Jack sniffed, crying silently... but it was loud enough for everyone to hear once he basically engulfed Jamie.
"JAMIE DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN!" He cried into his chest. Jamie jolted a little in surprise before he nuzzled against Jack.
"Jack, my dearest." He held Jack close.
"I thought I lost you... how was I supposed to tell Roxas you weren't actually on vacation but in an actual HELL!" He screamed and cried, knowing he was really there, home, right in front of him but it been so long since he'd left that Jack felt pain in his head suddenly.
"Owie." He whined, wings flapping and wrapping around him protectively. Jamie sighed.
"I didn't expect you to unless I couldn't find a way back." Jamie murmured gently.
"Please, let's not talk about it anymore."
"Fine by me, I'm just glad I could help free your friends. It would have been more difficult to get here with -yawn- out Marko's help." Jack smiled, hugging Jamie.
"Love you need to rest, must have been... well, hell down there getting back here." Jamie chuckled softly at the pun and leaned his head against Jack before simply passing out. Jack winced, not expecting the extra weight suddenly, but he calmed down and picked up Jamie bridal style before settling him on the bed. Jamie didn't wake up until about noon the following day. Jack worried for Jamie, but he had Roxas to take care of, and new family to take care of as well. The other demons help with Roxas, Janis doesn't speak but enjoys playing with Roxas who manages to get him to let his guard down even more. They also help take care of the little bird, Blue and the dog Niko. Jack sighed when he went into the room and found Jamie awake.
"Jamie, when you did that... I thought... I thought you were never coming back." Jamie sighed softly and held Jack close when his love settled on the bed with him.
"I wasn't sure I could, but I knew I had to try. I love you too much to not."
"This sucks." Jamie just nuzzles against Jack, causing him to giggle.
"Jamie, stooop... it tickles."
"But I like snuggling against you." He said in a fake pout, shifting a little to snuggle a different part of Jack as he curled up against him; Jack giggled more.
"Ooh Jamie, you know I'm ticklish there too." Jamie just squirmed around to snuggle all the various parts of Jack. He laughed louder when Jamie snuggled into his side.
"J-j-jahaamie!" He couldn't stop laughing. Jamie just smiled and finally stilled. It was a nice sound to hear after so long... Jack smiled and lay against Jamie with a sigh, feeling very happy. Jamie closed his eyes, soaking in the feeling that was Jack... just the scent alone was enough to make him happy. Jack yawned.
"Man, I just woke up and I'm already tired."
"Know the feeling." Jamie mumbled.
"Back to sleep it is then." He said, yawning and turning on his side; crushing Jamie in a hug. Jamie didn't mind one bit as he yawned and drifted off into a peaceful slumber for the first time in a while... Jack groaned as his dreams were plagued by nightmares again for the third time that week.
"NO! NO! JAMIE NOOOO!" He screamed in pure terror. Jamie woke to the cry, he sent his ice over Jack as he gently tried to wake him up before Roxas became fussy because of it. Jack cried out in pain as he was thrashing, fighting something invisible; Jamie winced, shaking Jack; touching the bond.
Jack... sweetheart...
He gasped out, holding his throat; remembering vividly that burning feeling... how that monster controlled him... how Jamie sacrificed himself for him and Roxas...
"Oh God..."
"Jack." Jamie murmured gently, pulling Jack against him and gently running his fingers soothingly along one arm. He gasped in for oxygen, shaking as he was trying calm down, but it wasn't working out.
"It's alright love... promise." He said gently. Jack winced as he had hurt himself in the thrashing.
"Ow." Jamie gently rubbed one arm soothingly, he shivered.
"I'm fine now, I'm ok." He said as he closed his eyes and once more sleep took him, quiet and dreamless this time. Jamie sighed, even as he nuzzled back into Jack though he didn't fall back asleep. Jack's cries had brought back memories he really didn't want to remember... for now they were keeping him awake. Roxas giggled and toddled about learning how to use his powers with the other demons. The group took to him like a fish to water, something Jamie was grateful for. That Roxas easily accepted them like family afforded him and Jack the peace they needed for a little while. Jack woke, he sighed tiredly.
"Jamie, I'm kinda hungry and a bit too battered to get the blood I need."
"Stay here a moment." Jamie murmured, he slipped from Jack's side, when he returned he had a bowl of bloody meat... though what kind of meat it was, was hard to tell. Jack smiled and ate it like a ravenous wolf; Jamie just smiled a little.
"MMM SO SO SO GOOD." He said lapping up the bloody juice as if it were soup.
