Summary: Jasper Frost has walked through the fire many times but nothing will prepare him for what he's about to endure next.

Authors Note: There's speculation going around that there is going to be a disco themed dance. Fans all hope that the dance is for Sara Alice and that one Jasper Frost gets roped into going. Light fluff for a change instead of my satanic one shots. Enjoy

"Absolutely not"

"Frost"

"No, no way in hell."

When Jasper Frost had been called into James Hill office he wasn't sweating. He knew he was not walking to his death because he had been laying low. He hadn't been getting his nose in business that it didn't belong. No, scratch that, he had but he had been doing it low key and off the books. Jasper, had learned his lesson before. He hadn't been discreet but now he was.

Now, he made sure to do his snooping elsewhere where it wouldn't be traced back to him or James Hill for that matter. To The King, to Mr. Hill and anyone else he was the perfect and faithful Bodyguard but behind the scenes the loyalty slipped off and his faithful nature became unfaithful. King Robert was hiding something. Jasper, couldn't pinpoint what bit if his time in Vegas had taught him anything he had learned to read people. What he read from Robert was he couldn't be trusted. The charming smile he flashed towards the people, Jasper, only saw as cunning. Like the people weren't people but prey, his prey.

So as long as he laid low and remained in the shadows his investigative reporting wouldn't be discovered. Which is why hadn't been sweating when Mr. Hill requested to meet him in his office. However, that changed as Jasper now found himself trying to think of anything to keep him from doing what his boss was requesting.

"No"

Sara Alice like any other girl her age participates in a Honey Bee club. This upcoming Friday her troop will be holding a dance that is disco themed. Where does Jasper fit into this? He fits into the part where his boss is asking that he be Sara Alice's escort which means he won't only have to dress up but he will be surrounded by demons, er, little girls. Yup, his definition of true hell.

"Look I'll do anything else. I'll attend some pretentious garden party. I'll take one of your shifts just please I beg of you don't put me through this."

Eyeing the Bodyguard that is practically shaking before him. Sweat pretty much forming on his forehead. A chuckle escaping James who is perched atop the edge of his desk.

"You make it sound as if I'm sending you to your death."

"You pretty much are."

"They're children."

"No" shaking his head "they're demons, little monsters, hellions and brats."

"Sara Alice is a child."

A scoff escaping Jasper "Sara Alice is" he pauses for a moment and purses his lips together. "Sara Alice is well she's Sara Alice" he lamely states. "People instantly love her" him included in that.

"They're harmless."

"Until they pitch a fit because they aren't getting what they want. Until they start screaming Bloody Mary because they fell down and are treating a simple cut like it's a war wound. Until they stuff their faces and make a mess of it or have snot running down their face and wipe it off your sleeve."

James Hill, looking thoroughly amused as he continues to listen to his fellow Bodyguard rant on. Finally, when he feels he finished he decides to speak up."My daughter isn't perfect. She's known for throwing a fit or two. She's fallen and screamed 'Bloody Mary'."

"Yeah but she scraped her leg really hard when she fell."

"Because she was running around on the hardwood floor. After I warned her not to because she was wearing slippery socks. She's also known for wearing food on her face especially ice cream."

A shadow of a smile pulling at Jasper's lips recalling the many times he had encountered her wearing an ice-cream mustache.

"Yeah but she looks really cute and then when you bust her on it she still plays innocent even with the evidence right on her face."

"You're being bias because you care about my daughter. Just as every parent and loved one who has a child in their life."

Seeing that Jasper still isn't budging he releases a soft sigh deciding to up his game. "Look Jasper this is her first dance. The times she has had them I couldn't make because of work. She always understood but deep down I know she wishes she had been able to go. She misses out on so many things without having a mother without having a father who can't be there the way he wishes he could."

Jasper's brilliant blues falling towards the floor before looking back at James. "Well, now that could change. You make the rules, give yourself off and take your little girl to her first dance."

"I would but I'm not the one she wishes to go with."

The comment causing Jasper to remain perfectly still. Sara Alice had wanted to go with him? "She asked for me?"

"She wants to go with Mr. Caterpillar."

