Chapter 8: Don't Kiss and Tell

St. Patrick's Day…

Sally stood before the mirror, checking to make sure there were no snags or wrinkles in her new baby doll dress. The material was a green so dark it appeared black with a shamrock pattern and a green band around the waist. Will had gotten the material from her work so that Sally could have something special to wear for the St. Patrick's Day party. Satisfied with her work, she then turned to the box on her dresser.

Inside contained a variety of little knickknacks made by herself and the witches. They were just little accessories: ribbons, hats, necklaces, and pins. All were made in black, green, and gold. They were for anyone unable to come up with something green to wear to the party. Sally remembered the fuss from the year before. Odd how not wearing a specific color could lead to so much trouble. Recalling the events of last year reminded Sally of another problem. She reminded herself to check the kitchen for the carefully hidden punch bowl in the icebox. Jack had assured everyone that Lock, Shock, and Barrel would not cause another scene, but Sally wanted a backup plan in case those little tricksters tried any other pranks.

Sally reached into the box and pulled out one of the ribbons. Just one more check before passing them out, she thought. It was important that the accessories held up for the whole evening. She did not want any of them coming apart.

There was a knock at the door. Setting the ribbon back into the box, Sally hurried downstairs. She was running to the front entrance, when she paused. The knocking was coming from the hall closet. Puzzled, she reached for the handle and opened the door.

"Knock knock! Surprise!" Al yelled in excitement as Sally opened the door.

"Oh!" To say Sally was surprised was an understatement. She was used to the young girl's boisterous personality, but Sally had not been prepared for this. Al had donned a bright green fitted suit jacket with gold and white accents. A shamrock printed blouse lay underneath and was complemented by an Irish flag patterned tie. What really topped her outfit off wasn't the shamrock printed pants, or the Lincoln style top hat resting on her head, but the fact that her face was painted solid green with gold around her eyes.

"Happy St. Patrick's Day, me love," Al said with a bright smile.

"Hello Al," Sally greeted, stepping out of Al's way. "You certainty take St. Patrick's Day seriously."

"Oh aye, I do," Al said with what appeared to be an Irish accent. "Both me grans came from Ireland, so tis be border a sin not to celebrate."

"Oh, I see. So I take it then you celebrate many of the traditions of this holiday?"

"Oh aye!"

"Now if only she'd help bring in the supplies."

Sally and Al turned to see Will trying to move through the door. She had a large box in hand, and a strange bag on her back. It was a large circle with white and blue stripes and a large white star at the center. Looking more closely, Sally was also surprised to see Will was not wearing any green. Instead, she wore a collared shirt of two different shades of blue, khaki pants, and bright blue shoes. She glared at Al as she moved inside.

"Thanks for helping me carry your stuff, Alice!"

"Twas nothin' love," Al replied with a cheeky grin. "I'd had helped a fellow Irishman if only I could tell by the green color that they wore…"

"You pinch me one more time and I toss this box right out the tower window," Will warned.

"I've only done it fifteen times," Al said. She placed her hands on her hips and glared back. "At least let me get another five for your birthday, since it's your fault we still haven't celebrated yet."

"Don't blame me for a busy schedule," Will retorted, walking into the kitchen. She set the box down before rejoining the group. "Between work and school, does it really matter?"

"It was your birthday, Will?" Sally asked.

"Today actually," Will replied. "I'm a Shamrock Kid and Al is a New Year's baby."

"Both celebrations marked by lots of alcohol and bawdy singing," Al said with a sigh in her voice. "Speakin' of, ye got any whiskey fair lass?"

"Hey, you're only twenty and the drinking limit is twenty-one," Will reminded.

Al stuck out her tongue. "Party pooper. No cake for you."

"Why don't you head down to the square and see if anyone's not wearing green."

"Oh aye I be off to go huntin' for those blackguards, but what about the guys?"

"Puck said he and Zack would be along after their shift."

