Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, meets Sally, a ragdoll created by Dr. Finklestein. A friendship blossoms between them as he introduces her to the world outside of her tower. Sally is falling for him as their relationship grows into something more, and Jack finds the same is happening to him.
A story where the Christmas incident never happens, and Jack and Sally find their happiness on their own.
Sally moves in with the man of her screams. But there is still so much she has to learn of Halloween Town, and what it’s like living with The Pumpkin King.
A sequel to Two Dearest Friends, where the Christmas incident never happens. But there are still many ends that haven’t been met, and much for these two dreamers to learn as they start to spend their deaths together.
Pairings: Jack Skellington/Sally, Dr Finklestein/Jewel
–
Note: This is a SEQUEL to my other story, TWO DEAREST FRIENDS. To read the original story, seek ABOVE.
A soldier-in-training, Valerie hopes to join the Valencian Army to avenge her father’s death under the wing of General Rooke. But when she happens to catch the attention of Commander Kane, her plans take a different turn.
Human AU of the Armada from Pirate101, where Kane meets his Queen.
After losing the Pirate, Deacon is unwillingly paired with a partner to help with his job. The only problem is - they can’t stand each other, and time is dwindling until he can re-capture all his lost prisoners.
Hello!! I’ve been reading your ‘Dearest Friend’ fic and I must say you’ve really outdone yourself with it! I’m really enjoying it! You’ve probably been asked this before, but are you more of a fan or the theory that Finkelstein is more or a father-figure to Sally or a husband-figure to Sally? Or just a creator to Sally and nothing more?
Thank you so much!! I’m honored to hear you’re enjoying my story! Thank you again for reading it! ;w;
As for Two Dearest Friends, I wrote in the headcanon that Dr. Finklestein originally intended to create Sally as his wife, who could take care of household chores for him. However, it becomes clear she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings/desire for marriage, so he ends up creating Jewel as his new wife. Later on in the sequel(Our Nightmare), he and Sally reconcile and decide to start their relationship over as father/daughter.
That was purely a choice made from a writing standpoint, since it was easier for me to develop and write that sort of relationship for them. In general - I do like all of the theories on whether Dr. Finklestein is a father, husband, or creator figure to Sally - and how he views himself in their relationship. It’s a complicated subject I touched more on in another post of mine - and there were some interesting points raised on the theories!
Personally, I have a hard time making up my mind on what I headcanon, whether or not the Doctor is just her father/husband, or simply her creator...I find my opinion varies on the situation, or what I’m writing. But I think any way you view their relationship is valid, and always an interesting subject to talk about!
Thank you all so, so much! This story means a lot to me, and I’m honored it reached this number! <3 As always, feel free to leave kudos and/or feedback on it!
hOLY FRICK I AM AMAZED I CAME UPON HERE BY ACCIDENT. MY MAN I STRAIGHT UP SPENT A WHOLE D A Y READING TWO DEARESTS FRIENDS (not done yet) AND I 💖💖💖💖
THO HOW DARE U PSYCHE ME OUT WITH A FOREHEAD SMOOCH. REAL SMOOCH WAS S O WORTH THE 20 CHAPTERS, MY HEART GONNA EXPLODE. YOUR FIC GOT ME SO S O F T, AND BACK INTO MY FIRST EVER OTP (enough screaming from me, absolute RAD job my man 👌👌👌)
Thank you SO much!! It always gives me great feelings when I hear people reading and enjoying Two Dearest Friends. <3 It's such a beloved project of mine.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the story, and if you like the ending, please feel free to check out the sequel story called Our Nightmare!
Sally moves in with the man of her screams. But there is still so much she has to learn of Halloween Town, and what it's like living with The Pumpkin King.
A sequel to Two Dearest Friends, where the Christmas incident never happens. But there are still many ends that haven't been met, and much for these two dreamers to learn as they start to spend their deaths together.
Pairings: Jack Skellington/Sally, Dr Finklestein/Jewel
--
Note: This is a SEQUEL to my other story, TWO DEAREST FRIENDS. To read the original story, go here.
--
The Skellington manor has only housed 2 residents in most of its existence.
The 3-story mansion equipped with a large observatory atop has only ever sheltered Jack Skellington and his ghostly pet, Zero. It comes to no surprise that the house wasn't expecting the softer pair of footsteps that came in one fateful afternoon. The moment Sally Finklestein steps into the Pumpkin King's manor, there's an audible groan that sounds from the floor, accompanied by the walls making sudden, sharp creaks. The ragdoll freezes in fear. But as her foot lingers longer on the tiled surface, the noises stop and she is left to listen to the sudden silence in its absence. She turns to the skeleton watching from the doorway, not knowing how to express the right confusion from such a situation.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asks, her voice quiet and polite as usual. Jack shakes his skull and approaches one of the walls, patting it a couple of times and smiling weakly.
"No, no of course not. The house just needs to....get used to you, is all. It settles when it's comfortable."
"I didn't know houses can be aware like this..." She remembers the time he invited her in for tea, but doesn't recall anything peculiar. "It didn't make those noises last time I was here."
"It understands the difference between a guest and a resident. It's sentient, and very, very courteous. It won't do any harm to you, I assure."
She relaxes as he smiles at her, and watches as he picks up the boxes that were situated by the front door. She is suddenly reminded of why she's even here. After years of a long, eventful life living with Doctor Finklestein in his tower after being created by him....she is now moving in with Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Her mind scrambles trying to recall everything that's happened prior to this moment - when she was first kidnapped by Oogie Boogie, saved by the skeleton himself, getting a tour of Halloween Town, finding Jack in the Graveyard and befriending him, experiencing a long yet blossomed relationship with the man......they started as friends and grew to something closer than that, then eventually, they became a couple. Everything about it was simply beautiful to Sally; how she turned from an imprisoned slave into a free spirit with a purpose.
How could she forget the first time she stepped out of that tower, when she saw Jack's smile, and all of the times she left everything she had to endure just to see him again...She had only dreamed of him reciprocating her love, showing him how much he means to her, and sharing a domestic life with him....she wanted it badly, and just today had she been presented with this opportunity. Nothing could've made her more happier. And how ironic, it seemed, that this decision was only supported by the Doctor because he had a replacement for her now. He had no use for Sally anymore, and handed her off to someone else. She was very lucky that happened to be Jack. She was more than fortunate to be with the man who did everything for her.
The skeleton steps around her and heads through a doorway. She quickly follows after, carrying a box of her own. "-I decided on a room for you already. I figured the stairs would be too much of a hassle for you, so I found a bedroom on the ground floor."
She blinks her eyes, marveling at the old chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the many paintings they pass. "How many floors does your house have?"
"Three, if you include the observatory. But don't worry. I try to keep all the necessities downstairs. There's mostly bedrooms and guest rooms on the second floor, so you won't have a need to come up that often." He stops once they reach a door at the end of the hallway. "-This is it!"
He hesitates to put his bony hand on the doorknob, looking over at her uncertainly. "Would you, uh, mind waiting here for a minute? I didn't exactly have the time to prepare the room. I'm sorry for being so unprepared, but I hadn't expected-"
"No, it's okay. I didn't plan on this either, otherwise I'd be more ready myself." She sets the box down carefully and sighs in relief. "Take your time, Jack. I'll wait out here."