Jasper's mouth opening to speak but before he can James beats him to it. "I'm your boss but I can't force you into this because it's a personal request. However, if you aren't going to go with her then it's your job to deliver the news and break her heart."

Fuck, way to dig the knife in deeper. He had been one hundred percent ready to say hell no to this but how could he now? Thinking back to all the good this little girl had delivered into his life. She was his friend, maybe his best friend. God that sounded pathetic but it was true. She might only be a kid but she had read him well. Knew how crippled he had been without Eleanor.

During Eleanor's time away Sara Alice had drawn him pictures (some he kept pinned up at his desk) and she had reminded him how every story didn't always end up happily ever after right away. She had seen him in the halls when he'd catch sight of an article on Eleanor and Sebastian, when he'd feel like breaking and her little arms would wrap around him in a hug. That hug giving him the strength to keep moving forward. In many ways he owed this little girl everything and one dance was far from close to being enough. However, it was a start. Meeting James curious gaze he offers him a sideways smirk.

"You play dirty."

Which is how he found himself on a Friday night standing in Sara Alice's room and looking at himself in the full length mirror. A displeased groan escaping him as he stares at the getup he had been dressed in. When James had told him it was themed Jasper had decided to really make an effort and play the part. That had caused him to turn to Cyrus because if anyone excelled at "theme" it was the past King. The previous King had been more than pleased to offer his assistance to play dress up with Jasper. To Jasper's dismay Liam too had found out about Jasper's dance date. Ever since Robert had taken the throne Liam and Cyrus have been spending a lot of time together. Clearly, it made Jasper suspicious but he hoped in time Liam would let him in on whatever they were planning. In turn, Jasper would reveal what he had discovered as well.

Jasper, sporting a black pullover interlock shirt which has a wide wing collar and button cuffs. Adding to that he wears a white vest which has buttons in the front. Considering this was styled by Cyrus he has a Gabardine jacket, flared pants with a solid waistband with belt loops, zipper fly and button at the top. His hair is gelled back and he wears a gold necklace. Pretty much he could give Tony Manero a run for his money if he didn't look so ridiculous.

"I couldn't be more humiliated if I tried."

Scratch that, he could. Now, being met with Princess Eleanor's reflection as she leans against the doorway. An amused smile clear as day on her lips.

"What are you doing here?"

"A little birdie told me that you're escorting one Miss Sara Alice to her first dance."

"Who told you?"

"Your date."

Eleanor's smile only growing as she spots a look of embarrassment crossing his handsome features.

"I've been helping her get disco ready and when she told me that you too would be dressing up well I just had to see it for myself."

Jasper's eyes remaining fixed on the mirror not yet having the courage to look at her. Instead, he's too busy being reminded of how foolish he looks.

"I know I look ridiculous."

"I beg to differ."

The comment finally causing Jasper to turn around so that's he's no longer meeting her gaze through the reflection. Instead, he's looking right at her. A look of surprise mirroring in his baby blues.

"So you don't think I look ridiculous in this get up?"

"Oh I do. You look an out of date thrift shop threw up on you."

Kill me now

Ever since her return they had barely spoken to each other. She had kept her distance and he forced to keep his. Things had been tense between them and when he finally does get the chance to see her face to face he's looking like this.

Eleanor's expression softening at the hurt and disappointment that displays on his features. Pushing from the doorway and entering the room. Slowly making her way towards him until she's standing directly in front of him.

"What looks good on you is the reason behind why you're doing this."

He's absolutely stunned as Eleanor draws closer to him. He's afraid to move at the fear she might scare easily and back away. All he longs to do is reach out and touch her but he forces such a temptation away.

"I care a great deal about that little girl."

"As do I."

Hesitantly she reaches out and begins to fix the collar of his black pullover shirt. Maybe it's sloppy or she's just doing it as an excuse to touch him. Either way he doesn't care because she's touching him.

"There were many reasons I dreaded returning back to the palace, back home but she was one of the exceptions. One of the reasons I looked forward to coming back."

By now, she's stopped fiddling with his collar but her hands are still set on him. Even with all the layers on he feels his body being set ablaze by her simple touch. A touch that has the ability to bring him back to life after all those months of emptiness. Screw it; he can only hold back his aching for her for so long. Now, carefully laying his hands atop hers as his brilliant blues bore into her emerald hues.

