Multiple pairs of eyes watched Skyla as she gripped Jack's sweater. She'd been there only a few minutes, but no one had said anything to her. Well, besides the surprised yetis who had garbled something at her in their unfamiliar language. Elves ran around her feet, bells ringing as their little heads swayed back and forth. Jack was right. The North Pole was a brilliant sight to see. Though her back was to most of the large building, every small area had something wonderful in it.

Jack started waving his staff around between the elves, trying to get them to shoo, "Don't crowd her. She needs some space." The yetis and other Guardians had kept their distance as per Jack's conditions, but none made an effort to keep the elves away. "Sorry, Sky. They're free range."

"I don't mind. Really. I'm just worried I'll step on one." she told him, keeping her voice low. The others may have nothing serious against her, but they still intimidated her. Gesturing at the frozen elves she asked, "Are they going to be okay?"

"Never hurt them before." he shrugged, leaning his staff back against his shoulder, "How are you doing? Cold?" Skyla shook her head. "Good. I don't know what they're thinking over there, so just flash them one of your smiles and win them over"

She looked back over at the other Guardians, standing in front of a blazing fireplace and still watching her. Tooth Fairy, Sandman, Santa, and the Easter Bunny. Smiling slightly, she turned back to the Winter Spirit, "I don't think my smile is enough for this. Should I say something?"

Jack shook his head then addressed his friends, "Can we get this meeting started? I want to get Sky home as soon as possible."

Toothiana flew over to the two and beamed at Skyla, "Hi! It's so nice to meet you! I wasn't sure what to expect, but your teeth are well taken care of! I approve!" Sky nodded, smiling her thanks. It was a mistake when the Tooth Fairy set to work with her fingers "Oh! You do take care of them! Have you ever used any whitening assistance?" Sky's response came out muffled, the fingers in her mouth making it difficult to speak.

"Tooth, fingers out of mouth!" North chimed in while Jack pulled Sky closer. Toothiana held her hands in front of her and shrugged in a bashful manner before flying back. North walked up with a big smile on his face and took Skyla's free hand, holding it between both of his own. "Welcome to the North Pole! Don't mind the yetis and the elves, having a human here is special occasion."

"Th-thank you. I'm excited to be here. It's amazing!" she smiled back.

North stepped back and did a half turn, gesturing towards the last two Guardians, "You already know Bunnymund. And that is Sandy." The Sandman floated closer and a top hat appeared in sand above her head. He tipped it towards her. Skyla waved. The Guardians went back to their spots.

"Got through the greetings" Jack whispered, "Good job. I think they're already warming up to you." Skyla smiled at him and took his hand.

"Ah!" North shouted, making them jump, "Look at that!" he looked around at the others excitedly, "They're holding hands! They must be in love!"

"North," Bunnymund interjected, "People hold hands for different reasons. It doesn't mean they're in love. I still don't trust it"

The large russian waved a dismissive hand at him, "We know, we know. Give it break, Bunny. Let them speak."

'Speak? Was there a question in there? What do we-' Jack squeezed her hand and she looked up to his reassuring smile. 'right. He can handle this.'

"I know you were all expecting Lauren," he started, and Skyla remembered Jack hadn't talked to the others in a while, "and I haven't told you any different. Only Bunnymund knows some of what's happened. Well..." He went on to mention how he and Skyla had met and became friends eventually, spending time together often. He explained about the bracelet and Skyla held it up a moment for them all to see.

His hand gripped hers tighter as he moved on to what happened with him and Lauren, then Skyla and Brandon. Looking into Skyla's eyes, Jack retold the story of the night he spent on her floor when he realized he was in love with her. The Tooth Fairy really enjoyed that, her little fairies sighing dreamily.

He told them what happened both during and after Skyla's show. Then how Bunnymund had confronted her. He hesitated before going further. "Jack, go on. It's okay." she smiled softly.

Skyla listened when the Guardian of Fun told them about the snowball fight. He was very generous, telling it in such a way that made it seem like she hadn't actually been awful at it. She tuned out the rest of the story, not needing to be reminded of the Nephilim closing, or what she went through with Brandon. It still hurt, and she was doing her best to keep it under control.

Finally finished, the two looked around to gauge the reactions of the other Guardians. They let it all sink in for a while before Bunnymund spoke up, "That's everything? There's nothing else?" Jack nodded.