He gives her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Sally...Don't be afraid to look around, get curious about things. Technically, this is your home now, too, so I want you to get used to the place."
"I will."
He gives her one last nod before leaving into the room, which she only gets a glance of before he hurriedly shuts the door. She waits a few moments before turning around and admiring the long hallway. There is a red rug on the floor with intricate designs of spiderwebs on it. Her attention is suddenly brought to the walls, where she now notices a collection of framed pictures hanging in neat patterns with one another. She admires them all as she walks carefully on the rug, humming in curiosity. Most of them are old photographs of Halloween Town. She catches one of Jack and the Mayor standing in front of the Town Hall shaking hands, and smiles to herself. She admires him for keeping such history of his town in his own home.
The longer she follows these photos, the more she finds of Jack himself. He's in various ones surrounded by other people, mostly his citizens and coworkers. But then Sally would find one of him by himself, or just him and Zero. There were times when his smile was big, and where it wasn't very enthusiastic. After knowing him for so long, she was able to recognize it. A troubled frown comes onto the ragdoll's face as she stops at one in particular, which is a picture of Jack sitting at his desk, turned around to smile at the one taking the picture. But there is something gloom about his posture, and something sad in his eye sockets. She holds her small hand over the picture and feels her chest grow cold.
'He looks so...lonely.'
She doesn't feel as excited to look at the rest of the pictures, so she turns around to look at other things instead. She adores the wallpaper in these hallways - it's of a crimson color with elaborate, yellow lines that break the color. The design reminds her of the fancy castles she used to read about - the exact ones kings and queens would live in. In fact, everything about his mansion reminds her of someplace...elegant, and tidy. It makes sense that the Pumpkin King would inhabit such a place like this. Nothing like the old tower she lived in before, that was always so suffocating, cold, and had leaks everywhere. The walls and the floor were made of metal there, but in here, the ground was warm and the walls felt inviting. Everything in the Skellington Manor looked absolutely well-kept.
'It's all so homey', She thinks. 'A gentlewoman would be suited better here than me, that's for sure...'
A voice suddenly breaks her thoughts:
"Sally? It's ready now, if you want to see it!"
She hurries over to meet with the skeleton, who happily clasps his hands together once she's in front of him. He doesn't look anything like how he did in that picture she saw. 'Which is a good thing, I guess...' She notices the door is closed and all of her belongings are brought in already. He clears his throat as he rubs his palms together, looking like a child excited to show something he had made.
"I think you're going to like it! I made a few touches here-and-there, though I'm sure you won't even notice them." He eagerly swoops over next to the door, fingers caressing the doorknob. "Now, close your eyes and wait until I say you can open them..."
She does as she is told, giggling slightly at the idea that the unveiling of her room has to be some sort of grand surprise. She listens as he opens the door and feels his hand gently guiding her forward on her back. She plays his game and takes a few steps in his direction until he stops her, then closes the door behind them. She can't help but feel giddy in this time, wondering what her new room is going to look like. She already knows it's going to be nothing like her old one, and yet, the curiosity is still gnawing at her leaves...
"Alright, you can open your eyes!"
Immediately, she opens them. And as she does, her jaw falls open in utter shock. Before her is, in her opinion, a room fit for a princess! Due to the high ceiling, there is a beautiful collection of cobwebs that hang above a queen-sized bed. It leaves enough space for a nightstand to rest on its left side, with a beautiful lamp and small clock. Across the bed is a vanity desk that contains a mirror, tall enough that she can see herself in, and enough room to work on whatever she desires. Beside that is a large bookshelf filled to the brim with dusty novels. She approaches it and glances at some of the titles, smiling when she notices that most of them are fictional romances. The exact type she loves to read. There are so many on the shelves...she could be reading for days!
When she turns around, she notices there is a petite desk next to the covered window with her sewing machine on it. Unlike her old one, there is plenty of space for her to set all the materials where they need to go, and there is even a mirror on the wall for her to check her work. She walks over to admire it before bringing her attention over to the window. She finds the curtains are closed, and gently opens them to reveal whatever is beyond it. This causes her jaw to drop once more - as she is provided with a beautiful view of Halloween Town. Since the manor is raised, she can see the roofs of all the houses and the streets from above. She had a similar view from her tower, but this one isn't obscured by the bars on the window. She has a perfect view she can see out of anytime. And to think, it's right by her desk, so she can gaze outside while she works!
"Jack, this is all so lovely..." She confesses. "I-I don't know what to say."
He starts to tsk. At her confusion, he simply smiles. "You haven't seen your new closet yet, have you?"
She blinks several times, wondering how in Halloween she could've missed her closet! The skeleton slides open a large door to reveal a spacious closet beside her bed. She finds the dresses she made are already hung inside, handled with great care. There is plenty of space for new ones and even a proper place to put her shoes in. She approaches it in awe and leaves her hand to trail along its side, imagining filling it with all the new creations she's bound to make. She sees nothing but a blank canvas laid right before her, and Jack seems happy as he taps his finger on the wall, watching her gawk at the room.
"I thought you would appreciate a room that felt like it was for you. You didn't have an awful lot in your last one."
She turns to him and smiles. "Well, the Doctor only gave me what he thought was necessary..."
"You mean a bed that looked like it would snap in half at any moment, and a closet that could barely fit three days worth of clothes?" He crosses his arms. "I have to disagree."
"I'm not sure if I deserve a big bed like this, or such a view, or....any of this, really. I don't need much, and I don't want to ask too much from y-"
"-Shh sh sh." He lays a bony finger over her lips. "All of this is for you. You have your own space now. And anything you need or want, I will happily get for you. You have as much right to a decent bed and your own hobby like anyone else. And I don't want to hear otherwise."
Her eyelashes brush against the tip of his finger as he brings it away. "Thank you, Jack..."
"Alright, then." He steps back and grins, opening the door and motioning outside. "I'll show you a bit more around."
She was happy to skip to the door and follow Jack around his mansion. He did as he promised, giving her a small little tour of his home and informing her where things were. There was a bathroom just down the hallway she was roomed in, and she wasn't very far from the kitchen. The living room and den were close from there, and everything else seems to be upstairs. She follows him above as he briefly shows her his own bedroom, which, she finds, has a respectably king-sized bed. There were even more stairs after that, and she grew a little fatigued as she stepped through a spiral one, before finding that she was standing in the middle of his study. The same room she used to watch him pace around in for hours when she was back in Finklestein's Tower, watching his silhouette through the windows...
After looking at all the projects he had laying around in there and admiring the highest view in Halloween Town, Jack helps her down the staircase to show her a few things they missed. She was having a hard time coming to terms that this is the house she'll be staying in from now on: an exquisite, 3-floor mansion filled to the brim with rooms and fancy things...she'll be sharing it with The Pumpkin King, and she'll be seeing these things every day from this day forward. It makes her excited, but under that, she feels a familiar insecurity brewing in the pit of her stomach...
