Author's Note: Hello all! =D Welcome back to "The Winter Child!" Ah, it feels so good to be back. ^u^ Hopefully I don't have to disappear for another week again. XD I'll try my best to stick to my schedule. I've been completing a lot of my schoolwork early, so I should be able to post on the listed days on my profile. X) Oh, and sorry about missing the promised posts over the weekend! I had to make a few final edits before getting this chapter out for you guys. QwQ

Anyway, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, and it just so happens to be one of my favorites. =D This particular chap delves into Jack and Bunny's relationship, and I packed a ton of brotherly wholesomeness into it. XD I hope you guys enjoy it! =3


~ IX ~

Little Brother

He hid for years

Letting in only few

He kept himself locked away

No intent to reopen the door

And go through

But perhaps there was a chance

That he could

If not a little

Thaw his pent heart

With the help from Jack Frost

...

"Jack, please keep your mittens on. It is cold out, and I don't want you to become frozen statue," said North. He picked up the gloves that Jack had thrown to the ground. North slipped them on Jack's pale hands; the winter child whined.

"No gloves," the two-year-old snow sprite said adamantly. He tried to pull them off again, but North firmly kept them in place.

"Yes, gloves," he said. "You need them to keep warm."

Jack frowned, but he didn't protest any further. North sighed, satisfied, and he continued to walk to Aster's cottage. A few days ago, Tsar Lunar issued a letter asking for his presence at the palace. He wanted to further discuss matters on the Guardians of Childhood organization, The news of a new team of people dedicated to defending children had begun to spread to all ends of Lunslruna. While North and the other Guardians hadn't been made public yet, they knew that the time would come soon. Santoff Claussen was already aware of their new Guardianship roles, and North was grateful for their encouragement and support.

North knew that he was expected to go, but he was worried about leaving Jack behind. The boy was too young for a trip as far as Lunslruna Capital. And even though Santoff Claussen was aware of Jack, news of him hadn't spread to further regions like Lunslruna Capital. Yes, Tsar Lunar still didn't know about Jack, and North was debating whether or not to tell the Tsar about him when he arrived at the palace. He would have to at some point, North knew. And was best to tell him sooner than later.

As North panicked about where he would leave Jack, Aster had helpfully volunteered to watch over him during the time North was gone. North was more than grateful for Aster's help, so the two had made arrangements. Right now, North was walking to Aster's cottage to drop Jack off, which was taking longer than expected due to Jack removing his winter clothes. The winter child didn't mind the coat, scarf, and boots, but he absolutely despised the gloves. Six times North had to stop and pick the boy's gloves from the ground and put them on, only to have Jack throw them off again. The winter child was two now, but he was still as mischievous as ever.

North shifted Jack in his arms as they arrived at Aster's front door. The Pooka's cottage was set apart from most of the homes in Santoff Claussen. It was in a secluded area of the town where not many ventured. He didn't want to take any risks when he first arrived at Santoff Claussen a decade ago, so he created a cottage on the far side of the village. Not many people stepped this far in the village except for a few adventurous children, people who had business with Aster, or his friends like North, Tooth, and Sandy. Although Aster's Pookan identity was now known to the rest of the village, he still kept to himself. Something that North knew would take time for Aster to step out of.

House designs in Santoff Claussen were far from ordinary. Some lived in trees, some lived in the ground. Others lived in half and half. Aster lived inside what looked to be the end of a tree log. Branches grew and twisted from the roof, thick with autumn-colored leaves. Next to the front door was a lantern and window, where dahlia and pansies were blooming. North knocked on the wooden door as Jack began to fiddle with his gloves. Aster came to the door and pushed it open. The Pooka greeted the two with a smile.

