Jamie had always been incredibly observant. Well, he had to pick up the habit when his little sister would get herself into trouble. She would wander off and he'd have to know where she was or see what she was up to. North had also taught him that it was an extremely important skill to ascertain. It would excellent to have a wonderlust and you could only really appreciate something when it was usually missed by the normal eye.

This made sure Jamie knew exactly what was up with his friends. Every body language movement was captured. Every lie was exposed. Everything they told him and everything they didn't tell him was out in the open. And he knew just how important these details were. Jamie could know when someone was dodging telling him something.

He never pressed the matter, though. He'd keep to himself if they had lied or if they avoided a certain subject. They had their own reasons for keeping information to themselves. Jamie was never one to ask about it. Once, he did. And he had lost a very close friend. He learned privacy was a key and when someone realized you valued it, your friendship could only grow stronger.

Jamie realized Rapunzel was keeping a secret. When her and Sophie would come to Sophie's studio to paint, she would sometimes sing this strange tune. He'd see her run a hand through her hair and frown. But she was quick to bring back a smile. Something about the tune and her hair had to be part of her secret.

Another thing about Jamie was that he enjoyed puzzles and riddles. He loved trying to work them out and expose what they meant.

He was totally stuck on trying to figure out Rapunzel's secret.

Merida knew that everyone knew she was keeping something to herself. He remembered she had mentioned Mor'du before. And her brothers had drawn a large bear with chalk during that first play date. That bear must have been Mor'du. When Jamie tried to research what exactly Mor'du was, he couldn't find anything. Not one thing. It must have been a local legend in her previous hometown. And Merida must have had some connection to it.

Hiccup had told Jamie everything. He had no problem sharing with the man. Hiccup was an open book, especially since Jamie was one that continuously inquired about dragons. Jamie was beyond fascinated with Hiccup's world. But, after a while, Jamie realized Hiccup may or may not have been telling him some things.

Several times, Hiccup would come into work, drenched. He no longer asked for rides from his father, instead he rode Toothless to and from work or school. Hiccup asked that if his father said anything about it, Jamie had been giving him rides. Jamie agreed.

Hiccup also seemed to come by with some sort of static around him from time to time. Hiccup's only explanation was that he would get caught in lightning storms. He and Toothless decided to travel the world and explore new places.

Jamie felt like there was a lot more behind it, but didn't say anything.

But one person he could always get something from was Jack. Jack wasn't very good at keeping secrets, especially when he wasn't made aware that they were supposed to be. Of course, if told he had to keep it, he would. No problem. It was just easier to see that he was lying.

He had realized Jack and Sophie had become… more open about their relationship. Something must have happened when Jamie wasn't paying attention. They were much closer than they ever had been, lately. They would openly give each other chaste kisses and hug for a little longer then friends would. Jamie found them cuddling and speaking in hushed tones.

Yeah. Something happened.

While he wouldn't confront their three friends, he was comfortable to confront these two. Especially since they shared an apartment and Jamie would like to know if he had to leave at times to give them whatever alone time they would like. He knew couples liked privacy. And, even if their relationship really wasn't beyond something innocent, it would be nice to be in on this.

Sophie was his sister, damn it. He was a protective big brother.

Jamie honestly had no problem if Jack wanted to be with her. If anyone was going to be in a relationship with Sophie, he was glad it was Jack. He knew Jack. Jack wouldn't do anything to hurt her. He was just as protective as Jamie and Jamie could certainly trust the former winter spirit as opposed to say… someone from her school whom he had never met before.

Jamie might honestly even have an issue if Hiccup saw her that way. Of course, he'd let it slide, but the fact still stood. He trusted Hiccup. But they'd only known each other for about five months. Yeah, the guy was a good kid. He'd be okay if Sophie wanted to date him. But Jamie would also watch that little shit like a hawk. One wrong move and he'd claim that Toothless ate him, that's why he disappeared.

Jamie wondered if he was the reason boys tended to stay away from Sophie. She never had a boyfriend. Then again… she never really had friends before. She never really seemed interested in dating. She was always more interested in her art and seemed okay with just having Jamie and Jack as her friends. Since she was always considered weird and a loner and was bullied in school growing up. Burgess was a small town and once you were outcasted, you were outcasted.

So, he supposed that he was in the clear for the reason behind her lack of relationships. No, it wasn't her fault either. She just wasn't interested. Until now? Or… whenever their… whatever it was started.

"So, um, are you two a thing now, orrrrr….?" Jamie asked one day he had come home from work and found them cuddling on the couch and watching a movie.

Sophie scowled. "It's none of your business." This was her answer for everything that concerned her relationship with Jack. Why'd he kiss her? Why are you guys always snuggling? What's going on?

