AN: I'm back! Hey everyone, I know I've been on a NBC hiatus but I've returned with a new story. Also my first crossover story. Yay!

To be honest, I thought I'd have other stuff written by now, but this story had just been nagging me. And Inktober didn't help with that as I had a scene drawn up for this story (artwork soon to be featured on deviantART). So without further delay, hope you all enjoy this and please feel free to leave a review.

Disclaimer: As always, I don't own Nightmare Before Christmas or The Addams Family. Those belong to their respected owners. Cover art is "Un-guard" by Wickabee.

Jack's Best Man

It was pitch black. All around, everywhere you look there was nothing but darkness. The only sound were the heels of her shoes clacking against the stone. She did not know where she was going. All she could do was trust the strong boney grip leading her through the darkness.

Finally, her nerve wore out. "Jack, how much further?" she asked. "And why did you put out the light? I can't see in the dark like you."

She felt a light squeeze on her hand.

"Not much further, I promise," he told her. "I'm sorry I can't light the way for you because these old tunnels contain Italian cypress. Beautiful trees but, sadly, highly flammable. Luckily, we're too far into the cavern from where one of the pools lie, so the giant squid won't bother us, and it'll be a straight shot to our destination."

At the mention of a giant squid Sally planted her heels into the ground. She waited until Jack stopped, knowing if he continued he would take off her wrist. "Jack, just where in the world are you taking us?"

Jack chuckled, drawing his fiancée closer to him. "Remember that letter I received last night?"

"Yes but what about it?" Still unable to see, she could only imagine the grin in his face as he spoke with excitement.

"It was from an old friend of mine," he explained, "one I've not seen for many years. We kept up correspondences, but visitation was limited between us. He was often traveling and I had my duties to Halloween Town. Things got so busy that our letters became fewer - until last night that is."

"So then we are to visit him?"

"Exactly! I cannot wait for you to meet him, Sally," Jack exclaimed, easing them back into their walk.

Before she could inquire further, Sally felt their path begin to incline. She struggled to keep her balance when she felt Jack still. There was a low groan of a lock turning before a soft light struck her eyes. She blinked to allow her sight to adjust. When her vision cleared, she saw they were standing in a mausoleum. It was covered in cobwebs. It was dark and dank. It was macabre. She found it utterly lovely.

"Come along, Sally." Jack led them from the mausoleum out into a vast graveyard. The sight took Sally's breath away. The land was vast. The graveyard was filled with a variety of tombstones, many covered in moss while others were worn by time. In the distance, she could see swamplands with eerie trees strewn with fungus, the air thick with an ominous fog.

"Oh Jack! This place… It's wonderful," she whispered aloud.

Jack beamed at her excitement. "Yes, though it's changed since I last saw it. Just wait until you see the house."

Sally almost didn't want to go. She gripped Jack's hand as he led her through the property, taking in all the sights. When they reached the house, Sally gasped. It was enormous! The Victorian gothic design gave the place a charm with an obvious haunted feel.

Jack led them around the front to the main door. He helped her up the steps before reaching out to ring the doorbell. The toll was a deep foreboding sound, so different from the shrill scream of the one back home. It was not a moment more when the large door creaked open. Sally had to crane her neck as she and Jack were greeted by the largest creature she had ever seen.

"Youuuu raaaannnng?" the creature asked, his voice deep and slow, as though moaning each word.

Suddenly Sally recognized the creature as he was the very one she'd seen in one of the photographs in Jack's bedroom. She looked to Jack and was startled. It was a rare sight seeing her fiancé having to look up to speak with someone.

"Ah Lurch, old boy, it's good to see you again," Jack said cheerily. "Would you be so kind to let Gomez know that Jack Skellington has come to call."

"Coooommmme innnnn." The towering giant moved aside, the door open as an invitation to the undead guests. Jack, still holding Sally's hand, lead them inside as they followed the monstrous butler. They walked until Lurch stopped them at the foot of a grand staircase.

"Onnnnne mmmmoooommmment." Lurch lumbered out of the room, presumably to fetch the master of the house.

Looking around at the grandeur of the household, Jack began to reminisce. It had been ages since he last set foot in this household. A treasure-trove of fond memories took place in this very hall alone. Though he could tell some things were new. Signs of Morticia's artist eye were clearly about, in addition to some new miscellaneous stains, no doubt the work of the elder Addams brother or maybe a result of one of Granny's brews.

