Author's Note: So, due to popular demand, I decide to write the gang at the New Year's Party. I even went ahead and did a sketch of Marie which you can see here:

post/144751901173/so-due-to-various-requests-i-decided-to-write

Hope you all enjoy this!

Chapter 3

North had an eye for fine craftsmanship. It wasn't something he bragged about on a regular basis. Yet, after spending centuries creating toys, inventions and sometimes weapons, he liked to think he's become a bit of an expert on the subject.

With the upcoming New Year's party, North had fully intended to make new clothes for Jack since he wished to use the event to properly present the boy as the new Guardian to the spirit community.

However, he will admit, North was doubtful when Jack informed him it wasn't needed since his friend Marie, Queen of the Fairy Mice, was already in the process of having clothes swen for him. Queen or not, North couldn't seen how a mouse could hold such talent.

Yet, as Jack presented the clothes in his office, North saw how very wrong his assumptions were. North nodded approvingly over the fabric and the fine stitch work.

"Mice did superb job." Only a fool wouldn't admit they were wrong, and North was no fool. He gave a laugh. "Makes me tempted to hire them to make clothes for me."

Jack gave a laugh. "If you're willing to pay, I'm certain Marie would be willingly to work out a deal."

Sandy looked over the clothes and gave a thumbs up, while Tooth giggled and clapped her hands excitedly.

"You're going to look so handsome, Jack," Tooth said as she hovered. "Although, I never realized you and Marie were friends." She gave a slight pout. "I'll have to scold her for not telling me next time we have tea."

All the Guardians in the room, including Bunny who had been sulking in the corner, looked to Tooth surprised.

"Wait, you know Marie?" Jack asked as he scratched his head.

"Of course, I do," Tooth said with a smirk. "All queens know about other queens, Jack. It's just...something we do."

Bunny gave a moan and looked to Sandy. "Right, and I suppose yer best friends with the King of the Sea, Sandy?"

Bunny had expected the Sandman to brush off the comment, but instead he gave a sly smile and simply shrugged.

"Mate, not in the mood for jokin' taday," Bunny said, cooly.

Jack laughed. "Hey, it's not Sandy's fault you didn't believe I was friend with a real queen."

"Bah, knew not knew, it does not matter," North said as he brought out a clipboard. "What does matter is that we invite Marie and all mice to party."

Bunny raised an eyebrow. "Yer actually goin' ta let them all come?"

"Of course," North said with a laugh. "Any friend of Jack is friend of our, and the more the merrier."

"But ya realize not everyone there is goin' ta be thrilled ta have a bunch of mice there," Bunny pointed out. "I mean, we do have a few cat spirits-"

Jack laughed as he poked Bunny with his staff. "Relax, Bunbun, Marie and her mice can take care of themselves."

Tooth gave a smile as she patted Bunny's shoulder. "Marie is actually quite nice. I'm betting if you just sat down and found some common ground, you two would get along splendidly."

Sandy nodded and gave a thumbs up in encouragement.

Bunny sighed as he folded his arms in rebellion. "I seriously doubt that."

"Well, think of trying because, like it or not, she is coming to party," North said like a scolding father. "This will be special party for Jack, and everyone will be there."

Jack winced at the comment, but still kept a smile. "When you say 'everyone' North, how many are we talking about here?"

North shrugged. "Well, anyone that wishes to come." He counted off his fingers. "Befana, Cupid, Groundhog-"

"Now ya really shouldn't have invited him," Bunny commented.

North shot him a look before turning back to Jack. "Basically, except for Pitch, anyone who wishes to come can come."

Jack rubbed his neck. "That's um..great, I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun."

Bunny raised an eyebrow, and felt tempted to ask why the kid seemed on edge, but Tooth cut him off as she flew towards him.

"Now, Jack, promise me you'll brush your teeth and hair before the party," Tooth fused. "We want you to look your best for it."

Jack sighed as he leaned against his staff. "You and Marie are just going to keep fussing over me until this party is over, aren't you?"

"Oh, very much so," Tooth said with a giggle.

Bunny sighed as he rubbed his eyes. He was not going to look forward to this party.

