Aster had went to the river with his brushes. Egg dyeing usually helped him calm his nerves. Today was no different. When he finally returned to his burrow he felt more ready to deal with North. He had to apologize to Jack too. His young lover had only been trying to help a friend. Aster should never have tried to put Jack in the middle of his and North's argument. He went inside his home all ready to tell Jack exactly that when he stopped short at the sight he saw. After pausing a moment in shock he called out, "Jack!"
Jack came running into the room looking as disheveled as the room itself. Before Aster had a chance to ask about the mess Jack spoke up. "Have you seen my staff?" He asked hurriedly, hope in his eyes.
The question surprised Aster, Jack never misplaced his staff. "You're missing your staff?" He questioned instead of answering him.
Jack's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "No, I know exactly where it is. I just felt like playing twenty questions." He snapped.
"Okay " Aster thought. "That was a stupid question but still.."
Jack sighed as he saw the look he received from Aster. "Sorry" he apologized, ducking his head. "I have to head out soon, I still have a ton of snow to deliver yet tonight and I can't find my staff anywhere." He hurried to explain.
Aster nodded once in understanding. He could imagine how frustrated Jack must feel. "I'll help ya look. " Their place wasn't that big, Jack must have overlooked something.
"Thank you. "Jack smiled warmly before turning away to search again. He was stopped once more by the sound of North coming through the door. "Everything at the Pole is good." He exclaimed before noticing something was wrong with his friends. Jack questioned him before he could say another word. "You wouldn't happen to know where my staff is would you?"
"Da" North answered, clapping Jack on the back (a bit too hard) before leading the two across the room to the kitchen.
Jack smiled as relief washed over him before frowning again. North was opening up the small broom closet. Bunny gave Jack a look that suggested he was surprised the youngest Guardian hadn't searched the space yet but Jack had a reason for that. His staff, one of the most magical objects in the world, one of Jack's few possessions, didn't belong in a closet. "What's my staff doing there?" He asked incredulously, gesturing with a hand.
"It's a better spot, more convenient." North exclaimed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"More convenient than right next to the door?" Jack wanted to say. He also wanted to ask why he hadn't at least been told about the relocation. Instead, he grabbed the staff as North walked towards the pantry. He huffed as he tried hard not to stomp childishly towards the door, pointedly ignoring Bunny's raised eyebrow and "told you so" expression. "I'll talk to him tomorrow." he muttered, speaking only loud enough for Aster to hear. He then said a goodbye to both of the other Guardians. Once out the door Jack sighed again. North had to leave but how to tell him that Jack didn't know.
