I'm alive.

I do not own ROTG.

How to Make a Believer Believe

Chapter Eleven:

Happy Days

"Here you are." I felt the plastic bag slip from my fingers as the old lady gently took the bag, offering me a smile in return. "Merry Christmas."

"To you as well," her eyes grew soft as she glanced up at me. "Shouldn't you be heading on home then?"

Ah. I blinked, everything suddenly flooding back in as I returned to my small little place behind the counter of the quaint bookshop. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and the day after that was Christmas... My lips pursed, tempted to let out a low whistle. Time really did fly before you knew it. The little old lady smiled, sliding a few bills into the tip jar. "Have a wonderful weekend, my dear."

"You too," I shook my head, smiling softly as she turned and hobbled out the door. The dull ring of the bell echoed in the emptiness of it all for a moment before I checked the clock, trying to figure out what else it was that I needed to get done. The lights had been put up, tree decorated, cookies baked... Gram had asked me to stop by the store to pick up a few more things for Christmas dinner though... Was there anything else?

Rey's gift. I grinned slightly at the thought, moving to the edge of the counter and setting my apron down as I tidied up the place, ready to leave. And then there's his too...

"I'll see you around Jenny!" My coworker glanced up from her magazine, offering me a bright smile as I waved. "Merry Christmas!"

"You too, kiddo—don't even think about showing up tomorrow, you hear?" I couldn't help the small tilt of my lips as I simply inclined my head, stepping out of the warm bookstore and shivering at the sudden assault of icy cold wind beside me.

"Done with work?" Jack inquired, appearing at my side as if he were made of air. I took a moment, inhaling the sweet, crisp air as it went down my lungs. "You had to pick something up today, right?"

"Shouldn't you be making sure the snowflakes are the right size or something, Frosty?" I questioned slyly, glancing to Jack from the corner of my eye as I burrowed a bit deeper into my muffler. The Guardian in question looked aghast at the very thought.

"You don't measure snowflakes, you just let them happen—it's a very interesting process you know, nothing that involves all this lame calculating—"

"I'll be sure to appreciate them even more!" Jack let out a cry of protest as I started on ahead of him, in strangely high spirits today as I smiled beneath the wool.

"You should be honored that I'm taking time from my busy schedule to hang out with you," Jack said in response, and with a grin he added fondly, "my favorite believer."

I crinkled my nose in protest, sliding my hands into my pockets as he floated on his back alongside me, hands behind his head. "And I couldn't enjoy this time anymore, what an honor to be with my favorite guardian."

"Wait, seriously?" Jack perked up, eyes bright and shining in their ever blue hue as he sat up in air, nearly shoving his face beside mine. "I'm your favorite?"

"...I'll give you a close third."

"What? Who comes before me?"

"The Sandman is first of course," I explained simply. "And Santa is second."

"...you clearly lack good taste." Jack responded dryly, looking put off as he leaned over, slinging his arm above my shoulder so that he didn't touch me. "It seems I have yet to truly convert you into a believer."

"It doesn't sound like the kind of religion I'd be into." I rolled my eyes as I came to a halt by the store before us, the small jewelry and knick knack store gazing back at us. "This is it."

"Here?"

"Here." I smiled brightly at the small store and pushed through, a small bell jingling at the top. "You can wait outside if you want."

Jack looked offended by the very idea and stepped forward alongside me as the door slid shut. A soft, warm and musky scent enveloped us, Jack glancing around thoughtfully while and made my way through the store, used to where everything was. The smell of coffee wafted up from behind the counter, and a gentle lull of Christmas music filled the store.

There was a time where I had a reason to come to this store more often. Usually with my dad as we stopped by the counter. There had been a real reason to come here, and once it'd left, it took a little effort to step inside.

But there's a good reason today. A warm smile touched my lips, something that didn't slip by Jack as he watched me curiously. Something about this season just can't make anyone sad.

"Lia!" I offered a small smile towards the old man standing behind the counter, a twinkle in his eyes as he began to shuffle through boxes. "Right on time, I have it nice and ready for you."