----
By the time their little tour is finished, Sally collapses on one of his couches, wanting to take a break from all the steps and stairs she endured from this hour alone. Jack, meanwhile, is still musing about something with a skeletal finger propped on his jaw. He eventually shrugs and smiles happily at his girlfriend, who opens her eyes after she finally has her breath back.
"-And I think that's just about it!" He announces happily. "Do you have any questions, Sal? Before it gets too late?"
She glances out of a nearby window and notices that it's already night time. There was a lot that happened today, yet the time still feels like it flew right by. She lets out an exhausted sigh as she sits forward, trying to think of anything she is curious about. There's plenty, but now isn't the time to pester him with 20 questions. They both need a lot of rest after today, and in the morning, they can talk about things further. For now.....she had at least one question that was bothering her.
"Yes, I was just wondering..." She brings her gaze up to lock with his. "What are the rules here?"
"Hm?"
"You know, the rules you have for...staying here." She plays with her fingers. "How often do I need to do the dishes, when your meals should be cooked, what time I'm allowed to get up and go to sleep..."
The skeleton looks bewildered. She sinks into her shoulders, feeling embarrassed for asking such a thing. It just felt so natural, and like she was suppose to ask. Was it the wrong thing to say? Or did he truly not know the answer?
"There...are no rules. None whatsoever." He takes a seat next to her and holds her hand endearingly. "Sally, I'm not the Doctor. I'm not going to give you a million of chores you have to do just at the expense of living here. I want you here, and you shouldn't feel obligated to do anything for that."
Her eyes widen. "You mean, you don't want me to cook, or clean, or...or make your clothes?"
He shakes his skull. "Not really. If you'd like to do those things, then I won't stop you, but....you don't have to do them. Those things may have been a little tough for the Doctor to do, but I am able-bodied and I'm capable of cooking and cleaning like you are."
"I....I wasn't expecting that answer." She confesses.
He leans forward and leaves a kiss on her cheek, making her blush slightly. "-You don't owe me anything, and I want you to remember that. As long as you're comfortable, healthy, and happy here, that's all I ask. It's about time someone took care of you for once, rather than the other way around."
This makes her smile, and her leaves grow tingly. She lets out a content sigh as he pulls back. "You're right. I guess I'm just so...so used to being around the Doctor that...I don't know what it's like to live any other way."
"Well, we're going to change that. From now on, you don't have to worry about any of those things, and I'll be here for you. I'm ready to share my death with you, Sally. I certainly hope you're ready to share it with me?"
"Of course, Jack...I couldn't ask for anything better."
----
Jack Skellington prepares to rest for that night, and ensures that his partner is more than comfortable. He leaves her after she's settled in her bed and heads for his own room, where he leaves his door cracked open in case Sally needed him at all during the night. He promised her she could call for him, and he was more than prepared to fend for another person after so long. That thought buzzes in his skull as he changes into his sleeping clothes, laying in his bed and staring at the ceiling. A very prominent thought resurfaces in his mind, and he's left to dwell on it for the night.
Sally is living with him now.
It's almost the same feeling as when Doctor Finklestein first mentioned it to him. After being alone for so long, living only with his dog for years...now they have another person in their home. And it's not a guest or a mere visitor; it's the love of his death sharing the same space as him, and only a floor down. This was the least he could do for her after she got kicked out of her last place as soon as it was decided that the Doctor didn't need her anymore. 'This is his loss.' Jack thinks to himself. 'Sally is talented, kind, and sweet...having her around is going to be the best thing in my death.'
And what a thought that was...no longer will his mornings feel so empty and cold, and he won't have to come home to a nearly-empty mansion anymore. He's going to have her to listen to, her to see and hold, her at his side when he needs her most. It's felt like ages since he's had something like this to look forward to, and now that things were so much easier...he wasn't going to let any moment go to waste. He's going to cherish this ragdoll, show his love and appreciation for her, and take good care of her on the account that she hasn't had a very good home life before. He's going to do everything for her, and ensure that she is his top priority at all times.
He drifts off to sleep thinking of everything he is going to do for her, and how better his death is going to be after this night. He looks forward to the morning and wishes it could come sooner - so he can see her beautiful dark eyes again, and hear her soft voice the first thing after the skeletal rooster crows....
----
Sally Finklestein flutters her eyelashes after she finds her room engulfed in the pumpkin sun. The air feels only slightly musty as she rises from her bed and lets out a small yawn, blinking her eyes several times in an attempt to clear her vision. She recalls sleeping almost perfectly in her new bed, the mattress comfortable and her pillow so soft....the blanket was actually big enough to cover her whole body, and not once did she toss and turn in her sleep. It was unusually quiet this morning. This is new to her, as she would usually hear the Doctor screaming at her for his breakfast by now, and Igor would've surely waken her at such an hour like this.
She tosses the blanket off of her as she takes a weary step on the floor. She feels so well-rested, it almost makes her dizzy! She trudges on despite this, and gently opens her door. The sound of something sizzling comes down the hallway, and she curiously follows it. The closer she gets to the kitchen, the more she can make out the smell of something sweet - something that makes her tongue water, and her nose curiously inch more towards the source of the smell. When she peeks her head through the doorway, she finds a skeleton standing in front of the stove, one hand holding the handle of a pan and the other shoved in his pocket.
She quietly attempts to step in the room without catching his attention, but he happens to turn his skull in her direction. She freezes almost instantly - a habit thinking she had been caught. But after finding a large smile on his lips and hearing a cheerful hum, Sally relaxes.
"Awful morning, Sally. Did you sleep terrible?"
"Just horrible, thank you." She blinks curiously as she comes to his side, peeking at what was in the pan. She is surprised to find a couple slices of toast. "What are you making?"
"'Pain perdu'...or, as some call it, 'French Toast'." He reaches over to grab a plate. "I picked up this recipe from the human world. I'm wondering if you'll like it." He turns and motions towards the other room with his skull. "I made you a plate already."
She follows his gaze and notices a doorway leading into the dining room. She heads in and finds a plate of toast that has been sitting on the table. She curiously heads over and takes a seat, grabbing the fork and poking curiously at the bread. It certainly smells sweeter now that she's in front of it, and just staring at it is making her mouth water...she eagerly takes a bite and 'mmm's almost immediately at the taste. It is sweet! And it has just a little bit of syrup, cinnamon, and sugar coated on top...she begins to eat the rest mindlessly, not noticing how hungry she was.
Jack comes into the room and sits across from her, setting down his own serving. Sally notices that he's already dressed in his pinstriped suit while she remains in her pajamas. She shyly brushes her hair as he sits down, and sets her fork down as she thinks of what to say. This is their first morning they're spending together...and, already, it feels so much better. She didn't have to make breakfast, and for what awaited her that day, she had no clue. She was just relieved it wasn't chores or cleaning!
"Thank you for letting me sleep in." She tells him quietly.
"You needed the rest, with everything you've been through." He wipes his mouth with a napkin. "It is still rather early, anyway."
"Really? I'm surprised to see you awake and dressed already."
"I'm used to getting up the moment the sun rises. I have to wake early to work with the Mayor every morning."