"Fantastic!" Al then eagerly ran out the door cackling with such volume that she near rivaled the witches.

"Oh dear, I guess I should have passed out these accessories earlier," Sally said.

"Don't worry about it. Someone will probably scare Al before she has a chance."

"I'm sure that's true. By the way, why aren't you wearing any green, Will?" Sally asked.

Will wrinkled her nose. "I was scheduled to work the morning shift. No fun things like wearing green garb unless they're under the work clothes, and nothing too extravagant like coloring hair and face paint."

"Do you tend to get as enthusiastic as Al?"

"I'd like to think I'm more toned down," Will said. "Which reminds me, is it okay if I change here? I want to avoid anymore pinching today."

"Oh, please, go right ahead. The bathroom…"

"I remember where it is," Will said. "I did live here for two months, and I visit almost every week for wedding planing."

"Oh, right." Sally laughed as Will made her way to the back of the house. While she changed, Sally went into the kitchen. She wanted to see what kinds of things Will and Al were contributing to the party. Opening it, Sally found some green napkins and plates, and what looked like some of Will's baking confections. There were also some shamrock confetti, plastic beer mugs, three bags of chocolate coins, and a few green plastic cauldrons, along with an apron that said, "Kiss Me I'm Irish." The final item in the box was oddly a smaller white box. Taking it out carefully, Sally opened the lid to find a cake inside. There was chocolate frosting and it was decorated with green icing to form shamrocks around a message that read, "Happy Birthday Will." Sally was just closing the lid again to place it in the icebox for later when an odd sound caught her ear.

Looking around, Sally finally located the source coming from the box. She dug around inside before pulling out a buzzing rectangular box.

"Oh, Will's phone." Sally was about to take it to her when a message appeared on the screen.

Just wanted to confirm we're still on for Friday. If yes, I'll meet you at the theater at eight.

"That's odd…"

"What's odd?" Sally turned around as Will walked into the kitchen. "Sorry, I think I dropped my makeup bag around here. You seen it? It's a little black bag-like thing."

Sally held out the phone. "No, I haven't, but I found this in your box," she said.

"Oh, thanks. I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost this again." Will took the phone and placed it in her pocket. "Hope you don't mind, but I set my backpack in the spare room. Didn't want anyone tripping on it."

"That's fine, but Will…" Sally asked, not sure how to go about the question. "Who are you meeting on Friday?"

Will froze, her eyes looking around nervously. "W-What are you talking about?" Will laughed.

"On your phone." Sally pointed to it. "Someone was asking you about plans to meet at the theater at eight."

"Oh, uh, that. Well, I…" Will started to stutter. She began chewing her lip and nervously played with her phone. "It-It's nothing, really. That's all you saw?"

"Oh, I would never invade you're privacy," Sally assured. "I only saw the message on the screen. But are you alright? You seem rather nervous."

"What? Me, n-nervous? Psh! That-That's crazy." Will chuckled. "I mean, why-why would I be nervous? I got nothing to hide."

But Sally was not buying the girl's story. Instead, she walked over to Will's side and looked closely at the girl. She stood at least a head taller than Will, normally requiring Will to look up. But Will kept her eyes down, looking anywhere but at Sally. Not only that, but Will's cheeks seemed to be turning a soft pink and she was still nervously chewing her bottom lip. For a moment, Sally puzzled over what could possibly be making her friend so anxious. A message from a friend would not cause this type of reaction, unless… Sally's eyes widen and her hands flew to her mouth. "Will!"

"What?" The two stared at each other for a moment. Sally lowered her hands, revealing a small smile at the corner of her mouth.

"Will," she asked, "can it be? Do you possibly…"

Will caught on to what Sally was hinting at and vigorously shook her head. "No, no, it's not what you think," she protested. "It's not!"

"Will, I am pretty sure…"

"Don't say it!"

"Will, I know that look anywhere. I've had it many times. You are not fooling anyone."