"Thanks, Dan." I let my arms rest against the counter. Jack mimicked the motion, a frost appearing over the glass. Dan glanced to it with a frown and looked up to the window and door, only to find them shut. A look of confusion flickered over his face before he shrugged.

"It's getting colder nowadays isn't it?"

"Tell me about it," I glanced pointedly at Jack who grinned boyishly, eyes twinkling. "How much will it be?"

"For you?" Dan smiled, sliding the solid wooden box across the counter and into my hands. "Half off."

I looked up sharply, my mouth opening to protest as Dan shook his head, but Jack's staff tapped my back and I nearly shrieked at the sudden rush of cold, unable to speak. "I won't hear anything else from you, understand? You're a good kid Liam, and I expect to see you swing by more often."

Dan smiled, and I nodded, shooting Jack a searing glare as he spun around on his heel, making his way around the store to investigate. "How's your brother?"

There was a moment's pause before I realized who he was talking about. My eyes flickered and a small smile made its way to my lips. "He's fine. How's Lee?"

"Oh, he's running around." Dan sighed, shaking his head. "You know kids. Mary's been worrying that you and Willie aren't getting enough to eat these days, and then she remembers you have Lily with you and feels better."

"Tell her we appreciate the concern," I smiled broadly, warmed by the thought. "But Lily definitely keeps us on our toes."

"Do expect a casserole or two the next few weeks." Dan wagged a finger at me as I pulled out the bills and slid it towards him. "You take some time off and enjoy the holidays, you hear?"

"Loud and clear," the box felt warm in my hands despite the cold, and I grinned as I stepped backwards. "Thanks, Dan! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!"

Jack reappeared at my side without a second's hesitation and we exited the store. Ever blue eyes eyed the box in my hands and I rolled my eyes, holding it out towards him. "Want to see?"

"Who's it for?" He leaned forward eagerly, frosty white tips ghosting over my forehead as we inclined our heads together to gaze downwards. His fingers gently lifted the lid and revealed the present inside.

A champagne colored pocket watched lay nestled inside, big enough to fit in the palm of his hand. The edges were curled, as if touched by wings, and the hands lay frozen, waiting to be clicked into place by the turn knob at the top. A chain glimmered beside the glass, etched in with the single letter R into it. Jack was silent as I smiled down, rather proud of myself for picking and designing it. "It's for Rey. Shopping for him is always the hardest, and since he's complaining he never knows what time it is..."

Jack remained still, and I glanced up. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful." He admitted, a finger ghosted over the carved letter, his eyes looking far away for a moment until he glanced upwards. Those eyes, every shade of blue shimmered with something unsaid until Jack grinned. "You're one heck of a friend, you know that?"

"I know," I grinned at that, stepping back when my face began to burn slightly from the cold. The lid slid shut and I tucked it into my bag, proud with the turn out. "That about settles everyone... Well, except you and Willie."

"Ah, you'll be fine—wait," Jack's eyes went wide and he turned to look at me so fast I thought a blizzard followed the movement. "Me? Did I just hear you right?"

"Maybe not." I murmured dryly, turning fast and continuing on my way. "Do we have enough food at home? Leo brought some things over... I went a couple weeks ago... Maybe—"

"Liam!" I ran face first into a solid chest, shivering at the cold the enveloped me until I took a step back, Jack's over eager face looming slightly over me as he pressed forward. "You just said me—you're getting me a gift too?"

"No I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"I don't think so."

"I do think so."

"Does it matter?"

"Of course it does!" Jack smirked, leaning forward as his eyes sparkled, whatever emotion had clouded them before was wiped away. "You do care,"

"You did me a few favors," I shrugged, sliding my hands into my pockets. "Especially with what you're doing to help me out with Willie's gift, it's only right."

"Only right—you're doing it because we're friends." Jack corrected, beaming at the very idea as a grin split his face. "Well, trust me; you're going to go nuts over your gift."

