Sally Finklestein trudges on for what feels like hours. The way from the Hinterlands forest back to Halloween Town is much longer than she anticipates. Her legs grow exhausted by the minute. She neglects to notice the fallen tree branch in her way and is sent tumbling to the ground when her feet make contact with it. Her arm detaches upon impact, scattering loose leaves on the fresh dirt. The wind picks them up and carries them off. Sally grabs her arm in a panic and covers the opening with her other hand, noticing how many she's lost.
She reaches for her thread and needle, but finds her pocket empty and no sewing needle behind her ear. Then she remembers she gave them to Oogie Boogie after losing their betting game. She gasps at this realization: she's truly vulnerable out here .
"Oh, no..!" She exclaims to herself. "This is bad…I have to get home!"
Grasping onto her appendage tightly, she picks up her pace and continues on the path. It takes several minutes before she sees the image of Halloween Town. She sighs in relief and practically runs to it - only to find herself tripping and stumbling on the way. Then she slows her pace in caution of losing anymore limbs. By the time she reaches the front gate, she's so fatigued that she can only end up mumbling to the gatekeeper. The crow looks at her oddly and raises the gate for her. She thanks him with a nod of her head.
He notices the gaping hole in her arm as she passes by. "Are you okay, miss..?"
She waves him off and continues on her way. She'll apologize for her curt behavior later - the sky is getting dark, and all she wants to do is to return to the Skellington Manor. Her sanctuary . Far from Oogie Boogie and those naughty children…Where the love of her death and their pets reside, undoubtedly waiting for her return…she feels guilty for keeping them waiting. For where she has gone today. She should've never left Halloween Town to begin with.
'Maybe I can sneak inside,' She thinks as she approaches the manor. 'Just so I can sew my arm back on without anyone noticing…'
She tiptoes up the steps and opens the door as quietly as she can. She makes little noise closing it and wastes no time rushing inside, past the den and up the staircase. She tries to do this in a speedy manner despite struggling the entire way. Her body feels numb by the time she makes it to their bedroom. She starts searching through various drawers for a sewing needle and thread. She mutters under her breath before finding the desired items, and grins in satisfaction.
"Sally..?"
She turns around and finds Jack Skellington's concerned face in the doorway. He is currently eying the area where her arm should be, before his gaze comes to what she's holding in her hand. It isn't a shocking sight to find his beloved without an arm at times, but it still brings alarm to the skeleton every time something like this happens. He steps further into the room and notes how empty it looks in the opening. Like she's lost a terrible amount of leaves…the concern grows in his bones as he looks to her for an explanation.
She feels a little flustered to be caught in a situation like this. She smiles at him nervously. "I tripped..?"
"Why didn't you take care of it earlier?" He lifts her dress' sleeve to further observe the hole. "You've lost a lot of-"
"-Leaves. I know." She cuts him off. She sets her arm down and attempts to thread the needle with one hand. He notices her difficulty and offers to do it for her. She gives him the items with a small 'thank you' .
"I just didn't have the needle and thread on me, at the time…" She confesses. He looks at her doubtfully as he goes to sew her arm back on - sparing her the demanding effort of doing it one-handed. She's grateful for this, but doesn't have the opportunity to express it before he questions her.
"But you always have them on you. I mean, you should. What if something like this happens? If you were to fall apart, trip somewhere and lose more than this…"
He begins to mutter as he finishes the job, his voice growing worried at the possibilities he's put into his mind. He has to calm himself down. Sally waits until he's no longer tense before she speaks again, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"I used them in my sewing shop today and forgot they were there, that's all. I tripped on my way back." She grits her teeth lying like this. She doesn't feel comfortable doing it anymore. "I'll make sure I always have them on me, from now on."
He sighs before removing her hand and bringing it to his lips, to leave a tender kiss on her stitched knuckles. Her heart flutters at this gesture. He slowly brings it down and holds it in both of his large hands. He can feel how lighter her right arm is now - no doubt causing an imbalance to her body. They'll have to visit the Doctor and collect more leaves when they can.
"I'll believe you." He tells her. "But, please, be careful."
He leads them out of the bedroom and down the stairs, holding onto her tightly the entire time. She appreciates the extra support - drained from all the running and fretting she's done today. She can use some relaxation. She makes this obvious when he politely sets her down on the couch. She moans in relief when the weight is taken off her feet. He looks at her in surprise and she quickly changes topics.
