A/N: heh, don't really have a reason for this late (at night) update... sorry

December 5th

Reindeer

North's reindeer were wild and unpredictable.

At least to those who didn't take the time to learn more about them.

Jack had been trying breaking into the Workshop for years, and consequently had found the reindeer too. They were good company for the spirited teen. They reminded Jack of himself. Wild, untamed, fun-loving personalities, and just a general awesomeness. He'd never told anyone about the time he spent with the reindeer. There has been a few times when Jack had been having a terrible day, and he'd go hang out with the reindeer. They made him feel tons better. They'd had slowly come to regard Jack as a friend, and he'd nicknamed them to go along with the popular legend. He had no idea what their real names were, and so he had given them names.

It was nearing Christmas, and Jack decided to go check up them before the annual meeting, since they tended not to get enough care during the busy season.

Carefully, he eased the door open and was nearly impaled by Blitzen's antlers.

"Whoa boy! Calm down!

Not to be outdone, Donner quickly nuzzled Jack's face in greeting.

"Hey!"

All the others wandered up, welcoming Jack back.

"It's been a while, huh?" he remarked as he worked his way inside the stable. "I haven't been to see you guys since I became a Guardian! Sorry, I've been busy."

Dancer shook her head, snorting. Jack laughed.

Gently, he pet Vixen's snout, " Well, unless you count the sleigh ride, huh."

Moving on to greet Dasher, he continued to blabber on, "Looks like you've missed me."

Snorts were heard all around at this comment. Again, Jack smiled.

Prancer was the last one to be pet by Jack. Though he'd never admit it, Prancer was his favorite. The reindeer was always in tune to Jack's emotions. Looking deep into the winter spirit's eyes, he noted the dark bags under Jack's eyes.

Communicating with the others, he told them about the teen's sleep deprivation . The others quickly moved into action.

Comet and Cupid surrounded Jack, pushing him smoothly to the ground. Ignoring his cry, all the others soon gathered around too.

The spirit wiggled and twisted, but to no avail. He wouldn't be getting away anytime soon.

Eyes heavy, he tried to resist the warmth, but it didn't work. Prancer snorted in satisfaction as the teen slumped into the grip of sleep.

"Where is he?" Tooth fretted.

"I do not know," North muttered, "he was here earlier!"

"binoculars"

"Yes! Sandy is right, let's go look for him!" Tooth looked toward Bunny.

He flattened his ears, knowing exactly what they were wanting him to do.

"He's in there." Everyone looked startled at Bunny's pronouncement.

Together they looked toward the stable door that stood partly open.

All had worried looks on their faces as they remembered their experiences with the wild reindeer. Wasting no more time, they surged forward into the barn.

Wide eyes stared, confused at the sight before them. Jack was sleeping in the middle of a group of reindeer, surrounded on all sides, smile on his face.

Dancer had looked up at the noise, and when faced with the startled Guardians, she shook her head at them. In a gesture all would understand, she motioned them toward the door with a quiet snort.

Recognizing the request to leave, the four snuck out, careful to be silent.

Once outside, they all shrugged at each other, and headed back to start the meeting.