Chapter 1: Herbal Tea

                                    

                                          


A hidden paradise was filled with Easter eggs, blossoming flora, and a relic of antiquity. Alluring flowers, cascading streams, and the presence of hummingbirds produced an ambiance of calm and serenity; a perpetual springtime..

The sound of rumbling snores filled the burrow, sending a wave of shock through the scurrying eggs. In the centre, a majestic cabin crafted of sturdy oak sheltered beneath the arms of a lush willow. Festive decorations including wind chimes, dream catchers, and vibrant rainbow glass adorned the cabin's porch, tastefully weaving in and out of the clusters of luscious pot plants.
A delicate scent of herbal tea permeated the atmosphere of the cabin, arising from the still warm kettle on the bench. Its steaming contents had left its mark, the countertop glistening with the spillage of green tea, the excess spilling down and dampening the floor. While the fragrance was pleasant, it couldn't entirely obscure the comforting odour of the great outdoors.
Bunny's arms sprawled out across the mattress, waiting to provide warmth and comfort for his soon-to-be-wife when she would lay her head to rest. While she always cited the fur on his arms as a source of heat on the chillier nights, he figured she just enjoyed getting cuddly with him. Nevertheless, he found himself content with the arrangement. As he began to stir in his slumber, he instinctively reached out for her - a ritual that had been ingrained in their lives as they showered each other with affection and sweet nothings - but there was no one there to embrace.
"Sh...Sheila?" He croaked out, exhausted as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. There was no answer, not even a goodmorning from around the corner peering into the bathroom. It wasn't often she was awake before him. "Love? Ya there?" He called out into the house, sitting up and staring at the doorway, waiting for her to enter, "(Y/N)?"
In spite of this, there was no response. Bunny's ears were pricked up, listening in the hope of hearing your gentle footsteps. His nose was also quivering, desperately trying to catch a whiff of your presence. But, all that remained was the pungent, lingering scent of your perfume which permeated the entire house.
He sighed to himself, and reached over to a small dish on your side of the bed, but stopped for a moment. A small note was placed in the small bowl, written with your handwriting.
Goodmorning my love,
I'm so sorry I'm not here when you wake up. Something important has come up in the Empire, so I had to leave as soon as I could, and I didn't want to wake up your cute face either.
Be back soon,
Your adorable wife to be, (Y/N)
'Huh, something important?' Bunny thought as he picked up his engagement ring from the bowl, nervously sliding it on. He couldn't help but feel anxious; your behaviour had been peculiar for the last few weeks, as if you weren't feeling well.
"Got nuthin' better to do today," he chuckled as he rolled out of bed, letting out a big yawn. The comforting embrace of his bathrobe warmed his body as he tied the robe around him. A twinge of disappointment came over him, knowing he would not be able to share a bath with you this morning. He thought to himself, 'these things happen.'
He ambled through the hallway, his massive bunny feet pounding the wooden floor with every step. His paw lazily skimmed the wall, brushing against the many framed photos hung along the painted walls. For the last two and a half years, these walls had captured an array of remarkable memories: their weekly drinking contests, Jack's pesky pranks, the cheerful laughter of you and North. Not to mention, there were numerous photographs of everyone and even one of you and Pitch beaming with joy.
His anticipation soared as he came to a halt before the large, empty frame on the wall. Soon, their wedding photo would be proudly displayed, beaming in the sunshine coming through the window. He smiled, his heart racing with excitement. As he walked, the scent of green tea filled his nose and his ears perked up. Perhaps you had returned home early and poured yourself some tea for reading time. "Mornin lo-"