Arguments

Jamie bit his lip. "This is…bad."

"Yeah," Jack whispered, kicking a piece of chipped, red wood that fell from the sleigh. "Good thing this is your fault and not mine."

The boy spun to stare at the Guardian. "Me?!"

"You're the one who wanted to see the reindeer so badly."

Jamie's eyes narrowed. "But you let them out of the stable. You're the reason why they escaped."

The winter spirit held up a finger, making Jamie frown. Jack always found a way to win an argument. "Hey, you wanted to get a closer look, and I was just helping with that request. Clearly, I'm the innocent one."

"The lead reindeer almost trampled me." Jamie tried to pin the blame.

"But he didn't," Jack had perched himself on the top of the staff. He let out a long whistle. "North isn't going to like this. Can't wait to tell him!" Jack jumped down and took a step towards the door.

Jamie paused. The child swallowed before slumping to the stone floor. "Great," Jack peered over his shoulder at the small voice. "Now I'm not going to get those new ice skates for Christmas. And I've been waiting all year for them.

Jack's playful grin quickly vanished when he turned around to see Jamie's chin resting on his knees, a sad expression clouding his wide chocolate eyes. Jamie felt a hand rest on his shoulder. He looked up to see Jack's eyes not far from his own, a gentle smile lighting the Guardian's features.

"I was just joking about ratting you out," Jack explained. "Fine. I'll take the blame on this one. Besides, if I hadn't been so excited, the reindeer might not have bucked and nearly stepped on you. And I did let them loose, after all." Jamie managed a knowing smile, letting Jack know that we wasn't too upset now.

Jack tossed his staff back to his right hand as he walked to the door. "I'll go get North so we can round up those reindeer. This isn't the first time it's happened." His pale hand rested on the doorknob right when he stopped.

"Hey, Jamie," The two boys looked at each other. "Didn't you tell me you asked for those new skates last year?"

The boy smiled wide, exposing the toothless gap between his teeth. "Exactly."

Jack thought for a second before sighing in defeat. "That…was genius." Jack watched as Jamie triumphantly fist pumped. "I'll get back at you for this," The winter spirit couldn't help but present a proud smirk. "Just you wait."