Meanwhile, Sally was feeling a little out of place. Everything gave off such a horrid air of sophistication, yet here she stood in only her patchwork dress, simply plain and casual. Even Jack appeared more refined dressed in his pinstripe suit. She wasn't one to be insecure about her appearance but she

She turned and gave Jack's upper arm a hard swat. He was startled out of his reminiscing, both by the force and the very fact Sally had hit him.

"Oww! Sally, what was that for?" he asked, rubbing the bone.

"Why didn't you say anything!" she hissed. "You didn't tell me your friend was so… Well, just look at this place! I'm completely underdressed, and it's all your fault."

The smile could have split his skull. "Oh Loveling, is that all?" he teased, drawing his huffy ladylove into his arms. "To be fair, I only received word from Gomez last night after all, so there was hardly anytime to prepare. Besides…" He leaned closer and kissed the spot just under her ear. "You look ravishing in anything you wear."

Sally huffed and turned away from him. "You still should've said something."

"Darling, trust me, you look positively lovely," Jack purred lovingly, nuzzling against her neck for a moment before smiling at her again. "Would I lie to you?"

Sally sighed, knowing she couldn't stay mad when he used that tone, though before she could reply, she was interrupted by a wild shout.

"Have at you, scoundrel!"

Both spectators looked up in time for Jack to expertly catch a rapier flying towards him. He maneuvered Sally behind him as he went into a defensive position as another blade struck, sending a resonating clang through the air. His eye sockets narrowed and his stitched mouth curved in a knowing smirk.

"Dirty pool, old friend," he chuckled, readying his new weapon. "Attacking when a man is courting a lady, how shameful."

"I wasn't expecting you to bring a guest," the man replied. He stepped back in a way that challenged Jack. "But it's been ages since we last dueled."

"I should say so. But now, it's my turn!"

Jack lunged and soon the duel began. The metal clashed, creating tiny sparks as Jack pushed back his foe. It was a well dressed man, sporting a dashing suit near identical to Jack's except in a dark pinkish color while matched with a silvery black necktie. He was also clearly human which shocked Sally, for she'd never seen a human adult unafraid of Jack. In a blink of an eye, the two were engaged in a heated sword fight, parrying and thrusting almost like it were a choreographed dance.

The stranger laughed. "You've not lost your touch, old man," he said as he blocked Jack's attack. "All these years and still quick to the point, wouldn't you say?"

"One could say the same of you." Jack attacked again, this time barely missing his opponent's shoulder. "Not bad given it's been over a decade since our last duel."

Sally was amazed by the ease her fiancé exerted, never seeing Jack look so masterful with a blade before. She recalled the photo in his bedroom of him dueling with the man before her; so this was the friend they'd come to see. Sally had to admit, this was a whole new side to Jack. She had never seen such a fire in her lover's sockets. The way the two men moved about the room, both just barely landing hits as they sidestepped furniture or just leapt over them like acrobats.

"Do forgive, Gomez. He gets a little overzealous when it comes to fencing."

Sally turned to see who had entered the room. The woman was gorgeous. Her hair and dress both midnight black while her pale skin was inhumanly white. It made the red of her lips and smokey eyes stand out. She walked like a graceful phantom and Sally was surprised to find herself eye level with the woman. She stopped and smiled at Sally.

"Hello…" the rag doll greeted. "I'm Sally, Jack's fiancée. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasure to meet you too, dear," the woman replied. "I'm Morticia Addams. I must say I'm delighted Jack found himself such a charming lady to settle down with. I was worried he'd be a bachelor forever."

Sally smiled, flattered by Morticia's compliment. "Thank you."

Morticia glanced over at the dueling men. "Why don't you join me for some tea? Gomez hasn't had a sparring partner in days, so this might take awhile."

"That sounds delightful." Sally followed Morticia to the kitchen. The rag doll was impressed by the size. It had to be bigger than her and Jack's combined with the Doctor's. She took a seat while Morticia prepare the tea.

"Any preferences, dear?"

"Oh umm whatever you have is fine," she replied.

"Hmm... I think Hemlock and Swamp Moss will do." Morticia grabbed the herbs from the pantry and started brewing. Sally was a little surprised that a human would partake in such a tea. Will would try to politely decline whenever offered tea, where Al would run in a panic. Yet it seemed Morticia and Gomez liked the more unusual brews.

When the kettle whistled, Morticia brought over a tray and set it on the table. There were two extra cups and saucers for when their men decided to join them. As Morticia poured Sally her cup, she looked up at her with an inquisitive smile. "Black sugar? Or perhaps some spoiled cream?"