"Can you kindle a fire, Jack..? It's cold tonight."
He obliges to her demand and starts a fire in the hearth. While he's busy, his ghostly dog and her black cat come running in from the other room. Ophelia mewls delightfully at the sight of Sally. She jumps into her lap without hesitation while Zero flies forward to lick the side of her face. They both have clearly been worrying about her. She gently hugs Zero before petting her cat, assuring the both of them that she is alright. The Pumpkin King stands to his full height once the logs catch fire. He turns to enter the kitchen right away.
"I'll heat some leftovers for us tonight, and make some warm tea." His voice informs her from the other room. She perks up and smiles.
"That sounds just fine."
Ophelia jumps off to join Zero by the fire while they wait. It takes awhile until he returns to the room with trays of food and cups in his hands. He sets them down and hands Sally her tea first. She enjoys the way the liquid warms her stomach. She can't deny she was freezing, after being outside for so long, enduring that harsh wind…and the chill she's felt on her spine ever since her unfortunate encounter with the boogeyman…her gut sinks as she recalls everything that's happened, and promptly places her tea down. She starts eating to try and clear her thoughts.
"How was your day today..?" She asks quietly. She hopes hearing about it will empty her mind. He pauses at her question.
His time that day had been spent finalizing his concept for Sally's engagement ring. He remembers struggling trying to pick just one design out of the several he'd come up with. But he's happy with his decision, and went to start on it right away. Sure, he's a little behind on his paperwork now, but…it is ever so worth it, in his eyes. It is coming out beautifully. The only part he's uncertain about is her ring size, which he will have to obtain discreetly…but other than that, his day went particularly well.
"Oh, you know. Just the usual planning in the town hall." He replies casually.
She dips her head as she finishes her food. Nowhere near the intricate explanation like she'd been hoping to hear from him…he usually goes into such light about the Halloween planning and anything unexpected that ever happens…her mind is still unfortunately swarmed with the events from today. Her chewing slows and she drinks more tea to stop her chest from growing cold. There's one question that hasn't been able to leave her mind, no matter how much she pushes it aside.
She decides to appease her curiosity. Swallowing harshly, she soon asks him, "Jack..? What do you know about Oogie Boogie?"
His reaction is similar to the last time she mentioned him. The moment the name slips off her tongue, he visibly tenses and stiffens his jaw. He sets down the food in his hand as well as his cup, and grips his knees tightly. He avoids giving an answer right away. "-Why do you ask..?"
His hesitation confirms her suspicions. She thinks of any possible way to answer him without revealing what happened today - but she falls short on thinking of any excuses. It already hurt her to lie to him once, and it just doesn't feel right to continue doing so. He might think she's stupid for believing those children, and going to their treehouse so willy-nilly…but it's brought a heavy weight onto her shoulders. And she desperately wants it to go away. Before she can come to terms with herself, the tears begin to fall from her eyes and she gravely looks at the floor.
"Something happened today." She says in a small voice.
Her boyfriend notices the moistness leaving her eyes and relaxes his frame right away. He comes forward to hold her tightly, bringing her face to rest in the crook of his neck. She presses her entire weight on him as she closes her eyes and begins to cry. To finally let out her concealed emotions from what happened - to express how frightened she was, feeling used and violated by a scary man…and not the delightful 'scary' like Jack was, but from someone more…threatening .
"I did something really stupid." She spits out regretfully. "I should've listened to you. I shouldn't have ever given them the benefit of the doubt.."
"..What happened, exactly?" He asks. He feels unpleasant hearing her talk this way.
"They tricked me. I let Lock, Shock, and Barrel bring me to their treehouse...and I got trapped in Oogie Boogie's casino." He tightens his grip around her figure. "He offered me a betting game to leave, so we played, and…I-I lost. He let me go, anyway…but he…he…."
Her words drift off as she looks away. She feels anxious telling the rest of the story - afraid of what he would think of her, agreeing to do what she did. If he'd be disgusted. Hurt . Or even betrayed. She only did it for her freedom. She doesn't know what to expect; she can't imagine what it will be like to keep something like this to herself. To know she was touched in a way that made her feel like she was nothing more than a doll…
Jack pulls away to look at her face, combing the strands of her yarn hair behind her ears. Her eyes are red and her cheeks puffy. She's refusing to look at him. The stitched lines on the ends of her mouth are quivering as she reaches for his arms. Her figure starts to tremble - and an unusual coldness overcomes him. It occurs to him what could have possibly happened in his absence.
