Mrs. Todd's Sweet and Savory Pies

They stormed through the snow-covered streets. It was Christmas morning and luckily too since no one was out strolling as they normally would be. Sweeney was hot on the trail like a hound, gripping Nellie's hand as he practically dragged her behind him. She was an uneasy wreck the entire walk.

"How could you do this?" she was raving. "Bleedin' infernal blazes below, love." She swore. "We're supposed to put all of this behind us and start new."

"We are." He seethed.

"Then why would you do this?" she went on.

"I didn't like the way that man was looking at you."

Nellie stopped walking, removing her hand from his to place it upon her hip with the other. "Well, now you've really gone barking mad, haven't you?" she snarled. He flashed her a look of urgency to keep moving. "I'm not your property." She said, "You can't go around murdering a man just because he looked at me funny."

He glared into her eyes. "He also placed his hand on you. I didn't say you were my "property" but you are my wife." He stepped closer to her. "And I will not bloody lose my wife again. So yes, pet any man who dares place a hand on you or any future children we become blessed with, will lose that hand, if not their life." He said with a sinister sneer. "And that includes a gander." With that he picked up her hand in his and continued tugging her along.

"Listen dear," Nellie began. "I'm flattered and all. Its just… we're leaving a trail and that's really not wise." She took a stride wider to be by his side instead of on his heels. "Control that damn blood lust of yours alright?" she asked calmly, placing a quick kiss to his cheek. He only grunted in reply, which she figured meant that he would try.

They turned the corner where the body should be laying in the alley across from the pub. The two of them froze in their tracks. Sweeney had his arms outstretched, keeping her behind him. The law looked up and over at the couple. Not even seconds later, just as their brows were knitting in suspicion of why this couple would so close to the crime scene. Before they could question them, Nellie let out a piercing scream. She covered her face in her hands and buried herself in her husband's shoulder. "Oh how terribly dreadful. On Christmas day." She cried.

Sweeney shook himself from a daze, how he keeps forgetting how bloody brilliant Nellie is was beyond him. He matched her charade and placed his hand over her back. "It'll be alright my dear." One of the officers approached them across the street. He looked young and reminded Sweeney of Anthony.

"Do you know him?" he asked.

Nellie shook her head. "No," Sweeney muttered. "We're just out for a morning stroll. Heading to the market."

The officer's demeanor turned friendly. "Ah, they do have a few birds left. Get you a nice goose for today. I'm sorry for the sight. We're trying to clean it up and find the poor bloke's family before more people flood the streets." He tipped his hat to the pair, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas." Sweeney chimed. Him and Nellie who was still pretending to be a frail frightened woman, nodded to the officer and continued on, passing the next corner and out of sight. On this side of the town, they were near the shore. And took a quick detour to where the snow turned to sand. Out of view of the law, Sweeney stopped walking to lift Nellie into his arms and placing a large, wet kiss to her lips.

"What was that for?" she smiled, her feet still dangling in the air by his shins.

"No reason." He kissed her again before letting her down. "I think my ears will bleed and you're a bloody genius."

She flashed him a coy smile. "You doubt my talents?" she laughed with glee, placing herself in his arms once more. "You strangled him?"

"I didn't have any weapons."

Nellie placed both her hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. "No more killings." She said in a stern voice. "I mean it. He was the last."

"No more." Sweeney echoed.

"Good." Nellie pulled his lips to hers before releasing him and making her way to the market.

They bought a nice goose, along with more fruits, vegetables. Nellie was planning to go all out, a grand dinner with the cooked goose, cranberry pie, potatoes and all. It was getting later in the morning and the two were halted by another couple waving at them and crossing their path. "Morning, happy holidays." The elder looking gentleman said. He held out his hand to Sweeney. "Mr. Taylor, sorry haven't had the chance to introduce ourselves before, we're your neighbors. Next door in the blue cottage, we just got back from travels a couple weeks back and saw the once vacant house next door was occupied."

"Mr. Oakley, this is my wife Margery." Sweeney replied.

