Jackson spent the next several weeks sneaking out whenever he could to the pond. Once or twice he was followed curiously by children or an adult. But Jack was able to see that they were there. He let Jackson know that he was being followed and watched and Jackson would find an excuse for his sneak away. Whether it was hunting or chopping wood or simply exploring a new footpath.

Jack had become his best friend. Which was strange because Jackson's best friend used to be Jonathan until Eliza was ready for marriage. Jackson was her first choice, between the two of them. But Jackson vehemently declined the offer, going so far as to run away and get lost in the forest. Neither had spoken much to him since. Only when they had to.

Jack would follow Jackson into the village every once in a while. He was watch Jackson go about his daily duties and question why he did them and what their purpose was when Jackson was able to answer them. He followed Jackson and his family to their little place of worship once. He listened intently to the pastor and his teachings. Jackson had seen the image of confusion cross his face when he began to recite from the bible in Latin. Jackson knew just about as much of what he was saying as Jack did. Jackson could pick up a few words here and there.

Jack did question Jackson about religion. Jackson did his best to answer him, and tried to stay objective. Especially when he was questioning it as it was. The moon seemed to have been more of a creator-figure than the God he was encouraged to believe in. Jackson did not want to confuse Jack.

The two of them played with children often. Of course, Jack was unseen. But that never stopped him. Jackson tried to include him as best he could without directly interacting with him. He encouraged Jack to throw a snowball or slick a hill for them to sled down. But Jack would do more than that. He would take them, slicking a path and using the winds to push the sled, and travel across the village, occasionally leading them into a snow bank or a tree by accident.

Jackson had learned a lot about Jack. Not only could he create ice and frost, but he could make it snow. He was the one that made those blizzards while Jackson was out. The first time, it was a test. He was testing his limits and his power and when he saw the effect on the village, he regretted it. He promised himself he would create no more blizzards. The other two were completely unintentional. The snow fall was a warning of his mood. Jack had been particularly upset when he created the blizzards. He was upset when the moon refused to speak to him. And he was upset when he accidentally hurt a child during his games.

It hadn't snowed since Jackson had been awake. Not heavily, anyway. Light flurries hear and there, but nothing the villagers anticipated. They said that Mother Nature was being kind to them after the hardships they had been through and somehow it got Jackson wondering if Mother Nature was real. Jack said the moon was. Perhaps he was like the Man on the Moon. So, if the Man on the Moon was real, who was to say that Mother Nature wasn't?

Jackson could not help but imagine her as a cruel woman. Her creations that killed people and her weather that starved them. She was probably out to kill them all. Yes, this must have been it. Tornados, hurricanes, hail storms, lightning. Blizzards must have been her responsibility, too. Before Jack, there had been snow and blizzards, so it couldn't just be him. It was Mother Nature.

Jack felt horribly guilty for the pain he had caused the villagers. When he had voiced these worries and emotions to Jackson, it began to flurry and something glistened in the corner of the winter spirit's (this is what Jackson had decided to call what this boy was) eyes. Jack rubbed it away and a drop of ice fell to the ground. Jackson would have put a hand on his shoulder for comfort, but the just inches from Jack's body, Jackson felt the temperature drop below freezing. It was cool. Too cold. So cold, it burned. All of Jack just seemed to freeze with his shuddering shoulders and his almost-tears of ice.

Jack didn't mean to hurt anybody. He resented what he could do. But perhaps with a little practice, he could try and not hurt a single soul. This was what he resolved. And Jackson promised to be there to offer any assistance he could. What could he do, though? He didn't have any powers. He couldn't tell Jack how to control his own.

For now, Jack's power over snow seemed to be in check. As long as his emotions did not range too powerful, there should not be another blizzard. It was difficult for the winter spirit. The fact that only Jackson could see him and the moon refused to acknowledge him wore on him. Jackson did his best to keep Jack's spirits up and it did seem to be working.

One day, Jackson's father came back from town with one of the community horses and the covered carriage. After Jackson took the horse to the stable, he was asked to help unload the cargo. And… man, did James return with some cargo.

As James pulled away the tarp, Jackson's jaw dropped. Jack leapt into the carriage and inspected the item curiously.

"What's this?" Jack asked Jackson.

Jackson turned to his father. "A grandfather clock?"

"Eeyup." he nodded, proud of his acquirement.

