Chapter Sixteen

On Prancer, on Vixen!

Jack Frost arrived at the stables about ten minutes after Pitch. At first he couldn't find the nightmare king.

"Pitch?" he called. He walked forward, peeking into one of the stalls. "Pitch?"

"Jack!" Pitch came out of the stall pulling Donner with him on a tether, "Perfect timing!" Pitch practically sung. He sauntered out of the stable with pep in his step in a very good mood after having accomplished so much. He wore a broad smile now as he tossed the rope to Jack, "Catch!"

Jack caught the rope and led the deer with ease, talking gently to it. Being near the animal reminded him of his earlier days as Jack Frost when he spent most of his time in the woods. Back then, his only friends and companions had been the forest animals, since they were the only ones that could see him.

Pitch strode next to Jack now just watching the boy interact with the reindeer before pulling out a sugar cube and popping it into Jack's hand getting an immediate reaction from Donner as the reindeer's eyes lit up, and it trundled forward quickly to retrieve the sugar cube. Pitch just laughed patting the deer's face as Donner slobbered all over Jack's hand.

Jack laughed; scratching Donner behind the ears. "You know, I'm really going to enjoy this. It's been awhile since I last rode a deer."

Pitch's eyebrow rose, "Oh? So you've ridden before have you? This ought to be interesting indeed." Helping guide Jack and Donner over to the tethering pole, Pitch helped Jack secure the deer before giving a few sugar cubes to the beast himself and placing another couple in Jack's hand closing it before Donner caught on what he'd done. He peered into Jack's eyes a hint of genuine glee there as he whispered, "Just one at a time until I get back… and don't tell North, he doesn't want me feeding them too many, but they really do love those cubes, and North has more than he needs to eat anyway." Pitch gave a small laugh and patted Jack on the back, "I'll go get the feed." Pitch turned away then and strode off towards the stable.

"Of course I've ridden before." Jack mumbled to himself after Pitch left. Jack looked in the direction Pitch had disappeared, then back at Donner. He didn't need sugar cubes to train a deer for riding. Being a sprite of nature, Jack knew there were simple whistles and commands you could use to tame deer. He wanted to tell Pitch he was going about it the hard way, but he knew by now that you couldn't tell Pitch anything. There was a part of Jack that wanted to show off his knowledge of deer taming, just because he wanted to shove it in Pitch's arrogant face, but he held himself back. These deer were highly important to Pitch, so Jack didn't want to come off like knew more about it, even though he did. That might anger Pitch and make him retreat even deeper into his shell. He would have to tread carefully.

Pitch came back a few minutes later hefting two buckets, one of grain and the other a sloshing bucket of water. He grunted dropping the buckets in front of the deer, and Donner went to town. "As soon as we get them fed and brushed, we can put them in the pen and try to work with them. Hopefully getting fed and brushed will make them a bit more amiable to being ridden," Pitch remarked.

Jack lifted both eyebrows and nodded like he agreed, then he smirked as he watched Pitch.

Pitch was happier today than normal because everything seemed to be going right for him. He had his copied pages to look forward to deciphering, all but the one original page in his book back in the roll top desk where they belonged, and this new project with the reindeer. He had really been looking forward to training to ride them, and Jack coming along for the journey was an added bonus although Pitch was unsure at the moment in what capacity. Jack would either be truly helpful or just comic relief. Either way, Pitch was pleased to have his company even if he'd never let the boy know he'd actually wanted him there.

Pitch grabbed a brush for each of them now handing one to Frost, "This is their favorite part of our exchange... outside of eating. Okay, maybe it's my favorite part instead," Pitch smiled at the reindeer warmly as he began methodically brushing down the neck of the beast.

Jack took the brush and began running it down his side of the deer. An awkward silence fell around them as they worked. Jack glanced over at Pitch occasionally, feeling that he needed to say something, but not really knowing what. He felt like he had said enough already.

Pitch didn't seem to mind the silence getting lost in the work of feeding and grooming the reindeer one by one and loading them into the pen to roam. Blitzen was the last of the reindeer that they tended to, and as they set him in with the others to graze and mill about, Pitch leaned against the fence to watch them a moment before turning a satisfied smile on Jack, "I think they like you. Now then are you ready to see how much they really like you?" There was a jovial tinge to Pitch's voice now as he was quite eager to begin the training process.

