As the trumpets played Nature stood from her throne. The doors that had been closed bursted open by a cold wind. Snowflakes swirled around the room before they were carried to a fix point before Nature.
The guardians watch in fascination as they the delicate crystals began to take on a form. One moment they saw only a human like form. The next they fell away to reveal their winter spirit. He was down on one knee with his head bowed much like a knight would bow to royalty. Jack didn't look up instead kept his eyes closed and head bowed.
"Welcome spirits," Nature announced "we come together today to bestow upon Jack Frost the honor and responsibilities as the Head Winter Bringer," looking down at the winter spirit "you may rise Jack Frost." When she said this Jack's eyes opened and he stood. His eyes stayed focused on her for a moment before he looked passed her and saw the guardians. At first his eyes grew wide with surprise before a huge excited smile crossed his lips.
Bunny's breath caught in his throat at the sight. Moon how he had missed that smile.
Chance were that if it weren't for the ceremony Jack would have rushed to greet them. He looked back to Nature with a grateful smile as the ceremony continued.
"Jack today you take the oath of Head Winter Bringer. It is an oath that is not taken lightly and once taken can only ever be broken by death. Do you understand and wish to continue," Nature asked though it sound more as a formality than anything else.
"I do," Jack responded simply. With a nod of satisfaction Nature seem to pull a large book out of nowhere. The wind blowing it open to the right page.
"Then do you Jack Frost swear help keep the balance of the four seasons? Do you swear to guard Mother Earth when she sleep as well as share in the responsibilities of bringing to rest and waking her when she is ready," Nature asked.
"I swear," Jack answered in a more serious tone.
"And do you Jack Frost take responsibility for all other winter spirits. To guide them and teach them to fulfill their duties in a manner befitting a season bearing spirit," Nature continued.
"I do so take responsibility," Jack answered keeping his eyes focused on Nature.
"Then by all powers granted to me by Mother Earth I here by declare you Head Winter Bearer. Place your hand upon the Book of Season to seal your bond to Mother Earth," Nature instructed as she turn the open book to face him.
Without missing a beat Jack raised his right hand and placed it upon the book. At first nothing happened, but then the pages began to glow a brilliant white light.
From where Bunny sat he could see a trail of blue winter magic wrap its way around his hand and up his arm out of sight.
When this happen frost exploded around his feet tracing delicate patterns over the marble floor. At the same time the blue silk banners that hung in the room also began to glow before the entire room was enveloped by the brilliant light that came from the book.
It lasted for only a moment before dying down and disappearing. Jack still stood with his hand on the pages of the book. His eyes closed peacefully. When they opened again the guardians were slightly stunned. The bright blue sapphire eyes of their winter spirit were even brighter. They shone with a new life that completely mesmerized Bunny.
Sandy was the first to notice the once blank blue silk banners. To his and the others's amazement they saw silver snowflakes and delicate frost patterns now adorned them.
The trance that had befallen the room was broken when Jack removed his hand and the book slammed shut. Jack turned to face the rest of the room as everyone took it as their que to break out into cheer.
Nature turn to the guardians with a smile as she nodded for them to approach.
As the room continued to cheer the guardians rose from their seats and moved forward. North clasped Jack shoulder effectively gaining the boys attention. Jack looked up at him with a joyful smile as he was enveloped into a hug by his father. When he was let go Tooth and Sandy were there to give him hugs as well. All the while congratulating him. When the hugs finally ended Jack looked passed them to where Bunny stood. Their eyes locked for a moment before Jack broke free from the others and threw himself at the pooka. Who caught him with easies.
There they stood in each other's embrace for several moments before Jack looked up at the pooka.
"I missed you," Jack said his smile growing even wider.
"I missed you to Snowflake," Bunny said looking down at his winter spirit. He held his gaze for a moment longer before he leaned down drawing Jack into a passionate kiss. A kiss that was returned immediately and just as passionately.
The other guardians along with Mother Nature looked on at the pair happily. All were please to see both so happy. Though the same couldn't be said for the other spirits in the room. The sight of which caught them by complete surprise.
Nature picking up on the other season spirits shock waited for the kiss to end.
When the kiss ended the pair rested their foreheads against each other. Lost in the moment in complete and total bliss.
"Jack, Bunnymund," Nature called bringing them back to reality. They looked over to her with happy smiles "Please come forth," she said motioning them to her.