"Want some?" He held out the bowl to Jamie to try some. Jamie chuckled a little.
"No, but I appreciate the offer love."
"More for me then." He drank the rest of the blood. Jamie smiled a little. He preferred his meat cooked and he wasn't sure he knew what meat that was... he didn't want to become an accidental cannibal so he'd make sure he'd know what he was eating before he ate it. Jack snickered, smiling; his fangs popped out.
"I know what you're thinking and I'm glad you didn't accept my offer; it's human, that's all you need to know." He said as his eyes narrowed in dark glee. Jamie raised an eyebrow at Jack.
"Dare I even ask why you'd say that or how you even know?"
"Nope, best is to not ask. Hey let's go see how Roxy's doing huh?" He smiled, wanting to see how his child was adapting; apparently real well as he got himself his own blood for the next six weeks without Jack.
"OH MY GOD! Where did you get all the food Roxas?!" He asked, shocked as he, for one, was covered in human blood mixed with an animal's, a chicken; and two everyone was on the floor, covered in blood and full of meat that was piled absolutely everywhere. Marko looked over sheepishly.
"Ah... I think we got a little carried away... but little Roxas is such a natural..." Janis nodded enthusiastically, then gives an apologetic smile when out comes a little burp.
"I'll say you did. Come on, let's get this all packed out of sight and you all need a bath now." Jamie said, utilizing the wind to help him store the leftovers without getting messy himself. Jack snickered.
"Aww, that's my boy." He hugged him even if he was covered in blood; Jack was used to it but as to the rest, he sternly said.
"Bathroom, now; one at a time or hose." He was not too happy with the rest as they hadn't included him in on the fun. Jamie chuckled at their expressions.
"Now hun, no need to be mad at them; after all they're doing us a favor in keeping an eye on Roxas." Jamie summoned a small flurry of snow to help the others clean up and to clear the place of any trace of blood. They didn't want any children finding such a thing around Jack's pond. They'd start asking questions and they didn't need that.
"Ok, fine."
"There should be another cavern nearby that you can use to sleep in. We don't have enough room in this one for everyone." Marko nodded.
"Appreciate it Jamie."
"Sorry for bein' mean guys."
"It's okay, we understand." Elisa says with a slight smile, it was then Jack was tackled by a cold bundle of fur snow and ice.
"Hey! Look who's come home from North's." Jamie said with a chuckle.
"Hey boy, I missed you!" The wolf dog of ice in turn licked Jack until he was laughing. Jamie smiled.
"Good to see you again Niko. Hope you didn't rile up the reindeer too much." Niko just wagged his tail. He sniffed Roxas curiously.
"Niko, this is Roxas, our son and your best buddy." Niko sniffed at the boy, slowly wagging his tail as Roxas giggled.
"Doggie!"
"Yes, he is; his name is Niko and he's your doggy." Niko wagged his tail as Roxas hugged him, not entirely sure what to make of the boy.
" 'iko! Goo' boy!" Jack smiled.
"Awww." He sighed but sniffing the air he growled suddenly.
"Fire spirits." The others glanced around, on alert now as much as Jamie was. Jamie looked at Janis.
"Janis, take Roxas inside." The younger demon complied, Niko followed behind while the other demons kept an eye open for the intruders.
"What are they doing here?" It was those same fire spirits that had previously stabbed him and Jamie had beat up for it.
"That's what I want to know." Jamie narrowed his eyes when he spotted the spirits.
"THEM again..." The two were shaking, shivering cold; Jack was worried about that.
"Hey, where's the fire?" He almost wanted to burst out at the bad joke. Jamie almost laughed, but he had a feeling that there was a reason they were there.
"What's going on?" He felt a twinge of concern, they looked like they were cold... too cold... They shook even more.
"W-Winters g-gone rogue." They chattered their teeth, that made Jack furious.
"Where are they? Tell me." They jolted back from his fury.
"Our h-home... the-they killed Lydia Summers." Jack gasped.
"No... how long ago was this?"
"T-two weeks ago... but it wasn't concerning a-at first... and then the-they came..." Jack growled.
"Jamie stay here and watch Roxas, I got winter spirits to confront." Jamie nodded a little, beckoning the fire spirits into the cavern. They looked at him fearfully.
"Come on, I won't bite." They nodded and sat down.
"S-so this is you're little one... we didn't expect you two c-could have children." They said in unison as they looked at Roxas who was playing with Janis, Jack smirked.
"Well you expect less then."
