Chapter Text
Jack x Sally
There are several things Sally Finkelstein has to take into consideration when leaving her tower. For instance, 'What if the doctor notices I'm gone?' Or worse, 'what if he comes looking for me?' 'What am I doing in town today?' 'Where will I hide if he chases me?'. Despite the fear that comes with each thought, Sally typically finds herself leaving anyway, wanting to escape the cold, prison-like tower and her creator who's pretty much holding her hostage at this point. She doesn't care what happens anymore, as long as she's outside.
But that doesn't stop these types of thoughts from remaining in her head as she walks down the path of the outskirts alone, with nothing but a basket in her hand and a needle behind her ear. She had just finished poisoning the doctor, and she could still smell a small scent of deadly nightshade on her hand as she reached up to brush a piece of hair out of her face.
Usually, the only type of fear-provoking thoughts that clouded her mind at a time like this were about the doctor, but recently, these thoughts have begun to shift ever so slightly. Lately she's had something else on her mind. A different kind of fear.
'What if I see Jack in town today?' 'What do I say to him?' 'Am I SUPPOSED to talk to him?' 'We're friends, right?'
The Ragdoll sighed as she continued walking, slightly swinging her basket along side of her. A small blush formed on her cheeks as she spoke his name in her head.
'Jack...'
It was no secret that Sally was madly in love with the tall, handsome skeleton. At first, she was perfectly calm about it, managing to keep her cool around him and even managed to successfully deny it to anyone who questioned "why she blushed around him". But, recently, it's gotten a lot worse. Sally was finding it harder and harder to speak fluently around him, stammering and messing up her words most of the time. She also found it difficult to keep still and not stare at him for the most part. Yes, it was gradually getting harder and harder to keep her feelings a secret, and she was sure plenty of people knew about it by now. But...Jack didn't know. And that's what's important.
She wanted to tell him. Oh, so very bad. After all, the two of them can't possibly become more than friends if he had no idea that she was in love with him. But, Sally found that she just didn't have the confidence to confess. Not yet. But the time will come, she's sure. Deep down in her heart, Sally really hoped he felt the same way. She often daydreamed about a future with him. About the two of them becoming a couple, holding hands, kissing...
And it was these thoughts that were in her head as she walked into town.
———
Sally's eyes scanned around as she entered town square through the main gate. There were quite a bit of people out today, walking around, chatting with friends, shopping at shops, etc. She could smell a mixture of brews and potions as she passed by the Witches Goods store. Her mind went back to before she left the tower, trying to remember the reason she had for leaving in the first place.
'That's right! I was going to get some more deadly nightshade from the cemetery!' She remembered, 'Then...why did I come into town?'
Sally really wasn't sure. Her feet seemed to take her here when she was swept up in thought walking down the crooked path of the outskirts. She must have taken that trail out of habit...
She was suddenly dragged out of thought, when movement caught her eye. She turned around, facing the direction of the fountain, which stood right in the center of town square. Her breath got caught in her throat as her eyes fell upon the thing that had caught her attention.
Jack Skellington.
He was standing next to the fountain with one hand on his hip, the other at his side. There was a small crowd of people around him, not many, but at least 4 or 5. Most notably the Mayor, who was standing at Jack's side smiling happily with a paper or two in his hands. Jack was talking to them, smiling like he usually does. Unfortunately, Sally was just out of earshot, so she couldn't make out what he was saying.
She just watched him for a few moments, unsure of what to do. Should she go over? Say hello? Or just stay put? She wouldn't want to intrude...
She could feel the heat build up on her face the longer she stared, hoping no one would notice. Taking a big breath, she slowly crept over toward the group.
"-...and THAT'S why Jack is and always WILL BE the king of Halloween!" The Mayor said, half shouting. He smiled wider as he gripped onto his papers. "I do believe he's doing much better than LAST year! We haven't had this much free time in I don't know how long!" Jack smiled, closing his eyes momentarily and tilting his head.
"Ah- Thank you, Mayor. I've just been able to focus a little better on getting work done quicker this year is all"
Sally felt her heart thump when she heard his voice again. It's been too long....
She could feel the warmth return to her cheeks. She loved this feeling.
