AN: I'm back! Gah, I forgot how much fun writing for this series is. Sorry I've been a hermit lately. Such is the life for a college student.
Anywho, yes, this is another story with a sick day theme for those of you who've been reading my A Monster in Paris story. I can't help it, okay? The idea of getting sick and being cared for by someone you love is just so cute! I couldn't resist!
Hope you all enjoy and, please, leave a review if you liked it.
Disclaimer: As always, I don't own Nightmare Before Christmas. That belongs to Tim Burton.
Doctor's Orders
Sally yawned, covering her mouth with her hand while she stirred the pot. She felt exhausted. Part of her wished she had stayed in bed, but there were too many things she needed to do today. The first being to prepare breakfast. Still, cooking was easier when one kept their eyes open. She hadn't gotten much sleep last night. She had kicked off the covers several times and somehow she had many aches and pains all over her body. So, naturally, she had woken up feeling dead on her feet. Still, she had managed to pull her sore body from her bed and stumble downstairs to make breakfast.
As she continued to stir the pot, Sally contemplated what to do after she finished making the… What was she making? Porridge! She was making Jack his favorite porridge. She rubbed her eyes. She contemplated whether to go back and sleep another hour or two. She decided against it; there were too many things for her to do.
She had to meet with the Mayor to go over wedding plans. Stop in town to pick up more fabric and thread for the bridal dresses. Meet with the Witch Sisters about the cake. Then of course there was her scheduled meeting with Will over finalizing the details for June, and then… and then…
Sally grabbed her head. Just thinking about her long list of errands was making her dizzy.
A soft whimper caught her attention. Looking down, Sally spotted Zero at her feet. The ghostly pup was whining and nuzzling his nose against her knee. He looked up with a worried look in his hollow eyes. Sally reached down to pat his head.
"Don't worry, Zero. I'm just a little tired, that's all," she replied. It was clear Zero didn't believe her. Hearing her own voice, Sally didn't believe herself.
"Sally darling, are you up?"
"In the kitchen, Jack," she called back. She patted Zero once more before looking up as her darling fiancé entered the kitchen, a large smile on his face. The action made her a little dizzy but she put on a smile for his benefit.
"Darling, are you busy? You sound a little…" His smile dropped when he saw her. "Sally? Are you alright?"
"I-I fine." She stood up, a little too fast, and grabbed her head. The whole room was spinning. Her legs buckled and suddenly she was falling.
"Sally!" Jack grabbed her before Sally could hit the floor. He pulled her close but she was limp in his arms.
Jack supported her back and head so that she was propped against his chest, her head resting o his shoulder. Her breaths came in short gasps and her voice sounded raspy.
He moved closer to the table and sat down in a chair. He moved Sally so that she sat in his lap. He gently turned her head, moving her hair out of her face. Now that he had a closer look, Jack saw how exhausted his dearest friend looked. Her face was flush and she had dark circles under her eyes.
She must not have gotten any sleep, Jack thought. He brushed hair hand over her face, only to find her skin felt hot to the touch.
"Sally, you're burning up!"
"I-I'm fine…really…" she mumbled, licking her pale lips. "Just-Just need to rest a minute, then…then…gotta…"
"Absolutely not!" Jack stated. "Whatever you have to do today can wait. You're staying home."
"But Jack…"
"I mean it, Sally." Jack shifted her in his arms and carried her to the living room. He then laid her on the couch, wrapping a blanket around her. Sally try to protest, especially when Jack took off her shoes.
She coughed. "Jack, it's all right, I'm fine."
"That doesn't sound fine to me." He placed her shoes aside and got up to start a fire. He could see her shivering under the blanket.
"But I have so much to do," Sally protested through another coughing fit. She moved to sit up, pulling the blanket around her shoulders. She began to count off her list on her fingers.
Jack shook his head. "That can all wait. Your health is far more important." He got the fire started, then turned and walked back to the couch. He knelt beside her and took ahold of her hand.
"Please, my love," he begged, his eye sockets pleading with her. "I can't stand to see you like this. What kind of man would I be if I let my wife-to-be feel so miserable?" With his other hand, he reached up and caressed her cheek. "Take the day off and let your Old Jack care for you. Please?"
Oh, he was being completely unfair! He knew she couldn't refuse when he looked at her like that.