"Oh..." She looks down and plays with her hands under the table. "I'm not taking you away from work right now, am I...?"
"Not at all! I wanted to make you something because I had a feeling you'd be wake up famished. Neither of us ate last night." He points to her plate with his fork. "How is it, by the way? Terrible?"
"The worst." She grins. "Thank you, Jack...it's delicious. I'm not really used to anyone making breakfast for me."
The memory of Finklestein making a meal for her once surfaces in her mind; the indescribable. awful food on her plate...she winces at the image. She's grateful her boyfriend knows how to cook properly. This won't be something she has to worry about every morning anymore, desperately working over the stove just so she doesn't have to worry about her disgruntled creator. The skeleton finishes his serving and sets his plate to the side.
"-Well, you might want to adjust. I enjoy cooking."
She smiles and finishes her food while the skeleton sits there, looking away in thought. It's only after her plate is empty that Sally realizes there is much to talk about with him. So much has happened yesterday, and while she already feels comfortable in this new environment, there are still other matters to handle. Ones they've neglected for awhile, and have been meaning to get around to.
"Jack, I want to thank you for everything last night, but there are other things on my mind, too." She brings up slowly. "I think we should tell the town about us already. If we don't, then me living here may look a little suspicious, or raise a lot of questions with our friends and the citizens..."
He brings his attention to her and nods. "-That's exactly what I was thinking! You and I were talking about...a meeting, weren't we? Where I called everyone for some Halloween announcement and finally tell them? I still think we should do that."
"I do, too. If only what happened with the Doctor hadn't gotten in the way..." Her gaze comes down as she mumbles quietly. "I wish he had taken it much better than he did..."
She finds his bony hand over hers, urging Sally to look up at him. The skeleton gives her an assuring smile. "What's important is that it's done with. The Doctor knows, and you're living with me now. If anything, that makes this a whole lot easier."
"Yes, that's true...he was the first one we wanted to know, anyway, wasn't it?"
"That he was. And now everyone else can! Well, besides the Band." He sits back in his seat and thinks for a moment. "I'll go ahead and schedule one today. You're going to be there, right?"
She plays with her hair, nodding slowly. "Of course I'll be."
"Great! You'll know when it is; I'll be sure to send the Mayor out to announce it. He'll be going around town soon if things go as planned."
He collects both of their plates before disappearing into the kitchen. Sally frowns and stares at the tablecloth while he's gone. She wonders how the meeting will go, and if her presence will complicate anything. She knows the females will surely be disappointed, especially the admirers of Jack. She quietly fears if any of them will take it out on her - but the better part of her thinks otherwise. Halloween Town is full of kind, generous citizens from what she's seen. They'll surely be respectful about her and Jack's relationship, won't they?
The skeleton suddenly comes back in the room, tugging at his sleeves as he lingers by the doorway. "-Well, I should be heading off, now. I need to catch up with the Mayor and explain my absence. The first thing I'll do is schedule that meeting."
She gets up from her seat and nods. "That sounds like a good idea."
He looks at her and smiles, turning to face her. "I guess I'll be seeing you there, then?"
"I guess you will."
He stand there idly before walking over to her and leaning forward. She gets the hint and raises her head slightly to kiss him. It was a gentle. And every passing second where their lips interlocked, it assured Sally that things are going to be okay. That she had absolutely nothing to worry about so long as she had this man by her side. Her best friend....her lover. They're going to get through this together, no matter how it turns out. She already feels immensely protected. Jack eventually pulls away and gives her one last smile.
"You'll be alright without me here?" She nods. "-I'm sure you know where everything is. Help yourself to anything in the meantime. I can't wait to see you again."
He heads for the door and dips his skull before leaving. As the door closes behind him, the ragdoll stares at it for a few minutes. She listens as his footsteps climb down the stairs, then silence ensues after. She clasps her hands together and squeezes them, rocking on her heels gently. Her leaves start to swell anxiously as she sits down, and she spends many minutes staring around the room hoping, quietly, that things will go alright.
Do you write fan fiction?? If you do, can I read some lol 💕
Do you mean The Nightmare Before Christmas fanfics? Because I do! I’ve written them for quite a long time, though nowadays I’ve deleted most of them and only kept a couple of mine published to this day.
I wrote a Jack/Sally fanfiction called Two Dearest Friends, set in an AU where the Christmas incident doesn’t happen because Jack falls in love with Sally before that can happen. (That one took me years to finish - it’s a rewrite of an old version of the same story, but very much improved. It’s one of my proudest works and definitely one I wanted to share with the fandom!)
I also wrote another Jack/Sally fanfic, but it has a lot of angst. It’s based on a scene in Oogie’s Revenge and it’s called The Heart of the Spider.
If you’re interested to see my other fanfictions, anon, then I suggest checking more on my AO3 page. I also have a separate blog to share my fanfics/writing tips/relatable things called @rainbows-fanfics. Do give that a follow if you want to know more about my writing or have more of that stuff on your dash.
Thank you for asking, anon, and it turns out, I’m a very big fanfiction writer and reader! I’d love to make more works for the TNBC fandom in particular…
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, meets Sally, a ragdoll created by Dr. Finklestein. A friendship blossoms between them as he introduces her to the world outside of her tower. Sally is falling for him as their relationship grows into something more, and Jack finds the same is happening to him.
A story where the Christmas incident never happens, and Jack and Sally find their happiness on their own.
Pairings: Jack Skellington/Sally
--
Sally's life feels absolutely miserable.
After that horrendous evening, she has experienced nothing but pain and suffering. It felt like something was ripped out of her when she saw Jack leave that day, and its absence has left a very cold feeling in her leaves. Like she is missing something crucially important to her functioning. She feels lonely and miserable, just like she was before she met the man of her screams. And now she remembers why she wanted so badly to leave this life - all of it is absolutely unbearable.
She spent the next two days after the incident sobbing to her heart's content. She couldn't think or do much of anything - not with Igor lingering behind her, constantly watching her in her room. She hasn't had a moment's worth of privacy, as the assistant would follow her around the tower and constantly block the exits if she was in the near proximity of them. Sally has begged countless of times for him to let her go, to let her escape and see Jack again, but no matter how many times she's bribed him with bone biscuits, Igor was very strict to stick with Dr. Finklestein's orders. The man would even stay awake the whole night while she was left sleeping.
She is very depressed. She hasn't felt happy ever since she saw Jack, and she misses him dearly. She knows, deep inside of her, that he's missing her, too. The most the ragdoll has seen of the skeleton is his small silhouette that rarely comes in his window from his observatory. She is only allowed to look through hers from a certain distance, but even her eyes could make out Jack's figure, and they would never leave it until she couldn't see it again. In those moments, she could feel the hope and happiness surface in her leaves - but they were ultimately temporary, as the moment those lights would go off, she'd feel very cold again.
She is sitting on her bed now, her head in her hand looking sorrowfully at the ground, slowly kicking her dangling legs. Igor is across from her watching her intently with his one working eye. He is very close to her closed door for obvious reasons. Not that he should be concerned of her leaving - the last thing Sally wants to do is to see the Doctor's face. She'd rather be trapped up in her room than be around a man who crushed her hopes and dreams right before her eyes.
