Chapter 4

Forever

Outfits and shoes were picked out the day before. There was a strict dress code and she of all people had to adhere to it. Admittedly, Sophie wasn't too concerned about making a fashion statement. It was Jamie's day after all, and he had entrusted her in putting it together.

Lace gloves and shiny heels. Dress long but classy; she wasn't young anymore. Standing here in front of the mirror, checking for imperfections in her clothing, silence from the house ringing in her ears. There was something eerie about getting ready in their childhood home.

Sophie had to be the ringmaster here because nobody else should plan this for her brother. Jamie had previously explained how this day was to play out on a few occasions. It was very unfortunate she didn't live in the same city or same state anymore and could only be in town for a couple of days. That minor complication aside, she was very diligent on the internet and phone. Everyone had been informed of the time and place and they would try to make it.

It was to be extremely modest: flower arrangements to a minimum and other essentials complemented well. This was unlike any usual event though, it is very serious and should not let her own opinions lead the way. No mistakes could be afforded. It was difficult not the be joyful on behalf of Jamie though.

Ordering went flawlessly but sometimes confronting the event caught her off guard.

"What do you want the inscription to say," they asked. "Well, name, of course, and… " She had to do better than that for the myths her brother brought to life. "The Honorary Guardian," Sophie confidently added.

Being in charge of something so important was finally making her nervous. The realization catching up with her and she was more aware of the details. "And here I thought I'd be all smiles for you and forego the tears."

The jewelry is going on as the sun moved lower in the sky. It seemed awfully late to go about this but Jamie requested an evening specifically. His clothes, however, weren't left to Sophie. It was a selection too much for her and left to the professionals.

Sophie began to head the parlor, looking at the walls and photos, reminiscing of times past. This house, when did it stop telling stories? She looked around for something, then grabbed her cane and touched her gray-hair absentmindedly. "I may have chosen not to join the precession but I'll be there for your final moments above ground, Jamie."

She went to the front door of her former home and walked to the cab that would take her to the cemetery.

"At 76 years of age, my dear brother, Jamie, is being laid to rest." Sophie looked around at her listeners. Friends new and old – students and Cupcake, even! "He lived his life as a teacher in the town he loved and was loved in return… "

At a tree five feet from the mourners, a group of fairy tales stood and looked on from its shadows. The air chills and the sun is about to set.

North's head is bowed with his hands together behind him. He holds his breath and closes his eyes joining in the mortals' prayer out of respect. Tooth isn't afraid to shed a tear or two, or forty. She wants to be right there, right next to Jamie but, she's hardly keeping herself together from this place under the tree. Still, she manages to be a little closer than the rest of the guardians. In an attempt to comfort her, Bunny pats her shoulder and she leans into it. He's sniffling and it's evident that he's choking up a bit. He's tough but there is no shame in expressing emotion for the death of a friend. The usual silence from Sandy is echoing the sadness on his face. Sand creating a flurry of images above his head. He didn't stay long; he was always needed. A golden flower made of sand took his place.

"We don't have time for children!" The Guardians recalled a time when they didn't seek to familiarize themselves intimately with those they protected. Now, there weren't only children but teens who saw them. Some of their believers became close friends just like Jamie.

The mourners were beginning to part with the exception of Sophie who stayed, transfixed on the sight of her brother's final resting place, a gentle look in her eyes. Bunnymund and Tooth move forward to voice their goodbyes. There is very little light coming from lamps around the place and there is an uncomfortable glow on the flowers. Voices strained and raspy. Tooth doesn't want to be this weak in front of Jamie or Sophie. She shakes Bunny from her shoulder and moves closer to Sophie.

"I will always love you two – don't forget that." She attempts to sound convicted and she does. "I will be here for you." With that she quickly flies off. Sophie's eyes are no longer on her brother but are squinting into the horizon. Her eyes scanning it frantically but she's unable to make anything out. Sophie didn't even notice Bunny in front her proceeding to embrace her lightly. Shocked slightly at first and then grabs the hairy arms, inhaling deeply. Her eyesight isn't what it used to be.

He's off without a word in the next minute. A bright egg added to the flowers.

It's North's turn to walk up to the block of stone and he does so solemnly. A large hand rests on the headstone, a forced smile on the owner's face. North lets a lone tear fall. He remembers the first time Jamie came to the North Pole.