The Sandman floated over and smiled at Sky. Sand figures of a heart and Jack Frost appeared over his head. "Yeah, Sandy. I love him" she smiled back. Sandy clapped excitedly and hugged her neck.

When he let go, Jack put his arm around Skyla's shoulders. "And I love her, too. Just so everyone knows." Bunnymund rolled his eyes at them. "I guess you already know that."

"Yeah, mate. We know. When can we tell her the bad news?"

"Bunny!" North scolded. Everyone went quiet and Skyla shifted nervously at the sudden change. Some elves still ran around, and the few yetis that had gathered turned to go back to work.

Jack pulled her back against him, looking into her eyes, "Skyla, don't listen to him. He has no idea what he's talking about."

"I'm thinking he does" she held up the bracelet. "What's happening?"

"...I guess I can't hide anything from you." he smiled, "It's bad news for me. Not you, and not us. I'll tell you more when I can, I promise. You trust me, right?" Skyla nodded. "Then you'll give me some time?"

"How much time?" Jack frowned at her question. "You have eternity. I don't." She watched as he donned his thinking face and went silent for several moments. 'Maybe I should have just asked later.'

"Jack," Bunnymund started, "It won't be easy, but you need to tell her. Or I will."

"Stay out of this, kangaroo." he glanced over quickly, then looked back at Skyla. "Ignore him."

"I don't think you're hearing me" Skyla heard the rabbit walking over, and Jack pushed her behind him. Bunnymund narrowed his eyes, "Someone needs to tell her. Even if I personally don't trust her, it isn't right to keep this from her. She's already involved."

"I'll tell her when I think she's ready, Bunnymund." Jack stepped forward, gripping his staff. The other Guardians were obviously not getting involved in the argument. "I have my reasons for not telling her right away. Understand?" Skyla stayed back, watching as the two glared at each other.

"You keep thinking you know what's best for her. You're just going to keep lying to her? What reasons could you possibly have-"

"What reasons?! What if I worry her? What if I scare her? I've put her through enough, and she's having a hard time dealing with things as it is! Just give her a break!" he yelled in the rabbits face.

"She lost a job and got dumped, how is that a lot to deal with?!"

Skyla quickly walked around them while they kept fighting. The other Guardians moved out of her way and she stood in front of the fireplace. "Think they'll stop anytime soon?" she asked no one in particular.

Toothiana flew over next to her, "They just need some time. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Fine. I just don't want to listen to them argue about what I've been through. I know it doesn't seem like much but..." She clutched her chest, "It hurts."

"Your heart...? It hurts?" she asked carefully.

"Yeah. Since Brandon walked out. I know he did it for me. Because he knows how badly I stress and over think things... Probably the wrong crowd to say it in front of but I did love him. Still do." dropping her arms back down, Skyla's hands balled into fists and she blinked away tears, "I want to hate him but I think that's one of the impossibilities in my life."

"I'm so sorry. But... You have Jack right? He'll always be there for you. He's really great and-"

"Skyla?" Jack called. She turned to see him still beside Bunnymund like he'd stopped mid-yell to check on her. "What's going on over there?"

"Nothing, Jack. Keep arguing over which of you is prettier. I don't mind" she turned back to the fireplace, smirking.

"Ah, she has Jack's humor!" North commented, "It's good they have things in common!" To Skyla he said, "My bet is on Bunny. Jack has the boyish charm but it can not beat Bunnymunds soft fur."

Skyla laughed, "Thanks. He's still funnier than I am though."

"You know it!" Jack shouted excitedly, and floated over to wrap his arms around her from behind, "Sorry, I get really into my fights with the kangaroo. What was really happening over here? You were... a bit upset?"

"I'm okay, Jack. Are you done arguing with Bunnymund?"

"Yeah. For now." he chuckled, "Want to go on the tour? You haven't seen much of this place yet. Maybe test out some toys or feed the reindeer? I'm kidding," he added before North could argue.

"I would love to but weren't we here for a reason? Do we have time to goof off?"

"Let Tooth show you around." North offered, "I will take a look at the bracelet, and having Jack around will help that. I don't think you want Bunnymund taking you, and Sandy could be of some help to us, too. Tooth, we'll call you when we need you. If you don't mind?"