The mayor replied, "Well, I'm certainly glad, Jack"
A few people in the small crowd nodded in agreement, and Jack opened his mouth to reply, when he suddenly caught sight of Sally. He stopped.
The two made eye contact for only a second, but to Sally, it felt like it could've been years. A mixture of giddiness and nervousness swelled inside the pit of her stomach, causing her leaves to tingle. The feeling only got worse when he smiled at her. She could feel the heat on her cheeks get hotter the longer she looked at his face. His adorable, handsome face...
Sally was so mesmerized by his eye sockets, she barely noticed that he was walking towards her, followed by the Mayor. The crowd scooted as well, giving them plenty of room.
"Sally!" The skeleton began, "Hello there. Lovely to see you out today." He told her, still smiling warmly at her. Sally felt like she was going to melt. The way he said her name....
Looking around, she noticed several pairs of eyes on her, and she snapped back into reality as she realized that they were waiting on her response.
"O-Oh! Y-yeah..hi.." she brushed her hair behind her shoulder. "Um..th-thank you. It's very...l-lovely to see you as well.." She did her best to smile at him, gulping. He didn't seem to take much notice of her shyness.
"Thank you. So, what have you been up to lately? I know it's been quite a bit since we've last talked."
"Oh..um..." She played with her hands, unsure how to answer him. "I've just...been doing what I usually do, I-I guess...I made a new dress the other day..."
"That sounds wonderful, Sally! I'd love to see it sometime. I'm very glad you've found something to do that you enjoy."
The ragdoll blushed again and smiled wider, opening her mouth to reply, before getting cut off.
"-Sally Sews?" Someone in the crowd asked. Jack nodded.
"She sure does. And, I think she's one of the best seamstresses I know." He winked at her. Sally's leaves began tingling again.
"Oh..I'm n-not really a seamstress-"
"Can you make baby clothes?" A woman suddenly asked from behind her. Sally turned around. Standing behind her was a lady, who looked just a little bit older than sally. She had long, straight, dark black hair, pale skin, and two horns poking out the top of her head. She was wearing a red dress that came down a little past her knees- and she was also clearly pregnant. At least 7 or 8 months along. Sally's nerves suddenly calmed, and she momentarily forgot that her crush was standing inches away from her, as she answered the woman's question.
"Ah..well...I've never tried before, but, I'm sure it can't be too hard." The woman smiled.
"Oh, thank you, Sally! Would you mind too terribly if I asked you to make me some for when my baby is born..?" She placed a hand on her stomach. "I have some coins I can pay you"
Sally shook her head.
"Oh, I don't mind at all! I can do that! And payment won't be necessary." She smiled at the expecting mother, who smiled wider in return.
"Oh, thank you, thank you! And here I was worried I wasn't going to have any baby clothes.." She gave Sally a quick hug.
"It's no problem at all!" The Ragdoll assured. "I'm happy to help you...and, congratulations."
"Thank you so much!" Sally nodded to her one last time, before they both turned around to face the small crowd again, who had been watching everything the whole time. Sally's eyes specifically fell immediately onto Jack.
The skeleton made eye contact with her again, and he was still wearing that same warm smile. "That's very sweet of you, Sally" he complimented. Sally could feel the hotness return to her face at his tone of voice. The lady came up behind her and patted her hand.
"Isn't it? That's such a lovely talent you have, dear" The woman told her. "Why, someday you'll even be able to make clothing for your own children! Without having to bother someone else to do it! Very, very lovely."
It suddenly felt like Sally's brain just... broke. A dizziness swept over her like she's never felt before. Her heartbeat quickened.
Her...own..children....?
Such a thing had never even occurred to her before. Not at all. I mean, Sally loved small children but.. actually HAVING her own? Just the thought gave her goosebumps, especially when her eyes flicked over to Jack momentarily, who's facial expression hadn't changed. It felt like she'd been hit with a truck, several emotions at once. Sally did her best to pull herself together in order to reply.
"Y-Y-Yeah...thank y-you..-"
"-Awwww can you imagine?" Someone from the crowd shouted, cutting her off. "Sally with her own kids..She would make a fantastic mother! Don't you think so Jack?" The skeleton looked up.
"Hm? Oh, yes." He turned his gaze back to the Ragdoll, making eye contact once more. "I do think so" Sally swore she saw his smile widen.
