Setting things straight with Sweeney Todd
Of the three very stressfull conversations Armand had last night, this is probably the most significant, although I'm willing to post his conversation with DEATH as well, if I can figure out WHEN it happened.
Session Start (AbleNet:SweeneyTodd): Mon Jan 09 18:39:58 2006
Armand: *looks for Sweeney*
SweeneyTodd: *is found! Upstairs to the right and third door on the left*
Armand: *knocks on door frame*
SweeneyTodd: *startled, looks up*
Armand: *clears throat* It's Armand.
SweeneyTodd: *frowns slightly, because Armand is the last person he would have thought would come looking for him* *rolls off his bed and blearily makes his way to the door, opening it* Hello?
Armand: *looking small, determined and tired* Good evening, Sweeney. Is now not a good time to talk?
SweeneyTodd: *rubs his face with his hands to wake up* Well... that depends on the subject and how coherent a response you need
SweeneyTodd: If its important, anytimes a good time to talk
Armand: How you and I met. And Bertie Wooster.
SweeneyTodd: *groans, face palms, and sits on the edge of the bed* On a scale of one to ten, how ugly is this going to get?
Armand: I don't know. Higher than a five. It's more than obvious Christopher doesn't really know, but plenty of people do. Jones taunted me with how much Bertie suffered then.
SweeneyTodd: Ah, I see... *rubs hands together, friction makes brain work* You... do know that Im sorry about that, right?
Armand: *nods*
SweeneyTodd: Alright... so your question is... did he suffer?
Armand: *nods again* *still pretty much in the doorway*
SweeneyTodd: You can... *gestures to a seat* you know... come in, if youd like
Armand: *does go sit then* *looks very nervous*
Armand: I also don't even know what to say to Christopher.
SweeneyTodd: *sighs, leaning forward, head in hands*
SweeneyTodd: Well, the did he suffer question is a bit difficult to answer. Ninety nine precent of the time, people dont live through it. In THOSE cases, I can guarantee they dont suffer much at all. They have enough time to be completely surprised but thats about it
Armand: Why didn't he die? I thought he was dead.
SweeneyTodd: I really dont know. Its the first time thats happened
SweeneyTodd: Because IF they survive the throat thing, the fall from the chair to the basement usually... breaks something important... like necks, or spinal columns...
SweeneyTodd: *rubs his forehead a bit* In complete honesty, he really probably shouldnt have lived. And he certainly looked dead when I last saw him. The only thing I can think of to account for it is that, er, split personality.. thing
Armand: Maybe. Bertie died this time.
SweeneyTodd: I wish I could bring him back for you. I know it hurt you to kill him
Armand: I'm just going to have to learn to live with it.
SweeneyTodd: Darcy Jones commited a very horrible crime and deserved his punishment. The fact that Bertie was punished as well... *shrugs* I dont know him personally. But if he is as good a man as Darcy was bad, he would not have... objected I dont think
Armand: Objection or no, he didn't deserve to die.
SweeneyTodd: *chews on his lip* There are not many things in this world that people DESERVE, and yet they happen anyway. Chris didnt DESERVE to get hurt that way. Im sure you can think of some instances in your own life. People rarely deserve the lot they are handed in life
Armand: I keep telling people I'm not what they think I am. Nobody believes me. And what are you? Who are you?
SweeneyTodd: *looks up at him* Im sorry, I havent had my tea yet and youre going to have to translate that for me *still a little not awake*
Armand: *frowns* Are you a killer, monsieur?
SweeneyTodd: *clicks his mouth shut, and leans back regarding him thoughtfully head tilted to one side* ...... You know I am
Armand: Are you one now?
SweeneyTodd: I havent murdered anybody in almost two months now
SweeneyTodd: Although there was an occasion when I had to slam a pair of trimming shears through my hand to keep from slipping.
SweeneyTodd: Im sure you remember that
Armand: *bites lip* I'm loyal to family. Christopher says you are family. But I will not have him in any danger.
SweeneyTodd: Am I to understand that you think I would hurt Chris?
Armand: A madman may not know who it is he's hurting.
SweeneyTodd: ....
SweeneyTodd: *actually quite hurt by that, takes a few moments to click his jaw open and closed, looking at the floor*
Armand: *sad reminder that Armand still doesn't really like him*
Armand: If I can kill at all, you can slip.
SweeneyTodd: I think... that I have the better end of it. If I do "slip" then at least, as a madman, I can sleep at night. I dont have the burden of looking into my friends eyes while he dies, knowing I killed him.
SweeneyTodd: *looks down at his nails* I appreciate you letting me know where you stand. It doesnt do to assume friendships that arent there
Armand: I can't be friends with you unless I know I can trust you. And how can I?