"A pleasure." Nellie smiled at the two. Her gaze lingered on the brunette hanging off of Mr. Taylor's arm. She was eyeing Nellie up and down as if she was some sort of feral alley cat.

"This is my wife Anna," he said. The woman who was much younger than her husband flashed the fakest smile Nellie has ever seen in the pair's direction. "We'd love for you to come over sometime." She said, her gaze tore into Nellie. "I heard you singing in the square on Christmas Eve. It was quite lovely, a bit bizarre." Both Nellie and Sweeney looked at her, brows raised in question.

"Just spreading the holiday spirit." Nellie told her.

"It looked more like you were running a charity."

A tight smile graced her thin lips, "Well maybe I was." The woman's and her husband's eyes widened in alarm. "Pleasure meeting you, we must be going, goose to cook and all." They exclaimed they're "Merry Christmas's" and went their separate ways. The Taylor put their heads close together and were clearly whispering about the two of them.

Nellie glanced over her shoulder at the pair. "I didn't like the way she was looking at me."

"I'm sure she was just being cheeky." Sweeney exclaimed.

"Was anyone around when you killed that man?"

"No."

"Are you certain?"

He looked in her eyes, muttering an honest "No." Nellie continued to look concerned. "I could take care of them." Sweeney offered.

"No," she said just as quickly. "Leave it be." A happy smile returned to her face. "Soon we'll have enough money to where I can open my shop and we'll make enough earnings that we can leave this place a find a better home elsewhere."

"Anything you say pet."

They spent the rest of this merry day fighting off negative thoughts and worries by sipping on red wine and playing cards in between the preparations for dinner. And the dinner ended up being the most wonderful thing they've had in a long time. Nellie kept the dinner simple since they were in the midst of saving money. The goose was the only real expense. She prepped it alongside mashed potatoes with onions, roasted vegetables, and a cranberry pie. They ended a lovely holiday by reading till it got too late and snuggled into bed.

A week later, with the Christmas tree taken down, Nellie received a late present from her Aunt.

"Sweeney!" She screamed from the top of her lungs making him jump from inside the kitchen.

"It's far too early in the morning for you to be this noisy." He complained.

Nellie stood at the door, holding the envelope full of the currency from her Aunt Nettie, a look of pure glee and disbelief on her face.

"When did you write to your aunt?" He asked her after counting the pounds sent to them.

"Oh awhile back," Nellie brushed off.

He looked at her sternly. "And you get after me for killing a man when you're over here sending out letters."

"This is different." She said, snatching the envelope away from him to read what her aunt wrote.

"You don't see how much of a danger this is?" Sweeney continued.

Nellie let out an exasperated sigh. "Apparently I'm dead, she's the only family I have left, I needed to tell her that I was alright." Sweeney's eyes grew wide on disapproval. "It's not like I put my name down anywhere. I signed "your niece". I didn't mention anything about Fleet Street other than I moved away and remarried." He still looked unconvinced. "Trust me love, I know to be careful."

He shook his head with sigh, "Anything you say."

He walked off leaving Nellie to sink into the couch by the fire and read through the letter. Her aunt Nettie was worried sick about her, writing pages and pages, asking questions Nellie didn't know how to answer, or if she even should answer. Why did she remarry? Did she leave Fleet Street due to the murders? And if news of the murders has reached Nettie, they've reached almost every soul in England, at least those that read the pamphlets and news. Nellie shuddered wondering how to explain everything to her aunt. All she could think to do was to write back with a thank you for the money and assuring that she was alright, and hope that would be enough. She didn't want to have to remove her family from her life, her aunt and cousin that were closer to her than her actual siblings and mother, but unfortunately, she may have to one day. This was the life she's chosen; she would have to face the coincidences.

She stopped her grim thoughts to think of happier things. With this much money from her rich aunt Nettie, she could now open her shop.

