Disclaimer: I do not own RoTG

Astraea POV

I have no idea how I got into this situation, but I blame 'Jack' for it.

After calming Avery down, I lead them into class. Sarah looked at me quizzically, and I just shrugged, not knowing how to explain it. Avery took 'Jack' to the back of the studio, and I saw her say something to him. Oh that girl and her imagination.

While I caught up with what we missed and taught it to Avery, I almost forgot about the little incident. Once I had caught up Avery, I sat down in my little chair beside the piano. As I watched the little ones, I noticed how Avery was playing with Brooklyn.

'Well,' I thought, 'At least that crisis was avoided.'

So, for a rare moment at dance, I had nothing to do. The only thing I could do was watch as Sarah taught them a new routine, making sure everyone knew what they were doing. And as I watched, I noticed how Avery would occasionally look at the spot where 'Jack' was, waving or giggling. Trying to resist the urge to roll my eyes, I looked away… to only smile.

Yes, I will admit I thought it was a little odd, but who was I to judge? Hey, I waited every night to talk to the moon. But even with that knowledge, I AM still a teenager and I couldn't help but think it was childish. Like many kids my age, I had stopped believing in anything magical long ago. Well everything except MiM, that is. I mean, Jack Frost? REALLY? Why not Santa, or hell, The Easter Bunny? But no, it was Jack freaking Frost.

Sighing inwardly, I watched the rest of class go by without a hitch. And even though I caught Avery looking at her friend multiple times and sitting there when they had a short break (seeming to be doodling something) I didn't say a word. Why not let the girl have her fun?

"Alright guys!" Bobby said, beaming at the class. "Good job today! See you next weekend!" And with that, everyone filled out. Grabbing the sheets of paper from the floor, I walked towards Dana, handing them to her. She smiled at me once again, thanking me. Waving my goodbye, I left the studio.

After grabbing my bag and changing into my outside shoes, I headed home. Only to be stopped by a very loud "Raea!"

Turning around, I saw a running Avery. She was now bundled up in a scarf, jacket and winter boots. She was absolutely freaking adorable. Bending down to her height, I poked her nose, making the blonde giggle.

"Yes?" I asked her, poking her stomach this time. Avery held out a folded piece of paper, smile becoming wider. I raised an eyebrow at her but took the paper anyway. "What is it?"

"It's a picture Jack and I drew in class." Looking down at the piece of paper, I opened it. My eyes became wide. What the in the actual hell….?

The picture was of a winter wonderland. In the middle was an ice enclosed lake, surrounded by snow covered trees. A large willow tree stood off the right, weighed down by icicles and snow. There was even a full moon shinning on poorly drawn people ice skating in the middle. How in the HELL could a SIX year old draw this…? Well, excluding the people in the middle. Avery had definitely drawn that.

"I drew the people. Jack did the rest," She admitted sheepishly, smiling shyly. After a moment, I composed myself and smiled at her.

"It's beautiful. I love it, thank you." She beamed at me, and then rushed off towards her awaiting mother, who waved. Waving back, I stood up straight and looked back to the picture. My mind raced with questions, but I shook them off. It wasn't good to dwell on these things. And, since I didn't want a migraine, I did just that.

Folding the picture, I carefully placed it in my bag. As I did this, a gust of cold wind passed me, knocking me off balance. Taking a step back to steady myself, I glanced around. Shaking my head, I gently laughed.

"I'm going insane," I muttered to myself, running my hand through my blonde curls. "Well, more than I already am." And with that, I turned around, walking towards my impatiently waiting mother.

Astraea POV

"It was SO weird MiM." I whispered to my best friend, looking out my window at his beautiful round surface. "I mean, how can a SIX year old draw this?" He chuckled, looking at the picture I had shoved towards his "face".

"She must be a very talented child young one." Rolling my eyes, I gave him an exasperated look. Quickly pinning the picture back upon my wall, I smiled at it. It WAS a beautiful picture.

"No shit Sherlock," I said, turning back to him. MiM chuckled again, making me smile slightly. After piling some more pillows, I laid down, still gazing at my friend. "I believe I am going insane." I told him, making him laugh a hearty laugh. I clutched the locket he gave me years ago. It had never gotten scratched or broken in over ten years. And, it had also never been opened. Don't get me wrong, it could open, I just never had. MiM once told me the longer you wait, the more rewarding it is. So, on my eighteenth birthday, I had decided to open it. Don't ask me why, it's just how I am.

"Are you not already insane?" he asked me. Snorting at him, I clutched my blanket closer to me so the cold night air couldn't touch me.

"Maybe," Was my reply. We lapsed into silence then… until we both burst out laughing. My head flew back, and I could feel the vibrations of MiM's laughter around me. These were my most cherished memories. Not of birthday's or Christmases, but laughing with my best friend. So yes, I concluded, I am insane.

"Ah young one, it is getting late." Looking over at my clock, I sighed. It was 11pm, and I was getting pretty tired.

