Hello everyone!! I just wanted to take some time to thank everyone for reading my story, all of your reviews have been so encouraging, and I'm really hoping for more sooooo please please please give me your opinions, reviews, feedback etc. Afterall, this is my first fanfic, and since most writers on here are more experienced than I am, some advice would be loved and appreciated!!! I would also like to add that this has been the hardest chapter to write so far..so I hope it's to everyones liking! -Tallica86 (Chrys)

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….And I would like to extend my supreme gratitude to both Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett for your much needed assistance on that dreadful evening. If not for your magnanimous and caring nature, I may not have been successful in my marriage to Mr. Anthony Hope. We currently reside in South Ockendon, a quiet countryside village outside of London, with Anthony's companions, Mr. and Mrs. Shelton. This, of course, is a temporary arrangement until authorities are able to retrieve more information on Judge Turpin's whereabouts and if necessary, his last will and testament. Please dear friends, do not hesitate to request assistance from my husband and I. I am in debt to you both, and to a certain degree, feel I owe you my life.

With sincere gratitude,

Mrs. Johanna Hope

Sweeney Todd let the wrinkled piece of paper lie limply in his hand. The familiar vacant cloud had cast itself over his eyes, and his heart deadened in his chest. Every now and then his flattened eyebrows would twitch to indicate he was in thought, his only companion being the polished razor resting in his holster. Todd had just sent another customer on their final journey when Toby had bounded up the steps to deliver Johanna's letter to him

"It jus' arrived this mornin'" Toby had informed Todd. Toby never discarded an opportunity to cast Todd his usual glare. The child felt it necessary to constantly keep his guard up around Todd; harm would never come to fall on Mrs. Lovett's head again. Toby had come dreadfully close to loosing his dear guardian once, and he wouldn't permit it to occur twice.

Todd had taken the letter without a word and slowly sliced away it's bindings with his useful friend. After reading all the information the tiny piece of paper had to offer, Todd had allowed his limp body to slump down into his chair.

I was under the impression that they had escaped to somewhere beautifully exotic, far from this hole in the world..

Todd had waited endless years to hear about or receive any information regarding his little lamb, Johanna. But now that Todd's wish had been granted, uncertainty and grief sank deep into his heart. He gazed at himself in the mirror, crimson tipped razor in hand, dark circles under his midnight eyes. Is this the crazed monster you wish to introduce to Johanna as her father? Todd thought. Benjamin Barker was supposed to greet this beautiful young woman who was his daughter. Benjamin Barker was supposed to bestow her with fatherly advice about the wide world and all its wonders. Benjamin Barker was supposed to walk his blushing daughter down the aisle and give her away. Benjamin Barker yes, not Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd had slaughtered and sliced his way through hundreds of customers to get to a single man. Did he truly want Sweeney Todd to meet Johanna Barker? Did he truly want a pure and untainted light to mingle with a sinister shell of soul? The question pounded at his brain and tore at his heart so ferociously, that it made Todd clutch at his chest in anguish. For once in months, not knowing which action to take, or what plan to devise, Todd rose from his chair. His mind had not the slightest notion as to where his feet were carrying him, but Todd allowed himself to be led.

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"Nice to see you dearie, 'ow 'ave you been keeping?" Mrs. Lovett made idle chit chat with one of her older female customers. She asked questions, but the answers fell on deaf ears. In Mrs. Lovett's eyes there was a faraway, almost trance-like gaze. Nellie had been lost deep in her thoughts since the day Jasper had made his intentions clear with his dinner invitation. Her thoughts had been a mixture of self-reprimand for her incessant pining over Mr. T, utter confusion in regards to how she should feel towards Jasper, and a small measure of excitement at the thought of attending a fancy dinner party.

At that moment, the very center of her thoughts ambled into her shop. His face was plagued by a pitiful look of angst. Todd's eyes, usually afire with anger or lit by deep thought, held the look specific to a condemned man nearing the gallows. Clutched firmly in one hand, was a tiny piece of beige paper.

He musta received 'er letter Mrs. Lovett concluded, concern twisting her features into a frown as her eyes softened in sympathy. Mrs. Lovett herself had received a similar letter from Johanna. For some odd reason, the young woman had written individual letters to both Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd.

