Chapter Three:
"Toothiana." A hushed voice whispered in her ear. Tooth groaned and rolled over to face the voice.
"What is it?" She mumbled, not even bothering to open her eyes as she snuggled deeper into the blankets.
"I'm going to the Theatre early today so we can get the Night Fury used to our stage." Pitch answered.
"Don't go yet, we haven't even had breakfast." Toothiana moaned, opening her eyes. Pitch was already dressed and his black hair was neatly combed back. She felt her heart twist in disappointment. They almost always had breakfast with each other every morning, and this would be the second day in a row that they'd miss it.
From the window, Tooth could see that the sun hadn't even risen yet. She returned her gaze to Pitch, "You don't need to go right now." She pleaded, grabbing the collar of his suit and pulling him back down into the bed.
"I'm afraid I do, love." He chuckled lied, bringing her hand to his lips and planting a kiss on her knuckle. "But I promise I'll be back in time for dinner." He looked up at her, "please don't be upset."
Tooth did her best to keep the smile off her face, but couldn't fight the tug at the corner of her lips. "I guess if you have to…" She shrugged, "besides, it's not like it's going to happen all the time, right?" She asked.
Pitch smiled, "Right." He gave her a quick kiss goodbye and left nearly soundlessly. If Toothiana hadn't witnessed it with her own eyes she would've thought he'd never even left.
Sighing despondently, Tooth flopped back on her bed, trying to ignore the cold, empty space beside her.
Toothiana got up and dressed about an hour or so after that. She couldn't fall back asleep and didn't want to just lie in bed for even longer than she already had.
She pulled on the small lever next to the bed, it was connected to a small cord that ran up the length of the wall, and then disappeared into the ceiling. The wire ran down through the walls and connected to bell in the kitchen that would ring, telling the servants to begin breakfast.
After she pinned her hair up, got dressed andslipped on a pair of shoes, she made her way down the stairs. A few of the footmen and maids were waiting for her, standing straight-backed at the base of the stairs.
Once Toothiana finished her descent, a footman stepped forward. "You're breakfast is ready, my lady." He said.
"Thank you." Toothiana replied as she made her way to the dining room. The large table was set with various fruits and pastries, along with a variety of meats. She took her place at the table and began to load the food onto her plate. It consisted mostly of fruit so that she wouldn't get any cavities.
A single footman waited on her in total silence, hovering at the edge of the room just in case she needed something.
Toothiana felt his eye fixed on her, he wasn't trying to be distracting, and he was just doing his job, after all. But still… She poked the inside of her cheek with her tongue, trying to ignore the silence that seemed to scream so deafeningly into her ears.
There was usually laughter at breakfast, joking and talking. Now, here she was sitting in a beautiful dinning room with a delicious meal, completely alone.
That on its own seemed to make the strawberries in her mouth loose their sweet flavor.
Toothiana placed her fork on her nearly full plate, setting her napkin down on her seat as she stood up. "Could you please bring me my coat?" Tooth asked.
As soon as the word left her mouth, the footman exited the room quickly, only to return a moment later with a jacket made of a deep red fabric. Toothiana allowed him to help slide the coat onto her shoulders before she made her way to the front door.
"Would you like me to ask the driver to bring the car around, my lady?" One of the footmen asked.
"No, thank you." Toothiana replied as she opened the front door, the chilling morning air brushing against her face. "I'll be back around dinner time." She said as she made her way down the porch steps.
"Yes, my lady." The footman said, closing the door behind her.
Toothiana slipped her hands in her pockets and began to walk down the street. More people where out and about now, milling in parks and alongside the walls of buildings
Toothiana allowed her eyes to wander aimlessly as people passed by her. A man in a business suit with a briefcase, he was balding and had long wrinkles etched into the corners of his eyes. He muttered a string of swears as he bustled past her.
