Jack hated to leave Sky, but soon after she'd fallen asleep he found himself at the South Pole. He'd been sure to leave her a note, just in case, and had closed the window securely behind him. He'd taken one last look at her and watched as, in her sleep, she reached out to where he usually lay beside her. He felt regret and thought about slipping back inside but shook it out of his head and left. He wasn't exactly sure where he was going, but he knew it was probably a bad idea. A stupid idea. Something that she would scold him for if she found out or if anything went wrong.

It felt great to be at the South Pole without being afraid of what would happen. The 'creature' scared him more than he let on and the memory still burned inside him. He had to face it though. He was immortal, he couldn't let himself live in fear of a place he'd once taken as his own. It wasn't a home, but it was a place to escape to, a place to be alone. A place to think. After Pitch, it had taken a few months for him to stomach going back. As soon as he had, he'd destroyed the sculpture they'd created of dark and ice. It was satisfying but in a small way he regretted it. In a small way, that sculpture was all the world would remember of Pitch.

Until his Nightmare showed up again. Now, Jack wondered if Pitch really had been defeated. Since he had come back after being put down after the Dark Ages, it was obviously not possible for him to stay out of the picture. If he shows up again, Jack wasn't sure what he'd do. He had slight sympathy for the Boogeyman, but it didn't go far when Pitch crossed a line. And he crossed many lines.

But he swore, if any lines were crossed around Skyla, he would not go easy on the Boogeyman. He wouldn't give in. He would make sure the King of Nightmares never resurfaced again.

He had a family with Sky. Messed up, like she said, but still a family. They were going to have a home together. A life. They were going to be married, and he was already planning the perfect way to ask her. He would teach her how to ice skate then as soon as she could stay up on her own he would take her out under the moonlight and drop down on one knee in front of her. He would hold the most beautiful ring out -one he still had to find- and she would be so excited. It would be perfect. And he would let no one -especially not Pitch Black- get in the way of that.

Suddenly the South Pole wasn't so interesting anymore. It lost its glamor and the ice didn't shine the way it had before. He took off, the snow on the ground around him flying up and wrapping around in a flurry with the strong wind. He went at top speed, hoping to make it where he needed to go and then back to Skyla before she woke up. It wasn't likely but he would try. His idea was something that would take his mind off of Pitch Black. A distraction he sorely needed, and an errand to get started on.

Finally, he made it to his destination. He hovered just below the cloud line for a while and wondered how to go about it. He knew where she was, he just didn't know how she would react to his sudden appearance. Well, she'd taken it well the first time. He looked down at himself and frowned. He still had the t-shirt on. What would she think of his new look? Would she like it, like Skyla did? Or would she deny it-

"Only one way to find out" he said aloud. he dropped down quickly, feeling the hot morning sun against his frozen skin. He landed on top of the large chalet-style Summer home. He quickly jumped up and hovered, the roof was uncomfortably warm under his feet. He floated around to some of the large windows around the second floor. He didn't see who he was looking for and figure she must be out shopping. He sighed and found a tree to perch under.

Not long after he'd found a comfortable spot, a car drove towards the house. He quickly shot up into the sky and followed it as it stopped in front of the home. For a few moments it just sat there until the driver got out and ran around to reach into the trunk. From the back seat, someone popped the door open and, smiling, Lauren stepped regally out of the vehicle.

The driver brought her bags to the front door and the red-head slowly followed. Jack thought about dropping down in front of her, but knew better. If she had too much of an outward reaction it would draw too much attention from the driver and even if she'd changed in the short time, she would still be the same girl who didn't like to be treated like a child. Having an imaginary friend was a no-no. Lauren thanked the driver after he'd brought her bags inside and waved to him as he left. Before Jack could present himself, she had closed the front doors.

He looped around the house and landed at the back of the house on a covered porch. He looked through the large windows into the living room and waited as she sat her shopping bags on top of the dark-wood coffee table. She flopped back onto the couch and tilted her head back, her eyes sliding shut as she let out a long breath. Jack watched her a moment and wondered what she was upset about. She shopped for fun, sure, but also for therapy. It was her own way to both distract herself and focus on what was important. Judging by the bags, Jack guessed what was important was new shoes.

