Note: I changed the summary slightly from 'will friendship get in the way of duty' to 'will duty get in the way of a budding friendship'. Why? The future chapters will be the explanation.

Settings:The Warren, Tooth Palace, North Pole, and wherever Sandy is at right now.

Rating:T (for future injuries and hurt and angst)

Genre:Friendship/Family, Hurt/Comfort, Angst

Chapter II
Trust

"Hope
Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering 'it will be happier'..."
― Alfred Tennyson

It was like a punch in the gut to Bunny when Jack suddenly flew off leaving behind only some frost, his misery, and his lost hope in the Warren. Granted, Bunny always felt like he was being punched whenever someone's hope was squeezed out of them like that. But with Jack, the feeling seemed to have increased tenfold, like a black hole was left in the Pooka's old heart as Jack struggled with his confusion and hurt.

And all Bunny could do was curl up on himself, wheezing in regret at his words as he felt the pain of Jack's feelings.

Wanting to be friends, to be accepted, to have a family…

Bunny doesn't like me, he hates, hates me, hates me…

For three hundred years I- I wanted…

But it's useless…

Nothing has changed.

Nothing has changed. Tooth, North, and Sandy gave Jack their centers but the little sprite believed that the rivalry and dislike between him and Bunny hadn't changed. And he was rapidly losing faith that it will ever change. With a few words, Bunny had successfully knocked down the carefully built pillar of hope the guardian of Fun had painstakingly built for their possible friendship.

Frost. Bunny gritted his teeth but not in anger or annoyance, rather in regret at his sudden loss of control. No one's, no one's, hopelessness has ever affected him in such a way as Jack's. No hopelessness has ever toppled him over and knocked out his breath like this. Not even during that messy Easter affair with Pitch last year.

Although the Pooka did feel Jack's hopelessness when he shouted and berated the winter elemental for being with the Nightmare King while the guardians dealt with the Nightmares that destroyed his googies. The pain had been present there too. Unyielding and strong, but at the time Bunny had thought it was because all of his believers were losing faith in him and Easter at the same time. He thought nothing further of it.

I-I can't… Bunny thought as his vision began to swim. It hurts, it hurts. Three hundred years of hopelessness and misery hurt. It was like ice was surrounding Bunny's body, strong and cold and never thawing, trying to protect him from the truth but at the same time causing him pain from the solitude he felt.

Jack had always been cold, but Bunny realized, in more ways than one. In an attempt not to lose himself through three hundred years of being walked through, of being ignored, of being alone, Jack placed a wall of ice around his heart. He reflected the children's joy and put up a mask of mischievousness to battle away the sadness he felt.

But Bunny hadn't realized that, hadn't thought of that. His pride got the better of him, his short-tempered personality and his hate for anything cold forming Jack's personality for him before they could even get to know each other.

And why, why? Why was Bunny only realizing this when he was here lying on the grass, writhing in pain from one child's broken hope?

Bunny didn't know. And he couldn't think up of an answer even if he wanted to, not right now while he writhed in indescribable pain.

Paws curling in self defeat, the old pooka let his eyes close and the darkness take over him until his body could finally get over the pain. The last thing he thought of was a how eerily familiar Jack's hope was.

Like a certain object he had once lost.

And with that thought, Bunny lost his battle with consciousness and allowed himself to be buried in the darkness of slumber.

Baby Tooth chirped worriedly as she hovered near Jack's face. She had woken up from his cold grasp and the cold air around them, flitting about worriedly when she saw that they were once again in Antarctica. The place where Pitch offered Jack everything he'd ever wanted but Jack turned it down because it wasn't right, it wasn't what he wanted.

The boy in question was sitting at the edge of the cliff again, hood up, knees and staff hugged to his chest as blue eyes were covered by snow white bangs.

You lost it.

Jack's grip on his staff tightened, knuckles white from the effort and tension. The tiny fairy chirped more in worry, buzzing around but Jack stayed where he was.

It wasn't Bunny's words that got to him the most. The words confused the sprite as much as the owner did. No, it was the way Bunny had said the words, filled with so much despair and frustration and hopelessness that Jack had only ever heard once before. When Bunny had uttered those words, coupled with that look in his eyes that were glaring and blaming and-

A strong wind blew and Baby Tooth squeaked in panic as she flew quickly into Jack's pocket to avoid getting blown away.

