NG55: This is a special message to WingedDoll, a dear friend of ours, our favorite reviewer, and because she deserves it! So, Shmoogie, I want you to know that you are an awesome and very supportive friend. You may not think too much of yourself, but I hope you will see what a wonderful person you can be. You have always been so kind, funny, caring, supportive, and just downright adorable. I hope you know how much I've ever been more grateful to know you. You deserve the best and I hope you'll take this as a token of awesomeness, because you're worth it. Stay strong, Shmoogiekins!

WJOHT: WingedDoll a.k.a Shmoog a.k.a SARAH! 3 Sweetie, I abso-bloody-lutely adore you and I can't even properly express how much of a pleasure and honor it has been meeting you and befriending you. Oh, and your reviews are nice too *winks* Anyway, we both feel that your reviews ready do make our days, what with all your excitement and joy that's made pretty damn clear in them. You are a gem and all you need is a little polishing and you will sparkle more than a Twilight Vampire (This is not meant as an insult). I swear, I will help you in any way I can with your writing and that damn self-confidence issue of yours even if it send me one a one way express trip to Halloween Town. Oh well, I can say I died doing what I loved anyway if Jack, knowing how he is, asks. Love you and stay spooky cute!


In the graveyard of Halloween Town, the moon hung overhead as the night air fell heavily upon the land. All seemed quiet, aside from the common ghost floating about in their own business. However, it was then that the gates opened, and in walked none other than a certain ragdoll...all alone, her form softly glowing in the moonlight. Now in the clear and a safe distance from the lab, Sally felt more relaxed. The Deadly Nightshade had kicked in earlier than usual, but being ever-cautious, she didn't celebrate her escape just yet…not until now that is. All she had to do now was flee the borders of the town, and find out what was out there, where she could go to start fresh...and be free. 'No one would miss me.' She concluded to herself yet again, as she'd been doing since her escape. 'The Doctor can make other creations... and Jack...' It was then that her thoughts wandered to none other than the man she loved. He really would be the only person in town she would miss. Oh yes, she would miss everything else, and certainly the colorful townsfolk. But…she had to go… Just she had to go now… She had to get away from her prison and seek something new, something better. Sally walked along the path, past the graves, and even passing one certain grave belonging to a ghost dog...who, unnoticed by her, rose from his resting place curiously.

In a white mist, Zero phased out of his doghouse grave looking for what had stirred him from his nap. He really hadn't been expecting to see that nice ragdoll that his Master liked so much. His sheet wagged merrily as he quickly hovered to her, barking his cheerful 'Good Evening' to her. "Arf! Arf!" She was always so nice to him and even played with him sometimes when she was digging around in that garden of hers. She even let him bury a couple of his favorite toys and bones in it too. The little ghost dog flew happy circles around her when he finally caught up. "Arf!"

"Oh..." Sally smiled warmly at the little dog. "Hello there, Zero...I didn't think you were out here in your grave tonight..." She petted him, sighing a little. "Oh, Zero...you really are my only friend... Take care of Jack for me, will you? He won't even notice I'm gone, anyway."

"Arf?" He didn't understand. Zero tilted his ghostly head in confusion. Of course, he'd always take care of his Master! He'd do it in an undead heartbeat…but...why was she asking him that? Zero whimpered when his sensitive little jack o' lantern nose caught the scent of dried tears on Sally, his eye sockets finally taking in the fact that she looked so sad and his usually happy-go-lucky ribbon ears now going limp as he whimpered again.

"Aww...don't be sad..." Sally soothed, scratching and nuzzling him. "It's okay, boy... I'm so sorry to do this. But I really have no place here…not at all. The doctor…just doesn't understand me. I want to be independent and on my own, but that won't happen here… I have to go."

The sound that Zero made...well, it sounded as if someone had stepped on his sheet. He frantically shook his head, begging in his wordless way for her not to continue her plan. How was a dog supposed to feel when one of his precious people decided to leave? His nose glowed very dimly with his sadness.

Seeing Zero this sad broke her heart. To think her leaving did affect someone. It was touching and sweet. Dogs were very loyal, weren't they? Still, she felt awful for making him feel unhappy about this. "I'm sorry, boy..." She cooed sweetly, stroking his head. "But you have everyone, and you have Jack... I'll be fine, and I'll see you again one day. I just need to do this. You'll be all right and… Jack won't even notice I'm gone... What am I even doing, he could never love me back anyway..." Sally sighed in sorrow at this. "But it's okay. It's just how it came to be. I'll miss you so much, Zero..."

Zero frowned deeply at this. Did she really think that? Did she really think that his Master wouldn't miss her? Did she really think that he didn't- Zero growled a clear 'No' at her belief and tried his best to get her away from the woods. If he could just bring her to his Master then...she wouldn't leave, right? His Master would make it all better and help her with whatever she needed! If there was anything his Master taught him, was that a proper gentleman always helps a lady and Miss Sally was definitely the sweetest and nicest lady in all of Halloween Town! He hovered over to her right side and pressed his head against her back, nudging her gently yet determinedly in the direction of the Graveyard's main gate and hopefully to his Master's manor. He growled softly in hopes of coaxing her into doing what he wanted.

Needless to say, Zero's guidance was confusing her. Why was he leading her away? Where were they going? "Zero, what's gotten into you? I just-boy, what are you doing?" Sally tried to redirect herself to...wherever she was going, through the Hinterlands, but kept getting pushed or pulled back.