There was a small group of teenage girls that giggled their way past her, all wearing matching girl's school uniforms. Their pleated skirts swayed around their knees as they whispered and pointed at a boy about their age across the street.
Toothiana rolled her eyes. It all seemed so silly to her, but then again, she'd never had much a chance to act like a teenage girl. She'd spent her entire childhood with Mr. Greene, performing. Not talking about any cute boys she could've met.
That didn't matter though, after all, she had Pitch, and she could never be happier than she was now.
A woman strolled by, clutching a tiny hand in her own grown up one. Toothiana's eyes followed the tiny arm up the shoulder all the way up to round red cheeks and sparkling brown eyes. Toothiana smiled and gave the little boy a wave.
His face broke out in a wide smile, revealing a gap where his two front teeth should be. He quickly waved his hand back and forth fervently, causing his messy mop of brown curls to tumble all over his forehead.
It was so adorable Toothiana thought she could cry. Just as she raised her hand to wave at the boy, a strange warm liquid dripped down her cheek. Tooth gasped and her hand flew up to her eyes quickly wiping away the tears. Stop it. Toothiana ordered as she quickly walked down the sidewalk, and away from the confused child. It's over and done. Just get past it. Toothiana's heart clenched.
It just wasn't fair.
"Yaaurrrrg" Bunny grunted melodramatically as he heaved Sophie over his head and up onto his shoulders. She burst into a fit of giggles and grabbed at his ears playfully. "Where to now ya little ankle biter?" He asked giving he a quick look up.
"Candy, candy, candy!" The small blonde girl replied clapping her hands together excitedly. Bunny smiled and let the bags that had been resting on his forearms slide back into his hands.
North had given Aster some money for new art supplies since he'd been running low, so he'd taken Sophie along to explore the city. Now that he had a little money left over, he'd decided to get her a little something.
"All right little sheila." Bunny replied, scouring the streets. Clothing store, bakery, bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, aha! " Here we go, Soph." Bunny said, making a b-line for the candy shop nestled on the corner, right in front of a four-way intersection.
As soon as they entered the brightly lit store, Sophie looked like she could burst. She squirmed excitedly as Bunny gently set her down on the white tile floor. As soon as he let her go, she was off, exploring the brightly colored shop and marveling at their sugarcoated goodies with wide eyes and bright smile.
Bunny slid his hands into the pockets of his ratty pants as he waited. The short girl quickly hoppled back, a bright rainbow lollipop clutched in-between her tiny fists. She looked over her candy at him with wide green eyes.
He crouched down in front of her. "Is that what you want, Soph?" She giggled and nodded, her choppy hair flopping around her face. "Alrighty." He said.
The pair walked up to the counter hand in hand. Bunnymund placed the treat on the table so the man running the register could ring them up.
"Stop!" Sophie suddenly shouted, just as Bunny was about to hand the employee the money.
Aster looked down at her inquiringly. "What is it, sheila? You want something else?" Sophie shook her head 'no' before holding he palm up to him.
"I wanna do it."
Bunny chuckled as he handed her the money, then lifted her up high enough to reach the counter. With a highly dignified look, Sophie handed the cashier the money, who looked as though he was struggling not to laugh.
With a whoop of joy, Sophie popped the candy into her mouth and allowed Bunny to set her back on his shoulders. After he gathered up his belongings he returned to the street, just to see a familiar burst of color fly across his vision.
Toothiana? He wondered curiously, following her down the street and into the bookshop just a few stores down.
Toothiana heard the familiar ding of a bell as she pushed open the red-painted wooden door of the bookshop. The familiar musty smell of books and parchment filled her nose instantly.
Taking a deep breath, the thick fog of sorrow that had been hanging over her dissipated. She gave a kind smile to the owner of the shop, Belle.
Her long brown hair was tied back with a blue ribbon. Giving Toothiana a quick look over her book, she returned the greeting, and then turned her head back down.
