Moonstruck

Author's Note: After seeing a cute Jack and Sally video (seriously, it's the cutest thing ever), I was inspired to write some fluff with Jack and Sally on a date, only things don't go exactly as planned. Plenty of fluff in store. I want to send a shout out to Werejaguar and Cosmic Horse for your inputs. They were much appreciated. Originally I planned for this to be a one-shot, but after looking it over it became a two-shot. I hope you all enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Disclaimer: Everything TNBC belongs to Tim Burton and all his creative genius.

Chapter 1: Valentine Surprise

Sally hummed as she looked at herself one last time in the mirror. Her hair had been brushed till it looked soft to the touch, and her dress was free of any wrinkles. Looking closely Sally checked to make sure her stitches were tight. She couldn't have even one stitch coming loose on her date. Date. The thought brought a smile to her face. Oh yes, today's date was just one of many new things in her life since December.

There were basically two big changes in Sally's life. The first was her relationship with her creator had improved immensely (most likely due to his newest creation, or as Finklestein called her, his "precious jewel"). Not only did Doctor Finklestein treat Sally like a grown women, but now she could come and go without having to sneak out. Sally had also formed a special friendship with the new creation, whom she simply addressed as Mrs. Finklestein.

"Sally dear, are you ready yet? It's almost noon. You don't want to keep Jack waiting too long," Mrs. Finklestein called from the hallway.

Sally felt her heart beat faster. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King and ruler of Halloween Town. He was her dearest friend, and the love of her afterlife. Ever since that fateful night Jack and Sally had been by each other's sides whenever they got a chance. Many a ghoul's hearts broke, but they commended Sally on landing Halloween Town's most eligible bachelor. Of course, Sally never cared about his title. Even if he weren't the most frightening creature, Sally would love him. The only problem was that sometimes Jack's title got in the way. Today's date had been postponed for two weeks due to the constant need for Jack's approval on the upcoming Halloween festivities.

Bringing herself out of memory lane, Sally called out, "Coming." Sally took one last look at herself before leaving her room. She walked down the ramp to enter the kitchen. There she saw Mrs. Finklestein stirring the doctor's lunch in the oversized caldron. She was tall like Sally, but her appearance was identical to Finklestein — paper-white skin, a beak-like face, and a cranium that could pop opened. She was dressed in a green coat with a faux fur trim and black high-heels, much like Sally. Mrs. Finklestein also had blonde hair that was usually tied in a bun and wore no glasses over her beady blue eyes, with puffy eyelashes.

She smiled as Sally walked into the kitchen. "I just finished packing everything for you, dear. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, thank you Mrs. Finklestein," Sally said as she began placing the items in her basket. "I guess I was just, sidetracked."

"I know dear. I can't tell you how many times I caught myself drifting off," the older woman chuckled. Then she took another glance toward the clock. "Goodness look at the time! Now off with you my girl, or you'll be late." She ushered Sally out the door and waved her off. "And remember, try to be home by eleven. You know how the doctor worries."

"I will." She waved goodbye and then set out.

XXX

It was a fairly cool day and the sun was just peaking over through the gray clouds. A perfect day for a picnic with someone special. Sally breathed in the last of the winter air as she entered the pumpkin patch. Looking around for the perfect spot, Sally chose a part of the patch where she and Jack would be comfortable. It also provided a view of Spiral Hill, her favorite place in all of Halloween Town — for more than one reason. Sally set down her basket and took out the gray and brown checkered blanket, and placed it neatly on the ground. Then, she began to remove the basket's contents: a bottle of spider cider, baked pumpkin seeds, and fried scorpion sandwiches.

While Sally was setting up the picnic, Jack was just leaving the graveyard. He had been looking forward to this all day. He felt bad that he hadn't been spending much time with his Sally lately, but he planned to fix that. Originally, he planned to leave earlier to pick her up at her house, as any gentleman should. However, his meeting with the Mayor had run longer (as usual) and Jack figured Sally had already made her way to their intended meeting spot. As he made his way over to the pumpkin patch and he began looking for Sally. When he spotted her, Jack saw that her back was turned. A wicked idea caused the famous skeletal grin to appear on his face. He just couldn't resist the opportunity she'd presented him. Quietly, Jack started to creep up behind the unsuspecting rag doll.