" What did he do to you? " He asks coldly. She finally looks at him and whimpers, wiping her tears away with a free hand.
"He wanted to feel my leg and my foot…he-he even tickled me…I didn't like the way he touched me…he said he wanted to feel a woman's touch. And he kept saying such things ..! How I haven't aged a bit, and-and how he liked how I had a mouth on me…he was stroking my face when-"
"That BASTARD..!" The skeleton yells, a small flame escaping his mouth. Sally jumps in surprise at his outburst. She grabs him by the shoulders and sets him back down beside her. She clings onto him and sobs some more, wishing to release everything in this moment.
"Pl-please don't be mad..! I only did it because he wasn't going to let me go. It was my only-"
He stops her words by holding her very tightly. The closest embrace they've ever had so far. She closes her eyes and shakes within his grasp - calming the longer he holds her, and warms her skin. He says nothing in these few minutes, letting the sound of the fire crackling soothe them instead. Zero and Ophelia watch them with worried expressions from the floor. They decide to keep their distance after seeing their master's reaction. They express their sympathy with their eyes. He eventually withdraws and continues to hold her sides firmly.
"Sally.." He begins. "Do you know what could have happened? What could he have done to you?"
"-I know and I'm sorry!" She exclaims regretfully. "All I wanted was to see how those children lived, so I could help them..! It was wrong to believe them. They trapped me down there. I should have just listened to you and the witches-"
"- Shh, sh . Don't blame yourself for anything…those three are cunning. You're not the first they've tricked, nor will you be the last." He sighs as he rocks them both. She snivels into his suit. "Anyone else could've done what you did. You're not stupid. You're just kind, that's what you are."
"And it nearly got me….killed, or… or …" She mutters with a soft cry. He kisses her forehead and brushes her hair back again.
"What matters is you're safe now. We're fortunate he decided to let you go. I don't know how I could've found you otherwise - I would've had no idea where you were…"
"I'm s-"
"Shh."
This time, they exchange no words as he moves her gently. They do this for several minutes until he feels her relax in his arms. She closes her eyes and steadies her breathing, enjoying this peaceful moment. She'd been so scared of him being outraged for what she did. But he isn't. If anything, he seems upset with Oogie Boogie instead…she holds her breath as she thinks of what to say. She still hasn't received any answers to her question - and she feels comfortable enough to pry again.
"He told me to ask you about him. That you two have a past I should know about…" She mutters. He doesn't respond right away. He becomes strained again, so she rubs his back. "-Is that true?"
"I…" He breathes on her hair. "I was a different person back then, Sally. Not one I'm necessarily proud of…"
"Is that why you haven't told me?" He nods weakly. "It won't matter to me. What matters is who you are now …the man of my screams. The one who took me out of that tower." His grip strengthens again. "I love you, and I…I want to know about your past, if you're willing to tell me."
He clutches her hands before letting go of them. He looks into the fire for a bit, thinking of where to begin. He hasn't ever had to tell anyone about this before. She waits patiently in this time - curious as to what happened between him and Oogie Boogie, and what he must've been like back then…He finally takes a deep breath and relaxes, beginning to spill his story:
"Oogie and I were once friends a long time ago. I was young and reckless - and he, the same. I had just gotten my crown and began my reputation as the master of fright. I was willing to do anything… try anything. I wanted to be the most feared being alive - or, rather, dead. And Oogie…he liked doing things differently. We both had a passion for scaring people. So that's what we did."
She scoots closer as she becomes invested in this story. He struggles to speak for a moment and she places her hand on his knee encouragingly. He smiles softly before continuing, more confidently this time:
"Back then, every Halloween was to the human world. And, Oogie and I - we had a scare streak that lasted for years..! I was in tough competition. The boogeyman didn't get his title for nothing , mind you. But it was all in good spirit. We kept trying new things, new methods to scare humans with. Some were his ideas, others were mine. We often bonded on this sort of thing - learning what humans feared, and how to use that to our advantage. We were close doing what we did together."
He rubs his jaw in thought, his look turning troubled.
