Chapter Text
"Jack?" North peeked around the corner first one way then the other. "Where have you gone?"
No one else was in the hall. The immortal teen had gone upstairs an hour ago, but North couldn't locate him. There was neither hair nor frost of the missing kid.
North stepped further down the hall. "Jack? . . . Jack Frost?"
Still no response came. Everything was strangely quiet. Which made the next sound easier to hear.
North froze. He listened again and heard an almost child like giggle off in the distance.
The Santa figure crept down the hall. It wouldn't be the first time a child ended up in their domain. It was rare, but never zero.
Another giggle carried North around the corner and down the next hall. It was louder, but it still sounded like whoever was here was trying to be quiet. Which meant whoever it was was trying not to get noticed.
Carefully, North quietly crept down the hall to the door where the noise was coming from. The door was closed, and when North watched, he did see a shadow moving around under the door. This was where the child was.
The Santa Clause opened the door, quickly pushing it in.
Any noise and movement immediately disappeared.
North stepped further in. His head swiveled back and forth before landing on two familiar ice blue eyes. The Santa Clause froze as his brain connected what he was seeing. ". . . Jack?"
The immortal teen was frozen as well. His eyes were wide in shock as he stared up at North. A small white rabbit stuffie was laying on its side on the floor in front of him and his staff was next to him. And pressed between his lips was a solid light blue pacifier.
Neither side moved for several seconds. Then North took a step forward. "Jack---."
Suddenly, the immortal teen crawled backwards in between the bed and the night stand. He curled up into a ball, a few cries escaping around his pacifier.
North's heart immediately clenched. Whatever he was seeing, whatever this was, he could figure out. Right now, his friend was in a vulnerable spot and he needed help. So the Santa Clause knelt down on the floor. "You're okay друг. North won't hurt you."
Jack curled further in on himself.
North looked around for something to help him here when he saw the rabbit at his knee. He scooped it up. "Ah, who this?"
That got him a peek from between the immortal teen's fingers.
"He looks like a wonderful друг." North placed both hands on either side of the rabbit, tilting the stuffie back and forth to make his ears flop as he moved it across the floor. "Does he have name?"
Jack lowered his hands from his face. His eyes intently watching the rabbit.
North leaned forward to place the rabbit on the floor before shifting back. "Maybe he and I can both help our друг. Da?"
Jack's eyes went up to North then back down to his stuffie. His face lit up at the sight of his rabbit friend so he carefully crawled forward toward it. "Fwake."
North tilted his head, brows furrowing in confusion.
Jack sat on the floor then held up the stuffie with both hands. "Fwake."
It clicked. He had asked for the rabbit's name. "Ah, your друг's name is Snowflake."
Nodding shyly, Jack pulled the stuffie to his chest, hiding his face in the top of the rabbit's head.
North softened at the sight. "That name is good малютка."
Slowly, the immortal teen lifted his head back up. He shyly studied the Santa Clause figure, a mix of fear and stress on his face.
North held out one of his hands palm up toward the immortal teen. "You're safe друг. I will help you."
After turtling into his shoulders, Jack hesitantly scooted forward across the floor. He took the outstretched hand and let North pull him into one of his bone crushing hugs. The force made him squeak then giggle as he willingly snuggled into the older man.
This was a side of Jack the Santa Clause hadn't really seen. Most of the time Jack would pull away from physical affection. He didn't want to be hugged much less held, but this side of him seemed perfectly content to be cuddled into North's arms.
"What is going on in head малютка?" asked the Santa Clause while carefully wiping away the tear tracks lingering on the younger's face. "This is not normal for the Jack Frost I know."
"Yamie," Jack got around the pacifier.
"Ah, you miss your friend." North stood, the immortal teen still in his arms. "Well, I think we can fix."
Jack held on as he watched the older man scoop up his staff with one hand then head toward the bedroom door.
"Come. Let us go."
By snow globe portal, it didn't take long for the duo to arrive outside of the Bennett house. It was later in the day, meaning the street was quiet and less packed with kids or teens that might spot them.
North carried Jack around the back of the house then quietly slipped in. His goal was to get Jack to Jamie without alerting Sophie. The Santa Caluse may not understand much of what was going on, but he was sure Jack would not appreciate being seen this way by the younger Bennett.
Quietly, the duo made their way upstairs. The parents in the living room had no idea they had even passed by.
Finally, they stood outside Jamie's bedroom door. A few years had passed so the kid that they once knew had grown into a teen. He still believed in the guardians and had not lost that loving connection with Jack Frost that had grown into a very close friendship. If Jack was missing him, that may explain this odd behavior.
North carefully opened the bedroom door. "Jamie."
The brown haired teen was sitting as his desk, playing some sort of game on his computer. He pushed back one side of his headphones before turning to the door. As soon as he saw who it was, his entire face lit up. "Hi Jack."
"Yamie!" The immortal teen wriggled. "Down pease."
North carefully lowered him to his feet, but Jack sank to his knees to scurry across the floor. His poor bunny Snowflake bounced along as she was pulled by one of her long white ears.
Jamie grinned, setting his controller down and taking off his headphones so he could give the immortal teen his attention. "How are you baby flake?"
Jack laid his head in the brown haired teen's lap and wrapped his arms around his legs. "Miss youw."
"I missed you too." Jamie carefully smoothed down the stark white hair on Jack's head. His attention lifted to North. "And you brought a friend."
"Hello Jamie." North closed the door behind him. "I need your help with this one."
"He finally decided to tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
Jamie froze. His happy expression dropped into shocked realization. "You found him like this?"
"Yes. He said he miss you. I brought him to you."
"Ohh." The brown haired teen connected the dots. "I think I get what happened."
The entire time, North noted that Jack's head never left Jamie's knees nor did Jamie's hand leave Jack's head.
"Santa?"
North's attention snapped back up.
"Have you ever heard of something called age regression?" Jamie carefully worded.
"I didn't know this was thing. What do you mean by regressing of age?"
The brown haired teen chuckled. "Age regression is a coping mechanism."
"Eh . . . Coping mechanism?"
"When you're under a lot of stress or have a lot of worry, what do you do?"
The Santa Clause scoffed. "That is easy. I go work on new toys."
"And that helps you feel less anxious or overwhelmed, right?"
"Precisely. Is best way to handle worries."
"For you." Jamie motioned to Jack. "Not so much for others."
North's brows furrowed together. "Oh?"
"For some, they need to feel safe to get out or process those negative emotions. So their brain forces them into a safe space or they create a safe space."
"By making themselves act like . . .." North didn't finish. He just motioned to Jack.
"Act like what?" Jamie immediately defended. "Getting themselves to an age when they last felt secure and safe?"
North's eyes went wide. "That's what this is?"
"Yes Santa." Jamie lifted his hand so Jack could turn his head. "That's exactly what this is."
The Santa Clause watched two bright blue eyes looking up at him.
"Jack feels overwhelmed and stressed. About what, I'm not sure," Jamie continued. "It could be stuff with winter. It could be trauma from something that happened. It could even just be a rough week and he needed some time to feel happy."
"So if he feels less overwhelmed, this will stop?"
Jamie's eyes flitted to the side. "Not right away."
". . . He needs some time like this?"
"Just like you in your workshop."
North's attention went back to Jack. He looked so small and vulnerable curled up with his head in his friend's lap. It made the older man's heart ache.
"Physically, Jack is still in his body," Jamie explained. "Mentally, he's probably one to two years old. Maybe even a little lower."
That comment cracked North's heart even more. He knelt on the floor. "малютка, why you no ask for help?"
Jack looked away.
"Age regressors can feel . . . embarrassed." Jamie soothed down a few wayward strands of white hair. "It helps him, but he can struggle letting those who are close to him see him so----."
North finished, "Vulnerable."
"Exactly."
