Transition.

Two months later.

"Another blanket, Rapunzel, here you go. That's it..." Gothel cooed like a hawk to her ill child, who rested comfortably in her large bed fit for two people. Guess you can take someone from royalty, but you can never take royalty from them; he learnt that years ago. The witch was currently sitting on the side of the purple quilt, checking Rapunzel's fever as she draped another cover over the unfortunate teenager, asking gently. "Would you like another pillow, my dear?"

The girl smiled tiredly at the elder woman. "No thank you, mother, I don't want to be a burden." She replied croaky before coughing; the cold she gained getting worse.

"Tch tch tch, no one is ever a burden to their parent. Can I at least get you something to drink? I know you love your hot chocolate." The woman smiled teasingly.

Another cough. "That would be wonderful mother, please. I'm sorry for bringing this on you if you had anything important to do today." Rapunzel said guiltily. Oh please, it's only a cold; at least the witch knew better than to leave her sick treasure on her own.

"Now now, there is nothing more important to me than your own health, my flower; otherwise, well, there wouldn't be any point in you living in this tower all the time now, would there? But I'm glad you think so fondly of my own matters, especially when they're none of your concern. Oh come now you know I'm only teasing you, Rapunzel! Don't give me that face." Gothel smiled while stroking the golden hair that preserved her life.

Such a shame the both of them were busy conversing with one another and dealing with the girl's illness and not at the thin figure observing them from the darkest corner of the large bedroom. Standing close to the bathroom door, standing deep within the shadows and observing the two mortals as though they were his prey, was a man who had been keeping a close eye on the pair since the beginning of the princess's kidnapping. It wasn't like him to not take advantage of situations like and instilling fear, but even Pitch Black knew patience and subtlety more than anyone. In fact, he could be the only one who knows them more than anyone else in the world. Yellow beady focused eyes kept still on the pair, narrowed thoughtfully.

Four months. It has been four months now since Frost entered the picture. March had just begun today, and the spirit was probably off moping about how much his work will be in vain now, he appears the immature type to do so. And it has been four months since Pitch watched the interactions of the winter boy and princess and the connection they made. The bogeyman had uncontained glee at how much had progressed over the course of these months. There was no doubt Frost and Rapunzel cared for one another deeply. How deeply? Well Pitch had an amusing idea, and he had a hunch his ridiculous idea was correct. He must say Frost, from the bogeyman's observations, was somewhat unpredictable; mischievous and cheery one minute, bitter and saddened the next, and cold and distraught whenever he believe he isn't being watched.

There was something, something unique about the winter boy that sparked a curiosity within Pitch that he desired to follow. And when Pitch was curious; he won't stop until it was satisfied. Unlike fellow spirits who interacted with their believers at least once or numerous time, Frost only had one; and had stuck to her since then. It was admittedly understandable, but the level of closeness the spirit and mortal created both fascinated and entertained Pitch. And right now, it was thanks to this deep connection the two have spawned that gave the princess her cold: Frost performing a literal 'nip at your nose' as the expression went, that unintentionally gave the girl a cold. Or was it intentional? Like Pitch thought, the boy was unpredictable.

"I just wish this cold didn't come now, when spring just started today." Rapunzel, meanwhile, was entirely predictable. She wasn't as much a puzzle as the winter imp was, but that may be because Pitch had been watching the girl her whole life. If there was ever a definition needed for 'unknowing slave', guess who would win? Harsh, but who cared? Rapunzel was just that, a puppet, whose only use was providing youth and health to any who get their hands on her unnecessary long hair.

"Cheer up now dearie; it wouldn't be that important anyway, you can't go outside to see the change of seasons for yourself, so why worry?" Pitch rolled his eyes at the woman's bluntness. Oh yes, truly a role model for mothers everywhere. Rapunzel foolishly praises the woman like a goddess, but the King of Nightmares, the small frog the girl had as a pet and Frost, he assumed, saw Gothel for what she was: a spoiled witch, having a power she never deserved in her grasp.

"At least she isn't paranoid; which is more than I can say for you, witch." Pitch mused quietly, taking delight in the smell of fear Gothel constantly had everyday since she first took the sick girl from the castle of Corona. It's delicious, really, like a daily meal waiting for you and kept you full for the rest of the day.

Neither females heard his insult, as expected. "I suppose so." Rapunzel said down-casting, agreeing with her manipulative 'parent'.

Then she sneezed. Loudly. In the witch's face.

Ah how being a spirit has its merits; a cold hovering in the air would never even affect him. If Pitch were a lesser man, the notion would have been laughable and caused the King of Fear to foolishly revealed himself to the already surprised pair. However; Pitch was more content smirking at the pair as Gothel wiped her face with her bare arm and glared sourly at the sheepish red-nosed teenager. Despite the single-minded obedience, there were times Rapunzel, purposely or not, stepped out of the boundaries of rules and gave Gothel a margarine, to her irritation and Pitch's entertainment.

