A/N: I'm afraid that tomorrow's chapter is going to have to be delayed and will be posted alongside Tuesday's chapter late on Tuesday. I'm sorry; I'm going to be away from the Internet for the next few days and despite tomorrow's blip, I should be able to continue this mad updating schedule as per usual after that.

Thank you,

Catsafari. =^^=

ooOoo

O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie;

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by,

Yet in the dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

x

Sunday 11th December 2011: Hopes and Fears

Sunday dinner was always a family affair. Had always been. It was a tradition Naoko had maintained through the years, and she had never forgone a Sunday roast if she could avoid it. The leftover meat usually sustained a few sandwiches and wraps for the rest of the week. And, for eighteen years, the established family meal had consisted of two individuals.

Today it consisted of three.

Last Sunday was the day Baron had originally arrived – had it only been a week? Haru wondered; it felt so much longer than that – and Naoko had supplied him with some leftovers that, once heated in the microwave, were actually rather nice, but still didn't quite compare to a Sunday roast. But something had shifted in Naoko's opinion of the young man, and today she had invited him to join them.

Baron had offered to cook, but she had neatly turned him down.

And so, it was three of them that sat down to eat at the Yoshioka dinner table that evening. The first few bouts of conversation were polite exchanges on topics such as how yesterday had gone, how work was going, how Hiromi was faring... Generally accepted 'safe' topics, Haru noted. She couldn't help thinking that Naoko's curiosity on the subject of Baron hadn't quite been satiated, all the same. It was probably some part of a mother's natural worry for her child.

"It seems slightly surreal to think you've only been with us for a week already," the redhead commented, her thought taken almost directly from Haru's mind. "You've settled down very quickly here though."

Baron paused in his meal to nod his head respectfully. "Thank you."

"It will feel rather unusual to have only two in the house when you leave," Naoko continued calmly, her grey eyes flickering over at Baron. "But I expect the normal routine will get back rather quickly. And I expect you will be rather relieved to leave our sofa." Her words had all the tools to be sympathetic and/or sad to think of him leaving, and while they may have contained some note of those emotions, it was more of a gentle prodding inquisitiveness that filled her tone. General approval he may have from Naoko, but he still hadn't been fully accepted, it seemed.

Baron dutifully nodded his head again, his gaze carefully measured – a trait, it appeared, that had transferred from the change from Creation to Human. "I much appreciate your kindness in allowing me to stay," he tactfully replied. And then, with a smile; "The sofa is not as uncomfortable as it looks."

Haru coughed over what might have been a snort on her part. Lowering her head in the pretence of eating, she attempted to cover her mouth to hide the smile. "Lie," she muttered to Baron.

He smiled back. "And how would you know that?"

"Oh, please; did you not see the state of yourself on Monday?" Haru laughed. She appealed to her mother. "Mum, back me up here. Did he, or did he not, look like he had been dragged through a bush backwards?"

Naoko tilted her head, half-smiling. "The sofa did take its toll on you," she admitted.

Baron lifted his hands helplessly. "By all the worlds, what am I meant to do? The two of you are banding against me!"

"Argh, there is only one course of action left," Haru said, baring her fork in Baron's direction. She had deliberately dropped her voice to a growling pirate accent, rolling her 'r's and roughening her 'c's to make the impact. "You must surrender, laddie."

"Surrender? Never!"

The three of them laughed and settled back down to their meal, a funny sort of contentment that Haru hadn't felt in her house for a long time falling softly around them. They hadn't had a Sunday roast like this in... Well, Haru could easily say ever. They had never had a masculine presence at their table before.

Haru couldn't help thinking that it was a nice presence.

Time passed them by; food was eaten, the plates were tidied away, the chores were distributed out. The chore of washing up fell on the two youngest members, both who accepted the responsibility without hassle and both were left to the task.

"Alright, I'm drying up."

Baron blinked, but patiently accepted the dish cloth that had been unceremoniously dumped into his hands. "I take it then that I am washing up?"

Haru tugged a tea towel off the side. "Yep."

"Is there a reason for your decision or is the drying up a personal favourite of yours?"

The brunette grinned. "Actually, I was just thinking that it'd be easier for you to do the washing up, because at least you wouldn't have to ask where everything was to put it away. Honestly, don't you trust me?" she teased.

"I trust you a great deal," Baron said quietly.

Haru, who until this point had been leaning against the table, tea towel wrung casually between her hands, moved forward, surprised and touched by his sincerity. "I trust you too, Baron," she replied softly. "I always have."

Baron's eyes, for the briefest of moments, alighted on the young woman. There was some deep-buried emotion hidden in those eyes, an emotion that Haru felt she hadn't meant to see. And then Baron returned his eyes back to the task at hand and twisted the handle of the tap to turn the water flow off and, in the mistake of forgetting which way the handle turned, promptly increased the water flow to a thunderous surge. Spilling water everywhere, and the two of them laughing, the mistake was quickly corrected.