"My only concern is this: why have you not brought Jamie here before?"

Jack rolled his head, eyes narrowing at North's booming voice but was grateful that he accepted Jack's request to bring Jamie to "Santa's workshop."

"Well, it was a lot easier when I was able to provide all the fun to his home but he's been moody and uptight since entering college. He really needs a break from the area and what better place then this mythical wonderland!"

"It is not mythical," North pointed a finger up at Jack. "It is majestic!"

"Now go on," he shooed at Jack. "Bring the boy here."

In a few hours Jack returned with Jamie – a young man now. And what Jack said was true: bad posture and droopy eyes; Jamie was a wreck. He saw a boy struggling with a adulthood but there was something more… Something was eating at the boy and keeping him from enjoying the amazing surroundings before him!

"Come on, Jamie. I'll give you the tour." Jamie smiled and hopped up to Jack, gleefully expectant now. Ah. That was why.

"Jamie, your soul was restless but you left this world a happy man and that is all one seeks out of life. You gave Jack a chance and you gave us relief." He turns away and heads toward Sophie. He mouths something inaudible as he passes her before disappearing into darkness. She reaches behind her ear to turn on the hearing aid she had turned off earlier during the cab ride.

She was still his younger sister being subjected to condolences of this "unfortunate" happening. Being the only one living of her immediate family left her a bit desensitized to the pity she received. That was harsh and uncalled for. She knew that wasn't all it was but this was so hard. Not wanting to face it or believe someone is truly gone. An apology came from her lips.

"I'm sorry for being so rude."

Silence looms the cemetery and there are specks of fresh snow on the ground as bare feet land adjacent to the stone protrusion that lists the name of a best friend, his love. Jack Frost has his hood over his head but isn't trying to conceal his face. He had been watching the entire thing from a high, safe place. Standing now before this, he feels cold, cold for the first time in a long while. He lowers himself, resting both knees on the ground. His hands roam the ground as he removes the light layer of snow that is covering the loose dirt below. There is a glint of something beneath the sleeve of one of his wrists. Jack touches his lips to this bare patch of dirt and says goodbye. A couple of feet below lies the man he'll never see again.

For the first time since Jack came into the world witnessing many people coming and going through time, he was damning the short lives of humans. It wasn't fair.

Sophie gazes up at the sky as she walks away and tears fall from her face. She pulls at her veil to cover her face.

One could swear an aurora was behind those clouds.

A snow-covered tombstone is partly visible with barefooted legs standing a few feet in front of it. The owner of tattered pants walks away with an indented trail in the snow following his staff away from the plot. A rabbit appears from behind the stone, lively running in circles, gleaming as if it was made of crystal.

"Hey, did you see that? It was just like Bennett's book said! Jack Frost can be represented in snow patterns and that means he was here!"

Two girls were stopped on a sidewalk that was outlined with round piles of snow. One held a tablet protected by its blue cover in front of her coat, a look of shock as she stared at a column made of bricks that was supporting a small sculpture. Gloved fingers not daring to touch the ice that seemed to swirl on its surface. Her long red hair was blowing lightly in the breeze, contained only by wool cap. The other girl was clearly not too impressed by her friend's choice of interests. She raised her clothed hands to tuck in some loose strands of her short brown hair into her beanie, revealing more of her dark complexion.

"You're still reading that? It's informative, I guess, but if mythology really is your thing..."

"It is!" The girl huffed and her curly hair framed around her head earning a chuckle from her friend at the resemblance. "I believe in you, Jack Frost!" The girl yelled at the sky with a stance of determination when her eyes went wide. On the roof, three houses down, a boy lightly clothed waved and then flew off with great speed.

The girl loosened her limbs and smiled at her friend who donned a look of worry. Hands reached up to push red locks out her freckled face. The shorter girl looked scared and intrigued. "Really?"

"Yeah, I do."

…...

…...

A/N: Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed! I've been out of writing for years but this pairing was really itching at me after the movie. I may be revisiting this story to make minor edits and clean it up a bit.

In my headcanon, Jamie always believes and morphs the childhood obsession into an academic interest. This story is the untold part of Jamie's work he put his life into: loving Jack.

Jack won't be too lonely because Jamie gave him the gift of believers!