Jack knew, he knew that out of all the guardians, it was Bunny he'd had the most trouble with. He knew that the guardian of Hope was the one person- rabbit he'd never gotten along with unless there was a proper effort on both of their parts.

Bunny hated the ice and cold, Jack couldn't live without the ice and cold.

Where Jack was Winter, Bunny was Spring.

They weren't compatible. Heck they were born to repel each other. But even so-

Jack wanted to be friends.

Bunny was someone he had admired when he was younger. An amazing creature that painted eggs for children all over the world, someone who made his sister happy with the different variety of eggs he prepared during Easter Sunday. He was Jack's hero- even though he'll never admit it out loud- and more than anyone, even more than North sometimes, Jack wanted Bunny's acceptance.

"Just goes to show how pathetic I am." Jack finally spoke, voice hoarse as he looked up at the sky and right at the moon. "To want someone who hates me to be friends with me."

Jack stared at the ethereal glowing rock in the sky, but the moon did not answer. After a few seconds the winter sprite sighed.

"Well, I did talk to you for three hundred years even when you didn't talk back. At least I've got persistence…" He said trying to lighten himself up. He stood up and stretched, having decided that he had sulked enough. Baby Tooth peeked from his pocket, wondering if it was safe. "I still have to go make it snow in a few more countries, but before that…" Jack took the mini tooth fairy, the bag of sand, and North's mini Jack matryoshka out of his pockets.

"I have to give the guardians a visit."

"You're what?" Tooth said as she stopped and stared at the guardian of Fun with wide amethyst eyes. "Y-You're leaving Baby Tooth here? But she loves being with you! I've already given her permission-!"

"No. Tooth, it isn't going to work out." Jack insisted as she watched the mini version of the tooth fairy he dubbed 'Baby Tooth' flutter around to argue as well. The teen pursed his lips in frustration. "I mean, I go to cold places, and Baby Tooth, I don't think she likes the cold very much."

The little fairy squawked to argued but Jack just waved a hand of dismissal.

"We can make her a coat, some clothes to keep her warm!" Tooth offered and Jack couldn't help but look at her in shock at her suggestions. "I-I mean she really likes being with you."

"Tooth…" Jack said tiredly and he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. It looked like he had to come clean if he wanted her to understand. "I know Baby Tooth is Memories."

There was an abrupt silence. The fairies milling about stopped and stared at Jack while Tooth looked at him, eyes wide.

"You-"

"I know Baby Tooth represents your center," sighed Jack. "And it's because of that that I can't take her with me."

"B-But how?" Tooth said her feathers ruffling, eyes darting about in confusion. "Who-? North? Did North tell you?"

"No."

"Sandy?"

"How would he explain?"

"Then-?" Tooth gasped, knowing only one possible guardian that could've spilled.

Jack just shrugged, not wanting to say Bunny's name out loud.

"Oh, Jack." Tooth said as she flew closer and placed her delicate hands on his shoulders.

The winter spirit shrugged her off. "Point is Tooth, I can't take Baby Tooth with me anymore. There are spirits out there that don't like me and they could use Baby Tooth as bait. She won't be the only one in danger, so will you and the other mini fairies."

"But Jack, I trust you. If there's anyone that I trust my center with most, it's you." Tooth said with a small comforting smile. And Jack had to admit that he was touched, but still-

The eternal teen shook his head vehemently, "Don't trust me. I make a mess wherever I go. I'll only endanger your center. I don't deserve to have your trust."

"Which is exactly why I think you should have her." Tooth said firmly. "You care about her so much, even- even when we turned you away last Easter and Pitch had her, you still- you still came to her rescue."

Blue eyes widened in shock as Jack stepped back. "Y-You knew?"

Tooth nodded solemnly, regret coloring her eyes. "Baby Tooth told me. A-After the whole fiasco, I asked her what happened." Amethyst eyes turned to blue ones and before Jack knew it he had his arms full of Tooth. "Oh Jack! You were so brave! We're so sorry. We didn't mean to turn you away, w-we-"

"It's fine Tooth." Jack said solemnly as he gently pried off the distraught fairy. "It was my fault for not getting out of there the moment I saw the other fairies."