Meanwhile, Sally had finally gotten everything ready for when Jack arrived. She had just risen to her feet when two long arms encircled her waist. "Boo!" was whispered in her ear, while her body was pulled against a sold, albeit bony, form.

Sally let out a shriek before squealing in delight as Jack spun her around to face him. "Jack, you sneak," she laughed and playfully swatted his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Sally, but when I saw you there I couldn't help myself." Jack put on his best grin in an attempt to feign innocence. Unable to help himself again, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to her red lips.

"Not fair," she murmured against his lips before he pulled back.

"Will this make up for it?" Jack produced a bouquet of flowers from behind Sally's back. Her eyes widened as he presented her with the trumpet-shaped, white and pale purple flowers. She took the bouquet in her hands and inhaled the flowers' scent.

"Oh Jack, these are lovely. Where did you find them?"

"Over by the tombstones. I saw them and thought of you." Jack took a quick sniff. "Their haunting beauty reminded me of your eyes. Although, I've never seen flowers like them before in Halloween Town."

"Thank you." Jack smiled as Sally admired her flowers. He liked to do anything to see her smile. Then he noticed the picnic she had prepared for them. "My Sally, you sure made us a bounty."

"Oh yes. We should probably eat it before it gets cold."

That being said, they walked over and sat down on the blanket. Sally placed her flowers in her basket before making a plate for herself and Jack. He waited till she had her food and then dug in. He loved Sally's cooking, but he felt bad that she had gone through all that trouble. She did so much for him, and he had done so little to show his appreciation. It was then he remembered the other thing he'd picked up on his way here. Reaching into his pocket, Jack pulled out two round fruits.

"Sally, would you like some fruit?" Jack asked.

"Sure. Thank you." She took the smaller of the two and looked it over. "I've never seen this type of fruit before."

"Neither have I but it looks delicious." The fruit was round and covered in spins. There was also a small section where the fruit was starting to split open.

"Do you think we can eat it?" Sally asked.

"Why not?" And before she could protest Jack took a bite out of his fruit. Seeing no harm done, Sally took a smaller bite from her own.

They finished their meal and then laid back on the blanket to watch the clouds. Jack eased his arm around Sally's waist and pulled her to his side. He sighed in content as she laid her head on his shoulder, a warm smile on her face.

Sally was just in a state of bliss. Just being there with Jack — his arm wrapped around her — made her feel safe and protected. A warm feeling started to build inside her, making her feel happier than she could ever remember. She turned her head to find Jack's eyes were closed. He was so still that he appeared to be asleep. And he looked so peaceful. After all the preparations he had with the Mayor for Halloween, this must have been one of the few times he could relax without something needing to be done. She felt privileged that he felt comfortable enough to feel so relaxed around her and could be himself. Suddenly, Sally had an idea. Carefully she slid Jack's arm off her and scooted away. When she was sure he was still unaware that she had moved, Sally made a dash for the other side of the pumpkin patch, laughing like a small child.

Jack, who had been aware of her the whole time, waited until he was sure she had a good head start. Then he slowly got to his feet and began to walk after her. He had no idea what Sally was up to, but it was very amusing to see her more childish nature come to the surface. He listened for her silvery laughter until he spotted a black shoe peeking out from a rather large pumpkin. His grin grew — he was going to play along.

"I wonder where Sally could be?" He pretended to search for her, knowing very well where she was. "I can't imagine where my little doll has gone." Jack turned in the direction where Sally remained hidden, and pretended to look over his shoulder, scratching his skull in puzzlement.

Sally watched him from her hiding place and giggled to herself. He actually thought he had her. She quickly ducked back down so he wouldn't spot her.

Jack smirked before slowly backing up toward the large pumpkin. When he stood directly in front of it, he counted to three before lunging forward. However, his long arms did not grab a surprised rag doll, but instead grabbed only air. The shock surprised Jack and he fell forward, face first, into the dirt. Unsure what had just happened Jack began to look around in a daze. He had been sure Sally had been hiding behind this pumpkin; he had even seen her shoe peeking out from behind this very spot! So how had she managed to get away from him?

