Chapter 10: Green

Blood splurged everywhere: from the windows, to the walls, to the floors, and to all over Sweeney Todd's stoic face. That man, whoever he was, had put up a fight, but only because Sweeney himself had made a mistake. He made the mistake of thinking about Mr. John Wickham, thus, his anger was directed not at Judge Turpin and sequentially killing the unjust, thus thus, he didn't drag the razor deep enough to kill. The man then got up and started wailing away at Mr. Todd, attempting to grab the razor (or another one from the armoire). Of course, Mr. Todd had the advantage and upper hand; however, it resulted in one bloody hell of a mess until the man finally perished.

Now, Sweeney had the troubling task of dragging or picking up the cadaver (whichever way was most "sanitary") to get it to the trap door and then down the chute into the bake house. He decided to drag it. He hit the pedal to activate the trap door in the floor. Sweeney saw only two other corpses as opposed to the five men (now six) he had killed today. He threw the sixth corpse down the chute. However, just as he was walking back to press the pedal that was constructed on the front of the barber's chair, Sweeney slid on the fresh pools of blood that nearly soaked the entire barber's shop. He tumbled to the floor…or what he thought would have been the floor: instead, he found a hole.

Quickly, Sweeney grabbed the edge of the trap door as he was now dangling in the chute. But the edge was covered with blood of course. Sweeney lost his grip and plunged into the bake house.

Luckily, he was in good health (and not dead like those who usually traveled this way) and went feet first. And even more good luck, Mr. Todd's fall was broken by the mound of corpses (much to his displeasure to sit on the dead). Yet, he was in immense pain: it was one hell of a drop (well, of course it was! it was intended to finish off his victims if they survived the throat slitting since they would land head first at great velocity).

He felt one of the corpses move. Wait! Corpses don't move!

Sweeney abruptly got up…or tried to at least−the fall was too sudden and thus he couldn't move properly. He sufficed with rolling of the mound in the direction of the bake house door until he was on the cold (empty) floor. He turned his head to see which of his victims was still alive.

He saw Mrs. Lovett lying on the corpses, just exactly where he had landed. She was lying directly on her back with her eyes closed and a pained expression etched on her face.

"Mrs. Lovett?" Sweeney called whilst he remained where he was for he was in too much pain to move even a muscle.

"Ow." She responded very lightly; yet, Sweeney could hear the subtle mockery in her voice. She was alright.

"Why'd ya use the chute, Mr. T? There's a door ya know."

He ignored her sarcasm and finally got up with his hand clutching his lower back and the other caressing his forehead where he had banged it on the way down the chute. He started towards the door swearing rather vigorously in his mind or maybe out loud.

"Mr. T, can ya carry me ta my room please? Ya threw out my back when ya fell on me."

"No."

Mr. Todd continued to ignore her and grabbed the handle to the door.

"Git."

"What was that, pet?" Sweeney dryly teased as he spun back around after he had opened the door. He waltzed over to her and picked her up with one arm under her knees and the other around her shoulders. She pecked him on the cheek as her arms wound themselves around his neck.

"See? Was that too 'ard now, Mr. Todd?" She belittled as he began to ascend the stairs.

"You missed."

"Well, if ya insist." She tried placing a kiss on his lips this time, but only to peck his other cheek as Mr. Todd rapidly turned his head away from her. He started to laugh as he finally made it to the booth that he eventually placed her down in. He made his way quickly down the flight of stairs and closed the bake house door and then returned.

"You still missed," he grinned.

"Then why'd ya move?" She was somewhat irate at him for leading her on and then purposely moving away from her.

"Because it is very amusing to annoy you, Mrs. Lovett," Mr. Todd retorted with that smug look still plastered across his face as he started back towards his shop.

She shook her head:

"I will nevah understand you, ya silly man."

The next day saw to John Wickham returning rather early to call upon Mrs. Lovett. It was Sunday, a day off from work (and a week to the day since they met); so, Mr. Wickham saw fit to spend the day with his new lady friend. As he arrived on Fleet Street and into the pie shop, he was greeted by Toby.

"'Ello, sir!"

"Why hello, Toby!" Mr. Wickham orated as he shook the lad's extended hand. "Why, I say, you seem to be acting like quite the gentleman since the last time I saw you."

