AN: The story is still set in 2016 from when I first started writing it. I will go back once 2019 shows up and change the 4 years to 7 years (since the movie came out in 2012) Lol I know; it's a big jump. What I like though is that Hallow means Holy and 7 is considered a holy number so it works. Anyway on with the show!

I searched for only an extra two hours before tiredness completely took over me. Bunny is right, as much as I hate to admit it. I need my rest. Sleeping and flying is just as bad as drinking and driving, and when it came to the point where I nodded off and nearly hit a tree, I knew that I had to stop. I know I said I would give my life to help my friends, but I'd like to rescue them first, and not die at impact with a tree.

So with much hesitation, I reluctantly flew back to my not-so haunted mansion, and when the familiar sight reached my eyes...it was not-so familiar too. Not when my friends no longer inhabited it.

Sadness replaced my tiredness as I walked the empty halls, but when I make it to the spot where the black sandy horse had been my sadness turned to anger and my broom turned into a scythe. Next thing I know I'm screaming in rage and I start swinging, destroying everything around me.

The old vase on top of the table stand? Shattered. The table stand itself? Broken. The wallpaper? Shredded.

My angry growls turned into sad pathetic sobs that echoed throughout the house, being the only noise I could hear. I dropped my scythe, leaned my back against the shredded wall, and slid down to the floor.

I brought my knees forward to my chest and buried my face in my arms, crying like a stupid weak little baby. I couldn't help it though. I really couldn't no matter how hard I tried to stop. Everything just sort of...exploded all at once. I hate crying, but...at least I'm alone. No one, besides Manny, will see.

But being alone is the whole reason why I'm crying. The one thing I hate the most is being alone and now here I am...alone.

It was then that I remembered Jack's words from before. Perhaps I should stay at the Pole. After all, Crescent and Harley are there, and I know they don't want to come back here. I don't want them to. I don't want them to see this place swallowed in such...darkness. Real darkness.

I love the darkness, or at least the kind that I'm accustomed to. The kind of darkness that fills me with magic and happiness. The kind where I'm not alone. The kind where I have my friends to share it with. I've never known any other kind. I've never known a kind of darkness like this. A truly evil kind. The kind where I'm alone.

I mean, before I met my friends, I was alone, roaming the world doing things to my instinct as if I've always done them, but I never felt...empty inside. I didn't know what it felt like to be part of a family then. I didn't have anything to compare my being alone to. Now I do.

And I can't decide if feeling such strong emotions is a good thing or not.

.

.

.

Everyone was sound asleep when I transported myself to the Pole (after much debate).. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, and to be honest I was surprised. Christmas is in two months; you'd think everyone would be working their asses off. Something I should be doing. Halloween and the two days after are literally just a few weeks away. I'm nowhere near done. What am I going to do?

Sleep, my inner voice said. You're going to sleep.

"Ha," I scoffed in a whisper, "There's no way I'll be able to sleep tonight."

"Talking to yourself huh?" A voice said, making me whirl around in surprised. "You really are crazy." He wasn't anywhere to be seen...until I looked up.

Sitting on the railing to the second floor of the workshop was Jack, looking just as white in the dark as he is in the light. He was smirking, and while amusement shined in his eyes, tiredness did too.

"You seriously need to get some new material," I tell him, obviously annoyed, but more so curious. "What are you doing up? You should be asleep."

Jack shrugs but says nothing as he gently levitates himself down to me. When his feet met the floor he said, "I could ask you the same question. Perhaps just like you, I was unable to find sleep."

"So you, what?" I questioned as I cocked my head to the side, analyzing what he was doing beforehand. "Decided to wander the halls of the Pole like a creep?"

"You know everything there is to know about creeps, huh?" He asked, a huge smile displayed on his face. We've known each other for almost an entire day and already he seems to absolutely love getting me riled up. It's like he can't get enough of it. It's like he feeds off of people's irritation when he annoys them. He's like a parasite. A disgusting tapeworm.

"But to answer your question," he went on before I could answer, "I was indeed wandering the halls."

"Why? Were you...waiting for me or something?" I knew what I was going to ask before I said it, and I had planned to sound very taunting, but as soon as I opened my mouth...I don't know...The accusing tone that was in my head was suddenly lost and was replaced with one of full curiosity and...a bit of hopefulness? Why would I be hopeful? And even worse, why is my stomach twisting itself in nervous knots?

Jack softly chuckles. "I was just patrolling. Did you want me to wait for you?"

"You know what I hate," I started as I crossed my arms over my chest, my glare only increasing as the irritation increased in my voice, "I hate when people answer my questions with their own questions."

"I thought you just hated people in general?"

"Only those who bring winter to the world."

"And what about giant kangaroos with Australian accents that identify as bunnies?"

In spite of myself, I smirked. I couldn't stop the edges of my lips from slightly curling upward or the gleam of amusement that I knew shone in my eyes. Jack grins, seeing it, and it causes me to shake my head and look away as a chuckle escaped. "Okay, so perhaps I don't only hate you. But you're close to being my only other true enemy besides Pitch."