"Seriously, it's not what you think!" Will huffed and turned around. "I need to finish getting ready. My makeup bag must have fallen out of my backpack."

Will moved out of the kitchen, but Sally was not letting her evade so easily. She followed Will into the living room just as Will was picking up a small black case from under the coffin table.

"Will."

"We ended this discussion," Will groaned, trying to escape to the bathroom. However, Sally blocked her path. "Please move."

"But it's nothing to be ashamed about," Sally said, ignoring her friend's protests. "Besides, I seem to recall you questioning me about this particular topic. I'm only returning the favor."

"Sally, I already told you, it's nothing like that."

"I think you're lying." Sally's eyes narrowed and her grin picked up on one side. From Will's perspective the rag doll appeared to be mimicking her skeletal fiancé with this menacing look. Will started to back up, but Sally followed.

"That agitated look in your eyes," Sally said.

"W-What look?"

"That quickening of your breath and heartbeat."

"I just want to get ready. You don't want Jack to come looking for us, right?"

"Oh, that reminds me!" Sally said, her voice practically in a purr. "Jack would just die to know about your little meeting with this friend."

Will shrieked. "NO WAY!"

"Then tell me."

"I can't!"

"One way or another, I will find out." Sally giggled. She really was beginning to sound like Jack about now. She did her best impression of her beloved's skeletal grin. "Won't you share with Miss Sally what's going on in your head, my little friend?"

"Gah! Alright, enough with the interrogation. Okay, yes, I have a date! There! Happy?!"

Sally smile increased tenfold. She cried out with joy and wrapped her arms around Will in a tight embrace. "Oh Will, this is so exciting. Why would you be so nervous about this?" she asked.

"Shh! Keep it down," Will said, pulling free of Sally's arms. "The walls have ears you know. I can't have anyone else finding out about it."

"But why? I'm sure your friends would be delighted–"

"You don't understand. Al and Kat have always been super boy crazy, but me…" Will walked over to the window and stared out. "Whenever there's even a mention of a guy being interested in me, they go off in a frenzy and start making wild assumptions. I can't tell you how many jibs Al makes, or the numerous blind dates Kat has tried setting me up on. This time I want to make sure this is going somewhere before making a big deal about it. I mean, I've only known the guy for a couple months."

Sally followed until she stood behind her, giving Will her space. "I think I understand. But I am curious. Who is this boy?"

Will turned around. "Oh no! That is classified, Sally. Like I said, I am not saying anything else until I know there is something there. It's shocking enough that I even like a guy, especially this one."

"Well, it seems a bit strange, but I will respect your privacy, Will," Sally said. She walked over, nervously twiddling her hands together. "Can I at least ask how you feel about him."

Will was quiet for a moment. "Well… I guess that's fair. After all, I made you spill your guts about your feelings for Jack." They both laughed. "Okay, I'll talk but I'm not saying his name, or how we met, and you absolutely cannot tell anyone else about what is about to be said, got it?"

"Completely." Though in the back of her mind, Sally knew she would need to tell Jack. They had both promised Psyche that they would try to find a way to help Cupid. However, with Will being interested in a boy, it was better to let Jack know in case he had an idea to set up her and the young vampire.

"Well, here goes everything," Will began. "This guy, he's probably one of the sweetest guys I've ever meet. Okay, he annoyed me to no ends at first, but lately we've gotten to know each other really well. It turns out he volunteers down at the hospital and hangs out in the children's ward. He entertains them and gives them encouragement about while they're recovering."

"My, this boy sounds quite charming," Sally said.

"He really is, like a modern-day prince. And we surprisingly have a lot of things in common. Movies, books, and he likes writing. I've read some of his stuff and was thoroughly impressed."

"Wow! Sounds like you really like this boy."

"Yeah, I guess I do…" Will's eyes seem to look off somewhere as a soft smile graved her lips. Sally grinned, knowing that look far too well. Will was thinking about this boy.