"It'll be fun! If Jack doesn't mind giving her up for a while." The Tooth Fairy agreed.

Jack turned Skyla around and kissed her forehead, "Try not to get lost. And, sorry, but can I borrow that bracelet? Just for a while. Like I said I want to get you home as soon as possible. I also want you to enjoy your time here, so go with Tooth. I'll find you later."

Skyla nodded and Jack slipped the bracelet off her wrist. Kissing him on the cheek quickly, she stepped out of his arms and smiled at Toothiana, "I'm ready if you are." The mini fairies chirped excitedly as they lead her away. With one last glance at the Winter Spirit, Skyla hurried along after them.

The group went around each floor of the workshop, stopping occasionally to marvel at some of the toys being made. For the most part the yetis stayed hard at work, but some of them peered at her curiously or even tried to say hello. Elves ran around under Skyla's feet, and she nearly tripped over a few of them. Even trying her best to step around them, it was still a nuisance.

"Tooth, I really envy your wings right now. Think North could make me a pair?"

"You could ask! They won't be as good as the real thing, but maybe they'll have rocket boosters!" she giggled. Turning her head, she looked into the middle of the workshop like she heard something. "Jack's shouting for you"

Skyla blushed and looked out over the railing. "Where?" Just then, the spirits face popped up in front of her. "Oh"

Obviously not the reaction he'd expected, Jack frowned. "Not even a little surprised?" Skyla shrugged. Touching down beside her, Jack took her hand and started leading her away. "The others are looking for you" he called back to Tooth, "I'll bring her up in a bit."

"Hey Jack?" Sky asked as they walked along a corridor, "Do you think North would make me some wings?" He glanced back at her, confused. "I want to be able to fly beside you... Think that's possible?"

"Maybe. I want that too, Sky! We'll ask him next chance we get." They kept walking and soon they were in an empty room. Jack closed the door behind them, leaning his staff beside it, and lead her to the middle of the room. "Do you know how to dance?"

"Yes? Is that what we're doing in here?" Jack nodded in response and put his hands on her waist. Reaching her hands up, she hooked them around his neck and smiled "Thank you for letting me come here."

They started dancing slowly, and he nodded, "I'm glad Bunny brought it up." Skyla rested her head against his shoulder and started humming. After a while he asked, "Want to sing?"

"Not really." she lifted her head up and looked at him, "You can sing, if you want. I haven't heard that in a while" he shook his head and she smirked, "You have a good voice, you know. It's not great, but it definitely compliments my own." her smile slipped from her face when she remembered singing in the car with Brandon 'just like his did. He... didn't need me beside him though.'

"Sky?" the Guardian brought her attention back, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I-"

"Skyla, I can tell when something's wrong even without the bracelet. Tell me. Did I say something?" his eyes searched hers, concern etching his face.

"...I just thought about.. you-know-who" she breathed out a laugh, "About this time when I sang with him." her chest tightened and she tried to smile at him, "But I'm okay. So let's just keep dancing"

"Sky..." pulling her closer, Jack's lips met hers briefly, "You're at the North Pole. Slow dancing with Jack Frost. How could you even think of him at a time like this? Enjoy yourself and forget about him for a while. Please, just for a while."

"Jack, I'm trying. I really am. I don't want you to worry about me."

"I am worried, Skyla!" he stressed, pulling her arms down from his neck and holding her hands, "I'm always worried because I never know how you're really feeling. I never know what you're really going through. That bracelet was more of a gift to me than to you! I could finally tell what you were feeling. You might not understand this but knowing what you're feeling is a miracle. You hide everything so well." he sighed, "It's not easy caring for someone when you don't know what they need."

"I know I'm a handful, okay? Sorry. Hiding things is something I've learnt to do. It's something I needed to learn. What do you want me to tell you Jack? That I'll try to be more emotional?"

"That you'll be more open" he told her, squeezing her hands before letting go. "I just want you to open up to me more. I know you don't want to talk about your past but I really want to know about it. I want to know about your family, your childhood. I want to know if there was ever a point in your life when you actually believed in any of the Guardians."

"I do believe-"

"No you don't!" He yelled. Calming himself slightly, he went on, "Sky, I know you don't. And I don't know how you see us without believing, but that's something I want to find out. I haven't mentioned it to the others, and I won't. We'll figure this one out together."