Determined to get her to understand, Zero nudged harder which was just enough to get her in front of his doghouse grave. In a flash of white, he popped in and back out with something in his mouth. He hoped with all his undead heart that she would get his clue, and with that he nudged the rib bone into her hands. He growled softly as he tried to get her to look at it.

"...A bone?" Sally took hold of it, inspecting it. Why was he so insistent all of a sudden, and especially about a bone? "Oh, did you want to play? You wanted to play fetch?"

Growling his answer, he shook his head before pointing at the bone, his nose glowing with intent. Zero's sockets switched from her face to the bone and back with that small spark of determination flickering more and more like a candle.

"Well, I don't know what you're trying to tell me, boy..." Sally lowered her hands, very confused. "Is this someone's bone? And I should give it back to them? Because who's bone would this-" Her words caught in her throat. She raised the bone to her face, in the moonlight. It was a rib bone, from what she could identify it as, and she wondered...could this bone have been... "...Jack's? This is…" She swallowed for her throat was suddenly dry, "his bone?"

Happiness lit up his nose and features instantly, she got his clue! Zero nodded rapidly, his sockets closing with joy before nuzzling her hands. The very same hands that gently clutched his Master's rib bone.

"Oh..." Sally blushed heavily as she realized she truly was holding ONE OF JACK'S RIB BONES! How could that not have sent the lovesick ragdoll over the edge? "Erm...w-what should I...do with it?" She held it tightly, yet gently, as if afraid she would either drop it or crush it.

Zero hovered right back to her side and started nudging her all over again. He pushed her closer to the gate before hovering back and facing her. "Arf! Arf!" Floating down, he carefully caught the hem of her dress in his mouth and tugged lightly, his whimpers a little muffled but now happy and pleading.

"Z-Zero! What are you doing? I...Are you...?" Sally realized then what he was doing. The clue about the bone and him trying to lead her back to town... "You're...taking me to him? But...why?"

It was times like this that almost made him wish that he could talk, Zero whined low in his throat before letting go of the fabric and gently nuzzled her cheek. His nose still catching the old scent of tears as he nuzzled her. When he finished, he caught her short sleeve in his mouth and started tugging again. He could only do so much for the pretty ragdoll, but his Master... Oh, his Master would make it all better and do whatever needed to be done to make her happy and not leave.

When Sally tried to get away again, Zero only insistently tugged harder. For a little ghost dog, he was strong. And it was impossible to refuse him... "All right, Zero...I suppose I should at least return this to him..."

He dropped the sleeve and yipped happily, so far so good. He hovered next to her like a guard dog, except whatever fierceness he was trying to portray was quickly dashed away by his wagging sheet and overall natural lovable nature. Jack o' lantern nose glowing like a guiding light, Zero tilted his head and waited for Miss Sally.

"Well...it would give me a chance to say goodbye to him..." Sally murmured. "All right, let's go."

"Arf!" Feeling hopeful, Zero escorted the pretty ragdoll back to his Master's manor praying that all would be well afterwards.

Upon arrival, Sally nervously stood at his porch, a few steps away from the door. She had managed to gather her courage and go through the gate, and up the steps...but now all that was left was ringing the bell. Was he even home? He had to be, Zero wouldn't just lead her to an empty home like that. Nervously, she reached for the spider doorbell, clutching it. Swallowing, she pulled it down and it rang, as well as screamed.

To say that Jack was surprised to see that he had a visitor at this hour was very true. To say that he was delightfully surprised and curious at the fact that his visitor was Sally was absolutely true. A wholehearted smile appeared on his etched lips after he spotted that it was her through the little peephole, it only grew as he opened the door. "Sally..." His tone affectionate and sweet, his sockets matching his mood, "Good evening..."

"Good evening...um...Jack..." Sally said shyly, her cheeks darkening. Well, at least he was happy to see her...even...somewhat...no, she was imagining it. She had to be. "How...how are you?"

Chuckling at her adorable meekness, he smiled sincerely. "Oh the usual, holiday work and calming the Mayor with whatever new panic attack he's having." He rolled his eye sockets good naturedly with a sigh, a little pout coming to his lips like that of a little boy's as he spoke his next words so very honestly. "Though...I will admit that I didn't have the pleasure of seeing my favorite dearest ragdoll at all today." A little shy smile quickly replaced the boyish pout, " But I at least have the pleasure of seeing her this fine autumn evening…"

"O-Oh...um..." Sally blushed a bit and looked down. He didn't just say that, did he? Favorite dearest rag doll? No no...She heard him wrong! And yet her denial of that only failed. "I...I...um... Well, I'm glad to see you, too..."

He smiled thoughtfully before his curiosity started to win him over. "Now then... Do what do I own the delight of this visit?" He leaned against the door frame, his arms across his chest, and a playfully glint in his sockets as he slightly rose his brow bone at her. "I'm guessing it isn't to borrow another cup of black sugar?"

"Um...I...had to bone...you...return...your..." Sally stammered, eyes wide as her cheeks flushed.

Zero, who hovered right behind the bumbling blushing mess of a rag doll, didn't know whether to start laughing or do something about it. He chose the latter, besides he could laugh at the silliness of his Master and Miss Sally's moments later. "Arf!"