"And to think. All it took was a little first aid."

Now this bit of information caught Sally's attention. "First aid?" she repeated.

Will nodded. "Yeah, I had to do a little patchwork. The guy may act like a gentleman, but he likes to show off. Actually, I was just off to a, lets call it an appointment, when who should be there but Mr. Charmer. The guy does this idiotic thing to impress me, only to end up with me breaking out the medical tape."

Medical tap? Sally thought. Wait, Jack told me a few weeks ago that he had caught Will and Puck alone at Dr. Finklestein's lab. And from everything she's telling me about "appointments" and "injuries," then could it be…

"So anyway,"Will continued, "I leave him to go to my appointment, and on my way home he comes up with a new injury that has to have my undivided attention, and while I'm doing that, he asks me out."

"And you agreed?"

"Not at first. I mean, I thought he was kidding around, but then he got this serious look and told me he wanted to go out with me. And then… I don't know how to describe it. It felt like something in me told me to go for it. I thought Cupid had snuck in and shot me, but this didn't feel forced. So, taking a chance, I told him I'd have coffee with him and see how things went from there."

"Coffee?"

"Hey, I wanted to test to see if he was serious," Will said. "Remember back when I first met you for wedding plans in February?"

"I remember. I spent most of the time telling you about my dates with Jack."

"Well, remember when you got to the one about your first Valentine's together, and then you asked me about Valentine's Day experience?"

"I think so, but what does that have to do with your current situation?" Sally asked.

"Well, I told you that on Valentine's Day I had to go on a forced date with Puck, right." Sally nodded her head. "And we only ended up having a good time after we agreed to not treat it like a date."

"I remember that."

"Well, that's what this coffee date was," Will explained. "You see, I wanted to meet him again in a casual setting with no dating pressure."

"I see."

"So, we had coffee and by the end, I realized this was the real thing. So, I asked him out. We've been dating almost two weeks now."

If Sally had still been drinking her tea, she would have either spit it out or been choking on it. "You asked him out?"

"Yeah, I asked him. It's the modern age, girls ask guys out now." Will laughed. "Didn't you ever ask Jack out on a date?"

"Well, no."

"Dang!" Will laughed harder. "Actually, I don't think I could picture you asking Jack out. I bet he'd fall apart on the spot if you had."

"It is a little funny to imagine," Sally admitted. "Though I must say, I am surprised you kept this a secret for two weeks. How have you managed to hide this from your friends?"

"Not easy, and if Al asks, I am called into cover a shift at work," Will said. "In any case, I appreciate you agreeing not to tell anyone about this. It feels good to finally tell someone."

Sally smiled and placed her hand over Will's. "I'm happy you felt you could trust me with this," she said. "You won't have to worry. When you're ready, I would like to meet this young man you're so taken with."

"Well, I think it'll take a couple months before I bring him to Halloween Town," Will joked. "Heck, my parents don't even know I travel between worlds. I think they'd be better to handle me telling them I eloped and they're gonna be grandparents."

"Will!"

"Gotcha!" Will smiled before standing up. "Well, we better get moving before Al goes overboard with the pinching. I'll finish putting on my stuff and help you carry this junk down to the party."

"Thank you, Will."

Will was about to walk away when she paused. "Hey, Sally? Can I asked you a question?"

"Sure. Do you need something?"

"I was just wondering…" Will held up a tiny black bag, one eyebrow raised as she spoke. "Does the fabric on your face stain?"

XXX

There was a lot of commotion going on in the Town Square. The sun was down, putting ever creature in a frightful mood. All the creatures there were in odd attires of black and green, letting themselves become drunk on the excitement of the evening. The tables were filled with all kinds of delicacies in honor of the special holiday. For once, no food needed a Halloween spin on it. There was Cornbeef and cabbage, Shepard's pie, colcannon, watercress soup, bangers and mash, beef stew, purple cabbage and pecan salad, fried cabbage and sausage, and stuffed cabbage.

