T-T I am SO sorry it took me this long to get a chapter up. I've been battling with my school assignments for summer, and I've been trying to get my very boring book finished. I promise I'll make it up to you somehow, and thankies much to all of you lovely peoples. Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians or its characters.
Bunny cradled Jack against his chest and called for Sandy. The little man came in and gave a concerned look that said, 'why didn't the dream sand work?'
"The serum must be spreading", replied Aster with a sigh. "We need to get those ingredients and quick." Jack gave a whimper and away from the Pooka, and only then did Bunny notice the snow around the winter sprite had melted almost completely. He sucked in a breath.
"He's heatin' up. We should get him outside." Without wasting a moment, they hustled out the doors and into the harsh winds and falling snow. Finding her 'baby boy' in her reach, the wind settled into a small swish and caressed the boy's face. It was nighttime now, making the air even cooler.
"We've got a plan", a voice said from behind Aster. He turned his head to see Tooth holding a map and North tromping through the snow behind her.
"We need to spit up", the Tooth Fairy continued. "Sandy is going to take a dream sand ship into space, that's where he'll get the Milky Way. I'm going back to the jungle where I was born; if I remember right, there are some mulberries there. You and North will stay here. North will watch for any signs of Pitch, and you're going to stay with Jack and try to get him well enough to use his magic. We'll meet up at the pole later and discuss how to get a tear from Pitch. The two teaspoons of dream sand will be easy."
Bunny nodded and stood up with Jack in his arms. It was a good plan, but goodness knows how they were going to get Pitch to cry of all things.
"Hey, Sandy", the Pooka said suddenly, "How did you get the tear from Pitch last time you made this cure?" The Sandman shrugged and formed a moon over his head, then Pitch next to it, crumpled up on his knees. 'Manny did it, I don't know how.' The Guardians shared an exasperated expression. MiM was mysterious, but sometimes they wished he could open up just a bit more.
Sandy and Tooth left to get supplies and go on their journeys, leaving North with Bunny and Jack.
"Jack should be inside, where it's safer", said North.
"Can't", Bunny replied. "It's too warm. He'll overheat for sure." North shook his head.
"I put out fires and opened the windows. Right now we must keep Jack as far away from Pitch as possible. I will stay near the doors and watch for nightmares."
Inside, Bunny was torn. Jack needed his rest, but he also needed to use his magic if he ever wanted to get better. He had to be awake for that. Finally, the Pooka gently shook the Winter Spirit awake. Jack stirred and blinked his bleary eyes. Bunny waited until his eyes were no longer glassy to talk to him.
"Hey, mate", Bunny greeted. "How ya feelin'?
"Crappy" Jack replied. The Pooka gave a good natured smile.
"Can't say that I'm surprised", he said. "Do ya think you can do a little magic anyway? We need it for your medicine." Jack nodded, and Bunny helped him into a somewhat awkward sitting position. He grabbed the staff lying next to the bed and handed it to the Winter Spirit.
"Hold out your paws", Jack instructed. Bunny did as he was told. A look of concentration came over Jack as he tried his darnedest to make a snowflake. However, he felt so drained. His mind began to swim and colors blurred his vision, and at last he gave up and flopped back onto the pillows with a shudder. A gentle paw wiped away the white hair that was plastered to his face with sweat.
"'S okay, Frostbite", Bunny murmured. "'S alright, we'll just try later."
Jack took a long, shaky breath, "Bunny?"
"Yeah Snowflake?"
"Am I… am I going to die?" The question took Bunny aback. He gave Jack a sympathetic look and leaned down to nuzzle him.
"Naw, mate", he said. "You're gonna be just fine."
"Bunny?" Jack whispered, "Will you hold me?" Now Aster was completely surprised. He studied Jack, and noticed he'd never looked so childlike before. His blue eyes were wide and pleading, and his lip trembled ever so subtly. Rendered speechless, Bunny slipped into the bed and pulled Jack into his lap, wrapping his arms around the boy. Jack threaded his fingers through the Pooka's fur and leaned against the fuzzy chest. Bunny heard sniffling, and when he looked down he saw Jack was crying.
"What's wrong, mate?" he asked gently.
"I d-don't wanna die", sobbed Jack. "I j-just… just got a family." He buried his head into Aster's chest. Aster stroked the boy's hair and whispered comforts to him, rocking him gently.
"I won't let you die", he vowed. "I swear it, Jack."
Thanks for reading! I hope this Jack and Bunny fluff makes up for my belatedness. Um, it wasn't intended to be slash, but if you wanna see it that way, be my guest! Also, any guesses on how the Guardians are going to get Pitch to cry? Virtual Colby Jack cheese (wink wink!) to all of you! :D