Sally found it impossible to resist, and she was feeling especially tired. Perhaps he was right, she should wait until she was better. Besides, she knew she could never get everything on her list completed when she felt this sluggish. That and she didn't want her friends to catch whatever bug she had.
She looked back at her fiancé with a pout, muttering something under her breath.
"What was that?" Jack asked.
Sally smiled. "I said, you're not old. I've told you that countless times, but it seems I'll need to remind you again, my dearest Jack."
Jack chuckled. "If you insist, my sweetest doll," he said, kissing the back of her hand. "But after you're well. Deal?"
"Alright Jack, you win," she said with a sigh. "I'll stay home, but would you please at least let the Mayor and Will know I won't be available today?"
"Done!" Jack rushed to the telephone. His first call was to the Mayor. He explained the situation and, while there was a brief moment of panic, the Mayor was more concerned for Sally's health than planning. He insisted on rescheduling, and wished for the future queen to be well soon. Jack thanked him and then hung up before dialing Will's number.
Meanwhile, Sally settled herself on the cough. The fireplace was slowly warming the room but she was still cold. She wrapped the blanket tighter around her.
Soon Jack reentered the room. He walked back to the couch and kneeled down. He stroked his hand over his ladylove's head.
"Did you get ahold of them?"
"Yes. The Mayor wished for you to get well soon, and he's informing everyone else not to disturb you until this bout of illness passes," he explained. "Will was also happy to reschedule and offered some advice to help you feel better."
"That was sweet of her…" Sally was enjoying the feel of Jack's cool touch against her burning forehead.
Jack smiled. "You should get some rest. I can make you some tea if you like?"
"You're so sweet. Thank you."
"My pleasure," he said. "Now, you just relax, beloved. I'll be at your beck and call all day, so if you need anything, anything at all, you just let me know."
Sally nodded and closed her eyes, soothed by Jack's touch. He smiled before standing and making his way to the kitchen.
The first thing he noticed was the pot on the stove. He figured Sally must have been trying to make them breakfast. He decided to do something before the food burned. However, when went to remove the pot there was nothing inside but the ladle Sally had been stirring with. The burner wasn't even on. Jack looked to the side and found the ingredients for porridge were lying on the counter, untouched.
Poor love, he thought, she must be feeling completely out of it.
Jack put the items away and rummaged through the cabinets for the tea. Finding the chamomile, he brewed a pot. He knew this tea made her sleep, but from the dark circles under her eyes, Jack determined Sally might need something stronger. When the tea was ready, he poured it into a cup then he added two tablespoons of molasses. It not only would be a sweet taste and help her sleep peacefully, while the chamomile would be soothing on her stomach.
Once the molasses was mixed in, he carried the cup to the couch, finding his lady to be barely awake.
"Here Sally." He handed her the cup. "This should help."
Sally coughed, covering her mouth before she took the cup. It felt warm against her trembling hands. She let some of the steam wash over her before taking a sip. She drank about half before handing it back to Jack. "Thank you…"
"Anything for you, my love. Would you like me to take you to your room, or are you comfortable laying here?"
"I'm fine, honest. Maybe…maybe later…" Her eyes felt heavy. The warmth from the tea was already affecting her weary body. She snuggled into the pillow, smiling as Jack tucked the blanket around her. As soon as she closed her eyes, she felt Jack life her into his arms. He carried upstairs into her room where he placed her on the bed
"Sweet nightmares," he whispered, kissing her forehead. When he was sure that she was fast asleep, he slipped back downstairs to the phone. Will had told him Sally should be fine, but he still had a few questions about how to care for a cold.
"Hello, Doctor? This is Jack. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me…"
XXX
Sally woke feeling a little better. Her head still felt stuffed with cobwebs, but her body wasn't as pained as it had been that morning. She coughed, reaching for the tissues on her nightstand and blew her nose. Not remembering putting the tissue box there, or that she had gone back to bed, Sally could only guess that Jack has done it while she slept. The thought made her smile.
Knock. Knock. "Sally? Darling, are you awake?"
"Yes Jack. You can come in."
The door clicked open, and Jack popped his skull in and gave her a soft smile. "How are you feeling, love?"
"Tired but better." She leaned back against the headrest. "What have you been up to?"
"Just doing a little research…and a little cooking." The door opened wider to reveal Jack carrying a large covered tray. He walked in and set the tray down on Sally's lap. Before she could ask what was under it, Jack lifted the lid to reveal what he had been preparing.