"'Ello, North. Jack. Come on in," invited Aster, stepping aside to allow North and Jack inside. Aster's home was small, but considering that he was the only one who lived in it, the cottage was a perfect size. The roof was held by curling tree branches that Aster grew himself. Many different plants were positioned around the interior. Leaves and vines curled and looped through the roof. A few of them had flower buds beginning to blossom. At the far end of the cottage was Aster's painting studio. To the left was the living room, where a small fireplace and couch were positioned. The kitchen had a wooden island sitting in the middle. The cabinets, cupboards, and shelves were stocked with a variety of different hand-grown species and ingredients. A short staircase led upstairs, and a trapdoor hidden behind the set of stairs led into Aster's Warren, where he spent a lot of his time gardening when he wasn't painting.

Jack finally pulled his gloves off and threw them to the ground. He smirked defiantly at North. Aster laughed.

"Jack sure has grown," he remarked.

North chuckled. "Yes, but he is still the same in many ways."

Aster nodded in agreement. "I got everythin' set up fer Jack's stay here. How long do you plan on being gone?"

"I am hoping to return by this evening," replied North. "If all goes well and weather does not get in way."

"Do ya know what ya and Tsar Lunar are going ta discuss?"

North shrugged. "Mostly Guardian things and other details that I do not know yet. Hopefully, meeting doesn't last too long."

North removed Jack's coat, boots, and scarf. He picked up the gloves from the floor and tucked them into Jack's coat pocket. He handed the two-year-old to Aster. The winter child looked at the Pooka curiously.

"Are you sure you are okay with this?" asked North. A worried look crossed his face. "Jack can be a handful."

Aster smirked. "I was the eldest of six, North. I know how ta handle kits and kids."

North nodded. "Alright, then. If Jack starts crying, rubbing his back usually helps. He doesn't like carrots, loves to play hide and seek, and make sure you tuck him in with—"

"His stuffed arctic fox, I know," finished Aster. He rolled his eyes. "I know what I'm doin' North. Now get outta here before yer late."

North smiled sheepishly. "I will be back soon," he said, and the ex-Cossack turned to depart. But upon seeing that North was leaving, Jack began to squirm in Aster's arms. The Pooka tried to hold on to him.

"Ah…I don't think the kit wants ya ta leave," said Aster. Jack whimpered.

"North!" the winter child cried. North turned around, and Jack escaped Aster's arms. He nearly fell to the floor when North caught him. Jack looked at him with tearful eyes, and he clung to his coat tightly. The little boy didn't want North to leave.

North looked at Aster, and the Pooka shrugged awkwardly. North looked down at Jack and pulled him away.

"Jack, you need to stay with Bunny for a while," Aster grumbled at the nickname. North continued regardless. "I can't take you with me, but I will be back soon. For now, try to be good for Bunny, okay?"

Jack sniffed, but he nodded. North handed Jack back to Aster, and this time, Jack didn't protest. But he was still upset that North was leaving. North didn't want to leave Jack either, but he knew that Aster would look after him well.

Noticing that North still looked hesitant, Aster said, "Don't worry, North. I'll take good care of Frostbite."

North tilted his head. "Frostbite?"

"A nickname ta get back at 'im for callin' me 'Bunny,'" explained Aster, but Jack seemed to like the epithet. "His last name is Frost, and he bit me when I first met him. Frostbite."

North chuckled. "It's fitting." He looked outside. "I better get going."

"You should," said Aster. "We'll see ya later, North."

North smiled, and he waved goodbye to the two before walking out the door. Aster shut it, and he felt Jack shift in his arms. Aster looked down, finding Jack staring at the door. The winter child sniffed quietly. Aster pitied the boy.

"Aw, don't worry, mate," Aster soothed. "North'll be back in no time."

Jack blinked at the Pooka, but he appeared to be reassured.

"How about I get ya somethin' ta eat, eh?" said Aster, walking to the kitchen. His ears twitched when he heard Jack's stomach grumble. He chuckled. "It's about yer lunchtime anyway."