That made sense for the immortal teen. Jack hated feeling like he didn't belong. He had been ostracized for years before finally being brought into the guardians. Even then, that had been an up hill battle of trust.
Trust that they had sadly broken more than once.
"Hey," Jamie called, cutting through the cloud of guilt the older man was feeling. "The fact that he's still regressed and came with you willingly shows how much he trusts you already."
That comment made North perk up. "You think so?"
"I know so. It took a while after our talk for Jack to even trust me with what he was doing. Now he visits even when he's regressed."
"How can you tell when he is that?" The Santa Clause asked. If he was going to do his friend right by this, he wanted the answers.
"This usually helps." Jamie tapped the shield of the light blue pacifier. "If he's using it, he's either trying to regress or has regressed entirely."
North looked closely at the pacifier. He had noted it at first, but that was just in passing. Now he realized there were tiny frost like designs spiraling along to shield, handle, and outer barrier.
It made the older man grin. Jack had taken the time to make the pacifier his own with the designs.
"Another way to tell is his speech," continued Jamie. "His pronunciation of words starts to sound more child like. You know, more slurred or off by certain syllables. Things like that."
North nodded. "How long does he stay regressed?"
"Depends. Most I've ever seen is a entire day, but he's done as little as a few hours."
"And is he always this little?"
"Again, depends." Jamie rubbed Jack's back. "He's been as old as eight or nine some times and other times he's been as young as a three month old."
The Santa Clause's eyes went wide, his jaw dropping a bit.
"He can normally tell and prepare ahead of time," the brown haired teen assured. "I mean, there have been a few drops that were surprises, but most of the time he catches them."
North's face went even more wide.
"He's been figuring things out, responsibly."
"How can having baby mind all by himself be responsible?" demanded North.
Jamie turtled. "He wanted to figure it out on his own. I didn't want him to feel forced into being take care of."
"He need help. I give him help."
"He knows that, but you're asking him to be vulnerable when he doesn't fully trust you."
The comment stung, but North knew it was true. Like he mentioned, it was an uphill battle. They were working on it, but they wanted to let Jack come to them at his own pace.
Well, North, Tooth, and Sandy wanted that. As long as the kid wasn't hurt or injured, then Bunnymund could care less if the immortal teen liked him or not.
"I know Jack would want to tell you," Jamie assured with a sad smile. "He just hasn't gotten to that point yet."
"How can I show him I'm trustworthy?"
Jamie went to answer when he was distracted by a yawn coming from the immortal teen.
Jack rubbed one of his eyes with his fist. He was starting to get sleepy.
North softened, holding out both hands. "Come младенец."
Jack lowered his hand before crawling back over to North with his bunny trailing along beside him.
The Santa Clause scooped up the immortal teen. The white haired head came to rest on the older man's shoulder while North readjusted the bunny into a better hold in the teen's arm. Once he was situated, North moved his hand to pat Jack's back, helping to lull the drowsy young one fully to sleep.
"I think you've crossed a bridge today."
The Santa Clause immediately looked up at the brown haired teen.
Jamie gave him a small smile. "He's trusting you. He may not let you in all the way, but he is trusting you."
The older man went from shock to a beaming grin. He held the sleeping immortal teen close to him, pressing a whiskery kiss to his forehead. "Thank you малютка."
"Please don't spoil it," begged Jamie. "I told you, it took him weeks to even trust me."
"I will do best," North assured as he stood with Jack. "I want to do best."
Chapter 2
Notes:
Translation:
друг = (drook) friend
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
младенец = (muladenitz) baby, infant, chil, etc
умница = (umnitsa) clever one, smart one
смотри = (smotri) look or behold; used to draw attention
сынок = (synok) little son
Chapter Text
"Nowth!"
North looked up from his papers to see a familiar figure crawling along the floor. The Santa Clause beamed while dropping to his knee and holding out his hands. "младенец! Come see me!"
Jack beamed around his pacifier, quickly crawling into the older man's arms.
North scooped him up. He held him close and peppered a dozen kisses into the younger's face and neck. Forcing Jack to giggle and push on the older man.
"Let's see, how old are we, huh?" North shifted the teen to one arm while freeing his other hand. He held up three fingers. "This many?"
Jack simply didn't pay attention. He pointed to something over by the fireplace while a few slurred words came out.
"What is it? What you see?"
"Choo choo."
"Choo choo?" North scanned the mantle until his eyes saw it. A mug with a train going across it came across his vision. He pointed to it. "Ah. Choo choo?"
"Choo choo!" Jack cheered.
"Yмница." North pressed another kiss to Jack's temple. "You see things so well."
The immortal teen beamed around his pacifier at the older man.
North chuckled, rubbing their noses together. "Come младенец. You need be cleaned and dressed appropriately, da?"
It had been a few weeks since North had discovered Jack's age regression. That had been a time of learning and lots of talking and communicating. Because North refused to let Jack be in baby head space or in a space where he might be hurt or not able to take care of himself alone. And, in time, Jack found he loved having North as a 'caretaker'.
The older man looked gruff, but he poured out love like it was his job. Which made sense as Santa he guessed. But it made Jack feel extremely safe and secure to be his regressed self around him. He knew he would be taken care of no matter what.
North gathered up the supplies he needed based on what he saw then carried Jack to the bathroom. Normally, baths would be warm, but since Jack was a winter spirit, they had to be cool or cold. North slipped in bubbles in the hopes of keeping Jack occupied enough that he wouldn't freeze the water. Of course, the immortal teen still did, and had the audacity to giggle at the older man when he did.
North's half hearted glare slipped into a beaming grin. He couldn't stay mad at that adorable little face. Instead, he tickled under Jack's chin before breaking through the thin ice to get the water he needed.
Once they were done, North towled him off before rubbing him down with lotion. He may have snuck in a few tickles here and there just to hear the teen giggle.
"Nowth," Jack got out, giving him a pout around his paci.
"Aww, I'm sorry умница." North pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I love your laughter too much."
The pout on the teen's face quickly switched back into a beaming smile at the attention.
"Come along. Let's finish for sleep."
After the lotion, came the baby powder and diaper.
Jack hid behind his hands for this part. North had yet to change him. Normally, Jack would be regressed at night and wake up in his regular headspace so he would just change himself. He had been assured North wouldn't mind, but Jack felt stressed getting one put on by the older man. He'd be too embarrassed having it changed by him too.
So they settled for this arrangement of Jack covering his eyes to get the diaper put on and left out the idea of changing for now.
Once it was on, North gently pulled Jack's hands back. "Peekaboo."
The immortal teen squeaked and giggled.
The Santa Clause cooed and carefully maneuvered the younger's skinny frame into a set of footie pajamas. Its light blue color matched his pacifier and the tiny white stars looked a bit like the ice when it sparkled in light.
North zipped up the pajamas before scooping the teen into his arms. "Now малютка, let us get Snowflake then to sleep we go."
"Fwake!"
"Daha." The older man shifted Jack to his hip. "Snowflake."
It wasn't long before North had the immortal teen tucked into bed with his beloved stuffie. He sat down beside him and patted his back. "Rest now друг. You had long day, and your eyes are heavy."
Jack yawned, his half-lidded eyes peering up at the Santa Clause.
"I'll be right here until you're asleep."
With a little shift, Jack settled into his sleeping position. He settled onto his stomach with his stuffie pressed up against him while his heavy eyes flitted shut. "Love Dada."
With just that phrase, North froze. His hand stayed on Jack's back while his eyes widened. They hadn't had a talk about this yet before. Most of the time, Jack just called him North or maybe 'No-no', but never Dada.
However, the one person he should talk about this way was currently sound asleep.
For now, North let the warmth wash over him as he gave Jack a final kiss goodnight. "North loves you too младенец."
