A/N:
Happy early Valentine's Day!
"I want a sewing shop."
A lot of emotions stir in Jack's ribcage the moment those words leave her mouth. At first, he is struck with a strange feeling of fear - as he thinks Sally heard of the surprise he's been keeping from her all this time, and is about to uncover his plans right before him! But then she starts to tug on her hair and look away, frantically spitting out her next sentences:
"I know it's a big thing to ask of you, and you have so much on your plate as it is...what with Halloween and all! And I - I want to have a shop like the old seamstress did...the Hanging Tree told me that I should ask you, and I wouldn't have if-"
" -Sally… " He interrupts her quietly. She stops her rambling and stares at him with wide eyes. Her posture is tense and so is his - both of them eagerly waiting for whatever will leave his lips. He finds his throat dry as he clears it, desperately trying to think on his feet with how to properly handle this situation.
He's kept it from her this long, hasn't he? He would call that a success on its own! The sewing shop is finished now, and is currently sitting there in all its glory, waiting for its new owner to open the doors….The timing is almost incredible , the more he thinks about it. He just didn't know she had the same idea...how long has she kept this from him, he wondered?
"Where exactly did you want this new sewing shop to be ?" He asks, leaning back and looking at her curiously. She takes some time to think of an answer.
"There is the old one. It's worn down, but with a lot of work, I think I can fix the place up..!"
She leans forward and firmly places her hands on his legs. He's surprised at the gesture. She comes closer and pleadingly gazes into his eye sockets. She looks desperate, tears threatening to leave her eyes at any moment while her fingers dig deeper into the fabric of his pants. The look she's giving him makes Jack Skellington weak - he knows he would agree to anything she desires at this moment, with how badly it looks like she wants it.
"Please, if you just let me, I promise I'll work hard to get the shop up again...I know how to clean, to fix things - I can at least make it usable. I don't mind if it isn't perfect, I lived in a tower that leaked all the time...it wouldn't even be a bother to me-"
"-Sally."
His tone makes her stop her words and slowly sink back into her appropriate spot. She almost looks regretful as she sits there and plays with the seams at her wrists. In this silence, he smiles. To hear her willing to work so hard for something she desperately wants...it reminds him of himself - his own determination. He finds it attractive. He feels honored to be the one providing her with something this important to her.
"How about we go to this shop together, and see what we can do from there?" He offers. "I have experience in architecture - I could plan and rebuild everything for you."
She's elated at his words. "Jack, you...you mean that? I-"
"Why, we shouldn't waste any time at all! How about we go now - before the day is over? Gather what we can, and when we come back, start on our plans! How about that?"
She doesn't notice the tears streaming down her cheeks until he wipes them away with his thumbs. She nods in agreement, breathing slowly as she comes to terms with his answer. The cold feeling in her stomach turns into tingles that are now crawling down her body - in the delightful way, of course. She feels... relieved . Happy. To know that she can get what she wants - and Jack will be there to help her, so they can work on something together .
She comes to sit in his lap, laying her head on his chest and enjoying his embrace. He wraps his long arms around her figure as they rest there for several minutes. Not exactly how he planned this would go...but it'll work! He feels especially reassured that he didn't even have to say 'no' to her. He can only imagine her surprise once they're there...
The ragdoll is giddy as she skips alongside her Pumpkin King, looking up to grin at him every few minutes or so. Their walk into the Residential part of town is one of patience, but she can't hide how excited she is. She can't stay still for very long - not when everything has been going so well as of late, and how kind her skeleton man has been to her. She makes sure to show him how grateful she is that they're going there together, clutching his hand tightly.
The skeleton is especially pleased. To see her this lovely and bright - so excited about something she has yet to see...it'll be hard to take it in once she actually sees the new shop. He can imagine how she'll look then, and almost melts at the picture. All he ever wanted after meeting Sally was to keep her happy. To give her this is fulfilling his own wish as well.
They're close, now. Only a few minutes until the shop will be within their sight. Jack's fingertips start to itch - he just can't help it, after hiding this surprise for so long..! He can see the anticipation in her eyes as well. They both are visibly impatient to get there already. They decide to converse in the meantime, just to kill time.
"How long do you think it will take to get the shop ready?" She asks. He pretends to take this question seriously.
"Well, it depends how much we work on it...I would think, less than a month?"
"That soon?" She gasps. "I would think, maybe, at least a year… "
He laughs. "You doubt my craftsmanship, Sally! I can whip up a blueprint in less than a week."
