Pitch knocked on the door of North's office before letting himself in. The Guardian was carving away at a block of ice and didn't even look up. "You may have lost a good number of friends after coming to my defense like that." The Boogeyman commented.

North slammed his tools onto the desk. "Don't care," he grumbled. "Ones that matter are still here." North dropped into his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I am sorry."

"For what?" the Boogeyman asked in an airy tone. "You can't control the others." Pitch slinked over to North and climbed into his lap. He caressed the side of North's bearded face and kissed him gently on the lips.

The Guardian slid his tongue into Pitch's warm and welcoming mouth. The Nightmare King moved his hands to un-tuck North's shirt from his trousers and tried to lift it off. North, eager to keep kissing, wasn't behaving. Finally, the need to breathe became too much and North had to sit back. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Pitch snorted. "I'm attempting to undress you. Arms." He lifted North's pansky off and tossed it to the floor.

North sucked in a breath when the Boogeyman reached inside his trousers and wrapped his cool hand over his member. "Why?" the Guardian asked.

Pitch looked at him, amazed at the question. "Why?" he repeated. "Because I need to do so in order to give you your Christmas present."

North closed his eyes losing himself in the feeling of the Boogeyman's slow, sensual strokes. Pitch nuzzled his face against the Guardian's chest hair. "Have you ever been with another man before?" he asked.

North didn't seem able to find his voice, but he gave a quick shake of his head.

Pitch's mouth curled into a smile. "Oh good," he said silkily. He looked fondly at the weeping slit on North's manhood. "That means you won't have any nasty habits that I'll need to break you of." He shimmied off of the Guardian's lap and knelt on the floor. Pitch rolled his eyes up to make sure North was watching.

He was.

With another coy smile, he took the Guardian slowly into his mouth, sucking gently on the head so he could taste the salty bitterness of North's seed before moving to take it all in.

North's breath hitched and he automatically moved to grasp the back of the Nightmare King's head.

Pitch gave a happy hum of approval as he set to work, but imagine his surprise when instead of pushing him down, North tried to pull him back up. He looked up at the Guardian, hurt, confusion, and questions in his gaze.

"I enjoy when you do this." North sighed. "But we need to talk."

Oh wow. That's never good.

Pitch got to his feet and sat back on the desk. "And what exactly do you wish to talk about?"

"Samhain."

Oh for— Pitch slipped off the desk and climbed back into North's lap, straddling him. "Oh, let's not talk about him." The Boogeyman kissed North in hopes of distracting him.

It was a no-go. "Pitch." The Guardian's voice was firm.

The Nightmare King let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh very well, if you really wish to bring up this dreadful subject." He carded his fingers through North's beard. "What do you wish to know?"

"Was he," North paused, uncomfortable. "Was he your lover?"

"No." Pitch frowned. "Sam was just a mistake that I kept making over and over again. There was no love between us. It was just sex." He said sadly. "I wanted there to be more, but…" Pitch shrugged. "I was so infatuated with him. The first spirit to look my way in centuries and I fell head over heels for him.

"He loved how my presence on Halloween made him more powerful. Humans love being scared on Halloween with their costumes and haunted houses and movie marathons," Pitch chuckled. "Once a year we were the ultimate power couple." He sobered. "But once Halloween was over Sam would disappear. Sometimes he wouldn't come back for months on end. One time," Pitch placed his forehead on North's chest. "He was gone for an entire year."

North placed a comforting hand on the small of Pitch's back. His dislike for Samhain was quickly growing.

Pitch continued his story. "I hated being left alone. I hated that he would only come when he wanted sex and just leave after he was done with me. He was selfish. Oh, I see that now. He was so selfish and inconsiderate—both in bed and out. He insulted me, had absolutely no regard for my feelings but," he chuckled again. "I was so desperate not to be alone. The relationship was just so damn toxic, but it was better than nothing. I hadn't figured out how to make my nightmares yet and so my lair was just empty." The Boogeyman locked eyes with North, "And then I had a 'brilliant' idea." He said drily. "The next time Samhain came to me I opened myself to him." Pitch could feel the pinpricks of tears. "I offered myself to him, told him that I wanted to spend the rest of my days with him and I told him that I wouldn't even care if no one believed in me if I could just stay by his side and…and love him.