"Well sir, I jus' want what's best for me mum. She likes ya so I might as well, too."

"Jolly good, son. Where is your mum, by the by?"

"Oh, she's in the parlour packing. We's goin' ta spend the day in Hyde Park today we is."

"Oh, what a shame. I just came by to see if Eleanor wanted to accompany me on a walk this morning since I was in the neighborhood for an early business meeting," Mr. Wickham sounded a tad disappointed.

"Oh John! 'Ow lovely ta see ya again so soon!" Mrs. Lovett pronounced rather loudly as she entered the shop with a large picnic basket in her hand and a quilt underneath her arm.

"Eleanor! The pleasure is all mine! But, seeing as though you have other plans, I will leave you to them! Farewell, my dear," he bowed and was about to turn to leave.

"Nonsense, love! By all means, why don't ya tag along! I've gots plenty o' food to eat!"

"I don't wish to impos…."

"Of course not, dearie! We'd be delighted if ya came ta the park with us, wouldn't we Toby?"

"Yes mum," he lied and worked out a fake smile in Mr. Wickham's direction.

"Alright then, let's be off boys!" Mrs. Lovett jaunted to the door. Mr. Wickham went to grab the basket and quilt out of her arms and then opened the door for her.

"'Ang on mum! I forgot somethin'," Toby said as he ducked back into the shop. About three minutes had elapsed and Toby came back out with Sweeney Todd at his heels.

"I thought it'd be nice ta invite Mr. Todd with us since 'e came with us last time when we went to 'ide Park," Toby chirped and went to grab Mrs. Lovett's arm and he made a loop through it, obviously as a ploy to ensure that Mr. Wickham didn't do the same.

"Mr. Todd! How good it is to see you again, my friend," Mr. Wickham jested as he bounded over to Sweeney and shook his hand.

"And Mr. Wickham. Delighted," Sweeney surprisingly responded with just as much flare and a tad bit of mockery that only Mrs. Lovett and the boy seemed to pick up. Toby chuckled to himself and Mrs. Lovett slapped his arm, scolding him that it wasn't funny and Mr. Todd's behavior was inappropriate.

Mrs. Lovett, with Toby on her arm, led the way to Hyde Park whilst Mr. Todd and Mr. Wickham trailed her from behind. After a very antagonizing silent and long walk, they made it into the middle of Hyde Park and began to spread the quilt and propped the picnic foods on plates. She sat down in the middle of the quilt. Sweeney immediately plopped himself on her right side very closely to where their thighs were brushing another. Mr. Wickham seated himself in a stately manor on her left, keeping himself at a proper distance unlike Mr. Todd. Toby, having been outwitted by the older men in terms of sitting next to Mrs. Lovett, chose to sit by his apparently new friend, Mr. Todd.

"Ain't this lovely, boys! Spending the day in the park all together," Mrs. Lovett beamed.

"Indeed it is, Eleanor!" Mr. Wickham replied to her comment. Sweeney and Toby rolled their eyes: no wonder Mrs. Lovett took a liking to Mr. Wickham−he was the only one that responded to all her "chatterings," whether they were requiring a response or not!

She began to pass the food around to the men. As Mrs. Lovett was handing Mr. Wickham his plate, his hand lingered on hers a bit too long as he reached for the plate. They locked eyes as words seemed to silently pass between them. She started to giggle after she let go. Sweeney took and immediate notice to all that had gone on. When Mrs. Lovett, who seemed too much like a giddy school girl, handed Mr. Todd his plate, Sweeney began to imitate what he had just witnessed. However, Mrs. Lovett wouldn't allow it to go on as long as hers and Wickham's so she hastily brushed his hand off of hers. What's with her!? Sweeney thought to himself. She made it all too clear that she had an interest in me since the day I came back, and now, she's ignoring my subtle (and meaningless of course) gestures. Damn boy was right! She does have a fancy for Wickham!

The four sat in silence for a while as they munched away on their food. Alright, that was a lie. Two of them sat in silence as the other two continued some endless jabbering.

Sweeney was fed up with being ignored by Mrs. Lovett and especially of Wickham in general. He leaned over to Toby and spoke in a low whisper:

"It's time to initiate that plan I spoke of earlier, Toby."