SweeneyTodd: And since Ive already proven Im untrustworthy, I guess thats that
Armand: You haven't proven it. I'm asking. Can't you see that?
SweeneyTodd: I see a man who wants to protect his loved one at all cost. And I see a man who thinks Im as much of a monster as Darcy Jones. Naturally, this man would feel more comfortable if I were exterminated. Then he wouldnt have to worry
Armand: *closes eyes but doesn't say no* There are no easy answers for this.
SweeneyTodd: I had an answer at one time. Chris stopped me
Armand: Can I trust your love of him?
SweeneyTodd: Well! If you cant, dont worry, there is a solution. It seems easy enough *pulls his razor out of his pocket and transfers it to his left hand, flicking it open as he does* I cant kill people left handed. Not easily any way
Armand: *blanches* Don't.
SweeneyTodd: See, all I have to do... *sets the razor blade against his wrist, right where all the joints connect* A little bit of pressure, a little bit of blood and you never have to worry about me. Ever. Again. But since it doesnt matter to me, one way or another, Ill leave the decision to you
Armand: *reaches out to take the razor* Don't do that.
SweeneyTodd: *lets it go easily* Why not?
Armand: It's not the way. *looks at the razor in his own hand, because one in Sweeney's hand does scare him* It would hurt him too much, and I would have another death on my conscious. Besides do you not have something to live for now?
SweeneyTodd: Does that matter? I thought the subject under discussion was whether or not you could trust me not to kill Christopher? And I was not suggesting I kill myself, I was offering to cut my hand off
SweeneyTodd: As I said, I cant kill left handed
SweeneyTodd: Not easily any way
Armand: I really doubt we'd be able to keep you from bleeding to death fast enough. I haven't your background.
Armand: And what of your profession? Can you work left handed?
SweeneyTodd: No
SweeneyTodd: I cant
SweeneyTodd: *shrugs* Not the issue though
Armand: The issue is trust.
SweeneyTodd: I cant tell you whether or not you can trust me, Armand
SweeneyTodd: I dont know if you can
SweeneyTodd: And I dont know if you want to
Armand: Normally I trust too easily. I can't afford that mistake now.
SweeneyTodd: No you cant. But its your decision
SweeneyTodd: And if you CANT trust me, what exactly will be your course of action, just so were both clear?
Armand: Require you to break off all contact. That's all I asked of Chauvelin. But I don't want to do that. I want to trust you. I just don't know how when I'm so afraid of you.
SweeneyTodd: *shakes his head in half hysterical disbelief* I dont know what you want me to do! Ive offered you all the assurances I can think of. You dont want me to kill again? Ever? Fine. Kill me. You want me to be physically incapable of killing? Fine. Give me my razor, Ill do it. What do you want?
Armand: Just don't hurt Christopher. If you do, I will kill you, too.
Armand: *holds the razor back out to Sweeney*
SweeneyTodd: *takes the razor* Is that an indication that you trust me? Or that you want me to start chopping?
Armand: It's all the trust I can give. And if I'm wrong... I hope I'm not wrong.
SweeneyTodd: If youre wrong, you'll be the first to know, dont worry
SweeneyTodd: And if you dont want that picture that Benjamin gave you, feel free to throw it away for me. It doesnt seem to mean much
Armand: *winces* I tried! Damn you! I did.
SweeneyTodd: *scoffs* Did you now? Then tell me what Ive done that suddenly made it so DIFFICULT!
SweeneyTodd: Because, either you werent trying very goddamned hard, or something happened, and unless my body is being HIJACKED without my noticing, Im pretty sure it has nothing to do with me
Armand: If I hadn't killed Darcy Jones, you would have.
SweeneyTodd: Youre right. I would have. Do you know WHY I would have?
Armand: He hurt Christopher.
SweeneyTodd: No. He RAPED Chris, THEN he hurt him. And I... I saw him afterwards. He looked horrible. I stitched his shoulder together for Christ's sake... *head in hands* God, he looked horrible...
Armand: *flinches because he's really trying to avoid thinking of it that way*
SweeneyTodd: *stands* And to be completely honest, I am sick and fucking tired of people hurting my family. Chris IS my family... So, yes I would have killed Darcy Jones if you hadnt beat me to it. The difference between ME killing him and YOU killing him is nothing but hypocrisy
Armand: I can't do anything.
SweeneyTodd: You cant do anything? *sighs and slips his razor into his pocket, thinking it might make Armand feel a little more comfortable*
Armand: Right. I can't do anything right.
