What's up, y'alls. Y'know, I just had a thought. Gru has his minions, the Wicked Witch has her flying monkeys, etc. If they can have a specific name for their followers, why can't I? Therefore, since I say "y'alls" alot to you guys, which is kinda Southern-y, and both genders read my fic, I hereby dub you all my cowpeople xD

Please be sure to read my author's note at the end of this chapter, too. I have exciting information to share with everyone :/ :) xD

Disclaimer: William Joyce and Dreamworks own Rise of the Guardians. I don't.

Chapter 3

(Jack POV)

"Here, Snowflake. Let me help ya." Aster suggested, trying to help me pick up my room later that morning. He grabbed for a few newly-washed pair of clothes. I swatted his hand away and snatched them up, putting them in their prospective places. Just as I turned around, I caught him beginning to make my bed. I flitted over and stripped the bed entirely so he couldn't really get anywhere with the task.

"No thank you. I can manage." I answered bitterly, narrowing my eyes. I started to drag the sheets and pillowcases over to the laundry hamper.

"Jack." Aster said, trying to get my attention, seemingly unaware that he always had it. When I refused to look at him, he sighed audibly. "Don't tell me you're angry because we had a disagreement about who's behind the nightmares?" It wasn't a statement, but a question.

"Ha!" I scoffed loudly, throwing my head back and turning to him, raising an eyebrow and crossing my arms. "Not at all. That would be ridiculous." I dismissed.

"Then what are ya upset about?" He asked, full attention on me. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, uncrossing my arms to put my hands in my back pockets.

"I'm upset because you refused to hear me out and listen to my reasoning. As my...whatever you are," I threw my arms up in agitation, "I'd think that would matter to you." I accused. A look of disbelief appeared on his face.

"Well the door swings both ways, mate." He said in a low, angry tone, narrowing his eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I demanded, knowing he was accusing me and getting defensive.

"Ya say that I didn't stand around and hear ya out...but did ya really try listening ta what I had ta say, either?" He inquired, crossing his arms.

"I-well I," I knew it was a losing battle. I hadn't really tried hearing what he had to say, and what was even worse, hadn't realized it until now. I'd only been focused on my own feelings and never stopped to consider his, which was really disappointing since he was the love of my life.

I was always supposed to be considerate of his feelings, but I'd completely overlooked them.

I realized I was looking down at the floor in shame when Bunny approached and lifted my chin with his hand. His eyes were that of a warm spring day filled with picnics and tender kisses. The love and calm he felt showed through, letting me know he wasn't angry.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize-" my sentence was interrupted by a kiss. It was quick, but not any less loving.

"Sshhh." He soothed, folding me into his arms. I curled into him as much as possible, revelling in the cloud-like softness of his fur, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply. I felt safe. And wanted. And cherished. "No matter who's right, we both could've standed ta hear each other out."

"Okay. So we need to work on listening. Good to know." I said, nodding into his fur. "I'll try harder next time. I promise." I appeased, looking up into his face and kissing him.

~0~

My work load had decreased over the last few months as it was no longer winter, but spring-the season of my lover. But now Aster was also booked painting as many eggs as possible, making chocolate bunnies and the such. And as much as I loved and wanted to see the pooka, I knew it was better for the children if I let him do his job so as not to disappoint when Easter arrived.

So I completed my days work fairly quickly-just a few hours-and was left with just my thoughts.

I thought about my family. Pippa had taken to my and the guardians' real identity happily. Mom took a little longer to come around, but had somehow managed to accept it. And Dad? No one had bothered to tell him what was really going on. He thought that Aster was some big-shot director and I'd decided to drop out of school to travel with him. No one had any intention of setting the record straight, either. Afterall, that's what you get when you suddenly spring a surprise divorce on a little girl because you can no longer wait and sneak around with your hussie, instead spontaneously moving into an aprartment with her.

Pippa had been so upset when it happened, too. I was a bit thankful. No more living a lie-for any of us. Pippa knew the truth, I knew who I really was, Mom was free to date the guy she fell in love with (though I'd heard no news that she had yet) and Dad didn't shame his family by cheating.

My feelings toward my father were complicated. Some days I was able to find serenity with him and what he'd done, understanding that he was who he was, so why expect him to behave like someone else? Other days I hoped his new girlfriend found something about him she didn't like and slowly cut off both his balls. I took each day one at a time.

Slowly, my thoughts began to drift back the whole debacle with Pitch and Pat; I knew it was Patrick. I don't know how and had never before put such faith in Pitch Black, but for some reason, I felt that this was just against the nightmare king's way of thinking. He focued on and furthured himself far too much to waist time even trying to plan framing someone else. The problem, however, was that the other guardians all disagreed with me and I knew not how to persuade them of my thoughts.

They also had remarked on what a sweet, dear man St. Pat was. This led me to my current question.

Why does someone suddenly seek change against their real nature?

There could be a million reasons or no specific one. I'd just have to think on it.

With the end of my duties, I flew back to the pole, intent on finding North and, hopefully, an answer to my question.

~0~

"Hey! What'cha up to?" I exclaimed happily, sitting down on North's desk.

"Ahh! Jack!" He cried, jumping at my sudden appearance.

"Huh." I scoffed. "Why so jumpy, North-not doing something bad, are you?" I raised my eyebrows at him, smirking. He shook his head.

"No, no. Is ridiculous, that thought. No, I was just going over naughty list-which you are still on, by the way." He pointed out, crossing his arms and looking unhappy with me. "Like to discuss?" He asked teasingly, knowing I wouldn't.

"Aw, wow, would you look at the time!" I pointed down to my watchless wrist. "Well I think I should be going." I grabbed my staff and darted out the door, recieving a chuckle from my grandfather. "Oh!" I pivoted, remembering the point of my visit. "I was wondering, is there a reason why a person would shift one hundred and eighty degrees? Just off the top of your head, the most likely reason?" I inquired.

"Oh. Traumatic event, possibly." He suggested.

"Ah. Thanks." I went to leave.

"Jack." North called back.

"Yes?" I asked from the doorway.

"It's not Pat." He stated knowingly, giving me a stare, then turning back to his work.

I started to lose inspiration and satisfaction in my writing, but I'm gaining it back now. I'm really looking forward to what's coming. Also! I have an exciting announcement.

I want everyone to trust me and go onto google images. Look up Ulrik Munther, a nineteen year old from Sweden, who writes and sings his own songs. AND HE'S ADORABLE AND THE HUMAN VERSION OF JACK FROST. Aah! Now, some people aren't going to see the resemblance, which is why you go onto youtube and type in Ulrik Munther. Watch the first video that comes up, which is titled Ulrik Munther-Tell The World I'm Here by sallymunther. It's the one with the dark blue in the background. Then, I want you to tell me what you thought in a review :D

~I'mBelleGoose