"Apparently you know very little about babies then." Jamie replied flatly. He had forgotten what assholes these two could be. They winced at the words.
"S-sorry, we just never heard of two male spirits having baby; especially by birth."
"There are ways, something you might consider asking Mother Nature about if you truly want to know." Jamie replies, he tosses blankets at the two so they can begin to warm up again. They wrap themselves up in blankets that were provided.
"Hey, I'll make some hot chocolate; you tell Jamie more about these spirits so I'll know what I'm looking for when I check out the sun." Jamie nodded.
"I promise they won't be icicles when you get back." Jack knew how he felt about these two in particular, but he would keep his word. The two look at the others a little nervously. Jamie sat down with them and began telling the group about the two spirits... they did not seem too thrilled with what they heard. Jack glared as he saw the destruction of the fire realm; he growled, one was a girl, another a boy. They were obviously twin winter spirits because of how they spoke to each other and everything seemed click to them in sync. The two turn as they sense another spirit, surprised to find that spirit is Jack.
Meanwhile, Jamie is trying to keep the other demons from having the two remaining fire spirits for lunch...
Jack folded his arms angrily.
"What do you think you're doing?" He was holding in anger but only a tinge splotched onto his tone.
"Clearing out-" One began.
"-the trash." The other finished.
It's only because it's Jamie who asks on Jack's behalf that they don't do more than eye the two vulnerable spirits like fresh meat.
"Well I'm afraid you should go then, there's spirits that live here and just cause winter and summer fight doesn't mean you desecrate their land." He growled.
"We have a treaty and you've broken that treaty, now what are you're names?"
"We were under orders. Who we are-"
"-doesn't matter. We are honored to have been chosen for this." The two only smile... and it's a little unnerving... Jack glared.
"Whose orders?" He snapped, his powers coming into play. The twins look unnerved suddenly, but they weren't looking at Jack.
"Mine. You two are out of line." A familiar voice said from a few feet away. His black feathered wings arched a bit menacingly as he regarded the two in cold anger. It was the one spirit Jack knew too well and had disliked from day one. Angel.
"Angel." He spat. I knew I shouldn't have trusted him... I knew it!
"You fucker... why?" Angel ignored Jack for the moment, he was steamed himself as he stalked over to the twins who begin cowering.
"I gave you a SPECIFIC target and you do THIS! Is this what you call efficiency?!" Jack still was angry at him, but glared at the other two.
"Alright what orders were you sending cause obviously I think Mother Nature should know of this."
"Home. NOW." The two spirits vanished and Angel turned to Jack with a sigh.
"Sorry about this. In answer to your question, they had two targets to take out and then they were supposed to clear this area for the new season. Obviously the distinction between clearing out an area and their targets was lost on them... I'll talk with Mother Nature on this." He rubbed his temples...
"I swear those two are going to give me migraines..."
"Then why have them around?" He was curious as to why. Angel gave Jack a slight smile.
"I don't exactly have a pick of the crop for minions all of the time. They're still in training. Obviously." Jack snickered.
"Really? Well that sucks."
"Yeah, you could say that." Jack leaned on his staff.
"So how are things in the underworld?" Mostly fascinated and curious to what Angel had to say about it since he'd taken over for the original Death.
"About as same as you left it, but I don't take minions against their will." Angel said with a shrug.
"It's the underworld, don't know what you expected. Say... have you told the kiddo the truth yet? One of my best collectors says your little tyke is growing fast. Nice looking kid too."
"No, and I intend to keep it that way; he's only five years old, he already knows he's a demon and embracing it well, but I won't tell him anything more."
"You got your wires crossed Jackie. I meant your mate." Jack smiled.
"Yes, yes he does."
"Good. Was wonderin' if you'd get around to that. Anyhow, much fun as this chat is I've got some spirits to deal with and work ta do." Angel gave Jack a mock salute and disappeared in a foggy mist. Jack shook his head.
"Angel." He smiled and tossed up a coin, it flipped heads.
"Alright, I forgive him; it's not his fault anyway." He put the coin in his pocket and flew off.
Back home Roxas smiled a fanged smile at the fire spirits like 'you hurt my daddy I eat you.' The two spirits huddled against one side of the cavern, trying to keep as far away from the other demons as possible while Jamie was trying his best to calm them down and sent warning glances towards the others, including Roxas who tried playing innocent...
"Well they've been dealt with." He gave everyone a glare that meant 'leave the spirits alone they're chill now.' He snickered, almost laughing at what he'd meant by the look.