Deciding it was creepy of him to just watch people all the time, he tapped on the window. Her face twisted like she wasn't sure she'd heard anything and he rolled his eyes. He knocked twice, impatiently, and put his free hand on his waist.

Finally, she opened her eyes and rolled her head to the left to stare at him a moment. Happiness and excitement flashed behind her eyes a moment and she started to smile. Then it was like she remembered something and her expression turned to a calm mask. She walked over to the patio door, to Jack's immediate left, and opened it wide to let him in.

She didn't wait for him to accept the invitation, she opened her arms wide and wrapped them around his shoulders. "Jack! I wasn't expecting you!"

Something about her seemed off, almost distant. She'd never been that distant with him before and it only frightened him that maybe it wasn't her that had changed, maybe it was him and she was just reacting to it. He hugged her back, happy that he still could, "Lauren, how have you been?"

"Good, good." she told him, obviously reluctant to let go. She gestured for him to follow her inside to the very large rounded couch and he did so, sitting on her left. "How about you? And Sky? I sort of left in a rush and...I didn't get to say a proper goodbye to either of you."

"I didn't want to say goodbye, and neither did Skyla. Oh, a-and we're both good. What's with the shopping? Didn't get the new pony you wanted?" he smiled at her

She returned the smile softly, "Thanks for making a joke of my rich girl lifestyle. No, I did not get a pony. What I did get was scolded for not thinking my mom's friend's son is a total hottie. I mean, he is. Just... Not my type. And, I mean, if I started dating him and eventually married him like they want me to then I would have to move here. Permanently. I love France, but I don't want to live here all 12 months of the year. And not with him- and not at their house. It's huge, but that's because of the large family and the constant guests from out of country and in country and just- I like being social but that is too much."

Jack didn't mind listening to her talk, and he did want her to have someone to turn to, but the conversation was far from where he wanted it to be. He balanced his staff against his shoulder and reached over to give her hand a quick squeeze. "Rich boys. Who needs em. Give the normal guys a chance to marry you for your money."

A laugh bubbled out of her and he relaxed. "Yeah, that's a great plan. I'll go all Jasmine and disguise myself as someone poor just to meet the love of my life-" her face dropped, "Well, maybe not. I'll find someone though. I know I will."

"You will." he assured her. He hated seeing her like that, but didn't know what to do or say. "If I did then you definitely will."

She looked over at him, "You shouldn't say that, you know. I had you, you had me. Then you-" she shook her head, "Just don't talk about it like no one before her was ever good enough."

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like-"

"I know you didn't. I'm over reacting. Just- I need to tell you something. I- Wait. Were you here for a reason? Is there something you need? Did something happen?" Multiple emotions crossed her face and she reached her other hand over to cover both of theirs.

"Well, a lot has happened... But I really just need your help with something. Something I know you're good at. I need to shop- something for Skyla. A-a ring."

Her expression turned surprised then dropped and she was focusing on their hands. She was thinking about something, and concentrating hard on it. "What kind of ring?"

"I'm going to ask her to marry me" he said bluntly, knowing it would be best not to joke or let his point get across lightly. "I know she'll say yes no matter what but I really want her to look down at her finger and see the literal materialization of my feelings. It needs to be perfect, Lau. And you know her really well- you know shopping! YOu have to help me-"

"Are you sure you want to marry her?" she asked, looking up into his eyes. He wondered when the green had started to fade. Were her eyes like that a moment ago?

"Yes."

"You've completely forgotten about me then?"

"Yes?" he said cautiously. Then, he realized she might not mean it the way he thought and corrected, "No, of course not. I love you-"

"Don't say that. Don't say it unless you really mean it" she demanded. "You don't love me, you think of me like a sister. That's not the love I want from you, Jack."