Jack smiled sheepishly, uncertain of how to reply. Jamie rolled his eyes. "You know, I don't care if you are. I'm just… you know. Your brother. And your best friend. And we're all roommates. And I like to be kind of in the loop about things." And he'd like to notbe home if they decided to further their relationship. Since it was probably bound to happen whenever Jack got past his childhood phase and let go of being Jack Frost for good.

God, that would probably be really awkward for both of them.

Yeah, he really didn't want to be home.

Jack frowned and glanced to Sophie before looking to Jamie. "Well, there's… something." he admitted, squeezing the girl a bit. "Not really sure what to call it."

"Mmkay," Jamie nodded, satisfied. "That's all I wanted to know." Jamie glanced to the television and noticed they were watching one of his favorite movies. "Is it cool if I join you?"

"Since when do you have to ask?" Jack snickered.

Jamie made himself comfortable in an armchair and turned to the TV. Yeah, Jack was just the kind of person he wanted for his sister. Jack was his best friend, through and through. And, hey, if they lasted long enough, maybe they'd eventually be brothers.

— — —

March. The weather was warming up and Jack wasn't sure how to feel about it. He was sad, yes. He wished it was winter all the time. Then again, it seemed like a long reminder of what he used to be capable of. But it was such a fun season with so much to do and so much to keep up with. Jamie and Sophie had been kind enough to go along with his strange antics and game ideas to keep winter busy.

But winter was who he was. … Was. He was no longer winter. He was just Jackson Overland Frost now. But it was hard to shake the habit of trying to form snowballs from nothing or put his magic into the snow to create a sense of fun. If that was one thing Jack missed the most, it was that ability. He used to make people smile with just a snowflake. Now… well, it was much harder to accomplish. He still found a way. He would be silly or try and get them to join his games.

But the magic of fun was gone. And sometimes, it just felt so hollow.

Jack sat by the window in their apartment. It was wide open, allowing a cool breeze to waft over him. Outside, he watched as a woman put out a flower box in her window in the apartment complex across the the courtyard. The snow on the ground had finally melted.

Spring. He supposed it was a time for new beginnings, like Sophie and Bunnymund went on about. He tried hard to see it, but he was always winter. Cold and biting. Winter was death.

Maybe he'd see it now he was forced into a different perspective.

He already missed winter, though.

It was still cold.

"Jack, it'll eleven!" Jamie called from the other room. Jack got up and closed the window. It was time for work. Jack slipped on flip flops, grabbed his coat and headed out. Jamie had to remind him to grab his phone, as per habit the siblings had obtained. Jack could not or the life of him remember to take his cell phone with him. Or charge it. Or answer texts or check messages.

Jack and technology failed to get along.

At work, Jack as able to distract himself from the changing seasons. Work wasn't ever really work. It was fun and the children loved him. There wasn't a single child he couldn't reach. He learned each of their names and what they all liked. Their favorite games, movies, snacks. He tried to make sure his games were personalized for each child.

He tried not to show favoritism with the triplets. He thought he did a pretty good job inside of the daycare. Of course, he was in charge of making sure they didn't cause too much trouble. All of the other workers tried Jack's methods, but couldn't quite do it like he could. He did try and teach them how to control the DunBroch brothers, he did.

He supposed the years of experience he had on them did help juuust a little. While he didn't have experience interacting with children, he did learn just what they wanted when they were being stubborn.

Late afternoon, parents and siblings would come to retrieve the children. He had gotten to know some of them. Chelsea's mother was a nurse and she simply adored Jack's charm. Kyle's father thought Jack was witty and an alright kid. Bonnie's grandmother wasn't sure if Jack was qualified for this job, but her husband figured Jack was doing just fine from what Bonnie said about him. Jason's sister and Marley's mother were friends. Marley's mom was around Jack's age and it always baffled Jack. He'd seen it often, yes. Young mothers. But this day in age, it was frowned upon and not that common. She seemed nice, though, and Marley was a good kid so Jack didn't see anything wrong with it.

Jason's sister and Marley's mother came to pick them up together, usually. Perhaps they went to school or something together. Jack left Jason and Marley into the foyer to meet with them when Jason's sister approached him.

"Hey," she smiled and brushed hair behind her ear. "I'm Lily."

"Hey, Lily." Jack grinned. "Jason drew you a picture today. Show her, Jason." He put a hand on the boy's back and he held up a paper.

Lily took it and beamed at him. "Wow, great job, Jason!" The boy took her hand and Lily looked back up at Jack. "He adores you. Does not shut up about you." She giggled. "It's cute, really."

