For Shadowcat Ninja who has remained faithful to this story and wanted a special scene between our lovers.

When Jack woke up on the morning of New Year's Eve slowly. He was curled up under the blankets of his and Sandy's bed, pleasantly warm and thoroughly sleepy. He rolled over to kiss his lover good morning only to find that his side of the bed was cold and empty. Jack frowned and rose from the bed, stretching and letting out a yawn. He slid on his slippers and robe and shuffled downstairs to find Sandy. When he reached the bottom of the stairs his nose was assaulted by the strong scent of cinnamon rolls and bacon. He walked a little faster and when he entered the kitchen he found Sandy busily preparing breakfast and listening to Christmas music despite the holiday being technically over. Sandy stubbornly insisted that Christmas was not over until it was January. All of December was considered Christmastime.

Jack watched his lover with amusement as he danced around and cooked at the same time. In the year after the Pitch incident, he and Sandy both had a lot of healing to do, both relationship-wise and physically. But now they had just celebrated their second Christmas and they were stronger than ever. Jack looked out the window and felt a smile sneak its way onto his face when he saw a light layer of snow covering the ground and the little flakes falling from the grey clouds above. Something about the snow was extremely special to Jack and it immediately made him happier and more comfortable.

He snuck up behind Sandy and wrapped his arms around his waist. He laughed when the smaller man jumped in surprise and then Jack kissed his neck lovingly, murmuring a good morning as he made his way up to Sandy's cheek. He felt Sandy's soft bedhead brush against his face and he sighed contentedly, holding his position for just a few more moments.

Eventually he released Sandy and moved over to the coffeemaker, where his favorite mug was filled with his favorite white mocha blend. He smiled and sniffed the alluring scent before sipping the coffee. The warmth of the beverage flowed through him and he found closed his eyes. He let out a groan of pleasure at the taste and took another sip. When he opened his eyes he found Sandy watching him with an amused look on his face.

"Oh hush. I love coffee like you love eggnog." Sandy shrugged and Jack looked around the kitchen curiously. When he saw the tray, obviously meant for him to have in bed he frowned slightly. "I'm sorry I ruined your surprise love."

Sandy shrugged and shuffled over to the tray, quickly picking up the little black box that he had placed so lovingly on the tray. He quickly hid it in his pocket and then ushered Jack to a barstool. He gave him the tray and then went back to the stove where he loaded up a plate for himself. Jack smiled at the sweet gesture of his boyfriend and he dove for the sweetest thing on the plate first. The huge, warm cinnamon roll that dripped white icing all over his fingers and smeared all over his cheeks in his hate to devour it.

Sandy laughed silently at his lover's antics and when Jack was finished he stubbornly insisted that he go upstairs and shower so that they could get ready for their friends' arrival that night.

When Jack left, Sandy let out a sigh of relief and took the little black box out of his pocket. He gazed at it doubtfully for a few moments before shaking himself out of his thoughts and pocketing it. The little box, and its contents would have to wait for tonight.

He then began cleaning up the kitchen and pulling out food to prepare for the dinner that they were having. He was just about to start on the dishes when Jack reappeared and gently shoved Sandy upstairs to get ready. As he was going up the stairs, Sandy paused for a moment to gaze at Jack. His white hair was spiked and slightly wet and he was wearing black dress pants, a black dress shirt, and a white tie with snowflakes on it that he had received from Bunny for Christmas. Sandy watched as he put on an apron to protect his clothes and then began washing the dishes. Sandy felt like his heart skipped a couple beats and his determination regarding the little black box rekindled. He climbed up the stairs and showered and got ready. He was wearing black slacks, a goldenrod shirt, and a white and gold tie that he had gotten from Bunny as well. He played with the idea of taming his hair before brushing it off and leaving it as is. He then hurried downstairs and put on his apron so that he could assist Jack in the cooking.

They spent the rest of the day in the kitchen and when they were finally finished and the table set, they stopped for a moment to observe their handiwork. They had set up a long table in the dining room and everything was decorated in silver and gold. The only thing missing were their guests.

Just as they were wondering where everyone was the doorbell rang. Jack hurried to open it and found the North family standing there in their winter coats.

Not long after the trial Tooth and North had gotten married and conceived their first child, Ethan. Tooth was holding Ethan close to shield him from the cold despite the bay's best efforts to wriggle free. He had inherited his energy from both of his parents, and was already quite the troublemaker. Baby Tooth was clinging to North's hand and using his large form as a shield from the cold wind.

Jack ushered them in and gladly accepted Ethan into his arms. The little four-month-old would only be calm for Jack, even over his parents. As soon as he was in Jack's arms he settled and cooed, much to Tooth's relief. Jack got her some cider and also gave a glass to North and Baby Tooth. Not long after, Bunny and Valentine showed up huddled together on the doorstep. The other teachers followed soon after, Jack O'Lantern fussing over his heavily pregnant wife Theresa, Asili and Jonathan, and finally Principal Lunar.

Once everyone had arrived they all sat down for dinner and Tooth let Sandy feed Ethan while she prepared Baby Tooth's plate to her very specific preferences.

Once dinner was over they all moved into the living room and had champagne while Tooth put the kids to bed in the guest bedroom. They were all waiting in the last five minutes of the countdown when Sandy clinked his glass with a fork to get their attention. Everyone went silent and all eyes were on him as he made his way over to Jack and took his hand.

Jackson Frost. We have been through hell and back together in the past year and somehow we made it out not only alive, but madly in love. Since I have met you, every bit of my life has been enriched. Your smile makes my heart stop and I do everything I can to keep it as bright as possible. You made this lonely mansion a home and I can no longer picture my life without you. I have everything that I could ever want for in this life. Love, friendship, a job that I love, and a purpose. And I share everything with you. Everything that I am is yours. Jack had tears in his eyes and they were slowly rolling down his cheeks as he smiled down at Sandy. When Sandy got down on one knee he gasped and looked around at the others as if making sure that this was real. They were all watching with varying degrees of happiness. Tooth was crying with joy, gripping a grinning North. Lunar was smiling softly, his hands in the pockets of his white three-piece suit.

Jack turned his attention back to Sandy as he withdrew a small black box from his pocket. I'm starting to believe that you ruining my surprise this morning was for the best. Partly because you can barely function without coffee, let alone pay attention to a proposal, and partly because it is better that we do this in front of our family, the people that we love.

Jack let out a watery chuckle and winked at the others who were laughing as well.

Jack, will you marry me?

Jack nodded frantically and yelled yes! As he tackled Sandy and kissed him exuberantly.

"Happy New Year!" Baby Tooth yelled out from her hiding space by the TV.

"Happy new year my fiancé." Jack whispered to Sandy and kissed him deeply. Sandy smiled and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the kiss. All was finally right with the world.

The End

A/N: One more thing before I go. There will be no sequel to this particular story. But I will be eventually posting another Jack/Sandy AU.

Farewell for now,

FearlessinBlue