Chapter Thirty-Seven

Reparations

Pitch blinked rubbing at his eyes tiredly upon hearing North calling his name. When he'd passed out, he had really passed out! And at the request of North, the added help of Sandy aided Pitch to remain sleeping peacefully through the night. Of course Pitch was none the wiser as he blearily took in the covers laid over him and finally North standing above him. His eyes finally focused, "North? Oh… sorry, I must have passed out. I'm up! I'm up! Just give me a moment, and I… I'll get dressed, so we can get to your workshop. I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

"Pitch, it is morning. Time for another day of work." said North. "I trust you slept well."

His senses hadn't fully caught up to speed, but as he digested what North said, Pitch reflected surprise as he slowly sat up, "It… It's morning?" He finally took in the comforter that had been draped over him and then his wounded hand that had carefully been tended to. "I… I didn't realize I was that tired," he stated in awe that he'd actually slept all night long. He did feel well rested though, and with a good night's rest, his mood was much improved.

"I tried waking you when I brought bandages, but you were out like light. So I bandaged your hand and left you to sleep." said North.

Pitch looked down once more to his hand, North had done a fine job wrapping it, "Thank you. I can barely feel the bandage by the way you wrapped it. It… my hand, feels much better today. I feel much better today." He thought on the way they had left off at the landfill site and decided to add, "I… I'll be sure to keep up today, so we won't have to stay late." It embarrassed him to say this, but some part thought he owed it to North as a silent apology and a promise for a better day.

"You're welcome," North nodded. "And I am glad to hear that."

It was so cozy under these sheets, Pitch almost hated to leave them or his soft bathrobe that North had given him, not yet wanting to get dressed and start the day. The robe was a stark white of the finest cotton that plumed around Pitch in its fluffiness; it was an odd contrast to his ashen gray skin and normally sleek black attire. Pitch was thankful for the warmth it provided as he folded back the sheets to climb out of bed and meet the cool morning air.

He mused at the simple pleasantries he'd started to find he really enjoyed now. He'd neglected these kinds of modest pleasures having always gone without them while living alone in a dank hole for over a millennia. Little things, like the feeling of his new bed with its ultra-soft downy comforters that radiated warmth brought him prickles of joy; he also delighted in modern comforts too like bodywash that left his skin tingly and shampoo that left his hair feeling silky instead of stiff (even though it still stood up impossibly having a life of its own.) These things he could always do without just like the warm home cooked meals that left a fondness for taste, but now these things gave something more that Pitch couldn't put his finger on other than that they made him feel good, happy even.

These thoughts absently floated through his mind as his bare feet met the cold wooden floor. He shakily stood, his body working to find its equilibrium through a sleep addled brain that had him stumbling for his clothes in a semi dream-like state (Sandy had given him a little more dreamsand than necessary.)

Pitch was unaware that these thoughts had come about to settle pleasingly into his subconscious mainly because of Sandy's handiwork. That night, Sandy had gently coiled his dreamsands around a practically comatose Pitch; this fact made it very simple to poke and prod about to find happy thoughts within the nightmare king's subconscious which usually was a rigorous task for the dream weaver, but had notably been getting easier Sandy had perceived as time went by and Pitch let his guards down more. It was even easier tonight. Sandy was grateful for the welcomed ease of pulling things to the surface that Pitch could find unburdening contentment with. He had found the fact that such small items of comfort would create such good dreams for Pitch amusing and in some regards a little sad. They had however worked wonders to give Pitch a cheery disposition as he dressed and readied himself to start his day with North on a positive note.

He gave North a bright smile, "I'm ready when you are. Lead the way."

North led Pitch to the landfill, this time taking a different exit and path so Pitch wouldn't have to see the reindeer stables and Jack Frost caring for them. Once they arrived, Dave was already there, waiting.

It didn't go unnoticed that North had taken the time to go a different route, so Pitch would not have to face the fact that Jack was caring for the reindeer. He thought on this quietly as they walked, and when they made it back around to the landfill site to stop and await instruction from Dave, Pitch sidled up next to North and quietly stated, "Thank you."

