My God, it has been two months since I've updated my RotG/PSoH! OAO I am so sorry, you guys, but I have to make sure that I have smoothed out the second chapter. It has gone longer than I thought so I hope it was worth the wait.

This chapter details on how Bunny and Jack met, including the appearance of a certain shop owner...enjoy.

Oh and also, I apologize if there are overlooked errors.

I still don't own the rights to Rise of the Guardians and Pet Shop of Horror, both are respectively owned by William Joyce and DreamWorks and Matsuri Akino

Two months ago…

It was only been a week since they moved into Los Angeles, Jack still hasn't gotten use to the change in the scenery. Which it was understandable since he is considered a small-town boy, the sight of tall buildings and a large number of people was overwhelming. Plus the smell might take a while to get used to, and the heat was overbearing in his opinion. A fresh start, Pitch told him and his sister one day, but just because they're moving out of Burgess doesn't mean they cannot visit from time to time.

Not reassuring, taken a lot of persuasion from the older man (who was aided by his daughter, above all people), but despite some disagreements…Jack couldn't be more thankful to have a godfather like him.

"Jack? Jack…we're here now."

He blinked out of train of thoughts before taking in the current environment. It was like they have just traveled to another country within minutes by car. The western styles of buildings are now replaced by the Chinese signs and shops that have an oriental flair to them. No words could describe how Jack felt as he took in his surroundings. The only time he had seen Chinatown is on either TV or in those travel magazines, but in person, it was different. No doubt that his baby sister is in awe of this place as well.

"Whoa…" was the first thing that left his mouth. He heard a gasp of wonder behind him, no doubt that Cora most likely to feel the same thing, looking out of the car window with glee. Pitch smiled as his godchildren looked around them in awe, it is a good idea to come here.

Jack's mind finally registered on what his godfather have said, practically blinking a few times before facing him.

"Wait, where's here?" there is a reason that they have arrived in Chinatown, and it was probably something other than sight-seeing and checking out the restaurants. Pitch opened up his door before turning to him with an innocent look, but he clearly knew something about something. Only way he could get the answer, is to find out for himself.

"There is an old friend of mine who owns a pet shop around here, I would like you and your sister to meet," then he smiled again. "I'm sure that you'll like him." Pitch looked over to Cora, who looks eager to get out of the car to see it all better. "All set, Sweet-Pea?"

The small brunette girl smiled brightly and made no hesitation to unbuckle her seatbelt. Jack laugh softly at her excitement, copying her as he undid his seatbelt before getting out of the car while their guardian play gentleman for Cora. The white-haired teen was greeted by delicious smells of street vendors and vaguely barbeque aroma that somehow escaped from various restaurants. He only had about a minute to take it all in before noticing that Pitch and Cora were waiting for him in front of what looked like an ornate oriental entrance. Or at least it looked like an entrance, since it have stairs leading down, probably to the true entrance. If that sign that says Count D has any indication.

Jack stared at it before turning to his godfather who was waiting patiently to him, Cora, on the other hand, was quickly becoming the opposite. Despite it were only a few minutes since they got out of the car.

"Is…is this the place?" it was a more or less rhetorical question.

Pitch nodded before gently taking Cora's hand. "Ready to go in, my dear?"

The brunette girl nodded eagerly, clearly couldn't wait to see the animals. Jack was admittedly curious about the shop, not to mention why its shop was designed like it.

He followed the two downstairs until they come across a pair of doors that resemble shoji-style doors of Japan, but no windows to promote what kind of animals to promote the shop. It somehow strike Jack odd that a shop that was supposed to sell pets be not only built in an underground setting but also have no windows. However he let all suspicion slid away as he followed his younger sister and guardian into the shop.

He was expecting the mixed odor of animals, dried products, and some oats, but what he didn't expect was a sweet scent. He couldn't tell what it is, but it has a mixture of fruits and flowers, not strong as those air fresheners that you find in cars or the perfume products that he had come across in department stores. But rather, for lack of definition, soft and somehow draws him in.

It's so sweet…it was the first thing that ran through his head as Jack followed his guardian and younger sister inside. The interior also blew away Jack's expectations once more, if there is anything to describe it, it would be gorgeous. There are some elegant drapes here and there; he even spotted a coffee table along with what looks like a couch and a comfort chair. However, due to the dim lighting, that was all he could see other than a few plants.

All the while Jack was unable to shake off a feeling that they're being watched...

"Welcome to my pet shop," he heard a smooth silky voice out of nowhere, almost making the teen jump out of his skin. That is when the voice's owner stepped through the drapes. Jack couldn't believe the appearance of what seemed to be a man. That is if he is a man, if it weren't for the beautifully designed changsam style robes and manicured nails that were painted deep violet and filed to the point that they're practically sharp to the tip.

