The Guardians all sat around Jack, waiting for him to wake up. They'd all seen the scars.
They all had so many questions, questions that couldn't be answered until the winter spirit regained consciousness.
Finally, Jack began to stir. The Guardians, who had begun to doze, snapped awake as Jack shifted. His eyelids fluttered, then opened. He looked around. Seeing all the other four Guardians around him, he gave a weak grin.
"Hey guys. What'd I miss?"
"Look down, Jack." Tooth said gently.
Jack did, and saw that he'd been changed into a loose white t-shirt and black basketball shorts.
So they've seen the scars. Great.
"Look, I'm sorry, but-"
"What're you apologizing for? We're the ones that need ta."
Jack looked shocked. "You're not... disappointed?"
"Not in you Jack." North said, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder.
They were all silent for a while, then Jack said, "I suppose you guys have questions. You can ask."
"When did ya start?" Bunny asked.
"About 250 years ago. I was alone, and the beatings had been going on since not long after I was born. No one cared."
"We care now. You're not alone anymore." Tooth assured Jack.
Jack smiled. "Thanks."
Sandy waved his hand. "Yeah Sandy?" The short man floated closer, touched a scar, and made a clock. "How long has it been?" Sandy nodded. "Over a year."
"Do you usually wait this long?" North inquired.
"No, I've stopped." All the Guardians smiled, including Jack.
"Was it Jamie?" Jack cocked his head, so Bunny continued. "That made you want ta stop. Was it gettin' believers?"
"No, actually it was you guys. I finally had a place to come home to. A family." Jack looked down, blushing. Tooth, who had been hovering next to him, leaned down and hugged the boy. Sandy was the next to join, then North. Bunny was going to stay out of it, but was dragged in by the combined strength of the others. He struggled briefly, then gave in and joined.
When the hug ended several minutes later, they sat in silence for a bit, content. Until…
"So, what about those beatings?"
"Bunny!"
Well, there it is! The first official family bonding moment! Tell me what you think, and see you next time!
