A/N: Well, I'm sure you're all excited to finally have reached the 'Jack' chapter. Yes, yes. Confetti and sparkles all around. Now! This will most likely be in three different sections. Meaning, this will be a three-shot rather than the normal one-shots you have seen. Just wanted to give you that heads-up.
Disclaimer: Anyone else get annoyed they have to keep putting this? I no own RotG.
The Odd Ball Out
It had to be some of his best work.
Not saying all the rest had been worthless—because obviously all his work was awesome—but this one would surely take the cake.
Jack Frost was crouched on a telephone pole, staff clutched close to his chest and snugged against his cheek as he happily observed his work. He had been careful, extremely careful. He had only placed snow on the ground, avoiding the roads entirely. The white frozen rain had been fluffed to inches deep and yet not one flake wetted the road. So while people could drive, they'd have to get out of their houses first. He gave a snort, rising to a standing position. He'd like to see that stupid sand horse walk in that!
He gave a vicious grin at the thought before leaping off, the wind excitedly wrapping around his form to send him surging into the sky. He wasn't surprised to already see children playing in his work, laughter floating up to his height as he flew towards the neighborhood. Upon reaching it, he paused at screeches and descended, hovering a few inches above the ground and peering around the back of a house. Two older males, pre-teens most likely, were wrestling fiercely in the snow. A blond teen was standing near the porch, looking at the snow with a little curl to her lip. The littlest little boy was playing all by himself and Jack found himself frowning.
"Not very fun being all alone is it?" He asked the boy, floating above him. To his surprise, the little one jerked his head up, eyes widening.
"You're flying." He stated, reaching forward to wave a hand under the winter spirit as if to test his own words. Jack grinned, landing and crouching enough to gather snow behind his back.
"Yes I am. I'm Jack Frost. Who are you?" The boy chewed on his cheek as if considering revealing his name before giving a nod to himself.
"I'm Garrett." Jack nodded, forming a snowball in his hands.
"I like that name. Is that your family over there?" The boy turned and gave a nod.
"Yep. That's my sister and brothers." Garrett frowned, glancing back at Jack. "They don't want to play what I want to play though…" Jack's grinned once again, bringing his hands around to reveal his small arsenal of snowballs. Garrett blinked before smiling, an excited gleam in his eyes.
"How about we change that?" At the boy's nod his grin turned mischievous as he hopped into the air to perch on his staff, nailing each of the boy's siblings straight in the face. Garrett gasped before giggling as his family toppled over into the snow thanks to the blows.
"What the h—haha… haha!" One of the boys sat up and cut into his own exclamation, pointing at his sister who was slowly pushing herself up into a sitting position. "You've got a snow wig going on, sis!" One of the blond males laughed as he stood, snickering as she hastily slapped it off.
"Ooh, you're going to pay for that, Mitchell…" She spun to face the littlest of their siblings, giving a smirk. "Isn't he Garrett?" The boy gave a squeal of agreement, darting over to his sister's side as the beginnings of a snowball war began.
Jack hovered around them, dragging his staff along the ground, snowballs appearing wherever the wood slid. He jumped as a snowball slammed into his shoulder and turned to see a smiling Garrett.
"Thanks, Jack!" The winter spirit blinked before giving a warm grin, the wind taking him higher into the air.
"No problem, kiddo. That's what I'm here for." He gave the child a wave before allowing the wind to drag him back to his former height. He only had to glide past three more houses before reaching his destination. He landed lightly on the shingled roof, frost spreading out from his bare feet. He crouched, balancing his staff across his thighs.
There was absolutely no one in the backyard. The snow was as pristine as he had left it. The winter spirit frowned.
"I know I heard her complaining about not having any snow…" He gave a huff. "How dare she ignore my amazing work." He let out a dramatic sigh. "Maybe I should break another window… Reminds me. I still need to fix that other one…" The wind tugged harshly on his hair to jerk him out of his musings as a door slid open.
"Momma, look at this! It's freakin' amazing!" A blue-coated figure staggered out into the snow, giving a yip as they fell over onto their back. There was a second of silence before they laughed, moving their arms and legs in a circular motion. "There's enough snow to make a snow angel!"
"You're going to be soaking wet!" Another figure emerged, this one dressed in a bright green jacket. They shivered slightly before moving over to the blue figure who was rising. "I don't think I've seen this much snow in years… It's not even on the streets… It's rather odd."