"Jack, no, it's-"

"And it's exactly because of that, that I can't have Baby Tooth with me anymore." Said Jack just as athe wind came in to sweep him off his feet. Baby Tooth tried to fly towards Jack but the wind acted as a barrier preventing her from getting close. "Goodbye Tooth."

"Jack! Wait!"

But it was too late, the wind had already dragged him through one of the uniquely designed windows until he was nothing more than a spot in the blue sky.

"Jack…"

The dark blue sky was filled with golden weavers that night, going in and out of windows, sprinkling themselves over little children who were patiently waiting for the sandman to give them good dreams. And Sanderson Mansnoozie sat on a cloud of the same golden sand, golden eyes soft as he watched his creations come to life from the imaginations of the precious little children of the world.

"Hey Sandy." A sudden voice caused the sandman to turn away from his nightly observance and look directly at a pale face shadowed by a blue hood.

A snowflake made out of dream sand formed on top of Sandy's head as he waved at Jack in acknowledgement. The guardian of Fun was crouched on the edge of his dream sand cloud warily and the guardian of Dreams urged the other closer with a wave of his hands.

"Thanks." Jack mumbled as he consciously sat next to the small man. His hood was still up and Sandy did not like the way the moon's soft glow did not reach the blue eyes of the young teen. Rather, the light reflecting from the moon created shadows because of the obstruction of Jack's hood and because of it light blue eyes were as dark as the night sky with no stars.

Sandy formed a question mark at the teen when Jack brooded silently at his side. Usually the teen was so peppy and energetic, providing him with fun stories regarding the children who could see him.

A small smile was directed his way as Jack shook his head. "It's- It's nothing. I just felt like being quiet for once you know. Uhm, don't wanna disturb the kids while they're sleeping after all."

Sandy frowned and shook his head. That never stopped Jack before, he signed with his sand and the teen laughed lightly.

"Yeah, would it be hard to believe if I told you that I just felt like being quiet today not because I'm sulking?" Jack stated and Sandy nodded.

Yes, it would be hard to believe.

The teen huffed and Sandy gave a quiet chuckle. The small man stopped probing and decided that if Jack wanted to have a quiet night, then he came to the right person. Sandy was all about the quiet, after all.

After a few moments, Jack began to speak again, and Sandy listened even when he was not looking directly at the other.

"I just- Well Sandy, I'd just like to say that I'm touched." Jack said and Sandy's eyebrows furrowed as he turned to look the boy in the eye, sand question mark already forming.

But Jack wasn't looking at him. The blue eyes were looking down at thin legs, swinging them in distraction as he looked down fifty feet below the cloud made of dream sand.

"I don't know what you see in me, or what Tooth and North see in me that you suddenly decided to-" Jack gulped and Sandy was still confused but Jack shook his head and continued. "But I don't deserve your trust or- or such precious gifts. I don't think I'd be able to take such a huge responsibility and-! I just, well you understand right?"

And Sandy shook his head because, no, he did not understand what Jack was talking about at all.

However he was snapped out of these thoughts when Jack suddenly gave him a shaky hug. The guardian of Dreams patted the other on the back uncertainly.

"I'm sorry Sandy. I can't accept it. Not yours, or Tooth's, or North's… I-I can't bear to think what would happen to you guys if I messed up… I'm sorry but-" Jack let go and stood up. His blue eyes were pained and conflicted. "Thank you, for trusting me but- I'm sorry. I can't keep it safe for you."

And just as Sandy was finally starting to get what Jack was saying, the sprite hopped off the cloud made of dream sand and was caught by the wind before he was propelled to another place, most probably to the North Pole.

Sandy looked at the sky in confusion before he looked back down at the spot where Jack had been sitting a few moments before. There, beside Sandy, was a small pouch filled of dream sand.

I'm sorry.

Sandy sighed as he picked up the small bag. So, the winter sprite left it and ran away. Nice Jack, leave the small guy without giving him a chance to explain.

Sighing again, Sandy turned his dream cloud into a jet plane, intent on going to the Tooth palace. From the direction Jack was going to, it seemed like Tooth might already know who told Jack about their centers.