SweeneyTodd: Thats not true
SweeneyTodd: Chris would say the same thing
Armand: Chris is wrong. I know he's wrong about me.
SweeneyTodd: *woah, woah, woah* *raises an eyebrow* So you dont trust Chris now?
Armand: I trust him. He's just wrong.
SweeneyTodd: Your being illogical. If youre never right, and he says you are, but hes wrong, that makes YOU right, and by what you said you cant be right, if you cant do ANYTHING right, right?
Armand: Huh?
Armand: *just seems to collapse into himself, but isn't a big man to start with* Goodnight, M. Todd.
SweeneyTodd: Armand
Armand: Yes?
SweeneyTodd: I dont think you should leave, if youre going off with the thought that you cant do anything right
SweeneyTodd: Thats not a good thought to have.
SweeneyTodd: Would you like some tea?
Armand: Wh-- *stares*
SweeneyTodd: Of course you want tea. Every good Englishman loves tea, and every good Frenchman is polite enough to not refuse an Englishmans offer of tea, wouldnt you say?
Armand: What are you doing?
SweeneyTodd: *on his feet, and preparing tea on a hotplate* I am trying to make you hate me less by being hospitable. *sighs*
Armand: It's not hate.
SweeneyTodd: *takes fresh tea leaves out of a tin and dumps them in a strainer, and drops it in the hot water kettle*
SweeneyTodd: Youre right. If you hated me you would have taken me up on the hand removal offer, but you didnt. I am grateful for that, just so you know. I half expected you to... I half expected you to make a different decision than the one you did
Armand: It's fear.
SweeneyTodd: And all that fear comes from the day we met?
Armand: *nods* But it's not just you. I'm afraid of many things, many people.
Armand: Self-righteousness aside, I couldn't stop you if I tried.
SweeneyTodd: *pours a cup of tea for Armand* That should give you all the trust in me that you need, shouldnt it? How do you take it? Milk or Lemon?
SweeneyTodd: Or straight up?
Armand: I drink it black, thank you.
SweeneyTodd: *hands the cup over* If you know that you cant stop me from killing anybody even if you tried, then the fact that Im NOT killing anybody despite being unstoppable should be... well. Something
Armand: *takes it with shaking hands* It means I have no control over it.
SweeneyTodd: Thats what trust is
SweeneyTodd: Its letting somebody else have control and not being afraid that they will turn around and hurt you
Armand: *sips the tea* *blinks at Sweeney* So what is it when you're still afraid?
SweeneyTodd: *smiles* Being brave?
SweeneyTodd: *takes a sip of his tea, grimaces and remembers that he didnt add milk or sugar*
Armand: What I'm doing here isn't nice. It isn't good. I don't don't even know if it's right. It's desperate.
SweeneyTodd: Im going to assume you mean here as in the literal sense, as in... in my room talking to me, because Im really not at all up to existential, philosophical, or metaphysical conversations right now.
Armand: Yes, that is what I mean.
SweeneyTodd: I would say that no, what you are doing ISNT nice, whether its good or not depends on motive, but since youre here to protect Chris, I think youre safe. Annnnd... Whether its right or not? That depends on the outcome. If you have achieved a better piece of mind, its right
SweeneyTodd: And if you were desperate, you would have brought a pistol and not bothered with knocking.
Armand: I don't have a gun.
SweeneyTodd: See? Not desperate
SweeneyTodd: Calmly sipping tea does not equal desperate
Armand: Do I look calm to you?
SweeneyTodd: *tilts head* Not particularly
Armand: I can't keep him safe. I can't even protect myself.
SweeneyTodd: *sad look* I couldnt protect him either
SweeneyTodd: What good is having a psychotic murderer for a friend if he cant keep you safe? *sighs and starts fidgeting with his hands*
Armand: You didn't know the danger...
SweeneyTodd: I didnt. But I feel like I should have.
SweeneyTodd: They were sitting on the couch and I walked by and... he insulted me a few times
Armand: If only I'd been awake. I knew Jones.
SweeneyTodd: If only I hadnt gotten angry and stormed off
SweeneyTodd: I was too busy throwing a tantrum to be there for Chris *selfloathing...*
Armand: That it happened is not your fault. You didn't know.
SweeneyTodd: *quietly sips his tea, because he really refuses to believe that it ISNT his fault*
Armand: *puts the cup down* This is wrong. I'm sorry. I should go.
SweeneyTodd: I swore an oath to your father that I would never knowingly or unknowingly harm or cause harm to a member of his family or a friend or a follower
SweeneyTodd: I havent broken that oath yet. Mainly because HE scares ME
SweeneyTodd: But I hope that puts you at ease
Armand: *blinks* I didn't realize... when did he do that?
