Ice Cubes

Summary: Maybe a child Jack was what they always needed. A child Jack who could voice out his thoughts, his feelings, his wants, and his pain without hiding it behind an indifferent mask- to good to be seen as fake. A child Jack who wasn't afraid to cry and to ask not to be left alone. A child Jack who would teach them so much more about their smiling, fun, and broken regular Jack.

A Child at Heart

Bunnymund ran a paw down his face as he let out an over exaggerated sigh. He should've known it would somehow end up like this.

"Sorry, old friend..." North said as he cleared his throat awkwardly and shifted nervously. It was funny how it made him look younger than he really was. Although right now, the Cossack looked younger for a different reason. "I did not expect the experiment to backfire like this at least."

And backfire it did.

It front of Bunny, instead of the intimidating figure of Santa Claus, Bunny was face-to-face instead with a young, suave, black-haired, muscular Russian with twinkling blue eyes. North had somehow, one way or another, reverted to the way he looked so many years ago and there was a downright sheepish look on his face as the Easter Bunny scowled at him.

"Right, of course it did! I told ya it would, didn't I North?" And was it weird that for some reason Bunny felt like an old man scolding a rebellious teenager? "I told ya that messing with magic not under yer jurisdiction would lead to this mess!"

"Bah!" North said with a wave of his hand, "This is only temporary. They not make any permanent mess, I will go back to the way I was because of children's belief." And the supposedly old Santa was right. The reason why North looked like a doting grandpa before, was because children all over the world believed him to be so. Already, Bunny could see the gray streaks in his hair as he smiled widely at the Pooka.

"Whatever you say, mate." The old warrior sighed as he let the matter go. He didn't need this right now. North was an adult and he didn't need any old bunny ratting on him about his mistakes as though he was a kid. "So where's Frostbite at? Heard he was here as well to check on ya."

"Ah..." The Cossack said as he looked down, the sheepish expression was back and Bunny's eyebrow rose in alarm. "About that, you see-"

"SANTA!" Bunny and North jumped at the yell and suddenly there were pitter-patter sounds made by small feet. The two guardians heard the panicked grunting of Phil just as the doors opened and a small figure came running in, dragging a too-long shepherd's crook.

The guardian of Hope gazed in horror as a familiar white-haired boy- only way smaller- with big blue eyes gazed up at them with a wide grin, showing off a set of pearly whites that would have made the Tooth fairy swoon.

"I found a stick!" Jack- because seriously, who else could it be?- said as he tried to hold up his conduit of power, eyebrows creasing at the effort and his too long sleeves covering his hands weren't making it any easier. Jack's shepherd crook stood up straight before it slanted towards North, gently bumping against his clothes and frosting him lightly. "Oops." Jack said, his youthful face looking abashed as he tried to move the stick away with some effort.

"Oh no-" Bunny said finally exhaling as he massaged his temples. This wasn't funny at all. "Ya have got to be kidding me."

"Bunny-" North said in a tone that was both in warning and explanatory. However before he could say anything, the small- nearly three feet- version of Jack waddled towards Bunny and hit him with the thin stick he was carrying.

Green eyes looked down at twinkling blue ones as Jack gazed at him, open-mouthed.

Bunny raised an eyebrow, "What?"

Jack pointed at him as his eyes narrowed, the Pooka took note that the other's lower lip seem to jut out as though he was pouting. "You're a giant bunny-rabbit."

Well, at least it wasn't the word kangaroo. "Yeah, mate."

Jack raised his hands and yelled, "You're a giant bunny rabbit!"

"Yeah, you just told me." Okay, maybe he found this a little hilarious.

"Has anyone told you, you have big ears?" Jack said excitedly jumping on the balls of his feet. North laughed in the background and Bunny shot him a glare before he turned back to the mini Jack in exasperation.

"Well, someone just did." He knelt down, because looking down at this angle wasn't doing his back any good- oh man, when did he start sounding like such an old man? "So, I don't look like a kangaroo to you?"

"What's a Ka-roo-roo?" Jack asked with a tilt of his head and Bunny let out a short laugh as he mussed up the boy's hair and looked at North.

"I think I'd prefer it if the brat stays this way." He joked and North shook his head at the statement. "So, he's a kid in and out then?"

"Yes." North confirmed as he walked towards the small boy who held his arms out at him. He picked Jack up with a grunt as the small runt patted him on the nose making 'boop boop' sounds. "He was in front of the experimental snow globe when it smashed. I was several feet away. He got the full force of the side effects. I do not know how long he will stay like this, but he will eventually turn back to normal."

"How long is eventually?" Bunny asked with a raised eyebrow, ears twitching when Jack decided that sounding like a car was fun now.