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The party came much faster than Bunny would have liked. Before he realized it, it was New Year's Eve and he found himself standing in the middle of one of the Pole's guest rooms. On North's insistence, the Guardians arrived early at the Pole. Bunny didn't bother getting dressed until he was there since there less of a risk of ruining his clothes as he ran through the tunnels.

Once he was there, Bunny changed into his long green jacket he only wore for special occasions. He then added his gold egg shaped cufflinks, his red belt and his dark green sash to complete the outfit. Bunny was in the middle adjusting his sleeves when Jack entered.

He had to admit the boy looked good in Marie's clothes. Made him look almost like an adult... except for how Jack kept fiddling with the clasp on his cape like a little kid.

Jack paused as he raised his head and then tilted it to the side. "Whoa, didn't know you actually had clothes."

Bunny shrugged. "I can be fancy when I feel like it." He glanced around. "So, where's Marie?"

Jack grinned and reached into his shirt pocket. "Right here. Sandy volunteered to bring the rest of her court over."

He opened his hand to reveal the mouse queen was elegantly sitting on his palm as if it was a throne. Marie had also apparently dressed up slightly. She wore a tiny jewelled crown with a purple cape over her shoulders.

Silently, Marie and Bunny locked eyes with each other as if they were having a staring contest, until they both promptly huffed and turned their heads to the sides.

"Come on, guys," Jack scolded. "You two are going to have to learn how to get along."

"Not necessarily," Bunny commented with his arms folded. "I keep to my side of the room and Marie keeps to her."

Marie squeaked and gave a nod as she flicked her tail.

"Yeah, no, not going to happen," Jack said as he narrowed his eyes. "You're both in my life so that means you're both going to learn how to get along with each other."

Jack lifted Marie to his shoulder. "Come on, I got enough to worry about tonight without you two shooting daggers at each other."

Bunny raised an eyebrow. "I get meetin' all these other spirits is a bit nerve wreckin', but aren't ya exaggeratin' a tad?"

Jack sighed, letting his shoulders slump. "I might, but it all depends on who exactly shows up."

Bunny frowned in concern. "Somethin' ya need ta tell me, Mate?"

Jack glanced to Marie who gave a sympathetic pat on his cheek and gestured to Bunny as if saying "You should tell him."

However, Jack shook his head and gave a smile. "Don't worry about it, Cottontail. Let's go find the others."

Bunny wasn't convinced, but kept quiet as he followed Jack to the main room. Sure enough, North, Tooth and Sandy were all waiting for them.

North didn't look much different from normal. He wore his red suit and hat, but his coat seemed longer and he wore a thick black belt with a polar bear head for it's clasp.

Sandy looked liked his regular old self in his golden clothes, except he seemed to produce a golden tie for the occasion.

Tooth though, looked different and gorgeous in her outfit. It was a bright pink and purple sari that fitted her like a glove. The golden necklaces and bracelets brought out the sparkle in eyes and wings.

Jack smiled and waved to her. "You look beautiful, Tooth."

Tooth blushed and giggled. "Thank you, Jack." She then seemed to spy Marie on his shoulder. "Oh, and good evening, Marie. Glad you could make it."

Marie nodded and gave a few squeaks.

"Oh, yes, I agree," Tooth said as she stepped forward. "You, the Snow Queen, and I are long overdue for a get together. Perhaps, my place this time?"

Bunny sighed and folded his arms. "Mind plannin' yer social calendar later after we get this party over with?"

North laughed as he patted Bunny's shoulder. "No need to be so grumpy. This is going to be a fun evening for all."

Jack sighed as he gripped his staff. "I hope so, I really do."

Bunny raised an eyebrow, and made a note to keep an eye on the kid. Something was off about him tonight.

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It didn't seem to take long for the party go go into full swing. There were some new faces in the crowd, but Bunny saw all the regulars. Cupid, Baba Yaga, the Leprechaun, seasonal spirits he knew and a bunch of others.

Once all the guests seemed to have arrived, North ushered them into the main room. The Guardian of Wonder stood proudly at the back of the room with his arm around Jack's shoulders like he was a father presenting his son for the first time.

The other Guardians stood behind them, with both Sandy and Tooth smiling in support. Bunny tried to look his best, except he couldn't help the nervous twitch Jack seemed to be developing. Granted, he couldn't blame the kid. Having a crowd this large and all eyes directly upon him would make anyone nervous.