North simply nodded in reply before turning to engage in a lengthy conversation with Dave. When it ended, North turned to Pitch. "You will resume your work with screws, following along as they rebuild frame."

Pitch nodded moving over to where the belt pouch was, and deciding since he only needed the screws that the pouch was unnecessary. He grabbed a few handfuls of screws and pocketed them as well as grabbing the screwdriver. He was in a much calmer state today having had a great night's sleep followed by the pleasant waking by North. He didn't feel so weighed down now without having to carry the bulky belt pouch, and everyone was leaving him to do his work in peace which he found he liked best. The breeze was blowing away from the landfill to help mask the smell, and the sky was gray and cloudy, so even the work environment was a little nicer.

Pitch was sure to keep up as the yetis and North worked now, and having done so, he was able to observe them as they progressed along at a fairly quick clip. This was much more interesting than before since he could get a good look without also getting in the way and angering the working yetis like he had the day before. He even got a thumbs up from Dave as the yeti did a quick inspection of his work.

This wasn't so bad, Pitch thought, feeling much better about the prospects of finishing the reconstruction as long as the rest of the time was spent as agreeably as today. Surprisingly, Pitch even found a smile to grace his face on occasion when he saw something particularly amazing. North had so many odd gadgets to use as tools to lift things or suspend yetis into the air to progress the work efficiently that it really was quite fantastic to witness.

Dave announced that it was time for a break, and North lumbered over to sit down on a crate next to Pitch's work area. He took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his face. "So how's it going?" he asked the Boogeyman.

Pitch beamed, "Rather well. I'm keeping up this time, so I suppose I'll join you," as he said this, Pitch pulled himself up to sit on a nearby crate as his eyes moved about the site watching everyone a moment before turning a smile onto North, "We're moving right along! At this rate, we'll have the structure to the landfill by the end of the day," he said promisingly.

"Yes," North nodded, inspecting the work. "It is encouraging. Tomorrow, I am sure you will begin painting sides of conveyor."

Pitch agreed, "I wouldn't doubt it; although I'm not fully sure the process to know what stage we'd be at in the building construction. I've been rather impressed to see the usage of all the different doodads you come up with. You never cease to astonish North. Either way, we are going much faster today than yesterday."

North chuckled at Pitch's enthusiasm. He seemed like a totally different person from what he had been the previous day, which was a great relief. Of course, they were going much faster. Pitch wasn't in a soured mood. But North kept that remark to himself.

Pitch seemed pleased enough just looking about and taking in the scene before turning back to North, "Will you wish to eat today when the yetis break for lunch? I think today they are supposed to have pizza," Pitch brightened at the prospect, pizza was another food that Pitch had grown fond of as was most of the Pole's residents, so there was always plenty of piping hot slices getting put out to devour.

North looked at Pitch. "I didn't know you cared for food."

Pitch ducked his head as if to admit this to North was a dirty secret, "Well… I didn't know I did, but… I like to try things now and then. Just …I don't know. It's not really necessary," he chuckled softly as the small smile he had been wearing was tugged into a wider one, "But… it can be …different I suppose, and that's kind of nice." He had been getting attached to taste these days, but after eating with Toothiana, he'd also kind of enjoyed the act of doing so with another person. It was comforting and just felt right in an unexplainable way. He had liked it (the part before the elves of course not what came after which he very much did not like!)

After yesterday, Pitch had wanted to feel better about his relationship with North, so the idea had just come to him that the two of them might enjoy such a thing, and the yetis would be breaking then as well, so it gave a perfect excuse. Not to mention North definitely enjoyed food!

North eyed Pitch curiously, finally nodding. "Sure, we can have pizza for lunch, if that is what you want." He smiled. "I think that will be enjoyable." Whatever made Pitch happy, North was willing to go with it.