It was almost enough for Haru to be convinced she had imagined that look.

Almost.

ooOoo

Sometimes it is as if a person is only allowed so much peace in one day.

It was that thought that passed through Haru's mind as Toto arrived at the window and tapped his black beak against the frosted glass. It was that thought that reiterated itself as the Crow Creation informed the pair of them that Jack Frost was attending an employees' Christmas party that had been set up in the now-cleared up Conference Centre – this Jack Frost being the same Jack Frost who had yet to develop common courtesy in his daily manner – with plans to finally talk to Elspeth face-to-face.

The thought was becoming somewhat redundant as Haru grabbed a coat and, with Baron following suit, exited the Yoshioka residence, shouting a quick – if untrue – explanation to her mother.

As she quick-marched towards the Conference Centre, all thoughts gave way to the stony fact that it was freezing outside.

"All things considered," Baron started, his words coming out in punctuated gasps as the cold blocked his throat, "perhaps it would be advantageous for Jack to initially meet Elspeth independently."

Haru gave a hoarse laugh that congealed as mist in the frosty air. "I don't believe that, and neither do you. That's just the cold speaking."

Hurrying down the street, collar turned up against the chilling wind, Baron tried to laugh. His result was significantly poorer than Haru's; he suspected that after eighteen years of being human, Haru had come to terms with cold a lot better than he was currently. "So perhaps the temperature is having an adverse effect on my spontaneity. I am only glad that the Conference Centre is so close to your house."

"Meh, me too. Anyway, I know Jack has been helping at the centre since Wednesday, but you also said you got the impression that he hasn't actually talked to Elspeth yet." Haru paused in thought; her feet still automatically leading her towards the building in an innate instinct to find warmth. She laughed after a moment; this attempt was a much more natural sound. "I suppose even winter spirits can get shy."

As if the effect of Haru's laugh had enabled his own, Baron laughed alongside her. He was relieved to note that it also sounded less cold-ridden. "Indeed. I suppose it would be best if we were there to offer assistance."

"Especially since today was the last day of the exhibition."

"Indeed," Baron repeated.

Haru paused, this time physically as well as verbally. She looked strangely at her friend, as if hearing the thought processes whirring away inside his head. "Baron... what is it?"

"Nothing."

"You're thinking."

"Are you to penalise me for engaging in thought?"

"If you're not going to share that thought, yes."

He grinned fondly at her. "Then I will share what is on my mind. It was merely a thought of where Elspeth will be heading to now the exhibition is over. If she is leaving the town, then we have a problem on our hands."

"Perhaps she'll be staying nearby. Baron, let's not expect the worst until we know what is actually happening."

"It is always best to plan for the worst."

"Ah. I see." Haru rocked on her heels, smirking at Baron. "And when you rushed into the ballroom back in the Cat Kingdom, did you plan for the worst then? Like the escape route out of the room – I expect that you knew perfectly well that Yuki would be able to show us a tunnel to the outside."

"Well, I–"

"And when we were entering the maze, I expect you had a back-up plan or some inkling on how to foil the Cat King's cheating? I doubt you needed me to point out the fact that the walls were moving."

"To be precise–"

"And when we were running up the tower, I suppose you were completely aware that the steps would give way when the guards threatened to block our way."

"That was–"

"And when the tower blew up–"

"Enough!" Baron cried, surrendering with both hands raised in defence. "I give in! I admit defeat!"

Haru grinned and started across the pavement again, her sturdy boots hitting the almost-frozen ground with rhythmic beat. "Admit it, Baron; you got lucky."

In several long, quickened strides, the once-Creation easily caught up with the girl. He grinned back and – mostly subconsciously – took her hand in his. "I know I'm lucky, I won't deny it. However, you must give me some credit for your successful return to the Human World."

"Oh, I give you credit for it; I just don't believe you were particularly forward-planning for the rescue."

"It succeeded, did it not?"

Haru laughed. "Only just, Baron. Only just."

Arriving at the columned entrance of the Conference Centre, the pair of them were quickly able to trace the location of the party by the unmistakable beat of music. Once the correct room had been found, it was almost too easy to blend in with the rest of the crowd.

Baron tapped Haru's shoulder and pointed to a familiar form standing at the edge. As Haru could have guessed, Jack Frost wasn't all that comfortable with crowds – particularly, it seemed, crowds in a confined space with music blaring out of large black speakers. His piercing eyes trailed uneasily after the dark-haired beauty Haru and Baron had identified as Elspeth the day before.

"What are you two doing here?"