Smirking, Jack waved toward the reindeer. "You first,"

Pitch lifted a brow thinking that Jack would have wanted to go first, but he only shrugged indifference, "Suit yourself." Pitch pushed off of the fence line and went into the gate moving towards Prancer. Prancer had shown to be the most docile of the reindeer from what Pitch could see from the time he'd spent among the reindeer, which admittedly wasn't long enough to know for sure.

Prancer was lazily munching away along the fence line, and Pitch approached him cautiously as he bent to take the reins that had been fastened on him much earlier. Taking his time now, Pitch spoke to the beast softly as he caressed its cheek. Prancer twitched his ear lifting his head as if truly listening to Pitch.

Grabbing a sugar cube from his robe, Pitch gave one to Prancer who immediately turned his attention to Pitch fully interested in the Nightmare Lord and the little cubes he often offered. Pitch smiled giving a soft chuckle as he whispered, "Now then, how's about we give a little to get a little eh?"

Pitch climbed to straddle the fence now, and Prancer followed readily to his side. Pitch gave the reindeer another sugar cube as he leaned his arm out at an angle to have Prancer line himself up next to him now. The reindeer complied, and Pitch carefully placed his leg over the beast now to sit on Prancer's back. The reindeer didn't seem bothered by the action, and Pitch quickly gave it another sugar cube as a reward. He turned an elated grin to Jack now feeling pretty good that Prancer seemed okay with him on his back.

Now was the moment of truth, Pitch carefully pulled the reins around in front of him so as not to startle Prancer and gently gave a pull to one side of the rein to guide the reindeer back into the field. Prancer seemed willing enough, and when he'd accepted the command, Pitch was sure to reward him with another cube. As Prancer lazily made his way towards the field with the Nightmare King sitting on his back, Pitch couldn't help but laugh joyfully feeling pretty good about the current progress. He beamed proudly turning to Jack, "Alright; your turn now."

"Kids' stuff," Jack mumbled, flying up and over the fence to land on the other side. "The idiot hasn't even gotten up in the air yet."

Jack approached the nearest deer, Vixen, while making low whistles and clicks with his tongue. He ran a hand over her back and up her neck to scratch at the back of her ears. "That a girl," he cooed. Vixen moved restlessly and he quickly uttered a few soft sounds in her ear to make her relax. He carefully reached out and unlatched the bridle and reins, letting them fall to the ground. "We won't need that, will we?" he smiled. Slowly he floated up, put a leg over the deer's back, and sat down gently. Vixen snorted and took a few steps backward. All the time Jack talked softly to her and made whistles and unexplainable noises, stroking the neck of the deer. He grabbed hold of her antlers and urged her forward, toward Pitch. He gave a nudge to her sides with his feet to make her gallop forward and up behind Pitch, then finally past him. Jack let out a holler, enjoying the rush that brought back good memories of his days in the forest.

Pitch was impressed and somewhat miffed that the boy seemed capable enough even without bribing the animal. Pitch made a click of his own giving Prancer a nudge with his heels to spur the reindeer on towards Jack and Vixen. Prancer seemed agreeable enough lifting his head and trotting towards the other rider. Pitch tested his control of the beast giving it another small kick to send it trotting at a faster pace as he sidled up to Jack and pulled back on the reigns attempting to stop Prancer. Prancer trotted past Jack, and Pitch yelled out, "Woah there! Woah Prancer!" The deer finally complied and even backed up a few steps.

Pitch let out a vivacious laugh patting the reindeer on the neck affectionately as he leaned down to give Prancer another cube. Turning his head, Pitch looked excitedly back at Jack like a kid in a candy store, "Excellent! You're doing great Jack! Do you want to see how they'll take to a gallop?"

Jack gently pulled back on Vixen's antlers and she came to a stop beside Pitch. "I thought I was doing a gallop."

Smirking Pitch gave Jack a side long glance teasing him, "Oh, you called that little jaunt a gallop?" As if needing to demonstrate what a true gallop was Pitch decided to test his control over Prancer as he gave him a swift kick to the side. Prancer bucked upward and jetted off as Pitch whooped holding on tightly glancing back at Jack, "Come on Jack! Show me what you got boy!"

Jack had never ridden any flying reindeer, but he had no problem urging Vixen forward and then upward with a few whispered noises in her ear. He held on to her antlers to steady himself.

"I have to admit that you've been doing a pretty good job." He shouted to Pitch. "I was half expecting the deer to buck you off the first time you got on him, knowing how it acted when you attempted to escape."

