HerHiddenSecret here with a new oneshot, my faithful viewers! I've recently become obsessed with Rise of the Guardians and especially Jackrabbit. :D It's so shippable!
This is a kink-meme prompt I found and I listened to the song, Sing Me to Sleep by Emily Browning, and had an attack of the evil plot bunnies :D!
So here is my masterpiece~~~
Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians or any character used in this story other than the Wind... who I doubt really counts as a character...
Three hundred years. For three hundred bloody years he'd been alone. Ignored. Invisible. He played off his loneliness with smirks and laughter and snowball fights and pranks. But sometimes, sometimes he just wanted to break down. Break down and scream and shout and just cry because he'd been all alone. Alone! Always alone. No memories to look back to fondly. No one to talk to about his sadness, his doubts, his loneliness, his depression. No one but the Wind. And even then he felt alone. The Wind couldn't touch him. Couldn't hold him. Couldn't wrap her arms around him and just hold him as he cried and screamed at the unfairness of it all. Maybe if he'd at least had one hug, if not a pat on the arm or just some sort of physical contact, he wouldn't be like this. Faking happiness. Faking laughs and smiles and grins. Being a complete and utter phony.
Sometimes he'd feel guilt. Guilt for lying about being fine. Guilt for pretending to be so cheerful and faking all mischievousness because that was the persona he had made, right? He was the annoying, mischievous, prankster of a Guardian who the Man in the Moon had chosen. And even if he wanted to stop faking, and tried being real around his friendshe didn't think he'd be able to.
He would never forget all those years of loneliness and solitude. Sketched forever into his mind and soul and his entire being. But, now, as a Guardian, he had to fake more than ever. Laugh around his growing number of believers and Tooth and North and Sandy and even Bunny. Smiling, making a fool of himself, and just pretending that he wasn't breaking, that he wasn't already too broken to be fixed. After defeating Pitch, he'd hoped to stop faking, stop pretending. Try at least try to stop being this fun loving guy. Let a little of his true self emerge because it was just so tiring. So exhausting.
He'd hoped that maybe all his pretending and faking would become real. He'd truly be happy and he'd smile for real and he wouldn't cry himself to sleep anymore because he'd have friends and a family. He'd have Tooth and North and Sandy and Bunny and Jaime and Sophie and all his new believers.
Sometimes when he woke up alone on a snowy mountain, he just didn't want to wake up. He didn't want to face the reality of it all because really? He didn't even have a home or a bed to call his own and wasn't that just pathetic? He didn't want to feel the sadness eating away at him and his mind, making him want to cry and laugh and shout and scream and giggle and wasn't that just crazy? Was he crazy?He didn't want to feel the pain. Pain at having to hide how he really felt because he was the Guardian of FUN! He had to be happy, relaxed, and he had to laugh and smile and play, even though he just wanted to curl up in the snow and never open his eyes again. Because he was just so tired and he just wanted to give up.
"Bunny!" It was summer now, a few years after the defeat of Pitch and he was feeling the loneliness creeping up on him hard as ever because Jamie and his other believers were hanging out at the beach today and he couldn't join them because it was too hot there. Tooth was busy with a tooth epidemic of sorts and Sandy was across the equator, which was again too hot for him to even dare crossing, bringing dreams to children on the other side and North was running around his workshop fixing a mistake made by the yetis on a certain brand of toy.
That left him with Bunny. Around Bunny, and only around Bunny, sometimes he'd get a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach, pushing away the bad memories of those lonely years, and filling it with small butterflies. He tended to act a bit more foolish around Aster, if only to see that heart-stopping smile of his that made his toes curl in pleasure. Around Bunny his smiles were a bit more real, and he didn't have to fake his happiness. Aster managed to make him feel whole.
"Bunny!" Where was that Easter kangaroo? He flew around a few sentinels in the Warren, looking for the one rabbit that could somehow make him blush, not red like humans but an icy blue, and caused weird emotions to course throughout his body.
He finally spotted said bunny on a hill overlooking one of the many rivers and his smile unintentionally widened. Aster was surrounded by little eggs, begging to be painted, and he looked worn out, with paint in his fur, ears drooping and his eyes half-lidded. He flew down, narrowly sidestepping an egglet.
"What'ar ya doing here ya dill?" He flinched slightly at the harsh tone but willed his smile to stay. He leaned against his staff, forcing his posture into a calm relaxed state though on the inside he was anything but. He watched Aster paint a flowery pattern on one egglet before finally speaking.
"I got bored," not entirely a lie, "and everyone else was busy so I decided to visit my favorite kangaroo." The minute those words fell from his lips he immediately regretted them. Aster's ears immediately straightened at the nickname as he stood to his full height. His green Spring colored eyes flashed.
