Sky knew she would have to talk to Jack about it some time. About what he told Bunnymund. She'd hoped he would be the one to bring it up.

The next couple days, Skyla made herself seem open for conversation. Leaving her door and window ajar, walking around the house aimlessly while the spirit was around. She even stayed up later than she could afford to with earlier work hours.

It wasn't that she was worrying on purpose. Sky had tried to bury her concerns deep inside, telling herself there wasn't anything she should be worrying about. Jack and Bunnymund were both Guardians. Of course they would talk to each other. 'Of course Jack would mention Lauren'

But what he'd said, that somehow the relationship between him and Lauren didn't feel right, still nagged at Sky.

And then what Brandon had said to her that time at lunch still played in her mind, "If there is another reason then you can be sure he's putting Lauren in danger."

'I told him then, and I would tell him again. Jack loves Lauren. He would never put her in danger.'

Skyla was having a hard time focusing at work. It'd never been an issue before. Work was her distraction. Now even that wasn't helping.

Daniel sent her home early, calling in a replacement, "Get your head in the game, and put your heart in the song, Sky."

"I'm not Zac Efron. Or Troy Bolton."

"Might as well be, superstar. Big show on Friday; don't be late."

Rolling her eyes, Skyla hurried away. Daniel had asked her to do a show on Friday. She'd agreed, and immediately started planning a set. Another distraction she welcomed with open arms.

The other was texting Brandon. He was getting off work in an hour and wanted to hang out. Having nothing else to do, Skyla told him yes.

When she reached the house, it was empty. 'Lauren must have taken Jack out somewhere'

Skyla Texted Brandon and invited him over instead. Washing up and putting on some jeans and a light blue shirt, she started to work on making the house at least presentable.

Moving from the living room to the kitchen and back again, she cleaned up the little messes Lauren and Jack hadn't bothered with earlier. The rest of the areas she checked were simple to deal with. Putting things in their rightful places, mostly.

It wasn't spotless, but it'd do.

Then Brandon was texting her, saying he was on his way.

So Sky sat on the couch and turned the TV on. Trying for a casual thing but looking around anxiously, in case she had missed something.

'We're just hanging out! Oh but what if- No, Sky. No! Since when are you even interested in him?' His car pulled into the driveway and she jumped up. Checking her outfit one last time, Skyla stood in the front hallway and waited for Brandon to knock. When he did, Sky made her way over to the door casually.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and smiled at him, "Hi!"

"Hey, Skyla." clad in jeans and a grey tee, he walked past her into the house, "Thanks for inviting me," he grinned, taking his shoes off, "Much better idea than I had."

"What was your idea, anyway?" she asked, closing the door behind him.

He shrugged, "I didn't have one. Driving around, maybe smoothies. I wouldn't subject you to more coffee."

"Speaking of... You still smell like it."

"Sorry"

"No... I like it" she smiled.

Smirking, Brandon moved closer, "I had a change of clothes in my car, but unfortunately no porta-shower. Glad someone likes it," he added.

"I love it. So, I was thinking.. Movie?"

He nodded, and Sky lead him to the living room. Showing him the selections, Skyla went to the kitchen to make popcorn and grab drinks. Meeting back up, they shared the couch.

"Wow," she commented, "you managed to pick one of the only movies that are mine."

glancing over at her, Brandon nudged her arm, "I know what you like."

Smiling, she nudged him back, "So you really are naturally charming. It's not just for show?"

"It's a natural talent that I take advantage of. Skyla, you know I wouldn't mess with you. I'm serious so... Give me a chance, okay?"

"..." watching him, she nodded. 'whatever he means by that. I really hope I'm not blushing right now'

Smiling, he turned his brown eyes back to the screen.

The movie was a comedy, and soon enough they were laughing together. 'I love his laugh' Skyla thought to herself, 'Good thing he picked this movie'

Some time while they were laughing, Brandon had moved closer to Sky It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, and that made her happy. They'd finished the popcorn about half way through but neither cared enough to make more.

"..." after another round of laughs, Sky found that his arm was around her. 'When did-?' she looked over at him, a smile on her lips but a question mark over it.

Noticing her look, the blonde smiled uncertainly, "Too much?" Sky shook her head and he smirked, "I like it, too"

Shifting closer and looking back at the screen, she brushed her brown hair out of the way, "This whole thing is.. Kind of nice."

