Doesn't mean you stop

Jack swung his staff over his shoulder and made his way over to the large open window in North's worshop.

"Bye North!" he called out, haing enjoyed his visit and spending time with the older Guardian. North's home always promised delicious treats, new discoveries and enjoyable companionship and Jack thoroughly enjoyed his visits when he was invited. It always gave him a sort of buzz, a new energy to feel so welcome in another's home. Jack had once invited North to his own home, the lake in Burgess. He had been so excited to have the Guardian of Wonder visit and it had seemed like such a great idea at the time.

When North actually arrived and they had stood there in awkward silence, Jack came to the conclusion that perhaps it hadn't been a wonderful idea but I terrible, terrible idea.

"So this is where I died." He had said, pointing at the lake.

North had grunted in response.

"This is my tree where I sleep." Tried Jack again, pointing at a large oaktree. That was it, pretty much the grand tour. North had grunted again and Jack had been staring at his feet in awkward silence one moment and then found himself buried in the man's embrace, his cheek pressed against red clothe and furry beard. North had told him that he would always be welcome at the North Pole, always.

Jack didn't like to ask or assume, he liked an invitation. He didn't want to overstay his welcome even if the old man said he was always welcome. Insecure, he knew but he would rather be insecure and sure he was wanted than ruin what he had now. He had a good thing going for himself and knew it. So here he was about to leave and spread fun and mischief to the world and perhaps a cranky Pooka when North cleared his throat, "Jack."

"Yeah?" he asked, pausing at the window, calm as he stared at the man, clear blue eyes betraying nothing but out of sight, his hand clutched the window frame hard.

"You are going to Burgess right? To visit Jamie? Correct?" North asked slowly.

"That's the plan." Said Jack slowly, wary of where this might be going.

"Come inside Jack, for a minute." Jack slowly released the window frame and moved to sit on the edge of North's desk.

North sighed, unsure of how to start this unpleasant conversation. Jack had very little in the world. A handful of believers, the Guardians, his staff and a tree. Over time Jack would lose believers and with someone who had so little, it would hurt and North had really come to care for the Winter Spirit and he hoped by speaking to Jack now, to have this troubling conversation now and make Jack understand now, perhaps he could avert some of the future hurt.

"Jamie is a good friend, yes?" he asked. Jack nodded.

"Jack," he said, settling a hand on the boy's shoulder, "you are a good Guardian and a very good friend to Jamie. He is getting older and when the time comes, Jack, eez not anyone's fault but he wont-"

"Believe in me anymore." Cut in Jack, "I know."

North continued what he started, even if the feelings Jack was trying to hide made his stomach clench, "Maybe spent time with Jamie, but not so much time…"

"Why?"

"You are close and when you spend more time together, you will get closer yes?"

Jack nodded, his jaw clenched tight.

"Maybe less time and when the time comes that Jamie doesn't see you anymore, it wont hurt so much. Do you understand Jack?"

Jack nodded and was silent but North could tell it wasn't the end of the conversation, Jack had something to say. Jack relaxed is shoulders, unclenched his jaw and moved a hand to lazily trace one of the designs scattered on North's worktop.

"You make millions of toys every year right?" Jack asked, looking up finally.

North nodded.

"Do the kids always keep the toys? Don't they get damaged, lost, thrown away?" Jack asked.

North nodded.

"Yet you spend countless hours making and designing the best toys you can, every year?"

Another nod.

"You work so hard on each and every gift for each child, even though its likely half of them will be broken or lost come next year?

"Of course."

"Does it ever cross your mind that you should put any less effort into your gifts because they wont last forever?"

"Of course not!" the Russian cried.

It was Jack's turn now to place a comforting hand on the older man and the hand left a light dusting of frost on the man's sleeve. "I know what you're saying North and I appreciate it. I do." Jack gave him a small smile and made his way back to the window, "I know Jamie wont believe in me one day and I'll have to deal with that day when it happens."

He took a deep breath, "Just because something wont be around forever doesn't mean you shouldn't appreciate it now."

North was astounded but all he said was, "you're a good boy Jack."

The winter spirit winked at him, "clean slate remember? I better be on that list this year."

Then he was gone and left an amazed and proud North behind shaking his head. For an immortal child, Jack really had a maturity most adult hadn't achieved. Jack had been bullied, alone and neglected for so long. Many mortal couldn't handle a handful of years of that treatment without succumbing to the darkness within them. Jack had gone centuries and yet-

North didn't know how to finish that thought. As he stared at he open window, he just wished Jack hadn't left so quickly because right now North wanted to hold him and not let go for a very long time.

End