Aster placed Jack in the extra highchair he borrowed from North, and the winter child watched as Aster rummaged through the kitchen, picking out the ingredients for an old Pookan recipe that was very similar to porridge. Aster pulled out a pot and set the stove. He grabbed a wooden spoon from a drawer and mixed all ingredients. Soon, a pot of Pookan porridge was boiling over the stove. All Aster had to do was stir until it thickened.

As Aster stirred, his thoughts drifted to Jack, the young snow sprite North had saved two years ago. His appearance was unexpected and sudden, but Aster felt compelled to help the boy in any way he could. He had been abandoned by his parents. Left alone to perish in the harsh winter. He was a race that everyone looked down upon in Lunslruna, meaning not many were welcoming to him. Being an outcast himself, Aster couldn't stand the fact that Jack had been left alone in the forest…He was only a baby then! Perhaps people rode right past him. Perhaps they didn't give the little boy a second thought since he was a snow sprite. Aster scowled at the thought; humans could be such cruel creatures.

Aster offered to babysit Jack not only because he wanted to help but because he wanted a little company in his quiet home. Though Aster claimed that he didn't mind being alone; he didn't realize just how lonely he was until the Guardians pulled him out of the dark. Jack had stirred something inside of him that Aster hadn't felt in a long time. He couldn't describe it just yet, but it felt very similar to he used to take care of his younger siblings when they still lived in Monrilethel. Four sisters and one brother were quite the handful, but Aster cared and looked out for them.

If only he could've done a better job doing so when Pitch attacked.

They were so young. So innocent. They had a long life to live and yet their lives were taken away faster than it took one to finish a sentence. His parents, siblings, his friends, and everyone had been destroyed during that dreadful battle. Aster gripped the wooden spoon, squeezing his eyes shut. He tried not to think about that horrible day, but the memories would still seep into his mind. The roar of the flames as they devoured buildings. The banshee-like screeches of the Fearlings and Nightmares as they destroyed everything in their path. And the screams and wails from children and adults alike, trying to escape the horror only to find that it was in vain.

He had lost his entire family. His friends. Everything to Pitch. And oh how it hurt…

"Bun?"

Aster opened his eyes, the horrific images rushing to the back of his mind. He turned around, finding Jack looking at him with a concerned expression. How long had he been standing there, completely still? Aster sniffed the air; the porridge was done. Thankfully, he didn't burn it.

"I'm fine, mate," said Aster, shoving the lingering memories to the back of his mind. He pulled out two bowls. "Now, how about that meal?"

Jack watched as Aster poured the porridge into two separate bowls. He placed one in front of Jack and sat down across from him. Aster picked up the spoon from Jack's bowl and blew on the porridge to cool it down. Then, he held it up to Jack. The winter child scrunched his face and turned away.

Aster's brow furrowed. "Aren't ya hungry, mate?" He pushed the spoon in front of Jack's direction, but he jerked his head away again. Aster repeated this once more, ending up with the same response from Jack.

"Look, Frostbite. Ya either eat what's here or nothin' at all," said Aster firmly. Jack frowned and shook his head.

"No!" the winter stated profoundly.

Aster frowned. "Fine." He set Jack's bowl aside. "I guess I'll just eat mine, then."

What Jack didn't know was Aster was using an old trick that he had used on his siblings when they were young. Aster ate a spoonful of his porridge, and Jack watched him, surprised. Was he really not going to feed him?

Aster continued eating, and Jack's stomach grumbled. The winter child looked at his bowl of porridge, which sat to the side. He licked his lips, turning back to Aster, who was still eating. He didn't even look at Jack.

"Bun?" said Jack. Aster continued to eat, purposefully ignoring him.

"Bun?" said Jack again, a little louder this time. Aster kept on eating.

"Bun!" cried Jack. Aster turned to him with a smug smirk.

"Oh, so ya are hungry?" he asked. Jack frowned, and the Pooka chuckled in amusement. He took Jack's bowl and lifted the spoon to Jack's mouth. The winter child hesitated for a moment, but he eventually ate the porridge off the spoon. As promised, the warm cereal was good. Jack hummed, begging for more.

