My 'series' (four-parter) is the roles the Guardians play in their unusual but sweet family. Going by the title, you readers can probably guess what part North plays. Btw, I can't remember if I gave Jack a room already or not.
Jack was confused. Very confused. North was acting weird. Well, more weird than usual. It all started when Jack didn't show up at North's one night.
See, he had a special room, as all the other Guardians did, to use whenever they needed to. Once the others found out he slept in a tree most nights, North requested him to stay with him.
The room was nice. The walls were pale blue with various designs of white snowflakes decorating it. There was a dark oak dresser, the same wood being used to make the desk, bookshelf and bed. The bookshelf was filled with books about myths and legends (including Jack himself). THe desk had sketches, paint, and pencils covering the surface. And the bed had a thin dark blue sheet, as Jack didn't get cold, he didn't need a big blanket. And a balcony so he could enjoy the cold air.
But one night, Jack had to make a large blizzard in Russia. By the time he finished, he was too exhausted to go to the Pole, so he just slept in a pile of snow. When he returned to the Pole in the morning and walked into North's office, the big guy lost it.
Apparently, he'd spent the entire night searching for the Winter Spirit, asking the other Guardians and Mother Nature where he was. When Jack explained what happened, North calmed down but wouldn't let the boy leave. North made the teen agree to carry at least two of his special snow globes so that, even if Jack got tired, he could still get to the workshop.
Jack was currently sulking in his room, wanting to go to Burgess and play in the snow. But of course, he wasn't 'allowed'.
'I've looked out for myself for 300 years, but I don't check in ONE night, and I'm grounded like a child,' Jack thought before realizing something.
If North had grounded him, and only parents can ground children, because Jack didn't come home, what did that mean? Home. Jack decided he did in fact think of North's place, as he did practically live there.
'If I'm grounded, does that mean North is my….' Jack couldn't even finish his thought as a sob racked through his body. He hadn't had a home in a long time nor did he have anyone to act as a parent, someone who wanted him home and safe and who cared enough to try to make sure he was okay.
Try as he might, the tears wouldn't stop, nor did the shaking as his sobbing grew more intense and louder with each cry.
It shouldn't have surprised him that North heard. Or at least, that he would check up on Jack. He wasn't even aware of the Russian 's presence until he felt arms wrap around him and pull the younger Guardian into an embrace.
"Jack, my boy, what is the matter?" North asked quietly, not wanting to make things worse than they already were. He had come to tell the boy he was sorry and that he overreacted when he heard the crying. So without knocking, he had barged right in and hugged Jack.
"I-I'm sorry. I should have checked in. I won't do it again," Jack calmed down enough to speak before promptly sobbing once again. North just held him until the white-haired teen began to fall asleep. North tucked him in and was just about to leave when he heard something. " 'Night, Dad."
North was surprised, but smiled softly as he turned off the lights and went to close the door before whispering softly, unaware the being he directed his words to could him hear.
"Goodnight son."
After this, Jack called North 'Dad' or 'His Old Man' or something like that. And when introducing Jack to someone or talking about him, North called him his son.
AN: Lame, I know. But I'm a sap for sappy stuff. Kitkat out!