Aster's parents left the room leaving Aster to talk to Jack about what ever teenage boys talk about. Jack looked up at Aster wondering if he was ok with this arrangement, he suddenly grew nervous what if Aster was angry for accepting the offer? What if he was angry about the Easter incident two years ago? "Come on you Gumby, I'll show you to your bedroom." Aster noticed how Jack's tense shoulders dropped at his words. "OK let's go." Jack stood up kind of shaky on his injured ankle but didn't ask for help, he followed Aster out the door and down the hall. "This is the bathroom, there's my parents room and that one there is my sister's room, the kitchen and living room are down the stairs and this one here is the guest room." Aster gave a mini tour of his house.

Jack stood outside the closed door not sure what to expect. In his old home he just slept on the ground in the attic with a single blanket. Aster nudges him forward, nervously he reached up and grasped the door handle and slowly pushed it open. Jack stood in shock, there was a large double bed with light blue covered doonas, a large closet on the left wall, near the window was a desk and chair, there was I mirror over the dressing table. Aster stood nervously behind Jack not sure what his new friend would think of the room.

"I know it's not much but it'll be better than sleeping in the snow." Aster let out a nervous laugh. "Are you kidding me, this is so much more than I even expected, are you sure it's ok for me to stay in this room? I would be happy on the floor." Jack said shocked that all of this was for him, he couldn't but stop and wonder if the was a catch? Would Fred be like his dad? Would he have to do those things to pay them back for their kindness? Jack shuddered at the thought and pushed the rest of his dark thoughts to the back of his mind.

"Of course it's fine for you to have this room, and why would you even think of sleeping on the floor?" Aster was shocked at the idea of forcing someone to sleep on the floor, but why did the idea seem so normal to Jack? "Thank you." Jack said simply as he made his way into the room, he seemed reluctant to touch anything. Aster suddenly remembered, Jack was covered in dirt and blood and had been wearing the same clothes for at least the past two days. Aster suddenly realised Jack had no belongings other than the clothes on his back.

"Come on you must be wanting a shower, you can borrow some of my clothes until you get your own." Jack nodded and followed Aster back to his room where he got given a pair of grey trackies and a black t-shirt. He followed Aster to the bath room where he was given a towel and left in peace to clean up.

Jack looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, he could see his black eye and bloodied scratches on his face clearly despite all the dirt on his face. Turning away from his face in disgust he turned to face the pristine white shower, he eyed it nervously. When was the last time he had had a shower? It had been before that incident, after that he had taken to bathing in the lake til it froze over for winter, after that he just washed as best he could using taps.

Jack removed his hoodie and eyed his chest in disgust, not an inch of the skin was without blemish. He traced his hand over his self-inflicted injuries. Closing his eyes and taking a deep calming breath he removed his pants and boxers. He walked to the shower and turned on the water to a warm temperature before stepping in, he relished the feeling of being warm before he started to clean himself properly for the first time in years.

While Jack was in the shower Aster went down stairs to where his mum was starting to prepare dinner for the five of them. "Aster honey do you know if Jack is allergic to anything?" His mum asked when she spotted him. "No sorry mum, I don't know." Aster begun to wonder just how much he knew about Jack, he decided the answer was not a lot. Aster looked around for Sophie but couldn't find her. "Mum where's Sophie?" His mum looked up before replying. "She's gone over to the Bennett's house for the night, I thought it best considering the situation." Aster nodded in agreement. "I showed Jack to the guest bedroom, he's currently having a shower, but there's a slight problem." Aster said. "What's that sweetie?" Lara asked turning from her cooking to look at her son. "Well Jack doesn't have any belongings and if what his father dais is true he can't go home to get anything without being in danger."