"We have everything from dogs to cats, birds to insects, and even reptiles. How may I help you…" then he paused as he took note of his guardian, his calm demeaner was broken by a look of surprise. "…Kozmotis?"

There were only a few people that called him by his real name: his late godmother, his parents, and another old friend of Pitch's.

Pitch smiled as he walked over and hugged him briefly. "D, it's been too long." He said, before looking over to Jack and Cora. "Jack, Cora, this is my friend that I have mentioned, Count D. D, these are my godchildren."

Jack smiled, remembering about being polite around new people, and wave his hand a bit. "Hello," he simply greeted. He briefly looked down to see Cora clinging close to him, looking bashful. "Hi." Came out a meek greeting from her, it was amazing how she went from exited to shy in an instant.

D, as he was called, smiled and bowed elegantly before them, as if they're born of aristocracy. "A pleasure of meeting his godchildren," then he shifted his gaze upon Jack, who cleared his throat when he was started to feel a bit uncomfortable. It was like he was staring right into his soul, picking out every little secret that he could find.

"So…um…Pitch, how did you and the Count know each other?" Jack asked, trying not to show his discomfort.

The only friend that Jack has met personally is Manny Moon, a well-known rich philanthropist. He was a rather nice guy that have a comfortable air that have practically screams "fun uncle", especially whenever both he and Pitch visit them at the same time at family get-togethers back when their parents were still…amongst them. Most of the time, he was on one of those campaign trips for charity.

This man, on the other hand, he knew nothing about.

"I was a horse breeder in the past, and this man introduced me to Onyx," he explained. "You're probably too young to remember, but you always complain that she tried to eat your hair, thinking it was some sugar cube or something."

Oh right…he remembered that he once owned the Black Dreaming Ranch after retiring as general, right now ran by his older god-sister, Emily-Jane, when Pitch took him and Cora in. Not to mention that Onyx, Pitch's first horse, seemed to have a habit on mistaking his hair as a large clump of sugar. It was a rather interesting greeting every time he went by to visit.

But those were the days…

"I think I have the evidence to back that up," he said, remembering how the large black mare nibbled at his bangs.

The Chinese Count found it amusing, politely covering his mouth while he chuckled. "May we get comfortable over some tea?" he suggested, gesturing over to the coffee table and couch. "I have just made some cheesecake."

"That would be nice," Pitch replied before turning to his godchildren. "Shall we?"

Cora practically lit up at the mention of cake. "There's cake?" One had to be clueless on not to notice her excitement. Jack laughed softly as they were lead over to the seats that were reserved for guests while the Count gathered up the necessary supplies to make the tea. It was one of the blooming kinds where the herbal flower reveals its petals as he poured in the hot water. Jack never saw it beforehand; it was a rather beautiful sight for him. As the tea was brewed at the right set of minutes, D poured in the contents with the elegance that seemed to take years to master. Not a single drop was spilled as he filled each of the Asian tea cups before they were each given to them.

"Be careful, they're hot," he warned his younger sister gently as she took the cup from him.

"Thank you, Count." She spoke politely, trying to be sweet as much as she can. The Chinese man smiled kindly at her. "Such a well-mannered child, you have here," he commented as D handed the dark haired man his tea.

Pitch smiled, taking the tea cup from his oldest friend. "I tried to raise them along with their parents," he replied with pride, blowing the tea a few times to cool before taking a sip. "Mmm, you always have the best taste when it comes to tea."

Jack waited patiently before being handed his cup. After giving the shop keeper his thanks, the white-haired teen took note of the sweet aroma wafting into his nostrils. It was a pleasant floral smell, reminding him of that he and his family went on one spring time. He sighed in content before taking a sip, cautious that he kept in mind that it was hot liquid that he was drinking. It somehow soothed him, all the way down to his very soul.

He didn't know that Count D took notice of this, but he could have sworn that one of his eyes was flashing golden…

Maybe it was the trick of the light…that was what he thought to himself.

"Is this to your liking?" he heard the older man spoke. Jack almost dropped his cup, completely startled.

"Um, yeah, it is…" damn it, he was sputtering. He hoped that he doesn't sound like an idiot. The Chinese man didn't notice this and stood up, still smiling. Jack watched him disappear into what seemed like a small kitchenette, and took out a cheesecake that looked like it was made from scratch instead of the kind that you buy from stores that were open 24 hours. A few minutes later, the Count came back out with a tray with small fancy plates that held four cheesecake slices.