Todd said nothing, seemingly unaware of the flock of pie gobbling customers surrounding him in the shop at various tables and chairs. His gaze drifted slowly around the corners of the room, as if searching for salvation in any form. Todd's eyes landed on Mrs. Lovett and remained there, unmoving.

Although the man would never admit to it, Mrs. Lovett had known this would be the only method in which Todd would ever ask for her assistance, that wasn't in the form of a deep command or a threatening flash of his razor of course.

Bloody 'ell, this useless creature is goin' ta cos' me a day of business Mrs. Lovett shook her head with a crooked smile on her face.

"Alright then my dearies", Mrs. Lovett's firm voice rose above the raucous murmur of the crowd, "I'm afraid an unavoidable matter has risen, and I mus' attend to some rather personal business. So finish up yer last few bites and swallows. Me shop is to be closed for the rest of the day".

Her last sentence was met with numerous protests and hissing jeers.

"I paid good money for this ere' food!!!"

"I ain't leavin an' you ain't gonna make me!!!"

" Yer stinkin' service is appallin', lady"

Unhappy customers continued their numerous protests. Men clenched their fists and began beating on the wooden tables and women crossed their arms in a huff.

An irritated Mrs. Lovett glanced at Todd, "A lil help 'ere love?" she asked and awaited a response. Perhaps a deep growl at the angry crowd, irrational beast that he was. Or at the very least, one of his razors could make a brief appearance as a simple warning. Todd stood motionless and oblivious to the angry crowd, silent and rooted as an oak, obviously tied up in his own mental anguish.

Shoulda known better than ta expect otherwise Mrs. Lovett thought in exasperation. Her face had changed from its usual fair tint, to a frustrated red. Blowing an auburn curl out of her face, grabbing her trusty rolling pin, and tightening her apron, she stepped up on a table, ready for the kill

"OUT WITH THE LOT A' YA" She screamed, bringing her foot down into a horrified customer's plate in a stomp. This caused the pie and it's juicy filling to fly directly into a startled face and gaping mouth. Mrs. Lovett continued on her mission, "IF YA BUNCH A' CATTLE DON'T EXIT MY SHOP THIS VERY MOMENT, I SHALL NEVER BAKE ANOTHER PIE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!"

Her threat was more than sufficient. Herds of customers grabbed their belongings and exited the shop, in fear that they may never again experience the delectable and unique flavor of Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pies if they didn't comply.

As the door shut after the last customer made a hasty exit, Mrs. Lovett jumped down from her post to come face to face with Mr. Todd. Her feet landed softly on the floor and her face landed sheer inches away from his intense gaze . His quiet breaths fell on her lips. Mrs. Lovett's mouth went dry and her heart leapt into her throat due to their close proximity.

"Appropriate as always". Todd stated blankly, as he slid down into a chair, in a defeated slump. Distancing himself from her, as was expected.

Mrs. Lovett's pulse steadied, "Well, could you 'ave done a better job of dismissin an angry mob? The odds weren't exactly in me favor" She stated, temper slightly roused by his sarcasm, yet she calmed quickly when she remembered the matter at hand, the very reason why she had rapidly ushered her customers out.

"Wot troubles ya' Mr. T?" Mrs. Lovett inquired, setting her hand down lightly on his knee, a gesture meant to communicate sympathy, not sin. At her touch, a disarming heat began to rise from her hand to his upper thigh, going dangerously higher, mimicking a thawing sensation. He slapped her hand away in haste, disgusted and confused at his reaction.Nothing more than male instinct, he thought, finding himself to be repeating this self-reassuring statement in abundance these past weeks.

Saying nothing, he handed her Johanna's letter. He observed as her eyes scanned the piece of paper that was the source of his current misery. Oh, how he hated that he had ventured into her shop in search of assistance, although in truth, it was quite the unintentional act. When he had risen from his chair and ascended the stairs from his shop, he was truly uncertain to what his next course of action would be. It was almost as if his feet had been drawn to this very spot, seduced by an invisible force. On the other hand, it wasn't such a fruitless error. After all, confiding in her would aid in luring her trust back to him again.