Skyla heard him chuckle and she relaxed even more into him 'this is strangely comfortable. I really am blushing this time'

As soon as the movie was over, the two just looked at each other. The credits were rolling; some 90's parody song playing over them.

"Should we watch another one?" Brandon asked, his arm still around her shoulders.

"Yeah. After that; are you staying for something to eat?"

"If you're cooking," he smiled at her, "definitely."

Laughing, Skyla offered, "Quick break now though? Want some more popcorn?"

He nodded and Skyla got up, taking the popcorn bowl and empty drink glasses with her to the kitchen. "Hey, Sky. Bathroom?"

"Oh, right!" she pointed him in the right direction.

Starting the microwave, she leaned back against the counter. 'I'm having a lot of fun! And I know he is; he won't stop smiling.'

When Brandon stepped into the kitchen, Skyla smiled brightly. He returned it and walked up to her, "Are you thinking another comedy?" he asked.

"I'm thinking... I'll let you choose again."

Shaking his head and laughing softly, he joked, "It probably wouldn't be too romantic if I picked a horror movie, would it?"

Skyla mocked a shocked expression, "You're trying to be romantic? I thought we were just having some fun? Step it up, would you? Or I'll never notice." smiling, she shook her head at him.

"You want me to step it up?" he grinned, stepping closer, "I can do that for you" he leaned forward, his face a few inches from hers.

Skyla's heart sped up, "I-" her face turned red.

His eyes stared into hers, and he started to move closer.

'Oh my- He's really going to-'

But the microwave beeped, and he stepped back, smirking at her.

Not knowing what to say, or even what had really just happened, she grabbed the popcorn and poured it into the bowl. "You're... Real funny, you know." he shrugged in response. Sighing, Skyla handed him the bowl, "Go pick a movie, kay? I'll get the drinks"

Doing as she asked, Brandon went back into the living room.

'What the hell? Was he really going to kiss me or was it just a joke? I really want to know but...' she poured the drinks and met up with him on the couch, "What did you pick?"

"Horror movie. You don't mind, do you?"

"...Which one?"

"Some zombie thing."

Relieved, Skyla nodded, "Good"

The blonde looked at her curiously, but otherwise didn't say anything. Not a very romantic movie, like he'd said, but it was still fun. And soon enough his arm was around her again.

A bit unsure, Sky held the small distance she had from him. She wanted to get closer to him, but that small doubt kept her back.

"Sky?" one of the dumber of female characters was about to be taken out, but Brandon called her attention to him.

"Y-yeah?" she looked into his brown eyes.

"I really did want to kiss you, you know."

"..." her mouth hung open slightly, unsure what to say. If there was anything to say at all.

"What?" he grinned, "No admissions of you own?"

"Why- Why are you telling me?" she stammered out.

"You-" there was a scream from the TV, and they both looked over at the gruesome scene, "Ouch."

"Yeah" Sky flinched, "That is not pretty. Poor thing"

Brandon looked back at her, an eyebrow raised, "Pretty? In a movie like this?"

"Well... Yeah. Sorry for being such a girl." she mocked

Laughing, he moved his arm in such a way it brought her closer, and they forgot the conversation they were having to enjoy the rest of the movie.

A few more deaths later, and the hero was overlooking the bridge, seeing how hopeless it was for him to get across. Falling to his knees, he screamed out to his long-passed wife, and the screen faded out to some rock song.

Shaking her head, Skyla commented, "Huge plot holes, as usual. But I loved it," she looked at Brandon, "You?"

Looking back at her he agreed, "As usual."

'once again, I have no idea what to say! If I say the wrong thing, I'll likely die of embarrassment. Can't have that.'

"Angel, you're staring" he smirked, breaking the silence.

"I- I know. Since when do you care?"

"I only care when you look at me like that."

Blushing even deeper than she had before, Sky stuttered, "Wh-whatever, Demon. I was jus-"

Before she could finish, his lips were on hers. It was soft, like he was unsure, and Skyla was too shocked to do anything. He pulled away, brown eyes focused on her, brows furrowed.

"Skyla..." he sighed, "Sorry, I shouldn't have-" he removed his arm from around her and shifted away, shaking his head, "Dammit" he put his hand over his mouth; embarrassed

'I- I really screwed that up. How can I-' he looked back at her and moved his hand away, Shaking his head again and standing up. Leaving the living room, he didn't say anything more. Skyla didn't move for several moments, 'what do I do?'

Then she knew. Jumping up from the couch, she ran after him. He was already in the doorway, about to leave, "Brandon, wait" he turned back and she threw her arms around his neck, pushing him against the door frame and kissing him.