Jack followed immediately pulling Bunny with him. When they were before her she looked each in the eyes before turning her eyes to the crowd of spirits.
"This union is far form orthodox. Never before has a seasonal spirit dare to cross magics let alone chose an outsider. As the Head Winter Bearer Jack you are held to higher standers than all other winter spirits," Nature stated firmly her tone emotionless "the laws that have governed us for the better part of eight millenias have kept it as such. In all that time there has never been a need to enforce such laws until now."
The way she spoke began to terrify Bunny. He knew her word was law when it came to the seasons and the spirits that tended them. By the way she spoke he feared that she would forbid them from being together.
The other guardians had the same thoughts as Bunny. They had been happy when they'd realize that there was something going on between them. They want them to be together because they wanted them to be happy. Now as they listened to nature speak they began to fear that would never happen.
Jack was the only one of the five who wasn't worried. He had already had this conversation. Sure there were still a few things to explain to Bunny, but that could wait for another time.
"However now that I am faced with a task I cannot bring myself to interfere in matters of the heart. I so decree the laws that forbids such love here by abolished. Jack you and Bunnymund have my blessing to pursue this union," she declared with a smile.
Bunny looked from Jack to Nature confused. Through her entire speech Jack smile had not faltered as if he knew what was going to happen.
"Umm what just happen," Bunny asked in whispered tones.
"I'll explain later," Jack answered "for now just nod," he told him with a slight giggle. So thats what he did he nodded excepting Nature blessing. Glad that he could be with the one he loved.
After the ceremony and Nature's declaration there had been a short reception in which Jack had to attend. During which at some point Nature threatened Bunny about what would happen if he ever hurt Jack. Bunny readily agree knowing that he would have to here this again from North.
There were still several thing Jack had to do before he could leave. Some of which the other guardians were privileged to others they were made to wait outside. In all the craziness that had followed the coronation Bunny and Jack had not been able to talk.
Even when Jack had finished and returned to the pole things did not settle. North had ordered a huge feast to celebrate which lasted for a couple hours. They talked and laughed just as if nothing had changed.
When dinner had ended Bunny had managed to sneak Jack away for some privacy.
Jack sat curled up in Bunny's lap as they sat in front of the fireplace. Neither spoke wanting nothing more than to be in each others company away from the chaos that was their family.
"So where are we now exactly," Jack asked at last breaking the silence.
"That depends on what ya want," Bunny responded thoughtfully.
"I want to be with you more than anything. That being away from you was the hardest thing that I ever had to do," Jack said snuggling into Bunny's furry chest even more to make his point.
"Me too," Bunny responded by tightening his hold on Jack a little more.
"So where does that leave us," Jack asked again.
"Well if ya are willin' that would make us boyfriends by human standards," Bunny answer. Jack looked up at him.
"With you I'll always be willing," Jack said with a smile. Bunny returned the smile as he lend down to kiss him. Jack returned the kiss gladly. The kiss lasted for a few minutes before they broke apart for air, and returned to cuddling.
"Bunny," Jack said after a time. Though it sounded as if he was on the verge of falling asleep.
"Aster," Bunny correct.
"Huh," Jack questioned confusion evident in his voice.
"My name is Aster," Bunny explained patiently. Finding that Jack look so adorable half asleep.
"Alright then, Aster," Jack said again with a yawn.
"Yeah Snowflake," Bunny asked with a slight chuckle.
"I love you," Jack answered cuddling closer to Bunny's chest. Bunny seem to freeze at the confession. He peered down to where Jack lay in his arms fast asleep. Bunny couldn't help but smile.
"I luv ya ta," Bunny whispered nuzzling Jack's temple. Bunny continued to watch the flames dance in the fire place for a while long until he to drifted off to sleep.
Author's Note:
Well this chapter was fun. It gave the warm fuzzy feeling as I was writing. Though now I am thinking a new chapter that would force me to raise my rating for the story. This story from here on out with be all about first for the couple. After North had a little chat with Bunny of course. I also said I would never write a smut scene, but this story has got me rethinking that decision, so I will leave the verdict of that decision to you all. If I get enough requests in favor I'll post it and raise the rating. However if enough tell me they don't I will lock it away in my deleted scenes folder never to see the light of day again. Its fate is in your hands. Please review and tell me what you think. Until next time...