"Wha- You're the one who-"

"I know! I know, but it was a stupid test! I needed to see how you would react to losing me! You chose her, and it pissed me off!" Her voice rose but she wasn't quite yelling. Jack still flinched away as she continued, "Of course I left without saying goodbye! I got the hell out of there as fast as I could! I hope she told you what she did, I hope she told you she cheated on you! And, I bet you, she will do it again. You don't deserve that. You should have seen them on the couch they-"

"Shut up" he said strongly, but quietly. She did, and he heard as she swallowed hard. Was she going to cry or were there more angry words she wanted to spit at him? Or was it both. "You think we don't talk to each other? Of course she told me. We've moved on. And what do you think I deserve exactly? To be alone? To live through this eternity without the love of my life?"

"You don't have eternity with her anyway" Lauren reminded him softly, taking her hands back from his. "If you're going to stay in denial-"

"One lifetime with her is all I have. I know. And I'm not giving it up because one day, sometime far from now, I'll have a very bad day. I'll need her but I'll only have her memory. It might not be enough to help me smile again." he sank back into the couch and set his staff beside him. "I need her, Lauren. And I needed your help but..." he sighed, staring up at the tall ceiling that went past the second floor. His eyes flitted over the details of the house in his mind and wondered if he ever could have lived like that with her. Waking up day after day next to the red-head and following her throughout her day as she kept on the move and talked constantly. Could he even lay beside her? Could he look at her with love in his eyes and wish with all his heart that he could have her forever? If Skyla hadn't been there for him, would Lauren be the love of his life?

"Jack" she whispered, but he didn't look back at her. "She's done terrible things to you. She keeps secrets from everyone. There's a whole past no one knows about her. I was her closest friend- I lived with her and I don't know anything at all! Jack, please think this through. Can you trust her?"

He knew he shouldn't, he knew it was wrong, but he actually thought about her words. He trusted Sky. He just wasn't sure how far that trust went. There was a sister he didn't know, a whole family. She obviously trusted him. She'd told him things she'd never told anyone. Even Brandon. He thought for a moment and realized he didn't know how much the blonde Demon knew. He could know everything and Jack could have barely scratched the surface.

"I love you, Jack. I would never cheat on you, and I would never lie to you. You know all there is to me, and you won't ever have to guess at my past."

"I'm not leaving her" he said, his voice lacking the confidence he felt. He stayed staring at the ceiling, not able to risk looking at the red-head sitting closely beside him. Did they start that way? He sat down after her, had he sat so close?

"Then at least get back at her a little bit" her voice was still soft and it grew closer. "You need a secret of your own" He didn't move as she lifted herself over to straddle his legs. She braced herself with her hands on his chest and leaned forward slightly so she was sure she was in his line of sight.

He looked into her eyes and saw the uneasiness and slight regret. He didn't bother to try to figure out what she regretted, he just sat as still as he could. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do then. Let her do what she wanted, push her off, force her lips onto his. He was at a loss. Why would he want to kiss her, anyway? He had Skyla. The beautiful, occasionally funny, terrible speaker. He'd gone to see Lauren about an engagement ring for the brunette he loves and now- now he was about to let her kiss him.

But then he thought of Brandon and a mental imagine of the blonde on top of Sky scorched away any questions he had, replacing them with new ones. If that guy could make Skyla be unfaithful- if she had actually wanted that then- Well, it made him curious. Would he have the same reaction? Was there some magic in forbidden kisses? Would he want Lauren as badly as she wanted him? Even for a moment? What would it be like to kiss another woman. To have another woman.

Laurens lips, soft as rose petals and hesitant, lightly pressed to his. He had no idea what to expect from her, and he still didn't. After their first kiss at the Nephilim, he thought it would be the same. Restrained, rushed, and simply in the moment. Her moment, not his. He'd been enjoying the show. But now there was no rush, and there was a moment. And it wasn't just hers, though each of theirs was different. The kiss lasted a few long moments and he both compared it to Skyla and tried to only think about who was on top of him. He wasn't sure if he should enjoy it or not -if he should try.

