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Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Pitch had been moved into the north pole, not out of his personal choice or freedom; no none of that. He’d been forced to work with the Guardians to take down a bigger threat which was threatening Pitch himself unfortunately so he made a deal with these so-called guardians of childhood; now he was leashed like a dog at the north pole where the yetis and north even the elves could watch him. Bunnymund wanted pitch no where near his warren and toothiana’s palace was far too busy to watch the boogyman, not to mention toothiana’s fairies would swarm him out of curiosity. North's place was the best option but it had slipped his mind that a cursed winter spirit would be there; Jack had recently moved into the north pole after the battle against pitch, north welcomed him like a father. Jack frost had left a sour taste in his mouth, he had rejected his offer; clearly Jack hated pitch after what he had done to his best friend Sandy.
It had been a week after this arrangement and as far as Jack had stayed away from Pitch, Pitch had observed jack and his weird quirks, like how he stayed in the rafters most of the time and quite honestly didn't know how close was to close to others; one that was extremely odd to pitch was jack frost kissing people on the cheek or nose in appreciation.
The first victim was north, now Jack doesn't understand most social stuff and honestly thought kissing someone was just appreciation but he did only typically kiss the nose tip or cheek of someone. North had given Jack a place to stay at the pole and a nice warm bed, even though Jack liked the cold he enjoyed the thought North put behind it more, North didn't know Jack couldn't eat but he still gave Jack some warm cookies anyways and a hot milk.
“Here you go my boy!” North slid the cookies over to Jack; Jack gave North a playful smile.
“Hey North! Look behind you, the elves are climbing on Phil!” As north turned around Jack hid the cookies in his pockets and poured the milk into a ferns soil. “Awh sorry North! I saw wrong” Jack started fake chewing, he didn’t wanna tell north he couldn't eat, he just enjoyed the thought.
“Oh wow you must have been hungry!” North smiled brightly.
“Yeah, thank you.” Jack flew over to North and gave him a quick kiss on his big bright nose.
North laughed, he really didn't expect jack frost to nip at his nose. His kiss was cold and felt light. This had shocked North because this really isn't something any of the guardians do. Jack backed up from North giving him a smile, North felt it unnecessary to reprimand Jack for the quick kiss.
“Is that how you show gratitude?” North asked, not sure if Jack exactly knew kisses were more made for special people.
“Yeah!” Jack answered worried he had done something wrong so he stopped flying, landing slowly back on his feet staring at North.
“Hm.” The bigger man thought for a moment about how to explain this to Jack. “Jack…” North started “Kisses are for special people, people you hold close and dear to you” North has forgotten how Jack has been alone for 300 years and how Jack takes things literally.
“I… uh” Jack doesn't do well with feelings or speaking about them. “You and the others I do hold close and dear to me?” Jack saw them as friends or even but didn't even know how to say that, it honestly made Jack flush.
North then realized that Jack's little quirk was completely harmless, he cared deeply about the guardians and this is just Jack's playfulness. He let out a big smile. “Okay my boy!” North embarrassed Jack in a bear crushing hug, if Jack wasn't immortal his scrawny body would've snapped in half “We hold you dearly too!” North was very happy. Even though Jack's ribs were being crushed he still enjoyed the hug.
“Ew, these guardians are ridiculous.” a chained shadow had muttered from the corner of the workshop. ‘If this is how the frost boy shows gratitude, remind me to never do anything for him’ Pitch said to himself. He honestly thought this interaction was interesting and could be used against the two but he is unfortunately under what north called “house arrest” so there's no point. Pitch thought the kiss was weird for Jack but then again where else could the saying “Jack frost nipping at your nose” come from; Pitch decided to warp off to the big library and sit in silence.
—
Bunnymunds the next victim, everyone assumed he hated Jack but quite frankly that's not the case which was very unlucky for pitch as he sat in a room watching the two of them interact from the shadows. Bunnymund puts on an act but he does actually enjoy the frosts spirits company as long as he's not being pranked.
