AN:
A song from Rascal Flatts album by Rascal Flatts.
What Hurts The Most:
Christmas day left Ero alone once more with only the company of his Crystal Beasts or Hakase during those times. Meant he wasn't really left to found forms of amusement to pass the minutes within his room at Workshop. Being that he spent most of daytime hours in Lorre's presence learning the uses of creation based magic. Hakase supervised the whole lesson giving Ero tips about how or when to use his newly learned magicks. Making sure the room was well lit with proper lighting instead of dimly lit like it usual was. Also removing the light absorbing charms from the corners of the room that allowed the brightness to come through.
Showing Ero that room carried all types of decorations on walls or furniture that had to celebrations relating to death. Tribal masks from Africa used for scared rituals hung on one of the walls by size. Paintings depicting scenes from the Black Death swept across half of Europe lay next to the hung above an odd shrine. Incense burns and certain flowers in a vase surrounded a few framed pictures that caught anyone's attention. Everything else that made up this room told them that Hakase as a spirit represented death some how.
"Do you ever like being the Guardian of Spiritual Boundary or whatever you...know..." Ero could never remember what Hakase represent.
"Just concentrate." Hakase reminded Ero of what's happening.
He ended up needing to finish creating a simple piece of clothing that would come in the side of a zipper hoodie. Coloring and slight white swirls around the collar of and ends of the long sleeves that sparkled in the right light. Was before woven by liner thread of blue light braiding over and under one another. End up falling into Ero's lap when bit of threads was done with hemline of the jacket like item.
"Jack's gift?" Lorre asked about the work.
"One of many I still have to wrap." Ero signed.
"Need help?" Hakase offered knowing they're wasn't Yeti or elf in the Workshop to help them.
"No I got everything covered." Ero took hold of the jacket.
He thanked both of them for their help in something that could help him get a few think wrapped before Christmas ended. Up to his feet his would go thanking them both while making his way out of the room. Turning toward the direction his own room laid tightly holding his gift meant for Jack to his chest keeping watchful eye out. For Jack, who he didn't want to see a gift he made for him at last minute under Lorre's instruction. Making Ero somewhat happy that Jack was away bringing in the winter season for this half of the Globe. He could return to his room with out being surprised by Jack from above his head or popping out of no where.
Like now when he stepped into doorway handing the jacket over to his furball instructing how to wrap the item up. Before stepping away from a door that would end up closing own it's self for a halfway filled box. Where colorfully wrapped boxes lay labeled tags attached with names of people he knew around the Workshop. Had him kneeling down toward making sure that everyone's individual gift he had gotten was there like he had planned. Was there and ready to be picked up by a Yeti later that day. Who would take these gifts to the main Christmas tree beside Workshop's massive fireplace. Waiting to be opened by whomever was meant to enjoy the item inside.
"One last wrapped goodie." Ero allowed Furball to place the one for Jack in the box among the others.
He would have glides each one of his fingers through those items trying to image how everybody would react. If the Yeti meant to pick the filled box up didn't decide to show up asking if he was done with his late minute preparations. To only have the box pushed toward their feet by Furball in forceful matter with puffed up fur. Mewing and squealing about the Yeti stomping into Ero's room in hurried matter not looking where he placed his feet. To only be ignored by when someone twice his size with more hair lifted box into the air. Who would leave the room with out giving the crying Furball a second chance or look under his feet.
"Your intimidation needs work." Ero thought his Furball's attempts to be scary seem rather cute.
He smiled while he got back to his feet heading straight for a opened suit case that lay atop his bed half filled with contains of his room. Placed there by Ero though use of Shrinking and Relocation spells so he would ready to leave after this night. Being that he personally chose to move up his schedule of magical tutelage under Bunnymund. Not wanting to wait till appointed time they had originally made that would take place after the New Years. Since a strong desire to his future plans had him wanting to finish up and start a life his own.
To only have his smile fade from his from his face when he made sure the chanted charms were fasten onto his belt loop. A 4-pointed, gold, star and snow flake hung off a key ring that gave him relief. Soon be forgotten when onto the last part of the room that was a stain glasswork depicting an image and large bay window with large sill. Fluffy pillows that could be found on that ledge waiting to be lounged on. Disappeared from that section of the wall and into center of Ero's palm. Taken the form of a rectangular panel-like shape that could be put in to dollhouse.