Chapter 3
Notes:
друг = (drook) friend
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
младенец = (muladenitz) baby, infant, chil, etc
умница = (umnitsa) clever one, smart one
смотри = (smotri) look or behold; used to draw attention
сынок = (synok) little son
Chapter Text
North quietly opened Jack's bedroom door. The immortal teen knelt happily on his bed with his bunny. Still in baby headspace, he was making a little world all of his own.
So North knocked on the door as he pushed it all the way open. "Jack."
The immortal teen looked up at the call, beaming when he saw who it was. "No-no!"
"Hello малютка." The Santa Clause stepped toward the bed. "What have you created?"
In response, the teen held up his bunny. "Fwake is hopping."
"Hopping to where?"
"Fowr carrowts."
"Ah, Snowflake must be hungry if looking for carrots."
Jack lowered his bunny back to the bed. "Wove carrowts."
"Yмница," replied North as he sat down on the bed.
While the teen's attention was focused else where, North took the time to study his charge. Jack had been out the last few weeks doing his usual 'snow days and such'.
And North found he missed seeing that bright shining face.
When Jack finally made it back, he looked so exhausted and drained. Immediately, North had scooped him up and held him as the teen just broke. Things had gone absolutely downhill according to what Jack got out.
"It's alright друг. You are safe here," North had assured him. "Do you need regression? Or do you need rest?"
That had been last night and Jack was still in his baby headspace today. The older man remembered something Jamie had told him about blocking drops. If an age regresor went too long without regressing, sometimes they just needed more time regressed.
So North would give Jack all the time he needed. Even if that meant a few new challenges along the way.
Like now when the older man kissed Jack's temple. "You need a change."
The immortal teen didn't catch what he was implying until he was on his back with the supplies near North's hand. Immediately, he started to cry.
"Hush," the Santa Clause soothed. He picked up Jack's stuffie Snowflake and placed it on the teen's chest. "It'll be done so fast."
Jack shook his head before hiding away in his stuffie. He kicked his legs out before curling them back in. He hated that he had to be changed.
North tutted and stroked the teen's cheek. "You are safe малютка. I care to much to see you hurt."
There was no response from the distraught immortal, but he also didn't kick anymore.
So North unzipped his pajamas to get to work. True to his word, he worked quickly. He wiped Jack clean before applying more baby powder and securing the new diaper in place. "Cмотри. All done."
Jack peeked out as the older man maneuvered him back into his pajamas. A few sniffles escaped him, but all early forms of protest were gone.
"There we are," North cooed while scooping Jack up onto one hip. "You may dislike it as much as you please, but in end, it must be done."
Jack wrapped his arms around North's shoulders while burying his face in the older man's neck.
The Santa Clause pressed a whiskery kiss to Jack's head. "You did great малютка. I'm sorry we had to sooner than ready for."
"Wove youw Dada."
There it was again. The same title. Yet, Jack wasn't half asleep this time.
So North asked him. "Who is Dada?"
The immortal teen laid his hand on North's chest. "Dada."
"I'm Dada?"
"Dada."
North melted. He had definitely seen the teen as his own for a while. He had never said anything for fear of overstepping where he shouldn't. The age regression part had just brought it out more.
The Santa Clause squeezed him close. "Dada loves сынок. Thank you for trusting."
Jack eagerly returned the hug.
After a few more seconds, North pulled back. "Come. You need to eat."
With that, the Santa Clause cleaned up from the diaper change and out the bedroom door they went.
Chapter 4
Notes:
друг = (drook) friend
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
младенец = (muladenitz) baby, infant, chil, etc
умница = (umnitsa) clever one, smart one
смотри = (smotri) look or behold; used to draw attention
сынок = (synok) little son
схватить его = (skhvatit' yego) urgent, protective form meaning 'seize him' or 'grab him'
извини = (izvini) Sorry
где Джек = (gde Dzhek) Where's Jack
Chapter Text
North knew this would be a battle the moment he put the carrots on Jack's plate. Very early on, the older man learned that the age regressed teen despised vegetables with a passion North hadn't seen in a millennia. However, the older man knew, despite being a spirit, they still needed to take care of themselves. Water, veggies, exercise, sleep. While not a life or death situation as it was for humans, they were still needed for a healthy spirit.
Much to Jack's chagrin.
But North still sat down with plates and determination in his heart. However, instead of launching into the veggies right away, he placed some chicken on the tray of the high chair Jack was strapped in. "Eat младенец. You love chicken."
The immortal teen beamed and pinched a piece of pre cut chicken before bringing it up to his mouth.
"Good." North took a bite of the chicken from his own plate, making an exaggerated hum of agreement. "Mmm."
"Mmm," Jack repeated with the same big smile on his face.
North smiled and ruffled Jack's hair as they continued their meal.
The teen did well with the chicken and bites of potato that were placed on his tray. North encouraged him for doing so well, hoping to make the next part better. He picked up a fork and poked one of the carrots sitting on Jack's plate. He lifted it up toward the immortal teen's mouth, and watched as Jack immediately rubbed his fists against his eyes while twisting hard to the left.
"Ah, Jack," warned North. "You need veggies. Just like Snowflake and Bunny."
The Santa Clause watched as Jack peeked over his shoulder. As soon as his eyes locked on the carrots, he stuck out his tongue to blow a raspberry the twisted back into hiding.
"Jack Frost," chastised the older man.
Suddenly, a yeti burst into the kitchen. He let out a mix of panicked growls and yips. The flow of up and down in a cadence in his speech showed he was communicating something important to the Santa Clause.
North bolted up out of his chair, muttering an expletive in Russian so Jack wouldn't hear. He moved toward the door while motioning to the teen. "Keep an eye on him."
"Dada?"
"In a moment." North disappeared out of the kitchen. He made his way toward the main area of his workshop where Bunnymund hung around the globe. "Ah, Bunny. What can I do my friend?"
The tall guardian seemed distracted. He was looking around the workshop while he answered. "Ya see Frostbite around anywhere?"
North tried not to glance back toward where the kitchen was. With the amount of space the Pooka had moved, the hall was now directly behind him. "Uhhh . . . Why is there a need for him?"
Bunnymund finally looked up at the Santa Clause figure. "Because he promised me he'd help with Easter egg decorating and he never showed."
North could curse. He thought that was next week.
And Bunny must have caught something in his look because he narrowed his eyes. "You have seen him. Haven't ya."
Now the Santa could curse as he faltered for words. "I uh . . . Perhaps."
"When did you see him?" Was the next question he was asked.
"Little earlier today." That wasn't a complete lie. "He did not seem uh . . . How do you say? Himself?"
Bunny's expression was still suspicious, but there was an underlying bit of concern creasing his brow. "The Sprite alright?"
Santa's hands went back and forth. "Yes, and no."
Bunnymund's concern grew as he blinked rapidly to keep up with the conversation. "Yes and no? What do ya mean Yes and No?"
"W-well . . ." North wasn't exactly sure how much he could say without accidentally giving too much away. And his worry only multiplied when he spotted a familiar figure crawling into the hall with a stuffed white rabbit trailing along beside him.
Jack must have slipped out of his highchair while the yeti he left him with was distracted.
Santa Clause's eyes went wide. He couldn't let Bunny see Jack like this. It was unfair he had found out without Jack getting a say. Plus, if Bunnymund found out, he may not be as understanding. He and Jack kind of got along now, but this could really cause an uproar.
North didn't have too much longer to think. Jack had spotted him and was already on the move toward the main area.
Where Bunnymund was now turning around. Mere seconds from locking eyes with the hallway.
So Santa made a split second decision. He grabbed the Easter Bunny's shoulders before booming out, "Cхватить его!"
Unfortunately, it was right in the Pooka's sensitive ears, making the poor guardian jump and whirl on North in shock.
