"Lucy..." Sweeney Todd whispered, tears stinging the back of his eyes.

"Benjamin? Benjamin! Oh my god!" Lucy ran from her spot outside the shop and into her husband's arms.  She placed fast and hungry kisses on his face as they hugged in the street.  As she continued to utter his birth-given name of  "Benjamin", he ignored the dull pain of the memories that the name brought on.

"Ben...I've been waiting so long." She said as she put her hand upon his pale face.  He moaned at the touch and finally let the tears fall down his cheeks.  Lucy couldn't help but notice that the once bright, sparkling eyes staring before her had lost their usual sheen; they had grown sunken and tired.  Her Benjamin's peach colored face had grown pale over the years with worry and exhaustion.  His hair had grown out and a long white streak made him look older.  She wiped away the tears from his face and pulled him in close.

Sweeney couldn't help but let go of everything.  He wasn't ashamed to cry in front of the woman.  He finally had his Lucy, and soon, he would see Johanna for the first time since he had been taken away.  Many things were happening again; things that haven't taken place for years.  It's been a long time since he's felt this happy.  It's the first time he's ever really smiled.  The face that had aways conveyed the look of worry had finally relaxed and showed the most genuine smile he's ever given.  He finally felt like Benjamin Barker was alive and well.

"Where's Johanna?" Sweeney asked quietly, taking his wife's hand into his.  Lucy blushed as she led him into the shop and to the staircase. "I've changed my name, you know." Todd hesitantly said as they made their way up the stairs. "It's Sweeney Todd now, but I would love for you to continue calling me, Benjamin." The name seemed awkward when it was spoken from his mouth.

"Well I assure you Mr. Barker, you've been known as Benjamin by me and you always will.  And your daughter only knows you by that name." Lucy said as they stopped in front of the door. Sweeney took a deep breath and wiped his sweat-soaked hands onto his slacks.  He never knew anyone could ever be this nervous.  He swallowed hard, but relaxed his tense body as he noticed Lucy smiling sweetly at his sudden shyness.  She gave a small giggle and knocked on the door.

"Johanna?  Are you there?"  She called out.  A shuffling could be heard from the room and Sweeney heard the girl inside clear her throat.

"Yes Mum!" A small voice called out from the room. "Why do you ask?"

"I want you to meet somebody."

Todd looked at Lucy in question and when she gave a nod in approval, he tightly gripped the knob and he began opening the door.  He entered the room and Lucy followed behind him as he walked toward the form of a young woman; her back turned towards him and looking out the window.  The sight nearly sent him crying again.  She had the beautiful wheat blonde hair, just as her mother's and a voice soft as the chirping of birds.  The girl in front of her was just the way he thought Johanna ought to be.  All he needed to see was her pretty face.  As he stepped closer, he felt his hand reach out to touch her shoulder.  His fingers finally made contact with her soft, pale blue dress; his knuckles barely touching her hair.  Johanna giggled and when she turned around--

Sweeney woke up with a stifled yell and his forehead damp with a cold sweat.  As he looked at his surroundings, he noticed things were dark and dreary again.  No sunlight coming was through the window and the wallpaper was the color of sulfur instead of the bright yellow that Lucy had picked out long ago.  He got up from the barber's chair and put on his coat.  Just as he walked over to the vanity, a knock came at the door and a man walked in.  He smiled as the man sat in the chair, removing his hat and asking for a quick shave.   He grabbed one of his razors from the desk.  He lathered up the man's face and a few seconds later, the sharp blade of his companion was at the neck.  Another customer.  Another opportunity.  Another throat...

"Another one for her."  Sweeney said, grabbing the man's head to hold him still.