SweeneyTodd: A day or two after you asked me to shave you
Armand: *starts crying again* Thank you, Ada...
SweeneyTodd: *assumes Armand is not talking to him...*
Armand: I wanted to die. Sometimes I still wake up with that desire.
SweeneyTodd: I could tell you all sorts of things about how bad wanting to die is, but Id be a little hypocritical
Armand: *blinks* Did...did Feanor give you your poison back?
SweeneyTodd: I was too scared to ask for it
Armand: I can replace it.
SweeneyTodd: It doesnt matter. *smiles* I keep it in my shop. Fleet Street had a rat population higher than normal. Normal in London wasnt exactly good, either
Armand: I know you don't believe me, but I did try.
SweeneyTodd: *stares into his cup* Thank you for trying
SweeneyTodd: Not everybody tries
Armand: For Chris. I don't want to hurt him more.
SweeneyTodd: Neither do I
SweeneyTodd: He doesnt deserve to be hurt
SweeneyTodd: Least of all by two people that he loves
Armand: I am sorry.
SweeneyTodd: So where do we go from here? Do you still not trust me?
Armand: I have to.
SweeneyTodd: Can you think of anything that would make trusting me a little easier for you?
Armand: Have you ever deliberately harmed someone you cared about before?
SweeneyTodd: Deliberately? *almost tears up* No. Not deliberately
Armand: My father holds your Oath. I can ask nothing more binding of you.
SweeneyTodd: When I was eight years old, I had... gotten the silly idea that if my parents didnt have any alcohol in the house, they wouldnt drink, so I emptied the gin bottle. When they discovered it was gone they just went out to get another one. They never came back
SweeneyTodd: Thats the only time Ive ever harmed anyone I cared about
SweeneyTodd: Of course, it was the middle of the night in the dead of winter. It was pretty dumb of them to go out, but... It was my fault they left
SweeneyTodd: But it wasnt deliberate *takes his tea cup to the sink and washes it out* Sorry for rambling, you probably didnt need to hear that
SweeneyTodd: *runs his hands through his hair*
Armand: I'm sorry. *bites lip* I should go.
SweeneyTodd: Perhaps you should... *hands on hips looking down at the floor and biting his lip*
SweeneyTodd: Armand, I swear to you I will never physically harm Chris and I would never do anything to hurt him
SweeneyTodd: And I swear that I will never harm YOU either.
Armand: *blinks in surprise*
SweeneyTodd: *rubs the back of his neck, and looks at him* I mean that... you dont need to be.. scared of me
Armand: *bows his head with his eyes closed then eventually nods* What would you prefer I call you?
SweeneyTodd: *thinks for a few seconds* Id like you to call me Ben. Ben isnt a scary name
Armand: *smiles* Gladly then. So long as you keep your own promises, you need fear nothing from me. Understand? So Ben, if I'm stupid enough to threaten you again, I've broken my own promise.
SweeneyTodd: *holds out his hand to shake on it*
Armand: *takes the offered hand and shakes*
SweeneyTodd: There. Now we can be friends
Armand: *feels so small next to him, which is one of the reasons why he's been so afraid*
Armand: I think so, Ben.
SweeneyTodd: *would sit down if it would make him more comfortable*
Armand: Goodnight, Ben. Thank you.
SweeneyTodd: *rolls his eyes* Well, that wasnt a painful conversation at ALL. You had me worried with your five on the scale... Get a man worked up why dont ya
SweeneyTodd: Thought it was going to be BAD or something
SweeneyTodd: *smiles*
SweeneyTodd: *whispers* That was a joke... supposed to laugh now. *nods* Really.
Armand: *laughs a little, but still looks rather as if he's going to cry* It went further than I meant... *bites lip again*
SweeneyTodd: Youre not upset on my account are you?
Armand: *nods*
SweeneyTodd: You did hurt me a bit at first
Armand: I apologize.
SweeneyTodd: *soft smile* Thank you.
SweeneyTodd: Im tougher than I look, but big bad giants still cry when they stub there toes
Armand: I try to be honest, but I forget other things like tact.
SweeneyTodd: Tact is important when dealing with lunatics
SweeneyTodd: Another joke... a sure sign that I havnet slept much
SweeneyTodd: You know Im tired when I either wax philisophical or show bits and flashes of my poor sense of humor.
Armand: Then I should leave you to your rest.
SweeneyTodd: Thank you
SweeneyTodd: And I appreciate the talk. *fidgets, then gives him a hug*
Armand: *hugs back* *leans up to whisper* Goodnight, Ben.