One problem occurred with Nellie opening her shop, and it was that this was the mid-19th century, and a woman couldn't sign the contract to own a property. Upon buying the run-down shop she'd hope to use, the elderly gentleman who sold it to her didn't ask much questions other than if she was married or not. Nellie would have to get Sweeney to sign a contract at Grimsby's town hall. An easy enough feat that she may have to bait her eyelids and pout for.

"Oh, husband of mine," she sang joining him in the kitchen. He grunted a low "Hm?" in reply.

"Since I have the money now, there's something I need your help with." She sat at the table next to him, dazzling her big brown eyes. "The shop isn't exactly mine. Yet." She added, he cocked his brows her way. "I put down the first month's rent just to ensure it'll be mine, so no other person swoops in and takes it of course. However, since I'm a woman I can't sign the contract with the town— "

"You want me to sign the shop in my name?" He caught on.

"Yes please." She smiles.

He leaned back in his chair, "It'll be in my name and I'll have to probably be there most the time..." he teased. "Very well." He said causing her to grin, lean over and pepper his face in kisses.

"I love you my dear." She stood up from the table.

"You owe me." He quipped.

"Oh? Do I now?" She laughed. "Sorry, I have a business to plan for, I'm far too busy." He snickered. She laughed as well, "I jest, love. I would like to try again."

He shook his head at her, "No."

"No?"

"You're not ready yet. We can't force these things so I shouldn't tempt you."

"You're not tempting me if it's what I want." She spoke.

He stood up from the table and crossed the kitchen placing a kiss to her cheek. "I need a new book; I'm going to the library." He said walking towards the door.

"Pick me out something." Nellie called after him.

She grabbed paper and a pencil and scribbled down recipes to start showcasing on her menu. No matter how much she focused on her very near future shop, her mind kept wandering back to sleeping with her barber. She's been thinking a lot, why she's not over her trauma. Yes, these things take time, but she's starting to think that something may be wrong with her. There's something about the act that is triggering her trauma and she needs to find out what such thing could be so she can overcome it. She put her pencil down as an idea hit her. She needed to get into the bath.

She lit the fireplace in the washroom and filled the tub with nice warm water stepping in, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips. Her plan was to be in the bath when Sweeney returned home. It is unlikely that he would immediately drop the library books, and strip his clothes to join her, but honestly, Nellie just wanted to see his expression. They haven't done anything intimately since Christmas Eve. It's honorable of him to step off to let her heal, but she's healed enough. It's a new year now. And things will need to change.

The water was up to her nose as she sighed impatiently setting off a ripple of bubbles. How long was he going to bloody take? She was starting to freeze, even with the burning fire place beside her. With the click of the front door opening, she shot up into the tub, her back straightening.

"Nell?"

"In here." She called, a playful grin spreading on her face.

He opened the washroom door and froze to the sight before him. His lips set in a thin line, not know what to say. After what felt like hours, he cleared his throat and held up a book to her. "Will this do?" She paid no mind to the title and arched her back even taller, exposing herself to him. "It's something to do with witches," he said looking at the inside pages. "And it reminded me of you."

Her brows rose. "Was that supposed to insult me?"

He dropped the book by his side with a scoff. "Why are you taking a bath at this time of day?"

"Just wanted to." she said running her fingers along the top of the water.

"Well get out, you'll catch a chill." He made like he was going to leave her there and close the door.

"Love," she sang to stop him. He turned to face her and she held up a bottle of shampoo. "Be a dear and help me with my hair." She pouted.

He sighed, setting the books down on the table and leaning on the ground behind the tub. "How did you wash your hair without me all these years?" he teased.

"Hmm, maybe I didn't." she relaxed, enjoying the feeling of his craftsman fingers running through her locks. "You fancy my hair; I know you do."

"It's very lovely." He spoke. "Especially when it's down like this."

Once all the soap was rinsed from her hair, Sweeney remained by her side throwing her off guard. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kneaded the tension from her bones. Once he felt he was finished and she was satisfied, he reached out his hand helping her out of the bath and handing her the towel. "Thank you," she spoke drying off her skin. She dropped the towel to the floor to retrieve her clothes, not bothered whether he'd see her or not. He didn't turn away either, they gotten used to seeing each other in the nude. She couldn't stop the blush from spreading as he stopped ad stared. "Are you going to pay me?" she chuckled.

