A/N: Hello everyone and welcome to my second story for the NBC fandom! This one is a separate standalone from my first story, "Hollow Hearts." I had so much fun writing for Jack/Sally in that story that I couldn't resist continuing by starting another story. I hope you enjoy it! 🎃👻
1
IN the shadowed depths of Halloween Town, where the moon's eerie glow illuminated twisted streets and crooked houses, a shy and gentle ragdoll named Sally stood hidden behind the gnarled branches of the Hanging Tree. Her wide button eyes glistened with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she watched Jack Skellington, the towering skeletal Pumpkin King, glide gracefully across the town square.
Sally's stitched heart fluttered every time Jack Skellington appeared in her line of sight, his presence casting a spell on her that left her both enchanted and longing. She admired his effortless charisma and the way he commanded the attention of their town's eerie inhabitants. Though she kept her feelings hidden, deep down, she wished he would one day notice the quiet ragdoll who adored him from afar.
From her vantage point, Sally had a perfect view of Jack as he slipped effortlessly through the iron-wrought gates of the graveyard and began to walk away from Guillotine Square, his thin bony frame illuminated by the flickering lanterns that adorned the edge of the graveyard and the glow emanating from the various carved jack-o-lanterns in the pumpkin patch near the graveyard.
For far too long, She had watched him from her bedroom window in Dr. Finklestein's Observatory Tower, longing for the chance to meet their town's Pumpkin King, but tonight was different.
Tonight, she had summoned the courage to venture out into the night, away from the watchful gaze of her overprotective, temperamental creator.
Watching Jack Skellington wander through the graveyard, Sally couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest. There was something about him, something captivating and otherworldly, that drew her to him like a moth to a flame.
She longed to speak with him, to unravel the mysteries that surrounded him, but she knew that such a meeting would be impossible. After all, what could a simple ragdoll like her have to say to the revered Pumpkin King?
Lost in her thoughts, Sally barely noticed the creaking groaning of the branches above her as the Hanging Tree leaned down, its twisted branches creaking ominously.
"Well, well, well," the Hanging Tree's raspy voice whispered, its hollow sockets fixated on Sally. "What have we here? Sally, out past your curfew again, I see."
Sally's autumn-colored yarn hair bristled with embarrassment as she ducked further behind the tree, hoping to avoid its teasing gaze.
She knew that the Hanging Tree had a mischievous streak, as did its Hanging Men, and she had no desire to become the subject of its jests.
"I-I was just…" she stammered, searching for an excuse that would satisfy the sentient tree.
"Just what?" the Hanging Tree interrupted, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze. "Just spying on your beloved Pumpkin King, perhaps?"
Sally felt her cheeks flush with warmth as she realized that her admiration for Jack had not gone unnoticed. She had thought herself hidden in the shadows, but it seemed that the Hanging Tree had seen through her disguise.
"I…I just…wanted to see him up close," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "To…to speak with him, if only once…"
The Hanging Tree let out a low, rumbling chuckle, its branches shaking with amusement.
"Ah, young love," it mused, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, little ragdoll, what would you say to the Pumpkin King if you had the chance?"
Sally hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to put her feelings into words. What could she possibly say to someone as legendary as Jack Skellington? She was just a mere creation of Dr. Finklestein's, given life six months ago, a patchwork doll stitched together from scraps of fabric and bits of twine. What could she, a nobody, offer someone like Jack?
"I…I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rustling of leaves in the chilly autumnal breeze. "But I…I would like to find out, Hanging Tree."
The Hanging Tree fell silent for a moment, its Hanging Men swaying gently in the night breeze. Then, with a creaking groan, it leaned down closer to Sally, its hollow sockets staring into hers, as if into the depths of her very soul.
"Well, my dear, if you're brave enough to approach our King, perhaps you'll find out for yourself just how fascinating Jack truly is."
Sally's stitched-together heart fluttered at the thought, but she froze. Dr. Finklestein had always warned her to stay away from the likes of Jack Skellington, fearing his creation would be a burden on their King as Jack had trials enough, especially so close to Halloween.
