A Touch of Frost (ROTG fic)

Christmas Promises

"North?" The pooka stood to attention, ears perked for any of the usual sounds of the workshop. Silence. Where were the yetis? Where were the elves? Where was...

"Bunny! Is good to be seeing you," a familiar voice rang through the room as the Russian stepped through the doorway with a smile on his bearded face.

"I came as fast as I could. Where are all your workers? What's the emergency?" Bunny spun around, raising a brow at the jolly look on the taller Guardian's face.

"They are enjoying rare day off. It has been long time since we took break," North answered, stepping closer to the rabbit. One strong hand landed on the pooka's waist, gently guiding him to the fireplace.

"So... there's no emergency then?" Bunny's eyes narrowed, even as he took the opportunity to warm his feet over the fire.

"No emergency, my zajchik (little rabbit)," the taller man stated, leaning against the wall. Blue eyes trailed over the grey-furred creature a few feet away. The fond nickname caught the rabbit's attention instantly. Long ears twitched, followed by green orbs that narrowed uncertainly back at him.

"North, Easter is less than 2 months away. I don't have time to..." The pooka's argument was cut off when a firm finger pressed against his furred lips.

"You know what today is, yes?" North said, winking at his fellow guardian. "The yetis have prepared a delicious, vegetarian meal for us to enjoy."

"But..."

"And I have another special surprise for you, as well," the larger man recalled, a twinkle coming to his eye. "Give me moment."

Bunny watched his old lover shuffle off out the door, and felt his ears droop. It wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with North, but it was so close to his holiday. Couldn't they celebrate Valentine's Day in May?

"Here you go," North said, shoving a folded bundle of green fabric into the pooka's arms. He stood back, beaming with pride, as Bunny unfolded his gift.

"North... I haven't seen this in years," the pooka whispered, staring in awe at the green robe. It was still delicately embroidered, lovingly stitched, and wonderfully intact.

"Ah, yes. You left it in my room the last time we... well, that was many years ago now," the spirit of Christmas admitted, his cheeks reddening.

"More like several centuries ago," Bunny proclaimed, removing his sash and belt. After placing them gently to the side, he slipped on the long, luxurious robe, marveling at the pookan fabric that settled perfectly against his fur. Deft fingertips buttoned each colorful, egg-shaped button with a tender, loving touch.

"And who could be forgetting these," North said, stepping forward to place a small pair of egg-shaped spectacles on the tip of the pooka's nose. Bunny gazed up at him, clearly overwhelmed by the gift. "Is like old times, yes?"

"I suppose it is," E. Aster Bunnymund replied, his ears perking up at the fondness in his old lover's voice.

"It is St. Valentine's Day! A day for love. If I promise to work with you at the warren tomorrow, will you consent to spend rest of the evening here at the pole, with me?" North asked, taking one of the pooka's paws into his own.

"Nicholas, I..." Bunny trailed off, glancing away uncertainly.

"Aster," North purred, pressing a kiss to his lover's trembling paw. His deep voice rumbled with the promise of companionship and pleasure.

"Well, I suppose," Bunny finally answered, his cheeks reddening under his fur.

"Good!" the Guardian of Wonder boomed. Tugging lightly, he led his pooka to the table in the corner, where the yeti had prepared a delicious dinner for them both. North, ever the gentleman, pulled out his lover's chair to seat him, before turning his attention to setting the candles alight. Uncorking a bottle of white wine, he filled the glasses, and handed one to the Guardian of Hope.