Mrs. Lovett's eyes moved rapidly down the letter, absorbing every word. The words in Todd's letter were identical to one addressed to her, the only exception being the details Johanna had included about her short wedding to Anthony. Johanna had shared in detail, her deep disappointment at the rushed and sloppy nature of it. It was obvious to Mrs. That Johanna longed for a source of female companionship, for she had confided in Mrs. Lovett so readily. Deciding it would be best to keep this new communication a secret, as not to hurt Todd further, Mrs. Lovett looked up into a dark pair of eyes and began to speak.

"I'm afraid I understand yer dilemma all too well, Mr. T" Mrs. Lovett spoke softly, almost placing her hand over his, but acknowledging her error in time to withdraw hastily and place it neatly in her lap.

"How can you possibly begin to understand, Mrs. Lovett? Life is a game to you, one which you play lightly and conquer effortlessly. What can you possibly know of my dilemma?" Todd let out a pained breath and drew his razor from his holster to caress it, hoping to find familiar comfort in cold steel.

Mrs. Lovett sighed deeply and gazed out of the window, trying to find an object to focus her vision on, lest the tears threatening her lids spill forth. In a weak hushed tone she muttered "Oh Mr. T, simply because I know with all me heart what it feels like to fear that you'll never be worthy of a person's affections, despite all the effort in the world". She continued to scan Fleet Street, for once in her lifetime not having any desire to look him in the eye.

Todd gazed at her, astonished by her accuracy. He also noticed how her demeanor had changed upon uttering the statement.

Mrs. Lovett mustered up her courage, looked him in the eye once more, plastered on a quavering smile, and continued, " I realize that ya detest me in every sense of the word Mr. T, I'd be a fool not to realize that….but humor me, and you'll find me to 'ave an ear built to listen. One of me few talents, but a genuine one I assure ya".

Todd was unsure if it was the gentle tone of her voice, or the smooth manner in which her words flowed which provoked the same memory that had previously plagued him. Todd thought back to that day, on Lucy's birthday so many years ago, when she had offered him her hand of help, no questions asked or favors expected in return. On that day, they had been sitting in this very same spot. She had been near the window illuminated by the light of day, an angel of mercy, and he had sat across from her as a desperate Benjamin Barker. And the skeptical Todd knew in that moment that she only spoke the truth, she was only there to listen, as she always had been. In truth I have nothing to lose, and her trust to gain Todd mused as he fondled his razor.

"It appears as if the rains have ceased momentarily, a walk would be appropriate" an unsmiling Todd suggested as he tore his gaze away from her to survey the scenery outside of the window.

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The pair's spontaneously unmapped journey had led them to the grassy trails of Hyde Park. The majority of London's population favored the inside of their cozy homes on this unfriendly gray skied day, due to the recent rain soaked nature of the weather. Therefore the streets and park were nearly void of all people; with the exception of rag clad beggars and stray animals. The silent pair added to the black and white shades of the scenery, their pale skin, colorless clothing, and dark hair blending appropriately with it. Finally, Mr. Todd broke the silence, much to Mrs. Lovett's surprise.

"You know, Benjamin Barker was born to raise children, to guide and mold" Todd whispered, his voice laden with damage. " And I left that man on Devil's Island to rot in his weakness…and I, as I am, knows only how to destroy. I have no wish to allow Johanna any glimpse into the mind or heart of Sweeney Todd. She is pure and void of corruption, as I wish her to remain".

Even with Todd's declaration, his voice wavered in sorrow, and Mrs. Lovett could see the injury inflicted in him. She was present with the jagged path life had laid out for him, and his misfortune weighed heavily on her heart. Intent on hearing him out, she allowed him to continue.

"After all, it is a father's job to shield their offspring from the evils of this world, and therefore, it is my inherent duty to shield her from myself…" Todd's voice was lost in the persistent wind that had begun to violently shake the cracked leaves from the surrounding trees.

"Mr. T, I know very well that ya are an intelligent man in the truest sense", She bit her lip, lowered her eyes to the ground and shook her head " but it would take a daft man to make a decision similar to the one which ya are bought ta make" Mrs.Lovett stated, instinctively placing a slim hand on his shoulder.

A shaking Todd clenched his fist, he was fully prepared to inflict harm on her for the insult she had committed against him, for labeling him as daft and for touching him.

" Ya lost 'er once, because she was ripped out of yer hands by the wicked designs of Turpin and the cruel laws of life. Now, ya could do little to avoid that injustice, but if ya lose 'er again, at yer own hand, because ya are restrained by yer own fear, then ya are far from the clever Mr. T I know and deeply"

Love, Love, Love…

"respect" she finished, and with her ending words came the fierce crack of lightening and thick sheets of rain.