"I hope you don't mind, but I called Doctor Finklestein and asked him for some cold remedies," Jack explained. "He recommended lizard soup for the nutrients, and a raw onion for immune responsiveness and detoxification. I've taken the liberty of adding some onion to your soup as well. Last, a glass of coconut water to replenish your electrolytes and keep you hydrated. The Doctor said you'll need to continue drinking fluids until this passes. He also recommended a brew of chickweed herb and mullein leaves in a quart of boiling water, drunk three times a day to help you rest."
Sally laughed, making her cough a little. "My, you've certainly been busy."
"Oh, that's not all," Jack said. "There were other remedies the Doctor suggested should these not work. He also suggested to breathe steam to decrease nasal congestion, gargle salt water or sage mixed with a bit of alum to help your soar throat. He also recommended eating pickled plum for your cold symptoms, though if you don't like the pungency, we can steep it in hot tea with ginger and lemon."
"Goodness!"
Jack took her reaction as a positive. He smiled proudly. "I've got plenty of cold remedies to get my Sally back on her feet. If there's anything that will cure this nasty cold, I will find it."
"Jack, that's sweet of you, but please don't get carried away," she pleaded. "You know how you get when you start overthinking a new project."
"I know, but I can't help it." Jack leaned over and took ahold of her hand. "Sally, I only want to care for you. I know I tend to go a little overboard…"
"A little?" Sally quirked her eyebrow at him, a small smirk on her lips.
"Okay, okay. A lot." Jack chuckled. "I thought only Will and Al would tease me about that, and then there's the trick-or-treaters. But you, my own fiancé?"
Sally shook her head with a sigh. "I just don't want you to worry so much. I'm fine, honest. I'll be back to myself in no time. You'll see."
Jack squeezed her hand. "I know, love. I just want to help you get better," he said, kissing her knuckles. "You take such good care of Zero, me, and our house. I just like having the chance to return the favor."
"Thank you… I've never had anyone care for me like this before," she said. "Well, I've never been sick before either. I've had to care for the Doctor on occasion, but all he ever wanted was soup and tissues."
"Well my dear, you'll get all that and more," Jack stated. "Anything you need I will get it for you." He smiled and then took the spoon. He dipped it into the soup and ladled some of the broth. He blew on it before offering it to Sally.
Sally laughed. "Jack, I can handle a spoon."
"Ah ah! Doctor's orders, my sweet little patient. You are to rest and not move a muscle for the next few days. Now, open," he gently commanded.
Sally complied. She thought it was sweet that Jack insisted on feeding her. Truthfully, she was also happy to be sampling his cooking. She did the majority of the meal preparation, but once in a while Jack would insist on making her something special. And the soup he was feeding her was tasty. The warm broth did wonders on her throat, while the steam was clearing her head a little. He had also cut the vegetables so they were easier to chew, and the lizard meat was cooked perfectly. Not too dry and full of flavor.
Jack continued feeding her the soup. He would pause and feed her pieces of the onion, and he tried helping her with the water, but Sally insisted on doing that herself. After lunch, Jack gave her the chickweed herb and mullein leaves mixture. Sally winced at the flavor but she gulped it back. Once Jack cleared the dishes, he pulled out a book and offered to read it to her. She smiled and settled back into her bed so she could listen more comfortably.
Jack pulled up the chair Sally had placed at her sewing machine. He had selected one of their favorites, a collection of short stories and poems. Sally used to read it while living with the Doctor, and after she had moved in with Jack, she shared some of her favorites with him. They had even gotten into the habit of reading to one another, which often led to late night kisses by the fireplace. He opened the book and began to read.
XXX
Be near me when my light is low,
When the blood creeps, and the nerves prick
And tingle; and the heart is sick,
And all the wheels of Being slow.
Be near me when the sensuous frame
Is racked with pangs that conquer trust;
And Time, a maniac scattering dust,
And Life, a Fury slinging flame.
Be near me when my faith is dry,
And men the flies of latter spring,
That lay their eggs, and sting and sing
And weave their petty cells and die.
Be near me when I fade away,
To point the term of human strife,
And on the low dark verge of life
The twilight of eternal day.
Jack turned the page. He had been reading different stories for the past hour. His voice was starting to hurt, but he wasn't complaining. He had been caring for Sally since yesterday. She seemed to be getting a little better, but her cough was persistent, and the night before, she had a horrible headache and could barely move from the bed. Jack had made her some tea with passionflower that seemed to help her sleep.