"Father, you can't be serious." Jackson climbed in pulled a bit of the cloth away that protected it. "How did you even afford it?"

"I traded it. For your great-grandfather's watch for it."

"Why would you trade a mobile clock for a stationary one?" Jackson asked incredulously.

"It was broken anyway," James shrugged. "Now, help me get it inside."

Jackson shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. He glanced to Jack and muttered, "My father is crazy," as he shoved the oversized clock out of the carriage. His father eased it to the ground.

"What was that?" Jamie asked.

"Nothing, just said that Mother is going to kill you." Jackson chuckled and leaned his arm on the top of the clock.

"She's been asking for one of these for years." James pat the wood on the side.

"If you say so."

Jackson carefully pushed the top down for his father to carry. After he had a decent hold on it, Jackson jumped out of the carriage and struggled to lift the bottom. Damn, it was heavy! Jack moved with them towards the house. He opened the door for them, which James did not question. He possibly assumed Jackson had left it open. Jackson struggled to keep his end lifted. He was certainly not a strong man like his father was. Thin arms and shoulders did not do well with heavy lifting. Jack had set his staff aside and taken up the end with Jackson until James ordered them to set it beside the fire. Oh, man.

James struggled to push up the top. Jackson, being a little on the smaller size in build, tried to pull it from the top. Jack winced as he phased through James to push with him. When the clock was standing upright and tall, Jack danced away from James, shaking himself out. That did not seem like a pleasant experience. Having another stand through you.

"See?" James wiped his brow. "That wasn't so hard, now was it?"

Jackson let out a chuckle and gave Jack a knowing smile. The spirit collected his staff before stepping in front of the clock to examine it closely. James untied the cloth wrapped around it to protect the glass. It fell away to reveal a handsome surface with shining weights and a pendulum. James pulled out a key from his pocket and wound the clock. The weights rose and the clock began to tick.

"Now, what time is it, Father?" Jackson smirked.

"Hm…" James scratched his chin. "I will return shortly. Keep your mother out until I get back."

James left the cabin, most likely to procure a pocket watch to set the correct time. Jackson laughed and turned to Jack. "I swear, he doesn't think anything through."

"And you do?" Jack snickered.

"Shut up," Jackson play punched Jack's arm and turned to the clock, putting his hands on his hips. "Well… it does look nice."

"What does it do?" Jack asked, leaning against his staff.

"It tells the time." Jackson explained.

"What's time?"

Jackson was taken aback. He was used to Jack's constant questioning. How little he knew was astonishing. But this was something he expected everyone to know. Never had anyone needed to explain time to someone. Where would he begin? Jackson had to sit down for this one. He pulled up the chair beside the fire and sat to ponder.

What was time?

"Time is… the beginning and ending of all things." Jackson said thoughtfully. "It counts down the years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds until the end or the birth. There are sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, twenty-four hours in a day, three hundred and sixty-five days in a year. Time passes and everything changes. Everything can change in but a moment. Nothing will be the same and nothing has ever been what it was."

"I still don't… I don't understand." Jack furrowed his brows.

Jackson sighed. "From the night you were born to now, time has passed. How many moons again?"

"Fifty-four." Jack replied.

"Right. Fifty-four moons. That's fifty-four days. A month and a half, give or take, right?" Jackson was having trouble forming the right way to explain this. He looked around for assistance. Right. The clock. Jackson stood up and pointed to the second hand that continuously moved. "See this? It's counting the time. These are seconds."

Jack inspected the face of the clock and frowned. "Okay…"

He still didn't seem to get it. Jackson felt a bit frustrated. How could he explain this to Jack? Maybe he didn't have to. "You know… I think you'll get it." Jackson nodded. "Eventually. You'll understand. Everyone does."

"Why can't you tell me?" Jack asked, tapping the glass in front of the face. Fern-like frost spread from his touch across the surface. He quickly retreated as if he had broken it.

"It's too complicated." Jackson ruffled the back of his head. "You'll get it though, I promise."

His father has returned with Mr. Hanson's pocket watch. Jackson and Jack watch as he sets it and steps back to admire his work. An old, broken pocket watch for this sparkling grandfather clock. Something about that trade seemed off to Jackson, but he let it go. It was for his father to realize, not for him.