I stopped in my tracks, the cool air around me fluttering softly and kissing my warmed cheeks as I gazed, dumfounded at Jack. "What?"

"You're going to love your gift."

"You got me a gift."

"Uh huh."

"For Christmas."

"You know, for someone as smart mouthed as you are, it seems like you're catching up pretty slow—"

"You shouldn't!" I blurted instantly, and Jack blinked, gazing at me in surprise as my cheeks flushed. Jack looked mystified as I stumbled for words before continuing. "I mean, it's n-nice and all, but you really don't have too—"

"I want to." Jack grinned, leaning forward. "What are friends for?"

"But..." I've received presents before. It happened from time to time, especially when you had friends as close as I did. But the problem was the fact that I didn't expect gifts often, I really didn't. My mother had once called it a cute quirk of mine, but it had been something I could never shake off ever since I was a kid.

I really couldn't help but be ridiculously happy when I heard I got something from someone.

But you didn't hear it from me.

"It's not like I'm naming a star after you," Jack rolled his eyes before he paused, looking thoughtful as he turned and arched a brow. "I could get you one of those you know, I know a guy who deals with those wishes—"

"I'm fine. You don't have to get me anything." I shook my head and pushed onwards, intent with finishing the day's chores so I could get everything in order for tomorrow. "But since I have the feeling I can't talk you out of it—"

"You can't."

"Then please, don't spend too much time and effort on it." I stopped and looked at Jack, slightly pleading. "Alright?"

"Everyone deserves to be spoiled from time to time." Jack dipped his staff so that it collided with my head lightly and I winced, shooting him a sour look as he grinned. "Embrace it from time to time, Snowflake."

"I don't need your words of wisdom, twinkle toes."

"Twinkle toes?"

"Well—"

"And your spot has been reserved for Saturday's dinner," Jack added before I could reply, and I paused, gazing at him in curiosity before he grinned, eyes every shade of blue shimmering in the faint light. "So keep that night free will you?"

"It seems like there's—wait, dinner?" I blinked, and Jack rolled his eyes.

"With all the guardians...?"

"You were supposed to be joking! I told you no!" I shook my head, nearly stomping my foot had I not caught myself from doing something so silly. "I mean, it'd be nice and all, but I really don't think."

"It's a done deal," Jack examined his fingers nonchalantly, grinning impishly the whole time. "You wouldn't want to make the Tooth Fairy cry now would you?"

"But—"

"North's even going through all the trouble just to find you a spot."

"...Shoot." I rubbed the back of my head and groaned, Jack looking positively ecstatic as he grinned, leaning over and patting my head, leaving little snowflakes in my hair.

"They'll love you." Jack looked thoughtful. "Just think of it as meeting my...my family this time, alright?"

Somehow, the idea sounded so perfectly normal that I found myself pausing at the thought. The corner of my mind turned and I suddenly wondered what it would have been like if Jack was an actual person, someone who went to my school—he'd be that kind of annoying cool kid that moved around, not really having his own name or group, friends with a lot, enemies with a few—kind of a misfit. And going to his house to meet his family...

He didn't get that chance though. I felt myself slowly grow silent at the thought. He never really will.

"Liam? Don't tell me you're going to sulk about it—"

"I'm honored," Jack paused as I looked up, offering him a small, crooked smile in return. "Thanks, Jack."

The Guardian of Fun looked startled for a moment, his mouth falling open slightly before he coughed into his hand, glancing to the side and rubbing the back of his head. "Don't mention it."

His presence beside me was cold, the air chilly as ice and snow coated the ground. The world and town around us shrouded in a cool white, everything should have felt cold.

But for a moment, I felt really warm.

"Okay, so we need to vote between 'Deck the Halls' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'," I proclaimed, stepping over long legs and arms to settle in between Willie and Rey, Leo and Mike sprawled on the floor, and the wonderful smell of cookies wafting in from where Lily was baking in the kitchen.

The tree in the corner was warmly lit; presents tucked underneath and ready to be open Christmas morning. I was full beyond belief, but Lily insisted on adding cookies to our pop corn and snacks.