Tooth navigated her way easily to her favorite section. Oral Health. Specifically teeth. She ran her fingers across the spines, skimming the titles. Oral Hygene, Dental Wellness, Fun Facts About Teeth, Teeth in Cultures Across the Globe.
Toothiana raised her eyebrows at that, a smile already tugging at her lips as she pulled the book from its space. The bell jingled again, but Toothiana and already pulled the hardcover open. Her excitement continued to build as she flipped through the table of contents.
Apparently the book would cover several ancient civilizations and how they used various stones and gems imbedded in the teeth to convey wealth or status. Tooth bounced excitedly on her feet as she flipped the book over to check its cost. Perfect! She thought happily, she had just the right amount of money.
"Toothiana?"
Tooth jumped at the sudden voice before turning to see who had spoken. Her eyes met the tall, scruffy figure of Bunnymund, only now he had a small girl with messy blonde hair perched on his shoulders, a lollipop sticking out of her mouth.
"Bunnymund! What a surprise!" Tooth chirped a little too enthusiastically. She winced at how fake she had sounded. Bunny seemed to have picked up on it too, and looked as though he were about to say something when.
"Pretty!" The small girl shouted, pointing a candy-stained finger at Toothiana.
"Aw," Toothiana cooed, putting a hand over her heart. She blushed when Bunny chuckled at her and instantly dropped her hand to her side, gripping the fabric of her coat.
"D'ya want to hold her?" Bunny asked popping the little girl off his shoulders and offering her to Tooth.
"Oh really? Are you sure it's alright-"
"Hold! Hold!" The little girl kicked her legs excitedly, reaching her arms out towards Toothiana.
The young woman's eyes watered slightly, but she quickly forced her tears down and slipped her hands under the child's underarms and bringing her in. Toothiana held the girl a little awkwardly, uncertain how to hold a child this small. Most of the children she'd taken care of when she'd been working with Mr. Greene were older than Sophie and didn't like to be carried around anymore.
"Here." Bunny slipped her arm under the little girl's bottom and adjusted her hold so that she rested on Toothiana's hip. "Her name's Sophie." He added quickly. Toothiana just nodded, her gaze fixed on the little girl's face.
Sophie had instantly rested her head against Tooth's chest. Her lollipop was gone, and so was her sugar high. Bunny watched a faint smile spread across Toothiana's face as she used a slender finger to push a stray hair out of Sophie's face. She had a far-off look in her eye.
Like the way a person looked while gazing at something they wanted, but could never have.
"So, what'cha got there, sheila?" Bunny asked, gesturing to the book Toothiana had set on a table in order to hold Sophie.
"Just a book on teeth." Tooth replied, still looking at Sophie.
"You really do like teeth, don't you?" Bunny smiled crookedly as he leaned against one of the bookcases.
"I love them!" Tooth exclaimed excitedly, before quickly looking down to Sophie, a brief panic in her eyes. Bunny followed her gaze to see Sophie happily asleep, her small hand firmly gripping the collar of Tooth's coat. Tooth smiled brightly at him before repeating quietly, "I love them."
Aster chuckled, "Why? It seems like such an odd thing for a sheila like you to like."
"Ah, a sheila like me." Tooth raised an eyebrow at him, with a small grin on her face.
Bunny chuckled, "A sheila is a what we call women where I come from."
"I picked up on that part." Tooth replied as she slowly began rocking Sophie slowly back and forth. " I want to know, what kind of women it is you think I am?"
"I didn't mean anything by it-" Aster started, raising his hands in a placating motion.
"I'm not upset." Toothiana laughed, looking up at him with her bright eyes that sparkled in the light of the bookshop. "Just curious."
Bunnymund's heart began to thump wildly in his chest as she looked at him expectantly. He slid his hands in his pockets. "Well, with you being such a tall poppy-"
"Tall poppy?" Tooth laughed.
Bunny smirked, "It means wealthy or rich-"
"I wasn't always rich." Toothiana interjected, resting her weight on one hip.