The witch grumbled fuming, stepping over a path of Rapunzel's long unnecessary hair, entering and exiting the small bathroom with a couple of napkins, not noticing the yellow amused sinister eyes in the shadows as she passed by very closely. Then she impolitely shoved the napkins into Rapunzel's unprepared hands and exited the bedroom with stomped footsteps. Overly dramatic, but no surprise.

"...I guess she's a little mad." Rapunzel said a moment later after the footstep noise faded, looking down at the purple quilt where the chameleon presuming is. Pitch snorted quietly in disagreement. Gothel certainly had a temper when provoked; no doubt the old woman will reenter the room and either lecture and\or yell at the teenager for the small accident. It wasn't as if she was compassionate or understanding in any sense or fashion, Pitch would be a happy-go-lucky person if that were true.

True to his prediction, the older woman returned with a restrained furious expression. "I hope you're happy now Rapunzel." Gothel said irritably, roughly lifting the child's up to lay another pillow down (how much did a child need anyway?). Of course Rapunzel did nothing to protest but give out a small whimper like a child. "Oh stop complaining flower, at least you aren't going to be punished while you have that cold, which you may have given to me now."

You deserve far worse than a simple cold, my dear. Pitch thought with a sneer.

There was, without a doubt, no one who despised the old witch more than the bogeyman. Just the sight of her alone caused him to flinch angrily, though over the years he hid his disgusted expressions whenever looking at her foul existence. The amount of dislike Pitch held for the foolish clever witch was almost on par with his hatred for the Guardians.

Why does he have so much disdain for her? Let him ask you this: wouldn't you hold contempt against someone, a mere mortal in fact, who when back on their word and betrayed you for their own purposes? Wouldn't you despise that person to the core? Wouldn't you desire vengeance? Pitch certainly would; another grudge that was added to the list of those he despised. Thankfully, he doesn't have to wait like he currently does with the Guardians, as this woman wasn't as difficult to deal with.

How did this witch offend him so? That was for another time.

But the King of Nightmares was patient like a vulture; he will have his revenge without any interference, both Rapunzel and Frost will be instrumental for it. Even if his oldest enemies were having their investigations again like seventeen years ago; they won't find anything. Gothel will pay severely for her treachery against him, and hell hath no scorn like the bogeyman's fury. Pitch already tasted sweet vengeance on his tongue in anticipation, smiling coyly.

"Sorry mother..." Rapunzel apologized in depression as she laid back down, more worried for the healthcare of her 'parent' than her own being. Childish and sentimental; in the end only yourself matters. Even Gothel knew that much, she doesn't care about the teenager, only for the power she wields. There was no love on her end of the twisted relationship: only greed and selfishness. Though Pitch understood and related to the need for power and survival.

The witch shook her head, sighing exasperatedly. "You just need to watch where you're sneezing, my flower. We can't both be sick, after all, who would take care of us both?" Both smiled as the woman patted the girl's cheek.

Well, two people come to mind. Pitch will certainly take care of the pitiful witch his way, while Frost would care for the teenage girl. Speaking of which, the shadows whispered in his ear, informing him the boy was already flying over the forest and heading straight for the tower. About time, too. There was so much 'love' he could take from the pair in here.

"Now, I know something that will make you better: hazelnut soup, your absolute favourite. Luckily I had brought the ingredients for dinner, but I think it'll have to make an early lunch. Lie down until I come back, dearie."

"I can help..." Rapunzel weakly started, attempting to get sit up, a sign that the effects of the cold worsening. Pitch briefly considered the idea if an illness caused by the winter child contains major differences, or accelerations, to the symptoms.

"Stay in bed, Rapunzel. I'll be back up with the soup, and I can then read a story to you. Doesn't that sound delightful?" Gothel asked as she gently pushed Rapunzel back down, standing up and smiled at the teenager's enthusiastic nod, covering her face as she sneezed. "And don't forget to blow your nose."

As the witch left the room cheerfully, Pitch looked on in boredom. The curtains that made up a substitute as a door closed behind the woman, so the only occupants left were the bogeyman, the girl and the lizard. The spirit considered bringing a small dose of fear to panic the ill Rapunzel, if only for a bit of humour. But Frost was getting closer to the tower now.

Better not waste the opportunity. Pitch thought, glancing at the doorway with mild distaste. Finally will his revenge be complete, and Gothel will cease to be a loose end. She gained so much from the bogeyman, and human selfishness was all he gained in return. Well, dear witch, that will no longer be the case soon. Unlike the foolish old mage, Pitch won't run away cowardly from fear; for he WAS fear. And very later the witch will face his wrath or die of fright; either way works perfectly for him, in any case.