Marie also seemed to noticed this as she had wrapped her tail around Jack's neck, most likely to offer the lad some comfort.

"Ladies, gentlemen, spirits, friends old and new," North spoke loud enough for the yetis down in the basement to hear. "You all may have heard rumors about a new Guardian has joined our ranks and tonight I am here to confirm that they are true."

He laughed and patted Jack's shoulder. "I am proud to present, the new Guardian of Fun, Jack Frost!"

The crowd applauded and some cheers could be heard, however, Bunny didn't focus on the happy cheers. He was taking a headcount on the spirits who seemed less than enthuse with the choice of new Guardian and were clapping slowly.

He wasn't too surprised by this. Being a Guardian was a high ranking position in the spirit world, and there were many that would have given their right leg to have been chosen. Bunny was certain quite a few of them felt they would have been a better candidate than Jack. The Pooka kept a watchful eye on who to watch for in case one of them try to confront Jack about this very issue.

If any of the spirits wished to protest, none of them said anything as the applause died and North declared it was time to feast on the banquet the yetis had prepared. The other Guardians split off to mingle, except for Bunny who decided to stay close to Jack.

He wasn't particularly interested in socializing with strangers, and besides, he wanted Jack to feel like he had close backup. The kid still had a nervous twitch about him.

"Well, that went smoothly," Bunny commented as he picked up a mug of cider from the table.

"Yeah," Jack said as he set Marie on the table so she could access the cheese tray. "Although, I'm not edgar to do that again."

Bunny gave an understanding nod and proceeded to looked around. "So, where are the rest of Marie's mice?"

"Around," Jack said as he selected a creampuff to bite into. "They're probably just trying to hide under the table so they avoid getting stepped on."

The boy glanced to Marie. "Do you want me to ask North if we can bring them they're own tray?"

Marie didn't seem to hear the question. She had dropped the piece of cheese she had been nibbling on and her tail shot straight up in the air. She gave an angry chitter and bared her teeth like a cat had come into view.

"What's up with ya?" Bunny asked and he set the cider down on the table.

Jack looked confused until his lifted his head. "Uh oh," he grumbled and pulled his staff close. "Here comes trouble."

Bunny blinked in confusion and turned to see what the fuss was about.

A spring spirit with long blonde hair, and wearing green robes with and a silver leaf circlet on his forehead approached them. Judging by the narrowed eyes and disgusted frown held on his face, Bunny assumed this bloke didn't care much for Jack.

"Hey, Humphrey," Jack greeted in a deadpan voice. "Enjoying the party?"

"Be better if you weren't around," the man replied in a huff. "The Moon must have lost his mind to select you to be a Guardian."

"Oi!" Bunny said. "Watch what ya say, Bub!"

"It's okay, Bunny," Jack said as he patted his shoulder. "This...is nothing new."

Marie squeaked angrily, clearly agreeing with Bunny that it wasn't okay.

"Indeed," Humphrey said as he looked to Bunny. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Humphrey Goldleaf."

Bunny gave a curt nod. He wasn't surprise he wasn't familiar with the name, there were so many spring spirits to keep track of these days. With that said, the guy was not giving the best first impressions.

"And honestly," Humphrey continued as he sneered at Jack. "I can't see how the avatar of spring can allow this," he pointed to Jack. "Into being a Guardian."

Bunny took a deep breath. Stay calm, stay calm. North wouldn't like it if he punched a guest as a party. Marie's teeth chattered, making Bunny wondered if she was tempted to bite the bloke.

Jack's face was expressionless, but his fingers had tightened over his staff. "And why exactly shouldn't I be a Guardian?"

"You are nothing but trouble," Humphrey replied. "I've said that for centuries. I'm shocked that anyone wants you."

Jack opened his mouth to speak, but Bunny raised his hand to beat him to it.

"Oi," Bunny warned as he narrowed his eyes. "Jack's a Guardian, and even if he wasn't, he's a winter spirit and deserves as much respect as any spring spirit!" He growled and made a point of glaring Humphrey in the eye.