"Yeah... okay." Marko said, not that he still wouldn't like to snack on the spirit who had been so mean to Jack. The two spirits take off after thanking Jack for interfering. Jack sighed, not wanting to really say to them what Angel said; those two were confused spirits. The other demons go back to entertaining Roxas while Jamie made some lunch. Jack thought for a long moment but shaking off what he was thinking and decided to help Jamie with the meal. Jamie made ice plates for everyone to have as they all gather around for the meal. Jack smiled, noticing everyone sitting down as if they did this every day; Roxas sat in his high chair.
"I got you Roxas." Jack smiled as he looked ready to eat. Roxas just grinned, showing signs of now having a third tooth coming in.
"Alright then, we'll be able to give you more solid food and it'll help with the tough meat." Jack whispered more to himself then the boy. Roxas didn't understand what that meant. Jamie set out some vegetables for him to have, he wasn't quite ready for real solid food yet, but once nearly all his teeth were in he would be. For now he'd still mostly eat the baby food North provided. At least while out of his demon form. Jack smiled.
"Come on Roxas, it's num nums... Oh, here comes the airplane... neeewar." He still wouldn't eat the food on the spoon.
"Don't you wanna grow up big and strong like your uncles, aunts and us." Roxas looked at Jamie who just nodded. After a moment he opened his mouth. Jack smiled and fed him the food.
"Come on, one more bite." Jack said after half the bowl was almost finished. Roxas took a last bite, but refused anymore.
"Good Roxas." Jack smiled and patted his back, he didn't puke any but burped a little. Jack smiled.
"Now you may go play with the others." Releasing him from his 'prison of a chair.' Jack watched him toddle away and returned to eating his own dinner, cold from the wait but still edible. Jamie chuckled as he watched the others play with Roxas, those who had finished eating anyway.
"He's growing up so fast."
"It's only a matter of time before he starts thinking about girls and rock bands." Jack said, laughing. Jamie laughed a little.
"I donno about THAT but we will have to probably beat the other spirits off with a stick..."
"That is true." He snickered just thinking about it.
"Either that or he eats them." He smiled darkly.
"Don't go there, I don't even want to THINK of the trouble we'd have if he started eating possible suitors!"
"What? I didn't eat you did I? Maybe a couple nips or bites but I never ate you... maybe he won't either." Jamie flushed slightly.
"Yes but we were friends first. " Jack giggled.
"Yeah and it's not like I was the one that forced you to do it with me eh?" Jamie flushed all the more while the others chuckled a bit at the teasing.
"I w-wasn't the one who started it." Jack snickered, patting his back before joining everyone else in a wrestle fight with a piece of bone; Roxas was winning so far.
"Wow he's quick." Jack laughed.
"Sure you weren't." Markos said, laughing as Jack was rolling on the floor with Roxas. Jamie rolled his eyes.
"Excuse me but HE kissed ME first. I was too unsure he would even consider it to think about kissing him." Jack snickered.
"No way Jamie, you were putting the moves on me first mr. I-don't-wanna-kiss-you-but-rather-have-sex-with-you guy."
"H-hey! I was not! I was just fantasizing about kissing you and stuff... you know that!" Unfortunately by this time the oldest of the demons left in the cavern were rolling on the floor laughing... literally. Jack snickered at that too but played patty cake with Roxas for the minute. Roxas gave his new playmates a funny look.
"What funny?" Jamie was just glad he's too young to understand. Jack nearly busted a gut, but it was that feeling again... They're back... what's going on down at the sun kingdom? He asked himself. It wasn't just the twins this time and it was as Jamie got a bad feeling and looked over at the entrance that Angel appeared.
"Angel..." Jack breathed the name.
"What's going on? I thought you took care of the twins." Angel looked like he's taken a beating... he also looked miserable.
"I did... but apparently they weren't the only ones who didn't like taking orders... I hate to say it... but I could use your help... if you're willing. I'm sorely outnumbered here and you know as well as I that even Death isn't immune to being killed." Jack nodded.
"Of course we will Angel. How many and which spirits are they?"
"I don't know which... but it's a small army... at least ten out of the twenty I saw tried to take me down." Jack glared.
"Well, let us help you." Angel nodded.
"I'm glad for the help."
"I should probably call the Guardians on this too, no telling what's up." He growled.
"I wish spirits would leave other fucking spirits alone sometimes." Jack flew off to the battlefield. Jamie nodded in agreement. The others took off while Jamie kept Roxas from following.
"No, no. You stay with me lightening bug. Your daddy and the others can handle this."