To Hurt The One You Love

By End of Grace

Chapter 7 I'm not saying yes

North sat in his workshop with only the light of the fireplace as company. He slowly sipped from his glass, the rich bourbon burning his throat with each swallow as he tried to organise his thoughts and his feelings. Tonight had certainly been chaotic, what with Bunny's confession and Jack turning up and almost starting a fight. He thought back to how Bunny asked him to go out with him on a date and scoffed as he knocked back his drink. He may love the Pooka but he was not foolish to believe that he had done it out of desire, more of jealously that Jack Skellington was trying to court him and that hurt more then he thought it would. Did Bunny only want him back because he didn't want anyone else to have him? No, he knew Bunny was not that sallow, but he did have a possessive streak. North placed his glass down and thought on Bunny's words, how he got obsessed with Jack Frost, that he felt that North did not respect him enough and even admitted to thinking of others before coming to the conclusion that he was want he wanted all along. North supposed he should be pleased that he still came first in Bunny's desires and heart but it still hurt deeply that Bunny had even thought of others in the first place. Did Bunny even think of him like that anymore? He thought he had seen in it, just after he had put on his shirt earlier, Bunny's eyes glaze was dark and gazing at his shoulder. It was his tattoo, despite his moaning that the ink could poison him, the pooka enjoyed lavishing with licks and bites. Sighing loudly, North grabbed the bottle and poured himself another large glass, a deep bitter feeling was fighting to raise from his gut. So what if Bunnymund found him attractive again? He was fickle! It was only take what? A little weight gain and Bunny would start looking at others again. Even if he did take Bunny back and kept the weight off, what guarantee did he have that Bunny would dump him at the first chance he got? A more sober part of him argued that once Bunnymund gave him his mating mark, Bunnymund would never look or think of another, as it was not possible for a pooka to betray there chosen mate. Some sort of mind connection thing that pooka do with their mate prevents them...of something. Beside why should he give Bunnymund another chance to hurt him? Then again, had he not given Jack Skellington more then another chance?

North drain his glass in one go, he needed it, thinking of Jack Skellington. North did believe in giving second chances, but giving the fact that he allowed Oogie boogie to take over his holiday, kidnap the other holiday leaders, almost got him killed a second time, and despite the loud call to have Jack punished he had given him another chance. Jack was a good per..a good bo...a good skellington and had proven to be a good holiday leader and ally. These last few months Jack...had gotten close, he told him things that had only been shared among the other guardians, with Bunnymund. Jack had helped him lose the weight and was supportive. Despite being bony Jack actually gave good hugs and was very forth coming with them, while he had to hug Bunnymund and put up with his grumbling or give him big puppy dog eyes to get one. Jack was quick to see the wonder in different things, hence why he was so dazzled by Christmas that time, so they had something in common. They shared soft kisses on the cheek as friends did, as greetings, comfort, that sort of thing, but it never went any further then that. Jack...had offered once...they were drunk one night after making a discovery about the doors but he had refused, still to raw after his breakup. Jack said he was willing to wait until North was ready but now with Bunnymund asking to come back to him...what should he do? Jack was most likely not going to back down and he knew Bunnymund was not going to either, which meant that they were going to clash and that would do nothing for the morale of the council or for their image to the other spirits of the world and North could not allow that too happen. He looked up at his work bench, seeing the unwrapped chess board he had given Bunny, who had left it there after being quickly pushed out of the office.

"I will go to the warren tomorrow. Speak to Bunny about this, make sure he knows that I am not going to be played with"

-Line Break-

Jack had tried to sleep but it was no use, he was to angry and upset to sleep, that he doubted a visit from the Sandman would even do him any good. Pushing the pom-pom from his night cap out of his face and pulling down his night shirt he walks quietly down to his kitchen for a drink. Zero groaned as he turned on the light and looked up at him, his small nose flicking on as he made his way to the sink.