However, it also stopped Bunny from seeing two Yetis scramble to the doorway, snag the wandering winter sprite, and hide him behind their backs.
Relief flooded North's entire system as he tutted and patted the back of the poor Pooka he frightened. "Nзвини. I am deeply sorry my friend."
Once the shock had worn off, Bunnymund shot him a glare. "What's with the screaming? Ya almost made my eardrums bleed."
"I know. I know." Now North was fumbling for a cover story on why he just yelled like a madman. "One of the elves had sharp tool."
Bunny did not look impressed.
"He has been trying to mimic old human movie. One with shower scene and lady scream."
That made Bunnymund lift a brow.
"He come after you." The Santa Clause grabbed the Easter Bunny's shoulders and turned him around. "I have Yetis grab him."
One of the yetis still standing shoulder to shoulder with the other brought out one hand to give the Easter guardian an awkward wave to match the grins they both had on their faces.
A second later, Bunny shrugged out of North's hold. "Right, where is he then?"
The second Yeti glance over his shoulder behind both of their backs. He then rewarded both guardians with a roar of surprise to match his widening features. With a jerk, he stumbled to the side.
Only to reveal the hall was completely empty.
"No," North breathed out. Immediately, his eyes started searching the ground. Jack didn't have his staff in littlespace. It wasn't safe. So he had to be on ground level.
"Look, North," Bunny continued, turning around and catching Santa's attention. "The elves run around every visit with sharp things."
"Yes but---."
"So tell why this time is so blimey different you felt the need to scream in my ears."
And for several seconds, North couldn't think of anything. "W-well---."
"Dada."
Both guardians and the Yetis whipped back around to the hall.
The same voice echoed off in the distance down it. "Dada."
Santa was sure his stomach was no longer in his belly.
"Frostbite?" Bunny muttered, bringing North back to reality. Santa hasn't been the only one to hear it.
Then a split second later, the Easter Bunny charged the hall.
"Bunny," Santa called in an attempt to stop him.
But Bunnymund wouldn't stop. Even after both Yetis scrambled back together to block the entrance.
The Pooka leapt up and landed a solid kick that connected with both of their chests.
Both Yetis tumbled backwards into the hall, one landing on top of the other while the Easter Bunny landed gracefully on his hind legs before soaring over the downed duo.
Meanwhile, North hurried after his friend. He had to find Jack before he did.
As they hurried further down the hall, another cry of 'Dada' echoed around them.
"Where are you ya little Bugger?" Bunny called as he ran.
More cries answered him.
Before North knew it the Pooka skidded around the corner and into the kitchen.
"Ha!" Bunny cried.
North skidded to a stop behind the Easter Bunny. And both sides were greeted to the sight of a third Yeti sitting in front of a high chair feeding carrots to a small elf seated inside of it.
The elf cried out in a loud childish shriek before taking another bite. Orange goop spread across the elf's face as he smiled at the guardians while the Yeti waved.
With that, Bunny pushed himself up into a standing position again. "Is he feeding carrots . . . to an elf?"
"Tis testing?" North offered.
A burp from the elf made both guardians cringe.
"Uh-huh." Bunnymund glanced around the rest of the kitchen. "Could of sworn it was Frostbite we were hearing."
"Jack is not here." Atleast North could admit that part was true. "He was earlier. Now not."
Once the Pooka was standing again, he crossed his arms. "You said he wasn't himself."
"Da. He just seem . . . different."
Bunnymund looked like he wanted to argue with the Santa Clause, but he couldn't think of a good counterpoint. So he was forced to accept the half-hearted excuse.
North was momentarily distracted by his elf licking the tray of the high chair. He'd have to disinfect it later.
Finally, the Easter Bunny tapped his foot. An opening appeared on the floor. "You see him, you hold him for me. I need to get back to the warren."
Santa could hold the immortal teen. "Understood."
With that, Bunny disappeared down the hole. The entire time, he grumbled about Jack slacking before the hole closed, leaving a flower in its place.
Relief flooded the Santa Clause. His shoulders sagged while he let out a breath. Thank goodness he was gone. However, the celebration would have to be short lived because the Santa Clause now had a new problem.
He turned to the Yeti. "где Джек?"
Immediately, the Yeti jumped up. He hurried over to a small cupboard off to the side that had been blocked by a box.
Once the box was removed, the Yeti yanked open the door and there was Jack. He was curled up inside the cubby munching on a gingerbread cookie with his rabbit nearby.
As soon as the immortal teen's eyes landed on North, he beamed. "Dada!"
North quickly scooped him up and held him close. "You give me heart attack младенец."
Jack squeaked and squirmed. "Dada, tight."
Santa loosened his hug. "извини."
Jack looked up into North's face. His mouth was covered in crumbs as he scowled at being hugged so tight.
North smoothed Jack's wild hair. "Important thing is you are safe and okay. That is all."
A crumb tumbled from Jack's lips as he was pulled in for another, albeit much more gentle hug. He tensed for a second before snuggling into it. Physical affection was still a concept he was adjusting to. Even if he was starting to enjoy it.
A small thud pulled both of their attentions back over to the high chair. The elf inside had tried to slide out and ended up crashing to the ground. The plate got pulled on top of him, splattering the remaining carrots all over him. There was no saving them.
"Guess you win the carrot battle this time," Santa relented to Jack.
The regressed teen beamed, taking another bite of his cookie.
Chapter Text
That night, sleep came easy for Jack. He had done so much running and crawling around the workshop, and he had skipped the nap North had tried to make him take that afternoon. He was so tired that his head came to rest on North's shoulder as he finally slipped off to sleep.
The Santa Clause slowed his rocking to a stop then crept toward the bed. North had fitted the sides and bottom with bars to keep the guardian from rolling out when he slept. If Jack wasn't in littlespace, the bars could be lowered to allow him more freedom.
For now, North carefully lowered the sleeping little down before covering him and Snowflake with the fluffy blue blanket. However, when he turned to walk away, he heard a sleepy whimper.
North turned back to the bed to see Jack pushing himself up. So the Santa double backed. "сынок. What is wrong?"
After giving his sleepy eyes a scrub, two ice blue pools of tears looked up at North. Two small hands reached back up. "Dada."
"Dada's here." The Santa Clause positioned Jack back onto his tummy and started to rub his back. "He's right here."
The guardian's heavy eyes slowly fluttered close again. The comforting touch relaxed his entire being.
Even though North could be very loud and rough, when it came to children, he was always gentle. He wanted them to feel safe and secure. Kind of like Jack did now.
Once it seemed the younger was fully asleep this time, Santa Clause ever so gently pulled his hand away. He needed Jack to sleep so he wouldn't be cranky tomorrow.
However, Jack seemed to have other plans because he sat up again with another sleepy whine as soon as North started to move away. His hands reached out for the Santa Clause figure. "Dada."
With a sigh, North moved back to the bed. He laid Jack back down. "Come младенец. You need rest."
But Jack put up a fight. He forced his eyes open, keeping them locked on the older guardian.
Meanwhile, North rubbed Jack's back again. "Come on малютка. Sleep."
Finally, those icy blue eyes fully slipped shut. The tense lithe body relaxed into the bed. His breathing evened out.
North kept up the soothing rubs until he was certain Jack was deeply asleep. He slowed his rubs down further and further till his hand gently lifted away. The Santa Clause then crept toward the door, cringing at ever squeaking floorboard.
Yet, once more, he heard a sleepy whine as soon as his hand reached for the doorknob.
"Dada."
North crumbled as he turned back. Already, those little hands were reaching out for him. Already, those icy eyes were filling with tears. And already, Jack was crying for him. "Dada."
This was different. Normally Jack wasn't this hard to put down. Why was he fighting so hard this time?
"What сынок?" North placed both hands on his knees, lowering down so he could look Jack in the eye. "What you need?"