But tonight, with the moon casting its spell over Halloween Town, she couldn't resist the pull any longer. With a determined nod, Sally stepped out from behind the Hanging Tree, her stitched dress swaying as she made her way towards the Hinterlands, where the Pumpkin King was headed. Tonight, she would finally have the chance to speak with him, to unravel the mystery that had captivated her from afar.
Stitched heart pounding in her chest, Sally slipped through the bars of the gates of the graveyard and tiptoed through the grounds, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath her boots echoing in the stillness of the night. She glanced back nervously at the Observatory Tower in the distance, half-expecting to see Dr. Finklestein's silhouette against the window, watching her, but the coast remained clear.
As she neared the edge of the Hinterlands, the dense woods that bordered Halloween Town, Sally's nerves threatened to overwhelm her. She had never dared to venture into the darkness beyond their town's limits. The stories whispered among the townsfolk painted the Hinterlands as a place of dread and danger, filled with truly unseen horrors lurking in the shadows.
But tonight, Jack Skellington stood at its edge, oblivious to her presence. His tall, slender figure cast a haunting silhouette against the moonlit sky. Sally froze, her hand instinctively reaching for the safety of her stitches, the gesture comforting to her.
The Hanging Tree's words of encouragement echoed in her mind, urging her to be brave.
With a shaky breath, she stepped closer, her boots sinking into the soft earth of the forest's edge. She could feel the chill of the Hinterlands creeping closer with every step, sending shivers down her spine.
Jack remained oblivious, his attention focused on something in the distance. Sally's heart raced as she drew nearer, her eyes fixed on the enigmatic figure before her. She wondered what he was thinking, what mysteries and secrets lay behind his hollow eyes.
As she reached the edge of the woods, Sally's courage wavered. She knew she shouldn't be here, that Dr. Finklestein would be furious with her if he found out, but the pull of Jack's presence was irresistible.
Summoning all her courage and resolve, Sally took a tentative step into the darkness of the Hinterlands.
The trees loomed overhead, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. She glanced back once more, her nerves nearly getting the best of her, before turning her gaze back to Jack. He still hadn't noticed her, lost in his own world on the edge of the unknown. With each step, Sally felt a mix of excitement and fear coursing through her veins. She was stepping into the unknown, into a world beyond the safety of Halloween Town.
With a soft clearing of her throat, Sally stepped forward and purposefully stepped on a twig, the sound echoing through the forest.
Jack's head snapped in her direction, his brow bone furrowing in irritation at the interruption. For a moment, annoyance flickered in his hollow eyes, but as his gaze settled on Sally, his expression softened considerably, curiosity replacing his initial irritation.
He studied her for a moment, taking in her delicate, stitched features and ragdoll form, a hint of intrigue dancing in his gaze.
Sally felt her stitched mouth form a nervous smile as she met Jack's gaze, her heart fluttering in her chest. She had dreamed of this moment, of finally standing face to face with the Pumpkin King, but now that it was happening, she found herself at a loss for words.
Jack tilted his head slightly, his skeletal fingers drumming against his thigh in silent contemplation. It quickly became clear to Sally as she studied his expression that he hadn't expected anyone to find him out here, on the outskirts of Halloween Town.
He paused before speaking, his lips parting tentatively. "Forgive me. I didn't expect anyone from town would find me out here," Jack finally uttered, his tone imbued with a gentle sincerity. Sally felt her stomach flutter as he cautiously approached and addressed her.
Sally softened at his apology, her nervousness easing slightly. "I…I understand. I-I'm the one who-who should be apologizing, I'm sorry for intruding," she stammered, suddenly too bashful to meet his gaze, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and determination. "I-I just…wanted to…to talk with you."
Jack's curiosity was piqued as he studied her stitched features with a critical interest, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Talk to me?" he echoed, a hint of intrigue dancing in his gaze.