"You're right I didn't even think of that, I guess there's nothing to do but take him shopping but in the meantime I'm sure you can lend him some." Lara started to plan out if they would have enough food and money to cater for a second teenager. Sighing she realised it would be fine, it shouldn't cut into their savings too much. "I've already given him some to wear for today but he doesn't even have shoes!" Aster was angry because no one deserved to be treated the way Jack has been. "I know honey it's awful, there's nothing we can do to change the past but we can do our best to make his future better, and if that means giving him somewhere to live and buying him some clothes so be it." Aster's dad had come into the kitchen and joined in the conversation.

"I just wish there was some way we could help him more." Lara said, her heart going out to the poor kid. "I think our best course of action is to not act any differently around him, welcome him to our family, make him feel welcome and know that we would never hurt him. He needs to be remaindered of what he deserves. That he deserves love." Fred said determinedly, little did he know just how much of an impact his words would make.

Jack had chosen that moment to come down stairs, he overheard a part of the speech but unluckily for everyone he had overheard the wrong part. "… hurt him, he needs to be remaindered of what he deserves." Jack had heard that part and vanished back upstairs before hearing the last part. He went into the room he had been given and leaned against the door this thoughts racing. Fred was no better than his own dad, this house won't be any different to his own home. Should he leave now before he could get hurt more? He was contemplating running before his tummy growled reminding him just how hungry he was. Maybe he should stay and see if he could get at least one decent meal in for the week. Deciding that if didn't eat here he wouldn't get another chance for food for at least a few more days, he wasn't sure he would last that long.

Deciding he must risk a beating for something to eat he left the room and made his way down stairs, this time what he heard shocking him more than the previous time. "I think we should check on him he's been awhile, I'm worried about him." Lara said with a nervous glance to the stairs, luckily she didn't notice Jack. "He is so skinny, it looks like he hasn't eaten a decent meal for weeks, what if he is more seriously injured than we first thought? Oh that poor boy I hope he's ok." Lara was beginning to worry, no one takes this long in a shower. Fred sighed and wrapped an arm around his wife's waist comforting. "I'm sure he's fine and is just taking a moment to clear his head, we don't know the extent of the situation or what he's been through, but like I said before all we can do is make sure he gets what he deserves and that's a loving family." Fred repeated his words before.

Jack stood there shocked, not only was Lara worrying about him but Fred had no intention of hurting him, he just had heard only part of the conversation and he could have laughed at his own stupidity. But Jack Frost doesn't laugh, instead he went downstairs, deciding to himself that he would try and trust these people because the one thing he longed for was a family, for someone to believe in him.

"Jack you're ok." Lara exclaimed happily, all her previous worries vanishing. "Sorry if I took too long, it's just that it's been awhile since I've last showered." Jack didn't notice the worried looks that the Bunnymunds exchanged. "Jack I was just preparing dinner and was wondering if you had an allergies?" Lara asked trying to get uncomfortable thoughts out of her head. "No, I don't, at l-least I don't think I do." Everyone could pick up Jack's uncertainty. "Thanks, I hope you like roast pork." Before Jack could reply the timer went off and Lara rushed back into the kitchen to finish off dinner.

"Aster could you set the table for me?" Fred asked. Aster nodded and left, that meant that Jack and Fred were left alone and Jack couldn't help but start to panic. What if he was just saying those nice things so his parents would suspect anything? What if he was expected to do those things he did for his father? "Jack, I wanted to talk to you come and grab a seat." Jack nodded nervously and sat down at the edge of the offered seat. "I understand that your previous father figure did some terrible things to you." Jack tensed fearing where this was going. "I just wanted to know let you know that I have no intention of ever hurting you, you are welcome to stay here as long as you want, I want you to think of this as your home now too." Jack looked at Fred's face for any signs of deceit and gave a half smile when he found no sign of it. "Whenever you feel up to it I want you to know that you can always talk to me about it."

"Ah sir, I appreciate the offer but I have no money, no possessions how am I supposed to pay you back?" Jack asked nervously, for him this was the moment of truth, if Fred gave the right answer Jack knew he would be safe here, after all his dad had taken payment in the form of sexual favours. "Jack you need not fear about paying us back, as for no possessions we will get you some knew clothes and shoes, we will cover cost of medical bills and any other fees that may arise. If you really want to pay us back you could do chores around the house but you don't have to."