"Return your bone to you!" Sally held it out to him, her head bowed.

Jack blinked in astonishment by her sudden gesture before another smile cleared it away after his startled mind finished processing her words. "Oh thank you, Sally!" He knew he forgot something! All day he had been feeling like something was nagging him in the back of his mind, but he pushed it away so he could focus on his errands. "I knew I forgot something..." He chuckled sheepishly, unknowingly enjoying the little spark he felt when their hands brushed as she gave him back his rib.

"You're welcome, Jack..." Sally managed, her insides tingling at the brush of their hands...and that SPARK! What was that? "Anytime..."

Jack smiled softly at Sally before turning his attention to Zero, his fingertips still giving Sally's a lingering brush. "Zero, if you would be so kind as to keep our guest some company, unless..." He turned to Sally again with that same warm smile. "You would like to come in even if only for a little while?" Jack straightened up and took a step to the side, his empty left hand gesturing to the interior of the manor.

"Um...a-all right..." Sally could see now that saying goodbye wasn't going to be easy, she figured it best to do so in a more comfortable way than on his doorstep like this. She stepped inside, nervously, as she looked down at the floor. "Thank you..."

"No trouble at all, Sally." Jack said sincerely, shutting the door behind them before looking at her with that sweet grin of his. "Now if you'll excuse me, my dear lady..." His voice charming and suave, the perfect gentleman as he bowed at the waist with his once missing rib bone in hand. "But I must leave you alone for a moment as I go reattach," He wiggled the bone with a chuckle at his own forgetfulness. He straightened to his unrivalled height and looked down at Sally with a wink. "You go ahead and make yourself comfy. I'll be right back and I promise you that you'll have my full attention, alright?" He finished with a little tilt of his skull and playful smile on his lips.

By now, Sally's entire faced was flushed pink. She was even having a hard time keeping herself standing straight, since she had to brace herself against the wall, trying to control her heavy breathing. Oh, why did he have to be so charming? Why did he have to be such a gentleman? The way he could make her melt like a puddle! If only she could just side up to him and beg him to romance her! "O-Oh, of course, Jack...yes...t-take...your time..." Sally managed, nodding a little. This was going to be a lot harder than she thought…

"Thank you for your kindness, my dear Sally." Jack said warmly, his sockets softening with affection before he headed for his room. "Make sure to keep Miss Sally some company, Zero." He called out as he poked his skull around the corner of the hall that led to the staircase. The sound of light almost nonexistent footsteps echoed from the staircase before disappearing to the second floor, and leaving a flustered ragdoll and smiling ghost dog all alone again.

Heart pounding, eyes wide, breathing heavy, it took all of Sally's strength to finally gather herself. 'He's just being a gentleman...being a good friend...he treats everyone with kindness...' Sally thought, trying to ward off any thoughts to his affectionate kindness being anything but platonic. She took a few deep breaths, calming her heart. Finally, Zero led her into the den, where she took a seat on the couch, almost as if she were nervous to sit anywhere else. She sat, prim and proper, like a lady, with her hands clasped in her lap. 'Oh, I'm sure he'll be thrilled...to see me moving on with my life... Okay, I can do this...'

Zero sat himself down by her feet, his sheet wagging softly as he stared up at her. He tilted his ghostly head, curious sockets blinking before lifting himself up just enough to rest his head on her knee. "Arf?"

Sally looked down, and smiled at the little dog. "Hello again, Zero..." She petted him gently, scratching his ears. "I guess you really didn't want me to go without saying goodbye...you're right... Well, thank you for this..."

But why did she have to go at all? Zero's question was pretty easy to read with those big, expressive sockets of his...just like his Master's. A low, sad whine found its way out of his mouth as his sockets, sheets, and ears drooped at what was going to maybe happen. Even his nose dimmed down...it was barely bright enough to be mistaken for a dying out candle.

"It won't be for forever..." Sally promised the little dog sweetly. "I just need to...well, get away from everything and try to find myself. I need to do this, boy. I promised I'd come back, didn't I? And I will… After all, you'll be all right...you're a good dog, and I know Jack will be fine. There's nothing to worry about."

Though still quite put down, Zero's features brightened a little at her words. She was right...Goodbye didn't have to anyways mean forever and...Maybe she would come and visit him and his Master often...and maybe they could even come and visit her too. The little ghost dog nudge her hand just enough to get his head under it.

Sally giggled, petting him as her smile grew. Yes, Zero may have been a dog and liked just about anyone who was nice to him and his master, but it was sweet to know that he would miss her. He was a smart dog, he understood her. "You won't even realize it...we'll see each other again before you know it." She giggled, scratching him behind his ears.

Zero sighed happily and nestled his head more into Sally's lap when his ears perked up. He turned his head as his Master walked in. "Arf."

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sally. I hope Zero was able to provide you with enough company." Jack chuckled at the scene, his dog obviously very comfy and Sally...well...Sally just looked so charming in her little spot on his couch there in his den. Her natural beauty just...brightened up everything in the modest room.

"Oh, it's no problem at all..." Sally blushed heavily and looked down a bit, petting Zero to distract herself. "Jack I...was wondering...are you doing all right?"