Jack crouched to Jason's level and nudged his chin playfully. "Well, Jason's a really cool kid."

"Lily, I don't wanna go home." Jason tugged her arm. "I wanna stay and play with Jack."

"Don't worry," Jack ruffled his hair. "We'll play again tomorrow."

Jack stood up and Lily shuffled her feet. She told Jason to go ask Marley if she wanted to stay over that night and turned back to Jack when Jason left. Jack knew when someone wanted to talk to him. He just hoped he wasn't in trouble.

"Jack, um, are you free Saturday?" she bit her lip.

Huh? Jack thought for a moment. No, he didn't think he was doing anything Saturday. Did she want Jason to come over for a play date? Did Jason tell her about the times he'd play outside of daycare with the DunBroch triplets? Maybe Jason wanted to play, too.

Jack would have to make arrangements. He shook his head, giving her a polite smile. Behind her he saw the door open and glanced over. It was Sophie. She stepped in and noticed Jack and gave him a small wave.

What was she here for? He pat his pocket. He had his phone on him. Usually she would come by when she wanted to ask him something and make sure they were on the same page for the evening. Lisa understood Sophie and Jamie were responsible for him and it was fine by her.

She had that look. That look that told him how hopeless he was. Huh. Yeah, he must have forgotten something. He turned back to Lily. She was still talking to him.

"Do you… um…" Lily's face burned bright red and she rubbed her arm uncertainly. "Do you want to see a movie or something?"

"With Anna, Jason and Marley?" he asked. Anna was Marley's mother. Maybe she wanted to get in on it. "I can ask Merida, too and she can bring Harris, Hubert, and Hamish. Oh! Sophie doesn't work until the evening! Maybe she can come, too."

Lily only stared at him in shock. What? Was that not what she meant. "W-Who's Sophie?" she asked uneasily. Jack nodded towards Sophie who had struck up a conversation with June. Lily paled and bit her lip. "Is she your… um… girlfriend?"

"She's my best friend," Jack started, scratching his temple. "She's my roommate… and… huh. You know, I never thought about that. Soph!" The blonde turned to him. "Are you my girlfriend?"

Sophie blinked. "Well, Jack, if you want to talk labels, then yes. I'm your girlfriend."

"Oh." Jack hummed thoughtfully and turned back to Lily. "Labels. They just seem so superficial, don't you think?"

Lily didn't say anything. Her face burned brightly and Jack was taken aback. What? Was she embarrassed about something? She looked at the floor and shook her head. "Never mind. Sorry. Sorry." she quickly ran over to Anna and Jack was left totally in the dark.

What the hell just happened?

Sophie noticed that he was no longer occupied and walked over to him. "You forgot your phone." she commented, straightening his hoodie.

"No I didn't." He pulled out his phone. Sophie took it from him and hit a few buttons before showing him it was dead. "Oh. Whoops."

"Try and charge it tonight," she snickered, sticking it back in his pocket. "So, what was that about?"

Jack furrowed his brows and watched Lily and Anna quickly leave with their children. He wasn't quite sure what it was. "Um… I don't know. She asked to go to the movies this Saturday and I thought it was a play date for her brother. I suggested I brought Merida and the boys and then you. And-and then the asked if you were my girlfriend but I don't even—Sophie, I'm so confused."

Sophie covered her mouth, suddenly looking so sympathetic. Oh. He did something wrong. "Jack… oh, that poor girl. She was asking you on a date, Jack."

"A… play date?"

"No, Jack, a date-date. Like, dinner and a movie. Like, romantic date." Sophie explained. "Oh, my poor boy's a heart breaker!" She reached up and pinched his cheeks. He winced.

What. A romantic date? Like Jack even knew how to be romantic. He felt sorry enough for Sophie that he couldn't give her what Jamie gave Laura. He didn't know the first thing about romance and suddenly felt so awkward to think it was expected from him. Especially now.

"So… uh… girlfriend?" Jack wasn't sure how he felt about the label.

"We don't have to call it that, you know." she assured him. "For conventional reasons, though, we should probably say 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend,' right? Because that's what people who are together are called."

Jack rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, okay." But is just seemed too frivolous. What Jack and Sophie had was more then what those labels could ever suggest. He felt what they had was so unlike what he'd ever seen. It just felt so powerful. It was stronger. He was sure.

But… was he in any place to say that? Not with Jamie and Laura as a comparison. Now what they had was strong and so unique. They were soulmates. They were perfect in all their love. So, how could Jack say what he and Sophie had was any different than what everyone else had?

"So, what did you want to do for dinner tonight?" Sophie asked.

