It wasn't uncommon for the two to spend time together. Jack even helped Sandy with the dreams, giving him ideas for newer and better dreams. Ones the kids would find Fun. Sandy tried to shake his head. They couldnt go. He still needed to talk to Jack. To fix this, but before he could be understood, Jack spoke up.
"What for? I didnt do anything i swear", he said with a mischevious smirk. This was an automatic way to start an argument with Bunny. They two argued, not noticing the frustrated look Sandy had. Finally he zoomed forward and smacked Bunny on the arm. He looked down, surprised.
"Right, we need to go", he said, tapping up a tunnel. Sandy sighed and followed the two as they hurried down the tunnel, frowning as the two continued to argue. Finally they rose into the workshop to find North and Tooth waiting for them. They were greeted warmly before being pulled strait into a meeting. As Tooth launched into a minor lecture on the amount of Candy and rotten teeth going around at the moment. Sandy continued to watch Jack, though discreetly. How had he missed it before? it was so obvious now. The darkness under his eyes. The hyperactivity. He was running on pure adreniline. Thats why he was always so childike at things as boring as meetings, he needed to keep moving or he would fall asleep. He really was a child in spirit and form. Under him, the Sand that made up his chair russeled in agreement and saddness. Once Tooth was done, Bunny launched into what he was doing to make this upcoming Easter great. At this point is when Sandy looked up and noticed North watching the Winter Spirit with a smiliar look on his face that Sandy knew was on his. Their eyes met and both understood that they werent alone in their worry. A nod from North. 'We fix this', it said. Sandy nodded in return. Across from him, Bunny fell silent.
"Before we continue, how does some refreshments sound", North asked, nothing seemingly wrong. Jack was the first to Yetis brought in cups and cookies, North and Sandy pulled Jack aside, ignoring his protests. "Jack, we need to talk", North said, making Jack fall silent, a quick expression of worry falling over him before he masked it.
"Sure whats up?" He asked casually, perching on his staff in a way that still amazed them. Sandy moved forward and began to sign.
'Jack, when do you sleep?' he asked, having a feeling that beating around the bush wouldnt help the situation. His effort was rewarded with a startled, and slightly guilty, look from Jack. Finally he shrugged.
"You do sleep da?" North asked. Jack looked down, refusing to meet their gaze. Again he shrugged. Sandy rose up on a cloud and laid gentle hands on Jack's shoulders, waiting until he met his own ancient gaze. Once their gazes met, He signed slow to get his point across.
'you need to sleep. it hurts you not to. why didnt you come to me?' he asked. Jack sighed.
"I can handle myself Sandy. Im not a new spirit. Ive got a lot to do and-", but a hand made of Sand covered his mouth, keeping him from continuing. Sandy shook his head firmly.
'You are family. if you have a problem, we will help you. working without sleeping only causes problems. You need to sleep. to rest yourself and your mind', Sandy signed, eyes never leaving Jack's.
"Sandy is right Jack, working without rest only makes things worse, we all know that. Found it out the hard way", North said with a slight chuckle. Jack gave a small smirk before sighing.
"I dont think you all understand what my job really consists of", He said softly. By now both Tooth and Bunny had waundered over and were caught up to the problem.
"Then tell us", Bunny said, firmly but kindly.
"I have to bring the early frost to each country without bringing snow and makeing sure it wont melt. Once that is done i have to bring the first snowfall, making each and every snowflake unique. Even if im not going around all year, it takes constant work all year to make them. Along with that, im constantly bringing frost and snow to those contries that need it year round, keeping in mind of the other seasons and weather changes", he said and looked like he would continue if their surprised looks hadnt made him stop to smile. Three of them began to reconsider how much sleep they would get doing that job, all but Sandy. He only frowned. it didnt matter how much work he had to do, he needed to sleep. it was healthy for the mind, esspecially when it came to cretivity. Even just for a few hours when possible was better then not at all. No, Jack was smarter then that. Something else was going on. And Jack wasnt going to say anything in front of all of them at once. Quickly, so the others wouldnt argue, Sandy formed a cloud under Jack and shot off though the window and into the night sky.