There's always something really nice about gaining Jack's approval, something about him being my captain that's never entirely worn off. So it's impossible not to smile brighter then and I lean down to press a quick kiss to his smiling lips. Just because I can.

"Sometimes I have those," I tell him, grinning as he starts shifting again, sprawling out across my thighs with heavy sigh. I rest my hands over his broad shoulders, petting lightly at first, smoothing up to the back of his neck.

"Just homework," I confess, still petting his hair with my other hand and frowning a bit when I realize just how tense he is. Still. "Nothin' real important yet, I promise. Goodness, you are tense. Is this just from the kids?"