He watched her relaxed face turn anxious and a small tear escape. He instantly felt a rush of emotions he couldn't keep away nor decipher. Jack closed his eyes and kissed her back, encouraging her to finish what she started. To get enough of something he could never truly give her. He didn't touch her, still didn't move from his spot, just tipped his head more comfortably against hers and slowly let the kiss progress.

When Lauren broke apart for a breath, he opened his eyes and looked at her again. Her glow was coming back, and the green was almost right again in her eyes. But it wasn't enough so he waited for her. She looked at him like she wasn't sure she should, and he fought against nodding. He'd encouraged her enough and once again it was all up to her. It wasn't long before she made up her mind and once again those soft lips were on his again, coaxing more action out of him. He answered her with smoother movements and as she bit lightly on his lip he knew what she wanted and his lips parted for her. It was strange, it was as soft as ever, and it tasted like the crepes she'd eaten for breakfast.

After another minute, she drew back and breathed heavily. It was more than she'd expected, and more than she'd asked for. Jack just hoped it was enough.

"You know, the thing about kissing is..." She started as she stared at her hands on his chest, "It conveys a lot of different emotions. You can tell if the person kissing you is actually in love with you or... If they're just going along with it." She smiled at him "Thank you, Jack. I know it was too much to ask. But thank you. I'll help you out, too. But you'll have to do something you want even less than kissing me. You'll have to talk to Brandon. He's the only one who would know what kind of ring she wants." Jack groaned and she laughed as she got off of him, "Sorry! You want to do this right, don't you? Just make sure you ask him for a ring she wants, and not a ring she wants from him."

"I'll keep it in mind. After I talk to him-"

"Then you can come back here and we'll shop for one. I know you can't afford it, and I'm not going to offer to buy it, but I can tell you where they make whatever ring you want and you can steal one- Don't frown like that! Okay, okay. Wait, I had a brilliant idea. Ask North to make a replica-"

"I already had that idea, slow poke." he smiled at her. "Thank you, Lauren. But can't you talk to Brandon? I can't exactly-"

"These are the trials you must go through. Also, I don't want to make this easy on you. I'm not going to simply give away the man I love- Or, the spirit. I don't know if I'd call you a man" she grinned and he stood up, taking his staff.

"Fine. If that's the way you feel, then I'll leave. Haha, just joking! I really need to get back before Sky wakes up. I've been wandering around all night and- well I guess it's day here-"

"Yeah, it is. Where is she living now, by the way? Did she find a new apartment?"

"Yeah..." he rubbed the back of his neck, "In Burgess."

Laurens eyes went wide and he smiled when that familiar twinkle came back, "Wow! So she's sort of moved into your home town! Girl must really be desperate to prove herself to you."

"What do you mean?"

"Would she really move out of our town just because she loves you? She needed more reason. Probably doesn't believe that you know she loves you. She does. I hate it but she probably loves you more than I do. Ugh ,blech! I may have to throw up after saying that" she shook her head. "Anyway, yeah. Don't let her wake up without you there. And visit me again soon! Don't wait until you want something from me!"

"I will. I promise. But don't expect me to kiss you again!" he laughed. Calming down a bit, he asked seriously, "Should I tell her?"

"No. No, no, no! I won't, and you can't! She'll be so pissed! Please, I don't want her hating me any more than she already does-"

"It feels wrong to keep it from her-"

"And how will it feel when you tell her? Will you feel relieved? No, you'll be crushed because she'll be crushed- You'll break her heart!"

The words stopped Jack immediately. In that moment he made up his mind. "I-I won't like it but... It's for the best. She doesn't need to know."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this to you- Okay, maybe a little. I didn't think about it. G-go on. Go home to her. And find a way to contact Brandon. Please go before I say something like that I love you it would be too awkward and lame right now!"

Jack hugged her quickly then smiled and walked out the patio doors. He watched as Lauren closed them behind him. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know what. He wanted to do something to reassure her about anything but he couldn't. So he left. Back to Burgess. To Skyla. To reality.