A/N I warned you, didn't I? Anyway, I was working a project.. my birthday managed to sneak up on me, and then this chapter wouldn't come out right. 'Tis shorter than the more recent ones I've been working on and hopefully they wont decline again. I'm still very pleased with this though. Enjoy-
26
"James.. What 'ave you been doin'?" Mrs. Lovett's voice remained oddly calm, but her rolling pin came back up at was pointed threateningly at the apothecary.
James lifted his hands in surrender. "No need to be particularly rash, Eleanor."
"Rash?" She growled. "Ya think I'm actin' rashly?!"
There was a sound that could have come from pig being stuck, drawing all eyes to the parlor's door. The beadle was pressed up against the wall, Sweeney pining him there with a razor to his throat.
Even after making the door his destination, Sweeney wasn't completely sure he would find what he was looking for. Finding the beadle attempting to sneak out of it seemed to be some kind of sign that he was heading the right direction. He had been unable to contain himself, and ignoring his injuries had lunged at the man, razor in hand.
The man had squealed, which only served to fuel the barber's delight. He held his razor to the man's thick throat, tickling it with its sharp edge.
Sweeney laughed softly at the man's frightened expression.
Mrs. Lovett stared, positive for a moment that her mind was paying tricks on her. But then Toby was suddenly in her arms, which also made Sweeney's presence real.
"Oh luv, I was so worried!" She practically crushed the boy against her bosom.
"Mum!" He protested, running towards her for reassurance had been his first instinct, and one he was happy to indulge. Yet the sudden sight of the bloodied rolling pin, though undoubtedly having been used on the horde of monsters, cruelly reminded him of the work she did. Toby was suddenly, and very irrationally, afraid of being in her embrace.
She ignored him for a moment longer, still refusing to let go. "I was so worried.."
Coming to the realization there was a group of people in the room, Sweeney decided to deal with the beadle later. Grabbing the man's face, he pulled him forward before smashing the back of his head into the wall. The plump man fell down with a soft thud, and the barber turned around with a satisfied smirk.
A very unsatisfied looking baker was standing in front of him.
"Jus' came 'ere for your revenge, didn't you?!" Mrs. Lovett screeched.
Sweeney stared, not understanding why she was suddenly yelling at him. And a little shocked that she was yelling to begin with.
"You bloody bastard!" Her trusty rolling pin was on a fast track for the side of his head.
He caught her wrist quickly, having no intention of joining the beadle on the floor (and unbeknownst to him, the judge).
"I would have been after you, if it wasn't for that stupid boy!"
"'Ow dare ya call Toby stupid!"
"How dare you assume I would let you die!" He snapped back.
Mrs. Lovett blinked in shock, unsure of how to respond. "Really?" Was all she managed.
Suddenly realizing he had something along the lines of kindness, Sweeney frowned, letting go of her immediately. "Yes." He growled, disliking his new position.
Her eyes brimmed with relieved and joyous tears. The barber looked panicked at the happy look on her face.
"Oh, Mr. T!" Mrs. Lovett sobbed, wrapping her arms around him best she could before burying her head in his chest.
He stiffly patted her back, feeling paralyzed by the pain she was sending through his battered body.
Johanna giggled, Toby frowned and Mayhew gaped. The judge and beadle remained motionless, still unconscious on the floor.