Aster smiled. "I told ya it's good." And he fed Jack another spoonful. The toddler ate dose after dose until the contents of the bowl were gone. Jack burped once he finished. Aster shook his head with a small smile.

"Excuse ya," he said. Aster lifted Jack out of the high chair. "I have some paintin' ta do, but we can have some fun once I'm done."

Jack tilted his head. "Play?"

Aster nodded. "As soon as I'm finished."

Aster carried Jack with him to his painting studio. To Jack, the place was exceptional. North's study was similar to a studio, but there weren't easels, paints, or a wide array of brushes lying around. The winter child looked around in awe; a wide window was on the far end of the wall. There was a clear few of the autumn backyard, and in front of the glass was a stool and art easel. The canvas that occupied the easel had the illustration of a magnificent spring day. Tables and shelves stocked with paints and brushes were pushed against the walls. Canvases of many different sizes leaned against them. Aster's studio was well-organized; the various tools and paints were neatly organized and close enough for easy access.

Jack pointed at the colorful canvas. "Paint?"

Aster nodded as he walked over to the stool and sat down. He set Jack on his knee. "Yup, that's paint," he said. "Ya can make all sorts of things with it. Been workin' on this piece for a while; I think I might try and finish it today."

Jack looked at Aster. "Bun paint?"

Aster chuckled. "Yeah. I'm a painter. This is what I do."

Aster placed Jack in the small play area he had made for him, handing the boy one of his toys. He told the winter child that he could play while he worked on his painting. Jack took the toy and watched as Aster walked back to his canvas and began to paint. Aster took his pallet and ran his thin brush through the green paint. He began to add small details into the painting like blades of grass or streams of sunlight. Silently, Aster wished that the painting were real; he wasn't fond of the cold.

Aster didn't know how long it had been since he started, but Jack had gotten bored at some point. All was silent at first as Jack quietly played with his toys, but then the winter child began to throw them in Aster's direction. It wasn't until a block hit him in the back of his head that Aster turned around, glaring at the young snow sprite. Jack smiled innocently.

"Play now?" he asked. Aster looked at his painting; he hadn't gotten much done, but he decided he could take a break regardless.

"Alright then," said Aster, standing up. Jack smiled. Aster lifted the boy in his arms. "We can head down ta the Warren for a bit. I don't think ya've been there yet."

Curiosity flickered in Jack's eyes as Aster carried him to the trapdoor behind the staircase. The Pooka opened the door, and Jack peered down it skeptically.

"It's safe, mate. Don't worry,"said Aster. The two headed down the hidden door, and Aster walked through a dimly lit grass tunnel. Jack looked at the stone carvings on the walls. There were depictions of Pookan colonizations, drawings of Pookas, and carvings of plants and eggs. And what was most peculiar was that it was warm. The same warmth you'd feel on the average spring day.

Jack's eyes widened when he and Aster approached a large stone door. There was a carving of an egg in the center, and spiraling out from that egg swirled ancient carvings similar to the ones on the tunnel walls. This was where the tunnel ended. There was nowhere else to go from there. Jack looked at Aster, wondering where they were supposed to go next.

Aster placed his paw on the stone door and closed his eyes, muttering in an ancient Pookan language that Jack couldn't comprehend. The door glowed a faint green, and Jack heard something shift in the ground. When Aster opened his eyes, the door opened as well. Jack gasped as he and Aster entered the Warren. Flowers bloomed and blossomed from the ground. Trees as thick and as tall as mountains stretched toward the ceiling. A river bubbled down the rolling hills. Butterflies fluttered about. Warmth enveloped Jack like a hug. It was winter outside, and yet in the Warren, it was a bright oasis of endless spring.