"Really?" Asked Bunny, genuinely surprised. Toothiana seemed to fit in so naturally into the world of bright satins and diamonds. Or perhaps she had always been bright, and the world had become accustomed to her… "How'd you end up in all this." Bunny gestured all around them.
"It's a long story…" Tooth warned, arching an eyebrow at him. Almost like she was challenging him.
"I've got all day." Bunny replied, standing up to his full height. He then realized how small she was, and how delicate she seemed.
Tooth shrugged, lifting Sophie higher up onto her waist. "Walk with me?" She asked.
Pitch pressed his thumbs against his temple. Aggravation rolled off of him in waves as he grit his teeth. "North, you claimed the Night Fury would be well trained by the time I wanted to use him in my show." He snarled into the mouthpiece of the telephone.
The large black dragon, apparently named 'Toothless' was laying flat on his stomach. His large head resting on his claws and his tail was twitching from side to side as he looked to side as he glared at Pitch with green, slit eyes.
"Toothless is trained. Hiccup fly on him two weeks before we come here." North replied crackly through the phone. Pitch sighed and looked darkly at the beast from the corner of his eye.
"Is there any way you can bring him here?"
"Just minute." There was the noise of something like crashing metal, something hitting the floor with a conk and the muffled noise of North and the infamous dragon rider 'Hiccup'.
Pitch chuckled at the name. How amusing that someone who had achieved the very difficult task of defeating a dragon, was given such a weak name.
"He will be there soon." Said North from the other end, "He says make sure to have lots of fish." There was a pause and muted instructions from the person he assumed was Hiccup. "But no eel." North quickly added. "If you try to feed him eel our plans will go 'kaput'."
"Very well." Pitch said, snapping his fingers and summoning two of his nightmares. "I want two dozen barrels of fish delivered here within the hour, but make sure any eel you find is disposed of. Understood?"
The shadowy figures nodded and disappeared as quickly as they came. Pitch returned his gaze to the cat-like creature hunched on the stage, who was still glaring at him darkly.
"Argrrr!" Pitch snarled at him, flashing his sharp white teeth. Toothless stepped back slightly, but didn't yield his menacing gaze.
This is going to be a long night. Pitch thought as he slowly placed his hands behind his back.
"And then we got married." Toothiana finished. They had settled on a bench in the park, watching Sophie play on the grass with the other children.
Bunny watched her intently before leaning back. His heart felt heavy in his chest. Toothiana's story had reminded him of his own life. The one before he'd run off to join the circus.
"What about you Bunny?" Toothiana asked, looking at him.
Bunny chuckled, running his fingers through his short blue-gray hair. "Well," He started, "I grew up on a farm with my Mum and Pops, and six brothers."
Tooth's eyes widened, "Wow, that must have been great!"
"Well, my brothers and I definitely kept a good ruckus goin'" Bunny's eyes grew misty as he wondered where they all were now, especially his youngest brother who'd only been a rug rat when he'd left.
"I was the oldest," he continued, "and I was supposed to take over my pop's farm, but…" He paused and looked up at Toothiana from under his eyebrows, uncertain if he should continue.
He didn't talk about his family much, and when he did it was always brief.
"But?" Toothiana continued for him, her hand resting on her chin as she listened intently. Bunny grabbed a little white flower from the grass below the bench and began spinning it in-between his fingers.
"My pops and I didn't get along too well because I like to… paint." Bunny said quietly.
"You're an artist?" Toothiana exclaimed, her big purple eyes gleamed with excitement.
Bunny chuckled, "Well I'm not that great but…"
"I doubt that." Toothiana interjected, smiling wryly at him. Bunny felt his heart warm and he felt himself smiling. Suddenly, he leaned in towards Toothiana and tucked the flower right behind her ear.
