A/N: I swear, this was written in an hour and 15 minutes. I started dead on midnight, and I just saw the clock then and it's 1:15. Alright, it's not very long, but I went somewhere. :D Somewhere deep -.-
This chapter might be epic fail, it might not. I didn't do any editing, but I wanted to get it out because I'll be busy tomorrow [surprise, surprise]

As they continued deeper into the town, both Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett became more comfortable with each other. Mrs. Lovett even started to smile as the even breath of Sweeney flowed onto her neck – being this close was amazing.

"Shoot," Jess whispered as they passed a market square.

Both Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett straightened and looked over their shoulders at her. She looked fine – still on her horse, but she looked frustrated.

"What's wrong love?" Mrs. Lovett asked. She glanced at Sweeny briefly before trying a risky move – one that she'd probably regret later. She took the reins from his hands and gently steered the horse around, making Sweeney frown. Startled, he placed one hand on his knee, his other hand instinctively going to her waist. Immediately he removed it, but Mrs. Lovett could still feel it.

"Ugh…I forgot to get some food…" she mumbled and Mrs. Lovett sighed.

The markets were still open – the town didn't seem to sleep.

"Ma'am…." Toby started, but corrected himself. "Mum…I…I'm not feeling right,"

She nudged the horse and walked to him, placing one hand on his forehead. It was hot.

"Ah love…you're burning up…" Mrs. Lovett said softly, taking her hand away. "I wondered why you were so quiet this afternoon." She glanced up at Sweeney. "Do you think we could stop…just for tonight? It'd be better for us all to get a good night's sleep and continue at dawn, rather than messing up our sleep patterns…"

She rambled on, and Sweeney's eyes narrowed a little bit further with each excuse. Toby gave a congested cough that seemed to come from the very bottom of his stomach, and Sweeney finally nodded.

"Whatever. But we have to get a move on tomorrow morning." He took control of the reins again, steering them towards an inn. They stayed in the shadows, their horses almost on the sidewalk.

"I'll take care of the horses," Jess piped up as Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett slid off.

"Mum…I can't move. It's…" Toby was almost in tears, unusual for the hard lad. His face was contorted with pain, and Mrs. Lovett felt nervous for the third time that night.

"Love…" Mrs. Lovett looked up at Sweeney, who had a look of what she could only assume was sympathy. "Can you carry him?"

"No."

"Please…" she pleaded, walking to Toby. She felt his hands, which were clammy and cold.

"No."

She sighed and wrapped one arm around Toby's waist, slowly helping him from the saddle. Jess joined her a moment later, helping to get his feet from the stirrups. Sweeney watched, his arms folded stubbornly. They managed to get Toby to the ground, and with one arm around him each, they started hobbling towards the inn doors.

"Dad…don't you think it's going to be a little bit suspicious if we walk in with my brother being supported…" she didn't need to finish her sentence.

With a growl, Sweeney scooped Toby up, carrying him into the inn with the tiniest bit of help from Jess.

"How do you get him to do what you want?" Mrs. Lovett whispered to the girl, and she shrugged.

The innkeeper sat at a desk, looking tired and annoyed.

"Evening." He shot a look at Toby, who's head was falling over Sweeney's arm, his eyes half closed.

"Big day – the lad's all tuckered out," Mrs. Lovett said, trying to sound affectionate.

"I see. Looking for a room?" his voice was monotonous; he was obviously waiting to go to bed.

"One room…fou-three beds," Sweeney corrected himself, and they could hear the cringe in his voice.

"Of course." The innkeeper mumbled, writing down something before giving them a key. "Up the stairs, third room on the right. You pay when you leave. Have a nice night,"

Mrs. Lovett led the way to the room and opened it for Sweeney, who unceremoniously dumped Toby on the smallest bed. Mrs. Lovett hurried to him, feeling his forehead again. It was the same, if not a fraction hotter.

"We'll see in the morning," she said to herself, before making her way to the large double bed. She sat on it, hoping Sweeney would join her. "Jess…you should go to bed,"

She nodded and lay on the bed a few feet away from Toby.

"You tired love?" Mrs. Lovett asked hopefully, but Sweeney glowered at her. "Guess not then. Goodnight…"

She lay on the bed, not intending to sleep.

Sweeney watched her from the corner of his eye until she rolled over. He sat at the small table, silently contemplating their position.

What to do?

He could leave. Right now.

Abandon them all – grab a horse and just ride.

Could he?

No.

Mrs. Lovett was a part of his team. He almost even respected her – the ability to carve up human beings without complaining was definitely not an easy task. He couldn't abandon her like he abandoned Lucy.

Lucy.

Jess reminded him so much of her. Her hair was starting to grow out - straight blonde hair that was almost shoulder length. She moved gracefully, just like Lucy, even her voice sounded similar.

If Sweeney believed in reincarnation, it would've been his first guess.

No, he couldn't abandon them. Not even the boy. They were all in this together, whether he liked it or not.

A/N: So now you know why he's sticking around.
Hahah, have you noticed, I always write 'Sweeney' but never 'Mr. Todd' - and I always write 'Mrs. Lovett', never 'Eleanor' or 'Nellie' or whatever the hell I called her. :P Not quite sure why.

OKay, nite nite nao.