"I don't need to figure it out, Jack. You asked me to trust you. I do. Can you please just trust me?" Reaching out a hand, she placed it on his arm. "Jack?"

Not looking at her, he pushed her hand away, "I trust you, Skyla. I'm sorry, I haven't told you everything, either. I'm scared you'll do something stupid or... That you won't do anything at all. That you won't care, or decide it's too much for you to handle."

She thought for a while. Picking through words she wanted to say, things she needed to tell him. None of it seemed right though. None of it really summed up what she was feeling or thinking. "Jack..." He finally looked at her, and she smiled. He slowly smiled back, leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you" tipping her head up, she kissed him. When he didn't kiss her back, she pulled away.

"Do you really?" he asked, shocking her. She stepped back, and he followed, "The first time you told me that, I forced it out of you. I've been trying to forget that part, but it's always there at the back of my head. I was your second choice, wasn't I? After Brandon?"

"Don't say that. And, why are you so set on fighting with me? Can't we just-"

"I need to know! Do you really love me, Skyla?! If you could to do it over again, would you still choose me? Would you still give me a chance?" his blue eyes pleaded with hers, "Would you let me stay?"

"I wouldn't want to do it over again, Jack. Once is enough. And, though it took a while, I think I'm exactly where I want to be. With you. I wish I was in your arms, but just being close is okay. Just because it took a little longer for me to realize it, doesn't mean you were my second choice." A tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away, "I don't understand why you're doubting me. What can I do to make you believe that, with all my heart, I truly do love you?"

The Guardian wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, "I'm sorry. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to ask you these things? Skyla, MiM sent me to your city to find someone who I can love. I'd never forgotten Lauren, so I thought it must be her... Then I found you. That's what I mean when I say you're the one. If I'm not sure... If you turn out not to be..."

"Why would MiM- Because you're in trouble? That's what this has all been about? Jack, tell m-"

"If you would just be quiet, I would" he chuckled, brushing her hair back. Kissing her head, he continued, "I don't know what happened. I was in the South Pole taking a break when I... My heart, it felt like it was being torn out of my chest. I collapsed and couldn't move for hours. When I could stand, I flew here and told North. He called the others. I was so scared. They think that someone literally ripped my heart out; stole it from me. We're working on how to fix it, and finding love was MiM's suggestion. It's been getting worse. I feel hollow and empty and I-"

"Maybe it was an evil witch." Sky interrupted, "I think they steal hearts. Are there witches? Maybe we can get it back if we-"

"Skyla" he grinned, "What part of be quiet did you not get? I don't know if that's the only damage they plan to cause to me, but it could get dangerous. If I tell you to do something, do it. Even if I tell you to forget about me." Skyla frowned and gripped his sweater tighter. "I'm not putting you in danger. Losing you would be worse than anything anyone could throw at me. You're my priority. Got it?"

"Don't let it come to that, Jack. Don't ask me to forget you."

"...I love you, Sky. I wouldn't ask you to do something like that unless it's a last resort. The Guardians are doing their best to figure this out. You'll think I'm crazy but I'm glad my heart was stolen... Because I found yours."

"You are crazy. I guess we're a perfect pair." She smiled.

"Are we okay?" Jack asked. Skyla nodded. "Sorry I yelled at you." Grabbing her chin, he tilted it up and pressed his lips against hers. She responded immediately, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. Their lips moved against each others passionately and Jack's hands trailed lightly down her arms. She moved her hands up and ran them through his hair as his settled on her hips.

Skyla pulled away slightly, "Do we have time for this? Weren't the others-" his lips crashed against hers again and she forgot about it. She was sure her face was red; heating up even against the chill from the spirit. Her stomach was in knots, butterflies fluttering around inside.

Jack pulled away and let her catch her breath, "Maybe we should go? See what the others have been up to?"

"Yeah... Maybe... But there's no way it's more fun than this"

Smirking, he grabbed her hand and lead her to the door, "So you admit I'm a good kisser?" He picked up his staff and opened the door, ushering her through it.

"Yes, I admit it. Kissing is one of the million things you're naturally good at." she rolled her eyes and started walking back the way they came.