She was in a complete and total state of utter bliss. Here was Jack Skellington, not only the pumpkin king, but also the guy who she happened to have a huge crush on, standing in front of her saying that he thinks she would make a fantastic mother to possible future kids! Sally felt like she couldn't function properly- her limbs were shaky and her head was spinning. But she couldn't just stand there! She had to say SOMETHING! She sighed in an attempt to collect herself, but it didn't work too well. Her eyes went half lidded, as she accidentally blurted out, -
"You would make the perfect father-~"
".....what..?"
....
Everything got very quiet, very fast.
Sally felt panic shoot throughout her whole body in a matter of seconds. If she thought her brain was broken before, then it definitely was now. She couldn't move. She couldn't think. She couldn't breathe.
She did not mean to say that.
Jack's smile fell off his face, and his eye sockets widened. He just stared at her. Sally inhaled sharply before breaking the awkward silence, a very obvious hint of panic and embarrassment in her tone. She needed to fix this, and make up an excuse for it fast.
"I-I mean- I th-think that -y-you would m-make a better father than I would a mother! I mean you probably have more experience with kids than I do anyway and you're like a really nice guy and stuff and everyone likes you so if anyone would be good with taking care of kids it would be you instead of me is what I meant because everyone knows that you like children and stuff and you-you-you would make a better father than I would a mother I mean I'm not saying that I wouldn't make a good mother I mean if you think that than thank you but I still agree with my original statement oh wow look at the time" Sally spun around. "Well now it's getting late so I better get home because you know I gotta make supper for the doctor and I can get to work on those baby clothes thanks for having me in town bye-bye!!"
And with that, Sally finished her rant, squeezing her eyes tight and scurrying off, as quickly as possible. Jack just stared after her. He didn't move. She left the same way she came in, and didn't open her eyes until she was safe, sound, and alone in the outskirts.
———
The poor, exhausted, and still rather embarrassed Ragdoll collapsed against the stone wall. She could see her tower in the distance, and as much as she wanted to get away from everyone in town after what just happened, she wasn't ready to go back yet. She sighed deeply, covering her face with her hands as she sat on the ground, her basket in her lap.
What was she supposed to do now? She pretty much just ruined any chance she may have had to possibly be with him, heck, she pretty much just ruined their entire friendship. He would be so upset with her. She could never face him again....oh, why did she have to be so shy and awkward?? If only she had the confidence to-
"....Sally?"
Sally stiffened. Uh oh. She knew that voice. This wasn't good. He followed her, didn't he? Great.
She felt him sit down next to her, but she didn't dare uncover her face.
"Sally..? Are you okay?"
His voice came again. It sounded oddly...soothing. Sally sighed in defeat. He wasn't going to leave without talking to her, was he? Slowly, she uncovered her face, lifting her head to look at him. Unfortunately, she didn't have it in her to look him in the eyes just yet. His expression was filled with worry. She tried to smile, and even give a fake laugh.
"W-what? Me? Ahhahah, o-of course! Why wouldn't I be..?" She forced a smile. Jack's frown stuck- he clearly didn't believe her.
"Sally please, I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He hesitated before adding, "...I'm not upset"
Sally dropped the act, and let her smile fall. But, her eyes sparked hope when he told her this.
"You're...you're not?"
"Of course not. You just worded your sentence wrong." He gave her a small smile. "It's alright. Happens to everyone. Once you explained yourself, I knew what you meant."
She gave a weak smile as well, still feeling embarrassed. But hey, at least he believed her 'excuse'.
"Y-Yeah..." She stammered. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't be. Really, Sally, you're perfectly fine. I just wanted to make sure you weren't too embarrassed. We wouldn't want to ruin our friendship now, would we?"
Wow. It was as if he had read her mind. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.
"No..we wouldn't. Thank you, Jack..." He nodded.
"You're welcome. Now..."
He stood up and brushed off his suit before turning and offering her his hand. She hesitated before taking it, but she felt happiness return to her when she felt his grip tighten around her hand as he helped her up. Her panic was starting to fade.
"Let's just put this behind us, shall we?" She nodded.
"Gladly..."
Their eyes met once again and they both smiled at each other. Sally blushed.
Maybe..Just maybe...
There's still a chance...