Unaffected by Jack's cold tone, Baron and Haru joined his side. Baron couldn't help noticing that the room was still cold, even after the ice sculptures had been moved out – or melted, whichever was more convenient. Most of the occupants seemed oblivious to the room temperature – he supposed in their particular occupation such indifference was part and package.

"We'd thought we'd join you," Haru said brightly.

"This party is only for employees," Jack told them darkly.

"We thought you could perhaps do with some assistance," Baron added calmly.

"I do not need your help."

"So when are you actually going to speak to Elspeth?"

"I..." The once-spirit reddened, and frowned down at Haru. "That is none of your business!"

"I'm afraid it was from the moment Father Winter asked for the Cat Bureau's support in your task."

"Excuse me, Sir." Jack had only got as far as opening his mouth when the guard – bouncer, whatever – arrived at their group. The guard – a young man in his middle twenties, who looked like he had been hired specifically to watch over the event – glanced to Haru and Baron. "But are you two invited to this event? Where are your passes?"

Thinking on her feet, Haru pointed to Jack. "I'm his plus one."

"I... see." The guard looked to the still thickly wrapped up in his black coat form of Baron. "And you?"

Baron pointed to Haru, unfamiliar with these circumstances. "I'm her plus one."

"You're a plus one's plus one?"

"That's right."

"Is... I mean..." The young man just shook his head, evidently labelling the whole affair as unorthodox and deciding to leave the unusual matter there. He turned his gaze to Jack. "Sir, do you know these people?"

Jack Frost looked at his two companions; if he said no, they would almost certainly be escorted out, leaving him to talk to Elspeth independently. For a moment he seemed to considered it.

"Yes. I do."

The guard looked at the rather sheepish figures of Haru and Baron, markedly still trying to work out whether it would be more or less hassle to ignore their serious flaw in logic in their explanation. Apparently, it was easier to let it slide, since a moment later he was moving away.

Haru sighed, relief flooding her senses. "Thank you, Jack."

"Fine," he grunted. "But this doesn't mean I need your help," he quickly added, coldness once again seeping into his tone like a particularly low-lying mist. "I just thought you might enjoy the party."

Rolling her eyes at Jack's stubborn-as-a-mule streak, Haru crossed her arms. "Fine. Okay then, if you're so competent without us, why don't you go and say hello to Elspeth now?"

"Okay then, I will."

Baron watched Jack Frost stalk away from them, towards the table where the young artist was standing. "Do you think that was a good idea?"

"Meh." Haru shrugged, as if it didn't particularly bother her. "If it goes well, then evidently Jack has been brushing up on his human interactions. If not... well, at least we're on hand to help, even if he doesn't want to ask for it."

"What if he makes a mistake?"

"Make a fool of himself, you mean?"

Haru watched as Jack fell foul to a bout of stuttering – and even though she was sympathetic for his cause, she couldn't help grinning a little at the very un-Jack-like manner. His usually pale-white face began to flush up as words muddled themselves round in his mouth, and a moment later he had accidently upset the glass in Elspeth's hand, knocking the contents – mercifully – across the floor and not over the girl herself.

"Like that, you mean?" Haru asked.

"Exactly like that."

Haru watched for a few seconds longer as Jack reddened further – probably, Haru guessed, apologising and promising to get a new drink (at least, she hoped that was the case) – and at this point, the brunette decided it would be a good idea to intervene.

"Come on; I suspect Jack needs some support to ensure he doesn't die of embarrassment right now."

It appeared, as the pair of them approached the group, that Elspeth wasn't particularly upset by the accident; in fact, as they got closer, they could hear the young artist try to consol the panic-stricken Jack Frost, telling him that it could happen to anyone, or that at least it had spilt only onto the floor and that it was easily cleaned up, and that she could very easily get another glass of mulled wine...

Elspeth grinned as she saw the pair arriving, and motioned for them to stop by her – unaware that she was their destination anyway. "Evening," she greeted. Haru hadn't picked it up before, but there was a distinctly foreign lilt to her accent; something slightly rough and rural – but all the same complimenting her voice. "I didn't know that you worked at the exhibition. Why didn't you say before?"

Haru grinned back, but maintained a slightly guilty air. "Ah, well we don't technically work here. We're kind of crashing the party."

Elspeth's grin widened mischievously. "Ah, so you don't want to attract the guards' attentions then?" She winked at the pair of them. "I won't ask Harry over then. Anyway, if you're not employed here, what brought you to the party in the first place? Or are you just looking for free drinks?"

Haru quickly shook her head. "Actually, we know Jack here – we thought he could do with a friendly face. Isn't that right?" she asked sweetly, addressing her question to the still-distressed Jack.

"What? I... Well... Yes, I suppose."