He looked into her eyes, before grabbing her squealing half naked form and kissing her lips. "There's your payment." She laughed and playfully fell into his lap where he was seated on the tub's rim. "I know what you're doing." He spoke. "I'm still going to give you space tonight. You're not ready."

She removed herself from him without a word, and tied her corset around her breasts. "I'm doing this for your own good." He said to her back.

"What about our deal?" she asked spinning around.

"I can wait. All good things come to those who can. Isn't that what you once said."

"I'm tired of waiting." She cried, ashamed that the truth spilled out of her. The last thing she wanted was to upset him or to embarrass herself underneath the sheets again.

"I'd like release as well Nellie," he said standing up to hug her from behind but she flung on her dress and opened the washroom door stepping into the living area. "Do you want to have sex now tonight?"

"No," she stopped to think, not wanting to argue with him. "I'm not mad at you love, I know you're just trying to help me. I'm ashamed and mad at myself." Not expecting or wanting the tears that suddenly spilled down her cheeks. Feeling embarrassed, she hid her face from him and retreated into the bedroom.

"If you're not ready, then don't tantalize me." He called after her. Once he saw the tears on her cheek, he softened and tried to follow her but she closed the door to their bedroom. "I'm sorry pet," he spoke to the door. "It's not your fault." He muttered softly.

That next morning, Sweeney got dressed and toast and jam for his wife. Something urged him to be kind so he was. He slept on the couch the night before not wanting to bother Nellie, to let her get out her emotions in peace. While the jam was bubbling over the fire she emerged from the bedroom, her hair a frizzy, wild crimson mess of beauty.

"This was a good read." She said setting a book down on the table. The one about witches that Sweeney picked up on a whim at the library the day prior. She yawned loudly and poured herself some tea.

"You finished it in one night?" Sweeney asked stirring the jam.

"Mhm," she half mumbled as her head collapsed on her outstretched arm over the kitchen table.

"Did you get any sleep, pet?" he spoke setting a late of jammed toast in front of her.

She lifted up her head and got a good view of the dark circles under her eyes, in fact she looked profoundly depressed. "No," she spoke grabbing her tea cup.

"Well, perhaps signing the contract for a shop we'll both own will lift your spirits." Even saying the words added some more life to her face as she smiled softly, taking a bite of toast. "Have you thought up a name?"

"Mrs. Oakley's Bakery?" she said with a frown. "Of course, I'd prefer it to say Mrs. Todd's."

"Mrs. Todd's Sweet and Savory Pies." He pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket that he planned to surprise her with. "Except in this case it'll be Oakley's."

Her eyes grew wide and she sat up straight in her chair. She placed a hand over her mouth trying to hide her grin. "Oh love." She stared in awe at the flyer advertising the shop scribbled in his penmanship.

"I had trouble sleeping as well." She stood up and made her way over to where he was seating at the table and placed herself into his lap, hugging him tight. "I love you." She mused, her cheek resting on top of his head.

After breakfast, they dressed for the cold weather and walked arm in arm to the town hall. Sweeney signed his alias Sebastian Oakley and Mrs. Oakley's Sweet and Savory Pies was officially theirs. Flyers were to be printed in a couple weeks for them to hang around town and Nellie was practically dancing through the streets. Where she found the energy was beyond Sweeney. He was hoping they would be by the fire napping in each other's arms after meeting with the mayor but Nellie insisted on looking for furniture to go into the shop, now that they had the money to furnish the building and make it look decent.

After browsing furniture, she dragged him to the inside of the shop. Which didn't look as bad as the outside made it seem. With a disgruntled sigh, Sweeney was trapped helping his wife clean up the interior before throwing in the towel, or cleaning rag, and laid down on top of the countertop.

He closed his eyes to what was a peaceful few minutes before a dust cloth landed on his face. "Love, stop being lazy."