She looks at the ground as they walk, admiring his polished shoes. This is another part of him that she admires, and didn't even know about to begin with. She is excited to work with someone so talented, and has as much experience as him. She can only hope he'll agree to what she has in mind.
"I have so many ideas...I can't wait to start! With all of the-"
Her words are cut off when the skeleton suddenly stops in their tracks. She is about to ask him why until she looks at what he's staring at. That's when she realizes that they are standing in front of a humble building - similar to the old seamstress' shop in size. Except this one is freshly painted, with a new sign and roof built in. It is absolutely beautiful, in her eyes. Its structure blends in with the rest of Halloween Town - as it has the dark colors and sort of odd shape to its form. She turns to her King with a confused look.
"Why are we here? I thought we were going to the old shop."
"This is the old shop." He corrects her, with a bright smile. "Well, it was… "
"...What?"
She takes a second look as she withdraws her hand from his in surprise. That's when the realization strikes her - and her eyes go wide as her mouth falls agape. This….this is where the old seamstress' shop was! Except, there's no sign of any rubble, or indication that an old building used to be here…..this must have been done recently! In awe, the ragdoll comes forward to inspect the building closer, and her phantom heart stops when she finally reads the sign.
'Sally's Sewing Shop'.
'This….this can't be,' She thinks to herself. She reads the sign several times in disbelief as she tries to come to terms with what she is seeing. She even rubs her eyes and pinches herself to check if she's dreaming
The skeleton behind her is having the time of his death watching her reactions. The way she covered her mouth in shock when she confirmed this was the old building...and the look on her face now, seeing the sign he had personally crafted to hold her name...it's a mixture of wonder, confusion, and joy. He steps forward to her side, and she reaches for him without ever tearing her eyes off the building. He notices a tear escaping from her eye.
" Jack… " She says faintly. He leans down to hear her better.
"Yes?"
"What…..what is this…"
"My gift to you , darling." He takes her hand and holds it in his own, her shocked eyes finally meeting with his eye sockets. He curls his fingers around hers, and holds it to his chest with a loving smile. "-I've noticed how hard you've been working living with me - all the creations you've made, the sewing you've done...I love seeing you so passionate. And I noticed your closet was getting full, so I thought you'd appreciate having somewhere else to work, and show what you've made."
A noise emerges from her throat. She tightly shuts her eyes as a small cry leaves her lips. " Jaack… "
"A long time ago, you told me you wanted someone to appreciate the things you make, since you were living with someone who didn't care for it. You were so happy back then, when I complimented your dress. I want you to have that, again . But with the whole town, this time."
She is crying, now. Tears are streaming down her face, except there is a wide smile fixed on her lips. He continues on:
"-We've been needing someone like you, Sally! The Mayor and I, we've been wondering what to do with this place for so long. And then you come along, saying you want supplies and have everything we've needed….it just made perfect sense to me, at the time. For you to be the town's new seamstress! You have all the skills, the creativity, the passion -"
"...You want me to be your new seamstress?" She asks, fluttering her eyes and wiping the tears away. He assists her with a smile.
"Of course. But only if you want to - this is your choice, I just thought that-"
"-Yes, yes of course , Jack! I...I never thought you'd ask!" She confesses. "I've been wanting to ask you for this for so long, and never did because I was so afraid…I've always wanted to help others. To help you with Halloween..! But I never knew how… "
"Oh, Sally. Just being with you has helped me plenty." He brushes her hair back to kiss her forehead. "You've inspired me over the years of simply knowing you...if it weren't for you, I'd have gotten bored and done something drastic, I'm sure."
She holds his arms as he pulls away, looking at him dreamily. "I love you…"
"And I love you , my dearest friend."
They naturally inch closer and lock lips together, tenderly kissing the other for a full minute before pulling away. She holds onto him a second more before directing her attention to her new shop. She is more than ecstatic to come and see what's inside - wasting no time pulling Jack along with her. He provides her with a key from his pocket, informing her it's her new one to the shop, and to not lose it. She thanks him before sliding it into the lock, slowly opening the door to reveal what's inside.
If the outside wasn't beautiful enough, the inside is simply gorgeous! There is plenty more space this time around, with her own sewing machines sitting appropriately in their spots. All the sewing supplies and materials are neatly piled in a large cabinet. The first thing in the room is a small desk, likely where she can carry her businesses and speak with whoever comes. Around the desk is an assortment of chairs, where her guests can sit and chat while they wait.