"Pft, who cares? We can make a snowman! That's not mini!" Jack hopped off the roof, spinning his staff so it stuck in the snow first, perching on the hooked end. The blue-coated figure turned to face him and he brightened upon realizing it was the same odd believer. Her blond hair had been thrown up into a ponytail, the ends brushing against the fabric of her hoodie. She had a navy hoodie and a thick gray peacoat over it. Jeans and sneakers below it. Her blue eyes sparkled as she rubbed her hands together, a glint appearing in the hues. "Or maybe we can make a mini snowman army!"
"A mini snowman army?" The other figure laughed and Jack tilted his head to view them as they looked back. This must have been the mother. A red-haired woman with a gray sweatshirt and puffy green jacket, her face looked a great deal similar to the teen's. Or… the other way around. She gave a bright smile at her daughter and placed her hands on her hips. "You dragged me out here, so what should we do first?"
"A snowman! I've never made an actual sized one!" The blond immediately crouched, gathering snow in her gloved hands. "You get a ball made, and I'll get this one and then we'll squish those together to make an epic ball of snow for the body. We'll have a bloody monster snowman!" She quickly started to roll the ball of snow as her mother shook her head but began to do the same.
Jack was ecstatic that she was enjoying the snow—without a stupid horse—but he frowned. Was it only them? When he was with Jamie, he was used to a multitude of children consisting of both the brunette's friends and random neighborhood kids. However, looking around and remembering what he had seen when flying around this certain neighborhood, he couldn't recall seeing many children or teens. Either they were all hibernating inside or there weren't many around. What about friends? Didn't she have some?
"This looks perfect!" He was snapped out of his thoughts at the teen's voice and he hopped off his staff, coming to her side. She was looking at the huge ball of snow proudly with her hands on her hips.
"Yes. It's a good, giant snow body. But…" The mother waved a hand. "How are we going to get the rest on?" The teen blinked before observing closer. The body of the snowman was large, almost taller than the two women and neither would be tall enough to put a head on.
"Son of a biscuit eater!" The teen cried, throwing her hands up in the air. "I didn't even think of that!" Jack snickered at her response.
"You know, I could always fly it up for you." He sang, leaning against his staff.
"A ladder!" Both the mother and Jack's eyes widened.
"Are you serious?" Jack questioned.
"You can't be serious." The mother echoed. The teen's blue eyes were ablaze with determination.
"Of course I am! Start making the head and I'll be right back!"
"Wait, Amber—" The girl had already darted back inside though and the mother gave a sigh. "Or just run off again as always… That's fine too." She shook her head with a slight smile before beginning to roll up a head.
"So that's her name!" Jack was excited about this knowledge and leapt over to the mother's side. "Now if I can get yours…" He didn't receive an answer and instead of watching, he bent down to help, gathering snow and smushing it into the ball the mother was creating. She seemed surprised it got large so quickly but before she could question it any further she heard grunting behind her and turned. Amber was hauling a small step-ladder out and she set it against the wall of the home before hopping back into the snow and sliding the door closed around her.
"Wow, Momma, that's an awesome head!" The red-haired woman straightened.
"It strangely didn't take any time to make." Her daughter nodded and snatched the ladder back up, unfolding it. She set it down firmly in the snow, rocking it a few times to make sure it held before scurrying up.
"Ok, hand me the head!" The mother nodded and picked the ball of snow up before walking over and offering it to her daughter.
"Be careful, honey…" She made a sound that sounded like, 'Pfft!' and offered a grin.
"I always am!" She chirped before reaching under her mother's arms and hauling the snowman's head into her own arms. Jack hovered near her, putting his hands on the ladder to steady it while his staff was balanced in the crook of his elbow. His eyes glowed with excitement.
"Don't worry, I gotcha." He informed the teen as she reached up, gently placing the ball of snow on top of the body. Her eyes flashed with fear as it began to sag under the weight. Jack removed one hand from the ladder to grab his staff, tapping the wood against the snow. Frost spread across the snow like veins, hardening and firming the snow. He grinned at her bright smile, going back to holding the ladder.
