Tis the Season

First off, so sorry you all had to wait so long. Basically, a friend came to me and asked for a sewing related favour. Basically he wanted me to make a couple of plush toys for his girlfriend's birthday. In a month. I'd never made plush dolls before but said I'd give it a try. A decision that cost me pretty much every second of spare time I had trying to get them done in time (I did, and she loved them, so I guess it was a successful use of my time).

Anyway, now they're done, I have some free time again, and am hoping I can at least get the few extra chapters I wanted to write done so I can complete this. Been over a month so I'm a little rusty with the story but hoping I can get back in without too many hiccups. First up is an interlude - the other Guardians first interactions with Jack in the Christmas chapter I've been trying to write forever. After Bunnymund tells the others about Jack's heritage, but before Jack comes to the Warren to help him with Easter.

This year had been hard for the children, and it was North's duty to remind them that joy and wonder were still here, vibrant and beautiful as ever. As such, as Christmas's went this had been one for his record books. A mountain of presents down every chimney, window and drainpipe, even for those who had been more naughty than usual. With a certain Guardian getting his slate wiped, he'd been more lenient towards the mischievous. Now, the reindeer were tired, the elves exhausted, the yetis were drinking eggnog laced with a significant amount of scotch, and North himself had been without sleep the last 72 hours. But he was certainly not ready to call it a day, not now that his job was done, and his own celebrations could begin.

"Dingle! Not so much icing. Bernard, check the turkey, but not with your tongue. Come now everyone, guests will be here in a moment!"

He clapped his hands in preparation, looking over the table with pride. Though the Guardians were solitary creatures by habit, North had quilted and bribed and manhandled every single one of them into this yearly tradition. It would not do them well to become strangers, so every Christmas; they came to the Pole for a Christmas feast.

And this year would be extra special now they had a new Guardian welcomed into the fold. Jack had been delighted and taken back when North had invited him all the way back in August, and since hearing about Jack's secret, he was very much looking forward to seeing what Bunny had unearthed.

Speaking of whom...

"Bunny!" North crowed, as a door opened to reveal a blizzard and six foot of grey rabbit jumped in. North immediately came to his aid to push the door shut, and clamped his hands on his friend's shoulders. "You came early, what do I owe this surprise?"

The Pooka shook himself slightly to rid himself of the frost in the coat. "What? Can't a fella be on time? Saw the weather and figured I wouldn't be the first one here."

"Ah" North replied sympathetically. "You were wanting to catch our other Pooka Guardian? Sorry old friend, but that blizzard is a gift from Mother Nature. Jack has not been here in months."

Bunny frowned at that. "The blighter said he'd show up right?"

North nodded. "Yes, though that was some time ago. He may have forgotten. I did leave a gift outside his pond last night as a reminder, but who can tell with Jack? Did you remind him?"

The Pooka sighed. "Would have loved to, but the blighter's been avoiding me. Haven't seen him in months."

North gasped in shock. "What? But...surely after you found out-"

"Hey!" Bunny interrupted. "It's not like I haven't been trying. There was a...incident that Jack took the wrong way and he wanted space. Didn't want to push it."

His friend sighed. "I'm sorry Bunny. But let's be hopeful. Surely Jack will be along-"

"Hello...?"

Both swung their heads around at the lilt in time to see Tooth flutter in, joined by four small fairies. One instantly left the flock and began flying around, looking round corners and nooks. She chirped sadly once the room had been cased, and Tooth shrugged sheepishly.

"Sorry. Baby Tooth has been pining. Jack didn't come with you Bunny?"

Bunnymund sighed, and North chuckled.

"Ah no Tooth. I don't suppose you have seen him since Bunny had him shed the cloak?"

Her face fell. "No! Baby Tooth even staked out his pond. I wanted to see his teeth..."

North hid a smile and ushered the two of them in. "Well, there's no point in worrying about who will or will not arrive. Sandy's still to come, and I believe he keeps track of our errant guardian. Now come! Let's get this celebration under way!"