Bunnymund and Jack have walked into the library ready to do… god knows what actually. Bunnymund carried a canvas while Jack held some paint. Bunnymund probably asked him too. Bunny set the canvas on the floor as Jack sat the paint down. “Thank ya mate! You're not so bad when you aren' t freezing ma’ waren or me…”
Jack let out an awkward chuckle and bunnymunds comment. “Yeah sorry kangaroo-” Jack realized Bunnymund hated that name and now with the pitch around maybe he
shouldn't be acting like this, honestly with the widegos maybe he should be more serious. “Bunny- Bunnymund. Sorry.”
Bunnymund smiled weakly. “You don't have to frostbite.” Bunnymund was referring to the name.
“Yeah but- i just-” Jack was stumbling over his words, he wouldnt let bunnymund know what he was really thinking, he was supposed to be the guardian of fun, he couldn't let worry consume him.
He didn’t have to tell bunnymund, bunny knew. “Call me Aster if you want. My full name is E. Aster. Bunnymund” Bunnymund turned to face him.
Jack didn't say much, he just kinda stood there a little shocked. After a few minutes Jack responded “Thank you… Aster” Jack gave the biggest smile and got a tad red realizing how emotional this was getting, Jack thrived on chaos; An idea struck him. “Bunnymund, close your eyes!” Jack said, flying up just a tad bit on his tippy toes.
Bunnymunds face changed to a “oh no where is this going, please dont freeze me” type of face.
Pitch almost let out a tiny laugh but calmed himself wondering what jack- ‘oh wait is he going to- again?’ Pitch watched bunnymund close his eyes and jack shifted over close to his cheek ‘oh he is-’
Jack gave Bunnymund a quick cold kiss on the cheek. Jack has assumed this would lift spirits and make bunny more playful again instead of emotional.
That idea failed, bunnymund opened his eyes in a tad bit of shock, he was almost stunned. Bunnymund calmed down “er- mate, why did you… kiss me-” bunnymund almost left it at that but realized maybe that isn't the most appropriate thing to leave it at “on the cheek?”
Oh now this was entertainment to watch pitch thought to himself.
“Oh well you did something nice for me, I told north that's how I show gratitude! He didn't seem to have a problem with it” Jack kinda liked the strange reactions it had gotten so far but he’d never admit that
“You kissed the big guy too?” Bunnymund tensed up very confused at this situation
“Yup! Right on his big nose” Jack laughed a bit at the comment about North he made
Bunnymund let out a big shaky sigh and braced himself on the bookcase ‘OH THANK GOD’ he thought to himself, he was a tad worried Jack might've entered some odd delusion during that emotional moment and started to like him in a different way.
“Are you okay!?” Jack asked worried about bunnymund
“Peachy” Bunnymund calmed down and straightened back up. Bunny thought about it for a second, Jack really doesn't understand how a kiss can be taken but then he remembered something “Jack frost nipping at your nose” he muttered making a connection.
“Oh that saying, yeah I do nip a lot. It makes humans noses red and is very adorable” Jack admitted leaning on his staff shyly “But North told me kisses are special and should only be for people “I hold dear to me” his words not mine”
Bunnymund stood there ‘Jack thinks of me as dear… he's been alone for so long’ Bunnymund has been rude to him since the blizzard; I mean he could even imagine how lonely 300 years could be. Bunnymund did some serious making up to do.
“Jackie- im sorry” his ears drooped.
“OH I'M SORRY!” Jack thought he messed up.
Bunnymund hugged Jack. Jack hugged back.
Pitch watched “all of this emotional stuff is killing me” and he disappeared back into the original room right into norths range of sight
—-
A day later Sandy was on the deck with Jack, it was dark out- This was an opportunity pitch couldn't miss, he went from the couch to the outside deck watching from the shadows. Sandman always interested pitch but now the new behavior of Jack.
Sandman had sensed a change in the air, he knew Pitch was watching. Sandy and Jack's original plan was to just sit in silence and enjoy the cold in front of them, but now… Sandman is going to make this painfully sweet. Sandy started making a bunch of cool shapes for Jack to watch move around, Jack stared in awe. Sandy turned to Jack and started making symbols above his head that seemed to be a firework.