"Funny how he wants to keep me here so badly when he rarely leaves that lab of his..." She mutters to herself.
Her eyes come up to the shorter, hunchbacked man, who remains quiet. He's rarely spoken to her, except the times where he'd inform her of the Doctor's orders or warn her not to leave. It seems that even Igor has changed into an emotionless robot, helping imprison her from the outside world...oh, what did she ever do to do deserve this?
She thinks of everything that has happened, and remembers all the reasons why she can't be happy. This sadness overcomes her as she is swept into tears again, holding her hands over her eyes and attempting to cover her sobs through her fingers. Igor merely watches from the side, his posture loosening after witnessing her crying for what has to be the fifteenth time today. She then brings her head into her pillow, muffling her cries so she won't be shouted at again for making a ruckus.
--------------
Dr. Finklestein is also not feeling very well.
This is very strange to him, experiencing such negative emotions at what has to be a very positive moment in his death. He has finally finished something he has been frivolously working on for weeks! The end result came out better than he ever anticipated, and he was thrilled to show off his new creation. But then came the realization of what position he is in - he cannot show his King of his proud work, and he can't brag of his newly-improved ragdoll to Sally...that would only stir more trouble from the girl, and that was the last thing he wanted!
Yet, he can't help but recognize the unfathomable sadness in him. He got very little pleasure out of his abrupt session with Jack Skellington, as much as he believed otherwise. He still can't get this sour taste out of his mouth, and every time his mind comes back to the boy, he feels very...guilty. This feeling is very new to him considering he previously thought nothing but positive of the man before Sally ever came into either of their deaths. Ever since then, things between them just became more and more...troubled. And as much as he'd like to continue blaming this on his creation, Finklestein understands that a part of it leaves himself to blame.
It is because of him that his ragdoll has been crying endlessly for days now.
It is because of him his assistant is away, constantly ensuring Sally will not escape.
It is because of him The Pumpkin King can never set foot in his laboratory again.
And it is is because of him the peaceful death he once had no longer exists, and is now replaced with a false image of a better one.
He should be happy he made himself a new wife. He should be relieved that she will be much better than Sally. They will have much more in common sharing a brain, and she will willingly obey everything he says and wants. It is everything he ever wanted...just like he believed before. But he can't envision himself dying with this guilt - the twinge in his chest every time he passes by Sally's room and hears her cries, every time he looks out of the window and finds the Skellington Manor darker than usual, and every time he is left alone with his thoughts of his future.
Dr. Finklestein observes the inanimate figure laying in his lab, bowing his large head to stare into his lap. He has many plans and hopes for this woman, but in order to accomplish them...he has to do something he doesn't exactly want to do. It is very different from what he initially planned, but this one will be better in every circumstance. At least, he believes it will. All he can hope is that it will work out, and that he can be given a second chance by those he has wronged in these past few days...
-------------
The pale man heads into town, much to his own surprise. He already knows where to go and what his business will be, so he doesn't stop for anything on the streets. He doesn't think twice of the strange looks from the citizens who see him or the confused mumbles of the children he passes by. He is looking straight ahead, determined to get to the Town Hall and find Jack Skellington.
-------------
Unbeknownst to anyone, the skeleton is dozing off from his work.
He has, understandably, been doing this for awhile lately. Ever since his...visit to Finklestein's tower, his mind has been elsewhere. His spirits have been particularly crushed on the account of the events that happened there, and he hasn't had any nightmarish thoughts nor dreams since then. In fact, he'd confess to feeling downright miserable. His displeasure is very similar to how he felt before Sally came into his death. He feels disconnected from his work in every possibly way, and finds little meaning in it without the slight hope of being inspired by the woman he loves. The only person that has kept him on his feet with Halloween for these past couple of years...
Jack managed to finish a few meetings with some citizens and politicians, and is sitting at his desk attempting to conclude the decisions made in their consultations. But he can't quite remember what was discussed from what was decided...whatever he writes down will find its way into Halloween this year, and he understands how important this is! But he just can't seem to focus...all he can think about is Sally, and he can feel is how weak his bones are getting. He's been fidgeting a lot more lately and he can't find anything in him to stop thinking about her.
He hid himself in his mansion the rest of that evening...he spent a lot of his night laying in his bed, staring at his ceiling, and wondering to himself how things could have went so wrong. How he should've stood his ground more and prevent all of that from unfolding...he's done a lot of self-loathing these past few nights, but ultimately, he just felt very sad. He came very close to crying -- as close as a skeleton could come to shedding tears, that is -- but he had to use the last of his strength to keep himself from it. He can't let his facade down when he has to wear it every day for his people!
That was the best thing about Sally... He thinks to himself, the frown deepening on his lips. I never had to do that around her...
His thoughts are interrupted when the door to the room opens, and he stands in his chair believing it's his next scheduled meeting. But then he finds the pale face of Dr. Finklestein peeking inside, and that beckons him right away to sit back down. In this second, he wonders to himself how professional he should be - the Doctor couldn't have come here on his own wish, so it must be something formal that urged him here. He should act as his Kingly self if that's all Finklestein saw out of him.
Instead, the spite manages to leave his mouth. "-Come to throw more books at me, Doctor?"
The man across from him clears his throat as he slowly brings the rest of himself into the room, shutting the door behind him and approaching his desk. Jack doesn't bother to look at him in this time, pretending to actually work for once. He can't bring himself to look that man in the eye after what was said. He can actually feel himself getting hotter in his presence - feeling the similar rage that had come from that fateful day...The skeleton clenches his fists to stop himself from doing anything rash so soon.
Finklestein's tone is serious, "I know I didn't inform you of my appearance, Jack, but...I really need to talk to you."
This fails to get the skeleton's attention. He keeps his focus on his work while scribbling away with his pencil. "I doubt anything you say will be of any importance to me."
"It's about Sally."
Oh.
"She's not doing so well...I'm sure you can understand why." He rubs the back of his large head and takes a deep breath. "Jack, I'm sorry for what I said, that day..."
The expression on his skull shows his disbelief. The Doctor catches on and waves a hand in the air. "I know you might think I'm dishonest about this, but believe me...it isn't good to hear her crying every night. And every time I pass by her room...It's rather bothersome, actually."
He flinches at this information. Has she really been crying that much?
"What I came all this way to say was...I understand how rash I was. I refused to listen to anything you said because I believed I was right. I did think Sally was entitled to marrying me because I created her, and everything you said I did...they were all awful to do. I didn't realize how bad these things were until it was shoved right back into my face. And I just wanted to say...you were right of it all. I shouldn't have done what I did."
He arches an eye socket. Finklestein catches this and looks away.
"I understand if you don't forgive me for my behavior...but I want you to know, Skellington, that I've been thinking a lot ever since our fight. I regret everything about it. You're an old friend of mine, and to risk our friendship over something like this just seems foolish. To lose the respect I had for you over a woman seems so senseless. But that was exactly what I did - and it was a very poor decision on my part."