Jack was in shock, not only were these people giving him a home they were offering to buy him clothing, and not asking for anything in return. A sliver of doubt edged into his mind as he worried about what chores he could be asked to do. He pushed those thoughts from his mind and smiled his first real smile in a while. "Thank you so much sir." Jack replied and Fred chuckled. "There's no need to call me sir, my name is Fred call me that." Before Jack could reply Lara called that dinner was ready.

Jack followed Fred into the dining room where four plates were filled with food, there was one plate with a considerable more amount of food, and there was also a plate with no meat on it. Jack assumed this was his because he was never allowed to eat what everyone else was eating. He was surprised when Aster sat down with a side comment of being a vegetarian, Jack waited til everyone else sat down and was surprised when the largest plate was left for him. "Jack come sit down, you must be hungry come and eat." Lara said with a concerned look on her face.

Jack wasn't sure what to do, he couldn't remember the last time he had eaten at a table like an equal, like a human being. Nervously he edged forward and pulled the chair out and sat down, his heart racing, half expecting to be punished. He slowly reached for his knife and fork upon grabbing them he held them awkwardly, not used to holding them. He looked at the huge plate of food in front of him there was more food on that plate than he would eat in a month! Hesitantly he forked a bit of the salad and took a bite, when no beating came he dug in. he shovelled mouthful after mouthful of food into his mouth and finished before any of the others had despite his larger serving.

Sitting back in his seat Jack allowed a small smile to grace his lips, he was full for the first time in years, the smile disappeared as his stomach started to feel weird like he had just eaten way too much in a short period of time after being close to starvation. He stood up and ran upstairs to the bathroom and threw up his meal into the porcelain bowl. He heard three pairs of footsteps arrive behind him, he felt a hand land on his back and he flinched away, fearing punishment.

"Shush sweetie its ok just get it all up." Lara hesitantly touched his back and this time Jack didn't flinch so she rubbed soothing circles on his back as he emptied his stomach of the last of its contents. "When was the last time you ate a proper meal?" Fred asked his thoughts racing, the only reason Jack would be throwing up so violently is if his stomach wasn't used to proper food. "I'm not sure, I've eaten bits and pieces here and there but I haven't eaten a decent meal like that for years." Jack said before he went back to throwing up. Because he had his head stuck in the bowl he didn't notice the way his words had stunned the Bunnymunds.

Aster went back down stairs to get some water for Jack, his thoughts whirling in his head. He hadn't eaten anything proper in years? No wonder he was so tiny. Aster couldn't imagine what would cause a parent to do this to a child. He made a promise to himself that he would never allow anyone to hurt Jack again, whether physically or mentally. Aster grabbed the water and went back stairs just as his parents were leading a weak Jack from the bathroom to his room. He trailed behind them as they settled Jack into his bed. "Are you sure it's ok for me to sleep in a bed." Jack asked his voice gravely. "Of course it is, where else would you sleep?" His father said confusion evident in his voice. "Used to sleeping on floor or outside, no big deal." Jack said before trailing off to sleep.

His parents exchanged worried glances while his mother smoothed back Jack's sweat filled locks from his face. She gasped and put her wrist to her forehead. "He's burning up." She states worriedly, she guess that it would be normal after sleeping outside, being beaten then over eating. "Should we call a doctor to check on him?" She asks her husband who shakes his head no. "It's best that we don't get anyone involved, we know he didn't want to go to the hospital there must be a reason for that." His wife nodded in agreement and left to get some medical supplies to help reduce his fever.

