A/N: Based on prompt words from LiveJournal.

Disclaimer: I don't own Sweeney Todd.

Against All Odds

1. Lively

He sits in a darkened corner of the pie shop, watching Mrs. Lovett and the boy with silent disinterest. He twirls his razor slowly in his fingers, thoughts of the Judge, of Lucy, and of Johanna miraculously not in the forefront of his mind but lurking in the shadows.

Mrs. Lovett is attempting to teach Toby to dance. He is clumsy, has no rhythm, but the baker is kind, her encouraging words bringing him confidence.

"That's it, love!" she says cheerfully when they've stumbled around the room a few times. "Now Mr. T'll demonstrate the next part for ya!"

She looks at him expectantly. He frowns, on the verge of telling her no because he doesn't want to bloody dance, especially not with her, when he surprises himself.

"All right."

The answer is gruff and strained, but Mrs. Lovett's face lights up as though he's declared his undying love for her. Grasping his arm, she pulls him to his feet before her hands snake to his shoulders; he rests his on her waist. Their movements around the room are fluid and natural. Toby stares in awe. Staring into her endless eyes, Todd quickly pushes away the treacherous thought that he's not felt so alive in months.