Jack himself was conversing with the Mayor by a large bowl of Black Pudding. He wore his usual pinstripe suit, but with black and green stripes, and his bat bow tie had been replaced with a special shamrock one. The Mayor seemed to only wear an exact replica of his suit, but entirely green. Even his spider had not escaped being painted a bright chartreuse.

"Jack, I have to say, things are going much better than last year," the Mayor complimented.

"Yes, everything is going according to plan." Jack chuckled. "Luckily for us, Al has volunteered to keep Lock, Shock, and Barrel entertained this evening."

Both looked up in time to see Al juggling her plastic mugs full of a strange drink Al called butterbeer. They seemed to be fascinated and kept tossing mugs into her loop.

"I must admit, it is rather impressive," Jack said, watching the four of them. "I wonder how she manages to…"

"Hey party people!"

"Oh, that must be young Will," the Mayor said, recognizing her voice. He turned around but Jack noticed the Mayor's head did a complete spin.

"Everything alright, Mayor?" Jack asked. He received no reply and turned to search for whatever it was that had upset the Halloween official. What his eye sockets landed on nearly caused Jack to lose his jaw.

Both Will and Sally were coming up to them. Will was wearing green shorts and green tank-top with a strange image of four characters wearing colorful masks falling out of the pocket. She had blue shoes, but she also had long striped green socks that reached up to her knees. Will had also done her hair up in two pigtails with the ends painted a deep green. Her face had been painted with green glitter eyeshadow, and three shamrocks painted along her left eye. But it was the tall figure on Will's right that had Jack in a trance. Sally wore her newest dress creation—one he personally admired her in this morning—and now her long red hair was in a beautiful braid. But it was her face that really caught Jack by surprise. His Sally, whom always had the most lovely face, had her face painted as well, her design making her look like a St. Patricks day sugar skull. Jack felt his phantom heart racing as the two ladies approached, unable to take his eyes away from Sally.

Seeing his reaction, Will laughed and nudged Sally's arm. "What I tell you, Sally. Jack is utterly speechless."

"Oh dear, you were right, Will," Sally said. She walked up to Jack and placed a hand on his arm. "Do you like it, Jack? If you don't, I can wash it off."

At the sound of her voice, Jack shook himself from his thoughts. "Oh no, it's not that I don't like it," he said. "I just, well, I… I wasn't expecting this. You always look so beautiful, but now- not in a bad way! I just mean that, you-you look so… Like a …and you, wow! I meant, you look so, so… Wow!"

Sally giggled and kissed her flustered fiancé's cheek. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it, Jack."

"Hey Sally, try not to kiss him all night," Will teased. "I don't have enough black paint." Will pointed to Jack indicating the large black lipstick mark adorning his bone-white cheek.

Sally giggled. "Oops! Sorry."

"N-Not to worry," Jack said. He started to reach for the handkerchief in his pocket when Will stopped him.

"I can fix that. Lean down here a sec, Jack." Jack shrugged and did as Will asked. When he was eye level with her, Will took out a green glittery pencil and traced around Sally's lipstick mark. "There, now it works," she said.

"What's up, chickens?" Al asked, joining the group. Her eyes spotted Jack's cheek and she stifled a giggle for a few moments before bursting into gut busting laughter. "Oooh Jack! Looks like you got kissed by a black-lipped leprechaun. That'll keep you lucky, if you know what I mean." She wagged her eyebrows and laughed even harder.

"What's so funny?" Shock asked. She, Lock and Barrel had followed Al, though one look at the infamously frightening Pumpkin King's face, and they so joined in the laughter.

"Ooo! Such a scary King!" Shock taunted.

"Ha! Scary? Hardly," Lock added, nudging the young witching in her side before pointing at Jack. "Who's gonna be scared of that!"