“Are you asking me if I would like to see fireworks?” Jack's curiosity was definitely sparked. Sandy did a thumbs up and Jack smiled. Sandman hoisted his sand up ready to give the best firework show ever, especially for Jack. The first firework was in the shape of a snowflake which exploded into little stars, more fireworks went off in other shapes relating to the guardians. Sandy looked over smiling at how Jack's face looked, it was like he was entranced, eyes wide and sparkling under the golden sand.
To be quite honest Pitch was also enjoying the show but that was one of the very many things he wouldn't admit to… maybe to make fun of sandman but never genuine.
After the show had ended Jack turned his head to Sandy “woah, that was amazing” Jack thought that was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen. Sandy was floating on his little cloud by this point.
Sandman started to make a symbol above his head of a snow flake and pointing at Jack, this became a guessing game.
“Snow- me?”
Sandy gave a thumbs up then made another symbol, it appeared to be a beautiful flower.
“Me- flower? Me- uh… im a flower?” Jack guessed and Sandy shook his head meaning no. Jack gave a sly smile “Now Sandy, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're calling me pretty” Jack was joking but he was right, that was exactly what Sandy was saying.
He gave Jack a headnod. “Really? Me… pretty?” he blushed a bit “Thank you” Jack gave a smile.
Pitch knew where this was going ‘oh dear. Should i butt in at this point?’ It was too late, Jack had already started hovering and gave Sandy a quick kiss on his forehead.
Sandy smiled. This was exactly what he wanted, to bother pitch and a bonus he made Jack happy. Win Win.
Pitch slithered back into the building prompting himself on the couch by the fire “This is actual hell.”
—
Toothiana was sitting with Jack right by the fire where Pitch typically stays, the guardians had been coming in once every so so to come check on how things were doing, they came by all at different times. Toothiana was just sitting with Jack relaxing.
“Jack you know” Tooth started “You are allowed to come over whenever and review your memories” Toothiana said in a soothing voice.
“Thanks Tooth, ill make sure to visit.” Jack answered, even though they just sat in silence, Jack seemed to appreciate it. He finally had the OPTION to sit in silence, which was honestly bigger than anything, it makes you enjoy it more. Jack never wanted to let this go, he could never let this go… he wouldnt ever let Toothiana go, nor the other guardians he had grown too close to. Jack wouldn't put how he felt lightly, to be honest it felt like these people and his new believers gave him a purpose; And with that he would kill for them or even die for them, he’d do anything for them. Jack snuggled in closer to Toothiana wanting to be held or hold her, either one. Jack just knew he wanted physical touch right now.
“Bleh” Pitch let out a grossed out sound from over at the counter watching this, all he could really do was observe. To be honest Jack showing this affection to the guardians made him mad, he didn't know why though. He was mad at the thought about how Jack rejected his companionship, how he himself could never have a close bond or even get close to others physically, this angered him to his core. Pitch was touch starved but he didn't need anything, he’d never admit that. Why does Jack get to reject him but then he still has others to run off too. Pitch had no one and never will have anyone. Ever.
Toothiana laughed lightly and the boy who seemed to be like a cat trying to get attention, this was exactly normal behavior but whatever. Toothiana laid down on the couch and scooped Jack (who was surprisingly light) slightly on top of her while he wasn't fully on top preventing crushing. Jack and Toothiana wrapped their arms around each other now cuddling just enjoying the embrace near the fireplace. Jack took Toothiana's hand and kissed it, her feathers ruffled a little bit while she blushed at the affection. Jack let out a pleased hum and dozed off in what appeared to be sleep.
Pitch scowled, to be close with someone like that he could only wish.
—
Pitch had witnessed too many incidents of jack kissing people as of now. “That stupid Frost-” Pitch heard quite sobs and felt fear… “Now this is delicious.” He had been sitting on the couch near the fireplace in the north pole lobby reading one of the 673 books in North's library because he had nothing better to do. “I must go investigate this distraught, could it be maybe a yeti? An elf? Or maybe Santa Claus himself… options options” Pitch traveled through the shadows towards the crying. He ended up right outside a guest room in the pole.
