A/N: Well . . . that was more than a month, wasn't it. . . Whoops.

My life has been insane for the past few months, but I'll admit, I did remember this story, but didn't do anything about it. I decided to take a big break from it because it was causing me stress, and that break ended up extending until now.

But, I think I've got it all figured out now. I'll be updating with one or two chapters a day for the next couple of weeks.

Sorry about the long wait. I just couldn't handle it at the time. Hopefully this will work out.

If you look at the author's notes on previous chapters, you can figure out which chapters were edited. Of course, you don't have to go back and reread them if you don't want to.

Thanks for being such awesome readers.

May 26th

Protective

The thing you have to understand about Pookas is that they have very close-knit families. Their kin were the most important people in their life. So when outsiders tried to "butt in", not many took it very well.

Bunny may have been old, but he still kept to his habits. So when Jack Frost was chosen as a Guardian, he was beyond irritated. His coworkers may not have been family, but they were the closest thing he had and he didn't want a mischievous nuisance to take that away from him.

Only, Jack Frost turned out to be their saving grace.

And he became a Guardian.

And now Bunny had another person to include in his "protect at all costs" category.

Jack balanced carefully on the banister, reaching an arm out.

Almost there . . . almost . . . right there . . . almost . . . GOT IT!

The boy spirit sighed happily, his staff back in his hands once more. He pulled it closer to his chest, easily lifting his feet off the railing and back onto the floor. A glance around showed him many targets for revenge.

This was going to be awesome.

So, it wasn't his fault he froze over half the hall. Well, yeah it was, but the elves were to blame. Honestly, if the little buggers would learn to leave his staff alone, they probably would be in a much better situation now - and the same with Jack.

"Irresponsible, dangerous, a hazard to the workplace . . ." Bunny went on and on, one paw firmly on Jack's shoulder. The winter spirit wished he'd looked around before climbing on rails without a way of flying. The Pooka had seen him from the next level down. And it was just his luck that Bunny hopped into the hall as Jack was freezing the elves to the floor.

But the whole thing was worth the look on Bunny's face as he skidded into the hall and fell flat on his face.

"And ya' better wipe that grin off your face right now," Aster warned, tightening his grip on the boy's shoulder.

Jack's smile faltered as Bunny led him toward the meeting room.

Crap. He's really mad. Whoops.

He swallowed, shifting his staff in his hands. Carefully, he eyed the closest window, calculating the time it would take to throw it open.

Just as he was tensing to twist out of Bunny's grip, the Pooka turned and grabbed his other wrist, pulling the boy's weight off-balance and bracing himself. He easily pulled the newest Guardian in the air, tossing him onto his shoulder. Jack yelped as his staff clattered to the floor and he swung upside down.

"Yer not getting away that easily, Frostbite," He commented casually as he bent down to grab the winter spirit's conduct, sending Jack flailing again as the older Guardian tilted.

"What the heck Bunny?! Put me down!" He pulled on Aster's fur in a vain attempt to right himself. "I said put me down!"

The Pooka chuckled as he continued on his merry way to the weekly meeting with his brother slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. If sacks of potatoes pulled out fur and yelled insults loud enough for the entire North Pole to hear.

"Vhat is going on out here?" North stomped out of the room where they were supposed to be having a meeting. Blue eyes widened as he took in the sight in front of him. Pursing his lips and raising his eyebrows, he admitted, "Never mind, I do not vish to know." The big man ushered Bunny inside, cargo beating his fists against the Pooka's back.

"Put me down you stupid kangaroo!"

"Not until ya' calm down," Bunny replied, waving to Tooth and Sandy who were looking at them with confusion written on their faces. "He was purposefully endangering' himself," He said by way of explanation.

"I was not!" Jack's face was turning a delicate shade of crimson from both embarrassment and being upside down for too long. "I have perfect balance! I wouldn't have fallen!"

"But if ya' did, it would have been down five stories!"

"But I didn't!"

"But ya' could have!"

North cleared his throat, "Gentlemen, gentlemen. Is over and done with! Let's start meeting, no?"

Bunny shrugged and sat down on the edge of the couch, shoving Jack off his shoulder and onto the cushions. The boy flailed for a moment before righting himself and snatching back his staff. He leveled a glare at the elder guardian, but chose to remain silent as North started the meeting.

Though he would never admit it, the boy actually appreciated Bunny's concern. Though, he could do without the whole "being held upside down" part.