"Listen here ya wanker. I don't have time fer you and you're silly games! I, unlike you, have a holiday that's coming up in a few months. You might not know what that means since you don't have one and thats a godsend in and of itself. You're a lousy spirit and I wonder why Manny even chose you to be a Guardian since all you seem to care about is messing with me an' my time. You're a nuisance who doesn't take no fer an answer and just can't seem to keep yer gab shut. My job, my holiday, Easter, is more important to me than you and I'd like to finish some painting a few egglets before passing out somewhere, preferably far away from you. Just bloody rack off and let me finish my work!"
Jack willed the tears away, truly hurt. Was that it, he was a nuisance? He turned and fled, willing the air to carry him away, before Aster could get another most likely insulting word in. The pain ripped him apart. His heart ached, feeling like it was being ripped in two. Why could Bunny make him feel so lowdown, worthless, like a nuisance? He fled the Warren as cold tears dripped down his face, ignoring the screams of one E. Aster Bunnymund better known as the Easter Bunny.
He flew as fast as he could. Begging the Wind to take him home, to the forests near his lake where he could hide and cry all he wanted. He clenched his teeth as a sob wracked his lithe body. He felt so small at the moment. So what if he didn't have a holiday? He had believers. He had friends. He had helped stop Pitch. So why did Bunny's words hit him so hard?
He crashed down into the forest, breaking a few branches on his way down, feeling tired and broken. But when didn't he? Sobs once more wracked his body and he cried and cried. He ignored the world around him and the soft breeze ruffling his hair, Wind doing her best to cheer him up. He didn't move, head hidden in his knees as he allowed himself to just cry. He didn't want to ever move again. He wanted to stay curled up forever where Aster's accusing eyes would never find him. He jumped, surprised, when cackling laughter filled the forest.
"My, my. If it isn't Jack Frost. It's been awhile. I've spent a few years gathering my power once more, you know. I'm going to kill you Jack. so you won't interfere with my plans ever again." He saw the shadows immerse from the trees. Saw Pitch's glowing yellow orbs. Saw him take out a familiar arrow. He wondered briefly if it was the same one used to kill Sandy. He watched the malicious smirk on Pitch's face grow as he drew back the arrow and let it fly. He watched it all, almost in slow motion, as the arrow slowly came closer, towards his heart, and he stayed still, stayed silent. He just watched, feeling tears run down his face. He felt a brief moment of guilt towards the other Guardians though he still didn't move. He didn't make a sound as the arrow slid into his chest, puncturing his aching heart. Why did his heart hurt so bad? Why did Aster's words make him feel like he'd been physically struck? Like his heart had been put in a blender? How it hurt. He just whimpered, only allowing sobs out.
"Why are you so out of it, Jack? You could've easily dodged my arrow. Could've just moved a little and you wouldn't have been hit. How peculiar. Such a shame aswell, we would've made the best of partners. I hope you enjoyed your time as a Guardian, however short it was." Pitch sent him one last piercing look before disappearing into the shadows from which he had first emerged from.
Pain. So much pain. He could feel the evil intent in the black sand surrounding the arrow, as it slowly entered his body. Slowly killing him. Tears trailed down his face. He was worthless. Bunny was right. He was just a nuisance. Pitch was right. He could've moved aside and he wouldn't be dieing now, would he? He felt the surprisingly warm blood seep out of the wound, quickly soaking the front of his beloved, blue sweater. He wondered if the stain would come out before laughing silently. Why should he care if the stupid stain ever got out? He was going to die, stain or no stain.
He closed his eyes, not caring how much time passed by. He just wanted the pain to stop. Maybe he'd be seeing his little sister again? After all, he was still going to die and nothing would change that. There was no magical fairy godmother that was going to save him. There would be no miracles for Jack. He was sure of it. He was mildly surprised when warm, strongly muscled arms placed him on an equally warm lap before encircling him tightly.
He felt safe in these arms. They felt warm on his rapidly cooling body, colder than even he should be. He'd never felt so warm. It was a welcome change. He laid his head against a fur covered chest and breathed in the scent of warm summer nights and fresh chocolate. He listened to the rapid heartbeat, sounding slightly panicked, and he listened to the rough voice belonging to the warm body that was now cradling him, rocking him gently as said body began shivering with suppressed tears.
"I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. I didn't mean it. Yer a great kid. They love ya, Tooth, Sandy and North. I-I love you too. More than you'll ever know. You make me feel so light, relaxed. And you make me so confused and I-I get so tongue-tied around you, I can't bring myself to speak sometimes because I'm afraid of looking like a fool 'round you. A-and you make me feel so frustrated and happy. Happier than I've been in years. Centuries. Yer like this bright sun lighting up my day. You give me a warm feeling in my chest and I didn't realize it u-until now. B-but I love ya Jack. I'm i-in love with you. S-so you can't die. You c-can't leave m-me all 'lone. Not when I l-love you w-with all my heart."