“Please stop- I cant-” It was Jack frost, he was crying and holding his own throat standing up like he couldn't breathe but needed too. He was gasping for air.
Pitch sat there watching, completely unsure of what to do… he had never seen a spirit like this, certainly not Jack Frost who was all play time and snow fun.
Jack turned his head trying to choke back sobs when he spotted Pitch in the doorway.
He tried to stop crying and he froze in place but the tears still fell. “Get away from me-”
Pitch entered the room not sure what he was doing “You sound broken. What were you dreaming of?” Pitch questioned ‘what am i doing in here?’
“None- of” *HIC* “your business.” Jack was trying to choke back sobs. “Get out” He started backing up the back, his legs hitting his bed while still clawing at his throat trying to breathe.
This fear tasted like lemon and limes with ice, lucky for Jack pitch hated these tastes, he hated the cold. Everyone's fear tasted different but this was overwhelming. “Stupid frost- you finally feeling alone again?” Pitch got a bit closer “Why are you gasping for air when you are the one holding your own throat? I did not cause these nightmares, these are from your own unresolve.”
“You- arent- helpin-” *HIC* if.. If you can't help- get out!” Jack is still slightly gasping for air but it’s calmed down for now. Jack would've told him even though he didn't want the boogymans help, he hated this guy.
Pitch inched closer every time he said a word. He was mad, pitch was irritated, how dare he act like he wasn't having a better existence then pitch, he got everything he wanted while pitch was thrown away. Jack frost made him so mad- so why does he feel the need to help him? Was it because he understood his pain? Maybe it's something else but even Pitch would never understand what he said next “Do you want help?”
Jack was too overwhelmed to be shocked, to be honest this question made him start sobbing harder and he let his hands fall to his sides and his knees gave out as he fell down onto his bed, Jack gave out a weak voice “yes.” Jack had constant night terrors because of his memories and getting them back, also the pain of being alone all that time finally dawned on him, right now all he knew is he was too weak to refuse help. Pitch sat beside him and held his back, Jack didn't shift away. Like he couldn't feel the fear radiating off of pitch. “Breathe.” Pitch said trying his best to bring comfort. Jack took deep breaths while tears still fell with slight sobs, after Jack had calmed down he put his
head on Pitches shoulder and pitch flinched a bit. “Sorry,” Jack muttered voice still weak. This amused pitch. Jack's face was very red with puffy tired eyes.
“You should sleep,” Pitch said. He knew they would both deeply regret these actions later after this moment but for now he'd rather just ignore it.
Jack laughed slightly, catching Pitch off guard. “Enemies still? This is crazy.” Pitch knew this too. “We don't speak of this tomorrow” Pitch said and Jack hummed in agreement.
“Would it be a stretch to ask you to tuck me in?’ Jack asked. “Dont push it frost” Pitch replied back and stood up ready to leave “Wait.” Jack said falling into his bed “could you at least stay for a bit?” Jack knew it was wrong, this was his enemy, the guy literally killed his best friend (sandman) but maybe for tonight that didn't have to matter, jack never made sense but he was also very traumatized, the idea of getting comfort from a horrible being seemed in character.
Pitch sighed “Sure.” He walked over to the chair and sat down with the lamp and picked up a book from the desk as Jack got under his bed cover.
“Wait, come here for a second” Jack waved him over. “We forget about this in the morning right?” Pitch walked over as Jack was speaking and crouched down. Jack leaned over and gave Pitch a kiss on his nose.
Jack's power to bring fun to people may have been laced into that kiss on pitch's nose which made pitch smile for a small second before he waved his face “Yeah we don’t speak of this at all after tonight. Never” He moved back to the chair.
“Deal. Never tell North.” Jack said and drifted off to sleep.
“I value my existence” Pitch muttered
This frost spirit is going to be the death of me.