Jack quickly looked over his shoulder at the sound of silvery laughter. For a moment, he thought he'd gone insane. Looking out at the pumpkin patch there was a Sally laughing and hiding behind each pumpkin. They were all smiling and teasing him from their positions.

"Over here, Jack."

"No, I'm over here."

"Try and catch me."

Jack blinked a few times and then shook his head. When he opened his eyes he was relieved to see the Sally copies had disappeared. But that left only one question: where was the real Sally?

Not to far way, Sally was trying hard not to laugh and give away her hiding spot. Not only had she managed to successfully hide from Jack, but she also couldn't deny how comical Jack looked tripping over that pumpkin. Couldn't he see there was nothing there? She continued to watch as Jack got up and dusted himself off before he continued his search. Silently she crept after him, sticking to the shadows so he would not detect her presence. She also made sure to watch her step to avoid twigs and loose rocks that would create noise.

Finally, when it appeared Sally was no where in the pumpkin patch, Jack turned toward the direction of the graveyard. The several large tombstones would provide plenty of cover for someone to hide behind — and he would know.

As she continued to follow her bemused lover, Sally was brought back to the night she had spotted him in the graveyard three months ago. It was the night Jack had discovered Christmas Town, and the night Sally had heard his longing for some excitement. His lament had touched her deeply for it reminded her of her own loneliness. The memory felt so real that Sally could practically see the scene right before her eyes. She had to quickly shake herself of her thoughts. All her reminiscing had caused Jack to get farther ahead of her; she had to move quickly to catch up with his long strides, but remain silent as well. Soon Jack stopped. He had come to the middle of the path he'd taken, and was trying to decide just which way Sally would have gone. Unbeknownst to him, his target was only a few feet away.

Very quietly Sally snuck over to hide behind a large memorial, standing with her back pressed against the worn stone. She smiled and bit her bottom lip to prevent the giggle that wanted to be released.

Jack sighed. He was starting to get worried. What if Sally had tripped and her stitches came undone? She could be lying somewhere in need of his help. Then again, it could be that he'd gone the wrong way and missed her completely. Perhaps if he doubled back he could find another path that would lead him to Sally. Just as he turned, Jack was unprepared as Sally sprung out from behind the headstone — arms extended and wrapping quickly around Jack's neck. Reacting purely on instinct Jack's arms grasped Sally's waist and positioned his feet to counterbalanced their combined weight to prevent either one from falling over.

Jack was completely stunned by the sudden assault. Not only had Sally managed to elude him, but she had managed to surprise him as well. Although he was not complaining at their current position.

"Looks like you caught me, Jack." Sally purred as she said his name, causing Jack to shiver slightly. "Now…What shall I give you as a prize?"

Now he was blanching. Sally wasn't acting like herself, and the Pumpkin King found he was unable to speak. She was so close and her lips — those tempting ruby-red lips — were only a few breaths away.

Sally giggled and slid herself out of Jack's arms, grasping his hand as she began walking away. Jack allowed her to pull him along. Normally he would question Sally's strange behavior, but all he could focus on was how her hair flowed behind her as she walked. He looked down at their hands. Amazing how her tiny hand grasped his with so much trust. The thought made Jack smile. Before he knew it they were back to their picnic spot in the pumpkin patch and Sally released his hand and went to sit down by her basket.

She patted the spot in front of her. "Come sit down."

Jack complied and sat down in front of her. He wanted to ask what Sally was up to but —

"Jack, you silly," Sally giggled. "You can't look yet. Now turn around or you won't get your surprise." She smiled and winked. Jack wasn't sure what she was planning but did as she asked. He turned so that his back was to her and waited for her to let him know that he could look. As he waited Jack heard Sally rummage through her basket as she searched for his surprise.

Wait a minute? Why did I have to turn around? Jack thought to himself. Couldn't I have just closed my eyes? Jack started to turn to ask Sally what she meant.

"Jack Skellington, don't you dare peek!"

Jack quickly turned back around, bringing his knees to his chin and wrapping his arms around his legs. He wasn't about to try that again, but by now his curiosity was peeked. He really wanted to know what Sally was up to. But if he turned around again, he might really upset her. Still, what could his dearest friend be up to?

