Another story! life is stupid, so sorry about the updates... Or lack of... Anyway, enjoy! Also, you can find me on Tumblr as askthejackfrost.
Pitch was in the forest, thinking. He had regained control of his nightmares, and was strong again, but didn't want to fight. He realized just a little fear could go a long way, and that was good enough for him. But there was one thing he couldn't get out of his head; Jack Frost. Just then, Jack walked into the clearing of the forest. The sun was down and all the children were at home in their beds and the snow started to accumulate on the ground and on the trees' branches. Pitch watched the snow fall for a little bit before turning and seeing Jack in the clearing. He was in the shadows, so he doubted Jack could see him, and he decided to step out into the open. "Hello, Jack." He said quietly, no hatred or malice in his voice. The tension in Jack's body was more than a little evident as he froze in his place when he heard the well known voice.
"What are you doing here?" Jack's voice came out hard and wavering just lightly; Pitch was supposed to be gone.
"Same as you, enjoying the night." He said.
"Oh, Jack, you don't think I would be gone forever now. I'm back to my full power, but I'm keeping out of trouble. Having my ass kicked once is enough, thank you." Pitch said, a smirk on his face. A frown set on Jack's brow as he looked around to find the source of the voice.
"And what are you doing here then?" He said, snapping a little, he had all the reasons in the world to take precautions with the man.
"I can't take a walk?" Pitch asked, raising one brow.
"Dear boy, I know you feel as if you need to be watchful around me, but I've realized that my plan was foolish. I don't want to go back to the Dark Ages, there is enough fear to sustain me as I am now." He explained truthfully. Jack narrowed his eyes and tightened his hold on his staff, newly repaired staff after Pitch snapped it in two.
"There is? Or you made sure of that?" The snow got slightly heavier.
"Calm down." Pitch sighed, looking suddenly tired.
"I'm honestly no threat. I just need to do my job. Without a bit of fear, kids would be dying left and right. Unafraid of wild animals, unafraid of strangers, unafraid of busy streets! Then who would believe in you, Jack?" Pitch asked, trying to get his point across. Jack seemed to think about Pitch's words because yes, they did sound quite logical and seemed almost like the man was trying to do some good... almost.
"You've got a point" he conceded. Pitch gave the boy a small smile, nodding.
"See? I'm not so bad." He chuckled. He shook the snow out of his hair and shivered slightly, the cold getting to him. Still, Jack didn't trust him but decided the man wasn't about to send more of those nightmare horses upon him.
"The other guardians know about it?"
"Don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if Sandy knew, as he just seems to know everything." Pitch said, rolling his eyes slightly.
"And if you find it neccissary, you can tell them."
Jack would tell them indeed.
"He does know everything." He admitted with a very faint hint of a smile. Pitch found that he liked Jack's smile and nodded. He didn't know what else to say, so he looked around nervously.
"So, how did you escape the nightmares?" Jack asked, clearly still tense, but calming down. Pitch shrugged.
"Just have to show them who's the boss." He said, he tugged at his robe and the shadows grew around it, making it thicker and warmer, and causing Jack to jump back.
"Hey, it's your fault I'm cold." Pitch said, wrapping his arms around himself. Jack calmed down again and gave a small smile.
"I can't help that." He said, looking at Pitch. Though Jack was nervous and jumpy around the man, he had realized over the year that Pitch was gone, that he liked him. He knew he preferred guys to girls before, but never did he think he would fall for the enemy.
"I'm sorry for being so harsh." Jack said quietly, looking at the ground.
"All is forgiven. Now come, I am freezing and I have tea at my... Place." He said, unsure of what to call his home. He turned and began walking towards the hole where the bed used to be, not checking if Jack was following.
"I hope you have cocoa." Came Jack's voice, and Pitch couldn't stop the smile that spread.
"Of course, Jack." Pitch said, still walking. They reached the entrance and Pitch went in first, knowing that Jack was less likely to trust him if he didn't. He felt the rush of wind behind him as Jack followed, and he just continued down a dark corridor until they reached a door. Pitch opened it and stepped inside, turning to watch Jack's reaction at seeing his living quarters. It was a large room with a roaring fire place, and large plush chairs set up around a round coffee table. One whole wall was a bookshelf, crammed with books of all kinds, and next to that wall was a door. Jack looked around, wide-eyed, and obviously impressed.
"Have a seat, Jack, I will be back." Pitch said, going through the door. Jack sat in one of the chairs, a smile on his face as he did. The chair was so plush, he nearly sank into it, and he settled in happily, as this was the most comfortable thing he had sat in since he could remember. Pitch came out with a mug, and a tea cup, sitting across from Jack and handing him the mug.
"Your cocoa." He said, watching Jack, who sniffed at it cautiously.
"Jack, I haven't poisoned it if that's what you're thinking." Pitch said, rolling his eyes and taking a sip of his tea. Jack watched him, taking a sip of the cocoa and finding himself smiling.
"This is really good! Thanks." He said, taking another sip, then licking it off his lips. Pitch nodded giving a slight smile.
"Now, about the Guardians. I have no problem with them knowing I am powerful once more, but if any of you come in here and attack me without reason, I will not hesitate to fight back with all I have." Pitch said, looking at Jack, seriousness in his golden eyes. Jack watched him, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll make sure they won't attack. If they do, I will not fight with them." He said, holding his hand out.
"Deal?" He asked. Pitch leaned forward, and shook Jack's hand firmly.
"Deal." He said nodding. They finished their drinks in a comfortable silence, and Jack sighed contentedly, curling up in the chair. Pitch watched, his brow furrowing.
"Where do you stay?" He asked, and Jack frowned.
"Wherever I feel like, I guess." He said, shrugging.
"North hasn't offered you a room?" He asked, and Jack shook his head.
"No, why?"
"No reason, but you should go. It won't be safe for you to stay here. The nightmares don't take kindly to visitors." He said, standing.
"I'll show you out." He said, leading Jack back to the exit.
"Thanks again, Pitch." He said, then flew off.
"No, thank you, Jack." Pitch said, retreating to his room.