Mention of his prior escape caused Pitch to flush a bit especially considering the horrible affair that followed the fall. Definitely not a shining moment Pitch thought as he averted his eyes from Jack momentarily not wanting him to see his embarrassment, "Well, uh, yes. I tried to take the deer out of the Pole, and it spooked the beast… lack of familiarity not lack of riding skills," Pitch affirmed.

Prancer seeing Vixen climbing into the air then followed suit, and for a split second, a thrill of fear went through the Nightmare Lord as he gasped and gripped the reigns tightly hunkering close to the beast to have the best grip as he quickly remembered all too well the pain of the fall Jack had just mentioned. He recovered quickly enough though not wanting to seem afraid in front of Jack as he straightened and spurred the reindeer to climb higher and faster.

"Ahh, yes, I see." Jack smirked. "You know, Pitch, I'm glad I decided to do this. I haven't ridden a deer in so long. I'd almost forgotten how invigorating it is."

"It is; isn't it!" Pitch replied cheerfully. He was grinning so wide that his smile threatened to split his face. This was fun, and enjoying it with Jack by his side gave Pitch a feeling of comradery. He gave Jack a mischievous look now, "Since you seem to be so experienced Jack, how's about a race?"

"You're on, old man!" Jack replied.

Pitch laughed heartily giving the reindeer a kick racing off without further warning as Pitch yelled out, "Eat my dust Frost!"

Jack urged Vixen forward, picking up speed as he tried catching up to Pitch, "What's the finish line?" he yelled when Pitch was within earshot.

Pitch laughed, "I hadn't gotten that far!" He took a moment to survey the area as they barreled along. He honestly didn't care as long as they were running. This was freeing in so many ways to Pitch, and for a moment he closed his eyes and just got lost in the feel of the wind whipping through his hair and across his face. Regaining focus finally, Pitch yelled and pointed, "To the glacier wall and back to the front gate!" Of course having given the destination, Pitch spurred Prancer on to take the lead because he really did want to win.

Jack smirked as he kept the pace he was currently doing. The race needed more obstacles, he thought. Turning around, he looked behind him at the other reindeer. He emitted a shrill whistle through his teeth. The deer immediately lifted their heads to look toward him. He let out a different pitch whistle and the deer took off running, catching up with and shooting past Jack to join Pitch in a matter of a few minutes. They darted around the nightmare king, zigzagging in front of him to block his path. Jack laughed at the scene as he spurred Vixen forward.

Prancer reared up and jetted forward to join the reindeer that had passed them, and Pitch had to brace himself so as not to be bucked off. He glared at Jack before prompting Prancer with a kick to the side to get back on course as he shouted back to the fast approaching Jack, "Oh you cheeky cheating brat! Well, two can play at that!" Pitch let out an impish chuckle as he dug in his robe pulling out a handful of sugar cubes and flinging them in an arch behind him. Of course the deer that saw the cubes including Vixen turned and darted in the direction of the falling cubes eager to claim their prizes.

Jack jumped off Vixen as she veered away to get at the sugar cubes and gently hopped from deer to deer until he came to Comet. He whistled and made a weird noise in the animal's ear, somehow persuading him to keep flying forward. Jack laughed, "You didn't say anything about no cheating." He grinned.

Pitch reaching the glacier pulled roughly on Prancer's reigns, and the reindeer bounded off the wall's surface turning in an arch to race back towards Jack. "I must say that you've surprised me Jack. Are you that afraid of losing to me?" Pitch hooted giving Jack a determined stare as he sprinted right at Jack in an effort to spook Comet causing the other reindeer to reflexively veer upward to avoid a collision as Pitch and Prancer tore past them.

"I'm not afraid of losing, Pitch." Jack shouted as he quickly regained control of his deer, urging the animal forward. When they got to the wall, Jack turned Comet around to head back the other direction. He continued to urge the deer forward, fast closing in on Pitch. "You forget that I'm a trickster." Jack shouted when Pitch came into listening range again. "It's within my nature to make any challenge interesting." He grinned.

Pitch smiled back at Jack, "Interesting… yes, I knew there was a reason I liked you Frost." Having spent much time riding his nightmares, Pitch worked to guide Prancer under the current pushing the beast hard to keep the lead. Perhaps a bit too hard he grasped as the reindeer started to veer off course deciding it no longer wished to be controlled. Pitch realizing he no longer had control wrestled to maintain his hold as he gripped Prancer's neck tightly pulling desperately on the reigns as he screamed out, "Whoa! Prancer! Prancer stop!" The reindeer paid him no heed now though racing on faster than it ever had. Pitch closed his eyes holding on for dear life now not wanting to see how this ride was likely to end.

