AN: Just a cute little mini fic to keep those who read To Be Believed In occupied while they wait for the sequel. This will also give a little insight to the newest Guardians, and their powers, with more focus on Jack and Roxy. If you become curious to some of the elements in the story, just check out Meet the Clyde's on CosmicHore's page. The two stories mirror off each other, but you don't have to read both if you don't want to.

Disclaimer: All the usual stuff: Rise of the Guardians belong to DreamWorks Animation. Elements from Guardians of Childhood belong to William Joyce. Some other detailed facts come from Rise of the Guardians Wiki. OC's belong to GodlyJewel and Cosmic Horse.

Let It Snow

December 23…

It was that time of year again in the little town of Burgess. The weather was perfectly chilly, school was out, and there was snow everywhere. Christmas would be here soon, and the whole town was preparing for another fantastic celebration.

Meanwhile, the Bennett house in particular was getting ready to have their own Christmas fun. Mrs. Bennett was out doing some Christmas shopping, while the kids stayed home and decorated the house. Outside, the house was trimmed in multicolored lights and a large wreath was on the front door. Inside, the living room was fully decorated: stocking hung by the fireplace, next a large pine tree standing tall; the windows were sporting paper snowflakes, holly and tinsel were hung everywhere, and the house smelled of peppermint from the Christmas candles. Even the kids themselves were dressed up for the holidays.

Roxy wore simple clothes — blue jeans and a sweater with light and dark blue strips — but she did have on a pair of jingle bell earrings and a Santa hat. Her siblings, however, had on more festive attire. Jaime wore a pair of khaki pants, white socks, and a green long-sleeved shirt. The top half of the sleeves had red and white strips, and on the front of his shirt was an image of a Santa Claus sporting a pair of sunglasses. And then there was little Sophie. The young toddler wore a bright red, long-sleeved dress with a ruffled bottom and an adorable reindeer on the front. Her outfit was complimented by polka-dotted tights and a cute set of reindeer antler on top of her blond hair.

At that moment, the children were busy putting the finishing decorations on the tree. Jamie was putting up colorful ornaments. Some were store-bought, but a lot of them had been handmade by the children. As he decorated, Roxy and Sophie hard at work making popcorn garlands. While Roxy thread the kernels through the needle, Sophie passed her the popcorn, sneaking some pieces when her sister wasn't looking.

"Roxy?" Jamie asked. "Do you think Jack and the others will visit us?"

Roxy looked up from her work as she pondered the thought. "Not sure," she replied. "Remember Jamie, they all have a job to do, and right now it's the busy season. North is in Christmas mode, and Jack has to prepare the whole world for a winter." Jamie's face fell for a moment, but one look at his older sister and the two just smiled.

Roxy knew Jamie missed that mischievous winter imp. Truth be told, she hadn't seen much of Jack since her birthday. She sighed. Long distance relationships were such a pain, but it was comforting to know Jack tried to make time for her and her siblings. After all, Jack Frost wasn't really the strict work-type. His motto: "They' re all hard work and deadlines, and I'm snowballs and fun times."

Truthfully, Roxy had been concerned she wouldn't have time for Jack even if he did visit. She had been busy with starting college courses and her part-time job; she rarely got time for herself. There was also fitting in time to practice. Since they had become Guardians, Roxy and Bonnie had been testing their new abilities with the help of each of the Guardians. Of course, being a full-time Guardians like Tooth and Sandy— who worked more than one night a year—did not have much time to train. Whenever this happened, it was left to Pitch to teach the girls. Roxy smiled thinking about it.

All five of the Guardians had been furious when Pitch returned, but the look on their faces when Bonnie had taken Pitch's hand and kissed his cheek, announcing they were a couple… Priceless! It took her nearly a week before she was able to convince the Guardians to allow the training sessions, which was pretty short considering it took longer to convince them Pitch had gone from evil villain to chaotic neutral. Sure, he still gave children nightmares, but they weren't as dark as before, though occasionally someone on North's 'Naughty List' would be visited by a particularly frightening Nightmare.

Even without Pitch teaching them, the training was exhausting.

First was working with their weapons, taught by North and Bunnymund. When together, North and Bunny separated between the girls: North and Roxy would dual rapier to twin broad swords, while Bunny showed Bonnie how to use her ninja stars. Bunny would also take a little extra time to teach the girls agility, camouflage tactics, and Tai Chee.