"Few weeks, give or take." North said as he grinned fondly at Jack when the young guardian giggled playfully in his arms. "I have already told Tooth and Sandy and they are on their way. Also, I have prepared your room."

This got Bunny's attention, green eyes snapping towards the Santa, "My what?"

Nicholas' eyebrows crinkled, "You will be staying here, yes? Jack is very vulnerable in this state. Many enemies out there will take advantage of him. He may be small but he still has his older self's powers. You must guard him."

"What about you and Phil? I won't be the ankle-biter's only babysitter!" Bunny argued.

"Yes, we take turns. Sandy and Tooth will have turns too but very brief. We make up the rest of their time." North nodded, "However, I will be very busy in concocting antidote. Few weeks is too long, give me several days and Jack will be normal again. Leaving you and Phil to make sure little one does not get into trouble."

"He defines trouble." Bunny grumbled as North walked towards him, Jack reaching out to pull at Bunny's ears. "Oi!"

"He likes you, that is good!" The Cossack laughed as Jack pulled at Bunny's ears with a concentrated look.

"Everyone likes the Easter bunny, mate." Bunny grumbled but then winced when Jack gave a powerful tug. He looked at the kid, about to tell him off but then he saw that wide blue eyes were looking at his own green ones in wonder.

"You're the Easter Bunny?" Jack said breathlessly, his eyes were alight with happiness and awe. "THE Easter Bunny?"

"How many Easter Bunnies do you know?" The Pooka said humorously as Jack struggled in North's hold before the old man finally let him down.

"You give me colorful eggs every year!" Jack smiled up at the other as he ran forward and hugged Bunny's leg, nuzzling at the fur. "I love you!"

Green eyes widened as North chuckled, "That is very cute. Child is attached to you like barnacle."

"Shut it." Bunny growled, although he had to admit the kid was kinda cute. He leaned down when Jack refused to let go of him and with an exasperated-slash-fond sigh, he gathered the other in his arms and carried him awkwardly. Jack's short arm span was barely able to go around Bunny's neck as he yawned and laid his head on the soft fur.

"He is tired, best take him to bed, Bunny. I will begin with the antidote and wait for Tooth and Sandy." North said as he gently patted the other on the back. He turned to Phil who was still grumbling, "Bring some food for Jack and Bunny. Bunny, Phil will lead you to the room."

Huffing slightly, the old warrior followed the grumbling yeti towards the special quarters Santa had prepared for the winter child.

"North!" A loud squealing object came through the windows and almost knocked the Cossack over. Thankfully, the Santa's reflexes were as fast as ever and he was able to dodge Tooth just as she came in, positively vibrating with worry and happiness.

"I heard from my fairies! Is it true? Did Jack really turn into a kid? Is he cute? Is his teeth still beautiful? Where is he?" She spoke quickly, flying left and right. "I left my fairies at the palace- I mean a tiny, kid Jack- oh they'll positively adore him! They can't meet him yet though, I'll have to get out the pliers just to get them out of his mouth- Oh! Well don't you look young and dashing!" She said spotting the guardian of Wonder.

"Thank you." North said humbly when he finally grabbed the other by her leg and gently pulled her back down. "Jack has been taken to his room by Phil and Bunny to sleep. Do not make much noise or he will awaken."

"Oh, yes." Tooth said covering her mouth, but she was still giggling. "So Bunny's already here? What about Sandy?"

"He is on his way like you. Just spreading a quick dream sand over Cleveland, last I check." North said thoughtfully as he turned his back on the fairy and continued to mix the chemicals. "Sit, one of the elves will bring you tea."

Tooth nodded and sat on the nearest armchair looking around. "So Bunny?"

"He is with child guardian. Jack undeniably adores him. Not everyday you see giant rabbit I guess, and also with Bunny being the Easter Bunny-" North said as he gently shook the beaker.

"Oh, do I hear jealousy North?" Tooth teased the other lightly. "Are you jealous that Jack prefers the Easter Bunny over Santa?"

"Bah! That is silly!" North said with a huff. "No one prefers Easter Bunny over Santa!"

Tooth giggled as she said, "Whatever you say, North." Just as the two were collapsing into silence however, a certain sandman entered their midst, looking excited as symbols flashed over his head.

"Sandy! Welcome old friend!" North said throwing his hands wide, and Sandy expressed his exclamation at North's rather young looks.

"Yes, yes experiment backfired, nothing serious, worry not." North smiled widely as he gestured them outside. "Let us all gather in the globe room to discuss newest guardian's dilemma."

"Ah Bunny! You are already here!" North said enthusiastically when he saw the Pooka lounging by the couch, chewing thoughtfully on a carrot. "How is Jack?"

"Little tyke is asleep." Bunny answered with a sigh a she finished with the carrots. "Didn't want to go to sleep at first, but yer milk and cookies must've some sleeping pills in 'em, conked out a few seconds after eating those sugary death traps.'"