Bunnymund rolled his eyes, but allowed North's arm to sling around his shoulders. He'd assumed Jack would show up early – he and North got along great...hard to imagine that he'd be keeping his distance from the other Guardians just because-

He sighed and shook away that train of thought. North was right, there was no point in worrying until Jack did (or didn't) show up.

"Fine, just give me a second to get the feeling back in my feet. Explain to me again why you won't let me fix up a direct tunnel into the workshop?"

"Bah, Bunny, Bunny, Bunny" North chided. "You know I would love to let you come and go, but Phil takes my security very seriously. You need fill out the proper applications forms first."

Tooth rolled her eyes and exchanged looks with her fairies. It was an old argument, one the two picked up every year, but she let the familiar debate wash over her with nostalgic fondness. Sandy would no doubt show up just as the two of them found their stomachs rumbling, and North had the yeti's bring out the eggnog.

And she was certain he'd bring along their other wayward companion too.

He'd been sat on the lamppost for so long the fernlike frost patterns were beginning to double over, but Jack merely shifted his position and held his staff tight. From this angle he could see in the window of nearly 5 homes – all of them preparing for Christmas dinner. Kids were playing with toys, teenagers were glued to the latest communication device they'd unwrapped, adults were setting the table and pets were staking out the kitchen with military precision. Some people were fighting, others were laughing, but they were all celebrating.

For the countless time, Jack looked up at the Moon, and then back down to the gift settled in his lap. He'd been out performing his usual midnight snow on Christmas lottery, and come home to Burgess to find two presents sitting at the edge of his pond. The first had been wrapped almost slovenly, too much sticky tape and crumples in the paper. It was from Jamie and his friends – a handmade signpost that proudly proclaimed 'Jack Frost's Pond', along with a pretty crude circle-and-triangle-shaped-blob he assumed was meant to be him – probably Sophie's contribution. He'd found a fallen branch and held it up with ice before fixing it up. Wouldn't last long, but would keep until he figured out at smarter place to put it. The smallest one had been immaculate – and the one sitting in his lap right now, still wrapped.

For the first time in a very long time, Santa Claus had left him a gift. Along with a card reminding him of the invitation he'd accepted several months ago. Before...

A gloved hand slipped under the hood and scratched his head in frustration. He should go, he wanted to go, he did! He just didn't know if he could handle what that actually meant. Sure, they all knew now, but only Bunny had actually seen him. If he went, even if the others did, Bunny wouldn't let it lie. There would be poking, and prodding, and Tooth – you didn't need to be a betting Guardian to know there would be fingers in his mouth all evening...

But if he didn't go...then he'd have to deal with their disappointment. And that was almost enough to get him off the lamppost and into the air...until he reminded himself of what would happen if he did go, and continued the brooding cycle.

He probably would have sat there until sunrise, weighing over the options, if not for the golden strand that wrapped around his leg, and yanked him up. Jack yelped, the unexpected motion resulting in his staff clattering to the ground. The gift that had sat in his lap followed suit, only to be caught in a gold hand. Moments later, Jack found himself hanging upside down from the lamppost, a familiar sandy figure coming into view, arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

"...You know, there are easier ways to say hello" Jack quipped, crossing his arms in return.

Sandy shook his head and smiled, little images of turkey and presents dotting above his head, followed by a question mark and a clock. Jack sighed.

"Yeah yeah, I know. Probably should have been there hours ago. I've been...preoccupied."

The Sandman waved his finger in Jack's face, looking disappointed, and Jack crumpled.

"Okay! I wasn't sure if I should show" he snapped. "It's complicated."

Sandy fingered the gift he was holding, while the images above his head formed into the guardians. Slowly, the one shaped like Jack shifted into that of a Pooka, and Jack looked away.

"Let me guess, you think I'm being stupid and if I don't go willingly you're just going to drag me there anyway? Good enough translation?"