"Sorry boy, I can't sleep, my head is pounding so hard it feels as if its going to crack"

Said Jack as he sat down at his small table, glass still in hand. Zero floated up to him and barked in concern. Jack gave the ghost dog a gentle stroke, the tingling sensation of pins and needles going though his bony fingertips.

"I just don't get it Zero, I don't get Mr Bunnymund at all. First he hurts Sandy Claws with his words, then he doubts him for another spirit and now, just when it looks like Sandy Claws is about to return my affections, he turns up and demands that Sandy Claws takes him back! Its infuriating"

Zero barked in agreement as Jack reached over the table and pulled over a jar that held Zero's biscuits and gave him one.

"Sandy Claws means a great deal too me Zero. I mean after all the damage I've caused to his holiday and almost getting him killed, he still forgave me and took me under his wing. He introduced me to the other holiday leaders, showed me personally around his workshop, even taught me a spell or two. I deeply respect him and when I learned that Sandy Claws was Mr Bunnymund's lover, I was happy for them...slightly jealous but happy. Then when Sandy Claws called me, asking for my help on his project, I was thrilled beyond words...it was wonderful but as time went on I noticed how sad he was and that he was losing weight drastically. Finally I plucked up the courage to ask him what was wrong and he looked at me Zero, I'll never forget it. I've always seen him as a strong, proud man but in that moment...he looked so broken, that if I embraced him he would have shattered in to millions pieces. It took a little time to get the full story out of him but that fact was that Bunnymund had left him"

Jack sighed as he scratched his skull and helped himself to one of Zero's treats and handing Zero another.

"I thought my time had finally come! Yes, I wanted to go and yell at Mr. Bunnymund for breaking Sandy Claws's heart the way he did, but then I had a chance to show Sandy Claws how much I care for him. I borrowed a few books on romance form Ms Aphrodite and started too learn how too woo him. You've seen all my graphs and chats haven't you Zero? Everything points to me having a good chance of being with him. I, complimented him, helped him in his work, comfort him. That night after a few drinks..." Jack felt his skull go red with remembering how forward he had been with both his words and his actions. North had responded and moaned against him before pushing him away. "I know he likes me Zero, I just have to convince him that not only am I wroth him risking his heart with, but I am also a lot better lover then Bunnymund! He may be the Easter Bunny but I am the Pumpkin KING!"

-Line Break-

Warm sunny light glowed over the grassy fields of the warren, it was enough to make anyone smile but Bunnymund. He hadn't slept well last night, actually he hadn't slept well in ages, but last night was for a different reason. North had forgiven him and they were on speaking terms which was more then what Bunny was hoping for. He knew that he loved North but last night bought up just how much he still physically desired him as well, how he didn't jump North he didn't know. Yet instead of having a chance to heal the damage he had caused on North's heart and show him how much he loved him, he found Jack bloody Skellington sniffing around and trying to take his place. Yeah, sure, he knew that North had sort of taken Jack under his wing as he had for Jack Frost as well but that should have been it, a teacher and student relationship, not what ever it was that Jack was hoping to have with North. What kind of relationship did he think they were going to have anyway? It certainly wouldn't be a physical one that was for sure, he was a bleeding skellington, its not like they could do it. Also North loved having cuddles and being held, how could Jack do that when he didn't give off any bodily warmth? North liked kissing and Jack had no lips...it simply wasn't going to work. Yet he knew that love could over come physical things...like not having flesh, it could work...if North and Jack wanted it too.

"Why the hell would North give Jack the chance? Hasn't that walking disaster used up all his chances anyway?" Bunny hissed as he washed his face and groomed his fur. "Or has North just forgotten the fact that Jack not only ruined his holiday but almost got him killed?"

Bunny continued to rant and rave against Jack as he went about his chores, getting himself more riled up by the minute.