Willie beside me bounced eagerly, tightly bundled up in several of the blankets we had sprawled around the living room. He looked thoughtful for a moment before baby blues turned towards me. "'Deck the Halls', please."

"Same," Mike chorused.

"I kind of want the Grinch." Leo frowned. Mike rolled his eyes and shoved the other teen with his foot, grinning widely.

"Willie and I want 'Deck the Halls'. Liam?"

"I don't really mind," I sighed contentedly, warmth spreading around me as I curled beside Willie and Rey shifted, leaning against the arm rest of the couch as he looked thoughtful. "Rey?"

The dirty blonde actually looked thoughtful for a moment, considering the two movies, glancing to Willie, then forward again. "Deck the Halls."

You big softie. I smirked to myself while Leo sighed, resigned to his lost as he settled back and began to munch on some of the snacks. Mike leaned forward and pressed the button and the movie began.

Lily stepped out of the kitchen and dimmed the lights, the only source of illumination coming from the tree and the screen as they all huddle together, fire place blazing and cups of hot cocoa wafting upwards. Mike muttered something and Leo shoved the other teen, receiving a shove back. This went on for a moment before Rey shoved his feet out, knocking both of them in the back. A unified grumble and then silence, and I rolled my eyes, elbowing the blonde in the side as his eyes narrowed at me, cat-like slits in the darkness.

"Yeah, yeah, be mad all you want," I whispered before grinning proudly. "But you're going to bow down at my feet when you see what I got you."

He arched a smooth brow, doubtful in the darkness and I grinned despite myself. "I'm serious—"

"Shh!"

I snapped my foot out, kicking Mike in the back of the head and he groaned, sending me a pout. Rey's eyes flickered and the corner of his lips barely ghosted upwards. "I think my present stands a good chance."

"Not as great as mine," Leo added.

"Please, I can top that." Mike cut in.

"I think I have the best gift of all," Willie beamed, and I blinked as the others grinned, looking down and offering him a bright smile.

"I think any gift you give me," I rubbed his head. "Is better than any of these losers."

"Hey!"

"Well."

Rey simply grunted, settling back into the couch and turning his eyes back forward towards the movie.

And as the movie began to play, the Jostin family tradition for Christmas Eve began, and a small, warm smile touched my face, eyes softening as Willie giggled and curled closer to me, his eyes wide with happiness.

In a life where everything seemed to go so wrong so fast, right here, right now, it all seemed so perfect. So frighteningly perfect. It made me worry that with so much good, bad had to come again to even it all out. I didn't even want to move, because it felt if I shifted, changed, everything would come falling apart.

The gentle peace that had fallen over them would break, and I'd have nothing to hold onto.

I shut my eyes, inhaling softly as I tucked my arm around Willie, face relaxing.

I'd do anything to keep these precious days safe.

"Liam!"

What now?

"Psst, Liam!"

What do you want?

"Liam, wake up!"

Can't I just go back to sleep? Please?

"If you don't wake up I'm going to kiss you!"

"I'm up!" I shot up, only to fall back onto the couch due to several restrictions around me. My heart thudded wildly and I glanced about, eyes wide with confusion as they darted this way and that, trying to figure out the source. Was I just dreaming?

"Aw, you woke up." Eyes every shade of blue blinked back at me and I paused, frowning when my sleep muddled mind clicked, and everything came into focus.

"Jack?"

"In the flesh," the Guardian smirked, looking thoughtful for a moment. "Well...yeah, let's just go with that."

"What do you want at this hour?" I rubbed my eyes, moving to stand only to fall back onto the couch again. I blinked, looking to either side of me and sighing in fond exasperation.

Willie's small body was curled against my side, his head in my lap, and Rey's head rested on my shoulder, soft breathing from the both of them as they slept. I glanced to the clock, realizing it was just a few minutes shy of being Christmas as I contemplated my next move.

"You look cozy." Jack commented breezily, grinning slightly as I rolled my eyes.