The Sandman sighed, and released the whip that was holding Jack up. The winter spirit quickly flipped upright and grabbed his staff from the ground, watching the other guardian curiously. Sandy merely held up the still unopened gift and gave him a sympathetic smile. The sand above his head became an unwrapped present, and another question mark. Almost instinctively, Jack returned his attention to the gift, and with a sidelong glance at the dream spirit, tentatively tore into the paper. It only took a few moments, and with care, Jack opened the box, slowly lifting out the contents.

"North, there are 57 pages to that document. And it's all in Yetish!"

"Are you suggesting my Yeti's are not performing above board?"

"I'm suggesting that you employ someone with the gift of tongues and a universal translator so I know I'm not signing over my first born along with a tunnel hatch!"

"Really Bunny, what would Yeti's do with your first born? They have plenty of Yeti children to worry about."

"North, missing the point here. All I'm asking is-"

"...So North's starting an adoption agency?"

Both Guardians blinked and turned to face the new voice. Tooth's fairies squealed in delight as they recognised the cloak laden Guardian walking down the stairs, staff balanced on his shoulders. By his side, the Sandman was floating, a smug look on his face and two glasses of eggnog in his hands.

"...Or did I miss the start of the conversation?"

"Jack!" North boomed, striding over and giving the winter spirit a strong hug. "Glad you made it. And Sandy! Good to see you!"

Sandman formed a hat and tipped it in greeting, and once again for Tooth and Bunny, who were walking over. Baby Tooth had barely acknowledged the dream spirits presence, instead darting over to Jack and huddling in the scarf hidden by the hood. Jack chuckled as the feather tickled his cheek.

"Hey Baby Tooth. And big Tooth."

Tooth smiled. "It's been a while. Starting to think you were avoiding us."

"Come one" Jack joked. "It's only been a few months. That shouldn't even blip your radar. Just been a busy season."

"Ah, so true" agreed North. "Now come! We can discuss things after we feast! First we eat before the elves lose all self restraint! Boris! More eggnog for Sandy!"

The man red was urging his guests forward, and Jack sagged in relief, tagging along behind. It came as no surprise when Bunnymund quickly fell in step behind him.

"Been a while kit" he greeted. "How you holding up?"

Jack shrugged. "Can't complain? Still getting used to kids seeing me – keep finding believers in the weirdest places."

Bunny nodded, and his hand twitched, as if he wanted to place it on Jack's shoulder, but held back and instead looked the other spirit over. Jack winced as he heard the inevitable groan.

"Again? Kit, how many pairs of boots am I gonna have to confiscate before you stop doing that?"

Jack's hands just tightened around his staff. "How many times am I going to have to tell you I like my boots before you stop asking that?"

Bunny sniffed, and then began eying the hood with suspicion. "Bet you've got your ears tied down again too. You're not doing yourself any favours with that Frostbite."

Jack threw his head back and groaned. "Cottontail, I've been here all of five minutes and you're already getting on my case. Can we at least try to get through dinner before we start arguing about my wardrobe? The others are letting it go."

'The others don't realise what you're doing' Bunny's mind snapped back, but he held up his hands in a gesture of goodwill.

"Sorry. I won't bring it up again. Make no promises about the others though."

"Jack! Bunny!" North's voice boomed down the corridor. "Food will not wait forever!"

"Aw keep your coat on North!" Bunny yelled back, this time allowing his hand to grab Jack's shoulder and push him on. "We're coming!"

To the Guardian's credit, they managed to not only make it through the entire meal, but a good 3 hours after before coming to the topic of Jack's heritage. All four of them were clearly unsure how to approach the subject, and were clearly trying to urge Jack to bring it up himself. Jack however, was rather enjoying their clumsy attempts to steer the conversation. 300 years of talking to no one but himself had made him the master of circular conversations.

He had expected it to be Bunny that snapped first, but the other Pooka was true to his word, refusing to bring it up. There were a few moments when the Pooka looked ready to spill, only to catch himself and sit back (the looks on the other Guardians faces could have fit every definition of confusion from the act). Instead, it was Tooth that broke first.