Blinking in surprise, Jack stopped in front of her. How could she have-He asked silently before a tired smile replaced the energetic one from before. His sockets soft and tired and heartbreakingly honest as he looked at her. He put a hand to his skull and sighed, "You could always read me so easily, huh Sally?" A faint chuckle escaped him as he seated himself besides her on the couch. He reached over to pet Zero, his long bony fingertips brushing hers as he scratched the little ghost dog's muzzle.

A jolt coursed through Sally as their fingers brushed, her cheeks heating up all the more. But his response just struck her then as she looked at him, concerned. "...Oh...is something wrong?"

"It's nothing massive, Sally..." He said reassuringly, his sockets showing how touched he was at her note of concern. "I just...just..." He sighed deeply and rubbed his skull, "I just don't feel as...complete with my position...with Halloween in general...anymore..." His posture and voice and features gave away the guilt and sadness he felt at saying such a thing.

Sally's eyes went wide, and forgetting her shyness, she gingerly moved closer to him. She couldn't believe it... Jack essentially was...feeling incomplete, as if there was something more out there that he was trying to find. Her heart pounded at the discovery that he felt pretty much the same she did... "Jack..." She said softly, a longing gaze sent his way. "I know how you feel..."

"You...you...you don't think I'm selfish for feeling this way?" Jack looked at her, hope fluttering in his heart at her words. She didn't even try to move away from him like as if he were a leper; in fact it was quite the opposite. His sockets looked deeply into her eyes, longing and pleading and confused by all these repressed emotions and emptiness. "You understand..." He moved closer, his hand gently found itself besides hers on the couch. "You really...understand, Sally...?" He whispered softly, only losing himself more in the peace and warmth her gentle smile and sweet gaze gave his lonely heart.

Despite how much Sally was visibly flushed, she couldn't move nor look away from him now, not when he...needed a little sense of comfort and compassion. His tone, his entire countenance, she felt terrible! Her heart fell, and yet pounded at their closeness. "Of course I do, Jack. I mean...well, I feel the same. My...situation isn't entirely the same, but I understand the feeling of...desiring something more…something different." Unsure why she was admitting it, she chalked it up as a good way for a lead-in to when she would break the news. "I mean, even if I didn't feel that way, of course I'd still understand. You're still a person, Jack...you have problems just as anyone else would. You're not selfish and yet you can't help how you feel."

"Oh thank you, Sally. You have no idea just how much that means to me." Gratitude and affection melted away any of distress he had been feeling only moments ago. Jack gently placed his hand atop of hers, his bony thumb caressed it warmly, and causing his phantom heart to beat a little faster at the tiny yet powerful jolt he felt at touching her. "I often forget just how sweet you are." He chuckled endearingly as he gazed upon her with lightly lidded sockets. "Thank you for reminding me again..."

"Um...oh...y-you're welcome..." Sally looked down shyly, now at his hand over hers. Of course, she blushed even more. "I'm just...well, it's the right thing...it's all true..." She managed to look up again, and felt herself swallow. Why was he looking at her like that?

He knew that he had asked himself this question many a time but...did she really have no idea just how wonderfully charming she was? Her little moments of meekness and modesty were just...so adorable and refreshing. It was so unlike any of the other women he ever dealt with. Usually they prided themselves in being showy and overly confident and a bit snobbish, but Sally... He smiled charmingly down at the shy and very lovely ragdoll who had comforted him so sweetly. He moved closer, his knees barely an inch away from brushing hers, and lovely cradled her hand in both of his. He held it as if it were the most precious thing in the world, which was true since it was attached to his dearest and most treasured friend in the world...and not to mention the very definition of the beauty of autumn itself...

"Whatever you say, Sally." He chuckled again. "I'm sticking with what I said early and no matter how wonderfully modest you are...it still won't change the fact that you have a splendid heart and a very sweet one at that."

Oh, why did NOW of all times have to be when he was just THAT charming? Sally was trying to set a new life for herself, to run away, and seek something new! Yes, she would come back, but this was only prolonging the inevitable. And what if Jack WAS heartbroken if she left? Especially when right now, he clearly needed a friend? What was she to do? Moreover, it didn't help that he was charming the threads off her. She blushed; looking at their hands, the way he held it...the way he smiled at her, spoke to her... "Thank you, Jack...you're...very sweet to say that." Sally swallowed inwardly, looking at their hands...the way he was just holding her hand as though it meant a lot to him. Oh, she knew she couldn't at all blame him for being so charming. It was just how he was. A gentleman who treated people with kindness and respect, and also had a high regard and respect for women. They were friends, so it made sense, right? Her gaze met his yet again. She blushed, and looked down once more, unsure of what else she could say.

"Now...what about you, my shy Miss Sally?" Jack asked sweetly, a note of concern in his otherwise blissful sockets. He squeezed her hand comfortingly in hopes of having her explain her own sorrow. "You, my dearest friend, has listened to this old skeleton's lament. I only hope that you will grant me the honor of being your shoulder to cry on so to speak."

Her heart sank. How was she supposed to respond to that? She couldn't lie, the reason she came here was to say goodbye. After what he just spilled to her, in genuine trust and confidence... What was that going to say about her? She couldn't just say, "Yeah, uh, I know what you're going through...but I'm running away from home! Don't miss me too much!" or anything! That would be hurtful. But she had to… She couldn't prolong this anymore, but she didn't want to leave him...never. If anything, she'd beg him to come with her, but he couldn't… His place was here…hers…was not. "Jack..." Tears stung in her eyes. "I came...to say goodbye."