"Haha! Jack's totally whipped!" Barrel laughed so hard he fell on his back, his stubby legs licking the air. Only adding to the mischief, Al made a loud whip cracking noise.

Jack was not finding it as funny. However, he stood straight to his full height and placed his hands behind his back. He kept his voice calm and even when he spoke. "Laugh all you want, children, but I'll have you know that someday soon you three will find yourselves in a similar position."

"What are you talking about?" Barrel asked.

"Why my boy, one day you and Lock will become young men and find wearing a token of your lady's affection quite appealing," Jack explained.. Then he turned to Shock. "And you, young lady, will be quite eager to bestow such a gift on the young man you choose. Perhaps, maybe even one of these strapping boys might become your suitor?"

"Oh gross!" Shock gagged. Barrel put his hands over his ears and started shouting. Lock pretended to throw up.

"I think I've made my point," Jack said. He watched as the children ran off to terrorize the rest of the party.

Meanwhile, Al was roaring in laughter. She nearly fell over but clutched Will's shoulder, and doubled over, gasping for air. "This is too much!" she choked out, pretending to wipe away a tear. "I don't know which is funnier: imagining one of those two booger brains with this little witch, or the fact that Jack is sassing them with a kiss right on his cheek."

Jack smirked. "A little envious, Alice? I assume you would do the same after the way you chased after him New Years Eve, Zackary would proudly be sporting his own lipstick mark as well. Though, I doubt merely the boy's cheek would have a green mark should you catch him this time."

Al gaped like a fish while Jack leaned down so he was eye level with the girl, a wicked smile along his boney lips. "But then that's none of my business now, is it?"

"Ooo! Burn!" Will laughed. She sidestepped and pointed with both her hands at Al. "You got spanked!"

Al turned and glared daggers at Will. "Way to pull a Mikey there Willa," she said, then stuck her tongue out.

"Lighten up, it's a party," Will said, turning to Jack. "Besides, I'd rather have Al pester you about your ADOS than her getting on my case today."

"What's ADOS?" Sally asked.

"Well, normally, Al and I refer to is as Attention-Deficit Ooo! Shiny!" Will explained. "But in Jack's case, it stands for, Attention-Deficit Ooo! Sally!"

"Golly, you are on a roll today, little miss." Al giggled, lightly punching Will's arm.

"What's going on?" Everyone turned around just as Zack threw his arm around Al's shoulders. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "I didn't know today was beat up Will day."

"She's being feisty!" Al said, curling under his arm even more.

"Nice seeing you too, Zack-Attack," Will said.

"What's up Birthday Girl? Getting feisty in your old age?" Zack asked with a teasing smile.

"Hey, lay off," Will whined. "You're the one robbing the cradle, gramps. Al is two years younger than you."

"It's your birthday, Will?" Jack asked. "I didn't know you were born on a holiday."

"You never asked. Though, I'd rather not make a big deal about it. Let's just enjoy the party, okay everyone?"

"Not make it a big deal?!" Al shrieked. "You only turn one million and twenty years once!"

"Now sweetheart, be nice to the old bat," Zack said, nuzzling the side of her face. "Remember what we did for your birthday?" Though her face was covered in green paint, Al's ears and neck flushed a bright red.

Will groaned. "Cool it, Lovebirds," she said. "We are here for a St. Paddy's party."

"Now Will, I don't see the harm in celebrating your birthday as well," the Mayor said. "Besides, it'll give the citizens a chance to give you a few birthday scares."

"Oh goodie. Center of attention and several bouts of a heart attack on the same day? When can we start?" Will laughed in spite of her dismay. "At least scaring is more fun than pinching."

"Well, I can easily continue my barrage for every piece of clothing that isn't green on your person with a pinch," Al said with an evil smirk. "And I still owe you some pinches too, Party Pooper."

"No! I'm agreeing to party. Go pinch your boyfriend."

"I have no objections to that," Zack said, wagging his eyebrows. "Awkward silence… Let's get this party started!"

