AN: Ok seriously, you guys are amazing! I don't think I have ever gotten such great reviews, like ever. I'm really glad that you all are enjoying this story so much; honestly, I was really worried when I first started this, especially since it features an "OC."

So I think I have the reasoning behind Pitch "killing" Sandy almost figured out. It will make sense (at least I hope it does) and Pitch and Jillian won't break up, but she will be rather angry with him. But that won't be for a few more chapters yet, so no worries.

I haven't gone into Jillian's domain much (or at all really), so I figured that this chapter would be a good time to show it off a bit. I picked Paris because that is usually considered a very romantic city and it just seemed to fit. We also get to see Jillian's little cherub helpers. The tension is beginning to thicken, so let's see what happens next? Sorry for the cavity causing fluff between Jillian and Pitch; Jack just needed to see the truth of Pitch and Jillian for himself. Reviews are much appreciated! – Katheryn xoxo

Chapter Thirteen

Jillian fell backwards onto her bed in her domain. Paris could always lift her spirits, much like Pitch could. But this time, the ever present feeling of romanticism couldn't pull the Cupid out of her melancholy.

Her visit to the Pole had been disastrous. She knew that Jack wouldn't react well to the truth about her and Pitch, but that didn't mean his rejection hurt any less. In a way, it had hurt more because of the look that had been present in Jack's eyes. Like he couldn't even stand to look at her anymore. Like he couldn't trust her anymore.

Maybe he couldn't.

A fluttering sounded by Jillian's ear and she felt something soft brush lightly against her cheek. One of her cherubs was hovering lightly near the Cupid, violet eyes full of concern for her "mother."

The baby-faced figure cooed and brushed Jillian's cheeks with her wing again, trying to soothe the upset Spirit.

Jillian sighed and stroked a hand through the little cherubs golden locks. She smiled appreciatively; her companions always knew how to cheer her up, mostly because they were created from her own essence, much like Toothiana's "baby teeth." Every hope, dream, prayer, and love Jillian had had as a child had gone into her cherubs. They had some of Jillian's own characteristics, but at the same time, they weren't carbon copies of her.

Another little cherub floated into the room, cooing urgently at Jillian. Someone was here to see the Cupid; they were waiting for her on the balcony.

Jillian got up and straightened her dress; she wasn't sure who it was. At this point, it could be anyone, even Jack. And if he wanted to confront her on her own turf, she wouldn't let him see her weak. She could handle this.

She pushed the doors to the balcony open and stood there, her eyes widening. There, standing in perfect contrast to the colourful sunset behind the Eiffel Tower, was Pitch. He smiled upon seeing her and walked over to her, arms opening to embrace her.

Jillian hurried into his arms, needing the comfort more than anything else right now. He pressed his face to her hair as Jillian tightened her arms about him. She inhaled his scent of nightshade and mahogany, her muscles relaxing as she took in the feeling of safety that came from being with him.

"Why… how…?" she started, nearly unable to form words. How had he known that she needed him so much? Granted, the Other Half bond tied them together as closely as possible, but they couldn't sense each other like that, could they?

"Sandy told me what happened," Pitch replied with a sigh. "I'm sorry, love. You should have been able to tell Jack yourself; that rabbit had no right."

"It's not that, Pitch." She pulled back slightly to look at him, her eyes watering slightly. "It's how Jack looked at me, how he acted toward me after learning about us. He was disgusted, he looked at me like he didn't even know who I was. Like he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. I just got him back Pitch; I wasn't ready to lose him again so soon."

Pitch kissed her forehead before a peculiar glint came into his eyes and he looked away from her. His face closed off slightly, becoming unreadable. Jillian frowned; what was he doing? He hadn't closed off from her since…. Since the day he thought he had failed to protect her. The day she died.

"Pitch?"

"Do you ever think things would have been easier for you if you hadn't fallen in love with me?"

Jillian gasped. She reached up to pull his face back to hers. Her eyes were full of determination and her voice was as steady as ever as she spoke.

"Never. I've never imagined what my life would be like without you because I can't imagine it. Pitch, I'd never trade my love for you for anything, even if it meant Jack would be my brother again. As much as I hate to say it, Jack was my past, my childhood. His time in my life ended when he transformed from Jackson Overland to Jack Frost. Part of my past may have been defined by you, but your time hasn't ended, Pitch. Nor will it ever. You are the most important part of my present and future. I love you," she stressed, kissing him lightly. "I always will."

Pitch's face melted back to the way it had been when she had left for Burgess. But there were still some small hints of unease hiding behind his eyes as he leaned forward to kiss her. Jillian relaxed fully into his kiss, arms wrapping around him as she let herself forget about what had happened with Jack for a while.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

Jillian turned quickly in Pitch's arms, only to come face to face with the azure eyes of Jack Frost, his hand tightening around his staff as he took in the sight of his sister wrapped tightly in the arms of his worst enemy.