Jack set his backpack down on the couch and slowly walked around the living room, looking around. "Do you think I could get a tour? I didn't really get a good look around last time."

"Yeah, sure." Pitch hung up his coat and walked over to him. "Where would you like to start?"

"Wherever you think would be best. It's so big I wouldn't know where to choose."

"Well, this is the living room." He took Jack's hand. "I don't really keep anything too personal in here."

"From the bit I saw last time, you don't have much personal stuff anywhere."

"Not where I took you." Pitch bit his lip, sounding regretful. "Would you...like to see my personal space?"

"I'd like nothing more." Jack gave him a reassuring smile.

"Okay." Pitch led him past the bedroom they'd used and to the stairs, leading him up. "This is where I actually live. No one's seen it but me and my parents. And now you."

"You mean you really had a whole room specifically to bring your one night stands?" He resisted rolling his eyes.

"I didn't want to expose this side of me to people I knew wouldn't stay." Pitch led him to a room and opened the door. This room was clearly a bedroom and was full of personal items. It was painted in warmer colors, making it a much more inviting room. "This is my soul, Jack. I had to protect it."

Jack smiled and wandered slowly around the room. "I like this room much more than the room I stayed in the first time. I can feel you in here."

"This is who I am. This is Kozmotis Pitchner."

"Kozmotis Pitchner is very...fond of knick knacks," he chuckled and picked up one from the dresser.

"Are you laughing at me now?"

"Not at all."

"Maybe just a little."

"Just a smidgen," Jack laughed.

"Mean," Pitch chuckled.

"Would you rather I not?"

"No. My favorite smile is back."

"Told you it would be back soon enough."

"I'm glad." Pitch cupped Jack's cheek and brushed his thumb across his lips. "It's one of my favorite things about you."

"Is that what first caught your attention?" Jack fought down a blush.

"Yes. I walked in that door and was met by the most beautiful pair of blue eyes and this…" Pitch took a deep breath, his eyes focused on Jack's mouth. "This delightful little smile."

"This delightful smile that always brightened when you walked into the store."

"I know. I remember. You never smiled at your other customers with this same smile."

"It was reserved specifically for my favorite customer."

"And now?" He leaned down, brushing his lips across Jack's lightly pink cheeks. "Is it still reserved?"

"Depends on how long I decide to keep you around. If it's long enough then you'll have a permanent smile just for you." He smiled softly.

"Please keep me," Pitch whispered before pressing a soft kiss to Jack's lips.

Jack whispered back, "I want to. I really really want to."

"Let me prove myself to you."

"I'll give you a chance." He sighed quietly. "But I can tell you right now that no amount of forgiveness in my heart would be enough if you hurt me like that again."

"You have full permission to do whatever you want to me if I hurt you again." Pitch wrapped his arms around Jack and hugged him tightly. "I love you more than myself."

"And that's saying something." Jack couldn't resist teasing him.

"Do you want me to kiss you again?"

"I wouldn't mind another if you're offering."

Pitch hummed and pulled back enough to claim Jack's mouth in another kiss. "Well?"

He smiled. "'Well' what?"

"I...don't know." Pitch chuckled. "Any comments, I guess?"

"I really enjoy your kisses."

"I really enjoy kissing you. I was afraid I would never get the chance to again."

"I hope you never go without again."

Pitch sighed and ran his hands down to Jack's hips. "What have you done to me?"

"Turned you into a decent person?"

"And made it so that I want you sexually but also emotionally and mentally. I want you, Jack. I want to wake up beside you tomorrow and see your lovely face and see it again when I go to sleep."

Jack looked up into amber eyes that shone like gold. "You've never been in love, have you?"

"Never. I've never felt comfortable falling in love until you."

"Lucky me," Jack whispered before kissing him again.

Pitch hummed and tangled his fingers in Jack's hair. "Lucky you."

"We should probably continue that tour, I think." He gently pulled away before he was too tempted to take the man to bed again.

"Yes, I suppose so." Pitch smiled and reluctantly released him. "Lead the way, darling. Any room up here is a personal one."

"Any room?" Jack carefully set the forgotten knick knack back on the dresser before he took Pitch's hand and pulled him down the hall. He opened another door curiously.

"People think I'm just good for acting and sex. An avid love of books and reading don't fit in with that," Pitch said, looking around at his mini library.

"It's quite the collection you have here. Much more extensive than mine." Jack took one off the shelf, flipped through a few pages and laughed. "Good God, I don't think I could even read this one."

"Why not?"

"The language is way too complicated for me to understand." He slid it back into its spot. "Have you really read all of these?"

"I have; many of them multiple times. The books I haven't read are the ones stacked in my room."