"But over time, I noticed something different about Boogie. He was spending a lot of time with the humans - even after Halloween, he would leave town to visit their world. I was bothered by this, since such a thing was forbidden, and asked him why. He told me it was to visit their dreams and study them - and I believed him. It was his job to do that, after all. But he came back with these strange desires, new ideas of his I hadn't heard of…."
"What were they?" She asks curiously. He clicks his tongue.
"He was having all sorts of suggestions that didn't involve scaring them…though he'd convince me otherwise." Jack murmured. "He wanted to use torture devices. To gamble with them. Play games. He said it was using the fear of threatening their lives - and I…believed it, so I tried it with him. I'm ashamed to say we had fun when we started…humans were terrified when their lives were on the line, and we both enjoyed the terror. But something happened one night that changed everything between us."
He pauses. She holds her breath.
"-A human had died." He confesses solemnly. "We placed a bet with one that lost the game. Oogie was using one of his torture machines, and…the man was clearly in pain ..! We'd never gone so far as to physically hurt them. Just intimidate them..! It was Boogie's intention all along; he told me he was testing a new theory of his. So he killed him. And that…was 'true fear', he told me…To take their life."
He looks away, clearly ashamed of his words.
"If I'd have known he was going to kill that man, I would've stopped him. I wouldn't have helped him to begin with. I was so furious that I didn't talk to him for days…he was confused as to why. I had to tell him I didn't believe in killing anyone. I've frightened some into an early grave, yes , but…never intentionally would I physically torture or mutilate them like he did! It was unnecessary, and…and it was sickening! We never saw eye-to-eye on this thing, so we didn't reconcile after that.
Over the next few years, Oogie became an entirely different person. I knew he was doing these things - taking these innocent humans and gambling on their lives…some he took just to have his 'fun' with…and it all disgusted me. I tried to put a stop to it, but he always found a way to sneak into the human world and claim his victims. Every Halloween, he became ruthless. It was no longer a friendly competition - he was challenging me with every opportunity he had. And eventually, he got jealous of my crown."
"Your crown..?" She asks. He nods in confirmation.
"Boogie challenged my throne, claiming that the way I scared others wasn't 'effective' . That being nice was my flaw as a King. And Oogie wanted my place. So he could turn Halloween Town into the casino he wanted…it was the toughest scaring competition I'd ever been in. But I won. After that, I had just about enough and never spoke to him again. Then he tried to overthrow me with his 'Bug Day' nonsense, and - well, you were there for that…"
Sally is quiet as she takes in this new information. It makes her tremble remembering how close she had been to this man, who committed such terrible actions. She feels no sympathy for him whatsoever. And Jack…she's sad hearing that their friendship fell apart, and he was tricked into such an awful thing…she hugs his side without a word, and he places his hand over hers. He sounds regretful with his next words.
"Believe me, I'm not proud of what I'd done back then. I helped him do most of these things, and…some of that blood was on my own hands, that night. I've never forgiven myself for it. I should've banished him a long time ago. I always regret that I didn't. There would've been less victims, if I had acted in time..."
"It happened so long ago, and you know better, now. You wouldn't let such a thing happen." She assures him confidently. "I think you're a great ruler, Jack. You look out for your people. You make sure they're not mean, just doing their job…imagine how many people would have been taken if Oogie was in your place."
He sucks at his teeth. "Exactly what I fear, sometimes…that he's going to try and revolt again…I think you now understand why you should stay away from him..? And come and tell me if Lock, Shock, and Barrel try anything with you again?"
"Absolutely." She agrees without hesitation. "I'm sorry. You had a right to worry. I didn't know he could be so bad."
They rest comfortably by the roaring fire, watching the flames dance to pass the time. Both Zero and Ophelia are asleep, enjoying the warmth and cuddling next to each other. Even Sally feels her eyes drooping the longer they remain there, the exhaustion finally catching up with her. It's been an unimaginably long day, and now that she's safely protected in Jack's arms again…she wants to rest. To know she's with a man who is so much better than the creature she encountered earlier. She nestles his side and hums in delight.
"Thank you, by the way." He tells her quietly. She rests her head on his shoulder. "No one's asked me about my past like this. They've never wanted to really know…and I…I'm glad you still trust me, after hearing it.."
"I was a different person, too." She mumbles. "Before you, I was never confident or really happy…I was willing to be a housewife and nothing more…but now I matter to the town, and I have a place here. And I know you're nothing like what you used to be, either."