A few seconds later, Jack was in North's arms. "Dada."
The Santa Clause recovered from his shock, squeezing the younger closer. "You want Dada to stay?"
Jack gripped the older guardian harder. "Tay."
Santa's heart melted. This was big for Jack. He was willingly looking for the contact instead of cringing away from it.
Then the immortal teen tugged on North's arms. "Dada tay."
"I stay. I stay." Santa lowered the bars so he could slide in next to the regressed guardian. "I right here."
As soon as he was in the bed, Jack was clinging to him like a little koala. His arms and legs wrapped around him, like he was hoping to use his little body to hold the Santa figure in place.
That left North one hand free to pull the bars back up then settle them both in place. He laid back on the bed, pulling Jack into his side so he could cuddle him better.
The immortal teen looked so tiny next to him. His giant hand dwarved his head as he brushed back a few loose strands of white hair.
Meanwhile, Jack kept one hand on North while his other tugged Snowflake up to him. Already his body was sinking into the bigger guardian as his eyes started to slip shut.
North adjusted the blanket around them both before reaching down to fish Jack's pacifier out of his pocket. He slipped it between the regressed guardian's lips, using one finger to hold it in place. "There we go little Snowflake."
Through half lidded eyes, the immortal teen kept his gaze locked on the Santa Clause. Like he was afraid if he let them fully close, Santa would be gone again.
"I stay here малютка." North lifted his knuckle to stroke it down Jack's nose. "You rest."
Finally, the stubborn teen's eyes fully closed. His little body relaxed into North's side as he snuggled further in. Little snores escaped from where his nose was pressed against Santa's ribs.
To ensure he stayed asleep, North hummed a song from his childhood and rubbed the teen's back. He felt like he was on top of the world right now. He probably shouldn't make this a habit, but one time couldn't hurt.
Slowly, the Santa Clause felt his own eyes slip close. This moment was slowly relaxing his own muscles and sleep was pulling him under. He would let it slip tonight.
As the two slept on, the window to the room they were in quietly opened. It allowed a familiar looking gold dust figure to slide inside. He was just here to do his job and maybe check in on Jack Frost. North had said he was staying at the North Pole more since the weather was getting warmer. So he let his eyes scan for others in the room before they landed on the two figures curled up in bed.
Sandy's eyes went wide as he froze. His jaw dropped and his hands moved to cover his now gaping mouth. He felt like he had interrupted a special moment he hadn't known about. A golden snowflake popped up above his head before it quickly turned into sword then quickly shifted again into a heart and a question mark.
He had so many questions. Like why the two were in the same bed. And why were there railings?
The guardian glided closer to the bed, peeking over the top. That's when he caught sight of a plastic pacifier in Jack's mouth and a white rabbit head poking out from under the blanket they were under.
Sandy melted a bit. The immortal teen looked so cute all curled up like that. It made tiny sand hearts pop up around the sandman's head. He still didn't fully understand what was going on here, but it was adorable.Then the moment was paused when the immortal teen started to stir.
Sandy's eyes went wide again. His hearts disappeared as he ducked down out of sight. He peeked up enough so he could see between the bars.
Jack's breathing picked up as he squirmed a bit.
Then North's eyes flew open and his hand started rubbing Jack's back while he murmured, "You are safe малютка. Dada's here. Dada's still here."
Immediately, the immortal teen settled back down. One hand snagged the front of Santa's shirt.
The Santa Clause figure shifted down a bit to press a kiss to the white haired head next to him before also nodding off back to sleep himself.
That made Sandy melt even more. North would have made such a good father.
So Sandy sprinkled some sleeping sand over them both before quietly gliding back to the window. He'd let them both sleep tonight, but he would so be back in the morning with questions.
Chapter 6
Notes:
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
младенец = (muladenitz) baby, infant, chil, etc
сынок = (synok) little son
Спасибо = (Spasibo) thank you
Chapter Text
Morning sunlight awoke North first that morning. It slid in through the partially opened window and across the floor to his face. The warmth made the Santa Clause stretch with a loud groan as he woke up his limbs for the new day.
He then looked down to see Jack was still pressed up against him. However, he was no longer curled into the Santa's side. Instead, he had moved up and was now sprawled on top of North with his face turned into the Santa Clause's neck.
The position made North melt. In just a few weeks, Jack had opened up to him so much. He was trusting him more and more as their interactions grew.
North rubbed up and down the immortal teen's back. "Good morning сынок."
Jack shifted a bit. A low sleepy whine left his lips.
"I know, but we need to awake."
The bigger guardian was just thankful the immortal teen actually wanted to sleep. Just now was not the time.
Jack pushed himself up, one fist coming up to rub his eye. His brows squinted together as two looks seemed to fight to take back over. "Dada . . . N-North . . ."
The Santa Clause immediately recognized this state. Jack was coming out of littlespace, but wasn't fully out of it just yet. North dubbed it an 'in-between' state that was equal parts adorable and concerning.
"You alright Jack?"
"D-Dada." The immortal teen snuggled back into the Santa Clause's chest. "Hold you."
North let him snuggle back in. "I here малютка."
"S-sorry."
"No apology needed Snowflake." North gently pushed him up into a sitting position. "You are safe. You be as big or as small as you need."
Immediately, the immortal teen relaxed. "Thank you."
"Do you need help aging up?"
"I-I think I can do it." Jack took a deep breath in then out. "I just need a moment to wake up first."
"No problem младенец." The Santa Clause carefully set Jack down on the bed. "Take all the time."
"Thank you."
"I go check on workshop." North lowered the bars so he could get out. "You come down when you ready."
After a tiny nod, the Santa headed out to let Jack have his space. They'd learn that first week that if Jack was in his 'in-between', he'd move out if it better on his own. So, even though North wanted nothing more than to cuddle back in with the immortal teen, he let Jack have his space.
To distract himself from going back upstairs, North did head to the workshop. The elves and Yetis had already started in on their work. The Santa figure began to realize he was the one behind schedule this morning.
Ah well, they were ahead of production anyways.
With a satisfied grin, North stepped past the usual activity toward his office. He had a great rest. A even greater team. And the most adorable housemate. Nothing could ruin this great day.
Then after the door to his office was closed, North turned to see a familiar gold figure waiting. His arm leaning against a table and a knowing smirk on his face.
North almost jumped into the door. "Sandy! Do not sneak up on me my friend."
The golden Sandman lifted an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face.
Santa moved toward his desk. "What is that for?"
Sandy just turned to watch him.
That's when North froze. "Wait, why are you here?"
Sandy pushed himself up. He made sand trails out of his gold dust, creating images along them. The first was of a small Sandman figure flying through some stars.
"You were out at night," connected the Santa Clause figure, now facing the shorter guardian.
The next image that came up looked like the workshop.
"You came to workshop."
Sandy made a window and showed the sandman figure float up to it.
North stepped a little closer. Something pulled in his gut. "You come in through the window."
Next to appear was a picture of a bed with railing around it.
And North's stomach fell. "You saw . . . us?"
Sandy gave a sympathetic nod.
All of the Santa Clause's worst fears came to the forefront. He had just stopped Bunnymund from finding out. Now less than a week later, Sandy slipped through his fingers.
A small hand squeezed his arm.
When North looked up, North found Sandy giving him a sympathetic smile. The Sandman pinched his fingers near one corners of his mouth before dragging it to the other side of his lips.
The Santa Clause's figure relaxed. He glanced around his office. "I know it was accident, but Jack is still nervous about this. You be gentle with this or he will not trust you."
Sandy gave him a single nod. He was not betraying Jack over this.
"Спасибо my friend. I trust you. I know Jack will too. Just not yet."
The Sandman nodded again. He was not breaking this trust.
Chapter 7
Notes:
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
дядя = (dyadya) Uncle
друг = (drook) friend
сынок = (synok) little son
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The night had come that North had been both looking forward to and regretting the last month. Christmas Eve.