Tooth only had one task to teach the girls: how to fly. The lessons were quite easy. Roxy seemed a natural with her wings, easily soaring through the air. Tooth was impressed by how quickly she caught on, though Roxy did struggle to match Tooth's flight speed. Bonnie had been another story. It wasn't that Bonnie struggled to fly. In fact, she was just as quick as Roxy. It was the matter of getting more than a few feet off the ground due to a fear of heights. It had taken two and a half weeks before Bonnie was comfortable flying.

Finally, there were the lessons with Jack, Sandy, and Pitch. Bonnie learned that despite her ties to the Nightmares, she could create blinding starlight blasts. Sandy and Pitch would alternate in her lessons, each working with their specific element to help her advance. Roxy only joined in the lessons with Pitch whenever she and Bonnie were training to fight off an enemy (though Roxy swore Pitch went harder on her than Bonnie).

That left her lessons with Jack. He was especially delighted to discover Roxy could control winter elements just like him. He taught her some of the basic tricks he knew while they were at the North Pole, but her favorite was causing the snow to take different forms and give it life.

Still, there was one matter neither Bonnie nor Roxy had yet to address. Roxy remembered North telling the girls that part of being a Guardian was finding your "center." It was the final element that would make them both true Guardians. Still, what could hers and Bonnie's be?

"Ouch!" Roxy looked down to see she had accidentally pricked her finger on the needle. A drop of blood began to form on the tip.

"I fix it!" Sophie said when she saw her sister's finger. She got up from the floor and ran to the medicine cabinet. When she came back, Sophie wrapped Roxy's finger in the bandaid, giving it a little kiss.

"All better!"

"Aww, thanks, Soph." Roxy gathered her younger sister into a big hug. "Now, I think that's enough for today." She looked around at the decorations. "We've earned ourselves a break. Who wants a cookie?"

"Me!" Jamie and Sophie shouted together.

Roxy laughed and got up to follow her excited siblings into the kitchen. Sitting on the counter was a fresh plate of peppermint cookies meant for making special Christmas plates for the neighbors. Roxy carefully peeled back the cellophane wrapping, and was about swipe three cookies.

"Don't you even think about it, Roxana Bennett."

Roxy quickly drew her hand back as Mrs. Bennett walked into the room, shopping bags in hand and a knowing smirk on her face. All three children gave her innocent smiles, but they knew their mother wasn't fooled.

She just chuckled. "Roxy, aren't you a little old to be sneaking cookies from the cookie jar?" Mrs. Bennett teased, setting her bags on the opposite counter.

Roxy looked toward her mom, eyes closed and laughing nervously. "Technically, it was a plate. And it was only three," she explained. "We all worked on the decorations, so I thought we might have a little reward."

"Please Mom," Jamie asked, looking up at her with pleading eyes. Watching her older siblings, Sophie stepped in and adding her own begging look.

That had done it. It was near impossible for her to resist when all three of her children looked like that. Mrs. Bennett just chuckled and shook her head. "Well, all right," she agreed. "But just one, and not until after dinner."

The three cheered and then set to helping their mother put away the groceries. As Mrs. Bennett slipped away to put away one particular shopping bag, the phone rang.

"I got it!" Roxy yelled. She picked it up and smiled as she hit the answer button. "Hello?"

OhmygoshRoxyyou'llneverguesswhatjusthappened!

"Slow down. Just tell me, in regular, non-Bonnie speed." Roxy laughed. "We haven't talked for days. Just what happened that has you spazzing out?"

She heard her friend take a breathe before continuing. Pitch met my parents! In a real meet-the-parents type of setting. And no one died! I even think that Da liked him.

Roxy froze. Quickly turning around, she checked on Jamie and Sophie. Both children were still putting away groceries, so they hadn't overhead Bonnie's statement. She had yet to tell her brother and sister about the reformed boogieman. Jamie still hadn't forgiven Pitch for trying to destroy the Guardians—not to mention turning Roxy into a Fearling to do it—but there was no way the boy would except Pitch living with Bonnie. And then there was her mom, who would think Roxy delusional and have her committed to a psyche ward before she had a chance to prove the Guardians' existence.

Roxy quickly excused herself from the room, and took the call upstairs. Once she was alone in her bedroom, she turned her attention back to the phone.

"Sorry, had to move to secure location. Now, about Pitch meeting your parents? Start explaining."

Yeah, so it was like this, Bonnie remarked. Remember when we were practicing a couple days ago, and my mom dropped in on us?

"How could I forget. My snowball smacked her right in the face! I hope she knows I'm super sorry about that."

Yeah, she's fine, but that's not the thing. She saw us, remember? Mama saw us!

"Yeah, I remember, though I still don't get how that happened."