"So...there's very few you haven't read," he teased.

"There are plenty of books I haven't read. They're just not in here."

"I somehow doubt that's true." Jack pulled another book from the shelf and stroked the cover fondly. "Is it odd of me to have dreamt about you and this book?"

"Depends. What was the dream?"

"Nothing I could tell you without blushing." He blushed even at the thought. "It's silly."

"Tell me, please?"

"We were lying down in my garden at my house, and you were reading this to me. Nothing fancy; just me with my head on your lap and you reading to me."

"See? You were able to tell that with minimal blushing," Pitch hummed.

"Not so minimal." He quickly put the book back on the shelf.

"May I?"

"Hmm?"

"Read to you like that."

"I'd like that," Jack muttered quietly.

"Unless you'd rather I not and instead forget you ever mentioned anything?"

"No, no. I'd like to."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhmm." He nodded and took 'The Secret Garden' back off the shelf. "I'll even hold this hostage until you do."

"It's yours, if you want it."

"I have my own copy. I'll just hold onto yours to ensure you make my dream come true."

Pitch smiled and walked closer until he'd backed Jack up to the bookcase. When his back hit the wood, Pitch leaned down. "Is that the only dream you want me to make come true?"

"Until you're off probation, yes."

"Then how about you invite me over to your place tomorrow so I can see this garden you mentioned?"

"I don't think so."

"Next day then?"

"Possibly…" Jack thought for a moment. "I'll think about it." He quickly added, "But only if you go to something with me that day."

"Oh? What?"

"A certain florist we're both rather fond of's rehearsal dinner."

"You want me to be your date for Fairy's rehearsal dinner?"

Jack nodded slowly. "I know it's a big step, but I'm also sort of counting on the friend test."

"The friend test?" Pitch's eyebrow rose in confusion.

"If you can't convince my friends, then this won't work out."

"So you're inviting me to a very important event where my fate as your significant other will be put in front of the jury?"

"Sounds about right. It's your second chance; I had to step up the difficulty. You up for the challenge?"

"What are you expecting to hear?"

"I hope you'd agree to go, but I also understand that it's a big request so early on."

"Hmm…" Pitch went over to sit in the armchair which was arranged in a corner of the room. "I'm guessing this means that you're ready to become truly serious with me, so long as I pass your test."

"It's something I'm highly considering. My friends aren't blinded by affection like I can be. I trust their judgment more than my own sometimes."

"It is a lot..."

"Would you like some time to think about it? I can give you until tomorrow to think if you'd like."

"I already have."

"And?"

Pitch smiled. "Yes."

"And you just had to draw that out why?"

"To tease you."

"Because you're cruel."

"That's not a very nice thing to say to someone you're in love with."

"It's not nice to tease someone you're in love with either." Jack waltzed out of the room and went back out to the living room so he could put the book in his backpack.

Pitch followed him and leaned over the banister, staring down at him. "Do you think they'll like me?"

"I think if your intentions are good and you show them Kozmotis and not Pitch...I'd say your chances are pretty favorable."

"Will you really leave me if they don't like me?"

"I don't blindly follow what they say. At the end of the day it's my choice. I'm only saying, from past experiences, their thoughts on someone I usually end up thinking the same after the newness wears off."

"Then I'll have to use my Pitch Black charm to convince them of Kozmotis Pitchner."

"I'm not sure that's the best idea. I don't think they'd like Pitch Black anymore than I do." Jack sat on the arm of the couch and looked up at him. "Your safest bet is to show them the real you."

"That would mean you're going to have to share me with them."

"I'm not saying bring them here and show them everything you've shown me." He rolled his eyes. "But Pitch Black can be a bit of a douche when you let that side show."

"Well, thanks," Pitch chuckled, smiling down at him. "This is why I fell in love with you, you know?"

"Because I'm honest?" He shrugged. "You have some pretty low standards if that's all it took," Jack teased.

"Not just your honesty. You loved me when others loved the act."

"Maybe it's because you never showed them this side of you. It's easy to love if you just show it."

"This side of me is my heart and soul. I wanted to protect it from a judgmental world. Now with you in this world, I'm not so scared anymore."

Jack smiled up at him. "I'm glad you feel so safe trusting it to me."

"I do. You're the first one I've truly felt safe with."

"Safe enough to come back down here and finish my tour?"

"I might be persuaded."

"I'm already staying the night. What more persuasion do you need?"

Pitch shrugged. "What will you give?"

"Another kiss?"

"Two."

"Come down and get them then."

"Promise you won't trick me?"

"Promise."

"Okay, I'll trust you." Pitch came down the stairs and walked over to him. "Here I am."

