at his ceiling. This evening has been a peculiar one for both himself and Mrs. Lovett. He was positive that it would be an evening that neither of them would ever forget.

Hmmm... Sweeney and Nellie sittin' in a tree... LOL!