Although Sandy, being the wise and sassy guardian of Dreams he was, already had an inkling to who the perpetrator could be.

"Jack, my boy!" North greeted the winter spirit enthusiastically, even when the said spirit suddenly shot through the window and slid through the table, knocking away a perfectly good fruit cake and a mug of eggnog, Phil grumbled, knowing who had to clean up the mess. "'Tis good to see you! What brings you to the Pole?"

"Oh, uhm, hey North." Jack greeted as he got up and dusted his hoodie before casually stepping off the table. "I, well, I wanted to give something back to you."

"Give something back?" North repeated but Jack just extended his hand and North did the same, allowing the winter sprite to drop the mini blue doll version of himself into warm hands. The old Cossack choked in surprise, "But Jack! This is your center! Why-?"

"No." Jack let out a quiet breath and he hugged his staff closer as North looked at him. "This," He held up the shepherd's staff, "Is my center, North. That is your center. It's a big difference."

There was silence as North began to process what the youngest guardian said, his mouth opening and then closing again.

"Who… told you?" And Jack looked away as he pulled his staff closer.

"Bunny did." Jack said miserably and North threw his hands up in exasperation.

"That miserable pooka! I was going to tell you when you were ready!" North said and Jack sputtered.

"W-When I was ready? How long were you planning to let me carry it around?" Jack said in disbelief and North looked at him in confusion.

"For the rest of our immortal lives, of course." North stated and Jack staggered back. Thankfully, Phil was there, and he pulled out a chair just as Jack collapsed onto it.

His expression was lost and bewildered, "B-But why?"

The old Santa sighed as he walked towards Jack and kneeled in front of him, taking small pale hands into his. "Jack, I know this may be hard to take in, but please understand that I know no better hands than yours to take care of my center. It is the mere simple reason that I have decided to give Wonder to you."

"B-But…" Jack said his eyes wide and uncertain.

"Someday, when you are stronger, you will also be able to put Joy in an object other than your staff and give it to someone precious to you." North stated quietly. "But worry not, even if you have my ultimate center, Wonder stays with me as well. Wonder is in every toy I make, in every yeti, and in every elf… It just so happens that most of my Wonder is with you for now." He placed the blue doll in Jack's open palm.

However, instead of closing his palm around the token or accepting it, Jack shook his head and retrieved his hand. "No, I-I'm sorry North but I-I just can't." He breathed out.

"I know it is big responsibility, yes? But Jack, I trust you. You will take good care of Wonder." North insisted. But the snow sprite shook his head, standing up and pushing the chair away.

"B-But before, when you gave it to me! After I destroyed Easter again, I dropped it in front of you! Just like that! It could happen again North! And you'd be in danger! A kid could just find it or an adult and accidentally-" The winter sprite shuddered.

"Centers can be fixed if broken." North said patiently and Jack deflated.

"I know." He said, and he did know, he fixed his own after all. "But I don't want you to experience the pain of it breaking."

Blue eyes widened as North said, "Jack, what do you-?" But before he could say anything more, the young immortal teen turned and jumped towards the window just as it opened with a loud bang thanks to the wind.

"JACK!" North watched as the winter sprite soared out into the snow, not looking back even once as he vanished in the white landscape.

The old man sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "Phil, give me snow globe. I have to visit a certain old friend."

Phil grunted out a response North was too tired to translate but the old yeti extended a paw and gave the other exactly what he wanted.

"The Warren." North whispered as the image inside the globe reflected lush, green grass full of life and trees and flowers blossoming under the sun, before North smashed it against the wall. A portal formed and the guardian of Wonder walked through it, Phil following behind him.

Time to confront the Pooka who was the cause of all this.

Author's Notes: This was hard to get out but I finally did it! (And it's twice as long as the first chapter too, and I hope no one minds) And now I have an idea what to write during the next chapter! Yehey! Time to go update 'Chained Away' before I can finally update 'Ice Cubes'! Thank you for all of your support! I'm happy this story got a lot of good reviews on the first chapter. I would also like to thank those people who added me to favorite author's list. That means a lot to me guys! Especially those who favorited and alerted this story but most importantly those who gave a review. Thank you! And please feel free to review again!