Jack was surprised on how much self-control Cora has when she was given her slice. "Still a sweet tooth as I remembered, old friend," he heard Pitch commented as they each took their own slice. "At this rate, you would get diabetes and cavities at the same time."

He noticed that Pitch sounded more relaxed than usual; a rather rare sight to see, the only time he saw him in that state whenever he have the chance to

"I have heard that comment so many times" D chuckled as he took his seat across from them. Then he turned to the younger occupants that sat beside the other dark-haired man. "I hope that the tea and cake are to your liking." His reply came in the form of a content hum as Cora took a bite of her slice.

"They're so good!" she took another bite of the cheesecake. Jack stared at his slice before taking a bite of his own. The sweet flavor filled his mouth; he could almost feel the smooth texture on his tongue and from what he could tell from his taste buds that the base is actually made of cookies, not the graham cracker kind that he was used to.

What his sister have commented about the flavor is an understatement. It was like taking a taste of heaven. Jack set his plate down upon the coffee table to take a sip of his tea.

"I do not mean to pry," he heard Count's silky voice spoke up. "But…I am sorry. It must have been terrible."

Jack almost spilled his tea as he flinched. Luckily for him, Cora didn't know what he was referring to, since he was being vague. The last thing he wanted to have her depressed, so he would rather leave her in bliss with her cake. Jack, on the other hand, knew what he was referring to. After all, that memory was still fresh on his mind.

"Thank you for your condolence, Count…" that was all he could say. He didn't know what else to say after that, just thought that taking a sip of his tea might be the best option.

It was only a few moments, but he could feel the tension in the air thickening. The only sounds he could hear are the ticking of a clock and the giggles of his younger sister, along with the sound of a squeaking animal? Curious, Jack looked over and almost did a double take at the sight of the creature that Cora was playing with. It looked almost like an odd hybrid of a bat and a small rabbit, with small horns protruding from its tiny head. It purred in delight as it snuggled against Cora's finger.

The Count set his tea down when he looked over, looking oddly amused.

"Ah, Q-chan…so that is where you have been hiding." He spoke before standing up. His eyes shifted over to Jack who in turn looked up to him, wondering what to do. "Which reminds me, Jack, if you please come with me to the back?"

All the teen could do was blinked his blue eyes and then turned to his godfather, asking a silent question; he know next to nothing about this man, and the only few things that he know is that he was the reason on how Pitch started his horse ranch and breed the best horses. However, he felt somewhat assured when Pitch gave him one of his rare smiles that he reserved for those that are closest to him. Telling him that everything will be alright, just trust the Count…

Without a word, he placed his tea beside his barely eaten cheesecake and stood up before following the Count to the backroom. Maybe this is where the pets have been stored in. Yet, that is another question that he asked to himself. As soon as he was lead into the backroom, Jack was surprised to see that it was a long winding hallway.

That's weird…I always thought that the shop is smaller from the outside, he thought to himself. I won't be surprised if this place is the TARDIS…

Never the less, he followed him close, finding out that there is no end to this so-called shop. What is stranger that all he could see are doors, each one are without some kind of label, not even a small window to peek in; and most of all the scent of the incense, it seemed stronger in here.

"If you are wondering about the smell, it is to eliminate the animals' odor."

Jack's attention was now switched back to the Count's back. "O-oh, really?" he tried to make it seem like he was paying attention, hoping he wasn't caught wondering about the hallway. It was becoming more of a maze when they made a turn on the left. Or is it right?

He can't remember…

"Jack, I am fully aware that this is the first time that you have met me," D spoke further, not once missing a step as they journey down the corridors. "But I could assure you, your godfather's one and only desire for you is your eternal happiness."

"Yeah, I know." that was all he could say, of course…he forgot. Pitch have this scary way of finding out what he is really thinking, how he really felt behind that smile that he practiced every morning in the mirror. Jack could barely hold back a laugh when he remembered that he called him Batman one time.

"Ah…here we are." Thank goodness for Jack's timing to stop before he could find himself colliding to the Count's back. The door before them is quite impressive. While it possessed an Asian flare, there are some intricate designs of what looked like daisies. What is behind that door really piqued Jack's interest. However, he needed to be kept on his toes; after all, Pitch is a firm believer in the phrase "curiosity killed the cat".

Count D pulled the door open, greeting the two in a blinding light. Jack could only shield himself and suffered a slight case of blindness, before adjusting to the light to see…

"Wait…what is this place? Are we still in Chinatown?!"