"He laughed at me, North. I opened my heart to him and made myself vulnerable and he laughed." Pitch's voice was hollow. Reopening the old wound was just as painful as experiencing it the first time. "He told me I was a weak fool and that he wouldn't be stuck with someone like me." Pitch examined his nails. "And then he told me of everyone else that he'd been sleeping with during our time together. Spring and her three sisters, a few nymphs during his excursions in Greece, kitsunes when he was in Japan, naiads, the April Fool, Cupid, and apparently they were all better than me because they hadn't gotten it into their heads to fall in love." Pitch snarled. He rubbed his fists into his eyes. "And he thought that I would just fall over myself to get back together with him at the drop of a hat! The arrogant pumpkin-chucking fool! Mark my words, Samhain the Halloween King would not have invited me to live with him unless it benefited him somehow.

"Anyway, I decided after Sam was gone for the final time I would devote my time less to pining after companionship and focus more on my goal of gaining believers. And well, you know the rest." Pitch folded his arms. He looked at North. "There. Satisfied?"

The Guardian gave him a small nod. "He was not worthy of you," North told him.

Pitch felt a warm sensation coil in his belly. "Oh?" he returned. "And I suppose you think that you are?"

North shrugged. "I don't know, but I would strive to be."

Pitch's eyes widened. Oh, such a sweet, sentimental, deliciously honest declaration. The Boogeyman swooped down to claim the gift-giver's lips. "Do you know why I like you so much?" Pitch grinned. "Well," he wiggled in North's lap and leered. "Besides that. I like you because of how unlike Sam you are. I know that just by me wanting to be with someone as sweet, honest, and good-natured as you, it's a sign that I'm becoming a better person." He leaned in a kissed North on the nose. "No more self-destructive relationships for me." Pitch smiled. It was beautiful thing that smile, so full of warmth and brightness that it made the Guardian's heart ache.

North grinned. "Is good to see you happy." He said. North gave Pitch a pinch on the hip. "Now, about my present." He leered.

"Mmm," Pitch rolled his hips. "Have you been a good boy?"

North tried to reach for a kiss but the Boogeyman leaned back. He growled. "Always good." North's eyes twinkled.

Pitch laughed. "I don't doubt that." He moved off of North's lap and started to undress. "Can't have this getting dirty," the Boogeyman smiled. "Again."

North watched the Nightmare King strip, slowly running his hand along his member in anticipation. "Ti takaya krasivaya," the Guardian whispered.

A nude Pitch straddled him, rubbing himself back against North's erection. "What does that mean?"

"Beautiful," North nuzzled Pitch's cheek. "It means I think that you are so beautiful."

Pitch turned and reached to wrap his hand around North's. He did it to hide the blush that came from the gift-giver's sincere words. "I need to stretch myself." He told North. "Do you have anything I could use as a lubricant?"

North looked around his office. He shrugged helplessly.

Pitch sighed. "It's fine." He smiled. "I imagine you'd never believe you would need any." The Boogeyman slid off of North again and moved to sit on his empty worktable. "Saliva and precum it is then." Pitch put one leg on the armrests, giving North a bird's eye view. The Boogeyman licked his palm the wrapped it around his erection. "Mm," he shivered at the touch. Pitch started running his hand along his shaft. "I'm afraid that even with this preparation—mm—the ride might be a little tight." The Boogeyman gave the Guardian a sensual look. "It has been a while after all."

North groaned loudly. "Why must you tease?" he asked in a strangled voice.

Pitch blinked, innocently. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about." He set back to work. He slipped a finger inside, working the hole and stretching it. The Boogeyman glanced at North's lap. He gleefully observed that now the gift-giver was fully erect and Pitch knew that despite the preparation he'd still be aching in the morning.

Pitch was looking so forward to that delicious ache.

"Now?" North asked.

Pitch shook his head and added a second finger. "You're going to hurt me." He licked his lips.

"Never." North growled. "I would never hurt you."

"Not that kind of hurt," Pitch smiled. "It's the good sort of pain." He shivered with anticipation. "The kind that tells me that I've truly felt you."

"I don't understand."

"Most don't," Pitch told him. "Let's just say that the discomfort is," he floundered for the correct word. "A sign of a job well done."

North still didn't understand, but the sight of the Nightmare King moaning and working a third finger inside of him was enough of a distraction. He licked his lips. "You are ready now, yes?"

