This is a sequel to Merry Christmas. Yes, I know, that was forever ago.
"Jack! Merry Christmas. I hope you haven't eaten too many candy canes."
Jack's answer was lost when Tooth stuck her fingers in his mouth, inspecting the potential damage. He was happy enough to see her again that he did not protest too much, but he still breathed out in relief when North pulled her away for a hug. He straightened the blue holiday sweater that North pressed on him for the occasion, as if Tooth's teeth examination had mussed it up somehow. He spent a lot of time subtly readjusting the unfamiliar piece of clothing, not having worn anything but his now-threadbare blue hoodie in a long time.
"Dressed for the occasion, eh Frostbite?"
"Jealous, Cotton Tail? I'm sure North wouldn't mind knitting you your own sweater."
"Ah! You should have asked, my friend! I will have one for you next year."
Bunny gaped. Jack snickered. The Pooka glared at him, as if it was his fault that his mockery had turned against him. He was still getting used to actually dealing with people, but one thing he had learned around the Easter Bunny he could only be made fun of if he let it embarrass him. Jack spun around to follow Tooth to the Globe Room, not even caring about the way the little bells on the blue shoes jingled. Bunny was too busy having the air squeezed out of his lungs by North to throw a barb at him.
"Crikey, mate, let go! It's just Christmas. I don't even know why I bother coming here every year. I don't force anyone to come to the Warrens for Easter."
"You come to Christmas breakfast because of delicious carrot cake."
"Hmph."
Jack smiled at the exchange. He was feeling a lot better toward this little celebration than he had in the morning. He was more willing to forgive and forget and see where things would go from here. Whatever happened in the past, he would give the Guardians their chance now.
Sandy floated down from the hole in the ceiling just above the Globe, waving at the small group. They gathered around to greet him, exchanging pleasant words and sand pictographs. A large table had been set next to the Globe, with enough food for all of the Guardians, elves and yetis. The smell of cinnamon, cloves, apples, freshly baked bread, cookies and cakes and others less familiar smells made his mouth water.
He had not eaten a real food since the last time they had celebrated all together, after defeating Pitch, and he was certainly looking forward to the copious meal, even if eating was more of a luxury than a need for a Guardian. One he had not often indulged into. Several elves already hid amongst the various dishes, sampling the sweet-smelling food. Jack eagerly turned to the others to see if they could join in yet.
"Now that we're all here, just one more thing before food."
North walked to the gigantic Christmas tree in a corner of the increasingly less spacious room and knelt in front of it to reach for something. Jack had not seen anything there when he looked earlier. He thought there would be no gift-giving beyond the treats in the stocking, but obviously North had hidden something behind the trunk of the large tree. The winter spirit tried to not look too excited as the Russian pulled out a small box wrapped in pale blue snowflake-patterned paper and white ribbons. He doubted he was very successful.
"I don't usually give gifts to fellow Guardians. After a few centuries, I wouldn't know what to give and they wouldn't know where to put them anymore. There isn't much that we want, anyway. But this is your first Christmas with us, so thought I would make exception. Here."
Jack took the box North thrust into his hands and eagerly started to pull on the ribbons. It brought back vague memories of his former life, of unwrapping presents with his little sister. He had always been excited to see what Santa brought for him. When he could manage to stay off the naughty list, that is. He wondered now, too, but for different reasons. Even though he had long wished for a Christmas gift, there was nothing that he actually wanted. Nothing that could be put in a box, at least. He only hoped that North had not decided to give him a pointy hat to match his shoes. There was only so much ridicule he could take.
He pulled out something wrapped in blue tissue paper that thankfully did not feel like a hat or any kind of article of clothing. It felt like a figurine of some kind. Removing this last layer of wrapping, he pulled out the plastic figure to inspect it. He blinked in surprise when he realized who it represented.
"That's... me."
"Yes! A Jack Frost action figure. Do you like it?"
Jack laughed. That was really not something he had expected. Taking a closer look, he could see that the arm holding the staff moved, the wrist even rotating so that the shepherd's crook could be waved around. His small plastic replica had a mischievous grin on its lips. Delicate patterns of frost covered the figure's shirt and staff. North had obviously tried to make it as exact as possible. Jack grinned.
"It's nice. Thanks."
"Good. But that's not the real gift."
"No, the real gift is the dollhouse that goes with it." Bunny said. The Pooka had moved closer to the table, his nose twitching.
"Bunny, away from the carrot cake. Not time to eat yet," North scolded. "But no, no dollhouse. But this is not a unique piece. A few thousands Jack Frost action figures were put under Christmas trees tonight."
"Wh-what?"
Tooth flew up to them and placed a hand on his shoulder. She had that soft, motherly smile on her face, the same one she had when she looked at the children. It was not the first time she directed it at him.
"Getting children to start believing can be hard, Jack, but we're here to help. Many of them have been dreaming of you since the spring," she said with a nod at Sandy. The Guardian of Dreams quickly hid a half-eaten cupcake behind his back when everyone's attention turned to him, but he gave him a thumbs-up with his free hand. Jack felt his eyes mist up for the second time this morning as a wide smile spread on his lips.
"Guys..."
"We'll see how grateful you are when some big corporation decide to rethink your image and give you tights and a pointy hat, Frostbite. Would fit the shoes, though."
Jack's smile did not fade. If the children believed in him, they could think he was a fairy for all he cared.
"What are we all still standing around for?" North boomed. "Let's eat!"