"Yes sir. But, is it really a good plan?"

"Just do as I say boy!" Sweeney growled. Toby listened and got up. He was going to hate what he was about to do; but he trusted Mr. Todd (for the first and very last time only) to do what his side of the plan entailed. Toby walked until he stood in front of Mr. Wickham.

"Mr. Wickham sir, would ya mind flying the kite with me?"

"Why of course, lad! I'd be delighted. Excuse me, Eleanor. Mr. Todd." He got up as Toby fetched the kite from the bottom of the picnic basket. The two walked away from the quilt until they were barely in sight on the other end of the park.

"So, my dear," Sweeney slyly began.

"So, Mr. Todd," Mrs. Lovett mocked.

"It appears as though you have a certain fondness for a Mr. John Wickham."

Mrs. Lovett spit out the gin she was sipping from her mouth.

"Wot?!"

"Oh come now, pet. It's obvious. I wouldn't be surprised if all of London knew about it." Sweeney turned to face the rather stunned Mrs. Lovett.

"I do NOT!"

"Then what's with that flushed face?" He teased. This was much more fun than he originally thought. Pestering her was one of his ways to cure boredom, knowing full well how easy it was to annoy her.

"It's jus'….cold outside, tha's all, love," she looked away from him.

"Then you most certainly wouldn't mind if I did this…"

Sweeney pushed her to her back on the quilt as he loomed over her. His hands were pinning her arms to the side as his legs were on either side of her waist. He started to smile wickedly.

"Oh yes, sit on me. No, I don't mind. Because sitting on me always…."

Her mockery was cut short when Sweeney brought his lips to hers. He broke away before she had a chance to respond and leant in towards her ear:

"I always thought you had a fondness for me, my love."

He didn't wait for her reply as he moved back to kiss her lips. Sweeney started to press his body downwards on top of Mrs. Lovett's small frame as he deepened the kiss. It was much more passionate than the one they shared back in the alley of that restaurant; in fact, it was quite lustful on Sweeney's part. Yes, he hadn't intended to go that far at all; but the moment he pressed his lips with hers, he couldn't suppress all that was now surging through his being. Mrs. Lovett, on the other hand, merely let him do whatever he pleased, seemingly forgetting her fondness for Mr. Wickham and only thinking about that fondness for Sweeney Todd.

"Good God! Toby! Close your eyes!"

Mrs. Lovett heard Wickham's now squeaky voice. She immediately pushed Mr. Todd off of her and sprung upright, looking extremely flushed and obviously embarrassed. Mr. Wickham had seen her and Mr. Todd kissing! What was he to know think of her!? What about her and him!? Damn you Todd! And it wasn't just the simple courtship kissing but some very inappropriate kissing…and in public for that matter. She was speechless.

"Mr. Todd. I believe you should apologize to Mrs. Lovett for handling her in such a very…unorthodox way. God knows that is only acceptable for married persons! You should be ashamed of yourself."

Sweeney looked up at Mr. Wickham. Really? What a pillock…

"Well, Mr. T? Ya gonna say sorry for what ya jus' did?" Mrs. Lovett looked at him. Mr. Todd eyed her with his hands folded across his chest whilst he sat crossed-legged. He was giving her a look of, "Really? Shouldn't you be apologizing to him for kissing someone else?"

He knitted his eyebrows and increased his rage-filled face to attempt to show her how very mad he was with her right now. She obviously had enjoyed what he did to her as much as he did, and now, she was throwing it all away just to win Mr. Wickham's favor back (not like the git even realized what was truly going on). Sweeney stood up and began to walk away.

"I don't see anything to apologize for, Mrs. Lovett. I think you rather liked it."

He continued walking until he was halfway across the park on his way home. He looked back to see Toby trailing after him a whiles away. He waited for the more-tolerable boy. Sweeney looked back even further to see Mrs. Lovett and Mr. Wickham now engaged in a heated conversation and how adoringly she looked at Mr. Wickham. Why was she acting like that to Mr. Wickham now and not to Sweeney Todd? Wasn't she still in love with him?

Mr. Todd and Toby finally made it home. Both were angry with Mrs. Lovett but mostly were burning with outermost abhorrence for John Wickham. Toby entered the shop first and proceeded to slouch down into the booth. He placed his head in his arms that were perched on the table. Mr. Todd closed the door behind him and went to the cupboard where he pulled out two glasses and a bottle of rum.