She moves into the other room while Jack follows from behind, arms clasped behind his back as he watches her. This room is for measurements and fittings, she finds, as there is a small stand surrounded by multiple mirrors. There is also a large closet, with plenty of places to hang and store clothes. There are a few chairs placed about, for her guests to idle in and watch her measure her customers.
Beyond those rooms is a storage space for extra materials and fabrics. She also finds a fireplace of her own in the back. There is a collection of firewood kept around, so she doesn't have to worry if things get cold. Sally is awestruck as she continues to gaze around, admiring how lovely the rooms look and how much sunlight the windows let in. The walls are already decorated with pictures of Halloween Town, and paintings as well….she recognizes a few from the Skellington Manor that were brought in here.
The skeleton feels lovesick as he watches her, his ribs tightening every time she gasps and finds something new that she adores . She stops to sit in a chair and take all of this in. She eventually looks at Jack, who is still staring at her in adoration.
"First the cat, and now my own sewing shop...it's like you're spoiling me!" She comments with a blush. "Like I'm a….like I'm a Queen, of some sorts..."
Her words make his thoughts suddenly stop. He grows speechless in that moment, struggling to find the right words to respond. He doesn't need to, as she steps forward and pulls him down to leave a kiss on his cheek while he stands there dumbstruck. She lets go and resumes her little tour of her new sewing shop - a smile plastered on her lips the entire time.
'A Queen…' The Pumpkin King thinks quietly to himself, again.
"This is Halloween, This is Halloween~"
Sally Finklestein sings to herself while she arranges her dresses in the shop's closet. There are many to sort through and neatly store away. She did not realize how much she's crafted over this time…! The Doctor always encouraged her to make clothes, but she rarely had time for such endeavors, as she would be too busy cleaning and cooking. She feels almost proud of herself as she looks at all her creations, feeling content to properly present them where people can see.
After introducing her to her new shop, Jack helped Sally transfer her things from the Skellington Manor, which took the course of an entire day. She feels guilty for taking him away from his Halloween duties, but he insists on helping her. She is thankful for his help regardless, and spends the rest of her time organizing her things. It takes a week for her to fill her shelves and prepare everything to open her shop - now is the matter of tidying up…
She grabs a broom and starts to sweep the dust around, resuming her singing. The longer she's in Halloween Town, the more she feels the lyrics coming to her. Especially after moving in with Jack; the citizens sometimes sing their song while they work or move about, and she can hear it from the open windows of the Manor. She hopes that someday, that she'll be able to recite the entire song…
"Hello?"
A voice startles Sally from what she's doing, as well as the sound of the front door closing. She runs into the other room and finds the Hanging Tree standing in front of her desk, with his usual sharp grin on his face. The Hanging Men smile from their positions on his branches, waving at her. She smiles back and meets with them, excitedly skipping to the other side.
"I hope you don't mind me stopping by - I know you're not open yet. I just wanted to congratulate you! Word has been passing around fast that there's a new seamstress in town!"
"Oh, thank you, Hanging Tree...I'm so excited to open the new shop! I nearly have everything finished."
"It looks terrible in here!" He compliments in their Halloween way. "I take it you asked Jack for this? I told you he would agree!"
She modestly bows her head. "You were right...but I didn't even ask him. He surprised me with this new shop! I was so delighted - I never thought he would've done something like this for me."
"My hanging men were just talking about how you and Jack were in town days ago, with boxes and clothes in your hands! We were wondering what you were up to."
"He filled the shop with supplies already. I have plenty of yarn and knitting needles to go around!" She digs through a drawer to present the items to him. "-If my knitting buddy ever wants, you're free to always come by, and we can work on something together! If it weren't for you, I would have never wanted to come here…"
His eyes look at her, gleaming in delight. "Of course I'll stop by! It sure has been a long time since we've made anything together, hasn't it?"
She closes her eyes and agrees.
The next couple of days are frivolously spent cleaning her shop and tidying it up. Jack offers his help during this time, but Sally insists getting this done herself. When things are clean, she brings her newly-acquired pet, Ophelia, into her shop. She moves a comfortable bed in there for her, where her companion can rest while her owner works her day away. She allows the cat to become familiar with the new surroundings, sniffing every room and clawing at her reflection in the fitting mirrors.
"I think I'll need the company while I'm working," She informs her feline. "Do you think you can do that for me?"
The cat nuzzles her head in her hand, giving her an honest answer. Sally giggles as she pets her cat, and Ophelia dismisses herself to resume searching through her shop. This is when the ragdoll deems herself prepared - and opens the front door to allow business to arrive. She's so excited that she hovers by the door as she works at her desk, continuously peeking up and wondering when her first customer will arrive.
