//I hate writing papers.  How can you write eight pages on Cortes' use of diplomacy and deceit during the conquest of Mexico?  And just how many damn synonyms can you use for "diplomacy" and "deceit?"

Yeah… school papers are driving me insane.  Which means I'm in the perfect frame of mind to write more of this!  'Sides, my own lil mental version of Jack has been alternately sulking and shrieking in rage in a corner of my mind.  He's an impatient little bastard.

So!  Next chapter!  Fun fun fun…//

What Shadows Hide:  When Children Laugh

The sun was too bright.  He could barely keep his eyes on the corner where Ralph always turned, walking home from school.

Jack smirked.  So predictable.  A person could follow Ralph for one day and know his schedule, his habits, his facial expressions and more probable rejoinders by heart.  So where did that aura of mystery come from?

If he had the answer to that, he wouldn't be here.

Ah.  There.  Haloed in the afternoon sun and in his own triumph.  Ralph walked like he had just been freed, just been brought back from death or hell.  His eyes were bright and focused far away, on something Jack could not contemplate.

Quickened heart beat.  Shallow breath.  Focus, concentrate-

No!  Jack broke out of his own trance, startled and suddenly shaky.  That won't work.  Ralph figured out how to win in that way, remember?  Time to change the rules again.

With a shudder, he let his breath out slow and forced himself to calm down.  The soft sounds of the day began to penetrate his consciousness again- cars, people talking, children laughing.  Funny, how people would smile to hear children laugh, and then be shocked to find out what was so amusing.

Someone else's discomfort or pain.  Someone breaking society's rules.  Someone acting… uncivilized.

Jack smiled, slow and cold.  Not a real smile at all.

Of course, he'd have something to smile about later, if his plan fell through.

It was simpler than he had ever dreamed it could be.

Jack fell into step beside Ralph, saying nothing and giving no clue to his thoughts.  Not that Ralph could read him, anyway- Jack was the one who saw deep.

Of course, Ralph was probably still high on his earlier victory.  Fine.  First skirmish to Ralph- no, make that second.  Jack grinned, feral.  The first skirmish had been his, and it had been sweet.

"Good afternoon," Ralph said, not even glancing over.  So polite.  So very civilized; hiding in the laws of society.  Jack hid his grin and answered.

"Good afternoon.  May I enquire as to how your day went?"

Sweetness.  Ralph's expression lost that calm, condescending glory and became confused again.  He looked so much nicer that way, with his eyes wide and searching and his mouth slightly slack-

Jack turned away with forced indifference, smacking himself mentally.  That wasn't how this had to go; not yet.

"F-fine," Ralph stuttered.  His steps slowed and Jack fancied he could actually hear Ralph's heart beat faster.  Maybe he could.

"Are you all right?" he asked, casual and cool.  God, it was worth it, just to see the shadow of confusion and fear in those eyes again.

"I'm fine," Ralph said flatly, suddenly in control again.  But not calm, no- nor was he so happy.  Jack watched the little anger lines that he had seen so often, once upon a time, crease themselves back onto the other boy's forehead.  Gorgeous gray-blue eyes shuttered, downcast.

"Perhaps you just need a little rest," Jack said, allowing a tiny smile to appear on his face.  He wished he knew how to look innocent.  "Have you been under some strain lately?"

Ralph's eyes widened comically and he turned in complete confusion and bright anger.  "What do you mean by asking me that?!"

Then he realized just how he had blundered, and lowered his eyes with an almost sick expression on his face.  He stopped, staring at the ground, and Jack waited patiently next to him.

Forcing himself to look concerned while hiding his own delighted laughter was one of the hardest things Jack had ever done.

"I have to go.  Excuse me," Ralph said in a low monotone.  Jack caught his arm.

"You don't look so well," he said sweetly.  "I should make sure you get home safe."

"Jack-"

"Ralph."

Ralph stared right into his eyes for a long, indeterminate moment.  There was nothing else but two boys, two fighters, two paths converging and twining together, whatever they might have chosen differently. 

The rules had changed, but now Jack knew how to play by them.

And he was much better at this game than Ralph had ever been.

//Review if you like, flame if you have to, blink in confusion if you just don't get it.//