Toothiana's eyes widened and Bunny was sure her cheeks turned a little pinker. He quickly turned away. "Anyways, my dad didn't really like that. He was a big bloke, real tough, too." He scratched lightly at the stubble on his chin. "He didn't think a grown man should 'waste his time with children's hobbies.'"
He looked up to see Toothiana gazing at him sympathetically, but she said nothing, so he continued on. "One day, he and I had a really big blow out, and he said I needed to shape up or leave…"
"So you left?" Toothiana said softly.
"I was sixteen, maybe even seventeen." Bunny said, "I was hot-headed and arrogant, well I guess I still am," He added, earning a light giggle from Tooth. "But… yes, I did leave. I tried to live off my paintings for a while, but no one around there would buy 'em, and I ran out of money and food quick."
"Then, North found me, and he offered me a place in he circus as a animal care-taker. It was my chore to make sure the animals on the farm were fed and groomed, so it wasn't anything new." Bunny leaned foreword resting his elbows on his knees.
"And you never went back or wrote any letters?" Bunny looked up at her sudden change in tone. She was stony-faced, and in a way, cold. Bunny furrowed his brows.
"Oi, don't be looking at me like that!" Bunny said sternly. Toothiana crossed her arms and looked back to where Sophie was playing tag. "I'm still talking to you, sheila." He said, gently grabbing her shoulder and turning her to face him. "I wrote a letter to my mum, once. Just telling her that I was all right and was making a good living. She never wrote back. They just don't want to talk to me anymore Toothiana, alright?"
Bunny snapped his mouth shut. He hadn't meant to say so much, maybe he should apologize, and after all, he had snapped a bit-
"I'm sorry." Toothiana said suddenly, looking at him intently. "I shouldn't have jumped on you like that when I didn't know everything. It's just…" She paused, "It's just that I never got to see my parents before they…" She suddenly became quiet. Bunny saw her bite her lip, then turn away.
"I'm sorry, sheila." Bunny said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She gave him a half smile that barely touched her eyes.
"Thank you." She said, quickly brushing at her eyes. They turned back to watch Sophie, who was now rolling around in the dirt, happily giggling all the way. Tooth giggled and let her chin rest in her palm. "She's so beautiful."
"Yea," Bunny replied, giving Tooth a smile as he leaned down pressing his elbows against his knees. "So," He shifted his gaze back to Sophie, "how long till you and Pitch have your own little rug rats crawlin' around?" he turned to give her a wry smile, but froze as soon as he saw her looking back at him. Wide eyes. Lips slightly parted. Brows just barely turned down. It was like she'd been a mirror, and he'd just taken a brick and splintered her apart.
"Toothiana?" He said, leaning closer to her. Tooth straightened up, brushing a stray hair from her face.
"I-" She paused and cleared her throat, blinking quickly before she continued. "I can't have children." Her left hand slipped to her lower abdomen. "It was an accident. I'd been trying a new trick on the trapeze for an audience..." She paused, "I fell."
Aster felt his heart stop, as he looked at Toothiana he suddenly saw her in a new light. She was so strong, so brave, and so very beautiful. A brief sob racked her body as she brought her hand to her mouth. Tears spilled down her cheeks, dripping down to the dirt beneath their feet.
"I'm so sorry, I don't mean to cry-"
Before Bunny could process what he was doing he'd grabbed her by both shoulders and pulled her into his arms.
"Never apologize for that, sheila." He whispered into her hair. He pulled away cupping her face in his hands. "You are the strongest woman I've ever met, you have no reason-" He caught her gaze with his hand held it. They were so close that he could smell the faint scent of mint on her breath. "-to apologize." He finished, letting his hands fall from her face.
In the distance, the clock tower began to ring. Toothiana jumped up. "I have to go," She said, grabbing her purse. "Tell Sophie I said goodbye, Bunnymund" She shouted over her shoulder as she began to run away.