"You know Jack?" Elspeth laughed, although it wasn't aimed at Jack's expense. "You should have arrived about a minute earlier and saved him from knocking over my drink. But, all's well; nothing was irreplaceably damaged. Remind me of your names again; it was Haru and Baron, wasn't it?"

Haru had to admit she was surprised by the remembrance. "Yes. But... how...?"

Elspeth laughed again. "I'm very good with names and faces. And your friend brightened my day by having heard of me. I'm not that well known, so to have someone remember there was an artist by the name of Elspeth Moroz left me smiling for the rest of the day."

"I am glad I left such a positive impact, Miss Elspeth–"

The young artist waved it away. "Please, just call me Elsie. I told Jack to, and everyone else does."

"Well then, Elsie, I'm glad my presence was such an encouraging one. And, your accent... Is it Scottish?"

Elspeth's – Elsie's, Haru reminded herself – face brightened up. "Yes, yes it is. Have you been to Scotland?"

"Not as such, but I do have my British origins."

"That makes us practically neighbours. I grew up in Scotland, but my job led me here. I'm staying with my uncle and aunt who live in the area currently."

Elsie and Baron were getting on too well for Jack's liking; Haru could see it in the ex-spirit's rapidly-narrowing gaze. And she couldn't pretend it didn't irk her just a little bit. She tapped Baron on the shoulder and smiled innocently. "Hey, Baron; would you be okay with getting me some mulled wine? This packed room is making me thirsty."

"Certainly."

"Oh, and I could do with a glass too," Elsie spoke up. She smiled warmly. "I never got the chance to drink my first one."

Baron tipped an imaginary hat to the two women, and disappeared off into the crowds. Haru saw Jack send her a grateful – grateful? He was actually grateful to her? What was the world coming to? – glance before looking back to Elsie. "I've been to Scotland a few times," he commented.

Knowing Jack's true identity, Haru expected it was true, even if the details weren't quite what Elspeth imagined.

"Really? Where did you go?"

"Oh, here and there. The winters there are quite beautiful."

The young artist smiled; this time her warmth was directed to Jack. "Oh, indeed. No one ever seems to believe me – they just ask wasn't it cold, and leave it at that. Like I said, I grew up there, and I partially blame that for my indifference to cold and my choice of occupation." She shrugged. "I enjoy what I do, even if other people find it a little... different."

"I think your ice sculptures are amazing."

There was a pause as all three of them considered Jack's answer; even Jack himself seemed a little surprised at his own words. Elsie seemed to sense that Jack wasn't usually so free with his praise, and Haru just knew that Jack wasn't one to admit admiration.

"Why, I... Thank you." Elspeth smiled again; her sharp features quickly melted away with the glow of warmth. "That means a lot to me," she said, quieter this time. "What's your name? You never gave a surname."

"Jack. Jack Frost."

"Like the winter sprite?"

"I guess his family couldn't resist naming him Jack with that surname," Haru quickly cut in. For now, at least, skirting round the truth was easier than the explanation that would come with the facts. She hoped Jack also saw that.

"Well, Jack, Jack Frost, perhaps we could meet again at some point. I'm staying in town with relatives until the twentieth, which is when I'm flying back to my family, but perhaps we could see each other before then."

"Good! Excellent!" Jack reddened – Haru almost laughed at that, he actually blushed – and quickly took on a more dignified tone. "I mean... yes, I would like to see you again."

"Well, I know a nice restaurant on Duchess Street – what about dinner there tomorrow evening?"

"That sounds... excellent." He carefully measured his tone this time to prevent any over-enthusiastic answers springing from his mouth. "What time?"

"Half six sound good to you? You and Baron could come too," Elsie said, turning to Haru. "That would perhaps make it more comfortable."

"No!"

Jack and Haru looked at each other, shocked by their synchronised response. Jack, Haru knew, felt that Baron was competition. But Haru... she didn't know why she had reacted so strongly. She didn't feel that Elspeth was competition for Baron... Of course she didn't. Baron was just being his usual gentlemanly self in that conversation...

She kept trying to tell herself that.

Elspeth watched the pair of them, her stormy grey eyes wide and politely shocked. "Or... maybe not."

"Baron has work tomorrow evening," Jack put in. He was lying. "Haru could make it though, I suppose."

Haru knew what was in Jack's mind. Baron was competition; Haru could possibly make the dinner less awkward. She nodded. "I think half six would be fine."

"Well... Good then. What if I bring along someone else, and then we'd have a four?" Elspeth still looked a little surprised.

"Who would be the additional person?"

"My cousin."

Jack looked visibly relieved. Cousin was good; cousin was fine. Cousin meant no competition from that corner. "I see no reason why not. Half six at the restaurant then?"

"Agreed."