I don't know either! I was too busy with Mama freaking out, Bonnie exclaimed.

She thought Pitch was some hombre loco, and went into momma bear mode. It took me forever to calm her down and explain the situation. Pitch tried to help, remember? Mama threw a potted plant at his head.

Roxie bit her lip to stifle her laughter.

Quit laughing, I know you're doing it, Bonnie warned.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself. Though I still haven't figured out what made her able to see us. Hits to the head don't let people see mythical figures, right?" Roxy said, still unsure. "Pitch muttered something about maybe my snowball having something to do with it, but I never got to meet back up with him to confirm."

Heck is I know, Bonnie said. All I can say is, if you did do something, might wanna talk with Santa and the rest. But getting back to the issue: after you and Pitch split and left me alone with Mama—thanks again for that, you coward—she actually seemed pretty okay with it. Okay, maybe okay isn't the right word, but she was willing to let me better explain myself once Pa got home and we had a talk. Of course, by the time he did, Mama stopped being able to see Pitch and then the conversation lead to a question of sanity, but nevertheless. My parents started to believe and poof! Pitch is now able to be seen, and Mama and Da want him to join us for Christmas dinner.

"That's unbelievable, Bonnie," Roxy exclaimed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the old shadow managed to keep himself in check, but I still can't process this. Your mom able to see us, let alone them okay with this. Not everyday your daughter reveals she has magical powers, and is dating one of the most famous mythological baddies."

It took some time and a lot of work on my Da's part to convince her.

Roxy laughed. "Sorry, couldn't help myself. Okay, I need details! For one thing, how do you think she saw us? Pitch thinks maybe it was my snowball."

Could be possible, but you've thrown plenty of those, and no one saw us in magic mode. However, I have some ideas.

As Bonnie listed off her theories, Roxy heard a small tap on her window. She looked up and smiled seeing a grinning Jack Frost leaning on his staff. Roxy dashed over to open her window.

"Jack!"

"Hey Snow Sprite." Jack chuckled. "Hope you don't mind I dropped in?"

Roxy laughed, letting Jack come into her room. "I almost thought you wouldn't come."

He smirked. "Like I could stay away. This is my hometown after all." He gave her a causal, if not completely mischievous look. "So, now that I'm here, how bout you come outside and we stir up a little fun?"

Roxie smiled, causally picking up a book from her desk. "I don't know…" she teased. "I'd have to sneak out, and there's some reading I've been meaning to– Hey!" Jack quickly snatched the book from her hand. "Jack Frost, give me my book!"

He hovered just out of reach and examined it. He looked puzzled but she could see the impishness in his eyes. He always enjoyed getting a rise out of her.

"Roxy–" He waved the book around as he gestured. "–The sun is shinning, there's snow on the ground. Why stay inside with a dusty old book?"

"Maybe I like reading a book in my warm bed before freezing my butt off outside in the cold," she argued. "Isn't there anything you'd rather do then play in the snow everyday?"

"Maybe…" he began. He slowly set the book on Roxy's desk before standing at her side. He leaned over her, supporting himself on his staff. Jack smiled devilishly. Uh-oh! That always meant one thing.

"J-Jack, don't you dare," Roxy warned. She knew it was useless, but that didn't stop her from backing up. She soon hit the bed and began crawling backwards across the mattress. "Jack I mean it, you better not–"

"What? I'm not doing anything." He tried to look innocent but Roxy knew better than that. Jack had that wicked look in his eye and Roxy knew what it meant: she was in trouble.

I'M PREGNANT!

The sudden outburst shocked both Jack and Roxy out of our stare down. It was then Roxy remembered she was still on the phone with Bonnie. She grabbed her phone and started apologizing. "Bonnie, I'm so sorry. Jack stopped by and I forgot you were still on the line."

Well, about time you answered. I hate being ignored. You've any idea how long I've been trying to get your attention?

"I'm guessing awhile if you had to use that line," Roxy said. "Sorry about that."

Its cool. So am I to guess a certain frosty beau has come to call? The hint of suggestion was not lost in her voice.

Roxy blushed. "Yes."

All right then girly, I'll hang up so you can get back to your date. IBonnie hung up, leaving Roxy alone with Jack.

"Sometimes I just don't her…" foxy turned her attention back to Jack. "So, you mentioned going out? That mean you'll be in town for a while?"

"You'd better believe it," Jack said. "Winter is set so now I can have some fun."

"Well, I'll see if I can get out. Sophie should be about ready to take her nap, and Jamie is going out with his friends."