"Mr. T, mum says we ain't aloud ta drink nothin' but the gin. That rum is for the customers only, sir."

"Fine. You can go thirsty then." He started to put one of the glasses back.

"On second thought, wot she don't know won't 'urt 'er." Sweeney grabbed the glass back out of the cupboard. He sat opposite of the boy and poured them their glasses of the apparently forbidden rum. They each started to down their glasses. Toby instantly spat it out.

"Eww! This ain't good like the gin is!" He started to smack his tongue to his lips to rid himself of the taste. Sweeney ignored him.

"So, you were right about Mrs. Lovett liking Mr. Wickham."

"I told ya," Toby sniffed the rum.

"And clearly you didn't keep Wickham away from us long enough."

"So?"

"The plan was for you to distract Wickham so he wouldn't be able to make any more passes at Mrs. Lovett whilst we were at the park. That is why you got me, isn't it? Knowing full well that only I could aid you in your task." Sweeney gulped the rum down in one swig.

"I did!"

"But not long enough! I was just about to convince her that….never mind."

"Convince 'er wot?"

"Drop it, boy," Sweeney snarled. "Because of you, the two are now even closer than ever."

"It's not my fault," the boy mumbled under his breath. Sweeney got up and stared down at the moping boy. He actually felt pity for him. Sweeney could empathize with what Toby was feeling now.

"Toby. Don't worry about it. I still have many more opportunities to try to change Mrs. Lovett's mind about Mr. Wickham." Sweeney left the shop for his own.

Those stirrings had come up again: stirrings or some might call "feelings" for a certain baker. Mr. Todd was pacing, but not the rhythm he normally paced to when Judge Turpin was on his mind; it was the pace he took when he was thinking of Mrs. Lovett. What was compelling him to help the boy of getting rid of Mr. Wickham? Why should he care about who Mrs. Lovett was interested in and seeing? Why had he been kissing her lately? And why was he so fucking obsessed with these thoughts that now plagued his mind? He didn't care, he kept telling himself. He didn't care. He was only helping Toby because he deemed Wickham as suspicious for no apparent reason and wanted to merely get him out of the way so the three of 186 Fleet Street could go on with their "normal" lives. And Sweeney only had been kissing her because….well, he actually had no idea. He thought he was only kissing her at the park to attempt to remind her that she was in love with Sweeney Todd and most certainly not John Wickham in the attempt to get Mrs. Lovett herself to shoo Wickham away−or on a happier not, let Sweeney razor him. But, he seemed to be enjoying the kiss himself and he most certainly was not in love with Eleanor Lovett. Perhaps he only enjoyed the kiss because he had forgotten what a kiss felt like these past 15 years. Yes, that was it, he thought.

And he must have been thinking a damn good amount for the darkness had finally started to encompass London: Night was here. His pacing then became even more heavily rhythmic when he heard the shop door downstairs close.

"Toby! I'm 'ome!"

Nellie scanned her pie shop for any sign of the boy so she could have someone to chat to about how lovely her day with Mr. Wickham had been. She plopped the basket and quilt down in the booth to deal with them tomorrow. She was very much tired from the long day at Hyde Park.

Nellie started on her way to the washroom to prepare for bed. As soon as she finished, she went to the parlour to check on Toby. Surely enough, the lad was sleeping soundly on the sofa. She then noticed the time from one of her clocks on the wall: 11:17. Ah well: she had a marvelous day. She then headed off to her bedroom welcoming her oncoming sleep. Heavens this bed was very comfortable! She instantly started to drift a sleep….but only to be woken before she fell into a much needed slumber, the door creaked open and then closed.

"Mr. T? That you, love?"

"Of course it's me. Who'd ya expect? Mr. Wickham?" He snarled with very much contempt.