"Welcome ta the Warren, mate!" Aster proclaimed. He was amused by Jack's facial expression; the winter child hadn't seen anything like this, had he? Aster placed Jack down in the grass, knowing that he could walk on his own. Jack's bare feet touched the ground, and he wiggled his toes in the greenery. Why he had never felt grass as soft as this before! It was softer than carpet, softer than a rug. Perhaps even softer than the clouds themselves! Jack slid his pale hands through the green, giggling. Aster smiled.

"Yup. The grass is really soft down here," he said. Jack lay in the grass and rolled around, laughing gleefully. Aster couldn't help but chuckle at Jack's behavior; the way he was acting reminded him of his siblings when they were young.

Jack stopped rolling around when a small group of eggs—eggs!—ran up to him. They bounced in front of the winter child, and Jack scooched away from them, wary. Aster reassured him.

"It's okay, mate," said Aster. He crouched down next to Jack and pointed at the eggs. "Those are just the little googies. I use them ta test patterns or I just paint them fer fun. They hang around down here, and they won't hurt ya."

Jack looked at Aster, and then at the eggs standing in front of him. He picked up one of the oval-shaped creatures. The little egg kicked its feet. Jack laughed. Aster smiled.

"Ya can play around with them while I sit over here and sketch," said Aster. He looked at the small group of eggs. "Keep an eye on him. He's a mischievous one."

The eggs nodded, and they led Jack over to an area filled with flowers. The sound of Jack's laughter slowly faded away as Aster nestled against his favorite tree. The branches were filled with leaves, casting the perfect shade over him. It was a great spot to sketch under, and Aster often found that his best inspiration came when he sat in that very place.

Aster pulled out his pencil and sketchbook, flipping through the pages to find a blank page to draw on. He paused when he landed on a page with an old sketch of his family.

Aster stared at the graphite drawing; he had drawn this a long time ago…a few days before Pitch had attacked. No one had expected such a disaster to fall on the village. It was a calm, autumn evening, and Aster's siblings had begged for him to draw them. Soon, his mother and father joined the picture. Aster vividly remembered finishing it after an hour or so. His family had been so proud of the drawing…Aster personally thought that it could've turned out better, but his parents and siblings reassured him that it was great.

Wistfully, Aster ran his paw over the drawing; he hadn't viewed it in years. He had been so busy trying to keep himself hidden from the rest of the world, that he didn't leave any room to reminisce about his past. Aster's ears flopped against his head, heaving a sigh. He turned to the next page, a blank one, but he suddenly wasn't in the mood for drawing.

"Bun!"

Jack ran up to Aster, a wide grin on his face. He stopped in front of the Pooka and proudly held up a blue colored egg. Aster cracked a smile.

"Nice job, Frostbite. Ya found a blue one. That's yer favorite color, right?"

Jack nodded. "Blue, blue, blue," he said. The winter child climbed into Aster's lap, clutching the blue egg to his chest. Aster shifted to make room for the young snow sprite. A slight chill came to his legs when Jack sat down. The child hummed to himself as he toyed around with his new egg, but he sensed Aster's melancholy. Jack looked up noticing Aster's saddened expression. The winter child looked at the sketchbook Aster was holding; the Pooka had flipped back to the old drawing of his family.

Jack looked at Aster, concerned. He tilted his head. "Bun Bun okay?"

Aster looked down at Jack, and he smiled sadly. "Yeah…I'm fine. Just…missin' family."

Jack stared at Aster with a slight look of confusion, so Aster further explained.

"A long time ago, I used to live in Monrilethel, Eastern Lunslurna. I lived in a village called Gladsteryen where there was no one but Pookas."

"P-Pooka?" repeated Jack.

Aster nodded. "Pooka. That's what I am mate."

"Not Bunny?"

Aster shook his head. "Naw, not a Bunny. We may look like them, but we aren't bunnies."

Jack listened as Aster continued.

"Anyway, I used to live with my family back in Gladesteryen. For a long time, it was just us and the other Pookas. It was like living in one big family. No one fought, everyone got along well…but then Pitch came and attacked."