"Aster it's late, why don't you head to bed, I will tell you how Jack is in the morning." Aster nodded and made his way into his bed room and face palmed when he saw his bloodied sheets. Sighing to himself he stripped his bed and threw them into the corner, pulling clean ones out of his cupboard. Making his bed he jumped into it after stripping his shirt off. He was physically and mentally exhausted after the day's events. Rolling onto his side wondering just what exactly Jack's story was. How did his sister die? Crap he was going to have to tell the others about what happened. He decided it would be best to do it tomorrow, Aster rolled over and fell into a fitful sleep.

The next morning Jack's fever had gone down and he was feeling better, his ankle was nowhere near as swollen and he could put more weight on it without it hurting. When Aster went downstairs for breakfast Jack was already there eating a small meal of toast. "His parents explained to him that Jack would need to eat little amounts regularly to get his body used to food again.

The biggest shock about Jack though was the fact he was sitting at the table with Sophie making her laugh her little head off as he made funny faces at her. "Emmerst, good morning, how did you sleep?" His father asked him. "I slept alright dad, how is he?" Aster asked in concern.

"He seems to be good, he was really quiet and refused to really talk to us, but when Sophie got dropped home by Mrs Bennett he cheered up instantly, he's really great with kids." As if to confirm his point Sophie let out an extra-large giggle. Aster smiled happy that Jack seemed to be happier, even if it was directed at his little sister. Aster realised that Sophie must remind him of his own sister, Aster once again felt his heart breaking for the boy. "Aster, Jack it's time for school, I've got both your lunches here, oh and Aster could you lend Jack a pair of your shoes?" His mum handed them both food and Jack grabbed one of Aster's old backpacks and slipped his food into it.

"Of course mum." He quickly went back upstairs and grabbed a pair of blue converses and some socks. "Here Jack hopefully these are alright." He gave the shoes to Jack who nodded thanks and silently pulled them. "Alright boys have a good day at school and make sure you come straight home afterwards." Lara pulled Aster into a hug, upon realising him she looked at Jack uncertain for a moment before pulling Jack into a hug as well. Jack froze at the contact before hesitantly returning her hug. Aster watched shocked as a single tear slipped down Jack's face. Had it really been that long since he's been shown compassion?

Jack when realised the hug grabbed his bag and fled out the door before anyone could say anything. "Did… did you notice him crying?" Aster asked a little shocked. His parents both nodded clearly they understood better than him that it meant that Jack was in desperate need of love and attention, he was touch starved. "Go to school honey, we will discuss more when you get home." Aster nodded to his parents and continued out to the street, slightly surprised to find Jack waiting a few houses down for him.

"I thought I'd wait for you and we could possibly walk to school together." Jack seemed shy and uncertain. "Of course we can, you never have to be alone again mate." Jack smiled up at him and they walked in silence for a few blocks before Jack suddenly froze, his wide eyes staring at someone across the street from them. Jack quickly ran and hid behind a wall, literally shaking in his boots. Aster looked at who spooked Jack so much and realised that it was the man from the lake, Jack's father. Aster made his way over to Jack keeping an eye on his father. Reaching jack's side he pulled him into a side hug silently showing that he wasn't alone anymore.

Aster watched with growing dread as the man crossed the road and seemed to be heading straight to them. Jack noticed as well and tried to hide himself in Aster's side, shaking even harder than before. Aster pushed Jack behind himself trying to protect the smaller boy. The man approached them, a sneer on his face, as if he had stepped on something disgusting.

"So the little whore has found a new playmate already, why am I not surprised?" His voice was filled with distain. Aster was in shock, what did this guy mean? "I knew it couldn't be long before he seduced another male, after all we all know how the little faggot is." All of this was directed to Jack who was trying to hide behind Aster. The man redirected his attention to Aster. "How many times have you fucked him so far? He's tight little asshole feels so good on your cock right?" Aster was disgusted, had this man raped his own son? "You know I would have fucked him yesterday but I was aware we had company, sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong." Aster was shaking in rage, how dare this man talk to him like that? Just how long has this been going on?