"And who the hell thought it was a good idea to have someone as empty headed as Jack Skellington in charge of Halloween any way? And what's the hell is that green thing on his wrist? Slime? What the heck is that going to do? I bet he doesn't even like eggs that's how much of an idiot he is! AGH! This is no good! I've got to clear my head, I can't think like this" Bunny snapped as he stomped back in to his room. He slid on his dark green sleeveless robe with a thick brown belt. Then he picked up his staff with his piece of the moon crystal and went out side. He took a deep breath and slowly began to spin and twist as he practice his martial arts using it as a form of meditation too clear his mind. He kicked, bent, punch, and twisted his spear this way and that. He was so focused on his movements that he didn't notice the simmering glow of a snow globe portal opening behind him. North stepped in to the warren, Bunny's Christmas gift under his arm, as his eyes fell on Bunny, his jaw slightly dropping as he watched him. A gentle breeze bought a sweet scent to Bunny's nose, making him pause in mid movement as he turned to face North.

"North...mate I wasn't expecting you..." he said as he lowered his spear towards the ground.

"I thought it would be best, we finish off our conversation from last night, also, I wish to bring your gift...you left it...you still...?"

"Of Course I do" said Bunny firmly as he took the gift from North "I hadn't plan on leaving it...things...just ended on a bum note is all. Come on, I'll make you some hot chocolate"

North wanted to refuse, say he was watching his weight but Bunny was already making his way back to his hut. Bunny quickly put the staff and chess set away before heading back to his kitchen, his paws feeling slightly clammy as a sudden wave of nerves came over him.

"Ok, ok...calm down. Its North, in my place, just as he has been many times before. We're going to sit down and have a nice simple chat, and hopefully by the end of it, North will be back in my arms and Jack Skellington can find someone else to obsesses over" he thought to himself as he placed the bars of chocolate in to a saucepan on the stove to melt. North stood uneasily in the small sitting room looking about, surprised to see that Bunny hadn't packed any of their pictures or any of his gifts away, he had half expected to see them in boxes covered in dust.

"Come and sit down mate, your drink is almost ready" said Bunny as he pulled out a wooden seat for him.

"Thank you" North muttered as he sat down, his stomach slightly twisting as he thought back to the last time he was in this kitchen.

"You ok mate? You look a little upset" said Bunny as he sat beside him, looking concerned as he reached for him with his paw. North raised his hand to stop him and shook his head.

"I'm fine...just a bad memory is all"

Bunny was not convinced but decided not to push. They sat in silence as North sipped his hot chocolate and Bunny twisted his paws, neither really sure how to start.

"I'm...really glad your here Nor..Nick" said Bunny as he rubbed the back of his head and sounding a bit more cheerful "I've thought of a couple of things we could do on our first date and..."

"Bunny, I must stop you there" said North placing his cup down on the table "I do not think it is a good idea"

"Wha? What do you mean? Its a great idea" Said Bunny as panic started to bubble up from the pit of his stomach.

"Because you only said that because of Jack Skellington and...No! Do not lie to me!" North snapped when he saw that Bunny was going to deny it. "It was quite obvious that you said it in the moment as it were or did you say it just to upset Jack, knowing how he feels for me?"

"No...maybe...I mean...I didn't just say it to annoy Jack, I just wanted to ask you on a date before he got the chance too. Truth be told I don't want that bag of bones anywhere near ya!" Bunny said bitterly as he leant back in to his chair his arms crossed.

"I wish you would let go of your grudges Aster, they will do you no good" said North sadly as he looked at the pooka "I still do not understand why you are acting as if you are jealous? You know..."

Bunny turned away from North and looked down at the floor, his emotions were twisting his intestines in to knots, his mind racing as thoughts of beating Jack Skellington to a pulp.

"Bunny? Are you...jealous? Jealous of Jack Skellington?" North asked in disbelief.

Bunny felt his fur flare up as he wrinkled his nose in annoyance. "Not in so many words"

"You are" North exclaimed in surprise, his eyes wide as he smiled brightly. Bunny looked at North then, his scent taking on a more pleasant aroma.

"Your happy about that? About me being jealous?" he asked smiling as he leaned in closer.

"Well...yes. Very so" admitted North, his heart beating happily in his chest, though a small part of him said that he should not be happy that his ex was acting like possessive jealous lover. "But that is not point! Point is..."

