**Next Chapter! I am sorry this is turning into such a long fanfic! I thank everyone who is continuing to read, review, favorite, and follow! You are all terrific, and thank you for the support! I love you all! Hope that you continue to enjoy this story, and feel free to give me critiques! Thanks again!**

Chapter 11

Jack looked at Aster's hand, he desperately wanted to grab it, for Aster to hold him again. He wanted to feel safe again.

But he couldn't.

Getting this memory back, it was so confusing. There was part of him that felt like he had been discovered, he was happy about it, but so scared.

This just brought up more that Jack didn't know who he had been, what he had dealt with, what he had forgotten. For a piece of it to come back, Jack was scared. He wanted them back, but what if he lost the "now" him, what if he changed, and wasn't the same person.

What scared him the most was what he might have suppressed other memories deeper than the rest, kept them buried to protect himself or others. What if those memories surfaced, what would Jack be like then?

Jack replayed the choppy memory in his head:


"Blimey, You can't just wallow in yer room."

Jack looked in the doorway, a tall man stood there, bunny ears on his head, but Jack knew him.

"I'm bald now." Jack's tiny voice replied.

"Granted, you can't pull that look off quite well, but your hair will grow back," The voice mocked slightly, but it was more for the comfort that things haven't changed.

Jack could feel his face scrunch up, showing how displeased he looked, glaring at the tall Australian, not in the mood.

"Oi, Baldy, lets go downstairs, you are the last ankle-biter who hasn't put his hand on the wall."

"Kangaroos should just hop, and keep their mouths shut." Jack replied, now bringing his knees to his chest and burying his face in them.

Jack saw black for a while, and only saw images again when he felt someone sit on the bed next to him. A light and firm hand placed itself on his head, and rubbed his bald head.

"Ya know, there are a lot of kids who have lost a lot more than hair, one kid here doesn't have a handprint to leave. Granted, he has a footprint..."

Jack suddenly felt guilty, but he was still self conscious.

"Wha-What if my friends here don't like me anymore without my hair?" Jack said, looking away and to the empty bed next to him, tears threatening to form in his eyes.

"Then, they ain't really yer friends, and hey, I still think ya look great." Jack looked back at the tall man at the foot of his bed. He gave Jack a wink.

"Mr. Easter Bunny, will you please be my friend forever?" Jack asked seriously.

The Easter Bunny nodded. With a quick wave of his left hand over his right, a plastic egg appeared. Jack was amazed, and the frown he just had was now turned around into a giant smile.

Jack took the egg as it was handed to him. "My friends call me Aster." Jack looked up at the tall man and smiled.

Jack's blue looked into Aster's green eyes, as a hand was held out to him.
Jack didn't remember how he got into the lobby, he just remembered grabbing Aster's hand, and him leading him away somewhere, but he was too focused on the fact that he was holding hands with the Easter Bunny, who was the first not to flinch from his cold hands.

"Now, you gotta paint your handprint on the wall. Pick a color."

Jack looked down at the paint-tray, every color he could imagine and more were spread out in front of him. His eye spotted a light green and light blue. Jack felt inner turmoil as he tried to choose, but then he simply placed his hand in both, mixing the colors.

"Light-blue and green! Both our eye colors!" Jack demanded pressing his hand to the cool wall, leaving the mark of his existence, and their friendship.

Aster just chuckled.


"Oi, Frostbite, get yer head out of the clouds right now, we got some children to see." Aster's voice brought Jack out of his own mind.

Jack smiled lightly, "Whatever you say Easter Kangaroo." It's not like Jack remembered anything beyond that moment.

Aster glared at Jack, nudging him in the shoulder, "Bunny. Mate. Easter Bunny."

Jack chuckled, then nodded, showing he understood. They walked along, stopping into a few rooms, of children who were bed-ridden, all of them eager to see Aster's tricks, and learn about Jack. The whole "Jack Frost" thing was new concept to a lot of the children, but a few recalled the expression.

One little girl said, "Oh yeah! My mom says that you will nip at my nose!" She giggled as Jack gave her nose a little tug. "Thanks for making it snow this year! I was allowed to play in it with my little sister!" She smiled, like Jack was a hero.