Pitch seemed to brighten all the more as he nodded his agreement. Things were going much better he decided. He moved off of the crate on his own volition, "Looks like everyone is coming back," Pitch didn't wait to be told to get back to work feeling content enough to return to work quietly on his own. He wasn't in a need to hurry, but getting a few more screws in now would mean he could spend a few minutes later just observing without worry of falling behind. The task was mindless, and yesterday when he was feeling disgruntled it only fueled his irritation. Today though, it served as a window to just think, and that was what he had been doing. He really was making this all much harder on himself than it needed to be he'd decided finally accepting fully this part of his punishment and just trying to make the best of it.

North regarded him proudly; marveling over how much Pitch had changed overnight. He finally came to the conclusion that Pitch had been overly exhausted the previous day. If only Pitch could stay on the path he was now on, he thought.

The next three hours seemed to fly by as the crew pounded out section after section. Pitch had to work a little more diligently just to keep up with their pace, but Pitch didn't mind since it made the time until lunch came go by that much faster.

Dave harrumphed out a loud call for lunch, and yetis began climbing down from the scaffolding and placing their gear down readying themselves to go eat.

North had disappeared shortly before the call for lunch came. And now he was returning, walking down the path that led from the Pole, carrying two covered plates in his hands. He sat down on a crate, motioning for Pitch to come and join him.

Pitch gladly moved over to where North was and quickly settled down on one of the crates looking on curiously to see what North had brought, "It smells wonderful!" He stated already sensing his mouth start to water which was another odd sensation that he'd not experienced much of until lately. All these sensations although superfluous were unwittingly bringing Pitch closer to his sense of humanity. It did Pitch well to share and enjoy simple pleasures that he'd so easily discarded previously because he had seen them to not serve any purpose once the memory of such things had been long forgotten and the act considered to be a waste of time, but now it served to bring him quite a bit of happiness.

Smiling, North handed Pitch one of the plates, removing the cloth from it to reveal three large slices of pizza. "You said you wanted pizza, so I brought pizza. Enjoy!" he said, taking the cloth off his own plate to reveal the same.

Pitch's eyes bulged, "That's a lot of pizza! Uh, do you think you can eat two of these? I… I think if I ate that much I'd never get back to work saying I could eat it all to begin with," as he said this, Pitch looked through the three available slices hungrily picking up the one slathered in assorted meats as he delicately nibbled and savored the first bite. Cheese, meat, sauce, and bread… who ever had invented putting these wonderful things together in such a way was a genius Pitch decided as he greedily took another bite.

North shrugged. "If you do not want them, I will take them. I did not know how many you wanted."

"Sorry… I still don't eat much, but this slice will be quite heavenly and hard to finish on its own. Thank you for going to get them. I always dislike moving through crowds, and I can imagine it's quite full down there at this time. I usually go as early as possible to avoid the noise and mobs," Pitch mused quite pleased that the cloud cover had remained as well at the steady breeze leaving this a rather serene meal to share.

North watched Pitch as they both ate. He couldn't help but be fascinated over the Boogeyman's sudden desire to eat. Of course, he had seen him wolf down Bunny's chocolate, but he hadn't realized that Pitch had been eating other foods. It sent an excitement through him that he couldn't explain.

Pitch pulled at the cheese as the melted bits tried to remain with the other part of the slice of pizza, and he played with it slurping it up in delight and enjoying its texture as well as the flavor. Yetis really were good at this cooking thing! He'd only finished half of his slice before North was grabbing the remaining two from his own plate. Pitch let out a mirthful chuckle, "How do you even taste it to devour it so fast North?" Pitch teased playfully.

North lifted his eyebrows. "Oh, I taste it perfectly." he simply answered. "But then again, I'm used to eating."

Pitch thought, 'Oh believe me I know you can eat!' But he was tactful enough to keep that to himself. Instead he smiled giving a nod, "I would suppose your memory serves you well in regard to flavor then. Food still settles oddly in my stomach like an uncomfortable lump if I intake too much at a time. I can't even tell you how badly I suffered after gorging on Bunnymund's chocolate! My stomach protested its presence for hours! It was so very worth it though," Pitch beamed as his eyes moved upward his face taking on a wistful glee at the memory, "That was …fun. I look forward to getting back to that," Pitch said looking down a hint of sorrow shading his words and features even though he tried to hide it. He didn't want to dampen the mood by thinking about the fact that it wasn't going to be happening again anytime soon.