"And now I have to get up because of you."

"It'll be worth it, trust me."

I sighed ruefully, gingerly pushing against Rey's head and lowering it onto the armrest of the couch. And I shifted, gently lifting Willie's body up and tucking him against the other side, pulling the blanket up to his chin. I stood from my spot, surveying the ground as I hopped over Mike's sprawled out body and Leo's legs before landing beside Jack, grabbing a stray blanket and curling it over myself. "This so better be worth it."

Jack only continued to grin, ushering me further into my own house. He looked for a window and I lead him to an empty guestroom we'd recently cleaned out, closing the door after us as he pried the window open. An instant gust of cool, chilly air kissed my cheeks and I shuddered, Jack paused. "Should we stay inside?"

"I'll be fine." I motioned for him to continue and he stepped out of the house, offering a hand.

Within seconds I reached up and grasped it, feeling myself pause for a moment when a sudden thought struck me. About a few months ago I would have recoiled, hesitated, shook my head at the offer, but in that moment I'd taken his hand without thinking. The idea that suddenly my trust had gone out to another person beside the people I had now in my life was momentarily frightening, but as Jack grinned down, the moonlight turning his white locks silver, eyes alight with this...glow, everything seemed to escape me and we stepped out into the cold.

With a hop he took us to the roof, the slick icy cool of the wood was beginning to bite through my socks, and I cursed myself for not grabbing shoes as Jack turned around, grinning from ear to ear. "Close your eyes."

Now I hesitated, narrowing my eyes at him as I warily glanced to the edge of the roof and back at him. "You're not going to push me off are you?"

"Of course not—why on earth would I do that?" Jack looked startled by the very thought and I shrugged; puffing air into my hands before I grudgingly shut my eyes.

"You can never be too careful."

"I'd never do that to you." I could feel him roll his eyes. "At least not unless there was a pile of fresh snow waiting for you—they're like landing on pillows you know."

"I'm freezing out here, snowflake."

"Alright, alright, sheesh, one second." I paused, feeling his arms hover around my head, the back of his hands brushing against my ears and sending a chill through my body. His breath ghosted over the back and I stiffened, trying not to shudder at the cold when something icy pressed against my collarbone, settling with a gentle weight against my chest. I frowned, something cold settling along my neck as Jack stepped back. "Now open you whiner."

I warily peeked my eyes open, glancing from side to side before I looked down.

And my breath caught in my throat.

It was really, really...beautiful actually. It took me a moment to understand what it was until my mind clicked. Necklace. The pendant was a softly curved snowflake, arching and crossing over each other in gentle patterns, looking like pure glass as it ranged from shades of blue to a teal-ish tint, kind of like...

My eyes. I reached up and touched the pendant, the silver chain cold around my neck, but not uncomfortable. It was cool, slick to the touch, and my eyes went round as I turned, facing Jack as he grinned widely, blue eyes shining. "Jack—"

"Was it worth it or what?"

"I can't take this—"

"It didn't really cost me anything you know, just some time to melt the snow and freeze it just right—snowflakes take time to make."

"But this, this is really nice—"

"Why thank you."

"So I can't take this—"

"It's already on you, and I'm definitely not going to wear it." Jack shook his head, taking a step back and grinning. "Liam, it's yours."

"But..." Jack narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest and I let myself grow quiet, staring at the necklace in awe. "...thank you, Jack."

"Don't mention it." Jack grinned, pleased, and turned his head away before he coyly turned it back. "But since I gave you your gift..."

"Oh." I glanced down and Jack's eyes brightened, reaching for his staff, prepared to bring it around when I looked back up. "We're kind of on top of your gift."

"...what?"

"The room we were just in." I rubbed the back of my head, looking away awkwardly before meeting his curious eyes again. "I wasn't sure what you really needed, seeing as you're...well, you. But I figured it'd be nice for you to have some place to come back too."

"What do you mean?" Jack's brows furrowed and I blew warm air into my hands before continuing.