"Your right, like usual" I muttered the last part under my breath, but I could tell he heard me. Crawling under the covers, I turned off my light. Snuggling in, I looked towards my friend. "Can you tell me the story of the girl and the immortal?" I asked, giving him my best puppy dog expression. He heaved a long exasperated sigh.

"Alright, settle in." I obeyed, making a show out of fluffing my pillows. After the show, pulled the overs over me and closed my eyes, waiting for him to start. "Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl with long blonde hair…."

MiM POV

Finishing the story, I looked upon my beloved. She had fallen asleep fifteen minutes into the story, but I had finished. Her blonde hair was sprawled across the pillow, eyes closed; face set into a peaceful expression, looking just like she had when she was six.

Many years had passed since our first meeting, yet the young girl seemed to stay the same. Yes, she began to mature, becoming a young lady, but she was still herself. Irritable, stubborn, easily annoyed. However, she was also kind, humorous, thoughtful and pure. So, throughout those years we had known each other, her heart stayed the same—innocent and pure.

For years I had wished for a friend, for years I watched my sprits spread joy and prosperity to the humans. So, when the day came that I heard a voice calling to me, I knew I would no longer be lonesome. The universe had given me a gift—a gift I will never be able to pay back.

That wish sealed my fate, and oh how I remember that small innocent wish. The voice, so fair and quiet, was filled with such sorrow, striking something in me that I had long forgotten existed. Immediately, I honed in on the little voice, only to see a young Astraea.

The young girl was on the ground, tears in her eyes. Her blonde curly hair had been pulled up into a ponytail, though a few rouge strands clung to the child's face. Dirt clung to the girl's jeans, making them turn to a dark brown. An older girl stood above her, a smirk so malevolent, I could only describe it as malicious.

Soon, many of her peers stood around her, watching in fascination— a fascination one might use to watch a car crash. The younger girl began to stand up now, not meeting anyone's eyes… to only be pushed back down by the elder. Their class mates snickered.

"L-L-Leave me alone M-M-Marissa," the voice from before said. Realizing it was of the young one, I watch with renewed interest.

She was afraid of the elder that much was evident in her wide hazel eyes. The elder girl just chuckled, sneering down her nose at the blonde.

"What you going to do about it?" She challenged, watching the girl with beady eyes. More of the children snickered this time, drawing the blonde's eyes. The younger one blushed a deep crimson, obviously embarrassed by the sudden attention. Turning her gaze to the ground, she muttered something under her breath.

"What was that?! I can't HEAR YOU!" The one named, Marissa, called. When the girl did not answer, she curled her lip in disgust. "I thought so." Turning on her heel, she left the young girl in the mud. Her classmates quickly followed the older girl, laughing, and leaving the little one alone.

For a moment, she did not move. Until I saw one tear fall from her eyes, and she looked toward the sky. Yet, it wasn't just any point in the sky. The young girl looked straight at me.

"I wish I had a friend." The wish came in a hopeful voice, stirring those emotions again. A long noise sounded, signalling the end of lunch. The young girl quickly picked herself up, dusted the mud off as best she could, then trudged up the hill, all the while looking miserable.

I felt for the small child, I truly did. Being alone in the world was not something a beautiful young girl should go through. Somehow, it angered me to see that young one looking so miserable—yet it also made me incredibly sad.

That was the moment I made my resolve, to befriend the small girl. Though it was dangerous, I had many enemies in that world; I could not leave her miserable. It was not something I could live with.

Ah, so many years ago, and she still had a special place in her heart for an old immortal. Yes, some may say I am selfish for holding that place where someone more… well mortal, could be placed there. When she was thirteen, I had once made the mistake of asking her.

"Are you STUPID?!" She had cried, giving me her best death glare. "Who else would I talk to about my problems, my hopes, my dreams?! If you think it's that easy to get rid of me, think again mister! I'm not going ANYWHERE, so get used to it!" Throwing up her hands, she concluded with: "And you're SUPPOSED to be an all knowing entity! Good god MiM! Why would you ever think such a damn idiotic thing?"

It had been the loveliest thing anyone had said to me. Even just remembering it makes me smile and become warm with feeling. Astraea was my beloved. Watching her grow up into beautiful young lady she was today, made me feel content with my immortality, with my fate. Her father, a fool, missed out on something truly magical, something only that young girl possesses. Though, I am thankful that I could experience it.

Nevertheless, like the humans say, everything must come to an end. Darkness was stirring. Evil was awakening. At this moment, I could only hope that they do not find her. Though, I knew they would. It was only a matter of time.

Ah, the second chapter is now up!
And I want thank you the positive feed back on this story, it made me really happy. I see why everyone likes these reviews so much!
In this chapter, we see MiM's POV over how he met Astraea. I felt this was relevant (and necessary) to the story, to see how much he cares.
More to come!
~Similar Addictions~