Jack didn't know who Pitch was, but he could tell that he had hurt Aster and his family. The winter child watched as Aster balled his other paw into a fist.

"He came and attacked out of nowhere; we didn't expect anythin'. Everyone tried their best ta get the kits out, but the village was fallin' apart and there wasn't enough time ta act…" Aster sighed. "I was the only one who escaped…"

Aster straightened out. "North found me wanderin' near Olsolustria. He brought me into Santoff Claussen without drawin' any attention." Aster looked down. "I still miss my family from time ta time…"

Aster didn't even know if Jack understood what he had said. The boy was only two, so what comfort could he give him? Although Aster was glad to have someone to vent to, he still felt rather despondent.

Feeling Jack shift in his lap, Aster looked down. The winter child was leaning against his chest with a small smile on his face.

"Me, Bun, family," he said slowly. Aster blinked in surprise, not expecting such an answer from Jack. Touched, he let out a small laugh, which soon turned into full-on laughter. Jack laughed along with Aster, though the Pooka didn't quite know why he was laughing. But it felt right and what Jack had said made him feel hopeful.

Aster wiped a tear from his eye. "Oh, Frostbite…ya really are somethin' else, aren't ya? But yer right…Ya, North, Tooth, and Sandy are the closest thing I have ta family. Ya've helped me more than once, and I'm more than grateful for that."

Jack smiled, glad that he was able to lift Aster's spirits. The winter child's eyes began to flutter, and he yawned, suddenly feeling tired. Aster chuckled.

"Ya gettin' sleepy there, mate?" he asked.

"No," was Jack's instant reply. Aster laughed, and he stood up, carrying the weary boy in his arms.

"Come on. Let's get ya ta bed," Aster said. Jack didn't argue; he hugged his blue egg close as Aster exited the Warren. Aster shut the trapdoor, and headed upstairs and into the extra bedroom, where he had a bed set up for Jack. Aster slipped off Jack's brown vest, and he lay him down in bed. Jack yawned again, and Aster placed his blue egg on the side table.

"Ya ready ta sleep, mate?" asked Aster. Jack squirmed, and he sat up.

"Wawa," he said, pointing behind Aster. The Pooka tilted his head, bemused.

"I…don't know what that is, mate," he said. Jack frowned, and he pointed behind Aster again.

"Wawa!" he said again. Aster turned around.

"Wa, wa, wa…" Aster's eyes landed on the stuffed fox that he had placed on the dresser earlier that day. "Ohhh, yer white fox."

As Aster picked up the stuffed animal from the dresser, he guessed that "Wawa" was Jack's term for white. Though, the Pooka was quite sure that he could pronounce said word. Perhaps Wawa was what Jack called the toy arctic fox when North had given it to him for his first birthday, and the name just stuck.

Aster passed the stuffed fox to Jack, and the winter child smiled, cuddling it close. He lay back down, blue eyes just about to slip closed. He yawned, and Aster pulled the covers over him.

"Have a good rest, mate," said Aster. He stood up from the bed and walked toward the door. He paused in the doorway.

Turning around, Aster saw Jack looking at him with sleepy blue eyes, seemingly expecting something. Aster sighed, shook his head, and he walked back to the bedside. Jack smiled sleepily. Aster nuzzled his forehead.

"Sleep well, Frostbite," he said gently. And Jack, satisfied, closed his eyes.

While Jack slept, Aster spent the rest of his time painting. The illustration was almost complete, and Aster only had a few more brushstrokes left to place before it was finally finished. As he added the finishing touches, he thought about how much Jack had changed him, North, Tooth, and Sandy alike. The winter child had grown on each of them, and Aster frankly didn't mind that he cared for the young snow sprite. He was starting to view him as a little brother, and Aster swore that this time, he would do everything he could to protect him.

Once the painting was finished, Aster cleaned up his brush and palette. He eyed the canvas for a few moments, finding no errors or mistakes. The spring forest was perfect—Aster still wished that it were reality.