That ended up being placed within the carefully bag after being wrapped in tissue paper in keep fragile glass from breaking. Fear of one break in the stain glass would have angered his mother and set magical flow off balance. Being cautionary about even touching what was entrusted to him as personal test from his mother. He was taking seriously by how he placed item in the bag he would end clipping closed.
"Ready to go little guy?" He asked the Furball.
He got a mew from the happy creature that he was going to spend their night in North's Workshop within Jack's room. That had its door unlocked into stead of locked usual when Jack was away bringing in the winter season. Giving Ero the chance to look around at the room that was now filled with all kinds of objects. North created period furniture that resigned in the room from timber shipped in from Burgess. Tekla knitted a blanket out yarn spun yak hair from of all shades of blue and sewed a memory quilt for Jack. Multi-colored basket filled with chocolate Easter eggs from Bunnymund rested on a chest of draws. Discarded hoodie on the edge of the bed was recent gift from Toothiana while dream catcher from Sandy hung on headboard. Night sky was in place of the ceiling when Ero looked up had him spinning on his heel. When he looked upon swirling stars following him across the room making his way toward the bed sighing in his own way.
Knowing soon he wouldn't be able to spend much time with Jack if he was to leave right away for the Warren. Not that he did look forward to staying in the center of the Earth in tropical environment. Living in a building that looked like an ancient temple from the out side would be nice. Being able to garden in endless fields while getting helpful hints could him get a green thumb. Was all out weighted by missing presence that someone that Ero had come to call his boyfriend. Knowing Jack wasn't going to be there over his head or beside him bothering about his latest habit.
"Ero?" Tekla called for him outside Jack's room.
"In here!" Ero yelled allowing his Furball into his lap.
Into the room Tekla would walk in Green and Red gown with thin straps asking if everything was all right with Ero. When she saw the bag beside him her expression softens and had her further walking into the room. Stopping on opposite side of his so she could seat next to him quiet the whole time. Waiting a few minutes to say how the Workshop would lose a certain charm. Going on about how she come to like having two other people who didn't quake in her presence, or blankly stare at her. She loved having North and now their daughter to care for during time she wasn't busy.
"Something we work out." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, "So you no leave."
"Thanks." Ero sadly spoke.
"Good, I worry giant bunny no nothing about caring for teen boy." Tekla shared her views on Bunnymund. "He good drinking buddies for North and trade pickled meats or vegetables."
"You're telling me." Ero yawned.
"How late you stayed up?" Tekla asked noticing Ero falling asleep.
She didn't answer since Ero had how slipped into slumbering state sine he was now leaning on Tekla's shoulder. Not that him using one of her bare shoulders as a pillow for his head to start enter the sleeping state. Wasn't bothering as much since she did have much to do until North's take off. Her work for Christmas season had just finished after decorating an area another party. Her baking and knotting among other activities had been finished for the nighttime.
"Be quiet!" Tekla hushed everyone.
She looked to everyone that dare surround a sofa that held a napping Ero covered was meant to be Tekla's gift to him. Not wanting a sound to wake the sleeping youth after having a Yeti bring him to where the main tree was. Where she had him placed on a sofa nearest the tree so she could place a blanket and keep an eye on him. Even with a fire roaring in the near by fireplace she still wanted him to stay warm.
"He all right?" Jack asked leaned over the sofa's back.
"Just tired out," Tekla sighed, "Being alone not good for him."
She knew Jack spent 300 years invisible to eyes of children before events with Pitch had them believing in him. All that loneliness watching world he knew changed was a life that Ero also experienced through forced isolation. Locked with in a house his mother controlled with a flip of her wrist for same amount go time. Was never easy on Ero since he spent those centuries learning everything was magically related.
"Can I..." Jack wanted wouldn't have felt guilty about leaving Ero alone if Tekla hadn't approved.
"I make Yetis bring dinner." Tekla smiles at him, "Pot Roast stew and homemade bread."