It felt like the coldest ice water in all of existence poured over him at her words. It took him a few tries but he finally got it out, "What?" His sockets wide in disbelief and pleading that she was joking, if it was then it was a very cruel joke and very un-like her, but it was better than what reality was telling him!

"Not for forever, no...I mean... I need to get away from here. ...I can't live like this." Sally managed, not looking at him. "It's just something I need to do. ...I need to find myself, find a place where I won't be isolated and alone. I'm leaving, tonight. I don't know where I'll go, or for how long, but I need to. But I will come back, I promise you that."

She was...she was leaving! But...but...but...but why? Jack frowned, his heart breaking even more at her obvious guilt and shame. She felt bad enough as it is... He needn't make it worse by making her believe he was upset at her, sure he was upset with the matter, but not with her…never with her. "Sally..." He whispered her name so softly...as if afraid that saying it too loud would make her disappear before his very eyes like a frightened spirit. One of his hands going up to cupped her bowed face so that he could look her in the eyes. "Sally...please...please look at me..."

Earlier on, she didn't see this coming. But the moment she came into his home, she realized this was NOT going to be easy. And now? It had been harder than she would have ever imagined. But Sally did, she looked at him, tears in her eyes and her lips trembling. "Jack..." she tried to say, but her voice came out in a squeak.

Jack did his best to smile, but it can out a bit watery. "Please don't cry, Sally... I'm not mad at you...I could never be mad at you..." He let go of her cheek to brush away her tears.

Though relieved, despite that she didn't think he was angry at her specifically; it did still slightly frighten her. Did her leaving affect him this much? Her cheeks flushed at his sweet gesture of brushing her tears away. Unable to help herself in doing this, Sally reached up with both hands to gently hold his to her cheek. "No...I just...didn't think this would be so...difficult..."

Liquid warmth spread down his arm at her soft touch...warmth he knew deep in his bones that he'd miss greatly once she was gone to...well, God knows where... His sad smile soften with affection, which felt bittersweet, as he stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. "I don't think...ever saying goodbye...is easy, Sally..."

Zero whined softly in agreement with his Master, his ghost head still in Sally's lap with large heartbreaking eyes looking upon the pair.

A little sniffle escaped Sally, and she petted Zero's head upon lowering one of her hands. "No...I...see now...it isn't...e-easy." Her voice broke with emotion. "...You'd miss me?"

"Of course, Sally. God knows I'd miss you, my dearest friend..." Jack leaned down so that his face was level with hers, gloomy sockets staring deeply into tearful eyes. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her with all the care in the world. His skull nuzzling into her hair as he tried to keep both her special scent and softness locked away in his memory. The tiny pinpricks of tears started to sting in the back of his sockets, but he held them back. There was no need for her to see that... She was hurting quite enough... She needed someone strong at this moment. He decided that he would cry his sorrows later in the solitude of his tower...away from everyone with Zero by his side. The little dog would howl pitifully alongside his Master...misery did love company anyway. "I'll miss you so much... Halloween Town just won't be the same without you, Sally..."

Hugging him tightly, Sally fought back the urge to sob and cry in his arms...as much as she wished she could. But no, he didn't need that on his plate right now. Not like this. "Oh, Jack...that's very sweet of you to say... I'll miss you, too...you're the only friend I've ever had. ...The only one who understands me. ...The town will be fine without me, don't be silly...no one will notice I'm even gone."

He shook his skull at her words. "Oh Sally, that certainly isn't true. There's so many people who will notice...The Hanging Tree and his Hanging Men, The Corpse Family, The Musicians, The Ghosts in the Graveyard, Behemoth, and The Vampire Brothers..."

Half a smile curled at her lips, but it didn't meet her eyes. "...I suppose...but it won't be as if it would matter. Everyone will go on with their lives."

"That may be, but I'm certain that they will wonder where you've gone and how you're doing... They might keep it to themselves but..." He swallowed the thick lump of sadness forming in his throat, he continued just as softly as before, "I'm sure that they will feel that part of their undead hearts that a sweet, shy, compassionate haunting beauty of a ragdoll had won with her friendship go dark..." He knew he would, the ache already beginning to take effect on his own heart with each word they spoke. His embrace tightening as he buried his skull deeper into her hair trying to escape and drown in her warmth and scent instead. "Are...are you sure...you have...to go...Sally?" He begged into her locks. "Isn't there some...other alternative...please...? Is there...really nothing I can do...?"

Sally felt her heart shatter. Did it really hurt him this much? She knew Zero was upset at her leaving, and now Jack seemed to be...very torn up about it. It hurt to see her dearest friend this distraught. "I have nowhere else to go, Jack...I ran away... I need to find myself. I don't know what I'll do. And if I stay here, the Doctor will find me and take me away again..." Sally sniffled and began to sob. "...Jack...Can I...stay with you tonight? If it's not too much trouble..."

"Yes, please stay..." Stay as long as you like... His unspoken words were clear in his sockets, but she couldn't see them for he was still buried nose deep in her hair.

"...I will..." Sally whispered, and held to him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Jack...I'm sorry...I...I wish I didn't have to hurt you in the process." She felt his phantom heart just POUNDING against her chest. What could that have meant?