To his relief he heard Sally say, "Okay Jack, are you ready for your surprise?"

"Yes Sally," he replied. "Does this mean I can turn around?" Sally didn't answer. Instead Jack felt two small hands on his shoulders as he was gently pulled backwards. He had no time to respond as he soon found himself lying on the ground with his head resting on Sally's lap. Jack instantly started blanching till his bones looked bleached. He tried to sit up but one touch of Sally's small hands on his shoulders told him to remain where he was.

"S-Sally?" Jack was having a hard time speaking. If he had a heart it would be hammering against his ribcage, threatening to burst through his chest. "W-What ar-are you d-doing?"

"Why, giving you your surprise, of course." She smiled and tapped his nose before turning back to her basket. She then reached inside and pulled out an opaque container. She took off the lid and pulled out one of Jack's favorite treats: Black Cherry Chocolates. "A special treat for my someone sweet. Now," Sally said, holding the enticing little treat. "Open."

Jack was puzzled for a moment until he realized what Sally wanted. She was telling him to open his mouth so she could feed him the cherry. His sockets widened in shock. He couldn't allow Sally to do that. It was so…so…Actually it was rather enticing, the thought of her wanting to hand feed him — her soft fingers gracing his bony lips…No, no! Not only were they in a very intimate position, but it was too much like a servant feeding their master. That was the last thing he wanted Sally to feel, no matter how much a small part of craved for this moment. He needed to stop this before it went any further.

"Sally," he started, "as much as I appreciate the gesture, I don't —"

"But Jacky," she pouted, interrupting him. "I just wanted give you something special." Her eyes widened and her lower lip was trembling. "I know how much you like Black Cherry Chocolates, so I spent the morning making the chocolate just how you like it. Mrs. Finklestein even helped me with the cherries."

Does she know how absolutely adorable she looks? Jack thought as he watched her. How could I be so unfair? My poor Baby Doll went to all that trouble for me. I don't deserve someone as sweet as she is. Jack looked up into Sally's waiting eyes, the cherry still in her hand. Oh, where's the harm? Very hesitantly he opened his mouth.

Sally brightened and squealed as he opened his mouth. Taking the cherry she gently place it in Jack's mouth. His eyes widened as his mouth closed.

The flavor of the chocolate cherry was simply divine. The creaminess of the dark chocolate mixed perfectly with the ripened black cherries, giving it its own unique flavor. But it was the look on Sally's face that made the candy all the sweeter. Jack adored how pleased she looked at his accepting her offer. He was also rather comfortable lying in her lap. Before he knew it Sally was running another chocolate cherry across his lips, telling him to open and receive another treat. The smell of the dark chocolate teased at his nose, making Jack lick his lips. The tip of his tongue ran past the chocolate's tantalizing flavor. He wanted more. He opened his mouth and let her feed him the cherry, but before her fingers could sneak away, Jack pressed a feather-light kiss to the tips. Sally responded by giggling and then reached for another cherry.

However, Jack beat her to it. She had conveniently placed the container where his long arms could reach, allowing Jack to swipe a cherry and hold it up to her lips. He smiled up at her surprised look. "It's only fair, my dearest, that I be allowed to offer you the same pleasure," Jack reasoned.

Sally giggled and opened her mouth. In the back of her mind part of her was panicking. What am I doing?! she thought. I've never been so bold with Jack, and suddenly I'm feeding him cherries? But before she could ponder another thought Jack had placed the delightful treat into her mouth. The taste was jus perfect: creamy dark chocolate balanced with the cherry's sweetness, creating a symphony of flavor on her pallet. Sally's eyes closed as she savored the taste, a warm smile spreading on her face.

I see why Sally insisted before, Jack thought to himself. They continued this action of feeding the other. As they went through the cherries the chocolate coating started to smear onto their fingers. Sally reached for a napkin but Jack quickly grabbed her wrist. He brought her trembling digits to his lips and, one-by-one, began to lick the chocolate from her fingers.

"Jack," Sally giggled, "that tickles."

Finishing the last finger Jack looked up with an innocent grin. "Couldn't help myself." They both laughed.