Jack smiled warmly back, his heart aching "Next year, I will make it snow again, so that you and your sister get the chance to play again." Jack felt bad for promising something he couldn't actually control, but he hoped it at least would give this little girl a reason to fight for at least another year.

They left the room with a wave, then Jack froze as he saw the next room they were entering. He gripped the basket in his hands as he read "Rebecca Trust."

Jack felt a firm hand on his shoulder, and looked to see Aster's comforting green ones look into his own blue ones. Jack wanted to hug him, to tell him everything. He could barely make sentences when he first received the memory, he didn't know how to explain it, plus whatever he said got muffled into Aster's shirt.
Jack smiled back at Aster, nodded, and they walked into the room.

Jack was greeted by a little girl who looked to be about four years old, her brown curls framing her pale smiling face. Her tiny leg was elevated in a bright red cast, and there were already a few signatures on it in black permanent marker. Jack wondered why she was referred to as his "little" sister, she seemed to be about the same age.

The sight of the two of them made her smile, especially to Jack it seemed the Easter Bunny ears on such a tall man was humorous to her. She giggled into her hands as if trying to be polite to Aster and his ridiculous look.

Aster usually introduced himself as the Easter Bunny at this point, but when Jack looked over at him, Aster nodded his head towards the little girl, as if to signify that he should take the reins.

Jack felt his heart jump into his throat, as he stepped forward, not sure how to lead into this whole situation.

"Hi, Becky."

"Hi." she smiled back. Her smile was a lot like Victor's it was adorable, and it was a smile that was meant for other people to be happy. To look over the problems they were focus, and to focus on them as a person. Jack couldn't help but smile back.

"That's the Easter Bunny," Jack said pointing to Aster, who smiled and gave a little wave. "and I am Jack Frost." he stated, and she smiled brightly.

"You make it snow!" Jack felt his heart lighten when someone knew his fake identity. Jack smiled and nodded.

"Yup! That is me! I am the one who makes it snow and nips as your nose." Jack did his classic, light tug of the nose. Once again it brought on a tiny fit of giggles.

"What's that?" Becky asked, smiling, pointing to the basket.

Jack was somewhat grateful he didn't have to find a segway into the basket, and that Becky was leading the conversation.

Jack handed the basket to Becky, who confusingly took it from him. "These are from Peter Pan." he said just above a whisper, as Victor instructed. It was obvious that Becky really did know what that meant because her eyes got huge, and she smiled brighter than Jack had ever really seen a kid smile before. Her brown eyes grew, and reflected her happiness.
"You know my twin brother?" Jack felt his heart stop for a moment, thinking this couldn't be the wrong room. Becky must have sensed his panic, because she smiled and shook her head giggling.

"He probably called me his little sister right? He is technically older by a few minutes. He doesn't want me to forget it, and it makes him think that he has to protect and watch over me, even though we are the same age."

Jack relaxed, and nodded showing he understood, then continued with his story, "He told me to give these to you since you couldn't come to the Easter Egg Hunt."

Her eyes grew wide, and her smile faded. "Wait. He was allowed to go to the Easter Egg Hunt? Is he ok?"

Jack was taken aback by this question, "Yeah...yeah he is fine. I am sure that is why they let him go."

Becky still looked worried though. "No, no, see the last time they let him off is when they gave up hope! When they thought he was going to die."

Jack felt panicked himself, he didn't come here to cause Becky any distress, and now he too worried if this was the case, but he simply managed a smile.

"I assure you, that he is ok, he was able to carry around that basket with the eggs in it, and was smiling happily the entire time!" Jack said, trying to reassure her and himself.

Becky relaxed a bit, taking in Jack's words, as she looked away from him and into her basket. She smiled as she rolled them.

"These are my favorite colors." She stated it, as if knowing exactly what was going through Victor's mind as he picked them up.

Jack nodded, as if he was trying to confirm that is exactly what Victor was doing.

There was a little bit of silence, and Jack wasn't sure if he should leave or not, until Becky spoke up again.

"You know, even in mommy's tummy he was protecting me." She still smiled, but it was suddenly a sad smile, and Jack fought the urge to hug her.

Becky looked into Jack's eyes, her own brown eyes glistened with forming tears.