Jack saw that Pitch was in trouble, but he thought it had to be some sort of trick to get back at him for what he had done with the deer. It wasn't until Prancer suddenly bucked hard enough to throw Pitch off him that he realized the seriousness of the situation. Jack quickly flew off Comet and into the air and dove toward Pitch. Faster than the deer could fly, he swooped and caught the nightmare king, setting him safely on his feet on the ground, "Are you okay?" he asked.

Luckily for Jack, Pitch was not unlike the shadowy substance he was imbued with making him light and easy to catch without making the both of them plummet to the ground. Feeling himself lose his grip on Prancer's reigns, the only thought that ran through Pitch's mind as he plummeted to the ground was, 'Oh no. This is going to really hurt!' All he could physically let out was a shrill scream though as the ground rushed up at him. He'd closed his eyes bracing himself for impact when he felt his body lurch up suddenly. He opened his eyes at the sensation taking in the scene and processing what happened as Jack dropped him gently on the ground.

Pitch spun around panting hard from the exhilaration to face Jack his eyes wide still registering what had happened before he howled grabbing Jack by the elbows and spinning him around in his excitement, "That was amazing!" Realizing he was twirling the boy about like a dancing partner, Pitch blushed letting the boy go and straightened, "Um, thank you; that could have been quite unpleasant if you hadn't caught me there." Looking about nervously now to make sure none of the other guardians had seen what had transpired Pitch added, "Uh, do you think we can keep that last bit between us?" The last thing Pitch wanted was any of the other guardians chiding him about safety or worse telling him it was too dangerous to ride the beasts yet.

Jack stepped away from Pitch, not liking the feel of the nightmare king touching him, remembering what he had done to Sandy, "You're welcome," Jack smirked. "And you don't have to worry. Your secret is safe with me."

Sensing the boy withdrawing from his touch, Pitch also withdrew feeling self-conscious that he'd pushed their boundaries. He nodded looking down feeling awkward now from the exchange, "Thanks… uh, I need to round the reindeer up and get them put back in their stalls." He glanced at Jack with a slight uncertainty before retreating to grab the nearest reindeer to them, Dasher, by the reins to pull him back towards the stables.

Jack watched Pitch, wondering if he'd made a mistake. He couldn't help it, though. It had been a reflex. Ever since they brought Pitch to the Pole he'd been careful not to let him get too near, remembering what he had done to Sandy back when they had last battled. He knew Pitch was grounded and somewhat powerless thanks to Sandy, but he was still leery.

Pitch moved quickly gathering each of the reindeer and placing them in their pens without saying another word. He was ready to leave the stables now as his mood had been dampened even though the experience had otherwise been fun. He guessed he couldn't blame Jack for his reaction. The boy had no reason to trust him. He shouldn't trust him Pitch reflected, none of them should after everything that had transpired between them. His resolve hardened as he reminded himself, he didn't belong here. Maybe the spells he'd found of North's would grant him a way to escape this… whatever this was.

The thought of running though just reminded him that he would be alone again, and considering that fact made him feel somewhat sad and hesitant. These thoughts of course only served to anger him as he regarded the emotion as a weakness that he needed to quell.

"Hey, Pitch," Jack called, "I had a really great time today. Maybe we could do it again sometime."

Feeling as if he should distance himself from Jack, Pitch regarded him coolly, "What, so you can try to show me up by cheating again? If I had the full spectrum of my abilities I assure you that it would have been a much different race." His anger and hurt tinged his words now as Pitch scowled putting the last reindeer in its stall and slamming the door. Ignoring Frost to the best of his ability now, Pitch worked to hastily put all the supplies away, so he could retreat to his room to get back to work studying the pages.

Jack Frost stared, not really knowing what to say to Pitch's abrupt change in mood. Sometimes he couldn't figure the man out.

Pitch didn't comment further having said all he'd wanted to say as he finished putting up the last of the supplies. He couldn't help but to glance back at Frost now his anger gone and replaced with something more forlorn and unsure before he turned away heading back towards the compound. Pitch wouldn't admit that he did really have fun, more fun in fact than he'd had in ages. It was a pure feeling of happiness that hadn't come at anyone's expense, and that had been uplifting when he'd needed it most. But now Pitch was full of doubt once more as he considered his place in the world and thinking this had to be a charade he was playing at. He was starting to wonder if he was developing some form of Stockholm syndrome because he actually wanted to stay in their captivity if only to share in these new experiences he kept having with them. These feelings of course had him questioning his sanity.