"The point is I shouldn't have done it just because Jack was there, I get it, and I'm sorry that I came across as a bit immature but to be fair mate, I had every intention of courting ya properly this time around. I'm going to do the whole nine yards mate, sweep ya off ya feet sort of thing"

North felt his face became a flame "Why? You have never done that. Why do it now?"

"Because I should have shown you before. How much ya meant to me" said Bunny somberly as he rose to his feet and took North's face between his paws "How much ya still do..."

North knew he should have pulled away but he could not ignore the pull of his heart as Bunny leant down and kissed him. He opened his mouth wider as Bunny licked his lower lip seeking entrance. He felt Bunny's wet nose press against his cheek as his tongue licked the roof of his mouth. He could feel the heat coming from Bunny's body as he came closer to him, his mouth now pressing harder against his, his tongue against his own. He tried to hold back his moan, but as Bunny pushed deeper it escaped from his throat and Bunny responded with a deep pleasing purr as he pulled away leaving him panting.

"Good to know ya still like my kisses mate"

North felt as if he had just been punched in the gut, as a furious anger filled his soul and set his blue eyes ablaze as he rose to his feet. It was always the physical things with Bunny, how he looked and how good he was in bed or how good at kissing he was, it was never about his feelings. Bunny stumbled back, shocked with North's sudden change of mood.

"North, what is...?"

"Do you think me a fool Bunnymund?" North hissed his fists clenched "Do you think you can simply seduce me back in to your nest? To use me until I put on too much weight or another pretty face takes your fancy?"

Bunny gapped at North, seeing for the first time just how much his actions and words had hurt his love. "I should have never had said what I did about your weight North. It was more then wrong of me and I've already told you that I'm sorry about Jack Frost and I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you and treating and loving you the way you deserve"

North felt the tension in his shoulders go as he sighed loudly "I wish I could fully believe you"

"Nick, please, I'm asking ya for a chance to prove that. You've given Jack Skellington another chance, can't you do the same for me?"

North's eyes flashed, angry that Bunny had used that against him, but knew that he was right.

"I will give you the same chance as Jack Bunnymund, but do not expect me to simply take you back after a few pretty words"

"You won't regret it North" said Bunny as he placed a small kiss on North's cheek, smiling at the way North was blushed. "Do you need to go back yet? You can stay for lunch and break in my new chess set?"

North thought about the pile of designs waiting to be looked at, the toys he needed to look over, the stock take he needed to organise and then looked at Bunny who was looking back at him, his green eyes filled with hope.

"That sounds wonderful"

-Line Break-

Many spirits of the world would tell you that eternity was very long and boring. Day after day, month after year, and it was the same old routine. Then North come up with the idea to throw the end of year party. Suddenly spirits that would never meet, bound by their duties or seasons were able to met others of their kind and made new friends. The party was also way to relax before another year of hard work. So, when North cancelled it, many spirits were upset as they would not to get to see their friends but it caused them to be restless and many felt they didn't have the energy to perform their duties. Then the rumours started to spread of Bunny and Jack Skellington, fighting to win the heart of North, so naturally everyone wanted a piece of the action. The Groundhog himself started the betting pool and at the moment the odds were even, with a few outside bets like North either starting his own harem or not going out with either of them. Yet despite this excitement, the spirits were still unsettled, something had to been done.

"You have to do something North" said Aphrodite as she sat down on North's large armchair. "Even the fairies haven't been seen doing their jobs and you know how diligent they are"

"I know, I just can't not believe that everyone is sulking because of not having party" said North as he handed her a cup of hot chocolate.

"Are you sure you can't throw one North? Your the only one who's home is big enough to hold us all"

"I'm sorry my dear, I truly am, but work is still going on and the safety checks have not been completed, it would be to dangerous to have the party here"

"Well, you've got to think of something North, otherwise this year is going to end before it even starts. We need something, something exciting for everyone to get involved in" said the goddess as she sipped her drink, her light blue eyes flickering between the floor and North. "Though, speaking of excitement...how are things with you North?"