"Yes to both," Sally answered and graciously took the carefully prepared cup from her host. "Thank you."

The two ladies soon settled into a lovely chat. Sally talked about herself before she met Jack and she learned a few things of Morticia's past. They then moved into conversations about meeting Jack and Gomez. Sally had been delighted to hear of the adventures Jack and the Addams couple had been on. It was always a delight to learn something new about her skeleton lover.

"Oh you should have seen them when we explored the underground burial chamber," Morticia went on with a dainty wave of her hand. "It was absolutely ghastly!"

"I can imagine." Sally had just set her cup down when a flaming arrow landed less than an inch from her hand. "Ohmy!"

Morticia calmly smiled but her brow quirked. Sally followed her gaze as a young boy entered the room. He was rather portly, wearing a snug striped shirt and black britches. He also carried a crossbow. Morticia easily plucked the arrow from the table and held it out to the boy.

"Pugsley, what have I said about shooting in the house?" she softly but firmly scolded, never once losing the easy smile on her lips. "Arrows are for the den."

"Sorry Mom," he said in a raspy voice. "I thought Wednesday was hiding in here." The boy then noticed that his mother wasn't alone. "Oh what? Did Wednesday get a new doll? No fair!"

"Pugsley, she's not a toy, this is our guest," Morticia corrected, gesturing to the future Pumpkin Queen.

Sally rose from her seat and crouched in front of the child. She held out a hand and smiled at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Pugsley. My name is Sally."

The boy's eyes brightened. "Wow! You're just like Lurch, only you've got way more stitches. Cool!"

"Oh imbecile of a brother of mine, has thou forgotten we are playing?"

Sally looked up to see a petite girl enter the room carrying a mace. She was pale with black hair like Morticia, only her hair fell in twin braids and she wore a pilgrim-styled dress. Her scowl turned surprised when she caught Sally looking at her.

"Oh! A thousand pardons, dear lady," the girl replied. "I do hope my beastly sibling has not bothered you."

"Not at all," Sally replied, charmed by the girl's eloquent speech. "I was just a little startled, but nothing burnt or singed."

"Too bad. My name is Wednesday Addams. It tis a pleasure to meet you." She did a little curtsy.

Sally thought she was precious. "The pleasure is mine, Wednesday. I'm Sally."

"Sally and her fiancé are here visiting from Halloween Town," Morticia spoke up over her teacup.

Instantly the children were on Sally. "You're from Halloween Town!?" Sally nodded before the two were upon her.

"What's it like there?"

"Hast thou lived in Halloween Town long?"

"Is everyone really dead?"

"Has thou a special skill to which to scare others?"

"How many zombies have you met? Wait, are you a zombie?"

"Of course she's not, oh ye of no brain," Wednesday scolded as she whacked her brother's head.

"Children." Morticia rose from her seat to aid the overwhelmed rag doll. "Now I know you're both excited but please, one question at a time."

"Oh it's alright, Morticia, I don't mind," Sally assured her. "I'm happy to answer any questions I can."

"Please Mother?" The children turned to Morticia with pleading eyes. She relented and everyone gathered around the table while Morticia grabbed snacks for the children.

Meanwhile, Sally was doing her best to answer their questions. She gave a brief summary of when she was first created to the present. She talked about the other creatures living there and what they did, and their roles in preparing for Halloween. The children seemed a little disappointed when Sally revealed the less, well, violent assumptions about the denizens. However, they were intrigued by the design and the fact monsters walked about freely without fear as those living in the human realm. Then came the questions about Sally herself.

"So are you a monster like Lurch or some kind of zombie?"

"No, Pugsley, I'm no zombie," Sally explained, holding out her arm to better show her stitching. "Dr. Finklestein created me from different bits of skin and cloth, meaning I'm more of a living doll."

"So you're full of organs and other bloody stuff?" he asked, eyes growing with excitement.

"Oh no, nothing like that," she said, "though I do have some organs: a heart, eyes, and a brain. But my structure is like any other doll. Oh, except instead of stuffing, I'm filled with leaves. See?"

Sally fiddled with the stitching on her wrist to reveal her leaves. The children were quite impressed.

"Truly poetic," Wednesday replied. "As though you're filled with the very essence of Autumn. A most fitting choice on the good Doctor's part."

The comment made Sally blush. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of her home with the children. Then came the next question.

"Oh, hast thou encountered his majesty, the King of the Pumpkin Patch?" Wednesday inquired. "Mother and Father have told us tales of such a creature. Oh to meet the embodiment of fear and Halloween would be a true honor indeed!"

