Hello. First off, I'd like to say that this is my first piece House of Night fan fiction, so don't be too harsh on me. I just finished Untamed last night, which gave my muse a kick start. I'd like to warn you though, that this story will entail slash, homosexual themes, or whatever you care to call it. Why? Because it's written from Jack's point of view, who doesn't get nearly enough attention. Since I've warned you now, you have the choice of turning back if gayness makes you uncomfortable. If you chose to keep on reading, good for you! Now sit back and enjoy the, um, show?

--

I leaned against Damien's warm body as Zoey switched on the movie. We were having a "Star Wars" marathon that night, at least original ones, as Eric had begged. I wasn't even sure that a professor was supposed to be mingling with the fledglings like he was, but no one else was complaining, so I wasn't going to either. Besides, I'd grown rather found of the guy, and not just because he was smoking hot and the most incredible actor in the world, because hello, I had a steady boyfriend!

At that moment, I couldn't help but to grin. It seemed like a century ago when we'd been forced to take down that nasty demon, well, Zoey, Damien, and the Twins, but I was there offering support! Anyway, it was nice, having only to think about trivial things now, like those gorgeous sunglasses Damien had gotten me for my birthday, or how I wished my hair was more the color of Aphrodite's, even though she'd probably had a personal hairstylist do it.

When I looked over to see Eric fixated intently upon the television screen, I struggled to fight back a giggle. Now I knew how to ace his class, just pop in "Star Wars" and I was set. I felt Damien's eyes on me, so I turned to gaze back at him, seeing that he was also smiling.

"What's so funny?" I asked, frowning slightly.

"Nothing. It's just, seeing you so amused makes me happy," he replied softly.

"Aw!" I cooed, full on grinning now. "That was so sweet I might just have to kiss you now."

"I wouldn't object to that," he chuckled, and I leaned up to give him a quick peck on the lips.

I heard gaging noises and didn't even have to look over to know it was the Twins, but they didn't mean it. Besides, it wasn't like I hadn't caught them kissing guys before...

Damien was about to shoot some smart-ass, albeit joking comment when Aphrodite burst into the room, aglow with what I knew had to be some juicy gossip. In case you're wondering, she'd been allowed to stay on at the academy, even though was human now, because it was obvious Nyx still had her hand upon her, even though she could be a mega bitch at times.

"Hey guys, guess what I just heard from Professor Lenobia?" she announced.

"What, they're finally going to send you home?" Shaunee muttered.

Obviously, there was still some kinks to work out between Aphrodite and the "Nerd Heard," as she liked to call us, but for the most part, we managed to be civil to each other. It was amazing how going through traumatic events can draw people together. On a lighter note, Professor Lenobia had taken over the school after Neferet had been taken into custody by the Council, and the gang, especially Zoey, couldn't have been any happier with the decision.

"Much as I wish that I could leave this hell hole sometimes, no," Aphrodite sneered. "Anyway, she said we're going to be getting a new student from the New York House of Night. Supposedly, having to constantly live amongst so many people has been getting to him since he was home schooled, so he requested to be sent somewhere a little less crowded. That's all I could get out of her, though, that, and he'll be needing someone to show him around when he gets here. She figured one of us could do it?"

"Ooh, we haven't had a new student since Stark!" I squealed, clasping my hands together. "I'll show him around!"

"Of course. That's why I already suggested you to Professor Lenobia, and she seemed alright with it." Aphrodite rolled her eyes, attempting to act like she didn't give a shit.

I wanted to give her a big hug, but I knew she'd only complain and shove me away, so I remained attached to Damien for the time being.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that," I beamed up at her.

She snorted and looked away. "Don't mention it."

And I didn't... Nice acts weren't something she felt compelled to do on a normal basis, even after all that had happened, and it had a lot to do with how she was raised. In other words, if Aphrodite's kindness decided to make a guest appearance, it was vital not to make a big deal out of it least she start boycotting humanity entirely again.

"You're supposed to go to her office first thing tomorrow, and you'll get the specifics then," Aphrodite informed me as she made her way over to Zoey's side and sank down gracefully beside her. "Ugh, 'Star Wars' again?" she groaned.

"Stop bitching, Aphrodite," Eric warned half-heartedly, not bothering to turn away from the movie.

"Well, excuse me Professor," she smirked, not sounding the least bit sorry.

I shook my head in amusement. Looked like it was just another day in the life...

--

The next morning, or night depending on how you looked at it, I raised a hand to knock on the door to Professor Lenobia's office, the prospect of unearthing more information about the new student causing me to bounce on the balls of my feet with nervous excitement.

"Welcome Jack," she greeted as I came to stand in front of her desk.

"Uh, hi Professor," I smiled warmly at her. "I heard there was going to be a new student, and he needed showing around?"

"You heard right," she smiled politely back at me. "His name is Freddie Starr, or so he goes by now, and he's your age. I'm sure Aphrodite filled you in on the rest of the details?"

"Yep. When is he supposed to get here?" I asked.

"Here in a few minutes, actually..."

If she was going to say anything else, it was interrupted by a knock on the door. I couldn't help but to think of how clichéd it was, but decided to keep that opinion to myself.

"Come in," Professor Lenobia called, and in stepped the most angelic-looking boy I'd ever seen, even more so than Damien, which I felt really guilty about admitting to myself, even though it was true.

He had reddish brown hair that was a little shaggy, but a stylish kind of shaggy, brilliant jade green eyes, very masculine facial features that matched rather well with what I determined was a toned body, despite all that his clothes were covering, and was tall, but not intimidatingly so like the Sons of Erebus.

"Uh, hi," the boy smiled shyly at us. "I'm Freddie Starr, and I was told to come here?"

"You were told right then," Professor Lenobia told him. "Welcome to our House of Night. Here's your list of classes, and room number," she handed him a piece of paper that had previously been sitting on her desk. "This is Jack Twist," she then gestured to me. "He's going to show you around, and if you have any questions just ask him. Anything he can't answer, one of the professors should be able to, so don't be afraid to come to one of us."

Freddie nodded, looking a little dazed, and I immediately felt sorry for the poor kid. Once he got familiar with the place, and got to know all of my amazing friends though, I knew he'd be feeling much better, call it a hunch.

"What about my bags?" he finally questioned.

"Don't worry about those, dear, the Sons of Erebus will take care of them. They've been informed of where your new dorm is," Professor Lenobia assured him. "Now, any more questions?"

"I don't think so..." Freddie trailed, studying his shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. He was so awkward that it was endearing, which again, I felt guilty about admitting.

"Alright then, good luck," Professor Lenobia gave a curt not.

"I think that's our cue to get a move on it," I said to Freddie. "Come on, I'll introduce you to my friends."

He seemed to realize then that I wasn't some major asshole that was only showing him around because I had to, which I gaged by his shoulders relaxing and the grin slowly beginning to make its way across his face.

"Sure," he agreed.

Suddenly, I was frozen in place. His smile was just that dazzling...

"Um, Jack?" Freddie waved a hand in front of my face, bringing me out of my stupor.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something I forgot to do," I lied. "Come on then..." I started to walk towards the door in hopes of hiding my flushed face from him.

If there was one thing I already knew about Freddie Starr, it was that I was attracted to him, and that no good could come from it, especially if he was straight. Now I was starting to understand exactly how Zoey had felt being attracted to multiple guys, and needless to say, I wasn't grateful for the revelation.