Time to pay Jack Frost another personal visit. Pitch Black turned to the darkest shadows and disappeared within them.

The breeze drifting across his blue and brown fabric, white spiky hair falling backwards against the winds, Jack smiled luxuriously as the air proceeded to take him home, unbothered by the weight of the gift in his hoodie's pocket. Body straight as though he had been fired from a catapult, the mischievous spirit was in a great mood, despite the fact spring had arrived and was already melting all the work he had done over the world. The sun had changed its mind in letting the snow stay, both knowing the wintery conditions are over and it was time for the next season to take to its task. Shame really, the world needed a little more snow days to some more of its continents. Jack had just returned from delivering snow for the last time over an ocean for the heck of it. He's Jack Frost, who's to say he can't choose where to cover any part of the globe? No one? Exactly.

"Almost there wind!" Jack yelled happily, and he felt his speed increasing as the sight of the valley came closer and closer to him. Oh he was excited. It may have been a week since his departure from the tower to another part of the Earth, but it felt longer than that. He was more than eager to see the shining bright angel again. Okay that was cheesy and he knew it. But really when it came to Rapunzel, the impish spirit couldn't think of anymore accurate terms to describe his best friend than overused ones.

Rapunzel became his best friend a month back, their relationship deepening everyday she was there with him. The beautiful girl didn't even know he considered her that fondly, and Jack wished he wasn't hesitant all the time in confessing to her that much. And even beyond that, there was something that plagued the back of Jack's mind, whispering to him something he tried to stamp out, but as time grew by the spirit found it was impossible to even try and block out these feelings, that grew every time he saw her, he had towards her.

There was no denying it any further: Jack Frost, the spirit of mischief and winter, felt something for Rapunzel that went far deeper than just friendship; having grown everyday since their first encounter. He couldn't exactly yell that to the stars, though, as he still attempted to sort out and identify these feelings. Affection? Oh that was the main part of it all that he felt for his best friend. Caring? Jack cared about Rapunzel more than anything else he had ever been concerned for. Worry? Over how Rapunzel would ever find out and her reactions or how this would affect their friendship, yes. Regret and anger? Over the idea how Jack may never even confess these feelings to the innocent teenager. Hesitant? Hit the nail on the head. Scared? Not that the scoffing spirit would ever admit, but definitely. Jack feared of the scenarios should Rapunzel ever figure out these newfound deep emotions the spirit had for her.

And Jack doubted she felt, or would ever feel, the same way.

Halting in mid-air, the winter spirit found himself hovering at the edge of the large circular valley, the tall tower below looking like an ant compared to the massive stone that surrounded it. Jack frowned a little.

These feelings had been there since the beginning of their first meeting, Jack realized this now. Just hidden away and rejected by him for selfish reasons. Was it that the idea of ever finding true happiness felt so foreign and self-centred to the impish spirit? Right now he was conflicted over the matter, he doesn't have anyone to talk to about these emotions he felt over his best friend (the kangaroo would never count), and he couldn't just divulge these feelings to Rapunzel and ask her for help in finding out what to do with these emotions specifically for her.

Staring at the aged structure, Jack thought of something: he could think more on this whenever he's out, and that will give him time to sort out the true meaning behind these feelings. Nodding to himself, the teenage spirit decided he will do just that.

Right now though, he had a beautiful young lady to visit. After all, Jack had all the time in the world, who could stop him from dwelling on these feelings alone?

"Troubling thoughts?"

The smooth, casual voice broke Jack away from his brooding and caused him to almost snap his neck to the right, looking down to a tall stiff figure observing him with hands clasped behind him, black spiked hair and skin as grey as stone, with yellow unwavering cold eyes observing Jack currently. It was four months since the spirit first encountered this being, too, and it wasn't that difficult to identify someone who would completely stand out among the crowd. Whereas the interaction with Rapunzel was pleasant and heart-warming, the interaction with Pitch Black, however, felt nerving and strange.

"No... Why do you ask...?" Jack hesitantly asked. Really, that was all he could say? The bogeyman himself sneaks up on you and makes an inquiry on your personal thoughts. Shaking his head mentally, Jack's frown deepened at the sight of the impassive king of fear. and while he was asking that: "And where did you come from? How did you sneak up on me?"

Pitch flicked his wrist dismissively, turning his gaze to nowhere in particular and commenting as though he was having a lovely chat. "It was easy, really, when you have the power of darkness and shadows at your beck and call. Sneaking up on anyone is a breeze. Spirits are of no exception, Jack."