"He may bring the odd snow day to allow children to fling snow and give each other colds," Humphrey replied. "But all he does is cause destruction and freeze everything. What good is winter to anyone?"

"Winter is as vital ta the earth as any of the other seasons," Bunny growled as he jabbed him in the chest with his finger. "And if ya bother ta use yer brain ya would know why that is!" He drew his face close enough to ensure Humphrey could see his teeth. "So, get goin' before I decide I need a punchin' bag."

"Well," Humphrey said in a huff and turned to leave. "This is shocking. I can't believe the Easter Bunny would have such poor tastes." He proceed to leave them, but not before Marie picked up a cracker and attempted to fling it at him.

"Easy, Marie," Jack warned. "He's not worth it." He then turned to Bunny with a thoughtful expression. "Never thought I hear you defend winter."

Bunny arched an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I? The only time I have issues with winter is when it doesn't end when it should and messes with my holiday. Besides that, winter is just as important as spring. Plant life in the colder climate need a chance ta sleep."

Jack snorted. "Wish other spring spirits believed that," he said.

"Do they all give ya trouble like that?" Bunny asked and he noticed Marie looked equally as concerned.

Jack shook his head. "Naw, not all of them. I have met some nice ones, but I've met far too many that made it clear they wish winter didn't exist and Humphrey is the loudest."

Marie gave a loud angry squeak and her tail twitched angrily. Bunny frowned. He was not going to like this was he?

"Dare I ask how loud?" Bunny asked.

Jack gave a shrug. "He once tried to tie me up in vines so that spring could come early to his neck of the woods."

"He what?" Bunny growled.

Jack shrugged. "No big deal, I've had worse." He chewed his bottom lip. "Although, those thorns he put on them were a pain in the butt. I couldn't move without getting scratched." Jack glanced to Marie. "If it hadn't caused me to miss my meet up with Marie and she went looking for me, I would have been stuck there for a good few weeks at least."

Bunny glanced to the Mouse Queen and she confirmed with a nod.

"She and her mice gnawed at the vines and got me out," Jack explained. "I was okay, but it torn up my clothes bad, eh Marie?"

"Nevermind the clothes," Bunny said. "That bloke never apologized for doin' that?"

"I got back at him by dumping snow on his head, but that's about it," Jack explained. "I don't like picking fights if I don't have to and besides It was a few decades back, it doesn't really matter."

"It does if he's still acting like that," Bunny muttered. "It's just not right, whether you're a Guardian or not."

Sure, Bunny was agitated if spring wasn't on time, but no one was allowed to decide when and where spring should start. Nature decided it for itself and sure there were times he and Jack had butted heads over when exactly that was. However, trapping Jack like that was going over the line.

"Bunny," Jack began, except he was caught off as Tooth touched his shoulders.

"Jack, can you come with me," she said with a grin. "There are some old friends of mine that are dying to meet you."

"Oh, okay," Jack said as he let Tooth drag him away. He turned back and pointed his staff at Marie and Bunny. "No fighting while I'm gone!"

"Yeah, yeah," Bunny grumbled, but was only half listening as his brain went to work.

Jack might be alright leaving things as they were, but Bunny wasn't. This Humphrey had to be taught a lesson. There was no way he and the other Guardians were going to tolerate this. Granted, if he told North to kick the bloke out of the party that would probably cause a bigger scene than Jack would prefer and embarrass him.

So what should he do?

Without thinking, Bunny glanced to Marie and noticed the Mouse Queen was still chittering with anger and appeared to be taking it out on a cracker she bite into.

It was then an idea slipped into his brain. Grinning, Bunny leaned his elbow on the table and gently poked Marie.

"Oi, yer Highness," he whispered, "mind if I have a word?"

Marie paused, flicked her tail and folded her arms as if to say "You may proceed peasant."

Bunny glanced around to ensure there were no eavesdroppers and continued.

"Look, I know ya and I got off ta a rough start," Bunny began, "but think ya and I can put aside our differences ta teach that moron a lesson?" He gave a smirk and he pointed to Humphrey over in the far corner sipping wine. "Think we can both agree no one is allowed ta treat Frostbite like that."

Marie grasped the side of her head as she thumped her foot in thought. She then looked up to Bunny and gave a firm nod.

