Eathan quickly opened the front door and walked briskly to his room with a bag in hand. He closed the door behind himself and took out the small gift he had gotten Jack. The tag on it called it a "Meditation Pillow". Eathan figured if Jack was going to be mediating all day he might as well be comfortable.

Eathan pulled out some newspapers he had grabbed with the pillow to wrap it. As he started to wrap the pillow he realized he hadn't grabbed any tape. Grunting he settled for just packing the bag with the papers for make-shift tissue paper and surrounded the pillow with them. When he deemed it looked as good as it was going to get, he nodded to himself.

He walked out of his room holding the bag behind his back and looked around the house for Jack. Jack wasn't in the living room nor the kitchen. He walked back down the hall and found Jack in his room, asleep. Eathan smirked and left the bag at Jack's door. He walked back into the living room and tried to find something to watch on the television.

**PAGE BREAK*

Aster held a concentrated expression as he painted a personal picture. It was nice, being able to paint something for yourself and not on a time limit. Aster had started work on it shortly after he and Jack began to date. A smile broke his concentration as he reminisced about their strange first date. Who else would buy furniture on a date? He brought his paintbrush away from the painting as he gave a light laugh at thought.

He stepped back from the canvas and looked over his work. So far it was simply Jack, facing away from the viewer, his hand held out to hold his -soon to be painted- own. Jack was standing near the base of a mountain, looking up towards the peak. The sky was swirling, preparing to unleash a storm. Beyond the mountain, just peaking over the left side, was the sun.

Aster hoped Jack would get the metaphor he was painting; that it would all be worth it in the end, that no matter what was ahead of them, they could make it through. The canvas was large, perfect for one of Jack's bedroom walls. Aster looked over Jack's figure and decided that his hair wasn't giving a glow he felt it deserved.

Before he was able to lay the soft hue on the canvas, there was a knock on his door. With a confused look, he checked the time. Who could be at my door at this hour? With a grunted sigh, he made his door. Before he opened it he put his face close to the door and shouted.

"Who is it?" Aster asked.

"It's me. Open up," A strange voice replied.

Aster frowned, "I don't know anyone by that name," He shouted through the door.

Aster heard them grunt, "It's the muffin man, you stupid Australian."

"'Ey now. I prefer Aster." Aster said with a smirk as he opened his door.

Aster was greeted with the smiling face of his foster brother, "Aster!"

Aster stumbled back slightly as he was assaulted with a hug, "Whoa there mate, how'd ya find me?"

His foster brother pulled away and frowned, "Is that how say 'hello' now? No: 'Hey Nate', 'Hi Nathan' 'How ya doing?"

Aster waved a hand dismissively, "That's implied. So how did ya find me? And why so damn early?"

Nathan smiled, "A magician never reveals, Aster." He walked past Aster into the home, "So this is your place? Nice." His eyes roamed over everything, stopping at the large canvas Aster was just working on, "Your new boyfriend?" Nate's finger pointed to Jack's figure.

Aster shook his head, "Yes, and we've been steady for a long while now."

Nathan laughed heartily, "You? Going steady?" Aster glowered and was about to speak until his brother continued, "Sorry," He let his laughter die down prior to speaking, "It's just, you used to get around a lot."

Aster softened his expression and sighed, "I know, but he's different."

Nathan held up a hand, "Now wait, you said that about every other one." Nate crossed his arms, "What makes him different? How long have you two been steady? A month? Two?"

Aster crossed his arms in return, "He just is. Jack is-"

Nathan smiled, "You actually remembered his name?!" He laughed slightly before letting Aster continue.

Aster huffed, "Yes, it's pretty hard to forget, his name is Jack Frost." Aster ignored the strange look Nathan gave him, "E's just got somethin' 'bout him, like an aura -so ta speak- that just draws me ta him like a magnet. We've been steady for 'bout eight months now." Aster again ignored his brother's shocked expression, "And we're very happy together. I plan one spending the rest of his life together," Aster finished proudly.

Nathan gave Aster a quizzical look, "Okay, well that is impressive. I'm honestly surprised you haven't dropped him yet." Nathan snapped his fingers, "I know why! He's got money don't he? Don't tell me, he's like, late 50's ain't he? No-no, 60's?" Nathan was about to burst out in laughter before Aster stopped him.

"He works for it! And he turns 24 in a month or so!" Aster defended himself with a tinge of anger rolling off his tongue.

Nathan put his hands up innocently, "No need to be testy. And dang Aster, going pretty young aren't you? How'd you meet him?"

Aster started to walk into the kitchen, "I ain't sayin' anythin' else 'til ya tell me how ya found me."

Nathan followed behind him, "Fine. I'm in the country for a few weeks and thought I'd drop by and say hi to a brother."

Aster scoffed, "That explains why ya're here, but not how."

Nathan smiled, "The internet you caveman. How else would I have found you?"

Aster smirked, "Good point. So what brings ya ta this country?"

Nathan shrugged his shoulders, "Not much, I dropped my accent and wanted to see how well I faired. Pretty well if I do say so myself."

Aster shook his head, "Ya sound American, but ya hidin' somethin' aren't ya?"

Nathan sighed deeply and frowned, "Mom died."

Aster smiled, "Good."

Nathan shot Aster a glare that could kill, "How can you say that?" Nathan took a large step towards Aster, "That woman raised us! Raised three of us while Dad was working two jobs!"

Aster stood tall matching Nathan's height, "That woman beat me!" He shouted.

Nathan shook his head, "She never laid a hand on us, you liar!"

