All I want For Christmas

Jack and North had made their way back to the Pole and had just arrived. Jack gave a little flip off the sleigh and North instructed the yetis in charge to give the reindeer food and water. As they made their way to the workshop, everyone was working hard. Christmas was two months away. Everyone was busy but not stressed. North ran the North Pole well and with good management so there were rarely any last minute crisis or shortages.

Jack had enjoyed spending time with the older Guardian but was ready to go and spread his special brand of ice and snow around the world. He thought of the area he was going to visit shortly and the very odd fountains they had there. Statues of little boys peeing into the fountains or ponds. He gave a little snigger at the thought of freezing them. It was childish but he would never forget his shock the first time he had seen them. He had closed his eyes thinking how improper it all was. Times had certainly changed.

He said his goodbye with his usual cheeriness and North called to him just before he left, slapping a large arm across the boy's back. "Jack! As promised, I have wiped clean the slate! You have been good boy this year, only bit naughty." The Guardian held his thumb and index finger about an inch apart for emphasis. Jack gave a wide smile, pleased at the praise. Still he had a reputation to uphold and he gave a shrug and said, "thanks."

"So you must get your letter to me." Said North jovially.

"Letter?" asked Jack confused.

"Yes, of what you would like for presents. Make a list and I will choose some from it. Iz what I do with all the children." Explained North.

Jack nodded. He vaguely recalled children getting excited and making lists for Christmas that parents would help them send to Saint Nicholas. "Cool. Sure, see you North!" and like that he was gone out the window and away with the wind. North chuckled and went back to his inventory, he hadn't noticed the slightly nervous look on the boy's face.

Jack had finished his icing for the day and was now sitting on a branch, one foot dangling and swinging gently as he thought things through. He bit his lip as he tried to work out what to do.

How do you write a letter to Santa when you can't even read?

He had intended to learn, at some stage, to read and write. Sitting outside a classroom had seemed so boring and it's not like he could have asked for help if he got stuck. After awhile Jack shrugged it off. North had probably been making a joke. Three hundred years of being on the naughty list, what was one more year without presents? You can't miss what you never had.

If that was true, why did Jack feel an ache as he pushed the thought of a brightly wrapped present with a festive ribbon to the back of his mind?

And so the days turned to weeks and before long it was two weeks till Christmas. Jack had been doing the usual and had popped by the North Pole after having a very one-sided conversation with the Sandman. Preparations were in full swing but the hustle of the workplace was already dying down. While North was a tough task-master and expected a lot from the yetis, he wasn't a slave driver. When evening rolled in, the Workshop would empty as the yetis finished their set assignments for the day and headed to their quarters. They had an evening of relaxation and sleep before another busy day tomorrow. Jack made his way to North's office and poked his head in.

"Hey North," he called out in a friendly manner to the large Russian who was sitting at a huge desk with large sheets of paper in front of him.

"Hello Jack! Give me a minute I am just finishing."

Jack's eyes narrowed as curiosity got the best of him, "Is that-"

"I have a list and I'm checking it twice!" North sang out and Jack joined him as he finished, "going to see whose been naughty or nice!"

North pushed the papers back into a pile as he finished and stretched before getting up. "Good to see you are still off naughty list!"

Jack smiled again.

"But I still haven't got your letter."

Jack's smile dropped.

"What iz wrong?" asked North as he saw the Winter Spirit's face. Jack looked down and quickly put up his hoodie, "I've got to go, I forgot to freeze some stuff somewhere."

North grasped his arm gently and with his other hand, pulled Jack's hood down. "Jack." He said simply but with authority.

"I-I can't read or write." Said Jack, turning his head away. North looked at him in confusion. "I couldn't write you a letter." He elaborated.

North scratched his beard, "Iz not good that you can't read or write, but you are child, children always making themselves so busy! We will make time for lessons next year" he said with determination.

Jack gave a little nod and waited for North to let him go, which he did but the action was soon followed with, "Follow me."