Before North could answer, however- "You gave him cookies and milk before bed?" Tooth shrieked. "And you didn't bother brushing his teeth afterwards?"

"Now, now Tooth, I'm sure Phil will get to that immediately." North said giving the yeti a meaningful look. Phil nodded, grumbling that he well get to that later. "We have more important things to discuss now, yes?"

Sandy nodded hurriedly as Tooth calmed down running her fingers through her feathers.

"Of course, as you may know, and as Bunny has seen, Jack has become little child again. Little child with extraordinary powers he may or may not be able to control." North's young expression morphed into a serious one. All of the guardians were looking at him with rapt attention. "We have many enemies out there and there are even more, ever since Jack has become guardian. If the news gets out that Jack has shrunk into a kid who is barely six- well, we will have a field day in protecting Jack from being kidnapped."

Bunny stiffened as Tooth and Sandy exchanged worried looks.

"What do you propose we do, North?" Tooth asked.

"We will have turns in babysitting our guardian of Fun. Bunny will have most shifts of course, with Easter having just finished." The Cossack turned to the rabbit glaring at him. "You do not mind, do you, old friend?"

Bunny said something that sounded like, 'do I have a choice?' before Tooth elbowed him and he nodded hesitantly. "Sure, mate. I'll have the sentinels guard the Warren while I stay here."

"Good, good." North said patting his belly, "I have already started on potion that will revert Jack to normal. It will take me a few days to gather ingredients, I will be mostly in and out of the workshop, so I will be depending on you and Phil. Sandy and Tooth can relieve you whenever they are free."

"I'll drop in as often as I can. Baby Tooth and the others won't mind, I'm sure." Tooth said and Sandy nodded, forming sand figures that said that children wouldn't mind dreamless sleep now and then.

"Then it is settled! I will be leaving immediately, of course-" However, North was interrupted from his dismissal when a loud, high-pitched cry reached their ears.

All of the guardians, and Phil, froze at the sound, eyes wide.

Bunny was the first to move. Being the fastest animal in the planet, it was no surprise that he reached the room where the cry came from first. The scent of snow and ice invaded his sharp senses and pretty soon, the Pooka was almost knocking down the door at his eagerness to enter.

There on the bed was the small, crying form of Jack Frost twisted in the bed sheets.

The old warrior's ears swiveled in confusion, his nose twitching. But the only scent in the room was of Jack, his own scent, and Phil's scent from earlier. It seemed like there was no danger.

"Oh Jack!" Tooth shouted in worry as she finally arrived and went passed Bunny to gather the child winter spirit in her arms. "Shh, it's okay. You're fine, sweetie. We're here."

"What happened?" North came in after the tooth fairy, in his hands were his twin sabers- ready to fight in case of danger.

"There's no danger." Bunny said to the Russian who eyebrows rose in confusion.

"Then, what-?"

It was Sandy who gave them the answer. Rolling his eyes at their confusion and obvious inexperience towards children. He formed figures with his sand, creating a familiar looking horse.

"Pitch?" North and Bunny said at the same time. Tooth looked up at the name, her amethysts eyes narrowing. Sandy shook his head and tried again.

"Oh, you mean Nightmare." Tooth finally said and Sandy nodded as he gestured towards the still crying Jack. "Jack had a nightmare."

The guardians fell quiet at that. Phil grumbled that he was going to get the boy some toys to help ease him taking North's swords as he left. The rather young-looking Santa drew closer to the bed, Sandy behind him as Bunny leaned against the door frame with a sigh.

"Shh, there, there Jack. No more, crying yes?" North said as the guardian of Fun slowly became quieter, only sniffling now. Crystal like tears hung on his lashes as he nodded at the soothing voice of the Santa, "That is good boy, are you okay? Did you have a nightmare?"

Jack pouted, as though refusing to cave in and admit weakness. He rubbed at his wide blue eyes with his too-long sleeves.

"It's okay Sweet Tooth, you can tell us. We won't tease you." Toothiana crooned, Jack looked up, as though just noticing her.

"Who are you? Where's mama?" He said, panic making his voice rise. Bunny flinched at the question as Tooth gave North desperate look.

"It is fine, Jack. Your mama has left you with us because she had to go somewhere. And this person," He said as he placed a hand on Tooth's shoulder, "is a good friend of mine. She is the Tooth fairy. You have heard of her, surely?"

"Tooth fairy," Jack eyes widened and it seemed for the moment, he had forgotten his nightmare, "Yes! You bring me coins when I lose a tooth!"

A smile lightened Tooth's face as she patted the child on the head. "That's right, and this person..." She said when blue eyes turned towards Sandy who politely inclined his head to the young Frost child, "Is Sandy. He's the sandman, he puts people to sleep."