SweeneyTodd: Goodnight
Armand: *leaves*
Session Close (SweeneyTodd): Tue Jan 10 00:24:41 2006
Session Start (AbleNet:SweeneyTodd): Mon Jan 09 18:39:58 2006
Armand: *looks for Sweeney*
SweeneyTodd: *is found! Upstairs to the right and third door on the left*
Armand: *knocks on door frame*
SweeneyTodd: *startled, looks up*
Armand: *clears throat* It's Armand.
SweeneyTodd: *frowns slightly, because Armand is the last person he would have thought would come looking for him* *rolls off his bed and blearily makes his way to the door, opening it* Hello?
Armand: *looking small, determined and tired* Good evening, Sweeney. Is now not a good time to talk?
SweeneyTodd: *rubs his face with his hands to wake up* Well... that depends on the subject and how coherent a response you need
SweeneyTodd: If its important, anytimes a good time to talk
Armand: How you and I met. And Bertie Wooster.
SweeneyTodd: *groans, face palms, and sits on the edge of the bed* On a scale of one to ten, how ugly is this going to get?
Armand: I don't know. Higher than a five. It's more than obvious Christopher doesn't really know, but plenty of people do. Jones taunted me with how much Bertie suffered then.
SweeneyTodd: Ah, I see... *rubs hands together, friction makes brain work* You... do know that Im sorry about that, right?
Armand: *nods*
SweeneyTodd: Alright... so your question is... did he suffer?
Armand: *nods again* *still pretty much in the doorway*
SweeneyTodd: You can... *gestures to a seat* you know... come in, if youd like
Armand: *does go sit then* *looks very nervous*
Armand: I also don't even know what to say to Christopher.
SweeneyTodd: *sighs, leaning forward, head in hands*
SweeneyTodd: Well, the did he suffer question is a bit difficult to answer. Ninety nine precent of the time, people dont live through it. In THOSE cases, I can guarantee they dont suffer much at all. They have enough time to be completely surprised but thats about it
Armand: Why didn't he die? I thought he was dead.
SweeneyTodd: I really dont know. Its the first time thats happened
SweeneyTodd: Because IF they survive the throat thing, the fall from the chair to the basement usually... breaks something important... like necks, or spinal columns...
SweeneyTodd: *rubs his forehead a bit* In complete honesty, he really probably shouldnt have lived. And he certainly looked dead when I last saw him. The only thing I can think of to account for it is that, er, split personality.. thing
Armand: Maybe. Bertie died this time.
SweeneyTodd: I wish I could bring him back for you. I know it hurt you to kill him
Armand: I'm just going to have to learn to live with it.
SweeneyTodd: Darcy Jones commited a very horrible crime and deserved his punishment. The fact that Bertie was punished as well... *shrugs* I dont know him personally. But if he is as good a man as Darcy was bad, he would not have... objected I dont think
Armand: Objection or no, he didn't deserve to die.
SweeneyTodd: *chews on his lip* There are not many things in this world that people DESERVE, and yet they happen anyway. Chris didnt DESERVE to get hurt that way. Im sure you can think of some instances in your own life. People rarely deserve the lot they are handed in life
Armand: I keep telling people I'm not what they think I am. Nobody believes me. And what are you? Who are you?
SweeneyTodd: *looks up at him* Im sorry, I havent had my tea yet and youre going to have to translate that for me *still a little not awake*
Armand: *frowns* Are you a killer, monsieur?
SweeneyTodd: *clicks his mouth shut, and leans back regarding him thoughtfully head tilted to one side* ...... You know I am
Armand: Are you one now?
SweeneyTodd: I havent murdered anybody in almost two months now
SweeneyTodd: Although there was an occasion when I had to slam a pair of trimming shears through my hand to keep from slipping.
SweeneyTodd: Im sure you remember that
Armand: *bites lip* I'm loyal to family. Christopher says you are family. But I will not have him in any danger.
SweeneyTodd: Am I to understand that you think I would hurt Chris?
Armand: A madman may not know who it is he's hurting.
SweeneyTodd: ....
SweeneyTodd: *actually quite hurt by that, takes a few moments to click his jaw open and closed, looking at the floor*
Armand: *sad reminder that Armand still doesn't really like him*
Armand: If I can kill at all, you can slip.
SweeneyTodd: I think... that I have the better end of it. If I do "slip" then at least, as a madman, I can sleep at night. I dont have the burden of looking into my friends eyes while he dies, knowing I killed him.
SweeneyTodd: *looks down at his nails* I appreciate you letting me know where you stand. It doesnt do to assume friendships that arent there
Armand: I can't be friends with you unless I know I can trust you. And how can I?
