7 - Home Again
The next thing you felt was warm. You were wrapped up on a table, barely conscious to the world around you. You lay still, the table wasn't cold or hot, the fireplace nearby had a fire that crackled and danced. The material against your skin was silky soft. You realized then that someone must have changed your clothes and you figured it was Tooth, considering what her tastes ran in. It was soft and you opened your eyes just a bit to glance at the colorful dress that you had been put it. It was a bright (color) with ribbons that streamed down it in various other colors of the rainbow, you noticed that you had been cleaned of blood as well. You shifted one hand to look at it, your skin was as pale as the moon. With a sigh you slipped back into unconsciousness. Everything was fine, just as the moon had promised it would be. You realized as you drifted off, that some how you knew that it was the moon that had been speaking to you. Its soft voice promising that everything would be over soon and so it was. When you were awakened again this time it was because something soft and cold had fallen on your face. It was followed by another, and another. You could hear the breath of the other person hitch, the sound of the quiet sob twisted at your heart and you opened your eyes. It was Jack. His eyes shut tight as he braced himself against the table over you. His tears falling down his face only to freeze and fall down on you. You blinked a moment, uncertain as to why he was crying until the memory flashed in front of your eyes. The table in Salem, the pain as dagger pierced your heart. You had died on that table and Pitch... he had thought he had won, but the moon had kept its promise. Your heart contracted painfully as you remember Jack had seen that, he was crying over you and not just literally. You still felt exhausted, but you pushed it away, you couldn't stand to see Jack in so much pain.
Your voice was soft.
"There now, can't a person rest in peace without being showered with ice?" There was a gentle teasing in your tone and you watched as Jack jolted, his icy blue eyes snapping open to meet your (eye color) ones.
"_..." He choked out, the last of his tears disappearing as he stared with dumbfounded joy. Suddenly he wrapped his arms around you, to your surprise you found that although he was as cold as ever it was a reassuring coldness, not the coldness you remembered that actually affected your own temperature. You weren't mortal anymore. He hugged you fiercely.
"I... I thought I'd lost you..." His whispered voice was rough from his earlier crying. You managed to summon up enough energy to wrap your arms around him.
"Never more, Jack." You murmur, there was a spurt of happiness that was within you as you knew that finally you could be with Jack forever now. He placed a chaste kiss on your lips, you give him a smile and then yawn.
"Sorry, I'm just so tired." You murmur as he gathers you in his arms and you lay your head against his blue hoodie.
"It's okay." He murmured and turned to see that Tooth was hovering quietly nearby, her magenta eyes wide with shock. You gave her a small smile as well before sleep claimed you. This time the dreams you had were good, although you wouldn't remember them later. The muffled sounds of the workshop greeted you, followed by the cool lips upon your own. You snaked your arms around him sleepily as a soft sound of approval escaped your lips. Jack braced himself over you, when his tongue slid across your lips you parted your own, savoring the coolness that was uniquely Jack. A taste of freshly fallen snow mingled with mint. You sighed into the kiss, surrendering to the bliss that came with Jack.
After a few moments he pulled back.
"_." He breathed, one finger lightly stroking your cheek. You gaze up at him tenderly, he gives you a sad smile.
"Jack, what's wrong?" You ask.
"I'm.. just afraid..." He admits on a sigh. You are silent, waiting for him to go on.
"Afraid this is just another dream, like the one I had about where you were... Afraid that I'll wake up and you'll be gone again." His gaze shifted from yours. You shifted to sit up as he perched on the edge of the bed.
"I... couldn't protect you... I'm so sorry _ ..." Tears began to shimmer in his eyes and he opened his mouth to say more but you weren't having any of it and you forestalled his words as your mouth covered his. His eyes wide with shock, but soon enough he was returning the kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck, resting your forehead against his when you drew back.
"Now you listen to me Jack Overland Frost, I will not have you beating yourself up over this." His eyes widened at your use of his full name and the force that was behind your words.
"You did what you could and I knew you would come for me. I believed all that time and it was because of you I was able to fight off Pitch as long as I did. The memories we made kept me fighting even through the Nightmares he put me through. My belief in you hasn't faltered this whole time. Now, I think it's time we spoke to the others. I'm sure they will want to hear what I have to say as much as you do about my return." Jack buried his face in your neck, his voice soft.
"I don't care how... I'm just so happy you're back." You smiled. This was a side of Jack you hadn't seen before, it made you smile.
"Me too." You whisper, running your fingers through his hair, delight flaring in your heart as he leans into the touch; his body seems to hum with approval at the offered gesture of comfort. You decide it can wait a little longer as you sit there with Jack, knowing you had all the time in the world now.