"Look at this, momma! Isn't it awesome? It just needs a few more touches…" She dug into the pocket of her hoodie and produced a small can of Pringles. She popped the top off and plucked one off, placing it in her mouth. Crunching on the chip she snagged another one and reached up, carefully pushing the edges of the chip into the snow. One down, she moved on to the other side. With two golden eyes, she munched on another Pringle before putting it back in her pouch. Next that came out was a handful of grapes. Moving forward, she stuck them in a half-circle to create a smile. "Look at this, with them in the snow, it'll clean them and keep them cold enough to eat after it melts!" The mother scowled at the idea but was too busy unwrapping her scarf to reply.
"Here. A good snowman always has to have a hat or scarf right?" Amber gave a sharp nod and snatched it from her mother's offered hands, leaning forward to throw it over the snowman's fat neck. Jack had to tilt his head back to avoid her belly colliding with his face.
"There! Finished!" He blinked at her triumphant voice, watching her descend the ladder. He released it as she moved it away, going to stand by her mother's side. "I think I shall dub it… Sir Snows-A-Lot!" Her mother laughed while Jack snickered at the name. "What? It's an awesome name! It snowed a lot to make him! See what I did there?" Her mother shook her head, reaching an arm to pull her daughter into a hug.
"I do see what you did there. It's a marvelous name." Jack gave a snort.
"Sure, sure. He should have an army."
"I think he should have a horse."
"No!" Jack instantly snapped, watching the mother raise her eyebrow.
"A horse?"
"Yeah! He's a knight right? Or at least a bada sword." She gave a nod before gasping and pulling away from her mother's hold, digging around the pockets of her peacoat. "Dude, I have got to send a picture of this to everyone! Maybe if the roads are good, Colleen and Shelby can come over and we can make a whole bloody army!" Jack pointed his staff.
"Exactly! That's so much better than a horse!" The mother gave a shrug.
"We'll have to see. It's supposed to be sunny all day today so it may be gone before then." She began searching around her own pockets. "I need to put this on Facebook though…" Jack floated over the teen's shoulder, watching her operate her cellphone. Even after all these years, he was still in wonder of how they worked and everything they did. He was surprised though that she didn't have what was called a 'smartphone'. He stepped back as she brought her phone up and tried to fit the massive snowman into the screen.
"Huh. I think a little more to the right." He grinned as she took a pace to the right. "Maybe back a little?" He couldn't help but laugh as she muttered under her breath about 'too small screens' and hopped backwards. He peered over her shoulder and gave a nod. "Perfect!" She apparently agreed with her as her phone snapped the picture.
"Awesome! This is my wallpaper now. Yes it is."
"Amber," The teen looked up at her mom, seeing her opening the door. Both she and Jack let out a whine.
"We just got started though!" Her mother puffed out her breath and showed her the watch on her wrist.
"We've been out here for nearly two hours. We can play a little later but let's warm up first." The red-haired female gave a bright smile. "What about we have some hot chocolate?" The teen looked to be ready to give in as this brought up.
"With chocolate milk instead of white and a mountain of mini marshmallows?" At her mother's affirmative, she grinned and nodded agreement. She started towards the door only to spin, nearly knocking Jack with her arm as he was following after her. She raised a hand and saluted the snowman. "Keep guard Sir Snows-A-Lot! I'll be back." Laughing at herself, she went into the house. Jack hesitated for a moment before darting in after her, just barely getting his staff in before she shut the door behind her. He instantly cringed at the heat that assaulted him but got used to it soon enough and looked around.
He was standing in a dining area that was attached to a kitchen, cool tile under his feet. He hopped to one side as the teen passed him, taking off her jacket. She took her mother's as well, opening a door near the fridge. He glanced after her, seeing what looked to be a garage before the door was shut partially so the mother could get chocolate milk out.
"Huh. Nice place." Jack looked towards the door as the wind knocked against the door, upset at his departure. He went over and patted on the glass comfortingly. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." He gave the outside a grin. "Just trying to get a new believer." The snow swirled and his features slipped into a scowl. "I am not being a stalker, wind!" It continued to pick up snow and blow it around but by now; Jack had snorted at it and turned his back on it, pulling a chair out from the table and bouncing into it, crouching on the cushions.
"You never realize how cold you are until you get into heat again." His icy gaze shifted as the girl yanked the chair out of the table beside him, plopping down into the cushion.
"Yes, but you also don't realize how hot it is until you remember you're made out of snow and winter cold." Jack chirped at her. There was a clatter as cups were set down from the cabinet, filled with cocoa powder.