Turning her around, he wrapped and arm around her waist, "Hold on." She did, putting her arms around his neck like she'd done the other times they'd flown together. Jack lifted off the ground and soon enough they were back in the large room, hovering near the globe. He gestured at it, "Lauren ever tell you about that?"

Her cheek against his, she stared at the globe, trying to remember what she'd been told. "The... lights are children who believe? I think?"

"Yeah. It's really useful with what we do. Skyla, this is the last time I'll ask. It's not a big deal, I just want to know. Were you ever one of those lights?"

"Honestly? No. I'm sorry, Jack." He kissed her cheek in response, then floated over to touch down in front of the group of Guardians. They had been arguing when the two flew into the room, and after Jack had stalled for time they were settled down and ready for them.

"Jack, what took you so long?" Tooth asked, "we were waiting for you."

"Got lost" he replied, holding onto Sky's hand, "Did we miss something?"

North walked over and held the bracelet out to Sky. Taking it gratefully, she slipped it back around her wrist. North grinned down at her, "It makes a great accessory. We couldn't get it to do anything else, and Manny hasn't told us anything. It should be safe."

"Thank you" she smiled.

"Did Jack tell you what's going on?" Bunnymund spoke up. Skyla nodded and he told her, "The others think I shouldn't be so pushy. Made something happen, didn't it?"

"It did. Tell me, though. Are you and I friends? Rivals? Frenemies?"

"What's a frenemy?" he asked, then shook his head, "Never mind. I don't want to know. We can be friends, if you like. Sorry about being so intense."

"I understand. It's sweet that you care so much about Jack. Yeah, I would like to be friends." Bunnymund hopped forward and held out his paw. She shook it, "your fur really is soft."

The rabbit straightened up, "I take good care of it. You like it?" Skyla nodded and he smirked at Jack, "She likes fur."

"Whatever, kangaroo." Jack replied, pulling her closer. "Don't forget that she's mine."

"Okay" Skyla interrupted, "Can we move along here? Before you two go at it again? Have you figured anything out for the... Umm... Thing?"

The other Guardians looked at her oddly but Jack just laughed, "Go on, Sky. Tell them your theory."

Everyone's attention on her, Skyla shifted nervously. She pulled at a stray strand of hair, making note to tie the ribbon again later. "Well, I was thinking... Evil witch? I'm sure I've heard stories of witches stealing hearts..."

"Those are just stories, Sky" Tooth said softly. "Thanks for your input, but maybe you should learn a bit more about this world before you come up with theories."

"Oh?" her face turned red, and she let go of Jack's hand and stepped forward. "Aren't you all just stories? Maybe it isn't the kind of witch I've read about, but even the most outrageous stories are based on some truth, aren't they?"

Everyone just looked at her. North nodded and clapped a hand on her shoulder, "You're right. It's more of an idea than we had before. Maybe there's a spirit with the qualities of one of those witches." Skyla smiled her thanks and he grinned back, turning to address the others, "Well? Good idea?"

Sandy was the first to nod. He made a thumbs up out of sand. Then Bunnymund shrugged and agreed. Tooth, a bit upset, didn't say anything. Jack squeezed her hand, "Nice work."

"Jack, you should take her home. Thank you for catching us up." North told him, "When there is something else, we will call you. You do the same if anything happens."

Jack nodded, "I'll keep in touch."

North turned to Sky, "You're welcome here, Skyla. Come and visit us again!"

Smiling, Skyla let Jack drag her into the tunnel Bunnymund had created for them. Coming out in her room, she shed off the coat and sweater she'd thrown on and climbed into bed, "That was an adventure"

"A good one, right?" She nodded in response and he leaned forward to kiss her forehead, "I'll be back in the morning. I want to go check in on Burgess."

"Okay. Yeah, you should." She smiled at him, and he walked over to the window. "I love you!" She called before he jumped out.

"I love you too, Skyla" he grinned, and let the wind carry him away.

Taking the ribbon out of her hair, she placed it on the bed side table and rested her head against the pillows. Frowning, she checked the phone she'd left there. No messages. Sighing, she let it drop to the floor as she stared at the ceiling. "Damn. Reality"


NOTES:
Okay, it's a bit longer than usual
I thought about maybe making two shorter chapters out of it
Obviously I decided not to
Thanks for reading!
Please review!
Love Y'all *hearts*