Chapter 20

Breaks are for the weak! (part one)

Rating for this chapter: K

Winter, the time for the world to sleep. Pure white snowflakes falling towards the uncovered ground. The frost slowly creeping up the windows and the ground as a blue and white figure flew across the sky.

But there was no laughter, no squealing or high spirits. And not a single soul knew why.

Well, Jack knew why but he was too tired to fix it.

Work had started to pile up for Jack. He had to make more time for work and make less time for fun. Which was definitely taking its toll on the oh so lovable winter spirit.

Jack sighed as he landed on the windowsill of the workshop. Today was the last meeting that could have until after Christmas (in other words, crunch time.) Jack sat himself on one of the wooden chairs by the table.

He was the only one there at the moment, which was rare, if not, then there's a first time for everything.

He just got done giving several states in the US, a nice snow. He didn't want to be late so he decided that it would be good to just head to the pole sooner than later, then to regret it later.

He brought his knees up to his chest (he was so glad that he was small.) he laid his head on them.

-/'

"Hey, frostbite? What are ya doin' here so early?"

Jack's eyes shot open. Had he fallen asleep? Besides the point, Jack hadn't woken when the kangaroo came in? He's really off his game today.

"Oh uh… I just got done with some states in the US and I knew if I continue I wouldn't have made it today." Jack explained looking up at the rabbit.

Bunny's eyes narrowed as Jack looked up at him. There were dark bags under the boy's eyes, his smile wasn't nearly as joyful as it usually was. Then he looked into the boy's eye. The usually bright and happy eyes were clouded over with exhaustion.

"Jacky," Bunny started slowly, worry lacing his voice. "When was the last time you slept other than just now?"

Jack stared at the pooka, his eyes blinked tiredly. He opened his mouth but soon closed it again. Realizing what the question was.

"What's with the question kangaroo?" Jack questioned back. Blinking once again, but his eyelids were getting heavy.

Bunny sighed, even though he hasn't know Jack for too long, he can tell that the boy hasn't slept in weeks. One thing's fur sure is that Jack likes to not answer questions when it concerns his own well being.

Bunny placed a paw on Jack's head. He got eye level with him and asked again. "When was the last time you slept? Who am I kidding? When was the last time you horsed around with the anklebiters?"

Jack waved him off. "I'm fine, kangaroo. Now is the others almost ready? Or are they not here yet?"

Bunny sighed.

-/'

Bunny sat right across from Jack. He needed to keep an eye on him.

When Sandy finally arrived, he instantly felt something wrong with one of his fellow guardians.

He looked around the table. North wasn't there yet. Typical. He looked to Bunny who was constantly glancing at Jack. Tooth was hovering away from the table sending orders to her fairies. And Jack, well to say the boy looked tired would be a big understatement.

It was as if the energy and the life that was in him was being drained away. Sandy looked over to Bunny with worried eyes.

Bunny noticed him, sighing he shook his head sadly.

Sandy sighed as well. Well, he'll just have to come up with a sticky little plan.

Sandy nodded to Bunny and smiled at him and gave two thumbs up.

-/'

Ah finally North could take his break and head to the meeting. He was expecting them all to already be there, which they were, but… something seemed very off in the atmosphere of the room.

It was quiet and uneventful. Was Jack not there yet?

He looked along the table. Tooth was sitting down. Bunny and Sandy were already sitting. But…. Jack was there. But he looked far older than he was.

Jack had his head on his chest. Taking deep long breaths. As if he was in a deep sleep. But not. He must be very tired.

North came in quietly (well quiet for him anyway.)

He sat down and stated. "Alright, we are ready to begin?"

Jack's head shot up. Trying to look wide-eyed and awake. Which he was failing miserably.

"Yes!" Jack shouted unintentionally.

They all looked at him, concerned written on their faces.

It was silent for a moment. Jack had already sunk back into his seat.

"Alrighty then…"

And with that North started the meeting.

-/'

The meeting lasted about an hour and a half. Tooth and North really had to leave. So it was just Jack, Bunny and Sandy left. Jack had fallen asleep at some point in the meeting. The poor thing, falling asleep in a hard chair like that, he's really going to regret it later.

Sandy and Bunny looked at each other and nodded.

Bunny walked as quietly as he could over to Jack. Sandy was making a nice dream for him (he has to put effort into it he wants them to stay asleep longer than normal.)

Bunny started to move Jack, when all of a sudden he shot up out of the chair eyes filled with fear.

"W-w-what are you doing?!"

"Jack relax it's just us."

Jack's sleep hazed brain slowly registered that Bunny was the one that and started to move him.

He was still at the pole… he sighed. Then paused…

He was still at the pole.

Snow. frost. Work!

He needed to get back to work!

Jack reached for his staff but he couldn't find it.

He saw Bunny holding it.

"Bunny, give me my staff!" Jack demanded.

"No Jacky, ya need ta sleep."

"No, I don't, I need to work."

"Ya can take a break."

"No! No! NO! Breaks are for the weak!"

Jack launched himself at the pooka, startling him.

"Give me my STAFF!" Jack screamed.

The next thing Jack knew, something soft had hit him in the back of the head…

-/'

Hey guys! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I'll start the next arc after Christmas just so the chapters can be a decent size and some time to think through the plot a bit more. Feel free to request anything that's not romantic or self-harm. But other than that I'll write whatever. Thank you all so much for your wonderful support. Feel free to give advice(I know I need it.) anyway

Until next time

-GabeElf