For splangeface on Deviantart.


Heart of Gold, Hands of Ice

Sandy's hugs were warm and soft, his smiles even more so. Jack loved these moments, when they both had time to just lay back and cuddle. It started out accidentally–brief hugs turned into longer hugs and eventually, this. Sandy ran his fingers through Jack's hair, little musical notes dancing around his head in the imitation of a hum. Jack sighed and adjusted his position slightly. At first he was concerned he was making Sandy cold, but he seemed not to mind. He smiled fondly and wrapped his arms around Jack's neck in a tight hug, pressing his lips to the crown of his head.

"Hey, what's gotten into you?" he giggled, looking over his shoulder.

Sandy frowned, as if something had been bothering him, and reached down to grab Jack's hand. Jack blinked in surprise as Sandy began to play absently with his fingers, face still pinched in thought.

"What's the matter, Sandy?"

After a second's hesitation, the guardian of dreams slipped his fingers in between Jack's. His short, stubby digits fit surprisingly well with Jack's long, slender ones. He stared at their hands for a while, almost fascinated, and let go. Jack turned to look him in the eyes, and Sandy looked down at his feet.

Then a tiny, golden heart formed above his head, and Jack's eyes widened.

"D-do you..have a crush on me?"

Sandy met his gaze and nodded slowly, a shy smile on his face. Jack laughed good-naturedly.

"Oh, Sandy, I'm so glad you told me. I like you, too."

Sandy's cheeks were turning a dark orange. He leaned forward tentatively and tilted his head to one side. Jack did the same, and they both closed their eyes.

"Sandy! You were supposed to be out there a half hour ago, mate. What're you–"

Bunnymund had burst through the door, his ears already twitching with irritation. He stopped dead in his tracks.

"I..er.."

Jack quickly pushed away from Sandy.

"W-we were–"

"I'm gonna stop ya there, mate. I could care less about your.." he raised an eyebrow. "..endeavors. But right now Sandy needs to get out there and do his job!"

Sandy got up and sulked towards the door, but not before casting a meaningful glance at Jack. Bunny rolled his eyes and pushed him out the door with his hind leg. Before turning to go himself, he jabbed a fuzzy finger Jack's direction.

"Sandman is a gentle spirit. I'm only gonna say this once; break his heart and I'll break you."

At first Jack wanted to respond aggressively, but he let those words sink in, and thought better of it. He'd never hurt Sandy, so he had nothing to worry about.