. . .
In the middle of the day, she gets her first customers. Three, actually.
She is surprised when she hears the sound of footsteps approaching her shop, and stands in her seat when they get closer. This is when she finds the Halloween Town Band stepping inside and peering around. They let out impressive whistles as they look at the place, and James is the first one to notice Sally standing at her desk. He smiles and comes forward, moving his saxophone out of the way.
"Hello, Dolly!" He greets naturally. The rest of his bandmates join his side and greet her. She beams at the sight of her friends.
"James, John, and Jimmy! What a pleasure to see you again."
"Word around Town is you're the new seamstress! We never saw this coming!" Jimmy confesses from behind. "Horrible for you! And we mean it."
"We've seen ya' sew yourself up before." John comments. "It only makes sense. Yer' real talented."
"Thank you...this is something I've wanted for awhile. I heard about the town's last seamstress, and wanted to bring a change of pace here." She answers with a bow of her head. "I can only hope I'm as resourceful as her."
"Yer talkin' 'bout the spider girl?" James rubs his chin. "She was a scary one, fer sure...I already know you'll be a million times better. Ya' don't eat kids, for one!"
He laughs at his joke while the other two men look at him dully. He quiets down while. Sally goes ahead and pours them some cups of water. They look thankful when she offers it to them and accepts, chugging them down and looking around. She is happy just to be in their presence again - they've always been such good friends to her!
"So, how'd you get this place?" Jimmy asks. "Looks nothin' like how it used to. This was just a heap of garbage no one liked to go to anymore."
"Jack went ahead and had everything fixed up for me...this was a surprise of his."
" Bone Daddy did all this for you? He must really care for ya'! Can't imagine how much time they spent refurbishin' the place-'' James is startled when Ophelia suddenly jumps onto the desk. " -Geez!"
"Oh, Ophelia. You know not to climb on things." Sally scolds as she gently sets her down.
She trots towards the band and tilts her head at them, sniffing the end of their shoes. It is almost as if she were inspecting them. She gives them a second glance before ignoring them entirely and licking her paw. The Band is understandably confused as they watch the feline, then move their eyes toward their friend. She smiles at them and waves it off.
"Did I forget to mention I have a cat now? Jack let me have one around the Manor, and I picked up the alley cat from the Tower...she's been such a sweetheart. She'll stick around with me while I work here, now."
"You have a pet, too ? Gee, how long's it been since we last talked?" John asks weakly, scratching his head. She simply titters.
"Ever since the meeting, a lot has…happened." She looks down remembering the situation with the Witches. "But a lot of good things have happened, too. I talked with the Doctor again, and we're finally on good terms. The Witches are speaking to me; they were the ones who told me about the old seamstress..! And now I have a pet cat and my own sewing shop...really, I couldn't ask for anything better!"
"Hold on - you and th' Doctor are... gettin' along ?" James leans forward in interest. "Last I heard, he kicked ya' out n' now yer' with Jack...what made ya' two see eye-to-eye, finally?"
"I guess I wanted to give him a second chance." She confesses quietly. "I want him to be a father to me - and he agreed to the idea. I think he's more accepting of my relationship with Jack, now. And I've gotten to know more about his new creation - her name's Jewel."
"Fellas, it feels like we've been missin' out on our doll's story here." He dramatically turns to his band members and shakes his head. "We're real sorry 'bout not bein' around much! Yer' cooped up at Jack's now. We know yer' doin' better, so we don't wanna' be a bother."
"-Not at all! I miss when you three would be by my window, playing your wonderful songs. Please, pay us a visit every now and then! I wouldn't mind listening to you again from our windows."
"Well then, we'll go ahead and play closer to the Manor, knowing you're in there." Jimmy offers with a smile. She returns it to show her appreciation. How she's missed her friends...
"Truth is, we didn't jus' come here for a lil' checkup, as much as we love talking to ya'." James gets her attention again. "We're here for business! Yer' the new seamstress, right?" She nods. "-Then we're in need of a lil'... fixin' . I don't know if you can tell, but our outfits have been through Hell n' back. They're torn n' patched...I think it's 'bout time we got ourselves a new set!"
"We've been saving our tips, too." John butts in.
"If you could make us some new outfits, we'd be grateful." Jimmy dips his head to her. "We got no doubts you'll do a good job. All we want is something complimenting, and snazzy."
" -Snazzy ?" She repeats to herself, getting a notebook and pencil out, then scribbling furtively. "...I think I can manage! Why don't I get your measurements today, then I'll come up with something tomorrow? I'll let you know as soon as possible, and then I can start working on your new outfits."