He sat up with a groan. "We've been at this for hours. I want to be home."

She flashed a lovely toothy smiled his way. "You're like a child."

"I rather be creating a child than doing this." he spoke.

"All in good time dear." She mused making him chuckle. "My spirits have been lifted drastically, so who knows." She smirked. "I'm almost finished with the back room, then we'll go." She disappeared through an archway. "And it'll go by much quicker if you help me." She said poking her head out.

About a month passed when the shop was fully ready to open. The only problem was that on the day of the grand opening, a blizzard blew through Grimsby and trapped everyone in their homes. Despite what the flyers around town said, the opening of Mrs. Oakley's pies would have to be the next day, or couple days depending on the weather. This gave the former barber and baker plenty of time to practice recipes. Since Nellie wasn't exactly comfortable with Sweeney manning the counter, she planned on having him be back up help in the kitchen while she did practically everything else. A strange strategy but it could be done, she's run a shop on her own plenty of times before. Dealing with patrons in the food business was far different than shaving a one man at a time. The poor dear would throw a tantrum and rip their throats open she was just sure of it.

They spent the snowy day reading by the fire mostly. Nellie was thankful for the peaceful cozy nature before their days would be hectic and busy in the weeks to come. After dinner when the sky turned dark and the moon popped out, she was sick and tired of reading. She stared out the window watching the snow fall before falling beside Sweeney on the settee.

"I'm bored." She declared after a sigh. She moved to lean against him. "Sweeney, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Tell me about being in Australia?"

"Why?"

She sat up and crossed her legs on the settee facing him, "I'd like to know what it was like."

He was silent for a long time, staring down at his book but not reading it since the seconds we're ticking by and he hasn't turned a page.

"Do you not remember?"

"I remember." He spoke softly still staring at the page. "After being handed over to the government, they gave us separated us and sentenced our punishments based on what crime we committed. What punishments does a man sentenced with foolishness entail?" he looked her way finally.

"Something sweaty and grueling." She spoke. "What was the false crime? Theft? Arson?"

"It didn't matter. They wanted to break our spirits. Even after the sentence was up, around eight to fourteen years, they expected the men to never return. And most of them didn't. The female convicts would marry to an Australian man as quick as they could to save themselves from some of the male convicts and the hard labor. I felt most misery for the boys that were sent there. A couple occasions I would weep for them." He noticed her tearful and sad expression. "I shouldn't talk about such things."

"I'm sorry, you had to go through that. I can't imagine how awful. I don't think I ever asked how you escaped?"

"On the ship I found out they weren't planning on sending me to back to Britain but to another Island. I jumped the ship, they left me there in the ocean to die. And I almost did if it wasn't for a young lad who sailed by."

"I'm glad you jumped off." Nellie said with a small smile.

"I am too."

The winter cold passes, flowers began to poke through the melted snow. The new pie shop was doing beautifully well. They had a huge rush of customers in the beginning weeks, but now business has slowed down to a steady flow of those wanting sweet and savory treats. Most people came in the later afternoon to take a pie to go after a hard work day. Mrs. Oakley was happy to help them.

Sweeney's been the best help to her. At least, he hasn't killed or gotten into a fight with any of the customers. As far as their little deal was concerned. They've been so busy with opening the shop that they haven't even noticed to try and spice up things at the cottage. Or at least, that was their excuse. It was something that rest in the back of Nellie's mind constantly. Time was moving by far to quickly soon they'll be in the town of Grimsby for an entire year and it has been a year since they've left Fleet Street all together. They weren't getting any bloody younger and Nellie was certain that her trauma was long past her now. After dinner she tried again to convince her husband that she's ready to put their plan into motion.

"Love?" she approached Sweeney after dinner that night.

"You're going to ask about our deal?"

"Let's try again, many months have gone by this our last go of it. The weather is warmer now and I know. I just have a feeling that tonight will be the night." She said full of enthusiasm.

He approached her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You sure about this? I may not hold back pet, I really like some release."

"As would I. It'll be fine love." She pecked his lips. They turned out the lights in the living area.