Pitch didn't answer, not at first; he was so lost in the feeling. Finally, the Boogeyman opened his eyes and nodded. "Ready."

North swallowed a relieved moan. Pitch climbed on his lap once more and positioned himself above North's tip. Slowly, so very slowly, he eased himself down on it. Pitch paused, breathing heavily through his nose before continuing. When he was fully sheathed he took a few minutes to relish the feeling of fullness that he missed. "Oh, North." The Boogeyman murmured. "You have any idea how good you feel?"

The Guardian cupped the back of the Nightmare King's head and pulled him in for kiss. "If it is anything like what I feel now," North gave a throaty chuckle. "Then I would say yes."

Pitch smirked and rolled his hips. That a groan from them both. "Hold onto my hips," he whispered. "Guide me."

North gripped his hips so tightly that Pitch knew there would be bruises.

It sent a shiver of delight through him.

North bounced him up and down, spearing Pitch deep with each thrust. The Boogeyman cried out. "More!" Pitch ordered. "Give me more!"

Bossy thing, the Guardian of Wonder smiled. "You like giving others."

Pitch gazed into his eyes. He lifted himself up until he was almost completely off then slammed back down. "I know what I like."

North grinned. "I can tell, Pitch." The Guardian smoothed a broad hand over Pitch's ass. "Would you like to try something…different?"

Pitch didn't approve of all of this talking. He just wanted to fuck. The Boogeyman sighed. "Like what?"

"Up," North grunted.

"What?"

The Guardian gave him a smack on his left cheek. "Up, I said." His sapphire blue eyes twinkled. "Trust me."

Pitch sighed loudly letting the gift-giver know how annoyed he was by this. He pulled himself off and whimpered slightly at the loss. North hoisted himself out of his chair. He turned Pitch around, making him face his work table. The Guardian kissed his neck, dotted his shoulder with bites, and ran his hands up and down his hips. "Ty takaya nezhnaya." North brushed his lips against the Boogeyman's pulse.

Pitch shivered. "I have no idea what you're saying." The Nightmare King sighed. He gasped as North prodded him with his hardness. "But it sounds very sweet."

North just smiled. "Lean over desk."

Pitch arched a brow but obeyed. He closed his eyes and sighed happily as North's beard tickled his naked back. "What are you doing?"

North positioned himself at Pitch's opening and slid in with one thrust. The Guardian draped his body over the Nightmare King's back, pinning him down. He wrapped his arms around Pitch's to hold him completely in place. North's hot breath puffed against Pitch's ear. He slammed himself into the Boogeyman, over and over again.

Pitch practically screamed. He was trapped; trapped beneath North as the Guardian relentlessly pounded his ass.

North could feel the other tense. "Trust me." He whispered.

Pitch bared his teeth, frustrated. How can I trust you? He wanted to scream.

Damn it, he wanted to be in control! Just this once he wanted to be in control. Sam never gave him pleasure only took his own and never listened to him, but he thought that North was different.

He's just like Sam. Pitch thought bitterly. Holding me down and only caring about his enjoyment.

No. That's a lie. North was nothing like that bastard.

Samhain would have been thrusting in and out of him like was fucking a doll.

North was rolling his hips, trying to seek that spot of pleasure and hit it with each thrust.

Sam always looked like wanted to be somewhere else during sex.

Even though he couldn't see North at the moment, Pitch knew that the Guardian had eyes only for him.

And even though North pretty much had him trapped under his bulk and his strong arms, he knew that he was safe. Pitch could feel the warmth and safety radiating from North's chest. Even the way he held him, was gentle.

North cared for him.

North cared about him.

Pitch tried to stop it, but the traitorous sob escaped him. Above him, North stilled. "Pitch?" the Guardian moved away from him. He gently pulled the Boogeyman upright. North looked terrified. "I hurt you?"

Pitch shook his head. He wiped his eyes. "You did nothing of the sort," he whispered. "You beautiful, beautiful man."

"You are upset about something." North pressed. He rubbed a thumb over Pitch's cheek, feeling the dampness. He pressed his palm against Pitch's cheek.

Pitch leaned into the touch. "Not upset." He smiled. "Happy."

North was at a loss. Pitch sighed. "Shall we continue?" he smiled again. "I really would like to give you your present."