The Santa Clause looked forward to bringing gifts to the kids every year. It was a joy to know there were children out there buzzing with so much joy and brimming with belief. It put a smile on Santa's face to picture. However, this year was a little . . . different.
It wasn't that North wasn't excited to go. It just meant he had to leave someone behind.
Jack had tried. It wasn't like he hadn't been by himself for literal decades. Plus, he had started regressing on his own before North even knew. He could surely take care of himself or even stop himself for one night. But something had happened.
At first, North wasn't sure what had caused it, but Jack had woken up this morning in littlespace and despite both of their best efforts, he couldn't get out of it.
After a frustrating afternoon, Jack had broken into tears.
"Easy easy сынок," North had soothed while lifting the distraught guardian into his arms.
The immortal teen had immediately buried his face into his Dada's shoulder. "I sorry."
"There is no need for sorry little one. You're not doing it on purpose."
"I not. Promise."
"I believe you." North had gently lifted the younger so they could look each other in the eye. "You are worried about tonight, no?"
Jack's gaze had lowered. He had then given the tiniest littlest nod in response.
The Santa Clause had pressed their foreheads together. "You will be okay. дядя Sandy is coming tonight."
Jack had deflated. "Otay Dada."
North and Jack had sat down with Sandy that afternoon and broke the news that the Sandman had accidentally spotted the immortal teen with his littlespace gear while he was sleeping. However, they left it up to him with how much he actually shared with Sandy or how close he let him get.
At first, Jack had kept his distance. He was just nervous about letting another person in and how this side of him would be accepted.
Sandy had been completely understanding. He'd let Jack come to him instead of forcing himself in.
Surprisingly, Jack opened up quickly to the Sandman. He was slowly becoming an 'uncle' or older brother figure when Jack was in littlespace. He had even hesistantly asked for the Sandman figure to be there with him that night. Sure he trusted the yetis and elves, but he wanted all the comfort he could get.
Sandy had agreed to come after he had given the children good dreams. He had to go first so Santa could slide in behind when the children were all sleeping peacefully in their beds.
However, even the promise of 'uncle' Sandy hadn't been enough to fully soothe the immortal teen.
Especially currently, when that same small figure was so close to tears on the floor of North's office. He was trying with all his might to keep it together, but it was so so hard.
North softened. He knelt on the floor then cupped the younger guardian's cheek. "I love you малютка. I will be back when you wake tomorrow."
Jack's face crumpled. He launched himself into North's arms. "Tay Dada."
The Santa Clause squeezed him close. "I do this so others will feel as loved as you. Even for one night. Then I come back to you."
Jack squeezed him tighter. He knew that was true, but his little side just wanted to stay with his Dada.
After another squeeze, North gently and firmly detached the teen. He pressed their foreheads together once more before finally standing. "You have good time Snowflake. I will see you tomorrow. "
Jack sniffed and nodded tearfully.
Straiting his back, North turned and stubbornly marched himself toward his door. He had to do this and it wasn't safe for Jack to go around with him in littlespace.
As he passed, Sandy gave his arm a squeeze.
"Thank you my друг." Sandy clapped his shoulder. "I will see you later too."
Both turned to Jack for one more reluctant glance.
He was hugging himself, not looking at either of them. It was too hard.
North's heart ached, but he had to be strong. Jack would be safe and well taken care of here. Not on the seat of a sleigh high above the ground where he couldn't use his staff. This was the best option for just one night.
So the Santa Clause figure took a deep breath, faced the door, and walked right out.
Once the door was fully closed, he heard the muffled sobs start. Jack was having just as hard of a time as Santa.
North couldn't hear it, but he knew Sandy would be floating over to soothe the distraught guardian. That was just in his nature.
North squeezed his eyes shut. "I'll be back сынок. See you soon."
Notes:
Apologies if North's accent or little Jack's style of speech changes chapter to chapter ❤️ My goal is to make them both sound natural instead of stereotypical ❤️ However, I'm struggling to find a good balance that keeps me from dipping into stereotype territory ❤️ I apologize for that, and I am hoping to find the right balance I need ❤️ If you have any tips or suggestions, let me know ❤️ :)
Chapter Text
It took a lot longer than usual, but finally Jack fell asleep. Not in his bed or evn in North's, but on the couch North kept in his office. He didn't want to leave the space until his Dada came back.
The attachment made Sandy melt. Jack finally had someone he could lean on and actually miss. It was just too precious.
While he was watching, Jack shifted in his sleep with a snuff. But the movement made his paci slip out and topple to the floor. He really was deeply asleep.
Sandy picked it back up and set it on the couch where Jack could find it if he woke back up. No tears if he could help it.
Sandy then adjusted the baby blue blanket covering the immortal teen before a sound reached his ears. A anxious higher pitched voice flitting around the workshop.
After double checking Jack was still asleep, Sandy quietly floated to the office door. He moved into the workshop where he spotted the owner of the voice. And his eyes went wide.
After double or probably triple checking a corner, Tooth anxiously whipped around with atleast three of her tiny faeries behind her. As soon as she spotted Sandy, she was by his side in an instant. "Sandy! Have you seen Jack?"
Before Sandy could even think of a response, Tooth gasped and flew toward the globe in the center of the room.
"What if he's hurt? Or worse?" Toothina flew in a complete circle around the globe, checking every nook and cranny around it. "What i-if Pitch came back?"
Sandy watched her fly to another table to look under it.
"He's gone after Jack before. What if he went after him again?"
Within seconds, the Tooth Fairy was mere inches from Sandy's face. "Have you seen him? Please tell me you've seen him. I-I just can't help but worry something's happened to him."
The only thing Sandy could think to do was a shoulder shrug. He had seen the guardian, but he couldn't say that. Not without giving Jack's littlespace away.
Apparently, that wasn't good enough for Tooth. She demanded, "You don't know?"
Sandy was shaken back and forth by Toothina's own hands.
"How can you not know!" A second later, she let him go. "Sorry. I'm not trying to take this out on you. I'm just . . . just . . ."
The Sandman took his fellow guardian's hand. He gave it a reassuring squeeze between both of his.
All of the anxiety in Tooth's shoulders disappated, dropping them back into a normal line. "Ugh! I know. I shouldn't be worried, but I am."
A sympathetic smile made it's way onto Sandy's face. He could understand the worry when they all looked out for each other.
And Toothina was still anxiously chattering away. "Bunny came to the Tooth Palace looking for him again. This is like the third time he's disappeared this week when no one's seen him."
A little niggle of guilt burrowed its way into the Sandman's stomach.
But he didn't have time to think on it long because Tooth's attention was already back on him. "I know North lets him stay here a lot during the spring months since Jack's a winter sprite so I really hoped he'd be up here. Even if it is Christmas Eve."
Tooth's hand left Sandy's grasp. Not to dart away in a flurry of feathers, but just to anxiously hover back and forth in a line. Like she was pacing, but with her wings. Her little faeries right behind her. "I mean, even if he was here, he could just be hiding out where it's the coldest. Can winter sprites even survive if there's too much heat? I don't even know if they can. Ugh! I really need to strengthen my knowledge."
A chitter moved to the right while Tooth kept on rambling all of her worries. Sandy jerked his head toward it.
Just in time to see Baby Tooth, Toothina's assistant, fly into the room.
While the Tooth Fairy continued listing things she needed to figure out about wintery people, Sandy quickly darted over to the office.
But he was too late.
Baby Tooth was already staring wide eyed and open mouthed at Jack's sleeping figure. She slowly turned that expression toward the Sandman.
Sandy held one finger over his lips. His head nodded toward the sleeping figure then moved back and forth in a shake, hoping to convey his desire to keep this whole thing secret.