"Oh, I just can't take it anymore!" she wailed, interrupting North who had somehow been coaxed by Jack into explaining why Italy though he was a woman, and darted out of her chair to flutter around Jack's shoulder.

"Please, please, please, can I see your teeth?" she besmirched eyes wide and mouth pouting. Behind her, the fairies quickly followed suit, a sorrowful whine coming from their tiny mouths. North chuckled, looking up at a clock and nudging Sandman.

"I think that is a new record for Tooth. Half an hour on her previous."

All of them were now focused on Jack, who was pointedly not looking at Tooth. Unfortunately, it meant he caught the eye of Bunny, who merely stared back. There was no condescension or smugness in the expression, just understanding, and encouragement.

Jack sighed. He'd known he'd have to do this eventually, might as well get it over with. One glove fingered the edge of his hood, the motion dislodging Baby Tooth from what was becoming her permanent haunt, and pulled it back. The fairies squeals hit another decibel when he pulled the scarf away, revealing the white muzzle.

Tooth was immediately in his face, fingers in his mouth as she counted every molar.

"Shiny! And sparkly! They really are like freshly fallen snow! And not a single cavity – even Bunny has cavities!"

"Tooth!" North warned. "Fingers out of mouth."

Suddenly, Baby Tooth was between her and Jack, waving her hands erratically and shooing her boss back. Tooth relented and flew back with a nervous chuckle.

"Sorry. They're beautiful..."

Jack blushed and scratched the back of his head, while North and Sandy took in the Pooka's appearance. North was nodding in approval.

"White, I am not surprised, but why are your ears tied down that way?"

"Yes Jack" Bunnymund piped as with some satisfaction. "Why are they tied down?"

He sent a glare in the Easter spirits direction, though there wasn't much ire to it, and shrugged. "Comfier that way. Hood doesn't bug them if they're tied down.

As if tempting fate, the rope suddenly loosened, and Jack's ears jerked as he felt it fall to the ground, a giggling fairy hovering by his neck having clearly untied it.

"Baby Tooth!" Jack snapped, only for the fairy to dart out of reach. By his side, he heard Bunny chuckle, and the Easter spirit ruffled the hair on his head.

"Now that's more like it."

Sandy was making frantic images too fast to follow, but North was watching and nodding, apparently used to the Dream spirits communications.

"So what Bunny said was true" he translated. "There is another Pooka, and I think we all wish to hear your story. Won't you tell it Jack?"

The Guardian of Fun faltered, ears drooping. "I...don't know if it's much of a story worth telling" he admitted.

But North just flicked his hands in the air, as if trying to wave away his doubts. "Pah, how can one tell if a story is worth telling when one has never told it? Please, share with us."

Tooth nodded. "We know so little about you Jack. Let us know you better."

Sandy was nodding too, and though Bunny was saying nothing, he could feel the Pooka eyes boring into him. The concern and genuine interest was palpable, and Jack found it hard to stay silent.

"Well, the first thing I remember is the snow..."

Three centuries of isolation had taken its toll on Jacks social skills, and he'd forgotten just how...freeing it could be to tell others what you knew. His story was not that special, or that interesting. He'd been a rabbit when his family was human, but he'd been raised like a human boy – not all that interesting a life at all, until perhaps the end. But by the end, a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying seemed to fall, and Tooth had held him close, stroking the icy fur on his forehead while Baby Tooth huddled into his neck, and North had given him another one of his bear hugs. Bunnymund had stayed silent through it all, taking in the story that he had only heard parts of several months before, but had inched closer and closer, until he was Jack's silent shadow. When Tooth had loosened her grip and North retreated, Jack found a steady hand on his shoulder, and Bunny sitting by his side.

"Thanks for sharing" the elder Pooka said. "And for showing up."

Jack shrugged. "I wasn't sure for a while. Sandy sort of forced me to make up my mind."

