Rain fell on the window.
It was really to cold for rain but the sea shore's moderate climate kept the air just warm enough to stop the rain from freezing. Bill and Hector were both wrapping themselves around Jack at the time while Jack himself made sure Bill had him spooned nicely and Hector's face was nestled gently in his hair. There image of peace was completed when Hector leaned over the bed to pick up and place Jack the Ferret on the bed.
"Did you really have to but that thing up here?" Jack groaned, as the baby ferret snuggled between himself and Hector.
"He's too small to get up here by himself" Hector said rubbing little Jack. The human Jack scowled at the little ferret before snuggling closer to Bill.
"You know I bloody hate that rat."
"Don't be mean to little Jack," Hector said placing the ferret above the covers. "I know you love him or else you wouldn't have bought 'em for me. You need to be more like Bill in this situation."
Then Hector did something extremely rare. He leaned over Jack's head and kissed Bill. Lately Bill and Hector had been acknowledging each other in this relationship, but only with Jack's influence or example. Only every now and they'll hug or kiss with out any influence at all.
Seeing this made Jack smile, the soft rain and wind out side made him realize this would probably be the most peaceful moment of the night, maybe even the week, and what was peace with out a little chaos.
"I'm leaving, "He said. Bill and Hector were quiet for a few seconds before Bill propped himself on his elbow to look at Jack, trying to catch a little light in the darkness.
"Look I know you don't like Little Jack but it's to cold for him on the floor."
"No, no 'm not talking about that ferret, I mean school."
"What about it?" Bill asked.
"Mum says she's given me every thing I've ever wanted, and it's high time I pay my debt. I have to do something for her, give her something she wants. 'N that's for me to finish school at a prep school." It was silent for a bit then Hector asked: when are you Leaving?
"Next year," Jack said
"I'll go with you! 'M graduating this year, I'll find a flat near you," Hector said.
"You sure, it's in Scotland, not much around the school."
"You'll be there, you liven things Jack." They both sat up and embraced.
"You serious?" Jack asked.
"Of corse mate, "They kissed and although the Sparrow Manor was well heated Jack's back was cold.
Jack broke away quickly and turned to Bill. "'M Sorry love," he whispered.
Bill still had a year left in school and with no money and average grades there was no way Bill would be accompanying them north.
Not saying anything else Hector and Jack moved so Bill was nestled between them. They all eventually fell asleep , and though the temperature under and above the blankets reached uncomfterbly warm temperatures Jack's back was still unbearably cold.