Habits

A Life Together My Pet

Sweeney exited the carriage and helped Nellie, Johanna, and Toby out after him.

"Get to the ship now." He whispered firmly to Nellie, "I'll hold off the guards,"

"Sweeney they're strong than you, I don't want you getting hurt."

"Nell, I'm a strong man, I survived 15 years in prison without my family. I've only given up once, I'm not going to again." Sweeney tilted her head up so she looked him in the eyes, "I love you, and I fight knowing I finally have a chance at a life with you."

Nellie nodded and turned to hurry to the ship with Johanna and Toby.

"Mr. Todd, I am afraid you won't be able to get away this time."

Sweeney heard the guards slowly walking towards him. He reached for his razor... it wasn't there, he rummaged through his pocket, desperately trying to find it. His eyes flitted to the carriage. There on the wet cobblestone street was his razor, shimmering in the moonlight.

"Nell!" He called put.

Nellie turned to see Sweeney sprint forward.

"They're after me! Go back and grab my razor for protection. Once you board the ship safely I'll join you if I'm far enough ahead."

Nellie nodded and slowly walked back to the chariot staying out of the view of the guards. Grabbing his razor dhr now bolted for the ship, Johanna and Toby close behind.

"Get up," she whispered to Johanna, "I'm going to wait for your father,"

Johanna nodded pulling Toby onto the ship that rocked slowly in the water. Just as Sweeney came into view on the dark docks a guard jumped in front of him, wrapping his arm around Todd's throat. Sweeney struggled trying to get free but it was useless.

Sweeney couldn't breathe, the guards grip continued to tighten. He was seeing stars and everything started to fade. He stopped struggling and crumpled to the ground, still unable to breathe. Suddenly the grip was released and a warm, thick liquid splattered against his back. The sound of choking echoed through the docks but it wasn't Sweeney. He opened his eyes to see the bloodied body of the guard on the ground in front of him.

Sweeney held his throat, breathing heavily.

"We 'ave to go now Sweeney!" Nellie yelled worriedly.

He couldn't move, his breath was too far gone for him to stand.

"Give..." He coughed, small specs of blood flying from his mouth, "give me my razor..."

Nellie placed it in his hands and he pushed her lightly.

"Now go, I won't ask again."

Nellie cried softly seeing him in such a horrible state. He coughed again more blood spilling from his throat.

"Go!" He yelled hoarsely.

Nellie backed away as the last two men cornered Sweeney. As she ran she heard the sound of a body hitting the ground. Heavy footsteps followed after her and she knew it was Sweeney. She pulled herself onto the ship and grabbed his hand pulling him on board.

As they fell to the floor of the ship in each others arms Sweeney heard Toby call out.

"We're all on!"

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Sweeney opened his eyes to the sun shining through the wood below deck. Someone's head was on his shoulder. He figured it was Nellie but he then remembered he'd allowed her and Johanna to take the only bed on the ship. He turned his head to see Toby, fast asleep against him. For reasons he didn't understand Sweeney didn't want to wake up the young lad who looked so peaceful.

He picked Toby up, careful not to move him to much and placed him gently on the edge of the mattress where Nellie slept. When the boy seemed comfortable Sweeney shuffled up the stairs and was hit with a wave of light. The sound of water crashing against the ship was almost comforting. It had been forever since he'd breathed fresh air and felt the wind in his hair.

"Hello sir!" Sweeney heard a cheerful voice sound behind him.

Turning he saw a young man who looked awfully familiar.

"I'm Collin Hope!" The man said holding out his hand.

Sweeney took it in his own and shook it still trying to figure out who he was.

"I must ask sir, do you by chance know my brother, he passed away a few months back but he told me of a man like you,"

"Your brother is..." suddenly everything clicked, "Anthony Hope?"

"Yes!" Collin nodded, "you do know him then?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I was close to being part of his family."

Collin tilted his head, confused.

"Sorry?"

"Your brother and my daughter left London together."

"Your Johanna's father?!" He gasped in surprise.

"Yes, she's below deck right now."

"Well I must talk to her, I haven't seen her in almost two weeks! I might as well tell y..."

"Collin?

Both men turned to see Johanna standing just a few feet from them.

"Johanna!"

She ran forward, throwing her arms around Collin's neck and pressing her lips to his. Sweeney stared at her, confused, not understanding what had just happened.

"Oh... we need to talk..."

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Sweeney sat still, trying to process the information he'd just received.

"For the past month?" He asked.

"Yes, didn't you ever wonder where I went every night?"

"I figured you just needed time alone."

"Well Collin and I talked everyday and pretty soon I felt feelings for him."

Sweeney stood and turned towards the staircase.

"I have to go see Nellie," he sighed, running a hand through his tangled hair.

Nellie was on deck looking out at the deep, blue water. She squealed when she felt someone grab her waist. She turned to see Sweeney smirking at her.

"Quite jumpy today are we pet?" He whispered in her ear, making her shiver as he licked her earlobe.

He pressed his lips to her neck and moved his hands down to her thighs. She softly moaned trying not to draw attention to them.

"Sweeney, not 'ere," she whispered. "There 'as gotta be a room below deck."

Sweeney smirked at her and they walked down the staircase to where Johanna and Collin were talking.

Nellie walked into the small bedroom and Sweeney paused by the door turning to Johanna quickly, "Make sure the boy stays out."

The door shut behind him and he pushed Nellie onto the mattress where she'd slept the night before. He sat between her legs, pulling off his vest and throwing it to the ground. He leaned down and kissed her hungrily. Their tongues fought for dominance and Nellie worked on pulling off his shirt without breaking the kiss.

"Take off the dress." Sweeney ordered, his mind overtaken by lust.

She obeyed, revealing her soft, creamy white skin. All that was left was her corset and bloomers. He kissed down her neck to her half exposed chest. Nellie moaned softly, hoping Johanna couldn't hear them.

"Its been too long since I've seen your beautiful body pet."

Nellie smiled so happy to be with Sweeney again. "Well I'm here now, do as you wish."

Sweeney chuckled darkly, "I intend to,"

He undid her corset and slid it off her body staring in lust at her heaving chest.

"Now keep quiet pet," he smirked, "if you can."

A/N: Well things are starting to heat up. Hope you liked this chapter, I think it turned out well.