Jack felt it again. Even with the closeness of their bodies there was still distance between them. He wanted so much to be able to bridge that gap. He just didn't know how. What was it that kept Pitch so cold and far away? Jack felt inspiration hit pulled Jack onto the ice, thinking that maybe Pitch would loosen up if he had a bit of fun. Of course it may not be the best idea since as soon as he was on the ice Pitch fell. Jack chuckled as he helped him up.

"You aren't the best on the ice are you?" He said chuckling. Pitch was having a harder time keeping himself in check... His arm still twitching to slap the teen for laughing at him. He looked up at the winter spirit.

"Now don't assume things Jack." He said skating backwards away from the teen. Jack laughed and glided after him. He circled past the nightmare king, who grabbed him spinning him around on the ice. They kept gliding around each other almost like they were dancing. Pitch drifted across the ice and Jack got a glint in his eyes. He surged forward and tackled Pitch into the snow drift behind him. Laughing Jack brushed the snow out of his face. Pitch reached out and pulled the teen close and Jack felt for a moment that Pitch was 'really' holding him. But then he shifted and the wall between them sprung back up. Jack felt hurt. He'd had enough.

"Pitch why do you do that?" Pitch looked confused. "Don't give me that! Every time we're together its like there's a wall between us. Like you don't want me to be close to you. Why?" Jack said standing. Pitch stood and grabbed Jacks hand.

"Jack-"

"No!" He shouted pulling his hand back. "Pitch I love you. But If there's going to be this wall bet-" Jack was cut off as Pitch captured him in a kiss. The nightmare king easily slid his tongue past the teens surprised lips. Jack moaned into the kiss, his eyes sliding shut. Pitch gently pulled away.

"Jack... I know it may seem like there's a wall there. But-" It was Jacks turn to cut Pitch off. He picked up the kiss where it was left off, hungrily drinking in the earthy, smoky flavor of Pitch. Pitch knew he should push Jack away, to keep him safe, but instead he pulled the child closer, deepening the kiss. The last think Pitch remembered before blackness took him was Jacks chilled hands sliding up the back of his cloak.

When Pitch came to Jack was chained naked to the ground. His pale perfect skin marred by bruises and deep cuts oozing blood. Jack lay there, deep choking sobs falling from his lips. Pitch's eyes widened. What had he done? He dissolved the sand-chains that pinned Jack to the ground. He reached to his love wanting to apologize.

"No! Get away from me!" Jack yelled backing away in fear from Pitch.

"Jack...I-"

"No!" Jack stood and grabbed his staff. As Pitch continued to come closer he swung. The end of his staff caught Pitch upside the head. He then shoved the crook into the nightmare king's stomach. Pitch fell to the ground from the blow. Putting a hand to his head it came back sticky with blood. "Get out of here Pitch. I-I hate you! How could you !" Jack said his voice cracking as more tears came to his eyes. Pitch looked up at Jack, extreme sadness written across his face.

"I-I'm so sorry Jack." He said before he fled into the forest. Pitch felt tears of his own sting his eyes as he ran. The tears flowed down his cheeks, blurring his vision enough for his foot to catch on a root and send him tumbling to the ground. He sat up and let the tears flow down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry." He whispered to himself. He kept repeating that well into the night. As dawn started to break over the horizon he slunk back to his tunnels and cried in the darkness. Having lost the only thing that ever might have made him happy he vowed to never leave his cave. So he could hurt no one ever again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The weeks past by and Jack was plagued by nightmares of pain. He would wake sweating letting tears fall from his eyes. And every time he woke he would remember the sadness on Pitch's face before he left, leaving Jack confused. He knew that after what Pitch had done the last thing he should want would be to see Pitch again. And yet even though Pitch was the cause of his nightmares Jack thought that the nightmare king could also chase them away. Tonight he stared at the moon, wondering what he should do when suddenly North's sleigh exploded into view. Jack thought for a moment and his eyes widened with realization. It was Christmas. He looked at himself, there were still bruises and numerous scars littering his body. North couldn't see him like this. Yet just as Jack was trying to find a place to hide North touched down and leapt out to lift Jack into a tight hug. Jack felt himself cry out in pain as all of his wounds were pressed upon at once. North immediately dropped the teen, eyes widening as he saw how beat up Jack was.

"Jack? What happened?" Jack felt more tears come to his eyes. What could he say...? Jack wanted to tell the spirit of wonder what happened, yet he found he couldn't blame Pitch... He just stood there silent as he battled within himself.

"Jack... Its ok you can tell me." North said gently. Jack sighed, he would have to tell him.

"J-Just promise you won't... misunderstand..." Jack started. North looked confused but nodded. "I-It was Pitch. But it's not what you think." He blurted quickly. Jack looked down trying to find the words to explain. "W-we were... kind of going together..." He said still looking down. Not wanting to meet North's gaze. "I-I thought he was okay, that he had changed... But I realize now that the whole time we were together... He was fighting himself, to keep from hurting me. I took it too far... He lost whatever control he had..." Jack felt tears well up in his eyes as the realization struck him. He slumped to the ground and buried his face in his knees. "North... What should I do... I know after what happened the last thing on earth I should want is to see him... But I do, I miss him." North placed a gentle hand on Jacks shoulder.

"I won't pretend to approve of what you have with Pitch, but if it is causing you this much pain why don't you go see him?"

"I-I can't North. I'm terrified of what I might find there. What if he hurts me again... I know it's not his fault but... I'm just so scared..." He said wiping the tears from his eyes. North's eyes widened as and idea struck him.

"How about this. I take you to the Pole and bring Pitch there later. You can talk in a neutral area and I'll be there to make sure you are ok." Jack looked at North with hopeful eyes.

"Y-You'd do that? Thank you." He said. And for the first time in weeks a smile managed to appear on his face.