Jack chewed on his tongue thoughtfully. "How about a date?" Sophie looked as if she hadn't quite heard him correctly. Jack blew air through his teeth and lip and shrugged. "Like what Jamie and Laura do. Get all fancy and go out for dinner. I can pay. It'll probably end horribly, but, um, let's try it."

Sophie giggled and grinned brightly. "Okay." she nodded. "I'll see you after work."

He kissed her forehead and she left, glancing back at him. He was suddenly feeling so much lighter. And then he was nervous. He looked to June who shook her head and rolled her eyes. Of course she'd be of no help.

This time, the children couldn't distract him. He was nervous and worried. Where would he take Sophie? Would she like it? Would she have a good time? Oh man. This was going to end badly.

He consulted Lisa who found it strange that he was going on his first date at this age. She just said to be himself and they should have a good time. Don't worry so much.

That didn't help. What did help was the restaurant suggestions.

After work, Jack walked back home and fumbled with his key. His hand was shaking and he was wondering if this was even a good idea. What was he even thinking?

Sophie noticed his nerves and told him they didn't have to go out. They could just stay in, she was fine with that. But he asked her. It would be rude to just take that away. He got ready, doning a nice button down and jeans with tennis shoes.

When he stepped into the living room, he called for Sophie. She was in the bathroom and called for him to join her there. She was fixing her hair, frowning in frustration when it wasn't doing what she wanted. Jack leaned against the door frame and watched her. She was gorgeous in all her simplicity. A white top that tied behind her neck and a flowing green skirt. She wore just a little bit of make up. Just enough to make certain features (like those big green eyes) pop.

She asked where they were going and Jack offered a few places. She settled on an Italian place, since she knew where that one was. She would be driving, of course. Jack hadn't been behind the wheel of any sort since the Christmas party.

The dinner was not nearly as bad as Jack imagined. Jack requested they got children's coloring pages and crayons that hostess was clearly reluctant to hand over. It was easy to fall into conversation with her, as it always was. They fooled around, trying out "date" things, like feeding each other. They could only burst out in laughter and had to wipe sauce from their faces. No, that wasn't a good idea.

When dessert was brought out, Sophie was all smiles. They shared a pan with a large cookie and ice cream on top. It was warm and delicious. She bit her lip and looked at Jack through her lashes. She seemed uncertain about something.

"Jack, can I ask you something?" she asked. He nodded, letting her know she could go on. "When did you… how did you sort out everything? You know… when did you realize how you felt?"

Jack rubbed his forehead and leaned on his hand. "You know… I didn't figure it out." he admitted. He supposed it was time to tell her about the Immortal he met. "I still don't know a damn thing about love but… instead of trying to figure out what it really was, I just decided I'd rather do what Cupid suggested. I want us to make our own love story." Jack eyed her for her reaction. She folded her arms and leaned forward to show he had her full attention. "I didn't… I didn't figure it out on my own. It's kind of shameful, really." He rubbed the back of his head. "Cupid told me how I felt. And how long I've felt this way. I can't pin-point exactly when it was but… Sophie, it's been years."

She raised her eyebrows. "Years?"

Jack sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You were fifteen?"

"Fifteen?" she repeated, almost choking on her mouthful of cookie and ice cream.

"And Cupid shot you a little before you were sixteen… and it activated when I kissed you." Jack explained. "If I had thought about it… if I hadn't been scared to think about it, we could have had this—" Jack motioned between them, "—for years. I'm… I'm sorry."

Sophie leaned over the table and gave him a soft kiss. She smiled and nuzzled his nose. "Jack, I didn't care. I was just happy knowing you felt something for me. And if you were happy, I was happy." she nodded and sat back. "And you were happy, right?" Jack grinned and nodded vigorously. "Good!"

Jack reached across and took her hand. "I love you, Sophie Bennett."

She clutched his tightly and met his gaze. "And I love you, Jack Frost."

Screw Cupid and his games. He was content in this moment. He was glad to have finally told her the truth and perhaps he would let Jamie know as well. He did tell the man everything, so he didn't see why he couldn't tell him. It must have been weird, in all honesty.

"So… Cupid?" Sophie raised her eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah," Jack rolled his eyes. "He's a complete asshole, let me tell you."

When they finished, Jack paid and they went home, blasting music and screaming out the windows. They parked and linked fingers, walking back to the apartment. Jack spun her in front of the door to the building and pulled her in for a kiss.

A powerful gust of wind stopped him and a dark mass caught his peripherals.

"Jack!" Hiccup swung off of Toothless and ran up to them. He stopped and took a step back. "Um… sorry, am I interrupting something?"

Jack and Sophie exchanged confused glances and he adjusted his grip around her. "No, it's okay. What's up, Hiccup?"

"Where can I find Thor?"