"I have a plan, my pet."

"Oh?" she asked, brows raised in excitement.

"Let's experiment a bit." She was already in her nightgown, a force of habit, clearly. He placed his hands over her gown and slowly pulled the fabric off her shoulders, letting her sleep wear fall to the floor. "Go under the blankets so you don't shiver."

"I think I'll be fine, love." She spoke hooking her fingers under the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head, up his arms, tossing it aside. Without even warning him she untied the lace of his drawers and stroked him slowly.

After his moans of pleasure, he led her to the bed. He placed himself between her legs, his strokes were slow and gentle, he didn't want to overwhelm her but part of him desperately wanted to plunge inside and get this over with. He peppered her neck in kisses, savoring the scent of her skin. Once he felt she was ready, he buried himself into her. Nellie arched her back, frowning a bit of the pain she was feeling. Sweeney started out gentle but quickly began to lose himself. The gentleman was killed by the demon.

Part of her was screaming to let him do as he pleases. However, she could feel her trauma easing back, she stared at the ceiling demanding her mind to calm down. She focused on the tiny crack on the upper right wall, the way the curtains hung making a strange shape in the candlelight shadow. One of Sweeney's thrusts was harder and deeper than the others. She almost couldn't stand it and not in the pleasure sort of way. She accidentally let a whimper escape her lips, Sweeney didn't react, perhaps he thought she was enjoying this. And Part of her was. The feeling wasn't the problem. She loved him and was proud that she was able to handle their coupling so far. She wishes she was able to enjoy it.

Nellie tried to give in, to feel the pleasure that was there somewhere. The painful memory seems to draw everything out. The bleeding moon, as she named the experience of that night, crept into her vision once more. She screamed at herself to fight it. Sweeney usually checks on her and stops without having to ask. This time he kept thrusting as if just getting through this would be helpful for her. Maybe it would be. She didn't want him to stop, but if he did stop so would the pain. It's all very confusing and Nellie started getting infuriated. Angry tears streamed down her face.

"Stop." She whispered but knew he heard, for his motions slowed.

They slowed but didn't stop. He did think he was helping her. Well, it wasn't working the pain wasn't subsiding, the mental pain that is. Even looking at the window to her right to see the waves crashing on the shore wasn't enough. It was a warm night so the window was open, and even the sound wasn't enough. "Sweeney. Stop."

He kept going. A white-hot rage suddenly filled her vision. Just make it end. Make this pain end. It was all because of him, she can't even enjoy lovemaking with the love of her life, something she's wanted for so long and she finally has it in her hands and its all be spoiled. All because of this one bloody, damned, piece of shit of a bounty hunter who took her dream and her love away from her. And that foul rich drunken idiot who thought he could seduce her with tips and drag her behind the pub. She's sick of all these damn men. She buckled her thighs causing Sweeney to actually stop his movements and while not directed at him but because he was in the way, she forced herself into a seated position and landed a blow to his right eye.

"Nellie, you bloody wretch." He hollered in her direction a hand over his eye.

She was already out the door, flung a long coat over herself, buttoned it up to her neck and was racing down the beach towards the sea.

She had no recollection of how long she laid in the sand and cried. She was absolutely certain that Sweeney would hate her now. That he would never touch her again. Would he leave her? Or would they live out their days, working in the pie shop never touching or speaking to each other again. She curled into a ball as sobs raced through her ribcage. If her external scars have healed why won't the internal ones.

Nellie lays in the sand unresponsive even when Sweeney shadows over her. "Nell. You can't stay out here all night."

"I'll let the tide wash me away." she spoke softly, not looking at him.

"Now you're just being dramatic."

Her fit had worn off leaving her feeling numb. She rolled over to look into his face that was leaned over her. His eyes were full of concern. His eye. She sat up to get a closer look in the moonlight. Her fingers gingerly graced under his right eye that was now swollen and bruised. She placed a hand over her mouth wanting to sob again. "Oh love, I'm so sorry." Tears rolled down her cheeks again. "I can't believe I… how could I have done this to you."