"You could never hurt me, Sally, just like I could and would never hurt you..." He sighed and pulled back enough so he could look at her, small tears brimmed his sockets, and a small bittersweet smile on his lips. "It just the fact that I can't do anything to stop it, that hurts... Can you forgive me for failing you in that manner?" His fingers stroked her cheek and jawline.

"There is nothing to forgive." Sally managed, her voice trembling. "You didn't do anything wrong... Please don't say that. It isn't your fault."

"Yes...yes it is...partly anyway..." The smile on his mouth was faker than a rubber mask. His tears finally starting to stream down his cheekbones as he spoke. "If I had noticed, Sally... I would have...have..." A bitter laugh popped out of self-loathing, one of his hands clenching into a tight fist, his already white knuckles turning even whiter with the force of his grip, "I would have opened the doors of my very home for you, Sally... If I had noticed...I would have fought for your freedom...I would have stamped out anything that would have led up to this...if I had noticed..." His sockets slammed shut in his rant, the tears now flowing through; any attempt to stop them on his part was gone. It was by sheer miracle that his heart hadn't yet exploded within his ribs from the emotional overload he was feeling.

Oh no. Now he was shedding tears, blaming himself, and saying such things... Sally sniffled, tears streaming down her face, and she brought her hands to his cheeks. She came closer, her lips trembling. "It's not your fault. ...You couldn't possibly have known...and I wouldn't impose on you in such a way. It's all right...Please don't blame yourself. You still have been nothing but a good friend to me, and I wish I didn't want to go...Your place is here. I don't know where mine is..." She hesitated, unsure, and wondered if it was too much. She leaned in, and met his lips in a light brush, almost a peck, then pulled away.

He froze up at the jolt her lips gave him...it was really something...he hadn't been expecting. The icy pain of depression and loneliness that was his heart and soul started to feel warmed with something...unknown yet familiar... A hand went to his chest as if trying to touch that flickering candle of warmth and he could feel it grow stronger as his feelings… His memories of her…since the day they met that Halloween so long ago... The first words they spoke to each other after he had carried her to safety from the sinister maw of Oogie's destroyed lair... How charmed he was with her soft blush and sincere gratitude... How she had smiled so enchantingly when he chuckled and told her 'Just call me Jack.' His feelings over the years since then...their friendship...it only grew...into... Jack's tears stopped, his sockets gazing at the flustered and tear stained cheeked woman before him...his best friend... The ice melted some more with what he had gained from her unsure display of affection... 'I love her...' New tears brimmed his sockets and a force...something fiery and powerful burned brightly and finished off the last of the ice... Joy fueled his determination and determination relit the fire of battle. He wasn't going to let her go without a fight, not when he just found her... "Sally..."

For a moment, Sally felt terrified. What had she just done? While their lips just brushed, enough to touch, it was still SOME kind of semblance to a kiss. A KISS! What was she thinking? Now to place THAT on his shoulders? Was he angry? Or even scared? But she had to face him. She had to. She owed him that much. Her eyes wide, filled with tears, laced with worry, and yet, hope and longing, she met his gaze again. "Yes, Jack...?"

He smiled, a real smile, something that he felt like he hadn't done in ages since she broke the news to him. It was warm and tender, much like his tearful sockets that brighten when seeing her hope and longing shining through the worry and fear. "Are you still sure..." His hands lifted up and adoringly cupped her face, thumbs stroking her wet, burning cheeks. His voice soft as he asked, "Are you still sure you want to leave our Town...?" He leaned down so that they were nose to nose, his sockets never breaking contact with her eyes. "You know you won't be leaving empty-handed, do you? You'll be taking my heart with you..."

Zero perked his head up, blinking in awe at what was happening. He sensed that something...changed inside of his Master...could it be? He drew back a bit and hovered over the rug, anxious to see what would happen next, nose softly glowing brighter and brighter with each second.

Sally's eyes were wider than before, her breathing quick gasps as her chest rose and fell in time to each breath. He was holding her face...saying such sweet things...and so close... She trembled, as did her lips. "Jack...I...I..." Her voice trailed off, she didn't know what to say. "...I don't...know...I...oh...your...heart...?"

He chuckled, a light peaceful sound that rose from his chest. "You stole it the day we first met...and had it since..." He pouted lightly like a little boy, tilting his skull at bit which made their noses rub up against each other's. "You don't think I'm going to really let the woman I love leave with it without telling her she has it in the first place, do you?" Another smile found itself reaching his pout as he closed his sockets and Eskimo kissed her.

A little jolt coursed through Sally as she felt a tear roll down her cheek. He...loved her? He loved her? No, that couldn't be... And yet, he said it right out, the woman he loved... "Jack, I love you, too..."

Gazing at her through half-lidded sockets with a tear mirroring her own down his cheekbone, he whispered, "Then stay with me so I can love you and you can love me...where we never have to be lonely again..." He drew closer and stopped within mere inches of her red lips that trembled with her emotions much like his did. "Stay with me, My Sally...be mine..."

A decision had to be made then. To either leave this entire thing behind, or to stay. Would it work? She loved him so much and this was something she had desired for a long time. And now she had it. What was she to do with it? Take it or leave it? Even if she left it, he would still feel this way... Maybe a little time to bask in each other's love would help or maybe…this was all she needed in the first place. "...I will, Jack...you had me at hello. I'll stay..."