SweeneyTodd: And since Ive already proven Im untrustworthy, I guess thats that
Armand: You haven't proven it. I'm asking. Can't you see that?
SweeneyTodd: I see a man who wants to protect his loved one at all cost. And I see a man who thinks Im as much of a monster as Darcy Jones. Naturally, this man would feel more comfortable if I were exterminated. Then he wouldnt have to worry
Armand: *closes eyes but doesn't say no* There are no easy answers for this.
SweeneyTodd: I had an answer at one time. Chris stopped me
Armand: Can I trust your love of him?
SweeneyTodd: Well! If you cant, dont worry, there is a solution. It seems easy enough *pulls his razor out of his pocket and transfers it to his left hand, flicking it open as he does* I cant kill people left handed. Not easily any way
Armand: *blanches* Don't.
SweeneyTodd: See, all I have to do... *sets the razor blade against his wrist, right where all the joints connect* A little bit of pressure, a little bit of blood and you never have to worry about me. Ever. Again. But since it doesnt matter to me, one way or another, Ill leave the decision to you
Armand: *reaches out to take the razor* Don't do that.
SweeneyTodd: *lets it go easily* Why not?
Armand: It's not the way. *looks at the razor in his own hand, because one in Sweeney's hand does scare him* It would hurt him too much, and I would have another death on my conscious. Besides do you not have something to live for now?
SweeneyTodd: Does that matter? I thought the subject under discussion was whether or not you could trust me not to kill Christopher? And I was not suggesting I kill myself, I was offering to cut my hand off
SweeneyTodd: As I said, I cant kill left handed
SweeneyTodd: Not easily any way
Armand: I really doubt we'd be able to keep you from bleeding to death fast enough. I haven't your background.
Armand: And what of your profession? Can you work left handed?
SweeneyTodd: No
SweeneyTodd: I cant
SweeneyTodd: *shrugs* Not the issue though
Armand: The issue is trust.
SweeneyTodd: I cant tell you whether or not you can trust me, Armand
SweeneyTodd: I dont know if you can
SweeneyTodd: And I dont know if you want to
Armand: Normally I trust too easily. I can't afford that mistake now.
SweeneyTodd: No you cant. But its your decision
SweeneyTodd: And if you CANT trust me, what exactly will be your course of action, just so were both clear?
Armand: Require you to break off all contact. That's all I asked of Chauvelin. But I don't want to do that. I want to trust you. I just don't know how when I'm so afraid of you.
SweeneyTodd: *shakes his head in half hysterical disbelief* I dont know what you want me to do! Ive offered you all the assurances I can think of. You dont want me to kill again? Ever? Fine. Kill me. You want me to be physically incapable of killing? Fine. Give me my razor, Ill do it. What do you want?
Armand: Just don't hurt Christopher. If you do, I will kill you, too.
Armand: *holds the razor back out to Sweeney*
SweeneyTodd: *takes the razor* Is that an indication that you trust me? Or that you want me to start chopping?
Armand: It's all the trust I can give. And if I'm wrong... I hope I'm not wrong.
SweeneyTodd: If youre wrong, you'll be the first to know, dont worry
SweeneyTodd: And if you dont want that picture that Benjamin gave you, feel free to throw it away for me. It doesnt seem to mean much
Armand: *winces* I tried! Damn you! I did.
SweeneyTodd: *scoffs* Did you now? Then tell me what Ive done that suddenly made it so DIFFICULT!
SweeneyTodd: Because, either you werent trying very goddamned hard, or something happened, and unless my body is being HIJACKED without my noticing, Im pretty sure it has nothing to do with me
Armand: If I hadn't killed Darcy Jones, you would have.
SweeneyTodd: Youre right. I would have. Do you know WHY I would have?
Armand: He hurt Christopher.
SweeneyTodd: No. He RAPED Chris, THEN he hurt him. And I... I saw him afterwards. He looked horrible. I stitched his shoulder together for Christ's sake... *head in hands* God, he looked horrible...
Armand: *flinches because he's really trying to avoid thinking of it that way*
SweeneyTodd: *stands* And to be completely honest, I am sick and fucking tired of people hurting my family. Chris IS my family... So, yes I would have killed Darcy Jones if you hadnt beat me to it. The difference between ME killing him and YOU killing him is nothing but hypocrisy
Armand: I can't do anything.
SweeneyTodd: You cant do anything? *sighs and slips his razor into his pocket, thinking it might make Armand feel a little more comfortable*
Armand: Right. I can't do anything right.
SweeneyTodd: Thats not true
SweeneyTodd: Chris would say the same thing
Armand: Chris is wrong. I know he's wrong about me.