North raised an eye brow as he gazed at the goddess with a firm look, making her blush brightly.

"I'm asking as the goddess of love you understand. The energy coming from Bunnymund and Jack Skellington has been giving me quite the buzz"

North buried his face in to his hand as he groaned "Their are giving me quite the headache if you must know"

It had only been a week since Bunny pledge to sweep North off his feet and he was doing just that, the only problem was, so was Jack Skellington. Bunny had sent his a large bouquet of his best flowers from the warren, while Jack gave him a large bouquet of dried out flowers. Bunny gave North chocolate while Jack gave him candy. Bunny had given him a new set of tools and Jack gave him rare books. Then there were the love letters both holiday leaders sent. Jack had tried his hand at poetry and while he was good, North did not feel comfortable with the idea of sharing a coffin with him. Bunny's letter's were a bit more personal and well...explicit, bringing up some of their more intimate moments as well as his own ideas of what he wanted to do to with him in the future. North had take to reading them in his bedroom and hiding the letters there.

"I'm not even encouraging them Aphrodite. I've even told them that I had no intention of courting anyone anytime soon but they won't listen, because the moment they hear what the other has done they try too out do them" North grumbled as he slumped in to the seat next to her.

"Well, it might be best if you did try courting at least one of them, mostly Bunnymund, since the flame is still there" she said while thinking to herself "And because I have two hundred gold coins riding on it"

"Ha! Jack Frost told me to try dating Jack Skellington because Bunny broke my heart and then the cheek scamp added that he had a few sliver coins bet going on that I did"

"There are a lot of bets going on. There is even one bet saying that your really starting your own harem with the holiday leaders...is that true?"

"Of course not! I'm a one bun...person man" said North as he shifted in his seat.

"Damn" Aphrodite muttered feeling slightly disappointed. She was about to ask North about the party again when there was a knock on his door, before it swung open and Bunny came is carrying a bouquet of what looked like roses. Bunny's fur looked extra glossy and soft, his belt and bracers were all new and he smelt like a fresh spring day.

"More flowers Bunny? I don't think I have another vase" said North as he stood up.

"Ya ain't going to need one for these mate" said Bunny as he quickly kissed North on his cheek and handed over his gift. "Smell them"

North looked skeptical but did as Bunny asked as took a deep sniff and blinked back his surprise. "Chocolate? You made me chocolate roses? How did you get them so red?"

"A little magic and a lot of food dye" smiled Bunny until he saw Aphrodite sitting there "Oh! Hey Dite, didn't see you there, everything alright?"

"Oh I'm fine, but I was just talking to North about the general mood of the spirits at the moment. Everyone is feeling a little lifeless"

"What a bunch of sad sacks!" Bunny snorted "They've been doing there jobs for centuries, they should be able to do it with their eyes closed"

"Bunny, we spirits do not get to have any time off or breaks, so the end of year party was a big deal for everyone. And since I canceled the party, I must come up with something else" said North as he put down his roses but not before plucking a few petals to munch on.

"But what can we do?" Bunny asked "Everyone will be getting ready to help turn the seasons over or getting ready for the own holidays, so they won't really be able to leave their own counties, let alone go where every it is you want them too"

North stroked his beard for a few moments, his blue eyes starting to twinkle "What is we held some sort of event that meant that no one really had to travel except the people involved"

"Like what? A scavenger hunt?" said Aphrodite sitting up right as she watched the guardian of wonder pace back and forth.

"No...no...more like race...with check points. Have check point in each continent, which will allow the spirits of that place to join in and cheer for who ever they wish to win. It will be fun"

"Sounds good to me mate" said Bunny though part of him disagreed as he felt this was throwing a spanner in to his plans of trying to woo North back as the man tended to go all out for these kind of things and forget he had other things to deal with or people to be with, namely him. "But what kind of race would it be? What would be the rules?"