"He took all the sickness, he was making sure that I was ok." Tears now were falling down her cheeks.

As Jack looked into her eyes he noticed, that she, just like Victor, had a way about her where she seemed too wise for her age.

"He was suppose to die a lot earlier you know," she started trying to sound tough, "I think...I think he stuck around to make sure I was ok...so that if I needed him he would be here." She then picked up the pink egg, looked at it then gripped it to her chest. "He doesn't always have to protect me you know? Why did he take the sickness? If he gave me even a little maybe he would live! Maybe he wouldn't be in such pain!" She sobbed now, and grabbed the sleeve of Jack's hoodie, while trying to wipe the constant tears from her face.

Jack smiled sadly at her, scootched a little closer to her and comfortingly placed his other hand ontop of the one that clutched his hoodie.

"You know, I bet he took all the sickness so you could live your life to the fullest." he found himself speaking softly, as if anything other than a whisper would completely break her.

Tears still streaming down her face, and sobbing, she looked at Jack, as if to explain.

Jack gave her hand a little squeeze, smiled a little lighter,"You know, I am sure that he knew you could change the world. That you would impact people, and make a difference, and if you were sick...well, that couldn't happen."

Becky's sobs were subsiding slightly, and her tears slowed.

"Victor believes in you, and I think that no matter what happens Victor just wants you to live your life to best of your ability. I think that is what you can do to protect him."

Becky's sad face changed from one of despair to one of hope. Although she started crying again, and she tightened her grip on Jack, she was no longer blaming herself. Jack could see in her eyes the hope and the determination.

She twisted her body slightly to bury her face a little into Jack's hoodie, and she used both hands this time to grip his hoodie, but was sure to not move her legs too much as to tip the basket. Jack lightly placed his arms around her head and shoulders.

Jack held her for a little while, until he felt her shoulders stop shaking, and her sobs quieted.

Becky broke the contact, wiping her eyes from the last few fallen tears, still letting out post-sob hiccups.

She looked over at Jack, but this time she smiled genuinely and happily. "I'll make sure that Victor is proud of me."
Jack smiled and nodded, noting that this was the moment to leave her to open her eggs, and think things over herself.

Jack stood up, "Becky, it was such a pleasure to meet you, I hope that we meet again someday."

Becky smiled and waved, "Thank you Mr. Frost."

Jack waved and was about to exit the door, when he quickly was hit by a thought, and peeked into the room again.

Smiling widely, he stated, "January 18. Look out for some snow." Jack winked.

Becky smiled brightly, "Thanks."

They waved once more, before Jack joined Aster.

"Well, that was the last child." Peter said, leading them back down to the lobby.

Jack didn't dare look at Aster, he couldn't handle whatever 'good job' smile he might be giving him. He didn't want to be thanked or congratulated on doing this. Jack felt like these kids had done more for them, that he could ever do for them in a lifetime.

He would try though.

Without thinking, or knowing why, Jack, without looking up at Aster, said, "I'm going to be a Pediatrician."

Jack had really meant for Aster to hear, but he hadn't necessarily directed it at him, however Aster must have picked it up.

"You'll be amazing."

Jack didn't stop himself from lightly grabbing onto Aster's shirt.


Aster felt a hold on his shirt, and he peeked to see Jack, his head down, lightly clutching his shirt.

Aster faced forward again, his heart racing, but he knew that Jack needed this right now, so he didn't protest. Plus, it wasn't as if he didn't like it.

"Well, thank you for coming." Peter said, and Aster realized that they were back in the lobby, Aster shook Peter's hand, and Jack, surprised at their new location, let go of Aster and also shook Peter's hand.

"Thanks." said Aster as Peter disappeared around the corner.

Aster turned back to Jack to only see empty space next to him. Aster looked up, panicking slightly, but instantly saw Jack standing in front of one of the handprint trees.

Aster walked up next to him, there was a silence as Jack looked up at the tree with intense focus.

"I painted these murals." Aster said, stupidly trying to start a conversation. Jack didn't break his focus though. Aster saw him reach for the wall, and place his hand over one of the hand-prints, but he didn't see which one.

"I know." Jack stated, his expression not changing, except this time he looked at Aster, his hand still on the wall.

