Jack was actually smiling today. Not the fake and reassuring smile of "I'm fine, just tired." smile, no, an actual radiant smile. He was laughing at was Aster was saying while walking to class, Aster thankfully didn't push any answers out of Jack about the crying incident, and Jack felt more comfortable than he ever had with anybody.

When Aster got Jack to his class, it was interesting to say the least.

"Thanks for walking me to class Aster." Jack smiled, teeth and all.

"No problem Snowflake." he softly smiled, looking down at the pale teen.

"Bye, see you at lunch." Jack waited for Aster to say goodbye back, but Aster hesitated. Jack looked up at him questioningly.

"Bye Snowflake." Aster said while sweeping him in to a big hug. Jack was perfectly tucked under Aster's chin, and he desperately tried to push down a bright red blush that was heating up his face. Jack couldn't even feel the pain from the burn on his ribs he felt so safe and comfortable. All to soon it ended.

Aster pulled away, but still kept a hand on his shoulder, and said, "Be safe Snowflake." softly, and whisper y. Jack saw something then spark in Aster's eyes, but Aster walked off before he could identify what it was he saw. Jack sighed, unsure, but turned to go in to class.

However, Aster's wishes for him to 'be safe' better work, because Jack was stuck with Pitch Black in this certain class.

'Please, please, please don't give us a make-up work day...' Jack chanted in his head.

"Class, today since so many of you do have missing work, I am afraid it is a late work day." the class cheered, while one sneered, and the other sulked.

Jack kept his eyes down, not wanting to get noticed. However, Pitch was already slithering towards him like a shadow.

"Hello Jackie dearest." Jack shivered at the pet name Pitch had given him a long time ago.

Jack ignored him.

~~~~Pitch POV~~~~

I smirked down at the pale little being before me. I was ready to use my silver tongue, just to see this Frostbite look at me with those big blue eyes. When he didn't look up at 'Jackie' I knew I had to 'up' my game.

"How are you and that bunny rabbit getting along...Snowflake?" He snapped his head up and glared with his icy eyes directly in to my golden eyes. Just what I wanted.

I gently gripped his chin in between my thumb and index, watching his jaw clench, and teeth grind against each other. I leaned in and breathed softly on his ear, enjoying the way he shivered under my touch. I felt so...in control, I smirked.

"What if daddy heard about this?" I whispered softly, as he stiffened like a frightened winter rabbit faced with a wolf.

"That's right Jackie, I know your daddy, and I for sure know that he wouldn't like you to have any friends." I pulled back, still holding his chin and looking directly in to his eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes that were wet with frightened tears. I tsked softly and swiped my thumb gently at his budding tears, wiping them away. I pulled away and stood, whisping to his side like a whisper.

"Jackie, if you meet me behind the school at lunch, I won't tell daddy about how bad you've been." and I walked away, the bell ringing as I picked up my bag and swiftly walked out.