Jack takes in these words, but he doesn't believe them. The Doctor is naturally stubborn and hard to change in opinion; for him to suddenly change his views and apologize for his rash actions in only a few days seems impossible, if not caused by something else. The skeleton leans forward in his seat, wondering what could have possibly gotten the Doctor to change his mind. Finklestein takes this a cue to continue.
"I especially apologize for the anger I took on you. I was just frustrated with Sally, you see, and after seeing the two of you-"
"-I'm not the one you should be saying sorry to." The skeleton cuts him off. "You owe Sally an apology for what you said to her. She's the one you should be speaking to. Not me."
The shorter man stiffens in his seat. He sighs in defeat, resting his hands in his lap. "Well...yes, I suppose you're right. I just didn't think...after what happened-" He seems to be struggling with his words and decides to change topic. "The truth is, there's another reason I came...I finished my project-"
"And why is that important to me?"
"I built myself a new wife. I am going to share half of my brain with her, and after today, she will be brought to life and will finally become apart of my death."
The confusion on Jack's face is apparent. He attempts to make sense of his words. "What? A wife? You mean you-"
"Built her from scratch! I based her more off of myself, so we should have a lot in common. We'll have enlightening discussions that I think will be most pleasurable." He smiles for a moment before realizing their situation. "I was going to come in a few days from now and ask for your signature on a proper marriage certificate. I will be more than happy to introduce-"
"I can't believe this." He gawks at him. "You...you replaced Sally? Just like that?"
The Doctor grits his teeth. "Ah, yes...that's another thing I came in here for." He clears his throat again. "I plan for my precious wife to live with me in my tower, but we only have 2 bedrooms...Igor and I will move her things into Sally's room, and she will have to go someplace else."
"But where would she go?" He sounds frantic at this point. He can't help it. "You wouldn't just kick her onto the streets, would you?"
"That's what I came to you for, my boy...You see, I was wondering if you'd let Sally live with you?"
Things suddenly go very quiet in Jack's nonexistent ears. He pounds the side of his skull until he can hear the Doctor talking again. Sally...living with him?? He doesn't know what to-
"I only ask because I know it's the best for her. She adores you, and I've only seen her happy when she's around you. I have no doubt that you will take better care of her than I ever could. You've proven to me just how much you care for that girl, and I believe that you truly love her. I may have doubted it before, but after seeing how hurt she is...I know it's true, now."
The Pumpkin king is speechless. He is still mesmerized at the idea of sharing his house with another person. For most of his death, he's only shared it with Zero. He's used to the rooms being so barren and empty except when he was in them, and only expecting the bark of his dog when he announced himself home. To think of all of these otherwise...having Sally around him more, seeing her so frequently instead of sparingly, hearing her voice every morning and every night and getting to share things with her...he couldn't imagine anything better. As if this was what he truly needed all along...
The Doctor awaits his response, but he doesn't need to wait long until the skeleton nods. Relief washes over the scientist, and he eagerly leans over the desk to offer his small hand to the skeleton. Jack hesitates before taking it, and they both exchange a respectable handshake. As the two make eye contact, a smile finally grows on both of their lips.
----------------
Sally has spent all day crying into her bed.
She doesn't even remember when she began or when her tears became dry, but she found nothing in her to stop. Even when there was nothing else to shed, she still hiccuped into her pillow and whimpered for as long as she could. Fate seems to want to keep her here, and she can at least show her displeasure by expressing how miserable she feels. There is no reason for her to leave her room so giddy or do whatever the Doctor wants of her. She's stuck in this cell of a prison, and there seems to be no escape...
In the midst of these depressing thoughts comes a knock on her door. Igor quickly comes to it and checks for who is behind, and makes a surprised but pleased noise. He disappears behind the door without another word, causing the ragdoll to sit up in her bed in confusion. The door is then slowly pushed open, revealing three figures from the other side. But one in particular comes close to the door, and enters her room as soon as it is available.
Sally can't believe what she is seeing. Jack Skellington looks at her, then opens his arms.
"Hello, Sally."
"J-Jack?"
She pinches herself very quickly to check if she is dreaming. He smiles at her, and it's then she knows this is real. She jumps out from her bed in under a second and goes into the skeleton's arms, hugging him tightly and bringing her head into his chest. His arms wrap around her figure as he holds her close, and she absorbs everything about his presence. Her leaves grow warm at his scent, his touch, his voice...she feels completely at ease being in his arms, and forgets all about her tears that have been falling for hours.
"Wh-what are you do-doing here...?" She asks quietly. Jack looks over at the doorway, and when she follows his gaze, she finds Dr. Finklestein and Igor watching them from the side. The Doctor is the one to explain. She notices how hesitant he sounds. Very unusual for him.
"Jack here is going to...take you somewhere, my dear."
"Take me somewhere?" She repeats, looking between them and squinting her eyes suspiciously. "But...But I thought-"
"-No need to waste your time! You better go off with him before he changes his mind!"
Sally wants to ask more about this. To know why everything suddenly changed, and why she is no longer restricted from the man she is holding. Jack looks down at her and squeezes her hand, then slowly takes her and leads her out from her room. The Doctor and Igor wave to them as they climb down the ramps, and neither of them are stopped as they leave through the door. The ragdoll says nothing as she is assisted down the stairs, but as soon as they are far away from the tower, she turns to the taller man and begins asking the questions that have been killing her.
"Jack, I thought the Doctor didn't want you around! He said you couldn't come back, and I-"
"I know, I know. I thought so, too." The skeleton replies hastily, looking around a few times. "Let's, ah, go to the Graveyard! It's been quite some time since we've been there, hasn't it?"
She stares at him without any words, feeling confused and lost. The skeleton takes her silence as a 'yes' and begins leading her to their favorite place. She can't help but smile the moment they're wrapped in the fog and find the Spiral Hill sitting in its proper place. She's even greeted by Zero, who happily jumps out from his grave and rubs his muzzle on the side of her face. He gives her a happy lick of the cheek before barking his greeting, and she laughs as she pets his head.
"Aw, Zero! It's so nice to see you...how I've missed you..."
The dog relaxes in her touch and allows her to kiss the top of his head. He barks a couple of times before getting ahead of them and waiting at the top of the hill. Jack naturally leads the two of them on the top, and sets them both down carefully in their usual spots. Sally refuses to let go of his hand as she settles herself down, using her other hand to pet Zero. They both relax in the peacefulness and quiet atmosphere of the Graveyard, neither of them saying anything.
Eventually, the curiosity starts to hurt her. She turns to her beloved and frowns. "Jack, I-I'm so confused...what's happening?"
"Everything's alright, I assure you." He lowers her hand and rubs the top of it slowly. "I'm here now. There's no reason to worry."
"I'm not. I'm very happy." She brushes a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm just...confused. As to how this happened."
"I don't intend on leaving you in the dark, my dear." He runs his hand through her hair, sitting himself closer to her. "Earlier today, I had a visit from someone in my office....apologizing for what he said a few days ago, and throwing books at me."
"Really? The Doctor came to you and...apologized?"
"Mm. I was just as confused as you. But he apologized for everything and said I could see you again. I didn't want to wait a moment further. I left right away to come and see you. And may I say...this is the happiest I've been all week!"