"The room is yours. You said Burgess is sort of your home, so I figured you should at least have a room then. It's not much, but you can use it whenever you want, it's yours if you ever just want some place to stay, you know?"

"Liam—"

"If you don't want it though that's fine, it'll always just be there—"

"I want it!" Jack said quickly, and I turned to him in surprise. His cheeks darkened slightly and he looked away before looking back, eyes every shade of blue meeting mine, warm despite the fact that he was the bringer of cold. "I want it... thank you."

"No problem," I breathed, smiling then as flecks of white began to fall. "Did you do that?"

"Maybe." He grinned, taking a step back. "What's better than a white Christmas after all—whoa!"

His foot slipped off the roof and my eyes widened as he toppled over the side. "Jack!" I shot forward only to skid to a halt from falling over myself as he laughed, breezy and loud. I blinked as he shook his head, floating in mid air.

"You do care."

"Oh, shut up."

"But you know," Jack started suddenly, and I looked back to him, only to blink in surprise at the sudden appearance of a green and red plant. My eyes widened in recognition at the mistletoe hanging from his staff as Jack smirked, leaning forward. "I heard it's unlucky not to kiss under a mistletoe."

I gazed at the plant and then slowly turned my gaze back to Jack, who was grinning from ear to ear as he leaned forward, expectant.

"You're funny."

Jack deflated, pulling away and sighing regretfully as he twirled his staff in his hands. "I guess I was pushing for a Christmas miracle." Shooting his hand up into the air he added. "But fear not, my dear Liam, one day, those lips will—"

I dipped my head forward when he turned his face, lips gently pressing against his cheek. Icy cold spread through, battling the warmth of my own body as I pulled away. Jack froze, mouth open, eyes wide like saucers as I slid my hands into my pockets and regarded him thoughtfully.

"I don't really need anymore bad luck in my life."

"You just—"

"Well, look at the time!" I glanced up to the sky and stepped out; Jack instantly wrapped an arm around my waist and lowered me to the floor, in a trance. "I think I'm going to sleep a little more before I have to wake up again."

"Y-You—"

Jack's eyes were like saucers and I slipped back into the house, a sentence unable to leave his lips as I nodded in understanding, placing my hands on the window. "I know, I know, good night to you too. And merry Christmas, Jack."

I gently slid the window shut, leaving it unlocked as I turned and promptly slid to the floor, covering my face in my hands in complete horror as I groaned, feeling my cheeks warm.

It's the cold. I'm acting stupid because of the cold. And now hopefully he'll leave me alone about a stupid good-bye kiss and I was just thankful and wanted to do something nice and yeah it was kind of funny and maybe a little cute to see him so spaced out—I shook my head, sliding down to the floor as I pulled the blanket over my shoulders, trying to pretend it'd never happened.

But the snowflake necklace rested gently against my skin, a constant reminder that yes—it'd happened, and a sudden cry of joy sounded from outside the window and I buried my face deeper into my hands.

But... I shut my eyes, cheek burning, but the corners of my lips twitched upwards, threatening to break into the smile I knew was coming. I feel so...

Happy.

If there was one wish I could make, then it'd be for time to slow down for just a minute, just one second slower, so that this moment, this time of peace could just...last.

I wanted things to stay like this forever.

And Jack finally gets his kiss!

And this update finally happens!

:D

First off, happy new years to you all! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe night. Thank you, for sticking with me and bearing with this flaky author as she deals with life and school and tries to find time to write for this story, and updates—slowly, but surely! I don't plan on abandoning this story, that's a fact, and I can only apologize over and over again though for making you all wait so long for an update.

But hopefully Jack-Liam fluff appeases the soul a bit?

But in all honesty, thank you guys for always reviewing and favoriting and keeping up with this story and never giving up the hope that I'll update—because I will. I've just been finding it a little harder, especially when it comes to this story and I just kind of sit there wondering what to do, but I know where I want this story to go, and it will continue until I finish.

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and have a great New Year!

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

Marshmellow-

-OUT!