North pouted. "I really wanted to have sex with you worktable," he admitted.

Pitch's eyes widened. "You want to have sex with me on the same worktable that your sculpt toys for your good little boys and girls?"

The Guardian's rosy cheeks turned a deep crimson.

Pitch bared his teeth in a delighted grin. "How deliciously debauched! I love it!" the Boogeyman stretched back onto the table and touched himself. "Mm! I like this side of you, North." He looked at the gift-giver and his golden eyes glittered.

North frowned. He slapped Pitch's hand away. "No more talking. We finish this."

"Ooh, I like it when you go all caveman. So dominant. So protective," Pitch licked his lips. "Just like at the party." He grabbed Pitch by the thighs and slid him closer to the table's edge. "This is ok?" North asked hesitantly.

The Nightmare King smiled. "It is now that I can see your eyes." The better to remind me that you're not that arsehole, Sam. Pitch held out his arms.

"You are sure?" North didn't want Pitch doing anything that he didn't want to do.

"North, I swear if you don't get over here and fuck my brains out I'll shave off beard!"

North's eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare!" he told Pitch.

The Nightmare King narrowed his eyes. "Try me, Santa."

North slammed his hands down on the desk on either side of Pitch's head. He slotted his mouth over Pitch's. Their tongues danced over one another in a battle of dominance. North pulled back and licked his lips. "Bossy thing."

Pitch grabbed a handful of that luxurious white beard and gave it a vicious tug. "And you love it!"

North grinned and positioned himself at Pitch's opening. "Perhaps."

Jack laughed loudly as he flew through the sky. The North Pole's cold winds made for some excellent flying. He didn't go far instead he opted to do a few laps around North's shop. Maybe I should look in on him, the ice elf frowned. The other Guardian had been in his office since the party. North wasn't one to isolate himself. It made Jack all the more worried.

He found the window that looked into North's office and using consistent, rapid bursts of wind to keep him afloat he peered inside.

Jack tilted his head to one side…

…and then to the other.

What exactly am I seeing here?

When it finally dawned on him that what he was witnessing was Pitch Black lying flat on North's worktable with his arms around North's shoulders and his naked legs wrapped around North's back as the bulkier Guardian drove into him with rapid, piston-like thrusts, his jaw fell open.

Oh my god.

North had his trousers bunched around his ankles. His ample, naked, and hairy ass was on complete display, his ball sac swung with complete abandon as he shoved his cock repeatedly into Pitch's hole.

Oh my god.

Pitch grabbed North and hauled him closer so that they could devour each other's mouths. North flicked his tongue over Pitch's nipple and leaned back up to whisper something in the Boogeyman's ear. The Nightmare King moaned and dug his fingers deep into the Guardian of Wonder's shoulders.

"Oh my god! Ah jeez!" Jack clapped his hands over his eyes and dropped like a stone as the wind momentarily stopped. He managed to summon it again inches before plummeting into the snowy ground and Jack urged it to take him somewhere far away.

Bunnymund placed yet another perfectly painted egg among the others in the completed pile. Sure, he could have his flowers do it for him, but there was something to be said about getting his paws dirty.

The Pooka's ears went rigid as he picked up something or someone nosing about his Warren.

Bunny grabbed his boomerangs and charged through the brush. He skidded to a stop, almost falling over the crouched form of Jack Frost poking a stick into the paint river. "By jingoes, Jack!" the Easter Bunny huffed. He shoved his boomers back into his bandolier. "What are ya even doin' here?"

The ice elf didn't reply; just kept twirling his stick in the paint. "Oi! Earth to Jacko!" the Bunny sat down.

"Is it okay if I crash here for a few days?"

Aster blinked. "Wha?" his heart sped up. "W-why would ya wanna do something like that? Ya got that fancy room at North's."

At the mention of the other Guardian, Jack's pale complexion took on a green shade. "I'll go back there…eventually." Frost tossed the stick into the water. "I just need some time to clear my head."

Bunny was immediately on his guard. "Did something happen at the shop?" he asked. "Did someone hurt ya? Was it Pitch?"

Jack shook his head. "It's nothing like that. I just…saw something."

Bunnymund let out a bark of laughter. "Well, hell Frostbite! What did ya see that's got ya so upset?"

"Bunny," Jack shuddered. "If you respect our friendship, you will never, ever, ever ask me that again."

