Jack Frost squirmed, muffled curses echoing from inside the oversized sack slung over the shoulder of a particularly grumpy yeti. The creature marched across the icy floor, the giant doors creaking open to reveal a grand chamber glowing with aurora-colored light.

The bag was dumped unceremoniously onto the ground. Jack tumbled out, hair mussed, staff clattering to the floor.

“Oi! Ever heard of a front door?” Jack groaned, brushing frost from his hoodie. His blue eyes narrowed at the hulking yetis. “Real polite welcome, fellas.”

From behind him came a low, amused rumble. “Yeah, well, this was my idea.”

Jack twisted and found himself staring at Bunnymund, arms crossed, ears flicking smugly.

Jack smirked. “Figures. Only you’d think a kidnapping was a proper invitation.”

Before Bunny could snap back, a soft laugh floated across the hall. Jack turned—and his grin faltered.

You stood just off to the side, near a table stacked with unfinished toys, the aurora light catching in your hair like a halo. There was something about the way you carried yourself—calm but curious, gentle but with a spark of mischief—that pulled at Jack’s chest before he realized it.

For a moment, the workshop, the yetis, the Guardians—it all blurred out of focus.

“...Whoa,” Jack whispered under his breath, blinking as though trying to shake off frostbite.

You offered a polite smile, tilting your head ever so slightly in acknowledgment.

Bunnymund noticed.

His ears shot upright, eyes narrowing as he shifted subtly to step between the two of you. “Jack. Frost. Eyes up here, mate.” His tone dripped with warning, like a protective older brother who wasn’t technically family but still had that don’t even think about it energy.

Jack blinked, smirk curling back onto his lips despite himself. “Relax, Kangaroo. Just admiring the décor.” He twirled his staff lazily, though his gaze flickered back toward you once more.

Bunny’s nose twitched. “Yeah, well, this décor’s off limits. Got it?”

Before Jack could retort, North’s booming laugh shook the room as he strode forward. “Jack Frost! Finally, we meet! Welcome to North Pole, da?”

The Guardians closed in, Tooth fluttering excitedly and Sandy smiling warmly, but Jack’s eyes kept drifting—no matter how he tried to mask it.