She ended up leaning up ward to kiss him on his forehead after brushing his hair away as a form of comfort. Getting to her heel clad feet mumbling about needing to check in nanny Yeti with her and North's baby. Going on about she doesn't want her child picking up the Yeti's bad talking skills or the elves' trouble making ways. Going as far to grab one by top of his hat while kicking another from the sofa.
"STAY AWAY FROM SLEEPING BOY!" Tekla screamed.
She then dropped the terrified Elf on to the ground before her not caring if he ran away from them squealing in fear. Telling the other elves to stay away from slumbering young man due to Tekla. That left the floor completely devoid of elves when a Yeti delivered Jack's meal for the night. Who found Hasake shedding his fur lined cloak to place on top of a now sleeping Jack and Ero. Taking over the delivery of food trey meant for Jack from the Yeti sent here by Tekla. Before the Yeti could talk back to him and even get riled up for something he was told does. Hasake assured him nothing would happen to get him in trouble with Tekla about this.
Off the Yeti would go joining the others in decorating the other area of the floor for yet another one of North's parties. Not knowing MANY hours later one of bots would ended up showing signs of consciousness. Meaning still sleep induced Ero ended up waking with Lorre staring at him trying to figure out what happen to Tekla and how he got moved. Hasake called Ero a sleepy head before asking he was hungry since teen's stomach growled rather loudly. This caught the attention of winter spirit that decided to cuddle up to Ero while he slept and lay there. Jack yawned not wanting to get up for the place he made his own while Ero had sat up in a sitting position.
"How long have I been out?" Ero asked looking form Lorre to Hasake.
"Most have the December 25 and 26." Hasake calmed Ero down.
Lorre ended up pointing to a fold out table that was filled with food that hadn't been touched by Jack since set there by a Yeti. Lorre and Hasake had taken shifts to stay by boys' sides and watched them until one woke up. When Ero started to show signs of consciousness around the time loud noises from near by gathering. Lorre informing him that someone was waking up and asking what he missed pulled from Hasake.
"You need to eat and if you want..." Hasake sighed. "...Come join yet another one of North's parties."
"Just stay away from anything you can drink." Lorre warned to the two.
"Any food?" Ero asked unable to ignore his stomach.
Jack made getting up difficult for Ero to slip off the sofa with out a magical means since he was pinned in place. Had Hasake using his shadowy gifts to swallow Ero's form and relocated him right next to kneeling Lorre. Encouraging him to be taken to his room and set everything back up while he handled Jack for the rest of the time. Not taking any form of no from young boy who fades away from his line of view with his husband. Before he was left to tend to the someone who been was just now slowly waking up.
"Are you sore?" Hasake asked a now yawning Jack.
"...hmm. ..." Jack felt around for Ero.
"I had him taken to his room to get ready for THE party." Hasake pointed to source of chatting noise.
Jack had to wait for his blurry vision to clear up when he looked toward Hasake had been staring and pointing. There in green and red clothing were familiar spirits / guardians happily enjoying them selves to music and conversations. A huge table beside another filled with food and drinks were filled with gifts met for everyone else.
"You well enough to attend or need to be taken back to your room?" Hasake offered to escort Jack around.
What he got was asked if he could pull a trick off Ero usual used to refresh him and then alters his clothing. By Jack, who noticed his own were slightly wrinkled ones and messed up hair wasn't really presentable. Smirked that appeared on Hasake's face while he showed another trick to Jack left him rather frazzled. When Hasake decided to walk through the sofa instead of going around as if he was a ghost.
"Perks of being headless fairy." Hasake shrugged. "Remind me some day to tell you how I ended up like this."
He ended reaching toward Jack's clothing with one his hands tapping just a shoulder with sparks of black electrify. That traveled over Jack's body fixing his clothes and hair crackling every few inches of flesh or fabric. Ended up dissolving when Jack was left with the appearance he had before he chose to fall asleep beside Ero. Just before he could ask Hasake to teach him what he just did to him quite amazed with what happen. North picked this moment to stomp over and ask his loudest voice for Jack to join slapping Hasake on his back.