Sally stuttered nervously as she found her voice. "Y-yes," she admitted, hardly daring to believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. "I-I've watched you from afar, Jack, but we... we never got a chance to meet. I've... I've always been fascinated by you, Jack."
Surprise flickered across Jack's features before he masked it with a practiced nonchalance. "Fascinated, you say?" he echoed, his tone carefully neutral. "And what, may I ask, is so fascinating about me?"
Sally hesitated, unsure of how to put her feelings into words.
"It's…everything," she finally managed, summoning enough courage to lift her gaze to his. "The way you move, the way you command the attention of everyone around you. I-I've never seen anyone quite like you before, Jack."
Jack's expression softened at Sally's words, touched by her sincerity. "I see," he murmured, his voice quiet yet sincere as a small smile played on the corners of his mouth. "I never realized…Well, I suppose I should count myself lucky then. Thank you for telling me."
Sally felt an unexpected wave of warmth spread through her stitched form at the Pumpkin King's words.
"I…I hope you don't mind me intruding," Sally whispered, her voice filled with uncertainty as she played with the edges of her fingers to keep them warm from the chilly night breezes.
Jack shook his head, his skeletal fingers gesturing towards the dark wood. "Not at all," he replied. "I was just about to take a stroll through the Hinterlands. Would you…would you care to join me?"
As Sally stood before Jack, her apprehension grew with his unexpected invitation to walk through the Hinterlands. Her mind reeled with imagined images, her fear of the unknown, uncertain if it was safe to venture into the haunted forest with their town's Pumpkin King.
"W-walk through the Hinterlands?" she echoed, her voice quivering slightly. "Oh, I-I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Jack. It's…it's not safe out there. The woods…" But she trailed off as her breath caught in her throat as she could not bring herself to give her fears a voice.
Jack's hollow eyes softened with understanding as he stepped closer to her, his bony hand reaching out in reassurance. "You'll be safe with me," he assured her, his voice gentle yet firm. "I know these woods quite well, better than anyone in town, and I promise to keep you safe from harm."
Despite his words, Sally couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at her stitched insides. "I-I don't know, Jack," she murmured, her gaze flickering nervously towards the looming shadows of the Hinterlands. "I-I really should be getting back…."
But Jack's longing for company was evident in his hollow gaze, a silent plea for her to stay.
"Please, walk with me," he begged, his voice tinged with a hint of loneliness. "I could use the company, more than you know, and I'd love to talk with you more. Besides, what's the worst that could happen with the Pumpkin King by your side?"
Sally was silent for a moment, torn between her fear and her desire to spend more time with Jack. His reassurance offered a glimmer of comfort amidst the darkness of the woods, but the unknown still loomed large in her mind.
Finally, with a shaky breath, she nodded, her stitched lips forming a hesitant smile.
"Alright, Jack," she relented hesitantly. "I'll... I'll come with you."
A genuinely delighted smile spread across Jack's skeletal face as he took Sally's hand in his, his touch surprisingly warm despite his cold exterior.
"Thank you," he said, his gratitude evident in his voice. "I promise, you won't regret it."
Jack offered Sally his arm, and after only a moment's hesitation, she took it, a secret thrill running through her as they began to walk.
They moved in silence for a while, the only sound was the distant howling of the wind through the twisted branches of the barren, gnarled trees.
Jack's curiosity about the shy ragdoll at his side eventually overcame him. His expression turned pained as he confessed, "Forgive me, but I…I don't even know your name. And I can't recall seeing you in town before. How could that be? I know everyone in Halloween Town as the Pumpkin King."
Sally found herself at a loss for words. She did not even feel how her stitched fingers tightened around his sleeve as she struggled with what to say. She couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth—that she was Dr. Finklestein's creation, a mere ragdoll brought to life in the shadowed depths of the doctor's Observatory Tower, her sole purpose being to serve and cater to the doctor's needs.
"My…my name is Sally," she finally replied, her voice barely audible over the breeze. "And I…I'm just new to town."