Hanson greeted Jackson and the boy nodded in return. When asked if he had found himself a wife yet, Jackson only laughed and reminded him he was still just a child. Hanson frowned, but was very familiar with Jackson's reluctance to marry. Jackson was sure he'd be a great father. A great provider, though? No. He would not be able to take care of his family. He would not be able to put food on their table and hunt. He could barely chop down a tree or hunt a rabbit, let alone build a cabin and feed a family hearty dear.

And Jackson could not even think about who he would like as a bride. No, no way. Nope. He'd sooner marry a sheep than an adult woman. He could do without the constant nagging (he got that enough from his mother) and the idea of intimacy scared the living daylights out of him.

He would just like to stick to playing with Jack and the children, thanks.

As James and Hanson fell into conversation, Jackson slipped out with Jack. Jackson and Jack pulled the wagon into it's usual place and relaxed in the stables. Jack hung upside-down from the rafters as Jackson fed the horse a sugar cube to reward him for his long journey.

"What's a wife?" Jack asked. Jackson wondered if the blood was rushing to Jack's head as he hung like that, but evidently not. His face did not become red, nor did he seem strained.

"The woman you get married to." Jackson grumbled. Nope. Did not want to touch on this topic.

"Married?"

"Marriage. It's a commitment to love and cherish or something like that. It's pretty much just dooming you into being a man and providing food and shelter for your family." Jackson rolled his eyes. "You take care of everything. It's exhausting. I don't know why people do it."

"Doesn't sound like you'll ever get married." Jack commented lightly.

Jackson rubbed his eye. "Nope. I'm thinking about just becoming a priest. Then I could just have an excuse not to." Plus, no work. He'd have more time for play. All he'd have to do was give a sermon every once in a while, forgive a few confessions, help the needy. Sounded like a good deal. Except…

"But you told me you weren't a man of God."

"I'm not." Jackson shrugged. "Pretty much the only person in this land that isn't. Except for the Natives. Hey! Maybe I can join them!" Jackson punched his palm. "Oh, wait… No, that would probably require more work."

Jack flipped over and landed gracefully on his toes. How did he do that? Seriously. He must have been cheating gravity or something. Jack's usual mischievous smile seemed to… dullen. Perhaps it was a bit forced.

"Or we could trade places," Jack shrugged.

Oh. Jackson felt quite insensitive now. His face burned and he looked to the ground. He hadn't thought that maybe Jack would like to be in his position. Jack wouldn't mind learning how to be an adult, grow up, maybe get married and have his own family.

"Jack, I—"

"I didn't mean it like that. It'd be nice to be seen," Jack exhaled and dragged the staff along the rafters to create icicles. "Just once."

Jackson frowned. He wondered for a moment if Jack even liked to hang around him. What if he stuck by only because Jackson was the only one that could see him? What if another had come around who could see him? Would he just leave Jackson for them?

Why did Jackson feel so insecure about this? They were friends. Sort of. Kind of. They'd only known each other for about a month. While Jackson really enjoyed Jack's company, it was sometimes hard to tell if the feeling was mutual. Jackson knew he said the wrong things sometimes. He wasn't perfect. But he wanted to be there for Jack.

He thought of Jack as his best friend. Did Jack feel the same?

"I see you," Jackson said in a low voice, averting his gaze from the other.

He wasn't sure if Jack heard him. The spirit crossed over to the stable door and leaned on the frame to watch the children get let out of the school house. Laughter and screams rang thought the village. As Jackson moved closer to him, he could see the look of longing in Jack's eyes.

No… it would be better if the children could see him. Not Jackson. He deserved them. Not this lazy, good-for-nothing heathen. They could teach Jack so much more than Jackson could. He could grow with them, since he was nothing more than a child himself.

Jack lowered his grip on his staff and frowned. "I'm going to go home…" he said slowly. "I'll see you later, Jack."

"Yeah…" Jackson took his place as the spirit took flight. He was getting a lot better at this flying thing. Jackson watched him until he was lost to the forest.

He was sure Jack would have done anything to be in Jackson's place. Jackson had the world while Jack had nothing. At least, that's how it seemed. He felt guilty for squandering everything he had. He hadn't realized how Jack might have felt about everything. Man, Jackson was a jerk.

Jack was probably mad at him. He was sure he was. Maybe Jack didn't want to see him. He had left fairly quickly. Jackson decided to give him some time to himself. Some distance would probably be for the best. For the next three days, Jackson stayed away from the pond. He did not go to visit Jack. And Jack was not seen near the village. Maybe Jack was really mad at him.