Those were the first words that left his mouth as Jack took in his surroundings. Somehow he was beginning to feel how Dorothy felt when she traveled to Oz via tornado. Instead of some regular room, it has the appearance of an oasis in some unknown foreign land that was untouched by civilization. Lush greenery with beautiful flower patches of tulips and daisies, with willow-like trees that have what looked like cherry blossom petals softly falling occasionally. Jack could feel the actual heat of the sun above them, making him unzip his favorite hoodie before wrapping it around his waist.

Count D faced him, his smile never faltering. "I can assure you, this is a pet shop. Nothing more, nothing less, please do not be alarmed." Then he looked over to him for a moment. "Oh, and also, yes…we are still in Chinatown."

Yeah right! Jack thought to himself as he has no other choice but to follow the shop keeper.

As they venture into the corridor, the young man could see that this is not some sort of dream that he was having. He felt little vegetation on the way, confirming that they are genuine. They felt too soft to be plastic. Not to mention the faint sweet but fresh smell in the air. It was rather relaxing, almost reminded him of the forests that he loved to hike in back in Burgess. Thinking about his old hometown just made him homesick…

However, he had to cut the reminiscing short when he noticed the Count had stopped in front of him, making Jack stop in his tracks as well. He took a look around and found a stream (which doesn't surprise him anymore) rushing by and there stood before them is a tall cherry blossom tree. The youth looked around before taking note that the Chinese man was looking around for something.

"Hmm…I'm sure he was here somewhere…" he heard him mutter to himself. D held in his chin in a delicate way, pondering as he does so.

Jack blinked as he stared at him in curiosity. "Uh, who are we looking for?"

"Ya lookin' for me, Count?"

The youth almost jumped out of his skin from the sound of a new voice, which he recognized the accent as Australian, and obviously male with a slight tenor tone. From the sound of it, it was above their heads in the branches. The Count doesn't seem to be surprised at the addition of their "group", in fact he looked satisfied. He raised his head up, still smiling as his eyes pierced through the pink petals and black bark.

"Indeed I have…so this is where you've been hiding."

Jack looked up as well, seeing the elegant ebony branches covered with pink cherry blossom petals, along with tan covered limb that hung…

…wait, what?

He squint his blue eyes to look in further and found out that what he saw was really a leg that was covered by what seemed to be tanned leather, hanging loosely from the thick tree branch. Jack trailed his attention over to find the full body of the owner relaxing on the said tree limb. His eyes widen with shock at the sight of the man in question.

There was one thing that could describe the man is ruggedly handsome, with his bluish-grey long hair pulled back in a low ponytail, leaving the rest fell in bangs to hang over his angular face and an exposed torso that not only showed off his sun-kissed skin but also the slight muscular and yet slim physique. Tribal-esque tattoos decorated his arms and forehead, from what Jack could see they somehow resembled flowers. He also took note that the man kept his body in top form, which is currently propped against the trunk. (And Jack would also note that he was shirtless at the moment). His eyes were closed in relaxation as the back of his head was propped up by his crossed arms, showing off his slightly ripped biceps.

Jack had come to terms with his sexuality a long time ago, but even he know what a hot guy is when he see one! And this one takes the cake!

"I'm not hiding…I'm relaxing…there's a difference," came a smooth drawl as the man opened his eyes and looked down at them. They held the color of livid meadow in the spring time; Jack couldn't help but stare into the depths. It took him a while to realize that the man was staring back at him before turning away in order to hide the blush that was about to bloom on his more than pale cheeks.

However, unknown to him, the man noticed and he seemed to be pleased.

Jack only looked back up for a moment, just in time to see the Count taking a few steps aside as the man jumped down the branch that he was relaxing on, doing a small flip before landing in what seemed to be a perfect three-point landing that can only be achieved in films; even left behind falling petals as an after-effect. When the man straightened himself up, the one thing that Jack noticed is that he was freakishly tall, standing at least 6-7 feet.

Holy crap, he's a friggin' giant! Jack thought as he realized their height difference.

He didn't know what to do when the man was sauntering up to him, his eyes widened as Jack had to crane his neck up a bit in order to look up at him. The other man stared down at him- literally stared down at him- and gave him a thorough look over as he scanned his green eyes up and down. After a minute have passed, the man smirked at him before holding his hand out.

"A pleasure to meet ya, mate…" he greeted, almost purring. "I'm Bunny. "

Jack blinked as he stared at him in bewilderment while taking his hand into his own.

"Bunny?"

He briefly noted how strong his grip was in his smaller hand, almost enough to crush it if the latter wanted to.

The man now named Bunny just shrugged, giving his hand a firm but gentle squeeze in greeting. "A nickname by Testu…that horned bloke that vegetates on the couch gave me that." It was just a simple response, but still doesn't explain it. The way he spoke of the "horned bloke" was with disdain, if his grimace weren't enough evidence to prove it.