Aster looked at him, obviously not sure how he could have known that, or why Jack was looking at him with such a serious expression on his face.

"Huh, how'd you know that, Frostbite?" Aster asked.

"You came to visit me, when I was in the hospital." Jack said, his expression not changing.

"Mate, I would have remembered an ankle-biter with white hair, so-"

"I was bald." Jack cut him off, his expression becoming even more tense.

Aster was a little shocked, and had an expression on his face as if Jack had just slapped him. He was dumbfounded.

Jack removed his hand from the handprint, "This was me." Jack now looked like he was pleading with Aster to remember, as if he needed Aster to verify this was true.

Aster looked over at the handprint, and got closer to the wall to examine it.

Jack scribbled over the light blue and light green handprint. Aster felt a jump in his heart, as if part of him was remembering something he couldn't quite grasp.

"It matches both our eyes." Jack said, Aster didn't look at him, but he could feel Jack's stare on his back.

Aster felt that it was there, he cursed himself for not thinking clearly, all he could remember is a little bald kid. He fought to remember more.

"Ya...ya were afraid right? That your mates wouldn't like ya without yer hair?" Aster asked, this time looking at Jack for a response.

Jack nodded, a small smile flashed on his face.

"You...you and I..." Aster's eyes got wide, the sudden flash of memory coming into his mind.

"We were friends..." Aster said dumbfounded.

This time when Aster looked at Jack, Jack was smiling from ear to ear.

Jack got closer to Aster's side. "See? We knew each other! Do you remember? Can you remember anything else about me? What I was like? Did we hang out at all?"

In truth, Aster had suddenly been overflown with memories with Jack, not a whole lot, but he could remember visiting him more than once. Aster now felt a little hurt that Jack hadn't remembered some of the other times they shared. Aster wanted to remind him, to make him remember all the different times and memories, however little. He wanted Jack to remember him as he was here and now, and how he was then. Jack should remember everything about him, it was a selfish wish, Aster knew that, but it didn't stop him from wishing it.

One memory came to mind, which caused Aster's heart to flutter and break at the same time.

However, Aster knew that if he told Jack, if he reminded him, it wouldn't be the same, Jack wouldn't really be remembering him at all, he would only think he was remembering. Aster could mess with his memories, or put his own perspective on things, and Aster didn't want that. He wanted Jack to remember them as Jack remembered them.

"It would be useless for me to tell you, wouldn't it?" Aster more stated than asked.

Jack obviously didn't like this response, his face turned into a pout, and he glared at Aster.

"What are you talking about? What is useless about that? If you can help me remember isn't that a good thing?"

"If I tell you what I remember, then it would not be your memories, just mine implanted into yours, I don't want that. If that is how it goes then it is like those memories don't mean anything at all." Aster explained as best he could, but Jack was still obviously upset, yet he also seemed stumped.

Jack looked like he wanted to yell at Aster, but it also looked like he was trying to find a reason to yell. Aster sighed, and walked away. "Come on. Let's go. We had a good time tonight, ok? You were fantastic. I don't want this to ruin it." Aster stopped walking and looked to see Jack had followed him outside. When Jack reached him, Aster smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Thanks, though, for remembering me."

Aster meant it. Jack could have thought of the doctor, or his family visiting, but Aster felt somewhat special that Jack's first, well he assumed his first, memory was of him.

Jack smiled a bit, "Who could forget an ugly Kangaroo like you?" Jack shrugged, then walked to Aster's bike.

"Oi! Who are you calling ugly? and Kangaroo?! Seriously, Mate?!"

Jack clicked on his helmet, "Well, then, Aster, come on."

Aster felt his heart leap and drop at the same time, as Jack used his real name. The name, just simply coming out of his mouth was...was magical in a sense. However, at the same time, it felt wrong, like a name that he shouldn't be calling him. It confused Aster, to hear his real name come out of Jack's mouth.

Aster walked over and hopped onto his motorcycle, Jack quickly jumping on behind him. Again Aster felt Jack's smile on his back, as Jack's arms wrapped around his waist and he rested his head on Aster's back.

"Don't call me, Aster," Aster stated, feeling Jack's smile vanish, Aster quickly revved his engine, blocking the sounds of protest from Jack as he sped off.