Habits

Return

"M-mum?" Toby was dumbfounded. Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett kissing?!

Toby watched as Nellie shoved a growling Sweeney off of her.  Mr. Todd turned to glare at Toby before pulling on a shirt his eyes still fixed on the boy.  Nellie watched in exasperation as the two stared at each other in hatred.

"Toby dear," Nellie started before the lad cut her off angrily.

"Ya never listen!" He yelled at her catching Sweeney's attention as he noticed Nellie freeze in surprise, "I've tried to tell ya Mista Todd is only gonna hurt ya mum!  He's evil! The men that go into his shop never come out! When will ya wake up and see it! He isn't ya Prince Charming he's a murderer!"

Sweeney tensed whipping around his brown eyes now black in anger.

"You better shut the hell up boy." He said the anger inside him building rapidly.

Tobg refused, stupidly.

"NO! I won't let you win! Mum deserves a good man, not you!"

Todd flicked open his razor and Nellie gasped worriedly.

"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH BOY!!!" Todd roared.  Toby stood his ground trying to look unfazed but still showing his fear.

Sweeney noticed the boy tense and stood taller making himself appear even more dominant.

Toby looked at Nellie before yelling, close to tears, "Don't ya see mum? He's evil, he don't care about ya! Why do ya gotta be so dull sometimes? Just kick 'im out ya don't need 'im!"

Sweeney grabbed the boys shoulder his grip tight enough to make Toby wince.

"You don't talk to women like that lad, now learn your damn manners before I take you back to the workhouse where you belong, consider yourself lucky you ended up with such a kind woman as Mrs. Lovett."

Tears sprung to Toby's eyes making Sweeney even more annoyed.

"Shape yourself up boy, your a man you don't cry."  Sweeney snarled before smacking him and storming out of the room.

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Nellie sat on the settee with a crying Toby in her arms.  Sweeney had passed out on her bed with a bottle of gin a short while ago.  After he had struck Toby, Nellie and him had had a long argument and of course Sweeney had turned to alcohol.

Nelloe was also slightly disappointed that Toby had driven Sweeney to the breaking point but she was even more angry at the barber for even considering hitting the boy.  He'd been shaking for the past hour in her arms especially after she had told him she was in love with Sweeney.  Toby was horrified that she loved such an evil man, he seemed to hate her and was so horrible to his mum he didnt understand how she could love him.

The door to Nellie's room opened and Sweeney stumbled out so obviously drunk.  The bloody bastard had already finished off three bottles of gin and it looked as if he had found a fourth.  Next time she went to the market he was paying for the gin.  As he turned to the living room his eyes fell to Nellie's slightly exposed chest.  Eleanore saw the lust sparkling in his eyes and knew what was coming.

"Alrighty Toby, why don't ya head to the market and get yaself some toffees."

Toby was reluctant at first, he didn't want the barber to be around her alone, but seeing the serious look in her eyes he took the money she offered him.  Slowly walking out the door he could only think of what was about to happen.

Nellie watched Sweeney nervously as he took slow, heavy steps towards her.  His eyes scanned her up and down focusing mainly on her exposed skin.  Eleanore felt uncomfortable, she never liked seeing him drunk, it scared her.  The last time he'd been drunk he'd burned himself by tripping near the fire place.

About to leave the room hoping to escape before he could say anything she paused hearing him begin to talk.

"Aand wheere do youu think your goiing pet?" He asked his words slurred.

Nellie stayed silent as she felt his hands wrap around her waist.  His lips toyed with her earlobe and he held her tightly not allowing her to move.

"Sweeney... Please..."

"Pleease whatt pet?" He whispered pressing his lips to her neck.  She could smell the alcohol on him, it made her feel sick.  She didn't want this, if he was going to kiss her she wanted it to be out of love not because he was drunk.

She turned slowly looking into his hazy eyes.  He kissed her roughly not noticing her tears as he moved his hands down to her thighs.

Eleanore looked up hopefully hearing the bell to her shop ringing and the sound of quick footsteps.  Pushing Sweeney away from her.  She rushed into the kitchen.  Wiping away her tears she grabbed her apron and tied it quickly.  Finally looking up at her customer she gasped.

"Johanna?"

A/N: I have a vague plan but I can say there's a LOT more drama to come.  Hope this is a good chapter.  Thanks for reading!