"No kidding! The guy is a legend!" Pugsley added.

At this both Sally and Morticia could not help but laugh. The children were confused and wanted to be let in on the joke when Morticia replied.

"Well children, it's funny that you mention him..." she tittered.

"What do you mean, Mom?" Pugsley asked.

Before she could reply, the kitchen doors burst open with Gomez and Jack still in a heated battle against the other. Sally blushed upon realizing both men had done away with their jackets. They battled on just as fiercely if not more so.

"You know stabbing me just makes a mess of my jacket, Gomez."

"Well, Jack, you can't blame me for forgetting. It's been far too long since I've dueled with you, old man!"

The children looked in in awe as they watched the battle escalate to atop the kitchen island.

"Zeig ihm dass ich dir nicht erlaubt habe rostig zu werden, Mon Amour," Morticia called out, cheering her husband.

Suddenly Gomez stopped, his eyes enlarged and his mouth turned into a familiar goofy grin. "Tish, that's French!"

He tossed his sword aside as he leapt off the island to her side. He took Morticia's left arm and began to trail kisses along the appendage. "Say some more!" he begged. "Schatz, Liebling, Kuschelbär!"

"Darling, that wasn't French," Morticia corrected. "Besides, we've guests to attend to."

With one final kiss to her hand Gomez stood up. "Of course, my dear," he replied sheepishly.

Meanwhile, Jack stepped down from the island and made his way over to Sally. She felt her heartbeat quicken as he approached. Without his jacket, she could see how disheveled his clothes became in the heat of battle. Even his bowtie was missing, the upper buttons of his shirt undone to expose his neck and collarbone. Sally felt herself flush as his eye sockets locked with hers and he gave her a devilish smile.

"WHOA!"

The twin cries brought Sally out of some rather heated fantasies, and back to the two children in front of her. She giggled as they craned their necks to get a better view of the idol they had been asking about moments ago. She watched their further shock as Jack took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles.

"Do forgive me for making you wait, my love," he purred against her skin. "Terrible of me to keep a lady waiting like that, but I couldn't pass up the chance to cross swords after so long."

"Nothing to forgive, Jack. I know it's been ages since you and Gomez had the chance." She was thoroughly enjoying the attention, and the slow smiles of the children. "Morticia and I had a lovely chat, and I was just about to tell the children about a certain favorite holiday leader of theirs when you walked in. As always you have impeccable timing."

It was then Jack took notice of the children staring at him. He smiled and knelt down to their level. "Why this can't be little Pugsley Addams, can it?" he asked with a chuckle. "The last time I saw you, you were no more than a tiny tot."

"Y-You know me?!" The boy was starstruck. "The Pumpkin King actually knows me!"

He then turned to Wednesday. "And darling Wednesday. You were but a swaddled babe, a darling lumpling in your father's arms at the time. And look at you now. All grown up and as lovely as your dear mother."

Wednesday blushed, her hands covering her face as both her and her brother took in the fact one of their heroes knew so much about them. Then the girl straightened and turned to Morticia. "Mother! You said Miss Sally was engaged but not to whom. Can it be that…"

Jack chuckled, his thumb brushing over the ring on Sally's hand. "That's right, sweet girl. I asked this frightful beauty to be my wife and she said yes."

"Jack, stop! You're embarrassing me," Sally said, though she smiled as her cheeks became a touch pink.

"Oh Tish, just look at them," Gomez commented. He tucked her arm in his, still gazing at his friend. "Woud you ever think we would see the day."

"We'd almost given up hope," Morticia confessed, "he'd never shown much interest, always putting business before pleasure."

Jack smirked. "Oh come now, Morticia, I wasn't that bad."

"Ha! Wrong sir." Gomez left his wife's side and walked up to Jack. He laid a hand on his back and recounting a most interesting tale. "Don't tell me you forgotten the Día de los Muertos celebration outside San Angel. I remember the Sánchez twins were quite taken with you." He wagged a brow at that.

Suddenly Jack stiffened. "Uh huh, n-no need to bring up that." He cast a nervous eye socket towards Sally before adding, "Th-That was so long ago. Hardly worth mentioning."

"Oh really? I for one am quite curious about these twins," Sally said. She smiled impishly as Jack began to sweat. "Do tell me Gomez, was Jack as charming and debonair as I know him to be?"

"S-Sally!"

Gomez laughed. "Oh my dear lady, where do I start?"

"Gomez, don't you dare!"