SweeneyTodd: *woah, woah, woah* *raises an eyebrow* So you dont trust Chris now?
Armand: I trust him. He's just wrong.
SweeneyTodd: Your being illogical. If youre never right, and he says you are, but hes wrong, that makes YOU right, and by what you said you cant be right, if you cant do ANYTHING right, right?
Armand: Huh?
Armand: *just seems to collapse into himself, but isn't a big man to start with* Goodnight, M. Todd.
SweeneyTodd: Armand
Armand: Yes?
SweeneyTodd: I dont think you should leave, if youre going off with the thought that you cant do anything right
SweeneyTodd: Thats not a good thought to have.
SweeneyTodd: Would you like some tea?
Armand: Wh-- *stares*
SweeneyTodd: Of course you want tea. Every good Englishman loves tea, and every good Frenchman is polite enough to not refuse an Englishmans offer of tea, wouldnt you say?
Armand: What are you doing?
SweeneyTodd: *on his feet, and preparing tea on a hotplate* I am trying to make you hate me less by being hospitable. *sighs*
Armand: It's not hate.
SweeneyTodd: *takes fresh tea leaves out of a tin and dumps them in a strainer, and drops it in the hot water kettle*
SweeneyTodd: Youre right. If you hated me you would have taken me up on the hand removal offer, but you didnt. I am grateful for that, just so you know. I half expected you to... I half expected you to make a different decision than the one you did
Armand: It's fear.
SweeneyTodd: And all that fear comes from the day we met?
Armand: *nods* But it's not just you. I'm afraid of many things, many people.
Armand: Self-righteousness aside, I couldn't stop you if I tried.
SweeneyTodd: *pours a cup of tea for Armand* That should give you all the trust in me that you need, shouldnt it? How do you take it? Milk or Lemon?
SweeneyTodd: Or straight up?
Armand: I drink it black, thank you.
SweeneyTodd: *hands the cup over* If you know that you cant stop me from killing anybody even if you tried, then the fact that Im NOT killing anybody despite being unstoppable should be... well. Something
Armand: *takes it with shaking hands* It means I have no control over it.
SweeneyTodd: Thats what trust is
SweeneyTodd: Its letting somebody else have control and not being afraid that they will turn around and hurt you
Armand: *sips the tea* *blinks at Sweeney* So what is it when you're still afraid?
SweeneyTodd: *smiles* Being brave?
SweeneyTodd: *takes a sip of his tea, grimaces and remembers that he didnt add milk or sugar*
Armand: What I'm doing here isn't nice. It isn't good. I don't don't even know if it's right. It's desperate.
SweeneyTodd: Im going to assume you mean here as in the literal sense, as in... in my room talking to me, because Im really not at all up to existential, philosophical, or metaphysical conversations right now.
Armand: Yes, that is what I mean.
SweeneyTodd: I would say that no, what you are doing ISNT nice, whether its good or not depends on motive, but since youre here to protect Chris, I think youre safe. Annnnd... Whether its right or not? That depends on the outcome. If you have achieved a better piece of mind, its right
SweeneyTodd: And if you were desperate, you would have brought a pistol and not bothered with knocking.
Armand: I don't have a gun.
SweeneyTodd: See? Not desperate
SweeneyTodd: Calmly sipping tea does not equal desperate
Armand: Do I look calm to you?
SweeneyTodd: *tilts head* Not particularly
Armand: I can't keep him safe. I can't even protect myself.
SweeneyTodd: *sad look* I couldnt protect him either
SweeneyTodd: What good is having a psychotic murderer for a friend if he cant keep you safe? *sighs and starts fidgeting with his hands*
Armand: You didn't know the danger...
SweeneyTodd: I didnt. But I feel like I should have.
SweeneyTodd: They were sitting on the couch and I walked by and... he insulted me a few times
Armand: If only I'd been awake. I knew Jones.
SweeneyTodd: If only I hadnt gotten angry and stormed off
SweeneyTodd: I was too busy throwing a tantrum to be there for Chris *selfloathing...*
Armand: That it happened is not your fault. You didn't know.
SweeneyTodd: *quietly sips his tea, because he really refuses to believe that it ISNT his fault*
Armand: *puts the cup down* This is wrong. I'm sorry. I should go.
SweeneyTodd: I swore an oath to your father that I would never knowingly or unknowingly harm or cause harm to a member of his family or a friend or a follower
SweeneyTodd: I havent broken that oath yet. Mainly because HE scares ME
SweeneyTodd: But I hope that puts you at ease
Armand: *blinks* I didn't realize... when did he do that?
SweeneyTodd: A day or two after you asked me to shave you
Armand: *starts crying again* Thank you, Ada...