He looked up from the book and noted Sally had dozed off again. He smiled, readying to read the next part of the poem.
Knock, knock!
Jack stopped, startled by the sudden interruption. He marked the page and set the book on the nightstand before sneaking out of the room.
He walked downstairs to find Zero laying on the couch. Hearing his master, the ghost pup shot his head up, whimpering when he didn't see any sign of his mistress. Jack walked over and scratched his friend behind his long ears.
"It's alright, Zero," he said. "Sally is still feeling under the weather. Remember, Doctor Finklestein said that it will be another day or two before this cold passes. However, that means I'm going to be busy taking care of her and keeping the house tidy. I'm afraid I may not have time to play, and Sally won't be up to much excitement until she's feeling better. For now, why don't you head off to the graveyard? I'm sure the other ghosts won't mind keeping you company. And I promise to stop by later for a quick game of fetch and let you know how Sally is doing. What do you say?"
Zero whined. He was sad that he couldn't spend time with his master and mistress, but he understood. He wanted to see his mistress smiling again. "Arf, arf."
"That's my boy! And don't you worry. I'll have our Sally back on her feet in no time. I don't want her sick any longer than you do." Jack earned an affectionate lick and reciprocated by patting Zero on the head.
Knock, knock!
"Now, let's see who's at the door."
They walked to the front door as another persistent knocking was heard. Jack opened it and was surprised by the visitors.
"Max, Puck. Afternoon," Jack greeted. It was rare to see only one of the Vampire Brothers, especially at this time of day. "What can I do for you?"
"Good evening, Jack," Max replied, holding his tiny umbrella higher. "I apologize for coming by unannounced, but we needed to speak with you immediately."
"No trouble but I'm afraid I cannot invite you in. Please forgive me, but Sally is ill, and I rather not disturb her rest."
"Sally's sick too?" Puck asked.
Jack gave him a puzzled look. "Too?"
"Yes, I'm afraid my nephew has come on behalf of Willa," he replied, turning to Puck.
"What's the matter with Will?" he asked. It was then he noticed Will's skeleton key hanging around Puck's neck. This must've been serious for her to have lent it instead of coming herself.
Puck grimaced as he explained the situation. "She has the flu. I stopped by her house yesterday and she was like a zombie. I put her to bed and gave her some medicine, but this morning she started shaking and her fever spiked. What was worse is that ever time she sneezed or coughed, she would change into a bat. When I was able to check her temperature, it rose to 104° F. I wanted to rush her to a hospital, but because of the transforming, I knew that I couldn't take her to a human doctor, but I don't think I could move her either. I didn't know what else to do."
Jack was shocked. It was a coincidence that Will was sick at the same time as Sally, but it was startling to here she was faring far worse. He nervously looked back up at Sally's room, wondering if her health would succumb to the same fate.
"My brothers and I believe Willa's hybrid blood is having difficulty fighting off the virus," Max explained, pulling Jack from his thoughts. "We were not sure as to how we might help when Bela recalled that elderberry extract can reduce fevers brought on by the flu. Unfortunately, we have none and I offered to go with Puck to see if Doctor Finklestein might have some, but he and Miss Jewel are out for the afternoon. We also tried the Witch Shop only to learn they are completely out of stock. Helgamine believed that Sally might have some."
"Is there any chance you might have it?" Puck added.
"Goodness, this is horrible! I-I'm not sure," Jack said. "Sally has many herbs and spices… I'm not even sure what I'd be looking for."
"It's a small berry, similar to that of a blueberry only black in color."
"Alright… Give me a moment."
Jack dashed back inside the house and went straight for the kitchen. He searched the cupboard where Sally kept all the herbs and spices, but nothing fit the description Max had given him. He scratched his skull. All the bottles and jars looked alike. The only one who could tell them apart was Sally.
"Guess there's no other way around it." He sighed and trudged up the stairs to Sally's room. Peeking inside, he saw she was still asleep. It pained him to have to wake her, but this was an emergency. He walked over to her bedside and lightly shook her shoulder.
"Sally…" he called gently. "Sally, darling? I…I'm sorry to wake you, but I need your help."
Sally moaned in protest. She cracked open her eyes, now looking red-rimmed. The sight made Jack wince.
"Jack?" her voice cracked. "Wha-What's wrong…?"