The way he said 'Jack' brought an unpleasant unwelcome shiver down the spirit's spine. Pitch made it sound as though Jack was already best pals with him. This already didn't feel right. His own grip on the staff tightened subconsciously. "You still didn't answer my first two questions."

Pitch nodded and smiled mysteriously. "Yes, I suppose I didn't." He answered vaguely before craning his neck up to look at the suspicious Jack. "Are you going to come down here? I don't fancy breaking my own neck just to see you."

"I'd rather fly, thanks." Yeah, he'd rather not get all friendly with the bogeyman. The reputation the taller spirit apparently had was nothing good.

"Shame." Pitch didn't seem offended in the least of Jack's guarded answer. Alright... was he just making it awkward on purpose? Why WAS Pitch here? And for that matter, what was preventing Jack from moving on and entering the tower? The wind wasn't even tugging him further, keeping Jack just floating in this position as though it wanted him to listen to anything the unfazed king of fear had to say. "Coin for your thoughts, perhaps?"

"That sounds charitable; coming from you. You sure your reputation is valid?"

Instead of defending the rumours about him, which Jack was almost sure the tall spirit was going to, the strange bogeyman casted his gaze downwards, speaking light-heartedly. "Beautiful sight, is it not?"

Jack found himself only nodding slowly.

"A field of flowers, the sun bathing and breathing life into the plants, a waterfall to add to the scenery." Pitch continued, gesturing to the entire meadow with an arm spread. "And to tip it all off: a tower housing a rare gem within. Wouldn't you agree, Jack?"

"...Alright, I'll bite; where are you going with this?" Jack asked hesitantly and curiously. The bogeyman seemed to have no intention of any harm, honestly trying to make conversation. But even the winter spirit, however, couldn't just throw this kind of caution in the wind, despite his mischievous personality.

Holding a hand to where his heart(?) was, Pitch looked at Jack with a genuine hurt look it caused the winter spirit to blink in surprise. "Where am I- I was only having a chat with you."

"You can understand if I have doubts."

"Jack... don't tell me the other spirits have gotten to you first? If they are spreading rumours about my past deeds I assure you I bring no ill will towards you."

A doubtful eyebrow risen. "Bunny made it pretty clear, Pitch, that you can't be trusted." Perhaps then the bogeyman will take the hint. Though the kangaroo sometimes, when really hilariously provoked, compare the spirit of winter with the bogeyman; calling them a pair of 'no good rotten good-for-nothin' spirits tha' do nothin' but ruin peoples lives' as he so elegantly puts it with his slang. But Jack didn't need to tell the bogeyman that and possibly flatter the other spirit.

"Ah, so you are acquainted with that walking fluff ball then. I have heard you two do not get along, am I not mistaken?"

"We have our differences." The spirit's eyes narrowed and he folded his arms. The motives Pitch was showing was baffling him, but Jack will give the guy credit for his similar dislike of the kangaroo. "So, if you're not here to cause trouble, why are you here?"

The bogeyman spread his arms wildly over the landscape. "Admiring the view, Jack, there is a allure to this land even us spirits cannot ignore, no?"

Jack shrugged, "Guess not." He agreed, though. Corona had something to it that just attracted him, and for a while, he couldn't place why. Now, with months passing, the spirit of winter had the suspicion of what, or more exactly who, was the magnet that kept bringing Jack back. And honestly, if that were the case, the spirit won't complain.

Pitch glanced downwards. "Then I suppose we can agree that something, or possibly someone, is responsible?"

Jack chuckled, looking at the aged tower below. "Maybe, yeah." Before his brain caught up with the full words of Pitch Black, blue clear eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you-?"

Snapping his gaze back to the spot the taller spirit was, his eyes widened when Pitch was nowhere to be seen, looking around for any signs of him. Hearing a deep chuckle, the impish teenager looked down and saw the bogeyman walking down the stone wall, defying gravity with a classy posture it made him look like he was also the king of physics as well.

"I will admit, however." Pitch began as Jack flew down to follow from a safe distance, more wary of the bogeyman than their first meeting. He wasn't going to let his guard down yet. "That this land... is missing something... But I wonder what... more clouds. Shade, perhaps. Night to stay more; you'd be surprised how early the sun makes its appearance here. Oh wait, I know... darkness." There was a sinister edge to that tone as gleaming yellow eyes glanced at the frowning spirit of winter.

"Yes. That is what this land needs; more shadows and the dark to cover the skies. Predators to stalk the night and devour the animals that don't stay out of their own homes. Wolves to howl to the dark. People trembling and rushing to return to the safety of their homes before night begins. The amount of happiness, joy and brightness of this kingdom, I find, is simply distasteful. After all, Jack, everywhere in the world needs the one thing that makes people stronger, and grants me the energy to live... fear."