Wonder who that guy is…this Tetsu… he thought to himself.

It took him a while to realize that Bunny was still holding his hand for a while before finally letting go. Jack took note that the other man's longer fingers trailed upon his palm a bit.

Luckily for him, D chose that time to speak up.

"His full name is E. Aster Bunnymund, and true to his name…he is a rabbit."

The only thing that Jack could do was to stare at the Count and then at Bunny, and then back at the Count again.

"You-you can't be serious right?!" he finally spoke up, feeling nothing but disbelief. "This is obviously a guy! A human, not an animal,"

He's not suggesting what he was thinking that the Chinese man was saying, right?

Unfortunately Count D's expression didn't changed, only blinked once as he took a look at Bunny before turning his attention back to Jack. "I can assure you, Jackson…going as far as his namesake, he is indeed a rabbit."

What was his godfather thinking? This is gonna get them arrested, and Cora sent into the system even! Then he heard a rich deep laugh from the taller man, the Count is just smiling mysteriously as usual. This further filled him with confusion and suspicion. Just what is going on here?

"I can assure you, Jackson, he is indeed a rabbit," Count D reassured him, speaking in such charm and elegance that can only be found in refined aristocrats. "One of two types of his species that hailed from Australia; the only difference is that they're more unique." he took his place by Bunny's side and touched his arm a bit. Then he let out a sad sigh, his head was downcast.

"Unfortunately, he is the last of his kind…I'm unable to find a female that is best suited for him."

Then Count D turned his attention back to Jack, studying him with a singular violet eye as dark bangs covering his right one. He could have sworn that there was gold flashing underneath. Was it really the trick of the light? (Or whatever is lighting up this place).

"I reserved him specifically to you, since it would be beneficial for the both for not only yourself but also for Bunny as well. Companionship for two lonesome souls, if you say..."

"Uh-huh…" That was Jack's only intelligent response as he took it all in. That part is understandable, a bit hard to swallow in a way though. But he can deal with that, now for the real question. "You've mentioned that he's a unique type of rabbit. Just how unique is he?"

This led the Count to smirk mysteriously, as if he was anticipating him to ask that question; it somehow unnerved Jack a bit, even more when Bunny was smiling alongside with him. Do they know something that he doesn't?

"A very special rabbit…the kind that I hope is to your liking," Again with the vagueness, there will be the time when Jack will say "give me straight answers already". But when he was about those voice then out, the Count produced a piece of paper completely out of nowhere, as if by magic.

Wait…when did he…!?

"Now…shall we sign the contract then?"

"All you need to do was to follow these three special clauses: First, you must feed him plenty of eggs, vegetables, and water.

Second, make sure that you take him outside regularly.

Third, and most important, do not feed him chocolate…"

Jack nodded as he signed his name in practiced cursive (which he deemed as a useless writing method) before handing it over to Count D, who simply wrote down the letter D. Then he looked up to him, he could clearly see that the older man's right eye is indeed golden just like his godfather's, almost as if it was glowing. "I thought I might let you know, this shop is not responsible for whatever may occur to either you or your pet, should any of these clauses were broken." The way he said it so pleasantly, literally send chills down his spine.

It was scary almost to the point of Pitch-level! Jack couldn't help but swallow a lump that is vaguely forming inside his throat. Then he felt arms snaking themselves around his waist, making him look up to see the handsome face of Bunny, who smiled gently at him.

Jack cannot place his finger on it, he couldn't help but feel at ease around him. Weird as this situation might be…but somehow, he had a feeling that it would work.

"I sincerely hope that you and your newest addition to your family will find happiness soon."

Present time…

Jack blinked out of his reminiscing when he felt Bunny rubbing his chin upon the very top of his head. He smiled as he heard a baritone purr as the white haired teen felt his arms tighten around him. Only two months has passed since they have moved to Los Angeles and already Jack couldn't imagine what would his current life would be like if his godfather haven't taken him to that pet shop.

But one thing that concerned him is how clingy he can be…and increasingly so, now that he is noticing it. Not that Jack minded, but he is getting slightly annoyed whenever he brought up the mention of receiving love letters or being harasses for whatever reason at school. But still, it doesn't hurt to ask for advice.

Maybe I should give Count D a visit…

A/N: I had a discussion with my friend, Ralyena Starrling (JackalyenMystique in DeviantArt), about the possibility on whether or not Bunny is a vegetarian or an omnivore. We both speculate that even though he likes carrots, he can also eat some forms of protein, mainly eggs. (Which in a way, it connects to the holiday Easter...). As for the third clause...you have to find out in later chapters ;)

Please send in comments/critiques please