"And Bonnie?"

Roxie smirked. "She's got plans."

"With him? Still not used to that," Jack said.

Roxie shrugged, setting her book on the desk. "Yeah, that's something else I need to talk to you about," she said. "There's been a new development, and I wanted to talk to get your opinion on it."

"As long as it's not boring, up for anything," he said. "But let's go! You still need to show me you can handle the new you, remember?"

"Okay, okay. Point made. I'll see you soon."

"Later Snow Sprite." Jack ducked out the window, laughing as he flew on the wind. Roxie smiled. Then, she turned to her closet to grab her winter clothes. She didn't really need them, but she had to keep up appearances. She was all set when someone knocked on her door.

"It's open."

"Roxie, you got a minute?" her mother asked.

"Not now. Gonna walk Jamie to meet his friends, then-"

"Who's Jack?" Roxie froze. She felt heat rush her face as she turned to lock eyes with her mother. "I could hear you talking from the hallway," she continued. "Is he a friend from school?"

Roxie felt her heart stop. She hadn't exactly had time to tell her mother she was dating someone, never mind a legendary figure her mom brushed off as a myth. Thoughts raced in her mind as she tried to come up with a suitable explanation. It's not like she could lie, but she couldn't tell her mother the truth either. So, she went for the half truth.

"Jack is…someone I met some time back," she began. "Around sometime last year we, uh, kinda got reacquainted and found out we were in the same…class, and uh, we've been spending time together…"

"Why haven't you mention him before? Sounds like you two are pretty close," her mother said.

Roxie could feel her resolve slipping. "Well we don't get to see each other much because of his travels. Jack kinda goes around from time to time, but he comes back here cause it's his hometown."

"Oh? Well, that's certainly exciting for him. Though traveling that much must be hard for him."

"Not really, it's a lot of fun for him." Roxie couldn't believe how easy this was. She wasn't technically lying, but she wasn't telling her mother the entire truth. Only half. "But whenever he's in town, we like to get together and hang out."

"So that's where you've been running off to lately." Roxy felt her cheeks heating up. "Oh sweetie, did you really think I didn't notice?" Mrs. Bennett said. "A mother knows when her children are up to something. So, exactly how far has your relationship progressed?"

"Mom…"

"Don't try to deny it, Roxy, I recognize the look of a girl mooning over a boy," Mrs. Bennet teased. "I had that same look when I met your father."

"Mom!"

"Come on, what's he like?" her mother continued to press. "Are you studying in the same classes? What are his hobbies? Interests? Does he treat you well?"

Roxy laughed. "Well, we don't have classes, but he does help me study." If you count learning to master winds, storms, and all things snow. "He likes winter activities best, and overall, he loves to have fun," she continued. "As for how he treats me, he likes to tease me and his usually up to some sort of mischief, but he's really kind and caring once you get past the sarcasm and tricks. Jamie and Sophie lov… w-would really like him. I think you would too."

"In that case, you should invite him over soon," she said. "I'd love to meet him. I."

"O-Oh, I don't know about that. Jack is a little hard to get ahold of. Besides, he's also pretty busy this time of year." Roxie rubbed the back of her neck, hoping she didn't look as guilty as she felt.

"Oh, right, of course. I bet he has plans with his family for Christmas."

"No, he's on his own. Jack lost his family a long time ago." Roxie wanted to slap herself for letting that slip.

"What?!"

"Uh… I meant, he lost them when he was a teenager–"

"Just how old is this boy?" Mrs. Bennett interrupted.

"About my age, give or take a year or two," Roxy replied, thinking it best not to reveal the almost three hundred year age gap. "In any case, Jack was old enough to become independent."

"Hmm… So, he's backpacking then?"

"Yes."

"So, to sum it up, your friend is all by himself with no place to stay… Well, then that settles it. "Roxy, I want you to invite Jack over."

"Wait, what?" Roxy wasn't sure she was hearing correctly.

"He can stay for dinner and spend Christmas with us," Mrs. Bennett continued. "Oh, I'll have to go back out to get some extra things for dinner. Roxy, do you know if Jack is allergic to anything?"

"Mom!"

Mrs. Bennett held up her hand. "My mind's made up, honey," she said. "So unless you have him call me directly and say why he can't come, I'll be sure to put an extra plate out."

Mrs. Bennett left her daughter standing with her mouth gapping. She had no idea that the special guest she invited would have a hard time attending.

Roxie grabbed her coat and called for Jamie. She needed to talk to Jack, and fast.

XXX

AN: That's all for now. More to come soon but for now, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!