She ignored him out of anger as she buried her face into her pillow. He was being a complete arse lately! Well, more some than usual! As the days drawled on, Nellie began to slowly doubt her dreamy and romantic future with Sweeney Todd. Her dreams were slowly fading as reality seemed to take their place. Nellie wasn't falling out of love with him. Never. But, she was losing hope that he would love her back. And then, whilst in the midst of those thoughts about a week ago, John Wickham appeared out of the blue. He was literally the most kindest, sweetest, and gentlest man she had ever become acquitted with. Why wouldn't she fall head over heels for Mr. Wickham? No! It wasn't as though she were in love with the man! Not at all. But to finally receive such kindness back for all the kindness she gave was rather a touching thing. Especially when all a certain barber did for her was little to nothing.

But ever since today at the park, Nellie was confused.

Sweeney grunted and let himself fall into her bed on the right side. He rolled over to face Mrs. Lovett and pulled her away from her pillow into his arms, attempting to get comfortable. Although Sweeney expected her to protest considering the way she was ignoring him and believing her to be mad at him, she did wrap her arms around his neck.

"Why did you kiss me, Mr. Todd?"

He ignored her question and pretended to be asleep. She moved an arm and sort of lightly slapped his cheek. He swatted her hand away, grunted a curse, and then answered:

"Why not? Now go to sleep," he irately said.

"Well then if it means nothin'...don't kiss me then."

It pained her heart to say that. No, it more of crushed it and then obliterated it over and over again. She was on the brink of tears. Not even the bruises caused by Mrs. Mooney could compare to the pain in her chest and the lump in her throat. Sweeney, on the other hand, was clearly shocked at her for saying that. He knew she loved him (as much to his dismay). Why on earth would she say that? She should be in bliss for him kissing her. And then maybe, she would "dump" John Wickham and get on with life without him.

Now Sweeney Todd was confused.

"Why not?"

"Because…" she stuttered as her tears threatened to fall.

"Because what?"

"Because ya obviously don't care for me so why bother kissin' me!" She yelled and turned away from him.

"I care," he whispered into her hair as he continued to keep her in his arms.

"But ya don't love me," she sounded so dreary.

Sweeney waited for a while before responding. He thought long and hard about her comment. He already told and convinced himself that he didn't. Sure, he cared for her as much as anyone cares for their friend. But that was all he thought of Mrs. Lovett as: a friend. Well yes, he had been kissing her a lot, but those were merrily ploys to get Wickham to leave for Toby's sake. Then why were all these questions and thoughts plaguing his mind!?

"No."

Not yet…

The following morning signaled a trip to the market since it marked the start of a new week and called for fresh supplies….and might as well browse for odds-and-ends and perhaps new dresses for the spring and thus summer. And to make this trip even more fun, Mrs. Lovett invited Mr. Wickham to go with her.

John was due any moment now (she had invited him the prior night and told him to pick her up at 9 o'clock). The door opened. However, it was the side door and not the front.

Sweeney, having anticipated her quest to the market with Wickham that morning, waltzed into the pie shop.

"Mr. Todd. What you doin' down 'ere?" Nellie nonchalantly asked. She really didn't care anymore, not when Mr. Wickham was on her mind.

"I thought I'd go with you to the market."

"That's alright, dearie. I'm goin' with John."

"I insist."

At that moment, the front door to the pie shop opened to reveal Mr. Wickham in his top hat and stately coat. He closed the door politely behind him and bowed to Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett.

"Well, it seems we have a rather chilly Monday morning, Eleanor. I do advise you to dawn a coat or shawl, my dear. Hello, Mr. Todd," he added that last part with actual…what was it? Hatred? Well, something very uncharacteristic of John Wickham. Yes, he was indeed mad with Sweeney for him kissing Eleanor.

"Mornin', Mr. Wickham. I thought I'd join you two to the market today," Sweeney wasn't asking if he could come: he was telling them he was going…whether they liked it or not.

"I suppose we should be on our way then," Nellie huffed. Thank you, Mr. Todd! For ruining my date!

She began to walk over to John, who had his arm extended to her expecting her to loop hers though so they could walk together. Sweeney cut her off and wrapped his arm through hers and walked her out the shop and to St. Dunstan's Square. Wickham was flabbergasted. Nonetheless, he walked after them and joined Nellie at her other side that wasn't attached to Mr. Todd.

"Let go," Nellie demanded in a whisper to Sweeney. He, of course, ignored her. She tried another tactic: "Why can't ya jus' let me and John go off ta the market?"

"I don't like him."

"Ahh, so you're jealous, Mr. T!" She grinned.