"I think you should go now." Aster said trying to stay calm. The man got up in his face, slamming his hand into the way beside Aster's face. "He's my son, if I want to talk to him than I will." Aster's heart was racing and he was terrified, he knew that this man was dangerous and if he didn't diffuse the situation soon they could be seriously hurt. He looked around for help but they were in a quiet part of the town, there was no one else around. "That's not what you said yesterday, if I remember correctly you said 'you are no son of mine' meaning you have disowned him and have no right to talk to him if he doesn't want to talk to you." Aster knew it was a bold thing to say, that it would either diffuse the situation or make it that much worse. When the man got so close to him that they were almost touching, Aster knew he had made a mistake. "Who the fuck do you think you are to talk to me like that, you don't know what this little shit has done, cause if you knew you wouldn't be so willing to defend him." The man back up a bit and Aster realised a breath he didn't realise he had been holding.

"He's a murderer, he's killed before and if you don't watch your back either you or your family could be next." Aster's jaw dropped and the man laughed evilly before walking away. Slowly he turned around to face Jack who was even paler than normal and looked like he was about to pass out. "Jack are you ok?" Aster asked confused, he decided that he would ignore everything that he had just heard and instead worry about his friend's mental health. Jack just shook his head and pushed past Aster running as fast as he could, Aster ran after him calling out for him to wait but before he knew it he had lost the kid.

Aster begun to panic not sure what to do now, he knew that he had to find Jack but wasn't sure where to start. He decided to head home and see if his parents were there. He started walking home when North suddenly rounded the corner and yelled excitedly when he saw Aster. "Bunny it's good to see you, how was your night?"

"Eventful mate, there's a lot to catch you up on with the whole Jack Frost situation, but first we need to find Tooth and Sandy." North nodded at his friends' seriousness. After a few minutes the four friends were gathered and Aster explained everything that had happened to him from the moment he left them to the moment of bumping into North. Tooth was shocked she heard about all of his previous injuries and openly started crying when she realised that Jack's father had implied that he had raped his own son. North shook with rage and Sandy looked ready to punch something. "We have to find him before something happens." With that the four friends split up and started searching for their missing friend, North took the area around the school, Sandy searched around the park, Tooth looked around the major shopping centre and Aster when to the lake.

While the four friends were looking for Jack someone else had beaten them to finding him. Pitch Black had been walking to school and had over seen the whole interaction with Aster, Jack and his father. Pitch had followed Jack when even Aster couldn't, Jack had run into the forest but not where the lake was, he ran into the darkest part where there was a small cave that Jack had used as a place to sleep a few nights. Pitch walked into the cave and smiled in pleasure at the sound of Jack's broken sobs. "Oh Jack surely you knew this was going to happen." Jack stiffened but ignored Pitch.

"I tried to warn you, no one would ever accept you, I was there for you when no one else was but you managed to destroy that like you've destroyed everything else. No one will ever love you, you will be alone and invisible to the world forever, Jack Frost the boy who was forgotten." Pitch backed out of the cave laughing evilly.

Jack watched as Pitch left, his words repeating inside of his head, he knew they were true. Now that Aster knew he was dirty, used and a killer he wouldn't be welcomed back into his home. Jack looked around the cave he had often thought of as a second home, he had a few belongings stashed here, he reached for his razor blade that he kept hidden here. He had often resorted to self-harm when he was feeling like this, but this time he decided enough was enough. It was time to end it all, he rolled up his sleeves and stared at all of his previous cuts. His father wished he had been the one who died? Fine, he'll finely get his wish. Jack drew the blade deeply across his left wrist a few times before moving onto his right wrist and repeating the process. Jack dropped the razor and allowed his eyes to drift close, a small smile graced his lips as he slipped into unconsciousness, prepared to greet death like an old friend.

So ah can anyone say cliff hanger? Yes I know it's a bad place to leave it but I should have the next chapter out in a few days.

I'm not sure if I should put the rating up or not?

Please review and let me know what you think :)