"Oh Sally, I'm so terribly sorry to disturb you. I know you need your rest, and I wouldn't have interrupted, but this is a bit of an emergency and I didn't know what else to do."
"Jack, it's fine…" she mumbled, rubbing her dry eyes. "Tell me what's wrong?"
"Puck and Max are at the door. They're here because it appears Will has caught the flu," he explained. "Puck is caring for her, but she's taken a turn for the worse. Max believes some elderberry extract might help her, and they were wondering if you had any. I've tried looking but I can't find any. I was hoping you might know where we keep it. Please say you do?"
She paused and tried to think. "Oh, elderberry? Yes, I remember. The Doctor told me elderberry has some medical properties. That's the tea he'd want when he felt under the weather."
"I wished I'd known about it. I could have brewed some."
"Jack, it's alright. I do remember where I kept it, but I'm sorry, I don't have any left. I was going to get some from the hedgerow grown by Helgamine and Zeldaborne. It blooms sometime in next month."
"Oh no! And you're sure you don't have any? Not even a little?"
Sally slowly shook her head. "Sorry, I don't. I don't use it much since it's only nontoxic when cooked. The last time I had it was during my last session with Will. We were talking about what wine to serve for the wedding, and I used up the last of elderberries for one of the samples."
Jack gave her a soft smile. He was a little disappointed he couldn't help Will, not to mention he half hoped there might even be enough for Sally. He took her hand and gently squeezed it. "It's alright, Sally. I'll just let them know."
"Jack, wait." She pulled back on his hand. "I…I may have something."
"What is it?"
She let go of his hand to push herself up on the bed. "Do you remember where I keep my recipe cards? The ones I brought when I moved in?"
Jack nodded. "In the cabinet over the sink, bottom shelf on the right?"
"That's the one."
"What about it?"
"There's a recipe the Doctor asked for whenever he felt ill," she said, coughing a little. "I don't like to make it, but if Will is as sick as you say, then it might help her. It's supposed to cure any illness in an instant."
"It does? Oh, that would really help her and…" He stopped in front of the door before he could walk to the kitchen. He turned around, looking at Sally with incredulous eye sockets.
"Wait…" Jack continued to look at her, but now there was a slight frown on his face. "Sally, do you mean to tell me this recipe of yours can cure any illness?"
"Yes."
"Any illness, even a cold?"
"Well, yes, but…"
"Why didn't you mention it sooner?" he asked. There was a clear tone of irritation in his tone, and his frown deepened, his brows narrowing.
"I-I thought about it, but–"
"Sally, this is inexcusable! If you had such a cure, you should have told me from the beginning. I can see how miserable you are but that's no excuse for hiding something from me. All you had to do was tell me. I would have made it for you."
"I'm sorry, Jack," Sally said, her voice pained at the tone in his voice. "I didn't tell you because it wouldn't have helped me."
"But you just said it could cure any illness?"
"Yes but I can't drink it." Her throat began to itch, so she reached for a tissue to cover her mouth. She coughed harshly into it until she could speak."The smell alone makes me lightheaded and then I start to feel sick to the pit of my stomach," she explained. "The few times I had to make it, I wore a mask, and then Igor would need to take it to the Doctor while I would lie down in my room until it passed."
She felt nauseous thinking about it. She swallowed and turned her eyes back to Jack. "So you see, that's why I didn't mention it before. I had thought it might help me get better, but drinking it would've make me horribly queasy. You're already doing so much to take care of me. I didn't want you to have to concern yourself with me being nauseous too."
Jack felt like a heel. He felt like a total heel. Instead of the Pumpkin King, he should have been branded as Prince of Fools. He had to be the most ignorant bloody git in all of Halloween Town. Scratch that, in all the Seven Holiday realms! He might has well have stamped "M.O.R.O.N." on his forehead.
How could he have been so hard on her? Never mind the fact his Sally was already feeling miserable from the virus, but he had added to it by outright accusing her of keeping something from him. She just said that the medicine made her feel sick, so of course it would not make sense to take it if it wouldn't help her feel better. How could he be so inconsiderate?
"Sally I…I…" His tongue felt like lead as his mind tried to form the words in his mouth. "What have I…How-How could I…" He shifted about, pacing a few steps between the bed and the door as he tried to sort everything out.