He lays a kiss on the top of her hand. She smiles and curls her fingers on her cheek. "Jack, that's so sweet...I'm glad you came. I didn't think the Doctor would apologize...he's never said he's wrong about anything before!"
"Well, there's a reason he came to me, besides saying he was worry." Something in Sally tingles as Jack bites his lip. "He also told me he finished that project of his. He finally told me what it was, but the thing about it is, well-"
"You know? I've been dying to hear what it is!" The ragdoll exclaims and leans forward. "What did he make?"
"Sally-" This is harder than I thought... "He...he replaced you."
The smile falls from her face. Softly, she asks, "What?"
"I don't know a better way to put it." He sighs. "He made himself a new wife. One he'd share his brain with. She was built to be an...an 'improvement' of you, for him...and he's going to marry her in a few days. He wanted me to tell you."
Her voice comes out in squeaks. "But, but if he's replacing me...what am I going to do...?"
He can hear her sniffling and brings her into an embrace. She holds him and buries her head into his shoulder, where he can feel the tears start to moisten his suit. He allows her to cry for as long as she needs, rubbing her back in consolation and whispering gently in her ear that everything is going to be alright this time. He feels her nod slightly as he tells her these things, but the tears continue to fall. He has a feeling she already knows what this means, but it feels especially hard for him to say it.
Eventually, she pulls away. When he finds how moist her eyes are, he rubs the side of her cheek as she leans into his touch. She looks worried now, and he feels guilty for putting it so abruptly like this. Another part of him is starting to grow nervous at the idea of this - wondering if Sally will reject the idea of living with him. He doesn't know what he'll do if that was the case. Surely he'll find somewhere for her to live - but he dearly wishes, more than anything, that she'll want to leave Finklestein and come with him...
"What he's essentially doing is...making you move out. To make room for his new wife. He wants to put her in your old room, meaning you'll have to leave."
This hurts her down to her core. He can just see it in her eyes. "What? But-but he wouldn't-"
His grip on her hand tightens. This is getting harder for him by the minute. It's difficult just getting these words out off his tongue! "It's why he didn't tell you what he was working on. He didn't want you to know he was replacing you until she was finished. I don't know why that is, but-"
"Where will I go...? Jack, I-I don't know what to-" She places a hand over her mouth, whimpering slightly. "I know I've said I always wanted this, but...but I....I just..."
She begins to shake, having to hold onto his arm to keep herself steady. He decides to move her into his lap now, facing her towards him so she can rest her head on his chest. She does exactly this and brings her arms around his neck, crying a little more in his shoulder. He continues to rock her gently and trails his fingers through the ends of her yarn hair, staring at the ground and inwardly wishing he hadn't been the one to break this awful news to her. But he was a much better choice than the Doctor - he can at least offer her comfort and assurance, and even more than that...
"I promised you everything would be okay. And I don't intend on changing that." He tells her softly. "Sally, I was wondering...after learning about all of this...is if you'd like to come and live with me?"
She stiffens in his grip. Hearing her lack of response, and panicking slightly, he continues on:
"The Doctor was the one who suggested it, but I think it's a great idea...you've always wanted to leave him, and I can give you everything you need. I have plenty of bedrooms, I've got everything to take care of you, and you'll be in better hands. I won't do the things he did to you and you won't be forced to do anything anymore so long as you're with me. I'll make sure you're happy and you're healthy, and I...I'll do anything for you."
It's now that she relaxes, her eyelashes fluttering against his undershirt. "Oh, Jack...do I really deserve all of that?""
"After all you've been through, you deserve everything. And I can give you all of that." He can feel her clutching at his back. "-What do you say?"
She pulls back to look at him, batting her eyes with a smile. "It's like you're offering me the whole world right now..." She keeps him on edge for a few moments before grinning. "Nothing would make me happier!"
He returns the grin, absolutely delighted at her answer, and leans in closer to her face. She takes this cue and does the favor by initiating their kiss, pressing her lips eagerly against his and bringing her hand to the back of his skull to pull him down. Jack savors this moment by bringing his own hands to the back of her head, resting himself against her. He's elated having her in his arms again and kissing her - he hasn't wanted anything more these past few days. As for Sally, she can feel the tears falling from her eyes as she kisses him - tears of joy at the news that she will now have a new home, and it's going to be with the man she loves.
---------
"Is this everything?"
Sally turns her head when she hears Jack's voice, and after finding the box that contains her trustworthy sewing machine in his hands, she gives him a firm nod. He gently places it down with the rest of them in the doorway, leaning upwards to crack his back. She returns to what she had been doing before, taking one last look through her window. Her eyes are transfixed on Jack's mansion from afar, still in disbelief that she's going to be living there from now on. In a few minutes from now, they'll begin bringing her possessions in there, and she'll be standing in the Skellington Manor again. Someplace she hasn't set foot in for a very long time...yet she can still remember everything she saw in there.
The taller figure joins her side, resting his hands behind his back and sharing her view. She turns to see what he is looking at and notices that his gaze is also in the direction of his home. Then he glances at everything else she could normally see - the town center, the edges of the Outskirts, and the place where the Band usually settles. He doesn't have much expression looking at these things, unlike her....she knows this is the last time she's going to see it. This was the only part of her life here she recalled liking - looking out of her window and daydreaming of a better world outside.
"This was a lovely view," He tells her.
"I know," She replies, still staring at his home. He turns to observe the troubled frown growing on her lips.
"Is something the matter? It looks like something's on your mind."
"There's a lot on it right now." She sighs. "You don't know how happy I am to be leaving. It's everything I ever wanted. But the only reason I am is because the Doctor replaced me. I've always wanted to leave, but I never realized how unwanted I was here...Things are going to be better after I'm gone."
"Of course it will be better. You're not going to be stuck with the man who tried to force you into marriage and trapped you here." He places his hand on her shoulder. "-Things are going to be a lot better for you, and I think that's what's most important here. It doesn't matter what death he's going to have after you're gone - I think he'll realize what a mistake it was taking you for granted."
She smiles before a look of hesitation comes on her face. "Jack...you don't think we're moving too quickly, do you? We've only been together for a few months now, and starting today I'll be living with you even though the town still doesn't know about us."
The Pumpkin King takes in her words and contemplates it for a moment. He wouldn't have imagined himself helping Sally move in with him today, nor would he have predicted the Doctor suddenly tossing her out so soon. The idea of living with her hadn't even occurred to him until Finklestein mentioned it. He was far too occupied with wondering how to reveal the news of them as it is. But once he accepted it, it hasn't felt anything but natural to him. Nothing seems sudden, just acting on hidden impulses more than anything. He wasn't aware of the desire to want her around more until the opportunity presented itself. And he wasn't going to let that slip away, no matter how unexpected it is.
"Well, you and I have known each other for a few years now. It's not like we're complete strangers still getting to know each other." He chuckles. "But if anything seems sudden to you, you can tell me. I can always-"
"No, no this is perfect to me. I was just hoping you'd say the same thing."