It took a moment for him to process it, but then he was kissing her back. Stronger, more certain than before, he held her waist, keeping her close.

'wow' was all she could think at the time. There wasn't much room for anything else.

A cough broke them apart, and she looked over to see Jack and Lauren on the porch. Skyla stepped away from Brandon, but he kept one arm around her.

"L-Lauren! Back already?" Knowing Brandon wouldn't be able to see Jack, she did her best not to turn her attention to him, "Sorry, I just"

"You're red, Skyla" Jack told her, but she didn't look over.

"Sky!" Lauren exclaimed, "So you do have a boyfriend!"

Brandon tensed, and Sky tried to change the subject, "Can we maybe not do this now?" The red head looked at her with a knowing smile and she corrected herself, "I mean- I was just going to make something to eat!"

"Is he staying?" Jack asked. Skyla was sure he sounded annoyed, but didn't pay attention to it.

"And I-" Brandon started, oblivious to the question the spirit had asked, "was just going. I'll text you later, Skyla." smiling brightly, he nodded politely to Lauren before walking to his car.

"He's cuuute!" Lauren commented, "Let's go in so you can tell me more" Dragging Sky inside before she could even glance at Jack, the red head started babbling about how shocked they were when they saw the two at the door.

"Yeah, I was shocked, too. I didn't think-"

"Didn't you?" head down, snow colored hair covering his face, Jack leaned against his staff in the hallway.

"Jack what are you talking about?" Lauren intervened, "You should be happy for Sky! Now we know she's not spending all day stuck in the house alone!"

"Come on, Frost. It was just a da-" he looked up at her, eyes narrowed. The breath hitched in her throat and she took a step back. His eyes pierced through her, and she ran. Lauren called out to her, but she was up the stairs and locked away in her room too fast.

Closing the window for the first time in days, she took the added measure and pulled the curtains shut. Standing in the middle of her room, it was almost too dark for her to see.

'Darkness. Why would I retreat to this?'

Curling up in her bed, she tried to calm herself, 'nothing even happened! He just looked at you! Really, it wasn't that scary-

'Yes it was' her fears scolded her. And she ignored her thoughts after that. They weren't being helpful, and only succeeded in confusing her even more.

Her phone 'popped'. She hadn't realized she'd grabbed it until then.

{I know I said I would text you, but I don't know what to say'

'Don't ask me} she texted in reply to Brandon.

{What did Lauren say? Let me guess; she gushed about how hot I am'

Skyla smiled, immediately texting back, 'You don't know the possessiveness of an angel, do you?}

{Enlighten me'

They texted back and forth for a while, until it got late. Luckily, he didn't ask much else about what had happened after he'd left.

The smile slid from her face when they eventually said goodnight. She was not looking forward to another dreamless night.

Sighing, she got up and knew it would be better if she put on some pajamas. Going through her nightly routine, Skyla went as quickly as she could. Lauren had gone to bed a while ago, but she had no idea if the Winter Spirit was still around.

Back in her bed, she finally relaxed. Her day had gone well. Her mind had something more to focus on than Lauren's love life, and that was a good change, she thought.

'They don't need me anymore. I should probably think about getting my own place, too.'

Just as she was slipping off to sleep, she noticed the chill against her wrist. It had bothered her earlier, too, when Jack had glared at her.

It was getting even colder now, the harsh sting of frost making her wince. Taking it off carefully but quickly, she tossed it on the nightstand and, rubbing her cold wrist, she turned her head away from the thing.

'What the hell?'

Now more than ever, Skyla just wanted to avoid Jack Frost. She'd tried to get him to talk to her, but that had failed miserably. And now she simply didn't want to care. 'Maybe it's my fault their relationship doesn't feel right to him. I thought we were friends but he must hate me... I don't want to hold them back'

She repeated her different reasoning's over and over until at last she fell asleep. There were no dreams, no nightmares, nothing. Just darkness that went on forever. By that point, she couldn't even remember the last time she'd dreamt. If ever; it had been a long time ago.

Having that nothingness used to comfort her. When she had so much going on, she could only wish for something else. Some sort of escape. But none would come.

So she waited. To wake up. To face the new day. To deal with her own problems for once.


NOTES:
You are not allowed to complain about this chapter
Nope nope nope
I was stuck on it for days
And I'm happy with this
Thanks for reading!
Review, review, review!
Love y'all *hearts*