Jack almost shuddered at the way the last word was drawn out; like it was an aftertaste that the bogeyman was savouring with every drop. At least Pitch was being honest in what he wanted though. But the bluntness and uncaring way he reveals his ideas took the teenage spirit by surprise. He had no idea how to respond to these words.

As the impish spirit said nothing, Pitch turned his creepy stare towards the tower. "And there are always fitting places to start."

Jack followed his gaze and eyes widened as the implications were processed, looking back at where Pitch was and finding he disappeared once again. Suddenly remembering back to their first conversation, the winter spirit recalled the other entity admitting to spying on Jack and Rapunzel during their first ever meeting. "Is something you're planning on telling me, or what?!" Jack yelled to the wind, suspecting Pitch was still somewhere around.

"I don't think it requires telling as much as it is more fun showing a demonstration."

The smooth voice caused Jack's head to snap to its origin, seeing Pitch standing atop the roof of the tower, watching the other spirit as though observing prey. Well, Jack won't back down and ever be mistaken for the victim of someone's plan. "What do you want?" He now demanded, having enough of the game Pitch was playing.

Surprisingly holding his hands up in surrender, Pitch shook his head vividly. "Calm down now, Jack. I am not your enemy, despite what you may have heard about me. I'm only doing my job in passing out nightmares to all living beings."

"Yeah, well I don't think Rapunzel needs any bad dreams right now." Jack replied hotly before snapping his eyes shut and cursing himself inwardly for his slip-up.

Pitch grinned faintly. "I suppose she doesn't." What? He continued before Jack could ask. "But still, whether you know it or not, you and I are not enemies, and we don't have to be, Jack, for we share a common enemy." They what? Who? Jack had no enemies, at least not any he had ever called one. If he was suggesting Bunny, then that was wrong; the kangaroo was an amusement for Jack, not a nemesis. Pitch nodded his head down to the window below him disinterestedly. "Now go; see your friend. She needs all the help she can get, after all."

What was Pitch suggesting? Jack's eyes narrowed with every word. But the bogeyman was at least right on one thing: the winter spirit couldn't stop any longer. Keeping his un-trusting eyes on the taller man as Jack drew closer, he wondered for a moment Pitch was going to try something against him now, luring Jack into a trap. But the other spirit already disappeared again, and Jack honestly didn't feel like trying to track down the vague man. Well, he shouldn't keep dwelling on longer, he guessed; he can work out the other spirit's cryptic words later.

Jack landed on the wooden edge attached to the window, and upon hearing a large sneeze from upstairs, Jack frowned and entered the tower slowly, unaware of the pleasant smile Pitch was giving from the cliff to the roof.

Rapunzel sneezed for the umpteenth time.

That was the accurate summary that had been Rapunzel's morning and into the early afternoon; sneezing and coughing repeatedly, snuggled up in bed, surrounded by pillows and covers, being checked on by mother and Pascal nudging the box of tissues towards her whenever she let out another 'ah-choo!' This was the last thing she expected to be put into today, at the start of spring! Blowing into her nose loudly, Rapunzel let out an appreciate smile to the chameleon who was looking at her worriedly. "It's just a cold, Pascal..." She assured her friend. Sometimes Pascal became more concerned than he should be. It WAS only a cold, nothing to be serious about. Did it stop the irritating headache building up with her illness? Rapunzel rubbed her forehead sourly, wishing this didn't have to happen today, frowning irritably at the misfortune.

Her hair was arguably in worse condition.

A messy pile atop a pile, the long strand all the way to the end in a heap to form a mountain of hair in the middle of the bedroom. Rapunzel was thankful she had at least seventy feet of the stuff. It wasn't very subtle, and even Pascal agreed it wouldn't be that easy to fool anyone like that (Thanks Pascal). Oh joy was it freezing, Rapunzel can feel the coolness from here.

All to cover up Snooze.

Thankfully mother hadn't inquired why all the hair was in a huge lump like that. Maybe she hopefully won't, but mother was always perceptive of things; she'll ask sooner or later. The fact her hair hadn't turned even the slightest bit of blue from the cold of keeping that snowman under wraps (quite literally). If mother discovered the first ever crafted work Rapunzel ever made from snow... well she wasn't ready to find out anyway, not until mother believes in Jack.

Rapunzel hadn't given up faith just yet; mother will have to see her daughter's friend sooner or later. Maybe then they can both convince Rapunzel to take her outs-

The teenager's nose made another chance to sneeze. Wiping her nostrils and putting the tissue with the other filthy pile on the side, Rapunzel sighed in annoyance and laid her head down like mother requested earlier. Maybe when she comes back up Rapunzel can ask for a glass of water, she still needed to kill the aftertaste of the disgusting medicine she received earlier. Scrunching her face up distastefully by her own reminder, the bored teenager sighed and looked at the still-concerned Pascal, then smiled tiredly. "I'm fine Pascal, really, don't be so anxious."