North let out an amused laugh. "Oh, believe me, I remember how you were after eating chocolate. I have never seen sugar rush like that in my life."

Pitch's face flushed at the mention of the sugar rush; he'd been bouncing off the walls! He vaguely remembered talking up a storm on a jittery high followed by a crash so hard that he'd passed out and North had carried him from the warren to his bed to sleep it off. Pitch cleared his throat, "Uh... that's not one of my proudest moments." He quickly took another bite off of his slice of pizza to hide the awkwardness he felt to be reminded of how ridiculous he must have looked that day being carried to bed by North.

It was comforting to remember how good he'd felt waking up to see a refilled Easter basket as well as the bubble contraption and the painted egg that North gifted him. Thoughts on these memories and the time the three had spent painting eggs in the warren brought a warm smile to his lips and an even warmer feeling to grow in his chest. One of the best alien feelings he'd encountered having come to live with the guardians was this growing warmth, and even though it often times confused and scared Pitch, it was probably the most significant emotional response spearheading his want to fight his nature and to change for them.

North smiled. "Having moments you are not proudest of means you have lived. And that is something you should be proud of. It means you are moving in right direction."

Pitch smirked, "Perhaps, although I think in the future I'll heed Bunnymund's warnings. Those chocolates are a force to be reckoned with!" He took another bite chewing thoughtfully noticing North had demolished the last of the pizza on both plates.

"That is good idea." North nodded. "Perhaps you would like to try some of my own candy sometime."

Pitch regarded North curiously, "You make specialized candies? I've tried quite a few of the things that the elves get their hands on, if those are the candies you're speaking of."

"Of course I do." North said with a chuckle. "What do you think I put in stockings along with toys?" He waved Pitch's words off. "Nah, the stuff the elves get a hold of isn't the real thing. I have yeti specially make candies for them to keep them appeased and away from real thing. If they ever got hold of real thing, they would be tearing doors down."

Pitch nodded all the more intrigued now. He hadn't seen candies circulating, so Pitch assumed that they must get made on one of the upper tier floors that were off limits to him, "Really? Is it made in secret in one of the forbidden zones then?"

"Yes," North replied with a chuckle. "So the elves won't find it."

"Or me it would seem! But… uh, I won't go looking for it without you," Pitch added quickly his face flushing at the memory as he thought on how his last venture for hidden rooms had ended more than a little poorly.

"Good," said North. "After your punishment is over, I will show you."

Pitch smiled brightly, "I think I'd like that."

The two continued to chat about the structure of the new conveyor system, and North launched to a highly technical explanation of his plans to which Pitch was lost a few minutes into the conversation but still politely nodded in interest since the man seemed more excited the longer he spoke to the point that by the time he'd finished the description, the Cossack had jumped up onto his crate, hands splayed out grandiosely, and bellowing animatedly.

Pitch didn't have to understand what he was talking about to enjoy North's enthusiasm. He chuckled standing having finally finished most of his slice of pizza. "By the sounds of it, my horrible tragedy became a great excuse for you to reinvent this contraption," Pitch jested.

"I wouldn't put it that way." North replied. "True that some good came out of it, but I wish it could have come about differently. What you did was very dangerous."

Pitch grimaced losing eye contact as he scuffed a foot on the ground, "Believe me, I know. If you hadn't come when you had…" Pitch shuttered at the thought, "Let's just say I fully understand the ramifications of those poor choices now." If he hadn't learned from the experience alone, North's strap most certainly had engraved it into his memory well enough not to disobey North in that regard.

The yetis were starting to trickle back on to the site now picking up their tools and returning to work.

North slowly nodded. "Whelp, I guess we need to get back to work."

Pitch picked up their garbage and tossed it into the landfill before grabbing up his screwdriver and returning to work himself. The next four hours proved to be just as productive, and as predicted, the crew had built the structure almost up to the landfill opening. Feeling encouraged, the workers agreed to put in an extra hour to go ahead and knock the remaining distance out and complete at least this part of the conveyor system in its entirety.