"You need to be a little closer if you want a kiss."

Pitch moved closer. "Better?"

"Yes." Jack pulled him down by the collar of his shirt for a kiss.

Pitch hummed and pulled Jack a little closer. He smiled and gently bit Jack's lower lip. "You drive me crazy."

Jack chuckled against him. "Likewise, Mr. Pitchner."

"How can you be calm and cool around me when I burn for you?"

"I'm trying very, very hard to keep it clamped down."

"Your control is enviable."

"One of us has to be responsible. If I didn't stay in control, you'd probably break your probation again."

"And you can't make it that easy for me."

"Not this time."

Pitch nodded. "I get it. Doesn't mean I can't wish to take your clothes off and kiss you all over right now."

"You can wish. I am too. Doesn't mean it'll come true. Tonight at least."

"Minx," Pitch chuckled and kissed his cheek.

Jack kissed him one more time and stood up. "Can we finish my tour now?"

"Yes, my love."

"Where to next?"

"Wherever you want."

"I'd like to see your backyard. A man's garden is a good depiction of who he is." He reached down and took Kozmotis' hand in his own.

Pitch led him to a set of French doors. "Promise you won't laugh?"

"I'll try my best."

He opened the doors and watched Jack's face as he revealed one of his most closely guarded secrets. The yard had a koi pond and a gazebo, but the grass was dotted with a couple hundred plastic flamingos in a rainbow of colors.

Jack covered his mouth and bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. "It's very...unique."

"Okay, now you're definitely laughing at me."

"I like the koi pond?"

"You're laughing."

"I'm sorry! The flamingoes are a bit much, don't you think?"

"I like them!"

"I see that. I really do."

"You're still laughing."

"I can't help it!" Jack pulled him in for a hug. "I never would have expected you to be a knick knack and lawn flamingo fan."

"I like them," Pitch mumbled as he wrapped his arms around Jack.

"I'm sorry. I won't tease you about them anymore."

"Yes, you will. You'll just have to apologize with kisses."

"I can do that." He reached up to kiss his cheek. "Are there any other personal rooms I should see?"

"We could save that for tomorrow and go upstairs. Unless you're determined to finish the tour tonight?"

"Did you want to go to bed?"

"Yes, but not to sleep."

"Then to what?"

"I'd like to look at you."

"You know we won't be sleeping naked, right?"

"How about naked from the waist up?"

"No way. I won't have either of us tempted tonight."

"No fun," Pitch chuckled.

"Second chances aren't meant to be fun." Jack smacked him on the chest lightly.

Pitch caught his hand and brought it to his lips. "Understood."

"Good." His stern expression softened with each kiss to his palm. "Still want to go to bed?"

"Uh-huh, and I still want to look at you."

"I don't mind so long as I can return the favor."

"I wouldn't be opposed to that."

"Then I guess we can head to bed." Jack took his hand again and headed back inside, grabbing his bag from the couch along the way.

"You brought a sleepover bag?" Pitch chuckled.

"I came prepared for however the night ended. If it was going to end with me staying the night, then I wanted to be sure I wouldn't have to do so naked."

"Damn," Pitch teased and slid his arm around Jack's waist.

"Yes. Bummer for you that I'm so well prepared." He leaned into his side, his own arm wrapping around the other man's waist.

"For now. Once the probation period is over, it won't be such a bummer."

"We'll see if you're still saying that later."

"Am I wrong?"

"No. Only pointing out that time can wear patience thin." Jack set his bag on the bed and rifled through it for his pajamas.

"The thinness of my patience depends."

"On what exactly?" He ducked into the bathroom for a few moments to change, coming back out in a white T-shirt and blue sleep pants.

"Whether my desire is returned or not. I can be patient if I know that you're also just as impatient as I."

"Do you have any doubts about my desires for you?"

"A little. You're very good at hiding your impatience."

"I've had to learn to hide it over the years. Trust me. I haven't stopped replaying that first night together over and over in my head and aching for more."

"Promise?"

"I swear."

"Then I think you'll find my patience isn't as thin as you assume it to be."

"Can you really blame me for questioning it?" He stuffed his clothes in his backpack and set it next to the bed before crawling to the middle and sitting cross legged.

"Perhaps. What would make you think I couldn't wait?" Pitch peeled off his clothes and went to rummage in his drawers for sleep clothes, chuckling when Jack quickly averted his gaze.

"You said so quite a few times the first time around."

"Because I wanted you, and I could see you wanted me too. What was the point in waiting? This time is different because I understand I have to do penance."

"So this time around I don't have to worry about getting jumped?"

"I didn't say that. I'm saying you won't have to worry about me doing that before my probation is over. After it is, I have every intention of jumping you."