"No."

"You are."

"Am not."

"Liar!" She laughed (still in a whisper).

"Shut it, woman."

"No way!"

"Why?" He snarled and then grunted in anger. Does she ever shut up?

"Because you're jealous of John!"

"You know, Mrs. Lovett: I have many ways of making you shut up so you'd better do it willingly."

"Ha! Like what?" She snorted.

Luckily, they were now in the market so Sweeney was spared of answering or doing anything. She knew he wasn't going to reply anyway and started to walk to the grocer kiosk to pick up some spices and other delectable treats and what have you. She also managed to break free of Mr. Todd's hold on her and went to loop arms finally with Mr. Wickham. They of course started up their jabbering whilst they shopped. Sweeney remained close to them (or rather Mrs. Lovett).

It seemed as though they were shopping and conversing for hours to Sweeney Todd. In reality, it had probably only been 45 minutes. Wickham's and Todd's arms were full of boxes and bags of all the things Lovett had purchased while she herself remained box-and-bag-less. She led the way to another stand to browse through some coveted jewelry that she could not afford as Wickham and Todd followed. Wickham seemed fine with carry all the stuffs and donned a rather cheery face with a never-faltering smile; Todd, on the other hand, portrayed his signature scowl: his plan was clearly not working today.

Mrs. Lovett was handling a rather gorgeous and pristine string of pearls. She placed them back in their box mumbling something about only blondes looked good in pearls. She was about to pick up an emerald pendant necklace when she heard an all too familiar voice coming from her left:

"That would look rather ravishing on you, Eleanor Lovett."

Nellie spun her head to face Judge Turpin. Fuck…Sweeney immediately took notice to their current "company." He stepped closer to Nellie, never once breaking his gaze from the judge.

Turpin looked away from her to her companions. He brushed over Mr. Todd, not really caring to see him or rather expecting him to be there. He made contact with Mr. Wickham.

"Hello, Mr. Wickham. How are you today?" He smiled as he nodded to the other man.

"Quite fine myself, Your Honor. And you, sir?"

"Lovely, Mr. Wickham. And Mrs. Lovett, perhaps a word with you? I do believe an explanation is in order from our previous engagement." He motioned with his hand for Nellie to follow him to the adjacent alleyway. She, however, took a step back from him as Sweeney moved to stand in front of her. She drew herself closer to his back and shakily put her hands on his left arm.

"She has no need to speak to you, sir," Sweeney spat. He twirled around, grabbed Nellie by wrapping his left arm around her waist, and started to leave.

Nellie wrapped her arms around his left arm (seeing as though his right was clutching her shopping materials) and nuzzled her face into his shoulder, not believing she had just come face to face with the fucking judge yet again and in the market no less. Sweeney tightened his grip around her and pulled her closer to him. He turned his head to cast one last glance at two of his most hated people in the London, neigh in the world. Wickham still had Nellie's other groceries and other items but he knew that blasted "gentleman" would be around again to so "kindly" drop them off. He sneered at them, suppressed the urge to stick his tongue out at Wickham, and merely continued his jaunt back to Fleet Street with Mrs. Lovett on his arm.

Well, there ya have it. I feel as though I had much trouble getting my point across: so I'll just tell you all the gist of it since I feel all jumbled about this chapter (hope you all liked it nevertheless).

So, yes, even though he won't admit it to himself or least of all to her, Sweeney Todd is jealous of John Wickham. Because he won't admit to himself of his jealousy, he says he is merely helping Toby get Wickham to go away. In order to do that, Todd basically tried to win Lovett's heart over (without really trying to do that even) just so she'll dump Wickham. I would say those two (L and W) are in a relationship but because of the time era, they are not boyfriend/girlfriend like in comtemporary society (today's times). Keep in mind the era. Sweeney, being simple-minded and I would go as far as to call him a bit of an idiot, thinks that his stupid plan will work...I don't get it. Lovett is torn between two men now. Toby hates them both but would rather have Todd around out of familiarity and Todd was there before Toby anyway. Does this chapter make sense? I just had trouble writing it.

Thank you all for reviewing!

By the way, the original chapter title was going to be "Cock Block" but I thought that inappropraite for the time period and didn't think that name was invented until recently. Hopefully "Green" makes sense all the same.