Baby Tooth's mouth slowly closed. She turned back to Jack, playing with her fingers as she studied his face. This was all so much and she really really wanted to let Tooth know the immortal teen guardian was okay. However, a small part of her recognized Sandy wouldn't tell her to keep it quiet unless there was a reason.
Then quietly flitting closer, she gave the sleeping figure a gentle peck to the forehead before darting out the door.
The tiny faerie stopped in front of Sandy. She then pinched the corner of her lips before sliding it across her lips. His secret was safe with her.
In response, Sandy nodded his thanks. Then the two flew back over to where Tooth was still anxiously chattering.
The Tooth Fairy sighed. She turned back to the other two just after they had settled back into their spots. "Thank you for listening. I'm just worried is all."
Sandy nodded. He could understand that.
Tooth wrapped him in a hug. She squeezed him tight for a few seconds before finally pulling back. Her attention went back to her faeries. "Come on. Let's go back to the tooth palace. We'll try again tomorrow."
While the Tooth Fairy flew off with her faeries, Baby Tooth turned her attention to Sandy.
Once again, she pinched her fingers near the corner of her lips before dragging her fingers across them.
Sandy held up his hand. The tiny fairy flew into it so both of hers could give his one big one a high five back.
"You too Baby Tooth," the Tooth Fairy called.
With a chirp, the tiny fairy was off.
Once he was sure they were gone, the Sandman jumped then floated down to the floor with arms outstretched. All of his anxiety over the situation faded away. That was way too close for comfort.
Chapter Text
North finally jumped down from his sled. He twisted once to the left then to the right. Then he reached over to scratch the nearest reindeer's ears. "You did good tonight."
The reindeer leaned into the touch. It's eyes closed as it let out a hum of contentment.
After the scratch, North addressed nearby Yeti. "Unharness them and put them in the barn. Oats and carrots for them all, da?"
The Yeti gave a salute before motioning a few elves over to help him. They tumbled over each other as they hurried across the floor to the sleigh. One landed on his face then went still for a second before finally scrambling back up and hurrying back off with the others.
With a chuckle, North turned to go.
Only to come face to face with Sandy.
The Santa Clause jerked back with a curse. "Sandy. You scared me my друг."
Meanwhile, the golden Sandman urgently waved his hands to get North's attention.
"What is wrong?" Santa stumbled. Sandy was pushing him forward. "You make me nervous."
But Sandy was still frantically pushing him toward his office before slamming the door shut.
"Sandy, what is wrong?" North demanded.
The golden Sandman floated up. He pressed a finger to his own lips then pointed to the couch.
When they turned, Jack was still sleeping soundly. However, neither wanted to wake the tired little just yet.
So North lowered his volume. "Sandy. Tell me why you are frantic."
The Sandman held out his hands then launched into his pictures.
The Santa Clause figure did his best to follow along. "Tooth . . . Pitch . . . Capture . . . Jack."
Then Sandy had to pause when North grabbed his hands.
"замедлять. You are making no sense."
After taking a deep breath, Sandy slipped his hands free then slowly started from the beginning.
He started with a picture of Tooth and showed her with a group of her faeries floating to a creation of the workshop.
North gasped. "здесь?"
Then the Santa clamped a hand over his mouth. For several seconds, neither side moved as they stared at Jack.
Yet the immortal teen only shifted a bit before settling back into sleep.
Once they were both sure Jack wasn't waking up, North went back to Sandy. This time with a much lower volume. "Did she see?"
Sandy shook his head then made a picture of Baby Tooth.
"Baby Tooth did?"
The Sandman gave one nod.
North's hand went to his forehead while a curse slipped out between his lips. He used his fingers to massage his temples while several other words tumbled out into the room.
Meanwhile, Sandy floated up to reassuringly pat the guardian's shoulder.
And the Santa Clause let out a heavy sigh. "Спасибо."
North lowered his hand.
"This cannot go on. We must have talk with Jack about this."
As if on cue, the immortal teen whined and pushed himself up. He started whimpering as he scrubbed one of his eyes.
North started to move forward. "Tomorrow. It is late. Let us sleep."
Sandy yawned as if on cue. It really was getting late.
Meanwhile, North scooped Jack into his arms. He held the immortal teen close as he snuggled into the Santa Clause's hold.
The Santa moved toward the office door. "Come. Let us sleep."
Notes:
Sorry for the shorter chapter ❤️ Life's been a little busy ❤️😅 Enjoy ❤️ :)
Chapter 10
Notes:
малютка = (malutka) little one, baby, etc
друг = (drook) friend
Chapter Text
"She almost found out?"
"She did." North finished his pyramid of race cars by placing the final one on top. With that task done, he turned to the younger guardian. "And Bunny nearly found out too."
Jack looked up from where was perched a top of his staff. He had his hood pulled up with arms crossed across his chest. They were pressed tightly against him too, like he was trying to hug away the worries and have everything be okay.
North moved closer to him. Even with Jack atop his staff, the Santa Clause figure still towered above him. He just looked so tiny and scared.
It made North soften as he placed one hand on the immortal teen's back. "I want you to have Snowflake all to yourself to tell who you like."
"But . . .?"
"But . . . it may be for best for all of the guardians to know." Both of Santa's hands came up to rest on Jack's shoulders. "Then you can have power to tell instead of them discovering like Sandy and I did."
Jack's face was a mix of many emotions. Anger. Sadness. Fear. Anxiety.
"You can decide when and how," North assured. His hands left Jack's shoulders to motion outwards. "We go on your terms."
A moment later, Jack wrapped his arms around the bigger guardians neck. "Thank you."
North softened even more. He squeezed the immortal teen close. "Love you малютка. We will figure this out."
"I know." Jack pulled back. "Okay if I take a little time to think?"
"You take all the time you need сынок." North let him go. "Come back safe."
Jack grapsed his staff with one hand then dropped to the ground. "I should be back in a few days. Just need to clear my head and take care of a few things."
"Of course."
The immortal teen leapt toward the window. "Thanks again North. I'll be back soon."
Santa waved as he left. There was always a little fear when the younger left, but North trusted Jack to take care of himself as much as Jack trusted North. "Goodbye малютка."
Something twisted in the Santa Clause figure's stomach just as Jack disappeared into the falling snow. He tried to brush it away as just nerves.
Shortly after, North kept his mind occupied by working. There were only 11 months left till next Christmas so they had to get on top of things. The toys wouldn't make themselves after all.
He called over the elves with a clap. "Come. We have much to fulfill."
The next few days passed in a blur of toys, colors, and checklists. The elves and Yetis were a big help to North, but he still found it hard to focus when his little тень wasn't hanging around. He did his best to not let it show, nor the pull on his belly, but everyone seemed to be able to sense there was something off in the air.
When the third work day was coming to a close, North started to feel a little better. They were officially on schedule to get everything ready for the 24th of next year.
The Santa Clause figure took a deep breathe in through his nose, filling it full of all the familiar scents. He then let it out of his mouth while he let his shoulders drop. Everything would be okay. Everything was okay. Nothing could go wrong.
North turned to go back to his office then nearly jumped three feet into the air with a curse when he came face to face with Bunnymund and Toothina.
The Santa Clause figure stumbled into a nearby table and sent one of the wooden soldier figures tumbling off the top of the stack. North's hands shot out as he fumbled with the toy for a moment before finally getting a grasp on it. The Santa figure paused then yanked it behind his back as he faced the two guardians again. "Bunny! Tooth. To what do I owe the pleasure. Have Sandy and I missed a meeting?"
That's when Bunny pointed one finger at Santa while marching forward. "You're hiding something."
"M-me?" North took a few steps back, his eyes darting behind him before going back to the Pooka. "Uh, what could I---?"
"Where's Jack?" Bunny interrupted.
The Santa Clause's eyes widened. "Uh, not here."