"My Sally, My sweet hearted Sally, you have no idea how happy a man you have made me..." That tiny smile grew into a larger version of itself, tender and happy as Jack squeezed Sally and softly brushed his lips against hers before pulling back, a light blanch on his cheekbones and loving twinkle in his sockets. "May I..." He felt like a nervous teenager, giddy and anxious and so very in love with this divine creature. "May I kiss you, my Sally?"

"...Yes..." Sally managed, and smiled for one of the first few times that evening. "Oh, Jack...yes! Of course..." She felt so happy! So relieved! So...no longer lost! She could dance and sing!

His smile widened to his all too famous skeleton grin, love and relief and happiness shining through his features as he wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, laughing like...like...like a man in love! He looked at her adoringly, his sockets lidded and any traces of his previous depression gone. "Oh, Sally..." He lowered her enough so that she was only an inch or two above the ground and gently closed the gap between them. That little brush she had given him earlier was nothing compared to this, her softness and sweetness and warmth only increased with the feeling of her plush, full lips against his.

Moaning at the sweet contact, it didn't take long for Sally's own body to respond. She brought her arms around him and kissed back, fervently, but sweetly. If she thought their lip-brushing from earlier was nice, this was even better! To kiss the man of her dreams! All of her own depression, loneliness, and goals to run away from home just melted away as if exposed to an open flame. Now she had a certain future...and could finally sit back and be free, to figure her life out without the isolation and loneliness ever again. She loved him so much!

Jack smiled into the kiss, a moan of joy at her actions escaped him for they only brought them closer together. His heart beat soared and warmth flowed through his bones, his arms tightened around her waist and his hands caressed her sides, as he deepened their kiss. The wonderful rush of it all making his breathing pick up, and one of his hands creep up her back to entrench itself in her hair and cradle the back of her head. He dipped her back with passion dominating his actions.

A surprised gasp elicited from Sally at the sudden change in position, but she melted, surrendering to him all the more. Oh, she was going to give Zero a lot of treats and belly rubs for this... If he hadn't intervened and brought her back here, she might never have known how Jack felt...

Jack moved his lips against hers, the action only sending more electric-like sparks through his system. He moaned deeply in bliss before straightening back up and lowering her back to the ground, though never breaking the kiss or his hold. Blinking lightly to lift the haze, he pushed slowly against her lips making the kiss deliciously linger. He never remembered breathing this fast or hard before in his entire existence.

Bringing herself more flushed against him, Sally felt her legs give out and almost wished she weren't put back down. But at least his hold on her, as well as her hold on him, helped support her for the most part. She moaned, savored every moment of his intoxicating, wonderful kiss. It felt odd, how she had gone from lonely, unsure, and even saddened...all the way to the height of pure bliss in less than an hour. She was so happy!

Zero back flipped into the air, the joy the two were emitting was far too clear! Oh how badly he wanted to howl and bark up a storm of happiness, but he could wait!

As the evening went on, the two newly united lovers happily danced in their love. All their loneliness was gone, any and all worries of each other faded. Just love. They were no longer alone. And never would be ever again. Some time had passed, but Sally had no idea how long. Even a glance at the clock wouldn't have tipped her off to how long it had been since she had arrived here, and they had been talking and then... Kissing. Lots of kissing. Something she had only ever dreamed of happening. But because she always woke up before they could kiss in her dreams, just about every time, it had led her to believing she was not dreaming. Not at all. She was still there, even after closing her eyes and blinking a few times. No, she was there. She wasn't in her bed in her cold prison cell of a room. She was here, in Jack's home, with him, locked in a sweet embrace. With her legs about to give out. Now she gazed up at him with wonder, her lips parted slightly, and her eyes hazed with love. "...I...suppose...that was the answer to what you could do. ...But I knew I couldn't ask it of you, not unless you truly felt that way about me."

"Honestly..." Jack sighed dreamily, mind still cloudy from the wonder that was holding her and kissing her and just...plain loving her! He felt so warm and happy and fantastic! It was something he hadn't had the joy of feeling in so long...possibly around the beginning of his soul searching and questioning of what exactly he wanted in the first place. Oh that emptiness...how it would silently strip him of his energy and bliss in being scary... He had long ago lost count of how many fake smiles he'd have to plaster on his skull for his people...but when he was away from it all, it would shatter like glass and that ache would ring through his bones with a dull, disheartening note. 'But that all changed...' Jack thought with another warm smile, he leaned down and rested his skull against her forehead. He had to resist the urge to smother her lips and cheeks with kisses at her expression. If he did...well as enjoyable as it would be, he knew he'd never get his words out. He'd never want to stop kissing her! He chuckled and continued in a soft, loving yet suave voice. "Honestly, I always knew you were special to me, Sally... Ever since...I first laid sockets on you." His bony fingertips ghosted the seam over her eye and cheek. "When Zero sniffed you out after I defeated Oogie... I didn't quite know what to think... You could say I was a bit stunned by just how hauntingly beautiful you were." A little something playful came to his smile at the memory. "I have to admit that I really enjoyed the idea of going on some grand adventure and vanquishing a fiend, but I didn't think I'd get the full hero experience by saving a dark damsel in distress too." His arms squeezed around her waist lovingly.