SweeneyTodd: *assumes Armand is not talking to him...*
Armand: I wanted to die. Sometimes I still wake up with that desire.
SweeneyTodd: I could tell you all sorts of things about how bad wanting to die is, but Id be a little hypocritical
Armand: *blinks* Did...did Feanor give you your poison back?
SweeneyTodd: I was too scared to ask for it
Armand: I can replace it.
SweeneyTodd: It doesnt matter. *smiles* I keep it in my shop. Fleet Street had a rat population higher than normal. Normal in London wasnt exactly good, either
Armand: I know you don't believe me, but I did try.
SweeneyTodd: *stares into his cup* Thank you for trying
SweeneyTodd: Not everybody tries
Armand: For Chris. I don't want to hurt him more.
SweeneyTodd: Neither do I
SweeneyTodd: He doesnt deserve to be hurt
SweeneyTodd: Least of all by two people that he loves
Armand: I am sorry.
SweeneyTodd: So where do we go from here? Do you still not trust me?
Armand: I have to.
SweeneyTodd: Can you think of anything that would make trusting me a little easier for you?
Armand: Have you ever deliberately harmed someone you cared about before?
SweeneyTodd: Deliberately? *almost tears up* No. Not deliberately
Armand: My father holds your Oath. I can ask nothing more binding of you.
SweeneyTodd: When I was eight years old, I had... gotten the silly idea that if my parents didnt have any alcohol in the house, they wouldnt drink, so I emptied the gin bottle. When they discovered it was gone they just went out to get another one. They never came back
SweeneyTodd: Thats the only time Ive ever harmed anyone I cared about
SweeneyTodd: Of course, it was the middle of the night in the dead of winter. It was pretty dumb of them to go out, but... It was my fault they left
SweeneyTodd: But it wasnt deliberate *takes his tea cup to the sink and washes it out* Sorry for rambling, you probably didnt need to hear that
SweeneyTodd: *runs his hands through his hair*
Armand: I'm sorry. *bites lip* I should go.
SweeneyTodd: Perhaps you should... *hands on hips looking down at the floor and biting his lip*
SweeneyTodd: Armand, I swear to you I will never physically harm Chris and I would never do anything to hurt him
SweeneyTodd: And I swear that I will never harm YOU either.
Armand: *blinks in surprise*
SweeneyTodd: *rubs the back of his neck, and looks at him* I mean that... you dont need to be.. scared of me
Armand: *bows his head with his eyes closed then eventually nods* What would you prefer I call you?
SweeneyTodd: *thinks for a few seconds* Id like you to call me Ben. Ben isnt a scary name
Armand: *smiles* Gladly then. So long as you keep your own promises, you need fear nothing from me. Understand? So Ben, if I'm stupid enough to threaten you again, I've broken my own promise.
SweeneyTodd: *holds out his hand to shake on it*
Armand: *takes the offered hand and shakes*
SweeneyTodd: There. Now we can be friends
Armand: *feels so small next to him, which is one of the reasons why he's been so afraid*
Armand: I think so, Ben.
SweeneyTodd: *would sit down if it would make him more comfortable*
Armand: Goodnight, Ben. Thank you.
SweeneyTodd: *rolls his eyes* Well, that wasnt a painful conversation at ALL. You had me worried with your five on the scale... Get a man worked up why dont ya
SweeneyTodd: Thought it was going to be BAD or something
SweeneyTodd: *smiles*
SweeneyTodd: *whispers* That was a joke... supposed to laugh now. *nods* Really.
Armand: *laughs a little, but still looks rather as if he's going to cry* It went further than I meant... *bites lip again*
SweeneyTodd: Youre not upset on my account are you?
Armand: *nods*
SweeneyTodd: You did hurt me a bit at first
Armand: I apologize.
SweeneyTodd: *soft smile* Thank you.
SweeneyTodd: Im tougher than I look, but big bad giants still cry when they stub there toes
Armand: I try to be honest, but I forget other things like tact.
SweeneyTodd: Tact is important when dealing with lunatics
SweeneyTodd: Another joke... a sure sign that I havnet slept much
SweeneyTodd: You know Im tired when I either wax philisophical or show bits and flashes of my poor sense of humor.
Armand: Then I should leave you to your rest.
SweeneyTodd: Thank you
SweeneyTodd: And I appreciate the talk. *fidgets, then gives him a hug*
Armand: *hugs back* *leans up to whisper* Goodnight, Ben.
SweeneyTodd: Goodnight
Armand: *leaves*
Session Close (SweeneyTodd): Tue Jan 10 00:24:41 2006