"Pitch, wait," Jack shouted after him.

Against his better judgement, Pitch found himself coming to a stop. He didn't turn to face Jack thinking he should have just kept going, but he couldn't help being curious to what Jack wanted to say to him.

Jack flew up to Pitch. "That's it? You're just going to walk away without me? After all of the fun we just had?"

Pitch blinked looking back now to study Jack with an analytical gaze. Did Frost really have fun with him, or was he just toying with him? "Did you?" He questioned lamely his insecurity on the matter showing through with the slight lift in his intonation.

Jack lifted an eyebrow, not understanding as he studied Pitch. "Well, yeah. I thought both of us were having fun."

Pitch averted his eyes, "I did. I… I don't know," his shoulders slumped a bit in defeat as he wrung his hands. "I know you still fear me. One thing Sandy couldn't take from me is my intuition in that way, and for once in this existence, it was the last thing I wanted to see coming from you." Pitch's eyes lifted to look at Jack now imploringly, "I… I know it probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but for what it's worth, I'm sorry… I've learned to regret a lot these past few days…"

"I'm sorry, too," said Jack. "I… didn't mean anything by what I did back there. It was just… a reflex. I've never liked for people to touch me." He sighed. "It's going to take time, Pitch. This whole process is going to take time. But the fact is we were having fun back there, and I really would like to do it again. I'm sorry about the cheating." He shrugged. "It's just in my nature. I can't help it. I really didn't think you would mind, since it was all in fun and we were making up the rules as we went."

Pitch's smile returned as he gave a small chuckle, "I do want to do it again. I didn't really mind the cheating either… I think it made the whole thing a little more fun. I guess I was just angry with myself that I still evoked those feelings in you when I touched you." He sighed, "It's a reminder of everything I've done, and what I can't take back. I know it's going to take time… try to be patient with me as well. I… sometimes I don't know how to take all of this, and before I realize it, I've messed everything up again." Pitch grimaced as he said this feeling a bit ashamed that he had gotten so moody with Frost.

Jack snorted. "I think we all feel like that sometimes. And if it makes you feel any better, I would have reacted the same if North had hugged me. It's not just you… it's… everyone. I'm not the touchy type."

Pitch's smile broadened thinking of North's hug from the day before, "It does make me feel better actually, although a North hug is pretty formidable to fight against," Pitch blushed realizing he'd admitted getting hugged by the Cossack and quickly added, "But don't ever mention that I said that… ever!"

Jack smirked amusingly. "Pffft, you haven't felt his bear hugs. You're lucky if you get out of one without any broken bones."

Pitch's smile softened liking the thought of seeing Jack in a North bear hug, "I imagine so. The man is a giant." Pitch looked off back at the stables going silent for a moment as he contemplated about the conversation Jack and he had shared in Antarctica. He turned back to Jack now regarding him curiously, "Tell me Jack, when you became a guardian, did it make you feel like you belonged here? Or did that come later?"

Jack's eyes suddenly looked down as he gave a light shrug. "I don't really belong anywhere, even as a Guardian. I don't stay here at the Pole all the time. Just sometimes. I'm a free spirit, a loner... I'm just here, there, anywhere. But it does bring a certain comfort and security knowing that I have friends and family here whenever I need them."

Pitch frowned, "So after all this time, you still feel like you're on the outside looking in..." He said it more as a sad statement than a question.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. Not really. I do feel like I belong here to a certain extent, I guess. Like I said, it's comforting to know I have friends here. But as a free spirit, I'm not going to feel like I belong anywhere specific. I wander too much. My job isn't like the others'. I belong wherever I can bring fun, which is anywhere. I can't tie myself down to just one place and feel like I belong there. The Pole is nice to visit on occasion, but I... belong... out there." He waved his hand to mean the whole world.

Pitch considered Jack's comment, wondering if that were true for Jack, what did the guardians except for him? Surely not to stay here at the Pole forever. "I want to be out there to," he stated longingly, "How long do you think North is going to keep me here like this? Surely he can't expect me to just stay here locked away without going anywhere. I'll go stir crazy. Maybe you can talk to him about going out with you sometime?" Pitch seemed hopeful, but deep down he knew that his chances were likely slim. It was worth a try though.