I'm such an idiot! he thought, not even daring to look in her direction. He wanted to slap himself for being so thoughtless. I really messed up. How could I have been so hard on her? She's sick, for Halloween's sake, and here I am badgering her and I didn't let her finish explaining. And poor Sally…SALLY!
Jack raced back to the beside and fell to his knees. He took her hand in both of his, pressing his forehead into her knuckles.
"Oh Sally… My sweetest Sally," he said, pressing small kisses to her hand. "If anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I lost my temper with you. I was completely out of line, and it's not that am angry at you. I could never be angry with you, my love." His grip on her hand tightened. "…I'm just … Oh Sally, I'm just so worried about you. When I spoke with the Doctor, he told me that this was the first time you've ever been sick. I asked him many questions about what he thought would be best in caring for you, and I'm so sorry if I've invaded your privacy in any way, but I'm just so worried that you'll get worse. Puck and Max have told me Will's fever has gotten remarkably high and she should be in a hospital."
"What? She's that sick?"
"Yes, and I'm worried it may happen to you," Jack said. "So please, don't apologize for my foolishness. I'm the one who should be apologizing for even thinking that you'd deliberately keep something important from me. You shouldn't have to explain yourself either. I shouldn't have accused you as I did. I want to see you well again, but not at the cost of making you feel any worse. Can you ever forgive me?"
Sally smiled. "There's nothing to forgive," she whispered. "Now, I think you better go and get that recipe card for Puck. He and Max must still be waiting, and we don't want to prolong them further, especially if Will is as sick as you say."
"Of course, you're right, you're always right." Jack chuckled, kissing her hand again. "I-I'll be right back. Unless, of course, you would rather I leave you alone for a while… I wouldn't blame you if you'd rather not be around me after the way I behaved."
Sally smirked. "Oh Jack… Hurry and get the recipe card to Puck first, then come back here. We need to talk, Mister."
Jack gulped. He knew those dreaded four words usually meant one of two things: he was in big trouble or she just wanted to talk. He could worry about it later. He needed to tend to his other problem.
Racing back down to the kitchen, Jack searched the cabinets until he found Sally's recipe box. He opened it and began thumbing through the tabs. The one in the back marked "Dr.'s Sick Soup" caught his attention. Pulling it out, Jack read the ingredients. He searched around for something to write with.
"Darn it! I should really put some stationary out here."
Racing into the living room, Jack spotted Sally's notepad on the coffin table. He ripped out a sheet from the back and wrote down the instructions. Running back into the kitchen and placing the recipe card back in the box, Jack then hurried to the door. He was glad to find his guests still waiting. Apparently, Zero had been keeping them occupied, doing little flips and other tricks while his master was delayed. Puck was just patting Zero's head when Jack made his presence known.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, gentlemen," he apologized. "I had to ask Sally about the whereabouts of the elderberries. Unfortunately, we have none. Sally planned to gather more from the Witch Sisters when the plant blooms."
"Oh no! This is terrible," Puck exclaimed.
Max placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Do not fret. We may still find a cure for young Willa."
"That's right!" Jack said, holding out a piece of paper. "This may not be the elderberry extract, but Sally said this recipe should cure Will's cold."
Max took the paper and read it over. He smiled wide. "Ah, I know this recipe," he stated. "It is a potent potion indeed, one I have not seen in over five hundred or so years. It was used by the village women and healers to cure fevers."
"Will it really cure Will's fever, Uncle?" Puck asked, a hopeful look in his worried eyes.
Max nodded. "It's said a demon used it to heal a powerful priestess, and her descendants then used it in trade with foreign lands. The ingredients are not difficult to prepare, though they will take time to collect."
"That won't be a problem." Puck took the list and grabbed onto the chain around his neck. "I can use Will's key to gather the ingredients," he said, then turned to Jack. "Thank you for this, my friend. Sorry to dash, but I need to get going before Will gets any worse. I hope Sally recovers soon."
Puck transformed into a bat and took off, leaving the vampire and skeleton alone. Max turned to Jack and bid him good evening before doing the same. Jack sighed.
"Well, I hope that helps," he said aloud. Looking down, he spotted Zero looking back up at the staircase, whimpering as his sheet wagged sadly. The action reminded Jack that Sally still wanted to talk to him.
"Zero, now might be the best time for you to go off to the graveyard. I need to go talk to Sally, and I don't think you want to be around for that." He scratched the back of his skull. "I…I really messed up."
"Arf?"
