[DISCONTINUED] When Worlds Collide

Chapter Four

Someone poked my shoulder. I groaned and rolled over. They poked my cheek. I slapped their hand away. They poked me again and I grabbed their hand, flipping them over me and straddling them on my bed, pushing my forearm against their throat before I opened my eyes. "Oh, it's you." I pushed them off my bed and curled up under the covers again.

"North said you need to get up."

"Tell Nikki I said no. Leave, Jack. I want to be left alone."

"Who's Nikki?"

"So you missed introductions too? Who's North?" I rolled out of bed after him and hit the floor before staggering to my feet, frost spreading from my bare feet. I shook my head like a dog, my hair falling down loosely, and I flew out the door, staff in hand. I bumped into walls a few times, accidentally knocked Phyllis's pink hair bow off, and drifted into the globe before landing on my feet, staggering. "Nikki, why'd you send him to wake me up? Why not just wake me yourself? You sent a boy into my bedroom!" My words were slurred and I practically fell over, steadying myself with my staff.

"You alright Frostbite? You look like you drank more than your fair pint and a half."

"What? No, I'm not drunk. I've never even touched the stuff." I hiccuped loudly, which did not help my case.

"Hm? You haven't?" Bev raised an eyebrow and I facepalmed.

"No, I haven't. I just -hic- aren't feeling too well. Lets get on with -hic- with the introductions, shall we?" I slurred slightly, rubbing my red eyes.

Nikki eyed me suspiciously. "Okay. Assuming you are not drunk, are you feeling right besides that?"

"Yeah. I just had a long night- er, day, -hic- whatever time it was when I went to bed. You understand."

Nikki's expression changed to one of understanding. "Oh. Well, since you slept through introductions, let us get to know one another! Sit down." She lifted me up and sat me in a chair like a child.

"Nikki, I am 317 years old! Stop doing that!" The armchair was so wide Jack sat next to me, and there was still a good inch or two of space between us.

Nikki ignored me and plowed on. "Now, Jackie, this is Nicolas St. North." Her cheeks seemed slightly pinker than normal, and so did North's, and Jack and I exchanged amused smirks.

"Somebody's got a crush," we said together in a sing-songy voice.

"SHUT UP!" they both roared at the same time, making us jump a little.

I rubbed my ear. "Jeez, Nikki, I didn't know you could be so loud." I mouthed at Jack, Only proving my point. Nikki slapped me upside the head, making me rub my head too as she glared at me. I smiled sweetly. "Sorry, did I spoil the moment?" This time Bev slapped me in the head. "Hey!"

"Shut up, ya Slurpee. This is E. Aster Bunnymund." She introduced the guy version of herself.

I began to ask him a question, a sly smile on my face. "Can I call you-"

"No!" Bev yelled. "No you cannot!"

I pouted and crossed my arms, ignoring the eye-rolling and stifled laughter from the living icicle beside me. "Why not? It can't hurt. Please, can I just-" I whined.

"No, you cannot call him Mr. Fluffykins!"

I pouted more and slid down in the chair, drawing my knees up into myself, holding back laughter. Janie, who I hadn't even noticed in the room with us until that moment, burst out laughing. "Jackie- you- are- brilliant!" she gasped through her laughter.

I almost stood and bowed, but I satisfied myself with smirking. "Your words, not mine."

Bev rolled her eyes and shoved my shoulder lightly, knocking me into Jack. I rubbed both my shoulders, frowning. "Sandy, you next, before Bev hurts me again." Bev only pushed me again, making me fall over into Jack's lap. I scooted back and pulled on her ear, ducking as she tried to tug my hair.