Author's notes:
Hey everyone! I am glad for the positive feedback I've had so far with the story! And I am glad you really like the story, AmaraRae. I hope not to disappoint. I will be posting a new chapter every, or every other, day, depending on weekday or weekend. When it starts to get to the end, however, I will probably split the story, or have an alternate ending. My original ending is, well, you'll see. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Sadly, none of us own ROTG.
"…the little bugger. I don't like ta see him in this state any more than you."
"Is just a simple cold. He will get over it."
"No, not that, his memories. He doesn't remember anything. Does it really have to be like this?"
"Is the best we let him adjust. It has only been a few months. We need to be patient."
"It's just sad to see him in such a sorry state. Used to be all prankster and fun, but now…"
"He will get better. Sandy is doing his best on that end and we need to support him in any way we can. Until then, how about you hand over those carrots you brought and I'll add to soup, yes?"
"I also brought some chocolate eggs from the shop today. Haven't made 'em in years, but still good as ever."
"We will save for dessert. Now will you go wake Jack, dinner will be done soon."
Jack turned over on the couch and groaned. He was not ready to get up yet. He might even feel worse than before he fell asleep. He stiffened as he heard Aster's footfalls get closer and tried not to flinch when he felt his hand gently shake his shoulder.
"Oi, Jack, time to wake up and smell the carrots, mate. A little food should lighten the mood." Jack groaned and rolled over, not wanting to face the world yet, but not having much choice as Aster shook his shoulder again. Jack opened his eyes, but was blinded by light and for a split second, thought he saw-
"Bunny?" Aster flinched at the name, and Jack opened his eyes wider, trying to focus on the man in front of him. After a moment, Jack realized his mistake and his hopes dropped. Aster would indeed have been the human form of Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny, but Jack would never have let him know that.
"Look, mate, I'm not a rabbit. A kangaroo would have been a better description, ya know, being from Australia and all. But North wants us in the kitchen. Dinner's done." Aster stood up and took the untouched cup of cold tea with him. Jack sat up, slowly at first, his muscles tight and his body aching, then leaned forward on his knees. He felt like crap, but that's what you get for sleeping in the middle of the woods in the middle of October. He wiped the sweat from under his bangs and pushed himself from the couch and into the kitchen, where North and Aster were waiting patiently for him at the dining room table in the connecting room.
"Your face looks worse in better lighting. How'd you get that black eye? Fighting again?"
"Is it any of your business?" Jack threw back, taking his seat opposite North.
"How about some soup, Jack? Make you feel better." North offered, trying to stall a fight. The two never got along, for whatever reason, and butt heads whenever in the same room. But they both cared for one another and North would rather he fight a caring family friend than a child at school.
"Thanks North, but I'm not feeling too up to eating. I'll just warm up my tea."
"Nonsense. How about broth? Something nutritious. It will help you feel better. I will pour more tea as well. Aster?" Aster shook his head and North left the table to warm up some more tea. Aster poured Jack a bowl of soup and handed it over.
"You know, Aster, I think you would look better with rabbit ears."
Aster sighed. "Are we going to do this again, kid? I am not the bloody Easter Bunny in human form, alright? I don't know where you come up with these ideas. Kids these days. You never used to be like this before the accident."
"Well I'm sorry for getting amnesia and not remembering your stupid face. Although it's probably a relief on my end. Having to have known you my whole life like this would have driven me insane. Why don't you go suck on some eggs."
"Why you-"
"Tea is done. Here is honey and will you two stop fighting?" North interrupted before the conversation could escalate further. Jack grumbled something under his breath and blew on his soup. He hated it being so hot, a natural instinct he is sure comes from his being the spirit of winter, but no one else would understand if he tried to explain. The first time after the accident when they made him have hot soup nearly brought him to his knees, but over the course of time he had learned that it didn't hurt him like it had when he was a sprite, just was a bit uncomfortable when steaming.
"How was the shop today, Aster?" North asked after a moment's silence.
"Same old. You know. It's that time of year when it slows down, so nothing new. But I will be creating more of those eggs I brought in today. Thought of bringing it back. It has been a few years. Used to be a chocolate extraordinaire, but taking the hard candy route is cheaper and easier to manage. How about the ankle biter. How went school?"
"Do we really have to?" Aster and North nodded and Jack sighed, pushing his bowl of untouched soup to the side. "You know, boring classes, ignorant teachers, and the same old great friends pushing me around. Doing just dandy in that division." Jack hid his head in his arms on the table. The room stayed silent other than Jack's heavy breathing. The air felt like it had condensed in the past few minutes and the room was beginning to suffocate him.
"I'm sorry. I'll just leave." Jack mumbled into the table and stood up shakily. His legs felt like rubber and his chest constricted. He grabbed onto the table in front of him and coughed a few times. His sudden movement caused the other two to stir and North was behind him in an instant.
"How about bed, hmm? Soup can wait." North gently steered Jack away from the table and towards his bedroom. Once North settled Jack on the bed, he left the room and came back with a few instruments and a bowl. Jack flinched when a cold hand touched his forehead and then something was stuck in his mouth. After a few seconds a beep interrupted the silence of the room. The hand moved from his forehead to take out the thermometer. Jack opened his eyes grudgingly and saw North shake his head.
"I think you will stay home from school tomorrow, yes? Just get some sleep. I will come in to change water later." North then laid a cool cloth on Jack's forehead and neck and left the room.