The Naughty List
North couldn't but chuckle a bit when he watched Jack's facial expression. "Three hundred years and still you haven't learned."
"You gotta be kidding me!" Jack howled when he hopped a bit and sat edge of North's worktable. "How? I though you said that it was all clean…"
"I said but you pulled out that prank last week…"
"So, now I'm back in the naughty list again." Jack cried and grinned then, whirling his staff on his fingers. "So, what do I have to do?"
North stared him. "Do what? If you think that…"
"No, not back in the good list, no." Jack looked bit hurt of though. "What I have to do that I can be back on the top of the naughty list? Who keeps record now?" Jack asked and North frowned.
"Jack…" But Jack's laugh cut him off.
"Just kidding. Seriously, after all these years, how I just can't go on like rest of you, not playing some good jokes and pranks. And I'm Guardian of Joy!" Although Jack laughed, North could see that that laugh never fully reached Jack's eyes.
"Its bother you Jack. That you don't get a gift this year. Again."
Jack stilled and looked away. "Nah, it's just, I have never got any Christmas presents, although those skates just before I…" Jack fell silent and North couldn't say anything, he didn't know what to say. But Jack shook his head. "No, never actually expected anything after all these years so I don't in fact miss anything. And I don't actually need anything. My home is lonely pond middle of the forest. I can't actually keep anything with me."
"Then, maybe you should take my offer and find a place in here. There is lot of empty rooms, and then, you can actually take this and keep it yourself." While speaking North was walked to pick up a small box what was wrapped in colourful paper and red bow. He offered it to Jack. Stunned boy watched the box and North could see too many questions and emotions flying over his face, but Jack took it, finally. "Why you give me this? It's… It's…"
"A Christmas present." North leaned near and whispered. "Not from the Santa Claus, it's from me Jack. From your friend. From family. Happy Christmas Jack."
Jack actually was shaking, not knowing if he should look his friend or the box. "Thanks." He whispered back. North straightened and laughed joyfully.
"You welcome. See you in the evening right? Or are you going to go somewhere to cause more mischiefs?"
"No, no I don't think so. Not this year anymore." Jack smiled, his whole feature softening. North was pleased to know that Jack was going to stay over the Christmas time. "Then, we see later when everyone are here." North left but before he was out of his workshop he stopped and turned once more to watch the young Guardian. "Oh, maybe you want to know."
"Hmm?" Jack's eyes never left the box when he rolled it over and over trying to guess what was inside of it.
"This year Bunny is also in naughty list. And I thnk that you still have that record to hold."