Bonus: Ch. 46 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Dawn crept over the horizon as Nona stared down at the graveyard below, a blank expression adorning her face. "You know Sandy, I don't think people are afraid to die... they're just afraid of being forgotten."

The Dream Keeper sent her a quizzical look. He understood that Nona was still adjusting to her new relationship with Bunnymund, but surely she wasn't rehashing the past again. Primrose was dead and Pitch had long since disappeared. What could possibly have sent her spiraling back into such a depressed state?

Nona released a heavy sigh. "Nevermind." Placing her hand gently upon his shoulder, she forced out a small smile. "Let's just get this night over with, ok?"

Departing from her companion's side the spirit drifted further ahead, her mind otherwise occupied.

Earlier...

Bunny sat alone in his warren, thoughts unfocused. Indeed Easter had gone off without a hitch, but this year he wasn't experiencing the typical feelings associated with success. No, this year was much different.

Shortly after the passing of his beloved holiday, he'd noticed the onset of certain 'urges'.

He was in heat.

Sure Nona could have easily solved the problem, she was his mate after all; but in this state he was more foe than friend. Her scent alone roused his instincts in him that he'd long thought dead. Every time he saw her, he wanted nothing more than to claim her, ravage her, and consummate their love. However, he'd sworn to protect her from any danger, and that included himself.

Bunny groaned in frustration. There were other complications too; even under normal circumstances the topic of sex seemed to make the girl skittish and he wasn't exactly smooth at broaching the matter.

'Nona... what are ya doin' to me...' he thought irritably. His skin was growing warmer as his thoughts became more muddled.

He needed to cool off.

A trip to the Pole was just the trick; he needed to talk to North.

...

Nona felt her stomach churn with unease; she was stuck in a perpetual rut, switching between self doubt and sadness, to anger and frustration. Why was Bunny avoiding her? Had she done something wrong? With Easter well out of the way she knew the Pooka should have time for her.

Tears stung the spirits eyes, but she hastily wiped them away, a scowl taking their palace. 'I hate you so much Bunny! I could just-' the spirit froze as rounded another corner.

Did he regret his decision? Perhaps she wasn't cut out to be his mate after all. 'Oh dear MiM please don't let it be true!'

The girl continued to wrack her brain for answers as she quickened her pace, completely unaware of her surroundings. Even with Pitch gone she was beginning to fear her worst nightmares were coming true.

"Ah Nona!" North boomed, startling the girl. "So glad you could join us."

Immediately she was pulled from her trance as the elder clapped her on the shoulder. "Sorry North," she replied, hiding her distress with a smile. "I'd love to stay but I just came here to retrieve Sandy."

Nona felt her heart rate increase as she caught sight of Bunny across the room. "W-We've got a busy night ahead of us." she finished.

The Pooka didn't even notice her! Shying away from the elder she sent Sandy pointed look. "Ready?"

The Dream Keeper eyed her suspiciously before joining her side as the two soared off into the night. It was obvious something was terribly wrong.

...

'Damn you North!' Bunny fumed, his fists clenched tightly with anger.

He continued to silently curse the old man, as his muscles strained in effort to maintain composure. Up until now he'd done everything in his power to keep Nona at bay, and what was North's brilliant solution to his predicament? Lure her to the Pole by using Sandy. 'What a dill-headed blowhard!'

Bunny felt his fur bristle. He hadn't even looked at Nona, yet her scent alone stirred something primal within him.

"North you're gunna pay for this!" he bellowed.

Back to Present...

Nona released a heavy sigh as she lay back on her bed, an arm draped lazily across her forehead. It had been a long and exhausting night, but her mind continued to race. Had Bunny changed his mind? Why?

Leaping to her feet Nona faced the mirror; a pair of midnight eyes and autumn fur greeting her in it's reflection. Instantly, a feeling of despair washed over her.

"Nona?"

Averting her gaze, she swiftly removed her disguise just as Bunny leapt into the room. "What are ya doin'?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing. How'd you get here so fast?"

Bunny crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow.

She gave a half-hearted laugh "Right, you're not supposed to race rabbits for a reason." But he didn't bite. An awkward silence slowly filled the room as Bunny continued to stare her down.

"Is that what you think I want?" he asked gruffly. "Another Pooka?"

Nona remained silent, frantically searching for the right words.

"Is it?!" he demanded.

"I-I dunno. It's just lately, you've been avoiding me a-and-" Nona's voice cracked as her throat grew tighter. "You want kits...right?"

"Yea!" he snapped.

"Well I... I can't do that." she squeaked out.

"What do ya mean ya can't?!" Bunny barked; the heat was getting to him.

"I-I...I'm sorry." Nona pleaded.

Bunny's frown deepened. "Listen hear ya little wanker,"

Nona's eyes widened in shock, tears blurring her vision.

"I've been holding out because of you and now you're not even willing to try at all?!"

Nona shrank further in on herself, unconsciously gripping her middle. "I-I..." but the words wouldn't come.

"How selfish can you get?!" Bunny shouted in utter disbelief. In that instant, he knew he'd crossed the line.

"I can't do this anymore!" Nona screamed, tears cascading down her face. Defeated, the spirit collapsed onto the floor, her face hidden beneath the shroud of her cloak as sobs raked her body.

Bunny stood in shock. He'd seen Nona upset before, but not like this, and certainly not because of him. "Nona wait!" he hollered. "I didn't mean-"

But he was too late; she'd already disappeared into the shadows below.

(Note: Part 2 of the story can be found under the fanfic: Forgotten. It's rated M for a reason. You can finish the chapter without getting into the nitty-gritty since I have a warning up before it starts. Either way, enjoy!)