Jack did dutifully and they soon came to North's living room. There was a huge fire blazing, Christmas tree in the corner, a small couch, couple of smaller chairs and a huge red chair which North favoured and always sat on. The rest of the room was filled with bookcases filled with books, ornaments and novelties, tapestries covered the walls. It was warm and comforting and the team of Guardians had spent several evenings in this room sipping hot cocoa, eggnog and snacking on cookies while sharing stories and experiences.

Phil was in a corner hanging up some stockings. Jack waved hello and North nodded in acknowledgment. Phil raised his eyebrows and North gave him a sly wink. North led Jack to his huge chair and took a seat, Jack stood there for a half second before opening his eyes wide in surprise as North lifted him up and placed him on his knee. "North!" he yelled.

"Ah ah," said North waving a finger, "I am not North now, I am Father Christmas. Now tell me young boy, have you been good this year?"

Jack was still in surprised mode and wasn't sure how to answer, he gave a small shrug.

"Good." Said North, going for small steps. "Now I haven't had a letter from you before, so for now, you can tell me what you would like for Christmas."

Jack recalled shopping centres with little children and their parents waiting in line for a chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas. "I'm not a kid!" he said pouting.

North laughed at how childlike (and dare he say adorable?) Jack looked when he pouted. He jiggled his knee, letting Jack bounce up and down. "Don't be shy!"

Jack stuttered and blushed and looked at Phil who gave him a nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath and trying not to feel ridiculous, Jack turned properly on North's lap and looked up at the man properly. It then struck Jack how much bigger North was than him and he really, for the first time, felt like a child. He also felt very comfortable and safe, havened in North's large lap and a familiar hand resting gently on his back. The man's eyes were clear and bright blue and Jack felt himself slowly leaning in till his head lay on his chest, white beard tickling his smooth, cold cheek.

It was then Jack realized he had no idea what he wanted for Christmas.

"Um, I, er-" he stuttered, unsure of himself.

"Take your time." Said North patiently.

Jack thought of what he would like. Should he ask for something for the others? Something decorative for Tooth? Something practical for Bunny? Something –"

His thoughts were cut short as North whispered, "Christmas is a time for sharing and family, yes, but I want to know what Jack and only Jack wants."

The possibility seemed abnormal and Jack let it sink in for a moment. Someone was asking him what he wanted. He knew his heart wanted him to ask for his sister back, to know where his family was buried, to always be believed in. He closed his eyes. Yes, a part of him would always have that wanting, but it wouldn't make him happy and he could see from the way North was looking at him, the Guardian of Wonder wanted to use his gift, his centre to make him happy this Christmas.

"Candy." He started, opening his eyes and then added, "please."

"Yes, yes, what else?" asked North, pleased Jack was trying to participate.

"Um, a game? Something we can all play?"

North nodded.

Jack's eyes widened. "A tarantula!" he exclaimed. Oh yes, he could just imagine all the pranks he could play, the looks on-

"No." said North firmly.

"Awww.." whined Jack, pouting again.

So that went on for a little longer. Jack thinking of gifts he would like and North giving little nods now and then. Jack seemed to be getting more excited about the possibilities of Christmas, his first Christmas as Jack Frost. Soon his voice began to slur and he was mumbling and North took over, telling him tales of Christmas pasts and Jack feeling so comfortable, so safe and so guarded, soon fell asleep against North.

While this was going on, Phil was decorating the fireplace and hanging stockings. One red and white with black lining. One blue and green with gold trimming. One covered in golden glitter. One brown and green with a hint of grey and finally, one blue, white and covered in silver snowflakes.

As North carried out the sleeping boy in his arms to take him to the guestroom to sleep, Phil smiled at him. North was right, Christmas was about sharing and family. The little group of Guardians would be sharing Christmas day as a family, Jack included.

Awwww. So what did you think? This just popped into my head last night! I loved the suggestions I got in the reviews and will soon have a chapter of Jack going to a welcome party with all the spirits and NOT BEING OK. So any suggestions for a one-shot just shout shout shout and after reading this, try imagine our dear little Jack Frost on North's knee. Felt this was father/son kinda thing. Please review, it means a lot and I'm really enjoying this.

Wildkitkat :3