Bunny chuckled. "Yeah...he's good at that. So easy to forget he's there, but don't think for second he misses anything."

The two sat in companionable silence for a while, before Bunny felt the need to break it.

"Look, I know you're probably still a little angry with me, but if you ever just want to talk, or want company, or anything at all, the Warren's always open to you. Don't avoid me, okay? Can you promise me that?"

Jack stared at him in genuine confusion, before looking away. "I'm not angry with you, not anymore. I was just caught off guard."

Bunnymund's shoulders seemed to lift at that simple phrase, and he nodded. "Well, good to hear."

He patted the winter spirit on the back and began walking off. "Still meant what I said, don't be a stranger."

Jack watched him walk away, and pushed down the desire to follow the other spirit. A decision made easier when he felt another presence sit next to him, and turned to face Santa Claus, who was staring at him knowingly.

"Glad to see the two of you are getting along. I was worried when Bunny said he hadn't seen you in a while."

"Yeah...it was just a bad situation" Jack admitted. "I'm not used to people deciding things for me, even if they think it's for my own good.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was gonna show up today – didn't know if I really wanted to see everyone."

North nodded. This didn't appear to be much of a revelation for him.

"Can I ask what changed your mind?"

Jack looked away, but his hand reached into his cloak, pulling something out. It was a wooden matryoshka doll decorated like Jack Frost. Not a centre piece, but the second most inner doll. North should know, he'd made it.

Jack twisted the doll open and lifted up the little baby doll inside.

"You gave me this. I still have the little doll you gave me when I became a Guardian, but for Christmas you gave me another doll."

He held it up, showing the grinning white rabbit holding a staff. North smiled.

"I felt...given the circumstances, that your first doll might not be truly accurate" he explained. "So I gave you a multi-layer doll. Both are you, and at the centre, you are still the same. You are a very multi-layered person Jack, like so many others."

Jack nodded, and sealed the doll up again.

"I just...when I saw it, I remembered what Bunny said to me once. About how what I am doesn't really matter as much as who I am. And when I realised that...seemed silly to keep avoiding the inevitable."

North chuckled, and patted the Pooka on the back. "I'm glad you managed to realise that. We are sorry that you were alone for so long Jack, but we want to make up for it now. And we do not care what you are, just that you are Jack Frost."

Jack nodded. "Still not ready to let the rest of the world know, but that helps North, thanks."

His ears drooped. "Though I think I've been giving Bunny a hard time over it."

North nodded. "Ah, yes. My fellow holiday spirit has been somewhat 'tight-tongued' this season. Not like him at all."

The Guardian of Fun sighed. "I should probably apologise again."

"Bunny can hold a grudge" North admitted. "Not unlike another Guardian I could mention. With him, I've found actions work better than words when it comes to apologies."

"Actions..." Jack repeated, and white ears suddenly pricked up as an idea came to him.

"Easter. I can help him with Easter! That could work, right?"

North laugh was deep and booming. "Oh Jack, anyone else he would kick out. But you? Your help I think he would love. I would ask. You'll have to listen to him though – remember, 'His warren, his rules.'"

Jack groaned, tugging at the hood of his cloak, but not quite lifting it up. "Well...guess I'll have to live with that. A few weeks towing the line while I paint eggs? How hard could that be, right? Thanks North!"

As the young Pooka left, North swallowed the chuckle that had desperately tried to escape.

"Well, least I got Bunny a good Christmas gift this year."

Their poor new Guardian had no idea what he was in for.

This chapter does read a little bit rambly in places so please forgive me that. I had a general idea of what I wanted to put in this chapter, but was struggling on how to get from A to C. Hope it flows regardless.

Bunny probably seems a little out of character here – but this is basically him trying to give Jack space and distance since he's not entirely sure how Jack feels about the whole situation yet. When Jack's actually in the Warren and listening to Bunny's rules a few months later, he can afford to be a little more himself.