The chameleon only shook his head stubbornly in reply, moving over closer to his friend and resting his small soft paws on her left hand. Rapunzel chuckled, but smiled at the kind gesture from her best friend. "Thank you, Pascal, I appreciate it." He smiled back reassuringly, and the teenager had to chuckle some more; her tiny friend acted like this was the last time he was ever going to see her.

Turning her gaze to the ceiling, Rapunzel could only find the way to rid her grown boredom by staring at the paintings above, made by her when she was fifteen. She remembered mother almost having a panic attack at her daughter being so high to the ceiling, painting away merrily and only using her hair for support. She winced in remembrance at the loud angry lecture she received for it. Rapunzel then promised to a fuming parent she wouldn't pull of a ridiculous stunt like that again until she was older.

Would eighteen count as older? Rapunzel sure hoped so, she feels as though she'll be stuck like this until summer. And while the long-haired girl was looking over her own past work, she tilted her head slightly: there was still enough space for her to work on. A spot here, a spot there, one over the-

She felt another unwelcome sneeze coming.

"Ah-!" Rapunzel sat up and quickly pinched her nose tight. Feeling the oncoming sneeze die down, Rapunzel released her nose that desires its air and breathed in relief.

Big mistake.

"Ah-choo!"

Rubbing her nose roughly, forgetting all ladylike manners mother had taught her for a moment, Rapunzel gritted her teeth at the bother of it all, while Pascal had jumped about five feet in the air from the sudden sneeze and turned purple to match the quilt in fear, before turning his daily green again and looked at Rapunzel exasperatedly. Where had this cold come from anyway? She thought as she blew her nose loudly. And why had it start at the beginning of spring, when she could have gotten it during the middle of winter?

"Well that could have been heard throughout the whole tower."

The offhanded comment and deep lovely voice Rapunzel knew so well. She snapped her gaze to the spirit of winter leaning casually against a corner post of her bed, looking at her in that familiar amusement he always carried with him. Had did she not notice him earlier? Oh well, Rapunzel was just glad to see her friend again!

"Jack, you're back!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily, forgetting she had a cold for the moment. Already she felt better by seeing Jack again.

The impish boy grinned and walked over to the teenager, resting his staff on the edge of the bed. "What can I say? I just can't stay away from you, Punzie."

What did that mean? "You were planning on staying away from me?"

"No no, of course not!" Jack waved his hands frantically, losing his cool for a moment. "I can never keep away from you Punzie." Oh, that's good. Okay that was fantastic, removing the confusion Rapunzel felt. "...not on purpose anyway." Jack shrugged.

Rapunzel smiled as Jack sat on the edge of the bed right next to her, who sat up as straight as she can without the interference of her pillows. "So," Jack said after a pause took by. "Aren't you a sight for sore-"

Whatever he was about to say, Rapunzel needed to do this first. She embraced her friend straight away, her face resting on his shoulder as Rapunzel hugged Jack closely. "I missed you." Was all she can say to her friend. It was ridiculous, really, for how it was only several days since Jack left to go spread the last of his winter elsewhere. But it almost felt like an eternity to Rapunzel for some reason. Maybe it was the cold. Regardless, she was happy to be close to the boy she cherished so much for.

Feeling her waist being wrapped around in a returned hug, Rapunzel smiled and giggled quietly at Jack's chuckling and soft words. "It's only been a week, Punzie."

"It felt like forever..." Rapunzel admitted, enjoying the moment like the other times.

"I know the feeling..." She heard the whisper, and embraced him more tightly.

I know the feeling.

For some reason Rapunzel felt as though her heart skipped a beat at those words, like the other usual times Jack said or did anything strange to her. It was a peculiar sensation, as the teenager couldn't identify it. What were these feelings, and how come Rapunzel herself reacts so unusual to them? The only two logical (okay not really logical) conclusions she could up were either since she lived in her tower her whole life and Jack had been outside his whole life, maybe his words and actions were foreign that Rapunzel's body reacts differently. Doesn't make any sense, true, but that was just one of the two ideas Rapunzel had to them.

The other was...

Well it was ridiculous really. Plus totally impossible... alright not that impossible, but unlikely. Very, very unlikely. She had this argument with herself a little while back, and right now Rapunzel was not in the mood to bring it back up. Right now the teenager just wanted this cold to end and the embrace to never end... wow, that trail of thought was odd.

Then suddenly Rapunzel remembered she was holding an illness and abruptly ended the embrace, staring at Jack with wide eyes in embarrassment and worry, while his blue beautiful ones stared back with surprise and confusion.