"You know," Jack looked up in mock-thought before locking eyes with me again, "I'm number one on the Naughty List. I wouldn't mind being number one your list too. Or the only one on that list."

"The spot is all yours," I declared as I leaned against the wall, arms still folded, "As long as you help defeat Pitch."

"Which I will," he says, his voice serious but still a tad playful, "so the spot might as well already be mine."

I stiffen and remain frozen when he steps closer to me, mischief consuming every inch of his face. It made my heart race and I wasn't sure if it was because it was...well...a turn on, or because it was so familiar. It all felt like deja vu. Not the conversation exactly, but the way we behave around each other. And dare I say it, but is this what flirting is? Is he flirting with me? Am I flirting with him? If Mary was here, she'd know, but she's not and now I'm going to be left unsure until I get her back.

I wanted nothing more than to hit him or step away, but I stood my ground when Jack came closer and leaned against the wall, mimicking my pose with his signature smirk painted on his face. I know he's trying to get a reaction out of me and I'm not going to give him what he wants. He knows it too. He sees it in my eyes. The same eyes that stayed locked to his with every step he took, not once looking away, not even when I finally moved, though it was slightly, when our elbows touched.

The contact wasn't even a second long, and our skin didn't even touch, the fabric of our clothing did, but I still had chills. Are the chills his magical doing? I wanted to ask, but thought against it in case it wasn't. I already know him well enough to know that he'd make fun of me for it.

So instead, I nonchalantly said, "So are you going to just copy my posture and stare at me all night or are you going to take me to my room like you said you would?"

Jack hums in thought. "Hmm I don't recall ever saying I'd take you to your room. I only ever said I'd reserve room 13 for you."

I rolled my eyes before I quickly turned around to walk away from his annoyingness. I twirled my scythe in one hand as I walked before swiftly tossing it into the other hand, turning it back into a broom as I did so.

"Hey, wait!" Jack calls out to me, his voice louder than before but still soft enough to wake anyone. "Where are you going?"

"To look for my room, idiot," I snapped, too tired and emotional for his teasing.

Jack's chuckle reaches my ears, pissing me off more. "Okay, okay, I'll take you to it. Could you just-" When his hand touched my shoulder, I instantly transformed my broom back into a scythe, swiftly turned, and had him pinned against the wall, the blade of my scythed pressed directly on the white skin of his neck.

"Could I just what?" I growled out, obviously not happy, but definitely amused by the fear in his eyes. "Go on, Jack. What's stopping you from finishing your sentence?"

Jack gulps, his throat pressing harder against the blade for a moment, and nervously he says, "W-Well, it certainly isn't the blade against my throat that's stopping me. That's for sure." His eyes snuck a glance to the floor to where his staff now laid.

I smirked at the action, and how tight his voice was and how he stammered. "Are you scared, Jack?" I asked as I lowered my voice to a whisper and brought my face closer to his. A bystander would probably think I'm going in for a kiss. Our faces were a mere inch apart.

"Because you should be. I am not just a green skinned girl, nor am I a witch with mere Halloween tricks. I am a witch with deadly powers, powers you can't even begin to imagine, who is exhausted and wants to go to sleep, which you are preventing me from doing. People mess up when they're tired; it'd be a shame if I accidentally slit your throat because of it. So are you going to keep making me more tired or are you going to take me to my goddamn room?"

Jack's entire body was frozen solid, but he slightly nods his head, being careful of the blade, and while he didn't say anything, his eyes told me that he was done playing for the night. I let my scythe linger on his throat for a moment longer before finally removing it. My smirk grew when I heard his shaky sigh of relief. "So which way?"

Jack clears his throat, bringing his hand up to rub it, as he bends down to pick up his staff. "We...um...we go that way." He points forward and starts walking, not bothering to wait for me.

I followed him in triumph, but when I saw the red mark I left on him, I suddenly felt bad. How hard was I pressing my scythe against him? I didn't mean to leave a mark. I had only meant to frighten him. My triumph turned to guilt as we walked in silence to my temporary room.

I tried to break the silence with an apology, but my pride held me back. And I swear it was pride. Not nervousness. What do I have to be nervous for?

In the end, no words were spoken between us until we finally make it to room 13.

"Here we are," Jack says as he stops in front of the door and gestures to it. "It's very...Christmassy. It won't be to your liking."

"As long as there's a comfortable bed, the decor won't matter." I said as I stepped toward the door, causing him to step away. Not in fear, but just so he could get out of my way. "Plus," I say once my hand is gripping the door knob, "I can always just magically change the room to my liking." I wanted to lighten the mood, still feeling guilty, but unfortunately Jack gives me no response. I wasn't looking at him either so I couldn't see his reaction on his face as well.

So, feeling as though the conversation is over, I start to turn the knob. I stop, however, and finally look back at him when he apologizes.

"I'm sorry by the way."

To say I was taken aback would be an understatement. I was completely bewildered. "Whatever for?"