"Pitch," Jack sighed, trying to find the right words, "You can't seem to understand the severity of the situation, even after we've explained it to you multiple times. You did some horrible things the last time we encountered each other. You're currently paying for those crimes. North will let you go once you've finished paying for them. I can't say how long or short that will be, because it isn't up to me to decide. You're going to have to work hard and show us that you can be trustworthy enough to be let loose on your own. I'm sorry to say, but... you've got evil living inside you. From what you've told us, you can't separate yourself from it. One thing you need to work on is getting that part of yourself under control. Only you can do that." Jack gave a shrug. Who knows? Maybe in time you'll be allowed to go out with me."

Pitch scowled knowing what Jack was saying was true, but the truth was still a bitter pill to swallow, "I know you're not going to let me leave here anytime soon... I was thinking in the future with more of just an outing every now and then... a taste of freedom. I mean, does it have to always be punishment with you guardians? How can I begin to prove myself, if I'm not even allowed the opportunity?"

"Uh... You've been given plenty of opportunities." Jack forced a small smile. "I think North's intentions are for you to prove yourself here at the Pole first, and then you move up to the bigger outings. I don't claim to be an expert with these things, but I think I understand North's logic enough. When you make mistakes or do bad things, you sometimes have to go back to the beginning. You have to start at the bottom and work your way to the top again. Think of it as rounds... like in a tournament. You have to get through the first round before you can move on to the second one. The first round in this case is the Pole."

This logic served to frustrate Pitch as he was sure if that were the case he'd likely be at the Pole for an eternity. He seemed to perpetually be on the wrong side of North. At least he'd managed to get past being spanked on an almost daily basis. Those first few days were humiliating rough, and thinking on it alone caused Pitch to flush as he looked away responding, "I... I think I've been getting progressively better. I don't know at what point will be good enough for North though."

Jack shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it. Just be patient and keep on North's good side, and I'm sure you'll get there soon enough."

"Yeah," Pitch stated slightly deflated, "Patience. That's easy to say in your shoes." Pitch sighed wishing to change the subject because discussing his continued captivity was depressing him, "So you're pretty good with the reindeer I see. What were those strange noises you were making that got their attention so well?"

"Oh, that," Jack smiled. "Just something I learned while living out in the woods when I first became Jack Frost. For a long time, animals were the only ones that could see me. So I had to create some form of communication."

Pitch nodded, "Most animals are naturally afraid of me because of the fearlings essence within me, but with the equine I had a connection to them before becoming who I am now." He paused a moment a small smile spreading across his face before he continued, "I used to train horses for the soldiers when I first joined the military. I… I was pretty good at it, and I preferred it to what followed." Pitch seemed strained now as other less pleasant memories came to mind, but he didn't elaborate further.

"That's very interesting," said Jack.

Pitch blinked, thinking now of racing across battle fields when he'd battled what now roiled within him. He shook his head not wishing to think on these memories as he looked back to Frost seeming a bit tired and sad as the recollections leeched some of his happiness away, "Do you think North would let us take the reindeer along the glacier wall? Technically it's still the Pole isn't it? And I was thinking racing down there might present a bit more of a challenge… without flying… since some of us can't fly," Pitch smirked.

"I dunno. It's something you'd have to ask North." Jack answered.

Pitch rolled his eyes, "If I ask, the answer will be no…" he turned a mischievous look to Frost, "But if you ask…" his grin widened hoping Frost would catch his drift that he had more pull with the big guy than he did.

"Oooooh, no," Jack held up his hands. "You aren't getting me to ask for you. You need to learn to do things for yourself, Pitch. Quit depending on others to do them for you. I'm pretty sure the answer will be no, regardless of which one of us asks."

Pitch folded his arms pouting angrily now, "I'm not depending on others to do things for me, I just know the probability of a yes is far more likely if you asked the question instead of me." Pitch looked pleadingly at Frost, "Come on Frost! You won't even try?"

Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head, not believing Pitch's logic. Did Pitch really think he was that gullible?

"I'll go with you, but you are going to ask." He said, pointing a finger at Pitch. "It was your idea, so you're asking."

Pitch's smile widened as he nodded, "Excellent! As long as you… you know chime in that you think it's a good idea!" He nudged Jack playfully, "The worst he can say is no right?"

"I'm not going to say anything you tell me to say." Jack frowned.

Pitch grimaced cutting half lidded eyes at him, "I'm not asking you to say anything other than it's a good idea Jack. Lighten up. I'm just trying to make this a little more fun for the both of us."

Jack sighed, walking forward. "Whatever. Come on, let's get this over with."