"Let me think...think...think" North muttered as he went to his work bench and pulled out a large world map and started to draw on it. There was another knock at the door that made North stop what he was doing as he looked at the door in confusion as he went to open it. "Hmm...twice in one day...must be record"

There was Jack Skellington, in his best pin striped suit and bat bow tie, holding a large brown bag in his bony arms.

"Hello Sandy Claws, I hope I'm not interrupting but I remembered you saying you wish to stock up your potions cabinet, so I bought you over some rare ingredients from Halloween town. The witches there assured me that these are extremely good"

"Why thank you Jack, that is very thoughtful and is good that you are here, we could use some more insight" said North as he stepped out of the doorway to let him in to the room.

"We? What do you mean Sandy Claws...oh! Ms Aphrodite, so surprised too see you here and...oh" Jack's friendly smile turned in to a disapproving scowl "Bunnymund"

"Jack"

"So what is it you want my help with? Is it something important?" Jack asked turning his back on Bunny as he looked mainly at North and Aphrodite. North quickly filled Jack in about that state of the spirit world and about his idea for a race.

"That's fantastic! I think its a wonderful ideas Sandy Claws! And I think I have the idea your looking for!"

"Oh this will be good" said Bunny sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. Jack sent him a withering look as North shook his head at Bunny's actions.

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, what if the race was just between the two of us Sandy Claws, we could do that idea we had a while ago. Remember?"

North frowned for a moment before breaking out in to a large smile and laughing loudly.

"YES! Yes that is it, great idea Jack! This is going to be EPIC" cheered North as he hugged Jack tightly for a few seconds and then turned to Aphrodite. "Spread the word that Jack Skellington and I will race..."

"Hang on a minute mate" said Bunny stepping forward, placing himself between North and Jack. "I'm all up for this race North but I don't think it would be fair if you were in it"

"But Bunny...it has too be me, you see..." started North but stopped when Bunny shook his head.

"North, you and I both know you will go out of your way to win any race. Remember what you were like gathering all those teeth? Jack should race with someone more on his level..."

"Bunnymund is right Sandy Claws" smiled Jack evilly "That is why he should race me"

"What? I didn't say that!" snapped Bunny as he glared at Jack who continued to smirk.

"and should we race, I think it will settle a few things between us, unless of course...he's scared"

Bunny ears shot up as he clenched his paws in to fists, his fur flaring out in an intimidating manner. "I ain' scared of nothing, least of all you skellington, you want to race I'll..."

"Enough!" North snapped placing his hands on Bunny's shoulders, holding him back from striking. "This is meant to be a race for fun not a grudge match!"

"I think its a good idea North" said Aphrodite as she walked over to Jack Skellington, placing a hand on his arm. "It will clear the air between these two and you would be better off as a judge since you are the leader of the seven holidays"

"Aphrodite!" North exclaimed in shock as he thought the goddess would be against Bunny and Jack racing.

"So I'll be taking North place then! Its all settled" said Bunny still glaring at Jack.

"No! Not all settled!" North snapped as he pulled Bunny around to look at him in the face. "You do not even know what you are racing do you!"

"What do you mean?"

"What is one thing me and Jack Skellington both have? A sleigh" said North shaking Bunny a little, hoping to shake some of the stubbiness out of him.

"Sleigh? You mean THE sleigh?" Bunny asked, dread slowly filling his belly as he looked back at the grinning skellington.

"Yes. Myself and Sandy Claws were talking of having a sleigh race for a while but never had the time or the place for it. And like you said Bunnymund, Sandy Claws is a lot better then I am, it would certainly be a more fair race if it was against you. I'm sure Sandy Claws would lend you his sleigh for the race, so you won't have to build your own like I did"

"This race...it will be on the ground right? After all, not many spirits can fly" said Bunny as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

"Of course it will be in the air, that is the whole point of racing the sleighs, to see who could fly the fastest but I understand if your uncomfortable with such a hard task. I'm sure we could do something more your speed...like watching paint dry on your Easter eggs maybe?"

Both North and Aphrodite flinched at that insult as Bunny snarled loudly. He reached out and grabbed Jack's hand and shook it hard.

"Your on!"

To Be continued...