"Splendid!" Jack exclaimed. While the others would enjoy the party, he and the Mayor would figure out how to incorporate a birthday celebration in the festivities. Just as he was about to walk away, Jack noticed Will whispering to Sally. He watched them smile and embrace one another before Will raced off to join her friends.

Curious, Jack walked over to Sally, placing his hand on the small of her back. "What was all that about?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing."

"I hardly call that nothing. You're not hiding anything from me, are you Sally?"

"Well, no, not exactly…"

"Sally," Jack teased. "Now I know something is up. You're acting rather coy. What exactly were you and Will discussing just now?"

Sally knew she promised Will she would not tell, but she also could not lie to Jack. "She was just thanking me," she explained. "We had a little talk earlier and she asked I not say anything about it to anyone." She quickly turned and gave Jack a pointed look. "And no, you may not ask what about. It's between Will and I, and I promised her complete confidentiality."

Jack normally respected someone's privacy, but his natural curiosity was getting the better of him at the moment. He pouted his lower lip, making Sally giggle. "Now that's not fair. I can't help but be curious, especially knowing my Sally has a special secret. Won't you tell me, please?"

"Sorry, but it's not my secret to tell." Sally kissed his cheek. "Will is nervous about it so she asked me not to say anything. It's nothing terrible, but don't ask her about it. Just enjoy the party and don't let this get to you, alright?"

"Very well, I guess I'll let it to for now." Jack sighed. "It will probably drive me crazy, but I'll try not to let it become an obsession."

"I'm glad to hear that. For a moment, I was worried."

"Although…" Jack wrapped both his arms around Sally's waist. "I will need something to occupy my mind. You know me, my clever Sally. Once I get an idea, I don't stop until I find the answer."

"Oh dear," Sally said, playing along. She gently toyed with his tie, not looking at him for fear of breaking character. "Whatever should we do about that?"

"I can think of a few things." He pulled her closer and toyed with the stitching on the side of her neck. "Will did say she had extra paint, right? I would hate to undo all her hard word and ruin your pretty makeup. You really do look lovely, my spooky sugar skull."

"You're so sweet. I'm glad you like it, but as for my makeup, I guess we'll just have to be careful then, won't we?" Sally teased and kissed the tip of his nose. "Hmm… I have a feeling you might need more of that green liner."

A shiver went down Jack's spine. "Everyone is busy. We could sneak off to the pumpkin patch for a spell…"

"Lead the way then, my Pumpkin King," Sally cooed. "Though we better hurry before someone spots us."

Jack felt his bones warm and it took all he had not to collapse in front of her. Instead, he moved one hand from Sally's waist to her arm and together they walked out of the square. Meanwhile, neither of them had noticed that three little trouble makers had been listening to their conversation.

"So, a certain overgrown bat has an embarrassing secret, huh?" Lock snickered. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Shock grinned. "It would be unfortunate should it get out," she said. "Remember last year? All those juicy secrets."

"All I remember is that horrible headache we had the next morning," Barrel muttered. "Besides, Jack and the Mayor have all that stuff locked up. How we supposed to get it?"

"Not all of it." Lock pointed to the buffet table. "The redhead brought a whole bunch," he said. "All we gotta do is make sure Blondie drinks until she's drunk and starts blabbing away."

"How do you know she's a blabber?" Lock argued. "Remember, the Mayor got drunk and he cried all night. And some of the others just passed out. Sally was the only one who talked all night, when she wasn't barfing."

"Duh! That's why we raid the Witch Shop," Lock said. "They have that potion that makes you tell the truth. We just slip that and the beer into Will's drink so everyone thinks she just got drunk. No one will suspect a thing."

"Hehehe! I'm in," Shock said.

"Me too," Barrel added, "but no way I'm drinking anything!"

XXX

AN: Hope you all like the new chapter. If anyone is curious about the girls St. Paddy's outfits, check out my deviantART page.