Ice cold water coated their clothing as the two came to an abrupt realization. Mrs. Lovett realized that the skies were now covered in a formidable blanket of bruised purple and black, and it was high time to head home. Todd realized, with resignation, that Mrs. Lovett's words had been his long lost solution.

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Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett threw open the door to the shop and shut it, their breaths coming in short gasps. Completely soaked from head to toe, the trembling pair had no time to catch their breath as they sprinted from Hyde Park to the shop, opposed by the unforgivable force of the rain. Mrs. Lovett had begun giggling uncontrollably a few blocks prior, and it hadn't ceased upon their arrival to the shop. The shrill sound of her laughter had driven Todd mad from the moment it had started; he shot a warning look over her way. It was a look meant to strike dread deep into her heart, but it proved to be a grave mistake on his part. Instead of provoking the original desired effect, the gaze Todd had shot in her direction proved to work against him. Once he laid his dark eyes on her, he couldn't remove them; his gaze held captive. Todd's eyes began at her face, which was rosy due to the run, despite the cool temperatures. Her head was tilted back, revealing a long delicate throat, and her fingers sifted through her wet hair. Against his will, Todd's gaze landed on her heaving bosom, made slick from the rain. Her skin could be likened to wet ivory silk. Feeling his pulse accelerate, Todd eagerly searched for the nearest exit.

"If you will excuse me Mrs. Lovett" Todd uttered hastily as he dashed out of the pie shop, taking two stairs at a time to the safety of his sanctuary.

Losing all hopes that he might spare a few moments to sit and chit chat with her into the wee hours of the morning, she rolled her eyes as she slunk dejectedly to her bedroom

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A good amount of time later, Nellie had reluctantly peeled herself away from the steaming water of a hot bath. The nearly scalding water had served to loosen every inch of wound up muscle, and she moved in a smooth languid motion to her closet. Wrapping herself in a long sleeved night shift, she purred in pleasure and relaxation. The white cotton shift reached just to the top of her ankles and it was brimmed in soft lace and silk ribbons, it was the only decent gift Albert had ever rewarded her with. Mrs. Lovett was overwhelmed by a merry mood which she couldn't explain, the bath musta did me soul some good.

Strolling on light feet to her lofty rectangular window, she strained to push it open. The powerful sheets of rain had been tamed to a weightless sprinkle, and a soft breeze caressed her face. Smiling to herself, she looked up to the sky. In a habit that she had maintained since childhood, Mrs. Lovett began to count the stars. As she passed over each silver wonder with a fascinated eye, thoughts supporting a single idea grew in her mind, regardless of past discrepancies, perhaps I can trust Mr. T again….

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Unbeknownst to an unsuspecting Mrs. Lovett, a predator eyed her. The stalking beast stood at the slightly open crack of her bedroom door, protected by the dark shadows of the closed pie shop .Sweeney Todd had been eyeing the oblivious baker hungrily since her deliciously curved silhouette had slipped on the white night shift. His breathing arrived in labored gasps, as his eyes drank in every line and curve of Mrs. Lovett's form. Within Todd's eyes, a raging fire had been ignited. Although this time the flashing fire wasn't fueled by murderous intent or an urge to unsheathe his razor. No, this time the flashing fire in Todd's eyes was a product of pure, heated, and involuntary lust. At the sight of her rain soaked body a spark had been kindled in Todd. As he fled from her in an attempt to escape that spark, up the stairs to his shop, a blaze had ensued, scorching all other conscious thoughts. He had been pacing , back and forth in his parlor. As every feverish thought had assailed him, he increased his pace, as if attempting to run from the longing that had begun to fester and burn. Finally, as sweat poured from his brow, he sat down in his chair, in an attempt to soothe his nerves and calm his breathing, to no avail. The yearning began to hit him in waves, centering in his abdomen and radiating throughout his unwilling body. It was a cruel hunger pang so intense, that it had ripped him from his chair and placed him at the crack of her bedroom door, and oh how he loathed himself for that. His temples pulsed and yearning throbbed through every inch of his limbs In Todd's eyes lustful flames burned so intensely, like two freshly heated pincers. Todd was almost certain that the desire in his eyes shone so brightly, that if she turned his way she could view two red coals amongst the darkness. The aching grew so tortuously strong, that Todd had to bite his lip with a force that caused blood to drip and fall to his tongue. All that he had been attempting to restrain had burst forth, like a devastating flood, wrecking everything in its path. The wind from outside of Mrs. Lovett's window fell swiftly on her form, causing the night shift to press against her luscious body. The sheer white material of the gown put her dusky nipples and the darkness at the juncture of her thighs on display. The sight of her caused a bolt of fierce white hot heat to shoot through Todd. The evidence of his arousal pressed painfully against his pants.

