A few of you have brought my attention to updates that confirm Jack is 14 not 18 (which isn't what it said on the card with my son's Happy Meal toy, but whatever). 14 works a lot better for this story than 18 so I am running with that!

And also speaking of running…this part is unforgivably short. It's also shamelessly fluffy and not a small amount cheesy. Heck, it's more an interlude than a chapter, but I was adamant this scene would take place in the story. I humbly beg your forgiveness. Hard core angst is just around the corner, I promise!


Jack fell asleep under the light of the moon.

He looked peaceful, and it was easy for North to pretend that the boy wasn't curled up on a cold stone floor, miles and centuries from his own time and place.

There was no home they could take him to for comfort, no family left alive to care for him. The only connection Jack had with his old life was the lake in which he'd drowned, and North would be twice damned before he allowed the child anywhere near it in this state.

No, he'd have to stay here where they could protect him from Pitch, and if that meant he existed in a cold, isolated world once more then…well, Jack was their responsibility. It was their job to protect him as much as it was his to protect other children. Sometimes being responsible for someone, for a child, meant you had to do things you never wanted to do. And if they had to hurt Jack to keep him safe, well…

It wasn't as if Jack could blame them when he didn't even know they were there.

Soft tendrils of dreams drifted past North's face and circled Jack's trembling form. Sandy hovered tentatively by North's side and tugged on his shirt sleeve.

"I know he's cold, Sandy." North said wearily.

Sandy tugged again and pointed to Jack. He then pointed to North, going so far as it poke him firmly in the chest before jerking his head over to the fire that raged in the chimney place.

Frowning, North stood from his ancient chair, the leather creaking as he rose. Approaching Jack was suddenly the scariest thing in the world. His head swirled with recriminations and guilt and he would have cancelled Christmas for Jack to wake up, blue eyes shining with mischief and that coy smirk tugging at his lips.

Of course he did nothing like it. Curled in on himself and clutching the blanket, this human child bore no resemblance to their fun loving troublemaker.

He wasn't North's Jack.

He wasn't anyone's Jack, though. Not any more. He had been, once upon a time, and now he was in North's keeping.

Sandy nodded encouragingly, throwing more dreams at Jack and projecting comfort and warmth.

North bent low and lifted Jack into his arms, fully expecting Jack to pass right through him.

He didn't, and North's expression lit up like a Christmas tree. He cuddled Jack gleefully to his chest and bounded carefully back to his chair. Pulling closer to the fireplace, North rearranged Jack on his lap so that between him and the flickering flames, the fine shivers slowly began to die down.

Sandy disappeared briefly and returned with Bunny and Tooth.

Tooth sniffled, her hands covering her mouth as she fought tears. After a moment, she hesitantly reached out to touch the only part of Jack North hadn't swaddled in blankets and his own arms. Her fingers slid through his dark hair and the touch made her shoulder slump in relief. "Oh Jack." She whispered, perching on the arm of the chair so she could more comfortably continue stroking his hair.

Bunny hovered protectively behind them, his back tense and his eyes alert, despite the relative safety of the Pole.

They all had their jobs to do. North provided comfort and warmth, Tooth radiated love, and Bunny was the silent, stalwart protector.

And Sandy…

Sandy might once again prove to be their savior.

The little man hovered close by, his eyes screwed shut in concentration as he focused all his energy on Jack's dreams.

The sand moved with liquid grace, forming images quickly before morphing into new figures. Fairies, sleighs, bunnies and Easter Eggs, cookies, teeth, snowflakes and dreams. North could just about make out each of the dreams Sandy conjured before they finally settled.

Five figures formed above Jack's head. Five perfectly formed, miniature versions of themselves. They all huddled close together, their arms embracing in a way that had never happened in reality, though North suddenly craved the chance to make it so.

"Remember, Jack." North said softly, cupping Jack's cheek in his hand and feeling the fever burn against his skin. "You have to remember us."

How successful Sandy's efforts were, North didn't know. Awake, Jack could not see or hear or touch them. Asleep, maybe they could reach him.

But either way, for the first time ever, Jack Frost stayed quite and still, surrounded by the overwhelming, unconditional love of his family.