He listened to the confession. Quiet through it all. His heart pounded, pulse getting weaker by the moment. He opened his eyes when warm tears hit his cheeks. His own ice blue eyes met beautiful Sping green. He'd never seen such green eyes, eyes reminding him of colorful fields and lush forests and soft grass and so many more indescribable things. He brought a pale, weak hand up, placing it on a furry cheek and smiling softly when Aster leaned into it. He spoke softly, feeling far more tired than he should, more than he'd ever felt.
"I'm sorry too. I should've just dodged the arrow. I love you though, you overgrown rabbit. Tell North, Sandy and Tooth that I love them. That I see them as my beloved family. But you're something else. I'm in love with you Aster. If I didn't have to, to go... You know I'd never leave you and the others willingly, right? Tell them that we are, and always will be, a big happy family. My precious family, North would be the cool, sword-wielding dad, Tooth would be the teeth obsessed, overprotective, caring mom, and Sandy would be this awesome Uncle who you can trust with everything. But you, Aster, you'd be my totally amazing and utterly sweet boyfriend or something and I'd live with you in your Warren and I'd help you with Easter. I'd even stop being such a nuisance to you."
Aster was sobbing by now, but he, Jack had never felt more loved. He was happy. Happier than he could ever remember being, safe in Aster's strong arms. Aster shook his head frantically with wide eyes filled with glistening tears as he tightened his grip around Jack's waist. "Yer n-not a nuisance. Yer more i-important ta me t-than anything in the whole world, even E-easter. Yer perfect. Yer my little Jackrabbit, y-ya know. A-an' yer not gonna g-go anywhere. I-I won't let you. Yer gonna live in my Warren w-with me a-an' you'll see. We'll l-live happily ever after."
Jack just stared up at him, eyes warm with love. Jackrabbit, he like the sound of that. He rubbed at the fur on his new lover's cheek. He was suddenly overcome with the sluggish feel in his limbs, he felt overly weak. He closed his eyes for a moment, ignoring the way Aster's grip strengthened around his waist in panic, as if afraid his eyes would never reopen. He opened them once more, looking up at his beloved Aster.
"Sing me to sleep..." His last request and all Aster could do was let another sob rack his body as he nodded fervently. He felt a paw stroke his cheek softly as he once more let tears fall down his face, mixing with the ones falling from Aster. Aster sang the one song he felt fit the mood the best. He sang softly, pouring all his feelings and emotions for his little Jackrabbit. Aster's voice was gentle and warm as he sang and Jack felt safe. Secure. The song lulled him. Making him feel at peace with himself and his situation.
"Sing me to sleep,
Sing me to sleep,
I'm tired and I..
I want to go to bed
Sing me to sleep,
Sing me to sleep,
And then leave me alone.
Don't try to wake me in the morning
'Cause I will be gone.
Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know,
Deep in the cell of my heart
I will feel so glad to go.
Sing me to sleep,
Sing me to sleep,
I don't want to wake up
On my own anymore.
Sing to me,
Sing to me,
I don't want to wake up
On my own anymore.
Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know,
Deep in the cell of my heart
I really want to go
Sing me to sleep,
Sing me to sleep,
There is another world
There is a better world
Well, there must be.
Oh, there must be.
There is another world.
There is a better world."
And Jack brought Aster's head down with the last amount of strength left in his weakened body as Aster sang the last line. He kissed his furry lips softly as his hand slowly fell from Aster's cheek and his eyes slipped close. He let the darkness wrap around him, like a safety blanket, and the pain in his chest and in his heart at having to leave, was nullified. A soft smile, a real and honest smile slipped onto his face as he murmured his final words.
"I love you and I will always and forever love you."
He barely registered Aster's scream of pain and sorrow as he slipped away and did exactly what the song said.
He slept.
Wanna know a secret? I wrote this last night and during the end I cried. T.T I legitimately made myself cry. When my sister asked why I was crying so hard all I did was yell "I'M A MURDERER!" ... Not one of my better moments. XD
So leave a review or something and tell me how you liked it!
Oh and let me know if I should do sequel or an alternate ending or something... Who knows I might just be attacked with more evil plot bunnies and revive Jack and make him live with Aster forevers!
Fluff, fluff, fluff... Mwuahahahahaha!
I might need a little probing though... * wink, wink* Like, I don't know, maybe leave a review with a suggestion of sorts?
HerHiddenSecret