She gives him a kiss before looking at her things right by the door. She doesn't have very much to take with her. The most she has are the dresses and clothes she's made, as well as her sewing machine. Other than those, she really has no valuables she wants to bring. She doesn't want anything that will remind her of this old place. With a confident smile, she takes the box with the clothes while Jack grabs the one with the sewing machine, accompanying her down the ramps so they can finally get things over with and leave.
They are, however, stopped when Igor comes tromping over to meet with them. He gazes curiously at the boxes in their hands before stepping to the side, giddily looking at the laboratory. They follow his view and find Dr. Finklestein coming out, much to the dismay of Sally. But then he is joined by a taller figure - his new creation. She bears an uncanny resemblance to the Doctor, except she is wearing makeup and has blonde hair with a complimenting swirl to the side. Around her neck is faux fur and an orange pearl necklace, accompanied by similar-looking bracelets around both of her gloved wrists. She wears a plan green dress but from this angle, Sally could see the stitch patterns along her skin.
She wheels him into the room looking at Jack and Sally eagerly while the Doctor rubs his hands together in excitement. He holds a hand up seeing how close they are to the door. "-Before you two leave, may I at least introduce you to my new creation?"
The skeleton looks at his girlfriend for approval, who hesitantly nods while discreetly showing the displeasure on her face. The aforementioned creation removes herself from behind Dr. Finklestein and presents herself to them. She happens to trip the moment she's in front of them, and Igor comes right away to help steady her. She looks up at them and blinks apologetically, revealing her gray eyes from under her curled eyelashes.
"I'm sorry...I am still learning how to walk." Her voice is very feminine and a little soft. Sally is too busy gawking at her, so Jack takes the chance to speak.
"That is quite alright. It's nice to meet you..."
The creation looks at Dr. Finklestein, who perks up in his seat and answers for her. "-Jewel! I have named her my precious Jewel."
"It's nice to meet you, Jewel." He finishes properly, moving in front of her to offer her his hand. "I'm-"
"-Jack Skellington!" She finishes excitedly, shaking his hand numerous times. "Yes, I know a lot about you! You're the Pumpkin King, and you rule the town!"
"That's right." He can't help but notice something airy about her. "On behalf of myself and my people, I'd like to welcome you to Halloween Town. I hope you're going to enjoy it here."
She thanks him with the bow of her head, then skips over to Sally, who has remained quiet until this point. Jewel looks her up-and-down before greeting her with a shy wave, clutching her gloved hands together and jumping slightly in enthusiasm. She certainly seems cheerful.
"You must be Sally! I've always wanted to meet you. The Doctor has told me a lot of things about you." She hesitates before offering her hand. "I'm Jewel..."
The ragdoll looks at her hand before slowly taking it, where they both shake it once. Jewel lets go and rubs the side of her arm. "It's unfortunate to hear you're leaving so soon...I really wanted to get to know you."
She doesn't know what to say. "Oh...um, thank you. I guess I...wanted to know you, too."
"That's enough, my dear." Dr. Finklestein beckons Jewel back, who happily skips back over to him. He turns to Jack and Sally and allows his creation to wheel him to them. "I suppose this is goodbye, Sally..."
"I suppose it is," She replies, holding her head high.
"..."
"..."
"I, eh, I'm sorry for what I put you through while you were here. I understand there are many reasons why you may never come back, but...just understand that you're welcome anytime you'd like. Jewel here may be taking over, but that isn't a reason I can't see you again."
Sally doesn't say anything to him. Instead, she turns to Jack and says, "I think I'm ready to go."
The disappointment can be seen in the Doctor's posture, but no one pays attention to it. Jack bids their farewells before leading Sally outside. After the door closes behind them, it's very quiet in Finklestein's Tower. Jewel looks over at her promised-husband to find he is still staring in the direction they left, a frown left on his lips. She leans down to pat his head once or twice before disappearing back in his lab with Igor following behind.
---------------
Their walk to Jack's house is tense and quiet for the first few minutes. She doesn't understand why he decides to go the long route and lead them through the Outskirts longer than necessary, but she doesn't want to pry. Sally is still caught up in what has happened, and she can't stop thinking about it. This is the most free she has ever felt, no longer under the chains of Dr. Finklestein. But leaving her past life is more difficult than she anticipated.
This is exactly why the skeleton chose to take the longer way, wishing to speak to her. Wanting to make sure she's okay with this transition - supporting her every step of the way. He understands meeting Jewel was a big deal, and seeing the way she acted and what she said to Sally might be affecting her more than she is leading on. Jack shuffles the box into his other hand and turns to the ragdoll with a smile.
"Jewel seemed nice," He comments aloud. "I think she got the better half of the Doctor's brain."
She nods along. "Yeah. I wasn't expecting her to...say that."
"I wonder what will happen to the Doctor having someone like her around." He taps his lip in thought. "Maybe she'll help him become better?"
"I don't know what to think of him anymore. I'd rather not think of him at all."
He respects this and remains quiet for a few minutes. But in this silence, she begins to feel guilty. Guilty of focusing so much on the Doctor and how he's impacted her life when everything better is coming her way. She has the man she loves helping her move on and welcome her into his own home. She should at least show him how thankful and appreciative she is, because nothing more could make her happier right now.
"When I first met you, Jack, I...I wouldn't have imagined anything like this. Falling in love with you, us courting, and you asking me to move in...Sometimes it still feels like I'm dreaming because every part of this feels too good for me. All it took was being with you for a few years and some months, but I know this is something I want dearly. I'm always happy around you, and I know this will make me happy, too. I just..." She shuffles the box in her hands. "-I just wanted to thank you for letting me have this."
He lays a skeletal hand over his chest, his eye sockets filled with emotion. "Oh, Sally...those are such sweet words. Really, I should be thanking you. I didn't expect any of this, either, but it's...you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I didn't think you'd agree to this, but I'm ecstatic that you did. I want this just as much as you do."
She tears up slightly, quickly wiping one away before any more can fall. "You mean it?"
"Absolutely. Having you much closer to me...with me every day...I couldn't ask for more! And you know what? You risked a lot with what you had. If you hadn't ever left that tower, I wouldn't have gotten to know you. And that sounds like a true nightmare to me." He reaches for her hand and holds it delicately in his own. "I love you, Sally. And from now on, I'm going to be taking good care of you. I won't do anything the Doctor did to you."
Now she allows her tears to fall. She can't help it - they're out of pure joy. "I trust you, Jack...I believe you...no man would ever treat me better than you. And I love you, too. I'm just...so happy..."
As if there was nothing else to this situation that could make Sally happier, the sight of Jack's mansion comes into view. It's sitting in all its glory on its high foundation. It's then this truly feels like a dream to her - the steps she takes on the stairs, the helpful, guiding hand of Jack's held in her own, and the awe-inspiring sight when the doors open all feel unreal to her. The moment she's inside and Jack closes the door behind her, Sally already knows this life is going to be more than everything she's ever dreamed of.
She turns to Jack and grins the widest she's ever grinned, then runs towards him to hug him tightly. Without any warning, she interlocks her lips with Jack's, and they both share their first passionate kiss inside their home together.
THE END
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...To Be Continued?