"I'm so sorry, Jack! We- I shouldn't have done that, you might get a cold now!" Rapunzel exclaimed, before covering her own mouth for raising her own voice and mother possibly hearing her from downstairs. How could she be so foolish? Come on Rapunzel you're smarter than this!

As she covered her face in her hands at her own stupidity, the teenager then slowly looked back up at the sound of chuckling. He... was laughing at her? Before she could ask, Jack simply shook his head and replied calmly. "I doubt I can get a cold, Punzie. Give me more credit than that. Besides: it was just a hug, right? It can't possibly be that easy to pass on."

Oh yes it can, Rapunzel learned from a book having to do with illnesses. But instead, the long-haired girl asked this, "Spirits... don't get colds?"

Another shake. "I doubt we can get afflicted with anything related to illness; I've been fine my whole life."

Great. Another reason to envy him. "So what you're saying is: spirits can not only live forever, but you're invincible too?!" Wouldn't that make spirits technically gods too?! Rapunzel was now both scared and thrilled at the idea of being friends with a god.

Jack smirked, shaking his head for the third time in a row. "I doubt it, we may have an eternal lifespan, but I don't think we're indestructible. Trust me, I know." He winced a little, as if remembering something. And Rapunzel nodded to the look Jack gave that clearly has the message: 'Don't ask.'

"Alright then." Rapunzel smiled. "So how was the place you-"

She stopped herself at the pleasant delicious smell suddenly wafting the air. Inhaling the fresh aroma, she recognized that scent anyway. "Hazelnut soup." Rapunzel clarified to a sniffing-in-the-air Jack before quickly taking another clean tissue and sneezing into it. Seems the cold isn't that fond of the smell. Well, tough for the cold then. "Mother's making it in the kitchen. It's my favourite. She knows it'll make me feel better."

"Glad she knows best then." Jack stated with a smile. But then, just as Rapunzel smiled in return at the compliment to mother, the winter spirit's own happy face looked like it was slowly cracking, as he abruptly stood up and slowly walked a few feet away for a moment, hands in his hoodie's pockets and stared at the wall. The teenager couldn't see his expression, and tilted her head in confusion.

Was something wrong?

"Are you alright, Jackie?" Rapunzel asked with amusement. Who knows, he might be up to one of his tricks again.

But her own smile slowly dropped into curiosity as the winter spirit rubbed the back of his head and spoke rather... hesitantly? "Well, I know it's already past December, way past that, but I… well it-its something I-I forgot to do…"

Was he…? "You're stuttering." Rapunzel pointed out with a giggle. Jack Frost stuttering, isn't that something to behold? Another sneeze interrupted her amusement, smiling apologetically at her friend. "Sorry, please go on."

"Hmm, I think it's slipped my mind now…" Jack said with a smirk, but it almost looked forced to Rapunzel's eyes. Was he hiding something?

"Aww come on Jackie, tell me! Pretty pleeeeeeeeeeeease?" Rapunzel pouted and batted her eyes at him. He can't just leave her in confusion like this! It sounded like Jack had something to say.

A third pause passed, Jack looking as though he was contemplating, and Rapunzel leaned forward in curiosity and a need to know. If he didn't want to say it in the end, if he's insistent about it, then Rapunzel will respect his wishes. "Okay," Jack sighed finally. "Just… don't laugh, alright?"

Okay, this sound really important if her friend is being this serious about it. Either there was something wrong, or Jack knew something she would like to know. "I promise." Rapunzel replied honestly. And smiled as Jack raised a brow. "And I always keep my promises, Jack. You can trust me." She continued gently, attempting to assure Jack she would never break her word, and she never did.

Jack smiled gratefully, nodding. "I do." He whispered, his tone honest. The confirmation of his faith in her sent a warm feeling inside Rapunzel that she couldn't describe; causing her instead to smile brightly despite the cold.

"Well." Jack blew out a breath. "Here goes… I've got something for you-"

"Ah Rapunzel! I just remembered that the hours are up. It's time to take more of your medicine!"

The sing-song voice that abruptly cut Jack off belonged to no other than mother, who had entered through the doorway curtains to her room and was holding up the bottle Rapunzel dreaded seeing for as long as she lived. Just the sight of it waving at her incited the teenager to groan in clear protest, both at its appearance and at the interruption. She cast an apologetic glance towards the winter spirit, who looked confounded himself before folding his arms shrugging. "It can wait." He said reassuringly.

"Of course mother." Rapunzel smiled forcibly. She must have been listening intently to what Jack had to say that she didn't hear the footsteps of mother's approach. Let's just get this over with, she despised that medicine.