"Was there any other reason?"

Time standing still between the two of them. What she had been distancing herself from now standing right in front of her. Jasper's thumb tenderly stroking over her knuckles. Eleanor's gaze dropping to his lips momentarily before lifting it back to meet his eyes. Those eyes that haunted her every night that she found staring back at her in her dreams. Eleanor's bottom lip trembling as she sucks in a breath willing herself to speak up.

"Jasper I"

"I'm ready!"

Another voice entering the room as Sara Alice steps in causing whatever spell the two had been under to break. Eleanor, suddenly treating Jasper's body as if it is hot to the couch. Quickly removing her hand and stepping back.

Jasper, having to swallow back the disappointment he feels as she withdraws from him completely. His eyes fixing over towards the little girl who has entered the room and is wearing the biggest smile on her face. A smile that he is the cause of and he reminds himself that tonight isn't about him, it's about her. Eyeing Eleanor for a moment more before he makes his way over towards Sara Alice.

"Aren't you a pretty sight."

She's wearing a blue floral print minidress with bell sleeves. Her hair is pinned straight and he guesses that Eleanor might have had something to do with it. She's wearing a white scarf that is tied in her hair. Last but not least she tops it off with white go-go boots.

"I have something for you."

Kneeling down so that he's at her level, reaching into his jacket pocket and retrieving a small wrist corsage. Watching as her face lights up at the sight of the vibrant pink flower.

"It's beautiful!"

Gently taking her tiny wrist so that he can slip it on and before he has the chance he feels her tiny frame crash into him. Arms wrapping around him as he returns the hug.

"Thank you Mr. Caterpillar."

"Alright you two, look over here so I could snap a quick picture. It is my daughter's first dance after all."

Eleanor, remaining silent as she takes in the scene before her. Jasper Frost had the ability to surprise people. Just when she thought her attraction for him couldn't grow anymore he had surprised her yet again. Something about this soft side of Jasper with this little girl making her picture something she hadn't seen before.

Him as a father

The thought itself made her ache as she came to the sinking realization she'd never get the chance to see it in person. Eventually, Jasper would find reason to leave this place behind; like she had only unlike her he wouldn't come back. He'd find someone, fall in love, build a life and she'd be nothing but a distant memory.

Holding back the tears now threatening to fall, refusing to raise attention to her because tonight wasn't about her.

"Alright Foxy keep it up and your daughter will never make it to her first dance which would be a shame because we spent hours getting ready."

James, snapping one more picture before slipping the phone back into his pocket. "You two best be off then. I expect her to be back at eight on the dot."

"Of course Sir" flashing James a teasing grin.

"Right well" finding that she needed to make her escape before the emotions got the best of her.

"Off you two go."

Rising to his feet and outstretching his hand to Sara Alice. "Shall we go Miss Alice in the Palace?"

Accepting his hand, taking his big one into her little one and grinning up at him.

"We shall Mr. Caterpillar."

Chancing one last glance at Eleanor before taking his leave. She had been suspiciously quite but for now he wouldn't question it. For now, he would endure whatever hell he was about to be greeted to so that he could give this little girl a night worth remembering.

Breathing a sigh of relief once Jasper and Sara Alice are out of sight she looks over at James who is looking down at the last picture he snapped. Admiring the way that his daughter is beaming at the camera displaying her coursage that Jasper had picked out for her.

"She's never been happier."

Eleanor's gaze focused on the man that had captured and still held her heart. A sad smile on her "he has that effect on people."

The comment drawing James to look up from his phone and see the far-off look that is mirroring in Eleanor's eyes "Princess" he begins but is silenced as Eleanor lifts her hand for him to stop talking. Offering him a weak smile "I'm glad that Sara Alice had her dream come true."

Without another word she's turning away and making her escape back to the confines of her bedroom. Back to where she can hideaway from the rest of the world and convince herself she's not envious of a little girl who gets to spend a normal night out with one Jasper Frost.

Back to her reality

Back to where her dreams don't come true.

End.