Aster shoved Nathan away, "Ya two were asleep!" He paused and stared Nathan in the eyes while his own started to well with tears, "Why do ya think I never went swimming with ya or sis?! Even when it was a sweltering 46 degrees outside I never took my shirt off!" Tears started to fall from Aster's eyes, "Why do think I moved so far away! That woman was horrific to me!"

Nathan was crying with Aster, "You're lying! Ya a liar! Ya always hated that she treated sis better than ya! Ya could never appreciate what she did for ya! She loved all of us!"

Aster shook his head, "Why don't ya believe me?!"

Nathan wiped his tears away, "Mom would never do that ta ya! Ta anyone!"

Aster laughed bitterly, "I guess that makes me a no one than!"

Nathan quickly ran up to Aster and shoved him into the counter, "Ya a Liar!"

Aster shoved Nathan back, hard and to floor, "Then leave!" Aster's voice was violent and horse.

Nathan stood up hastily, "I will!" he stomped to the door and slammed it forcefully as he exited Aster's home.

Aster wiped the tears from his eyes and sly smile played across his lips. No family to miss me. Good.

_-_-_-_PAGE BREAK-_-_-

-Jack's Subconscious-

Jack was leaning up against a tree, he looked at the vast desert before him. He closed his eyes as he was trying to focus on bringing himself closer to the mountain. Why am I making this so difficult? This is my mind. Why am I struggling?"

"I said 'The Journey is half the lesson.', Remember?" A familiar voice called to him.

Jack looked up to the source of the voice, "Vivian?"

"Who else?" She called as she walked towards him over the dry ground.

"Rick? He came here yesterday," Jack stated.

"Which is still me." Vivian smiled, "I'm your subconscious. I'm whoever you need."

"Why is the mountain so far away?" Jack asked, his eyes glancing to the mountain.

Vivian leaned on the same tree as Jack, "You put it there."

Jack scoffed, "Wish I hadn't."

Vivian laughed softly, "So, Jack." She paused, "Why am I here?"

Jack shrugged, "I need a family member?" His tone questioning.

Vivian shrugged as well, "I'm here for you. I could be anyone you want."

Jack smiled, "I want to see Aster."

As Jack locked eyes with her, she started to grow in bulk and height. Her eyes turned a spring green and her skin tanned. Within a few seconds, the man he loved was standing before him.

Jack stared wide-eyed as he spoke, "A-Aster?"

Aster smiled at him, "Yeah, love?"

Jack jumped and hugged the Australian, "I love you."

Aster laughed, "I love ya too."

Jack let go and took a step back, "I just told myself I love you."

Aster smiled and nodded, "That ya did, love."

Jack shook his head, "Okay, this is weird, I want Vivian back." Just as the words left, the Aster before him transformed back into his sister.

"Don't wanna see your boyfriend?" Vivian said with a smirk.

"It's not that, it was just weird," Jack said, his eyes looking away.

Vivian shook her head, "No need to be embarrassed, I am your subconscious."

Jack smiled at himself, "I didn't forget. Doesn't mean I don't feel."

Vivian nodded, "Well, let's not waste time," She gestured for Jack to walk with her, "Let's walk and talk."

Jack nodded in return, "I don't even know what to say or ask."

Vivian grinned, "That's alright, you'll think of something as he progress."

Jack was silent as they walked over the dry and cracked earth beneath them. Jack's eyes continuously surveyed the baron ground around them, wondering why it was so hot. On cue with his thoughts, the temperature dropped considerably. Jack smirked as he felt the heat disappear and a nice breeze roll over the land.

Jack looked up towards the sky as they walked, enjoying the blue overhead.

"Why do my options suck?" Jack asked.

Vivian gave a thoughtful look before she spoke, "Fate I suppose."

Jack frowned, "That's stupid. I can't do anything about that."

Vivian placed a hand on Jack's shoulder as they walked on, "Is destiny a better word?"

Jack shook his head, "That's just as awful. I can't change anything." Jack paused, "That makes it sound like I have no choice." He glanced to Vivian, "No matter what I chose it's supposed to happen anyway."

Vivian hummed, "At least that means you can't make the wrong choice."

"I hate making choices, I'll always wonder 'what if?" Jack stated solemnly.

Vivian took her hand off Jack's shoulder, "Not with this, I'll help."

Jack stopped walking, "How? How can you help me if you're just me?!" His voice raised slightly.

Vivian looked to the ground, "Jack, I'm here right now to lead you in the right direction." She paused and looked to the mountain, "Where are we headed, Jack?" She looked back to Jack with a hard stare.

Jack looked to the mountain, "To the mountain."

Vivian nodded and crossed her arms, "Damn right. I'm you. I'm the part of you that does nothing other than crave survival." She paused and hugged Jack, "I'll never steer you in a wrong direction."

Jack embraced her, "Why am I making it so hard on myself?"

Vivian gave him a soft laugh, "It's just how things are."

Jack frowned in the hold, "Things need to change."

Vivian nodded, "And you can make them. You just have to make this journey through your mind."

Jack smiled, "It's one fucked up place."

Vivian pushed away lightly from Jack and looked him in the eyes, "You've been through some fucked up shit, Jack," She laughed at her words.

Jack laughed with her, "I have." Jack stood firm, "I want to change things."

Vivian beamed, "Then go make them, brother."

Jack nodded his head and took off in a run. He started to sprint to his goal, determination and stubbornness fueling his legs. He laughed at the energy he felt and he began to sprint faster. His legs going faster than he thought they could carry him.

A/N

Hell All! I hope you enjoy this chapter! And the votes are in: We have zero for the beasts! zero fro Amari! one for suicide! And Four for Other! So the final verdict is Beasts because My vote counts as five! HA!

Just kidding guys, It's other. So no worries. Have agood time wherever you are!