"Well, I'm glad you are being more responsive this time; it was too childish of you before, complaining about the medicine." Mother stated, sitting by the edge of Rapunzel's bed. The teenager sat up properly as preferred by her parent and mother nodded approvingly, taking off the lid of the bottle and dipping the contents on the teaspoon she brought with her. Rapunzel forced herself not to flinch at the sight. Jack, meanwhile, was looking elsewhere, as though in deep thought. Now this was just strange.

The teenage girl then recoiled in disgust as she opened her mouth and swallowed the liquid medicine, coughing a little from the aftertaste. She should be us to it by now, but Rapunzel believed she will never get us to that bottle. It was awful! It tasted like socks! "You know, it's funny," Mother started, like she isn't seeing the distasteful looks Rapunzel was giving from the medicine. "As I walked up here, I swear I heard your voice, like you were talking to someone."

Her eyes widened at that. Oh no, mother heard her?! How much? And what did she was she going to do? "Really?" Rapunzel attempted to sound casual, trying not to cast the startled Jack a panicked look, though flinching a little as she was about to take her second spoonful of the yellow sticky medicine.

"Mm-hmm," Mother replied as she fed her daughter a second time, looking quite displeased herself at having to do this. "But it must be you mumbling, as always. I mean who else would you be speaking to, your hair?" The older woman laughed at her own joke, and Rapunzel chuckled with her, even if she didn't find the humor quite as well... well, humorous.

Then she noticed Jack had turned his gaze from them to the large pile of hair she had to make to cover up their snowman, and gave a sheepish smile when mother wasn't looking. But that quickly dissipated when her friend turned to face her with widened eyes...

...And looked ready to burst out in laughter...

...And then he did laugh! Loudly! At her!

Had he no shame? Rapunzel felt her cheeks heat up in flushed anger, the colour about to match her current ill nose.

"Now, dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I'll help you wash your hands when it is prepared, alright my dear?" Mother patted her daughter's cheeks, oblivious to the amount of embarrassment Rapunzel was currently feeling. As she departed the bedroom, Rapunzel waited until the sound of the older woman's footsteps faded away... before glaring at the winter spirit. She didn't which was worse, the aftertaste of the medicine she felt like spitting out or the feeling of irritation for the grinning Jack.

Rapunzel was about to begin her protestant lecture (Yes, lecture. If mother could deal them out to someone, so could she), "If I didn't do that, mother would have seen Snooze, Jack, and would have yelled at me. Or worse: tried to get rid of him!"

Jack took a steps closer, smirking with one hand in his pocket.

"I'm serious!" Rapunzel continued, pointing a finger at the large pile. "You have no idea how mad mother can be about something like this! It's bad enough she gets upset when I'm not careful about asking to go outside, but this would be far... Jack, what's that in your hand?"

Jack, meanwhile, had gotten something out of his hoodie's pocket and shifted his amused gaze to a more serious one. Rapunzel's anger slowly died down at the sight, wondering what he was doing. Okay, something was definitely wrong here. That won't stop her, though, from lecturing Jackie after her curiosity is satisfied.

Instead of answering her, the spirit was busy staring at the small ball of brown paper in his hand, looking a little conflicted. "...Jack?" Rapunzel asked gently. What was that he had in his hand?

Her interested inquiry was soon to be answered, however, as Jack, rather than answering her vocally, then walked towards her casually. Rapunzel tilted her head curiously as the spirit gently took hold of her hands and placed the brown object on top of it softly. It felt a bit more heavy than she expected of paper. Rapunzel stared at it, then up at a determined Jack, then back at it.

"...You made this?" Rapunzel asked after feeling around the object, but replaced that question when she realized something: "There's something inside it?" Jack nodded, albeit hesitantly. Wow, this must be something really important.

"It's... something I got from a nearby kingdom." Jack said. "I forgot to get you something back at December. So I decided to while I was out all week." Wait. Jack got Rapunzel... a gift? For her?

"It's inside the paper, part of the customs. You can open it if you want-" Jack was cut off and blinked as Rapunzel was already opening up the gift, carefully picking apart the paper without tearing it, as the rustling of the wrapped paper alone could attract mother's attention. She didn't know what incited her to; maybe the cold overloaded her senses and caused Rapunzel to open it without thinking.

And as she was done, an object big enough to fit Rapunzel's hand rolled into her free palm. And she gasped in wonder, eyes lit up in curiosity and awe at the the round glass object with wood fit onto the bottom to make it stand.

"It was something I thought you might like."

Biggest understatement of the year.

Progression progression progression.

What do you think, good? Bad? Did I do well with Pitch's character? Have you already figured out the gift?

Any questions, I am happy to answer my friends. Please review, your opinions matter in helping improve my writing. Next time: we return to the Guardians. Wow: over 80,000 words... I honestly never intended this much length; guess I better slow down if I can. Until next time!