"Wait! Toothiana!" Bunnymund shouted, she stopped and turned to look at him. "You can come by and see my paintings if you want." He paused, then just before she turned away again he blurted out, "call me Aster, it's my first name." He resisted the urge to bite his own tongue. She was going to think he was a bloody drongo-
A bright smile spread across her face despite the redness of her eyes. She nodded, and then turned and disappeared into the masses.
Aster sat frozen in place, but for just a brief moment he believed that if he wanted to, he could fly. Then reality knocked him to his senses and he remembered that she was married and he… he was just a caretaker for animals in a circus. But it wasn't even like that. He reminded himself. We're just friends so it doesn't matter.
Bunny sighed and stood up, rubbing the back of his neck. What am I getting myself into? He wondered as Sophie ran up to him.
"Bun-Bun-" She stopped and frowned, and then turned her head from side to side. "Where pretty lady?" She stretched up her arms at him. He lifted her up and then grabbed the bags of art supplies.
"She had to go home, Soph." The little girl made a displeased noise before nestling her head into Bunny's neck. "And so do we, Soph." he added, giving her a light bounce. "It's almost dinner time."
Toothiana stirred the spoon in her now cold soup. She'd been waiting for Pitch to get home for dinner for about an hour now. Her stomach growled loudly as she waited. He'll come. She assured herself as she stared at her wine glass filled with water. Red wine would stain her teeth.
She began to tap her fingers against the hard wood of the table. What if something had happened to him? What if he'd been hurt in an accident with that Night Fury creature? What if-
The phone rang. Toothiana pounced on it, practically slamming the earpiece against her face. "Yes? Yes? Is everything alright?" She asked quickly.
"Toothiana?" The smooth voice of her husband slid through the phone.
"Pitch?" Toothiana asked, relief washing over her like a wave. He's all right. "Where are you?" She looked to the clock, twirling her pearl necklace with her free hand. "It's late."
"I know love, but-" There was a loud screeching noise in the background. "Put a muzzle on that beast, will you!" Pitch snarled from the other end. Tooth could tell he'd tried to cover up the mouthpiece in an attempt to block his venomous words from her ears.
"Sorry, sorry." A new voice said before there was a sound of clattering… things and stamping feet. "Oh no- Toothless! Toothless stop that!"
She heard Pitch groan in irritation. She could already picture him rubbing his hand against his forehead as he closed his eyes, trying to pretend he was just at home. With her.
"Long day?" Tooth asked.
"You have no idea," Pitch started before there was even more banging and smashing. "I called to say I won't make it home until late tonight. This supposed 'amazing' Night Fury seems to have obedience issues, and I don't want you to have to wait up for me."
Toothiana bit her lip and took a deep breath before replying. "I see."
"I'm sorry, I promise I'll make it up to you-."
"No don't worry about it, I know you have work to do. I'll just… see you in the morning." She finished. There was a beat of silence at the other end.
"Toothiana?"
"Yes?"
"You know I love you."
"Of course I do, darling. And I love you, too."
"I'll see you when I come home."
"Alright. Goodbye."
Click.
Toothiana dusted off the front of her dress and turned to the army of footmen and maids waiting by the table. "Please clear this away." Toothiana instructed, folding her hands neatly in front of her, "I'm tired, and I think I'll go to bed early."
She turned away and quickly ascended the stairs. Pretending not to notice the pitying looks the servants were giving her.
She then opened their bedroom door slipped inside and quickly closed it. Then, she flopped down onto their bed and cried.
A/N: YAY new chapter! Man guys, my week has been so hectic, I'd get home so late and only be able to fit in an hour or so of writing. Then, yesterday I just sat down, put my headphones in, pulled up my chapter three document and practically hissed at anyone who tried to interrupt me, haha. Anyways, complaints, complements, or requests (if I can work them into the stroyline) are all welcome! Please review! It helps motivate me. In the next chapter, Bunny and Tooth look at some art and Jack finds himself in a hairy situation ;).
I hope all of you a wonderfully, beautiful day!