When the candies were gone the couple sat back to enjoy each other's company once again. Sally had shifted her legs to the side to give herself a more comfortable position, while Jack's head remained in her lap. She was so content, absentmindedly stroking his skull with one hand, and leaning on the other to keep herself upright. Slowly she began to hum a little tune.

Jack just smiled as he looked up at his Sally. And that little tune she hummed — it was their song, the one they sang to each other that fateful Christmas night. She looked so beautiful, like some Halloween enchantress that bewitched all who laid their eyes on her. And she was all his. His dearest friend. His beloved. His…everything.

His gaze drifted to the flowers he had picked for her earlier. Using his free hand, Jack plucked the smallest bloom. Though smaller than the others, Jack couldn't help but think it was the most beautiful of them all. Taking a quick sniff he also concluded it was the most fragrant. It would compliment well with Sally's natural scent of autumn leaves and midnight air. He brought it up and placed it behind Sally's right ear, intertwining the stem in a few strands of her red hair to keep it in place.

"There now, just perfect," he whispered. His smiled grew as he spotted the faint blush appear on Sally's cheeks. His gesture was rewarded as Sally leaned down and kissed his forehead, causing Jack to blanch a little.

Sally sighed. "Today has been perfect, thanks to you, my Pumpkin King." The use of his title sent a tingle up Jack's spine, causing his breath to hitch.

"W-Well, I wouldn't say that. Had I not been so preoccupied with things, this date would have happened sooner." He still felt guilty over having to postpone their date, but he was also glad for one thing. "Actually Sally, there was a reason I insisted for this particular day."

"Oh? Why's that?" Sally asked. She twisted so Jack could talk to her without seeing her upside down.

"You see, today is a very special day," Jack explained. "As you know, since my…incident…last Christmas, Sandy and I have been meeting with the other Holiday Leaders. One of them, a man called Cupid, explained that today was his holiday and I wished to spend it with you."

"Jack that's sweet but shouldn't you have told the Mayor about it?"

"Oh no my sweet doll. Had I done that, then he'd have me running about making the town ready for a new holiday, and then I'd never get to be with you." Jack reached back and took her hand, bringing it to his cheek. "You see my little bat," a wicked glean in his eyes, "I'm quite selfish when it comes to you. And on today of all days, I wanted you all to myself." He turned his head and pressed a lingering kiss to her palm.

"And why is that?" Not the Sally wasn't enjoying the attention. This was a whole new side of Jack. Usually he'd act so suave and gentlemanly around her whenever they went out, or sometimes he would act silly to make her laugh. This Jack, however, was completely different. This Jack was romantic and bold. He used endearing pet names for her and told her exactly what was in his heart. How could she not feel compelled to do the same?

Jack chuckled. "Because, I wish to ask you something." Jack removed himself from Sally's lap and sat up. He turned around so that he was kneeling on one knee and took her hands in his.

"You see, Sally, the reason today is so special is because today is what is known as Valentine's Day," Jack explained. "It is a day to be with the one you love; to show that person just how much they mean to you. I wanted to spend this day with you and ask you to be my valentine."

Sally was utterly touched. A holiday to celebrate love and to be with the person you loved most…It sounded like the perfect holiday (after Halloween of course). "Oh Jack, I would love—"

"But Sally," Jack cut her off. "I realized there's something I want more than to be just your valentine." Jack just couldn't hold back the flood of emotions he was feeling. This morning he planned for Sally to be his valentine, but after spending this day with her, that just didn't seem to be enough. He brought their joined hands to rest over his phantom heart. "My sweet night angel, I love you and I want to spend everyday with you. So what I'm trying to say is…Sally, my delicate darling. Would you make me the happiest skeleton and marry me?"

"Oh Jack, yes. Yes, I will." Sally laughed as she drew back her hands and threw herself into Jack's now open arms. Both felt an incredible exhilaration: they were going to get married!

Jack tightened his grip and lifted Sally up as he stood on his feet. With her arms locked around his neck and his firmly holding her waist, Jack twirled them around. They laughed until Jack slowly stopped so his Sally wouldn't be too dizzy. He gazed at her lovingly before surprising her again and sweeping her into a dance. They danced about the pumpkin patch, uncaring if they appeared graceful or not, or if anyone saw them.