Jack smiled. "Don't worry. Old Jack is going to make everything right, even if it means I'm on the couch tonight." He chuckled nervously.
Zero nodded. He wasn't sure what his master was talking about, but whatever the issue, he was certain his master and mistress would make amends. He nudged his master back into the house before flying off to the graveyard.
Jack watched before turning back inside the house.
Meanwhile, up in her room, Sally was feeling like a ten ton bag of sand. Her whole body ached and even moving her arm for a tissue was painful. She had made sure not to let it show in front of Jack. Her poor love was already frazzled enough. She only hoped she could hold it together long enough for her talk with him.
She heard the knock on her door, followed by a tender voice, "Sally? You still awake, darling?"
Pulling herself together, Sally pushed herself up against the headboard and forced a smile. "Come in."
Jack entered. He had removed his jacket and tie, leaving him with only his white dress shirt. The top button was undone and he was carrying a steaming teacup in hand. Sally's curiosity piqued. "What's that, Jack?"
"Something to help you sleep a little easier," he said, setting the cup aside. "I believe it's called a Hot Toddy. Since you couldn't take the other medicine, I thought this might be a preferred substitute. It's supposed to reduce fever and relieve muscle aches. "
"Oh, r-really?"
Jack nodded. "I noticed you looked uncomfortable earlier, as though you were pained by something."
"Maybe a little," Sally admitted through a blush. "I feel sore all over, but I didn't want to worry you about it."
"Sally, as I said before, I'm here to care for you," Jack said. "Anything you need, just ask. If something is troubling you, I want you to tell me so I can help in whatever way that I can."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Ah, ah! None of that. You've nothing to apologize for, especially after the way I behaved today."
"Don't start that again…" Sally sighed and leaned her head back against the headboard. She held out her hand for him to come join her. Jack grabbed the chair and pulled it up beside the bed. He took her hand and kissed the palm. She smiled.
"Jack, I know you worry and I appreciate you caring so much about me. Please understand that I'm not angry, nor am I upset about what happened. I know you and I know you tend to get a little carried away when you get into something that brings out your enthusiasm. It's who you are. You're spontaneous, passionate, and while you tend to overstep a few boundaries without thinking it through sometimes, I also know how much you care. I see it in you everyday. It's one of the many things I love about you, my dearest Jack."
"Sally…"
She smiled, coughing a little into her arm. "Now, can we put all that unpleasantness behind us?" she asked softly. "I'd feel much better knowing you weren't worrying over it anymore."
Jack chuckled and patted her hand. "I promise, Sally. No more letting silly worries get the better of this silly old skeleton. Your ol' Jack swears by it." He heard her groan. "What? Are you in pain, love?"
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I swear, Jack, the moment I'm better and can get out of this bed, I'm going to do everything within me to remind you that you're not old!" She laughed and gave him her most determined smile.
Jack chuckled. He then released her hand and stood. "I've no doubt you will, my Sally, but the hour is late and you need rest." He grabbed the cup from her nightstand, moving closer to help her sit up. "Now, drink this," he told her. "Its a mix of half a shot of whiskey and some sour lemon juice, and I added extra honey since I know you don't care for the taste."
"Thank you." Sally let Jack help her drink. The taste was bitter despite the honey, but she would gladly drink it if it made Jack happy.
When her cup was empty, Jack set it aside and tucked Sally into bed. He made sure she was comfortable before leaving her room to put the cup in the sink. Sally smiled and nestled deeper into the blankets. She was starting to feel the effect of the whisky when she heard the door creak open. She opened her eyes to bid Jack goodnight only to here the rustle of the sheets, and the presence of a thin body next to her. She felt Jack's long arms wrap around her and pull her close.
She started. "J-Jack! Wh-What are you doing?" she protested. "I don't want you to get sick too."
"Don't worry Sally, I'll be fine." He nestled her head in the crook of his neck before pulling the top blanket over them. "I just thought you might be a little warmer. I've noticed you cuddle especially close to me on cold night during our sleepovers."
"Well, your bones always seem to warm under my touch," she teased, cuddling into him. "Not to mention I love cuddling with you, Jack…"
He could hear her begin to drift off. He settled her more comfortably in his arms before settling back on the bed. The steady rise and fall of her chest let him know she was asleep. He pressed a kiss into her hair before curling up and closing his eyes.
"Sweet nightmares, my Sally."