He smiles and leans over to kiss her on the cheek. She returns it on his stitched lips, holding his skull close as they lock lips. They eventually pull away. She rubs the side of his cheek with her thumb.
"You should forgive yourself." She tells him sternly. "What happened wasn't your fault…you didn't know. You couldn't have. He tricked you, like those trick-or-treaters did with me. And like you told me - you shouldn't blame yourself for being kind."
He sighs as he runs his hand through her hair. "You're too good for me, Sally, you know that..?"
She says nothing and presses herself against him, preparing to rest her eyes. He senses her drowsiness and picks her up from the couch, carrying her over to the stairs. The animals finally stir from their sleep and groggily follow after, yawning as they climb into their bed. Jack gently sets Sally in the blankets and smiles as he observes her. She's passed out already. She looks so content, finally peaceful after what happened to her…
A familiar fire burns in his throat. He clenches his fists to channel his anger. It doesn't matter what Oogie did with her - he held her captive once, and had the audacity to touch her again. There is no doubt in his mind that he ordered Lock, Shock, and Barrel to trick her. He is always the mastermind behind their plans. And this time, he won't be forgiven. He'll make sure of it.
"I'll kill him if he touches you again. I swear by it." He mutters under his breath, cupping his beloved's face in his hand. He leans forward and kisses her once more. "Sleep well, my dear."
She snores lightly.
"Jewel! We have someone at the door!"
The tall woman looks up in surprise as the doorbell rings loudly above them. She drops what she's doing to rush over and pull the handle. She's delighted to find two familiar faces on the other side. One belongs to the Pumpkin King, and the other to Dr. Finklestein's daughter, Sally. She lets them in right away, leading the two to their usual sitting room as she closes the door behind them.
"Welcome! What a horrible time to visit..!"
The ragdoll is more comfortable speaking to her this time. Their conversations over the phone have helped immensely. She approaches her politely. "We're here to see the Doctor about something. It's not really that important, so if he's-"
"-Doctor!" Jewel exclaims into the other room. "Jack and Sally have come to see you! Are you busy, dear?"
Some bizarre noises come from the currently-ajar laboratory door. No doubt he's experimenting right now. He sounds out-of-breath as he replies. "I'm afraid so..! Why don't you take care of it for me? Practice your science?"
"How awful!" She claps her hands together and turns back to Sally. "What is it you need help with? I will try to be of assistance."
The ragdoll glances with uncertainty towards Jack, who smiles back encouragingly. She's never had anyone else do this sort of thing before. Only the Doctor has ever worked on her, besides Igor's occasional help. She undoes the thread on her arm and shows her the somewhat-empty opening.
"Well…I recently lost some leaves in my arm. I just need some replacement ones."
"A change of leaves - simple." She comments confidently. She begins motioning her into another room and waves to the skeleton as they leave. "Wait right there, Mr. Skellington..! She'll be back in a moment."
The tall skeleton stays in his place as he watches them go. He's confident Jewel will do the job just fine, compared to his girlfriend's hesitancy. Once he's alone, he sits down in one of the chairs. He passes the time by looking around and patiently tapping his digits together. He ends up waiting longer than he expects. Finding he has nothing else to do, he reaches into his pocket and unfolds a piece of paper. He finds the final sketch of the engagement ring on it - marveling at the design as he sometimes does in his free time. He has the unfinished project waiting back in the Skellington Manor - hidden exclusively in a drawer that Sally can't find.
He is so captivated by the drawing that he doesn't see the two figures emerging from the laboratory. Dr Finklestein notices his regal company and sends his assistant into the kitchen, asking him to make some refreshments. Once they're alone, he moves his wheelchair forward until he's close enough to get a glance at what the Pumpkin King is holding. He decides not to be nosy and greets him instead.
"Jack, my boy..! Terrible to see you today!"
He startles the King right out of his seat. He folds the paper again in a rush and slips it back into his pocket, smiling sheepishly at his old friend. "-Ah! Hello there, Doctor! I didn't see you there…"
"It was not my intention to surprise you." He laughs and rests his hands in his lap. "What is it you've come here for today?"
"Sally is getting some of her leaves replaced. She, erm …lost quite a few the other day." His eyelids lower as he recalls the previous night. He decides to change subjects. "You're having Jewel practice science now..?"
"She has half of my knowledge on the subject..! I want her to put it to good use. She's been quite the help lately. We've gotten a lot done this time." He realizes his words and quickly adds, "-You're still free to come around and help anytime you'd like! I know we don't experiment anymore like we used to."