Well, that just made the Pooka's curiosity even stronger. "Aw c'mon, Jack," the Easter Bunny needled. "I'm sure it's not as bad as all that."

But Jack shook his head. "Leave it alone, Bunny."

"Tell me!"

"Fine!" Frost closed his eyes and shuddered. "I was flying around and I wanted to check on North because I hadn't seen him since the party so I flew near his window and," Frost paused and shuddered again. "I saw North and Pitch having sex."

Bunnymund blinked. A grin slowly crept over his furry face. He laughed. "Go and pull the other one!" Aster slapped a knee. "Good one!"

Jack frantically shook his head. "I'm serious!" the spirit tugged at his hoodie. "I saw them, Bunny. They were just going at it like, like rabbits—no offense."

Bunny stared at Jack. "Bloody hell," he whispered. "North and Pitch?"

Jack nodded.

Bunnymund groaned aloud. The images! "Are you sure they were…having sex?" he whispered. "They could have been fightin'."

"North had his pants around his ankles, Bunny and he wasn't wearing a shirt. And from what I could see of Pitch, he was completely naked."

"Oh god!"

Jack nodded. "Right?" he flopped back onto the grass. "So can I stay here? It'll only be for a few days. I just need time to repress the images."

The Pooka grunted in agreement. "I can't believe you saw them." The rabbit cringed.

"Well, I mostly saw North."

"Oi!" Bunnymund tried to cover his ears. "Shut your gob or I'll send you back to the lovebirds!"

Jack laughed and Bunny soon joined in. The Pooka joined the ice elf on the grass and they stared up at the sky for a moment in silence. "Thanks for letting me stay." Frost said.

"No problem, Snowflake." The Pooka smiled. "I suppose you couldn't get Tooth or Sandy to let ya crash at their place?"

Jack grabbed his staff and sat up. He fiddled with the wood. "Actually, I came here first."

"What?" Bunny sat up. "Why?"

Frost shrugged.

Bunnymund stared at him. He felt honored that the ice spirit had come to him and also a little nervous. He wasn't used to sharing his space with anyone and then there was the other thing. "Right, well I think I'll turn in." the Pooka faked a yawn. "Been painting cackleberries all day and I'm completely knackered." He hopped away.

Jack followed him of course (Bunny could have smacked himself for his stupidity) and whistled. "You live in here?" he studied the small yellow bungalow with a pastel green terracotta roof tiles and whistled. He looked over the primly manicured lawn with yellow and red tulips under the windows.

Bunny gave him an annoyed snort. "What were you expecting?" he asked. "A hole in the ground?"

"Well, yeah." Jack stuck his hands in his pockets. "You are a rabbit after all."

Bunnymund smiled. "Ah, so you are able to tell the difference. Pardon my confusion what with the Easter Kangaroo comments and all."

"Hey, I apologized for that."

"Yeah, you did." Bunny opened the door (egg-shaped, of course) and ushers Jack inside. "So, here's the den. I got a kitchen over there; it's on the small side. Wanna cuppa?" he felt like he should have offered it sooner. It had been while since he had guests.

Frost shook his head no, content to poke around Bunny's cabinets. The Pooka cleared his throat and continued his tour. "Over here is the loo and—ˮ

"Where do you sleep?" Jack blurted suddenly.

Bunny's scratched at the back of his neck. "Over in that direction," he pointed. "Whatdaya want for dinner? I got some nice carrots and greens for a salad and Jack Frost you get back here this second!"

The winter sprite was walking off in the direction that Bunny had pointed. "I just want to see your room!" he called over his shoulders.

Bunny quickly bounded after him and managed to block Frost's path. "No way am I letting you nose around my burrow!" The Pooka clapped a paw over his mouth.

Jack arched a brow. "A burrow?" he smiled. "You mean you have this nice house and you still sleep in a hole in the ground?"

"It's not a hole!" Bunnymund protested. "It's a burrow!"

"Which is…"

"Belt up!" Bunny snapped. He sighed. "I'm gonna hit the hay. See you in the morning, Frost." Before he retired to his burrow he showed Jack to the guest room.

Bunnymund slid down into his burrow and tucked his legs under him, resting his chin on his forepaws. He had almost nodded off when he felt a few pebbles of earth fall onto his head. The Easter Bunny cracked an eyelid just in time to see Jack Frost land beside him. "What? What are you doing here?"