Jack's hollow eyes searched hers, a mixture of confusion and concern flickering in their depths. "New to town?" he echoed, his brow furrowing in thought. "But how could I have missed someone as unique as you?"
Sally swallowed hard, trying to push down the guilt that threatened to overwhelm her. "I-I keep to myself mostly," she explained, hesitating slightly as she struggled to find the right words. "I don't…get out much."
Jack nodded, though he still looked troubled. "Well, I'm glad you decided to venture out tonight," he said, his tone gentle. "I must admit, I find you quite fascinating, Sally."
Sally's heart skipped a beat at his words, a blush creeping into her stitched cheeks. "You…you do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Jack nodded, a small smile playing on his skeletal lips. "Yes," he replied. "There's something about you…something different. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Sally felt a warmth spreading through her like the first light of dawn. For the first time since she had been brought to life, she felt seen, truly seen, by someone other than Dr. Finklestein.
But even as she basked in the glow of Jack's attention, a small voice in the back of her mind reminded her of the truth – that she was nothing more than a creation, a puppet on strings, and that Jack could never truly understand what she was.
As they continued to walk, the silence between them grew heavier, weighed down by the weight of Sally's secret and the unspoken questions that hung in the air. She wished desperately that she could tell Jack the truth, to unburden herself of the lies and deceit that had consumed her since the day she was brought to life. But she knew that to do so would only bring trouble – trouble for herself, for Jack, and all of Halloween Town. Dr. Finklestein had made it clear that she was to stay hidden, to never reveal her true nature to anyone, especially not the Pumpkin King.
So she remained silent, her heart heavy with guilt and longing, as they walked deeper into the heart of the Hinterlands, the shadows closing in around them like a shroud. And with each step they took, Sally couldn't shake the feeling that their journey was leading them towards a darkness from which there would be no escape. As they walked deeper into the Hinterlands, Sally found herself unable to break the heavy silence that hung between them. She cast a sidelong glance at Jack, his skeletal form illuminated by the eerie moonlight filtering through the dense canopy of trees.
"Jack," she began tentatively, unsure if she should even ask the question that was on her mind, but it was already too late to take back her words, "what's it like…being the Pumpkin King?"
Jack's hollow eyes flickered in the darkness, a shadow passing over his skull. In truth, he had been hoping to avoid broaching this particular topic of conversation. He paused for a moment as if considering her question before he let out a frustrated sigh.
"I suppose it's…lonely sometimes," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Everyone looks to me for guidance, for inspiration, but…I often feel like I'm just going through the motions."
Sally nodded sympathetically, though she couldn't begin to imagine the weight of responsibility that rested so heavily on Jack's bony shoulders.
"It must be difficult, Jack," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the ground as they walked. "To have to be…perfect all the time."
Jack gave a hollow laugh, the sound echoing through the silent woods. "Perfect?" he echoed, a bitter edge creeping into his quiet voice. "Far from it, I'm afraid. I make mistakes, Sally, more than anyone realizes. And sometimes…I wonder if I'm truly fit to be the Pumpkin King."
Sally's heart ached at the note of bitterness and self-doubt in Jack's voice. She reached out to gently touch his arm, her stitched fingers brushing against the fabric of the sleeve of his pinstriped suit in a gesture of comfort.
"You're more than fit, Jack," she assured him, her voice soft yet firm. "I can see it. You bring joy to everyone in Halloween Town, even if you don't realize it. You're…amazing."
Jack's gaze softened as he looked down at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Sally," he murmured. "That means a lot, to hear you say that."
But as they continued to walk, Jack's attention shifted back to Sally, his curiosity piqued once again.
"But enough about me and these old bones," he said, his voice tinged with a note of urgency. "I want to know more about you, Sally. What brought you to Halloween Town? And why have I never seen you before?"
Sally froze as she struggled to find the words to explain. She opened her mouth to speak, but the truth caught in her throat, a knot of fear and uncertainty choking her.
"I…I don't have a reason," she finally admitted, her voice soft. "I've just…always been here, I-I suppose."