It would take such minimal effort to rip that gown from her body and force her to yield to me. How simple it would be to rid myself of this need Todd thought desperately, as he gazed down at his hands. They had begun to itch uncontrollably at the thought of kneading her soft flesh His finger nails bit into the skin of his hand, punishing it for it's covetous nature.

Just once, it's as simple as that, that's all it would take to rid myself of these urges, those urges that make me so weak. Weak and unworthy of my darling Lucy……Lucy.

The name began to pound at his temples in a steady rhythm, and Todd silently cursed himself. His fever began to subside, and although the thought of Lucy still incited grief in him, relief to be free of his unwanted desires flooded him. Briefly forgetting his location, he stepped forward, putting all of his weight on his front foot. This motion caused the floorboards to moan and creak beneath him.

Mrs. Lovett's peaceful demeanor was disrupted by the noise, "Who's there?" she called out. Taking long strides to her door she flung it open and peered into the quiet darkness of an empty kitchen.

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His strong fingers dug into the yielding flesh of her arms, pinning her to his bed, just as he'd imagined and wanted. Leaning down, he sunk his teeth into the velvet skin at her shoulder. A wanton moan escaped her lips. He ran his fingers over the curves of her body, pinching her nipple and causing her to squeal in delight. Bringing his head up, with a groan, Sweeney Todd came face to face with a flushed and panting Mrs. Lovett.

Sweeney Todd was awakened by a slight tapping at his door. Todd was soaked in sweat and the effects of the dream where apparent and pressing stiffly against his trousers. Glancing over at the door, Todd could only conceive of one person who would have the nerve to disturb him at this hour, and she would pay dearly for her crime. All thoughts of his wife had been replaced once again by a throbbing hunger, and a powerful urge to hold Mrs. Lovett down in his bed.

Not a thing more than male instinct, just fuck her out of your system Todd thought to himself. Yet anger and guilt persisted, You are a weak man, with not even the slightest grasp on yourself. Did your self control die with Lucy?

Even as these warring thoughts assailed him, Todd made his way to open the door, excitement playing wildly in him.

Just take what you want, she owes that mucht to you. And what immense satisfaction could come from inflicting bruises and wounds on that skin, they would stand out most perfectly. It's just another opportunity to maim that insufferable bitch. At this thought, Todd arrived at his decision. He would throw the door open, grab the unsuspecting woman by her tangled mess of hair, rip the clothes from that body, and leave his mark. Hearing her screams of pain as he shoved his rage deep inside of her would be quite rewarding. Heat began to boil inside of him, melting all self control, as he grasped the door knob. His eyes flashed and nostrils flared as his breathing became heavy with anticipation. Todd twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, causing it to creak on it's hinges as it slammed into the wall.

Todd stared out into the night, into emptiness. Mrs. Lovett was nowhere to be seen. Rain drops landed lightly on Todd's head and, the only thing in sight was numerous gray rooftops and a thick layer of murky fog. Todd's clenched fist banged repeatedly against the doorway in a fit of frustration, causing splinters to fly in every direction. As Sweeney turned to go inside and attempt to accomplish a dream free slumber, his foot tapped lightly against something. Dropping his eyes to the floor, all of Todd's previous anger was swept away by the harsh winds. Falling to his knees, his hands caressed the wooden box that had been left at his doorstep in a loving and dedicated fashion. Opening the box, he lifted a silver beauty from its confinement and raised it to the sky in a worship ritual of sorts. His friends had been returned to him, and so had Mrs. Lovett's trust. He was that much closer to his goal. Todd kissed the tip of the steel instrument, swearing he could taste and smell the future blood.