"Aces," Bunny said as he held his paw out to let Marie climb on and bring her up to his face. "I got the perfect plan, but it'll take both of us ta do it, and the help of yer court."

Marie listened quietly as Bunny explained his idea. To the Pooka's amusement, she seemed to twitch her tail in excitement as he finished explaining his plan.

"So, what ya say?" he asked as he held up a finger to shake. "Join me in on this?"

Marie nodded firmly and shook Bunny's finger.

"Right," Bunny said as he carried her off to start their plan. "Operation, frozen jerk is a go."

Marie squeaked as she gave an evil smirk.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

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Bunny waited until Marie explained the plan to the rest of her mice court, to which each fairy mouse happily agreed some payback for Jack had been a long time coming.

Next part was to ensure they wouldn't be interrupted by North. Bunny knew he wouldn't approve for what he was about to do, which was why he distracted the man by informing him about Humphrey. As expected, North went to find Jack to discuss the situation and hopefully it would keep him busy long enough to complete the task at hand.

Finally, it was time for the next phase of the plan. It wasn't hard to lure Humphrey away from the party. When Bunny said he wished to have a word with him in private, the spring spirit gave a bored sighed like he had been expecting it and followed it.

He led him into one of the spare offices the yetis used for meetings and shut the door.

"Alright, Mate," Bunny said as he crossed his arms. "We need ta have a chat about Jack."

Humphrey humphed as he turned his back to him and faced the window. "Let me guess, I'm not allowed to treat him like the pest he is?"

Bunny casually glanced to bottom of the door. Right on time, Marie crawled underneath the small space between the door and the floor. She gave a small wave as several more mice appeared and scurried to the side of the room where they wouldn't be seen.

"Look, I'm not goin' force ya ta like Jack. If ya don't, that's yer problem," he said as he stepped forward. "But, like it or not, he has a job ta do both as a Guardian and the bringer of winter." He narrowed his eyes. "So, from now on ya stay out of his way and leave him alone."

Humphrey laughed. "The only reason I even bother to track that brat down would be to remind him where his place is." He sneered. "I don't care if he was chosen by the moon, that boy is no Guardian and there is no way I'll even give him sliver of respect for it."

Bunny glanced downward. Humphrey hadn't notice the gathering of fairy mice by his boots that were currently looping thread around his ankles.

"Let's get one thing straight," Bunny said as he stared Humphrey directly in his eyes. "If ya don't leave Jack alone then I can guarantee you are goin' ta regret it and learn ta respect him the hard way."

Humphrey huffed as he flicked his hair over his shoulder. "And what exactly would you do if I don't?" He gave a grin. "You're a Guardian, you can't hurt me without it making you look bad."

Bunny glanced down and watched the mice finish their work. They swiftly climbed to the floor with every single one hanging onto a bit of the thread. The rest of the mice court were waiting under the desk with their heads poking out waiting for the signal.

Marie looked up and gave a nod. They were ready.

Bunny then gave a smug grin and folded his arms over his chest. "Yer right, I can't," he then pointed to the floor. "But she can."

Marie let out a sharp whistle. Within seconds, the mice pulled back on the thread and instantly tied the boots together.

"W-what on earth?!" Humphrey cried as he staggered to keep his balance. However, that was lost as Bunny lightly shoved him in his chest. Humphrey yelped as he fell backwards and landed with a thud.

The mice from under the desk squeaked war cries as they dashed and leapt onto Humphrey's chest. As quick as lightening, the mice tied the spring spirit up as if he was a giant from Gulliver's travels. Bunny chuckled as he brought out the apple he had swiped from the banquet and hide it in his pocket.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Humphrey yelled as the mice finished fastening the thread. "You can't honestly think this mere thread can hold-"

"Oh, be quiet and have an apple," Bunny said as he shoved the apple into Humphrey's mouth. He lifted Marie up to Humphrey's face. "And for yer information, fairy mice thread is a strong as steel, Mate. So, yer not gettin' out of this anytime soon."

Marie nodded and chittered at Humphrey to which Bunny imagined it translated to "I've been wanting this a LONG time!"

The spring spirit's eyes widened in panic and he struggled.