"O-Oh..." Sally blushed as she looked down a bit shyly, recalling the memory of when she had been mistakenly kidnapped by Bogie's Boys. Because she 'looked like Jack in the dark' (she still didn't understand that), it seemed. Then she was left for hours trying to break out of her prison confinement. Being trapped and locked away, much like at home, was almost traumatizing. But she never gave up, even when it seemed futile. But then...rather than a Knight in Shining Armor come to save her, like in the fairy tales, it was a tall, thin skeleton man...the Pumpkin King, whom she had never met before. But he had been just as kind, charming, and generous as she could have imagined. "I remember...You saved my life, and I...well, you even gave me a flower later on...which was very sweet of you." A little laugh escaped her. "You exceeding any Knight who could have saved me..."

Blinking in surprise at the memory, Jack chuckled warmly. "Well, what proper Knight wouldn't give a lovely damsel something to brighten such an...interesting evening." He drew his bony fingers gently across her cheek, making curving little trails on the soft blue fabric flesh. "Besides," He chuckled again. "I thought those pumpkin blossoms would look better on you than me any day, plus, this jacket still sort of smells like them no matter how many times I've washed it." His deep chuckles filled the air as he continued to gaze at Sally, adoration and love mirrored in his sockets with a hint of his ever charming playfulness.

Sally gave a laugh, smiling brightly. "Hee...I see...Well thank you again...I do still have it, actually...I pressed it into my favorite book."

"Really?" Jack asked, smile widening with joy. "Oh that's so sweet of you, Sally!" He nuzzled into her cheek happily, before kissing her soundly on the very same cheek. Oh this woman was such a delight! She had kept it for all this time? He purred like some massive skeletal cat, his arms clutching her even closer and tighter. "But I can't expect anything less from my sweetest Sally, can I?" He finished with another snuggling into her hair, the perfumed autumn scent welcoming him again, his sockets closed as he sighed in bliss.

"Jack..." Sally sighed dreamily, and snuggled into him right back. "Of course I did...I treasured everything you gave to me. Your genuine kindness was wonderful, and they always reminded me of that, and of you."

"Oh Sally..." Jack sighed again, marveling at the warmth of her words and actions. He leaned back, looking down at her before gently scooping her up within his arms. His smile amused at her little squeak of surprise, it was like that of a baby mouse. His hands finding their places under her back and legs. He quirked his brow playfully as he looked down at his precious cargo, "Are you comfortable or would you like it if I put you back down?"

"Oh, no...I'm fine." Sally assured, blushing all the more at the sudden change of position. She felt a little strange being elevated like this, even a slight tingle of vertigo, but she trusted him. She relaxed immediately and snuggled against him. "I like this..."

"I like this too... You feel so wonderful in my arms...a perfect fit." Jack cooed softly, gazing upon her tenderly as he walked over to the couch. He already missed her warmth while setting her down on the couch, but quickly seated himself besides her. He blanched a bit, hoping that he hadn't come off too eager. Clearing his throat, which helped lessen the blanch a bit, he gently grabbed her hands. "Speaking of treasured things..." His bony hands squeezed hers lovingly, his sockets looking deeply into her eyes. "I want you to know that this..." He smiled dreamily, still a bit astonished at what had happened between them. "This wonderful new adventure that we're on together...is something I will treasure for the rest of my existence..." His hand coming up to cup her cheek again, moving closer to her...it felt just so...intimate and ...breath taking... His gaze grew more enraptured and adoring, lids sliding to half hood and intensify the emotions glowing through. The smile on his etched lips shrinking from his usual grin to a soft smile of passion and romance... He was the picture perfect example of a man deeply in love.

Unable to help herself, tears pooled in eyes, and her smile just grew, tenfold. She mirrored the image, an example of a woman deeply in love right back. Sally sniffed, and brought her arms around him then, leaning closer herself, as she managed to muster the strength to reply, "That means the world to me..." Sally murmured in a soft, loving coo. "I will treasure it as well...for the rest of my existence... And I promise you that with all my heart. Thank you..."

Tears rimmed his sockets, Jack wrapped his arms around her back and waist, her head snug under his chin and their sides pressed against each other's. "No...Thank you, My Sally... Thank you for stealing my heart in the first place." He leaned back and nuzzled his forehead against hers, staring deep into her beautiful eyes...so easy for him to get lost in. "It's yours and I know, oh I know that I'll never feel that dark loneliness again." He brushed her tears away and savored the feeling of her soft skin, his fingers brushing across her cheeks to her seams and nose and finally her lips. "My dearest darling Sally..." He whispered so softly, "I love you and only you..."

"I love you, too, and only you." Sally's voice was a soft whisper, "You never will again...and neither will I." Her eyes closed, relishing the sweet embrace between them. Bringing one hand up, she touched his face gently, as if to make sure he was real, that this was all real. Two lonely beings, finding each other, joined together in love. "Wherever we go, we'll go together..."

He leaned into her touch, his voice soft and passionate as he added to her words. "Never to be alone again, never to feel empty again..." He leaned in even closer, turning so that he was fully facing her, his arms setting them into another deep embrace that left them with no space in between. "My Sally...my Sally and me..." Jack's sockets lidded all the more at their absolute closeness, his other hand running through her hair.

"Jack..." Sally smiled more, and then gently brought his lips to her level, reclaiming them sweetly.

And with that, they both closed their eyes and lost themselves again within the beauty of a kiss...their kiss...a kiss that would only be the wonderful beginning of a grand adventure and a love like no other.