Jack smiled. He placed his staff on the ground. "This isn't too bad." The sprite commented. Bunny's burrow was the size of master bedroom, the ground was spongy and soft and lined with thick blankets to carpet the ground and provide the Pooka with soft bedding. He eyed the phosphorous lichens on the wall that provided Bunny's burrow with a soft light. "Cool."

"Jack," Bunny grit his teeth. "What. Are. You. Doing. Here?"

"I wanted to sleep with you."

Bunnymund hopped up so fast that kicked up the blankets. "What?"

Jack seemed surprised with the response. "I thought I would bunk with you." He said softly. "If you want me to go I will."

"Oh!" Bunny sighed with relief (he ignored that twinge of disappoint). "In that case, here." He moved over to the side and settled back in.

Jack had plenty of room, but lay back on Bunny. "This is nice." He turned over onto his side and rubbed his cheek against Aster's warm, warm fur. "Is this okay?" Jack murmured sleepily.

Bunny was wide awake now. "S'fine," the Pooka swallowed hard.

"Night, Bunny." Jack drifted off to sleep.

Bunnymund groaned inwardly. What was he going to do? Aster knew that if he couldn't convince Frost to sleep in his room tomorrow then the next following nights were going to be a complete hell.

Pitch stretched languidly before bending to retrieve his clothes. North was sitting back in his chair, pants up but not fastened yet. The Guardian watched the Boogeyman examine his clothes, admiring Pitch's lithe naked form.

"If I wash this outfit anymore it'll shrink." Pitch sighed. "Can't be helped I suppose."

North sat up and dug around in his desk. He pulled out a box wrapped in dark red paper with a shiny emerald bow. Pitch's eyes widened when North gestured for him to take it. The Guardian smiled. "You gave me present and now I give you yours."

Pitch hugged the box against his chest. His fingers brushed against the shiny paper and he ducked his head so that North couldn't see his joyful expression. He didn't want to open it. If he could, he would have found a way to preserve it.

North smiled softly. "Presents are meant to be opened, Pitch."

The Boogeyman blushed. "I know that," he muttered crossly. Slowly, he pulled apart the taped wrapping and opened the box. He pulled out a black silk robe that rippled like water. "Oh, North," Pitch breathed. "It's beautiful!"

North's chest puffed with pride. "Had yetis work on it for you. Go on! Try it on."

"Nicholas, I'm filthy."

"You wiped the majority of it away."

Pitch sighed. He carefully put on the new garment. The Boogeyman's new robe was sleeveless and hugged his chest and his hips, and flowed around his legs. While his usual robe had an extremely deep V, this one had a high, closed collar.

Pitch does a slow spin, letting North see how the outfit fits. The Guardian hummed his approval. "Nice," he murmured and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Maybe I could get Phil and Burt to make you a cloak. It can get chilly here." North smiled and gave his lap a pat. Pitch sat and placed his arm around the Guardian's neck and kissed him. "You like it?" he asked.

The Nightmare King smiled. "I love it, Nicholas." he told North. He noticed the North's expression. "What's wrong?"

"Just thinking," North huffed. "Two outfits still not much. You need more."

Pitch frowned. "You've done enough."

North stroked his beard again. "Maybe…" he gently pushed Pitch off his lap.

The Boogeyman sighed and started to undress. He'd save his lovely new robe for a later date.

Nicholas St. North watched him for a moment. "You see that painting of snowmen?" he asked when Pitch was naked. "Take it off wall."

The Boogeyman frowned but went and did as he was told. Under the portrait was a small wall safe with a digital keypad. "North? What is this?"

North remained sitting. "Code is: 12-25." He shrugged at Pitch's dubious stare. "What?"

Pitch shook his head. He typed in the code and opened the door. His eyes went wide and he dropped the painting on the floor.

The key!

It took Pitch a minute to find his voice. "What?" he squeaked. Pitch swallowed and tried again. "What is this?"

North didn't answer. "Bring me the key." The Guardian held out his hand. "I need to unlock your bracelets."

The key felt so warm in the palm of his hand. It both burned and chilled him at the same time. He placed it in North's open palm then stared at his palm. It's been there this entire time? He mused.