"Aw, don't worry," Bunny said as he marched over to a window and unlocked the latch. "There's a time release spell on it, so the thread will break instantly in about oh…" He pretended to count on his fingers. "An hour from now."

Marie then clapped her hands and the fairy mice proceeded to climb underneath Humphrey and lift him upward like they were carrying a log.

"In the meantime, I think it's a perfect opportunity for ya ta learn up close the benefits of snow," Bunny said as he opened the window and stepped back. "Ya been givin' Jack the cold shoulder all this time, figure it was time to return the favor."

The mice then scurried and carried Humphry up to the window ledge. Humphry tried to screamed as the mice positioned themselves, but they were muffled by the apple.

All squeaking in unison the mice promptly tossed out Humphrey and watch him land in the snow bank below the window.

"Have fun in the snow," Bunny yelled before locking the window.

Marie tilted her head and squeaked.

"Naw, he won't die," Bunny said. "He'll be spendin' the next month tryin' ta warm up, but spring spirits have a lot of stamina. He'll be fine."

Marie nodded and then offered a paw out to Bunny to shake.

Bunny chuckled as he reached out and gently shook her head. "Marie, I believe this is the beginnin' of a beaut of a friendship."

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Jack sighed hoping there was some way to escape, but North kept a firm grip on his shoulder.

"Listen, North, it's not really a big deal-"

"It is big deal!" North argued, keeping his angry frown. "Guardian or not, no one treats my friend badly in my own home. I will give this Humphrey a firm talking to!"

Jack gave a half smile. Dealing with Humphrey wasn't anything new to Jack, and truthfully he felt there were better things to spend his energy on. Although, he had to admit, it was nice to know the Guardians had his back.

They made their way through the crowd and towards the refreshment table where Humphrey was reported to be last seen, except he wasn't there.

Instead, Bunny was leaning against the table as Marie was sitting on the edge of a teacup...and they were laughing? Together?

Jack blinked at the sight. They were more than laughing. Bunny was bothering to break off part of a cookie and hand the smaller piece to Marie.

"Bunny," North said as he looked around. "Where is Humphrey?"

"He's gone, Mate," Bunny said as he passed a thimble of punch to Marie. "Left awhile ago, didn't he, Marie?"

The Mouse Queen sipper her thimble full of punch and gave a nod.

Jack raised an eyebrow as North cursed.

"How dare he leave before I have talk with him," North grumbled.

"No worries," Bunny said. "Marie and I have a feelin' he won't be botherin' Jack again anytime soon."

Once again, Marie squeaked a 'yes' and returned to nibbling her cookie.

North went quiet as he stroked his beard. "Hmm...well, if you say so." He patted Jack's shoulder. "Go have fun," North told the boy as he waved a finger. "But let me know if anyone else gives you trouble."

"Yeah, will do," Jack said as he refused to take his gaze off the Pooka and Mouse Queen. Once North was gone, Jack folded his arms and gave the pair an accusing look.

"Alright, what did you two do?" he asked.

"Do?" Bunny replied innocently as Marie gave a shocked gasp. "We have no idea what yer talkin' about, Frostbite."

"Really?" Jack said as he pointed his staff at them. "Then mind explaining why you two are suddenly so chummy with each other?"

"Ya wanted us ta get along, right?" Bunny said as Marie nodded. "Well, turns out Marie and I did have somethin' we could bond over."

"And what's that?" Jack asked.

"Mutual hatred of annoyin' people," Bunny said as he sipped his punch. "Also, you it turns out."

Marie gave a nod and pointed to Jack.

The boy gave a slight blush and sighed. "Okay, I'm not going to complain since I did want you two to become friends." He reached for a tart and looked at them suspiciously. "But can I at least assume this 'bonding' is somehow connected to why Humphrey isn't here anymore?"

Bunny smirked. "We'll say this much, Frostbite," he said as he looked to Marie. "After the cold he's exposed to, he'll think the snow days ya give are warm spring days."

Marie chuckled, and left Jack only feeling more confused.

Oh, well, Jack thought. I did want them to get along.

"Oi, Marie," Bunny said with a smirk. "How about sometime we teach that Groundhog a lesson, eh?"

Marie squeaked and nodded happily.

Jack sighed, now wondering if maybe the world was better off with them not getting along.