Dr. Pepper, yo! Haha. On we go!

Disclaimer: William Joyce and Dreamworks own, I do not.

Chapter 8

(Jack POV)

Naturally, the three of us, excluding Dad, went out to eat at a restaurant. I filled the two in on auditions, Cole's antics and carefully left out any significant parts including Aster. I'd just told my mom the day before that I'd forged my father's signature an entire year before to join Sunfield, that I knew she had feelings for another man and that I'd witnessed Dad cheating in broad daylight. I'd let enough secrets off my chest at one time. I think telling her that I'd fallen in love at first sight that morning-and with another man, no less-could wait at least a few days.

The weekend passed slowly. I looked at the clock every five minutes, expecting twenty-five minutes to have gone by and being disappointed each time. I couldn't wait for Monday to see Aster again. It aggravated me that I'd seen him for at least a healthy hour, staring at him nearly the entire time and by the next day I couldn't quite recall his face-couldn't remeber the exact green of his eyes or the shape of them. I shook my head in misery and frustration, crossing my arms and grumbling to myself.

I looked up only to realize I was sitting on the couch, all three of my family members within the room and giving me weird looks.

"What?! People aggravate me, alright?!" I threw my hands up and jumped up from the couch, leaving the room quickly.

The real event of the weekend came Sunday night, though. Dad burst through the door that morning, telling us how he'd gotten a last-minute invitation to a big community holiday party. So we had an early dinner, my father and I dressing in tuxedoes and the ladies in nice dresses, before making our way to Burgess City Hall. The place was lit up with chandeliers, a giant Christmas tree off to the side of the room, red banners and bows draped about the room. Everyone was dressed nicely-including the waiters, whom carried around trays of appetizers and flutes of champagne. I declined both when they were brought my way, taking in the room and groomed guests, entranced by the scene before me.

As Pippa ran off with other children about ten minutes after arrival, I got left by myself, only to immediately be pulled into a large group of conversing businessmen by my father. Last-ditch effort to persuade me into taking over the business after him, if you ask me.

"Yes, well, my son here will be taking over the family business soon." My father told a man to the left of the ginormous circle, made up of easily thirty men.

"What's his name?" The older man asked snottily, adressing Dad instead of me.

"Jackson." Dad answered proudly, seemingly more satisfied he'd piqued the man's interest rather than me being boast-worthy.

"Jack." I answered sharply to my father, narrowing my eyes and causing his to widen. "It's Jack." I told the man as politely as I could muster. "And I think my choice career will find me elsewhere in the world." I admitted easily.

"Oh, yes. Good one-he's just joking." I could tell by my father's voice that he was embarassed. Well, sorry to disappoint, Dad. "What next? You'll find yourself prancing about a stage in a leotard and tights?" He asked sarcastically, garnering laughter from several men.

"No." I shook my head, chuckling. "I've already done that." I said as loudly and clearly as possible. Dad immediately turned on me, smile no longer on his face and anger marring his serious eyes. "I was thinking I'd become a cosmetologist." I answered with a fake smile and rebellious glint to my brown orbs. "Or maybe a drag queen. Depends on how much they pay."

"Jackson!" He yelled, not bothering to mask his anger. I simply stared at him.

"Mr. Overland." My breath hitched suddenly at the male voice I would forevermore recognize instantly. I felt as if I'd been punch in the stomach, a warmth starting in my abdomen and radiating throughout the rest of my body. "A'hm an...assistant director, if ya will, at Sunfield and Jack has displayed quite a bit of talent for the performing arts." At last, I broke my father's gaze to peer to the right, finding the same green-eyed man I'd had trouble remembering correctly just an hour before. Instead of looking at Dad, I found Aster staring into my eyes. A breathless smile broke out on my face, only to be returned with a dashing smirk. "Yeah, he's really somethin'-ya should be proud." With that last compliment, he finally looked to Dad, who smiled graciously, if a little warily, leading a few of the other business men away.

"Thank you." I told him, taking in the way he looked. It seemed it didn't matter if he was dressed up in fine clothes or everyday garments; he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. Easily.

"Ya welcome, mate." A charming smile appeared as he took a few steps toward me, before it turned to a smirk. "But ya really shouldn't try ta irritate him."

"He shouldn't work to make different areas of my life miserable." I shrugged with a grin on my face, receiving a chuckle in return.

Mmm. Sexy chuckle, some strange sort of inner voice purred. I waved the voice away half-heartedly, intent on speaking to the man in front of me.

"So I know you don't live in Burgess," I admitted, gesturing to our surroundings, "what brings you to the party?"

"Honestly?" He asked, seemingly nervous as he fidgeted with his champagne glass.

Wow. Look at those long fingers. You know what they'd be good for, don't you? Came the voice again.

Oh my gosh! I realized, having to keep myself from looking down at my growing problem. That's where you're coming from. My inner libido!

I nodded at Aster, remembering he'd asked me something.

"Ah thought ya might be here." Everything else froze in that moment as his confession sunk in.

"What?" I asked, my voice breathless, disbelieving what I'd just heard. He simply smiled at me. I suddenly noticed above his head a plant. One I was truly thankful for in that instant. "Mistletoe." I whispered softly, leaning forward, noticing he didn't even bother to look above his head, okay with any excuse he was given to kiss me. I closed my eyes, only having to wait a moment before a soft texture met mine, sucking on my bottom lip slowly, though the lack of speed didn't take away from the passion I felt in our shared, intimate gesture. Somehow, I found my hands had ended up cupping his neck, a pleasantly warm and loving touch against my waist and hip.

It ended naturally, not too long after it had started, me longing for more. He smiled at me, his eyes lighting up and I got a distinct feeling of deja vu-that I'd been there with him before, that there had always been something romantic about him to me.

"Have we met before?" I suddenly asked, unwinding my hands from his neck and leaning back as his hands slipped from around me. "I'm sorry." I shut my eyes and shook my head in embarassment before he could answer. "You just seem familiar to me; you probably remind me of someone I used to know." I explained.

"I know what ya mean." He surprised me by answering, smiling fondly at me.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Yeah." He nodded, before something behind me caught his eye and his smile dropped, disappointment (but not regret) on his face when our eyes met again. "I'm so sorry, Jack. I know this is the worst timing, but I have ta go, mate." He admitted, taking my hand and kissing it as he began to step back, not breaking eye contact. "But I'll see ya tamorrow." He assured.

"Promise?" I asked, my own disappointment evident in my face and-I was sure-my face. A delighted smile overtook his entire face.

"I promise." He moved backward, facing me but getting further away.

"Alright; I'll hold you to it." I joked with a smile. He took another step back and with a single woman passing between us, he was suddenly gone, disappearing out of thin air.

Like I said, this was a filler chapter, but I enjoyed writing it and hope you guys enjoyed reading it. Please tell me in a review. And while you're at it, I'd also like to hear if there are any songs you guys specifically associate with Jack and Bunny. Any songs that automatically make you think of the fantastic duo? Please tell me in a review :D

~I'mBelleGoose