"Which is why I suggested we come inside." The girl grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.
"You're always right…"
"And you just hate that don't you?"
"No! I just hate being wrong." The mother shot her a deadpan look to which the teen shrugged at. "It's just in the genes…" The mother gave a nod as she turned back to retrieve the marshmallows as the chocolate milk began to heat. "Hey momma…"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Why do you think Jack Frost nips at your nose?" Jack sat straighter at his name, giving the girl a wide-eyed stare. She had thought of him? He leaned forward and stuck his staff in his elbow.
"Why do you ask?"
"Because my nose is freezing!" She responded, hands reaching up to cup her red nose. The mother clicked her tongue.
"I suppose they thought of that because usually your nose is the one thing you can't cover up when you go outside." Her mother turned the heat off and began to pour the milk into the cups.
"And here I thought it was because my nose was just tasty." Jack blinked before snickering lightly. Well. That was a different way to look at it. Apparently the mother agreed because she gave her child a strange glance.
"You're a silly one. Besides. He'd have to like the taste of boogers." Jack choked on air as the girl laughed.
"I don't even nip at noses! I wasn't the one that came up with that stupid thing!" He protested, hating that song more than ever now. The mother came back over and sat across from her daughter, opposite of Jack Frost, sliding a cup of hot chocolate to her.
"Thanks, momma." She reached for the marshmallows that had been brought to the table, pouring them into her cup. She blew on the liquid that she could still see with the mass of white fluff. Jack gave a huff as he still stewed over the comment, relaxing at the smell of chocolate.
"What made you think of Jack Frost?" The teen pursed her lips in thought. Jack put his elbows on his knees, giving her his full attention.
"I suppose… it's because I'd like to thank him." The winter spirit stared, not expecting such an answer. He tilted his head as she continued with a laugh, "This has been the most awesome snowday ever." The white-haired lad grinned, the warmth that usually came with his job spreading across his chest. If only she could see him!
"You're welcome." Jack responded, giving a cocky smirk. "I know I'm awesome." He blinked as she suddenly stiffened and nearly fell off his chair as her head snapped towards him. Her blue eyes widened and her mouth slowly opened. Wait, wait, she could see him? He started to ask only to flinch back at her startled scream.
Her hands shot forward and piping hot chocolate was sent flying, splattering right onto his face. He was silent for a moment then gave a shriek, leaping off the chair and running around the room, trying to get the burning liquid off his skin. The mother jumped at her daughter's scream, her own drink spilling onto the wooden table. She immediately shot up, bolting towards the garage. Amber had gotten out of her seat and was staring; giving screeches when Jack brushed too close for comfort.
"Get behind me, Chocolate Demon!" The teen started at her mother's cry only to gasp as she leapt forward, wielding a Swifter, and brought it down hard on Jack's head. He gave a yelp of pain and crashed to the floor. He scrambled to get away as the mother started wacking him with the green metal rod, mostly aiming for his face or chest. "You're the thing that's making me fat!" Jack slapped at the rod, the teen having gone quiet and simply gaping like a fish, trying to make sense of what the heck was happening.
Before Jack Frost blacked out he could remember only one thing.
That he was never going into a house uninvited ever again.
A/N: Oh wow! That… was really long! Sorry, sorry. And that's only part one of three. xD; That's awful… Anyway! Bet none of you saw that coming didcha? –snickers- But look, now you know the teen's name!
Now for Saph's hour of logic! Amber could see because for a moment, she had truly wanted to thank someone for the fun she had. Because of this want, she was able to see Jack Frost. And get the absolute crap scared out of her. Jack's just so dang scary. Popping out of nowhere like a freakin' ghost…
The mother cannot see Jack. My belief though is that you can see the hot chocolate that had been flung on him. I believe that because while Jack is invisible—along with his staff since it's part of him—things are still solid to him. Why he can stand on wires, buildings, whatever. The liquid is a 'solid' in a sense and therefor can be seen on him. In this sense, she would see floating chocolate darting around her house. And if it scared her daughter, must be something bad right? Don't get offended about the chocolate demon and fat thing please! My own mother actually put that in my head after listening to my numerous rants about my writings. So blame her, not me! –hides-
Thank you all for your continued support!
Until we meet again~
- Zehava