"Perfect!" They beam at her suggestion and offer their hands to her. She shakes them one at a time - grinning at their elated looks. "-You've no idea how long we've been needin' new clothes..! Livin' outside is fun n' all, 'til you get in a rough patch or two. We can't tell you how relieved we are that you're here."
She blinks. "Really?"
"'Course! This Town's been needin' someone like you. I know plenty of fellas who need new pants. You won't believe how fast those come and go here!" John responds.
She's honored by their words, and brings them into the back so she can get their measurements. They talk more with her during this time, and their conversations are so natural and enjoyable. She catches up with them even more, asking what they've been up to. Not much has happened their way, although they express how proud they are of her and repeatedly congratulate her. She's more than humbled. These three have done a lot for her as well - it only feels right to help them with something like this. They are kind to her during their time there, and before they leave, James goes ahead and provides her their payment in advance.
"We already know we'll love it, so here ya' go." He pours her their collected coins. "'S about time ya' got paid for yer' talents, Dolly."
She's speechless as she collects the money, unsure on what to say. "Thank you three so much...I promise I won't disappoint!"
"We know ya' won't! Have a good time, Sally!"
No one else comes in for her first day, but she is too absorbed in her new order that she doesn't really mind. She spends the rest of her time thinking and pondering, on how to design the Band's new outfits and how she will go about making them. She finds herself excited with her new project - doing something for her friends, and getting paid for her time as well!
It almost feels too good to be true...
Jack Skellington has dinner prepared by the time his girlfriend comes home. She arrives through the front doors of the Manor with Ophelia in her arms. She sets down her cat, who eagerly meets with the ghostly dog by the stairs, pawing at him playfully before joining his side. Sally collapses on the couch and rests her head in her hand. Jack smiles at the sight of her and greets her by kissing the top of her head. She enjoys his touch and holds his hand as he joins her side.
"How did your first day go?" He asks. He genuinely wants to know - he's been curious about it all day!
"It went so wonderfully…! I had my first customers today." She grows excited recollecting her friends' visit. "The Band came in, and they told me they needed new outfits - and I was so happy when they asked * me * to take them!"
"How awful! I'm glad to hear about that, Sal."
"They paid me today, and it was so...new. To be appreciated for my work, and to hear that other people want to see it. It's something I've never heard from anyone except you."
He tilts his skull at her words. She rests her hands on her chest.
"-I wonder if the Doctor would be proud….that I'm doing something on my own like this, and other people appreciate it. Something he taught me how to do - I just...I want to believe he'd be very happy for me."
"I'm sure he will be, Sally. You can tell him all about it once you see them again." He grabs her hand and starts leading them to the kitchen. "-I made a new dinner tonight, and I am hoping you'll like it!"
She thanks him as he holds the seat out for her. He sits across from her and they dig into the new meal - it's absolutely delicious! She has plenty on her mind while she eats, but they're not troublesome thoughts. She feels content, and excited about what she has to do, now. It feels like she has a new purpose, now - a role to fulfill for Halloween Town, and finally blend in once and for all!
"Jack?" She asks, setting down her fork. He looks up from his plate.
"What is it? Too spicy?"
"No, no of course, not. I was just wondering…" She looks away for a moment. "You don't have a tailor anymore, do you..?"
"I unfortunately don't. I've been trying to be careful about my suit ever since she left." He sets down his own silverware. "I ruffled it up a bit when I caught you that one time - when you...jumped out of that window, I believe?"
She turns red at the memory but quickly changes the subject. "Since I'm the new seamstress now, could I...be your new tailor? It only makes sense, doesn't it? I would love to take care of your clothes, maybe even, make you a new one…?"
The grin that stretches on his skull is incredibly uplifting. "Of course, Sally! I wouldn't trust anyone else with such a thing. I'm happy to hear you want to be my personal tailor."
"I promise I won't disappoint you..!"
He repeats the same words the Band told her, with a trusting smile. "I know you won't."
They resume eating their dinner. They both feel content with themselves. Halloween Town has a new seamstress - and now the Pumpkin King has his own personal tailor again. The Mayor will be happy knowing that Sally's first day was a success, and he's sure they'll have more to look forward to as time goes on. He has no doubts the citizens will love what she has to offer, and he knows now that she'll be wonderful help when it comes to Halloween this year. The ideas start to pile in his mind.
'It was a smart investment' , the skeleton thinks to himself. He glances up and notices the bright look on his girlfriend's face. 'And so worth it…'