The Pooka tidied up the last of his things and then headed upstairs to wake Jack. Aster carefully opened the door to his room, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of the sleeping two-year-old. Jack had kicked off his covers and his thumb was poked in his mouth. He cuddled his stuffed arctic fox close, snoring quietly. Aster almost didn't want to disturb him, but he knew that North would be on his way back soon. And he probably already was. So, Aster walked over to Jack's bedside and shook him lightly.

"Frostbite? Time ta wake up, kiddo," Aster said softly. Jack shifted, and he peeled his eyes open. He looked at Aster and smiled sleepily. Aster patted Jack's back.

"C'mon, mate. We gotta get ya ready fer when North comes back," said Aster. Jack yawned, and he sat up. He helped gather his things from the bedroom: Wawa, his vest, and the blue egg that he had found in the Warren. At first, Jack held up the egg to Aster, seemingly giving it to him. Aster told Jack he could keep it, and the winter child grinned happily.

The Pooka and snow sprite headed downstairs, and Aster put all of Jack's things together. He whipped up a quick snack for Jack, which was a bowl of fruits. Aster munched on a carrot and Jack snacked on the grapes, strawberries, and apple slices. The young snow sprite kindly handed Aster a strawberry, and the Pooka plucked it out of Jack's hand, popping it into his mouth with a playful smile. Jack giggled, and it was at that moment that a knock came from the door. Jack continued to eat his bowl of fruit while Aster went and opened the door. The sky was streaked with pink, purple, and orange. And it was none other than Nicholas St. North who stood in the doorway.

Aster smiled. "Welcome back ta Santoff Claussen, mate. How was it?"

"It was alright," replied North. "Meeting went on much longer than I expected, but at least I still got home in time. We mostly talked about Guardian things…Our first mission may come sooner than later."

Aster's brow furrowed. "What do ya mean?"

"Remember those strange attacks Toothy mentioned earlier?" inquired North. Aster nodded. "Well, apparently something is stirring in Darksualth. Tsar Lunar's soldiers are already investigating, but it seems as if some things have already snuck out."

Aster's face darkened. "I hope it isn't Pitch."

"Me too," North said gravely. "But if it is, Tsar Lunar wants us to be ready for him. We can discuss further matters when Tooth and Sandy are available."

Aster let North inside. "Jack's at the table eatin'. I gave him something ta snack on if that's alright."

North waved a hand dismissively. "Bah, is perfectly fine." He walked into the kitchen and brightened at the sight of Jack. The winter child spotted North and grinned. The winter child began to fidget in his chair.

"North!" he chirped.

"There's my boy," North said with a smile. He lifted Jack into his arms and hugged him close. Jack smiled, and he leaned into North's embrace. Aster couldn't help but smile at their show of affection for each other. North and Jack had been very close since the day North found him in the woods. The two never tired of each other, and they were always happy in the other's company.

"Thank you for looking after Jack, Bunny," thanked North. The grateful look in his eyes made Aster smile.

Aster shrugged. "It was my pleasure, mate. I'd be happy ta look after the kit again any time."

North smiled, and he gathered Jack's things. The winter child held on to Wawa as North dressed him in his coat, scarf, and boots. When he pulled out the mittens, Jack scowled and shook his head.

"No gloves," he said petulantly. North sighed.

"Fine, moy mal'chik. No gloves," he said. Jack smiled, and North lifted the boy in his arms and walked to the door. "Thank you again, Bunny!"

Aster waved as North and Jack walked through the door. The young snow sprite turned around and waved back.

"Bye, bye, Bunny!" he said cheerfully. Aster felt a smile crawl onto his face.

Perhaps the nickname wasn't so bad after all.


Author's Note: Aww...brothers forever. ^u^

...Annnnnnnnnd, that's all I've got to say. XD Thank you guys so much for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter! =D

Until the next chapter!

~BeyondTheMoon1203