"Oh." Jack said, eyes wide and he waved at Sandy, smile bright. "Hello, Mr. Sandman."

Sandy waved at the other cheerfully, a gentle smile on his face.

Jack slowly placed his hand down as he turned towards Tooth, almost shyly blinking, as he asked in a soft tone, "Uhm, Miss Fairy, when can I go home? Even- even if mama left me here with you, I'm sure- I'm sure papa's worried and-"

"Yer papa is busy too." Bunny was the one who answered to the surprise of the others. He was still leaning against the door, green eyes surveying Jack uncertainly. "They left ya in our care for awhile. We'll be looking after ya until they get back."

"-And you will be going home as soon as they come back, yes?" North immediately said when he saw Jack's face crumple as though he was about to cry again. "Meanwhile, we will take very good care of you. Tomorrow you can look around shop and play with whatever toy you like. It is very fun idea, yes?"

Jack's face immediately lightened at the word 'fun', his flushed teary face breaking into a smile as he nodded eagerly. "Fun!"

Tooth's eyes softened at the familiar expression, "But that's for tomorrow. Right now you have to go to sleep, okay Jack?"

The young sprite turned to Tooth, his face collapsing in a frightened expression. He shook his head firmly, "I-I don't want to go to sleep- I- I'm scared."

Sandy's expression furrowed as he made various figures with his dream sand. Sleep after all, was under his jurisdiction.

"Is it because of your nightmare Jack?" Tooth asked softly, remembering what happened earlier. "Do you want to talk about it?"

The child sprite shook his head, blue eyes wide and still scared. Tears began to form once more when they saw remembrance overtook the childish appearance. "No- I-" Jack sniffed as he raised a hand to rub at his eyes. "I- I can't-"

"We can stay with you if you are scared." North said in a soothing manner. Blue eyes widened and Bunny tried not to flinch at the amount of disbelief behind the expression of someone so young.

Jack let out a rattled breath, disbelief coloring every letter of the word, "R-Really?"

It was almost as if the child Jack thought they would turn away such an idea.

"Yes," Tooth said immediately, reassuring, but there was something troubled with her expression. "That is, if you want us too."

It was almost funny, at the same time endearing, the way Jack nearly fell off the bed at his haste to make space for them at the words. But when he looked up and saw the four guardians- his blue eyes sizing them up- he frowned in disappointment. "But- all of us won't fit. We won't fit on the bed."

There was a huff of fond laughter, "It is fine. I will have Phil get Bunny and me sleeping bags." North waved the problem away easily. "Tooth and Sandy can stay with you if that is okay?"

"Okay!" Jack said nodding at the solution formed. Everyone smiled as Toothiana settled on the right side of his bed. The child guardian laid back on his pillow, smiling happily at Tooth. Sandy was above them, already starting to sprinkle golden sand onto the youth's face without much prompting.

Jack's eyes began to slowly droop as he yawned. Blue irises barely visible under the fringe of lashes as Tooth hummed and stroked at his hair. "N-No bad dreams?" He asked softly as he breathed out.

"No more bad dreams Jack. We'll be here to keep them away." Tooth assured softly.

Jack yawned, eyelashes still fluttering, "You won't leave me?"

North drew closer, smiling at the young child fondly. "No, we will be here, mal'chik. Promise."

"Don't leave me." Jack breathed out softly as his eyes finally closed, sandy smiling down at him softly. "Not again." He managed to mutter one last time as he fell asleep.

There was silence as the soft breaths of the guardian of fun echoed through the room. The Pooka straightened up, disturbing the heavy and quiet atmosphere with a clearing of his throat.

"I'll go tell Phil about those sleeping bags." Were the words Bunny said as he turned to hop away, closing the door behind his companions. He tried to ignore the guilt churning in his stomach as he ran towards his destination.

He wondered if his fellow guardians felt the guilt he felt when he heard the soft spoken pleas of the child not to be left alone.

After all, even if Jack only acted this way because he was a kid, it still did not change the fact that they owed Jack a lot.

Because no matter the reason or the circumstance...

Leaving a child alone for three hundred years was enough to give anyone nightmares.

Author's notes: My hand slipped? XD I wasn't planning to write this out at all but- Eh. Here it is XD

Also I was gonna update two days ago but there was a problem with fanfiction (or maybe just our computer) so I only had time to put this up today.

I'm sorry I got busy during the last month because of convocation activities, examinations, and seminars. Right now I have two reports due, an exam in less than two weeks (again) and apparently I have to contribute two articles, finish one last request for 8027 day, and finish three to four novels I'm working on.

Time really isn't enough.

I'm sorry for being late but I think the next chapter will be out sooner than you think, because I really have to make it up to you guys!

So thanks and enjoy and hopefully I'll get back to you soon!

Take care :D