He recalls the last time they worked together on something, and remembers the unpleasant result that came…not from their work, but from their rather troubled relationship at the time…he shrugs this thought off and grins right back at him. He can tell the Doctor is a much happier man now - he's never seen him so inspired before. It reminds him of himself with the Halloween plans, after Sally came into his death.
"It's quite alright. I've been busy with the planning, anyway." He decides to pry. "I assume things are going well for you two?"
"Positively perfect ! I finally have the wife I've always envisioned having." He answers with pride. "I'm no longer the lonely, old man I used to be. Every day is worth waking up to, now."
He understands what he means. It's been the greatest experience to wake up next to the love of his death ever since they started sleeping together. Finklestein's words suddenly remind him of something and an idea crosses Jack's skull. He reaches in his pocket and surfaces the paper again, slowly unfolding it with a smile. He ensures no one else is in the room as he does this, wanting to keep this an utmost secret. He presents the paper to him proudly.
"Would you mind helping me with something, Doctor..?
He looks at him curiously as he takes it in his small hands and observes it. His jaw drops open at the detailed drawing he sees. He's always secretly admired the King's artistic talent - this being a perfect example as to why . The design that looks back at him is of a gorgeous engagement ring, modeled after his initial jack-o-lantern idea, except now it is complimented with red gems and the vines stretch to the shoulders just before the shank. It is a beautiful piece of art, to say at the least. He can only imagine what something like this would look like in-person.
"...Is this what I think it is?" He asks quietly.
"Indeed it is. I just need to know Sally's ring size; I have a feeling you might know this information..?"
He glances at him knowingly. "You guessed right. I have a few replacements in a box somewhere we can check."
"I can only do that if I ask one thing." He takes another look around the room to ensure they are alone. He sits himself back in the chair to look him properly in the eye. "Doctor, will you give me your blessing to marry your daughter?"
He pauses, registering this question. Then a smile spreads on his face. "Of course, my boy. You're the only one I trust to take care of her. I wouldn't have it any other way."
He returns the smile, overcome with a feeling of emotion. It means a lot to him to have the blessing of Finklestein - a long-time friend of his whom he's come to regard as his own father figure. And if things go as well as he's hoping…then a true one, at that. A wave of relief washes over him as he takes the paper and puts it away. He's glad to get this part done, and finally receive the last piece of information he needs to make the ring.
"I assume you're planning on keeping this a surprise..?" He is met with a nod. "I'll have Igor retrieve the measurements for you. And I won't say a word about this. Not even to my Jewel."
With that, he calls for his hunchbacked assistant, who scampers into the room and traditionally bows to the Pumpkin King. The Doctor whispers something to him and the shorter man agrees eagerly, disappearing out of the room and rushing up the ramps. It is then Jewel and Sally finally return. The ragdoll has an easy time walking as she approaches Jack. Nothing looks different about her - but he can tell she's more balanced on her feet this time. Finklestein turns away to address his wife.
"I'm assuming it all went well..?"
"Of course, sweetie. I checked the rest of Sally's leaves and replaced the ones that needed it. A lot of her thread was loose, too, but I fastened them. You should be good for a long time now, hun..!"
"Thank you, again." She moves to hug her mother figure. "You're going to make a wonderful scientist."
"I appreciate that." She pats her head as the woman lets go and turns to the skeleton. "I hope we didn't take too long..?"
"-Just the right amount of time." He replies with a chuckle.
Igor rushes into the room and passes a piece of paper to the Doctor. He doesn't even look at it. Instead, he wastes no time handing this to Jack, who takes it and easily pockets it. Sally watches this movement with confusion and opens her mouth to ask. He brings her to the door before she can. Then she forgets this matter completely as she gives her father a parting hug. The Doctor holds onto her while Jack exchanges a polite handshake with Jewel in the background. The moment they withdraw, he gives his daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law a proud look.
"Good luck, you two."
A/N: I am proud to say that this story will be finished in about 3-4 (or less) chapters from now. I think it's about time - this story has been going on for awhile, and I know I've lost a lot of readers in this time. I apologize it's taken so long to write this story. A lot of stuff has happened, including COVID. Hopefully the next story I write will go quicker. Thank you for sticking by me, to whoever is still here.
Happy new year to my readers!