There was a sense of accomplishment to screw in the last screw in the structure Pitch found as he looked on to what they had put together proudly. Even if he hadn't actually done much in the building of the frame, it still felt good to see it fully erected and to know he'd done his part to help secure it into place. The fact that the he'd also continued to keep a good pace and finish with everyone else also helped to lift his spirits. Having to stay after hours yesterday while watching everyone leave had been frustrating to say the least. Today though, he could feel fulfilled with his personal contribution because he had done his best.

"Are you ready to head back?" North asked, walking past Pitch.

Pitch hadn't realized North had walked up on him as he spun around to face the man. He nodded, "Uh… sure. I… I don't suppose last night's offer to come to your office after a shower still stands does it?" Pitch was tired, but he was nowhere near as exhausted today after having such good rest as he had gotten the night before.

"Sure. If you can stay awake this time," North said with a laugh.

Pitch laughed lightly his cheeks coloring, "I think I can manage for the rest of the evening and then some," Pitch was feeling rather good deciding that once North decided to retire for the evening that he might spend most of the rest of his night reading or painting depending on his mood. Since Pitch often went days without sleep or rested very little, the eleven hours he'd gotten the night before could last him the remainder of building the conveyor he'd reasoned. He'd have plenty of time to sleep when he was locked up in his room for a week's time he'd decided. Stars knew sleep would make for at least a partial escape from the loneliness and boredom that being grounded was sure to bring. He hoped if he hung out with North long enough, that maybe one of the other guardians might come by and entertain him for the remainder of the night until he had to come back out to the landfill site the next morning. This was ideal to spending time alone in his room of course, but the likelihood that they'd see anyone else was a low probability, not that Pitch didn't have his hopes up.

"Alright. Let us head back, then." North led the way back to the Pole, and eventually to Pitch's room.

When North dropped him off, Pitch went on hurriedly getting his shower and redressing his hand. He was pleased that the ointment had seemed to help the wound heal enough that by tomorrow he would be able to discard the bandage entirely. It did itch horribly as it healed though, but that wasn't overly concerning him among things that should be concerning him. As he waited for North to return, his eyes drifted to the mirror and the secrets held behind its frame. This brought on an instantaneous guilt and a tad bit of worry, but it faded as he assured himself that obviously the naughty list hadn't been missed since North never mentioned it once. Still, the fact it was there niggled him. Pitch decided once he was finally off restriction he'd find a way to get rid of it more permanently.

A knock suddenly came to the door. "Are you ready?" North's voice came from the other side.

Pitch had been standing by the dresser toying with his possessions in deep contemplative thought when the knock came. He put the painted egg North had given him back in the middle of the dresser where he'd artfully placed it to showcase the best points of the color scheme North had chosen to represent Pitch. In the month and a half that he'd become a resident of this room, so much had changed in his life, and those changes and memories of when and how they had changed him were mirrored throughout his room.

"Coming," Pitch stated absently turning to take in the room one last time reflecting on the contrast a moment longer as he looked at the many paintings that cluttered the room, the stack of books on the bookshelf that he'd gathered from North's library, the fluffy bathrobe that hung on a hook next to the entrance of his newly fashioned bathroom, to the dresser holding the mirror where all the previous baubles that had decorated the room had been slowly removed and found new homes at North's behest all to make room for his own treasured belongings that now decorated the dresser's surface. The schooner ornament had been tied to the lamp chain to dangle by his bedside, the Easter basket that Aster had given him, long since devoid of chocolate now served to hold all of his paint supplies, and the bubble contraption with all of its colorful tendrils had been neatly coiled beside the basket on the far end of the dresser. This really had become home Pitch realized, and not just in the manner of where he was being forced to live. To look at and encompass all of the subtle changes made within his room painted a bigger picture of his life here and now. Pitch brimmed with an inner happiness to take it all in leaving him to exhale contentedly, a bright smile now painting his face, as he made his way to the door to join North.