"Its alright. It wasn't directed at me was it?"

"No, it was…" she sniffles, "the cruelty of man."

He almost smiled at that. He helped her up and they walked back inside their home.

"I feel horrible." Nellie said as they laid in the dark, sleep purposefully staying away from them. Nellie glanced at the time when she came in, it had just turned midnight, it was going to be a long night.

"I'm sorry as well. I got carried away." he spoke.

She turned to face him. "I did enjoy it Sweeney. Its just the memories of that night, I don't know how to keep them at bay."

"Perhaps it's the position?" her eyes shown confusion in the dark. "With me being on top and forcing my way into you, maybe it feels too dominating and it scares you, reminds you of that night."

She considered his words. "We won't try again tonight." He spoke.

She almost laughed, "I want to, but I know my body wouldn't be prepared."

He reached out and graced her cheek with his finger, he traced her jaw line. "I've been meaning to tell you; how beautiful you've become. You're much more beautiful now, since being out of London. Not sure if it's the lighting, the different color of dresses, or how your hair is always down, you're more beautiful here."

She was in shock by his sweet demenour.

To surprise her again, he started singing, as if he was lulling her asleep. "Pretty women. Fascinating. Sipping coffee. Dancing! Pretty women. Sitting in the window. Or standing on the stair. Something in them chills the air. Blowing out the candles or combing out their hair. Even when they leave, they still are there. Ah, pretty women." She successful managed to drift off to sleep as did he.

Nellie's eyes opened hoping to see the light of the morning sun but only the glow of the moon. Was this night never going to end? She rolled onto her back with a sigh. Sweeney was dead asleep, she could hear his steady breaths. After piecing together that his speech and song was not a dream, she smiled warmly at him. How far they have come. A wave crashed on the sand and it seemed louder than all the others, drawing her attention to the opened window. She rested her head against the pillow and listened to the sea. She closed her eyes actually feeling relaxed and content once more. Her lids flew open again as she recalls a memory. She sat up in bed, rushing over the wardorobe and pulling out her bathing dress.

"Sweeney." She tapped on his shoulder. "Sweeney wake up." She pressed her lips to his and his eyes opened in alarm.

"What? What's happened?" his drowsy voice spoke in alarm.

"I need you put this on." She handed his black and white stripped bathing drawers to him.

After a confused couple minutes, and Nellie desperately trying to arouse him, which didn't take long if he was honest. She was practically dragging him out to the sea. "What are we doing?" he asked.

"Why do you think I wanted you aroused?" she spoke.

He looked to her, then to the beach around them, and the fact that it was still the middle of the night. "No, this is… it's after two in the morning. It's a bit chilly."

"We'll warm ourselves up." She could tell he wanted to trudge back inside and return to sleep. "Sweeney, you were right. It's the position. We need to try something different."

"I didn't mean this."

"Please." She swallowed and found her pride. "I know this won't make sense but I woke up suddenly and I remembered seeing this girl."

"What girl?"

"When I was sick with the infection, and I had that terrible fever."

"It was terrifying, go on."

"I know it was just the fever but I hallucinated this girl. She had bright red curls and she called me mum." He didn't look convinced and had his arms folded like he was cold. "And then when I got better you mentioned wanting a daughter again and we made the deal. And this has been in the back of my mind for awhile now. I know it's silly, but…" her chest of heaving, the wind was blowing lightly, brushing her hair into her face.

"You don't think that the girl you hallucinated is our daughter?"

"I know it sounds ridiculous…I have a feeling this is hitting me now for a reason and…" she sighed loudly, "I can't explain it, but I bloody love you and I'm finally feeling something that's not misery so shut up and get over here and fuck me."

He scoffed. A smile spread over his lips. "Eminently practical as always my dear."

The water was up to their knees, they sunk down where the waves lapped against their shoulders. Nellie positioned herself on his lap and they stared into each other eyes. The moon was full and beautiful, she got full view of how beautiful when she rolled her head back screaming in pleasure at last.