With a huff, Tooth flew closer this time. "North, for the last few months, Jack has always been here, and so had Sandy."
North looked away.
"Then Jack has been dropping meetings with us and you're the only one who's been close to him." Tooth fully faced the Santa Clause figure. "This isn't like you and this isn't like Jack. We . . . We just want some answers."
Bunnymund brushed past the concerned Tooth Fairy to shove his finger under North's nose. "We're supposed to be a team, but we can't operate like one unless ya two spill."
With pleading eyes, North looked up at his two fellow guardians. "Tis not something I can tell. Jack has to decide and that is final."
"Well is there something wrong with him?" Tooth offered, motioning to her and Bunny who had already pulled back with his arms crossed. "Maybe we can help."
"Tis nothing wrong," Santa defended. "Tis a thing of trust."
Both Bunny's and Tooth's eyes went wide. They both turned away from the Santa Clause.
North's stomach sank. He immediately set down the toy and approached them both. He lifted his hands in a placating manner as he delicately tried to explain, "Jack trusts you both. Lots . . . This is something he did not want to tell Sandy and I. We found out by accident."
Tooth's head jerked up. She looked shocked and hurt. "Sandy knows?"
"By accident," North emphasized. He dragged both palms down his face while mumbling out a Russian curse. He then took another deep breath, this time to steady himself, before lifting himself to his full height again. "Jack is discovering this about himself in time. He does not have all the words yet to explain what he is doing."
Bunny turned to Tooth. His eyebrows were raised and she simply shrugged her shoulders.
"I wish I could say it all and soothe all your worries мои друзья." North pulled back while shaking his head. "But tis not my experience to explain. I promised Jack we go on his terms so I will go on his terms."
"But his terms on what?" Bunnymund pushed.
With a frustrated whine, North covered his face with his hands again. What did they not understand by he couldn't say?
After jerking his hands down, North leaned forward with his mouth open to firmly state his point again when a nearby window burst open.
It slammed up so loud that all three guardians stopped their arguement to jerk their heads toward it.
Just in time to see Sandy come flying in like a golden blur. He stopped mere inches from hitting a startled Yeti then immediately whirled around in a circle until he spotted North. Then he was rushing over to the Santa Clause figure in a flurry of images.
North's full attention was on the frazzled guardian. "Sandy, what is it друг?"
Sandy showed him an image of a snowflake above his head.
"Snow?" North's brows furrowed together. "What about the snow? Is bad?"
The Sandman quickly shook head. He then switched the image to a tiny human figure wrapped in a blanket. Then he placed both of his arms together like he was cradling a baby and swung them back and forth.
"Baby? Wha-?"
Then North's face went wide as he realized what Sandy was trying to say.
Immediately, the Sandman switched back to the Snowflake.
And the Santa Clause's stomach dropped.
Chapter Text
Within seconds, North was through the portal of his snowglobe. Sandy brought him to an icy lake where the air around it felt frozen in time. The moon was covered by clouds, blanketing the area in a deeper eeire gray hue.
Behind North and Sandy came Tooth and Bunny. The Santa figure hadn't even tried to convince them not to come. His primary concern was the immortal teen Sandy was bringing him too.
Suddenly, the entire group came to a screeching stop.
Sandy flashed the snowflake image from before over his head before pointing toward the cave.
North immediately rushed forward. He ducked low enough to enter the cave, calling out, "Jack . . . Jack!"
When the Santa Clause figure stopped to listen, that's when he heard it. Loud muffled cries coming from deeper in the cave.
Quickly, North followed them in. They lead him down a sloped path before opening up into a small cavern with a little nook in the wall.
Tucked inside the nook, was the shivering figure of Jack. His staff was damaged. His hoodie was ripped. And he was curled into a ball with his left arm cradled to his chest while it sat at an odd angle. Blood stained his clothes and skin while his visible skin also shared dozens of bruises.
North's entire heart stopped. He rushed toward the nook, scooping the sobbing teen into his arms. "Cынок!"
Using his one good arm, Jack gripped the red fabric of North's coat, but the rest of his limbs went limp. It was like he had no control over them right now.
Quickly, North readjusted his hold with barely a beat missed. He went from holding Jack upright to laying him sideways in his arms while being mindful of the teen's obviously broken one. He let out a series of 'shhh's while rocking the immortal teen and lowering himself to the floor.
It took a bit before Jack finally calmed enough that North could process the rest of what he was seeing.
The Santa Clause figure glided his fingers along Jack's temple and cheek. The poor teen was boiling up and shivering badly. Sweat, amongst other things, clung his clothes to his body. A deep purple hue flushed along his cheeks, making him look even more miserable.
"Ohh," North cooed. He shifted so he could cup the immortal teen's cheek with his hand, letting his thumb stroke the hot skin.
Jack blinked and moved his tearful eyes to look up at the Santa Cluase figure. Even with the fever glaze, North recognized that look.
So the bigger guardian reached into his coat pocket to fish out Jack's pacifier before gently sliding it between his lips. "Poor малютка. What happened to you?"
But Jack couldn't answer right now. He looked to miserable to speak. Not to mention to little for words.
"Aww," North cooed again. His heart was aching as he wiped away the tears. "Do not worry. Dada's here. He will take care of you."
Jack's eyes slowly slipped closed as he turned his head into North's chest. His lithe body relaxed further into the bigger guardian's hold. He was save. He knew he was.
North shifted down to press a lingering kiss into the immortal teen's temple. He then lifted his head to look back up the sloped path he had come down.
Now came the hard part. Taking Jack out of the cave.
To try to give him some privacy, North slid off his coat. He wrapped the sick winter sprite up then held him close. You were supposed to keep sprites cold if they were from winter, but North was more concerned about keeping as much as Jack's privacy as possible right now. They could get him cooled down back at the North Pole.
Once the wrapped guardian was settled in his arms again, North finally stood before carrying his little out.
As soon as he emerged, he heard Tooth gasp before she was suddenly flittering around like an anxious dragonfly. "Jack! Oh Jack. What happened? Are you okay?"
"He is injured and ill, but he will be okay," North soothed.
Bunny and Sandy hurried over as well.
"Ya gave us quite the scare Frostbite," Bunnymund chastised.
Of course, Jack didn't answer.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Nothing," North corrected. He carefully adjusted the coat around Jack's neck. "He is just sleeping."
Bunny relaxed, but then quickly covered it with crossed arms and an eye roll. He turned his body, not enough to completely cut off the conversation, but enough that he couldn't see Jack this way. "Lil ankle biter. Nothing but trouble if you ask me."
North rolled his eyes. Bunny did not mean that. He just didn't want to appear worried.
The Santa Clause figure then turned his attention to Tooth. However, her attention wasn't on North. It was wide eye with a hand over her mouth on Jack.
North was a little confused until he looked back down. Apparently the Santa's adjusting had caused part of the jacket to slide down enough and expose Jack's pacifier. One of the things North had been desperately trying to conceal.
The Santa figures eyes widened as he and Tooth looked to each other for a second.
North then quickly covered the pacifier and Tooth dropped her hands before flying over to Bunny. She placed a hand on his shoulder and guiding him along. "Quickly. Let's get Jack home."
As soon as Tooth was out of the way, Sandy took her place. He got even closer, practically hovering over North's shoulder as he anxiously studied Jack's sleeping face.
"He is fine," North assured. Then he lowered his voice. "Just in a very very littlespace."
Sandy softened. A fond smile mixed with a pout at how adorable the immortal teen was.
"I know, but he is still injured and ill."
Sandy's expression became serious as he straightened back up. The Sandman reached over to sprinkle some sleeping sand over Jack's head before darting after Bunny and Tooth.
The Santa Clause figure relaxed as he followed. Jack was his top priority right now.
He'd have to worry about what Tooth saw later.