The time apart from Jack gave Jackson a gnawing feeling. He didn't like being away from the winter spirit. It was like being away from Jill. He missed him, even if it had only been a few days. He felt hollow and a piece of him was missing.

Hold on. This was… this was familiar. It was like the time after he became well again. The missing invisible limb. No, no. This was different than being away from Jill. It was a part of him that was missing. It left him feeling extremely uncomfortable and horribly lonely. Jill had noticed and tried to pry from him what his problem was. But how could he explain this to her? There was no explaining this. She wouldn't understand.

The third night, Jackson stepped out into the frigid cold. It had began to snow, the flakes piling up on top of each other. They reached past his ankle. Jackson rounded to the side of the cabin to gather firewood, but stopped when he was sure he was out of sight. He looked up at the sky, maybe hoping to see the Jack flying overhead, whooping as the winds carried him. Nothing. Just blotted out stars and heavy clouds and snowflakes.

He was frustrated. He pressed his forehead against the wood of the cabin and slammed his fist into the side. Don't go to him, Jackson. He doesn't deserve you. He doesn't want you. He wants the children, not you.

"Jack?"

Jackson looked up. Jack leaned over the roof, looking down at him. Jackson jumped and scrambled back to get a better look at him. The boy hopped off the roof and landed silently before Jackson. Jackson looked down, worrying on his thumb. Oh boy. He didn't think of what would happen when they saw each other again. He didn't know what to say. How to act. He couldn't even bring himself to look at him. He felt ashamed.

"Jack… I haven't seen you in a while." Jack's voice was low. Jackson felt his eyes stinging.

"I… sorry…" Jackson didn't know where to start.

"Are you mad?"

Jackson's head shot up. Jack looked so uncertain. So worried. "God, no!" Jackson shook his head. "No, I'm not mad. I promise, Jack."

"But… you haven't come to the pond," he seemed to panic, his voice raising an octave. "You didn't come to see me. What did I do? I'm sorry, Jack. I am. Please, don't leave me." Jack stepped closer to Jackson. The snow started falling heavier, the winds picked up.

"I won't leave you." Jackson quickly put his hands on his shoulders. "I'm sorry. You didn't do anything. I promise. I thought… I thought you were mad at me."

Jack vehemently shook his head. "No! Why would I be mad at you? You're all I have." Jackson was taken aback when Jack wrapped his arms tightly around him. "I don't want to lose you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry… don't leave me. Please."

Jack was so cold. He caused Jackson to shiver, but he did not pull away. Instead, he wrapped his arms around the other and held him close. He felt whole again. The missing limb had been returned. What did that say about what Jack meant to him? Jackson did not bother to linger on the sentiment. He needed to calm Jack down and warm him up.

"I'm sorry," Jackson whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."

A/N: Thank you everyone who has reviewed so far! I really appreciate it! And to everyone who has reading this story, I thanks for taking the time to read this! Thank you so much! I hope you are all enjoying this!

IAmBehindYou: I'm really sorry I offended you. ; - ; That was not my intent. I'm agnostic. I believe there's a higher power, but I'm not quite sure what it is. I went to Catholic school for practically my whole life, but I just can't really bring myself to believe in the Roman Catholic God.
The reason I even bring religion into the story is because this is a settlement in early America. There was a lot of religion and it was a big part of the colonial life. I don't want to leave out something as big as that, you know? I'm trying to keep Jack objective about religion.
I honestly don't mean any offense. And I'm terribly sorry that I did offend you.
I really don't know what I'm going to do with this story. But... um... isn't kissing considered "full out blown gayness"? If they fall in love, they're homosexual. Or... maybe not. It could be the person they love just happens to be a guy. And themselves. xD I dunno, that's just how I see it. Whether or not they go farther than that depends on where I go with this and I honestly don't know what's going to happen. I know SOME of what is, but it's a possibility more might happen.

Riley Lupin-Black: There's not nearly enough Frostcest love. I'm so glad you directed me to Mirror Ice by Feanfyr! It's fantastic so far and I can't way for it to update! Thank you!

13NeverForget14: It's totally not bad that you ship this. Not bad at all! I adore platonic relationships, too! They make me feel all warm inside.

Thanks to Daughter of Wisdom and Music, Anon, Qwerty124, and Hakumei-chan for the reviews!