"After your probation's over, I won't have any problem with you jumping me." Jack didn't budge his gaze from his lap, chuckling. "Would you please put something on already?"

"What? Does your probation not allow you to ogle me?"

"No. But you walking around butt ass naked is not helping my will power here."

Pitch smiled over his shoulder. "Good," he chuckled, finally pulling out a t-shirt and a pair of pants.

"Would you stop teasing me already?"

"Alright, alright." Pitch pulled on his pants and t-shirt and crawled onto the bed beside him. "Better?"

"Much. Thanks." He looked up into amber eyes. "I can actually look at you now."

"You can always look at me."

"Not when I'm trying to resist having sex with you and you're walking around deliciously naked."

Pitch smiled. "So I still have an effect on you."

"I told you that you do."

"So? I like to see it. That blush of yours is even better than a lie detector."

Jack snickered. "I see your ego didn't completely disappear."

"It probably never will. I like being appealing to you."

"I'd say that's pretty normal. I've learned to accept my appearance, but I like that you find it appealing."

"I find it very appealing." Pitch reached out to twirl a piece of white hair around his finger. "I think you're one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen."

"A lot of people could argue with you on that. I'm far from conventional looking." He ran his own fingers down the top of one of Kozmotis' feet.

"Doesn't mean you aren't gorgeous." Pitch moved his finger to trace Jack's cheekbone.

"I don't mind if the world thinks I'm an oddity so long as you always keep looking at me like you are."

"You have my word. I won't ever stop looking at you in awe."

"Thanks," Jack whispered and leaned over for a light kiss.

Pitch hummed. "Trust me, it's no problem."

Jack slowly moved to lie back on the bed, pulling Kozmotis along so they lay facing each other. "Is this what you wanted to do?"

"For now. When we're ready for sleep, I had hoped you would be a little closer."

"Of course. I'd like that too. I thought you wanted to lie here and just 'look at each other,'" he chuckled.

"I do." Pitch cupped Jack's cheek and brushed his thumb across his lips. "We were so busy last time that we didn't really get a chance to connect."

"Well, last time we were a little more focused on getting clothes off than we were on admiring the view. I can't wait until I get to enjoy that view too though."

"I can't wait until I can see you too."

"I don't think l could bear to just lie here and stare at each other if we were naked though."

"Do you think you would lose control?"

"It would be too hard not to touch you."

"Why couldn't you touch me?"

"Because we'd be looking."

"Touching isn't forbidden. I'm touching you right now."

"Not sexually. If we were both naked I'd want it to be sexually."

"Sounds like you're barely holding on to that iron control," Pitch teased, sliding his hand down Jack's neck.

"I never said my control was iron." Jack stuck his tongue out at him.

Pitch leaned forward and caught his tongue between his lips, sucking it into his mouth for a kiss. "I see that now."

"You're tempting me," he moaned softly and let their tongues tangle together.

"Am I?" Pitch hummed, pulling Jack closer and kissing him.

"Very much so." Jack found the second kiss even more distracting than the first.

"I'm giving you something to look forward to," Pitch whispered. He gently bit Jack's lip before pulling away. "At least until this probation period is over."

"You get back over here." He pulled him back over by the front of his shirt for another kiss.

Pitch smiled and wrapped his arms around Jack's waist, holding him close. "I love you."

"Love you too." Jack's arms wound around his chest and kept pulling him back for more kisses.

Pitch rolled on top of him, kissing him down into the pillow. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss as he buried his fingers in Jack's hair. "Your lips are addicting."

Jack laughed. "I could say the same of yours." He kissed the man again. "I feel intoxicated."

"I know. I feel the same about you." Pitch claimed his mouth in a passionate kiss. "I can't get enough of your mouth."

"Then stop talking and kiss more," he teased.

"May I kiss your neck too?"

"I wouldn't mind."

"Good." Pitch moved his head so he could kiss and suck along the pale column of Jack's neck.

Jack sighed happily. "Your lips feel great there too."

"Your skin tastes so good," Pitch whispered, kissing under Jack's jaw.

"I'm glad you think so. My skin is definitely enjoying that you think that." He looked off to the side to stretch his neck out for more.

"I should probably limit myself." Pitch pulled back and smiled down at him. "Or else I may not be able to stop at just a simple taste."

"Then keep tasting my lips instead of my skin." He pouted teasingly. "They miss you."

"Really?" Pitch kissed him softly. "Do they?" He kissed Jack a little harder. "We can't have that, can we?"

"No, we cannot." Jack's arms tightened around him.

"What should we do about that?"

"Don't stop kissing me. Ever."

"I don't plan on it."

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