Jack studied her for a moment, his hollow eyes searching hers for any hint of deception. But when he found none, he simply nodded, accepting her answer without question.
"Well, I'm glad you're here now," he said, a genuine warmth in his voice. "And I hope you'll stick around for a while."
Sally nearly faltered and stumbled at his words, a sense of belonging washing over her like a wave crashing against the shore. For the first time since she had been brought to life, she felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged, a place where she could be herself without fear or judgment.
"Thank you, Jack," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I think…I think I'd like that."
As they walked on through the darkness of the Hinterlands, Sally couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flicker within her, a hope that maybe, just maybe, she had finally found a home. Yet as soon as the thought flitted across her mind, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as she realized how late it must be getting.
She should have been back by now, Dr. Finklestein had surely discovered her absence in the Tower by now.
With a heavy heart, she murmured, "I-I should be getting back, Jack. I-I'll be missed if I'm gone for too long."
Jack's hollow eyes softened with understanding, but his curiosity still lingered.
"Of course," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "But before you go, Sally, I have to ask – who is your family? Surely they must be wondering where you are."
Sally wavered slightly at the unexpected question, her heart sinking as she remembered her creator's strict warnings about revealing her true nature to anyone, especially not to the Pumpkin King. She immediately clammed up, her stitched lips pressing together in a tight line.
As much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to tell Jack the truth—that she belonged to Dr. Finklestein, that she was created by him for the sole express purpose of being his caretaker and she belonged to his household.
"I-I…" she began, but the words caught in her throat, choking her. She clamped her stitched lips shut, refusing to meet Jack's questioning gaze.
Jack's disappointment was palpable as he watched her clam up, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I understand," he murmured, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
Sally nodded, her gaze fixed on the ground as she tried to push down the guilt that threatened to overwhelm her. "Thank you, Jack," she whispered shyly.
Jack faltered for a moment as if considering pressing the issue further, but then he simply nodded, accepting her silence without question.
"Well, if you're sure you can't stay, let me take you back from here…" he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "But allow me to walk you home, at least. It's the least I can do."
Sally felt a surge of panic rise within her at the thought of facing Dr. Finklestein's wrath if he found her with the Pumpkin King. "N-no, that's not necessary," she stammered, her voice tinged with desperation. "I-I could take myself, Jack, but you're kind to offer."
Jack's brow bone furrowed in confusion, but he nodded, accepting her refusal with a resigned sigh.
"Very well," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "But promise me you'll be careful, Sally."
Sally nodded, her heart heavy with guilt as she watched Jack turn to leave.
"I promise," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Jack's eyes searched Sally's face, hope flickering in their inky depths as he asked, "Will I…will I see you again after tonight, Sally?"
Sally's breath caught in her throat, her surprise evident as she struggled to comprehend his question. "Why…why would you want to?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.
Jack's expression faltered for a moment, his hope dimming, but then he composed himself, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Because I enjoy your company, Sally," he replied softly, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.
Sally felt her heart flutter at his words, emotions swirling within her like a tempest. She had never dared to hope that the Pumpkin King of all souls, would see her as anything more than a mere ragdoll, a creation, but here Jack Skellington himself was, expressing a desire to see her again.
"I…I would like that, Jack," she admitted shyly, her voice timid.
A warm glow spread through Jack's chest at her words, his hope reigniting like a flame in the darkness. "Then it's settled," he said, his smile widening. "Until we meet again, Sally."
Sally nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips as she watched Jack turn to leave. As he disappeared into the night, a sense of anticipation bubbled within her.
Perhaps this was the beginning of something new, something beautiful. Jack disappeared into the darkness of the Hinterlands, and Sally felt a pang of longing shoot through her stitched-together body, wanting to spend more time with Jack. She knew she had made the right choice in refusing his offer, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just let something truly special slip through her fingers.
Making her way back to Halloween Town alone, the weight of her secrets pressing down on her like a leaden cloak, she hoped deep down that she would see Jack again.