North opened his bracelets and placed them on the work table. "You told me you could make more outfits from shadows, yes?"

Pitch nodded.

North smiled and waved around the room. "Will the shadows here be enough?"

Pitch licked his lips and called to the shadows. They crawled toward him.

Oh! To feel their touch again! The shadows wrapped themselves around his naked limbs, caressing him and sliding against him like an old lover. Pitch whimpered at their touches and held his arms out from his body. The shadows slid up his middle and twined around his arms. More shadows wrapped themselves around his legs and thighs. Pitch gasped as an extremely naughty and adventurous shadow wandered a bit too close to his privates. "Behave yourselves," the Nightmare King chastised quietly. He glanced back at North.

The Guardian was watching him intently, his large hand moving along his partially erected cock. Pitch made an exasperated noise. "Really, North?"

"What? You cannot be expecting me not to become aroused with you doing that."

Pitch arched an inquisitive brow. "Doing what?" he smiled. "Dressing myself?" he willed the shadows to tighten around his ass. He was thrilled at the loud, throaty groan that North emitted.

"Pitch," North growled in warning. Always growling that one.

"Yes, yes." Pitch snapped his fingers. The shadows puffed out like a balloon before erupting. The shredded darkness reformed and settled onto the ground in a neatly folded outfit identical to the robe and trousers that Pitch usually donned. He did three more time, glanced back at North and decided that one more outfit couldn't hurt (he planned on having lots of sex with the gift-giver so there were bound to be some stains), but instead of a robe he made a simple black long-sleeved shirt and sensible black trouser and shoes. Pitch lined his outfits next to the wall. "Finished," he said with a smile. Pitch almost jumped when he felt North's arm encircle him from behind. The Boogeyman watched sadly as the Guardian fastened the bracelets back onto his wrists. It was nice while it lasted, he smiled.

He didn't get much of a chance to mourn because North started kissing the back of his neck and rubbing his hardness against rear. Pitch groaned. He tilted his head to let North have better access to his neck. The Guardian happily licked and sucked on the vulnerable gray flesh. "You're insatiable." Pitch grinned.

"Da." North lapped at his skin like a cat with a bowl of cream. The Guardian pulled Pitch back against his chest and slowly pulls him down to the floor…

Several hours later

Pitch was in North's office, holding a broom and staring at the safe. He had told North that he wanted to sweep the hallway and he did but…

He only meant to see if the door was locked…

It wasn't.

He went inside. North's office could use a good sweep after all…

The floor never got swept.

Pitch stopped in front of the painting for a minute before taking it off.

The Nightmare King had been staring at the safe for five minutes now. He licked his lips and nervously glanced at the door. North was somewhere else in the shop, but he could show up at any moment.

He could do this.

(Did he want to do this?)

The key was there! Right there!

I know the code, Pitch told himself. I just need to type it in and grab it and then…, he smiled. Then I'll be free.

His smile faltered. But then what? The Nightmare King had nowhere else to go.

And what about North, a voice whispered tauntingly. Think about how heartbroken he'll be.

No. Pitch shook his head. He looked back at the safe. It was foolish to think that this would last forever.

Who's the foolish one? The voice mocked. You or North? He believed in you. He turned the others away to protect you.

It's just sex.

Poor little Pitch. So broken that you'll run from the first good thing that comes your way.

Pitch clenched his teeth angrily. Shut up!

All hail Pitch Black the Nightmare King, the traitorous voice whispered. Ruler of a kingdom of one!

"Shut up!" Pitch snarled. He looked at the door. Still nothing. The Boogeyman closed his eyes and inhaled shakily. "It's just sex."

You know that it's not. North isn't like Samhain. He lov—

"Don't say it! Please!" Pitch begged and covered his ears. "Don't say those words!" He put the painting back in its place. He'd been so close! So close to reclaiming his freedom and he threw it all away and for what?! For nothing!

"No, not for nothing," Pitch glanced at North's worktable. He gently ran his fingertips over the cool wood. "For North," he whispered. He smiled softly. "For that beautiful, foolish man." There was an empty dish with crumbs and a half eaten tree cookie on the table. Pitch picked them up and carried them out of the office.

He gave the painting one final glance before closing the door with a click.

North stepped out from the storage room where he had been getting more paints and brushes for the yetis. He looked over in the direction of the safe and smiled.