Jack nervously rubs the back of his neck and I was relieved to see that the red mark was no longer there. "For earlier today," he answered, honestly, "I like to joke around a lot, which I'm sure you've noticed, but I never meant to hurt your feelings if I did."

I scoffed at his ridiculousness. "You didn't hurt my feelings. Don't flatter yourself. I don't have feelings to begin with."

"Everyone has feelings," Jack countered, "The Boogeyman himself was defeated by his own nightmares. Believe it or not though, this is a real apology, and I really am sorry."

I say nothing for a moment as I thoroughly observed him, and when I saw not even an ounce of mischief in his eyes, I found myself apologizing right back. If he can do it, so can I. "Well, Frost, I suppose I apologize as well. I'm sorry for how I acted earlier today, though you started it, and I'm sorry for almost slicing your throat. If I hurt you that was not the intention."

Jack raises an eyebrow in question. "Then what was the intention?"

"I guess as Pitch would say it," I start, shrugging, "it would be to bring you fear. Don't worry though," I smirk and felt the mischief twinkle in my eyes, "I promise I'm not working with him and I promise I won't tell Bunny I scared you."

Jack scoffs. "I wasn't scared."

I busted up laughing. "Not scared, huh? Your face said otherwise."

He rolls his eyes. "It sounds to me that you're trying to rile me up, which would then get me to react, which would then lead me to annoy you, which would then cause you to become pissed, which would be your fault, which would then-"

"Are you done?"

"Only if you are."

"I am."

"Then I'm done."

I shook my head at him, and felt incredibly bipolar. One minute I'm bawling my eyes out, then I meet Jack and we're "flirting", which I really don't think we were, next I have the blade of my scythe against his neck in annoyance, then I feel guilty and apologize, now I'm kind of annoyed again but not entirely so. And now I'm confused. What in the name of Lucifer is going on with me?

"Why did you apologize anyway?" I asked.

Jack shrugs, avoiding my gaze as he tossed his staff back and forth between his hands, staring at it intensely as though he was fighting back to urge to look at me. If so, why? I may be green, but I know I'm not excruciatingly ugly. "I don't want to be a witch's enemy. Plus, I need you," he said, nonchalantly before he realized a second later what it was he said. "Uh I mean, we. As the Guardians, the children, your friends, and I. I want us to save the world as allies-friends-not enemies. So...yeah. We need you. On good terms." He then quickly turned the conversation to me. "Why did you apologize?"

"Because I really did feel guilty for the scythe thing," I answered, honestly. "I left a mark on you and I felt bad. I may be wicked, but I'm not evil. And yes, don't ask me how or why, but they're two totally different things. I have a heart."

Jack grins. "Which means you do have feelings after all. Aww you do care."

"Oh fuck off you bloody cobweb," I say with a glare, but was only partially annoyed this time.

Jack chuckles then takes a step toward me. I freeze up again like I did earlier, my heart reach, but what I did not expect for him to do was to open the door. I honestly don't know what I expecting, but for some reason this surprised me.

"I do believe you need your beauty sleep," He said as he stayed standing where he stood but gesturing inside to me.

"Is that your way of telling me I'm ugly?" I questioned, both playfully and seriously.

"It's whatever will help you sleep tonight."

I punched him in the shoulder and said, "Ha ha", before walking in. He was right. It's very Christmassy and I don't like it. It'll do for now. It's not like I'm going to stay here forever. I sure hope not at least. The bed, however, looks amazing.

"Hey," Jack says from the doorway, causing me to turn around just as I was about to finally lay down. "Just so you know, I won't ever be touching your shoulders again. I didn't think I'd nearly lose my head for it."

I grin at this. "That's good to know." I start to turn back around when he stops me once more.

"One last thing," he pauses, and I could see in his expression that he was debating with himself on whether he should finish his sentence or not.

"Yeah?" I urged, which gave him a push.

His expression softens a bit as he says, "You're not ugly. You're beautiful. Sleep well." He then shuts the door, quickly leaving, before I could even get over my shock.

Oh yes, him saying that definitely took me off guard, but what threw me way over the edge was the familiarity of it. I've heard him say that to me before. Or at least...I've heard someone say it to me. And I know damn well it wasn't any of my friends. Deep down in the very center of my core, I know that it was him. It had to be him! Why else would I be feeling such a strong sense of deja vu? I can hear the echo of his voice saying it to me in my head, and not from just now when he just said it but from before. From an unknown past.

Could he actually be right about his theory? I need to speak with Tooth about my memories as soon as I see her tomorrow. However, for now, what I need to see more than anything else is the darkness of sleep.

I composed myself, getting rid of any shocked or confused questions that repeatedly stormed through my head, and put all my focus on getting my body into bed. When the blanket was over me, I was out like a light.

And yes, the darkness of sleep did find me, but so did someone else. The sleep's darkness came with a friend who I've just been dying to meet.

"Hello, Hallow Eve. I've been waiting for you."

"Pitch."